Official Portal Watch

[edquinn06]

We just need a little bolt to recharge our image/team.

- I say bring in Nolf to be a coach.
- Bring in Steveson to train through the next Olympics in the HWC. If he has another year of eligibility then use him.
- land Parco

This line up is good for 2nd or 3rd:

Ayala
Peterson/Schriever
Block
Parco
Caliendo
Kennedy
Arnold
Brands
Ferrari
Keuter/Steveson

A lot of uncertainty here. Can Block make 141? Parco hasn’t announced a commitment yet. Can Caliendo make 157? Is Brands getting his medical? Is Ferrari even wrestling anymore? Gable hasn’t even said if he’s wrestling. As of right now this is our line up at the start of the year and it not even a top 5 team.

Ayala
Peterson
Schriever
Block
Cobe
Caliendo
Arnold
Riggins
Glaizer
Bradley

 

[1stplacehawk]

A lot of uncertainty here. Can Block make 141? Parco hasn’t announced a commitment yet. Can Caliendo make 157? Is Brands getting his medical? Is Ferrari even wrestling anymore? Gable hasn’t even said if he’s wrestling. As of right now this is our line up at the start of the year and it not even a top 5 team.

Ayala
Peterson
Schriever
Block
Cobe
Caliendo
Arnold
Riggins
Glaizer
Bradley

That’s not going to be our lineup next year.

 

[HawkeyePA]

Part of me is sad that we didn't get AA for Iowa but the other part of me is happy for the small school to retain its shining star and keep the program moving forward. Irregardless of the young man's motivation to stay I appreciate the loyalty and wish him the best of luck.

 

[edquinn06]

That’s not going to be our lineup next year.

I don’t think ur wrong, but a lot of questions still remain at 33,41,49,57,84,97,&285

 

[IAcubbies]

Alirez is returning to N. Colorado

😂

 

[1stplacehawk]

I don’t think ur wrong, but a lot of questions still remain at 33,41,49,57,84,97,&285

I agree, but there is no point in laying out a lineup that isn’t going to happen and complain about it not being top 5. Brands plans to come back. The only way he calls it quits is if he suffers a serious injury. If not him, it will be Angelo. Parco will announce whenever he’s ready.

 

[edquinn06]

I agree, but there is no point in laying out a lineup that isn’t going to happen and complain about it not being top 5. Brands plans to come back. The only way he calls it quits is if he suffers a serious injury. If not him, it will be Angelo. Parco will announce whenever he’s ready.

For most fans we look at what we actually have and not the what we could. That’s why I’m my post as said as of right now. So Brands has received is medical? Does he plan to go 184? What weight does Parco plan on going? I assume 149?

 

[GlenHawk]

Honestly, I'm okay with not spending $500,000 or more on another one-year transfer who wouldn't significantly impact our chances of winning a team title next year. I also love seeing a hometown kid staying loyal to his teammates and coaches, even if Iowa is the one losing out.

As Willie mentioned in another thread, Iowa's problem isn't the amount of money available; it's how that money is being spent. Trying to patch up the program's issues with expensive temporary fixes every offseason isn't addressing the core problems that have plagued the Hawks for over a decade.

Personally, I don’t understand how people like Bob can be so eager to donate their money without a clear, strategic plan in place. While I am thankful for our boosters and their support, Bob's posts suggest that his focus is more on his personal involvement with TNT and the program than on its overall success.

 

[edquinn06]

Having AA would have been great, but more for what he could help do for HWC and helping bring in recruits. Lugo is gone, Eierman is moving on to mma, Woods has never been on the freestyle scene, and Desanto is probably going back down to 61kg. Everyone knows adding him to the Hawk lineup would only help us get 2nd, but his true value would come in future years.

 

[GlenHawk]

Having AA would have been great, but more for what he could help do for HWC and helping bring in recruits. Lugo is gone, Eierman is moving on to mma, Woods has never been on the freestyle scene, and Desanto is probably going back down to 61kg. Everyone knows adding him to the gawk lineup would only help us get 2nd, but his true value would come in future years.

