Per his twitter... can't figure out how to post picture or link tweet.
" I resign effective immediately as the Head Coach of the Wisconsin RTC due to a lack of integrity and transperency by leadership"
Bono, Sean, or Barry A?
I assume it includes at least one of these.
Quote from: Numbers on August 10, 2020, 10:32:43 PM
Bono, Sean, or Barry A?
I assume it includes at least one of these.
Right. Barry seems to big and distant. Could be SS, I suppose. I'd guess otherwise, though.
Welp, that didn't last long.
I find it interesting this happened shortly after everything happened with football, when Alverez said UW could lose $100 million if there were no season. I cant imagine they will allow wrestling when they didnt football given their reasons and the money involved in football.
I have no clue, just given the timing it just seems like it could be somewhat related to that. I guess we will probably find out on FRL soon.
Very good summary. Basically nothing
Quote from: imwi on August 11, 2020, 09:06:04 AM
Very good summary. Basically nothing
Either keep behind closed doors or provide an explanation. Throwing out accusations on integrity is a pretty big deal. When it comes to recruiting, families need to trust their children with the coaching staff.
Quote from: walden_hiker on August 11, 2020, 09:21:24 AM
Quote from: imwi on August 11, 2020, 09:06:04 AM
Very good summary. Basically nothing
Either keep behind closed doors or provide an explanation. Throwing out accusations on integrity is a pretty big deal. When it comes to recruiting, families need to trust their children with the coaching staff.
That is an excellent point. Accusations without facts/explanation is not the best way to handle a high profile separation. No matter how you slice it very disappointing.
On a side note, I saw the tweet when Matt McDonough "liked" it which is interesting.
Gonna be a couple of interesting days on the forum, I can tell.
Askren is BAD for Wisconsin wrestling. Cares more about the bottom line of his wrestling school than what is better for the sport. Sad that so many people worship someone who is clearly out for himself and not the betterment of the sport in this state. If dude had any class, why would he out it out publicly? Covid 19 has affected everybody Ben. Grow up!
Quote from: hardcore3 on August 11, 2020, 01:23:29 PM
Askren is BAD for Wisconsin wrestling. Cares more about the bottom line of his wrestling school than what is better for the sport. Sad that so many people worship someone who is clearly out for himself and not the betterment of the sport in this state. If dude had any class, why would he out it out publicly? Covid 19 has affected everybody Ben. Grow up!
Nice 1st post.
Agree 100%. A lot of effort to create an account to bad mouth someone
So your hero didnt bad mouth people with his post? Keep following the rest of the sheep bro.
You really read alot in to my post. I don't see the word hero at all and didn't agree or disagree with you just that it seemed like a lot to creat an account just to badmouth him. That's all. Have a nice day, stay healthy
Quote from: leg turk on August 11, 2020, 01:55:33 PM
Quote from: hardcore3 on August 11, 2020, 01:23:29 PM
Askren is BAD for Wisconsin wrestling. Cares more about the bottom line of his wrestling school than what is better for the sport. Sad that so many people worship someone who is clearly out for himself and not the betterment of the sport in this state. If dude had any class, why would he out it out publicly? Covid 19 has affected everybody Ben. Grow up!
What should a first post look like? Heaven forbid a topic gets someone interested enough to start posting on this forum and they get shredded simply for being their first post? Its no wonder there is not more new users on this site.
That being said, I disagree that Ben Askren is bad for Wisconsin Wrestling. On the lone fact that He has built the top wrestling schools in the state and not long ago added to that taking over the Advanced program. If UW plans to keep in state top talent in the future hopefully they can "burry the hatchet" and find some mutual respect in the future, because i'm sure Ben Askren is instrumental to doing so.
I also found it interesting that Tristan Moran liked the Tweet, I understand he is coaching at the Madison Academy and his own person but assumed he still had/has a good relationship with the UW coaches and would otherwise stay out away from it. I'm sure more will come out with time.
As a monthly donor I'd like to hear an update from the RTC on the state of program after the release of such big news.
Quote from: Buckyfan3000 on August 11, 2020, 02:49:39 PM
Quote from: leg turk on August 11, 2020, 01:55:33 PM
Quote from: hardcore3 on August 11, 2020, 01:23:29 PM
Askren is BAD for Wisconsin wrestling. Cares more about the bottom line of his wrestling school than what is better for the sport. Sad that so many people worship someone who is clearly out for himself and not the betterment of the sport in this state. If dude had any class, why would he out it out publicly? Covid 19 has affected everybody Ben. Grow up!
