Zach Ryder won the 174 pound weight class at the Messiah Open yesterday.
Messiah Open
- Thread starter PSUflyfisher
- Start date
Far from it. And Ryder did not do particularly well. In the semis he won 13-10 over a sub-.500 Columbia backup. In the finals he won 10-6 over an AU backup who seems decent in Opens, but who lost 11-1 to Barr and 16-4 to Wask (ranked 28th at 174).
Unless Ryder was injured or sick, yesterday says he needs more time.
Brackets are on Track. Ryder was the only PSU guy there, and by far the biggest name at any weight.
The only other recognizable names were from their PA or NP high school results -- guys like Barnhart, Milheim, Cruise, Ulrich, McChesney. Freshmen who were pretty good in HS but are not close to making a name for themselves in college.
The only other recognizable names were from their PA or NP high school results -- guys like Barnhart, Milheim, Cruise, Ulrich, McChesney. Freshmen who were pretty good in HS but are not close to making a name for themselves in college.
Some folks here are already anticipating him starting next year, based upon his results at other Opens (in which he performed better, and against better competition).
I am one who lists him as a potential starter just from how physically ready he is but yes, he needs more skill development. But I wouldn't be shocked if he was experimenting today also, as PSU/NLWC/M2 kids are encouraged to do. You're a senior in high school, I didn't even know he was wrestling today, why not let it rip?
But yes, he won't be ahead of a 174 pound full feed Facundo next year.
Go read the thread after he won the last open. Lots of people penciling him into the lineup next year
It seems some have already written off Facundo. There have been some comments to the effect that he should look to transfer. I doubt that's his intent.
This kind of reminds me of when Nick Lee teched Alan Waters in freestyle as a HS senior and I was thinking, oh man, we have a Day 1 national champ level guy.
Then a month later he wrestled Eierman's backup at an open and was losing 7-0 with RT locked up before getting packed and I went to, okay he might need a redshirt.
He ended up being right in between as a true freshman (5th) and his national champ ceiling I believe in has since been realized twice!
Then a month later he wrestled Eierman's backup at an open and was losing 7-0 with RT locked up before getting packed and I went to, okay he might need a redshirt.
He ended up being right in between as a true freshman (5th) and his national champ ceiling I believe in has since been realized twice!
Yeah I get it, but he isn't needed and a RS will help him immeasurably. Much different than the Davis and Kasak situations.
Not me. If Starocci doesn't come back, I like Facundo as the #1 option at this point in time. Of course 1000 things could happen between now and then to change that, but I've never written off Facundo and still expect great things from him as a Nittany Lion wrestler.
Why is Cael recruiting kids that may not contend for NCAA Championships as freshmen??? Doesn't he realise that the PSU fan base has standards that he must recruit to!?!? Lol
I would caution anyone taking too much away from either performance. I don’t think Boro guaranteed he was a lock to be a good starter next year. I don’t think Messiah shows he won’t be ready.
I think that both results taken together show that he’s an immensely talented wrestler who is still, even if online, a high school senior.
I think that both results taken together show that he’s an immensely talented wrestler who is still, even if online, a high school senior.
I mean, he COULD get in the lineup next year (much like Kasak this year) and do quite well. He'll probably be better served in the long run by using a redshirt.
I don’t think anyone is criticizing him. Just saying to pump the brakes on him beating Facundo and starting at 174 next year. Lots of people were saying they thought that was a possibility after his convincing wins at the previous open
