Media Day Wed [11/2] @ 1:30 pm on GoPSUnow
- Thread starter tikk10
- Start date
Link to press conference here, starting now:
http://www.gopsusports.com/collegesportslive/?media=541282
(will update later here with archive link)
http://www.gopsusports.com/collegesportslive/?media=541282
(will update later here with archive link)
174: "a little more competitive" Geno, Shak... "Mark Hall in the mix there, doing well."
184: Bo and Mouse still competing.
197: Kellen Stout, Cassar "in the process of getting back to full speed." "Cleared to drill but still a ways away."
184: Bo and Mouse still competing.
197: Kellen Stout, Cassar "in the process of getting back to full speed." "Cleared to drill but still a ways away."
Kiitos, Esa.
Would love to hear the open tournaments schedule for Mark Hall.
I checked ESU Open this morning...no PSU guys listed....
missed the initial 7 minutes. notes from that point onward:
- we're still establishing our team; 25 - Suriano; 33 - Cortez; 41 - Gulibon had advantage but a few challenging; 49 - Zain; 57 - Nolf; 65 - Joseph; 74 - Morelli, Rasheed (at wrong weight class last year), M. Hall -- very competitive; 84 - Cutch & Bo are battling; 97 - Stout is there, and Cassar is in the process of getting back to speed. Cassar has been cleared to drill, but he's still got a ways to go; 285 - Nevills
- a redshirt for Hall? that's the plan, but we always try to put our best team out there
- one word summary? - we're excited. Tough to lose staples like Nico and Smack, but it's also exciting to get some new kids.
- backup at 285? Alex ? (the new kid on the roster) -- doubt we'll pull his redshirt, as Nick is going to be healthy all season
- talk about Nolf and Bo losing in the finals? they love to compete, they've worked hard in the offseason, it may benefit them in the long run
- Jimmy is good enough to win; he just has to make that decision. He trains really hard, and is really disciplined. You have to tell him to go home in the summer he wants to train so much. If he wants to be a National Champ, he has to do what it takes, both in the training and when the whistle blows. I wouldn't count Jimmy out. We're counting on him as a leader. He brings enthusiasm to the mat and to practices. Has the opportunity to really give the team a boost
- Suriano is really consistent
(Note: questions are hard to hear)
- Zain wants to be a World and Olympic champion, and as we saw at the Olympic trials, he's not too far from that. He sets a great example for the team. I haven't had a leader that has done what he's done for the team, which is part of the reason we redshirted him
- Scuffle? We like it, the format is like Nationals, the team race is competitive. We didn't think it was right to go there, and then have 2 big-time B1G matches 4 days later. We have to be happy and healthy in March
- doing anything special for the Army match? We have the utmost respect for them, and what they do, but we're going there to wrestle. We'll show them as much respect as we can
- question about Suriano: he's very intense. He's on point all the time. He's very consistent. You have to watch him all the time so you can tell him to go home, and then you have to watch that he doesn't come back on his own later. We have to save some of that for his matches. Very focused. Great athlete. Great kid. He'll wrestle all day. He's a true freshman. We'll give him a chance to be that, and he'll improve over the course of the year. He has high expectations.
- National powers recruiting in PA That's not that new. Teams have always been recruiting in PA, NJ, and NY. Kids that place in States in PA as underclassmen are getting offers all over the country. You realize that, and it's part of the challenge. We're Penn State University. We should have the advantage on most kids, but we have to back that up with the stats, and graduating kids, etc. It's all part of the game. If you're not getting good kids, it doesn't matter how good a coach you are. We want kids that want to come to Penn State. KIds know what they are getting into with Flo, other coverage, etc. Recruiting is going to be competitive, and that's part of the fun.
- kids are more prepared now to wrestle and win at a young age. Why? A lot of things. Regional Training Centers. It's tougher for small programs, as there's so much video out there, so everyone that puts in the effort (as coaches) knows about kids out there. Kids are better prepared to compete as freshman
- most of the kids we recruit want to be world and Olympic champs. Mark Hall went to Minny so that he could wrestle in States in 7th grade. He's had a lot of success. If he keeps that hunger, and fire, he'll be fine. The challenge is to stay hungry, as every time you go to a new level, there are new challenges. You can't be afraid to lose, to make mistakes.
