Weekend update

American was impressive, their kids were very businesslike, and they showed both maturity and desire in regards to their performance. It’s evident that whatever Osorio did in his time sine he arrived there has worked. I did see many new faces, and a new team demographic which I think is in large part the reason why many of the recruiting allegations are being thrown around. I don’t have any evidence by which to accuse American further so for now I will just abide by my impressions that Osorio has in very little time built a legitimate contender again, at a school which much as his previous destination has never been known as a wrestling power, it will be interesting to see if they can sustain it. One wrestler that I know belongs at American is Perez, the younger brother of Tommy Perez is just a Freshman but was every bit as impressive as Nates was when he came on the scene if not more. This kid is going to make noise this year, and could be Osorio’s next multi champ.

Miami High was impressive in spots, their 103 is a little stud, forget that he was dominated by Hall, he did not follow the game plan, and next time they meet it could be different. He is muscular, but Hall showed him that proper counter technique will quell strength on many occasions. If properly instructed and if he follows the prescription, he could get the better of Hall in the future. Their middles weights are solid, but not yet at the elite level, though some showed greater promise than anticipated. Miami High continues to improve year in and year out, and could soon join the ranks of the elite.

Homestead did not live up to the billing, and the reasons why raise more intrigue than their lackluster performance. Watson got pinned by Miami High guy on a simple half, but was clearly at that point exhausted. He looked out of shape and it cost him badly. He didn't return to wrestle on Saturday, a wise choice on his part or his coach’s lest he show further kinks in his armor. The Homestead team forfeited 171 and 189 to everyone, likely a by product of their football team still being alive in the State Football playoffs. Earl Hall looked way impressive in that he seems to dominate though many times smaller than his opposition, still, I expected to see a more fluid and resolute Hall, I don’t know if it’s because he is physically overmatched, but at times he appeared one dimensional, and his best scoring came from countering his opposition rather than from being proactive on the attack. I have heard rumblings that Homesteads training regiment may in the long run be their undoing despite their abundance of talent; we shall have to keep and eye out to see, I hope it is just opening of the season rust and not a more ominous sign.

Sunset looked tough though young, they introduced a wrestler I was not expecting to see, one of Nestor Varona’s own which I would have bet was going to land at Columbus, or South Dade, or possibly even Varela, but not Sunset. Coach Rivera had his young men prepared and in shape though a little wide eyed and nervous. The future looks bright at Sunset. Chinchilla looked a little rusty, and went in overconfident against South Miami’s kid and paid the price by being taken to his back. He overcame that obstacle and decided the event with a pin over an inexperienced wrestler.

Varela had some strength in the lightweights and they appear to have some experience and toughness. They have the ability to launch anyone in a throw if they are not careful, and they are a tenacious bunch.

Killian was unimpressive, except for the drubbing of South Miami they did not win many matches. I fear there coach for all he tries has limited experience and seems to be one of the many coaches in Dade County which will take the position of head wrestling coach as a favor to the school and because and extra supplement means a little extra cash in your pocket. At least Killian had nice numbers, fielding an entire compliment of wrestlers which is more than can be said of other teams.

South Miami looked Pathetic, good thing I read Pardo’s reply before posting this because I was roasting them as clearly the worst team, not just at the Dodd duals, but in Miami. After reading his comments I decided to be less harsh because he said that 9 of his wrestlers wrestled their first match that weekend. There are a couple of tough young kids that I remember from last year that were not present, one with a mole on his face and another in the middle weights. I was impressed by his Heavyweight, he is quite an interesting prospect, especially since as Moonie mentioned, South Miami has been very successful with the heavies.