Takedown Report

National Wrestling News – August # 3

TDR Editor’s Notes ; A look ahead with a new wrestling program in Division II to start in 2021. Statement of hopes and plans for wrestling next season by the NWCA, the EIWA, USA Wrestling and others. Congratulations to Bruce Baumgardner for his re-election as President of USA Wrestling. The first story is about Greg Hatcher and his efforts to grow and promote wrestling the state of Arkansas. It has been fantastic to see the growth of opportunities at high schools and colleges there. A true hero in wrestling that I would like to meet someday to thank him.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
1 } -Greg Hatcher’s wrestling influence is being felt in Arkansas and beyond
Greg Hatcher, a former wrestler at Division III Alma College, built the Hatcher Agency at the age of 28. Today, Hatcher can’t stop giving back. All sports — including wrestling — are the beneficiaries. … rest of story at _{https://www.trackwrestling.com/PortalPlayer.jsp?TIM=1597635255496&twSessionId=aqqlixoqzf&videoId=788546135&mc_cid=1321811b68&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}

2 } – .Bluefield State to Add Wrestling and 11 Additional New Sports
Bluefield State College announced today the addition of 12 new sports to its athletics department for the 2021-2022 school year. These will join the ten existing sports to become a robust program for more than 400 student-athletes. Leading the way is the return of Division II football, for the first time since1980. Bluefield State President Robin Capehart said, “Fielding a football team after such a long absence is a huge step forward. To do this now is our way of saying there is life after COVID for this College and our community.” Interim Director of Athletics Derrick Price added, “We’re hiring for these new sports now. I’m prioritizing coaches with proven abilities to recruit. We will target good student athletes with the goal of being competitive immediately.” In addition to football, Bluefield State will compete in wrestling and other new sports: .. rest of story at _{https://portal.nwcaonline.com/articles/NWCA_News/Bluefield-State-to-Add-Wrestling-and-11-17-8-2020}

3 } – NWCA DI LEADERSHIP GROUP TAKES A POSITION ON THE 2020-2021 COMPETITION SEASON
Manheim, PA – The NWCA Division I Leadership Group (LG) sent a letter on Wednesday to all Division I Coaches, Athletic Directors, Senior Women’s Administrators and Conference Liaisons to recommend a shift to the 2020-21 season as a result of ongoing complications related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
NWCA Division I Leadership Group COVID-19 Letter
The Division I wrestling membership had the opportunity to meet (virtually) twice during the NWCA Convention, and participate in a recent meeting with Anthony Holman, Managing Director of Championships and Alliances for the NCAA. In addition, the NWCA sent a survey to all Division I head coaches regarding a self-imposed delayed start to the 2020-21 season.  With 92% of the responses in favor of postponing the beginning of the upcoming season, the Division I membership largely supports this model. With this statistical support, the NWCA DI Leadership Group would like to proceed … rest of story at _{http://www.nwcaonline.com/nwca-di-leadership-group-takes-a-position-on-the-2020-2021-competition-season/?mc_cid=18ec0c1b30&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}

4 } – DIVISION II LEADERSHIP GROUP SUPPORTS ELIGIBILITY WAVERS DUE TO COVID-19
Manheim, PA – The National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) Division II Leadership Group recently met, and as a result, the following message was sent out to all the ADs, FARs, SWAs, and Conference Commissioners in regard to the Blanket Eligibility Waivers. The two attachments that were included with the message have also been linked below.
To: NCAA Division II Directors of Athletics, Senior Women Administrators, Faculty Athletic Representatives, Conference Commissioners and Executive Directors of Coaches Associations
From: National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) Division II Leadership Group
RE: Individual student-athlete welfare and enrollment in respect to July 22 blanket waivers
I am reaching out today on behalf of the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA), in response to the NCAA Division II blanket eligibility waivers issued July 22 and how they apply to individual sports.  It is our concern that the waivers in their current state do not appropriately protect our student-athletes’ eligibility in light of the uncertainty around the coming season and the rapidly changing landscape of the COVID-19 pandemic.  This uncertainty … rest of story at _{http://www.nwcaonline.com/division-ii-leadership-group-supports-eligibility-wavers-due-to-covid-19/?mc_cid=18ec0c1b30&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}

