The sky is not falling

[OL119]

I watched the live stream on Flo in real time but wanted to wait a while before posting to take any emotion out of my review of the performance.

Honestly, I'm not really worried. The team overall performed about as I expected at this point of the season.

The fan side of me obviously would prefer we win every dual, but the coach side of me recognized the way the team as a whole looked out there. In a 13 day stretch where the Hawks have to face OSU, PSU, and FOSU roughly two weeks after the midlands, concessions have to be made somewhere in order to properly prepare the starters so they can peak when it counts, at NCAAs. That looked to me like a team that trained right through the dual meet this morning.

In the past few years we looked head and shoulders better than the Cowboys in the dual and then watched them finish above us at nationals. I think we all agree that as of late TnT are doing things differently (targeting/signing blue chippers instead of loading up on 2nd tier guys and out-developing and searching for hidden gems) than they have in the past on the recruiting front. It doesn't seem like much of a reach to think that they probably have made some adjustments to the inseason training phases as well. No sense in trying to peak the team for a dual meet, even for a few dual meets. It's not logical/practical to expect them to be at their absolute best every competition with a season this long.

NCAA tournament results have not been what fans wanted or expected for a few years now. I'd have to imagine TnT have even higher expectations than we do. Their philosophy on recruiting seems to have evolved. If I had to make an educated guess, I'd bet other things have as well.

 

[nitlion6]

Iowa lost 3 matches by the skin of their teeth, 133, 149 and Hwt. Wrestle again tomorrow and result could be different.
However, I did not get the sense they trained through this event. I could be wrong but Gilman was still getting after it, Clark even though this is only his second event back was the agressor and Brock looked like he was needing some gas.
The 41 pounder never quit, Kemerer won by only one but it always felt as though he was in control. Sammy was hammering away to the end.
As I said, I could be wrong but that wasn't a group of kids who looked like they had tired legs.

 

[OL119]

Review Part II - match by match

125 - Gilman went out and got the major against a kid who's main job was to avoid bonus. He didn't look as crisp as usual but found a way to get the job done. If they wrestle in March and the OSU kid is actually trying to win (in wrestling, he would have killed Gman in a track meet) I see the gap widening.

133 - Clark lost by the absolute thinnest of margins in his first career match against an unorthodox and underrated (6th is low, Brock was/is top 3 IMO) opponent. It was his 2nd match coming back from an injury, wearing a brace that restricts movement after not having been able to practice normally (if at all). To top it off he gets hosed on an absolutely awful takedown call quickly followed by the ref calling PD on a half he had Brock nearly turned in when the position had not changed for over 5 seconds giving Brock a restart. Calling the officiating in this match "poor" would be an insult to the poor officials of the world. Not only did that cost him eventual back points and possibly a fall, but it would have at the very resulted in more riding time for Clark and as this match proved...every second counts. The worst part is that Brock put himself there! Clark has balls the size of Texas.

141 - Carton proved he can go with the top guys at the weight. He may not be able to beat the top 6-7 quite yet but he can score points at NCAA's. Something to be said about getting that last takedown.

149 - Sorensen drives me nuts. I get that Collica did literally nothing the whole match but neither did he. You have to take more than 1 shot against good guys and there needs to be a sense of urgency especially when everyone in the entire world knew what Collica's gameplan was. Force the official to make the stall call.

157 - Kemdawg proving all the doubters wrong. Another good win for him. I've said it all year that he is the only guy in the country who has a chance to beat Nolf. I don't know if he can/will but having been a practice partner at Young Guns has to bring a familiarity to the table that nobody else can claim. It's probably a slim chance at best but nobody else at this weight has a snowball's chance in hell so I'll take slim.

165 - SSJ was flat out overmatched. No surprises here but would have liked to see him last the full 7 mins or at least find a way to get teched to save the team point. Hope Gunther is ok.

174 - Meyer doing Meyer things. Nothing to see here.

