Takedown Report

Amateur Wrestling Reports

NCAA Division II News (2021) – # 3

TDR Editor’s Notes ; Most important news first up with the Division II Nationals confirming that they will be held yet they have been moved from Birmingham to St. Louis. They will be held the weekend before the Division I Nationals in the same city. Well that is good for fans and wrestlers in the center of our nation yet a bit beyond driving range for us. Had looked forward to seeing our first wrestling event in the state of Alabama. E-mail us at the Editor’s office at martinkfleming@gmail.com
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1 } – DII affirms plans to host winter championships
Adjustments approved for winter and spring championships
February 5, 2021 5:40pmCorbin McGuire
The Division II Management Council and Presidents Council on Friday affirmed plans to host all the division’s 2021 winter championships. The Division II Championships Committee recommended the division move forward with hosting its seven winter championships after reviewing participation data and upcoming schedules across those sports. Nearly all finals sites will remain the same, except for the women’s basketball and wrestling championships. The women’s basketball championship will be held at the Columbus (Ohio) Convention Center, and the wrestling championships will be at the America’s Center in St. Louis. The Management Council approved a variety of other recommendations from the Championships Committee related to this year’s winter and spring championships, … rest of story at https://www.ncaa.org/about/resources/media-center/news/dii-affirms-plans-host-winter-championships?mc_cid=7fbcdf9574&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

2 } – OAC alters 2021 Wrestling schedule to include 4-team groupings over three weekends of competition
By Tim Glon
2021 Wrestling Schedule |
ADA — The Ohio Athletic Conference has announced a schedule change to its regular season wrestling schedule, splitting its round-robin schedule to six sites over three weekends. Wrestling will now determine its OAC champion with a round-robin schedule of meets held on Jan. 24 at Ohio Northern and Baldwin Wallace, Jan. 31 at Mount Union and Baldwin Wallace and Feb. 7 at Ohio Northern and Mount Union. The Polar Bears will host Heidelberg and Mount Union on Jan. 24, dual with Baldwin Wallace and John Carroll at BW on Jan. 31 and host Muskingum, Otterbein and Wilmington on Feb. 7. … rest of story at https://ohionorthern.prestosports.com/sports/wrest/2020-21/releases/20210113rdaxqo?mc_cid=6b4820f7a2&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

3 } – Surfs Up! Jason Welch is riding the wave of uncertainty at San Francisco State
San Francisco State coach Jason Welch won’t lead his team at the 2021 NCAA Division II NCAA Championships due to COVID restrictions, but he is still working hard. And he’s still finding his way to the ocean. … rest of story at https://www.trackwrestling.com/PortalPlayer.jsp?TIM=1611895063381&twSessionId=bjcjpwztut&videoId=1010979135&mc_cid=8a92ee7e2c&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

4 } – NWCA Division II Regular Season Poll #2
Manheim, PA – St. Cloud State remains atop the National Wrestling Coaches Association Division II Coaches Rankings, in the newest edition of the poll released Friday by the Association.
INDIVIDUAL RANKINGS
The Huskies tallied 100 total points behind seven wrestlers ranked in the #12 in their respective weight classes, with three of those student-athletes sitting at #1 individually. Nebraska-Kearney retained the #2 spot with a poll-high nine ranked individuals.
Lindenwood moved into the #3 spot in the team poll, up from its spot at #4 two weeks ago. Gannon and McKendree each also moved up a spot, with the Knights at #4 and the Bearcats at #5 in the most recent ranking. Don Henry’s Gannon squad also features a poll-high nine ranked wrestlers. Mercyhurst and Minnesota State moved into the Top 10 for the first time this season, with the Lakers coming in at #7 behind Central Oklahoma in the six-spot. Ashland moved up one spot to #8, as did … rest of story at http://www.nwcaonline.com/nwca-division-ii-regular-season-poll-2/?mc_cid=7fbcdf9574&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

5 } – Adam Bender Named G-MAC Wrestler of the Week
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Adam Bender from the Kentucky Wesleyan College wrestling team staked claim to the first selection of Great Midwest Athletic Conference Wrestler of the Week, as announced by the league office on Monday morning. This is his first conference career weekly honor. This is the third season the Kentucky Wesleyan wrestling program has been in existence with the Great Midwest and the program’s first conference weekly honor.  Bender sets the tone in a big way at the top of the lineup for head coach Rob McCabe and the Panthers’ young program. KWC had three different duals during the week against No. 5 ranked McKendree, Midway and Lincoln, all at home. The redshirt sophomore delivered bonus points in two of his matches with a pin and a major decision while competing to a decision in his other result. … rest of story at https://kwcpanthers.com/news/2021/1/11/wrestling-adam-bender-named-g-mac-wrestler-of-the-week.aspx?mc_cid=01186bea70&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

