I know in region 4 the 86lb class looks really tough. In region 3 the 75lb class also looks really tough.

I think the 86lb class is the toughest in the state.  Tucker from Woodford is no doubt the favorite, but he has very little room for error.  I think you may see an upset at 86lbs in Region 4 this weekend.  The Stafford kid from Martin Co looks like a 98 pounder and is strong as an ox.  I have seen a ton of great kids at 86 this year and he is right there with Tucker.  Gentry Deck from Madison Co is very crafty and strong and is very dangerous in close matches. The Hudgins kid from Harrison Co is very good also.  Hopefully all of these kids make it out of the Region and have a strong showing at state.  I would hate to be a #1 seed at state and face one of these guys first match!

I'm right there with ya. I think Daylon Staftord has a heck of a chance at upsetting Tucker. He had to sit out the last 2 years with injuries and he is very hungry this year. He's wrestling very well and is very strong. It's going to be one heck of a class and I think 3 of the kids in that class medal at state.

I think it will be a battle for the 4th seed out of this class. I think the top 3 are clear cut. Tucker, Stafford, and Deck. The 4th seed will be either Bradley Miller or Tyler Hudgins. I give a edge to Miller but not by much.it's going to be real fun Saturday.

Well looking at the other district results with kids dropping, I think it is a toss up now between the 80lb and 86lb classes as the toughest.  Ketchen-Carter now at 80 along with Horton(Ryle), Adams(Union Co), Goldsmith(NO), Ballinger (EO).  Carter is tough to beat, Horton is a beast and Ballinger is a dark horse that people over look.  MOW at state definitely comes from one of these weight classes!

District 1 was full of good competition, 70 lbs with Escalera and Mattingly, 75 lbs with Brown, 80 lbs has Adams, 98 has Ervin, 121 has Gray, 140 has Leavell, 152 has the kid from Owensboro and heavy has the Spell kid. All these kids may well be favored to win at State with Mattingly placing high. Several other kids will place very high. I'm interested to see how Region 1 falls, District 2 is loaded as well.

Escalera/ ??? 70

Deckard/Brown 75

Horton/ Adams 80

Tucker at 86

Roth 92

Bender/Ervin at 98

Whorton/Smith 113

Gray 121

Johnson 130

Leavell 140

I admit I haven't seen a lot of competition from eastern KY and these are just poor mans predictions, I have no dogs in the hunt. I know there are a lot of other great kids out there this year. This will be a great MS State Tourn year!

I'm right there with ya. I think Daylon Staftord has a heck of a chance at upsetting Tucker. He had to sit out the last 2 years with injuries and he is very hungry this year. He's wrestling very well and is very strong. It's going to be one heck of a class and I think 3 of the kids in that class medal at state.

I think it will be a battle for the 4th seed out of this class. I think the top 3 are clear cut. Tucker, Stafford, and Deck. The 4th seed will be either Bradley Miller or Tyler Hudgins. I give a edge to Miller but not by much.it's going to be real fun Saturday.

Don't forget Lane Seibert from Woodland in region 3 at 86.  He lost a close one to Deck and stuck Hudgins in under a minute last time they met.  The first time they wrestled, he was beating him 8-0 when Hudgins caught him in a spladle.  Aside from that move, the 3 periods they've wrestled haven't been close.  70 (Mcormick/Grandstaff), 75 (Pye, Frietsch, Grandstaff, Spaulding), 80 (Ketchen Carter/Horton), 92 (Roth), 105 (Moore) , 121 (Hammonds), 168  (Mueller), and 240 (Wheeler) are all from region 3 and potential, if not probable state finalists.  There will be a lot of placers from region 3.

70 is a killer class in Region 1 with Blake Whorton, Zeke Escalera and Preston Mattingly. There are also a few other tough kids in the bracket, but 3 of Ranger's top 5 at 70 are in this region.

I think 140 is Blake Gambles weight class to lose. He's been wrestling very very good competition and winning. I know Leavell and Smallwood are great wrestlers but I'm just not sure their on his level.

I think region 4 has a host of kids that can place this year.

70- T Deck

75- B Fletcher

80- R Purvis

86- Tucker, Stafford, Deck I think there's a great chance the champ comes from region 4 here

92- Brandon Miller, Bixler

98- A Bender could win it all

130- Begley

140- Gamble, Krueger

168- B Denny could win it all

190- R Karl

240- C Benton, Shortridge.

