Takedown Report

High School News (2021) – # 17

TDR Editor’s Notes ; A scattering of stories and reports of high school wrestling news and results from the late spring and early summer. Keep wrestling on! E-mail us at the Editor’s office at martinkfleming@gmail.com
Blog # 2953 (7/28/21)
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1 } – UPDATED 2021 HIGH SCHOOL INDIVIDUAL STATE CHAMPIONS LIST, AS OF APRIL 26
With so many changes in the high school wrestling season this year, TheMat.com will research and publish, on a regular basis, an update on the 2021 state high school champions for both boys and girls. Winning a state high school title is an amazing achievement for a high school student-athlete. We will post the champions from official state high school championships for boys, as well as the girls who have won official state high school titles, as well as the recognized state competitions which are not run by their state high school association. We will also post the team champions at the state level as available. Since our last posting last week, we added New Jersey (boys and girls), Texas (boys and girls), Minnesota (boys and girls), Michigan (boys and girls) and Kentucky (boys). We will do at least one more posting as a number of state high school wrestling seasons are continuing into the late spring. There are also a few that results are still coming in. The new state tournaments since our last posting are marked in bold type. … rest of story at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2021/April/26/State-high-school-champions-as-of-April-26?mc_cid=33a8cd508f&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

2 } – A newly crowned national champion, Burlington’s Nick Curley is the Prep’s top gun in wrestling this spring
Nick Curley has been wrestling for so long he can’t even pinpoint exactly why he does it. As much as anything, the sport has become an unconscious habit for the Burlington teen. Of course, while most folks are busy trying to break certain reflex compulsions, the St. John’s Prep senior has been breaking down opponents. And that’s big time, try national championship big.
Late last month, Curley captured the 113-pound division during the National High School Coaches Association Tournament in Virginia Beach, out-grappling Chelmsford senior Evan Kinney by an 11-7 decision in the finale to finish 4-0 at the event. The victory avenged Curley’s 6-4 loss to Kinney in February of 2020 at the MIAA Division 1 state wrestling tournament. “I just try to do my best, show my teammates that hard work can lead to good outcomes and help our younger guys out,” said the 5-foot-5 Curley, who turns 18 in July and began wrestling when he was five or six years old. “I’ve learned to put my trust in my technique and training. I’ve been doing a lot more weight training. A lot of preparation went into this performance.” … rest of story at https://www.wickedlocal.com/story/herald-citizen/2021/05/08/newly-crowned-national-champion-burlingtons-nick-curley-st-johns-prep-wrestlings-top-gun-spring/4931771001/?mc_cid=6292a9adee&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

3 } – 2021 Walsh Jesuit Ironman Field Set
Check the absolutely loaded field that will do battle at the 2021 Walsh Jesuit Ironman.
After a one year hiatus due to COVID-19, the Walsh Jesuit Ironman will return in a big way in 2021 with an absolutely loaded field. Over 500 of the best high school wrestlers on the best teams in the nation will be on display December 10-11 live exclusively on FloWrestling. 24 different states will be represented in this year’s field.  Every school that finished in the top 10 of the 2019 edition – Wyoming Seminary (PA), Blair Academy (NJ), Malvern Prep (PA), Brecksville-Broadview Heights (OH), Montini Catholic (IL), Lake Highland Prep (FL), Notre Dame-Green Pond (PA), Elyria (OH), St. Edward (OH), and Waynesburg Central (PA) – will be in attendance again along with some interesting new faces including, Bishop McCort (PA), Bixby (OK), Cleveland (TN), Stillwater (OK), and Washington (IL), just to name a few.  … rest of story at https://www.flowrestling.org/articles/7024584-2021-walsh-jesuit-ironman-field-set?mc_cid=1c5f62dded&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

4 } – USA Wrestling Regionals Are Filled With High School Stars
Dozens of the nation’s best high school wrestlers will be on display this weekend at USA Wrestling regional tournaments.
USA Wrestling packed its schedule with three regional tournaments this weekend, which means dozens of the nation’s best high school wrestlers will be on display over the course of the next three days. Here’s a quick breakdown of this weekend’s regional slate and the top wrestlers to watch over the course of the next three days on FloWrestling and Trackwrestling:
Phil Portuese Northeast Regional
When: U23 and Senior men’s freestyle and 8U-Junior girls freestyle on Friday; 8U-Junior boys freestyle on Saturday; Greco-Roman on Sunday 
Where: Pocono Manor, Pennsylvania
Who You Don’t Want To Miss: Top-ranked 220-pounder Nick Feldman is the headliner of a star-studded field. The Ohio State recruit is expected to have another top-10 220-pounder in his bracket — New Jersey’s #9 Michael Misita. There’s talent up-and-down the registration list, including Penn State recruit Gary Steen (#9 at 120), Branden Chletsos (#7 at 132), Rocco Welsh (#6 at 152). Welsh is on the entry list at 160, a weight that’s also expected to include #14 Paniro Johnson and #16 Erik Gibson.  … rest of story at https://www.flowrestling.org/articles/7031904-this-weekends-usa-wrestling-regionals-are-filled-with-high-school-stars?mc_cid=c4978adc2e&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

