Walker Bell named 32nd Michael Stokes Award winner
State finalist Walker Bell of West Craven High School has been named the 2023 Michael Stokes Award winner. As a four year starter Bell compiled a career record of (135-25) which is the 4th wins most in school history. He was a 4-x conference champion, 2-x conference wrestler of the year 4-x time regional placer and 3-x regional champ. Bell was a 4-x state qualifier and placed twice, 5th in 2022 and 2nd in 2023. He was selected to wrestle in the inaugural N.C. East vs West All- Star Dual at Uwharrie Charter. His teammates voted him captain three consecutive years. He maintained a 3.67 GPA and is a NCWA Scholar All- American and the NCWA Character and Leadership All American recipient. Coach Jeremiah Hohlfelder shared “Walker has led by example with his outstanding grades and work ethic and has helped lay the foundation for the program at West Craven”
Bell plans to wrestle in college and has narrowed his choices to Ferrum or Montreat. “Walker has been an absolute joy to coach the last 4 years. to see how he has grown as a person and athlete has been wonderful to watch. His hard work in the classroom and on the wrestling mat paid off with offers to wrestle in college … and get one step closer to achieving his ultimate goal of earning a college degree. Whether he goes to Ferrum or Montreat they will get an outstanding Student athlete.” Hohlfelder stated. Walker also earned his 2nd TDR Top 12 engraved wooden plaque this year as the top wrestler in his weight in eastern North Carolina. More details of the time and place for the award presentation will be announced later.
Michael Stokes wrestled the 1981-1984 seasons at Tarboro High School and with a (96–4) career record. He was North Carolina’s 2nd 3-time State Champion when there was only one individual champion at a weight in the state. He wrestled for N.C. State and won ACC wrestling titles in 1988 and 1989 and was named the ACC Most Valuable Wrestler both years. His record of 68 wins 8 losses and 3 ties (.879) is the best career winning percentage at NC State. He finished second at the NCAA Nationals at 126 lbs. in 1989 to Kendall Cross, the eventual Olympic Gold medalist. Stokes co-captained the Wolfpack in 1989 and one of the ACC’s all time 50 greatest wrestlers as recognized during the conference’s 50th anniversary celebration. Stokes credits wrestling as “providing me with a mental toughness that enables me to remove boundaries that stand in my way. Wrestling has given me the sheer determination to believe that I can conquer anything that I set my mind to do.”
Previous Stokes Award wrestlers include Aaron Bancroft (2020) and Jayleen Bullock (2021) of Wilson Fike. Ray Darden of Ayden-Grifton and Jordan Todd of Rosewood tied for the award in (2019), Sincere King of North Pitt (2018), Quadarrius Hopkins of Tarboro (2017), Wilson Smith of Rocky Mount (2016), Angel Najar of North Pitt (2015), Reggie Huff of Southern Nash (2014), David Guevara of Tarboro (2013), Alexander Knight and Jaciento Williamson of Rocky Mount (2012), Xavier Najar of North Pitt (2011), Joe Young of Northern Nash (2010), Corey Smith of Tarboro (2009), Jasmine Cooper of Nash Central (2008), Eric Wischhusen, (2007), Roylando Lucas (2001) and Ira Bing (2000) of Southern Nash, John Brewer (2006), Aaron Bancroft (2020) and Jayleen Bullock (2021) of Wilson Fike, Anthony Taylor (2005) of Rocky Mount, Sammi Hadi (2004) and Ryan Huffman (1997) of SouthWest Edgecombe, Charles Washington (2003) of Northern Nash, Quadric Eason (2002), Mike Christopher (1999 & 1998), Tony Mercer (1996) and Lee Carroll (1994 & 1995) of Tarboro. The TDR promotes amateur wrestling in eastern North Carolina and sponsors this award. “The awards are to recognize great wrestlers from before and the current ones for their efforts,” Editor Martin Fleming noted. The TakeDown Report has promoted scholastic wrestling for over 20 years in North Carolina and encourages coverage of the sport. Contact the TDR at martinkfleming@gmail.com or https://takedownreport.wordpress.com/ or ‘The TakeDown Report’ on FaceBook.
National Wrestling Hall of Fame Announces State Winners of Tricia Saunders High School Excellence Awards
The National Wrestling Hall of Fame on Wednesday announced the state winners of the Tricia Saunders High School Excellence Award (TSHSEA).
