Rivalry

Hlas explores the blooming Sanderson-Brands rivalry.

I fully expect Brands to try to crush Cael's boys just as he did each year against ISU. His team seemed ready to go in December, where Cael and crew started slow and came on as the season progressed.

I hope he does well, and I think he will. In three years he pushed ISU up a couple of notches.

An interesting nugget: 12 2009 All-Americans were PA natives. 2 were IA natives. That's how deep the HS talent is. Lock up the borders and things will get interesting.

Peter

Dollars

I knew Cael was making a fair dollar more than Douglas, but I didn't realize he was the highest paid wrestling coach in the nation.

And he just got a big raise. Wow.

The biggest thing I learned following Cael around in '01 and '02 was that the wrestling community is really small. Everyone knows everyone, and all are connected somehow.

ISU is still viewed as a good job, if not a great one. JP won't have to reach out much- others will reach out to him.

Peter

Trends

Why is Penn State upgrading their wrestling program at a time that most schools are spinning theirs down?

Why would PSU make a run at a top 5 coach without thinking they had a chance at getting him?

Why would Cael view a program with no history as a better candidate for a NC than one that has finished in the top 5 the last three years?

Was Cael frustrated that three Big 5 titles earned a collective shrug?

Was the weight of being The Next Gable too heavy a crown to wear?

Would wouldn't turn down a 50% pay raise?

How many more changes before JP fixes his HR issues?

JP's got some 'splainin to do. If Rhodes can't turn the corner.....

Peter