TDR Top 12 Rankings – Mid-January 175-190 – TDR # 31-20
Editor’s Notes; The next set of mid-January rankings for male scholastic wrestlers in eastern North Carolina with two weight classes. The rankings are imperfect and are intended to generate discussion and interest. The top 12 wrestlers in each weight class are listed in order. Wrestlers listed as 13th are considered as honorable mention for the weight class. We welcome reader’s input and information. Coaches need to update their wrestlers records on the TrackWrestling system.
Email us at martinkfleming@takedownreport +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Rank Wght. Wrestler Team Gr. Yr. Wins Ls Pct Region
| 1 | 175 | Brown, Kamar | Northside (Jacksonville) | 24 | 31 | 0 | 1.000 | 3A-E |
| 2 | 175 | Deloatch, Ryan | Rosewood | 24 | 29 | 1 | 0.967 | 1A-E |
| 3 | 175 | Coble, Matthew | Southern Nash | 24 | 30 | 4 | 0.882 | 3A-E |
| 4 | 175 | Reece, Kai | First Flight | 24 | 9 | 2 | 0.818 | 3A-E |
| 5 | 175 | Kallar, Clark | Pasquotank Co. | 27 | 31 | 6 | 0.838 | 2A-E |
| 6 | 175 | Folks, Dashawn | Ayden-Grifton | 26 | 31 | 6 | 0.838 | 2A-E |
| 7 | 175 | Brown, Lazarte | Pender County | 25 | 28 | 6 | 0.824 | 1A-E |
| 8 | 175 | Perry, Axl | Aycock, C.B. | 25 | 14 | 2 | 0.875 | 3A-E |
| 9 | 175 | Davis, Seth | Franklinton | 24 | 12 | 2 | 0.857 | 3A-E |
| 10 | 175 | Fitzsimmons, Owen | Clayton | 25 | 15 | 3 | 0.833 | 4A-E |
| 11 | 175 | Zeagler, Hayden | South Lenoir | 24 | 22 | 5 | 0.815 | 2A-E |
| 12 | 175 | Chavis, Jayden | West Johnston | 24 | 16 | 4 | 0.800 | 3A-ME |
| 13 | 175 | Miller, Joseph | Lejeune | 25 | 23 | 6 | 0.793 | 1A-E |
| 13 | 175 | Botti, Diego | Wake Forest | 25 | 23 | 6 | 0.793 | 4A-E |
| 13 | 175 | Wallace, Holden | Laney | 25 | 19 | 5 | 0.792 | 4A-E |
| 13 | 175 | Haywood, Traquan | Washington | 24 | 27 | 8 | 0.771 | 2A-E |
| 1 | 190 | Ingels, Riley | Croatan | 24 | 23 | 1 | 0.958 | 3A-E |
| 2 | 190 | Moore, Jordin | North Johnston | 24 | 22 | 1 | 0.957 | 2A-E |
| 3 | 190 | White, Pierce | Hoggard | 24 | 31 | 2 | 0.939 | 4A-E |
| 4 | 190 | Bullock, Justin | Fike | 24 | 31 | 5 | 0.861 | 3A-E |
| 5 | 190 | Burton, Travis | Aycock, C.B. | 24 | 20 | 3 | 0.870 | 3A-E |
| 6 | 190 | Bess, Caleb | D.H. Conley | 24 | 30 | 5 | 0.857 | 4A-E |
| 7 | 190 | Salas-Aguilera, Jonathan | Southside | 26 | 8 | 1 | 0.889 | 1A-E |
| 8 | 190 | Bates, Marek | Washington | 25 | 12 | 2 | 0.857 | 2A-E |
| 9 | 190 | Longo, Dino | Bunn | 25 | 27 | 6 | 0.818 | 2A-ME |
| 10 | 190 | Martinez, Aaron | Topsail | 24 | 34 | 8 | 0.810 | 4A-E |
| 11 | 190 | Summers, Lucas | First Flight | 25 | 17 | 5 | 0.773 | 3A-E |
| 12 | 190 | Spencer, Carel | New Bern | 27 | 22 | 7 | 0.759 | 4A-E |
| 13 | 190 | Lowe, Sawyer | Cleveland | 25 | 12 | 3 | 0.800 | 4A-E |
| 13 | 190 | Streeter, Tikeyvion | North Pitt | 26 | 12 | 3 | 0.800 | 2A-E |
| 13 | 190 | Pile Jr., A.J. | Croatan | 24 | 30 | 11 | 0.732 | 3A-E |
Wrestling Contributor and 2024 EIWA Hall of Fame Inductee Denny Diehl passes away
Dennis Roby Diehl, Lehigh University Class of 1970 and EIWA Hall of Fame Class of 2024, passed away early on January 4, 2024.
