wrestling loses to Lehigh, 21-9
Michigan kicked off its dual meet schedule today, losing 21-9 to Lehigh. Honestly, that's not bad, Lehigh is a little underrated this year, at least in dual meet formats, because they are strong from top to bottom. Aaron Hynes and Zac Stevens each upset ranked wrestler, which is a very good sign, and noone gave up more than a decision. Not a bad performance all around for Michigan in a down year. Plus, the third Zeerip brother committed to wrestle at Michigan recently.
November 22nd, 2009 at 10:21 PM ^
But aren't there only 3000 students at Lehigh? Are they a traditional wrestling power?
November 22nd, 2009 at 10:28 PM ^
They are pretty much always ranked and have a few studs. Having a good team has nothing to do with size of school in wrestling. It's about getting guys to commit even though they don't get a scholarship. Wrestling only has 9 for approx. 30 teammates. Starters get most of them. Others just wrestle because they love it or the school. Parents really support their kids in wrestling and help make their dreams come true by sending their sons to excellent wrestling programs out of state. Paying out of state tuition is not fun. Props to all parents that do or at least help out!
November 23rd, 2009 at 10:52 AM ^
wrestling actually gets 9.9 scholarships. you're right, when you start 10 guys you basically are filling a roster with about 15/16 guys who get some help and the other 15-12 are there b/c they love the sport. it is going to be a down year for the wrestling team but next year they will be top 3 in the big 10. this year i'm looking more at how each guy gets better. zac seems to be ready to be a legit starter (interesting to see if he or eric g. goes 141 next year), but zeerip looks bad. i hope it is just him getting used to the new weight class. the guy i was most impressed with was smith at 184. david craig was the #1 recruit 4 years ago and smith hung with him.
November 23rd, 2009 at 12:15 AM ^
I'd go to Lehigh just for the campus. That place is GORGEOUS.
November 22nd, 2009 at 10:23 PM ^
Extremely disappointed in the match. Was I expecting a win? No. I know they are redshirting probably 5 guys who will start next year. But I was baffled at how no one could get off the bottom. And everyone looked so tired and out of shape. They've been practicing for a while, they should be able to go 7 minutes.
Most disappointing was Justin Zeerip. He moved up a weight class and was supposed to be one of the leaders on the team. I thought he looked really, really bad.
You know why Coby Boyd is not on the team any more? He was a top recruit last year.
November 22nd, 2009 at 11:17 PM ^
I don't wanna say they gassed until I see it, and I can't get info on Zeerips opponent on my phone.
Boyd though, was always a little more talent than work. I've heard from more than one person that he was a bit of a problem child, and have heard his conditioning cost him the state title his senior year. Its a shame some kids skate by on talent alone until college then can't cut it, but it happens. I'm not 100% sure that cost him a spot, but with everything I've heard about him it seems likely that was the case.
November 22nd, 2009 at 10:34 PM ^
Who's the coach?
Fire him.
November 22nd, 2009 at 10:39 PM ^
Cool little blog from Anthony Biondo (197), who went to my high school. We'll see if he actually keeps it up. So far he seems dedicated.
http://biondosblog.wordpress.com
November 22nd, 2009 at 11:21 PM ^
He put on a lot of weight in college, went from like 145 as a high school senior up to 197. He certainly has the frame for it though.