I live 30 miles from Penn State and have been a die-hard PSU fan for decades. I have to admit I developed a strong dislike for Thomas Gilman while he wrestled for the Hawkeyes. I knew he was a good wrestler but I hated how he acted sometimes. Well I found the live stream for the recent Spanish GP tournament and immediately found Gilman wrestling during the early rounds. I surprised myself at how I was instantly able to root for Gilman and that I wanted to see him kick some ass over there. There was no debate in my mind whatsoever that I wanted to see him take gold. It made me feel good that I did not harbor anything negative against him at all. He is my man for the gold in Paris. I look forward to watching and rooting for him. I think that my bias against him as a Hawkeye did not allow me to appreciate his talent and his determination to win. Have any of you Hawkeye fans had a similar experience?
PSU fan quick change of support for Thomas Gilman
- Thread starter danomnite
- Start date
Sure, but it's really about fan rivalry and not much to do with the individuals themselves. When they are wrestling for our country, then there is a pause on all of that stuff IMO.
I would definitely agree with this. Although I think that the fact that despite some stupid crap, or maybe just crap that I'm too old to care for, that he did at times - the Minnesota huddle thing probably was the #1 thing that just rubbed me the wrong way - I always had the feeling that he was a good guy and a tough competitor. Makes it much easier to root for him now that he represents the USA. Even the JAP thing ended up being a good look for him. Not so much in that he was probably oblivious to the usage, but the fact that he addressed it right away, which was the right thing to do, no matter what his intent (and I've stated it before that it was obvious he meant no disrespect).
I still have a hard time rooting for Dake, just because he always gave me the feeling that he was a pr*ck. Although he seems to have toned that down of late. And don't get me started on he who shall not be named. Can't see myself ever rooting for him.
Yeah he was the only guy I had a hard time rooting for. Just being honest.
Gilman's a likable guy, just ask Zain:
http://www.flowrestling.org/video/1237083-retherford-and-gilman-roommates-and-buddies#.WYFGfoFlDqB
Agree. Zain comes off as a pretty cool guy. Seems down to earth and with a sense of humor. Never cared much for Frank, but I'd not have a problem rooting for Zain.
Zain seems great. Always been a closet fan. It's nice to cheer for these other guys this time of year.
I also root for Nolf and Nickal. Just fun to watch. But never Frank.
When he, uh adjusted his crotch at the home crowd after beating Metcalf but he won me over with his Scrappy Doo shtick.
He who shall not be named? Voldemort? Zadick?
Just wondering who you're referring to.
David Taylor. Simply put him beating DSJ and just walking through opponents drove me nuts. I appreciate his talents for team USA and want to see him win gold in 2020.
Must have sucked to see Gilman repeatedly punk your guys...they finally threw him out of the huddle.
Did Lizak ever publicly say how Gilmans nuts tasted?
HAHA! Thanks for clearing that up. I was about to google that myself. He is, an wholly unlike-able person.
except for this time:
How did that work out Minne match wise?
I was watching as all 7 Goofer fans in attendance stood up and cheered right then. Little premature but on a positive note, they sold 11 hot dogs and 4 drinks that night setting a minny home crowd concession stand record!
except for this time:
Cut them some slack, hard to get motivated on xanax.
I have always dislike Gilman in college. Just did not care for some of his antics and lack of sportsmanship IMO. He "chokes" in the NCAA's semi's, comes back strong for third and makes no excuses. Trains his ass off and wins the olympic trials in dominant fashion. Shocked a lot of people, me included. Easily won a ridiculously hard bracket just to dominate/control Ramos in the finals. No trash talk or anything. Just did his job and earned his spot. I will be rooting for him and all our wrestlers.
I was at the MN v. Iowa wrestling meet., that day. I thought he was done. He didnt quit. Dont give up, dont ever give up!! Thats what wrestling teaches you!!
The most surprising match of the WTT for Gilman was how he teched Nico with ease. That has always been a tough matchup for him and Gilman not only closed the gap but he opened up a big gap. That says a lot about Gilman and his work ethic.
Gilman had never beaten Nico before so you are spot on. Nico is one of my all time favorite wrestlers. Credit to Gilman for winning and I will be cheering for him in Paris.
In folkstyle, Nico could funk out of Gilman's leg attacks. Also, I think Gilman tended to clam up in big folkstyle matches...afraid of giving up big points and getting ridden. Look at his B1G finals with NATO. NATO scored early and ran the rest of the match. The next year, Nico stalled a lot in their B1G matchup. Expecting that type of match, Gilman came out close to the vest in the NCAA finals and Nico opened it up on him in the first and second periods.
Freestyle is a whole different ballgame in terms of opportunities...Gilman can make mistakes or just plain get taken down and he is only down for a few seconds which allows him to be aggressive for six minutes. That's why I had no problem seeing him win it...was still a surprise. Nobody thought Tony could do it either. This is why Terry Brands is such an outstanding coach. I think for Gilman to truly separate himself, he has to develop in par terre because if he doesn't, there will be a lot more closer matches with guys who maybe shouldn't be able to hang with him. It was Tony's issue too. That and lack of shot development.
Guess this is why I am so excited for Lee coming in. He has that both shots and par terre. Being in our room will give him the hand fighting and setups that will alllow him to get in on world class senior guys.
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