I didn't see it, but it sounds like the Raider Rumble did not disappoint with a lot of big matchups and plenty of "upsets" (or maybe just kids showing the hard work they have put in).  We still have a long way to go before the showdown at the horsepark and I'm sure plenty of kids will make some weight changes, but here is an early update to spark some debate.  A couple of notes:

1) As a result of CC/St X looking a little vulnerable at a couple weights, I think Union has established themselves as the clear favorite at this point in both dual and tournament formats.  Woodford has put themselves right in the picture for runner up and potentially as a title contender.

2) Only 182 had a shakeup at the top and 182 looks like it could be a barnburner if all of these guys stay put.  I'm not sure where Smith will end up (170 or 182), so there is still a lot in flux at this weight.

WR Rankings December_17_2013.xlsx

WR Rankings December_17_2013.pdf

I was fortunate enough to see the King of the Bluegrass this weekend. I was shocked as 1 team no one had stated or ranked finished second behind NORTH HARDIN. The 195 Parrot for NH is legit. He is extremely quick and strong.Saw another wrestler in 1 weight class ranked in the top 20 go 2 and out. Should be and interesting season.

Do the Burke twins at Eastern have to sit out a transfer year?

The Burke twins are not wrestling for Eastern this year.  Also: How do you go undefeated on the season, pin through the KOB and drop in the rankings?  170 - Josh Case?

Ohio county has a 106 Kaleb Sapp that beat your #16 Quintilla at KOB. And lost to Burroughs in the finals also beat #19 louie Rugaldo twice last year. looks like he should be in your top 20 soon

Smith won 182 at the Rumble in the toughest class there ,Meiman was beaten badly at 170 by a good wrestler but still showed very little as far as being able to upend a top notch wrestler who wants it ,that i think all four of the top guys at 182 are If any of them drop ,I would take Smith as of right now in that match up and Courtney and Frankrone as well if they drop,Mathews will remain at 182 either because of weight or his team outlook and he can win either 182 or 170 on a good day .

The Burkes are at Eastern but not sure of their status as far as wrestling goes.

How do you go undefeated on the season, pin through the KOB and drop in the rankings?  170 - Josh Case?

Not 100% sure.  But my guess would be

1.  no-one posted the results of the KOB.

2.  No-one has posted the results of Easterns matches

3.  KOB is no where near the tourney of the Raider Rumble. (a mid level tourney at best)

4.  Maybe the wins of those who moved above him were more prestigious wins agains tougher opponenents.

Fair enough on the second point, but The Champions of KOB are posted on the KOB thread.  No one said KOB was at/near the level of the Rumble. I reported results for a couple of years and never got a response, so I stopped doing it. 

 The kid accomplished something and looked good doing it.  IMO It should get acknowledged. It will all play out on the mat regardless.

3 others to watch (not to win the state tourney but be ranked possibly in the top 9-12 in the 182's). The top 8 (Right now unless someone drops like Mikey Smith or Courtney or Frankrone Mattews from the Rumble at Ryle and non Ryle Rumblees Devin Smith, Braden Jones, Mike Saunders and Jake Fooks (if Jake is wrestling 182 this year and not 195) on any given match can beat each other. Yes the 182's are strong ! The 3 sleepers that arn't ranked in Rangers rankings are .. Brandon Devens (Boyle County) John Blythe (Franklin County) Christian Bowlings (Montgomery County) . There will be more as I learn about who's what and where etc.. but keep an eye out on these guys !

The 170's are just crazy this year and it's hard to predict who will end up where. Some of the top ranked guys like M Smith, Jacob Warwick,Derek Hicks etc are wrestling 182 but look for one or even 2 of them to drop after Christmas and the 2 pounds are added.

With Parrot coming back down to wrestle 195's that really leaves a 3 horse race with him, Thompson and Miller and I'd take them in that order. Saunders and Morrow are also very good but look for one of the strong 182's to possibly jump to 195 as well to even out the studs so to speak... Good luck all and have a great season !

Mikey Smith will remain at 182 for the year.

