Wrestling Blogs - Matt Valenti

Conference tournaments are over and it's time for the At-Large bids to be determined. Hours before the final wrestlers are announced, the flaws in the system are starting to show. Listed below are some of the problems regarding our current NCAA Qualifer system: 1. The "Fluff" Factor How do we account for soft schedules -- wrestling tournaments and teams that are essentially "sure wins?" Winning percentage is 2/3 of the RPI calculation, so it weighs heavily in earning a good RPI. Winning percentage is also 1/3 of the overall criteria in determining a Gold, Silver or Bronze standard qualifying spot.… more »

The "comfort zone." The place that 99.9% of people spend 99.9% of their time. It's that area where everything in life is relatively easy and exertion is minimal. Not necessarily an area of complacency or carelessness, but that zone where life is set on cruise control. If things get too difficult people back off. If things get too easy they step up a little bit. It's a place where mediocrity is most prevalent and where average is the norm. Some challenges are faced, but the risk is minimal and people are rarely over-extending themselves in any direction. This includes simple… more »

First and foremost, congratulations to Henry Cejudo on his inspiring performance in Beijing. He has dedicated his heart and soul to the goal that he just accomplished, and it showed in his wrestling. A gold undoubtedly well-deserved. Congrats also go out to Adam Wheeler and Randi Miller for representing with honor and pride, and for bringing back the hardware. As I watched these three wrestle over the past week I couldn't help but feel my sense of pride in US wrestling as I yelled at my computer like a fool. As those hands were raised, one in Greco, one in… more »

Two weeks since the last post...and a lot of wrestling later, it definitely feels like my guys are making some big strides.

The Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational has become THE premier early season tournament. It is great for the sport, as teams from all over the country and all divisions that wouldn't normally see each other get to compete against one another. The caliber of the tournament is phenomenal. If you have some time go watch the finals matches. There was some really exciting wrestling from 125 through Heavyweight. I especially recommend the Poeta vs. Gillespie… more »

It has been a weekend of firsts for the Columbia wrestling program. Our first official competition of the year, our first time with multiple champions at the ESU Open, and my first time on the "other side."

The team has been training hard since our first official practice date almost a month ago. The workouts have been intense and the guys have stepped up to match that intensity. Heading into this weekend I think we all felt the need to see how the team's hard work was paying off. The grinding workouts that the coaching staff has… more »