PSU guys in the Portal

[Folkstylefan]

Ryder leaving doesnt move the scale and is why most are throwing shit out. PSU under Cael will be on top of the mountain for the foreseeable future, (barring unforeseen multiple injuries). Other than the DT lovers here, most see him as having a huge ego and wont set the same culture as Cael.
Only hope iowa and Oklahoma st have to keep it close is poaching as many as they can can, but like people are condemning PSU for getting a kid that contacts them, they go after any and all portal or not.

 

[McScoreley]

To be honest, I 100% believe it is unfair to speculate anything about Zack's mindset and feelings when he made this decision. It's life changing if you think about it. The kid absolutely seemed all in and he wasn't as loved (especially by Carter Starocci) as he was by coincidence. I'll miss him dearly and wish it had a different ending. He's a tremendous wrestler and no, him leaving does not mean he is afraid of competing.

That being said, Rocco Welsh came here because he felt it was the best place to win it all and he was okay with possibly riding the bench because it's all or nothing for him. Similar to Max Dean, another finals appearance doesn't interest him. That's a fact, that's undisputable. He's our guy now and I'm very excited.

 

[Kale_yeah]

I'm getting everything now!

 

[TiredOldLion]

Well, after three and a half hours reading the last thirteen pages of the transfer saga I have to ask if the sun will come up tomorrow for everyone.
From what I understand a recruit, from NY, that’s never wrestled varsity for PSU took off for an easier perceived gig and got a wallet full of money to do it.
But PSU probably won’t lose out because a PA kid, who just missed a NC, is coming home to try out for a spot.
Sounds like a decent outcome for both of them.
Glad it was a rainy day and I’m all caught up on this drama. Definitely more interesting than finishing my taxes or figuring out how tariffs will affect my stocks next week.

 

[Pitchfork Rebel]

Well, after three and a half hours reading the last thirteen pages of the transfer saga I have to ask if the sun will come up tomorrow for everyone.
From what I understand a recruit, from NY, that’s never wrestled varsity for PSU took off for an easier perceived gig and got a wallet full of money to do it.
But PSU probably won’t lose out because a PA kid, who just missed a NC, is coming home to try out for a spot.
Sounds like a decent outcome for both of them.
Glad it was a rainy day and I’m all caught up on this drama. Definitely more interesting than finishing my taxes or figuring out how tariffs will affect my stocks next week.

About taxes: Try being a CPA who hates taxes. I'm like the Charlie in the Box, the train with square wheels or the squirt gun that shoots jelly.

 

[Pitchfork Rebel]

He needs a line MCS (Mr, Cheerleader Split".

 

[Delcolion915]

It's been two days: Has Thompson made his announcement for the portal yet? No? Apparently he thinks he can beat Ryder...That's what you do when you think you will win in the room, isn't it?

 

[Conewago]

Thats because you already have a bias and a narrative for this.

34 national championships gives you the right to sanctimoniously badger others into giving you a sense of self-satisfaction over what you perceive as winning a wrestler Penn State used to want.

It is pretty funny, though, that this thread very largely just consists of Penn State fans collectively talking about their feelings and occasionally interacting with people cursed to not be born in Pennsylvania or adopted into the Penn State family.

Anyway, the idea that Penn State forced out Ryder, in any way, is obviously ridiculous. The idea, which I see on Twitter from anyone who wants to grind an ax, that he - a guy who, while good, has yet to contribute a single-season team point anywhere (as compared to a guy who was a runner-up) - was so entitled to a starting role that we can't even accept other applicants, is ridiculous. Most ridiculous, by the way, is really, truly the claim on Twitter etc: that that ruthless Sanderson entreated Welsh to come here to replace Ryder. That, plus the still ridiculous claim, that Cael had no right to bring in Welsh to COMPETE, man, I have even less respect for our rivals after this experience. They seem to get excited over the smallest, pettiest things - anything to feel good, I guess.

The only one I really liked was that one Minnesota fan earlier in this thread. He made me laugh.

As for, was Ryder afraid to compete? Who cares? The only thing that matters to us is that he didn't want to. Now I just have the highest doubts that anything was ever guaranteed to him. We have multiple national championships by dudes - Matt Brown, Anthony Cassar, et al - who had to win the start after waiting around. Regardless, welcome aboard, Rocco Welsh.

