High School News – # 30
TDR Editor’s Notes ; A review of the changes and events in scholastic wrestling across several states. The changes in other states can often affect our own so it is best to be aware of them.
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1 } – Prep wrestling: SSAC sets new format for state tournament, WSAZ Invitational
HUNTINGTON — COVID-19 has forced changes to, but not cancellations of, the two largest high school wrestling events in West Virginia. Bill Archer, organizer of the state wrestling tournament and the WSAZ Invitational, said both events are scheduled to take place, but with formats vastly different from past seasons. The WSAZ Invitational, which usually features about 1,400 wrestlers and 120 high school and middle-school teams at the Mountain Health Arena, has been scaled back to eight teams in each division and will take place at Huntington High School at a date to be determined in February. The state tournament has been changed from March 4-6 to March 17-20 at the Mountain Health Arena. Rather than featuring all classes competing during a three-day span, the 2021 tournament will offer Class AA competition March 17-18, followed by Class AAA matches March 19-20. “We had to get something done, if possible,” Archer said. “We’ve done everything possible to make this work.” … rest of story at https://www.wvgazettemail.com/sports/prep_sports/wrestling/prep-wrestling-ssac-sets-new-format-for-state-tournamen-wsaz-invitational/article_aed5b104-4aa3-57fb-b8c8-86542ededdae.html?mc_cid=2646a1a5c8&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
2 } – Watch now: How high school wrestling looks and sounds different during COVID-19
CRETE — There is a new routine for high school wrestlers while they compete during the COVID-19 pandemic. Just before taking the mat for a match, the athletes take off their face covering and set it in their corner of the mat, along with their warmup clothes and headphones. Wrestlers are supposed to wear masks when they’re not on the mat for their match. Coaches are supposed to wear them at all times. Then the matches get started, although with a few changes. The wrestlers still shake hands before the match. But after the match, the official doesn’t raise the hand of the winner. Instead, the official holds their hand behind the winner. And the wrestlers don’t shake hands with the opposing coach. It’s during practice, and in the stands at meets and duals, when wrestling looks and sounds most different while competing during a pandemic. … rest of story and video at https://journalstar.com/sports/high-school/wrestling/watch-now-how-high-school-wrestling-looks-and-sounds-different-during-covid-19/article_fa004836-44ab-5834-92e9-944defa7fbd7.html?mc_cid=2646a1a5c8&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
3 } – A look back at the stars of the show from USA Wrestling’s Brian Keck Memorial Preseason Nationals
USA Wrestling crowned 43 high school champions over the weekend at its Brian Keck Memorial Preseason Nationals. Here’s a look at some of the top individual performances in Des Moines.
Nick Gonzalez (Illinois) — Gonzalez placed second in February in a loaded Illinois Class 3A 106-pound bracket, but he was the king of the 113-pound class last weekend in the junior/senior division. Gonzalez beat state champs from Alabama, Iowa and South Dakota and state medalists from Nebraska and California on his path to the title.
Jett Strickenberger (California) — Tore through the top side of the 120-pound bracket in the junior/senior division, posting major decisions against Kentucky state champ Trayce Eckman, Missouri state medalist Jack Lage, Idaho state medalist Simon Graeber before handling California state medalist Michael Torres 9-2 in the finals. Completed his run to the title and grabbed the Outstanding Wrestler Award in the junior/senior division after beating returning champ Joey Cruz 3-2 in the finals.
Reese Davis (Oklahoma) — The Oklahoma state champ took a difficult road to the title at junior/senior title at 132, beating Illinois state medalist Danny Curran, Virginia recruit and nationally ranked Kyren Butler, three-time Arkansas state champ Jacob Adams, Iowa state finalist Ryder Downey and Alabama state champ James Latona. … rest of story at https://www.trackwrestling.com/PortalPost.jsp?TIM=1604549147747&twSessionId=eyhxcumgio&postId=873994135&mc_cid=68c338ad78&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
4 } – Despite delay, L-L League wrestling working toward its new season
The last winter sport to complete a “normal” season in this time of pandemic was high school wrestling. And now, Lancaster-Lebanon League wrestling is set to enter the 2020-21 campaign.
Whenever it’s finally allowed to compete.
“It’s a ‘different’ kind of season,” Annville-Cleona coach Jerome Simon shared in a recent email conversation. How different is yet to be realized as programs wrestle, literally and figuratively, with questions like: How many wrestlers will or won’t come out because of COVID-19 concerns? How will they wrestle while wearing mandatory face coverings? And the big one: Will there even be a season? With Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf having called off all high school sports activities until at least Jan. 4, whatever season there will be will be one thing for sure. Short. Beyond that, the answers will be revealed as time advances, but until then, whet your appetite with these hors d’oeuvres.
Behind the mask
It’s a cool Eric Clapton song. It’s also where you’ll find your favorite wrestler this year as the L-L League, responding to state Department of Health guidelines and getting ahead of a District Three-wide decision, voted to make masks mandatory in all winter sports except swimming/diving. While athletic departments work out the details of mask styles and procurement, Selinsgrove wrestling coach Seth Martin offered a simple option in a YouTube video found here. (Thanks to Pequea Valley AD Mark Grossmann for sharing.) … rest of story at https://lancasteronline.com/sports/despite-delay-l-l-wrestling-working-toward-its-new-season/article_3cdfd824-3cef-11eb-8211-232730b2e13c.html?mc_cid=1d3b41c6e1&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
5 } – New York puts high school hockey, basketball, wrestling on hold
Syracuse, N.Y. — The New York State Public High School Athletic Association has put the start of the high school hockey, basketball and wrestling seasons on hold indefinitely while it awaits further guidance from state officials about dealing with the coronavirus crises.
Boys volleyball and competitive cheerleading are also impacted by the decision. Those activities are among those considered at high risk for the spread of coronavirus. The NYSPHSAA has also canceled all state winter sports tournaments. That move doesn’t impact Section III because the section had already had already canceled postseason play. … rest of story at https://www.syracuse.com/highschoolsports/2020/12/new-york-puts-high-school-hockey-basketball-wrestling-on-hold-reports.html?mc_cid=afaeddd782&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
6 } – CHSAA DELAYS COLORADO HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLING SEASON, PROPOSES COMPETITION FROM FEB. 1 – MARCH 20
The start of Season B sports has been delayed, following communication from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to the Colorado High School Activities Association late Sunday night.
Editor’s Note: Boys and girls wrestling are a Season B sport.
This change also affects the planned start of Seasons C and D, which have also been delayed. In a letter sent to CHSAA Commissioner Rhonda Blanford-Green, CDPHE indicated that Season B would not be permitted to begin on Jan. 4, as had been scheduled on the CHSAA 2020-21 sports calendar. CDPHE further said that no variances will be given to CHSAA sports at this time.
In the letter, Jill Hunsaker Rye, Executive Director of the CDPHE wrote:
The COVID-19 pandemic has reached an all time high in terms of disease transmission both in Colorado and around the nation. The Colorado School of Public Health estimates that 1 in 40 Coloradans are currently infectious. Hospital admissions are steadily increasing, and the past six weeks have produced a significant increase in the number of deaths statewide. With the Thanksgiving holiday just behind us and the impending December holiday festivities, we are very concerned that the rate of transmission will continue to increase.
… rest of story at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2020/December/09/Colorado-delays-high-school-wrestling-season?mc_cid=372ecbefe1&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
7 } – NJSIAA set to release spring sports plan Friday, clarifies wrestling eligibility rules
The NJSIAA will release its plan for spring sports no later than Friday, chief operating officer Colleen Maguire announced Wednesday afternoon during the final executive committee meeting of 2020.
The NJSIAA’s Sports Advisory Task Force was meeting to finalize its plan on Wednesday.
“I think it is important to acknowledge that members of the task force always remain focused on providing a participation opportunity for every sport in every season while striving to provide the spring sports with as normal a season as possible,” Maguire said. “A top priority has always been to minimize potential overlap with sports which would ultimately force a student-athlete to choose between sports. The task force has always put the best interest of the student-athlete first.” Maguire said the NJSIAA will continue to monitor Gov. Phil Murphy’s Executive Order 204, which suspended indoor sports from Dec. 5 through Jan. 2, for any actions that may impact the winter sports season. Ice hockey will be the first sport played in “Season 2,” with virtual and outdoor practices permitted to begin Dec. 14. … rest of story at https://www.njherald.com/story/sports/high-school/2020/12/09/njsiaa-spring-sports-plan-coming-friday-clarifies-wrestling-rules/6498167002/?mc_cid=372ecbefe1&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
8 } – After transferring to Naperville Central, Antonio Torres among wrestlers waiting out IHSA’s move of season to the summer
Naperville Central junior Antonio Torres has literally felt the ground beneath him unsettle. “To be honest, I have just been dealing with everything thrown at me,” he said. Already making the adjustment as a transfer student, Torres has watched as the timing of his two sports has been turned upside down. As a sophomore wrestler last season at Waubonsie Valley, Torres (36-5) finished fifth in the state in Class 3A at 170 pounds. Torres was also named all-area in football as a defensive back and running back. He already was trying to get his moorings after the football season was shifted to the spring. … rest of story at https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/naperville-sun/sports/ct-nvs-spt-wrestling-reax-st-111120-20201110-2nosuxefz5dntcrjo77vnkf6ru-story.html?mc_cid=c33f4da146&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
9} – Pandemic leads to restrictions for Wisconsin prep wrestlers
FLORENCE, Wis. — The COVID-19 pandemic has brought several changes to Wisconsin high school wrestling. The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association has restricted wrestling teams to one dual meet every six to seven days. There will be no tournaments or multi-team meets this season. The Florence-Niagara Northwoods Storm wrestling team has entered into a COVID-19 co-op with the Crivitz wrestling team. As of now, the postseason tournament is scheduled for Jan 30. Because of the one dual meet per week rule, the WIAA has granted a one-year COVID-19 co-op for dual meets only. “With us only having a couple healthy wrestlers and only able to wrestle in dual format events, this seemed to be a good opportunity for all,” said Florence athletic director Kris Johnson. Ed Kelley returns as the Storm’s head coach. If the WIAA postseason is still on by the end of the season, the schools will go back to their pre COVID-19 co-op division for postseason competition. Returning to this year’s Storm roster are sophomore Caitlyn Kelley, a sectional qualifier last season, and sophomore Andar Olson. Joining them are sophomore Leonard Hannah and freshman Isaiah Fennessy. … rest of story at https://www.ironmountaindailynews.com/sports/local-sports/2020/12/pandemic-leads-to-restrictions-for-wisconsin-prep-wrestlers/?mc_cid=ed5fd11129&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
10 } – FOUR MORE OUTSTANDING WRESTLERS NAMED ON THE FINAL DAY OF THE FOLKSTYLE TOUR OF AMERICA STOCKYARD STAMPEDE
Fort Worth, Texas – The Tour of America Stockyard Stampede concluded today with boys wrestling action. Texas-based Azle Wrestling Club took home the team trophy from the 8U division, while Team Punisher, also of Texas, won the 10U and 12U titles. Spartan Mat Club of Fort Worth, Texas claimed the middle school division title, adding to the boys high school title that they won yesterday. Cipriano Duran of Top Notch Wrestling Club earned the Outstanding Wrestler award in the 8U division. Competing at 49 pounds, Duran went 3-0 and recorded a 29-second pin in the finals. This is Duran’s third Tour of America tile. He also won the 2019 TOA King of the Mountain and the 2020 TOA Salt Lake Slam. Additionally, he is a 2020 Brian Keck Preseason Nationals champion. In the 10U division, Hudson Bragg of Bear Cave Wrestling … rest of story at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2020/December/20/Four-more-Outstanding-Wrestlers-crowned-as-the-Tour-of-American-Stockyard-Stampede-concludes?mc_cid=ed5fd11129&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
College Team & USA Wrestling Schedules – # 2
TDR Editor’s Notes ; Schedules of NCAA Division I teams are released and matches look to begin in January. An agreeable thing to get the heck out of 2020 and get to wrestling in a safe and reasonable manner.
