ADVERTISEMENT

Kennedy

So funny to me PK is small he should be a 157. Now it's be needs to gain weight he can't be 174 . Caliendo is the best 165 Iowa has. That was already determined
I'm not arguing with you, because I agree that is most likely at this point (even though I still say PK would have AA'd last year if he had Caliendo's draw), but when and how was that determined? Caliendo is starting because of PK's suspension. I doubt there was a secret wrestle-off because it has been stated on here that PK is currently banged-up and nursing something. All of this will sort itself out, but I hate to see PK wasting another year. I really don't see him as a 174, but I'd really like to see Gabe redshirt, because he could help the team more in future years. I feel like we've got a big hole after 174. I hope Glazier surprises me (and Swafford and Hill as well) but looking at it realistically, we're not winning big matches in the last three weights unless AJ comes, and Kueter of course, but I think as an undersized Freshman with a short season he's going to take his lumps. If AJ can't make 197, I think he'd do OK at heavy, but then 184 and 197 are both weak. Don't get me wrong, I really like those guys and their grit, but I just don't see them scoring what we need at B1Gs and NCAAs. This will all work itself out, and there's nothing we can do about it, so let's try to enjoy the ride, no matter how bumpy.
 
Last edited:
But Caliendo had an easy draw at nationals and if PK had that draw blah, blah, blah…….
There were no easy draws at 165 last year. His was just easier than PK's. I really like Caliendo, although yesterday proved he's not just going to walk through everyone but the top four. At least he learned from his first two shots. He was impressive with his pace and ability to adjust to his opponent. We have a lot of guys who couldn't do that.
 
With NIL, easy transfer requirements, and freshmen wrestlers being more seasoned…I don’t think coaches will/should default to the standard practice of redshirting. It should depend on ability and need. There’s no guarantees, especially when you add the injury factor, so let the best man compete. Seems obvious the best eligible wrestler at 174lbs on the Hawkeye roster is Gabe, so let him rumble!
 
as far as Gabe wrestling this season , I think that with the Transfer portal and the influx of such dynamic freshman coming in that you should wrestle the BEST team you can put out on the mat. What if we wait and then a Chittum decommits or Jeruosoga decides to join the Military and Lee redshirts or some starters (4) get caught up in some legal gambling NCAA rule violation ?? With this many uncertainties in the wrestling world I think we fire the guns that we have. On some sides we have people hammering away about Iowa's lack of Individual Champions...well this means its time to let the diamonds shine and the coal will find out if the pressure will harden it into diamond or will they just slowly burn and give us some decent heat.
 
With NIL, easy transfer requirements, and freshmen wrestlers being more seasoned…I don’t think coaches will/should default to the standard practice of redshirting. It should depend on ability and need. There’s no guarantees, especially when you add the injury factor, so let the best man compete. Seems obvious the best eligible wrestler at 174lbs on the Hawkeye roster is Gabe, so let him rumble!
Agree. Let the best man wrestle.
 
I'm not arguing with you, because I agree that is most likely at this point (even though I still say PK would have AA'd last year if he had Caliendo's draw), but when and how was that determined? Caliendo is starting because of PK's suspension. I doubt there was a secret wrestle-off because it has been stated on here that PK is currently banged-up and nursing something. All of this will sort itself out, but I hate to see PK wasting another year. I really don't see him as a 174, but I'd really like to see Gabe redshirt, because he could help the team more in future years. I feel like we've got a big hole after 174. I hope Glazier surprises me (and Swafford and Hill as well) but looking at it realistically, we're not winning big matches in the last three weights unless AJ comes, and Kueter of course, but I think as an undersized Freshman with a short season he's going to take his lumps. If AJ can't make 197, I think he'd do OK at heavy, but then 184 and 197 are both weak. Don't get me wrong, I really like those guys and their grit, but I just don't see them scoring what we need at B1Gs and NCAAs. This will all work itself out, and there's nothing we can do about it, so let's try to enjoy the ride, no matter how bumpy.
Gabe ain't undersized at 174. His success will rely totally on his willingness to pull the trigger.
 
Elaborate....details??? I am obviously out of touch if this was public knowledge...

When? Where? How? How many? Score(s)? Play by play? I need context!!!!! Please...........
Hope you're joking - but Tom admitted as much in his first press conference.

When he said they're going to go with their eyes - Caliendo has been beating PK in the room convincingly pretty much since he stepped on campus.
 
Hope you're joking - but Tom admitted as much in his first press conference.

When he said they're going to go with their eyes - Caliendo has been beating PK in the room convincingly pretty much since he stepped on campus.
Honestly, I am not joking at all. I haven't really been following much of basically all of DI, since the end last season. The time I did spend on here was basically killing time trying to drive Vodka crazy over Trump....

This is honestly the first I have heard of Caliendo being clearly ahead of PK to the point it has already been decided...
 