First presented in 2014, the award is named for Tricia Saunders, a four-time World Champion and women’s wrestling pioneer. Saunders was the first woman to be inducted as a Distinguished Member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2006 and was inducted into the United World Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2011.
The award recognizes and celebrates the nation’s most outstanding high school senior female wrestlers for their excellence in wrestling, scholastic achievement, citizenship, and community service.
“This year’s Tricia Saunders High School Excellence Award winners represent an exceptional group of student-athletes whose qualifications combine both academic and athletic accomplishments. They have also participated in a wide range of humanitarian and service-related activities for the benefit of others,” said Executive Director Lee Roy Smith. “We look forward to following their future successes and wish them all the best in sports and life.”
The state winners are evaluated and selected on the basis of three criteria: success and standout performances and sportsmanship in wrestling; review of GPA and class rank, academic honors and distinctions; and participation in activities that demonstrate commitment to character and community.
The Central Region, Midwest Region, Northeast Region, Southeast Region and West Region winners will be announced on April 25 and the national winner will be announced on May 2.
The state winners of the Dave Schultz High School Excellence Award will be announced on Thursday. The DSHSEA recognizes and celebrates the nation’s most outstanding high school senior male wrestlers for their excellence in wrestling, scholastic achievement, citizenship, and community service. The regional DSHSEA winners will be announced on April 26 and the national winner will be announced on May 3.
The regional winners for the TSHSEA and the DSHSEA are selected from the state winners, and the national winner is chosen from the regional winners.
The regions and the states that they are comprised of are: …
2023 Tricia Saunders High School Excellence Award State Winners (some listed)
State – Name, High School, Hometown, College Attending
Nebraska – Reagan Galloway, Amherst High School, Kearney, Hastings College
Nevada – Katie Ward, Robert McQueen High School, Reno
New Jersey – Kira Pipkins, Bloomfield High School, Bloomfield, Columbia University
New Mexico – Makayla Munoz, Aztec High School, Farmington, Oklahoma City University
New York – Emily Sindoni, Tioga Central School, Nichols, Utica University
North Carolina – Jeulenea Khang, Freedom High School, Newton, University of Mount Olive
North Dakota – Allyssa Johnson, Grand Forks Central High School, Grand Forks, Chadron State College
Ohio – Josie, Davis Sidney High School, Sidney, Campbellsville University
Oklahoma – Peyton Hand, Choctaw High School, Choctaw, Ottawa University … rest of story and list at https://nwhof.org/news/tricia-saunders-high-school-excellence-award-state-winners-announced-3
Ryan Mann presented the Lee Carroll Award for 2023
State Finalist of Northeast Carolina Prep High School named the 25th Lee Carroll Award winner for excellence in athletics, academics and sportsmanship in northeastern North Carolina last season. The TakeDown Report Editor, Martin Fleming and Lee Carroll will present the award at a time and location to be determined.
In his first two years of high school, Ryan has won the East Regional this year after placing 2nd in his freshman year. He went on to place in the state championships both years. In 2022 he became his school’s first state medalist in wrestling with a 4th place finish with a (40-4) record.
In the 2022-23 season, Ryan won individual tournament titles at the several tournaments such as the Pierce-Davis Memorial at North Pitt, the USAF Eagle Invitational at Rosewood, the Falcon Invitational at C.B. Aycock, and the Paul T Mills Memorial where he was named the M.O.W. (most outstanding wrestler) of the tournament. Ryan was undefeated leading into the state finals and led in the match until the final 5 seconds He finished the season with a (56-1) record and his career record is (96-5).
Ryan’s goal for his Junior year at NECP this fall is fairly straight forward; to be the 1A State Champion. In conversations over the past months, Ryan has also expressed an interest at competing at the college level.
Lee Carroll started wrestling his sophomore year when Tarboro High School re-started the sport in 1992 with Butch Sadler as his coach. Lee won 112 matches in just 3 years with the Vikings. Lee was state runner-up his junior year before becoming a record setting undefeated state champion in 1995 with a (50-0) record. Lee went on to start four years at North Carolina State qualifying for the Nationals 3 times. Lee has taught engineering graphics at N.C. State as an adjunct professor and has his own interactive design agency, Forged Media, in Raleigh. He has been recognized and inducted in the Tarboro High Athletic Hall of Fame.
