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