SIUE Hall of Fame Wrestling Coach Larry Kristoff Passes Away
EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – SIUE Athletics and the SIUE wrestling community mourns the passing of former Head Coach Larry Kristoff. He was 83.
Kristoff started, built and defined the SIUE wrestling program into a national powerhouse that included three consecutive NCAA Division II championships in 1984, 1985 and 1986.
“It is with a heavy heart that we mourn the passing of Larry Kristoff,” said SIUE wrestling Head Coach Daryl Thomas. “Larry touched so many lives, and the stories our alumni share are a testament to the person he was and how much he meant to those he coached. His legacy will live on through the people he inspired and his lasting impact on SIUE wrestling and the sport.”
“I had the pleasure of getting to know Coach Kristoff and his family over the last 14 years,” said former SIUE Head Coach and current Assistant Coach Jeremy Spates. “Getting to coach his grandson Max was special to me and SIUE wrestling. It is amazing to see what he did as an athlete and how he was able to translate that into his coaching career. He was an inspiration to his athletes and the people around him. His influence on SIUE and the Southern Illinois wrestling community will be missed but never forgotten.”
A Distinguished Member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, Kristoff … more at … https://siuecougars.com/news/2026/11/3/siue-hall-of-fame-wrestling-coach-larry-kristoff-passes-away.aspx?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
ACC Friday Night Duals, NCAA Championships anchor ESPN’s expansive 2026-27 wrestling slate
Summary
- ESPN will present 158 collegiate wrestling events during the 2026-27 NCAA season, including seven women’s wrestling events, with all events also streaming on the ESPN App
- Linear coverage begins on Friday, Nov. 13 (8 p.m. ET, ESPN), and ACC Friday Night Duals return to ACC Network Jan. 15 through Feb. 19
- ESPN networks will carry the ACC, Big 12 and Ivy League conference championships, plus complete coverage of the 2027 NCAA Division I Men’s Wrestling Championships, March 18-20 in St. Louis
ESPN will present 158 collegiate wrestling events from some of the top programs and conferences in the country throughout the 2026-27 NCAA season, including 145 events on ESPN+. All events will also stream on the ESPN App via an applicable ESPN plan.
ESPN’s linear televised wrestling coverage begins on Friday, Nov. 13 with Nebraska at Oklahoma State (8 p.m. ET, ESPNU). Regular season linear coverage also features Oklahoma State at Iowa State on Sunday, January 31 (4 p.m., ESPN2). The National Duals Invitational championship match will air on ESPN on Sunday, Dec. 13 (8:30 p.m. ET).
ACC Friday Night Duals
ACC Friday Night Duals return to ACC Network beginning Friday, Jan. 15 when Stanford travels to NC State. The Friday night series runs through Feb. 19 and features NC State, North Carolina, Virginia Tech and Pitt, along with a wildcard matchup on the final day of Friday Night Duals. Additional ACC wrestling events will stream on ACC Network Extra throughout the season.
Shawn Kenney and Rock Harrison, the lead announcing team for ACC wrestling since the network’s launch, will call all ACC Network duals and the ACC Wrestling Championship (Sunday, March 7, 3 p.m., ACC Network). The duo also steps outside conference play to call Nebraska at Oklahoma State on November 13.
ESPN+ schedule
The extensive ESPN+ schedule will feature top programs from the Big 12, Ivy League, MAC and more throughout the regular season.
Postseason Programming
Beyond regular season coverage, ESPN networks will carry the ACC, … more at … https://espnpressroom.com/press-release/acc-friday-night-duals-ncaa-championships-anchor-espns-expansive-2026-27-wrestling-slate/?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
No. 17 UNC-Pembroke Dominates In A Pair Of Dual Match Wins
By: Alex Pearce, Assistant AD / Communications
Story Links
PEMBROKE – No. 17 UNC Pembroke took a 38-3 win over Emmanuel and followed it up with a 33-7 victory against Newberry in Conference Carolinas action Tuesday night at Lumbee Guaranty Bank Court.
Clif Bakhsh, Mason Diemert, and James Bankston each turned in 2-0 nights to lead the Braves.
As a squad, the Black & Gold combined to rack up seven bonus-point wins, including both wins by the second-ranked heavyweight Bankston.
The Braves (2-0, 2-0 CC) will be back in action Sunday, November 15 as they make the trip to Bristol, Tenn. for the King Open.
#17 UNCP vs. EMMANUEL (W, 38-3)
Joey Bruscino got things rolling with a second-period pin at 125 pounds, before … more at … https://uncpbraves.com/news/2026/11/10/no-17-wrestling-dominates-in-a-pair-of-dual-match-wins.aspx?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
Belmont-Abbey Splits Duals with Newberry, Emmanuel to Start Conference Play
PEMBROKE, N.C — Belmont Abbey opened its Conference Carolinas schedule with a split two matches, topping Emmanuel 34-8 after falling to Newberry 29-15.
