Who do you think?

I always thought that Jacob Murton was one of the best Ky wrestlers I have ever seen.  Glad to hear he is wrestling again at Campbellsville.  Courtney and Brad Cooper are my next two picks.

Murton had definently the best High School Career.

Ruschell though has had the best College Career.

Just in high school though I would go:

Murton

Ruschell

Starks

Murton

J. Davis

I think im going to have to go with Courtney, so smooth, so effective, hardly ever a wasted motion.Plus , just a smash mouth takin care of business kinda guy.Nothing flashy just go out, go hard, get it over with.

Plus 4 state titles, 6 total state places,6 regional titles and i think 1 loss in state in 4 yrs

i didnt even think it was questionable that it would be harrison courtney

Murton, Courtney, Ruschell, I guess Sullivan

Courtney didn't dominate like Ruschell did, like Murton did, like Cooper did (didn't mean to forget him, he should be in my top 5) or like Starks did there last two years. Yeah he had a steller career no one can argue that but he didn't dominate in the manner the 4 previous mention did their last two years of high school. Just my opinion so don't crucify me.

Courtney didn't dominate like Ruschell did, like Murton did, like Cooper did (didn't mean to forget him, he should be in my top 5) or like Starks did there last two years. Yeah he had a steller career no one can argue that but he didn't dominate in the manner the 4 previous mention did their last two years of high school. Just my opinion so don't crucify me.

how do you figure that courtney didnt dominate, his last 2 years at the state tournement he had 3 points scored on him (if you dont include the points people scored on him when he teched them)and that was in his last match aginst lee, how much more dominate could you be

Courtney didn't dominate like Ruschell did, like Murton did, like Cooper did (didn't mean to forget him, he should be in my top 5) or like Starks did there last two years. Yeah he had a steller career no one can argue that but he didn't dominate in the manner the 4 previous mention did their last two years of high school. Just my opinion so don't crucify me.

Two arguments against your opinion.  First, maybe you have a different definition of dominant, but I don't think there was much challenge for him his last couple years.  And the challenge he had (like Thuneman), was considered to be one of the best to never win a title.  Second, would be look at the competition.  And I'm not making any statements about the others you mentioned because I haven't considered who they had to beat, but I think HC has gone through some pretty tough brackets to win his titles.

Plus, this discussion is best, not most dominant.

My opinion is Courtney, same as always.  And I am not even close to a Woodford Co fan.

If Murton would have wrestled in Ky his freshman year and won a title, would he be ahead of Courtney?  Does anyone doubt Murton would have won his fresh year?  I would also have to throw Matt Zarth into my top 10 of the decade. The way he turned it up at state was always awesome to watch.

If both Murtons had been here for all four years they definitely would be at the top of the list but I have a hard time counting them as KY wrestlers because they came from Ohio and were already very good wrestlers.  I would say Courtney or Ruschell.  Cooper, Starks and I think Metzger were also very good.

Murton

Murton

Courtney

Ruschell

Cooper

Starks

Metzger

Knable

Fahy?

HA!  jp, I like the way you slipped Fahy in there at the end.  He has been amazing so far, but I think he has a little more to prove before he gets on this list with the greats.

High school accomplishments... makes the call tough.  Murton and Courtney's accomplishments have been mentioned and they were very tough.  Ruschell 4 time placer, 2 time champ... and his junior and senior years he dominated everyone... he won either most or quickest pins and was MOW.  His senior year he had no competition...   

As for a career... no contest... it's Ruschell.  No wrestler from Kentucky has placed higher on the D1 National level. 

My vote goes to Ruschell... hope his senior year is even more successful than his junior year...

Plus 4 state titles, 6 total state places,6 regional titles and i think 1 loss in state in 4 yrs

I agree, EVERY TIME Courtney stepped on the mat you knew he was going to win. I don't think you can say that about some of the other outstanding wrestlers we've have over the past 10 years. Murton was also great but I always thought Rob Smith might beat him.

Ruschell has done a amazing job at Wisconsin and is paving the way for Kentucky wrestlers.  He is making it a little easier for guys like Fahy and Ervin to secure D-1 scholarships. Keep up the great work Kyle we are all proud of you.

HA!  jp, I like the way you slipped Fahy in there at the end.  He has been amazing so far, but I think he has a little more to prove before he gets on this list with the greats.

Yeah I just thought with the way he has progressed he should be mentioned.  I see him winning Beast of the East and other national tournaments as well as four titles along the way.  With him I don't think the focus is on winning KY state titles, he expects those to come.  I like this mentality and is what I have been preaching lately.  Because this was about the "past decade" I thought he should get mentioned as when his career is over the past decade will be different.  However looking at my list only Knable will no longer be in his past decade.  Maybe a little premature but I figured what the hell.

what about Justin davis from eastern his first year wrestling he got 5th in state and then the two years he won state

what about Justin davis from eastern his first year wrestling he got 5th in state and then the two years he won state

I don't know who you are but if your from Eastern I'd expect you to remember he took 4th his first year wrestling.

