2026 NCAA Championship Session VI Thread

Aardvark86

All-Conference
Oct 12, 2021
1,201
2,102
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Curious how many of you old timers from the Harrisburg area remember The Spot in the downtown square?
Spot dogs were a very dangerous thing. Also remember a buddy drinking a bottle of Tabasco on a dare. He regretted that.
 

donboy6499

All-Conference
Jun 9, 2025
739
1,399
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So did the Vega-Mendez takedown call. Mendez still had both arms around Vega's leg, where both of Duke's legs were free.
Every excuse I’ve heard for Duke just has me howling in laughter.
“He needed to hook the leg”
Buddy, he stopped because they blew a whistle, didn’t have a chance.
“He was out front on the cradle”
Buddy, he had him on a hip for 2 seconds and was closer to taking him to his back for 1 more second than anything.
“Officials didn’t see a takedown”
Buddy, for once in our lifetimes, the mat official actually got it right.

Sport is closest to gymnastics and cheer as it is to anything. Perform a rep, pass judgement of it on to a bunch of subjective experts that can’t get on the same page to see how much it’s worth.

Just go to freestyle takedown rules and move on.
 

donboy6499

All-Conference
Jun 9, 2025
739
1,399
93
If you watched on ESPN, you would have seen that Cody was super POd and saying some very angry things to someone. If there’s any post season official review board, you can bet that this one is going to get some serious attention. What’s worse is that we saw two other very similar situations in the finals where the takedown was awarded. Someone better have a good explanation.
Even if they apologize and owned the mistake (they won’t but), what’s it matter in the end?
 

Sunshine88!

All-Conference
Sep 26, 2025
1,757
2,583
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Curious if this is just a feeling or there's some smoke?
As many already know Oklahoma State is not playing by the Rules. There’s reasons why Gilman and RBY left and came back to PSU. That’s why Cael said our program can sleep well at night when the wind blows. Thought that was a good way of putting it lol
 

El_Jefe

Heisman
Oct 11, 2021
3,274
12,878
113
Every excuse I’ve heard for Duke just has me howling in laughter.
“He needed to hook the leg”
Buddy, he stopped because they blew a whistle, didn’t have a chance.
“He was out front on the cradle”
Buddy, he had him on a hip for 2 seconds and was closer to taking him to his back for 1 more second than anything.
“Officials didn’t see a takedown”
Buddy, for once in our lifetimes, the mat official actually got it right.

Sport is closest to gymnastics and cheer as it is to anything. Perform a rep, pass judgement of it on to a bunch of subjective experts that can’t get on the same page to see how much it’s worth.

Just go to freestyle takedown rules and move on.
Duke didn't have a takedown, by the same people who think this was an interception.

 

Dren007

Junior
Feb 19, 2012
200
390
63
As many already know Oklahoma State is not playing by the Rules. There’s reasons why Gilman and RBY left and came back to PSU. That’s why Cael said our program can sleep well at night when the wind blows. Thought that was a good way of putting it lol
Where have i heard this before, oh that's rite it was on the Iowa boards about PSU. Who already knows? And what don't the rest of us know?
 

Aardvark86

All-Conference
Oct 12, 2021
1,201
2,102
113
Where have i heard this before, oh that's rite it was on the Iowa boards about PSU. Who already knows? And what don't the rest of us know?
Wait. Bobby Telford was an assistant at psu for a spell?
 
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AgSurfer

All-Conference
Aug 9, 2013
607
1,848
92
Even if they apologize and owned the mistake (they won’t but), what’s it matter in the end?
It won’t do anything to help Duke, but it’s possible someone might introduce a rule change to prevent a reoccurrence. Don’t forget that the TD criteria has been changed twice in the last 10 - 12 years because of wrestlers getting into controversial positions.
 

maxoscar

Freshman
Jul 23, 2012
58
82
18
Even my wife was coapmex
Funny story. I took my daughter to visit Case Western, which has a good pre-med program. It would be a potential safety school for her. When we arrived and looked around, including the campus, she turned to me before our official visit started and said, "Dad, can we go? I don't like this town." I rebooked flights, and we were gone. LOL.
Brings back memories! Yrs ago headed to then named Western Reserve but 10 days prior to start of my Freshman year PSU offered me an athletic schoarship. Saved me money, peace of mind and almost too much fun!
 