I know I probably missed some kids but this is off top of my head. Region 4 could have a few champs this year.

75 is going to be a tough class.  It's going to come down to one of the 4 kids from region 3 (Frietsch, Pye, Grandstaff, Spaulding) or Deckard from East Oldham or Brown from Union.  

To me, 92 and 121 both have very interesting competitive depth and balance, even with (or maybe because of!) Smith vacating 121 in favor of 113.  I believe there are at least 7 or 8 kids in each capable of being, or beating, one of the top 4 seeds at state.  "On paper" several other classes appear to be the usual top-heavy 2 or 3 hammers vs. the rest of the field, but for me the depth in these two classes is going to be interesting to watch from the quarters on, and there will be some middle-consolation dogfights in each.

70, 75, 80, 105, 113, 152 and up, there are 5 or 6 kids that have a great shot at winning. The other classes I look for the top 2 or so to dominate. Tucker, Bender, Roth, And Johnson probably finalists. Gray has been winning varsity tournaments. He may be 3rd behind Austin and Dezember in varsity region 1, maybe 2nd.

70, 75, 80, 105, 113, 152 and up, there are 5 or 6 kids that have a great shot at winning. The other classes I look for the top 2 or so to dominate. Tucker, Bender, Roth, And Johnson probably finalists. Gray has been winning varsity tournaments. He may be 3rd behind Austin and Dezember in varsity region 1, maybe 2nd.

Mason Smith wins 113 and Whorton will be right there with him. The battle at that class will be for the rest of the podium spots.  There are a couple of solid kids from every district.  Ryan Moore will be really tough to beat at 105.

Been sitting back and watching wrestling this season vs posting on this thread. But have to throw in my 2 cents on this.

 

70 also looks to be one of toughest classes in the state. Since I'm from NKY, haven't seen much around the state. But the McCormik kid from Twenhofel is very good. I think he has a great shot of winning it all.

75 WOW....this class could go to a bunch of different kids. But I think the favorite here is Brown. Kid is tough. But the Decker and Pye kid are solid. Close your eyes on this weight class and you might miss something.

80 toss up here with Horton and Adams. I'll go with Horton.

86 I think Tucker is the favorite here. But there are several kids in this class that will make some noise.

92 Going with Roth here. Watched him earlier in the season and he is at a whole other level then his competition. Kid is tough! He makes it to the finals I think that will be 4 years in a row in the State Finals. He wins it, I say he is MOW!

98 Another crazy class. Bender/Ervin/Kraezig. Anyone of these kids could win this class. All very good wrestlers. I heard Bender has been wrestling very well, but I'm going to go with Kraezig.

105 Match up here will be Moore and Brown. Both great wrestlers. Going with Moore, he looks solid and very strong.

113 Smith and Whorton match up here. Smith has been wrestling very well. This class isn't that deep so I think these two get to the finals with Smith winning.

121 Gray is tough, I think he is the favorite here. Hammond is a strong kid and looks very good.  Copenhaver is tough. This could be a toss up on who wins this class.

130 Johnson wins this class. He is to much for anyone else here. Could also be an MOW candidate.

140 Don't know much about this weight but I heard Gamble is crushing kids. I'm going with Gamble here.

152 ? I don't know what kids are here.

168 Denny is a kid I've a lot about.

190 ? Same as 152, just don't know!

240 Wheeler from Twenhofel wins this weight hands down.

 

Just my 2 cents!

I don't disagree with anything said. I just have to comment on the continual bias towards the lower weights. 75 or 86 the toughest!? Really? 10-12 year old 5th through 7th graders are better than the 8th grade 14 year olds at the heavier weights? You guys probably don't appreciate Adam Coon either!! Shaking my head.

I don't disagree with anything said. I just have to comment on the continual bias towards the lower weights. 75 or 86 the toughest!? Really? 10-12 year old 5th through 7th graders are better than the 8th grade 14 year olds at the heavier weights? You guys probably don't appreciate Adam Coon either!! Shaking my head.

