killian

Word I got was a little different. Friends told me the gym was loud and energetic with fans from both sides and Ryan didnt look like they were conceding anything. Most of the matches were close and hard fought. Bateman from Ryan looked rusty after his layoff but at the end of the match he was in control. Frances, B Bellet, Waddey, and Snyder all looked great for MBA. The 119 match with John Michael from MBA and Sloan from Ryan was a bit of a surprise with John Michael getting only a 6-3 decision and Sloan getting John Michael on his back for 3 points. Sounds like a great contest with MBA having some bigger guns this year, but I wouldnt fault the Irish kids for lack of effort.

If what I hear is correct, Ryan started 1 Senior, 3 or 4 Juniors, and all the rest were Sophomores or Freshmen. They also appear to have suffered injuries (Bateman, Mix, and others werent in the lineup). So the Ryan team was just as young and hurt.

From someone who was there - BA is making strides with the new coach and is tremendously better than last year. But they aren't up to this level of competition yet. They have some great all round athletes, but not necessarily wrestlers. Ryan has much more depth and breadth and their committment to wrestling shows. If BA can get a feeder program in place to get kids started younger, and will decide that wrestling is something they want to take as seriously as football, then they have a chance.

Jesus? Isn't that Benito's middle name?