Last year Caleb Beatty of Corinth-Holders won this award. Other previous award winners include Logan Tortual of Rosewood (2021), Javon Armstrong of Pamlico County (2020), Aaron Bancroft of Fike (2019), Christian and Timothy Decatur of Rosewood in 2018, Jaqwuez Norman of Farmville Central (2017), Kaleb Taylor of Rosewood (2016), Wilson Smith of Rocky Mount (2015 & 2014), Angel Najar of North Pitt (2013), Alexander Knight and Jacineto Williamson of Rocky Mount in 2012, Chris Fess of Beddingfield and Tamaris Lane of Nash Central in 2011, Chandler Phillips of Rocky Mount (2010), Landon Lucas of SW Edgecombe (2009), Corey Smith (2008) and Eric Sutton (2007) of Tarboro, Zach Shearin and Paul Horner (2006) and Pat Anstead (2004) of Southern Nash, Jimmy McNamara (2005) of Wilson Hunt and Sammi Hadi (2003) of SW Edgecombe.
The TakeDown Report has promoted amateur wrestling for over 20 years in eastern North Carolina reporting wrestling results and encouraging media coverage of the sport. Fleming noted, “We desire to encourage wrestlers and teams in this area to realize the hard work, determination and discipline it takes to be a top notch wrestler,” he added. The TakeDown Report sponsors the Award. Contact the TDR at martinkfleming@gmail.com or call (252) 883-3311. Fans are invited to check our blog at https://takedownreport.wordpress.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/The-TakeDown-Report-235098404048/ or on Twitter Martin Fleming @MFlemdog.
Ian Fritz of Topsail H.S. named the ‘Roy Heverly Award’ winner
Ian Fritz of Topsail H.S. is the ‘Roy Heverly Award’ winner as the top Underclassmen wrestler in Eastern North Carolina in 2023
State champion Ian Fritz of Topsail H.S. will be presented the Roy Heverly Award this fall at a home football game. The Heverly Award is for the top underclassman scholastic wrestlers in eastern North Carolina for the 2023 season. Fritz completed his sophomore season with 51 wins and just 2 losses to out of state wrestlers at the nationally ranked Beast of the East tournament. His career record so far is (94 – 5) with a 4th place finish at the state tournament his freshman year. He has also won two Regional Championships. On his path to the 4A State Championship Fritz defeated a 3x Finalist and 1x state champion Brandt Fajerman in the semifinals. He faced the defending State Champion Eli Murray in the finals and defeated him by a Tech Fall.
In the month following the state championship Ian won four of six matches at the National High School Coaches Association national tournament in Virginia Beach. His losses were in a close 6-5 decision to the 3rd place finisher and to the 7th Place finisher by a 5-3 decision. Both wrestlers were from the Buckeye State of Ohio. Academically Ian has maintained a 4.3 GPA in school and earned his teammates respect as they voted him Team Captain as a Sophomore. He is “Hands down the hardest worker in the room” according to his coaches. Ian is a strong candidate to repeat as champion next season. More details of the day and time of the presentation in the fall shall be announced later.
