Recruiting

Corby2

All-Conference
Jul 14, 2025
1,143
2,306
113
We've landed 1 recruit who we trained for a long time and developed a really close relationship with over many years.
I don't know how you even stay friendly with these folks after they go elsewhere when you invested so much. I know I couldn't.
That will all change in the future with the 250 mile rule lifted. Now a kid can train at any RTC. Local kids were at Rutgers or Princeton RTC because those were the only places they could go. We will see and already have seen kids doing online school and training at RTCs. September meeting UsaW removed the 250 mile rule.
 

RUAldo

All-Conference
Sep 11, 2008
4,434
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It’s probably worse in high school honestly. NJ now has a one-time free transfer rule for underclassmen and the state has turned a blind eye to recruiting even for public schools. At least college athletes have a completely free choice of where they want to go. High school coaches spend years on the ground level training future students and then often other schools reap the benefits, often illegally. Almost impossible now for public high school coaches to build a true program because if they position the youth programs correctly, then some perochial school is going to swoop in.
It’s all a mess. I’m surprised there are any rules period at this point. Look at SJM last year = they pick-up Harris, a senior transfer committed to OK, just so they can beat Delbarton. DeJesus 3 schools in 4 years. Supposedly Dellagatta wasn’t even required to show up regularly to classes at SJV he was taking online instead. I don’t know why anyone would want to coach at the public school level unless it’s just a hobby or way to make a few bucks. You train a kid in the youth program since birth only to watch him win a championship for a private school.
 
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Crackersisback

Redshirt
Jul 2, 2025
83
31
18
We've landed 1 recruit who we trained for a long time and developed a really close relationship with over many years.
I don't know how you even stay friendly with these folks after they go elsewhere when you invested so much. I know I couldn't.
For the first time, I agree with you.We put so much effort in recruiting these kids, and then they turn their backs on us.Its like they use our resources and then bail, when it comes time for commitment.From what I read, and correct me if I wrong, but there seems to be character issues with some of these kids and especially their parents.Maybe we dodged a bullet.But it's the same ole story, We get out bidded by this NIL ********, the Iowa and the Penn States of the world's wrestling traditions, and quite frankly, the coaching pedgree.Im not calling for Goodys head on a platter, but we really need to start making moves, because NJ is one of the top 3 wrestling states in country and we don't have a college program that matches those bragging rights. Pennsylvania, top wrestling state in the country...they have Penn State.Ohio, one of the top recruit states...they have Ohio State.Iowa, a top 10 recruitment state...they have Iowa and Iowa State. There is no tradition with us.We get some decent recruits, and even some occasional surprises ( Shawver),but we just don't develop talent or attract the Alessio Perentins or Burtons of NJ.It has everything to do with coaching pedigree. At least when Oliver coached me, he was realistic about our team and our chances.Man, I miss him.Cant believe he is gone.RIP coach.
 
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rpiseman

All-Conference
Dec 30, 2004
2,250
3,802
98
It’s all a mess. I’m surprised there are any rules period at this point. Look at SJM last year = they pick-up Harris, a senior transfer committed to OK, just so they can beat Delbarton. DeJesus 3 schools in 4 years. Supposedly Dellagatta wasn’t even required to show up regularly to classes at SJV he was taking online instead. I don’t know why anyone would want to coach at the public school level unless it’s just a hobby or way to make a few bucks. You train a kid in the youth program since birth only to watch him win a championship for a private school.
When I was a kid, the local youth program delivered kids to the high school less the really high end kids who worked out at the Edge. Now every kid wrestles for a club and has little if any affiliation with the local town program and the high school coach.
 
