Jagger's Friday Mailbag - 9/20/2024

I don’t know how it happened but this turned into a very Jersey-flavored mailbag so if you’re not down with the Garden State, I suggest you stop reading now. We already got your click and you can’t have it back so the advertisers are happy. And if you hate New Jersey, you likely quit reading this column long ago. I don’t really know how you would hate New Jersey since we produce some of the greatest people from Bruce (Springsteen or Baumgartner take your pick) to Burroughs to Brandon from New Jersey himself. Just a loaded field of stars. So, let’s get into it! 

Thursday marks the one-year anniversary of Joe Dubuque’s promotion to head coach. How are the vibes out of Princeton? Salty Walkon, Jersey Guy 

I do believe the vibes are good as Joe Dubuque enters his second year at the helm. Now with Jersey GOAT Anthony Ashnault in the fold, Coach Dubuque looks to do with Marc-Anthony McGowan what he did for Patrick Glory which is to turn him into a monster right off the bat. It seems like forever since we’ve seen MAM on the mat, but once upon a time, he was at the top or near the top of all the rankings. You have to assume that if he’s healthy, and with the coaching of lightweight experts Dubuque, Ashnault, and Cody Brewer, the sky's the limit for the former Blair product. I feel like it’s been a minute since a Blair guy really tore up the college scene until TJ Stewart had his run last year. McGowan is a good bet to continue that this year. 

When will Goodale make Jagger the honorary Captain on the annual Jagger Night? Aaron Bartlett, Jersey Guy 

You would think it has to happen soon. But I don’t need all that and 95% of the crowd would be quite confused. I’d rather get into one of those sumo suits and do whatever they do with that at intermission. Me and Mineo just bouncing into each other until someone is knocked out of the circle. Nothing would please me more. In reality, I’m quite shy in public and around crowds so not sure any of this is a good idea. 

Will Cornell win every weight class at the first-ever Ivy Wrestling tourney? Was it smart for the IVY Schools to break from the historic EIWA Conference and their tourney? Mike Abromitis, Jersey Guy 

I’d say they have the favorite at a good eight weights but there are a lot of fresh faces in the lineups and coaching staffs in the Ivy League, so I wouldn’t bet on it. I just hope everyone wears a sweater around their neck during intros. I think it’s fine that they split into their own conference, but I guess we will see what impact it has come allocation season. I just wish Yale and Dartmouth would get in on the action and field some teams.

Not a question…just want to let you know that one of these will arrive in your mailbox soon. Kevin McGuigan, Philly Guy 

You got my address. A medium will do and I will wear it with pride. 

What program is your favorite to root for when it comes to NJ guys who have defected from staying in the Garden State and why is it the Hokies? Will Jagger make a celebrity (loosely applied here) appearance in Blacksburg for Jersey Tech vs Rutgahs? Ethan Aguigui, Guam Guy 

I can't be a Hokie guy, because I’m a Wolfpack guy. Just because they don’t have a Hidlay anymore doesn’t mean I’m bailing on my boys. Gotta be loyal to the soil even though I’ve never seen the soil in Raleigh. You had JerseyHokie to unify the two states then you ran him out of town. I admit I would like to make it to Blacksburg and get a little revenge for last year but it is still very much up in the air. You still have cigarettes for two dollars a pack down there? Can the state made for lovers handle such a hater? Find out these answers and more during the 2024-2025 college wrestling season! And stop stealing our guys!