I live in Wisconsin. My kids train at AWA. He hates us and put all this ******** in Kellen’s head.
HS Recruiting News
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Made Kellen believe that there was a perceived problem with how DT was running his program.
I don’t mind this at all. Good thing for college wrestling IMO.
maybe he circles back to stillwater with time and life experience
i don’t know how hamitti leveling up to a natty could be perceived as problematic lol
Actually, I believe Ben made a big deal that he didn’t “feel the love” as much as he was from other schools.
He was vocal about DT not making a personal visit, during a very important time of RTC senior level competition. Like he expected David to do an in-home visit to solidify his commitment. This all started around Final X/Fargo. Ben felt it should’ve been more important that DT focus on Kellen more than the 6 guys getting ready for Worlds and Ben stayed in Kellen’s ear about it.
It should be noted that the RTC is one of the most important cogs in the wheel for what is trying to be accomplished.
Either way, I hope he does well. The staff really liked him.
Isn't Ben in terrible shape health wise? I wouldn't think where a HS wrestler goes to college would be much of a concern to him right now. Now, I do know that I will hate Ou and their cheerleader media on my deathbed, so maybe.In all the years I have never heard a story like this about Ben from any parent or coaches. Sounds like some pissed off Oklahoma st fans to me
Well, times are a changin!In all the years I have never heard a story like this about Ben from any parent or coaches. Sounds like some pissed off Oklahoma st fans to me
Ben is a hammer. He isn’t stopping living life.
It is important to him to have AWA kids podium at big events and he does what he feels is best for his kids.
I don’t think it was OSU hate? It could’ve been that he was concerned others would get the attention to develop, leaving his pupil outside looking in? It could be that he thought our room is too loaded? It could be he felt slighted by David?
I don’t know? I do know he wasn’t happy that we weren’t hard-press re-recruiting a kid that had a coach putting tons of work in and another coach putting the press on while also using the narrative that we didn’t want him.
It’s unfortunate. The kid is good!
You check it out yet?In all the years I have never heard a story like this about Ben from any parent or coaches. Sounds like some pissed off Oklahoma st fans to me
Pretty sure everyone wished him luck and one person, who also shared how they would know (somewhat credible), stated one thing negative. Please don’t generalize all of us so poorly. We are a pretty decent group imoIn all the years I have never heard a story like this about Ben from any parent or coaches. Sounds like some pissed off Oklahoma st fans to me
It’s really not all that negative? I give a little fault to Ben, but he is/was just doing what he thinks is good for his guy.
With his situation this summer, he has to have AWA guys succeed to continue the success of his business. There is concern that he won’t be able to teach at a high level.
Ya I was asking Corby to not call us some pissed off oklahoma st fans is all. Also not super upset with him just don’t like generalizations I guess haha.
I don’t blame Wolbert for looking elsewhere or Ben if he recommended it.
I’m betting several OSU wrestling folks donated to Ben’s medical bills
There are enough people close to the situation that Ive talked to that just about everything Chase has stated about reasons for Kellen's departure is spot on. Ben is gonna be about his guys and thats all there is to it. Like most everyone else I wish Kellen the best!In all the years I have never heard a story like this about Ben from any parent or coaches. Sounds like some pissed off Oklahoma st fans to me
Now as far as the OSU "hate" that Ben may or may not have I cant speak to that or its severity. From my understanding for years he steered guys away from OSU simply because he didnt feel like OSU had the right culture. And I cant say that I disagree. I think Ben knew that was going to change w/ Coach Taylor and it is. Hopefully it doesnt keep future AWA guys that want to come to Stilly away. I mean it wasnt DT's fault that the Raney's literally threw themselves at him. He wasnt really going after them but they were set on becoming Cowboys.
I dont get how people dont think VT is a good choice for a top prospect? Ive stated before Ive been told by people who know that kids who visit love it there.
Their staff is absolutely top notch and they produce year in and year out. Their guys wrestle hard. Its obvious they can develop as good or better than most programs that have more resources. While to my knowledge they dont have much of an RTC I'm assuming that changes will be made in that area so its a win / win for everyone involved.
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I wanted Wolbert to stay in the fold, and I think he has a ton of potential. I also for some reason thought he was a little bigger. I think without a growth spurt he was going to have a hard time making the lineup anytime soon.
I was probably too negative in how I phrased it. I was more taken aback than anything because I frankly assumed it was Nebraska all the way. Big 10 wrestling, etc., but you’re spot on that those 2 going to VA Tech is great for parity in college wrestling
Some were pissed off . I didn't say pissed off Oklahoma st fans
I’m now confusedIn all the years I have never heard a story like this about Ben from any parent or coaches. Sounds like some pissed off Oklahoma st fans to me
Which may have been Ben’s motive? He wants his guys to do well, but he needs them to do well fast.
You think he’s career 25? What was he at this year? I thought he was past 25 already.
But, that makes a ton of sense.
No, I thought Sidun was big for 120. Not a monster, but big.
So I was thinking 133 was his spot in a short time.
I really hope we see Sidun/ Zinkin at Doc B again this year. Zinkin has jumped levels this last 9 months.
If he get’s past Munaretto at Who’s Number One this week he will get Sidun.
We'll see them Sat if Rock can get through Dom.
Ah so winner gets Sidun? I didnt realize that. Thats awesome!
We all know that. He had them in on a visit. Of course he was recruiting them from day 1. That doesn't mean that we thought we were getting them or that we were recruiting them very hard at all going into the US Open timeframe. Things changed quickly
I was standing there when the call came through. I’m telling you, the vibe was surprise, not payoff.
That’s not to say he wasn’t actively recruiting them, the staff is actively recruiting all the time. But the feeling I got was that they didn’t believe it was a possibility due to the reported monies they were being offered.
The adult dealing for the twins wanted them in the culture at Stillwater. They aren’t in it for money, they are in it for World Medals…or the Dad is/was.
They were pleased with the young men they had committed, but you don’t turn down talent. There needs to be 3deep at every weight. Injuries, shirts and life happens. The focus at that point was RTC, not recruiting…I’ll say that too.
Exactly. I couldve phrased the "wasnt really going after them" better. Chase and Brodie you guys correct me if any part of this is incorrect but to my knowledge they visited and then there wasnt much from their end. We had guys commit (Ramirez, Vega, Jax, Wolbert, Robideau) and most assumed the Raneys were Iowa bound and getting big money. By the time DT got that call his reaction was one of surprise and dare I say maybe even a little confusion lol? So no by then he wasnt really pursuing them per say.
But damn I'm glad that call came
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Amen
Loved the kid, hate see him go, but there wasn’t any room for him. Askren doesn’t have love for OSU, but he is a professional and he may rib some of his kids for going here, but I couldn’t see him manipulating his kids from going to OSU. That being said, any coach will steer their athletes to go to the schools they like. I would if I coached. There would be OSU posters, with athletes, records all over the walls. Go pokes!
