Gilman on Iowa's changing culture: "In the past maybe everyone was looking out for themselves"

[Franisdaman]

First off, its nice to see the wrestling coverage by KXNO radio (out of Des Moines) and HawkCentral.com (which is part of the Des Moines Register/the Iowa City Press Citizen/USA Today).

On Wednesday night (March 28) Ross Peterson of KXNO and Chad Leistikow of HawkCentral interviewed Thomas Gilman on air, where they discussed the upcoming World Cup in Iowa City and other topics. They talk about the difference between free style and high school/college folk style wrestling. Gilman, when asked what his sales pitch would be to people thinking about attending the World Cup? "Get out there!" He talked about being able to see the best wrestlers in the world in Iowa City, Iowa.

Ross asked Gilman to take everyone into the wrestling room; Ross said that, as a fan, it appeared that there was some momentum all of the sudden with the Iowa wrestling program. Ross asked if he was making too much out of this.

Gilman's response? "I don't think we are making enough of it. I think there's good energy coming into the room, especially these young guys coming in. We've been working on it the last couple years where we are getting rid of the old guard and bringing in the new guard. These guys are young, they are excited, they have good energy, they're competitive and they just want to get better at the sport of wrestling and they want to better not only themselves but each other and I think that's the biggest thing that maybe in the past maybe everyone was looking out for themselves and trying to get themselves ahead but the only way to get yourself ahead is to get everyone else around you ahead. So I think it's just an unselfish mentality that we got in making everyone else better and in turn making themselves better. There's a lot of good energy and I don't think we are making enough hype out of it."

Chad (who is a Register columnist) along with the Register beat writer will be covering the World Cup. Chad hyped the World Cup up at the end of the radio show. Ross also stated at the end of the show that "free style wrestling is a ton of fun." A lot of good stuff and a lot of free publicity for the World Cup.

Take a listen (the Gilman interview starts at the 23:40 mark) here: https://www.hawkcentral.com/story/s...central-leistikow-emmert-1460-kxno/100400532/

 

[anon_0pi0cv8t1ggvb]

"The only way to get yourself ahead is to get everyone else around you ahead".

Great quote. If only Ramos understood this he may have trained with Dan Dennis in the room and learned to stop a gut. Could have went on to be a world medalist.

You don't get better by avoiding the best training partner in your own room.

 

[Franisdaman]

"The only way to get yourself ahead is to get everyone else around you ahead".

Great quote. If only Ramos understood this he may have trained with Dan Dennis in the room and learned to stop a gut. Could have went on to be a world medalist.

You don't get better by avoiding the best training partner in your own room.

its an interesting interview. after listening to the interview, i would be curious to hear others' take as well.

he said its been a 2 year turn around. when he talks about the "old guard," is he also talking about bad attitudes, bad habits, and selfishness? what else would "old guard" be referring to?

i enjoyed him talking about how rowdy Iranian crowds get, too.

 

[HawkFT]

Absolutely great to see all this coverage out of Des Moines!

 

[Franisdaman]

Here's a video of Terry and Thomas previewing the World Cup:

 

[pumpdog20]

I think the "old guard" mentality came from the coaches themselves. How many times did they say, "take care of yourself, and the team will take care of itself". Maybe it was interpreted wrong from the wrestlers, maybe the coaches didn't verbalize what they meant very well, or maybe the coaches have had a change in philosophy.

 

[ih8iast8]

its an interesting interview. after listening to the interview, i would be curious to hear others' take as well.

he said its been a 2 year turn around. when he talks about the "old guard," is he also talking about bad attitudes, bad habits, and selfishness? what else would "old guard" be referring to?

i enjoyed him talking about how rowdy Iranian crowds get, too.

Can I pick on one person? I used to hear about Mike Evan’s temper. He wasn’t always the best person to be around, & I am talking off the mat.

 

[horraybeer]

Gilman said "young guys" think he meant to say young gun guys.

 

[24 so far]

I think the "old guard" mentality came from the coaches themselves. How many times did they say, "take care of yourself, and the team will take care of itself". Maybe it was interpreted wrong from the wrestlers, maybe the coaches didn't verbalize what they meant very well, or maybe the coaches have had a change in philosophy.

Instead of over thinking what he meant, I'm going to translate what he said........ "If we have better wrestlers up and down the lineup, the results will be better". That's it.

 

[vhsalum]

Instead of over thinking what he meant, I'm going to translate what he said........ "If we have better wrestlers up and down the lineup, the results will be better". That's it.

Except that’s not what he said.

 

[Neo_Hawk]

"The only way to get yourself ahead is to get everyone else around you ahead".