5 } – EIWA STATEMENT REGARDING 2020-21 SEASON: COMPETITIONS START JAN. 1, EIWAS HELD AS SCHEDULED
Villas, NJ, August 12 — The Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association is a wrestling only association whose member schools are all affiliated with other conferences. As such, our member teams may be subject to restrictions imposed by their parent conferences and home states with respect to athletic practice and competition during the current Covid-19 pandemic. The Head Coaches are planning an EIWA-centric schedule designed to maximize the number of bouts for our wrestlers. There are currently eight weekends between the new year and the final weekend of the regular season. Dual meets will be the priority although a series of limited tournaments to offer competition may be explored. All activities are subject to the prime concern of ensuring the health and safety of our wrestlers, staffs, and campuses.
We intend to proceed with the understanding that:
– Practice during the fall semester is permitted … rest of story at _{https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2020/August/12/EIWA-statement-on-upcoming-season?mc_cid=adab565cde&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}

6 } -What’s next for NCAA wrestling? Anthony Holman of the NCAA goes On The Mat – OTM612
NCAA Managing Director of Championships Anthony Holman returns to go On The Mat
With wrestling’s start date looking more and more like January 1, the NCAA’s Director of Championships, Anthony Holman, rejoins the show to talk about what is going to happen with wrestling at the college level, specifically NCAA Division I amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Join Kyle Klingman and Andy Hamilton On The Mat, … rest of story at _{http://www.mattalkonline.com/podcast/trackwrestling/on-the-mat/whats-next-for-ncaa-wrestling-anthony-holman-of-the-ncaa-goes-on-the-mat-otm612/?mc_cid=1321811b68&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}

7 } – Baumgartner re-elected as president of USA Wrestling
Olympic wrestling great recently retired from long career at Edinboro University
Bruce Baumgartner recently retired from Edinboro University, but he has not retired from the sport that made him famous. USA Wrestling’s board of directors re-elected Baumgartner as its president on Saturday. The two-time Olympic champion and four-time medalist has held that position since 2016. Baumgartner, 59, retired from Edinboro after 36 years. His three-plus decades of employment by the school included tenures as the Fighting Scots’ wrestling coach and athletic director. Baumgartner was assistant vice president of university advancement at the time of his retirement this past May. Although USA Wrestling is based in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Baumgartner said plans to remain in Edinboro, according to a May interview with Wrestling Insider magazine. … rest of story at _{https://www.goerie.com/sports/20200816/baumgartner-re-elected-as-president-of-usa-wrestling?mc_cid=1321811b68&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}

8 } – TALENTED AND MOTIVATED INDIVIDUALS SOUGHT TO SERVE ON USA WRESTLING’S AD-HOC DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION COMMITTEE
USA Wrestling President Bruce Baumgartner is reaching out to USA Wrestling’s membership in its effort to find talented and motivated individuals to serve on its expanded ad-hoc Diversity and Inclusion Committee during the next Olympic four-year cycle. According to USA Wrestling bylaws, USA Wrestling’s ad-hoc committees are created and appointed by the organization’s president and will serve as long as there is a need to be addressed. In the past, USA Wrestling has been led by a group of volunteer leaders on an ad-hoc Diversity Committee. With the start of the new four-year Olympic cycle, which begins in September 2020, USA Wrestling will put an expanded focus into this critical issue. The name of the ad-hoc committee will be changed to the “Diversity and Inclusion Committee,” with its scope widened and its mission expanded.
President Baumgartner is seeking to repopulate this committee with a wider spectrum of diverse leaders from our sport, as well as recruit some subject-experts in diversity and inclusion that have a desire to help wrestling grow in this area. He is seeking individuals with the abilities and passion to move USA Wrestling forward. … rest of story at _{https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2020/August/11/USA-Wrestling-seeks-candidates-for-Diversity-and-Inclusion-ad-hoc-committee?mc_cid=44ca76fc30&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}

