Takedown Report

Women’s Wrestling News (2021) – # 18 {College}

TDR Editor’s Notes ; A collection of articles about the number of women wrestling on the college levels and the number of teams continues to expand even in the year of restrictions. Over 15 new teams have announced that they would start in the coming school year. Sounds Great! Keep on Wrestling!
Contact us at the Editor’s office at martinkfleming@gmail.com Blog # 2971 (8/27/21)
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1 } – Shilson wins pair of national titles in Texas
IRVING, Texas — Augsburg University women’s wrestler Emily Shilson (SO, Maple Grove, Minn./Mounds View HS) won another pair of amateur wrestling national titles over the weekend, claiming the 50-kilogram (110 pounds) titles at the USA Wrestling/United World Wrestling Women’s Junior Nationals on Friday, and the USAW/UWW U23 Women’s World Team Trials on Sunday, both at the Irving Convention Center. Shilson will represent the United States at the United World Wrestling Junior World Championships in Ufa, Russa, Aug. 16-22, and at the UWW U23 World Championships in Belgrade, Serbia on Nov. 1-7. It’s the second straight time that Shilson will represent the USA at the UWW U23 World Championships, after winning the 2019 American crown. She went 1-2 in competition at the 2019 world meet in Budapest, Hungary. She also won the 2020 U23 Nationals and UWW Junior Nationals in November in Omaha, Neb. … rest of story at https://athletics.augsburg.edu/news/2021/5/9/wwr050921.aspx?mc_cid=6292a9adee&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

2 } – NWCA 2021 NCAA WOMEN’S SCHOLAR ALL-AMERICA AWARDS
Manheim, PA – On Friday, the National Wrestling Coaches Association announced the Scholar All-America Team and Individual honorees for the NCAA Women with awards going to 101 individuals representing 16 institutions.

LINK: Top 10 Scholar All-American Teams
LINK: Individual Scholar All-Americans

“On behalf of the NWCA and our Board of Directors, it is my honor to celebrate this incredible list of Scholar All-America teams and individuals from the NCAA Women’s division,” said NWCA Executive Director Mike Moyer. “It is so great to see the growth of this award program which is now in its third year.  It’s important to note the incredible overlap between the National Placers and Scholar All-Americans as this is exactly what we want to see.”
… rest of story at https://www.nwcaonline.com/nwca-2021-ncaa-womens-scholar-all-america-awards/?mc_cid=89b2bf9d78&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

And 2021 Women’s Collegiate Recruiting Rankings
Wow, what a summer it’s been for women’s wrestling. Women’s Nationals, Fargo, a stunning Olympic performance by Team USA – and suddenly we’re just a few weeks away from the World Team Trials. As our post-Olympic withdrawal sets in, it’s a good time to look at recruiting classes, as we now know where the top Class of 2021 women stack up. USA Wrestling provided us with their final set of rankings for the season to kick off July, and after taking a look at where each ranked senior will lace up her shoes in the fall, we can assemble recruiting class rankings based on two main factors: quality and quantity. It’s important to note that now that the NAIA, NCAA and NJCAA have each granted emerging sport status to women’s wrestling, the days of everyone coming together at the WCWA Championships are behind us. The NAIA schools have their own championship event, while the NCAA schools assemble at the National Collegiate Women’s Wrestling Championships, or NCWW. The NJCAA hosted their first championship event in 2021 as well. We will rank the Top-10 classes across all three organizations, but note for you the school’s division. This is important as it makes a big difference particularly in the world of recruiting, where some schools have athletic scholarships to offer while others do not. All NAIA, NCAA Division 1 and Division 2, and select NJCAA schools have the option to offer wrestling scholarships, while NCAA Division 3 institutions do not.
1. King University (NCAA DII)
Number of Ranked Recruits: 7 Ranked Recruits: Samara Chavez (#1 at 112), Sage Mortimer (#1 at 117), London Houston (#1 at 132), Cheyenne Bowman (#3 at 152) Montana Delawder (#8 at 127), Tiffany Baublitz (#9 at 164) Dianna Holmes (#12 at 112). King takes the top spot in this year’s class because of a mixture of both of our ranking criteria. … rest of story at https://intermatwrestle.com/articles/24877?mc_cid=3e9037a901&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

