Polls Close!

The polls are closed and here is what the voters think.

39% find Columbus’s chances to whoop everyone’s ass at the region as laughable


26% believe that the Explorers have more Chicken $hit than Chickens


26% are of the opinion that the Explorer bark is far mightier than their bite (this is my position)


And 10% feel that in fact the explorers will whoop everyone’s ass and run away with the region title.

Of course that 10% represents 5 voters, which means Superman found three different computers to vote on, and two other lost souls from the Explorer camp were diluted enough to click on that least of all likely scenarios.

Hope you enjoyed the Poll, especially you Sup.

Spideysorio

Default in the 1/4's and make it to Lakeland. It's OK

The results are in, and a majority of you do not feel that defaulting a match to get to the side of the bracket that would give a wrestler a better opportunity would be unethical.

Say what you want publicly, but it’s evident that not only would most of you it if you had to, but that you would feel no remorse in doing so.

I must agree with the majority; 71% of you felt it would be acceptable to use such a strategy. As I have stated before it becomes a coaches duty to seek the best possible scenario for his wrestler to advance to the state tournament, especially when you take into consideration that the wrestlers are being victimized by a broken and less than adequate process for selecting the top 4 individual in a region.

Like my kids say, “Don’t hate the Player, hate the game”

Coming Soon To The Spiders Lair

M A T F R E A K

State Finals Rankings PollWho Will Sit Atop the Podium?

I will not be able to have a contest because this site does not have the flexibility that Mysterio’s site had in regards to selecting and tabulating results, and it would be too arduous a task to do all that by hand and by myself.

However, I will have a poll for each weight class in which you may vote for whom you think the state champion might be.

The results of the poll are instantaneous and clear favorites will be readily depicted.

So stay tuned it’s coming soon.

Gone FishingBy:Moonknight

Some of you out there are out to see what info you can catch, but here it what it is.

Mcpherson SD nor Barrera MS will be dropping. Neither has wrestled 103 the entire year nor do they qualify.

112 Columbus always has huge surprises at this time, problem is the surprise is always on them


119 Williams out Acosta in.This is probably true. Acosta give SD a better chance at beating Chandler and maybe getting another state finalist.

125 Surprise move from Columbus might affect the 130 class as well. Once again there will be no surprise here. Rio will not travel to 119 nor will Guillisien drop to 125. Nice to know you blend crap with some real insight.

130 Lovette Hmst drops from 135 as well as Figueroa Gol and Gonzalez MH.This may also be true since they did not perform that well at GMAC. This would be a wise move for these guys.

135 Montero stays at 140. Once again this may also be true. The fear of Sanders dropping to 140 makes some people scared but in reality where will they run to, BAEZ? If he plays his cards right he may be the only stud at 140.

140 Watson Hmst drops to 140. Possible but not likely.

152 Garcia Am drops to 152 Clarke takes 160 Possible but not likely. Both made it to the GMAC finals and were in competitive matches so it makes little to no sense to switch.


160 Encarnacion was going to drop, but stayed after Garcia dropped. Alvarez MH moves in. Another possible but not likely move. Once again you bring lots of information that gets people riled up but no facts to back up your statements. It feels as if you are just fishing.

189 Abadin Col. Moves up to 215. This also seems very possible especially since the disaster at GMAC. Their 215 did not look up to snuff and Abadin looked sloppy, tired and out of it at 189. The only problem is that after a season of trash talking I am sure Columbus will want to place as high as possible as a team and that means Abadin at 189.

JR. High Wrestlingis Underway

Junior High Wrestling is underway in Dade County. I am waiting for the results, and I will post them as soon as they come in. I heard from a source who was there that there were some very impressive Junior High wrestlers, and that the future of Dade County Wrestling is secure. Stay tuned.

Ethical Dilemma?Not Really

One of my readers sent me some private e-mail with a question he says has received some conversation on another site and he would like to see how it develops over here so I have agreed to put it up.

The Question has to do with whether it would be ethical for a coach or a wrestler to intentionally default a match in the quarter final match of a regional tournament in order to cross over to a side that would significantly improve that wrestlers chances of qualifying to the state tournament.

I have conferred about this with a few good sources, and I have come to a conclusion through logical progression that deviates from the seemingly ethical standard. No surprise really, unlike many, I am able to divorce my personal feelings on matters and look at things objectively and logically and formulate an opinion or a conclusion based on the greater good rather than on subjective moral and ethical standards; that said, lets examine the question.

Would defaulting in the quarters of a tournament to cross over to a more favorable side be unethical? The simple answer I have concluded is NO! And here are my reasons why?

Why should the individual be punished because the establishment can’t develop a better strategy to select an accurate representation of the top four individual in a weight class?

It is the coach’s responsibility to get his wrestler as far as possible. If the wrestler is a senior and it is his last chance to qualify it might be a life altering experience to face an opponent that is clearly superior and have to witness one that is clearly inferior advance in your stead.

If a wrestler is an underclassmen and qualifying would give him the experience this year that could put him over the top next year it would be a disservice to let that opportunity slip away merely because a less than perfect formula dictated that it be so.

If you wrestle in Dade County, your odds of placing in the state tournament are greater simply because you come from a tougher region. Leaving a better wrestler at home simply because the formula screwed the wrestler is wrong. Get your kid to state and he has a goods chance to place, he is from Dade for God’s sake. Leave him at home and send a lesser representative and you will have someone less capable of representing the county, not to mention that someone will likely be atop the podium from some other region that is less deserving.