5 } – There is a misconception that specializing in one sport is a pathway to greatness.
A young athlete playing a wide variety of sports is truly a great joy to see! The physical, social, and psychological benefits are extraordinary! Young athletes get to work as members of teams and witness the importance of transferrable skills. Most importantly, it’s fun and provides a lifetime of cherished memories!
There is a misconception that specializing in one sport is a pathway to greatness.
According to the Aspen Institute’s Project Play, seven out of ten olympic athletes surveyed by the United States Olympic Committee said they grew up as multi-sport athletes. Most called the experiences valuable to their development. As parents and coaches, we should introduce our children to several sports both in a formal and informal manner. Pickup games allow young athletes to use their imaginations and make up their own rules. Also, they are building self-esteem and a lifelong love of physical activities.
The cons clearly outweigh the pros when it comes to sport specialization at an early age.
In all honesty, this topic shouldn’t even be discussed until a young athlete’s teenage years. A deep commitment to year-round training in a single sport comes with a hefty price. An intense focus could eventually lead to boredom, burnout, injuries, and even a complete disconnect from sports altogether. Parents and coaches need to encourage young athletes that choices are available. They should feel free to explore different types of sports on their own terms. As parents and coaches, we want our young athletes to participate in multiple sports. … rest of story at https://www.thepredicament.com/2021/05/there-is-a-misconception-that-specializing-in-one-sport-is-a-pathway-to-greatness/?mc_cid=4a470838b6&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

6 } – Mental Preparation Before Competition
Mental preparation before competition is often overlooked or minimized by athletes and their coaches. As a result of a lack of mental preparation, some athletes become so nervous and tense before competition that they literally feel weak and tired before stepping onto the field, court, running track or pool deck. This can lead to underachievement and poor performance in the early minutes of competition. Developing a pre-competition routine with athletes will help them live up to their potential and cope with the normal stresses of athletic competition. This strategy aligns with the World Health Organization definition of mental health as “a state of well-being and the ability to work productively.” Here are some strategies to help you mentally prepare for competition.
Prior to the start of the season…
…take a few days to create a list of your strengths; your best qualities and abilities. Laminate the list and put it in your locker or equipment bag. Read it before every competition to boost your confidence by reminding yourself of all the reasons you can be successful.
Create a pre-game mental warmup routine
BEFORE THE GAME: On your way to the locker room or to the bus for an away game, change your focus from student to athlete. Focus only on your role as an athlete. The reverse should take place when you’re on your way to class.
… rest of story at https://www.thepredicament.com/2021/05/mental-preparation-before-competition/?mc_cid=c4978adc2e&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

7 } – Powerade wrestling tournament will be loaded with talent
The 55th Annual Powerade Holiday Wrestling Tournament continues to get bigger and better, and this year’s event might end up being the toughest in the country.
The tournament grew to 59 teams and will be held Dec. 29 and 30 at Canon-McMillan High school. The newcomers include Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary, Blair Academy (N.J.), Bergen Catholic (N.J.), Laurel Highlands Prep (Fla.), Manheim Township, North Allegheny and Notre Dame-Green Pond. They will join Waynesburg, Malvern Prep, Wyoming Seminary, Latrobe, Erie Prep, St. Edwards (Ohio), Reynolds, Canon-McMillan, Connellsville and Kiski Area. Blair Academy, Wyoming Seminary and Malvern Prep are some of the top Prep teams in the country. Waynesburg and Reynolds are returning state champions.
There are seven Powerade champions returning and 105 placewinners. There are also 15 state champions scheduled to compete. Tournament director Frank Vulcano Jr. said he always is looking for ways to make the tournament better. Showdown at Kiski Area
The first Stand Your Ground wrestling tournament recently was held at Kiski Area, and three Hempfield athletes won their matches. … rest of story at https://tribhssn.triblive.com/wrestling-notebook-powerade-wrestling-tournament-will-be-loaded-with-talent/?mc_cid=ad9587b873&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