Im going out on a thin limb, and gonna say Josh Johnson. i have always thought his transistions from one move, one scenareo, to another have been crisp, like he knew what was gonna happen way before the shot was ever there. plus he has a killer instinct, what i lack, which is when someone is close to there back, u put them there and end it, if u are close to a takedown, you get it. he has always been able to penetrate and break a wrestler, and he's class act, wonderful family too. I have a feeling him and Caleb Ervin are going to be Kentucky's biggest stars in college wrestling second MAYBE to Kyle Rushcell

Im going out on a thin limb, and gonna say Josh Johnson. i have always thought his transistions from one move, one scenareo, to another have been crisp, like he knew what was gonna happen way before the shot was ever there. plus he has a killer instinct, what i lack, which is when someone is close to there back, u put them there and end it, if u are close to a takedown, you get it. he has always been able to penetrate and break a wrestler, and he's class act, wonderful family too. I have a feeling him and Caleb Ervin are going to be Kentucky's biggest stars in college wrestling second MAYBE to Kyle Rushcell

I have always thought Johnson was a great wrestler but I think him not winning it all last year hurt his claim as one of the best of the past decade.

Courtney didn't dominate like Ruschell did, like Murton did, like Cooper did (didn't mean to forget him, he should be in my top 5) or like Starks did there last two years. Yeah he had a steller career no one can argue that but he didn't dominate in the manner the 4 previous mention did their last two years of high school. Just my opinion so don't crucify me.

Courtney wasn't as dominant his senior year as Ruschell or some of those other guys were, but remember he wrestled 152 before his senior year at Super 32 and went back up to wrestle 160 for the season.  He looked smaller than normal down state and I think he was more suited for a 152 lber.  He still only had 2 "fairly" close matches, 8-3 & 8-0.  If he had went 152 for the year he may have been more dominating.  You never know.  

However, look back at his junior year bracket.  He had 3 pins & 2 tech falls, 15-0 & 16-0.  He beat Kyle Griffith in the semis without breaking a sweat 16-0.  Kyle was a very good wrestler.  I'm not crucifying you in any way, but Harrison is definitely a top 5 best high school wrestler in the past decade and on my list he'd be #1.  What has been accomplished after high school is a no brainer and goes to Ruschell.  But in high school Courtney was the man.  

Courtney weighed out of the last practice last year at 153, hard to dominate when you're giving up that kind of weight.  What would that be for a 160 the last day of state?  165?

164 :-D

I don't want to hijack the thread but I have to say Courtney was the ultimate teammate while at Woodford County.  Although he was almost always the best wrestler on the team, especially around his weight, he was always wrestling out of his weight class by either making a hard cut or wrestling up a weight to make room for other quality wrestlers to make the team better.  I just wanted to point out his team-first attitude to show that he could have been even more dominant had he been more selfish.

Listen i'm not saying Courtney wasn't dominate cause he was. I just remember watching Ruschell wrestle and just being "wowed". In high school wrestling esp. in Kentucky i never seen anyone so fluid and explosive and technical and smart. Kyle never seemed out of position. Same way with both Murton brothers. I just remember watching Kyle wrestle and being like he is going to be Big time one day.

Listen i'm not saying Courtney wasn't dominate cause he was. I just remember watching Ruschell wrestle and just being "wowed". In high school wrestling esp. in Kentucky i never seen anyone so fluid and explosive and technical and smart. Kyle never seemed out of position. Same way with both Murton brothers. I just remember watching Kyle wrestle and being like he is going to be Big time one day.

I think Brad Hitchings is on his way to being that way.  I have been impressed by his aggressiveness and technique.  He never seems intimidated by anyone.  Even when he was wrestling Cooper Samuels from Indiana, (has that been two years ago now...wow) he took the first shot and was the aggressor most of the match.  He just looks like he is still having fun.

I guess it depends on if you're asking who the best wrestler is as in who is more skilled or who wins the most.  Ruschell was better skilled, at least on his feet, but Courtney obviously won more.  I'd say the Murtons were more skilled as well but I think part of their edge was just straight confidence.  They came down here and knew they were going to kill everybody, like it wasn't even a possibility that they would lose; Courtney had a similar confidence his last two years.  Again I have a hard time putting the Murtons on the list as KY wrestlers when they clearly were very good before they came.

Why is there no mention of Taylor Scherer? 

I think everyone is overlooking Brad Cooper.  He was 3 points from being a 4 timer himself.  He had a couple matches that were close in points, but he was never in any threat of losing them.  He never seemed to working hard and everything seemed easy to him.

Why is there no mention of Taylor Scherer? 

I always thought he was very good but for some reason the big guys never impress me as much as the others.  Another guy to mention would be John Wolfsiefer.  If he had wrestled his senior year and possibly beat Mitch Ervin there would be no debate that he should be in the debate.  That would of been one great match.  Ill throw Scott Cooper, Mason Reid, and Bryan Peace out there as some honorable mentions.