It's not bias, and I don't think people are discounting the bigger kids.  As far some of the bigger kids, Ryan Moore (105), Mason Smith/Blake Horton (113), Hammonds/Gray (121) and Johnson (130) are as good as it gets.  It's just that in terms of competition though, those weight classes just aren't that deep, and likely produce a lot of pins and bad matches in the first couple rounds of State.  The smaller weight classes are just deeper, and will likely have some great matchups all the way through.  I'd rather watch an exciting overtime match than a 20 second pin.  And you can't deny, that there are just a bunch of average wrestlers that will make it through from 113-140, and from 152 up, things are very thin.  Doesn't mean the best of those classes aren't great....just that they won't have much competition.

I don't disagree with anything said. I just have to comment on the continual bias towards the lower weights. 75 or 86 the toughest!? Really? 10-12 year old 5th through 7th graders are better than the 8th grade 14 year olds at the heavier weights? You guys probably don't appreciate Adam Coon either!! Shaking my head.

No doubt there is great wrestling at the bigger weights also. I just think you never know what you'll going to get out of the smaller, younger weight classes. Makes it fun to watch. While with the bigger, older weight classes you pretty much know what to expect. But I in no means was trying to take anything away from the other classes and the hard work these young men put in.

My vote goes to the 140lb class. With Gamble,Smallwood,Leavell,Biddix and Carrillo. There may in be a dark horse lurking in this class?

My vote goes to the 140lb class. With Gamble,Smallwood,Leavell,Biddix and Carrillo. There may in be a dark horse lurking in this class?

No doubt all these kids at 140 are great. I just dont see that Leavell, Smallwood and Biddix are on Gambles level. He's been wrestling a very tough varsity schedule and winning. He wrestle the #1 kid in WV High school at 138 to a 4-3 match (lost) and beat the #2 ranked kid in Wv. He has also wrestled top 10 ranked kids from Va and beat them. Kid is wrestling well right now and it will take an absolute monster to beat him. It can be done but they better bring their A game if they hope to pull a upset.

It's not bias, and I don't think people are discounting the bigger kids. As far some of the bigger kids, Ryan Moore (105), Mason Smith/Blake Horton (113), Hammonds/Gray (And you can't deny, that there are just a bunch of average wrestlers that will make it through from 113-140, and from 152 up, things are very thin. Doesn't mean the best of those classes aren't great....just that they won't have much competition.

I think you just proved my point! No biggie, I get your point but don't agree with it. The Thome kid at 152 from North Oldham is a bruiser and fun wrestler to watch. Don't sell the bigger kids short. Besides they are being td by football coaches in many schools not to wrestle! I can't imagine worse advice.

I agree with everyone on here that this is the best time of the season. It also makes for some great snow day conversation.

I think you just proved my point! No biggie, I get your point but don't agree with it. The Thome kid at 152 from North Oldham is a bruiser and fun wrestler to watch. Don't sell the bigger kids short. Besides they are being td by football coaches in many schools not to wrestle! I can't imagine worse advice.

I agree with everyone on here that this is the best time of the season. It also makes for some great snow day conversation.

Again, I never said there weren't any good big wrestlers.  I've seen the Thome kid, and yes, he is fun to watch.  My point was at the lighter weights you might have 6 or 8 top notch wrestlers, and another 6 or 8  very good wrestlers and get to see a lot of great matches.  At the bigger classes, the numbers are much lower.  Most of the districts only have 4 or 5 (some even less) at most weight classes above 121 or 130.  This year, more so than last year, the lighter classes are just deeper.

 

And to the football comment, I coach football too.  I know in my school, kids are not being discouraged by the football coaches from wrestling.  The problem is we need to convince the last couple guys on the bench on the basketball teams to wrestle in addition to getting more football players on board.  It's just tough to do without solid youth wrestling programs to capture the kids early.

We are a very small private school, I believe the smallest school in KY to have a wrestling program. Basketball and soccer are by far on top of the mountain in funding and support. I'm not sure our parents even understand how wrestling can help build their young athletes. The entire school has about the same population as my graduating class back in '85 (approx 325-350 kids from preK to 12th grade). Every kid thinks they are going to be a basketball star.

I don't want to put the cart before the horse here and I may be completely wrong come state... But I think/feel that this forum completely overlooks a group of kids from Jefferson County that participate in the same wrestling program that produced the HS state champions last year. It's pretty obvious that this group completely overlooks the talent that Jefferson County is producing at a rapid pace. The pundits on this forum have completely overlooked some serious talent in the state of KY and I can't wait to be proven wrong come state finals and team duel state finals... We will see, and in the end... The kids will produce the results... Not the blogging parents.

