for BlueStater:

Thanks ... ?

I wish I could be all coherent and articulate like bluestater, but I'm afraid the only response I can muster to this particular criticism is: What. Ever.

Originally Posted by drnorman

I wonder if Dan Gable, Cael Sanderson, John Smith, or Dr. Harold Nichols ever forgot to wear ties to any of their wrestling matches or tournaments. I'm embarassed for the University of Iowa when I see the Brands brothers and their other assistants dressed like they are headed for a picnic in the backyard.

I've been watching Iowa wrestling since the 1950's. I remember watching Shelby Wilson wrestling Ron Gray in Ames in one of the great matches of all time and Nichols' tie was bouncing off his chest so much I thought he was going to lose it. Of course, he never did.

This week John Smith's team wrestled Tom Brands' team. John looked like he belonged in the chair as the coach. Brand looked like he wondered into the coaches' area by mistake. My point is that when you are the coach, you don't dress like one of the wrestlers after a match. You dress as the parents of your next recruit would expect you to dress, as the Iowa alums expect you to dress, etc.

Oh, and Tom, you need to develop some interviewing skills. This hostile crap with the media only turns people off big-time. Learn to talk like a gentleman, even if you don't like to think of yourself that way.

Welcome to this forum, Dr. Norman. Times have changed. Since you've been watching wrestling in Iowa since the 1950s, you've probably noticed that a few other things have changed as well. The horsehair mats are gone. Wrestlers wear singlets now. Polo shirts seem to have become the standard for coaches, not suits. They're more comfortable and practical. I remember that old world, too, and I'm glad its gone.
Some of the sartorial things you view as professional demeanor, I view as artificially restrictive and pretentious. Things (and people) change, but if wearing a white tie and tails would help Tom Brands win more and recruit better, I'm sure he'd be wearing one. He's very practical that way.

I'm also sorry that you view Tom Brands' immediate post-match intensity as hostility. It's not, but I think you've misinterpreted that. I remember Dan Gable's early press conferences. Heck, I remember Gable speaking to my P.E. class in 1971. Let's just say that his communication skills have improved dramatically.

Oh, and Dr. Norman, why don't you introduce yourself before you begin a rant on your first post. This is an on-line community, not a late-night talk show. As a gentleman, I'm sure that you understand the difference.

Originally Posted by Wiltz

Nice first post. I will be keeping my eye on you. I suspect we may have a alter ego on our hands.

I do too.

Maybe it's Suzies super secret alter ego. She's comin after ya Zapp.