Fans chime in on whether to award college team titles for NCAA/NAIA Nationals that were canceled
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by USA Wrestling
The St. Cloud State Huskies, after winning the NCAA Div. II Super V Regional title. Photo courtesy of SCSUHuskies.com
On April 17 in his Abbott Blog, Gary Abbott suggested that college national championship team titles be selected for the divisions which cancelled the final national events, NCAA Div. I, NCAA Div. II, NCAA Div. III and NAIA women. He also proposed that if the national organization would not do so, that the coaches and media in wrestling conduct a poll and award national team titles. He did not suggest that individual titles be awarded at those divisions.
If you did not read the column, or wish to re-read it, please click below.
https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2020/March/17/Abbott-Blog-select-college-champion-teams
Fans were invited to send in their thoughts via email, and many did. Others responded on USA Wrestling’s website, or on Facebook. An informal count showed that more people were against it than for it. The tally was 42 against and 22 in favor of naming champions. Some advocated not only naming national champion teams, but also national champion individuals and All-Americans.
There was a lot of great discussion. Some responses were quite detailed, others short and sweet. We had fun reading them, and hope you enjoy them, as well. Here are what the fans had to say about the idea of finding a way to name national champion teams:
Totally disagree, Gary. Can't award what hasn't happened.
- Doug Burney, on TheMat.com
I think it is a good idea. It would also be a small consolation for those seniors who will not get their chance for individual awards.
- Curtis Rusty Frazier, on TheMat.com
"Wrestling is a prove-it sport, and anything can happen in a tournament setting." While it looks like Iowa is favored, it wasn't earned, as since anything can happen on the individual side that would affect the team scores. Theoretical duals champion, I can see, since for the most part the best wrestled the best. Individuals? No way.
- Sam McFee, on TheMat.com
I just read your article regarding a vote for the NCAA Champion Teams and I love the idea. It’s strange times we’re in and this is something that I think could ease the pain. The NWCA and NWMA are the perfect organizations to take this on head first. I agree with what you say about wrestlers wanting to earn it and not be given something by a vote – well no chance to earn it this year! I compare it to the 1980 Olympic Boycott and as you know Congress gave us a Gold Medal and the USOC gave us a Gold Medal. I am very proud of that accomplishment and love the fact that I have 2 Gold Medals to show for it. Would I have rather had the opportunity to earn a medal competing – you bet, but that was taken away from me. It’s similar with this crazy virus so I agree with your premise and hope you can bring it to fruition!
- Chuck Yagla, 1980 USA Olympian, via email
It should remain black just like the 1943-46 teams
- Rene Flores, via TheMat.com
If it were PSU, or Ok. St, or whoever, in the same situation that Iowa is in now I would definitely name them as champions if it was earned in regular season and in conference tournaments. It would be different if the team title was up for grabs, but this year, like many PSU recently, it is not. Iowa was favored to win and win handily. Individual champs is another thing. There are always upsets and injuries that take place. But there is no way the Hawks would lose the title to anyone else. Plus this would give wrestling some idea as what to do in the (near) future. If at all possible, name a champ. So, team? Iowa. For individuals? No.
- Tony Gael, via TheMat.com
This may be the dumbest idea yet.
- Earon Knolles, via Facebook
My name is Larry Jackson a former ISU wrestler. I just finished reading your blog, I totally agree with you about crowning an NCAA National Championship team. On another note I think there should be an NCAA D1 committee vote on the individual NCAA champion as well. If a wrestler has earned the number one seed for the National Wrestling tournament should be awarded to that individual. Just my thoughts and opinions. Thanks for allowing me to tvoice my opinion.
- Larry Jackson, via email
Every division of NCAA football has a real champion except the top level of Division 1. This is still a Poll Champion - NOT an NCAA Champion. Don't do this to NCAA Wrestling. Leave things where they are. Let folks argue and speculate without a Poll doing the choosing. Iowa is top dog per their record. Leave it at that. No Dual championship has been held for a few years now. Maybe this will help push it to be held again? As for Individual titles - the wrestlers, fans and schools all lose and do so equally. No dark horse surges at the Big Dance to win a title. No undefeated favorite goes down. We have what we have. Season records and conference tournaments - and speculation. Leave it at that.