6 } – Gentile Named GLVC Wrestler of the Week
The Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) announced Lindenwood wrestling sophomore Ronnie Gentile as the GLVC Wrestler of the Week. Gentile started off the season off on the right foot, helping No. 4 Lindenwood to a 2-0 start.  The Paulsboro, N.J. native earned a 19-6 major decision in his first match against Davenport.  In a big dual against No. 5 McKendree, Gentile defeated No. 6 Nate Smalling by a 4-2 decision.  The Lions went on to win the dual 19-18. … rest of story at https://lindenwoodlions.com/news/2021/1/12/wrestling-gentile-named-glvc-wrestler-of-the-week.aspx?mc_cid=7d0bae3ce9&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
AND Blubaugh earns first career GLVC Wrestler of the Week nod
INDIANAPOLIS- For the third week in a row, a UIndy wrestler has earned the Great Lakes Valley Conference Wrestler of the Week, announced by the league office Tuesday. Blubaugh, a redshirt freshman, improved to 6-2 on the week with a 3-0 weekend at Lake Erie’s Storm Duals. He put up a pair of tech falls, and a win over #10 Chris Droege of Lake Erie on Saturday in helping the #T7 Greyhounds to a 3-0 day. The Bloomington, Ind., native posted a  17-2 tech fall in 5:00 over Ashland’s Nathan Williams in his first match of the day, and followed with a 7-2 win. Blubaugh then closed out his day with a 17-0 tech fall in 3:56 over Crue Cooper of Davenport. … rest of story at https://athletics.uindy.edu/news/2021/2/2/wrestling-blubaugh-earns-first-career-glvc-wrestler-of-the-week-nod.aspx?mc_cid=e1d5a94c45&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

7 } – Pitt-Johnstown to Resume Athletic Activities, Including Spring Sports Competition
Pitt-Johnstown has announced it will resume NCAA athletic activities, including Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) competition in the spring sports of baseball, men’s golf, men’s and women’s outdoor track and field, and softball.  In addition, wrestling will be permitted to compete in the NCAA Regional Tournament as well as the NCAA Division II National Championships, while other fall and winter sports (men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s soccer, women’s volleyball, men’s and women’s basketball) will engage in training and team activities without competition seasons. Pitt-Johnstown student-athletes returned to campus on Sunday (January 31) and are sheltering in place for one week.  NCAA varsity teams will then have staggered starting dates for safety reason. … rest of story at https://pittjohnstownathletics.com/news/2021/2/2/baseball-pitt-johnstown-resumes-athletic-activities-including-spring-sports-competition.aspx?mc_cid=e1d5a94c45&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

8 } – RMAC tabs Renner Wrestler of the Week
COLORADO SPRINGS — February 2, 2021 — The Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference named Chadron State College 157-pound wrestler Preston Renner its Wrestler of the Week on Tuesday, in a release at RMACSports.org. Renner, a sophomore from Broomfield, Colorado, earned a 3-2 decision over Jasiah Williams of Pueblo, who had, in previous seasons, been ranked as high as fifth in the nation. Renner scored the first and only takedown of the match in the third period, twith the bout ied 1-1, to edge the fifth-year senior. The win helped elevate the Eagles to a 23-16 win over the ThunderWolves in last week’s dual in Pueblo. … rest of story at https://chadroneagles.com/news/2021/2/2/RMAC-tabs-Renner-Wrestler-of-the-Week.aspx?mc_cid=e1d5a94c45&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
AND Andreatta named RMAC Wrestler of the Week
COLORADO SPRINGS – Adams State redshirt junior Jonathan Andreatta was named the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) Wrestler of the Week, as announced by conference officials earlier today. Andreatta helped earn 12 team points as he paced the Grizzlies in two team wins over ranked opponents at 2021 Fort Hays State University Dual Jamboree at Gross Memorial Stadium. The Grizzlies, who were ranked No. 10 in the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) defeated No. 12 Fort Hays State, 24-21, before downing No. 23 Newman, 29-18. Andreatta had two falls. The first came over the No. 2 wrestlers at 125, FHSU’s Mason Turner, in 2:57. The second fall came over Newman’s Jake Patch in 2:24. … rest of story at https://asugrizzlies.com/news/2021/1/12/wrestling-wres-andreatta-named-rmac-wrestler-of-the-week.aspx?mc_cid=7d0bae3ce9&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

9} – FitzPatrick, Brinkman earn NSIC Athlete of the Week honors
BURNSVILLE, MINN. – The St. Cloud State University athletics department saw two student-athletes earn Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) weekly awards this past week. On Monday, senior wrestler Devin FitzPatrick (Mahtomedi, Minn. / Mahtomedi) was named the NSIC Wrestler of the Week, while Madison Brinkman (Grey Eagle, Minn. / Melrose) was named the NSIC Diver of the Week Tuesday afternoon.  FitzPatrick earned his first NSIC Wrestler of the Week award this season after leading the Huskies to a resounding 31-3 dual match victory over the University of Mary last Thursday night. The redshirt senior, who currently ranks No. 2 in the nation at 165-pounds, posted a 6-3 victory over No. 4 ranked Braydon Huber in the second match of the evening. A two-time All-American and current team captain, FitzPatrick is a member of two national championship squads and helped St. Cloud State to the No. 1 ranking in the nation. … rest of story at https://scsuhuskies.com/news/2021/1/12/womens-swim-dive-fitzpatrick-brinkman-earn-nsic-athlete-of-the-week-honors.aspx?mc_cid=7d0bae3ce9&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
AND Reece Worachek Named NSIC Wrestler of the Week
Worachek is 4-0 this season
KENOSHA, Wis. – Freshman Reece Worachek of the Parkside wrestling team has been named the NSIC Wrestler of the Week, the conference office announced on Monday afternoon.
 FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @RangerAthletics
 Worachek, a Luxemburg, Wis., native, defeated No. 8 ranked Dalton Hahn of Upper Iowa on Thursday. He stayed perfect on the year, improving to 4-0 this season with the 2-1 win in the tiebreak. Worachek is currently the No. 5 ranked wrestler in Super Region V while Hahn is the top-ranked wrestler at 184 pounds. Parkside lost the dual to the No. 16 ranked Peacocks, 21-12. … rest of story at https://parksiderangers.com/news/2021/2/1/wrestling-reece-worachek-named-nsic-wrestler-of-the-week.aspx?mc_cid=3d847489c9&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

