Takedown Report

NCAA Division I News (2021) – # 28 {Big 12}

TDR Editor’s Notes ; Looking now at the Big 12 conference schools. At this point in time there are 10 schools in the Big 12. They used to be the Big 8 with 5 or 6 teams that were strong but now have more schools with wrestling but many of them are affiliate members that only compete in the Big 12 for wrestling which is good for the conference and the wrestling teams seeking strong competition. Hopefully the rumblings and shake up of the current conference will result in more Division I schools waking up and restarting their wrestling teams. We try to be oppomistic on that yet …. alas, we digress. Keep Wrestling Going Onward!
E-mail us at the Editor’s office at martinkfleming@gmail.com Blog # 2963 (8/15/21)
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1 } – {Iowa State} Austin Gomez is Not Done Wresting After All
Last year, in late December, Iowa State wrestler Austin Gomez announced that he would medically retire from the sport. At the time, The 22-year-old from Carol Stream, Illinois, stated that the decision was due to a mounting list of injuries over his last few seasons in Ames.
“Today, I make the hardest decision of my life, but the right decision for the health and safety of my future,” Gomez wrote in a statement. “I have decided to hang it up and medically retire.” Fast-forward to April 2021, and It would appear that Gomez has had a change of heart and isn’t ready to leave his shoes on the mat just yet. Gomez placed his name in the transfer portal on April 8, 2021. Though injuries have proved troublesome throughout his career, Gomez amassed quite a few notable accolades from his time as an Illinois prep competitor to his lone full varsity season  in Ames in 2018-19 under coach Kevin Dresser. As a prep, he was a three-time Illinois state champion for Glenbard North, a 2016 Junior freestyle national champ, and a 2013 Cadet men’s freestyle world-teamer. As such, he was considered a top-tier recruit in the Class of 2017. … rest of story at https://news.theopenmat.com/college-wrestling-news/iowa-states-austin-gomez-is-not-done-wresting-after-all/80760?mc_cid=e835860738&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

And Mukiza tested, not deterred, on way to Iowa State
Aime Mukiza was in tears. The past year left many in the same position, but Mukiza was at a place that was supposed to provide him focus and direction — the wrestling mat. The Des Moines North-Hoover senior 113-pound wrestler was in practice preparing for this year’s state tournament when it hit him. “I just stopped and cried because nothing was working, and everything I had been doing the entire year was not going to work against any guys at state,” he said.  The four-time state qualifier finished eighth as a junior, giving the program a state medalist for the first time since 2017. … rest of story at https://www.thepredicament.com/2021/06/mukiza-tested-not-deterred-on-way-to-iowa-state/?mc_cid=9db4763a85&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

2 } – {Oklahoma State} The Lookabaugh Family Legacy Might Be the Most Prominent in OSU Athletics History
The Lookabaugh legacy spans across multiple sports at OSU. This story started out as a slightly different project, but here we are. With the Olympics coming up, I thought I’d take a look at OSU’s first Olympic wrestler, Guy Lookabaugh. As I started to dig in and research, I found there was a family legacy that might be one of the most storied and least talked about when it comes to Oklahoma State.
We’ve all heard of the Smiths, the Woods, the Rosholts, the Suttons, the Hollidays, the Grahams, and other well known family legacies in OSU Athletics. The Lookabaughs may have been the first family to set that tone and trend in Stillwater. In 1917 Guy Lookabaugh enrolled at OSU where he first started out playing football. He enlisted in the Army for WW1 then returned to Oklahoma State. Upon his return, Lookabaugh became a two-sport star continuing to play football and also competing for Ed Gallagher’s wrestling team. Known as the “First Superstar of Oklahoma State Athletics,” according to the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. … rest of story at https://pistolsfiringblog.com/the-lookabaugh-family-legacy-might-be-the-most-prominent-in-osu-athletics-history/?mc_cid=5c73249ed8&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

