Takedown Report

Wrestling History (2021) – # 8

TDR Editor’s Notes ; A monthly look back or upon some wrestling history. Enjoy this selection of articles about historic wrestlers. Keep Wrestling onward! E-mail us at the Editor’s office at martinkfleming@gmail.com
Blog # 2958 (8/11/21)
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1 } – Outstanding American Honoree Collins Passes Away
The National Wrestling Hall of Fame was saddened to learn that Michael Collins, honored by the National Wrestling Hall of Fame as an Outstanding American in the Charter Class of 1992, passed away on Wednesday, at the age of 90. When Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first two men to walk on the moon, Collins had the most important job on two worlds. As command pilot, it was his assignment to take his fellow astronauts to the moon, and to bring them home safely.
Collins competed as a varsity wrestler while attending St. Albans Prep School in Washington, D.C. “On behalf of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Board of Governors and staff, I want to express our sincere sympathies to the family of Michael Collins and to our nation,” said Lee Roy Smith, Executive Director of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. “Michael inspired generations as an astronaut and with his character, which he said, during his induction into the Hall of Fame in 1992, was ‘substantially shaped through his wrestling experiences.’ We are proud to recognize Michael as a member of the Hall of Fame.” … rest of story at https://nwhof.org/news/outstanding-american-honoree-collins-passes-away

2 } – ISU Wrestling Legend Bruce Burnett Honored with Hall of Fame Induction
POCATELLO, Idaho – Former two time Big Sky champion, and team USA Wrestling coach, Bruce Burnett has been elected into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. Bruce was voted into the HOF last year, but due to COVID-19 the official induction ceremony will be held June 5  in Stillwater Oklahoma. 
Burnett came to Idaho State in the fall of 1970, but before his legendary stint in Pocatello began he was already tearing the mat up in the California Junior College ranks. Burnett was a two time California State Junior College champion for Bakersfield Junior College, ending his two year career with a 55-3 record. This made Burnett one of the highest ranking recruits in the nation going into the 1970 school year. 
Head coach of the 1970 ISU wrestling team, Tom Jewell, made  recruiting Burnett a top priority.
The bond between a coach and their athletes is something that can never be fully understood by anyone except those two individuals. Burnett says that Jewell was a great recruiter, but more importantly a great man. The final selling point was Jewell’s ability to target Burnett’s love for the outdoors, and connecting that love to Pocatello. 
… rest of story at https://isubengals.com/news/2021/5/25/general-isu-wrestling-legend-bruce-burnett-honored-with-hall-of-fame-induction.aspx?mc_cid=9bb22a2b55&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

3 } – #225 Kendall Cross – 2x Olympian and 1996 Olympic Gold Medalist
ABOUT THIS EPISODE
Kendall Cross is a 2x Olympian and 1996 Olympic Gold Medalist.  In this episode we review some of the big matches that are likely to go down at the 2020 Olympic Team Trials, including Jordan Burroughs vs Kyle Dake and J’den Cox vs Kyle Snyder.  We also talk about Kendall’s experience at the 1992 and 1996 Olympic Trials.  Please enjoy!
PRESENTED BY SPARTAN COMBAT
This episode is brought to you Tokyo Dreams, the all-access, behind the scenes, vlog on Kyle Dake, Yianni Diakomihalis, Vito Arujua and Gabe Dean. … rest of story at https://wrestlingchangedmylife.com/225-kendall-cross-2x-olympian-and-1996-olympic-gold-medalist/?mc_cid=b369974b64&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

