Takedown Report

Amateur Wrestling Reports

National Wrestling News – August # 2

1 } – Q&A ABOUT SENIOR NATIONALS IN CORALVILLE, IOWA, OCTOBER 9-11
With the situation regarding the COVID-19 pandemic ever-changing, USA Wrestling is working to provide as many details as possible available as soon as possible. The event has been organized to meet the demand from Senior wrestlers for a competition as soon as it was safe to participate, and USA Wrestling has worked with its local organizing committee in the Iowa City area to provide this opportunity.  
Is this only for Senior-age athletes, or are there other divisions? – This event is only for Senior-age athletes, with competition in each Olympic discipline.
Is this a qualifier for Olympic Team Trials? – NO. It is not an Olympic Trials Qualifier. At this time, there have not been any approved changes in the Olympic Trials procedures. Potential changes are now going through the committee and USOPC approval process. Regardless of those decisions, this event will not be included as part of the Olympic Trials process.
Is this a qualifier for a 2020 Senior World Championships? If United World Wrestling (UWW) confirms that a 2020 Senior World Championships will be held in December in Serbia, and if USA Wrestling decides to attend the event, the appropriate Sport Committees will set those qualifying standards. It is quite possible that the event in Iowa City would become the qualifier for a 2020 World Championships. UWW is expected to meet in August to review whether to hold their proposed World Championships events in 2020.
How many weight classes are there, and could that change? At this time, there will be only the six Olympic weight classes in each of the Olympic disciplines. However, if this event becomes a 2020 World Team Trials, there would be 10 World Championships weight classes in each Olympic discipline.
Will it be a best-of-three finals? NO, as a Senior Nationals event, there is a single championship match. If this becomes a World Team Trials, then it would change to a best-of-three series.
Is there prize money? NO, there is no prize money for this event.
Does this change National Team stipend or National Team rankings? NO, this event has no impact on the National Team support or ranking.
Are athletes turning 18 in 2021 eligible? These athletes are not eligible for the Senior Nationals in Coralville. Only athletes who are Senior-eligible in 2020 will be able to participate. … rest of story at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2020/July/27/Question-and-answer-about-Senior-Nationals?mc_cid=84274241b0&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

2 } – KEYNOTE SPEAKERS ANNOUNCED FOR NWCA VIRTUAL CONVENTION
Manheim, PA – The National Wrestling Coaches Association is excited to announce their keynote speakers for the annual NWCA Convention that will take place July 29-31.  This year, due to the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic, the convention has been moved to the virtual platform Vconference.  Each day of the convention will feature a keynote address by Aaron Grossman, Debbie Yow, and Chris Campbell. Participants will be able to watch these sessions live or via the video archives at a later date, as the convention will be available until October 27.
Aaron Grossman | Wednesday, July 29 – 2:00 pm
Wrestlers in Business Network Co-Founder and successful entrepreneur Aaron Grossman was introduced to wrestling at the age of six. His love of the wrestling carried him to the Miami University (OH), where he competed for the RedHawks. Sadly, Miami no longer sponsors the sport of wrestling.  After graduating, Grossman would go on to found the Alliance Solutions Group and serve as CEO. In 2009 he would start a group on LinkedIn called Wrestlers In Business. This group would end up morphing into a full-fledged organization, and in November of 2018, the organization would become an operating division of the National Wrestling Coaches Association.  Today, WIBN has over 20 chapters across the country, with many more launching. … rest of story at http://www.nwcaonline.com/keynote-speakers-announced-for-nwca-virtual-convention/?mc_cid=84274241b0&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

