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Perseverance

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  1. Congratulations to Silas Allred, Joseph Walker and Alec Viduya on becoming USA Wrestling Magazine Scholastic All-Americans. Exercising as much effort in the classroom as you do in a particular sport opens up so many more doors of opportunity. In a sport like like wrestling, where scholarship dollars are highly coveted and extremely limited, the ability to offset the investment of athletic money with academic money is a huge advantage for would-be recruits. It should also be recognized that consistency of effort in the classroom and into growing your character, demonstrates well rounded drive & effort....not just a one dimensional talent in a particular sport. Coaches and other recruiters recognize this dynamic, and feel much safer investing in these type of athletes. So make sure you don’t get lost in the guise of “wins & losses” on the mat. Have the foresight to recognize how winning on your biology or calculus final can equally impact your goals. Even the often unnoticed effort of smiling at a stranger, being a friend to the kid sitting by themselves at lunch, etc., will assist in all your collective aspirations. Make your goals first to be a good human, then a great student, and lastly an elite athlete. 100% effort into that priority line will take you to places many feel aren’t possible.
  2. I hear you brother. And for clarity....my comments aren’t meant to be argumentative at all. Just additional perspective from individuals whose weathered the challenges of 1A wrestling, and relentlessly found a way to excel. But I will say....that above mindset should be worked to be ingrained in the minds of athletes at all levels. Because in my opinion, where your from, how much money you have, etc...should never be an excuse to not recklessly pursue your passions. And being fully transparent.....we’ve never had tons of money. In fact, driving different locations for partners hurt the wallet a lot at times. The numbers dynamic is the biggest “pro” in my mind towards classification. I mean....we couldn’t convince kids to wrestle when we were competing for Team State Championships 3 straight years! True story. So again....just in my personal experience, I don’t think the opportunity for accolades will solve the problem either. But I can’t stress enough.....I don’t have the answers. I simply just share what has worked for us, in hopes that other programs/coaches/wrestlers can realize they’re capable of accomplishing anything through effort, discipline, responsibility and accountability. Because ultimately....I don’t think the IHSAA has any desire to change a thing man.
  3. Actually.....kind of, yes. But not in that articulated way. You simply help them develop a mindset that breaks the “small town mentality” of “It can never happen to me”. You encourage them to set their goals ridiculously high....then spill their guts every day to accomplish them. Urge them to never make excuses, work as hard in life & the classroom as they do in the sport. Teach them that wins & losses don’t define them....their response does. Build them up in the reality that they can accomplish anything. And at the end of the day......when/if they fall short of those goals, reiterate to them they haven’t failed. Encourage them to look around.....because they still will have accomplished more that 98% of everyone else. And 100% of those who fear failure.
  4. In all fairness....I think Silas has solidified himself as a pretty special talent regardless of school size. So with all do respect, I genuinely feel to draw a question about why aren’t more 1A or 2A wrestlers like him, is a bit unfair. Almost as unfair as if I asked why aren’t more 4A wrestlers like him. Admittedly....I certainly don’t have the answers regarding pros/cons of class wrestling. I think there’s evidence of beneficial dynamics on both sides. The class question is always intriguing to me because comparisons are frequently made to other power states whose classed (PA, Ill, IA, OH, etc). But I question these comparisons as it pertains to the benefits of classing Indiana. In other words....if those states weren’t classed, would they not be as strong? I personally feel their strengths are elsewhere apart from the classification system. Specifically....their head start in club training, and especially collegiate RTC opportunities. Most notably in PA. In PA alone there are 11 D1 wrestling programs, 8 D2, and 14 D3. This equates to NEVER having to drive too far down the road to get your butt kicked for 2hrs. And in my experience, that dynamic coupled with an athletes desire to close the gap....is the biggest catalyst in the evolving of more nationally elite kids. And unfortunately....class or no class, at this point.....only a handful of young athletes are driven enough to embrace a “Get beat up, or get better” mentality. In