8 } – Cross Earley Wrestling With Life After Near-fatal Crash
An incredible story of resilence in wrestling: Cross Earley’s comeback after a near-fatal crash.
Cross Early put on his green ankle bands, hopped up and down a few times, and brushed his hair to the side before shaking hands with his opening-round opponent at USA Wrestling Folkstyle Nationals on April 2, 2021. His mother, Angie, watched nervously from her home in Clanton, Alabama. 
This could be said about any mother watching her child wrestle. Parents — especially moms — can get edgy and excitable when their offspring compete. Wrestling is personal — and there is nothing quite like the moment when a wrestler walks alone to the center of the mat.  The event was held at the UNI-Dome on the campus of the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls. Perhaps no wrestler in the history of this venue has overcome more. And that’s saying something.
This is the place where Dan Gable set the all-time point record at the 1997 NCAA Championships during his final season as Iowa’s head coach. This is where Junior Nationals and the National Duals used to be held. This is where major wrestling and sporting events continue to be held. … rest of story at https://www.flowrestling.org/articles/6986450-cross-earley-wrestling-with-life-after-near-fatal-crash?mc_cid=1a96ae13a8&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

9} – Top 10 Finals From NHSCAs
These are the 10 NHSCA finals worth going back and rewatching be it for their excitement and/or the level of wrestling they displayed.
Thousands of wrestlers took the mats in Virginia Beach this weekend to try and prove themselves against some formidable competition. Some of the paths these champions navigated were eye opening. All the champions deserve respect and recognition.  Now, of the 55 total finals, these 10 really stand out. These are the 10 NHSCA High School National finals that are worth going back and rewatching be it for their excitement and/or the level of wrestling they displayed. … rest of story at https://www.flowrestling.org/articles/7007386-top-10-finals-from-nhscas?mc_cid=9e2c82acd7&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

10 } – Iowa Pulls Away From Oklahoma For Junior Duals Freestyle Title
Iowa completed its two-day thumping of the freestyle field on Saturday by handling Oklahoma 40-23 in the Junior Duals final.
Drake Ayala’s summer wrestling plans mostly fell in the to-be-determined category about three weeks ago when Caleb Rathjen began recruiting his future college teammate to join Iowa’s Junior National Duals freestyle roster.  “Caleb texted me and he was like, ‘Hey, bro, we could have a really good Junior Duals team, Come be on it,’” said Ayala, who will continue his wrestling career this fall at the University of Iowa. “I took a little bit to think about it and I was like, ‘I might as well.’ “He added me to a group chat (with) the whole lineup and I was like, ‘We don’t really have a lot of holes. We could win this thing.’”  Ayala was the last piece of the roster puzzle for Team Iowa and two-time Fargo champ put the finishing touches on the state’s first National Duals title in 16 years. Iowa completed its two-day thumping of the freestyle field on Saturday by handling Oklahoma 40-23.  … rest of story at https://www.flowrestling.org/articles/7085912-iowa-pulls-away-from-oklahoma-for-junior-duals-freestyle-title?mc_cid=df40ca5986&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

And IOWA IMPRESSES WITH 40-23 FINAL WIN OVER OKLAHOMA OUTLAWS RED TO WIN JUNIOR NATIONAL FREESTYLE DUALS
TULSA, Okla. – Iowa’s Junior men’s freestyle team looked strong over both days of the 2021 Junior Freestyle National Duals, but may have saved its best wrestling for the championship finals. After dropping the first two bouts, Iowa won 10 of the final 13 matches, including some very close battles, to defeat returning champion Oklahoma Outlaws Red, 40-23. The finals dual meet began at 138, where Carter Young of Oklahoma secured a controlled 4-1 decision over Joel Jesuroga of Iowa. Young scored a first-period takedown to lead 2-1 at the break, then added two second period step-outs after leg attacks to secure the win.
Jordan Williams of Oklahoma continued the strong Oklahoma start with a tight 8-6 win over Iowa’s Caleb Rathjen in a match of skilled stars at 145. The first period ended 4-4, with both wrestlers getting two two-point moves. Williams scored the next two takedowns, on a slick duck under, then on a scramble after a shot to lead 8-4. Rathjen scored a late takedown to close it to 8-6, but Williams evaded any late attacks. … rest of story at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2021/June/19/Iowa-wins-Junior-Freestyle-Duals?mc_cid=df40ca5986&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

11 } – OHIO RED EARNS 16U FREESTYLE TITLE, MINNESOTA RED WINS 14U DIVISION AT NATIONAL DUALS
WESTFIELD, Ind. – Ohio Red and Minnesota Red claimed titles in freestyle at the 16U and 14U divisions, respectively, at the 2021 National Duals in Westfield, Ind. In 16U competition, Ohio Red won the tournament with a 41-32 defeat over New Jersey. Ohio won nine of the dual’s 17 bouts to help propel the squad to the win. Taking third was Minnesota Blue, which took out Illinois, 49-27. Pennsylvania Blue finished fifth and California finished seventh in the tournament. Winning the 14U tournament was Minnesota Red, defeating California, 41-31 in the finals. For bronze, New Jersey edged out Iowa, 39-38. Ohio Scarlet was fifth, while Illinois took seventh.
2021 14U & 16U NATIONAL DUALS
Westfield, Ind. | June 9-13
16U freestyle results
1st place – Ohio Red df. New Jersey, 41-32 … rest of story at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2021/June/13/16U-14U-FS-National-Duals?mc_cid=ddbb246640&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

