Takedown Report

College Wrestling News (2021) – # 2 (Across Divisions)

TDR Editor’s Notes ; Stories of wrestlers and teams across alternating divisions, (NAIA, D-I, D-II, D-III & JuCO), are included below. Some include coaching changes as some move on to other opportunities in coaching and some on to other post wrestling careers. Let us know if you have questions. Keep on Wrestling. Contact us at the Editor’s office at martinkfleming@gmail.com Blog #2923 (6/2/21)
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1 } – {NAIA} – Jorge Resigns as Fire Wrestling Coach
LAKELAND, Fla.—Southeastern University wrestling coach Brandon Jorge announced his resignation Wednesday after two years at the helm of the program. Jorge had been with the program since its start back in 2015, helping the Fire qualify a total of 34 wrestlers for the national championships over the past six seasons.  
“I have always preached to our team about life after wrestling and I felt like my number one priority was always to prepare them for life after wrestling,” said Jorge. “I want them to be a good husband, be a good father, and be good at their jobs and I felt like it was time for me to take my own advice to give more attention to my wife and my daughter and start a career in a different field that allows me to give every opportunity and extra hour I have in the day to them.”
Saturday, Jorge got to coach under the spotlight and help Southeastern win its first two national championships with Andreus Bond in the 149-pound bracket and Kyle Kirkham at 165. The Lakeland native and three-time FHSAA state champion at Lake Gibson High School … rest of story at https://fire.seu.edu/news/2021/3/11/jorge-resigns-as-fire-wrestling-coach.aspx?mc_cid=1a80b5744e&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

2 } – {D-II} Augustana Wrestling Adds Four For 2021-22
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — After having eight student-athletes sign a National Letter of Intent to continue their athletic and academic careers at Augustana in the fall, head coach Jason Reitmeier announced the signings of four more student-athletes Tuesday morning. The class of 12 Viking wrestlers will enroll as freshmen in the fall of 2021.  “We are excited to announce four more signees to our 2021 freshmen class,” head coach Jason Reitmeier said. “Again, just like our early signees, these four bring in outstanding credentials both academically and athletically. We really focused this year on tough, hard nosed kids that exemplify being a student-athlete.”
Thurman Christensen | 125/133 lbs. 
Reitmeier on Christensen: “We really made a point to go out and find the best lightweight for our program and Thurman is a great fit. He’s an exciting wrestler with exceptional skills on the mat with big move ability. Thurman has the ability to score points in all positions and score them in bundles. Thurman is also an exceptional student.”
High School: Christensen will graduate from Waukee High School later this May. As a senior, he went 23-5 with 53 near-falls en route to a second-place finish at state while breaking the career near-falls record at Waukee with … rest of story at https://goaugie.com/news/2021/5/11/augustana-wrestling-adds-four-for-2021-22.aspx?mc_cid=ce60503c93&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

3 } – {D-III} LUTHER ASSISTANT BILLY HUEBNER’S COVID FIGHT
Luther College assistant Coach Billy Huebner has been in the hospital fighting COVID-19 since May 9th and recently was moved out of the ICU. Click the link above to learn more about his situation and how to contribute to his medical expenses.

Update from May 18th:
Good News! I spoke with Billy last night, he is in good spirits & he is able to talk a bit more but does get winded. He is weak right now but continues to get stronger each day. He still cannot have visitors but is appreciative of the positive texts/ prayers/ well wishes that he has received. We will get an update today from his doctors, we are hoping for more positive reports, & maybe an update on a possible discharge date. I did tell Coach Billy about the GoFundMe page last night, he was so very grateful to all his friends and family that have been there for him in so many ways during this trying time. Thank you, Thank you all! … rest of story at https://www.d3wrestle.com/luther-assistant-billy-huebners-covid-fight/?mc_cid=e6c3ba1225&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

4 } – {JUCO} College Welcomes New Wrestling Coach BJ Young
CRANFORD – Union County College has hired BJ Young, of Jackson, as our new wrestling head coach. For the past five years, he has served as the assistant wrestling coach at his alma mater, Jackson Memorial High School. He has successfully helped build the program for which he set many records. When he is not training athletes in the technique and strategy of wrestling, you can find him competing as a professional MMA fighter.
BJ attended Newberry College, a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II institution from which he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in physical education leisure services. In his four years at Newberry, he was a four-time national qualifier, a three-time NCAA All American, a two-time NCAA National Finalist, and holds the record for 143 all-time wins for the College.
While attending Newberry, BJ began his coaching experience during his internship in 2015. At the same time, he coached youth and high school students at an elite wrestling club in New Jersey, of which many went on to become state champions. In addition to the accolades he received while wrestling, BJ has been inducted into the following: … rest of story at https://www.ucc.edu/blog/2021/04/19/college-welcomes-new-wrestling-coach-bj-young/?dismiss-notification=1&mc_cid=a0d7657398&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

