Iconic wrestler Metcalf, normally relentless, takes break

NCAA finals loss aside did Metcalf really struggle that much? His 2nd place finish at the US nationals seemed like a good result, not a bad one to me. Losses to Garcia at Pan ams and to Schwab and Frayer (I think?) at WTT's are disappointing, I'm sure, but hardly suprising. Dunno about Schwab but Frayer beats him all the time, and Garcia is boring to watch but very, very good.

I dont think he's lost any confidence. The guy has a great mental state and always will be motivated to be a better wrestler

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Originally Posted by Rhino Coach

Two things on this topic.
1. Metcalf is an icon in the sport, right now. Part of that status is derived from wrestling at an iconic wrestling program and being one the faces of that program)

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Does every one-timer at Iowa get to be an icon?

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Originally Posted by Flop The Nuts

Does every one-timer at Iowa get to be an icon?

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No. But it was more then just his NCAA championship that makes him a "current icon", although not necessarily an "all-time icon."

You are right: the term "icon" is way overused and not worth talking about.

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Originally Posted by Zapp Brannigan

No. But it was more then just his NCAA championship that makes him a "current icon", although not necessarily an "all-time icon."

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I think he should go directly to "legend" status. He's more than an icon at this point.

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Originally Posted by arm-spin

NCAA finals loss aside did Metcalf really struggle that much? His 2nd place finish at the US nationals seemed like a good result, not a bad one to me. Losses to Garcia at Pan ams and to Schwab and Frayer (I think?) at WTT's are disappointing, I'm sure, but hardly suprising. Dunno about Schwab but Frayer beats him all the time, and Garcia is boring to watch but very, very good.

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not surprising losses at all, schwab and frayer are seasoned vets. metcalf is going to be around a long time just like those guys. he still needs to mature a little. that's all is see.

Give Metcalf a few years and he'll be a true Olympian

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Originally Posted by mhs189

Give Metcalf a few years and he'll be a true Olympian

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Perhaps, but he will need a little more than just trying to wear out somebody with the format of international wrestling. Those guys can handfight and shuffle their feet forever, and have some serious par-terre skills, so if you get down in points you are done. He will need a couple of "go to" TD's, and a TD/transition turn (like Cejudo), in order to do well in freestyle, because he doesn't have the natural ability (like Sanderson had) to win it entirely on his feet. It could happen of course..... and has before (the Zadicks one year).... but the odds are against it.