I don't want to put the cart before the horse here and I may be completely wrong come state... But I think/feel that this forum completely overlooks a group of kids from Jefferson County that participate in the same wrestling program that produced the HS state champions last year. It's pretty obvious that this group completely overlooks the talent that Jefferson County is producing at a rapid pace. The pundits on this forum have completely overlooked some serious talent in the state of KY and I can't wait to be proven wrong come state finals and team duel state finals... We will see, and in the end... The kids will produce the results... Not the blogging parents.

Ditto

I agree with the comments about some districts not getting any attention. But i wonder if its because of lack of information. I know Baker in district 7 at 140 has wrestled high school most of the year and won disrticts with ease aganist some decent competition. So i also am looking foward to see how things play out at state. That's what keeps this sport exciting the unknown.

There are two kids from River City at 130 I saw at Unions Tourn, those kids were pretty good.

Did one of them drop to 121?

With snow likely coming Friday and Saturday, what happens if officials at Johnson Co cancel the Region 4 tourney?  Will it be moved else where?  What is the contingency plan?

Did one of them drop to 121?

seth richie 130

ward 121

Staying in neutral position. I can't wait for regions! I think there will be a few classes with upsets.

This is a good list from Region 4. I will be in the stands cheering. Hopefully everyone stays healthy.

There are two kids from River City at 130 I saw at Unions Tourn, those kids were pretty good.

Wow, thanks for the compliment, "pretty good"... Hopefully our boys can live up to that humble recognition from this expert panel of wrestling experts/pundits. Again... Looking forward to the kids showing the rest of the state that our boys are slightly better than "pretty good"... We will see... and again the kids will write the script, not the opinionated sideline moms and dads... Oh, and thanks for noticing 2 of our 15+ "pretty good" kids... See ya at State!

Sorry, I had wrestlers in the 80 and 130 lb brackets. We split with one and lost to the other. They are going to be good cause they wanted it more than my guy did, I could see that from just the three matches. "Pretty good" just meant they made an impression on me with their work ethic on the mat. Those two kids told me that they probably have an incredible room full of energy of kids wanting to improve. My son wrestled Zane back when the youth state Tourn was in JC to which he has kept improving unbelievably. Yes, you guys have it going on, but I don't know any of the other kids.

Only wrestled the 2 River City kids at 130 that day.

Sorry, I had wrestlers in the 80 and 130 lb brackets. We split with one and lost to the other. They are going to be good cause they wanted it more than my guy did, I could see that from just the three matches. "Pretty good" just meant they made an impression on me with their work ethic on the mat. Those two kids told me that they probably have an incredible room full of energy of kids wanting to improve. My son wrestled Zane back when the youth state Tourn was in JC to which he has kept improving unbelievably. Yes, you guys have it going on, but I don't know any of the other kids.Only wrestled the 2 River City kids at 130 that day.

Sorry, not blaming you, I'm new to this wrestling stuff... Imma football guy but I'm falling in love with this sport! I love watching the kids compete, one on one... Monoe e monoe... No matter what, someone walks off of the mat with their hand raised... It's pure and unapologetic!

Sorry, not blaming you, I'm new to this wrestling stuff... Imma football guy but I'm falling in love with this sport! I love watching the kids compete, one on one... Monoe e monoe... No matter what, someone walks off of the mat with their hand raised... It's pure and unapologetic!

And it doesn't matter if you're white or black, what your last name is, where you live, or if your dad is the coach or not. Yes the ref can blow a call sometimes but wrestling is the least political sport I know. Anyone can be good if they do the work.

Don't forget Lane Seibert from Woodland in region 3 at 86. He lost a close one to Deck and stuck Hudgins in under a minute last time they met. The first time they wrestled, he was beating him 8-0 when Hudgins caught him in a spladle. Aside from that move, the 3 periods they've wrestled haven't been close. 70 (Mcormick/Grandstaff), 75 (Pye, Frietsch, Grandstaff, Spaulding), 80 (Ketchen Carter/Horton), 92 (Roth), 105 (Moore) , 121 (Hammonds), 168 (Mueller), and 240 (Wheeler) are all from region 3 and potential, if not probable state finalists. There will be a lot of placers from region 3.

