CAC Wrestling Program Continues to Invest in Little Rock Wrestling Community
In June 2008, Arkansas became the 49th state to add high school wrestling as a sanctioned sport through the combined efforts of Greg Hatcher and Don Schuler. Central Arkansas Christian Schools was at the forefront of that decision and proudly became the first private school in Arkansas to add wrestling to its Athletics Program.
Since 2008, CAC’s Wrestling Program has earned three State Championships and placed in the Top Three a total of six years. The program boasts 21 Individual State Champions, five Outstanding Wrestler awards, one Victory with Honor recipient and a Dave Shultz award winner.
Neil Erisman, the head coach for UALR’s new D1 wrestling program, recognized the effort and commitment made by CAC to bring competitive wrestling to the high school level in Arkansas. “It’s important to note how big of an investment CAC made into wrestling,
and how much of an investment they continue to make,” Erisman said. “CAC is part of the founding of high school wrestling in Arkansas and helping to get it sanctioned. They jumped on that train early, which was a big deal.” CAC continues to carry on that commitment to wrestling in Arkansas as they enter the 2018-2019 season. The varsity 11-man team is led by six returning student-athletes and five newcomers who compete in a total of nine weight slots. CAC’s head wrestling coach Richard Burton said he is excited about the great attitude and skill level the student-athletes bring to the team this year.
“It’s a really good group of guys,” Burton said. “They work really hard, and they are serious about it, but they also know how to have a good time. They have a good time together, but when it’s time to work, they work hard. And as a coach, that’s exactly what you want from your guys.” By nature, wrestling requires a specific skill set that focuses on an individual’s ability to master and execute techniques. According to Erisman, wrestling teaches athletes how to control their bodies – how to fall properly, how to break a fall and how to be resilient. The fundamental skills learned through wrestling can easily be transferred to other physical activities and sports, and provides a solid foundation for physical activity for years to come.
This December, the CAC Wrestling Program – along with Coach Neil Erisman and 4x NCAA Champion Pat Smith – is excited to host a free Holiday Clinic for wrestlers, coaches and parents in the Little Rock area. Any wrestlers ages Kindergarten – 12th grade (any skill level) are welcome to attend and learn the fundamentals of wrestling, or to practice new techniques and improve overall understanding. Special sessions for parents and coaches will be offered during the day and will cover topics such as: The Importance of Wrestling, How Wrestling Shapes Your Child, Building Your Program, and more.
Rest of the story and more at https://www.cacmustangs.org/2018/12/cac-wrestling-program-continues-to-invest-in-little-rock-wrestling-community/?mc_cid=acb35f2553&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
When the ring was the thing in college wrestling
The oldest and greatest sport has undergone significant changes since it first arrived on college campuses in the early part of the 20th century.
Over the years, uniforms have changed … rules have been revised … and a point-scoring system has been implemented. However, for today’s wrestling fans, the most startling difference may be that, prior to World War II, a number of colleges conducted their wrestling events in a roped-off ring like we associate with boxing or professional wrestling. A couple weeks ago, the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum in Waterloo, Iowa shared on its Twitter account a 1933 photo of a wrestling ring at the University of Northern Iowa. This writer retweeted the image … stirring up more retweets — and questions. With all the interest and curiosity generated by that photo, it seemed appropriate for InterMat to serve up a College Wrestling Rings 101 in words and images.
What do you mean by “a wrestling ring”?
Photos indicate that there were basically two types of wrestling rings used at some colleges more than 75 years ago. The most common type of ring set-up appears to have been square wrestling mats placed on the gym floor, surrounded by multi-tiered wrestling ropes connected together with a ring post in each of the four corners of the mat. This describes the ring pictured in the 1930s photo from UNI posted on social media by the Hall of Fame.
Rest of the story and photos at https://intermatwrestle.com/articles/20118?fbclid=IwAR0GGHsKnUCWxqnZHn2zbZgGrkBMTuL7YXhFJMqxOwIKegyEPTNVmViUaN0
Rutgers – Rider set to square off in rivalry renewed
Story, video and details at https://www.app.com/story/sports/college/rutgers/2018/12/14/rutgers-rutgers-wrestling-nick-suriano/2288221002/?mc_cid=acb35f2553&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
NJ wrestling: Jackson Memorial, Manalapan girls make history with 1st match
MANALAPAN – Abby Stanburry was stunned by the raucous atmosphere in the Manalapan High School gymnasium Friday night as Jackson Memorial and Manalapan wrestled in the first scholastic girls wrestling event in the state of New Jersey.
“I had such little expectations that this turnout just blew my mind,” said Stanburry, a freshman at Jackson Memorial. Wrestling in front of a loud and enthusiastic crowd of around 300, Stanburry pinned Rub Chakra Abou with a headlock with 47.4 seconds left in the second period of the first bout of Jackson Memorial’s 30-21 win. “It felt amazing. It actually felt fantastic to have so many people there to support you,” Stanburry said. Stanburry trailed 2-1 after the first period before she reversed Abou Chakra. She then headlocked her to her back as those on the Jackson Memorial bench chanted her name. “I don’t know half the people who were on the bench, but they were there supporting me,” Stanburry said. “When I heard them chant my name, I was like, I’ve got to do this now. I’ve got to end this.” Stanburry, whose father wrestled at Howell in the late 1980s, said this is her first year wrestling.
Rest of the story and video at https://www.app.com/story/sports/high-school/wrestling/2018/12/14/shore-conference-wrestling-jackson-memorial-manalapan-make-girls-wrestling-history/2307861002/?mc_cid=acb35f2553&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
Ferrum wrestling continuing to build success
Panthers have three unbeaten wrestlers
FERRUM, Va. – Under seven-year coach Nate Yetzer, the Ferrum Panthers have constantly rewrtten the standard on the wrestling mats. The team has one loss on the season but, since then, it has been nearly untouchable. “These guys are working hard and are so coachable,” Yetzer said. “This is the most coachable group I’ve ever had. They listen and that’s from the freshmen up to the seniors and captains.” The track record of success is impressive. Ferrum has had an NCAA qualifier each year since 2016, including Franklin County native Alveno Matthews. He and fellow senior Blake Rosenbaum are two of three wrestlers that are undefeated. “When I go out there, I should leave no doubt. I train as hard as I can in here. Those guys train hard, too, but I think I train harder,” said Rosenbaum. “So if I go in there just knowing they shouldn’t beat me, then that’s my mindset every time.”
Rest of the story at https://www.wsls.com/sports/ferrum-wrestling-continuing-to-build-success?mc_cid=acb35f2553&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
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 