Loss of Klemm will certainly be an impact - he has a proven track record. But he is not the only one in Kansas capable of churning out D1 All-Americans.

And, by the way, I suspect that Flynn, Zalesky and Douglas had a bit to do with these guy's success too - not just Klemm.

Gut - by the way when discussing Blair Academy, you missed Perry who finished his prep career at Blair and was a NCAA finalist this year (who, fyi, also wins a large share of his matches from top).

Kansas wrestling has improved by leaps and bound on the national scene in the past decade. Now that the bar has been raised by the Robersons, Bunches, Johnstons and Murrays of the world, this success will grow upon itself and continue to escalate. The pedigrees, coaching and confidence is all there to do so. And what a fine group of young men Kansas has poised to carry the torch!

As for the importance of takedowns. No arguement that neutral position skill is necessary to compete. But solid mat skills can make up for a deficiency from neutral.

I offer three points to support this, could certainly add more but think these three do it adequately -

1). Jake Rosholt is "only" 2x NCAA champ. He was taken down twice in the finals and still won. If Stender had been better from top, he'd have won the match. But Rosholt used a counter from neutral and three escapes to earn the title. Stender walked off the mat with two takedowns, but a runner-up finish. Rosholt can get takedowns, but most are generally off of counters. Hardly a poster child for the prototypical takedown king - but two NCAA titles and looking for a third.

2). Muzaffar Abdurakhmanov, when healthy, is unmatched in terms of neutral position skill. Absolutely phenomenal ability from neutral. He didn't place at this year's event. Why? Partially because he was injured, but also becase opponenets kept their elbows in, minimized scoring opportunities and made Muzaffar score from the mat. Result - Muzaffar, along with both who beat him, all failed to medal. Opposing coaches found a way to neutralize Muzaffar's strengths. Muzaffar handled Johnston pretty well at the Midlands-but I bet Zalesky would have followed similar strategy had they met in St. Louis.

3). Jake Percival - 4X All-American and a finalist. No where near the best in the weight from neutral, but still successful.

Neutral position prowess - important? You bet! Guaranteed success? No freaking way - just ask Stender, Abdurakhmanov or anyone of the many who took Percival down and still ended up losing.