Takedown Report

NCAA Division II News (2021) – # 7

TDR Editor’s Notes ; Division II schools with coaches retiring, some new coaches hired and Division II wrestlers winning awards from their teams or nationally.. Next blog will look at junior college wrestlers who finished their seasons just last month. Keep a wrestling onward and upward. Contact us at the Editor’s office at martinkfleming@gmail.com Blog # 2916 5/28/21
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1 } – VanGroll Steps Down as Parkside Wrestling Head Coach
KENOSHA, Wis. — Dr. Corey VanGroll ’09 is stepping down as the Parkside head wrestling coach, Director of Athletics Andrew Gavin announced on Monday. VanGroll directed the program for four seasons after returning to his alma mater in 2017.
“I want to thank the past and present team members for buying into me and for their constant work,” VanGroll said. “Grinding day in and day out with the team is what I will miss most. Thank you to Andrew Gavin and the rest of the department administrators for the opportunity and the support for the past four years. I would also like to thank the alumni and my coaching staff for their unwavering passion of Parkside Wrestling. Being the Head Wrestling Coach at my alma mater was my pleasure and a true honor. Parkside Wrestling is alive and well, and the future is very bright.”  VanGroll led the wrestling program to significant success on and off the mat in his time as head coach. In 2018, the Rangers finished third nationally on the strength of five All-Americans and Nick Becker‘s third-straight national title. Parkside also had two national qualifiers in 2019, three in 2020, and two in 2021, including Joe Arroyo claiming third place at the 2021 NCAA Championships. Off the mat, VanGroll directed the fundraising … rest of story at https://parksiderangers.com/news/2021/3/29/vangroll-steps-down-as-parkside-wrestling-head-coach.aspx?mc_cid=a2abe03ca2&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

2 } – Ryg Earns NWCA Division II Wrestling Rookie of the Year Honors
The prestigious award comes after Ryg was named the Northern Sun Conference 2020-21 Rookie of the Year and All-NSIC First Team thanks to the dominant first season in Peacock blue and white for the 197-pounder.
Zach Ryg is the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) Division II Wrestling Rookie of the Year. The final award following the 2020-21 season was awarded on Monday along with the NWCA Division II Wrestler of the Year honor that went to St. Cloud State University’s Kameron Teacher.
Upper Iowa Head Wrestling Coach Heath Grimm said, “As a coach, you hope that your athletes get what they earn. Zach Ryg earned this prestigious recognition. He brings his lunch pail to every single workout from preseason to postseason and lives by the mantra ‘Grinders Grind’. Zach, his hometown, our program and our University couldn’t be prouder of his efforts and we are all extremely excited about his future!”
The prestigious award comes after Ryg was named the Northern Sun Conference 2020-21 Rookie of the Year and All-NSIC First Team thanks to the dominant first season in Peacock blue and white … rest of story at https://uiupeacocks.com/news/2021/4/5/ryg-earns-nwca-division-ii-wrestling-rookie-of-the-year-honors.aspx?mc_cid=a167ed32cf&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

3 } – New Mesico Highlands wrestling coach stepping down
This isn’t the end. It’s merely the start of whatever comes next. That’s the mindset of Doug Moses, a wrestling hall of famer several times over who, after nearly 40 years as a college coach and six decades in the sport, recently announced he’s hanging it up as New Mexico Highlands’ wrestling coach. “I’m not saying I’ll never walk back out there and help a young man reach his potential,” Moses said recently. “But I am ready to move into whatever’s next for me. All I know is, this country needs wrestling, and I will continue to say that for the rest of my life.”
For the Iowa native, retirement means moving back to the home he and his wife share in Colorado Springs, Colo. What’s more, it means time away from the minutiae of the business side of things so he can focus on what truly makes him happy. After a pause he said, “What exactly that is, I’m sure I’ll find out. It might have something to do with wrestling.”
Moses served as NMHU’s coach for 15 seasons, building the Cowboys’ program from scratch and coaching several all-Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference wrestlers and five NCAA Division II All-Americans. All told, he coached 74 All-Americans and toured the world as an ambassador of the sport.
The beginning of the end of his Highlands tenure, he said, was 13 months ago in a hotel room in Sioux Falls, S.D. Less than 24 hours before the 2020 national tournament, the NCAA canceled the event in response to the coronavirus pandemic. … rest of story at https://www.santafenewmexican.com/sports/highlands-wrestling-coach-stepping-down/article_0547a506-9a49-11eb-a794-8b9d3fb84424.html?mc_cid=0dc666bfba&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

