Takedown Report

Amateur Wrestling Reports

College Wrestling News (2021) – # 1 (Across All Divisions)

TDR Editor’s Notes ; A look across a variety of school divisions with new coaches, new teams and other changes for next season. Interesting to see Coach Rob Koll moving from one Big Red school on the east coast to another Big Cardinal Red school on the west coast. Both schools of top notch academic quality. Glad to see Stanford not only making the decision to continue wrestling but also seeking out a top level coach that can build on Coach Jason Borelli’s successful program. Before Borelli switched coasts with Koll by going to American University in Washington, D.C. he became the winningest coach in Stanford’s history with 122 wins over 13 seasons. Coach Koll won over 300 dual meets at Cornell as his established the record for most wins by a coach. We wish them well in their coming challenges. They will keep wrestling onward and upward. Contact us at the Editor’s office at martinkfleming@gmail.com Blog # 2920 (5/30/21)
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1 } – Koll Named Head Coach
STANFORD, Calif. – Rob Koll has been appointed the 31st head coach in Stanford wrestling history, as announced today by Jaquish & Kenniger Director of Athletics Bernard Muir. Koll comes to The Farm after spending 28 seasons as the head coach at Cornell, where he turned the Big Red into one of the elite programs in college wrestling. Koll compiled a 317-101-5 record while in Ithaca, including a 125-9-1 mark in the Ivy League. Koll’s hiring is contingent on a pending background check.

“I am thrilled to welcome Coach Koll to Stanford,” said Muir. “His long track record of success speaks for itself, and I believe he can propel Cardinal wrestling to even greater heights.” With Koll at the helm, Cornell won 20 Ivy League and 11 EIWA titles, crowned 16 NCAA champions and produced 71 All-Americans, 177 NCAA qualifiers and 66 individual EIWA champions. “My wife, Rachel, and I are looking forward to this new adventure,” said Koll. “I want to thank Bernard and Jamie [Breslin] for the opportunity. Everything Stanford was asking for seemed to be right in my wheelhouse and I am looking forward to getting to work on The Farm. “The hardest part of the decision was to leave Cornell after 32 years. I am so grateful to all the wonderful people I have worked with and was surrounded by. I can’t thank everyone enough – the guys in the room, my staff, the alumni, program supporters and fans.”

Cornell’s all-time wins leader, Koll has helped the Big Red crown at least one individual NCAA champion in 10 of the last 12 years (prior to 2020-21) and had a finalist every year during that span. Cornell twice finished as team runner-up at NCAAs and has eight top 5 finishes. Cornell and Iowa are the only school in the country to finish in the top 10 nationally every year since 2008 (Ivy League school did not participate in 2020-21 due to the COVID-19 pandemic).

For 17 consecutive seasons, at least three Big Red wrestlers reached the All-America podium. Koll qualified at least one wrestler to the NCAA championships in each of the 27 seasons the team competed, including sending a school-record nine to the national tournament six times. … rest of story at https://gostanford.com/news/2021/5/29/wrestling-koll-named-head-coach.aspx

2 } – Mike Grey ’11 Elevated To Lead Big Red Wrestling Program
ITHACA, N.Y. – Former Big Red All-American Mike Grey ’11 has been named the David R. Dunlop ’59 Head Coach of Wrestling it was announced today by Andy Noel, the Meakem*Smith Director of Athletics and Physical Education at Cornell. Change comes to the Big Red wrestling program following the departure of long-time head coach Rob Koll to Stanford. Grey has served the Cornell wrestling program as an assistant coach for the past 11 years, starting as a volunteer assistant in 2011 before earning a full-time assistant coaching position in 2013. In 2019, Grey was promoted to associate head coach and has long been considered one of the nation’s top head coaching targets.

“Mike has been an instrumental part of the Big Red’s success since his time as an undergraduate, and more than a decade of Cornell wrestlers have grown into All-Americans and national champions under his tutelage,” Noel said. “The program is in great hands and will remain in position to build on its successes on and off the mat. I’m excited that Mike has the full endorsement of Coach Koll and Big Red legend Kyle Dake ’13, who will continue to commit time to the program as he trains for the upcoming Olympics, as well as the alumni and current student-athletes.”