- Daniel A. Smith, via email
CHAMPIONS
Division 1 Iowa
Division 2 St. Cloud State
Division 3 Wartburg
Nick Karantinos, via TheMat.com
No guarantee in that National Tournament. That's what is great about the sport. Nothing given just earned.
- Lance Glasgow, via Facebook
What is wrong with using final individual rankings to determine points toward a National Championship team in any of the divisions. Those individuals earned their seeds based on performance throughout the year.
- Rodney J. Vance, via TheMat.com
I THINK IOWA, BUT YOU HAVE TO SHOW ME ON THE MAT. NO CHAMPS
- John Deblasio, via TheMat.com
Mostly agree but would challenge on the individual part. I know this would be controversial but anything different is controversial. This situation qualifies as different. What I think is the best solution to a terrible situation, is to have the NCAA name the top 8 seeds as All American. We could name the top seed as First Team All-American like they do in team sports. At least now Colin Moore can be a 4X All American. Plenty of flaws can be pointed out, but give me something better. At least we have recognition. One of the ways to back this up is to go seed by seed and see how many are All Americans. We can likely get to seed 4 or 5 and still have a high %. Maybe we stop there but who is hurt if we go back to 8?
- Mitch Hull, via email
Nope. If it didn't happen you cant just vote it into being. Wrestling is a prove-it sport.
- Dan O'Connell, via TheMat.com
Why not just have the tournament in June or July???
- Pat Rimron, via Facebook
Great article. Yes I hope they do move to vote for a team champion in each division.
- James Rang, via email
But they never had a full real wrestling season during the World War II. And they did prove it all year long. They wrestled all the toughest schools all year and won. They are the best "TEAM" They deserve that trophy in their case.
- Todd Brommel, via TheMat.com
Disagree 100%. Although Iowa was the best regular season and dual meet team, that does not mean they would win the NCAAs by default. Let’s not start handing out participation medals like other sports do. We, in the wrestling community, are better than that and teach better life lessons.
- Andrew Gewain, via Facebook
PSU guy but Iowa has a great team they 99.9 percent would of won it
- Bob Bigbuckpreston, via Facebook
nope. this isn't college football with their mythical champions. if they can't wrestle it out, there's no champion. the "fair" bs is just idiocy from people who have no sense. it's earned on the mat, in direct competition. it isn't earned in duals and a few tournaments throughout the season. and the stupidity of saying "the big 10 was the most dominant" just doesn't even rate further comment. nobody worth their salt would want the title handed to them without actually stepping on the mat and contesting it. those who want it handed to them lack integrity and honor. as well as guts. they worked way too hard to get where they are to have it just handed over without having to wrestle it out. it's not like they are naming 10 national champions at the individual weights, so why would they name a national champion team?
- Paul Miille, via Facebook
That is not the Wrestling way. June 1 they should have the NCAAs and let it be settled on the mat!
- Kai Vanleuven, via Facebook
Congrats on #24 Hawkeyes! 2020 Champs! Not even an argument.
- Charlie Patrik, via Facebook
I like the idea, and would be completely on board with doing it. We/USAW essentially does this already with the opt-in predictions you offer up each year. Would be simple to formalize that, obtain NWMA endorsement and inclusion, and make it a real/official thing. Official in the sense of what USAW/NWMA/Media (would probably be best to go with your original thoughts and leave it under the purview of NWMA instead of USAW) believe the outcome ought to be. Do it every year. It is nothing more than a compilation of what the folks who cover the sport each and every year believe - not an official final result. Go for it! And, if I can help, let me know.
- Mark Lundy, via email
The Big-tens and the National tournament basically are the same men wrestling. Just two weeks later. If this is the new guidelines we will never have a National tournament again.
- Matt Masterson, via Facebook
All this takes is for somebody to show some leadership. The #1 guy in each weight class should invite the top X guys (pick a number) to his wrestling room for an unofficial wrestle-off. We were always able to have great sandlot baseball games as kids. Why not here? Surely you could drum up a ref or two to keep it impartial. These guys have busted their butts for years. All they want to do is compete and find out if they measure up.
