Every year it's pretty much the same discussion with seedings at NCAA's. And every year, the National Tournament is an incredible event. The talent is so good at every weight class, that once a seeded wrestler gets past, say the first round (and many don't even do that!), there's a worthy opponent standing across from you. So here's a few comments;
-- Injuries stink. The committee takes into consideration body-of-work, but what do you do with a wrestler that MFF'd late in the season and didn't even finish their conference tournament. Those are tough calls, that have as many sides to it as there are members on this forum, or members of the seeding committee. For example, they all (and we all) know Jason is the best guy at 157 when healthy, hands down. But that's not what they're dealing with. Tough calls.
-- Tom Ryan, and the other coaches on the NCAA Wrestling Committee (all who have responsibility for seeding), should recuse themselves from the seeding portion of their responsibilities. Even if they are trustworthy, high-character folks, being in a position where you could, even remotely, be perceived as playing favorites, is irresponsible in my book.
-- Anyone that believes our coaching staff doesn't care about seeding is misinformed. Of course they do, and all they want is that the system be fair. For example, returning champ Cruz getting a #1 seed after an ASC loss, while Hall getting #2, doesn't pass the sniff test for fair and consistent treatment.
-- Looking at the championship bracket, and the match-ups, is where all fans look first. Astute fans also look at wrestle-backs, and the match-ups that may happen. About 40% of all points earned at the Championships happen in that "other" bracket.
