Top Active Division II 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 in Division II. Active D-II Coaches with connections to North Carolina schools include Kenn Caudell of Belmont Abbey (14th), and O.T. Johnson of UNC-Pembroke (17th). Listed are just the top 25 coaches listed but we seek to keep track of all. We welcome input, information and reactions to us at martinkfleming@gmail.com
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- Pat Pecora (Pitt-Johnstown) 646
- Mike Denney (Maryville Univ./Nebr.-Omaha) 389
- Jim Makovsky (Minn. St.-Mankato/Valley City St.) 324
- Steve Costanzo (St. Cloud Univ.&Dana College) 319
- Robert Fisher (Kutztown Univ.) 236
- Doug Henry (Gannon Univ.) 234
- Jason Reitmeier (Augustana College-S.D.) 212
- Heath Grimm (Upper Iowa Univ.) 210
- Mike Wehler (Mercyhurst, West Liberty State) 208
- Doug Moses (New Mex. Highlands, So. Colo., Col. St.) 162 inc.
- Chuck Piper (Colorado Mesa) 138
- James Kisgen (McKendree College) – 141
- Pat Timm (Northern State) 135
- Kenn Caudell (Belmont-Abbey College) 127
- Jason Ramstetter (Adams State College) 125
- Jason Warthan (Indianapolis Univ.) 123
- Othello ‘O.T.’ Johnson (U. N.C.-Pembroke) 119
- Shawn Nelson (Findlay Univ.) 104 inc.
- Seth Bloomquist (Shippensburg State) 102
- Dalton Jensen (Nebraska-Kearney) 94
- Dock Kelly (Anderson) 93 ** now at NAIA school
- Dax Charles (Colorado State-Pueblo) 87
- Todd Steidley (Central Oklahoma) 86
- Brian Tucker (Seton Hill) 81
- Brett Hunter (Chadron State) 78
2023 North Carolina “HALL OF FAME DAY” CELEBRATION
April 1, 2023
DEAR Fans of Wrestling:
ONE OR MORE OF THE NORTH CAROLINA CLASS OF 2023 HONOREES AND THE NATIONAL WRESTLING HALL OF FAME AND MUSEUM CORDIALLY INVITE YOU TO ATTEND THE 19th “HALL OF FAME DAy” CELEBRATION ON MAY 21, 2023 AT THE FRIDAY CENTER IN CHAPEL HILL.
THE SOCIAL WILL BEGIN AT 2:00 P.M. and DINNER SERVED AT 3:00 P.M.
THE AWARD PRESENTATION WILL FOLLOW DINNER.
THE PURPOSE OF THIS BANQUET IS TO HONOR AND RECOGNIZE INDIVIDUALS FOR THEIR YEARS OF COMMITMENT AS POSITIVE ROLE MODELS TO OUR STUDENT ATHLETES.
THE CLASS OF 2023 HAS GIVEN COUNTLESS HOURS OF THEIR TIME INSTILLING IN YOUNG PEOPLE THE SKILLS NEEDED TO SUCCEED IN ALL AREAS OF LIFE. THE LIFETIME SERVICE TO WRESTLING AWARD IS FOR YEARS OF DEDICATION TO THE SPORT OF WRESTLING AS A COACH, OFFICIAL, OR CONTRIBUTOR. THEY WILL BE PERMANENTLY RECOGNIZED AT THE NATIONAL WRESTLING HALL OF FAME AND MUSEUM IN STILLWATER, OKLAHOMA.
The Class of 2023
“Lifetime service to wrestling” award
Billy Baker
David Barker
Paul Crouse
Sara Koenig
Ryan Blackwell – Medal of Courage
This is an opportunity for you to honor these great individuals and promote the positive aspects of our oldest and greatest sport—“wrestling”!
To register for the “Hall of Fame day” celebration.
Please complete the appropriate sections and return to the address listed.
We are looking forward to May 21st—a great day for North Carolina’s outstanding individuals and the sport of wrestling. North Carolina can be proud of these deserving honorees.
Yours in wrestling,
Rex Wells, President
North Carolina Chapter
REGISTRATION FORM
2023 North Carolina “HALL OF FAME DAY” CELEBRATION
Location: The Friday Center Chapel Hill, NC
Banquet Registration
Please make check ($60.00 per person) payable to “National Wrestling Hall of Fame, North Carolina Chapter” and return by May 14, 2023.
