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
Appalachian State Earns Decisive Victory at Duke
DURHAM, N.C. — App State Wrestling won the first seven matches, highlighted by a top-20 victory from Stephan Monchery, and finished with wins at eight of 10 weights in a 31-8 win at Duke in Cameron Indoor Stadium on Wednesday night.
Monchery gave up the first takedown against No. 19 Connor Barket but won a 6-4 decision, moving ahead 5-3 on a second-period takedown. He finished the period on top and nearly rode out the third period, delivering several powerful mat returns that pleased the large gathering of App State fans.
Eleven months ago, as an inexperienced true freshman, Monchery’s record stood at 11-8 after he was shut out 15-0 in a tech fall loss against Barket. Since that defeat, the reigning SoCon champion has a 20-6 record.
With wrestling starting at 184 pounds on Wednesday, App State (3-4) established a 28-0 lead via victories from Tomas Brooker (18-3 tech fall), Logan Eller (13-8 decision at 197), Monchery, Cooper Foster (17-2 tech fall at 125), Jarvis Little (third-period pin at 133), Aldo Hernandez (2-0 decision at 141) and Brayden Fahrbach (10-4 decision at 149).
A last-second takedown produced a 4-1 decision for Duke (5-4) at 157 pounds, but App State’s Anthony Conetta followed that by building a 6-1 lead in an 8-5 decision at 165. Duke’s other top-25 wrestler, No. 23 Aidan Wallace, … more at … https://appstatesports.com/news/2025/12/17/wrestling-earns-decisive-victory-at-duke.aspx
DI Live Streaming Guide (12/17 – 12/22/2025)
So, we’re heading into the final stretch of duals before the Christmas holiday. There are plenty of duals to choose from over the next six days. A total of 68 duals will be contested. Since it can be difficult to figure out where and when to watch all of these events, InterMat has put together a list of all of the live-streamed events occurring this week. Below are the dates/times and how to watch each match (with links).
Please note, there are quite a few tri’s, quads, and multi-team dual events. ESPN has links for the home team in those instances, but not for the duals where they do not compete. I’ve still included the links involving the home team, in case those matches are streamed, as well.
All Times Eastern
Wednesday, December 17:
Appalachian State at Duke 6:00 PM ACC Network Extra
Thursday, December 18:
Air Force vs. Franklin & Marshall at Presbyterian 9:00 AM
Davidson at Presbyterian 9:00 AM
Air Force at Presbyterian 11:00 AM
Davidson vs. Franklin & Marshall at Presbyterian 11:00 AM
Franklin & Marshall at Presbyterian 1:00 PM
Truett McConnell at The Citadel 2:00 PM ESPN+
Lock Haven at Wisconsin 6:00 PM B1G+
American at Michigan State 7:00 PM B1G+
Utah Valley at Wisconsin 8:00 PM B1G+
Friday, December 19:
LIU at Binghamton 6:00 PM ESPN+
Chattanooga at Kent State 6:00 PM
Gannon at Edinboro 7:00 PM
Lock Haven at Northwestern 7:00 PM B1G+
North Carolina at Nebraska 8:00 PM B1G+ … more at … https://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/47_streaming-guide/di-live-streaming-guide-1217-12222025-r100704/
No. 2 Ohio State Wins Top 10 Battle over No. 9 Wolfpack, 26-10
Buckeyes Next Travel to Nashville Dec. 21 for Collegiate Duals
COLUMBUS, Ohio — No. 2 Ohio State (8-0) remained undefeated with a 26-10 win over visiting No. 9 NC State (5-3) Friday at the Covelli Center.
How it Happened
125 – (1) Vincent Robinson (NCST) def. Brendan McCrone (OSU), MD, 12-3
Robinson opened the scoring with a takedown followed by a McCrone escape to send the bout to the second with NC State up 3-1. McCrone chose top to open the second after Robinson deferred choice. Robinson got the reversal to lead 5-2 after a McCrone escape. Robinson added a takedown to lead 8-2 after five minutes. Starting neutral, Robinson made it 11-2 with a takedown. McCrone escaped but with a point for riding time, Robinson won by major decision, 12-3.
133 – (2) Ben Davino (OSU) def. Zach Redding (NCST), D, 7-1
After two minutes, Davino scored the opening takedown for a 3-0 lead to go to the second. Davino chose bottom to start the second and quickly escaped for a 4-0 lead. Davino added a late takedown to lead 7-0 after two periods. Redding escaped to start the third to make it 7-1 Buckeyes. That’s the way if ended for a Davino win by decision, 7-1.
141 – (1) Jesse Mendez (OSU) def. (6) Ryan Jack (NCST), TF, 21-6
Mendez went on top 3-1 with a takedown and Jack escape. Mendez added another takedown on the edge of the mat to finish the period up 6-1. Mendez added three takedowns quickly to jump to a 15-4 advantage. Another pair of takedowns ended the match for a Mendez win by technical fall, 21-6.
