So, before we inevitably move on to the talk about next year, potential lineups, transfers in, etc, I just wanted to take a moment to express my tremendous gratitude to the coaches and the team for another incredible year. I've never been a fan of a sports dynasty before, but I think it's appropriate to pause and consider just how lucky we are and to recognize the athletes that comprise the team. Of course I'm grateful for Cael, Casey, Cody, and all, but that's for another post. And though not mentioned here, all the athletes that are behind the scenes, started sometimes or not at all, I'm grateful for their part as well.
125: Gary Steen: I kept wondering how difficult it must have been for Gary, hearing all year about the "hole" at 125 and Penn State's 125 "curse". The young man was undersized and he scrapped. He has a lot of work to do, but I don't think I ever saw a lack of effort on his part. Way to not give up, Gary! Just keep improving.
133: RBY: What can I say? A truly astounding athlete. It's been my privilege to watch RBY all these years. An amazing mix of athleticism, lighting quickness, wrestling IQ, top level defense and off the charts work ethic. Coming from a challenging childhood, to achieve all he has is even more remarkable. It didn't end the way he wanted, but this man is gonna go far in life. We won't see another like him, IMO.
141: Beau Bartlett: There was a lot of crap written about Beau and his lack of offense last season. Truth was, he bumped up FOR THE TEAM, and wrestled undersized all year. I'm sure his lack of size was a factor in inhibiting his offense. While his attack rate will never be Nolf-like, (whose is, really?), he showed much more confidence in his offense, his defense was great and he improved all season long, culminating in some great wins at NCAAs and an impressive 3rd place finish. Thanks, Beau!
149: Shayne Van Ness: Just a redshirt Freshman who barely wrestled last season due to injury, he had to find his way during the season. A relentless motor and endless gas tank enabled him to pull off some stunning come from behind wins at NCAAs and finish a fantastic third. 149 clears out next year and with his experience and improvement, it's right there for the taking.
157: Levi Haines: Absolutely remarkable season as a young, true Freshman. The coaches knew all along he was the guy at 157 and they, of course, were right. Always pushing forward, elite defensively with a maturity that belies his age, he had an astounding season. The future is bright, Levi!
165: Alex Facundo: While Alex didn't finish the way he wanted, all the tools are there. His length, elite defense and drive will help him to build on this season and figure out some more angles on attacks. I'm looking forward to his continuing improvement.
174: Carter Starocci: All of our athletes are individuals and Carter is certainly unique. He received criticism on this very message board for his outspoken manner, but he is who he is. An unbelievably, driven, confident and skilled wrestler and 3 time champion. We are truly blessed to watch his excellence.
184: Aaron Brooks: Another remarkable leader and athlete. Perhaps the most technically perfect wrestler on the team. Always pushing forward, fearless and strong. Absolutely out of this world performances. Honored to see him get #3 and go for #4 next year.
197: Max Dean: Certainly had some bumps in the road at the end, but battled back to be an AA again. His post match interviews revealed this man puts his heart and soul into the sport. I'm sure he led by example all year. Thanks, Max.
HWT: Greg Kerkvliet: Having put on weight and finally healthy, it was great to see Kerk at his best. He just couldn't quite get over the hump vs an impressive Parris, but there's no shame in that. His size, quickness, athleticism, and drive will get him the title next year.
So, thanks to all for a fabulous season. We are truly blessed to be fans of this unreal dynasty.
WE ARE!!!
125: Gary Steen: I kept wondering how difficult it must have been for Gary, hearing all year about the "hole" at 125 and Penn State's 125 "curse". The young man was undersized and he scrapped. He has a lot of work to do, but I don't think I ever saw a lack of effort on his part. Way to not give up, Gary! Just keep improving.
133: RBY: What can I say? A truly astounding athlete. It's been my privilege to watch RBY all these years. An amazing mix of athleticism, lighting quickness, wrestling IQ, top level defense and off the charts work ethic. Coming from a challenging childhood, to achieve all he has is even more remarkable. It didn't end the way he wanted, but this man is gonna go far in life. We won't see another like him, IMO.
141: Beau Bartlett: There was a lot of crap written about Beau and his lack of offense last season. Truth was, he bumped up FOR THE TEAM, and wrestled undersized all year. I'm sure his lack of size was a factor in inhibiting his offense. While his attack rate will never be Nolf-like, (whose is, really?), he showed much more confidence in his offense, his defense was great and he improved all season long, culminating in some great wins at NCAAs and an impressive 3rd place finish. Thanks, Beau!
149: Shayne Van Ness: Just a redshirt Freshman who barely wrestled last season due to injury, he had to find his way during the season. A relentless motor and endless gas tank enabled him to pull off some stunning come from behind wins at NCAAs and finish a fantastic third. 149 clears out next year and with his experience and improvement, it's right there for the taking.
157: Levi Haines: Absolutely remarkable season as a young, true Freshman. The coaches knew all along he was the guy at 157 and they, of course, were right. Always pushing forward, elite defensively with a maturity that belies his age, he had an astounding season. The future is bright, Levi!
165: Alex Facundo: While Alex didn't finish the way he wanted, all the tools are there. His length, elite defense and drive will help him to build on this season and figure out some more angles on attacks. I'm looking forward to his continuing improvement.
174: Carter Starocci: All of our athletes are individuals and Carter is certainly unique. He received criticism on this very message board for his outspoken manner, but he is who he is. An unbelievably, driven, confident and skilled wrestler and 3 time champion. We are truly blessed to watch his excellence.
184: Aaron Brooks: Another remarkable leader and athlete. Perhaps the most technically perfect wrestler on the team. Always pushing forward, fearless and strong. Absolutely out of this world performances. Honored to see him get #3 and go for #4 next year.
197: Max Dean: Certainly had some bumps in the road at the end, but battled back to be an AA again. His post match interviews revealed this man puts his heart and soul into the sport. I'm sure he led by example all year. Thanks, Max.
HWT: Greg Kerkvliet: Having put on weight and finally healthy, it was great to see Kerk at his best. He just couldn't quite get over the hump vs an impressive Parris, but there's no shame in that. His size, quickness, athleticism, and drive will get him the title next year.
So, thanks to all for a fabulous season. We are truly blessed to be fans of this unreal dynasty.
WE ARE!!!
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