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*** Official Anthony Cassar Appreciation Thread***

LemonPie

Well-Known Member
Jan 2, 2016
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Great year for the most handsome PSU wrestler in history.

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I feel pretty bad for Cassar. Did nothing to deserve to lose the spot, at least on any other team. Not many guys can say they upset the #1 ranked wrestler but were healthy scratches for the postseason. Given that Cassar had to overcome a pretty nasty shoulder injury to get this far, it's even tougher that he can say he did everything right and still not be the guy. Rasheed had to work through disappointment and logjams as well, but it's gotta be really tough knowing that you're good enough to be on the podium but won't get that opportunity. Wouldn't blame him for transferring out, since 184 is spoken for next year and HWT seems unreasonable, Lemon Pie's urging notwithstanding.
 
I feel pretty bad for Cassar. Did nothing to deserve to lose the spot, at least on any other team. Not many guys can say they upset the #1 ranked wrestler but were healthy scratches for the postseason. Given that Cassar had to overcome a pretty nasty shoulder injury to get this far, it's even tougher that he can say he did everything right and still not be the guy. Rasheed had to work through disappointment and logjams as well, but it's gotta be really tough knowing that you're good enough to be on the podium but won't get that opportunity. Wouldn't blame him for transferring out, since 184 is spoken for next year and HWT seems unreasonable, Lemon Pie's urging notwithstanding.

Yes, and that Holschag match screwed him tons. If he transfers out, I hope they find a way to get Beard enrolled.
 
I first assumed (perhaps incorrectly) that this thread was in reference to Cassar's inevitable transfer from PSU. If that happens, it could affect the plans for Beard, no?
 
Yes, and that Holschag match screwed him tons. If he transfers out, I hope they find a way to get Beard enrolled.
It did screw him that day, but had he been given that win, he'd have faced Rasheed in the finals. And we don't know how that would've gone, but we do know that Cael gave him that opportunity in the room. Wrestle-offs between two guys that familiar with each other might not be the best gauge of postseason success but where both guys are otherwise even on paper, wrestle-offs are better than coin flips or an arbitrary coach's decision.
 
It did screw him that day, but had he been given that win, he'd have faced Rasheed in the finals. And we don't know how that would've gone, but we do know that Cael gave him that opportunity in the room. Wrestle-offs between two guys that familiar with each other might not be the best gauge of postseason success but where both guys are otherwise even on paper, wrestle-offs are better than coin flips or an arbitrary coach's decision.

Agreed. Rasheed is the right decision.
 
Somebody check the bushes outside Anthony's Apartment for Rutgers Coaches. God knows they can't recruit anybody that can really wrestle unless they've worn a Blue and White Singlet.
 
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I wouldn't write Cassar off for the future at PSU. I really like both guys and feel horrible for Cassar (and would have felt horrible for Rasheed). BUT, remember the Gingrich-Lawson battle. It went back and forth for multiple seasons and a different one represented us their JR season vs their SR season. If Cassar comes back, I wouldn't be surprised that the spot is still an open battle.
 
I wouldn't write Cassar off for the future at PSU. I really like both guys and feel horrible for Cassar (and would have felt horrible for Rasheed). BUT, remember the Gingrich-Lawson battle. It went back and forth for multiple seasons and a different one represented us their JR season vs their SR season. If Cassar comes back, I wouldn't be surprised that the spot is still an open battle.
This, plus Beard grayshirting means the coaches think one of our guys will get a 6th year.
 
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Tough call both kids just getting better and better.....cassar can't hang his head wrestled well
 
Hope he stays; a class act in all things. You can never predict what opportunities present themselves in the future. I'm betting his future includes visits to the podium in blue and white.
much as i'd like to see it, why would he stay? his clock is ticking, too. time to do what's best for himself.
 
Cassar is a very good wrestler and PSU is blessed to have him. It is sad that two top shelf talented guys ended up on the same team at the same time competing for the same weight. He is good enough to start for just about any team and I wouldn't have any hard feelings towards him if he did decide to transfer. That much talent doesn't really belong sitting on the bench. I hope that if he does want to go elsewhere that Cael would give him his blessing.

Thank you Anthony Cassar!
 
