runner-up

That's where you are missing the point.  Mentioning Lee (note I said it should not be a Nick Lee story, but simply mentioning Lee only adds to the relevance to this weekend's part of the article) would only increase the casual fans understanding that he is on the verge of something huge.  A short paragraph including the potential match up would only give the whole situation more clarity.  It WOULD NOT take away from the rest of the story if written correctly, it would enhance it. 

Yeah it wasn't a normal wrestling piece. I liked it. 
 
I don't mind that it didn't mention Lee, I think it now makes a great match even bigger.
 
Remember all win, lose, or draw lets celebrate these two kids, two of the greatest from Indiana of all time. While I'm excited about the match, I worry about the boo birds coming out. 

Friday is 2-19...Hope none of my kids drew into EC semi state kids.

Never said any match was meaningless. The reason that people want this match is because it's the main event. If this was the first match you'd have about 2,000 people there for the other 13 matches.
 
It's about promotion of the sport and giving the fans the best match for the end. This has been a great success for the NCAAs and ESPN with having a meaningful match at the end. Last year having Logan Stieber last going for his 4th title along with a team race that could hinge on his win was great for the sport. We can do the same here in Indiana and help promote the sport, the buzz around this match is tremendous and like no other in most people's memory. 
 
For this sport to grow we have to go outside of our comfort zones to look at ways to bring positive attention to the sport. When two nationally ranked guys lock horns we need to promote. If we'd have this as the last match of the night the buzz would grow as the night wore on. We'd get to see Streck maul someone, we'd get to see Woods vs. Parris, we'd get to see who survives at 106, etc. 
 
We have a great opportunity to give our sport some great exposure not only in the state, but in the country. I know we are getting probably more love for our state tournament from Intermat this week than we usually do. Hmmm I wonder why...do you think nationally people care about Streck mauling someone or Red vs. Lee?
 
There is a reason why MMA and boxing events have their biggest fight as the last one, the same should happen in wrestling. Wanting to keep tradition, some NFHS random rule, or worrying about someone not feeling their state title match is import is ludicrous. Most the crowd will leave before Streck wrestles, there is no doubt and yet you want to imply I think 13 other matches are meaningless. I won't leave, but it seems thousands others will deem his match meaningless and SHOW it by heading to their car.

It'll keep every fan in the stands. I hate seeing the stand empty for my beloved heavies!

Il give ya a hint - what is da area code of da mecca of wrasllin in indiana ? 
 
Kinda like groundhog day for rats 

At least 15 champs from East Chicago

219 - Region area code
2-19, Friday's date.
 
All "Da Region" kids will for sure be extra feisty, like a wolf during a full moon.

The 219
http://www.flowrestling.org/video/8954-jake-salas-merrillville

They pronounce Hobart as HobErt

Another positive, if the weight classes were changed around, the big boys would actually have a crowd there watching them. Every year around 195-220 people start leaving so there's only a few hundred people left watching the big guys that rightfully deserve a crowd. The final 132 lb match is a win win, given its Lee and Red. 
 
As for fans leaving, I'm sure if they announce the order and have the face off in the proper order with announcer listing accomplishments, most fans would certainly stick around for it. If they don't then that's on them for only being a casual fan and missing what will hopefully be a fun match. Plus that means, more fans can move closer to the action.

I agree but what if their television partner exerted a little influence? If someone with wrestling knowledge can get to a Fox marketing higher up and explain/convince them exactly what "content" they are working with this weekend in the form of matchups/D1 talent and how they can in turn parlay that into RATINGS and AD $, wouldn't a tv partner have the muscle to exert some influence? Let's face it, FoxSports probably doesn't have a lot of knowledge about the sport but if someone can get an influential ear it could be a win/win. As we rehash how classing can grow the sport, this weekend presents a unique opportunity to get fresh sets of eyes on wrestling if it can be presented/packaged correctly....and especially young, just getting into the sport eyes of kids! My BallU degree isn't marketing so not sure how to pull it off but it does seem that if the proper people can do the proper selling of content to to the TV execs it could work. I thought Fox did a good job last year but now you have several matches that hopefully come to fruition that would draw a lot of interest. Of course, it would need to start soon so people watching Pacers or whatever is on FoxMidwest can get their interest peaked but it seems like it could be done.