My top 5 of the decade

Jacob Murton

Harrison Courtney

Brad Cooper

Richard Starks

Kyle Ruschell(#1 if you consider College Career)

Listen i'm not saying Courtney wasn't dominate cause he was. I just remember watching Ruschell wrestle and just being "wowed". In high school wrestling esp. in Kentucky i never seen anyone so fluid and explosive and technical and smart. Kyle never seemed out of position. Same way with both Murton brothers. I just remember watching Kyle wrestle and being like he is going to be Big time one day.

I completely agree, Rushell & Brad Cooper are the 2 wrestlers I remember watching and being "wowed" by.  I also have to admit that John Fahy too.  I remember seeing him as like a 6th grader wrestle and learning stuff from him. 

Old140, I would have the same exact list...might change the order, but those are the top 5 i've seen.

I always thought he was very good but for some reason the big guys never impress me as much as the others.  Another guy to mention would be John Wolfsiefer.  If he had wrestled his senior year and possibly beat Mitch Ervin there would be no debate that he should be in the debate.  That would of been one great match.  Ill throw Scott Cooper, Mason Reid, and Bryan Peace out there as some honorable mentions.

My top 5 of the decade

Jacob Murton

Harrison Courtney

Brad Cooper

Richard Starks

Kyle Ruschell(#1 if you consider College Career)

All valid points and I'm glad that someone pointed out Scherer and Wolfsiefer.  Scherer was a beast who quietly and consistently got the job done and was seldom challenged, definitely deserves to be in the top ten.  There is never more than 5 or 6 kids who wrestle 215 that have any talent or superior skill: thus, making it easy to overlook Taylor because of the depth of the 215 weight class.  Wolfsiefer has to on the list despite the disapointing finish of his career. John had amazing skill and aggressiveness but seemed to lack focus.  Truth be told, I always held out hope that Wolfsiefer would get back into wrestling and make a name for himself at the next level. John was always my favorite wrestler to watch, he went straight at people often throwing caution to the wind.

Knable

sorry but i have a question, what happened to wolsefier? msg me or sumthin about it

plz :?

All valid points and I'm glad that someone pointed out Scherer and Wolfsiefer.  Scherer was a beast who quietly and consistently got the job done and was seldom challenged, definitely deserves to be in the top ten.  There is never more than 5 or 6 kids who wrestle 215 that have any talent or superior skill: thus, making it easy to overlook Taylor because of the depth of the 215 weight class.  Wolfsiefer has to on the list despite the disapointing finish of his career. John had amazing skill and aggressiveness but seemed to lack focus.  Truth be told, I always held out hope that Wolfsiefer would get back into wrestling and make a name for himself at the next level. John was always my favorite wrestler to watch, he went straight at people often throwing caution to the wind.

People don't seem to understand how good John Wolsiefer was. I've wrestled Courtney. I've wrestled Mitch. I've wrestled Johnny. Though he may have lacked focus, he was the baddest cat on the block. Period. Regardless of having a couple of matches that were kind of close, those kids he wrestled that were close matches were nowhere near him. He would hands down win over anyone he was put against. Instincts, skill, aggression, everything. Johnny was the best. If anyone doesn't put him on the list, they're crazy.

I'm sorry and I apologize to anyone who may disagree.

However.  You cannot put someone on this list that couldn't even get it together to finish his career.  Wrestling is a mental challenge that many cannot handle.  If you cannot get it together mentally you cannot be considered one of the greatest. 

This is the opinion of GOO

Take it or leave it.

I alway thought Richard Starks was a sure win during his matches. He is having great college career too! He led his team to how many state titles while winning a few himself.

I also really enjoyed watching Derek Scott, SO. I think he was 2 or 3 time champ.

I saw him wrestle a lot, very aggressive, no stopping, very tenacious.

Yeah, I thought long and hard about Wolsiefer.  He was definitely a family favorite.  My wife's favorite to watch.  She always referred to him as the machine the way he dismantled to many kids.  I loved his tenacity.  There were times where I expected him to rip a kid's arm off and beat him with it.  I remember being amazed at his ability well before high school and telling his dad that he was going to be a beast at the high school level.  But I also hear what GOO is saying.  So I left him off.

Yeah, I thought long and hard about Wolsiefer.  He was definitely a family favorite.  My wife's favorite to watch.  She always referred to him as the machine the way he dismantled to many kids.  I loved his tenacity.  There were times where I expected him to rip a kid's arm off and beat him with it.  I remember being amazed at his ability well before high school and telling his dad that he was going to be a beast at the high school level.  But I also hear what GOO is saying.  So I left him off.

We're talkin' "best wrestler". Don't give me the mental or dedication aspect of the sport bull crap. I don't care if he lost focus. Wrestling wise, he was the best. His head was elsewhere, but that doesn't change the fact that he was unstoppable.

