It's Almost Here.

That time of year when we get our first taste of Playoff wrestling.

Well I know the word playoff wrestling does not exactly fit, but for me and my love for wrestling that is exactly the atmosphere that I can equate it too, so I will call it playoff wrestling because I feel like it, and as always, I will say what I want to say.

So what do you have to say?


Champs?

Teams?

Coaches?

Officials?



Bring it!

19-9 Discussion

In my 10 years doing this I have never shied away from conversation, confrontation, criticism, discussion, or any other means of verbal sparring. I have also never shied away from admitting being wrong when I have been wrong just as I delight when I am right.

I did not make further mention of the Poll because there appeared to be more pressing and interesting topics upon my return from hiatus, however, there is at least one person that would like to discuss the ethicality of holding or retaining your child back for athletic purposes.

The Poll was pretty clear cut; most voters clearly felt that Holding you child back for athletic purposes is not Ethical and should not be a allowed.

There were 81 participants in this poll, and a Majority 44% of voters felt that holding your kid back for athletic purposes is cheating.

38% feel it’s unethical and should be illegal.

37% feel the FHSAA should revise the rule of 19-9.

37% felt that parents are hurting the kids with this practice.

The much smaller minority was not opposed to the practice of holding kids back and instead found it favorable, and at times necessary.

I erroneously believed that the people who read this poll could separate their personal bias and emotions and respond based on logical progression not to mention existing legislation that governs what actually takes place. This is not to say that I do not understand that many people who voted do not like the rules, but not liking the rule does not equate to cheating when no rule has been broken.

My comments are simple, the rules are there for a reason, not to use the rules to ones advantage is less than diligent, especially if dismissing the rule is putting your child at a competitive disadvantage.

The evidence that holding a child back has far more positive effects than not holding him back is clear and present and simple to find. Eric Grajales is of course the poster child for the success of a child being held back for competitive advantage. However, I would like to know who are the kids out there that are hurt by staying longer when clearly kids that are held back are more mentally mature (not just in wrestling but with their studies), more physically developed (which can not be argued), more adaptable to the stresses of high level competition, and more ready to compete in an elite class.

I understand that this is a personal choice, if your child is hurt by this rule such is the nature of the beast. Kids nowadays have an expression, “don’t hate the player, hate the game” I don’t think the person who came up with that statement recognized the reasoning behind what it is they were saying, nevertheless it is accurate as it applies to the FHSAA and athletics. There are many FHSAA policies that we don’t like but must nonetheless adhere to, so when you find one that can help you, it would be silly not to use it to it’s fullest.

These are just my opinions, and I would certainly be happy to entertain and discuss any and all points of view. Never again say that Spidey ran from a conversation, it is simply not accurate.

The Patriots Invade And Stop The Crusade

The Match started in the perfect spot at 112.

112 – Harris completely dominated Noffo 7-0, like I said in my preview, Noffo would do well not to get pinned so from that point of view, he did his job.

119 – Guervich actually battled enough to make it interesting I expected more from Ore but Gurevich was pumped by the atmosphere and had a good showing.

125 – Borges wins decision over Cortez in a match that was pivotal. To tell the truth both wrestlers seemed sluggish and this match was blasé.

130 – I was way wrong on this one, I thought Perez would give Gulesian a run and maybe even beat him, but Gulesian was dominant and Perez looked like the Sophomore he is. Props to Gulesian.

135 – Rio pins as he was supposed to, and is looking more like big Brother Mike than he ever has before, I can’t wait to see him in the G.M.A.C.

140 – Nodar gets Columbus a Major and looks good but I would have preferred to see him against Santibanez.

145 – Santibanez toyed with Hidalgo and earned American a much needed Major decision at this point. He looks good in his return and I anticipate he will be down to 140 by G.M.A.C.

152 – Decision for American, neither wrestler is very memorable, but that seems to be the theme for 152 this year.

160 – Pena moved up in a nice strategic move by Columbus and looked tough but could not get the pin needed by Columbus to stay in the match with Columbus’s week spots coming up.

171 – Abeledo dominates and gets a big 5 with a tech to bring back the Patriots.

189 – Castillo earns a big Pin for American as expected and here come the Patriots.

215 – Columbus forfeits and word in the Gym is that Abadine calls it quits so don’t expect to see him again with a Cross on his back though he may hence carry one on his shoulder.