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Corby2

All-Conference
Jul 14, 2025
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It's happening everywhere Blaze was in Ohio St room for years but picked Penn st. Recruits aren't staying home much anywhere around the country. Kids go to an RTC at the local university for years and learn everything they can and most decide I can learn from someone else now. Kids/families are gonna go where they feel they can achieve their goals. NIL is now less of a factor with the college NIL clearinghouse. The NCAA NIL deals have to be real now with return on investment a donor can't just write a check anymore. HS kids now have to disclose any $ they got from NIL while in HS to the clearinghouse house within 2 weeks of enrollment
 
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Leonard23

Heisman
Feb 2, 2006
29,446
11,750
113
That will all change in the future with the 250 mile rule lifted. Now a kid can train at any RTC. Local kids were at Rutgers or Princeton RTC because those were the only places they could go. We will see and already have seen kids doing online school and training at RTCs. September meeting UsaW removed the 250 mile rule.
The 250 mile rule has very little, if anything to do do with it. Most are regularly training within 1-2 hrs from their house, because they can get that top level training and coaching close to home, and they get a ton of personal attention. Not a lot of interest in regularly driving over 4 hours for their 1 hr private lesson or 2-3 hr practice. There are more than enough RTCs, clubs, and private workouts close to home that almost no one needs to go further than 60-90-120 miles, let alone 250 miles. If they really wanted that, PSU, Cornell, Lehigh and Penn are under 250 miles, as are plenty of other clubs and private workouts. They'll drop in to those further away places a few times a year, but it's not their regular routine because it's too far.
 

Corby2

All-Conference
Jul 14, 2025
1,143
2,306
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The 250 mile rule has very little, if anything to do do with it. Most are regularly training within 1-2 hrs from their house, because they can get that top level training and coaching close to home, and they get a ton of personal attention. Not a lot of interest in regularly driving over 4 hours for their 1 hr private lesson or 2-3 hr practice. There are more than enough RTCs, clubs, and private workouts close to home that almost no one needs to go further than 60-90-120 miles, let alone 250 miles. If they really wanted that, PSU, Cornell, Lehigh and Penn are under 250 miles, as are plenty of other clubs and private workouts. They'll drop in to those further away places a few times a year, but it's not their regular routine because it's too far.
Well Jax and many of the recruits at Oklahoma st were flying back and forth to Stillwater and training during the HS season and flying back for competitions. Believe me the 250 mile rule will change things a ton. It's not gonna have an effect on them coming at a young age but in HS it definitely will play a factor
 

Leonard23

Heisman
Feb 2, 2006
29,446
11,750
113
Well Jax and many of the recruits at Oklahoma st were flying back and forth to Stillwater and training during the HS season and flying back for competitions. Believe me the 250 mile rule will change things a ton. It's not gonna have an effect on them coming at a young age but in HS it definitely will play a factor
How will the elimination of the 250 mile rule change anything, as those recruits and school weren't following it anyway? Very few are flying like that. And who is paying for the flights and hotels? I'm sure there are plenty of NIL and recruiting violations there. Also, how much school work are these kids doing? Probably not much...
 

Corby2

All-Conference
Jul 14, 2025
1,143
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How will the elimination of the 250 mile rule change anything, as those recruits and school weren't following it anyway? Very few are flying like that. And who is paying for the flights and hotels? I'm sure there are plenty of NIL and recruiting violations there. Also, how much school work are these kids doing? Probably not much...
Only 1 school wasn't following it. And everyone shouldve been breaking it because USAW hands down that punishment not the NCAA and UsaW was never gonna punish an RTC that pays to train the athletes for USAW. Kids can receive HS NIL $ which is legal. Theyre going to school online. Waters and Singer spent months at ohio St RTC recently. Bachmann has been in Iowa city or Ames a ton lately. Once the rule changed Sept 1 these kids have been all over
 

RUAldo

All-Conference
Sep 11, 2008
4,434
3,112
113
Shocking how many top NJ recruits lost every year to out of state programs. Obviously academics and future job prospects mean nothing because Iowa doesn’t even crack the top 100 for national universities. And good luck with the job market in Iowa City. Although I assume most of these kids aren’t headed to corporate America anyway and will come back to NJ and open a club.

On the bright side, RU coaches have been smart to target PA and CA because those are critical pipelines.
 

