Davis & Elkins Names Colborn Head Wrestling Coach
TDR Editor’s Notes ; Coach Colborn wrestled for Croatan High School and was the TDR Top 12 top 182 lbs. wrestler in eastern North Carolina in 2015.
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ELKINS, W.Va. — Davis & Elkins Director of Athletics Patrick Snively has announced the hiring of Andrew Colborn as Head Wrestling Coach.
Colborn comes to D&E from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, where he served the past three seasons as assistant coach under longstanding coach Othello “O.T.” Johnson. At UNC Pembroke, Colborn assisted with a program that sent seventeen student-athletes to the NCAA Championships. In 2020, the Braves were 2020 Mountain East Conference and NCAA Division II Super Region II Team Champions.
“I am very excited to have been named the next Head Wrestling Coach at Davis & Elkins College,” said Colborn. “I can’t wait to start working with the wrestling student-athletes as well as the campus community, and I look forward to building upon the success they have already seen. I want to thank Coach OT Johnson at UNC Pembroke for being a great coach, mentor and friend over the years. I also want to thank President Wood, Mr. Patrick Snively, and the search committee for this opportunity.”
“We are quite fortunate to bring in an accomplished up-and-coming coach from a program that continually churns out great teams and quality coaches,” said Director of Athletics Patrick Snively. “I think our student-athletes will quickly find that that have a solid leader that will relate well to them and has the ability to push them to build upon the solid foundation that has been laid out by Coach Boland.”
Colborn earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise and Sport Science at UNC Pembroke with a student-athlete. He is working toward a Master of Science in Sports Administration at Minot State University. Colborn, a decorated high school wrestler in the state of North Carolina, registered a perfect 29-0 record and a state championship in his senior season prior to entering college. … rest of story at https://senatornation.com/news/2022/7/31/d-e-names-colborn-head-wrestling-coach.aspx
New Bern’s Foley to represent team USA at Beach Wrestling World Championship event in Romania
TDR Editor’s Note ; Great to see a story about wrestling and a local wrestler as we enter the school year. This one was on local TV station WITN. Our compliments to them.
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NEW BERN, N.C. (WITN) – New Bern high wrestler Kane Foley has found his place on the mat with the Bears. Now he has found his place on the beach for Team USA. He will represent our country this week in the Beach Wrestling World Championship event in Romania.
“I think it’s cool to be able to get to wear this,” says New Bern junior wrestler Kane Foley, “Not to go buy it, but to be sent it from Team USA.”
Foley grew up in West Virginia and moved to New Bern with his family in seventh grade.
“Didn’t really know yet how much I loved wrestling,” says Kane. … rest of story at https://www.witn.com/2022/08/30/sports-spotlight-new-berns-foley-represent-team-usa-beach-wrestling-world-championship-event-romania/
River Carroll of West Carteret receives the 2021 James Johnson Memorial Award

Undefeated State Champion River Carroll of West Carteret in 2021 was presented the 25th James Johnson Award for his 2021 season as the top senior scholastic wrestlers in eastern North Carolina. The presentation was delayed by a state championship tournament that was postponed until late June. Once the award was determined by that fall River was enrolled in rigorous program of studies at the Virginia Military Institute. He also wrestled with the V.M.I. team which kept his schedule busy. His high school coach Kevin Smith presented the Award in an informal ceremony in the WCHS practice room.
Devon Bell and Mark Samuel of Laney High School were presented the 26th & 27th Annual James Johnson Memorial Award trophy in 2022. The award is named in honor of three-time Greco-Roman national champion James Johnson. In previous years the award winners were Tyler Hughes and Christian Decatur of C.B. Aycock and Bryan Argao of North Brunswick in 2020, Timothy Decatur of Rosewood in 2019, Beau Studebaker of East Carteret, Jeremiah Derby of First Flight and Thomas Hudson of Dixon in 2018. Carlos Martinez of First Flight (2017), Will Newbern of West Carteret (2017), Tanner Stamper-Smith (2016) of Havelock, Joe Mondragon (2015) of Ashley H.S., De’Andre Jones (2014) of New Bern, Alex Bray (2013) of Croatan, 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.
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. Contact the TDR at takedownreport@gmail.com, & https://takedownreport.wordpress.com/
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.
