Wisconsin Wrestling Online

Just saw on Twitter that Greyson Clark has decided to open up the recruiting process. Bummer.

"It's a sad day to be a Badger"  Huge loss and lots of odd changes over the past year.  On the bright side, I can't wait to see the young men wrestle this year and am very excited for the season to start.  Seems like every D1 program has the same issues going on with recruits switching and the transfer portal impacting the roster.  I think this may be the new normal.

I'm not hitting any sort of panic button, I think great things are happening here. Two things I find potentially concerning however are:
1. We signed only 1 blue chip for '22 class and now none for '23. As an aspiring top tier Big Ten program, I would think we would be able to sign more. I understand only 9.9 scholarships, so you sign more some years and few others but was hoping for more signings especially for the '23 class.
2. The more concerning piece is the lack of signing of blue chip Wisconsin guys. Greyson's statement was a concern. He stated after speaking with peers, he was opening up commitment. He's an AWA guy and it's no secret that the AWA guys are becoming the blue chippers. The top guys in '24 class are also AWA guys. If they are talking with each other about not going to Wisconsin, I am concerned.

Quote from: walden_hiker on August 25, 2022, 05:45:38 PMI'm not hitting any sort of panic button, I think great things are happening here. Two things I find potentially concerning however are:
1. We signed only 1 blue chip for '22 class and now none for '23. As an aspiring top tier Big Ten program, I would think we would be able to sign more. I understand only 9.9 scholarships, so you sign more some years and few others but was hoping for more signings especially for the '23 class.
2. The more concerning piece is the lack of signing of blue chip Wisconsin guys. Greyson's statement was a concern. He stated after speaking with peers, he was opening up commitment. He's an AWA guy and it's no secret that the AWA guys are becoming the blue chippers. The top guys in '24 class are also AWA guys. If they are talking with each other about not going to Wisconsin, I am concerned.

Some AWA '24 have publicly stated their schools list, WI was not included.

Quote from: walden_hiker on August 25, 2022, 05:45:38 PMI'm not hitting any sort of panic button, I think great things are happening here. Two things I find potentially concerning however are:
1. We signed only 1 blue chip for '22 class and now none for '23. As an aspiring top tier Big Ten program, I would think we would be able to sign more. I understand only 9.9 scholarships, so you sign more some years and few others but was hoping for more signings especially for the '23 class.
2. The more concerning piece is the lack of signing of blue chip Wisconsin guys. Greyson's statement was a concern. He stated after speaking with peers, he was opening up commitment. He's an AWA guy and it's no secret that the AWA guys are becoming the blue chippers. The top guys in '24 class are also AWA guys. If they are talking with each other about not going to Wisconsin, I am concerned.

The top Wisconsin class of 24 guy (Koy Hopke #8 overall) is not an AWA guy as far as I know and he has listed Wisconsin as 1 of the 6 schools that he is most comfortable with.

Quote from: walden_hiker on August 25, 2022, 05:45:38 PMI'm not hitting any sort of panic button, I think great things are happening here. Two things I find potentially concerning however are:
1. We signed only 1 blue chip for '22 class and now none for '23. As an aspiring top tier Big Ten program, I would think we would be able to sign more. I understand only 9.9 scholarships, so you sign more some years and few others but was hoping for more signings especially for the '23 class.
2. The more concerning piece is the lack of signing of blue chip Wisconsin guys. Greyson's statement was a concern. He stated after speaking with peers, he was opening up commitment. He's an AWA guy and it's no secret that the AWA guys are becoming the blue chippers. The top guys in '24 class are also AWA guys. If they are talking with each other about not going to Wisconsin, I am concerned.

I am not sure what is considered a blue chipper but I do not think you are giving the 22 class enough credit. For what it is worth.

Class of 22

Recruits in top 75

Badgers 3 (21,61,70) Also Taylor Lamont from the portal
Arizona St 3 (28,42,50)
Cornell 1 (65)
Indiana 1 (64)
Iowa 2 (29,48) Also Real Woods from portal
Iowa St 3 (2,17,20)
Maryland 2 (43,62)
Michigan 1 (13)
Michigan St 1 (75)
Minnesota 2 (6,63)
Missouri 3 (25,32,44)
Navy 3 (22,66,71) Props to the midshipmen also 78 and 90
Nebraska 2 (30,36)
North Carolina 2 (51,72)
NC State 5 (5,10,16,35,55)
Northern Iowa 2 (27,52)
Northwestern 1 (57)
Ohio St 5 (1,3,4,24,34)
Oklahoma 2 (33,41)
Ok St 1 (12)
Penn St 1 (9)
Rutgers 2 (8,53)
Stanford 2 (15,23)
Virginia 3 (46,47,56)
Va Tech 3 (7,31,69)

With the exception of NC St and The OSU which have ridiculous classes the Badgers are very competitive and better than many.

Quote from: vsmf2010 on August 25, 2022, 06:23:06 PM

Quote from: walden_hiker on August 25, 2022, 05:45:38 PMI'm not hitting any sort of panic button, I think great things are happening here. Two things I find potentially concerning however are:
1. We signed only 1 blue chip for '22 class and now none for '23. As an aspiring top tier Big Ten program, I would think we would be able to sign more. I understand only 9.9 scholarships, so you sign more some years and few others but was hoping for more signings especially for the '23 class.
2. The more concerning piece is the lack of signing of blue chip Wisconsin guys. Greyson's statement was a concern. He stated after speaking with peers, he was opening up commitment. He's an AWA guy and it's no secret that the AWA guys are becoming the blue chippers. The top guys in '24 class are also AWA guys. If they are talking with each other about not going to Wisconsin, I am concerned.

The top Wisconsin class of 24 guy (Koy Hopke #8 overall) is not an AWA guy as far as I know and he has listed Wisconsin as 1 of the 6 schools that he is most comfortable with.

Koy is a Pinnacle kid. (Pinnacle is the best club in MN)

Quote from: vsmf2010 on August 25, 2022, 06:41:51 PM

Quote from: walden_hiker on August 25, 2022, 05:45:38 PMI'm not hitting any sort of panic button, I think great things are happening here. Two things I find potentially concerning however are:
1. We signed only 1 blue chip for '22 class and now none for '23. As an aspiring top tier Big Ten program, I would think we would be able to sign more. I understand only 9.9 scholarships, so you sign more some years and few others but was hoping for more signings especially for the '23 class.
2. The more concerning piece is the lack of signing of blue chip Wisconsin guys. Greyson's statement was a concern. He stated after speaking with peers, he was opening up commitment. He's an AWA guy and it's no secret that the AWA guys are becoming the blue chippers. The top guys in '24 class are also AWA guys. If they are talking with each other about not going to Wisconsin, I am concerned.

I am not sure what is considered a blue chipper but I do not think you are giving the 22 class enough credit. For what it is worth.

Class of 22

Recruits in top 75

Badgers 3 (21,61,70) Also Taylor Lamont from the portal
Arizona St 3 (28,42,50)
Cornell 1 (65)
Indiana 1 (64)
Iowa 2 (29,48) Also Real Woods from portal
Iowa St 3 (2,17,20)
Maryland 2 (43,62)
Michigan 1 (13)
Michigan St 1 (75)
Minnesota 2 (6,63)
Missouri 3 (25,32,44)
Navy 3 (22,66,71) Props to the midshipmen also 78 and 90
Nebraska 2 (30,36)
North Carolina 2 (51,72)
NC State 5 (5,10,16,35,55)
Northern Iowa 2 (27,52)
Northwestern 1 (57)
Ohio St 5 (1,3,4,24,34)
Oklahoma 2 (33,41)
Ok St 1 (12)
Penn St 1 (9)
Rutgers 2 (8,53)
Stanford 2 (15,23)
Virginia 3 (46,47,56)
Va Tech 3 (7,31,69)

With the exception of NC St and The OSU which have ridiculous classes the Badgers are very competitive and better than many.

Forgot to mention that Illinois had 0 top 75 recruits

Unfortunate he is choosing to go elsewhere, but I wouldnt call it a "huge loss".  Not a negative toward him but he wasnt on campus yet and the staff have a chance to use the scholarship on someone else (recruit or transfer).

3-time state wrestling champ Greyson Clark reopens college recruiting process

https://kaukaunacommunitynews.com/2022/08/26/3-time-state-wrestling-champ-grayson-clark-reopens-college-recruiting-process/

It's time to come to grips with this: the AWA feud with the Badger program means that no/very few in-state kids are coming.

It's a lose-lose proposition.

There is more than one definition for the word integrity. It also means to unification and wholeness.

Quote from: Ghetto on August 27, 2022, 08:01:49 PMIt's time to come to grips with this: the AWA feud with the Badger program means that no/very few in-state kids are coming.

It's a lose-lose proposition.

There is more than one definition for the word integrity. It also means to unification and wholeness.

I am sorry to see Greyson open back up his recruitment.  Hopefully after exploring his options, he reaffirms that Wisconsin is the place for him but either way, I will cheer for him, he will find success whereever he goes!

And "Lose-Lose" hits the nail on the head but it's actually Lose-Lose-Lose (UW, AWA, Kids) and unfortunately, it's the Kids are who are losing the most in this scenario. 

-Matt Deadman

Really just a loss for Badger season ticket holders that enjoy watching Wisconsin high school kids. 

The top Wisconsin kids will still start in Division 1 somewhere. 

The Badgers will still have plenty of options.  Having Seth Gross on staff is awesome!

Awa strikes again. Tell me again  why they  are so great for the  state of wisconsin?

AWA doesnt do much besides recruit the best kids and take the credit for them being good.

JMO, Bono needs to repair the relation with Ben and AWA

Quote from: dad 2 5 on September 04, 2022, 01:01:48 PMJMO, Bono needs to repair the relation with Ben and AWA

The forum has always been very tight-lipped when it comes to that particular break-up. And its fine if everyone wants to keep it on the down-low, but don't expect much conversation/response on the matter unless people know what the details are. Just sayin'

Quote from: dad 2 5 on September 04, 2022, 01:01:48 PMJMO, Bono needs to repair the relation with Ben and AWA

Agreed.

Not sure how, but someone has to bring the two groups together. Someone who knows both.

