Led by Girls Flag Football and Girls Wrestling, High School Sports Participation Increases for Fifth Consecutive Year
Led by the continual growth of girls flag football and girls wrestling, participation in high school sports increased for the fifth consecutive year in 2025-26 and set another all-time record.
The annual NFHS High School Athletics Participation Survey indicated that 8,415,684 participants were involved in high school sports in 2025-26 – up 149,440 from the previous year. The total includes 4,761,095 boys and 3,654,589 girls – both record highs – according to figures obtained from the 51 NFHS member state associations, which includes the District of Columbia.
The continual spike in the number of girls participating in flag football and wrestling since the pandemic has been nothing short of phenomenal. In the first post-pandemic survey in 2021-22, there were 15,716 girls participating in flag football nationally. That number has now ballooned to 102,360 – an increase of 87,000 participants in just four years.
Amazingly, participation in girls flag football increased 48.7 percent last year – 68,847 to 102,360 – and the sport cracked the Top 10 list for most popular girls sports. The number of schools reporting girls flag football participation increased from 2,736 to 3,990 in the past year, and a total of 37 states will be either sanctioning the sport or conducting independent/pilot programs by next year.
The popularity of wrestling for girls is not far behind flag football. Participation in girls wrestling increased 19.9 percent from the previous year – from 74,064 to 88,771 – and the number of schools sponsoring the sport for girls now rests at 8,853.
Since the return to activities from the pandemic, the number of schools offering the sport has jumped from 4,802 to 8,853, and the number of participants has increased from 31,654 to 88,771. … more at … https://nwcaonline.com/news/2026/8/31/national-wrestling-coaches-association-led-by-girls-flag-football-and-girls-wrestling-high-school-sports-participation-increases-for-fifth-consecutive-year.aspx?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
Brock University to host 2027 Canadian university wrestling championships
OTTAWA – The nation’s top university wrestlers are returning to the Niagara region, as Wrestling Canada Lutte (WCL), in partnership with U SPORTS and Brock University, announced today that the 2027 WCL | U SPORTS Invitational Wrestling Championships will be held February 26–27, 2027, at the Walker Sports Complex in St. Catharines, Ont.
Brock recently hosted the 2025 WCL | U SPORTS Invitational Wrestling Championships and is eager to once again welcome the nation’s top university wrestlers.
“We are thrilled to be returning to Brock University for the 2027 WCL | U SPORTS Invitational Wrestling Championships and grateful to Brock for stepping forward to host this important event,” said WCL CEO Tamara Medwidsky. “Brock has consistently demonstrated its commitment to wrestling, and its top-class facilities provide an outstanding environment for our athletes, coaches and fans. Having experienced firsthand what a great host Brock was for these championships in 2025, we know the event will be in excellent hands, and we’re excited to return to St. Catharines in 2027.”
“We are excited to return to Brock University for the second time in three years for the 2027 WCL | U SPORTS Invitational Wrestling Championships,” said Matthew Davies, U SPORTS Chief Sport Officer. “Returning to a premier facility like Brock’s Walker Sports Complex will provide student-athletes and fans with an exceptional championship wrestling experience. Wrestling Canada Lutte and Brock University continue to be fantastic partners in delivering and growing the sport of wrestling at the university level.”
“Brock Sports & Recreation is proud to welcome the 2027 WCL | U SPORTS Invitational Wrestling Championships to our campus. Hosting this premier event reflects Brock’s longstanding commitment to wrestling excellence and provides an opportunity to showcase Brock University, … more at … https://wrestling.ca/brock-university-to-host-2027-canadian-university-wrestling-championships/?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
Presbyterian Women Bring A Balanced, Deep Team Into Season
Presbyterian has eight returning All-Americans and 10 national qualifiers on a team capable of winning a trophy at the 2027 NCAA Championships.
Presbyterian will always have the distinction of being the first school to add a Division I Women’s Wrestling program. That’s an important piece of history, but head coach Brian Vutianitis has built a team that is relevant at the highest level.
The Blue Hose finished fifth at the 2026 NCAA Championships, with 10 national qualifiers and six All-Americans.
The team was 27 points behind Grand Valley State for fourth at nationals (the final trophy spot), and 29 points ahead of Lehigh for fifth. They also finished fifth at the NWCA National Duals, including a 26-19 win over Lehigh on January 30.
Translation: Presbyterian was on its own island last season. They were way ahead of the pack, but out of contention for a trophy. The Blue Hose had a consistent top-to-bottom line-up with an All-American caliber wrestler at every weight, but they needed a finalist or two for a trophy run.
Vutianitis should feel optimistic about this season’s team. He has 10 returning NCAA qualifiers and eight returning All-Americans on a deep team that will require tough roster decisions at multiple weights. This team is good, and anyone who overlooks the Blue Hose will do so at their own peril.
The lightest two weights are the most interesting. Chloe Dearwester, a sixth-place finisher at nationals, is the obvious frontrunner for the 110-pound spot, but everything else is wide open. The absence of Sloane Kruger leaves a battle for 103, including newcomer Daylee Watson, who will vie for the spot.
