Riley McClurg

I am not calling you out, P, but we both know that Mitch Sliga spent 2x more time in CIA's room than he did Fishers. He did not need to go searching elsewhere to receive support or partners because you provided that to him through CIA, and he was in there on a year-round basis. Seth trained with us from middle school through high school. Do I believe Mitch was the reason why? Damn straight. Do I believe Seth could have been a state placer without Mitch? Very possible because he was an athletic specimen, but I am not very good at "what ifs". I do know that Mitch nor the CIA room taught him to throw people on their heads like he was at the state tournament in 2013. I'll give that credit to Greco-Roman master, Coach Herald. As for the names listed on the thread, I can tell you I see them wrestling on a consistent basis in the off-season with teams that are not their HS - whether its Disney Duals, VB Duals, etc. They are seizing opportunities provided to them by other schools or clubs (Outlaws or someone like Penn or B. South taking wildcards to Disney). I am sure they are expanding their training environment. As for transferring "leading to the demise" - it will not happen. Yes, it has happened in gymnastics and soccer. Why? They are training for a spot at the OTC or a developmental team in middle school. Just ask Coach Vega! AND, these sports are much more expensive to play, which weeds out a bit of the competition quickly. Wrestling is completely different. For some odd reason, the USA decides to wrestle a style that is not recognized by one other country. So, the three sports are not very comparable. Hence why the Lees, Snyder, Downey, etc. forwent their senior years of high school to train and wrestle in some of the toughest international tournaments in the country. Their end mindset is on Olympic Gold, not an NCAA trophy or scholarship (which they all happened to receive, anyways). The general consensus of wrestlers across the country have their goals set on wrestling at the collegiate level, so they need all the exposure that they can get. I do not know about what failing enrollment you are talking about, but if we look at IPS's failure it is due to the fact of open enrollment. The kids and families realized that there were better and safer opportunities than the ones that they were receiving. The failing enrollment cannot being caused by the minimal amount of kids that transfer out to a "stronger program", if that is what you are referring to. However, the failing enrollment can be accredited to the more academically inclined individuals leaving for a better curriculum. Once again, this is just my opinion.

I never once stated that you had to be a state champion in order to get recruited. Indiana has had a good amount of success on the national level without being a state medalist, I completely agree. Once again, if they are not in a competitive training environment or if their HS coach does not run a freestyle club, how do they get better? Yes, there are RTCs (too many, IMO) but that is only once or twice a week. What happens if you cannot afford training outside of your room? Perry Meridian is a fantastic example - Tonte implemented a year-round training cycle and helped raise the funds to provide an elite environment for kids (he is still doing so at Warren Central). That included high school season, freestyle season (National Duals & Fargo), and Disney Duals. I feel like this is a prime example. Matt is doing a damn good job carrying on the tradition, if you ask me. As for walking-on to college wrestling team - here is my point. It is not affordable for everyone. To attend Purdue, and in-state institution, is an average cost of $15K/year. To attend Indiana Tech, as a walk-on, is an average cost of $24K after financial aid. That is a lot of money in loans. I know there is money to be handed out for the high achievers in academics, grants, etc. However, that still does not make things affordable for everyone. A lot of these high school athletes are banking on their academic and athletic achievements to receive that higher education. My point is that if you are serious enough about the sport, and want to wrestle at the next level, you will most likely seek out an elite training environment to prep you for the in-season tournaments, the post-season tournaments, and those off-season tournaments that grant you national attention. You reap the benefits of the time you put in - whether it be accomplishments or scholarships.

Please show me where I supported unfettered transferring? Simply stated facts. The open enrollment rule was implemented by the State of Indiana. Families do what they think is best for their kids. Not once did I mention the word recruit, but you did. This is simply a conversation about the influx of transfers in our sport. However, I do find it humorous that you feel the need to try and start drama when it is just simply a conversation. There always has to be "that guy," though. I appreciate your opinion.