The UW wrestling relationship with AWA has not been great for a number of year, starting back through many years of the Barry Davis regime.  Some of the disconnect is that UW has to live by Athletic Department and NCAA rules, which folks outside the system don't always appreciate. It seems to me that when there is a long standing disconnect and it extends over two totally different UW coaching staffs, that the common person(s) in that relationship is more than likely where the issue lies. 
Greyson Clark's situation IMO, has nothing to do with AWA.  I think it will likely be resolved shortly

+1,000

Quote from: npope on September 04, 2022, 02:57:29 PM

Quote from: dad 2 5 on September 04, 2022, 01:01:48 PMJMO, Bono needs to repair the relation with Ben and AWA

The forum has always been very tight-lipped when it comes to that particular break-up. And its fine if everyone wants to keep it on the down-low, but don't expect much conversation/response on the matter unless people know what the details are. Just sayin'

Tight lipped about most breakups.  I'm curious about the elimination about the women's program at the WRTC as well.  I didn't hear much about that, but judging by some of the athletes' social media posts, they weren't pleased and were caught off guard. 
After Ben left, I paid closer attention.  After the womens team was abruptly eliminated, my donations to the RTC stopped.

Quote from: Redeemer on September 04, 2022, 11:03:27 AMAWA doesnt do much besides recruit the best kids and take the credit for them being good.

Quote from: novice wrestler on September 05, 2022, 11:59:18 AMThe UW wrestling relationship with AWA has not been great for a number of year, starting back through many years of the Barry Davis regime.  Some of the disconnect is that UW has to live by Athletic Department and NCAA rules, which folks outside the system don't always appreciate. It seems to me that when there is a long standing disconnect and it extends over two totally different UW coaching staffs, that the common person(s) in that relationship is more than likely where the issue lies. 
Greyson Clark's situation IMO, has nothing to do with AWA.  I think it will likely be resolved shortly

Quote from: ckwrestler on September 05, 2022, 07:54:21 PM

Quote from: npope on September 04, 2022, 02:57:29 PM

Quote from: dad 2 5 on September 04, 2022, 01:01:48 PMJMO, Bono needs to repair the relation with Ben and AWA

The forum has always been very tight-lipped when it comes to that particular break-up. And its fine if everyone wants to keep it on the down-low, but don't expect much conversation/response on the matter unless people know what the details are. Just sayin'

Tight lipped about most breakups.  I'm curious about the elimination about the women's program at the WRTC as well.  I didn't hear much about that, but judging by some of the athletes' social media posts, they weren't pleased and were caught off guard. 
After Ben left, I paid closer attention.  After the womens team was abruptly eliminated, my donations to the RTC stopped.

This might be closer to the reason some people are mad at wisconsin than the AWA situation the sneaky undercut of the Womans program as well as what happened with mcdonough a couple years ago are reasons people might be turned off when sneaky things happen that undercut people who do a lot for badger wrestling. and consider the implications of staffing at the UW coaching staff and womens wrestling. all that needs to be said.

Quote from: ckwrestler on September 05, 2022, 07:54:21 PM

Quote from: npope on September 04, 2022, 02:57:29 PM

Quote from: dad 2 5 on September 04, 2022, 01:01:48 PMJMO, Bono needs to repair the relation with Ben and AWA

The forum has always been very tight-lipped when it comes to that particular break-up. And its fine if everyone wants to keep it on the down-low, but don't expect much conversation/response on the matter unless people know what the details are. Just sayin'

Tight lipped about most breakups.  I'm curious about the elimination about the women's program at the WRTC as well.  I didn't hear much about that, but judging by some of the athletes' social media posts, they weren't pleased and were caught off guard. 
After Ben left, I paid closer attention.  After the womens team was abruptly eliminated, my donations to the RTC stopped.

I am sure it has everything to do with money.  With NIL now being a thing, more resources also need to go toward that.

Quote from: dad 2 5 on September 04, 2022, 01:01:48 PMJMO, Bono needs to repair the relation with Ben and AWA

The UW Coaches have tried repeatedly.  The Askren's do not want the relationship repaired unfortunately.

Quote from: ObsessedObserver on September 06, 2022, 01:24:03 PM

Quote from: ckwrestler on September 05, 2022, 07:54:21 PM

Quote from: npope on September 04, 2022, 02:57:29 PM

Quote from: dad 2 5 on September 04, 2022, 01:01:48 PMJMO, Bono needs to repair the relation with Ben and AWA

The forum has always been very tight-lipped when it comes to that particular break-up. And its fine if everyone wants to keep it on the down-low, but don't expect much conversation/response on the matter unless people know what the details are. Just sayin'

Tight lipped about most breakups.  I'm curious about the elimination about the women's program at the WRTC as well.  I didn't hear much about that, but judging by some of the athletes' social media posts, they weren't pleased and were caught off guard. 
After Ben left, I paid closer attention.  After the womens team was abruptly eliminated, my donations to the RTC stopped.

This might be closer to the reason some people are mad at wisconsin than the AWA situation the sneaky undercut of the Womans program as well as what happened with mcdonough a couple years ago are reasons people might be turned off when sneaky things happen that undercut people who do a lot for badger wrestling. and consider the implications of staffing at the UW coaching staff and womens wrestling. all that needs to be said.

As an WRTC board member, I can assure you that the women's program was not cut in a sneaky undercut way.  It was a business decision that was made by vote of the entire board in our attempt to further strengthen the RTC and Wisconsin wrestling for the long term. None of the coaches are on the board nor do they vote on the subject.
Additionally, McDonough is a nice guy but was not a fit for the rest of the coaching staff and the team.  There is assistant coaching turnover all of the time. Both Badger hockey, Badger Football, and Badger basketball have had turnover recently (amongst other UW sports). I'm sorry that you consider it sneaky, from what I know of the situation it was not.

-Matt Deadman 

Quote from: BuckyMatt on September 06, 2022, 07:13:48 PM

Quote from: ObsessedObserver on September 06, 2022, 01:24:03 PM

Quote from: ckwrestler on September 05, 2022, 07:54:21 PM

Quote from: npope on September 04, 2022, 02:57:29 PM

Quote from: dad 2 5 on September 04, 2022, 01:01:48 PMJMO, Bono needs to repair the relation with Ben and AWA

The forum has always been very tight-lipped when it comes to that particular break-up. And its fine if everyone wants to keep it on the down-low, but don't expect much conversation/response on the matter unless people know what the details are. Just sayin'

Tight lipped about most breakups.  I'm curious about the elimination about the women's program at the WRTC as well.  I didn't hear much about that, but judging by some of the athletes' social media posts, they weren't pleased and were caught off guard. 
After Ben left, I paid closer attention.  After the womens team was abruptly eliminated, my donations to the RTC stopped.

This might be closer to the reason some people are mad at wisconsin than the AWA situation the sneaky undercut of the Womans program as well as what happened with mcdonough a couple years ago are reasons people might be turned off when sneaky things happen that undercut people who do a lot for badger wrestling. and consider the implications of staffing at the UW coaching staff and womens wrestling. all that needs to be said.

As an WRTC board member, I can assure you that the women's program was not cut in a sneaky undercut way.  It was a business decision that was made by vote of the entire board in our attempt to further strengthen the RTC and Wisconsin wrestling for the long term. None of the coaches are on the board nor do they vote on the subject.
Additionally, McDonough is a nice guy but was not a fit for the rest of the coaching staff and the team.  There is assistant coaching turnover all of the time. Both Badger hockey, Badger Football, and Badger basketball have had turnover recently (amongst other UW sports). I'm sorry that you consider it sneaky, from what I know of the situation it was not.

-Matt Deadman 

Was that decision ever communicated to the WRTC donors?

Quote from: imwi on September 06, 2022, 08:49:36 PM

Quote from: BuckyMatt on September 06, 2022, 07:13:48 PM

Quote from: ObsessedObserver on September 06, 2022, 01:24:03 PM

Quote from: ckwrestler on September 05, 2022, 07:54:21 PM

Quote from: npope on September 04, 2022, 02:57:29 PM

Quote from: dad 2 5 on September 04, 2022, 01:01:48 PMJMO, Bono needs to repair the relation with Ben and AWA

The forum has always been very tight-lipped when it comes to that particular break-up. And its fine if everyone wants to keep it on the down-low, but don't expect much conversation/response on the matter unless people know what the details are. Just sayin'

Tight lipped about most breakups.  I'm curious about the elimination about the women's program at the WRTC as well.  I didn't hear much about that, but judging by some of the athletes' social media posts, they weren't pleased and were caught off guard. 
After Ben left, I paid closer attention.  After the womens team was abruptly eliminated, my donations to the RTC stopped.

This might be closer to the reason some people are mad at wisconsin than the AWA situation the sneaky undercut of the Womans program as well as what happened with mcdonough a couple years ago are reasons people might be turned off when sneaky things happen that undercut people who do a lot for badger wrestling. and consider the implications of staffing at the UW coaching staff and womens wrestling. all that needs to be said.

As an WRTC board member, I can assure you that the women's program was not cut in a sneaky undercut way.  It was a business decision that was made by vote of the entire board in our attempt to further strengthen the RTC and Wisconsin wrestling for the long term. None of the coaches are on the board nor do they vote on the subject.
Additionally, McDonough is a nice guy but was not a fit for the rest of the coaching staff and the team.  There is assistant coaching turnover all of the time. Both Badger hockey, Badger Football, and Badger basketball have had turnover recently (amongst other UW sports). I'm sorry that you consider it sneaky, from what I know of the situation it was not.

-Matt Deadman 

Was that decision ever communicated to the WRTC donors?

Some donors were made aware, yes; but in terms of an official press release or statement, no, we did not do that as a board.
W

Quote from: BuckyMatt on September 06, 2022, 07:00:12 PM

Quote from: dad 2 5 on September 04, 2022, 01:01:48 PMJMO, Bono needs to repair the relation with Ben and AWA

The UW Coaches have tried repeatedly.  The Askren's do not want the relationship repaired unfortunately.

Bad for the UW program, WI wrestling as a whole, but even worse for the kids of our state.

doing what is best for the program is sneaky? Does an NFL Coach or GM ever tell you everything that goes on in the lockerroom, practice, etc? Never, what does the Coach have to gain by coming out with a statement.

Quote from: bigoil on September 07, 2022, 10:51:44 AMdoing what is best for the program is sneaky? Does an NFL Coach or GM ever tell you everything that goes on in the lockerroom, practice, etc? Never, what does the Coach have to gain by coming out with a statement.

I'm not in the "sneaky" camp but I do think there should be some transparency.  Donors should be informed what's going on with their donations and when major changes are made and people let go, an announcement of some type should be made.