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1 } – COMPLETE LIST OF USA WRESTLING SANCTIONED EVENTS FOR THE NEXT THREE MONTHS, AS OF DEC. 22
USA Wrestling is regularly publishing a list of sanctioned events as our nation and our sport comes back from the COVID-19 pandemic. In this article, there are 82 tournaments/clinics listed from 15 different states over the next three months. Since our posting on Dec. 14, there are 10 additional events which have been added to the list. The new additions are marked in bold. The list provides an easy reference for athletes, coaches and families, in order to make plans for competitions moving forward. Not only is USA Wrestling providing events on its national schedule, but many state associations and local clubs are also developing events for athletes of all ages to participate in.
Our list will include events by date, as well as events by state.
Missouri had another good week with four new sanctions, while Indiana added two more events. Other states with new events were Kansas, Pennsylvania, Texas and Wisconsin. There are two USA Wrestling Folkstyle Tour of America events on the schedule, the Holiday High School Classic in Wisconsin Dells, Wis. on December 30 and the Salt Lake Slam in Provo, Utah, Feb. 2. This information is also available through USA Wrestling’s membership system, TheMat.com website and on usawevents.com by using the system’s sort capability, but this posting will be an easy-to-use format for you to use in your planning. … rest of story at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2020/December/22/USA-Wrestling-sanctioned-events-for-the-next-three-months?mc_cid=f9e49e1788&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
2 } – The 2021 Master D1 Schedule
View All NCAA … rest of story and links at https://www.flowrestling.org/articles/6848526-the-2021-master-d1-schedule?mc_cid=f9e49e1788&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
3 } – Mizzou Wrestling Completes Successful 2020 Black & Gold Scrimmage
Tigers now turn attention to season opener on Jan. 3
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Mizzou Wrestling showed its impressive talent and depth Tuesday evening inside the Hearnes Center in the annual black & gold scrimmage. Head Coach Brian Smith saw his team compete in 15 total intersquad matches, as numerous Tigers made big impressions. Freshmen Duwayne Villalpando and Colton Hawks each tallied a pair of wins en route to stellar showings at 174 and 184 pound weight class, respectively. Redshirt Junior Allan Hart recorded arguably the most thrilling victory Tuesday, as he produced a fall in overtime at 141 pounds. Freshman Ethan Turner, freshman Seth Nitzel, redshirt sophomore Peyton Mocco, freshman Rocky Elam, Hart and Hawks all produced bonus point triumphs to round out the evening’s top individual performances. … rest of story at https://mutigers.com/news/2020/12/22/mizzou-wrestling-completes-successful-2020-black-gold-scrimmage.aspx?mc_cid=f9e49e1788&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
Mizzou Wrestling Announces Tentative 2020-21 Schedule at https://mutigers.com/news/2020/12/16/mizzou-wrestling-announces-tentative-2020-21-schedule.aspx?mc_cid=4edc48d477&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
4 } – PITT WRESTLING ANNOUNCES 2021 SCHEDULE
PITTSBURGH—The University of Pittsburgh wrestling program unveiled its 2021 schedule this week, with the Panthers set to begin their highly anticipated campaign at Navy on Sunday, Jan. 3. The 2021 Pitt wrestling schedule starts with two non-conference matchups: at Navy (Jan. 3) and at home against Lehigh (Saturday, Jan. 9) at the Fitzgerald Field House. Head Coach Keith Gavin‘s Panthers will then embark on a stretch of five consecutive weekends of ACC matchups against every other school in the conference with a wrestling program. Pitt’s 2021 ACC slate opens with a home meeting with Duke on Saturday, Jan. 16 at 10 a.m. The Panthers defeated the Blue Devils 50-0 last season and own a perfect 6-0 record in ACC duals against Duke.
Pitt then heads to Raleigh, N.C., for a televised Friday night matchup between the top two teams in the Atlantic Coast Conference last season. The ACC Network will broadcast Pitt’s dual at NC State on Jan. 22 with the Panthers and Wolfpack set to meet at 6 p.m. in what could prove to be a crucial contest. … rest of story at https://pittsburghpanthers.com/news/2020/12/15/pitt-wrestling-announces-2021-schedule.aspx?mc_cid=065f8820b6&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
5 } – Mountaineers’ 2021 Slate Revealed
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – West Virginia University Director of Athletics Shane Lyons announced the 2021 wrestling schedule on Tuesday. This year’s slate will accommodate for a shortened season, with most dates featuring multiple contests. The home schedule consists of one quad and one tri-meet, as well as duals against Big 12 foes Northern Colorado and Iowa State. “Any schedule is a sight for sore eyes, and we are really excited to get this season going,” third-year coach Tim Flynn said. “We have a really young team, but we also have more talent than we have had the last couple years. We are just anxious to get started and see where we stand in terms of competition.” The 2021 season commences with three straight competitions at the WVU Coliseum, starting with a quad meet against Kent State, Ohio University and Virginia Tech on Sunday, Jan. 10. Action is set to begin at 12 p.m. A week later, the Mountaineers welcome Bucknell and Oklahoma to Morgantown for a tri-meet on Sunday, Jan. 17, beginning at 2 p.m., before competing against Northern Colorado in a head-to-head competition on Sunday, Jan. 31, at 12 p.m. West Virginia opens the month of February on the road, as the Mountaineers head to Laramie, Wyoming, … rest of story at https://wvusports.com/news/2020/12/15/wrestling-mountaineers-2021-slate-revealed.aspx?mc_cid=065f8820b6&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
6 } – SOONERS UNVEIL 2021 WRESTLING SCHEDULE
NORMAN – University of Oklahoma head wrestling coach Lou Rosselli announced the Sooners’ 2021 schedule on Thursday, a slate that features eight total events and home duals vs. Arizona State and Oklahoma State.
“We’re really excited about the schedule we’ve been able to assemble this year,” Rosselli said. “I’m thankful for the support we’ve gotten from our administration, which has helped us to once again put together a competitive schedule. The opportunities this schedule give us will help us get ready to compete at the Big 12 and NCAA championships in March.” The No. 14/11 Sooners are set to open their season on Jan. 8 when they host No. 15/10 Arizona State in Norman. Oklahoma is 29-14-1 all-time vs. the Sun Devils and last faced the Pac-12 powerhouse in January 2019 when the teams split a pair of duals at the Virginia Duals. The last time Oklahoma hosted Arizona State it defeated the Sun Devils 33-7 in 2012. Following the season opener, Rosselli’s team heads to Morgantown, W.Va., for a tri-meet with Bucknell and Big-12 foe West Virginia. The Sooners will dual with both squads on Jan. 17 at WVU Coliseum. Oklahoma is a combined 11-2 all-time versus opponents it will face in Morgantown. … rest of story at https://soonersports.com/news/2020/12/17/sooners-unveil-2021-wrestling-schedule.aspx?mc_cid=daf3892c58&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
7 } – Bulldogs release 2021 slate
Fresno State Wrestling revealed its 2021 schedule on Saturday that features a total of 12 duals with three at home
FRESNO, Calif. – Fresno State Wrestling revealed its 2021 schedule on Saturday that features a total of 12 duals with three at home. With the COVID-19 pandemic forcing this season to a dual-only format, the Bulldogs will compete in seven Big 12 duals while taking on four Pac-12 opponents and California Baptist. The ‘Dogs will get the season underway on Sunday, Jan. 3 on the road at Cal Poly where they will grapple with both the Mustangs and Big 12 opponent Utah Valley in San Luis Obispo. Fresno State will stay on the road for a Jan. 9 dual at Stanford before returning home for its home opener on Jan. 15 against Big 12 foe Wyoming. The Bulldogs will return to San Luis Obispo on Jan. 24 to take on North Dakota State and Arkansas-Little Rock before wrapping up the month of January at California Baptist on Jan. 30 in Riverside, Calif. The final road trip of the season takes the ‘Dogs to the state of Colorado on Feb. 6 where they will take on a trio of Big 12 opponents facing Air Force in Colorado Springs before heading to Greeley to face Northern Colorado and West Virginia. The regular season wraps up with a pair of home duals on Feb. 14 hosting Oklahoma and Oregon State. … rest of story at https://gobulldogs.com/news/2020/12/19/wrestling-bulldogs-release-2021-slate.aspx?mc_cid=ed5fd11129&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
8 } – COWBOY WRESTLING ANNOUNCES HOME SLATE FOR 2020-21 SEASON
LARAMIE, Wyo. (Dec. 21, 2020) – The Wyoming Cowboy wrestling program on Monday announced the 2020-21 home schedule. Wyoming will host three matches at home during the campaign hosting Northern Colorado, West Virginia and Air Force. Wyoming opens the season on Sunday, January 3 at 2 p.m. MT in the UniWyo Sports Complex hosting Northern Colorado. The Cowboys defeated the Bears in Laramie last season by a score of 22-11 in the final home dual of the season. The Pokes will host West Virginia on Saturday, February 6 in another Big 12 dual. The Mountaineers took last season’s meeting in Morgantown. The Pokes took the last dual in Laramie in 33-15 on January 27, 2019. The Cowboys will also host Air Force during the 2020-21 season. The date for that dual will be released at a later date. Times and locations for the home duals other than UNC will also be released at a later date. Tickets will not be sold for any other UW home athletic events through at least Jan. 8, which is the date the current public health orders are set to run through. Wyoming returns four wrestlers that did qualify for the NCAA wrestling Championships last season that canceled due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Senior Brian Andrews was the 2020 Big 12 Champion … rest of story at https://gowyo.com/news/2020/12/21/cowboy-wrestling-announces-home-slate-for-2020-21-season.aspx?mc_cid=e96ed12e50&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
9} – Cody Announces 2021 Men’s Wrestling Schedule
CLINTON, S.C. – The Presbyterian College men’s wrestling team announced its 2021 schedule on Monday. “With everything that has been happening throughout 2020, it is nice to be able to put out our schedule today,” commented director of wrestling Mark Cody. “We understand that everything can change at the drop of a hat, but we are hopeful to be headed in the right direction.” The Southern Conference schedule will be contested over four weekends featuring three-team pods each weekend with each school wrestling twice in each of the four weekends. Presbyterian gets the season started on January 16th as it faces Campbell and VMI in Lexington. On January 24th, the Blue Hose hit the road for a pair of matches against The Citadel and Bellarmine hosted by the newcomers to the league Bellarmine. PC closes out the month of January with a trip up the mountainside to Appalachian State to square off against the host Mountaineers and Chattanooga. It will be the first time that PC and Chattanooga have faced off. … rest of story at https://gobluehose.com/news/2020/12/21/cody-announces-2021-mens-wrestling-schedule.aspx?mc_cid=e96ed12e50&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
10 } – OSU Wrestling Announces 2021 Schedule
The Cowboys’ schedule includes home dates
Oklahoma State fans have been clamoring for a wrestling schedule and we finally have one. The Cowboys kick things off Jan. 3 with a live Orange-and-Black match in Gallagher-Iba. This is something that fans have been asking for the last few years and should have plenty of intrigue with the young Oklahoma State squad and monster recruiting class from 2020. UT Chattanooga and Oregon State, now led by former Cowboy Chris Pendleton, will be in Gallagher-Iba on Jan. 10 and the Cowboys have a home-and-home with Little Rock and other former Cowboy Neil Erisman on Jan. 17 and Feb. 7. A Big 12 road trip to Northern Colorado will pit … rest of story at https://pistolsfiringblog.com/osu-wrestling-announces-2021-schedule/?mc_cid=fecb1aa0c2&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4
Distinguished Hall of Fame Wrestler Dan Hodge Passes Away
Dan Hodge, a Distinguished Member inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in the Charter Class of 1976, passed away on Thursday, at the age of 88.