Psalm 1 guy

All-Conference
Nov 3, 2019
1,142
4,383
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It won’t do anything to help Duke, but it’s possible someone might introduce a rule change to prevent a reoccurrence. Don’t forget that the TD criteria has been changed twice in the last 10 - 12 years because of wrestlers getting into controversial positions.
The Oliver/Stieber non-TD change is the one that stands out the most.
 

dbldoofus

Sophomore
Jan 18, 2017
40
144
33
The guy would put the rolls up his arm. It was sad to see it close.
Same for one of the the two Coney spots in Scranton. Coney Island Lunch. Health dept made him change. Lol. It is/was closed but is supposed to reopen after remodeling.
 

Anon1676911284

Freshman
Sep 4, 2017
59
91
18
Sounds like that isn’t the case. He’s from NC. Moved to Bishop McCruit

I guess it just shows how spoiled we (I) are/am that I feel oddly disappointed with "only" 4 national champions. I really think it's still a hangover from the absolute travesty committed against PJ Duke. You'll never convince me he wasn't going to be our next 4 timer. As far as stalling goes, they have to address the finger grabbing again next year. That was the main tactic opponents used against PSU wrestlers, especially at the national tournament.
Just crazy situation withPJ. Funny he gets the pin award and was about to do it again in that absurd loss.
 
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donboy6499

All-Conference
Jun 9, 2025
739
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Exactly. I mean it’s not like either Angel or the guy that looks like miles finch have been relegated …

It won’t do anything to help Duke, but it’s possible someone might introduce a rule change to prevent a reoccurrence. Don’t forget that the TD criteria has been changed twice in the last 10 - 12 years because of wrestlers getting into controversial positions.

It won’t do anything to help Duke, but it’s possible someone might introduce a rule change to prevent a reoccurrence. Don’t forget that the TD criteria has been changed twice in the last 10 - 12 years because of wrestlers getting into controversial positions.
Not wrong and I understand what you mean. Might get a change on interpretation, but I don’t even think interpretation is the issue here.
I am looking at it from a perspective of the rule is fine. Cael didn’t lament a bad rule, he lamented human error (calling it a “blown call”). I’m not sure how you fix that in this case when the mat official actually got it right and gets overturned by the back office.
Maybe a clearer interpretation of the cradle position but now we’re introducing a new way for human error to impact what we see. This wasn’t Oliver/Stieber where we can sit and say ok, how much weight is on his hands, could the defensive guy move, etc. Maybe let the action go on in OT, but I also understand why you stop it at a TD. It’s sudden victory and what happens when I guy gets taken down and steps over on a turn and pins the original guy with the takedown?
Again, just go X points of contact with the mat and the positions an O guy can be in and just move on. Humans have broken college wrestling and it’s not interesting. I turned if off Friday after 157. Just seemed to waste time, like watching football and touchdowns no longer being touchdowns.
 
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Psalm 1 guy

All-Conference
Nov 3, 2019
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Not wrong and I understand what you mean. Might get a change on interpretation, but I don’t even think interpretation is the issue here.
I am looking at it from a perspective of the rule is fine. Cael didn’t lament a bad rule, he lamented human error (calling it a “blown call”). I’m not sure how you fix that in this case when the mat official actually got it right and gets overturned by the back office.
Maybe a clearer interpretation of the cradle position but now we’re introducing a new way for human error to impact what we see. This wasn’t Oliver/Stieber where we can sit and say ok, how much weight is on his hands, could the defensive guy move, etc. Maybe let the action go on in OT, but I also understand why you stop it at a TD. It’s sudden victory and what happens when I guy gets taken down and steps over on a turn and pins the original guy with the takedown?
Again, just go X points of contact with the mat and the positions an O guy can be in and just move on. Humans have broken college wrestling and it’s not interesting. I turned if off Friday after 157. Just seemed to waste time, like watching football and touchdowns no longer being touchdowns.
One final thought regarding the call reversal in PJ's semi. I would love to see a rule change that in SV, once the referee believes a TD has been achieved, they should hold up three fingers and hold it (just like they do with NF) until the position plays itself out. Then award the points and let any challenges occur at that point.
 

