Does Askren know how to wrestle freestyle?

Herkey#1 · 08-20-2008, 02:54 PM

Originally Posted by TLV

Credentials such as experience, training, education, or age for example, actually are important tools for evaluating someone's opinion, so that the opinion can be tested for credibility or even plausibility. So, yes, when I read someone express an opinion that appears to be completely off the wall, it would help to know just what gives the person the background to make those comments. I didn't say 'right to make comments", but the background. You are certainly correct that you can express any opinion that you want to, but it doesn't mean much if you aren't credible.

There is also something referred to as 'constructive criticism'. If someone like Jacob Schlottke makes a comment critiquing Baskren, I respect it even if I don't agree because Jacob's actually been on the mat with him. But your rant simply reminds me of the famous quote made by TR concerning the difference between the man in the arena doing the work and the guy safely outside the arena doing the talking.

JMO

I have spent many years wrestling and it is a big part of my life. I know what makes a good wrestler and what doesnt. While Askren is a great folkstyler he isnt a great freestyler yet. To make predictions such as beating Saitiev before the tournament starts is rediculous.

People refer to Askren as being one of the best. I'm sure he is. But to include Askren as one of the best you must include many others. Guys who may have otherwise never made the top ten. TJ Jaworsky was 124110 and a 3X champ. Les Gutches was 134-10 and a 2X champ. Mark Ironside was 127-10 and a 2X champ. Stephen Neal was 153-9 and a 2X champ and 3X finalist. And Steve Mocco was 137-6, a 2X champ and a 4X finalist. All of these guys have resumes that would rival Askrens yet their names rarely get brought into the discussions of the "best ever" like Askrens does. I believe that Askrens name gets dropped into that arena because he is still fresh and markets himself. Many people know of him because of his crazy hair or the stupid predictions or comments he makes. He was a great folkstyle wrestler but there are many others that I would put before him on a list of "best evers".

He may end up being one of the best freestylers ever. For the sake of USA wrestling I hope he does. But until he actually does something I hope he is humble and doesnt call out anymore legends.

the518 · 08-20-2008, 06:33 PM

askren will make it work in time. i see him winning a world title before the next olympics. if he keeps working hard he will make his unorthodox style work on the international level. just not this time.

ISU2008 · 08-20-2008, 08:48 PM

I don't think anyone who knows what they are talking about has hinted Askren is the best ever in freestyle, or folkstyle for that matter.

He is one of the best in folkstyle. He had something like 15 straight 1st period pins as a senior. He destroyed an undefeated wrestler in the NCAA finals as a junior. He beat an NCAA finalist and 2x AA while wrestling up a weight (god that was a great match, BTW).

In freestyle, he's not close to one of the best ever. But he's the best in the US and that's all we have to go on. It will be interesting to see if he sticks with freestyle, maybe in 10 years we can have this conversation again.

LethalStriker · 08-20-2008, 09:00 PM

Do you think Askren will be competing at the 2012 Olympics in London? Since I think he intends to go into MMA after the Olympics.

Does Askren know how to wrestle freestyle?

Freestyle & Greco-Roman Wrestling