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Discussion Topic: Jesse Mendez article
Ben Golden added to this discussion on February 10, 2026
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Quote from Michael Rodriguez's post:
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"There's part of me, however small, that can sympathize, at least a little bit with the Welsh hate. I don't agree with it, but I can understand it. Freshman NCAA runner-up leaves for another school in conference and has great success. I can see how that might sting. I find it telling that the loss of an athlete of his caliber is blamed 100% on him. Coach Ryan gets no blame whatsoever for allowing a situation like this to be created and fester to the point of losing a proven talent like Welsh.
I'm not in the room, so I don't know if it's true or not, but the stated point of contention being the "forced red-shirt" seems to be a massive (and rare) unforced error by Coach Ryan and his staff. If it meant that much to Welsh to be on the mat last year, then they should've let him, period. I agreed with the red-shirt. I thought it was the right call, but if it was going to drive away a potential 4X AA and National Championship contender, then the staff has to make that work. That's part of the job. Why would any coach want to die on that hill?
The Snyder hate I simply cant wrap my head around at all. He gave you four years, he was a huge part of your ONLY National Championship team and he made tOSU the center of the college wrestling world for a short time. While he was at Ohio State he conducted himself with respect and was viewed positively by almost the entire community. Then, After staying on AFTER GRADUATION, he decided to chance his training situation and move to a different school to see if elevate his game and keep up with the World's best. He continues to be part of the world's elite wrestlers and shows no signs of relinquishing his dominance (particularly on the national level).
I feel like both these situations make Ohio State (and its fans) look awful. By the Snyder standard, Jessie Mendez HAS TO serve tOSU program for the rest of his career to stay "loyal" to The Buckeyes? It seems clear, that regardless of how you shower him with praise right now, the Oio State faithful will turn on Jessie Mendez if he dares stray from the path of tOSU. What other program holds their wrestlers to that standard?
If I was a blue chip recruit, Ohio State would suffer from the fact that I don't get to choose whether or not I can compete for the starting lineup and that if I don't spend my ENTIRE competitive career training as in Columbus, I would be vilified by the people who used to cheer me on. It's a bad look."
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I honestly can't wrap my head around the fact that you can't wrap your head around why (some) Ohio State fans hate Snyder. Just for starters... the word "fan" is short for "fanatic," which implies a bit of irrationality. It's not rational for fans to care as much about sports as they do. Looking at sports fanship in general... these are young people (even in pro sports) playing games that have basically no productive purpose outside of entertainment--which is itself a luxury. These youngsters that we don't know who are playing games aren't worth any emotional investment from fans. Fans invest their emotions anyway, because things like regional pride and loyalty get wrapped in the experience.
Looking through this lens, I think it's clear why "fanatics" would be upset when someone does something not-loyal (like going to a rival program) that wounds their pride (suggesting that the athlete can't get what he needs at Ohio State).
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Discussion Topic: Jesse Mendez article
Dan Strope added to this discussion on February 10, 2026
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Quote from Scott Nicola's post:
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Quote from Dan Strope's post:
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"Hall of Shame? Rather surprised to see such a post on this particular forum. It really doesn't speak to the normal level of conversation here.
Snyder was the face of the program (and the USA for that matter) for years and will be a National Distinguish Member without question. And Rocco? Well, he has undeniably jumped levels since his move to Happy Valley. What is he guilty of? Wanting to go home?
I find it troublesome that anybody would even have such a list, particularly in regards to two individuals that represented the Buckeyes on such an elite level. What are they guilty of? Wanting to train in the best environment on the planet?
As Mike says, I could be wrong and I often am, but a Hall of Shame list shows a total lack of respect for these modern day gladiators."
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How has Rocco undeniably jumped levels since moving to Happy Valley? He was NCAA runner-up as a true freshman at tOSU and trained in Columbus for another year after that. He was favored to win a national title when he got to Happy Valley. How is it clear that he didn't jump levels prior to getting there. Mendez, Davino, Cannon, etc. all seemed to have jumped levels training at tOSU.
I am sorry that this list troubles you. As far as what Snyder is "guilty of" engaging in prostitution was the charge."
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I know that Rocco was an NCAA runner up and I still feel that he is performing at a higher level. Pure eye test, he has a more aggressive and deeper offensive arsenal now. I never said that Ohio State didn't develop their wrestlers but Penn State seems to be in class of their own in that regard. Although, I must admit that I am still waiting on our 165 and 197ers "to jump levels". Not sure I can point to the Penn State lineup and say anything in that regard. What elite athlete wouldn't want to be apart of that success rate?
As far Snyder, we are human. We sin. We struggle to live a Godly life on a daily basis. I choose to forgive and recognize and appreciate his talent.
Mike Rod, dead on again.
