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  1. FCFIGHTER170

    FCFIGHTER170

    Silverback


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      6

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      3,336


  2. Wrestling Scholar

    • Points

      5

    • Posts

      3,705


  3. bsisson

    bsisson

    Gorillas


    • Points

      4

    • Posts

      205


  4. SWINfan

    SWINfan

    Gorillas


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      4

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Popular Content

Showing content with the highest reputation on 01/20/2020 in all areas

  1. Is that a coincidence that the top 20 of 2020 comes out on 1/20/2020? Which reminds me, I might need to get some Mad Dog 20/20 to help my vision read this clearly like 20 20 vision today.
    5 points
  2. bsisson

    Next Level

    @UncleJimmy hit on a lot of great points. There are so many factors that come into play once a wrestler moves to the next level not just from Indiana but everywhere! You will watch guys that didn't win state titles become all-americans and guys that won mutiple-state titles not make it through their first year or two. One of the biggest is getting use to there never being any easy days. Most top level guys dominate their room in high school. Once you enter college, especially at the D1 level, you are no longer the alpha and even days you go against walk ons are going to be tough. This becomes mentally taxing and you struggle with confidence issues almost daily! Relationships with coaches and wrestlers play a part as well. Maybe you don't mesh well with the coaches or the guys on the team. They are partiers and you're not. Another thing I have personally observed is guys fitting in right away and with all the new found freedom don't know how to balance partying, athletics, and school. We'd like to think that these kids can make the right choices but learning how to deal with that freedom can be really difficult! It doesn't make them bad kids it's just the reality. I was only a walk on at IU. The highlight of my career was being booed at rec hall for stalling and not giving up a major against Pat Cummins when I was thrown in at heavyweight. It was/is still the hardest 4 years of my life physically, mentally and academically. In fact I tried to come home after my first semester and my dad wouldn't let me! It never got easier but it just became the new normal. I agree with others that this is a good time for Indiana wrestling and we have a lot of talent at many levels.
    4 points
  3. Mattyb

    The Mendez effect

    Saw some of @FCFIGHTER170 fights on the ol inter web. I can attest that he is a tough dude. Pretty sure the crazy talk would not happen face to face. But.. I would love to see some @GenHeavyHandz Wang Chung videos!!!! Where can we find them? Surely a Wang Chung master of 23 years has some good content on a Wang Chung website!!! Everybody have fun tonight Everybody Wang Chung tonight
    3 points
  4. md66

    Red Vs Lee ?

