RU Commits & HS Season Discussion Thread

[wngarbarini]

Racpack
Not down on the team. I knew it was a rebuilding year before the season started. Did not count on injuries but I have a hunch 2 years from now we will be singing RU wrestling praises. Lack of senior leadership hurt also which is what you get with a freshmen laden team

 

[koleszar]

We had the number 1 Juco 285 this weekend unfortunately visiting this weekend

Too bad his experience of the RAC will be that one. As we've had some pretty boisterous meets this year but that one was like a mortuary. At least there was a decent crowd compared to a lot of places.

 

[LETSGORU91]

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Video of the 182 GMC championship finals if anyone is interested in seeing Poz dominate his opponent.

That was a dominating performance. Quick, aggressive, strong and relentless. This is what I want to see more of from our wrestlers and commits.

And he’s aggressive what looks like we lack. I think we had the 1st td once in last 3 matches. Watched Princeton today and they are aggressive off the whistle every match.
I think we lost leadership with ash, Syrian io and gravina gone no one to left to lead

Yes, see my response on Poz. Outside of Ash, Suriano and the limited Gravina last year, the aggressiveness was not there and isnt there this year. Chalk it up on youth and wrestling a bear of a schedule? Maybe. Even if Grello and Collucci were wrestling, there wouldn't be much more willingness to score points. The killer instinct is not there for some reason. Other teams and wrestlers are pouncing on our guys who are sitting back, waiting and wrestling defensively for the most part.

 

[RUreallygoingtoeatthat]

Too bad his experience of the RAC will be that one. As we've had some pretty boisterous meets this year but that one was like a mortuary. At least there was a decent crowd compared to a lot of places.

If it is the Iowa Central 285 lber Boone McDermott who was here for Illinois dual, he would be a very good addition. We have a slot open for him and he can wrestle in the Big Ten for a consistently top 5 national attendance program at the RAC. He won't displace the latest Shrek that Iowa has at heavyweight (how does Iowa consistently get the most beastly looking ogres at heavyweight? the new frosh is uglier than Stoll. Mocco is Fabio compared to their most recent ogres.). I did some research on McDermott, was a late bloomer in Iowa high school but put it together in his senior year after jumping up from 220. I'd love to see him on the banks.

 

[ScottRU93]

I agree that recruiting needs to take a leap. It’s nice to get a NJ state champ etc but we need to start getting the top 2-3 wrestlers, top 25 in country that the PSU’s, Iowa’s, ASU, OSU, Minny, even Wisconsin and Nebraska’s are getting. Last year was a good start but need to keep it going. We seem to Finish as bridesmaid too many times and lack the Sasso’s, Amos’s, Brayton, etc of the world. We have a ton to offer in atmosphere, facilities, academics, etc now.

Alvarez, JoJo, Vulakh nice starts from last year but need to keep it going

Are their changes needing internally in the program to make this happen? I am not saying by any means get rid of Goodale or Pritzlaff but do we need a different approach on recruiting? Maybe a different assistant? These are questions to ponder

 

[SCNJ]

We’ve brought in and continue to bring in numerous recruits that rank top 5 in the nation at their weight class. Development has been more of the issue and I think part of the problem is not having the depth in the practice room to push the starters. That said, if we keep recruiting the way we have been, we will get to where we need to be.

 

[MS-RU]

NJ State Team Tournament starts today for the following commits.

Clark (Collingswood)
Epperly (Jackson Memorial)
Oliveri (Hanover Park)
O'Neill (DePaul)

 

[Leonard23]

We’ve brought in and continue to bring in numerous recruits that rank top 5 in the nation at their weight class. Development has been more of the issue and I think part of the problem is not having the depth in the practice room to push the starters. That said, if we keep recruiting the way we have been, we will get to where we need to be.

Can you list all of these top 5 weight class recruits that haven't developed and underperformed? We need top 5 and 10 P4P not just at a weight, and you also have to look at which other schools are heavily involved that we're beating out.

 

[SCNJ]

Can you list all of these top 5 weight class recruits that haven't developed and underperformed? We need top 5 and 10 P4P not just at a weight, and you also have to look at which other schools are heavily involved that we're beating out.

The exact ranks I’m not 100% sure on but in the last 2 recruiting classes plus the current one, JoJo, Aguilar, Janzer, Glasgow, Alvarez, Turley, Vulakh, Kanniard, Kyonte, and Poz are/were all top 5 in their weight class. Add DelVecchio if you wish, I think he was #6 if memory serves me right.