3 } – Sage Mortimer Signs with King University
Earlier this week, one of the top high school girls in the nation, Sage Mortimer (American Leadership Academy, UT), made her college decision. Mortimer has signed with traditional power King University. She joins an incredible recruiting class with the likes of Tiffani Baublitz, Cheyenne Bowman, Samara Chavez, and Montana Delawder, who are all among the top seniors in the country. Mortimer was a member of the Cadet World team in 2019 and captured a gold medal at the Pan-American Championships at the U15 division in 2016. 
… rest of story at https://intermatwrestle.com/articles/24588?mc_cid=cc121404a4&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

4 } – INDIAN HILLS CC WINS FIRST JUNIOR COLLEGE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS FOR WOMEN, WITH BIG BEND CC TAKING SECOND
ROSEBURG, Ore. –Led by three individual champions, Indian Hills CC of Iowa won the historic first Junior College National Championships (JCNC) in women’s wrestling, held at Umpqua CC on Friday. Indian Hills CC finished with 154 points, 11 points ahead of runner-up Big Bend CC of Washington with 143 points. Southwest Oregon CC of Oregon was third with 86.5 points, with host Umpqua CC of Oregon fourth with 80 points and Grays Harbor College of Washington in fifth with 77 points. Indian Hills CC and Big Bend CC were neck-and-neck going into the medal-match rounds of the tournament. Indian Hills had seven athletes in the finals and Big Bend had four. These teams met twice in the finals, splitting the bouts. … rest of story at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2021/May/14/Indian-Hills-CC-wins-first-Junior-College-Nationals-for-women?mc_cid=89b2bf9d78&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

5 } – Champion wrestler Natassya Lu adds coaching to her resumé
In this Pursuit, we get on the mat with U of G wrestler Natassya Lu to challenge old perceptions and limitations she has conquered on her path to academic and athletic success
Natassya Lu likes to push herself and challenge barriers and preconceptions that limit her and others from pursuing their dreams. Even her decision to become a competitive wrestler was inspired by a dare. “I was in high school and I had a friend who dared me,” said Lu. “It was kind of like, ‘If you try it out, I’ll try it out too,’ and that is kind of how I started. I was her moral support.” That simple act of support for her friend would set in motion a series of choices and challenges that would change Lu’s life. “We both did it, but she didn’t end up staying in the sport,” said Lu. “It was just me and I kind of got roped in by my coach. He wanted me to continue, and it was a good thing.” … rest of story at https://www.guelphtoday.com/pursuit/champion-wrestler-natassya-lu-adds-coaching-to-her-resume-3806231?mc_cid=f239659e8a&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

6 } – 2 Am thoughts & Wrestling Life Lesson #11: Prepare to Be Original
“If you’re not prepared to be wrong, you’ll never come up with anything original.”- Ken RobinsonThe sport of wrestling changes everyone who participates in it. For better or worse, it changes you. My favorite description of wrestling comes from Troy Bonewell, who I have coached with since 2005, which happens to be the same year I completed the active duty Army Chapter of my autobiography. Coach Bonewell says, “wrestling does not build character, wrestling reveals character.” He has been teaching and coaching for over 29 years. A mere 16 seasons after we began coaching together, his statement about character is even more relevant as our 2021 Pandemic Season nears its conclusion. This season has provided many opportunities to be wrong, as well as original, and I am further humbled by the resiliency of our wrestling community to problem solve for those we are entrusted to coach.“I think wrestling is a good sport, because you can break somebody. You can break their spirit. You know, make them be a different person for the rest of their life.”- Steve Moccohttps://youtu.be/7QdcHrPotm4Before falling asleep, only a few hours ago, … rest of story at http://insidecoloradowrestling.com/index.php/16-high-school/1881-2-am-thoughts-wrestling-life-lesson-11-prepare-to-be-original?mc_cid=4fc5b594c8&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