Top 100 Active Coaches in 2022
The following are the top 100 active college head coaches listed by dual meet wins.
- Pat Pecora (Pitt-Johnstown) 631 – II
- John Smith (Oklahoma State Univ.) 462– I
- Roger Crebs (Lycoming College) 429 – III
- Tom Borelli (Central Michigan, Lake Superior St.) – 400 – I, II
- Lonnie Morris (Johnson & Wales) 392 – III
- Mike Denney (Maryville Univ./Nebr.-Omaha) 381 – II
- Bruce Haberli (New York Univ./Manhattan Coll.) 372 – III
- Ron Beaschler (Ohio Northern Univ.) 354 – III
- Rob Koll (Cornell Univ.) 328 – I
- Jim Makovsky (Minn. St.-Mankato/Valley City St.) 319 – II
- Brian Smith (Missouri/Syracuse) 318– I
- Steve Costanzo (St. Cloud St. Univ./Dana College) 304- II
- Dave Mitchell (Luther (IA) 301 – III
- Tom Ryan (Ohio State/Hofstra) 294 – I
- Mark Manning (Nebraska/Northern Iowa) 291 – I
- Martin Nichols (Ithaca College) 285 – III
- Jim Zalesky (Oregon State/Iowa) 284 – I
- Tim Fader (Wisc.-Eau Claire, Whitewater, La Crosse) 283 – III
- Jon Laudenslager (Wilkes University) – 275 – III
- Tom Brands (Iowa, Va. Tech) – 267 – I
- Paul Keysaw (Fresno City/Moorpark College) 261 – Cal. Jr.Coll.
- John Oostendorp (Coe College) 257 – III
- Jay Jones (Rhode Island College) – 250 – III
- Bryan Brunk (Messiah College) – 246 – III
- Tim Flynn (West Virginia Un./Edinboro Univ.) – 244- I
- Jake Fitzpatrick (Santa Rosa Coll.) 242 – inc. Calf. Jr. C.
- Joel Greenlee (Ohio University) – 240 – I
- Brad Bruhn (SUNY-Cortland) – 236 – III
- Roger Reina (Pennsylvania, Univ. of) 233 – I
- Mike Machholz (Missouri Valley) – 232 – NAIA
- Robert Fisher (Kutztown University) – 229 – II
- Joe Renfro (Northeastern Oklahoma, Labette Jr. Coll.) 229 – JuCo
- Don Henry (Gannon University) – 225 – II
- Cael Sanderson (Penn State, Iowa State) – 219 – I
- Franky James (Campbellsville Univ. Tennessee-Chattanooga) – 217 – NAIA,I
- Pat Popolizio (North Carolina State, SUNY-Binghampton) – 217 – I
- Pat Santoro (Lehigh University, Maryland) – 216 – I
- Drew Black (Wesleyan Univ., Phoenix Coll.) – 212 – III
- Kevin Dresser (Iowa State, Virginia Tech Univ.) 212 – I
- Johnny Johnson (Wisconsin-Stevens Point) – 211 – III
- Dave Malecek (Wisconsin-LaCrosse State) – 207 – III
- Sebastian Amato (Trinity College) 204 – III
- Jason Reitmeier (Augustana College, S.D.) – 202 – II
- Heath Grimm (Upper Iowa Univ.) – 200 – II
- Mike Wehler (Mercyhurst, West Liberty State) – 199 – II
- Scott Goodale (Rutgers University) – 199 – I
- Jim Andrassy (Kent State Univ.) – 197 – I
- James Kisgen (McKendree College) – 197 – II/ NAIA
- Duane Ritter (SUNY Oneonta State) – 188 – III
- Jamie Gibbs (Baldwin-Wallace, U.N.C.-Pembroke) – 188 – III/II
- Luke Moffitt (Iowa Central Community College) – 182 – JuCo
- Mike Howard (SUNY-Oswego State) – 180 – III
- Steve Garland (Virginia University) – 173 – I
- Josh Rhoden (Clackamas Comm. College) – 169 – JuCo
- John Stutzman (Buffalo SUNY, Bloomsburg) – 165 – I
- Jon McGovern (Dubuque University) – 164 – III
- Dan Wirnsberger (Bucknell, Bloomsburg) – 164 – I
- Jon Egan (Roger Williams) 163 – III
- Dan Garriott (Cerritos College) – 159 – Calif. Jr. Coll.