Honestly, I am not joking at all. I haven't really been following much of basically all of DI, since the end last season. The time I did spend on here was basically killing time trying to drive Vodka crazy over Trump....

This is honestly the first I have heard of Caliendo being clearly ahead of PK to the point it has already been decided...
You weren't alone. I didn't know either. Thanks for those that cleared it up.
 
Could Kennedy take an Olympic red shirt, then cut to 57 next year?
Next year is it possible the lineup from 49 up is:
149. Ferrari
157. Kennedy
165. Caliendo
174. Brands/Arnold (possible Arnold RS)
184. Ferrari/Arnold (possible Ferrari RS)
197. Ferrari
285. Keuter
Kaleb Young had to cut a lot of weight to make the lineup, and it showed, it was his only option. This might be Kennedy’s only way to make the lineup.
Wouldn’t It be the shits, if Kennedy transfers and beats Caliendo at NCAA’s it will be interesting to see how it all shakes out.
 
No one has any idea. It isn't like PK ALWAYS majored mediocre wrestlers.
Always? No. The majority? Yes. Last season PK majored Army, Penn, Illinois (#11 Braunagel), Maryland, Northwestern (#12 Max Mayfield) and Nebraska (#19 Bubba Wilson)Tech fall wins over Cal Baptist, UTC and Sacred Heart. Also scored bonus points at the Soldier Solute. Prior to NCAAs he lost to David Carr and Dean Hamiti 2X. I’d love to see him compete with the three point TD rule.
 
Could Kennedy take an Olympic red shirt, then cut to 57 next year?
Next year is it possible the lineup from 49 up is:
149. Ferrari
157. Kennedy
165. Caliendo
174. Brands/Arnold (possible Arnold RS)
184. Ferrari/Arnold (possible Ferrari RS)
197. Ferrari
285. Keuter
Kaleb Young had to cut a lot of weight to make the lineup, and it showed, it was his only option. This might be Kennedy’s only way to make the lineup.
Wouldn’t It be the shits, if Kennedy transfers and beats Caliendo at NCAA’s it will be interesting to see how it all shakes out.
Gabe is only 5’7” so 184 isn’t realistic as his legs are already so big he can barely walk (sarcasm intended).
 
Last edited:
I'm guessing he is just as tall or taller than Arnold.
Honestly, I am not joking at all. I haven't really been following much of basically all of DI, since the end last season. The time I did spend on here was basically killing time trying to drive Vodka crazy over Trump....

This is honestly the first I have heard of Caliendo being clearly ahead of PK to the point it has already been decided...
Well, now you’ve heard. But I still doubt that will convince you.
 
Could Kennedy take an Olympic red shirt, then cut to 57 next year?
Next year is it possible the lineup from 49 up is:
149. Ferrari
157. Kennedy
165. Caliendo
174. Brands/Arnold (possible Arnold RS)
184. Ferrari/Arnold (possible Ferrari RS)
197. Ferrari
285. Keuter
Kaleb Young had to cut a lot of weight to make the lineup, and it showed, it was his only option. This might be Kennedy’s only way to make the lineup.
Wouldn’t It be the shits, if Kennedy transfers and beats Caliendo at NCAA’s it will be interesting to see how it all shakes out.
Why? Hopefully we recruit someone who can be counted in to rack up some points in March.
 
more like 149 vv
157 ferrari #2
That will be next year, unless block can’t make 141, and challenges VV at 149. Maybe Rathjen could still challenge 149, but with 2 OWI’s already, sounds like he’s more interested in being a typical Iowa undergrad, or he’s an alcoholic.
 
There were no easy draws at 165 last year. His was just easier than PK's. I really like Caliendo, although yesterday proved he's not just going to walk through everyone but the top four. At least he learned from his first two shots. He was impressive with his pace and ability to adjust to his opponent. We have a lot of guys who couldn't do that.
Caliendo showed continued aggression that outpaced his early mistakes. Solid stuff.
 
Angelo and Gabe will have the Hawks set at 174/184 for the foreseeable future.
Good to hear.

When I watched Gabe against Naak at State last spring, my thought was Naak ends his college career as a 197.
Good luck next Sunday.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Hawkgma
Could Kennedy take an Olympic red shirt, then cut to 57 next year?
Next year is it possible the lineup from 49 up is:
149. Ferrari
157. Kennedy
165. Caliendo
174. Brands/Arnold (possible Arnold RS)
184. Ferrari/Arnold (possible Ferrari RS)
197. Ferrari
285. Keuter
Kaleb Young had to cut a lot of weight to make the lineup, and it showed, it was his only option. This might be Kennedy’s only way to make the lineup.
Wouldn’t It be the shits, if Kennedy transfers and beats Caliendo at NCAA’s it will be interesting to see how it all shakes out.
I'm curious why so many think cutting to 157 is going to be any different for Kennedy. At least this year, Franek is in the way.
 