Fernando Teniente (133), and Benjamin Dyer (197) wer the only Crusader to earn wins in both matches.
Belmont Abbey travels to Shorter next Wednesday for another tri-match. In addition to facing the host Hawks, the Crusaders will wrestle against Montevallo.
NEWBERRY 29, BELMONT ABBEY 15
- 125 — Kyle Simpson (Belmont Abbey) lost to Gage Summers (Newberry), 10-7
- 133 — Fernando Teniente (Belmont Abbey) def. Ethan McCullough (Newberry), Fall/2:52
- 141 — Zachary Bergman (Belmont Abbey) lost to Osmany Martinez (Newberry), TF/5:54, 21-6
- 149 — Cian Salonsky (Belmont Abbey) lost to Aliazer Alicia (Newberry), TF/2:29, 15-0
- 157 — William Nix (Belmont Abbey) lost to Keagan Judd (Newberry), MD 12-4
- 165 — Suhaib Hatamleh (Belmont Abbey) lost to Bashir Rostami (Newberry), 13-10 … more at … https://abbeyathletics.com/news/2026/11/10/wrestling-splits-duals-with-newberry-emmanuel-to-start-conference-play.aspx?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
Navy Vs North Carolina State Preview
I’ve been saying for quite some time that Navy has improved tremendously under the leadership of Head Coach Cary Kolat & I believe that they will demonstrate that against NC State Thursday night. I don’t expect the #21 Midshipmen to defeat the #14 Wolfpack, but I do think they’ll win some of the tossups & compete hard in matches where the red, white & black are favored. … more at JT Wrestling … https://johnnythompsonnum1.blogspot.com/2026/11/navy-vs-north-carolina-state-preview.html?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
Montreat Men’s wrestling shares 2026-27 season slate
MONTREAT, N.C. — The Montreat College men’s wrestling team released its 2026-27 schedule earlier this fall, one that features 13 guaranteed tournaments and duals between late October and mid-February. With seven events scheduled before Christmas and six more in the new year, the Cavaliers are set for a full slate of competition throughout the season.
The Cavs open their campaign on Oct. 31 in Corbin, Ky., at the Pepsi Patriot Open, hosted by the University of the Cumberlands. Montreat then heads home on Nov. 5 to welcome Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) opponent West Virginia University Institute of Technology to McAlister Gymnasium. Just five days later, the Cavaliers play host to the University of Pikeville. The Cavs then travel to Des Moines, Iowa, on Nov. 14 for the Grand View Open to close out the month.
A trio of December competitions highlight the schedule before Christmas Break. Montreat travels to Conway, Ark., on Dec. 5 for the CBC Invitational before heading west to Bartlesville, Okla., on Dec. 12 for the 918 Open, hosted by Oklahoma Wesleyan University. The Cavaliers conclude the month on Dec. 18 in Corbin, Ky., returning to the site of their season opener for the Battle in the Bluegrass.
Montreat rings in the new year with a busy January slate, … more at … https://montreatcavaliers.com/news/2026/10/6/mens-wrestling-mens-wrestling-shares-2026-27-season-slate.aspx?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
Taygen Smith Named as Men’s Wrestling Coach
CHADRON, Neb. – Chadron State Athletics has announced the hiring of former CSC assistant Taygen Smith as the school’s new head men’s wrestling coach.
Smith has been with the Chadron State wrestling program for the past four seasons, as a coaching assistant starting with the 2022-23 season and as the program’s assistant coach beginning in 2025.
“I am excited to introduce Taygen Smith as the new head coach of our men’s wrestling program,” Associate Athletic Director Ted Tewahade said. “I believe Taygen provides us with a good combination of continuity and a fresh direction for CSC wrestling.”
Smith worked under and will now replace Brett Hunter, who recently departed Chadron State wrestling after 14 seasons as head coach to become Chadron State’s new Assistant Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Development.
“It is an immense honor to be named the head coach at Chadron State,” Smith said. “Having spent the last four years here, I’ve seen firsthand the heart and dedication of this program. I am deeply grateful to Coach Brett Hunter for his guidance, as well as our administration and athletic department for believing in my vision.”
Smith has been a part of the coaching staff for several defining moments in Chadron State men’s wrestling history. In Smith’s four years at Chadron State, the program has had 12 national qualifiers and … more at … https://chadroneagles.com/news/2026/10/8/taygen-smith-named-as-mens-wrestling-coach.aspx?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
McPherson College Athletics Adds Women’s Wrestling as 22nd Varsity Sport
Director of Athletics Josh Daume announced today that McPherson College will expand to 22 varsity sports with the addition of a Women’s Wrestling program. The program will begin competition in the 2027-2028 academic year.
