We Must Break You Hates It When Things Go Catty Wonkus
by RossWB on Jan 28, 2011 10:06 AM CST
in Iowa Hawkeyes Wrestling
Email
PrintWe Must Break You is the weekly round-up of news regarding the Iowa wrestling program, a breakdown of the rankings, and a look ahead to the weekend's action. Feel free to send any links, tips, suggestions, complaints, or bribes to bhgp.rosswb@gmail.com
Scheduling made easy. In case you didn't see the FanShot the other day, there's a bit of good news on the TV front for Sunday's epic Penn State-Iowa clash. It's still not live (nor even available as a live interwebs stream on BTN.com), but it is airing on a same-day delay at 8:30pm CST on BTN. They also moved next weekend's dual with Indiana from its original spot (opposite the Super Bowl -- not a great idea) to February 4th at 7pm CST. Update your calendars accordingly.
When enemies become friends. Tyler Clark isn't the only former Cyclone to make an impact on the Iowa wrestling program this year -- former ISU All-American Kurt Backes joined the coaching staff this fall to work with the heavier weights. Judging by Rasing's impressive major decision win last weekend, it's starting to pay off:
Rasing said Backes has supplied plenty of knowledge on how to attack an opponent.
"He talks a lot about pressure," Rasing said. "Pressure, and circling, and really staying on the guy’s head. Even if you’re not shooting, always having pressure on the guy and making him tired. And then you can get to your shots later on."
So how's Backes like coaching for "the enemy"?
"It’s almost addicting coaching at a place like this because it’s such a high level," Backes said. "The fans are great, the coaches are great, the athletes are awesome. [Iowa] is where you want to be if you want to coach and learn and grow."
Yeah, I think he likes it alright. Suck it, Iowa State.
Rankings like a shotgun to the face. Rankings update ahoy:
TEAM: #11 (Intermat) / #8 (NWCA/USA Today) / #9 (d1collegewrestling) / #6 (TheOpenMat)
INDIV (Intermat / TheOpenMat / d1collegewrestling / AWN)
125: Matt McDonough (#2 / #3 / #3 / #3)
133: Tony Ramos (#10 / #12 / #9 / n/a*)
141: Mark Ballweg (#15 / #12 / #12 / #12)
149: none
157: Derek St. John (#14 / #13 / #16 / #15)
165: Aaron Janssen (#14 / #14 / #14 / #16)
174: Ethen Lofthouse (#13 / #10 / #11 / #13)
184: Grant Gambrall (#16 / #17 / #16 / #14)
197: Luke Lofthouse (#14 / #14 / #14 / #12)
HWT: Blake Rasing (n/a / n/a / #25 / n/a)
* AWN still ranks Tyler Clark at #10 at 133. Once again, not much movement. Everyone either holds firm or moves up incrementally, with Ballweg the Younger and Lofthouse the Elder making slightly bigger jumps with a few services. And Janssen reappears in the AWN rankings after being AWOL last week. Rasing also returns to one set of rankings after his major decision win.
FRIDAY: #11 Iowa at #14 Northwestern (7pm CST; VIDEO: live stream on btn,com; RADIO: KXIC, Hawkeye All-Access ($$$)
LIKELY MATCH-UPS (Iowa wrestlers listed first; rankings from InterMat)
125: #2 Matt McDonough (SO, 14-1) vs. #1 Brandon Precin (SR, 25-0)
133: #10 Tony Ramos (SO, 12-3) or Tyler Clark (JR, 6-3) vs. Levi Mele (SO, 14-4) or Bobby Joyce (SR, 8-5)
141: #15 Mark Ballweg (SO, 14-3) vs. Kaleb Friedley (FR, 20-5)
149: Matt Ballweg (SR, 4-3) vs. #13 Andrew Nadhir (SR, 23-3)
157: #14 Derek St. John (rsFR, 11-2) vs. #7 Jason Welch (SO, 20-2)
165: #14 Aaron Janssen (SR, 18-5) vs. Kevin Bialka (SO, 10-10)
174: #13 Ethen Lofthouse (rsFR, 13-4) vs. Robert Kellogg (JR, 3-12) or Brian Roddy (SO, 8-3)
184: #16 Grant Gambrall (SO, 12-4) vs. Aaron Jones (SR, 14-7)
197: #14 Luke Lofthouse (SR, 12-4) vs. John Schoen (JR, 15-7)
HWT: Blake Rasing (JR, 10-3) vs. Ben Kuhar (JR, 11-11)
PREDICTION
125: McD DEC Precin (Iowa, 3-0)
133: Ramos DEC Mele or Joyce (Iowa, 6-0)
141: Ballweg DEC Friedley (Iowa, 9-0)
149: Nadhir DEC Ballweg (Iowa, 9-3)
157: Welch DEC DSJ (Iowa, 9-6)
165: Janssen DEC Bialka (Tied, 12-6)
174: Lofthouse MAJ DEC Kellogg or Lofthouse DEC Roddy (Iowa, 16-6 or Iowa, 15-6)
184: Gambrall DEC Jones (Iowa, 19-6 or Iowa, 18-6)
197: Lofthouse DEC Schoen (Iowa, 22-6 or Iowa, 21-6)
HWT: Rasing DEC Kuhar (Iowa, 25-6 or Iowa, 24-6)
The highlight of the dual (and arguably the entire weekend) is the rematch between Matt McDonough and Brandon Precin at 125. As the defending national champion, McD entered the year at #1 but lost his top spot after dropping a match to Precin at Midlands. Needless to say, that loss didn't sit well with McD or Tom Brands:
"I think (Precin is) probably going to come out and try to score on us right away and slow the match down that way. (But) it’s really not about what we predict and whether they follow our prediction or not. It’s about being ready so when they come to you hard, you’re stopping ’em and knocking ’em out hard. It’s about wrestling your match and if things do start going catty wonkus a little bit, you can adjust quicker. Really, when you look at that match it took us about six minutes to adjust in my way of thinking, and the last minute it was almost like panic urgency instead of where you’ve at least got a little bit of the clock to work with."
