DaisyMay

"Sound like a bunch of democrats"? I assume you're using that as a negative. Since we're name calling, how should we refer to your mis-spellings or lack of basic punctuation and capitalization skills? While you're busy "admiring and envying" the wealthy private schools, perhaps it is your own judgement that is getting clouded. One question... Are all of the "next leaders and successful people of this country" from private schools, or just Repubublicans,..or both?

Coach Henry?? Maybe you should pay more attention in Current Events class!

Oh, so you think that these coaches are concerned about getting "credit". Let's make sure that they get their "credit". I'll bet that these men couldn't care less about that. I'll bet they're motivated by helping young men find self-esteem and build character through this sport. I'll say it again. Comments like yours can plant the seed that can crush a good plan. As far as the Soddy job, the people who knew exactly who put what into that program decided to go another direction. It's just that simple.

Yes, we do. As the Head Coach, Ben Reichel will run the program, just as Steve Henry did at Soddy. As an assumed Red Bank fan, it seems odd that you would choose to start this type of talk so soon. There is no quicker way to break down a program than to attempt to fan these types of flames that can lead to gossip and divisiveness. At least allow these men the opportunity to get this program on the track they're hoping for before you attempt to derail it. Good luck, Coach Reichel and Company!

"need based aid",...."athletic scholarships",.. whatever. Here we go again. Same tired arguments, same hard feelings, all dependent upon which side of the fence you live on. Save some time. Go back in the Chattanooga News Free Press archives to the mid 90's when a court case here in Chattanooga shed light on what was really happening with "need based aid". I don't see the TSSAA changing the way they do business either.

I've been in the sport a long, long time. D-1 supporter, mostly. Didn't even see this match until today. Don't follow either team, don't know either wrestler. Not a referee, not a coach. Tough timing and a heart-breaker, but it was the RIGHT CALL.

Wasn't trying to start trouble or stir any pot. Just didn't want anyone to get into hot water, then informed that "ignorance of the rule does not excuse the infraction". I agree with the points you made and appreciate the efforts you're making.

Is this not during the mandatory, dreaded Dead Period??

Interesting how we see what we want to see. Rather than seeing what actually occurred, our judgement is based on our perspective or color that we're wearing or our relationship/connection to the participant. This particular tiff is between a parent (shocking) and a referee, but at any wrestling tournament, you can see this irrational bias. Watch as coaches argue for a call, that, if they were on the other side of the mat wearing the other color, they would never agree with. How is it that a group of, say 200 wresling fans wearing one color can be so angry and sure that "that WAS a takedown!", while across the mat, a very similar group, only wearing another color are equally enthusiastic that there is "NO WAY that was a takedown!" This isn't unique to wrestling, mind you. This same thing can be viewed at any sporting event, anywhere. To a fan in the heat of the moment, this is enthusiasm.. But to others, it comes off as a display of dishonesty in our sports culture. Again, we choose not to see the truth, but see what we WANT to see or NEED to see to support these people we're connected to. Not casting stones here, as I have been involved with it and guilty of it myself. Just wonder if others have noticed this phenomenon also.

1- Cleveland is a very good team, but it has come through hard work and sweat, not the million dollar building. 2- Resources and said building have been in place for over a decade, yet until last week, Bradley owned an 18 year win streak against their rivals. Again, not the building. 3- Exactly which "talented kids" are jumping ship and heading from Bradley to Cleveland, or vice-versa for that matter? 4- Several years ago, Coach Steve Henry and crew went through a very tough year, losing to several teams that they "normally beat fairly well handidly??" Guys like you crept in the tall grass, waiting to pounce. Look where Soddy is now. Coach Smith and company will do the same. It's what great programs do. 5- Who exactly did Bradley and their 22 State Titles beat the britches off of for you to lick your chops so quickly?

Been involved in Tennessee wrestling for over 30 years. Witnessed the State Traditional tournament at 5 different venues and the State Duals at 8 different sites. In my opionion, it ain't close! As far as feeling like I'm in a STATE TOURNAMENT ATMOSPHERE, the current situation is at the bottom of the proverbial barrell. Nothing against those fine folks, or the sweet deal they've given the TSSAA. I miss the days when I could truthfully argue that the competitive atmosphere and excitement level at OUR State Tournements were second to NONE! You could feel the electricity in the air. The parade of Champions was a Spectacle and gave me many a chillbump. Now, not so much, and I miss it. I also miss the fact that these athletes will never get to experience that type of State Tournament. I'm talking about priceless, lifelong memories. Hotdog prices? Really?

No, I think that this is probably a legitimate question. I must say that I've wondered it myself. Usually, "signing" is assumed to have some monetary aid attached to it. Is this the case, or is it more of just an agreement that he will participate with the club?

