My wife came into the living room during kerks match last night and said is this shit on all day? Lmfao.
The Morning After
- Thread starter mcpat
- Start date
The CoY selection committee members were the ones who cheered when Kasak lost his first match. So they definitely CHEATED on this vote! 🤣🤪
After Nationals last night I was texting with my oldest son who doesn't follow wrestling to share Penn State's mindboggling accomplishments. He asked, "do you think they've peaked?" I responded, "is that you, Tom Brands?"
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People complain about the portal, but Nagao is the only one of our transfers anyone possibly has a legit complaint about. Mitchell committed to Cal Baptist before he jumped levels. He honored his commitment, found he wasn't happy there and only wrestled 2 bouts before deciding to transfer. Penn State was his dream school and offered. Bernie was a grad transfer, so was not going to be back at Cal Poly. Why wouldn't he want to go to PSU? I'm not sure about Nagao and how he ended up here. He lost to RBY last year when he finished 5th. When a guy with remaining undergraduate eligibility places then transfers I can see the complaint.
Kerk committed to Okie State in high school. Went to Ohio State for a semester and left when Snyder came to the NLWC. He went to Ohio State to train with Snyder.
If people want to complain about transfers, they need to look at Michigan.
Reality is, as a coach, your job is to build the best lineup you can. That is done by recruiting high school kids and bringing in transfers if they make your team better. If you are doing your job as the coach, you cannot ignore transfers.
Granted, guys like Gomez and Teske competing at 3 different schools is getting ridiculous.
They are foreseeing inevitable progress with their guys but not ours - even though development of elite guys is heavily in our favor. The old Myles Martin always improving fallacy writ large.
Just taking the top guys - Mendez, Feldman and welsh - studs, but Welsh needs to diversify or he’ll turn into Marinelli with tattoos. He will never get a cakewalk like that again. They went 1,2, and 5. Match that up with Kasak (3), MM (2) and Haines (1). I’ll take our 3 any day, all day.
They keep leaning on getting a healthy Sasso and Kharchla back - good luck with that.
Don’t have time for a full breakdown, but I “like our guys”
Kerk and Mesenbrink are technically portal transfers, but those guys who come before their freshman year to wrestle their entire eligibility are way different than a grad transfer coming for a single year. Kerk never was a tOSU wrestler.
Unfortunately the only Penn State dual I have seen in person was when ASU beat them!
Buckeye fans getting their dander up. They have some good young guys and recruits - we’re clearly doomed
Will Ohio State Be Too Dog Next Year?
Seems like they have a shot at knocking off PSU. Particularly if Kerk and Starroci move on. Buckeyes could have 3 or 4 champs next year! of course the portal can change the equation but seems like this is the battle next yearintermatwrestle.com
Our 3 freshmen outscored O$U's 6 freshmen 40.5 to 35.
Support on the Idaho side of the Tetons.
Exactly. Rogotzke went 1-2 - exciting guy but he’ll get scouted and have to improve a lot more; Geog went 0-2. The other is, who, Mccrone?
We have layered recruiting really well - buttressed by a few, young transfers. And now our really ridiculous classes will be hitting. We will have world teamers up and down our lineup
Heard she left early and got on a plane with DT and Dake to fly out to Iowa. Not sure why.
And I bet are willing to ride the pine to possibly reach their world team goals.
I've inquired a couple of times on here and don't think I've recieved a response... to which i hope all is ok. I did not see here at Big10s. Wasn't in the pix at Nattys
The general consensus (of 1) is that she missed the Big10 Championship photo as Cael dispatched her back to State College to get Carter on tract for Nationals. And she did such a great job Cael gave her this weekend off.
Or for this week, the Hotel canceled her reservations at the last minute.
I do love Bonnie and hope she gets more rings!
Yeah but it takes two years in the tanning room to get the right shade. Once that happens, then lights out. So I still expect great things from the Buckeye freshmen. Just give them more time to tan up.
Don’t start me on the Tetons. Saw two of my 10 grizzlies there and had recent epic hikes up behind the Grand (Paintbrush-Cascade Canyon 22-mile loop) and to Delta Lake.
Much envy here that you have such awesome high country nearby . . . when you’re not watching the now greatest collegiate wrestling team of ALL time!
Great to meet you too! KC was definitely a great host city.
And to be clear, I left my diapers at home.
I flew home with the Cornell team (along with Moore/Lock Haven as well) - it was amusing to see the Cornell guys have to shove their team trophy into the overhead storage compartment wrapped in a t-shirt.
Sat next to Vito’s mom on the plane. Vito said “I’m going to the very back to get some sleep.” I would say he earned it.
Sat next to Vito’s mom on the plane. Vito said “I’m going to the very back to get some sleep.” I would say he earned it.
This seems like as good a thread as any for my recap from KC.
