Keystone Classic - Miscellaneous Other

[RoarLions1]

Time will tell if this was worth its own thread. Just thought those attending the Classic might want to add their observations about our wrestlers when they were not wrestling. Team chemistry, whether it's wrestlers to wrestlers, wrestlers to coaches, whatever is a crucial element of success. I saw a team that was supportive of each other, and enjoying themselves.

 

[SRATH]

Not sure if it was noted but Marcus Johnson the kid from App State who Rasheed defeated is Jan Johnson's cousin.

Byer's comments during that match were priceless while driving.

 

[RoarLions1]

One that I noticed, and am digging for more like it...was watching Zain show up at the mat Jason was wrestling on, and visa versa. Sure there were others that did this, but noticed the support these guys gave each other.

 

[Ankle Pick]

I had the pleasure of sitting right next to the PSU team in the stands - (complete luck, as I was just trying to find a good seat) -

Its been said before, but i'll say it again.. - in complete awe of the maturity of these kids, as I was most impressed by their support for each other and respect for those around them. -

They are certainly "bigger than life" in the wrestling world, and can't help but think that sort of consistent attention/adoration would grow their young egos, but it is very apparent that they are grateful for the opportunity to represent PSU.

On numerous occasions, I saw kids (and adults) approach them for pictures and it was apparent that they each thoroughly enjoyed going out of their routine to make some kid's day. -

And I know this board can gang up on Jimmy Gullibon a lot, and understand the frustration. - but that young man is pure class as I saw him right after his consi loss cheer his teammates as if the National Championship was on the line.

Its a very small thing, but at one point I saw Vincenzo throw his empty water bottle into the make-shift trash bin.. he missed and the bottle bounced to the bleachers below them. - Without hesitation, he walked down 5-6 rows of bleachers, climbed over the rail and picked up the water bottle... - yes, its a small thing and not really a big deal either way - but to me - i find that a small reflection of who they are.

Also found it funny they all shared a case of "Jimmy Johns" hoagies thru-out the day.. (I know they do eat "real food", but somehow I figured all wrestlers just ate rice cakes and water

And my gawd, didn't realize how BIG Jason Nolf is... geesh.... Almost as huge as Rasheed... No clue how he ever made 165 let along 174..

Again, nothing earth shattering...but grateful to have witnessed young men being more than just dominating wrestlers on the mat.

Certainly a product of good coaching and even better parenting - WE ARE

 

[NittanyLion84]

I had the pleasure of sitting right next to the PSU team in the stands - (complete luck, as I was just trying to find a good seat) -

Its been said before, but i'll say it again.. - in complete awe of the maturity of these kids, as I was most impressed by their support for each other and respect for those around them. -

They are certainly "bigger than life" in the wrestling world, and can't help but think that sort of consistent attention/adoration would grow their young egos, but it is very apparent that they are grateful for the opportunity to represent PSU.

On numerous occasions, I saw kids (and adults) approach them for pictures and it was apparent that they each thoroughly enjoyed going out of their routine to make some kid's day. -

And I know this board can gang up on Jimmy Gullibon a lot, and understand the frustration. - but that young man is pure class as I saw him right after his consi loss cheer his teammates as if the National Championship was on the line.

Its a very small thing, but at one point I saw Vincenzo throw his empty water bottle into the make-shift trash bin.. he missed and the bottle bounced to the bleachers below them. - Without hesitation, he walked down 5-6 rows of bleachers, climbed over the rail and picked up the water bottle... - yes, its a small thing and not really a big deal either way - but to me - i find that a small reflection of who they are.

Also found it funny they all shared a case of "Jimmy Johns" hoagies thru-out the day.. (I know they do eat "real food", but somehow I figured all wrestlers just ate rice cakes and water

And my gawd, didn't realize how BIG Jason Nolf is... geesh.... Almost as huge as Rasheed... No clue how he ever made 165 let along 174..

Again, nothing earth shattering...but grateful to have witnessed young men being more than just dominating wrestlers on the mat.

Certainly a product of good coaching and even better parenting - WE ARE

Great story, thanks for posting!