Precin is very, very good and he already has a win over McD... but I think McD gets his revenge here to set up a rubber match at the Big Ten Tournament.
The other interesting match is at 157, with DSJ taking on the 7th-ranked Jason Welch. This is a big weekend for DSJ -- he's got a pair of matches against top ten competition, so we'll definitely see if his recent improvement is just a mirage. DSJ could really use a big win or two to boost his confidence (not to mention his seed at the Big Ten Tournament). jNW's only other ranked wrestler is Andrew Nadhir (#13) at 149; considering that he's facing the weakest guy on Iowa's roster, that's one match jNW should feel pretty good about. Iowa should be favored at pretty much every other weight and there are definite opportunities for bonus points at a few weights, like 174 (if Kellogg does) or 165 and HWT (if Janssen and Rasing can get their offense going). It should be a fairly comfortable win for Iowa; jNW has some definite horses in the lower weights, but their guys at the upper weights are definitely outclassed by Iowa's options there.
SUNDAY: #11 Iowa at #1 Penn State (1pm CST; VIDEO: BTN @ 8:30pm; AUDIO: KXIC or Hawkeye All-Access ($$$)
LIKELY MATCH-UPS (Iowa wrestlers listed first; rankings from InterMat)
125: #2 Matt McDonough (SO, 14-1) vs. #11 Brad Pataky (SR, 7-2) or Eric Caschera (SR, 13-7)
133: #10 Tony Ramos (SO, 12-3) or Tyler Clark (JR, 6-3) vs. #5 Andrew Long (SO, 6-0)
141: #15 Mark Ballweg (SO, 14-3) vs. #5 Andrew Alton (FR, 24-2)
149: Matt Ballweg (SR, 4-3) vs. #5 Frank Molinaro (JR, 19-2)
157: #14 Derek St. John (rsFR, 11-2) vs. #3 David Taylor (FR, 25-0)
165: #14 Aaron Janssen (SR, 18-5) vs. Jake Kemerer (FR, 13-7)
174: #13 Ethen Lofthouse (rsFR, 13-4) vs. #2 Ed Ruth (FR, 23-1)
184: #16 Grant Gambrall (SO, 12-4) vs. #6 Quentin Wright (SO, 10-2)
197: #14 Luke Lofthouse (SR, 12-4) vs. Nick Ruggear (FR, 14-7)
HWT: Blake Rasing (JR, 10-3) vs. #5 Cameron Wade (JR, 21-3)
My initial thought about this meet was that Iowa had very little chance of pulling off the upset. That it was a reversal of the situation we'd seen the last few years, when a young, inexperienced team challenged an Iowa team loaded with talent and experience. But that's not quite accurate here. There's no question Penn State has the talent -- their gaudy season records speak for themselves -- but they don't have the experience. And the difference between their guys and the Iowa guys might not be as pronounced as it appears on first glance. Iowa should be solid favorites in three matches (125, 165, 197) and it's absolutely imperative that they win them (and get bonus points if at all possible). They'll be underdogs in the seven other matches, but there's reason to have hope that they might be able to steal 1-2 of them. It's also important that Iowa keeps their losses (and there will definitely be some) to decisions. Bonus points could prove absolutely critical to this dual.
(I'm not going with 100% or 0% for anything below because there's no such thing as an absolute in these matters.)
125: McD should win against whoever PSU sends out, although he has a much better shot at getting bonus points (possibly as many as a fall) if it's Caschera and not Pataky.
LIKELIHOOD OF IOWA WIN: 98%. LIKELIHOOD OF BONUS POINTS FOR IOWA: 66%
133: This is one of two weights where Iowa appears to have their best shot at pulling off an upset. Andrew Long (who you may remember as McD's frequent rival at 125 last year) has taken over this spot since becoming eligible at the start of the second semester. He's very good, but not unstoppable and he doesn't have a lot of experience yet this year. I think Ramos gets the nod over Clark because this seems like a match where Iowa will need some offense to have a shot.
LIKELIHOOD OF IOWA WIN: 30%. LIKELIHOOD OF BONUS POINTS FOR IOWA: 1%
141: There have been persistent rumors that Marion would be making his season debut this weekend, but there's been no official confirmation of that so we're going to operate under the assumption that Ballweg will again be getting the nod. (It's also unclear what to expect from Marion anyway -- he hasn't wrestled against top competition outside of the Iowa training room all year.) Ballweg has been a pleasant surprise and a steady improver all season, but Alton has been an absolute monster. I'll be pretty happy if Ballweg can just keep it to a decision.
LIKELIHOOD OF IOWA WIN: 5%. LIKELIHOOD OF BONUS POINTS FOR IOWA: 1%
149: Ballweg the Elder has solidifed this weight a bit, which has been nice. I don't think that will be enough to get it done against Molinaro, but I think he has a pretty good shot at keeping the loss to just a decision.
