. . . of lower division champs? Can’t they reverse the “Haselrig rule” that halted D1 tourney bids to these guys (a common practice prior to Carlton)? Arguing that D2/D3 wrestlers are unfairly fresher in March than D1 counterparts due to easier schedules has grown weak. If worried, set a minimum match count for the highest qualifying sub-D1 rep, working back from the champ until found. If still fearful, have both lower tourneys finish the Sunday prior to D1’s starting, to tire these “slackers” out even more. But honestly, was that the rule’s true reason, or was it simple embarrassment at what an unheralded D2 townie did to D1 opponents for three straight years?
And so what if he did? In a one-on-one sport where crossing divisions was once and rightfully considered acceptable, what’s not to like about having a pigtail match that delivers a 30+ seed from a Match of Thrones (D2 vs. D3 champs)? Imagine the Rocky/Rudy buzz of excitement sweeping all 20 represented D2 and D3 campuses come March. If the only downside is a potentially embarrassing upset of a higher D1 seed, how clueless of the NCAA not to realize that this, in fact, is the incredible, inspiring, interest-generating upside!
And so what if he did? In a one-on-one sport where crossing divisions was once and rightfully considered acceptable, what’s not to like about having a pigtail match that delivers a 30+ seed from a Match of Thrones (D2 vs. D3 champs)? Imagine the Rocky/Rudy buzz of excitement sweeping all 20 represented D2 and D3 campuses come March. If the only downside is a potentially embarrassing upset of a higher D1 seed, how clueless of the NCAA not to realize that this, in fact, is the incredible, inspiring, interest-generating upside!
