goferphan

"most of us feel that it's "normal" for the Hawks to be at the top of the heap at least 2 out of every 3 years (20 titles in 30 years - you do the math). "
-gg121and2

What have you done for me lately?

God, my Minnesota Gophers have won National Championships back in the 40's for football but you don't hear me using that material to defend their program today.

__________________
" Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards. "

grapplefan

Iowa's string under Gable and the gophers 40's football championships are hardly analogous, but I sure get your point. It's put up or shut up, and the Hawks have to prove that there's something behind the bravado.

But as JRob said in a SI article last year, wrestling is a major sport in Iowa and a minor sport in other states, as shown by attendance figures last year. So the pressure from rank&file fans is on Brands & Co. to deliver.
I wouldn't overlook the 'clones, the cowboys, or the buckeyes this year either. Interesting times.

goferphan

Absolutely Grapple Fan,

Thats why I love the sport. Two years ago when Ok State was favored to win the NCAA's by a landslide (which they did), it was still fun to watch them have trouble with Minnesota in the dual meet format. Its also fun to watch young wrestlers develop because as we all know those are the guys that can make a match exciting. Who knew that DS was going to take out Esposito in those dual matches two years ago. I would not have said that he was going to win both of them for sure and probably still saw the first match as an upset as did many.

It was awesome watching Missouri make a serious run also last year and had Maskren done anything, we may be talking an entirely different story about the NCAA Tournament Champion last year.

Although Gofers are favored this year, I see Iowa, Ohio State and Okie State being much improved. Iowa State lost a bit to graduation and I am curious who will step up and be the leaders of that team. It will be a great year for wrestling I predict.

__________________
" Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards. "