International Wrestling News (2021) – # 5
TDR Editor’s Notes ; A belated update of news in international wrestling. Keep on Wrestling!
Contact us at the Editor’s office at martinkfleming@gmail.com
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
1 } – Wrestling Announces Host Nations for ’22 and ’23 Senior World Championships, Will Update Location for Beach Wrestling World Series Stop
CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (February 3) — United World Wrestling confirmed this week that due to the CAS decision towards RUSADA the location of the 2022 and 2023 Senior World Championships have been shuffled. Additionally, one of the four Beach Wrestling World Series Stops, originally planned to be hosted by Russia, will be moved. An alternate city is being explored and will be confirmed in the coming weeks.
The UWW Bureau approved the candidature of Belgrade, Serbia as the host of the 2023 Senior World Championships. However, due to the same restrictions on the Russian Federation for hosting World Championships in 2021-2022, Belgrade will replace the former city of Krasnoyarsk as the World Championships host for 2022. For 2023 the World Championships host will be reallocated to Russia, with the city to be finalized in the coming months. “We are respectful of the CAS decision, WADA’s position and have adapted the schedule accordingly,” said UWW president Nenad Lalovic. “We recently held the Individual World Cup in Belgrade with great success and believe that Russia will be a fantastic host nation in 2023.” … rest of story at https://uww.org/article/wrestling-announces-host-nations-22-and-23-senior-world-championships-will-update-location?mc_cid=7fbcdf9574&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
2 } – Brock wrestler battles bureaucracy
Jevon Balfour seeks reinstatement of Olympic spot
Jevon Balfour thought he had taken the second-to-last step in his quest to represent Canada at the Tokyo Olympics when he defeated Burnaby Mountain Wrestling Club’s Jasmit Phulka of 11-0 and 6-5 in a wrestle-off on Feb. 8, 2020, at the University of Calgary. Balfour, who defeated Phulka while wearing protective goggles, had been given the wrestle-off because he was unable to compete at the December 2019 Olympic trials after undergoing eye surgery in September 2019 to fix a detached retina.
The 26-year-old Brock Wrestling Club member naturally assumed the victory had guaranteed him the right to represent Canada in the 74-kilogram division at the Pan Am Olympic Qualification Tournament, March 13-15, in Ottawa. A top two finish in Ottawa would punch Balfour’s ticket to Tokyo. But a week before the qualifier, the 2014 Commonwealth Games silver medalist received an email from Wrestling Canada informing him that he was ineligible to wrestle any more and that his Sport Canada carding (funding) had been cancelled. Wrestling Canada based its decision on the fact that United World Wrestling, the international governing body for amateur wrestling, had ruled Balfour couldn’t wear goggles while wrestling and he was not able get medical clearance to compete.
“I was like, ‘What? How did all of this happen just like that?’We started fighting it, because how could they do it so suddenly?” Balfour said. … rest of story at https://thevoiceofpelham.ca/2021/02/05/brock-wrestler-battles-bureaucracy/?mc_cid=18c25877f2&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
And Jevon Balfour has to wrestle with the politics of his sport just to get a shot at an Olympic shot
It’s easy to be down on the Tokyo Olympics. Recent public-opinion polls suggest 80 per cent of Japan’s citizenry would prefer the Games be cancelled or postponed, and that was before the 83-year-old president of the local organizing committee resigned after suggesting women talk too much in meetings. From the thick of a pandemic winter, it can be a serious chore to muster enthusiasm for a coming-together of nations a little more than five months in the offing.
But then you hear the story of Jevon Balfour, the Brampton-raised, St. Catharines-based national wrestling champion who is being denied a chance at qualifying for Tokyo on a bureaucratic technicality, and you’re reminded of one of the chief reasons why these Olympics matter. They matter because an athlete like Balfour, who has every reason to be down on the maddening politics of amateur sport, is still doing everything in his power to get to the Games. They matter because every couple of years we ask a lot of our Canadian Olympians; we demand they own the podium, or something close. The least we can do is hope each of them gets a fair shot at delivering the goods.
Even though Balfour is getting the benefit of no such thing, his Tokyo dream persists. And you can understand why. At 26, he has been Canada’s champion in the 74-kilogram weight class five years running. He only narrowly missed out on a chance to represent Canada at the 2016 Rio Olympics. … rest of story at https://www.thestar.com/sports/2021/02/12/jevon-balfour-has-to-wrestle-with-the-politics-of-his-sport-just-to-get-a-shot-at-an-olympic-shot.html?mc_cid=a6cfb4b322&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
3 } – U.S. OLYMPIC TEAM TRIALS – WRESTLING WILL MOVE FROM UNIVERSITY PARK, PA. TO LOCATION TO BE DETERMINED SOON
USA Wrestling, Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee have collectively decided that the 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Wrestling, originally scheduled for April 4-5, 2020, will not be held at the Bryce Jordan Center in University Park, Pennsylvania. USA Wrestling and Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics worked to reschedule the event in 2021. However, a decision to relocate the 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Wrestling was made due to a variety of factors, including current COVID-19 health and safety guidelines and the desire to provide the ability to accommodate all of the participants, staff and fans.
In addition to the announcement of the relocation of this year’s U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Wrestling, USA Wrestling, Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee announced Penn State and the Bryce Jordan Center will host the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Wrestling. … rest of story at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2021/February/08/Olympic-Trials-to-change-location?mc_cid=82bfd879a8&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
4 } – Toby Erickson training to fulfill Olympic aspirations
They say the third time is the charm, and for Toby Erickson, after coming in third place twice, the third time may be just the thing he needs to accomplish something that is so elusive for many, including himself: Competing at the Olympics. Olympic trials for Greco-Roman wrestling are taking place April 2 and April 3 in Fort Worth, Texas, and Erickson is trying to put Montana on the map by being able to compete as a representative of the USA in this year’s Tokyo Olympics.
The path to Tokyo will take Erickson all over the country, before he can think about traveling across oceans. Training camp has been ongoing in Boise, Idaho, but they started to wrap up recently. Erickson, who is the son of former Sidney High School all-state wrestler Delane Erickson, will continue training in Colorado Springs until the time comes to compete in Fort Worth.
Once Erickson hits the mats in Fort Worth in April, he literally cannot accept anything less than first place because only the top wrestler in the trials (tournament) gets to advance. Even if he wins the tournament, Erickson then has to travel to Bulgaria to compete in the last chance Olympic qualifier in May (to qualify the weight). Then he has to make the finals of the tournament there to qualify for the weight, and then he will be able to set foot in Tokyo as part of the USA team. … rest of story at https://www.sidneyherald.com/news/local_news/toby-erickson-training-to-fulfill-olympic-aspirations/article_f6364592-6fc1-11eb-8e1c-33f89c664d1a.html?mc_cid=9e45a80a12&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
And 5PM44: Michael Hooker and Toby Erickson join the show
Episode 44 features a reinvigorated Hall as well as two guests, Army wrestlers Toby Erickson and Michael Hooker. With UWW updating the rules for Greco and an overseas trip on the horizon for US National Team members, there is plenty to discuss. … rest of story at https://www.mattalkonline.com/podcast/fivepointmove/5pm44-michael-hooker-and-toby-erickson-join-the-show/?mc_cid=4fc5b594c8&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
5 } – UPDATED: 36 ATHLETES TO REPRESENT THE USA AT THE MATTEO PELLICONE RANKING EVENT IN ITALY, MARCH 4-7
The United States is sending a massive delegation to the Matteo Pellicone in Rome, Italy, March 4-7, which will serve as a UWW Ranking Series event for the 2021 World Championships in Oslo, Norway, later this year. Competing for the USA are 14 men’s freestylers, four women’s freestylers and 18 Greco-Roman athletes. Highlighting the delegation is 2012 Olympic champion and four-time World champion Jordan Burroughs (MFS 74 kg), 2019 World champion Tamyra Mensah-Stock (68 kg WFS) and 2018 World silver medalist Adam Coon (GR 130 kg).
Other past Senior World Team members include Tyler Graff (MFS 61 kg), Patrick Downey (MFS 92 kg), Victoria Anthony (WFS 50 kg), Ildar Hafizov (GR 60 kg), Raymond Bunker (GR 72 kg), Ben Provisor (GR 82 kg), Pat Smith (GR 77 kg), John Stefanowicz (GR 87 kg), RaVaughn Perkins (GR 82 kg), Josef Rau (GR 87 kg), Patrick Martinez (GR 87 kg) and G’Angelo Hancock (GR 97 kg). … rest of story at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2021/February/26/US-roster-for-Pellicone-Ranking-Tournament-in-Italy?mc_cid=02f3563d01&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
6 } – Baker Downs Merkin To Come Away Victorious At Capitol Cup
When Nolan Baker (67 kg, NYAC, 5PM #6) catches fire, he has a habit of torching everyone in his path. That was the story on Saturday as Baker raced through three matches in dominant fashion to earn his first US Senior tournament win. In the process, he also provided a startling reminder of his offensive capability just over one month away from the Olympic Trials.
The Capitol Cup began at 10:00am EST and aired live on Rokfin.
’18 U23 World Teamer Baker did not come all that close to reaching a sixth minute in any of his three bouts. His march to gold started with a technical fall at the expense of Corbin Nirschl (MWC); in the semifinal, Baker collected a pin against ’18 National runner-up … rest of story at http://www.fivepointmove.com/usa-greco/nolan-baker-victorious-capitol-cup/?mc_cid=02f3563d01&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
7 } – #216 Brandon Slay – Olympic Gold Medalist
Brandon Slay is an Olympic Gold Medalist and the Executive Director for the Penn Regional Training Center. Brandon’s run to Olympic Gold started at the US Open in the spring of 2000, where he entered the tournament as the 7th seed. In the finals, he knocked-off Joe Williams, earning a bye to the Olympic Trials finals. After making the 2000 Olympic Team by defeating former coach Brian Dolph, Slay had an incredible run at the Sydney Olympics, beating the great Saitiev in the semis, in OT! We cover all of this and more in this episode. Enjoy this one folks.
Learn more about Brandon Slay:
-Brandon’s website: BrandonSlay.Com … rest of story at https://wrestlingchangedmylife.com/216-brandon-slay-olympic-gold-medalist/?mc_cid=d34d798fb2&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
8 } – Same, But Different: Spencer Woods Talks Pre-Trials Mentality
There is news. Spencer Woods, the “Alaskan Assassin” and 2019 National runner-up, is no longer planning on entering the 77-kilogram field at the upcoming US Olympic Team Trials. It is not because he cannot make the weight. He certainly can. Already has. Woods hit the 77 mark without much of an issue for the ’19 Bill Farrell Memorial, where he placed second. That performance is what qualified him for the Trials. It also came on the heels of an impressive gold-medal-wining run in Sweden, which was preceded by his even-more impressive run to the Open final six months prior.
Oddly, Woods’ decision to change weight categories is actually not a headline grabber. At press time, similar chatter is circulating regarding several other athletes who are on the fence about their own weight classes for April’s big show. Perhaps if wrestling had never grinded to a halt in the wake of the pandemic, these items would elicit more eyebrow-raises. That is not the case right now. Ask around. An uneasy feeling still hangs over the proceedings, as though everyone is just hoping the Trials are held sans last-minute postponement. Things look pretty good — but you really can’t blame the slight skepticism given the amount of cultural conditioning the nation has endured over the past 12 months. … rest of story at http://fivepointmove.com/army-wcap/spencer-woods-mentality/?mc_cid=d34d798fb2&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
9} – Gruenwald: Russia, Stopping A Thief, & The REAL HERO
During his remarkable career as a Greco-Roman athlete, Jim Gruenwald managed to become a two-time Olympian and one of the unquestioned leaders of the US National program. He was an elite international competitor who was uncompromising and vicious on the mat; yet filled with a love for Christ and a willingness to passionately share his faith off of it. Today, he is the head coach at Wheaton College in Illinois, as well as a highly-influential voice pertaining to all matters of encouragement, devotion, and Christian servitude.
Back in 2010, a friend of mine, John Orsay, asked me to be a wrestling liaison for him and his son Jacob at the World Championships which. were being held in Moscow, Russia. The tournament, as ever, was fun to watch. Great wrestling everyday. John and Jacob got to meet the USA Wrestling Team and other international names of interest, including 12-time World and Olympic Champion Alexander Karelin.
One morning before we headed over to the venue, we ate breakfast at a café right off Arbat Street. The morning was cool, grey, and drizzly; but since we would be indoors for the rest of the day, we chose to eat outside. We picked a table close to the building in the canopied outdoor part of the café that was partially surrounded by a short-wrought iron fence. I recall there being a gentleman sitting alone next to the fence eating a meal and reading a paper a few feet from us. We had just received our breakfast when there was a commotion by the other patron. Focused on my meal and oblivious, I asked John what happened and he said, “I think that guy just got robbed.” … rest of story at http://www.fivepointmove.com/christian-faith/gruenwald-real-hero/?mc_cid=e764d9125d&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4
10 } – LAST CHANCE QUALIFIER SET FOR MARCH 26-27 IN FORT WORTH, TEXAS; PARTICIPANTS MUST HAVE NEGATIVE COVID PCR TEST 72 HOURS BEFORE MARCH 26
The Last Chance Qualifier, which is the final opportunity for wrestlers to qualify for the U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Wrestling, will be held at Texas Wesleyan University in Fort Worth, Texas, March 26-27.
There will be a required COVID testing protocol for all athletes, coaches, team leaders and medical staff to participate in the event. All these people are required to show a negative COVID-19 PCR test result. Test must have been completed less than 72 hours before March 26, 2021. Only a PCR test will be accepted. Women’s freestyle and Greco-Roman will be held on Friday, March 26, with men’s freestyle on Saturday, March 27. … rest of story at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2021/March/03/Last-Chance-Qualifier-set-for-Fort-Worth-March-26-and-27?mc_cid=e764d9125d&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
11 } – 5PM45: Dennis Hall and Max Nowry
Max Nowry returns to the program as a legitimate guest following his antics on E43 and reunites with co-host Dennis Hall to discuss a variety of topics. Included are exchanges related to how some exercises are more mentally beneficial than they are physical, not competing until the Olympic Trials, weight class changes, and socializing in Fort Worth next month.
… rest of story at https://www.mattalkonline.com/podcast/fivepointmove/5pm45-dennis-hall-and-max-nowry/?mc_cid=463361f6e9&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
12 } – ‘Focused’ Chamizo Steals Gold Against Burroughs at Matteo Pellicone
OSTIA (Italy), March 8 — After a 25-month wait, Jordan BURROUGHS (USA) and Frank CHAMIZO (ITA) finally met again on the mat. At the Yasar Dogu in 2019, Chamizo had decided to sit out of the final, giving Burroughs the win. This was five months after the American had scored his third win over Chamizo at the Dan Kolov-Nikola Petrov event in February.
Sure, the pandemic delayed the matchup but Burroughs’ loss at the 2019 World Championships semifinal to Zaurbek SIDAKOV (RUS) in September deprived the fans of a rematch in NurSultan, Kazakhstan. Chamizo was on the other side of the bracket and reached the final against Sidakov. But on a blockbuster Sunday at the Matteo Pellicone Ranking Series event in Rome, the two superstars clashed for the sixth time in what is quickly becoming wrestling’s prized rivalry in recent years. For the record, Chamizo closed the gap with Burroughs in head-to-head to 4-2 after winning a tense gold medal bout 3-2 at 74kg. … rest of story at https://uww.org/article/focused-chamizo-steals-gold-against-burroughs-matteo-pellicone?mc_cid=3fad4ffad8&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
High School News (2021) – # 12
TDR Editor’s Notes ; With each story we have the state or the origin labeled at the left. While a particular state may not be of interest the details should be read as innovations, news, concerns and marks of achievement cross state lines in their interest and relevance. Keep Wrestling On!
Contact us at the Editor’s office at martinkfleming@gmail.com
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
1 } – (Nebraska) Lincoln Southeast wrestling coach headed to Kearney
Kearney High School has hired Ryan Bauer to be its head wrestling coach, the school announced. Bauer has been Lincoln Southeast’s head coach since 2018. It’s a homecoming for Bauer, a Kearney native, Kearney High graduate and former Nebraska-Kearney wrestler on two Division II national championship teams (2012, ’13). “Bauer checked all the boxes that we needed in this hire,” said Kearney activities director Ryan Hogue. “I know he will continue the great tradition and culture we have in our wrestling program.”
Bauer said: “It’s an honor to be selected as the next head coach of the Kearney High wrestling program. I look forward to carrying on the tradition of excellence that Tom McCann and Ty Swarm have laid before me.” … rest of story at https://journalstar.com/sports/high-school/wrestling/lincoln-southeast-wrestling-coach-headed-to-kearney/article_1757d5f3-e968-5506-ac33-4c4c47776751.html?mc_cid=bd28fec561&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
2 } – (South Carolina) State wrestling tournament to move forward with no spectators, Executive Committee says
In a 7-6 vote, a motion to allow spectators for Saturday’s individual state wrestling tournament was defeated by the South Carolina High School League’s Executive Committee on Tuesday. The event, scheduled for Saturday at Dreher High School, was the subject of a Tuesday morning meeting, as some members sought to find a way to include spectator attendance in plans for the tournament.
There were no spectators allowed at last week’s Upper and Lower State finals, something that some Executive Committee members said they’d been unaware of. Tuesday’s meeting sought a solution that would allow that to change for the state finals. Committee member Dr. Darryl Owings, superintendent of Spartanburg County School District 6, proposed … rest of story at https://www.goupstate.com/story/sports/high-school/2021/03/02/schsl-vote-prohibits-spectators-saturday-wrestling-tournament/6883453002/?mc_cid=bd28fec561&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
3 } – (Arkansas) Layne Hatcher: ‘I play quarterback like I’m wrestling’
Layne Hatcher set all kinds of Arkansas high school football records. He’s also a four-time state wrestling champion. Find out how the Arkansas State star blends wrestling and football to be one of the most prolific quarterbacks in the nation. … rest of story at https://www.trackwrestling.com/PortalPlayer.jsp?TIM=1614803894669&twSessionId=jyimczeiha&videoId=1103919135&mc_cid=e764d9125d&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
And (Oklahoma) Collinsville Will Not Compete At Dual State
Collinsville, the 5A state champions and heavy favorites to win the dual state title this weekend in Enid, will not be participating at the dual state tournament this weekend. The updated 5A brackets now have Skiatook getting a buy to the semifinals where they will wrestle the winner of Coweta and El Reno. … rest of story at https://owrestle.com/collinsville-will-not-compete-at-dual-state/
4 } – (New Jersey) As high school season nears, where are N.J. wrestlers in national rankings?
