College Coaching News – # 8
TDR Editor’s Notes ; New Head coaches, new assistant coaches named and introduced in the articles below. Some interviews “On The Mat” podcasts are included. The notice of Hall of Fame coach Lars Jensen passing away is a notice listed at the end of this blog.
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1 } – Gamble Returns to Wrestling Staff
Ruschell adds former assistant to coaching staff
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga head wrestling coach Kyle Ruschell announced the hiring of Hunter Gamble as assistant coach today. Gamble takes over for Mike Hatcher, who stepped down in October. Gamble was previously on Ruschell’s staff for his first season at UTC in 2018-19. Together, they guided the Mocs to a share of the 2019 Southern Conference regular season title. Gamble first came to Chattanooga as the volunteer assistant for Heath Eslinger’s final campaign in 2017-18. “This job attracted some quality candidates,” stated Ruschell. “I am glad Hunter was looking to get back into coaching and we know he will be a great fit. He knows the guys and built some strong recruiting ties while working with various clubs over the last year.” Prior to joining the staff at UTC in 2017, Gamble was a two-time NCAA Qualifier at Gardner-Webb. He won the 2013 SoCon title at 174 pounds and was an All-SoCon pick and two-time finalist in his other three years with the Bulldogs. “I am very excited to get back to work with these young men,” said Gamble. “I am passionate about wrestling in the Southeast, focused on building on the work that Coach Ruschell has already done and look forward to building a premier program in the South.” Gamble earned his Master’s Degree in Business Administration from UTC in 2019. … rest of story at https://gomocs.com/news/2020/11/18/gamble-returns-to-wrestling-staff.aspx?mc_cid=d63f9879b6&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
2 } – Stanford head wrestling coach Jason Borrelli goes On The Mat
Jason Borrelli, the head wrestling coach at Stanford and an alum of Central Michigan, is the latest guest On The Mat. Borrelli will give us a breakdown on what’s going on to keep the program, as well as what they want to bring to The Farm. On The Mat. Presented by Cliff Keen Athletic, join Kyle Klingman and Andy Hamilton On The Mat, the flagship podcast of Trackwrestling.com.
Show Segments
0:45 – Herbal Essences isn’t the title sponsor, Cliff Keen now is!
2:50 – Exploring the possibilities of preserving Stanford wrestling. … rest of story at https://www.trackwrestling.com/PortalPlayer.jsp?TIM=1606266170854&twSessionId=fyljkeogxe&videoId=879623135&mc_cid=1348aad4fc&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
3 } – Talking Turkey with Tony Robie – VT100
It’s been a while since Tony Robie has addressed #HokieNation on Inside Virginia Tech Wrestling and what better time than Episode 100! It’s also mildly coincidental this will be the 100th season of Hokie wrestling.
On today’s show, Coach Robie talks about his contract extension, the 2020-21 schedule and what it looks like. The Southeast RTC also picked up World teamer, NCAA champion and four-time All-American Nahshon Garrett, so that’ll be a point of discussion as well. Finally, we wrap up with a competitive discussion on how the Hokie wrestlers fared at the USA Wrestling U23 and UWW Junior National Championships. … rest of story at https://www.mattalkonline.com/podcast/inside-vt-wrestling/talking-turkey-with-tony-robie-vt100/?mc_cid=1348aad4fc&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
4 } – Jones, Jr. named head assistant wrestling coach at Olivet College
OLIVET, Mich. – Anthony Jones, Jr. has been named the head assistant wrestling coach at Olivet College, according to an announcement by Head Wrestling Coach Brandon Brissette. “First and foremost, I want to thank Athletic Directory Ryan Shockey and Head Coach Brandon Brissette for this opportunity,” said Jones, Jr. “I am beyond excited to step into this role and help Olivet wrestling grow to the next level. “Coach Brissette, the staff and the administration have laid a solid foundation for this program with endless opportunities for the athletes to grow and accomplish their goals. I am most excited to engrain myself into the Olivet College community and share my knowledge of the sport and doing my due diligence with ensuring the growth and success of each student-athlete.” Most recently, Jones served as an assistant coach and assistant director of wrestling operations at Michigan State University (MSU). In his time at MSU, he helped the Spartans go from scoring negative points at the NCAA Championships to being preseason ranked No. 11. Jones also coached multiple NCAA All-Americans. Prior to that, Jones was the head assistant wrestling coach at Adrian College during the 2015-16 season. While there, he mentored the Bulldogs’ first NCAA All-American.
Jones is also an international freestyle wrestling coach. … rest of story at https://olivet.prestosports.com/sports/wrest/2020-21/releases/20201124mc7bzi?mc_cid=de5a36abdc&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
5 } – Tremont wrestling coach T.J. Williams finds blessings in health crisis
There may be a pandemic going on, but T.J. Williams has plenty to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. The Tremont wrestling coach and owner of TJ Trained club in Morton is a two-time NCAA champion and three-time all-American at Iowa. He’s usually the healthiest guy in any room — even at 43 years old. That is, until this August when he started to develop a sore throat after mowing lawns. “I thought maybe I’ve been around all this grass and it made my mouth sore,” said Williams, who won four high school wrestling state championships for Chicago Mount Carmel.
Related:T.J. Williams taking Tremont wrestling to new levels
But the throat kept getting worse and worse, to the point where he could barely talk or drink anything. A trip to a prompt care resulted in a step test, which came back negative. He was told it might be an ear infection, but he didn’t have any ear pain. A COVID-19 test was suggested. … rest of story at https://www.pjstar.com/story/sports/2020/11/26/tremont-wrestling-coach-recovering-chest-tumor/6384793002/?mc_cid=de5a36abdc&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
6 } – New Women’s Collegiate Head Coaches for 2020-21
The women’s college wrestling season is upon us! Though there are still plenty of areas in the country where wrestling has been delayed, a handful of women’s programs have hit the mats for competitions. With a new season comes a wave of coaching changes, which is certainly the case on the women’s side. Unfortunately, there are still plenty of women’s programs that regularly deal with turnover from the head coaching position. Below we’ll discuss seven teams that will be under new leadership for the 2020-21.
This does not include brand-new programs that will compete for the first time this season. We have already mentioned those squads and their respective head coaches here.
Brewton-Parker College – Devane Dodgens
The administration at Brewton-Parker College didn’t have to look very far to find their latest head coach in Devane Dodgens. Devane was coaching in-state for Life University’s men’s team and will assist in that capacity at BPC, as well. Life was also where Dodgens competed collegiately and he finished as a two-time NAIA All-American, taking seventh and third. Before returning to Life to coach, Devane was heavily involved in Georgia’s club scene and was an assistant at the high school level. Dodgens is the fourth head coach in as many years for the Barons, so hopefully, he’ll bring some stability to the program.
Eastern Oregon – Carlene Sluberski
Carlene Sluberski takes over at Eastern Oregon … rest of story at https://news.theopenmat.com/womens-wrestling/new-womens-collegiate-head-coaches-for-2020-21/79525?mc_cid=580d0bc2a3&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
7 } – Drexel Announces Addition of Scott Parker to Wrestling Staff
PHILADELPHIA – Mert ’67 and Joanne ’69 Hill Head Coach of Wrestling Matt Azevedo announced today the addition of two-time All-American Scott Parker as an assistant coach. A native of Greater Philadelphia and a 2019 graduate of Lehigh University, Parker brings an abundance of knowledge as well as a commitment to academic and athletic excellence to the Dragons’ wrestling room.
“Scott brings valuable experience and success as an athlete, student and professional,” Azevedo said. “As a collegiate wrestler, Scott embodied everything we look for in our student-athletes, and I am excited for him to bring his winning attitude to Drexel Wrestling. I also believe Scott’s experience working on Wall Street gives him a skill set that will translate well for recruiting and alumni development. I can’t wait for Scott to Bring the HEAT.” Parker was a member of the Mountain Hawks wrestling program from 2014 until 2019 and was a two-time NCAA All-American, a two-time EIWA champion, and a three-time NCAA qualifier. In addition, he received Academic All-American recognition from the National Wrestling Coaches Association on two occasions. … rest of story at https://drexeldragons.com/news/2020/12/7/drexel-announces-addition-of-scott-parker-to-wrestling-staff.aspx?mc_cid=c2c44a5110&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
8 } – Penn head wrestling coach Roger Reina goes On The Mat– OTM621
Roger Reina, in his second stint as the head wrestling coach at Penn, joins the show to talk about the state of his program, Ivy League wrestling and topics relevant to the Pennsylvania RTC (and more). On The Mat is presented by Cliff Keen Athletic. Join Kyle Klingman and Andy Hamilton as they talk about the world of wrestling on the flagship podcast of Trackwrestling.com.
Show Segments
0:50 – Shimmy Shamrock Shake, Please.
1:30 – Kyle Klingman’s addendum regarding Sacred Heart. … rest of story at https://www.mattalkonline.com/podcast/trackwrestling/on-the-mat/penn-head-wrestling-coach-roger-reina-otm621/?mc_cid=c2c44a5110&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
9} – Matt Atwood to take reins of fledgling Lady Argos wrestling squad
The University of Providence athletic department announced the hiring of Matt Atwood as the head coach of the women’s wrestling program Wednesday afternoon. Atwood joins the program from Midland University in Fremont, Neb., where he served as the head coach of the women’s program. Atwood takes over the program from Carlene Sluberski, who was hired as the head coach of the women’s wrestling team at Eastern Oregon. “We’re really excited to welcome Matt to the University of Providence,” athletic director Doug Hashley said. “He has all the right attributes we want for the head coach of our program, and we’re excited to see where he can take us.” … rest of story at https://www.greatfallstribune.com/story/sports/2020/12/09/up-names-matt-atwood-new-womens-wrestling-mentor/3869302001/?mc_cid=372ecbefe1&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
10 } – Gators Hall of Famer and National Champion Coach Lars Jensen Passes Away
SAN FRANCISCO — San Francisco State wrestling legend Lars Jensen passed away on Tuesday, surrounded by family. One of the most decorated Gators in history, Coach Jensen led the first-ever NCAA Division II national championship team at SF State in 1997. He was inducted into six different halls of fame. In 2004, he was inducted into the San Francisco State Athletics Hall of fame; in 2009, Jensen was inducted into the California Wrestling Hall of Fame; and in 2013, he was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. “The great impact of the loss of Coach Jensen goes far and wide. His contributions and dedication to Gator Athletics, the wrestling world, and the countless lives of students, professors, and staff in the SF State community and beyond is immeasurable,” said Director of Athletics Stephanie Shrieve-Hawkins. “Gator Athletics sends sincere condolences to his wife Chanda, their two children Brendan and Lara, and his family and friends. Rest peacefully to a legendary man.”
Jensen began as a student-athlete and finished as a coach at San Francisco State. He took the reins of SF State wrestling prior to the 1983-84 season and concluded his head coaching career in 2016-17. He coached three Division I national qualifiers. Under Jensen, the Gators had a wrestler qualify for the National Championships 122 times and produced 62 All-Americans. In 2012-13, Naveed Bagheri made his fourth appearance to the tournament and went on to grab the national championship title at 141 pounds, becoming Jensen’s tenth individual national champion. Jensen had 55 conference champions and 67 NWCA All-Academic team members. … rest of story at https://sfstategators.com/news/2020/12/10/wrestling-wre-gators-hall-of-famer-and-national-champion-coach-lars-jensen-passes-away.aspx?mc_cid=d179f0f753&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
National Wrestling News – Dec. # 2
TDR Editor’s Notes ; Some wrestling news from across the nation and events with wrestlers from across the country but the first article looks at the most successful college coach from the past decade and what he is focused on next in wrestling.
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1 } – NO LOOKING BACK: PENN STATE WRESTLING COACH CAEL SANDERSON IS FOCUSED ON WHAT’S NEXT FOR HIS SPORT
Cael Sanderson’s place in the history of American wrestling is indelible: unbeaten in 159 career matches at Iowa State, four NCAA titles, four NCAA Most Outstanding Wrestler awards and a gold medal at the Olympic Games Athens 2004, not to mention the eight national championships he’s won in the last nine seasons as head coach at Penn State. But as far as Sanderson is concerned, records and resumes are relics. His focus these days is fixed on the future of wrestling, from the uncertain near term of another college season in limbo to the tenuous status of the already-rescheduled Tokyo Games to the long-term growth and survival of the sport that he’s given so much to already. “Wrestling has been a very critical part of my life. I don’t know if any sport teaches you the life lessons that wrestling teaches you.” said Sanderson, who has coached 25 national champions and 73 All-Americans in his 14 years as a college coach, including three at Iowa State. “It is my responsibility, as a former college wrestler and a former Olympian and now as a college coach, to make sure that the same opportunities are available for kids in the future.” Sanderson isn’t merely offering up some theoretical pay-it-forward platitude. He recognizes the approaching existential crossroads that wrestling faces — and that Olympic sports on all college campuses face. More than 80 Division I college programs, including the wrestling team and 10 others at Stanford alone, have been eliminated since the coronavirus pandemic shut down first the NCAA winter championships and then the entire spring sports season. … rest of story at https://www.teamusa.org/News/2020/October/27/No-Looking-Back-Penn-State-Wrestling-Coach-Cael-Sanderson-Is-Focused-On-Whats-Next-For-His-Sport?mc_cid=2e944b01db&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
2 } – Shannon Scovel has become a strong and powerful voice for wrestling
Shannon Scovel has blazed her own path as a leading journalist in wrestling. Her voice and her work continue to advance the entire sport. … rest of story and podcast at https://www.trackwrestling.com/PortalPlayer.jsp?TIM=1604549717637&twSessionId=ssmbqvqoue&videoId=874009135&mc_cid=68c338ad78&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
3 } – Patrick Kelly educating the wrestling world in Kansas through podcasting
Coach Patrick Kelly has been innovative not just in the world of wrestling, but also in the world of podcasting and melding the two for the great wrestling state of Kansas. On Episode 623 of the Short Time Wrestling Podcast, Coach Kelly, the head coach at Seaman High School in Topeka, Kansas talks about his wrestling backstory and how the medium of podcasting has helped him not only educate, but bring a dynamic set of guests to the Kansas wrestling community.