 

[raslen007]

I had the pleasure of sitting right next to the PSU team in the stands - (complete luck, as I was just trying to find a good seat) -

Its been said before, but i'll say it again.. - in complete awe of the maturity of these kids, as I was most impressed by their support for each other and respect for those around them. -

They are certainly "bigger than life" in the wrestling world, and can't help but think that sort of consistent attention/adoration would grow their young egos, but it is very apparent that they are grateful for the opportunity to represent PSU.

On numerous occasions, I saw kids (and adults) approach them for pictures and it was apparent that they each thoroughly enjoyed going out of their routine to make some kid's day. -

And I know this board can gang up on Jimmy Gullibon a lot, and understand the frustration. - but that young man is pure class as I saw him right after his consi loss cheer his teammates as if the National Championship was on the line.

Its a very small thing, but at one point I saw Vincenzo throw his empty water bottle into the make-shift trash bin.. he missed and the bottle bounced to the bleachers below them. - Without hesitation, he walked down 5-6 rows of bleachers, climbed over the rail and picked up the water bottle... - yes, its a small thing and not really a big deal either way - but to me - i find that a small reflection of who they are.

Also found it funny they all shared a case of "Jimmy Johns" hoagies thru-out the day.. (I know they do eat "real food", but somehow I figured all wrestlers just ate rice cakes and water

And my gawd, didn't realize how BIG Jason Nolf is... geesh.... Almost as huge as Rasheed... No clue how he ever made 165 let along 174..

Again, nothing earth shattering...but grateful to have witnessed young men being more than just dominating wrestlers on the mat.

Certainly a product of good coaching and even better parenting - WE ARE

I love these kind of tidbits. A good look as to how these guys handle themselves. I am just as impressed with that little story about Joseph as when he beat the Rider kid.

 

[Ankle Pick]

I also want to clarify that I don't believe these sort of tidbits are meant only for PSU wrestlers.. I think 99% of wrestlers are of the same mold... (yes, even the "Iowa" ones -

What I think is MOST impressive is that the kind of wrestling Success these particular kids have had in their lives can certainly change even the best of them, and just proud to know that the BEST of them are wearing the Blue and White!

 

[Chickenman Testa]

I had the pleasure of sitting right next to the PSU team in the stands - (complete luck, as I was just trying to find a good seat) -

Its been said before, but i'll say it again.. - in complete awe of the maturity of these kids, as I was most impressed by their support for each other and respect for those around them. -

They are certainly "bigger than life" in the wrestling world, and can't help but think that sort of consistent attention/adoration would grow their young egos, but it is very apparent that they are grateful for the opportunity to represent PSU.

On numerous occasions, I saw kids (and adults) approach them for pictures and it was apparent that they each thoroughly enjoyed going out of their routine to make some kid's day. -

And I know this board can gang up on Jimmy Gullibon a lot, and understand the frustration. - but that young man is pure class as I saw him right after his consi loss cheer his teammates as if the National Championship was on the line.

Its a very small thing, but at one point I saw Vincenzo throw his empty water bottle into the make-shift trash bin.. he missed and the bottle bounced to the bleachers below them. - Without hesitation, he walked down 5-6 rows of bleachers, climbed over the rail and picked up the water bottle... - yes, its a small thing and not really a big deal either way - but to me - i find that a small reflection of who they are.

Also found it funny they all shared a case of "Jimmy Johns" hoagies thru-out the day.. (I know they do eat "real food", but somehow I figured all wrestlers just ate rice cakes and water

And my gawd, didn't realize how BIG Jason Nolf is... geesh.... Almost as huge as Rasheed... No clue how he ever made 165 let along 174..

Again, nothing earth shattering...but grateful to have witnessed young men being more than just dominating wrestlers on the mat.

Certainly a product of good coaching and even better parenting - WE ARE

Jimmy John's? Terrible - you are in the hot zone of some of the best sandwiches on earth and those poor guys are stuck with glorified Subway

 

[jtothemfp]

Good thread idea!

We sat behind Cortez and Joseph's parents, and I think Dinmore's mom and sisters? Lots of black hair in all three families...could have been one big extended fam. Cortez was in the stands during the finals, looked like he had some schoolwoork due.

Dinmore and Giangianelli (sp?) look like twins, especially w/moustaches.