184 - Brooks gets a little revenge on Boyd for their last meeting. Not only did he get the major but to add insult to injury he pinned him twice!!! It's a shame this official isn't required to take some sort of officiating classes or attend rules seminars after his performance this dual. Yes it is a difficult, thankless job but when the guy is flat for an extended period of time and everyone watching the stream can see the ref looking right at it and not calling it, it puts his integrity (and many others) in question. That is bad for the sport. There needs to be some sort of accountability. My job is thankless as well, but if I do it poorly (or refuse to do it as he did) I face repercussions, as I should.

197 - I don't mind the coaches having Wilcke go down to start the 3rd. Sure he needed a takedown either way at some point to win, but this is a dual meet in January that was over at the point of that decision. Best way to learn how to get out is by spending time trying to get out. He needs to be able to get 1 by the end of the season. I saw that choice as purely developmental.

285 - Stoll hasn't quite rounded into form yet and it showed. I just hope he didn't get reinjured during the match. There was no attempt at even building up off his belly the last 20 seconds or so when an escape ties the match. (I don't believe riding time was a factor at that point or if it even became one as I stopped watching when I saw him give up at that point)

Let's hope this loss becomes a lesson on what each guy needs to improve on and they fix some issues before the end of the season. Winning has a nasty way of masking bad habits. Let's get everyone healthy and back in the lineup for PSU.

 

[OL119]

Iowa lost 3 matches by the skin of their teeth, 133, 149 and Hwt. Wrestle again tomorrow and result could be different.
However, I did not get the sense they trained through this event. I could be wrong but Gilman was still getting after it, Clark even though this is only his second event back was the agressor and Brock looked like he was needing some gas.
The 41 pounder never quit, Kemerer won by only one but it always felt as though he was in control. Sammy was hammering away to the end.
As I said, I could be wrong but that wasn't a group of kids who looked like they had tired legs.

I could be completely wrong on them training through. I didn't base my observation on them looking tired or having heavy legs though.

At the high school level it is easier to notice as it presents itself differently for a variety of reasons. The symptoms are generally program wide with tired legs being one that is fairly obvious and usually noticeable across all levels as practices are generally very similar for everyone on the team. In college the signs much more subtle due to disguising factors and much smaller sample size and present differently due to more individualized training.

For instance, Gilman is likely at a point where he is fine tuning very specific things with a select few high level opponents in mind. In comparison, someone like Wilcke is probably focusing on areas that will give him the largest long term return on investment.

It is much more likely however, and I have found this to be the case far more often than not, that I'm completely wrong. Putting a positive spin on it in my head makes me feel a little better about it though haha

 

[lookleft goright]

OK I have been trying to collect my thoughts to add some thing to the conversation since the dual ended. Here goes -

Gilman is in a zone. The poise, calm, and swiftness in which he answered Piccinnini when Pic had him up in the air was nothing short of amazing. He gets to the leg and finishes. One tough dude!! There is a lot to feel good about there.

Clark - I would worry about a guy who scores off another guys shot with 25 seconds to go when the other guy is winning. Brock took all the shots in the last minute of the match and still got the escape. Clark will be hard as heck to beat at the NCAA's, but he is not ready for them yet. I can't imagine him being out of the top 5, but he does not look like a Saturday night lock.

Topher - a lot of heart but who can really tell against Heil. He wins close matches all the time. Is Topher that good or is that just a typical Heil match? Topher has a better chance of wrestling above his seed in March than Heil does. What that means for points is anyone's guess.

BS - People are going to try to keep it close with him. Getting poked in the face about 20 times in a match would slow anyone down. Come March, every overtime match works to his advantage and I think he wins against Collica. The next time, he has the 2 or 4 second riding time advantage. Yes, I think it will be that close.

Kemdawg - That was a dominant win by Kemdawg in my opinion. Smith was never close to scoring. He is going to be a beast in March. ( he is a beast now)

St John - no real comment. It is hard to go into a big meet as a back up and be anywhere near your best form.

Meyers - Wrestling like that and it will be tough to get on the podium. He looked like he had Crutch on the ropes in the last period, but the only guy to get to anyone's legs was Crutch.

