Mike Finn is one of the most respected wrestling writers in the nation.
Once upon a time, he was the editor of Voice of the Hawkeyes. I worked with Mike at that publication, and I was also on a weekly panel discussion show with him.
He is certainly objective, in my opinion. He was never afraid to call a spade a spade.
WIN's final ranking is based on their Tournament Power Index, as was posted. They take the individual rankings, and apply nationals points to those rankings, if those rankings meant a wrestler performed to seed. It doesnt take into account possible bonus points, which is always a big deal.
ISU has not been a big bonus points team this year. I posed that question to Cael today on my show, and he agreed.
I think that
ISU has a shot to win next week, but I think more likely 3rd.
I dont think there is any question that
ISU is peaking at the right time...Cael has impressed me as much this year with the job he has done as he did last year.
Next year is going to be Iowa and Iowa State, from the start of the year through nationals.
To start next season:
125: Tyler Clark will be close to the Top 10, Falck will probably be #3
133: Both Fanthorpe and Slaton will be Top 5.
144: Gallick and LeClere will be Top 5
149: Mueller will have a shot at top 10, Metcalf will be #1 and maybe the best wrestler in the nation, if he isn't right now
157: Cyler has a shot at Top 5...Morningstar has potential for Top 10, and a lot of seniors move on that are ranked ahead of him.
165: Wide open for Iowa, with Perry graduating. #1 Tannenbaum is also a senior. Reader will be preseason Top 5
174: Open for
ISU, Jay Borchsell should challenge for a national title
184: Varner #1, Phil Keddy will be 3rd or 4th
197: Chad Beatty will finally wrestle at this weight; he's been there this year, but has been 10 pounds light. Open for
ISU
HWT: Dan Erekson for Iowa. Zabriskie is 6 now, and four seniors are ranked ahead of him. He and Rosholt will come in 1-2.
It's going to be fun for a long time, because most of the guys I mentioned are around for another two years.