Corby2

All-Conference
Jul 14, 2025
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Shocking how many top NJ recruits lost every year to out of state programs. Obviously academics and future job prospects mean nothing because Iowa doesn’t even crack the top 100 for national universities. And good luck with the job market in Iowa City. Although I assume most of these kids aren’t headed to corporate America anyway and will come back to NJ and open a club.

On the bright side, RU coaches have been smart to target PA and CA because those are critical pipelines.
Goody knows they don't get many NJ kids and he changed his thought process a few years ago and decided he's gotta hit CA and other states.

NJ people look down on Rutgers. NJ people gotta keep up with the joneses and going to Rutgers isn't that. When I moved to NJ I had no idea that was a thing. And I'm not talking about athletes parents I'm talking in general
 
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Corby2

All-Conference
Jul 14, 2025
1,143
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Why do people look down upon Rutgers?
Many NJ parents pay for private middle school and HS and aren't gonna send kids to a state school. They don't like the education or the campus. I'm from IL and people don't think that about IL so when I moved to NJ I was shocked by it. It's your home state and home university. And I'm not just talking about a few people it's a well known thing
 
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Kiddagger311

Freshman
Sep 17, 2025
143
79
28
Many NJ parents pay for private middle school and HS and aren't gonna send kids to a state school. They don't like the education or the campus. I'm from IL and people don't think that about IL so when I moved to NJ I was shocked by it. It's your home state and home university. And I'm not just talking about a few people it's a well known thing
Isn’t Penn state just a state school? The best state but still Cael made a huge diff.. NJ people seem to hate themselves but if there’s a good product on the mat they will still come to the match.
 
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Kiddagger311

Freshman
Sep 17, 2025
143
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Shocking how many top NJ recruits lost every year to out of state programs. Obviously academics and future job prospects mean nothing because Iowa doesn’t even crack the top 100 for national universities. And good luck with the job market in Iowa City. Although I assume most of these kids aren’t headed to corporate America anyway and will come back to NJ and open a club.

On the bright side, RU coaches have been smart to target PA and CA because those are critical pipelines.
Isn’t Iowa just a state school too? Nothing special compared to Rutgers academically…every top recruit’s reason why they go to Iowa is mainly the culture there. They always talk about how crazy the fans are and how they get to feel like superstar athletes, big man on campus, wrestling in Iowa.

After losin PK, I realized where’s not many top recruits left available in NJ.. did Degeorge take a loss? Noticed he went from #11 to #20 now.. yeah who’s the next big target NJ recruit now? Probably better off recruiting PA/CA(less use of clubs only to jump ships) and using the portal is def best in terms of ROI.
 

RUAldo

All-Conference
Sep 11, 2008
4,434
3,112
113
Isn’t Iowa just a state school too? Nothing special compared to Rutgers academically…every top recruit’s reason why they go to Iowa is mainly the culture there. They always talk about how crazy the fans are and how they get to feel like superstar athletes, big man on campus, wrestling in Iowa.

After losin PK, I realized where’s not many top recruits left available in NJ.. did Degeorge take a loss? Noticed he went from #11 to #20 now.. yeah who’s the next big target NJ recruit now? Probably better off recruiting PA/CA(less use of clubs only to jump ships) and using the portal is def best in terms of ROI.
I know Goodale makes his rounds at NJ events and staff put in ton of time with PK, but could they be doing more? Or is Jordan Burroughs what it would take to elevate RU to the level of an IA or PSU? How did we lose a kid like Batista from Blair to MD - $$$? His Dad is RU grad and season ticket holder. Nothing is going to change with current staff which is why I love the PA and CA pipeline.
 
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NJwrestling26

Sophomore
Oct 16, 2025
76
136
33
Isn’t Iowa just a state school too? Nothing special compared to Rutgers academically…every top recruit’s reason why they go to Iowa is mainly the culture there. They always talk about how crazy the fans are and how they get to feel like superstar athletes, big man on campus, wrestling in Iowa.