4 } – St. Cloud Wrestling announces 2020-21 team award winners
ST. CLOUD, MINN. – The St. Cloud State University wrestling team had no shortage of things to celebrate at the Annual Team Banquet Friday evening. The Huskies won their third consecutive national championship and saw a slew of wrestlers find individual success throughout the 2020-21 season. During the banquet, Steve Costanzo announced the 2020-21 team award winners, including the Dean Weisman Wrestler of the Year award. 
Kameron Teacher (Grove City, Ohio / Central Crossing) closed out his oustanding senior season with St. Cloud State by earning his third wrestler of the year honor, as he was named the Dean Weisman Wrestler of the Year at Friday’s banquet. Teacher already took home the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) and National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) DII Wrestler of the Year awards earlier this year, and additionally won team awards for most individual wins, most points and most bonus point wins Friday night. … rest of story at https://scsuhuskies.com/news/2021/5/1/wrestling-announces-2020-21-team-award-winners.aspx?mc_cid=93e0ad182d&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

5 } – Big returning class for UNK wrestling
KEARNEY, Neb. — There’s a cinematic masterpiece that was released in the 90’s titled ‘Billy Madison’ where the main character pleads with children to stay in school, “stay as long as you can.”
Looks like some Lopers are taking that advice.
With the NCAA granting an additional year of athletic eligibility to student winter athletes, the early returns from the UNK wrestling team are that they all plan on returning for another season. And any way you spin it, that’s great news for the Lopers as they’ll look to mount another run to nationals and hopefully come away with a title next time. Among those coming back include senior Wesley Dawkins, a three-time All-American and 2019 national champion, Matt Malcom. … rest of story at https://nebraska.tv/sports/college/big-returning-class-for-unk-wrestling?mc_cid=c1dee7f2bb&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

6 } – He’s Back!
One. More. Year.
A college wrestling career that started in 2015 will continue for Central Oklahoma’s Heath Gray in 2021-22, with this year’s 184-pound national champion having decided to take advantage of the extra season of eligibility offered by the NCAA and return for a second senior campaign.
And his main motivation to come back is purely unselfish. “I accomplished everything I needed to accomplish, personally, as a wrestler,” Gray said. “What I would really like to see is a team title brought back to UCO. It’s been too long. It feels like there’s unfinished business.”
The Bronchos captured the last of their 15 national wrestling championships in 2007. UCO, with Gray now back in the fold, will return five All-Americans from this year’s sixth-place team and should figure prominently in the 2022 team race. But Gray’s decision to return wasn’t an easy one. Far from it.
“Going into the weekend before the national tournament started I thought this was going to be it for me,” said Gray, who turned 25 on the eve of the event that was held in St. Louis. “I talked to my parents the night before, that Thursday, and told them ‘I’m going to win this national title and I’m done. I’m going to move forward and go start working.’ … rest of story at https://bronchosports.com/news/2021/4/27/wrestling-hes-back.aspx?mc_cid=c1dee7f2bb&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

