The Tommies Midseason

Well last year we launched our Tommies which are the awards we will be handing out at the end of the year. We have nine categories we look at. I thought it would be fun to look at how we think it would look at mid-season. We are leaving a few out because we do not have enough data to make an appropriate comment yet. They would be better served to be accessed at the end of the year.

These are not the official awards, but rather a look at who we think would win if the season ended today.

Best Technical Wrestler

Man this is a tough one so far this year. So many guys seem to have stepped up their game this year. Note that this does not always mean this person is who we feel is the “Best Wrestler” in the country, although they certainly might be, it is who we believe is technically the most sound wrestler.

Midseason: Jordan Oliver, Oklahoma State

This was a tough choice as of now. But when watching Oliver this year he has really been dominate from every position and doing it with near technical perfection. On his feet he is precise and is constantly keeping good position on all of his attacks. He has also showed great technical skill on top.

Most Improved College Wrestler

Hmm I have it between three guys right now, there have been several guys who have exceeded early season predictions and several that have shown vast improvement from both a technical and consistency perspective.

Midseason: Clayton Jack, Oregon State

Jack seems to have gotten past some of his consistency issues that he has had in the past and is really wrestling well right now. He is a big man that should be right there with anyone in the country. So far he has won two major tournaments and remains undefeated.

College Coach of the Year

There are several coaches who could and should be considered. We have seen several teams perform well above what we expected to this point. It will be interesting to see how much some of these teams can improve in the back half of the season.

Midseason: Tim Flynn, Edinboro

Flynn has his Scots wrestling great right now. Yea, they are not a national contender, but is that really what this award should be about? We do not believe so. He has put together a very solid young team that is anchored by veteran leadership. Our hats are off to you Coach Flynn, keep up the good work.

Best Ambassador to the Sport

This is generally the person that we see doing things above and beyond being just a successful wrestler or coach. There are a lot of people to consider and all deserving in their own respect.

Midseason: Mike Denney, Maryville

For me this was a rather easy decision. Coach Denney went through a nightmare and carried himself with poise and class. After being told he was losing his program right after winning a National Championship, he did what wrestlers do; he fought with everything he had to keep his program. He did this in a way that should make any one proud. Although he was not able to save his program, he did not give up and has since started the new program at Maryville.

Comeback Wrestler of the Year

It is somewhat early to look at this one, but we need to look at who has made an early season case. This one is certainly still wide open and will be much clearer after the NCAA Championships.

Midseason: Logan Steiber, Ohio State

Man there were numerous guys I considered here and all I could make a strong case for. But Steiber has comeback from an early season injury last year, moved up a weight class and has impressed us so far. He is wrestling very well and seems to be a legit title contender.

Upset of the Year

Where do you even start with this one? Team upsets? Individual upsets? Tough to call. There has been so many its hard to pick just one. This has definitely been the year of parity in college wrestling.

Midseason: Jesse Delgado (IL) over Matt McDonough (IA)

Another one that was tough to pick. The reason we went with this one is that most of us thought McDonough to be on a different level heading into the season. Delgado who is only a redshirt freshman was able to do what most did not think possible.

Wrestler of the Year

Again numerous guys could be considered here, but we feel one stands out.

Midseason: David Taylor, Penn State

Taylor has been pretty much lights out all year, racking up bonus points and doing this after moving up a weight class. He will be tested more in the second half of the season so, it will be interesting to see who wins this award come March.