Denny became a college wrestling fan while still in high school, as his older brother Gary (Lehigh ’68) shared with him the exploits of the Terrific Trio (Mike Caruso, Joe Peritore, and Billy Stuart, all NCAA finalists in 1965) during one of the greatest eras of Lehigh Wrestling. One of the team’s biggest fans, Denny became a major contributor to collegiate wrestling at all levels.
In 1975 Denny co-founded National Mat News, the first wrestling publication to release rankings in every issue. He later became a contributor to Amateur Wrestling News; authored Mat Power: Lehigh Wrestling Highlights, documenting the Lehigh program from 1910-1997 (never failing to give credit for statistical research assistance to fellow Lehigh grad Jay Hammond); helped design LehighWrestling.com, a top college wrestling club website offering current events and archived school history; and served as the Director of Media Relations for the NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships for several years, providing bout-by-bout commentary, statistics, and biographical information to the media.
When Greg Strobel took over as head coach of the Lehigh program in 1995 he asked Denny to help build fan interest, asking his assistance in “filling Grace Hall” like the old days. Alumni began receiving e-mails from Denny on a regular basis, promoting coming duals and reporting on all matters relating to collegiate wrestling; eventually this became the Lehigh University Wrestling News. Tame by today’s standards perhaps, this began at a time before sports teams had websites and was the only electronic source of college wrestling news. Although Denny had planned to cease publication in the mid-2010s, he kept pushing that back. The final edition was released on 4/23/2023; publication officially ceased in June 2023 due to his illness. Denny had been planning on the 2023-24 season until then.
Denny left his mark on these and even more wrestling-related fronts (including numerous fundraising campaigns and serving on several Hall of Fame Committees), but he was also recognized for the excellence of the contributions that he made. In 1999, he received the highest honor there is for a wrestling writer: the Bob Dellinger Media Award, the only media award recognized by the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. He was one of the few to receive the Lehigh Alumni Lifetime Award. … story at … EIWAwrestling.org/2023-24/releases/20240104oWrestling+News
TDR Top 12 Rankings – Mid-January 215-285 – TDR # 31-19
Editor’s Notes; The first set of mid-January rankings for male scholastic wrestlers in eastern North Carolina with the first two weight classes. The rankings are imperfect and are intended to generate discussion and interest. The top 12 wrestlers in each weight class are listed in order. Wrestlers listed as 13th are considered as honorable mention for the weight class. We welcome reader’s input and information. Coaches need to update their wrestlers records on the TrackWrestling system.
Email us at martinkfleming@takedownreport +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Rank Wght. Wrestler Team Gr. Yr. Wins Ls Pct Region
| 1 | 215 | Eason, Asher | Heidi Trask | 25 | 33 | 0 | 1.000 | 2A-E |
| 2 | 215 | Bailey, Dallas | Aycock, C.B. | 24 | 26 | 0 | 1.000 | 3A-E |
| 3 | 215 | Blue, Mason | Laney | 24 | 30 | 1 | 0.968 | 4A-E |
| 4 | 215 | Ewell, Jack | Ayden-Grifton | 25 | 33 | 5 | 0.868 | 2A-E |
| 5 | 215 | Stevens, Tyler | Pamlico County | 24 | 26 | 4 | 0.867 | 1A-E |
| 6 | 215 | Moore, Kane | North Lenoir | 24 | 30 | 5 | 0.857 | 2A-E |
| 7 | 215 | Brantley, Eric | Pamlico County | 25 | 22 | 4 | 0.846 | 1A-E |
| 8 | 215 | Hudson, Leroy | Knightdale | 24 | 20 | 5 | 0.800 | 4A-E |
| 9 | 215 | Roberio, Leo | Southern Nash | 25 | 23 | 6 | 0.793 | 3A-E |
| 10 | 215 | Cielo, Michael | Rolesville | 24 | 32 | 10 | 0.762 | 4A-E |
| 11 | 215 | Tart, David | Louisburg | 26 | 13 | 2 | 0.867 | 2A-ME |
| 12 | 215 | Grist, Vincent | New Bern | 24 | 25 | 8 | 0.758 | 4A-E |
| 13 | 215 | Roberts, Gabriel | Roanoke Rapids | 24 | 11 | 2 | 0.846 | 2A-E |
| 13 | 215 | Harris, Judah | Hunt | 27 | 12 | 3 | 0.800 | 3A-E |
| 13 | 215 | Elliott, Andrew | Currituck County | 26 | 8 | 2 | 0.800 | 3A-E |
| 13 | 215 | Pierce, Gavin | Holmes, Edenton | 25 | 15 | 4 | 0.789 | 2A-E |