We're talkin' "best wrestler". Don't give me the mental or dedication aspect of the sport bull crap. I don't care if he lost focus. Wrestling wise, he was the best. His head was elsewhere, but that doesn't change the fact that he was unstoppable.

I think I will have to agree with Danger and put the great John Wolsiefer at the top of my list. There where lots of times when John was wrestling a inferior opponent that I had 911 punched into my phone with my thumb on top of the send button.  I could see fear in the faces of many kids he wrestled and I didn't blame them.  Perhaps John's bright flame burned him out a little to soon, but when he was at the top of his game no one has been better.

But a wrestler is more than just a physical being that is represented on the mat. A wrestler is ia the whole package. If you don't have it mentally then you will never get very far in what you ae doing. In John's case it happen to be wrestling. He might be very successful otherwise, I don't really know, but as far as wrestling I can't say that he was. He didn't finish what he started and that means more to me then a lot of things. I would have to agree with GOO, as well.

OK Danger without the mental stuff.

Brad Cooper is still better.

whats all this stuff about john not finishing what he started? did he quit in the middle of the season? im pretty sure he didnt. he wont state, and then he moved on with other things of interest. maybe in his mind being a multiple state champion was just as important as being a single state champion. regardless, he finished his season, maybe not his career, but how many people start something their freshman or sophmore years and just do it for a year? are you going to down them for finishing the season, but not their highschool career in it? i know i wouldnt. at least they tried it, and john happened to be very good at it.

I'm not putting him down I'm just saying he doesn't belong as the top wrester in KY because he did not finish his high school career.

We will never know.  He may have come back his Seinior year and not even placed at state.  This may have happened because he was not focused.  If this would have happened no one would have considered him the greatest. 

Example:  Coty Lewis (Woodford Co.)  2X runner up then 1X champ.  Senior year lost focus and did not place at state.  Not considered one of the greatest wreslters in KY. 

I'm not putting him down I'm just saying he doesn't belong as the top wrester in KY because he did not finish his high school career.

We will never know.  He may have come back his Seinior year and not even placed at state.  This may have happened because he was not focused.  If this would have happened no one would have considered him the greatest.  

Example:  Coty Lewis (Woodford Co.)  2X runner up then 1X champ.  Senior year lost focus and did not place at state.  Not considered one of the greatest wreslters in KY.  

As a 8th, 9th and 10th grader.  I agree with GOO, Wolsifier's skills may have been very good but he cannot be considered one of the best because he did not compete his senior year.  If he had been injured or something like that then it would help but it still counts against him either way.

Lets set the record straight, not because of this post about whos the best, but because so many people on here dont know what happened to John Wolsiefer.

He started his senior year and blew out his ankle during the championship match of the King of the Bluegrass tournament, (early Dec). He finished the match with a win and the MOW for the tournament, his record was 14-0. Unfortunately he had to sit out a few weeks and when ready to get back on the mat during practice he blew out his ankle again.

He missed his grades at the semester turn and was ineligible, that was the end of his high school career. A sad end to a great high school career. There's noone to blame and no excuses. Since he couldnt finish his season he fell out of the wrestling mode and never went back. I more than anyone wish he would have found his way back to the mat but it hasnt worked out that way.

Who is the best in the past decade is an argument that will never be resolved, I'm just proud that Kentucky wrestling has improved to the point we have so many great wrestlers to argue about being the best.

Lets set the record straight, not because of this post about whos the best, but because so many people on here dont know what happened to John Wolsiefer.

He started his senior year and blew out his ankle during the championship match of the King of the Bluegrass tournament, (early Dec). He finished the match with a win and the MOW for the tournament, his record was 14-0. Unfortunately he had to sit out a few weeks and when ready to get back on the mat during practice he blew out his ankle again.

He missed his grades at the semester turn and was ineligible, that was the end of his high school career. A sad end to a great high school career. There's noone to blame and no excuses. Since he couldnt finish his season he fell out of the wrestling mode and never went back. I more than anyone wish he would have found his way back to the mat but it hasnt worked out that way.

Who is the best in the past decade is an argument that will never be resolved, I'm just proud that Kentucky wrestling has improved to the point we have so many great wrestlers to argue about being the best.

That should end that.

i think mitxh ervin and pat banks shuld also be on this list

Thank you Eville for explaining what happened. And you're right. I'm glad we have so many worthy competitors as well.

i think mitxh ervin and pat banks shuld also be on this list

Mitch Ervin was very good, a shame he couldn't compete in college.  I would say he is borderline to be on the list, he only won it twice.  Pat Banks definitely not though.  Although he was a tough wrestler he never won a title, I would think that would be a prerequisite to even be considered.

Funny how we have to think about putting a 2 timer on the list over the last decade. 

Not trying to stir things up but wouldn't you have to blame yourself if your grades were not good enough at the end of the semester?From what I read, (correct me if I am wrong)  he could of possibly came back from the injury if he would of done some school work?  If this is true it is a sad way to end your career, but really only your own fault. 

