Takedown Report

Wrestling History – # 26

TDR Editor’s Notes ; We have grouped some articles together as they are from similar sources or are related topics such as the last three articles which are tributes to recently deceased wrestling greats ad leaders. Podcasts together (#6), Hall of Fames, Greatest LOss and How wrestling has changed lives are other topics.
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1 } – Central Oklahoma Hall of Fame Class of 2020: Todd Steidley
Professional wrestling, the kind seen on television with wild theatrics and orchestrated moves, will never be confused with the collegiate style that is so popular in Oklahoma and many other states. But it did help attract Todd Steidley to the mat in the late 1960s, igniting a love for the sport that still burns bright. “When I was a little kid I would spend summers with my grandparents in the Claremore-Oologah area and one day my grandpa told me he had signed me up for a wrestling camp in Oologah,” Steidley said. “I had only seen professional wrestling on TV, Cowboy Bill Watts and those guys, and I was fired up. “Then we got there and it wasn’t what I had seen at all, but I loved it. They had a tournament at the end of the camp and I won it and was Outstanding Wrestler. I was hooked after that.” … rest of story at _{^{https://bronchosports.com/news/2020/11/12/wrestling-hall-of-fame-class-of-2020-todd-steidley.aspx?mc_cid=b4122c2e60&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}
Friday Feature: A Repeat Title —
EDMOND – The presence of four individual champions gave Central Oklahoma plenty of firepower entering the 2002-03 wrestling season, making the Bronchos heavy favorites to claim a second straight team title. Cole Province (133 pounds), Matt Dodgen (141) and Shawn Silvis (165) were defending champions, while Mark Dodgen was coming off a redshirt year after having won the 125 title in 2000. UCO also had two more returning All-Americans in Chris Saferite (125) and Jeff Henning (184), though Saferite would end up redshirting as Mark Dodgen finished his career. … rest of story at _{^{https://bronchosports.com/news/2020/11/20/friday-feature-a-repeat-title.aspx?mc_cid=46ecd7f19c&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}

2 } – Final Episode Of Etched In Stone Podcast with Mark Churella
The third and final episode of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and USA Wrestling Etched In Stone – Stories of Wrestling Legends podcast featuring special guest Mark Churella is now available. Hosted by Hall of Fame wrestling writer, broadcaster and announcer Jason Bryant, the podcast explores the career of the Hall of Fame Distinguished Member who was a four-time All-American and the first three-time NCAA wrestling champion for the University of Michigan.
Listen to Episodes I, II and III through Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Stitcher. Click here to read the digital storybook for Churella. The EIS audio series features legendary wrestlers discussing the trials and tribulations they encountered on the way to becoming one of wrestling’s best. Podcasts also include … rest of story at _{^{https://nwhof.org/blog/final-episode-of-etched-in-stone-podcastwith-special-guest-mark-churella-launches/?mc_cid=2514c7e76e&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}

3 } – Will the real GOAT please stand up?
This GOAT thing has gotten out of hand. You know, Greatest Of All Time. It’s an acronym to show reverence and appreciation for those who have reached the highest level of a sport or a profession.  These days, it’s used as a term of endearment for anyone who hits a big move or wins a big match or is a fan favorite. All it takes to enter the GOAT conversation is an emoji on social media (typically of a goat) along with a picture or a video. That’s it. 
If you like one of your teammates, call him the GOAT. If a wrestler gets a fall, call her the GOAT. If a wrestler raises his or her hand in jubilation, call him or her the GOAT. 
Credentials and logic are meaningless to be a GOAT these days. 
Entering the actual GOAT conversation takes work, and the rules for consideration are constantly changing. Remember, this is evaluating someone as the Greatest Of All Time, not Greatest At The Time (GATT). 
There are different categorizations (high school, college, international), but domestic GOAT … rest of story at _{^{https://www.trackwrestling.com/PortalPost.jsp?TIM=1606699803599&twSessionId=sbewiikghs&postId=880303135&mc_cid=9fce5d3dda&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}

4 } – Kerry McCoy: My Greatest Loss
Kerry McCoy was a two-time NCAA champion for Penn State (1994, ’97) and a three-time All-American (1994-95, ’97) who compiled a 131-1 record at heavyweight during his final three seasons of college. He transitioned into a highly successful career on the Senior level, becoming a two-time Olympian (2000, 2004), a four-time World teamer (1998, 2001-03), a 2003 World silver medalist, and a five-time U.S. National champion. 
McCoy reflects on a loss he suffered as a sophomore when he competed for Longwood High School in Middle Island, New York.
PURE MISERY 
“I started wrestling in seventh grade and I didn’t wrestle varsity until tenth grade. I made my way up and I wasn’t anything special. My sophomore year was the first year I was wrestling varsity and I had a decent year. My record was 17-6 or something like that. I lost six matches during my sophomore year.  “What we do in New York is we have leagues, counties, and state. League qualifies you for the county or … rest of story at _{^{https://www.trackwrestling.com/PortalPost.jsp?TIM=1606964707167&twSessionId=nnpseppgpf&postId=882356135&mc_cid=580d0bc2a3&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}

5 } – WRESTLER FOR LIFE STORY OF THE WEEK: THE MIDDLE GROUND
USA Wrestling’s “Wrestler for Life” program is accepting submissions for “The Story of the Week”. It can be about anything wrestling related, whether it’s a particular wrestling match you’ll never forget, or a life lesson that the sport taught you. If your story is chosen, it will be featured on TheMat.com, and winners will receive a USA Wrestling t-shirt.
Send your submissions to: Wrestlerforlife@usawrestling.org
This week’s submission is by two-time Greco-Roman Olympian and Wheaton College head coach Jim Gruenwald. It originally appeared in the Wheaton Wrestling Newsletter.
“Fatigue makes cowards of us all,” is a quote by General George Patton which led to a Gruenwald Corollary that “Everyone is looking for a reason to quit, give them one.” The statement may be a bit hyperbolic, for the rare wrestler that isn’t looking for a reason to quit may exist. However, for the most part, once that fatigue sets in, wrestlers start making excuses which inevitably leads to conceding positions and the match regardless of any late match urgency or desperation. Matches don’t start that way. We start matches feeling like a hammer, or at least we should. Every match should begin with the confidence, whether realistic … rest of story at _{^{https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2020/December/03/Wrestler-for-Life-Story-of-the-Week-The-middle-ground?mc_cid=29548697b5&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}

6 } – PODCASTS — #182 Mike McMullan – Private Equity Investor & 4x All American
Mike McMullan was a 4x All American for Northwestern. Today, he works in private equity and in this conversation we talk about Mike’s experience at Wyoming Seminary, the Big 10 vs the Ivy League, and the parallels between coaching and private equity.  … rest of story at ^{_{https://wrestlingchangedmylife.com/mcmullan/?mc_cid=0d9bace552&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}
#189 Jason Welch – Head Coach at San Francisco State, 3x All American
ABOUT THIS EPISODE
Jason Welch is a California legend ladies and gents! He was a 4x California high school state finalist and 3x champ.  He took his talents to the Big 10 and was a 3x All American for Northwestern. Today, he’s the head coach at San Francisco State.  Enjoy it folks! … podcast at ^{_{https://wrestlingchangedmylife.com/189-jason-welch-head-coach-at-san-francisco-state-3x-all-american/?mc_cid=f9e49e1788&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}

7 } – Rulon Gardner and the lonely afterglow of Olympic gold
The wrestler’s journey from Wyoming to Olympic glory was one of the stories of Sydney 2000. His life afterwards has been just as compelling.
In the opening scene of the Olympic Channel’s new documentary film, Rulon, the titular character, a hulking figure, hangs his gold medal around the neck of a middle-aged man outside a hotel ballroom in Chicago. The two smile for a photo. Once – when he was 200lbs lighter and sporting a singlet – Rulon Gardner was the face of a Got Milk? ad, a sheepishly smiling America hero, and as he moves on from that photo op to deliver a speech at a dairy conference, Gardner appears acutely aware of the contrast between that version of himself and this one. “I’m not as famous as I used to be,” the two-time Olympian says in a voiceover, “but eventually I’m going to get to where I want to be.”
Rulon catches up with the Greco-Roman wrestler at a time of transition. … rest of story at _{^{https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2020/nov/18/rulon-garnder-sydney-olympics-wrestling-gold?mc_cid=d63f9879b6&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}

8 } – The 158-pound bracket at the 1994 NCAA Championships defies logic
(Note – this was at UNC in Chapel Hill)
How is it possible that one bracket at the NCAA Championships could produce so much history? Well, the 158-pound bracket did just that by producing five current Division I head coaches and four wrestlers who combined 10 individual NCAA titles — the most cumulative titles in one NCAA Division I bracket. 
Here is a breakdown of the head coaches and NCAA champions that came out of the bracket.
Future Division I head coaches in the bracket
— Dan Wirnsberger (Michigan State) is the current head coach at Bucknell
— Jim Andrassy (Kent State) is the current head coach at Kent State … rest of story at _{^{https://www.trackwrestling.com/PortalPost.jsp?TIM=1608183632932&twSessionId=lszbyjjncw&postId=906751135&mc_cid=4edc48d477&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}

9} – Dan Hodge was a legend in every way
Dan Hodge never lost a match in college, won an Olympic medal and is the only wrestler to grace the cover of Sports Illustrated. But his most impressive feat may have come after he celebrated his 80th birthday. He demonstrated his ability to crush an apple with one hand. The Perry, Oklahoma native won a state high school title in 1951 before going on to a phenomenal collegiate career at the University of Oklahoma. In college, the 6-foot-1 Hodge went 46-0 with 36 pins. He won three NCAA titles at 177 pounds, pinning all three of his opponents in the finals. He twice was named the tournament’s Outstanding Wrestler. … rest of story at _{^{https://intermatwrestle.com/articles/24048?mc_cid=0d946e15c0&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}

10 } – Legendary SOU wrestling coach Bob Riehm dies at 83
By: SOU Sports Information
ASHLAND – Bob Riehm, the NAIA Hall-of-Fame coach who turned the Southern Oregon University wrestling program into a national power, died peacefully Monday. He was 83. Riehm presided over the Raider men’s wrestling team for 25 years, won three national championships, and mentored 100 NAIA All-Americans. His legendary run as a coach and educator at the school began in 1969. Today, his legacy lives on in the gymnasium named for him, Bob Riehm Arena, at SOU’s Lithia Motors Pavilion. “Bob Riehm’s name and legacy is unmatched in the halls of SOU and NAIA wrestling,” … rest of story at _{^{https://souraiders.com/news/2020/11/24/mens-wrestling-legendary-sou-wrestling-coach-bob-riehm-dies-at-83.aspx?mc_cid=1348aad4fc&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}

11 } – Former Chairman Of Board Jim Keen Passes AwayShare
Former National Wrestling Hall of Fame Chairman of the Board of Governors and Order of Merit recipient Jim Keen passed away on Tuesday. He received the Hall of Fame’s Order of Merit award in 2004 and was chairman from 2004-13 after serving as vice chairman from 2000-03. His son Tom, who is president of athletic and apparel company Cliff Keen Athletic (CKA), currently serves on the Hall of Fame’s Board of Governors while his father Cliff, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame as a Distinguished Member in the Charter Class of 1976, was a board member from 1982-91. His uncle Paul was inducted into the Hall of Fame as a Distinguished Member in 1977. We are saddened to hear of the loss of Jim Keen, who worked tirelessly on behalf of our Hall of Fame and the sport that he loved so dearly. On behalf of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Board of Governors and … rest of story at _{^{https://nwhof.org/blog/former-chairman-of-board-jim-keen-passes-away/?mc_cid=1348aad4fc&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}

12 } – Bob Kauffman, former NCAA Division II wrestling champion at Edinboro, dies at age 58
Former Edinboro University wrestler Bob Kauffman, a 1986 NCAA Division II champion with the Fighting Scots, died Nov. 13 at age 58. Kauffman, an Edinboro wrestling hall of fame inductee, was a Fountain Hills, Arizona, resident. He owned Advacoat Concrete Floor Coatings. Kauffman was born in Emmetsburg, Iowa, where he attended school and wrestled through high school. He was a multiple state medalist and a 1981 state champion, accomplishments that got him recruited by the Division I University of Iowa Hawkeyes and legendary coach Dan Gable. However, it was Edinboro coach Mike DeAnna who was in Kauffman’s corner when the middleweight became an NCAA champ. Kauffman transferred to Edinboro for his senior season on the mat. He capped his college wrestling career with a victory in the 150-pound championship match of the Division II tournament at Edwardsville, Illinois. … rest of story at _{^{https://www.goerie.com/story/sports/college/2020/12/19/campus-bob-kauffman-former-ncaa-division-ii-wrestling-champion-edinboro-dies-age-58/3945820001/?mc_cid=ed5fd11129&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}