I think Indiana wrestling fans are intelligent enough to realize a kid is going for his 4th title and on top of that having an undefeated career. Don't sell Indiana wrestling fans short on intelligence. 

I love the excitement of the ticket round also.  But I personally have been affected by the lack of wrestle backs and I have helped coach way too many heart broken kids that should have made the trip to State. 

Wilderman has to challenge Riley Lefever and beat him first.

Not sure what the big deal is here. I never got topic on a messageboard when I wrestled for 32 seconds total in a tournament. Albeit I wasn't on the winning side, but still.

I understand that some people are trolling. I guess you have the right to do that, if you please. But please be mindful that we are talking about a couple of high school kids here. Please do not bash either wrestler's courage or mental toughness.
 
Both wrestlers' have resumes that are shaping up in fashion for them to mentioned as some of the best wrestlers in Indiana history. Let's discuss their potential match up with the respect it deserves.
 
If this match up takes place and it isn't under the lights, it will be one of the biggest shams in IHSAA Wreslting history. I am all for a making a match like this the main event. If we can figure out a way to do so, I am all about a vote or petition. Maybe we could do something where fans voted the order of the weight classes in the championship match? It'd also be nice for the big guys to not have to go last and have half of the fans in Banker's Life already in their cars headed home.
 
Best of luck to Nick Lee, Chad Red, and everyone else at 132, especially all the seniors. I hope you all have a great state tournament run. Stay healthy, have fun, and leave it all out on the mat.

I understand that some people are trolling. I guess you have the right to do that, if you please. But please be mindful that we are talking about a couple of high school kids here. Please do not bash either wrestler's courage or mental toughness.
 
Both wrestlers' have resumes that are shaping up in fashion for them to mentioned as some of the best wrestlers in Indiana history. Let's discuss their potential match up with the respect it deserves.
 
If this match up takes place and it isn't under the lights, it will be one of the biggest shams in IHSAA Wreslting history. I am all for a making a match like this the main event. If we can figure out a way to do so, I am all about a vote or petition. Maybe we could do something where fans voted the order of the weight classes in the championship match? It'd also be nice for the big guys to not have to go last and have half of the fans in Banker's Life already in their cars headed home.
 
Best of luck to Nick Lee, Chad Red, and everyone else at 132, especially all the seniors. I hope you all have a great state tournament run. Stay healthy, have fun, and leave it all out on the mat.

I understand that some people are trolling. I guess you have the right to do that, if you please. But please be mindful that we are talking about a couple of high school kids here. Please do not bash either wrestler's courage or mental toughness.
 
Both wrestlers' have resumes that are shaping up in fashion for them to mentioned as some of the best wrestlers in Indiana history. Let's discuss their potential match up with the respect it deserves.
 
If this match up takes place and it isn't under the lights, it will be one of the biggest shams in IHSAA Wreslting history. I am all for a making a match like this the main event. If we can figure out a way to do so, I am all about a vote or petition. Maybe we could do something where fans voted the order of the weight classes in the championship match? It'd also be nice for the big guys to not have to go last and have half of the fans in Banker's Life already in their cars headed home.
 
Best of luck to Nick Lee, Chad Red, and everyone else at 132, especially all the seniors. I hope you all have a great state tournament run. Stay healthy, have fun, and leave it all out on the mat.

I understand that some people are trolling. I guess you have the right to do that, if you please. But please be mindful that we are talking about a couple of high school kids here. Please do not bash either wrestler's courage or mental toughness.
 
