Penn State Roster

[ionel]

35 minutes ago, BruceyB said:

Has Basch applauded the genius of this maneuver yet? This is a great way to allow these guys to make the most of their college careers. You have to get creative when you have a room as loaded as Penn State's. It's not against the rules, so why shouldn't Cael and the athletes take advantage if it best serves both the individuals and the team? They weren't going to start, so they decided to take a year off to serve the Lord. Everyone wins, so the only people making a fuss about this are just Penn State haters.  WE ARE.

But seriously, it's actually kind of funny that Cael is just leaning into being the evil empire of wrestling with a stunt like this. The eruption when any PSU wrestler loses in March is going to go extra crazy this year.

Did Cael ever go on a mission ... what about Carl?  

[BruceyB]

3 minutes ago, ionel said:

Did Cael ever go on a mission ... what about Carl?  

Sometimes God is best served in post-match interviews when the glory is given to Him. 

Edited yesterday at 01:35 AM by BruceyB

[1032004]

54 minutes ago, BruceyB said:

Has Basch applauded the genius of this maneuver yet? This is a great way to allow these guys to make the most of their college careers. You have to get creative when you have a room as loaded as Penn State's. It's not against the rules, so why shouldn't Cael and the athletes take advantage if it best serves both the individuals and the team? They weren't going to start, so they decided to take a year off to serve the Lord. Everyone wins, so the only people making a fuss about this are just Penn State haters.  WE ARE.

But seriously, it's actually kind of funny that Cael is just leaning into being the evil empire of wrestling with a stunt like this. The eruption when any PSU wrestler loses in March is going to go extra crazy this year.

I’m curious what if anything Askren might say about it.  I think if it wasn’t an AWA guy he’d be more critical…

[Gene Mills Fan]

12 hours ago, ionel said:

Anyone else shocked the Mirasola brothers aren't going on the "mission" together?  What a cool thing to take a mission with your bro but even more so your twin bro.  

It's that military clause; you shouldn't subject a family to loose 2 men from the same family.

[MPhillips]

5 minutes ago, Gene Mills Fan said:

you shouldn't subject a family to loose 2 men from the same family.

Toulouse...

[Gene Mills Fan]

26 minutes ago, MPhillips said:

Toulouse...

I tried to paint a picture, some are not seeing it.

[Gene Mills Fan]

28 minutes ago, MPhillips said:

Toulouse...

Missed another one sentence edit

What's Ionel's 'standard rule' for double letters? I can't get it right

Edited 18 hours ago by Gene Mills Fan

[MPhillips]

Just now, Gene Mills Fan said:

I tried to paint a picture, some are not seeing it.

Not me. I'm an artist.

[juniorvarsity]

23 hours ago, Rassling said:

junior I respectively disagree. I do not believe wrestling had anything to do with their decision. I’ll keep R out of it but there are people who believe in something so sincerely and deeply they want to tell others about it. 

I respect your opinion. We're never really going to know their intentions.

Look, I hope they go on the mission, come back better than before, and tell us all about it. I would love to hear about it.

But isn't it a little fishy that this happens the first year this rule can be used as an eligibility gap?

After thinking more about it,  I have been grouping Henckel and Cole Mirasola together, but their situations are a bit different. Henckel is definitely a guy who won't start no matter what and the use of the mission for eligibility gap fits his situation more clearly. Cole is in a different spot where he's competing with his brother for the same spot at heavyweight, so it's harder to assume intentions here. Theres probably a better way to say it, but they have different circumstances. 

[Gene Mills Fan]

16 minutes ago, juniorvarsity said:

I respect your opinion. We're never really going to know their intentions.

Look, I hope they go on the mission, come back better than before, and tell us all about it. I would love to hear about it.

But isn't it a little fishy that this happens the first year this rule can be used as an eligibility gap?

After thinking more about it,  I have been grouping Henckel and Cole Mirasola together, but their situations are a bit different. Henckel is definitely a guy who won't start no matter what and the use of the mission for eligibility gap fits his situation more clearly. Cole is in a different spot where he's competing with his brother for the same spot at heavyweight, so it's harder to assume intentions here. Theres probably a better way to say it, but they have different circumstances. 

Cole is letting his brother have a go. Why because he's his twin brother.

And Cole can now has a year to add a few pounds.

Had to go out and come back in for those 3 dots to work 

Edited 17 hours ago by Gene Mills Fan

[Rassling]

22 minutes ago, juniorvarsity said:

I respect your opinion. We're never really going to know their intentions.

Look, I hope they go on the mission, come back better than before, and tell us all about it. I would love to hear about it.

But isn't it a little fishy that this happens the first year this rule can be used as an eligibility gap?