10 } – Garrett Cook is MEC Wrestler of the Week
BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. – West Liberty University’s Garrett Cook has been honored as the first Mountain East Conference Wrestler of the Week. Cook, a sophomore 184-pounder from Weirton, W.Va. was recognized by the conference office on Tuesday after playing a key role in helping Coach Danny Irwin‘s Hilltoppers post a pair of impressive wins in Saturday’s triangular season opener. The nationally-ranked hilltoppers powered past host Glenville State 38-12 and Alderson Broaddus 38-10.
Turning in two dominating performances, Cook notched first-period falls in both matches. Barely having time to break a sweat, the sophomore stopped Glenville’s Christian Ramsey at the 2:02 mark and the Battlers’ Chiedu Chika in 2:41. … rest of story at https://hilltoppersports.com/news/2021/1/12/wrestling-garrett-cook-is-mec-wrestler-of-the-week.aspx?mc_cid=7d0bae3ce9&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

11 } – Mavs to host NCAA Wrestling Regional
Final two duals canceled
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo.— Colorado Mesa University Athletic Department Officials have announced that Mavericks have been selected to as a replacement host for the upcoming NCAA Division II Super Region VI Wrestling Championships, which will be contested on Sunday, Feb. 28, starting at Noon (new time) in Brownson Arena. The status of fans being able to attend under COVID-19 related protocols is yet to be determined.  In additional news, the Mavericks’ two remaining Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference men’s wrestling duals have been canceled.  The Mavericks were due to host Western Colorado University on Thursday evening and then travel to CSU-Pueblo on Saturday.  Thus, the Mavericks have finished the dual-meet portion of their schedule with 4-3 overall and 2-1 Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference marks. … rest of story at https://cmumavericks.com/news/2021/2/9/mavs-to-host-ncaa-wrestling-regional.aspx?mc_cid=a084ab7fd9&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
AND Hanenberg named RMAC Wrestler of the Week
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Western Colorado University’s Jason Hanenberg was named the RMAC Wrestler of the Week on Tuesday. The junior from Colorado Springs – ranked 11th in Division II at 149 pounds – defeated Chadron State’s Sebastian Robles 10-2 for a major decision victory – keeping Hanenberg a perfect 6-0 on the season with three pins. It also moved him to 42-23 in his career. This is Hanenberg’s first RMAC Wrestler of the Week honor and he’s the second RMAC Wrestler of the Week this season for the Mountaineers – joining Sammy deSeriere who won the honor on Dec. 15, 2020. … rest of story at https://gomountaineers.com/news/2021/2/9/WRST09Feb2021.aspx?mc_cid=a084ab7fd9&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

12 } – No. 19 Wolves Remain Undefeated with 25-12 Win over Limestone
Wolves pull away late to maintain their perfect record
GAFFNEY, S.C. — It came down to the final matches of the evening, but in the end it was the No. 19 Newberry Wolves coming out on top, beating the Limestone Saints 25-12 Wednesday night in South Atlantic Conference Carolinas action. The win maintains Newberry’s perfect 6-0 record on the season, and is their fifth win in conference competition. The dual was still within reach for the Saints heading into the 197-pound match, where Newberry’s Brandon Dickman picked up a 7-3 decision to put the Newberry lead out of reach. The dual concluded with Bowdy Boyce picking up a 2-1 win over his opponent at 285 pounds, with the match going into overtime before Boyce picked up an escape in the first tiebreaker round. Zach Shupp started things off at 125 pounds with a first period fall, needing just 2:16 to pick up his fifth win of the season. Four of his wins have come via fall, which is the most on the team. Austin Neal stepped onto the mat at 133 pounds and picked up a 3-0 win, giving Newberry a 9-0 lead over the Saints. At 141 pounds, No. 1 Isiah Royal was in a battle with his opponent, but was able to pull out the win, maintaining his perfect record on the season and making the Wolves lead 12-0. … rest of story at https://newberrywolves.com/news/2021/2/10/wrestling-no-19-wolves-remain-undefeated-with-25-15-win-over-limestone.aspx?mc_cid=5e3b2f2de3&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
AND Episode 27 of 6 Minutes – Andy Bricker
6 MINUTES WITH LINCOLN MEMORIAL HEAD COACH ANDY BRICKER
Sat down with Lincoln Memorial’s new head coach Andy Bricker. We talked about the challenges of starting a new program, leaving the Tampa area and heading to Tennessee, and what he is doing to build out a roster in the Southeast’s newest D2 program. …story and link at https://www.southeastwrestling.com/blog/2021/2/2/episode-27-of-6-minutes