12 } – ILLINOIS WINS JUNIOR GRECO-ROMAN DUALS, OKLAHOMA SECOND, MINNESOTA THIRD, ALL WITH 4-1 RECORD IN FINALS POOL
Coming into the 2021 Junior National Greco-Roman Duals, Illinois had won three straight team titles, including the most recent one held in 2019. With the COVID-19 pandemic cancelling last year’s event, it would be a different group of wrestlers tasked with trying to make it four in a row for Illinois. Although it wasn’t easy, and the team needed some help from another team, it was Illinois Junior Greco-Roman which had the championship trophy to pose early Thursday evening. The six teams in the Gold/Silver pool each wrestled each other, with all of the teams getting five duals. After five rounds of action, Illinois Junior Greco-Roman, Minnesota Blue and host Oklahoma Outlaws Blue all finished with identical 4-1 records. In short, the tiebreaker goes like this. The team with the least classification points is third, and that was Minnesota. Then, the head to head win by Illinois over Oklahoma gave Illinois the championship trophy. The craziness all started when the Oklahoma Outlaws Blue opened with a huge 34-29 win over Minnesota Blue in the second round. The dual meet started at 160 pounds, … rest of story at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2021/June/17/Illinois-wins-Junior-Greco-Roman-National-Duals?mc_cid=766ccc313f&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

July 28, 2021 Posted by The TakeDown Report | Uncategorized | Leave a comment

St. John Fisher College Announces the Return of Men’s Wrestling to its Athletic Offerings

ITTSFORD, N.Y. – The St. John Fisher College Department of Athletics is pleased to announce the expansion of its athletic offerings with the addition of men’s wrestling back to its program. The Cardinals will now feature 25 sports at the varsity level and Fisher will join a group of 113 wrestling programs from across the Division III landscape.  The College will begin a national search for its next head coach with a full competition schedule set to begin in 2022.

“We are very excited about re-introducing wrestling to our intercollegiate sport portfolio,” said Bob Ward who has served as Fisher’s Director of Athletics for more than 30 years.  “Not only is wrestling one of the fastest growing sports at the high school level, but this addition will allow us to continue to engage potential student-athletes in meaningful ways.”

The Cardinals have a rich history in wrestling as Fisher competed from 1965 to 1983 where it was one of the region’s top programs.  Over its 18-year history, Fisher boasted numerous Catholic National Champions and had several wrestlers compete in the NCAA Division III Championship and NAIA Championship including All-American Sandy Spero ’80 and Jerry DeHey ’75 who have each been inducted into the College’s Athletics Hall of Fame. 

The return of the wrestling program is boosted by a $400,000 gift from alumnus and trustee William J. Pellicano ’80 and Tracy Pellicano to create a state-of-the-art wrestling room, which is currently under construction and will be open for use prior to the start of training. 
 

“We are grateful for this gift from the Pellicano family. … rest of story at https://portal.nwcaonline.com/articles/NWCA_News/St-John-Fisher-College-Announces-the-28-7-2021

July 28, 2021 Posted by The TakeDown Report | Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Women’s Wrestling News (2021) – # 17 {Olympics}

TDR Editor’s Notes ; Getting closer to the 5th Olympics with Women’s Wrestling. As we all know this sport, or group within the sport of wrestling has grown in numbers, in depth, in talent and in acceptance by wrestling fans. It is great to see more wrestling and wrestling coverage. Looking forward to the return of more complete wrestling action in the coming winter season. Keep on Wrestling! E-mail us at the Editor’s office at martinkfleming@gmail.com
Blog # 2952 (7/28/21)
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1 } – 2021 Tokyo Olympics: Hildebrandt confident in her chances to claim gold in Tokyo
The third time was, indeed, a charm, and now Sarah Hildebrandt wants to turn it into gold. “I am excited about it,” she said, with a laugh. “It’s like, finally.” Twice before, Hildebrandt, a 2015 graduate of King University, had competed in the U.S. Olympic Trials, only to fall short of her goal in both 2012 and 2016.
Not this time. “I feel like I have settled into the sense that ‘Ok, I am ready to start training again’ but then I kind of get down for a little while and I just get all excited and giddy again,” said Hildebrandt, in a phone interview last week from the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Hildebrandt completed in the U.S. Olympic Trials on April 3 in Fort Worth Texas, defeating Victoria Anthony twice, 12-2 and 10-0 in technical falls in the grand finals, earning her spot on the Olympic team in the 50-kilogram/110-pound weight class. “Since I had qualified in the weight class for the Olympics Trials I was already sitting in the final,” Hildebrandt said. “There was the tournament leading up to it and the winner of that wrestled me, and then it the best two out of three, and I won in two matches.” … rest of story at https://heraldcourier.com/sports/2021-tokyo-olympics-hildebrandt-confident-in-her-chances-to-claim-gold-in-tokyo/article_65097a44-9d93-11eb-bf77-67e7abd456f4.html?mc_cid=831636c404&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