9} – WRESTLER FOR LIFE STORY OF THE WEEK: BETWEEN ABDICATION AND ACCEPTANCE
USA Wrestling’s “Wrestler for Life” program has started accepting submissions for “The Story of the Week”. It can be about anything wrestling related, whether it’s a particular wrestling match you’ll never forget, or a life lesson that the sport taught you. If your story is chosen, it will be featured on TheMat.com, and winners will receive a USA Wrestling t-shirt.
Send your submissions to: Wrestlerforlife@usawrestling.org
This week’s submission is by Alessandro Vitello
Like a lot of young kids in the eastern Ohio and western Pennsylvania region, I grew up wrestling. I idolized my two older brothers, and they wrestled. So naturally, I wanted to wrestle too. I remember hanging out with my brother’s high school teammates, and just knowing I was the coolest little guy in the gym. I don’t have any photographic proof, but I know my parents had to tie me to the stands to keep me from running onto the mat during actual matches. I like to tell my wife she was my first true love, but if I am being honest, my first love was wrestling. I was hooked at a young age, and couldn’t wait to try it for myself.
I started so young, I have a hard time recalling anything from the first season. I know I lost a lot. Other than that, all I really know about my beginnings in wrestling is that I loved it. Practices. The coaches. Everything. I even loved getting up at five in the morning, in the bitter winter cold, with inches of snow on the ground, and travelling an hour or more to make an 8:00 AM weigh in for some random tournament. There were so many great memories.
My oldest brother, who was one of my coaches, throwing me over his shoulder and running across the parking lot, in snow up to his shins, so I could make the scale in time. The cold locker room, and the even colder marker, as it touched my little arm. Marking my weight, and letting the entire world know I was a sixty pound wrestler. Putting on my singlet, lacing up my shoes, strapping my headgear, onto one of my down singlet straps, and jumping into my warm-ups. I was, in my own little mind, a warrior, and this was my preparation. My armor. The only place in the entire world I was in control. The outcome, good or bad, was based on my abilities. … rest of story at _{https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2020/August/13/Wrestler-for-Life-Story-of-the-Week?mc_cid=18ec0c1b30&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}

10 } – .The Wrestler’s Credo
When my mind is filled with doubt that things will not work out, I put my head down and charge ahead. I learned from many years on a wrestling mat, that is all you can do. There will always be someone better or someone who works harder. That is life. A person with a unique talent that whatever you do, he wins. He figures out a way to defend your single leg despite your best efforts to score. The wrestler’s credo is that whatever happens, you get up and keep going. Like a wrestling match, life will hit funk rolls, and many times you won’t be able to score. Other times, you are paralyzed by fear and indecision and struggle to understand the reason. During those times, it is a constant reminder to get up and keep going.
I can’t say and will never know if I would have learned this mentality of perseverance, and constant forward movement if I never stepped on a wrestling mat. It has been wrestling’s greatest gift to me. A gift wrapped in blood, sweat, tears, and struggle. Inside the wrapping paper is mental fortitude — the wrestler’s credo.
The credo is committed and obligated to bring honor to the sport by never quitting and refusing to stay down. It is a sacred trust that is agreed upon in every wrestling room. When all is lost, a voice in our head tells you, “It’s OK. You can get up, keep working, keep giving your best, don’t give in to the pain.” Every person will fail more than they succeed. They will take beatings. Some will be pretty bad, leaving you with black eyes and bruising. It is the severe blows that test our resolve. It will test our willingness to fight. The other voice in your head says, “Stay down, find something easier, no one will even notice if you quit.” It is comforting and offers reassurance. It is the voice that gives up an easy go-behind instead of fighting for a stalemate. It is the voice that every wrestler tries to silence to a whisper. .. rest of story at _{https://intermatwrestle.com/articles/23810?mc_cid=18ec0c1b30&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}

