Single Digits!!

[RoarLions1]

After reading one of our threads, thought this would be of interest. Ending a Penn State wrestling career with "single digit" losses is rare, yet in the Cael years (due only to strong recruiting, of course ) it has become more commonplace. For those wrestlers with 50 bouts or more, 12 guys are on the list. Five of those have graduated, and their careers complete, three are still wrestling, and four others from years past are on the list. We are truly blessed with the current state of PSU wrestling.

Below is the list, only showing losses;
Ed Ruth - 3
David Taylor - 3
Zain Retherford - 3
Bo Nickal - 3
Jason Nolf - 3
Andy Matter - 2
Mark Hall - 5
Anthony Cassar - 3
Jimmy Martin - 9
Cary Kolat - 6
Vincenzo Joseph - 8
JaMarr Billman - 6

They're out of order, as I took them from the "Career Win %" list, in the order I found them.

This data came from Jairus (Jay) Hammond's efforts, continued after Jay's passing by the wrestling club.

Who will be next to add to the list? A somewhat unfair question, as the newer (freshmen) guys really haven't done much yet, but the potential is there, and the culture's in place to improve and be the best versions of themselves. It's really up to each wrestler how their future unfolds.

 

[SJP80]

This begs the question.... can Cenzo finish his career on this list? Hope so!!

 

[Ian]

Great list... no Kerry McCoy?

 

[TangSoo]

Great list... no Kerry McCoy?

Seem to recall Kerry had several losses his first year (maybe double figures).


Upon further review: McCoy was 19-17 his first year. Only one loss his last 3.

 

[matter7172]

Seem to recall carry to several losses his first year (maybe double figures).


Upon further review: McCoy was 19-17 his first year. Only one loss his last 3.

Yep. The one year of cutting to 190 was not kind to Kerry.

 

[GogglesPaizano]

Aaron Brooks - 0

 

[RoarLions1]

Great list... no Kerry McCoy?

Great wrestler, and good friend. You're making my point for me … data that shows just how blessed we are.

Kerry McCoy, Greg Elinsky, Sanshiro Abe, Nico Megaludis, Jeremy Hunter, Frank Molinaro, Phil Davis, Quentin Wright and others were extraordinary wrestlers, most were 4-time AA's, but did not make the list.

 

[Still in State College]

The one that really hurts is Bo's loss in the finals to Martin. Bo really should have been a four timer.

 

[TangSoo]

Yep. The one year of cutting to 190 was not kind to Kerry.

Funny how history repeats itself. It hadn't occurred to me until your quote that Cassar has had a similar trajectory to Kerry. Obviously Raptor has had a lot of twists and turns, but like Kerry, the added weight was magical.

 

[Grip220]

The one that really hurts is Bo's loss in the finals to Martin. Bo really should have been a four timer.

What about Hall shouldn't he be a 3 timer by now also!

 

[nerfstate]

What about Hall shouldn't he be a 3 timer by now also!

Difference is, to me, Bo is the better wrestler to Martin. Not sure I’m as confident in saying that about Mark over Z. Doesn’t matter of course, what’s done is done, and Bo learned quite a lot from that loss. Doesn’t mean it doesn’t sting though.

 

[Grip220]

Difference is, to me, Bo is the better wrestler to Martin. Not sure I’m as confident in saying that about Mark over Z. Doesn’t matter of course, what’s done is done, and Bo learned quite a lot from that loss. Doesn’t mean it doesn’t sting though.

I would be very happy that he is in fact a multiple time champion.
That said if you had to pick one guy that would be that 4 timer which guy would it be? Anyone from PSU I know who I would say without hesitation.

 

[bigs22]

Another interesting thing is how many of the other teams single digit guys have losses to Penn State wrestlers. Off the top of my head - Imar, Zahid, Dean, Stieber, Dieringer, Cox, Snyder all have losses to PSU wrestlers - Steveson looks like a possibility if he comes back.

On the other side, Dake, McDonough, Oliver, and probably a few like Metcalf with early years overlap and probably upcoming Yianni and Spencer will be in single digits unscathed by Penn State.

I’m sure I’m missing some (probably mostly in the non-PSU loss column, because they’re not quite so memorable), but it’s still pretty impressive in my book.

