State of Iowa wrestling

[mustang_horsepower]

Based on observations, and as a pretty basic general fan of wrestling who especially loves tourney time, I have some general thoughts on Iowa's schools..

UNI is growing and performing under Schwab (love it). This trend will likely continue? Would Schwab ever go anywhere else? Would very much like a dual scheduled with Iowa and UNI, help the sport and state. They have sort of NIL funds to keep pace?

ISU - what did they have.. 1 AA? Ironside and Beatty were discussing how they are putting all their chips into next year's squad? Not sure fully the details of what that all means? Dresser seems to have that program on the ropes a little. How long does he have?

Iowa - Great performances as a whole. Hate seeing Parco and Teemer go out that way. Hope to see this day completed on a highest of notes. I think if we can see some good ones fill spots next season we can compete to high level. Will Lee join staff at some point do you think? I think Brands and Co. need to make sure they take notes on how they got their guys ready this weekend and replicate.

Go Hawks!!

 

[Squarehat]

ISU has been circling the drain for a while and sinking lower.

 

[MitchLL]

Dresser is wearing out his welcome with some fans, I believe.

Eight years in Ames and ONE, count em ONE, top ten finish.

Three portal transfers out...just this week. One a returning AA.
The simple fact is they went into the season with several guys not knowing what weight they were competing at. Swiddy, Esch, Gaitan, and Riggins are the four known guys. Paniro started at 157.
The ineptness of that staff is stunning.
The "injuries" they experienced are not just bad luck. The human body can't be transformed in 1/2 months.
The wrestling season didn't get changed on November 1st!!!
Dresser's a fvckup and his little buddies aren't any better.
BTW...just looked...they finished in 26th place.😆😆😆😆😆
That's KJ territory.

 

[tigerhawk2015]

Dresser is wearing out his welcome with some fans, I believe.

Eight years in Ames and ONE, count em ONE, top ten finish.

Three portal transfers out...just this week. One a returning AA.
The simple fact is they went into the season with several guys not knowing what weight they were competing at. Swiddy, Esch, Gaitan, and Riggins are the four known guys. Paniro started at 157.
The ineptness of that staff is stunning.
The "injuries" they experienced are not just bad luck. The human body can't be transformed in 1/2 months.
The wrestling season didn't get changed on November 1st!!!
Dresser's a fvckup and his little buddies aren't any better.
BTW...just looked...they finished in 26th place.😆😆😆😆😆
That's KJ territory.

Who are the three portal transfers this week?

 

[whejoe]

Hey @TarpHawk now that the season is over, I’d like hear what your thoughts are on the state of the Hawks. So maybe in the next few days you could lay out a plan for what needs to be done going forward. If you were the AD, would you make any changes? I alway appreciate your analysis..

 

[MitchLL]

Who are the three portal transfers this week?

Terukina, Redding, and Swiderski.

Loose rumors floating around of at least two more...one voluntary and the other encouraged to leave.

We'll see.

You'd have to be ignorant to not think there are a lot of behind the door issues.

 

[TS568]

ISU has been circling the drain for a while and sinking lower.

I don’t know about “a while”. They placed 4th last year, ahead of us I think.

 

[IAChief32]

I don’t know about “a while”. They placed 4th last year, ahead of us I think.

Sure but then dropped to 27 with 1 AA after losing just Carr from last years team. If Iowa is “injury plagued,” then they are the aftermath of an explosion.

 

[tiltman]

Sure but then dropped to 27 with 1 AA after losing just Carr from last years team. If Iowa is “injury plagued,” then they are the aftermath of an explosion.

The difference is one teams injuries are legit while the others is used to get med redshirts to “try” to load up for a season.

 

[acuhawk]

The difference is one teams injuries are legit while the others is used to get med redshirts to “try” to load up for a season.

The clowns already caused a rule change where matches don't count against teammates. It would be nice if Batista got denied as they change the fake medicals loophole.

