Tulsa Central Looks to Rebuild Their Historic Wrestling Program in its First Season Back Since 1996
Colton Roberts recently took on the challenging task of rebuilding one of the most historic high school wrestling programs in the country. From the late 1920s to the late 1940s, Tulsa Central dominated wrestling in the state of Oklahoma, and Nationally. In 1996, they dropped the sport, but this year it returns.
Roberts is the head coach and has quickly put together a balanced roster across most weight classes with a few seniors with wrestling experience from other schools. They’ve also got a number of athletes who are brand new to the sport.
We spoke with Roberts and a few of his senior Captains this week. You can watch their interviews here … rest of story at Owrestle.com/tulsa-central-looks-to-rebuild-their-historic-wrestling-program-in-its-first-season-back-since-1996
Over 140 Ranked Girls Have Registered For Super 32
Every ranked wrestler registered to compete in the girls divisions at the 2023 of the Defense Soap Super 32 Challenge
The girls divisions of the Super 32 Challenge get deeper every year. That trend continues at the 2023 edition with no less 141 nationally-ranked wrestlers registered to compete across 12 weight classes, including seven #1s. Oct 21-22, 8:00 AM EDT
2023 Super 32
You can find the most current National Girls High School rankings here. Please note that different weight classes are used for the rankings and at Super 32. Below is a list of all the girls we could find in the registration, grouped by their Super 32 weight class, along with their listed high school and the state.
95 Pounds
#2 at 95lbs: Jaclyn Bouzakis – Wyoming Seminary, PA
#6 at 95lbs: Lilly Breeden – Liberty, MO
#11 at 95lbs: Libertie Nigh – Urbana, OH
100 Pounds
#2 at 100lbs: Madison Nieuwenhuis – Plainwell, MI
#3 at 100lbs: Rianne Murphy – Crown Point, IN
#4 at 95lbs: Kendall Moe – Hamilton Heights, IN
#8 at 95lbs: Katie Biscoglia – Van Meter, IA
#9 at 100lbs: Bianca Eide – Stillwater, MN
#16 at 100lbs: Zoey Haney – Troy Buchanon, MO
#19 at 100lbs: Lisa Pastoriza – Wyooming Seminary, AZ
#20 at 100lbs: Sandy Breeden – Liberty, MO
#21 at 100lbs: Mia Galindo – Robinson Secondary, VA
#23 at 100lbs: Jamie Hearl – Mount Airy, NC
#24 at 100lbs: Camdyn Elliott – Gulf Breeze, FL
106 pounds
#1 at 100lbs: Epenesa Elison – St John Bosco, CA
#4 at 105lbs: Harlee Hiller – Loyola Academy, IL
#9 at 105lbs: Charlie Wylie – Port Jervis, NJ
#10 at 100lbs: Addison Morse – Harrah, OK … rest of story at … Flowrestling.org/articles/11306280-over-140-ranked-girls-have-registered-for-super-32
The Citadel Wrestling Releases 2023-24 Schedule
CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Citadel wrestling program officially announced the upcoming 2023-24 schedule, per a release Monday afternoon. The Bulldogs open the season on Wednesday, Nov. 1, start conference competition on Sunday, Jan. 21 before wrapping up the year at the SoCon Championship in early March.
The Citadel launches the 2023-24 campaign with back-to-back duals against Allen and Montreat on Wednesday, Nov. 1 before hosting a major tournament — Battle at The Citadel — later that same week on Sunday, Nov. 5. The Bulldogs hit the road for an extended period from Saturday, Nov. 11 at the George Mason Duals to Friday, Jan. 12 at the Davidson Duals, notably attending both the Navy Classic on Saturday, Nov. 18 and the Las Vegas Wrestling Invitational from Friday, Dec. 1 through Saturday, Dec. 2 as well as matching up against Duke and Queens on Tuesday, Dec. 19.
The Bulldogs open SoCon play at Appalachian State on Sunday, Jan. 21 before closing out league duals against Presbyterian on Thursday, Feb. 22 back home. Finally, The Citadel concludes the season at the Southern Conference Championship, a one-day tournament slated for Saturday, March 9 in Boone, N.C. … rest of story at … Citadelsports.com/news/2023/10/11/wrestling-releases-2023-24-schedule
141 Pound Pre-Season NCAA Wrestling Preview & Predictions
A preview with predictions for the 2023-24 season at 141-pound weight class in Division 1 college wrestling
It’s October and that means the 2023-24 college wrestling season is right around the corner! In order to help you prepare for the upcoming season, we’ll be previewing all 10 Division 1 weight classes. Check out the article below for an in-depth look at 141 pounds.