By Bill Evans | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
The high school wrestling season is on the horizon and there will be plenty of standouts ready to take the mat when the schedule kicks off on March 16. Those standouts received good news on Monday when the NJSIAA declared there were be an individual postseason culminating in a state wrestling championship.
So who are the top New Jersey wrestlers? Check out the list below with where the Garden State athletes are ranked in FloWrestling and TrackWrestling’s National rankings and how much they moved since last week. … rest of story and list at https://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2021/03/as-high-school-season-nears-where-are-nj-wrestlers-in-national-rankings.html?mc_cid=e764d9125d&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
5 } – (Virginia) Great Bridge wrestling coach Matt Small stepping down after 10 seasons
CHESAPEAKE — Ten seasons, two state titles, nine individual champions. After rebuilding a proud and tradition-rich Great Bridge program back into a powerhouse, coach Matt Small is stepping down at the conclusion of the school year. “It has been such an honor to help rebuild something to carry on the legacy, the tradition, the pride,” said Small, a Great Bridge alum. “To be able to coach a second generation of kids – I’ve coached an Allred, a Basnight, a Jackson, a Curling, a Martin. I’ve coached second and third generation Wildcats.”
But Small feels like, “it’s time,” to move on after over a decade as a head coach. He also served as the coach at Grassfield and Cox, where he won the state title in 2010 and had two teams nationally ranked. Overall he’s coached 18 individual state champions who have won 24 state titles. “I’m at a point in life where I want to coach in a different capacity,” Small said. … rest of story at https://www.pilotonline.com/757teamz/vp-sp-matt-small-greatbridge-wrestling-20210303-gx22c7h6ljchxmbtzaahh6xhuq-story.html?mc_cid=e764d9125d&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
6 } – (New Jersey) There was one goal this N.J. wrestling season, and now it’s achievable
By Bill Evans | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
From the time it appeared likely that COVID-19 could create havoc with the wrestling season in 2020-2021, there has been an underlying message from almost everyone in the wrestling community.
Two messages actually.
Find a way to have a 2020-2021 wrestling season. And once you do find a way to hold an individual state tournament, whatever way possible. And so with Monday’s announcement by the NJSIAA there will be a modified state tournament in April, it will come to this. If the NJSIAA crowns 25 state champions – 14 for the boys, 11 for the girls – and a couple hundred state medals are handed out, this season will be a success. It will be especially successful if the top state contenders are able to make it to the finish line and don’t miss the postseason for COVID-19 related reasons. … rest of story at https://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2021/03/there-was-one-goal-this-nj-wrestling-season-and-now-its-achievable.html?mc_cid=e764d9125d&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
7 } – (Michigan) MHSAA Announces Revised Format, Finals Site for 2021 Wrestling Tournaments
EAST LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan High School Athletic Association has revised its 2021 Wrestling Tournaments, scheduled for the final three weeks of March and first weekend of April, in an effort to reduce the mixing of communities and spread of COVID-19. The MHSAA also has selected Wings Event Center in Kalamazoo as this year’s host site for the Teams Finals on March 30 and Individual Finals to be wrestled April 2-3.
As in non-COVID seasons, the wrestling postseason will be divided into separate tournament tracks for teams and individuals, with competition at the District, Regional and Finals levels. Competition at the District and Regional levels for both the team and individual tournaments will follow the MHSAA’s traditional formats, which is possible due to the COVID-19 rapid testing required of each participating wrestler. Districts will be wrestled during the week of March 15, with Regionals the following week. However, a number of changes for this season’s Finals have been put in place to provide the same experience for qualifying athletes but with more precautions to limit possible exposure to the virus.
Team Wrestling: Quarterfinals, Semifinals and Finals will be wrestled Tuesday, March 30 at Wings Event Center, with all rounds over one day instead of the traditional two. Two areas within Wings Event Center – the “Valley” and “Arena” – will host matches for Quarterfinals and Semifinals, with all four championship matches wrestled simultaneously in the Arena to conclude the event. Divisions 2 and 4 will compete in the Arena, and Divisions 1 and 3 in the Valley prior to the title matches.
Individual Wrestling: All rounds of the Individual Finals will be wrestled at Wings Event Center … rest of story at https://abc10up.com/2021/03/02/mhsaa-announces-revised-format-finals-site-for-2021-wrestling-tournaments/?mc_cid=e764d9125d&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
8 } – (Delaware) Dramatic finish, historic champs highlight DIAA wrestling
LEWES – The historic match had a historic finish. Smyrna senior Joey Natarcola lifted Nick Hall off his feet seconds into overtime, then dropped the Caravel junior for the takedown to win the first state final ever between two-time state champions, a fitting finale to the 65th DIAA Individual Wrestling Championships on Wednesday night at Cape Henlopen High School. “He started off a couple of inches off the ground, and I’m thinking, ‘I want to finish this. I want to get it done with,’” Natarcola said. “So I mustered all my strength, picked him up, put him back down to the mat and got two [points].”
The 6-4 decision made Natarcola the fourth three-time state champion crowned during the finals, pushing the all-time total of three-timers to 39. It also ended Hall’s chance of joining the list of just 10 four-time DIAA champs. “Nick Hall is an amazing opponent,” Natarcola said. “I’ve traveled all over the country with the kid. I’ve seen him since he was probably in the fifth or sixth grade. So to have the opportunity to have my last wrestling match against him and to end the way it did, it’s an amazing feeling.” … rest of story at https://www.delawareonline.com/story/sports/high-school/2021/03/04/dramatic-finish-historic-champs-highlight-diaa-wrestling/6908429002/?mc_cid=463361f6e9&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
9} – (Tennessee) Chattanooga’s success hosting state wrestling could bring tournaments back
The return of state championship high school wrestling to Chattanooga did not disappoint. Area athletes accounted for 17 individual titles, Baylor and Cleveland were the top teams in two of the three divisions — with Signal Mountain the runner-up in the other — and the TSSAA’s traditional tournaments had a smooth three-day run last week at the Chattanooga Convention Center. That last point mattered as much to the rest of the state as the Scenic City and the surrounding area.
“We knew from the beginning of the season it was going to be very challenging for our winter sports due to COVID-19,” said Mark Reeves, a TSSAA assistant executive director who oversees wrestling. “To be able to see those kids walk off the mat with smiles on their faces was everything. It was a glorious week to be had by all who love this sport. The support of the Chattanooga wrestling community as a whole was outstanding.”
Tickets sold out rather quickly for all three days as nearly 2,000 people were in attendance over the course of the event, which had not been held in Chattanooga in more than a decade but, after a successful return, could be back again next season. Along with the Chattanooga Convention Center, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s McKenzie Arena and the Williamson County Ag Expo Park — which had settled into a longtime role as host but was being used as a COVID-19 testing center this winter — are all possible sites for next year’s competition. “We haven’t had two entities bidding for the wrestling tournament at the same time in my tenure,” Reeves said. “If that’s the case, then we will have to decide if we put that out for bid or do we select one. That will have to be decided pretty quickly because an event like this takes a lot of time to plan.” … rest of story at https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/sports/preps/story/2021/mar/04/chattanoogas-success-hosting-state-wrestling/542733/?mc_cid=463361f6e9&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
10 } – (Florida) Kissimmee Osceola wrestling celebrates 3 state champions
Kissimmee Osceola tied a school record Saturday night at the FHSAA State Wrestling Tournament with three state champions and five finalists. Cooper Haase, Jaekus Hines and Gunner Holland all won state titles for the Kowboys, with Anderson Heap and Nolin Eaddy finishing in second place to lead Osceola to a fourth-place team finish in Class 3A at Silver Spurs Arena. Hines, a senior who has committed to Appalachian State, rolled through the tournament and majored South Dade’s Alex Couto 18-5 in their 138-pound final for his second state title. “It really clicked for Jaekus after the Knockout Classic this season. He just dominated everybody the rest of the year,” Osceola coach Jim Bird said.
The sophomore Haase won his second title in two years for the Kowboys with a pin over Venice’s Bryce Taranto in the second period. Haase reached the final with a 7-6 win over SW Miami’s returning champion Daniel Martinez. Holland busted a lot of brackets to win at 152 pounds. The Kowboy freshman won all four of his matches by just a single point in each one, beating Palm Harbor University’s top-ranked Alek Chitty with a 3-2 win in overtime. “He just knows how to win,” Bird said of Holland. “He just believed in his self and got the job done.” … rest of story at https://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/highschool/wrestling/os-sp-hs-wrestling-state-tournament-0308-20210308-qbqki2ah6rb6bcpdqhrjlobk3a-story.html?mc_cid=3fad4ffad8&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
11 } – (Maine) Opinion: Maine didn’t need to skip high school wrestling season
I am writing this letter in the hopes of bringing clarity and transparency to the situation involving the recent cancellation of the competitive high school wrestling season in the State of Maine. A disclaimer: as a teacher, coach, father, husband, and son, I have been completely on board from day one regarding COVID restrictions. I am cognizant and sympathetic to the vast number of cases and deaths across our nation, and continue to take all precautions to stay socially distant and to be routinely tested in my community. I am a strong advocate for the vaccines, especially for our educators. That being said, I would like to offer a different perspective as a wrestling coach and parent.
Wrestling can be done safely, and in fact, is this winter in 41 of the 47 states that offer wrestling in our nation. … rest of story at https://www.seacoastonline.com/story/opinion/columns/2021/03/08/truth-maine-high-school-wrestling-season-opinion-piece-bryan-j-thompson-varsity-wrestling-coach-york/4608933001/?mc_cid=b1fa7a1c33&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
And (Connecticut) CIAC to allow full contact drills in practice and coaches to instruct this spring
With Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont’s decision last week to allow all youth, interscholastic and amateur sports to begin practicing and competing on Friday, March 19 and with positive guidance from the state Department of Health, the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CIAC)’s Board of Control voted on Wednesday for additional opportunities for high school wrestlers. The Board of Control voted to allow wrestling teams to engage in full contact workouts, if their respective schools agree, for the remainder of the winter season, which concludes on March 26.
High school teams won’t be able to compete in dual meets but can stage joint practices with another school, if they wish to do so. Teams could hold six practices from March 19-26. Wrestling coaches will also receive a one-time exemption this spring to coach their wrestlers outside of the normal winter season in non-school affiliated programs through May 28. That is similar to what the CIAC allowed spring coaches to do last summer after the COVID-19 pandemic wiped out the entire 2020 spring season. … rest of story at https://ctwrestling.com/2021/03/ciac-to-allow-full-contact-drills-in-practice-and-coaches-to-instruct-this-spring/3985/?mc_cid=2a2fd7a25b&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
12 } – (Montana) Days after mother’s death, Timber Richberg helps Kalispell Flathead win state wrestling title
KALISPELL — Timber Richberg seemingly had the entire crowd pulling for him Friday at the State AA wrestling tournament. The Kalispell Flathead senior fed off the cheers and his own internal drive as he pinned his first opponent in just 55 seconds. It was arguably the most inspirational performance of the tournament as Richberg was wrestling just days after his mother died. “I went to state last year, and it was a pretty big experience, but this year, actually winning a match, it was just insane. I’ve never felt that way,” the 17-year-old said. “I knew my mom was there with me the whole way. I just hope I made her proud and the team made her proud.”
They both surely did. Richberg won his first match at a state tournament in his second trip but then ran into eventual three-time state champ Ethan Deroche of Great Falls. He nearly bounced back from that loss with a second victory before losing out of the tournament in overtime to the eventual fifth-place finisher. Richberg’s first-round win at 285 pounds was pivotal in helping Flathead leave its home mat with its third team championship in five years. The Braves edged out Billings Senior by 7.5 points, the slimmest margin of victory at the tournament since 2000. … rest of story at https://helenair.com/sports/high-school/wrestling/days-after-mothers-death-timber-richberg-helps-kalispell-flathead-win-state-wrestling-title/article_2d25eaaa-7442-5263-bbb9-493ed6aad0dd.html?mc_cid=b1fa7a1c33&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
NCAA Division I Results (2021) – #9
TDR Editor’s Notes ; The Big Show was held this past weekend and as expected there was some great wrestling, som joyful triumphs and agonizing defeats. This usually happens each year at the National Championships and is eagerly anticipated by wrestlers, coaches and tens of thousands of fans who attend in person and millions who watch it on TV and follow it on-line. After last year’s cancellation of all three NCAA divisions’ tournaments this year’s event was anticipated to a higher degree even with only a limited number of fans in the arena. There was the usual groups and families cheering, booing and groaning during the matches yet the sound level was noticeably less than usual with the limited numbers. Yet the cheers and chants were noticeably louder and more united when it came to Shane Griffith winning his championship match. When presented the opportunity to ‘speak’ on the mat and in his TV interview he urged Stanford University to continue the wrestling program. As the crowd correctly chanted “Save Stanford!” It would be the logical, sensible and right thing to do. Keep Wrestling On!
Contact us at the Editor’s office at martinkfleming@gmail.com
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
1 } – Shane Griffith wins NCAA national wrestling title as Stanford plans to ax program
Stanford announced the cuts last summer amid the virus
Shane Griffith appeared to give Stanford University one last hurrah at the NCAA Wrestling Championships on Saturday, defeating Pittsburgh’s Jake Wentzel in the 165-pound bout and making one last state: Keep Stanford Wrestling. Stanford announced that wrestling was going to be cut amid the coronavirus pandemic. Griffith, who wore a black singlet without a name on it, defeated Wentzel. The victory ignited chants of “Keep Stanford Wrestling” at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, Mo., according to NJ.com.
“I was actually not planning on wrestling this season given our circumstances at Stanford,” Griffith said after the match, via the San Francisco Chronicle. “It just seemed unfeasible to get where I wanted to be at the time. Then, along the way, I saw the coaches stay motivated — trust the process, almost, it’s kind of cliché. “In the middle of the night one night, I just texted my dad, I said, ‘You know what? We’re not going to question it, we’re going to rip it.’” … rest of story at https://www.foxnews.com/sports/shane-griffith-wins-ncaa-national-wrestling-title-stanford-axe-program?mc_cid=7907c53ef0&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
2 } – AJ Ferrari’s Best Moments From The 2021 NCAA Wrestling Tournament
The legend of AJ Ferrari continues to grow.
The legend and mystique surrounding AJ Ferrari is at an all-time peak right now. The man just won an NCAA title as a true freshman at 197 pounds and between his celebrations and interviews, he has caught the attention of nearly all of the sports world.
With that, I thought I’d compile some of the highlights of the weekend starting with the post-match celebration on ESPN following his NCAA semifinal win. … rest of story at https://pistolsfiringblog.com/aj-ferraris-best-moments-from-the-2021-ncaa-wrestling-tournament/?mc_cid=7907c53ef0&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
And Bulldog Insider feature: Abas, Olivas reflect on their time as Fresno State wrestlers
FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE) – This weekend in St. Louis, the Fresno State wrestling team added one more name to its list of all-Americans. Kyle Parco became the 23rd wrestler in program history to reach all-American status, the first since Josh Hokit in 2019. After this weekend, the Fresno State wrestling program will be eliminated for the second time since 2006. “I actually could not believe it. It was hard enough to know that they dropped it that first time,” said former Bulldog wrestler Stephen Abas. “It’s horrible news.”
Abas is one of the best athletes to ever come out of Fresno State. A four-time all-American and a three-time national champion, Abas also brought home a silver medal from the 2004 Olympics in Athens. He helped put Fresno State wrestling on the map. “I enjoyed my time there, and I know that there’s opportunities for other kids to have the same success, if we could just keep the team around,” said Abas.
The first year that Fresno State returned to the wrestling mat was in 2017, and the roster was stacked with valley athletes: Buchanan, Clovis, Clovis North, Selma, Dinuba, Lemoore and Madera Ranchos were all represented. … rest of story and videos at https://www.yourcentralvalley.com/sports/bulldog-insider-feature-abas-olivas-reflect-on-their-time-as-fresno-state-wrestlers/?mc_cid=7490ba8a46&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
3 } – PENN STATE GOES FOUR FOR FOUR IN THE 2021 NCAA CHAMPIONSHIP FINALS, BUT IOWA BRINGS HOME THE TEAM TITLE
St. Louis, Mo. – There was no dramatic showdown for the team title in the final session of the 2021 NCAA Championships. The Iowa Hawkeyes already clinched it in this morning’s medal round. However, Penn State held a narrow two-point lead over Oklahoma State for control of No. 2 position in the team standings. In tonight’s finals, the Nittany Lions locked it down, earning four individual champions.
In the first match of the night Penn State’s Roman Bravo-Young defeated Oklahoma State’s Daton Fix, 4-2, in sudden victory in the 133 pound finals, which ended the Cowboy’s hopes of overtaking PSU for second place. Bravo-Young rode Fix for the entirety of the second period. However, he was dinged two stalling points in the third period, resulting in overtime. Bravo-Young kept his composure and iced the match, converting on a low-level reattack. In the very next bout, Penn State’s Nick Lee downed Iowa’s Jaydin Eierman in the 141 pound finals. This match also came down to sudden victory, where Lee was able to score the winning takedown, avenging a 6-5 loss he took to Eierman in the Big Ten finals two weeks ago.
Penn State’s next champion came at 174 pounds, where freshman Carter Starocci pulled perhaps the biggest upset of the night, with a 3-1 sudden victory over Iowa’s Michael Kemerer. Starocci previously fell to Kemerer in the Big Ten finals, 7-2. He credited the Penn State coaching staff for helping him make the necessary adjustments to reverse the result this time around. “I learn every second of the day. I learned through that match on many things that I can get better on and do better. I learn all the time, so yeah for sure I learned a lot. Me and my coaches, we went through some things that I could have fixed and that I could improve on, so that’s what we did. Even during that match, I mean I won, but I can still be better,” Starocci said. … rest of story at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2021/March/20/NCAA-finals-wrap?mc_cid=7907c53ef0&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
4 } – SESSION VII NOTES: LEE WINS THIRD TITLE WITH TWO BAD ACLS, GRIFFITH’S TITLE SHEDS MORE LIGHT ON #KEEPSTANFORDWRESTLING; SANDERSON PRAISES RTC SYSTEM
For Iowa three-time champion Spencer Lee, it’s no ACLs, no problem
Most wrestling fans knew by now that Spencer Lee is a rare kind of wrestler. But few knew before Saturday night’s ESPN broadcast that he has been defying modern medicine while earning his third national championship. In a live interview with ESPN’s Quint Kessenich, Lee revealed some rather startling medical news. “I’m battling a lot of things,” Lee said. “Eight days ago, I tore an ACL in my other knee. I’m wrestling with no ACLs. Whatever, man. I didn’t want to tell anyone, because F-excuses. Excuses are for wusses. “That was a tough turn for me. I could barely wrestle. I could barely shoot. I can’t sprawl. But I believed in my coaching staff and everyone believed in me. Here I am.”