Name___________________________________________________________
Total Number Attending ___________
NAME(S) OF GUEST(S): (Please print neatly. Name tags will be made from this.)
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Total Amount Enclosed for Tickets _________________
I (WE) ARE ATTENDING IN HONOR OF (RECIPIENT’S NAME): ______________________________________________
HONOREES’ SPECIAL CONTRIBUTION
Yes, I (We) want to honor (Honorees’ Name(s) ___________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
And support the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum by sending a special contribution in the name of the above-mentioned Honoree(s).
______ $25 ______ $50 _____ $100 _____ $250 Other Amount ______________
The NWHOF is a 501(C) 3 Corporation. Any Special contributions made on behalf of an honoree is tax deductible. Your name will be included on The Special Contribution Page in the Banquet Program. Please write below how you wish to have your name listed.
__________________________________________________________________
RETURN COMPLETED FORM TO: National Wrestling Hall of Fame
North Carolina Chapter
123 Foxden Drive Unit 204
Fletcher, NC 28732
(828) 779-1474
Or purchase online at: https://nc-nwhof.ticketleap.com/
Please check-in at the registration table that day. If you purchase tickets online, please e-mail the names to rexwells1977@gmail.com to have name tags made.
All Time Top Division I 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 Division I teams. Several of the coaches have a greater overall number of victories when their time as a coach at another level is added in. Some notes of interest are John Smith of Oklahoma State is closing in on the 2nd spot and could pass Harold Nichols in a year or two. Tom Borelli moved past Bob Guzzo of N.C. State and Dan Gable of Iowa. Brian Smith of Missouri moved past four coaches to tie Carl Adams at 20th. Tom Ryan of Ohio State and Mark Manning of Nebraska both moved past the 300 wins mark to join just 31 other D-I coaches of the past 120 years of college wrestling. We welcome input, information and reactions to us at martinkfleming@gmail.com
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ALL-TIME Coaches(D-I)– Top 125 with at least 116 Wins
- Dale Thomas (Oregon State) 616
- Harold Nichols (Iowa St.) 493
- John Smith (Oklahoma State Univ.) 476
- Gary Taylor (Rider) 442
- Bobby Douglas (Iowa St/CSSB/ArizSU) 440
- J Robinson (Minnesota) 440
- Jack Childs (Drexel) 423
- T.J. Kerr (U. Calif. Bakersfield/San Jose St.) 421
- Wally Johnson (Minnesota Univ.) 392
- John Johnston (Princeton) 382
- Bill Lam (North Carolina Univ.) 378
- Lonnie Timmerman (Drake) 364
- Tom Borelli (Central Michigan) 360
- Bob Guzzo (N.C. State ) 356
- Dan Gable (Iowa) 355
- Russ Hellickson (Ohio St./Wisc.) 350
- Paul Mance (Appalachian State.) 348
- Rob Koll (Stanford/Cornell Univ.) 334
- Gray Simons (ODU, Tenn, L. Haven, Ind. St.) 327
- Carl Adams (Boston Univ.) 326
- Brian Smith (Missouri/Syracuse) 326 up 4 spots
- Bob Bubb (Clarion Univ.) 322
- Jack Spates (Oklahoma & Cornell) 322
- Dave Amato (Brown) 319
- Joe Seay (Okla.St., Ca.-Bak., U.Tenn.-Chatt.) 319
- Dennis Deliddo (Cal. St. Fresno) 313
- Ron Finley (Oregon Univ.) 311
- Ed Peery (U.S. Naval Academy) 311
- Tom Ryan (Ohio State/Hofstra) 307
- Randy Stottlemyer (Pittsburgh) 304
- Mark Manning (Nebraska/Northern Iowa) 303