“It is with deep sadness that we learned of the passing of Distinguished Member Danny Hodge,” said Lee Roy Smith, National Wrestling Hall of Fame Executive Director. “On behalf of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Board of Governors and staff, we extend our most sincere sympathies to Delores, his wife of 69 years, and their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
“To those familiar with Danny, he was a superhero on the mat and in the ring, demonstrating extraordinary feats of strength and skill. Yet, his alter ego outside of competition was a kind, gentle and encouraging mentor to others,” he added. “With his success, he could have lived anywhere in the world, but chose to return to his beloved hometown of Perry, Oklahoma. He lived his life as a simple and humble man who would help anyone in need. A selfless ambassador, he always went out of his way to help promote the sport while crushing apples and signing autographs. He will be deeply missed, but his legend will live on.”
Hodge was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum’s George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2000 and is considered by many to be the greatest junior heavyweight professional wrestling champion ever. Trained by Leroy McGuirk and Ed “Strangler” Lewis, he won the NWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship seven times and the Tri-State NWA North American Heavyweight Championship three times. He wrestled professionally for over 20 years and was one of the top attractions in the United States and in Japan.
Hodge and fellow Perry native Jack VanBebber, who won Oklahoma’s first gold medal in wrestling in 1932 and was also inducted as a Distinguished Member in 1976, are honored with statues in the Perry Wrestling Monument Park.
Hodge appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated on April 1, 1957 and remains the only amateur wrestler to appear on the cover of the iconic sports magazine in its nearly 66-year history.
The Hodge Trophy, college wrestling’s Heisman Trophy presented annually by WIN Magazine, is named in his honor.
He was one of only three wrestlers who competed prior to 1970 to be named to the NCAA’s 75th Anniversary Team in 2005. … rest of the story at https://nwhof.org/
Carolinas’ Colleges’ News – # 15
TDR Editor’s Notes ; Some of the stories of plans and accomplishments by collegiate wrestling teams in both North and South Carolina.
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1 } – Appalachian State Wrestling’s Media Day Replay
BOONE, N.C. — App State Wrestling held a Virtual Media Day on Tuesday, three days before the Mountaineers open their 2020-21 schedule with the Black & Gold Intrasquad exhibition on Friday in Varsity Gym.’ Tuesday’s interview participants were head coach JohnMark Bentley, head assistant coach Ian Miller, assistant coach Randall Diabe, volunteer assistant DJ Fehlman, senior Thomas Flitz, senior Codi Russell and sophomore Will Formato. Click on the YouTube links provided for the interviews with Bentley, his three assistants and the three student-athletes. … rest of story at https://appstatesports.com/news/2020/12/15/watch-wrestlings-media-day-replay.aspx?mc_cid=065f8820b6&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
2 } – Gardner-Webb Wrestling Announces 2021 Schedule
BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. – The Gardner-Webb wrestling program has released its schedule for the 2021 season, highlighted by five bouts inside Paul Porter Arena.
The Runnin’ Bulldogs open the season on January 3, hosting in-state foe N.C. State in dual action at 1:00 pm.
GWU then travels to Virginia for a dual meet on January 9 in Charlottesville, Va.
Gardner-Webb opens Southern Conference action on January 17, hosting both Chattanooga and The Citadel. The ‘Dogs square off against the Mocs at 2:30 pm before taking on The Citadel at 4:00 pm. Chattanooga and The Citadel will face each other at 1:00 pm that afternoon.
The following weekend, GWU will compete against Campbell and Appalachian State in another tri-meet in Buies Creek, N.C. on January 23. The Runnin’ Bulldogs will face the Mountaineers at 4:30 pm before squaring off against the Camels at 6:00 pm that evening. … rest of story at https://gwusports.com/news/2020/12/15/gardner-webb-wrestling-announces-2021-schedule.aspx?mc_cid=065f8820b6&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
3 } – No. 23 Wrestling Uses Late Rally To Upend Belmont Abbey
PEMBROKE – Visiting Belmont Abbey used a third-period pin from eighth-ranked Mitch Dean to move out in front, but the 23rd-ranked UNC Pembroke wrestling team won each of the last three matches on the day, including pins from Bryce Walker (197 pounds) and Ryan Monk (285) to topple the Crusaders, 26-16, on Tuesday afternoon at Lumbee Guaranty Bank Court.
It was the third-straight series win for the Braves (1-0) who successfully reopened Lumbee Guaranty Bank Court after the facility had been void of any athletic competition for more than nine months. The Crusaders (0-1) fell to 2-17 all-time in the series with the Black & Gold, and have now dropped six-straight contests in Pembroke.
Third-ranked Nick Daggett opened the day with a convincing 19-2 technical fall in the 125-pound matchup to give the hosts a quick lead, and eighth-ranked Logan Seliga followed with a 4-0 decision at 133 pounds to stretch the team lead out to 8-0, but Belmont Abbey got back into the match by capturing four of the next five individual matchups.
The Crusaders took their first lead of the afternoon on Dean’s pin at 165 pounds, and led 16-11 on the team scoreboard following Logan Branham’s tight 3-2 win in the 174-pound bout with Garrett Hill. That triumph awoke a sleeping giant, however.
Fayetteville native Jovaun Johnson out-worked Amir Joseph … rest of story at https://uncpbraves.com/news/2020/12/15/no-23-wrestling-uses-late-rally-to-upend-belmont-abbey.aspx?mc_cid=065f8820b6&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
4 } – App State wrestling opens 2020-21 season with Black & Gold Intrasquad
App State wrestling opened its 2020-21 season Friday with the Black & Gold Instraquad scrimmage event. The Mountaineers returned to action exactly 300 days after App State competed in Varsity Gym with Senior Day against VMI back on Feb. 23. “All in all, it was good,” head coach JohnMark Bentley said. “We learned a lot about our team tonight and some things that we need to work on.” The event simulated a dual meet between assistant coach DJ Fehlman’s “Black” squad and assistant coach Randall Diabe’s “Gold” squad, where each team won five matches and were tied at 18 points. Based on the tiebreaking criteria used in regular-season duals, the Black team was credited with the tie breaking point based on a pin from true freshman Tristan Pugh at 149 pounds. Redshirt senior Codi Russell (125), redshirt freshman Tyler Kellison (133), sophomore Julian Gorring (184) and redshirt junior Cody Bond (157) joined Pugh in posting wins for the victorious Black team. Redshirt sophomores Michael Burchell (heavyweight), Mason Fiscella (197), and Will Formato (165) joined redshirt junior Anthony Brito (141) and redshirt senior Thomas Flitz (174) in clinching wins for the Gold team. Russell and Flitz, who, alongside redshirt junior Jonathan Millner, were NCAA qualifiers last season before the tournament was canceled, each picked up decision victories in the evening finale. Bentley accredited their winning to the work they put in over the offseason. … rest of story at https://theappalachianonline.com/app-state-wrestling-opens-2020-21-season-with-black-gold-intrasquad/?mc_cid=ed5fd11129&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
5 } – Limestone Men’s Wrestling Releases 2021 Schedule
GAFFNEY, S.C. — After having their 2020 season come to an end just prior to the NCAA Division II National Tournament, the Limestone University Men’s Wrestling team returns to the mat starting in January of 2021 for an nine-match slate that features the entirety of the South Atlantic Conference Carolinas membership. The Saints will kick off their season with a home match-up against the Royals of Queens University of Charlotte on January 7. The Royals were selected to finish sixth in the preseason coaches poll while the Saints were picked to finish the year in the third spot. Limestone currently holds a 2-0 record against the Royals as the team from Charlotte enters it’s third-year as a program. Limestone will follow their season opening match-up with a trip to Greenwood, S.C. to take on the newest member of the conference in Lander University on January 14 before returning home for a tri-match with Mount Olive and UNC Pembroke on January 17. The Saints hold favorable records over Mount Olive and Lander while they currently stand 7-9 all-time against the Braves of UNC Pembroke.
Another road trip for the Saints is on tap for January 21 as they cross state lines to the south for a conference match-up with the Lions of Emmanuel College. The Lions were picked to finish eighth in the league according to the coaches, a favorable dual for the Saints as they hold a 5-0 record all-time against the Lions. A home match against the Cobras of Coker University on January 28 … rest of story at https://golimestonesaints.com/news/2020/12/17/limestone-mens-wrestling-releases-2021-schedule.aspx?mc_cid=ed5fd11129&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
6 } – NITTANY LION WC TO HOST TUESDAY-NIGHT EVENT ON ROKFIN
By Taylor Miller, USA Wrestling | Dec. 21, 2020
The Nittany Lion Wrestling Club is hosting another dual Tuesday night live on Rokfin. The night will feature 20 bouts between NLWC and Wolfpack WC as well as five other exciting matchups. The NLWC tweeted earlier today that it would release the full card and bout order tomorrow. The undercard is set for 5:30 p.m. ET while the main card will take place at 8 p.m. ET.