5 } – {NAIA} COUNTRYMAN RESIGNS AS WRESTLING COACH
Williamsburg, KY – After three seasons at the helm, Jordan Countryman has stepped down as Patriots head coach of the men’s wrestling program.  
Countryman was promoted to the head coaching role for the 2018-19 season. Since then, he has led the Patriots to a 31-8 record, the second-most wins by a coach in the program’s 25-year history. He sits only behind Jess Wilder, who compiled 48 wins in his 10 seasons. Countryman also tied Wilder as the winningest coach with a .795 win percentage.
Since taking charge, Countryman led the Patriots to one loss in conference duals, accounting for 14 of the 21 consecutive conference wins from January 2017 to February 2021. The Patriots secured their second MSC Tournament win in program history in 2020, not long after being crowned regular season champions for the third straight year. The double top-finishes earned him MSC Coach of the Year in 2020.
In his tenure, Countryman has produced 14 MSC All-Conference selections and 11 NAIA All-Americans. In 2020, he saw wrestler Tres Leon become the program’s seventh four-time All-American and third national champion since 2018. … rest of story at https://cumberlandspatriots.com/news/2021/4/14/mens-wrestling-countryman-resigns-as-wrestling-coach.aspx?mc_cid=41e05ef71b&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

6 } – {D-II} Lopers Remember Derek Ross
Kearney, Neb. – The Nebraska-Kearney wrestling program is mourning the loss of alumni Derek Ross who passed unexpectedly in his sleep Sunday (May 17) night. He was 33. 

The native of St. Francis, Kan., lived and farmed in his hometown. He is survived by his wife, Allyse, and their children Carson, Collin and Sloan. Graduating from UNK in 2010 with a Philosophy degree, Ross was a two-time All-American and a four-time Academic All-American. A member of UNK’s first national championship team (2008), he wrestled between 184 and 285 pounds where he racked up 104 career wins. Ross earned his All-American honors by placing third at 184 pounds (2010) and eighth at 197 pounds (2008). Finally … rest of story at https://lopers.com/news/2021/5/19/wrestling-lopers-remember-derek-ross.aspx?mc_cid=e6c3ba1225&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

7 } – {D-III} 5 takeaways from the 2021 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships
The NCAA Championships have concluded. Iowa ended a title drought and has plenty of the pieces for No. 25 in 2022. Iowa State overcame a lackluster first round to tie for 13th. Northern Iowa’s young lineup is one to watch next season, while next season is in limbo for Outstanding Wrestler Shane Griffith, who won a title for Stanford, which seems determined to cut the program.
Here are five takeaways from last week’s tournament in St. Louis.
1. Iowa’s depth too much
Iowa’s depth and balance was just too much for the rest of the NCAA wrestling field. The Hawkeyes had seven All-Americans and two more were a win shy of the podium. Each Hawkeye won at least one match. Five finished third or better with another fourth. Iowa tallied 129 points, despite two No. 1 seeds losing in sudden victory in the finals. Top-ranked 165-pounder Alex Marinelli’s unfortunate medical forfeit from the tournament limited him to just four team points. The Hawkeyes still wrapped it up before the finals. Four amassed 19.5 points, including Spencer Lee’s team-high 24.5. Two added 12.5 or more. Those six were enough to win it without the rest. It is no surprise tight-knit group reveled in the team achievement and rallied around each other. With everyone likely back and some others like Abe Assad, Patrick Kennedy and Jesse Ybarra, who could contribute, the Hawkeyes could be even stronger and better in 2022.
2. Iowa State made more with less
Iowa State’s start to the NCAA Championships was abysmal at best. The Cyclones went 2-6 in the opening session, including an 0-4 start. … rest of story at https://www.thegazette.com/iowa-hawkeyes/5-takeaways-from-the-2021-ncaa-division-i-wrestling-championships/

8 } – {JUCO} BROWER’S FINALS PIN GIVES CLACKAMAS ITS THIRD STRAIGHT NJCAA TEAM TITLE, WITH WESTERN WYOMING IN SECOND
COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa – Western Wyoming led returning champion Clackamas by one-half point going into the NJCAA championship finals on Thursday night. Clackamas had secured two finalists, while Western Wyoming had one. Clackamas had to come right out of the gate, with their two finalists in the first two weight classes in matches against tough opponents from Pratt. At 125 pounds, No. 1 seed and returning national champion Michael Spangler of Pratt came out strong, scoring a quick takedown and four-point turn for a 6-0 lead over No. 2 seed Cameron Enriquez of Clackamas. He added another takedown and turn for a 10-1 lead at the end of the first period. Spangler ended it with a hip toss for a takedown and two backpoints for a 18-2 technical fall early in the second period.

