Sounds like there will be a lot of guys moving around this off-season. I think being able to recruit guys out of HS is probably the best route to consistent success, however I recognize how much transfers can give the program a shot of energy. Are there any names or lists of names around, and do you see any of these guys wearing the W next season? Of course solid information is ideal, but rumors and speculation is always encouraged....
Flo has a tracker on their website.
Seen Cannon from NW both entered the portal. I swear I saw Lucas Davison on there too but don't see him now..
https://www.flowrestling.org/articles/10776671-2023-ncaa-d1-wrestling-off-season-transfer-tracker
The reality of the sport is that sometimes that kid out of high school is a bigger risk than a transfer who has proven themselves to A. be able to handle the academic rigor while competing B. They have already shown that they can stick with the sport and are willing to continue (albeit in a different program/location). ie those who couldn't, or didn't want that type of commitment are already weeded out.
For all sports I think you will see a trend in coaches recruiting less high school kids and taking more proven transfers. More high school kids are going to have to lower division schools and prove themselves first or in the case of wrestling many will end up at the lesser success schools and once they have success they will transfer into the big ten. Don't like the system but is less risk for coaches and and allows all athletes a way to earn their way to the top of the sport which is the Big Ten
Quote from: DocWrestling on March 30, 2023, 03:01:15 PMFor all sports I think you will see a trend in coaches recruiting less high school kids and taking more proven transfers. More high school kids are going to have to lower division schools and prove themselves first or in the case of wrestling many will end up at the lesser success schools and once they have success they will transfer into the big ten. Don't like the system but is less risk for coaches and and allows all athletes a way to earn their way to the top of the sport which is the Big Ten
I don't think you're going to see coaches recruiting less at the HS level. That's still the core of the team. The transfer portal is generally guys who got recruited over or who have run out of academic options(Shane Griffith for example).
But developing HS wrestlers who have roots in your program has to be the way forward. I can't imagine a team sustaining success by going with transfers over HS recruits(other than Michigan...).
In wrestling you may be right because there just aremnot that many wrestlers that blow up with success in the EIWA, SOCON, or MAC and if they do everyone wants them.
Nagao has entered the portal!
......
Quote from: wrestle_4ever on April 06, 2023, 05:28:04 PMNagao has entered the portal!
......
That's a wild one. Is that confirmed? He looked like he was gonna be Minnesota's next stud(As in potential NC, maybe multi-time NC). One of the tougher top Wrestlers as just a Freshmen this year(RS, but still).
Quote from: Vir Fortis on April 06, 2023, 07:11:51 PMQuote from: wrestle_4ever on April 06, 2023, 05:28:04 PMNagao has entered the portal!
......
That's a wild one. Is that confirmed? He looked like he was gonna be Minnesota's next stud(As in potential NC, maybe multi-time NC). One of the tougher top Wrestlers as just a Freshmen this year(RS, but still).
Flo is showing it on their transfer tracker so that is confirmed. That one is a head scratcher for sure. Iowa and PSU could use a 133. Curious to see where he ends up. Also saw that Lucas Davison is going to Michigan.
DeAugustino in the portal now too
Looking like ncaa wrestling is going to be Michigan (if you buy cliff keen equipment, you are funding that team), Ohio State (if you are buying Rudis you are funding tOSU), Iowa and Penn State (scrap life but not the same degree as PSU has huge $$).
Quote from: bigoil on April 07, 2023, 03:15:51 PMLooking like ncaa wrestling is going to be Michigan (if you buy cliff keen equipment, you are funding that team), Ohio State (if you are buying Rudis you are funding tOSU), Iowa and Penn State (scrap life but not the same degree as PSU has huge $$).
You are Not Wrong!!!
Those 3 programs are playing a different game than everyone else, even Iowa won't be keeping up in the future. There is almost no chance for the rest of the field!!! You might sneak in a few hammers but the team race is over before it even starts.
Quote from: factfinder on April 08, 2023, 08:29:48 AMQuote from: bigoil on April 07, 2023, 03:15:51 PMLooking like ncaa wrestling is going to be Michigan (if you buy cliff keen equipment, you are funding that team), Ohio State (if you are buying Rudis you are funding tOSU), Iowa and Penn State (scrap life but not the same degree as PSU has huge $$).
You are Not Wrong!!!
Those 3 programs are playing a different game than everyone else, even Iowa won't be keeping up in the future. There is almost no chance for the rest of the field!!! You might sneak in a few hammers but the team race is over before it even starts.