I agree, the fact that it wasn't solely an injury definitely diminishes his status when compared to the past decade.  If it had been only an injury I might consider him but when you're considering the best wrestler from the past decade I think you have to consider the whole package, not just how he performed his junior year athletically, which I will admit was at a high level.

My opinion Jonny is near the top on the list.I watched the kid for many years and no way his name shouldnt be on the list.

Not trying to stir things up but wouldn't you have to blame yourself if your grades were not good enough at the end of the semester?From what I read, (correct me if I am wrong)  he could of possibly came back from the injury if he would of done some school work?  If this is true it is a sad way to end your career, but really only your own fault. 

I think that's what eville dad more or less said when he said:

"There's noone to blame and no excuses."

What did Wolsifier place as a freshman?  I'm too lazy to look it up.  :-D

What did Wolsifier place as a freshman?  I'm too lazy to look it up.  :-D

4th

im gonna have to go with knable he was a great wrestler as well as an ambassador while at iu

im confused why isnt travis sulivan on the list :?

im confused why isnt travis sulivan on the list :?

I agree, how could we not mention Travis Sullivan. Isn't Travis one the the winiest wrestlers in the history of our sport? I wasn't that familiar with Travis because of geography, the only time I ever got to see him wrestle was at State.  Thanks for reminding us of one of the greatest wrestlers to ever take the mat in our State, not just in the last decade, but for all time.

I agree, how could we not mention Travis Sullivan. Isn't Travis one the the winiest wrestlers in the history of our sport? I wasn't that familiar with Travis because of geography, the only time I ever got to see him wrestle was at State.  Thanks for reminding us of one of the greatest wrestlers to ever take the mat in our State, not just in the last decade, but for all time.

Sullivan is top on the win list nationally, correct?

He was a fantastic wrestler, but I think many on here will down him for wrestling at the light weights.  I won't.  You wrestle where you are at, and as I recall, his only loss was to Spencer his senior yr in the state finals, in an excellent match.  After losing, he handled himself like a man, and taught a valuable lesson to every wrestler in this state on how to conduct themselves on the mat.

I would never take anything away from Sullivan.  However I am thinking pound for pound.  When I think this way I can't put him at the top. 

He accomplished a great feat and almost accomplished an amazing feat.  However his wrestling in my opinion lacked something.

I would never take anything away from Sullivan.  However I am thinking pound for pound.  When I think this way I can't put him at the top.  

He accomplished a great feat and almost accomplished an amazing feat.  However his wrestling in my opinion lacked something.

Ok, pound for pound... sure I can see looking to the middle/ mid upper weights 140-171 for the best, but what did Sullivan lack?

The kid was class on and off the mat.  I remember sitting at a tourney and watching bout every Wayne kid get a medal for something, but one little 8th grader.  I was sitting next to Danny Upchruch and he pointed out Sullivan and said watch this.  Lo and behold, the kid walks over the 8th grader and takes his medal off and puts it around the boys neck, smacks the boy on the shoulder and walks off.  You can't coach that.  

On the mat, the kid could throw a bull to it's back.  I remember at state duals one year me and my assistants made a joke that we hoped he didn't knock out our 112 pounder.  Lo and behold, 6 seconds into the match he hipped tossed him and KOed my kid.  No exaggeration.  6 second.  unconscious.  My 112 wasn't a fish either, wasn't great, but was a 50-50 wrestler at the time.

I'm not entirely sure what he was lacking, I for one would take a kid like that in a heartbeat on my team, and assuredly on a All time KY team, probably as the Captain.

As I said I don't want to take anything away from him.  I have argued in his favor several times in the past.  However throwing a 103/112 pounder who is probably less experienced and less mature.  Does not impress me much.  He was a bully for sure on the mat (I don't mean this in a  bad way, I like a smashmouth wrestler myself), but his technique was in question.  His set ups and attack were not always fluid, he seemed to be more of an opportunistic wrestler, waiting for his opponent to make a mistake.

This is just my observation, and like most I only got to see him at the state tourney. 

i would agree that travis more than likely wasnt mentioned before because of the fact he wrestler at lower weights. that isnt because that is what he weighed either. check his off season weigh ins. he wrestled 125 or 119 i cant remember which. im not downing him for cutting weight, but once you get to 112 the competition is mostly younger less experienced wrestlers. i would have way more respect for him if when he moved up in weight, he actually wrestled there. not that i dont respect what hes done or his accomplishments already but the fact is 119 and 125 are the two hardest weight classes with the most depth year in and year out. winning that many matches there would have definitely more of a challenge and more noteworthy.

yea i would have to say sulivan was one of the best if not the best in the past decade because how such of an amazing feat it is to win all of your match's then lose your last and walk of the mat like a man

But sullivan didn't win by large margins if i recall he got somewhat lucky against DC Evans two yrs ago..... Fahy would handle sullivan in my eyes..... And Kyle Ruschell didnt have all those wins as sullivan but look at where he is now.