7 } – West Liberty WLU Wrestling Celebrates Record-Setting Season
WHEELING, W.Va. – Head coach Danny Irwin and his record-setting West Liberty University wrestling team celebrated their unforgettable season with the annual Awards Banquet at the Wild Wild West Restaurant and Sports Bar.
    Dozens of family members, wrestling alumni, former coaches and friends of the program were on hand to help the program recognize its high achievers and hand out several prestigious awards – made all the more prestigious because they were voted on by their teammates. “Outside of the statistical awards – most takedowns, most falls, etc. – all of the major awards were voted on by the team itself,” Irwin said. “Ownership of the program is big for us and we believe having that input from each person really adds to the value of what each award represents.”
    It was a season of firsts for Coach Irwin and his rising mat program as West Liberty notched its highest finish ever at the NCAA Division II Nationals, had multiple national champions for the first time in school history, won its first NCAA Division II Super Regional and Mountain East Conference championships and finished the season with an unbeaten dual meet record. … rest of story at https://hilltoppersports.com/news/2021/5/3/wlu-wrestling-celebrates-record-setting-season.aspx?mc_cid=2136f7bdf1&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

8 } – Academic Awards: Male & Female Student-Athletes of the Year
The University of Central Oklahoma athletic department’s annual Academic Awards Banquet could not be held in 2021 as the ongoing pandemic continues to alter operations.  
Similar to 2020, the athletic department is still recognizing those student-athletes for their superior achievements in the classroom.
Up next in our virtual program of recognition are the male and female student-athletes of the year.  
The 2021 UCO Athletics Female Student-Athlete of the Year is Kelsie Eason, a senior on the Broncho soccer team.
Eason is the only two-time All-American in school history, earning the award from the United Soccer Coaches organization in 2018 and again in 2019 from the Conference Commissioner’s Association.
She ranks in the top 10 in school history in nearly all offensive categories. Eason ranks eighth in career points (87), eighth in career goals (31), fourth in career assists (25), and eighth in career shots (190).
The 2021 UCO Athletics Male Student-Athlete of the Year is Heath Gray, a senior on the Broncho wrestling team.
Gray won a national championship this past year at 184 pounds and helped Central Oklahoma to a sixth-place finish at nationals. The veteran has been the No. 1 ranked wrestler at his weight in the country for two years. … rest of story at https://bronchosports.com/news/2021/5/4/general-academic-awards-male-female-student-athletes-of-the-year.aspx?mc_cid=f2268a753e&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

9} – Parkside Names Nick Becker ’18 as Head Wrestling Coach
KENOSHA, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin-Parkside and Director of Athletics Andrew Gavin are pleased to announce the hiring of Nick Becker ’18 as the new Head Wrestling Coach. Becker, the fourth head coach in program history, joins the Parkside Athletics staff effective immediately.
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:  @RangerAthletics
“First off, I would like to thank Andrew Gavin and the rest of the search committee for giving me the opportunity to be the next Ranger Wrestling Head Coach,” Nick Becker said. “I’m humbled to lead a program with such a strong foundation and rich support system. Our alumni, community, and fans are the backbone of Parkside Wrestling. I can’t wait to reconnect with the Parkside Wrestling support system and build on what Coach Koch started a long time ago.” “I’m thrilled to start working with these student-athletes and look forward to helping them reach their goals on the mat, in the classroom, and ultimately in life. We have all the resources in place to excel at the highest level and we will look to build on our championship culture immediately. … rest of story at https://parksiderangers.com/news/2021/5/6/parkside-names-nick-becker-as-head-wrestling-coach.aspx?mc_cid=987a3385bf&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

And Parkside taps three-time national champion Nick Becker to lead wrestling program https://www.kenoshanews.com/sports/watch-now-parkside-taps-three-time-national-champion-nick-becker-to-lead-wrestling-program/article_2c86be00-4799-5c2e-9aa7-c6b884f26dce.html?mc_cid=987a3385bf&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