My son and I attended our first ever Nationals, and man, did we pick a good one! New record, 4 champs, and a runaway National Championship! But that barely scratched the surface for us. 4 days of just the two of us, no work computer/phone, and nothing but quality time made for the best four days we may have ever had together!
Since this was our first one and a bucket list trip for me, we sprung for the On Location All-Access package, and it did not disappoint. Free food/drinks before every session, opportunities to meet Zack Esposito, Yianni, Bruce Baumgartner, and Bill Zadick, among others, as well as early access to the arena, photo ops, etc., we definitely got our money's worth (the best part I'll save for later).
Outside of the free food, we ate some BBQ at Burnt Ends BBQ (we were going to try out Jack Stacks, but there was a 2.5-hour wait!), some tacos at the Guy Fieri Dive Joint across the street from the arena (son's favorite, so we actually ate there twice), and got some sushi around the corner from the arena. I'd imagine I saw some of you at the Taco joint before the Finals all making your picks and making bets. While we were there, the Little Rock team was there and highlighted Erisman being selected as Coach of the Year. It was cool to get to celebrate with them. They brought me in even though I was in my PSU gear. Helps to know Pat Smith! Ha.
The wrestling was phenomenal! Thursday was a meat grinder and Friday was unbelievable. Sat in the upper deck next to two PSU fans from Florida and they made for great company. The drunk guys behind us made for good comedic relief between the four of us, and they were much better the rest of the way. I didn't think Friday could be beat, but Saturday was absolutely electric!
On to the best part. My son and I showed up for the Finals and were notified that our All-Access package included seating on the floor! We sat front row, right next to the red walk-out carpet. Absolutely surreal! Sat right next to Cary Kolat! My son got pictures with just about everyone! Got to talk a bit with Starocci, Vito, Cael, Casey and Cody, and others after the Finals.
My personal highlights:
My son and I attended our first ever Nationals, and man, did we pick a good one! New record, 4 champs, and a runaway National Championship! But that barely scratched the surface for us. 4 days of just the two of us, no work computer/phone, and nothing but quality time made for the best four days we may have ever had together!
Since this was our first one and a bucket list trip for me, we sprung for the On Location All-Access package, and it did not disappoint. Free food/drinks before every session, opportunities to meet Zack Esposito, Yianni, Bruce Baumgartner, and Bill Zadick, among others, as well as early access to the arena, photo ops, etc., we definitely got our money's worth (the best part I'll save for later).
Outside of the free food, we ate some BBQ at Burnt Ends BBQ (we were going to try out Jack Stacks, but there was a 2.5-hour wait!), some tacos at the Guy Fieri Dive Joint across the street from the arena (son's favorite, so we actually ate there twice), and got some sushi around the corner from the arena. I'd imagine I saw some of you at the Taco joint before the Finals all making your picks and making bets. While we were there, the Little Rock team was there and highlighted Erisman being selected as Coach of the Year. It was cool to get to celebrate with them. They brought me in even though I was in my PSU gear. Helps to know Pat Smith! Ha.
The wrestling was phenomenal! Thursday was a meat grinder and Friday was unbelievable. Sat in the upper deck next to two PSU fans from Florida and they made for great company. The drunk guys behind us made for good comedic relief between the four of us, and they were much better the rest of the way. I didn't think Friday could be beat, but Saturday was absolutely electric!
On to the best part. My son and I showed up for the Finals and were notified that our All-Access package included seating on the floor! We sat front row, right next to the red walk-out carpet. Absolutely surreal! Sat right next to Cary Kolat! My son got pictures with just about everyone! Got to talk a bit with Starocci, Vito, Cael, Casey and Cody, and others after the Finals.
My personal highlights:
- 4 days of hanging out with the teenage son
- A PSU National Championship with 4 individuals
- New Scoring Record
- Little Rock with 2 AAs
- Erisman getting COTY
- Kasak's run (unbelievable!)
- Seeing two 4-timers
- Carter rolling through 2 National Champs on one leg to make the Finals
Now THAT’s a father-son trip! My 30+ son and I hike together each fall and I regret not starting the trips sooner. Jump all over your wife’s suggestion to make your NCAA tourney trip an annual thing. Hell, you sure have the right team to follow for the most possible enjoyment. Cool sidebar on sharing Little Rock’s success, which I enjoyed as well for my work colleagues who live there.
The residual best part is yet to come: Your son re-living your trip(s) with you, mom, his future family and friends . . . for years down the road.
so the so called greatest recruit class so they say at OSU well they will never win a team title!
Don't forget upping their deadlift numbers. It helps them keep base while getting mauled on bottom.
Wasn't sure if there'd be a new thread for KC reports, but just saw Ozark's post, so here goes.
Man, what a weekend. This was my sixth, and my Dad's fifth nationals, and it was great. We talked to a guy in SCE who was going to his first, and I told him he's going to get hooked. Then, when we arrived back in SCE, we ran into each other at baggage claim, and he said, "Remember what you said? We're already planning on Philadelphia." It really is a great experience.
