Extremely early but I already see the Hodge next year as only a two horse race.
Bo Nickal is definitely in the conversation. It will be very interesting to see if he goes 197 and if he can maintain his bonus rate at that weight class if it happens. I think he remains undefeated up there but his bonus rate will go down. I also believe Zahid wil increase his bonus rate yet again next year even if he moves up. Yanni may be on their heels but not yet fully developed.
That said that tandem will remain only honorable mention. I have no doubt two others easily distance themselves from the field.
Spencer Lee is set to go on a tear, where most of his matches may end in a fall. He is as dominant as Zain was on top and all but the most elite will end up getting turned... multiple times. The Spencer Lee that captured the national championship is not the same wrestler that started his career only 4 months earlier. It is scary to watch how fast he is developing and dominating everything in his path. The score in his final vs Suriano didn't reflect his complete control of that match, but the look on Nick's face afterwards and his near immediate references to moving up to 133 spoke volumes.
Barring injury however; even Spencer may not be able to keep up with the torrid pace Jason Nolf will set. He was neck and neck with Zain until his knee pulled him from consideration last season. I think he will be a man on a mission next season, focused on displaying just how far beyond great he really is. By most accounts the only kid (Kemmerer) who makes things interesting is moving up next year.
I'll have to admit he is my favorite all time PSU wrestler, which is saying a lot. Jason is simply a different animal than anyone else who has put on that blue and white singlet. His final season as a Lion will be something to behold where I think he is primed to bonus in every single match thoughout. Yes I said it, he has the potential to major and above everyone he faces including the Bigs and Nationals.
So there you have it: Jason, Spencer, Zahid and Bo in that order (swap Bo and Zahid if Bo doesnt move up), see you next March to say I told you so.
I imagine it is rediculously early to talk about 2019/20, but my crystal ball is indicating the first letter definitely begins with a capital "S".
Bo Nickal is definitely in the conversation. It will be very interesting to see if he goes 197 and if he can maintain his bonus rate at that weight class if it happens. I think he remains undefeated up there but his bonus rate will go down. I also believe Zahid wil increase his bonus rate yet again next year even if he moves up. Yanni may be on their heels but not yet fully developed.
That said that tandem will remain only honorable mention. I have no doubt two others easily distance themselves from the field.
Spencer Lee is set to go on a tear, where most of his matches may end in a fall. He is as dominant as Zain was on top and all but the most elite will end up getting turned... multiple times. The Spencer Lee that captured the national championship is not the same wrestler that started his career only 4 months earlier. It is scary to watch how fast he is developing and dominating everything in his path. The score in his final vs Suriano didn't reflect his complete control of that match, but the look on Nick's face afterwards and his near immediate references to moving up to 133 spoke volumes.
Barring injury however; even Spencer may not be able to keep up with the torrid pace Jason Nolf will set. He was neck and neck with Zain until his knee pulled him from consideration last season. I think he will be a man on a mission next season, focused on displaying just how far beyond great he really is. By most accounts the only kid (Kemmerer) who makes things interesting is moving up next year.
I'll have to admit he is my favorite all time PSU wrestler, which is saying a lot. Jason is simply a different animal than anyone else who has put on that blue and white singlet. His final season as a Lion will be something to behold where I think he is primed to bonus in every single match thoughout. Yes I said it, he has the potential to major and above everyone he faces including the Bigs and Nationals.
So there you have it: Jason, Spencer, Zahid and Bo in that order (swap Bo and Zahid if Bo doesnt move up), see you next March to say I told you so.
I imagine it is rediculously early to talk about 2019/20, but my crystal ball is indicating the first letter definitely begins with a capital "S".
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