February 14, 2021 Posted by | Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Carolinas’ Colleges’ News (2021) – # 3

TDR Editor’s Notes ; Our focus in this collection of articles is on college teams in North and South Carolina. The teams have been successful recently. We will post more recent results in the next postng. E-mail us at the Editor’s office at martinkfleming@gmail.com
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1 } – Pair of Top-10 Upsets Highlight #4 @PackWrestle’s 27-6 Win Over #12 Pitt
Pack wins 8 of 10 bouts, including final six
RALEIGH, N.C. – Powered behind a pair of top-10 upsets, and four ranked wins overall, #4 @PackWrestle stormed past #12 Pitt 27-6 Friday night in Reynolds Coliseum. The Pack (4-0, 2-0 ACC) won eight of the 10 bouts overall against the Panthers (3-1, 1-1), including the final six bouts of the night. The 21st consecutive Pack dual win was highlighted by freshman Isaac Trumble stepping in at 197 pounds for the first time this season … rest of story at https://gopack.com/news/2021/1/22/wrestling-pair-of-top-10-upsets-highlight-4-packwrestles-27-6-win-over-12-pitt.aspx?mc_cid=63515b3c44&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

2 } – Freshman Isaac Trumble Named ACC Wrestler of the Week
Scored a top-5 win in dual debut at 197 pounds
RALEIGH, N.C. – NC State true freshman Isaac Trumble has been named the Atlantic Coast Conference Wrestler of the Week following his stunning win at 197 pounds in his collegiate dual debut.  
Trumble upset Pitt’s No. 5-ranked Nino Bonaccorsi in a 6-1 decision that helped the No. 4 Wolfpack to a 27-6 win over the No. 12 Panthers in ACC Network’s Friday Night Dual matchup of ranked teams. Trumble was also recognized as the National Wrestler of the Week by The Open Mat.… rest of story at https://gopack.com/news/2021/1/26/wrestling-freshman-isaac-trumble-named-acc-wrestler-of-the-week.aspx?mc_cid=348fe62197&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
AND #PackMentality Pop-Ins Podcast: Ep. 75 – Fr. Isaac Trumble & UNC Preview
RALEIGH, N.C. – Rivalry week is upon us as #3 NC State and #14 UNC are set to do battle Friday Night. On Episode #75 of the #PackMentality Pop-Ins Podcast, host Brian Reinhardt sits down with head coach Pat Popolizio to talk about the upcoming dual with the host Tar Heels. We’ll first look at some breakout performances from the win over #12 Pitt as well as tease this week’s featured interview, Isaac Trumble, who was named Wrestler of the Week by The Open Mat. — rest of story and podcast at https://gopack.com/news/2021/1/27/wrestling-packmentality-pop-ins-podcast-ep-75-fr-isaac-trumble-unc-preview.aspx?mc_cid=bf1f14c6db&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

3 } – Newberry Wolves Beat Crusaders, Remain Undefeated
BELMONT, N.C. — The Newberry Wolves (ranked No. 9  in the nation by The Open Mat) kept their undefeated 2020-21 season alive Wednesday night with a 27-15 win over Belmont Abbey in South Atlantic Conference Carolinas action. The dual started at 125 pounds, where Zach Shupp picked up a fall over Brandon Crowder in 5:28, giving the Wolves a 6-0 lead. Austin Neal followed that up with a 9-1 major decision win at 133 pounds, making it a 10-0 lead for the Wolves. In the 141-pound match, Isiah Royal (ranked No. 1 in the nation by the National Wrestling Coaches Association) picked up his third major decision win of the season, this one being a 14-3 win to stretch the lead to 14-0. … rest of story at https://newberrywolves.com/news/2021/1/27/wrestling-wolves-beat-crusaders-remain-undefeated.aspx?mc_cid=bf1f14c6db&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
AND Royal Named South Atlantic Conference Carolinas Wrestler of the Week
GREENEVILLE, S.C. — Newberry Wolves wrestler Isiah Royal has been named the South Atlantic Conference Carolinas Athlete of the Week, it was announced by the conference Wednesday afternoon. This is his first weekly honor of the season, and the third South Atlantic Conference Carolinas weekly award of his career.  Royal, who is ranked No. 1 in the nation by the National Wrestling Coaches Association, was 2-0 last week, picking up a win via fall over Liberty’s John Stuart … restof the story at https://newberrywolves.com/news/2021/1/27/wrestling-royal-named-south-atlantic-conference-carolinas-athlete-of-the-week.aspx?mc_cid=bf1f14c6db&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

4 } – Wolves Open Home Schedule with 50-4 Win Over Queens
NEWBERRY, S.C. — The Newberry Wolves maintained their perfect record on the 2020-21 season Tuesday night, taking down the Queens Royals 50-4 inside Eleazer Arena. Newberry won nine of the 10 matches on the night, including three wins via forfeit. The dual started at 125 pounds, where Zach Shupp picked up a first period fall, needing just 2:02 to pin his opponent, giving the Wolves a 6-0 lead. The Royals would forfeit the next three matches, giving Newberry a 24-0 lead heading into the 157-pound match, were Devan Moore recorded a win via tech fall, racking up four takedowns en route to a 20-5 tech fall win, with the match lasting 5:14. That win boosted the Newberry lead to 29-0. … rest of story at https://newberrywolves.com/news/2021/2/2/wrestling-wolves-open-home-schedule-with-50-4-win-over-queens.aspx?mc_cid=e1d5a94c45&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

