Personally, I think it's rather ridiculous to claim that we underperformed and it was a down year when you had 6 Finalists, 4 Champions, 2 Runner-ups and 8 of 10 within the top 4. So which team in history was better than this?
The don't clog the board with final/stay thoughts from NCAAs, post them here, thread
- Thread starter GregPickel
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Personally, I think it's rather ridiculous to claim that we underperformed and it was a down year when you had 6 Finalists, 4 Champions, 2 Runner-ups and 8 of 10 within the top 4. So which team in history was better than this?
I guess not much from 141 and HWT, pj screw job and SVN lost a match that was winnable, 10 AA last season, the standard is so high. My opinion, this was the greatest team all time, until next season
- Actually saw two calls on Thursday where wrestler was called for stalling for pushing his opponent out. Proper call. Didn't see it again...
- PSU better get use to it. Seems everyone wants to hand fight and not open up until the last 45 seconds. Then ***** for a stall call after stalling the entire match. Lot of teams have this as their match plan - don't open up, hand fight, and let it come down to the 3rd period. OKSt kid did that very well against PJ. I know on here some keep saying our guys need to open up their offense, but that is not good when someone is sitting back waiting for it.
- Regarding stalling. It does appear the ref is considering a lot of aspects prior to calling stalling. But they are not all the same. I can't stand when a person backs up to the edge and simply prevents the other from shooting else they go OB. If they do shoot and go OB it's called action (most of the time). Fleeing the mat is a simple viewpoint, regardless of stepping back, jumping out of a single leg, etc.
- Very entertained by the coaches who can't stay in their seats and yelling at the ref's. Funny (or sad) more than a few times their issue wasn't even close. Manning was saying his guy had a cradle locked yet it wasn't even close to being locked. More than a few times I heard the ref point blank say 'sit down'
- Great that Duke won the fastest pins award; MM winning tourney OT and most dominant wrestler this year!
- Would have thought DT's cornering behavior would emulate his teacher more. Saw him get very excited more than once - jumping out of his seat and hollering. One of his challenges was pretty poor.
- Finals - made me wonder about the first time viewers. Not a lot of scoring, tons of blood timeouts, then a few reviews...
- AJ should have had his head wrapped in the quarters (?)... don't know why they didn't make him - the opposing coach was telling at the ref regarding...
- Caliendo with the reverse headlock/merkle hold - something like that - was his weapon/secret for beating MM
- KD and Shakur hanging out a few seats away
- Iowa rumor of Telford leaving and Yianni joining the Hawks was still being floated - even though Willie thought it not true.
- Sitting next to Iowa fan - they want KemDog.
- the Boos mixed with Luuuuke and Duuuuke can be hard to disseminate. Regardless, we are clearly at the top and everyone's target. I didn't like the Patriot's either..
- Finally - anyone making judgments on these kids are simply hypocrites and totally forgot what they did when in college or their younger years. I'll leave it at that.
Wrestler thoughts:
- Luke - No worries. knew he would get it done. Scouting says 'keep it close' and go for a 1 td win. Looking for a 3peat
- Marcus - Liked his aggressiveness when he got behind... you can see his competitiveness. He looks as big as LL so it makes me wonder his cut but he looks like he has a big cut
. I know his brother grew and suspect he will as well. For a true Frosh he has done a wonderful job. Interesting spot next year with Ono. Lots of competition but he will get at least one Natty
- Braeden - made a previous comment: Can go with anyone in the 1st period but seemingly feet stop moving and becomes more upright as the match goes on. Almost got swipes on Hardy. Feel bad for him. Heard he was at the casino Fri night...wonder if he won anything? During the beginning of the finals he was in the back watching the finals by himself. I can only imagine how mad he was for not getting further. Rest of team joined later. Gotta be tough being on a team with 8 ranked in the top 3
-SVN - so disappointed for him. I've been calling for his Natty win all year and will simply change it to next year. They should have wrapped his head/nose in first period. Still enjoy watching him move on the mat! (neutral )
-PJ - ticks you off when you lose (like SVN) but can't stand it when it is stolen from ya (don't like winning that way either). Him and Webster will be a better match going forward then Cannon. What a talent! Some said he wrestles like Kolat (mean) and all I know he is mean when he is out there!
- MM - what can you say that hasn't been said. UNC kid did shorten the match a bit. I'm sure a 2nd match would reveal a bigger margin of victory. 3timer with one loss.
- Levi - I was never concerned and knew he could eventually get a TD - even if they had to go all night. He explained he had no thoughts - and probably should have - with his walk out song of 'don't let your babies grow up to be cowboys'. Said he only wishes DT the best...
