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Iowa discussions for 2024-25

Gabe didn't wrestle-off Nelson. So no clue who's better right now between them.

Nelson will still have to hold off Kennedy. And I hope to dear God in heaven there is no plan to let Gabe wrestle for the 174 spot. Just doesn't make any sense with the descent plan. Not unless you just burn little Ferrari's shirt.
I'm still just going off Gabe's own words that he's not comfortable at 184 long term because he feels he's too short. Maybe his feelings have changed. Certainly with no more shirt available, he's going to be more willing to wrestle up at 184 if he's behind Nelson and has no starting spot at 174 this year. We'll see, I guess. My limited eye test with Gabe is that he is the real deal and should beat out Nelson for 174 pretty easily (pretty easily vs Nelson being a really boring 4-1 match with one TD in the last 0:15, LOL), so if it turns out he is actually behind Nelson, that's not good.
 
I'm still just going off Gabe's own words that he's not comfortable at 184 long term because he feels he's too short. Maybe his feelings have changed. Certainly with no more shirt available, he's going to be more willing to wrestle up at 184 if he's behind Nelson and has no starting spot at 174 this year. We'll see, I guess. My limited eye test with Gabe is that he is the real deal and should beat out Nelson for 174 pretty easily (pretty easily vs Nelson being a really boring 4-1 match with one TD in the last 0:15, LOL), so if it turns out he is actually behind Nelson, that's not good.
I think the problem for Gabe this year is the HE does not really believe he is a 184. He has said as much. At this level, you cannot have that doubt in your mind. He seems like a really good kids, saying and doing the right things for the team. His word in the past said I'm a title contender at 174, I'm not a 184. Half of this game is believing you can.
 
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Man. I can't lie. I don't know what the process is. I don't like the idea that Arnold is at a weight he doesn't feel comfortable at. And midseason weight changes don't ever work.

I will say, he looks more active at 184. I know it's only one match, but Arnold has always been content with doing the least amount of work to win. So, if this is the pace he's willing to go at, at 184. He should stay up.
 
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I will say, he looks more active at 184.
And you base this on what? A TF win against a kid who is 4-10 in his D1 career and has been pinned and bonused by guys that have no shot of ever being NCAA qualifiers?

Geez, he TF'd better kids last year. There are HS guys that would TF that guy and it took Arnold 6:30 to do it with the 3-point TD.

That's a guy that Nelson may have tech'd, lol.
 
And you base this on what? A TF win against a kid who is 4-10 in his D1 career and has been pinned and bonused by guys that have no shot of ever being NCAA qualifiers?

Geez, he TF'd better kids last year. There are HS guys that would TF that guy and it took Arnold 6:30 to do it with the 3-point TD.

That's a guy that Nelson may have tech'd, lol.

Slow your roll. I absolutely said it was one match and that's not much data to go on. But I've been watching this kid since junior high. He wrestled with a lot more effort to score than he has in the past. Obviously, we'll see if he shuts it down when he faces better competition - but that's why I added that caveat.

Funny thought about Nelson teching someone though. Cuz... no. LOL
 
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Slow your roll. I absolutely said it was one match and that's not much data to go on. But I've been watching this kid since junior high. He wrestled with a lot more effort to score than he has in the past. Obviously, we'll see if he shuts it down when he faces better competition - but that's why I added that caveat.

Funny thought about Nelson teching someone though. Cuz... no. LOL
what did I read on the Iowa board? Nelson has five bonus wins in his last three competition years and they are all majors. So a TF would be well outside the expectation bell curve.
 
I feel like you guys are working with old data regarding Arnold. Yes, last year he laughed at the idea of being a full time 184, but his father posted an impassioned statement recently on the Hawkeye board saying he busted his butt to bulk up this year. He also stated that there was no wrestle off. That sounds to me like Arnold to 184 was decided in the off season and a plan was laid out to make it happen.
 
I think the problem for Gabe this year is the HE does not really believe he is a 184. He has said as much. At this level, you cannot have that doubt in your mind. He seems like a really good kids, saying and doing the right things for the team. His word in the past said I'm a title contender at 174, I'm not a 184. Half of this game is believing you can.

I think you're working on last year's comments. See below. Said this is where he feels he can give his best contribution to the team. Said he felt undersized last year, but that 174 was a struggle this year.

 
I think you're working on last year's comments. See below. Said this is where he feels he can give his best contribution to the team. Said he felt undersized last year, but that 174 was a struggle this year.


"It's not my choice. I mean, it is a little my choice. But, you know, at the end of the day it is what the man upstairs wants."

While a bit of a tough quote, also points to the idea that this was planned from the off season. Also interesting that he said maybe there will be a wrestle off between him and Ferrari. I assume he is talking about next season, but maybe not.
 
"It's not my choice. I mean, it is a little my choice. But, you know, at the end of the day it is what the man upstairs wants."

While a bit of a tough quote, also points to the idea that this was planned from the off season. Also interesting that he said maybe there will be a wrestle off between him and Ferrari. I assume he is talking about next season, but maybe not.

Ferrari definitely wants to go at 184 this year. But I think the coaches save his shirt and he goes 197 next year. His quote that making 174 is a bit of struggle this year tells me he should just stay up.
 
FYI - the whole Iowa vs Oregon State dual is on YouTube. Good chance to get an early look at Iowa
 
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In my opinion, Arnold is doing what's best for the team and his optimal weight is still 174.

Just handing Brands that spot is a questionable move that could backfire down the road.
 
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I think you're working on last year's comments. See below. Said this is where he feels he can give his best contribution to the team. Said he felt undersized last year, but that 174 was a struggle this year.

Yes last years comment. Didn’t it also include something about his height. And has that changed over the last year? Seems like a good kid, hopefully it works out.
 
Yes last years comment. Didn’t it also include something about his height. And has that changed over the last year? Seems like a good kid, hopefully it works out.
Aaron Brooks did not get any taller when he went up to 197, either. According to Arnold's father, he busted his ass to bulk up. That is likely the more important factor than his height.
 
Aaron Brooks did not get any taller when he went up to 197, either. According to Arnold's father, he busted his ass to bulk up. That is likely the more important factor than his height.
Are we sure? I've seen plenty of FB and BB players that grew after college whenever I looked at their pro listings. j/k
 
Looking forward to this one. Stanford looked really good last night. You guys should have no issues but some real nice matchups.

Ayala/Knox
Block/Valencia
Parco/Abas
Teemer/freshman pinning machine
Caliendo/Garvin
Brands/Norman

Provo didn’t wrestle last night and ISU got a forfeit.
Looks like Abas isn't going per the Iowa twitter post. Kyle Parco is wrestling his brother EJ. And Garvin is listed as an or with Zach Hanson so may not get the Caliendo/Garvin match up. :(
 
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Parco destroys Abas. Gets three 4 point tilts in the 2nd and a TD in the 3rd to win 15-0.
 
This kid coming up for Stanford goes for broke. Should be fun match..or Teemer can take advantage of the freshman
 
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