That’s pretty much a full lineup worth of top 5 recruits. The recruiting classes (and subsequent transfers out) from 3-4 years ago have lead to the current rebuild season but recruiting hasn’t been an issue since then. There’s plenty of high school talent coming here. I agree it would be nice to land some top P4P guys but I’m not going to say we’re not recruiting well at the moment.

 

[Lips Manus]

There needs to be a staff shake up. Seems the message is getting old.

 

[R U Crazy]

There needs to be a staff shake up. Seems the message is getting old.

Message is getting old?
2 National Champs last year and you are ready to shake up Coaches?
That did not take long.
I hope you were being facetious.

I would agree we need more people to roll with the heavyweights (We have Downey), but that is about it.

I am not a wrestling savant..definitely not a savant

 

[Harleyr1]

There needs to be a staff shake up. Seems the message is getting old.

That’s ridiculous ..recruiting is no guarantee ..is it the coaches fault Mulligan didn’t pan out ..he was a top notch upper weight recruit ..is it coaches fault that Glasgow hasn’t exactly done all that I’m sure the coaches thought he would ..they don’t have a crystal ball im pretty sure we don’t have the money PSU throws around either or the traditionthey obvious have developed over the years... it’s not an exact science ..your gonna have some misses among your recruts ..where was the program before Scott got here ..that’s what I’m judging by ...im sure they are doing the best the can with what they have to work with ..the new facility will certainly help too .

 

[Ole Cabbagehead]

There is not going to be a staff shake up, so its pointless to talk about. Scott built this program from the ground up, and has had Leo with him from the beginning. Leo is going nowhere. This year, we have had 3-5 guys ranked at any given time, and have a strong shot at a freshman AA with Alvarez. A few years ago, that would be pretty damn good, and now this is a 'disappointing, boring rebuilding year.'

Its fan nature to always want more, but we need to have perspective. We also need to accept the fact that as you get toward the top ten of college wrestling, the only thing that is really going to move the needle is significantly increased donations. Otherwise we will be stagnant at this level, producing 1-2 AA's most years, and perhaps an occasional NC.

 

[rondi]

Its fan nature to always want more, but we need to have perspective. We also need to accept the fact that as you get toward the top ten of college wrestling, the only thing that is really going to move the needle is significantly increased donations. Otherwise we will be stagnant at this level, producing 1-2 AA's most years, and perhaps an occasional NC.

Resident Athletes to help train RU wrestlers. The top recruiting question is “who will I train with?” It matters to recruits and it should! The top, elite programs have well funded Wrestling Clubs. PSU had a sugar daddy fund theirs. Wrestling Clubs (not the Universities) are the ONLY ones who can hire Resident Athletes. SKWC (NOT Rutgers University) pays Downey/Ashnault/Graff to train with RU wrestlers. That’s 3. The top, elite programs have 2-3 times that many Resident Athletes.

SKWC is a non-profit organization and donations are tax deductible. ALL donations make a difference...membership, pin pool, Boom Club, raffles, etc.

Go RU!
Diane

 

[Kyontesdad]

I was absolutely thrilled with the Hamilton commitment, but if a high school wrestler is really considering trying to both play D1 football and wrestle in the B1G. then you aren't getting a 100% committed wrestler, and in our conference, you are going up against Cadet and Junior champs and medalists, future national and Olympic team members and contenders, laser-focused on getting better in wrestling all season round. I see other teams, like Wisconsin, getting multiple recruits for 285 in the same year . Or within 2 years of each other, receiving commitments from top 3 rated wrestlers. I hope that Goodale is still recruiting 285 for this year, next year and the following year, because it's possible we don't see Hamilton here, or at least not a version 100% committed to wrestling.

Why is it that people think you have to wrestle all year round to be good.

 

[Clearscreen25]

Why is it that people think you have to wrestle all year round to be good.

Really looking forward to seeing your son on the Banks!!

 

[koleszar]

Why is it that people think you have to wrestle all year round to be good.

I second @Clearscreen25 on this one, what little I've seen damn he's good. His talent is the answer to our prayers in the heavyweight class. May I ask, how long has Kyonte been wrestling.

 

[Racpack]

Can’t wait to see Kyonte on the banks. He is joining two programs on the rise. A great addition!
Can you say National Title and All American.