- Eric Van Kley (Central College, Great Falls Univ.) 158 – III, NAIA
- Craig Thurber (Thiel College) – 158 – III
- Brian Anderson (Wabash College) – 158 – III
- Nick Mitchell (Grand View Univ.) 156 – NAIA
- Doug Moses (New Mex. Highlands, South. Colo., Col. St.) 155 – II inc.-retiring
- Eric Keller (Wartburg/North Central) 154 – III
- Leo Kocher (University of Chicago) 144 – III inc.
- Jay Weiss (Harvard Univ., Moravian College) – 143 – I/III inc.
- Jason Moorman (King University) 141 – Women’s
- Steve Marianetti (Elmhurst College) – 139 – III
- Kevin Bratland (U.S. Coast Guard Acad./Nor. Central) 137 — III
- Vince Silva (Santa Ana College) – 136 – Calif. Jr. Coll.
- Chris Bono (Wisconsin/South Dakota/U.Tenn.Chatt.) 136 – I
- Joe Galante (New Jersey, The College of) 134 — III
- Ron Headlee (Waynesburg University) 130 — III
- Lennie Zalesky (Calif. Baptist Univ., U.C. Davis) – 130 – NAIA-I
- Mark Branch (Wyoming Univ.) – 129 – I
- Chuck Piper (Colorado Mesa University) 129 — II
- Pat Timm (Northern State) 125 — II
- Jason Borelli (American/Stanford Univ.) 123 – I
- John Mark Bentley (Appalachian State) 121 – I
- Corey Ruff (Lindsey-Wilson College) 120 — NAIA
- John Garriques (Centenary College) 120 — III
- Brandon Brisette (Olivet College) 119 — III
- Kenn Caudell (Belmont-Abbey College) 118 — II
- Jason Holder (Springfield College) 117 — III
- Dock Kelly (Lourdes Un./Anderson Coll.) 117 — II
- Mark Cody (Presbyterian, Oklahoma Univ., American Univ.) – 115
- Jesse Nelson (S.W. Minnesota St./Ridgewater C.C.) 115 — II/Jr. Coll. – inc.
- Greg Ilaria (U.S. Merchant Marine) 114 — III
- Jason Ramstetter (Adams State College) 114 — II
- Joe Dansby (Cuesta College) – 113 – Calif. Jr. Coll.
- Jason Wathan (Indianapolis Univ.) 110 – II
- Jim Heffernan (Illinois University) 110 – I
- Zeke Jones (Ariz. St., Univ. Of Penn.) 109 – I
- Othello (O.T.) Johnson (Univ. of N.C.-Pembroke) 107 – II
- Tyson Thivierge (Montana State Northern) 106 – NAIA
- Shawn Nelson (Univ. Of Findlay) 104 – II inc.
This is a preliminary listing which shall be extended to the top 100 active head coaches. Some numbers reflect an incomplete record for that coach. We welcome input of records and numbers in order to complete these records. Send it to us at martinkfleming@takedownreport
Top 35 Division I ACTIVE Coaches with at least 70 Wins
- John Smith (Oklahoma State Univ.) 462
- Tom Borelli (Central Michigan) 354
- Rob Koll (Cornell Univ.) 328
- Brian Smith (Missouri/Syracuse) 318
- Tom Ryan (Ohio State/Hofstra) 294
- Mark Manning (Nebraska/Northern Iowa) 291
- Jim Zalesky (Oregon State/Iowa) 278 now at NAIA school
- Tom Brands (Iowa & Virginia Tech) 267
- Tim Flynn (Edinboro State Univ.) 244
- Joel Greenlee (Ohio Univ.) 240
- Roger Reina (Pennsylvania, Un. Of) 233
- Pat Popolizio (North Carolina St., SUNY-Binghampton) – 217
- Pat Santoro (Lehigh University, Maryland) 216
- Cael Sanderson (Penn State, Iowa State) – 219
- Kevin Dresser (Iowa State/Virginia Tech Univ.) 212
- Jim Andrassy (Kent State Univ.) 197
- Scott Goodale (Rutgers University) – 199
- Steve Garland (Virginia University) 173
- John Stutzman (Buffalo SUNY, Bloomsburg) – 165
- Dan Wirnsberger (Bucknell, Bloomsburg) 164
- Jay Weiss (Harvard Univ.) – 143