Let’s take a look at some of the most anticipated bouts:
Women’s freestyle
Jane Valencia vs. Xochitl Mota-Pettis
Both of these wrestlers have been pretty active over the last few months.
An athlete for Mexico, Valencia became the first woman to qualify Mexico for the Olympic Games in wrestling with her gold-medal performance at the 2020 Pan American Olympic Qualifier in Ottawa, Canada, in March. Since then, Valencia, who trains with the NLWC, has been featured on two of their special event cards. Tomorrow will be her third. So far, Valencia has collected big wins over multiple-time National Team member Julia Salata in September and rising Senior-level talent Vayle Baker in October. On the other hand, Mota-Pettis has been on fire, winning multiple national titles since October. Training out of Texas, Mota-Pettis made a big splash, winning Senior Nationals at 57 kg and taking out two-time World silver medalist Alli Ragan along the way. Weeks later, she collected gold at the U23 Nationals.
Jennifer Page vs. Emma Bruntil
Like Valencia, Page has been featured on a few NLWC cards recently and she also claimed a Senior Nationals title in between. … rest of story at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2020/December/21/NLWC-Wolfpack-WC-preview?mc_cid=e96ed12e50&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
7 } – WolfPackMentality Pop-Ins Podcast: Ep. 72 – National Rankings with Earl Smith
RALEIGH, N.C. – Episode #72 of the #PackMentality Pop-Ins Podcast is up and out as host Brian Reinhardt talks about the upcoming season and one of the more divisive subjects in wrestling – preseason national rankings. To talk about all things wrestling, the show welcomes back Earl Smith of TheOpenMat.com to talk about what goes into it and how the Wolfpack combatants stand. … rest of story at https://gopack.com/news/2020/12/23/wrestling-packmentality-pop-ins-podcast-ep-72-national-rankings-with-earl-smith.aspx?mc_cid=fecb1aa0c2&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
8 } – Newberry Wolves Wrestling Picked to win South Atlantic Conference Carolinas
Defending conference champs picked to repeat in 2021
GREENVILLE, S.C. – The Newberry Wolves Wrestling team was picked to win the South Atlantic Conference Carolinas championship this season, according to the preseason poll released Friday. Newberry, who are the defending conference champions, picked up seven of a possible nine first-place votes and collected 57 points in total. Belmont Abbey came in second with 53 points with Limestone in third, Coker in fourth and King University coming in fifth place. Isiah Royal will look to lead the Wolves this season after qualifying for the national tournament in 2020 in addition to being named the South Atlantic Conference Carolinas Wrestler of the Year, and the Super Region Wrestler of the Year. ZeBrandon Gant will be a key part of the team as well, entering the season ranked No. 5 in FloWrestling’s Division II preseason national rankings. The Wolves will open their 2021 season Jan. 10 when they face the University of Mount Olive at 3 p.m. … rest of story at https://newberrywolves.com/news/2020/12/4/wrestling-wolves-westling-picked-to-win-south-atlantic-conference-carolinas.aspx?mc_cid=876213e0a7&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
9} – KILTY BESTS BRUNTIL IN MAIN EVENT, O’CONNOR TECHS HEIL AT HISTORIC TAR HEEL WRESTLING OPEN
By Mike Willis, USA Wrestling | Dec. 04, 2020
The Tar Heel Wrestling Open made history tonight as the first card to host a women’s freestyle bout as the singular main event. In the final match of the night, Tar Heel Wrestling Club resident athlete Macey Kilty downed McKendree’s Emma Bruntil, 3-0. The pair had only wrestled once before with Bruntil, a 2020 National Collegiate Women’s Wrestling champion, emerging victorious, 6-4, in the 2019 Senior Nationals semifinals. In her post-match interview, Kilty, a Cadet World champion and five-time age-group World medalist, expressed that being able to avenge that loss was significant for her. “It feels good. It stung for a while. It’s good to get that one back,” she said. The difference in the match came in the first period, when Kilty was able to get in on her patented head-inside single. Bruntil attempted to fight her off to no avail, and was actually dinged a penalty point before Kilty finished the takedown. Austin O’Connor turned in perhaps the night’s most impressive performance … rest of story at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2020/December/04/THWC-Open?mc_cid=224601c412&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
10 } – Siu and Chase To Compete In N.C. Best Event Presented By Gauntlet Wrestling Productions
GREENSBORO, N.C. – With the end of the fall semester coming to an end, Greensboro College wrestlers Hai Siu and Alexis Chase are gearing up to battle in the NC Best event Saturday evening, hosted by Gauntlet Wrestling Productions.
The Pay-Per-View event will feature seven high school matches and three college freestyle matches.
“I am extremely excited for these two student-athletes as they get this opportunity to compete once again on such a high level,” Head Wrestling Coach Kevin Birmingham said. “I am also very proud of them for taking this opportunity on short notice and showing everyone just how hard they have been working so far this season.”
For Siu and Chase, it has been two different paths to the event as Siu started wrestling at a young age while Chase is just getting started in her wrestling career.
After coming up just short of the NCAA Division III Tournament his freshman season, Siu came back with a lot of will and determination to make the tournament last year. Following his win at the 2020 Southeast Wrestling Conference Championship, Siu came out on fire at the NCAA Regional and won his first two bouts to punch his ticket to the semifinals where he would face off with Averett University’s Brandon Woody, which was a rematch of the third-place bout the season before. … rest of story at https://greensborocollegesports.com/news/2020/12/4/general-siu-and-chase-to-compete-in-n-c-best-event-presented-by-gauntlet-wrestling-production.aspx?mc_cid=224601c412&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
College Team Schedules
TDR Editor’s Notes ; The following articles are links to some of the recently announced schedule adjustments for the shortened 2020-2021 season.
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1 } – Bellarmine Wrestling announces SoCon-heavy 2021 schedule
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Bellarmine Coach Spencer Adams has announced the Bellarmine University wrestling team’s first Division I schedule, which includes eight duals in Southern Conference action. The Knights’ schedule is comprised of 10 total duals. Competition will take place at five sites over a total of five days, with Bellarmine wrestling doubleheaders each match day. Bellarmine will lead off the season with its only two nonconference duals. On Jan. 10, at SIU Edwardsville, the Knights will face Northern Illinois and then the host school. Bellarmine’s first-ever SoCon action will follow Jan. 17 at Appalachian State. The Knights will battle the host Mountaineers before meeting Davidson. Bellarmine will host its first-ever Division I duals, and SoCon competition, on Jan. 24. The Knights will welcome The Citadel and Presbyterian. … rest of story at https://athletics.bellarmine.edu/news/2020/12/4/wrestling-announces-socon-heavy-2021-schedule.aspx?mc_cid=224601c412&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
2 } – 2021 Iowa State Wrestling Schedule Announced
AMES, Iowa – The 2021 wrestling season is upon us, and today Iowa State head coach Kevin Dresser rolled out his team’s schedule. This year’s slate will accommodate for a shortened season, with most dates featuring multiple contests. “It’s nice to get a schedule out, given everything that’s been thrown at us,” coach Dresser said. “Like with other sports, this season will look different, however we are excited to get back on the mat in January. Fans can expect to see some great dual meets this season, preceded or followed by some additional matches.” “We’re excited about the teams that we have coming into Hilton Coliseum this year, and our fans should be too. We’re hoping that as many that are able can make it out to Hilton Coliseum this year.” Iowa State opens the season with Wartburg on Jan. 3 in Hilton Coliseum … rest of story at https://cyclones.com/news/2020/12/10/2021-iowa-state-wrestling-schedule-announced.aspx?mc_cid=d179f0f753&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
3 } – Schedule Announced for 2020-21 Hofstra Wrestling Season
HEMPSTEAD, NY – Hofstra University Head Wrestling Coach Dennis Papadatos has announced the schedule for the 2020-21 season. The schedule will include seven regular season dual meets, all against Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association opponents, followed by conference and NCAA postseason competition. “We are ecstatic to have the opportunity to safely compete this year. Our student-athletes are excited to be able to compete this season and showcase their skills,” said Papadatos. “The University and the athletic department have done an amazing job to make sure we have this chance, and our student-athletes have done a fantastic job following the University and New York state guidelines.” Hofstra will kick off the season on January 2 in Pennsylvania against the three-time defending EIWA champion Lehigh. The Pride will then host Bucknell on January 10 in the first of two home meets for Hofstra before three consecutive road matches. The Pride will travel to West Point on January 16 … rest of story at https://gohofstra.com/news/2020/12/9/wrest-schedule-announced-for-2020-21-hofstra-wrestling-season.aspx?mc_cid=372ecbefe1&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
4 } – New Mexico Highlands Wrestling, Volleyball, Men’s and Women’s Basketball Will Not Compete in Upcoming 2020-2021 Seasons
Las Vegas, NM — New Mexico Highlands University announced it will cancel regular-season and championship competitions for wrestling, volleyball, and men’s and women’s basketball during the upcoming 2020-21 season. The university had previously decided to forgo indoor track & field competition during the 2021 season. The decision does not affect plans to compete in full regular season and championships for all other sports in 2021. “With full consideration for the health and well-being of our student-athletes and realistic abilities to conduct sports seasons during the current pandemic, we have had to make some very difficult decisions,” said NMHU Athletic Director Andrew Ehling in announcing the cancellation.
Several factors went into NMHU making its decision at this time: … rest of story at https://nmhuathletics.com/news/2020/12/4/wrestling-volleyball-mens-and-womens-basketball-will-not-compete-in-2020-2021-seasons.aspx?mc_cid=224601c412&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
5 } – Ouachita Wrestling Announces 2021 Schedule
Head coach Kevin Crutchmer and Ouachita Tiger wrestling have announced their schedule for 2021. The slate features 12 regular season dual matches, including six against Great Lakes Valley Conference competition.
