Takedown Report

Amateur Wrestling Reports

Carolinas Colleges News # 9

1 } – Citadel dismisses longtime wrestling coach
The Citadel has decided not to renew the contract of longtime wrestling coach Rob Hjerling, the school announced Monday. “We would like to thank coach Rob Hjerling for his hard work and dedication to The Citadel wrestling program and our college,” athletic director Mike Capaccio said. “After joining The Citadel staff for the 1999-00 season, Rob led his cadet-athletes to recognition for numerous athletic and academic achievements. We appreciate all of his contributions to our program and wish him and his family the best.” The Citadel will begin a search for a new wrestling coach, a school official said. Hjerling led the Bulldogs to two of their three Southern Conference titles in school history, taking both the SoCon championship and SoCon dual championship in 2014. He was named SoCon coach of the year twice, in 2004 and 2014. … rest of story at https://www.postandcourier.com/sports/citadel-dismisses-longtime-wrestling-coach/article_a4a55c60-af3f-11ea-a38b-232c88ef5ae5.html#:~:text=The%20Citadel%20has%20decided%20not,athletic%20director%20Mike%20Capaccio%20said.
Background and profile at https://citadelsports.com/sports/wrestling/roster/coaches/rob-hjerling/1250
Also linked at TheOpenMat – https://news.theopenmat.com/college-wrestling-news/the-citadel-moves-on-from-head-coach-rob-hjerling/78236 and more background on Intermat https://intermatwrestle.com/articles/23705

2 } – Cody Cleveland talks about The Citadel and his coaching background – The MatBoss Podcast Ep. 57
Cody Cleveland, an All-American at Chattanooga and an assistant coach at The Citadel joins host Chad Dennis on Episode 57 of The MatBoss Podcast. Cleveland talks about his experiences coming from coaching at the high school level and moving into the college ranks, first at the Naval Academy and then at The Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina. Cleveland touches on the coaching opening at The Citadel after Rob Hjerling’s contract was not renewed and the beginnings of his coaching journey and what he learned from his coaches as an athlete that he’s been able to instill in his athletes as a coach. Cleveland also explains how The Citadel fits into the nation’s armed forces. … rest of story and podcast at http://www.mattalkonline.com/podcast/intermat/matboss/cody-cleveland-talks-about-the-citadel-and-his-coaching-background-the-matboss-podcast-ep-57/?mc_cid=da10187ca8&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

3 } – CAROLINA WRESTLING Q&A: WHAT MAKES A GREAT TEAMMATE
An extended time away from the wrestling mat has given Tar Heel wrestlers an opportunity to recharge and reflect on their accomplishments from the past season.  
As the down time continues, we recently asked several members of the Carolina Wrestling program the following question: What makes a great teammate?
Below, hear from both coaches and student-athletes on the aspects and value of a great teammate.
Josh McClure, R-Sr., 157 pounds
“I think the most important thing about being a good teammate is from sun up to sun down, … rest of story at https://goheels.com/news/2020/6/29/carolina-wrestling-q-a-what-makes-a-great-teammate.aspx?mc_cid=7ba10e0d72&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

4 } – Gonser joins Campbell wrestling staff
BUIES CREEK, N.C. – Former All-American Noah Gonser has joined Campbell’s wrestling coaching staff as Director of Operations and Recruiting Coordinator. Working under first year head coach Scotti Sentes, Gonser will coordinate the daily operations, administrative functions and recruiting travel for the program. “I’m excited to start this new chapter and join a great coaching staff that builds champions on and off the mat,” said Gonser. “I’m going to attack this with the same mindset that I did as a wrestler, but … rest of story at https://gocamels.com/news/2020/7/6/gonser-joins-wrestling-staff.aspx?mc_cid=097a633e42&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

5 } – Group still fighting for ECU swimming, but also giving
The fight to get to the bargaining table on behalf of East Carolina’s discontinued swimming and diving teams is ongoing, with an organized group raising funds from alumni and others for the last two weeks and even running a television spot to support the cause of somehow bringing the teams back. Like many universities nationwide, ECU, facing financial turmoil both before and amid the ongoing COVID-19 … rest of story at https://www.reflector.com/sports/college/group-still-fighting-for-ecu-swimming-but-also-giving/article_30f24d61-532c-5a8d-bae2-ddb7c57994d4.html?mc_cid=73ac0bc782&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

6 } – A.S.U. Hall of Fame to Add Five Inductees
BOONE, N.C. — App State Athletics and the Former Athletes Association are excited to announce the 2021 Hall of Fame class.
 Because of the coronavirus pandemic, there will be no Hall of Fame class or induction ceremony in 2020.
 The next class, which will be inducted on a yet-to-be-announced date in 2021, is made up of Bob Allsbrook (men’s tennis, 1979-83), Katie Boyd (softball, 2008-11), Mark LeGree (football, 2007-10), George Sansone (wrestling, 1966-69) and Malcolm Styers (men’s track and field, 2007-11).
 This will be the 46th class in the history of the App State Athletics Hall of Fame.
GEORGE SANSONE (Wrestling — 1966-69)
All-American in 1968 and two-time national qualifier … Will be honored posthumously … Fifth place in the 123-pound weight class at the NAIA national championship tournament in Alamosa, Colo., in 1968 … Career record of 45-11 in college … Four-year starter at 123 pounds while helping App State post a combined team record of 37-10-2 during his time with the Mountaineers … Wrestled for coach Steve Gabriel at App State … rest of story at https://appstatesports.com/news/2020/7/8/athletics-hall-of-fame-to-add-five-inductees.aspx?mc_cid=fc895bba88&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