 

[nerfstate]

I would be very happy that he is in fact a multiple time champion.
That said if you had to pick one guy that would be that 4 timer which guy would it be? Anyone from PSU I know who I would say without hesitation.

I’m happy that Bo came to PSU and did what he do (with development from our coaches). You’d say Nolf right? I’d be fine with that, but I’m gonna keep looking forward and say Aaron Brooks.

 

[dunkej01]

I know I'm not smart and memory is fading.....but seeing raptor on the list jumped out at me. I should have known this but damn, what career.

Book and inspirational speaking circuit worthy.

 

[GogglesPaizano]

Difference is, to me, Bo is the better wrestler to Martin. Not sure I’m as confident in saying that about Mark over Z. Doesn’t matter of course, what’s done is done, and Bo learned quite a lot from that loss. Doesn’t mean it doesn’t sting though.

Are you kidding me, I agree, but Bo is the better wrestler by a wide margin. He lost that match to Martin by a combination of reckless youthful enthusiasm and a fortuitous roll through as Bo threw him to his back. Aside from that 6 point sequence Bo dominated that match. Martin had a great career and was arguably the higher ranked recruit but Bo proved to be much more clutch in big matches, head to head, titles, total wins vs loses, bonus, and every other measure. If not for that move Martin lacks a NC, and no way he takes on Gabe Dean the destroyer of worlds at his peak and wins.

As much as Nolf remains my all time favorite, it is unfortunate Bo missed out on being a 4x'er, he was that good and all things considered probably the best PSU wrestler of all time. I am bummed he is going MMA, as I think in time he would have become a world champ - maybe he still will.

 

[tomsc]

Yep. The one year of cutting to 190 was not kind to Kerry.

I remember watching McCoy wrestle at 197 vs Cornell his FR year, and he didn't look very strong. He looked slick, but not strong. It was a tremendous metamorphosis to his SO year as a very strong Hwt! An amazing turnaround and his results speak for themself!

 

[Ja1339]

After reading one of our threads, thought this would be of interest. Ending a Penn State wrestling career with "single digit" losses is rare, yet in the Cael years (due only to strong recruiting, of course ) it has become more commonplace. For those wrestlers with 50 bouts or more, 12 guys are on the list. Five of those have graduated, and their careers complete, three are still wrestling, and four others from years past are on the list. We are truly blessed with the current state of PSU wrestling.

Below is the list, only showing losses;
Ed Ruth - 3
David Taylor - 3
Zain Retherford - 3
Bo Nickal - 3
Jason Nolf - 3
Andy Matter - 2
Mark Hall - 5
Anthony Cassar - 3
Jimmy Martin - 9
Cary Kolat - 6
Vincenzo Joseph - 8
JaMarr Billman - 6

They're out of order, as I took them from the "Career Win %" list, in the order I found them.

This data came from Jairus (Jay) Hammond's efforts, continued after Jay's passing by the wrestling club.

Who will be next to add to the list? A somewhat unfair question, as the newer (freshmen) guys really haven't done much yet, but the potential is there, and the culture's in place to improve and be the best versions of themselves. It's really up to each wrestler how their future unfolds.

Really cool list!!

This makes the 159-0 record look all the more amazing!

In the last decade, three of the most highly celebrated high school wrestlers arguable, had to be Snyder, Lee, and Steveson. None of them made it out of their Freshman years without a loss. And only Lee has a chance to be a four-timer.

 

[RoarLions1]

A wrestler's losses (and wins) make them who they are, and those that accept both, are the guys I want on my team. All the guys have dealt with the disappointment (of the losses), and came out the other side a better wrestler and a better person.

Not being afraid to lose is a huge part of the culture Cael has created. One can actually see it in the wrestling. Not everyone latches on to the philosophy, in fact some never do … still, it's part of "the process".

 

[nerfstate]

Are you kidding me, I agree, but Bo is the better wrestler by a wide margin. He lost that match to Martin by a combination of reckless youthful enthusiasm and a fortuitous roll through as Bo threw him to his back. Aside from that 6 point sequence Bo dominated that match. Martin had a great career and was arguably the higher ranked recruit but Bo proved to be much more clutch in big matches, head to head, titles, total wins vs loses, bonus, and every other measure. If not for that move Martin lacks a NC, and no way he takes on Gabe Dean the destroyer of worlds at his peak and wins.

