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DeezNeezuts t1_jcs8fm0 wrote

That was one of the most exciting tournaments in recent memory.

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tribalspoon t1_jcsy2dz wrote

Replying to Bosurd (#2,269,007)

I would say Iowa is still the historically most dominant collegiate wrestling state. But Penn State has absolutely dominated the most recent decade.

I don’t think it’s a coincidence that they started winning championships after hiring Cael Sanderson (who wrestled at Iowa State.)

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4four4MN t1_jctfe1i wrote

Is this still sport still sanctioned?

−49

Full-Assistance7224 t1_jctiscz wrote

Replying to Bosurd (#2,269,007)

The mid west is an absolute power house in wrestling for example The IHSA wrestling tournament is the single largest attendance of any high school state final. In Illinois alone we had 3 National champions. Big Ten wrestling is unmatched

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yawninggourmand79 t1_jcto907 wrote

As a diehard Iowa fan, this year's tournament was tough for obvious reasons. But I think it really solidified that the Brands' style of coaching just isn't going to get it done in the modern era. Penn State consistently has people peaking at the right time rather than Iowa having to limp across the finish line in March from a season of gruelling wrestling. I mean this is probably the worst performance in the finals from PSU in recent memory and they went 2/5 which is insane. I hope with the talent that Iowa is bringing in they can compete with OSU again, but clearly PSU's young guys can get it done in the big stage too.

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Amojondro t1_jctqn3h wrote

Replying to Bosurd (#2,269,007)

When I went to middle school in PA, there was a middle school wrestling and lax team (I think field hockey as well), vs when I moved to TX I found out none of those teams where in my middle school (TX of course had football tho). I think it’s just PA starts early with it for kids and they’re strong at the coaching levels while doing it. Same reasons why TX is so stacked in HS football: culture of starting early, fantastic funding for it followed by great coaching.

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TheCannaZombie t1_jctymy7 wrote

Replying to Bosurd (#2,269,007)

I mean Oklahoma state has more all time team (34)and individual(141) championships than Iowa(24)(81). And Iowa beats penn state(11) who is in third. Didn’t see penns individual. Penn state has won all of theirs in the last 12 years. So they are the most dominant school since the 2010s. Before them Iowa state was third with 8 team titles.

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phl_fc t1_jcu1fi7 wrote

Replying to Amojondro (#2,270,410)

You know how most areas have a kids “kick and chase” soccer program for anyone old enough to walk? PA does that with wrestling. There’s youth wrestling programs for any age, so by the time PA kids get to college they’ve literally been doing it for over a decade.

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Wedoitforthenut t1_jcu3cxe wrote

Nino Bonnaccorsi was the most dominant wrestler in the tournament.

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Krogsly t1_jcu8o9x wrote

Replying to CBus660R (#2,270,204)

Proximity matters. Of course, Clevelanders would go to Pennsylvania rather than Iowa, but Ohio is no slouch either. An OH/MI alliance could amass some solid talent in comparison.

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Insamity247 t1_jcuekly wrote

Replying to Bosurd (#2,269,007)

Coaching and recruiting has made them into an absolute juggernaut. Each year they have had multiple National champions, and even when their champions graduate, they have recruited well enough to reload. Their two national champs will be back next year. They will have some holes to fill at 133 and 197, but coaching will get the new guys ready to go. Iowa has struggled with coaching. Our guys aren’t aggressive and going out to score points. We have a good recruiting class this year, but we have a lot of holes to fill. 125 isn’t going to be the same, 133 we need to fill. 149, 197, and heavyweight.

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Insamity247 t1_jcuft3r wrote

Replying to scalenesquare (#2,270,599)

While we won that season, it was a major reload season for penn state. They completely wrecked us in the finals matches. We should have had at least two national champs, but we only got one. They had 4.

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PhaseBlade01 t1_jcug3rk wrote

Aaron Brooks looked unstoppable this tournament!

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ryantrw5 t1_jcuhu4g wrote

Replying to Bosurd (#2,269,007)

I think it’s the resources spent. Like Texas football for example. Pennsylvania isn’t a small state population wise either. I can see why Iowa is no longer the place to wrestle.

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PhDShouse t1_jcv2ltv wrote

Replying to tribalspoon (#2,269,114)

Out of curiosity, who would define as the better wrestler: Sanderson or Lee? I know very little about wrestling as a whole, but it seems like Cael had a more impressive college career compared to Lee

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boobsarecool t1_jcv2nhf wrote

Replying to phl_fc (#2,270,969)

Yep, PA and NJ both have established youth programs that a majority of states do not. Getting started in wrestling at 8 yrs old instead of High School is a huge step up on top of the very strong wrestling culture in both states

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Lout324 t1_jcv2wo6 wrote

The least homoerotic of all sports

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mrsinatra777 t1_jcv4725 wrote

Well they do have that special program for wrestling with students in the showers

−13

AVLThumper t1_jcv5zea wrote

Do these guys go on to be professional wrestlers?

2

Th595906 t1_jcvk2iu wrote

Replying to PhDShouse (#2,272,709)

Sanderson is generally regarded as the greatest NCAA wrestler of all time. Undefeated throughout his entire career. Before him it was Dan Gable. Lee is a great wrestler, but he is the tier right below Cael

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DanDampspear t1_jcvlsut wrote

Replying to samspopguy (#2,273,077)

It does matter if you’re second fiddle in your own state both prestige wise and for instate recruits. I was of the age to have high school teammates that were highly recruited by both Iowa and Iowa State programs during his tenure and it absolutely mattered to them as well.

If you lose 9/10 in-state 3 or 4-peat HS champions to your instate rival, you’re going to look for a new recruiting base if Tom Brands is beating you out. Two of the teammates I had went on to win 3 national titles (combined) for Brands rather than Sanderson.

I also don’t think you’re appreciating 1) how Important the Iowa v Iowa state wrestling rivalry is 2) how important geographic proximity is to recruiting 3) How much more population dense the east coast is compared to Iowa. Within 300 miles in Iowa it’s like 20m people vs 70m at PSU.

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cecil721 t1_jcvymgp wrote

Wrestling culture in PA is like Football culture in Texas.

1

societyofspectacle t1_jcwjo33 wrote

Replying to Optimal_Bad_8965 (#2,267,778)

I wrestled in PA and we always had better turnout than the basketball team. All lights out in the gym with just a single light hanging down over the center of the mat was a nice touch for the matches. I started in early elementary, local camps every summer, and thought the whole country was just as invested in the sport. I gained like 60 lbs my freshman year in college as that was essentially when I stopped training (not a college wrestler).

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shaggz235 t1_jcwlrrd wrote

Replying to CBus660R (#2,272,080)

No I went in early 2000s. It was a camp put on by Jeff Jordan who was the coach at St Paris Graham high school. They were so dominant back then, not sure about now though.

Edit: never mind they still are. They’ve won the state tourney every year since 2001.

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