Professional Wrestling
Over the last few years I have noticed an aberration in the sports pages of some newspapers: "Professional Wrestling Columns!"
Are these sports editors naïve? I hope not, because to give credibility in the sports section of a newspaper to a form of "showmanship," not an athletic competition, is downright ludicrous!
Maybe I can clear things up.
These "rasslers" of the squared ring are without question fine athletic specimens, a few with the aid of steroids. And one must understand that these "stuntmen" of pro wrestling arena are "actors." All their bouts are scripted, with the winner predetermined.
Please don't misunderstand me; they are very entertaining if a bit lewd at times.
But by no means is pro wrestling a sporting event; it is more like a "soap opera" for men.
Keep in mind, a sporting event is a competition between two individuals (e.g., tennis) or two teams (e.g., basketball) and the outcome of the match/game is not known until the end of the event.
Personally, I would have no problem with finding forensics or band competitions on the sports pages. After all, these "cerebral" athletes practice just as hard and feel the stress of competing just as strongly as any "physically-oriented" athletes.
If you don't believe me, try speaking or playing an instrument in front of a group of your peers and spectators, for scores from judges, without getting nervous. It's the same anxiety that sports athletes feel during a contest.
Point being: They are true competitive events as well. Unlike professional wrestling, where the "so-called" opponents rehearse their moves with each other prior to the show, including who is supposed to win - to keep the "storyline" going.
My suggestion to all self-respecting sports editors, when they receive professional wrestling propaganda over the wire, would be to send it to the editorial department in charge of "entertainment."
Please keep it off the sports pages; it's an insult to us who truly love amateur wrestling - the oldest competitive sport in the history of mankind.
Team Scoring in Tournaments
The chart for team scoring at tournaments is as follows:
Advancement Points
2 points - Championship Bracket (Regular Decision)
1 point - Consolation Bracket (Regular Decision)
1 point - Major Decision
1 ½ points - Technical Fall
2 points - Fall, Default, Forfeit, or Disqualification
Bye followed with a Win
2 points - Championship Bracket
1 point - Consolation Bracket
Place Winner Points with Tournaments having Four Places
14 points - First Place
10 points - Second Place
7 points - Third Place
4 points - Fourth Place
Place Winner Points with Tournaments having Six Places
16 points - First Place
12 points - Second Place
9 points - Third Place
7 points - Fourth Place
5 points - Fifth Place
3 points - Sixth Place
Place Winner Points with Tournaments having Eight Places
16 points - First Place
12 points - Second Place
9 points - Third Place
7 points - Fourth Place
5 points - Fifth Place
3 points - Sixth Place
2 points - Seventh Place
1 point - Eighth Place
There are no match ties in tournament competition and the wrestlers must go into overtime to decide the winner by the Overtime "Sudden Death" Procedure (which will be explained next Sunday).
That, fans, is team scoring in tournaments. As you can plainly see, the official scorer has his hands full.
Mini-Mat Quiz
Q: Wrestler A wins by a score of 9-1 in the championship bracket. How many points does he score for his team?
A: Wrestler A would score 3 points for his team - 2points for advancement and
1 point for a major decision.
OVAC Joe Thomas Wrestling Warrior
The Coach Joe Thomas OVAC Wrestling Warrior of the Week is Bridgeport's Bryan Scoff, a senior who holds an overall record on the mats of 110 wins and 28 losses.
His past accomplishments include a 2007 5th place finish in the OVAC Tournament at 152. He also was 2nd in the Ohio Districts and 4th place at the Ohio Division III State Championships.
Most recently, Bryan Skoff was the 160-pound champion at the Union Local Doan's Ford Invitational, and he was also named the "Most Outstanding Wrestler" in the competition.
Congratulations are extended to Bryan Skoff - this week's OVAC Wrestling Warrior.
The OVAC Wrestling Fan of the Week is TED ENHI of Bridgeport.
The Deaton-Regis Weekly Dual Meet Predictions
Larry Deaton and Jack Regis, two of the Valley's finest mat officials are competing with each other this season, picking the winners of selected weekly matches.
This Wednesday's featured matches are Harrison Central at Oak Glen and Steubenville at John Marshall
Deaton picks Oak Glen over Harrison Central 36-15. John Marshall will out distance Steubenville 33-21.
Regis calls Oak Glen the winner as well, 40-17. On the other hand, he chooses Steubenville over JM 31-28.
Book Notes: The Wrestling Drill Book edited and authored by Bill Welker would
be a great Christmas gift for your favorite wrestler! To purchase an autographed
copy of The Wrestling Drill Book, just send a check or money order for $20.00
(shipping and handling is included) made payable to:
Bill Welker
110 North Huron Street
Wheeling, West Virginia 26003
Don't forget to send your return address and any personal note you want Bill
Welker to write with his autograph. He will accept book requests until
December 20, for The Wrestling Drill Book to arrive in your hands before
Christmas!
Mat Message
"You may find the worst enemy or best friend in yourself."
- English Proverb