Recorded on September 30 for #InternationalPodcastDay
Rockin’ Wrestling Fact Drop
1979 NJCAA: Meet California
Diablo Valley went to the NJCAA Championships and had the school’s first “All-American” with Tim Johnson from at 150 pounds. In 1982, the California Community Colleges would move to the fall league
… rest of story at https://www.mattalkonline.com/podcast/short-time/patrick-kelly-educating-the-wrestling-world-in-kansas-through-podcasting/?mc_cid=a5e2a6cc0d&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
4 } – Iowa’s Jaydin Eierman drops Olympic champion at Hawkeye Wrestling Club Showdown Open
2-time NCAA champion Spencer Lee dominates with a pin in first match in eight months; Pat Lugo also posts victory
CORALVILLE — Jayden Eierman’s decision to transfer to the University of Iowa wasn’t just to help the Hawkeyes win a national championship. The three-time All-American left Missouri during his Olympic redshirt season and arrived in Iowa City, in part, to prepare for post-collegiate freestyle competition. The move seemed like the right one after earning a marquee victory Sunday night. Eierman exploded for two late takedowns for a 4-1 victory over former Georgian Olympic champion Vladimer Khinchegashvili in the Hawkeye Wrestling Club Showdown Open at Xtream Arena. Iowa’s two-time NCAA champion Spencer Lee also won on the nine-match freestyle main card that was preceded by an eight-match undercard.
“It is my biggest win, but I’m not going to let that solidify who I am,” Eierman said. “I need to go out there and get one of my own. He was an Olympic champion in 2016. I’m going to have to work hard every single day up until the Olympic Trials to be to where I need to be to get my Olympic medal.” Eierman has been in Iowa City for about a year now. A Tiger can change his stripes and he’s all Hawkeye now. He shared that message with the camera for the livestream audience afterward. “I feel like I’m part of this community now,” Eierman said. “I feel like it’s going to get better and better. I have a college season coming up. I’m going to compete with the Hawkeyes. I’m going to help them compete for a national title this season.” … rest of story at https://www.thegazette.com/subject/sports/iowas-jaydin-eierman-drops-olympic-champion-at-hawkeye-wrestling-club-showdown-open-20201101?mc_cid=41fa5d2268&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
5 } – BURROUGHS RALLIES TO DEFEAT VALENCIA IN FLOWRESTLING MAIN EVENT
AUSTIN, Texas – Jordan Burroughs made an exciting comeback against Zahid Valencia in the main event for FloWrestling’s Burroughs vs. Valencia card on Saturday night in Austin, Texas. The two went head-to-head at a catchweight,185 pounds. Burroughs normally competes at 74 kg/163 pounds, while Valencia competes at 86 kg/189 pounds. Valencia, a 2017 Junior World silver medalist and two-time NCAA champion for Arizona State, drew first blood in the match against five-time World and Olympic champion Jordan Burroughs, with a duck under for a takedown in the first minute. Shortly after, Valencia extended his lead with another takedown for a 4-0 advantage at the break. In the second period, Burroughs began his comeback bid with an early go-behind for a takedown. Valencia tacked on a step out but that would be all the Sun Devil would score. Burroughs, who also owns three World bronze medals, … rest of story at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2020/November/14/Burroughs-rallies-to-beat-Valencia?mc_cid=0db378071a&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
6 } – Life’s Ashley Sword and Oregon State’s Chris Pendleton – OTM618
Life women’s coach Ashley Sword and Oregon State coach Chris Pendleton go On The Mat
Ashley Sword, the head women’s wrestling coach at Life University in Georgia and Chris Pendleton, head wrestling coach at Oregon State University are the latest guests On The Mat. Join Kyle Klingman and Andy Hamilton On The Mat, the flagship podcast of Trackwrestling.com.
Show Segments
0:45 – The Snapping Turtle
0:55 – Recapping the HWC Showdown Open
5:45 – Sarah Hildebrandt didn’t compete, but Tom and Terry wanted women’s bouts on the card. … rest of story at https://www.mattalkonline.com/podcast/trackwrestling/on-the-mat/lifes-ashley-sword-and-oregon-states-chris-pendleton-otm618/?mc_cid=799fb85b6c&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
7 } – PORSCH PINS SENIOR NATIONAL CHAMP PEAK, KNOPICK NAMED OW AT UWW JUNIOR GRECO-ROMAN NATIONALS
OMAHA, Neb. – A number of wrestlers made a big statement with their performance at the UWW Junior Greco-Roman Nationals, none bigger than Dayton Porsch of the Beaver WC at 67 kg. Porsch, who has little national-level Greco-Roman background, nailed a headlock in the 67 kg finals and pinned 2020 Senior Nationals champion Benji Peak of the Sunkist Kids in just 48 seconds. Porsch celebrated his shocking victory in grand style. Porsch was a four-time Kansas state champion who wrestled at UNI. Peak had also competed in the U23 Greco-Roman Nationals on Friday, making the finals but deciding not to compete in that tournament finals. The Outstanding Wrestler in the tournament was 55 kg champion Conor Knopick of the MWC Wrestling Academy, who stopped Billy Sullivan of Legends of Gold Las Vegas in an entertaining and highly technical finals match, 12-5. Sullivan led 5-2, but Knopick opened up his offense to score 10 straight points. Knopick, who trains in the Omaha area under respected coach Zac Dominguez, was a member of the 2019 Cadet World Team. … rest of story at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2020/November/13/UWW-Junior-Greco-Roman-finals-wrap?mc_cid=870ca1d130&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
8 } – LAMONT, GRIMES, PORTER, CAFFEY AMONG BIG WINNERS IN U23 GRECO-ROMAN NATIONALS FINALS
OMAHA, Neb. – The first finals at USA Wrestling’s U23 Nationals and UWW Junior Nationals was in the U23 Greco-Roman division, where 10 champions were crowned in Friday’s first session. One of the highlight battles of the finals was in the round robin finals at 60 kg, where multiple U.S. age group World team members Taylor LaMont of the Sunkist Kids battled Randon Miranda of the New York AC at 60 kg. Miranda was hit for passivity to trail 1-0, but when he was put down, he scored a reversal to tie it at 1-1, which was the score at the break. Early in the second period, during a scramble, LaMont scored a two-point hip toss tilt to lead 3-1. The score held, as Miranda was unable to crack LaMont’s defense. NMU-OTS athlete Miranda was the defending U23 champion, … rest of story at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2020/November/13/U23-Greco-finals-wrap?mc_cid=870ca1d130&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
9} – COMPLETE LIST OF USA WRESTLING SANCTIONED EVENTS FOR THE NEXT THREE MONTHS, AS OF NOVEMBER 16
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 102 tournaments/clinics listed from 20 different states over the next three months. Since our posting on November 9, there are 16 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.
Of special note this past week, Kansas has four new events on the list since last week, Georgia added three events, while Missouri and Virginia added two events. 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. Athletes should consider attending events in nearby states, … rest of story at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2020/November/16/Sanctioned-events-for-next-three-months-as-of-November-16?mc_cid=7e05e44971&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
10 } – O’TOOLE WINS OUTSTANDING WRESTLER, AS NINE DIFFERENT RTCS GET CHAMPIONS AT UWW JUNIOR FREESTYLE NATIONALS
OMAHA, Neb. – Missouri star Keegan O’Toole of the Tiger Style WC won the 70 kg title and was named Outstanding Wrestler in men’s freestyle as the UWW Junior National Championships concluded on Sunday afternoon. Wrestlers age 17-20 compete in this division. O’Toole jumped to an 8-0 lead before pinning Clayton Ulrey of the Southeast RTC in the finals. O’Toole had a pin, four technical falls and a decision on the way on the way to his dominant win. The Tiger Style Wrestling Club was the only RTC with two champions in the UWW Junior event, as Joshua Edmond claimd the title at 65 kg. Edmond hit a few big throws to wrap up a first period 10-0 technical fall over Bryce Andronian of the Southeast RTC. Dylan Ragusin of the Cliff Keen WC, who competes for Michigan, was dominant in the 57 kg finals, securing a 13-1 technical fall over Angelo Rini of the New York City RTC. Ragusin was a 2020 Senior Nationals runner-up in October at this weight class. At 79 kg, Michael O’Malley of the Pennsylvania RTC … rest of story at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2020/November/15/UWW-Junior-Freestyle-Wrap?mc_cid=0db378071a&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
College Recruits, Transfers & News # 11
TDR Editor’s Notes ; Preview of some of the wrestlers who have signed aletter or at least announced that they intend to wrestle next year, 2021-2022 season, at the college or university mentioned.
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1 } – Rodriguez stays with Lehigh wrestling
By Randy Lefko Sports Editor
ORANGE PARK – Over the past two or so weeks, the Matthew Rodriguez wrestling following has hinted that Ridgeview High wrestler Matthew Rodriguez would be announcing his choice to continue wrestling in college with a few more teams on the original roster. When asked “How do you like snow?” prior to his ceremony to announce, Rodriguez smiled and said, “I used to live in Pennsylvania so I’m used to snow.” With Lehigh his initial first choice and Penn State capable of snow, Rodriguez, in the end, chose to stay with Lehigh University to continue his wrestling career. “It was definitely the comfortability of the program and the degree program,” said Rodriguez. “I felt very at home with the coaching staff at Lehigh.” Rodriguez, twice the Class 1A runnerup and a third place finisher as a freshman, has had Lehigh University as his initial choice nearly a year ago, but recent camps and visits to campus put the likes of Penn State, Oregon State and Arizona State all on Rodriguez’ list. … rest of story at https://www.claytodayonline.com/stories/rodriguez-stays-with-lehigh-wrestling,25043?mc_cid=d63f9879b6&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
2 } – Five OSU Commits Named to Cliff Keen Preseason All-American Team
Over the last few years, recruiting has created a lot of buzz around Oklahoma State wrestling. The Cowboys landed the No. 1 class for 2020, put together another great one for 2021, and look primed for another great one in 2022 after two big commitments Jordan Williams and Anthony Ferrari announced this week that they would be joining the Cowboys in the future. Those two, along with three other Oklahoma State commits, all made the Cliff Keen Preseason All-American Team, Track Wrestling announced. … rest of story at https://pistolsfiringblog.com/five-osu-commits-named-to-cliff-keen-preseason-all-american-team/?mc_cid=0d9bace552&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
3 } – Badgers welcomes new wrestlers for 2021
Wisconsin signs six for impressive new class during national signing period
MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin wrestling head coach Chris Bono announced this past week that six new wrestlers have signed a national letter of intent to attend the University of Wisconsin. The talented recruits will join the Badger wrestling roster beginning with the 2021-22 season. “I cannot begin to tell you how excited I am about all these young men in this class,” said Bono. “Most of last year’s class opted to defer enrollment to next fall, which gives us two recruiting classes this year. “All of these young men are exceptional wrestlers, students and citizens. These guys are the future of Badger Wrestling and I could not be more excited to get these guys on campus.”
Braxton Amos
Mineral Wells, W.V. / Parkersburg South High School
Coach: Shaun Smith 197 pounds
Bono on Amos: “He’s the No. 1 kid in the country! Braxton is unbelievable young man … rest of story at https://uwbadgers.com/news/2020/11/16/wrestling-badgers-welcomes-new-wrestlers-for-2021.aspx?mc_cid=46ecd7f19c&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
4 } – Mocs Ink Three State Champs in Early Signing Period
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga wrestling head coach Kyle Ruschell signed three student-athletes to National Letters of Intent during the early signing period. All three future Mocs are state champions and all are set to join the program in the fall of 2021. “I am excited about this group we have coming in,” said Ruschell. “They are all winners and have competed at a high level. I look forward to seeing the impact they will have on our program.”