At 133 pounds, No. 1 seed Zeth Brower of Clackamas fell behind quickly, when No. 2 seed Jason Henschel of Pratt scored the first takedown. However, an escape and a takedown gave Brower the 3-2 lead after the first period. In the second period, Brower came out from the bottom with a reversal, getting Henschel on his back and securing a stunning pin at the 3:18 mark.
Brower’s pin moved Clackamas up to 152.5 points, a 5.5.-point lead over Western Wyoming. There was one chance for Western Wyoming to come back and win the title, with No. 3 seed Mason Christenson in the finals at 174 pounds.
… rest of story at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2021/April/22/Clackamas-wins-third-straight-NJCAA-national-title?mc_cid=a0d7657398&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

9} – {NAIA} St. Ambrose wrestling signs first three recruits
After being brought on to lead the new men’s wrestling program at St. Ambrose University, head coach Bo Bettinson has been hard at work bringing in new talent to fill out his squad. After four months of recruiting, coach Bettinson is ready to announce his first three signees.
The first official Bee to be signed on was Matt Robertson. Hailing from Riverview, Iowa, Robertson attended Davenport Assumption High School. Throughout his high school wrestling career, Roberston claimed two state titles in the 133 lb division. Robertson has spent the last two years of his career at Grand View University in Des Moines, Iowa, but has decided to return back to the Quad Cities to help lead the new St. Ambrose men’s wrestling program.
The next signee to be announced was Jack Merlo from Chillicothe, Ill. Merlo attended Illinois Valley Central High School where he wrestled in the 184 lb division. Merlo will be continuing his wrestling career as a Fighting Bee. … rest of story at http://www.saubees.com/article/4856.php?mc_cid=1bb3332bd3&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

10 } – {D-II} Wolves Wrestling Adds Eight for 2021-22
Aberdeen, S.D. – Northern State University head coach Rocky Burkett announced the addition of eight student-athletes to the Wolves wrestling roster for the 2021-22 season. Teagan Block (Prior Lake, Minn.), Kelby Hawkins (Groton, S.D.), Cael Larson (Piedmont, S.D.), Tyson Lien (Huron, S.D.), Bradyn Robbins (Redfield, S.D.), Nathan Schauer (Ashley, N.D.), Tyler Voorhees (Rapid City, S.D.), and Christopher Williams (Valentine, Neb.) will join the Wolves next fall.

Teagan Block | Prior Lake, Minn. | Prior Lake HS | 133
Tegan Block is a 5-foot-6, 133-pounder out of Prior Lake High School. He was a 3-year starter and 2-year team captain for the Lakers under the direction of head coach Joe Block. Block recorded 83 career victories. He is a 3-time all-conference and 3-time all-section academic performer. In addition, Block is a member of the MN Elite wrestling club out of Apple Valley, Minnesota and a 3-time Minnesota National team member. He is a Rumble on the Red and Minnesota Xmas Tournament placer. … rest of story at https://nsuwolves.com/news/2021/5/19/wolves-wrestling-adds-eight-for-2021-22.aspx?mc_cid=e6c3ba1225&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

11 } – {D-III} The College of New Jersey PART-TIME ASSISTANT
The College of New Jersey seeks applications for the position of Assistant Wrestling Coach. It reports to the Head Wrestling Coach. The position involves working weekends, evenings and some holidays. Responsibilities include assisting the head coach in all facets of a competitive NCAA athletic program including but not limited to: Compliance with all NCAA regulations. The recruitment and evaluation of qualified student-athletes. Game-day preparation and scouting of opponents. Practice planning and skill development. Continuing to grow and develop the TCNJ Wrestling social media presence. General support for the Head Wrestling Coach and the entire program, including community service and fundraising efforts…. rest of story at https://www.d3wrestle.com/tcnj-part-time-assistant/?mc_cid=e6c3ba1225&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

12 } -{JUCO} Kaliner Earns MAC Wrestling Senior Scholar-Athlete Award
Kaliner is second straight Stevens wrestler to earn prestigious conference honor
ANNVILLE, Pa. (April 26, 2021) – Senior Brett Kaliner of the Stevens Institute of Technology wrestling team was named Wrestling Senior Scholar-Athlete by the Middle Atlantic Conference, the league office announced Monday. It marks the second straight year that a Stevens wrestler earned one of the conference’s highest individual honors after alumnus Troy Stanich was recognized one year ago.
“Brett continues to be a great example of our program, its philosophies, and the lifestyle we push our wrestlers to live each day,” said head coach Joe Favia. “It is said that high levels of success directly correlate to one’s consistency, and consistent is exactly what Brett brings to the table. In his first semester at Stevens he attained a 4.0 GPA and eight semesters later carries a 3.91, all the while developing his craft on the mat twelve months a year. It will be a privilege to have him back for one last run at the ultimate goal.” 
Kaliner posted an 11-1 record in his fourth season on Castle Point and was an All-American for the fourth time, finishing third at 149. Kaliner became the ninth student-athlete in department history to earn four (or more) All-America honors as a Duck. The West Chester, Pennsylvania native has never finished lower than third at the national championship tournament. 
Over the course of his career, Kaliner is both a three-time regional champion and a three-time conference champion, and was named the Most Outstanding Wrestler at the 2020 Southeast Regional. Over his distinguished career, Kaliner has totaled 114 wins, including 94 with bonus points.  In the classroom, Kaliner has earned a 3.91 GPA and … rest of story at https://stevensducks.com/news/2021/4/26/kaliner-earns-mac-wrestling-senior-scholar-athlete-award.aspx?mc_cid=33a8cd508f&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

June 2, 2021 - Posted by The TakeDown Report | Uncategorized