149 – (6) Ethan Stiles (OSU) def. (7) Koy Buesgens (NCST), D, 4-3
There was no scoring in the opening the period. Stiles chose bottom to open the second and took the 1-0 lead with an escape for the only points of the middle period. Buesgens evened the bout at 1-all with an escape to … more at … https://ohiostatebuckeyes.com/news/2025/12/12/wrestling-no-2-ohio-state-wins-top-10-battle-over-no-9-wolfpack-26-10
NC State Announces 2026 Induction Class for NC State Athletic Hall of Fame
Individuals from seven different sports, a team that won back-to-back national titles, a pioneer for women’s athletics, and a legendary coach comprise the 2026 induction class of the NC State Athletic Hall of Fame, McMurray Family Director of Athletics Boo Corrigan announced today.
The 10-member class is the eighth overall since the establishment of the Hall of Fame in 2012 and will be inducted at a gala in Reynolds Coliseum on Saturday, April 25, 2026.
The 1979 and 1980 NC State cross country teams that repeated as AIAW national champions will be inducted, alongside 1973 ACC Football Player of the Year Willie Burden, Olympic gold medalist Kenny Carr from men’s basketball, and 19-time All-American swimmer Beth Emery. Joining them will be National Champions Matt Hill (men’s golf), Tyrell Taitt (men’s track & field) and Scott Turner (wrestling), along with a national award winner, Marc Primanti (football).
Longtime NC State and ACC administrator Nora Lynn Finch will be honored for her contributions, alongside legendary wrestling coach Bob Guzzo, who led the Wolfpack to 13 ACC titles. “I’m very excited about this induction class because it represents many sports, many decades, and so very many accomplishments,” Corrigan said. “We look forward to recognizing their legacy and their achievements in April and congratulate them on this great honor.”
Ticket sales information for the Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be shared at a later date.
NC STATE ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME
Class of 2026
Scott Turner, Wrestling (1984-1988)
During his highly successful Wolfpack career, Scott Turner helped lay the foundation for the success that NC State Wrestling still enjoys today. The third national champion in program history, Turner allowed only one point scored on him in the NCAA Tournament, cementing him as the 1988 NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Wrestler, an award that only one other from NC State has claimed. At the conference level, he won the individual ACC Championship crown three times, as well as the 1984 ACC Tournament Most Outstanding Wrestler award as a freshman. He is just one of 13 in program history to earn an individual ACC Championship at least three times. At the national level, Turner was a two-time All-American, earning the honors in 1986 and 1988.
Bob Guzzo, Special Contributor/Wrestling (1974-2004)
A pillar of the NC State wrestling program, Bob Guzzo was named the eighth head coach in program history in 1974 and led the team for the next 30 seasons. A six-time ACC Coach of the Year (’88, ’89, ’91, ’96, ’01, ’02), he led NC State to 13 league titles, a mark that still ranks second for a head coach in ACC history. Four of his athletes were national champions in three different weight classes and those under his direction earned 24 All-America honors. In his three decades at NC State, he amassed an impressive team record of 356-183-7 with a 117-53 mark in ACC competition, mentoring 86 individual ACC Champions and his athletes won ACC Wrestler of the Year honors three times. … more at … https://gopack.com/news/2025/12/15/football-nc-state-announces-2026-induction-class-for-nc-state-athletic-hall-of-fame
Men’s wrestling Shupert, Gabbard sweep ODAC Wrestlers of the Week awards
FOREST, Va. – Averett men’s wrestling collected both lighter and heavier wrestler of the week honors, as junior Carter Shupert and senior Michael Gabbard were named to said lists, respectively.
Shupert, a 141-pounder from Virginia Beach, Virginia, went 4-0 at the Cougar Duals while being ranked No. 7 in the region per the National Wrestling Coaches Association. Three of Shupert’s victories over the weekend were by fall.
Gabbard, a 174-pounder from Norwood, North Carolina, also went 4-0 at the Cougar Duals while being ranked No. 7 regionally by NWCA, and was victorious by fall in three of his four matches. Averett men’s wrestling honors jump to three in 2025-26, … more at … https://averettcougars.com/news/2025/12/15/mens-wrestling-mens-wrestling-shupert-gabbard-sweep-odac-wrestlers-of-the-week-awards.aspx
4 key Big Ten college wrestling weekend headlines
Between Penn State’s dominant win over Wyoming, Iowa’s unconventional lineup changes and Ohio State’s continued success, last weekend’s college wrestling action produced an endless amount of storylines to follow.
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Here are the biggest headlines to know about the leaders in the Big Ten and what they indicate about each team’s lineups as 2026 approaches.
