Proof KJ needs to go

[Judoka]

We did underperform. Not a debacle like Big XIIs, but it wasn't what we've seen the last two years under KJ. I ussually hang my hat on our individual performances while the team is built, and I am shaken by the end of the season. If NCAAs had been a repeat of Big XIIs I would be much more worried. The bright spots the past few years have been few so just one or two injuries can turn a decent performance into a disapointment.

A big part of why I think Jackson deserves another year is that he has put the pieces in place for us to succeed next year. He should get a year with those pieces to see if he can get the team to perform. His seat will be red hot next year but pulling the plug now would not be in the long term interests of the program unless there is reason to believe he has lost the respect of the guys on the team.

Also, you are kidding yourself if you think we keep McCauley and Meeks if Jackson is given the boot this spring. Those are the kinda of recruits you build a program around.

 

[Royalclone]

It's a tough call on what to do. Keep KJ and see what happens next year. If things go well, it is probably the best scenario. At the same time, how will recruiting go this year if everyone knows he could be gone? If next year goes bad, then the program is even further behind.

The other scenario is to dump KJ now. As judoka says, some very good recruits would likely be lost, unless the absolute right guy gets the job. And he works right away to keep them. Otherwise, another class is lost and the new guy is going to have to come up big with a new class and probably transfers who can contribute right away.

Glad it's not up to me. But if scenario one is the choice, I think a new lightweight coach is imperative to keep Finch and prepare Meeks. If scenario two wins out, then I would hope it is because we can get Joe Heskett or a proven coach from another wrestling school.

 

[Judoka]

As far as recruiting for next year, we will know pretty quickly if things are working out. By Midlands at the latest it will be very clear.

 

[Judoka]

What I would like to see for this next year is Yero replaced by a young guy who can develop Goettl, Finch, and Meeks and for the Paulsens to become best buds with Yancy Mcknight.

 

[Scott34]

What I would like to see for this next year is Yero replaced by a young guy who can develop Goettl, Finch, and Meeks and for the Paulsens to become best buds with Yancy Mcknight.

We seriously need a strength coach! Our conditioning sucks!

 

[Judoka]

Someone posted like five 'rumor' threads and that is the only place I have heard this Finch rumor. If wrestlers do leave then KJ will be gone. But up until somebody actually announces they are leaving I don't see why we should put any faith in posts from one fan in.meltdown mode.

 

[NEICyFan]

I had a minimum of three AAs in that projection. McCauley, Spangler, and Gibson. Are you even trying?

I am not a total optimist, I very much think there needs to be changes made. I am just not in total meltdown mode like you are.

I thought we agreed your projection of Gibson as an AA was going to far given he didn't even make the round of 12 and there are 8-9 AAs returning at HWT next year?

Spangler...I just don't think we'll see him on the mat again. It's a shame.

 

[Judoka]

[MP3][/MP3]

I thought we agreed your projection of Gibson as an AA was going to far given he didn't even make the round of 12 and there are 8-9 AAs returning at HWT next year?

No, you listed a couple undergraduate heavyweights that have been ranked ahead of Gibson all year and I congratulated you for your ability to create lists.

 

[traparm1]

So, with no improvement in our lower weights, we're waiting for Finch or someone else to leave, before you get serious about KJ leaving? Not sure of all the credentials of Meeks, but understand he is a fantastic wrestler. Also know Finch was a National champion in all three styles and the highest 125 recruit that year. If KJ isn't concerned enough to get a quality light weight coach for Finch, then what makes us think he would for Meeks?

 

[Judoka]

They were freshmen this year. That gives us the baseline. We will find out next season if they improve. Our lightweights in general were much better than last year.

 

[howellc33]

What were the circumstances that caused Bono to leave? Or did he just get out of the program before it took a dump?? We need to get Yero outta there..I would call either Gallick back to work with the lighter weights..

 

[Judoka]

Galick would be pretty high on the shortlist of guys I would like to see as a lightweight coach.

 

[traparm1]

Other teams had freshman that made huge improvements compared to our freshman. To see some guys just give up this year was pretty tough. People might think that our freshman made huge growth this year, but it just isn't the case. Wanting to see glimmer of light, but I don't. Check out videos of our freshman before they came to ISU. They were better conditioned, and had much better bottom skills. Their overall standup was much better. We can't just say it's a different level, because some of these guys did fantastic on the national level. Freshman from other schools have stepped up. If it was one kid, then it's the kid, but an entire team. Just wanting to hear where we'll improve next year.

 

[goldrush]

If Yero is to blame for the light weights who is to blame for 149 and 157? Those two weights were worse than 125 and 133 where we had "quality" recruits. The lack of mat skills over all the weights is more than just Yero's fault.

 

[Judoka]

You realize we were down to our third string 'throw him out and hope he doesn't get pinned' wrestler at 149, right? Fourth string really since we would have bumped up Mayfield long before putting Swalla out there if that had been possible.

 

[goldrush]

Cozart was right with Trent Weatherman. He wasn't third string and Max Mayfield hasn't beat one quality opponent while at Iowa State

 

[Judoka]

Swalla was thirst string... Cozart was second string but got pulled for being a head case and only came back in the lineup after Swalla tore his pec.

 

[howellc33]

Where does this put mccauley? Is he going to be at 149 or 157? Is 165 a possibility now that sorenson is done?

 

[NEICyFan]

No, you listed a couple undergraduate heavyweights that have been ranked ahead of Gibson all year and I congratulated you for your ability to create lists.

Uh...no. I did not "list a couple undergraduate heavyweights that have been ranked ahead of Gibson all year." I listed next years returning ALL-AMERICAN heavyweights. You know, actual results from the NCAAs.

There are no less than 8 returning all-Americans at HWT next year. The guy that pounded Gibson on the back side and knocked him out finished a whopping 7th. Gibson didn't even make the the round of 12. Yet you said you expect him to finish top 6. Unbridled optimism at it's finest, Judoka.

 

[goldrush]

He should be 149. He has grew some since being in Colorado Springs so 157 isn't out of the question in the future