2023 Class National Wrestling Hall of Fame State Chapter of North Carolina
(from left to right) David Barker, Paul Crouse, Sara Koenig, Ryan Blackwell and Billy Baker.
NWCA Partners with NFHS, USAW on Practical Wrestling Uniform Guide for Girls
SEATTLE- The NWCA, the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) and USA Wrestling have collaborated on a Practical Wrestling Uniform Guide for Girls, released as a part of the 104th annual NFHS Summer Meeting Saturday.
“We are enthused about the growth of girls wrestling and want to continue to grow the sport in any way we can,” Elliot Hopkins, NFHS Director of Sports, Sanctioning and Student Services said. “We know that education around topics like this are essential to that growth and we are glad to provide it.”
The guide, which is in a slide format, provides information as to the optimal one-piece uniform for girls wrestlers specifically, as well as guidance as to sports bras and the need for proper equipment to ensure all girls are confident in wrestling their matches at all times. It was presented to the wrestling liaisons from each state association office represented at the NFHS Summer Meeting, and also disseminated to them electronically for distribution in their state.
The guide is to be provided to the NFHS state association liaisons, … rest of story at … NWCAonline.com/news/2023/7/1/Practical_Wrestling_Uniform_Guide_for_Girls
Why The NCAA Wrestling Rules Committee Nixed The ‘Turning Point’ Proposal
For a stretch this spring, college wrestling coaches, administrators and fans pondered the possibility of a radical change to one of the sport’s longtime scoring pillars.
In April, the NCAA wrestling rules committee proposed raising the bar for a riding time point. Instead of just needing a minute or more of advantage time, the group pushed forward a rule that would’ve also required a wrestler to score near-fall points — a proposal that became known by some as “the turning point.”
In the end, it was the only one of 14 rule change proposals that didn’t get approved for next season. The rule change process includes a two-week feedback period for coaches and administrators to weigh in on committee proposals before the NCAA’s Playing Rules Oversight Panel decides whether to give the final stamp of approval. Ultimately, the riding time change never made it to the Playing Rules Oversight Panel.
The feedback period became a turning point in sinking the turning point. The rules committee pulled it off the table after an estimated 65 percent of respondents opposed the proposal, according to Rider coach and committee chair John Hangey.
“It opened our eyes and it was a lot of traditionalist thought — and that’s OK and that’s good because we have a great sport and we want to preserve it,” Hangey said. “But at the same time, the job of the committee is to take that feedback and decipher it and analyze it and make the proper decision for the sport. And we did just that. … rest of story at … Flowrestling.org/Why-the-ncaa-wrestling-rules-committee-nixed-the-turning-point-proposal
Three Former ACC Stars Compete Off of the Wrestling Mats
Completing a career in college wrestling is an incredible mental and physical feat that prepares these athletes for all types of challenges that they will face after graduation. While many grads will never step on the mat as a competitor again, some will continue on to challenge for World and Olympic Championships or continue their career in coaching. Others will enter the business world, relying on the work ethic and perseverance they learned through countless hours on the mat. There are a select few who have branched into a new sport after completing their wrestling career. We are going to take a look at the alternate athletic careers that a few ACC wrestling alumni have pursued since graduating.
Jacob Kasper: WWE NXT Julius Creed/Creed Brothers
Duke * ACC Champion * 2x All-American (6,4) * 3x NCAA Qualifier
Kasper left his name in the Duke record books and has left a lasting legacy with the program; a legacy Kasper is proud of after receiving very few opportunities out of high school. He was a two-time Ohio state placer but didn’t have many options collegiately. “I didn’t have any big results, and I grew late in my high school career, so I didn’t really stand out to many schools,” said Kasper, “but I knew I wanted to wrestle in college so I took the initiative to recruit myself.”
Kasper sent out emails to programs across the country, but it was two ACC coaches who expressed the most interest; Glen Lanham at Duke and Pat Popolizio at NC State. “I really clicked with both of them, and I had the opportunity to wrestle for both (Popolizo at the Wolfpack RTC). They are two men who I really respect.” Ultimately, Kasper felt that Duke was the better fit for him and he made the move to Durham, becoming the first in his family to leave Ohio for college.
He started his career in Durham at 184 lbs and made an impression as soon as he got on campus. “I was beating everyone else in the room, and I was the only person scoring points on (Conner) Hartmamn. Once coach saw that, he made it clear that I wasn’t redshirting”. … rest of story at … Intermatwrestle.com/college/acc/three-former-acc-stars-compete-off-of-the-wrestling-mats
TDR blog
After 20 seasons of publicizing wrestling The TakeDown Report’s (TDR) focus has changed to the collecting of college coaching records from North America since 1903. We will continue to recognize and reward successful wrestlers in eastern North Carolina (east of Raleigh & Fayetteville), assist with schools in starting or re-starting a team and this blog. Join us on our FaceBook Page – “The TakeDown Report” for photos and news. Please send results, stories, links and news to pass along. E-mail us at takedownreport@gmail.com
Martin Fleming, Editor
Takedown Report
Takedown Report 