Hawkfan82

Rypel is not in Sliga's class at this point. Let's go ahead and compare their notable wins. Sliga had 4 fargo titles and a folkstyle title at this point in his career. Let's also not forget what he did at Fila Jrs while still a high schooler. He beat Braden Atwood in his first go and placed. He followed that up the next year with wins over Tim Dudley (starter and 9 seed at NCAAs), Jack Dechow (NCAA All-American 4th place), and Gabe Dean (NCAA All-American 3rd place, Junior World 3rd) Sliga also placed 5th at Cadet Worlds. Rypel did win National titles this spring which is impressive. However, you need to look at the kids he beat. NHSCA is an extremely watered down tournament now and USAW is getting to that point as well. Rypel did not beat a single nationally ranked opponent at either of these tournaments. Fargo is where the studs show up and Sliga has 5 of those titles. With that being said, Rypel is definitely one of my favorites to watch and I hope to see him atop the podium this season. He just has a LONG way to go before we compare him to Sliga.