7 } – Jake Short named Augsburg women’s wrestling coach
MINNEAPOLIS — Jake Short, a University of Minnesota alumnus who has served as a coach for an elite wrestling school for the past three years, will be the next head coach of the Augsburg University women’s wrestling team, the university has announced.  
Since 2018, Short has served as a coach at the Pinnacle School of Wrestling, an elite training program based in the Twin Cities. He has served as both a girls’ and boys’ wrestling coach at Pinnacle, a program co-owned by legendary wrestlers Jared Lawrence and Brandon Paulson.  
In January 2021, Short was named as the head coach for the Minnesota/USA Wrestling women’s state team, leading its practices and training sessions for tournaments. “I am both honored and grateful for this opportunity,” Short said. “Augsburg University is well known for its successful reputation in both academics and athletics. I’m thankful to be a part of the Auggie community, and ready to pursue excellence on and off the mat.”  
A four-year starter and two-year captain as a middleweight at the University of Minnesota, Short compiled a 99-56 record with the Gophers, with 16 pins, 12 major decisions and three technical falls to his credit. In Big Ten tournament competition, he finished fifth at 157 pounds in 2017, seventh at 157 in 2018, and seventh at 149 in 2016. He was a three-time NCAA national tournament qualifier. … rest of story at https://athletics.augsburg.edu/news/2021/6/3/wwr060321.aspx?mc_cid=08007c6b87&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

8 } – Former Newman stand-out leads women’s wrestling program in Ottawa
Newman University alumnus and former wrestling stand-out Dalton Weidl recently started his new role as head women’s wrestling coach at Ottawa University in Ottawa, Kansas. Although he just started his position on June 7, Weidl has already settled into his role, focusing on recruiting and talking to female wrestlers about their potential to thrive at Ottawa. His No. 1 goal at the university is to grow the women’s wrestling program. “I’m trying to give as many girls the opportunity to wrestle in college who want to,” Weidl says. Before arriving at Ottawa University, the 2018 Newman graduate in criminal justice and 2014 Newman Jets Breakthrough Athlete of the Year was the head boys and girls wrestling coach at Ottawa High School   — his old stomping grounds and the school where he earned the title of 2014 Kansas 4A State Champion. … rest of story at https://news.newmanu.edu/women-wrestling-program-ottawa/?mc_cid=16b19c4117&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

9} – Neal Steps Down from Ferrum Women’s Wrestling Post
FERRUM, Virginia — Ferrum College Head Women’s Wrestling Coach, Breonnah Neal, has announced that she will step down from her position to pursue other opportunities. Neal recently completed her second season at the helm of the Ferrum women’s wrestling program. During Neal’s tenure, the Panthers achieved a number of milestones, notably the first All-American in Ferrum women’s wrestling history when Alisha Elizalde placed sixth at the 2020 Women’s Collegiate Wrestling Championships (WCWC). This past season, Kat Pendergrass earned All-America honors when she placed eighth at the National Collegiate Women’s Wrestling Championships (NCWWC) and the team recorded its highest finish ever at a national championship. “I am extremely thankful for the work Bre has done as our women’s wrestling coach these past two seasons,” said Director of Athletics, John Sutyak. “Under her guidance, the program achieved new heights in having back-to-back all-American wrestlers and … rest of story at https://ferrum.prestosports.com/sports/wwrest/2020-21/releases/20210716qaazx1?mc_cid=fd10261731&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