This group includes Dayne Dalrymple (Memphis, Tenn.), Blake Boarman (Evansville, Ind.) and Hunter Noland (Dalton, Ga.). Dalrymple won the 2020 Tennessee Division II state title at 120 pounds as a junior at Christian Brothers High School in Memphis. He finished with a 53-7 record last season. He was 52-6 as a sophomore and finished third at the state tournament. “We are excited to add to Dayne to our Chattanooga Wrestling Family,” stated Ruschell. “He is one of the top seniors from the state of Tennessee. He is an exceptional worker and embodies our Chattanooga Wrestling Philosophy.” “I am looking forward to adding to the Christian Brothers pipeline. They are a fantastic program and continue to produce guys that are prepared.” … rest of story at https://gomocs.com/news/2020/11/23/wrestling-mocs-ink-three-state-champs-in-early-signing-period.aspx?mc_cid=638194e439&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
5 } – Iowa State Signs Seven In Class Of 2021
MES, Iowa – Iowa State head coach, Kevin Dresser, announced his 2021 signing class earlier this month. The class includes seven incoming freshmen, with four ranked in the top-175 in the class of 2021. “We are very excited about this group,” Dresser said of his 2021 recruiting class. “The most exciting part is the upside of this class. We’re excited to see how this class comes together, but the certain is that these guys right here insure good days are ahead for Cyclone wrestling.”
2021 Iowa State Wrestling Recruiting Class
Jack Gaukel – Sergeant Bluff, Iowa (Sergeant Bluff-Luton) // 149 or 157
Three-time Iowa High School State Finalist … rest of story at https://cyclones.com/news/2020/11/23/wrestling-iowa-state-signs-seven-in-class-of-2021.aspx?mc_cid=638194e439&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
6 } – Wrestling: Wadsworth’s Logan Messer picks George Mason
WADSWORTH — Success in wrestling is all about feel, and making a college choice isn’t much different. Wadsworth’s Logan Messer had his Division I choices narrowed down to Cleveland State, Duke and George Mason, and in the end it was all about the Patriots. The senior signed his letter of intent and will make the trek to Virginia next fall. “I just really feel like the wrestlers and all the coaches that I talked to and texted gave me the right vibe,” Messer said. “I really feel like they believed in me a lot. They believed I could do a lot and I liked the encouragement from them.”
The fact Grizzlies teammate Jon List will join Messer at George Mason helped the 170-pounder. While having List on campus wasn’t the deciding factor, it helped as the two have talked about being roommates. “I feel like that’s going to help a lot,” Messer said. “College is a completely different world, so having that one familiar face that you can come back to and be comfortable with will also be nice.” … rest of story at https://medina-gazette.com/news/242270/wrestling-wadsworths-logan-messer-picks-george-mason/?mc_cid=59de35edde&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
7 } – Little Rock Signs Six Wrestlers for 2021-22
LITTLE ROCK – Head coach Neil Erisman has announced the signing of six talented new Trojans, including two that are nationally ranked, that will all continue to elevate the Little Rock wrestling program. Joining the team in the fall of 2021 are Jacob Adams (Bentonville, Arkansas), Cougar Andersen (Skiatook, Oklahoma), Cayden Auch (Neosho, Missouri), Matthew Bianchi (Two Rivers, Wisconsin), Cade Manion (Edmond, Oklahoma), and Reid Nelson (Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota).
Read more about the incoming class below:
Jacob Adams (Bentonville, Arkansas) … rest of story at https://lrtrojans.com/news/2020/12/7/wrestling-little-rock-signs-six-wrestlers-for-2021.aspx?mc_cid=c2c44a5110&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
8 } – Oregon State Wrestling Adds 10th Signee
CORVALLIS, Ore. – Oregon State wrestling head coach Chris Pendleton announced Wednesday that two-time state champion Asher Ruchti (pronounced Rucktee) has signed a National Letter of Intent to join the program for the 2021-22 season. A Springfield, Ore., native, the 6-foot-1 Ruchti is expected to wrestle at 184 pounds for the Beavers. He lettered two years for Pleasant Hill High School (126 and 160 pounds) and at Thurston High School (152) pounds as a junior. Over three years, he combined for a 118-9 overall record and won two state titles. He was the Class 5A state champ as a junior, and ended his season with a 43-1 overall record.
Ruchti was the Class 3A state champ as a sophomore at 160 pounds, going 39-3 overall. He was also the Triple Crown State Champion that year. He opened his high school career with a 36-5 record and fourth-place Class 3A finish his freshman year. … rest of story at https://osubeavers.com/news/2020/12/2/oregon-state-wrestling-adds-10th-signee.aspx?mc_cid=580d0bc2a3&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
9} – Dominik Vacura officially pins his spot to NDSU Wrestling
In recent years, Gator Head Wrestling Coach Isaac Novacek just knew his team was in good shape to win a dual if it led going into the 220-pound weight class. Why? He was sending out a now two-time state champion Dominik Vacura. Unlike those Gator dual victory chances going into 220, it chances of wrestling this winter are not as certain. Regardless of what happens this winter, it is certain that Vacura, a senior, will be taking his wrestling talents to North Dakota State University in Fargo next year after signing his letter of intent to wrestle for the NSDU Bison, a Division I program, in the Greenbush-Middle River School gym on November 18. Vacura’s family, including grandparents, parents Jon and Lisa, younger brother and Gator teammate Caleb and sister Kayle, attended the signing event. Former Gator Head Wrestling Coach Todd Bergeron and current Gator Head Wrestling Coach Isaac Novacek also attended the event, sitting beside Vacura when he signed the official papers. Gator Activities Director Sharon Schultz and elementary Gator wrestlers also witnessed the event. Due to COVID, Vacura wasn’t sure when this official moment was going to come. “I’ve been waiting to sign those papers for a long time,” Vacura said. “… I wish the NDSU coach would have been there, but due to COVID stuff here (he was) not allowed to be there. But it was still a special thing to officially become a Bison.”
Coach Novacek congratulated Vacura on this accomplishment. … rest of story at https://www.page1publications.com/2020/11/25/dominik-vacura-officially-pins-his-spot-to-ndsu-wrestling/?mc_cid=de5a36abdc&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
10 } – Jordan Williams to Stay In-State and Wrestle for Oklahoma State
The Oklahoma State Cowboys had the top-ranked recruiting Class in 2020 and are off to an excellent start with their Class of 2021. Now focusing ahead on the Class of 2022, John Smith’s team received a verbal from one of the state’s top recruits, Jordan Williams (Collinsville, OK). Jordan was recently ranked #13 overall among the junior class and is the first junior to verbal to the Cowboys. Williams is a two-time Oklahoma state champion and competed in FloWrestling’s Who’s #1 earlier this fall. Jordan has done his most damage in Fargo, winning 16U stop signs in freestyle in 2018 and 2019. Also in 2019, Williams made the finals of the freestyle Cadet World Team Trials at 51 kgs. He took the first match from defending World silver medalist, Richard Figueroa (Selma, CA), but dropped the next two and lost the series. Jordan recently went 5-0 for Team Dynasty at the Elite 8 Duals … rest of story at https://news.theopenmat.com/high-school-wrestling/jordan-williams-to-stay-in-state-and-wrestle-for-oklahoma-state/79474?mc_cid=d6bdb93622&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
High School News – # 29
TDR Editor’s Notes ; A look over some wrestling news from across the USA as high school seasons are delayed, in doubt and even two states have cancelled.
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1 } – What will high school wrestling look like this winter?
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced state governing bodies to scramble their high school wrestling plans. The prep season kicked off this past week in some states, while others have already pulled the plug on high school wrestling for 2020-21.
Here’s an unofficial look at how states across the country are moving forward with information compiled by the Trackwrestling staff that’s subject to change. … rest of story at https://www.trackwrestling.com/PortalPost.jsp?TIM=1607399620373&twSessionId=ilvlpofpoc&postId=888088135&mc_cid=c2c44a5110&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
2 } – OSAA DELAYS OREGON HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLING TO START MAY 10 AND END A SIX-WEEK SEASON IN LATE JUNE
by Jerry Ulmer, OSAAtoday
In a much-anticipated move, the OSAA on Monday decided to push back the start of its sports seasons as it continues to navigate the COVID-19 crisis. The executive board moved to adopt a three-season plan with six-week seasons, starting with fall sports contests March 1 and followed by spring (April 12) and winter (May 17). The seasons include an “opt-in culminating week,” an option for postseason competition. Fall sports practices are scheduled to begin Feb. 22, except for football, which will start Feb. 8. Spring and winter practices begin April 5 and May 10, respectively.
Editor’s Note: This means that wrestling will begin practices on May 10, with a first day of competition on May 17. The six-week season will end in late June. “It’s a moving target,” OSAA executive director Peter Weber said of altering the calendar. “We needed to make a decision. I think the board made the right decision.” … rest of story at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2020/December/07/Oregon-pushes-high-school-wrestling-from-May-through-June?mc_cid=c2c44a5110&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
3 } – PIAA adjusts winter sports schedules in reverse, keeps starting date
MECHANICSBURG – The Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) did not make any adjustments to the start of winter sport seasons during a board of directors meeting Wednesday afternoon, which will allow athletic competitions to begin tomorrow.
The board did make several adjustments to winter seasons, which includes extending the end-of-season deadline to the date of state championships, and considered a proposal brought forth at the beginning of the board meeting to push back winter seasons.
State College Superintendent Bob O’Donnell, who attended Wednesday’s teleconference as a guest, proposed that all PIAA competitions be pushed back until Feb. 1. O’Donnell, who is a former high school basketball coach and said he is an advocate for playing sports this winter, explained that his school district has had over 50 positive tests within the last 10 days and believed sports should be suspended until Feb. 1.
Though a motion to suspend the start of competitions was never made and a vote never occurred during the meeting, the PIAA approved motions to extend district deadlines, push back state championship dates for each winter sport and allow teams to participate in contests until the date of state championships in an attempt to create a flexible season. … rest of story at https://www.thedailyreview.com/piaa-adjusts-winter-sports-schedules-in-reverse-keeps-starting-date/article_9ad76f4b-4b70-5107-af1c-11857b593f9b.html?mc_cid=d179f0f753&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
4 } – MSHSL Releases Wrestling Guidance and Information
The Minnesota State High School League released guidance and information for the 2020-2021 wrestling season. Information covered in the released document includes practice protocols, equipment usage (mats, water bottles, workout clothing), locker room use, masks/face coverings, official’s uniform and equipment, site set-up, pre-competition protocols, competition protocols, and post-match protocols.
Winter 2020-2021 Wrestling Guidance and Information … rest of story at https://theguillotine.com/2020/11/mshsl-releases-wrestling-guidance-and-information/?mc_cid=870ca1d130&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
5 } – Earl Smith breaking down the Vengeance in Virginia on December 6
Earl Smith talks Vengeance in Virginia coming December 6. The event, which starts at 3 p.m. at Top of the Podium in Sterling, will feature 18 bouts with a mix of high school boys, high school girls and one college all-star bout. Information can be found at VirginiaWrestling.com.
Live streaming will be available on Trackwrestling.com.
SHORT TIME SHOTS
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga announced on Wednesday that the 2021 Southern Scuffle has been canceled. Full details can be found at GoMocs.com, but congratulations 2020, you’ve already screwed up the first two days of 2021. We know for certain that the Virginia Duals and Southern Scuffle are two tournaments that have been axed for the first part of 2021 and it goes without saying that the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational, which would take place this coming weekend, has also been sacked. The Midlands hasn’t made an official announcement, but … rest of story at https://www.mattalkonline.com/podcast/short-time/earl-smith-breaking-down-the-vengeance-in-virginia-on-december-6/?mc_cid=29548697b5&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
6 } – Big changes made for MSHSAA winter championships
District assignments set for basketball, wrestling
There are drastic changes in the postseason formats for the Missouri high school basketball, wrestling and swimming and diving championships. The MSHSAA announced these changes on Friday along with district assignments for basketball and wrestling and class assignments for swimming. Of course, concerns about COVID-19 led to the modifications, which include changes in playing dates and locations. And some of these changes increase the possibility of allowing fans to attend. …
WRESTLING
Wrestling remains four classes for boys and one for girls, but that’s about the only similarity to last season. The number of boys districts has been doubled from four to eight. Fewer wrestlers and coaches in each district not only helps with safety but also could make it possible for fans to attend.