Yeah, I'm not a fan of cutting the Women's program.  The Badgers had world-class women athletes who I don't think were paid much to train here and I loved seeing women get some opportunities and they represented the WRTC well.  I suspect the money will be rerouted into NIL money to just add depth to try to cover for Bono's underwhelming recruiting.

Quote from: imwi on September 07, 2022, 05:20:45 PM

Quote from: bigoil on September 07, 2022, 10:51:44 AMdoing what is best for the program is sneaky? Does an NFL Coach or GM ever tell you everything that goes on in the lockerroom, practice, etc? Never, what does the Coach have to gain by coming out with a statement.

I'm not in the "sneaky" camp but I do think there should be some transparency.  Donors should be informed what's going on with their donations and when major changes are made and people let go, an announcement of some type should be made.

Agreed.  I wasn't even aware when it happened until I saw a post on this forum.  If I were a major donor and a supporter of the women's program within the WRTC, I'd be peeved.  I can't share my private conversations here, but I think some of the WRTC committee have made a misguided decision and are trying to convince this "best for the long term" nonsense.  I suspect that Chris Bono wanted the women's program axed and convinced members of the committee to take action. Hopefully, donors speak with their wallet and the WRTC reverses this decision.

Well the program has 2 athletes in the world championships, and you have been a poster for 1 day. 2>1!

Why would donors pull money with the success of the RTC and Badgers program. Have you heard, 5 AA's returning, 2 wrestlers in the World Championships? Get your wallet out and support the Badgers.

Quote from: BadgerOne on September 07, 2022, 08:32:31 PM

Quote from: imwi on September 07, 2022, 05:20:45 PM

Quote from: bigoil on September 07, 2022, 10:51:44 AMdoing what is best for the program is sneaky? Does an NFL Coach or GM ever tell you everything that goes on in the lockerroom, practice, etc? Never, what does the Coach have to gain by coming out with a statement.

I'm not in the "sneaky" camp but I do think there should be some transparency.  Donors should be informed what's going on with their donations and when major changes are made and people let go, an announcement of some type should be made.

Agreed.  I wasn't even aware when it happened until I saw a post on this forum.  If I were a major donor and a supporter of the women's program within the WRTC, I'd be peeved.  I can't share my private conversations here, but I think some of the WRTC committee have made a misguided decision and are trying to convince this "best for the long term" nonsense.  I suspect that Chris Bono wanted the women's program axed and convinced members of the committee to take action. Hopefully, donors speak with their wallet and the WRTC reverses this decision.

Welcome to the forum Badger One. Since you just registered yesterday and all 3 of your posts bash Bono, you obviously have an agenda. Since TomM has been alerting us of duplicate accounts, will be interesting if your account is tied to another profile and you are just trying to cause issues?

I'm sorry that you feel that way about our decision making as an RTC board.  I'm not going to convince you one way or another about our reasoning based on your agenda.

And donors did speak with their wallets, our golf fundraiser two weeks ago netted the most money ever.

And for the record, I respect IMWI's view about the RTC being more transparent with decision announcements and will personally try to do that in the future

-Matt

Quote from: bigoil on September 07, 2022, 09:39:22 PMWell the program has 2 athletes in the world championships, and you have been a poster for 1 day. 2>1!

Why would donors pull money with the success of the RTC and Badgers program. Have you heard, 5 AA's returning, 2 wrestlers in the World Championships? Get your wallet out and support the Badgers.

Seth Gross is a coach and Braxton Amos is a student athlete, so they would be in Serbia anyways, with or without the WRTC.  I am looking forward to the Badgers this coming year (but what does that have to do with the WRTC?)

Quote from: BuckyMatt on September 07, 2022, 09:50:42 PMWelcome to the forum Badger One. Since you just registered yesterday and all 3 of your posts bash Bono, you obviously have an agenda. Since TomM has been alerting us of duplicate accounts, will be interesting if your account is tied to another profile and you are just trying to cause issues?

-Matt

That is kinda strange. It's almost as if people have an old axe to grind and just KEEP kicking that horse. No matter how dead and bloated he is(actually...by now, it's pretty much dust and bones).

I'm glad some people aren't just blindly bashing the program though. That's a good thing.

Bucky is going to be really good this year.  Bono is making some pretty good strides within the program and the badgers aren't just recruiting state wide.  If you want to be a top 10 program you have to get top level kids.  Greyson is a top level kid, he just is looking at other options.  It happens sometimes, more often when a athlete commits early.

Quote from: BadgerOne on September 07, 2022, 11:19:31 PM

Quote from: bigoil on September 07, 2022, 09:39:22 PMWell the program has 2 athletes in the world championships, and you have been a poster for 1 day. 2>1!

Why would donors pull money with the success of the RTC and Badgers program. Have you heard, 5 AA's returning, 2 wrestlers in the World Championships? Get your wallet out and support the Badgers.

Seth Gross is a coach and Braxton Amos is a student athlete, so they would be in Serbia anyways, with or without the WRTC.  I am looking forward to the Badgers this coming year (but what does that have to do with the WRTC?)

Where do you think these athletes practice, who coaches them, brings in practice partner, etc.

The WRTC does that!

Quote from: BuckyMatt on September 07, 2022, 09:50:42 PM

Quote from: BadgerOne on September 07, 2022, 08:32:31 PM

Quote from: imwi on September 07, 2022, 05:20:45 PM

Quote from: bigoil on September 07, 2022, 10:51:44 AMdoing what is best for the program is sneaky? Does an NFL Coach or GM ever tell you everything that goes on in the lockerroom, practice, etc? Never, what does the Coach have to gain by coming out with a statement.

I'm not in the "sneaky" camp but I do think there should be some transparency.  Donors should be informed what's going on with their donations and when major changes are made and people let go, an announcement of some type should be made.

Agreed.  I wasn't even aware when it happened until I saw a post on this forum.  If I were a major donor and a supporter of the women's program within the WRTC, I'd be peeved.  I can't share my private conversations here, but I think some of the WRTC committee have made a misguided decision and are trying to convince this "best for the long term" nonsense.  I suspect that Chris Bono wanted the women's program axed and convinced members of the committee to take action. Hopefully, donors speak with their wallet and the WRTC reverses this decision.

Welcome to the forum Badger One. Since you just registered yesterday and all 3 of your posts bash Bono, you obviously have an agenda. Since TomM has been alerting us of duplicate accounts, will be interesting if your account is tied to another profile and you are just trying to cause issues?

I'm sorry that you feel that way about our decision making as an RTC board.  I'm not going to convince you one way or another about our reasoning based on your agenda.

And donors did speak with their wallets, our golf fundraiser two weeks ago netted the most money ever.

And for the record, I respect IMWI's view about the RTC being more transparent with decision announcements and will personally try to do that in the future

-Matt

Thank you

Being completely honest and not snarky--What does the WRTC even do besides fundraisers?

-Look at their website-Nick Becker is the main page pic, wearing an AWA logo singlet.  Don't think he has wrestled for RTC in years...The coaches listed are Newt and Gross (neither in WRTC singlets). No other senior athletes listed.  I don't think it has been updated in years.  Besides occasional tweets on fundraisers, absolutely no social media presence.  Do they have any athletes besides the UW staff and kids?
-Nearly every other Big Ten RTC has senior athletes on staff, HS practices listed and consistent Social media presence.  Heck, Maryland DMV RTC has just as many World Team Athletes as WRTC...Maryland has yet to win a Big Ten Dual.
-Website has qualifications for membership/practice, but I can't recall the last time they posted or have had a HS practice.  Heck I somehow get posts on Twitter about the upcoming U of Buffalo Bulls RTC schedule, but never seen a practice schedule from WRTC.
-Great that Gross/Amos made World team.  But how can the RTC even take credit for that?  Has the RTC brought in anyone other then current UW wrestlers?  How much are they funding them?  Gross registered as Sunkist, not WRTC, right?
-The WRTC doesn't even sell garb does it?  Easy money.
-Pretty much all the RTC's do some great volunteer activities.  I know Erin G did some things with BTS-Chicago before they cut the program, but anything new?

I am truly not trying to start a whine fest...I was a Legend Donor for 1 year, but stopped few years back to shift my donations to Beat the Streets National and City Kids in Milw.  I am truly curious where the WRTC is going and what it is doing.  I am hoping I am just out of the loop, but guess I am saying that maybe being more transparent includes telling people what you are even doing.

Seeing the original post is about Greyson, I guess I'll put my 2 cents in there also---I can't remember seeing his father NOT wearing UW gear.  Seems the family has been all in on UW for years. Greyson is a great kid and overall I believe this is a huge loss for UW.  Both in losing a great wrestler, but also will have ripple effects both in State and Nationally.  Try to diminish it all you want, but yet again one of the best wrestlers in the state looks like he will be going elsewhere.

I am NOT a Ben Askren fan, but sooner or later true fans of UW wrestling will need to stop blaming him and look at those that have the power to truly recruit these great in state kids.  Rumor has it his club is not the only one sour on Bono.

Quote from: BadgerOne on September 07, 2022, 08:32:31 PM

Quote from: imwi on September 07, 2022, 05:20:45 PM

Quote from: bigoil on September 07, 2022, 10:51:44 AMdoing what is best for the program is sneaky? Does an NFL Coach or GM ever tell you everything that goes on in the lockerroom, practice, etc? Never, what does the Coach have to gain by coming out with a statement.

I'm not in the "sneaky" camp but I do think there should be some transparency.  Donors should be informed what's going on with their donations and when major changes are made and people let go, an announcement of some type should be made.

Agreed.  I wasn't even aware when it happened until I saw a post on this forum.  If I were a major donor and a supporter of the women's program within the WRTC, I'd be peeved.  I can't share my private conversations here, but I think some of the WRTC committee have made a misguided decision and are trying to convince this "best for the long term" nonsense.  I suspect that Chris Bono wanted the women's program axed and convinced members of the committee to take action. Hopefully, donors speak with their wallet and the WRTC reverses this decision.

