Final updated rankings heading into the state tournament.  I tried to work fast so hopefully I didn't miss much from the weekend.  While I don't see much excitement in the team title race (I think Union wins it by ~100), I do think it could get interesting after that.  There also will be some very exciting weight class battles.

As usual, I will be working on the report up until the last moment and maybe worse with the girls on Thursday, but it will get posted.

And just a final note, this is the last set of rankings.  The report will have predicted finishes based on rankings and the draws (so a #2 could finish in 3rd or a #4 could finish in 6th depending on how the brackets fall).

Rankings_24_25_0225.pdf

I appreciate the rankings. Fun to look at throughout the year. That said, I'm trying to figure out something at 215 lbs.

Wallace from Henderson (previously 5) gets teched 16-0 by Jack James from Tilghman (previously 3). No change for either on newest ranking. Darland from LCA (previously 10) pins Sexton from Harrison (previously 6). Darland stays at 10 and Sexton falls to 11. Schadt from S. Oldham (previously 14) decisions, 4-2, Vester from Seneca (previously 9). Schadt moves to 8 and Vester stays at 9.

I'm not trying to say it's wrong. I'm just trying to figure out how that all shakes out that way.

6 minutes ago, Rebel2015 said:

I appreciate the rankings. Fun to look at throughout the year. That said, I'm trying to figure out something at 215 lbs.

Wallace from Henderson (previously 5) gets teched 16-0 by Jack James from Tilghman (previously 3). No change for either on newest ranking. Darland from LCA (previously 10) pins Sexton from Harrison (previously 6). Darland stays at 10 and Sexton falls to 11. Schadt from S. Oldham (previously 14) decisions, 4-2, Vester from Seneca (previously 9). Schadt moves to 8 and Vester stays at 9.

I'm not trying to say it's wrong. I'm just trying to figure out how that all shakes out that way.

None of these rankings matter when State starts

2 minutes ago, Alien01 said:

None of these rankings matter when State starts

Okay? How does that add to what I'm trying to discuss?

20 minutes ago, Rebel2015 said:

I appreciate the rankings. Fun to look at throughout the year. That said, I'm trying to figure out something at 215 lbs.

Wallace from Henderson (previously 5) gets teched 16-0 by Jack James from Tilghman (previously 3). No change for either on newest ranking. Darland from LCA (previously 10) pins Sexton from Harrison (previously 6). Darland stays at 10 and Sexton falls to 11. Schadt from S. Oldham (previously 14) decisions, 4-2, Vester from Seneca (previously 9). Schadt moves to 8 and Vester stays at 9.

I'm not trying to say it's wrong. I'm just trying to figure out how that all shakes out that way.

There's always going to be some subjectivity but the losses matter. Sexton beat Allen from dupont earlier in the year, so he was ranked above him, but Sexton had no other wins ranked above him. Sexton lost to Darland, but Darland had no other wins over the top 10, so that's probably why sexton dropped right below Darland because of the head to head. Vester has beaten Darland, so he is ranked above him and Schadt just beat Vester, so he gets the bump up as well. I'm sure ranger has more input, but because of the head to heads he has it Sexton -> Darland ->Vester->Schadt. It seems like that 11-6 range has a shot over each other, but the higher ranked kids have been more consistent and have gotten multiple top 10 wins instead of 1.

1 hour ago, Alien01 said:

None of these rankings matter when State starts

I think they matter. Don't listen to him Ranger lol

1 hour ago, Alien01 said:

None of these rankings matter when State starts

Yeah, well I'm pretty sure state hasn't started yet. 

56 minutes ago, itsBoston said:

I think they matter. Don't listen to him Ranger lol

They for sure do. That's why we are all here. Its what makes us pay attention to White vs Maynard in round one. A kid can win 40 matches and be depressed that they aren't ranked and hit the ceiling when he is finally ranked at #25! It means a lot.

10 minutes ago, DrBaker said:

They for sure do. That's why we are all here. Its what makes us pay attention to White vs Maynard in round one. A kid can win 40 matches and be depressed that they aren't ranked and hit the ceiling when he is finally ranked at #25! It means a lot.

Also, for people who are not entrenched in high school wrestling and/or know who the tough kids are in the state, the rankings at least give you an idea. I look at rankings more of a grouping (e.g. Top 5 - the best, top 10 - tough and exciting but probably not champs, top 15 - have the ability to upset higher tiered wrestlers and sneak on the podium, etc).  

5 hours ago, DrBaker said:

A kid can win 40 matches and be depressed that they aren't ranked and hit the ceiling when he is finally ranked at #25! It means a lot.

This is the only problem I have with rankings.  As spectators it is a great thing, but as competitors or coach's its mind numbing.  Trying to convince a kid he is a good wrestler when he is not ranked or that he can beat a kid ranked just one or two spots above him can be like hitting your head against the wall.  