4 } – Dan Hodge Tribute Series: Jim Ross
One of the most iconic voices in the world of professional wrestling and sports entertainment for decades has been Jim Ross. “Ol J.R.” has anchored television broadcasts dating back to the territory era and has been a fixture ringside for some of the biggest spots in television history. When it comes to collegiate and international wrestling, there isn’t a lot of crossover with Ross, but there was when it came to his personal hero, Danny Hodge. Episode 662 of the Short Time Wrestling Podcast talks with Ross about his relationship with Hodge, that dates back to the 1970s, but his affinity for Hodge the wrestler, which started as a youth in his native Oklahoma. Join Ross as he breaks down what Hodge could be like in today’s world of sports entertainment, traveling with Hodge and how tough he actually was.  The Dan Hodge Tribute Series will feature interviews … rest of story at https://www.mattalkonline.com/podcast/short-time/dan-hodge-tribute-series-jim-ross/?mc_cid=08007c6b87&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

And Dan Hodge Tribute Series: Gerry Brisco
When it comes to telling stories about Danny Hodge, Gerry Brisco could tell you thousands. For years, Brisco and Hodge traveled together in the territory days of professional wrestling. Both Oklahoma natives, Hodge wrestled at Oklahoma while Gerry and his brother Jack wrestled at Oklahoma State. With a college career behind him, Gerry and Jack became a top-drawing tag team tandem back in the day, but Gerry credits his training and development in the business to Hodge. On the latest edition of the Short Time Wrestling Podcast, Brisco talks about Hodge’s affinity for pie and ice cream, crushing apples, … rest of story at https://www.mattalkonline.com/podcast/short-time/dan-hodge-tribute-series-gerry-brisco/?mc_cid=8610e5f1be&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

5 } – ADAM HALL REFLECTS ON FAMILY, WRESTLING AND ASIAN-AMERICAN HERITAGE
As a part of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month 2021, USA Wrestling has had conversations with leading representatives in the sport to share their stories and celebrate their success and impact on the wrestling community. 
Adam Hall, currently the associate head coach at North Carolina State University, has been a steady presence in the national spotlight in wrestling for over a decade. Hall ranks second in all-time wins at Boise State (122), earning All-American status twice and qualifying for the NCAA tournament four times. He took fifth at the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Team Trials and saw time coaching at Columbia before stepping into a coaching role with the Wolfpack.
Hall is outspoken about the impact that his Asian heritage has had on his career, and how he proudly represents his heritage both on and off the mat. His mother Linda’s extended family is from Japan and, according to Hall, she has truly has helped to instill a competitive and driven mindset. … rest of story at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2021/May/25/Adam-Hall-AAPI-Celebration?mc_cid=4a470838b6&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

6 } – Daniel Dennis: My Greatest Loss
Daniel Dennis of Iowa faced Jayson Ness of Minnesota in 133-pound finals of the 2010 NCAA championships in Omaha, Nebraska. Both were seniors and both were wrestling in their final college match.  Dennis led 4-2 with less than 10 seconds remaining before Ness scored a takedown and two nearfall points for a 6-4 win. Ness finished the season undefeated and was a four-time All-American and 2010 NCAA champion. Dennis finished the season 22-4 and was a two-time All-American, placing seventh in 2009 and second in 2010. The former Hawkeye star eventually made the 2016 Olympic team at 57 kilograms and is the current head coach of the Hawkeye Wrestling Club. … rest of story at https://www.trackwrestling.com/PortalPost.jsp?TIM=1622092679789&twSessionId=qzjcilwezh&postId=1182835135&mc_cid=9bb22a2b55&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

And EPISODE 99 OF MAT CHAT WITH DAVID MIRIKITANI FEATURING GUEST TADAAKI HATTA IS OUT NOW
In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, David Mirikitani interviewed the legendary Tadaaki Hatta on episode 99 of Mat Chat. Hatta was born in Japan and moved to the U.S. in the 1960s to wrestle at Oklahoma State University, where he became a NCAA champion and a two-time Big Eight champion. Over the years, Hatta has served as an Olympic coach for the U.S., Japan and Mexico. He is also an accomplished artist and published author. .. rest of story linked at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2021/May/25/Mat-Chat-Episode-99?mc_cid=4a470838b6&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