Previous ‘Roy Heverly Award’ winners
2022 Alex Hopper of Wilm. Laney
2021 Caleb Beaty of Wake Forest and Mark Samuel of Wilm. Laney
2020 River Carroll of Swansboro and Mark Samuel of Wilm. Laney
2019 Christian Decatur of Rosewood
2018 Alec Sampson of Hoggard 2017 Beau Studebaker of East Carteret
2016 Harrison Campbell of West Brunswick 2015 Blaine Mainz of Jacksonville
2014 Joe Sculthorpe of Topsail 2013 Matteson Correll of Topsail
2012 Nick Quillen of Rosewood and Tyler Ross of Jacksonville
2011 Jake Smith of Havelock 2010 Marquin Hill of Washington
2009 Ryan Blackwell of Croatan 2008 Charlie Millea of Havelock
2007 Frank Hickman of Wilm. Laney 2006 Sean O’Laker of Croatan
2005 Eddie Sawyer of Currituck Co. 2004 Brian Lashomb of Currituck Co.
2003 Raymond Jordan of New Bern,
The award is named in honor of former state champion Roy Heverly, a 4 time state medalist at West Carteret and three time All-American at The University of North Carolina-Pembroke. The TakeDown Report, an on-line publication promotes amateur wrestling in eastern North Carolina, sponsors these Awards. “These awards recognize the most successful wrestlers in the area each year.” Fleming noted, “It encourages the young men from the teams in the eastern part of the state with another opportunity for others to realize the hard work, determination and discipline it takes to be a top wrestler,” he added. The TDR also ranks wrestlers in a TDR Top 12 List that is displayed on the TDR Blog page. The TDR has been involved in the publicity of amateur wrestling in North Carolina for over 20 years. Contact the TDR at martinkfleming@gmail.com, (252) 883-3311 & https://takedownreport.wordpress.com/
Wrestling – The World’s Oldest Sport
TDR Editor’s Notes; A much younger North Carolinian wrestling fan Milt Sherman presented this video as part of his Master’s thesis while a graduate student at East Carolina University. It may take a few seconds before the video starts yet it is well worth the wait. Thank you Milt for completing and sharing this with other wrestling fans.
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Bellarmine Wins NCWA Title Past Liberty; Allen Earns Fourth Title
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Bellarmine’s four national champions along with a runner-up and three third-place finishers secured its first team title at the National Collegiate Wrestling Association Championships at the Puerto Rico Convention Center. Devan Hendricks, the Knights’ senior 174-pounder who won his bracket with a third-period pin over Grand Valley State’s Josh Kenny, was named Most Outstanding Wrestler.
The Knights’ 206.5 team points outlasted Liberty’s 189.5 total with the finalists as the difference. Liberty won all three of its finals matches at 197, 235 and 285 but didn’t have the second- and third-place finishes to counter Bellarmine. The Apprentice School won a tight battle for third place with 135 points, edging Springfield Tech Community College (fourth, 133.5) and Grand Valley State (fifth, 131).
Jack Parker opened the finals session with a pin in the 125 title match, taking down Bruno Alves of Apprentice in 4:17. Zac Cowan scored a 22-7 tech fall over Thomas McCane of Central Florida in the 149 bout. McCane was the 2022 national champion at 141 pounds while wrestling for Florida. Bellarmine then won back-to-back titles at 165 and 174. Cole Nance won his 165 bracket by fall over Talon Pisarchuk of the Williamson School of the Trades before Hendricks claimed his national title.
One of the evening’s highlights came in the 235 bracket when Jeff Allen of Liberty became the most decorated male wrestler in association history with a fourth consecutive national title. Allen is the first NCWA male wrestler to win four individual national titles, this one by taking a narrow 5-4 win over Zeke Alleman of Utah Tech. Allen scored a takedown with 36 seconds left in the match to take a 5-3 lead before yielding an escape before time ran out. Allen, a senior from Monroe, Va., also won national titles in 2022, 2020 and 2019. There was not an NCWA national tournament in 2021 due to COVID protocols. Four (4) women have accomplished the 4-peat but in much smaller brackets with the most successful of the four being Samantha Frank of the University of Maine, who also won 4 MOW awards. … rest of story at NCWA.net/news/2023/bellarmine-wins-ncwa-title-past-liberty-allen-earns-fourth-title
Wrestling wins NCWA National Championship, claims four individual titles
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – A historic season for Bellarmine wrestling finished in a fitting way on Saturday in Puerto Rico. The Knights claimed a NCWA National Championship as a team, and four Bellarmine wrestlers earned individual titles in their respective weight classes.
Competing against 73 opponents from the United States and Puerto Rico, Bellarmine topped the charts with 206.5 team points. Liberty, after claiming last year’s NCWA Championship, finished second.
Jack Parker (125), Zac Cowan (149), Cole Nance (165), and Devan Hendricks (174) all won their weight classes at the Great Lakes Championships, and all did so once again on the national stage. Hendricks was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Wrestler.
“What a cool way to cap off our third season in transitioning into Division I,” Knights Head Coach Ned Shuck said. “So thankful the NCWA provided us with an opportunity to have a National Championship as we wait for our first opportunity to compete in the Division 1 postseason.”
Parker went 5-0 at 125 in dominant fashion, earning four pins and a tech fall. He topped Bruno Alves of Apprentice with a pin at the 4:17 mark of the championship bout.