 

[RutgersAlum]

Why is it that people think you have to wrestle all year round to be good.

A very good example recently is Josh Holkit who was an All American last year.Has competed in both football and wrestling every year.

 

[FoxRU]

Not trying to be a pain but it is Kyonte not Keyonte. Just look at his dad’s post. The kid is going to be successful regardless of when/if he chooses to focus on one sport. The kid is a winner.

 

[Kyontesdad]

I second @Clearscreen25 on this one, what little I've seen damn he's good. His talent is the answer to our prayers in the heavyweight class. May I ask, how long has Keyonte been wrestling.

He’s been wrestling since he was 6 and what a lot of people don’t know is that he is young his first appearance at states as a freshman he made it to the finals and it was a 15yr old who just turned (15 in November states is in February) vs a 18yr grown man lol the reason I state this is you don’t have to wrestle year round to be able to compete at a high level. You just have to train hard when it’s time to train. We all know that it’s going to be tuff at the college level to do both but we also know that wrestling is a grind. You need time off and if you do another sport that’s fun you increase your chances of NOT getting burnt out.this has and always will be my philosophy and the reason being IT WORKS. So for people that say hey he needs to wrestle all year long that’s not what got us here so we’ll continue on the path of doing our way lol

 

[R U Crazy]

I am interested in his Position in football.....With his athleticism do you see him as a DE/LB Hybrid?
I have watched him since he committed and am really impressed by his commitment to wrestle against the best. Can he Red Shirt in one sport and not the other? With Poz coming in we have the potential for the best upperweights RU has had in a long time. Janzer/Poz/Hamilton are going to be fun to watch.

We all want Kyonte to have a healthy and successful 4-5 year career and continue his career afterwards in any direction he chooses.

 

[RutgersAlum]

He’s been wrestling since he was 6 and what a lot of people don’t know is that he is young his first appearance at states as a freshman he made it to the finals and it was a 15yr old who just turned (15 in November states is in February) vs a 18yr grown man lol the reason I state this is you don’t have to wrestle year round to be able to compete at a high level. You just have to train hard when it’s time to train. We all know that it’s going to be tuff at the college level to do both but we also know that wrestling is a grind. You need time off and if you do another sport that’s fun you increase your chances of NOT getting burnt out.this has and always will be my philosophy and the reason being IT WORKS. So for people that say hey he needs to wrestle all year long that’s not what got us here so we’ll continue on the path of doing our way lol

Mr Hamilton you know what works best for your son and don't let any one stir you otherwise.Continue the winning formula to success as Kyonte will succeed either way.

 

[Kyontesdad]

I am interested in his Position in football.....With his athleticism do you see him as a DE/LB Hybrid?
I have watched him since he committed and am really impressed by his commitment to wrestle against the best. Can he Red Shirt in one sport and not the other? With Poz coming in we have the potential for the best upperweights RU has had in a long time. Janzer/Poz/Hamilton are going to be fun to watch.

We all want Kyonte to have a healthy and successful 4-5 year career and continue his career afterwards in any direction he chooses.[/

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[Kyontesdad]

 

[R U Crazy]

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WOW..had no idea he played QB
Looked good on defense...was he calling plays?
Heck..even TE would be a good fit.....

 

[JudgeSmails56]

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Being a season ticket holder for both sports I can’t wait for him to get here. He seems like a great addition.

 

[wngarbarini]

Mr Hamilton
I have been involved with the wrestling program at RU over 60 years and I don’t care if your son wants to be a cheerleader or play in the pep band in addition to wrestling. I just can’t wait to watch him in practice and in meets when he arrives on the banks!

 

[SCNJ]

He’s been wrestling since he was 6 and what a lot of people don’t know is that he is young his first appearance at states as a freshman he made it to the finals and it was a 15yr old who just turned (15 in November states is in February) vs a 18yr grown man lol the reason I state this is you don’t have to wrestle year round to be able to compete at a high level. You just have to train hard when it’s time to train. We all know that it’s going to be tuff at the college level to do both but we also know that wrestling is a grind. You need time off and if you do another sport that’s fun you increase your chances of NOT getting burnt out.this has and always will be my philosophy and the reason being IT WORKS. So for people that say hey he needs to wrestle all year long that’s not what got us here so we’ll continue on the path of doing our way lol

Not enough people respect the multi sport philosophy. It’s a shame. Playing two or more sports not only decreases the likelihood of burnout but also decreases the likelihood of injury. There’s so many things that football can do for a wrestler and so many things that wrestling can do for a football player.