I give the Badgers credit for keeping Dean H after his freshman year, he could have easily went to a team with a real RTC, incredible partners, and $$$$.
I give Dean credit for sticking with UW. I cannot state enough how much I love this guy!
Too many chumps make excuses for THEIR mistakes and THEIR failures. They place blame elsewhere and look for the easy way out, feel like they need the best program in order to excel. I love it when a wrestler commits to a program with everything they have. We live in an era where not many people are willing to make sacrifices. Everyone wants immediate success and doesn't want to work hard for it.
I applaud Mr. Hamiti for taking the high road and can't wait for him to stand atop the podium for the Badgers. We need more men like him- Rah!
I'll give $1000 to the RTC if they land Nagao.
That's probably enough tho. Who else is in on him? That dude had RBY on roller skates in the semis.
We should be focusing all our $ on NIL and minimal on the RTC.
Quote from: Ghetto on April 08, 2023, 07:50:58 PMI'll give $1000 to the RTC if they land Nagao.
That's probably enough tho. Who else is in on him? That dude had RBY on roller skates in the semis.
By all accounts he is a Nittany lion from Twitter.
Quote from: bigoil on April 07, 2023, 03:15:51 PMLooking like ncaa wrestling is going to be Michigan (if you buy cliff keen equipment, you are funding that team), Ohio State (if you are buying Rudis you are funding tOSU), Iowa and Penn State (scrap life but not the same degree as PSU has huge $$).
So what are we to buy?
Wait until Nike has their say!
Quote from: mkm13 on April 08, 2023, 08:49:25 PMWe should be focusing all our $ on NIL and minimal on the RTC.
How does one become a part of that? I get what NIL is, but how to participate and help that cause? I thought the university doles out money.
Lots of other headgear, we have one made right here in WI.
Ghetto, you are doing your part, if you want to help more let me know. Universities do not dole out NIL.
Quote from: Ghetto on April 09, 2023, 04:42:18 AMQuote from: mkm13 on April 08, 2023, 08:49:25 PMWe should be focusing all our $ on NIL and minimal on the RTC.
How does one become a part of that? I get what NIL is, but how to participate and help that cause? I thought the university doles out money.
NIL can be doled out via
1) RTC's: A RTC can pay a student athlete directly for being part of the RTC
2) Collectives (like the Varsity Collective for UW but I believe that is only the big 6 sports)
3) Private business's: A private business can give NIL money to a student athlete to be a brand ambassador/sponsor.
I heard on twitter that Nagao was given $100,000 in NIL money (not sure which source of funds) and a full scholarship (and or NIL equivalent) to attend Penn State.
Unfortunately the largest indicator of future team success in college wrestling is a direct correlation to the amount of money the program can raise, which down the line effects the ability to develop the RTC, which down the line effects recruiting. Team national championships are like fund raising competitions.
Quote from: rjchev141 on April 09, 2023, 10:16:15 AMUnfortunately the largest indicator of future team success in college wrestling is a direct correlation to the amount of money the program can raise, which down the line effects the ability to develop the RTC, which down the line effects recruiting. Team national championships are like fund raising competitions.
It always has!! This is nothing new it's just public now.
College teams have had clubs (cowboy club, Sunkist) before RTC's and summer camp money has been around forever. The main difference now is the money is above and beyond the cost of college.
Fill the stands (not 2500 but 15,000),Big 10 revenues, raise a million a year, 4-5 "paid" sr level athletes, 3 top 25 pound for pound recruits "every" year that you can develop, everyone else comes for free, 2-3 NCAA point earning portal transfers and you can be a top 5 team. Easy formula!!!
Quote from: factfinder on April 09, 2023, 06:52:34 PMQuote from: rjchev141 on April 09, 2023, 10:16:15 AMUnfortunately the largest indicator of future team success in college wrestling is a direct correlation to the amount of money the program can raise, which down the line effects the ability to develop the RTC, which down the line effects recruiting. Team national championships are like fund raising competitions.
It always has!! This is nothing new it's just public now.
College teams have had clubs (cowboy club, Sunkist) before RTC's and summer camp money has been around forever. The main difference now is the money is above and beyond the cost of college.
Fill the stands (not 2500 but 15,000),Big 10 revenues, raise a million a year, 4-5 "paid" sr level athletes, 3 top 25 pound for pound recruits "every" year that you can develop, everyone else comes for free, 2-3 NCAA point earning portal transfers and you can be a top 5 team. Easy formula!!!
