rsotelo

Facts.

I guess I didn't convey my point strongly enough. I was arguing that NONE of these kids are getting that kind of money that is being thrown out on the internet. I have the honor of knowing many of these kids and their parents. I am sure they would love to see the type of money that is 2x , 3x even 4x what they earn per year. I just don't buy it. BUT.... Here is where the math does work out, at least for me on a $300k "bag of money" - a kid gets full out of state tuition, which at some schools is easily $60k/year. Then housing and meals - housing $15k-$20K/year, meals $6k to $10k/year. So far that is $90k/year. Then a local car dealership offers the athlete a high end pick up truck to drive around for the year - loaded Ford Raptor or similar $112k. Now we are at just over $200k a year. Add some stipend in exchange for work or representation, and you can package that as a huge offer, but in reality, these kids don't add much to their pockets. Don't get me wrong, that is HUGE value they are receiving as athletes, but they are not getting a $300k check to deposit into their bank accounts.

Do you guys really think these kids are making that kind of money? In wrestling? You have NCAA champ coaches that make $45k a year and associate head coaches that make $90k - $120k. Unless you are considering full out of state tuition, room and board, and stipend into the calculation, we do not even get close. If you are getting a $300k "bag of money" to wrestle ONE season, why are you still driving around in a 10 year old beat up honda civic?

Ragusin graduated in 2020. He is way younger than many of the guys who AA this year.

Pirate doing God's work for the wrestling public

I have been a D1 and HS wrestling fan for a long time. Thinking back, the most memorable and exciting moments for me have all come in dual competitions. We have seen some great close duals and unbelievable matches and got us super excited and pumped. I can't same the same for individual tournaments. There are great matches, but nothing like having a team score and victory on the line. That's just my opinion.