Richie Lewis

[KidDagger]

I was there . He was gassed because as he admits ..he didn’t run or practice hard because he is selfish .The sad part of all this Richie drama is JVB is the one suffering most .One of the hardest workers in the room who thinks of nothing but Team and when the biggest match in RU history comes along with us having a real chance to win against a real power he is thrown under bus by coaches who gave into our world champs whims . Losing a wrestle off for a weight class is one thing but losing your spot because your teammate decides he doesn’t wanna work and go up for a match is another. Richie put coaches in this position and they didn’t respect JVB enough to make the right call .i don’t buy for one minute that all were on board for that decision .As I’ve said before do you really think JVB would not have done better then Donner assuming he was given time to get down to 157 . Wake up guys. The coaches gotta draw a line in the sand when it comes to RL . Pick a weight and stay there .Dont wanna do the work to stay at 157 then fine go up to 165 . JVB will do the work and get it done for the team at whichever weight he ends up with.

I believe the plan is to have JVB at 57 and RL at 65 for the rest of the year. Can't wait to see how we respond at Midlands.

 

[c_husk]

I believe the plan is to have JVB at 57 and RL at 65 for the rest of the year. Can't wait to see how we respond at Midlands.

What is a better weight for JVB 57 or 65?

 

[IroniaHorse]

he is no where near big enough at 165 to be on the podium and a tournament will not be good for him against guys cutting from 175. he was clearly smaller and not as strong yesterday.

What is a better weight for JVB 57 or 65?

I would think 57 would be better for JVB,was a small 65 lber(not a big 57 as is),57 plays to his strengths(length/leverage)@65 guys are too big with too much horse power.Not sure JVB qualifies @65,much better shot @57

 

[pawrstlersinpa]

https://www.flowrestling.org/video/6055044-richie-lewis-has-a-wild-story

That is a very revealing interview w Lewis after the Iowa match. It confirms what I wrote a few days ago, that us fans take Duals a lot more seriously than most of the wrestlers do, and probably coaches as well. It's all about March.

We'll see whether that loss is important come seeding time.

 

[KidDagger]

We'll see whether that loss is important come seeding time.

He will get another crack at midlands

 

[nikoru09]

Unfortunately, when some people train and hit the top, there is a regression afterwards in their motivation to train and compete. That being said, it hasn't been a long time since the Worlds. RL's conditioning shouldn't have taken that much of a hit since. I suspect attitude and motivation are keys here.



How do you come up with NS being a lone wolf? As for the team, they had two very good wins, then we're short handed against Lock Haven, and recently hung with an Iowa team that has dominated them in the past. I don't see them on a downward slip at this time.

i have a close friend ,almost like a brother who works pt security at the meadowlands with ns brother...the brother said the kid was miserable at ped st., and couldn't be happier to be home. the bro told him nick is a gym rat, and is in a constant training mode 24/7....if this makes him a lone wolf give me a team of wolves like nick suriano.

 

[wcicci]

Your using bad examples to make your case. The Ohio State coach is a joke when it comes to this subject. He a salesman. He pumps up matches and then sits starters for seeding and it’s bush league. Even the great Kyle Snyder will be at every big match this year. He knows how important it is to his team and university and the fan base. Kyle Snyder is a guy that could easily quit college afer he won Olympics and collected his payday. He chose to come back to represent his university.

You can’t compare redshirts to this situation. Hall was redshirting, Lee is redshirting. If the coaches feel they need their points they will pull it. Totally different situation.

You also can’t compare injured guys. NATO is injured. How is he going to wrestle?

If you want to hold out guys for small injuries at early season tournaments, that’s fine. But when you have the potential for your biggest dual win in the history of your program all the guys should be ready, on weight and not thinking of it as “practice”

PSU is the best program in the country. 6 out of 7. You think Cael doesn’t take duals seriously? They run their big guns out every dual unless someone is banged up

You think Cael and PSU doesn’t appreciate the fan support, booster support? You won’t have that if you start telling fans the duals are practice. It’s about growing your brand

You make some great points. Not only does Penn State wrestle their big guns in every dual, they are constantly working for bonus points. It's the attitude Cael has created and it pays off big time in March.

 

[nikoru09]

You’re wrong. Richie may think of duals as practice or don’t take them seriously but coaches certainly do. Yes it’s most important to have guys ready for March but if your message is duals don’t matter, watch what starts happening to your fan base.

Goodale has done a GREaT job getting fan support for this program. Would you rather go back to the days where you had 50 people at matches? I don’t think the athletic director, head coach do.