And {Oklahoma State} Penn State Transfer Austin Boone to Wrestle at Oklahoma State
The Cowboys pick up a big transfer out of Penn State.
Former Penn State Nittany Lion Austin Boone has transferred to wrestle at Oklahoma State. Boone, a four-time state champion at Lowell High School in Ada, Michigan, was ranked as a top-40 recruit nationally when he signed with Penn State in 2020. Listed at 157 pounds, Boone spent his freshmen season at Penn State but entered the transfer portal in spring. He has found his landing spot in Stillwater and will be a Cowboy next season. Boone has all four years of eligibility remaining and has already started taking classes at OSU. … rest of story at https://pistolsfiringblog.com/penn-state-transfer-austin-boone-to-wrestle-at-oklahoma-state/?mc_cid=e094d4aecd&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

And Oklahoma State Wrestling to Receive Facility Updates
The Cowboys’ locker room is set for an update.
Oklahoma State will be making some updates to the current wrestling facilities this summer, PFB has learned. About three years ago the Cowboys’ locker room was expanded after the soccer program received a new facility. The lockers were moved down to what was once the soccer locker room and the old wrestle room was converted to a small cardio gym. After receiving the new locker room and converting the old one, the locker room and wrestling room were still a bit behind some of the renovations that the men’s and women’s basketball teams had recently received. The updates are expected to bring the wrestling facilities in line with those. … rest of story at https://pistolsfiringblog.com/oklahoma-state-wrestling-to-receive-facility-updates/?mc_cid=95cb484a12&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

3 } – {North Dakota State} Obenson Blanc Named Associate Head Coach for NDSU Wrestling
FARGO, N.D. – Obenson Blanc has been elevated to associate head coach of the North Dakota State University wrestling team for the 2021-22 season, head coach Roger Kish announced Wednesday, June 2. Blanc has spent the past two seasons with the Bison program, which has crowned two Big 12 Conference champions and qualified 10 wrestlers for the NCAA championships while compiling a 17-7 dual meet record during his time. Blanc is also the wrestling staff’s academic liaison, helping the Bison perform in the classroom as well as on the mat. NDSU ranked 10th in the nation academically his first year and the Bison had the second-highest team GPA among all Division I wrestling programs in 2020-21. Blanc came to NDSU in June 2019 from North Carolina State, where he spent five years as an assistant coach with the Wolfpack mentoring two NCAA champions, 10 All-Americans, 10 conference champions and 18 NWCA Scholar All-Americans. … rest of story at https://gobison.com/news/2021/6/2/obenson-blanc-named-associate-head-coach-for-ndsu-wrestling.aspx?mc_cid=2fffafa367&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

4 } – {Oklahoma} OU Picks Up Transfer From Oregon State
According to a report from The Oregon Wrestling Forum on Rokfin, the Sooners have picked up a transfer from Oregon State University.
Gabe Vidlak, who was on the Oregon State roster at 125 for the 2020-21 season, was a three time state champion wrestling for his dad at Cascade Christian High School in Oregon and a Reno World Champion as a high school freshman. This is the second 125 pound offseason transfer for OU this season including ACC Champion Joey Prata who came over from Virginia Tech. … rest of story at https://owrestle.com/ou-picks-up-transfer-from-oregon-state/

And NCAA qualifier Joe Grello announces transfer to Oklahoma
Former Rutgers wrestling NCAA qualifier Joe Grello has his new home for his final year of eligibility. On Thursday, the former Scarlet Knight announced his intentions to transfer to Oklahoma. The Sooners program gets a veteran looking to make one last impact for the 2021-22 season. According to the commitment graphic, Grello is listed at 165 pounds after wrestling his varsity career at 174 pounds for Rutgers. Grello announced his intentions to enter the transfer portal back in May. Grello posted to his Instagram announcing his decision.
“I’m excited to announce that I will be furthering my academic and athletic career at the University of Oklahoma. Let’s Go SOONERS! #boomersooner #OU,” Grello wrote. He joins a roster currently featuring Anthony Mantanona, Elijah Joseph, Grayden Penner and Rex Collins at 174 pounds. Grello wrestled just three matches last season for the Scarlet Knights, going 0-3 against Top 10 opponents Logan Massa (Michigan) and Kaleb Romero (Ohio State) and losing via injury default to Minnesota’s Sam Skillings. Once Grello exited that match via injury, redshirt freshman Jackson Turley entered the varsity lineup at 174 pounds. … rest of story at https://247sports.com/Article/Joe-Grello-transfer-Oklahoma-wrestling-Rutgers-Big-Ten-NCAA-qualifier-college-Big-12-167294377/?mc_cid=a1dbf0c0e5&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

