Mendez-Led Buckeyes Thinking Big After Fast Start
Thanks in part to the influence of two-time NCAA champ Jesse Mendez, the Ohio State Buckeyes are chasing big goals.
It might be natural to assume the 2025-26 campaign has Ohio State coach Tom Ryan flying high.
His Buckeyes are undefeated (8-0), his lightweights are performing at podium-in-March levels and there’s plenty of chatter in the wrestling world about how good this group of the scarlet and gray-clad grapplers can be. It’s not an overly bold notion to predict that two undefeated programs will clash in two months when Penn State hosts Ohio State in February.
Ryan won’t make such predictions. Despite opening eyes at the National Duals Invitational — where the Buckeyes handled Wyoming, Minnesota, Nebraska and Iowa on their way to the title — Ryan insists on staying in each current moment. “That stuff is for fans, and it’s fun for them,” Ryan said. “But, as cliché as it sounds, we’re focused on the now, trusting our process, staying inside our system. Nothing’s changed.” Ryan spoke of his team’s need to be ready for Sunday’s showdown with Iowa State, calling the retooled, transfer-laden Cyclones “tough” and saying they “pulled in some really good kids this year.”
There’s a lot of season left and many big challenges are still ahead of the Buckeyes, which Ryan is well aware. Looking down the road, though, does he believe this Ohio State team is capable of taking down Penn State for the national title in March? … more at … https://www.flowrestling.org/articles/14984821-mendez-led-buckeyes-thinking-big-after-fast-start
Davidson ‘Cats Defeat Presbyterian in League Opener; Fall to Frankin & Marshall
CLINTON, S.C. – Highlighted by a 21-9 victory in its Southern Conference Opener, Davidson finished 1-1 Thursday at Presbyterian’s Quad-Dual inside Templeton Gymnasium.
Following their win over the Blue Hose, the Wildcats dropped a 25-13 decision to Franklin & Marshall to move to 3-6 overall.
Against Presbyterian, Davidson won six of the first seven weight classes by decision to all but put the dual out of reach.
Dylan Smith, who finished the day 2-0 in his first dual action of the season, put the final points on the board for the Wildcats with a 10-8 win over Toler Hornick.
Brady Joling (125), Anderson Heap (149) and Marc Koch (174) also finished the day with a pair of wins. Davidson 21, Presbyterian 9
Clinton, S.C. | Templeton Gymnasium 125 – Brady Joling (DAV) over Brayden Adams (PC) by Decision, 3-0
133 – Luke Passarelli (DAV) over Fernando Dominguez (PC) by Decision, 15-10
141 – Ryan Luna (PC) over Marley Washington (DAV) by Decision, 2-0 … more at … https://davidsonwildcats.com/news/2025/12/18/wrestling-cats-defeat-presbyterian-in-league-opener-fall-to-frankin-marshall
USA Wrestling Executive Director Rich Bender Receives 2025 George M. Steinbrenner III Sport Leadership Award
Dec 17, 2025, 2:21 PM EST
by Richard Immel, USA Wrestling
Rich Bender receives 2025 George M. Steinbrenner III Sport Leadership Award, pictured alongside Susanne Lyons, Haley Steinbrenner Swindal and William J. Hybl.
USA Wrestling is proud to recognize Rich Bender, its Executive Director of nearly 25 years, as the recipient of the prestigious George M. Steinbrenner III Sport Leadership Award, which is presented by the United States Olympic & Paralympic Endowment as one-of-four annual awards given out by the organization.
The George M. Steinbrenner III Sport Leadership Award honors individuals who have made sustained and meaningful contributions to sports within the Olympic and Paralympic movements. Recipients of this award demonstrate exceptional communication and leadership skills that personify excellence, advancing sport at both the national and international levels.
Bender is the longest-serving executive director in USA Wrestling history, taking over the position in 2001. Under his leadership, USA Wrestling has earned 33 Olympic medals and well over 100 World Championship medals, and reached historic milestones, including the first U.S. women’s Olympic wrestling champion. He also oversaw record membership growth, strengthened financial stability, and advanced international governance and rule development.
Joining Bender as USOPE awards recipients for 2025 were … more at … https://www.themat.com/news/2025/december/17/usa-wrestling-executive-director-rich-bender-receives-2025-george-m-steinbrenner-iii-sport-leadership-award
Davis Takes Home Second SoCon Wrestler of The Week Award
SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Per release from the league office and after a 2-0 individual weekend, redshirt sophomore T.K. Davis of the Gardner-Webb wrestling team has been named SoCon Wreslter of The Week once again.
The Rockmart, Ga. native continued an excellent season for GWU at the Buffalo Tri-Meet to take his second Wrestler of the Week award of the season. Davis won each of his matches last week, both 19-1 tech falls, beating Buffalo’s Max Elton in 3:28 and was victorious against Kent State’s Nick Molchak in 5:42. Davis is ranked as high as No. 16 nationally in his weight class this week … more at … https://gwusports.com/news/2025/12/17/wrestling-davis-takes-home-another-socon-wrestler-of-the-week-award.aspx
Will Denny Named ACC Wrestler of the Week
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – NC State wrestling’s 165 pounder, Will Denny, has been named the ACC Wrestler of the Week, as announced by the conference Tuesday, December 16.
The freshman standout for the Pack added another ranked win under his belt in his first collegiate campaign on Friday after defeating Ohio State’s No. 11 Paddy Gallagher in sudden victory, 6-5.
This marks the second top-15 victory for Denny this season, … more at … https://gopack.com/news/2025/12/17/wrestling-will-denny-named-acc-wrestler-of-the-week
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
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