You want to grow wrestling, make duals huge events like they are doing at Rutgers, PSU, Iowa, tOSU, etc

Trust me you don’t want your star wrestlers talking like that in public. Sends the wrong message. People spend good money to take their families to these events. You don’t want to waste time if these are truly “practice”

hey, just drop the duals, and do a tourny every week end....that will work

 

[Ole Cabbagehead]

You make some great points. Not only does Penn State wrestle their big guns in every dual, they are constantly working for bonus points. It's the attitude Cael has created and it pays off big time in March.

They are constantly working for bonus points because they are constantly overmatching their competition. Its not like you just decide one day to go for bonus points. The recruits PSU is getting are guys who are scorers. Not all guys are scorers, and you don't simply become one because you want to. It's not like our staff is not preaching offense, aggression and the need for bonus. Of course they are.

 

[wcicci]

They are constantly working for bonus points because they are constantly overmatching their competition. Its not like you just decide one day to go for bonus points. The recruits PSU is getting are guys who are scorers. Not all guys are scorers, and you don't simply become one because you want to. It's not like our staff is not preaching offense, aggression and the need for bonus. Of course they are.

And they are constantly working in the room against elite competition and striving to get better. They don't view duals as practice. Team results are always at the forefront. Listen to any interview at nationals. Every wrestler knows what they have to do to help the team.

 

[Ole Cabbagehead]

And they are constantly working in the room against elite competition and striving to get better. They don't view duals as practice. Team results are always at the forefront. Listen to any interview at nationals. Every wrestler knows what they have to do to help the team.

I am not sure what your point is. Do you think Richie's comments about practice reflect the beliefs of the rest of the team and the staff? Of course they don't. It was just an unfortunate comment made by a student talking about his personal motivations.

Of course team results are at the forefront at nationals when you are going for a team title. That is only true for 2 or 3 teams though, depending on the year. Everyone else is there for individual results.

 

[wcicci]

I am not sure what your point is. Do you think Richie's comments about practice reflect the beliefs of the rest of the team and the staff? Of course they don't. It was just an unfortunate comment made by a student talking about his personal motivations.

Of course team results are at the forefront at nationals when you are going for a team title. That is only true for 2 or 3 teams though, depending on the year. Everyone else is there for individual results.

I don't know what his comments reflect. My guess is there is a little me first attitude and desire to do things his own way. Maybe that's part of the reason Suriano is at Rutgers. Have no idea what his personal reasons were, but from a wrestling perspective, it made no sense.

 

[Ole Cabbagehead]

I don't know what his comments reflect. My guess is there is a little me first attitude and desire to do things his own way. Maybe that's part of the reason Suriano is at Rutgers. Have no idea what his personal reasons were, but from a wrestling perspective, it made no sense.

Why would RIchie's "me first" attitude have anything to do with Suriano? Or is the point that all Rutgers wrestlers have a bad attitude?

In any event, I am glad we got to the root of it. You are now the 1000th PSU fan to come by and say Nick made a bad decision coming to Rutgers. None of you seem to get he was completely miserable at PSU, and that isn't good for the performance of any elite athlete. Mental health and balance is a critical part of athletic success.

 

[matter7172_rivals328388]

They are constantly working for bonus points because they are constantly overmatching their competition. Its not like you just decide one day to go for bonus points. The recruits PSU is getting are guys who are scorers. Not all guys are scorers, and you don't simply become one because you want to. It's not like our staff is not preaching offense, aggression and the need for bonus. Of course they are.

Yet when Gravina is wrestling Bowman on Friday and has the right idea about the approach in the first period (wants to cut Bowman to play the takedown game to get a major or more) to get bonus, he's directed to ride instead. When DelV is in the same position against an overmatched 133, the coaching staff again directs him to ride instead of going for the tech.

They can say what they want, the evidence is the culture is not being built like it should be and their in-match management belies the rhetoric.

 

[dicemen99]

Why would RIchie's "me first" attitude have anything to do with Suriano? Or is the point that all Rutgers wrestlers have a bad attitude?

In any event, I am glad we got to the root of it. You are now the 1000th PSU fan to come by and say Nick made a bad decision coming to Rutgers. None of you seem to get he was completely miserable at PSU, and that isn't good for the performance of any elite athlete. Mental health and balance is a critical part of athletic success.

This is the 1001th fan and I won't say he made a bad decision - nor have I ever. College is and should be about more than just wrestling even if you are among the best of the best. You only get to experience that 4 or 5 years (or in some cases 7 or 8) of your life once. There is room for all parties to have acted properly while also acting in their own self interests. I also understand that this may not play out publicly that way as there are other considerations - like getting a waiver.

 

[wcicci]

Why would RIchie's "me first" attitude have anything to do with Suriano? Or is the point that all Rutgers wrestlers have a bad attitude?

