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Discussion Topic: The Epitaph
Hank Kornblut added to this discussion on March 22, 2026
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Great season for the Bucks but they crashed hard at NCAA's. PSU and OSU with 8 AA's and most of the champs. Nebraska and Iowa with 7 AA's. Ohio State and Michigan with 5. Bucks beat Iowa and Nebraska twice in duals yet finished behind them at NCAA's.
Would you trade some of those dual wins for more AA's?
Why does Tom Ryan struggle to put guys on the podium? Look it up. Bucks don't produce as many AA's as you think for a program that's often been among the best in the country. They do a great job with their best wrestlers but not so well with those guys who are "in the mix."
Quibbles aside, we can all agree that no one expected Bucks to be so good this year and it was a great ride. Tom Ryan is an excellent head coach. His major "flaw" is that he can't compete with Cael. I do think he's done as well as he can. Does the Athletic Department have a succesion plan? Being a head coach of a great D1 program seems like a young man's game. If Oklahoma State showed us anything, it's the importance of identifying the right leader to step in and then making your move. Easier said than done.
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Last edited by Hank Kornblut on March 22, 2026; edited 2 times in total
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Discussion Topic: The Epitaph
Jim Behrens added to this discussion on March 22, 2026
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I was in the review room for all of this weekend and the guys who were running the machines for review were from Oklahoma. They had some very interesting insight as to how David Taylor wound up at Oklahoma State and not at Oklahoma. The numbers I was hearing are some that I never heard about in the OSU talk.
BTW, watching in and participating in the process was very enlightening. I will NEVER again complain about how long a review of anything takes.
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Discussion Topic: The Epitaph
Sam Delio added to this discussion on March 22, 2026
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Good post Hank, but I have to disagree with a few things…
- “In the mix”. Dylan D is a great example. I would have to credit him, but also have to give some credit to Logan and the staff. This year alone both Paddy and Geog out performed expectations at nationals. I get they did not outperform career expectations, but would call them “in the mix” this year. Who expected Gavin Hoffman to have the 1 great year he had? What about Rocco’s runner up finish as a true freshman? Romero and Ethan Smith made great strides towards the end of their career. Lastly, no one expected TeShan Campbell to podium in his final year. I realize there are just as many examples of flops, but there were “in the mix” kids who outperformed as well.
- Tom Ryan’s major flaw is not competing w Cale: That is everyone’s flaw. I understand that Ryan can do better as a coach, but I’m not sure Jordan Burroughs or Kyle Dake can do any better with the lack of funding Ohio State has for the wrestling program. David Taylor has the name at the other OSU, but the funding came along with it, which is making him successful there. You said he’s done as well as he can, but again why should the athletic department look for another coach because we will see the same result with lack of funding?
Yes, I would trade more AA (Nick B would be my #1 choice) for the dual meet performance this year. As much as I loved all meats, the national championship is what you measured on in your career.
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Discussion Topic: The Epitaph
Hank Kornblut added to this discussion on March 22, 2026
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Sam--while I disagree about producing AA's (look it up year by year...you've given me a couple examples but one could argue they should have done even better), you make an excellent point about funding. If Ohio State is at a disadvantage compared to Penn State, Oklahoma State and Iowa (and probably my alma mater, UM), then there's only so much that can be done. Every program needs that super deep pockets donor(s), who will pay NIL. My guess is Tom Ryan works his b-lls off raising money because it's the only way he can compete. Building the Covelli center was a monumental accomplishment. Then suddenly having to go back to the same donors and say, "Hey, um, got any more money" can't be easy.
Based upon your premise regarding funding, there is almost now way to justify making a change in staff. The only justification would be if someone like Kyle Dake said he had big donors ready to give as soon as he's hired.
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Discussion Topic: The Epitaph
Brian Mathews added to this discussion on March 22, 2026
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As is normally the case, I walk away from this tournament with mixed feelings. There were highlights and lowlights. Great performances and awful losses. As a spectator and a fan, it was a great experience. In my opinion the blood round this year was the most exciting sporting event I’ve attended in years, recency bias be damned.
This year there’s been a remarkable paradigm shift. Cael and PSU put their greatest team ever on the mat, but for the first time since Ohio State pushed them to the brink in 2018, there’s someone in the rear view mirror, and they’re closing fast. It doesn’t feel like Cael is the only one who “has all the answers,” and the sport is getting younger.
It’s tough to watch guys you spend all year watching and rooting for fall short of their goals. It’s even tougher when you see the look on their face knowing they can’t compete at their best because of injury, à la Fishback, Geog, and Feldman.
A definite highlight was seeing Cannon compete and win while severely limited physically. He had to learn an entirely new approach in a matter of weeks, and won matches on equal parts creativity and guts.
Overall it was a great season for the Buckeyes, with a disappointing ending. I don’t currently see a path for Ohio State to compete with Penn State and Oklahoma State, but looking forward to seeing them try to find a way.
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Discussion Topic: The Epitaph
Hank Kornblut added to this discussion on March 22, 2026
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Quote from Brian Mathews's post:
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"As is normally the case, I walk away from this tournament with mixed feelings. There were highlights and lowlights. Great performances and awful losses. As a spectator and a fan, it was a great experience. In my opinion the blood round this year was the most exciting sporting event I’ve attended in years, recency bias be damned.
This year there’s been a remarkable paradigm shift. Cael and PSU put their greatest team ever on the mat, but for the first time since Ohio State pushed them to the brink in 2018, there’s someone in the rear view mirror, and they’re closing fast. It doesn’t feel like Cael is the only one who “has all the answers,” and the sport is getting younger.
