MidwestMan

I just read the article about the Ohio State program on Flowrestling that was citing Jaggers and Ryan in regard to the success of their wrestlers and program. Good read. Ryan is a class coach, and when he decides to retire, Jaggers will do a great job. Sure doesn't hurt being located in the bed of some of the toughest HS and Prep programs in the nation.

All you listed have name recognition and distinguished wrestling careers. Being a hammer on the mat doesn't always correlate to being a great head coach, but looking at your list, my first choice would be Burroughs. All these wrestlers are great technicians, but Burroughs is the best in my opinion with communication skills. With the PR, recruiting, NIL and alumnus/fan base relationship, communication and personality are a plus. Having a clean closet, character wise, is usually a prerequisite. Organizational skills are a must. Coaching today is like running a small business. Being an asst in a good program and being mentored from a successful head coach is sometimes the best path.

Well, I guess that answered my question of how Maple might do in the lead seat. Are we sure KOT wants to be THE GUY?

Thanks for sharing this. Great read, and interesting story.

He may have world level ambitions, and I hope he can accomplish those goals, strengthen a regional training center, and possibly attract some elite wrestlers to the area, much like some of the top programs. I just hope he still has that competitive drive. There are a lot of Hammers out there that also have the same goals. Keegan is married now, had a great college career, and has been wrestling for a long time. There is a day we ask the question why? I was always a Clemsen fan and I think he was a big part of the Tiger success. At one time, I really thought maybe he would one day return to Mizzou. He's worked his ass off trying to get Maryland respected. I can't see the move now. As far as Maples taking over the program, there is a big difference when your sitting in the assistant chair. He may be sitting back, watching and learning, and who knows, maybe his style will be great. Generally when we thing we need a coaching change, that means changing the culture. That generally doesn't happen when an assistant takes the job. I have no clue how long Smith is hanging around. Probably as long as he wants, so probably more same o, same o.

Let call it a draw. Both these guys were Hammers. I remember watching the dominance of Fried at Junior Nats, back in the day.

I totally agree with your point about the importance of the asst coach staff. But referencing your comment about the aggressive, attacking, and scoring mentality of Okie State, that is the influence of David Taylor and the way he wrestles. Wrestling teams are the reflection of their coaches competitive personality. I think Brian Smith is a very organized, knowledgeable, and great PR guy for Tiger Style Wrestling. He'd make a great scoutmaster. Thing is, the Tigers of Smith's early career were a bit more aggressive group of athletes. Think how many MMA fighters came out of that group. Somewhere along the line, the switch got changed and so did the style of wrestling. I'm trying to be optimistic with the addition of KOT in the room, and no doubt, the technique syllabus he brings in the room. I just would like to see that "aggressive" switch get turned back on and get some fire back in the room. If wrestlers, like Edmonds, don't make the adjustments to improve, and contribute to the team, sit his ass and give someone else an opportunity. Smith has job security and has zero pressure to win. That's not true in the blue blood wrestling circles. I have a lot of admiration for what coach Smith had done at Missouri, but he had also teased a wrestling fan base that went through the lean years and finally got spoiled with a regular top 10 program. I'm realistic in my view that Mizzou is probably not going to crack that top 3, but top 5 is a possibility in the next 3 years. When Dresser started at Iowa State, the Tigers were winning that dual. I know it's legacy program and the fanaticism of the state with wrestling. But, he's surrounded himself with a strong staff and they have their program rolling. This was suppose to be a building year for Mizzou with some high quality incoming recruits. We will keep that theme in our expectations this year. Next year is a whole different story.

THIS. Edmond hasn't made any improvement/adjustments since he arrived on campus. This is where I fall on the outside with my opinion of Smith as a coach, and his ability to develop wrestlers to their best, considering their potential. Maybe there is a reason there is talented wrestlers that leave the state, and this program, as they feel they can't get to the next level in this program. Basicly, what you have when these athletes arrive on campus, is what you are going to have, as a result of their HS coaches and pre college experience. Just my opinion, but I can point to careers of several wrestlers that fell short of their potential and seemed to level out at end of their Tiger careers. Yes, injuries,HEW happen, but part of that is coaching. Sorry about getting off topic, but Edmonds is case in point.

Coach Doss, you've been reading my posts. I feel the same about Edmonds and his style of wrestling. It drives me crazy. I'm not opposed to Mendoza taking a shirt and being future thinking with this young team, but sounds like Smith is going to have to figure it out real quick. Teague is a tough wrestler that I lamented about when he went to OSU. I really didn't see this coming.

Flyingcement, a big thanks for your work here. This is gold for old wrestling junkies. There was a time when KC-MO was sending some pretty good talent to the D-1 ranks. Looks like that pipeline has dropped off some. There was some great coaches in the 80s-90s on the west side of the state. Strong freestyle/greco summer programs. Mostly retired, except Gary Mayabb, whos assist at Iowa girls program. Still some pockets of strong programs. Liberty, just outside KC, has been the kingpin in recent years. Columbia Hickman, J Cox's alma mater, is on the rise. Missouri Tigers had a stretch in which there was multiple starters from Missouri. Not so now. Has the talent level dropped in the state? Also, some of our best have left the state for other programs. Been fun watching the wrestling in the state, high school and college, over 50 yrs. When I was in HS, there was only one class, now 4. All the state colleges had wrestling and Northwest Missouri State was the powerhouse, not MU. Of course, Missouri was surrounded by traditionally strong programs in Iowa, Oklahoma, and Illinois. Hell, KU and Kansas State had wrestling back then. Got to watch Dan Gable wrestle in the Big 8 wrestling championships in Manhatten, KS my Jr year in HS. Just an old man rambling. I'm just happy I can still remember these days.