You can point the blame at numerous reasons - Title IX, transfers, etc. However, lets take a look at college wrestling pre-Title IX and post-Title IX - the difference in numbers is staggering. I am sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but transferring has little to do with the so-called problem. There is ONE NCAA spot per every FORTY-ONE high-school wrestlers (this article is dated, but numbers have not fluctuated much). The lack of opportunities at the next level is a direct correlation to why kids transfer from "2A to 6A". How does the sport continue to grow at the high-school level, but relatively remain stagnant at the collegiate level? Granted, you do have the 3-5 teams that attempt to house a program in the NAIA or NCAA every now and then, but they do not match the number of schools that have dropped the sport. With that being said, how does a kid become recognizable enough to earn that 1 out of 41 chance to wrestle in college? He goes to where he can improve and get the attention of college coaches. Yes, Eddie, there are the Mitch Sliga's of the world. Let's not forget the room where he was supplementing his training for the other 8 months out of year (Seth Riley happened to attend a good bit as well). However, not every kid's family can afford to pay $200-$300 per month for a private academy. Not every kid has the training partners at their expense. Blame the state for the open enrollment rule - not the kid and his family for utilizing it for his future. I will NEVER fault a family for doing what they think is best for their kid/family. I get it - it sucks as a coach and a teammate to see a good one leave. Been there, experienced that. The blame goes to the next-level, IMO. The lack of opportunity will eventually stunt the sport's growth. Also, look at how many BIG NAME transfers happened in the NCAA this year alone - because they believed that there was a better opportunity for them succeed. Kids, families, etc. that are serious about their sport and future will go to extreme measures to put their children in the best position to be successful. At the end of the day, we are just coaches. We do not know what is best for the kid, even if we think that we do! I am not worried about the sport suffering or losing numbers - or even turning into gymnastics-ish. I am not supporting or bashing the transfer rule, but I will say that it will not ruin the sport at the high-school level -- especially in IN. BTW Ed, I think its worked out well for your coaching staff! An Argyle and a Flash turned Falcons... now Greyhounds - its the circle of life, baby! I am not saying I am correct, but I am just throwing what I believe out there.

WOW! Brayton Lee, Asa Garcia, the Conley Bros, Antwaun Graves & Pierson, Brayden Lowery.. Just to name a few. I couldn’t tell you the last time I was in a high school room that was as competitive as last night’s room. Needless to say, if the #1 recruit in the country at 152lbs is taking advantage of his RTCs, then what is your excuse? Thanks Coach Tonte, Coach Krulik, Coach Morgan, and the other 15 assistant wrestling coaches at Warren Central What you guys are doing for the sport is great! Have pride in Indiana wrestling!

Kyle, Words cannot begin to explain how sorry I am for your loss. I remember almost every interaction I had with your father, & 'passionate' about the sport does not do him justice - he lived for the sport & watching you compete. On behalf of Roncalli High School & the Rebel Wrestling Foundation, we are sincerely sorry for your loss. We will continue to keep you & your family in our thoughts & prayers. Riley McClurg

INDIANA WRESTLING, PLEASE DO NOT MISS OUT ON THIS OPPORTUNITY! Jordan Blanton is known coast to coast. The Illini of the University of Illinois and the Monarchs of Old Dominion University still bring Mr. Blanton in monthly to train with their top-level wrestlers in the offseason. I do not mean to name drop, but Blanton has trained along side former UFC World Champions Jon "Bones" Jones and Holly Holm at JacksonWink MMA, helping them sharpen their wrestling skills for their upcoming battles in the octagon. The man's accolades speak volumes; losing one high school match, which came in the state finals in 2007 (L to Mike Benefiel), 3x NCAA All-American, former member of the notorious NYAC, and is currently Israel Martinez's right-hand man. I have learned from the man firsthand, and his technique is second to none! High schoolers who are looking for a competitive room to prep for ISWA Freestyle State must attend! Jordan informed me today that he is working on bringing 3-4 IzzyStyle club studs with him as well. I may be biased, but opportunities like this one do not come very often, especially for $40! Hope to see some of the state's best in attendance. Spots are very limited!

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Why is the IHSAA against elite Indiana teams traveling out of state to the best tournaments (Beast of the East, Powerade, Cheesehead, Iron Man, ect.)? Maybe Y2 or Danny can provide further information, but it seems like they are just holding the state back. I know for a fact that the Perry Meridian team of 2013 was invited to one or more out of the state tournaments (outside of the travel restrictions) and the directors were contact with Coach Tonte, but he had to turn down the offers due to the sanctions of the IHSAA.

What's the seeding criteria? Just trying to wrap my mind around some of these seeds. There will be some awesome match ups, as always. Toughest county in the state.

Wow. Words cannot describe how happy I am for the Kieffer family and Joe. I knew this day would come, and I am so glad it has arrived. Joe Kieffer you are one of the toughest people I know -- a true champion and inspiration to us all. God Bless.

Y2 --- Thank you so much for your kind gesture and donation. Words will never be able to explain the impact Coach Dave Thornton made on my life. Thank you again and God Bless.