- Varner: how can you get more out of him now that he's on the staff? When he had his wedding a few years ago, the coaches were in his wedding party. We know him, we trust him. He has a great mind for the sport, he knows how to win. His father was a coach, his grandfather was a coach, his uncle was a coach. He'll be a great asset. He got the most out of his abilities because of his characteristics
- talk about the Army kids. You don't go there if you're not a tough kid. We are expecting a tough team. Stanford pretty much has the same team back. It will be a great test. 25 will be a tough test, and Suriano's 1st match at Rec Hall. We focus on the principles, more than on the winning and losing. If they compete in the right ways, we'll get better and be successful
- Bravo-Young, did he reach out to you, or the other way? CS can't talk about recruits until they sign LOI
- what have you learned from Zain? How he continues to be coachable. How he's so consistent. He's a great reminder of the fundamentals of success. Getting to a National Champ level and maintaining it are two different things. He hasn't changed. He doesn't think that he was the most statistically dominant wrestler in college last year. He's still hungry. We as coaches try to do the same things (stay hungry, and keep working, as other teams are trying to catch you and pass you)
- some question about schedule that I missed, and a wondering answer
- same people and same folks are still trying to create a dual format. We've been fighting that for 6 years, so they now do it behind the scenes. I don't know why, it doesn't seem to make any sense. The coaches and the wrestlers have to make the fans want to come to their meets. Dual Championship is unlikely to make a difference in attendance
- we're still establishing our team; 25 - Suriano; 33 - Cortez; 41 - Gulibon had advantage but a few challenging; 49 - Zain; 57 - Nolf; 65 - Joseph; 74 - Morelli, Rasheed (at wrong weight class last year), M. Hall -- very competitive; 84 - Cutch & Bo are battling; 97 - Stout is there, and Cassar is in the process of getting back to speed. Cassar has been cleared to drill, but he's still got a ways to go; 285 - Nevills
- a redshirt for Hall? that's the plan, but we always try to put our best team out there
- one word summary? - we're excited. Tough to lose staples like Nico and Smack, but it's also exciting to get some new kids.
- backup at 285? Alex ? (the new kid on the roster) -- doubt we'll pull his redshirt, as Nick is going to be healthy all season
- talk about Nolf and Bo losing in the finals? they love to compete, they've worked hard in the offseason, it may benefit them in the long run
- Jimmy is good enough to win; he just has to make that decision. He trains really hard, and is really disciplined. You have to tell him to go home in the summer he wants to train so much. If he wants to be a National Champ, he has to do what it takes, both in the training and when the whistle blows. I wouldn't count Jimmy out. We're counting on him as a leader. He brings enthusiasm to the mat and to practices. Has the opportunity to really give the team a boost
- Suriano is really consistent
(Note: questions are hard to hear)
- Zain wants to be a World and Olympic champion, and as we saw at the Olympic trials, he's not too far from that. He sets a great example for the team. I haven't had a leader that has done what he's done for the team, which is part of the reason we redshirted him
- Scuffle? We like it, the format is like Nationals, the team race is competitive. We didn't think it was right to go there, and then have 2 big-time B1G matches 4 days later. We have to be happy and healthy in March
- doing anything special for the Army match? We have the utmost respect for them, and what they do, but we're going there to wrestle. We'll show them as much respect as we can
- question about Suriano: he's very intense. He's on point all the time. He's very consistent. You have to watch him all the time so you can tell him to go home, and then you have to watch that he doesn't come back on his own later. We have to save some of that for his matches. Very focused. Great athlete. Great kid. He'll wrestle all day. He's a true freshman. We'll give him a chance to be that, and he'll improve over the course of the year. He has high expectations.
- National powers recruiting in PA That's not that new. Teams have always been recruiting in PA, NJ, and NY. Kids that place in States in PA as underclassmen are getting offers all over the country. You realize that, and it's part of the challenge. We're Penn State University. We should have the advantage on most kids, but we have to back that up with the stats, and graduating kids, etc. It's all part of the game. If you're not getting good kids, it doesn't matter how good a coach you are. We want kids that want to come to Penn State. KIds know what they are getting into with Flo, other coverage, etc. Recruiting is going to be competitive, and that's part of the fun.
- kids are more prepared now to wrestle and win at a young age. Why? A lot of things. Regional Training Centers. It's tougher for small programs, as there's so much video out there, so everyone that puts in the effort (as coaches) knows about kids out there. Kids are better prepared to compete as freshman
- most of the kids we recruit want to be world and Olympic champs. Mark Hall went to Minny so that he could wrestle in States in 7th grade. He's had a lot of success. If he keeps that hunger, and fire, he'll be fine. The challenge is to stay hungry, as every time you go to a new level, there are new challenges. You can't be afraid to lose, to make mistakes.