I was thinking the same thing. Some may need to be reminded that Rocky is a Cyclone now.

How much eligibility does he have? Doesn't he also have a younger brother?

I race bicycles as a hobby and I'm ambidextrous. Over the years, waiting at start lines, I'd look down to see which foot was clipped in, which you would assume is their dominant foot (right about 80%). I would try to break some of the start stress by asking the question? So, do you guys that start with your right foot wipe your ass with your right hand? I get some strange looks, but there is always some that will reply, "I guess I never thought about it!"

Just thought I'd wake up this club forum. Did Rocky chase NIL or did he take the stance that Eireman had when he left MU for Iowa, which was that he couldn't reach his goal (national champ) at Mizzou? Being on the outside looking in, it's all speculation. If you know the scoop, how about sharing? I'm just disappointed not seeing Rocky finish his career as a Tiger.

Just thought I'd wake up this club forum. Did Rocky chase NIL or did he take the stance that Eireman had when he left MU for Iowa, which was that he couldn't reach his goal (national champ) at Mizzou? Being on the outside looking in, it's all speculation. If you know the scoop, how about sharing? I'm just disappointed not seeing Rocky finish his career as a Tiger.

Johnson is a quick explosive wrestler that can be dangerous in a match, must like Edwards from Missouri, both are "roll the dice wrestlers." Very deliberate as to when they attack/reattack, zero riding on top. They wrestle in bursts and then shut it down. They drive me crazy because I question what kind of a wrestler they might be if they used their physical gifts, improved their gas tank, and went on the offensive for 7 minutes. I just can't see either of those guys changing their tactics at this point in their careers. The Frost twins are disciplined grinders, as is Block from Iowa. In my mind, this is my "old school" definition of a wrestler. These kids are tough as hell and just don't quit. Very easy to cheer for, even if they are wearing enemy colors. You know their work ethic is going to carry them well throughout their lives. This is wrestling to me.

Congrats to Rocky, the Elam family, and Iowa State. I'll be cheering for you till the MU dual. A Tiger wrestling fan.

Ok, mizzou wins next year. One more year in the room for youth and 7 returning starters, barring "portal pouching!" Not much of a rivalry match if the same team wins all the time.

I'm usually up for a fight, but fact is, I've lived in this state my whole life and I'm sad to say, "this state is going backwards!" Rednecks north of I-70 and hillbillies south. Missouri is considered Midwest, but we are in realit "Arkansas North!" Speaking of education, the powers to be in the current administration has allocated $50 million in vouchers for private school education, paid for by Mo. taxpayers. Readn, write n, and ciphering, has suffered in this state, but hey, we're cutting taxes, and many school districts are going to a 4 day school week. We like our 4 G's in Misery: Guns, God, Games, and Gravy, in no particular order. Follow our politics for a hint about the "Show Me" state in regard to national IQ ranking. Yes sir doggie! You may have beat us the past two times in wrasslin, but I bet we can take you in "cornhole!"

Just watched the replay on YouTube this am. Lot's of "what if's", but unfortunately, "reality is a b word!" Did Moore have Byrd planted? Couldn't tell from csmera angle, and official was, "a little late to the party!" Moore needs to work on offensive leg attacks and less defensive gimmick if he wants to compete with the cream of this weight class. He can be dangerous, but rule of averages eventually play out. Unfortunate exchange at the edge of the mat for Seitzer. I can see him continuing to make progress and learn from matches like this. Should have stayed on the attack, like 1st period. Gas tank? Edmonds. What a waste of explosive fast twitch muscle fibers. He wrestles lazy and will continue to win and lose by minimums. He will finish his career as a "shoulda been" unless his coaches can get him to score more, and keep attacking. Sure looks like Jacques his senior year. So close, but. As a Tiger fan, saw some positives from youngsters thrown into the lineup. Wrestled fairly tough till 3rd period, and then lack of experience, and physicality caught up. Stoner certainly had opportunities, but give credit to Illinois for finishing strong. I'd like to see Stoner with 20 or 30 more pounds of muscle. It sure helped big Elam his last couple of years at hwt. Looking forward, MU wrestling is going to have a tough time competing with the traditional bluebloods and their NIL advantages/$, but I can see this team fighting for a trophy in the next couple of years.

Home match for Iowa State. I don't know who the official will be.

So, who wins between Endene and Elam? Pick the winner, and why. I'll take Rocky, even though I wish he was still a Tiger. I feel his experience and length could factor into the W. He also has the advantage of watching more of Endene's matches from the early duals. That match could also factor into which Iowa wins that dual. I almost want to vomit typing that. I hate NIL and the current state of college sports.

I think Sinclair has the higher wrestling IQ and don't forget that KOT is now on the ZOU staff and will have a hand in development/strategy, and training. I'll take Sinclair in the long haul.

This! I agree totally. Strength and conditioning? This all seems to be a recent phenomenon for Tiger wrestling the past couple of years. Remember when MU wrestled in CK, Southern Scuffle, etc... with wrestlers actually more matches. Didn't seem like they were getting dinged as much as now. I realize it's early and best to be cautious, but last year was brutal.

Trained by the best.