Jagger's Friday Mailbag - 3/1/2024

Well, I’m back. Don’t ask. Let’s just say that February hasn’t exactly been kind to me. But now it’s March and that’s all behind me. So I tried to put on a Willy Wonka exhibit that failed miserably. It happens. Just move on. Somehow this edition became very heavy on New Jersey and that’s not my fault. I don’t think we got one question from someone not from the Garden State. Let’s find out! 

What made nj.com finally decide to stream states for free all of a sudden? I’ll hang up and listen…bye. Brandon from New Jersey 

Yeah, and thanks for the call. I thought they were free the last few years after a couple years of turbulent broadcasts that started with an awful year where it was on Track. I don’t want to rip anyone here, but you had eight mats and could only log in on one browser at a time. How was I supposed to navigate eight tabs at once? Especially when every time I did, it would take 30 seconds to load or I might have to sign in again at times. I don’t know why this question reminded me of that but it did. The next year it returned to its original home but under a new format that at least does the job. My only issue is that there’s no app for streaming devices so it’s either mirror the screen or use one of those awful web browsers they give you. At any rate, it’s still awesome and if you're reading this when it comes out, then the quarterfinals are only in an hour or so. Watch it! It’s free! 

What are your favorite conference tournament memories from over the years? Also, what are your least favorite conference tournament memories from over the years? Also, do you have any indifferent memories? Don’t share those last ones. They seem boring. Kevin Claunch from New Jersey 

It has to be the six Big Ten champs from New Jersey in 2019. It really was pretty cool and a culmination of a decade’s worth of really high-level guys coming out of the state. Just think, Sebastian Rivera and Anthony Cassar were probably the least recruited of the bunch and they beat the two biggest prospects of the decade in Spencer Lee and Gable Steveson. One is an Olympic champ and the other may be one in a few months. Do I have any indifferent memories? Probably when Michigan won the conference tournament a few years ago. Totally indifferent to it. Forgot it even happened. Seems everyone else did, too. My least favorite moment was something our next guest had to deal with personally. 

This week, @bryanhazard retired from coaching. The @GMUWrestling Hall of Famer had an illustrious coaching career at Robinson High School. Did you know that the frequently used cross-arm tilt is called “The Hazard” in many parts of the country? Kevin McGuigan from New Jersey 

Well, I did not know that. But a congrats is in order for the hazardous one on behalf of InterMat for his 28 years in coaching. You are free to go polish a boat in Mexico until you spot a barefoot Jason Bryant in the distance walking towards you. 

Since Big Tens are driving distance to Maryland this year, do we get #JaggerSession? No, I am not broadcasting this time. Only NJ states remain! Nick Kosko from New Jersey 

Driving distance for you maybe but I’m at the top of the state! It’s nearly four hours away! But seriously, I simply can’t make it. Home duties have me tied up at the moment so it’s Jaggervision all weekend here. And you bloody should be announcing it! They have multiple mat streams so I don’t see why each mat can have someone on the mic. Folks, if you haven’t watched Rutgers on Big Ten Plus (or Penn, Princeton, and various sports in the Atlantic County area) my man Nick has emerged as the voice of New Jersey sports. If we can’t get him next week in Maryland, then the NJ State Tournament is a fitting sendoff to the Winter of Kosko. I also caught him headbanging to System Of A Down seconds before the start of the Wisconsin dual a few weeks ago. Total pro. 

Should the NCAA finals go in weight order prior to the main event or mix the order further to build it like a fight/pro wrestling card? Rhino from New Jersey 

Oh, without a doubt like a fight card. It should’ve happened years ago. I don’t see the reason why not to do it. You’re going to confuse the fans and they won’t know the order? Please. I know the world is getting dumber by the day, but we’re not that bad yet. Just put a little graphic with the order with the rest of the graphics on the crawl. You don’t want to insult the wrestlers by saying they don't have a marquee matchup? The wrestlers should have bigger things to worry about anyway. Then at least put the top three or five matches last and do the rest in order. Is this the key to the sport breaking out? Of course not. But it builds excitement as the night goes on. It’s called quality television. I’ll teach you about it.

Jags, my wise friend, O/U on AA's in Kansas City from NJ colleges is 2.5. Where is the smart (your) money going? Salty Walkon from New Jersey 

First off, my money is never smart. I’m a terrible gambler. But the number does seem to be on point. Rider and Princeton would need someone to get hot and sneak one in or you’re relying on Rutgers getting three in there. I’d still take the over because I’m a mark and want to cheer for my guys. 

Did Oklahoma State fumble the bag or did Iowa jump levels after the thorough ass-kicking from Penn State? JD Money from New Jersey 

Iowa won because they are simply a better team. Sure, they’ve had a weird year, but that was expected. They’re still the second-best team in my opinion and a performance like that is just what the doctor ordered for the Hawkeyes to have a solid postseason. Penn State has reached an absurd height of dominance right now. You know they will have six to eight guys in the semifinals on Friday night. All you can do is try to get there and beat them. Anything can happen in March. That’s why they wrestle the matches. 

Once again, we’ve reached the Burger King of Kings from New Jersey portion of the mailbag. Since we’re nearly out of time, I chose a fee to answer in rapid fire. 

Have you been to Iowa? Would you come to a dual here? 

No and yes. I’m told it’s the only way to truly understand Iowa fans. You must walk the streets of Iowa City 

Is it pronounced "Rut-geers" or "Rut-gahs"? 

Definitely Rutgahs. The trick is to say it almost like one syllable as gruff as you can. That’s Jersey perfection.

What Jersey piece of culture is the rest of the country sleeping on? 

Gas station attendants. I seriously don’t know how this isn't a thing in literally the rest of the country. 

How do you talk to nonwrestling people to get them to come to a dual? 

Promise them punch and pie.