- Mark Branch (Wyoming Univ.) – 129
- John Mark Bentley (Appalachian State) – 121
- Mark Cody (Presbyterian, Oklahoma U., American U.) – 115
- Jim Heffernan (Illinois University) – 110
- Zeke Jones (Ariz. St., Univ. Of Penn.) – 109
- Greg Williams (Utah Valley State) – 98
- Roger Kish (North Dakota State) – 98
- Doug Schwab (Northern Iowa) – 92
- Ryan Ludwig (Northern Illinois) – 85
- Matt Azevedo (Drexel Un.) – 84
- Chris Ayres (Princeton) – 83
- Lennie Zalensky (California Baptist) – 71
- John Stutzman (Buffalo Un.) – 71
- Tony Ersland (Purdue) – 70
Preliminary listing of the top active Division I head coaches with dual meet wins. Will continue updating the list as records come in and information is audited. We welcome your input to us at martinkfleming@gmail.com
Top 30 Division II ACTIVE Coaches with at least 70 wins
- Pat Pecora (Pitt-Johnstown) 631
- Mike Denney (Maryville Univ./Nebr.-Omaha) 381
- Jim Makovsky (Minn. St.-Mankato/Valley City St.) 319
- Steve Costanzo (St. Cloud Univ.&Dana College) 304
- Robert Fisher (Kutztown Univ.) 229
- Doug Henry (Gannon Univ.) 225
- Jason Reitmeier (Augustana College-S.D.) 202
- Heath Grimm (Upper Iowa Univ.) 200
- Mike Wehler (Mercyhurst, West Liberty State) 199
- Doug Moses (New Mex. Highlands, So. Colo., Col. St.) 155 inc.
- Chuck Piper (Colorado Mesa) 129
- James Kisgen (McKendree College) – 128
- Pat Timm (Northern State) 125
- Kenn Caudell (Belmont-Abbey College) 118
- Jason Ramstetter (Adams State College) 114
- Jason Warthan (Indianapolis Univ.) 110
- Othello ‘O.T.’ Johnson (U.N.C.-Pembroke) 107
- Shawn Nelson (Findlay Univ.) 104 inc.
- Chas Thompson (Fort Hays State) 94
- Seth Bloomquist (Shippensburg State) 93
- Dock Kelly (Anderson) 93 ** now at NAIA school
- Josh Hutchens (Ashland) 85
- Cy Wainwright (Newberry College) 85
- Dalton Jensen (Nebraska-Kearney) 83
- Dax Charles (Colorado State-Pueblo) 81
- Brian Tucker (Seton Hill) 76
- Jesse Nelson (SW Minn. St. Un.) 73
- Todd Steidley (Central Oklahoma) 73
- Brett Hunter (Chadron State) 71
- Kelly Revells (Limestone College) 70
We invite and welcome input and information about college team records so that our information is more complete and accurate. Send input to martinkfleming@gmail.com
Top 33 Division III ACTIVE Coaches – with at least 100 wins
- Roger Crebs (Lycoming College) 429
- Lonnie Morris (Johnson & Wales) 392
- Ron Beaschler (Ohio Northern Univ.) 354
- Bruce Haberli (New York University) 323
- Dave Mitchell (Luther College) 301
- Tim Fader (Wisc.-Eau Claire, Wisc.-Whitewater, Wisc.-La Crosse) 283
- Jon Laudenslager (Wilkes University) 275
- Martin Nichols (Ithaca College) 274
- John Oostendorp (Coe College) 257
- Jay Jones (Rhode Island College) 250
- Bryan Brunk (Messiah College) 246
- Brad Bruhn (SUNY-Cortland) 236
- Drew Black (Wesleyan Univ.) 212
- Johnny Johnson (Wisconsin-Stevens Point) 211
- Dave Malecek (Wisconsin-LaCrosse State) 207
- Duane Ritter (SUNY Oneonta State) – 188
- Mike Howard (SUNY-Oswego State) – 180
- Jon McGovern (Dubuque University) – 164
- Jon Egan (Roger Williams) – 163
- Craig Thurber (Thiel College) – 158
- Brian Anderson (Wabash College) – 158
- Eric Keller (Wartburg College) – 154
- Leo Kocher (University of Chicago) 144 – inc.