HWT – Chirino dominated the entire match despite the score, he was never in any jeopardy of losing this match. The official for some reason refused to call stalling but I got the impression if someone rolled a basketball across the mat he would have called traveling on Wethy. Wethy did have one thing that worked really well, his reverse gear.

103 - American Forfeits! Nice ploy by me to get them to think I was going to pull a rabbit out of my hat. Problem is my rabbit is too fat.

Predictions for American VS Columbus

My Spidey Sense tells me

American 33

Columbus 27

What's in your crystal ball

103 Mark Gulesian vs ?? Has Leo Miller made 103? I little birdie told me he was trying.

112 Matt Noffo vs Armanni Harris. Armanni has won the last 2 matches and beat McPhearson handily.

119 Kevin Gurevich vs Julian Ore. Ore beat Mauricio, I think Ore is the easy favorite.

125 Lazaro Borges vs Justin Cortez. Borges probably a slight favorite, but it should be close, and Close is all American needs in these weight classes.

130 George Gulesian vs Christian Perez – OH OH!!!

.135 Jake Rio vs Camilo Hernandez. Rio is favored, but Santibanez might make the drop though more than likely if he is back he will be up a weight class.

140 Louis Nodar vs ?? could be Santibanez, and if it is Nodar needs to be pure, it will all depend on how much Santibanez has recovered. A normal Santibanez will best Nodar.

145 Nick Martin-Hidalgo vs Nick Romero - Whatever

152 Allen Pena vs Carlos Palacios – Pena needs a pin he won’t get

160 Delacaggias vs Jeremy Troncoso – The Tide turns here

171 was a forfeit last weekend vs Marcos Abeldo –Whatever

189 Fleitas vs David Castillo. If Abadin is in the line-up Castillo could bump up for a good match but I hear from Phucker that Abadine is out. big points!

215 Mike Abadin vs Luis Pimental. Is Mike wrestling he didn't wrestle in the Springstead tournament did he Phucker? Big Points!

285 Alex Wethy vs Henry Chrino. BIG POINTS!

It will be hard for Columbus to win all 9 matches from 103 - 152. I see them being favored in 2 of them. But American could possibly win all 5 from 160 - 285. If they get forfeit or pins that could be bad. American can win 4 of those light weight matches, which would be bad for Columbus.

On paper Columbus apparently has the favored wrestler in 8 matches and American has the favored wrestler in 6 matches. But this is not Fantasy wrestling it is for real and it will not happen on paper, but rather on the mat.

In any case, Bonus Points puts American over the top, time to chug some Motor Oil.

Updated Rankings

Please submit your votes for teams and individual so I may update the rankings.

Please remember that only registered voters with a screen name will have their ballots counted, I will not accept anonymous votes.

If we can get a good sampling by days end I will have the update ready for tomorrow.

If you don't want to get a Google ID but still want to participate, send me your ballot to spiderman_fkn_wrestling@yahoo.com

Bucs Win But it Was No Slaughter

103 – Hall (SD) ff 6-0 6-0

112 - Harris (AM) pins Mcpherson by cradle in the second period 6-6

119 - Ore (AM) beats Villanueva in a decision 6-9

125 - Montero (SD) beats Cortez by a major 10-9

130 - Perez (AM) beats Rojas in a decision 10-12

135 – (SD) ff 16-12

140 - Metellus(SD) wins by major 20-12

145 - Sanders(SD) wins by tech 25-12

152 - Eddie(SD) wins by pin 31-12

160 - Montalvo (SD) wins by major 35-12

171 - Abeledo (AM) wins by inj. def. 35-18

189 - Castillo (AM) wins by decision 35-21

215 - Wiggins (SD) wins by decision in overtime 38-21

285 - Chirino (AM) wins by pin 38-27

Despite two forfeits American manages to keep it close, a testament to Osorio, his kids and their preparation. It is now more evident than ever that South Dade's off season acquisitions managed to keep the Patriots at bay for yet another year.


SD

I was impressed with Montero for South Dade; he has gotten bigger and stronger and has added some SD magic to his game. He looks to be a force at 125 and could present a problem for someone who thought their ticket to Lakeland was stamped.