And Gannon University Names Breonnah Neal Women’s Head Coach
Erie, PA – Gannon University has named Breonnah Neal as its new head women’s wrestling coach. “I am excited for the opportunity to join a program on the rise,” said Neal. “I look forward to working with all those who are a part of the Gannon family. We will build off previous success and continue to create great individuals on and off the mat.”
Neal joins Gannon University from Ferrum College, where she worked as head women’s wrestling coach since 2019. There she built a foundation that produced the highest national finish (13th) in school history and four national qualifiers. In addition, during the 2021 season, the program had its first All-American. She also worked as an assistant coach at the School of Hard Knocks Wrestling Club in High Point, N.C. beginning in 2013.
“Breonnah Neal is a tremendous hire for our women’s wrestling program,” said Gannon Director of Athletics Lisa Goddard McGuirk. “She has been successful as a head coach at the collegiate level and demonstrates a commitment to the student-athlete experience. Breonnah is a decorated wrestler and an experienced coach who will serve the continued growth of our student-athletes and women’s wrestling.”
Neal began her collegiate career at Campbellsville University in Kentucky where she earned a national runner-up finish at the Women’s Collegiate Wrestling Association (WCWA) national championships. She was also a University Nationals All-American, qualified for the World Team Trials and earned Dean’s List accolades during her time at Campbellsville. … rest of story at https://intermatwrestle.com/articles/24870?mc_cid=79d2b15df8&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

10 } – IOWA WESTERN CC IN COUNCIL BLUFFS, IOWA ADDS WOMEN’S WRESTLING AND SEEKS ATHLETES FOR UPCOMING SEASON
With a few tweets and some local media coverage, a new women’s college wrestling team was created this past week. Iowa Western Community College in Council Bluffs, Iowa, is adding a women’s wrestling team at the NJCAA junior college level.
On its @GoReivers Twitter site, the university announced:
The time is now! Iowa Western to add women’s wrestling.
Iowa Western President Dan Kinney tweeted this:
@GoReivers @ReiverWrestling adds Women’s Wrestling beginning this Fall! Any women interested contact our coaching staff!
During the Junior/16U Nationals in Fargo, N.D., USA Wrestling was given this information to share with the wrestling community:
At Iowa Western Community College in Council Bluffs, Iowa, it has just been approved to offer a women’s wrestling program for this coming year of 2021-22. Obviously this is great news. However, there is little time to put it together. If you know of any women’s wrestler who has graduated high school and would like to continue their wrestling careers, please contact Head Coach Josh Watts at 229-343-8379 or Assistant Coach Oscar Ramirez at 712-209-3215. Below is an in depth article about the decision from the local press.
NONPAREILONLINE:Iowa Western to add women’s wrestling
by Tim Johnson
Iowa Western Community College athletics will enter a new arena this fall The college will join Indian Hills Community College as the only junior colleges in Iowa with a women’s wrestling program. The program’s launch was approved by the Iowa Western Board of Trustees during its meeting Monday at the Cass County Center in Atlantic. … rest of story at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2021/July/26/Iowa-Western-CC-adds-womens-wrestling?mc_cid=108a6e3c7b&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

And Mitchem introduced as MSU’s first women’s wrestling coach
Minot State’s director of athletics Andy Carter has announced Brittney Mitchem will become the first head women’s wrestling coach for the Beavers. In May, MSU announced they will add women’s wrestling as an NCAA Division II sport starting in the 2022-23 academic year. “I am excited to have Brittney lead this new program,” Carter said. “Her energy and passion for women’s wrestling was evident from our first conversation. She is hungry to make an impact on the lives of the women in our program and fits perfectly into our culture and core values. “Brittney is a great addition because of her experience, but also her knowledge and determination to make an immediate impact in the women’s wrestling scene in the upper Midwest. She will not be outworked and will be a great asset for our department, our university, and our community.”
Mitchem begins her duties – building the Beavers women’s wrestling program from scratch – immediately. “It’s an honor,” she said of starting the program at Minot State. “I am very privileged to come to Minot and build a culture around everything Minot State is about. It’s a special thing to do that right off the bat and bring in a lot of like-minded kids. “There’s already an amazing culture there and I just get to add to it, which is an amazing opportunity.”The women’s wrestling program will complement a powerhouse men’s wrestling program that has won 16 All-American honors during its time on the mats at Minot State. “I’m very excited about the addition of women’s wrestling here, and I think we just found the perfect person to lead the program,” Minot State men’s wrestling head coach Evan Forde said. “I feel Brittney will be able to build a nationally competitive team in a short amount of time. … rest of story at https://www.minotdailynews.com/sports/local-sports/2021/08/mitchem-introduced-as-msus-first-womens-wrestling-coach/?mc_cid=9437ea749e&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