And TOKYO OLYMPICS: Hildebrandt ready for challenge of the Olympics
BRISTOL, Tenn. – For the third time in as many Olympic Games, King University will have at least one participant. Former Tornado women’s wrestler Sarah Hildebrandt will compete in August for the United States of America. Five years ago, Hildebrandt came up short at the 2016 U.S. Olympic Team Trials, going 2-2 at the event at 53 kilograms. However, during those trials Hildebrandt was hampered by a knee injury. “It has been a battle to stay healthy and keep my body feeling good,” Hildebrandt said. “So every time I step on the mat, I am super in tuned with my body and just grateful to even be doing what I’m doing!”
Fast-forward five years, and Hildebrandt was wrestling at 50 kilograms at the Trials in April to earn her spot on the Olympic Team. In what was one of the deepest weight classes for the Americans, Hildebrandt’s dreams became a reality, when she won the 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials, earning her spot in Tokyo. “We are so extremely proud of Sarah and her accomplishment of becoming an Olympian,” King head coach Jason Moorman said. “This is the dream of so many, yet so few are able to achieve such a high feat.  … rest of story at https://heraldcourier.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-hildebrandt-ready-for-challenge-of-the-olympics/article_eeb55a3e-ea95-11eb-a7a0-575114206205.html?mc_cid=dabacf228e&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

And For Olympic games, Sarah Hildebrandt turns to familiar face, Penn coach Brad Harper
SOUTH BEND — Ever wonder what Brad Harper is saying at matside as the personal coach of Tokyo Olympics-bound wrestler Sarah Hildebrandt? “Next position,” says Harper, who has been helping to guide Hildebrandt’s grappling career for nearly a decade-and-a-half. “I’m just giving her a subtle little reminder. She knows what the next position is supposed to be. She’s got three, four or five (options).”

► More:Sarah Hildebrandt and Olympic wrestling training tour come to South Bend

► More:Granger native Sarah Hildebrandt wrestles her way to a spot in the 2021 Olympics

Harper should know. He and Hildebrandt met at Penn High School 14 years ago when he was starting as head wrestling coach and she was beginning as a student. He’s been keeping her on-task pretty much ever since, especially since she’s been on the national and international scene.
Next position?  “That’s the only one that matters,” Hildebrandt says of Harper’s orders. … rest of story at https://www.southbendtribune.com/story/sports/2021/06/30/penn-wrestling-coach-brad-harper-aids-hildebrandt-olympic-games/7809098002/?mc_cid=3c07ff5887&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

2 } – WFS 5TH OLYMPIC GAMES
Team USA
Welcome back Wreaper Wrestlers! It’s almost Tokyo Olympic Games time! As we prepare for August 1 and welcome our new class of Women’s Freestyle (WFS) Olympians, let’s take a moment to remember WFS’s past Olympians! This is the 5th year for Olympic WFS wrestling. The past 4 Games featured 16 wrestlers with 2 2X Olympians (Chun & Bernard), 3 BRONZE medals (Miranda, Miller, Chun), 1 SILVER medal (McMann), and 1 Olympic GOLD medal (Maroulis). Below we’ve listed each Team USA WFS Olympic Game’s Olympians, placements, AND added this year’s newest class. Though, the fate of the Tokyo Games has yet to unfold! … rest of story at https://www.wreaperwrestling.com/wfs-5th-olympic-games/?mc_cid=f4f15d3e7b&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

3 } – Kayla Miracle is the first out LGBTQ Olympic wrestler, and she’s headed to Tokyo
Kayla Miracle has dreamed of representing Team USA an Olympian since she was 4. She’ll fulfill that dream in Tokyo.
Kayla Miracle has been dreaming of her Olympic moment since she was 4 years old. The wrestler born and raised in Indiana found the sport early in life as her siblings and father competed in and coached wrestling. As she tells us on the latest episode of the Five Rings To Rule Them All podcast, when she started in the sport, women did not compete in the Olympics in wrestling. Throughout high school, she competed against boys. In college wrestling women, she was a four-time Women’s Collegiate Wrestling Association College National champion for Campbellsville University in Kentucky.
All the while, she didn’t question her sexual orientation. Yet in recent years she has discovered she is a lesbian, now living in Arizona and dating her girlfriend who’s in the Midwest. Competing in Tokyo this July at the Summer Olympic Games is an opportunity to show that her sport of wrestling is inclusive of LGBTQ people. “With wrestling, we always try to say, ‘any body can wrestle,’” she said. “Shape, size, gender, … rest of story at https://www.outsports.com/2021/6/14/22532670/kayla-miracle-wrestling-olympics-tokyo-team-usa-lgbtq?mc_cid=3ae16b2048&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

