Future changes and direction of the program?

[CantThinkOfAGoodUsername]

In the last few days there seems to be two profound new developments. Number one is PSU AD Pat Kraft news conference. He spoke at length about his complete unbridled support and admiration for Cael, his staff, and the wrestling program.

The second thing is the recent insertion of foreign wrestlers into D1 programs. We all know about Ono and the Japanese wrestler at Oklahoma State. But now there is a report of Takuto Otuguro (the 65kg champion?) now being in Iowa City to train.

What is clear to me is that David Taylor and now Iowa are starting to focus on the RTC/Wrestling clubs. The real elite recruits place a great deal of importance on having regular access to elite training partners.

Considering the above and Cael's 3D chess match thinking, what new changes and directions will the program go in the next few years?

 

[mcpat]

It took only 15 years, but it looks like the other blue bloods are starting to learn from what Cael and Ira have built and are now trying to emulate it. The key will be continuing to do it better than the others. And making sure there are plenty of elite senior guys on the mat with the undergrads to learn from.

 

[El-Jefe]

It looks as though 2021 Olympic champ Otoguro is making the rounds in the US. Here he is 2 weeks ago working out with Micic at Michigan (can see the M logo in the background) -- while wearing an Ohio State shirt.



Considering the HWC roster, I'd be shocked if this were anything more than a brief training stint with Lee and DeSanto.

In any case, this isn't new for the big boys. Taha Aghul spent at least a month at Ohio State training with Snyder.

 

[buistm]

It surprises me that more wrestling teams have not tapped into international talent. Basketball, baseball, tons of women's sports pull international talent over, as it gives the athlete a free US education, better training conditions in some cases and gives the school a more competitive team.

 

[nittinsc]

Onward and Upward