Rich Wheeler's rankings

WRESTLING

The first third of the season is past and teams all over are taking this winter break to reflect on there teams. Some teams have already started with the staff meetings and laying the bricks for the next season, while others are sifting through notes, wondering what haven't I covered? I have watched a few matches this year and noticed a change in the wrestler/coach communication(s). The bellowing of the term "SQUEEEEZZZ" seems to have a blanket effect on moves that require holding on tight. The over the top figure point (arm extented horizontally, with index figure pointing at the mat, moving the arm vertically) is seeming to remind the ref that the action is over here..

Being the first item ranked and the most important of all the ranked topics; I am going to start with the "DOUBLE LEG" take down.
I give the DLTD a 9 out 10. It is a tough takedown and should only be done by really good wrestlers, because two legs are better than one. With that, you might be wondering who has the sweetest of the two legged takedown? Well I rank Andy Boe; the head coach of Yakima Vally Community College, an all-American from Cenral Washington U and a Washington high school state placer (AAA) as the top shooter of the double leg, followed by Otto Olson and Les Gutches.

The dreaded head & arm reroll gets 7 out of 10. A bit messy and confusing, but one young Vashon Pirate is looking for the unsuspecting head hunter. So when you see the kid they call Ed King wearing his green and gold, take caution.

On to coaches and there assistants. If you attend a dual meet and really take the time to watch, you'll see that behind every wrestler is one heck of a great coach. But in some cases, such as the assistant coach from Tahoma HS, JJ Williams, it's hard to see him over the chairs. I say to that coach "stand up, be proud. O.K just stand on a chair." It seems that big things come in little packages and so does this little guy. To a many it appears that 8th graders are wrestling in high school, but don't be fooled, JJ has the meanest low single in the county. At times it seems that he is on his knees, that's just how tall he is. I give MR.Williams a 8 out of 10. He really wants to be a big guy, but shit don't stack that high.

With the wrestling season underway and many of the teams are going to compete for the first time this week; I am going to rank some inspirational videos and songs to help lead the gang out to do battle.
Blood Sport. 8 out of 10. Good pick me up, underdog wins, but no real good moves to learn from.
Rocky 1. 8 out of 10 Two thumbs up, has not been matched. The training part alone could run the team all season. You should really try to catch a chicken.
The Karate Kid. 9 out of 10. Just sit back and learn. It's not easy to be tough.
Vision Quest. 10 out of 10. Where can I start. This movie has it all; the lady, pals, the fan and real wrestling.

Good luck and check out this site.

eteamz.com/rockislandsports HOME