i have had the opportunity to coach both of them at the same age. i was a cadet coach in 1996 and drew zach as one of my primary wrestlers to coach through the tournament. i was able to stand mat side (but wise enough to ask kevin klemm to coach) for his cadet championship final match in fargo where he placed second. i am currently neils high school coach.

neil has similar tools to what zach had at the same age. most important is their work ethic and attitude about the sport. they take everything they hear and see in, yet still manage to keep their focus on the match that is ahead of them regardless of the quality of the opponent.

it is difficult to compare the two, but i know that i have been blessed with the opportunity to have a part in each of their wrestling careers. neil is still a freshman at a very talented wieght-class, and he is very talented himself, but most importantly he is smart enough to know that it all comes from hardwork and preparation for each match like it is his most important.

comparing roberson and erisman by personality though, they are both wonderful human beings with an intense desire to compete and focus on what is important without being too distracted... even at a very young age.