- Tom Millen, via Facebook
Doesn’t the regular season mean anything? If not then why do it. Name a National Champion at each weight based upon record strength of schedule or something
- Tony Gray, via Facebook
This is an asinine take, Gary.
- Doug Burney, via Facebook
Thought I'd weigh in. I'm not associated with anything wresting related other than local high school and youth clubs, so I'm probably way out of touch of how things truely work or how far decisions have already been made, but reading all the online opinions, pros and cons, issues and setbacks that are associated with the different options presented, it makes me think that if NCAA keeps an open mind until this pandemic slows or stops, it could keep potential options open. Obviously postponing championships until summer doesn't work due to unknown timing of the virus slowing, the 2020 Olympics, and the uncertainty for and inability for athletes to train. The issue with giving athletes another year of eligibility is the backlog it creates with incoming recruits, and scholarships. What if? Tournament qualifiers were given 1/2 year of eligibility, and the 2020 NCAA championships were held in December of 2020. The dual season could still be run with the new 20-21 team lineups and those athletes would compete for the 2021 postseason. Maybe its too far fetched. But to give my opinion, if a NCAA champion is declared soon, that would close the door on any possibility of a future solution to this. But if any hope of a championship is never going to happen, yes the Iowa Hawkeyes should get their crown in some fashion :)
- Neal Wikner, via email
I vote NO. If wrestling taught me anything it was to handle disappointment and accept it, but move on, and mainly FINISH. This voting is fine for mid season and seeding etc., but we all know its not real.
- Guy Reilly, via TheMat.com
I strongly disagree. Wrestling is based on head-head results. Odds and prior encounters mean almost nothing. How many examples are there in your fine book "History of college wrestling" where a guy who is beaten or even dominated in several prior matches wins it all at Nationals? I was 12 when my Dad & I listened to the pro fight of a young, skinny boxer that knocked out the "Unbeatable Bear" Sonny Liston. Liston was immense and his fists measured 15 inches! Few gave Clay (Ali) any chance. Similarly, yes- Iowa was very dominant this year. However, as my old college coach used to tell us, tournaments are made for upsets. No-one knows how the competition would have played out. I feel terrible for the kids that sacrificed so much, qualified for Nationals, and cannot compete. Especially the seniors. However, making stuff up will not help and will only discredit our great sport. Last, with all due respect to those trying to do their best, the BCS is based on perception NOT reality. The BCS playing field is tilted to favor big market teams. Wrestling has parity for all participants.
- Badger Boy, via email
Let them wrestle! Hold the tournament with essential staff only and let these kids live out their dreams!
- Jeff Rager, via Facebook
I promise you neither of the Brands nor the Iowa team want anything given to them! You get what you earn!
- Ryan Prince, via Facebook
You don’t wrestle tournaments on paper. Can’t name a champion unless it’s earned.
- Tristan Simons, via Facebook
Wanted to share my thoughts as a fan about naming a championship team. I’ll admit first that I am a huge Iowa and UNI fan so am biased on my opinion. I feel that all of these athletes have worked so hard that they deserve to be recognized. I would even crown the number 1 wrestler at each weight the champion.
- Marilyn Roisum, via email
Unfortunately, this just can’t happen. I know l... it’s so sad, but it’s a fact. We all have to get over it and live with it.
- Cory Packer, via Facebook
Similar to the mystical football National Champion from many years ago...
- Edward Gibbons, via Facebook
Results for D1, D2, D3 and Women NAIA Individual and team champions are : None!!!!!!!!!!! That’s your answer period! Let’s move on to 2021!
- Anibal Nieves, via Facebook
No! Win it on the mat. A voted champion is garbage I don't care who it is.
- John VanBuskirk, via Facebook
Agreed, Iowa should be awarded the national title.
- Tim Daly, via Facebook
Iowa can be the “People’s Champ”
- Christopher Richards, via Facebook
I really think Chris Taylor beat the East German in 1972!
- Chuck Tyler, via Facebook
Absolutely not. You compete to win. You don't compete to earn votes.