- Rocco - Mcenelly is solid and difficult to score on.. Will be fun watching his O continue to develop let alone the rivalry. I thought Sinclair would be in the finals.
- Josh - nothing to say outside of his own comments - left a lot on the mat - but did what he had to do against the technique used against him. Really wanted him to finish with 100% bonus. Certainly moves well for a big guy.
- Cole - It's one thing to say he needs to finish better but that is usually the weight or strength being used against him on his shots. Thought he had Iowa but couldn't hook the leg and get upright (strength). Quicker shot and finish. How much will he improve going into next year? We're in good hands here.
Decided at the last minute to attend. Cleveland was OK and thanks to Watoos (daughter) I had great company while I was there.
- PSU better get use to it. Seems everyone wants to hand fight and not open up until the last 45 seconds. Then ***** for a stall call after stalling the entire match. Lot of teams have this as their match plan - don't open up, hand fight, and let it come down to the 3rd period. OKSt kid did that very well against PJ. I know on here some keep saying our guys need to open up their offense, but that is not good when someone is sitting back waiting for it.
- Regarding stalling. It does appear the ref is considering a lot of aspects prior to calling stalling. But they are not all the same. I can't stand when a person backs up to the edge and simply prevents the other from shooting else they go OB. If they do shoot and go OB it's called action (most of the time). Fleeing the mat is a simple viewpoint, regardless of stepping back, jumping out of a single leg, etc.
- Very entertained by the coaches who can't stay in their seats and yelling at the ref's. Funny (or sad) more than a few times their issue wasn't even close. Manning was saying his guy had a cradle locked yet it wasn't even close to being locked. More than a few times I heard the ref point blank say 'sit down'
- Great that Duke won the fastest pins award; MM winning tourney OT and most dominant wrestler this year!
- Would have thought DT's cornering behavior would emulate his teacher more. Saw him get very excited more than once - jumping out of his seat and hollering. One of his challenges was pretty poor.
- Finals - made me wonder about the first time viewers. Not a lot of scoring, tons of blood timeouts, then a few reviews...
- AJ should have had his head wrapped in the quarters (?)... don't know why they didn't make him - the opposing coach was telling at the ref regarding...
- Caliendo with the reverse headlock/merkle hold - something like that - was his weapon/secret for beating MM
- KD and Shakur hanging out a few seats away
- Iowa rumor of Telford leaving and Yianni joining the Hawks was still being floated - even though Willie thought it not true.
- Sitting next to Iowa fan - they want KemDog.
- the Boos mixed with Luuuuke and Duuuuke can be hard to disseminate. Regardless, we are clearly at the top and everyone's target. I didn't like the Patriot's either..
- Finally - anyone making judgments on these kids are simply hypocrites and totally forgot what they did when in college or their younger years. I'll leave it at that.
Wrestler thoughts:
- Luke - No worries. knew he would get it done. Scouting says 'keep it close' and go for a 1 td win. Looking for a 3peat
- Marcus - Liked his aggressiveness when he got behind... you can see his competitiveness. He looks as big as LL so it makes me wonder his cut but he looks like he has a big cut
. I know his brother grew and suspect he will as well. For a true Frosh he has done a wonderful job. Interesting spot next year with Ono. Lots of competition but he will get at least one Natty- Braeden - made a previous comment: Can go with anyone in the 1st period but seemingly feet stop moving and becomes more upright as the match goes on. Almost got swipes on Hardy. Feel bad for him. Heard he was at the casino Fri night...wonder if he won anything? During the beginning of the finals he was in the back watching the finals by himself. I can only imagine how mad he was for not getting further. Rest of team joined later. Gotta be tough being on a team with 8 ranked in the top 3
-SVN - so disappointed for him. I've been calling for his Natty win all year and will simply change it to next year. They should have wrapped his head/nose in first period. Still enjoy watching him move on the mat! (neutral
)-PJ - ticks you off when you lose (like SVN) but can't stand it when it is stolen from ya (don't like winning that way either). Him and Webster will be a better match going forward then Cannon. What a talent! Some said he wrestles like Kolat (mean) and all I know he is mean when he is out there!
- MM - what can you say that hasn't been said. UNC kid did shorten the match a bit. I'm sure a 2nd match would reveal a bigger margin of victory. 3timer with one loss.
- Levi - I was never concerned and knew he could eventually get a TD - even if they had to go all night. He explained he had no thoughts - and probably should have - with his walk out song of 'don't let your babies grow up to be cowboys'. Said he only wishes DT the best...
- Rocco - Mcenelly is solid and difficult to score on.. Will be fun watching his O continue to develop let alone the rivalry. I thought Sinclair would be in the finals.
- Josh - nothing to say outside of his own comments - left a lot on the mat - but did what he had to do against the technique used against him. Really wanted him to finish with 100% bonus. Certainly moves well for a big guy.