Returning 2023 141-Pound All-Americans
- Real Woods – 2nd
- Beau Bartlett – 3rd
- Lachlan McNeil – 4th
- Clay Carlson – 5th
- Brock Hardy – 6th
Other All-Americans In The Field This Year
- Jesse Mendez – 6th at 133 in 2023
- Cole Matthews – 5th in 2022
- CJ Composto – 8th in 2022
The Favorite
Real Woods is coming off a runner-up finish at the 2023 NCAA Tournament and will be the favorite at 141 pounds entering the 2023-24 season. Last year Woods compiled a 20-1 record with his only loss coming in the NCAA finals against Andrew Alirez. Outside of the Alirez loss, Woods put together an incredible season with 12 of his 20 wins coming by bonus – 2 falls, 4 techs, and 6 majors. Alirez recently announced his plans to take an Olympic making the path even more open for Woods to win a title in his final collegiate season.
On top of Real Woods being #1 at 141 pounds, he’s currently ranked #9 in our pound-for-pound rankings. Woods’ top game sets him apart from most wrestlers in the country and he might have the best cross-wrist tilt in college wrestling. In fact, Woods was able to turn Andrew Alirez in the NCAA finals and earned near-fall points in 4 of his 5 matches at the NCAA tournament. Beyond that, Woods finishes his single leg with a high rate of success, and is incredibly challenging to score on in the neutral position. To put it simply, Woods is the man to beat this year at 141 and it will be a tall task for any wrestler in the country to stop him from winning NCAAs. … rest of story at … Flowrestling.org/articles/11304615-141-pound-pre-season-ncaa-wrestling-preview-predictions
Missouri Wrestling Announces 2023-24 Schedule
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri wrestling is going into the 2023-24 with two consecutive Big 12 Tournament Championships and a fifth-place finish in the 2022-23 season. The Tigers are beginning their season under returning head coach Brian Smith for his 26th season, with the annual Black and Gold Scrimmage at the Hearnes Center on Oct. 28.
Missouri starts its season with the second annual Tiger Style Invite in Kansas City, Mo., on Nov. 11. The tournament will again be held at Staley High School, home of Zach Elam and Rocky Elam. Mizzou then returns to Columbia for a two-match home stand, facing Arizona State on Nov. 19. and its first conference opponent in Oklahoma on Dec. 1.
The Tigers will travel to SIUE for the Cougar Clash on Dec. 2, then back to the Hearnes Center to take on Wyoming on Dec. 8, and Air Force on Dec. 17. Then the team is off to St. Louis where the Tigers will meet Illinois at the Stiefel Theater, Dec. 21, as part of the Mizzou to the Lou series.
Missouri starts the New Year at home against Virginia Tech on Jan. 2 before kicking off three weeks on the road, where it will be facing Stanford (Jan. 10), West Virginia (Jan. 26) and Cornell (Jan. 28).
Mizzou returns home for a brief conference match versus Oklahoma State on Feb. 4, then back on the road facing North Dakota State (Feb. 16), South Dakota State (Feb. 18), Northern Iowa (Feb. 23) and finishing up conference play at Iowa State (Feb. 25).
The Big 12 Championship will return to the BOK Center in Tulsa, Okla., March 9-10. The Tigers are looking to extend their streak and win their 13th consecutive conference title and third Big 12 Championship Title. Mizzou Athletics will host The NCAA Tournament in Tiger territory in Kansas City, Mo., March 21-23. Junior Keegan O’Toole is returning for the 2023-24 season as a back-to-back defending NCAA champion in the 165-pound weight class. … rest of story at … MUtigers.com/news/2023/10/5/wrestling-announces-2023-24-schedule
NC State wrestling releases 2023-2024 schedule
RALEIGH, NC – NC State will start their 2023-24 season off on the base of Fort Liberty, formerly Fort Bragg, and their journey will take them to New York, Las Vegas, Nashville and Italy before the new year. The Wolfpack, coming off a fifth straight ACC title and a 10th place finish at nationals, start the year off in Fayetteville at Fort Liberty on November 1. Campbell, Presbyterian and Army wil also be at the event. They follow that up with a trip to the mountains to take on Appalachian State on November 3.
NC State will participate in the Wranglemania & Round Robin Tournament in Bethlehem, Pa. Nov. 11-12 before a dual match at Army West Point.
They’ll stay up north for the Armbar at the Army on November 17.