Stanford update – Griffith wins title, Abas takes seventh, team in 17th, with tons of attention to #KeepStanfordWrestling
We don’t think that the good folks at #KeepStanfordWrestling and those looking to save 11 programs dropped by the school could have scripted anything better than tonight’s NCAA wrestling finals. … rest of story at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2021/March/21/Session-VII-notes?mc_cid=7907c53ef0&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
5 } – Penn State steals show in NCAA finals, Iowa claims 24th team title
Results:Brackets
ST. LOUIS — While Iowa finished on top of the team standings at the 2021 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships, it was Penn State that stole the show Saturday night at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis. The Nittany Lions went a perfect 4-for-4 in the finals. Winning national titles for Penn State were Roman Bravo-Young (133), Nick Lee (141), Carter Starocci (174) and Aaron Brooks (184). “Our guys just did a really nice job,” said Penn State head wrestling coach Cael Sanderson. “I think they just believed and they found a way. I think we had three overtimes and a tight match there at 84. It’s just great to see the toughness out of the guys. I think that’s where that belief really kicks in.”
Iowa’s Spencer Lee, who was wrestling with a torn ACL, claimed his third NCAA title at 125 pounds with a 7-0 victory over Arizona State’s Brandon Courtney. Courtney, the No. 3 seed, battled Lee tough early as the match was scoreless heading into the second period. Lee began to pull away in the second period, getting an escape, takedown and point off a third caution to lead 4-0 after two periods. He would add a takedown and riding time point in the final period to win by seven. Lee, a 2020 Dan Hodge Trophy winner, became Iowa’s seventh three-time NCAA champion. … rest of story at https://intermatwrestle.com/articles/24450?mc_cid=7907c53ef0&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
6 } – Takeaways: Carr takes home first NCAA title 40 years after his dad’s first
Forty years after his father Nate won his first of three NCAA Championships, David Carr has won his first after defeating Rider’s Jesse Dellavecchia 4-0 in the finals Saturday in the 2021 NCAA Championships at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis. Carr’s 4-0 win over Dellavecchia in the NCAA Championship match at 157 pounds capped off a dominant week and a dominant season by the redshirt sophomore. One of the things Carr said got him through the tournament was his faith. “I just want to say all glory to God, and without Him, I couldn’t do it,” Carr said. “Like I’ve been saying, I walk by faith, not by sight. Jesus got me through this whole tournament, and I put my faith in him.” He and redshirt senior Gannon Gremmel led Iowa State to its best finish at the NCAA Championships in the last four championships.
Carr’s first title win comes 40 years after his dad’s first
With his family, including his dad, in attendance, Carr accomplished what he previously said was a childhood dream of his: winning an NCAA title. He did it in a unique setting with limited fan attendance due to COVID-19 protocols, which Carr said had its advantages in spite of the lack of a large boost from fans cheering. “I liked it because I can hear my coaches clearly,” Carr said. One of the coaches he could hear was Assistant Coach Brent Metcalf, who tackled Carr after Carr did a cartwheel in celebration of winning the title.
“Metcalf has been with me this whole season, and he’s been telling me the right stuff; he’s telling me to trust my process,” Carr said. “These coaches are amazing, and so without having that many fans, I can hear them clearly. When they’re telling me to push, I push.” Carr said he told his dad when he wanted to commit to Iowa State, he wanted to bring the program back to fruition and break all of his goals while he was at it. … rest of story at https://www.iowastatedaily.com/sports/iowa-state-cyclones-david-carr-wrestling-kevin-dresser-brent-metcalf-2021-ncaa-championships-gannon-gremmel-ian-parker-sam-colbray-marcus-coleman-kysen-terukina-jarrett-degen-zach-redding-2021-ncaa-championships-nate-carr/article_9ae4a3aa-8a56-11eb-8170-b7ed37059b39.html?mc_cid=7490ba8a46&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
7 } – Shane Griffith uses NCAA championship to highlight ‘Keep Stanford wrestling’ efforts
When the COVID-19 pandemic upended the college sports world and threw athletic department budgets into tailspins, some sports were on the receiving end of cuts. In some cases, Division I schools went so far as to eliminate programs. The Stanford Cardinal announced over the summer it would cut 11 teams, including the wrestling squad, at the end of the 2020-21 academic year.
That didn’t stop Shane Griffith from reaching the top of his weight class. Griffith won the 165-pound national championship over the weekend by defeating Jake Wentzel of Pittsburgh — he was also named Outstanding Wrestler of the tournament — and did so while wearing a black singlet. Griffith and his teammates wore the alternate attire, sans the school logo, to signal their displeasure with the university’s decision to drop the program after this season.
Just some more motivation to go along with it,” Griffith said Saturday. “I was actually not planning on wrestling this season, given our circumstances at Stanford,” the redshirt sophomore continued. “It just seemed unfeasible to get where I wanted to be in time. Then along the way I was talking to coaches, staying motivated, trusting the process almost, kind of cliché. “In the middle of the night one night I just texted my dad. I said, ‘You know what, we’re not gonna question it. We’re gonna rip it and we’re gonna win NCAAs this year.’ And he said, ‘All right, buddy, I’m going with you.'” … rest of story at https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/2021/03/22/shane-griffith-ncaa-title-keep-stanford-wrestling/4799900001/?mc_cid=7490ba8a46&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
8 } – Shane Griffith title caps defiant NCAA Tournament for wrestling
Led by newly minted NCAA National Champion redshirt sophomore Shane Griffith, the embattled Stanford wrestling program shone in an improbable run of success at the NCAA Tournament in St. Louis this weekend. The team, one of eleven cut back in July, scrambled its way to a 17th place overall finish and a triumphant finale to what was probably its last season as a varsity program — a season defined more by struggle off the mat than on it.
Wearing all-black uniforms stripped of Stanford insignia as a protest of the athletic department, individual wrestlers topped highly touted opponents from Rust Belt wrestling powerhouses. Pac-12 champion Jaden Abas, a redshirt freshman and the team’s newest All American, lost his first match but worked his way back up over four rounds to a 7th place finish in the 149-pound weight class by a 5-3 decision over Appalachian State’s Jonathan Millner. … rest of story at https://www.stanforddaily.com/2021/03/21/shane-griffith-title-caps-defiant-ncaa-tournament/?mc_cid=7490ba8a46&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
And Stanford cut its wrestling team. Its wrestler just won the title, dressed all in black
A Stanford wrestler won the national championship in what could be the school’s last-ever match. Eighth-seeded 165-pounder Shane Griffith, dressed in a black singlet with no Stanford logo, won 6-2 over No. 3 Jake Wentzel of Pittsburgh on Saturday in St. Louis. “It’s funny, I was talking to my dad about this earlier today. I was actually not planning on wrestling this season given our circumstances at Stanford,” Griffith said after the match. “It just seemed unfeasible to get where I wanted to be in time. Then along the way I was talking to coaches, staying motivated, trusting the process almost, kinda cliche.
“But in the middle of the night one night I texted my dad, ‘We’re not gonna question it. We’re gonna rip it. We’re gonna win NCAAs this year.’ And he said, ‘Alright, buddy. I’m going with you.'” Stanford announced in July that wrestling and 10 other sports would be dropped to save money. Wrestling alumni organized a fundraiser in an attempt to endow the program, and as of Saturday they had raised $12.5 million. … rest of story at https://www.sfgate.com/collegesports/article/Stanford-cut-its-wrestling-team-shane-griffith-16042126.php?mc_cid=7490ba8a46&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
9} – Millner becomes eighth All-American wrestler in App history at NCAA Championships
ST. LOUIS — Appalachian State wrestling added a new All-American to its history books on Saturday, March 20, when redshirt junior Jonathan Millner secured eighth place in the 149-pound weight class at the NCAA Division I Championships in St. Louis. Millner was part of a record-setting seven wrestlers from App to attend, alongside Codi Russell (125), Sean Carter (133), Anthony Brito (141), Cody Bond (157), Will Formato (165) and Thomas Flitz (174). Formato and Flitz each received at-large bids to make it to the championships, while the other five Mountaineers were Southern Conference Champions in their weight class for automatic bids.
Russell, Carter and Millner were the only three to make it past the first day of the competition, with no other Mountaineers securing a win in their two matches each. Millner secured two day-one wins, while Carter and Russell both went 1-1. Carter lost to eventual national champion Roman Bravo-Young of Penn State. On day two, Carter and Russell were stopped, but Millner kept going through the tournament. Millner lost in the third round of the tournament to Austin O’Connor of University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, but made up for it with a win over Duke’s Josh Finesilver in the “Wrestlebacks” bracket, allowing those who have already lost to compete for up to a third-placed finish. … rest of story at https://www.wataugademocrat.com/sports/millner-becomes-eighth-all-american-wrestler-in-app-history-at-ncaa-championships/article_c3e13580-415a-5e26-a872-08a9adf660c3.html?mc_cid=7490ba8a46&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
10 } – Mason Kauffman Wins NCAA’s Elite 90 Award
NIU wrestler becomes first Huskie to win prestigious honor
ST. LOUIS – Northern Illinois University’s Mason Kauffman was rewarded for his work on the mat and in the classroom as the NCAA qualifier at 174 was named the recipient of the Elite 90 award for the 2021 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championship on Saturday.
“It’s a statement on him personifying the kind of student-athlete we want and we preach about being here at NIU,” NIU head coach Ryan Ludwig said. “These guys work their tails off to be great wrestlers, but in order to become a great wrestler, you need to be a great student, a great person first. “We couldn’t be prouder of him representing us and bringing home an Elite 90 award to NIU. It’s just a tremendous honor for the University.”
Kauffman, who carries a 4.0 grade point average while pursuing his bachelor’s degree in kinesiology, was presented with the award prior to the start of the final round of the 2021 NCAA Wrestling Championship at Enterprise Center. He is the first Huskie in any sport to receive this prestigious award from the NCAA, which is presented to the student-athlete with the highest cumulative grade-point average participating at the finals site for each of the NCAA Championships. A native of Stratford, Wis., Kauffman earned an at-large bid to the NCAAs at 174 pounds … rest of story at https://niuhuskies.com/news/2021/3/20/wrestling-mason-kauffman-wins-ncaas-elite-90-award.aspx?mc_cid=7490ba8a46&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
11 } – Could the Bills invite NCAA heavyweight wrestling champ Gable Steveson for a tryout?
Watching Minnesota junior Gable Steveson run roughshod over the heavyweight field at the NCAA Wrestling Championships this weekend has to have the wheels turning inside the head of Bills coach Sean McDermott. Could he one day be a Bills’ defensive lineman? There is almost no chance that McDermott hasn’t thought about it already. Just like there’s no chance the coach hasn’t already watched and dissected Steveson’s 8-4 decision over Michigan’s Mason Parris for the title on Saturday night in St. Louis.
McDermott loves wrestling almost as much as football, which is not hard to understand since he was always a better wrestler than a football player. At La Salle High School, he won two straight National Prep titles while going undefeated his final two seasons and giving up just takedown along the way. Since coming to Buffalo, he has had Olympic champion Jordan Burroughs speak to the team and in 2019 spent some time with coach Cael Sanderson and the Penn State wrestling program just before they traveled to nationals and won another championship.
McDermott has envisioned converting college wrestlers into Buffalo Bills. He even spoke about during the NFL Meetings two years ago in Phoenix. “We look for that,” McDermott said. “I mean, at the [NFL Scouting] Combine, we would ask the players what other sports they played, so that’s one of the sports we look for. When you’re talking about leverage, hips, handfighting, balance — to me every football player, particularly interior linemen, should come up with a wrestling background. … rest of story at https://www.si.com/nfl/bills/news/could-the-bills-invite-ncaa-heavyweight-wrestling-champ-gable-steveson-for-a-tryout?mc_cid=7490ba8a46&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
12 } – Iowa reclaims NCAA wrestling crown, Spencer Lee overcomes ACL tear to win 3rd title | The Gazette
Iowa has returned to the top of college wrestling. The Hawkeyes’ accomplishment will deliver some satisfaction to supporters who have craved this moment for a long time. … rest of story at https://www.thegazette.com/subject/sports/iowa-reclaims-ncaa-wrestling-crown-20210320?mc_cid=7907c53ef0&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
And Alex Marinelli, Jaydin Eierman announce return to Iowa wrestling for 2021-22
The Iowa Hawkeyes finished with a team national title in 2021 but came away just one for three in individual national championships on Saturday night. However, they received some more good news on Sunday. Four time All-American and 141 pound runner up Jaydin Eierman and three time All-American and 165 pounder Alex Marinelli both announced their intentions to return to the team next season. Under normal circumstances, both wrestlers entered 2020-21 as their final seasons, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, athletes across all sports were granted a free year. With one year left for both, the Hawkeyes get a major boost to their lineup for next season. … rest of story at https://247sports.com/Article/Alex-Marinelli-Jaydin-Eierman-announce-return-Iowa-Hawkeyes-wrestling-2021-22-lineup-national-championship-NCAA-Tournament-162832361/?mc_cid=7490ba8a46&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
AUSTIN O’CONNOR WINS 149-POUND NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP – MISSION COMPLETE
ST. LOUIS – No. 2 Austin O’Connor reached the summit of collegiate wrestling when he beat No. 1 Sammy Sasso (Ohio State) 3-2 to win the 149-pound NCAA Championship under the lights of the Enterprise Center.
With the win, he becomes UNC’s sixth national champion and first since T.J. Jaworsky won the title in 1995.
After a scoreless 90 seconds to begin the match, O’Connor escaped for the first point of the match.
Down 1-0, Sasso earned a quick escape seconds into the third period to tie the match. With 32 seconds remaining , O’Connor took down Sasso and claimed a 3-1 advantage.
With Sasso taking the point for riding time, O’Connor won 3-2. … rest of the story and video link at https://goheels.com/news/2021/3/20/wrestling-austin-o-connor-wins-149-pound-national-championship.aspx
National Wrestling News (2021) – # 6
TDR Editor’s Notes ; A group of stories on wrestling activities of a national interest from this month and last. Also a look ahead to next month with the trials for the USA Olympic team to be held in Texas. Read on and enjoy as wrestling fans look on to watch the final college wrestling competition on ESPN TV tonight. Keep wrestling on. Contact us at the Editor’s office at martinkfleming@gmail.com
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
1 } – #TEAMUSATUESDAY: CATCHING UP WITH NATIONAL MEN’S FREESTYLE HEAD COACH BILL ZADICK
On this edition of #TeamUSATuesday, we spoke with Men’s Freestyle National Team Head Coach Bill Zadick. A World and NCAA champion, Zadick took over the men’s freestyle program after the 2016 Olympics. Prior to assuming the role of head coach, Zadick began working at USA Wrestling in 2009 as the Resident Coordinator and Assistant National Freestyle and was promoted to the position of National Freestyle Developmental Coach and Assistant National Freestyle Coach in 2010.
In 2017, Zadick led the program to their first Freestyle World Team Title since 1995 and was subsequently named the U.S. Olympic Committee Olympic Coach of the Year. In the interview Zadick discusses the recent National Team training camp in Ohio, the strong performances Team USA recorded at the Henri Deglane in Nice, France, his thoughts on the David Taylor vs. Jordan Burroughs super-match and some of the coaching philosophies he employs while helping elite athletes pursue their dreams of Olympic gold. … rest of story at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2021/January/26/TeamUSATuesday-Catching-up-with-National-Mens-Freestyle-Head-Coach-Bill-Zadick?mc_cid=348fe62197&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
2 } – GREG STROBEL “MAKE A WEIGHT” CHALLENGE STARTS FEB 10!
USA Wrestling, in partnership with the Greg Strobel Leadership Academy announces the Greg Strobel ‘Make A Weight’ 30-Day Challenge. Plan now to participate in the challenge by signing up and getting pledges. The challenge begins Wednesday, February 10, 2021. Greg Strobel was an outstanding athlete, coach, mentor and ambassador to the sport of wrestling. The teachings and life lessons he left behind are profound, including the value he placed on creating a “Lifetime of Good Habits”.
Every year Greg challenged himself to make his college wrestling weight to demonstrate the importance of Discipline, Accountability and Consistency, while also enriching the lives of others by fostering positive relationships, making connections, and creating a Family atmosphere within the wrestling communities he served. … rest of story at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2021/January/27/Greg-Strobel-Make-a-Weight-Challenge?mc_cid=bf1f14c6db&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
3 } – ‘First To Fight’ With All-Marine Head Coach Jason Loukides
In one of the most encouraging developments of the season thus far, members of the All-Marine Wrestling Team finally got back on the mat for the first time in nearly a year at the Henri Deglane Grand Prix in France earlier this month. Four athletes placed fifth, just missing out on taking home some hardware. The goal according to All-Marine head coach Jason Loukides was the opportunity for his athletes to get matches in against capable opposition. They certainly did that. Between the formatting of Deglane along with a few impressive victories recorded throughout the tournament, the Marines saw a combined 21 bouts between eight competitors.
’19 Final X runner-up Jamel Johnson (67 kg, 5PM #4) had the busiest day among the group in Nice, going 2-2 with both wins coming in lopsided fashion. ’19 World Team member John Stefanowicz (world #3 at 82 kg) was up at 87 kilos and triumphed in his first bout before punching the clock against … rest of story at http://www.fivepointmove.com/all-marine-wrestling/jason-loukides-post-deglane/?mc_cid=ad9f03475a&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
4 } – Lindland: “Coaching With A Father’s Heart”
Matt Lindland is an Olympic and World silver medalist (2000, ’01), former #1 ranked UFC middleweight, and the founder of famed MMA training center Team Quest in Oregon. You may know him best — or just as well — as the head coach of the United States Greco-Roman National Team since ’14. Lindland resides in Colorado Springs, CO with his wife, Angie.
With 2021 now having fully arrived, I can’t help but look back and reflect on the year 2020. All of the experiences we’ve had, all of the lessons learned. We were told to isolate and socially distance. I preferred to see it as solitude rather than isolation. And, solitude for me was time alone with my thoughts, and time with God in prayer and worship. 2020 was a unique year for a lot of folks. I don’t know about you specifically, but I’m sure you had faced some type of adversity, as well. The global pandemic has been a struggle affecting everyone’s lives.