That sounds easy!! Let's start with the fundraising.
I know this guy who used to live in WI who is absolutely loaded. I'm gonna hit him up. ;D
Quote from: Ghetto on April 08, 2023, 07:50:58 PMI'll give $1000 to the RTC if they land Nagao.
That's probably enough tho. Who else is in on him? That dude had RBY on roller skates in the semis.
Find 99 more guys every year and maybe
In addition to throwing big money at Nagao, PSU also just received a commit from the No. 2 overall ranked 2024 recruit. They currently have commits from Nos. 1, 2, 4, 8, 12 and 19 on the 2024 Big Board. Not a bad recruiting class, eh?
The gap in talent between the top teams and us is huge.
Quote from: mkm13 on April 10, 2023, 03:32:10 PMIn addition to throwing big money at Nagao, PSU also just received a commit from the No. 2 overall ranked 2024 recruit. They currently have commits from Nos. 1, 2, 4, 8, 12 and 19 on the 2024 Big Board. Not a bad recruiting class, eh?
The gap in talent between the top teams and us is huge.
We need a salary cap.
Quote from: rjchev141 on April 09, 2023, 10:16:15 AMUnfortunately the largest indicator of future team success in college wrestling is a direct correlation to the amount of money the program can raise, which down the line effects the ability to develop the RTC, which down the line effects recruiting. Team national championships are like fund raising competitions.
Quote from: leg turk on April 10, 2023, 09:01:19 PMQuote from: mkm13 on April 10, 2023, 03:32:10 PMIn addition to throwing big money at Nagao, PSU also just received a commit from the No. 2 overall ranked 2024 recruit. They currently have commits from Nos. 1, 2, 4, 8, 12 and 19 on the 2024 Big Board. Not a bad recruiting class, eh?
The gap in talent between the top teams and us is huge.
We need a salary cap.
Iowa has one billionaire and three major wrestling colleges to tap into that homestate money. Wisconsin has seven billionaires and one D1 college. Wisconsin has the instate resources, they just need to tap into it. Bono is supposed to be a salesman. He needs to sell the potential wealthy donors on the wrestling program.
Quote from: leg turk on April 10, 2023, 09:01:19 PMQuote from: mkm13 on April 10, 2023, 03:32:10 PMIn addition to throwing big money at Nagao, PSU also just received a commit from the No. 2 overall ranked 2024 recruit. They currently have commits from Nos. 1, 2, 4, 8, 12 and 19 on the 2024 Big Board. Not a bad recruiting class, eh?
The gap in talent between the top teams and us is huge.
Most real good kids that go to Penn St do it without any scholarship and try and earn one when they get there.
We need a salary cap.
Quote from: BadgerOne on April 10, 2023, 09:46:17 PMQuote from: rjchev141 on April 09, 2023, 10:16:15 AMUnfortunately the largest indicator of future team success in college wrestling is a direct correlation to the amount of money the program can raise, which down the line effects the ability to develop the RTC, which down the line effects recruiting. Team national championships are like fund raising competitions.
Quote from: leg turk on April 10, 2023, 09:01:19 PMQuote from: mkm13 on April 10, 2023, 03:32:10 PMIn addition to throwing big money at Nagao, PSU also just received a commit from the No. 2 overall ranked 2024 recruit. They currently have commits from Nos. 1, 2, 4, 8, 12 and 19 on the 2024 Big Board. Not a bad recruiting class, eh?
The gap in talent between the top teams and us is huge.
We need a salary cap.
Iowa has one billionaire and three major wrestling colleges to tap into that homestate money. Wisconsin has seven billionaires and one D1 college. Wisconsin has the instate resources, they just need to tap into it. Bono is supposed to be a salesman. He needs to sell the potential wealthy donors on the wrestling program.
What's the connection between the billionaires and wrestling? If there is one, then the connections can be made. Just saying there's a billionaire in the state is irrelevant.
Been said that Iowa offered Truax $250,000 in NIL money.
If true it sounds crazy for 1 year.
They probably do not have scholarship money to offer so I can see the NIL covering out of state school expenses.
Quote from: Ghetto on April 11, 2023, 02:05:56 PMQuote from: BadgerOne on April 10, 2023, 09:46:17 PMQuote from: rjchev141 on April 09, 2023, 10:16:15 AMUnfortunately the largest indicator of future team success in college wrestling is a direct correlation to the amount of money the program can raise, which down the line effects the ability to develop the RTC, which down the line effects recruiting. Team national championships are like fund raising competitions.
Quote from: leg turk on April 10, 2023, 09:01:19 PMQuote from: mkm13 on April 10, 2023, 03:32:10 PMIn addition to throwing big money at Nagao, PSU also just received a commit from the No. 2 overall ranked 2024 recruit. They currently have commits from Nos. 1, 2, 4, 8, 12 and 19 on the 2024 Big Board. Not a bad recruiting class, eh?
The gap in talent between the top teams and us is huge.
We need a salary cap.
Iowa has one billionaire and three major wrestling colleges to tap into that homestate money. Wisconsin has seven billionaires and one D1 college. Wisconsin has the instate resources, they just need to tap into it. Bono is supposed to be a salesman. He needs to sell the potential wealthy donors on the wrestling program.
What's the connection between the billionaires and wrestling? If there is one, then the connections can be made. Just saying there's a billionaire in the state is irrelevant.
Quote from: Ghetto on April 11, 2023, 02:05:56 PMQuote from: BadgerOne on April 10, 2023, 09:46:17 PMQuote from: rjchev141 on April 09, 2023, 10:16:15 AMUnfortunately the largest indicator of future team success in college wrestling is a direct correlation to the amount of money the program can raise, which down the line effects the ability to develop the RTC, which down the line effects recruiting. Team national championships are like fund raising competitions.
Quote from: leg turk on April 10, 2023, 09:01:19 PMQuote from: mkm13 on April 10, 2023, 03:32:10 PMIn addition to throwing big money at Nagao, PSU also just received a commit from the No. 2 overall ranked 2024 recruit. They currently have commits from Nos. 1, 2, 4, 8, 12 and 19 on the 2024 Big Board. Not a bad recruiting class, eh?
The gap in talent between the top teams and us is huge.
We need a salary cap.
Iowa has one billionaire and three major wrestling colleges to tap into that homestate money. Wisconsin has seven billionaires and one D1 college. Wisconsin has the instate resources, they just need to tap into it. Bono is supposed to be a salesman. He needs to sell the potential wealthy donors on the wrestling program.
What's the connection between the billionaires and wrestling? If there is one, then the connections can be made. Just saying there's a billionaire in the state is irrelevant.
It makes as much sense as anything in this thread. Throwing your hands in the air, is no solution. Wisconsin has as much opportunity to raise money as Iowa or Oklahoma State or Nebraska, yet those programs have had more success. I believe each of those states has less wealth than Wisconsin and in the case of Iowa and Oklahoma those schools have more than one D1 school. Iowa and Oklahoma State have more than 50 titles combined and if you add Iowa State and Oklahoma its over 60 titles. I don't think money is as important as some here think, but for those who do think that way, then figure out how to raise more money as Wisconsin has enough resources for the money to not be an issue.
Quote from: wrastle63 on April 11, 2023, 02:14:47 PMBeen said that Iowa offered Truax $250,000 in NIL money.
What about the Iowa kids not getting NIL money. If they are as accomplished as Truax, aren't they going to want it too? Buying athletes might help shore up a lineup, but there no doubt could be some negative repercussions too. I hope it blows up in Iowa's face.
I'm not throwing my hands in the air.
I just don't see it. "Hey, random billionaire that resides in Wisconsin... I know you never wrestled and in no way have any connection to the sport. Can we have a few million?"
If anyone has access to the dude that owns Menards, maybe I can swing by and talk to him, since I hand him so much money every year.
How much money does it take to win an NCAA title?
Quote from: STFM1 on April 12, 2023, 09:48:42 AMHow much money does it take to win an NCAA title?
How many All Americans do you need to win a Title?
It's been rumored that Bernie Truax was offered $250,000 to go to Iowa.
I heard Shane Griffith was offered $250,000 to leave Stanford.
Aaron Nagao was supposedly offered $100,000.
You are looking at $600,000 right there to add 2 high level AAs and Nagao.
Maybe $1,000,000(per year) to get enough pieces to win a title?
Quote from: Ghetto on April 12, 2023, 08:29:28 AMI'm not throwing my hands in the air.
I just don't see it. "Hey, random billionaire that resides in Wisconsin... I know you never wrestled and in no way have any connection to the sport. Can we have a few million?"
If anyone has access to the dude that owns Menards, maybe I can swing by and talk to him, since I hand him so much money every year.
Doesn't live to far from me. Road trip?
I think there are plenty of All-Americans and champs not getting a cent of NIL money, though I expect sometime in the future, a majority of them might get some NIL money. Badgers can offer nine full rides and one near full ride when sweetened with a little nil money, comes out to ten full rides. Recruit better, field a better team, draw more interest and money and over time, Wisconsin has the opportunity to be a much better wrestling school. Remember Iowa and Penn State weren't powerhouses until the 70s and 90s respectively and college wrestling has been around since the 1920s. College wrestling had been around more than 45 years, before Iowa won a team title.
Quote from: littleguy301 on April 12, 2023, 11:30:58 AMQuote from: Ghetto on April 12, 2023, 08:29:28 AMI'm not throwing my hands in the air.
I just don't see it. "Hey, random billionaire that resides in Wisconsin... I know you never wrestled and in no way have any connection to the sport. Can we have a few million?"
If anyone has access to the dude that owns Menards, maybe I can swing by and talk to him, since I hand him so much money every year.
Doesn't live to far from me. Road trip?
I'm in.
I'll bring a pile of receipts to show how much I support him.
Quote from: Ghetto on April 12, 2023, 01:59:29 PMQuote from: littleguy301 on April 12, 2023, 11:30:58 AMQuote from: Ghetto on April 12, 2023, 08:29:28 AMI'm not throwing my hands in the air.
I just don't see it. "Hey, random billionaire that resides in Wisconsin... I know you never wrestled and in no way have any connection to the sport. Can we have a few million?"
If anyone has access to the dude that owns Menards, maybe I can swing by and talk to him, since I hand him so much money every year.
Doesn't live to far from me. Road trip?
I'm in.
I'll bring a pile of receipts to show how much I support him.
Corporate sponsorships and private donations have much higher potential than money raised with a few games of cornhole.
Quote from: BadgerOne on April 12, 2023, 03:25:06 PMQuote from: Ghetto on April 12, 2023, 01:59:29 PMQuote from: littleguy301 on April 12, 2023, 11:30:58 AMQuote from: Ghetto on April 12, 2023, 08:29:28 AMI'm not throwing my hands in the air.
I just don't see it. "Hey, random billionaire that resides in Wisconsin... I know you never wrestled and in no way have any connection to the sport. Can we have a few million?"
If anyone has access to the dude that owns Menards, maybe I can swing by and talk to him, since I hand him so much money every year.
Doesn't live to far from me. Road trip?
I'm in.
I'll bring a pile of receipts to show how much I support him.
Corporate sponsorships and private donations have much higher potential than money raised with a few games of cornhole.
Yes because you are privy to understand how much was made at the Cornhole event. This is also more than a fundraising event as the wrestlers and coaches are visiting with members of the community. I think you were off the team by then but maybe not.
Quote from: bigoil on April 12, 2023, 05:01:39 PMQuote from: BadgerOne on April 12, 2023, 03:25:06 PMQuote from: Ghetto on April 12, 2023, 01:59:29 PMQuote from: littleguy301 on April 12, 2023, 11:30:58 AMQuote from: Ghetto on April 12, 2023, 08:29:28 AMI'm not throwing my hands in the air.
I just don't see it. "Hey, random billionaire that resides in Wisconsin... I know you never wrestled and in no way have any connection to the sport. Can we have a few million?"
If anyone has access to the dude that owns Menards, maybe I can swing by and talk to him, since I hand him so much money every year.
Doesn't live to far from me. Road trip?
I'm in.
I'll bring a pile of receipts to show how much I support him.
Corporate sponsorships and private donations have much higher potential than money raised with a few games of cornhole.
Yes because you are privy to understand how much was made at the Cornhole event. This is also more than a fundraising event as the wrestlers and coaches are visiting with members of the community. I think you were off the team by then but maybe not.
What did Bono do with all that cornhole money?
I am figuring you at least $1,000,000 per year straight up for salaries with someone like Nagao(5th) getting $100,00 per year if you want to compete for top five. That is on top of any scholarships.
Quote from: BuckyMatt on April 12, 2023, 10:24:05 AMQuote from: STFM1 on April 12, 2023, 09:48:42 AMHow much money does it take to win an NCAA title?
How many All Americans do you need to win a Title?
It's been rumored that Bernie Truax was offered $250,000 to go to Iowa.
I heard Shane Griffith was offered $250,000 to leave Stanford.
Aaron Nagao was supposedly offered $100,000.
You are looking at $600,000 right there to add 2 high level AAs and Nagao.
Maybe $1,000,000(per year) to get enough pieces to win a title?
Quote from: Ghetto on April 12, 2023, 01:59:29 PMQuote from: littleguy301 on April 12, 2023, 11:30:58 AMQuote from: Ghetto on April 12, 2023, 08:29:28 AMI'm not throwing my hands in the air.
I just don't see it. "Hey, random billionaire that resides in Wisconsin... I know you never wrestled and in no way have any connection to the sport. Can we have a few million?"
If anyone has access to the dude that owns Menards, maybe I can swing by and talk to him, since I hand him so much money every year.
Doesn't live to far from me. Road trip?
I'm in.
I'll bring a pile of receipts to show how much I support him.
go ahead and try but John Menard already spends most of his money on his kids race car.
Quote from: BadgerOne on April 12, 2023, 06:02:08 PMQuote from: bigoil on April 12, 2023, 05:01:39 PMQuote from: BadgerOne on April 12, 2023, 03:25:06 PMQuote from: Ghetto on April 12, 2023, 01:59:29 PMQuote from: littleguy301 on April 12, 2023, 11:30:58 AMQuote from: Ghetto on April 12, 2023, 08:29:28 AMI'm not throwing my hands in the air.
I just don't see it. "Hey, random billionaire that resides in Wisconsin... I know you never wrestled and in no way have any connection to the sport. Can we have a few million?"
If anyone has access to the dude that owns Menards, maybe I can swing by and talk to him, since I hand him so much money every year.
Doesn't live to far from me. Road trip?
I'm in.
I'll bring a pile of receipts to show how much I support him.
Corporate sponsorships and private donations have much higher potential than money raised with a few games of cornhole.
Yes because you are privy to understand how much was made at the Cornhole event. This is also more than a fundraising event as the wrestlers and coaches are visiting with members of the community. I think you were off the team by then but maybe not.
What did Bono do with all that cornhole money?
😂
Quote from: BadgerOne on April 12, 2023, 06:02:08 PMQuote from: bigoil on April 12, 2023, 05:01:39 PMQuote from: BadgerOne on April 12, 2023, 03:25:06 PMQuote from: Ghetto on April 12, 2023, 01:59:29 PMQuote from: littleguy301 on April 12, 2023, 11:30:58 AMQuote from: Ghetto on April 12, 2023, 08:29:28 AMI'm not throwing my hands in the air.
I just don't see it. "Hey, random billionaire that resides in Wisconsin... I know you never wrestled and in no way have any connection to the sport. Can we have a few million?"
If anyone has access to the dude that owns Menards, maybe I can swing by and talk to him, since I hand him so much money every year.
Doesn't live to far from me. Road trip?
I'm in.
I'll bring a pile of receipts to show how much I support him.
Corporate sponsorships and private donations have much higher potential than money raised with a few games of cornhole.
Yes because you are privy to understand how much was made at the Cornhole event. This is also more than a fundraising event as the wrestlers and coaches are visiting with members of the community. I think you were off the team by then but maybe not.
What did Bono do with all that cornhole money?
You seem to think you know what he gives for scholarships so I don't think you need the answers. But it probably went to some prospect you don't seem good enough with your terrific scouting skills.
I didn't realize Tyler Dow was in the portal.
Without NIL money you even risk losing the guys you have. Anyone that is maybe one piece from a national title can swoop in and take a guy like Hamiti away with money. Especially those juniors and seniors that were already very close to getting their degrees if that is what they want.
It is not about the scholarships anymore. That is not enough
Quote from: DocWrestling on April 13, 2023, 04:27:32 PMWithout NIL money you even risk losing the guys you have. Anyone that is maybe one piece from a national title can swoop in and take a guy like Hamiti away with money. Especially those juniors and seniors that were already very close to getting their degrees if that is what they want.
It is not about the scholarships anymore. That is not enough
There is no team that is 3 pieces away from winning a NC...especially if Nagao and Messenbrink end up at PSU...but really, even if they don't.
Penn State is building something beyond what Iowa had in '83 or during that stretch.
The facilities...they're incredible(up there with OSU and Iowa).
But the RTC with the best talent and the money to help kids. They don't have a ton of NIL used to recruit kids there, but once they're there and have success...
It's gonna take guys like Hopke+ others to decide to go elsewhere if they hope to make the NCAAs even...mildly entertaining for the team race. Lillendal, Gibson(both), Ryder, Sealey, MirasolaS, Barr, probably the Bassett brothers and the cousins. Kasak.