Loved watching all the different warmup styles:
- Rasheed's the most active, lots of moving and stretching
- McCutcheon's the least active, slow, short pace
- Suriano most intense

 

[ClarkstonMark]

Who was in each wrestler's "corner" for the 174 final?

 

[RoarLions1]

Who was in each wrestler's "corner" for the 174 final?

Definitely Casey and Cael, though I don't remember which coach was in which wrestler's corner.

I know that doesn't answer your question, my response is more about the bizarre behavior of the 2nd ref. He was carrying on a conversation with Cael while Geno and Shak were wrestling, even turning his back to the mat for extended periods. Anyone else see this?

 

[tikk10]

Who was in each wrestler's "corner" for the 174 final?

Terry Brands in Geno's corner, Tom in Shak's. Geno transferring to UNC.

 

[NoVa Lion]

Definitely Casey and Cael, though I don't remember which coach was in which wrestler's corner.

I know that doesn't answer your question, my response is more about the bizarre behavior of the 2nd ref. He was carrying on a conversation with Cael while Geno and Shak were wrestling, even turning his back to the mat for extended periods. Anyone else see this?

Yeah, that was strange. I think he was asking Cael which wrestler he was rooting for or else he was asking him if the match would ever end.

 

[AB1]

Definitely Casey and Cael, though I don't remember which coach was in which wrestler's corner.

I know that doesn't answer your question, my response is more about the bizarre behavior of the 2nd ref. He was carrying on a conversation with Cael while Geno and Shak were wrestling, even turning his back to the mat for extended periods. Anyone else see this?

Cael was in Morelli's corner and Cunningham was in Rasheed's corner. They pretty much let the two kids just go at it without saying much, if anything to them.

Just a shout-out to the Harvard kids and families in attendance. I got there late yesterday and sat in their section. Great kids and great families. They basically cleaned the entire section before they left during the finals.

 

[Cowbell Man]

Jimmy John's? Terrible - you are in the hot zone of some of the best sandwiches on earth and those poor guys are stuck with glorified Subway

The first thing you want as a wrestler cutting weight is something that tastes really good. lol I'm thinking JJ's is perfect

 

[NittanyLion84]

Terry Brands in Geno's corner, Tom in Shak's. Geno transferring to UNC.

You beat me to it, that was my very first thought when I read that question.

 

[burnsie1983]

I watched Jimmy walk off the mat after his two losses, and he just seemed so dejected. He went off by himself and didn't really even speak to the coach. I felt so bad for him. A teammate or coach found him after just a minute and stayed with him, but he just seemed so disgusted, depressed, exhausted...I don't know what the emotion was. As myself and others have noted, he just doesn't exhibit the joy that so many others on the team do.

I also saw Nick Suriano pacing the outer halls of the Palestra before his championship match....he was so focused, so amped up. A few fans stopped him and wished him well, and he was very polite, but very brief too. He is a focused young man!

 

[KFM74]

Jimmy John's? Terrible - you are in the hot zone of some of the best sandwiches on earth and those poor guys are stuck with glorified Subway

Read this and all I could hear in my mind was Charles Barkley saying terrible....... just terrible. He would know a thing or two about those sandwiches.

 

[Chickenman Testa]

The first thing you want as a wrestler cutting weight is something that tastes really good. lol I'm thinking JJ's is perfect

Blech. You can go to the wawa at 37th and Spruce (if it's still there) and get better hoagies.

It's Philly - eating sandwiches from some chain like Jimmy John's or the ghastly Subway is like going to New York and eating Sbarros

 

[Chickenman Testa]

Read this and all I could hear in my mind was Charles Barkley saying terrible....... just terrible. He would know a thing or two about those sandwiches.

Hah - I almost spelled it like that. I ran into Sir Charles at Jim's Steaks on South Street one night - what a legend!

 

[Tom McAndrew]

Blech. You can go to the wawa at 37th and Spruce (if it's still there) and get better hoagies.

to be a tad more accurate, it's at 38th & Spruce. It's on Spruce, basically at the corner with 38th. there's also one on Chestnut at 36th. Both are about the same distance from The Palestra.

as a Delco guy, you'll be pleased to know that I stopped at a Wawa on the way to The Palestra, and brought a Wawa hoagie in with me to the Classic.