4 } – ‘A HEART OF GOLD:’ Former Katy Morton Ranch High star Mensah-Stock bound for Olympics
As a junior at Katy Morton Ranch High School, Tamyra Mensah-Stock often declared her ambitions to anyone who cared to listen. “I have a heart of gold!” Mensah-Stock professed, whether it was to her best friend Nicole Benton, Morton Ranch head wrestling coach Mark Balser, or college coaches recruiting her. “I’m going to make it to the Olympics.” That she had barely been wrestling for a year was irrelevant. The considerable weight of her dream was merely a pesky deterrent. “But the process of getting there was unbeknownst to me,” the 28-year-old Mensah-Stock, Morton Ranch Class of 2011, says now. “But I knew it’s what I wanted. I was going to do it any way I could.”
Eleven years later, she did. Mensah-Stock, a Chicago native who grew up in Katy, Texas, is an Olympian, mission accomplished, after repeating as the 68-kilogram (150 pounds) gold medalist at the U.S. Olympic Trials in April to qualify for the 2020 Summer Olympics later this month, July 23-August 8 in Tokyo. … rest of story at https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2021/07/14/a-heart-of-gold-former-katy-morton-ranch-high-star-mensah-stock-bound-for-olympics/?mc_cid=f4f15d3e7b&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

5 } – Tamyra Mensah-Stock wrestles for family and wrestling’s growth, but most of all she wants gold
World champion plans ‘to dominate’ Tokyo Olympics after missing out on Rio Games
With 14 seconds left in Tamyra Mensah-Stock’s match with Kennedy Blades at USA Wrestling’s Olympic Trials in April, the referee called out 14 seconds, letting both women know there wasn’t much time left. Mensah-Stock had an 8-1 lead. While that deficit would be tough to make up with points in such a short time, in wrestling, a pin is always possible. Mensah-Stock won the first of the best-of-three matches. Becoming an Olympian was just within her reach. She realized she needed to keep her concentration. She told herself that she could not give up any points, much less a pin. “You don’t finish wrestling until the clock is done. So, I’ve always just had that mindset, ‘Stay ready so you ain’t got to get ready, and just stay focused until the very end,’” Mensah-Stock said. But then the final buzzer sounded. Mensah-Stock had reached her goal. She covered her face with both hands, pointed to the sky and hugged her opponent. During the post-match interview, her face broke into a broad smile, soaked with tears. … rest of story at https://www.ballysports.com/national/news/tamyra-mensah-stock-wrestles-for-family-and-wrestling-s-growth-but-most-of-all-s?mc_cid=7334e288ab&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

And Olympic wrestler Tamyra Mensah-Stock equal parts hunter and hugger
Tamyra Mensah-Stock likes to watch zombie movies. She roots for the zombies. “I like being the hunter,” she said.
Spoken like the world champion freestyle wrestler that Mensah-Stock is, albeit likely the most likable, chatty, search-and-destroy grappler stalking the mat at the Tokyo Olympic Games. Mensah-Stock, 28, of Katy arrives in Japan as the defending world champion at 150 pounds. An Olympic gold medal would give her a grand slam of sorts, added to two state championships at Morton Ranch High School and two collegiate titles at Wayland Baptist in Plainview. Women’s wrestling is hardly a glamour sport in the Olympic pecking order, but Mensah-Stock sufficiently impressed NBC Sports producers to rate a two-minute biography short that airs frequently during programming on the company’s Olympic Channel. She talks a good game, quoting the Christian rapper Andy Mineo’s line that “my biggest enemy is me, and even I can’t stop me.” … rest of story at https://www.houstonchronicle.com/texas-sports-nation/tokyo-olympics/article/Olympic-wrestler-Tamyra-Mensah-Stock-equal-parts-16316994.php?mc_cid=fb87a783fb&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