Hardly any RTC programs have women.
The whole point of an RTC is to build Sr level athletes while enhancing the level of the team through high level partners. I am not sure how paying for women to train help with that? thats just less athletes you can have/hire in the room to train with your team. Do the Badges currently even have a Sr level mens team? Maybe they are trying to build that first. It takes 400k to 600k a year to have 5-8 sr athletes and a coach like (Penn st, Mich, Minn, Rutgers, Neb, Iowa) all have. Most of those Sr athletes come out of there program and stick around another 4-6 years. Rumors are that the average Sr athlete make around 70k a year and head coach around 100k so paying for Sr level women to train hurts your fundraising.
Now if you had a women's team the need for a women's RTC would be legit even though college women's wrestling is actually Freestyle so that could be a conflict. The reason men's teams can have a RTC is its supporting a different sport (Freestyle/Greco) NOT folk style, so as women's wrestling grows its uncertain if they will be able to have an RTC out of season.

Quote from: factfinder on September 09, 2022, 07:20:41 AM

Quote from: BadgerOne on September 07, 2022, 08:32:31 PM

Quote from: imwi on September 07, 2022, 05:20:45 PM

Quote from: bigoil on September 07, 2022, 10:51:44 AMdoing what is best for the program is sneaky? Does an NFL Coach or GM ever tell you everything that goes on in the lockerroom, practice, etc? Never, what does the Coach have to gain by coming out with a statement.

I'm not in the "sneaky" camp but I do think there should be some transparency.  Donors should be informed what's going on with their donations and when major changes are made and people let go, an announcement of some type should be made.

Agreed.  I wasn't even aware when it happened until I saw a post on this forum.  If I were a major donor and a supporter of the women's program within the WRTC, I'd be peeved.  I can't share my private conversations here, but I think some of the WRTC committee have made a misguided decision and are trying to convince this "best for the long term" nonsense.  I suspect that Chris Bono wanted the women's program axed and convinced members of the committee to take action. Hopefully, donors speak with their wallet and the WRTC reverses this decision.

Hardly any RTC programs have women.
The whole point of an RTC is to build Sr level athletes while enhancing the level of the team through high level partners. I am not sure how paying for women to train help with that? thats just less athletes you can have/hire in the room to train with your team. Do the Badges currently even have a Sr level mens team? Maybe they are trying to build that first. It takes 400k to 600k a year to have 5-8 sr athletes and a coach like (Penn st, Mich, Minn, Rutgers, Neb, Iowa) all have. Most of those Sr athletes come out of there program and stick around another 4-6 years. Rumors are that the average Sr athlete make around 70k a year and head coach around 100k so paying for Sr level women to train hurts your fundraising.
Now if you had a women's team the need for a women's RTC would be legit even though college women's wrestling is actually Freestyle so that could be a conflict. The reason men's teams can have a RTC is its supporting a different sport (Freestyle/Greco) NOT folk style, so as women's wrestling grows its uncertain if they will be able to have an RTC out of season.

So why did they have a women's team in the first place? I'm not sure if you're asking that question, or defending their decision to eliminate the program.

Quote from: ckwrestler on September 10, 2022, 09:05:01 AM

Quote from: factfinder on September 09, 2022, 07:20:41 AM

Quote from: BadgerOne on September 07, 2022, 08:32:31 PM

Quote from: imwi on September 07, 2022, 05:20:45 PM

Quote from: bigoil on September 07, 2022, 10:51:44 AMdoing what is best for the program is sneaky? Does an NFL Coach or GM ever tell you everything that goes on in the lockerroom, practice, etc? Never, what does the Coach have to gain by coming out with a statement.

I'm not in the "sneaky" camp but I do think there should be some transparency.  Donors should be informed what's going on with their donations and when major changes are made and people let go, an announcement of some type should be made.

Agreed.  I wasn't even aware when it happened until I saw a post on this forum.  If I were a major donor and a supporter of the women's program within the WRTC, I'd be peeved.  I can't share my private conversations here, but I think some of the WRTC committee have made a misguided decision and are trying to convince this "best for the long term" nonsense.  I suspect that Chris Bono wanted the women's program axed and convinced members of the committee to take action. Hopefully, donors speak with their wallet and the WRTC reverses this decision.

Hardly any RTC programs have women.
The whole point of an RTC is to build Sr level athletes while enhancing the level of the team through high level partners. I am not sure how paying for women to train help with that? thats just less athletes you can have/hire in the room to train with your team. Do the Badges currently even have a Sr level mens team? Maybe they are trying to build that first. It takes 400k to 600k a year to have 5-8 sr athletes and a coach like (Penn st, Mich, Minn, Rutgers, Neb, Iowa) all have. Most of those Sr athletes come out of there program and stick around another 4-6 years. Rumors are that the average Sr athlete make around 70k a year and head coach around 100k so paying for Sr level women to train hurts your fundraising.
Now if you had a women's team the need for a women's RTC would be legit even though college women's wrestling is actually Freestyle so that could be a conflict. The reason men's teams can have a RTC is its supporting a different sport (Freestyle/Greco) NOT folk style, so as women's wrestling grows its uncertain if they will be able to have an RTC out of season.

So why did they have a women's team in the first place? I'm not sure if you're asking that question, or defending their decision to eliminate the program.

BOTH.
They were trying it and "I assume" they learned it wasn't helping the team and was a drain on limited resources.

Can the RTC be involved with helping obtain NIL deals for student athletes?

Quote from: mkm13 on September 10, 2022, 02:40:24 PMCan the RTC be involved with helping obtain NIL deals for student athletes?

With the NCAA pulling back on the rules the question is, what will the University compliance officer say. Its truly different at every university! (Hopefully the WIAA will follow the lead)
Question: Why would the none profit RTC thats trying to fundraise to continue to operate get a donation/NIL deal for an athlete? That takes funds out of the RTC.
NCAA Coaches are prohibited from being involved in securing NIL deals for student athletes, But RTC coaches are not typically university employees so its a grey area.

A lot of RTC's grew in popularity due to their benefit to college wrestling programs.  That is the reason many RTCs received significant donations.  With NIL, that changes everything.

I am guessing most contributions going forward will be to current or future athletes and not graduates looking to compete at the highest level.  That is not specific to WI, but everywhere.  I would guess this will impact the US senior level team, or at a minimum the depth going forward as not as many guys/women will be able to focus on just wrestling. 

I am curious how we will handle the RTC vs NIL.  I personally hope they focus their efforts on NIL and making the UW team as good as possible.

Quote from: mkm13 on September 10, 2022, 03:28:51 PMA lot of RTC's grew in popularity due to their benefit to college wrestling programs.  That is the reason many RTCs received significant donations.  With NIL, that changes everything.

I am guessing most contributions going forward will be to current or future athletes and not graduates looking to compete at the highest level.  That is not specific to WI, but everywhere.  I would guess this will impact the US senior level team, or at a minimum the depth going forward as not as many guys/women will be able to focus on just wrestling. 

I am curious how we will handle the RTC vs NIL.  I personally hope they focus their efforts on NIL and making the UW team as good as possible.

Penn St and Iowa hand out the smallest scholarships do to the depth of their talent and Penn St has the stiffest rules when it comes to NIL deals so not all athletes are running to the cash. But to your point Ohio is putting out more cash then anyone and they are getting a lot of blue chips, they just are not developing them as well as they they should the next two years will be telling. Ohio should run away with the Big 10 for the next 5 years, at least on paper.

Quote from: asdf on September 08, 2022, 09:42:23 PMBeing completely honest and not snarky--What does the WRTC even do besides fundraisers?

-Look at their website-Nick Becker is the main page pic, wearing an AWA logo singlet.  Don't think he has wrestled for RTC in years...The coaches listed are Newt and Gross (neither in WRTC singlets). No other senior athletes listed.  I don't think it has been updated in years.  Besides occasional tweets on fundraisers, absolutely no social media presence.  Do they have any athletes besides the UW staff and kids?
-Nearly every other Big Ten RTC has senior athletes on staff, HS practices listed and consistent Social media presence.  Heck, Maryland DMV RTC has just as many World Team Athletes as WRTC...Maryland has yet to win a Big Ten Dual.
-Website has qualifications for membership/practice, but I can't recall the last time they posted or have had a HS practice.  Heck I somehow get posts on Twitter about the upcoming U of Buffalo Bulls RTC schedule, but never seen a practice schedule from WRTC.
-Great that Gross/Amos made World team.  But how can the RTC even take credit for that?  Has the RTC brought in anyone other then current UW wrestlers?  How much are they funding them?  Gross registered as Sunkist, not WRTC, right?
-The WRTC doesn't even sell garb does it?  Easy money.
-Pretty much all the RTC's do some great volunteer activities.  I know Erin G did some things with BTS-Chicago before they cut the program, but anything new?

I am truly not trying to start a whine fest...I was a Legend Donor for 1 year, but stopped few years back to shift my donations to Beat the Streets National and City Kids in Milw.  I am truly curious where the WRTC is going and what it is doing.  I am hoping I am just out of the loop, but guess I am saying that maybe being more transparent includes telling people what you are even doing.

Seeing the original post is about Greyson, I guess I'll put my 2 cents in there also---I can't remember seeing his father NOT wearing UW gear.  Seems the family has been all in on UW for years. Greyson is a great kid and overall I believe this is a huge loss for UW.  Both in losing a great wrestler, but also will have ripple effects both in State and Nationally.  Try to diminish it all you want, but yet again one of the best wrestlers in the state looks like he will be going elsewhere.

I am NOT a Ben Askren fan, but sooner or later true fans of UW wrestling will need to stop blaming him and look at those that have the power to truly recruit these great in state kids.  Rumor has it his club is not the only one sour on Bono.

The WRTC's mission is to help athletes become state, national, and world champions.  To that extent, we provide training sites, coaching, workout partners, and financial assistance to do so.  Fundraising is a huge part of this, hence our emphasis on that. I have heard both Seth as well as Braxton credit multiple times the WRTC for helping them achieve their goals.  Here is a rokfin video of Braxton doing that from yesterday:
https://rokfin.com/post/98971/Braxton-Amos-talks-on-the-morning-before-the-world-championships-

I think our website and social media content is strong.  Could it be improved?  I'm sure every account could if you knit pick at it enough. I've appreciated this thread as a way to learn friction points with what the RTC can improve on!  We will take a lot of these ideas and thoughts in the future to improve on!

The emergence of NIL has also thrown a new wrinkle into college programs and RTC's.  We are committed to working with UW compliance to make sure that everything we do here is of the highest integrity and always in line with the University and its rules. Integrity is a huge part of the RTC as well as the college program!

Couldn't be a better time to be a Badger!  The future is very bright!

