With the (possible) re-emergence of Spyker and 21Guns, it is safe to say the wrestling season is just around the corner. I have not posted anything in the last seven months, but I have read almost every post during that time (except the last Suriano posts – I’m no longer interested in what he does). Still, there are a few items I want to note.
First: Today is the first day you can order Southern Scuffle tickets. Even though the field is weaker than in the past, this is still a great tournament. The tickets are cheap, you can get great seats, you will see most of our starters and red shirts against good competition and the people are wonderful. Moreover, the hotel rooms are inexpensive. We travel from Indiana and the two day tournament is worth every penny. I ordered our tickets today – we are in section 102, row G. Come and introduce yourselves. We seldom get a chance to see the Lions at home since I can’t get tix for Rec Hall and I’d like to match a face with your tags.
Second: From what I understand of Nick Lee, he wants to wrestle as a true Freshman. He moved to State College as a HS Senior and finished his HS degree via internet, so he could work out with the NLWC. This was in effect, his “redshirt” year – although it cannot be considered an official redshirt, since he was not enrolled at Penn State. He can still take an official redshirt, but he’s chomping at the bit to wrestle. If he wins the spot at 141, I think he’s a go – especially since it appears we will need quality points at that position.
Third: I am happy to see Cassar back in action. Even though he was a NJ state champion, he was not a highly ranked recruit. In the PSU room, he developed quickly – indicating that he has a high ceiling. This was interrupted by two significant injuries requiring surgery – setting him back for two full years. I am torn between the two that we have at 197. Cutch is the epitome of what PSU wrestling is all about. But, I’d also like to see two years of the Raptor to see what he can do. If he is already at Cutch’s level, how much further can he grow between now and March? We also saw this with Nick Nevills. Following a significant layoff after an injury it takes a while to get your MoJo going again.
Fourth: If Keener can certify at 125 and Cortez can certify at 133 we’ll be okay in March. That may be a pipe dream, but we’ll see how it plays out.
First: Today is the first day you can order Southern Scuffle tickets. Even though the field is weaker than in the past, this is still a great tournament. The tickets are cheap, you can get great seats, you will see most of our starters and red shirts against good competition and the people are wonderful. Moreover, the hotel rooms are inexpensive. We travel from Indiana and the two day tournament is worth every penny. I ordered our tickets today – we are in section 102, row G. Come and introduce yourselves. We seldom get a chance to see the Lions at home since I can’t get tix for Rec Hall and I’d like to match a face with your tags.
Second: From what I understand of Nick Lee, he wants to wrestle as a true Freshman. He moved to State College as a HS Senior and finished his HS degree via internet, so he could work out with the NLWC. This was in effect, his “redshirt” year – although it cannot be considered an official redshirt, since he was not enrolled at Penn State. He can still take an official redshirt, but he’s chomping at the bit to wrestle. If he wins the spot at 141, I think he’s a go – especially since it appears we will need quality points at that position.
Third: I am happy to see Cassar back in action. Even though he was a NJ state champion, he was not a highly ranked recruit. In the PSU room, he developed quickly – indicating that he has a high ceiling. This was interrupted by two significant injuries requiring surgery – setting him back for two full years. I am torn between the two that we have at 197. Cutch is the epitome of what PSU wrestling is all about. But, I’d also like to see two years of the Raptor to see what he can do. If he is already at Cutch’s level, how much further can he grow between now and March? We also saw this with Nick Nevills. Following a significant layoff after an injury it takes a while to get your MoJo going again.
Fourth: If Keener can certify at 125 and Cortez can certify at 133 we’ll be okay in March. That may be a pipe dream, but we’ll see how it plays out.
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