Any chance someone can summarize his answers?
- whether CS considered pulling Retherford's 'ship last year
Not sure how seriously but maybe was in the back of his mind from time to time. CS is very competitive and maybe if they were close to #5 he might have thought about it.
- what happened with the Alton brothers
Injuries took a big toll on what they wanted to do and how they wanted to wrestle, plus a big impact to conditioning. At the end, with AA, it also became a point where AA really had to prioritize some other things more important to his future life and maybe wrestling took a bit of a back seat (relative to previous)
- how the feel compared last year vs. when they were in the National Championship run
Last year they never admitted to being out, but the discussions were always "if this guy outperforms expectations, and things don't quite break right for OSU, and...". This year they are confident, and CS absolutely loves the entire team on and off the mat. Implied it wasn't always true in the past, at least not 100%. now "he doesnt have to worry at all about getting a call in the middle of the night about a guy in trouble"/
- the response from PSU about losing the wrestling attendance record
They are competitive. Iowa event was great for wrestling, and it raised the bar. PSU is already looking at what might be possible in the next couple of years.
- whether Nico and Zain benefited from a redshirt year
Yes but in different ways. Zain especially given that he wanted/needed to build strength for 149.
- Scratch's personality, and what he seems from him
Really neat guy. Loves interacting with people, not just his teammates but everyone. Not a vocal leader but when he talks it is (i forget the word he used - something like "impactful" but that isn't it). Different than Nico - Nico will view his entire PSU career based on winning title this year. MM wants it too, but really has a broader perspective about success of his 4 years on and off the mat. As long as he knows he did everything he could to maximize his chances, he will be content.
- which PSUer will come thru in the clutch at NCAAs (can't disagree with his answer)
Thinks Nolf is really a guy that can go a long way. You can tell he wants to compare him to DT but is afraid to say it and put pressure on. Mentioned Bo in context of the next answer as well. But finished with the feeling that this is the top to bottom deepest team CS has had at PSU
- whether PSU will ever have anything like the DT-Ruth era
Bo and Jason might be close. Both are goers, have unlimited potential. But wont have to be relied on like DT and ER cuz of overall team depth with Nico and Conaway and Mac...
- whether PSU wrestling went through the roof when CS took over the program
Obviously. Always very good but 1 championship in 100 years vs 4 in 6 is proof. CS always talked about winning championships (plural). He was intrigued with PA talent and setting up the east coast Olympic Training Center. Could not differentiate at Iowa State. Not just Cael... entire staff is dynamic and competitive and work very well together.
- what went into CS decision to go from Iowa St. to PSU
See above.