- Varner: how can you get more out of him now that he's on the staff? When he had his wedding a few years ago, the coaches were in his wedding party. We know him, we trust him. He has a great mind for the sport, he knows how to win. His father was a coach, his grandfather was a coach, his uncle was a coach. He'll be a great asset. He got the most out of his abilities because of his characteristics
- talk about the Army kids. You don't go there if you're not a tough kid. We are expecting a tough team. Stanford pretty much has the same team back. It will be a great test. 25 will be a tough test, and Suriano's 1st match at Rec Hall. We focus on the principles, more than on the winning and losing. If they compete in the right ways, we'll get better and be successful
- Bravo-Young, did he reach out to you, or the other way? CS can't talk about recruits until they sign LOI
- what have you learned from Zain? How he continues to be coachable. How he's so consistent. He's a great reminder of the fundamentals of success. Getting to a National Champ level and maintaining it are two different things. He hasn't changed. He doesn't think that he was the most statistically dominant wrestler in college last year. He's still hungry. We as coaches try to do the same things (stay hungry, and keep working, as other teams are trying to catch you and pass you)
- some question about schedule that I missed, and a wondering answer
- same people and same folks are still trying to create a dual format. We've been fighting that for 6 years, so they now do it behind the scenes. I don't know why, it doesn't seem to make any sense. The coaches and the wrestlers have to make the fans want to come to their meets. Dual Championship is unlikely to make a difference in attendance
Some of the wrestlers are going to be answering questions on FB live via this page in a few minutes:
https://www.facebook.com/pennstatewrestling/
https://www.facebook.com/pennstatewrestling/
Thanks a ton for the post Tom! Looks like Cael is trying to light a fire under Jimmy. I sure hope he starts to believe he can do it.
If you watched the video, it really didn't come off that way. Was fairly matter of fact, says he trains hard enough, has the talent, but it was all in his hands. Didn't come off as motivational. Was more like "even I don't know what results to expect from him."
On the other hand, when discussing Suriano it certainly seemed as if Cael put him in the "sure thing" category, although he kind of walked it back at the end by saying the stuff about being a true freshman. But he certainly was very confident when he discussed Suriano. Reminded me of the way he has talked about special frosh in recent years.
Judging by the tone of his press conference, it did not seem as if he has any worries at 125, 149, 157, 165, 174, 184 or 285 in terms of where they will be in March. He only touched on 133 briefly, so not sure there, but he discussed Gulibon at length and also talked about 197. Said about Stout "he's gotten a lot better" (although in a tone that suggested he needed to) and good things about his family and also the Cassar situation (cleared but not ready).
Caveat - just my reactions. I certainly could see people taking his tone to mean different things.
Thanks for some perspective . I did not see it, when I could finally join, all I saw was Cael getting up and leaving LOL.
Cael has had the same comments on Gulibon for the past two seasons and now this season, too, namely that Gulibon "has to decide".
In that sentence, I think Cael also mentioned "when the lights are on".
I hope this year is the year Gulibon gets his game-day mindset right.
I am reminded of a phrase I read in an article about a college basketball player that was something like: ~"Gadzuric has been locked in a four-year battle against himself."
I have a lot of sympathy for such mental battles.
I am reminded of a phrase I read in an article about a college basketball player that was something like: ~"Gadzuric has been locked in a four-year battle against himself."
I have a lot of sympathy for such mental battles.
I thought those comments about Jimmy were rather positive. Sounds like he is a hard worker that brings some enthusiasm to the practice room. In the end, that's all you can ask of any of these guys. Hopefully those positive attributes translate a little better on the mat this season.
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I agree. Not sure I conveyed it as well as you just did.
Tom, I think your recap might contain an error. When it came to JG being a NC, Cael said that Jimmy was working (training) like one. Your recap might be interpreted that Cael said Jimmy was not working hard enough. In fact, he said the opposite.
I really hope Cutch goes 197. Need to get him in lineup. Can't imagine not getting a kid that good in this lineup to help the team. Cael didn't say much on Cortez and Bo.
It sounded to me like Jimmy is not far ahead of a couple of wrestlers. Moss & Dinsmore?
I really like Cael's candor. Really surprised their weren't questions about what happens to the loser at 184.
I really like Cael's candor. Really surprised their weren't questions about what happens to the loser at 184.
Will be at BinghamtonKiitos, Esa.
Would love to hear the open tournaments schedule for Mark Hall.
Zahid! Great measuring stick for Hall.
Too bad it's the same day as our home opener vs. Stanford.
