Dark Energy

Since when do seeds = rankings?

Ok - so if wrestler A majors 90% and wrestler B pins 75%, in Hvy, you are more impressed with A. What if both 90%? From your posts, I assume A still. Fair? Now, for both scenarios above, which is more dominant? Seems like you are avoiding that word. Perhaps you feel A is better (aka more impressive) but wondering if you feel is also more dominant.

So, just to be clear … you think that when Wrestler A majors wrestler C, and wrestler B pins wrestler C, that means, in the Hvy weight class, wrestler A is more dominant than B. Ok. And, then wrestler A majors all their opponents and Wrestler B pins all their opponents, in the Hvy weight class, wrestler A is more dominant. I now understand how you think. I disagree with you but thanks for being clear.

Looks like Bo Nickal is being clear that he wants the Hodge to be for the ‘best wrestler’ … so he wants the criteria changed for the Hodge. OR … like I’m suggesting - a new award is needed. Hey Bo! Make it happen!

The bonus percentage was quite close. The pin percent and dominance score was not at all. And sportsmanship - also not close. Honest question - Wrestler A majors 90% of his opponents. Wrestler B pins 75% of theirs. Are you going to call A more dominant? I hope not.

Good convo. Just seems like A LOT of people are seeking ways to say Carter is the better wrestler even though Wyatt’s pin % and dominance score is way higher. They are looking at other metrics (such as AAs wrestled and bonuses) to imply that Carter is the better wrestler. <Note, they also try to imply Carter is more dominant which is wrong on its face, but I can see arguing Carter is better>

Is an award needed for the year’s ’best’ college wrestler? Differ from Hodge in that dominance may factor in but isn’t a primary factor. Something closer to the Heisman. Perhaps Flo can sponsor it.

The criteria is about dominance. Not about cool accomplishments. Once get your head around that, it makes sense.

It is right and just. What an epic experience and show of force by Wyatt. Congrats to him.

Bueller? Bueller?

They won’t admit it but I expect FRL folks feel a lot of incentive to keep the PSU fan base happy. So so so much of what they talk about focuses on PSU. They self admit (good for them) that they focus on stuff that gets clicks and eyeballs. Annoying the PSU fan base isn’t conducive to more clicks and eyeballs. Recent FRLs post NCAAs have talked about PSU guys (not just finalists), Wyatt, and Gable in any significant way. Barely talked about other champs / finalists. They know who butters their bread. edit - should have included AJ. Holy crap they talk too much about AJ … to the detriment of others that surprised big time at the tournament but are getting little discussion. They talk about AJ way too much for me. But again, they think it grows their audience. Groan.

From the media stuff I’ve seen about Tom, he has a very big focus on character and personal development. Helping these young men become great men. Fair? Others agree? Note, not talking about wrestling prowess. Talking about strength of character. If it is true - that goes for a lot. Some may say that all / most coaches do this. I tend to think some lean into it more than others but just a hunch.

Anyone know what the actual process is for NCAA wrestling? Some questions … 1) How often does the NCAA test? Does this frequency vary for tier of wrestler (need to define tier but hoping the idea makes sense)? 2) What does the NCAA test for? Is the test sensitive to a very wide range of PEDs? Are PEDs included at all? Is it a narrow range? 3) Is the testing considered likely to find and identify wrestlers using PEDs? Or is it too infrequent, to narrow, or otherwise not good enough so that the general consensus of people with real knowledge feel that it is ineffective? Wouldn’t it be incredible if there was an investigative journalist / newsroom out there that would dig into this? Perhaps has been done for a similar standing sport … if so, I’m curious.

So, after reading up a bit and listening to FRL, seems like the Sportsmanship factor is being ignored by those that are picking Carter. FRL folks blatantly said that this criteria doesn’t matter to them. And they don’t see any issue with doing that. These folks are defining the Hodge how they want to define it. Fascinating. Also, when I hear / read a case for Carter, very little attention is generally given to pins as a sign of dominance. They get minimized or rarely acknowledged or discussed. Interesting take.

If you don’t vote Francis, you are dead to me.