What is the state of Iowa State wrestling after this disappointing showing?

**BigDogCyclone** · 03-20-2010, 09:22 PM

Granted this talented class of seniors went through coaching changes, however I think we might all agree that this was a disappointing showing at nationals.

For those guys who follow this team closer than I do, what do we have to look forward to next year? Are we completely rebuilding?

Will this team be able to compete for a title next year?

**geburgess** · 03-20-2010, 09:25 PM

Yeah, we'll compete for title. For wrestling, we're still Iowa State, one of the top wrestling schools in the nation. It'll always be a matchup of us and Iowa at the top with another school up there, but don't worry. KJ will reload with talent.

**Rick** · 03-20-2010, 09:29 PM

Originally Posted by BigDogCyclone

Granted this talented class of seniors went through coaching changes, however I think we might all agree that this was a disappointing showing at nationals.

For those guys who follow this team closer than I do, what do we have to look forward to next year? Are we completely rebuilding?

Will this team be able to compete for a title next year?

I think two champions and a runner up is a pretty good showing. We had a couple of guys not wrestle up to their seeds but some people think we should get the NC just because.

**BigDogCyclone** · 03-20-2010, 09:34 PM

We seem to do well in duals, but tournaments haven't been kind to us in the past few years. What is key to turning this corner?

There was a point in the season where I thought KJ got the guys focusing on scoring bonus points, but once it got to the final tournaments we went conservative.

**geburgess** · 03-20-2010, 09:35 PM

Originally Posted by BigDogCyclone

We seem to do well in duals, but tournaments haven't been kind to us in the past few years. What is key to turning this corner?

There was a point in the season where I thought KJ got the guys focusing on scoring bonus points, but once it got to the final tournaments we went conservative.

Could have been reverting back to how Sanderson coached when they got to the finals, who knows. I don't think it will be a problem in the future with KJ's intensity and focus on said bonus points.

**CyForPresident** · 03-20-2010, 09:36 PM

ISU will continue to be a top 5 team. Long, Reader, and Gallick can all win titles next year. Just need some underclassmen to step up. Now is their time.

My guess
125 - ???? Big hole
133 - Long
141 - Gallick
149 -Weathermen
157 - Carr Jr./Sorenson
165 - Reader
174 - Spangler
184 - Beard
197 - Ward
Hwt - Gibson/Thompson

Honestly, there is a lot to be excited about in that line up. I've heard good things about Spangler and Beard. I think Ward will do much better at 197. I'm gonna miss Z and Varner.

**BigDogCyclone** · 03-20-2010, 09:36 PM

What does next years recruiting class look like?

Any talented red shirts chomping at the bit?

**CyForPresident** · 03-20-2010, 09:39 PM

Originally Posted by BigDogCyclone

What does next years recruiting class look like?

Any talented red shirts chomping at the bit?

Beard and Weathermen are coming off redshirt and will start IMO. The class that will redshirt next year looks very good with England and Gadson.

**deadeyededric** · 03-20-2010, 09:44 PM

What about the kid from Urbandale? Can't think of his name, and don't feel like looking?, for next year, RS?

**CyForPresident** · 03-20-2010, 09:46 PM

Originally Posted by deadeyededric

What about the kid from Urbandale? Can't think of his name, and don't feel like looking?, for next year, RS?

Extremely rare for a freshman to not redshirt in wrestling. The guys coming in are two years away from seeing the mat.

**CycoCyclone** · 03-20-2010, 10:01 PM

I am not disappointed with this team, head to head we beat everyone we needed to, and missing 2 weight classes (Gallick and 157) we did just fine

**Aaron Jacobs** · 03-20-2010, 10:08 PM

2 national champions is great but going 5-5 in the opening round isn't going to cut it to win a team NC.

**CydeOut** · 03-20-2010, 10:23 PM

Iowa State has a pretty good class coming in, Ryak Finch is highly ranked 125-pounder. I doubt Long moves up unless Finch can take it over. If Gallick can come back with a medical red-shirt, that would help tremendously. We're losing some excellent men, but Long, Reader will need to lead us. Off the cuff guess, 3rd place at Nationals could be pretty realistic next-year because I don't think we're going to replace the points we lose in Varner and Z next year, and Cornell will be very solid and Iowa will be Iowa. But a lot of growing up is done in the off season, KJ gets a little more time with them, who knows what kind of gains our guys could come back with.

**CyForPresident** · 03-20-2010, 10:26 PM

I think Long is gonna have to move up. Only a year ago he was 133. If he stays at 125, he will probably win it with Nickerson and Escobedo gone next year.