What should a first post look like? Heaven forbid a topic gets someone interested enough to start posting on this forum and they get shredded simply for being their first post? Its no wonder there is not more new users on this site.
That being said, I disagree that Ben Askren is bad for Wisconsin Wrestling. On the lone fact that He has built the top wrestling schools in the state and not long ago added to that taking over the Advanced program. If UW plans to keep in state top talent in the future hopefully they can "burry the hatchet" and find some mutual respect in the future, because i'm sure Ben Askren is instrumental to doing so.
I also found it interesting that Tristan Moran liked the Tweet, I understand he is coaching at the Madison Academy and his own person but assumed he still had/has a good relationship with the UW coaches and would otherwise stay out away from it. I'm sure more will come out with time.
As a monthly donor I'd like to hear an update from the RTC on the state of program after the release of such big news.
Agreed. A very vague statement from Ben with allegations that don't make it seem like a good situation.
Ben has always been good for Wisconsin wrestling. From highschool to international he always kept Wisconsin wrestling relevant. He would do a tremendous job as the HC and be around for years. A little outspoken. But a pretty big character guy and willing to eat the humble pie when he got trashed in his MMA fights.
I thought that, if Gross stuck around, he and Ben would be the ultimate RTC coaches. Can't always get what you want, though. That sucks. Say what you want about Ben; he's was/is an excellent wrestler/coach.
Given Askren's commitment to all the other things he has going, IMO the biggest thing he brought UW and the RTC was his name. This is not meant as a negative as he would likely be a great coach if he dedicated his time to it, he is just so busy with other things. He also has a bad hip that will have surgery on soon, so he isn't going to be able to push guys in the room like he would have otherwise.
I think his name probably meant the most in terms of recruiting for UW, not the RTC. I do not think it mattered much for the RTC as it still came down to money available and paying the RTC athletes, which we do not have at this point relative to the top programs.
Unfortunately, I am not sure how much having him at the RTC helped bring in kids. It really didn't with WI kids yet (the 1 instate high level kid at an elite level we didn't even get). It may have helped with Amos, etc.
Hopefully the relationship with the coaches and Askren will be good enough where it atleast won't hurt UW's chances with instate kids.
Askren is a great Ambassador for the State and the Sport and he definitely helped grow the RTC while he was involved!
I fully trust and support Bono and his integrity and the future is very bright for the Badgers and the RTC! All programs deal with changes and coaching movement and Bono has handled all of the changes and setbacks with the program so far as a true leader!
Quote from: hardcore3 on August 11, 2020, 01:23:29 PM
Askren is BAD for Wisconsin wrestling. Cares more about the bottom line of his wrestling school than what is better for the sport. Sad that so many people worship someone who is clearly out for himself and not the betterment of the sport in this state. If dude had any class, why would he out it out publicly? Covid 19 has affected everybody Ben. Grow up!
Totally agree! Loose cannon! I was quite relieved when he didn't end up becoming the Badgers head coach. He's just too disruptive.
Bono and Reader, and Ben will all play a huge part in Wisconsin Wrestling getting better. Whether they are working together or separately. At the University and the State level. They will figure it out.
V
The forbidden one speaks. :D
Hope you've been good, MV.
Love him or hate him, Ben's for real.
Quote from: colekaden on August 12, 2020, 11:18:55 AM
Bono and Reader, and Ben will all play a huge part in Wisconsin Wrestling getting better. Whether they are working together or separately. At the University and the State level. They will figure it out.
"... working together or separately..." is one thing, but openly accusing the other of a lack of integrity cannot be good for WI wrestling, no matter how one might like to spin it.
""... working together or separately..." is one thing, but openly accusing the other of a lack of integrity cannot be good for WI wrestling, no matter how one might like to spin it."
No it isn't and if he's not going to be more specific it just leaves a lot of questions hanging out there and lot of room for rumor and speculation which no one in the state's wrestling community needs at this point. You don't throw something like that out there and just let it stand for itself and again points back to his biggest weakness: his lack of maturity. Either you resign quietly if its a honest disagreement with other parties and go about your business or if you do believe something is wrong, really wrong in the community and wish to call it out, then do so because hiding things doesn't work either. If there's a problem it needs to be spelled out and fixed!
And people thought: "if we just get rid of Davis" everything would be peachy-keen in Wisconsin Wrestling as if the all the problems with the sport in this state and with the University of Wisconsin were all somehow all his fault. I'm sure Ben thought that too. Well as it turns out, as some have pointed out in these Forums, there are underlying issues deeper than just one person. And that's what is behind his resignation, it would be nice to know so we can get to the heart of the matter.
