20.3.09

This is March Madness.

As of the time of this posting, Ohio State has the points lead at the NCAA wrestling championship tournament in St Louis. In the last round they overtook both Iowa State and Iowa. The Buckeyes currently lead second place Iowa, who were thought to be a sure thing in grasping their 22nd national title. The Hawkeyes were ranked #1 coming into the tournament and the Buckeyes were ranked 6th despite finishing 2nd last year (yes, behind Iowa). Again, coach Tom Ryan (a former Hawkeye himself) and the Buckeyes received far too little respect in the polls. But heading into the semi-finals, they have four wrestlers left in competition. And the Hawkeyes have only two. This could be big for wrestling at Ohio State and in the state of Ohio generally. Championships make for good recruiting. Good recruiting makes for more championships. 

Of course the Hawkeyes aren't out of it and if anyone knows how to win under pressure it's Iowa. Even so, if the Buckeyes finish in the top three this year, it proves last year was no fluke. And it means the Buckeyes have just put the Hawkeyes on notice. And nothing in this world (athletically speaking) would make me happier than a long, embittered Ohio State- Iowa wrestling rivalry. But that's getting ahead of ourselves. 

Stay tuned for more results!