3 } – Marine wrestlers set to return to the mat
U.S. Senior Nationals to be held Oct. 9-11
It’s been nearly five months since the All-Marine Wrestling Team has trained like they are accustomed to, on the mat, full speed and physically, but in the coming days and weeks they’ll be in return-to-competition mode as they ready for the U.S. Senior Nationals in Coralville, Iowa, Oct. 9-11, following the longest hiatus many in the sport have ever had. “It’s been a roller coaster,” said Staff Sgt. John Stefanowicz, the No. 3 ranked Greco-Roman wrestler in the world at 82 kg. “It’s been a difficult road, but we’ve done really well staying inside the guidelines of the CDC, the Marine Corps and the boundaries that have been put forth. We’ve operated in those limits and have still been able to find other ways to produce.” Before the pandemic, Stefanowicz and his teammates were producing medals. He and Sgt. Raymond Bunker, ranked No. 11 in the world at 72 kg, each won gold medals at the Pan-American Championships, their last competition, which skyrocketed their world rankings. At the 2019 Greco-Roman Nationals, Capt. Daniel Miller won his second national title at 97 kg. With the return of competition, the Marines are focused on getting ready to compete … rest of story at https://www.camplejeuneglobe.com/local_news/marine-wrestlers-set-to-return-to-the-mat/article_4637d396-d1a5-11ea-a42f-dbff59128576.html?mc_cid=b3b7655607&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

4 } – 2020 SENIOR NATIONALS ADDED TO CRITERIA LIST FOR 2020 OLYMPIC REDSHIRT QUALIFICATION
USA Wrestling has updated its “Criteria to qualify for a 2020 Olympic Redshirt Year” document, with the addition of a new competition to the list.
Added as number 4 in the revised list of criteria is:
• Top 8 at the October 2020 Senior US Nationals
The Senior Nationals will be held at the new Xtream Arena & GreenState Family Fieldhouse in Coralville, Iowa, October 9-11. The event will highlight competition in the three Olympic disciplines: men’s freestyle, women’s freestyle and Greco-Roman.
There are currently six different specific criteria included in the document. For a college-student athlete to qualify for an Olympic redshirt year, according to the document, he/she is “only required to meet one criteria.” A number of college student-athletes used an Olympic redshirt year in 2019-2020. … rest of story at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2020/July/30/Senior-Nationals-added-to-Olympic-redshirt-criteria?mc_cid=b3b7655607&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

5 } – #154 Josh Churella – Michigan Man, 3x All American
ABOUT THIS EPISODE
Josh Churella is the assistant wrestling coach at the University of Michigan. He’s a member of the Churella family, who combined, have earned 10 NCAA All American honors. As a wrestler, Josh was a 3x All American and multiple-time state champion.  
SPONSOR — This episode is brought to you by the Wrestling Changed My Life online store. We have podcast T-Shirts, Hoodies, Crew-necks, Stickers and more.  Go to Store.WrestlingChangedMyLife.com to shop. … podcast & rest of story at https://wrestlingchangedmylife.com/josh/?mc_cid=b3b7655607&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4bhttp://www.nwcaonline.com/2020-nwca-virtual-conventions-shatters-attendance-record/?mc_cid=18dff864d7&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

6 } – NWCA Presents 2020 Rick Belle Official of the Year Award
Manheim, PA – On Friday the National Wrestling Coaches Association announced Nate Chatman as this year’s recipient of the Rick Belle Official of the Year Award. This award is presented annually to the official who exemplifies all the values that made Rick Belle an outstanding human and contributor to the sport of Wrestling. Integrity and a commitment to family, friends, community, and wrestling along; with excellence in officiating are all attributes that made Rick an outstanding American. Nate is beginning his 23rd season as an NCAA official and has been selected to 1 MAC, 3 EWL and 7 EIWOA Conference Championships, 10 D2 Regional qualifiers and 11 NCAA National Tournaments. “Nate embodies what the Rick Belle Official of the Year is, he’s a great official, but even a greater person, … rest of story at http://www.nwcaonline.com/nwca-presents-2020-rick-belle-official-of-the-year-award/?mc_cid=18dff864d7&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

7 } – 2020 Midwest Classic Canceled
I just feel like I was told that Christmas is canceled. Just when I thought my day could not get any worse, I just learned that the largest Division II wrestling tournament outside of nationals has been canceled. There will be no 42nd annual Midwest Classic tournament this season. It was slated to have taken place at the University of Indianapolis in Nicoson Hall December 19th and 20th.  The tournament has traditionally been the toughest on teams schedules outside of the postseason and for good reason. Last season alone, there were 15 teams ranked in our top-25 and it has been a great mid-season gauge on which athletes should be favored to win a national title. Tournament director and caretaker of all things Midwest Classic, Jackie Paquette, had this to say … rest of story at https://news.theopenmat.com/college-wrestling-news/2020-midwest-classic-canceled/78648?mc_cid=d480353b0e&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