January 8, 2021 Posted by The TakeDown Report | Uncategorized | Leave a comment

College Wrestling News – 2021 – #2

TDR Editor’s Notes ; The following articles and polls are ones that involve groups of teams or all the teamsand the sport in general. News and articles that involve just one team or wrestler shall be posted in another grouping. Jump on in and look at the news that has explodedsince the beginning of this new year.
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1 } – Iowa is unanimous No. 1 in first NWCA Division I Coaches Poll of the season
Manheim, Pennsylvania – With the lion’s share of the abbreviated NCAA Division I wrestling season starting this weekend, the NWCA has released its first Division I Wrestling Coaches Poll for the 2020-21 season. Released weekly, the NWCA Division I Coaches Poll is based on dual meet results throughout the season. 
After an undefeated dual season in 2019-20 and returning most of its starting lineup, Iowa received all 14 first-place votes and starts the season ranked No. 1 in the nation. As usual, the Big Ten dominates the Top 25 with 11 of its 14 teams ranked. The ACC and Big 12 Conferences each have four schools represented in the Top 25, while the EIWA, Mid-American Conference and Pac-12 each have two apiece.
Methodology: The NWCA Division I Wrestling Coaches Poll is voted on by two coaches from each Division I wrestling conference. Each first-place vote is worth 25 points, 24 points for a second-place vote, 23 for a third-place vote and so on through to one point for a 25th-place vote. The poll is based on dual meet results. Teams who are not competing this season are not included in the voting process.
NWCA Division I Wrestling Coaches Poll — Jan. 1st, 2021

… rest of story at _{^{http://www.nwcaonline.com/iowa-is-unanimous-no-1-in-first-nwca-division-i-coaches-poll-of-the-season/?mc_cid=6915204714&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}

2 } – WIN’s Updated NCAA Division I TPI and Rankings (sans Ivy League)
Photo: Yianni Diakomihalis (celebrating with his Cornell coaches) won NCAA titles in 2018 and ’19 before taking an Olympic redshirt last winter. The Big Red junior, like his Cornell teammates and other Ivy League wrestlers, must now wait until 2021-22 to compete in college after the Ivy League announced it was cancelling its winter sports seasons. On Nov. 12, the Ivy League announced that it was cancelling its winter sports season, which includes six schools that compete in wrestling: Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Harvard, Penn and Princeton. The following is an update to WIN’s preseason Tournament Power Index (TPI) and individual rankings in the ten weight classes without those wrestlers.
WIN’S Late-November Tournament Power Index (TPI)

… rest of story at ^{_{https://www.win-magazine.com/2020/11/30/wins-updated-ncaa-division-i-tpi-and-rankings-sans-ivy-league/?mc_cid=ac95ae6b76&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b#utm_source=feedly&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=wins-updated-ncaa-division-i-tpi-and-rankings-sans-ivy-league}}

3 } – Five junior college hammers you need to know about
Every few years, freshmen rise up and steal the stage at the NJCAA Championships. There were five rookie champs in 2015, seven in 2017 and five again in March when Pratt’s Michael Spangler (125) and Jake Beeson (149), Northeastern Oklahoma A&M’s Blake Gonzalez (141), Harper’s Munkhtugla Zuunbayan (157) and Iowa Western’s Isaiah Crosby (165) took home titles. 
Zuunbayan won the tournament’s outstanding wrestler award after knocking off top-seeded Joel Romero of Clackamas with an overtime takedown in the finals. 
Here’s a look at five other junior college hammers to follow. 
Jake Beeson (Pratt) — A two-time Kansas state high school champion who claimed the 149-pound national title at the NJCAA Championships last season, scoring bonus points in three bouts, including a major decision in the finals. 
Zeth Brower (Clackamas) — Followed up an Oregon state high school title season as a prep senior by earning All-America honors in 2019. He returns this season to the Clackamas lineup at 133 after placing third as a freshman at 125. 
Isaiah Crosby (Iowa Western) — Placed third in his regional tournament and entered the NJCAA Championships as the No. 18 seed at 165 before going … rest of story at _{^{https://www.trackwrestling.com/PortalPost.jsp?TIM=1606881591177&twSessionId=gjrpfqfumb&postId=880838135&mc_cid=2514c7e76e&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}

4 } – MAC Announcement Regarding Winter Sports
YORK, PA – The Middle Atlantic Conference released the following information in regards to the 2020-21 winter sports season.  The Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) Presidents met this week and affirmed their support for moving forward with tentative plans for winter sports in a manner that prioritizes the health and well-being of student-athletes, coaches, campuses and local communities.
Due to state and local restrictions and rising rates of infection across the MAC region, the conference leadership will meet over the next few months and continue to track the trajectory of the pandemic and resulting health and safety recommendations or mandates from local, state and national public health authorities to determine on-going plans and schedules. … rest of story at _{^{https://ycp.prestosports.com/sports/wrest/2020-21/releases/20201202imdlnv?mc_cid=580d0bc2a3&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}

5 } – NCAA’s Mark Emmert says he hopes NCAA remains open to reform
NEW YORK — NCAA president Mark Emmert hopes lessons learned through navigating the pandemic will lead college sports leaders to be more open to future reform and to prioritize opportunities for athletes when it comes time to cut costs. In a 25-minute interview Tuesday with The Associated Press, Emmert said the NCAA and its member schools have shown an uncommon ability to be nimble and responsive in addressing issues of eligibility, scheduling, recruiting, transfers and conducting championship events. “We’ve done a whole array of things, many of which member schools in the past have said, ‘No, no, no, we can’t do that. That’s not right.’ Well, we’re doing it. And the sporting world hasn’t collapsed,” Emmert told AP. “And so can we as we move forward, say, well, why can’t we continue to do that? … rest of story at _{^{https://www.espn.com/college-sports/story/_/id/30479925/ncaa-mark-emmert-says-hopes-ncaa-remains-open-reform}}

6 } – 2020-21 NSIC WRESTLING PRESEASON COACHES’ POLL
ST. CLOUD STATE PICKED IN NSIC PRESEASON COACHES’ POLL
BURNSVILLE, Minn. – St. Cloud State, the nine-time defending NSIC Champions, was the unanimous choice to win the league in the NSIC Preseason Wrestling Coaches’ Poll. The Huskies had 81 points and all nine first place votes (coaches cannot vote for their own team) to rank 13 points ahead of Upper Iowa, which was second with 68 points and the other first place vote. Augustana was third with 66 points while Minnesota State was fourth with 61 points. The University of Wisconsin-Parkside, which joined the NSIC this season as an associated member, ranked fifth with 45 points.  … rest of story at ^{_{https://northernsun.org/news/2020/12/7/2020-21-nsic-wrestling-preseason-coaches-poll.aspx?mc_cid=065f8820b6&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}

7 } – OREGON STATE LAUNCHES FUNDRAISER FOR NEW MATS IN HONOR OF GREG STROBEL
Oregon State wrestling is launching a fundraiser for new wrestling mats, while also honoring a wrestling legend, Greg Strobel, who passed away in October.
DONATE TODAY
Strobel’s accomplishments stretch beyond the collegiate mats, but that is where he forever belongs. The goal is to raise $100,000 for Oregon State Wrestling. The funds raised will be designated toward the Oregon State University Wrestling discretionary fund to furnish the program with new mats for its practice facility and have them bear Strobel’s name. In addition, Greg will be honored within the facility with a commemorative plaque. Greg was a two-time National Champion and … rest of story at _{^{https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2020/December/16/ORST-mat-fundraiser-to-honor-Greg-Strobel?mc_cid=4edc48d477&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}

8 } – 2020-2021 NAIA Wrestling Coaches’ Top 20 Poll – No. 2 — Dec 18, 2020  
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Grand View University (Iowa) claimed the No. 1 spot in the second poll of the 2020-21 season. Joining the Vikings in the top five was Life (Ga.), Lindsey Wilson (Ky.), Reinhardt (Ga.) and Indiana Tech.  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.
• The highest and lowest ranking for each team (a non-rating is considered a low rating) is removed and the team’s ranking will be recalculated with an additional point added to each team for every ballot
• The postseason poll is determined using the individual and team results from the national championship
• For the complete Top 20 calendar, click here.
• 2020-21 NAIA Wrestling Coaches’ Top 20 Poll 2 (December 18, 2020)

… rest of story at _{^{https://www.naia.org/sports/mwrest/2020-21/Releases/Mwrest-National-Poll2?mc_cid=ed5fd11129&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}

9} – 2020-21 NCAA DII National Rankings (12/16/20)
TOM has released our 2020-21 NCAA DII National rankings as of December 16th, 2020. Since there is plenty of uncertainty surrounding the collegiate season, we could still see a lot of shuffling in the coming weeks. This edition has removed wrestlers whose teams will not compete during the 2020-21 season. … individual rankings and story at _{^{https://news.theopenmat.com/college-rankings/2020-21-ncaa-dii-national-rankings-12-16-20/79648?mc_cid=4edc48d477&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}

10 } – How will college’s dual season affect 2021 NCAA qualifying?
Note: The following story appeared in the December issue of WIN Magazine. 
Click here or call 888-305-0606 to subscribe to WIN.
By Mike Finn
Many of college wrestling’s leaders have been trying to promote duals as a better way of promoting the sport and something that can save some endangered programs. In this current age of a pandemic, dual meets could actually save a college wrestling season. Unlike past Division I wrestling seasons that begin in November and include many individual tournaments like the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational — which was held annually in December for the past 30 years — it appears that most NCAA Division I college programs won’t start competing until early January. And there will be only dual-meet competition before post-season tournaments begin in late February. But only a few programs like Iowa State had officially announced an official schedule as of mid-December. “It’s nice to get a schedule out, given everything that’s been thrown at us,” said Cyclone coach Kevin Dresser. “Like with other sports, this season will look different, however we are excited to get back on the mat in January.” At this point, wrestling programs … rest of story at _{^{https://www.win-magazine.com/2020/12/22/how-will-colleges-dual-season-affect-ncaa-qualifying/?mc_cid=f9e49e1788&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b#utm_source=feedly&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=how-will-colleges-dual-season-affect-ncaa-qualifying}}

11 } – CCIW PLANS TO PLAY
The College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin announced plans to begin competition in all winter sports no sooner than January 23rd. “[I]f federal, state, local and campus conditions are at a point that student-athletes can return to competition safely and proper testing can be secured, then winter competition can commence.” Augustana, Carthage, Elmhurst, Millikin, North Central, and Wheaton are full members with wrestling, while Concordia Wisconsin, Lakeland, and MSOE are associate members. … rest of story at _{^{https://www.d3wrestle.com/cciw-plans-to-play/?mc_cid=daf3892c58&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}

12 } – DIVISION III TEAM SITES
The 2020-2021 season is set to have 113 Division III teams.
Division III Wrestling Map – up to date for 2020-2021
New Teams for 2020-21
Carthage – Wisconsin
Elmira – New York
Emory & Henry – Virginia
Hiram – Ohio
Iowa Wesleyan – Iowa
New Jersey City University – New Jersey
Shenandoah – Virginia

New Teams for 2021-22
Albion – Michigan
Aurora – Illinois
Roanoke – Virginia … rest of story at _{^{https://www.d3wrestle.com/division-iii-team-sites/}}