Both wrestlers' have resumes that are shaping up in fashion for them to mentioned as some of the best wrestlers in Indiana history. Let's discuss their potential match up with the respect it deserves.
 
If this match up takes place and it isn't under the lights, it will be one of the biggest shams in IHSAA Wreslting history. I am all for a making a match like this the main event. If we can figure out a way to do so, I am all about a vote or petition. Maybe we could do something where fans voted the order of the weight classes in the championship match? It'd also be nice for the big guys to not have to go last and have half of the fans in Banker's Life already in their cars headed home.
 
Best of luck to Nick Lee, Chad Red, and everyone else at 132, especially all the seniors. I hope you all have a great state tournament run. Stay healthy, have fun, and leave it all out on the mat.

Portage knew what they're doing and I doubt really cares about it.   They're happy with their conference tournament result and will live with the Crown Point match and ensuing Crown Point championship.  How many conference championships do you need by the way.  They passed up the match to wrestle two top 10 nationally ranked teams and two other top notch teams.  Vega is trying to put his team on name on one of those 50 national rankings.   He rather have that than a trophy that says DAC dual champ. Bylaws say enter a team and they did.  I'm sure they would of tried to work something out with schedule but couldn't make it happen.   Id be careful to call them out on integrity.

Chad Red Jr. is the number one wrestler in the nation at 132. He had to find ways to win against the best kids in the country to earn that ranking. I would argue that you really couldn't even attempt to rank another 132 pounder in the nation ahead of Red based on his success over the past few years.
 
Nick Lee is very good--elite level good. He is aggressive, has excellent technique, and possesses a killer instinct. I get excited watching him wrestle. He flat out breaks kids. But I just don't see him breaking CJ.
 
It would be a great match. Words can't accurately describe how excited most of us would be to witness such a spectacle. For me, it would be on par with watching Taylor vs Dake match a few years ago. It surely would be the most anticipated match I have ever heard of in Indiana (though I have been told that there have been similarly exciting potential match ups in the past that never happened, e.g. Angel vs Reece).
 
I hope this match up happens. If it does happen but doesn't take place under the lights, it will be a shame.
 
We are talking two extremely talented and hard working wrestlers. Very few Indiana wrestlers have had the success they have had thus far in their careers. It is rare that two kids of this caliber would find themselves wrestling at the same time at the same weight.
 
My take:
 
CJ is the number one kid in the state and country. If anyone were to beat him, including Nick Lee, it would be an upset. Not to discredit Lee. He is a great wrestler and I think his aggressive, tenacious style could potentially prove to stifle CJ. If anyone is capable of preventing Red from claiming his fourth state title, it would be the elder Lee brother.
 
I just think Red's experience wrestling in big matches against the best kids helps him find away to win. I'm picking Chad by decision, though I think more high scoring than some on here. 7-4 with CJ getting a third period takedown and ride out before showing off his last celebratory dance moves in his high school wrestling career.
 
I know that no one asked for it, but those are my two cents.

Chad Red Jr. is the number one wrestler in the nation at 132. He had to find ways to win against the best kids in the country to earn that ranking. I would argue that you really couldn't even attempt to rank another 132 pounder in the nation ahead of Red based on his success over the past few years.
 
Nick Lee is very good--elite level good. He is aggressive, has excellent technique, and possesses a killer instinct. I get excited watching him wrestle. He flat out breaks kids. But I just don't see him breaking CJ.
 
It would be a great match. Words can't accurately describe how excited most of us would be to witness such a spectacle. For me, it would be on par with watching Taylor vs Dake match a few years ago. It surely would be the most anticipated match I have ever heard of in Indiana (though I have been told that there have been similarly exciting potential match ups in the past that never happened, e.g. Angel vs Reece).
 
I hope this match up happens. If it does happen but doesn't take place under the lights, it will be a shame.
 
We are talking two extremely talented and hard working wrestlers. Very few Indiana wrestlers have had the success they have had thus far in their careers. It is rare that two kids of this caliber would find themselves wrestling at the same time at the same weight.
 
