FloWrestling released their updated P4P (pound for pound) ratings. The Ironman tournament last weekend along with at least two weeks of tournaments have shook up the ratings. Iowa Wrestling recruits have a strong presence with three in the Top 10.
Spencer Lee of Murrysville, PA (Franklin Regional H.S.) remained at the top spot as the best high school wrestler in the country. Lee was impressive in winning a very tough 126 lbs. weightclass at the Ironman last weekend. Spencer Lee, already a three-time World Champion, is the biggest recruit in Iowa Wrestling history.
Jacob Warner of Washington, IL (Washington H.S.) is at number nine even though he dominated his competition at the Ironman at 195 lbs. Warner actually crushed the best that the Ironman had to offer where he won his four matches by a combined match score of 43-1. As I mentioned several times before, I disagree with this ranking. Absolutely no way there are eight wrestlers better than Warner out there. Especially when you add in that he is at a weight that does not produce a lot of top ranked wrestlers at 195. It makes me think of what has been thrown around for years about the star system in football. If a four star recruit commits to Notre Dame, Texas, or USC, then they jump up to a five star in the next rankings. If that same four star commits to Iowa football, he drops to a three star in the next rankings. The star system is there to attract the fan base of the big powers and to sell magazines. Gotta wonder if this is a factor in this situation as well. Trust me Iowa Wrestling fans, Jacob Warner is in my opinion only behind Spencer Lee in the P4P rankings, and the gap is closing.
Gavin Teasdale of Jefferson-Morgan, PA, just a junior, is at the number ten spot on the P4P ranking and is listed at 120 lbs. Teasdale is a member of the Iowa Wrestling Recruiting Class of 2018 and is he tough. I was able to watch some clips of his finals match last weekend where he was the O.W at the Eastern Area Invitational. Teasdale’s style reminded me of Matt McDonough, when he was in college. Enough said.
The Hawks definitly have momentum on their side on the recruiting front. I have mentioned several times before that champions want to be around other champions. I look for the wrestlers mentioned above to be an influence to attract other champions in the recruiting wars.
Iowa Wrestling fans should be very excited about our incoming recruits. I know I am.