I didn't see it, but it sounds like the Raider Rumble did not disappoint with a lot of big matchups and plenty of "upsets" (or maybe just kids showing the hard work they have put in).  We still have a long way to go before the showdown at the horsepark and I'm sure plenty of kids will make some weight changes, but here is an early update to spark some debate.  A couple of notes:

 

1) As a result of CC/St X looking a little vulnerable at a couple weights, I think Union has established themselves as the clear favorite at this point in both dual and tournament formats.  Woodford has put themselves right in the picture for runner up and potentially as a title contender.

2) Only 182 had a shakeup at the top and 182 looks like it could be a barnburner if all of these guys stay put.  I'm not sure where Smith will end up (170 or 182), so there is still a lot in flux at this weight.

3 others to watch (not to win the state tourney but be ranked possibly in the top 9-12 in the 182's). The top 8 (Right now unless someone drops like Mikey Smith or Courtney or Frankrone Mattews from the Rumble at Ryle and non Ryle Rumblees Devin Smith, Braden Jones, Mike Saunders and Jake Fooks (if Jake is wrestling 182 this year and not 195) on any given match can beat each other. Yes the 182's are strong ! The 3 sleepers that arn't ranked in Rangers rankings are .. Brandon Devens (Boyle County) John Blythe (Franklin County) Christian Bowlings (Montgomery County) . There will be more as I learn about who's what and where etc.. but keep an eye out on these guys !

 

The 170's are just crazy this year and it's hard to predict who will end up where. Some of the top ranked guys like M Smith, Jacob Warwick,Derek Hicks etc are wrestling 182 but look for one or even 2 of them to drop after Christmas and the 2 pounds are added.

 

With Parrot coming back down to wrestle 195's that really leaves a 3 horse race with him, Thompson and Miller and I'd take them in that order. Saunders and Morrow are also very good but look for one of the strong 182's to possibly jump to 195 as well to even out the studs so to speak... Good luck all and have a great season !

 

Have to agree with you CC seemed as if it would be very tough this year even with a couple studs n state finalists and champs missing from last yr ,

Not so sure now they seem to be in dissaray but did not come together till around mid season last yr ,ONE thing for certain everyone not taking the sport seriously or thinking they can skip this tourny or that one for any reason is not good for a team or its chances ,Time to man up ,

HEard so many kids were out taking acts duiring the rumble i know school is school but if your a wrestler and care for the sport schedule your ACT at another time ,not duiring one of the states biggest tournaments ,like who misses a playoff game to take an act duiring football season its hillarious .

 

 

The ACT is offered many times throughout the year which is why I have never understood why wrestlers would take it during wrestling season.

You can't just blame the wrestlers many of them are told by their parents when to take the ACT. I for one postponed my ACT testing until after the season.

This school years ACT scheduled dates

Sept 21, 2013

Oct 26, 2013

December 14, 2013

February 8, 2014

April 12, 2014

June 14, 2014

Ranger123: I do not envy you in the least trying to put these rankings together. I know some individuals will get their feelings hurt but life goes on as usual. It is tough trying to place individuals who you have little information about into a weight and a so called rank worthy position. Like many observers on here from in and out of the state, we all know you have placed some of these young men in the incorrect weight class and some that may or may not should be even ranked at all. Of course there are many that did not make it into the ranking that should be there. Is that your fault? NO!!! Of course you will get ridiculed and spat on by many folks on here but I am sure you lose very little sleep at night over it. I just want to commend you on the courage to continue to do this even through all the *itching you receive daily I am sure!

I tell young wrestlers all the time that it is not what you are ranked but what you can do on a mat. I know when I was in my youth (several/many years ago!!!) my parents and coaches made me understand you should not give a rats butt about someone deciding if you are number 1 or 100. I beat many number 1 ranked individuals and got beat by them as well. Young men need to be mentally tough and want to go meet that challenge head on!! Remember the guy on top has everything to lose so who is the pressure on?

 Bulldog-leader: You are right about the ACT scheduling but if your wrestler has not taken it yet then why discourage him from doing so? If he/she is a Senior and waits to take it during their senior year then you should definitely let them. Reason being, if they bomb it then they have a chance to improve their score if they are really serious about going to college. Now, coaches and parents should encourage their young men/ladies to take their ACT starting their Freshman year. That way they have the ability to find out the areas they are weak in and can help to prepare themselves. The statistics show the more times you take it the better you do. Plus, there are some guidelines in the NCAA that you might want to check out to help assist your athletes. It will be a big deciding factor in receiving sports scholarships also. It is one thing to be an exceptional athlete but another to be a exceptional intelligent athlete.