 

[El-Jefe]

Its a very small thing, but at one point I saw Vincenzo throw his empty water bottle into the make-shift trash bin.. he missed and the bottle bounced to the bleachers below them. - Without hesitation, he walked down 5-6 rows of bleachers, climbed over the rail and picked up the water bottle... - yes, its a small thing and not really a big deal either way - but to me - i find that a small reflection of who they are.

Certainly a product of good coaching and even better parenting.

THAT is good parenting? PD3's water bottle would've been too afraid to miss.
Signed,
PD2

 

[Chickenman Testa]

to be a tad more accurate, it's at 38th & Spruce. It's on Spruce, basically at the corner with 38th. there's also one on Chestnut at 36th. Both are about the same distance from The Palestra.

as a Delco guy, you'll be pleased to know that I stopped at a Wawa on the way to The Palestra, and brought a Wawa hoagie in with me to the Classic.

I thought the main entrance to the Quad was 36th. It's been a long time. In the 80s there was a mobbed-up breakfast place down from the Wawa just west of the Quad entrance. There may be a Tony Luke's there now. Guy working the register was gruff but fairly nice. That said, he was a mean looking dude.

Edit: no more Tony Luke's there. That said, I went home last year and attended the Flyers game in one of the suites (sister in law is a heavy hitter at Aramark). Anyway, they had Cheesesteaks that tasted just like the ones we got on Cheese Steak day in elementary school - that's a good thing. They were heaven! And the best soft pretzels. My God! Federal Brand soft pretzels. I had never had them.

I miss Philly food

 

[manatree]

Jimmy John's? Terrible - you are in the hot zone of some of the best sandwiches on earth and those poor guys are stuck with glorified Subway

I'm guessing that it's more about familiarity than taste. Easier to estimate calories and know how their body handles it. Raise you hand if you'd want to take the chance of dealing with the side effects of a 'wiz wit' when you're on deck.

 

[NittanyLion84]

Blech. You can go to the wawa at 37th and Spruce (if it's still there) and get better hoagies.

It's Philly - eating sandwiches from some chain like Jimmy John's or the ghastly Subway is like going to New York and eating Sbarros

That's what happens when you don't have a Philly boy on the team.

 

[Chickenman Testa]

That's what happens when you don't have a Philly boy on the team.

Poor guys don't know any better - probably get mayo on them

 

[purescurve]

Poor guys don't know any better - probably get mayo on them

miracle whip or duke's

 

[johnstownsteel]

Blech. You can go to the wawa at 37th and Spruce (if it's still there) and get better hoagies.

It's Philly - eating sandwiches from some chain like Jimmy John's or the ghastly Subway is like going to New York and eating Sbarros

Or grabbing a whoopie pie instead of a Gob when you visit Western Pa.

 

[Nittany.Lion]

I had the pleasure of sitting right next to the PSU team in the stands - (complete luck, as I was just trying to find a good seat) -

Its been said before, but i'll say it again.. - in complete awe of the maturity of these kids, as I was most impressed by their support for each other and respect for those around them. -

They are certainly "bigger than life" in the wrestling world, and can't help but think that sort of consistent attention/adoration would grow their young egos, but it is very apparent that they are grateful for the opportunity to represent PSU.

On numerous occasions, I saw kids (and adults) approach them for pictures and it was apparent that they each thoroughly enjoyed going out of their routine to make some kid's day. -

And I know this board can gang up on Jimmy Gullibon a lot, and understand the frustration. - but that young man is pure class as I saw him right after his consi loss cheer his teammates as if the National Championship was on the line.

Its a very small thing, but at one point I saw Vincenzo throw his empty water bottle into the make-shift trash bin.. he missed and the bottle bounced to the bleachers below them. - Without hesitation, he walked down 5-6 rows of bleachers, climbed over the rail and picked up the water bottle... - yes, its a small thing and not really a big deal either way - but to me - i find that a small reflection of who they are.

Also found it funny they all shared a case of "Jimmy Johns" hoagies thru-out the day.. (I know they do eat "real food", but somehow I figured all wrestlers just ate rice cakes and water

And my gawd, didn't realize how BIG Jason Nolf is... geesh.... Almost as huge as Rasheed... No clue how he ever made 165 let along 174..

