UNC-Pembroke Wrestling Adds Terrence Zaleski As Assistant Coach
By: Alex Pearce, Assistant Athletic Communications Director
PEMBROKE – UNC Pembroke wrestling head coach O.T. Johnson has announced the addition of Terrence Zaleski as assistant coach for the Braves.
A former wrestler at UNCP, Zaleski joins the Black & Gold after spending nine and a half years in the United State Marine Corps, where he was an Officer and served in multiple leadership roles and represented the Marine Corps as a high-level competitor.
“I am excited to have Terrence return to UNCP on the coaching side, as he brings a great deal of experience from his time in the military and his time traveling the world to compete for the Marine Corps and Team USA,” said Johnson. “It’s an honor to have him back in the Black and Gold and I am looking forward to learning from him.”
Zaleski’s wrestling career spans more than a decade of national and international competition. He is a two-time Greco-Roman Olympic Trials Competitor, four-time Greco-Roman World Team Trials Competitor, and eight-time U.S. Open Greco-Roman All-American. His achievements include representing the United States as a 2023 Beach Wrestling World Team Member, winning both the 2020 Armed Forces Greco‑Roman and Freestyle Championships, earning bronze at the 2018 Lavrikov Tournament in St. Petersburg, Russia, and placing multiple times at ASICS University Nationals and FILA Junior national events.
During his military career, Zaleski served with the All-Marine Wrestling Team as both an athlete and a Public Affairs Officer, supporting athletes’ performance while managing organizational messaging, media production, and stakeholder engagement. He later held strategic leadership positions within Marine Corps Recruiting Command, directing regional marketing operations, managing multi‑million‑dollar programs, and building partnerships with educators, coaches, and community leaders across the eastern United States.
Before competing at the senior level, Zaleski built a strong collegiate foundation at UNC Pembroke, qualifying for the 2015 NCAA Division II Championships with a 39-5 record. His early success began in North Carolina high school wrestling, where he was the 2010 state champion for Havelock High School and 2009 state runner‑up for White Oak High School.
Zaleski returns to his alma mater to pursue his Master’s in Social Work, and brings a coaching philosophy … more at … https://uncpbraves.com/news/2026/5/26/wrestling-adds-terrence-zaleski-as-assistant-coach.aspx?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
Hidlay’s Late Four-Point Move Secures Final X Victory; Earns Senior Men’s Freestyle World Team Spot
Round 1 Recap
CHANTILLY, Virginia – 2025 World champion Trent Hidlay sealed the series sweep at 2026 Final X, presented by Kerberos Capital Management, with a four-point maneuver with three seconds left to secure an 8-3 victory in the second match of the 92 kg men’s freestyle series at Freedom High School on Saturday.
With the Final X series victory, Hidlay earns the opportunity to represent Team USA at the 2026 Senior World Championships in Astana, Kazakhstan, October 24-November 1.
After winning the first match of the series, 2-1, Hidlay fell behind early against Michael Macchiavello. Macchiavello took the 1-0 lead after Hidlay failed to score while on the activity clock.
The 1-0 Macchiavello advantage held going into the break.
Hidlay scored back-to-back step-out points to grab a 2-1 lead at the start of the second period. The seesaw battle got underway with Macchiavello earning a step-out point, then a lost challenge gave him the 3-2 edge. Hidlay tied the score in the final minute with another step-out point, and he led on criteria.
In the waning seconds of the bout, Hidlay sealed the match, sending Macchiavello from feet to back for four points on the edge of the mat. A lost challenge made the final score 8-3, and Hidlay swept the series to earn a spot on the Senior World Team for the second-straight year. … more at … https://www.themat.com/news/2026/june/13/hidlay-s-late-four-point-move-secures-final-x-victory-earns-senior-men-s-freestyle-world-team-spot?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
Hall of Fame Class of 2026 inducted on Saturday night at Honors Weekend to themes of resilience and gratitude
STILLWATER, Okla. – The National Wrestling Hall of Fame & Museum Honors Weekend concluded on Saturday night at the McKnight Center for the Performing Arts on the campus of Oklahoma State University with the formal induction of the Class of 2026 honorees.
The evening of celebration was moderated by Hall of Fame announcer Sandy Stevens. Each honoree was introduced with a detailed short film created by Skooter Schultz, before being presented with their tailored award and sharing some words of inspiration for the crowd of supporters.
Four Distinguished Members were inducted this year: Ben Askren, Tervel Dlagnev, Lee Roy Smith and Shannon Williams-Yancey.
As one of the most influential wrestlers of his generation, Asken was a two-time NCAA Division I champion, four-time NCAA finalist and two-time Dan Hodge Trophy winner for the University of Missouri. Askren represented the U.S. at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China. Following his competitive career on the mats, Askren pursued mixed martial arts with great success and helped found Askren Wrestling Academy, which is now one of the nation’s premier youth wrestling clubs. In 2025, Askren required a double lung transplant, which he has pushed through to a full recovery.