Wow. Pretty impressive that not only has Bradley supplied an entire Coaching staff to Walker Valley, but now they have their own Club President doing PR for the Mustangs!

Maybe. Maybe not. Coach Rains has been clear on why he had to go. Walker Valley was able to offer him the one thing that Bradley could not. A Full Pay position, rather than Teacher-aid pay. No PE position is open at Bradley, and there is now one at WV, complete with double the pay he is now getting. With no position coming open soon and after waiting for 2 or 3 years, he is doing what he has to do just to get through this economy. Logsdon, Smith, and Jackson have worked to keep him, but there is no light at the end of the tunnel for this Bear. There just is no job available. The Bradley faithful know these facts and hopefully will be fair to him.

BACK to the top? Do you mean the team that just won it's 4th consecutive State Duals Championship? At the banquet, Coach Logsdon said that these Seniors were 91-1 during their careers and won 27 of 28 tournaments entered, including 7 State Championships and 1 Runner-up in 8 opportunities. BACK the top? Really?

How do you figure, Soms? Coach Logsdon and Coach Phillips were College teammates whose friendship seems solid, yet both detest losing. If you were at any of their duals the last several years, you would know that this is one rivalry that needs no cranking up! Be sure that Coach Smith will carry this on.

Yes, let's "require" some more stuff... Weight certifications, computer entry of all results, weight descent plans, mandatory weigh-in sheets, "bullpen" weigh-ins, ... yep, let's micro-manage these coaches to death before they mess something up! How about "considered" for all tournaments?

Gee, Nate. No one that I can find has still ever heard of you. I just knew you'd be some huge name in Tennessee wrestling with all of your knowledge and inside info!

Funny thing is, this clown claims to be from Ravenwood. If that's true, then isn't it kind of sad and also a great compliment that he follows Bradley, it's coaches, it's wrestlers, it's feeder program, it's future wrestlers, and it's kids club so closely? Do you know how much we know about your program? Nothing. Of course, that's what we do. We focus on our program, our goals, our tradition and our kids. But thank you for finding us so intriguing. Maybe someday, someone will give you the same type of attention.

Wheels falling off? 26-1 season, won 5 tournaments, State Dual Champions and State Traditional Runners-up! Yep, that was one CRAP season!

No one is pointing a finger, just pointing out an obvious lack of wrestling knowledge coupled with a "know it all" attitude. And while you're right that those teams are loaded next year, who are you to "point fingers" at a team who has been either Champions or Runners-up in EVERY State tournament since 1998? That's 28 State Tournaments, in case you're wondering. And now, you delight in pointing out what they may or may not do next season? Not to mention trashing guys who didn't "stand up when needed". You think those State Champs don't feel bad enough?Obviously, I'm a Bradley fan. Which team do you follow and how bad has Bradley pounded you that you have this need to be so negative toward them?

Tell you what, you get a mulligan! Do some research, check your facts about consolation round scoring, double check, then correct your mistake. Doesn't change the fact that Cleveland wrestled very well, but you still should know what you're talking about. Remember, Advancement points plus Bonus points (which you get for the forfeit).

I've asked around, and no one from Bradley can come up with what you're talking about. Never saw a black dress, but do tell, Oh Stirrer of the Pot, what are you implying? What could it have meant? Never saw a black dress during the 17 year win streak. Why now? If you'd like to talk about the 3 Cleveland moms taunting the Bradley wrestlers and coaches during their award picture, then there are plenty of people who saw that!

All this talk of Bradley's schedule and their "duty" to provide an exciting match for the fans. Did any of you attend the Bradley/Soddy match several weeks ago? Packed house and Rockin'! How about the Bradley/Cleveland Dual at the Cleveland Dome? Packed and Rockin'! How about the Bradley/Cleveland Region final at WV? Packed out and "Rockin'! Couldn't hear yourself think in any of the three. Oh, and you want exciting competition? Have you checked out the DI State Dual Finals since 1998? Seems that they have been in EVERY SINGLE ONE of them for the last 14 years. Yep, wrestled Soddy several times, Clarksville, Ooltewah, Cleveland several times, Brentwood, Franklin. The competition has changed, but there has been one consistent factor. The Bradley Bears! You people have been pointing fingers, calling names and predicting failure for a very long time. Logston and the Bears? They just mind their business and keep on winning. And that's really what bugs you the most.

Yes, very impressive. Bradley never wrestled in the State Duals until 1993 when they finished Runner-up to McCallie. The next year,in '94, they defeated Father Ryan in the finals, then defended it in '95, knocking off Baylor along the way.