Jenna Anderson (117) has a unique skill set and can give anyone she wrestles problems. Her memorable match against U23 World champion Sage Mortimer at the National Duals showed what she can do before a second-period injury default. She took time off, regrouped, and rebounded for a sixth-place finish at nationals, including tight consolation matches against Brianna Gonzalez (Iowa) and Carleigh Czerneski (Adrian).
The next three weights are where Presbyterian can gain ground. Alyssa Mahan finished eighth at 124, and Kassey Daugherty (131) and … more at … https://www.flowrestling.org/articles/16151483-presbyterian-women-bring-a-balanced-deep-team-into-season?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
NCWA Announces Re-Classification of Men’s Teams for 2026 – 2027 Season and Beyond
The 2027 NCWA National Championship will be the last season that the Men’s Division only has 1 tournament as the division will split to NCWA-D1 and NCWA-D2 tournaments for the 2028 NCWA Championship. In transition, the NCWA has reclassified the Men’s division in D1 / D2 categories based on the following:
26-27 NCWA-D1: Top-50 team score in the 2026 NCWA National Championship + new transition teams.
26-27 NCWA-D2: Any team outside of the top-50 team score plus any new programs not in transition to another collegiate wrestling division.
The team scores for D1 and D2 will still be separated at the 2027 tournament in order to crown NCWA-D1 and NCWA-D2 National Team Champions.
The D1 / D2 split for the 2027-2028 season will … more at … https://ncwa.net/news/2026/ncwa-announces-re-classification-of-mens-teams-for-2026-2027-season-and-beyond?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
Duke’s Coach Lanham Announces Pair of Transfers for 2026-27
DURHAM, N.C. —Duke wrestling head coach Glen Lanham has announced the signing of two transfers for the 2026-27 season with the additions of Gibson Moore (Northern Colorado) and Santi Ramirez (Lander).
Incoming Transfer Additions:
Gibson Moore
5’11 * 184
Santa Rosa Beach, Fla. (South Walton H.S./Northern Colorado)
At Northern Colorado
- Finished with a 3–3 record with 29 match points and two team points. He earned one pin and six near-fall points.
At South Walton H.S.
- Florida state championship finalist as a senior as he finished second at 175 pounds
- Placed fourth at the Florida state championship as a junior at 165 pounds
- Qualified for the Florida state championship at 132 pounds … more at … https://goduke.com/news/2026/8/26/wrestling-lanham-announces-pair-of-transfers-for-2026-27?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
USA Wrestling responds to Dabir’s threat
USA Wrestling’s executive director said the organization is working hard to secure visas for all members of Iran’s national wrestling teams to compete at the World Championships.
Tehran (ISNA) – Alireza Dabir, president of Iran’s Wrestling Federation, recently warned that if the US, as host of the 2026 U23 World Wrestling Championships, fails to issue a visa to even one member of Iran’s team, Iran will not participate in the event.
“By denying visas, they’re cutting off our teams at the head,” Dabir had said. “We have the World Under-23 Championships coming up in October in the US. I’ve told the president of the international federation that if the US fails to issue a visa to even one team member, we will certainly not send the team. Whether we’re there isn’t what matters — how we’re there is what matters.”
Responding to a question from ISNA about the Iranian federation’s warning, USA Wrestling Executive Director Rich Bender said the organization is working hard to secure visas for all members of Iran’s team to attend the World Championships. Citing the US’s interest in having Iran’s team compete in the event, … more at … https://en.isna.ir/news/1405061006805/USA-Wrestling-responds-to-Dabir-s-threat?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
The Crucible on the Mat: How the Marine Corps and USA Wrestling Forge Tomorrow’s Leaders
Aug 28, 2026, 1:12 PM EDT
by U.S. Marine Corps and USA Wrestling
Spend enough time around wrestling and certain expectations become familiar: show up prepared, embrace difficult work, and keep going when things don’t go your way. Those expectations shape success on the mat, but they can also influence how wrestlers approach challenges long after competition ends.
That mindset is closely aligned with the United States Marine Corps, making its longstanding partnership with USA Wrestling a natural fit between two organizations committed to preparing people for difficult challenges.
Anchoring a Legacy in Fargo
Since the partnership began in 2017, Marines have become a familiar presence at some of USA Wrestling’s most prominent events. Over time, the relationship has grown beyond visibility at tournaments to include opportunities for Marines to interact directly with wrestlers, coaches, families, and wrestling leaders.
That connection was on display again this summer at the 2026 U.S. Marine Corps Junior Nationals in Fargo, North Dakota. Now in its eighth year, the Marine Corps’ title sponsorship of Junior Nationals continues to anchor the partnership at one of the largest and most recognizable annual gatherings in American wrestling.
Throughout the week, Marines could be seen around the FargoDome talking with athletes and coaches, participating in championship ceremonies, and interacting with families and fans.