The road warriors will head to Las Vegas for Cliff Keen, December 1-2, then Nashville for the Collegiate Duals December 18-19.
The Wolfpack will then take its act abroad, traveling to Italy for a 10-day tour with Oklahoma State December 26-January 5.
NC State returns to the states and travels to Hofstra on January 7. ACC competition starts on January 26 with a trip to Pittsburgh. On February 2, Wolfpack fans get to see some action inside Reynolds Coliseum as UNC comes to town. It will be the first of three straight home duals. NC State will host Virginia (February 9) and Cornell (February 16).
The Pack will take on Duke in Durham on February 18 for their final ACC road dual.
The 2023-24 ACC Championships will take place on March 10 at UNC. … rest of story at … GOpack.com/news/2023/10/10/wrestling-nc-state-wrestling-releases-2023-2024-schedule
SUNYAC ADDS 2 FULL-TIME MEMBERS, 5 ASSOCIATES & MEN’S WRESTLING
SYRACUSE, NY – The State University of New York Athletic Conference – a premier NCAA Division III conference – has added two new full-time member institutions, designated men’s wrestling as its 22nd sport, and added five associate members that will compete in five different sports.
The announcement was made on Thursday, Oct. 5, by Commissioner Tom DiCamillo following approval by the SUNYAC Presidents Council. SUNY Canton and SUNY Morrisville will join the SUNYAC as full-time members beginning in 2024-25, while Alfred State has been accepted as an associate member in the sports of men’s and women’s indoor and outdoor track & field – also beginning next year.
With the SUNYAC adding men’s wrestling to its roster of NCAA Division III sponsored sports, the conference has accepted Ithaca, RIT, St. John Fisher and Utica as associate members that will join Brockport, Cortland, Oneonta and Oswego to form an eight-team league under the SUNYAC umbrella. Wrestling competition will commence immediately for the 2023-24 season.
“We are thrilled that SUNY Morrisville and SUNY Canton have accepted our invitation to become full-time members of the SUNYAC,” Alberto Cardelle, the president of SUNY Oneonta and chair of the SUNYAC Presidents Council, stated. “And we are excited about the creation of our eight-team wrestling conference with associate members Ithaca, RIT, St. John Fisher and Utica, as well as the addition of Alfred State that strengthens our indoor and outdoor track & field championships.”
As a SUNY institution with more than 10 years of history as an affiliate member, Morrisville joining the SUNYAC was a natural fit for the conference. “Seventy-five years ago, Morrisville joined together with colleagues across the state to establish a new SUNY system of higher education,” Dr. David Rogers, president of SUNY Morrisville, said. “SUNY Morrisville is now delighted to be joining the SUNYAC which is known for its quality of play and its commitment to high standards and excellence. During our many years as an associate member, our students have benefitted from this rich history and success and we look forward to participating as a full member.”
Matt Grawrock, director of athletics at SUNY Morrisville, agreed. “We are ecstatic about joining the SUNYAC – one of the premier NCAA Division III conferences in the country,” Grawrock stated. “We have been a longtime associate member and when this opportunity to join the SUNYAC full-time presented itself, it was an invitation we could not refuse. SUNY Morrisville’s mission, athletic programs and location align with our sister institutions in the SUNYAC and we are excited about the opportunities that await our student-athletes, our coaches and our college starting next year.”
DiCamillo echoed Grawrock’s comments. “We are excited that SUNY Morrisville will be joining the SUNYAC … rest of story at … SUNYacsports.com/general/2023-24/releases/20231005
Olympic Wrestling Gold Medalist Rulon Gardner Isn’t Done Yet
At the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, American wrestler Rulon Gardner stunned the world. Gardner was competing in the Greco-Roman heavyweight final against Aleksandr Karelin, the defending champion from Russia. Karelin had won gold at the past three Olympics: Seoul in 1988, Barcelona in 1992, and Atlanta in 1996. But in 2000, Karelin fell short. Gardner prevailed, winning gold and instantly becoming a legend.
Gardner, who grew up as the youngest of nine children on a dairy farm in Wyoming, started wrestling when he was just six years old. His hometown hosted a wrestling camp each year, kickstarting his interest in the sport. Gardner continued wrestling through junior high and college, and after his big upset in 2000, returned to the Olympics in 2004 seeking to defend his title. Although he wasn’t able to clinch another gold at the Athens Games, he did take home another medal – this time, bronze.
And then, Gardner retired.