During his tenure, Grey has been instrumental in working with Cornell’s lightweights, helping mold the careers of Yianni Diakomihalis, Vito Arujau and Nahshon Garrett. With Grey on staff, Cornell has gone 111-27 in dual meets with a 44-1 record in Ivy League matches. … rest of story at https://cornellbigred.com/news/2021/5/29/mike-grey-11-elevated-to-lead-big-red-wrestling-program.aspx?mc_cid=cd4ee7a97a&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

3 } – Ohio Valley University Officially Moves to NAIA
VIENNA, W.VA – Ohio Valley University is excited to announce they have been granted full membership to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), effective immediately.   
At the beginning of the 2020-21 school year, OVU announced they would be departing the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (affiliated with NCAA Division II) and the search began to find a new home for Fighting Scots athletics. That search was more refined in February when Ohio Valley was granted provisional membership in the River States Conference, pending the final decision of the NAIA.   
Although the decision to make this move was difficult, OVU had faith that its duty to provide a quality college experience, (spiritually, academically, and through athletics) aligns with the philosophy and goals within the NAIA.
“We are thinking about the future. And in order for us to move forward in the best way, our move is to go to the NAIA and be a part of the River States Conference.,” said Ohio Valley President Michael Ross. “We feel this is the best move for us. The River States Conference fits for us a better geographical area for travel, the types of schools we play, and it just fits who we are as a university.”

With the inclusion of OVU (officially on July 1), the RSC will have 15 member institutions representing five states – Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. OVU will  be immediately eligible for conference and national postseason competition for the 2021-22 school year. … rest of story at http://baseball.victorysportsnetwork.com/Clip/news/ohio-valley-university-officially-moves-to-naia.htm?mc_cid=f239659e8a&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

4 } – Adams resigns from wrestling post; search for new head coach to begin
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Spencer Adams has resigned from his post as the head coach of the Bellarmine University wrestling program. Adams had been the head coach of the Knights since the program’s inception in the 2016-17 school year. This season, Adams helped usher the Knights into the Division I era. Before entering D1 and the Southern Conference, Bellarmine collected seven All-GLVC accolades and eight GLVC Wrestler of the Week acknowledgements along with two team James R. Spalding Sportsmanship Awards at the DII level under Adams. The Knights amassed 11 NWCA Scholar All-American honors during that time, had two wrestlers earn berths in the NCAA II Championships and achieved a Top 25 national ranking.

“I want to thank Spencer for his dedication and service to the University and Bellarmine Athletics. He played an integral role in the birth and maturation of our wrestling program,” Bellarmine Director of Athletics Scott Wiegandt said. “I have accepted his resignation. A national search for a new head coach will begin immediately.” … rest of story at https://athletics.bellarmine.edu/news/2021/5/27/wrestling-adams-resigns-from-wrestling-post-search-for-new-head-coach-to-begin.aspx?mc_cid=f239659e8a&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

5 } – MITCH HOUGHTON TABBED AS HEAD WRESTLING COACH
LINDSBORG – The Bethany College Department of Athletics and Dean of Athletics Laura Moreno are pleased to announce Mitch Houghton as the new Head Wrestling Coach. Houghton will begin his duties at Bethany College on June 1 and takes over for KCAC Co-Coach of the Year Courtney Strauss who stepped down earlier this month to pursue other career opportunities. “We want to thank Coach Strauss for his leadership of Swedes Wrestling and his service to Bethany College over the last three seasons as our Head Coach” said Dean of Athletics Laura Moreno.

“We are very excited to welcome Coach Mitch Houghton as our Head Wrestling Coach. Coach Houghton not only brings a competitive mindset and disciplined structure, but also understands the importance of prioritizing academics, recruitment, retention, culture, and community involvement. Coach Houghton is an overall great fit for Bethany College and the Lindsborg Community, and we look forward to seeing him direct Swedes Wrestling.” added Moreno.