Sammy - looked great. I loved the ankle attacks and he seems to be adding to his arsenal. Having an upper body attack and an ankle attack, plus a little in between makes for a real stud. Not to mention, he is a beast on top. He makes Illiinois proud.

Wilcke - Undersized but not an undersized heart. I give him credit for going underneath and giving it his best.

Stoll - big and agile. Can beat a lot of people but he needs to get to the legs if he wants to be an elite HWT. Relying on stalling calls or a guy pushing back into you so you can throw him will get you to the round of 16, if the seeds fall your way. I would be a bit worried here. Hopefully, he is not hurt again and he is just rusty.

Very good chance the Hawks have 4 in the finals in March and IMHO also a very good chance that they only get 5 on the stand totally. I hope that is not too pessimistic.

 

[WWDMHawkeye]

Sorensen was poked in the face closer to 120 times than 20. One caution from the ref 30 seconds in, kept it up, and not a peep from the ref for the final 6:30. That's some messed-up officiating.

There's no doubt that Brandon needed to take it to Collica but payed into his hands and didn't seize the win. That said, an impartial/competent ref is always good, too.

 

[madmustang4]

Iowa wrestling is like Nebraska football: Living in denial

 

[LutherAce]

Stoll - big and agile. Can beat a lot of people but he needs to get to the legs if he wants to be an elite HWT.

Stoll is a Jr World Bronze Medalist at Greco...not sure if you're aware but they don't get to use the legs...so when he moves forward with hooks or trying to get hooks...he's trying to get his setup to work his takedown. If the opponent is backing away and preventing him from getting it, they are stalling. Sam is a strong man, and he has good take downs when he gets his setup. His russian tie is strong...evident in this match:

 

[pumpdog20]

Was the caution on Collica for hands to the face or locked fingers? I thought there was a match yesterday where there was a caution for one thing, but thought "that's what the caution was for?".

 

[pumpdog20]

The sky might not be falling, but after Friday the mindset of the team could be all but shot. There is a realistic possibility that the Hawks only win one match (133). Say all you want about Suriano, but if they don't start at 125, momentum could take over and he finds himself winning at the end.

Our one time lock for a finalist at 149 could be looking at 3 match losing streak if he doesn't find himself some offense by the time he wrestles Bo's little brother.

Brands has his work cut out for him. He makes the big bucks, but the heat's going to be turned up now. You can't go another year of sub par performances in March, especially with next year looming as a potential disappointment.

 

[pablow]

Stoll is a Jr World Bronze Medalist at Greco...not sure if you're aware but they don't get to use the legs...so when he moves forward with hooks or trying to get hooks...he's trying to get his setup to work his takedown. If the opponent is backing away and preventing him from getting it, they are stalling. Sam is a strong man, and he has good take downs when he gets his setup. His russian tie is strong...evident in this match:

View embedded media

Absolutely correct. Some refs are to stupid to figure this out. Officiating competence is still a huge issue in D1 wrestling.

 

[Sandor45]

I did see Stoll attempts knee tap from the over under position a few times.
Berhow working in some new offensive moves with Sam rather than just looking for the throws.

 

[lookleft goright]

Stoll is a Jr World Bronze Medalist at Greco...not sure if you're aware but they don't get to use the legs...so when he moves forward with hooks or trying to get hooks...he's trying to get his setup to work his takedown. If the opponent is backing away and preventing him from getting it, they are stalling. Sam is a strong man, and he has good take downs when he gets his setup. His russian tie is strong...evident in this match:

View embedded media

I know he is a greco world medalist. I am just saying that if he wants to be an elite hat, he needs to get to the legs. It is hard to stall a guy out when the other guy takes all the shots and scores all the offensive points. I have been very impressed with how quick Stoll's feet are. He just does not seem to be able to level change too well.

 

[UndercoverHawk]

OK I have been trying to collect my thoughts to add some thing to the conversation since the dual ended. Here goes -

Gilman is in a zone. The poise, calm, and swiftness in which he answered Piccinnini when Pic had him up in the air was nothing short of amazing. He gets to the leg and finishes. One tough dude!! There is a lot to feel good about there.

