Takedown Report

National Wrestling News 2021 – # 2

TDR Editor’s Notes ; Greatly sadden to hear of the NCWA not sponsoring meets this season. Yet we are confident that we can see those teams in competition. The details are in the first article below. There are several articles about the tremendous award for Coach Dan Gable for his tremendous contributions to our sport. The national media awards for last year are included as the last article.
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1 } – NCWA NOT SPON­SOR­ING A 2021 WINTER SEMESTER SEASON
On Sunday, December 27th, the NCWA Board of Directors met for the third time to determine the outlook for the delayed 2021 Winter Season. After a brief discussion with each conference chairman concerning their respective conference teams ability to participate, it was determined that no conference had even 20% participation. Four of the eight conferences had no teams that would be permitted by their universities to travel or have other teams on campus. Therefore, no allowable competition this semester.
Based upon these difficult numbers, the board concluded that the NCWA will be unable to sponsor a season of competition in 2020-21.
NCWA member teams who’s universities are allowing competition are encouraged to compete under the guidelines provided by their respective institutions. No Athlete will be in any way penalized for competition during the 2020-21 season and no eligibility is forfeited by the athletes choosing to participate in any event this season. The board has had discussions concerning a collegiate invitational tournament that could give participating athletes a season ending event. If such an event holds interest to NCWA and or NCAA Schools please contact jim@ncwa.net to discuss details. Any events available to NCWA athletes can be posted here on the NCWA website. The Board has already begun to plan for the 2021-22 season and encourages teams to recruit athletes to their programs with the knowledge that there will be a strong 2021-22 wrestling season for NCWA Programs. … stories at _{^{https://ncwa.net/news/2020/ncwa-not-sponsoring-a-2021-winter-semester-season?mc_cid=ea644fcb33&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}

2 } – 2020 ‘Outstanding Individual Performance’: Benji Peak
Sometimes, a win isn’t just a win. It’s a moment in which everyone can take part and celebrate. Not out of fandom or personal affinities, or wrestling’s version of tribalism. But rather, because the timing somehow aligned perfectly with the mood, and in such a way that the gravity of the situation compelled all those who witnessed it to join in on the triumph.
When Benji Peak (67 kg, Sunkist/NTS, 5PM #11) emerged victorious at the US Nationals in October, he played a vital role in helping declare wrestling’s return to the spotlight. It had been over half a year since American Seniors were able to step on a mat in an actual meaningful live setting. Coralville, Iowa was the place, where Peak came to life and injected a dose of much-needed energy back into the consciousness. There were some fans in the brand new Xtream Arena scattered about the seats. Not a whole lot. Not enough, but maybe enough to jive with the circumstances. Coaches and officials donned masks or face shields whilst patrolling the battleground. A dystopic scene, in a sense. … rest of story at _{^{http://www.fivepointmove.com/usa-greco/2020-outstanding-individual-performance-benji-peak/?mc_cid=ea644fcb33&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}

3 } – TOP 15 MOST-READ STORIES ON USA WRESTLING’S WEBSITE THEMAT.COM IN 2020
By Gary Abbott, USA Wrestling | Jan. 04, 2021, 11:02 a.m. (ET)It is you, our USA Wrestling members and wrestling fans, who determined the Top 15 best-read stories that were posted on USA Wrestling’s website TheMat.com in 2020. This is based entirely upon the data for the number of reads for each story. The top story was the March 28 article on New Mexico high school wrestler Canaan Bower, whose act of heroism during a gas-station attempted kidnapping captured the nation’s attention. As an unprecedented year, the next two most read stories had to do with the COVID-19 pandemic. No. 2 was the first major USA Wrestling statement about COVID-19 on March 12. No. 3 was the release of USA Wrestling’s Return to Mat Guidelines on May 15. Rounding out the top five were No. 4 Big Ten Championships brackets on March 6 and No. 5 J’den Cox announcement on what weight class he would compete during Olympic year on Feb. 11.
… rest of story at _{^{https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2021/January/04/Top-15-read-stories-from-USA-Wrestlings-website-in-2020?mc_cid=ea644fcb33&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}

4 } – How some of the nation’s best college wrestlers have kept sharp for 2021
COVID-19 put the world on hold in 2020, but the nation’s top college wrestlers never stopped training. Michigan sophomore lightweight Jack Medley and several of his teammates ran multiple summer marathons in their hometowns, Iowa’s Spencer Lee drilled against his dog and his mom, and Ohio State freshman Anthony Echemendia reminded the world that he’s still one of the best gymnasts in college wrestling.  Their training didn’t go to waste either, as USA Wrestling, FloWrestling, Rokfin, TrackWrestling, Beat the Streets and numerous Regional Training Centers sponsored creative events that allowed the athletes to shake off the rust and challenge themselves. As the focus shifts to the NCAA season, here’s what we know about some of the top college wrestlers, their summer performances, and their skills heading into another championship college season. 
Minnesota’s Gable Steveson took a big step 
Minnesota junior Gable Steveson was a big name … rest of story at _{^{https://www.ncaa.com/news/wrestling/article/2020-01-04/how-some-nations-best-college-wrestlers-have-kept-sharp-2021?mc_cid=ea644fcb33&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}

