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.
Holton Quincy presented the 2026 Lee Carroll Award
(above Martini Fleming, Holton Quincy & Lee Carroll)
Holton Quincy presented the 2026 Lee Carroll Award
State Champion Holton Quincy of North East Carolina Prep High School is the 28th Lee Carroll Award winner for excellence in athletics, academics and sportsmanship by an underclassman in eastern North Carolina in 2026. The TakeDown Report Editor, Martin Fleming and Lee Carroll presented the award at his school’s athletic awards night at Edgcombe Community College.
In his three years of high school, Holton has earned two state titles and a runner-up place in his sophomore season. He has won three Regional titles and over 160 matches. This is his second Lee Carroll Award as Holton was named in 2024. He went on to place in the state championships each year. Holton will seek his third state title in his Senior year at North East Carolina Prep. Houlton has also expressed some interest in competing at the college level.
Lee Carroll started wrestling his sophomore year when Tarboro High School restarted the sport in 1992 with Butch Sadler as his coach. Lee won 112 matches in just 3 years with the Vikings. Lee was state runner-up his junior year before becoming a record-setting undefeated state champion in 1995 with a (50-0) record. Lee went on to start four years at North Carolina State, qualifying for the Nationals 3 times. Lee has taught engineering graphics at N.C. State as an adjunct professor and has his own interactive design agency, Forged Media, in Raleigh. He has been recognized and inducted in the Tarboro High Athletic Hall of Fame.
In 2025 Stephen Rubistello of Tarboro High won this award. Other previous award winners include Ryan Mann of NECP in 2023, Caleb Beatty of Corinth-Holders (2022), Logan Tortual of Rosewood (2021), Javon Armstrong of Pamlico County (2020), Aaron Bancroft of Fike (2019), Christian and Timothy Decatur of Rosewood in 2018, Jaqwuez Norman of Farmville Central (2017), Kaleb Taylor of Rosewood (2016), Wilson Smith of Rocky Mount (2015 & 2014), Angel Najar of North Pitt (2013), Alexander Knight and Jacineto Williamson of Rocky Mount in 2012, Chris Fess of Beddingfield and Tamaris Lane of Nash Central in 2011, Chandler Phillips of Rocky Mount (2010), Landon Lucas of SW Edgecombe (2009), Corey Smith (2008) and Eric Sutton (2007) of Tarboro, Zach Shearin and Paul Horner (2006) and Pat Anstead (2004) of Southern Nash, Jimmy McNamara (2005) of Wilson Hunt and Sammi Hadi (2003) of SW Edgecombe.
The TakeDown Report has promoted amateur wrestling for over 25 years in North Carolina reporting results and encouraging media coverage of the sport. Fleming noted, “We desire to encourage wrestlers and teams in this area to realize hard work, determination and discipline can reward a top-notch wrestler,” he added. The TakeDown Report sponsors the Award. Contact the TDR at martinkfleming@gmail.com or call (252) 883-3311. Fans are invited to check our blog at https://takedownreport.wordpress.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/The-TakeDown-Report-235098404048/.
Induction for The National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum – Wrestlers of the Year Presentation
(above: Faith Bane & Sara Koenig)
(above: Sly Bentley & Martin Fleming)
2026 Tricia Saunders Award: Faith Bane – New Bern High School
Competing at 145 pounds, Bane has been ranked in the top five nationally by USA Wrestling and FloWrestling. She is a three-time regional champion and three-time state qualifier in North Carolina. Bane captured the 2024 state championship and finished runner-up in 2025. In 2026, she advanced to the state semifinals before being forced to withdraw due to an injury.
Bane has achieved success on the national level in freestyle and folkstyle. She is a two-time North Carolina freestyle state champion and a three-time National High School Coaches Association All-American. She was runner-up at NHSCA championships 2024 and champion in 2025. She earned All-American honors at the USA Wrestling US Open High School Showcase, finishing 3rd. In 2025, she placed fifth at the Fargo Junior Nationals and earned All-American honors with a sixth-place finish at Super 32 Challenge. She also finished third at the prestigious Beast of the East tournament in Delaware this past season.
In addition to her high school accomplishments, Bane has competed in four college open tournaments, reaching the finals twice against collegiate competition. She also earned varsity letters in track and field during her freshman and sophomore years. A member of the National Technical Honor Society, Bane carries a 3.2 GPA while balancing a demanding schedule. Bane will continue wrestling at Life University and will study Sport Health Science
2026 Dave Schultz Award: Bentley Sly – Stuart Cramer High School
Sly wrapped up a stellar high school career by becoming just the 15th wrestler in NCHSAA history to win four state titles. His 2026 title run was a dominant 3-0 performance at the state tournament with two pins and a technical fall without surrendering a single point. His career record in high school is 210–6. Sly was named Big South Wrestler of the Year four times, earned team MVP honors from 2023 to 2026, was named Stuart Cramer’s male underclassman athlete of the year, and served as a four-year team captain.
On the national stage, Sly is a three-time NHSCA All-American, highlighted by a runner-up finish this past April. He also finished 3rd at NHSCA Nationals in 2025 and 6th in 2024. In 2025, Sly boasted a 4th-place finish at Super 32, 4th place at the Walsh Ironman, and a 6–2 performance at Fargo Junior Nationals. Sly reached the blood round at Fargo Junior Nationals in 2024.