I was no exception. I dealt with struggle and adversity right along with the rest of the world. I had a dear friend pass away on an adventure that turned into a nightmare. I also battled with prostate cancer. Bottom line, we all struggle … rest of story at http://www.fivepointmove.com/christian-faith/lindand-coaching-fathers-heart/?mc_cid=8755157a86&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
5 } – Five Point Move 2020 Athlete Of The Year: G’Angelo Hancock
He did not receive as many competitive opportunities as he’s used to having. But every time G’Angelo Hancock (97 kg, Sunkist, world #7, 5PM #1) stepped on a mat in 2020, he made it count. In doing so, he also now becomes the first person to be named 5PM’s Athlete of the Year twice.
For the second consecutive year, the voting committee was swayed by two factors when it came to Hancock: performance results and wins over quality competition. The difference this time, aside from total number of matches, is that he stands alone — in ’19 Hancock shared Athlete of the Year honors with Max Nowry (60 kg, Army/WCAP, world #3 at 55 kg, 5PM #3).
… rest of story at http://www.fivepointmove.com/usa-greco/2020-athlete-year-gangelo-hancock/?mc_cid=4295bf0eb8&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
6 } – MAT CHAT PODCAST EPISODE 89 FEATURING NICK SURIANO, ZAHID VALENCIA AND MARK PERRY IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR STREAMING AND DOWNLOAD
The Mat Chat with David Mirikitani podcast officially launches on USA Wrestling’s platforms today. The podcast is available in video form on USA Wrestling’s YouTube channel or can be downloaded as an audio file. In this episode, David interviews Olympic hopefuls Nick Suriano and Zahid Valencia as well as ASU assistant coach Mark Perry about the training situation with the Sunkist Kids in Tempe, Arizona.
… rest of story at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2021/February/02/Mat-Chat-89?mc_cid=e1d5a94c45&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
7 } – Ryan Warner takes a deep dive into the Smith family legacy with new audio documentary
Ryan Warner takes a deep dive into the Smith family legacy with new audio documentary
There has never been a wrestling family like the Smiths. Ryan Warner of the award-winning Wrestling Changed My Life podcast examines one of the greatest dynasties in all of sport in his new audio documentary called “The Smiths.” … rest of story at https://www.trackwrestling.com/PortalPlayer.jsp?TIM=1612585638686&twSessionId=mlahnpsynw&videoId=1038066135&mc_cid=7fbcdf9574&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
And Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame in Cresco Induction Ceremony Cancelled
By Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame
Regrettably, the Board of Directors of the Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame in Cresco announce the
postponement of their Annual Induction Ceremony and Awards Banquet. The 2021 event scheduled for
Monday April 12 is cancelled due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This outstanding class will be
inducted on Monday April 11th, 2022. … rest of story at https://www.thepredicament.com/2021/02/iowa-wrestling-hall-of-fame-in-cresco-induction-ceremony-cancelled/?mc_cid=b6bf9ab19d&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
8 } – FloWrestling Acquires Trackwrestling Platform From NBC’s SportsEngine
AUSTIN, Texas (February 5, 2021) – FloSports, a leading sports streaming and original content network, today announced the acquisition of Trackwrestling, an NBC Sports Group/SportsEngine, Inc. company and an established leader in wrestling event management tools, including all of the company’s assets and existing broadcast rights. The acquisition unites the wrestling community under one umbrella and bridges Trackwrestling’s powerful suite of event management and online registration tools with FloSports’ unsurpassed live and on-demand wrestling programming and industry-leading content, news and analysis featured on its award-winning digital platform. The well-respected team at Trackwrestling will also join FloSports bringing together some of the sport’s most-recognized experts for the first time and creating a single unparalleled offering to wrestling fans worldwide.
Trackwrestling has been a trusted partner to the wrestling community for over a decade. The company has offered a variety of services to the wrestling community, … rest of story at https://www.flowrestling.org/articles/6880875-flowrestling-acquires-trackwrestling-platform-from-nbcs-sportsengine
9} – Lehighvalleylive.com’s Brad Wilson named nation’s top wrestling writer
By Lehighvalleylive.com Staff
Brad Wilson, a veteran sports reporter for lehighvalleylive.com and The Express-Times, has been named the nation’s top wrestling writer, Amateur Wrestling News has announced. Wilson was named the recipient of its Bob Dellinger Award in the publication’s Jan. 15 issue. The award was first bestowed to the nation’s top wrestling writer in 1960 and is considered the country’s oldest wrestling media award. “It’s an amazing honor to come to me,” Wilson said. “You look who has won the Dellinger and it’s a who’s-who’s of wrestling media, men I have read for years, whose work I modeled myself after. To be in that company is humbling.”
Wilson, who was inducted as a journalist into the District 11 Wrestling Hall of Fame and was previously named the National Wrestling Media Association’s journalist of the year, has been part of the lehighvalleylive.com and Express-Times sports team for more than a decade. He’s also been a sports reporter for several other Pennsylvania newspapers in a career that started in 1989. Wilson won the PA Wrestling Round-up Media Award of Excellence in 2020. … rest of story at https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/highschoolsports/2021/02/lehighvalleylivecoms-brad-wilson-named-nations-top-wrestling-writer.html?mc_cid=7fbcdf9574&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
10 } – FORMER WRESTLERS COMPETING IN THE SUPER BOWL: 2021 EDITION
Wrestlers usually make great athletes, and in particular, they make great football players. Every year we see former wrestlers make it to football’s biggest stage, the Super Bowl. Take a look at this year’s crop of wrestlers playing in Super Bowl LV this Sunday.
Tampa Bay
Tristan Wirfs
Offensive Tackle
Rookie Tristan Wirfs, the 13th overall pick in last year’s draft is a starter on the Buc’s O-line. Wirfs was a four-time letter winner for Mount Vernon in Iowa. He capped his career with a 2A state title in 2017.
Shaquil Barrett
Outside Linebacker
The Buccaneers have a state champion on the other side of the ball in Shaquil Barrett as well. … rest of story at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2021/February/05/wrestlers-in-superbowl?mc_cid=7fbcdf9574&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
11 } – In wake of Title IX bungle, Dartmouth AD to retire
Dartmouth College Athletic Director Harry Sheehy will retire this month in the wake of a Title IX controversy that forced the college to reinstate five teams cut in July. In a statement Tuesday, college President Phil Hanlon praised Sheehy’s accomplishments, like helping to raise almost $30 million to fund 16 positions in the department. Hanlon last month publicly blamed Sheehy for the controversy sparked by the elimination of the women’s and men’s swimming and diving teams, women’s and men’s golf teams, and men’s lightweight rowing teams. The college announced the program cuts in July, saying it was part of an effort to save money as the college faced revenue shortfalls because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
When members of the women’s swim team threatened to bring a lawsuit against Dartmouth for violating Title IX, Hanlon announced a settlement that brought back all five teams. In his Jan. 29 announcement, Hanlon said Sheehy used faulty data when deciding which teams to be cut. “To determine which teams would be eliminated, Director of Athletics Harry Sheehy and his team established a series of factors and considerations to be used in their assessment. We have recently learned that elements of the data that Athletics used to confirm continued Title IX compliance may not have been complete,” Hanlon said in the Jan. 29 statement.
California attorney Arthur Bryant, who represented the swim team members, met with Hanlon to demonstrate that the school was in violation of Title IX before the settlement was reached. “Dartmouth screwed up royally,” Bryant said when the deal was announced. “It publicly announced it was eliminating teams to comply with Title IX when their elimination flagrantly violated Title IX.” Title IX requires that schools provide equal access to all programs, including sports. Without the five teams, there were fewer opportunities for women Dartmouth students to engage in sports based on the student body population, according to Bryant. … rest of story at https://www.unionleader.com/sports/college/in-wake-of-title-ix-bungle-dartmouth-ad-to-retire/article_60260951-ef06-5f9a-9da0-92a4dfd3e570.html?mc_cid=a084ab7fd9&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
12 } – 2020 U.S. OLYMPIC TEAM TRIALS – WRESTLING WILL BE HELD AT DICKIES ARENA IN FORT WORTH, TEXAS, APRIL 2-3
USA Wrestling and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee have announced that the 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Wrestling will be held at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas, April 2-3. The champions from the U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Wrestling will become eligible to represent the United States at the 2020 Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, August 1-7, 2021.
“USA Wrestling is extremely grateful to the Fort Worth Sports Authority, the incredible Dickies Arena and Texas USA Wrestling for their tireless efforts to host one of the most important wrestling events in the history of American wrestling,” said Rich Bender, USA Wrestling Executive Director. “We are excited for not only the wrestling fans all over the globe, but, most importantly, our nation’s very best Olympic hopefuls who will compete on this world class stage for the coveted right to represent the United States of America at the Tokyo Olympic Games. No event in our sport provides more drama and emotion than the U.S. Olympic Team Trials and this year’s event will be no exception. A special thanks to our friends at Penn State University who made a valiant effort to host this year’s event. We are excited to be in Happy Valley in three short years for the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials,” said Rich Bender, USA Wrestling Executive Director. This will be the fifth straight U.S. Olympic Team Trials in which all three Olympic wrestling teams were determined at the same time, … rest of story at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2021/February/11/US-Olympic-Team-Trials-to-Fort-Worth-Texas?mc_cid=b6bf9ab19d&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
Women’s Wrestling News (2021) – # 9 {College}
TDR Editor’s Notes ; The following collection of stories, results, reports and other announcements are focused on just women’s college teams as the news of the activities by women in wrestling has grown beyond just one topic for all of the levels and divisions. Enjoy reading and Keep Wrestling on! Contact us at the Editor’s office at martinkfleming@gmail.com
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
1 } – 2020-21 NAIA Women’s Wrestling Coaches’ Poll – No. 3
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – In the third poll of 2020-21 season, Life (Ga.) claimed the No. 1 spot in the Women’s Wrestling Coaches Top 20 Poll. Grand View (Iowa), Wayland Baptist, Campbellsville (Ky.) and Southern Oregon rounded out the top five.
Poll Methodology
- The poll was voted upon by a panel of head coaches representing each of the eight conferences.
- Two days prior to the national poll, each qualifying group rater submits the top six individuals from each weight class in his conference into the system. Only wrestlers listed on a conference ballot are considered for the national ballot.
- The top 20 individuals in each weight class is based on how each voter ranks the best individuals. An individual receives 20 points for each first place vote, 19 for second place and so on through the list. This same point system is used to determine the team ranking. … rest of story at https://www.naia.org/sports/wwrest/2020-21/Releases/WWrest-NationalPoll?mc_cid=9e45a80a12&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
2 } – TIFFIN WOMEN CLAIM NCWWC NORTHEAST REGIONAL, WITH FIVE CHAMPIONS AND 14 NATIONAL QUALIFIERS
GANNON, Pa. – The first regional competition to qualify for athletes for the National Collegiate Women’s Wrestling Championships was held on Saturday, when the NCWWC Northeast Regional was held at Gannon University. Tiffin has the strongest performance of the seven teams in the tournament, scoring the most team points with 190.5, securing the most individual champions with five, and qualifying the most athletes for the national tournament with 14.
The top four wrestlers in each weight class have advanced to the National Collegiate Women’s Wrestling Championships at Tiffin on March 6. This is the annual women’s college national tournament for NCAA wrestling teams. Individual champions for Tiffin included Shanna Morris (101), Sugey Ceja (116), Trinity Berry (123), Marta Ojeda (155) and Jessie Lee (191). Tiffin was ranked No. 6 in the most recent NCAA women’s wrestling team rankings.
Adrian College had the next best performance, second in the team standings with 159.5 points, led by four individual champions and 12 national qualifiers. Individual champions for Adrian were Emily Mendez (109) , Elisa Cox (136) Zoe Nowicki (145) and Jasmine Hale (170). … rest of story at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2021/February/20/Tiffin-has-strong-performance-at-NCWWC-Northeast-Regional?mc_cid=4fc5b594c8&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
3 } – Wrestlers Qualified for the NCWWC by Region
NCAA programs competed in regional qualifiers this weekend for the first time ever. Up to four wrestlers at each weight advanced from four regions, setting up 16-person brackets for the National Collegiate Women’s Wrestling Championships (NCWWC) on March 6th in Tiffin, Ohio. This is the first time in women’s wrestling that a qualifier will determine the brackets for a postseason championship.
NCWWC Qualifiers
Northeast – Adrian, Davenport, Delaware Valley, Elmira, Gannon, New Jersey City, Tiffin, TrineSoutheast – Emmanuel, Ferrum, King, Limestone, PresbyterianNorthwest – Augsburg, Carthage, Iowa Wesleyan, Lakeland, North Central, Pacific, UW-Stevens Point … rest of story at https://www.transitionwrestling.com/wrestlers-qualified-for-the-ncwwc-by-region/?mc_cid=4fc5b594c8&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
4 } – VIKINGS CLINCH FIRST EVER CONFERENCE TITLE & CROWN FIVE INDIVIDUAL CHAMPIONS
Fayette, MO – Grand View women’s wrestling traveled to Fayette, Missouri today, February 20th to compete in the Inaugural Heart of America Women’s Wrestling Conference Championship. Totaling 100 points, the Vikings took the championship title for the first time in program and conference history. Rounding out the top five included Baker (96), Missouri Valley (59.5), William Penn (43.5), and Waldorf (27).
Along with winning the championship, the Vikings crowned five individual conference champions including Alaura Couch (101 lbs), Emma Cochran (109 lbs), Isabella Gonzalez (130 lbs), Andrea Schlabach (136 lbs), and Hunter Robinson (170 lbs). At the conclusion of the championship meet, Arelys Valles was named Assistant Coach of the Year in her second year … rest of story at https://www.gvvikings.com/article/6969?mc_cid=4fc5b594c8&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
5 } – WARRIORS ANNOUNCE DIONISO AS NEW WOMEN’S WRESTLING COACH
FREMONT, Neb. – Midland University has announced the hiring of Chelsea Dionisio as its new women’s wrestling coach. Dionisio will be taking the helm for the Warriors later this spring while current interim head coach Daviaire Dickerson transitions into an assistant coaching role for next season. “I’m extremely excited for the opportunity to take over the program and get to work with some amazing young women,” Dionisio said. “Not only that, but I’m thankful to continue my coaching career at a university committed to building leaders, in and out of the classroom.” Dionisio, a native of Santa Maria, California, spent the past two seasons as a graduate assistant for the University of Jamestown. Prior to that, she was a standout on the mat for the Jimmies. She was a two-time conference finalist, earning KCAC Championship in 2019, and was also a two-time U23 Nationals All-American.
While coaching for Jamestown, she has helped coach the team to back-to-back conference titles that also included several individual champions. Last year the team finished 3rd at the WCWA Nationals and had a total of seven All-Americans. She has also spent time assisting Team North Dakota in preparation for the Fargo National Tournament. … rest of story at https://www.midlandathletics.com/article/5939.php?mc_cid=e764d9125d&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
6 } – Women’s Wrestling Collects 12 National Qualifiers at Northeast Regional
ERIE, Pa. — The Adrian College women’s wrestling team traveled to Gannon University to compete in the NCWWC Northeast Regional. The Bulldogs placed second as a team with 159.5 points, and finished with 12 national qualifiers. The top four placers at each weight class qualified for the national championships.
Modestie Hitchcock placed third at 101 for the Bulldogs to be named a national qualifier. Hitchcock won the third place match by fall in 46 seconds. Emily Mendez was one of Adrian’s first place finishers to be named a national qualifier and regional champion. Mendez picked up a win by fall in the semi final round, and won by decision in the championship match.
Angela LoRusso is another national qualifier for the Bulldogs with a second place finish at 116. LoRusso advanced to the championship match after an 11-7 win by decision in the semi final match. Jaryn Strong qualified for nationals at 123 with a fourth place finish. Strong lost by decision in the third place match, but bounced back to win the fourth place match by an 11-7 decision. Mackenzie Tayerle finished fourth at 130 to become a national qualifier. Tayerle picked up a win in the quarterfinal match, consolation semi final match, and the fourth place match. Tayerle won the fourth place match by fall in 28 seconds. Elisa Cox was named another regional champion for Adrian with a first place finish at 136. Cox picked up all three of her wins by fall to win at 136. Shawna Oesterling placed third at 136 to be named a national qualifier. Oesterling picked up a win by fall and a win by tech fall in the third place match. … rest of story at https://adrian.prestosports.com/sports/w-wrestl/2020-21/releases/20210220r7a6us?mc_cid=4fc5b594c8&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
7 } – NJCU Women’s Wrestling Featured by ABC7 in Preparation for Monumental National Championships
JERSEY CITY, N.J. — Just a week-and-a-half removed from a historic performance at the National Collegiate Women’s Wrestling Championships (NCWWC) Northeast Regional qualifier — during which three freshmen wrestlers from the New Jersey City University women’s wrestling program placed in the top three or higher in their respective weight classes — yet another top tier New York-area news network has highlighted the Gothic Knights’ groundbreaking program.
On Wednesday evening, March 3, ABC7 Eyewitness News’ Crystal Cranmore aired a feature on NJCU women’s wrestling as the trio of national qualifiers — Johnae Drumright (Trenton, N.J./Trenton Central) (109 lbs.), Sandra Guerrero (West Orange, N.J./West Orange) (191 lbs.) and Naomi Henry (Brooklyn, N.Y./Wingate Educational Campus) (130 lbs.) — prepare to head out for Tiffin, Ohio, this weekend to compete the NCWWC Nationals on Saturday, March 6. Both Guerrero and Drumright were featured in the segment, along with associate director of athletics Danielle Beam and head coach Elena Pirozhkhova. … rest of story at https://njcugothicknights.com/news/2021/3/3/njcu-womens-wrestling-featured-by-abc7-in-preparation-for-monumental-national-championships.aspx
And Women’s Wrestling Punches Three Tickets to Nationals at Inaugural Competition
ERIE, Pa. — In a monumental day for New Jersey City University, the NJCU women’s wrestling squad made history by becoming the first-ever intercollegiate women’s wrestling program in the state of New Jersey to officially compete in collegiate competition. The Gothic Knights saw an immense amount of success at the National Collegiate Women’s Wrestling Championship (NCWWC) Northeast Regional Qualifier, hosted by Gannon Unviersity on Saturday, Feb. 20, as three individuals punched their tickets to NCWWC Nationals.