I would suggest however that Rushell walked through his Junior and Senior year... no one challenged him to any extent.  I recently saw a video on YouTube where a Woodford Co. kid got a take down and you would have thought he just won the match and the dual for them. 

yea i would have to say sulivan was one of the best if not the best in the past decade because how such of an amazing feat it is to win all of your match's then lose your last and walk of the mat like a man

I still refer to Brad Cooper as the in the past decade.

Sullivan may have won every high school match until his senior year finals match. 

I am not sure of Brad's high school win loss record.

I do know this though.

1.  He competed in extremely dificult tourneys in Ohio

2.  He won all but one state tourney match in his high school career.  (he lost in the finals of his freshman year)

3.  I know the 4 timers won all their matches but I think pound for pound Brad was the better wrestler.

yea i would have to say sulivan was one of the best if not the best in the past decade because how such of an amazing feat it is to win all of your match's then lose your last and walk of the mat like a man

I agree with you on that, I was very impressed with Sullivan after that.  Classy kid.  The pressure that kid probably felt his senior year must have been pretty bad.

I think the issue with Sullivan is that he never challenged himself outside the state of KY.  He never wrestled at a single high level national tournament like the Beast or Fargo, etc.  Then at Senior Nationals he went 0-2.  Even toward the end of his HS career it became obvious that he was a one dimensional wrestler.  As soon as his opponent took away his throws he had no answer.  Despite all of his wins he never got any recognition in national polls because he never beat any top national caliber opponents.  It has nothing to do with his weight class.

That is where Murton and Ruschelle have the edge.  Even over Courtney, Knable, Wolseffer, etc.  All were great but I think Murton probably did the most outside of KY.  The young talent coming up it seems has even more of an edge in this area.  Wrestlers like Fahy and Ervin don't seem to be afraid to lose a few matches at the national level.

This is a tough question because I really don't think there is a clear winner.  Unlike the decade before where the best is obvious.

Ill say this about travis, he more than once threw me on my head and made me see stars, but i keep him OFF the list because, if u followed him to summer tournys he was always wrestling 125, 130 etc. and then during season he would cut to 103, 2 times in a row then to 112 twice. why go so low if you are what was he 300 sumthin and 0? why no go 125 and show your a real beast. imo strickly.  And exactly what PD said that if you took away the kids first move, the throw, the only way you could loose is to stalling calls (shane parks vs travis sullivan 112 semifinal match) but hey like i said he made me dazzed and confused just about ever time i saw him over the summer.

Sullivan was a great wrestler no doubt but he shouldn't be on this list. He was great against Kentucky 103's and 112's but he never beat anyone at a higher level. I know that he had some success in aau freestyle stuff, but he never beat any tough competition in folk style. All of the others in the discussion have done so. Courtney placed in multiple national tournaments and is an All-American, Cooper constantly took on tougher opponents in Ohio, Murton was an Ohio state placer as a freshman and had wins over nationally ranked opponents, Ruschelle placed 3rd at senior nationals...wow, Wolsiefer also took on tough competition and has wins over state champs and placers from elsewhere. John Fayhe as a freshman is nationally ranked and has already made a name for himself on the big stage, Fayhe would major or pin sullivan if they met in highschool. Sullivan never showed that he could hang with the big boys.

I tend to agree with NOHS on this one.  I would have to agree that pound-for-pound, you would probably have to look to someone in the middle weights to find the best in the past decade.  However, I don't see why Travis shouldn't at least get mentioned in the discussion somewhere.  Having 200+ wins over the course of your career is something that shouldn't be overlooked whether the person wrestled 103, 112 or whatever weight class.  If I'm not mistaken, Wayne Co. did attend some pretty decent tournaments in Tennessee & West Virginia while Sullivan was there and I don't believe he ever lost at those so you can't say he only beat 103s & 112s from Kentucky in folkstyle.  As far as his non-wrestling attributes (i.e. character, leadership, etc.), I definitely agree with NOHS that you can't coach that.  Kids either have it or they don't, it's as simple as that.  The real test of a person's character doesn't show when times are good, it shows when someone faces adversity.  Judging by the way Travis handled himself after the state finals a few years ago, the kid has more character than a lot of adults I know.  How many times do we see kids lose at the state tournament and run off the mat pouting, stomping and in general, acting like an a$$?  And that's not when they lose in the state finals of their senior year while trying to accomplish something as amazing as becoming a 4x state champ regardless of what class it is.  Is Travis Sullivan the best KY wrestler in the past decade?  I think almost everyone would answer no.  However, he has more than earned the right to at least be mentioned in the conversation.

Who do you think?