After losin PK, I realized where’s not many top recruits left available in NJ.. did Degeorge take a loss? Noticed he went from #11 to #20 now.. yeah who’s the next big target NJ recruit now? Probably better off recruiting PA/CA(less use of clubs only to jump ships) and using the portal is def best in terms of ROI.
Biggest recruits left in 2027 according to Willie ranking would be Coluccio, Weller, Oizerowitz, Hodgins and Jackson …Jackson has the most untapped potential and fills a need for big men and Coluccio has been right there with elite level guys his entire career. Weller feels more like a Rider guy , Hodgins would be a nice get but Rutgers has competition to get him
 
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NJwrestling26

Sophomore
Oct 16, 2025
76
136
33
I know Goodale makes his rounds at NJ events and staff put in ton of time with PK, but could they be doing more? Or is Jordan Burroughs what it would take to elevate RU to the level of an IA or PSU? How did we lose a kid like Batista from Blair to MD - $$$? His Dad is RU grad and season ticket holder. Nothing is going to change with current staff which is why I love the PA and CA pipeline.
You don’t need Jordan Burroughs. It would be great but it’s far fetched that Rutgers will provide him with the resources he going to want, he’s going to want David Taylor level funds to build up the program and RTC which is going to require school and major donor support.

more realistic option is James Green who would fill his coaching staff with high level assistants immediately and is a great coach and world medalist. He could elevate Rutgers to a top 10 team year in and year out and would have guys on the podium and pushing for titles. He d be a much bigger sell to recruits with world team goals.

Reaching Iowa,PSU, Ok St levels isn’t going to happen without a billionaire stepping in and making it happen. Reaching Cornell, Nebraska, ASU levels is definitely with in reach. Iowa line up in a few years is going to have 4 shore conference wrestlers that grew up less an hr from Rutgers. A guy like James Green can keep some of those guys home and recruit from around the country
 

RUAldo

All-Conference
Sep 11, 2008
4,434
3,112
113
Biggest recruits left in 2027 according to Willie ranking would be Coluccio, Weller, Oizerowitz, Hodgins and Jackson …Jackson has the most untapped potential and fills a need for big men and Coluccio has been right there with elite level guys his entire career. Weller feels more like a Rider guy , Hodgins would be a nice get but Rutgers has competition to get him
Coluccio def in play assuming his past issues don’t haunt him.

Weller is committed to Princeton.

Hodgins’ Dad is a PSU grad so wouldn’t be surprised if he went there or grabbed a bag of money from somewhere other than RU.

Anthony Jackson is super interesting prospect that hopefully staff is watching closely.

I’m guessing Oizerowitz goes Ivy.
 

RUAldo

All-Conference
Sep 11, 2008
4,434
3,112
113
You don’t need Jordan Burroughs. It would be great but it’s far fetched that Rutgers will provide him with the resources he going to want, he’s going to want David Taylor level funds to build up the program and RTC which is going to require school and major donor support.

more realistic option is James Green who would fill his coaching staff with high level assistants immediately and is a great coach and world medalist. He could elevate Rutgers to a top 10 team year in and year out and would have guys on the podium and pushing for titles. He d be a much bigger sell to recruits with world team goals.

Reaching Iowa,PSU, Ok St levels isn’t going to happen without a billionaire stepping in and making it happen. Reaching Cornell, Nebraska, ASU levels is definitely with in reach. Iowa line up in a few years is going to have 4 shore conference wrestlers that grew up less an hr from Rutgers. A guy like James Green can keep some of those guys home and recruit from around the country
Duffy will wear a RU singlet by the time his college career is over. With recruits like Borge, Bachmanns x2, Kennys x2, and the other nationally ranked studs that will end up committing he is going to get squeezed absent some feel good Rudy story.
 

NJwrestling26

Sophomore
Oct 16, 2025
76
136
33
Coluccio def in play assuming his past issues don’t haunt him.