The top-four finishers in each weight class at district will not qualify for the state tournament. Instead, they will advance to a sectional tournament, which will have eight-man brackets determined from two districts. The top-three finishers at sectional advance to the state meet. Three qualifiers from four sectionals produce a 12-man bracket instead of a 16-man bracket. And the 12-man bracket is a must because there will be four one-day state tournaments. Yes, instead of a three-day state tournament comprised of all four classes, each class will have a one-day tournament. The site or sites for these tournaments have not been finalized. It … rest of story at https://www.joplinglobe.com/sports/local_sports/big-changes-made-for-mshsaa-winter-championships/article_5542f50c-94ba-5b55-a056-82dba9351de6.html?mc_cid=1d3b41c6e1&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
7 } – The Dan Gable Donnybrook
CORALVILLE (November 11, 2020) – The Dan Gable Donnybrook, a premier high school wrestling tournament scheduled to take place at Xtream Arena & GreenState Family Fieldhouse in Coralville December 4-5 has been cancelled. “While we are confident in our abilities and the facilities at Xtream Arena to reduce the amount of exposure to our athletes and fans, it isn’t prudent at this time to proceed with an event of this size given the recent explosion of cases locally and across the country,” said Luke Eustice, Manager of Sports Development at Think Iowa City, the tournament organizer. “Safety is number one.” Originally planned for 33 teams, the tournament was already going to be smaller than the original vision due to the pandemic. “For one, not all schools are competing in any athletics yet. … rest of story at https://www.thepredicament.com/2020/11/the-dan-gable-donnybrook/?mc_cid=ebacab18d4&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
8 } – Official COVID-19 high school wrestling rule: you can wrestle but no shaking hands
In Ohio, high school wrestling season began with some questionable new rules set by the Ohio High School Athletic Association. Notably, reports WLWT5, “Student-athletes are permitted to wrestle, but must refrain from handshakes before and after the match.” From WLWT5:
All those on the team bench also need to observe social distancing of 6 feet[…]
To conclude the end of match procedure, the official may point to the winning wrestler while raising his or her own arm (with open hand) having the requisite wristband color (red/green) of the winning wrestler. … rest of story at https://boingboing.net/2020/12/04/official-covid-19-high-school-wrestling-rule-you-can-wrestle-but-no-shaking-hands.html?utm_content=bufferf7837&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer&fbclid=IwAR17a9VDmc5ik6F-BuO9DEaHLBKZHhXzzOHzvuSe6IZleLXEqDpn9KHqf-Y
9} – Wrestling enjoyed an unprecedented decade
The year 2020 is wrapping up the most successful decade of local wrestling since its inception in 1948. Teamwise, our area has celebrated eight state championships in a ten-year period. Independence and Greenbrier West have carried the load, with the Patriots winning five state titles and West’s Cavaliers winning three. Greenbrier East’s Spartans contributed by winning their first ever regional title in 2017. In February 2020, Spartans coach Brian Miluk directed the first West Virginia Dual Team championship at The Greenbrier resort.. This was an event wrestling people have been wanting for years and Coach Miluk made it happen. It was first class. On the college level, Bluefield College started a wrestling team in 2018 and it has been well received. Last season, for the first time, WVU Tech hosted the Appalachian Athletic Conference tournament at the Beckley-Raleigh County Convention Center. It was also a first class event. The Golden Bears were able to finish second in the tournament and qualified three individuals to the nationals. Individually, local schools have crowned 31 state champions since 2011. … rest of story at https://www.register-herald.com/sports/wrestling-enjoyed-an-unprecedented-decade/article_2002f5bf-18f2-5f34-91bb-74bb4a4a6665.html?mc_cid=1d3b41c6e1&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
10 } – OUTSTANDING ATHLETES SHOWCASED IN GIRLS AND BOYS DIVISIONS AT WESTERN STATES TOURNAMENT IN UTAH ON SATURDAY
FARMINGTON, Utah – USA Wrestling’s Western States associations came together on Saturday to host another major tournament, with over 1,000 athletes from numerous states from across the nation able to show their stuff. At this event, the Western States organizers did not award Outstanding Wrestler awards, but there were outstanding wrestling performances at each and every level. The Girls High School division featured four nationally ranked wrestlers who won individual titles. Shelby Moore of the Takedown Express of Washington won the 126 pound title, pinning Mackenzie Shearon of COWA in the finals in 28 seconds. Moore is ranked No. 5 in the nation at 122 pounds. Moore’s White River High School teammate, Jenna Beddow of the Takedown Express, claimed the 115-pound title with a pin over Hania Halverson in 2:19. Beddow is ranked No. 15 in the nation at 117 pounds. Oregon star Tyler Richardson from The Factory was the 141-pound titlist, scoring a fall in 3:38 in the finals over Mariah Wahl of the North Montana WC. Richardson clocks in with a No. 10 national ranking at 144 pounds. … rest of story at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2020/December/06/Western-States-Tournament-wrap?mc_cid=c2c44a5110&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
College Results – # 5
TDR Editor’s Notes ; More results from NAIA school duals and a few NCAA Division II schools are starting their seasons. We welcome news, results and input. Please keep sending it in.
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1 } – Lindsey-Wilson TAKES CARE OF BUSINESS; SWEEP RIO GRANDE AND THOMAS MORE
CRESTVIEW HILLS, Ky. – The No. 4-ranked Lindsey Wilson wrestling team had themselves a day at the Connor Convocation Center downing both Rio Grande (Ohio) and (RV) Thomas More (Ky.). LWC defeated Rio Grande 57-0 before besting Thomas More 48-0. The Blue Raiders (4-0, 2-0 MSC) swept both matches, not allowing their opponents to pick up a single point on the afternoon. This season the Blue Raiders have only seen defeat in one single bout. LWC showcased their talent up and down the lineup, picking up 14 pins, three major decisions and three decisions across their 20 bouts.
Lindsey Wilson 57 – Rio Grande 0
The Blue Raiders had their way with Rio Grande this afternoon picking up nine pin victories and one decision across ten matches. Lindsey Wilson won five via forfeits, coming at 133, 157, 165, 184 and 197-pounds. Cagen Wallace (No. 6 at 125) kicked things off pinning Lucas Chess in one minute and 37 seconds. Tanner DeMien picked up another pin at 141-pounds when he forced Blake Brown to the mat in just 42 seconds. Trent Johnson (No. 3 at 149) pinned Phil Severance in 1:07 before Johnny Lee added a 10-8 decision over Kiah Smith at 174-pounds. Brandon Reed (No. 1 at HW) closed out the match when he pinned Layton Mitchell in 2:13.
Lindsey Wilson 48 – Thomas More 0
Lindsey Wilson managed another perfect match … rest of story at http://www.lindseyathletics.com/article/12890.php?skipSplash=1&mc_cid=ac95ae6b76&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b&skipSplash=1&skipSplash=1
2 } – GPAC dual streak reaches 10 with victory at Midland
FREMONT, Neb. – It did not last long, but the Concordia University Wrestling team got what it came for. In returning to action for the first time since Nov. 14, the Bulldogs won eight of 10 matches in a 38-7 GPAC dual victory at Midland on Thursday (Dec. 3) night. Four matches went uncontested in a meeting that took place inside the Wikert Event Center. Third-year Head Coach Levi Calhoun’s squad (2-1 overall) also owns a victory over Dakota Wesleyan. Concordia was ranked third in the first GPAC rankings of 2020-21. … rest of story at https://www.cune.edu/athletics/teams/wrestling/news/gpac-dual-streak-reaches-10-victory-midland?mc_cid=29548697b5&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
3 } -Crimson edges Slate, 33-32, in intrasquad dual
GUNNISON, Colo. — The Western Colorado wrestling team’s annual Crimson and Slate dual came down to the wire with Crimson edging Slate, 33-32
The lead was traded back-and-forth early on in the dual before a James Steerman pin gave Slate a 26-19 advantage – the largest lead for either team in the dual. But Crimson won three of the final four matches – including an overtime win by Sammy deSeriere in the final match of the night – to complete the comeback victory. The Mountaineers open the season next Thursday … rest of story at https://gomountaineers.com/news/2020/12/3/wrst03Dec2020.aspx?mc_cid=29548697b5&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
Mountaineers edge Colorado Mesa in final bout, fall to Nebraska-Kearney
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — The Western Colorado wrestling team used a wild finish to beat Colorado Mesa in a non-RMAC dual after falling to Nebraska-Kearney in their season opener Thursday at Brownson Arena. The Mountaineers picked up a 25-24 win over the Mavericks in their second dual of the day thanks to a pin at heavyweight from Sammy deSeriere in the final match. This followed Western losing to UNK 39-13 in their first dual of the day – and season. In the win over CMU, the Mountaineers fell behind 12-0 after the first three matches of the night before Jason Hanenberg at 149 pounds picked up an 8-0 major decision victory to get Western on the board with four points. It was the start of 19 consecutive points … rest of story at https://gomountaineers.com/news/2020/12/10/WRST10Dec2020.aspx
4 } – Bonus Points help Wrestling win Florida Duals Title
LAKELAND, Fla.—A veteran lineup racked up 98 team points in its two duals against upstart Florida programs Keiser and St. Thomas during the Florida Duals. Against St. Thomas, the Fire scored first in every match, and in the first period in nine of the 10 bouts and against Keiser, scored first in six of the eight contested matches. SEU also scored on top, picking up a total of 48 nearfall points against Keiser and another 36 against the Bobcats. “I think we stepped up and performed really well today,” said coach Brandon Jorge. “It helps when most of your lineup is returners and former qualifiers especially against younger programs.” Blake Rypel won both of his matches at 184, scoring an 11-5 decision against Keiser’s Josh Crandall and a pin in just 42 seconds against Jonathan Evans of St. Thomas. Mason Kump was also 2-0 on the day and picked up 12 team points and needed just 1:29 to accomplish his two pins. “The focus this week was scoring first and scoring a lot and that’s a mentality we have to have in every match,” said Jorge. … rest of story at https://fire.seu.edu/news/2020/12/5/bonus-points-help-wrestling-win-florida-duals-title.aspx?mc_cid=224601c412&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
5 } – Graceland POSTS 4-0 RECORD IN VIKING DUALS
LAMONI – The #15 nationally ranked Graceland wrestlers are off to a 4-0 start in the 2020-21 campaign after competing at the Viking Duals in Marshall, Missouri yesterday. Hosted by Missouri Valley College, Graceland faced (RV) Texas Wesleyan University in their first dual. They defeated Texas Wesleyan 29-20 to begin the day. Colton White and Joe Lupton began the dual with wins by the way of a fall. Israel Casarez, Brennan Swafford, and Drew Sams each won their matches as well for the Yellowjackets to secure their first win of the day. The Yellowjackets’ following dual was also against an NAIA ranked opponent in (RV) Dickinson State University. Lupton, Casarez, Jordan Denny, Swafford, and Sams grabbed wins in the dual over Dickinson State. Graceland held on for the 26-25 win to move to a 2-0 record. Graceland’s next dual was versus Oklahoma Wesleyan University. As a team, Graceland had three pins in the dual. Individual wins were picked up by Lupton, Zack Wicks, Colby Wilken, Casarez, Denny, Swafford, Sams, John Schuttler, and David Toese. Graceland won big in their third dual defeating Oklahoma Wesleyan, 42-6. … rest of story at https://www.gujackets.com/article/5424.php?mc_cid=224601c412&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
6 } – WILLIAM PENN BEATS BAKER FOR FIRST TIME
Baldwin City, Kan.–The Statesmen men’s wrestling team accomplished something Thursday none of its predecessors could as it knocked off Baker 27-26 in Heart of America Athletic Conference dual action. WPU (1-1, 1-0 Heart) slipped by the Wildcats (1-1, 1-1 Heart) for the first time in seven meetings. BU broke even Thursday, defeating Central Methodist 33-21 later in the night. Nadhelo Charles-Pierre (Sr., Miramar, Fla., Sports Management) started the meet with a 4-3 triumph over Ryan Mitchell at 125 pounds. Brise Bennett (Fr., Morgantown, W.Va., Business Management) extended the advantage to 9-0 by pinning Tyler Nishi-Rivera in a time of 3:33. The hosts answered with a fall of their own to get on the board, but 149-pounder Joe Eads (Jr., Morrison, Ill., Biology) and 157-pounder Makail Stanley (Fr., Orena, Ill., Biology) gave the navy and gold a near-insurmountable advantage by receiving back-to-back forfeits. Although not running at full strength, Baker refused to go away, however, claiming victory in three consecutive bouts, drawing to within one at 21-20 entering the 197-pound battle. … rest of story at https://www.statesmenathletics.com/article/8958?mc_cid=876213e0a7&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
7 } – WRESTLING TAKES DOWN NO. 9 MARIAN AND NO. 10 CUMBERLAND
COLUMBIA, Ky. – The No. 4-ranked Lindsey Wilson wrestling team put on an impressive show this afternoon at Biggers Sports Center improving to 6-0 on the season with wins over two NAIA top-10 opponents. The Blue Raiders defeated No. 9 Marian 31-20 before closing out the tri-dual with a 27-19 win over Cumberland. Lindsey Wilson managed wins in 12-of-20 matches, winning three by decision, one by major decision, three by technical falls and five via pins
Lindsey Wilson 31 | Marian 20