- Stan Abel (Oklahoma, Cincinnati) 302
- Roger Sanders (Bloomsburg, New York Univ.) 300
- Duane Goldman (Indiana Univ.) 297
- Dick Bonacci (Cleveland State) 296
- John McHugh (Maryland, Catholic, American) 288
- Craig Turnbull (West Virginia Univ.) 287
- Joe Begala (Kent State Univ.) 282
- Tom Brands (Iowa & Virginia Tech) 282
- Ed Carlin (Syracuse Univ.) 280
- Jim Zalesky (Oregon State/Iowa) 278 (now at NAIA school)
- Clifford Keen (Michigan Univ.) 274
- Dave McCuskey (Iowa / Univ. Northern Iowa) 262
- Tim Flynn (West Virginia/Edinboro St.) 254
- Ron Gray (Kent St./Franklin & Marshall) 253
- Arnold ‘Swede’ Umbach (Auburn Univ) 249
- Joel Greenlee (Ohio Univ.) 244
- Roger Reina (Pennsylvania, Univ. of) 242
- Red W. Watkins (Appalachian State/Maryville) 239
- Joe McFarland (Michigan/Indiana) 238
- Ed Steers (Army, E.C.U. William&Mary) 235
- Cael Sanderson (Penn State, Iowa State) 235
- Barry Davis (Wisconsin) 234
- Oscar Gupton (Virginia Military Institute) 232
- Mark Johnson (Illinois & Oregon State) 231
- Pat Popolizio (North Carolina St., SUNY-Bing.) – 231
- Kevin Dresser (Iowa St./Virginia Tech Un.) 228
- Tommy Chesbro (Oklahoma State) 227
- Pat Santoro (Lehigh University, Maryland) 225
- Harry Houska (Ohio University) 224
- William Sheridan (Lehigh & Penn) 222
- Bob Carlson (Utah State) 221
- Fred Powell (Slippery Rock State) 221
- Dale Bahr (Michigan) 221
- Bill Harvey (Duke) 220
- Chuck Patten (Northern Iowa Univ.) 217
- Grady Peninger (Michigan State Un.) 213
- Ed Michael (Buffalo) 213
- Fred Davis (Brigham Young Un.) 210
- Scott Goodale (Rutgers University) – 209
- Bill Koll (Penn State, Northern Iowa, Cornell Coll.) 208
- William “Sully” Krouse (Maryland) 207
- Paul Billy (Delaware Univ.) 206
- Jimmy Miller (Cornell Univ.) 203
- Linn Long (So. Illini-Carbondale/Colorado) 203
- Tim Neumann (Nebraska) 199
- Jim Andrassy (Kent State Univ.) 198
- Charles Sherwood (Cent. Mich. Un.) 195
- Jerry Cheynet (Virginia Tech) 194
- Charlie Speidel (Penn State) 191
- Greg Strobel (Lehigh University) 189
- Fran McCann (Indiana St/WinonaSt./Notre Dame) 184
- Steve Garland (Univ. of Virginia) 181
- Charles Mayser (Iowa St./Yale/Franklin&Marshall) 180
- Clyde H. “Red” Whitman (East Stroudsburg St.) 180
- Jessie Reyes (Purdue) 179
- Reg Wicks (U.S. Naval Academy) 173
- John Stutzman (Bloomsburg/Buffalo Univ.) 173
- Steve Martin (Old Dominion Univ.) 172
- Pete (Tom?) Robinson (Old Dominion Un.) 172
- Thad Turner (Lehigh Univ.) 171
- Dan Wirnsberger (Bucknell/Bloomsburg) 170
- Carl Poff (Lock Haven Univ.) 167
- John Sacchi (Rutgers University) 167
- Lowell Lange (Georgia Tech/Cornell Coll.) 161
- Joe Wells (Oregon State Univ.) 161
- John Trudgeon (V.M.I.) 160
- Hugh Otopalik (Iowa State) 159
- Jack Effner (Clev. St./U.S. M.A.) 158
- Mike Young (Boise State) 155 – inc.
- Harold Pinther (Eastern Illinois Univ.) 149
- Jay Weiss (Harvard Univ) 147
- Rob Hjerling (Citadel) 144
- Donn Matson (Cal. State-Fullerton/Santa Barbara) 144
- Ray Swartz (Central Oklahoma, U.S. Naval Acad.) 143
- Richard Voliva (Rutgers Univ.) 142
- Myron Roderick (Oklahoma State Univ.) 140
- George Redman (Central Conneticut)133
- Jerry Swope (Millersville Univ.) 133
- John Mark Bentley (Appalachian St.) 133
- Kerry McCoy (Maryland/Stanford) 131 – retired 2019
- Joe Seay (Okla.St., U.Tenn.-Chatt.) 130
- Bert Waterman (Yale University) 130 – inc.