10 } –  Tim Wright – The first 4x NCAA Champion
ABOUT THIS EPISODE
Tim Wright is the first NCAA 4x Champion in any sport. In the late 80’s, Tim won four NCAA D2 wrestling national crowns for Southern Illinois Edwardsville.  Prior to college, Tim won two state titles for Rock Island High School, and was voted outstanding wrestler of Illinois his senior year.  Tim is no doubt one of the great wrestlers in Illinois history, and all time. It was an honor to have Tim on the podcast.
Enjoy!
PRESENTED BY SPARTAN COMBAT
Register for the Spartan Combat Nationals, taking place May 20-23 in Jacksonville Florida, now! … rest of story at https://wrestlingchangedmylife.com/229-tim-wright-the-first-4x-ncaa-champion/?mc_cid=41e05ef71b&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

11 } – NELSON RESIGNS AS SMSU HEAD WRESTLING COACH
MARSHALL, Minn. – Following 14 seasons at Southwest Minnesota State University, head wrestling coach Jesse Nelson announced earlier this week he is resigning his post to pursue an outside professional opportunity.  
“I want to thank Chris Hmielewski for taking a chance and hiring me in 2007,” Nelson said. “A big thank you to the rest of the of the SMSU Athletics Department for all of their friendship and mentorship over the past 14 years. The opportunity has been great and has been an amazing ride. I would also like to thank the alumni and my coaching staff for their dedication and passion to Mustang wrestling. Thank you as well to all of the parents and student-athletes that put their faith in me to lead them.”
Nelson, who was named just the fourth head coach in program history on Aug. 22, 2007, groomed 25 national qualifiers—including four two-time qualifiers and three three-time qualifiers—during his tenure. He coached six NCAA All-Americans, including Justin Reinsma in both 2012 and 2013, Jacob Begin in 2015, Cole Wilson in 2016 and Jackson Ryan and Caden Steffen this past season.
Nelson closed his career with 87 dual wins and was named the 2013-14 NSIC Coach of the Year after leading SMSU to a third-place finish in the NSIC. The Mustangs recorded six Top 30 finishes at the NCAA Championships during his time, including tying for the program’s highest finish at the Division II level this past season at 17^th.
“We are very thankful for the hard work and dedication Coach Nelson has provided 
… rest of story at https://smsumustangs.com/news/2021/5/6/wrestling-nelson-resigns-as-smsu-head-wrestling-coach.aspx?mc_cid=987a3385bf&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

12 } – Cody Cole takes over as next Head Wrestling Coach at New Mexico Highlands
Las Vegas, NM — The athletics department announced on Thursday night that Cody Cole will take over as the next Head Wrestling Coach at New Mexico Highlands University.
“It’s a great honor to become the next Head Wrestling Coach at New Mexico Highlands University” stated head wrestling coach Cody Cole. “Coach Moses, who we all know as the legend he was, has built a wrestling program that I am fortunate enough to be inheriting and the resources he left behind will strength NMHU wrestling for years to come. I am excited to work with the guys on the roster to continue to help them achieve their academic and athletic goals while at NMHU.”
Cody Cole joins the Cowboys after serving as the head coach at Cloud County Community College in Concordia, KS. While at Cloud County, Cole sent multiple student-athletes to four-year institutions which included one to a Division I and two to Division II (includes All-American for University of Nebraska-Kearney 2021) institutions while coaching three T-Birds to conference champions.
“This was the deepest pool of candidates that I have ever experienced when hiring a coach” stated Andrew Ehling, NMHU Athletics Director. “It became clear through the interview process that Cody’s vision of wrestling at Highlands will benefit the institution, and most importantly, the student-athletes.”
“Recruiting the talented State of New Mexico and keeping student athletes in state, to build a program that will not only continue to be competitive in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, but also NCAA DII Wrestling will be a top priority for our staff” Cole commented. “My main goal at New Mexico Highlands University is to make it the standard for the wrestlers of New Mexico to attend and become successful student athletes.  I plan to bring the same drive and work ethic that has allowed us to develop successful college athletes, All-Americans, and a National Champion … rest of story at https://nmhuathletics.com/news/2021/5/7/cody-cole-takes-over-as-next-head-wrestling-coach-at-new-mexico-highlands.aspx?mc_cid=1c5f62dded&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

May 28, 2021 - Posted by The TakeDown Report | Uncategorized