Coach Green's Friday Mailbag (7/3/2026)

What do you make of the situation with the U23 team and USAW potentially choosing the team at certain weights? What’s the best way this should work out? - John P. 

I'll admit I didn't pay as close attention to this.  I assumed that the same procedures that USAW has used in the past were being used again.  So perhaps there was a better way to publicize this, but it is also possible I could have done more research.

I think USAW has done a nice job encouraging our best young guys to seek international opportunities and partner with college programs.  You don't want that to go backwards.  I think they are also in a place now that choosing the guy they think has the best shot to win in Vegas is the right move.  It is a tough position to be in, but it is a position we as members of the organization are trusting them with.

You can't change it now, but moving forward I think you almost have to have some type of wrestle-off/ trials in place.  It doesn't have to be the u23 tourney, but there should be a sense of earning the spot
 

What are the must have foods for your July 4th cookout. Anything out of the ordinary?  - PK

Easiest question of the day.  Hot dogs.  No ketchup.

Everything else is negotiable

Do you like 4th of July fireworks only on the 4th or a different day if the holiday doesn’t fall on the weekend? - Brian C. 

Never really thought about it.  I'm not a huge fireworks guy- I actually think they are most enjoyable after a baseball game- Go Binghamton Rumbleponies.  For the 4th, the biggest celebrations should be on the correct date.  If that's inconvenient for some people, so be it.

What do you make of all of the recent AJ Ferrari news. Did it bother you seeing some of your peers trying to continue to give him chances? - Anon

Yes. 

The only thing I'm surprised about these days is that people are surprised by news like this.

I've given chances to kids before and gotten burned, so no one is perfect.  We are always in a delicate position and the wrestling community is known as a forgiving one.  But forgiveness and grace can't be tied to results.  They have to be tied to growth.

I think we are ultimately a microcosm of society, and in today's world we all walk a thin line between wanting to believe in the best in people and recognizing phony behavior.  The line gets blurred a lot and everyone's decisions can have a deleterious impact on the people around them.  It can be tough sledding.