In a few words, Askren explained to the crowd how wrestling is among the highest of intellectual pursuits, and something that drew him because he could control his own fate on the mats.
“Wrestling showed me I was capable,” he reflected. … more at … https://www.themat.com/news/2026/june/06/hall-of-fame-class-of-2026-inducted-on-saturday-night-at-honors-weekend-to-themes-of-resilience-and-gratitude?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
NWCA Announces 2026 National Convention in Baltimore
Manheim, PA – The National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) has announced details for the 2026 NWCA National Convention, the sport’s premier annual gathering for youth, scholastic and collegiate coaches, athletic directors, and media. The event will be held July 30 through August 2, 2026, at the Renaissance Baltimore Harborplace Hotel in Baltimore, Maryland. The 2026 NWCA National Convention is made possible through the generous support of title sponsors Cliff Keen, Cluffy, Defense Soap, DripDrop, Resilite, and the United States Marine Corps.
The NWCA National Convention brings together the sport’s leadership from every level of collegiate wrestling for three days of championship meetings, rules sessions, professional development, and networking at one of the East Coast’s most iconic waterfront destinations.
“The NWCA Convention is the single most important gathering on the calendar for anyone leading a wrestling program. This year in Baltimore, we’ve built a lineup that reflects the depth and momentum of our sport, from championship-level meetings and rules sessions to performance, nutrition, and leadership content that coaches can take straight back to their programs. Baltimore is a world-class destination, and we can’t wait to welcome our community there.” — Mike Moyer, Executive Director, National Wrestling Coaches Association
CONVENTION PROGRAMMING
The convention opens Thursday, July 30, with an optional golf outing at Pine Ridge Golf Course, followed by registration, exhibit hall opening, and the annual Exhibitor Social. Full programming runs Friday, July 31, Saturday, August 1, and Sunday, August 2.
Highlights of the 2026 schedule include: … more at … https://nwcaonline.com/news/2026/6/9/national-wrestling-coaches-association-nwca-announces-2026-national-convention-in-baltimore.aspx?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
PSAC announces addition of Women’s Wrestling as 24th Championship Sport, D’Youville, Felician as Associate Members
LOCK HAVEN, Pa. – The Pennsylvania Athletic Conference has announced that it will sponsor women’s wrestling as its 24th championship sport, beginning in the 2026-27 academic year.
The PSAC Board of Directors approved the addition of the sport during its annual meeting in May, which will increase the number of conference-sponsored championship sports to 24 (11 men’s, 13 women’s.)
Five PSAC institutions currently field women’s wrestling teams – East Stroudsburg, Edinboro, Gannon, Lock Haven, and Pitt-Johnstown. Two Associate Members for women’s wrestling will be added, with D’Youville and Felician’s programs also competing. Teams will participate in a round-robin dual meet schedule, and the team with the best record will be named Dual Meet Champions.
“Pennsylvania and wrestling are synonymous together, so adding women’s wrestling to our championships menu makes perfect sense,” said Steve Murray, PSAC Commissioner. “There are 271 high school women’s wrestling programs in PA and the number is growing fast at the collegiate ranks as well. Our five members sponsoring women’s wrestling will be bolstered by the additions of Felician, D’Youville, and eventually Lackawanna College when they join the PSAC full-time in the near future. We will have a solid foundation as a Division II-only women’s wrestling conference. It’s a great addition for us.”
“We are so excited to be part of the PSAC for the 26-27 season,” said Carlene Sluberski, head women’s wrestling coach at D’Youville University. “We will now have the opportunity to compete for a conference championship in a way that highlights our sport through a series of duals. … more at … https://nwcaonline.com/news/2026/6/5/national-wrestling-coaches-association-psac-announces-addition-of-womens-wrestling-as-24th-championship-sport-d-youville-felician-as-associate-members.aspx?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
Former NC State Teammates Fighting for a Spot on the World Team
RALEIGH – Two former members of the NC State wrestling program have earned a qualification to Final X, the freestyle event that determines who earns a spot on USA’s Senior World Team. Reigning World Champion Trent Hidlay (’24) will take on Michael Macchiavello (’18) in a best-of-three series on Saturday, June 13, at Freedom High School in Chantilly, Virginia.
Greatness at the highest level in the sport of wrestling continues to run through Raleigh with the NC State wrestling program and Wolfpack Regional Training Center. Trent Hidlay and Michael Macchiavello are both graduates of the Wolfpack with storied collegiate careers. A five-time All-American, two-time NCAA Finalist, and four-time ACC Champion, Hidlay is one of the most notable wrestlers for NC State to compete in the most recent era of the program. A leader for the Pack when Hidlay got to campus, Macchiavello won a national title and helped lead the team to its highest ever finish at NCAAs (4th) in 2018.