-Matt Deadman

Quote from: factfinder on September 11, 2022, 07:45:36 AM

Quote from: mkm13 on September 10, 2022, 03:28:51 PMA lot of RTC's grew in popularity due to their benefit to college wrestling programs.  That is the reason many RTCs received significant donations.  With NIL, that changes everything.

I am guessing most contributions going forward will be to current or future athletes and not graduates looking to compete at the highest level.  That is not specific to WI, but everywhere.  I would guess this will impact the US senior level team, or at a minimum the depth going forward as not as many guys/women will be able to focus on just wrestling. 

I am curious how we will handle the RTC vs NIL.  I personally hope they focus their efforts on NIL and making the UW team as good as possible.

Penn St and Iowa hand out the smallest scholarships do to the depth of their talent and Penn St has the stiffest rules when it comes to NIL deals so not all athletes are running to the cash. But to your point Ohio is putting out more cash then anyone and they are getting a lot of blue chips, they just are not developing them as well as they they should the next two years will be telling. Ohio should run away with the Big 10 for the next 5 years, at least on paper.

And much of that is coming from an apparel company, Rudis tOSU and a head gear company CK - Mich.

PSU has the deepest pockets, Iowa second, tax forms are public. They are most assuredly in the NIL game as reports indicate some athletes getting big dollars - RBY as I've seen twitter report. 
WRTC is in the game and needs all of our help to help keep the Badgers near the top and get to that medal stand.

We'd also like to keep the likes of Hilger, Lamont, Gomez etc as they graduate and want to continue competing or coaching.

Quote from: factfinder on September 11, 2022, 07:45:36 AM

Quote from: mkm13 on September 10, 2022, 03:28:51 PMA lot of RTC's grew in popularity due to their benefit to college wrestling programs.  That is the reason many RTCs received significant donations.  With NIL, that changes everything.

I am guessing most contributions going forward will be to current or future athletes and not graduates looking to compete at the highest level.  That is not specific to WI, but everywhere.  I would guess this will impact the US senior level team, or at a minimum the depth going forward as not as many guys/women will be able to focus on just wrestling. 

I am curious how we will handle the RTC vs NIL.  I personally hope they focus their efforts on NIL and making the UW team as good as possible.

Penn St and Iowa hand out the smallest scholarships do to the depth of their talent and Penn St has the stiffest rules when it comes to NIL deals so not all athletes are running to the cash. But to your point Ohio is putting out more cash then anyone and they are getting a lot of blue chips, they just are not developing them as well as they they should the next two years will be telling. Ohio should run away with the Big 10 for the next 5 years, at least on paper.

I would be very surprised if the better Iowa and PSU wrestlers are not getting NIL deals at some level.  RBY openly said he would only come back if it was financially worth it (NIL deals).  He is back.

Quote from: BuckyMatt on September 11, 2022, 12:14:16 PM

Quote from: asdf on September 08, 2022, 09:42:23 PMBeing completely honest and not snarky--What does the WRTC even do besides fundraisers?

-Look at their website-Nick Becker is the main page pic, wearing an AWA logo singlet.  Don't think he has wrestled for RTC in years...The coaches listed are Newt and Gross (neither in WRTC singlets). No other senior athletes listed.  I don't think it has been updated in years.  Besides occasional tweets on fundraisers, absolutely no social media presence.  Do they have any athletes besides the UW staff and kids?
-Nearly every other Big Ten RTC has senior athletes on staff, HS practices listed and consistent Social media presence.  Heck, Maryland DMV RTC has just as many World Team Athletes as WRTC...Maryland has yet to win a Big Ten Dual.
-Website has qualifications for membership/practice, but I can't recall the last time they posted or have had a HS practice.  Heck I somehow get posts on Twitter about the upcoming U of Buffalo Bulls RTC schedule, but never seen a practice schedule from WRTC.
-Great that Gross/Amos made World team.  But how can the RTC even take credit for that?  Has the RTC brought in anyone other then current UW wrestlers?  How much are they funding them?  Gross registered as Sunkist, not WRTC, right?
-The WRTC doesn't even sell garb does it?  Easy money.
-Pretty much all the RTC's do some great volunteer activities.  I know Erin G did some things with BTS-Chicago before they cut the program, but anything new?

I am truly not trying to start a whine fest...I was a Legend Donor for 1 year, but stopped few years back to shift my donations to Beat the Streets National and City Kids in Milw.  I am truly curious where the WRTC is going and what it is doing.  I am hoping I am just out of the loop, but guess I am saying that maybe being more transparent includes telling people what you are even doing.

Seeing the original post is about Greyson, I guess I'll put my 2 cents in there also---I can't remember seeing his father NOT wearing UW gear.  Seems the family has been all in on UW for years. Greyson is a great kid and overall I believe this is a huge loss for UW.  Both in losing a great wrestler, but also will have ripple effects both in State and Nationally.  Try to diminish it all you want, but yet again one of the best wrestlers in the state looks like he will be going elsewhere.

I am NOT a Ben Askren fan, but sooner or later true fans of UW wrestling will need to stop blaming him and look at those that have the power to truly recruit these great in state kids.  Rumor has it his club is not the only one sour on Bono.

The WRTC's mission is to help athletes become state, national, and world champions.  To that extent, we provide training sites, coaching, workout partners, and financial assistance to do so.  Fundraising is a huge part of this, hence our emphasis on that. I have heard both Seth as well as Braxton credit multiple times the WRTC for helping them achieve their goals.  Here is a rokfin video of Braxton doing that from yesterday:
https://rokfin.com/post/98971/Braxton-Amos-talks-on-the-morning-before-the-world-championships-

I think our website and social media content is strong.  Could it be improved?  I'm sure every account could if you knit pick at it enough. I've appreciated this thread as a way to learn friction points with what the RTC can improve on!  We will take a lot of these ideas and thoughts in the future to improve on!

The emergence of NIL has also thrown a new wrinkle into college programs and RTC's.  We are committed to working with UW compliance to make sure that everything we do here is of the highest integrity and always in line with the University and its rules. Integrity is a huge part of the RTC as well as the college program!

Couldn't be a better time to be a Badger!  The future is very bright!

-Matt Deadman

Thanks for the update, great to hear directly from a Board Member of the RTC.  Also great to see you state RTC is dedicated to help athletes become State Champions.  Quick question-Are there HS practices at the RTC for those eligible?  Last of anything I can find is the website stating no more HS practices and that was in March of 2020.

Thanks again.

Quote from: asdf on September 19, 2022, 06:27:53 PM

Quote from: BuckyMatt on September 11, 2022, 12:14:16 PM

Quote from: asdf on September 08, 2022, 09:42:23 PMBeing completely honest and not snarky--What does the WRTC even do besides fundraisers?

-Look at their website-Nick Becker is the main page pic, wearing an AWA logo singlet.  Don't think he has wrestled for RTC in years...The coaches listed are Newt and Gross (neither in WRTC singlets). No other senior athletes listed.  I don't think it has been updated in years.  Besides occasional tweets on fundraisers, absolutely no social media presence.  Do they have any athletes besides the UW staff and kids?
-Nearly every other Big Ten RTC has senior athletes on staff, HS practices listed and consistent Social media presence.  Heck, Maryland DMV RTC has just as many World Team Athletes as WRTC...Maryland has yet to win a Big Ten Dual.
-Website has qualifications for membership/practice, but I can't recall the last time they posted or have had a HS practice.  Heck I somehow get posts on Twitter about the upcoming U of Buffalo Bulls RTC schedule, but never seen a practice schedule from WRTC.
-Great that Gross/Amos made World team.  But how can the RTC even take credit for that?  Has the RTC brought in anyone other then current UW wrestlers?  How much are they funding them?  Gross registered as Sunkist, not WRTC, right?
-The WRTC doesn't even sell garb does it?  Easy money.
-Pretty much all the RTC's do some great volunteer activities.  I know Erin G did some things with BTS-Chicago before they cut the program, but anything new?

I am truly not trying to start a whine fest...I was a Legend Donor for 1 year, but stopped few years back to shift my donations to Beat the Streets National and City Kids in Milw.  I am truly curious where the WRTC is going and what it is doing.  I am hoping I am just out of the loop, but guess I am saying that maybe being more transparent includes telling people what you are even doing.

Seeing the original post is about Greyson, I guess I'll put my 2 cents in there also---I can't remember seeing his father NOT wearing UW gear.  Seems the family has been all in on UW for years. Greyson is a great kid and overall I believe this is a huge loss for UW.  Both in losing a great wrestler, but also will have ripple effects both in State and Nationally.  Try to diminish it all you want, but yet again one of the best wrestlers in the state looks like he will be going elsewhere.

I am NOT a Ben Askren fan, but sooner or later true fans of UW wrestling will need to stop blaming him and look at those that have the power to truly recruit these great in state kids.  Rumor has it his club is not the only one sour on Bono.

The WRTC's mission is to help athletes become state, national, and world champions.  To that extent, we provide training sites, coaching, workout partners, and financial assistance to do so.  Fundraising is a huge part of this, hence our emphasis on that. I have heard both Seth as well as Braxton credit multiple times the WRTC for helping them achieve their goals.  Here is a rokfin video of Braxton doing that from yesterday:
https://rokfin.com/post/98971/Braxton-Amos-talks-on-the-morning-before-the-world-championships-

I think our website and social media content is strong.  Could it be improved?  I'm sure every account could if you knit pick at it enough. I've appreciated this thread as a way to learn friction points with what the RTC can improve on!  We will take a lot of these ideas and thoughts in the future to improve on!

The emergence of NIL has also thrown a new wrinkle into college programs and RTC's.  We are committed to working with UW compliance to make sure that everything we do here is of the highest integrity and always in line with the University and its rules. Integrity is a huge part of the RTC as well as the college program!

Couldn't be a better time to be a Badger!  The future is very bright!

-Matt Deadman

Thanks for the update, great to hear directly from a Board Member of the RTC.  Also great to see you state RTC is dedicated to help athletes become State Champions.  Quick question-Are there HS practices at the RTC for those eligible?  Last of anything I can find is the website stating no more HS practices and that was in March of 2020.

Thanks again.

High School practices havn't started back up again.  They were having them frequently and with Covid, stopped.  Hope to get those started in the future again!

Quote from: BuckyMatt on September 11, 2022, 12:14:16 PM

Quote from: asdf on September 08, 2022, 09:42:23 PMBeing completely honest and not snarky--What does the WRTC even do besides fundraisers?