The 2021 Tiger wrestling season kicks off January 8 at the Central Baptist Duals, followed by the only home matches of the year. Ouachita plays host to the first GLVC weekend of the season, as Indianapolis and Drury come to Arkadelphia. The Tigers then hit the road for five matches in 11 days, taking on Kentucky Wesleyan in a neutral site clash in Memphis, Central Oklahoma and Emmanuel in Edmond, Oklahoma, and Lindenwood and Maryville in Springfield, Missouri for the second conference weekend of the year. The regular season wraps up with neutral-site bouts with Huntingdon College in Bossier City, Louisiana and Williams Baptist in Jonesboro and the final GLVC matches against McKendree and Davenport in Lebanon, Illinois. … rest of story at https://obutigers.com/news/2020/12/3/wrestling-announces-2021-schedule.aspx?mc_cid=876213e0a7&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
6 } – Baldwin-Wallace Wrestling Unveils 2021 Schedule
BEREA, Ohio – After claiming its second NCAA Division III Central Region Championship in three years, the Baldwin Wallace University wrestling team under the direction of head coach Jamie Gibbs and Ohio Athletic Conference has unveiled its 2021 schedule. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 fall and non-conference portions of the schedule were postponed, and a 2021 conference only schedule was approved and will begin on January 23. The OAC will crown its regular season champion with a round-robin schedule of dual meets held on January 24 at the University of Mount Union and February 7 at Ohio Northern University. Times for these duals will be determined at a later date. BW opens the season at Mount Union inside the McPherson Academic and Athletic Complex on January 31 with matches against crosstown rival John Carroll University, Muskingum University and Ohio Northern University. … rest of story at https://www.bwyellowjackets.com/sports/wrest/2020-21/releases/schedule?mc_cid=876213e0a7&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
7 } – EIWA plans to host 117th annual conference tournament in February
Nothing is certain at this time in the world of collegiate sports. With the COVID-19 pandemic hindering the ability to keep people and athletes safe, all one can do is plan and hope they are ready to go when the time comes. The Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association (EIWA) hopes to host their 117th conference tournament in February, according to EIWA spokesman John Aadland. Sacred Heart, Connecticut’s lone Division I program, is a member of the EIWA. It will be a smaller tournament than usual. Each of the six Ivy League schools in the league – Brown, Cornell, Columbia, Harvard, Pennsylvania and Princeton – will be on the sideline this winter. The Ivy League cancelled competition in all winter sports, including wrestling, in November. … rest of story at https://ctwrestling.com/2020/12/eiwa-plans-to-host-117th-annual-conference-tournament-in-february/3620/?mc_cid=d179f0f753&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
8 } – North Dakota State University Wrestling Announces Home Schedule for 2021 Season
FARGO, N.D. – The North Dakota State wrestling team is scheduled to host dual meets against Missouri, Oregon State, Iowa State and South Dakota State this season. The Bison will wrestle Missouri and Oregon State as part of a quadrangular event with South Dakota State beginning at 11 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 3, in the Scheels Center at the Sanford Health Athletic Complex. NDSU hosts Iowa State at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, and the annual Border Bell match with South Dakota State at noon Saturday, Feb. 20. … rest of story at https://gobison.com/news/2020/12/10/ndsu-wrestling-announces-home-schedule-for-2021-season.aspx?mc_cid=afaeddd782&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
9} – (Wisconsin) WIAC Winter Sports Return-To-Play Update
MADISON, Wis.–The Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) Council of Chancellors has voted to resume winter sports competition for the 2020-21 season in February contingent upon the securing of ongoing COVID-19 testing. The plan requires all WIAC institutions to secure testing for student-athletes, support staff and game officials in order to provide safe competition environments during the COVID-19 pandemic. This strategy may need to be adjusted due to the ever-changing conditions of the pandemic.
The resumption of play includes the sports of men’s and women’s basketball, women’s gymnastics, men’s and women’s ice hockey, men’s and women’s indoor track & field, men’s and women’s swimming & diving, and wrestling. … rest of story at https://wiacsports.com/news/2020/12/11/general-wiac-winter-sports-return-to-play-update.aspx?mc_cid=afaeddd782&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
10 } – Centennial Conference Statement Regarding Fall and Winter Sports
LANCASTER, Pa. — With the health and safety of its student-athletes, campus communities and the general public of paramount importance, the Centennial Conference Presidents Council has decided to cancel conference competition and championships for all fall and winter sports during the 2020-21 academic year. Sports impacted by this decision include men’s and women’s cross country, field hockey, football, men’s and women’s soccer, volleyball, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s swimming, men’s and women’s indoor track and field and wrestling. … rest of story at https://www.centennial.org/sports/general/2020-21/fall-winter_statement?mc_cid=d179f0f753&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
Wolfpack Wrestling Club to Battle Nittany Lion WC
Event features 20 freestyle matches with current members of NC State Wrestling
RALEIGH, N.C. – Members of the NC State wrestling team will be in freestyle action Tuesday night as the Wolfpack Wrestling Club will be traveling up to State College, Pa., to face off in 20 matches against the Nittany Lion Wrestling Club.
The event will be streamed on Rokfin.com. To watch the matches, and all premium content on Rokfin, you can subscribe for $9.99/month to the Rokfin.com/WolfpackWC channel. With that access, you can watch the stream on Rokfin.com/NLWC.
The undercard will start at 5:30 p.m., and the main card will take place at 8 p.m. An order of matches will be determined on match day. … for full lineup of matches at https://gopack.com/news/2020/12/21/wolfpack-wrestling-club-to-battle-nittany-lion-wc.aspx
NATIONAL WRESTLING MEDIA ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES 19-20 AWARDS
Congratulations to our 2019-20 NWMA Award recipients!
• Outlet of the Year: PA Power Wrestling
• Journalist of the Year: Tom Housenick, The Morning Call
• Broadcaster of the Year: Shane Sparks, Big Ten Network
• Photographer of the Year: Richard Immel, Trackwrestling
• Podcast of the Year: Wrestling Changed My Life hosted by Ryan Warner
• Division I SID of the Year: Stacie Michaud, Navy
• Small College SID of the Year: Chris Caputo, Pitt-Johnstown
• Spotlight Award for Innovative Journalism: Brant Parsons, Orlando Sentinel
• Spotlight Award for Breakthrough Outlet: Wreaper Wrestling
• Jay Hammond Memorial Service Award: Dan McCool, Des Moines Register (posthumously)
• Jay Hammond Memorial Service Award: Justin Tritz, Trackwrestling
… rest of the story at https://portal.nwcaonline.com/articles/NWCA_News/NATIONAL-WRESTLING-MEDIA-ASSOCIATION-21-12-2020
College Wrestlers Awards & News – # 1
TDR Editor’s Notes ; Mostly stories of wrestlers and their awards, challenges and successes.
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1 } – Larson, Thompson Lead Bullets Wrestling
GETTYSBURG, Pa. – A pair of veteran senior leaders will steer the Gettysburg College wrestling team during the 2020-21 campaign as Marc Larson (Warren, N.J./Watchung Hills) and Sean Thompson (Plainfield, N.J./West-Windsor Plainsboro South) have been named captains by Interim Head Coach Gino Frank.
Larson is coming off a breakout junior campaign. After winning a total of 16 matches in his first two seasons at Gettysburg, he recorded 21 wins as the starter at 165 pounds during 2019-20. Nine of his wins came by pin fall, while three were major decisions. Larson placed fourth at the Gettysburg Invitational and he won four of his final five matches to grab seventh at the highly-competitive Petrofes Invitational hosted by Messiah College. One of the highlights of Larson’s junior campaign was a record-breaking nine-second pin against Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology. Larson is a political science major and a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity.
Thompson has been a steady star in Gettysburg’s lineup over the last three seasons and ranks among the program’s top 20 with 82 career wins. The senior has wrestled the entirety of his career at 141 pounds and is a three-time place-winner at the Centennial Conference Championship, finishing as high as runner-up in 2019. Last season, he led the team with a career-high 31 wins and six major decisions, while finishing second on the team with 11 falls. A political science and history double-major, Thompson is a member of Alpha Chi Rho fraternity, Drop the Octave acapella group, the Eisenhower Institute, and the Civil War Institute. … rest of story at https://gettysburgsports.com/news/2020/12/1/larson-thompson-lead-bullets-wrestling.aspx?mc_cid=2514c7e76e&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
2 } – HARGROVE GARNERS FIRST WEEKLY HONOR
Oskaloosa–Cameron Hargrove (Fr., Bolingbrook, Ill.) picked up a big win to open his collegiate career and his efforts helped him to be named the Heart of America Athletic Conference Men’s Wrestler of the Week Monday. Hargrove earned his first-ever laurel by defeating Blake Pomajzl of Northwestern last Tuesday.
The freshman 157-pounder was leading Pomajzl 9-6 midway through the third period when he turned and pinned him in 5:59. Pomajzl entered the match ranked #1 in the Great Plains Athletic Conference. … rest of story at https://www.statesmenathletics.com/article/8954?mc_cid=2514c7e76e&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
3 } – Peters named GPAC Wrestler of the Week
Briar Cliff’s Ben Peters was named GPAC Wrestler of the Week for the week of November 16-22. Peters, a redshirt junior at 157, went 3-1 on the week. Peters, the second ranked wrestler in the GPAC, started the week with a 12-3 win over the GPAC’s #1 Pomajzl of Northwestern in the teams’ dual at the Newman Flanagan Center. Peters then beat two opponents at the Grand View Open before falling just 8-6 to Grand View’s Tanner Abbas, who ranked third in the NAIA in the 157-lb. weight class. … rest of story at https://bcuchargers.com/news/2020/11/28/wrestling-peters-named-gpac-wrestler-of-the-week.aspx?mc_cid=9fce5d3dda&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
4 } – Builder Athletics Suspends Winter Sports Seasons
NEWPORT NEWS, VA — The Apprentice School has suspended athletics competition for 2020-2021 winter sports season, following an internal announcement issued last week. A decision on spring sports will be determined in January.
Director of Athletics Michael W. Allen stated, “The past eight months have no doubt been a challenging time in our country, and especially the climate of organized athletics. We all have been trying to navigate our world being turned upside down and adapting on a daily basis of unknowns and frustrations that COVID has created. In recent discussions with our Director of Education, Dr. Latitia McCane, as well as other high-level stakeholders of Newport News Shipbuilding, we have had many meetings and discussions of crafting a well thought-out plan for how we could safely return to practices and competitions for our apprentice-athletes. Given the nature of who we are and what we do here at NNS, we unfortunately cannot safely and effectively compete with other schools at this time. Therefore we regret to announce we will not be able to return to sport competition in January.” … rest of story at https://gobuilders.prestosports.com/general/2020-21/releases/20201201dlf638?mc_cid=2514c7e76e&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
5 } – THREE WRESTLERS PURSUE MASTERY OF MAT AND DEGREES
It’s one thing to be a master on the mat. It’s another to hold a degree to prove the title. Ohio State wrestlers Kaleb Romero, Fritz Schierl and Zach Steiner entered graduate school this semester so they can do both. The three have a combined 10 Ohio State Scholar Athlete and seven Academic All-Big Ten recognitions.