    i am sorry i thought I was on the high School Page
    3 points
  5. UncleJimmy

    Next Level

    This is an intriguing thread and one I’ve pondered as well with a kid in college and seeing a lot of IN dudes all over. This is just personal opinion and speculation.. A lot of these guys have been at it a long time and have attained a high level of success. College isn’t so easy. Almost every match is semi state level or better against teams and opponents you/they might not expect. If u take a couple losses you start to doubt yourself..and when you start to doubt you also start to question everything..is the time worth it? Is it as important as it was? Is my passion still there? Another big factor in my opinion is coaching. Not if the college coach is good or bad but just different! Most of these kids have had the same coach and achieved success with the same academy or high school coach in their corner for anywhere from 4-10 years!! Suddenly you have someone totally new..and different in approach/style/personality. So if you factor that in along with the less success or questions of themselves that also plays a role in the mental game. Lastly, but just as important, injury!! With every match seemingly semi state level or greater, the wear and tear on the body is increased and as the young body ages it also changes and doesn’t heal like it used to! Im proud of all the IN dudes I see grinding it out at all collegiate levels. It ain’t easy and it is vastly different in college. Thanks @blueandgold for raising the issue. Heck, it’s different as a parent so I can only imagine how these athletes feel!!
    3 points
  6. As we discussed last night on Gorilla Radio
    2 points
  7. Greatest ever. How did they finish last weekend?
    2 points
  8. I was thinking of something along these lines, but broader. If a successful team state tournament can be organized without the IHSAA, and a succesful girls state tournament can be organized without the IHSAA, and there are frustrations with what the IHSAA won't allow (wrestlebacks, out-of-state-travel), etc. - why does wrestling need the IHSAA? I am sure there are reasons it might not work, but thought it was worth at least posing the question. Could wrestling operate as a non-IHSAA sport?
    2 points
  9. New commish. Never know. IHSAA added the success factor to nullify P/Ps, but I don’t think it has been significant. Let’s not forget Evansville Mater Dei is #1 in the Power Poll having another great year and just beat Cathedral heads-up. And, Roncalli is Top 10. The IHSAA governs all sports equally, not just wrestling. Historically, we haven’t had enough proximity between P/P schools in the state to have a conference. Cathedral is basically a default member of the Greater Catholic League (GCL) of Cincinnati for football playing Moeller, Elder, and St. X last year, while also playing Louisville Trinity. Cathedral has hit Cincy and Detroit the last 3 years for rasslin’. Our biggest challenge is scheduling. We hit all of the good Indiana tourneys (Traicoff, Al Smith) and host an aggressive opening 6-Way. So, not sure we have better options until IHSAA relaxes their travel restrictions. Ps. If anyone wants to see some good Catholic revelry, stop by Cathedral vs Roncalli on Wednesday night, 1/22. It is Archbishop Charles Thompson Night. There will be a short tribute to His Holiness’s misguided social crusade. Kidding aside, these boys have been wrestling each other for 12 years now and there is no love lost. J/V at 6p. Varsity at 7p under the lights at Cathedral’s Welch Activity Center. See you there.
    2 points
  10. I have this one in the bag. 103 as a freshman, 152 as a senior (2003). Now topping out at just under 300.
    2 points
  11. SWINfan

    Next Level

    I think the level of wrestling by Indiana kids in college has never been higher, or at least deeper. I know guys like Andrew Howe and Angel Escobedo had big time success, but has their ever been this many? Just at the high DI level you have the following who have a legit shot at All-American status... 125 - Drew Hildebrandt 125 - Brock Hudkins (not sure of his status this year) 133 - Stevan Micic (taking Olympic Redshirt) 141 - Nick Lee, Chad Red 149 - Brayton Lee 165 - Drew Hughes (longshot this year) 174 - Dylan Lydy, Ben Harvey 197 - Lucas Davison 285 - Mason Parris I'd put the over under on DI AA's this year at 5. As alluded to in his original post, there are others making waves in DII, DIII and NAIA. One example of a guy kicking some tail this year many may not know about is Skyler Lykins at Colorado School of Mines. He's 14-2 and ranked in the top ten in DII at 165. FWIW, for those of you that don't venture over, we have some decent discussions and post results over on the College Forum. Feel free to join us and add results, especially for guys that may be getting overlooked!
    2 points
  12. 4U2NV

    The Mendez effect

    Mendez is clearly having an impact on which weight classes some of our top wrestlers are competing at. Going off of the wrestler’s credentials on latest IM state rankings 126 = 15 state placements and 5 state qualifiers 132 = 3 state placements and 10 state qualifiers 138 = 8 state placements and 5 state qualifiers
    1 point
  13. Hall of fame coach Bob Read was honored as he coached his final home dual after 40 plus years at Plymouth high school. It was a special night watching past wrestlers come from literally all over the country to honor him. Coach hates any attention on himself but this was well deserving. I’ve known this man over 40 years and I can honestly say I’ve never met a man with more class, ethics and integrity in my life. The video tribute showed countless former wrestlers share how they have become the husbands, fathers and men they are because of the time and care coach poured into their lives. He’s had numerous state qualifiers, placers and champions but the mentoring he has poured into people is what last. I’ve never met a man who hates to lose and loves to win more but it’s the lessons in life that leaves the greatest marks on his wrestlers. He is a man that is driven by his faith, his family and simply pouring into young men’s lives. I felt like I was peeling an onion all night! Thank you coach Read for all you’ve done in this great sport in Plymouth and in Indiana. Well deserved.
    1 point
  14. My dad could beat up your dad.
    1 point
  15. MattM

    The Mendez effect

    So the Mendez fella huh.....
    1 point
  16. I was devastated too when I found.. It'll still live on in our hearts!
    1 point
  17. FCFIGHTER170

