Thought I would chime in on some thoughts I wanted to share before wrestle offs on Friday and Saturday. I'll start off by saying I am surprised that they are even having open to the public wrestle offs this year. Tom has not been as open when talking about this team as he has been in the past, but I think it's great that we will get to see the guys in a competitive atmosphere before the Iowa Duals.
Couple of notes on guys that have left the team. Phil Sheridan and Anthony Baldasaro are no longer with the team. Baldasaro was part of this year's famed #1 ranked recruiting class. He was very impressive in the room early on even though he came in a little out of shape. Last year as a HS senior he had some undesirable results due to weight issues and also had to deal with some concussions. Unfortunately Baldy experienced a concussion and illness just as he was getting in the swing of things this year and set him back and he has decided to take a step back and focus on academics this semester and more than likely will end up transferring somewhere closer to home. His loss is a big one as he was the most impressive freshman in the room along with Nick Moore. With Baldy leaving it does relieve a bit of a logjam at 157/165 and will free up some scholly money for next year, hopefully there will be HS kid that emerges in next year's class that can fill the 197 void. Sheridan was a great kid to have in the room, he was a pitbull that did not back down from anyone and was really starting to make big strides in the room.
I don't think there will be many surprises during the wrestle offs this weekend, but there will be a couple of interesting matches. I am looking forward to the Ballweg/Dwieza matchup at 141. I want to see how much ground if any that Dwieza has made up. He is going to be a good one, but needs to get stronger. Also at HWT Rasing and Johnson will renew their rivalry, they usually have very close matches. Rasing has trimmed down a bit from last year and I actually think that may help out Johnson a bit, but Rasing has stepped up his game a bit. Can't wait to see the DSJ/Moore match at 157. DSJ is very special and Moore isn't too far behind.
You would never know that McD won a title last year by listening to him and watching him workout. He is as hungry as ever and he has made some nice improvements. Nate Moore could be the most improved wrestler on the team, he has looked absolutely fantastic and has developed a sharp focus. Carew is going to be a force nationally this year. I know there have been some negative things said about him, but he has really worked hard to improve. He is very tough to score on and is dynamite on top. Gambrall is really starting to grow into his body, he has built himself into a nice sized 184lber and the added muscle has helped with his confidence I think.
Couple of notes on guys that have left the team. Phil Sheridan and Anthony Baldasaro are no longer with the team. Baldasaro was part of this year's famed #1 ranked recruiting class. He was very impressive in the room early on even though he came in a little out of shape. Last year as a HS senior he had some undesirable results due to weight issues and also had to deal with some concussions. Unfortunately Baldy experienced a concussion and illness just as he was getting in the swing of things this year and set him back and he has decided to take a step back and focus on academics this semester and more than likely will end up transferring somewhere closer to home. His loss is a big one as he was the most impressive freshman in the room along with Nick Moore. With Baldy leaving it does relieve a bit of a logjam at 157/165 and will free up some scholly money for next year, hopefully there will be HS kid that emerges in next year's class that can fill the 197 void. Sheridan was a great kid to have in the room, he was a pitbull that did not back down from anyone and was really starting to make big strides in the room.
I don't think there will be many surprises during the wrestle offs this weekend, but there will be a couple of interesting matches. I am looking forward to the Ballweg/Dwieza matchup at 141. I want to see how much ground if any that Dwieza has made up. He is going to be a good one, but needs to get stronger. Also at HWT Rasing and Johnson will renew their rivalry, they usually have very close matches. Rasing has trimmed down a bit from last year and I actually think that may help out Johnson a bit, but Rasing has stepped up his game a bit. Can't wait to see the DSJ/Moore match at 157. DSJ is very special and Moore isn't too far behind.
You would never know that McD won a title last year by listening to him and watching him workout. He is as hungry as ever and he has made some nice improvements. Nate Moore could be the most improved wrestler on the team, he has looked absolutely fantastic and has developed a sharp focus. Carew is going to be a force nationally this year. I know there have been some negative things said about him, but he has really worked hard to improve. He is very tough to score on and is dynamite on top. Gambrall is really starting to grow into his body, he has built himself into a nice sized 184lber and the added muscle has helped with his confidence I think.