After seeing the way region 4 went down at 86 Tucker is clearly the kid to beat. He dominated his matches and at one point even had Deck in a leg cradle. The Stafford kid is strong but I think he's going to have a tough time at state. Wouldn't be surprised to see Deck do really well and making it to the semis or finals again. Also, the Deck kid at 70 from Madison looks awful good as well, he could make some serious noise at state. Miller at 92 looked tough, and Ricky Purvis at 80 seems to be getting overlooked a bit. Denny looked dominant at 168. Gamble looked vulnerable after surviving a couple of close ones including an overtime win in the finals.

The kids at Region 4 that dominated their class.

70lb Thomas Deck

75lb Blue Fletcher

80lb Ricky Purvis

86lb Tylan Tucker

98lb Adam Bender

168 Blake Denny

Kids that wrestled well but had some tough matches.

92lb Brandon Miller

105lb Jake Franklin

113lb Ryan Harrison

121lb Tyler Storck

140lb Blake Gamble

Solid tourney with some good competition and great matches.

No doubt all these kids at 140 are great. I just dont see that Leavell, Smallwood and Biddix are on Gambles level. He's been wrestling a very tough varsity schedule and winning. He wrestle the #1 kid in WV High school at 138 to a 4-3 match (lost) and beat the #2 ranked kid in Wv. He has also wrestled top 10 ranked kids from Va and beat them. Kid is wrestling well right now and it will take an absolute monster to beat him. It can be done but they better bring their A game if they hope to pull a upset.

I think some kids brought their there A game but his exprience paid off in end. The 140 championship round  for me was the most exciting of the day. Great wrestling and a great kid.

Tucker was the most dominant wrestler at region 4. That weight class had four kids ranked in the top nine and Tucker handled every wrestler he faced with ease. He shouldve gotten M.O.W. Hes just on a different level he could probly win state at 92lbs.

It would be a heck of a match that I'd like to watch for sure.

Tucker was the most dominant wrestler at region 4. That weight class had four kids ranked in the top nine and Tucker handled every wrestler he faced with ease. He shouldve gotten M.O.W. Hes just on a different level he could probly win state at 92lbs.

No doubt he would win at 92. No disrespect to any of the other kids, but he seems to be on a whole different level right now. How he didn't win MOW was beyond me after dominating an absolutely stacked weight class in his region. Not sure what everyone's criteria was for that award, but winning a bracket with 4 of the top 9 kids in the state is pretty darn impressive.

I think some kids brought their there A game but his exprience paid off in end. The 140 championship round for me was the most exciting of the day. Great wrestling and a great kid.

Gamble looked vulnerable, and his showboating was pretty unnecessary. Being intense is one thing, but walking around like some superstar is another. I understand it was his home crowd, but it was kind of sad to watch a kid act like that.

I don't know about the toughest but the closest competive class up here was 86. You had 2 matchs where one wrestler was up on the other and at the last minute the other kid caught the one that was up for a 5 point move and the win. Plus had another match tied going to the last 30 seconds and a kid made a mistake and got caught. It was very exciting and heartbreaking, but that is wrestling. No excuses 2 kids going at hard for 3 periods till 1 makes a mistake. I don't know how these boys will do down state but wishing them the best

Tucker didnt wrestle any quality kids when he was on team Kentucky? How did that go anyways? What was there records that weekend?

I don't know about the toughest but the closest competive class up here was 86. You had 2 matchs where one wrestler was up on the other and at the last minute the other kid caught the one that was up for a 5 point move and the win. Plus had another match tied going to the last 30 seconds and a kid made a mistake and got caught. It was very exciting and heartbreaking, but that is wrestling. No excuses 2 kids going at hard for 3 periods till 1 makes a mistake. I don't know how these boys will do down state but wishing them the best. Mine was on the short end of the stick in 2 of them matchs but he kept his composure and still made state. Maybe next time when we till him to take down he will listen. Lol

I think this discussion is getting a little out of hand. It always amazes me when I see people create a screen name on a forum and their first post is stirring up drama. If we were talking about two kids in the same weight I could almost understand that. Almost! But to sit here and talk about what kid would smash what kid in two different weight classes makes no sense.

The two kids you are talking about are both great kids and insanely good wrestlers. I hope they are both able to win a state title this year. I can tell that both Blake and Ty's dad would not care for this.

I can tell you that Blake wrestled the entire year at 92. He did drop once for philo. If you know anything about philo you probably understand. If you look at our team 92 was best for the team. Nobody was running from anyone. My son also dropped from 121 to 115 for the team. Does that mean he ran as well? It's about trying to win a team title. I personally think that a kid that walks around at 90lbs and is willing to give up weight to fit other kids in a line up is team player.