January 7, 2021 Posted by The TakeDown Report | Uncategorized | Leave a comment

College Results – 2021 – #2

TDR Editor’s Notes ; More than a “Baker’s Dozen” of articles with (w)results of wrestling matches to determine team scores in duals and tournaments and wresults from matches to determine starting positions. Yes, we mispelled that word as we wonder why not have ‘wrestling results’ be shortened to wresults? Why not? What do our wrestling readers think? Let us know. Hmm, maybe these readers would wreaders?
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1 } – NCAA DIV. I INTRASQUAD MATCH RESULTS, AS OF JAN. 1
By Gary Abbott, USA Wrestling | Jan. 01,
Each year. TheMat.com has published results from the intrasquad matches of the Div. I wrestling programs. In the unprecedented 2020-21 season, with the delay of the start of the wrestling season due to the pandemic, we have not yet been able to post this annual update. Intrasquad meets have been a way to hold wrestle-offs, invite fans and sometimes stream matches. This year, with all of the uncertainty, things were different and collecting these results has been sometimes a challenge. With the season starting this weekend, we bring you results from 14 Div. I Intrasquad matches. There are a few more coming up in the next few days, and we will continue to seek others we could not find results. In about a week, we will publish an update to this story. Any college programs that want to send in their intrasquad match results which have not been listed below should please email them to Gary Abbott at gabbott@usawrestling.org
APPALACHIAN STATE — Friday, December 18
Black 19, Gold 18
(TB criteria at 18-all — more pins for Black team)
125: Codi Russell (Black) def. Caleb Smith (Gold), 5-3 dec.
HWT: Michael Burchell (Gold) def. Tim Warren (Black), 2-0 dec.
133: Tyler Kellison (Black) def. Kobe Early (Gold), 10-3 dec.
197: Mason Fiscella (Gold) def. Paul Carson (Black)
141: Anthony Brito (Gold) def. Heath Gonyer (Black), 2-0 dec.
184: Julian Gorring (Black) def. Barrett Blakely (Gold), 3-1 dec. (SV-1)
149: Tristan Pugh (Black) def. Jack Campbell (Gold), fall, 4:18
174: Thomas Flitz (Gold) def. Jackson Boles (Black), 7-3 dec.
157: Cody Bond (Black) def. Tommy Askey (Gold), 4-1 dec.
165: Will Formato (Gold) def. Brett Mordecai (Black), 2-0 dec. … rest of story at _{^{https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2021/January/01/Div-I-Intrasquad-results?mc_cid=6915204714&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}
OSU : Best Orange and Black Matches, HWT and More … story at _{^{https://pistolsfiringblog.com/wrestling-mailbag-best-orange-and-black-matches-hwt-and-more/?mc_cid=6915204714&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}
Gold Tops Maroon In Wrestling Intrasquad … story at _{^{https://cmuchippewas.com/news/2020/12/27/gold-tops-maroon-in-wrestling-intrasquad.aspx?mc_cid=0d946e15c0&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}
Cougars Post Successful Intrasquad Event … story at _{^{https://siue.prestosports.com/sports/m-wrestl/2020-21/releases/20210103npjvwq?mc_cid=d8fa13dc26&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}

2 } – VIKINGS ARE VICTORIOUS IN SIOUX CITY
Sioux City, IA – No. 1 Grand View men’s wrestling traveled to Sioux City this afternoon to take on Morningside College in two duals. The Vikings came out victorious in both duals and defeated the Mustangs 31-6 and 49-6. The Vikings recorded 10 total pins over the two duals, eight of which came from team two in their 49-6 victory.
Other notables include Gabriel Rangel who pinned his opponent in 1:03 to garner six points for the Vikings. Teammate Greg Hagan also posted a fall of 1:12. Grand View extends their dual win streak to 97 duals.
Up Next?
The Vikings will be back in action at Central Methodist after the holiday season. The Heart of America match up is set for January 8th at 6:00 p.m. … rest of results and story at _{^{http://www.gvvikings.com/article/6851?mc_cid=daf3892c58&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}

3 } – Doane College Wrestling Picks Up Three Wins at Concordia Duals
Doane Wrestling traveled to Seward for the Concordia Duals on Saturday and walked away with a 3-1 mark. The Tigers are now 7-2 in duals this year.
Dual #1: Doane vs. Arizona Christian
The morning opened with #13 Doane vs. Arizona Christian, a team just on the outside of the Top 20 and receiving votes in the NAIA poll. The Tigers posted a 31-15 win over the Firestorm. In a back and forth match, ACU jumped out 6-0 with a pin at 125. Daniel Vargas (JR/San Diego, Calif.) put the Tigers on the board at 133 with a major decision win, 10-2. Baagii Boldmaa (JR/Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia) gave Doane the lead with a 20-5 tech fall win at 141. Tristan Zamilpa (SO/Madera, Calif.) added a decision win, 11-4, at 149 to put the Tigers up 12-6. Arizona Christian came back with a decision victory at 157 and … rest of story at _{^{http://www.doaneathletics.com/article/5122.php?mc_cid=ed5fd11129&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}

4 } – Southeastern Wrestling Rallies to Down Division I Foe
CHARLESTON, S.C.—Don’t tell Southeastern they can’t compete with anyone. The Fire wrestling team won seven of 11 matches against The Citadel and defeated the Bulldogs 22-14 for the program’s first victory over an NCAA Division I program in a dual. The Fire (5-3) won three straight matches late, getting bonus points at two of them to rally back and secure the match. With his team down 11-9, Coleman Bryant picked up a 12-4 major decision at 174 to give the Fire a 13-11 lead. Then, Blake Rypel won by first period fall to net six points and make it 19-11.  Freshman Trillyon Fils-Aime scored his sixth win of the season, grinding out a 7-4 win over Ben Stemmet, getting a takedown with 17 seconds remaining which put the dual out of reach. “Coleman and Blake did what they do, scored a lot of points … rest of story at _{^{https://fire.seu.edu/news/2020/12/18/wrestling-rallies-to-down-division-i-foe.aspx?mc_cid=ed5fd11129&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}

5 } – No. 10 @ASUWrestling Claims 39-3 Victory Over Little Rock
TEMPE – The No. 10 Sun Devil wrestling team claimed their first victory of the 2021 season over Little Rock, 39-3, in Desert Financial Arena Saturday afternoon. “I think overall it was a good match and competed well,” head coach Zeke Jones said. “We came and did what we were supposed to do. Our conditioning was solid and I think we wrestled well in all three positions and I liked our mentality.” ASU notched five bonus-point wins, including three pins from Sun Devils Jacori Teemer (157), Cade Belshay (184) and Kordell Norfleet (197) to secure the win. … rest of story at _{^{https://thesundevils.com/news/2021/1/2/no-10-asuwrestling-claims-38-3-victory-over-little-rock.aspx?mc_cid=1dba1d3746&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}

6 } – Virginia Opens 2021 With Strong Performances At App State Tournament
BOONE, N.C. – The Virginia wrestling team opened the 2021 season on Saturday (Jan. 2) with 23 wrestlers in competition at the Appalachian State Individual Quad at Varsity Gym in Boone, N.C. Wrestlers from Virginia and The Citadel joined competitors from host Appalachian State in the round-robin format competition. No champions were crowned for the event. It was the first competition of the season for both the Mountaineers and the Cavaliers, while The Citadel had a pair of dual meets in the fall.
Virginia had 11 wrestlers go undefeated on the day and the Cavaliers combined for 29 bonus-point victories in 70 total matches wrestled.
NOTES FROM THE MAT
• The Cavaliers had 11 wrestlers go undefeated on the afternoon, … rest of story at _{^{https://virginiasports.com/news/2021/01/02/virginia-opens-2021-with-strong-performances-at-app-state-tournament/?mc_cid=1dba1d3746&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}

7 } – New Faces Help Bulls Earn Season-Opening Win over Ohio
BUFFALO, NY – The University at Buffalo wrestling team finally opened the season on Saturday afternoon and looked impressive in a 20-12 win over Mid-American Conference foe Ohio. A number of new faces made their dual debut for the Bulls. One of those Bulls making their debut was freshman Tristan Daugherty. The Peoria, IL native earned a 2-0 decision of Gio DiSabato in the first match of the day at 125. Daugherty used an escape and the riding time point to earn his first career win. After dropping a decision at 133, the Bulls sent Derek Spann to the mat at 141. The redshirt-senior was bumped up a weight class this season after wrestling at 133. After giving up an early takedown, Spann took control for the remainder of the match and earned a 7-2 decision. Ty Raines, also making his dual debut, had the most exciting match of the day,  … rest of story at _{^{https://ubbulls.com/news/2021/1/2/wrestling-new-faces-help-bulls-earn-season-opening-win-over-ohio.aspx?mc_cid=1dba1d3746&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}

8 } – WINCHESTER, MARSTELLER, RIVERA WIN FEATURED BOUTS IN BATTLE ON THE BANKS CARD IN NEW JERSEY
METUCHEN, N.J. – World champion Jacarra Winchester of the Titan Mercury scored a first-period technical fall, closing out 13 exciting matches in the Battle on the Banks card held Saturday at St. Joseph High School. Winchester scored two takedowns and three turns to finish a 10-0 technical fall in 1:11 over Koral Sugiyama of the Twin Cities WC. Winchester took down Sugiyama and hit a quick gut wrench to lead 4-0. Using a cradle, Winchester got a takedown and added a turn, then finished with a high gut wrench to end the match. “I felt really good. I have been working on cradles and other turns. My goal is to finish everybody in the first period. I am pushing myself. It was a short show, but I put on a show,” said Winchester. In a close battle at 175 pounds, Chance Marsteller held off Tommy Gantt … rest of story at _{^{https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2021/January/02/Winchester-Marsteller-Rivera-star-at-Battle-on-the-Banks?mc_cid=1dba1d3746&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}
and Wrestlers Finish Action at Battle on the Banks … story at _{^{https://scarletknights.com/news/2021/1/3/wrestling-wrestlers-finish-action-at-battle-on-the-banks.aspx?mc_cid=d8fa13dc26&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}

9} – SDSU WRESTLERS SPLIT SEASON-OPENING DUALS
FARGO, N.D. – Zach Price and Tanner Sloan each won both of their matches to help lead the South Dakota State wrestling team to a split of its two duals Sunday at the season-opening NDSU Quadrangular. The Jackrabbits fell to 12^th-ranked Missouri, 33-9, in the opener, then rallied for a 20-12 victory against Oregon State.
No. 12 Missouri 33, SDSU 9
Missouri recorded a pair of pins and won eight of 10 matches overall in defeating the Jackrabbits, 33-9. Keegan O’Toole at 157 pounds and Jeremiah Kent in the 184-pound matchup recorded the Tigers’ wins by fall. Price, ranked 24^th at 133 pounds, put the Jackrabbits on the board with an upset of 12^th-ranked Matt Schmitt, recording a takedown and two-point near-fall in the third period for a 7-5 decision. Sloan made quick work of Missouri’s Canten Marriott in the 197-pound matchup, putting his opponent’s shoulders to the mat in 2 minutes and 37 seconds for the other Jackrabbit victory in the dual.
Three other Missouri wrestlers won by major decision:  … rest of story at _{^{https://gojacks.com/news/2021/1/3/wrestling-sdsu-wrestlers-split-season-opening-duals.aspx?mc_cid=d8fa13dc26&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}

10 } – Chippewas Roll In Season Opener
Next for CMU is a date with perennial MAC power Missouri
MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. – Central Michigan won all 10 matches and scored bonus points in six of them on Sunday in topping Olivet, 44-0, in a nonconference dual wrestling meet at McGuirk Arena.
 It was the season opener for the Chippewas, who are ranked 21^st nationally by the National Wrestling Coaches Association.  CMU coach Tom Borrelli mixed in several young faces with his veterans against the Division III Comets, who were also wrestling their season opener.  The Chippewas got pin victories from Mason Breece (157 pounds), Landon Pelham (197) and Matt Stencel (285), technical-fall wins from Drew Hildebrandt (125) and Alex Cramer (165), and a major decision from Drew Marten (133).
 Hildebrandt is ranked seventh nationally, Stencel is fourth, and Marten is 19th. Dresden Simon (141), CMU’s other ranked wrestler, did not wrestle against the Comets.  It was Cramer’s first match as a Chippewa after transferring from Old Dominion.  The Chippewas got decision victories from … rest of story at _{^{https://cmuchippewas.com/news/2021/1/3/wrestling-chippewas-roll-in-season-opener.aspx?mc_cid=d8fa13dc26&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}

11 } – No. 12 Mizzou Wrestling Dominates in Season-Opening Tri-Dual Sweep
Tigers outscore trio of opponents, 114-12
COLUMBIA, Mo. – No. 12 Mizzou Wrestling (3-0) opened its 2021 campaign with a bang Sunday, cruising to three dual victories over South Dakota State, North Dakota State and Oregon State. The Tigers improved as the afternoon progressed, beginning with a 33-9 win over the Jackrabbits. Mizzou then followed with a 38-3 triumph against the host Bison and capped its day with a 43-0 shutout victory over the Beavers. Overall, Mizzou tallied an impressive 10 triumphs over nationally ranked opponents, highlighted by a 12-0 major decision victory over No. 7 Devan Turner by redshirt junior Matt Schmitt. Redshirt Junior Allan Hart accounted for two of the Tigers’ ranked wins, taking down the nation’s No. 16 and No. 23 ranked foes at 141 pounds. Junior Brock Mauller, redshirt sophomore Peyton Mocco, redshirt freshman Sean Harman, redshirt sophomore Jeremiah Kent and redshirt sophomore Zach Elam all produced an unscathed 3-0 record in Sunday’s duals. The Tigers continued their dominance into extra matches between the four programs … rest of story at _{^{https://mutigers.com/news/2021/1/3/no-12-mizzou-wrestling-dominates-in-season-opening-tri-dual-sweep.aspx?mc_cid=d8fa13dc26&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}