 

[KCLion]

I always tell my family when I'm at the Creamery or any icecream place. I always want a big girl to be scooping for my cone, they take care of you!

Same when you ask for cream cheese on your bagel at Einsteins.

 

[District four]

Because for some reason, there's an expectation that having been recruited for a college wrestling program is analogous to being in the military (I know Wyatt blurred the distinction, but) and that "ours is not to reason why but to do and die". He matriculated at Penn State, he wasn't inducted into the Nittany Army.

When people say he should just win a wrestle-off, they should remember this. He's a kid with demonstrated ability and lofty expectations trying to find a place to compete, not a military officer or even a conscript. Nor is wrestling like other sports, where you might not be the starter, but you wow the staff when on the field or court. Even wrestling unattached in tournaments is something of a consolation prize.

I had a friend who I've lost touch with over the years-now a retired State Trooper. He was recruited to F&M in the 80's and left. We met when we both realized we probably should learn something about those PC things. When I asked him why he left, he said I wrestled for fun, but in college everybody wants to "rip your head off" and it wasn't fun any more. So he left, took some college classes and worked in a lumber yard while he figured things out. I don't think he was a coward or traitor because in his youth, he decided F&M and college wrestling weren't for him-and didn't really get it figured out until he met the girl that put things in focus for him.

I have no problem with a kid who suddenly sees another obstacle to being the starter and moves on. Nor do I see it as cowardice. He's already used his red shirt, the clock is ticking and he's got four years and that's it.

There's a bigger opening at Okie State for him-not a guy that took Carter to SV in the NCAA finals. Wish him well until he wrestles Welsh or whoever takes over 184 next March. Welsh is certainly a guy that looks to elevate the room-but he wasn't elevating Ryder's chances of starting. This isn't that hard folks.

Begging to question is not turning on somebody. I wanted Ryder more than any recruit we had in the last few years and was excited to see him wrestle. I question why he didn't stay to win the spot that isn't turning on him. I think most people on here feel the same why didn't he fight for the spot. Turning on someone is a strong word most have wished him well unless he wrestles us. But I also get your point expectations are a mother ****er

 

[1AA]

About taxes: Try being a CPA who hates taxes. I'm like the Charlie in the Box, the train with square wheels or the squirt gun that shoots jelly.

That's funny and reminds me of my mom always saying she's married to a logger and always runs out of firewood 2/3 of way through winter.😃

 

[Pennstate1985]

What do u get a guy that's just a wrestling fan in general? My first thought was a Hawkeye hoodie but that'd be dumb. Probably end up at Goodwill....

Goodwill has standards.

 

[District four]

As an outsider, that is not what comes across when reading this forum.

Well you are an okie fan so there's that

 

[Pennstate1985]

That's funny and reminds me of my mom always saying she's married to a logger and always runs out of firewood 2/3 of way through winter.😃

I hate to break this to you son, but your mom was using metaphors here.

Kidding of course. Sorta. 🤣

 

[Pennstate1985]

Begging to question is not turning on somebody. I wanted Ryder more than any recruit we had in the last few years and was excited to see him wrestle. I question why he didn't stay to win the spot that isn't turning on him. I think most people on here feel the same why didn't he fight for the spot. Turning on someone is a strong word most have wished him well unless he wrestles us. But I also get your point expectations are a mother ****er

This is exactly the camp I'm in.

 

[donboy6499]

As an outsider, that is not what comes across when reading this forum.

You can wish him the best and also call it what it is.

 

[SJP80]

All the conversations are around betrayal, loyalty, and running from competition. Is it possible that the NIL was $400, $500k more and that means something as well. Not sure how well off the Ryders are, but money could certainly be a factor.

 

[palmettolion]

What do u get a guy that's just a wrestling fan in general? My first thought was a Hawkeye hoodie but that'd be dumb. Probably end up at Goodwill....

After reading his posts on this thread, probably a box of tampons, a heating pad and some cranberry juice.

 

[Sportfan2017]

We are now approaching 750 posts concerning the Portal. The first 110 were about Facundo and Steen. All were complementary. Then the Ryder talk began. 600+ posts. Not all complementary. I know about as much about the journey to his decision as most of you......NOTHING. Yet posts explaining/criticizing his decision are rampant. This MUST STOP! If it doesn't stop.....I may eventually begin to start giving serious consideration to possibly not reading them. You are hereby warned..........I'm serious........Don't test me.........................

