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Discussion Topic: Ohio State v Kent
Hank Kornblut added to this discussion on January 6, 2009
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Rex: I'd be curious as to which college coaches impress you?
Also, how do you feel Tom Brands is doing? Do you think having all the Virginia Tech transfers gave him an added advantage at Iowa? Do you feel he's going to be as close to as good as Gable? Or will the program slide a bit once the extra recruits he brought with him graduate?
Can any college program expect to be as dominant as Iowa under Gable?
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Discussion Topic: Ohio State v Kent
Rex Holman added to this discussion on January 6, 2009
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Hank-
Loaded questions.
I am impressed by athlete/coach combinations. When the athlete executes technique and strategy provided for them by a coach on the biggest stage, then it is like watching excellence . Matt Valenti and Zeke Jones, Mike Mena and Dubuque/Escobedo, Brands and Metcalf, Brands and Cejudo, come to mind off the top of my head.
Yes, Brands could very well be the next Gable and have similar accomplishments. Yes, his recruits are helping him win. Those guys would not be doing as well under different leadership. They have guys stepping up for them that are hungry and it follows Brands philosophy that you don't deserve anything rather you earn it. Morningstar and Dennis are good examples of wrestler's thriving under his leadership.
Watch Keddy's next match with Herbert. He went after Herbert with reckless abandon with no attempt to protect his lead leg and as a result, got beat down. I am interested to see how much strategy plays into the next match and how much his coaches prep him to defend the single leg attack. It will be an indication of his ability to adapt and listen to his coaches.
Brand's is setting a precedent and he will continue to get guys to compete at their highest level. Being an Iowa wrestler is dream for a lot of kids and is much like becoming a Navy SEAL. There is a high price to pay but there are intrinsic rewards for paying the price. Also, like the SEALs there is a high wash out rate. If you can't handle it, see ya. There is no shame in leaving but you just don't belong.
What to do to beat Iowa. Study them. They win because they wrestle to make you quit. Once you acknowledge that, then you are on the road to beating them. It is not about conventional wrestling. It is about preparing for a 7 minute sprint while staying in position and executing technique. You do need to adapt your style to beat them otherwise you will just get tired and lose position.
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