| 1 | 285 | Ouellette, Everest | First Flight | 25 | 20 | 0 | 1.000 | 3A-E |
| 2 | 285 | Johnson, Deondre | Clayton | 24 | 27 | 0 | 1.000 | 4A-E |
| 3 | 285 | Rodgers, Nicholas | Fike | 25 | 33 | 3 | 0.917 | 3A-E |
| 4 | 285 | Michael, Landon | Franklinton | 24 | 32 | 3 | 0.914 | 3A-E |
| 5 | 285 | Nixon, Antonio | Heidi Trask | 25 | 25 | 3 | 0.893 | 2A-E |
| 6 | 285 | Houck, River | Currituck County | 24 | 18 | 3 | 0.857 | 3A-E |
| 7 | 285 | Bennett, Thomas | Topsail | 24 | 35 | 6 | 0.854 | 4A-E |
| 8 | 285 | Soto, Ariel | Bunn | 24 | 31 | 6 | 0.838 | 2A-ME |
| 9 | 285 | Bispham, Christopher | Havelock | 26 | 13 | 2 | 0.867 | 4A-E |
| 10 | 285 | Ingram, Nasir | Ayden-Grifton | 25 | 12 | 2 | 0.857 | 2A-E |
| 11 | 285 | Taula, Eteuanti | Jacksonville | 25 | 24 | 5 | 0.828 | 3A-E |
| 12 | 285 | Ismail, Asef | Hoggard | 24 | 15 | 3 | 0.833 | 4A-E |
| 13 | 285 | Silver, Daniel | North East Carolina Prep | 25 | 16 | 4 | 0.800 | 1A-E |
| 13 | 285 | McClary, Jaden | Goldsboro | 26 | 19 | 5 | 0.792 | 1A-E |
| 13 | 285 | Carter, John Michael | New Hanover | 24 | 26 | 7 | 0.788 | 4A-E |
| 13 | 285 | Riggs, Brian | Pamlico County | 24 | 22 | 6 | 0.786 | 1A-E |
West Liberty to Honor Ohio Valley Wrestling Legend
Bobby Douglas Wrestling Complex Kickoff Event Set for January 19
WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. – West Liberty University and the WLU Foundation have announced plans to honor international wrestling icon and Ohio Valley native Bobby Douglas with the addition of the Bobby Douglas Wrestling Complex to the Hilltopper campus.
The fundraising campaign officially gets under way on Jan. 19 with the Bobby Douglas Wrestling Complex Kickoff Event at the R. Emmett Boyle Conference Center inside the ASRC. Several guest speakers will be on hand along with many of West Liberty’s former wrestling All-Americans and national champions. Artists’ renderings and graphics will be on display, providing visual images of the finished project.
The event begins at 5:30 p.m. with light refreshments and photo sessions before the program starts at 6:15. There is no admission charge and the event is open to all alumni and friends of the university but reservations are required. Those planning to attend must RSVP to athletic secretary Robin Brunner at (304) 336-8046 no later than January 16. “West Liberty University is proud to honor Bobby Douglas with the announcement of the Bobby Douglas Wrestling Complex, a facility that will enhance the student-athlete experience for our men’s wrestling program and our newly-announced women’s wrestling program for decades to come,” West Liberty interim athletic director Brad Forshey said.
“In the 60-plus years since Bobby Douglas became West Liberty’s first national champion, his impact on the sport of wrestling as a trailblazing athlete, coach and mentor – nationally and internationally – has been staggering. … story at … Hilltoppersports.com/West-liberty-to-honor-ohio-valley-wrestling-legend
More Division I Matches with big crowds
No. 2 Missouri Wrestling Rallies To Defeat No. 11 Virginia Tech, 22-17
COLUMBIA, Mo. — The No. 2-ranked University of Missouri wrestling team snapped its three-match losing streak against No. 11 Virginia Tech, overcoming a six-point deficit to defeat the Hokies, 22-17, at Hearnes Center on Tuesday, Jan. 2. The Tigers maintain their undefeated start to the 2023-24 season, improving to 6-0, while the Hokies fall to 3-2.
Redshirt junior Noah Surtin fought valiantly in the night’s opener at 125 pounds, but dropped a sudden-victory decision against No. 11 Cooper Flynn. The Tigers got their win back with the next bout, as redshirt freshman Kade Moore claimed a monumental upset over No. 5 Sam Latona at 133 pounds, pinning the two-time NCAA All-American in the second period.
Another trio of close decision losses followed, as redshirt sophomore Josh Edmond (141) and redshirt junior Logan Gioffre (149) dropped their matches by a combined three points. In a top-10 showdown at 157 pounds, redshirt senior Brock Mauller could not upend No. 7 Bryce Andonian headed into the intermission trailing by six.
Coming out of intermission, Keegan O’Toole went to work at 165 pounds, picking up a tech fall over No. 27 Connor Brady. James Conway (174) could not pull off another top-five upset, falling to No. 2 Mekhi Lewis as the Tigers entered the final three bouts trailing 17-11.