5 } – Campbell Wrestling wins third straight SoCon dual title
CHATTANOOGA, TENN. – Campbell claimed its third straight Southern Conference Dual Championship, finishing its second consecutive undefeated conference season with wins over Chattanooga and Bellarmine Friday afternoon. Extending its SoCon dual win streak to 16, Campbell (8-1, 7-0 SoCon) topped Bellarmine (1-8, 1-6 SoCon) 47-3 to open the day, then defeated host Chattanooga (7-4, 5-2 SoCon) 17-15 at McKenzie Arena. … rest of story at https://gocamels.com/news/2021/2/5/wrestling-wins-third-straight-socon-dual-title.aspx?mc_cid=7fbcdf9574&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
AND SoCon again names Hopkins Wrestler of the Week
BUIES CREEK, N.C. – For the second time this season, Campbell’s Caleb Hopkins has been named Southern Conference Wrestler of the Week. Hopkins posted another 2-0 week for the Camels, recording a win over a ranked SoCon foe, as well as a pin as Campbell finished the conference dual season undefeated for the second straight year. The Palmer, Alaska native … rest of story at https://gocamels.com/news/2021/2/10/wrestling-socon-again-names-hopkins-wrestler-of-the-week.aspx?mc_cid=5e3b2f2de3&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

6 } – Murphy named SoCon Wrestler of the Week
BUIES CREEK, N.C. – After another 2-0 week, including a win over a ranked opponent, Campbell’s Austin Murphy has been named Southern Conference Wrestler of the Week. Murphy picked up a crucial 5-4 decision over 14th-ranked Thomas Flitz from Appalachian State at 174 pounds, with the upset sparking the Camels to a win over … rest of story at https://gocamels.com/news/2021/1/27/wrestling-murphy-named-socon-wrestler-of-the-week.aspx?mc_cid=bf1f14c6db&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
AND Barton named SoCon Wrestler of the Week
BUIES CREEK, N.C. – After going 2-0 to open the 2020-21 season, including a win over a ranked opponent, Campbell’s Benjamin Barton has been named the Southern Conference’s wrestler of the week. Barton picked up Campbell’s first team points of the day at No. 8 Viginia Tech, taking a 7-4 decision over No. 25 Connor … rest of the story at https://gocamels.com/news/2021/1/6/wrestling-barton-named-socon-wrestler-of-the-week.aspx?mc_cid=4295bf0eb8&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

7 } – Bearcats defeat King and Emmanuel at the King quad meet
BRISTOL, Tenn. – The Lander wrestling team won 2-of-3 matches at King University, as the Bearcats took down the host King and Emmanuel. The Bearcats were defeated by Averett 23-13 in the first match before taking down King 27-18 and Emmanuel 31-18. Lander moves to 3-1 on the season along with now owning a 3-0 record in the SACC. The Bearcats started the night with a tough loss to Averett. Down 5-0, sophomore Elijah Gray won by major decision to get Lander within one. Averett would take the next two matches to go up 11-4 before senior Jauquin Olivas earned a win by decision to break up the Cougars point spree. Lander would not be able to make up much more ground, with the Cougars moving ahead 23-7 before sophomore Darius Parker and redshirt sophomore Cameron Coffman took back-to-back decisions to close out the bout. The second match of the night for the Bearcats was against King. Things started promising as sophomore Austin Ross pinned his opponent to give the Blue and Gold an early 6-0 lead. Ross now has two pinfalls on the season. … rest of story at https://lander.prestosports.com/sports/wrest/2020-21/releases/20210127x6bu99?mc_cid=bf1f14c6db&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

8 } – NO. 14 UNC EARNS 23-12 WIN OVER NO. 15 PITTSBURGH
PITTSBURGH – No. 14 North Carolina defeated No. 15 Pittsburgh, 23-12, Friday night in Fitzgerald Field House. Top-ranked Austin O’Connor won via pin at 149 pounds, while senior Josh McClure posted a tech fall win at 157 pounds to help highlight Carolina’s night. Pittsburgh started with a win at 125 pounds, with Colton Camacho posting two points against Wil Guida in the third period courtesy of an escape and a stall call, putting the Panthers on the board first, 3-0 in the team score.  
Pitt’s No. 4 Mickey Phillippi posted a 4-1 decision over Carolina’s Joe Heilmann at 133 pounds before UNC’s No. 11 Zach Sherman put the Tar Heels on the board for the first time. … rest of story at https://wordpress.com/post/takedownreport.wordpress.com/16460
AND Hokies wrestling at North Carolina postponed
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – Virginia Tech’s wrestling match at North Carolina on January 15 has been postponed because of COVID-related protocols within North Carolina’s team. The teams will work to reschedule at a later date. … rest of story at https://hokiesports.com/news/2021/1/14/hokies-wrestling-at-north-carolina-postponed.aspx?mc_cid=985ebae38c&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