August 19, 2020 Posted by The TakeDown Report | Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Wrestling History – # 14

TDR Editor’s Notes ; Our birthday wishes for coach Smith are a bit late but the story included here shares testimonies from several of the wrestlers thatSmith coached. A look at two Olympic wrestlers from 1984 and 2008 are included as these were memorable moments in wrestling history. Also included are individual wrestlers’ accounts of their wrestling role models. These are part of series of interviews by Track Wrestling.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
1 } – .Happy birthday to OSU wrestling coach John Smith: Here’s what OSU legends say about his impact
Happy birthday to Oklahoma State wrestling coach John Smith, who turns 55 on Sunday. Smith was announced as the first wrestler to be inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in May. Many of Smith’s current and former wrestlers, which included national champions, MMA standouts and successful coaches, reacted to their former coach’s honor, mentioning not only Smith’s impact on them individually, but on the entire sport of wrestling. “I cannot think of someone who deserves to be in the Oklahoma Hall of Fame more than Coach Smith. He has had a huge impact in my wrestling career. I am lucky that I get to learn from one of the greatest wrestlers of all-time. Hopefully this opens the door for more wrestlers to receive this honor.” Fix was an NCAA runner-up as a freshman in 2019 before redshirting this past season to prepare for the 2020 Olympics, which were postponed until 2021 because of the COVID-19 crisis. Before going to OSU, Fix was a four-time state champion and never lost a match at Sand Springs. “Coach Smith has had an everlasting effect on me, and just being in his presence makes you want to be the greatest, not only in wrestling, but as a person, as well. I’m sure many people will agree with me and say he should have got inducted a long time ago.” Piccininni finished his OSU wrestling career this year as a four-time Big 12 champion and two-time All-American. He recently announced he’s pursuing a career in MMA. .. rest of story at _{https://tulsaworld.com/sports/college/osu/happy-birthday-to-osu-wrestling-coach-john-smith-heres-what-osu-legends-say-about-his/collection_2b1b4333-5c9a-58dd-8f97-59bf0618830d.html?mc_cid=2938e52dc9&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}

2 } – Steve Costanzo: My Wrestling Hero
Today’s installment of My Wrestling Hero features Steve Costanzo. The head coach of Division II power St. Cloud State shares his thoughts on his wrestling heroes: Mark Schwab, Mike Denney and Rick Allgood. 
These are Costanzo’s words on his wrestling heroes:
“I have a lot of wrestling heroes. One would be Mark Schwab. He would be one of them for sure. In ninth grade, he was working at JROB camp and kind of took me off to the side when I got in trouble with J and J made him work out with me since J was mad at me for wearing plastics at wrestling camp when he told the kids ahead of time that no plastics were allowed. He put Mark Schwab on me. Mark was really good to me. I learned a lot. I still remember it like it was yesterday. I don’t know if Mark remembers it, but how can you forget as a 15-year-old wrestling with Mark Schwab at camp — not just for a few minutes — but quite awhile. 
“After that, I followed Mark for quite a while. I love the way he writes and thinks. I like his wrestling mind. I’ve had him up to St. Cloud to talk to our guys and he does a great job. 
“Mike Denney has to be one since he was my college coach. Another one would be my elementary, junior high and high school coach, Rick Allgood. He started me in wrestling in second grade. Back in those days he was the high school coach who ran the … rest of story at _{https://www.trackwrestling.com/PortalPost.jsp?TIM=1596595034789&twSessionId=fkhorqqgul&postId=788160135&mc_cid=490d601747&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}

