Big Man Breakdown

[John Foster]

Hoping this turns into a season long thread where we talk about upperweight specific highlights/chatter/questions and I will try to check in regularly to keep things fresh.

First conversation is should Dayton Pitzer jump right in as the heavyweight for Pitt this year? Obviously the room knew what they were getting but I thought the transition to full heavy might take a redshirt year. Based on the wrestle-off result it looks like he could be positioned to make some noise in an ACC in transition at the weight. I watched Houghton at U23 trials beat Davison and I think he could be the top of 285 in the conference but there are no sure bets. They should get a good look at him as far as making that decision if they send him to the Clarion Open.

[FD1W]

Individually, taking the Redshirt might help his odds of AA-ing? From InterMat rankings, there's currently 15 Seniors and 10 Juniors in the Top-33. But as a team with Nino's last year and the transfers they got, might be worth using the best option at Hwt.

[nhs67]

With how they are handing out medical redshirts now, gone are the days of 'Well you never know if he will get hurt and need it later.'

That makes me say to Redshirt him.  Even though you lose three seniors at the end of this season to graduation - maybe four depending on if Matthews utilizes his free 'rona year.  Pitzer isn't going to win more than one match at NCAAs.  That is probably Slinger's cap, too.

Give him the season.  Let him physically, emotionally, and academically mature this season because his peak is probably only a match or two next season as well.  Heavyweight is very deep right now.

[Idaho]

Any official word on Gable coming back? It's been quiet.  If not, like most,  I  see it wide open for Schultz, Paris, Kerk or Cass.  

[nhs67]

1 hour ago, Idaho said:

Any official word on Gable coming back? It's been quiet.  If not, like most,  I  see it wide open for Schultz, Paris, Kerk or Cass.  

Gable is roughly 75-90 North-Northwest of me currently (Orlando).

[MNRodent]

10 hours ago, Idaho said:

Any official word on Gable coming back? It's been quiet.  If not, like most,  I  see it wide open for Schultz, Paris, Kerk or Cass.  

His parents were at the Gophers open practice yesterday, for what that's worth.