Cowan put up similar results, totaling a 5-0 record with two pins and three tech falls at 149. The SoCon All-Freshman Team honoree defeated Thomas McCane of UCF by tech fall 22-7 (7:00) in the final match.
Nance tallied a 6-0 record at 165, racking up four pins and two major decision victories. In the championship match, he pinned Talon Pisarchuk of Williamson College of the Trades (3:57).
Hendricks went 5-0 with two pins, two tech falls, and a major decision win at 174. The senior pinned last year’s JUCO champion, Josh Kenny of Grand Valley State, at the 6:48 mark of the championship match.
Thadd Huff earned second place at 285, going 4-1 with a pair of pins. Huff fell in the title match to Frederick Weaver of Liberty.
Michael Schiffhauer nabbed third place, wrestling eight times at 133, posted a 7-1 record with a major decision, tech fall, and pin. Schiffhauer defeated Blake Schmitt of Liberty in the third place match. … rest of story at Bellarmine.edu/news/2023/3/11/wrestling-wins-ncwa-national-championship-claims-four-individual-titles
OTTAWA-ARIZONA TAKES NCWA WOMEN’S CROWN WITH FOUR CHAMPIONS; BELLARMINE CLAIMS MEN’S TITLE WITH FOUR CHAMPIONS
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Bellarmine, the NCAA team in the Southern Conference which is going through its transition to Div. I, earned four champions and eight total All-Americans to capture the men’s title at the NCWA Nationals on Saturday. Bellarmine scored 206 points, followed by Liberty, with three champions and 12 All-Americans and 189.5 points.The Apprentice School was third with 135 points, with Springfield Tech in fouth with 133.5 points and Grand Valley State in fifth with 131 points.
Ottawa-Arizona claimed the women’s team title, scoring 120 points, ahead of runner-up Grays Harbor with 80 points. The top five including third-place Big Bend CC with 41 points, fourth-place Washington State with 36.5 points and fifth-place M.I.T. with 34 points.
In the women’s finals, Ottawa-Arizona had four champions in Jennifer Alcott (101), Hermelinda Mendoza (109), Lyqualah Kinsey (116) and Julia Mata (155), two runners-up and two fourth-place finishers.
All four Ottawa-Arizona champions scored pins in the finals. Mendoza repeated as national champion with her pin of Daniela Suttles of Grand Canyon in 2:23. Alcott pinned Caley Kling of Colorado State in 48 seconds. Kinsey pinned Mia Armstron of Texas-Arlington in 1:36. Mata put away Leilani Frazier of Santa Rosa JC in 1:26.
Runner-up Grays Harbor had an individual champion, Renaeh Ureste (191), one runner-up, four third-place finishers and a fourth-place athlete. … rest of story at Teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2023/March/11/NCWA-wrap
Steffey Named 2023 Olivia Award winner
Angelica Steffey of Croatan High School named the 2nd Annual Olivia Neal Award winner.
Picture is of the 2022 Olivia Neal Award with the TDR banner in the background
State Champion Angelica Steffey of Croatan High School will receive the 2nd Annual Olivia Neal Award as the 2023 Most Outstanding Female scholastic wrestler in eastern North Carolina.
Angelica went 28-0 this year against girls and won her 2nd straight state title. She went 3-2 against boys. She is only the 2nd 2 time state champion in Croatan High School history along with Ryan Blackwell. Blackwell has recently been named to the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. She plans to wrestle in college next year and is currently choosing between two schools. She desires is to study Architectural Engineering. Prior to this season, she was a 3 year starter for the Croatan High School boy’s team. Angelica led both the boys and girls on the Croatan team this year with a total of 24 pins. She is also a ‘TDR Top 12 Girls’ wrestler’ and received an engraved wooden plaque.
The award is for the most inspirational and successful female wrestler in eastern North Carolina. In 2022 Isabel Rodriguez of Dixon High School was awarded the first Olivia Neal. Rodriguez has gone on to wrestle at Division II University of Mount Olive, as a member of their inaugural team.
Girls’ wrestling is growing at a rapid rate with over 35 states having sanctioned state championships in girls wrestling. North Carolina will join these states in sponsoring a sanctioned state championship tournament in the 2023-2024 season. The number of students participating in wrestling will continue to grow in our communities and these opportunities will assist in the growth of those who participate.