donboy6499

All-Conference
Jun 9, 2025
739
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One final thought regarding the call reversal in PJ's semi. I would love to see a rule change that in SV, once the referee believes a TD has been achieved, they should hold up three fingers and hold it (just like they do with NF) until the position plays itself out. Then award the points and let any challenges occur at that point.
100% with you.

I think in this case, as the 3 would have been found to be wrong when it was called, not sure it would have mattered.
Would have gone back to the point of action when the takedown was overruled.
Might be wrong on that.
 

APrimusHokie

Redshirt
Mar 21, 2026
12
16
3
Butt hurt - NINE …. count em 9 times! Lashing out in his last college match. Guys has to live with himself forever. Sad & embarrassing end for a guy who mighta won 1 or 2 in the absence of MM.

I live not too far from VT, but, am a long time PSU season tix holder. Down here in the hillbilly nation there is great excitement. VT fans who never followed wrestling are reading and talking about wrestling at levels I’ve never seen. They are growing the sport! Now … I just have to hope that Cael inks another home and home series with VT. Such a dual would have 3-4 outstanding matchups.
Damn. Hillbilly nation 🤣
 

mcpat

All-American
Mar 12, 2021
1,764
7,108
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I live not too far from VT, but, am a long time PSU season tix holder. Down here in the hillbilly nation there is great excitement. VT fans who never followed wrestling are reading and talking about wrestling at levels I’ve never seen. They are growing the sport! Now … I just have to hope that Cael inks another home and home series with VT. Such a dual would have 3-4 outstanding matchups.
What happens when they mandate top ten teams go to national duals and Iowa is matched up against VT?
 
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creamery freak

All-Conference
Jul 26, 2014
357
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One final thought regarding the call reversal in PJ's semi. I would love to see a rule change that in SV, once the referee believes a TD has been achieved, they should hold up three fingers and hold it (just like they do with NF) until the position plays itself out. Then award the points and let any challenges occur at that point.
When the guys voted to change that call, they should put their name and address, as well as their email and cell # on the bottom of the screen. I'd bet they'd be better about getting the call correct then.
 

AgSurfer

All-Conference
Aug 9, 2013
607
1,848
92
I do. Cruise “the circuit” and hang out at the Spot. Good times!
You remember! Up 2nd Street and down Front Street. My friend and I were doing that circuit in his 440 Roadrunner when we pulled up along side a convertible with the two nice looking blondes. I crouched in the passenger door window and jumped across and landed in their back seat. They loved it!
 
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PSUAllTheWay

All-Conference
Jan 18, 2015
2,069
4,312
213

I love this kid. He owns his losses and is so grounded by his family that you have to root for him. I am sooo glad he is at PSU. It did make me laugh that the only times he could remember having to wrestle back for 3rd were in World Championships. Now that is first-world problems right here.

If he loses another college match, I will be surprised.
 

Psalm 1 guy

All-Conference
Nov 3, 2019
1,142
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100% with you.

I think in this case, as the 3 would have been found to be wrong when it was called, not sure it would have mattered.
Would have gone back to the point of action when the takedown was overruled.
Might be wrong on that.

I love this kid. He owns his losses and is so grounded by his family that you have to root for him. I am sooo glad he is at PSU. It did make me laugh that the only times he could remember having to wrestle back for 3rd were in World Championships. Now that is first-world problems right here.

If he loses another college match, I will be surprised.
He was very well-spoken and is obviously mature beyond his years. That homerish Oklahoma State question was cringe though.