Marian won the opening 125-pound bout when Lindsey Wilsons Morgan Smith was pinned by Ty Haskins in the first period. Sam Bacon (No. 5 at 133) got the Blue Raiders on the board with a 7-4 decision over Trey McCartney (No. 14 at 133). The Knights increased their advantage to 11-3 at 141-pounds when Blake Mulkey produced a technical fall over Tanner DeMien. Lindsey Wilson was then able to string together three straight extra point victories with back-to-back pins and a technical fall. Trent Johnson (No. 3 at 149) pinned Seth Johnson in two minutes and 17 seconds as Derrick Smallwood (No. 2 at 157) followed suit, pinning Ismael Cornejo in 1:57. Joe Koontz (No. 7 at 165) dominated his match against Elliot Rogers, winning on a 16-0 technical fall, to give the Blue Raiders a 20-11 lead. The Blue Raiders would forfeit at 174-pounds as Trajan Hurd (No. 11 at 184) dropped a close 6-5 decision to Sam Osho (No. 7 at 184). Tied at 20, the Blue Raiders won both of the remaining matches to secure the victory. Trevor Lawson (No. 2 at 197) picked up a technical fall against Austin Lane in 5:32 while Carlos Figueroa managed an upset pin victory over Ethan Bunce (No. 6 at HW). … rest of story at http://www.lindseyathletics.com/article/12900.php?skipSplash=1&mc_cid=876213e0a7&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b&skipSplash=1&skipSplash=1
8 } – BRAVES SINK THE BETHANY SWEDES, 49-0
OTTAWA, Kan. – The Ottawa University tripped up the Bethany Swedes in a dual on Tuesday in Wilson Field House, 49-0. Ottawa picked up their second KCAC win against the Swedes. Freddy Maisberger IV won by forfeit in the 125lb weight division. Quintin Talbert also won by forfeit in the 133lb weight division. In the 141lb weight class, Parker Wright defeated Dayton Randall (Bethany) by a technical fall. Cordell Hunt won by fall over Isaiah Frederick (Bethany) in the 157lb weight division. Kolby Droegemeier won a 14-9 decision over Nick Desch (Bethany) in the 165lb weight class. In the 174lb weight division, JD Perez won a 20-8 major decision over Chase Pywell (Bethany). Hunter Tindall followed with a major decision victory of his own, Tindall defeated Victor Monarrez (Bethany) by a 11-1 major decision in the 184lb weight class. … rest of story at https://www.ottawabraves.com/article/mens-wrestling/mwr-braves-sink-the-bethany-swedes-49-0?mc_cid=6c7e360412&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
9} – A Weird Season Begins on the Western Slope
Kearney, Neb. – The Nebraska-Kearney wrestling team finally begins the 2020-21 season with duals against former RMAC rivals Western Colorado and Colorado Mesa this Thursday (Dec. 10). The Lopers, who normally begin the year in early November, face the WCU Mountaineers and CMU Mavericks in Grand Junction Thursday evening. To get as much mat time for as many individuals as possible a series of exhibition matches will take place prior to the three duals. UNK duals Western at 4 p.m. Central and then Mesa at around 5:30. Rivals Western and Mesa then close the night at seven. A live web stream is available with results on www.trackwrestling.com. The Lopers will not be a full strength due to some bumps and bruises; most of the injured starters will be back by next semester. Head coach Dalton Jensen and his staff have a veteran unit … rest of story at https://lopers.com/news/2020/12/9/wrestling-a-weird-season-begins-in-the-western-slope.aspx?mc_cid=372ecbefe1&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
10 } – UNK Defeats Western and Mesa to Start; Cyclones Up Next
Kearney, Neb. – Junior Terrell Garraway and redshirt freshman Joseph Reimers came up big late to help Nebraska-Kearney down Colorado Mesa, 23-21 (PDF), Thursday night in Grand Junction, Colo. This was “Opening Night” for UNK wrestling. The Lopers started the day with an easy 39-13 win (PDF) over Western Colorado. The team’s next action comes January 10 at Iowa State; that dual previously was set for January 9. Down a few key starters due to some injuries, UNK saw the Mavericks take three of the first four matches. South Carolina redshirt senior Talon Seitz started the comeback with a first period fall at 157 pounds with Iowa redshirt senior Matt Malcom following with a 16-0 tech fall. Garraway (Lenexa, Kan.) was locked in a battle with junior Seth Latham at 174 pounds, each tallying five points by late in the third period. That’s when Garraway stuck him at 7:21 for six points and a momentum shift. Reimers (Seward) continued the UNK run as he racked up 11 first period points against redshirt junior Nolan Krone. However, Reimers had to hang on for 15-13 victory as Krone managed four late takedowns. … rest of story at https://lopers.com/news/2020/12/10/wrestling-unk-defeats-western-and-mesa-to-start-cyclones-up-next.aspx?mc_cid=d179f0f753&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
College Wrestling News – # 115
TDR Editor’s Notes ; A scan across the country with news of programs ending, seasons postponedor canceled by some teams. Letters to school officials and fund raising efforts are included as some of the efforts to reinstate programs and to continue wrestling opportunities.
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1 } – Twenty sports teams sign letter in support of reinstatement for cut teams
On Oct. 13, 20 Dartmouth sports teams issued an open letter addressed to College President Phil Hanlon and athletics director Harry Sheehy calling for the reinstatement of the five varsity teams eliminated in July. The letter, sent by diver Isabella Lichen ’22, calls upon the College to “rethink their decision, provide transparency and find a more equitable solution” to the financial issues posed by COVID-19 and admissions concerns, concluding with the message, “We are #OneDartmouthTeam.”
The letter argues against the idea that “recruiting more non-athletes will improve the Dartmouth experience.” The signees — 18 varsity teams and two club teams — voiced concern over what they argued was lack of transparency and accountability in the administration’s decision-making process. The letter also contends that the cuts will cause “permanent damage to Dartmouth’s ability to recruit in good faith.”
The letter, Lichen said, demonstrated the solidarity of 20 Big Green athletic teams and their opposition to the administration’s decision in a “concrete way.” … rest of story at https://www.thedartmouth.com/article/2020/10/twenty-sports-teams-sign-letter-in-support-of-reinstatement-for-cut-teams?mc_cid=69b31ff737&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
2 } – Letter to the administration: On Stanford wrestling
Distinguished Administration of Stanford University:
In response to your decision to eliminate wrestling at Stanford University, it is important that you understand the impact that wrestling has on the lives of so many socio-economically diverse people who benefit from the demands and challenges of the sport. Wrestling helps so many open their eyes to a new world, forge unbreakable family bonds and learn toughness, discipline and humility. It taught me the greatest values of the sport: how to selflessly commit to a greater purpose. Those I wrestled with helped me redefine what the word “family” meant, and I realized — through wrestling — the importance of education. Stanford is setting a terrible example by discontinuing the sport.
For a large part of his life, my father had never heard of Stanford University; he probably would still struggle to find Palo Alto on a map. His education ended after seventh grade when he turned to a full-time job to help bring income to a financially struggling family. His grandson, however, began attending Stanford University in the fall of 2020 on a wrestling scholarship. How, in just two generations, did a family go through such an educational transformation? … rest of story at https://www.stanforddaily.com/2020/10/28/letter-to-the-administration-on-stanford-wrestling/?mc_cid=69b31ff737&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
Keep Stanford wrestling: An open letter to University administrators
An open letter to Stanford University administrators:
Wednesday, July 8 was one of those days you can never forget as a mom; to see my son with his head hanging, and with a deep sigh, telling me that the sport which he has loved since the age of four was going to be cut at the end of this year. My heart sank. As I read the open letter to the community posted on behalf of President Tessier-Lavigne, Provost Drell and Athletic Director Muir, I became even more confused by the logic of the decision to cut the Stanford wrestling program. I must express my concern for the lack of researching all possible solutions and avenues to keeping the program, and the abrupt manner with which the news was delivered. I am disheartened, and must respectfully disagree with this decision. I understand the immensity of the responsibilities placed upon the University administration, especially trying to navigate through a pandemic. However, I would hope that the Stanford University administrators would take a step back and recall some of the core values that Stanford is known for: “ethics, boldness, and foundations.” … rest of story at https://www.stanforddaily.com/2020/11/05/keep-stanford-wrestling-an-open-letter-to-university-administrators/?mc_cid=b6ed949da8&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
Keep Stanford Wrestling raises $10 million in attempt to preserve varsity status
Despite funding, future of wrestling program remains unclear
By Tammer Bagdasarian on November 15, 2020
Keep Stanford Wrestling, an alumni-run group dedicated to convincing the University to maintain the wrestling program’s varsity status, announced that it had raised over $10 million from alumni and supporters as of Oct. 29. The efforts come following the July 8 announcement that the University intended to eliminate the wrestling program along with 10 other varsity sports after the 2020-21 season.
It is unclear whether the subsequent fundraising efforts will have any impact on the University’s decision to cut the program, however. In a statement to The Daily, Stanford Athletics spokesperson Brian Risso wrote that “the decisions to reduce our sports offerings are final, and any future philanthropic interest in these sports may be directed towards supporting them at the club level.” … rest of story at https://www.stanforddaily.com/2020/11/15/sports-wrestling-10-million/?mc_cid=7e05e44971&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
3 } – SUNY Brockport reinstates wrestling program
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — SUNY Brockport has reinstated its wrestling program.
The college suspended wrestling back in September, saying the program was found to have violated SUNY’s social distancing and mask policies during at least two organized team activities. SUNY Brockport reported the violations to the National Collegiate Athletic Association.
The team is cleared to begin team activities on Nov. 1 but is now on conduct probation. … rest of story at https://www.whec.com/back-to-school-rochester/suny-brockport-reinstates-wrestling-program/5910711/?mc_cid=69b31ff737&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
4 } – The heartbreaking reality — and staggering numbers — of NCAA teams cut during the pandemic
Stanford junior Justin Lui had a plan: He was going to get a five-year integrated bachelor’s and master’s degree in management science and engineering — all the while playing volleyball. Then, represent Canada at the Olympics in 2024. That was before Stanford cut 11 sports, including volleyball, on July 8.
“For most prospective Olympic hopefuls, we have a small window — miss it and you’ll miss the entire road to the Olympics. This year — with the virus and the program cut — could very well be that window of opportunity I am missing, but I am doing everything I can to make sure that doesn’t happen,” Lui said. About 2,000 miles away, Eli Hoeft dreamed of running for the Minnesota track team just like his father and brother once did. … rest of story at https://www.espn.com/olympics/story/_/id/30116720/the-heartbreaking-reality-staggering-numbers-ncaa-teams-cut-pandemic?mc_cid=5c187c6cfd&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
5 } – Ithaca College, Liberty League Announce Decision on Winter Sport Competition
ITHACA, N.Y. – Throughout the fall semester, the presidents, vice presidents, and directors of athletics at Liberty League institutions have engaged in planning and analysis for the possibility of a safe return to competition for the winter sport season.
After careful consideration of each campus’s safety measures to mitigate risk of exposure to COVID-19, including limiting off-campus travel; restricting visitors to campus; strict protocols for physical distancing; robust testing; quarantine and isolation needs; and significant academic calendar modifications, the Liberty League has reached the difficult decision to cancel all conference competition and championships for the winter season. … rest of story at https://athletics.ithaca.edu/news/2020/11/9/general-ithaca-college-liberty-league-announce-decision-on-winter-sport-competition.aspx?mc_cid=799fb85b6c&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
6 } – Princeton wrestling coach reacts as Ivy League cancels winter sports
There will be no cool slogans for the Princeton University wrestling team this year, no #GetIn or #Burntheships. There will also be no defending the Ivy League wrestling title it won dramatically over Cornell last year and no wrestlers headed to the NCAA Wrestling Championships in St Louis to chase All-American titles. The Ivy League announced on Thursday it was canceling winter sports – the first Division I league to do so – including wrestling, where Cornell was expected to compete for a national title and Princeton had put itself in the national spotlight the last two years. … rest of story at https://www.nj.com/sports/2020/11/princeton-wrestling-coach-reacts-as-ivy-league-cancels-winter-sports.html?mc_cid=870ca1d130&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
7 } – MASCAC CANCELS WINTER SPORTS
The Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference has canceled winter sports, and the schools have canceled all winter competition. This includes Bridgewater State wrestling.
“After an in-depth review of the information from the state and NCAA, consultation among the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) presidents, athletic directors, and athletic trainers and after exhausting all possibilities, including a review of the risks involved, the eight MASCAC presidents have made the difficult decision to cancel all winter sports competition. This includes the sports of men’s and women’s basketball, men’s ice hockey and men’s and women’s indoor track and field. The MASCAC Council of Presidents has confirmed that this will include all non-MASCAC sports as well.“ … rest of story at https://www.d3wrestle.com/mascac-cancels-winter-sports/?mc_cid=870ca1d130&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
8 } – A Message From Andy Noel
Dear alumni, parents, friends and fans of the Big Red…
Last evening the Ivy League Presidents announced that the pause on athletics competition will continue through winter as the global COVID-19 pandemic has worsened. The earliest any of our teams will have a chance to compete will be March 1, and only if conditions improve and are deemed safe to do so.