- Steve Marianetti (Elmhurst College) – 139
- Jamie Gibbs (Baldwin-Wallace) 137
- Joe Galente (College of New Jersey) 134
- Ron Headlee (Waynesburg Univ.) 130
- Eric Van Kley (Central College) 129
- Jason Garriques (Centenary College) 120
- Brandon Bissette (Olivet College) 119
- James Holder (Springfield College) 117
- Greg Ilaria (U.S. Merchant Marine) – 115
- Al Russomano (Scranton Univ.) 105
Preliminary listing of the top active coaches by dual meet wins while coaching at NCAA Division III school/s. Once a full audit and update is completed this fall this list shall be updated.
NAIA Top 25 ACTIVE Coaches – with at least 40 wins
- Mike Machholz (Missouri Valley) 232
- Franky James (Campbellsville) — 217
- Nick Mitchell (Grand View College) – 156
- Corey Ruff (Cumberlands/Lindsey-Wilson) – 120
- Tyson Thivierge (Montana State Northern) 106
- Jake Stevenson (Morningside College) — 84
- K.C. Rock (Embry-Riddle College) – 83
- Rik Dahl (Northwestern College) — 78
- Omi Acosta (Life University) — 76
- Dana Vote (Doane, Midland, Concordia) — 73
- Jeff Bedard (Reinhardt Univ.) — 72
- Joey Martinez (Menlo) — 70
- Todd Allen (Williams Baptist Coll., Cumberlands) – 69
- Thomas Pompei (Indiana Institute of Technology) 67
- James Kisgen (McKendree College) — 66 school now in Div. II
- James Hicks (Cumberland Univ./Darton — 58
- Lennie Zalesky (Calif. Baptist Univ.) — 55 – now a D-I school
- Beau Vest (Dana-Midland) — 55 – coaching now at another level
- Brian Jackson (Missouri Baptist) — 53 inc.
- Jake Brumbelow (Midway, Emman., B-P-Coll.) — 52
- Joe Privitere (Briar Cliff) — 52
- Steven Bradley (Marian Univ.) — 50
- Cody Garcia (Baker College) — 48
- Zach Mullins (Graceland Univ.) — 40
- Dan Lovell (Jamestown Univ.) — 38
- Jordan Countryman (Univ. of the Cumberlands) –38
These rankings are preliminary as we seek out complete information. We will gladly welcome a “I told you so.” if it assists in making the project more accurate and complete.
Top ACTIVE Junior College Coaches
ACTIVE Coaches– Top 5 National JUCO with at least 90 wins
- Joe Renfro (NE Okla. A&M/Labette, Kan.) 229
- Luke Moffitt (Iowa Central Comm. Coll.) 182
- Josh Rhoden (Clackamas Comm. Coll.) 169
- Jim Zeigler (Northwest Wyoming) 96 inc.
- Keith Maute (Niagara County C.C.) 92
ACTIVE Coaches– California Junior Colleges – Top 5 with 100 wins
- Paul Keysaw (Fresno City/Moorpark College) 261
- Jake Fitzpatrick (Santa Rosa College) 242 — inc.
- Dan Garriott (Cerritos College) 159
- Vince Silva (Santa Ana College) 136
- Joe Dansby (Cuesta College) 113
Since California Colleges have their wrestling season in the Fall semester and they rarely wrestle against Junior College programs in other states we have listen their coaches separate from the other Junior College Coaches.
ACTIVE Women’s Coaches – Top 10 with 30 or more wins
- Jason Moorman (King Univ.) 141
- Sam Schmitz (McKendree Univ.) 77
- Lee Miracle (Campbellsville) 82
- Donnie Stephens (Univ. of the Cumberlands) 66
- Link Davis (Emmanuel) 61
- Brian Jackson (Missouri Baptist) 54 – inc.
- Carl Murphree (Missouri Valley College) 36 — inc
- Ashley Sword-Buster (Life University) 34
- Tony DeAnda (Presbyterian Jamestown) 33 – inc.
- Joey Bareng (Menlo College) 33
We welcome information and input to updating the record of dual meet wins and the coaches who led those teams. Please contact us at takedownreport@gmail.com

