Beyond Wrestling: von Savoye Finds Growth Through ACC Experiences
By: Courtney Hicks, Duke Athletics Communications Summer Intern
DURHAM, N.C.– Student-athletes across the ACC gathered in Charlotte, North Carolina, June 24-26 for the fourth annual ACC Career Trek, a professional development event designed to connect student-athletes with industry leaders and explore career opportunities beyond college athletics.
Throughout the three-day program, participants expanded their professional networks by meeting with representatives from 12 companies, participating in six industry panels, and gaining firsthand insight into what employers value in future candidates. Through hands-on experiences, panel discussions, and networking conversations, student-athletes explored a variety of career paths while developing skills to prepare for life after graduation.
Shortly after the ACC Career Trek, the ACC Unity Tour brought student-athletes, coaches and administrators to Washington, D.C., for a leadership-focused experience centered on community engagement, collaboration and service. Participants met with policymakers, historians, and community leaders while visiting historic landmarks and exploring ways to create meaningful change within their communities.
Redshirt junior wrestler Spencer von Savoye represented Duke at both the Career Trek and the Unity Tour. As a first-generation student navigating career opportunities for the first time, he gained valuable perspectives on professional development and leadership. “Being able to have the experience to talk to those employers, hear what they’re looking for and understand what I need to do to position myself for success was really valuable for me because I didn’t have that prior knowledge and I didn’t really know where to find it either,” von Savoye said. “It gave me the push I needed to take that step, reach out to those people, build those connections and make those calls.”
While the Career Trek emphasized professional networking and career exploration, the Unity Tour offered a different outlook, encouraging participants to engage with history, public service and leadership. Student-athletes toured Washington, D.C.’s historic landmarks, met with policy leaders and participated in community outreach, giving them a chance to reflect on their roles as leaders beyond athletics. “To be able to see the Declaration of Independence, … more at … https://goduke.com/news/2026/7/29/beyond-wrestling-von-savoye-finds-growth-through-acc-experiences?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
Eight Athletes, One Team Inducted Into CSC Hall of Fame
CHADRON, Neb. – Eight former Chadron State College athletes, plus the 1996 football team, will be inducted into the Eagles’ Athletic Hall of Fame this fall. The induction ceremony will take place on Friday, September 25, with doors opening at 6 p.m. and the program set to start at 7 p.m. Ticket purchase links will be available soon.
Comprising the individual CSC Hall of Fame Class of 2026 are three football players – Chance Galey, Aaron Ide and Shaine Odell – plus track and field standouts Brad Gamble and Jessica Horsley, softball players Katie Bolin Ackermann and Jamie Mazankowski Hughes and men’s wrestler Jimmy Savala.
The football players concluded their careers in 2008 after the Eagles had won 35 of 39 games during a three-year span that included three conference championships, a playoff game victory each year and a top 10 national ranking each season.
Galey, a Crawford, Nebraska native, spent three years as the starting center while the Eagles averaged 409 yards of total offense. Galey, a team captain, was both First-Team All-RMAC and Division II All-Nebraska, as well as First-Team Football Gazette and First Team Daktronics All-Region. In addition, Galey was First-Team All-RMAC Academic twice.
Ide, who hails from Holdrege, Nebraska, was a defensive tackle who took part in 110 tackles, including 16 quarterback sacks. He was First-Team All-RMAC and All-Nebraska and Second-Team All-Region as both a junior and a senior. In addition, Ide graduated with a 3.9 grade point average, was First-Team All-RMAC Academic twice and was Second-Team Academic All-American as a senior.
Odell, a defensive end from Camp Cook, S.D., joined the Eagles as a junior and started all 13 games in both 2007 and 2008. Odell had 89 tackles, 27 of them for loss, including 14 sacks over his two years as an Eagle. Odell earned First-Team All-RMAC and Second-Team All-Region during his senior season and was First-Team Academic All-District twice. Odell also was the Eagles’ heavyweight wrestler for three years, qualifying for the NCAA National Tournament in 2007.