11 } – Northern Michigan 2021-22 Inaugural Women’s Wrestling Schedule Released
MARQUETTE, Mich. – The schedule for Northern Michigan University women’s wrestling’s inaugural season has been set, as the team released their 2021-22 slate Wednesday.  The season opens on the road as the Wildcats will take place in the Pointer Open, hosted by UW-Stevens Point, in Stevens Point, Wis. on Saturday, November 6 at 9 a.m.  NMU will remain on the road for their next two events as they travel to the Adrian College Women’s Open in Adrian, Mich. on Sunday, Nov. 14 followed by a trip to St. Charles, Mo. for the Lindenwood Invitational on Sunday, Nov. 21. The Wildcats host their first home event, the Wildcat Open, on Saturday, December 24 at 1 p.m. The open will take place in Vandament Arena and will feature a total of five teams taking to the mats. The following three competitions for NMU are on the road. The Warrior Women’s Open (Dec. 11), the Lakeland University Dual (Jan. 5), and the UW-Stevens Point/NCC Dual (Jan. 24) highlight the trip. A return to Marquette signals the end of the regular-season for the team. The Wildcats will host Lakeland University on Saturday, February 5 in the final event before the postseason. … rest of story at https://nmu.prestosports.com/sports/wwrest/2021-22/releases/20210810d0ezj8?mc_cid=4f2ba10c67&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

And King women’s wrestling schedule released
BRISTOL, Tenn. – King University women’s wrestling coach Jason Moorman has announced the Tornado 2021-22 schedule. The 2021 National Collegiate Women’s Wrestling Championship (NCWWC) runners-up open the season in September at the Senior World Team Trials. The Tornado will compete on September 11-12 in Lincoln, Neb., at the US Senior World Team Trials before opening the collegiate season on November 10 at Emmanuel College. King opens the second semester at the NWCA National Duals, where the Tornado are four-time national champions. The duals are in Louisville, Ky., on January 6-7. The home opener for King comes on January 12 against first-year program Lincoln Memorial University, followed by another home dual against Life University on January 15. The following day, January 16, King hosts their annual Tornado Open. … rest of the story at http://kingtornado.com/news/2021/8/19/womens-wrestling-king-womens-wrestling-schedule-released.aspx?mc_cid=409316e7bb&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

12 } – Pinning down success: Big Bend wrestling builds a winning tradition on the mat
MOSES LAKE — After wrapping up a successful season, Big Bend Community College women’s wrestling coaches recently reflected on growing their young program. The Vikings ended the year with a second-place finish and three individual champions at the Women’s Junior College National Championship in Roseburg, Oregon. Looking back at his second season, head coach Bryan Seibel said, as any coach can at times, he found himself second-guessing decisions throughout this season. Seibel said he tried to focus on his wrestlers’ health, particularly their mental health, and it paid off. “I took pride in trying to get this program started, coming from Moses Lake and knowing this area can produce really good wrestlers,” Seibel said. “It’s not easy; you’ve got to gain trust and really brand your image and talk to coaches. … you gotta let the people know who you are.” The Big Bend wrestling program made a statement in this, its third year, with three wrestlers crowned National Champions at the culminating JCNC event in Oregon. … rest of story at https://columbiabasinherald.com/news/2021/aug/11/big-bend-wrestling-building-winning-tradition-mat/?mc_cid=4f2ba10c67&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

August 29, 2021 Posted by The TakeDown Report | Uncategorized | Leave a comment