5 } – {Missouri} #10 Overall Junior Zeke Seltzer to Missouri
One of the top available juniors in the nation, Zeke Seltzer (Cathedral, IN) made his college decision public late Tuesday evening. Seltzer, the #10 overall wrestler in the Class of 2022, according to MatScouts, was one of only five uncommitted among the top ten. No longer, as he announced his intentions to enroll at the University of Missouri after his graduation in 2022. Zeke is also ranked second in the nation at 132 lbs. Seltzer is a three-time Indiana state finalist and two-time champion, winning titles at 120 and 126 during the most recent seasons. Last fall, Seltzer took third place at the Super 32 while competing at 126 lbs. He has also placed in Fargo on two occasions, both at the 16U level in freestyle. He was sixth in 2018 and a runner-up a year later. Seltzer is also a three-time finalist at the IndianaMat Hoosier Preseason Opener, winning the event in each of the last two years.
… rest of story at https://intermatwrestle.com/articles/24659?mc_cid=9db4763a85&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

6 } – {Wyoming} Pair Of Top-60 Recruits Jointly Commit To Wyoming
Two class of 2022 big boarder high school teammates at Baylor School in Chattanooga, TN, will go on to be teammates in college. #33 Garrison Dendy and #58 David Harper jointly committed to Mark Branch and co. at the University of Wyoming Tuesday afternoon. High school teammates Garrison Dendy and David Harper have committed to the Cowboys. Dendy, who is originally from Georgia, projects as a 149/157 in college. In 2020 Dendy made the Super 32 semifinals at a loaded 145 lbs weight class. Watch Garrison Dendy major Wisconsin’s Connor Thorpe to make the Super 32 semis below. … rest of story at https://www.flowrestling.org/articles/7078180-pair-of-top-60-recruits-jointly-commit-to-wyoming?mc_cid=9db4763a85&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

7 } – {Utah Valley} PLEASANT GROVE’S ALEX EMMER SIGNS TO WRESTLE AT UVU
EMMER IS A FOUR-TIME STATE PLACER AND A 2021 UTAH STATE CHAMPION AT NEARBY PLEASANT GROVE HIGH SCHOOL. HE WILL BE THE SECOND BROTHER IN HIS FAMILY TO WRESTLE FOR THE WOLVERINES, AS HIS OLDER BROTHER JAMES ALSO WRESTLES AT UVU.
OREM, Utah – Utah Valley University head wrestling coach Greg Williams has announced that Pleasant Grove High School product Alex Emmer has signed to wrestle for the Wolverines.
Emmer, who originally hails from Albuquerque, N.M., moved to Utah for his senior campaign and capped his 2020-21 prep season by winning a state championship while wrestling for Pleasant Grove High School. Emmer is a four-time state placewinner and was the top-ranked 138-pounder in the state of Utah in 2021 as well as the pound-for-pound second-ranked grappler in Utah this past spring. He will come to UVU this fall and will compete at 149 pounds for the Wolverines. … rest of story at https://gouvu.com/news/2021/6/16/wrestling-pleasant-groves-alex-emmer-signs-to-wrestle-at-uvu.aspx?mc_cid=766ccc313f&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

And CALIFORNIA BAPTIST’S EVAN BOCKMAN TRANSFERS TO UVU
THE 197-POUND NATIVE OF ALASKA WILL ENTER HIS REDSHIRT SOPHOMORE CAMPAIGN FOR THE WOLVERINES THIS FALL
OREM, Utah – Utah Valley University head wrestling coach Greg Williams has announced that California Baptist 197-pounder Evan Bockman will transfer to UVU and wrestle for the Wolverines. Bockman, who will have three years of collegiate eligibility remaining, went 4-3 on the mat for the Lancers in 2020-21. He picked up a pair of bonus-point victories on the season with a fall over Vanguard’s Ryan Ortiz and a 12-4 major decision over Fresno State’s Nick Villarreal. He also picked up wins by decision over Cal Poly’s Trevor Tinker (9-5) and UVU’s Jacob Armstrong (5-2). “Evan is a great addition to our program. … rest of story at https://gouvu.com/news/2021/7/12/wrestling-california-baptists-evan-bockman-transfers-to-uvu.aspx?mc_cid=d1b37a6e41&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