9} – App State Wrestling Uses Sweep to Finish 7-1 in SoCon
LEXINGTON, Va. — App State wrapped up another strong regular season with a sweep of VMI and The Citadel on Friday.  
The Mountaineers posted a 33-12 victory against the host Keydets before winning 41-3 against the Bulldogs. With a 44-5 league record since the start of the 2014-15 season — the fifth-best mark in Division I wrestling during that time — App State has either gone undefeated or lost just one Southern Conference match in seven straight seasons. The Mountaineers closed the 2020-21 regular season at 7-2 overall and 7-1 in SoCon duals. App State claimed the first seven matches against VMI and totaled seven wins with bonus points to go along with Cody Bond’s comeback victory via a 10-9 decision at 157 pounds. Mason Fiscella’s pin at 197 pounds gave App State a 41-0 lead against The Citadel in a win highlighted by victories against ranked opponents from No. 19 Jonathan Millner (13-1 major decision against No. 27 Selwyn Porter at 149 pounds) and Julian Gorring (8-3 decision against No. 33 Kyle Kretzer at 184 pounds). Millner and Porter both took 10-1 records into their showdown. … rest of story at https://appstatesports.com/news/2021/2/5/wrestling-uses-sweep-to-finish-7-1-in-socon.aspx?mc_cid=7fbcdf9574&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

10 } – NC State’s Lewis, VT’s Latona Named ACC Wrestlers of the Week
GREENSBORO, N.C. (theACC.com) – A pair of redshirt freshmen – NC State’s Hunter Lewis and Virginia Tech’s Sam Latona – have been named the Atlantic Coast Conference’s Co-Wrestlers of the Week for Jan. 12. Wrestling at 149 pounds against a pair of Appalachian State wrestlers, Lewis scored a first-period pin just 1:29 into his match versus 10th-ranked Jonathan Millner. It was the second win of the day, as he also pinned Francis Morrissey in a time of just 1:42 to win both of his matches in the round robin against the Mountaineers a day after the dual between the two schools. Lewis is now 3-0 on the season, with all three wins coming via pins. The Stoughton, Wisconsin, native red-shirted last season and was unable to compete in open tournaments due to a knee injury. The 125-pound Latona was the only Hokie wrestler to post a 3-0 individual mark on Sunday as eighth-ranked Virginia Tech defeated Ohio (39-6), Kent State (42-9) and  host West Virginia (24-10) in quad meet action push its team record for the season to 4-0. … rest of story at https://theacc.com/news/2021/1/11/athlete-awards-nc-states-lewis-vts-latona-named-acc-wrestlers-of-the-week.aspx?mc_cid=7d0bae3ce9&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
AND Top 10 battle against Hokies await the Wolfpack – NCS76
NC State is coming off a resounding victory over rival North Carolina and the Wolfpack is ranked third in the nation in the most recent NWCA Division I Wrestling Coaches Poll. Host Brian Reinhardt goes one-on-one with the great one, Pat Popolizio. Another big weekend of action coming up as the Pack will face eighth-ranked Virginia Tech on Friday night. … rest of story at https://www.mattalkonline.com/podcast/pack-mentality/top-10-battle-against-hokies-await-the-wolfpack-ncs76/?mc_cid=e1d5a94c45&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

11 } – Bearcats use six pins to dominate Allen
GREENWOOD – The Lander wrestling team wasted no time getting back to its winning ways as the Bearcats trampled Allen University 53-0 at Finis Horne Arena Thursday evening. Lander is now 4-2 overall and has equaled its win total from last season. The Bearcats saw six pinfalls on the nights, with four straight to end the contest. The first of those pins came from freshman Kaiden Fisher, who earned his first dual meet win at Lander. Sophomore Elijah Gray took the second pinfall of the night. He is 5-1 at the 133-weight class so far this season. Sophomore Ezekiel Marquez obliterated his opponent, earning A 20-2 technical fall to make it 17-0 Lander. Freshman Toby Foster earned his first victory as a Bearcat with a 16-2 major decision at the 149-weight class. … rest of story at https://lander.prestosports.com/sports/wrest/2020-21/releases/20210204xe5z1y?mc_cid=fca48e06b8&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
AND Bond takes SACC Wrestler of the Week
GREENWOOD – After an impressive showing this past week, redshirt sophomore Jack Bond of the Lander wrestling team has been named the SACC Wrestler of the Week, as announced by the conference office on Wednesday. The Bearcats have taken the award in back-to-back weeks, with sophomore Darius Parker earning the nod last week. Going 2-0 in his last two outings, Bond won by pinfall against Allen while coming away with a 17-1 technical fall against Mount Olive. Bond is also currently ranked 10th nationally at the 174-weight class in the most recent NWCA Div. II poll. … rest of story at https://lander.prestosports.com/sports/wrest/2020-21/releases/20210210g67ekv?mc_cid=5e3b2f2de3&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