In any event, I am glad we got to the root of it. You are now the 1000th PSU fan to come by and say Nick made a bad decision coming to Rutgers. None of you seem to get he was completely miserable at PSU, and that isn't good for the performance of any elite athlete. Mental health and balance is a critical part of athletic success.

I never said all Rutgers wrestlers have a bad attitude or that Suriano made a bad decision. I said I have no idea what drove his decision. If he was miserable, then he made the absolute right call. From a pure wrestling perspective, the move does not make sense. Lewis seems to focus more on personal goals than team. You would think a wrestler of Suriano's caliber would know how the top wrestlers at RU work and are coached etc. Maybe that is an environment that suits Nick better. Maybe he really wanted to be closer to home and RU is obviously the best choice in that case. Suriano is an elite wrestler and Rutgers will provide strong coaching and every opportunity to achieve his goals.

 

[Kenwood1]

Yet when Gravina is wrestling Bowman on Friday and has the right idea about the approach in the first period (wants to cut Bowman to play the takedown game to get a major or more) to get bonus, he's directed to ride instead. When DelV is in the same position against an overmatched 133, the coaching staff again directs him to ride instead of going for the tech.

They can say what they want, the evidence is the culture is not being built like it should be and their in-match management belies the rhetoric.

I agree with this ..I was wondering myself after RL lost that we needed bonus from Nick but it didn't seem he or coaches saw the need ...at least it didn't appear that way

 

[dollarbill]

I agree with this ..I was wondering myself after RL lost that we needed bonus from Nick but it didn't seem he or coaches saw the need ...at least it didn't appear that way

Gravina looked like he was working for a pin right from the opening whistle. That's team wrestling. $$$$

 

[koleszar]

https://www.flowrestling.org/video/6055044-richie-lewis-has-a-wild-story

That is a very revealing interview w Lewis after the Iowa match. It confirms what I wrote a few days ago, that us fans take Duals a lot more seriously than most of the wrestlers do, and probably coaches as well. It's all about March.

Really glad I bought 6 season tickets to watch 7 practices this season. That was a great purchase, I'll be sure to get more next year. If they're going to take these matches as practice, I'm not going to pay to see it.

 

[wcicci]

Really glad I bought 6 season tickets to watch 7 practices this season. That was a great purchase, I'll be sure to get more next year. If they're going to take these matches as practice, I'm not going to pay to see it.

Slight exaggeration. Great schedule, but the team lost to Lock Haven. What did you expect?

 

[Scarlet Knut]

I don't know as much as many of you on hear since I am just a fan. I have to admit this discussion is disheartening. Hope things aren't as bad as some of you guys have posted and if they are I hope they get fixed. This can still be a great season for Rutgers wrestling.

 

[wcicci]

I don't know as much as many of you on hear since I am just a fan. I have to admit this discussion is disheartening. Hope things aren't as bad as some of you guys have posted and if they are I hope they get fixed. This can still be a great season for Rutgers wrestling.

Shouldn't be disheartening. RU wrestling has made some nice strides since joining BIG and that will continue.

 

[CerealNTacos]

Honestly, the interview isn't as bad as some are claiming it to be on here. You can't judge him on his 2nd Folkstyle match in like 9 months. He was pretty honest when speaking, he said that he was overconfident after winning Worlds and this loss is humbling. Judge him on how he responds to this, it could end up being a positive thing in the long run.

 

[Ole Cabbagehead]

I don't know as much as many of you on hear since I am just a fan. I have to admit this discussion is disheartening. Hope things aren't as bad as some of you guys have posted and if they are I hope they get fixed. This can still be a great season for Rutgers wrestling.

Take the comments here with a large grain of salt, and consider the source on some of them. While Ashnault getting hurt and losing the Lock Haven dual put a damper on things, this is still almost guaranteed to be our best year ever come March. You cannot get to where we want to be without some bumps in the road.

 

[RU Diesel07110]

Honestly, the interview isn't as bad as some are claiming it to be on here. You can't judge him on his 2nd Folkstyle match in like 9 months. He was pretty honest when speaking, he said that he was overconfident after winning Worlds and this loss is humbling. Judge him on how he responds to this, it could end up being a positive thing in the long run.

Agree. Just saw the interview. RL sayin it was best thing that couldve happened in encouraging. Hes taking it as a wake up call.

 

[pawrstlersinpa]

He debuts at #14 Intermat 165 rankings, 1 spot behind Marinelli. No one from Marinelli up changed positions, so this ranking makes sense.

http://intermatwrestle.com/rankings/college/165

 

[koleszar]

Slight exaggeration. Great schedule, but the team lost to Lock Haven. What did you expect?