  • Like
Reactions: el dub
cause they were talking next year
Could Kennedy take an Olympic red shirt, then cut to 57 next year?
Next year is it possible the lineup from 49 up is:
149. Ferrari
157. Kennedy
165. Caliendo
174. Brands/Arnold (possible Arnold RS)
184. Ferrari/Arnold (possible Ferrari RS)
197. Ferrari
285. Keuter
Kaleb Young had to cut a lot of weight to make the lineup, and it showed, it was his only option. This might be Kennedy’s only way to make the lineup.
Wouldn’t It be the shits, if Kennedy transfers and beats Caliendo at NCAA’s it will be interesting to see how it all shakes out.
 
Could Kennedy take an Olympic red shirt, then cut to 57 next year?
Next year is it possible the lineup from 49 up is:
149. Ferrari
157. Kennedy
165. Caliendo
174. Brands/Arnold (possible Arnold RS)
184. Ferrari/Arnold (possible Ferrari RS)
197. Ferrari
285. Keuter
Kaleb Young had to cut a lot of weight to make the lineup, and it showed, it was his only option. This might be Kennedy’s only way to make the lineup.
Wouldn’t It be the shits, if Kennedy transfers and beats Caliendo at NCAA’s it will be interesting to see how it all shakes o

Could Kennedy take an Olympic red shirt, then cut to 57 next year?
Next year is it possible the lineup from 49 up is:
149. Ferrari
157. Kennedy
165. Caliendo
174. Brands/Arnold (possible Arnold RS)
184. Ferrari/Arnold (possible Ferrari RS)
197. Ferrari
285. Keuter
Kaleb Young had to cut a lot of weight to make the lineup, and it showed, it was his only option. This might be Kennedy’s only way to make the lineup.
Wouldn’t It be the shits, if Kennedy transfers and beats Caliendo at NCAA’s it will be interesting to see how it all shakes out.
Why would Kennedy want to do that?
 
Agree, 100%.

It's unfortunate there's that animosity between the Carews and St Johns with Tom...because Big Naak is the ideal build for a 184. I'd have loved to have him as an Iowa recruit.
With Ferrari coming, may not be a place for him unless one could grow into 197, which may also be manned by a Ferrari if we are lucky
 
Why would Kennedy want to do that?
He should have done it last year if he could do it, would have been much better for him and the team. I doubt Ferrari will be able to make the cut to 149 more than one year, considering he said he could be a 165 also. 157 is probably his sweet spot if he doesn’t grow more.
 
  • Like
Reactions: vhsalum
It’s unfortunate that there’s animosity between our coaches and so many other influential people in the sport. But it’s the way they roll.
I would imagine it is difficult when you have to recruit and are continually asked why you should go to your school rather than to another. Eventually there will be some level of negative recruiting used against you. Hard to maintain a good relationship when that is going on. Plus, there are only so many positions available at the top jobs and somebody has to get rejected.
 
Agree, 100%.

It's unfortunate there's that animosity between the Carews and St Johns with Tom...because Big Naak is the ideal build for a 184. I'd have loved to have him as an Iowa recruit.
Although I don't understand it, there are kids in the state of Iowa who are isu fans.
Naak is going to have a very solid career, but he was always leaning towards isu without outside influence.
And yes, St John and Carew are tight.
 
Although I don't understand it, there are kids in the state of Iowa who are isu fans.
Naak is going to have a very solid career, but he was always leaning towards isu without outside influence.
And yes, St John and Carew are tight.
Brother-in-laws correct?
 
Although I don't understand it, there are kids in the state of Iowa who are isu fans.
Naak is going to have a very solid career, but he was always leaning towards isu without outside influence.
And yes, St John and Carew are tight.
It defies understanding, just like other beliefs and preferences some people have.
 
  • Haha
Reactions: Chickenman Testa
I would imagine it is difficult when you have to recruit and are continually asked why you should go to your school rather than to another. Eventually there will be some level of negative recruiting used against you. Hard to maintain a good relationship when that is going on. Plus, there are only so many positions available at the top jobs and somebody has to get rejected.
So no coaching staff should have good relationships with most any other program if that’s the case. TnT fought with each other constantly while growing up. Conflict was a regular part of their relationship since day one. And that seems to have carried over to how they operate now. They may get along fine, but now it seems like it’s them against the world. And it’s tough to build recruiting bridges when blowing them up is the norm.
 
  • Like
Reactions: vhsalum
I would imagine it is difficult when you have to recruit and are continually asked why you should go to your school rather than to another. Eventually there will be some level of negative recruiting used against you. Hard to maintain a good relationship when that is going on. Plus, there are only so many positions available at the top jobs and somebody has to get rejected.
Exactly this...you can imagine the dozens of Iowa alum wrestlers that wanted to end up as Iowa coaches one day.
Hell...the entire current ISU staff.
 
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT