LImarty wrote:

quick,

Mine is very simple. Approx. 18 yrs ago some NYS Finalists would be introduced prior to their match- and the public announcer would read their future aspirations - without mentioning names some would say that they would be attending Iowa- or other high profile wrestling establishments...and we would laugh to each other. I saw Tom Shifflet/ Hofstra recruit a kid who was a pretty good wrestler yet, he was soft as a marsh mellow. We knew this- See, I'm for all the wrestlers to achieve a degree and/or have the best chance of furthering their wrestling career- Preferably, a starting positioning at a DI institution with the chance of attaining a degree but, most fail to recognize their level of ability as wrestlers and without the focus of getting a diploma.

My thoughts have always been with the success of their future. I was a student/athlete that made a WRONG decision in choosing a University that was too academically competitive for a two sport athlete such as myself. So, I am the first to tell an athlete- of their challenges that he will face at a top athletic institution . Many find this out too late- pack their bags and they are home. Many never getting back to school and attaining a degree. Choose wisely- is very hard for a bolstered up ego of a successful 18 yr old athlete. Most parents buy into the clippings and walk around with their heads up their butt.

I watched MANY over the years- who decided by scholarship yet, never to make the Team or remain on the Team. Makes more sense to choose a Junior College or DIII - economically, emotionally, and with practicality. New York State Wrestling does not have the STRENGTH Nationally as it once did. So, even our best prospects are suspect choosing DI institutions. IMO- Most today will not do the extra to raise their game- only a select few- might. FEW being the definitive word.

So, please do not take my words out of context- understand my unique sensibility when I post. It isn't to discourage- it is to see something that others are missing. - CLARITY is one of my strongest attributes.
..................................

ps. You know Spencer Lee /Iowa (fr) is gonna turn 20 this yr. When I was a frosh- I had just turned 18. Piccininni like most NYS wrestlers in college- are a year younger as true freshmen than many others. physically immature - and most not knowing , willing, able to learn how to grow physically and then to do the "suck" unlike most journeymen wrestlers who are usually ranked in the the Top 4 in each weight. What does NATO weigh off the mat ??? How many NYS Multiple time State Champs were home in less than 2 yrs of their commitment ??? That is the real issue.

and btw. While many are concerned about "weight"....I am more focused on the inequality of age . An extra yr or two is a DEFINITE ADVANTAGE. Boy vs Man.

LImarty wrote:

FACT IS ..quick called me out.

I did say - and- still stand by my post in 2015. That the majority of Multiple X NYS Champs....do not stay , start , and finish their wrestling/education at DI institutions. Most home in less than two years. So, it is apparent that their choices made for them are not well thought. I also, believed that Piccininni would have to get bigger physically to be a National Champ.

My issues on age is definitely taken out of context with my examples. Point is many worry about weight- a 1/2 lb etc. etc. when , more importantly age seems to be where inequality matters. A year or two longer on the mat is an advantage...physically.

I remember when Troy Nickerson got hammered by Joe Dubuque ....it was a 125lb boy wrestling a 125 lb man....My Piccininni comment is based solely about him being a small 125 lber compared to Tomasello who is a big 125 lber.

AGE and WEIGHT has always played a part in RESULTs....You can argue it- if, you may.

LImarty wrote:

FACT IS ..quick called me out.

I did say - and- still stand by my post in 2015. That the majority of Multiple X NYS Champs....do not stay , start , and finish their wrestling/education at DI institutions. Most home in less than two years. So, it is apparent that their choices made for them are not well thought. I also, believed that Piccininni would have to get bigger physically to be a National Champ.

My issues on age is definitely taken out of context with my examples. Point is many worry about weight- a 1/2 lb etc. etc. when , more importantly age seems to be where inequality matters. A year or two longer on the mat is an advantage...physically.

I remember when Troy Nickerson got hammered by Joe Dubuque ....it was a 125lb boy wrestling a 125 lb man....My Piccininni comment is based solely about him being a small 125 lber compared to Tomasello who is a big 125 lber.

AGE and WEIGHT has always played a part in RESULTs....You can argue it- if, you may.

bigkidsdad wrote:

Nothing to argue Piccinni is about as big as he will get. Would be happier if there was still a 118 weight class

LImarty wrote:

WEIGHT CERTIFICATIONs in NYS have helped this Sport.... 00's Parents now again can live with contact sports yet, roar at food deprivation . Kids like not missing any meals. ALL GOOD. Took me time to get over this. Mainly, because I believe a wrestler can remain healthy one weight below certification. I don't want to defend my position. In general New Jersey/ PA wrestlers know how to maintain their weight and do not have to be asked or told -what to do. So, at many National events- seems like New York wrestlers are always undersized. Just an observation. I remember some NYS Champs who went on to DI - that imo would have AA'd or had better shots at becoming National Champs- if, they had learn how to cut/ committed to managing their weight. Steven Dutton comes to mind- always, thought he should have been a College 133 lber. I remember Nick Terdick wrestling at 152 lbs in VA Beach and he by far was the smallest 152 lber in the weight class.

How Lizak makes 125 lbs is a mystery. Small 125 lbers such as Suriano, Piccininni, and others have to be TECHNICALLY ON POINT- when facing wrestlers who are dramatically bigger after weigh -ins or by finals..Such as Lizak and Tomasello.