And A SPECIAL ASIAN AMERICAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER HERITAGE MONTH EDITION OF MAT CHAT WITH DAVID MIRIKITANI IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR STREAMING AND DOWNLOAD
On this special edition of Mat Chat, in honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Weighing In cohost Mark Ostrander interviews Mat Chat host David Mirikitani. The pair discuss David’s experience growing up as an Asian American and his journey through wrestling as a competitor, a coach and now a member of the wrestling media. … rest of story at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2021/May/29/Mat-Chat-special-edition?mc_cid=cd4ee7a97a&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

7 } – SPECIAL: The Kurt Angle Show Ep. 18 – Dave Schultz and Kurt’s time with Foxcatcher
On this episode of The Kurt Angle Show, listen as Kurt and Conrad discuss David Schultz, the amateur wrestler who won an Olympic Gold Medalist in 1984, who was tragically murdered in 1996 just as Kurt prepared to win an Olympic gold medal. Most people know about this story from the Netflix documentary film, “Team Foxcatcher,” or from the 2014 film “Foxcatcher.” Today’s show is all about David’s story.

Full show notes and description available at https://cumuluspodcastnetwork.com/pods/the-kurt-angle-show/

The Kurt Angle Show begins a new chapter in the Patreon world. Kurt joins Conrad’s four other host at http://www.ADFREESHOWS.com, the largest collection of wrestling legends on one channel. ADFREESHOWS.com will have every podcast ad free and early, plus bonus content you won’t get anywhere else. Join today … rest of story at https://www.mattalkonline.com/podcast/short-time/special-the-kurt-angle-show-ep-18-dave-schultz-and-kurts-time-with-foxcatcher/?mc_cid=7074fa6854&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

8 } – Throwback: 1974 Junior Nationals in Iowa City
Junior Nationals 1974: Iowa City becomes Wrestling’s capital
By John Hoke, The Young Wrestler
Pictured: 1974 Junior National Champion John Bowlsby of Waterloo West High School in Waterloo, Iowa. 
For three hot days in July Iowa City, Iowa, became the wrestling capitol of the country as the University of Iowa entertained the fourth annual national junior competition of the United States Wrestling Federation and the top young wrestlers of the nation.
The competition began July 25 with Greco-Roman, and 216 entries elected to try their skills in the style that does not permit holds below the waist, a style in which the United States has a very poor record in international competition because it is so definitely different from our prevailing styles in scholastic and collegiate wrestling. This summer competition, it is hoped, will eventually improve our efforts internationally. … rest of story at https://www.mattalkonline.com/blog/throwback-1974-junior-nationals-in-iowa-city/?mc_cid=b1fff1ca32&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

9} – #243 Dan Gable Tells Unbelievable Story about Rick Sanders (2x Olympic Silver Medalist)
ABOUT THIS EPISODE
Dan Gable is a 15x NCAA National Champion coach for the University of Iowa and 2x World Champion, winning the 1971 Worlds and 1972 Olympic Gold Medal.  In this episode Dan shares a story about Rick Sanders (2x Olympic Silver Medalist) that you’re not going to want to miss.  Enjoy!
PRESENTED BY SPARTAN COMBAT
This episode is presented by Spartan Combat. … rest of the story at https://wrestlingchangedmylife.com/243-dan-gable-tells-unbelievable-story-about-rick-sanders-2x-olympic-silver-medalist/?mc_cid=3ae16b2048&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

And #244 Chael Sonnen on Dake, Stanford, Cox v Snyder and Cael’s early Freestyle battles
ABOUT THIS EPISODE
Chael Sonnen is a UFC legend, ESPN analyst and co-host of Ariel and the Bad Guy.  As a UFC fighter, Chael battled Anderson Silva, Jon Jones and many others in a HOF-caliber career. As a wrestler, he was an All American for the University of Oregon.  In this episode, Chael and I breakdown current events including
-Stanford hiring Rob Koll
-Team USA’s training camp in Atlanta … rest of story at https://wrestlingchangedmylife.com/244-chael-sonnen-on-dake-stanford-cox-v-snyder-and-caels-early-freestyle-battles/?mc_cid=57d52f8457&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