It is hard no doubt for Cassar. Shak won the wrestle off and scores lots of bonus points, easy decision. Good to see Anthony in good spirits and supporting the team. Hopefully he stays and battles next year, excellent chance of getting a 6th year.
 
he was sitting with the other starters during the match and everything about his mannerisms was positive. Clapping, cheering, etc. found it very refreshing to see that.
Agree, completely. Had a chance to talk after the match, until some autograph-seekers stopped him, then I boogeyed...but all was good with him.

I suspect he'll be at B1G's and NCAA's, as workout partner...steel sharpening steel.
 
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Somebody check the bushes outside Anthony's Apartment for Rutgers Coaches. God knows they can't recruit anybody that can really wrestle unless they've worn a Blue and White Singlet.
I think they (Rutgers' coaches) are capable of recruiting kids with skills, the simply do not develop anybody.
 
I would think that Cael, Casey and Jake wrestle the both of them in practice quite a bit, not to mention the wrestle offs. If Sugar Shak gets the call, as all indications point to, I have all the faith in the world they collectively will make the right decision. WE ARE!!
 
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Cassar thrilled is this year delivering the single biggest dual win I can remember - beyond huge! I believe that he will be back, and I also believe he has a national championship in his future. He already has the body, the speed and the talent. With a little more confidence and agression he could be a bonus machine as well. His objective should be a minimum of 3 takedowns in the first period of every match minimum, regardless of who he is up against. One more year of gaining confidence and wrestling with a mission will make him a force to be reckoned with, as if he isn't already. Cael sees it, and iron sharpens iron, wrestling Cael and Shak every day would only make him better and with a few tweaks I think he will deliver. Remember he has only been at this weight and healthy for one year. Shak said you can't be a national championship if you can't beat the guy in your own room. Prophetic, and as crazy at it sounds I could see Shak taking it all this year, and Cassar taking the weight back from him next year and doing the same.
 
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Cael,Varner,DT,Bo,Shak. These might be the very reasons he stays instead of leaving. Where can you find guys to roll around with like these guys everyday? The goal might be World and Olympic medals in which case he might want to stay right where he is for another 5 years and see how far he can push his talent. Cassar has that elite freestyle skill set with the blazing leg attacks and having a couple Olympic Gold medalists training you might be his ticket. Start only 1-2 years, win 1 NCAA title and eventually an Olympic Gold- I would take it in a pinch.
 
It wouldn't surprise me if he came back next year thinking he wins the spot back. He made a lot of progress from the beginning of the season and could continue to make some nice gains between now and November.
 
I didn't read the whole thread ,so this maybe was already mentioned.
The 2 biggest individual matches wrestled this year were both wrestled by Cassar. Obviously the Ohio State match ,but less we not forget the Lehigh match also was up grabs going into 197. I was at the match and said at intermission that 197 was the swing match. I think he wrestled Weiller and the match was close going into 3rd. Anthony scored on 2 blast takedowns to wrap up match.
PSU match win streak is alive because of those big wins.
Well done, Anthony Cassar .
 
I know its not gonna happen but wheres the 220 weight class?... Its just so stupid jumping from 197 to 285.. Unless youre like Snyder, whats a 210-220 lb guy suppose to do, give up 40lbs+ every match?
 
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Weight Class History, starting in 1928, when the NCAA first recognized wrestling and provided for championships;

1928: 115 – 125 – 135 – 145 – 158 – 175 – Unlimited (UNL)
1929: 115 – 125 – 135 – 145 – 155 – 165 – 175 – UNL
1931: 118 – 126 – 135 – 145 – 155 – 165 – 175 – UNL
1932: 123 – 134 –145 – 158 – 174 – 191 – UNL (used Olympic Weight Classes, returned to 8 weight classes in 1933)
1936: Used Olympic Weight Classes, returned to 8 weight classes in 1937
1938: 121 – 128 – 136 – 145 – 155 – 165 – 175 – UNL
1948: 114 – 125 – 136 – 147 – 160 – 174 – 191 – UNL (Olympic Weight Classes)
1949: Returned to collegiate weight classes
1951: 123 – 130 – 137 – 147 – 157 – 167 – 177 – UNL
1952: Added 115 and 191 weight classes for NCAA tournament, optional for dual meets
1966: 123 – 130 – 137 – 145 – 152 – 160 – 167 – 177 – UNL
1970: 118 – 126 – 134 – 142 – 150 – 158 – 167 – 177 – 190 – UNL
1987: Changed UNL to Max 275 Pounds
1999: 125 – 133 – 140 – 149 – 157 – 165 – 177 – 184 – 197 – 285

So you see, there's been that "gap" all the way back to the beginning. It's not an argument for or against, it just is what it is. Add the costs associated with adding a weight class, and the chances of it happening are 0%, by my thinking. This has been talked about often in the 45 years I've been following the sport, sometimes ad nauseam, yet no change...and the sport has survived.
 