GOOD LUCK TO ALL YOU KENTUCKY WRESTLERS THIS COMING WEEKEND!!!!  

It all depends on what is important to you a test you can reschedule or a tournament you will never be able to make up !!!!!

IN-G

You are correct however there are 6 possible dates to take the ACT.  Two before and 2 after wrestling season.  Plus in KY every Junior takes the ACT for free at their school.  If you are serious about attending college and wrestling you have opportunity to juggle both of them so that they don't cross over.

Plus if you are an above average wrestler you would want to hone  your skills even more, for the possibility of a scholly in wrestling. 

To me there are very few reasons to take the ACT during wrestling season.  If they are a senior they have already taken it once their Jr. year at school.

Bulldog-leader

I do agree with Mpire and you that there are just some tournaments you may not want to miss, ie.. Ironman, Raider Rumble, Dragon. Those type you are going to see some of the top competitors in your state or country. If your guys are taking it before their Senior year then good and then you can be selective about your test dates and should not miss out on the season. My point was if you have Seniors that have not taken the ACT then you make want to really consider taking the test. That way you can get another chance before you run out of time. Now there are some things to take into consideration when hoping for that scholarship as an athlete. If you are the best in the country then you might get a full ride maybe. I have spoke with many college coaches and very few wrestlers get full rides. So that is where the combined GPA and the ACT score come into play. If you are NCAA exempt you are most likely going to receive more than if you are non-exempt. You can still be NCAA eligible and be non-exempt. Now, NAIA falls under different guidelines and I am not as familiar with that side.

I hate seeing any young man/lady miss out on a chance to compete but we have to look out for their future too. It is all about setting the kids up for success on and off the mat.

That was pretty much the point ,missing a not so important dual for the ACT would not be that big a deal ,Missing the Rumble or any big tourny when you are a starter for your team in KY and that team is depending on you for the W or even if your just an above average guy trying to get noticed for some ranking cred and a shot at getting noticed is another thing all together .There seem to be many opportunities to take the ACT only four in your life to get it done at each tourny if your a starter .oh i forgot in KY jr high kids get a shot LOL well 4 5 or 6 if your Brock LEvel

Ranger, as always I admire the work you do and think it's spot on for the most part.  Was wondering if you had thought about doing a pound-for-pound ranking like Flo does for college wrestling?  I'm sure it would generate some serious discussion.  If you don't have the time it would certainly be understandable.  However I would be interested in your opinion on this... thoughts?

I'm sure if Ranger had more help, he'd be willing to a pound-for-pound ranking.

But I believe he's the only one putting these together, and a lot of coaches still do not send him information.

Ranger is an unbelievable coach as well as a guy that knows a WHOLE LOT about ky wrestling. He is a very good instructor of the game

Ranger has been doing a great job for years! 

Wow! Christmas must have you guys in the mood to hand out the compliments. Thanks! Working out the middle school right now. Would have finished that Monday but took our varsity B to Harrison County tournament. I'll try to put a P4P top into the next round after New Years.

My New Years top 6 rankings;