 

[PASLP2]

We are also approaching 750 points at NCAA.

 

[johnstownsteel]

Goodwill has standards.

A 3rd world country it is!!

 

[PAgeologist]

Well, after three and a half hours reading the last thirteen pages of the transfer saga I have to ask if the sun will come up tomorrow for everyone.
From what I understand a recruit, from NY, that’s never wrestled varsity for PSU took off for an easier perceived gig and got a wallet full of money to do it.
But PSU probably won’t lose out because a PA kid, who just missed a NC, is coming home to try out for a spot.
Sounds like a decent outcome for both of them.
Glad it was a rainy day and I’m all caught up on this drama. Definitely more interesting than finishing my taxes or figuring out how tariffs will affect my stocks next week.

Well the sun won't be up here. More bullshit rain. Then snow.

 

[Hotshoe]

What about the guy that asks his wrestler to throw him?

Okay, so he's doing the same thing to someone that happened to him? Not sure your point is what you think it is. PSU fans wanted him to fight for the job and try to stay.

He doesn't have a point. The same thing is happening at Ok State to an existing wrestler.

 

[Pitchfork Rebel]

We are now approaching 750 posts concerning the Portal. The first 110 were about Facundo and Steen. All were complementary. Then the Ryder talk began. 600+ posts. Not all complementary. I know about as much about the journey to his decision as most of you......NOTHING. Yet posts explaining/criticizing his decision are rampant. This MUST STOP! If it doesn't stop.....I may eventually begin to start giving serious consideration to possibly not reading them. You are hereby warned........................................

I

Well the sun won't be up here. More bullshit rain. Then snow.

For crying out loud, whoever's doing the rain dance STOP.

 

[AgSurfer]

I hate to break this to you son, but your mom was using metaphors here.

Kidding of course. Sorta. 🤣

Well maybe it was just a much colder winter than anyone had expected. 🤔

 

[raslen007]

"Sometimes we read what we want to read" cuts both ways

Lol

 

[PSU Mike]

Same when you ask for cream cheese on your bagel at Einsteins.

Sh!t, I got the skinny rock musician today and it showed.

 

[Chickenman Testa]

He gave up his senior of HS to get be prepared for ncaa wrestling, not for Penn State. Nothing wrong with what he did, but it was for him, not Penn State. I wish him well in life and in wrestling.

This nails it for me. ZR didn’t come here out of the goodness of his heart. He came here to be a better wrestler - to be made better by the coaches, AB, CS, Dake, etc etc. Nothing wrong with that, but both parties were benefitting.

 

[Chasingthirty-five]

Is it possible that the NIL was $400, $500k more and that means something as well

It’s possible of course, but from the numbers I’ve been told for last years guys, highly unlikely to be anywhere near that.

However, I imagine every NIL discussion to start like this:

 

[Chickenman Testa]

It’s possible of course, but from the numbers I’ve been told for last years guys, highly unlikely to be anywhere near that.

However, I imagine every NIL discussion to start like this:

I think people automatically think bags of cash instead of total compensation (e.g. imputed value of scholarship x # of years, imputed value of car leases, etc, etc).

It’s still money you don’t have to spend, but still

 

[backdrft76]

We are now approaching 750 posts concerning the Portal. The first 110 were about Facundo and Steen. All were complementary. Then the Ryder talk began. 600+ posts. Not all complementary.

I find it interesting that the 2 kids who started for PSU got 110 posts between the 2 of them, while the 1 kid that never started got 600+. Wild...

 

[Pennstate1985]

I find it interesting that the 2 kids who started for PSU got 110 posts between the 2 of them, while the 1 kid that never started got 600+. Wild...

 

[jack66]

Question 1: How do we know Rider got recruited over? He might have won the spot.

Question 2: Why should the feelings of a top 10 recruit get more sympathy than other kids?

Caleb Rathjen comes to mind. He's a two-time Iowa state champ who earned the 149 spot for his dream team two years ago. I don't recall a lot of handwringing over his feelings when a transfer replaced him.

PSU is in a unique place; competition is such that top-10 kids are not guaranteed a spot in the lineup. That's part of the reason they want to come, but as much as it sucks for Rider, committing to PSU also comes with inhearant risk even for Top-10 P4P recruits.