Coach Houghton comes to Bethany College after serving the last three years as the Head Coach at Colby Community College. While at Colby Coach Houghton directed the Trojans to the 2019-2020 KJCCC West Championship. Coach Houghton also saw twelve of his grapplers become West Central District Placers while seventeen Trojans were NJCAA National Qualifiers under his leadership. Prior to taking the reins of the Colby program Coach Houghton served as an assistant coach at Iowa Western Community College from 2015 through 2018. During his time at Iowa Western … rest of story at https://www.bethanyswedes.com/article/5673?mc_cid=9bb22a2b55&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

6 } – Hansen Named New Face of Neosho Wrestling
CHANUTE, Kan. – Hansen Named Panther Wrestling’s New Head Coach
As the 2020-2021 school year closes, changes are coming for Neosho County wrestling. Assistant Coach Matt Hansen has been chosen as the next head coach for the Panthers. Hansen came to Neosho, this past season, with 14 years of collegiate coaching experience, which includes time as the Head Coach at Doane University. He was also named the “Rookie Coach of the Year” by Amateur Wrestling News Magazine, in 2016.

Coach Hansen on the new opportunity- “I am very excited for this opportunity and look forward to leading the Panther’s wrestling program to success in the classroom, the community, and in competition.  I feel that Neosho is a great fit for me and am encouraged by the support and leadership that the administration has given for the program.  I would also like to thank Coach Nothern for giving me the opportunity to serve as his assistant this past season and wish him the best in his new career.”
Athletic Director, Riann Mullis, had this to say on the promotion from within- “We are excited … rest of story at https://goneosho.com/news/2021/5/21/hansen-named-new-face-of-neosho-wrestling.aspx?mc_cid=ce44cea415&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

7 } – HEIM ELEVATED TO HEAD COACH AT PITT-BRADFORD
Blake Heim has been named the second head coach in Pitt-Bradford wrestling history, the school announced yesterday. Colin Johnson, who led the team from its inception in 2018, left in December to take over the Fairmont State program, and Pitt-Bradford has selected Heim to take over. Heim joined the Panthers for the 2019-2020 season and has led the team on an interim basis since December. Pitt-Bradford has had two seasons of competition in 2018-19 and 2019-20 but did not compete during the 2020-21 season. Prior to his time at Pitt-Bradford, Heim coached at Commodore Perry Junior High and wrestled for Thiel College, graduating in 2016.
Blake Heim Tapped to Guide Wrestling Program
Bradford, Pa. – Following a nationwide search, the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford has announced that Blake Heim will take the reins as head coach of the university’s wrestling program. Heim served as an assistant coach for the program in the 2019-20 season and has led the team in an interim capacity after the departure of former head coach Colin Johnston in December. He is the second head coach in the program’s history.
“Blake Heim has done a very good job as an assistant and interim coach here at Pitt-Bradford and I am very pleased to announce that we have hired him to lead our wrestling program,” said athletic director Bret Butler. “Blake is extremely passionate about the sport, but even more passionate about this program and … rest of story at https://www.d3wrestle.com/heim-elevated-to-head-coach-at-pitt-bradford/?mc_cid=f239659e8a&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

8 } – Julian Smith named T-Bird head wrestling coach
CONCORDIA – Cloud County Community College Athletic Director Matt Bechard has announced the hiring of Julian Smith as the school’s third wrestling coach in the program’s five-year history. Smith will take over a T-Bird program that is coming off their highest-ever finish at the NJCAA National Championships as Cloud County finished 11th and produced the program’s first national-champion in 197 pound wrestler Zach Ferris.

