OKST is really good
I was at the match. OKST has a ton of upper classmen / 5th years! They have a massive home court advantage with a raucous crowd I think all their guys were ranked. VT down 2 AA starters. Not a surprising result. They may be able to give Penn State a run at NCAA’s. We’re gonna be fine!!!
The one thing I did notice was the vast difference in ability to finish take downs. Andy was in double leg FOUR times and didn’t finish. Several other guys got no TD’s. An area I’d focus on in the room!
Caleb’s pin was awesome! You could hear a pin drop in the arena! Met his really nice grandparents from Chi-town! Hippo’s match was also great. Reminds me a bit of Andonian - never dull!
Unlikely we were getting “Bo” anyway. For sure we’re not now, unless someone antes up a bunch of NIL $$.
Go Hokies!!!
17 Replies
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hokie576
1y
Scary how good Taylor and his PSU staff have the the Cowboys looking 1st semester of year 1.
(In response to this post by Benderwj)
1y
The outcome of a dual meet.
(In response to this post by Benderwj)
1y
I'm sure all recruits have different priorities, but Penn State, Ohio State, VT, etc. are all top academic universities. Oklahoma State is not. Several years ago I lived in Stillwater and the U.S. News & World Report college rankings were published. Ok State was listed as a "Tier 3 university" instead of being in the actual rankings. My wife and I are VT grads, and I have to admit that was pretty fun to bring up around town.
It was also fun bringing up Dexter Manley. For those who don't remember, Dexter was a stud football player for the Redskins for years and graduated from Ok State. Later in life Dexter admitted that he couldn't read. The OU crowd liked to say "Oklahoma State: so easy, even a caveman can do it."
(In response to this post by GreenvilleVT)
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Va AandM
1y
I completely agree with your assessment on school quality for the student and my kids went to schools with top academics for their area of study. They didn’t pursue college sports had goals for grad and professional school admittance. Do athletes really go to LSU for the education if not from nearby? OSU wrestling is no different than LSU in football, WBB, and now gymnastics
(In response to this post by Wilmington Hokie)
1y
money into college sports instead of more worthwhile causes. I'm sure having your name on top of a stadium is more rewarding than, say, a children's hospital. Dang churches won't even put your name on top of their chapels.
I heard T Boone speak at an event once. It was the Stillwater Chamber's Economic Summit but all T Boone did was lecture us on our responsibility to buy OSU season tickets, even if we weren't alumni.
(In response to this post by Va AandM)
1y
That will take precedent over academics.
These kids are pro athletes now.
I’m betting wrestling room culture, NIL and playing time are all factored in ahead of academics for most of the kids in the ncaa now.
(In response to this post by Wilmington Hokie)
1y
they aren't making the type of life changing money than football/basketball players do. Now from my understanding Bo is one more hyped wrestler in a long time so he actually might.
(In response to this post by GreenvilleVT)
1y
He has an opportunity to set himself up very well for the rest of his life. Hard to hate on anyone that takes the same "job" of being a wrestler at a different school, but for a huge pay raise.
(In response to this post by Palmetto Hokie)
It's not "life changing"... you hope that any young man has a better idea
what is truly important in life. If not, then he probably wouldn't fit in with the character and value system of our room.
(In response to this post by Hikinghokie)
1y
Certainly not the only thing that matters. I certainly think our coaches do a great job of building relationships and developing our athletes into great people, but it's not like every other coaching staff is turning kids into criminals lol.
If an athlete can get paid 7 figures to wrestle in college, that provides financial security for them and their future families. That gives them the freedom to follow their passion after college instead of taking an unfulfilling job to make ends meet. They could buy a home debt free, start a business, invest and be able to retire early. It quite literally changes a kid's life.
But let's keep questioning kid's characters because they thought getting paid was a better idea than wrestling for your favorite school.
(In response to this post by Palmetto Hokie)
1y
They may not be able to retire, but it will allow them to pursue their passion of making world teams for a few extra years. Or they can take a lower paying job that allows them to coach. Many different ways that substantial NIL can change their lives.
I hate the current state of college athletics, but choosing to go to a college other than Virginia Tech, for increased pay, does not mean a kid lacks character and values.
** Edited by TartanHokie at 12/21/2024, 7:46:49 AM
(In response to this post by Palmetto Hokie)
1y
all that money. They are 18, 19, 20 years old. So many will make poor decisions with the money, which could be life changing, for sure.
** Edited by ChEHokie78 at 12/22/2024, 8:49:53 PM
(In response to this post by TartanHokie)
1y
(In response to this post by GreenvilleVT)
1y
(In response to this post by UpperQuad)
1y
By a lot of alumni. Koll led the way with facilities upgrades while he was there. Okla state has oil wells. Cornell has Wall Street.
(In response to this post by UpperQuad)