12 } – OTHER TEAM NEWS & NOTES :
Kent State Wrestling Update
KENT, OHIO- Kent State Wrestling will not be participating in the quad meet scheduled for Jan. 2 at App State due to COVID-19 protocols. The health and safety of our student-athletes and staff is our highest priority.  … more team news at _{^{https://kentstatesports.com/news/2020/12/31/kent-state-wrestling-update.aspx?mc_cid=6915204714&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}
Cowboy Wrestling Looks Prepared for Season Opener After Orange and Black Ranking Matches
Orange and Black Ranking Matches Scoresheet (PDF)
STILLWATER – The expected starters and highly-touted freshman class for this season’s Cowboy wrestling team looked the part on Sunday, as Oklahoma State hosted its Orange and Black Ranking Matches at Gallagher-Iba Arena in preparation for next week’s season-opening duals. … rest of story at _{^{https://okstate.com/news/2021/1/3/cowboy-wrestling-looks-prepared-for-season-opener-after-orange-and-black-ranking-matches.aspx?mc_cid=d8fa13dc26&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}
and Recap: Cowboys Show Potential in Orange and Black Dual … story at _{^{https://pistolsfiringblog.com/recap-cowboys-show-potential-in-orange-and-black-dual/?mc_cid=d8fa13dc26&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}

January 6, 2021 Posted by The TakeDown Report | Uncategorized | Leave a comment

National Wrestling News 2021 – # 2

TDR Editor’s Notes ; Greatly sadden to hear of the NCWA not sponsoring meets this season. Yet we are confident that we can see those teams in competition. The details are in the first article below. There are several articles about the tremendous award for Coach Dan Gable for his tremendous contributions to our sport. The national media awards for last year are included as the last article.
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1 } – NCWA NOT SPON­SOR­ING A 2021 WINTER SEMESTER SEASON
On Sunday, December 27th, the NCWA Board of Directors met for the third time to determine the outlook for the delayed 2021 Winter Season. After a brief discussion with each conference chairman concerning their respective conference teams ability to participate, it was determined that no conference had even 20% participation. Four of the eight conferences had no teams that would be permitted by their universities to travel or have other teams on campus. Therefore, no allowable competition this semester.
Based upon these difficult numbers, the board concluded that the NCWA will be unable to sponsor a season of competition in 2020-21.
NCWA member teams who’s universities are allowing competition are encouraged to compete under the guidelines provided by their respective institutions. No Athlete will be in any way penalized for competition during the 2020-21 season and no eligibility is forfeited by the athletes choosing to participate in any event this season. The board has had discussions concerning a collegiate invitational tournament that could give participating athletes a season ending event. If such an event holds interest to NCWA and or NCAA Schools please contact jim@ncwa.net to discuss details. Any events available to NCWA athletes can be posted here on the NCWA website. The Board has already begun to plan for the 2021-22 season and encourages teams to recruit athletes to their programs with the knowledge that there will be a strong 2021-22 wrestling season for NCWA Programs. … stories at _{^{https://ncwa.net/news/2020/ncwa-not-sponsoring-a-2021-winter-semester-season?mc_cid=ea644fcb33&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}

2 } – 2020 ‘Outstanding Individual Performance’: Benji Peak
Sometimes, a win isn’t just a win. It’s a moment in which everyone can take part and celebrate. Not out of fandom or personal affinities, or wrestling’s version of tribalism. But rather, because the timing somehow aligned perfectly with the mood, and in such a way that the gravity of the situation compelled all those who witnessed it to join in on the triumph.
When Benji Peak (67 kg, Sunkist/NTS, 5PM #11) emerged victorious at the US Nationals in October, he played a vital role in helping declare wrestling’s return to the spotlight. It had been over half a year since American Seniors were able to step on a mat in an actual meaningful live setting. Coralville, Iowa was the place, where Peak came to life and injected a dose of much-needed energy back into the consciousness. There were some fans in the brand new Xtream Arena scattered about the seats. Not a whole lot. Not enough, but maybe enough to jive with the circumstances. Coaches and officials donned masks or face shields whilst patrolling the battleground. A dystopic scene, in a sense. … rest of story at _{^{http://www.fivepointmove.com/usa-greco/2020-outstanding-individual-performance-benji-peak/?mc_cid=ea644fcb33&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}

3 } – TOP 15 MOST-READ STORIES ON USA WRESTLING’S WEBSITE THEMAT.COM IN 2020
By Gary Abbott, USA Wrestling | Jan. 04, 2021, 11:02 a.m. (ET)It is you, our USA Wrestling members and wrestling fans, who determined the Top 15 best-read stories that were posted on USA Wrestling’s website TheMat.com in 2020. This is based entirely upon the data for the number of reads for each story. The top story was the March 28 article on New Mexico high school wrestler Canaan Bower, whose act of heroism during a gas-station attempted kidnapping captured the nation’s attention. As an unprecedented year, the next two most read stories had to do with the COVID-19 pandemic. No. 2 was the first major USA Wrestling statement about COVID-19 on March 12. No. 3 was the release of USA Wrestling’s Return to Mat Guidelines on May 15. Rounding out the top five were No. 4 Big Ten Championships brackets on March 6 and No. 5 J’den Cox announcement on what weight class he would compete during Olympic year on Feb. 11.
… rest of story at _{^{https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2021/January/04/Top-15-read-stories-from-USA-Wrestlings-website-in-2020?mc_cid=ea644fcb33&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}

4 } – How some of the nation’s best college wrestlers have kept sharp for 2021
COVID-19 put the world on hold in 2020, but the nation’s top college wrestlers never stopped training. Michigan sophomore lightweight Jack Medley and several of his teammates ran multiple summer marathons in their hometowns, Iowa’s Spencer Lee drilled against his dog and his mom, and Ohio State freshman Anthony Echemendia reminded the world that he’s still one of the best gymnasts in college wrestling.  Their training didn’t go to waste either, as USA Wrestling, FloWrestling, Rokfin, TrackWrestling, Beat the Streets and numerous Regional Training Centers sponsored creative events that allowed the athletes to shake off the rust and challenge themselves. As the focus shifts to the NCAA season, here’s what we know about some of the top college wrestlers, their summer performances, and their skills heading into another championship college season. 
Minnesota’s Gable Steveson took a big step 
Minnesota junior Gable Steveson was a big name … rest of story at _{^{https://www.ncaa.com/news/wrestling/article/2020-01-04/how-some-nations-best-college-wrestlers-have-kept-sharp-2021?mc_cid=ea644fcb33&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}

5 } – Nobody more deserving of Presidential Medal of Freedom than Dan Gable
When I sat down to write about why Dan Gable is so deserving of being awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, my mind started racing in a million different directions. His accomplishments obviously speak for themselves. Winning two NCAA titles, a world title and an Olympic gold medal as a wrestler. Winning an unthinkable 15 NCAA titles and 21 Big Ten titles in 21 seasons as the head coach at Iowa. Coaching three of his wrestlers — Randy Lewis, and Ed and Lou Banach — to gold medals at the 1984 Olympic Games. And later coaching another wrestler, Tom Brands, who won the Olympics in 1996. Gable’s accomplishments extend far beyond his incredible resume in the sport of wrestling. I have my own share of experiences and memories from being around Gable over the years that have given me a better understanding and appreciation of a man I have tremendous respect for. I first learned about Dan Gable when I checked out a book on him at my school library while growing up in Tipton, Iowa. Like many kids in Iowa, and beyond, I wanted to follow in his footsteps and win the Olympics. His story was motivating and inspiring. My mother gave me a hard time because of how often I checked that book out from the library over the years. … rest of story at _{^{https://intermatwrestle.com/articles/24026?mc_cid=c2c44a5110&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}

6 } – Cole Hauser Interview: The Last Champion
We interview The Last Champion star Cole Hauser about what drew him to the project, its similarities with other sports films, and much more. In the film The Last Champion, John Wright was a hometown hero – the powerful star of his high school wrestling team and a promising Olympian. He could have had it all… but one bad decision destroyed his dreams and forced him to leave under a cloud of scandal that has haunted him ever since. But 20 years later, John returns to his small town after his mother’s death. His icy reception proves his former friends and neighbors still haven’t forgiven him for letting them down. Unexpectedly, John gets the opportunity to turn everything around by coaching his high school’s wrestling team. Cole Hauser plays the role of John Wright, and Screen Rant had the opportunity to interview him. We go over his passion for the script, his experience learning wrestling for the role, and the process for prepping for one of the film’s most intense scenes. … rest of story at _{^{https://screenrant.com/last-champion-movie-cole-hauser-interview/?mc_cid=6c7e360412&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}

7 } – Al Fontes Lauded Coach, Editor Says So Long to California Wrestling Community
It has been an honor and privilege serving the California wrestling community…

After serving the California wrestling community for over 25 years, I am departing from editorship responsibilities with the California Wrestler Newsletter (TCW) and moving on to a new chapter in my life. It has been an honor and a privilege serving the California wrestling community and giving back to the sport I love and always have had a great passion for. My long tenure working with the members of the TCW staff has been rewarding, fun, and filled with many great memories, opportunities, and friendships. I will cherish then for the rest of my life. The origin of the TCW began in 1974 when founders Bill Grant and Larry Prosper formulated the concept of generating a newsletter to inform the wrestling community of the latest dual and tournament results. At the time, local newspaper outlets throughout Northern California were lacking the coverage in their respective areas. After nearly 50 years, the TCW has grown to be among the top state sites in the country where avid wrestling fans throughout California and abroad view day-to-day stories, biographies, question & answer articles, and state/section rankings. … rest of story at _{^{https://sportstarsmag.com/lauded-coach-al-fontes-editor-says-so-long-to-california-wrestling-community/?mc_cid=6c7e360412&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}

8 } – For wrestling icon Dan Gable, Presidential Medal of Freedom is an achievement of a lifetime
Dan Gable stood inside the Oval Office on Monday afternoon. To his left, President Donald J. Trump rattled off Gable’s many wrestling accomplishments: state champ, national champ, Olympic champ, successful coach, relentless ambassador, on and on.
Trump then turned to Gable with a wry smile.
“Now, I’m larger than you, a little bit,” Trump said. “Do you think I could take you in wrestling?”
Gable didn’t even smile at the idea. “You would have no chance,” he responded, sparking laughter.
President Trump awarded Gable the Presidential Medal of Freedom on Monday, the nation’s highest civilian honor. The modern iteration of the distinction was established by President John F. Kennedy in 1963 to recognize extraordinary individuals who have made exceptional contributions to America’s national interests, society and culture.
“I wouldn’t be here if I had just won an Olympic gold medal,” Gable said. “It has been a lifetime of work, learning from others, … rest of story at _{^{https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/sports/college/iowa/wrestling/2020/12/07/iowa-wrestling-icon-dan-gable-receive-presidential-medal-freedom-monday-president-donald-trump-white/3857583001/?mc_cid=c2c44a5110&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}

9} – Trump awards Gable Presidential Medal of Freedom
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The answer was emphatic.
Monday morning in a ceremony attended by his wife, Kathy, daughters, Jenni, Molly, Annie and Mackenzie, sons-in-law and 13 grandchildren, Waterloo native Dan Gable received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Donald Trump in the Oval Office.
Dan Gable, family prepared for wrestling icon’s historic day
Waterloo native Dan Gable will be bestowed the nation’s highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Monday at the White House. His entire family will be hand to witness his historic day.  The medal is the nation’s highest civilian honor and is awarded to people who have made exceptional contributions to the security or national interests of America, to its culture or to other significant endeavors. In an exchange about wrestling prowess, both Gable and Trump laughed during their verbal back and forth.
“Now, I’m larger than you a little bit,” Trump said. “Do you think I could take you in wrestling now? Would I have a big advantage?”
“You would have no chance,” Gable quickly responded.
Timeline of the career of Waterloo legend Dan Gable
Gable joins notable Iowans in many fields who have received the award, including United Mine Workers leader John L. Lewis of Lucas County, agronomist and Nobel Peace Prize winner Norman Borlaug of Cresco, actor John Wayne of … rest of story at _{^{https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/trump-awards-gable-presidential-medal-of-freedom/article_0b4598d2-3dc3-50d9-bc46-a51489e1f524.html?mc_cid=c2c44a5110&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}

