Takedown Report

Freije Tabbed to Guide Fairmont State Wrestling Resurgence

Fairmont State University Director of Athletics Chad Fowler introduced Chris Freije as head coach of the newly added Wrestling program on Monday. During his career as an assistant and head coach, Freije has helped coach three conference championship teams (two NCAA II, one NAIA), and eight individual conference champions (six NCAA II, two NAIA). Thus far in his coaching career, Freije has also coached a total of 28 national qualifiers, 12 All-Americans and two National Champions between the NCAA Division II and NAIA ranks. Freije comes to Fairmont State after serving as Head Wrestling Coach at Kentucky Wesleyan College during the past two seasons. After recruiting for his first year on the job, KWC competed in its first NCAA Division II season in 2018-19, with three wrestlers advancing to the consolation round of the NCAA Super Regionals in St. Charles, Missouri.

“I am thrilled to take over as head coach of the re-launched wrestling program at Fairmont State,” said Freije. “I truly feel this program can be a sleeping giant. Our goal is going to be to keep successful West Virginia wrestlers in state, and to keep successful regional wrestlers in the region. Prior to taking over at Kentucky Wesleyan, Freije helped launch the wrestling program at Cloud County Community College in Concordia, Kansas. During his tenure at Cloud County Community College, Freije recruited the program’s inaugural roster, which included over 20 student-athletes. Cloud County’s inaugural season was capped with six wrestlers qualifying for the National Junior College Athletic Association National Championships. Before starting the program at Cloud County, Freije was an assistant coach at Lindsey Wilson College, an NAIA program in Columbia, Kentucky, from 2014 to 2016. During his tenure he helped designed and implement a year-round strength program while also coordinating the program’s community involvement. Seven wrestlers from Lindsey Wilson reached the NAIA National Tournament during Freije’s tenure, including three that earned NAIA All-America honors in 2016. Rest of the story at https://www.wdtv.com/content/sports/Freije-Tabbed-to-Guide-Fairmont-State-Wrestling-Resurgence-510181541.html?mc_cid=405c3a6e07&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

May 22, 2019 Posted by The TakeDown Report | Uncategorized | Leave a comment

National Wrestling Hall of Fame names 2019 Tragos/Thesz Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame class and weekend events lineup

By Jason Powell, ProWrestling.net Editor (@prowrestlingnet)
WATERLOO, Iowa – The National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum announced on May 20th that it has finalized the Class of 2019 for the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame induction weekend, which will be held on July 25-27. The Class of 2019 is Beth Phoenix (Living Inductee), Bruno Sammartino (Posthumous Inductee), Thunderbolt Patterson (Lou Thesz World Heavyweight Championship Award), Sgt. Slaughter (Frank Gotch Award), Brian Shields (Jim Melby Award) and Daniel Cormier (George Tragos Award). Patterson, Phoenix, Shields and Slaughter are all scheduled to attend. Cormier is unable to attend because of training.

Other distinguished guests scheduled to attend include WWE’s Sheamus, WWE’s Natalya, Gerry Brisco, Jim Ross, JJ Dillon, Brian Blair, Rob Schamberger, Victoria, Ultimo Dragon, Brian Pillman Jr., Wes Brisco, Nick Dinsmore, Tony Garea, Wade Keller, Ric McCord, James Beard and Charlie Thesz. All-Access passes are available for $115 through May 31 and for $130 after May 31. All-Access passes provide access to all events, including the Hall of Fame banquet, a ringside seat for the Impact Pro Wrestling show (while available), the pizza and beer social, and preferred access at the autograph session. All-Access passes can be purchased at dgm-nwhof.ticketleap.com or by … Rest of the story at https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/05/21/national-wrestling-hall-of-fame-names-2019-tragos-thesz-pro-wrestling-hall-of-fame-class-and-weekend-events-lineup/?mc_cid=405c3a6e07&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

May 22, 2019 Posted by The TakeDown Report | Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Nugent hired as head wrestling coach at Midland University

Midland University announced today the appointment of Lawrence (Larry) Nugent as the new head coach of the men’s wrestling program. Nugent most recently served as the head coach at Bethany College from 2015-2018 and will begin his tenure immediately. Larry NugentWith more than 30 years of decorated coaching and professional experience, Nugent brings a well-established wrestling pedigree to the institution, combined with an excellent track record of recruiting and developing high-quality student-athletes.
“All of Larry’s experience as a wrestler, coach, and mentor will serve him well,” said Dave Gillespie, Midland University Athletic Director. “To consistently compete for and win championships, you need exceptional leadership, which is why we have invested in Larry for this opportunity. His passion for skill-building and mentoring young men will be invaluable in our team’s successful development.”
Before his term at Bethany College, Nugent served as the Director of Development at USA Wrestling, tracking private donor support and corporate sponsorship revenue, as well as coordinating special events. In addition, Nugent worked as the Associate Producer and on-air talent with USA Broadcasting and USA Wrestling, working with sports media outlets including; ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, Fox Sports, Oxygen Sports, and Public Television, earning NWMA Broadcaster of the Year in 2001. Rest of the story at http://intermatwrestle.com/articles/21926?fbclid=IwAR0pe0fyWOR1G7HQidZ288MLQBGSAON10UYJL9TXTSMWDBDHmW6BBejLfAQ

May 22, 2019 Posted by The TakeDown Report | Uncategorized | Leave a comment