Though there are promising reports regarding therapeutics and the development of vaccines, they do not immediately change the situation on the ground that includes record daily infection numbers and near-record hospitalizations. The prognosis is no better than when spring and fall 2020 sports were canceled, and by most metrics the situation is worse now. There remains uncertainty over long-term effects of the virus on the infected. Though Cornell has done an impressive job containing the virus on campus, it is in large part due to restrictions that would need to be lifted to allow athletic competition, including current travel and visitor policies. … rest of story at https://cornellbigred.com/news/2020/11/13/general-amessage-from-andy-noel.aspx?mc_cid=870ca1d130&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
9} – Athletic Department Announces Winter Sports Update
ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Due to ongoing health and safety concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic, Rochester Institute of Technology has canceled all winter sports competition for the 2020-21 season.
Affected teams include men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s ice hockey, men’s and women’s swimming & diving, men’s and women’s indoor track & field and wrestling.
“This was a very difficult decision and we understand the disappointment this brings to our student-athletes and coaches,” said RIT President David Munson. “But given the rise in COVID-19 in our community, as well as across the nation and globe, this is the right thing to do for athletes and community safety. We remain committed to providing RIT Tigers the highest-level academic experience as well as a safe environment where they will be able to continue their growth as individuals and as teams.”
RIT’s men’s and women’s ice hockey teams play at the Division I level, with the men playing in the Atlantic Hockey Association and the women playing in College Hockey America. While these conferences are still scheduled to play, RIT leadership felt the obstacles were too high to play during a global pandemic. … rest of story at https://ritathletics.com/news/2020/11/9/winter-sports-update.aspx?mc_cid=799fb85b6c&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
10 } – Yetzer is building program at Roanoke, promoting wrestling despite the pandemic
It’s hard enough to start a brand new program at an NCAA institution, but when you’re dealing with the coronavirus pandemic as well it adds an extra degree of difficulty. However, that’s not stopping Nate Yetzer from carrying on in his new position as head wrestling coach at Roanoke College.
Roanoke announced that the college would be adding wrestling in January of this year, and Yetzer was hired in March, right after folks started realizing this pandemic was going to be serious. RC athletic director Scott Allison announced the Maroons would first field a team for the 2021-22 season, joining Emory & Henry, Shenandoah, Washington & Lee and Ferrum as schools in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference to offer the sport. The Maroons hired Yetzer away from Ferrum, where he built the Panthers into a solid Division III contender. … rest of story at https://fincastleherald.com/yetzer-is-building-program-at-roanoke-promoting-wrestling-despite-the-pandemic/?mc_cid=61e8f19369&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
NCAA Division II Programs & News – # 6
TDR Editor’s Notes ; While we are still waiting until the start of the new year when the the start of the postponed season for the NCAA Division II. Until then here are a selection of articles about the coaches, teams, recruits and wrestling stars, +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
1 } – Five D2 hammers you need to know about
Sophomores dominated the big stage at the 2019 Division II NCAA Championships with nine finalists and six champions, stockpiling the D2 level with recognizable names for the next two seasons. Many of those headliners are seniors now and still winning big. And several others have elevated their game to join the elite category.
Here’s a look at five D2 hammers you should know about:
Heath Gray (Central Oklahoma) — The 2020 NWCA Division II Wrestler of the Year finished the season with a 29-1 record and 21 bonus-point victories at 184. Gray finished the season with 28 consecutive wins after dropping an early-season decision against Oklahoma State’s Dakota Geer. The senior from Chandler, Oklahoma posted a 36-2 record as a sophomore and placed third at the 2019 NCAA Championships.
Matt Malcom (Nebraska-Kearney) — A three-time All-American who placed fourth at the NCAA Championships as a freshman, won a national title at 157 as a sophomore and posted 21 bonus-point wins last year during a 30-8 junior season at 165.
Colby Smith (Lindenwood) — A three-time Missouri state high school champion who experienced success at the Division I level, qualifying for the NCAA Championships as a freshman at Appalachian State before transferring to Missouri, where he placed third at the 2018 Southern Scuffle. Posted a 13-0 record last year in his first season at Lindenwood at 141. … rest of story at https://www.trackwrestling.com/tw/PortalPost.jsp?postId=877853135&mc_cid=46ecd7f19c&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
2 } – SCSU Wrestling inks four student-athletes
St. Cloud, Minn. – St. Cloud State University head wrestling coach Steve Costanzo has announced the Huskies wrestling team’s 2021 recruiting class Wednesday with the addition of three high school standouts and one junior college standout.
The signees, who plan to enroll at SCSU next fall include:
Augustus Donovan, 157 pounds, Richland Center, WI
Anthony Herrera, 157/165 pounds, Stansbury Park, UT
Tyson Meyer, 184/197 pounds, Glenwood, MN
Nicholas Novak, 141/149 pounds, New Prague, MN
“We look forward to bringing in these fine student-athletes to the Huskies wrestling program,” Costanzo said. “These young men are all outstanding students in the classroom and have displayed a lot of potential on the mat. … rest of story at https://scsuhuskies.com/news/2020/11/14/scsu-wrestling-inks-four-student-athletes.aspx?mc_cid=0db378071a&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
3 } – College Recruiting: state champion Steele to Augsburg University
Derek Steele of Sibley East has committed to wrestling for Augsburg University next season. Steele is a two-time state finalist winning the 113-pound Class A title in 2020 as a junior. He was runner-up at 113 pounds as a sophomore and was a state entrant at 113 pounds as a freshman. Steele has had success at the state level in both freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling. … rest of story at https://theguillotine.com/2020/10/college-recruiting-state-champion-steele-to-augsburg-university/?mc_cid=a5e2a6cc0d&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
4 } – SCSU Quarantine Convos – Assistant Wrestling Coach Brady Wilson
Watch the latest episode of the SCSU Quaratine Convos with Huskies assistant wrestling coach Brady Wilson … rest of story at https://scsuhuskies.com/news/2020/11/18/scsu-quarantine-convos-assistant-wrestling-coach-brady-wilson.aspx?mc_cid=d63f9879b6&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
5 } – Colt Sponseller Announced As Eagles’ Head Wrestling Coach
A familiar name and face in Ohio wrestling circles is the new name and face leading Ashland University’s wrestling program. Al King, Ashland Director of Athletics, announced on Monday (Nov. 23) morning that Colt Sponseller, former wrestler at nearby West Holmes High School and The Ohio State University, is the 10th head coach in the six-decade history of Eagle grappling. Sponseller has spent the last five years as an assistant coach at NCAA Division I Ohio University.
“I’m super excited,” Sponseller said. “The history of Ashland wrestling and the University, it’s a long history of success. I’m really excited to have my first head-coaching job be here. My first experience in college wrestling was here at the Wendy’s Duals. Coming up here for camps and knowing a lot of the alumni…just knowing the history and tradition of success here, I couldn’t be more thrilled.”
“Our hope is Colt will bring some new perspectives, ideas and energy to our wrestling program,” King said. “He’s been mentored by some veteran coaches who know how to build and direct an entire wrestling program, one that focuses on academic and athletic success.
“Colt brings an interesting background to campus. He grew up close to Ashland and got his first taste of college wrestling coming to AU to watch our teams and wrestle in summer camps. He competed at Ohio State and coached at Edinboro and Ohio University. Our hope is those experiences are going to help generate some new features for our program.” Sponseller takes over at Ashland for Josh Hutchens, who spent seven seasons leading Ashland wrestling before leaving in September to take an athletic director position in the Daleville (Ind.) Community School District. Sponseller is coming into a program right before a new season – and with the added challenges that come with navigating the COVID-19 pandemic. … rest of story at https://goashlandeagles.com/news/2020/11/23/colt-sponseller-announced-as-eagles-head-wrestling-coach.aspx?mc_cid=638194e439&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
6 } – Colin Johnston Named Head Wrestling Coach
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — Fairmont State University Director of Athletics Greg Bamberger has named Colin Johnston head wrestling coach as the Falcons enter their second season competing at the NCAA Division II level. Johnston was a standout wrestler at West Virginia University and has coaching experience at multiple levels of NCAA wrestling. Johnston was also inducted into the Southwest Pennsylvania Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2018. The prep standout earned Hall of Fame recognition after winning four WPIAL titles from 2005-08 at Canon-McMillan High School in Pennsylvania, including a trio of PIAA top-three finishes.
“We are extremely excited to welcome Colin and his family to Fairmont and look forward to his leadership for our wrestling program,” said Bamberger. “Colin is a young, energetic coach that has a great vision for our young program.
“Colin brings experience from multiple levels of collegiate wrestling and will be able to relate to and lead our student–athletes based on the experiences he has had as a student-athlete, assistant coach, and head coach,” Bamberger continued. … rest of story at https://fightingfalcons.com/news/2020/11/25/colin-johnston-named-head-wrestling-coach.aspx?mc_cid=de5a36abdc&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
7 } – Andy Bricker Named Director Of Wrestling
First coach in program history; comes to LMU from Tampa Prep (Fla.)
HARROGATE, Tenn. – Director of Athletics Jasher Cox has selected Andy Bricker as the inaugural Lincoln Memorial University director of wrestling, the LMU athletic department announced Wednesday afternoon.
Coach Bricker, a former Division I wrestler at Campbell University, arrives in Harrogate after spending the last 12 years as the head coach of Tampa Preparatory School.
“I am elated to have Coach Bricker launch our men’s and women’s wrestling programs,” Cox said. “His understanding of the sport and recruiting experience in our region will be extremely valuable to our institution. We feel fortunate to have someone of his caliber and level of knowledge here at LMU. He also understands the value having a great experience both academically and athletically here in Harrogate.”
During his time at Tampa Prep, Bricker was in charge of instructing technique, designing a strength and conditioning program, scheduling competitions, organizing travel, communicating with the local media, and managing the team’s Twitter account. He coached seven wrestlers to individual state championships and had nine state runners-up. The team finished in the top five at the state championship on four occasions, and several wrestlers continued their careers at NCAA Division I and II schools. “I’m honored and grateful to be selected by LMU to serve as the Director of Wrestling,” … rest of story at https://lmurailsplitters.com/news/2020/12/2/mens-wrestling-andy-bricker-named-director-of-wrestling.aspx?mc_cid=580d0bc2a3&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
8 } – NSIC Welcomes Parkside Wrestling for 2021 Season
KENOSHA, Wis. – The Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference has announced it has approved Parkside wrestling to join as an associated member for the 2021 season, one year earlier than previously announced. The Rangers wrestling program was slated to officially join the NSIC for the 2021-22 season, but faced scheduling difficulties during the pandemic. The announcement creates a 6-dual schedule for the Rangers in 2021 and a chance to compete for a conference championship.
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK: Parkside Ranger Athletics
“On behalf of the Parkside wrestling program, we’d like to thank Commissioner Erin Lind, the conference office, and the wrestling coaches and administrators around the NSIC for being so accommodating to us during this time,” head coach Dr. Corey VanGroll ’09 said. “The team is excited to have competition on the calendar after a long summer and preseason of uncertainty. We look forward to our first season in NSIC.”
The NSIC Wrestling schedule will be six duals starting the second week of January and concluding the second week of February. Schools will compete against six of its nine conference opponents. A regular season champion will be crowned based on win percentage from the six duals.
Parkside is scheduled to open the 2021 season at home against Augustana on Saturday, Jan. 9 at 2 p.m. … rest of story at https://parksiderangers.com/news/2020/11/16/nsic-welcomes-wrestling-for-2021-season.aspx?mc_cid=7e05e44971&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
9} – Friday Feature: Lapping The Field
Friday Features Are Brought To You By UCO ROTC
EDMOND – Coming off back-to-back national championships and with a veteran squad returning, Central Oklahoma entered the 1993-94 wrestling season as the heavy favorites to continue its reign as the class of NCAA Division II. “We have high expectations,” 12th-year head coach David James said in the media guide’s preseason outlook. “Obviously we’ve got to be optimistic and excited about the season, but you try to keep those things in prospective. Hopefully the guys all came back with positive attitudes, attitudes like ‘let’s work hard like we have in the past and not let down.'”
The Bronchos didn’t disappoint.
Top-ranked UCO performed at an elite level all season and capped the campaign with a dominating national tournament performance in staking its claim as one of the best teams in the program’s storied history. Senior veterans Keith Cunningham (167 pounds) and Randy Zellner (118) were the unquestioned leaders among Central’s returners, with the Bronchos also benefitting from the addition of two newcomers who ended up as national champions. UCO went 12-2 in duals, which included a surprise seventh-place finish in the NWCA National Duals. The Bronchos beat defending NCAA Division III champion Wartburg (37-2), No. 4 Michigan (24-13) and No. 10 Fresno State (43-9) while losing to No. 6 Penn State (30-12) and No. 11 Nebraska (25-10) to become the first non-Division I team to place in the 16-team event. “That was probably the biggest win since I’ve been involved with UCO,” James told the Vista after … rest of story at https://bronchosports.com/news/2020/10/30/wrestling-friday-feature-lapping-the-field.aspx?mc_cid=69b31ff737&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
10 } – TOM’s Thanksgiving Food Finals
Before you sit down with family and friends (or meet over Zoom/Skype/FaceTime) to enjoy a Thanksgiving feast, let’s reevaluate your meal. Look at your food items through the lens of a college wrestling program. What are your favorite Thanksgiving-related choices and which leave a little bit to be desired? I know I have my favorites! Today, we’ve listed most of the staples of a Thanksgiving dinner and matched them up with a potential member of a college team. Let us know your feedback and how you would label your meal. I expect this will be more controversial than trying to pick a side in an Iowa/Penn State dual meet. Oh and we’re just evaluating main course items. No desserts. We’re wrestlers, we’ll probably eat whatever dessert we can get our hands on.