 

[Leonard23]

The exact ranks I’m not 100% sure on but in the last 2 recruiting classes plus the current one, JoJo, Aguilar, Janzer, Glasgow, Alvarez, Turley, Vulakh, Kanniard, Kyonte, and Poz are/were all top 5 in their weight class. Add DelVecchio if you wish, I think he was #6 if memory serves me right.

That’s pretty much a full lineup worth of top 5 recruits. The recruiting classes (and subsequent transfers out) from 3-4 years ago have lead to the current rebuild season but recruiting hasn’t been an issue since then. There’s plenty of high school talent coming here. I agree it would be nice to land some top P4P guys but I’m not going to say we’re not recruiting well at the moment.

I don't see development as the issue. We've just missed on and had bad luck with too many 2015-17 recruits and need more multi year state, prep and/or Fargo champs in future classes. Thankfully, Suriano transferred to bolster the 2016 class. We need 2 or more from each of the 2018 and 2019 classes to be multi year AAs to keep momentum.

 

[SCNJ]

I don't see development as the issue. We've just missed on and had bad luck with too many 2015-17 recruits and need more multi year state, prep and/or Fargo champs in future classes. Thankfully, Suriano transferred to bolster the 2016 class. We need 2 or more from each of the 2018 and 2019 classes to be multi year AAs to keep momentum.

Development being an issue was probably a poor choice of words. What I was trying to say is that over the last 3+ years, we’ve recruited multiple highly ranked kids annually so I don’t think it’s fair to call that an issue at the moment

 

[MS-RU]

Wow, Anthony Clark lost 12-5 to Michael Cetta

 

[TODDB33]

He’s been wrestling since he was 6 and what a lot of people don’t know is that he is young his first appearance at states as a freshman he made it to the finals and it was a 15yr old who just turned (15 in November states is in February) vs a 18yr grown man lol the reason I state this is you don’t have to wrestle year round to be able to compete at a high level. You just have to train hard when it’s time to train. We all know that it’s going to be tuff at the college level to do both but we also know that wrestling is a grind. You need time off and if you do another sport that’s fun you increase your chances of NOT getting burnt out.this has and always will be my philosophy and the reason being IT WORKS. So for people that say hey he needs to wrestle all year long that’s not what got us here so we’ll continue on the path of doing our way lol

I think people forgot about a young man named Meekins who did both for us. Welcome aboard and best of luck to your son and your family

 

[Clearscreen25]

Kyonte Maryland State Champ:


EDIT: Is this a prep/private school championship because it looks like the public school championship is in a few weeks? I am not familiar with their tourney set up.

 

[RutgersAlum]

Kyonte Maryland State Champ:

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EDIT: Is this a prep/private school championship because it looks like the public school championship is in a few weeks? I am not familiar with their tourney set up.

Private school leading towards National Preps.

 

[MS-RU]

Congratulations @Kyontesdad!

Here's to his upcoming NC!

 

[belushijo]

I think people forgot about a young man named Meekins who did both for us. Welcome aboard and best of luck to your son and your family

Meekins, while being a fantastic athlete, didn’t exactly set the wrestling world on fire when he got here. Not the comparison you want to make....in my humble opinion.

 

[TODDB33]

Meekins, while being a fantastic athlete, didn’t exactly set the wrestling world on fire when he got here. Not the comparison you want to make....in my humble opinion.

My comment was to show that he competed in both sports, came in as a walk on for football, and had a career record of 16 - 11 wrestling and went to NCAA in2006
So I feel not a bad comparison. Looking forward to Kyonte competing and excelling in both sports

 

[SCNJ]

Razohnn Gross didn’t qualify for nationals but was a two year starter as well, though I’m not sure if he played both sports simultaneously

 

[belushijo]

My comment was to show that he competed in both sports, came in as a walk on for football, and had a career record of 16 - 11 wrestling and went to NCAA in2006
So I feel not a bad comparison. Looking forward to Kyonte competing and excelling in both sports

We all agree it’s possible and others have done it. The question before us is how effectively can one perform in both. If Kyonte ends up having the same career as Meekins did when it comes to wrestling our upper weight issue will remain unsolved. Was my point.