For someone who doesn’t follow the wrestling program closely, all these mid-season departures seem puzzling to me. I know we just got an entirely new coaching staff in the Off-season, but can somebody who has knowledge and follows on a close level explain to a NOOB what is happening here? I keep seeing guys leaving, read some of the drama with the Storr? guy leaving, etc. Just curious to get an objective view of what the deal is right now...
I don't have "insider" information but I will try to explain the timing thing...
During the wrestling season, there are two types of competition: opens and duals.
Essentially, opens are just tournaments, or invitationals. They are usually run as a dual-elimination type bracket for each weight class. Two losses and then you are done, with individual places awarded to the wrestlers who advance far enough (sometimes there are team awards as well). The nice thing about opens is that you can enter multiple wrestlers in a single weight division. So, you could enter your starter in the 165 lb class as well as any back-ups/reserves you have on the team and get everyone multiple matches in a weekend. You can even enter guys who are red-shirting, although they are considered "unattached" and not a member of the team during the open. Some examples of opens would be Midlands, Harold Nichols Cyclone Open, Cliff Keen Invitational, Southern Scuffle, as well as many smaller, less prestigious opens.
Duals are team-vs-team events. 10 matches, one at each weight class. Only 10 wrestlers from the team participate and they get one match each.
Opens typically are scheduled November thru January. Duals will run until mid- to late February.
So, if you aren't a starter, your only chances to wrestle will typically be in opens and you will be finished with competitive matches by the end of January (-ish).
Therefore, while it may seem that Colston is leaving mid-season, since he isn't starting, he is actually, most likely, finished with his own competitive season. Yes, he could have stuck around for the end of the entire season, but he would just be practicing, in all likelihood. If he knows he won't be around next year, there's little incentive to continue with the program. Get the release, focus on studies for the semester, and find a new program.
I would think that this type of thing happens often in all programs, but perhaps more so this year for ISU due to the new coaching staff. Kids who were recruited by the previous staff may have wanted to give it a shot with Dresser and company, found out they don't like it, and now are making their exit. I doubt this is a sign that things are falling apart, just people getting to know each other better and determining that it's not for them.