8 } – {South Dakota State} Tate Battani Transferring to SDSU
Former Ballard high school state medalist, Tate Battani will be headed to Brookings, South Dakota to join the Jackrabbits squad. The former Cyclone wrestler spent… rest of story at https://rokfin.com/article/4869/Tate-Battani-Transferring-to-SDSU?affiliate_id=1826&mc_cid=766ccc313f&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

9} – {Northern Iowa} Panther Wrestler Keegan Moore Transferring
Former Northern Iowa wrestler Keegan Moore will be finishing his career back in the state his college career began. After three seasons in Cedar Falls… rest of story at https://rokfin.com/article/4870/Panther-Wrestler-Keegan-Moore-Transferring?affiliate_id=1826&mc_cid=766ccc313f&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

10 } – Champion Chip Kyven Dough at the Iowa State Creamery
On Saturday, the Iowa State Creamery was open 2 to 6 p.m. to celebrate the launch of their new flavor of ice cream created by Iowa State alumnus, Kyven Gadson. Gadson graduated from Iowa State in 2014, won an NCAA Championship in 2015 and went on to qualify for the 2021 USA National Team. He is the second Olympic alternate in wrestling. Gadson collaborated with the Iowa State Creamery to create his signature flavor, “Champion Chip Kyven Dough.”
“Cookie dough has always just been my favorite, growing up I loved cookies, I loved ice cream,” Gadson said. 
Students and wrestling fans were looking forward to not only trying the ice cream but also visiting with Gadson, who was there taking pictures with fans. “I heard about this from Kyven Gadson himself, I follow him on Instagram and he started posting a while back about it,” Mike Gerhardt, a senior in supply chain management, said. “I’ve been following the wrestling team since he was here and then I heard they were doing this and I thought [that’s pretty cool].” Gadson put a twist on traditional cookie dough ice cream by loading it with lots of toppings: cookie dough, chocolate chips and dulce de leche. … rest of story at https://www.iowastatedaily.com/lifestyle/kyven-gadson-iowa-state-university-iowa-state-creamery-cookie-dough-ice-cream-2021-olympic-wrestler-be-rare-initiative-mike-garhardt/article_888c8758-9a56-11eb-895e-7f7ecdb491cc.html?mc_cid=0dc666bfba&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

11 } – Carr Named Iowa State’s Male Athlete Of The Year
AMES, Iowa – Iowa State wrestler David Carr recorded one of the greatest individual seasons in the history of Cyclone wrestling in 2020-21. The Iowa State Athletics Department acknowledged Carr, who was the 157-pound NCAA Champion, today as the recipient of the 2021 Gary Thompson Iowa State Male Athlete of the Year. A native of Canton, Ohio, Carr was unbeatable in the 2020-21 season. He finished the year with an unblemished 20-0 mark, becoming Iowa State’s first undefeated champion since 2011. His matches were wrestling clinics, securing bonus-point victories in 14 of his 20 bouts, winning five by major decisions, four by technical falls and four by pins. Carr had an incredible 60-1 takedown differential, going 12-0 in duals and racking up 171 total match points. Carr, who finished third in the Dan Hodge Trophy balloting, was named the Big 12 Wrestler of the Year after winning his second straight Big 12 title. … rest of story at https://cyclones.com/news/2021/6/30/wrestling-carr-named-iowa-states-top-male-athlete.aspx?mc_cid=3c07ff5887&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

12 } – Big 12 Conference Report with Seth Duckworth (6/3/21)
Welcome to a new, regular feature for InterMat’s collegiate coverage. Each of our conference correspondent’s will release videos talking about some of the current events in their respective conference. We’ll start with our Big 12 correspondent Seth Duckworth. The biggest Big-12 related news of the offseason has been the return of the Missouri Tigers. Seth talks about how the move came about and the ramifications on mat for this move. We also discuss Fresno State and Cal Baptist. We’ll finish by discussing Obe Blanc’s new promotion at North Dakota State and the team’s recruiting class for 2021. … rest of story at https://intermatwrestle.com/articles/24645?mc_cid=08007c6b87&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

August 17, 2021 Posted by The TakeDown Report | Uncategorized | Leave a comment