Gamble only competed for Chadron State for one year, but made it count. … more at … https://chadroneagles.com/news/2026/7/27/general-eight-athletes-one-team-inducted-into-csc-hall-of-fame-2026.aspx?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
Yorktown III Tickets Available Now for The Citadel Wrestling Doubleheader
CHARLESTON, S.C. — The third-annual Throwdown on the Yorktown opened ticket availability Saturday morning, setting prices for $100 per person for all duals slated for Saturday, Nov. 7 and Sunday, Nov. 8. Notably, The Citadel serves as a doubleheader feature on Saturday, initially battling Air Force at 12:30 p.m. before later taking on Purdue at 5 p.m. aboard the flight deck of the USS Yorktown anchored off the Charleston Harbor.
TICKET LINK … more at … https://citadelsports.com/news/2026/8/1/yorktown-iii-tickets-available-now-for-the-citadel-wrestling-doubleheader.aspx?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
UNC Wrestling Releases 2026-27 Home Schedule
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – The University of North Carolina wrestling program has released its 2026-27 home dual schedule, announced Tuesday morning.
The home slate, which features six matchups inside Carmichael Arena, one neutral-site clash at nearby Chapel Hill High School and the Blue and White Showcase to kickstart the year.
Carolina’s entire schedule for the upcoming campaign will be announced at a future date. Announced previously, the Tar Heels will take part in the 2026 National Duals Invitational on Dec. 12-13, and travel to the Sanford Pentagon for a meeting versus South Dakota State on Dec. 18.
Fans’ first opportunity to see the Tar Heels this season will take place on Nov. 6 for the Blue and White Showcase, followed by Carolina’s home opener against Northern Iona on Nov. 21.
In December after the National Duals Invitational and the neutral-site meeting against South Dakota State, UNC will meet App State at Chapel Hill High School on Dec. 20.
The Tar Heels will host three Atlantic Coast Conference matches this season, against Virginia (Jan. 15), NC State (Jan. 29) and … more at … https://goheels.com/news/2026/7/28/wrestling-releases-2026-27-home-schedule?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
Cuyler Takes Silver at U20 Pan-American Championships in Brazil
RIO de JANEIRO, Brazil – On Friday afternoon, May Cuyler of the Presbyterian College women’s wrestling program represented Team USA at the 2026 Pan-American Championships, finishing in 2nd-place for the 68 kg weight class.
A historic achievement, Cuyler became the second ever Blue Hose wrestler (first American) to qualify for the Pan-American Championships after also taking silver at the U20 World Team Trials which took place in Spokane back in April. Carina Giangeruso represented Puerto Rico at the 2025 Pan-American Championships in Mexico.
Held at one of South America’s most famous cities (Rio de Janeiro), Cuyler won three consecutive matches at the Pan-American tournament all by 10-0 technical fall over her opponents who represented Canada, Mexico, and Peru.
That led her to the championship bout versus Brazil’s own Mayara Santos, coming up just shy of the gold medal in a 7-4 standard decision.
May was one of 10 competitors who wore the stars and stripes at the Pan-American Championships, a tremendous honor for an individual who is only halfway through her collegiate career. As a unit, Team USA topped all other countries that participated in the Pan-American Championships.
Cuyler recently completed her sophomore season at PC, already a two-time All-American in class 160 who holds a career record of 49-10. … more at … https://gobluehose.com/news/2026/7/10/womens-wrestling-cuyler-takes-silver-at-u20-pan-american-championships-in-brazil.aspx?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
Foca, Ramos To Compete In Central American And Caribbean Games
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic – North Carolina wrestling assistant coach Chris Foca and Tar Heel alumni Ethan Ramos will represent UNC and their respective countries this weekend, at the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games. Foca, in his second season on staff in Chapel Hill, will compete at 86 KG for the Dominican Republic. A four-time NCAA qualifier during his collegiate career with Cornell, Foca has competed this season on the freestyle circuit at the 2026 Muhamet Malo, Senior Pan-American Championships, and Polyák Imre, Varga János & Kozma István Memorial.