12 } – ‘I’m not going to give up on this dream’: Female wrestlers making history at Greensboro College
GREENSBORO, N.C. — When you go to a wrestling meet, you expect to see some takedowns, reversals and maybe even a few pins.  That’s no different for Greensboro College, except this year, they’re changing what the world of wrestling looks like. “I saw an opportunity to seek history, and we took it,” said Head Coach Kevin Birmingham. Looking at his team, you may notice two athletes on the mat who stick out from the rest. “I’ve been the only girl since middle school, going into high school,” freshman wrestler Ariana Wolkerstorfer remembered. Ariana is no stranger to being a woman in a man’s world. “In middle school, people like bullied me,” she mentioned. “I’ve had a few people forfeit matches because they didn’t want to wrestle me.” From a young age, she knew she could break boundaries. “A lot of people thought I would quit within the first few weeks,” she said. “And then I stayed in.” For Lexie Chase, her journey to the mats has looks a little different. “I’ve never in my life wrestled. I’ve never even seen a wrestling match until like last summer,” she laughed. Always a soccer player, Lexie decided to jump in with Ariana and join the first women’s wrestling program in North Carolina. “I tried to recruit as many as my teammates as I could. And no one wanted to do it,” she mentioned. “So I said, ‘well, I’m not going to give up on this dream.’” … rest of story at https://myfox8.com/news/female-wrestlers-making-history-at-greensboro-college/?mc_cid=82bfd879a8&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

February 14, 2021 Posted by | Uncategorized | Leave a comment

NAIA Division News (2021) – # 1

TDR Editor’s Notes ; We have been delinquent in sharing news and stories from the other four year college programs in the NAIA. The interest in wrestling and growth of the number of programs has tripled in the NAIA in the ast 15 years. This growth looks to continue as these schools see wrestling as a low cost positive enrollment driver for these smaller schools across the country. E-mail us at the Editor’s office at martinkfleming@gmail.com
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1 } – Providence, MSU-Northern wrestling teams face challenges, opportunities
Normally at this time of year, Montana’s two men’s college wrestling programs would already be a month into their season with dozens of matches under their belts. But due to COVID-19, competition won’t begin until later this month. The University of Providence, which has instituted remote learning for the entire semester, won’t have athletes back on campus until Dec. 7 and won’t start practice until Dec. 10. The Argos won’t scrimmage until Jan. 4 and won’t compete until Jan. 6. Practice will look a lot different when the team does return to the mats. “We are going to be splitting our team up a little bit to minimize the amount of individuals within the practice. We’re very fortunate to have a very large facility,” said UP second-year head coach Steve Komac. “So even though there’s no way to make wrestling a socially distanced sport, as far as the numbers of kids working out and the amount of people getting together at any certain time, we certainly do have a lot of control over that kind of stuff.” … rest of story at https://www.montanasports.com/frontier-conference/providence-msu-northern-wrestling-teams-face-challenges-opportunities?mc_cid=29548697b5&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

2 } – 2020-2021 NAIA Wrestling Coaches’ Top 20 Poll – No. 3
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Grand View University (Iowa) claimed the No. 1 spot in the third poll of the 2020-21 season. Joining the Vikings in this week’s top five was Life (Ga.), Lindsey Wilson (Ky.), Reinhardt (Ga.) and Indiana Tech. 
Poll Methodology

  • The poll was voted upon by a panel of head coaches representing each of the eight conferences.
  • Two days prior to the national poll, each qualifying group rater submits the top six individuals from each weight class in his conference into the system. Only wrestlers listed on a conference ballot are considered for the national ballot.
  • The top 20 individuals in each weight class is based on how each voter ranks the best individuals. An individual receives 20 points for each first place vote, 19 for second place and so on through the list. This same point system is used to determine the team ranking. … rest of story at https://www.naia.org/sports/mwrest/2020-21/Releases/MWrest-Poll3?mc_cid=4a4f0e7778&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

3 } – Five NAIA hammers you need to know about
The NAIA has been men’s college wrestling’s fastest-growing division in recent years, and the quantity growth has been mirrored by the increasing level of quality.  Though several of the level’s top performers graduated, including four-time national champion Evan Hansen of Grand View and three-timer Lucas Lovvorn of Baker, four national champions — Montana State-Northern’s Nick Kunz (125), Doane’s Baterdene Boldmaa (141), Graceland’s Brennan Swafford (165) and Lindsey Wilson’s Brandon Reed (285) — return, along with a cast of others worth keeping an eye on. 
Here are five NAIA wrestlers to watch: … rest of story at https://www.trackwrestling.com/PortalPost.jsp?TIM=1605588488541&twSessionId=lvczilzrpe&postId=877011135&mc_cid=7e05e44971&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

4 } – COLLEGE WRESTLING: E&H anxious for first wrestling season in school history
EMORY, Va. – One year ago, Emory & Henry football assistant Pete Hansen received a life-changing offer. “I heard a rumor that Emory was going to start a wrestling program,” said Hansen, who excelled at the sport in high school and college. After talking with his wife over the Christmas break, the 38-year-old Utah native originally decided not to apply for the job. Flash forward a few weeks later. Hansen was in the school cafeteria when he was approached by a couple of E&H students. … rest of story at https://heraldcourier.com/sports/watch-now-college-wrestling-e-h-anxious-for-first-wrestling-season-in-school-history/article_40e3a5be-5099-11eb-8b2e-870da088867d.html?mc_cid=4a4f0e7778&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