“This year’s U.S. Marine Corps Junior Nationals were a tremendous success and another example of the outstanding partnership between USA Wrestling and the U.S. Marine Corps,” said Bruce Baumgartner, USA Wrestling President. “Our two organizations are committed to providing opportunities for young men and women across the country to showcase strength and courage in the pursuit of excellence.” … more at … https://www.themat.com/news/2026/august/28/the-crucible-on-the-mat-how-the-marine-corps-and-usa-wrestling-forge-tomorrow-s-leaders?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
UNC Wrestling Student-Athlete Summer Internship Spotlight
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – Several North Carolina wrestlers spent this past summer developing professional skills for the future, working internships across the country.
Omaury Alvarez: IMG Academy – Bradenton, Fla.
Senior Omaury Alvarez interned this summer with IMG Academy and their newly formed wrestling program, located in Bradenton, Fla. In his role, Alvarez worked as a camp coach running two sessions a day. Off the mat, the Dalton, Ga. product helped the program with organizational duties, which included social media posts promoting their camps, program and the IMG campus.
Matthew Botello: Raymond James – Omaha, Neb.
Sophomore Matthew Botello spent the summer with Raymond James, working with their Omaha, Neb. location. In his role, the Hingham, Mass. native developed skills organizing client’s financial portfolios. Last year during his freshman campaign, Botello won 15 matches on the mat, while collecting ACC Academic Honor Roll recognition in the classroom.
Mikey Calcagno: Shelco – Raleigh, N.C.
Sophomore Mikey Calcagno spent the summer with Shelco, in nearby Raleigh. During his internship, the Elmhurst, Ill. product assisted site superintendents managing construction site locations. During his true freshman campaign, Calcagno won nine matches and earned a spot on the 2026 ACC Academic Honor Roll.
Collin Carrigan: Triangle Electrical Services – Chapel Hill, N.C.
Tar Heel 174-pounder Collin Carrigan spent the summer working with Triangle Electrical Services located in Chapel Hill. A two-time ACC Academic Roll honoree, Carrigan … more at … https://goheels.com/news/2026/9/3/wrestling-student-athlete-summer-internship-spotlight?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
Bobby Douglas Celebration of Life
Former athletes, friends and colleagues are invited to attend A Celebration of Life of Iowa State Hall-of-Famer Bobby Douglas, one of the most accomplished figures in wrestling history.
The Bobby Douglas Celebration of Life will take place Sunday, Oct. 4th from 1-3 p.m. at Johnny’s in the Scheman Building (west of Hilton Coliseum).
Coach Douglas, who passed away in February, was a true pioneer in the sport of wrestling, and his service to USA Wrestling was second to none. A two-time Olympian (1964 and 1968), Douglas was the first black U.S. Olympic wrestler. As a coach, he was head coach for the U.S. Olympic Team in 1992, directing the team to six medals, including four golds. He was an assistant coach on six U.S. Olympic teams (1976, 1980, 1984, 1988, 1996, 2004).
Douglas directed the Iowa State wrestling program from 1992-2006, winning 198 matches. In his 14 seasons with the Cyclones, Douglas coached 52 All-America performances and tutored seven wrestlers who won 10 individual national championships. His Cyclone teams were just as successful. Seven times ISU finished in the top-6 at the NCAA Championship, including three runner-up finishes (1996, 2000, 2002). Douglas was twice named Big Eight/12 Coach of the Year (1993, 2000), was the 2000 NWCA National Coach of the Year and the USA Wrestling Freestyle Coach of the Year in 2004.
Event Details
Date: Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026 … more at … https://cyclones.com/news/2026/8/28/mens-wrestling-bobby-douglas-celebration-of-life?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
Final X, Presented By Kerberos Capital Management, Wrestle-Off Set For Sept. 25 In Ohio
Aug 26, 2026, 2:35 PM EDT
by David Gerhart, USA Wrestling
Kennedy Blades (left), Kylie Welker (center), Real Woods (right).
The three outstanding best-of-three series for 2026 Final X, presented by Kerberos Capital Management, will take place on Friday, Sept. 25, at Hilliard Davidson High School in the greater Columbus, Ohio, area.
First-round matches will start at 6 p.m. (ET), with round two starting at 7:30 p.m. (ET) at Hilliard Davidson Wildcat Gymnasium. If needed, third-round matches will commence 30 minutes after the conclusion of round two.
The wrestle-offs include the men’s freestyle 65 kg series, the women’s freestyle 68 kg series, and the women’s freestyle 76 kg series. The winner of each of the series will represent the U.S. at the 2026 Senior World Championships in Astana, Kazakhstan, this October.
At 65 kg in men’s freestyle, 2025 World bronze medalist Real Woods takes on two-time age-group World champion Bo Bassett, who just won the U20 World Championships. The 68 kg women’s freestyle series features 2024 Olympic silver medalist and 2025 World bronze medalist Kennedy Blades facing two-time age-group World Team member Isabella Mir. The women’s freestyle 76 kg series includes two-time World bronze medalist Kylie Welker battling 2022 World Team member Dymond Guilford. … more at … https://www.themat.com/news/2026/august/26/final-x-presented-by-kerberos-capital-management-wrestle-off-set-for-sept-25-in-ohio?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 