Representing Wolfpack RTC, Hidlay stunned the world by winning the Senior World Championship in 2025 in his first time competing for the Senior World Team. Facing a 10-2 deficit in the finals match in Croatia, he stormed back 13-10 to claim his gold medal and be titled as the most elite wrestler … more at … https://gopack.com/news/2026/6/8/wrestling-former-teammates-fighting-for-a-spot-on-the-world-team?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
South Dakota State University MOURNS THE PASSING OF COACH FRANK KURTENBACH
South Dakota State Athletics is mourning the death of former student-athlete, head coach, and longtime benefactor Frank J. Kurtenbach, who passed away at the age of 88.
Kurtenbach, a native of Dimock, South Dakota, leaves behind a legacy that spans generations of Jackrabbit student-athletes. His impact on SDSU wrestling helped transform the program into what it is today and will continue to shape its future.
“Frank’s impact on South Dakota State wrestling goes far beyond his generosity. He valued building relationships, connecting people and supporting others,” said SDSU wrestling head coach Damion Hahn. “His legacy isn’t just measured in his contributions, but in the lives he helped shape. That support will continue to carry future Jackrabbit wrestlers forward for years to come.”
Kurtenbach arrived at South Dakota State in the fall of 1957 and competed in football and wrestling during his time as a student-athlete, launching a lifelong connection to the university.
After his competitive career, Kurtenbach returned to lead the Jackrabbit wrestling program during the 1968-69 season. In his lone year at the helm, he guided SDSU to an impressive 11-2 dual record and a 10th-place finish at the NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships, cementing his place in program history.
Kurtenbach’s commitment to SDSU extended far beyond his competition and coaching tenure. During visits back to campus, he noticed that the wrestling facilities had changed little since his days as a student-athlete. Motivated to elevate the program he loved, Kurtenbach provided the lead gift for what would become the Kurtenbach Family Wrestling Center, a game-changing facility that helped propel SDSU wrestling onto the national stage. His generosity set a new standard for the program’s infrastructure and continues to benefit current and future Jackrabbits.
“Our thoughts are with the Kurtenbach family with the passing of Frank,” said Justin Sell, SDSU Director of Athletics. “Frank has had a tremendous influence on SDSU from his time as a student-athlete and as a longtime supporter of Jackrabbit athletics. His … more at … https://gojacks.com/news/2026/6/1/wrestling-sdsu-mourns-the-passing-of-frank-kurtenbach?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
Havelock High coach Chase Holleman receives statewide Toby Webb Outstanding Coach Award
A Havelock High School wrestling coach has received a statewide coaching honor, according to Craven County Schools.
Chase Holleman was selected by the North Carolina High School Athletic Association Foundation as a recipient of the Toby Webb Outstanding Coach Award.
Holleman was honored on Wednesday, June 10, during the annual NCHSAA Awards Celebration in Greensboro.
The Toby Webb Outstanding Coach Award is presented each year to coaches who have made a meaningful impact on student-athletes, their schools, and high school athletics across North Carolina.
According to Craven County Schools, Holleman has built a distinguished career at Havelock High School through sustained excellence, leadership, and a commitment to growing wrestling at the school and statewide levels.
Holleman has 18 years of coaching experience and leads both the men’s and women’s wrestling programs at Havelock.
Under his leadership, Havelock’s wrestling teams have earned more than 350 dual team victories, multiple conference and regional championships, a women’s state runner-up finish, and numerous individual state champions.
Craven County Schools said Holleman has also helped expand wrestling opportunities across North Carolina … more at … https://wcti12.com/news/local/havelock-high-coach-chase-holleman-receives-statewide-toby-webb-outstanding-coach-award?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
Columbia University To Add Women’s Wrestling As 32nd Varsity Program
Emma Randall named head coach of the program, which will debut in 2027-28
NEW YORK — Columbia Athletics announced Wednesday that women’s wrestling will become the University’s 32nd varsity sport beginning with the 2027-28 academic year. Additionally, Campbell Family Director of Athletics Peter Pilling has appointed Emma Randall as the program’s head coach and will officially begin her role on July 1, 2026.
“Women’s wrestling has experienced tremendous growth at both the national and collegiate levels, and Columbia is proud to take this important step by becoming the first Ivy League institution to offer the sport at the varsity level,” said Pilling. “Elevating our existing club team to varsity status reflects both the momentum of the sport and Columbia’s commitment to providing opportunities for elite student-athletes to compete at the highest level.”