fact, classing things in hopes to raise 1A numbers, kinda caters to many of those athletes who are hesitant to compete because of that fear. If numbers is the only goal, then classing definitely benefits. But I’m confident that strictly more bodies on the mat isn’t the zeal motivating class wrestling advocates. I’m fully aware that more participation will undoubtedly eventually mold some freak athlete whose a football player at the small school level into a great wrestler. But what about the “in-betweens”. The guys who literally just lack the drive, and want the accolades without the effort. That’s one of my biggest issues with classing it here. And full transparency......I’m definitely bias by what I’ve personally experienced at the small school level, in contrast to having graduated and competed athletically myself at Muncie Central. The Silas scenario is 100% the embodiment of hard work and extreme levels of self motivation. For 2 years, his daily partner was a 160lb’er.....and a true 170 wrestling up to benefit our team. So having a no excuse mentality.....we had to find partners, supplental/paid clinicians for live wrestling, stance and motion in live match format for 5 periods, old school Rocky like strength training, and literally driving anywhere & everywhere in the off-season....to ensure he’d taste humility and have to overcome a peak to close a gap. Ultimately....it’s simply been a mantra of “Nobody will outwork me”. That alone excited the recruiters. Silas’ ceiling hasn’t even been close to established. He’s never had regular elite partners to push him. He’s a product of self-push, and an overwhelming desire to succeed. In fact, the argument could made.....that Silas is the example of what’s possible at the 1A level. When you simply don’t make excuses about school size, strength of schedule, partners, etc. And just literally make it a lifestyle. Daily telling yourself....I’m going to be better today than I was yesterday. Again....I don’t have all the answers. And I respect the opinion of those whose researched the benefits. I’m just simply sharing what I know to be truth in the lives of my son Silas, and his overzealous dad who fell in love with sport a mere 6 yrs ago. That said......will classing create more elite athletes? I can’t buy in. But will it raise numbers and help even more young men become better men? I’m sold on that.
  5. On behalf of Silas, myself and the rest of our family....we want to bring awareness to how accommodating the IHSAA was for us this weekend. All of us (including myself) at times get so caught up in what we feel they do wrong as it pertains to wrestling, we can easily become blinded to the multitude of right they do. Mr. Faulkens seen to it we had All-Access passes, and we’re allowed in our regular seats at our convenience. That type of gesture deserves a lot of credit. Because in what is always an extremely exhausting weekend.....factoring my health, my wife having to carry my breathing machine and our youngest daughter, without their philanthropic gesture, this weekend would not have been possible for me. I also want to commend Jacob Laplace and the Mishawaka Coaching staff. They had a tremendous gameplan of counter wrestling by the edge of mat to slow Silas’ relentless pace. We have been friends and thought a lot of Jacob and family going all the way back to 6th grade. He and Silas were always summer teammates with the Outlaws and forged a bond that continues to this day. Wrestling Family can be an equal bond as blood at times, because there’s such an understanding of the sacrifice involved for wrestlers, coaches and parents. We have a lot of genuine love for many of the Caveman faithful. Specifically the Sandefur’s, Fogarty’s, Walker’s and of course the Laplace family. I’m extremely proud of Jacob’s effort. He wrestled Silas as well as ANYONE has the last 2 yrs. But more importantly....I’m proud of Jacob as a young man of faith. Indiana Tech stole a diamond in the ruff recruit! But Coach Pompei will undoubtedly help grow his solid foundation to achieve tremendous things at the next level. -The Allred’s
  6. Yes, he’s competing. He will be representing one of the PA teams at 182lbs.
  7. This may be a recycled idea....so forgive me if already presented in the past. But what about seeding Regional placements to ensure no ridiculous match-ups take place. Using a separation criteria of sorts, without changing the actual placement match-ups based on Regional results. I would think one of our rankings guys, or someone knowledgeable and unbiased....could assist the IHSAA with this type of dynamic for Semi-State & State. This could at least help prevent certain matchups (won’t stop entirely of course), also appease the purists who don’t want change, as well as create a much more tactful solution towards the IHSAA without them having to stress over revenue variables. Which in my opinion....is the biggest reason things continue as is currently.
