Dark Energy

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.

With the influx of money to athletes, we all know that a system of teams with $$$$ to give and teams that do not is in the process of being created. Well, when folks look back 5 years from now, I believe it will be clear in hindsight that in 2025, we were already there. We will further solidify a few teams with lots of $$$$ and kids scrambling to get in. Going to highest bidder. A few teams will have the very best and the when a kid shines at a low $$$ school, they hop ship to the big $$$ school. The sport will suffer as a result. Teams will lose fans. Some will gain but the severe imbalance will reduce intrigue, uncertainty and excitement. Can already see this with the boredom many have with PSU’s dominance. What I’m not sure about is whether college sports will splinter. With low / no $$$ teams having no interest in competing against the high $$$ teams. Will be interesting to see how this part unfolds.

Like the Heisman, the Hodge is a season-season award given to the wrestler who gets the most amount of first-place votes from the Hodge Trophy Voting Committee and Fan Vote based on these criteria: record, dominance/bonus-point percentage, quality of competition and sportsmanship. The above is from WIN site. When did they remove past accomplishments? (I posted on another thread - figured better here)

Like the Heisman, the Hodge is a season-season award given to the wrestler who gets the most amount of first-place votes from the Hodge Trophy Voting Committee and Fan Vote based on these criteria: record, dominance/bonus-point percentage, quality of competition and sportsmanship. The above is from the WIN voting site. NO mention of past accomplishments. Felt like that was a factor in the past. Regarding sportsmanship, do we have any data points to judge from?

Thanks Gimp. I’m watching the ESPN video. I can’t see angle on butt but see your note here. Now I will get on my soapbox. I disagree on the no TD call. If that is not considered a TD it needs to be. We need to reward the aggression. And the simple optics of who is in each position … with green covering and in control of legs and red hips … with red sitting on butt … screams TD.

It did eliminate the head up requirement I believe. Read up on it. Gimp - need both butt cheeks down in this position? Ok, will need to go back and check. Many other TDs don’t need both butt cheeks down.

I hate it because PSU is too good already. I freaking love it since we can see Ono more and having him in the college sport is going to be a blast. Love it to see how he adjusts to the funk roll etc. defense that doesn’t fly with freestyle. Just another great set of story lines … but damn …. Anyone but Penn State. Bet he is getting some big $$$$. It’s going to be a very cool experience for him. Excited for him.

Here is a picture. Ridge is on butt. Both legs. Hope can see it is a live pic. Ridge was there for more than reaction time.

Right. Folks need to knock it off with the Shapiro is accusing a certain wrestler schtick. That said, use of PEDs should be discussed and rooted out.

@vsnej - we think alike. @ugarles - I hear you on the wrap around screen with mat info around second deck. Layout sucked. Hard to read. So spread out and much blocked. KC had a much better one.

Pls explain what he said that points to Kasak vs wrestlers in general? Seems like you are projecting what you want to project.

Can someone connect the dots for me with what Shapiro said? What did he say that suggested ANY particular wrestler? He was talking about ideas moving up to 165 but can make 149. Then some guys may or may not be taking steroids - wink wink. Where is is accusing any particular wrestler? Please - need help here. Some are saying he is talking about Kasak - pls be clear on what he said that would suggest that.

Enjoyed Philly. Good place for NCAAs. Not as awesome as KC but very good. Easy in an out on the Septa line. Downtown - lots of life and food / drink options. But do need to get away from Arena to find stuff. And the smell of Pot was pretty much everywhere. That said —- place is good for big upsets putting chinks in the armor of legends. Bubba / Taylor … now Wyatt / Gable. Had a great time. Thanks Philly!!