- Chad Eddy, via Facebook
It must be earned. That's the wrestling creed
- Mike Jensen, via Facebook
No sorry it doesn't work that way that's why the wrestle the matches
- Dennis Lapaglia, via Facebook
How many finished undefeated? Pretty open/shut case there.
- John Woerner, via Facebook
I have to agree!!
- Robert DeBerry, via Facebook
Nope, got to get on the mat and earn it!
Trace Gutknecht, via Facebook
No. Admit it: Iowa is cursed!
- Paul McNabb, via Facebook
Iowa had the best season this year, and a B1G title. The Big Ten is the most dominant league. If we can’t wrestle it out, I think it is fair to call them National Champions.…
- Gerry Jackson, via Facebook
No. They shouldn't
- Daniel Sabin, via Facebook
Not a chance!
- Rob Neidlinger, via Facebook
Um, no
- Tim Stephan, via Facebook
I disagree, how are you going to name a Team champion for an event that has not been competed and contested for. That's not how we do things in the sport of wrestling, you have to go out and fight for a title.
- Brett Wade, via Facebook
NCAA should grant all the athletes an extra year of eligibility.
- Tom Millen, via Facebook
Horrible take.. This isn't college football, and we don't name champions without competition in wrestling.
- Kasey Smith, via Facebook
I agree. Some guys have been at this 20 years trying to get to this point its really too bad what has happened
- Danny Peck, via Facebook
No, you either wrestle it out or nothing at all. It's decided on the mat, not in someone's mind.
- Chris Knouse, via Facebook
No way! And, unfortunately I grew up in Iowa.
- Douglas P Ewen, via Facebook
This is wrestling. You settle it on the mat. Would the Brands Brothers even be content with a fake championship?
- Kyle Smith, via Facebook
How about we roll the mats out the end of May?
-- Russell Schweich, Via Facebook
No, they should not
- Jason Hett, via Facebook
Never gonna happen
- Wes Hand, via Facebook
Nope
- Joe Wychock, via Facebook
NO WAY!!!
Darrin Schultz, via Facebook
Thank you fans for your involvement. Maybe we do this again with another hot topic!!
On April 17 in his Abbott Blog, Gary Abbott suggested that college national championship team titles be selected for the divisions which cancelled the final national events, NCAA Div. I, NCAA Div. II, NCAA Div. III and NAIA women. He also proposed that if the national organization would not do so, that the coaches and media in wrestling conduct a poll and award national team titles. He did not suggest that individual titles be awarded at those divisions.
If you did not read the column, or wish to re-read it, please click below.
https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2020/March/17/Abbott-Blog-select-college-champion-teams
Fans were invited to send in their thoughts via email, and many did. Others responded on USA Wrestling’s website, or on Facebook. An informal count showed that more people were against it than for it. The tally was 42 against and 22 in favor of naming champions. Some advocated not only naming national champion teams, but also national champion individuals and All-Americans.
There was a lot of great discussion. Some responses were quite detailed, others short and sweet. We had fun reading them, and hope you enjoy them, as well. Here are what the fans had to say about the idea of finding a way to name national champion teams:
Totally disagree, Gary. Can't award what hasn't happened.
- Doug Burney, on TheMat.com
I think it is a good idea. It would also be a small consolation for those seniors who will not get their chance for individual awards.
- Curtis Rusty Frazier, on TheMat.com
"Wrestling is a prove-it sport, and anything can happen in a tournament setting." While it looks like Iowa is favored, it wasn't earned, as since anything can happen on the individual side that would affect the team scores. Theoretical duals champion, I can see, since for the most part the best wrestled the best. Individuals? No way.
- Sam McFee, on TheMat.com
I just read your article regarding a vote for the NCAA Champion Teams and I love the idea. It’s strange times we’re in and this is something that I think could ease the pain. The NWCA and NWMA are the perfect organizations to take this on head first. I agree with what you say about wrestlers wanting to earn it and not be given something by a vote – well no chance to earn it this year! I compare it to the 1980 Olympic Boycott and as you know Congress gave us a Gold Medal and the USOC gave us a Gold Medal. I am very proud of that accomplishment and love the fact that I have 2 Gold Medals to show for it. Would I have rather had the opportunity to earn a medal competing – you bet, but that was taken away from me. It’s similar with this crazy virus so I agree with your premise and hope you can bring it to fruition!