Got to meet Kerry McCoy, one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet. He made it seem as though we'd still be standing there talking today, if we had wanted to. For those who don't know, he's the Director of the Lehigh Valley Wrestling Club, which also serves as the RTC.
Saturday afternoon, we were finishing up lunch at Jack Stack (sorry @OzarkLion, we had a reservation), when we heard that Kasak and his family were in the next room. So, we went over to their table and congratulated him. Of course, he was receiving all of the love, when I realized Braeden was sitting on the other side of Tyler. I got his attention, and said, "Next year." He responded with a nod that showed me he appreciated the recognition, and that he left unfinished business in the arena. I predict young Mr. Davis comes back with a vengeance.
Jack Stack was great. Bordeaux and his buddies said Q39 was better, but that you get more food at Jack Stack. I'll have to try Q39 the next time.
On the way home, we sat in the gate area to Chicago with NC State. They were laughing and cutting up, including Trent. While boarding the plane, I had a chat with Adam Hall, who told me they fell short of their goals, but they'll use the losses as growth opportunities, and bounce back. Was able to tell Trent that he had a hell of a career as he walked back to his seat.
I also got to meet Mr.-Likes-to-Messages-Ratio-Man himself, @Johnbrooks, Mrs. Brooks and two of Aaron's younger brothers. They were way calmer walking into the arena than I would have been, that's for sure.
The great thing about the tournament is that, while PSU travels well, you can strike up a conversation with virtually anyone (even Iowa fans). Had breakfast with Kyle Biscoglia's (graduated UNI last year) parents. They happened to sit down beside us, and we easily struck up a conversation.
Final story for this message...I looked down at Carter before his Mekhi match, and I didn't like his body language, facial expression, nor the facial expressions on Cael and Casey, who were kneeling on either side of him, to the point where I told my Dad about it, and that I didn't have a good feeling about it. There were some ISU fans there, who are family friends of the Varners, and one of them was rooting for PSU as much as he was for ISU. I put my head down on the rail in front of me, which this guy saw, and he came over and prayed over me, maybe for the both of us, but I think mostly for me. I don't think God picks sides in sporting events (well, maybe in some cases, like the finals of the Soldier Salute), but it definitely helped me through the match.
Anyway, as always, Nationals was a great time, and I hope to see many more.
Man, what a weekend. This was my sixth, and my Dad's fifth nationals, and it was great. We talked to a guy in SCE who was going to his first, and I told him he's going to get hooked. Then, when we arrived back in SCE, we ran into each other at baggage claim, and he said, "Remember what you said? We're already planning on Philadelphia." It really is a great experience.
Got to meet Kerry McCoy, one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet. He made it seem as though we'd still be standing there talking today, if we had wanted to. For those who don't know, he's the Director of the Lehigh Valley Wrestling Club, which also serves as the RTC.
Saturday afternoon, we were finishing up lunch at Jack Stack (sorry @OzarkLion, we had a reservation), when we heard that Kasak and his family were in the next room. So, we went over to their table and congratulated him. Of course, he was receiving all of the love, when I realized Braeden was sitting on the other side of Tyler. I got his attention, and said, "Next year." He responded with a nod that showed me he appreciated the recognition, and that he left unfinished business in the arena. I predict young Mr. Davis comes back with a vengeance.
Jack Stack was great. Bordeaux and his buddies said Q39 was better, but that you get more food at Jack Stack. I'll have to try Q39 the next time.
On the way home, we sat in the gate area to Chicago with NC State. They were laughing and cutting up, including Trent. While boarding the plane, I had a chat with Adam Hall, who told me they fell short of their goals, but they'll use the losses as growth opportunities, and bounce back. Was able to tell Trent that he had a hell of a career as he walked back to his seat.
I also got to meet Mr.-Likes-to-Messages-Ratio-Man himself, @Johnbrooks, Mrs. Brooks and two of Aaron's younger brothers. They were way calmer walking into the arena than I would have been, that's for sure.
The great thing about the tournament is that, while PSU travels well, you can strike up a conversation with virtually anyone (even Iowa fans). Had breakfast with Kyle Biscoglia's (graduated UNI last year) parents. They happened to sit down beside us, and we easily struck up a conversation.
Final story for this message...I looked down at Carter before his Mekhi match, and I didn't like his body language, facial expression, nor the facial expressions on Cael and Casey, who were kneeling on either side of him, to the point where I told my Dad about it, and that I didn't have a good feeling about it. There were some ISU fans there, who are family friends of the Varners, and one of them was rooting for PSU as much as he was for ISU. I put my head down on the rail in front of me, which this guy saw, and he came over and prayed over me, maybe for the both of us, but I think mostly for me. I don't think God picks sides in sporting events (well, maybe in some cases, like the finals of the Soldier Salute), but it definitely helped me through the match.
Anyway, as always, Nationals was a great time, and I hope to see many more.