- Mark Branch (Wyoming Univ.) 130
- Steve Suder (Wyoming University) 127
- John Schutz (U.S. Naval Academy) 126
- Ron Russo (Columbia Univ.) 125
- W. Roy Phillips (Franklin & Marshall/Pennsylvania) 124 – inc.
- A. Frank Teske (Virginia Tech) 122
- Neil Turner (Lock Haven) 120
- Mark Cody (Presby/Oklahoma/American) 119
- Greg Randall (Boise State) 117
- Ike Sherlock (V.M.I./Campbell) 116
- Jim Heffernan (Univ. of Illinois) 116
- Zeke Jones (Ariz. St./U. of Penn.) 116
Top Active Division I Coaches in Dual Meet Wins
TDR Editor’s Notes ; This is the first of a series of lists of college coaches by the number of dual meet victories in which they led their teams. This year two Big 10 coaches, Ryan & Manning joined the 300 win club which grew to six in Division I coaches. Sanderson of Penn State jumped up three rungs on the list past the top North Carolina Coach, Pat Popolizio at North Carolina State, into 12th place. Bentley of Appalachian State joined the top 25 part of the list. We have just the top 30 coaches listed but do keep track of all. We welcome input, information and reactions to us at martinkfleming@gmail.com
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Top 30 Division I ACTIVE Coacheswith at least 100 Wins
- John Smith (Oklahoma State Univ.) 476
- Tom Borelli (Central Michigan) 360
- Rob Koll (Cornell Univ.) 334
- Brian Smith (Missouri/Syracuse) 326
- Tom Ryan (Ohio State/Hofstra) 307
- Mark Manning (Nebraska/Northern Iowa) 303
- Tom Brands (Iowa & Virginia Tech) 282
- Jim Zalesky (Oregon State/Iowa) 278 now at NAIA school
- Tim Flynn (Edinboro State Univ.) 254
- Joel Greenlee (Ohio Univ.) 244
- Roger Reina (Pennsylvania, Un.) 242
- Cael Sanderson (Penn State, Iowa State) – 235
- Pat Popolizio (North Carolina St., SUNY-Binghampton) – 231
- Kevin Dresser (Iowa State/Virginia Tech Univ.) 228
- Pat Santoro (Lehigh University, Maryland) 225
- Scott Goodale (Rutgers University) – 209
- Jim Andrassy (Kent State Univ.) 198
- Steve Garland (Virginia University) 181
- John Stutzman (Buffalo SUNY, Bloomsburg) – 173
- Dan Wirnsberger (Bucknell, Bloomsburg) 170
- Jay Weiss (Harvard Univ.) – 147
- Chris Bono (Wisconsin/South Dakota/U.Tenn.Chatt.) 144
- John Mark Bentley (Appalachian State) – 133
- Jason Borelli (American/Stanford Univ.) – 131
- Mark Branch (Wyoming Univ.) – 130
- Mark Cody (Presbyterian, Oklahoma U., American U.) – 119
- Jim Heffernan (Illinois University) – 116
- Zeke Jones (Ariz. St., Univ. Of Penn.) – 116
- Roger Kish (North Dakota State) – 109
- Greg Williams (Utah Valley State) – 101
Final Women’s College Pound-For-Pound Rankings Are Here!
Check out the final 2022-23 women’s college pound-for-pound rankings.
The final women’s college pound-for-pound rankings are here following the completion of every national championship (NJCAA, NCWWC, and NAIA). Every wrestler listed reached the finals of her respective national tournament. Historical national placings are listed underneath each wrestler.
This is a collaboration between FloWrestling and American Women’s Wrestling.
Ranked by division
NCWWC (NCAA): 14
NAIA: 10
NJCAA: 1
1. Yelena Makoyed (North Central), SR, NCAA, 170 pounds
Makoyed pinned her way through her bracket at the National Collegiate Women’s Wrestling Championships, including a fall over King’s Cheyenne Bowman. Bowman defeated Makoyed at the 2022 National Duals which was Makoyed’s last college loss. The North Central senior completed season 28-0 with 15 falls and 11 techs.
