While the politics behind the issue may look problematic, the mechanics on why Team USA might be restricted from travel is ordinary. When the President of the United States signed an executive order barring Iranians -- and citizens from six other countries -- from entering the United States, he initiated a series of reciprocal protocols against citizens of the United States traveling to those seven countries.
The limitation of movement by Iran, and later Iraq, are common reactions to this type of travel restriction by another country. Anyone who has traveled to Brazil has likely dealt with all types of hurdles with visas, registration, and even disclosing bank account information. The reason the Brazilians ask for that information is because the U.S. government asks that of their visiting citizens. Hence, reciprocity.
No matter how common a response, the wrestling world was left in limbo.
Like our wrestlers, I was also meant to travel to Iran for the World Cup -- the third time I'd be traveling to the country in three years. However, due to the travel ban and subsequent reciprocal measures, I can't attend the World Cup (even if the U.S. visas are approved). I was looking forward to tea with my friends, photographing the countryside and sharing meals with my coworkers. I'm disappointed that it will no longer happen, but the larger loss is to those who will never visit Iran. How else can they interact with a culture they'll never see, taste, or feel up close but for journalists, photographers and videographers?
No matter your politics more interaction improves understanding and leads to a world with more empathy and understanding. As citizens, we can improve our dialogue, expand our comfort zone and learn about those we'd otherwise never consider. There is an exchange of ideas and trust that you simply can't acquire without personal interaction, or a common thread through the sport of wrestling.
I hope that our wrestlers are awarded their visas and travel safely to Iran. I don't want that trip to happen just for the wrestling, but also so that they can return and tell family, friends and fans about the real Iran -- the people, not the government. Conversely, it would be wonderful for more Iranians to learn more about the American people and try for a moment to forget about the words of our government and instead look at the character of our citizens.
Let there be diplomacy. Let there be wrestling.
To your questions …
Pat Downey gets his hand raised after a victory at the NCAAs (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com)Q: Did you happen to read Pat Downey's Twitter this past week? If so, what did you make of his comments?
-- Mike C.
Foley: Well, from what I gather he took a heel turn and started a Mac Life (Conor McGregor) approach to pre-match provocation with Gabe Dean. I appreciate the effort, but those in wrestling (and jiu-jitsu) need to recognize that these are not fighting sports. You don't have a full arsenal of attacks, which means every besting of another man comes with an asterisk.
I could do without the hype, but I also recognize that could make me sound like an old fuddy-duddy.
sorry @DabeGean you already have your 2. its time for me to get my two. i cant wait to beat you up in St. Louis. #SorryNotSorry #AllLove
�" Cyclone Malone (@ThePatDowney) January 30, 2017
Q: Why did the USA spend the money to send so many (something like 17) wrestlers to Paris only to have them wrestle each other. It was not a major international tournament. The Dave Schultz Memorial is this coming weekend in Colorado, where they all could have competed at a much lower cost. Who does pay these travel expenses? USA wrestling? Clubs? The wrestlers themselves? Doesn't seem to make good economic sense.
-- JM
Foley: The Paris tournament is traditionally a pretty tough tourney. Until a week before the tournament it was reported that Iran was sending 2016 Olympic champion Hassan Yazdani Charati (Iran) to compete at 86 kilograms along with a handful of other Iranian standouts. Olympic bronze medalist Frank Chamizo (Italy) was also scheduled to attend, but changed tactics at the last minute.
Unfortunately, there is still some trouble securing guaranteed competition at early season competitions, and while the travel might have seemed excessive, remember that the World Championships will also be held in Paris, giving the wrestlers (and coaches/staff) a little more insight into travel, accommodation and food. Also, although they did wrestle each other, the simple fact of making weight overseas and working one's self through a tournament is good for most guys, especially Kyle Dake who hasn't wrestled in many overseas tournament over the past three years.
Would it have been nice to have more competition? Absolutely. Will USA Wrestling take that into account for next year? Most likely. Waste of time and money? Not in my opinion.
Q: The United States had great success this past weekend highlighted by Kyle Snyder winning Yarygin. Is Paris an open tournament where any U.S. wrestler could enter and Yarygin by invitation only based on international wrestling success?
