Northern Michigan University Assistant Coach Parker Betts is back for Episode 61 to discuss recent results as well as to look ahead at what’s coming up for the United States’ most important Greco-Roman program.
Betts starts by providing a recap of how his wrestlers performed at the 2024 Non-Olympic Weight World Team Trials earlier this month. NMU had two finalists — Kenny Crosby (55 kg) and current U23 World rep Max Black (60 kg) — and also saw several of their squad’s younger competitors make meaningful progress in what was a tough tournament considering both the field in each weight category as well as the time of the season. Betts then expounds upon what’s next on the calendar for NMU, which includes a dual meet showdown against the Dubuque RTC on October 5.
A Few Highlights
Betts on Kenny Crosby Making the WTT Finals
“I couldn’t be prouder of him. The last year that he had was rough and he pushed through it. He did a lot of growing as a person and as a wrestler. Just seeing him go through what he did, and get through it, and how he is taking that onto the mat. He’s a whole different person.”
Betts on Max Black’s series against Ildar Hafizov
“He peformed great. Ildar, he’s tough, obviously. His experience, on the feet, in par terre… Everything is so good. It just comes down to experience with Max. He’s still young when you look at it in the big picture and Ildar has been doing this for a long time. And he’s made so many Trials finals that it’s just another day in the office for him. For Max, it’s just going to come down to experience. I was talking about it with (Andy) Bisek a couple days after and I was like, He’s so close to breaking through. And when he does, it is just going to ignite him even more.”
Betts on the NMU dual coming up against the Dubuque RTC
“I think it’s great. The more matches and experience for these guys, the better. We’re going to have a mix of young guys and older guys.
“We’re looking forward to going back down there to wrestle them. I’ll say that.”
Listen to “5PM57: Kamal Bey and David Stepanyan” on Spreaker.
Listen to “5PM56: Rich Carlson and Spencer Woods” on Spreaker.
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