6 } – How This Olympian, Five-Time Senior World Champion Is Breaking The Stigma On Female Wrestling
The road to the Toyko Olympics has been a long and treacherous five years for the gold medal hopefuls. Having made the 2020 USA teams, many of them had to try out again for this year’s games, not knowing if they’d qualify again. Therefore, it’s not only crucial for an Olympian to focus on their physical physique, but they also have to remain mentally fit to thrive under the immense stress of being on the global stage. When the athletes acknowledge their fears, it can reduce the additional self-inflicted pressure they put on themselves. U.S. Olympic wrestler and five-time senior world champion, Adeline Gray, serves as a role model for the next generation of female wrestlers and embraces sports psychology as a way to prepare for the games mentally.  “There’s been some things that I think everyone feels,” Gray expresses. “They don’t really verbalize them and kind of let them eat away at them. One of the things is, and I think a lot of athletes in general, both men and women deal with is like ‘Is everything going to be the same after I win or lose? Is my family still going to love me? Is my husband going to love me? … rest of story at https://www.forbes.com/sites/cherylrobinson/2021/07/06/how-this-olympian-five-time-senior-world-champion-is-breaking-the-stigma-on-female-wrestling/?mc_cid=9b69983a38&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b&sh=e27a8e32e7f9

7 } – OLYMPIC GAMES PREVIEW AT 68 KG IN WOMEN’S FREESTYLE: NO. 1 SEED AND 2019 WORLD CHAMP MENSAH STOCK TO FACE TOUGH FIELD
Tamyra Mensah Stock in the 2019 Final X.
Draw: August 1
Dates of competition: Monday, August 2 and Tuesday, August 3
U.S. representative: Tamyra Mensah Stock (Colorado Springs, Colo./Titan Mercury WC/USOPTC)
Coming into the Tokyo Olympics, 2019 World champion and 2018 World bronze medalist Tamyra Mensah Stock comes in with great momentum and confidence. Mensah Stock has earned the No. 1 seed for the Olympics. In 2021, after the pandemic shutdown, Mensah Stock has won all of her international events, with titles at the Pan American Championships, the Matteo Pellicone in Italy and the Henri Deglane in France. She has an explosive offense, excellent position and will be considered the favorite to win the gold medal. Mensah Stock knows that she must be at her best because of the quality of her opponents. The two other Senior World champions from the past Olympic quad are in the field, … rest of story at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2021/July/21/Olympic-Games-68-kg-preview-in-womens-freestyle?mc_cid=fd10261731&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

And OLYMPIC GAMES PREVIEW AT 57 KG IN WOMEN’S WRESTLING: OLYMPIC CHAMPIONS MAROULIS AND KAWAI HEADLINE FIELD
Draw: August 3
Dates of competition: Wednesday, August 4 and Thursday, August 5
U.S. representative: Helen Maroulis, Rockville, Md. (Sunkist Kids)
It is rare to have two Olympic champions in the same weight at an Olympic Games. It is even rarer when both of the Olympic champions won at the same Olympic Games. It is even stranger when neither of the Olympic champions competed at their new weight at those Olympics. Welcome to 57 kg in the women’s competition at the Tokyo Games.

2016 Olympic champions Helen Maroulis of the United States and Risako Kawai of Japan are in the field. Maroulis won her gold medal in the 2016 Rio Games at 53 kg, while Kawai won her Olympic gold medal in Rio at 63 kg. They are meeting in the middle in Tokyo at 57 kg. Let’s start with Maroulis, who shocked the world in 2016 when she defeated three-time Olympic champion Saori Yoshida in the Olympic finals. It was not such a shocker if you consider Maroulis was herself a 2015 World champion coming in and was reaching her wrestling peak. She became the first American woman to win an Olympic wrestling gold, and the next year, she won her second World title in arguably one of the most impressive performances ever in 2017 in Paris.  … rest of story at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2021/July/15/Olympic-WFS-57-kg-preview?mc_cid=fb87a783fb&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

8 } – Adekuoroye Shuts Maroulis Out in Build Up to Tokyo Games
WARSAW, Poland (June 11) — It was the calm before the storm. Odunayo ADEKUOROYE (NGR) jumped before the start while Helen MAROULIS (USA) was focused in her customary prayer before the bout. But by the end of it, the Nigerian let out a loud scream as she punched the air after winning her quarterfinal at the Poland Open Ranking Series. Perhaps she would not have done it if it was someone else. But Adekuoroye knew a win over an Olympic champion is no mean feat. What made the win special over Maroulis was that she had lost to her in the previous two meetings. Back in 2018, the USA wrestler won 4-1 at Beat the Streets competition and she won a tight bout six years ago at the Golden Grand Prix, Baku in 2015. “When we saw the entries of the Poland Open competition, we only focused on Helen,” Purity AKUH, Adekuoroye’s coach, said. “We rewatched the two videos where she had lost to Helen and planned.” The plan was successful as Adekuoroye chalked out a shutout 13-0 win over Maroulis in the quarterfinal of the 57kg weight class.  … rest of story at https://uww.org/article/adekuoroye-shuts-maroulis-out-build-tokyo-games?mc_cid=84503a987c&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