I know so much about Blake because I have been coaching him for years. The kid is a champion with a proven record.

So it's fun to pick who will win each weight class. Every year there is a lot of debates That's fine. But when it becomes personal attacks on middle school kids it becomes ridiculous. Hopefully Ty nor Blake will ever read this thread.

I wish them both the best of luck this year.

The think TY and Roth are awesome wrestlers. My son Brandon has gotten beat by both of them. Brandon's worst loss came from Roth. He has trained hard to get to thier level.  

I think this discussion is getting a little out of hand. It always amazes me when I see people create a screen name on a forum and their first post is stirring up drama. If we were talking about two kids in the same weight I could almost understand that. Almost! But to sit here and talk about what kid would smash what kid in two different weight classes makes no sense.

The two kids you are talking about are both great kids and insanely good wrestlers. I hope they are both able to win a state title this year. I can tell that both Blake and Ty's dad would not care for this.

I can tell you that Blake wrestled the entire year at 92. He did drop once for philo. If you know anything about philo you probably understand. If you look at our team 92 was best for the team. Nobody was running from anyone. My son also dropped from 121 to 115 for the team. Does that mean he ran as well? It's about trying to win a team title. I personally think that a kid that walks around at 90lbs and is willing to give up weight to fit other kids in a line up is team player.

I know so much about Blake because I have been coaching him for years. The kid is a champion with a proven record.

So it's fun to pick who will win each weight class. Every year there is a lot of debates That's fine. But when it becomes personal attacks on middle school kids it becomes ridiculous. Hopefully Ty nor Blake will ever read this thread.

I wish them both the best of luck this year.

great point Dutch sorry I didn't mean any disrespect to anyone. They are both great kids and wrestlers. I just got caught up in something I shouldn't of. If I made anyone mad I didn't mean to. I wish the best of luck to all the wrestlers. I need to know when to just set back and keep quite. Again if I said anything disrespectful I didn't mean to.

For all of those people that were getting fired up over the cutting weight stuff on another thread, re-read Dutch's last post. No words spoke anymore true than the ones he typed. In reference to cutting weight, "it's about trying to win a team title."

great point Dutch sorry I didn't mean any disrespect to anyone. They are both great kids and wrestlers. I just got caught up in something I shouldn't of. If I made anyone mad I didn't mean to. I wish the best of luck to all the wrestlers. I need to know when to just set back and keep quite. Again if I said anything disrespectful I didn't mean to.

Same here, also don't count out Miller as he's been wrestling very good, and the Wheeler kid always wrestles smart so he could be a tough out if he's on his A game at 92. The good news is we will know for sure in less than two weeks, I hope they all wrestle great and we have some great matches! Also don't discount Taylor at 86 after dropping down and winning a tough match over Fitzhugh at regions.

I never once said Tucker couldnt be beat and I never said he would smash anybody. I simply said I think he beats him now (Roth). Reread my post. I also said he could probly win 92. Never said he would go to 92lb class and run threw it. Simply said I think he could win it.

WOW!

I see we are having some fun today on the message boards! Its all good!

First, I completely agree with dutch. Dutch knows my kid very well. And he has played a huge part along with Ranger in Blake's success. Just on the mental / emtional parts of this sport many times over. Does Blake train hard? absoulutley! Has he wrestled some of the best kids in the country, No Doubt! The list is very long, with some wins and some loses.

Not that I have to explain anything regarding Blake goes, because I don't, but to atleast give my kid a fare shake. Let me share a little insight on this season. If anyone knows me personally, I do not and will not hold punches! I don't have to give my kids resume on wrestling, to be honest with you all, there is to much for me to remember LOL! But I will give some info on what or why we did what just for this season. I don't get on this thing and talk about my kid very often. Just not worth it all!

Blake has been weighing at 90-91 all year. And I have tried to get him bigger, just not in his cards right now! He could have wrestled 86 all year, but for our team it just wasn't the right fit. Heck Blake wrestled up at 98 this year and won NKAC. He has had 10 or so matches at the HS level I think going 7-3, giving up 15-18 pounds everytime. Blake went down to 86 for the PHILO tournament, which by many coaches, such as Jeff Jordan and a few other big names have label this event one of, if not the toughest MS Tournament in the Country. Blake was one match from placing in the top 5 in this event out of a 32 man bracket. Talking about 32 of the best kids in the country. You just don't show up and get into this event.