8 } – WESTERN STATES CHAMPIONSHIPS AWARDS TRIPLE CROWNS AND FOLKSTYLE TITLES ON ITS FINAL DAY
FARMINGTON, Utah – The Western States Championships concluded on Saturday with the folkstyle division at all age levels. With the conclusion of the folkstyle, the Triple Crown winners from the tournament, winners of all three styles, were recognized. There were only two high school Triple Crown winners, Jacob Carson of Utah (105) and Luke Van Order of Nevada (130). Triple Crown winners among High School Girls were Zao Estrada of South Carolina (110), Sage Mortimer of Utah (115), Nanea Estrella of Hawaii (132) and Tristan Kelly of Colorado (171). Triple Crown winners at the 14U division were Austin ‘AP’ Paris of Utah (82/90), … rest of story at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2020/August/01/Western-States-Triple-Crowns-and-folkstyle-champions?mc_cid=c6e5782be1&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

9} – Mark Hall Promoting Equality With Black Wrestling Association
By Gabe Angieri
Mark Hall left Penn State wrestling as a four-time All-American, three-time Big Ten Champion, one-time NCAA Champion, and the owner of a 117-6 record. Now, he is attempting to change the sport forever through his involvement with the Black Wrestling Association (BWA), which he became a confounder of earlier this summer. Hall’s involvement with the BWA started with a conversation. He and Princeton wrestling coach Nate Jackson each shared their visions for college wrestling moving forward. From there, they organized Zoom meetings with 50 of the best Black wrestlers and coaches to figure out how the BWA could promote equality across the sport. Hall said it’s “so special” being a BWA co-founder. He hopes to use his platform as a prominent athlete to promote positive change within the community. “I think being a wrestler and having the accomplishments that I have, I’m coming to realize that I won’t always be competing, … rest of story at https://onwardstate.com/2020/08/04/mark-hall-promoting-equality-with-black-wrestling-association/?mc_cid=490d601747&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

10 } – USA Wrestling Preseason Nationals, named for late Brian Keck, set for Oct. 30-Nov. 1
USA Wrestling has named its popular Preseason Nationals tournament after the late Brian Keck, who helped create the event and served as its event director for more than a decade.

The 2020 USA Wrestling Brian Keck Memorial Preseason Nationals will return to Hyvee Hall inside the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines, Iowa, October 30 – November 1. Keck worked with USA Wrestling to found the Preseason Nationals in 2008, a major early season national folkstyle wrestling event for athletes of all ages. The first event was held in Des Moines, then spent nine years in Cedar Falls, Iowa, before returning to Des Moines in 2018. During its 12 years with Keck’s involvement, the competition grew in size and prestige. Keck tragically passed away at the age 48 during a trip to Mexico in November, 2019. “Brian Keck provided the vision and passion to establish USA Wrestling’s Preseason Nationals as a premier competition for talented an … rest of story at https://intermatwrestle.com/articles/23799?fbclid=IwAR0DBX6RPha5kz0aRw2T9cTM_nOz8DZZ-QbMpndKLemztne7A1TTsY20gys