 

[Pantherclone]

I have a bit more insight UNI and ISU, but want IA, ISU, and UNI in top 3 every year. My two cents:
UNI: Classic example of doing more with less. With Parker graduating I don’t see enough potential AA to keep them relevant in tourney setting, so need to capitalize ($) after a great season. Doug finds guys to fit the culture and won’t be out worked, just hope he can get additional resources.
ISU: Dresser was the right guy when he was hired, but I am in the camp that it’s time to find the next guy. Metcalf would be my choice, with David Carr as a Spencer Lee type wildcard…still competing and no idea on his coaching goals, but has the name and personality to connect with donors and recruits.
Iowa: Can and should always be in the title mix, but Cael and now David Taylor make that tougher. Tom and Terry have adapted more to the changing landscape in college sports than I would have predicted. I do think that the “stagnation” and/or injury perception of guys who have been in the program for awhile is a concern. Perception is not reality, but I think it has become a talking point.
The next few years will be fun to follow.

 

[MitchLL]

I have a bit more insight UNI and ISU, but want IA, ISU, and UNI in top 3 every year. My two cents:
UNI: Classic example of doing more with less. With Parker graduating I don’t see enough potential AA to keep them relevant in tourney setting, so need to capitalize ($) after a great season. Doug finds guys to fit the culture and won’t be out worked, just hope he can get additional resources.
ISU: Dresser was the right guy when he was hired, but I am in the camp that it’s time to find the next guy. Metcalf would be my choice, with David Carr as a Spencer Lee type wildcard…still competing and no idea on his coaching goals, but has the name and personality to connect with donors and recruits.
Iowa: Can and should always be in the title mix, but Cael and now David Taylor make that tougher. Tom and Terry have adapted more to the changing landscape in college sports than I would have predicted. I do think that the “stagnation” and/or injury perception of guys who have been in the program for awhile is a concern. Perception is not reality, but I think it has become a talking point.
The next few years will be fun to follow.

Regarding ISU...A jockstrap and a headgear would have been an improvement following KJ.
Dresser just was incredibly lucky to step into the absolute lowest point in ISU wrestling history.
In eight years...one top ten finish and an abysmal 26th place this season.
It's pretty clear he's just collecting a paycheck at this point.

 

[MALOS]

Regarding ISU...A jockstrap and a headgear would have been an improvement following KJ.
Dresser just was incredibly lucky to step into the absolute lowest point in ISU wrestling history.
In eight years...one top ten finish and an abysmal 26th place this season.
It's pretty clear he's just collecting a paycheck at this point.

 

[TarpHawk]

Hey @TarpHawk now that the season is over, I’d like hear what your thoughts are on the state of the Hawks. So maybe in the next few days you could lay out a plan for what needs to be done going forward. If you were the AD, would you make any changes? I alway appreciate your analysis..

Thanks whejoe.

Most of my thoughts are in the other thread. Overall I thought Hawks had a good year. First individual champ in 4 years + 3 finalists. Add ~35 (or whatever) points for healthy Parco & Teemer and we're at our highest point total since '21. We have to take risks--can't complain when we do and it doesn't work out. It's still a good strategy.

Having individual champs is huge, both for points and momentum.

Yes, I think we bring back AJ if we can. I think he wins it next year if he trains here. Yes, he's a complete lunatic. Risk vs. reward.

If I were the AD I'd want to map out the next 10 years (at minimum) and agree on the step-by-step plan to get us back to the top. I have no idea if that happens or has happened in the past. There needs to be quantifiable goals for recruiting, for NCAA points, for HWC. A change in assistants might be necessary simply for optics and "dynamism," but I'm not close enough to diagnose.

 

[js8793]

Thanks whejoe.

Most of my thoughts are in the other thread. Overall I thought Hawks had a good year. First individual champ in 4 years + 3 finalists. Add ~35 (or whatever) points for healthy Parco & Teemer and we're at our highest point total since '21. We have to take risks--can't complain when we do and it doesn't work out. It's still a good strategy.

Having individual champs is huge, both for points and momentum.