-- David D.
Foley: Kyle Snyder's dominating performance at the Yarygin was one of the most welcome surprises of the week! It seems that more than most wrestlers, Snyder faces a lot of questions about his ability to keep winning. Overseas fans doubted him after he won the 2015 World Championships and heading into the 2016 Olympics you would have thought he was an outside shot to medal, if you'd only read blogs.
Again, Snyder proved that he's always improving and put on an absolute whipping in Krasnoyarsk. Plenty for him to be proud of, and for the American fan to cheer.
Only one thing was missing in Krasnoyarsk … Abdulrashid Sadulaev, who is reported to be making his way up to 97 kilograms.
MULTIMEDIA HALFTIME
Kyle Dake on FIRE
Kyle Snyder takes Yarygin
Q: The more I thought about this, I think let's stick with the 2-point takedown. Give the person on bottom 30 seconds to get out. If he gets ridden out for the 30 seconds the top wrestler can let a guy up without giving up a point for the escape. We could also remove riding time as well. This would create a more aggressive match I feel. What are your thoughts on that?
-- Nick D.
Foley: We are of one mind. NCAA wrestling needs to do a lot to clean up their rule set and incentivizes action. Like it or not, the action within freestyle is proving to be a more consumable product. Fans, coaches and wrestlers want more engagement and I think that it's time for the NCAA to deliver on their mission to develop the rules.
Q: So, ISU. Want to speculate about a possible replacement for Coach Jackson? They need a big name. Iowa State has been bad for too long.
-- John G.
Foley: Top five candidates:
Kevin Dresser (Virginia Tech)
Pat Poplizio (NC State)
Travis Paulson (Iowa State)
Mark Perry (Illinois)
Chris Bono (South Dakota State)
To me it's clear that any job Kevin Dresser wants he would get, Iowa State included. He built the Virginia Tech wrestling program up from a lower place we now see the Cyclones. He teaches the technique of the sport better than most, motivates extremely well and is an institutional type leader.
Next up could be Pat Popolizio, though I wonder if Iowa State would fit his goals. For now, he seems to be a better fit for the culture he created at NC State -- tough, fun and unique in style.
Chris Bono is the second-best option for the Cyclones, but even as his personal story would progress full circle, I don't know enough about his relationships with the administration or the alumni, and both play the primary role in recruiting and signing a new head coach. He's showing early signs of creating a competitive program at South Dakota State and given extra resources it's not unforeseeable that he could make Iowa State into a top five program.
Paulson and Perry would both be solid choices, but I think the school will first look to tap an experienced head coach before handing the keys to an assistant.
Q: Does Ohio State have a shot to knock off Penn State tonight? Kyle Snyder will be back in the Buckeye lineup!
-- Mike C.
Foley: The promotion for this dual meet has been fantastic. The Ohio State fans are expected to wear all black and the school has already sold more than 10,000 seats. If Penn State comes out flat they'll be in a dog fight for the W.
Ohio State 20, Penn State 18
125: Nick Suriano (PSU) dec. Jose Rodriguez (OSU), 11-8 (3-0 PSU)
133: Nathan Tomasello (OSU) pinned George Carpenter (PSU)/Triston Law (6-3 OSU)
141: Luke Pletcher (OSU) dec. Jimmy Gulibon (PSU), 9-4 (9-3 OSU)
149: Zain Retherford (PSU) dec. Micah Jordan (OSU), 8-3 (9-6 OSU)
157: Jason Nolf (PSU) tech. fall Anthony DeCarlo (OSU), 15-0 (11-9 PSU)
165: Vincenzo Joseph (PSU) dec. Cody Burcher (OSU), 10-4 (14-9 PSU)
174: Bo Jordan (OSU) dec. Mark Hall (PSU), 5-1 (14-12 PSU)
184: Bo Nickal (PSU) maj. dec. Myles Martin (OSU), 11-2 (18-12 PSU)
197: Kollin Moore (OSU) dec. Matt McCutcheon (PSU), 6-3 (18-15 PSU)
285: Kyle Snyder (OSU) tech. fall Nick Nevills (PSU), 21-6 (20-18 OSU)
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