10 } – 4 Things to Know about The Last Champion, the Inspiring Family Film about Second Chances
John Wright is a quiet and pensive ex-Olympian who can’t let go of his past.
An all-state wrestler in high school and an All-American in college, John was poised to become one of the greatest wrestlers in history when he claimed Olympic gold as a young man, only to have his medal stripped following a drug test. That was years ago, but John still hasn’t forgiven himself. In fact, he’s rarely visited the small town that made him famous. But his mother recently died, and John now must return to his hometown to sort through her belongings and to tend to her ranch. It’s a visit that will force John to confront his mistakes and the people who never forgave him. Not surprisingly, it’s a visit that John dreads. … rest of story at _{^{https://www.crosswalk.com/culture/features/things-to-know-about-the-last-champion-the-inspiring-family-film-about-second-chances.html?mc_cid=daf3892c58&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}
Also check out
Heard of Redburn Street Pictures? It’s a family making movies in town; check out ‘The Last Champion’ … story at _{^{https://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/entertainment_life/movies_tv/article_f55b2350-34e7-11eb-aa44-2bc79d30583e.html?mc_cid=afaeddd782&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}

11 } – THE UNSTOPPABLE PODCAST HOSTED BY ANTHONY ROBLES PRESENTED BY SAFESTREETS LAUNCHES
Anthony Robles, a three-time wrestling All-American, 2011 NCAA Division I National Champion, and NIKE athlete, today announced the launch of The Unstoppable Podcast hosted by Anthony Robles and presented by SafeStreets. On life’s journey, it’s inevitable that we all will have to wrestle against challenges. This podcast is a series of thought-provoking conversations with people that have overcome tremendous obstacles to achieve amazing things because they chose to be unstoppable.
“I’ve seen my share of trials and hardships both on and off the wrestling mat but through it all, I always believed I was unstoppable,” said Robles. “I shared my story in my book titled, UNSTOPPABLE, and a podcast seemed like a natural progression. It gives me the platform to interview a variety of people and tell their stories with the hopes of inspiring others.” … rest of story at _{^{https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2020/December/09/The-Unstoppable-Podcast-hosted-by-Anthony-Robles-Presented-by-SafeStreets-launches-today?mc_cid=372ecbefe1&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}

12 } – NWMA announces 2019-20 wrestling media award winners
NEW BRIGHTON, Minn. — The National Wrestling Media Association has announced its annual award winners for the 2019-20 season. The NWMA is the national professional organization for journalists who cover the sport of amateur wrestling. This includes reporters, editors, publishers, webmasters, photographers, broadcasters, athletic communications professionals and other media professionals who share an interest and involvement in the sport. The organization was founded in 1989. This past offseason, the NWMA opted to reorganize several awards categories, and develop new categories  that recognize and celebrate the advances and innovations from the sport’s media outlets.  This year’s honorees include two innovators in wrestling coverage from both the print and online industries, a familiar voice, a new voice, a prominent beat writer, breakthrough performances and longtime sports information professionals. 
Shane Sparks of the Big Ten Network and Trackwrestling earns his second honor as the NWMA’s Broadcaster of the Year and his first since 2011. Sparks’ colleague at Trackwrestling/SportsEngine, Richard Immel, wins his first Photographer of the Year award. He is also a previous recipient of the now-retired New Media Specialist honor. Tom Housenick of The Morning Call in Allentown, Pennsylvania is the 2019-20 Journalist of the Year, while longtime professional sports information directors Stacie Michaud of Navy and Chris Caputo of Pitt-Johnstown are honored for their work in the respective Division I and Small College SID of the Year awards. PA Power Wrestling, which had been nominated numerous times for Website of the Year, takes the first Outlet of the Year award. … rest of story at _{^{https://www.nationalwrestlingmedia.com/2020/12/nwma-announces-2019-20-wrestling-media-award-winners/?mc_cid=3c167aa54c&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}

January 6, 2021 Posted by The TakeDown Report | Uncategorized | Leave a comment

ABBOTT BLOG: TOP 10 WRESTLING STORIES OF 2020

By Gary Abbott, USA Wrestling | Dec. 30, 2020, 
I have enjoyed writing an annual Top 10 wrestling stories of the year column for a very long time, but I can absolutely confirm that there has never been a year like 2020. I started competing in the sport in 1972, and have worked in wrestling communications since 1983. This is totally different than any other wrestling year, hands-down.
The COVID-19 pandemic not only had a major impact on wrestling, but has affected every aspect of life on earth. I don’t know anybody who went through the Spanish Flu pandemic over 100 years ago, so none of us have any experience in this kind of thing. The big wrestling stories mostly came off the mat, not on it, and in most cases, they were very challenging or difficult.
So, in a year in which “everything is fluid,” and when everybody has “to pivot” in order to move forward, here are my Top 10 stories for 2020.

1. NCAAs, Olympic Games, Olympic Trials, Fargo and so much more cancelled by pandemic – It would be easy to include COVID-19 in some way in all of our top stories for the year, but we are not going to do that. We are lumping all of the major wrestling competitions which were cancelled or postponed into just one posting, which is clearly the biggest story of the year. The first event that I missed attending due to pandemic cancellations was the NAIA Women’s National Invitational in Jamestown, N.D., which was cancelled in early March. Shortly after that, the NCAA announced the cancellation of all of its wrestling nationals, including what was going to be a record-setting Div. I Championships at U.S. Bank Stadium, a football stadium in Minneapolis. I had been to every NCAA D-I meet since 1983, and the pandemic ended that streak for me. When the IOC postponed the Olympics for a year, USA Wrestling postponed the sold-out Olympic Trials in State College, Pa. for a year. After holding out as long as possible, USA Wrestling ultimately ended up cancelling the biggest wrestling tournament on the planet, the combined USMC Junior/Cadet Nationals in Fargo, N.D., which was set to celebrate the 50th year of Junior Nationals. The pandemic shut down the sport of wrestling for months, before it was possible to start back up with some youth competitions this summer. I certainly hope that there is never another year where the biggest story is about what didn’t happen in our sport.

2. USA has great Pan American Olympic Qualifier, and has 15 qualified weights for Olympic Games – At the 2019 World Championships, the USA had an excellent performance overall, but qualified just four weight classes for the Olympic Games (two in men’s freestyle, two in women’s freestyle). The next opportunity came at the 2020 Pan American Olympic Qualifier in Ottawa, Canada in early March. The first major obstacle was actually having the event held at all, because it was scheduled right at the time when the world was shutting down due to COVID-19. UWW and the hosts in Canada made adjustments and the event went forward. Team USA had a great performance in Ottawa, qualifying at 11 more weight classes to give the USA 15 out of the 18 weights locked in. You needed to place in the top two to qualify in Ottawa. The four U.S. women all reached the finals, with Sarah Hildebrandt, Jacarra Winchester, Helen Maroulis and Kayla Miracle getting the job done. Men’s freestyle got three more weights qualified, thanks to Thomas Gilman, David Taylor and Nick Gwiazdowski making it happen. In Greco-Roman, four weights were qualified, thanks to Ildar Hafizov, Alejandro Sancho, Joe Rau and G’Angelo Hancock making the grade. At 15 qualifiers, the USA currently has the most Olympic weights in Tokyo of any nation, and has one more than the 14 we had at the 2016 Rio Games. There are only three spots left to qualify (two in Greco-Roman and one in men’s freestyle), and we get our final chance at the World Olympic Qualifier in Bulgaria this coming spring.

3. RTC all-star cards and special broadcast events kept the sport alive – When wrestling shut down due to the pandemic, there became a great hunger for wrestling in our nation. Not only did the nation’s top wrestlers want to compete, but wrestling fans were craving to see some great action. Instead of waiting until the world opened up completely, the wrestling community got very creative. …. rest of this fine story at _{^{https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2020/December/30/Abbott-Blog-top-wrestling-stories-of-2020?mc_cid=e4f16a9e0e&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}

January 6, 2021 Posted by The TakeDown Report | Uncategorized | Leave a comment

College Schedules – 2021 – # 2

TDR Editor’s Notes ; A look at just some of the college schedules that have been announced recently. Great to see a full listing of upcoming matches and events. Will try to keep up with the results as they come in.
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1 } – Big Ten Conference Announces 2020-21 Wrestling Schedule; Penn State to Face Nine Conference Opponents
Nittany Lions have five traditional duals and two tri-meets
The Big Ten Conference announced the 2020-21 wrestling schedule this afternoon and the Penn State Nittany Lion wrestling team now knows who it is facing in the upcoming season.  Head coach Cael Sanderson‘s squad will take on nine Big Ten opponents in five traditional dual meets and two tri-meets. Penn State will visit Rutgers on Saturday, Jan. 16, to open up the new season in the last place it competed nearly a year ago (Rutgers hosted the 2020 Big Ten Championship last March).  The Nittany Lions then host Michigan State on Sunday, Jan. 24.  Penn State’s next two dates will be road tri-meets. Tri-meets feature three teams wrestling at one site with all teams present wrestling two duals in one day’s worth of competition.  Penn State will trek to Northwestern on Saturday, Jan. 30, for matches with Northwestern and Indiana.  The next week, Penn State visits Michigan for a tri-meet on Sunday, Feb. 7. Penn State will battle the Wolverines and Wisconsin. … rest of story at _{^{https://gopsusports.com/news/2020/12/31/big-ten-conference-announces-2020-21-wrestling-schedule-penn-state-to-face-nine-conference-opponents.aspx?mc_cid=b46d50bbf8&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}

2 } – B1G Releases 2021 Wrestling Schedule
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – The Big Ten Conference released the 2021 wrestling schedule on the final day of 2020, unveiling the seven regular season contents for Purdue. The Boilermakers open their slate on Friday, Jan. 15, hosting Northwestern for a dual in Holloway Gymnasium. “It’s fantastic to finally have a schedule and start preparing for an actual date,” said Purdue head coach Tony Ersland. “The guys have been working for months, with no end goal in sight, but now they have an actual target date to be ready to go. We couldn’t be more excited.” The Boilermakers will host three events for 2021, opening with the Wildcats in two weeks, hosting Iowa and Ohio State for a tri-dual on Feb. 7, and closing out the regular season against archrival Indiana on Feb. 21. … rest of story at _{^{https://purduesports.com/news/2020/12/31/b1g-releases-2021-wrestling-schedule.aspx?mc_cid=b46d50bbf8&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}

3 } – Gophers Announce 2021 Wrestling Schedule
Minnesota will host Iowa, Illinois and Northwestern at Maturi Pavilion.
The University of Minnesota wrestling program has announced its 2021 schedule, which will consist of five dual meets and two tri-meets. Times and broadcast information will be announced at a later date. All home dual meets will be held at Maturi Pavilion. The Golden Gophers open the season on the road in consecutive weeks beginning on Friday, January 8 against Nebraska. Minnesota will travel to East Lansing, Mich., to face Michigan State and Maryland on Saturday, January 16. In the first of three home duals, the Golden Gophers and Iowa Hawkeyes will renew one of college wrestling’s great rivalries on Friday, January 22 at Maturi Pavilion. … rest of story at _{^{https://gophersports.com/news/2020/12/31/gophers-announce-2021-wrestling-schedule.aspx?mc_cid=b46d50bbf8&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}

4 } – 2021 Wisconsin wrestling schedule announced
Badgers to host three Big Ten home matches at UW Field House
MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin wrestling team will wrestle nine conference duals in the new year starting on Sunday, Jan. 17, the Big Ten Conference announced Thursday. The Badgers open their season on the road in Champaign, Illinois with a tri-meet against Illinois and Ohio State. Wisconsin will host three home matches against Purdue (Jan. 24), Minnesota (Feb. 12) and Iowa (Feb. 21) at the UW Field House. The Badgers will travel to Nebraska (Jan. 31) and to Northwestern (Feb. 14) for dual meets. They’ll also travel to Ann Arbor, Michigan on Feb. 7 for a tri-meet with host Michigan and Penn State. Looking at the post-season, Penn State will host the Big Ten Championships on March 6-7 … rest of story at _{^{https://uwbadgers.com/news/2020/12/31/2021-wrestling-schedule-announced.aspx?mc_cid=b46d50bbf8&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}