7 } – Getting to Know @PackWrestle: Excited to Start
RALEIGH, N.C. – Meet the new freshman class of the NC State Wrestling team. Hear what they are most excited for as they start their Wolfpack careers. … rest of story at https://gopack.com/news/2020/7/8/wrestling-getting-to-know-packwrestle-excited-to-start.aspx?mc_cid=fc895bba88&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

8 } – Queens Wrestling Signs Six For 2020-21 Season
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Queens University of Charlotte head wrestling coach Rob Tate announces the addition of six newcomers to his 2020 recruiting class. Alec Baynard, Lucas Comroe, Daniel Duffy, River Griffith, Wesley Sharpe, and Josh Voelkel are set to join the Royals in the fall. “We keep gaining increasingly more accolades with each incoming class and this one is no exception,” said Tate. “We’re excited to continue to build our program with exceptional young men who can come in and contribute immediately and I cannot wait to see what this group can do together.”
Alec Baynard | 149/157 lbs | Naples, N.C. | West Henderson High School
Baynard remains in North Carolina after competing for West Henderson High School where he is the programs all-time winningest wrestler with 170 career victories. He was a four-time NCHSAA State Championship qualifier and finished his senior year with a runner-up finish after posting a 48-5 overall record. Baynard also wrestled for the North Carolina National Team.
Lucas Comroe | 141/149 lbs | Gypsum, Colorado | Eagle Valley High School
Comroe comes across the country to the Queen City after completing one of the most decorated prep careers at Eagle Valley High School. Comroe is the only wrestler in Eagle Valley’s history to place four straight years … rest of story at https://queensathletics.com/news/2020/7/6/mens-wrestling-queens-wrestling-signs-six-for-2020-21-season.aspx?mc_cid=097a633e42&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

9} – Wrestling with COVID: How Rumble on the Rooftop’s safety failures could guide future events
By almost all accounts Rumble on the Rooftop, a series of matches held on a Chicago rooftop and wrestling’s first public event since the COVID-19 pandemic hit the U.S. in March, was a success with regard to the matches and the sport. But that’s not the full story.
The event was also being watched closely as an example of how wrestling could return while keeping athletes, coaches, fans and staff safe from coronavirus transmission. In that regard, even Bryan Medlin, the head coach of the Illinois Regional Training Center and a key player in organizing the wrestling component of the event, admitted there were problems. “There might have been some failures, but this is something to build on,” said Medlin. “The organization made a noble effort to make sure the event was as safe as possible.” … rest of story at https://intermatwrestle.com/articles/23730?mc_cid=7a484e7dde&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

10 } – Coach Popolizio makes a summer appearance – NCS68
Coach Pat Popolizio finally gets back to his own podcast and host Brian Reinhardt is here for the #PackMentality Pop-Ins Podcast. We’re getting a lot of questions today regarding the season for 2020-21, but before we get to that, we’re getting an update on the beard. … rest of story at http://www.mattalkonline.com/podcast/pack-mentality/coach-popolizio-makes-a-summer-appearance-ncs68/?mc_cid=35441de679&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

July 17, 2020 Posted by | Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Where is Wrestling City, USA?

TDR Editor’s Note : As a wrestling fan what is your view? One could also ask “Where is Wrestling City, North Carolina?” Many cities with a strong college team could claim this title such as Boone, Chapel Hill or Raleigh. Greensboro with the HS State championships, Super 32 tournament, several strong HS teams and Greensboro College would be the clear choice if UNCG still had a program as they brought in events. What do you think? +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Where is Wrestling City, USA?
The answer changes based on time and place. Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Waterloo, Iowa, could lay claim to the title at various points but they have not maintained the wrestling traditions that made them world-class.  Today, there are several cities that have a legitimate argument. Here are eight contenders. 
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Colorado Springs will always be in contention as long as USA Wrestling and the Olympic Training Center are headquartered there.  At any given time, the highest density of elite wrestlers resides within its borders. Depending on the season, the best wrestlers in the United States from all three styles converge in one place for World team training camp. USA Wrestling also has the Elite Accelerator Program (EAP), the resident athlete program, and the Air Force Regional Training Center.  The Springs houses the World Class Athlete Program (WCAP) for military personnel and several youth wrestling clubs coached by former USA Wrestling National Team members. High school wrestling is decent, and they have a Division I program with the Air Force Academy, but Colorado Springs is missing the rabid college wrestling fan base that other cities on this list have.
Columbus, Ohio
The new Ohio State wrestling facility proves that Columbus is serious about making a push as Wrestling City, USA. The Buckeyes won an NCAA championship in 2015 and they are arguably the second-best wrestling program over the past decade behind Penn State. The Ohio Regional Training Center was on the cutting edge when it was formed and high school wrestling within the state is excellent. 
Fargo, North Dakota
Fargo is the dark horse on this list. Yes, they have a Division I program with North Dakota State, but it’s one tournament in July that places them in contention: Junior Nationals. High school wrestlers from around the country converge in one place to test their mettle and to trade singlets outside the Fargodome. The city is so deeply embedded in wrestling vernacular that Junior Nationals is simply known as “Fargo.” 
Iowa City, Iowa
You could mention that the University of Iowa has won 23 NCAA team championships or that Dan Gable built the Hawkeyes into a dynasty or that Carver-Hawkeye Arena averaged over 10,000 fans for dual meets this season or that the Hawkeye Wrestling Club advanced wrestling or that several major events — including the past two Olympic Trials and the 2018 World Cup … rest of the story at https://www.trackwrestling.com/tw/PortalPost.jsp?postId=785461135&fbclid=IwAR1yRjkw_yvAJVblr5_Uf07J5_rwMpwhTUVTbtEp772dZ6mVgzMu7dCPKjo

July 17, 2020 Posted by | Uncategorized | Leave a comment