-Look at their website-Nick Becker is the main page pic, wearing an AWA logo singlet.  Don't think he has wrestled for RTC in years...The coaches listed are Newt and Gross (neither in WRTC singlets). No other senior athletes listed.  I don't think it has been updated in years.  Besides occasional tweets on fundraisers, absolutely no social media presence.  Do they have any athletes besides the UW staff and kids?
-Nearly every other Big Ten RTC has senior athletes on staff, HS practices listed and consistent Social media presence.  Heck, Maryland DMV RTC has just as many World Team Athletes as WRTC...Maryland has yet to win a Big Ten Dual.
-Website has qualifications for membership/practice, but I can't recall the last time they posted or have had a HS practice.  Heck I somehow get posts on Twitter about the upcoming U of Buffalo Bulls RTC schedule, but never seen a practice schedule from WRTC.
-Great that Gross/Amos made World team.  But how can the RTC even take credit for that?  Has the RTC brought in anyone other then current UW wrestlers?  How much are they funding them?  Gross registered as Sunkist, not WRTC, right?
-The WRTC doesn't even sell garb does it?  Easy money.
-Pretty much all the RTC's do some great volunteer activities.  I know Erin G did some things with BTS-Chicago before they cut the program, but anything new?

I am truly not trying to start a whine fest...I was a Legend Donor for 1 year, but stopped few years back to shift my donations to Beat the Streets National and City Kids in Milw.  I am truly curious where the WRTC is going and what it is doing.  I am hoping I am just out of the loop, but guess I am saying that maybe being more transparent includes telling people what you are even doing.

Seeing the original post is about Greyson, I guess I'll put my 2 cents in there also---I can't remember seeing his father NOT wearing UW gear.  Seems the family has been all in on UW for years. Greyson is a great kid and overall I believe this is a huge loss for UW.  Both in losing a great wrestler, but also will have ripple effects both in State and Nationally.  Try to diminish it all you want, but yet again one of the best wrestlers in the state looks like he will be going elsewhere.

I am NOT a Ben Askren fan, but sooner or later true fans of UW wrestling will need to stop blaming him and look at those that have the power to truly recruit these great in state kids.  Rumor has it his club is not the only one sour on Bono.

The WRTC's mission is to help athletes become state, national, and world champions.  To that extent, we provide training sites, coaching, workout partners, and financial assistance to do so.  Fundraising is a huge part of this, hence our emphasis on that. I have heard both Seth as well as Braxton credit multiple times the WRTC for helping them achieve their goals.  Here is a rokfin video of Braxton doing that from yesterday:
https://rokfin.com/post/98971/Braxton-Amos-talks-on-the-morning-before-the-world-championships-

I think our website and social media content is strong.  Could it be improved?  I'm sure every account could if you knit pick at it enough. I've appreciated this thread as a way to learn friction points with what the RTC can improve on!  We will take a lot of these ideas and thoughts in the future to improve on!

The emergence of NIL has also thrown a new wrinkle into college programs and RTC's.  We are committed to working with UW compliance to make sure that everything we do here is of the highest integrity and always in line with the University and its rules. Integrity is a huge part of the RTC as well as the college program!

Couldn't be a better time to be a Badger!  The future is very bright!

-Matt Deadman

What exactly did the WRTC provide in terms of support for Seth Gross at World Trials?  His training partner was Joey McKenna from Penn RTC and his personal coach was outside the WRTC.  I believe Seth wrestles for Sunkist Kids who likely footed his travel expenses.  I hope Bono and Gross can work out any problems as Seth is a great asset for the Badgers, but I worry like another poster that this could be another McDonough divorce situation.

Quote from: factfinder on September 11, 2022, 07:45:36 AM

Quote from: mkm13 on September 10, 2022, 03:28:51 PMA lot of RTC's grew in popularity due to their benefit to college wrestling programs.  That is the reason many RTCs received significant donations.  With NIL, that changes everything.

I am guessing most contributions going forward will be to current or future athletes and not graduates looking to compete at the highest level.  That is not specific to WI, but everywhere.  I would guess this will impact the US senior level team, or at a minimum the depth going forward as not as many guys/women will be able to focus on just wrestling. 

I am curious how we will handle the RTC vs NIL.  I personally hope they focus their efforts on NIL and making the UW team as good as possible.

Penn St and Iowa hand out the smallest scholarships do to the depth of their talent and Penn St has the stiffest rules when it comes to NIL deals so not all athletes are running to the cash. But to your point Ohio is putting out more cash then anyone and they are getting a lot of blue chips, they just are not developing them as well as they they should the next two years will be telling. Ohio should run away with the Big 10 for the next 5 years, at least on paper.

I'm not sure that's the case anymore with Penn State. Just from glancing at some message boards in the last year, their AD, the one who was kinda limiting the NIL deals, she has since resigned and they've brought in a new AD...and I'm fairly certain RBY was one of the kids who got a pretty handsome NIL deal.

I'm fairly certain, after hearing a presentation during the 2022 NCAA tournament, the Penn State Alumni have a plan to set up some sort of a huge 'umbrella' (my terminology, not theirs) NIL for kids in the program. I have no other details.

Saw on twitter  Greyson will be announcing his college decision live on the WIwrestle podcast Wednesday at 10 am.  The post says top three Minnesota, Pitt, Purdue

Greyson Clark chose Purdue.

Quote from: roughandtough on September 26, 2022, 09:50:33 AMSaw on twitter  Greyson will be announcing his college decision live on the WIwrestle podcast Wednesday at 10 am.  The post says top three Minnesota, Pitt, Purdue

Well, that sucks...for most Badgers fans. I'm sure there is...well, at least ONE Badger "fan" who's happy about it.

As always, I hope the kid has success at the next level, but that stings.

I like seeing more training centers which leads to better talent. It was long believed that a lot of Minnesota's success was attributed to so many of their schools and so much talent around the Twin Cities and good club Wrestling. I'd doubt those clubs were actively working at cross purposes with the states flagship University(just the opposite actually) but such is life.

It was long believed that a lot of Minnesota's success was attributed to so many of their schools and so much talent around the Twin Cities and good club Wrestling. I'd doubt those clubs were actively working at cross purposes with the states flagship University(just the opposite actually) but such is life.

No they are not. Imagine Gabe Stevenson running a club (or even Brock Lesnar) for that matter that not only bad-mouths the U's program but actively steers those kids to sign at other schools. Because if what asdf is saying is true (I can't remember seeing his father NOT wearing UW gear.  Seems the family has been all in on UW for years) and what BuckyMatt is saying is true (the UW Coaches have tried repeatedly.  The Askren's do not want the relationship repaired unfortunately.) Then what you have here is active sabotage by people determined to wreck UW's wrestling program out of just pure spite, because there's no other reason for them to do so. And it's apparent now it doesn't matter who the coach is. For now on any UW wrestling coach who doesn't kiss their butts is going to get the cold shoulder from Askrens because of their control of the raw product. And they have made it clear they intend to exercise that control to either try to get something from the school or the RTC or just wave their rings around in people's faces just to show they can. Power can be a very intoxicating thing.

Normally I would be someone who urge the coaching to staff that, unpleasant as it might be, you have to kow-tow to high school and club coaches not to get on their blacklists and quite frankly its important to have a positive relationships with youth and prep coaches and the university. With the Askrens however, they've made it clear this is a vendetta that cannot be quenched. They've already ran off one coach are we going to let them run off another? Now I hoping Bono succeeds to show them that he can without their assistance and they can go take a flying leap. If that means fewer Wisconsin kids on the UW roster, unfortunately it may be the sacrifice UW might have to make make in order to show a bunch of punks they don't control wrestling in this state. Yeah, it sucks it has to come to that but if one can't explain why suddenly Clark would re-open his recruiting without outside influence from a certain party, I'm all ears.

I just logged backed in after my summer break and it never fails, there's always something at this time of year, just before or after school starts but before the season starts and it usually involves a current UW either transferring or getting hurt or something to do with a recruit, usually a decommitment. Looks like history repeats itself once again.

Yeah, it sucks it has to come to that but if one can't explain why suddenly Clark would re-open his recruiting without outside influence from a certain party, I'm all ears.


"I'm all ears" - the Clark situation has ZERO to do with Ben Askren, Max Askren, Josh Wagner or anyone affiliated with AWA.

It does suck that Greyson decided to de-commit.  He and his family are great and appear to be true UW type of people. A couple of common reasons that you hear about why a kid leaves a school in any sport is money(scholarship and/or now NIL) and playing time. If he got more money(scholarship %) from Purdue, then you can't blame him. Can't really says if money was the issue.  So then look at playing time.  UW has some real good recruits/young guys at 133/141 so maybe he was concerned about that? Not sure what Purdue has at those weights. It would have been nice to have him at UW, you can never have enough great quality kids and depth.
 
Either way, Greyson wins. He still gets a great education from a really good school and gets to compete in the Big Ten against the best in the country.  Wish him the best of luck

Quote from: novice wrestler on October 04, 2022, 07:36:54 AMIt does suck that Greyson decided to de-commit.  He and his family are great and appear to be true UW type of people. A couple of common reasons that you hear about why a kid leaves a school in any sport is money(scholarship and/or now NIL) and playing time. If he got more money(scholarship %) from Purdue, then you can't blame him. Can't really says if money was the issue.  So then look at playing time.  UW has some real good recruits/young guys at 133/141 so maybe he was concerned about that? Not sure what Purdue has at those weights. It would have been nice to have him at UW, you can never have enough great quality kids and depth.
 
Either way, Greyson wins. He still gets a great education from a really good school and gets to compete in the Big Ten against the best in the country.  Wish him the best of luck

This is the most important part of the conversation! Wish Greyson the best of luck!

People do have frustrations and I think are fair with AWA and the way they push kids away from Wisconsin. No one is saying that they should be openly supporting and writing love letters to Bono, etc. but it is a great school, and should be an option for kids. Especially with everyone saying that Bono has tried to mend the disagreements. 

Quote from: madeyson on October 04, 2022, 06:53:55 AMYeah, it sucks it has to come to that but if one can't explain why suddenly Clark would re-open his recruiting without outside influence from a certain party, I'm all ears.


"I'm all ears" - the Clark situation has ZERO to do with Ben Askren, Max Askren, Josh Wagner or anyone affiliated with AWA.

