Observer99

I did hear a rumor that a couple of guys in Region 2 were being checked out on whether they had wrestled below their approved weights, or lost weight too fast from the end of the regular season to Region weigh-ins. Anyone know the truth to that ?

Guys - is this thing about hydration testing and having to pass it to wrestle true ? If not, then quit messing with the kids and coaches heads, because there are several favored wrestlers who may have passed their weight certification hydration tests, but will surely fail to pass them at this late date getting ready for state. Is there some way to verify this ? I just checked on the TSSAA web site and there's no notification about it. If it's a joke, I'll just say "you got me", but it's not a very funny one, if it is.

I hear all you guys - but, the only way that will happen is if he doesn't wrestle Knox's match. If he tries to go takedowns, he'll play right into his opponent's strategy. Then he'll duck you, trip you, blast double you, head snap to a high crotch you or John Smith single you to death. It's got to play out like last year - no mistakes on your feet, win it on the mat and take it to three periods to wear Knox out. It could happen, but it will take a perfectly strategized and executed match. I'm not a betting man, but I'd say the odds are still in Knox's favor.

It's a little early to be talking coach of the year, but since it came up, it seems the criteria ought to include both the individual state tournament finish and the ability to build a duals team. Under those criteria, how can anyone other than Franklin or Bradley in D1 be considered ? The new coach at Bradley lost 9 seniors, 5 state champs, and 9 total state medalists from last year. And yet, they only lost the state duals crown this year by one point !?! That's the combined effort of a great feeder system, supportive parents and a great head coach ! Laxton has got to be one of the lead candidates ! And the coach at Franklin - wow ! They have a total of 6 returning state medalists, plus Kirn. They won state duals and will likely win the state individual tournament this weekend . All the other wannabes, forget it - those two are the only ones in the running for statewide coach of the year !

Have Barnett and Konz met this season ? I know last year at 140, Barnett thumped Konz during the regular season (Father Ryan Tournament ?) and then again at State in the semi's. It was almost like something about Barnett's style just overwhelmed Konz. Kind of like the way Dix did to Barnett in the finals Of course that was last year - any head-to-heads this season ?

I don't have as good a handle on this as you guys, but I think you've got about 2 too many in the finals for Farragut. I'll go out on a limb and predict teams to finish: 1. Maryville 2. Farragut 3. Karns 4. Wm. Blount

I'm not saying he hasn't beaten all his competition in TN. And, I'm not trying to take anything away from him. My comment simply reflects that I think there are others who will demonstrate a more dominating control over their weight class at the State Tournament.

That only strengthens my point. When you know Manson has beaten Dunning in their last match and Dunning is a returning 2x state champ, to me if Manson more thoroughly dominates 125 than Marable does 160, I'd say it goes to Manson. But, it's all about who looks the most impressive and dominating on those three days in February.

In D1, I'd say Coleman, Bundy or Knox. Meredith could struggle with Kirn too much for OW. In order to get OW, Coleman has to have developed another takedown besides the fireman's that he couldn't hit well on Bundy last year. Knox could have problems if a tall guy can stay away from his upper body in tie-ups, and his ducks, high crotches and blast doubles on his feet. Oh, and also the inside trips. If someone can go three periods and wear him out, he won't look like an OW in period 3. I don't see Creagan dominating enough for OW, but I could be wrong. If by chance, Kirn beats Meredith and dominates everyone else, he would deserve it. In D2, it's Dunning, Marable or Manson. I wouldn't put it past Manson to so thoroughly dominate 125 that he can't be denied OW. Just the thoughts of an outsider with no axe to grind.

Coach Weldon really is a class act and he's done good things with Karns. Look where they are in just two years !!! I'm not quite sure how Farragut let him get away, but their loss has sure been Karns gain ! In particular, the example for the boys on the team and the stability he can provide.

What does that mean ? What happened ?