Again, nothing earth shattering...but grateful to have witnessed young men being more than just dominating wrestlers on the mat.

Certainly a product of good coaching and even better parenting - WE ARE

wow.... two "cup" stories in one day

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/w...ring-a-game-could-reveal-about-his-character/

 

[mattu12]

wow.... two "cup" stories in one day

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/w...ring-a-game-could-reveal-about-his-character/

A couple additional observations...

The nucleus of the team--Nolf, Zain, Nickal, etc.--sat very close together. Suriano and Nevills were two I noticed hung out more on the fringes. What's it mean? Absolutely nothing, as far as I'm concerned. Just an observation.

One wrestler still in the competition was sitting in the bleachers leaning back into his girlfriend's lap, she running her fingers through his hair and otherwise doting on him. Maybe I'm just an old fart, but doesn't strike me as the best way to prepare for a match. Hell, look at the effect of Iowa's painting a locker room pink. He lost the next match, by the way.

I had the good fortune to talk to one of our AA's dad. He said his son has absolutely no trouble making his current weight. It might surprise you who. It wasn't the McCutcheons.

One more observation that was definitely disturbing. Not bad behavior, but an indication of a less than ideal mental state. Won't go into details out of respect for the competitor and the program.

 

[LemonPie]

I like Jimmy John's. Fight me.

 

[johnstownsteel]

A couple additional observations...

The nucleus of the team--Nolf, Zain, Nickal, etc.--sat very close together. Suriano and Nevills were two I noticed hung out more on the fringes. What's it mean? Absolutely nothing, as far as I'm concerned. Just an observation.

One wrestler still in the competition was sitting in the bleachers leaning back into his girlfriend's lap, she running her fingers through his hair and otherwise doting on him. Maybe I'm just an old fart, but doesn't strike me as the best way to prepare for a match. Hell, look at the effect of Iowa's painting a locker room pink. He lost the next match, by the way.

I had the good fortune to talk to one of our AA's dad. He said his son has absolutely no trouble making his current weight. It might surprise you who. It wasn't the McCutcheons.

One more observation that was definitely disturbing. Not bad behavior, but an indication of a less than ideal mental state. Won't go into details out of respect for the competitor and the program.

I'd say it's Nolf that has no trouble making weight.

 

[El-Jefe]

One wrestler still in the competition was sitting in the bleachers leaning back into his girlfriend's lap, she running her fingers through his hair and otherwise doting on him. Maybe I'm just an old fart, but doesn't strike me as the best way to prepare for a match. Hell, look at the effect of Iowa's painting a locker room pink. He lost the next match, by the way.

In related news, Bo Jordan doesn't think Penn State is serious enough.

 

[Chickenman Testa]

I like Jimmy John's. Fight me.

You need to do some soul searching with yourself after that confession. Perhaps get a bit existential and determine what you want out of this life. Do you want to muddle along in a fog thinking Jimmy John's is adequate or do you want to live a life of meaning and seek out food fit for a higher purpose? The choice is yours, Mr. Pie of the Lemon variety.

I wish you luck.

 

[Chickenman Testa]

In related news, Bo Jordan doesn't think Penn State is serious enough.

Talk about serious - dude is having his second kid while still in school. My biggest decisions in college were Chickensteak, Cheesesteak, Pizza Steak or Pizza before my Sunday hungover football watching

 

[Chickenman Testa]

I like Jimmy John's. Fight me.

As an aside, your Dom Latona post on the Tomasello thread on TheMat got a shout out on FRL 162. They didn't credit you, though.

 

[mattu12]

Check out the big brain on johnstownsteel.

 

[Golic55]

They don't make hoagies in Philly anymore.
Just mystery meat and cheese on a roll, like Primos.

 

[dsauer22]

You need to do some soul searching with yourself after that confession. Perhaps get a bit existential and determine what you want out of this life. Do you want to muddle along in a fog thinking Jimmy John's is adequate or do you want to live a life of meaning and seek out food fit for a higher purpose? The choice is yours, Mr. Pie of the Lemon variety.

I wish you luck.

He probably eats cheesesteaks with sliced cheese

 

[Sean Harp]

Who was in each wrestler's "corner" for the 174 final?

Okay, Mark. I'm caving first. What's the story behind your avatar?