  8. Genuinely appreciate each of your encouraging words. I equally appreciate all who read the article, and just choose to pray and encourage personally. Collectively means a lot to us as a family. With full transparency....I can say that I fell in love with the sport of wrestling for reasons other than just my son. He was just the vehicle God used to lead me to it. In fact, in the beginning Silas was average at best. He was a chubby kid who had some natural gifts, but threw a nasty “lefty” headlock that resembled a Joe Frazier headshot. So yes....I was the “know nothing” over zealous dad in the corner yelling....”reach back and headlock him!” But I became absorbed with learning the sport. Only my scriptural studies took precedence over my wrestling research. And recognizing that attributes like self-sacrifice, humility, work ethic, commitment, perseverance, and above all accountability....were all factors in becoming truly elite at this sport. That resonated in me, because those were the same characteristics I had to embrace to transform a formerly very wayward lifestyle, and become the man/dad/soldier God created me to be. Silas and I’s bond is so deep ridden, because we have grown together. Both in the sport...as well as spiritually. The blessings of adversity....is that it breeds tremendous levels of persevering strength when approached with proper perspective. We don’t see problems....we see opportunities. And no disease, excuse, obstacle, or exterior setback will deter the true goal he and I both have dedicated our lives to. And that’s simply this.....Be a better version of yourself today than you were yesterday. That daily application will literally push you to new heights that have no plateaus. Because you’ll be in a continuous evolution of forward progress. So even during peaks in all facets of life....you’ll keep striving to move forward. Even if in small increments. This sport, the above attributes I mentioned....have prepared me for this wrestling match with ALS. Scripture tells us that “We don’t wrestle flesh and blood. But principalities, powers and spiritual wickedness in high places.” There’s even a wrestling match in the Old Testament where Jacob literally wrestled with God all night. He was left with a permanent limp. So translated....I won’t be an easy “out”. It’s not in my DNA, nor is it the spiritual man God has molded me into. I fully anticipate conquering this disease and being healed. But if God’s healing doesn’t come until I’m called home....I guarantee you, I won’t get stuck or tech’d. Even if I have to get pointed....I HAVE ALS, ALS doesn’t HAVE me. Thanks again for the prayerful support.
  9. That’s a real statement brother. Painful lesson.....but a valuable one. An early cradle and extremely intelligent wrestling of backing up and down blocking, allowed a very strong...physically mature and battle tested Mazero to squeek past 14 yr old Silas by 1 point. Admittedly....it was one of the best things to happen to Silas. It initiated an even deeper sense of drive towards strength training, positioning, and becoming a well rounded wrestler. Not just a dynamic athlete on his feet. I’m hopeful every wrestler who reads this....whether freshman or upper classmen, fully realizes......wins & losses don’t define you. Your response does.
  10. His selflessness is admirable. Truly mean that. But the “opinions” that do matter can have some say over scholarship dollars. Certain opinions on this matter go far beyond this website. And wrestling aside....knowing recruiting as I do, unless Evan is being courted as a potential heavyweight in college...it’s not a good look. Most recruiters would ask why not just let his friend wrestle 220? Having the opportunity to wrestle #2 in the country whose already signed a 100% for 5yrs is an UNREAL opportunity to bolster recruiting. That’s the part that’s hard to understand. It’s a match Evan don’t have to “win”, to kinda actually win. Make sense? But everyone’s journey is different, and personal convictions vary. I pass no judgement. And truly wish Evan the best on his personal path.
  11. I’ve avoided dialogue regarding Silas vs Bates all year. For obvious reasons on one hand as Silas’ father, but also due to privileged information regarding weight changes, and the initial facilitation of this “should have been” match up. I could allow pride to take over and list countless examples of top 10 Nationally ranked young men from 182-220 that Silas has pinned or tech’d. Including some Bates was unfortunately on the losing end to. And I say “unfortunately” GENUINELY. Because despite how I know this match up would go.....we genuinely root for Evan on the National scene. We want Evan to continue growing his skill-set, smash opposing nationally ranked wrestlers, and continue growing the reputation of our very underrated State’s wrestling rep. That said.....I’ll only divulge this bit of information. Silas trended down nearly 30lbs prior to BMI’s to make this match happen. We were told by reputable sources that Bates was going to stay at 195lbs and challenge himself. We admired that attribute....and were more than willing to give him opportunity. Regardless of Silas’ initial plan to wrestle a VERY comfortable 220lbs prior to leaving for Lincoln in June. The weight class jump wasn’t solidified until after the first of the year. Now.....opinions are just that.....”opinions”. And everyone is entitled to their own. But those closest to the initial facilitation of this match know the truth. And that’s what matters most. We appreciate the statewide support for Silas, and fully respect the opinions of those who support, and are fans of Evan. It’s great for the sport. We wholeheartedly regret this match isn’t going to happen this year, but will very much look forward to a potential Fargo match-up. We wish Evan and the Chesterton team nothing but good health, and success moving forward. And hope they collectively enjoy the ride in pursuit of their goals. -The Allred’s Plenty of other talented and driven 195 and 220lbs young men for Silas & Evan to focus on as we speak.