It would have been great to have him training with the HWC in Iowa City after college, but I don't believe he's an athlete who will significantly impact recruiting. Personally, I think Mendez is the future at 65kg.

The powers that be in Iowa City need to do whatever it takes to get Gable in the HWC to pair with Spencer. Those are the RTC athletes who will move the needle with recruits.

 

[Multi-Hawk]

Having AA would have been great, but more for what he could help do for HWC and helping bring in recruits. Lugo is gone, Eierman is moving on to mma, Woods has never been on the freestyle scene, and Desanto is probably going back down to 61kg. Everyone knows adding him to the Hawk lineup would only help us get 2nd, but his true value would come in future years.

Yes. His NIL offer was contingent for him to remain in the HWC.

 

[GiApet]

Alirez is returning to N. Colorado

 

[T8KUDWN]

get someone that the young recruits can relate to. no recruits give a shit nor even know who the Brands were during the wrestling careers.

That's an extremely false statement.

 

[24timenattychamps]

For OSU for sure. He didn’t even visit here.

 

[vhsalum]

That's an extremely false statement.

True. Their accomplishments as athletes ain't the problem.

 

[T8KUDWN]

It would have been great to have him training with the HWC in Iowa City after college, but I don't believe he's an athlete who will significantly impact recruiting. Personally, I think Mendez is the future at 65kg.

The powers that be in Iowa City need to do whatever it takes to get Gable in the HWC to pair with Spencer. Those are the RTC athletes who will move the needle with recruits.

I still think there might be a possibility he ends up in Iowa City with the HWC.
I don't think he'll stay at UNC to train freestyle unless they offer him an assistant position.
But that is all just pure speculation on my part.
I do agree with you on Mendez being the future at 65 kg.

 

[GlenHawk]

I still think there might be a possibility he ends up in Iowa City with the HWC.
I don't think he'll stay at UNC to train freestyle unless they offer him an assistant position.
But that is all just pure speculation on my part.
I do agree with you on Mendez being the future at 65 kg.

I hope that's the case. I almost mentioned in my post that he could still end up in Iowa City after this collegiate season, but his announcement mentioned something about staying 'for years to come' so I figured the plan was to stick around Greeley (pew).

Mineo also suggested he was offered a coaching position:

 

[js8793]

It would have been great to have him training with the HWC in Iowa City after college, but I don't believe he's an athlete who will significantly impact recruiting. Personally, I think Mendez is the future at 65kg.

The powers that be in Iowa City need to do whatever it takes to get Gable in the HWC to pair with Spencer. Those are the RTC athletes who will move the needle with recruits.

100% and I wouldn't give up on Alirez as an HWC athlete either. You add Alirez and Gable and you have 2 world team favorites (and potential title threats), 1 legit contender, and another top 3-5 domestic guy with good international results in Desanto.

That's a legit RTC roster and a better recruiting tool than any facility you could build imo. And they could all wrestle past the next cycle too.

Probably too late at this point, but I heard Hayden Hidlay is looking for a new spot. Would love him on staff and for Trent to come out. Then you have a legit 86/92 too.

This is all wishcasting, but if I could pick any remotely realistic path forward, it would be something like this.

Edit: should have held off for a minute. throw Alirez out and the larger point stands. Invest in the RTC athletes.

 

[jneffer]

100% and I wouldn't give up on Alirez as an HWC athlete either. You add Alirez and Gable and you have 2 world team favorites (and potential title threats), 1 legit contender, and another top 3-5 domestic guy with good international results in Desanto.

That's a legit RTC roster and a better recruiting tool than any facility you could build imo. And they could all wrestle past the next cycle too.

Probably too late at this point, but I heard Hayden Hidlay is looking for a new spot. Would love him on staff and for Trent to come out. Then you have a legit 86/92 too.