5 } – No. 10 Wrestling Announces 2021 Regular Season Schedule
PISCATAWAY, N.J. – No. 10/17 Rutgers wrestling announced its competition schedule for the 2021 season. The six-date, nine event calendar features four Big Ten Conference duals, one Big Ten Conference tri-meet and one Big Ten Conference quad. Times and television selections for each date will be finalized at a later time and the initial schedule is subject to change.  The Scarlet Knights open the season with back-to-back home duals against No. 2 Michigan (Jan. 8) and No. 6 Penn State (Jan. 16). RU then hits the road against No. 8 Ohio State on Sunday, Jan. 24 in Columbus before it hosts No. 11 Minnesota and No. 15 Purdue on the weekend of Jan. 29-31 at the RAC.  February begins with a road quad meet against No. 7 Nebraska, No. 17 Michigan State and Indiana in Bloomington during the weekend of Feb. 6-8. The regular season concludes with a dual at Maryland on Friday, Feb. 19. … rest of story at _{^{https://scarletknights.com/news/2020/12/31/no-10-wrestling-announces-2021-regular-season-schedule.aspx?mc_cid=b46d50bbf8&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}

6 } – Michigan’s Nine-Dual, League-Only Wrestling Schedule to Begin Jan. 8
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — The University of Michigan wrestling team announced its 2020-21 schedule on Thursday (Dec. 31), in conjunction with the Big Ten Conference release. The Wolverines’ conference-only slate will feature nine total duals, spread across two tri-meets and five single meets.
The only Big Ten school with two competitions in the opening weekend, Michigan will kick off the season next weekend with road trips to Rutgers (Friday, Jan. 8) and Maryland (Sunday, Jan. 10) before returning to Cliff Keen Arena to host Indiana on Sunday, Jan. 17 — the first of three home dates this season. After a bye weekend, the Wolverines will compete in back-to-back tri-meets — against Illinois and Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa, over the weekend of Jan. 29-31 and at home against Penn State and Wisconsin over the weekend of Feb. 5-7. All duals in a tri-meet will occur on a single day, but the specific dates will be determined … rest of story at _{^{https://mgoblue.com/news/2020/12/31/michigans-nine-dual-league-only-wrestling-schedule-to-begin-jan-8.aspx?mc_cid=b46d50bbf8&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}

7 } – Michigan State Wrestling 2021 Schedule Announced
Spartans will open season Jan. 16, first of nine-match season featuring three home, three away dates.
EAST LANSING, Mich. — Michigan State wrestling announced its 2021 schedule with an abbreviated nine-match, Big Ten Conference only schedule, released by the league office Thursday afternoon. Due to the delayed start of the season because of the COVID-19 pandemic, MSU will have nine matches on six dates, featuring one tri and one quad meet, along with four duals. … rest of story at _{^{https://msuspartans.com/news/2020/12/31/michigan-state-wrestling-2021-schedule-announced.aspx?mc_cid=b46d50bbf8&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}

8 } – Air Force Wrestling Releases Abbreviated 2021 Slate
Air Force will wrestle in 10 duals, all versus Big 12 opponents
USAFA, Colo. – The Air Force Academy wrestling team and Head Coach Sam Barber announced its abbreviated 2021 schedule today, Dec. 30. The slate will include 10 duals overall, with all 10 coming against Big 12 opponents. “It has been a great opportunity to grow, improve, and prepare during these unprecedented times,” Barber stated. “To say we are excited to compete would be a great understatement. We are committed to not allowing our circumstances overshadow our mission and our goals. This team is prepared and fired up to compete. It is who we are, and it is what we do. We are warriors in our United States Air and Space Forces. We have grown our program, we have wrestled and now we will compete.” The season kicks off at home inside Clune Arena Sunday, Jan. 17, … rest of story at _{^{https://goairforcefalcons.com/news/2020/12/30/air-force-wrestling-releases-abbreviated-2021-slate.aspx?mc_cid=b46d50bbf8&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}

9} – NDSU Hosts Oregon State, No. 10 Missouri Sunday in Season Opener
This WeekThe North Dakota State wrestling team opens the 2020-21 season this Sunday, Jan. 3, hosting Oregon State at 10 a.m. and 10th-ranked Missouri at 12 p.m. in the Scheels Center at the Sanford Health Athletic Complex. Both NDSU matches will be televised statewide on BEK Sports and online at FloWrestling and GoBison.com with Jordan Hassler and Jack Maughan on the call. Additional matches not being televised include South Dakota State vs. Missouri at 10 a.m., SDSU vs. Oregon State at 12 p.m. and Missouri vs. Oregon State at 2 p.m.
TicketsCapacity for Sunday’s event will be limited to 1,000 spectators under current North Dakota health guidelines and all attendees will be required to wear masks. … rest of story at _{^{https://gobison.com/news/2020/12/31/wrestling-ndsu-hosts-oregon-state-no-10-missouri-sunday-in-season-opener.aspx?mc_cid=b46d50bbf8&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}

10 } – At long last, here is Iowa’s 2021 wrestling schedule
At long last, Iowa’s 2021 wrestling schedule has arrived. The Big Ten Conference officially released the league-wide wrestling schedule for all 14 schools Thursday afternoon. The top-ranked Hawkeyes will wrestle ninel duals on seven dates between January and February, and they’ll take on some of the league’s heavy hitters, too.
Below is Iowa’s full 2021 wrestling schedule, according to the Big Ten:

• Friday, Jan. 15: vs. No. 5 Nebraska
• Friday, Jan. 22: at No. 11 Minnesota
• Sunday, Jan. 31: home tri-dual against Illinois and No. 2 Michigan … rest of story, schedule and video at _{^{https://www.hawkcentral.com/story/sports/college/iowa/wrestling/2020/12/31/iowa-wrestling-2021-schedule-penn-state-nebraska-michigan-ohio-state-tom-brands-carver-hawkeye-arena/4102634001/?mc_cid=b46d50bbf8&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}

11 } – Little Rock Wrestling 2021 Schedule Now Live
LITTLE ROCK – The Little Rock wrestling schedule has officially been announced by head coach Neil Erisman, with the Trojans set for their first dual of the year this Saturday, Jan. 2 at 1:00 p.m. CT against Pac-12 foes #11 Arizona State. Following a fall semester with no competition aside from one wrestle-off match, the regular season is set to run through February in a shortened version of the usual slate. “We are excited about this year’s challenge,” said Erisman, notably scheduling matches against four teams listed in the first NWCA Coaches Poll of 2021. “We have a great schedule that’s extremely tough and we have a talented young team that is hungry and loves to compete. I’m looking forward to seeing what we will do and fans should be ready for some action!” After the Trojans begin their season at Arizona State, Little Rock will participate in their first multi-team event of the year at Oklahoma State on Sunday, Jan. 10, wrestling the Cowboys … rest of story at _{^{https://lrtrojans.com/news/2021/1/1/little-rock-wrestling-2021-schedule-is-live.aspx?mc_cid=6915204714&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}

12 } – JACKRABBIT WRESTLING SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED
The South Dakota State University wrestling team is slated to compete in six multi-team dual events before postseason competition as the Jackrabbits rolled out their long-awaited 2020-21 schedule Tuesday. The season is scheduled to begin Jan. 3 with a pair of nonconference duals in what will be their first of two trips to Fargo, North Dakota. The Jackrabbits are slated to wrestle both Missouri and Oregon State. Big 12 Conference rules implemented for the 2020-21 season allow teams only one competition date per week leading up the Big 12 Wrestling Championship; exact dates for the two-day event are expected to be finalized in early January. The Big 12 Championship will again serve as the qualifying tournament for the NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships slated for March 18-20 in St. Louis, Missouri.
… rest of story at _{^{https://gojacks.com/news/2020/12/22/jackrabbit-wrestling-schedule-announced.aspx?mc_cid=f9e49e1788&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}

January 6, 2021 Posted by The TakeDown Report | Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Northern Colorado enters Coaches Poll for the first time in decades

Manheim, Pennsylvania – It’s been 18,934 days since the Bears of the University of Northern Colorado were ranked in the NWCA Division I Wrestling Coaches Poll. After opening up their season with a victory on the road against Wyoming, coach Troy Nickerson’s squad entered at No. 25 in the latest Top 25, released Tuesday. The school was known as Colorado State College the last time it appeared in the rankings and for decades, the Greeley, Colorado school was the flag-bearer for the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference wrestling scene. The 1968-69 team finished the regular season ranked No. 6, which was the last time the school spent time in the rankings.
With a moderate portion of Division I wrestling squads taking the mats for the first time last weekend, there was minimal movement in the poll as just 14 duals were contested. Missouri (3-0) moved into the top 10 after sweeping South Dakota State, Oregon State and North Dakota State in Fargo.
No. 4 NC State (1-0) blanked Gardner-Webb 42-0 in a matchup of North Carolina schools, while No. 8 Virginia Tech (1-0) stopped Campbell 28-6 in Blacksburg. No. 9 Iowa State (1-0) opened up its regular season by topping Division III power Wartburg 35-6 in Ames.
Arizona State (1-0), Pittsburgh (1-0) and Central Michigan (1-0) were the only other ranked teams in action. The host Sun Devils topped Little Rock 39-3, while Pittsburgh rallied past Navy 22-14 in Annapolis. Central Michigan shut out Division III Olivet 44-0. … rest of story at Link: NWCA Release

January 6, 2021 Posted by The TakeDown Report | Uncategorized | Leave a comment

College Programs and Team News – # 1

TDR Editor’s Notes ; The following articles are focused on college teams as programs. Thus we have a letter from Stanford about their impending cut of wrestling and consequences of Old Domion’s decision. Fresno State is planning to drop their program again, after restarting it. These are all Division I programs. Yet there are also several Division III, NAIA and Junior College schools that can afford and are adding a new team.
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1 } – A STATEMENT FROM STANFORD WRESTLING
STANFORD, Calif. – On July 8th, our student-athletes and coaches were blindsided when Stanford announced its intention to eliminate wrestling and ten other varsity athletics programs at the conclusion of this season due to fiscal concerns. Though shocked, our team immediately decided that it would band together and do what wrestlers do best—work to persevere through adversity. We began developing and executing a plan to reverse the university’s decision and establish an endowment that would not only ensure wrestling’s place at Stanford, but help preserve collegiate wrestling’s presence on the West Coast and nationally.
The resilience and determination our team has demonstrated has been inspiring. We have raised over $12 million and counting since September when our fundraising efforts began in earnest. We have established working relationships with many allies within the university and across the country. We have the support of 36 Sports Strong and other prominent Stanford alumni. These successes now have us more optimistic for the program’s continued future at the varsity level than ever. … rest of story at ^{https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2020/December/08/A-statement-from-Stanford-Wrestling?mc_cid=6c7e360412&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}

2 } – Emory & Henry College to Join South Atlantic Conference; Will Begin Competition in 2022-23
ROCK HILL, S.C. (TheSAC.com) – The South Atlantic Conference Presidents Council announced today that Emory & Henry College has been invited to join the SAC pending acceptance into the NCAA Division II process, following a unanimous vote by the council to approve its application for membership.  Emory & Henry will begin competition in all conference sports in the 2022-23 academic year.
The addition of Emory & Henry will increase the number of SAC members to 14 institutions. Emory & Henry will begin making the transition from NCAA Division III to Division II in 2021, and its membership into the SAC is pending approval of its NCAA Division II application. Emory & Henry, located in Emory, Va., is a four-year private liberal arts college offering more than 80 undergraduate academic majors and concentrations. Established in 1836, Emory & Henry offers Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Science, and seven graduate degrees. It is the oldest college in Southwest Virginia and its central campus is listed on the National Register of Historical Places and the Virginia Historic Landmarks Register. … rest of story at ^{https://thesac.com/general/2020-21/releases/20201117dbl284?mc_cid=97ab69a0c8&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}

3 } – PHCC wrestling coach Justin Smith grapples with starting new program in 2020
(Editor’s Note: Patrick Henry Community College has four new sports coaches this year, all of whom will take over when sports return in January. This is the first in a series of stories talking with the coaches about their new roles and the difficulties of taking over a college sports program during the COVID-19 pandemic.)
Justin Smith will head to Tennessee this weekend for a national wrestling tournament. The new Patrick Henry Community College wrestling coach has had several potential recruits in Virginia reach out asking him to go watch them compete. Since Smith was announced in May as the coach of a newly formed wrestling team at PHCC, he’s been getting friend requests on Facebook and about two or emails a day from wrestlers across the state who want to know more about the program. … rest of story at ^{https://martinsvillebulletin.com/sports/college/phcc-wrestling-coach-justin-smith-grapples-with-starting-new-program-in-2020/article_07cc825a-29ed-11eb-9df2-f782d7b63130.html?mc_cid=d63f9879b6&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}

