MR TWISTER
09-21-2005, 06:38 PM
Well it has been very interesting on the message boards lately. I like the message boards because you get to hear a lot of different opinions on different subjects. Prior to the internet many just kept their thoughts to themselves but now many post their thoughts and I think you can learn from others if you read between the lines. Here are some interesting subjects and my thoughts on them.
Rankings:
Well the local and national rankings are out and once again Illinois is one of the top states nationally. Many are already debating the local rankings and who should be where. Rankings are someone's opinion and from my experience no college coach recruits by them. We did receive one college letter stating congrats on being nationally ranked but I think that was the abnormal as opposed to the normal. I think rankings are speculation and the only thing that matters is what takes place in Feburary down in Champaign. or in March in Rockford. Now if the IHSA or the IKWF looked at the rankings before seeding the state tournament, then they might be worth something.
Weight Cutting:
Always a favorite topic this time of year. Some how my son became part of the topic but in reality it could of been any kid trying to decide what weight to go for next season. A lot depends on the kids body type, weight cutting history, available body fat and desire to make a certain weight class. The national federation and the IHSA have in place some safeguards that I believe most teams, coaches and wrestlers follow to the letter. However as in any system there are ways to legally beat it. Start bringing your weight down now, monitor your weight daily, only certify when you reach your desired weight class, etc.
All Star teams:
Someone asked why are there no all star teams and events after the season like basketball and football. One reason is the wrestling season never ends, it just changes. But if it did and if there was an All Star team who would be on these teams would be very controversial. Beside is it not true that wrestling is really and individual sport and not a team sport?
College selections and signings:
Well as most of you know my kid was able to secure his college plans and I don't have to pay (the dream of all parents) the bill, although I will have to buy him a new car as part of our deal set up the day after he won IKWF state as a 8th grader. It's cheaper than a college degree paid by me. But anyway I got to wondering about the thousands of wrestlers that don't scholarship but still want to wrestle beyond h.s. and have the talent to do so. One thing I learned during the recruiting process is there are a lot of schools out there and there is a fit your your kid. But you must do your homework and it is time consuming. I am seriously thinking of writing a book on wrestling recruiting and what to do and not do. If you want to email me I will try and send you the names of some schools I know are looking for wrestlers-nothing guaranteed tho. Stay tuned for my book.
IKWF DUAL meets:
I always wondered why the little kids don't do more dual meets against rivals that they would face in regionals and sectionals. In high school there are more duals than tournaments as each team is limited to just 4 tournaments. In the IKWF it is tournaments every weekend and almost no duals. I know more kids get to wrestle tournaments but duals could be run during the week. I don't have real plan but I do know teams should have to do duals to get the kids ready for h.s.
Only two months to the start of the season. One good sign, tomorrow is the first day of fall.
Rankings:
Well the local and national rankings are out and once again Illinois is one of the top states nationally. Many are already debating the local rankings and who should be where. Rankings are someone's opinion and from my experience no college coach recruits by them. We did receive one college letter stating congrats on being nationally ranked but I think that was the abnormal as opposed to the normal. I think rankings are speculation and the only thing that matters is what takes place in Feburary down in Champaign. or in March in Rockford. Now if the IHSA or the IKWF looked at the rankings before seeding the state tournament, then they might be worth something.
Weight Cutting:
Always a favorite topic this time of year. Some how my son became part of the topic but in reality it could of been any kid trying to decide what weight to go for next season. A lot depends on the kids body type, weight cutting history, available body fat and desire to make a certain weight class. The national federation and the IHSA have in place some safeguards that I believe most teams, coaches and wrestlers follow to the letter. However as in any system there are ways to legally beat it. Start bringing your weight down now, monitor your weight daily, only certify when you reach your desired weight class, etc.
All Star teams:
Someone asked why are there no all star teams and events after the season like basketball and football. One reason is the wrestling season never ends, it just changes. But if it did and if there was an All Star team who would be on these teams would be very controversial. Beside is it not true that wrestling is really and individual sport and not a team sport?
College selections and signings:
Well as most of you know my kid was able to secure his college plans and I don't have to pay (the dream of all parents) the bill, although I will have to buy him a new car as part of our deal set up the day after he won IKWF state as a 8th grader. It's cheaper than a college degree paid by me. But anyway I got to wondering about the thousands of wrestlers that don't scholarship but still want to wrestle beyond h.s. and have the talent to do so. One thing I learned during the recruiting process is there are a lot of schools out there and there is a fit your your kid. But you must do your homework and it is time consuming. I am seriously thinking of writing a book on wrestling recruiting and what to do and not do. If you want to email me I will try and send you the names of some schools I know are looking for wrestlers-nothing guaranteed tho. Stay tuned for my book.
IKWF DUAL meets:
I always wondered why the little kids don't do more dual meets against rivals that they would face in regionals and sectionals. In high school there are more duals than tournaments as each team is limited to just 4 tournaments. In the IKWF it is tournaments every weekend and almost no duals. I know more kids get to wrestle tournaments but duals could be run during the week. I don't have real plan but I do know teams should have to do duals to get the kids ready for h.s.
Only two months to the start of the season. One good sign, tomorrow is the first day of fall.