3 } – Drake Ayala: My Wrestling Hero
Today’s installment of My Wrestling Hero features Drake Ayala. The two-time Fargo and Iowa state high school champion and Iowa recruit shares his thoughts on his wrestling heroes: his father and grandfather. 
These are Ayala’s words on his wrestling heroes:
“I would say my wrestling hero would have to be two people. I think it would be my father, Sam, and my grandpa, Jerry. They’re my wrestling heroes, not because they’re some big superstars in wrestling, just because they’re the people who inspire me to do what I do. I want to make them proud. They did wrestle and I know they have some regrets in this sport, so I don’t want to have any regrets myself. Doing this for them makes me feel better. … rest of story at _{https://www.trackwrestling.com/PortalPost.jsp?TIM=1597009911584&twSessionId=tehmutpxcy&postId=788254135&mc_cid=2938e52dc9&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}

4 } – Lehigh Valley Flashback Aug. 9: In 1984, Easton’s Bobby Weaver pins his way to Olympic gold
A look back at Lehigh Valley sports stories over the years from Aug. 9.
2009—Easton graduate Jordan Oliver wins a bronze medal in freestyle wrestling at the Junior World Championships in Ankara, Turkey. Oliver, who was 19-1 in open tournaments while redshirting at Oklahoma State as a freshman, wins four of five matches in Turkey and beats Batchuluun Batmagnia of Mongolia in the bronze-medal match.

1984—Former Easton and Lehigh University star Bobby Weaver wins the 48-kilogram gold medal of the Olympic freestyle wrestling tournament by pinning Japan’s Takoshi Irie at 2:58 of the first period. Weaver had qualified for the 1980 U.S. Olympic team, but lost his chance to compete when the U.S. boycotted the games in Moscow over the Soviet Union’s invasion of Afghanistan.
Also, Dieruff grad Joe Atiyeh, who holds dual U.S.-Syrian citizenship, wins his first match at 100 kilograms (220 pounds), pinning Romania’s Vaile Puscasu at 1:18 of the second period. Earlier, Atiyeh had been selected to carry the Syrian flag during the Opening Ceremonies at the Los Angeles Coliseum. … rest of story at _{https://www.mcall.com/sports/mc-spt-lehigh-valley-flashback-aug-9-20200809-md7kwd62xrfndo7ow7ioky7gtm-story.html?mc_cid=2938e52dc9&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}

5 } – Family Tradition: Matters have succeeded on and off the mat
Andy Matter was a two-time NCAA champion for Penn State (1971-72) while his sons, Clint and Brett, an NCAA champion in 2000, wrestled for Penn. The family combined for nine EIWA titles — but their true legacy lies with Beat the Streets Philadelphia. … rest of story and podcast at _{https://www.trackwrestling.com/PortalPlayer.jsp?TIM=1596766397951&twSessionId=bhjtujfbsr&videoId=788185135&mc_cid=d480353b0e&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}

6 } – Matt Azevedo: My Wrestling Hero
Today’s installment of My Wrestling Hero features Matt Azevedo. The Drexel coach shares his thoughts on his wrestling hero: John Azevedo.  “The first person that comes to might is my uncle, John Azevedo. He was a big influence on me. He coached me and we also coached together in college. He was a big influence on me. He’s given me an example. He was a good role model — a good person for me to be like. “Not only is he a good wrestler and a great coach but a really good person as well. He set the bar really high. Even to this day, we talk and he’s giving me wisdom and input and advice. He definitely challenged me and pushed me as a wrestler … rest of story at _{https://www.trackwrestling.com/PortalPost.jsp?TIM=1596921505679&twSessionId=mbkbtjjhhn&postId=788245135&mc_cid=040ae84fd3&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}

7 } – Jake Deitchler shocked the wrestling world when he made the 2008 Olympics in high school
Jake Deitchler qualified for the 2008 Olympics at 18 but battled concussions for the remainder of his career. Hear from the energetic and insightful Deitchler about his unique wrestling journey. … rest of story and video at _{https://www.trackwrestling.com/PortalPlayer.jsp?TIM=1597203083203&twSessionId=swjolstfpm&videoId=788256135&mc_cid=44ca76fc30&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}