- Chuck Yagla, 1980 USA Olympian, via email
It should remain black just like the 1943-46 teams
- Rene Flores, via TheMat.com
If it were PSU, or Ok. St, or whoever, in the same situation that Iowa is in now I would definitely name them as champions if it was earned in regular season and in conference tournaments. It would be different if the team title was up for grabs, but this year, like many PSU recently, it is not. Iowa was favored to win and win handily. Individual champs is another thing. There are always upsets and injuries that take place. But there is no way the Hawks would lose the title to anyone else. Plus this would give wrestling some idea as what to do in the (near) future. If at all possible, name a champ. So, team? Iowa. For individuals? No.
- Tony Gael, via TheMat.com
This may be the dumbest idea yet.
- Earon Knolles, via Facebook
My name is Larry Jackson a former ISU wrestler. I just finished reading your blog, I totally agree with you about crowning an NCAA National Championship team. On another note I think there should be an NCAA D1 committee vote on the individual NCAA champion as well. If a wrestler has earned the number one seed for the National Wrestling tournament should be awarded to that individual. Just my thoughts and opinions. Thanks for allowing me to tvoice my opinion.
- Larry Jackson, via email
Every division of NCAA football has a real champion except the top level of Division 1. This is still a Poll Champion - NOT an NCAA Champion. Don't do this to NCAA Wrestling. Leave things where they are. Let folks argue and speculate without a Poll doing the choosing. Iowa is top dog per their record. Leave it at that. No Dual championship has been held for a few years now. Maybe this will help push it to be held again? As for Individual titles - the wrestlers, fans and schools all lose and do so equally. No dark horse surges at the Big Dance to win a title. No undefeated favorite goes down. We have what we have. Season records and conference tournaments - and speculation. Leave it at that.
- Daniel A. Smith, via email
CHAMPIONS
Division 1 Iowa
Division 2 St. Cloud State
Division 3 Wartburg
Nick Karantinos, via TheMat.com
No guarantee in that National Tournament. That's what is great about the sport. Nothing given just earned.
- Lance Glasgow, via Facebook
What is wrong with using final individual rankings to determine points toward a National Championship team in any of the divisions. Those individuals earned their seeds based on performance throughout the year.
- Rodney J. Vance, via TheMat.com
I THINK IOWA, BUT YOU HAVE TO SHOW ME ON THE MAT. NO CHAMPS
- John Deblasio, via TheMat.com
Mostly agree but would challenge on the individual part. I know this would be controversial but anything different is controversial. This situation qualifies as different. What I think is the best solution to a terrible situation, is to have the NCAA name the top 8 seeds as All American. We could name the top seed as First Team All-American like they do in team sports. At least now Colin Moore can be a 4X All American. Plenty of flaws can be pointed out, but give me something better. At least we have recognition. One of the ways to back this up is to go seed by seed and see how many are All Americans. We can likely get to seed 4 or 5 and still have a high %. Maybe we stop there but who is hurt if we go back to 8?
- Mitch Hull, via email
Nope. If it didn't happen you cant just vote it into being. Wrestling is a prove-it sport.
- Dan O'Connell, via TheMat.com
Why not just have the tournament in June or July???
- Pat Rimron, via Facebook
Great article. Yes I hope they do move to vote for a team champion in each division.
- James Rang, via email
But they never had a full real wrestling season during the World War II. And they did prove it all year long. They wrestled all the toughest schools all year and won. They are the best "TEAM" They deserve that trophy in their case.
- Todd Brommel, via TheMat.com
Disagree 100%. Although Iowa was the best regular season and dual meet team, that does not mean they would win the NCAAs by default. Let’s not start handing out participation medals like other sports do. We, in the wrestling community, are better than that and teach better life lessons.
