coltfan64

I have to say Stahl on this one. I didn't think Stahl would beat Lynde, it wasn't even close. The score was close, but it was actually domination throughout. I was pulling for Lynde but was impressed with Stahl.

This Bradley kid is flat out unbelievable. I remember him from last year as a decent wrestler, but nothing like what I saw Saturday in Merrillville. I don't think anyone is a lock in this weight class, but I can say without a doubt, who ever beats this kid will have to wrestle better than they have in their entire lives. I personally don't see anyone beating him with maybe the exception of Hawkins. I would just think that it would be hard to beat a returning champ 4 straight times in a row. He has balance on his feet like I have never seen before at the high school level. I'm pulling for him.

First of all, I grant her the same congratulations as any wrestler at the semistate. Good job. As for being a girl, it makes no difference to me. She is the same weight as her boy competition and strength is only a small part of wrestling. With proper training there is no reason why she shouldn't do well against the boys. However, to be perfectly honest and fair, a trip to semistate is quite a bit easier now that they take the top four to semistate. I understand that she was a 3rd place finisher and would have been there under the old format. Heck, I would like to see her do well but I can tell you that she will have her hands full with the kid from Harrison. Logan regional is weak, but this kid is not. If she does get past the Munster kid, I do not see her beating Overby. She might prove me wrong, but she has a lot of work to do before we start putting her at the state meet. Good luck to all competitors regardless of gender.

In my opinion, a coach that would pull this kind of crap has no business working with young men in athletics. It is cowardice and cheating. If I caught a coach doing that, he'd be finished. Just wrestle to the best of your ability and let the chips fall where the may. If I were the wrestler, I would have refused to comply.

Formerchamp, I first want to thank you for the sacrifice you and our other fine young men and women are making over seas and at home. I know that things aren't perfect right now in America, with the economic problems. However, I guarantee you this: we live in the best country in the world thanks to our service men and women. God bless you. My heart hurts that you will not be able to watch the best sporting event known to man. I for one, will be thinking of you when these athletes are making their circles in the Parade of Champions. After you are finished protecting our country, you too can get back to this fantastic sport. Take care of yourself and get back to your loved-ones!

I highly doubt that Duckworth is running from Atwood. On the other hand I do not think he would beat Atwood this year. Atwood should have beaten him last year. He was winning most of the match until getting caught in 2 cradles in the third period. I don't know how much Duckworth has improved but I can tell you that Atwood isn't even close to the same wrestler he was last year. He is twice as solid this year.

First of all your crazy if you think all the kids mentioned will walk away with the title with the exception of repeat winners. As I said, take the three powerehouse schools away and you have an average semi-state. I am from the region and don't care one way or the other. Yes Portage and Hobart will get a champion,you can forget about Lowel, Lake Central, Munster, Calumet, Highland or any others, because it aint gonna happen this year. As I said Take Merr. , Mish. and Crown Point out of the mix it is just average. I can spout off state champs from other semistates. You are right about the strength of the region with the three power houses. I was simply saying, that the "Region" wouldn't be what it is without the three. Just not sure an entire region can claim the success of a few. Not to mention, I'm really just playing Devil's advocate on behalf of the poor boys from Logan regional that work hard and admittedly don't compete as well as others at the Merrillville semi-state. From an outsider looking in, under your rational, the southern part of the state would look to be the wrestling hotbed given the success of Mater Dei over the past 15 years. Yes that would be a poor representation, because not all southern schools are as strong as Mater Dei. You are correct about the numbers and I pull for the Region at the state level. Just think we ought to be careful about casting stones and use a little humility.

I'll be the first to admit that the Logan regional is pretty weak. However, before the Region Rats go breaking their arms patting themselves on the back, keep in mind that the majority of their success is based on the strength of three schools; Mishawaka, Merrillville and Crown Point. This has been pretty consistent throughout the past decade or so. Yes Crown Point has not always been a power and at one brief period Griffith was. Portage was the strongest in the region not too long ago. My point is, remove Mishawaka and Merrillville, and the Merrilleville sem-istate is only about average. I don't think an entire region of the state should be claiming superiority based on the talents of a couple of schools. Just my opinion.

I love this tournament. Every year there are great matches. It usually only has about 10-12 teams, but the finals are some of the best wrestling you will see all year long. Just a few memorable matches include Galka getting beat by Smith of Mish and this was the year Galka won state as a junior. This goes back away but Brad Harper and Cantu from Hobart had a few dogfights at this tournament. Too many other great matches to mention have come out of this tournament. I go to the Al Smith every year, but have consistently found the finals of the Gary Burkhart more entertaining and competitive. I for one, won't miss it.

How in the heck has Cody Phillips already wrestled 49 times. He could be close to the 65-70 mark by the state finals if he makes it that far! Wow that sounds like a bit too much wrestling to me for a young growing kid. I thought we changed the rules a few years back, to keep this very thing from happening. I'm thinking "burn out"

I don't know how Pioneer could be considered in the running for this sectional. They went 0-9 at the Broncho Duels over the break. Granted, that was tough competition, and they had some sick guys, but still really? I also understand that this sectional is historically one of the weakest sectionals in the state, but surely a school the size of Logan or or even Rennselear (sp) could beat Pioneer. I have nothing against Pioneer, or their excellent new coach, but they do not seem as strong as in years past.

It shouldn't change period. What we don't need is another large weight class to sit through where nothing happens for three periods. 189 through 285 has historically been the most uninspiring and boring wrestling. Even with the large number of forfeitsnat 103, this weight class creates much much better wrestling than any upper weights. This weight class most definitely doesn't lack talent. It simply has young wrestlers. Eliminating a lower weight is stupid.

Who cares? So what, if some people make spelling or grammar errors in their posts. Is it really worth pointing out? In the age of electronic communications it is all about going fast and getting meaning across. Not to mention, you are talking about wrestlers mind you. Just kidding. I was a wrestler for fifteen years and I am now a fourth grade teacher. I take a lot of shortcuts and don't worry too much about errors when I'm posting, but I know the difference between correct and incorrect. I certainly don't need someone pointing out my flaws thank you very much. Worry about your own posts if it bothers you so much.

Wrestle backs at the team tournament? Really? I think that everyone is pretty battered and burned out by this time. Once you lose, it seems that everyone is pretty happy to have made it to the team state meet and walk away clean. I doubt that too many teams would be willing to wrestle additional matches just to decide the difference between say 6th and 8th place. Just don't see it, and I don't think fans would want to stay longer to see it either. It was a great year for all eight teams! Congratulations to Crown Point. After the performance last week at individual State meet, it is only fair that this team walks away declaring themselves team champs.

I didn't see Merrillvile giving family discounts. I watched a family of six paying $9 each and that didn't include the grandparents that followed them. I'm not saying that it should be free. I understand the cost that it takes to run this tournament. Officials alone cost alot. But look around that gym and do the math. $9 is too much for an event set in a school gym.