9} – After Heartbreaking Rio Exit, Lappage Focused on Tokyo Olympics
Three hours before her bout at the Rio Olympics, Danielle Lappage made an entry in her personal wrestling journal: “August 18, 2016. 7 a.m. Today is the day I have been dreaming of for over a decade! I will be the first women’s wrestling match of the day against Ukraine- she is tough but I am better. You are an OLYMPIC CHAMPION!” All the sacrifices she had made, all the hard work she’d put in for 13 years was now on the line.
Alas, it was not meant to be. The warm-up hall at the Olympic center in Rio was full of wrestlers gearing up for the big day – the fifth of wrestling at the 2016 Games. Lappage was one of them. Like everyone else, the Canadian was also giving final touches to her preparations. “It was very random. It was a warm-up I had done hundreds of times before,” she says. “I had a lot of pain in my butt.” Lappage lay on the mat, hiding her pain from her competitors, who were training right next to her. … rest of story at https://uww.org/article/after-heartbreaking-rio-exit-lappage-focused-tokyo-olympics?mc_cid=7074fa6854&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

10 } – Russia Caps off World Olympic Qualifiers with Three Gold
With Olympic quotas safely secured, the three Russian wrestlers at the World Olympic Qualifiers in Sofia, Bulgaria were ready to clinch the three gold medals as well. While Olga KHOROSHAVTSEVA (RUS) pulled off a controlled 6-0 win over 20-year-old Andreea Beatrice ANA (ROU) in the 53kg final, her teammates Veronika CHUMIKOVA (RUS) at 57kg and Liubov OVCHAROVA (RUS) at 62kg claimed the top medal as their opponents injury defaulted. There was little action in the other finals as well as Seema BISLA (IND) won gold at 50kg after Lucia Yamileth YEPEZ GUZMAN (ECU) decided to not compete after an injury. At 68kg, local girl Mimi HRISTOVA (BUL) was crowned the champion after Elis MANOLOVA (AZE) to skip the final due to the same reason. Alla BELINSKA (UKR) was also the beneficiary of a similar situation as Yasemin ADAR (TUR) pulled out of the 76kg due to injury. “I need to forget my past wins and start over the next day and that is why I wrestle for the gold medal,” Khoroshavtseva said after beating Ana 6-0 in the finals. … rest of story at https://uww.org/article/russia-caps-world-olympic-qualifiers-three-gold?mc_cid=6292a9adee&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

11 } – Four wrestlers nominated to represent Team Canada at Tokyo 2020
TORONTO – Wrestling Canada Lutte and the Canadian Olympic Committee have announced Team Canada’s wrestling team nominated to compete at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. The four athletes qualified for Team Canada based on their performances at the 2020 Pan American Olympic Qualification Tournament that took place from March 13 to 15 in Ottawa. “This past year has challenged us in exceptional ways and I feel more than ever the strength of my community and my team behind me,” said Rio 2016 Olympic champion Erica Wiebe, who will compete in the women’s 76kg event. “It’s the greatest privilege in the world to compete for Team Canada and I will step onto the mats in Tokyo ready to compete.” Danielle Lappage made her Olympic debut alongside Wiebe at Rio 2016 but was forced to forfeit after sustaining a ruptured hamstring while warming up for her opening match. Having taken the time necessary to recover physically and mentally, Lappage came back to competition in 2018 and didn’t miss the podium in any of her international events. That included a 65kg silver at the world championships. … rest of story at https://wrestling.ca/four-wrestlers-nominated-to-represent-team-canada-at-tokyo-2020/?mc_cid=e6c3ba1225&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

12 } – Olympic champion wrestler Erica Wiebe prepared for different experience in Tokyo
Erica Wiebe says her path to becoming an Olympic champion wrestler has taught her how to roll with the punches. She’s using that mindset to prepare for a Tokyo Olympics that will look much different than what she originally anticipated. Wiebe was one of four wrestlers nominated to Canada’s Olympic team Wednesday, along with Danielle Lappage, Amar Dhesi and Jordan Steen. Wiebe, who won gold in the women’s 75-kilogram event in her Olympic debut at the 2016 Rio Games, said she has had to adjust her expectations of what the environment will be like when she goes for a second gold in Tokyo. The 2020 Games were pushed back a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and restrictions in Japan mean fans outside the country will not be able to attend the Games. … rest of story at https://lethbridgenewsnow.com/2021/05/19/olympic-champion-wrestler-erica-wiebe-prepared-for-different-experience-in-tokyo/?mc_cid=e6c3ba1225&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

July 28, 2021 Posted by The TakeDown Report | Uncategorized | Leave a comment