“With wrestling being one of these sports that there’s not a lot of professional development after you’re done competing, it’s hard to really start up a career,” Romero said. “It’s nice to know that having all of these academic accomplishments will jumpstart us after we’re done wrestling.” The trio have been teammates for the past three seasons. Schierl is a redshirt senior, while Romero and Steiner are redshirt juniors. Head coach Tom Ryan said the basis of their academic success roots back to their discipline. “They have an aerial view of their life, so they’re focusing on the now, but they’re also aware that their decisions now can actually control their future,” Ryan said. “Ohio State wrestling can further that.” … rest of story at https://www.thelantern.com/2020/09/three-wrestlers-pursue-mastery-of-mat-and-degrees/?mc_cid=8e7f0f219d&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
6 } – What a first day on the job: A Buena Vista freshman wrestler, new to Iowa, helps save a co-worker’s life
Diego Aguilera is a late-blooming wrestler who made his way from Texas to Buena Vista University in Storm Lake this summer to pursue his passion. As Aguilera has learned, good wrestlers need the ability to think quickly, act decisively and, most importantly, execute in big moments. The freshman wrestler’s fortuitous path to school and a job in Iowa put him in the right place at the right time a few weeks ago to exercise those traits — and help save a life. On Sept. 17, Aguilera was in his first day of work at the Walmart in Storm Lake. He was being trained as an associate in the produce department by a colleague in his 60s. They stocked shelves into the evening, then retired to a break room in the back. … rest of story at https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/sports/college/iowa/wrestling/2020/09/30/buena-vista-iowa-wrestler-starts-new-job-helps-save-walmart-co-workers-life/3530749001/?mc_cid=a2feb99899&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
7 } – Navonte Demison hopes changes in diet, mechanics will lead to more success at ASU
Navonte Demison’s competitive drive can sometimes get on the nerves of the people around him. “My girlfriend gets mad at me about it, but I’m a very competitive person,” he said. “Whether we’re playing basketball, whether we’re playing Yahtzee, whether we’re playing cards, I’m very competitive and I want to win.” Demison had a perfect outlet for those competitive urges at Bakersfield High School, where he became one of the most decorated wrestlers in Driller history. Demison was a 138-pound state champion as a junior in 2016 and a 145-pound state champ as a senior in 2017. And while the same drive has followed Demison to college, his ambitions have routinely been halted during a frustrating three-year run at Arizona State. Eager to prove himself at one of the top wrestling programs in the country, things started slow for Demison. After redshirting in his first season in Tempe, he’s since had to deal with a multitude of injuries.
… rest of story at https://www.bakersfield.com/sports/bvarsity/navonte-demison-hopes-changes-in-diet-mechanics-will-lead-to-more-success-at-asu/article_cfba040e-0355-11eb-964c-476395deaf96.html?mc_cid=a2feb99899&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
8 } – Jordan Robinson Dedicates to Success on the Mat
When Jordan Robinson, a member of the Johnson & Wales University wrestling team, was choosing schools, he was looking for a balanced coaching staff that he felt comfortable with and that he could be most successful. He fell in love with the shared mentality he had with Head Coach Lonnie Morris and the long-time assistant coaching staff, as well as several classes he could take that were significant to his desired criminal justice major. It turns out, Robinson made the right choice in JWU. Ranked a top five wrestler in Division III athletics within his weight class during the 2019 season, Robinson says that his biggest accomplishment so far has been becoming a JWU 141 All-American last season. But it hasn’t come without hard work and sacrifice. During his sophomore year, Robinson admits it wasn’t his best year academically. Once he noticed he was falling off track, he made changes and came back hungry for a championship. The Garfield, New Jersey native says, “Wrestling has taught and forced me to be a mentally stronger person. Cutting weight while having to train and go to class is very emotional.” He explained how hard dieting is, especially in the offseason. … rest of story at https://providence.jwuathletics.com/sports/wrest/2020-21/releases/20201005snqxdi?mc_cid=aeabd832c4&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
9} – ALIREZ WINS 65 KG BRACKET, NAMED OUTSTANDING WRESTLER AT 2020 SENIOR NATIONALS
CORALVILLE, Iowa – Putting an exclamation point on an exceptional weekend, Northern Colorado wrestler Andrew Alirez won the 65 kg bracket as the No. 9 seed and was named the 2020 Senior Nationals men’s freestyle Outstanding Wrestler on Sunday in Coralville, Iowa. Facing No. 3 Evan Henderson, Alirez used a passivity point and a late first-period takedown to give him a 3-0 lead at the break. In the second period, he snagged another takedown for an eventual 5-1 win and a USA Wrestling national championship. In addition to Henderson, Alirez took out three other seeded wrestlers over the weekend, including No. 1 and U23 World bronze medalist Joey McKenna, No. 8 and Junior World silver medalist Mitch McKee and No. 12 Yahya Thomas. Two-time age-group World silver medalist Vitali Arujau scored his first USA Wrestling Senior-level national title, shutting down Dylan Ragusin, who strung together an impressive weekend, in the 57 kg finals. Ragusin drew first blood with an early step out, but the Cornell All-American stormed back, scoring a takedown for the lead. Ragusin added two more on exposure from a chinwhip, but Arujau went behind for a takedown and finished off the bout with a trapped-arm gut, turning Raugsin five times for the win. … rest of story at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2020/October/11/Andrew-Alirez-wins-Senior-Nationals?mc_cid=aabea4b794&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
10 } – Patrick Granted Additional Year of Eligibility
CLEVELAND, Ohio – Head coach Josh Moore of the Cleveland State University wrestling team announced Monday that redshirt senior Justin Patrick has been cleared to compete in the upcoming 2020-21 season. Patrick, who transferred to CSU prior to the 2019-20 season, was granted a sixth season of eligibility and will get the chance to compete for the Vikings for a second campaign. Patrick placed seventh at the Mid-American Conference Championships at 133 pounds this past spring. He posted a 19-13 mark on the year, including a 9-6 record in dual action. He was one four Vikings to win at least five MAC duals during the season and tallied seven bonus-point victories overall. He demonstrated he could compete with, and defeat, the league’s best as he knocked off eventual MAC champion Tim Rooney, a top-20 national foe, in CSU’s dual at Kent State in February. His win over Rooney came courtesy of a takedown in the final five seconds and was instrumental in helping the Vikings earn a big team victory. Patrick, who won three MAC dual bouts by scoring in the final seconds, won the Ohio Intercollegiate Open and also placed at the Clarion Open. He was one of two Vikings to start every dual on the season. … rest of story at https://csuvikings.prestosports.com/sports/m-wrestl/2020-21/releases/20201005kpyqxu?mc_cid=bbb5286d21&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
Women’s Wrestling News – # 55
TDR Editor’s Notes ; Results from College and High School level matches and tournaments. Also include are spotlights on successful wrestlers. The depth of interest in women’s wrestling is encouraging and exciting to see. Each year they set new records for numbers of wrestlers, the number of college programs continues to grow by about a dozen new schools each year. The number of high schoool programs continues to expand and almost 30 states have sponsored or plan to host an official state tournament. Wrestle On!
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1 } – Lady Grizzly wrestling team features six seniors with 100-win aspirations
SUNNYSIDE — Aiming to remain a step ahead of their voluntary on the mat conditioning regimen, while demonstrating a powerful stance for complying with health guidelines to keep the girls wrestling program practicing, they’ll be prepared to step into the circle and make their upcoming and nontraditional spring season one for the record books. The Lady Grizzlies feature six seniors; Aaliyah Chavez, Roxsana Cisneros, Riley Guerrero, Cheyann Rendon, Eliza Rodriguez and Jasmine Rodriguez who will be seeking to attain the 100-career win milestone. “There might be one or two seniors on a team to be able to hit that century mark per year but to have six in the same year is just a testament to their hard work, their buy in to our philosophies and being a Lady Grizzly wrestler, we’re just hoping they have a shot at the season,” SHS Girls Varsity Head Coach Dave Mendoza acknowledged.
SHS senior Eliza Rodriguez was one of 13 athletes glad to be working out on the mat within their limited pods while wearing protective face coverings as “Welcome to the Jungle,” by Guns N’ Roses rocked the wrestling gym, renamed the “Pauluseum” during Thursday’s 4 p.m. workout. … rest of story at https://www.sunnysidesun.com/sports/lady-grizzly-wrestling-team-features-six-seniors-with-100-win-aspirations/article_381cf552-29e3-11eb-a4f9-538945244f28.html?mc_cid=d63f9879b6&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
2 } – Five NAIA women’s hammers you need to know about
The NAIA women’s division is loaded with talent from top to bottom. Unlike their NCAA women’s counterparts, the 2020 NAIA women’s championships were canceled due to the coronavirus. Women’s wrestling was in a transitional phase for the 2019-20 season when NAIA programs separated from NCAA programs for the first time. Many of the best NAIA colleges opted not to compete in the WCWA Championships (all schools from all divisions), which might have offered a consolation prize for those who chose to participate. If the NWCA National Duals are any indication, then Menlo College was the best NAIA women’s wrestling program in 2020. They defeated Campbellsville, 22-19, in the finals of the NAIA women’s dual championship. Melo is loaded with talent again this season, as is Wayland Baptist, Campbellsville, Grand View, and Life. Below are five NAIA hammers to know about entering the 2020-21 NAIA women’s season.
Desiree Zavala (Wayland Baptist), 136 pounds
Zavala’s last name might be last in the alphabet but she is first on this list. She placed second at the 2018 WCWA Championships for Grays Harbor College and third in 2017 for Southern Oregon. She also placed second at 2019 U.S. Open and the World Team Trials Challenge Tournament.
Alleida Martinez (Menlo), 109 pounds
Martinez won the 109-pound WCWA championships in 2019 but … rest of story at https://www.trackwrestling.com/PortalPost.jsp?TIM=1606102194007&twSessionId=xwqwqkqerj&postId=878971135&mc_cid=d6bdb93622&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
3 } – No. 5 Women’s Wrestling Gets Season Off to Hot Start at Patriot Duals
WILLIAMSBURG, Ky. —- After being unveiled as the No. 5 team in the nation Friday night, the women’s wrestling team played like a top-contender at the Patriot Duals Sunday, recording dominant wins in dual match play over No. 16 Indiana Tech, 39-5, and then No. 7 University of the Cumberlands, 39-6. In the open tournament format, Life U wrestlers recorded strong results, winning all 21 of its matches and clenching five championships. To start the day, Life U faced No. 16 Indiana Tech, winning 39-5 with three pins, four technical falls, a decision, and a forfeit.
Freshman Unity Codova got the team off to a hot start, earning a lightning quick 1:07 tech fall victory over the No.18 ranker. Katalina Bartelt came next with a nail biter of a decision, squeezing out a 9-8 win over an opponent ranked 11th. Peyton Prussin and Julia Vidallon followed that up with tech falls as the Running Eagle lead extended to 15-1. Riley Dalrymple recorded the first pin of the day for the Running Eagles, taking down the 18th-ranked 136-pounder in just 1:19. … rest of story at https://liferunningeagles.com/news/2020/11/22/game-recap-no-5-womens-wrestling-gets-season-off-to-hot-start-at-patriot-duals.aspx?mc_cid=d6bdb93622&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
4 } – Lily Sherer’s 2020 Women’s U23 Nationals Deep-dive
Lily Sherer
November 20th, 2020
Across all the weights, many girls who competed in the Junior division also competed in the U23 division. These girls were still fired up, and more than ready to compete at the higher level! Let’s dive into a recap of the madness that took place last weekend in Omaha.