In order to qualify for Nationals at Tiffin University in Tiffin, Ohio, on March 6, wrestlers must have placed among the top four in their respective weight classes at regionals — a quartet of Gothic Knight freshmen accomplished that feat on Saturday. Johnae Drumright (Trenton, N.J./Trenton Central) was the runner-up at 109 pounds, while Naomi Henry (Brooklyn, N.Y./Wingate Educational Campus) (130) and captain Sandra Guerrero (West Orange, N.J./West Orange) (191) each placed third. Overall, NJCU was able to amass 61.0 points as a team to place fourth overall out of the seven on the day.
Highlighting the day for the Knights was Drumright’s run to the finals before ultimately falling in the championship bout. Drumright opened her day and career with a dominant 10-0 technical fall over Gannon’s Kennedy Javier. She would then cement her spot at the national tournament with a heart-stopping 10-9 decision in the semi-finals over Tiffin’s Brooke Richards, eventually falling to top seeded Emily Mendez of Adrian College in the championship bout. … rest of story at https://njcugothicknights.com/news/2021/2/20/womens-wrestling-punches-three-tickets-to-nationals-in-inaugural-competition.aspx
8 } – No.1 Women’s Wrestling Qualifies 15 for NCWWC National Championships
(LEBANON, Ill. – Feb. 21) – The No.1 McKendree University women’s wrestling team was the host of this year’s NCWWC Southwest Regional Qualifier Tournament. The Bearcats took first place overall and first in each weight class.
The top-4 wrestlers from each weight class earned a spot in the upcoming NWCCW Championships. No.1 McKendree University took first place of the tournament at 185.9 points, with the most wrestlers qualified – 15 – from the six teams that competed. No.4 Colorado Mesa University took second place with 129.5 points. No.15 Lindenwood University was third with 81 points. T-No.12 Schreiner University placed fourth overall with 44 points. Fontbonne University finished fifth with 18.5 points Westminster College rounded out the tournament in sixth place, with 12.5 points.
Below are the results for the Bearcats:
101-lbs:
No.4 Lizette Rodriguez (Fremont, CA/James Logan) defeated Jennesis Martinez of Colorado Mesa University in a 6-2 decision. Rodriguez faced teammate Granados in the championship round, and won by a 4-3 decision. Rodriguez went 2-0 on the say and finished first. … rest of story at https://mckbearcats.com/news/2021/2/21/no-1-womens-wrestling-qualifies-15-for-ncwwc-national-championships.aspx?mc_cid=4fc5b594c8&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
9} – Lady Tigers win back to back Mid-South Conference Championship titles while dominating the field
Bowling Green, KY- Lady Tiger Wrestling wins their second conference championship in a row and third title in four years.
Early on in the day the Lady Tigers were able to control the tone of the championship. “It didn’t feel like we were running on all fours” said Miracle. “We were making fundamental mistakes and which turned into certain losses. But we were able to turn around and wrestle really well in the second half”. Campbellsville was ranked fourth in the most recent NAIA polls despite beating Life in the regular season 26-18. Overall Campbellsville was able to come away with 207.5 points while top ranked Life University only was able to earn 169 team points followed very closely behind Cumberlands at 158.5 points.
Campbellsville won key matchups throughout the day against the Running Eagles. A clutch performance from an injured Mia Diaz was one match on the day that was one for the books. Diaz had injury time in one of her early matches and looked like she would not be able to continue. Diaz would end up wrestling in the fifth place matchup in which she won by decision (7-7) with a four point takedown in the final three seconds over Cumberlands Olivia Coyne. Diaz brought in a crucial 10 points for the Lady Tigers from this victory. “That showed a lot of guts by a freshman” said Miracle on Diaz. “It was everything it meant to be a Lady Tiger. Campbell showed a lot of heart and was able to get key falls and she is banged up not at overall at 100%. … rest of story at https://campbellsvilletigers.com/news/2021/2/21/womens-wrestling-lady-tigers-win-back-to-back-mid-south-conference-championship-title-while-dominating-the-field.aspx?mc_cid=4fc5b594c8&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
10 } – 2021 NAIA INVITATIONAL RECAP
2021 NAIA Invitational Jamestown, North Dakota March 12-13
Welcome back NAIAs!
This year, the NAIA Invitational should be on it’s third year of championships but since it was cancelled last year, this is the second official year for women’s college wrestling. At the inaugural NAIA Invitational in 2019, California’s Menlo College took the national team title with four individual titles (Alleida Martinez, Solin Piearcy, Marilyn Garcia, and Iman Kazem). Menlo was not present in Jamestown.
This year, The top NAIA team race fell between Campbellsville University, Life University, and Wayland Baptist University. On the November 2020 Rankings, Wayland Baptist came in first with 188 points, Campbellsville second with 176, and Life fourth with 159. But the last January 2021 Rankings put Life at the top with 200 points, Campbellsville second with 168, and Wayland Baptist third with 165. In the end, it was Campbellsville that came out on top with the team title, one national champion, five finalists, … rest of story at https://www.wreaperwrestling.com/2021-naia-invitational-recap/?mc_cid=1e4a49e3cd&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
11 } – Tornado cruise through regionals
FRANKLIN SPRINGS, Ga. – The King University women’s wrestling team continued their momentum this season into the regional championship. Here they would have seven individual champions and fourteen women place top 4 in the tournament. King accrued 160.5 team points throughout the day for an easy first place finish and over 30 points ahead of second place Emmanuel College.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- At 101 pounds No. 1 Jaclyn McNichols had an easy day with a first round bye straight into the finals. There she would defeat Emmanuel’s Angelina Gomez 4-0 for a first place finish
- No. 2 Aleeah Gould also had a great day at 109 pounds with two 10-0 tech falls moving into the finals. There she would win 6-0 over Presbyterian University’s Cassy Lopez
- Also at 109 pounds, Samantha Larsen manages a third place finish after a semi-final loss with a win by pin in the consolation finals
- Both No. 4 Melanie Mendoza and No. 3 Sophia Mirabella placed at 116 pounds. Mirabella lost an extremely close decision in the semi-finals where she would rally to meet Mirabella in the consolation finals. Here Mirabella would win on criteria by a score of 2-2 for third place … rest of story at http://kingtornado.com/news/2021/2/21/womens-wrestling-women-regional.aspx?mc_cid=4fc5b594c8&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
12 } – Auggies qualify 13 women’s wrestlers to nationals
AUGSBURG INDIVIDUAL RESULTS
STEVENS POINT, Wis. — Qualifying all 13 of its competitors to the national tournament with six regional titlists, the Augsburg University women’s wrestling team finished second at the National Collegiate Women’s Wrestling Championships’ Northwest Regional Qualifier on Sunday at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.
THE BASICS
FINAL RESULTS: 1. North Central (Ill.) 156.0; 2. Augsburg (Minn.) 146.0; 3. Wisconsin-Stevens Point 115.0; 4. Iowa Wesleyan 65.5; 5. Lakeland (Wis.) 27.0; 6t. Carthage (Wis.) 0.0; 6t. Pacific (Ore.) 0.0.
LOCATION: Quandt Fieldhouse, Stevens Point, Wis.
HOW IT HAPPENED
• Augsburg, ranked No. 7 in the latest National Wrestling Coaches Association’s NCAA national rankings, finished with 146.0 points, second to No. 5-ranked North Central (Ill.) in the seven-team regional field. All 13 Augsburg competitors finished among the top four in their weight classes to qualify for the NCWWC National Championships for NCAA-affiliated schools, which will be held March 6 in Tiffin, Ohio. A two-time national champion last season, Shilson is now 5-0 this year and has yet to lose a collegiate match in her career. She is 19-0 with eight pins and nine technical falls in her collegiate career.
• Top-ranked 109-pounder Emily Shilson (SO, Maple Grove, Minn./Mounds View HS) needed just 1:14 to win her weight class, with a 47-second pin in her opening match and a 27-second, 10-0 technical fall win over Angelina Graff of North Central in the finals.
• Marlynne Deede (SO, Springville, Utah/Springville HS), ranked No. 2 nationally at 155 pounds, scored two technical falls to win her weight lass, with a 10-0, 1:10 win in her opener and a 10-0, 1:57 win over No. 5-ranked Malea Palahniuk of North Central in the finals. An NCWWC All-American with a sixth-place finish at 155 last year, Deede is now 6-1 this season with a pin and four technical falls, and 17-12 in her college career with five pins and nine technical falls.
• No. 4-ranked 130-pounder Gabby Skidmore (SO, Spooner, Wis./Cumberland HS), a two-time All-American last season (second at WCWA, sixth at NCWWC), claimed three wins, with 10-0 technical falls in her opening two matches, to win her weight class. In the finals, she scored a 2-1 victory over No. 2-ranked Amanda Martinez of North Central. Skidmore is now 5-1 on the season with two pins and two technical falls, and 17-7 in her college career with seven pins and five technical falls.
• Kya Rybachek (FY, Mountain Iron, Minn./Hibbing HS) claimed the title at 143 pounds to reach the national tournament, with a 2:51 pin in her semifinal and an 11-0, 4:18 technical fall in the title bout.
• Melissa Jacobs (SO, Belle Plaine, Minn./Belle Plaine HS (Scott West)) earned a trip to the national tournament with the title at 191 pounds, recording a pair of decisions, including a 7-4 win over Tabitha Breitrick of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in the finals.
… rest of story at https://athletics.augsburg.edu/news/2021/2/21/wwr022121.aspx?mc_cid=4fc5b594c8&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
High School News (2021) – # 11
TDR Editor’s Notes ; Time to catch up on some highs school wrestling news. The positive impact of competing in the sport of wrestling has a positive impact on the lives of the wrestlers, coaches, parents and fans. This selection of stories show some examples of the “life-changing results” as described in the first story. Enjoy and Keep on Wrestling.
Contact us at the Editor’s office at martinkfleming@gmail.com
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
1 } – (Ohio) Wrestling: Olentangy Braves’ Steve Adkins sees life-changing results
Steve Adkins was no stranger to sports, but he hadn’t considered joining the Olentangy wrestling team until one of his teachers made the suggestion late in his sophomore year. It was excellent timing for Adkins, who was seeking ways to stay active and lose weight. “They told me they could use me in the heavyweight division,” Adkins said. “I said no at first because my family only had one car and we didn’t have much money, so we had more important things to worry about. But I’m so glad I’m here now. … “I feel great. I’m energized. I’m kind of strong.” Thanks to a tip from intervention specialist Jamie Pollitt-Gore, the mother of 2018 Olentangy graduate and four-time Division I state qualifier Xander Gore, Adkins joined the team as a junior and made an immediate impact. While he has not won a match on the mat in two seasons, the benefits have gone far beyond those results.
Adkins has lost 89 pounds, going from 356 when he joined the team to 267 at the end of this regular season, and become a leader to whom others gravitate because of his positive attitude and willingness to advise from a teammate’s perspective. “I’ve never seen that man upset,” teammate Ben Hall said. “When we work hard, he’s always working harder. It’s unreal how good an attitude he brings. He’s lost what, almost 100 pounds? He just keeps doing good things. I just love seeing him wrestle and that he came out for the team. He’s definitely stepped up.”
An interview Adkins conducted after a match in early February about his love of the sport with Rob Gore, Xander Gore’s father who informally covers wrestling throughout the area, was shared on Twitter and as of Feb. 18 had been viewed more than 34,500 times. “(Adkins) is a great asset to the program. He appreciates everything you do,” coach Dennis Lyberger said. “If he loses, when he comes off the mat he says ‘I’m sorry coach’ and we know he did his best. Everybody needs to live life the way he does, with a positive attitude. He’s always happy.” … rest of story at https://www.thisweeknews.com/story/news/local/olentangy-valley/2021/02/22/wrestling-olentangy-braves-steve-adkins-sees-life-changing-results/6709072002/?mc_cid=329018bca1&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
2 } – (Iowa) Don Bosco head coach Tom Hogan goes On The Mat – OTM628
Tom Hogan goes On The Mat
Wartburg All-American and Gilbertville (Iowa) Don Bosco High School head wrestling coach Tom Hogan is next On The Mat. Hogan recently led Don Bosco to yet another 1A Iowa high school state championship, but now Hogan will step away from coaching at the respected Gilbertville school. Join Kyle Klingman and Andy Hamilton as they talk about the world of wrestling on the flagship podcast of Trackwrestling.com. … rest of story at https://www.mattalkonline.com/podcast/trackwrestling/on-the-mat/don-bosco-head-coach-tom-hogan-goes-on-the-mat-otm628/?mc_cid=9c47fa024a&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
3 } – (New york) A NY state high school wrestling ‘championship’? Yes, but it’s in another state (see CNY roster)
Syracuse, N.Y. — The closest that any of New York’s best wrestlers will come to participating in a state championship tournament this year will require a trip across the border to Pennsylvania. Hundreds of scholastic wrestlers from across the state, including 44 from Section III, are prepping to flex their muscles at the Journeymen/Rudis NYS Wrestling Championships April 2-3 in Manheim, Pa.
The concept was created by the Journeymen Wrestling club, which is based near Albany. Fulton wrestling coach Jeff Waldron said when the event was planned a couple months ago, scholastic wrestling was still one of the sports considered at a high risk for the spread of coronavirus and prohibited in New York. … rest of story at https://www.syracuse.com/highschoolsports/2021/02/a-nys-high-school-wrestling-championship-yes-but-its-held-in-pa-see-cny-roster.html?mc_cid=9c47fa024a&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
4 } – (Florida) #215 Mike Palazzo – Head Coach Lake Highland Prep, 7x FL State Champs
Mike Palazzo is the head coach at Lake Highland Prep high school. Since taking over the program in 2008, Lake Highland Prep has won 7 Florida state titles, crowned 2 Ironman champs and Coach Palazzo was named Flo Wrestling Coach of the Year in 2016. This guy is driven, loves wrestling and shares a ton of knowledge in this episode.
In this episode of Wrestling Changed My Life Presented by Spartan Combat, I’m joined by Joe De Sena. Joe is the CEO of Spartan Races and is making a giant push into wrestling through his brand, Spartan Combat. … rest of story at https://wrestlingchangedmylife.com/215-mike-palazzo-head-coach-lake-highland-prep-7x-fl-state-champs/?mc_cid=327be7a669&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
And (Indiana) Comparing 2021 vs. 2011 State Tournament
A Decade Ago
After such a great weekend of wrestling at the 2021 state tournament, let’s take a look back at some of the similarities, differences, and other interesting facts about this year’s tournament and the one from 10 years ago.
The Bank
The first difference between these two tournaments has nothing at all to do with wrestling but the name of the arena. While the tournament is still held in the Indiana Pacers fieldhouse, 2011 was the last year of the fieldhouses original name Conseco Fieldhouse. Since then, the arena has been known as Bankers Life Fieldhouse.
Weight Difference
The 2011 state finals were also the last year of the old weight classes, … restof story at https://indianamat.com/index.php?/articles.html/high-school-news/comparing-2021-vs-2011-state-tournament-r1056/&mc_cid=02f3563d01&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
5 } – (Arizona) Wrestling notebook: Skyline shows support for #mackystrong
Wrestlers have a unique bond that can’t be understood unless you’ve stepped on the mat yourself. That experience creates an incredibly tight community built out of respect and understanding of what it takes to make it through a season, let alone have a great career. When two or more wrestlers get together, especially if they competed against each other, there’s an instant bond and shenanigans usually follow. That bond was on display this week when Skyline had a dual meet versus Maricopa out on the football field and hosted a special guest.
Macky Porter, who turns 3 on Sunday, was diagnosed with cancer on Jan. 20 and he was invited to watch the match to show support to the family. The Porters, Dani and Ty, have no ties to the Skyline program other than Skyline coach Jadon “Gator” Johnson competed around the same time – the mid and late 2000s – as Ty.
Ty was a two-time state champion for Highland finishing up in 2005 and Johnson was a state champion in 2007 and two-time finalist for Mountain View. “I felt this could be a good way to show some support from the wrestling community,” Johnson said. … rest of story at https://arizonavarsity.rivals.com/news/wrestling-notebook-skyline-shows-support-for-mackystrong?mc_cid=02f3563d01&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
6 } – (New Hampshire) BURT: Three cheers for Timberlane, wrestling and N.H.
It was a typical Saturday night in late February in America. The best two teams in the state going head to head for a championship. Elite athletes in their sport competing against each other. And, of course, spectators were cheering loudly. Must be some place in Florida, probably a basketball game, right?
Wrong. It was Plaistow, N.H. And it was wrestling. Timberlane Regional is only 7.8 miles away from Whittier Regional Vocational School in Haverhill, but it might as well be divided by a giant ocean. While Whittier student-athletes and parents were gathering to discuss their next options to play football, a Fall 2 outdoor sport, Timberlane completed is sixth straight year winning the New Hampshire Division 1 state team championship.
In Massachusetts, wrestling is the hot potato of sports when it comes to the coronavirus. Like football, it was postponed. Massachusetts football has already started practicing with games beginning on March 12. Wrestling has been put off until late April … God willing. … rest of story at https://www.eagletribune.com/three-cheers-for-timberlane-wrestling-and-new-hampshire/article_7ffe157b-6103-5b7b-b49a-c853b218a9b9.html?mc_cid=6c7ef6b094&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
7 } – (PENNSYLVANIA) WPIAL Wrestling Roundup: Weekend Results and Takeaways
Saturday was jam-packed with postseason PIAA wrestling. On the Class-2A side of things, the Southeast Regionals took place at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. On the Class-3A side, the WPIAL Championships unfolded at Canon-McMillan High School. Both tournaments lived up to the hype and validated why Pennsylvania, and the WPIAL In particular, are one of the best regions in the country for high school wrestling. Here are some highlights and key takeaways from the action:
Southwest Regional (Class-2A)
The WPIAL schools were dominant. While the WPIAL always tends to fare well in the postseason, what we saw over the weekend at IUP’s Kovalchick Complex was truly special. The WPIAL crowned nine champions among the 13 weight classes, advancing 27 wrestlers to next Saturday’s first-ever PIAA Southwest Super Regional, to be held at the same location. The Super Regional was added this season as an extra stop on the path to Hershey. … rest of story at https://pittsburghsportsnow.com/2021/02/28/wpial-wrestling-roundup-weekend-results-and-takeaways/?mc_cid=6c7ef6b094&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
8 } – (Nebraska) MWC Looks forward to FRECO season
For many wrestlers, last week’s state championships were the end of the wrestling season for eight months. For MWC in Papillion, The last three months were a warmup. FRECO represents a mixture of Freestyle and Greco, the two different style of wrestling held in the Olympics. So training is a year-round process, outside of when wrestlers are in their high school season. The wrestlers got a week off after state, but now they return to club practices to start preparing for national competitions.