4 } – Alex Cramer was ‘shocked’ when Old Dominion cut its wrestling program. The Grayslake Central graduate has landed with both feet firmly on the mat.
Former Grayslake Central standout Alex Cramer ran into an unbeatable opponent in April. After a solid freshman season at Old Dominion in Norfolk, Virginia, Cramer learned the university was cutting its wrestling program as part of budgets cuts stemming from the fallout from the coronavirus pandemic. Cramer had posted a 19-20 record at 174 pounds for Old Dominion, whose program dated back to 1957-58. “I was definitely shocked,” Cramer said. “I had made a lot of friends out there, made a lot of connections and relationships with the coaches and people. It was difficult to leave.” Cramer, like his teammates, was forced to seek a different school … rest of story at ^{https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/lake-county-news-sun/sports/ct-lns-spt-college-wrestling-central-michigan-alex-cramer-st-111920-20201118-wf7sza5h2vggpi5mpijaykgqhy-story.html?mc_cid=d63f9879b6&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}

5 } – SU coaches encouraged by, cautious with plan to return to play
Shenandoah University wrestling coach Tim McGuire said his team was just starting to hit the point where practices and workouts, which were taking place with no concrete season yet in sight, were beginning to produce a wearing-down effect. That changed Tuesday when the university announced its plan to return to sports competition at the start of the spring semester in late January. That news was a boost for McGuire and the wrestling team — which is eagerly awaiting the day it can make its debut as Shenandoah’s newest sport — as well as members of the 21 other sports teams who have been barred from competition since the COVID-19 pandemic began in March. … rest of story at ^{https://www.winchesterstar.com/winchester_star/su-coaches-encouraged-by-cautious-with-plan-to-return-to-play/article_625dca22-275a-5f93-88e4-ac12773d8dcd.html?mc_cid=46ecd7f19c&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}

6 } – Freshman 15: 15 Questions with Men’s Wrestling Freshman Alex Savering
HIRAM, Ohio – November 11, 2020 – Over the next few months, the Hiram College Department of Athletics is excited to introduce our newest Terriers, freshmen and first-year student-athletes. Today, we introduce you to men’s wrestling freshman Alex Savering, from Brimfield, Ohio.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity
1. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself (major, year, sport, hometown, high school, etc.) and your background?
My name is Alex Savering. I’m from Brimfield, Ohio and graduated from Field High School. I am a freshman and will be majoring in Integrated Language Arts. I am thankful for the opportunity to be a part of Hiram College’s first wrestling team in 33 years. I love wrestling, working out, music, and spending time with friends and family.
2. Why Hiram?
I chose Hiram because it felt like I belonged here. I love the atmosphere of being on campus. I also love that Hiram strives for diversity and a close-knit community.

3. What was the recruiting process like for you?

It was pretty straightforward. Once I got to meet Coach Vogel, I knew that he was the coach for me.

4. What are you most looking forward to about playing your sport at the collegiate level?

I am most looking forward to being able to compete and represent Hiram College on the mat! I have an incredible coaching staff that will refine my skills and help me achieve my goals and aspirations as a college wrestler. … rest of story at ^{https://hiram.prestosports.com/sports/wrest/2020-21/releases/20201111g85fu3?mc_cid=46ecd7f19c&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}

7 } – Q&A: President Castro talks about his time as president and the future ahead
Nearing the end of the fall semester, the Collegian spoke with Fresno State President Dr. Joseph I. Castro about his tenure at Fresno State and his plans heading into next year. Castro will become one of the most important figures in California higher education on Jan. 4 when he officially becomes chancellor of the California State University system. Serving as the president of Fresno State since 2013, he was the first from California and the first from the Central Valley, having grown up in Hanford.
This interview has been condensed for clarity. 
Looking back and looking ahead
The Collegian: What would you highlight as achievements or things you were really proud of during your tenure?
Joseph Castro: I’m proud of many things…I’m most proud of the changes I’ve seen in terms of our culture around student success…Our mission was changed at the beginning of my presidency to read to boldly educate and empower students for success. That was very important, and I feel like our campus is really living that every day…That’s why our graduation rates have risen, that’s why our enrollment has risen, that’s why we’re getting a lot of national attention…Ultimately, the most important contribution that we’ve made together during my time here.
The Collegian: As for your successor, … rest of story at ^{https://collegian.csufresno.edu/2020/12/qa-president-castro-talks-about-his-time-as-president-and-the-future-ahead/?mc_cid=ed5fd11129&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}

8 } – Keep Fresno State Wrestling announces pledge and fundraising drive, kicking off with live stream Monday, December 21
On October 16, California State University, Fresno announced it was dropping men’s tennis, women’s lacrosse, and for the second time in school history, men’s wrestling. After a decade-long quest to bring the sport back to campus in 2016, a new quest has been started by Keep Fresno State Wrestling.
In conjunction with USA Wrestling, the National Wrestling Coaches Association and Flowrestling, the Keep Fresno State Wrestling group will kickoff its official efforts on Monday, December 21 at 6 p.m. Pacific with a panel of wrestling coaches, athletes, and alumni. That discussion will be streamed live on Flowrestling.org and also available via Zoom.  The panel will highlight and celebrate the strong history of Fresno State wrestling, not just with its on the mat successes, but the post-collegiate success and leadership of its alumni in the Central Valley and the state of California. Among those participating with local Fresno ties are former head coach Dennis DeLiddo, … rest of story at ^{http://www.nwcaonline.com/keep-fresno-state-wrestling-announces-pledge-and-fundraising-drive-kicking-off-with-live-stream-monday-december-21/?mc_cid=daf3892c58&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}

9} – Avila Announces Addition of Wrestling and Bowling Programs
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Avila University Department of Athletics unveiled today, Saturday, December 19, 2020, its plans to add men’s and women’s wrestling and men’s and women’s bowling as the newest Avila varsity programs, raising the school’s total to 16 varsity sports. All four teams will begin competition in the 2021-22 school year. “I’m really excited to announce the start of the Avila men’s and women’s wrestling program and the Avila men’s and women’s bowling program,” Director of Athletics Shawn Summe said. “This is a great opportunity for Avila to expand the current opportunities in the athletic department for future Avila University student-athletes.” Wrestling is a highly popular sport, especially in the heart of the country, and the creation of two Avila teams means Kansas City-area youth wrestlers will have a local collegiate option to consider. Currently, five other full-fledged members of the KCAC sponsor men’s wrestling, … rest of story at ^{https://www.avilaathletics.com/article/2472?mc_cid=ed5fd11129&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}

10 } – Harper cancels winter 2021 sports season
Harper College has canceled 2021 winter sports competition to help protect the health and safety of our student athletes. This decision impacts men’s basketball, women’s basketball, women’s volleyball and men’s wrestling and is consistent with the North Central Community College Conference’s (N4C) recent announcement it planned to cancel the 2021 winter sports schedules. Hawks athletics will continue to align with the college’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As all classes will be taught remotely for the first eight weeks of the spring 2021 semester, teams will not be permitted to practice or compete during this period. … rest of story at ^{https://www.harpercollege.edu/about/news/archives/2020/posts/122120.php?mc_cid=e96ed12e50&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}

11 } – ‘Decisions had to be made’: Shippensburg University’s opt-in to swimming, cross country about risk, but a tough pill to swallow for other athletes
Some of Shippensburg University’s winter sports athletes will get a season after all. Some of them, however, will not. In a Nov. 18 press release, the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference announced the cancellation of its mandated regular season and championship competition for winter sports for the 2020-21 season. However, the release stated that the announcement did not prohibit institutions from exploring competition outside of the previously mandated schedule and that if six or more schools were to opt in for a specific sport, the PSAC would reinstate a championship season. The PSAC also plans to move forward with championship seasons for all spring sports. … rest of story at ^{https://cumberlink.com/sports/local/college_local/decisions-had-to-be-made-shippensburg-universitys-opt-in-to-swimming-cross-country-about-risk/article_52a09269-a03e-5ca1-9a96-13b2d28da88f.html?mc_cid=e96ed12e50&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}

12 } – GNAC CANCELS WINTER SPORTS
The Great Northeast Athletic Conference has canceled winter sports for 2020-2021, but individual members can make decisions about winter participation. The conference does not sponsor wrestling, though Norwich and Johnson & Wales are member schools with wrestling programs. Norwich has stated that, “At this time, all seven Norwich winter sports teams have the opportunity to pursue non-conference athletic intercollegiate competition beginning Jan. 1 if NCAA and State of Vermont health guidelines and regulations permit it.” Johnson & Wales has not made a statement regarding wrestling or other sports. … rest of story at ^{https://www.d3wrestle.com/gnac-cancels-winter-sports/?mc_cid=1abb33fe3e&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}

January 5, 2021 Posted by The TakeDown Report | Uncategorized | Leave a comment

College Recruits, Transfers & News – 2021 -# 1

TDR Editor’s Notes ; Recruiting of scholastic wrestlers for college programs and the transfer of wrestlers to other schools seems to be almost year round proceedure and announcements thus we will share the latest newsand developments at the start of 2021.
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1 } – Iowa State Adds Yonger Bastida
AMES, Iowa – Iowa State head coach Kevin Dresser announced today the addition of Junior World Silver Medalist, Yonger Bastida, to the Iowa State Wrestling program. Bastida comes to Ames by way of Trinidad, Cuba. He projects to wrestle at 197 or heavyweight for the Cyclones and will be eligible this season. “We obviously are very happy to add Yonger to our 20-21 roster,” Dresser said. “He is already a very successful wrestler on the international freestyle wrestling stage and we are very excited to help him learn folkstyle wrestling. I know that Yonger is very excited to experience everything that goes along with being a Division I student athlete.”  “To watch this guy progress toward a U.S. college degree will be very exciting, and dream come true … rest of story at ^{https://cyclones.com/news/2020/11/30/wrestling-iowa-state-adds-yonger-bastida.aspx?mc_cid=ac95ae6b76&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}

2 } – Arizona State University Adds Arizona Native as New Addition to 2021-22 Class
TEMPE, Ariz. —Arizona State Wrestling has added another addition to their 2021-22 signing class. Gilbert native and Casteel High School wrestler, Ramon “Mykey” Ramos will join the No. 1 pound-for-pound recruit in the country, Richard Figueroa along with Cael Valencia, Max Wilner and Carter Dibert in a Sun Devil singlet.  “We’re excited about adding Mykey to our recruiting class. It’s always great to get a local, homegrown Arizona stud who has won national titles growing up right around the corner here in Phoenix,” head coach Zeke Jones said.  “He has a dynamic wrestling style that will fit in well here and is an excellent student from a great family, he’ll be a great addition to our program.” According to PinFall Recruiting, the Sun Devils are ranked number one for their 2020-21 recruiting class. This past week Figueroa was named to the Cliff Keen Preseason High School All-American First Team while Dibert and Valencia earned honorable mentions. … rest of story at ^{https://thesundevils.com/news/2020/12/1/-asuwrestling-adds-arizona-native-as-new-addition-to-2021-22-class.aspx?mc_cid=2514c7e76e&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}

3 } – SCSU wrestling signs three more student-athletes for 2021-22
St. Cloud State University head wrestling coach Steve Costanzo has announced three more additions to an already strong 2021 recruiting class.  This trio of new Huskies includes Blake Cushing (Grand Island, Neb.), Isaac Grams (Bloomington, Minn./Kennedy H.S.) and Matt Hogue (St. Peter, Minn/H.S.), who all signed national letters of intent with the Huskies.
 
“These three individuals are highly decorated student-athletes,” Costanzo said.  “We are very excited about their skill level, character and academic abilities.  They will make great additions to an already talented group of Huskies.” 
 