    The Mendez effect

    I'm rolling over here
    1 point
  18. SWINfan

    National Preps

    Easy now..... he said their best ever not the best ever
    1 point
  19. The Rooks brothers with BIG wins!
    1 point
  20. Purdue up 20-3 at 125. Graham Rooks with another upset at 149 over an injured/gassed Griffin Parriott. Everything else Purdue after that match
    1 point
  21. That is great! I had nothing to do with it hopefully Y2 knew. On a side note I was really disappointed to find out MD20/20 is actually mogen David and not Mad dog.
    1 point
  22. I really believe Mendez would welcome someone to push him. I really believe he loves to compete and wants to wrestle the best. I do believe there are some and I am not pointing the finger at anyone who believe 126 and 138 are easier routes to a state title then 132. I also agree that there are some that feel as if 182 and 220 are easier paths. there is only 1 champ per weight and all state championship are difficult to win. Or so I have heard. Now that you guys have all given Heavyhandz the field. I think he is going to start training a contender to challenge him. Maybe FCfighter is already training someone to challenge him and find the NC Trojans back under the lights.
    1 point
  23. MattM

    Red Vs Lee ?

    Reds big win vs. Iowa’s Murin this weekend is going to move him up in the rankings. Should be an interesting matchup between the two studs.
    1 point
  24. navy80

    Red Vs Lee ?

    The State of Indiana wrestling is the first winner. Next would be Indiana wrestling fans. Lee is the favorite on paper but Red will keep it close. I can see Lee winning 8-4 match.
    1 point
  25. Purdue at Indiana tonight at 7:00 ET
    1 point
  26. navy80

    The Mendez effect

    You must not be knowledgeable of MMA. UFC is a business. MMA is the sport. FC fighter made a living through MMA. Which is very difficult to do. Especially because he was a fighter when it wasn’t that cool. Before the sport gained all this popularity. It also means he was a professional fighter. Equivalent to wrestlers trying to make the Olympic team etc.
    1 point
  27. blueandgold