David Liberman...  jk...  I crack me up

As I recall Ruschelle didnt walk through his junior and senior year.. He had several close matches with Ben warner.. And In the off season Bryant beat him 9-4 and at the bluegrass games Ruschelle only beat bryant 11-8.. If Bryant hadnt had an injury his junior year goin into state I would have enjoyed seeing that match only cause bryant was just unbeleivably strong for his weight...

As for Sullivan.. He had no ground game.. He only had one move.. not taking nething away from his accomplishments cause he was a good wrestler but just not even in the top 25..

The murtons were dodge by everyone.. so they never wrestled a good ky wrestler.. NO competition..

I have to give it to Courtney..

Courtney

Cooper

Ruschelle

Jake Murton

Richard Starks

Taylor Scherer

Derek Scott

Zack Brewer(most dominate heavyweight.. c'mon)

Murton

Bryant (best not to win state at least nationally...Pre-season All-american)

I beleive Ruschelle and bryant are the only ones to be able to say high-school all-american..

monkeyroll - Are you talking about the right Ruschell?  I checked his bracket his senior year, his closest match was in the finals and like 20-5, including a 21-4 tech fall over Bryant.  If Bryant beat him in the off season then Kyle Ruschell was the most improved wrestler in the history of most improved wrestlers.  I'd say Stacy Miller was a better wrestler than Bryant since he beat him his senior year 4-1 at state, wouldn't you?

As I recall Ruschelle didnt walk through his junior and senior year.. He had several close matches with Ben warner.. And In the off season Bryant beat him 9-4 and at the bluegrass games Ruschelle only beat bryant 11-8.. If Bryant hadnt had an injury his junior year goin into state I would have enjoyed seeing that match only cause bryant was just unbeleivably strong for his weight...

As for Sullivan.. He had no ground game.. He only had one move.. not taking nething away from his accomplishments cause he was a good wrestler but just not even in the top 25..

The murtons were dodge by everyone.. so they never wrestled a good ky wrestler.. NO competition..

I have to give it to Courtney..

Courtney

Cooper

Ruschelle

Jake Murton

Richard Starks

Taylor Scherer

Derek Scott

Zack Brewer(most dominate heavyweight.. c'mon)

Murton

Bryant (best not to win state at least nationally...Pre-season All-american)

I beleive Ruschelle and bryant are the only ones to be able to say high-school all-american..

I think you're talking about Rusty Parks, a former state champ from Woodford County.  Ruschell's senior year he was dominant in KY, nobody touched him.  Parks did lose to Bryant at the state games after is eyeball being scratched at the beginning of the match.  By the way the Murtons were far and away better wrestlers than 90% to ever come through KY.  To say they shey didn't wrestle any tough competition as a knock on them is rather ridiculous.

As I recall Ruschelle didnt walk through his junior and senior year.. He had several close matches with Ben warner.. And In the off season Bryant beat him 9-4 and at the bluegrass games Ruschelle only beat bryant 11-8.. If Bryant hadnt had an injury his junior year goin into state I would have enjoyed seeing that match only cause bryant was just unbeleivably strong for his weight...

As for Sullivan.. He had no ground game.. He only had one move.. not taking nething away from his accomplishments cause he was a good wrestler but just not even in the top 25..

The murtons were dodge by everyone.. so they never wrestled a good ky wrestler.. NO competition..

I have to give it to Courtney..

Courtney

Cooper

Ruschelle

Jake Murton

Richard Starks

Taylor Scherer

Derek Scott

Zack Brewer(most dominate heavyweight.. c'mon)

Murton

Bryant (best not to win state at least nationally...Pre-season All-american)

I beleive Ruschelle and bryant are the only ones to be able to say high-school all-american..

I don't think Bryant should be mentioned in the same sentence as any of those other wrestlers.  As for Brewer, he was a good heavy weight, but by no means the most dominant.  If he was the most dominant he would have won it again his senior year. Your other choices are pretty solid though.

monkeyroll - Are you talking about the right Ruschell?  I checked his bracket his senior year, his closest match was in the finals and like 20-5, including a 21-4 tech fall over Bryant.  If Bryant beat him in the off season then Kyle Ruschell was the most improved wrestler in the history of most improved wrestlers.  I'd say Stacy Miller was a better wrestler than Bryant since he beat him his senior year 4-1 at state, wouldn't you?

Like I said Ruschelle beat bryant at the bluegrass games 11-8... Bryant beat him about 6 weeks earlier.. Bryant was hurt going into state his junior year... no excuse but im just saying it would have been another good match.. Stacey is not a good wrestler.. a good staller but not a good wrestler.. Neway how could You guys say that bryant shouldnt even be in this convo.. He had over 170 wins in just 4 years of wrestling.. One of the strongest pound for pound wrestler iv ever seen.. And the big thing is that he is a high school all-american... Only Ruschelle can say that other than bryant.. so he at least has to be number 10.. who else could you but above him that I didnt..

On the Murtons.. Wish that they would have had some ky competition so we could have seen how good they were..