As much as Nolf remains my all time favorite, it is unfortunate Bo missed out on being a 4x'er, he was that good and all things considered probably the best PSU wrestler of all time. I am bummed he is going MMA, as I think in time he would have become a world champ - maybe he still will.

Agree—I said Bo was the better wrestler.

 

[Dogwelder]

... but like Kerry, the added weight was magical [for Cassar].

But Cassar beat Moore at 197. I think health, and Cassar, were magical for Cassar.

 

[jrd23psu]

The one that really hurts is Bo's loss in the finals to Martin. Bo really should have been a four timer.

Why do you say that? Martin beat him. The results are the results.

 

[Grip220]

I’m happy that Bo came to PSU and did what he do (with development from our coaches). You’d say Nolf right? I’d be fine with that, but I’m gonna keep looking forward and say Aaron Brooks.

I would pump the brakes on Brooks but I admit you have another great one there. To answer your question no it would not be nolf he would be #3 on that list Kolat, Zain,Nolf,Taylor,Wright,McCoy in this order not that any of you cares what I think.

 

[horraybeer]

Really cool list!!

This makes the 159-0 record look all the more amazing!

In the last decade, three of the most highly celebrated high school wrestlers arguable, had to be Snyder, Lee, and Steveson. None of them made it out of their Freshman years without a loss. And only Lee has a chance to be a four-timer.

Snyder, Lee, and Steveson all wrestled as True Freshman.

 

[District four]

I would be very happy that he is in fact a multiple time champion.
That said if you had to pick one guy that would be that 4 timer which guy would it be? Anyone from PSU I know who I would say without hesitation.

Taylor

 

[District four]

I would pump the brakes on Brooks but I admit you have another great one there. To answer your question no it would not be nolf he would be #3 on that list Kolat, Zain,Nolf,Taylor,Wright,McCoy in this order not that any of you cares what I think.

I care what you think some sound opinions I think.

 

[District four]

I would pump the brakes on Brooks but I admit you have another great one there. To answer your question no it would not be nolf he would be #3 on that list Kolat, Zain,Nolf,Taylor,Wright,McCoy in this order not that any of you cares what I think.

I would not have picked zain as tour number one. Pretty impressive. I think the difference with zain when compared to the rest he never really made a run to the finals his freshman year. I would have to say of all the wrestlers I have ever seen wrestle nobody jumped levels like zain did from his red shirt year. It was really noticable that he was so much better.

 

[NoVa Lion]

I would not have picked zain as tour number one. Pretty impressive. I think the difference with zain when compared to the rest he never really made a run to the finals his freshman year. I would have to say of all the wrestlers I have ever seen wrestle nobody jumped levels like zain did from his red shirt year. It was really noticable that he was so much better.

Other than Hall and Nico who did?

 

[El-Jefe]

I would not have picked zain as tour number one. Pretty impressive. I think the difference with zain when compared to the rest he never really made a run to the finals his freshman year. I would have to say of all the wrestlers I have ever seen wrestle nobody jumped levels like zain did from his red shirt year. It was really noticable that he was so much better.

While that's true, Zain is the only wrestler in program history to beat a 4x champ, and did it as a true freshman.

 

[eddy line]

..it is unfortunate Bo missed out on being a 4x'er, he was that good and all things considered probably the best PSU wrestler of all time.

I could be guilty of confirmation bias, but I'll take Nolf.

I put together the following a couple of weeks ago but thought it might be worth a re-print. (Apologies in advance to those who have already seen it.)

I calculated the team points scored per match by a select group of past and current PSU wrestlers. For example, David Taylor had 53 pins (53 x 6), 42 TFs (42 x 5), 30 MDs (30 x 4), and 9 Ds (9 x 3). I then subtracted 6 points for his two losses by decision to Dake and 6 for his loss to Jenkins. That’s 663 total points, which I then divided by Taylor’s 137 career bouts. That comes to 4.84 points per match. For purposes of this exercise, I treated tournament wins and losses the same as dual wins and losses. That may be the wrong way to do it, but here’s the list:

