2,400-year-old grave of possible ancient pro wrestler discovered in Turkey
A tomb excavated in Aspendos, Turkey, revealed a skeleton buried with several coins featuring ancient wrestlers.
Archaeologists excavating near the ancient town of Aspendos in Turkey have discovered the grave of a person who may have been a pro athlete over two millennia ago.
“Coins with depictions of wrestlers and other artifacts found in the tomb indicate that the person buried here may have been involved in sports, perhaps even a wrestler,” Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, Turkey’s minister of culture and tourism, said in a translated statement Monday (Aug. 10).
The archaeologists found the skeleton and artifacts in a box-style sarcophagus made of stone slabs while digging in one of the cemeteries outside Aspendos. The tomb likely dates to between 475 and 300 B.C., during the city’s Classical period, according to the statement.
Aspendos was a Greco-Roman city in southwest Turkey, roughly 10 miles (16 kilometers) inland from the Mediterranean Sea. The city was founded by Greek colonists in the fifth century B.C. and quickly rose to prominence as a trading center for salt, olive oil, wood and horses. Aspendos had a large Greek gymnasium as well as a large stadium that was erected in the second century A.D. and could hold up to 8,000 spectators who watched footraces, javelin contests and wrestling.
The ancient sport of wrestling is linked to Aspendos primarily through the city’s coinage. … more at … https://www.livescience.com/archaeology/2-400-year-old-grave-of-possible-ancient-pro-wrestler-discovered-in-turkey?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
2027 Senior World Team Procedures Approved In Olympic Weights
Aug 10, 2026, 1:38 PM EDT
by Richard Immel, USA Wrestling
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – USA Wrestling has approved and posted its procedures to determine the Senior World Team in the 18 Olympic weight classes for the 2027 season.
A distinct set of procedures is established for each Olympic discipline—men’s freestyle, women’s freestyle and Greco-Roman. These procedures were developed and approved by the Sport Committee for each discipline, then received final approval from the USA Wrestling Board of Directors.
All three Olympic disciplines will determine their Senior World Team in the Olympic weight classes—six weights per discipline—at the U.S. Open Championships in Las Vegas, Nevada, in April 2027. This is a significant procedural update from the 2026 Senior World Team selection process. … more at … https://www.themat.com/news/2026/august/10/2027-senior-world-team-procedures-approved-in-olympic-weights?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
Wrestling grows in Texoma as more high schools add programs
WICHITA FALLS, Texas (KAUZ) – This school year, athletic competition in Texoma will expand as multiple high schools have added wrestling programs.
Wichita Falls Independent School District (WFISD), Burkburnett, Harrold, and Holliday will all have new teams competing in the University Interscholastic League (UIL). So far, all of them except Burkburnett are confirmed to compete together in District 3, along with Henrietta and Vernon, which already have teams for the sport. The UIL has not yet verified which classification and district the Bulldogs and Lady Bulldogs will compete in. Additionally, Holliday is only adding a girls’ team as of now.
WFISD athletic director Devon Dorris talked about a reason that he believes led to the addition of wrestling at Memorial and Legacy High Schools, which is it came from a demand for there to be programs within Wichita Falls at the UIL level. “I think it’s a push from the community of wanting to have an opportunity for our local kids that have been wrestling as younger to be able to do it for our own school district in the UIL,” Dorris said.
As for Burkburnett, new head coach Akira Mierez believes that adding the sport will give its students the chance to join a community that already has high popularity in nearby Oklahoma. “I’m really excited that, you know, we’re able to provide that opportunity to them now to get back into a sport that they’ve been experiencing with maybe an outside lens,” Mierez said.
Seth Bell has coached wrestling at Henrietta since the fall of 2024. … more at … https://www.newschannel6now.com/2026/07/29/wrestling-grows-texoma-more-high-schools-add-programs/?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
Idaho Has Earned a Women’s Collegiate Wrestling Program: The Data No Longer Supports Waiting…
A Data-Driven Case for Expanding Athletic Opportunity in the Gem State
For years, the conversation surrounding women’s collegiate wrestling in Idaho centered on one question:
Is there enough talent to support a program?
The answer is now clear.
Idaho has developed into one of the nation’s fastest-growing producers of elite female wrestlers. Participation has surged, nationally ranked athletes are emerging from communities throughout the state, Fargo National All-Americans are becoming increasingly common, college commitments are growing, and Idaho-born wrestlers are earning All-American honors across multiple levels of collegiate competition.
Yet despite this success, Idaho remains one of the few wrestling-rich states without an in-state women’s collegiate wrestling opportunity. The issue is no longer whether Idaho has enough athletes to support a program.
The evidence demonstrates that Idaho has reached the point where establishing women’s collegiate wrestling represents a logical and strategic expansion of athletic opportunity.
Breaking the Barrier: Idaho’s Last Untapped Varsity Opportunity
Among Idaho’s eight colleges sponsoring intercollegiate athletics, nearly every traditional men’s sport has developed a corresponding women’s varsity opportunity. Across NCAA, NAIA, and junior college athletics, women compete in basketball, cross country, track and field, golf, soccer, tennis, swimming and diving, skiing, rodeo, volleyball, softball, and numerous other sports.
Wrestling remains the notable exception.
It is the only traditional collegiate sport currently offered in Idaho where a men’s varsity program exists without an equivalent women’s opportunity.
This disparity is particularly significant at North Idaho College (NIC), which has established one of the most successful men’s wrestling programs in junior college history. While NIC wrestling has built a national reputation through decades of championship success, Idaho’s female wrestlers continue to leave the state to pursue collegiate opportunities elsewhere. … more at … https://simplemanwrestling.com/2026/07/14/idaho-has-earned-a-womens-collegiate-wrestling-program-the-data-no-longer-supports-waiting/?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
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
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
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