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Discussion Topic: Jesse Mendez article
Michael Rodriguez added to this discussion on February 10, 2026
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Ben...I get what you're saying. That's the nature of fandom. I'm starting to settle into the fact that, in this area, my brain might process information differently than the thick part of the bell curve does. Similar to someone with ADHD or autism, I struggle to see fandom through the prism that others easily do. When I say, "I don't understand", I really don't. The things I pointed out about Snyder and his time in Columbus were all factually accurate and not in dispute. I thought that winning individual and team championships and elevating your teams standing on a national level, while presenting yourself with honor on and off the play field was how you became a fan favorite? I didn't realize you had to be married to a particular organization for life to meet fan's standards. I thought a fan could appreciate the accomplishments of an athlete while he was on your team. That seems out of bounds to me, but I'm obviously wrong on that.
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Discussion Topic: Jesse Mendez article
Jeff Streu added to this discussion on February 10, 2026
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Quote from Michael Rodriguez's post:
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What other program holds their wrestlers to that standard?
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I'm not saying it's right, but PSU would be the answer to your question, because many of their fans hated on David Taylor after he left.
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Discussion Topic: Jesse Mendez article
Michael Rodriguez added to this discussion on February 10, 2026
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Jeff…I get my information about tOSU because I live here in Columbus. I wasn’t aware that Penn State and other programs have similar issues. If they do, in my eyes they’re just as bad. What was Taylor supposed to do, wait until Coach Sanderson retires and then compete with the 20 other past Penn State greats for the lone coaching job they’re “allowed” to apply for?
If you don’t mind relaying the information, what was the hot take from Penn State fans? Taylor should’ve stayed? Delayed his career? Was Taylor painted as ungrateful or a traitor? I believe you that he was. It tracks with what my local fandom would do in a similar situation.
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Discussion Topic: Jesse Mendez article
Jeff Streu added to this discussion on February 10, 2026
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Quote from Michael Rodriguez's post:
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"Jeff…I get my information about tOSU because I live here in Columbus. I wasn’t aware that Penn State and other programs have similar issues. If they do, in my eyes they’re just as bad. What was Taylor supposed to do, wait until Coach Sanderson retires and then compete with the 20 other past Penn State greats for the lone coaching job they’re “allowed” to apply for?
If you don’t mind relaying the information, what was the hot take from Penn State fans? Taylor should’ve stayed? Delayed his career? Was Taylor painted as ungrateful or a traitor? I believe you that he was. It tracks with what my local fandom would do in a similar situation."
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I agree with you 100%. It wouldn't make sense from a career advancement standpoint for Taylor to stay put, but because fans are fanatical as someone posted out, some PSU fans got the silly notion that David Taylor should not have left or was a traitor for doing so.
If anything it should be the opposite - they should want Cael to have an extensive "coaching tree" like Gable and Smith have. For as great of a coach as Cael is, his coaching tree doesn't have many branches yet.
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Discussion Topic: Jesse Mendez article
Hank Kornblut added to this discussion on February 10, 2026
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The issue with Welsh--based on innuendo and hearsay--was that they lured him back with money and then he left anyway. I have no clue as to the validity of that statement.
I wanted Snyder to stay in Columbus but it's his life. We can't make decisions based upon the desires of others in most instances. We try to do what makes sense for ourselves.
Any PSU fan who has an issue with David Taylor is a tool.
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Discussion Topic: Jesse Mendez article
Scott Nicola added to this discussion on February 10, 2026
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Quote from Dan Strope's post:
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Quote from Scott Nicola's post:
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Quote from Dan Strope's post:
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"Hall of Shame? Rather surprised to see such a post on this particular forum. It really doesn't speak to the normal level of conversation here.
Snyder was the face of the program (and the USA for that matter) for years and will be a National Distinguish Member without question. And Rocco? Well, he has undeniably jumped levels since his move to Happy Valley. What is he guilty of? Wanting to go home?
I find it troublesome that anybody would even have such a list, particularly in regards to two individuals that represented the Buckeyes on such an elite level. What are they guilty of? Wanting to train in the best environment on the planet?
As Mike says, I could be wrong and I often am, but a Hall of Shame list shows a total lack of respect for these modern day gladiators."
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How has Rocco undeniably jumped levels since moving to Happy Valley? He was NCAA runner-up as a true freshman at tOSU and trained in Columbus for another year after that. He was favored to win a national title when he got to Happy Valley. How is it clear that he didn't jump levels prior to getting there. Mendez, Davino, Cannon, etc. all seemed to have jumped levels training at tOSU.
I am sorry that this list troubles you. As far as what Snyder is "guilty of" engaging in prostitution was the charge."
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I know that Rocco was an NCAA runner up and I still feel that he is performing at a higher level. Pure eye test, he has a more aggressive and deeper offensive arsenal now. I never said that Ohio State didn't develop their wrestlers but Penn State seems to be in class of their own in that regard. Although, I must admit that I am still waiting on our 165 and 197ers "to jump levels". Not sure I can point to the Penn State lineup and say anything in that regard. What elite athlete wouldn't want to be apart of that success rate?
As far Snyder, we are human. We sin. We struggle to live a Godly life on a daily basis. I choose to forgive and recognize and appreciate his talent.
Mike Rod, dead on again."