MWC wrestlers have been through this before. These tournaments are what puts them on college coach’s radars. There have been a lot of wrestlers who have built momentum from their FRECO seasons. MWC wrestlers, Joel Adams, Antrell Taylor, and Tyler Antoniak were U15 world medalists. Conor Knopick was a Cadet Greco world team member and just won the Junior Greco championship back in November. Many of these wrestlers helped Nebraska to a top five finish in Greco and top ten finish in freestyle at Fargo in 2019. Fargo is the toughest freestyle and greco tournament in the country. It’s where the top high school wrestlers in the nation and sometimes other countries go to prove themselves against the best. There will be many competitions these wrestlers head to over the next several months, that could land them on world teams. Everything will conclude in July at Fargo for the Junior and Cadet Freestyle and Freco Championships.
MWC is a club that has many state medal winners from all over the state (and also Iowa) pushing each other throughout the year. Being in that environment really helps wrestlers train for the college level. Nick Hamilton says “MWC treats practice like a college room. Everyone is pushing themselves. It is a tough room with a tough group of guys.” Garrett Grice adds, “There are a bunch of dudes ahead of me who are having success in college. It makes me less nervous heading into college, because it shows that Nebraska kids are ready to compete right away. It really helps when you’re training against other D1 kids.” … rest of story at https://newrestle.com/2021/03/01/mwc-looks-foreword-to-freco-season/?mc_cid=d34d798fb2&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
9} – (NEW JERSEY) Two-Time State Champion Dean Peterson Will Miss His Senior Year
One of the greatest wrestling careers in Shore Conference history has come to a premature end. St. John Vianney senior Dean Peterson, a two-time NJSIAA champion, three-time finalist and the No. 1-ranked 126-pound wrestler in the country, announced Tuesday night via his Instagram page that he will be unable to compete during the 2021 season.
Peterson said he currently had surgery to fix a deviated septum and other issues with his nose that were affecting his breathing and ability to take deep breaths and was told he would not be cleared for another five-to-six weeks at the earliest. The New Jersey high school wrestling season begins on March 16 and runs through April 25.
Peterson is committed to wrestle collegiately at Princeton University. “My focus has shifted toward freestyle to compete for a spot on the Junior World Team at 57kg or 125 pounds,” Peterson wrote.
Read More: Dean Peterson St. John Vianney Wrestling Not Wrestling 2021 | https://shoresportsnetwork.com/two-time-nj-wrestling-state-champion-dean-peterson-will-miss-his-senior-year/?mc_cid=bd28fec561&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b&utm_source=tsmclip&utm_medium=referral
10 } – (PENNSYLVANIA) Mitch Rupert on wrestling: Williamsport’s Roman Morrone has confidence going into Class AAA Northwest Regionals
There was no hesitation from Williamsport’s Roman Morrone. His success this year has come from the confidence he carried into the wrestling season. The mental aspect of the sport is something the junior 152-pounder tries to work on. The confidence allows him to wrestle the way he wants. It allows him to wrestle the way which has led him to today’s Class AAA Northwest Regional tournament with a 17-1 record, and has made him one of the most valuable pieces in the 21st-ranked Millionaires.
“Wrestling has a very big mental aspect to it,” Morrone said. “A weak mindset late in the season is not good.” It’s not as if Morrone hasn’t previously had success in his career. He was a win away from qualifying for the state tournament a year ago when he posted 32 wins for Williamsport. But he has had success like he’s never had before even as Williamsport has competed against its toughest schedule since the renaissance of the program began under coach Brian Nasdeo. Morrone’s 17-1 record ties him for the second-most wins on the team. His 94.4% winning percentage is second-best on the team behind only undefeated Cael Nasdeo and undefeated Riley Bower.
None of this should come as a surprise, though. Morrone has been a fixture in the lineup since this group of juniors hit the varsity level two years ago. It’s a group which has lifted the Williamsport program to heights it hasn’t seen in decades. The Millionaires won the school’s first district dual meet championship last year and participated in the state tournament in Hershey. … rest of story at https://www.sungazette.com/sports/local-sports/2021/02/mitch-rupert-on-wrestling-williamsports-roman-morrone-has-confidence-going-into-class-aaa-northwest-regionals/?mc_cid=d34d798fb2&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
11 } – It was another thrilling weekend of high school wrestling action!
Check out finals highlights from state wrestling championships across the country. … rest of story and videos at https://www.trackwrestling.com/PortalPlayer.jsp?TIM=1614662299414&twSessionId=gbzreowlbs&videoId=1100636135&mc_cid=d34d798fb2&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
And (MINNESOTA) The Al and Josh Show Podcast – Puppies Invade Studio 2
Al and Josh discuss the MN/USA training facility, DII Super Region V results, recent high school results, MN#1, and the upcoming high school section and state tournaments. … rest of story and show at https://theguillotine.com/2021/03/the-al-and-josh-show-podcast-puppies-invade-studio-2/?mc_cid=d34d798fb2&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
12 } – (CONNECTICUT) Hall of Fame coach Mark Lawrence passes away after decades of coaching
From the time he was a youngster, Mark Lawrence gave wrestling everything he could as a competitor, an official and as a coach. In the later years of his life, it was wrestling that gave Lawrence a boost after he suffered a severe stroke 20 years ago.
Lawrence, the former head coach at Glastonbury High and member of the Connecticut chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, died earlier this month on February 14. He was 70. He led the Glastonbury High wrestling team for 17 years from 1980-97. The Tomahawks, as they were known in those years, won two CCC West championships and had a record of 250-147 under Lawrence.
Lawrence helped turn the Tomahawks in a team that was ranked in the state coaches top 10 poll and frequently engaged with tough battles with Simsbury, Windham, Manchester and other top teams in the state of that era. … rest of story at https://ctwrestling.com/2021/02/hall-of-fame-coach-mark-lawrence-passes-away-after-decades-of-coaching/3947/?mc_cid=327be7a669&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
NCAA Division I News (2021) – # 14
TDR Editor’s Notes ; More Division I wrestlers and teams’ background stories for your review as we pause overnight after the first full day of the 2021 NCAA Division I National Championships. It is great to be back. From what we can see from afar the NCAA has made some sound, safe and reasonable in their adjustments to the timing and spacing of spectators and matches. We deeply hope that the proceedures continue to progress in a good way through the finals Saturday night. Keep on Wrestling! Contact us at the Editor’s office at martinkfleming@gmail.com
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
1 } – Marinelli chases a Hawkeye rarity
Alex Marinelli expects to chase bigger goals later this month, but the Iowa wrestler can accomplish something of a Hawkeye rarity this weekend. It has been two decades since an Iowa wrestler put together a collection of three consecutive Big Ten titles, even longer since those three championships came in the same weight class.
Marinelli will take the mat at the Big Ten Championships beginning Saturday at University Park, Pa., looking to add his name to a group of 18 Hawkeyes who have achieved the feat of winning three Big Ten titles. No Iowa wrestler has won three straight Big Ten championships since T.J. Williams took first place at 149 pounds in 1999 and won titles at 157 in 2000 and 2001.
Mark Ironside was the last Hawkeye to win the same weight class three times, and he topped the 134-pound bracket four straight years from 1995-98.vvMarinelli, the top-seeded 165-pounder, appreciates the accomplishment but doesn’t want it to get in the way of his ultimate goal.vv“It’s an awesome thing to do and I don’t take it for granted, … rest of story at https://qctimes.com/sports/college/wrestling/marinelli-chases-a-hawkeye-rarity/article_0cfe54a5-cf7a-51c6-9e33-70e8942b4e39.html?mc_cid=463361f6e9&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
2 } – Bryan Pearsall Promoted to Associate Head Wrestling Coach
PHILADELPHIA – The University of Pennsylvania’s head wrestling coach, Roger Reina, has announced the promotion of Bryan Pearsall to the position of Associate Head Coach. Pearsall has been on staff with the Quakers for the past four seasons.
“We are delighted to promote Bryan to the role of Associate Head Coach,” said Reina. “Since arriving at Penn in the summer of 2017, Bryan has continued to assume broader responsibilities and prove his effectiveness both on and off the mats. We see continued development potential in his future to deliver increasing momentum to #TheMovement at Penn Wrestling, as we climb the mountains of the NCAA Wrestling landscape.”
While at Penn, Pearsall has helped coach nine NCAA Championships qualifiers including a second-team NCAA All-American, nine All-Ivy wrestlers, and one EIWA champion as well as one National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) Academic All-American. Pearsall has been instrumental in Penn’s Top-25 recruiting classes each of the last two years, including the No. 9 overall class in 2019 and No. 12 class in 2018. … rest of story at https://pennathletics.com/news/2021/3/5/bryan-pearsall-promoted-to-associate-head-wrestling-coach.aspx?mc_cid=92195b958e&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
3 } – OU wrestling: Virginia Tech transfer Mitch Moore pressuring opponents in new home with Sooners
Mitch Moore sat in the locker room, calm and collected right before the Ohio High School Athletic Association state wrestling tournament in 2018. Moore, a senior at Graham High School in St. Paris, was quietly confident and ready for the challenge ahead inside Schottenstein Center in Columbus — a place he knew well, having spent time around the Ohio State wrestling program while in high school. He was getting ready to compete in his fourth state championship in four years, yet he wasn’t focused solely on any individual accolades.
To those who know him best, that’s Mitch.ccMoore and four of his teammates won individual state titles and led Graham to its 18th-straight tournament team championship that day. Meanwhile, he became a four-time Ohio state champion. Growing up, wrestling came easy to Moore. He started competing at 5, and from then on, he didn’t want to do anything else. “From the minute he walked on the mat he was like a fish to water,” said Troy Moore, Mitch’s father. “It just fit him perfect. He always loved it and was willing to make every sacrifice it took to accomplish his goals.”
Moore’s natural talents helped him become a dominant high school wrestler and he then followed in his brother Brent’s footsteps by committing to Virginia Tech. Unfortunately, he never felt at home with the Hokies, leading him to depart the program May 18 via the transfer portal. … rest of story at http://www.oudaily.com/sports/ou-wrestling-virginia-tech-transfer-mitch-moore-pressuring-opponents-in-new-home-with-sooners/article_af88b366-7d0c-11eb-a09d-f71ae6a2a7ba.html?mc_cid=463361f6e9&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
4 } – BIG 10 PREVIEW: IOWA LOOKS TO REPEAT AS CHAMPIONS IN THE DEEPEST CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT IN THE COUNTRY
The Big Ten is objectively the toughest conference in NCAA Div. 1 wrestling right now. With 76 NCAA berths on the line, and nine of the top 25 teams from the most recent NWCA Division 1 coaches poll competing in this weekend’s conference tournament, the Big Ten Championships are must-watch wrestling. The event kicks off this Saturday, March 6, at 10:00 a.m. EST and the finals take place on Sunday, March 7 at 4:00 p.m. EST. The tournament will be streamed live via the Big Ten Network and Big Ten Network+.
No. 1 ranked Iowa will look to repeat as conference champions, while No. 2 ranked Penn State, No. 4 ranked Michigan and No. 8 ranked Nebraska, who finished runner-up in 2020, will all look to knock the Hawkeyes off. This season, Iowa and Penn State split the Big Ten Wrestling Dual Meet Championship after both finishing their seasons with unblemished records. The Hawkeyes went 5-0, while the Nittany Lions compiled a 6-0 record.
Other ranked teams in the Big Ten include No. 9 Minnesota, No. 11 Illinois, No. 12 Ohio State, No. 18 Purdue and No. 23 Michigan State.cc
Below let’s take a look at the individual brackets:
125 (8 allocations)
Iowa’s two-time NCAA champion Spencer Lee is the tournament’s biggest favorite regardless of weight class. Lee is 4-0 this season with four pins, including one over the No. 2 pre-seed Liam Cronin of Nebraska. Last year, Lee earned the No. 1 seed at the NCAA tournament with a sterling 18-0 record. … rest of story at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2021/March/05/Big-Ten-preview?mc_cid=92195b958e&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
5 } – Paul Bianchi Is Little Rock Wrestling’s First-Ever NCAA Qualifier
LITTLE ROCK – The NCAA Division I Wrestling Committee announced the remaining at-large qualifiers for the Division I Wrestling Championships Tuesday afternoon, naming Little Rock’s Paul Bianchi as one of six remaining 133-pound wrestlers to punch his ticket to the 2021 Championships and the first Trojan in program history. … rest of story at https://lrtrojans.com/news/2021/3/9/paul-bianchi-is-little-rock-wrestlings-first-ever-ncaa-qualifier.aspx?mc_cid=2cfe70fede&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
6 } – Bruno Catch Up: Theo Powers, Wrestling
Brown University athletics will be recognizing its winter senior student-athletes who had competition cancelled for the 2020-21 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Senior student-athletes will be featured during the week on Brownbears.com and various social media platforms.
Name: Theo Powers
Hometown: Mexico, N.Y.
Sport: Wrestling
Concentration: Business, Entrepreneurship and Organizations
Accolades: Represented the Bears at the 2019 EIWA Championships … Placed at the Wildcat Open in 2017 and 2019
Accomplishment you are most proud of:
I’m most proud of coming back from an array of injuries and setbacks to finish my college career in a way that I can be proud of!
Plans after graduation:
While nothing is finalized yet, … rest of story at https://brownbears.com/news/2021/3/10/bruno-catch-up-theo-powers-wrestling.aspx?mc_cid=2a2fd7a25b&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
7 } – Lehigh’s Ammerman taking advantage of opportunity to shine at national wrestling
Of Lehigh’s full house of 10 NCAA wrestling qualifiers, Dylan Ammerman might well be the least likely. It’s not just that the fifth-year 184-pounder had hardly wrestled this season, with five bouts, going 3-2 overall. Or, for that matter, he hadn’t wrestled much on his five-year career with the Mountain Hawks – 20 bouts total. That’s one year’s worth in a “normal” season.
Or that Ammerman wrestled one bout in a dual meet — Jan. 26, 2018, at 184 against Virginia Tech. Or that there was some pretty strong competition for the spot from his teammates. Or that he suffered a knee injury in December. Or that Anmerman contracted COVID in the middle of the season. It’s the combination of all of those factors — any one of which could have knocked Ammerman out — that make what Ammerman did so unlikely,
But when the national tournament opens March 18 in St. Louis, Ammerman will be there, set to pursue his dreams on the biggest stage possible. “It’s been frustrating with all the injuries and what-not at Lehigh,” Ammerman said. “But I have been just making the most of it and hoping an opportunity would come.” … rest of story at https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/sports/2021/03/lehighs-ammerman-taking-advantage-of-opportunity-to-shine-at-national-wrestling.html?mc_cid=2a2fd7a25b&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
8 } – Keating Follows Unlikely Path to NCAAs
CHARLOTTESVILLE –– Wrestlers who were state champions in high school abound on the University of Virginia roster, and many of them won multiple titles. Jake Keating is in another group. “I didn’t have a great high school career,” recalled Keating, who’s from the Chicago suburb of Naperville, Ill. “I got fifth my senior year, and that was the only time I placed at state.”
At UVA, however, he’s blossomed in head coach Steve Garland’s program. The ACC runner-up at 165 pounds, Keating is one of eight Cavaliers headed to the NCAA Championships, which will be held March 18-20 in St. Louis, Mo. The others are Patrick McCormick (125 pounds), Louie Hayes (133) Brian Courtney (141), Justin McCoy (157), Victor Marcelli (171), Jay Aiello (197), and Quinn Miller (285). For Keating, a redshirt junior, this will be his first appearance in the NCAAs. “It’s been a long time coming,” he said. “It was hard to wait this whole time, but I’m glad I’m finally going.”
Keating nearly qualified as a sophomore in 2019, when he competed at 157 pounds. Had Keating defeated Duke’s Ben Anderson in their consolation semifinal at the ACC tournament, he would have advanced to the NCAAs. Keating had won by technical fall over Anderson during the regular season and quickly built a 10-5 lead in the rematch. But Keating attempted an unnecessarily risky move that backfired on him, and Anderson pinned him with 1:01 left in the first period. … rest of story at https://virginiasports.com/news/2021/03/10/keating-follows-unlikely-path-to-ncaas/?mc_cid=2a2fd7a25b&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
9} – DOMINATION IS THE GOAL FOR MINNESOTA’S GABLE STEVESON AT THE 2021 NCAA TOURNAMENT
Gable Steveson enters next week’s NCAA Tournament in St. Louis, Mo. as one of the biggest favorites to bring home a NCAA title. The Minnesota junior has bulldozed his way through the heavyweight field this season, compiling a 12-0 record with six technical fall victories, three pins, two major decisions and one injury default. For Steveson, winning isn’t enough. This season, he is out to assert his dominance over the competition.
“I think this year’s about proving that there’s a large gap between me and the rest of the field. I think overall just my preparation going into this was to score as many points as possible and put bonus points on the board, and I think that’s what is separating me right now from the pack,” Steveson stated in yesterday’s NCAA Pre-Championships Zoom press conference.
Steveson drove his point home in convincing fashion in the Big Ten Championship final with a 12-4 major decision over Michigan’s Mason Parris, a 2019 Junior World champion, and the No. 2 seed going into the NCAA Tournament. The duo also met in the 2020 Big Ten finals, which resulted in Steveson walking away with an 8-6 decision.
“I think my performance this year was a lot better than last year. Just the preparation, determination and knowing I can go out there and score a lot of points,” Steveson said while reflecting on the match. … rest of story at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2021/March/12/Gable-Steveson-NCAA-domination?mc_cid=adf7973f0f&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
10 } – HUNSAKER’S OFFICIALLY IN, UVU WILL NOW SEND FOUR WRESTLERS TO NATIONALS
INDIANAPOLIS – Originally named an alternate for next week’s 2021 NCAA Wrestling Championships, Utah Valley University sophomore Cameron Hunsaker has officially been named an injury replacement and will now also compete at nationals as UVU will now send four wrestlers to the NCAA Championships.
He will join the two-time Big 12 champion and second-seeded senior Demetrius Romero at 174 pounds, the seventh-seeded junior Taylor LaMont at 125, and the redshirt freshman and No. 28 seed Ty Smith at 133 pounds. By entering as an injury replacement, Hunsaker will enter the 2021 NCAA Championships as the No. 33 seed at 149 pounds.