    Next Level

    Indiana has always been a state that produces great talent, but a lot of times, it never seems to materialize on the next level. There are a variety of factors that can contribute to this, but it’s always interesting to see who does well and who doesn’t in college. An individual that comes to mind for me is Dylan Lydy, a state champion in 2015 and now ranked 4th in the nation as a redshirt senior for Coach Ersland and only has one loss. He looks to be a for sure All-American this year if he can keep this momentum going, and while he is an incredibly hard worker, there have been more talented wrestlers to enter the collegiate ranks who fizzled out quickly. Also, I see Kris Rumph and Kyle Hatch are BOTH ranked #1 in the nation at their weights for very respective and competitive schools. Hats off to these gentleman for persevering and making the most of their college careers. I hope this new crop of talent can be successful. I have high hopes for Silas Allred, Zeke Seltzer, and Brayden Littell along with many, many others.
    1 point
  28. By STEVE KRAHstvkrh905@gmail.com Colin Kwiatkowski has experienced highs and lows on the wrestling mat and the Valparaiso High School junior says he is better for it. As a 160-pound freshman, Kwiatkowski went into the Vikings varsity lineup and faced a schedule that includes the tough Duneland Athletic Conference and more. “It was an eye opener,” says Kwiatkowski. “My freshmen years wasn’t the greatest year. My sophomore year, I started beating kids and realized I can actually do something with wrestling.” “It was an aha moment. I can go far in this sport.” Kwiatkowski placed first at the LaPorte Sectional, second at the Crown Regional and third at the East Chicago Semistate and qualified for the IHSAA State Finals as a 170-pound sophomore, finishing 32-9. Not making it to the second day fueled Kwiatkowski’s off-season and has fed his desire during the 2019-20 campaign. “Losing Friday night (at the State Finals), it hurts,” says third-year Valparaiso head coach Jake Plesac. “It leaves a bad taste in your mouth. He has used it as something to learn from.” “He took the loss hard. He came in this summer willing to work hard.” Valparaiso has a young squad this season with many underclassmen in varsity roles. “I’m helping them,” says Kwiatkowski. “I know what they’re going through. My freshmen year was the same thing. You have to get through the ups and downs.” With a young squad of 25, including freshmen who came up through the rejuvenated Valparaiso Viking Wrestling Club, Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson middle schools, Kwiatkowski finds himself throwing kids into the varsity that could use some more experience at the junior varsity level. “We all want to get better,” says Plesac. “Sometimes you have to take your lumps to do that.” “Our goal for us is grow them as young adults and better wrestlers along the way.” Last fall, Kwiatkowski was a starting linebacker and backup quarterback for the 2019 Class 5A state runners-up. “That experience in football was like no other,” says Kwiatkowski. “It was really fun. “But there’s big difference between football shape and wrestling shape. (In wrestling), you’re going all-out as hard as you can the whole time.” He performed on the gridiron around 195 pounds. “It met with (Plesac) before went to state,” says Kwiatkowski. “We came to the decision that I’d be wrestling at 182. Last year, I did a lot of cutting weight. It took a big toll on my body. This years, I’m more energized with more strength and I’m quicker.” Kwiatkowski has been eating mostly vegetables with some lean meats like chicken. “That stuff has helped,” says Kwiatkowski. “I’ve felt better since I’ve been on the diet.” Where does Kwiatkowski shine brightest on the mat? “Defense,” says Kwiatkowski. “That’s what I’m best at. I need to work more at my offense.” “My coaches always emphasize that I need to take more shots. I agree with them.” While several different VHS grapplers practice with Kwiatkowski to give him different looks, his main workout partner is 195-pound sophomore Pierce Pine. “We want to hardest training we can give him,” says Plesac. “If all else fails a coach will jump in and try to give him the better workout.” Plesac describes Kwiatkowski as a pure wrestler with raw athleticism. “He’s relentless neutral to top to bottom. He’s a big move guy. He’s known for his throws. It makes him really dangerous. He executes (throws) more than anybody I’ve ever seen in my coaching career.” “He has great hips and is able to use his body in a way that has made throws successful.” Kwiatkowski, who is 31-1 this season and coming off a runner-up finish at the DAC meet, says he sometimes relies on his physical gifts more than his moves. “My athleticism gets me out of situations where I could be using technique or other things to get out of,” says Kwiatkowski. shooting is the side of offense I need to get more out of. I need to be quicker on my feet. “Those throws aren’t always going to be there.” Then there’s the Colin Kwiatkowski, the person. “The thing that makes him special is his humble personality off the mat,” says Plesac. “He’s polite to anyone and everyone. He’s a leader in the school. He’s a quiet kid.” “When he speaks people listen. That’s what he does for our team. We’re glad he’s taken on more of a leadership role this year.” There are 25 athletes on a squad coached by Plesac (a former Hobart wrestler and Purdue University graduate), Eric Ledbetter and Irving Hernandez. One of the younger Vikings is Colin’s brother, Dylan Kwiatkowski. He broke his arm during the football season and just recently was able to compete in wrestling in a dual against Portage. “He did very well,” says Colin. “He’s my buddy when it comes to everything.” Michael and Miranda Kwiatkowski have three children — Colin, Dylan and Brooklyn. The little sister is a seventh grader at Ben Franklin Middle School and is a volleyball player. Colin Kwiatkowski says he would like to wrestle in college or attend Indiana University to study business. His current favorite school subject is science. “I’ve always found that interesting,” says Kwiatkowski. As a sophomore, he was a peer tutor. During his study hall, he helped special education students, eating lunch with them and a football teammate and working with them on their assignments. “Next year I’m going to do that again,” says Kwiatkowski. “I had a lot of fun doing that.” Valparaiso has one more home dual meet (Jan. 22 against Crown Point) before the state tournament series. View full article
    1 point
  29. I think you meant to list Hunter May as 4th not Hunter Henry in the 15u at 135.
    1 point
  30. boomer

    Next Level

    To add to this is just the strain of the academics of collage. Going to class, going to practice and all the papers to write. I tip my hat to the kids that can do all that and have success on the mat and can keep their grades up.
    1 point
  31. Falcon06