August 10, 2020 Posted by | Uncategorized | Leave a comment

NCAA Division II Programs & News – # 3


1 } – Getting II Know a DII Program: McKendree
In just seven years in NCAA Division II, James Kisgen’s McKendree Bearcats have arguably one of the best levels of success the division has seen. Over the past seven seasons, 43 Bearcats have qualified for the NCAA Division II National Championships, with 35 of those earning spots on the podium as All-Americans. Two have earned national titles for McKendree: Michael Pixley (184) in 2019 and Darren Wynn (141) in 2016. 
“Our goal isn’t to get wins, our goal is to maximize our potential both on the mat and in the classroom,” Kisgen said. “If we can maximize our potential, we can have a good program and build good people.” 
The Bearcats, winners of their second-straight NCAA Super Region 4 championship, were poised to make a run at a first Division II team championship in 2019-20. McKendree, ranked #2 as a team, ahead of the cancelled 2020 NCAA Division II National Championships, had eight qualifiers for the event, including three who earned the top seeds at their respective weight classes. Marcus Povlick (125), Nick Foster (165) and Ryan Vasbinder (197) were all voted as the top wrestlers in their brackets heading into the event, with all three winning Super Regional championships two weekends before. … rest of story at https://news.theopenmat.com/college-wrestling-news/getting-ii-know-a-dii-program-mckendree/78497?mc_cid=7e573bd55d&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

2 } – NCAA DII APPROVES SEASON-OF-COMPETITION, ELIGIBILITY RELIEF FOR 2020-21
Division II student-athletes will not be charged with the use of a season for the 2020-21 academic year if their team can complete only 50% or less of the sport’s maximum contests/dates of competition because their season is canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In its videoconference meeting Wednesday, the Division II Administrative Committee approved two proactive recommendations for all sports from the Division II Committee on Student-Athlete Reinstatement.
The first allows schools to self-apply a season-of-competition waiver for student-athletes, provided all of these criteria are met:
The student-athlete’s team participated in no more than 50% of the sport’s maximum contests/dates of competition for the 2020-21 academic year due to the ongoing impact of COVID-19.
– The student-athlete used a season of competition during the 2020-21 academic year.
– The student-athlete was eligible for competition while … rest of story at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2020/July/23/NCAA-DII-approves-competition-and-eligibility-relief?mc_cid=fb559ea200&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

3 } – Getting II Know a DII Program: Mercyhurst
In 19 years as a program and in NCAA Division II, the Mercyhurst Lakers have put 42 wrestlers on the podium at the NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships, with one of those student-athletes taking national championship honors. Josh Shields took the 165 title in 2009, in Head Coach Mike Wehler’s second year at the helm of the Mercyhurst program. Wehler just closed out his 13th season leading the Lakers, who have placed in the top 10 at the NCAA meet five times in his tenure.
“At Mercyhurst, we try to focus on developing well rounded men who are motivated to be successful in all areas of their life,” Wehler said. “We’ve been able to achieve a high level of success both on the mat and in the classroom.” 
Six Lakers qualified for the 2020 NCAA Division II National Championships, with four of those wrestlers earning NWCA All-American status. Three of those 2020 All-Americans, along with 2019 All-American and 2020 National Qualifier Alexis Soriano, return to the Laker lineup for 2020-21. Jacob Robb, the three-seed at heavyweight a season ago, highlights the returning lineup that has experience at every weight. Eric Bartos (133) and Luke McGonigal (197) also earned NWCA All-American honors last season and return for Wehler. … rest of story at https://news.theopenmat.com/college-wrestling-news/getting-ii-know-a-dii-program-mercyhurst/78518?mc_cid=b08de964d0&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

4 } – Getting II Know a DII Program: Queens
In three years as an NCAA Division II program, Queens has sent three to the NCAA Division II Wrestling National Championships. As another young DII program wrestling in the South, the Royals are currently under the direction of second-year Head Coach Rob Tate. “We just focus on trying to get a little bit better at something everyday to just be a better version of ourselves than we were the previous day,” Tate said. “We’re still one of the new kids on the block, but I’m impressed with the way our guys are buying in, trying to compete, and I’m super proud of the results they’re starting to get for it.” Last season, the Royals sent two to the 2020 NCAA Division II National Championships, in Melvin Rubio (125) and Noah Curreri (184). It was Rubio’s second trip, with the rising senior accounting for two of the three NCAA qualifications in program history. Both Rubio and Curreri are back for Tate in 2020-21, along with five other starters. After the addition of incomers from North Carolina and Colorado, the Queens Royals will look to number around 25 for next season. … rest of story at https://news.theopenmat.com/college-wrestling-news/getting-ii-know-a-dii-program-queens/78551?mc_cid=90928adc9b&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

