Taxman

I'm always skeptical about the 106, 113lb wrestlers being able to compete the following year after a substantial growth spurt. Eli King weighed 95lbs in May of his 8th grade year. His dad and I thought he would be a small 106 or might not be strong enough to be consistent at 106 his freshman year. However, he beat Navarro the returning 106 AAA state champ from Bradley his freshman year, jumped to 132 sophomore year and won state. I finally got to see Whitworth and Horst wrestle. IMO, they (Bowers too) will not have a problem winning in heavier weight classes. They are different.

Who won OW and awarded best match in each division?

Wiling to bet Boykin will be attending UTC in the fall.

Dendy, Nicholson, and Reiniche should be high on the list. Not sure if King is best P4P this year, but he may be best P4P in terms of pure talent, athleticism and upside. Same goes with Dendy. I believe Dendy would be going for his 3rd state title if he wrestled during the off season.

Any predictions on the Father Ryan v. Soddy Daisy head-to-head match ups; FR v. McCallie and FR v. Baylor this weekend-

This weekend should be interesting for FR. Soddy on Friday; McCallie and Baylor on Saturday. Anticipate really good match ups. Like to see who King wrestles even though he is certified for 147 at state. Of course, Eason will be more than fun to watch this weekend.

Where is Dendy, Reiniche and Brackett?

Why didn't they wrestle or why did Ervin move up to 160?

It's hard to gauge a kid based on a middle school career. Not fair to him at this point to deem him as as extraordinary just because of middle school accomplishments and a mostly likely 106lb number 1 seed in D2. Again, the kid is really good though.

Whitworth may be the next Phillip Simpson or Jordan Leen, however, it's hard to tell how good a kid is until he grows out of the 106-120lb divisions in Tennessee. Kid does look like the real deal.

McCallie is a team that no one is talking about. They may have the best D2 line up.

He is out of shape. Beating Ed Ruth's little brother 7-2 with a 1:10 left in match. He should have been up 10-2 after having Ruth on his back for 5 seconds with no points. Ran out of gas, and let Ruth tie it up. Lost in overtime. Had nothing left in the tank the next match. You are right. You can't wrestle in top national events unprepared. Probably would have placed if in shape. He knows better now. Not Father Ryan's fault.

Russo and Chalifoux would have kept wrestling no matter the injury or what the coach said.

I responded to your former post by explaining how he rolled his ankle and tried to make the point that NotButchJones made up the story on his own.

It was cryptic and probably a little vague. I have let my emotions get the best of me. His parents most likely are not happy with my posts. However, since I have already contempted myself, it can't get any worse for me. Therefore, I don't believe with 100% certainty that NotButchJones posted his comments based upon the GarrettHouse post. Again,I do not believe anyone employed from FR is to blame. Lastly, I will try to refrain from further comment as I have exhausted all my thoughts.

Didn't say there was a conspiracy. Don't put words in my mouth.

It goes farther than that.

He rolled his ankle wrestling live with Ben Stacey. Who else would have known about it that could have disseminated the information in a false light? I 100% do not believe It was the varsity staff or a FR employee.

Hope the Eli bashing didn't come from "...a couple of Irishmen". Should know the kid better than that.

Eli has participated in almost every major out-of-town off season tourney since he was 9 years old. He took his chances at Fargo last summer and placed 5th. Other than Murphy or Chalifoux, I couldn't think of anyone else that has competed against the "best of the rest". At one time or another, he has wrestled at least 5 top 20 kids in the nation from 120lbs to 152lbs. The kid may need a break. I guess I'm sort of sensitive about my nephew.

With many more opportunities for the young wrestler, has the level of wrestling and competition improved in TN since the 80s and 90s?

Simpson, Powell and Parker get my honorable mention.

You're comments are illogical and must be a Smyrna coach.

Smyrna coach should be charged with theft and fraud. LOL

As bad as cheating if kid was cleared.