  12. In a Regional that traditionally lacks depth in regards to numbers of highly ranked wrestlers.....there is always a handful of young men that represent on the big stage. I think it’s fair to say that despite numbers, this Regional is consistently a “sleeper” regarding man for man talent. However....this particular comment of mine has nothing to do with Silas, former elites like Parris......or even current studs like Bryer Hall & Gabe Phillips. I’m most intrigued about the 220lbs class. Not just this weekend, but moving forward. I’ve not seen 2-4th place of the opposing Sectional enough to adequately dissect them fairly. However, Champ Evan Schaffer, and 1-4 of Tri Sectional I can. Cullen Browning was the only 220lbs wrestler who fished the season in the rankings. He subsequently finished 3rd. Losing to a very inexperienced, but very strong, athletic, and just green enough to “rather throw you than know” at unsuspecting times....Jack Taylor of New Castle. Blaine Pierce of Richmond (Spartan Champ), spent some time in the rankings and is fairly well rounded with a lot of grit. His leg attacks could prove tough for larger, less agile 220’s. And finally Schaffer of Connersville, probably being the physically strongest and most athletic of all the competitors in this class at Richmond. Tall, lean, very heavy hips and strong as an ox. Case and point....these young men are legitimate sleepers outside the rankings, that can create problems in first round and ticket round match-ups at semi state. I’m not going to make any bold predictions, other than opposing regionals better strap their boots on when facing 1-4 from Richmond at 220. It would not at all shock me to see 2 of these young men punch a ticket, depending on their draw.
  13. I honestly don’t know man. I crossed referenced the NWCA Website for any info on such an event, but found nothing. NHSCA popped up on a quick google search, but that’s obviously in VA. Kinda similar but don’t require Champion or Runner-Up status. I’m sorry I can’t be more help. I’ll have to defer your question to someone reading who has much more extensive knowledge of National level tourney history. Admittedly.....prior to about 6 yrs ago, my tournament knowledge consisted of ISWA and Wrestlemania. I’m still a greenhorn compared to most on this site I’m sure. I’ll only add that Coach Bryan Bailey shares with me his opportunity to wrestle in the above tourney if not for an arm injury in his competing days. He specified it was called...Pittsburgh Press Invitational. Maybe that’s what you remember? Dunno honestly. Just speculative info in hopes to help you gain clarity brother.
  14. Thanks Matt. Good hearing from you man. My good friend Coach Slivka has shared with me a lot of positives about Carson. Genuinely looking forward to following your sons continued development as well. And yeah brother....Amos being from WV, just a quick trip over the bridge . That’s undoubtedly great looks for both young men. Amos’ physicality will force Carson to have to create angles with adequate set-ups to finish on a heavy hipped cat like him. And on the other side....CB’s speed, elusiveness, and dynamic offense on his feet....force Amos to have to continue improving his leg defense against elite offensive wrestlers. I like that set of “iron sharpening iron” ALOT. Ill share full lineups when they’re posted publicly. Admittedly....I shared what I remembered through phone conversation. Darn near every class is 1-5 in the country. Only a couple I remember drew a little lower in the 6 or 7 range. Admittedly....I’m pretty anxious to see each match-up on paper myself
  15. Appreciate the insight brother. And yeah man....the business degree has a specific purpose based on his long term strategy. In regards to the MMA dynamic, Nebraska’s RTC & Sunkist Kids have a very close relationship. In fact, Coach Maple (prior to going to Mizzou) shared with us that a couple former wrestlers were given a fast track into Cormier’s camp. But admittedly.....at this point, his sole focus his wrestling. He works his hands as another cardio dynamic. The kid just hits hard too! But nowadays....darn near everyone in MMA has heavy hands.
  16. I don’t fault your sentiments one bit. Admittedly....IU & Purdue were 2 of his last 5 choices for a reason. Coach Todd’s subsequent departure to Missouri from Purdue played a big part of ruling themselves out so to speak. We think a great deal of Coach Ersland, and are truly excited to see his plan beginning to come together. Silas has a great relationship with multiple Purdue wrestlers, and wrestled with them semi-regularly during the national season. And full transparency.......our hardest conversation was with Coach Escobedo. Wrestling aside.....he’s just a tremendous human. His vision, work ethic and spiritual convictions are going to undoubtedly raise the bar in Bloomington. He and I still talk occasionally as friends & brothers in faith, and Silas will always remain a part of the growth of Indiana Wrestling. Even if intermittently throughout his college, international and probable MMA career through their RTC’s. Ultimately.....Lincoln was the perfect fit for Silas. Coach Manning embodies all the attributes we collectively sought in a Head Coach. Their resume’s for AA’s speak for itself, and of course the international experience in their RTC is phenomenal. They seem to be only a couple pieces away from a legit opportunity at Team National Champions. I’m confident Silas’ relentless drive and coachable demeanor will be an integral part of that goal. He will have tremendous partners in Schultz & Venz beginning this summer. Former Husker Hammer TJ Dudley will also be huge in Silas’ continued growth on the mat. Zero regrets in the decision my friend. And let’s face it....100% for 5yrs speaks volumes for their commitment to him as well.
