Claissical notes

I've never been a big fan of exhibition wrestling matches, but because of the charitable cause of the Pittsburgh Wrestling Classic, I don't mind this event. Nearly 4,000 people filled Pitt's Fitzgerald Field House Sunday for two dual meets. That's a pretty strong crowd compared to other years when the arena was half full. I would keep the Sunday date.

The Pennsylvania team always has an advantage over the U.S. in that the season ends later and the athletes are still in decent conditioning. Kendrick Sanders, a three-time state champion from South Dade, Fla., seemed to sag in the final period of a 7-0loss to Joey Napoli of Cumberland Valley. Other U.S. wrestlers seemed winded by the third period.

I believe wrestling would become more popular with fans if the rules were changed to allow more offensive moves. Right now, it's far too easy to defend against most types of legal throws and even headlocks are becoming more rare. I will remember Dan Conley's high-crotch toss that won him a state title for Burgettstown not for just the pin it produced but the roar from the crowd. Wrestling needs more of those moments.

Grove City's Caleb Kolb is often referred to as the son of former Steelers lineman Jon Kolb. After watching Kolb tear up Alec Ortiz of Newberg, Ore., who came in with a 115-0 record and four state titles, that should change. Jon Kolb should be referred to as the father of Grove City's great wrestler Caleb Kolb.