If we were closing out guys like Griffith, and getting guys like Glory, we will be fine. Im just a tad frustrated that our recruiting isn't landing these elite guys when we have a state of the art practice facility coming, have one of the best home mat advantages in the country with a rabid fanbase, and a coaching staff that has proven they can win in the top conference in collegiate wrestling.
I touched on this in another thread. The recruits necessary to take the next step to becoming a top 7 or 8 program year in year out will have to be at a higher level, no way around it. We need to pull from the top 3 in NJ, and more from eastern PA, as well as anyone who is elite in NY, DE, MD. I think we have done very well considering the things holding us back.
Now with the RAC atmosphere, roughly 2,500 fans per match and top 5 attendance, the SKWC getting better thanks to donor support, and the new practice facility which is on par with just about anyone, the obstacles are disappearing fast. I think to this point, the practice facility was a little far off to really matter to recruits, but it should matter for the upcoming class, as they will really be using it for their time here.
As far as getting a guy like Downey, I don't know anything about him personally, but if the other posts are true, that is a lot of strikes. Our coaches are very focused on the attitude and work ethic in the room. We are certainly not pursuing some HS guys who look extremely good on paper, because we don't think they have the right work ethic. Its a balancing act... you can take some risks, and the good rubs off on them and they benefit greatly. If you take the wrong risks, or let too many people with issues around the program, the bad rubs off. I trust the coaches completely to make those decisions based on their evaluations, as it certainly seems like they have a really hardworking team and the 2nd chance guys have been working out well.