Great quote. If only Ramos understood this he may have trained with Dan Dennis in the room and learned to stop a gut. Could have went on to be a world medalist.

You don't get better by avoiding the best training partner in your own room.

Vodka is making way too much sense lately. You took the works right out of my brain. Nice work!

On a different note, vodka (small "v") always makes sense on Friday.

 

[anon_0pi0cv8t1ggvb]

On a different note, vodka (small "v") always makes sense on Friday.

It's about that time isn't it!

 

[goiahawkeyes]

I've heard this mentioned over and over, that there was this culture shift. The only people that left the program are Ramos, Metcalf and Evans. We all know what went down with Ramos, but this can't all be based on ONE guy leaving. Were Metcalf and Evans the problem too?

Not trying to start something that isn't there, I just want to know who/what we're talking about in this shift.

 

[Mpchillin]

I've heard this mentioned over and over, that there was this culture shift. The only people that left the program are Ramos, Metcalf and Evans. We all know what went down with Ramos, but this can't all be based on ONE guy leaving. Were Metcalf and Evans the problem too?

Not trying to start something that isn't there, I just want to know who/what we're talking about in this shift.

Those aren’t the only people to have left the program.

 

[goiahawkeyes]

Those aren’t the only people to have left the program.

There were a few underclassmen that transferred out...is that who you're getting at? Enough cryptic shit...

 

[Mpchillin]

I’m not getting at anything, just saying that there are more than just those 3 that have left the program or not been a part of the program since they graduated (I.e. Moore x 2, Gambrall, St. John, Lofthouse, Dziewa, Kelly)

 

[woodsiding]

I've heard this mentioned over and over, that there was this culture shift. The only people that left the program are Ramos, Metcalf and Evans. We all know what went down with Ramos, but this can't all be based on ONE guy leaving. Were Metcalf and Evans the problem too?

Not trying to start something that isn't there, I just want to know who/what we're talking about in this shift.

https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com...ting-the-class-of-2010-and-the-perils-of-hype

That class set back the Hawks for a long time. Telford put together a good career. Evans wrestled hard but never progressed and it was brutally obvious that he did not put time in in the weight room. Not only did that class under achieve, they were awful to watch. There was never a shot taken until the last minute of the third, and by the time they were seniors none of them could do anything but spiral ride on top.

 

[Rustys Dad]

I really like the attitude of the young wrestlers. Bull, Kem, Lee, Warner, Murin ... I like what's brewing in the Hawkeye wrestling room. Lee is so unique ... and not just his mat skills. You don't come across a kid like Lee too often ... amazing wrestling talent ... but even a better person ... His appreciation for his team and coaches ... The kid has an infectious personality and Iowa should do everything it can to remind the world that Spencer Lee is in black and gold and you, too, can come be a part of this ... Go Hawks!

 

[nearfall2]

Who was it that took Kemmerer around Iowa City and turned him off of the program? Real question. I don't know the answer.

 

[cidhawkeye]

M*

And he chose to come here anyway knowing there was a strong possibility he would be his coach the entire time?

 

[Mustangdog]

I really like the attitude of the young wrestlers. Bull, Kem, Lee, Warner, Murin ... I like what's brewing in the Hawkeye wrestling room. Lee is so unique ... and not just his mat skills. You don't come across a kid like Lee too often ... amazing wrestling talent ... but even a better person ... His appreciation for his team and coaches ... The kid has an infectious personality and Iowa should do everything it can to remind the world that Spencer Lee is in black and gold and you, too, can come be a part of this ... Go Hawks!

Couldn't have said it better myself, we need to really enjoy the next few years!

 

[nearfall2]

M*

That sounds like fake news. Someone who actually knows will give a more detailed and probably cryptic answer.

 

[InfiniteHerky]

I can’t speak about Evans in the room, but outside he was always incredibly nice and fun to be around. Little mischievous at times. Brands did several house calls freshman year.

 

[Dagboi]

Great quote. If only Ramos understood this he may have trained with Dan Dennis in the room and learned to stop a gut. Could have went on to be a world medalist.

You don't get better by avoiding the best training partner in your own room.

I agree completely. Which makes me wonder why we're hearing reports that Gilman and Lee don't mix it up too much. Someone speculated that it was to keep Gilman's confidence up. Seems like he would benefit from learning some "judo wrestling" to get tougher on the mat.

 

[BigSlick Suited]

I agree completely. Which makes me wonder why we're hearing reports that Gilman and Lee don't mix it up too much. Someone speculated that it was to keep Gilman's confidence up. Seems like he would benefit from learning some "judo wrestling" to get tougher on the mat.