However (you knew there was going to be a however). The good it does for the sport outweighs this problem.  It gets spectators involved and interested in matches they maybe would never have stopped to watch before. 

Just my two cents. 

I have not said this in awhile. 

These are the opinions of GOO and only GOO.  You can take them or leave them. In the grand scheme of things they really don't matter, (Just ask my wife )

19 hours ago, DrBaker said:

They for sure do. That's why we are all here. Its what makes us pay attention to White vs Maynard in round one. A kid can win 40 matches and be depressed that they aren't ranked and hit the ceiling when he is finally ranked at #25! It means a lot.

Or do a backflip

16 hours ago, grappler-of-old said:

This is the only problem I have with rankings.  As spectators it is a great thing, but as competitors or coach's its mind numbing.  Trying to convince a kid he is a good wrestler when he is not ranked or that he can beat a kid ranked just one or two spots above him can be like hitting your head against the wall.  

However (you knew there was going to be a however). The good it does for the sport outweighs this problem.  It gets spectators involved and interested in matches they maybe would never have stopped to watch before. 

Just my two cents. 

I have not said this in awhile. 

These are the opinions of GOO and only GOO.  You can take them or leave them. In the grand scheme of things they really don't matter, (Just ask my wife )

Ive printed off Rangers rankings and took them to practice before and told the room this is a direct reflection of the work you have put in. Maybe a guy is working hard, but maybe he maybe isn't working smart. Maybe he is working hard and smart, but he is not eating the right things or going to bed as early as he should. We are talking about the Kentucky rankings not PA. The fact Ranger seeds all the way out to 30 might make him the smartest (cause he is able to do It) but dumbest person in the world (for taking on the impossible). Growing up we always looked at Rankings as a "hit-list" and It made It fun. I might be one of the few people that believe rankings matter, It just depends how you look at them. 

21 minutes ago, itsBoston said:

Ive printed off Rangers rankings and took them to practice before and told the room this is a direct reflection of the work you have put in. Maybe a guy is working hard, but maybe he maybe isn't working smart. Maybe he is working hard and smart, but he is not eating the right things or going to bed as early as he should. We are talking about the Kentucky rankings not PA. The fact Ranger seeds all the way out to 30 might make him the smartest (cause he is able to do It) but dumbest person in the world (for taking on the impossible). Growing up we always looked at Rankings as a "hit-list" and It made It fun. I might be one of the few people that believe rankings matter, It just depends how you look at them. 

Also have used it in the past to see what tournaments we can see the best kids. We don’t wrestle in state much so we try to get the most bang for our buck. 

On 2/26/2025 at 8:42 AM, Rebel2015 said:

Okay? How does that add to what I'm trying to discuss?

Doesnt take away from it,just a footnote

On 2/26/2025 at 9:49 AM, itsBoston said:

I think they matter. Don't listen to him Ranger lol

LOL

On 2/26/2025 at 10:35 AM, CheeseBalls said:

Yeah, well I'm pretty sure state hasn't started yet. 

Are we frozen in time or will it soon?

20 hours ago, grappler-of-old said:

This is the only problem I have with rankings.  As spectators it is a great thing, but as competitors or coach's its mind numbing.  Trying to convince a kid he is a good wrestler when he is not ranked or that he can beat a kid ranked just one or two spots above him can be like hitting your head against the wall.  

 

Exactly,this is why rankings should not be emphasized to wrestlers. 

Let me clarify

Rankings, predictions, records, and seedings are great hype for wrestling media (Flowrestling, Trackwrestling, etc.) but can be a great distraction for wrestlers. If it isn’t helping you score points then it is probably a distraction. Leave the media to fans and spectators.

For years I’ve watched kids get pumped up for high ranked matchups at otherwise boring dual meets.  I’ve seen joy from every half decent kid that made the rankings for the first time. And I’ve seen celebrations for that first top 10 win. 

Sometimes we’ll bump weights to go get a ranked match at another weight if we can.  It’s fun and it lets you know who’s who.

I think rankings are awesome, and if emphasized correctly they can be motivation for these kids and a guide for coaches as well. 

https://www.instagram.com/wrestlingmindset/reel/DGecrLOixFp/

Just now, Alien01 said:

https://www.instagram.com/wrestlingmindset/reel/DGecrLOixFp/

Overall message on rankings is this,for me anyway

"Too many wrestlers waste energy worrying about brackets, size, strength, and rankings. None of that matters. The only thing that matters is stepping on the mat and attacking.

Your takedowns, turns, and pinning combinations don’t change based on your opponent. So why should your mindset? Wrestle whoever is in front of you with full confidence and aggression.

Stop overthinking. Focus on what you can control and wrestle your best—every time."

3 hours ago, Alien01 said:

Exactly,this is why rankings should not be emphasized to wrestlers. 