LIKELIHOOD OF IOWA WIN: 1%. LIKELIHOOD OF BONUS POINTS FOR IOWA: 1%
157: DSJ's tough weekend continues with Taylor. He beat him in freestyle competition over the summer, which is one reason to have a little optimism. Unfortunately, watching both DSJ and Taylor over the course of the season should probably curb a lot of that optimism. Taylor has hit the ground running as a redshirt freshman while DSJ has stumbled. I hope DSJ surprises me, but I'm not betting on it -- although I do think he avoids being embarrassed.
LIKELIHOOD OF IOWA WIN: 10%. LIKELIHOOD OF BONUS POINTS FOR IOWA: 1%
165: Finally, another match where Iowa will actually be favored. Janssen really needs to take care of business here. A bonus point win would be absolutely huge.
LIKELIHOOD OF IOWA WIN: 75%. LIKELIHOOD OF BONUS POINTS FOR IOWA: 25%
174: Yet another tough match-up for Iowa; like Taylor, Ruth has really hit the ground running as a redshirt freshman and has been the most impressive guy at 174 lbs. behind ISU's Jon Reader all season. Lofthouse has been steadily improving after a rough December, but beating Ruth right now may be asking a lot.
LIKELIHOOD OF IOWA WIN: 5%. LIKELIHOOD OF BONUS POINTS FOR IOWA: 1%
184: And here's the other match where Iowa appears to have its best shot at an upset. Wright is very good, but he's been slowed for much of the year by a shoulder injury, so it's unclear what condition he's in at the moment. Gambrall has been inconsistent, but he's shown flashes of brilliance; we could really use another one on Sunday.
LIKELIHOOD OF IOWA WIN: 35%. LIKELIHOOD OF BONUS POINTS FOR IOWA: 1%
197: The third and final match where Iowa will be a definite favorite and another one where they really need to (a) take care of business and (b) get bonus points if possible. Lofthouse has been pretty consistent about beating lesser opponents and he's also done a reasonably good job of getting bonus points on them, too. Let's hope that trend continues.
LIKELIHOOD OF IOWA WIN: 75%. LIKELIHOOD OF BONUS POINTS FOR IOWA: 50%
HWT: Behind 133 and 184, this is probably the best shot for an Iowa upset. Wade has been good and certainly more consistent than Rasing, but there's a fairly high degree of unpredictability in heavyweight matches (since so many come down to "who will be able to get that one decisive takedown?") and Rasing should be as confident as he's ever been after his impressive win last week. Wade is a huge leap up in quality from the OSU guy Rasing was throwing around, but at least he should be in the right mindset to pull off the upset.
LIKELIHOOD OF IOWA WIN: 25%. LIKELIHOOD OF BONUS POINTS FOR IOWA: 1%
So after laying out the case for a possible Iowa upset, do I see it happening? Unfortunately, I can't quite bring myself to call it.
PREDICTION
125: McD DEC Pataky or MAJ DEC Caschera (Iowa, 3-0 or Iowa, 4-0)
133: Long DEC Ramos (Tied, 3-3 or Iowa, 4-3)
141: Alton DEC Ballweg (PSU, 6-3 or PSU, 6-4)
149: Molinaro DEC Ballweg (PSU, 9-3 or PSU, 9-4)
157: Taylor DEC DSJ (PSU, 12-3 or PSU, 12-4)
165: Janssen DEC Kemerer (PSU, 12-6 or PSU, 12-7)
174: Ruth DEC Lofthouse (PSU, 15-6 or PSU 15-7)
184: Gambrall DEC Wright (PSU, 15-9 or PSU, 15-10)
197: Lofthouse MAJ DEC Ruggear (PSU, 15-13 or PSU, 15-14)
HWT: Wade DEC Rasing (PSU, 18-13 or PSU, 18-14)
Momentum could be an important factor as well; if the meet starts at 125, there's a chance for Iowa to get off to a very strong start with a bonus point win from McD and an upset from Ramos/Clark. That could give Iowa the fuel to pull off the upset in the meet -- we've seen early upsets play a key role in some of Iowa's big wins over Iowa State and Oklahoma State in recent years. In any event, this meet should be a doozy -- it's been sold out at Penn State for weeks and they've declared it a "Whiteout" event. Let's hope Iowa can spoil this "Whiteout" just like the football team did the last time PSU pulled this stunt for an Iowa game.
106 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
I guess I always thought it was "Catty Wompus"
No self-respecting man from Iowa goes anywhere without beer
by Hayden Fry's Moustache Ride on Jan 28, 2011 10:43 AM CST up reply actions
Brands may even have said it correctly and been misinterpreted.
But, as Ross said, I don’t think anyone will question Brands.
by The Mexican't on Jan 28, 2011 11:35 AM CST up reply actions
that is why I switched to Haywire Kafluky
"You’re talking about things that are real. That’s real. In those other dual meets, it wasn’t real, but now it’s real." ~ Tom Brands regarding the Iowa State dual.
"Catty Wampa Beast"
Templeton Rye'd the Lightning.
by Smokin Herb Grigsby on Jan 28, 2011 3:03 PM CST up reply actions
That's a new one to me, but I'm familiar
with “kittywampus” and “catty wampus”. I have taken this expression to mean either “diagonally located from some other object” or “messed up”. Did Brands pick up this expression during his time in VA?
Speaking of Catty Wampus, when I lived in Arkansas I learned about the Wampus Cat, and I wonder if there’s any connection between these. The wampus cat is a mythical creature in the folklore of the Southern US that is either a cat with six legs or a haf-human/half-cat. Either way, the Wampus Cat would be a great nickname for a Hawkeye athelete. Can you imaging having a Wampus Cat and a Werewolf in the same backfield? They would be absolutely unstoppable.
kitty cornered.