Yes, I think we bring back AJ if we can. I think he wins it next year if he trains here. Yes, he's a complete lunatic. Risk vs. reward.

If I were the AD I'd want to map out the next 10 years (at minimum) and agree on the step-by-step plan to get us back to the top. I have no idea if that happens or has happened in the past. There needs to be quantifiable goals for recruiting, for NCAA points, for HWC. A change in assistants might be necessary simply for optics and "dynamism," but I'm not close enough to diagnose.

I agree with Tarp.

I would still have made the jump to DT 10 times out of 10, but that's over and I don't see another viable offramp from Brands at this moment.

Keep making strides with recruiting and combatting the reputation of the program around the country. Invest in the HWC. I want to see a 74 or 86 kg addition. Ideally both! Keep spending Bob's money, but that money should be allocated to elite recruits first, late career transfers second.

Buchanan's title is so important. Recruits want to see they can win titles with you. The Hawks haven't shown that outside of Spencer for the last near decade. And they did it head to head against PSU. Huge moment for the program. Put Drake, Angelo, and Kueter on top of the podium with Mikey and PK/Gabe in the finals and we're cooking.

 

[johnyt9]

Thanks whejoe.

Most of my thoughts are in the other thread. Overall I thought Hawks had a good year. First individual champ in 4 years + 3 finalists. Add ~35 (or whatever) points for healthy Parco & Teemer and we're at our highest point total since '21. We have to take risks--can't complain when we do and it doesn't work out. It's still a good strategy.

Having individual champs is huge, both for points and momentum.

Yes, I think we bring back AJ if we can. I think he wins it next year if he trains here. Yes, he's a complete lunatic. Risk vs. reward.

If I were the AD I'd want to map out the next 10 years (at minimum) and agree on the step-by-step plan to get us back to the top. I have no idea if that happens or has happened in the past. There needs to be quantifiable goals for recruiting, for NCAA points, for HWC. A change in assistants might be necessary simply for optics and "dynamism," but I'm not close enough to diagnose.

mapping 10 years out - they need to find out if spencer is interested in being the heir apparent. If he is then get him ready. If he is not then go find who you want that to be. Nolf, Dake, JB, whoever pay them enough to get them on staff so they are ready to take over at a certain point in that 10 year term. I doubt TnT have a full 10 left in them

 

[johnyt9]

I agree with Tarp.

I would still have made the jump to DT 10 times out of 10, but that's over and I don't see another viable offramp from Brands at this moment.

Keep making strides with recruiting and combatting the reputation of the program around the country. Invest in the HWC. I want to see a 74 or 86 kg addition. Ideally both! Keep spending Bob's money, but that money should be allocated to elite recruits first, late career transfers second.

Buchanan's title is so important. Recruits want to see they can win titles with you. The Hawks haven't shown that outside of Spencer for the last near decade. And they did it head to head against PSU. Huge moment for the program. Put Drake, Angelo, and Kueter on top of the podium with Mikey and PK/Gabe in the finals and we're cooking.

Byrd is back, Crookham is back. Enter Davino. Who else is contending at 133 next year, along with Drake, Fuggit, Maybe Lilledahl

 

[ibahwkfan]

Byrd is back, Crookham is back. Enter Davino. Who else is contending at 133 next year, along with Drake, Fuggit, Maybe Lilledahl

Is Byrd back next year? He graduated High School in 2019! Next year would be his 7th year.

 

[johnyt9]

Is Byrd back next year? He graduated High School in 2019! Next year would be his 7th year.

I keep seeing he has another year of eligibility - could be wrong

edit: I should add that I think Bailey and Romney go up they both look big

 

[GableBeer]

Byrd is back, Crookham is back. Enter Davino. Who else is contending at 133 next year, along with Drake, Fuggit, Maybe Lilledahl

Allegedly Ono enters as well. It’s going to be a battle for Drake.

 

[MALOS]

I would go get Gable right now for the HWC and give him the environment and training partners to make a comeback and then help coach/train Kueter and Michael Mocco.

