I got last second tickets and made it to the dual. I thought we gave a solid effort at every weight. The results weren't what I hoped for at 125, but, it wasn't for lack of effort.
Rec Hall had a nice atmosphere yesterday. Why do the least knowledgeable fans seem to be the loudest? The loudest two guys in our section clearly didn't know much about wrestling and couldn't pronounce some of our guys names. That isn't just a complaint from this dual, but, from many of my trips to Rec Hall. Listen, I don't expect all fans to be wrestling nuts like me and many others on this forum, but, if you aren't that knowledgeable, why be so loud and proud?
Anyway, some quick thoughts per weight class:
125 - The score isn't a reflection of the match. He got caught in a bad situation and gave up the major by not giving up and "going for the gusto"
133 - Solid effort by Shunk in a match where he was simply out-gunned
141 - I absolutely loved seeing Beau aggressive right off the whistle. Great performance against a really good wrestler
149 - I continue to be incredibly impressed with Kasak. He gets better and better every single match, and he is extremely strong, which is impressive considering some were worried about whether he could handle coming up to 149.
157 - Haines is turning it on at the right time. He is going to be extremely hard to score on. His reaction combined with his hips are tough to get past.
165 - He is going to give up some takedowns with his in your face style (like Nolf) and he definitely tweaked something in his ribs early, but, he just keeps going and going and going like the Energizer bunny. Even with a regular decision, he is must see TV.
174 - I think Carter is over whatever bug he had. He looked like his always dominant self.
184 - I actually loved the fight in Bernie. Pinto is a beast. The fact that Bernie was so close at the end was a good thing in my book. On most kids, he gets that takedown.
197 - Brooks is a joy to watch with his flawless technique. He is all class all the time too.
285 - I actually don't mind the strategy that Kerkvliet took with the riding. First, the only way we lose the dual is if he gets caught and pinned, which wasn't going to happen with him on top. Second, Hut is a big boy, and I wouldn't want to see him get an injury. It was intelligent and dominating.
Great stuff and I had a good time. I LOOK FORWARD to watching their next match, BIG's and the show in KC!