“Julian brings to the program an impressive collegiate wrestling background as well as successful collegiate coaching experience that will allow him to build upon the solid foundation that outgoing head coach Cody Cole has established” said Athletic Director Matt Bechard. Having most recently coached as an assistant at Labette Community College from 2017-2020, Smith will take over as head coach for the first time in his career … rest of story at https://salinapost.com/posts/b9b5fa0d-79f3-4714-b4bf-eb881a665eeb?mc_cid=4a470838b6&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

9} – Stanford Pries Rob Koll Away From Cornell
After three decades at Cornell, Rob Koll is making a cross-country move to start anew at Stanford.
Rob Koll’s transformative three-decade run at Cornell has come to an end and the man who turned the Big Red into a big winner is making a cross-country move to start anew at Stanford.  Koll has been hired to take over the recently reinstated program in Palo Alto. He leaves behind a high-powered Cornell squad, a sparkling standalone facility that symbolized his fundraising efforts and a remarkable legacy in Ithaca. 

He’ll take over at a school that put wrestling and 10 other sports on the chopping block last July before reversing course on May 18. By adding one of the most prominent figures in the coaching community, Stanford is signaling a long-term commitment not just to continue fielding a wrestling team but to produce an elite one.  It’s a big get for the Pac-12 Conference as well. The league was facing an uncertain future with just two charter institutions prior to Stanford’s return, but the Cardinal comeback and the addition of Koll signifies greater long-term stability for the conference, which is seeking to add more affiliate members in the near future.

In 28 seasons as the head coach at Cornell — plus four more as an assistant — Koll guided the Big Red to unprecedented heights and became a shining light for programs that aspired to reach powerhouse status without residing in a Power 5 conference. … rest of story at https://www.flowrestling.org/articles/7063254-stanford-pries-rob-koll-away-from-cornell?mc_cid=cd4ee7a97a&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

10 } – DALTON WEIDL NAMED OTTAWA UNIVERSITY WOMEN’S WRESTLING HEAD COACH
OTTAWA, Kan. – The Ottawa University Athletic Department is pleased to announce the hiring of Dalton Weidl as OU’s new head women’s wrestling coach. “I have had the pleasure of knowing Dalton throughout both my competitive and coaching career, and have witnessed his impact within the sport first-hand over the years,” said Colby Crank, Ottawa University Director of Wrestling and head men’s wrestling coach. “He has completely revamped and revitalized the Ottawa High School program in town, has increased their participation in a short period of time, and saw immediate results by winning league titles, as well as producing multiple state placers.”

Before coming to Ottawa University, Weidl was the head boys and girls wrestling coach at Ottawa High School since 2018. While at OHS, he created weekly practice plans, developed in-season and off-season strength and conditioning programs, oversaw both program’s budgets, managed fundraising and booster donations, monitored student-athlete academic progress, was responsible for department communication, and advocated for both the academic and athletic success of all individuals involved in the program. “Dalton was fortunate enough to be in a head coaching role at the high school level when KSHAA sanctioned our women’s state tournament, and his enthusiasm for women’s wrestling is infectious,” said Crank. “Coaching his sister Darby to a state title just this last season, he has had a special opportunity to become entrenched not only locally, but statewide in our growing women’s wrestling community. I have no doubt he is going to do a great job for us!”

Weidl was named the 2021 District Coach of the Year, helped OHS to an undefeated 2021 Frontier League Championship, and a 2019 Regional Championship. In the last three years, Weidl has coached 24 state qualifiers and a 2021 Kansas Girls State Champion. “I am honored to have been selected as OU’s women’s wrestling coach, and to join such a talented program. Many thanks go to Arabie Conner, Bruce Tate and Coach Colby Crank for giving me this opportunity,” said Weidl. “Coach Crank and I entered the Ottawa wrestling community in 2018, when he was hired as the head coach at OU and I returned to my alma mater to lead the program at Ottawa High School… [We] connected quickly as we share the same coaching mentality … rest of story at https://portal.nwcaonline.com/articles/NWCA_News/DALTON-WEIDL-NAMED-OTTAWA-UNIVERSITY-27-5-2021