106-

1. Hurst (wc)

2. Hernandez (hc)

3. Burroughs (nh)

4. Stephans (mcc)

5. Siddons (moore)

6. Ochenbien (nold)

113-

1. Hernandez (hc)

2. Vega (fern)

3. Sheffer (union)

4. Scaggs (dh)

5. Bindner (stx)

6. Hall (moore)

120-

1. Boston (wc)

2. Poynter (moore)

3. Beeler (meade)

4. Erdman (ryle)

5. Francis (jc)

6. Krebs (cc)

126-

1. Austin (chc)

2. Carr (wc)

3. Duncan (trin)

4. Emerson (old)

5. Dezember (union)

6. Sparh (cc)

132-

1. Fausz (cc)

2. Blackwell (union)

3. Heidorf (trin)

4. Erdman (ryle)

5. Haddad (stx)

6. Lannum (danv)

138-

1. Ervin (union)

2. Matlock (chc)

3. Perez (lar)

4. West (nh)

5. Wilkerson (old)

6. Vasquez (laf)

145-

1. Whalen (hc)

2. Kahl (trin)

3. Oxford (union)

4. Andreoni (wc)

5. Jude (jc)

6. Little (nh)

152-

1. Lampe (stx)

2. Brown (walt)

3. Gahefer (union)

4. Sells (chc)

5. Agnew (cald)

6. Green (laf)

160-

1. Lampe (stx)

2. Jones (walt)

3. Raush (nold)

4. Overman (ch)

5. Belk (ryle)

6. Shacklett (meade)

170-

1. Meiman (ryle)

2. Miozza (trin)

3. Turner (cc)

4. Ryder (ftc)

5. Case (east)

6. Mink (way)

182-

1. Smith (moore)

2. Courtney (wc)

3. Frankrone (trin)

4. Matthews (cc)

5. Dodd (fern)

6. Fooks (bc)

195-

1. Parrot (nh)

2. Miller (scott)

3. Thompson (conn)

4. Saunders (bull)

5. Morrow (way)

6. Mcintosh (old)

220-

1. Myers (cc)

2. Mueller (sk)

3. Matingly (jh)

4. Scaggs (fern)

5. Niece (jc)

6. Carter (union)

285-

1. Young (laf)

2. Daugherty (ch)

3. Lawson (nels)

4. Brown (union)

5. Johnson (dh)

6. Sinclair (cc)

Not bad Kentuckywrestler .. I would have to say just a few differences... 182's Fooks has been wrestling 195 all season. He may go 182 but you left off Saunders from Bullit Central. Also Braden Jones beat Dodd in the finals of the 5 star. They've wrestled twice and honestly Dodd hasn't gotten a move on him. He did do a good job of covering up etc and wrestled a smart match but if they go again I'd take Jones in a second. Also Jonah Schacklet from Meade is wrestling 182 and Cole Sherman is off to a good start for Union at 182.. Where is Devin Smith ? It's a shame but Logan Jones is done for the season at 160... Class kid and I'm sick about it...

Sweeden from male at 195 looked tough. Coming off an injury, beat Saunders at the Derby city. I didn't get to see the finals, but heard he got caught by miller. Still he looked good to me the last two weeks

There's alot of good 195's .. From being at the 5 star Classic, The Woodford County Inv I've noticed alot of parody in the upper weights and even in a few of the lower weights. (excluding Austin Myers of course in the 220's) but in the 170's 182's, 195's The top few are standing out but there are a bunch of guys battling for just the right to get to the state tourney let alone place in it.

220 could get some surprises. Will be a good class to watch for

Chandler from Male has beaten Skaggs

I'm excited to see the new rankings, a lot of results and guys settling in their weight classes. The new ones should be spot on

I don't think any rankings could be spot on. I've noticed alot more parody in most weight classes this year. The summer programs and youth wrestling has and is paying off. I think that yes the top 2 could be established in most cases but in alot ofweight classes the 18h ranked kid could beat a top 5 kid or a non ranked kid could beat a top 4... Happened at the NKAC. Good job Gabe Platt Conner defeating Johnson from Dixie in the heavyweights.

Hey ranger when are you posting new rankings?

Gob job man!! 

126, 132, 138 is off a little

Have to give Ranger a lot of credit for doing these rankings. A lot goes into doing them. Keep up the good work Ranger. Appericate it.

brian chie from creek moved to florida

@138 Wilkerson beat Perez 6-5 @ the Meade Tsunami was a great match to watch... Very exciting.

Ranger, will you be doing your next roll up after regions or will you do one before then? I know that there are going to be some real surprises going into everyone's favorite part of the season!! I know I can't wait! 

derricks soper from bryan station

                                113       

derricks soper from bryan station

                                113       

Austin Guerrero (182 - Male) is out for the season with a shoulder injury and Jacob Sweeden (195 - Male) is out for the rest of the season with a knee injury.

Portman beat Saunders last night at the North Oldham Quad

What Happened to Dustin Turner?