- Andrew Gewain, via Facebook
PSU guy but Iowa has a great team they 99.9 percent would of won it
- Bob Bigbuckpreston, via Facebook
nope. this isn't college football with their mythical champions. if they can't wrestle it out, there's no champion. the "fair" bs is just idiocy from people who have no sense. it's earned on the mat, in direct competition. it isn't earned in duals and a few tournaments throughout the season. and the stupidity of saying "the big 10 was the most dominant" just doesn't even rate further comment. nobody worth their salt would want the title handed to them without actually stepping on the mat and contesting it. those who want it handed to them lack integrity and honor. as well as guts. they worked way too hard to get where they are to have it just handed over without having to wrestle it out. it's not like they are naming 10 national champions at the individual weights, so why would they name a national champion team?
- Paul Miille, via Facebook
That is not the Wrestling way. June 1 they should have the NCAAs and let it be settled on the mat!
- Kai Vanleuven, via Facebook
Congrats on #24 Hawkeyes! 2020 Champs! Not even an argument.
- Charlie Patrik, via Facebook
I like the idea, and would be completely on board with doing it. We/USAW essentially does this already with the opt-in predictions you offer up each year. Would be simple to formalize that, obtain NWMA endorsement and inclusion, and make it a real/official thing. Official in the sense of what USAW/NWMA/Media (would probably be best to go with your original thoughts and leave it under the purview of NWMA instead of USAW) believe the outcome ought to be. Do it every year. It is nothing more than a compilation of what the folks who cover the sport each and every year believe - not an official final result. Go for it! And, if I can help, let me know.
- Mark Lundy, via email
The Big-tens and the National tournament basically are the same men wrestling. Just two weeks later. If this is the new guidelines we will never have a National tournament again.
- Matt Masterson, via Facebook
All this takes is for somebody to show some leadership. The #1 guy in each weight class should invite the top X guys (pick a number) to his wrestling room for an unofficial wrestle-off. We were always able to have great sandlot baseball games as kids. Why not here? Surely you could drum up a ref or two to keep it impartial. These guys have busted their butts for years. All they want to do is compete and find out if they measure up.
- Tom Millen, via Facebook
Doesn’t the regular season mean anything? If not then why do it. Name a National Champion at each weight based upon record strength of schedule or something
- Tony Gray, via Facebook
This is an asinine take, Gary.
- Doug Burney, via Facebook
Thought I'd weigh in. I'm not associated with anything wresting related other than local high school and youth clubs, so I'm probably way out of touch of how things truely work or how far decisions have already been made, but reading all the online opinions, pros and cons, issues and setbacks that are associated with the different options presented, it makes me think that if NCAA keeps an open mind until this pandemic slows or stops, it could keep potential options open. Obviously postponing championships until summer doesn't work due to unknown timing of the virus slowing, the 2020 Olympics, and the uncertainty for and inability for athletes to train. The issue with giving athletes another year of eligibility is the backlog it creates with incoming recruits, and scholarships. What if? Tournament qualifiers were given 1/2 year of eligibility, and the 2020 NCAA championships were held in December of 2020. The dual season could still be run with the new 20-21 team lineups and those athletes would compete for the 2021 postseason. Maybe its too far fetched. But to give my opinion, if a NCAA champion is declared soon, that would close the door on any possibility of a future solution to this. But if any hope of a championship is never going to happen, yes the Iowa Hawkeyes should get their crown in some fashion :)
- Neal Wikner, via email
I vote NO. If wrestling taught me anything it was to handle disappointment and accept it, but move on, and mainly FINISH. This voting is fine for mid season and seeding etc., but we all know its not real.
- Guy Reilly, via TheMat.com
I strongly disagree. Wrestling is based on head-head results. Odds and prior encounters mean almost nothing. How many examples are there in your fine book "History of college wrestling" where a guy who is beaten or even dominated in several prior matches wins it all at Nationals? I was 12 when my Dad & I listened to the pro fight of a young, skinny boxer that knocked out the "Unbeatable Bear" Sonny Liston. Liston was immense and his fists measured 15 inches! Few gave Clay (Ali) any chance. Similarly, yes- Iowa was very dominant this year. However, as my old college coach used to tell us, tournaments are made for upsets. No-one knows how the competition would have played out. I feel terrible for the kids that sacrificed so much, qualified for Nationals, and cannot compete. Especially the seniors. However, making stuff up will not help and will only discredit our great sport. Last, with all due respect to those trying to do their best, the BCS is based on perception NOT reality. The BCS playing field is tilted to favor big market teams. Wrestling has parity for all participants.