The three stand-outs will join Augustus Donovan (Richland Center, Wisc.), … rest of story at ^{_{https://scsuhuskies.com/news/2020/11/30/scsu-wrestling-signs-three-more-student-athletes-for-2021-22.aspx?mc_cid=2514c7e76e&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}

4 } – Cowboy Wrestling Adds Two More to Signing Class
LARAMIE, Wyo. (Dec. 7, 2020) –  Wyoming head wrestling coach Mark Branch announced the signing of two additional athletes. Quayin Short (Inner Grove Heights, Minn.) and Jacob Wright (Dinuba, Calif.) are set to join the Cowboy Roster. 
Quayin Short  | 182lbs.  | Simley | Inner Grove Heights, Minn. 
Heading into his Senior Season, Short is a three-time state place winner finishing as runner-up twice.  In 2018 Short was USA Wrestling Cadet Freestyle National Champion. He is currently ranked in the top 100 recruits of the class of 2021 by FloWrestling. 
Jacob Wright  | 157lbs.  | Fresno State | Dinuba, Calif. 
Wright comes to Wyoming from Fresno State … rest of story at ^{_{https://gowyo.com/news/2020/12/7/cowboy-wrestling-adds-two-more.aspx?mc_cid=c2c44a5110&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}

5 } – What OSU Wrestling’s Recruiting Success Means For Future of the Program
Oklahoma State signed the best recruiting class in the country in 2020, signed another top-three class for 2021, and has already started off 2022 with two monster commitments in Jordan Williams and Anthony Ferrari. Which begs the question: how does Oklahoma State fit everyone in? Recruiting wins are great, and everyone loves to bring in blue-chippers. But how and where they all fit is a larger question I’ll try to address below.
First let’s take a quick look at everyone … rest of story at _{^{https://pistolsfiringblog.com/what-osu-wrestlings-recruiting-success-means-for-future-of-the-program/?mc_cid=6c7e360412&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}
Jersey Sures: Young OSU wrestlers bonded back East
Persuasion from old friends changed Trevor Mastrogiovanni’s life.  Mastrogiovanni was nearing a verbal commitment to an Ivy League school when Oklahoma State freshmen Dustin Plott and Konner Doucet encouraged their former middle school teammate to visit OSU. Conflict, however, plagued Mastrogiovanni’s mind. A New Jersey native, Mastrogiovanni wasn’t fond of departing the lush, forested landscape of northwestern Jersey for the flat great plains of north central Oklahoma. Yet, he eventually succumbed to peer pressure and joined his former teammates on the visit. And then he joined them as Cowboys … rest of story at _{^{https://www.ocolly.com/sports/jersey-sures-young-osu-wrestlers-bonded-back-east/article_07787c96-3aff-11eb-817b-9f14f217adfe.html?mc_cid=afaeddd782&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}

6 } – Family, Tradition Sparks SIUE Wrestling Signees
EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – SIUE wrestling has been about family and tradition for a long time, and the recent signings for the 2021-22 season continue to make it so.
SIUE Head Coach Jeremy Spates announced the addition Dan McKiernan (Richmond, Michigan), Caine Tyus (Bethalto, Illinois) and Caleb Tyus (Bethalto, Illinois). All three have direct ties to current or past SIUE wrestlers. “All three are hard workers and the types of people you want in your program,” said Spates. “They all come in as great students which is something that is very important to our program and athletic department. With this base we are hoping to put together a great recruiting class to add to our talent in the room.” McKiernan will be the third brother in the family to compete for SIUE wrestling. Jake appeared for SIUE from 2014 to 2019. Colton currently is on the roster in his junior season, having already competed at the NCAA Championships in the heavyweight class two seasons ago. … rest of story at _{^{https://siue.prestosports.com/sports/m-wrestl/2020-21/releases/20201216p4y639?mc_cid=4edc48d477&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}

7 } – Highest Ceiling Husker Wrestlers: No. 1 Dominick Serrano
Incoming freshman Dom Serrano has the pedigree and the success to boast the highest ceiling on the roster
A look back at the countdown:
No. 2 Eric Schultz
No. 3 Brock Hardy
No. 4 Mikey Labriola
No. 5 Ridge Lovett
No. 6 Chad Red Jr.
No. 7 Kevon Davenport
No. 8 Peyton Robb
No. 9 Jeremiah Reno
No. 10 Taylor Venz
Honorable Mentions
Disclaimer
Determining a wrestler’s ceiling can be a difficult proposition, especially when you consider that Nebraska’s wrestlers are at different points in their careers. So different criteria will be used based on what each wrestler has accomplished as well as potential and time left in the program. For instance, a senior-to-be who’s already secured All-American honors has hit a certain level and maybe has shown more definitively what his ceiling is. On the other hand, an incoming freshman hasn’t accomplished anything at the collegiate level, but their experience and accolades in high school and on the junior circuit can generally give a good indication of how good they can be in college. … rest of story at _{^{https://www.cornnation.com/2020/12/17/22179927/highest-ceiling-husker-wrestlers-no-1-dominick-serrano?mc_cid=daf3892c58&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}

8 } – Abbotsford’s Jasmit Phulka heading to Iowa before Olympic qualifiers
Local wrestler heads to Cyclone Regional Training Centre before Last Chance event in April
The Olympic dream is still very much alive for Abbotsford wrestler Jasmit Phulka, and the Tokyo 2021 Summer Olympic Games hopeful is heading to Iowa State University to train with some of the best collegiate wrestlers in America before his final qualification tournament. Beginning Jan. 1 2021, Phulka will be a resident athlete with the Cyclone Regional Training Centre in Ames, Iowa. … rest of story at _{^{https://www.abbynews.com/sports/abbotsfords-jasmit-phulka-heading-to-iowa-before-olympic-qualifiers/?mc_cid=ed5fd11129&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}

9} – Oklahoma State Recruiting Coordinator Tyler Caldwell – OTM623
Oklahoma State wrestling Recruiting Coordinator Tyler Caldwell goes On The Mat
Kansas native and four-time NCAA Division I All-American Tyler Caldwell is next up On The Mat. A two-time All-American at both Oklahoma and Oklahoma State, Caldwell serves as the Recruiting Coordinator for the Oklahoma State wrestling program.  He was also a 2014 World University champion in freestyle wrestling. On The Mat is presented by Cliff Keen Athletic. Join Kyle Klingman and Andy Hamilton as they talk about the world of wrestling on the flagship podcast of Trackwrestling.com.
Show Segments
0:50 – What type is Andy? Bowl or Plate?
… rest of story at ^{_{https://www.mattalkonline.com/podcast/trackwrestling/on-the-mat/oklahoma-state-recruiting-coordinator-tyler-caldwell-otm623/}}

10 } – OAKS WRESTLING FINALIZES ROSTER WITH JC NATIONAL CHAMPION ANTONIO ANDRADE
ATHERTON, CALIF. — In recent years, Menlo Wrestling has been the home of many great heavyweight wrestlers.  Names like Lenny Romero, Scott Brasil, and Javier Gonzalez still bring excitement to many Oak fans.  It looks like the Oaks may have found another great heavyweight in their ranks with signing of transfer Antonio Andrade from Northeastern Oklahoma A&M.  Andrade will join sophomore Elias Kenneryd and junior transfer Diego Sanchez at the 285 weight class, but also could look to compete at 197.   A native of Hollister, California, Antonio prepped at Gilroy High School, where he was teammates with fellow Oak Ryan Enciso.  Antonio’s name quickly became known throughout the South Bay Area/Central Coast in his freshman season, placing second at CCS in the 182 bracket, picking up 26.5 points for Gilroy en route to a team CCS Title.  He would also win a pair of bouts at the state tournament, including victory over former Oak Stone Escobedo.  After a knee injury cost him his sophomore year, Antonio bounced back in a big way during his junior season.  He would win the 195 bracket at the CCS Championships, winning every bout by fall, and once again helping Gilroy to a CCS Title.  At the state tournament in his junior season, Antonio would drop only one bout, the championship, finishing second overall.  … rest of story at _{^{http://www.menloathletics.com/article/8428?mc_cid=f9e49e1788&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}

11 } – Ersland Adds Top-75 Trio to Boilermaker Family
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue wrestling head coach Tony Ersland announced three new members of the Boilermaker family on Thursday, signing Stoney Buell, Dustin Norris and Ben Vanadia to national letters of intent. The three national standout grapplers all hold top-100 recruiting rankings in the Class of 2021 and bring with them an impressive list of credentials as they head to West Lafayette in the coming year.  
Ersland continues to pull outstanding talent out of the midwest with Buell hailing from Michigan, Purdue’s third pull from the Great Lakes State during Ersland’s tenure, and Norris and Vanadia crossing our eastern border from Ohio, the Boilermakers’ third steal from the Buckeye State in the last four seasons. Purdue is one of only six schools in the country to have at least three signees ranked in the top-75 in the class by FloWrestling and The Open Mat, joining Iowa, Arizona State, Oklahoma State, Cornell and Iowa State.  
“This is an exciting group joining us next year, … rest of story at _{^{https://purduesports.com/news/2020/11/12/wrestling-ersland-adds-top-75-trio-to-boilermaker-family.aspx?mc_cid=b4122c2e60&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}

12 } – Between Seasons, Column 31: Murder most foul; Secret Scraps and Season resets; Folks who found new homes; and Westward Ho from San Antonio
SAFE LANDINGS
The most recent edition of this column postulated on the at-times unexplained and oft troubling trend this past off season of coaches and athletes making sudden and in many cases somewhat unexpected departures. Fortunately, the last 2 months have given us much good news to celebrate. While Joel Sharratts departure at Navy was coming (at Navy, if you lose to Army much, you lose your job) not too many saw Cary Kolat standing on the bridge in Annapolis. Coming with Kolat from his staff at Campbell are Mike Evans and Blaize Cabell, while Dan Neff and Loyd Rogers were retained from the previous staff. The assassination of the Old Dominion program saw coach/uber-recruiter Daryl Thomas join new Campbell head coach Scotti Sentes (Riverdale, FL, baby!) at the Camel shack on Buies Creek. Then from the Michigan State staff in came Wynn, as in Michalak, as in (like Scottie) a stud athlete/coach from Tom Borellis Central Michigan teams back in the day. The Sentes/Dixon/Michalak trio is a formidable group off and on the mat and keeps the level of the SoCon (Southern Conference) coaching staffs on an upswing. The SoCon also swapped out some coaches at App State and the Citadel. App State Co Head Assistant Coaches Ryan Leblanc and Josh Roosa both left Boone. Leblanc became the main man at the Citadel, replacing 2 decade plus Bulldogs HC Rob Hjerling. … rest of story at ^{_{https://morewrestlingplease.wordpress.com/2020/10/08/between-seasons-column-31-murder-most-foul-secret-scraps-and-season-resets-folks-who-found-new-homes-and-westward-ho-from-san-antonio/?mc_cid=a13c46544f&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}

January 5, 2021 Posted by The TakeDown Report | Uncategorized | Leave a comment

NC STATE WRESTLING: #4 NC State Wrestling Shuts Out Gardner-Webb to Open Season

#4 @PackWrestle Shuts Out Gardner-Webb to Open Season

NC State wins all 10 bouts, seven for bonus points

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. – The #4 NC State Wrestling team opens its season in style, as the Wolfpack traveled to Gardner-Webb and shutout the Runnin’ Bulldogs 42-0. NC State won all 10 bouts on the day, and seven of those wins were for bonus points. Fr. Ed Scott (149 pounds) and #2 R-Sr. Hayden Hidlay (157) both scored pins. Scott ended his bout early in the second period at the 3:25 mark, and Hidlay needed just 53 seconds to score the fall. #10 R-Sr. Tariq Wilson (141) also ended his bout in the second period with a 17-2 tech fall.
#7 R-So. Jakob Camacho (125), #16 R-So. Jarrett Trombley (133), #11 R-Sr. Daniel Bullard (13-3) and R-Sr. Nick Reenan all recorded major decisions. NC State has now won 18 straight duals dating back to the 2018-19 season, currently the nation’s longest winning streak. Up Next: The Pack will hosts its first home dual of the season next weekend, as Appalachian State will visit Reynolds Coliseum Friday night. The dual will start at 7 p.m. and be stream on ACC Network Extra.

#4 NC State 42, Gardner-Webb 0

125: #7 Jakob Camacho (NCSU) major dec. Austin Wadlow, 21-8 – 4-0

133: #16 Jarrett Trombley (NCSU) major dec. Todd Carter, 12-2 – 8-0

141: #10 Tariq Wilson (NCSU) tech fall Conrad Schiess, 17-2 – 13-0

149: Ed Scott (NCSU) fall Jason Muldrew, 3:25 – 19-0

157: #2 Hayden Hidlay (NCSU) fall Chase McKinney, 0:53 – 25-0

165: Donald Cates (NCSU) dec. Rodrick Mosley, 5-3 (TB1) – 28-0

174: #11 Daniel Bullard (NCSU) major dec. Samuel Mora, 13-3 – 32-0

184: Jacob Ferreira (NCSU) dec. Evan Schenk, 12-6 – 35-0

197: Nick Reenan (NCSU) major dec. Jack Trautman, 19-7 – 39-0

285: #19 Deonte Wilson (NCSU) dec. Anthony Perrine, 8-2 – 42-0

In addition, extra matches were held between the two teams: … rest of the story at  www.GoPack.com

January 4, 2021 Posted by The TakeDown Report | Uncategorized | Leave a comment