5 } – Nobody more deserving of Presidential Medal of Freedom than Dan Gable
When I sat down to write about why Dan Gable is so deserving of being awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, my mind started racing in a million different directions. His accomplishments obviously speak for themselves. Winning two NCAA titles, a world title and an Olympic gold medal as a wrestler. Winning an unthinkable 15 NCAA titles and 21 Big Ten titles in 21 seasons as the head coach at Iowa. Coaching three of his wrestlers — Randy Lewis, and Ed and Lou Banach — to gold medals at the 1984 Olympic Games. And later coaching another wrestler, Tom Brands, who won the Olympics in 1996. Gable’s accomplishments extend far beyond his incredible resume in the sport of wrestling. I have my own share of experiences and memories from being around Gable over the years that have given me a better understanding and appreciation of a man I have tremendous respect for. I first learned about Dan Gable when I checked out a book on him at my school library while growing up in Tipton, Iowa. Like many kids in Iowa, and beyond, I wanted to follow in his footsteps and win the Olympics. His story was motivating and inspiring. My mother gave me a hard time because of how often I checked that book out from the library over the years. … rest of story at _{^{https://intermatwrestle.com/articles/24026?mc_cid=c2c44a5110&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}

6 } – Cole Hauser Interview: The Last Champion
We interview The Last Champion star Cole Hauser about what drew him to the project, its similarities with other sports films, and much more. In the film The Last Champion, John Wright was a hometown hero – the powerful star of his high school wrestling team and a promising Olympian. He could have had it all… but one bad decision destroyed his dreams and forced him to leave under a cloud of scandal that has haunted him ever since. But 20 years later, John returns to his small town after his mother’s death. His icy reception proves his former friends and neighbors still haven’t forgiven him for letting them down. Unexpectedly, John gets the opportunity to turn everything around by coaching his high school’s wrestling team. Cole Hauser plays the role of John Wright, and Screen Rant had the opportunity to interview him. We go over his passion for the script, his experience learning wrestling for the role, and the process for prepping for one of the film’s most intense scenes. … rest of story at _{^{https://screenrant.com/last-champion-movie-cole-hauser-interview/?mc_cid=6c7e360412&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}

7 } – Al Fontes Lauded Coach, Editor Says So Long to California Wrestling Community
It has been an honor and privilege serving the California wrestling community…

After serving the California wrestling community for over 25 years, I am departing from editorship responsibilities with the California Wrestler Newsletter (TCW) and moving on to a new chapter in my life. It has been an honor and a privilege serving the California wrestling community and giving back to the sport I love and always have had a great passion for. My long tenure working with the members of the TCW staff has been rewarding, fun, and filled with many great memories, opportunities, and friendships. I will cherish then for the rest of my life. The origin of the TCW began in 1974 when founders Bill Grant and Larry Prosper formulated the concept of generating a newsletter to inform the wrestling community of the latest dual and tournament results. At the time, local newspaper outlets throughout Northern California were lacking the coverage in their respective areas. After nearly 50 years, the TCW has grown to be among the top state sites in the country where avid wrestling fans throughout California and abroad view day-to-day stories, biographies, question & answer articles, and state/section rankings. … rest of story at _{^{https://sportstarsmag.com/lauded-coach-al-fontes-editor-says-so-long-to-california-wrestling-community/?mc_cid=6c7e360412&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}

8 } – For wrestling icon Dan Gable, Presidential Medal of Freedom is an achievement of a lifetime
Dan Gable stood inside the Oval Office on Monday afternoon. To his left, President Donald J. Trump rattled off Gable’s many wrestling accomplishments: state champ, national champ, Olympic champ, successful coach, relentless ambassador, on and on.
Trump then turned to Gable with a wry smile.
“Now, I’m larger than you, a little bit,” Trump said. “Do you think I could take you in wrestling?”
Gable didn’t even smile at the idea. “You would have no chance,” he responded, sparking laughter.
President Trump awarded Gable the Presidential Medal of Freedom on Monday, the nation’s highest civilian honor. The modern iteration of the distinction was established by President John F. Kennedy in 1963 to recognize extraordinary individuals who have made exceptional contributions to America’s national interests, society and culture.
“I wouldn’t be here if I had just won an Olympic gold medal,” Gable said. “It has been a lifetime of work, learning from others, … rest of story at _{^{https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/sports/college/iowa/wrestling/2020/12/07/iowa-wrestling-icon-dan-gable-receive-presidential-medal-freedom-monday-president-donald-trump-white/3857583001/?mc_cid=c2c44a5110&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}