8 } – Tate Picklo: My Wrestling Hero
Today’s installment of My Wrestling Hero features Tate Picklo. The 2019 Cadet World Team member and Oklahoma recruit shares his thoughts on his wrestling hero: his father, Brian. 
These are Picklo’s words on his wrestling hero: 
“I’m sure this isn’t a surprise but my wrestling hero would have to be my father, Brian. That’s just because he wasn’t given the talents that many good wrestlers are these days. He hadn’t been wrestling his whole life and he had to fight for everything he earned. It’s an inspiration to not just me but to every wrestler he’s told the story to has talked about that and how he is inspiring to them. How he had to work for everything and all the battles he had to get to where he is now.  “One of the things he does best as a coach is not just being the coach but being a father figure to a lot of the wrestlers. There’s a couple kids on our team who … rest of story at _{https://www.trackwrestling.com/PortalPost.jsp?TIM=1597203083203&twSessionId=swjolstfpm&postId=788467135&mc_cid=44ca76fc30&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}

9} – Frank Molinaro: What I learned from Cael Sanderson
Frank Molinaro wrestled under Cael Sanderson at Penn State during the 2010-12 seasons — placing fifth at the NCAA championships as a sophomore, second as a junior and first as a senior. Molinaro eventually placed fifth at the 2016 Olympics and is currently an assistant at Arizona State. 
Sanderson went 159-0 at Iowa State (1999-2002), won a gold medal at the 2004 Olympics and has coached Penn State to eight NCAA championships in 10 seasons (2011-14, 2016-19).
These are Molinaro’s words on what he has learned from Sanderson. 
Focus on improvement — not outcomes
From the beginning, the first thing I learned was to stop focusing so much on having success and having the outcomes I wanted — and I started focusing more on improvement. From there, that changed my whole perspective. Then I went from the process being such a grind to the process being so fun — really looking forward to going to practice at 3 p.m. From that, I started going deeper into my perspective and my mentality and my approach because I saw such an advantage for thinking the right way.  The biggest thing I learned from Cael is how to think the right way. How to have the right mentality and the right perspective. He taught me how to be grateful for being able to wrestle and train and always improving. His biggest thing is constant improvement. I think he’s quoted as saying, ‘If you’re not improving, then you’re going to learn a painful lesson from somebody who is.’ That was the biggest thing: constant improvement. That wasn’t just wrestling. Most of that improvement came through mindset. It always came through having the right perspective. Always redirecting us back to the right perspective. 
Be intentional
Penn State does a good job of doing everything intentionally — from their practice plan all the way down to how they’re going to warm up, how they’re not going to warm up, how they’re not going to run, when they’re going to cut their weight, when they’re going to travel, what days they should book the flights, and what airport they should use. They look at every single detail. 
They’re very obsessive about the details. … rest of story at _{https://www.trackwrestling.com/PortalPost.jsp?TIM=1596766397951&twSessionId=bhjtujfbsr&postId=788165135&mc_cid=d480353b0e&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}

10 } – Cory Land: My Wrestling Hero
Today’s installment of My Wrestling Hero features Cory Land. The 2019 Cadet World Team member and three-time Alabama state champion shares his thoughts on his wrestling heroes: his brother, Michael. 
These are Land’s words on his wrestling hero: 
“I’d have to say my wrestling hero is my brother (Michael) because he’s the one who got me into the sport and he’s always been right there to support me and help me. He’s my biggest fan. We’re really close. We’ve spent countless hours wrestling in the living room on our carpet floor. We’re always on each other.
“It used to be he was teaching me stuff since he started wrestling before me and he knew more than me and now we’re getting closer to the same size so now we’re drill partners, so that’s pretty cool. He’s really good, he’s not the greatest wrestler in the world, he’s not Jordan Burroughs or anything, but without him I wouldn’t be where I am today. … rest of story at _{https://www.trackwrestling.com/PortalPost.jsp?TIM=1597115238197&twSessionId=qqayahikyu&postId=788263135&mc_cid=a0c3658079&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}

August 19, 2020 Posted by The TakeDown Report | Uncategorized | Leave a comment