50 kg: At 50 kg Emily Shilson dominated this weight yet again, only giving up two points all day. On the other side of the bracket, Samara Chavez racked up three pins and a tech fall to make the finals. Shilson vs. Chavez was a long-awaited match, but Shilson secured the tech proving what everyone already knew…she is the one to beat. Maria Vidales of Lion Wrestling Club and Aleeah Gould of King University were both contenders for a spot in the finals, but suffered pins en route. The two wrestled for third place and Vidales maintained her 4-0 lead to beat Gould for third place. … rest of story at http://www.hmawrestling.com/article/lily-sherers-2020-womens-u23-nationals-deep-dive/?mc_cid=46ecd7f19c&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
5 } – Junior World Teams Since 2015
The 2020 UWW Junior World Championships were canceled earlier this fall. Champions at Junior Nationals, wrestled in Omaha last weekend, earned a bid to the 2021 Senior World Team Trials, and Junior World Team Trials if age-eligible. That said, here’s a look at the 2020 Junior National champions and Junior World Teams from 2015-19.
2020 UWW Junior Nationals Champions
*Earned a bid to 2021 World Team Trials*
50 kg: Emily Shilson (Titan Mercury WC)
53 kg: Tiare Ikei (Titan Mercury WC)
55 kg: Nanea Estrella (American Falls WC) … rest of story at https://www.transitionwrestling.com/uww-junior-world-teams-since-2015/?mc_cid=59de35edde&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
6 } – Five hammers from NCAA women’s programs you need to know about
The historic first Cliff Keen National Collegiate Women’s Wrestling Championships in March showcased the growing depth and talent within programs that compete for NCAA institutions, and many of the nation’s best wrestlers in the division still have eligibility remaining.
Below are five women who compete at NCAA institutions you should know about heading into the upcoming season.
Anna Godinez (Simon Fraser)
Simon Fraser has announced that it will not compete due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but they have one of the best wrestlers in the country in their lineup. Anna Godinez completed her junior year with an undefeated record and the 143-pound title at the NCWWC Championships. That’s on top of competing at the 2019 Senior World Championships for Canada and winning a bronze medal at the 2019 Junior Worlds. Anna’s sister, Karla, finished the season undefeated and won the 116-pound NCWWC title.
Sydnee Kimber (McKendree)
McKendree head coach Sam Schmitz hit a gold mine when Sydnee Kimber arrived at McKendree from Sitka, Alaska. Her junior campaign concluded with the 191-pound title at the NCWWC Championships after posting two first-period falls … rest of story at https://www.trackwrestling.com/PortalPost.jsp?TIM=1605759864983&twSessionId=hycjjfsmyc&postId=877642135&mc_cid=d63f9879b6&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
7 } – Jon Morrison: What I learned from Helen Maroulis
Jon Morrison, an All-American for Oklahoma State in 2013, currently coaches at Capital Wrestling Club in Gaithersburg, Maryland.
Helen Maroulis is a four-time WCWA champion (2010-11, 2013-14) and a three-time World and Olympic champion (2015-17).
Maroulis currently trains at Capital Wrestling Club with Morrison. The following are Morrison’s thoughts on what he has learned from Maroulis.
GREAT WRESTLER, BETTER HUMAN BEING
“I’ve learned a lot technically from Helen. She’s been all around the world and wrestled at the highest level. There’s a lot I’ve learned from her on the mat. I’d say more so what I’ve taken from her is her mindset. Her mindset is on a different level. Her mental toughness to accomplish what she has in the sport of wrestling. Beating a woman in the Olympic finals who many people thought was unbeatable — going for her fourth Olympic gold medal. “Maybe no one in that arena except for maybe Helen and her coach thought she was going to win. Regardless of that, she went out there, wrestled a great match, and won an Olympic gold medal. Just to pick her brain on how she handles the pressure and being able to execute … rest of story at https://www.trackwrestling.com/PortalPost.jsp?TIM=1605672497341&twSessionId=xbvekoptmx&postId=877417135&mc_cid=97ab69a0c8&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
8 } – The HWC brought women’s matches back to Iowa City
The atmosphere in the Xtream Arena for the Hawkeye Wrestling Club Showdown Open was distinctly, Iowa. The presence of fans made the in-person experience spectacular. And maybe even more than normal with the underwhelming number of opportunities to compete in 2020.
Of the 10 main card matches, 2 featured women. Life University, an NAIA member institution located outside of Atlanta, was represented in both senior-level matches—Head Coach Ashley Sword worked hand-in-hand with Coach Tom Brands to make it happen. “To be asked by Coach Brands to take part in this event would be an honor for any athlete or school,” she said. “For the women to be on the main card, highlighted in equal proportion to the men, it speaks volumes, especially now, as we’ve seen our female athletes fighting for a seat at the table.”
Coach Brands said they’re serious about women’s wrestling. “Number one, women’s wrestling is exciting, and number two, even if you don’t like it, it’s here to stay,” he said. “Division I women’s wrestling, emerging sport status, that is exciting for me, that’s exciting. Good job Wrestle Like A Girl, good job Sally Roberts.” Presbyterian College and Sacred Heart University are the pioneering Division I institutions with varsity women’s wrestling programs. … rest of story at https://www.transitionwrestling.com/the-hwc-brought-womens-matches-back-to-iowa-city/?mc_cid=1abb33fe3e&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
9} – WYOMING SEMINARY ARE CHAMPS, SOMAR RAIDERS RUNNER-UP IN STAR-STUDDED SUNSHINE PRESEASON NATIONAL DUALS FOR GIRLS
ORLANDO, Fla. – After two days of intense competition in both freestyle and folkstyle, Wyoming Seminary was crowned champions of the girls division at the Sunshine Preseason National Duals. The top four teams based upon two days of competition were Wyoming Seminary in first, Somar Raiders of California in second, Florida Tidal Wave in third and Michigan Revolution in fourth. Saturday, the competition was entirely in freestyle, with action in two different pools. Wyoming Seminary won Saturday’s Freestyle Pool 1 with a 4-0 record, including a win over pool runner-up Somar Raiders, 63-30. The Florida Tidal Wave won Saturday’s Freestyle Pool 2 with a 4-0 record, including a 50-43 win over Michigan Revolution.
On Sunday, two new pools were drawn and pool matches were in folkstyle. Sunday’s Folkstyle Pool 1 was claimed by the Somar Raiders with a 4-0 record, including a 71-29 win over Michigan Revolution. Sunday’s Folkstyle Pool 2 was captured by Wyoming Seminary with a 4-0 record, including a 65-36 win over Florida Tidal Wave. … rest of story at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2020/November/22/Wyoming-Seminary-wins-Sunshine-Preseason-Duals-girls-title?mc_cid=d6bdb93622&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
10 } – Fifth-Ranked Women’s Wrestling Dominates Brewton-Parker, 42-4
MOUNT VERNON, Ga. —- The No. 5 nationally ranked Life University women’s wrestling team blew past Brewton-Parker College 42-4 Monday night. The Running Eagles got the clean sweep for the dual, taking two matches via forfeit (123 lbs. and 191 lbs.), earning pins at 109 lbs. and 143 lbs. and then winning the rest with four tech falls and two decisions. The team got off to a strong start, Unity Cordova starting the dual with a tech fall. Kory Phillips followed her up with a late pin, helping the team’s lead swell to 9-0. Katalina Bartelt pulled off a tightly contested decision at 116 lbs., before Brewton-Parker forfeited the 123 lbs. match. Riley Dalrymple continued the strong start to her Life U career, earning a quick tech fall. The rest of the match followed suit with the beginning, Briana Kellin recording a tech fall at 136. At 143, Hailey Finn came out on fire, manhandling her opponent for the quick pin. Jacquelyn Font fought hard for a decision at 155 lbs, while … rest of story at https://liferunningeagles.com/news/2020/11/23/game-recap-fifth-ranked-womens-wrestling-dominates-brewton-parker-42-4.aspx?mc_cid=638194e439&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
Wrestling History – # 24
TDR Editor’s Notes ; This collection of articles starts with a list of native american wrestlers at Oklahoma State. The induction of New Hall of Famers (#9), the passing of two Hall of Famers (#2) & (#10), a Podcast with an Olympic Champion (#8) and a wrestler’s greatest loss (#4) are included with the collection. This history involves O.D.U.’s first champion (#5), an All-Decade team at Colorado Mesa (#6) and more of the long and storied history of Central Oklahoma wrestling teams (#3, & #7).
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1 } – A Look at Native Americans to Have Wrestled at Oklahoma State
A rundown of some of the accomplishments of various tribal members that wrestled at Oklahoma State
November is National Native American Heritage Month and naturally, with all the Oklahoma ties to Native American history, there are a number of prominent native Oklahoma State wrestlers. Your favorite Oklahoma State beat writer happens to be a member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and I thought I’d take a look at and share with you all some of that history and background on native OSU wrestlers.
Cliff Keen (Comanche Nation)
Keen wrestled under Ed Gallagher and also played football during his time at Oklahoma State. He was a Missouri Valley Champion and in 1924 he won the Olympic trials but was unable to compete due to a broken rib. He went on to a successful coaching career at Michigan that spanned 45 years. His name is probably best known today due to his wrestling gear and equipment brand. Cliff Keen Athletic is one of the most well known wrestling brands in existence. Keen was born near Cheyenne, Oklahoma and is a member of the Comanche Nation. … rest of story at https://pistolsfiringblog.com/a-look-at-native-americans-to-have-wrestled-at-oklahoma-state/?mc_cid=b6ed949da8&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
2 } – Indiana Wrestling Mourns The Loss of James Lee Moore
BLOOMINGTON, Ind.– James Lee Moore, 94, was born in Bloomington, attended Bloomington High School South and wrestled at Indiana University. The Indiana wrestling family sends its condolences to the family on his passing on October 12, 2020. In 1987 Jim was inducted into the Indiana Wrestling Hall of Fame. Moore was born on November 4, 1925 to Russell and Frances (May) Moore. Jim and his twin brother Hank were both Indiana State Champions.
Before he finished his high school senior year he was drafted into the Navy, where he was stationed in Fallon, Nevada. After proudly serving in the Navy he passed his GED and enrolled at IU, where he earned a varsity letter in 1947. Later in life, Moore started his own business; The Circle M Ranch riding stable and dance barn. He trained and broke horses, gave trail rides, private riding lessons and lessons to earn horseback merit badges to the boy and girl scouts.