After thinking more about it,  I have been grouping Henckel and Cole Mirasola together, but their situations are a bit different. Henckel is definitely a guy who won't start no matter what and the use of the mission for eligibility gap fits his situation more clearly. Cole is in a different spot where he's competing with his brother for the same spot at heavyweight, so it's harder to assume intentions here. Theres probably a better way to say it, but they have different circumstances. 

nothing fishy about it at all imo. Look there’s a lot elite wrestlers who feel the need to reference their faith during post interviews. I do not like it and quite frankly it’s a complete turnoff. I had to mute Dake for a few secs when he “went there” during a recent interview. A lot of wrestling fans don’t like it either and that may be why so many here feel there’s something nefarious going on. 

Edited 17 hours ago by Rassling

[1032004]

14 minutes ago, Rassling said:

nothing fishy about it at all imo. Look there’s a lot elite wrestlers who feel the need to reference their faith during post interviews.

And yet despite that, when was the last time a non Mormon D1 wrestler took a mission trip?  Now there’s 2 on one team in 1 year, the first year that redshirts go away, for 2 guys who weren’t gong to start.

Nope, not fishy at all!

[ionel]

1 hour ago, MPhillips said:

Toulouse...

... been there.  

[Interviewed_at_Weehawken]

This has always been an option, as the PSU faithful are telling us.  And yes this is true.  

But there were many other options in the past where PSU (and others) could get creative and extend kids' eligibility:

1. Greyshirt - mostly gone with the exception of really "young" (normal-aged) kids (James)

2. Conventional redshirt- gone

3. Medical redshirt- gone (and these had been handed out like candy on Halloween lately)

4. Olympic redshirt- gone

5.  Religious mission- generally used by devout Mormons in the past.  Very few PSU wrestlers used this exemption.

Now religious exemptions are all that is left, really.  Guys aren't about to sign up for multiple years of active duty to utilize this.  So, this is Cael being as creative as he can, with limited options.

Wonder what the mission actually consists of?

[MPhillips]

3 minutes ago, ionel said:

... been there.  

WWII 

[ionel]

4 minutes ago, MPhillips said:

WWII 

... get off my lawn sonny!  

[Dan-by Taco]

If you or your wrestler child has a chance to go to PSU and compete, I think it's safe to say most will take it. This is purely my opinion, but I believe this is legal and I believe this is slimy. I don't believe for a minute this is a legitimate spread of the gospel moment for 2 really good backups who need extra years to crack the lineup or add a year. It would be great to see Henckel do this then transfer out but that won't happen because the reason is to extend time at PSU. It will be interesting to see the wrestling talking heads and if they justify this as noble or legitimate....only the wrestlers know, but in my opinion this is a scam for the most part. Cornell Kevin was quick to say how this was gaming the system on BEG and I totally agree. Others, who won't want to lose PSU access will not say anything critical and I understand the predicament they are in. Cael is the leader of the sport and losing PSU as an interview is bad for your product. I hope in some crazy way this backfires and parents/recruits when given a choice will see the insincerity of this and choose other great programs, but that is highly wishful thinking since PSU is king. This is dirty imo, using religious mission excuse to harbor talent, but Cael is convincing and the results are stellar. I understand guys wanting to go there, even to back up for a few years, but there are other places where top talent can greatly improve, and guys can actually compete. That is and was the hope for 5 for 5, spreading talent, simplifying redshirts and I think it will have a positive impact but there are always loopholes. I hope this does not become a regular occurrence in wrestling. As far as people saying this bashing is only because this is PSU...nope, if Iowa did this they would be hammered too...and yep, there are only a couple of programs with the depth for this to really matter.  No 3rd stringer on 99% of programs would make any difference.  Yes, PSU is great and with being great means the spotlight.  PSU and Okie St are the only schools with AA's on the bench, for the most part, maybe a few others.  To folks saying good can come, I agree, if they do legitimate work, no one here is saying it can't be beneficial, they are just pointing out the obvious and oddity of timing and wrestlers involved who can greatly benefit from added eligibility, this is not hard to comprehend that this is likely gaming.  Most Mission work i believe is not in the middle of eligibility years where you are a non-starter but have great potential to be an AA caliber guy.  Also, someone said Cael isn't holding a gun to their heads...right, the most powerful person in the history of the sport suggests this and the 20 year old young adults who passionately appreciate him and love PSU are going to say "F" off Cael (tic).  Also the whole Cael is playing chess, it literally is 1 of 3 exemptions, I bet every coach in the country thought of this so it isn't genius, it is 2 things, Cael had guys that can can benefit/willing, and PSU has the depth for this to even be a discussion. For the record, I am not a hater nor a fan of PSU, Iowa or Okie St..lots of respect for many of their guys but don't routinely cheer for them either.  They have guys dedicated to be there so if they want to do it, I understand but....  Purely an opinion, it is perfectly legal but a bit scummy.   

[Gene Mills Fan]

21 minutes ago, MPhillips said:

WWII 

His twin brother stayed home to sow and plow the fields!