Come on.
Going, going, going, going, going, going, going, going.... Alright, I'll stop for now.
by EnergizerHawk on Jan 28, 2011 1:27 PM CST up reply actions
Attention humanities majors
There could be a thesis in here somewhere in the great kittywampus/catty-cornered debate.
EnergizerHawk is right.
It’s kitty corner.
In the heat of battle my father wove a tapestry of obscenities that as far as we know is still hanging in space over Lake Michigan.
This is like the LOL debate.
Suppose it depends on where you are from. I would say catty-corner is right.
by Carfino'sWay on Jan 28, 2011 7:30 PM CST up reply actions
Kitty-corner and catty-corner are both acceptable
per Webster. However, anybody who pronounces it other than LAWL is a fucking retard
I spent half my life's earnings on wine, women & song. The other half I wasted.
by therealCatnuts on Jan 28, 2011 7:33 PM CST up reply actions
I will cut you!
It never gets to be easy.
Why the fuck doesn't it ever get to be easy?
by chitownhawkeye on Jan 29, 2011 1:29 AM CST up reply actions
I'm not your friend, buddy
I’m not your buddy, pal
I’m not your pal, friend
It never gets to be easy.
Why the fuck doesn't it ever get to be easy?
by chitownhawkeye on Jan 29, 2011 1:53 AM CST up reply actions
Is that a gay term I don't know?
I spent half my life's earnings on wine, women & song. The other half I wasted.
by therealCatnuts on Jan 29, 2011 10:22 AM CST up reply actions
THANK YOU!
Going, going, going, going, going, going, going, going.... Alright, I'll stop for now.
by EnergizerHawk on Jan 28, 2011 8:01 PM CST up reply actions
Iowa dialect is so fucking weird.
I still twitch when they ask me if I want my milk in a “sack” at Hyvee.
by stanzi's ex-girlfriend on Jan 30, 2011 12:27 AM CST up reply actions
"Suck it, Iowa State."
That, sir, just made my day. The elegant simplicity. The bold, hate forward tone. Nice.
In the heat of battle my father wove a tapestry of obscenities that as far as we know is still hanging in space over Lake Michigan.
I'll take anal bum covers for 500
"I shoot, I score. He shoots, I score." - Dan Gable
by ClaybornSmash on Jan 28, 2011 10:34 AM CST up reply actions
I'll take the penis mightier
I spent half my life's earnings on wine, women & song. The other half I wasted.
by therealCatnuts on Jan 28, 2011 10:53 AM CST up reply actions
Buck Futter!
In the heat of battle my father wove a tapestry of obscenities that as far as we know is still hanging in space over Lake Michigan.
by Hawkeyegirl on Jan 28, 2011 12:24 PM CST up reply actions
The Rapist for 400.
Templeton Rye'd the Lightning.
by Smokin Herb Grigsby on Jan 28, 2011 3:03 PM CST up reply actions
Ruth is fucking awesome
I watched a little of the Wisco – PSU meet and I watched Ruth absolutely crush it. He dominated from the second he stepped on the mat. I was amazed by the quickness in his shot – wow. I will know exactly what to think of Lofthouse and the 174/ 184 pound weight class in the Big Ten for the next 4 years; Ruth is a RSFr. Sanderson has worked this team into a 1st class grappling outfit.
"I don't believe in quotes" - Karl Klug
And Ruth isn't even the best freshman on the team.
I’m really, really excited to see Taylor vs. DSJ.
"As long as he behaves himself in this town, I ain't got no, ah...jurisdiction." - Link Appleyard, NCAA Compliance Officer
by ReadingRambler on Jan 28, 2011 12:30 PM CST up reply actions
Sorry
but I’m not sold on Taylor yet. DSJ will straighten up eventually. He’s got talent and when he hits his stride I think he could be great.
"I don't believe in quotes" - Karl Klug
Really? Why?
I have seen nothing to indicate Taylor isn’t the best performing wrestler on the team.
"As long as he behaves himself in this town, I ain't got no, ah...jurisdiction." - Link Appleyard, NCAA Compliance Officer
by ReadingRambler on Jan 28, 2011 3:42 PM CST up reply actions
Taylor is for real
I’m more sold on him then Ruth. Ruth still has lapses where he doesn’t wrestle sharp and gets by on just being better than his opponent.
In fact currently Taylor is only guy have confidence in making the finals in Philly.
Catty Wonkus
Is that similar to Catawampus? It’s a pretty interesting sculpture/installation that was one of my favorite parts of the Los Angeles Botanical Gardens
I spent half my life's earnings on wine, women & song. The other half I wasted.
by therealCatnuts on Jan 28, 2011 10:52 AM CST reply actions
It especially does when you're walking around inside it. Pretty fun.
I spent half my life's earnings on wine, women & song. The other half I wasted.
by therealCatnuts on Jan 28, 2011 1:58 PM CST up reply actions
Ewwww
Thats what they pull out of the drains of the dormroom showers at the end of the year
by Bearhawkroar! on Jan 28, 2011 11:50 AM CST up reply actions
Birch limbs, if I recall correctly.
The day I was there, there was both a person doing still photography and a person doing charcoal sketches. They put it in a pretty cool area as well
I spent half my life's earnings on wine, women & song. The other half I wasted.
by therealCatnuts on Jan 28, 2011 1:59 PM CST up reply actions
Everyone knows that the catty wonkus is
the fleshy meat located between the cats tail and anus. It is very tasty when pickled or deep fried.