Nolf 4.91 (60 pins, 27 TFs, 16 MDs, 14 Ds, 3 Ls)
Taylor 4.84 (53 pins, 42 TFs, 30 MDs, 9 Ds, 3 Ls)
Nickal 4.67 (59 pins, 12 TFs, 23 MDs, 26 Ds, 3 Ls)
Retherford 4.57 (53 pins, 22 TFs, 20 MDs, 31 Ds, 3 Ls)
Ruth 4.44 (46 pins, 25 TFs, 33 MDs, 32 Ds, 3 Ls)
Hall 4.11 (34 pins, 13 TFs, 15 MDs, 35 Ds, 5 Ls)
Joseph 3.60 (21 pins, 11 TFs, 16 MDs, 27 Ds, 8 Ls)
Cassar 3.48 (6 pins, 2 TFs, 20 MDs, 19 Ds, 3 Ls)
Lee 3.28 (14 pins, 14 TFs, 25 MDs, 16 Ds, 11 Ls)
Rasheed 3.27 (28 pins, 6 TFs, 16 MDs, 16 Ds, 15 Ls)

For the current wrestlers, data are through the Army tournament. Also, it’s entirely possible, in fact probable, that a few of my calculations are slightly off. With those caveats and by this (admittedly incomplete) measure, Nolf is the GOAT at PSU! He camethisclose to averaging a TF over his 120 matches. (And that’s with a deduction of 6 points for his “loss” to Van Brill.)

 

[M-I-Z]

No love for Ruth here...which is too bad, just think back to when he was wrestling at his peak, dominating NCAA champs.

 

[STAND with PRIDE]

Why do you say that? Martin beat him. The results are the results.

Bo’s loss to Mymar at MSG was more shocking to me than Nolfs last second loss to Imar, even considering Nolf had beat him previously. I had Bo as an easy favorite.

 

[mn78psu83]

Yep. The one year of cutting to 190 was not kind to Kerry.

He was emaciated.

 

[McScoreley]

One of the biggest what ifs for me ... could Zain have had a Cael career if he redshirted in 2014 instead of 2015? He was great as a true freshman but following his redshirt, the rest is history, one of the most dominating runs ever.

He was literally a different animal out of his redshirt, adding strength to his insane natural top game. He also wouldn't have wrestled Junior Logan Stieber as a true freshman.

That said, we would have lost in 2014 without his points, really took one for the team.

 

[STAND with PRIDE]

One of the biggest what ifs for me ... could Zain have had a Cael career if he redshirted in 2014 instead of 2015? He was great as a true freshman but following his redshirt, the rest is history, one of the most dominating runs ever.

He was literally a different animal out of his redshirt, adding strength to his insane natural top game. He also wouldn't have wrestled Junior Logan Stieber as a true freshman.

That said, we would have lost in 2014 without his points, really took one for the team.

Who was the back-up in 2014? Would he have qualified? Got us points? Enough points?

Then look at 2015... after shirting in 14, would Zain have still been 141? Assuming yes, would he have won a Steiberless and Portless 141? Would it have been enough to take us from 5th to first?

So many ifs...

 

[RoarLions1]

It's a rabbit hole, picking a GOAT from the list I provided. Not the direction I wanted the conversation to go, but here we are.

They're all great, and became the best versions of themselves wrestling-wise. Love 'em all.

 

[District four]

While that's true, Zain is the only wrestler in program history to beat a 4x champ, and did it as a true freshman.

I lost my voice over that match. Will never be forgotten.

 

[District four]

Hard not to like zain. All around great person great wrestler great teammate. Great to be a PSU fan we really have been spoiled the last ten years with all the talent we had. I remember thinking what will happen when Taylor and Ruth left. But the stars kept coming. Can't wait to see how these kids grow the next four years and years beyond.

 

[District four]

Great wrestler, and good friend. You're making my point for me … data that shows just how blessed we are.

Kerry McCoy, Greg Elinsky, Sanshiro Abe, Nico Megaludis, Jeremy Hunter, Frank Molinaro, Phil Davis, Quentin Wright and others were extraordinary wrestlers, most were 4-time AA's, but did not make the list.

How many losses did Quentin have. ...and dont day ask Google jefe they don't have conversations on there

 

[RoarLions1]

How many losses did Quentin have. ...and dont day ask Google jefe they don't have conversations on there

23