Villanueva looks too small for 119, and I would not be surprised to see him make the cut to 112 soon but then what happens to McPhearson.

Metellus and Sanders were their usual impressive selves, both were trying to get SD pins but American was in pure survival mode in these two matches and in both managed to give up fewer points that South Dade was inclined to acquire.

Eddie was not impressive to start, but a burst of athleticism earned him a pin that helped to seal Americans defeat.

Montalvo impressed as well with a vice grip, head pressure, and a series of Near Fall scoring maneuvers that outclassed his opponent for a major decision.

Wiggins was underwhelming at best, maybe I expected more form him but he could easily have lost to a virtual unknown.


AMR

Harris was Very impressive, huge for a twelve pounder and my early favorite to Steal the 112 division, he dominated McPhearson and overpowered his much smaller rival.

Ore was impressive as well as he managed to defeat a more seasoned and more accomplished wrestler, but I feel that Villanueva is better suited for a lower weight class, the problem is where does that put McPhearson who is already small at 112, quite the dilemma for Balmeceda I think

Perez was impressive as well, as much a bruiser as his brother was, but also showed some skill and endurance his brother never had, he will be a force at 130.

Abeledo and King had a violent head collision; it was hard to tell who got the worst of it because King was not allowed to continue due to what might be concussion as the trainer repeatedly checked his eyes with a flashlight before calling the match. Abeledo was having his head examined by the trainers as if he possibly needed stitches. Abeledo seemed the stronger of the two and was well in control and ahead of King when the collision ended the match.

Castillo does not look like much but was able to handle the seemingly more athletic Webster.

Chirino was Frustrated by SD’s heavy for a while but eventually used his superior size and strength to Subdue and Pin the smaller opponent.

A Brief History of Ron Osorio

Osorio's history

He wrestled at Miami Beach and stayed like so many other kids to help his former coach. He coach for 5 years there before something happened and he stopped. I believe that last year Miami Beach sent 7 to the state tournament and placed 3rd in Regionals. After his departure Miami Beach suffered a collapse similar to the one Hialeah suffered at his departure. Here are some names that may be attributed to Osorio at Miami Beach other than Baez.


Steve Carry
Steve Knight
George Thompson
Eden Gervais
Edgar Velazquez
Antoine Miranbeaux
James Jean-Baptiste
Mohammed Sadeek
Jackie Hayes
Just some who Osorio coached at Beach High, quite the impressive little list.



He was out of wrestling until he began to coach at JFK middle school where he was feeding NMB senior. Once again and for some unknown reason he leaves for Hialeah instead of taking over the NMB program. NMB may not have suffered that great collapse that Miami Beach or Hialeah went thru but many still wonder what might have been, sincve many of the wrestlers that would have followed Osorio to NMB ended up at Krop doing great things for Phillips. Again I will do you the pleasure of listing some names from his middle school program:


Michael Dominguez
Andrew Lankford
Wendell Eloi
Eloi Windel (yes they are different)
Caringhton Janvier
Geovanni Harris (yes that had history before Harris went to Phillips)


It seems that where ever he goes he works to get his kids better.
Not sure what happened at Hialeah either but just for fun I will list the names of the studs and potential studs he left there on his way out to American where all he did was create a new crop of studs.


Michael Nates
Daniel Ogando
Alain Espinosa
Robert Aguila
Jose Balboa
Jhonar Gonzales


The bottom line is this, Osorio goes to a school and they have great teams. Not the best, never the best but great enough for people to take notice. He does this mostly without a middle school program, without a kids program, and without multiple coaches.


No, Osorio is not Spiderman, but if he were what else would he say, and how would he have all this information. Remember when the Spiderman was Coney and the rationale was that Coney hated Brandon. Then I was Mahler because Mahler hated Brandon but also loved South Ridge. Then I was Pardo because I loved South Miami kids and spoke highly of Pardo, South Dade, and Pardo's friend Balmeceda. Then I was KW because SD was the greatest thing since sliced bread and it just seemed like the I was way too smart, and had way too much information and knowledge of computers and Mathematics. Now I am Osorio because I have hated on South Dade for their recent behavior, and because I have picked a little on the saintly boys of Columbus. OK if you say so...

I sincerely care very little for whom you think I might be, my real interest, what keeps me going, and my true anticipation is on whom you think I will be next.