The NLWC is huge.
The facilities are also MASSIVE. Ohio State, Iowa and Penn State...anyone that thinks facilities don't matter are delusional. Who wouldn't want to wrestle in that new arena at OSU or at Bryce Jordan/CHA with 15000 people in the stands?
And then the momentum. Hopke is the type of guy you could build a program around. One who could actually change a program. He could do it for Minn or UW. I hope he does. At PSU, he could win 3 NCs, lost a match as a Freshmen and people will debate if he's top 10 or where in the top 10 he ranks for that school.
I bet hopke goes to MN so he can train w Steveson and his pinnacle friends.
Quote from: Army Ant on April 15, 2023, 05:25:05 PMI bet hopke goes to MN so he can train w Steveson and his pinnacle friends.
Maybe, but I wouldn't bet the farm on that. I think PSU is a more likely destination. Minnesota brought in another highly touted heavyweight from Simley in the class of 2023. I'd think Penn State needs someone to replace Kerk and have the money to keep Kerk as a training partner. I doubt Gable wants to stay at Minny to train Hopke. I wouldn't rule out the Badgers either as Hopke has spent quite a bit of time around the Badgers program, the Badgers should have a full ride offer plus should be able to tap into some of that NIL money that has been accumulated with all the fundraising efforts to try and entice him.
Quote from: BadgerOne on April 15, 2023, 07:29:06 PMQuote from: Army Ant on April 15, 2023, 05:25:05 PMI bet hopke goes to MN so he can train w Steveson and his pinnacle friends.
Maybe, but I wouldn't bet the farm on that. I think PSU is a more likely destination. Minnesota brought in another highly touted heavyweight from Simley in the class of 2023. I'd think Penn State needs someone to replace Kerk and have the money to keep Kerk as a training partner. I doubt Gable wants to stay at Minny to train Hopke. I wouldn't rule out the Badgers either as Hopke has spent quite a bit of time around the Badgers program, the Badgers should have a full ride offer plus should be able to tap into some of that NIL money that has been accumulated with all the fundraising efforts to try and entice him.
That simley kid is going 197. Simley had another kid in 2021 go to MN as a HWT.
Watch the Cayden henshel video with Gable steveson. I think after watching the video you may wonder why hopke would not go to MN. While Gable isn't going to be around all the time I bet one of the past dozen AA in the upper weights will be. Plus look at the level of recruits the gophers are bringing in at the upper weights.
I am a Homer for wisconsin but I belie e MN has more to offer than wisconsin including baseball. I hope am wrong but.....
I'm betting Hopke goes to MN and continues the WI legacy in line with the likes of Cole Konrad and Tim Hartung.
Quote from: Ledger on April 16, 2023, 02:53:49 PMI'm betting Hopke goes to MN and continues the WI legacy in line with the likes of Cole Konrad and Tim Hartung.
Lowney?
Quote from: bigoil on April 16, 2023, 03:20:52 PMQuote from: Ledger on April 16, 2023, 02:53:49 PMI'm betting Hopke goes to MN and continues the WI legacy in line with the likes of Cole Konrad and Tim Hartung.
Lowney?
Oops
Quote from: littleguy301 on April 16, 2023, 12:13:49 PMQuote from: BadgerOne on April 15, 2023, 07:29:06 PMQuote from: Army Ant on April 15, 2023, 05:25:05 PMI bet hopke goes to MN so he can train w Steveson and his pinnacle friends.
Maybe, but I wouldn't bet the farm on that. I think PSU is a more likely destination. Minnesota brought in another highly touted heavyweight from Simley in the class of 2023. I'd think Penn State needs someone to replace Kerk and have the money to keep Kerk as a training partner. I doubt Gable wants to stay at Minny to train Hopke. I wouldn't rule out the Badgers either as Hopke has spent quite a bit of time around the Badgers program, the Badgers should have a full ride offer plus should be able to tap into some of that NIL money that has been accumulated with all the fundraising efforts to try and entice him.
That simley kid is going 197. Simley had another kid in 2021 go to MN as a HWT.
Watch the Cayden henshel video with Gable steveson. I think after watching the video you may wonder why hopke would not go to MN. While Gable isn't going to be around all the time I bet one of the past dozen AA in the upper weights will be. Plus look at the level of recruits the gophers are bringing in at the upper weights.
I am a Homer for wisconsin but I belie e MN has more to offer than wisconsin including baseball. I hope am wrong but.....