Olivia Neal was the first female wrestler in the state to qualify for the varsity state tournament. She wrestled for Rosewood High School for four years. There was a great deal of publicity, and she pinned her first opponent at the state tournament. This inspired a growing number of girls in eastern N.C. to try out wrestling.
The TakeDown Report has promoted amateur wrestling for over 20 years in eastern North Carolina reporting wrestling results and encouraging media coverage of the sport. Fleming noted, “We desire to encourage wrestlers and teams in this area to realize the hard work, determination and discipline it takes to be a top notch wrestler,” he added. The TakeDown Report sponsors the Award. Contact the TDR at martinkfleming@gmail.com or call (252) 883-3311. Fans are invited to check our blog at https://takedownreport.wordpress.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/The-TakeDown-Report-235098404048/ or on Twitter Martin Fleming @MFlemdog.
2022 Olivia Neal Award winner Isabel Rodriguez of Dixon with her current University of Mount Olive coaches.
Top All-Time NAIA Coaches in Dual Meet Wins
TDR Editor’s Notes ; This list of college coaches by the number of dual meet victories in which they led their teams while coaching in the NAIA. Coach Milton Marttn coached at Westmar College for 37 years until the school closed in 1997. He is the top coach with almost 200 more wins than the 2nd place coach, Bob Riehm of Southern Oregon. Franky James of Campbellsville moved past Mike Macholz of Missouri Valley into 5th place among all-time coaches. He will probably move into 3rd after next season. It is challenging to keep accurate records with NAIA schools yet we desire to acknowledge the coaches and teams in that division. Listed are just the top 50 coaches but we seek to keep track of all. We welcome input, information and reactions to us at martinkfleming@gmail.com +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
ALL-TIME NAIA Coaches – Top 50 with at least 45 wins
- Milton Martin (Westmar) 462 – NAIA
- Bob Riehm (Southern Oregon) 270 — NAIA
- Gerald E. “Jerry” Hampton (Graceland U.) 238 – NAIA
- Mike Ritchey (Southern Oregon) 236 – NAIA
- Franky James (Campbellsville) 235 – NAIA
- Mike Machholz (Missouri Valley) 232 – NAIA – retired in 2022
- Vern Tate (Huron – SD Si Tanka) 201 – NAIA
- Bill Hughes (Black Hills State) 187
- Clayton Ketterling (Waynesburg/Dickinson St.) 170 inc.
- Nick Mitchell (Grand View College) 169
- Mike Jones (Simon Fraser) 162 inc
- Don Lemnus (Valley City State) 158
- Corey Ruff (Lindsey-Wilson) 135
- David Ray (So. Illinois-Edwardsville, Montana State) 134
- Caleb Schaeffer (Providence Univ./Great Falls) 133 – NAIA
- Fran Hummel (Northern State, Midland Lutheran) 131
- Milo Trusty (Univ. of Mary) 128
- Tom Jarman (Taylor College) 128
- Rodger Jehlicka (Adams State) 127
- Thadd O’Donnell (Dickinson State) 121
- Arnold Brandt (Morningside College) 121
- Tyson Thivierge (Montana St. Northern) 114
- Caleb Schaeffer (Great Falls Univ.) 104
- Jess Wilder (Univ. of Cumberlands) 101
- Archie Randall (Oklahoma City Univ.) 97
- Jake Stevenson (Morningside College) 97
- K.C. Rock (Embry-Riddle College) 92
- Dana Vote (Doane, Midland, Concordia) — 91
- Omi Acosta (Life University) 86
- Jeff Bedard (Reinhardt Univ.) 86
- Rik Dahl (Northwestern College) 84
- Thomas Pompei (Indiana Institute of Technology) 84
- Joey Martinez (Menlo) 80
- Todd Allen (Williams Baptist/Cumberland Univ.) 69 – retired?
- James Kisgen (McKendree College) 66 – school now active in Div.II
- James Hicks (Cumberland Univ.) 66
- Steven Bradley (Marian Univ.) — 60
- Brian Jackson (Missouri Baptist) 58 inc.