[Ricketycricket]

13 hours ago, 1032004 said:

I’m curious what if anything Askren might say about it.  I think if it wasn’t an AWA guy he’d be more critical…

I was thinking, maybe Cael is trolling the NCAA. He seems frustrated with them in interviews and rightfully thinks Haines should be eligible if Mendez is. 

He is a smart guy and I'm sure he realizes how transparent the mission cover is. 

[Gene Mills Fan]

1 minute ago, Ricketycricket said:

I was thinking, maybe Cael is trolling the NCAA. He seems frustrated with them in interviews and rightfully thinks Haines should be eligible if Mendez is. 

He is a smart guy and I'm sure he realizes how transparent the mission cover is. 

Yes I mentioned he might be thumbing his nose at them or putting his thumb somewhere else.  

[VakAttack]

14 hours ago, 1032004 said:

I’m curious what if anything Askren might say about it.  I think if it wasn’t an AWA guy he’d be more critical…

I think Askren has been very public since his catastrophic health issue that he has found religion, so I imagine he will not be critical, combined w/ his relationship w/ the family.

[Rassling]

1 hour ago, Dan-by Taco said:

If you or your wrestler child has a chance to go to PSU and compete, I think it's safe to say most will take it. This is purely my opinion, but I believe this is legal and I believe this is slimy. I don't believe for a minute this is a legitimate spread of the gospel moment for 2 really good backups who need extra years to crack the lineup or add a year. It would be great to see Henckel do this then transfer out but that won't happen because the reason is to extend time at PSU. It will be interesting to see the wrestling talking heads and if they justify this as noble or legitimate....only the wrestlers know, but in my opinion this is a scam for the most part. Cornell Kevin was quick to say how this was gaming the system on BEG and I totally agree. Others, who won't want to lose PSU access will not say anything critical and I understand the predicament they are in. Cael is the leader of the sport and losing PSU as an interview is bad for your product. I hope in some crazy way this backfires and parents/recruits when given a choice will see the insincerity of this and choose other great programs, but that is highly wishful thinking since PSU is king. This is dirty imo, using religious mission excuse to harbor talent, but Cael is convincing and the results are stellar. I understand guys wanting to go there, even to back up for a few years, but there are other places where top talent can greatly improve, and guys can actually compete. That is and was the hope for 5 for 5, spreading talent, simplifying redshirts and I think it will have a positive impact but there are always loopholes. I hope this does not become a regular occurrence in wrestling. As far as people saying this bashing is only because this is PSU...nope, if Iowa did this they would be hammered too...and yep, there are only a couple of programs with the depth for this to really matter.  No 3rd stringer on 99% of programs would make any difference.  Yes, PSU is great and with being great means the spotlight.  PSU and Okie St are the only schools with AA's on the bench, for the most part, maybe a few others.  To folks saying good can come, I agree, if they do legitimate work, no one here is saying it can't be beneficial, they are just pointing out the obvious and oddity of timing and wrestlers involved who can greatly benefit from added eligibility, this is not hard to comprehend that this is likely gaming.  Most Mission work i believe is not in the middle of eligibility years where you are a non-starter but have great potential to be an AA caliber guy.  Also, someone said Cael isn't holding a gun to their heads...right, the most powerful person in the history of the sport suggests this and the 20 year old young adults who passionately appreciate him and love PSU are going to say "F" off Cael (tic).  Also the whole Cael is playing chess, it literally is 1 of 3 exemptions, I bet every coach in the country thought of this so it isn't genius, it is 2 things, Cael had guys that can can benefit/willing, and PSU has the depth for this to even be a discussion. For the record, I am not a hater nor a fan of PSU, Iowa or Okie St..lots of respect for many of their guys but don't routinely cheer for them either.  They have guys dedicated to be there so if they want to do it, I understand but....  Purely an opinion, it is perfectly legal but a bit scummy.   

great post Dan - you put alot of thought into it this situation. Maybe there is something going on here. A lot of you guys seem to think so. I do not however anything is possible. I always felt those who use the cloth to conceal a different agenda ranks high up on the list of despicable behavior.

Edited 15 hours ago by Rassling

[Dan-by Taco]

Thank you Rassling, I appreciate respectful debate and try not to resort to name calling.  I have opinions but they are just that, no more or less legitimate than anyone else. 

[1032004]

30 minutes ago, Ricketycricket said:

I was thinking, maybe Cael is trolling the NCAA. He seems frustrated with them in interviews and rightfully thinks Haines should be eligible if Mendez is. 

He is a smart guy and I'm sure he realizes how transparent the mission cover is. 

Mendez isn’t eligible is he?

[1032004]

15 minutes ago, VakAttack said:

I think Askren has been very public since his catastrophic health issue that he has found religion, so I imagine he will not be critical, combined w/ his relationship w/ the family.

I mean even on the PSU forum I’ve seen guys being critical of this tactic despite being religious.  Maybe kind of a “doing the right thing for the wrong reasons” kind of thing…