Nothing , he's the num 2 seed at Hammer and Anvil tomorrow !!!!

Jordan Young from JC is a 160 this year and is looking really fast and super strong. Looks like nobody in Region 8 is going to be able to handle his speed and power.

Also Alex Wright from Bourbon is a 145. Also at the Region 8 duals (if you want to call them that as very few teams showed up), Coach Matney had Jude wrestle Zach Thompson of Belfry and Thompson won 4-3 in Ultimate Sudden Death in a barnburner of a match. Jude wrestled a very good match against a stronger and faster 152 pound Thompson and showed why he deserves his top 5 ranking at 145.

So its January 21 and the last rankings were December 17, are we expecting new rankings anytime in the near future?????????????????????????????? We have less than a month and state will be here!!!!

Ranger is probably working on the final rankings for middle school with just two weeks left of middle school season

What Happened to Dustin Turner?

Well, Ranger it is about that time it seems for your final thoughts on the rankings. I know this will be a big weekend for establishing those final rankings going into the heart of the season. This is where the horses start to pull away from the ponies. There are going to be some exciting matches in KY this weekend and I unfortunately will not get to see any of them. I want to say good luck to all the wrestlers and their parents. This is were all those extra hours spent in the gym, on the mat and long off season road trips start to pay off. Lets remind our wrestlers what the famous Dan Gable said, " the technician wins the 1st period, the fittest wins the 2nd period and the one with the most heart wins the 3rd." The more I set and watch wrestling the more I find that statement to be so true. I will be anxious to see all the outcomes of some tough matches ahead this weekend. God Bless 

The Great Gable had it down from what I have seen all those aspects are important but I would add Power in the equation someone with all those things and a Blitzkrieg approach and strength to back it up will end it before their opponent can even come up with a game plan or gauge what to do next other than stall !!!

The Great Gable had it down from what I have seen all those aspects are important but I would add Power in the equation someone with all those things and a Blitzkrieg approach and strength to back it up will end it before their opponent can even come up with a game plan or gauge what to do next other than stall !!!

Tarzan, you are correct in some instances but if you have two seasoned wrestlers with above average skills. You can be strong as a bull which helps for sure but once the blitzkrieg is over and the other wrestler stays poised then the tables can be turned. In 30 years of wrestling I can honestly say strength definitely does not win but MAYBE 30% of the time. Now add the technique to that bull strength then you can turn the tides to your favor for sure but if you do not have the heart to finish then the strength is useless. I would take guys that are all heart, with no quit in them and give you 110% with average to above average skill and I will beat the socks off of any team 95% of the time. Now ATM is a different type of beast! He has proven his strength and the heart to finish it out as well but you know that more than any one. You have been watching him now for say 17 yrs, correct? Hope you guys enjoy CCC this weekend!! Hopefully, a few guys step up to the plate and give Austin a challenge this weekend. I know he would enjoy that. Watched him at VA Beach last year and he was impressive for sure and moves like a 152 on the mat.

You are absolutely correct , but in HS those close matches between top kids are rare a strong kid can finish it quick if he has The skills , as for ATM he has had a lot of those long OT matches over the yrs or the close ones like with Robinson his fresh yr and a couple more at nat duals last yr again , A 220 ahead by one going into the third rides out an Ill runner up for the w when everyone in the room thought he would kick and go for the two or OT , and last week when he obviously should have took a time out he stays in , maybe not smart but showed a lot of heart , even the last match he lost against one of the best ever wrestlers from Ohio he dieted his butt of as a sixth grader to make that weight , knowing everyone else would run and if he did his best he would make finals , he did and did of course he got teched by an eight grade stud but he knocked out kids who are now srs and Ohio state champs along the way :)ATM has more heart than any kid I have ever seen and strength is a product of Heart the time and intensity it takes to earn strength takes tons of Heart not to mention the hrs when most are sleeping eating or watching tv etc , some earn their Power ATM is one probably one of the smallest ranked 220 s in the nation .

Watching Karelin lose showed how much Heart true wrestlers have at his age with his right pec almost completely torn off he did what he did a true athlete a powerful knowledgable skilled phenom , Incredible