"If the RTC has to decide between paying for a volunteer assistant coach or having Askren as an RTC head coach, I will take having Askren associated with the program."
"And don't get me wrong, I like the idea of Gross being on staff (but I don't like losing McD - wish the Badgers could keep both), but I am simply saying that this whole transaction took place in the "shadows" while still in the light of day for anyone who cared to watch. And let me say, from McD's perspective this whole situation bites...big time. I sympathize with him and his family. Collegiate sports isn't always the nicest of businesses."
Are these the underlying problems related to the situation?
McD was notified from Bono that he would be non-renewed after Big Tens. Only reasoning being that McD was just a fill in coach for 2 years until Bono could bring Seth onto staff.
Boy, I hope McDonough knew this when he was hired two years ago especially with a family to support.
But it is acceptable to you to anonymously go online and bash someone you don't know...got it! ::) ::) Would love to see you have that same conversation with Ben face to face.
Quote from: dman on August 13, 2020, 07:26:42 AM
But it is acceptable to you to anonymously go online and bash someone you don't know...got it! ::) ::) Would love to see you have that same conversation with Ben face to face.
Two of the four quotes wrestlemania cited originally came from me...and my name is at the bottom of every post I make. Anonymity certainly can embolden some people to says things they might not ordinarily say face-to-face...but if the shoe fits, I think one should wear it instead of trying to discredit the content because of the anonymous source.
That said, I am sure Askren has a basis for his comments, maybe even a perfectly valid basis for being upset - but I have no clue as to what is going on. But the fact of the matter is that airing the issue publicly without further detail only hurts WI wrestling. Ben's a smart guy; he delivered that comment with intent. Maybe he has a good reason (I have no idea), but in the end, publicly denigrating the UW wrestling program leadership only hurts WI wrestling.
And too, are you thinking that having this conversation with Ben is going to result in him trying to physically intimidate a person? My gosh, certainly Ben could dismantle just about anybody if he so choose to, but his wit and intellect are are just as keen - he doesn't need muscle to defend himself in this particular cat fight.
I wasn't referring to you npope. You didn't bash Ben personally but rather the approach. I have no problem for a public figure getting criticized for the content of something they "put out there" publicly, but I find it "weak" to sit and bash them personally because you disagree with an approach, or said content (and yes there is a line for when the content becomes hate speech or such)...it probably has to do with my disdain for what social media has turned into...people gleam things about someone based on a social media post and then feel they know enough about them personally because of it...and then hide anonymously behind a screen name or in their parents basement. Har Har. Heck I know I have done it.
You hide in your parents basement behind an anonymous screen name? I just don't think I know you anymore, dman. We've grown apart.
It'll all come out in the wash. Ben may have had some emotion when posting that. We've all been guilty of that. 'Cept me. ;)
Quote from: bigG on August 13, 2020, 11:01:03 AM
You hide in your parents basement behind an anonymous screen name? I just don't think I know you anymore, dman. We've grown apart.
It'll all come out in the wash. Ben may have had some emotion when posting that. We've all been guilty of that. 'Cept me. ;)
LOL! That made me laugh BigG! And yeah...since the Covid threads went away I feel like we too have grown apart!
Quote from: dman on August 13, 2020, 12:50:43 PM
Quote from: bigG on August 13, 2020, 11:01:03 AM
You hide in your parents basement behind an anonymous screen name? I just don't think I know you anymore, dman. We've grown apart.
It'll all come out in the wash. Ben may have had some emotion when posting that. We've all been guilty of that. 'Cept me. ;)
LOL! That made me laugh BigG! And yeah...since the Covid threads went away I feel like we too have grown apart!
LOL! Remember the good ole days when we just psst n moaned about politics, WIAA and even wrestling? I long for those simpler times.
Honestly, all this isolation has brought ought some of the 70s in me. I've learned to bake 6 kinds of bread I couldn't before. Gives me a reason to call my mom more often. Spent a lot of time with my 13.5 old dog. Lots of time with my kids, who were both home for two months. Great to have the family back united. Virtual teaching/learning isn't my strong suits. Isn't for most kids, either. But, it's reality. I sure feel for airline workers, restaurant hospitality people, among many others who have questionable employment right now.
Huge Askren Fan, Huge Bono fan - very bummed out by this news.
Quote from: Harris on August 13, 2020, 10:30:28 PM
Huge Askren Fan, Huge Bono fan - very bummed out by this news.