“Adding a women’s wrestling program represents yet another step forward in the growth of our athletics program,” stated Daume. “When exploring ways to add opportunities for women on our campus, wrestling was the next logical choice. Planning has already started for a brand-new, on-campus facility to house the program, and now we look forward to hiring a coach to start building a competitive roster. The sport is growing in our Kansas high schools and throughout the region making it an ideal time to start a program at McPherson College”
The Bulldogs will compete with fellow KCAC members Friends University, York University, Ottawa University, University of Saint Mary, and Avila University along with several institutions in the Sooner Athletic Conference in the joint KCAC/SAC Wrestling Conference.
Women’s wrestling officially became the NAIA’s 28th national championship sport in 2022. It includes 10 official weight classes ranging from 103 lbs. up to the 207 lbs. heavyweight division. The NAIA wrestling championships have been held in Park City, KS at the Heartland Credit Union Arena for … more at … https://nwcaonline.com/news/2026/11/6/national-wrestling-coaches-association-mcpherson-college-athletics-adds-womens-wrestling-as-22nd-varsity-sport.aspx
Montreat’s Women finalizes 2026-27 schedule
MONTREAT, N.C. — The Montreat College women’s wrestling team finalized its 2026-27 schedule earlier this fall, a campaign that features 17 guaranteed events throughout the season. The Cavaliers are set for a full slate that includes duals, open tournaments and potential postseason competition.
The Cavs open the season on the road on Oct. 29 with a Mid-South Conference (MSC) dual against Brewton-Parker Christian University. Montreat then heads north to East Stroudsburg, Pa., for the ESU Open on Nov. 1 before returning home on Nov. 5 to welcome Lindsey Wilson College to McAlister Gymnasium. Two days later, the Cavaliers hit the road to compete at the Trojan Women’s Open.
Montreat closes out November with the Blue Hose Challenge, hosted by Presbyterian College, on Nov. 15 and the Greensboro Open on Nov. 21. The Cavs then enter a busy December featuring four competitions. The month begins with a dual against Newberry College, followed by the Pigeon Forge Open during the initial week. The Cavs hope to host another dual on Dec. 9 against a yet-to-be-determined opponent prior to traveling to Emory, Va., on Dec. 12 for the Wasps Open, their final competition before Christmas Break.
January begins with the Cavaliers competing at the Red Lady Duals and Red Lady Open on the 9th and 10th in Montgomery, Ala., before returning home on Jan. 13 to host Concord University. Montreat then visits Bristol, Tenn., on the 17th for the King Open. The Cavs end the month with the … more at … https://montreatcavaliers.com/news/2026/10/2/womens-wrestling-womens-wrestling-finalizes-2026-27-schedule.aspx?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
Northeastern State RiverHawks make history with first home wins, set NCAA Division II attendance record
TAHLEQUAH — Northeastern State men’s wrestling made history Wednesday, earning the first home victories in program history while setting an NCAA Division II attendance record with nearly 3,000 fans in attendance.
The RiverHawks celebrated the milestone with a pair of dual victories, defeating Southeast Community College 40-11 before taking down Murray State 35-9.
The crowd of nearly 3,000 established a new NCAA Division II attendance record, adding another milestone to the program’s first home event.
Against Southeast Community College, Northeastern State earned seven individual victories and benefited from two forfeits. Colden Dyer and Clay Giddens each recorded a fall, while Dimitri Kizer posted a 19-3 technical fall in 3:58. Canaan Brummett earned an 8-5 decision, Evan Rodriguez won by major decision, and Christian Clark added a 21-7 major decision.
The RiverHawks carried that momentum into the second dual against Murray State, collecting eight individual victories. Chase Dyer, Ethan Day and Preston Shorter each recorded a fall, while Silas Foster earned a 19-4 technical fall in 6:29. Zane Donley, Cameron Kiser, Kaiden Cue and Brock Byrd added decisions.
Northeastern State returns to the mat Saturday for the Viking Open in Poteau, Oklahoma.
Northeastern State vs. Southeast Community College — NSU wins 40-11
125 pounds: Colden Dyer (NSU) def. William Fontenot, fall, 2:05
133 pounds: Canaan Brummett (NSU) def. Case Jurgens, decision, 8-5
141 pounds: Che Jenkins (SCC) def. Sean Gonzalez (NSU), technical fall, 21-5, 6:43 … more at … https://goriverhawksgo.com/news/2026/11/4/mens-wrestling-riverhawks-make-history-with-first-home-wins-set-ncaa-division-ii-attendance-record.aspx?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
TDR blog
After 20 seasons of publicizing wrestling The TakeDown Report’s (TDR) focus has changed to the collecting of college coaching records from North America since 1903. We will continue to recognize and reward successful wrestlers in eastern North Carolina (east of Raleigh & Fayetteville), assist with schools in starting or re-starting a team and this blog. Join us on our FaceBook Page – “The TakeDown Report” for photos and news. Please send results, stories, links and news to pass along. E-mail us at takedownreport@gmail.com
Martin Fleming, Editor
Takedown Report