Madeyson has not made his identity hidden.  No one knows the situation regarding Greyson more than he does.  If he is saying AWA didn't have anything to do with it, well that's as close to the source as you can get and I believe him.  I truly wish Greyson the best in Purdue.  He is a fine young man and will do well wherever he goes!

That said, Ben himself made it clear in the Braeden Scoles thread that he does not like Bono and shares that with his wrestlers why they should not wrestle here. The Junior class wrestlers are listening to him because if you look at all of their school lists, none of them have Wisconsin listed. 

 

Is Ben not allowed to have an opinion on this?  I would think Ben would be a good resource for the wrestlers he works with on college wrestling and certain places that he has worked with.  You may not like what he has to say because it effects what you like and I understand that.  However you get on here and post your opinion all of the time Matt.

Tim Spray

Quote from: Tims on October 04, 2022, 12:56:22 PMIs Ben not allowed to have an opinion on this?  I would think Ben would be a good resource for the wrestlers he works with on college wrestling and certain places that he has worked with.  You may not like what he has to say because it effects what you like and I understand that.  However you get on here and post you opinion all of the time Matt.

Tim Spray

Tim
Thank you for posting your name.  I appreciate and respect that.  Too many anonymous people on this page!  Hiding behind screen names; posting both pro bono stuff and pro-Ben stuff.

And yes, you are 100% right!  Ben should have his own opinion and should share it with his wrestlers.  And those wrestlers should absolutely take what he has to say into consideration. He is an important figure in their lives and no one questions his commitment to his wrestlers.

But at what point is UW not even an option for these athletes because of his opinions?

It's my understanding that UW would love these kids to wrestle here.  It appears from their lists that they don't want to even consider the UW. And I'm not saying every student should go or wants to go to the University of Wisconsin.  But it appears that they are ruling the school out before recruiting even starts.

Good luck to Greyson Clark.

GO BADGERS!

My name is Ernie Millard and I have been watching this thread closely, opting not to participate until I saw the individual who goes by wrestlemania refer to certain wrestlers not interested in Madison as "punks."  Based upon that person's previous comments in that statement, I inferred that they were talking about AWA kids.  If I am incorrect, I apologize for jumping to conclusions.

1--These are great kids, who have worked incredibly hard to become the quality wrestlers and people they are.  Some of them are blue chip recruits and it is true that most of do not have Wisconsin as one of their schools of choice. None of them have made any attempt to inappropriately influence the coaches at Wisconsin or force their will upon the university.  They owe Wisconsin nothing, just as the university owes them nothing.

2--I know Ben and Max Askren personally.  I consider Ben to be a friend and Max to be one of my best friends.  They (Max more than Ben) have worked with my son Charlie for the last 11 years.  Ben has a social media presence I sometimes wish would mellow, but he is an incredible coach and better person, who is approachable, intelligent and caring.  Next to my wife and I, Max is the most important person in Charlie's life.  Lisa and I both love him, because he not only makes our son a better wrestler, he demands he become a better person every day.

3--I also know Chris Bono and Jon Reader personally.  I consider Jon Reader to be a friend. I do not know Chris as well, but have talked with him on several occasions, both on the phone and in person, and gotten along well.  Chris and Jon have actually been at my home and I have enjoyed spending time with them.  They are high energy, passionate individuals who are dedicated to making the University of Wisconsin a great team.

4--It is absolutely correct that the Askren brothers and Chris Bono do not care for each other.  I have talked with both sides at length and do not think the odds are very good that they will ever get along. 

5--There are AWA kids who wrestle at Madison.  Jared Krattiger, Cody Goebel, Aidan Medora and Liam Hughes are all AWA kids who have been on the team in the last four years.  I was in the room the day Liam was given the invitation to become a Badger and Ben Askren was the person congratulating him in front of everyone.  He was sincerely happy for Liam.  The argument that Ben and Max do not allow their wrestlers to go to Madison is at best uninformed and at worst, an outright lie.  They do help evaluate the personal strengths and weaknesses of their kids and encourage them to find schools that mesh with them.

6-I stand by every word I have just written and put my name on the top of this.  I cannot stand anonymity.  It emboldens those who don't have the fortitude or the integrity to stand by their words.  We would be far better off if everyone had to state their name before posting.

7-My personal email address is emillard42@yahoo.com.  If you ever want to have a rational conversation, you can contact me there.  If it seems that a productive conversation can take place, I will even give you my cell phone number and we can talk.

Sincerely,

Ernie Millard

Quote from: BuckyMatt on October 04, 2022, 01:21:23 PMBut at what point is UW not even an option for these athletes because of his opinions?

It looks like a number of athletes from AWA or Arrowhead are on the roster, so it can't be that UW isn't an option because of his opinions.  We have to give these kids and their parents some credit.  They probably value Ben's opinion (with his level of success, who wouldn't listen?)  but are capable of making an important life decision without him. 
I'm sure Ben has more important opinions than what he thinks of UW, like the importance of going out and experiencing life outside of your home state.  Maybe that's why he found success; he left and got a new perspective.  It is something I frequently recommended to my wrestlers when I coached in FL; branch out, consider other locales beyond what you are familiar with.
I don't understand why these kids are expected to be loyal to an institution simply because its in their home state, or why the UW program is expected to grab just the good in-state kids when there's 49 other states to pick from.  Support both AWA and UW, not one or the other. 

--Shawn (excluding last name, sorry)

Quote from: Ernie1964 on October 04, 2022, 04:25:33 PMMy name is Ernie Millard and I have been watching this thread closely, opting not to participate until I saw the individual who goes by wrestlemania refer to certain wrestlers not interested in Madison as "punks."  Based upon that person's previous comments in that statement, I inferred that they were talking about AWA kids.  If I am incorrect, I apologize for jumping to conclusions.

1--These are great kids, who have worked incredibly hard to become the quality wrestlers and people they are.  Some of them are blue chip recruits and it is true that most of do not have Wisconsin as one of their schools of choice. None of them have made any attempt to inappropriately influence the coaches at Wisconsin or force their will upon the university.  They owe Wisconsin nothing, just as the university owes them nothing.

2--I know Ben and Max Askren personally.  I consider Ben to be a friend and Max to be one of my best friends.  They (Max more than Ben) have worked with my son Charlie for the last 11 years.  Ben has a social media presence I sometimes wish would mellow, but he is an incredible coach and better person, who is approachable, intelligent and caring.  Next to my wife and I, Max is the most important person in Charlie's life.  Lisa and I both love him, because he not only makes our son a better wrestler, he demands he become a better person every day.

3--I also know Chris Bono and Jon Reader personally.  I consider Jon Reader to be a friend. I do not know Chris as well, but have talked with him on several times, both on the phone and in person, and gotten along well.  Chris and Jon have actually been at my home and I have enjoyed spending time with them.  They are high energy, passionate individuals who are dedicated to making the University of Wisconsin a great team.

4--It is absolutely correct that the Askren brothers and Chris Bono do not care for each other.  I have talked with both sides at length and do not think the odds are very good that they will ever get along. 

5--There are AWA kids who wrestle at Madison.  Jared Krattiger, Cody Goebel, Aidan Medora and Liam Hughes are all AWA kids who have been on the team in the last four years.  I was in the room the day Liam was given the invitation to become a Badger and Ben Askren was the person congratulating him in front of everyone.  He was sincerely happy for Liam.  The argument that Ben and Max do not allow their wrestlers to go to Madison is at best uninformed and at worst, an outright lie.  They do help evaluate the personal strengths and weaknesses of their kids and encourage them to find schools that mesh with them.

6-I stand by every word I have just written and put my name on the top of this.  I cannot stand anonymity.  It emboldens those who don't have the fortitude or the integrity to stand by their words.  We would be far better off if everyone had to state their name before posting.

7-My personal email address is emillard42@yahoo.com.  If you ever want to have a rational conversation, you can contact me there.  If it seems that a productive conversation can take place, I will even give you my cell phone number and we can talk.

Sincerely,

Ernie Millard

Great post Ernie!  Good luck to Greyson and all the other Wisconsin high school wrestlers regardless of what team they choose.  I think some of us are bummed out because we were hoping to build great things in the state of Wisconsin when Bono took over and then hired Ben for the RTC.  It has been an unfortunate series of events that turned that optimism into an us versus them mentality.  Personally, I agree with you that AWA is doing a great job and I would add the UW staff and athletes are doing a great job as well.  The split between Ben and Bono has made the job much harder in my opinion.  The level of high school wrestling has improved state wide because of AWA and I think that is a positive.  If UW can create an elite program year in and year out I think the instate wrestlers will give it a serious look.  This is a pivotal year for the program.

Hugh Harris - my email is on my profile and you can find me following the Badgers on Twitter at @HchCoin and as a season ticket holder at dual meets or at the SconnieBar beforehand  ;D

My goal when posting on the forum is to not be a "dick" and treat other posters like I was talking with them face to face.  At the end of the day, I am just a fan and following wrestling is just a fun hobby.  Not worth the hassle of arguing with anonymous posters.

"certain wrestlers not interested in Madison as "punks."  Based upon that person's previous comments in that statement, I inferred that they were talking about AWA kids.  If I am incorrect, I apologize for jumping to conclusions."

You are incorrect. I didn't call the AWA wrestlers "punks". I would never do that. I called their club coaches punks because with careful consideration of evidence that I have seen over the years, I just can't draw any other conclusion.

This isn't just a Bono problem. Ben pulled the same stuff on Barry Davis, cutting him down, attacking him online. Yes I know, free country, he can do and say what he wants. But what worries me is that any coach at UW is going to come in for the same treatment unless the Askrens get what they want from that particular coach, and all it may well be is just a kiss of the ring. Well I don't think there is a good coach in the country who willingly come to UW and be forced to put up with it, especially if they themselves wrestled at the high levels and won gold medals or national championships. They would be like "What on earth? This guy got knocked out by Jake Paul and he's telling me how to do my job and telling his wrestlers to stay away from me? Who does he think he is?" I'm sure Bono wasn't anticipating it when he took the job in Madison.

The difficulties UW has to be successful in college wrestling are hard enough without having to worry about some club coaches' opinion of you. I know that part of the game and its important that college coaches have good relations with their high school and club counterparts but not when one side is drunk with power.

