G.M.A.C. REVIEW

As it is every year, what an amazing tournament.

Here are some impressions.

I was not there Friday but I’m told by a good source that Nates put quite a schoolin on Gulesian. Damn out of nowhere and BAM! I did say there would be a surprise entry at 130 but I did not put 2 and 2 together until everyone else knew, my source would not tell me a name and I was brain farting, I should have figured it out.

I guess Columbus is not the Powerful team their supporters would have you believe they are.

Earl Hall… OMG!!! What a warrior. I bet he does not weigh over 100 pounds, but I would be that 80 of those pounds are heart. I’m sorry I missed his match against Harris, I’m told it is the closest he came to losing. The Noffo match should not have been as close as it was, the ref allowed him to play rabbit, and should have stalled him out and the quick set of backs would never have come into play. Villanueva might be cutting way too much weight to go 6 min with Hall, but if he can increase his stamina he should have the upper hand, he did look quite dominant in the early part of the match.

E. Chandler… Any doubt left that he will be the first 4 timer from Dade? Wilson took it to him, and I found myself rooting for him internally, but Wilson’s grit and desire are just not enough to overcome Chandler’s superior ability.

G. Chandler… Proved me wrong. Looking almost as good as his brother, and could repeat at Lakeland. I expected more from Williams, but maybe it’s not the Williams fell short but rather that Chandler stepped up. Nodar and Lubin are not even close, and if they are not carefull one or both could lose a trip to Lakeland

Williams… What else can you say about the Rat? What an impressive athlete, anyone who thought Morales would give him a match is out of their mind. Rio has improved considerably, but anytime the rat is in his way 2nd is the best he can do.

Nates… OUCH! This stud came out of nowhere, and looks like he hasn’t missed a beat; in fact he looks more relaxed and confident. I did notice one thing and I’m not sure how I feel about it but there was a close call against Metellus that caused Osorio (me) to spring into action, questioning the officials that were in their chairs watching the match. It turns out he was intently watching the proceeding and gesturing as if Nates was still in his stable even though he no longer runs a stable. Anyway, Metellus found out quickly the G.M.A.C. is quite a different animal than he is used to at 1A, not to say that he can’t compete here, he certainly can, and were is not for Nates he would have won but I think he has to go back to the drawing board and come back with a new plan, luckily for him he has the perfect coach for that task.

Baez… Anything I say here would be redundant, they kid dominates like no other, everyone else is fighting for 2nd place.

Montero… I keep seeing flashes of greatness from him, but it’s illusive to capture, he seems to have more in the tank but either holds back or is not aware that he has more. It will be interesting to see where he weighs in at Districts since he is now up a weight class.

Sanders… Every time someone refers to him the next word out is Freak. I agree, his unorthodoxy, flexibility, and unparalleled poise make him the most interesting wrestler to watch. He is better with his counters than almost anyone I’ve ever seen, and when you think he is in danger, it’s almost like to him that was his setup. Watson was lucky to finish 2nd, if him and Sanders are paired together in the region semis, he will have a serious battle just to qualify.

Montalvo… Another one that proved me wrong. I guess I have to be a believer now. No offense to Montalvo, but 152 locally is kind of weak, that is no reflection on him however, he took care of business. Look for others to migrate to 152, fleeing Sanders and Passmore would not be the worst thing they could do.

Passmore… Typical Southridge athlete, well schooled by Johnson, but another weak class locally. What’s with Encarnacion? It seems like after last years G.M.A.C. it’s been a downhill run. He looks like he’s cutting a lot to make 160 which I don’t get since I think his athletic lankiness would serve him better at 171 where he would be stronger.

Perez… Brutally strong, and finally in shape make Tommy dangerous here, though 171 is kind of weak as well. I was a little surprised to see Castro beat Lilly twice, but I think Lilly was not 100%. I expected more from Davis, but he looks a little spent.

Plain… OH! My. No competition, though the Varela kid made it interesting early. Plain is pure athlete, lightning fast and Ox Strong, but I did see chink in his armor that is all about wrestling and nothing else. The South Miami kid used an interesting tactic, keep plain close and tied up, cut off his room to maneuver and his wrestling is a bit exposed. Varela started to do the same thing and had early success even scoring some points, but when he abandoned the tactic Plain opened up that can on him and made him look silly. Abadine has not shot against Plain, and I believe even Varela will beat him again. He was better off at 215, though the team might suffer.

Wiggins… Master at this class, no other is as seasoned as him, I expected more from Columbus who looked Physically impressive. Miami High had an interesting participant, and he should not be taken lightly. The South Miami kid had flashes but looks lost more often than not. The American kid proved he is disciplined enough to beat the bigger opponents until he got to Wiggins, he will need to repeat his performance and hope that the other do not progress any further.

Chinchilla… Frankly I expected a more dominant performance from him, but he is still G.M.A.C. champ. The American kid managed to make things interesting, as Spideysorio proves once again he can coach the big guys. The Specimen from Hialeah can upset anyones plans, but he will have to find more wind and make less mistakes. If he can finish a match he can have his say.