Natty’s Roll Call
- Thread starter inspiteofourselves
- Start date
I have been going since 1980. Would not miss being there and sit with the same group for the last 24 years now. We also attended the conference championships. First home meet was under Kurdelmeier in 1973.
I went all but one year from 1985 to 2019. I have only been to two since 2019. I lost my mom in 2020 (she was 94) and she was the only one I could count on to go every year (she missed two in that time frame). I had lots of other family go during that time, up to nine at once, but without mom, it's just not the same. Plus NCAA greed has priced me out of being able to go most years, now living on a fixed income after retiring in 2021. I don't know if I'll ever be able to go live again, but will always have season tickets for as long as I can. My family has been to every wrestling event (above HS age) in CHA since 1982.
Last year was the first time in 30 years we didn't go. We even made it in that one covid restricted year with just a few fans. It's just not worth the travel and significant cost to watch PSU dominate. I have a very nice theater room with a new 98" TV we'll watch it on this year. We still go out to eat between sessions.
Wrestling fan first, hawk fan second, so i go regardless of how the team is doing. Although it would be much more enjoyable if iowa was better.
But to me, good wrestling is good wrestling and entertaining, no matter where the kids are from.
But to me, good wrestling is good wrestling and entertaining, no matter where the kids are from.
... in the old field house. Sherman, Yagla, Holm, Sanderson, Smith, et al.
I will be there with my son. Looking for lower bowl tickets if anyone has some or knows someone who does.
My first meet was vs. ISU, and Chris Taylor wrestled for them. I was in Jr High. 1972, I think. I started going more regularly during the Chris Campbell days, and by 1981, Mom and I were regulars.
We also attended B1Gs. I've been to every B1G school except Rutgers. Was at Maryland twice for NCAAs. Been to most B1G schools two or three times, Midlands 30-some times, Luther Opens, UNI Opens, Grandview Opens, etc. Lots of great times and tons of memories.
Those guys were ending their college days when I was starting mine.
I appreciate everything in your post. Conference tournaments and nationals with those we have close relationships with is about so much more than wrestling. Morning coffee, afternoon todies, nightcaps, wonderful food or horrible arena dogs.
Take solace that the crowds and people have changed as society has. More casuals and rabid fans that just know their school. Less knowledge about wrestlers from all schools and the current high schoolers. I hope nationals is better than the conference tournament in regards to stupidity.
I sit within talking distance of Chuck at home meets.
1980 first nationals Howard Harris Oregon State was the outstanding wrestler. Great heavy.
Chuck Yagla, say hello for me when you next see him, always a favorite of mine. A University of Iowa wrestling great, an exceptional referee, and a world class gentleman.
I have one lower bowl all session ticket. My guess is you’re in need of two, but if you can only find one because I value the times my son and I attend together, I’ll trade my seat for you to have seats together.
So, is this all that are going from this board? I expected a downturn in attendance this year, but this is unbelievable. These threads are usually several pages long. No wonder the NCAA is heavily discounting tickets. If there are that few Iowa fans going, the place will be half empty.