Perhaps surprisingly, wrestling is the sport where the U.S. has won its third highest number of Olympic medals, behind track & field and swimming. And yet, for all of these medals, Gardner’s 2000 win was the last time an American took home gold in Greco-Roman wrestling (as opposed to freestyle, in which the U.S. has had much more recent success). But the future of American wrestling is bright, thanks in part to two young athletes who have their own connections to Gardner himself.
On the same day that Gardner made magic happen in the 2000 event that’s now known as “The Miracle on the Mat,” a baby was born who would go on to become a wrestling star. His name? Cohlton Schultz. Last month, Schultz competed for the United States at the World Wrestling Championships in Belgrade, Serbia. It was his seventh time at this tournament, and he’s only 23.
Another American wrestler who made this year’s world team, Mason Parris, grew up with a signed Gardner poster in his bedroom. While Gardner made his mark in the Greco-Roman style, Parris competes in freestyle. These two styles are similar; the primary difference is in which part of the body competitors are allowed to attack. In Greco-Roman, wrestlers have to keep their holds on opponents above the waist, while in freestyle, competitors can target the legs. The two forms of wrestling have a long history at the Olympics, with men contesting both since the 1896 Games in Athens. (And even before its induction into the modern Olympics, wrestling was contested at the ancient Olympics starting in 708 BC – making it one of the oldest Olympic sports.)
The two-and-a-half decades since Sydney have been complicated for the Olympic champion. He’s faced two near-death experiences (the first in 2002, during a snowmobiling accident in which he developed hypothermia and had to have a toe on his right foot amputated, and the second in 2007, when he crashed an airplane into Lake Powell, Utah and developed hypothermia for the second time); published a memoir called Never Stop Pushing: My Life from a Wyoming Farm to the Olympic Medals Stand; and lost 173 pounds as part of NBC’s reality show The Biggest Loser.
These days, Gardner lives in Utah and works as an insurance agent while also coaching wrestling at Herriman High School. As for his own wrestling career, Gardner might be starting a new chapter. In April 2023, at age 51, he tried to compete in the Greco-Roman heavyweight division … rest of story at … NBCsports.com/olympics/news/olympic-wrestling-gold-medalist-rulon-gardner-isnt-done-yet
State Champions Alex Hopper, and Avery Buonocore presented the James Johnson Memorial Award
State Champions Alex Hopper and Avery Buonocore of Wilmington Laney High School were presented the James Johnson Award for the 2022-2023 season as the top senior scholastic wrestlers in eastern North Carolina. The award is named in honor of three-time Greco-Roman national champion James Johnson. Avery Buonocore won 48 of 50 matches this season and won the 138 4-A state championship. He was a two-time finalist and placed three times at the state championships. He is a N.H.S.C.A. All-American and scholar athlete committed to wrestling next year at U.N.C.-Pembroke.
Alex Hopper won 49 of 50 matches this season while winning his 2nd state championship title at 182 lbs. In his four-year career at Laney he won 172 matches and just 11 losses and holds the school record of 152 pins. He is a strong scholar athlete committed to wrestling next year at Appalachian State.
Also named was Caleb Beaty of Corinth-Holders High School who won his last 85 matches over three seasons and three state championships. He will wrestle at American University this year.
Devon Bell and Mark Samuel of Laney High School were presented the James Johnson Memorial Award trophies in 2022. In previous years the award winners were River Carroll of West Carteret (2021), Tyler Hughes and Christian Decatur of C.B. Aycock and Bryan Argao of North Brunswick (2020), Timothy Decatur of Rosewood (2019), Beau Studebaker of East Carteret, Jeremiah Derby of First Flight and Thomas Hudson of Dixon (2018), Carlos Martinez of First Flight (2017), Will Newbern of West Carteret (2017), Tanner Stamper-Smith of Havelock (2016), Joe Mondragon of Ashley H.S. (2015), De’Andre Jones of New Bern (2014), Alex Bray of Croatan (2013), Jon Wiley (2012) of South Brunswick, Marquin Hill (2011) of Washington H.S., Branden Lietz (2010) of J.H. Rose, Mamour Camara (2009) of Louisburg, Anthony Rogers (2008) of Knightdale, Ngu Tran (2007) of C.B. Aycock, Victor Hojillo (2006) of West Carteret, Raymond Jordan (2004) of New Bern, Shaun Sheffield (2003) of Havelock, David Pelsang (2005), and Paris Dottery (2002) of White Oak.