 

Let me clarify

Rankings, predictions, records, and seedings are great hype for wrestling media (Flowrestling, Trackwrestling, etc.) but can be a great distraction for wrestlers. If it isn’t helping you score points then it is probably a distraction. Leave the media to fans and spectators.

Do you just read and watch the wrestling mindset videos all day long? lol 

46 minutes ago, gator1 said:

For years I’ve watched kids get pumped up for high ranked matchups at otherwise boring dual meets.  I’ve seen joy from every half decent kid that made the rankings for the first time. And I’ve seen celebrations for that first top 10 win. 

Sometimes we’ll bump weights to go get a ranked match at another weight if we can.  It’s fun and it lets you know who’s who.

I think rankings are awesome, and if emphasized correctly they can be motivation for these kids and a guide for coaches as well. 

I agree 100% with this! 

6 hours ago, itsBoston said:

Ive printed off Rangers rankings and took them to practice before and told the room this is a direct reflection of the work you have put in. Maybe a guy is working hard, but maybe he maybe isn't working smart. Maybe he is working hard and smart, but he is not eating the right things or going to bed as early as he should. We are talking about the Kentucky rankings not PA. The fact Ranger seeds all the way out to 30 might make him the smartest (cause he is able to do It) but dumbest person in the world (for taking on the impossible). Growing up we always looked at Rankings as a "hit-list" and It made It fun. I might be one of the few people that believe rankings matter, It just depends how you look at them. 

Good point,best counter point to mine that I have read

5 minutes ago, itsBoston said:

Do you just read and watch the wrestling mindset videos all day long? lol 

LOL

23 minutes ago, Alien01 said:

Overall message on rankings is this,for me anyway

"Too many wrestlers waste energy worrying about brackets, size, strength, and rankings. None of that matters. The only thing that matters is stepping on the mat and attacking.

Your takedowns, turns, and pinning combinations don’t change based on your opponent. So why should your mindset? Wrestle whoever is in front of you with full confidence and aggression.

Stop overthinking. Focus on what you can control and wrestle your best—every time."

Can we please put this to bed ?? If you hate or disagree with Rankings so much look at another topic on this site.  I for one LOVE them and 100% appreciate all the hardwork and long hours Ranger puts into this. Thanks again Ranger 

4 hours ago, Take-em-down said:

Can we please put this to bed ?? If you hate or disagree with Rankings so much look at another topic on this site.  I for one LOVE them and 100% appreciate all the hardwork and long hours Ranger puts into this. Thanks again Ranger 

Dont get triggered by the counter point,its not hate its a counter point. Did not know we could only agree or not say anything. That is targeted towards wrestlers which is obvious if you read it,you are not one so why write all that?

Ranger report coming soon?

11 minutes ago, Pépitedepoulet said:

Ranger report coming soon?

He just got off the mat a few hours ago after his daughter won a state title. I’m sure he will get something out, but probably the last of his priorities right now. 

3 hours ago, ukpridewrestler11 said:

He just got off the mat a few hours ago after his daughter won a state title. I’m sure he will get something out, but probably the last of his priorities right now. 

Congrats Ranger and Emma !!

On 2/26/2025 at 8:57 AM, gseaknee said:

There's always going to be some subjectivity but the losses matter. Sexton beat Allen from dupont earlier in the year, so he was ranked above him, but Sexton had no other wins ranked above him. Sexton lost to Darland, but Darland had no other wins over the top 10, so that's probably why sexton dropped right below Darland because of the head to head. Vester has beaten Darland, so he is ranked above him and Schadt just beat Vester, so he gets the bump up as well. I'm sure ranger has more input, but because of the head to heads he has it Sexton -> Darland ->Vester->Schadt. It seems like that 11-6 range has a shot over each other, but the higher ranked kids have been more consistent and have gotten multiple top 10 wins instead of 1.

That clarifies it! Thank you!

anyone see ren birk got self pinned? 

10 minutes ago, yolo said:

anyone see ren birk got self pinned? 

Yep 

20 hours ago, Take-em-down said:

Congrats Ranger and Emma !!

Thanks!

On 2/27/2025 at 10:00 PM, ukpridewrestler11 said:

He just got off the mat a few hours ago after his daughter won a state title. I’m sure he will get something out, but probably the last of his priorities right now. 

Thanks!  A lot of fun on Thursday, but this old body and brain don't have the energy it once did.

On 2/27/2025 at 4:30 PM, Take-em-down said:

Can we please put this to bed ?? If you hate or disagree with Rankings so much look at another topic on this site.  I for one LOVE them and 100% appreciate all the hardwork and long hours Ranger puts into this. Thanks again Ranger 

“It's a culture,” Lovett said. “Coach Manning talks about it a lot. We are a blue-collar program. We work. That's what we do. Doesn't matter what the predictions are, the seeds are, the rankings are, those are all just numbers and people guessing. They look super smart when they guess it right, but when they don't, it's just a prediction.