"You’re talking about things that are real. That’s real. In those other dual meets, it wasn’t real, but now it’s real." ~ Tom Brands regarding the Iowa State dual.
They have several of those at a park in Ames
and they’re pretty cool. Having a landscape architecture program in Ames actually has its upsides.
I missed Long transferring from ISU to PSU
Can anyone fill me in on the transfer eligibility rules involved? I thought you had to sit out a year.
I believe...
You have to sit out in football and men’s basketball (unless you’re transferring “down” a division). I think it also applies to women’s basketball and possibly baseball too. Not as sure about those. For everything else, it’s up to the school to decide whether or not to give you an immediate release of your scholarship — if they do, you can transfer and compete immediately (or the next semester, at least; you can’t transfer in-semester and compete, as far as I know). ISU gave Long his release. This was the point of contention that cost Metcalf, Borschel, etc. a year of eligbility.
"I want to be a cowboy. I don't want to be a panda. Pandas are boring, stupid and boring. Bad panda!"
Thanks for the explanation.
I was confused about the Hokie-Hawkeye deal from a few years back with Metcalf, JayBo, et al. Forgot about the scholarship release factor. Sour grapes I guess with Tom Brands leaving. Glad that Long is getting another shot (even @ PSU), hate to see guys with talent let it go to waste.
Actually, I think Long was kicked off the team for legal reasons
so in this case there was no issue of release although Ross’ explanation was spot on.
"You’re talking about things that are real. That’s real. In those other dual meets, it wasn’t real, but now it’s real." ~ Tom Brands regarding the Iowa State dual.
Not to mention
that PSU has benefited from the transfers of a number of ISU wrestlers who were all released from their scholarships. In return, PSU refused to release a kid to ISU who Cael didn’t even want in their program.
Re: PSU has benefitted from the transfers of a number of ISU wrestlers who were all released from their scholarships
Depends what you mean by ‘benefitted’ and by ‘transfers’
1. Cyler Sanderson, ISU SR; had 1 year of eligibility, Kevin Jackson graciously released him so he could put in his last year wrestling for his brother. Benefit?: helped PSU get to 9th nationally, instead of maybe 12th-15th?
2. Andrew Long, ISU RSFR; recruited and redshirted by Cael, wrestled 1yr for Jackson, who then booted him from the team after underage booze/fighting/fake id arrests in Aug 09 and Apr ’10. As recently as July, ’10, Jackson seemed willing to take Long back, but then released him when it became clear he did not want to return to ISU. Benefit?: remains to be seen, but given his youth, ability and early achievements, likely to be a huge benefit to PSU the next couple of years.
3. David Taylor, RSFR, recruited by Cael to ISU in spring of 09. He signed an LOI to ISU, prior to Cael taking the PSU job later that Spring. Never enrolled at ISU, not a Transfer. Was released from his LOI. Likely would have followed Cael if he coached at North Texas. Benefit?: yeah, whoever got this guy had a better than average chance of seeing him win at least one national championship, and possibly more.
As for:
In return, PSU refused to release a kid to ISU who Cael didn’t even want in their program.Who are you talking about here? Bubba? Luke Macchiaroli? Got link?
Cats been getting hookups on tatts since back in 01. - former buckeye Antonio Pittman
Yes, Bubba Jenkins
Why not release him to ISU?
I am not a fan of what has happened to the ISU wrestling team since Sanderson left. I do think that Sanderson has shown a curious unwillingness to return some of the goodwill that was extended to himself and his family by ISU during his athletic and coaching career. He is, perhaps, a perfectly nice and decent person, nevertheless, I am not the only one to question his reluctance for releasing Jenkins to ISU.
For the record
Bubba made it pretty clear ASU was one of his top choices from the beginning, because he has ties to the coaches.
That said I agree with you I actually was highly critical of how Cael handle that situation and thought he should have given Bubba his unconditional release.
I really wish he would have now because I would have loved to see Bubba go to another Big Ten team and gas and get crushed by Taylor.
I feel like
an Alton-Ballweg match would be as exciting as hell. I also think that St. John will give Taylor a go. If the Iowa guys can’t get jacked for this meet and wrestle at a high level, then they aren’t above ground.
Agree about DSJ
I don’t think we have seen his true form yet. this weekend would be a great time to awaken the beast. I’m just waiting for this squad to explode. I know they are young, but they are talented and when the experience sinks in it could be lights out Big Ten. Pretenders beware (looking at you, jNW)
"I don't believe in quotes" - Karl Klug
Oh
the 6,000 PSU fans in rec hall won’t have much of an effect on the outcome of this one. Six thousand is what the Iowa guys see when they wrestle SIU-E in a blizzard.
From the center of the mat those 6000 are right on top of you.
we shouldn’t kid ourselves that the environment at PSU will be very loud and hostile. The young hawks showed some grit in a very nasty Okie State gym after crapping their pants in Chicago at the Midlands; but PSU will be the harshest test of the year for them by far.
"You’re talking about things that are real. That’s real. In those other dual meets, it wasn’t real, but now it’s real." ~ Tom Brands regarding the Iowa State dual.
You remember what I said about all college wrestling fans hating each other?
Good times.