This is all wishcasting, but if I could pick any remotely realistic path forward, it would be something like this.

why do people think gable wants to wrestle long term

the dude seems to want to do anything but wrestle

"come train with gable who may or may not still be at hwc by the time you get to campus" doesn't seem like a very good pitch...and you know he ain't coming cheap

 

[OptionalStart]

I still think there might be a possibility he ends up in Iowa City with the HWC.
I don't think he'll stay at UNC to train freestyle unless they offer him an assistant position.
But that is all just pure speculation on my part.
I do agree with you on Mendez being the future at 65 kg.

His deal at UNC includes his future coaching position.

 

[HawkFan1986]

why do people think gable wants to wrestle long term

the dude seems to want to do anything but wrestle

"come train with gable who may or may not still be at hwc by the time you get to campus" doesn't seem like a very good pitch...and you know he ain't coming cheap

It does seem that he’s running out of options. Why not fall back on the one thing he’s proved to be better at than anything else.

 

[tom_v31]

For OSU for sure. He didn’t even visit here.

OSU board is pretty happy that he is returning to UNCO. Like to see the smaller programs shine.

 

[jneffer]

It does seem that he’s running out of options. Why not fall back on the one thing he’s proved to be better at than anything else.

there's always "worlds strongest man"

maybe rugby

i guess i just don't think you're going to get good value out of gable (again, he's not doing anything for a discounted rate) without him being 100% in

and he doesn't seem 100% in

 

[T8KUDWN]

there's always "worlds strongest man"

maybe rugby

i guess i just don't think you're going to get good value out of gable (again, he's not doing anything for a discounted rate) without him being 100% in

and he doesn't seem 100% in

It would be great if he would seriously commit to the HWC, but right now it just feels like he's an
attention whore.

 

[MALOS]

Even at 50% he walks to a national championship and places top 3 at worlds

 

[jneffer]

It would be great if he would seriously commit to the HWC, but right now it just feels like he's an
attention whore.

wrestling is hard...we all say that...but it really is true

if you don't REALLY love it (and you've already reached the pinnacle of the sport) i'm sure it's hard to dedicate yourself to keep competing

not everyone has that hawkeye mind frame

 

[T8KUDWN]

wrestling is hard...we all say that...but it really is true

if you don't REALLY love it (and you've already reached the pinnacle of the sport) i'm sure it's hard to dedicate yourself to keep competing

not everyone has that hawkeye mind frame

100% Wrestling is damn hard and if you aren't all in and want to make the commitment, it is better to find something else.
Even for myself as a wrestling coach, I have to be totally committed. I've had to step back and recharge a couple times, but the day I don't love coaching anymore and don't want to give the effort, I will step away, because the guys on the team deserve the best I can give them.
But I still think GS is an attention whore lol

 

[GlenHawk]

why do people think gable wants to wrestle long term

the dude seems to want to do anything but wrestle

"come train with gable who may or may not still be at hwc by the time you get to campus" doesn't seem like a very good pitch...and you know he ain't coming cheap

I mentioned HWC's interest in Gable because of the recent speculation surrounding his possible comeback to college wrestling. If Gable was serious about wrestling another Olympic cycle, Iowa should be ready to provide him with substantial financial incentives to train in Iowa City.

When considering his options over the next few years, it's hard to see a better financial opportunity for him than securing top RTC funding. While he could explore MMA, it typically takes a few years to establish yourself and start earning significant money in that sport. Plus, success in MMA isn't guaranteed.