Hunsaker will enter his first trip to the NCAA Championships off of a seventh-place finish in his weight class at the Big 12 Championships last week. He holds a 9-7 overall record on the year and is currently ranked 31st in the latest NCAA Coaches Panel Ranking. He will face the No. 32 seed Greg Gaxiola of Hofstra in a pigtail round match.
The NCAA previously released seeding and brackets for the rest of the field on Wednesday and the No. 2 seed that Romero was awarded is UVU’s highest national seed in program history. … rest of story at https://gouvu.com/news/2021/3/11/wrestling-hunsakers-officially-in-uvu-will-now-send-four-wrestlers-to-nationals.aspx?mc_cid=1a80b5744e&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
11 } – Alirez Withdraws from NCAA Championships
GREELEY, Colo. – Northern Colorado sophomore wrestler Andrew Alirez has withdrawn from the 2021 NCAA Championships. Alirez, who qualified as an at-large selection, will not compete at the championships due to an injury sustained in practice prior to the Big 12 Championships.
“My heart breaks for Andrew. He had a tremendous fall and start to the season and was ready to compete for the NCAA title this season,” said head coach Troy Nickerson. “We look forward to getting him back to 100%.” The Greeley native is a two-time NCAA qualifier and will have a chance to be a five-time qualifier as the NCAA has already announced this year as a zero year. None of this year’s wrestlers lose eligibility for competing in the 2021 season.
Northern Colorado is still sending three wrestlers to the NCAA Championships in Mosha Schwartz (133), Jackson Hemauer (174) and Alan Clothier (184). All three automatically qualified for the NCAA Championship based on their finishes at the Big 12 Championships.
The NCAA unveiled the 2021 NCAA Championship brackets on Wednesday. … rest of story at https://uncbears.com/news/2021/3/11/wrestling-alirez-withdraws-from-ncaa-championships.aspx?mc_cid=1a80b5744e&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
12 } – CHECK OUT THE 11 INTERVIEWS FROM TODAY’S NCAA WRESTLING PRE-CHAMPIONSHIPS PRESS CONFERENCE
Today, the NCAA hosted a virtual press conference featuring some of the nation’s top Division I wrestlers and coaches. Altogether, the press conference, which was conducted via Zoom, featured 11 individual interviews. You can find the footage from each of the individual videos on USA Wrestling’s YouTube page below:
… rest of story at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2021/March/11/Pre-NCAA-interviews?mc_cid=1a80b5744e&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
College Coaches of the Year (2021)
TDR Editor’s Notes ; Started with gathering the Annual Coach of the Year Awards but have added in tournament results from the Fivision II and Division III (unofficial) championships last weekend. The last article is another look at the tragic dropping of the sport 10 years ago in what was a good school. Keep watching and enjoying the Division I Championships this weekend. Wrestling Onward! Contact us at the Editor’s office at martinkfleming@gmail.com
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
1 } – NWCA Announces 2021 NCAA Division II National Coach of the Year
St Louis, MO – On Thursday the National Wrestling Coaches Association announced the NCAA Division II National Coach of the Year and six finalists as selected by their peers. The award is presented to the coach that has demonstrated outstanding effort throughout the season in developing and elevating their program on campus and in the community. The NWCA National Coach of the Year awards program is presented by Defense Soap, the official Hygiene partner of the NWCA. “In continuing our mission, Defense Soap is proud to partner with the NWCA, to keep wrestlers on the mat with our products and education in hygiene.” Guy Sako, Founder and CEO of Defense Soap. The recipient of this year’s NCAA Division II National Coach of the Year is Don Henry of Gannon University (PA). Coach Henry is in his 37th year at Gannon and his achievements this season include capturing the program’s first Super Regional championship with six individual champions and qualifying eight athletes for the NCAA Championships. He currently has 50 athletes on his roster. … rest of story at https://www.nwcaonline.com/nwca-announces-2021-ncaa-division-ii-national-coach-of-the-year/?mc_cid=1a80b5744e&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
2 } – NWCA Announces 2021 NCAA Women’s National Coach of the Year
Tiffin, OH – On Saturday following the National Collegiate Women’s Wrestling Championships, the National Wrestling Coaches Association announced the winner of the NCAA Women’s Defense Soap National Coach of the Year. NWCA Executive Director Mike Moyer presented Sam Schmitz of McKendree University with the award after he was selected by his peers for a second consecutive year. The award is presented to the coach that has demonstrated outstanding effort throughout the season in developing and elevating their program on campus and in the community. The NWCA National Coach of the Year awards program is presented by Defense Soap, the official Hygiene partner of the NWCA. “In continuing our mission, Defense Soap is proud to partner with the NWCA, to keep wrestlers on the mat with our products and education in hygiene.” Guy Sako, Founder and CEO of Defense Soap. McKendree took home the team title for the second year in a row with 209 pts over second-place King University 171.5 pts. The Bearcats of McKendree also brought home 14 individual All-Americans with eight national finalists and six national champions. The NCWWC currently serves as the national championships for NCAA-affiliated women’s programs until the sport receives championship status.
“On behalf of the NWCA and our Board of Directors, it is an honor to recognize Coach Schmitz as our Defense Soap National Coach of the Year,” said NWCA Executive Director Mike Moyer. “What Sam has been able to build and sustain at McKendree is nothing short of amazing. He truly is a wonderful ambassador for our sport and more specifically women’s wrestling.” … rest of story at https://portal.nwcaonline.com/articles/NWCA_News/NWCA-Announces-2021-NCAA-Women-s-11-3-2021
3 } – NWCA Announces 2021 NAIA Men’s National Coach of the Year
Park City, KS – On Thursday evening the NAIA hosted a virtual National Championship Coaches Social. At the conclusion of the event, National Wrestling Coaches Association Executive Director Mike Moyer recognized the 11 finalists for the NAIA Men’s National Coach of the Year and announced the winner as selected by his peers. The award is presented to the coach that has demonstrated outstanding effort throughout the season in developing and elevating their program on campus and in the community. The NWCA National Coach of the Year awards program is presented by Defense Soap, the official Hygiene partner of the NWCA. “In continuing our mission, Defense Soap is proud to partner with the NWCA, to keep wrestlers on the mat with our products and education in hygiene.” Guy Sako, Founder and CEO of Defense Soap.
The recipient of this year’s NAIA Men’s National Coach of the Year is Nick Mitchell of Grand View University (IA). Coach Mitchell is in his 13th year as head coach and his achievements this season include a 14-0 dual meet record which has pushed their collegiate all-time dual win streak to 103 consecutive victories. His squad also captured its sixth straight Heart of America Athletic Conference championship with eight individual conference champions while qualifying 12 athletes for the NAIA Championships. His current roster has an incredible 66 wrestlers. … rest of story at https://portal.nwcaonline.com/articles/NWCA_News/NWCA-Announces-2021-NAIA-Men-s-National-11-3-2021
4 } – NWCA Announces 2021 NAIA Women’s National Coach of the Year
Jamestown, ND – On Thursday evening the NAIA hosted a virtual National Championship Coaches Social. At the conclusion of the event, National Wrestling Coaches Association Executive Director Mike Moyer recognized the five finalists for the NAIA Women’s National Coach of the Year and announced the winner as selected by their peers. The award is presented to the coach that has demonstrated outstanding effort throughout the season in developing and elevating their program on campus and in the community. The NWCA National Coach of the Year awards program is presented by Defense Soap, the official Hygiene partner of the NWCA. “In continuing our mission, Defense Soap is proud to partner with the NWCA, to keep wrestlers on the mat with our products and education in hygiene.” Guy Sako, Founder and CEO of Defense Soap.
The recipient of this year’s NAIA Women’s National Coach of the Year is Lee Miracle of Campbellsville University (KY). Coach Miracle is in his 8th season as head coach and his achievements this season include an 8-0 dual meet record capped by a regular-season Mid-South Conference championship, a 3rd MSC Individual Tournament title with seven finalists, five individual conference champions, and 12 athletes qualified for the NAIA Championships. His current roster is comprised of 43 wrestlers. … rest of story at https://portal.nwcaonline.com/articles/NWCA_News/NWCA-Announces-2021-NAIA-Women-s-12-3-2021
5 } – NWCA Announces 2021 NCAA Division I National Coach of the Year
St Louis, MO – On Wednesday the National Wrestling Coaches Association announced the NCAA Division I National Coach of the Year and seven finalists as selected by their peers. The award is presented to the coach that has demonstrated outstanding effort throughout the season in developing and elevating their program on campus and in the community. The NWCA National Coach of the Year awards program is presented by Defense Soap, the official Hygiene partner of the NWCA. “In continuing our mission, Defense Soap is proud to partner with the NWCA, to keep wrestlers on the mat with our products and education in hygiene.” Guy Sako, Founder and CEO of Defense Soap.
The recipient of this year’s NCAA Division I National Coach of the Year award is Tom Brands of the University of Iowa. Coach Brands is in his 15th year as Head Coach at Iowa and his achievements this season include a 5-0 dual record, Co-Big Ten regular-season title, Big Ten tournament championship, nine wrestlers with automatic NCAA berths, and a tenth wrestler received an at-large birth. Entering the NCAA tournament, four Hawkeyes have the top seed in their respective weight classes.
“On behalf of the NWCA and our Board of Directors, it is my privilege to award Coach Tom Brands, for the second year in a row, the NWCA Division I National Coach of the Year award,” said Mike Moyer, NWCA Executive Director. … rest of story at https://www.nwcaonline.com/nwca-announces-2021-ncaa-division-i-national-coach-of-the-year/?mc_cid=058a64ca1f&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
6 } – Drew Black to be Inducted into CT’s Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame
MIDDLETOWN, Conn. – Drew Black, head coach of the Wesleyan wrestling team, has been chosen for Connecticut’s 2022 class of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the induction event has been pushed back to April 30, 2022 in hopes of having a live ceremony at Foxwoods Resort Casino.
Black is in his 23rd season at the helm of the Cardinals’ program and is the winningest coach in the history of Wesleyan wrestling with 211 career wins. He was named the New England Wrestling Association (NEWA) Coach of the Year twice (2010 and 2012), and over the past decade, the Cardinals have been a consistent top-4 team in the NEWA. Black was also inducted to the NEWA Wrestling Hall of Fame in January 2020, and has had representation at the NCAA Division III Tournament in 13 of the last 15 years. … rest of story at https://athletics.wesleyan.edu/news/2021/1/20/drew-black-to-be-inducted-into-cts-chapter-of-the-national-wrestling-hall-of-fame.aspx
7 } – Huskies win third straight national championship
ST. LOUIS, MO. – It was supposedly a down season for the St. Cloud State University wrestling team. The perennial power had supposedly taken a back seat. Despite completing a perfect season in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) play, the Huskies were ranked third in the final National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) rankings with just six wrestlers individuals ranked in the top-10. The University Nebraska-Kearney surged from third to first, with nine wrestlers nationally ranked in the final poll entering the Super Regional and NCAA Championship.
In the words of Michael Jordan… St. Cloud State took that personally. The Huskies proved just how dominant they are and put the naysayers to bed in the best way possible: by winning their third consecutive NCAA Championship. After seeing th 2019-20 championship cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and falling behind 58-51.5 after the opening day of the 2020-21 competition, St. Cloud State outlasted Nebraska-Kearney, winning the national championship with 107 total points compared to the Lopers 105.5.
The Huskies did everything they needed to in Saturday’s morning session, as all seven wrestlers advanced to the championship round with wins in both the semifinal and consolation semifinal matches. In fact, four of those seven qualified for the … rest of story at https://scsuhuskies.com/news/2021/3/13/wrestling-threepeat-huskies-win-third-straight-national-championship.aspx?mc_cid=adf7973f0f&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
8 } – COE HAS THREE CHAMPIONS, WARTBURG AND LORAS GET TWO CHAMPIONS AT NWCA DIV. III COACHES ASSOCIATION NATIONALS
CCORALVILLE, Iowa – Last year, Loras ended Wartburg’s reign atop the American Rivers Conference. The Knights got back on top this season, but another conference rival proved Saturday night that it is ready to make a challenge for the top spot.
Coe won more championships than any other team, crowning three champions at the Division III Coaches Association National Wrestling Championships at Xtream Arena. “That’s out goal; that’s what we train for, to take that top spot,” Coe’s Brock Henderson, who won at 133, said. “We’ve been working really, really hard, and everybody is buying into the program,” said Josh Gerke, who won the title at 149. Alex Friddle of Coe opened the finals with a 6-3 win against Wartburg’s Brady Kyner at 125, his second win this season against the Knight. “I love setting the pace being the first one out,” he said. … rest of story at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2021/March/13/NWCA-Div-III-wrap?mc_cid=adf7973f0f&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
9} – Wrestling Records Two National Champions, Eight All-Americans
CORALVILLE, Iowa – The top-ranked Wartburg wrestling team concluded competition at the NWCA Division III National Championships on Saturday, March 13 at the Xtream Arena with one third-place finish, four national runner-ups, two national champions and eight All-Americans. No team scoring was recorded during the NWCA national meet, but unofficially Wartburg tallied the most team points with eight All-Americans.
Junior David Hollingsworth and senior Kyle Briggs highlighted the tournament with national championships at 157 and 174. Briggs ran through the first four rounds when he pinned all of his opponents and then won by major decision in the finals. Brady Kyner, Kris Rumph, Brady Fritz and Zane Mulder all finished in second in their respected weight class. After falling in his quarterfinal match, Joe Pins swept the consolation bracket and earned a third place spot on the podium. During day two, the Knights went 11-6 with four pins, … rest of story at https://go-knights.net/news/2021/3/13/wrestling-nationals.aspx?mc_cid=adf7973f0f&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
10 } – Kyle Briggs paced Wartburg to an unofficial team title at the D3 national championships
CORALVILLE, Iowa — Kyle Briggs of Wartburg didn’t get exactly what he wanted but his consolation prize was a major decision in the finals. Don’t feel too bad for Briggs, though. The 174-pounder crushed the field by picking up four falls before settling for a shutout win in his fifth match. The hometown favorite grew up just north of Xtream Arena where the NWCA Division III Coaches Association National Championships were being held. This was the conclusion of a disappointing season for D3 wrestlers that saw the NCAA Championships canceled for the second year in a row. Just over 30 teams were in attendance with several top programs missing, but this was a nice way for several Division III programs to end the season.
No team scores were being kept; however, Wartburg College — winners of seven of the past nine NCAA team titles — came away with the most hardware. The Knights pushed six wrestlers into the finals and came away with two titles. Perhaps no individual was more dominant than Briggs. His teammate, David Hollingsworth, secured a fall in the finals at 157 pounds. Coe won the championship gold rush by snagging three titles after sending four to the finals. Alex Friddle (125), Brock Henderson (133), and Josh Gerke (149) gave the Kohawks a nice send-off before making the 20-minute drive back to Cedar Rapids.
Loras College was the only other school with multiple champions. Shane Liegel won at 184 pounds while Wyatt Wriedt secured the title at heavyweight. … rest of story at https://www.trackwrestling.com/PortalPost.jsp?TIM=1615786249346&twSessionId=egzatbcpdq&postId=1124193135&mc_cid=adf7973f0f&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
11 } – St. Cloud State prevails again in down-to-wire D2 title race
Ever since St. Cloud State broke through six years ago to capture its first NCAA Division II title, the Huskies have been lockdown closers. Putting the finishing touches on this year’s title quest, however, required a little more time and final-round stress than usual. Kameron Teacher’s victory in the heavyweight title bout pushed St. Cloud State past Nebraska-Kearney — 107-105.5 — in the tightest D2 team race since 2008. A 4-for-4 semifinal round put the Huskies in a position where they needed just one win in the finals to secure their fifth team title in the last six D2 national tournaments. The clinching victory was difficult to find, though.
St. Cloud State dropped title matches at 133, 141 and 149, leaving the team race in Teacher’s hands. “I had confidence in every one of those matches with the guys we put out there, it was just unfortunate we lost the first three in a row and it came down to Kam,” St. Cloud State coach Steve Costanzo said. “As I was watching him get ready for the match, I became more and more confident that we were in good shape going into that match. He was just very relaxed before he went out there. I’m sure he was a little bit nervous, but I could see a lot of excitement in his body language and I knew we were in great shape.”
The three-time All-American, who placed second, second and third before transferring from Notre Dame College, scored a pair of takedowns in the opening minute against Weston Hunt of Colorado School of Mines and made the lead stand in a 6-5 victory. … rest of story at https://www.trackwrestling.com/PortalPost.jsp?TIM=1615786249346&twSessionId=egzatbcpdq&postId=1124195135&mc_cid=adf7973f0f&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
12 } – UNO Wrestling still lives on 10 Years after the program has been dropped
It’s been ten years to the day since AD Trev Alberts and the Board of Regents put the darkest eye on the once respected institution. On March 12th, 2011 the University of Nebraska-Omaha, led by Alberts, dropped the storied wrestling program (along with football) to “cut costs and to better align with the sports sponsored by the Summit League.”
The Early Years
UNO’s program began in the 1948-1949 season, and like most young programs, got off to a slow start. Allie Morrison was the first coach and had a combined dual record of 5-10. They then went through a five year stint of no wrestling before coming back under the direction of coach Russ Gorman. Gorman went 24-16 in duals before Al Caniglia came in 1961. Caniglia only coached for two years, going 10-10 in duals. UNO was 14 years into their program and still had never had a top 25 finish. The only All American in that time frame was under Caniglia when George Crenshaw finished runner up in 1962 and won the national championship in 1963.
In the 1963-1964 season, UNO hired legendary head coach Don Benning. Benning, who was the first ever African-American college wrestling coach in history, coached UNO for eight seasons and changed the program forever. During Benning’s tenure, the Mavericks finished in the top 25 at Nationals every year and had a dual record of 87-24. After three seasons finishing outside the top 10, Benning’s teams never finished worse than eighth. In the 67-68 and 68-69 seasons, UNO finished as NAIA National Runner-Up. Benning led the team to their first national title in the 69-70 season. In his final season at UNO the Mavericks finished third. He coached 23 All Americans and had eight national champions. Roy Washington won three of those titles. Bernie Hospodka, Curlee Alexander, Mel Washington, and Wendell Hakanson were the other National Champions. Don Benning would later be inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.