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I like it just the way it is for college wrestling. Some time back I remember hearing how boxing should make a super heavyweight division. Heavyweights were just getting bigger, guys like Lewis, Klits, Bowe, etc. So they they thought it was unfair for the smaller type heavyweights. I disagree and think it should stay the same also in boxing. You make another division in either sport and it just waters the competition down. Kyle Snyder is a heavyweight, just a smaller type. In the last three years he has beat every single “big” heavyweight wrestler in college. Now he loses a close match to a monster undefeated senior stud in Coon and now all the sudden we should add a jr. heavy division? Lol.

Hey this thread is about Cassar!!! Love the way this forum, PSU fans, the staff and wrestlers support everyone who puts on a PSU singlet. Everyone already has stated perfectly what Cassar means to this team. To see him and Cutch smiling and cheering on Shak and all their teammates is pretty cool.
 
love cassar, i'll be rooting for him wherever he wrestles.

is there any chance he wrestles in the national collegiate open this coming weekend if he knows he's not wrestling at big tens?
 
I'm of the mindset that a 220 LB weight class is a clear omission from competition based on the physical development of athletes in 2018 versus 1928. Athletes and for that matter human beings in general are simply larger than they were nearly 100 years ago. On average how many 125-133 LB athletes are walking around on a daily basis compared to 200 LB+?

It seems like an entire group of athletes are being left out of competition. Weight management will always be a factor in wrestling, but there are a large number of talented kids that are starving themselves to compete at 197 because 285 is simply unrealistic. You think a kid like Kolin Moore doesn't wish a 220 LB Class existed? JMO but I think in the next 5 years they should give considerable thought to consolidating some of the lower weights and adding a 220 Class. Maybe something as simple as combining 125 & 133 into a 130 LB Class?
 
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Cassar is an awesome wrestler, no matter what his future holds It is obvious to me that Sheed and Cassar are that good because they have been pushing each other. They both could be National Champions. If Cassar leaves, I am sure he knows this season was instrumental in his development into a top notch 197. I would miss him but totally understand the decision, that Moore match was something special.....Man, Really Special!!!
 
I'll make a quick interlude tribute to Cutch. On the thread of who had the best performance of the weekend, someone interjected Macchiavello. I decided to take that pirate post and bring it over here. I was thinking since yesterday about Cutch and Macchiavello. Cutch will never be an AA, but he sure had some great wins. I remember a couple of years ago he lost at the NLO to then back-up Macchiavello (back-up to Renda). Many of us were surprised by that loss. Cutch then came back to beat him at the Scuffle. Fast-forward 2 years and Macchiavello is #7 and moving up after beating Moore. Cutch beat so many good guys over the years--Brooks, Miklus, Dudley, Zavatsky, Mattiace, Studebaker, Courts to name a few. I'll miss Cutch and I know the team will miss a great leader!
 
220 fits with international weights right? Why Snyder isn’t bigger. Makes sense if part of the whole is to field a strong international team, plethora of guys who would fit the bill, etc.
 
220 fits with international weights right? Why Snyder isn’t bigger. Makes sense if part of the whole is to field a strong international team, plethora of guys who would fit the bill, etc.

The NCAA could not care less about international considerations or any of our opinions. Adding an extra weight adds costs for the NCAAs without any increase in revenues which means there is ZERO chance a weight gets added by the NCAA. We can talk about how much makes it sense forever but that won't change the situation.
 
To comment about adding a weight which might not be practical. The easiest solution is to redo the weight classes. See below chart.
Starting. 125
+ 8 lbs for 133,
9lbs for 142 ,
10 lbs. 152
11lbs. 163
12 lbs. 175
13 lbs. 188
14 lbs . 202
15 lbs. 217
10th wt. 285
Still have 10 weight classes and helps both the high school 220 pounder and the international 218 weight.
 
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