Truth is, Ruth is the<br /> Brute Wrestler of the Week

Truth is, Ruth is the<br /> Brute Wrestler of the Week

Mar 23, 2014 by Christian Pyles
Truth is, Ruth is the<br /> Brute Wrestler of the Week
Ed Ruth Named Brute Wrestler of the Week
Christian Pyles

So many ways you can go with this one. Do you go with Logan Stieber for his tremendous dominance? Nick Gwiazdowski for upending a heavyweight legend? One of the Freshman NCAA Champs? So many ways you can go with this one, and so many right answers. However, at the end of the day, 3 titles, only 3 losses and a dominant NCAA performance is why Ed Ruth has been named the Brute Wrestler of the Week.

Other Brute Wrestler of the Week Nominees:

Nick Gwiazdowski-Nick came at Nelson with the approach similar to the one we saw in Freestyle this Summer and boy did it pay off. Can someone tell me the last time Tony Nelson was taken down twice in a match? Much less, two times in two periods? You may be looking awhile for that match. Gwiaz stopped history for Nelson and made some for himself.

Joey Dance-The True Freshman from Virginia Tech went from being barely ranked to 4th in the country. This wasn’t a run of fortunate opponents. Dance was battle tested and beat some of the 125 elite. His only losses this tournament were to Nico and Delgado. Wins over Dylan Peters, Jarrod Patterson and Darian Cruz cap an amazing Freshman Campaign.

Devin Carter-Let’s keep the love going for the Hokies (who were amazing this entire weekend). A few months after a brutal Hamstring injury, with the season seemingly lost, Devin came back. Not only did he come back, he made the finals in one of the most competitive and talked about weights in the country.

Logan Stieber-Logan won an amazing weight and he did it without being challenged. His path was tough for a guy of his caliber, but he ran through it with ease. No controversy, just points on points until the tournament was done.

J’den Cox-True Freshman champ at 197. He wrestles the way you want to see big guys wrestle: Hard and constant. He never (ever) gives his opponents a moment to relax. I must have watch him run guys off the mat 100 times between his 5 matches. He’s a powerhouse, with a mind that matches his physical strength. Anyone else ready for the Cox v. Snyder battles next year?

Jason Tsirtsis-The lowest seeded NCAA champ (5th) and a Freshman to boot. While winning close matches may make the Northwestern faithful a bit nervous, it’s clear Jason is comfortable winning in whatever way is necessary. The scary thing is he’ll only get better.

Jesse Delgado-Thought he wrestled great all tournament. He is the best leg-passer I may have ever seen. Bet against him at your own peril, he is tactically brilliant to accompany his numerous physical gifts.

Tony Ramos-He got over the hump. He got it done. Teeth or no teeth, Ramos gave the Hawkeye faithful a tasty treat to chew on after a disappointing NCAA’s.

Alex Dieringer-He absolutely picked apart the most dangerous wrestler in NCAA’s. The one guy nobody wants to wrestle and Dieringer made him look pedestrian. It was an incredible performance by the Sophomore.

David Taylor-Never challenged for an entire year. He looked to pin guys and score points throughout the tournament and that’s what he did. His style and personality made him a star in college wrestling. That void will not be easily replaced.

Jack Dechow-What a turn around for this kid.  Sure he was only a Freshman, but to go from some odd losses to beating Steinhaus, Thomusseit and Loder it's a truly incredible showing.  Can't wait to watch this guy the next 3 years for ODU!

Conner Hartmann-Washington in the house!  The Duke 97 pounder had NCAA fans saying "who?" after Conner knocked off Jace Bennett and All American Travis Rutt in back to back matches.  His only losses were to Cox and Schiller!  

Chris Perry-As someone who was beyond confident Howe would have no issue winning a title this year against Perry, I was thoroughly impressed as well as incredibly wrong. That high crotch was reminiscent of his Uncle. His celebration got me so fired up I wanted to head-butt Bader!

It’s a long list and it could be longer. So many incredible performances.