NCWWC placings: 2-1-1-1
Previous: 1
2. Adaugo Nwachukwu (Iowa Wesleyan), SO, NAIA, 136 pounds
Nwachukwu blitzed her way through the NAIA Championships with three falls and a 15-2 tech in the finals. She finished the season with a 31-0 record, including 29 falls or techs.
NAIA placings: 1-1
Previous: 2
3. Dymond Guilford (Cumberlands), SR, NAIA, 170 pounds … rest of list at Flowrestling.org/articles/10779111-final-womens-college-pound-for-pound-rankings
Mercyhurst wrestling coach takes one for the OTHER team
In a sport like wrestling, athletes rely on their own individual abilities and, still, the competitiveness and camaraderie of a team sport through training, development, and support are ever apparent.
So, when Mercyhurst University Wrestling Coach Mike Wehler stepped out of his team’s inner circle to coach a wrestler on another team at the NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships in Iowa earlier this month, it was a moment that sparked both surprise and admiration.
Aaron King, NCAA championship manager for the Division II Wrestling Championships, tells it this way:
“During Session II, the Shippensburg head coach was transported to the hospital for treatment. Shippensburg had a 157 LB wrestler that was preparing for an enormous quarterfinal bout. Without hesitation, Mike stepped up to make sure the Shippensburg student-athlete was taken care of and offered to coach the student-athlete in the absence of any other representation from Shippensburg. Mike continued to coach the student-athlete throughout the remainder of the tournament.
Knowing Mike, he will play this off as if it is not a big deal, but to me this embodies the epitome of sportsmanship and I know it is something the student-athlete will never forget. I am very appreciative of Mike stepping up and want to commend him for what he did.”
King’s account was sent to Mercyhurst Assistant Vice President for Athletics Brad Davis, who reached out to Wehler to add, “To provide this support at a championship for another team is first class. Congrats on getting two All-Americans.”
That’s right. Mercyhurst’s wrestlers earned top-eight finishes that weekend. Eric Bartos earned fourth place while Jake Niffenegger placed seventh. Both were named All-Americans. … rest of story at Mercyhurst.edu/news/mercyhurst-wrestling-coach-takes-one-for-the-other-team
Ohio State recruits beat Penn State recruits, Pa. squad falls at Pittsburgh Wrestling Classic
By: Paul Schofield
Vinny Kilkeary and Rocco Welsh ended their high school careers with wins at the 49th annual Pittsburgh Wrestling Classic on Saturday at Peters Township.
And the future Ohio State commits did it by defeating two Penn State commits. This could be the start of a good wrestling rivalry.
While Kilkeary and Welsh were winners, the strong United States squad handed the Pennsylvania squad a sound 33-9 beating before a standing-room-only crowd.
On hand for the match were former Classic All-Stars Sammy Sasso of Ohio State and Bethel Park grad and Pitt national champion Nino Bonaccorsi, who received a standing ovation.
Kilkeary turned a back trip into a cradle for a four-point move in the third period in his 5-2 victory against Braeden Davis of Dundee, Mich.
The Latrobe senior, the Tribune-Review Westmoreland Wrestler of the Year, was the first Pennsylvania wrestler to win.
Pins by Destiny Rodriguez and Brayden Thompson gave the United States a quick 12-0 lead.
Three more close decisions pushed that lead to 21-0 before Kilkeary stepped on the mat.
“It’s such a great feeling to get that last one done and go to the next level at Ohio State,” Kilkeary said. “I never hit that move, and I said, ‘Oh it’s right there. I have to hit it.’ It’s in my profile. I used it my freshman year to win a match in the quarterfinals.”
Kilkeary said he and Welsh winning made the day good.
“We only won three matches, and Rocco and I took out two Penn State guys,” Kilkeary said. “You can’t be happier to do that.” … rest of story at Tribhssn.triblive.com/Pa-squad-falls-at-pittsburgh-wrestling-classic
USA BOYS WIN 20 GOLDS AND 54 TOTAL MEDALS AT THE TALLINN OPEN IN ESTONIA, WITH FIVE DOUBLE CHAMPIONS
TALLIN, Estonia – A large group of boys representing a variety of club programs from across the United States competed at the Tallinn Open this past weekend, the largest wrestling competition annually in Europe.
