vito pepperelli

According to the all knowing Wikipedia, booing began as early as 6 B.C. so good luck putting a stop to it. Personally, I think the issue is way overblown. In a perfect world kids wouldn't fake injury time, then miraculously "heal" and explode off the whistle for an escape. In a more perfect world, coaches wouldn't turn a blind eye to obvious efforts at gaining an unfair competitive advantage. I don't know the ratio, but I am going to guess most acts that get booed are far more deserved than not. For every kid that gets booed for legit blood time, there's far more faking injuries, etc. because they are gassed. jchas, I get your point but part of me also thinks this is leading to the further sissification of America.... I'm middle aged now so maybe I'm getting cynical and tired of the "poor me" attitude. You know the kind: "it's not my fault, somebody else made me do it." Should we stop cheering for the winner because it might hurt the losers feelings? Of course not, but it's really all the same message. Did I boo on Saturday? Guilty as charged. I booed the kid who faked an injury to attempt an unfair competitive advantage. I booed the ref who allowed the kid to back up with 2 seconds left in the match after he'd already been warned for stalling and backed up with 7 seconds left. And I booed the obese ref who was too lazy to get down into position to count near fall. And for full disclosure, I booed Jack Robinson West for fielding a team of ringers and no one can convince me those kids didn't know their actions were wrong. They cheated. Period. I know that's not a popular thing to say, but it's how I feel. In my opinion, there's just a little too much political correctness right now in this world. I'm going to focus on my own shortcomings, and keep on supporting Indiana wrestling for as long as I can (and hope it stays classless!!).

Sour grapes.

I've done PA work for 22 years, it's not that easy. Having said that, you have to do your homework - follow the sport, ask coaches/kids for proper pronunciations, review the sheets prior to the finals, etc. I will say the announcer did a pretty good job announcing winners as the matches ended. This is a great help for fans as it is hard to follow four matches simultaneously. Ontherise, you are right on target with your suggestions. Here is the only additional thing I would add: require the COACHES to fill out the form or at least review it before being submitted. Every year at our conference meet I get a combination of the following: "our first finalist at 120lbs. loves long walks on the beach" "He would like to give a shout out to his Aunt Mable visiting from Vero Beach" "his future plans include majoring in basket weaving" "not only is he a great wrestler, but he is a champion checkers player" All funny the first few times you see them, but after a long day they're annoying. Out of respect for the sport (plus, I'm getting crusty in my old age), I won't read that stuff. I'm sure the Merrillville announcer was volunteering his time, or receiving very little compensation for his services, so I tend to cut him a little slack. But if he ever hangs it up, let's just I know a guy who would do it for free

If my memory serves correct, Schurg lost a tough ticket match two years ago, and Sopko lost to Michael Bates last year in the ticket round when he was up 3-4 points heading into the third period? I have seen both wrestle since they were younger at youth tournaments, etc. Both classy kids, in my opinion. It's a shame only one finishes their outstanding careers at Bankers Life. To be honest, their match is the primary reason I'm going to semi-state early and deal with the Merrillville madness. Good luck to both!

I'm lost, I didn't type that first sentence???

Mr. Forte would be going for title #3 if LeCount wasn't in his way last year. Put me in the absolute lock category.

Have the proper form Doctors diagnose Officials officiate Coaches coach Parents trust the system Common sense not being common sounds like the problem to me. If an athlete provides documentation from a doctor on the proper form, what training does an official have to override the medical diagnosis? I don't recall an official asking for my opinion when I am sitting in the stands. If everyone serves their role, and trust others to do theirs, then a great many issues are minimized.

I have heard that too. In fact, I seem to recall the Jeff coach going on the old website and stating he was putting in for it. I don't pretend to know all the info, but it would be nice if someone with the appropriate credentials could get the truth of it. The reality that it continues to be at an undersized site is a shame. People at the other three semi-state locations truly don't know how lucky they are.

Beat me to it! However, in Merrillville's defense I was recently told that the Pirates have offered to give up the semi-state on MULTIPLE occasions and no one has offered to take it. If that truly is the case, than we really don't have a right to complain. There are plenty of better venues - someone just needs to step up and take it.

I'm not sure 160 is even an option for him.

Please tell me you're joking? That Glenn Robinson is a fat, bald, white dude! Gelen's dad does not resemble that description in any way, shape, or form. Intentional or not, that's hilarious.

Hook and half has agreed to attend the Merrillville semi-state this year to see firsthand what Da Region is all about. 12 hours of bleacher butt, lack of seating, poor concessions, and getting yelled at and he'll be an honorary regionrat!!

You had me at hello....

Thanks for your profound statements and anecdotes; very enlightening. Maybe you should write a book?

Ok, back from lunch. I went with the ten traditional 3MI wings and curly fries special if anyone cares. Vito Pepperelli.....2015 Dungeon and Dragons champion....end of story. Actually, your championship and mine both have a lot in common - first and foremost being based on fantasy as opposed to reality.

There is another thread that would dispute that notion. Also, seeding increases your odds but it earns you nothing. Contrary to what you state, I don't think you can earn a spot in the finals other than winning, so we shall have to agree to disagree on that point, sir. I believe the IHSAA has stated on prior occasions their primary concern is crowning the state champion, not who gets 2nd, 3rd, etc. I am off to lunch, have yourself a great afternoon.

Jealous that you didn't invite me to play D and D? FOR SURE!!!! Do they have an online version now? If so, that's got to be cool for you in high def. I am not affiliated with any of the teams mentioned in this thread. I'm just bored and It's cold outside... if only you had invited me to online game with you

Who defined it as a state championship? Last I checked, the IHSAA was the only governing body in Indiana HS athletics to make that distinction. The IHSWCA sponsored a "coaches trophy" in conjunction with the individual state tournament for years. The winner of the coaches trophy was not designated as state champions were they? I have no doubt Mater Dei would have won the dual state championship this year had the IHSAA held one. They didn't. What the IHSWCA held last weekend is the best thing we have. However, my issue is the lack of full inclusion of all teams (which I recognize is an impossible task). You call it what you want. I will call it what I want. Huh? Put that IU degree to work and follow along.

You can call it what you want, but I wouldn't call it a state championship. I do call it the best thing we have thanks to the IHSAA. Until all teams have a chance to participate you can't honestly call it a state championship.

You have a day off from school. Shouldn't you be playing Dungeons and Dragons?

People or person???

sportsfangms seemes distracted? He's usually a font of knowledge. Maybe he should focus on working.... And Fabio, you should have let him have it!!

According to the mat.com - 7 years and three All-Americans. Sorry, but it's not enough. On the bright side Purdue has a chance to get an edge over Indiana and start trying to keep some of the in-state blue chippers. Purdue's academic reputation in the math and sciences has to be a selling point.

+1 Keep Indiana classless (pun intended)

Realistically, who wants to watch a match for 2nd/3rd AFTER the finals have just taken place? People don't even stick around for the heavyweight championship match.