At the Pan-Am Championships held in May, Foca posted a runner-up finish at 86 KG, falling to world champion Zahid Valencia in the title bout. Ramos, who finished third place at the Pan-American Championships in May, will also step on the mat at 86 KG for Puerto Rico. During his time as a student-athlete for the Tar Heels from 2013-18, Ramos was a two-time ACC Champion at 174-pounds in 2016 and 2018, posting an All-America finish in 2015.
In 2024, Ramos became the first Carolina wrestler to qualify for the Summer Olympic Games, held in Paris. … more at … https://goheels.com/news/2026/7/27/wrestling-foca-ramos-to-compete-in-central-american-and-caribbean-games?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
2026 App State Athletics Hall of Fame Class Announced
BOONE, N.C. — App State’s Former Athletes Association has announced the 2026 App State Athletics Hall of Fame class.
In alphabetical order, this year’s inductees will be Kyle Blevins (Wrestling – 2008-12), Hector Crespo (Baseball – 2010-13), John Fitch (Men’s Basketball – 1978-82), KT Stovall (Football – 2000-03) and Maryah Sydnor (Women’s Basketball – 2011-15).
There also will be a Special Service Award given to Chip Sigmon, the head strength and conditioning coach at App State from 1984-90.
This is the 51st class in the history of the App State Athletics Hall of Fame. The group will be inducted in a ceremony in the Grandview Ballroom of Kidd Brewer Stadium’s north end zone facility on Friday, Sept. 18, the night before the Mountaineers’ home football game against Charlotte. Registration information for the Hall of Fame dinner will be released in the coming weeks.
2026 APP STATE ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
Kyle Blevins (Wrestling – 2008-12)
Ranked second in App State history with 124 career wins, Blevins enters the Hall of Fame as one of the program’s most accomplished standouts. He made an immediate impact to earn Southern Conference All-Freshman honors and carried that momentum all the way to a historic senior season. After dropping his opening match at the 2012 NCAA Championships, Blevins stormed back and won six straight matches before placing fourth at 165 pounds, marking the highest finish by any unseeded wrestler that year. Alongside teammate and third-place finisher Austin Trotman, Blevins became part of the first duo in program history to earn All-America honors in the same season, capping his brilliant career with a 40-8 record (the most single-season wins in program history) and a Southern Conference Wrestler of the Year honor.
Hector Crespo (Baseball 2010-13)
The first Freshman All-American in program history, Crespo ranks as App State Baseball’s all-time leader … more at … https://appstatesports.com/news/2026/7/22/2026-app-state-athletics-hall-of-fame-class-announced.aspx?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
Doug Schwab And Terry Brands Get Rematch During Iowa Wrestling vs Northern Iowa Dual
Doug Schwab and Terry Brands squared off at the 1998 UNI Open in the UNI-Dome. They’ll go at it again on December 11, this time as coaches.
Terry Brands was an assistant at the University of Iowa during the 1998-99 season, when Doug Schwab was a Hawkeye sophomore. Brands was at or near the peak of his competitive powers at the 1998 UNI Open on December 5 at the UNI-Dome. The Sheldon, Iowa, native won World titles in 1993 and 1995 at 57 kg and made the 1997 World Team at 58 kg but didn’t compete. Brands entered the UNI Open to prepare for the 1999 World Team Trials, which he eventually made but didn’t compete in the Worlds. He later made the 2000 Olympic Team, where he won a bronze medal in his final competition.
Schwab went 2-2 at the 1998 NCAA Championships at 126 pounds during his freshman campaign. He moved up to 141 and was in a season-long battle with freshman Mike Zadick for the starting spot. Terry Brands worked extensively with Schwab, so it was teacher vs. student when they squared off. Brands defeated Schwab 19-4 in the semifinals, then defeated Zadick 20-5 in the finals. Zadick defeated Schwab during the first wrestle-off of the season, making this an important tournament for both.