Where do I start?  How about the Murtons.  Look at the brackets from 2005.  Jarius won the title with Austin Cooper and John Wolseifer in there.  I put Jacob on a different level than his brother.  His sophomore year he beat Jordan Lewis, Rob Aylor, and Ben Hines in the finals.  Then as a junior he won the title over Robert Smith, Pat Banks, Mitch Ervin, and Josh Cooper.  By the time he was a senior most kids were avoiding him.  A few, like Josh Ashbrook, took on the futile challenge.

Ruschell, similar to Jacob Murton, was on another level.  Maybe Bryant was hurt, I don't know, but it may have made a difference as well if Kyle weighed more than 115 soaking wet that season.  Maybe they had some close matches, but I never saw it.  And whenever Ruschell stepped on the mat those last 2 seasons in KY he was handing out a butt whooping.

Bryant was a good wrestler, but not in the same class as these guys.  And that's not putting him down, neither was I.  I don't keep up with all of the all american stuff, so I can't speak to that.  But I do know that other kids have brought home that distinction.  Maybe from a different organization.  That is so much a function of attendance.  Both our kids going, which didn't happen often in the past, and others showing.

Like I said Ruschelle beat bryant at the bluegrass games 11-8... Bryant beat him about 6 weeks earlier.. Bryant was hurt going into state his junior year... no excuse but im just saying it would have been another good match.. Stacey is not a good wrestler.. a good staller but not a good wrestler.. Neway how could You guys say that bryant shouldnt even be in this convo.. He had over 170 wins in just 4 years of wrestling.. One of the strongest pound for pound wrestler iv ever seen.. And the big thing is that he is a high school all-american... Only Ruschelle can say that other than bryant.. so he at least has to be number 10.. who else could you but above him that I didnt..

On the Murtons.. Wish that they would have had some ky competition so we could have seen how good they were..

Bryant never won a state championship. State Runner-up, 5th place, and 3rd place (by DQ) does not constitute being a top 10 wrestler of the decade.  And on the Murtons.... Jacob placed at the Beast of the East, beating Senior National Champion Jordan Burroughs in the process.  I think that says enough.

Like I said Ruschelle beat bryant at the bluegrass games 11-8... Bryant beat him about 6 weeks earlier.. Bryant was hurt going into state his junior year... no excuse but im just saying it would have been another good match.. Stacey is not a good wrestler.. a good staller but not a good wrestler.. Neway how could You guys say that bryant shouldnt even be in this convo.. He had over 170 wins in just 4 years of wrestling.. One of the strongest pound for pound wrestler iv ever seen.. And the big thing is that he is a high school all-american... Only Ruschelle can say that other than bryant.. so he at least has to be number 10.. who else could you but above him that I didnt..

On the Murtons.. Wish that they would have had some ky competition so we could have seen how good they were..

What do you mean by high school all-american?  That he placed at a tournament or was selected as an AA by a magazine or something?

I finished 7th at Pre-season nationals.. out of 128 kids in my weight.. To qualify you had to be a state placer.. I dont know if I deserve to be in this convo either but just wanted to answer your question..

monkeyroll, the preseason nationals does not draw the top caliber of competition that the post season nationals does.  As far as Stacy Miller goes, i remember that match specifically.  I didn't see any stalling, he pushed the tempo of the match and was very physical.  He was a tough wrestler.  I'm not trying to take anything away from Bryant, I just wouldn't agree with you that he is the best wrestler to not win state.  And even if he was, I'd put a lot of guys who were state champs on the list ahead of him.  Peace, Reid, Mitch Ervin, Wolsiefer, Sullivan, and more. 

Monkeyroll,

Have you lost your mind? What national tournament did Bryant place in?  I can assure you it was not a National Tournament, in terms of separating the elite.  Summer wrestling doesn't count, Ruschell was probably hungover and wrestled up 2 weights.

Nothing personal, but he is not even in the same league and Bryant would be lucky to be considered in the [b]top 500. 170 wins against who? I have wrestled with and cornered him at a major tournament.  Like the kid, but seriously not close here.

10 years-140 state champions, plus another 98 multiple placers for 10 years, that's 980, so now you have over 1,000 wrestlers to pick from and to put him in the top 10. I could start a list, but not enough paper here.

I can't believe I am even commenting on this. 

Monkeyroll,

Have you lost your mind? What national tournament did Bryant place in?  I can assure you it was not a National Tournament, in terms of separating the elite.  Summer wrestling doesn't count, Ruschell was probably hungover and wrestled up 2 weights.

Nothing personal, but he is not even in the same league and Bryant would be lucky to be considered in the [b]top 500. 170 wins against who? I have wrestled with and cornered him at a major tournament.  Like the kid, but seriously not close here.

10 years-140 state champions, plus another 98 multiple placers for 10 years, that's 980, so now you have over 1,000 wrestlers to pick from and to put him in the top 10. I could start a list, but not enough paper here.

I can't believe I am even commenting on this. 

Not trying to be rude but he has hit the nail on the head.