10 } – Dan Hodge Tribute Series: Jack Roller
For over 40 years, Jack Roller has been putting on wrestling events around the country. Roller’s World of Wrestling events have been some of the most popular youth wrestling series events in history, drawing big fields and some of the sports biggest names before they were big names. On Episode 663 of the Short Time Wrestling Podcast, the Dan Hodge Tribute Series comes to a finale as Jack Roller explains how and why he started bringing Dan Hodge to his tournaments and the impact Hodge had on thousands of wrestlers long after his competitive career was over. 
The Dan Hodge Tribute Series will feature interviews from historian and author Mike Chapman, … rest of story at https://www.mattalkonline.com/podcast/short-time/dan-hodge-tribute-series-jack-roller/?mc_cid=273e35accc&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

And MAT CHAT EPISODE 100 FEATURING RON MIRIKITANI IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR STREAMING AND DOWNLOAD
On the 100th episode of Mat Chat, Mark Ostrander and David Mirikitani interview David’s father Ron Mirikitani. Ron coached at St. Louis Community College at Meramec for 39 years. He formerly served on USA Wrestling’s board and was the president of the National Wrestling Coaches Association and the NJCAA. He has been inducted into numerous Hall of Fames in both wrestling and judo. … rest of story and link at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2021/June/07/Mat-Chat-episode-100?mc_cid=7074fa6854&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

11 } – Abraham Lincoln’s Legendary Wrestling Career – This President Won Over 300 Matches!
You may know Abraham Lincoln as the 16th President of the United States, the man with the stovepipe hat, or the free-er of slaves during the Civil War. But did you know that four score and seven years ago he was also a wrestler? In this article you will learn why the man on the penny is the most badass president who ever served this country, so let’s jump into Abraham Lincoln’s wrestling career.
Humble Beginnings: Kicking Butt in Kentucky
Honest Abe may be the most famous Kentucky wrestler in the history of the United States. Technically he is a part of Illinois wrestling history, too. That’s because Abe Lincoln was born in Kentucky but moved to Illinois in 1830, with a move to Indiana in between.
Since Abe was born in the 1800’s, you may be wondering how he is even considered a wrestler since high school and college wrestling didn’t even exist back then. It’s true that wrestling wasn’t very organized, it was mostly just a show of strength. But there were competitions among men. Crowds gathered and townspeople watched and gambled as the toughest men took each other on in different styles of wrestling. A popular style at the time was collar and elbow, in which each wrestler started out face-to-face with one hand on the neck in a collar tie and the other on the elbow.
… rest of story at https://www.fancowrestling.com/abraham-lincolns-legendary-wrestling-career-this-president-won-over-300-matches/?mc_cid=95cb484a12&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

12 } – OUTSTANDING AMERICAN HONOREE AND PAST SECRETARY OF DEFENSE DONALD RUMSFELD, 88, PASSES AWAY
STILLWATER, Okla. – The National Wrestling Hall of Fame was saddened to learn that Donald Rumsfeld, honored by the National Wrestling Hall of Fame as an Outstanding American in the Charter Class of 1992, passed away on Tuesday, at the age of 88.
“On behalf of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Board of Governors and staff, I want to express our sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Donald Rumsfeld,” said Lee Roy Smith, Executive Director of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. “Our country has lost a great American and patriot while wrestling has lost a former high school, college and Olympic level competitor who became a great fan and advocate of our great sport.”
Rumsfeld wrestled for New Trier High School in Illinois and was captain of his state championship team. At Princeton, he was team captain and a three-time place winner in the Eastern Intercollegiates. His family shared the news Wednesday. … rest of story at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2021/June/30/Donald-Rumsfeld-passes-away?mc_cid=3c07ff5887&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

August 11, 2021 - Posted by The TakeDown Report | Uncategorized