BRUTE Northeast Collegiate Duals
Dear NY State Wrestling Community: I know everyone is consumed with their season, but I wanted to formally thank you for your support the last two weeks. I’m writing you fresh off the conclusion of the 2008 Journeymen / (Nov29th 2008). It was an amazing event – abundance or upsets, entertainment and spectacular wrestling displayed in an area that is completely without NCAA collegiate wrestling (D I, II or III). This event, combined with our Journeymen / BRUTE Sprawl & Brawl, afforded nearly 1/3 of all D- I NCAA Wrestling teams to come to the Empire State within a 6 day period.
I’m not delusional. I realize that many parts of the State have fantastic college wrestling – Cornell in Sect IV, Hofstra in Sect XI, Buffalo in Sect VI, Army in Sect IX, but much of the state does not. That being said, It may be difficult for a coach to find a reason to gather his team and trek ½ across the state to “watch collegiate wrestling” especially when it’s already right in your backyard; however, I’ll argue we’re making this endeavor a bit different than the ordinary college match or tournament. It’s an event. An extravaganza if you will - Music, Entertainment, Vendors, Contents and we do all that with wrestling greatness in the forefront. It’s also a NY homecoming. Many of yesterdays NY high school stars are showcased together under one roof. It was our goal to make these two events among the premier tournaments in the nation. I think we’re on our way. The participating college coaches think so and the stats say so - 8 of the top 25 teams made up the field for the Northeast Duals and 12 of the top 25 made up the field for both events. 2,300 fans made the journey to watch wrestling at the Northeast Duals, Hudson Valley Community College in Troy NY. It was incredible. There is obviously still room for improvement, but a partial victory nonetheless.
I know many teams wanted to partake , but traditional competitions and or scrimmages in their hometown held them back from doing so. I am a big believer in tradition and the last thing I’d ask someone to do is forego their tradition; however, I know we’ve made some fine adjustments in Sect II to accommodate the Northeast Duals. I feel confident n saying that in return it’s produced some handsome dividends. It’s created excitement with our wrestling youth. We established a huge “National Scrimmage” on Friday Nov 28th 2008, the day before the college tournament. Teams from all over New England, PA, VA and NY participated. They come in to scrimmage and then stay to watch the event! I can’t argue which is better a scrimmage or watching wrestling greatness, but if you can accommodate both, then why not? I think we have a new tradition brewing not only within the state, but perhaps the county. I’d love the state to be unified and enjoy it. If you were there – thanks. If not, I hope to convince you to be a part of our efforts in the future.
Maybe this highlight clip will better articulate the way I feel. Once you see it, I think you’ll never want to miss it again.
2008 Northeast Duals Highlight Clip: http://www.flowrestling.org/videos/coverage/view_video/234324/87483-northeast-duals-highlight-reel
Regards,
Frank Popolizio
Journeymen Wrestling