 

[jneffer]

100% Wrestling is damn hard and if you aren't all in and want to make the commitment, it is better to find something else.
Even for myself as a wrestling coach, I have to be totally committed. I've had to step back and recharge a couple times, but the day I don't love coaching anymore and don't want to give the effort, I will step away, because the guys on the team deserve the best I can give them.
But I still think GS is an attention whore lol

i'll be a little more diplomatic and say GS is a young guy who likes the spotlight and (more importantly, i think) wants to make money

and wrestling/coaching isn't all that lucrative, compared to the things he's been trying recently - WWE and NFL

 

[doubleboots]

 

[T8KUDWN]

i'll be a little more diplomatic and say GS is a young guy who likes the spotlight and (more importantly, i think) wants to make money

and wrestling/coaching isn't all that lucrative, compared to the things he's been trying recently - WWE and NFL

He is definitely money and attention driven.
I can be diplomatic when needed, but not sure if it's necessary when talking about GS lol

 

[vhsalum]

He is definitely money and attention driven.
I can be diplomatic when needed, but not sure if it's necessary when talking about GS lol

Which. good for him and his pocket.

But none of us need buy a ticket until he starts doing something again.

 

[MrMagic2772]

Even at 50% he walks to a national championship and places top 3 at worlds

Totally agree...I don't know how much actual wrestling Gable has been doing while he's been away play wrestling in the WWE but if NCAA's were tomorrow Gable would walk through the tournament...Likewise Parris is very fortunate the WWE didn't release Gable a month earlier than they did

 

[Libertylover]

i'll be a little more diplomatic and say GS is a young guy who likes the spotlight and (more importantly, i think) wants to make money

and wrestling/coaching isn't all that lucrative, compared to the things he's been trying recently - WWE and NFL

WWE didn’t work out, landing a high paying contract in the NFL when you haven’t played since grade school is a big long shot. MMA is very unknown for him with striking and ability to take a punch or kick. Wrestling is a sure bet, already knows he’s maybe the best in the world. Another well funded 4 year cycle wouldn’t kill him at age 23, then could still weigh his MMA prospects or maybe even take another shot at pro wrastling.

 

[Pennstate1985]

why do people think gable wants to wrestle long term

the dude seems to want to do anything but wrestle

"come train with gable who may or may not still be at hwc by the time you get to campus" doesn't seem like a very good pitch...and you know he ain't coming cheap

I'd want Gable's NIL deal backend loaded with benchmarks/incentives. He gives me a "take the money and run" vibe.

 

[el dub]

Honestly, I'm okay with not spending $500,000 or more on another one-year transfer who wouldn't significantly impact our chances of winning a team title next year. I also love seeing a hometown kid staying loyal to his teammates and coaches, even if Iowa is the one losing out.

As Willie mentioned in another thread, Iowa's problem isn't the amount of money available; it's how that money is being spent. Trying to patch up the program's issues with expensive temporary fixes every offseason isn't addressing the core problems that have plagued the Hawks for over a decade.

Personally, I don’t understand how people like Bob can be so eager to donate their money without a clear, strategic plan in place. While I am thankful for our boosters and their support, Bob's posts suggest that his focus is more on his personal involvement with TNT and the program than on its overall success.

Is that money coming out of your pocket? Nope. The university budget Nope. Wtf? Why do you hate our program ?

 

[pawrestler4life]

Nelson is officially back

 

[Libertylover]

Nelson is officially back

So we know one guy with his hat in the ring at 184. This probably officially put Angelo in redshirt, which I think is good for him with his lofty goals. Obviously Riggins is another. Biggest question will be if AJ actually finds his way onto the team this summer, which may have Zach cutting to 184 to challenge Nelson.

 

[edquinn06]

Nelson is officially back

Deserves it and more. Glad we have a capable 184. Hoping he’s as effective up as he was at 174. He is 2-0 against Plott so…

 

[Pennstate1985]

Personally, I don’t understand how people like Bob can be so eager to donate their money without a clear, strategic plan in place. While I am thankful for our boosters and their support, Bob's posts suggest that his focus is more on his personal involvement with TNT and the program than on its overall success.

I never thought we would agree on anything. Your take here is exactly right. What is the strategic plan?

Let's bury the hatchet.