- Cole - It's one thing to say he needs to finish better but that is usually the weight or strength being used against him on his shots. Thought he had Iowa but couldn't hook the leg and get upright (strength). Quicker shot and finish. How much will he improve going into next year? We're in good hands here.
Decided at the last minute to attend. Cleveland was OK and thanks to Watoos (daughter) I had great company while I was there.
By The Numbers: The 2026 NCAA Wrestling Championships - FloWrestling
Breaking down the 2025 NCAAs with numbers and graphs and maps and positive vibes!
What's wrong with dominating someone. Make them not want to wrestle you. Keep the other wrestler close in scoring might come back to bite you. Score early, score often.
Down Year is ridiculous.
5 of our starters finished below their seed. Granted, 3 of them by only 1 spot, and 7 of our starters could not exceed seed, still. Whatever adjective applies to that. It's an opportunity to perform better next year.
Who cares about wrestling above or below seed when your team has won 40% of the available titles, 60% in Championship match and 80% in the Consi or Championship Bracket Finals. Show me all the teams who have done better in terms of actual placement.
I'd bet the 5 guys who finished below their seed are dissatisfied.
I'm not, but they likely are. And their opinions are the ones that count.
Since you asked who cares.
Oh I'm sure they care and are determined to continue to improve.... but I was saying who cares about u/o performin seed in regards to debating whether this is the greatest team of all time in terms of dominating the top-half of the podium.
When the tournament started last Thursday, I was reminded that it was exactly 15 years ago to the day that Cael won his first National Championship, coaching the Nittany Lions. I remember sitting in the stands that Saturday, watching PSU sloooowly pull away from Cornell and Iowa. And at some point, it hit me that Penn State was going to win the National Championship! Sure, we had a victory in 1953, but even my 85 yo Dad doesn't remember it, LOL, and he's a Penn Stater too ('62). So is my Grandfather ('32), who would have really enjoyed seeing Penn State wrestling win again.
Sure, we came close in the decades that preceded this on occasion. We took 3rd a few times in the 80s and were pretty consistently near the top in the 90s. But even in those seasons when we were ranked #1 or #2, we could never get over the hump and put it all together at season's end. That's what Iowa did. Or Oklahoma State. But not Penn State. So when we finally won in 2011 and partied like it was 1999 that night, I promised myself that if PSU never won another championship, I would die a happy man. Of course, 15 years later, what has happened has been nothing short of a Penn State wrestling miracle. I feel so blessed to have wrestled for and followed such an incredible college sports franchise. Wow, what a ride, and it's not over yet.
I say all of this to remind those who didn't live through those decades of frustration to enjoy every single minute of what's happening right now. We are truly blessed with the coaching staff we have and the incredible young men who represent our great university. While sometimes we all lose perspective when one of these young men comes up short or doesn't meet our incredibly high expectations, remember where we've been and thank your lucky stars we are where we are right now.
#WeAre
Sure, we came close in the decades that preceded this on occasion. We took 3rd a few times in the 80s and were pretty consistently near the top in the 90s. But even in those seasons when we were ranked #1 or #2, we could never get over the hump and put it all together at season's end. That's what Iowa did. Or Oklahoma State. But not Penn State. So when we finally won in 2011 and partied like it was 1999 that night, I promised myself that if PSU never won another championship, I would die a happy man. Of course, 15 years later, what has happened has been nothing short of a Penn State wrestling miracle. I feel so blessed to have wrestled for and followed such an incredible college sports franchise. Wow, what a ride, and it's not over yet.
I say all of this to remind those who didn't live through those decades of frustration to enjoy every single minute of what's happening right now. We are truly blessed with the coaching staff we have and the incredible young men who represent our great university. While sometimes we all lose perspective when one of these young men comes up short or doesn't meet our incredibly high expectations, remember where we've been and thank your lucky stars we are where we are right now.
#WeAre
As atonement for getting stuck on the OSU bus with a young female during the B1G tourney?
I hadn't seen it until now, but it seems an odd take from McEnelly. You'd think he'd be pleased to be getting the attention. You can be less than interested and still be flattered without sounding like a jerk. Just my opinion of course.
In a world with millions of issues, I don't see this as one. Typical athletic banner.
Agreed, nothing to lose sleep over, but it's at least relevant to wrestling and involves a PSU wrestler (former), so I don't see why it would be off-limits to discuss. Geez, when you compare this to some of the stuff that gets discussed here ad nauseum, this is why more wrestling related.
Please take no offense. I have no concern about discussing it. I just offered my opinion knowing that Bo would challenge anyone and a newly crowned Champ, having just defeated a PSU wrestler, would try to fend the threat off in dismissive style.