"As long as he behaves himself in this town, I ain't got no, ah...jurisdiction." - Link Appleyard, NCAA Compliance Officer
by ReadingRambler on Jan 28, 2011 12:32 PM CST up reply actions
Yeah, sorry
I am getting a little amped about this meet. Iowa has long been the heel in the college wrestling world and it has been tiring to constantly read about the program’s demise by (in my opinion) overly optimistic fans from, primarily, the east coast. I think there is going to be some great wrestling on Sunday and it should be a great atmosphere to watch a dual. I still hold a bit of grudge against Cael for some of the things he said when he was leaving ISU and I really want the hawks to beat your guys. I guess should all want to add another great wrestling rivalry to the list. Good luck Penn State, you will be in for a dog fight.
The program's demise?
Because being the three-time defending national champ clearly indicates the demise of the program.
I'm not predicting the demise
I am saying that not a small number of wrestling fans would like nothing more than to see Iowa or Okie State not win another championship and I think many of them are looking to Penn State, Cornell, Rutgers, etc. to make that a reality.
I think Iowa will be just fine and right there driving wrestling fans wild with envy for many years to come.
Agreed about fans and it isn't just a small number.
If you have ever been to Nationals you know that when Iowa wrestles all the non-Iowa fans in attendance root against Iowa.
by Carfino'sWay on Jan 28, 2011 7:33 PM CST up reply actions
It's like an old high school gym
I was there in ‘07 when they beat us in no small part to the questionable call of Tsirtis pinning himself. I’ve been to Stillwater a couple times and I suppose the people in Rec Hall are closer than Gallagher-Iba, but neither facility is particularly imposing (but perhaps my perspective is skewed from so many meets in Carver). I agree this will be the toughest crowd we see all year, though. What I don’t understand is if they’re promoting the hell out of this, why don’t they move it to the Bryce-Jordan Center that seats 15,000?
Everyone knows God is a Hawkeye
Because the BJC is a giant concert hall.
That’s just my opinion, I’ll quote someone who’s followed wrestling longer than I have:
They have moved several matches to the BJC. When THON was still in Rec Hall matches were held at the BJC if they occurred that weekend. Also Cael has said he wants to keep wrestling at Rec Hall to help build up demand and create a better environment.
I have to say having been to wrestling at the BJC several times including the Big Ten tournament a few years ago, I’m glad it’s in Rec Hall. It’s tough to get enough people to create a good atmosphere at the BJC. Even the Big Ten’s were rather dead from the lack of people there. Other than a few occasional big matches. I would however be curious to see how many tickets they could have sold at the BJC.
We built the BJC because the Big Ten made us do it. They said Rec Hall was too small for everything they wanted and they were right. Sadly, PSU went overkill as they often do and built an arena that is too large for the surrounding area. They shouldn’t have gone past 10 or 11 thousand in my opinion. Add in the fact that the seating is impersonal (best word for it) and the atmospheres are really quite crappy for most sports.
"As long as he behaves himself in this town, I ain't got no, ah...jurisdiction." - Link Appleyard, NCAA Compliance Officer
by ReadingRambler on Jan 28, 2011 1:00 PM CST up reply actions
Oh, by the by
It is exactly like an old high school gym. That’s why it was so awesome for basketball and great for wrestling. Damn you, Big Ten.
"As long as he behaves himself in this town, I ain't got no, ah...jurisdiction." - Link Appleyard, NCAA Compliance Officer
by ReadingRambler on Jan 28, 2011 1:03 PM CST up reply actions
This is a potential career defining weekend for DSJ
if he can beat Welch and Taylor, DSJ will skyrocket to the top of 157. St. John has the skills but has yet to show the motor and discipline needed to accomplish this fete but I man can dream.
"You’re talking about things that are real. That’s real. In those other dual meets, it wasn’t real, but now it’s real." ~ Tom Brands regarding the Iowa State dual.
We are all on the same page here
100% agree. This is my third reply to this type of comment but I want to reiterate; DSJ can be great. Brands needs to light him up, so he can stick it in Taylor’s ear!
"I don't believe in quotes" - Karl Klug
and what about DSJ? he has some awesome matches this weekend
I just wanted to give you another reason to post. :^)
"You’re talking about things that are real. That’s real. In those other dual meets, it wasn’t real, but now it’s real." ~ Tom Brands regarding the Iowa State dual.
This is shaping up to be one of my favorite matches
DSJ had that sweet, sweet win over Erisman that helped preserve the unbeaten streak. All I’ve wanted for Taylor is to see some awesome competition, and he’s really only had Dong & Young so far. Dong (tee hee hee) kept away the bonus points at 9-3, and Young managed to improve on the TF from the first go round to a major loss the second, but DT has demonstrated some surgery out there. He’s versatile, super-slick, has a veteran’s mental approach, and is always, always trying to score. But if he’s going to be upset before the finals, this match could provide that potential.
Cats been getting hookups on tatts since back in 01. - former buckeye Antonio Pittman
I highly doubt Pataky will be on the mat.
BSD’s rassling poster (psuwresfan) predicted a fall for McD against Cashera and I concur. Rest of the match:
133: Long DEC Ramos (Iowa, 5-3)
141: Alton DEC Ballweg (PSU, 6-5)
149: Molinaro MAJ DEC Ballweg (PSU, 10-5)
157: Taylor DEC St. John (PSU, 13-5)
165: Janssen DEC Kemerer (PSU, 13-8)
174: Ruth DEC Lofthouse (PSU, 16-8)
184: Wright DEC Gambrall (PSU, 19-8)
197: Lofthouse MAJ DEC Ruggear (PSU, 19-12)
HWT: Wade DEC Rasing (PSU, 22-12)
On the whole, I mostly agree with you. I’m not sure what to think about 184 or HWT. I think Rasing will give Wade a lot of trouble, but I think Wright will come out a little more fired up after looking pretty iffy against Pitt. The meet itself will actually feel tighter than the score indicates.