Weller is committed to Princeton.

Hodgins’ Dad is a PSU grad so wouldn’t be surprised if he went there or grabbed a bag of money from somewhere other than RU.

Anthony Jackson is super interesting prospect that hopefully staff is watching closely.

I’m guessing Oizerowitz goes Ivy.
Idk if Hodgins is worth the resources , he could never get past Lavalle who I don’t foresee ever being a near an elite college wrestler. I think Hodgins ceiling may just be NQ level guy . I think Jackson has tons of upside , can’t let a possible diamond in the rough like him get away
 

Corby2

All-Conference
Jul 14, 2025
1,143
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Idk if Hodgins is worth the resources , he could never get past Lavalle who I don’t foresee ever being a near an elite college wrestler. I think Hodgins ceiling may just be NQ level guy . I think Jackson has tons of upside , can’t let a possible diamond in the rough like him get away
Hodgins is multiple time AA material passing on him would be a big mistake. Goody isn't gonna pass on him. Will Rutgers get him I'm not sure but they definitely won't pass
 

RUAldo

All-Conference
Sep 11, 2008
4,434
3,112
113
Hodgins is multiple time AA material passing on him would be a big mistake. Goody isn't gonna pass on him. Will Rutgers get him I'm not sure but they definitely won't pass
I’m a Hodgins fan although he can get himself into trouble with some of his funky moves. Would go well with Reyes in the room especially since those kids go way back to wrestling on same youth teams.
 

SCNJ

All-American
Oct 12, 2019
4,160
5,553
48
Duffy will wear a RU singlet by the time his college career is over. With recruits like Borge, Bachmanns x2, Kennys x2, and the other nationally ranked studs that will end up committing he is going to get squeezed absent some feel good Rudy story.
Probably. Iowa will find a way to make it work with everyone else though. I can see Iowa eventually having a lineup of SK at 125, little Bachmann at 133, PK at 141 and older Bachmann at 149/157. That’s a ways away though. Don’t see Duffy being a starter much unless he bulks up to 149
 

RUAldo

All-Conference
Sep 11, 2008
4,434
3,112
113
Probably. Iowa will find a way to make it work with everyone else though. I can see Iowa eventually having a lineup of SK at 125, little Bachmann at 133, PK at 141 and older Bachmann at 149/157. That’s a ways away though. Don’t see Duffy being a starter much unless he bulks up to 149
DeLuca will presumably own 125 for a while especially if they red shirt him and give Petersen a shot.
 
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SCNJ

All-American
Oct 12, 2019
4,160
5,553
48
Why is he a commitment holdout? I'm guessing he's waiting for a better offer.
Commitment holdout? What does that mean?

He can’t legally sign his commitment for another calendar year. There’s no need for him to rush into a decision. The same people who question why he hasn’t signed yet will also be the first to question his integrity if he signs early and then reopens his recruitment.
 
Feb 2, 2019
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Commitment holdout? What does that mean?

He can’t legally sign his commitment for another calendar year. There’s no need for him to rush into a decision. The same people who question why he hasn’t signed yet will also be the first to question his integrity if he signs early and then reopens his recruitment.
Because he is listed as a junior here and others listed as juniors have committed, and he's the only one in the top 13 not committed.
 

RUAldo

All-Conference
Sep 11, 2008
4,434
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113
Because he is listed as a junior here and others listed as juniors have committed, and he's the only one in the top 13 not committed.
Idk the reason but he can take his time. It’s not like other sports where it’s a mad scramble to commit. There is also a chance he’s committed somewhere and hasn’t announced yet.
 

Racpack

Senior
Jan 21, 2012
1,170
709
66
It is crazy when you think about how many Shore Conference wrestlers are either already at Iowa or committed to join the Hawkeyes after high school.

The list includes:

Dean Peterson SJV
Harvey Luddington Brick Memorial
Sonny Amato RFH
Bobby Duffy CBA
Paul Kenny CBA
Sean Kenny CBA

That's NUTTY if you ask me.
 