I thought it was funny, and if you saw Bo’s response, so did he.
My guess is they already know they will be wrestling against each other and are starting to hype it up.
still waiting for Cole to show that mean he was talking about!- Actually saw two calls on Thursday where wrestler was called for stalling for pushing his opponent out. Proper call. Didn't see it again...
- PSU better get use to it. Seems everyone wants to hand fight and not open up until the last 45 seconds. Then ***** for a stall call after stalling the entire match. Lot of teams have this as their match plan - don't open up, hand fight, and let it come down to the 3rd period. OKSt kid did that very well against PJ. I know on here some keep saying our guys need to open up their offense, but that is not good when someone is sitting back waiting for it.
- Regarding stalling. It does appear the ref is considering a lot of aspects prior to calling stalling. But they are not all the same. I can't stand when a person backs up to the edge and simply prevents the other from shooting else they go OB. If they do shoot and go OB it's called action (most of the time). Fleeing the mat is a simple viewpoint, regardless of stepping back, jumping out of a single leg, etc.
- Very entertained by the coaches who can't stay in their seats and yelling at the ref's. Funny (or sad) more than a few times their issue wasn't even close. Manning was saying his guy had a cradle locked yet it wasn't even close to being locked. More than a few times I heard the ref point blank say 'sit down'
- Great that Duke won the fastest pins award; MM winning tourney OT and most dominant wrestler this year!
- Would have thought DT's cornering behavior would emulate his teacher more. Saw him get very excited more than once - jumping out of his seat and hollering. One of his challenges was pretty poor.
- Finals - made me wonder about the first time viewers. Not a lot of scoring, tons of blood timeouts, then a few reviews...
- AJ should have had his head wrapped in the quarters (?)... don't know why they didn't make him - the opposing coach was telling at the ref regarding...
- Caliendo with the reverse headlock/merkle hold - something like that - was his weapon/secret for beating MM
- KD and Shakur hanging out a few seats away
- Iowa rumor of Telford leaving and Yianni joining the Hawks was still being floated - even though Willie thought it not true.
- Sitting next to Iowa fan - they want KemDog.
- the Boos mixed with Luuuuke and Duuuuke can be hard to disseminate. Regardless, we are clearly at the top and everyone's target. I didn't like the Patriot's either..
- Finally - anyone making judgments on these kids are simply hypocrites and totally forgot what they did when in college or their younger years. I'll leave it at that.
Wrestler thoughts:
- Luke - No worries. knew he would get it done. Scouting says 'keep it close' and go for a 1 td win. Looking for a 3peat
- Marcus - Liked his aggressiveness when he got behind... you can see his competitiveness. He looks as big as LL so it makes me wonder his cut but he looks like he has a big cut
- Braeden - made a previous comment: Can go with anyone in the 1st period but seemingly feet stop moving and becomes more upright as the match goes on. Almost got swipes on Hardy. Feel bad for him. Heard he was at the casino Fri night...wonder if he won anything? During the beginning of the finals he was in the back watching the finals by himself. I can only imagine how mad he was for not getting further. Rest of team joined later. Gotta be tough being on a team with 8 ranked in the top 3
-SVN - so disappointed for him. I've been calling for his Natty win all year and will simply change it to next year. They should have wrapped his head/nose in first period. Still enjoy watching him move on the mat! (neutral
-PJ - ticks you off when you lose (like SVN) but can't stand it when it is stolen from ya (don't like winning that way either). Him and Webster will be a better match going forward then Cannon. What a talent! Some said he wrestles like Kolat (mean) and all I know he is mean when he is out there!
- MM - what can you say that hasn't been said. UNC kid did shorten the match a bit. I'm sure a 2nd match would reveal a bigger margin of victory. 3timer with one loss.
- Levi - I was never concerned and knew he could eventually get a TD - even if they had to go all night. He explained he had no thoughts - and probably should have - with his walk out song of 'don't let your babies grow up to be cowboys'. Said he only wishes DT the best...
- Rocco - Mcenelly is solid and difficult to score on.. Will be fun watching his O continue to develop let alone the rivalry. I thought Sinclair would be in the finals.
- Josh - nothing to say outside of his own comments - left a lot on the mat - but did what he had to do against the technique used against him. Really wanted him to finish with 100% bonus. Certainly moves well for a big guy.
- Cole - It's one thing to say he needs to finish better but that is usually the weight or strength being used against him on his shots. Thought he had Iowa but couldn't hook the leg and get upright (strength). Quicker shot and finish. How much will he improve going into next year? We're in good hands here.
Decided at the last minute to attend. Cleveland was OK and thanks to Watoos (daughter) I had great company while I was there.