 

[Chickenman Testa]

Question 1: How do we know Rider got recruited over? He might have won the spot.

Question 2: Why should the feelings of a top 10 recruit get more sympathy than other kids?

Caleb Rathjen comes to mind. He's a two-time Iowa state champ who earned the 149 spot for his dream team two years ago. I don't recall a lot of handwringing over his feelings when a transfer replaced him.

PSU is in a unique place; competition is such that top-10 kids are not guaranteed a spot in the lineup. That's part of the reason they want to come, but as much as it sucks for Rider, committing to PSU also comes with inhearant risk even for Top-10 P4P recruits.

As a Cowboy fan on Intermat astutely (and objectively) said, not much handwringing for Jack Kelly when Ryder got recruited at his weight. It’s all about whose ox is being gored.

That’s exaggeration for effect, of course, but Cael’s job is to make his team better. Whether Rocco was enough value added to counteract the negative impacts is another thing.

Here was the post (discussing programs having “loyalty” to athletes):

“I'd define it by the meaning of the word. I don't get to choose a new definition then what it actually means. So in other words, the way you're defining it.

The idea that Hahn was loyal to those wrestlers is dumb. He was loyal to the team. That's why he asked the team. All of these coaches are loyal to the team and what's best for the team (in part because of how what's best for the team mostly lines up with what's best for them). The idea that a coach should be loyal to an individual wrestler over other individual wrestlers or to the team as a whole is dumb. Cael Sanderson owes loyalty to the PSU wrestling team. Not to every individual PSU wrestler in all situations. If he owed loyalty to every individual wrestler regardless of context, then he'd make it about 15 minutes before those individual loyalties would conflict. For example, he recruited Ryder with Jack Kelly on the roster. Nobody cared that he recruited a better wrestler over a worse wrestler. But now that's a big deal and it's disloyal because he owes the job to the guy who was brought in over someone else initially.

This sport is built on the best guy winning the spot. The idea that a coach is supposed to counteract that and keep better wrestlers off the team is dumb. It's hand wringing from fans who want to find ways to make big teams that they don't root for into bad guys.”

This would be a much bigger issue pre NIL and Transfer anarchy, but athletes have a ton of agency now. Zack was able to quickly solve his “problem”.

 

[tullfan68]

Question 1: How do we know Rider got recruited over? He might have won the spot.

Question 2: Why should the feelings of a top 10 recruit get more sympathy than other kids?

Caleb Rathjen comes to mind. He's a two-time Iowa state champ who earned the 149 spot for his dream team two years ago. I don't recall a lot of handwringing over his feelings when a transfer replaced him.

PSU is in a unique place; competition is such that top-10 kids are not guaranteed a spot in the lineup. That's part of the reason they want to come, but as much as it sucks for Rider, committing to PSU also comes with inhearant risk even for Top-10 P4P recruits.

sounds like Welsh came to PSU they didn't try to get him!

 

[District four]

So when does next year's schedule come out?

 

[tullfan68]

I'll say that. Rocco is better than that dude that wrestles for ok state. What's his name? Zack something....

Rocco Welsh all day!

I hope your right,we wll see!

 

[STAND with PRIDE]

So when does next year's schedule come out?

That wont work,I already tried.

 

[Pale ryder]

How stupid do you look now that your boy Dean Peterson coming out saying that you talk out your ass and everything you have said about his transfer to Iowa is bs?

That's not the question you should be asking. The question you should be asking him is: "did Dean's mother thank you"??

 

[Foreverinbluejeans57]

To be honest, I 100% believe it is unfair to speculate anything about Zack's mindset and feelings when he made this decision. It's life changing if you think about it. The kid absolutely seemed all in and he wasn't as loved (especially by Carter Starocci) as he was by coincidence. I'll miss him dearly and wish it had a different ending. He's a tremendous wrestler and no, him leaving does not mean he is afraid of competing.

That being said, Rocco Welsh came here because he felt it was the best place to win it all and he was okay with possibly riding the bench because it's all or nothing for him. Similar to Max Dean, another finals appearance doesn't interest him. That's a fact, that's undisputable. He's our guy now and I'm very excited.

How did one poster put it? He’s OUR back ally-street brawler now lol