Preseason predictions which are not
worth their weight in pyrite (How much do Websites weigh, anyway?) |
September 1st, 2019 | Written by: Editor |
Division I Teams | Division I Individuals | Division II Teams | Division II Individuals | Division III Teams | Division III Individuals |
First, let me explain why the rest of this article is poppycock and thus should not be read by anyone.
Even when TrackWrestling team data is available for the 2019-20 season, the initial weights are rarely what those at which the kids will start. A lot of them go down one or two weight classes after the first events.
Parents keep feeding kids, and the kids eat, and thus they get bigger. Evidently, there are no rules as to how much a kid might grow between February and November. If this could be remedied then it would be easier to make predictions.
Re the "Individuals" pages:
Any potential match-ups implied have no factual basis to them. They may count if the wrestlers mentioned are in the same weight "areas" as each other, but I have no idea of what their parents may feed them in the off season or how much they will grow.
Defending state champions are usually favorites to repeat, but that is not always the case as each one has a huge on their backs. And defending a title often requires harder practice routines to negate that target. In 2019 four Division I, three Division II and two Division III state champions did not successfully defend their 2018 titles. Picking against defending state champions is ridiculous at this juncture, so they are generally considered the favorites.
Some wrestlers, due to their progression over the years or their placements in previous state championships, may be considered "Good bets" or "Dark horses." These generally will consist of last season's runners-up, third-place winners and some fourth-place winners. But "dark horse" candidates will no doubt claim a few titles. Some placed as high as fourth in 2019, but in the editor's opinion will be in very strong weight classes or may not have enough enough quality practice partners, and they will be highlighted as well. (As for the "dark horses," hopefully my opinion will be enough to "fire them up" and prove me wrong.)
Please know that I will miss some "dark horse" candidates, but it is September1st and I am sure I left them off of my list because they displayed incredulity upon learning I did wrestle at one time. Or, it could just mean I am not as psychic as I predicted.
Actually, I want some kids to tell me "I'm going to prove you wrong, Mr. Martin." (I'd prefer "Uncle Mr. Big Martin, SIR!," and want to hear the bold-face text in it, but I left such dreams behind a long time ago when Slumdog Millionaire won an Academy Award for Best Picture.)
Team Predictions in Brief
Team predictions are the easiest ones to make. One can determine who should be returning for the next season, how many wrestlers teams have lost due to graduation, and which kids may be considered "on the cusp" for a higher placement at the end of the state championships. Often, the number of wrestlers returning with experience in the state championships, even if they went "two-and-out," is very important. Below is just an excuse to use graphic images. Actual details may be found on the pages for each Division.
Division I Teams | Division I Individuals | Division II Teams | Division II Individuals | Division III Teams | Division III Individuals |
Division I
Brother Martin |
St. Paul's | Holy Cross | Catholic | East Ascension | St. Amant | Live Oak | Parkway | Byrd | Fontainebleau | Sulphur | Comeaux | Jesuit |
Division II
North Desoto | Teurlings Catholic |
Rayne | Shaw | Carencro | Rummel | Belle Chasse | St. Michael | Benton | Haughton |
Division III
Basile | Brusly | St. Louis | Evangel | Hannan | South Beauregard |
De la Salle | Church Point | Kaplan | John Curtis |
Faithfully submitted with all of its errors,
Martin Muller |
Editor |
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