5 } – Getting II Know a DII Program: Wheeling
The Wheeling Cardinals will experience a rebirth of sorts in 2020-21, after the program taking a hiatus for the 2019-20 season. Prior to that hiatus, the Cardinals had an absolute breakthrough year in 2018-19, taking second at the 2019 NCAA Division II National Championships behind a pair of National Champions and six total All-Americans. August Wesley has been tabbed with the resurgence of Wheeling wrestling, which will compete in Super Region 3 again for the 2020-21 season.
“Here at Wheeling University our coaches, team mentors and athletic department are dedicated to challenging these men to be competitive and achieving their goals on the mat, all while staying focused on pursuing their degree so they will be successful in life,” Wesley said.
The two 2019 National Champions, Tyler Warner (133) and Conner Craig (174), will be just up the hill from Wheeling at West Liberty, with Terrance Fanning (285) taking the only other National title in program history in 2018. The Cardinal program was established in 2013, and has sent 21 wrestlers to the D2 meet in six seasons of competition. Ten of those came back to Wheeling, W.V., as All-Americans, including the three national titles from Warner, Craig and Fanning.  The Cardinals will look to field a roster of just more than 40 in their return to the mat for Wheeling.  … rest of story at https://news.theopenmat.com/college-wrestling-news/getting-ii-know-a-dii-program-wheeling/78586?mc_cid=b3b7655607&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

6 } – Getting II Know a DII Program: Ouachita Baptist
The Ouachita Baptist wrestling program just closed out its ninth season as an NCAA Division II program. During those years, the Tigers have sent 20 to the NCAA Division II National Championships, with 16 of those National Qualifiers coming home as All-Americans. Kevin Crutchmer just closed out his third season as the third head coach in program history.
“When I took over the Ouachita Baptist University Wrestling program 3 years ago I knew of the rich tradition and the alumni and coaches that put the program on the map of NCAA Division II wrestling,” Crutchmer said. “I was very excited to add my processes to try to continue the successes. It’s been a challenge at times and it’s been a blessing also based on the type of kids we have in our program and the administration of the institution’s support to see the program continue to grow. We try in many facets to teach not only wrestling but growth outside the wrestling room. Our philosophy at OBU is to get kids in our program that have a goal to succeed at every aspect of life! We encourage mental strength, commitment and hard work creates opportunities. We want the opportunity to try to have decisive moments to help us mature as teammates and extensions of the OBU family.”  The 16 Tiger All-Americans are highlighted by current Lindenwood assistant coach Dallas Smith’s four All-American honors, including two trips to the National Championship match at 184. Smith became the lone OBU National Champion in 2015 as a senior, after finishes of 6th 2nd, and 3rd his first three seasons. … rest of story at https://news.theopenmat.com/college-wrestling-news/getting-ii-know-a-dii-program-ouachita-baptist/78601?mc_cid=c6e5782be1&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

7 } – Severson among Inductees Selected to 49th Class of Bison Athletic Hall of Fame
FARGO, N.D. – North Dakota State University has announced its 49th annual induction class for the Bison Athletic Hall of Fame. Eight individuals are slated for induction on Friday, Oct. 2. Tickets to the ceremony will go on sale in September. Two-time national champion heavyweight wrestler Nick Severson is one of the inductees. …
NICK SEVERSON, wrestling, heavyweight (1998-2002)
Honors: Two-time NCAA Division II national champion at heavyweight in 2001 and 2002…Helped Bison capture the 2001 NCAA Division II national championship with a dramatic pin in 5:59 of South Dakota State’s Jon Madsen, the turning point in NDSU topping the Jackrabbits for the crown…Won 2002 North Central Conference individual title…Four-time NCC placewinner overall…Member of two conference championship teams…Inducted into the NCAA Division II Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2016. Stats/Notes: Posted a 70-22 career record including 32-8 in duals with 36 pins…Fashioned a 47-4 record with 23 pins over final two seasons including 23-0 in duals…. rest of story at https://theguillotine.com/2020/07/severson-among-inductees-selected-to-49th-class-of-bison-athletic-hall-of-fame/?mc_cid=2a2de153ce&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

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August 10, 2020 Posted by | Uncategorized | Leave a comment