James Johnson Award for Best Senior Scholastic Wrestler in Eastern North Carolina
TDR Editor’s Notes ; The photo is of Joe Mondragon of Wilmington Ashley with the 2015 James Johnson Award Trophy he earned as the best senior scholastic wrestler in eastern North Carolina two seasons ago. This year for the first time in 16 seasons two award trophies will be presented as there is a tie for the best senior scholastic wrestler in eastern North Carolina. Undefeated state champion Will Newbern will be presented the award on Monday the 22nd at West Carteret High School. The other undefeated state champion Carlos Martinez of First Flight High School will be presented his award at a time and place to be determined.
Gwiazdowski to Represent Team USA at the Beat the Streets Benefit in Times Square
TDR Editor’s Notes ; A great and unique opportunity to gain recognition and publicity for wrestling in Times Square, New York City. It is primarily a fund raiser for the NYC ‘Beat The Streets’ program which starts new programs in New York City high schools.
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2017 U.S. Open Champion will be competing in dual match on Wednesday vs. Japan
RALEIGH, N.C. – Former NC State All-American Nick Gwiazdowski will return to his home state of New York, as he will wrestle for Team USA as they take on Japan at the 2017 Beat the Streets Benefit on Wednesday in the middle of Times Square. “I’ve watched this event many times, and look forward to my opportunity to wrestle in Times Square,” said 2014 and 2015 NCAA Champion Gwiazdowski. “This is one of the most unique events in the world of wrestling, and I’m very grateful for being in the position I’m in to be included. “Without the Wolfpack Wrestling Club supporters and the Beat the Streets organization, I would not be in the position I am in to take part in this event.” Gwiazdowski will be representing the Wolfpack Olympic Regional Training Center, and be competing for Team USA at 125 kg. He will be wrestling Japan’s Katsutoshi Kanazawa, as the action starts at 6 p.m. and will be streamed by FloWrestling. “This is a very big honor for Nick to be representing the U.S. in this prestigious dual match,” said NC State head coach Pat Popolizio. “Beat the Streets is a great opportunity for Nick to be back in his home state of New York. “Our RTC coaches, Frank Beasley and Obe Blanc, have been working tirelessly this past year helping Nick develop and we are excited for all the hard work he has been putting in to be showcased this week. Frank and myself are looking forward to attending this great event.” Gwiazdowski is fresh off claiming the 125 kg title at the U.S. Open. This year’s event takes place in Times Square/Duffy Square (47th Street and 7th Avenue) beginning at 3 p.m. with the BTS Youth Exhibition Matches. The NYC PSAL Girls Dual Meet Championship follows at 4:45 p.m. with Gwiazdowski and the rest of Team USA taking on Team Japan at 6 p.m. The annual BTS Benefit Celebration follows the event at the Marriott Marquis at 8 p.m. The mission of Beat the Streets is to develop the full potential of the urban youth and to strengthen the culture of New York City wrestling. BTS works directly with the New York City Department of Education in a public-private partnership to bring the life changing sport of wrestling to over 3,000 New York City student-athletes to help them achieve their personal and athletic goals. Through the operation of wrestling programs in middle and high schools in the five boroughs, BTS and the DOE provide a safe, positive atmosphere in which disadvantaged and at-risk youth can learn the essential life lessons of grit, personal responsibility and teamwork, physical fitness and nutrition, and life-long learning. The goal of fostering strong, well-rounded student-athletes is delivered through coaching, after-school programs, life skills workshops, and summer camps. More information can be found at http://www.btsny.org
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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