2020 is gonna get awkward. Similar to Dennis/Ramos Just my gut feeling.

 

[LaxHawk174]

2020 is gonna get awkward. Similar to Dennis/Ramos Just my gut feeling.

Even if Gilman did end up leaving, I personally don't think he'd bash the hawk program or Tom and Terry. I loved Ramos as a Hawk, but from my perspective he always seemed to be more about himself + his entourage than the team. You wouldn't see Gilman making a fuss about who M* was having lunch with or anything like that.

 

[Cali_Nittany]

Gilman's response? "I don't think we are making enough of it. I think there's good energy coming into the room, especially these young guys coming in. We've been working on it the last couple years where we are getting rid of the old guard and bringing in the new guard.

You can't have too many PA kids in your room.

 

[24 so far]

Except that’s not what he said.

So one guy being interviewed gives a statement/opinion now everyone wants to go Dr. Phil on the bit. Good luck.

 

[anon_0pi0cv8t1ggvb]

Even if Gilman did end up leaving, I personally don't think he'd bash the hawk program or Tom and Terry. I loved Ramos as a Hawk, but from my perspective he always seemed to be more about himself + his entourage than the team. You wouldn't see Gilman making a fuss about who M* was having lunch with or anything like that.

Gilman showed his class after spending a year behind Clark on the bench and supporting him fully. He said the exact same thing back then about making your teammates better and it will make you better.

 

[edquinn06]

Think everyone knows Ramos was selfish and Evans was wild. I think that's why Iowa took a pass on Sasso and are happy they added good kids like Lee, Kem, Bull, Stoll, Wilcke, Gunther, THE WHOLE TEAM and hopefully more to come!!!

 

[24 so far]

It takes all kinds to make the world go round. Randy Lewis and Royce Alger could probably be described as a bit "wild" back in their day (depending upon ones definition of wild I suppose), and I would take 10 clones of either one of them up and down the lineup in a heartbeat.

These kids come from all over the country with different backgrounds and upbringings, some are nerdy, some are shy, some are loud, but they are all part of the team. I don't care what their personalities are like as long they are decent human beings and are not the "cancer to the team" types, as long as they bring it when it's their turn to perform.

 

[IAChief32]

It takes all kinds to make the world go round. Randy Lewis and Royce Alger could probably be described as a bit "wild" back in their day (depending upon ones definition of wild I suppose), and I would take 10 clones of either one of them up and down the lineup in a heartbeat.

You know the old saying...the difference between crazy and eccentric is money. Lewis and Alger could afford to be "eccentric" because they won matches and titles.

I don't think anybody is advocating for having 10 straight edge kids in the lineup...just those that have their priorities straight.

 

[IAChief32]

Gilman showed his class after spending a year behind Clark on the bench and supporting him fully. He said the exact same thing back then about making your teammates better and it will make you better.

Exactly. Gilman almost didn't come to Iowa because of Clark. You know who talked to him about wrestling the best in the room? I believe it was Ramos. Somewhere in between, Tony abandoned that philosophy or was just so hurt after trials that it didn't matter anymore.

Gilman took his lumps and backed Clark up...getting him better every day. In the end, it worked out for him. If Lee were to beat Gilman, Gilman's answer would be to work harder and give himself no excuses. It's okay tho...because the Flo guys already have Fix as the guy.

 

[Gobblin]

I can’t speak about Evans in the room, but outside he was always incredibly nice and fun to be around. Little mischievous at times. Brands did several house calls freshman year.

Several is an understatement... Mike was 30 sexonds from being sent packing on quite a few occasions... He did mature greatly and finished his career as a wonderful teammate and mentor.

 

[Gobblin]

Exactly. Gilman almost didn't come to Iowa because of Clark. You know who talked to him about wrestling the best in the room? I believe it was Ramos. Somewhere in between, Tony abandoned that philosophy or was just so hurt after trials that it didn't matter anymore.

Gilman took his lumps and backed Clark up...getting him better every day. In the end, it worked out for him. If Lee were to beat Gilman, Gilman's answer would be to work harder and give himself no excuses. It's okay tho...because the Flo guys already have Fix as the guy.

Have Fix as what guy?

 

[IAChief32]

Have Fix as what guy?

57kg

 

[Gobblin]

57kg

You above Gilman and Lee??

 

[IAChief32]

You above Gilman and Lee??

Yup.

 

[Gobblin]

Yup.

Lol... Shocker.

 

[pennsylvaniahawkeye]

Lol... Shocker.

I believe one of them picked Lee, don’t remember which though.