Off the mat Sly maintains a 3.9 GPA and is a member of the National Technical Honor Society and Beta Club. He volunteers as a coach at youth clinics and tournaments, giving back to the wrestling community. He will continue his wrestling career at Appalachian State University and will major in Risk Management & Insurance.
The Citadel Announces Tim McCall as Wrestling Head Coach
CHARLESTON, S.C. – After conducting a nationwide search throughout the offseason, The Citadel officially named Tim McCall as the Bulldogs’ new wrestling head coach Wednesday afternoon. A former standout and two-time NCAA qualifier at the University of Wisconsin, McCall joins the program following a two-year stint at Utah Valley as the head assistant.
“I am incredibly honored and excited to lead the wrestling program at The Citadel,” McCall said. “This is a place built on discipline, toughness and tradition, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to pour into these young men both on and off the mat. My goal is to build on the strong history and foundation already established here while developing a culture centered around accountability, hard work and belief in one another. I can’t wait to get to work with this team, connect with the alumni and community and help lead this program into its next chapter.”
Led by Senior Associate Athletic Director Rachel Fineberg, the search committee conducted an exhaustive evaluation of a highly competitive pool of candidates, selecting McCall based on his ‘vision, character and proven track record of success, all which perfectly align with the mission of The Citadel and the culture of the wrestling program.’
“We are thrilled to welcome Coach McCall, Beth and their children to The Citadel,” said Art Chase, The Citadel Director of Athletics. “Tim’s competitive spirit, value system and proven coaching acumen will continue to push The Citadel wrestling forward. Rachel [Fineberg] and I are confident he will establish a championship culture that will provide a tremendous opportunity for the young men who choose this dynamic path to flourish academically, athletically and socially. We firmly believe our student-athletes will be the beneficiaries of Tim’s intentional commitment to developing each individual both on and off the wrestling mat.
“The passion and pride throughout the program have never been stronger, and we’re grateful for the support from so many individuals, especially General Mike Regner and Coach Ed Steers, who continue to dedicate their time and energy to elevate our standards. Lastly, we are indebted to Coach Ryan LeBlanc and Coach Luke Welch for their tireless leadership while raising the profile of the program.”
Throughout his tenure with Utah Valley, McCall served as a guiding force within the program as the Wolverines garnered national acclaim over the past two years, notably qualifying five NCAA wrestlers for the NCAA Championships during the 2025-26 campaign — good for the second-most in UVU history — while also knocking off No. 14 Stanford in an early-season dual. The year prior, McCall worked directly with the Wolverines’ sixth-ever All-American Terrell Barraclough — advanced into the 165 lbs quarterfinals of the 2025 NCAA Wrestling Championships — while Utah Valley picked up a pair of victories over nationally-ranked opponents No. 23 CSU Bakersfield and No. 23 Oregon State.
Further, he helped foster a balanced environment for student-athletes with 13 Wolverines securing Scholar All-American recognition via the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) — including a team-record nine for the 2025-26 season — while 18 earned distinction as Big 12 All-Academic honorees. As a unit, the program maintained a 3.45 GPA during the 2024-25 season as well as a 3.65 GPA the following year, both good for top 10 marks nationally.
Prior to joining Utah Valley, McCall spent the previous nine years working in and around the wrestling program at North Carolina State, initially starting out as a regional training center athlete and international competitor with the Wolfpack RTC — an extension of USA Wrestling — in 2015 before moving into an assistant coach role ahead of the 2019-20 campaign. As part of the former, he won the 2017 Henri Deglane Challenge and finished as the runner-up at both the 2016 Bill Farrell and the 2018 Dave Schulz tournaments. Further, McCall claimed third at the 2018 World Team Trials while adding a second-place finish at the 2019 Grand Prix of France / Henri Deglane Challenge. … more at … https://citadelsports.com/news/2026/5/20/the-citadel-announces-tim-mccall-as-wrestling-head-coach.aspx
Nate Yetzer Named 2026 Open Mat Coach of the Year
The Roanoke College wrestling team recently concluded its best season in program history, finishing the dual meet season undefeated and ranked No. 1. In addition, the Maroons had their highest finish ever at the NCAA Division III Wrestling Championships.
Roanoke head wrestling coach Nate Yetzer was named NCAA Division III Wrestling Coach of the Year by the Open Mat on Tuesday. He had already earned the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) Division III National Men’s Coach of the Year and the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) Coach of the Year honors.
Yetzer, an NCAA Division I All-American at Edinboro, was hired in 2020 as the first head wrestling coach at Roanoke College. The program started competition the following year and in just five years has become one of the top programs in NCAA Division III wrestling.
In the 2024-25 season, Roanoke finished 15-2 in dual meets, crowned its first national champion and finished in the top 15 at the NCAA Division III Wrestling Championships. This past season, Yetzer guided the program to even greater heights.
Roanoke finished the season as the nation’s No. 1 dual meet team after compiling a 15-0 dual meet record. The highlight of Roanoke’s dual meet season came at the NWCA National in January. The Maroons claimed their first National Duals title with a 4-0 performance in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Roanoke knocked off Division III wrestling power Wartburg in the finals, 19-16.
In mid-February, Roanoke claimed its fourth straight title at the ODAC Wrestling Championships. Two weeks later, … more at … https://roanokemaroons.com/news/2026/4/29/wrestling-nate-yetzer-named-2026-open-mat-coach-of-the-year.aspx
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 