Not for wrestlers to take duals as practice. Try following the thread before you reply, my post wasn't made in a vacuum. The comment of, "this right here is practice(after Iowa match), I'm a tournament guy" was quite uninspiring for some of us fans.

P.S. I've had season tickets for a few years now. I don't expect a lot, but Richie Lewis lost a fan of his that day.

 

[wngarbarini]

You will see RL at 165 for the rest of the year and JVB at 157. Hopefully All will be happy with that

 

[Abro1975]

You will see RL at 165 for the rest of the year and JVB at 157. Hopefully All will be happy with that

Any word on Ashnault ?

 

[wngarbarini]

He is working out but not with a Suriano or Delvecchio!!

 

[RU93]

You will see RL at 165 for the rest of the year and JVB at 157. Hopefully All will be happy with that

So it is decided. I think JVB has a real shot at AA this year at 157. Hopefully Richie comes out with fire in Midlands.

 

[CerealNTacos]

He is working out but not with a Suriano or Delvecchio!!

what does that mean!?

 

[IsItLuck]

what does that mean!?

getting back up to speed with wrestlers of a lower intensity perhaps

 

[wngarbarini]

Thank you for explaining Lucky. While listening to RL’s interview I think he was referring to dual meets as “practice” when he really meant the main goal is in March for Big Tens and NCAAs. He used a poor phrase of words. My opinion

 

[matter7172_rivals328388]

what does that mean!?

But he has about 20 pounds on Suriano. That doesn't sound great for his progress. Wouldn't a better solution be for Suriano and DelV to cut down to 3/4 speed when working with him? I like the idea of working with smaller guys when rehabbing overall.

 

[Ole Cabbagehead]

But he has about 20 pounds on Suriano. That doesn't sound great for his progress. Wouldn't a better solution be for Suriano and DelV to cut down to 3/4 speed when working with him? I like the idea of working with smaller guys when rehabbing overall.

So what you are saying is, despite the fact that you have no idea as to his condition or where Ash is in his rehab, you have a negative view of this recent news, and suspect the coaches are mishandling the situation?

Well, I for one am shocked.

 

[pawrstlersinpa]

They are constantly working for bonus points because they are constantly overmatching their competition. Its not like you just decide one day to go for bonus points. The recruits PSU is getting are guys who are scorers. Not all guys are scorers, and you don't simply become one because you want to. It's not like our staff is not preaching offense, aggression and the need for bonus. Of course they are.

What do you make of this:

Zain: #1 ranked 141 in HS, 2-time NC, 104-3, career bonus 74%, 18/39 bonus matches over guys ranked in top 20.
Heil: #1 ranked 133 in HS, 2-time NC, 115-13, career bonus 37.5%, 0/39 bonus matches over guys ranked in top 20.

 

[RU Diesel07110]

Can someone please shoot these PA guys lol. Or at least boot them.

 

[FoxRU]

QUOTE="pawrestlersintn, post: 3065674, member: 47257"]What do you make of this:

Zain: #1 ranked 141 in HS, 2-time NC, 104-3, career bonus 74%, 18/39 bonus matches over guys ranked in top 20.
Heil: #1 ranked 133 in HS, 2-time NC, 115-13, career bonus 37.5%, 0/39 bonus matches over guys ranked in top 20.[/QUOTE]

I’ll respond.
1. What was each of their bonus rates in HS? Without that, how can you compare the “development”?
2. Zain is a generational talent. He has beaten olympians and wrestled on the US national team. Heil is a tremendous wrestler but not at that level.
3. There is way higher top to bottom quality at 141 than 149 and has been for a few years.

With that said PSU has done a great job helping Zain reach his potential. Kudos. Iowa did a great job developing Gilman. Nebraska did a great job developing Burroughs and Green, etc...

 

[Ole Cabbagehead]

What do you make of this:

Zain: #1 ranked 141 in HS, 2-time NC, 104-3, career bonus 74%, 18/39 bonus matches over guys ranked in top 20.
Heil: #1 ranked 133 in HS, 2-time NC, 115-13, career bonus 37.5%, 0/39 bonus matches over guys ranked in top 20.

I am not sure what you can make of it? Zain bonuses more then Heil? You are comparing a notoriously low-scoring guy, who is probably very lucky to have 2 NCs to what, the highest or second-highest bonus percentage in NCAA wrestling?

Frankly, I think it supports my contention that guys are either scorers or they aren't. Heil very talented...but not a scorer, despite the fact that he is on an Ok. St. team that consistently has a very high bonus percentage. So its not coaching, its the wrestler.