I know this is a little late, but I was to thank the studs and the studs' parents for coming out to the Granby School of Wrestling Clinic that was put on at Perry Meridian. We had an awesome turnout with around 70 wrestlers, and the room was packed from wall to wall! There is not one thing more exciting than seeing an Indiana wrestling room packed full of kids that want to get better and raise their wrestling IQ! Not very often do you get two world class coaches to fly halfway across the country to help our Indiana kids get better, and I was happy to see numerous kids take advantage of the opportunity! Coach Steve Martin, Coach Kyle Hutter, and myself were very impressed with the kids' attentiveness and will to get better. Little things like the clinic this past weekend are what make me proud to say I hail from Indiana. I hope we can make this an annual event because there is not a single thing better than giving back to sport and the state that helped mold me into who I am today! Thanks again to Coach Jim Tonte and the rest of the Perry Meridian family for being outstanding hosts as usual.

Oh, so I didn't receive a great education? You're correct, the 6 AP classes that I took at Perry Meridian were just your typical public school classes. And what about them allowing me to take two college courses at the University of Indianapolis the second semester of my senior year? Or what about Perry Meridian being one of the top AP established schools in the state? Nah, that can't be! Education is what you make of it, no matter what school you attend. As for the loving and faith filled atmosphere, it is about who you surround yourself with -- not where you go to school. I was surrounded by students, student-athletes, and teammates that shared common goals with me; being a superb student, a great citizen, and being a state champion. During my years at Perry Meridian, not once did we have a varsity wrestler flunk off of the team. Also, do you think the 3 Blue Rings came without that "loving and faith filled atmosphere?" Its called a TEAM state championship for a reason. As for the spirited school, you must not have ever been in attendance while a Perry Meridian Pep Rally was in session. They really showed that we bled Falcon Blue together. How does the old saying go…? Oh, thats right, "Never judge a book by its cover."

LeCount Chocula. Bang.

Alex Dolly vs. Blake Mauer -- hands down.

The 220lber, Keion Garcia, was the only Carmel wrestler who was victorious against OPRF.

I want to personally congratulate my hero, my best friend, and most of all my brother, Wade McClurg, on becoming the assistant high school wrestling coach at Carmel High School. Words cannot begin to explain how proud and excited I am for you as you start another chapter in your life. You molded me into the wrestler and man I am today, and I wouldn't have it any other way. You believed in me when not a single soul around did, and you saw the true potential inside of me. Not only did you see the true potential inside of me but you brought it out of me. You taught me many important life lessons, and I cannot wait for you to pass those lessons on to your Greyhound wrestlers. Most importantly, you beat it into my head that the only thing you deserve in life is what you earn, and that is how I live day-to-day. All of my accomplishments would have never occurred if it hadn't been for you, and I am beyond grateful for all you have done for me. There is nothing I can do to repay you. I want to thank you for everything, and most of all preparing me for the next step in my life as I begin my wrestling career for the Boilermakers of Purdue University. I cannot wait to be sitting in the corner coaching by your side. Thank you for all you have done, Wade. Love, Your Baby Brother

I am sure many of you know Coach Dave Thornton, for he has been an advocate of Indiana wrestling for years. As many of you already know, Coach Thornton was diagnosed with leukemia and had it in remission, but it has made another appearance and Coach Thornton is back to pinning down once again. After hearing the numerous stories of how tough Coach Thornton was from Coach Tonte and Coach Schoettle, I have been able to experience his toughness these past few years. For example, Coach Thornton went into surgery this past Thursday and was back at school on Friday -- not missing a beat. As you know, the treatments and surgery are not easy on a family financially. Just as I did for the Joe Kieffer and the Kieffer family this past year, I have made 'Thornton Strong' bracelets to raise money for Coach Thornton and his family. I have been around the sport of wrestling all of my life and I know how strong of a wrestling community Indiana has. I ask for the Indiana wrestling community's help as we support Coach Thornton as he takes down and finishes his opponent once more. The bracelets are $3 a piece and you can email me at riley.mcclurg@gmail.com to place your order. All of the profits will go straight to Coach Thornton and his family. Thank you for your time and good luck this season. Riley McClurg

I would like to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart for purchasing GO JOE! bracelets and supporting Joe and the Kieffer Family. I am still selling the wristbands and we have plenty in stock. I want to give a special shout out to these wrestling clubs across the state that are helping Joe beat down this opponent called cancer: Penn High School Perry Meridian High School Centerville High School Lawrence North High School Bremen High School Roncalli High School Crown Point High School Huntington North High School Beech Grove High School I would also like to thank all of the wrestling fans that have purchased GO JOE! bracelets at either the Capital City Classic or at the Franklin Invitational this past weekend. I am still taking orders and you can place your orders at riley.mcclurg@gmail.com. Please keep Joe and the Kieffer family in your thoughts and prayers while Joe continues to battle cancer. Every bracelet is a reminder to Joe that the Indiana wrestling community has his back. God Bless, Riley McClurg