 

[GableBeer]

I keep seeing he has another year of eligibility - could be wrong

Willie said on the Basch pod he heard awhile ago Byrd was going to use his final year somewhere other than Illinois for grad school

 

[johnyt9]

Allegedly Ono enters as well. It’s going to be a battle for Drake.

I also saw basch say he doesn't think this is the case so I am holding off on thinking we see Ono wrestle folkstyle

 

[The cow catcher]

Basch said he’s hearing Joe Sealy will be entering the portal

 

[Slim45]

Basch said he’s hearing Joe Sealy will be entering the portal

 

[js8793]

I wouldn’t turn down Sealey obviously, but that’s not a sure thing. He had a Paddy Gallagherish 1st year. You hope it’s because he was out for a while with an injury, and not because he peaked 2 years ago.

 

[4net3sandbagger]

I also saw basch say he doesn't think this is the case so I am holding off on thinking we see Ono wrestle folkstyle

I don't have any direct knowledge, but hearing Davis in the portal soon. Don't know if that means anything for sure with Ono.

 

[vhsalum]

Sealey would do well at iowa. 4 years at a need weight and the kid loves to wrestle hard. I think the cut had more to do with it than anything else.

He's NEVER cut before in his life, and the way Carl was talking about him in practice tells me he's a 1 year 157.

 

[js8793]

Sealey would do well at iowa. 4 years at a need weight and the kid loves to wrestle hard. I think the cut had more to do with it than anything else.

He's NEVER cut before in his life, and the way Carl was talking about him in practice tells me he's a 1 year 157.

So if he’s too big for 157, then is he at a need weight? Or are you saying 1 year at 157 for us then up to 165 after Caliendo graduates?

 

[vhsalum]

So if he’s too big for 157, then is he at a need weight? Or are you saying 1 year at 157 for us then up to 165 after Caliendo graduates?

correct

 

[MitchLL]

Pretty good chance there's portal transfers that will surprise many here...both in and out.
Fun to speculate.

 

[TarpHawk]

mapping 10 years out - they need to find out if spencer is interested in being the heir apparent. If he is then get him ready. If he is not then go find who you want that to be. Nolf, Dake, JB, whoever pay them enough to get them on staff so they are ready to take over at a certain point in that 10 year term. I doubt TnT have a full 10 left in them

I worry how Dake or JB would get along with Tom for the x years they'd be assistants. I tend to think you'd have to make a change like that from the outside, all at once.

I'd love to see Nolf on staff, think his personality is Alpha Dog Lite and could work. Added bonus: he could teach us how to pin. Our bonus points have been abysmal.

 

[johnyt9]

I worry how Dake or JB would get along with Tom for the x years they'd be assistants. I tend to think you'd have to make a change like that from the outside, all at once.

I'd love to see Nolf on staff, think his personality is Alpha Dog Lite and could work. Added bonus: he could teach us how to pin. Our bonus points have been abysmal.

you are probably right - i was just using their names as examples b/c they are the big names. my larger point was that I like your 10 year plan idea and would like to see us add the heir apparent and get them ready b/c I don't think TnT will do another full 10 years.

Would love Nolf/Spencer combo

and/or Kem

 

[acuhawk]

Kem and Nick Lee are the current up and comers IMO. It would be nice to find a way to get both of them in the room, whether it be via HWC or created positions. There's a reason that Nick got picked as coach there instead of the other dozen studs that graduated the last few years.

 

[The-Dude-Abides]

I worry how Dake or JB would get along with Tom for the x years they'd be assistants. I tend to think you'd have to make a change like that from the outside, all at once.

I'd love to see Nolf on staff, think his personality is Alpha Dog Lite and could work. Added bonus: he could teach us how to pin. Our bonus points have been abysmal.

If I could make one addition currently it would be Nolf. His wrestling IQ is completely off the charts. Listening to some of his interviews, he sees and understands things I hadn't even considered thinking about. And he and Spencer have a good relationship.