Jim was an avid photographer and for a few years he was hired by Don Luft to take photos of the IU basketball games and other local events for the Bloomington Convention Center. He was a board member of the Local Hoosier Hills Festival. Jim served as Polk Township Trustee for 20 years. … rest of story at https://iuhoosiers.com/news/2020/10/15/indiana-wrestling-mourns-the-loss-of-james-lee-moore.aspx?mc_cid=1a1915e009&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
3 } – Friday Feature: An Historic First
Friday Features Are Brought To You By UCO ROTC
EDMOND – There were some in the collegiate wrestling world who doubted Central Oklahoma would be the overwhelming force in NCAA Division II that it was in the NAIA ranks when the Bronchos made the move up prior to the 1989-90 season. But UCO – which captured eight national titles in its last 11 years in the NAIA – quickly established itself as a power to be reckoned with, finishing runner-up in its first two Division II national tournaments. And that set the stage for the 1991-92 campaign, when the Bronchos were poised to prove just how dominate they could be. Four All-Americans (Wayne Cole, Todd Drake, Howard Moore and Randy Zellner), two national qualifiers (Fay Barnett and Chance Skidgel) and another starter (Keith Cunningham) returned from the year before. “With the people we’ve got coming back, I think we have to be considered one of the contenders,” 10th-year head coach David James said in the 1991-92 UCO media guide season outlook. “A lot of how we do will be determined by what the kids did in the summer. Did they sit around and get lazy or did they do something to make themselves better?”
The results answered that question. Central went 14-1 in duals, with only a controversial loss to Oklahoma marring the record, … rest of story at https://bronchosports.com/news/2020/10/16/wrestling-friday-feature-an-historic-first.aspx?mc_cid=ef4f862d31&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
4 } – Bryce Meredith: My Greatest Loss
Bryce Meredith was a three-time All-American and a two-time NCAA finalist for Wyoming, placing second in 2016, fourth in 2017 and second in 2018. His finals losses were to Dean Heil (2016) of Oklahoma State and Yianni Diakomihalis (2018) of Cornell. Meredith’s career began at North Carolina State, where he was the starter at 133 pounds as a true freshman. A native of Cheyenne, Wyoming, he transferred to the University of Wyoming the following season and competed at 141 pounds the remainder of his career. Meredith went 1-2 at the 2015 ACC Championships, beating Pittsburgh’s Nick Zanetta 6-2 before losing 15-3 against Virginia’s George DiCamillo. Only three wrestlers from the ACC at 133 earned automatic qualifying berths to the NCAA Championships. Thus, Meredith’s 6-4 consolation semifinal loss to Virginia Tech’s Kevin Norstrem turned out to be the final match of his freshman season and his career with the Wolfpack.
The following are Meredith’s words on his loss to Norstrem.
WHAT’S WRONG WITH YOU, BRO?
“I lost (in the consolation semifinals of the ACC Championships) my freshman year. I (didn’t place) my freshman year at ACC’s and I didn’t qualify for the NCAA tournament and then the next year I get second place (at the NCAA tournament). That’s a big discrepancy. I don’t know how many people have had the large of a discrepancy in one year of wrestling. … rest of story at https://www.trackwrestling.com/PortalPost.jsp?TIM=1603336864830&twSessionId=yuyfkhmzkn&postId=870811135&mc_cid=1b88391836&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
5 } – He felt cursed by fate, but it didn’t stop Old Dominion’s first wrestling champion
One wrestling mat lay in the middle of a gymnasium at California Polytechnic State University, an island surrounded by an ocean of raucous spectators. Carl Ragland had met this moment many times before in high school and college, but always had to peer over as his opponent’s hand was raised as winner. “Carl, this guy’s tough,” Old Dominion wrestling coach Pete Robinson told him of defending national champion John Finch of Cal Poly. “Yeah, I know, coach,” Ragland replied before stepping onto the mat for the NCAA College Division 152-pound national championship. Second place was not an option on March 15, 1969.
A freshman at Maury High, Ragland was in gym class when wrestling grabbed hold of his life. … rest of story at https://www.pilotonline.com/sports/vp-sp-carl-ragland-odu-wrestling-20201103-wj7u6w5z3fcmzlm7vh7bfsuo7e-story.html?mc_cid=1abb33fe3e&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
6 } – Colorado Mesa’s Wrestling All-Decade Team
We continue our trip down the all-decade team path as we enter the month of November and the beginning of winter sports. The men’s wrestling team is next up and deciding to pick a true ‘team’ was rather difficult, we decided to pick the top ten wrestlers of the decade. During the 2010s, the program saw its first NCAA National Champion, a program best seven NCAA national qualifiers in 2015, and at least one all-American in nine straight seasons which is a RMAC best amongst schools currently in the conference.
Our first honoree on the all-decade team was an all-American during the magical 2015 season, 174 pounder Randy Boerner. The Thornton, Colo. native finished his career with a 65-23 record, winning nearly 74 percent of his matches, and finished eighth at the national tournament in 2015.
Jason Buhr wrestled for the Mavericks from 2014-19 and is the only recipient on the list to not have won an all-American award but that doesn’t mean he didn’t have some incredible accomplishments along the way. The La Jara, Colo. native posted 111 wins in his time, third most since the program was reinstated, and went to three NCAA Championship tournaments.
Our next recipient wrestled for the Mavericks from 2010-14, Dylan Granard. Granard is one of just three multi-time all-Americans on the all-decade team having picked up the honor in 2012 and 2014 while qualifying for the NCAA Championships three times. He won 99 matches in his career which is fourth all-time since the program was brought back in 2006. Marcus Haughian spent one season with Colorado Mesa after transferring from Grand Canyon University … rest of story at https://cmumavericks.com/news/2020/11/5/mens-wrestling-all-decade-team.aspx?mc_cid=b6ed949da8&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
7 } – Hall of Fame Class of 2020: Kyle Evans
Wrestling is most assuredly one of the hardest sports there is. Taxing on the body and mind alike, it’s definitely not for the faint of heart. It was too much for Kyle Evans, who tried it as a third grader and decided it wasn’t for him. But, when his family move from the Kansas City area to Edmond two years later, Evans decided to give the sport another try — thanks to a few well-placed posters. “We were looking at houses before we moved down here and I saw some wrestling team posters in a bunch of the kids’ rooms,” Evans said. “It seemed like wrestling was a big deal down here and I figured it must be a pretty popular. I thought it would be a good way to make friends, so I decided to give it another try.”
Good decision.
A slow progression throughout junior high and high school led to a scholarship at Central Oklahoma, where Kyle blossomed into one of school’s all-time bests. And now the four-time All-American and two-time national champion is headed to the UCO Athletic Hall of Fame as part of the class of 2020. Evans was a three-time state placer at Edmond North High School, finishing fourth as a sophomore and third as a junior before nabbing a state championship in his final season while earning All-State honors. Good, but not great, so moving on to the college ranks wasn’t a given. “I wasn’t sure I even wanted to wrestle in college, but Coach (Ricky) Bollenbach, my high school coach, made a video and sent it out to a bunch of Division II schools,” Evans said. “The only ones I heard back from were UCO and Fort Hays State. … rest of story at https://bronchosports.com/news/2020/10/22/wrestling-hall-of-fame-class-of-2020-kyle-evans.aspx?mc_cid=6032bfb245&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
8 } – #177 Joe “Gonzo” Gonzales – Olympian and NCAA Champion
ABOUT THIS EPISODE
Joe Gonzales was a 1984 Olympian, former NCAA champion and just the seventh American to win the prestigious Tbilisi Tournament. Joe wrestled for Cal State Bakersfield under the great Joe Seay. Though Cal-State Bakersfield was a Division Two school, they had two NCAA Division One champions in 1980: Joe and John Azvedo. Joe also had a win over Anatoly Beloglazov, an Olympic champion for the Soviet Union. After competing, Joe coached at Arizona State with Bobby Douglas. The Sun Devils won the 1988 NCAA’s, becoming the first non-Midwestern school to win an NCAA team title. Today Joe resides near Los Angeles. Please enjoy! … rest of story at https://wrestlingchangedmylife.com/gonzales/?mc_cid=799fb85b6c&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
9} – Glen Brand Wrestling Hall of Fame of Iowa Announces Class of 2021
WATERLOO, Iowa – Sixteen NCAA All-Americans, a state championship high school coach and a pair of record-setting NCAA champion wrestling teams will be inducted into the Glen Brand Wrestling Hall of Fame of Iowa on June 25, 2021. Located inside the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum in Waterloo, Iowa, the Glen Brand Hall of Fame was established in 2002 to honor native-born Iowans and those who wrestled or coached for an Iowa school who have made an impact on wrestling on a national level or who have done extraordinary work in Iowa. The Class of 2021 is Gary Steffensmeier, Mike DeAnna, Megan Black, Dwight Hinson, David Kjeldgaard, and the 1991 and 1992 University of Iowa national champion wrestling teams. The Happel Family will be presented with the Bowlsby Family Legacy Award while Tom Hogan will receive the Bob Siddens High School Coaching Excellence Award and Bill Tate Sr. will be presented with the Russ Smith Community Impact Award. A banquet honoring the Class of 2021 will be held at the Prairie Links Golf Club in Waverly, Iowa, on June 25, 2021. … rest of story at https://nwhof.org/blog/glen-brand-wrestling-hall-of-fame-of-iowa-announces-class-of-2021/?mc_cid=799fb85b6c&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
10 } – Montana wrestling icon Bob Zadick passes away
Montana wrestling patriarch Robert (Bob) Zadick passed away Saturday at the age of 80. Bob was born in Great Falls and graduated from Great Falls High in 1958 where he excelled as an athlete in both football and wrestling. Zadick was successful as an entrepreneur and businessman but he was best-known state- and nation-wide for his passion for the sport of wrestling. His sons, Bill and Mike Zadick, each saw considerable success on the wrestling mats. Both were four-time state champions at Great Falls High before All-American careers at the University of Iowa.
They also achieved international success with Bill winning a world championship in 2006, and Mike competing at the 2008 Summer Olympics. Bill is currently the head coach of the USA Men’s National Freestyle team, and Mike has enjoyed successful stops as a collegiate and international coach. Together they host an annual camp for youth wrestlers in Great Falls, bringing in some of the top names in the sport. … rest of story at https://www.montanasports.com/high-school-sports/wrestling/montana-wrestling-icon-bob-zadick-passes-away?mc_cid=c33f4da146&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
TDR blog
After 20 seasons of publicizing wrestling The TakeDown Report’s (TDR) focus has changed to the collecting of college coaching records from North America since 1903. We will continue to recognize and reward successful wrestlers in eastern North Carolina (east of Raleigh & Fayetteville), assist with schools in starting or re-starting a team and this blog. Join us on our FaceBook Page – “The TakeDown Report” for photos and news. Please send results, stories, links and news to pass along. E-mail us at takedownreport@gmail.com
Martin Fleming, Editor
Takedown Report