RUAldo

All-Conference
Sep 11, 2008
4,434
3,112
113
It is crazy when you think about how many Shore Conference wrestlers are either already at Iowa or committed to join the Hawkeyes after high school.

The list includes:

Dean Peterson SJV
Harvey Luddington Brick Memorial
Sonny Amato RFH
Bobby Duffy CBA
Paul Kenny CBA
Sean Kenny CBA

That's NUTTY if you ask me.
Hope they can make a career out of wrestling or grab some cash while they have the chance because those Hawkeye degrees will be worthless. May be Goodale doesn’t do a good job of selling the advantages of RU once wrestling ends? Is there an internship structure in place with alumni or future job placement assistance? Many top academic programs do have a career advancement pitch as part of recruitment process.
 

JudgeSmails56

All-American
Dec 1, 2019
4,314
6,249
113
Hope they can make a career out of wrestling or grab some cash while they have the chance because those Hawkeye degrees will be worthless. May be Goodale doesn’t do a good job of selling the advantages of RU once wrestling ends? Is there an internship structure in place with alumni or future job placement assistance? Many top academic programs do have a career advancement pitch as part of recruitment process.
Why would an Iowa degree be worthless? It’s a legit big ten school.
 

Corby2

All-Conference
Jul 14, 2025
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Why would an Iowa degree be worthless? It’s a legit big ten school.
Hes obviously mad the NJ kid are heading to Iowa so he's just bashing everything. If you get an Ivy degree it's obviously gonna hold weight. Every other degree after that is the same employers don't care as long as you have a degree.
 

RUAldo

All-Conference
Sep 11, 2008
4,434
3,112
113
Hes obviously mad the NJ kid are heading to Iowa so he's just bashing everything. If you get an Ivy degree it's obviously gonna hold weight. Every other degree after that is the same employers don't care as long as you have a degree.
Newsflash = an Iowa degree in the tri-state area won’t carry the same weight as schools like RU (#42), PSU (#63), MD (#42) especially when Iowa (#102) doesn’t even make the top 100 in national university rankings. Not to mention the strength of the alumni networks in the Northeast does matter. So if these kids want to try and make a career out of wrestling at Iowa then good luck to them.
 

FoxRU

All-Conference
Apr 7, 2012
921
1,216
58
Newsflash = an Iowa degree in the tri-state area won’t carry the same weight as schools like RU (#42), PSU (#63), MD (#42) especially when Iowa (#102) doesn’t even make the top 100 in national university rankings. Not to mention the strength of the alumni networks in the Northeast does matter. So if these kids want to try and make a career out of wrestling at Iowa then good luck to them.
A kid motivated to succeed at the highest level will be successful post college regardless of where they go to school. It’s about fit. BTW, Iowa has the higher ranked undergraduate business school and one of the top English/Writing programs in the country.
 

Corby2

All-Conference
Jul 14, 2025
1,143
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Newsflash = an Iowa degree in the tri-state area won’t carry the same weight as schools like RU (#42), PSU (#63), MD (#42) especially when Iowa (#102) doesn’t even make the top 100 in national university rankings. Not to mention the strength of the alumni networks in the Northeast does matter. So if these kids want to try and make a career out of wrestling at Iowa then good luck to them.
They will be able to get plenty of jobs regardless if the degree ranks #42 or #102 . Companies typically aren't looking up rankings when they hire people. Also most companies want wrestlers because of work ethic. I think it's reaching but you do you
 
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Kiddagger311

Freshman
Sep 17, 2025
143
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A kid motivated to succeed at the highest level will be successful post college regardless of where they go to school. It’s about fit. BTW, Iowa has the higher ranked undergraduate business school and one of the top English/Writing programs in the country.
The key for our coaching staff is correctly identifying the kids that are motivated to succeed at the highest level. We had some big misses and found some hidden gems. But yeah not the best track record evaluating the blue chippers.