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I agree that the Rocco that is wrestling at Penn State this year is definitely better than the one who was an NCAA Runner-Up 2 years ago. I am pushing back against the assertion that this great jump only happened after he transferred to Penn State. As mentioned, he continued to train for over a year in Columbus after his Freshman season and it is very likely that a lot of his progress occurred during this time here (I'm sure he continued to progress while in Happy Valley). Also mentioned above, Rocco's issues with being redshirted were addressed by the staff as he reportedly got additional NIL money and agreed to stay on before ultimately bailing after the season. So yes he has the right to wrestle where he wants, but this is not a good look.
Regarding Snyder, I am not denying that he is a great wrestler who brought a lot to Ohio State Wrestling. While I didn't like him leaving to train in Happy Valley, I think showing up to the dual meet against Ohio State in Penn State gear a year later was disloyal and a total dick move. Regarding his legal issues, the guy never took any responsibility and in fact tried to act like he was being persecuted when people were upset/disappointed by his behavior. I am all for forgiveness but I don't like the whole false piety thing.
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Discussion Topic: Jesse Mendez article
Nick Lecklider added to this discussion on February 10, 2026
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I think it’s silly that people are concerned on who i root for or not. I named my ohio state guys who i liked and didnt. It’s human nature and happens everywhere in sports. It’s very easy for a fan to hate when someone leaves their team. Kyle snyder also cost us greg kerkvliet. He had interviews basically bashing ohio state after he left also. If you think me saying i don't root for snyder or welsh then i think thats a problem for everyone else. You should see what people say about David Taylor and Thomas Gilman when they left their respective programs. David Taylor got paid more than Cael to coach and is getting the most nil suport in college wrestling. David Taylor had a no brainer. I would never be mad if an ohio state guy got an oppurtunity to coach elsewhere. There are veey little oppurtunities to coach, but you choose where you want to wrestle.
Cleveland had riots when Lebron james left and were burning his jersey on the street. New england went crazy when Tom Brady left to go the Bucaneers. These guys are two of the greatest ever and did a lot for the teams they played for. While i respect what these two guys did at ohio state, there is not one match i can sit and root for these guys at this point in my life. I think thats pretty common in sports in general. To say me rooting against them give Ohio state fans a bad look is very laughable. There is no where in sports any fan base would be completely ok with these sort of things.
Ps I’m sorry to omit Rex Holman. He is right near the top of this list!!
I also excluded NATO bc of his time spent at the team up north. That’s a big no no!
Jaggers probably should have been included. He shined in March but every season had a lot of losses and made me pull my hair out in dual meets. Did any other two time champ have 15 losses between his two championship runs? I do consider dual meets an important part of wrestling to me personally.
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Discussion Topic: Jesse Mendez article
Roe Fox added to this discussion on February 11, 2026
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I forgot KS showed up for the meet in PSU gear. Yes, crass and ungrateful effort.
While I am disgusted by his solicitation charge, I didn’t see him saying he was persecuted. He pled guilty immediately and took well deserved public backlash.
Conversely, Bob Kraft gets caught on tape in a messsge parlor, hires some lawyers and gets the evidence thrown out. Last week many were upset he wasn’t elected to the Hall of Fame. Pathetic, in my opinion.
When was NATO at TSUN? I simply don’t remember. Or maybe I don’t want to.
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Last edited by Roe Fox on February 11, 2026; edited 1 time in total
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Discussion Topic: Jesse Mendez article
Nick Lecklider added to this discussion on February 11, 2026
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Discussion Topic: Jesse Mendez article
Roe Fox added to this discussion on February 11, 2026
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I forgot KS showed up for the meet in PSU gear. Yes, crass and ungrateful effort.
While I am disgusted by his solicitation charge, I didn’t see him saying he was persecuted. He pled guy to immediately and took well deserved public backlash.
Conversely, Bob Kraft gets caught on tape in a messsge parlor, hires some lawyers and gets the evidence thrown out. Last week many were upset he wasn’t elected to the Hall of Fame. Pathetic, in my opinion.
When was NATO at TSUN? I simply don’t remember. Or maybe I don’t want to.
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Discussion Topic: Jesse Mendez article
Mark Niemann added to this discussion on February 11, 2026
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Discussion Topic: Jesse Mendez article
Michael Rodriguez added to this discussion on February 11, 2026
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Roe…Do you think that off the field issues should keep people from their respective Halls of Fame? I’m not picking a fight of anything, it just seemed like a solid topic for forum discussion.
I think Bob Kraft is a piece of shit, but Halls of Fame are full of pieces of shit.
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Discussion Topic: Jesse Mendez article
Nick Lecklider added to this discussion on February 11, 2026
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I think the problem with kraft and bellicheck were more that just the prostitution charge. You need to remember spygate and deflategate. While I think they will eventually get in I think the voters wanted to make a point not to be first ballot.
While I think it should be mostly on the field for the hall of fame, you are still a representative of an elite club. Off the field actions have to be taken into account. Look at Antonio brown. He is the perfect example. One of the greatest on the field, but almost no chance he will ever make hall of fame for off the field.
Sammy sasso even getting into Ohio state hall of fame could be an issue because of his drug and gun possession charges. He had a great career and a remarkable comeback story and I think he deserves it, but you also need to be a role model for the university.
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