Redshirt freshman Clayton Whiting started the rally at 184 pounds by taking down Dakota Howard in a 11-3 major decision. Junior Rocky Elam (197) pitched a shutout … story at … MUtigers.com/Wrestling-rallies-to-defeat-no-11-virginia-tech-22-17
JACKRABBITS KNOCK OFF NO. 6 MICHIGAN
SIOUX FALLS — South Dakota State and Michigan each won five matches, but the Jackrabbits notched four bonus-point victories to carry them to a 22-17 dual victory in a battle between top-15 teams Thursday night before a crowd of 2,740 at the Sanford Pentagon.
The 15th-ranked Jackrabbits improved to 4-2 overall in picking up their second win over a top-10 team in the last three seasons. Sixth-ranked Michigan dropped to 2-1 in duals.
SDSU never trailed, getting out of the gates quickly by building a 9-0 lead through the first two bouts against a pair of Wolverine backups. Tanner Jordan posted a methodical 5-3 victory over Christian Tanefeu at 125 pounds, recording the match-winning takedown midway through the third period.
Derrick Cardinal, ranked 15th at 133 pounds, followed with what would be the only pin of the night by either squad, sticking Nolan Wertanen’s shoulders to the mat in 6 minutes and 39 seconds. Cardinal was already on track for bonus points by holding an 11-2 lead before his final takedown that led to his third win by fall of the season.
In the first matchup of the night between ranked wrestlers, 30th-ranked Sergio Lemley of Michigan knocked off 14th-ranked and returning 141-pound All-American Clay Carlson, 6-4. Carlson, who returned to the lineup last week after sitting out the first two months of the season due to injury, held a 4-2 lead early in the third period before being penalized for stalling and giving up the decisive takedown down the stretch. Michigan claimed another matched between ranked wrestlers in the 149-pound matchup as No. 7 Austin Gomez … story at … GOjacks.com/Jackrabbits-knock-off-no-6-michigan
Austin Gomez Returns For One More Run At NCAA Title
Austin Gomez thought he was finished with college wrestling on two occasions, but the All-American is back and set to make his Michigan debut Thursday
Twice, Austin Gomez has stepped away, but has been unable to stay away from college wrestling. The allure of pursuing a national championship and team glory while representing a collegiate program coupled with a strong sense of unfinished businesses has brought him back. Initially, Gomez thought his competitive wrestling career was over back in December of 2020 during his fourth season at Iowa State when the effects of several injuries, including concussions, led to him announcing he was medically retiring. After redshirting in 2017-18, Gomez reached the round of 12 at the 2019 NCAA Championships, but had not wrestled since. “I had to sit down with myself, our athletic trainer, doctors, coaches, and my family to make this decision,” he posted on social media at the time. “Although I feel like I have so much more fight left in me, my health has to come first when dealing with this injury. I thought I’d wrestle until my body told me I couldn’t do it anymore, but God has a different plan for me than I did for myself.” … story at … Flowrestling.org/Austin-gomez-returns-for-one-more-run-at-ncaa-title
Nittany Lion Wrestlers Roar to 36-3 Road Win at Oregon State
Penn State freshmen shine, Lions tally four second half techs in Corvallis
CORVALLIS, Ore. – The Penn State Nittany Lion wrestling team (3-0, 0-0 B1G) roared to a resounding 36-3 road win at No. 18 Oregon State (4-2) in Corvallis, Ore. Three Nittany Lion freshmen came up with big wins and the Nittany Lions tallied four second half tech falls in the road victory.
A near-capacity crowd of 8,540 filled Oregon State’s Gill Coliseum for the dual, an all-time record crowd for Oregon State wrestling.
The dual meet began at 125 where true freshman Braeden Davis opened up the dual by dominating No. 15 Brandon Kaylor. Davis notched three takedowns in an 11-6 win with 2:10 in riding time. Sophomore Aaron Nagao, ranked No. 4 at 133, then controlled the action against No. 26 Gabe Whisenhunt, winning scrambles on his way to a 9-0 major with 2:52 in riding time. Penn State led 7-0 early.
Senior Beau Bartlett, ranked No. 2 at 141, battled No. 25 Cleveland Belton through regulation and used a counter takedown late in extra time to post a hard-fought 8-5 (sv) win. True freshman Tyler Kasak got the nod at 149. Kasak battled No. 12 Nash Singleton tough and used a third period takedown to post the thrilling 4-1 victory, giving Penn State a 13-0 lead. Sophomore Levi Haines, ranked No. 1 at 157, used two third period takedowns for a rousing 10-8 comeback win over Oregon State’s Isaiah Crosby. Penn State lead 16-0 at halftime. … story at … GOpsusports.com/Nittany-lion-wrestlers-roar-to-36-3-road-win-at-oregon-state
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 