  17. Thank you brother. Genuinely appreciate you saying that.
  18. Understood. Allow me to clarify a bit. Silas is obviously a high character first type of young man. That said.....he has very good feel. If an initial takedown, pushback in the tie, etc....spells inexperience or extremely lopsided athletic/physical inferiority, he’d never bully a young man. That’s just not who he is. Most are aware that he’s not the showboating type, or excessive mat returns just because he can. Make sense? Any wrestler he faces will get 100% and not be overlooked. He’ll stay hungry & humble. But there’s also levels to that type of output as you’re obviously aware. He knows when to say when and just end a match with integrity.
  19. What’s so ironic about you asking that.....is that I asked the tourney director the same thing! Lol He also chuckled, but specified it’s strictly dual format. Unfortunately of course. Would’ve loved for Silas to get an opportunity at both Garcia & Stout in the same weekend! That said.....Garcia is a match we’ve wanted for over a year. It’ll be a great challenge. Big strong bruiser who likes physicality. He’s playing football for Michigan as well. We feel Silas will be a tough match-up for him though. Silas’ ability to handfight well by high school standards, coupled with his variation of no tie offense, creates tough preparation for competitors. Really looking forward to the challenge. But that said......he’ll stay zoned in for the time being, treating every match of State Series equally. Nobody will be overlooked, or taken lightly.
  20. Silas Allred has been chosen to represent the Team USA All-Stars at the “Rose Bowl of Wrestling”.....The Pittsburgh Classic. An all senior event for 50+ years, Silas will represent the 195lbs weight class. The event will take place March 14th, at Fitzgerald Fieldhouse on the University of Pittsburgh campus. The dual meet will not have the 106-113-or heavyweight division. Rather....it will be 120-220, and have 2 matches at 138 & 195. Silas (#2 via Flo) will be squaring off against PA State Champ and Michigan commit Gage Garcia #3. Tremendous honor for Silas to be selected and represent Shenandoah High School, CIA Wrestling, Indiana Wrestling, as well as his future Nebraska Cornhuskers at this prestigious event. Other notable participants and match-ups..... Serrano USA132 (Nebraska Commit) 138lbs.....1-4 in the country. 182lbs Poznanski NJ (Rutgers) vs Neijhous (Purdue). 195 Christensen (Iowa commit) vs Stout (Princeton) 220lbs Braxton Amos USA (Wisconsin) I’ve been told complete lineups will be available online soon. These are simply what I remember through phone conversation. Tickets are now available, and the event will be broadcasted on Flo.
  21. Levitz & Fielden are strong selections as possibles. I personally feel a healthy Mason Winner has a realistic shot. Walker being a heavy favorite, and not counting out any other top 182’s, but I think Winner wants to prove something. Another intriguing kid is Cale Gray at 220. His strength, athleticism, yet ability to wrestle small.....will prove formidable against anyone in that weight class. I feel this kid is a little slept on despite his strong state ranking.
  22. Silas Allred will pursue his 4th consecutive Spartan Classic title this weekend. Due to my relative infancy regarding following the sport...I’m hoping others on the site can provide me with a possible list of other 4x winners, and/or the most recent. Thanks in advance for any info or clarity provided. It will be used by our school, local newspapers, program, and a proud dad’s ego stroking.
  23. Iowa Wesleyan is an upstart D3 program that will begin competing in 2020-21 academic school year. Not only will they be launching the men’s wrestling program, but will be the first D3 in Iowa to offer women’s wrestling as well. Coach Powell is actively seeking recruits and is very interested in Indiana’s deep talent pool. Listed below is his contact information. This is not only a great added resource/contact for the many coaches with wrestlers who fit the D3 mold......but also an excellent opportunity to continue helping grow the sport. Feel free to contact Coach Powell with any questions, or to share the contact info of young men & women in Indiana who are deserving of his recruiting interest. Robert V. Watson-Powell Head Wrestling Coach Iowa Wesleyan University 601 North Main Street Mount Pleasant, IA 52641 (o):319-385-6494 (c):440-227-6381 Twitter: @iw_wrestle Instagram: @iw_wrestle Facebook: @iwwrestle
  24. Perseverance

    2019

    Silas Allred
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