Link
Dagnabbit. ASU has two tournaments scheduled for that day...
11/13/16 Jonathan Kaloust Bearcat Open Tournament
11/13/16 Journeyman Collegiate Classic Tournament
Guidance please.
By January last year the seperation between Vincenzo and the other 165 pounders was significant.
Hall is already significantly ahead of where Vincenzo was last January.
Just sayin.
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Starters will be at Journeymen, I was able to confirm that this morning. I'll be in Troy as well.
The most intriguing piece from Cael's press conference on Media Day was, without question, how much he left the door open to Mark Hall wrestling this season.
It's been assumed that he will shirt by almost everyone, but if you listen to his comments he, quite intentionally, leaves the door wide open to pulling his shirt.
If you listen to the recent Flo Podcast, they got the same impression as well.
Fascinating.
It's been assumed that he will shirt by almost everyone, but if you listen to his comments he, quite intentionally, leaves the door wide open to pulling his shirt.
If you listen to the recent Flo Podcast, they got the same impression as well.
Fascinating.
I have a feeling they'll have Hall wrestle some opens unattached and allow him to continue his freestyle training, while seeing how Rasheed / Morelli fare.
Eventually, I'm sure staff will check the math on how March scoring might shake out, and if they need a point boost to claim a title, they just might lift his redshirt.
Just from guess and observation, I still think there's only about a 10% chance Hall would wrestle for the team this year.
You may very well be correct. I just can't help but wonder, if there is only a 10% chance of pulling his redshirt, then why did Cael make it a point to leave it so open?
Very curious, indeed.
I agree, it seems odd. Then again, us fans aren't the only ones that listen to his presser. Maybe Hall is in Cael's ear who knows. Probably nothing here.
If Hall was set to go 174 it would've been an interesting test of Flo's policy of not ranking TRFR, because on the prediction side, I think some people would slot him at #2, but I'd put him ahead of BoJo. Only question about Hall is how he'll fare against top tier guys in folk, and only because we haven't seen it; we already know the only guys he can't beat in FS are past their D1 years. I can't think of a reason why his folk game isn't up to his FS game though.
maybe he likes to have a little levity himself... "do you have a plan?"
I'm curious how Hall is going to manage his weight during his time at PSU.
He's obviously going to stay in the 74kg range for his freestyle goals.
That's 163lb.
So he's never going to be a big 174 for us.
He obviously has elite abilities, but I'll be curious how he fares against the bigger 74s.
I don't know if a true freshman Hall would be ranked ahead of a fullsize Bo Jordan at 174. It's an interesting argument either way.
He's obviously going to stay in the 74kg range for his freestyle goals.
That's 163lb.
So he's never going to be a big 174 for us.
He obviously has elite abilities, but I'll be curious how he fares against the bigger 74s.
I don't know if a true freshman Hall would be ranked ahead of a fullsize Bo Jordan at 174. It's an interesting argument either way.
174s have 2 choices for freestyle -- cut down to 163, or be very undersized for 189. The ones who don't have serious freestyle aspirations, Hall doesn't need to worry about.
As far as rankings go, I think the real question would be where he would debut in the rankings -- which is driven by when the rankers include true freshmen. No way he'd be ranked ahead of BoJo -- unless Zahid beat BoJo (twice?) before Hall was included in the rankings.
As far as rankings go, I think the real question would be where he would debut in the rankings -- which is driven by when the rankers include true freshmen. No way he'd be ranked ahead of BoJo -- unless Zahid beat BoJo (twice?) before Hall was included in the rankings.
Great discussion guys. Been out of the loop, but I did hear the press conference. A couple of my observations/impressions/etc.
Cael's comments about Jimmy have purpose. "Lighting a fire" may be too strong, but they are definitely intended to motivate. Must break through the subtle, calm demeanor sometimes to understand Cael's comments.
My opinion about Hall is the same as everyone else's. True, he left the door open, but will only pull the redshirt if it's a difference maker for National's. We'll all do the same thing the coaches will do...wait and see how Shak or Geno perform. I'd be shocked to see the RS pulled, if it is at all, before January.
Cael's comments about Jimmy have purpose. "Lighting a fire" may be too strong, but they are definitely intended to motivate. Must break through the subtle, calm demeanor sometimes to understand Cael's comments.
My opinion about Hall is the same as everyone else's. True, he left the door open, but will only pull the redshirt if it's a difference maker for National's. We'll all do the same thing the coaches will do...wait and see how Shak or Geno perform. I'd be shocked to see the RS pulled, if it is at all, before January.
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