I'm referring to Gavin Nelson, who wrestled at 220 in high school. I think Minnesota is very much in the hunt for Hopke, but I still give edge to Penn State who probably will be able to outbid Minnesota and may be able to provide better workout partners. Plus fellow Wisconsinites Mirasolas are there. I still hope he considers the Badgers, but it may be difficult to beat out both PSU and Minnesota.
Quote from: BadgerOne on April 17, 2023, 01:04:31 AMQuote from: littleguy301 on April 16, 2023, 12:13:49 PMQuote from: BadgerOne on April 15, 2023, 07:29:06 PMQuote from: Army Ant on April 15, 2023, 05:25:05 PMI bet hopke goes to MN so he can train w Steveson and his pinnacle friends.
Maybe, but I wouldn't bet the farm on that. I think PSU is a more likely destination. Minnesota brought in another highly touted heavyweight from Simley in the class of 2023. I'd think Penn State needs someone to replace Kerk and have the money to keep Kerk as a training partner. I doubt Gable wants to stay at Minny to train Hopke. I wouldn't rule out the Badgers either as Hopke has spent quite a bit of time around the Badgers program, the Badgers should have a full ride offer plus should be able to tap into some of that NIL money that has been accumulated with all the fundraising efforts to try and entice him.
That simley kid is going 197. Simley had another kid in 2021 go to MN as a HWT.
Watch the Cayden henshel video with Gable steveson. I think after watching the video you may wonder why hopke would not go to MN. While Gable isn't going to be around all the time I bet one of the past dozen AA in the upper weights will be. Plus look at the level of recruits the gophers are bringing in at the upper weights.
I am a Homer for wisconsin but I belie e MN has more to offer than wisconsin including baseball. I hope am wrong but.....
I'm referring to Gavin Nelson, who wrestled at 220 in high school. I think Minnesota is very much in the hunt for Hopke, but I still give edge to Penn State who probably will be able to outbid Minnesota and may be able to provide better workout partners. Plus fellow Wisconsinites Mirasolas are there. I still hope he considers the Badgers, but it may be difficult to beat out both PSU and Minnesota.
I was also referring to gavin. Tabor was the HWT from 2021 and gavin will be 197 for the gophers.
Is their room at Penn St for both Mirasolas and Hopke? That seems like 2 weight classes for 3 Wisconsin guys.
Quote from: DocWrestling on April 17, 2023, 10:12:32 AMIs their room at Penn St for both Mirasolas and Hopke? That seems like 2 weight classes for 3 Wisconsin guys.
Flo projects the Mirasolas at 182 and 195, so maybe there is room for all three. Cole is not as highly touted as Connor so PSU might be looking at other options at Cole's projected weight. I definitely think PSU will recruit Hopke hard but Minnesota will be in mix and Wisconsin is more of a third alternative option and it would help if the Badgers can make a strong offer and bring in a heavyweight to train with him. I don't know if Hilger wants to train at the RTC and/or be a volunteer coach, but if he does that might help the Badger's case. If Dillan Johnson comes on a football scholarship and wants to give wrestling a go, that might help some too. Even so, PSU and Minnesota are probably co-favorites.
The rich will get richer. You can throw all kinds of $ at the wrestlers and turn collegiate wrestling into an NCAA basketball type scenario where kids come in, maybe attend classes, then move on to the pros. Except the kids will move on to the next highest bidder.
You know that the state of Iowa built their brand of wrestling over the years. They used Iowa Public Television (I have old VHS tapes), barnstorming and camps. They had Gable. Before Gable they had many others. The newspapers and radio. Media and personal influences are huge.
When I was competing at UW-Madison,and coming in from out of state, I was amazed at how agog many of my native Wisconsin teammates were just to be part of the program, and the reverence they had for it. It was a huge deal to be around Kemp, Hellickson, Peterson Brothers, Soucie, Haines, Reinwand, Leiskau, Rein, Dave Evans, among others.
Kleven had us spreading out, all over the state, to do free clinics ( sponsored by the Wisconsin Milk Producers, Inc.). We had cool winter caps from them to provide some marketing! Wrestlers from the far reaches of the state saw exhibition duals and clinics from both Wisconsin and out of state wrestlers they had been hearing about through the wrestling magazines and newspapers, as well as who they saw at the State Tournament.
If this program is going to be re-built, yes it's going to take some money. But it needs cache' too. Time to beat the bushes. Because that NIL $ everyone wants isn't just going to come landing like a lottery ticket.
Shane Griffith is in the portal....