Combined, U.S. boys won 54 total medals in freestyle and Greco-Roman, with 20 champions and five double champions (winners in both freestyle and Greco-Roman).
There were three double champions in the U15 age group: Brycen Dawley (41 kg), Gabriel Logan of Apex + Top Team (62 kg) and Tanner Hodgins of Apex + Top Team (75 kg). Evan Restivo was a double champion in the Born 2010-2011 age group at 35 kg. Korbin Kiessling of Team Drago won the double title at 26 kg in the Born 2012 and younger age group.
Gold medalists in the Born 2012 and Younger Age group in addition to Kiessling were:
• Colton Bryce of Team Dragon (32 kg Freestyle)
• Devin Garcia of Suples (35 kg Freestyle)
Gold medalists in the Born 2010-2011 age group, in addition Restivo were:
• Carter Smith of USA (38 kg Freestyle), gold medal
• Shane Ostermiller of USA (47 kg Freestyle), gold medal
• Xavier Flores of USA (42 kg Greco-Roman), gold medal
Gold medalists in the U15 age group, in addition to Dawley, Logan and Hodgins were:
• Cooper Sandoval of USA (38 kg Freestyle)
• Shamus Regan of USA 44 kg Freestyle) … rest of story at Teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2023/March/26/Boys-Tallinn-Open
Pembroke’s Johnson Selected as NWCA Bob Bubb Coaching Excellence Award Winner
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – The National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) announced Othello “OT” Johnson of the University of North Carolina Pembroke as the 2023 Bob Bubb Coaching Excellence Award winner for NCAA Division II men’s wrestling.
“This is a testament to the guys who have trusted us to be their leaders and a part of their journeys here at UNCP,” Johnson said. “This award is theirs not ours. Thank you to my colleagues for believing in me and honoring me with this award.”
Johnson, who just closed out his 13th season at the helm of the Braves’ program, has sent 50 qualifiers to the NCAA Division II National Championships during his career. A UNCP graduate, Johnson has had 21 All-Americans as the Braves’ head coach. Johnson sent three to the NCAA Championships this season, after a season that saw UNCP finish as runner up in their conference and fourth at the Super Region 2 Tournament. … rest of story at NWCAonline/pembrokes-johnson-selected-as-nwca-bob-bubb-coaching-excellence-award-winner
Other National Championships
TDR Editor’s Notes; Yes, these articles are news from over a week ago but these champions also deserve recognition along with the more widely publicized Division I National Champions.
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VIKINGS CAPTURE 11TH NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP IN PROGRAM HISTORY
Wichita, KS – No. 1 Grand View wrestling claims their 11th NAIA National Championship team title in program history. Along with the team title, Grand View had three individual national champions that were crowned at 141, 197, and 285.
The phenomenal run by 141-pounder Shea Ruffridge (SR/Pocahontas, IA ) will go down in Grand View Wrestling history. The underdog all year would hold a 6th-ranked position, and heading into the last few weeks of the season Ruffridge would land at No. 4. After following his tremendous last-second win, Ruffridge proved it to be no fluke, and he would win by decision over Life University’s Julian Hernandez, 8-1 to take home his first ever Individual National Championship.
The Vikings would get their 2nd National Championship from the 197-pounder Owen Braungardt. Braungardt went on an absolute tear during his National Championship tenture – Braungardt started the majority of his season sidelined by an injury. During his final match, Braungardt won by a decision, 6-1 to be crowned a National Champion.
The final cherry on top for the Vikings would be the final match of the evening between former DI wrestlers Greg Hagan, and Austin Harris of Life University. Hagan wouldn’t waste any time and he would get a pin in the first period to end a whirlwind of a National Tournament for the Vikings. Grand View amassed a record of 52-13 through the entirety of the tournament. … rest of story at GVvikings.com/article/8027=Wrestling+News
Men’s Wrestling Records Program High Three Champions on Way to Second Place Finish at Nationals
WICHITA, Kan.— The weekend saw multiple program bests for the Life University men’s wrestling program at the NAIA Men’s Wrestling Championships, the team placing six guys in championship bouts with three of them earning the highest honors as the Running Eagles recorded a second place finish in Hartman Arena.