5 } – Morningside wrestling has big expectations for 2020-2021 season
NAIA college wrestling is a month away for the Morningside Mustangs, a group fresh off sending five grapplers to nationals last year, and are looking for more in 2021. On top of the five that made it to nationals, the Mustangs also had a pair of GPAC champions: returning senior Jonah Egli and the now-graduated Jacob Wiley. As a whole though, they didn’t finish quite where they wanted to. The team was third in the GPAC standings and fourth in the GPAC Conference Championship Tournament. But with three national-qualifying retuners on the squad, the team has big expectations for the 2020-2021 season. … rest of story at https://www.siouxlandproud.com/sports/morningside-wrestling-has-big-expectations-for-2020-2021-season/?mc_cid=c33f4da146&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

6 } – Brandon Reed is among the best heavyweights in the nation to keep an eye on this season
Brandon Reed got a late start in wrestling but he found his way to Lindsey Wilson College — an NAIA program in Columbia, Kentucky. He is already a two-time national champion but he wants more during his senior campaign. … rest of story at https://www.trackwrestling.com/PortalPlayer.jsp?TIM=1611033081025&twSessionId=wdilhucopl&videoId=975414135&mc_cid=ad63827ef7&mc_eid=%5B2ef7cbca4b%5D

7 } – VIZCARRONDO NAMED AMC WRESTLER OF THE WEEK
ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Isaiah Vizcarrondo has been named the American Midwest Conference Wrestler of the Week, as announced by the league office on Monday. 
Isaiah Vizcarrondo, Williams Baptist (Ark.)
133-pound | Fr. | Philadelphia, Pa.
Defeated Jack Hale of Lincoln (Ill.), by tech fall (19-2).
With the bout win, Vizcarrondo helped the Eagles to a dual win over Lincoln, 42-6 … rest of story at http://www.wbueagles.com/article/1712.php?mc_cid=ad63827ef7&mc_eid=%5B2ef7cbca4b%5D

8 } – LEE COLLECTS NAIA NATIONAL WRESTLER OF THE WEEK HONORS
Kansas City, MO – The National Association of Collegiate Athletics (NAIA) released their week three men’s wrestler of the week today, January 20. Ben Lee (SO/Cambridge, IA) represents Grand View with this honor and is the third-consecutive Viking to garner national recognition this season. This past week, Lee also earned Heart of America Athletic Conference Wrestler of the Week. He defeated two top-ranked opponents to help win two out of three duals competed in last week. The Viking defeated the No. 13 ranked Hayden Wempen of Missouri Valley by fall of 5:00 and No. 3 ranked Drew Sams of Graceland by decision 5-1. … rest of story at http://www.gvvikings.com/article/6880?mc_cid=36a2e0aa41&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

9} – 2020-2021 NAIA Wrestling Coaches’ Top 20 Poll – No. 4
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Grand View University (Iowa) claimed the No. 1 spot in the fourth edition of the 2020-21 NAIA Wrestling Coaches’ Top 20 . Joining the Life (Ga.), Lindsey Wilson (Ky.), Reinhardt (Ga.) and Indiana Tech. 
Poll MethodologyThe poll was voted upon by a panel of head coaches representing each of the eight conferences.
Two days prior to the national poll, each qualifying group rater submits the top six individuals from each weight class in his conference into the system. Only wrestlers listed on a conference ballot are considered for the national ballot. … rest of story at https://www.naia.org/sports/mwrest/2020-21/Releases/MWrest-Poll4?mc_cid=5a9932a916&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

10 } – Avila Welcomes Graham Karwath as Head Wrestling Coach
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Avila University Department of Athletics is thrilled to introduce Graham Karwath as the first head coach of the department’s newly-unveiled men’s and women’s wrestling teams, which will begin competition in the 2021-22 school year. “I am really excited to welcome Graham to the Avila Athletics family,” said Avila University Director of Athletics Shawn Summe. “Graham had reached out to me prior to us even announcing that we were starting wrestling with the thought that Avila would be a great place to start a wrestling program, and he exudes eagerness and a passion for the sport of wrestling.” Avila unveiled its plans to add both men’s and women’s wrestling, along with both men’s and women’s bowling, to its roster of varsity sports last month, which will raise the school’s total up to 16 varsity sports. … rest of story at https://www.avilaathletics.com/article/2500?mc_cid=4ec9be6c16&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

11 } – Pham, Diaz recognized by SAC
Wayland Baptist’s Nina Pham and Jesse Diaz have been named Wrestlers of the Week by the Sooner Athletic Conference following their performances at a dual at Texas Wesleyan. Pham, the NAIA’s top-ranked wrestler at 101 pounds, pinned seventh-ranked Madison Brown just two minutes into their match at 109. The win kept Pham undefeated this season at 7-0 for the top-ranked Pioneers. A senior from San Jose, Calif., Pham was the runner-up at 101 at the NAIA Invitational two years ago. … rest of story at https://wbuathletics.com/news/2021/1/25/-rv-mens-wrestling-pham-diaz-recognized-by-sac.aspx?mc_cid=4ec9be6c16&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

12 } – Aaron Meister is the master of wrestling at Friends University
Aaron Meister was hired as the men’s and women’s coach at the newly formed Friends University wrestling program. Meister is all about building an all-inclusive team. … rest of story at https://www.trackwrestling.com/PortalPlayer.jsp?TIM=1609991250056&twSessionId=ddygjjyzzh&videoId=931892135&mc_cid=4295bf0eb8&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

February 14, 2021 Posted by | Uncategorized | Leave a comment