National Champion (Green Bean Casserole) – It’s potential is endless. A national title may be too low of a bar for this awesome side. Any dinner with green bean casserole automatically gets about 20 team points for the head of the household. This really should be a normal part of your repertoire rather than a holiday favorite. The High-Ceiling Potential (Stuffing) – I expect to get varying opinions on this one. For me, stuffing is neck-and-neck with the green bean casserole. On a good day, prepared by the right person, maybe it wins the national title. Some may be quick to throw it in the “did not qualify” category, though. It’s the most volatile choice, here.
The Low-Floor Potential (Macaroni and Cheese) – I don’t expect the macaroni and cheese to blow my mind with its awesomeness, but at the same time, it will be one of the better options on the table. You can be safe in assuming this favorite will make an appearance on the medal stand.
The One that Bumped Up Two Weights and AA’ed (Mashed Potatoes) – What does this mean? The mashed potatoes are versatile; they’re a team player. If you’re someone that likes to mix your foods together, … rest of story at https://news.theopenmat.com/05-feature-articles/toms-thanksgiving-food-finals/79514?mc_cid=de5a36abdc&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
National Wrestling News – Dec. # 1
TDR Editor’s Notes ; As we catch up on our national news announcing Coach Gable’s Medal of Freedom Award (#1 & #2) which was presented on Dec. 7th. The editorial in #10 extolls his virtues as the first wrestler ever to be presented this award. When ones sees the brief video of the event it is puzzling to see the ending as the coach is just left in puzzlement. If Coach Gable were to visit my house I certainly would not walk out and leave him standing. The full story article is below article #10 with links or web addresses to the videos of the event. Only soem of the articles are included here with a link to the full article so that traffic will be generated to the sites which reinforces their attention to our sport. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
1 } – Gable’s role growing wrestling worldwide secured presidential honor
IOWA CITY, Iowa (KWWL) – Athletes like Tiger Woods and Roger Staubach have been given the Presidential Medal of Freedom for their contributions to the sporting world but until Wednesday, it’d never happened to a wrestler. Olympic gold-medalist, collegiate superstar and Waterloo native Dan Gable will soon be the first man of the mat to earn the honor. ‘This award hit me by a pretty good surprise, even though I had known some people that were working on it,” Gable said Thursday. The award is given to Americans who make a significant contribution to national security, world peace or culture. It is the highest honor a civilian can earn. Gable believes the work he did to grow the game worldwide helped him earn the medal. “There’s common pieces that countries use when they try to get along and wrestling has been one of those pieces,” Gable said. “I’m glad to have been a part of that.”
During the 1972 Munich Olympics and his tenure as a coach for USA Wrestling, he’s seen countries like Iran and Russia pour a significant amount of resources into wrestling. Whether out of competition or respect, he thinks it brought different nationalities together. “I think our good relationship in the sport of wrestling has helped actually keep some of the peace nationally,” Gable said. … rest of story at https://kwwl.com/2020/10/15/gables-role-growing-wrestling-worldwide-secured-presidential-honor/?mc_cid=1debff05aa&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
2 } – A son-in-law’s letter to a senator leads to president awarding wrestling icon Dan Gable the Medal of Freedom
Dan Gable spent his Tuesday evening in Monticello, Iowa, where cellphone service isn’t exactly crystal clear. On the drive back to Iowa City, his phone lit up with missed calls and messages. One text came from a son-in-law, Danny Olszta. “Check your voicemail when you get a minute,” Olszta advised. One came from an unknown number with a Washington, D.C., area code.
It was the White House, Gable recalled, with the news that a significant award will soon be added to his already-crowded trophy case. President Donald J. Trump plans to honor Gable with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest honor for a civilian. “To get an award like this, it’s a lifetime achievement award, not only for what you did, but for what you continue to do,” Gable told the Register Wednesday morning. “People are texting me and calling me, and they’re just like off the wall.” … rest of story at https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/sports/2020/10/14/president-donald-trump-award-dan-gable-presidential-medal-freedom-usa-wrestling-iowa-iowa-state/3650467001/?mc_cid=61e8f19369&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
3 } – Las Vegas could host multiple NCAA championship events
It wasn’t long ago that Las Vegas officials wouldn’t even think of applying to host NCAA championships because the state was prohibited from doing so because of its legalized sports betting. But when the NCAA changed its policy in May 2019, the door opened for Las Vegas to host the College Football Playoff National Championship, Final Four and many other title events. Local officials haven’t let their initial opportunity slip by. MGM Resorts partnered with UNLV to apply for the 2023 and 2026 men’s basketball regionals and NCAA wrestling championships and collaborated with Las Vegas Events for the 2023 and 2026 Frozen Fours, which is hockey’s championship. If awarded, those events would take place at T-Mobile Arena.
The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority applied for multiple events from Division I to Division III between 2022 and 2026 to be held at venues throughout the valley. … rest of story at https://www.reviewjournal.com/sports/las-vegas-could-host-multiple-ncaa-championship-events-2145632/?mc_cid=b223987602&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
4 } – How fanatical should a wrestler be to reach ultimate goals?
We all know wrestlers who put themselves through training regimens that would make mere mortals drop. We call them fanatical trainers who go beyond the prescribed methods and put in extra work. They are the ones who coaches rave about as the first to arrive at practice and the last to leave. Is that type of training necessary, though? Is driving oneself into the ground the best way to develop into a great wrestler? Is there a better way to train?
Ultimately, is hard work a myth? And, to take it a step further, what exactly is hard work? Hard work is more about semantics (the study of meaning) and less about running a couple of extra wind sprints at the end of practice. We use language to assign meaning to what we see and, in turn, it formulates our perception.
Take six-time World and Olympic champion John Smith. He has said that there were only a handful of times during his career where he shook hands with a practice partner and went live for an hour. His logic was a wrestling match is six or seven minutes long. Why go longer than that in practice? By some measures, Smith wasn’t working hard enough. He didn’t put in the extra time. He went hard for six or seven minutes and then stopped.
The result was two Olympic gold medals, four World titles, and an American record that likely won’t be broken. The next closest Americans — Jordan Burroughs and Kyle Snyder — have won three World/Olympic titles in a row. Maybe it’s not about working hard. Maybe it’s about the necessary work required to reach one’s full potential. … rest of story at https://www.trackwrestling.com/PortalPost.jsp?TIM=1605327207520&twSessionId=wcuhonabod&postId=876171135&mc_cid=870ca1d130&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
5 } – Leistikow: If NCAA does right thing on eligibility, Spencer Lee’s quest for 4 NCAA titles can resume
The door is ajar for Division I winter-sports athletes to get a so-called “free” year of eligibility. Now, the NCAA needs to do the right thing and blast it open. Blanket waivers were given to spring-sports athletes who lost their seasons when the NCAA canceled winter and spring championships March 12. Blanket waivers have been granted to fall-sports athletes, including in football, who are competing in a shell of the originally planned season during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Winter-sports athletes are next to learn their fate. And they deserve to hear good news that might be coming. Over the weekend, Stadium’s Jeff Goodman reported that the NCAA’s Basketball Oversight Committees were recommending to the Division I Council to vote on whether winter athletes should get an extra year regardless of whether they play, and that it should pass based on the spring and fall precedents. (The NCAA confirmed that the D-I Council will meet Oct. 13-14.) … rest of story at https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/sports/college/columnists/chad-leistikow/2020/10/07/ncaa-eligibility-vote-winter-sports-could-revive-hawkeyes-spencer-lee-quest-4-wrestling-titles/5909012002/?mc_cid=2b31bc4749&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
6 } – Matside Recap: Senior Nationals
The Matside is back to discuss the finals of the 2020 Senior Nationals in all three styles. Richard Mann and Clay Sauertieg break down the 16 Senior Nationals finals matches in Greco Roman, women’s wrestling and freestyle. The two touch on a variety of topics including the offensive dynamo that is Benji Peak, a shootout between Lauren Louive and Xochitl Mota-Pettis as well as the continuation of Logan Massa’s freestyle hot streak. … rest of story at https://intermatwrestle.com/articles/23922?mc_cid=2844d9a77e&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
7 } – LUJAN WINS OW, MAULLER BEATS DEMAS AS 10 CHAMPIONS CROWNED AT U23 FREESTYLE NATIONALS
OMAHA, Neb. – What did Taylor Lujan of the Panther WC RTC do for an encore, after placing second in FloWrestling’s 8-Man 195-pound bracket? He came to the U23 National Championships in Omaha, claimed the 86 kg title and went home as the event’s Outstanding Wrestler. Lujan needed just 2:44 to secure a 10-0 technical fall win over Max Lyon of the Boilermaker RTC in the finals. He used two takedowns and three gut wrenches to secure the victory. He scored a pin and four technical falls during the two-day event.
Wrestling fans who have been waiting for high-level competition featuring college-age wrestlers had some great action to enjoy, as numerous Regional Training Centers affiliated with college wrestling programs brought a strong field of competitors. One of the big finals matches came at 65 kg, where Missouri’s Brock Mauller of the Tiger Style WC battled Oklahoma’s Domonick Demas of the Oklahoma RTC. Mauller led 2-0 at the break, but opened it up with six second-period points to claim the title. … rest of story at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2020/November/15/U23-Freestyle-Wrap?mc_cid=0db378071a&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
8 } – Wrestling takeaways: Lujan, Shapiro, Attasauov among champs at UWW Junior, U23 national championships
Wrestling has stormed back into action in recent months. There have been singular dual-style events, like Flowrestling’s Who’s Number One, where Fort Dodge’s Drake Ayala won one of the premier matches. The Hawkeye Wrestling Club hosted its Showdown Open, too, where many Hawkeyes competed, at long last.
There’s also been some tournaments. Ayala followed his Who’s Number One performance by winning the Super 32 Challenge. Alex Thomsen, Kyven Gadson and others shined at the U.S. Senior National Championships in Coralville last month. The wrestling calendar continued its busy slate this past weekend. Omaha’s CHI Health Center hosted the UWW Junior and U23 national championships, which featured as many as 23 returning national champs between greco, men’s freestyle and women’s freestyle, and countless other talented wrestlers, including many stars from the NCAA.
When competition wrapped up Sunday, nine champs with Iowa ties were crowned. Yes, nine — and two of them were named the Outstanding Wrestler of their respective tournaments. … rest of story at https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/sports/high-school/2020/11/15/wrestling-taylor-lujan-joel-shapiro-ramazan-attasauov-champs-uww-junior-u-23-national-championships/6303780002/?mc_cid=0db378071a&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
9} – NDwrestle Expands Exclusive Content to Rokfin
NDwrestle.com is excited to announce our channel launch on Rokfin. New premium content for the 2020-21 High School, Youth and College post season will be placed on the Rokfin platform from play by play, interviews, session recaps and more. Fans will still be able to access the NDwrestle for brackets, results, photos, stats and more for free. Users who subscribe to NDwrestle.com’s Rokfin channel for $9.99 per month will access content from all creators across the network. Moving to Rokfin will tie North Dakota coverage with other state platforms such as IAwrestle, NEwrestle, PAPower, MissouriWrestle, JerseyWrestling and more.