It’s tough to watch guys you spend all year watching and rooting for fall short of their goals. It’s even tougher when you see the look on their face knowing they can’t compete at their best because of injury, à la Fishback, Geog, and Feldman.
A definite highlight was seeing Cannon compete and win while severely limited physically. He had to learn an entirely new approach in a matter of weeks, and won matches on equal parts creativity and guts.
Overall it was a great season for the Buckeyes, with a disappointing ending. I don’t currently see a path for Ohio State to compete with Penn State and Oklahoma State, but looking forward to seeing them try to find a way."
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Very well said.
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Discussion Topic: The Epitaph
Chris Thomas added to this discussion on March 22, 2026
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Quote from Sam Delio's post:
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"Good post Hank, but I have to disagree with a few things…
- “In the mix”. Dylan D is a great example. I would have to credit him, but also have to give some credit to Logan and the staff. This year alone both Paddy and Geog out performed expectations at nationals. I get they did not outperform career expectations, but would call them “in the mix” this year. Who expected Gavin Hoffman to have the 1 great year he had? What about Rocco’s runner up finish as a true freshman? Romero and Ethan Smith made great strides towards the end of their career. Lastly, no one expected TeShan Campbell to podium in his final year. I realize there are just as many examples of flops, but there were “in the mix” kids who outperformed as well.
- Tom Ryan’s major flaw is not competing w Cale: That is everyone’s flaw. I understand that Ryan can do better as a coach, but I’m not sure Jordan Burroughs or Kyle Dake can do any better with the lack of funding Ohio State has for the wrestling program. David Taylor has the name at the other OSU, but the funding came along with it, which is making him successful there. You said he’s done as well as he can, but again why should the athletic department look for another coach because we will see the same result with lack of funding?
Yes, I would trade more AA (Nick B would be my #1 choice) for the dual meet performance this year. As much as I loved all meats, the national championship is what you measured on in your career."
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I remember when D.T. took over @OKST I said he would make an instant impact and challenge PSU. He is a modern day star with his social media presence.I think Brady was the only person with me. Moving forward any freshman who wants to compete for a individual national championship who do you go with? It's Magicman ! Now guys like JB and Dake would bring parity because of there recent success. Those might be the only other two who would do a better job than Coach Ryan IMO. Ryan has had great success with Courts, Heflin, and a plethora of others who "overachieved" during his tenure. Unless you get those two I would stick with Ryan.
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Discussion Topic: The Epitaph
Brady Hiatt added to this discussion on March 22, 2026
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I knew D.T. would be a rockstar coaching -- now his guys are saying "if you want to win a national title, you come to Stillwater". Sounds familiar to what I heard from PSU guys a decade+ ago.
It's deja vu all over again.
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Discussion Topic: The Epitaph
Nick Lecklider added to this discussion on March 22, 2026
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David Taylor is doing great but still a little ways away from challenging for a title. Penn state was not really challenged this season. Next year Penn state loses only Levi Haines. They gain a lot more than they lose. They gain kasak, henckal, ono, Cunningham, Desmond who beat Lilladahl , and Williams. Williams looks like the real deal and may be a title contender right away. Top guys at heavy leaving so have a real shot to all American all 10 weights.
Oklahoma state gains raneys and Ross. Lose doucet. The year I think they can catch them is when these freshamn turn seniors. Penn state is still very young and can possibly break the points record once again next season.
Penn state lineup
125 Lilladahl
133/141 ono blaze
149 van ness
157 kasak
165/174 Messenbrink/heckal/williams
184 welsh
197 Barr
285 Mirasola
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Discussion Topic: The Epitaph
Chris Thomas added to this discussion on March 22, 2026
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Quote from Nick Lecklider's post:
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"David Taylor is doing great but still a little ways away from challenging for a title. Penn state was not really challenged this season. Next year Penn state loses only Levi Haines. They gain a lot more than they lose. They gain kasak, henckal, ono, Cunningham, Desmond who beat Lilladahl , and Williams. Williams looks like the real deal and may be a title contender right away. Top guys at heavy leaving so have a real shot to all American all 10 weights.
Oklahoma state gains raneys and Ross. Lose doucet. The year I think they can catch them is when these freshamn turn seniors. Penn state is still very young and can possibly break the points record once again next season.
Penn state lineup
125 Lilladahl
133/141 ono blaze
149 van ness
157 kasak
165/174 Messenbrink/heckal/williams
184 welsh
197 Barr
285 Mirasola"
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It's coming soon Nick you see it too. Not far away as you think.
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Discussion Topic: The Epitaph
Hank Kornblut added to this discussion on March 22, 2026
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Looking at current rosters and making assumptions fails to take into account the transfer portal and NIL money. The game has changed.
Speaking of: If the Crookham/Stanich rumor is true, the two would fit perfectly in Columbus at 141 and 149. Anyone here capable of writing some sizable checks?
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Discussion Topic: The Epitaph
Jim Behrens added to this discussion on March 22, 2026
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[quote="Hank Kornblut"
Anyone here capable of writing some sizable checks?[/quote]
Probably no one other than a well off doctor or a deli owner.
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Discussion Topic: The Epitaph
Hank Kornblut added to this discussion on March 22, 2026
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Culled from MatScouts1 on Twitter:
"Ohio State was 5th this year with 84.5pts. Two years ago, Cornell was Runners Up with 72.5.
This was a historically high year for team points at the top. 6 programs combined for 40 of the 80 All Americans.
I'm not sure that's a good thing."
From The Barn Session on Twitter:
"And at the same time, 31 teams had at least one AA, which I think is good? Even still, there is reason for concern about the top teams holding MOST of the talent in D1."
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