Takedown Report

Never Too Early Lineup Look: North Carolina

In our new series, “The Never Too Early Lineup Look,” we’ll preview a potential lineup for a particular school. Since we’re a few months away from even the preseason, there will likely be plenty of moving parts at most schools. And that’s okay. Fans enjoy debating how their favorite teams (or rivals) could look in the upcoming season. 
Today, we’re moving down south to the ACC and the North Carolina Tar Heels. The Tar Heels were recently mentioned in InterMat’s recruiting rankings as signing the eighth-best recruiting class in the country. During Rob Koll’s first full recruiting class, he was able to ink nine top-250 prospects and six of the top-100. The Tar Heel staff must have been very in tune with every twist and turn in the recruiting process as six of those prospects flipped commitments to UNC. 
Not only did the North Carolina staff work hard on the recruiting trail, but they also paid close attention to the transfer portal. They’ve added a pair of wrestlers with multiple NCAA Tournaments under their respective belts, along with a potential starter at heavyweight. Without those transfers, Koll’s staff could have a lineup with a few holes or be forced to start true freshmen – maybe before they’re ready. Now, they’ll likely start the year in the top-25 and probably rise from there. 
This is a UNC team that features a pair of All-Americans along with three others with past NCAA experience. … more at … Intermatwrestle.com/Never-too-early-lineup-look-north-carolina

June 28, 2024 Posted by The TakeDown Report | Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Duke Wrestling to Compete in WrangleMania in November

DURHAM — The Duke wrestling team will compete in WrangleMania on Nov. 9, 2024, which will take place at Liberty High School in Bethlehem, Pa. 

The event is organized by Journeymen Wrestling. 
Other programs set to compete are Rutgers, Illinois, Long Island, Campbell, California Baptist, Arizona State, Franklin & Marshall, Bloomsburg, VMI, Buffalo, Sacred Heart and NC State. 
The schedule for the Blue Devils features a 10 a.m., contest against Long Island on mat three followed by a 2 p.m., bout versus Rutgers on mat two. 
To stay up to date with Blue Devils wrestling, follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook by searching “DukeWRES”.
Duke Centennial
In 2024, Duke celebrates its Centennial, marking one hundred years since Trinity College became Duke University. … more at … Goduke.com/Wrestling-to-compete-in-wranglemania-in-november

And …
Walter Rings Bell and is Cancer Free Heading into the Summer
DURHAM — Through the Team IMPACT program, the Duke wrestling team was paired with a special young man for the 2023-24 campaign, James Walter.  
Walter is a student at Holly Ridge Middle School in Holly Springs, N.C., that had been diagnosed with early T-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia lymphoma in December of 2021 and has been fighting the terrible disease since.  
Recently Walter’s fight paid off as he rang the bell at the Duke Children’s Hospital and heads into the summer cancer free.  He plans to resume more normal activities and hopes to resume playing basketball and football for the Holly Ridge Hornets.  
“James and his family have been a great addition to the Duke wrestling program,” said Duke head coach Glen Lanham.  “When our guys are competing in the classroom and on the mat, the struggles that James and his family go through on a daily basis put a lot of what our student-athletes are going through in perspective.  James has just given us a great example for living each day to the fullest.” … more at … GOduke.com/Walter-rings-bell-and-is-cancer-free-heading-into-the-summer

June 28, 2024 Posted by The TakeDown Report | Uncategorized | Leave a comment