- Badger Boy, via email
Let them wrestle! Hold the tournament with essential staff only and let these kids live out their dreams!
- Jeff Rager, via Facebook
I promise you neither of the Brands nor the Iowa team want anything given to them! You get what you earn!
- Ryan Prince, via Facebook
You don’t wrestle tournaments on paper. Can’t name a champion unless it’s earned.
- Tristan Simons, via Facebook
Wanted to share my thoughts as a fan about naming a championship team. I’ll admit first that I am a huge Iowa and UNI fan so am biased on my opinion. I feel that all of these athletes have worked so hard that they deserve to be recognized. I would even crown the number 1 wrestler at each weight the champion.
- Marilyn Roisum, via email
Unfortunately, this just can’t happen. I know l... it’s so sad, but it’s a fact. We all have to get over it and live with it.
- Cory Packer, via Facebook
Similar to the mystical football National Champion from many years ago...
- Edward Gibbons, via Facebook
Results for D1, D2, D3 and Women NAIA Individual and team champions are : None!!!!!!!!!!! That’s your answer period! Let’s move on to 2021!
- Anibal Nieves, via Facebook
No! Win it on the mat. A voted champion is garbage I don't care who it is.
- John VanBuskirk, via Facebook
Agreed, Iowa should be awarded the national title.
- Tim Daly, via Facebook
Iowa can be the “People’s Champ”
- Christopher Richards, via Facebook
I really think Chris Taylor beat the East German in 1972!
- Chuck Tyler, via Facebook
Absolutely not. You compete to win. You don't compete to earn votes.
- Chad Eddy, via Facebook
It must be earned. That's the wrestling creed
- Mike Jensen, via Facebook
No sorry it doesn't work that way that's why the wrestle the matches
- Dennis Lapaglia, via Facebook
How many finished undefeated? Pretty open/shut case there.
- John Woerner, via Facebook
I have to agree!!
- Robert DeBerry, via Facebook
Nope, got to get on the mat and earn it!
Trace Gutknecht, via Facebook
No. Admit it: Iowa is cursed!
- Paul McNabb, via Facebook
Iowa had the best season this year, and a B1G title. The Big Ten is the most dominant league. If we can’t wrestle it out, I think it is fair to call them National Champions.…
- Gerry Jackson, via Facebook
No. They shouldn't
- Daniel Sabin, via Facebook
Not a chance!
- Rob Neidlinger, via Facebook
Um, no
- Tim Stephan, via Facebook
I disagree, how are you going to name a Team champion for an event that has not been competed and contested for. That's not how we do things in the sport of wrestling, you have to go out and fight for a title.
- Brett Wade, via Facebook
NCAA should grant all the athletes an extra year of eligibility.
- Tom Millen, via Facebook
Horrible take.. This isn't college football, and we don't name champions without competition in wrestling.
- Kasey Smith, via Facebook
I agree. Some guys have been at this 20 years trying to get to this point its really too bad what has happened
- Danny Peck, via Facebook
No, you either wrestle it out or nothing at all. It's decided on the mat, not in someone's mind.
- Chris Knouse, via Facebook
No way! And, unfortunately I grew up in Iowa.
- Douglas P Ewen, via Facebook
This is wrestling. You settle it on the mat. Would the Brands Brothers even be content with a fake championship?
- Kyle Smith, via Facebook
How about we roll the mats out the end of May?
-- Russell Schweich, Via Facebook
No, they should not
- Jason Hett, via Facebook
Never gonna happen
- Wes Hand, via Facebook
Nope
- Joe Wychock, via Facebook
NO WAY!!!
Darrin Schultz, via Facebook
Thank you fans for your involvement. Maybe we do this again with another hot topic!!