- Joe Privitere (Briar Cliff) — 56
- Beau Vest (Dana-Midland) 55 – now at another division
- Lenny Zalesky (Calif. Baptist) 55 – now at another division
- Cody Garcia (Baker College) 54 – now at another division
- Keith Spataro (Menlo College) 52
- Jake Brumbelow (Midway, Emman., B-P-Coll.) – 52 – retired in 2022
- Aaron Meister (Wayland Baptist) 51
- Joe Baranik (St. Andrews) 50
- Jordan Countryman (Univ. of the Cumberlands) – 46
- Zach Mullins (Graceland Univ.) — 46
- Dan Lovell (Jamestown Univ.) — 45
- Dustyn Azure (Eastern Oregon) 45
Top Active NAIA Coaches in Dual Meet Wins
TDR Editor’s Notes ; This list of college coaches by the number of dual meet victories in which they led their teams while coaching in the NAIA. With only a few NAIA wrestling programs in the southeast there are limited connections to North Carolina. Yet Franky James is fairly close in Kentucky with the Campbellsville team and he has moved past Mike Macholz into first place among active coaches. Coach Macholz retired before last season but he is listed for recognition before he fades from the lsit next year. Congratulations for a successful career. Most NAIA schools are in the midwest and mountain regions of the west. It is challenging to keep accurate records with NAIA schools yet we desire to acknowledge the coaches and teams in that division. Listed are just the top 25 coaches but we seek to keep track of all. We welcome input, information and reactions to us at martinkfleming@gmail.com +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
ACTIVE Coaches – Top 27 with at least 45 wins NAIA
- Franky James (Campbellsville) 235
- Mike Machholz (Missouri Valley) 232 – retired in 2022
- Nick Mitchell (Grand View College) 169
- Corey Ruff (Cumberlands/Lindsey-Wilson) 135
- Tyson Thivierge (Montana State Northern) 114
- Jake Stevenson (Morningside College) — 97
- K.C. Rock (Embry-Riddle College) – 92
- Dana Vote (Doane, Midland, Concordia) — 91
- Omi Acosta (Life University) — 86
- Jeff Bedard (Reinhardt Univ.) — 86
- Rik Dahl (Northwestern College) — 84
- Thomas Pompei (Indiana Institute of Technology) 84
- Joey Martinez (Menlo) — 80
- Todd Allen (Williams Baptist Coll., Cumberlands) – 69 – retired ?
- James Kisgen (McKendree College) — 66 school now in Div. II
- James Hicks (Cumberland Univ./Darton — 66
- Steven Bradley (Marian Univ.) — 60
- Brian Jackson (Missouri Baptist) — 58 inc.
- Joe Privitere (Briar Cliff) — 56
- Lennie Zalesky (Calif. Baptist Univ.) — 55 – now a D-I school
- Beau Vest (Dana-Midland) — 55 – coaching now at another level
- Cody Garcia (Baker College) — 54 coaching now at another level
- Jake Brumbelow (Midway, Emman., B-P-Coll.) — 52 – retired in 2022
- Zach Mullins (Graceland Univ.) — 46
- Jordan Countryman (Univ. of the Cumberlands) –46
- Dan Lovell (Jamestown Univ.) — 45
- Dustyn Azure (Eastern Oregon) — 45
Nathan Lackman wins DIII national wrestling title with OT win over his brother
BROTHERS NATHAN AND MATT LACKMAN MEET IN FINALS OF DIII WRESTLING CHAMPIONSHIP
Roanoke, Va. — Rhode Island College senior Nathan Lackman (Wernersville, Pa.) defeated his brother, Alvernia junior Matt Lackman (Wernersville, Pa.), 3-1, in sudden victory to win the individual national championship at 165 pounds at the 2023 NCAA Div. III Wrestling National Championship on Saturday evening.
Nathan, who was the No. 1 seed, and Matt, the No. 2 seed, at 165 lbs. each came into the finals having won their previous three matches at the tournament.
After a scoreless first period, Matt notched an escape 10 seconds into the second stanza. Nathan answered back 46 seconds into the third period to knot the bout at 1-1.
The match headed into overtime and Nathan struck for a takedown 50 seconds in to win an individual national title and earn All-American honors for the second consecutive season. He was the NCAA Div. III National Champion at 157 lbs. as a junior in 2021-22. … rest of story at NCAA.com/news/wrestling/article/2023-03-12/nathan-lackman-wins-diii-national-wrestling-title-ot-win-over-his-brother
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 