    The Mendez effect

    Howe did have a nail biter in the Semi’s at state against Nick Walpole in 06. Nick was the returning state champ and they went into OT with Howe obviously coming out ahead. Such an awesome match.
    1 point
  32. I grew up calling him Orangeman, and I remember distinctly when he updated the outfit from 70/80s style to 90s style with still the orange head to toe get up.
    1 point
  33. Congrats EMD. So many great Cathedral - Mater Dei match-ups. Throw in the Crown Point littles and the IHSAA title is gonna be awesome.
    1 point
  34. Making predictions = slimy individual. Got it. Time to discontinue the pick em contest.
    1 point
  35. I'm a 2004 New Castle Grad that wrestled 160 my Senior year and would be 220 class now weighing 210..I just tech falled a large pizza and majored a cherry Sprite from Pizza King!
    1 point
  36. '91 wrasled 119, hooved around about 130, 165-170 meow depending on how many beers that day. Also ive always had a scale in my bathroom, on it about everyday,,,,, not sure why lol
    1 point
  37. Dang it my psychic abilities you anointed me with must've ran out.. And I hope your son does awesome and i'm not being a smart ass..I ws saying you might know a guy around his weight you root for that you're hoping challenges Mendez... Again In state he WILL NOT BE CHALLENGED the rest of his HS career..if you root for him and want him to be the best ever you'd think you'd realize how dominant he is and idk if it's because you're in Iowa and haven't seen or know his in state competition but I'd love to hear who you are so certain will challenge him..You keep saying this but don't list 1 possibility of who it could be.. it'll take a top 3 nationally ranked stud that's already familiar with mendez through past matches to "challenge him".. and to the point about somebody wanting to rise to the challenge there have been more than a few in state studs already try and gave him a match last year but as the season went on mendez got even better and widened the gap on his competitors.. He goes to the best out of season tournaments every year and that's where he gets his challenges but this pipe dream you keep bringing up about in state kids beating or challenging him is over.. He's only getting more mature and better and steadily putting himself ahead of anybody in his weight now, next year and the year after.. and for a guy that says he's NOT OPTIMISTIC you're awfully dead set on Mendez getting a challenge and that sounds more than optimistic to me and more like Bon Jovi "LIVING ON A PRAYER ".
    1 point
  38. They just want to look like the cool kids. Don't cramp their style.
    1 point
  39. Thor

    Team State Champs

    I don't think you understand the dynamics of small school wrestling.
    1 point
  40. And Silas is the same age as a junior and only lost once as a 13 or 14 year old freshman 170 pounder beating state placers..So realistically he could be going for his 2nd state title as a Jr. And def could've been a potential 3xer with his talent.. Nothing against anybody but he's on another level than everybody at 195 and beyond and is up there with mendez p4p great guys in state and among other all time greats.. Also with his work in the classroom and support he gets from many ppl especially his father, there's no limit how good he can be... Big 10 bound with world class aspirations!
    1 point
  41. 4U2NV

    The Mendez effect

    FCFIGHTER170 brings up a good point. Let's see what the Mendez effect looks like vs the Alred effect: 126 = 15 state placements and 5 state qualifiers 132 = 3 state placements and 10 state qualifiers 138 = 8 state placements and 5 state qualifiers 182 = 8 state placers and 4 state qualifiers 195 = 2 state placers and 2 state qualifiers 220 = 4 state placers and 4 state qualifiers
    1 point
  42. navy80

    The Mendez effect

    Tsirtsis beat English 10-5 senior state finals. English was a beast.
    1 point
  43. Mendez did have a pretty impressive weight last year. I really believe Jesse is a kid who really loves to wrestle and would welcome any and all tough competition.
    1 point
  44. I thought for sure we would have 2 nationally ranked 195ers with Silas vs Bates potential showdown then the new rankings broke my heart! Like it ws stated before in this thread..there's problems then there's Silas Allred problems... there could be an Allred effect as well..
    1 point
  45. MattM

    Next Level

    SWINfan, During Sat. IU match vs. Northwestern the announcers said both Hudkins and Konrath were out for the season.
    0 points
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