Benning was succeeded by Mike Palmisano. It was under his direction when UNO transitioned into NCAA Division II. Palmisano had a dual record of 144-47 in his eight years as coach. In his final three seasons with UNO his teams finished 15th, 7th and 7th in DII. Palmisano had 15 All-Americans, led by three time All American Paul Martinez. During Palmisano’s time as head coach, the Mavs had four wrestlers win national titles including Frank Gonzalez, Gary Kipfmiller, and Phil Gonzalez two times. … rest of story at https://newrestle.com/2021/03/12/uno-wrestling-still-lives-on-10-years-after-the-program-has-been-dropped/?mc_cid=adf7973f0f&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
NCAA Division I National Championships 2021
TDR Editor’s Notes ; The following are a gathering of preview articles about the Championships. One can literally see ALL mats, ALL matches while in the comfort one’s living room. Wow! Well one article (#10) is a look back at the Division II Championships last week yet the rest is all Division I. Need to get ready to watch the 2nd round in a few minutes. Almost as good as being in St. Louis. Keep on Wrestling!
Contact us at the Editor’s office at martinkfleming@gmail.com
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
1 } – ESPN To Provide Extensive Coverage Of NCAA Wrestling
AMES, Iowa – The 2021 NCAA Wrestling Championships begin on Thursday, March 18 and run through Saturday March 20. Thanks to ESPN’s extensive coverage, fans will be able to take in all the action from every mat.
Broadcast Schedule
Thursday, March 18
Session IA (First Round) – 10 a.m. – ESPNU
Session IB (First Round) – 1 p.m. – ESPNU
Session IIA (Second Round) – 5 p.m. – ESPN2
Session IIB (Second Round) – 8 p.m. – ESPN2
Friday, March 19
Session III (Quarterfinals) – 10 a.m. – ESPNU
Session IV (Quarterfinals) – 2 p.m. – ESPNU
Session V (Semifinals) – 7 p.m. – ESPN2
Saturday, March 20
Session VI (Medal Matches) – 10 a.m. – ESPN2
Session VII (Finals) – 6 p.m. – ESPN or ESPN2
Individual Mat Links
Session IA
Mat 1: https://www.espn.com/watch/player?id=0302c1c9-dcc9-427d-973d-ee7fead1212c
Mat 2: https://www.espn.com/watch/player?id=0349b2e9-46e5-48a4-9e34-2ad65b4014de … rest of story at https://cyclones.com/news/2021/3/15/espn-to-provide-extensive-coverage-of-ncaa-wrestling.aspx?mc_cid=1e4a49e3cd&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
And Video: Shane Sparks & Jason Bryant talk about the Preview Guide
Prior to leaving for the NCAA Division I Championships, Mat Talk Online’s Jason Bryant and Big Ten Network’s Shane Sparks look at why the Mat Talk Online Digital Preview Guide is worth buying to supplement your championship experience!
Do you want to buy one ?Go to WrestlingPreviewGuide.com (and use promo code JB to save $5) … rest of story at https://www.mattalkonline.com/blog/video-shane-sparks-jason-bryant-talk-about-the-preview-guide/?mc_cid=e6d1159834&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
2 } – IAwrestle NCAA Championships Watch Party
When: March 18-20 – 10:00AM start time. Doors open 9:45AM
Where: Carl’s Place, 1620 Woodland Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
RSVP: Tickets are not required but we ask fans to RSVP for food and prizes.
Stop by Carl’s Place as IAwrestle will be hosting daily live podcasts, raffle prizes, giveaways, and more throughout the NCAA Wrestling Championships.
Multiple TVs will have wrestling on ESPN’s coverage along with one dedicated to ESPN3. We will do our best to go to any specific mat that will feature an Iowa-based school. Food will be available daily for free. (While it lasts)
Schedule (All times central):
March 18:
Session 1A (first round 125-157lbs), 10 a.m.
Session 1B (first round 165-285lbs), 1 p.m.
Session 2A (second round 125-157lbs), 5 p.m.
Session 2B (second round 165-285lbs), 8 p.m. … rest of story at https://iawrestle.com/2021/03/15/iawrestle-ncaa-championships-watch-party/?mc_cid=1e4a49e3cd&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
3 } – UNFINISHED BUSINESS: SPENCER LEE AND THE IOWA HAWKEYES LOOK TO MAKE UP FOR LOST OPPORTUNITIES AT THE 2021 NCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS
The Iowa Hawkeyes were hands-down favorites going into the 2020 NCAA Championships. It would have been a fitting end to a sterling season for Iowa, who logged a perfect, 13-0, dual meet record and claimed the Big Ten Conference title, qualifying all ten wrestlers for the NCAA tournament and earning three No. 1 seeds.
However, the universe had other ideas. The COVID-19 global pandemic shut down most of the world, including college wrestling, and impacted nearly every facet of daily life. The Hawkeyes would have to wait for their opportunity to bring home their first NCAA team title since 2010.
Thankfully, it looks like Iowa will have their chance this weekend in St. Louis, Mo. The Hawkeyes finished an abbreviated season, 5-0, once again earning a Big Ten title and qualifying all ten wrestlers for the tournament. Iowa’s head coach Tom Brands is appreciative that even with less than ideal circumstances, his athletes have the opportunity to compete.
“First of all, you have to credit a lot of people. You have to credit the NCAA. You have to credit the Big Ten, the individual conferences that made this season happen. They did it under criticism. There’s a lot of people in the world that don’t look at sports as vital, and sports are vital. It teaches a lot, and young people they need that, especially young athletes,” Brands said during the NCAA pre-championships virtual press conference last Wednesday.
“Let’s keep making it happen, and let’s keep everybody safe as well. I’m not downplaying the safety factor. COVID is no picnic; … rest of story at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2021/March/15/Iowa-and-Spencer-Lee-NCAA-story?mc_cid=1e4a49e3cd&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
4 } – TEN FIRST-ROUND MATCHES TO WATCH AT THE NCAA TOURNAMENT
The 2021 NCAA Wrestling Championships begins in less than two days. Hurrah! After missing out on the tournament last year, wrestlers and fans are eager to once again engage in three glorious days of non-stop action. While every match of the tournament is must-see TV, check out ten opening round bouts that could provide some intrigue.
125 – No. 12 Michael DeAugustino (Northwestern) vs. No. 21 Trevor Mastrogiovanni (Oklahoma State)
DeAugustino was a First Team NWCA All-American as a redshirt freshman last season. This year, he’ll look to claim a spot on the podium and earn NCAA All-American status. In his first match he’ll see Oklahoma State’s true freshman Trevor Mastrogiovanni. A blue chip recruit, Mastrogiovanni is 13-4 this season and placed fifth at the Big 12 Tournament. DeAugustino is a sizeable favorite in this matchup, but how many times have we seen a talented freshman come into their own at NCAAs?
133 – No. 13 Zach Redding (Iowa State) vs. No. 20 Ryan Sullivan (West Virginia)
Going into the Big 12 Tournament, Redding was seeded seventh and Sullivan was seeded second. Redding, a true freshman, put together an impressive run and took third. Sullivan, a redshirt freshman, was injured during his first match and forced to default out of the tournament. Assuming Sullivan is close to full strength, this is a tossup bout between conference rivals.
141 – No. 21 Real Woods (Stanford) vs. No. 12 Grant Willits (Oregon State)
This one is juicy. … rest of story at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2021/March/16/Ten-first-round-matches-to-watch-at-the-NCAA-tournament?mc_cid=e6d1159834&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
5 } – OSU Wrestling: Five Thoughts On NCAA Tournament Brackets
On Wittlake’s low seed and how the Pokes can get some hardware
The NCAA released its wrestling brackets on Wednesday.
You can look at them here. Here are my five thoughts on them.
1. Wittlake’s seed was wrong, but he got an OK draw.
Travis Wittlake dropped all the way to the 10 seed after taking only one loss on the season at the Big 12 tournament. He has only lost three times as a starter in his career, as he lost twice in his redshirt freshman campaign.
It’s ridiculous that he’s a 10 seed. But, he ultimately wound up on the easier side of the bracket and could reasonably create a path for himself to becoming an All-American if he wrestles well.
2. Too many guys from the Big 12 in the top half of 197.
The Big 12 has looked like a powerhouse at 197 for most of the season. A.J. Ferrari, Stephen Buchannan, Noah Adams, Tanner Sloan and Jake Woodley all have looked like All-American candidates throughout this season. They’re all jammed up in the top half of the bracket?! … rest of story at https://pistolsfiringblog.com/osu-wrestling-five-thoughts-on-ncaa-tournament-brackets/?mc_cid=1e4a49e3cd&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
6 } – #PackMentality Pop-Ins Podcast: Ep. 79 – NCAA Championships Preview
RALEIGH, N.C. – We’re just days away from blowing the whistle at the 2021 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships from the Enterprise Center in St. Louis. It’ll be almost two years to the day since we last had an NCAA wrestling championships and host Brian Reinhardt is giddy with anticipation and coach Pat Popolizio can barely contain his own excitement as it’s their favorite show of the year – the NCAA preview episode on episode #79 of the #PackMentality Pop-Ins Podcast.
… rest of story at https://gopack.com/news/2021/3/16/wrestling-packmentality-pop-ins-podcast-ep-79-ncaa-championships-preview.aspx?mc_cid=e6d1159834&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
7 } – Penn State’s Cael Sanderson confident in freshmen heading into NCAA Wrestling Championships
The youth in the Penn State wrestling program didn’t have an optimal outcome in the Big Ten Wrestling Championships this year. The Nittany Lions saw their six freshmen struggle on the mat — going 16-14 in their conference tournament debut — and not live up to the usual standard set by a program that is used to winning, as the Nittany Lions finished a distant second to Iowa in the team race. But for five of those freshmen, the season isn’t over yet. And they’ll have another chance for success on an even bigger stage this week. In fact, Penn State head coach Cael Sanderson believes his team can peak at the right time and show what it can do at NCAAs this weekend in St. Louis.
“I think confidence levels, regardless of the outcome, jump,” Sanderson said Thursday morning. “… I feel like we had a great experience at the Big Ten. Kind of got our butts kicked a little bit, but still kind of showed that if we get a takedown here, finish this or do that then we’re close.”
Sanderson will need his guys to find that peak if he wants his team to successfully defend the 2019 NCAA Championship — the last title won after last year’s championships were canceled. Sanderson, for one, is confident that his wrestlers will make improvements, saying: “I still believe we’ll have our best tournament at the nationals.” … rest of story at https://www.yorkdispatch.com/story/sports/college/psu/2021/03/15/penn-states-cael-sanderson-confident-freshmen-wrestlers/4700700001/?mc_cid=e6d1159834&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
And Aaron Brooks heads to NCAA tourney as No. 1 seed
Although Aaron Brooks has never competed at the NCAA Division I championships, he already has been labeled as the wrestler to beat this weekend in St. Louis. The Penn State sophomore is seeded No. 1 in the 184-pound weight class. However, Brooks, a 2018 North Hagerstown graduate, said that won’t affect his mindset in his debut at the national tournament. “Wrestling is wrestling,” he said in a recent press conference. “Seeding, you know, is just numbers, just like rankings. When you’re not ranked No. 1, you have the same mindset. If you allow it to change your mindset, you’re doing the wrong thing. Just focus on wrestling and what got you there, and whoever is in front of you, focus on that, match by match. … rest of story at https://www.heraldmailmedia.com/sports/aaron-brooks-heads-to-ncaa-tourney-as-no-1-seed/article_5e9e8720-867e-11eb-9c86-270f1ac4fcf1.html?mc_cid=e6d1159834&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
8 } – Gable: Iowa should win NCAAs but close matches showed vulnerability
Editor’s Note: Dan Gable, the legendary NCAA, World and Olympic championship wrestler and coach recently spoke to WIN editor Mike Finn about the upcoming 2021 NCAA Division I National Championships, March 18-20, in St. Louis.
Dan Gable
WIN: After leading Iowa to 15 team championships in your 20 years at Iowa, I am sure you would like to see the 2021 Hawkeyes, ranked No. 1, capture the school’s 24th all-time title and first since 2010. Iowa, which held a 58-margin over second place Penn State in WIN’s Tournament Power Index, appears to be a dominant team. Do you have any concerns about the Iowa team? Do the Hawkeyes have any weaknesses?
Gable: Weakness is not a word that I use. I would talk in terms of vulnerabilities or what they need to build on. I would call it fine tuning. One thing that should be noted is that Iowa’s wrestlers did not score a lot of bonus points at the Big Tens and the margin of victory was not large, even though there appears to be a large of margin (of potential NCAA team points) between Iowa and other teams.
(Note: Nine of Iowa’s 28 Big Ten wins were by bonus points.)
That (small margin of individual matches) keeps hope alive for other teams. Right now, it would be hard to beat Iowa because the Hawkeyes are consistent at every weight and Iowa is not an automatic champion at every weight.
Some other team could get hot and the level of coaching of those schools that want to be great is pretty high. There is going to be no conceding to Iowa from coaches, but it’s their issue to get their guys to a higher level.
WIN: What do you think of Penn State and Cael Sanderson’s use of so many young wrestlers?
Gable: I’m sure that Sanderson sees the abilities with those guys but there are also some uncertainties. … rest of story at https://www.win-magazine.com/2021/03/16/gable-iowa-should-win-ncaas-but-close-matches-showed-vulnerability/?mc_cid=e6d1159834&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b#utm_source=feedly&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gable-iowa-should-win-ncaas-but-close-matches-showed-vulnerability
9} – The Gable Steveson Story
Gable Steveson’s mother Laticia has always joked that Gable was born on the wrestling mat, and at times, it feels as though she might be right. With each dominant performance Steveson puts on display, it becomes less far-fetched to believe that he learned snap-downs and double legs in the same days he learned to take his first steps and speak his first words. Gable hasn’t been shy about the fact that he uses his wrestling career as an avenue to continue to build the legacy that he has worked so diligently to create, with every moment in the limelight being used as an opportunity to add to his story. In fact, Gable’s story has been one that spans over the course of twenty years. It’s a story of adversity, a story of perseverance, a story of dominance, and this weekend in St. Louis, Steveson has an opportunity to finally add another chapter of that story: a national championship.
This is the Gable Steveson story. … rest of story at https://gophersports.com/news/2021/3/16/wrestling-the-gable-steveson-story.aspx?mc_cid=e6d1159834&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
10 } – The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly from the 2021 NCAA DII National Championships
I finally arrived back in Jamestown, North Dakota, at midnight last night. It was the end of a five-day, two thousand-mile road trip. I spent more time with Division II programs over that span than I have with my own family since Christmas break. I traveled through the ice and then a rainstorm and was graciously given just a written warning for speeding on my drive home in Fargo, North Dakota. After an entire day of driving to reflect on the happenings in St Louis and if you like 90% of Division II men’s wrestling fandom were unable to attend, I will break down what you missed. And what you did not miss. And what you should be glad you missed.
The Good
Jackie Paquette is no longer the NCAA Division II Wrestling Committee Chair, but if you follow Division II, you know that this championship will always be hers. No one fights harder for the athletes and the programs or invests more of their own time and passion than the University of Indianapolis director of wrestling operations. She delivered again, fulfilling a promise made a year ago that “we will wrestle again.” Thank you.
The team race! Did you follow along? Despite there being no scoring controversy, this should be the greatest story coming out of this tournament. Headed into the championship finals, the University of Nebraska-Kearney held a slim 2.5 point lead. But it seemed that there was no way it could stand up to a St. Cloud State wrestling team that had four finalists. A champion for the Huskies would earn … rest of story at https://news.theopenmat.com/college-wrestling-news/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-from-the-2021-ncaa-dii-national-championships/80261?mc_cid=1e4a49e3cd&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
11 } – WILLIS NCAA WRESTLING BLOG: IT WAS THE NIGHT BEFORE NCAAS…
3/17 – It feels a little bit like Christmas Eve. I think it does every year before the NCAA Championships, but this year in particular, the tournament feels like something to celebrate. During last week’s pre-tournament Zoom press conference, you heard the word “grateful” used a lot by both coaches and wrestlers. It’s fitting. While the circumstances aren’t ideal, everyone is happy for the opportunity to compete.
I know I’m certainly grateful to be here in St. Louis doing coverage. To say I was bummed last year when the tournament was cancelled would be a gross understatement. However, I know my feelings, and those of wrestling fans across the country, paled in comparison to those of the wrestlers deprived of the opportunity to chase their dreams.
It’s gut-wrenching to think about the 2020 senior class who unceremoniously had their collegiate careers cut short. I’m sure the wrestlers taking the mat tomorrow will think about that too. They won’t be taking anything for granted.
Not having the Ivy League represented is going to be weird and sad. So is having a less-than-packed stadium. However, just about everything over the past 12 months has been weird and sad. As a whole, the 2021 NCAA Championships are the antithesis of that. It’s an event filled with joy and hope. A testament to the hard work and ingenuity shown by the NCAA, the conferences, the administrators, the coaches and their athletes. … rest of story at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2021/March/17/Willis-NCAA-Wrestling-Blog?mc_cid=058a64ca1f&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
12 } – JOURNALISTS PICK THE 2021 NCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS FINALISTS AND TOP FIVE TEAMS
TheMat.com has had another strong year of participation in its survey of journalists, who make picks for the 2021 NCAA Championships in St. Louis. A total of 27 journalists have submitted their picks this year.
Participants will get three points for every champion, two points for every runner-up and one point for a finalist in the wrong placement. The top five teams are used as a tiebreaker. Participants will get points for each correct placement (5-4-3-2-1).
The traditional journalist picks for the 2020 NCAA Championships were cancelled after the NCAA cancelled the Div. I Championships, which were scheduled for Minneapolis.
The last winner of the journalist picks came in 2019, when the event was held in Pittsburgh, and 30 journalists participated. The winner was K.J. Pilcher of The Gazette in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Rounding out the top four were No. 2 Ken Chertow of KenChertow.com, No. 3 Matt Levins of The Hawkeye Newspaper (IA), and No. 4 G. Wyatt Schultz of the Predicament.
This year, perhaps due to the shortened season or to the many challenges of the pandemic, there is a wide variety of opinions on the winners and runners-up. It should be one of the most interesting contests in memory.
There were two unanimous picks from the 27 journalists surveyed: Spencer Lee of Iowa at 125 and Gable Steveson of Minnesota at 285. While there were a variety of finals opponents selected against Lee, all but two of the journalists picked Mason Parris of Michigan to place second behind Steveson. Results will be posted shortly after this weekend. Enjoy the action starting tomorrow.
2021 NCAA JOURNALIST PICKS
Champion listed first, runner-up listed second … rest of story at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2021/March/17/Journalists-pick-the-2021-NCAA-Championships-finalists-and-teams?mc_cid=058a64ca1f&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
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