Wrestlemania you called all of the AWA coaches punks.  If anyone should post their identity it is you.  So let's stop for a second and think about the contrasting style's of Bono and Askren.  Their approaches to the sport couldn't be further a part.  The kids coming through the AWA wrestling Academy are making choices that best suit them and their styles of wrestling.  Some will choose Wisconsin. Some won't.  There was a clear falling out between Bono and Askren's.  It's obvious that you have picked a side.  I think you should do more research on this.  As I posted on the other topic.  Both Bono and Reader have been in the Madison AWA room.  With all this Askren telling kids not to go to Wisconsin one should ask why Clark chose Wisconsin in the first place if that were true.  I will speak to my experience of both of my sons.  Patrick Committed to NDSU, then at the end of his senior year he flipped it to Wisconsin.  I won't lie I was ticked lol  It was gonna be a bigger bill.  I for sure thought Preston was gonna end up at Buffalo or Univ. Of Indianapolis.  Missouri popped up and he went there and he loved the culture right away. 

It is Chris Bono's job to build relationships just like it was Paul Chryst's.  These guys get paid a lot of money and relationship building is part of the job.  You are selling yourself and the program. It is not AWA'S job to push kids to Madison it is to push their kids to places where they will have the most success and the right fit for them and where they will be happiest.

Tim Spray

Quote from: wrestlemania on October 04, 2022, 08:58:18 PM"certain wrestlers not interested in Madison as "punks."  Based upon that person's previous comments in that statement, I inferred that they were talking about AWA kids.  If I am incorrect, I apologize for jumping to conclusions."

You are incorrect. I didn't call the AWA wrestlers "punks". I would never do that. I called their club coaches punks because with careful consideration of evidence that I have seen over the years, I just can't draw any other conclusion.

This isn't just a Bono problem. Ben pulled the same stuff on Barry Davis, cutting him down, attacking him online. Yes I know, free country, he can do and say what he wants. But what worries me is that any coach at UW is going to come in for the same treatment unless the Askrens get what they want from that particular coach, and all it may well be is just a kiss of the ring. Well I don't think there is a good coach in the country who willingly come to UW and be forced to put up with it, especially if they themselves wrestled at the high levels and won gold medals or national championships. They would be like "What on earth? This guy got knocked out by Jake Paul and he's telling me how to do my job and telling his wrestlers to stay away from me? Who does he think he is?" I'm sure Bono wasn't anticipating it when he took the job in Madison.

The difficulties UW has to be successful in college wrestling are hard enough without having to worry about some club coaches' opinion of you. I know that part of the game and its important that college coaches have good relations with their high school and club counterparts but not when one side is drunk with power.

To be a successful college program largely seems to be on how you place in the Big Tens and more so in the NCAA's.  If a school can get 8 or more qualifiers to NCAAs to score some points and then have 4-5 of those guys become AA's, then you can have a top 10 team finish or better depending how high they place.  With that being said, it would nice if UW had a few of those studs be from WI.  But..if the few WI HS studs don't think UW is good for them then that is perfectly fine.  Bono can continue to go to Illinois or just about any state he wants to find those 4-5 studs who will score points at the National Tournament.  That generally will make most people happy  So, really do you need AWA? Nice but not required???

I personally never understood why people thought/expected that AWA would push/encourage their wrestlers towards Wisconsin. Max and Ben are Mizzou guys, plain and simple. It's like UW-Eau Claire alum pushing their wrestlers to go to UWW. Probably not going to happen. They might not "discourage it" and would be happy for their guys to get picked up anywhere, but we all know that loyalties often run deep. Fairly easy to understand.
Congrats to any WI guys getting in on any D1 team. We'd love you to stay home, but that doesn't always work.

"I personally never understood why people thought/expected that AWA would push/encourage their wrestlers towards Wisconsin".

The question is not about "pushing towards". I would agree it's not their responsibility. The question is
"steering away" and deliberately so out of personal spite. This has nothing to do with "styles".

By the way, nothing I've written hasn't been written by others in this forum and their information I use to offer my opinions since I admit I'm not as wired in as most are nor do I have children who wrestle. I'm just a fan, no more or less.

"This isn't just a Bono problem. Ben pulled the same stuff on Barry Davis, cutting him down, attacking him online. Yes I know, free country, he can do and say what he wants. But what worries me is that any coach at UW is going to come in for the same treatment unless the Askrens get what they want from that particular coach, and all it may well be is just a kiss of the ring. Well I don't think there is a good coach in the country who willingly come to UW and be forced to put up with it, especially if they themselves wrestled at the high levels and won gold medals or national championships. They would be like "What on earth? This guy got knocked out by Jake Paul and he's telling me how to do my job and telling his wrestlers to stay away from me? Who does he think he is?" I'm sure Bono wasn't anticipating it when he took the job in Madison."

This to me is the bigger problem and the main point I wish to offer. As I said it seems no matter who UW hires as a head coach well into the future, they're going to have to deal with this situation and it may keep talented coaches away from Madison because they DON'T want to deal with it. As a UW fan and alum, I desperately want to see Wisconsin be a success in wrestling but it's getting to the point, in my opinion, that's it's just not going to happen, not to a consistent team Big Ten/National Championship level that fans want. And the reasons are 1). Lack of money; 2). UWAD's administration of the program in terms of facilities, Title IX and compliance rules and 3). Disconnect between the University and the prep/club wrestling levels regardless who the coaches are. I mean, I went back and looked at old posts of mine from the late winter/early spring and we're in the fall talking about the same things. I talked about how UW may get shutout of supposed great Class of '24 and well be due to the influence of that "bag of milk". I've talked about how even with RTCs, the bottom line is the best ones are like the best college programs and are swimming in dough and when UW's RTC doesn't have that kind of money or the kind of donor base and you have to economize or spend in different ways people get upset and angry and how things are done and we get into all sorts of arguments about it. And these are not new problems, they are the same that the program has been dealing with for years and years, regardless of who is leading it. Limited resources limit what you can do and realistically accomplish.

I know Bono is trying to change this and he's doing the best he can. But it's become apparent we have a real division in the wrestling community in this state and no UW coach can be successful having to fight a rear-guard action, especially when it affects recruiting. And I'm on the record here stating that long term UW cannot succeed to the level it wishes to obtain with a roster of mostly out-of-state wrestlers or that its best wrestlers come exclusively from out-of-state. It makes it much harder and more expensive to recruit and makes depth a problem as well. But it's also become apparent there's a faction within the wrestling community in Wisconsin who really don't care the state's lone Division I program is a success or not, but love to criticize it if it's not whether it's missing out on recruits, having kids transfer or does not perform well on the mat. The nasty treatment and lack of respect Barry Davis got from this grouping still bothers me to this day.

AWA clubs and the Askrens seem to have have a lot of fans in the state who will defend them and their actions. That's fine. I'm being told I've "picked a side". Well I will not participate in a civil war or constant pretty bickering on an internet forum. I'm afraid I'm just going to have to resign myself that the situation is what it is as ridiculous as it may well be (what other state wrestling community is like this?) and every UW wrestling season just hope for the best but not hope too much to get let down. It's sad but what can you do? UW wrestling is chained down from what it could be by a lot of things and sadly that looks like it hasn't changed much since Bono took over despite his best efforts. Maybe in my lifetime a Wisconsin-kid will be a national champion wrestler for UW but I'm not going to hold my breath.

Quote from: Ernie1964 on October 04, 2022, 04:25:33 PMMy name is Ernie Millard and I have been watching this thread closely, opting not to participate until I saw the individual who goes by wrestlemania refer to certain wrestlers not interested in Madison as "punks."  Based upon that person's previous comments in that statement, I inferred that they were talking about AWA kids.  If I am incorrect, I apologize for jumping to conclusions.

1--These are great kids, who have worked incredibly hard to become the quality wrestlers and people they are.  Some of them are blue chip recruits and it is true that most of do not have Wisconsin as one of their schools of choice. None of them have made any attempt to inappropriately influence the coaches at Wisconsin or force their will upon the university.  They owe Wisconsin nothing, just as the university owes them nothing.

2--I know Ben and Max Askren personally.  I consider Ben to be a friend and Max to be one of my best friends.  They (Max more than Ben) have worked with my son Charlie for the last 11 years.  Ben has a social media presence I sometimes wish would mellow, but he is an incredible coach and better person, who is approachable, intelligent and caring.  Next to my wife and I, Max is the most important person in Charlie's life.  Lisa and I both love him, because he not only makes our son a better wrestler, he demands he become a better person every day.

3--I also know Chris Bono and Jon Reader personally.  I consider Jon Reader to be a friend. I do not know Chris as well, but have talked with him on several occasions, both on the phone and in person, and gotten along well.  Chris and Jon have actually been at my home and I have enjoyed spending time with them.  They are high energy, passionate individuals who are dedicated to making the University of Wisconsin a great team.

4--It is absolutely correct that the Askren brothers and Chris Bono do not care for each other.  I have talked with both sides at length and do not think the odds are very good that they will ever get along. 

5--There are AWA kids who wrestle at Madison.  Jared Krattiger, Cody Goebel, Aidan Medora and Liam Hughes are all AWA kids who have been on the team in the last four years.  I was in the room the day Liam was given the invitation to become a Badger and Ben Askren was the person congratulating him in front of everyone.  He was sincerely happy for Liam.  The argument that Ben and Max do not allow their wrestlers to go to Madison is at best uninformed and at worst, an outright lie.  They do help evaluate the personal strengths and weaknesses of their kids and encourage them to find schools that mesh with them.

6-I stand by every word I have just written and put my name on the top of this.  I cannot stand anonymity.  It emboldens those who don't have the fortitude or the integrity to stand by their words.  We would be far better off if everyone had to state their name before posting.

7-My personal email address is emillard42@yahoo.com.  If you ever want to have a rational conversation, you can contact me there.  If it seems that a productive conversation can take place, I will even give you my cell phone number and we can talk.

Sincerely,

Ernie Millard

 Nice post
Dave

Quote from: wrestlemania on October 04, 2022, 08:58:18 PM"certain wrestlers not interested in Madison as "punks."  Based upon that person's previous comments in that statement, I inferred that they were talking about AWA kids.  If I am incorrect, I apologize for jumping to conclusions."

You are incorrect. I didn't call the AWA wrestlers "punks". I would never do that. I called their club coaches punks because with careful consideration of evidence that I have seen over the years, I just can't draw any other conclusion.

That was how I read it. I never read it as you calling the athletes punks, rather the(a) coach.

It seems more like it's one ego vs the UW program across multiple coaches and staffs.