I too am very disappointed with this outcome, but
not because I am necessarily such a big fan of these two special guys. They each come with their own baggage and issues, but they also are each excellent at what they do and the (shotgun?) marriage that brought them together initially in WI had the potential for something great. I hope that WI wrestling can scramble and recover from this, but in these uncertain times, it just seems like everything is left to fester until some unknown date in the future. Not sure as to what kind of rabbit Bono can pull out of his hat on this one...time will tell.
Quote from: bigG on August 13, 2020, 07:20:05 PM
Quote from: dman on August 13, 2020, 12:50:43 PM
Quote from: bigG on August 13, 2020, 11:01:03 AM
You hide in your parents basement behind an anonymous screen name? I just don't think I know you anymore, dman. We've grown apart.
It'll all come out in the wash. Ben may have had some emotion when posting that. We've all been guilty of that. 'Cept me. ;)
LOL! That made me laugh BigG! And yeah...since the Covid threads went away I feel like we too have grown apart!
LOL! Remember the good ole days when we just psst n moaned about politics, WIAA and even wrestling? I long for those simpler times.
Honestly, all this isolation has brought ought some of the 70s in me. I've learned to bake 6 kinds of bread I couldn't before. Gives me a reason to call my mom more often. Spent a lot of time with my 13.5 old dog. Lots of time with my kids, who were both home for two months. Great to have the family back united. Virtual teaching/learning isn't my strong suits. Isn't for most kids, either. But, it's reality. I sure feel for airline workers, restaurant hospitality people, among many others who have questionable employment right now.
Totally!! I miss those times as well.
Yeah...this Covid craps has made a lot of things change and some definitely for the better. And I agree I feel the same about the airline workers, restaurant/hospitality workers, etc. I look forward to the day that we figure all this stuff out and do a way better job as a nation preparing for something like this. We sure had the warning signs from SARs, bird, etc. And we know this won't be the last bad bug we have to deal with.
If nothing else, you appreciate the little things a little more. Having my kids home was big for my wife and me. But, we're back to an empty nest; which is nice, too.
Ben stepping down is a dang shame, though. Like most on here I was so stoked when Ben took the RTC job. Some things just aren't meant to last... like lamb chops.
Besides blasting leadership on the way out, what has Ben accomplished in his tenure? Compare it to other RTC's and prove to me Wisconsin RTC has gained ground with Ben at the helm.
Quote from: asdfg on August 15, 2020, 08:42:41 PM
Besides blasting leadership on the way out, what has Ben accomplished in his tenure? Compare it to other RTC's and prove to me Wisconsin RTC has gained ground with Ben at the helm.
It's hard to disagree with this, but I'd say it's more of a money issue than anything. The big money RTCs get guys to come.
The big money RTCs get guys to come.
Indeed and money, or lack of it, is one of those underlying problems the sport has had in the state. A steak fry only brings in so much and the program has never had the big donors compared to other schools who can fund an RTC which attracts the best talent.
Have they replaced Ben yet?
Quote from: leg turk on September 23, 2020, 06:42:17 AM
Have they replaced Ben yet?
I've brought this up on the forum before. In my opinion it's difficult to follow the RTC without knowing who the athletes and coaches are.
Who is the head coach?
Who are the male athletes? (Is Nick Becker still around?)
Who are the female athletes?
Quote from: Lunatic Fringe on September 25, 2020, 02:01:10 PM
Quote from: leg turk on September 23, 2020, 06:42:17 AM
Have they replaced Ben yet?
I've brought this up on the forum before. In my opinion it's difficult to follow the RTC without knowing who the athletes and coaches are.
Who is the head coach?
Who are the male athletes? (Is Nick Becker still around?)
Who are the female athletes?
Does the rtc even have a place to train?
What is there plan.
I know Sean has been on here posting about events but I am not sure as to what is going on either in these interesting times.
Quote from: littleguy301 on September 26, 2020, 10:13:59 AM
Quote from: Lunatic Fringe on September 25, 2020, 02:01:10 PM
Quote from: leg turk on September 23, 2020, 06:42:17 AM
Have they replaced Ben yet?
I've brought this up on the forum before. In my opinion it's difficult to follow the RTC without knowing who the athletes and coaches are.
Who is the head coach?
Who are the male athletes? (Is Nick Becker still around?)
Who are the female athletes?
Does the rtc even have a place to train?
What is there plan.
I know Sean has been on here posting about events but I am not sure as to what is going on either in these interesting times.
I am sure lots will be announced and talked about at the Steak Feed