Clark - I would worry about a guy who scores off another guys shot with 25 seconds to go when the other guy is winning. Brock took all the shots in the last minute of the match and still got the escape. Clark will be hard as heck to beat at the NCAA's, but he is not ready for them yet. I can't imagine him being out of the top 5, but he does not look like a Saturday night lock.

Topher - a lot of heart but who can really tell against Heil. He wins close matches all the time. Is Topher that good or is that just a typical Heil match? Topher has a better chance of wrestling above his seed in March than Heil does. What that means for points is anyone's guess.

BS - People are going to try to keep it close with him. Getting poked in the face about 20 times in a match would slow anyone down. Come March, every overtime match works to his advantage and I think he wins against Collica. The next time, he has the 2 or 4 second riding time advantage. Yes, I think it will be that close.

Kemdawg - That was a dominant win by Kemdawg in my opinion. Smith was never close to scoring. He is going to be a beast in March. ( he is a beast now)

St John - no real comment. It is hard to go into a big meet as a back up and be anywhere near your best form.

Meyers - Wrestling like that and it will be tough to get on the podium. He looked like he had Crutch on the ropes in the last period, but the only guy to get to anyone's legs was Crutch.

Sammy - looked great. I loved the ankle attacks and he seems to be adding to his arsenal. Having an upper body attack and an ankle attack, plus a little in between makes for a real stud. Not to mention, he is a beast on top. He makes Illiinois proud.

Wilcke - Undersized but not an undersized heart. I give him credit for going underneath and giving it his best.

Stoll - big and agile. Can beat a lot of people but he needs to get to the legs if he wants to be an elite HWT. Relying on stalling calls or a guy pushing back into you so you can throw him will get you to the round of 16, if the seeds fall your way. I would be a bit worried here. Hopefully, he is not hurt again and he is just rusty.

Very good chance the Hawks have 4 in the finals in March and IMHO also a very good chance that they only get 5 on the stand totally. I hope that is not too pessimistic.

I agree Topher has a better chance to wrestle above seed than Heil. Heil is the 1 seed so it's impossible for him to improve

 

[lookleft goright]

I agree Topher has a better chance to wrestle above seed than Heil. Heil is the 1 seed so it's impossible for him to improve

You got me there.

 

[Azchief32]

Iowa lost 3 matches by the skin of their teeth, 133, 149 and Hwt. Wrestle again tomorrow and result could be different.
However, I did not get the sense they trained through this event. I could be wrong but Gilman was still getting after it, Clark even though this is only his second event back was the agressor and Brock looked like he was needing some gas.
The 41 pounder never quit, Kemerer won by only one but it always felt as though he was in control. Sammy was hammering away to the end.
As I said, I could be wrong but that wasn't a group of kids who looked like they had tired legs.

I agree. Can't use the training through excuse. OSU is not just another dual for Tom

 

[93hawkeye]

Stoll is a Jr World Bronze Medalist at Greco...not sure if you're aware but they don't get to use the legs...so when he moves forward with hooks or trying to get hooks...he's trying to get his setup to work his takedown. If the opponent is backing away and preventing him from getting it, they are stalling. Sam is a strong man, and he has good take downs when he gets his setup. His russian tie is strong...evident in this match:

View embedded media

I appreciate Stoll's Greco accomplishments, but we're talking about college folkstyle here. Tie-ups/holds and set-ups are not legitimate takedown attempts (as in committing to moves that will take the opponent to the mat with control).

 

[WWDMHawkeye]

For a heavyweight? Sure. Stoll uses his underhooks to set up throws or at least threaten to the point where his opponent bails and gives up 2. He's also used a snatch single from that set-up. His knee may be limiting his offense some these days because he hasn't attacked the legs lately.

The Mike McMullans at 285 are few and far between. Sam is as aggressive offensively as about 90% of the heavies out there. It's just not a weight class where you're going to see a lot of guys changing levels much. I think it's unrealistic to be expecting/demanding much of that from Sam, particularly when he's coming off a torn ACL.

 

[hawkssox1]

Iowa wrestling is like Nebraska football: Living in denial

Thought that was a river in Egypt?