In terms of credentials, there are two GOATS.
For the four-years-of-eligibility era, it's Sanderson.
For the three-years-of-eligibility era, it's Uetake. Uetake went undefeated, was never tested (according to his coach), and won an Olympic title after his sophomore season.
And if we were going to say there is only one GOAT, I think Uetake has a great argument for that distinction.
Here are some Olympic champs who never won an NCAA title:
Peter Mehringer '32 Olympic champ
Henry Wittenberg '48 Olympic champ
Shelby Wilson '60 Olympic champ
John Peterson '76 Olympic champ
Brandon Slay '00 Olympic champ
Just to summarize, it seems like the candidates for best individual college + senior-level years are as follows:
2023 Arujau
2021 Steveson
2016 Snyder
2011 Burroughs
1999 Neal
1988 Smith
1987 Smith
1978 Kemp
1964 Uetake
1948 Glen Brand (NCAA champ + Olympic champ)
1924 Robin Reed (pre-NCAA AAU champ + Olympic champ)
I thought MM was a clear AA threat before the season started. But yeah… it’s tough to predict how anyone will do in D1 wrestling before they actually do it.
In 1978, Lee Kemp was an undefeated NCAA champ and world champ.
In 1999, Stephen Neal was an NCAA champ, Hodge winner, world champ, and FILA Outstanding Wrestler Award winner.
In 2011, JB was an NCAA champ, Hodge winner, and world champ.
I’m simply posting recommendations based on postings from law enforcement and politicians in the area. I think there’s a tiny chance any particular person will experience or see crime during a visit, but crime is indeed a problem in the DMV. Just this past November the DC mayor declared youth crime a public emergency. Further, carjackings in DC are up nearly 100% and the “overwhelming majority” of those arrested for it are juveniles.
Because I'm guessing Brooks's COVID year competition (including the Big 10 tournament) was tougher than Starocci's RS year competition. If we're comparing the two, it seems most fair to disregard Brooks's COVID year and Starocci's RS year.
Yeah, they're super close.
Some interesting stats though, when you remove Starocci's RS year results and Brooks's COVID year results:
Starocci: 65-2; '21 bonus: 25%; '22 bonus: 59.09%; '23 bonus 66.67%
Brooks: 57-2; '21 bonus: 50%; '22 bonus: 63.64%; '23 bonus 66.67%
Under these parameters, Starocci has a slightly better win percentage, and Brooks was more dominant out of the gate -- but Starocci quickly caught up.
For those of you visiting the DC area from out of town, please note that there is currently a crime problem in DC and the surrounding area. It’s sad because crime is down in most cities.
As far as I know, College Park is safe. But if you venture out into the DC area, you should do your homework and be careful.
Tips:
Stay away from anybody who has a ski mask on.
Whenever you’re in your car, have a plan to speed away from attempted carjackers. Carjacking is a huge problem in DC right now. Also, do not stop for someone asking for help when you’re in your car. It may be a trick.
Stay away from unsupervised juveniles. They do not look intimidating, and 99.9% of them are good kids, but local lawmakers have said that juvenile crime is a particular problem right now.
Maybe Chael Sonnen could provide mentorship services.
It would be interesting if the Ferraris are looking at Northern Colorado. Perhaps relative proximity to the Olympic training center is plus?
Does AJ still have three years of eligibility left (including this year)?
Is it even possible to enroll in a university for the spring at this point?
If we're looking at AJ joining a team next year, which programs might be the best fits?
I don’t understand why the COVID rule allows athletes to compete in five postseasons. I think it would have been reasonable to cap the college experience at four postseasons.