Finally, lets not be all self righteous about this thing, we all know that there are injustices in the world, and if it is within our power to overcome one, it is not merely our right, but our duty to do so. How many of you pay every penny of your taxes? There are people starving in the world after all, those extra tax dollars that you save with loopholes is unethical and might be keeping food, medical attention, and other social services from those less fortunate, but for you it means your family can have a little more. Besides, the government will likely misspend the money anyway right? So that makes you feel better about not paying the full amount of your tax burden even though it is unethical.

Well guess what, the situation I described is no different. Don’t pay the full price if you don’t have to, (a little more for your family i.e. Team), and guess what the government (FHSAA) will like misspend it anyway (a lesser representative will take a medal home). So do what you can for yours and let the rest figure it out for themselves.

So is it ethical to default a match to get to the other side of the bracket and make your way to state like you deserve? Who gives a $hit? Do what is right for your wrestler and get him to state so he doesn’t have to sit in the stands a see a lesser but more fortuitous opponent wrestle in the Lakeland center when he know it should be him.

Where you at Sup?

What are you thinking about Sup?

Catwoman got your tongue?

Won't you come out and play?

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.

What at Battle to be at G.M.A.C.

Wow just off a fresh return and there is so much absorb I can only wing it, but that should be enough, after all I am the Spiderman.

103 – Holy crap what a stacked weight class! If we could qualify 6 wrestlers to state, we might take the top six stops. Villanueva is my favorite, but a big drop from 112 could leave him depleted. Ditto for Olivera, the one who maintains strength should be at the top of the podium Saturday night. However, it would behoove these fellows to head the Hall, this young stud can whip anyone of them to their back and spoil a sure thing.

112 – Not sure if Chandler is healthy yet, but if he is, even a rusty Chandler is better than the rest. Macphearson is dangerous as well, and Guzman is a little man that might be ready to step up if Chandler flinches.

119 – Less faith in the heavier chandler I have (damn sounds like Yoda), but I would not be shocked to see him win. Still, I feel this class belongs to Williams. Too much athletic ability, but can wear out and that is a concern. Watch out for Nodar as well, one slip and a lead and you will be reflecting on a loss.

(here is where it gets easy)

125 – Rat hands down

130 – Metellus (A little Birdy told me there might be a surprise entry in this class, but it’s hush hush so…)

135 – Tico

(Like rock stars these guys need just one name intro’s)

140 – Fontaine and Parrado, Fontaine and Parrado, Hummm…. I’ll go with the one who has better coaching

145 – Kendrick (Duh)

152 – No offense to Montalvo but he just doesn’t do it for me, edge to the Freshie I like Perez

160 – Passmore is hard to argue against, but Garcia could make it interesting

171 – Perez is finally too much, and Lilly will be left wanting

189 – Plain and Simple, this manimal, beast, whatever you want to call him will take care of business. If there was a pool for least amount of cumulative time wrestled by a G.M.A.C. champion, he would be my choice. Abadine should have stayed at 215.

215 – If Wiggins is Willing, the title is his despite his struggle of late. Abadine’s replacement could make it interesting, and if the South Miami 215 has progressed at all, he could be dangerous as well

275 – Chinchilla

Spideysorio OUT!!!!

I'm Back and Just in time(Sorry Sup)

Sorry Superman

I told you I'd be back!

Why do any of you still doubt me?

I had some important business to take care of, but now it is resolved. Rumors of my demise we very much exaggerated. So Stay tuned, I will have something brief for G.M.A.C. unfortunately my business kept me away for too long and I won't have an in depth look, but I will have a brief preview.

South Dade Ends Brandon's Streak

I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to South Dade, Coach Victor Balmeceda, and all the South Dade boys that made this happen. You will forever be remembered in wrestling History as the Team who finally ended the longest winning streak not just in wrestling, but in all sports, everywhere sports are played on the planet be they Professional, Amateur, or otherwise.

That said, I would also like to extend my congratulations to Russ Cozart and the Brandon Eagles, and I hope no one reads this as if I am mocking the Eagles because nothing could be further from the truth. It took big Cojones to start a tournament that they new eventually would end the Streak; to keep the tournament when they obviously exhibited some vulnerability; and finally, to legitimize a Streak that had been much maligned and derided by wrestling insiders. Unless I am mistaken, since the Beat the Streak Tournament was conceived, Brandon had added nearly 100 or more wins to their Streak, which for a team wrestling the best team’s year in and year out is a hell of an accomplishment.

I can only hope that this means that we can now see the best teams in the state drive up to Brandon year in and year out and make this Graves Tournament what it should be, the State Dual Championships. No the FHSAA won’t sanction it as such officially, but they can’t stop Brandon from renaming an already sanctioned format like the Graves. Brandon can easily change the name from the Graves “Beat the Streak” tournament”, to

The Graves


“Florida Duals Championship”.

It’s what everyone except the FHSAA wants and it’s likely the closest we will ever get to a dual state tourney.

I will take no time to gloat over things I’ve said or predicted in the past, I will not go through the motions of “I told you so”. I will exit here and allow this moment in time the dignity and grace it deserves, not only for the conquerors, but also for the Vanquished.
My most Sincere congratulations once again to South Dade, but also to Brandon.