strange_daze

Minnesota?

Nickel will continue to tout wrestling and PSU in part because that's part of his base, and those ties have an impact on his ability to monetize. Nothing wrong with that, but in terms of actual wrestling, who cares what he thinks about Taylor. They aren't equivalent: DT is a world and olympic champ--in actuality, not in theory--actively shaping and the present and future of the sport; BN is former wrestler--a very good one obviously--who is trying to join the influencer game and capitalize on his past. I think Askren and BN is a better comparison, though here, too, one is actively shaping the sport in a way that extends beyond cult of personality.

It already happened: ended in a scoreless tie. Determining criteria involved a written take home exam on the concept of dasein in Heidegger's Being and Time and its relevance to wrestling in the age of NIL. The deadline is this Wednesday, so we should know soon. Use of generative AI strictly prohibited.

A testament to the human spirit. Respect.

I thought Lee had some real nice moments, but I'd like to see him get stronger at closing out matches against guys like RBY. Maybe that's an obvious point, and of course it's easier said than done. Look forward to seeing him tangle with Ono later this month.

I never said fame couldn't be used for good. Maybe PH has matured as a human compared to two decades ago. If so, that's great for her and the people she helps. My point stands, though, that one can seek fame as an end in itself or as a means of influencing others based on a model of what it means to live the 'good life'. One seems healthier and more fulfilling than the other. There's nuance here of course; I just personally think Bassett falls more into the latter category than the former. To me, he's not chasing fame--he's gathering fame as a resource to do other things. There's a difference.

Disagree. At least in the way I see fame. It's like comparing a Paris Hilton with someone like Jocko: both may be famous, but one is seeking fame for its own sake; the other is seeking influence that benefits him, sure, but that also has deeper meaning and significance and is based on a clearly articulated philosophy of living. It's not an either/or proposition.

I think it's misguided to suggest Bassett is chasing 'fame'. A more accurate and perhaps generous view would be to say he's developing his existing platform--which is already substantial--and expanding his reach as an 'influencer'. That he's an influencer for writing in particular is an absolute boon to the sport and a roadmap for other standouts to follow. We know sports like football and basketball get theirs; young people like Bassett are creating a path for wrestling and wrestlers to do the same. He's an asset to all of us.

Backwards take. These schools are getting excellent exposure throughout the process, and in many cases, are probably getting a crash course in how best to recruit and keep talent in the emerging landscape of college wrestling. He’s doing them a favor, not the reverse.

The comment about 'brand' is clearly a reference to the Brands bros (see Poster below for iconic reference). Another indicator: BB also mentioned that the program produces 'good' wrestlers. It's clearly a reference to Iowa, who is adept at producing good wrestlers, as opposed to PSU, who produces 'phenomenal' or 'generational' wrestlers. The answer is right there--you just have to read between the lines.

In other words, Kasak was stalling at the end to avoid the dangerous position created by Teemer. Interesting take.

This actually sounds like Greek wisdom.

Mcilravy, Lincoln.

Lincoln Mcilravy if the 90s count.

Real question: do Flo rankings have a discernible or tangible influence over actual seedings? If not, fine; then they're content for the fans and a topic for debate on message boards. I agree with the OP though: I can't quite get my head around Block at 18. Even 125 for the Hawks is showing some glimmers of hope--141 not so much.

For what it's worth: Kennedy is on the roster at 174 for Iowa's upcoming dual against WI. No backup listed. At 184, it says Gabe Arnold 'or' Angelo Ferrrari (in that order). The suspense!

It’s not the same situation, but this convo makes me think of the 2011 dual between Iowa (8) and Penn State (1).* UI won the dual but PSU the NCAA (and then on and on). The point: Iowa is crafty, and the first time they meet, I think they will be tough to beat. It’ll be a good test either way, for both teams, and a fun transitional moment in this historical rivalry. *Short vid of 2011:

Dang I forgot—you’re right. Let me revise: I felt he rode a bit longer than needed without a turn and could’ve ended things sooner. Not a critique at all; he’s a hammer, and as his ‘wrestling IQ’ continues to rise, I do wonder if he’ll be able to give Kerk, or even Gable, a run for their money. Maybe, maybe not, but he’s a guy I’ll root for in those matches.

Fun meet to watch. Cowboys moving in the right direction in terms of scoring big points. Not quite fully there yet—e.g., I think Plott and Hendrickson could/should have teched their guys, some lack of awareness here and there in other matches—but the mentality seems to be setting in and producing results. Getting to see this system start to take hold and evolve is pretty cool.

Top 5 would be an absolute success for this OK St. team. In my view, a trophy would warrant the term 'magic' being applied to Taylor as a coach and not just as an athlete. It's possible, and I'm kinda hoping for it, but everything would have to go very right (stating the obvious).

It's a clear instance of the ref making a bad and maybe even a biased call. There's gray area, sure, but no reasonable person would deduct a point in that moment. You could apply the letter of the rules to 'other equipment' as well. So for instance, if a kid tore some tape off his wrist, and 'threw it' off that mat, that, too, could be a penalty. Refs are human, but they should also be accountable.

Really enjoyed the doc. Compelling story and great storytelling. Keep going Chance—your success brings hope to others.

General thought: to me, if a wrestler is within striking distance of a title, it's 'all star'. Anything outside that category should be a compelling match up (e.g., style) and/or set up to deliver fireworks in some way. I sense there's a couple matches that may fall outside these criteria, but I'm looking forward to most of them.

The world, and the wrestling community, is full of real problems. This is not one of them.

JB is in the GOAT conversation at the very least, and as much as any other wrestler over the past 15 years, has drawn national and international attention both to the sport and to team USA. He's also a master of generating content: the first wrestler, in my view, to really take advantage of our social media environment and make it work for him and his brand (#allheseesisgold). Smith, Baumgartner, Burroughs have all achieved or are in the process of achieving mythological status in the sport. If there is a mount Olympus for USA wrestling, they're all on it.