New faces and national champs shine for Penn State in 40-7 win over Cowboys
Penn State’s depth has been the story of the season for the Nittany Lions, and last weekend was no different.
NATIONAL CHAMPIONS: See how Penn State captured the Division I national title
True freshman Nate Desmond took the mat for the Blue and White at 141 pounds in place of injured All-American Aaron Nagao and All-American redshirt Braeden Davis and nearly majored John Alden, topping the Cowboy 11-4 just three weeks after beating teammate All-American Luke Lilledahl at the Black Knight Invite down at 125 pounds. Desmond could still redshirt if Nagao comes back, but his versatilty and strength across two weights suggests that if he were to start in the postseason, he could make a podium run in his rookie season.
Freshman Marcus Blaze also hasn’t needed an adjustment time to college, as the freshman U20 world champ added a win of his own against the Cowboys, pinning No. 22 Luke Willochell in the second period. Blaze holds a 100% bonus rate on the year but could face a tricky Tyler Knox of Stanford next weekend at the Collegiate Duals for his first All-American test of the season.
PJ Duke, who joined Blaze on the U20 world team this year and is also in his first season with the Nittany Lions, impressed as well in just his third dual of the season. He too recorded a pin with his coming against No. 23 Jared Hill in the second period. Duke and teammate Joe Sealy have split time for the Nittany Lions at this weight thus far, though Duke has the head-to-head win against Sealy from the Black Knight Invite that could help inform the starting spot. Duke also has the opportunity to wrestle five duals without burning his redshirt, if the Penn State coaches opt for that route. The fact that the Nittany Lions have Duke, Sealy and two-time All-American and current redshirt Tyler Kasak in one room together at 157 highlights once again how deep this team can be and how these kinds of options allow the program to be flexible across the regular season schedule, especially here in December before Duke’s five “free” matches (before burning his redshirt) run out.
Outside of the three new stars, Penn State also saw elite performances from proven stars, including a pin over Sloan Swan from NCAA champion Mitchell Mesenbrink … more at … https://www.ncaa.com/news/wrestling-men/article/2025-12-14/4-key-big-ten-college-wrestling-weekend-headlines
Men’s College Notebook: Ohio State, UNC, Oklahoma among notable dual-meet winners from Week 6
Dec 15, 2025, 2:50 PM EST
by Brian Reinhardt
Plenty of dual action this past weekend, let’s look at some of the highlights.
An Ohio State-Ment
After dropping the opening bout at 125 pounds, #2 Ohio State won the next four, two went for bonus, and ran away with a 26-10 win over #9 NC State. The win pushed the Buckeyes’ record to 8-0. A stretch that includes four top-10 wins, and they have outscored their foes a combined 275-44 (115-31 against those four top-10 foes).
#1 Jesse Mendez continues to make his push for a third straight national title at 141 pounds, as he scored a second-period tech fall against #7 Ryan Jack (21-6). It was Mendez’s second tech fall this year against a ranked foe. The Buckeyes also captured slight upsets at 149 and 174 pounds. #5 Ethan Stiles scored a controversial third-period takedown to defeat #4 Koy Buesgens, 4-3. #6 Carson Kharchla downed #3 Matty Singleton, 8-4. It was the first loss of the season for both Wolfpack wrestlers.
Trumble Establishes Himself
A positive to come out of the dual for NC State was the steady progress Isaac Trumble has continued to make since returning from injury. It was in a battle of top five heavyweights. In just his second match of the year, Trumble scored a first-period takedown and accumulated over 90 seconds of riding time to take out #2 Nick Feldman, 5-1. Trumble’s return last weekend was also a ranked win, a 9-1 major decision over #17 Hunter Catka of Rutgers.
Trumble injured his knee before the ACC Championships and had it scoped that week. He had to injury default out of that tournament, but at the NCAA Championships, he tore the knee in his third bout. He still went on to capture All-American honors and a fourth-place finish before having surgery after the season.
Start Paying Attention To UNC
North Carolina passed its first ranked test of the season, easily defeating #17 West Virginia, 27-7, to improve to 6-0 this year. UNC scored four ranked wins on the night, including upsets by a pair of unranked wrestlers: Jake Dailey over #19 Ian Bush at 184 pounds (5-3) and Robert Platt over #21 Rune Lawrence at 197 pounds (10-7). The Tar Heels jumped out to a 12-0 advantage, earning decisions from 125-to-149 pounds. UNC also closed the dual with three straight decisions from 184 to heavyweight.
The 6-0 start is the best for the program since 2005-06, … more at … https://www.themat.com/news/2025/december/15/men-s-college-notebook-ohio-state-unc-oklahoma-among-notable-dual-meet-winners-from-week-6
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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