Conference vs Nationals
Six years in a row and no doubt the Pack had a good Sunday especially at the lower weights. Can't wait to break their streak, but the ACC is a gimmicky conference, tournament-wise. Stanford will help, but won't solve the underlying scaling issue.
On the positive side, we've finished ahead of them 8 of the last 10 NCAAs. They beat us in 2018 and 2021, but otherwise have underperformed imo. Toss out Pop's first year (and that hideous facial rug burn) and we're obviously close programs.
I think I captured our finishes, points, and points in the NCAA relative to ACC tourney in the graphic. Either way, can't wait for seedings and the show to start....
18 Replies
2y
And craps the bed on Friday/Sat. At least that is my theory.
** Edited by Hokie Flyer at 3/12/2024, 3:23:41 PM
(In response to this post by Hokie Hawk)
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VTCALS72
2y
some schools do try to get say 141 wrestlers to manage/live on the edge of weight to get down to 135 at weigh in. Then they re hydrate or whatever to basically wrestle down. Most of the time in a dual, there is adequate time to re energize, but when that has to be done in a tough multi day tourney, those guys have a harder time making weight and restoring/rehydrating to peak performance.
(In response to this post by Hokie Flyer)
2y
State has a hired a few new fitness folks to try and remedy this.
(In response to this post by VTCALS72)
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VTDante
2y
(In response to this post by WolfpackPins)
2y
I could be talking out of my ass. I swear I read Coach Hall saying they were working with a new nutritionist or something to help them peek later in the season.
(In response to this post by VTDante)
D
donjfs3
2y
Seemed to help get TJ and Crook's weight figured out
(In response to this post by WolfpackPins)
2y
No one is hanging a banner in Cassell that reads VPI 8th NC State 10th at Nationals. 😎 There is no doubt we’ve struggled a bit but it’s not like you guys are killing it. ( I’m posting in jest)
** Edited by WolfpackPins at 3/12/2024, 5:15:38 PM
(In response to this post by VTCALS72)
2y
I want to win everything, but would much rather perform at nationals than ACCs or duals. 8th vs 10th might not be huge, but a higher finish correlates with more All Americans, and All American status is worth a lot more than an ACC title. I'm sure Nick Brascetta wouldn't trade his 3rd place NCAA run for Gantt's ACC title. Or likewise when Renda had a crazy run after losing to Zavatsky.
(In response to this post by WolfpackPins)
2y
Just have a feeling when y’all start winning acc titles again you suddenly care more. Just a hunch. 😎
And the difference in finishes between state and tech at nationals has swung in techs favor, but it’s so negligible it doesn’t offset all the conference championships when comparing the programs at their current state. It’s NCSU then Vt closely behind. That’s the national narrative at least.
** Edited by WolfpackPins at 3/12/2024, 5:44:44 PM
(In response to this post by Hikinghokie)
2y
5 guys: Camacho, Orine, Jack, Arrington, Hidlay should all have deep runs. Scott can AA again. Fishback and Trephan can win some matches and go on a run with the right match ups.
For us, only 2: Henson and Lewis should go deep. Latona and Adonian can AA again if they can find that March magic they've had in the past. Stewart has a ton of potential but is still a bit unknown in a format like this. Guys like Flynn, Crook, Brady, and Catka could win some matches but to AA, they're going to need to outpace their seed.
(In response to this post by WolfpackPins)
2y
His body is so unorthodox hes going to be tough. The only concern at this point in his career is the ability to come from behind. He’s already so good with a lead.
(In response to this post by goodbadugly)
2y
No pretending I don't hate it that y'all keep winning them! I just wouldn't trade recent program results.
(In response to this post by WolfpackPins)
2y
Only because you “beating” us at nationals without podium finishing is not worth noting. 😎 It’s like being stoked because you’re slightly better at losing. 😎
(In response to this post by Hikinghokie)
2y
But we had 5 All American to your 3 last year. If we beat you by 1 place with 5 each, maybe I would prefer the ACC title, but no way am I trading 5 All Americans and higher national placement for 3 with an ACC title
(In response to this post by WolfpackPins)
2y
Over an ACCT win. I agree that finishing 9 vs 10 isn’t worth noting, but 5 to 3 in a year is worth it in my opinion.
I love the fact that our 2 schools are constantly mentioned in the national conversation. It’s good for the conference and each school, I believe. I’m still not a fan of Pop, but I have actually grown to respect the wrestlers, especially after talking to Trent at NHSCAs last year. Super nice kid and very complimentary of VT and especially Bolen. It’s a great rivalry.
I’ll be interested to see if there is any dip in performance with Hall leaving and who you replace him with.
(In response to this post by WolfpackPins)
2y
I wouldn't think twice about trading a 9th place in the NCAAs for a 10th place finish and an ACC tournament championship -- especially given our recent dry spell. I want to win the ACCs again badly. I would think twice about trading away a podium finish.
That said, wrestling an individual sport. Getting 5 of our guys on the podium is a big deal and I would hesitate trading that away for 3 AAs and other considerations. I might make that trade for 3 AAs, the ACC tournament championship, and one individual national champion.
(In response to this post by TartanHokie)