Despite being down two wrestlers, Life U amassed 157.5 team points, creating nearly 70 points of separation with the third placed team Southeastern, 90 points, but came up short of champions Grand View who won their 11th title in 12 years with 206 points.
Brandon Orum made his way to the 125 lbs title match for the third straight year, pulling off his second championship. The redshirt senior was the second highest scorer for the team with 23.0 points. His first day saw a pair of victories that came in the bonus, starting the day with a first period pin and ending the day in the quarterfinals with a 10-1 major decision over the 7-seed. Orum’s ability to force his opponent into his own pace could not have been more clear on the second day, earning a 1-0 decision victory over the 14-seed in the semis to secure a spot in the title bout. In his final match Saturday night, a late escape and riding time secured the Camden County native his second title in a 5-4 decision.
The second title of the night came from Brevin Balmeceda at 149 lbs. … rest of story at Liferunningeagles.com/news/2023/3/5/mens-wrestling-records-program-high-three-champions-on-way-to-second-place-finish-at-nationals
2023 NJCAA Wrestling Championships
Western Wyoming claims first National Championship
Council Bluffs, IA – Western Wyoming claimed its first NJCAA Wrestling Championship title Saturday in Council Bluffs. The Mustangs finished with a team score of 134 . Darion Johnson was the lone Western Wyoming wrestler to wrestle for an individual national title but fell Northwest Kansas Tech’s Jameel Coles in the 184 weight class. … rest of story at NJCAA.org/sports/wrest/2022-23/national_championship/championship_recap
INDIAN HILLS WINS FIRST NJCAA WOMEN’S INVITATIONAL, AHEAD OF RUNNER-UP UMPQUA
NJCAA WOMEN’S INVITATIONAL
At Council Bluffs, Iowa, March 3-4
101
1st Dutchess King (Indian Hills) VSU Nicole Montojo (Iowa Western), 10-0 4:11
3rd Chiara Barbieri (Niacc) VSU1 Chelsey Mendoza (Northwest Kansas Tech), 14-3 3:44
5th Mailien Tran (Southwestern Oregon) VFO Tenley Jones (Carl Albert State), 0-0
109
1st Lexi Miller (Carl Albert State) VPO1 Ryasia Mcdougle (Northwest Kansas Tech), 14-7
3rd Malachite Chunn (Indian Hills) VPO1 Dianna Pineda (Iowa Central), 9-9
5th Leila Sidhu (Umpqua) VSU1 Tatiana Hernandez (Niacc), 11-1 4:04
116
1st Shammilka Miranda Diaz (Indian Hills) VSU1 Flavia Nagatani (Iowa Western), 14-4 4:24
3rd Kailyn Younger (Iowa Central) VSU Lorelei Wydra (Iowa Western), 10-0 5:23
5th Javanica Mickens (Indian Hills) VFA Kendall Martin (Southwestern Oregon), 0-0 3:00 … rest of story at Teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2023/March/05/NJCAA-Womens-Invitational
NORTH CENTRAL WOMEN CLAIM FIRST NCWWC NATIONAL TEAM TITLE; SHILSON AND KIMBER BECOME FOUR-TIME CHAMPIONS
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – Led by three individual champions and 15 All-Americans, North Central, a Div. III school in Illinois, won its first National Collegiate Women’s Wrestling Championships with an amazing team effort at the Alliant Energy Powerhouse.
North Central, ranked No. 2 coming in, scored 198 points, ahead of No. 1 King with 163 points. Rounding out the top five were McKendree with 147.5, Colorado Mesa with 108 and Augsburg with 87.5.
North Central becomes only the second school to ever win this event, which features only NCAA varsity programs. McKendree was the team champion for the first three years of the competition.
Two stars from McKendree became the first four-time NCWWC champions, Emily Shilson (109) and Sydnee Kimber (191).
No. 1 seed Shilson, who won her first three NCWWC titles for Augsburg before transferring this semester, fell behind early in her match against No. 2 Sage Mortimer of King, after Mortimer tossed her for four points in the first period. Shilson battled back to close the gap, and when the athletes got into a seatbelt position, Shilson threw Mortimer to her back to secure a fall at 3:46. … rest of story at … rest of story at Teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2023/March/04/NCWWC
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