"As long as he behaves himself in this town, I ain't got no, ah...jurisdiction." - Link Appleyard, NCAA Compliance Officer
by ReadingRambler on Jan 28, 2011 12:39 PM CST reply actions
I agree on the McD fall and generally every other outcome you outlined
(A fall is worth 6 points, so it would actually be 22-13 PSU over Iowa)
"I shoot, I score. He shoots, I score." - Dan Gable
by ClaybornSmash on Jan 28, 2011 1:12 PM CST up reply actions
Yeah, my mistake.
"As long as he behaves himself in this town, I ain't got no, ah...jurisdiction." - Link Appleyard, NCAA Compliance Officer
by ReadingRambler on Jan 28, 2011 1:18 PM CST up reply actions
P.S.
I have made my opinion clear at BSD before; I’m no fan of the whiteout. For wrestling I hate it. Wrestling, er, rassling is for Central Pennsylvania rednecks. Central Pennsylvania rednecks dress up for rassling in Carhartts and hunting jackets. PSU shouldn’t try to change it.
"As long as he behaves himself in this town, I ain't got no, ah...jurisdiction." - Link Appleyard, NCAA Compliance Officer
by ReadingRambler on Jan 28, 2011 12:42 PM CST reply actions
I agree
I really don’t think the white out will work. It hasn’t really been publicized that well. So I’m not expecting much, in fact I’ll be there in my black and blue psu wrestling sweatshirt, sticking it to the man.
Is it wrong that whenever a PSU fan says "sticking it to the man" that I assume it's JoePa?
I’m not sure why. And I do love the man, so it’s no slight against him.
Naw.
But The Man in this case is “director of gameday atmosphere” or whatever – Guido D’Elia. He’s Italian too, so I guess it’s close enough.
"As long as he behaves himself in this town, I ain't got no, ah...jurisdiction." - Link Appleyard, NCAA Compliance Officer
by ReadingRambler on Jan 29, 2011 10:27 AM CST up reply actions
Suppose this weekend is real reason Brands took the team to "Siberia"?
I could see a 16-16 tie in State College, but we’d need to pick up a pin or something completely unexpected to come out with a win. I think this weekend will tell us a lot about our team moreso than the Okie St dual.
I’ve yet to figure out BTN’s logic on showing live wrestling. You have a #1 ranked Penn St versus Iowa, who regardless of what we’re ranked puts more butts in seats and eyeballs on the screen for wrestling than anyone. Perhaps I’m biased b/c I love wrestling and am indifferent to basketball, but I’d much rather see IA – PSU wrestling live than IA – Michigan men’s bball.
Everyone knows God is a Hawkeye
Well...
Perhaps I’m biased b/c I love wrestling and am indifferent to basketball, but I’d much rather see IA – PSU wrestling live than IA – Michigan men’s bball.
You are in the minority there, I’m afraid. I like wrestling too (obviously), but men’s basketball is still going to get better ratings.
I do still find some of their decisions re: wrestling scheduling puzzling, though. I think they’re far too hung up on decisions made about which matches to schedule for TV that are made during the off-season; they need to be more flexible about accomodating duals that turn into a big deal somewhat unexpectedly (although I don’t exactly agree that it was unforseeable four months ago that Iowa-PSU would be a big deal). I also don’t understand why they don’t provide a live internet stream of every dual; the cost would have to be pretty minimal.
"I want to be a cowboy. I don't want to be a panda. Pandas are boring, stupid and boring. Bad panda!"
I understand your point about B-Ball being the bigger draw
But I agree with TX Hawk. #1 vs ranked top program of last 40 years, with the underlying Brands versus Sanderson storyline. These guys hate each other and it makes for a dramatic meet. If you were going to put on just one meet from the Big Ten regular season this would be it. There is so much B-ball on anyway; they can’t cater to the wrestling crowd for the biggest meet of the year?
"I don't believe in quotes" - Karl Klug
I agree they should have done more to get this on live TV.
That probably would have meant putting it on a Friday night or Saturday afternoon when they were making the initial schedule. If I was in charge of the Big Ten, I’d lock in all of the basketball games and then try and then rework the wrestling schedules to make as many of them available for live broadcasts as possible.
"I want to be a cowboy. I don't want to be a panda. Pandas are boring, stupid and boring. Bad panda!"
Do you think
the BTN and the conference work together to make the initial schedules or they just build schedules as usual and they scramble at the last minute to fit stuff in? Sometimes it feels like they don’t think very far ahead when putting this stuff together.
"I don't believe in quotes" - Karl Klug
I'm not sure.
Obviously the BTN is heavily involved in setting the basketball schedule — there’s no way Iowa would have games that start at 5:30pm CST on a weekday if that wasn’t the case. My hunch is that they don’t pay much attention to what the other sports do and just squeeze them in whenever/wherever it’s convenient.
"I want to be a cowboy. I don't want to be a panda. Pandas are boring, stupid and boring. Bad panda!"
I was really disappointed last year when they UI/PSU meet wasn't live.
I looked for it that night and BTN had a hockey game on. I can’t remember if the gave was live but I wrote them an email, that was not answered, to say I can’t believe you aren’t televising one of the biggest dual meets of the year live. Even last year, though PSU didn’t have as strong of a team, the Sanderson backstory was worthy of a live broadcast IMO.
by Carfino'sWay on Jan 28, 2011 3:56 PM CST up reply actions
How important is it to Brands to win this dual?