My take:
 
CJ is the number one kid in the state and country. If anyone were to beat him, including Nick Lee, it would be an upset. Not to discredit Lee. He is a great wrestler and I think his aggressive, tenacious style could potentially prove to stifle CJ. If anyone is capable of preventing Red from claiming his fourth state title, it would be the elder Lee brother.
 
I just think Red's experience wrestling in big matches against the best kids helps him find away to win. I'm picking Chad by decision, though I think more high scoring than some on here. 7-4 with CJ getting a third period takedown and ride out before showing off his last celebratory dance moves in his high school wrestling career.
 
I know that no one asked for it, but those are my two cents.

Awesome news! Keep the wins coming and enjoy that new room once you get in it!

Little Giants Claim Runner-Up Honors at NWCA Duals
Story Links ROUND-BY-ROUND RESULTS The Wabash wrestling team captured its best finish in school history at the National Wrestling Coaches Association National Duals, placing second overall. 
The Little Giants earned a spots in the championship match after scoring a 25-12 win over Concordia-Moorhead before facing five-time Duals champion Wartburg in the finals. The top-ranked Warhawks claimed their sixth straight title with a 28-12 result.
 
"I can't say enough about how the guys competed today," Wabash head coach Brian Anderson said. "They believed in themselves this weekend and fought hard. This was a great performance for them as a team. A National Duals runner-up finish is something the program can feel good about and build from the rest of the season. I'm very proud of everyone."
 
Wabash faced a Concordia-Moorhead team that had posted wins in head-to-head meetings at the Duals over the Little Giants each of the past two seasons. Wabash trailed 6-0 after two matches before winning the next seven bouts to end the Cobbers' winning streak. Michael Venezia triggered the consecutive wins by scoring a 6-3 decision at 141 pounds. Tim Locksmith, absent from the Wabash lineup the past two years due to injuries, continued his impressive return to action by taking a 3-2 victory at 149 pounds.
 
"I felt great being able to help the team out on the mat rather than driving the van," Locksmith said. "As important as the 'behind-the-scenes' stuff is to the team, it's so much more satisfying being able to directly contribute to the wrestling team's success."
 
Nick Bova scored a 3-1 overtime win at 157 pounds to put Wabash in front 9-6, providing the first lead in the match. Connor Brummett made certain the Little Giants did not relinquish the advantage, winning 4-1 in his 165-pound bout. Ethan Farmerpicked up four points with a major decision at 174 pounds before Riley Lefever added another pin to his season totals, flattening his opponent at the 3:45 mark of their 184-pound contest to lock up the win for the Little Giants. Brett Thummpicked up the final victory with a 4-2 decision at 197 pounds.
 
"(Scoring the match-clinching pin) wasn't nearly as exciting as the energy I felt from our team, which kept building after each match and gave me the confidence to do what I did this weekend," Lefever said. It was such a great opportunity and capitalizing on it was something I could not have done without my teammates, our coaches, and our fans."
 
Wabash scored three wins in the final match versus Wartburg, none bigger than the victory by sophomore and  133-pound 2015 national qualifier Devin Broukal. The second-year competitor faced last year's national champion at 149 pounds, Kenneth Martin. Broukal, filling in for Locksmith in the heavier weight class in the finals, scored a hard-fought 5-4 win to score the first team points for the Little Giants.
 
"I didn't want my first chance to wrestle in the National Duals to end in a loss," Broukal said. "I had nothing to lose having bumped up a weight. I wanted to leave it all out there. After the match it was pretty exciting to see the team and fans cheering. Knocking off the returning national champ was definitely a confidence boost for me. I know there's no one I can't beat this year if I stay focused."
 
Lefever picked up a forfeit at 184 pounds prior to a 6-3 win by Thumm at 197 pounds for the Little Giants at 197 pounds.
 
The runner-up finish by Wabash followed a fourth-place finish last year at Duals.