Takedown Report

NAIA Division News & Results (2022) – # 1

TDR Editor’s Notes ; The following articles are of wrestling teams in the NAIA. The growth in the number of wrestling teams and wrestlers in the NAIA schools continues. It is encouraging to see more wrestling. The upcoming season looks to be a boom with a full schedule. Let’s get on the Mats! Keep wrestling onward.
Contact us at the Editor’s office at martinkfleming@gmail.com Blog # 2994 (10/18/21)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
1 } – Bees announce inaugural wrestling schedule
2021-22 SAU wrestling schedule
Head St. Ambrose wrestling coach Bo Bettinson announced the inaugural schedule for his first-year program, and the Bees will get things started at home against Augustana College on Nov. 1. That dual will take place at 7 p.m. inside Lee Lohman Arena. That is one of three home duals for St. Ambrose. The Bees will host William Penn on Nov. 30 and Grand View on Dec. 10. Both of those duals are slated to begin at 6 p.m. SAU will compete as an affiliate member of the Heart of America Conference. Grand View is the six-time defending conference champion. Along with a busy dual schedule, the Bees will also compete in six tournaments, including the Iowa State Open on Nov. 28. … rest of story at http://www.saubees.com/article/5061.php?mc_cid=985178620d&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

2 } – Southeastern University’s Patrick Sets 2021-22 Wrestling Schedule
LAKELAND, Fla.—Southeastern University Wrestling Coach Travis Patrick announced the team’s 2021-22 schedule this afternoon, featuring seven home duals.  
The first chance to see the Fire in action under Patrick, who begins his first season at SEU will be on Friday, October 29^th at 7 p.m. in the annual Red & Black Intrasquad Dual. The following weekend, the team will compete in the Patriot Open in Williamsburg, Ky. “”I am excited about the competition schedule we have put together for the 21-22 season,” said Patrick. “We have a group of guys capable of competing against the best wrestlers in any division and this schedule allows us to do that.”
November 13^th, Southeastern travels to Waleska, Ga. to face Reinhardt and Truett-McConnell in dual matches, then will head to St. Thomas for the first time in program history in their Mid-South opener against the Bobcats.
The Fire will compete against some quality competition at the Life U Open on November 20^th before hosting Keiser for a Mid-South dual on December 3^rd. … rest of story at https://fire.seu.edu/news/2021/8/12/patrick-sets-2021-22-wrestling-schedule.aspx?mc_cid=4f2ba10c67&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

3 } – Life University Men’s Wrestling Releases 2021-22 Schedule
MARIETTA, Ga. – The Life University men’s wrestling team released its 2021-22 schedule Saturday, with competition starting in early November. The 2021 NAIA National Champions open the season November 1 as they head to Chapel Hill, N.C. to face NCAA Division 1 UNC along with Emmanuel and Queens University of Charlotte.  They will then host Truett McConnell on Nov. 4 at 6 PM in the home opener before a pair of opens at the University of the Cumberlands and Emmanuel. The 2021 season will also feature the Life U Open on Nov. 20 that is slated to host some of the top programs the NAIA has to offer. The team will then host Brewton-Parker on December 8 before traveling to the MSC Conference Challenge Duals on December 11. The Running Eagles will travel to Reinhardt for a tri-dual with the Eagles and the University of the Cumberlands. Kicking off the new year, the team will return to compete in the NWCA National Duals in Louisville, Ky. from January 6-7. … rest of story at https://liferunningeagles.com/news/2021/9/11/mens-wrestling-releases-2021-22-schedule.aspx?mc_cid=985178620d&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

4 } – Oklahoma City — Ensign takes over as Stars head coach
Ensign arrives at OCU after 11 years as Central Missouri head coach
OKLAHOMA CITY – Justin Ensign has become the new Oklahoma City University head men’s wrestling coach. Ensign joins the Stars after 11 years leading the Central Missouri wrestling program as its head coach. “I’m excited to welcome Justin Ensign as the head coach of our men’s wrestling program at Oklahoma City University,” Oklahoma City athletic director Jim Abbott said. “Justin is a veteran coach, and his experience will serve him well in working to continue the tradition of success in OCU men’s wrestling. Central Missouri annually challenged some of the top programs in the nation the previous decade. Ensign guided 10 qualifiers for the NCAA Division II Championships with five earning all-American status and one taking two national championships. Frank Cagnina took the 2014 and ’15 149-pound national titles as well as Central Region wrestler of the year. “I am beyond excited and thankful for this opportunity to lead the men’s wrestling program at Oklahoma City University,” Ensign said. “This is a great university, and this program has amazing potential. I can’t wait to get started on this new challenge.” The Mules posted two top-20 national finishes, including the top finish in program history in 2014-15 (11th). Ensign directed 17 all-region wrestlers. Ensign’s program achieved in the classroom as well as on the mat. Nineteen Central Missouri wrestlers earned National Wrestling Coaches Association academic all-American, and 46 became academic all-conference. … rest of story at https://www.ocusports.com/news/2021/8/23/mens-wrestling-ensign-takes-over-as-stars-head-coach.aspx?mc_cid=c4a5fbe2c1&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