Important enough to juggle lineups? I understand it’s not HS and juggling isn’t done that often, but if we send Caschera at 125, he’s got others besides McD who can beat him rather easily, right? And McD would be favored to beat Long, right? Is a win here important enough for Brands to do that, or is it more important to him to work on Ramos’ seeds by sending him out against Long?
Cats been getting hookups on tatts since back in 01. - former buckeye Antonio Pittman
At this level
wrestling up a weight class is easier said than done and I don’t know if he would do that to McD; Long would be a tough draw when giving up 8 pounds.
"I don't believe in quotes" - Karl Klug
Agreed, and it's weird to watch, too
Last week Pitt weighed in 3 174pounders and sent one out against our weak 97. Announcers said their guy probably drank maybe up to 180 and ours was likely over 2bills. At least a 20pound difference and dude still gave our guy a runaround. It looked weird out on the mat, tho. Visibly mismatched. Tho, you sometimes see that even within a single weight class. Lewnes and Ruth were quite a contrast, build-wise.
Cats been getting hookups on tatts since back in 01. - former buckeye Antonio Pittman
The only time I really recall Brands having guys wrestle up a weight in a dual...
Was when injuries/redshirts left us with no other options. That’s how Beatty managed to see the line-up inititally, for instance — then he managed to grow into a solid 197 guy.
"I want to be a cowboy. I don't want to be a panda. Pandas are boring, stupid and boring. Bad panda!"
It's important, but probably not that important.
I’m sure who would go at 125 if McD was elsewhere and wrestling up a weight is hard, even against someone McD has had success against in the past. I think it’s more important to stick with guys in their traditional weights, not only for seeding but for confidence purposes. It would be huge for Ramos if he could beat Long.
"I want to be a cowboy. I don't want to be a panda. Pandas are boring, stupid and boring. Bad panda!"
Do you think they give the nod to Ramos?
Clark has beaten Long before. I think either way Iowa has a chance for the upset, but I have no idea who Brands will go with here.
I lean Ramos, yeah.
Clark has a little history with Long and Clark has gotten the nod a few times this year (notably against Oliver a few weeks ago), but I think his lack of offense has kind of doomed him this year. If we had no other options at that weight, it would be easy enough to just deal with it, but when you have an option who’s basically as good and who offers far more potential for offense… I think you go with that guy.
But if Clark does get the nod on Sunday, I won’t exactly be stunned.
"I want to be a cowboy. I don't want to be a panda. Pandas are boring, stupid and boring. Bad panda!"
It is really such a weird weight for Iowa
They have a couple of guys sitting there that are really close in ability to one another. That and 141. It would be nice to be able to spread that talent around a bit.
It is important, but not that important
Gable and Brands have always had a singular focus on Nationals. That is the measuring stick that they have always used to evaluate their program. Right now, it is about getting guys better and working them so that they peak in Philadelphia. I think this will be a good dual, but no one will really remember if the loser goes on to win the whole thing.
This is wonderful, Ross.
I’m hopeful but not exactly optimistic. This is the perfect barometer for where this team is at right now.
By the way, does anyone else thing that Ramos could be one of those big surprises come tournament season?
Templeton Rye'd the Lightning.
by Smokin Herb Grigsby on Jan 28, 2011 3:05 PM CST reply actions
He has enough offense to be able to make a run
given a favorable (see Marion, Montell) draw, proper conditioning and improve some on his head/hands defense.
"I shoot, I score. He shoots, I score." - Dan Gable
by ClaybornSmash on Jan 28, 2011 3:10 PM CST up reply actions
He needs to stop digging holes for himself against better competition.
That’s what doomed him at Midlands. I think he also needs let his offense go more often; sometimes it seems like he’s been a little too cautious or tentative.
"I want to be a cowboy. I don't want to be a panda. Pandas are boring, stupid and boring. Bad panda!"
Very true
I really think that the best way to not dig holes for himself is to 1) improve his head/hands D and 2) attack more often. How many times did you see Metcalf in a hole? Not very many because his head/hands D was incredible and he was always looking for an opportunity to attack (set aside the fact that Metcalf was a total animal on top, he was almost never down after the 1st period for those 2 reasons).
"I shoot, I score. He shoots, I score." - Dan Gable
by ClaybornSmash on Jan 28, 2011 3:44 PM CST up reply actions
I said it a couple weeks ago and I'll say it again
PSU is my pick to win Nationals this year. I hate it, but I calls ’em like I sees ’em.
"I shoot, I score. He shoots, I score." - Dan Gable
We are going out on a risky limb here, aren't we.
Who in there right mind would pick the #1 ranked team to win the national tournament? :)
"You’re talking about things that are real. That’s real. In those other dual meets, it wasn’t real, but now it’s real." ~ Tom Brands regarding the Iowa State dual.
sorry, that sound more dickish than I intended.
"You’re talking about things that are real. That’s real. In those other dual meets, it wasn’t real, but now it’s real." ~ Tom Brands regarding the Iowa State dual.
Good luck to your guys this weekend
I’m gonna be at rec hall and am looking forward to a great match.
Can’t say I disagree with your prediction at all, two things to consider though.
Kemerer hasn’t given up bonus points in a dual meet this year.
Taylor has only been held to a decision once this year.
Not to say those things won’t change this weekend, just throwing them out there.
Well, those two things didn't change.
And it turns out they didn’t even matter.
"I want to be a cowboy. I don't want to be a panda. Pandas are boring, stupid and boring. Bad panda!"
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Black Heart Gold Pants
Related FanShots on Black Heart Gold Pants
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
