I know i have no business in this conversation as i'm in college. but on the Christopher and Wilkins match was a great call by the refs. Wilkins had his arm around his waist and was technically in control. Smart call, give the refs some credit. Also Christopher is a great sport and didn't complain. and also to the Byrnes guy booing a freshman, grow up man the kid didn't make the call.
First, I think its naive to think anyone, Byrnes or otherwise, was booing Wilkins. Anyone can see those jeers were directed at the officials. Wilkins is a stud and man does he fight in every position. He absolutely earned that win. So gritty. He's going to be so fun to watch as he physically matures even more. Future is bright for that kid no doubt.
Secondly, I'm not sure I've ever seen that as a no-call. He wasn't crossfacing him down, didn't throw a leg in. He was postured up fighting not to give up nearfall (again, because he's gritty and would rather break his arm give up an inch of position) the arm was around Christophers' waist because that is, ya know, what a Peterson looks like.
I actually can get on board with the no reversal in that situation though you see that called instantly all year long as a reversal. In my view, there was an absolute lose of control. Wilkins was not in a dominate controlling position, maybe not reversal worthy but I can't even fathom how that's not 1 escape. I think the initial argument from the RH staff was that it was in fact just one.
For me, that call was a microcosm of the year long issues I've seen with officials. It's become quite evident that the vast majority of the new crop of refs are not "wrestling guys" turned officials, they are refs and umpires from other sports trying their hand at wrestling. Our best guys are those that come from the sport, with knowledge of the sport.
Which brings me back to 5A 126. After all that intrigue and drama, the ref had an out but didn't take it. Nobody would have argued that as a one point escape which, by the rule book, seems to have been what the right call would have been since no nearfall were ever counted. Let these two kids, that battled hard for 6 minutes in some pretty wild scrambles and continuous wrestling, figure it out themselves. Send it to OT and let the best match of the night be figured out on the mat in a clean fashion. It speaks to not having wrestling guys in the position. Know the situation.