Post by colanowski on Jan 2, 2024 11:55:08 GMT -5
HOLA! Happy New Year my wrestling peoples.
Welcoming you into 2024 is your retired executive director turned forum blogger! What a great honor and privilege it is to write for all 4 of you. Before I dive into my serious takes...I'd like to give my list of a few things I'd be happy for you to leave in 2023:
1. You DO NOT have to use the caption "calm before the storm" before every photo. There is not storm. That is all.
2. Parents who take their kids on vacation during wrestling season...no reason to leave this behind because they've already been left behind
3. Here is a personal gripe...high school and club coaches NOT working together as one. The quicker your club/HS figures this out the sooner your program will advance.
NOW...back to your regularly scheduled program.
Not a ton of wrestling here in state this last week, but in case you didn't know...
Steve Steigler of Orange County is the Mayor. OC won both the boys and girls division at Battle at the Bridge(Largest in season event in VA). I hope that one day, the actual Mayor or Orange gives Steve a key to the city. This guy deserves it. Well done...Humor aside, an impressive feat for the Hornets. They will certainly challenge as one of the top teams in 4A this season. Their two returning state champs, Justin Jones and Waylon Rogers, are an impressive 1-2 punch that will lead the charge in February.
As if we didn't already know this...and some of you will be up in arms with this take...St. Christopher's is the best team in the state. Try to debate me, but you're wrong. I've been extremely impressed with Noah Rankin this year. He's come a long way since joining the Saints this year. Tommy Owen has now entered the chat for my 'Coach of the Year' discussion. Bravo Mr. Thomas. A well deserved honor.
BIG BIG WEEKEND AHEAD...Popcorn TIME! I'll list my top 5 events
5. The Tommy Legge Memorial (Hosted by Atlee HS)-Maybe I'm a bit biased about this event because its in my back yard. But the reason this makes my list is the format. Athletes get 7+ matches on the weekend. Its a huge benefit especially in the time of the this weird 5 events rule.
4. East Coast Catholic Classic (Hosted by Benedictine)-This event has the makings to be something special. It took a bit of a dip this year whereas last year they had Delbarton and Bishop McCort in attendance...but I think BCP is setting this event up to be a spectacle in years to come.
3. The Old Dominion Cup(Hosted by VAWA @ Roanoke College)-Honestly this event could be #1...but bc of the event rule New Kent and Staunton River are doing a side quest dual meet...Not actually in the event. And I've heard rumors that Mountain View is bringing their B team. So...I'm not 1000% sure this event will live up to my expectations. I guess we will find out on Sunday.
2. RWC New Year Duals(Hosted by RWC/ST Chris)-This event would be #1 if they had more in state matchups. This event has firepower. #2 nationally Blair is in attendance. Valiant Prep(AZ) who is pumping out d1 talent/world titles like its an easy thing to do will be there...AND what do you know...I'm seeing Mountain View on these flyers now. If STC and MV actually face off this will be much discussed in my recap next week.
and last but not least...
1. Joe Verciglio Tournament(Hosted by Chantilly)-I like this because it gives a really good picture of what the 6A state championships will look like. 6A is hands down the toughest division the next 4 years. Robinson, Grassfield, Chantilly are all contenders this year and we get to see them face off. Throw in 5A contender Independence and we gots ourself a SHOW!!!
Now...lets play a game.
Hypothetically speaking...Say Mountain View and St Chris match up on Saturday with their A teams...
If anyone predicts the correct score in the thread below I will buy you a pizza(by Saturday at 9am). Delivered to your house on Sunday. Restaurant of your choosing! May the odds be in your favor!
I won't put my score, but I'm calling for St. Chris to win.
Have a fun week of RASSLIN!!! Be safe and remember to cut 'Calm Before the Storm' from your vocabulary
Welcoming you into 2024 is your retired executive director turned forum blogger! What a great honor and privilege it is to write for all 4 of you. Before I dive into my serious takes...I'd like to give my list of a few things I'd be happy for you to leave in 2023:
1. You DO NOT have to use the caption "calm before the storm" before every photo. There is not storm. That is all.
2. Parents who take their kids on vacation during wrestling season...no reason to leave this behind because they've already been left behind
3. Here is a personal gripe...high school and club coaches NOT working together as one. The quicker your club/HS figures this out the sooner your program will advance.
NOW...back to your regularly scheduled program.
Not a ton of wrestling here in state this last week, but in case you didn't know...
Steve Steigler of Orange County is the Mayor. OC won both the boys and girls division at Battle at the Bridge(Largest in season event in VA). I hope that one day, the actual Mayor or Orange gives Steve a key to the city. This guy deserves it. Well done...Humor aside, an impressive feat for the Hornets. They will certainly challenge as one of the top teams in 4A this season. Their two returning state champs, Justin Jones and Waylon Rogers, are an impressive 1-2 punch that will lead the charge in February.
As if we didn't already know this...and some of you will be up in arms with this take...St. Christopher's is the best team in the state. Try to debate me, but you're wrong. I've been extremely impressed with Noah Rankin this year. He's come a long way since joining the Saints this year. Tommy Owen has now entered the chat for my 'Coach of the Year' discussion. Bravo Mr. Thomas. A well deserved honor.
BIG BIG WEEKEND AHEAD...Popcorn TIME! I'll list my top 5 events
5. The Tommy Legge Memorial (Hosted by Atlee HS)-Maybe I'm a bit biased about this event because its in my back yard. But the reason this makes my list is the format. Athletes get 7+ matches on the weekend. Its a huge benefit especially in the time of the this weird 5 events rule.
4. East Coast Catholic Classic (Hosted by Benedictine)-This event has the makings to be something special. It took a bit of a dip this year whereas last year they had Delbarton and Bishop McCort in attendance...but I think BCP is setting this event up to be a spectacle in years to come.
3. The Old Dominion Cup(Hosted by VAWA @ Roanoke College)-Honestly this event could be #1...but bc of the event rule New Kent and Staunton River are doing a side quest dual meet...Not actually in the event. And I've heard rumors that Mountain View is bringing their B team. So...I'm not 1000% sure this event will live up to my expectations. I guess we will find out on Sunday.
2. RWC New Year Duals(Hosted by RWC/ST Chris)-This event would be #1 if they had more in state matchups. This event has firepower. #2 nationally Blair is in attendance. Valiant Prep(AZ) who is pumping out d1 talent/world titles like its an easy thing to do will be there...AND what do you know...I'm seeing Mountain View on these flyers now. If STC and MV actually face off this will be much discussed in my recap next week.
and last but not least...
1. Joe Verciglio Tournament(Hosted by Chantilly)-I like this because it gives a really good picture of what the 6A state championships will look like. 6A is hands down the toughest division the next 4 years. Robinson, Grassfield, Chantilly are all contenders this year and we get to see them face off. Throw in 5A contender Independence and we gots ourself a SHOW!!!
Now...lets play a game.
Hypothetically speaking...Say Mountain View and St Chris match up on Saturday with their A teams...
If anyone predicts the correct score in the thread below I will buy you a pizza(by Saturday at 9am). Delivered to your house on Sunday. Restaurant of your choosing! May the odds be in your favor!
I won't put my score, but I'm calling for St. Chris to win.
Have a fun week of RASSLIN!!! Be safe and remember to cut 'Calm Before the Storm' from your vocabulary