James Johnson started wrestling his junior year for D.H. Conley High School in Greenville with Milt Sherman as his coach. James was Coney’s 1st state champion in any sport in 1976. He was North Carolina’s 1st Eastern Junior National Champion in 1975 and North Carolina’s 1st Junior Nationals All-American with 3rd in 1976. He started four years at the University of Kentucky. He was inducted as an “Outstanding American” in the North Carolina State Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. In 2012 he was a coach for the U.S.A. Olympic Greco-Roman team in London. He was on the USA National Wrestling team for 12 years, winning 3 National Championships, USA Athlete of the Year, AIM Christian Athlete of the Year, and Olympic Team Alternate. He was an Ambassador for the United States Olympic Committee, USA wrestling and The Sunkist Kids Wrestling organization for over 20 years. Johnson passed away in September, 2019 after coaching the USA Juniors Greco-Roman team at the World Championship in Estonia. The TakeDown Report has for over 20 years promoted amateur wrestling in eastern North Carolina and sponsors the Award. This award is for the most successful senior wrestlers in eastern North Carolina. Fleming noted, “It is more expensive to have multiple awards yet we see each undefeated state champion senior wrestler as deserving to be recognized.” “It encourages young men from teams in the eastern part of the state with an opportunity to realize the hard work, determination and discipline it takes to be a top notch wrestler,” he added. The TDR also ranks wrestlers in a TDR Top 12 List that is displayed on the TDR Blog page.
13 Former Super 32 Champs Are Looking To Add Another Belt
Between the boys and girls divisions, 13 former high school division champions are registered with hopes of repeating
A Super 32 belt just might be the toughest high school wrestling accolade to achieve. This year’s boys division has over half the top-twenty-ranked wrestlers in the country, and the girls division is just as tough. While winning Super 32 is incredibly difficult, 7 boys and 6 girls in this year’s field have already accomplished the task at least once. They’ll be looking to repeat their Super 32 success again this year.
2023 Super 32
7 Returning Boys Division Champions
120 lbs – #1 Anthony Knox, St. John Vianney, NJ (junior)
120 lbs – #1 (113) Christian Castillo, Valliant College Prep, AZ (junior)
132 lbs -#1 Ben Davino, St. Charles East, IL (senior)
132 lbs – #3 Bo Bassett, Bishop McCort, PA (sophomore)
157 lbs – #2 Ladarion Lockett, Stillwater, OK (junior)
215 lbs – #4 Jude Correa, Wyoming Seminary, PA (junior)
285 lbs – #8 Parker Ferrell, Christiansburg, VA (senior)
While seven different former champions will enter this year’s boys high school division at Super 32, at most, five can win. At 120 lbs, both #1 Anthony Knox and #1 (113 lbs) Christian Castillo are looking to repeat. Both will have their hands full as their bracket contains a total of 11 ranked wrestlers and six in the top ten. Knox owns a victory over Castillo from Who’s Number One in 2022.
Two champs are also registered at 132 lbs. Ben Davino won a title last year at 126 lbs while Bo Bassett took the belt at 113 lbs. Their bracket has 13 ranked wrestlers and seven in the top ten.
Ladarion Lockett beat a tough Ty Watters last year for his first belt. In order to win a second, he’ll likely need to top fellow U17 World champion Joe Sealey in the finals.
At 215 lbs, Jude Correa is hunting for a second title up a weight from where he won a year ago. His toughest tests could be Fargo champions Michael Mocco and Dreshaun Ross, two tough sophomores from Florida and Iowa respectively.
Parker Ferrell has also moved up a weight since last year. His bracket has a lot of parity. He can repeat, but it won’t be easy.
6 Returning Girls Division Champions
112 lbs – #1 Gabriella Gomez, Glenbard North, IL (junior)
132 lbs – #1 Taina Fernandez, Archbishop Spalding, MD (freshman)
148 lbs – #1 Nebi Tsarni, Watkins Mill, MD (senior)
160 lbs – #8 Kaylie Hall, Hampshire, WV (junior)
175 lbs – #18 Ella Murphey, Hardin Valley Academy, TN (senior)
175 lbs – #5 Amarisa Manuel, Romeo, MI (senior)
The girls division, like the boys division, can’t have as many returning champs as it has contenders. At 175 lbs, Both Ella Murphey and Marisa Manuel are looking to repeat.
Gabriella Gomez secured here Super 32 title in 2021 but came up just short last year. She’s coming off a victory at Who’s Number One and looking to stick to her winning ways. … rest of story at … Flowrestling.org/articles/11302517-13-former-super-32-champs-are-looking-to-add-another-belt
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