5 } – Gibson announces 27 additions to Raider men’s wrestling team
By: SOU Sports Information
*Note: This story originally included 26 signees. A 27th, Antonio Garcia, has been added since publication.
ASHLAND – In his first season as head men’s wrestling coach, Joel Gibson‘s Southern Oregon University team had to watch from the sidelines due to Covid-19 restrictions. Assuming things go better in his second, he’s done everything he can to ensure the Raiders are equipped with a full arsenal. Gibson has beefed up the SOU roster with 27 additions for the 2021-22 season, which are listed alphabetically below. He’ll also bring back a significant portion of last year’s roster, which had 28 spots. Statewide restrictions wiped out a majority of the Raiders’ 2020-21 schedule. They were lifted just in time for the NAIA Championships, but SOU’s only at-large berths were awarded to Pancho Barrera and Justin Coon. Gibson also head the Raider women’s wrestling team’s coaching staff. … rest of story at https://souraiders.com/news/2021/8/5/mens-wrestling-gibson-announces-26-additions-to-raider-mens-wrestling-team.aspx?mc_cid=79d2b15df8&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

6 } – DODGENS ADDS NEW ROLE AS DIRECTOR OF BREWTON-PARKER WRESTLING
MOUNT VERNON, Ga. – Vice President of Athletics Chris Dooley and Associate Athletic Director Aaron Larsen have announced changes to the leadership of the Brewton-Parker Wrestling program. Head Coach Devane Dodgens will now step into the role of Director of Wrestling, leading both the men’s and women’s programs. Dodgens will continue to serve as the head coach of the Lady Barons program. Coach Dodgens is entering his second year at the helm of the Brewton-Parker Lady Barons program. He expressed his excitement for the new opportunity heading into the 2021-22 athletic season. “I am extremely blessed and honored to be given this opportunity,” Dodgens said. “I cannot thank Coach Adam Cokonougher, Chris Dooley, and Aaron Larsen enough. I look forward to continuing to serve the athletic department and the Brewton-Parker community through this new role.” “We’re extremely excited for the opportunity that this brings for our wrestling programs,” Dooley said. “Devane has proven to be a great fit here at  Brewton-Parker and we are blessed to have him serve both programs in this new role.” During his time at BPC, Coach Dodgens has helped guide the Lady Barons to several milestones … rest of story at http://www.bpcathletics.com/article/1375?mc_cid=7e55f3dbb4&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

7 } – MASON JOINS BREWTON-PARKER MEN’S WRESTLING PROGRAM AS ASSOCIATE HEAD COACH
MOUNT VERNON, Ga. – Vice President of Athletics Chris Dooley and Associate Athletic Director Aaron Larsen have announced the addition of Kenny Mason to the Brewton-Parker Men’s Wrestling Coaching Staff. Mason joins Brewton-Parker as the Associate Head Coach of the men’s wrestling program after previously serving as an assistant wrestling coach at Colquitt County High School for the past four seasons. “I’m excited for the opportunity to come to Brewton-Parker and build off the success that this program has already started,” Mason said. “Over the past few years, the wrestling team has had many individual accolades. I am excited to continue building a winning program from top to bottom. “I look forward to serving the student-athletes beyond the sport,” Mason added. “Winning is no good if they aren’t becoming great men as well.”  “We are excited to have Kenny join the Brewton-Parker family,” Dooley said. “The Brewton-Parker community is glad to have him here and we look forward to the future successes of the program.” While coaching at Colquitt County, Mason assisted in turning the wrestling program … rest of story at http://www.bpcathletics.com/article/1376?mc_cid=7e55f3dbb4&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

8 } – Poquoson’s Karon Smith weighs only 120 pounds. But he’s earned a college scholarship to play football and wrestle
If you think 120-pound football standouts are rare on the high school level, try wrapping your mind around someone that size playing safety in college. Small or not, football coaches at Bluefield College, an NAIA school in the western part of the state, wanted Poquoson High graduate Karon Smith — so much so that Bluefield signed him to a football scholarship. Smith, a three-time individual state champ who has led Poquoson to the past three Class 2 wrestling state titles, will also wrestle for Bluefield. Smith said the aid he’ll get to compete in the two sports will pay for about half of his expenses over the next four years. He’s not intimidated by the likelihood he’ll be the smallest non-kicker in any football game he plays while at Bluefield. … rest of story at https://www.dailypress.com/757teamz/vp-sp-peninsula-high-school-notes-20210813-omf4tzhmnbdahlrgfzbekgow7m-story.html?mc_cid=7e55f3dbb4&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