11 } – Anton Prater Teams Up With His Brother Amond As Assistant Wrestling Coach
ST. LOUIS, Mo.—Head wrestling coach Amond Prater is pleated to announce the hiring of new assistant coach, Anton Prater. Anton recently served as the assistant wrestling coach at De Smet Jesuit High School in St. Louis for eight years. Anton helped lead De Smet to a second place finish in Districts and a fifth place finish in the MSHAA State Championships in years 2019 and 2021. He’s also coach four state champions and nine state placers between 2016-2021. This hiring marks the first time in almost 20 years that the Prater brothers have been on the same team. Anton is a graduate of McEachern High School in Powder Springs, Ga., and was a four-time state placer.

He was on the inaugural dual GHSA State Championship team with his brother and current Fontbonne head coach, Amond Prater, in 2002 and went on to win an individual state title in 2003. He’s been inducted in to the Cobb County Wrestling Hall of Fame as a four-time county champion. He went on to wrestle at Virginia Tech under Tom Brands and finished his career at Missouri Baptist. He graduated from Missouri Baptist as a two-time All-American and … rest of story at https://fontbonne.prestosports.com/sports/wrest/2020-21/releases/20210520yfmkhm?mc_cid=3a3b8bc793&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

12 } – Kittleson named UW-Platteville head wrestling coach
PLATTEVILLE, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin-Platteville Director of Athletics and Recreation, Dr. Kristina Navarro, announced Wednesday (May 19, 2021) the appointment of Trevor Kittleson as the Pioneers’ head wrestling coach.  Kittleson brings ten years of coaching experience and has most recently served as the associate head wrestling coach at Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa. In 2016 when Kittleson joined the staff, the Duhawks progressed from a 2-13 finish from the previous year to a 12-7 record in addition to a sixth-place finish at the NCAA Division III National Championship. The program continued to grow and most recently finished runner-up at the 2019 National Championship.   
“I am extremely excited to welcome Trevor Kittleson and his family to our Pioneer Family,” said Navarro. “Coach Kitt truly embodies our focus on the transformational student-athlete experience with a focus on broad based competitive excellence.  He is a proven recruiter and has a notable background of success at the NCAA Division III level.  He will continue to build on the strong foundation we have in place for our Wrestling program.  Most importantly, his drive, tenacity, energy and work ethic will continue to help us to Pioneer Forward.” 
In addition to coaching, Kittleson knows first-hand the balance and commitment it takes to be a collegiate student-athlete. From 2006-11, Kittleson wrestled for University of Northern Iowa where he was a 2009 NCAA Qualifier at 149 pounds as a sophomore.   
“I am extremely excited to join the staff at UW-Platteville, said Kittleson. “I want to thank Dr. Kristina Navarro and Michael Salm for believing in me and giving me this amazing opportunity. UW-Platteville has remarkable academics and facilities and is in a great college town with a community to rally behind. The location in southwest Wisconsin is a hot bed for wrestling and has easy access to the tri-state area. Coach DeRoehn has laid the foundation of a culture of hard-working student-athletes that are even better people. I want to continue to build on that solid foundation and take Pioneer wrestling to the next level.”   Kittleson has been named the Lower Midwest Regional Assistant Coach of the Year three times, most recently in 2020. During his time at Loras, Duhawk wrestling … rest of story at https://portal.nwcaonline.com/articles/NWCA_News/Kittleson-named-UW-Platteville-head-19-5-2021

May 30, 2021 Posted by | Uncategorized | Leave a comment

WolfPack Wrestling Announces 2020-21 Award Winners

Pack captured its third straight ACC Championship
RALEIGH, N.C. – The NC State Wrestling team got together one final time to celebrate the 2020-21 season. The Pack won its third straight ACC Championship, and also recorded its second-highest finish at the NCAA Championships, sixth place with a school-record four All-Americans.
 
Here are the 2020-21 team award winners:
Most Outstanding Wrestler: Trent Hidlay
Hidlay advanced to the NCAA finals at 184 pounds for the first time in his career. He also won an ACC title, knocking off the #1 ranked wrestler in the nation in OT.
 
