John Smith

[Chuck C]

I must admit, I've thoroughly enjoyed his commentary throughout the OTT this weekend. It's refreshing to hear somebody so knowledgeable of the sport. He gave some good praise to the hawks and the Brands Bros. I've actually gained a little respect for OSU and their man at the helm, just a little though.

 

[moug]

He has been simply outstanding.

 

[rustynailhawk]

He is just awesome to listen to.

 

[wneff]

Ever since he seemed to be such a good guy for Grapple on the Gridiron, I have had a lot more respect for him.

 

[lookleft goright]

As an outsider, I think he is fantastic for the sport and in general. He is a great ambassador and gives a terrific interview also.

 

[Omahahawk86]

He's been awesome. He will also be doing it for Rio.

 

[jmhanft]

Anyone who doesn't think Smith is awesome is insane. Watch his matches....he didn't just win, he dominated! You know who that sounds like? Yeah, we should all be proud of him for how he represented our country. With all that said, do I want the Hawks to pound his teams, you better believe it!

 

[Actiondouble]

Alright, lets not get carried away.

 

[oldhawk56]

FWIW... Close friends of ours worked for OSU athletics for years and know John Smith well. They have nothing but good things to say, a stand up guy.
I personally enjoy his teams and honestly it took some kahones to bring a team up here and wrestle outside - very few coaches would have done that...JMHO

 

[MVPFAN]

I have always respected Smith, he is genuine not excuses kind of a guy. Class act. I certainly don't feel the same way about some other rival coaches.

 

[Azchief32]

It was great having John call this. I liked how he called out the refs not necessarily on bad calls but for interrupting the action saying that they need to "know" the athletes. Just hit it out of the park.

 

[WWDMHawkeye]

Those of you who attended the banquet Friday night know that some of the all-time great Hawkeyes feel the same way. There was a bit of a roast during dinner, and Royce Alger and Randy Lewis both told some stories about John, who sat with them at the head table. Both Royce and Randy had lots of very complimentary things to say about John and his family. It's clear that there's a whole lot of respect for John among the guys in the Iowa program.

 

[mike tognetti]

Those of you who attended the banquet Friday night know that some of the all-time great Hawkeyes feel the same way. There was a bit of a roast during dinner, and Royce Alger and Randy Lewis both told some stories about John, who sat with them at the head table. Both Royce and Randy had lots of very complimentary things to say about John and his family. It's clear that there's a whole lot of respect for John among the guys in the Iowa program.

I have talked to John and Eric quite a few times, even about your coaches and they have great respect for the Brands. When it comes to freestyle it's amazing how much the coaches talk to each other (phone calls). When Iowa wrestle OSU, even when the coaches are fighting on a bad call they have always showed respect for each other. Not always the case for other coaches out there. In there world "Respect Is Earned".

 

[hawkssox1]

I must admit, I've thoroughly enjoyed his commentary throughout the OTT this weekend. It's refreshing to hear somebody so knowledgeable of the sport. He gave some good praise to the hawks and the Brands Bros. I've actually gained a little respect for OSU and their man at the helm, just a little though.

Anyone who does not respect John Smith need's to do their homework.The untold hours he travels to help with small scholl fundraising(including Iowa)is off the charts.

 

[goiahawkeyes]

I was there all weekend so I haven't gone back to watch / listen to the commentary but John has always been one of my favorites. He knows the sport better than anyone and can articulate that better than most. He's always been very approachable and willing to take pictures/sign autographs or even just talk to the fans. There's a reason he's one of the best this country has ever seen.

 

[pablow]

I love John Smith. Always have. But he needs to quit saying "clock shot."

 

[Chuck C]

Anyone who does not respect John Smith need's to do their homework.The untold hours he travels to help with small scholl fundraising(including Iowa)is off the charts.

Maybe I should have put a little emoji after that last part, since it was more tongue and cheek than anything. Obviously anybody who has accomplished what he has, both on and off the mat as an athlete and a coach, deserves a high level of respect.

Having said that..... It's still Oklahoma State though.

 

[24 so far]

Maybe I should have put a little emoji after that last part, since it was more tongue and cheek than anything. Obviously anybody who has accomplished what he has, both on and off the mat as an athlete and a coach, deserves a high level of respect.

Having said that..... It's still Oklahoma State though.

True. But respect and "rival hatred" don't have to be mutually exclusive (did that make sense? I hope so....)

 

[FineMaterial]

Go listen to the FLO audio from a week(?) ago. CP told an interesting story that he tried out for the job of wrestling broadcast for NBC at the olympics. And how is was all a waste of time because John Smith.

 

[Old_wrestling_fan]

It was great having John call this. I liked how he called out the refs not necessarily on bad calls but for interrupting the action saying that they need to "know" the athletes. Just hit it out of the park.

I too was very impressed with John Smith calling the action. Obviously he is a huge figure on the freestyle scene and a legendary coach, but he is also very able to communicate his thoughts and insights well while broadcasting.

 

[hawkssox1]

Go listen to the FLO audio from a week(?) ago. CP told an interesting story that he tried out for the job of wrestling broadcast for NBC at the olympics. And how is was all a waste of time because John Smith.

CP?

 

[wasdt21]

said it before- royalty

 

[Wendy79]

CP?

Christian Pyles

 

[FineMaterial]

CP?

Christian Pyles, some unknown writer / broadcaster, only writes about half the stuff on FLO, does the rankings. Did you forget already that Jimmy Gulibon is #1 at 149?

 

[wamachie]

John Smith did a nice job this weekend....I was impressed.

 

[trumpy]

I must admit, I've thoroughly enjoyed his commentary throughout the OTT this weekend. It's refreshing to hear somebody so knowledgeable of the sport. He gave some good praise to the hawks and the Brands Bros. I've actually gained a little respect for OSU and their man at the helm, just a little though.

Agree he was great.