“I thought Zadick reaching the finals (against Brands) would give him an edge,” Schwab said. “We had a wrestle-off that week, and I won. I won three in a row (against Zadick) and didn’t lose a match after Midlands. The best way to keep the spot is to keep winning.” Schwab kept his 141-pound spot and eventually won the 1999 NCAA Championships with a 4-2 win over Oklahoma’s Michael Lightner in the finals. He finished 1st-3rd-2nd at nationals before making the 2007 World Team (5th) and 2008 Olympic Team.
Zadick didn’t make the team in 1999, but … more at … https://www.flowrestling.org/articles/16081701-schwab-and-brands-get-rematch-during-iowa-wrestling-vs-uni-dual?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
How To Choose A Women’s College Wrestling Program
Here is what a high school girl needs to know when selecting a women’s college wrestling program.
Recruiting season is in full swing, and it’s time to make a college decision. Here is what you need to know about picking a women’s college wrestling program.
What Are My Options?
Many schools offer women’s college wrestling, ranging from NCAA to NAIA to junior college to California junior college. Below is a breakdown of the number of programs in each division.
NCAA Division I: 10
NCAA Division II:42
NCAA Division III:81
Total NCAA: 133
NAIA:52
NJCAA: 38
CCCAA: 21
Division III does not offer athletic scholarships, whereas the other divisions do. However, it does not mean you aren’t eligible for financial aid. A Division III program might be less expensive if you meet the qualifications. It’s important to ask questions and understand the process.
Several major colleges don’t sponsor women’s college wrestling but have a club program. These colleges won’t compete at the end-of-year championships but typically wrestle in open tournaments.
The National Collegiate Wrestling Association (NCWA) is a folkstyle option with an end-of-season tournament, but this is a guide for colleges that offer women’s wrestling as a varsity sport.
All three NCAA divisions compete at the NCAA Championships, but that will change during the 2027 season when Division III programs host a separate championship.
The best resource to get started is thewcwc.com. It provides detailed information about available college programs and coaches. Most college athletic websites have a recruiting form to get started.
Also, some colleges created a women’s wrestling program and are in transition. That could mean waiting for a year or two for a varsity schedule to begin.
Know what you want, be open-minded, and take all your visits.
What Kind Of Team Do You Want To Be A Part Of?
The answer varies for every wrestler, but it’s important to consider when deciding on a college. Every program has a different competitive level, and every coach has a different vision.
Do you want to be part of a big team or a small team?
Do you want to be part of an upstart or established program?
Do you want … more at … https://www.flowrestling.org/articles/12794622-how-to-choose-a-womens-college-wrestling-program?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
Presbyterian College Men’s Wrestling Gets 21 on SoCon Honor Roll; Four Make Academic All-Conference
SPARTANBURG, S.C. – An affiliate member of the Southern Conference, the Presbyterian College men’s wrestling program qualified 21 athletes to the SoCon Honor Roll on Wednesday afternoon. Four of those individuals met the strict requirements for Academic All-Conference as well.
PC has collected an impressive 41 total academic honorees in the last two seasons. Their 21 SoCon Honor Roll selections are a new school record, beating out the previous best of 20 just 12 months ago.
The full list of both Honor Roll and academic all-conference recipients is detailed below:
2025-26 SoCon Academic All-Conference
Fernando Dominguez | Sr. | 3.58 Cumulative GPA | Political Science
Reed Douglass | R-Jr. | 3.31 Cumulative GPA | History ….
Ryan Mann | Fr. | 3.93 GPA | Undeclared … more at … https://gobluehose.com/news/2026/7/15/mens-wrestling-mens-wrestling-gets-21-on-socon-honor-roll-four-make-academic-all-conference.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
Takedown Report 