9} – Trump awards Gable Presidential Medal of Freedom
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The answer was emphatic.
Monday morning in a ceremony attended by his wife, Kathy, daughters, Jenni, Molly, Annie and Mackenzie, sons-in-law and 13 grandchildren, Waterloo native Dan Gable received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Donald Trump in the Oval Office.
Dan Gable, family prepared for wrestling icon’s historic day
Waterloo native Dan Gable will be bestowed the nation’s highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Monday at the White House. His entire family will be hand to witness his historic day.  The medal is the nation’s highest civilian honor and is awarded to people who have made exceptional contributions to the security or national interests of America, to its culture or to other significant endeavors. In an exchange about wrestling prowess, both Gable and Trump laughed during their verbal back and forth.
“Now, I’m larger than you a little bit,” Trump said. “Do you think I could take you in wrestling now? Would I have a big advantage?”
“You would have no chance,” Gable quickly responded.
Timeline of the career of Waterloo legend Dan Gable
Gable joins notable Iowans in many fields who have received the award, including United Mine Workers leader John L. Lewis of Lucas County, agronomist and Nobel Peace Prize winner Norman Borlaug of Cresco, actor John Wayne of … rest of story at _{^{https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/trump-awards-gable-presidential-medal-of-freedom/article_0b4598d2-3dc3-50d9-bc46-a51489e1f524.html?mc_cid=c2c44a5110&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}

10 } – 4 Things to Know about The Last Champion, the Inspiring Family Film about Second Chances
John Wright is a quiet and pensive ex-Olympian who can’t let go of his past.
An all-state wrestler in high school and an All-American in college, John was poised to become one of the greatest wrestlers in history when he claimed Olympic gold as a young man, only to have his medal stripped following a drug test. That was years ago, but John still hasn’t forgiven himself. In fact, he’s rarely visited the small town that made him famous. But his mother recently died, and John now must return to his hometown to sort through her belongings and to tend to her ranch. It’s a visit that will force John to confront his mistakes and the people who never forgave him. Not surprisingly, it’s a visit that John dreads. … rest of story at _{^{https://www.crosswalk.com/culture/features/things-to-know-about-the-last-champion-the-inspiring-family-film-about-second-chances.html?mc_cid=daf3892c58&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}
Also check out
Heard of Redburn Street Pictures? It’s a family making movies in town; check out ‘The Last Champion’ … story at _{^{https://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/entertainment_life/movies_tv/article_f55b2350-34e7-11eb-aa44-2bc79d30583e.html?mc_cid=afaeddd782&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}

11 } – THE UNSTOPPABLE PODCAST HOSTED BY ANTHONY ROBLES PRESENTED BY SAFESTREETS LAUNCHES
Anthony Robles, a three-time wrestling All-American, 2011 NCAA Division I National Champion, and NIKE athlete, today announced the launch of The Unstoppable Podcast hosted by Anthony Robles and presented by SafeStreets. On life’s journey, it’s inevitable that we all will have to wrestle against challenges. This podcast is a series of thought-provoking conversations with people that have overcome tremendous obstacles to achieve amazing things because they chose to be unstoppable.
“I’ve seen my share of trials and hardships both on and off the wrestling mat but through it all, I always believed I was unstoppable,” said Robles. “I shared my story in my book titled, UNSTOPPABLE, and a podcast seemed like a natural progression. It gives me the platform to interview a variety of people and tell their stories with the hopes of inspiring others.” … rest of story at _{^{https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2020/December/09/The-Unstoppable-Podcast-hosted-by-Anthony-Robles-Presented-by-SafeStreets-launches-today?mc_cid=372ecbefe1&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}

12 } – NWMA announces 2019-20 wrestling media award winners
NEW BRIGHTON, Minn. — The National Wrestling Media Association has announced its annual award winners for the 2019-20 season. The NWMA is the national professional organization for journalists who cover the sport of amateur wrestling. This includes reporters, editors, publishers, webmasters, photographers, broadcasters, athletic communications professionals and other media professionals who share an interest and involvement in the sport. The organization was founded in 1989. This past offseason, the NWMA opted to reorganize several awards categories, and develop new categories  that recognize and celebrate the advances and innovations from the sport’s media outlets.  This year’s honorees include two innovators in wrestling coverage from both the print and online industries, a familiar voice, a new voice, a prominent beat writer, breakthrough performances and longtime sports information professionals. 
Shane Sparks of the Big Ten Network and Trackwrestling earns his second honor as the NWMA’s Broadcaster of the Year and his first since 2011. Sparks’ colleague at Trackwrestling/SportsEngine, Richard Immel, wins his first Photographer of the Year award. He is also a previous recipient of the now-retired New Media Specialist honor. Tom Housenick of The Morning Call in Allentown, Pennsylvania is the 2019-20 Journalist of the Year, while longtime professional sports information directors Stacie Michaud of Navy and Chris Caputo of Pitt-Johnstown are honored for their work in the respective Division I and Small College SID of the Year awards. PA Power Wrestling, which had been nominated numerous times for Website of the Year, takes the first Outlet of the Year award. … rest of story at _{^{https://www.nationalwrestlingmedia.com/2020/12/nwma-announces-2019-20-wrestling-media-award-winners/?mc_cid=3c167aa54c&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}

January 6, 2021 - Posted by The TakeDown Report | Uncategorized