Coaches’ Award: Tariq Wilson
For the second time in his career, Wilson brought home a top-three finish at the NCAA Championships, placing third at 141 pounds. Wilson also captured his first ACC Championship, putting together a 14-1 campaign overall.
 
Co-Freshmen of the Year: Ed Scott & Isaac Trumble
Scott and Trumble both saw action in the starting lineup as freshmen. Scott was the second-long starter at 149 pounds, while Trumble started four of the five ACC duals at 197 pounds.
 
Most Improved: Daniel Bullard
In his final season with the Pack, Bullard claimed a pair of honors for the first time in his career. He won an ACC Championship at 174 pounds, then followed it up with a seventh place showing at the NCAA Championships to earn All-American honors.
 
Co-Scholar-Athlete of the Year: Hayden Hidlay & Jarrett Trombley
Both were named a NWCA D1 Scholar All-American and also the ACC All-Academic team.

Blog # 2519 (5/30/21)

May 30, 2021 Posted by | Uncategorized | Leave a comment

LIST OF USA WRESTLING SANCTIONED EVENTS

COMPLETE LIST OF USA WRESTLING SANCTIONED EVENTS FOR THE NEXT THREE MONTHS AS OF MAY 24 (39 EVENTS)
By Gary Abbott, USA Wrestling | May 24, 2021, 9:56 a.m. (ET)
In this article, there are 39 tournaments/clinics listed from 22 different states over the next three months. Since our posting on May 18, there are 10 additional events which have been added to the list. The new additions are marked in bold.
The list provides an easy reference for athletes, coaches and families, in order to make plans for competitions moving forward. Not only is USA Wrestling providing events on its national schedule, but many state associations and local clubs are also developing events for athletes of all ages to participate in.
Our list will include events by date, as well as events by state.
New sanctions were added in Colorado, Indiana, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
The USA Wrestling Regionals will conclude with the Southern Plains Regionals in Kansas (June 4-6).
The remaining National event schedule includes the U23 Nationals in Lincoln, Neb. (May 27-29), USA Wrestling Kids Nationals in Wisconsin Dells, Wis. (June 24-26) and the USMC Junior and 16U Nationals in Fargo, N.D. (July 16-23). Included also are the three National Duals: the 14U National Duals in Franklin, Indiana (June 9-13), the 16U National Duals in Westfield, Indiana (June 9-13), the Junior National Duals in Tulsa, Okla. (June 15-19)
This information is also available through USA Wrestling’s membership system, TheMat.com website and on usawevents.com by using the system’s sort capability, but this posting will be an easy-to-use format for you to use in your planning.

Athletes should consider attending events in nearby states, especially if conditions do not allow for competitions in their own state at this time. Contact event directors for more information on the event details and eligibility requirements. Please forward this story to others seeking competitive opportunities. For more information on USA Wrestling events, visit https://usawrestlingevents.com/

SANCTIONED EVENTS BY DATE

**May 27-29 – 2021 UWW U23 Nationals, Bob Devaney Sports Center, 1600 Court St., Lincoln, Nebraska 68588, Event Director: Pete Isais pisais@usawrestling.org

May 28-31 – Riverview Training Camp, Riverview Bible Camp, 408771 WA-20, Cusick, Washington 99119, Event Director: Justin Newby jnewbyusa@gmail.com

May 29 – Blacklight Bash, Emerge Ministries, 605 S Main Street, Belton, South Carolina 29627, Event Director: Cheryl Baynard MatMom160@AOL.COM

May 29 – CUSAW 2021 Freestyle/Greco/Girls State Championships, Castle View High School, 5254 N Meadows Dr, Castle Rock, Colorado 80109, Event Director: Monica Schommer mschommer@hiredintel.com … rest of story at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2021/May/24/USA-Wrestling-sanctions-for-the-next-three-months-as-of-May-24?mc_cid=8610e5f1be&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

May 30, 2021 Posted by | Uncategorized | Leave a comment