Women’s wrestling becomes the first varsity sport added at Columbia since men’s and women’s squash were introduced in 2007. “I’m deeply grateful to Columbia’s leadership and alumni for their vision and commitment to women’s wrestling,” said Randall. “This moment is incredibly meaningful. It was built through years of belief, consistency and community. I want to acknowledge the student-athletes who helped lay the foundation to get us here and feel honored for the opportunity to continue leading this team into its next chapter. We’re excited to be a program that develops exceptional wrestlers, students and leaders while pursuing excellence at the highest levels of the sport.”
The growth of women’s wrestling has accelerated rapidly across the NCAA in recent years. More than 100 NCAA institutions currently sponsor women’s wrestling programs, with the sport officially recognized as an NCAA Championship sport beginning in 2025 and crowning its first champions in 2026. … more at … https://gocolumbialions.com/news/2026/6/10/columbia-to-add-womens-wrestling-as-32nd-varsity-program?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
James Campos of White Oak awarded the 35th Michael Stokes Award
(Above Asst. Coach Sean Smith, Asst. Coach James Campos Sr., Wrestler James Campos Jr. & Head Coach Donald Hoff)
James Campos of White Oak awarded the 35th Michael Stokes Award
State champion James Campos of White Oak High School was presented the 2026 Michael Stokes Award at the White Oak High School Athletic Awards Night. Michael Stokes and TDR Editor Martin Fleming made the presentation to James at the team awards gathering on May 29th.
James is a three-time state placer, including twice in the state finals. In his state championship season, he won 57 matches with 2 losses. His career record is 176 wins and 20 losses. He was also a two-time regional champion a four-time conference champion, with 124 Career Pins. He placed in every tournament of in his high school career except freshman regionals.
James began wrestling at age 10 with Fury Wrestling in Yakima, Washington He developed his foundation with the Beastworks club in Jacksonville, and refined his skills with Sly Fox Wrestling out of Castle Hayne, NC, which was instrumental in his State Title run. Campos competed for Camp Lejeune High School (Freshman/Sophomore) before finishing his career at White Oak High School (Junior/Senior). James plans to pursue a career in Nursing and plans to wrestle at the University of North Carolina-Pembroke.
Michael Stokes wrestled the 1981-1984 seasons at Tarboro High School and with a (96–4) career record. He was North Carolina’s 2nd 3-time State Champion when there was only one individual champion at a weight in the state. He wrestled for N.C. State and won ACC wrestling titles in 1988 and 1989 and was named the ACC Most Valuable Wrestler both years. His record of 68 wins 8 losses and 3 ties (.879) is the best career winning percentage at NC State. He finished second at the NCAA Nationals at 126 lbs. in 1989 to Kendall Cross, the eventual Olympic Gold medalist. Stokes co-captained the Wolfpack in 1989 and one of the ACC’s all time 50 greatest wrestlers as recognized during the conference’s 50th anniversary celebration. Stokes credits wrestling as “providing me with a mental toughness that enables me to remove boundaries that stand in my way. Wrestling has given me the sheer determination to believe that I can conquer anything that I set my mind to do.”
Previous Stokes Awards : Ryan Mann of N.E. Carolina Prep in 2025, Jason Kennedy of Rosewood in 2024, Walker Bell of West Craven (2023), Raheem Jones of North Pitt (2022), Aaron Bancroft (2020) and Jayleen Bullock (2021) of Wilson Fike. Ray Darden of Ayden-Grifton and Jordan Todd of Rosewood tied for the award in (2019), Sincere King of North Pitt (2018), Quadarrius Hopkins of Tarboro (2017), Wilson Smith of Rocky Mount (2016), Angel Najar of North Pitt (2015), Reggie Huff of Southern Nash (2014), David Guevara of Tarboro (2013), Alexander Knight and Jaciento Williamson of Rocky Mount (2012), Xavier Najar of North Pitt (2011), Joe Young of Northern Nash (2010), Corey Smith of Tarboro (2009), Jasmine Cooper of Nash Central (2008), Eric Wischhusen, (2007), Roylando Lucas (2001) and Ira Bing (2000) of Southern Nash, John Brewer (2006), Aaron Bancroft (2020) and Jayleen Bullock (2021) of Wilson Fike, Anthony Taylor (2005) of Rocky Mount, Sammi Hadi (2004) and Ryan Huffman (1997) of SouthWest Edgecombe, Charles Washington (2003) of Northern Nash, Quadric Eason (2002), of Tarboro.
The TDR promotes amateur wrestling in eastern North Carolina. “The awards are to recognize great wrestlers from before and current ones for their efforts,” Editor Martin Fleming noted. The TakeDown Report has promoted scholastic wrestling for over 25 years in North Carolina and encourages coverage of the sport. Contact the TDR at martinkfleming@gmail.com or https://takedownreport.wordpress.com/ or ‘The TakeDown Report’ on FaceBook.
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
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