9} – Wrestling Releases 2021 Recruiting Class
LAKELAND, Fla.—Southeastern University wrestling coach Travis Patrick released the program’s latest recruiting class for the 2021-22 season.  
The Fire will welcome 18 new wrestlers to the program with six collegiate transfers and 12 true freshmen. Ten of the 18 are former high school state finalists. “This recruiting class is filled with highly talented, high-character young men,” said Patrick. “We are extremely excited about what each one of them brings to the program. These are guys who are great students and hold themselves to a high standard in all areas.”
Among the transfers are Tanner Kuketz from Colorado State Pueblo, Chris Kelly from Arizona Christian, Sal Silva from North Idaho College, Abel Ambriz from Northeastern Junior College, Gage Braun from Northern Illinois, and Russell Coats II from Northeast Oklahoma A&M. Braun is a two-time runner-up in Ohio and is a former NCAA Division I National Qualifier. Silva is a two-time NJCAA All-American and is a former national champion. … rest of story at https://fire.seu.edu/news/2021/8/20/wrestling-releases-2021-recruiting-class.aspx?mc_cid=723b79dfbb&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

10 } – Avila Wrestling Welcomes Inaugural Class of 33 Eagle
The Avila wrestling program is excited to unveil the 33 Eagles that will make up the rosters of the inaugural Avila Men’s and Women’s Wrestling teams, which will officially take the floor later this year. The incoming flock is represented by natives of ten different states, and boasts 36 total state tournament qualifications and four high school national championships among them. Here’s a breakdown of and brief intro to all of Avila’s new wrestlers, in alphabetical order.
Men’s Wrestling
Blake Becker 165/174 lbs.
Saint Charles, MO/Francis Howell High School
Missouri Class 4 State Qualifier
Sectional Runner-Up District Champion Conference 3rd Place

Andrew Burnett 285 lbs.
Anselmo, NE/Anselmo-Merna High School
Nebraska Class D State Placer
2x State Qualifier … rest of story at http://www.victorysportsnetwork.com/Clip/news/avila-wrestling-welcomes-inaugural-class-of-33-eagles.htm?mc_cid=4e817192a6&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

11 } – University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy Names Wesley Head Wrestling Coach
University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis welcomes August Wesley as the head coach for the inaugural intercollegiate wrestling program to begin in 2022-23.
Wesley comes to UHSP with a wealth of knowledge and experience in the sport of wresting, including coaching, competition, and promotion. Most recently, he has served as a representative for USA Wrestling GRIT (Greco Roman Initiative Team). As the central region representative, he worked to promote, grow, inspire, and develop the sport of Greco Roman Wrestling in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia.
Wesley’s coaching experience includes a successful four-year stint running the Iowa State University club wrestling program. During his time in Ames, Wesley tutored 27 national qualifiers, four All-Americans, six Academic All-Americans, and guided the Cyclones to a fifth-place in the 2018 NCWA National Championships. Prior to his time at Iowa State, Wesley spent four years as the head coach at California State University-Sacramento from 2011-15. He helped tutor six national qualifiers, one academic All-American and was named the NCWA Conference Coach of the Year.
… rest of story at https://portal.nwcaonline.com/articles/NWCA_News/University-of-Health-Sciences-and-16-10-2021

12 } – Fire Wrestling to Move to Appalachian Athletic Conference
LAKELAND, Fla.—Southeastern University announced that it will join the Appalachian Athletic Conference as an affiliate member for the sport of wrestling beginning in the 2022-23 academic year.  
The Fire along with Life University, Brewton-Parker College, St. Thomas University, and Keiser University along with full AAC members Bluefield, Montreat, Reinhardt, St. Andrews, Truett McConnell, and West Virginia Tech will make up the wrestling league.  
“The move to the Appalachian Athletic Conference is an exciting one for Fire Wrestling and is a great move for our program going forward,” said Travis Patrick, SEU wrestling coach. “I am looking forward to conference competition with current AAC programs including national powerhouse Reinhardt and continuing to compete against programs like Life and Keiser who will be making the move as well. … rest of story at https://fire.seu.edu/news/2021/10/4/fire-wrestling-to-move-to-appalachian-athletic-conference.aspx?mc_cid=b46754b2b5&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

October 18, 2021 - Posted by The TakeDown Report | Uncategorized