We decided to have Blake go 92 for post season, strickly for the Team. This actually help get my 86 pounder to qualify for State.

Is Blake the best kid at 92? I think so, just my opinion, but there are other kids in this weight class that are very good and could win it all. If anyone really knows Blake or me, I can assure he isn't running from no one. Giving up 15-18 pounds to wrestle HS, sounds like he is running! Not hardly!

 

Now for Ty. Ty has worked very hard in the off season, he did very well at Team KY. I think he went 6-1, heck he might have went 7-0. He wrestled very well. He also won the Tournament of Champions in Columbus Ohio, which is no cupcake event.

Ty is doing all the right things to have a very successful year. Is he the best kid at 86, I think so, just my opinion. However both of these kids can be beat. Thats the beauty of this sport. It happens!

 

Both of these kids are top notch wrestlers with tons of potential.

 

I wish them both the best, and hope that they both acheive their goals throughout the season!

WOW!

I see we are having some fun today on the message boards! Its all good!

First, I completely agree with dutch. Dutch knows my kid very well. And he has played a huge part along with Ranger in Blake's success. Just on the mental / emtional parts of this sport many times over. Does Blake train hard? absoulutley! Has he wrestled some of the best kids in the country, No Doubt! The list is very long, with some wins and some loses.

Not that I have to explain anything regarding Blake goes, because I don't, but to atleast give my kid a fare shake. Let me share a little insight on this season. If anyone knows me personally, I do not and will not hold punches! I don't have to give my kids resume on wrestling, to be honest with you all, there is to much for me to remember LOL! But I will give some info on what or why we did what just for this season. I don't get on this thing and talk about my kid very often. Just not worth it all!

Blake has been weighing at 90-91 all year. And I have tried to get him bigger, just not in his cards right now! He could have wrestled 86 all year, but for our team it just wasn't the right fit. Heck Blake wrestled up at 98 this year and won NKAC. He has had 10 or so matches at the HS level I think going 7-3, giving up 15-18 pounds everytime. Blake went down to 86 for the PHILO tournament, which by many coaches, such as Jeff Jordan and a few other big names have label this event one of, if not the toughest MS Tournament in the Country. Blake was one match from placing in the top 5 in this event out of a 32 man bracket. Talking about 32 of the best kids in the country. You just don't show up and get into this event.

We decided to have Blake go 92 for post season, strickly for the Team. This actually help get my 86 pounder to qualify for State.

Is Blake the best kid at 92? I think so, just my opinion, but there are other kids in this weight class that are very good and could win it all. If anyone really knows Blake or me, I can assure he isn't running from no one. Giving up 15-18 pounds to wrestle HS, sounds like he is running! Not hardly!

Now for Ty. Ty has worked very hard in the off season, he did very well at Team KY. I think he went 6-1, heck he might have went 7-0. He wrestled very well. He also won the Tournament of Champions in Columbus Ohio, which is no cupcake event.

Ty is doing all the right things to have a very successful year. Is he the best kid at 86, I think so, just my opinion. However both of these kids can be beat. Thats the beauty of this sport. It happens!

Both of these kids are top notch wrestlers with tons of potential.

I wish them both the best, and hope that they both acheive their goals throughout the season!

Glad you are taking it all in stride. I never meant any disrespect to Blake or Ty, they are still kids and they don't need that, especially with the work they have put in to get to the level they're at. When I agreed with the other guy earlier that I thought Ty could win state at 92 as well, that was just an opinion and in no way meant as disrespect toward Blake. Honestly I'd love to see them wrestle because I think it would be a very entertaining match no matter what the outcome. If Ty's dad sees this I hope he understands as well. I wasn't trying to start any type of rivalry, especially between two kids in desperate weight classes. I hope they both wrestle well and that they both run into some difficult matches along the way, it's always good to see the best get challenged and persevere. I want all the kids in every weight class to build momentum for next year, or in some cases, for the rest of the high school season.

I became a Blake fan at one of the Hardin County tournaments early in the season when he wrestled a tough kid from the Indiana Outlaws. It had very little to do with his wrestling. 

I like that tiltfor3. We need to recognize the character of these kids off the mat as well because we have some real studs out there who are absolutely great kids.