“Over the years the NDwrestle readers have come to expect a certain level of quality from Rick Mathern aka ND Headlock. The move to Rokfin will allow us to continue to provide the high-quality content they have come to love from NDwrestle while also pushing us to raise the bar in the areas we are already successful. This move will also foster the ability to move into new forms of content and produce more in-depth features.” – Tony Hager owner of NDwrestle. The official launch of NDwrestle’s Rokfin channel debuts our first set of Class A and B Top 10 Seniors with other grades to be released throughout coming weeks. … rest of story at https://ndwrestle.com/2020/10/20/ndwrestle-expands-exclusive-content-to-rokfin/?mc_cid=a5e2a6cc0d&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
10 } – EDITORIAL: Gable honor stresses greatness within us
Nearly 60 years ago, a slightly built young man’s family was wracked by unspeakable tragedy. He responded by completely dedicating himself to the one thing he could control — his ability to dominate an opponent on a wrestling mat. Dan Gable used that skill turn the international sport of wrestling on its ear. He brought honor to his hometown, his state and his country, steamrolling his way through high school and college to a gold medal at the 1972 Olympics. When his athletic career was over, he imparted his knowledge on other young men and became one of the greatest collegiate coaches of all time in any sport. For his intensity, his focus and an indomitable will to win despite all obstacles, Gable is now earning his nation’s highest civilian honor — the Presidential Medal of Freedom. “I’m excited,” Gable said after being notified of the award. “It’s good for Waterloo. It’s good for the museum. It’s good for the state. It is motivation for me to keep doing what I’m doing for the sport I love, wrestling.” The appeal of Gable’s story is universal. It transcends school rivalries. He’s the only person with a statue outside Carver-Hawkeye Arena at the University of Iowa in Iowa City and a banner hanging from the rafters at Hilton Coliseum at Iowa State University in Ames — rivals united in their contributions to his success. … rest of story at https://wcfcourier.com/opinion/editorial-gable-honor-stresses-greatness-within-us/article_c7c7321a-62bf-58ac-87f2-37ac7ebe6f88.html?mc_cid=ab142e53b8&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
Video of presentation at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EA9zYQslohc
and the ending as shown here https://www.nj.com/sports/2020/12/president-trump-walks-out-on-medal-of-freedom-ceremony-for-legendary-wrestler-dan-gable.html
International Wrestling News – # 12
TDR Editor’s Notes ; Looking at some of the news in international competition and wrestlers this fall. The USA, Japan and some others will not compete in the worldchampionships but others will. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
1 } – USA WRESTLING DECIDES NOT TO SEND A TEAM TO THE SENIOR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS IN SERBIA, DEC. 12-20
USA Wrestling, the national governing body for wrestling in the United States, will not send a team to compete at the 2020 Senior World Wrestling Championships, set for Belgrade, Serbia, Dec. 12-20. USA Wrestling’s Executive Committee, which acts on behalf of the Board of Directors between Board meetings, in an October 20 meeting, unanimously approved a proposal not to participate in the Senior World Championships due to health and safety issues caused by the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic. “The health and safety of U.S. athletes, coaches and staff is always the No. 1 concern for USA Wrestling. After reviewing updated medical, scientific and government data, and providing an opportunity for athlete and stakeholder input, the Executive Committee concluded that it would not be in the best interest of all involved to organize a delegation to travel to and participate in the Senior World Championships in Serbia,” said Bruce Baumgartner, USA Wrestling President. … rest of story at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2020/October/20/USA-Wrestling-decision-regarding-World-Championships?mc_cid=a5e2a6cc0d&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
2 } – One of the lasting effects of the pandemic may be the way news media cover the Olympic Games … or don’t cover
No one knows when the coronavirus pandemic will end, but everyone is sure that it will have brought changes to the way we live and work. That includes the Olympic Games and all of the other large-scale international sports events that now take place, drawing thousands – even tens of thousands – of media of all kinds to cover them. But even before the pandemic, the situation was changing, and the pandemic is accelerating it. Let’s start with the recent media attendance at London 2012 and Rio 2016. Both met the “25,000 media attend the Games” threshold, but a look inside the numbers gives the real picture:
In London 2012:
● 15.8% writing press (3,965)
● 6.1% photographers (1,528)
● 1.5% support staff (390)
● 1.7% non-rights-holding broadcasters (429)
● 27.3% Host Broadcaster staff (6,876)
● 47.6% Rights-holding broadcast staff (11,974)
● 25,162 total media accreditations
In Rio 2016:
● 14.2% writing press (3,651)
● 5.7% photographers (1,472)
● 1.3% support staff (331)
● 1.7% non-rights-holding broadcasters (443) … rest of story at http://www.thesportsexaminer.com/lane-one-one-of-the-lasting-effects-of-the-pandemic-may-be-the-way-news-media-cover-the-olympic-games-or-dont-cover/?mc_cid=c883bf378a&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
3 } – Executive Committee Confirms Wrestling World Championships for Belgrade in December
CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (October 12) – The United World Wrestling Executive Committee today approved existing plans to host the 2020 Senior Wrestling World Championships December 12-20 in Belgrade, Serbia. The committee approved the championships after receiving commitments from more than 70-percent of National Federations, a participation hurdle it had set for itself last month. The bureau will meet November 6th to discuss any changes to the event due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and it’s impact on participation. “We are cautiously optimistic about wrestling’s return in December,” said United World Wrestling president Nenad LALOVIC. “The safety of our athletes, coaches, and staff is our top priority and we will be taking every measure to ensure that happens in Belgrade.” The Junior Wrestling World Championships, originally scheduled for the week prior, were cancelled after feedback from the national federations indicated concerns about the number of participants able to attend. … rest of story at https://unitedworldwrestling.org/article/executive-committee-confirms-wrestling-world-championships-belgrade-december?mc_cid=9d92b7854a&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
4 } – How USA Wrestling landed on the decision to skip the World Championships
USA Wrestling pulled the plug Tuesday night on sending a team in December to the World Championships in Serbia amid the COVID-19 pandemic. On Wednesday, a group of officials associated with the national governing body outlined and addressed the decision during a video teleconference. The World Championships — at least for now — are scheduled to begin Dec. 12 inside Belgrade’s Stark Arena, which is currently being utilized as a temporary COVID-19 hospital.
United World Wrestling’s executive committee will reconvene on Nov. 6 to assess the situation and make a final decision on whether to move forward with the event. But the United States is out, marking the first time the Americans will miss a World Championships since 2002 when USA Wrestling opted not to send a men’s freestyle squad to Tehran. The Americans pulled out that year after being informed by the U.S. government of a possible threat to the team’s safety in Iran. … rest of story at https://www.trackwrestling.com/PortalPost.jsp?TIM=1603420562759&twSessionId=gwvztvxbro&postId=871121135&mc_cid=6032bfb245&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
5 } – Wrestling Goes Green
Once a staple of the referee’s table, bout sheets have gone digital.
CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY (October 21) – For years wrestling events were run on paper. Each tournament saw thousands of bout sheets printed and distributed to referees, who used them to verify scores and match outcomes. That’ll soon be a thing of the past. In a pre-digital world, the bout sheets (which are kept by the judge and signed by the mat chairman after each match) were once seen as a protection against corruption and poor behavior. But with all matches now filmed and results updated instantly on a worldwide database the need for paper bouts has expired, allowing for a fully digital touchpad system. The change will save more than 30,000 pieces of paper per year, equivalent to 46 pounds of carbon saved per year.
Sustainability is key part of United World Wrestling’s strategy moving forward and eliminating paper waster brings the organization more in line with partners like the IOC, FISU, and Commonwealth Games Federation. It’s clear to all members of the worldwide sports community that sustainability must be a top priority when organizing events. For United World Wrestling the project started … rest of story at https://unitedworldwrestling.org/article/wrestling-goes-green?mc_cid=ab142e53b8&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
6 } – Alex Dieringer has Surgery to Repair ACL
Dieringer says he’ll do everything in his power to be ready for the Olympic Trials
Alex Dieringer posted on Instagram on Thursday that he had surgery on his knee to repair his ACL and miniscus. The surgery took place on Wednesday and it sounds as though Dieringer still hopes to compete in the Olympic Trials. The trials were originally scheduled for early April 2020 before the Olympics was postponed until 2021. Meaning if they keep the same trial dates, Dieringer will have a five-month recovery time from his surgery for the trials. According to the Mayo Clinic it can take from eight to 12 months before an athlete is ready to start competing again after ACL surgery. This is certainly a significant blow to Dieringer’s training plans for the Olympics and unfortunately looks like it could very possibly keep him out of the 2021 Olympic Trials. Dieringer’s last competition before the surgery was at the initial Nittany Lion Wrestling Club event where he fell to Bo Nickal. … rest of story at https://pistolsfiringblog.com/alex-dieringer-has-surgery-to-repair-acl/?mc_cid=cc6d7a1ffb&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
7 } – JAPAN OPTS TO SKIP SENIOR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
Japan will not send a team to the World Championships scheduled for December in Belgrade, citing safety for the wrestlers amid the global pandemic, the Japan Wrestling Federation announced on Oct. 30. The federation noted the surge in coronavirus infections in Europe and the fact that the arena that will serve as the venue for the World Championships in the Serbian capital is currently being used as a makeshift hospital for covid-19 patients. Japan, which won three gold medals and nine overall at the 2019 World Championships in Nur-Sultan, joins the United States in announcing it would skip this year’s tournament. Japan, where coronavirus infections continue to spread but have been largely contained through nationwide adherence to countermeasures … rest of story at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2020/November/03/Japan-to-skip-Senior-World-Championships?mc_cid=1abb33fe3e&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
Japan joins United States in opting out of World Wrestling Championships
The Japan Wrestling Federation has announced it will not send athletes to next month’s World Championships in Serbia.
Belgrade is set to host the Senior World Championships from December 12 to 20. The Senior World Championships, United World Wrestling’s flagship event outside of the Olympic Games, had initially been due to take place in Oslo in Norway. The event was moved to Belgrade as part of a restructure to the sport’s calendar amid the coronavirus pandemic.
USA Wrestling last month announced it would not send a team to the event. The organisation said it would not put its athletes in “harm’s way”, with the Executive Committee concluding that it would not be in the best interests of all involved to participate. The Japan Wrestling Federation has now followed the United States in opting out of the event. … rest of story at https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1100359/japan-withdrawal-wrestling-world-champs?mc_cid=68c338ad78&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
8 } – Zagreb GP Preview: Major Int’l Greco Is Finally Back!
This weekend, there are two major Senior international Greco-Roman tournaments being held in Europe — the Wladyslaw Pytlasinski Cup in Warsaw, Poland and the Grand Prix Zagreb Open in Zagreb, Croatia. Both events will stream live via the internet, and both tournaments are expected to host a stout collection of World-level athletes. Traditionally, these tournaments operate months apart. Zagreb owns the winter; Pytlasinski, the summer. Alas, we’re living in weird times. The pandemic shut down every international event at the Senior level (and elsewhere) from March until this very week. A variety of countries began running domestic tournaments late last month but that isn’t the same thing. Greco thrives on top-tier international tournaments. They are the style’s life blood. The Olympic Games being postponed was bad enough; the proceeding eight-month hiatus following the early stages of the pandemic have been even worse. … rest of story at http://www.fivepointmove.com/greco-wrestling-news/2020-zagreb-gp-preview/?mc_cid=b6ed949da8&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
9} – UPDATED Nov. 6: News from Around the World
Yazdani, Geraei Among Champions at Iran World Team Trials
Iran held its world team trials for the 2020 World Championships. Strict protocols were followed, including PCR testing and quarantining for all participants. In the freestyle competition, Olympic and world champion Hassan YAZDANI was dominant at 86kg, defeating Asian silver medalist Ahmad BAZRI, 11-0. Yazdani will seek his sixth world or Olympic medal. Other freestyle champions included Reza ATRI (57kg), Majid DASTAN (61kg), Amir Mohammad YAZDANI (65kg), Mostafa HOSSEINKHANI (74kg), Ali SAVADKOUHI (79kg), Kamran GHASEMPOUR (92kg), Ali SHABANI (97kg) and Amin TAHERI (125kg).
In Greco-Roman, two-time world bronze medalist Mohammad Ali GERAEI earned a spot on the Iran national team at 77kg with a victory over Pejman POSHTAM, 4-2. Other Greco-Roman champions included Poya DADMARZ (55kg), Alireza NEJATI (60kg), Meysam DELKHANI (63kg), Hossein ASADI (67kg), Amin KAVIANINEJAD (72kg), Mohammad NAGHOUSI (82kg), Hossein NOURI (87kg), Mohammad Hadi SARAVI (97kg) and Amir GHASEMI MONJAZI (130kg).
Freestyle
57kg (Winner: Reza ATRI)
Reza ATRI df. Rahman AMOUZAD KHALILI, 4-4
Alireza SARLAK df. Nader HAJAHANIA, 5-3 … rest of story at https://unitedworldwrestling.org/article/updated-nov-6-news-around-world?mc_cid=b6ed949da8&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
10 } – Wrestling to Organize ‘Individual World Cup’ In Lieu of 2020 World Championships
CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (November 10) — After not reaching the criteria defined by the United World Wrestling Bureau in June to host a ‘World Championships, the decision was made Tuesday to organize an “Individual World Cup” as substitute event. National Federations had been given until Thursday, November 5th to confirm their interest in participating at the 2020 World Championships. UWW had set a benchmark requiring that at least 8 of 10 of the top nations from the 2019 World Championships, and 70% of total athletes, participate in 2020. With many nations reinstating travel restrictions in response to COVID-19 the participation hurdles were not met. “We want to see our athletes compete again on the mat. It’s important to our organization and we are committed to providing them an opportunity,” said United World Wrestling president Nenad Lalovic. “There are real challenges to overcome, but we are working together to find a safe and acceptable format where our top athletes can compete in a world class event.”
The “Individual World Cup” will be held in Belgrade with final confirmation of dates expected in the coming days. The event will include a prize pool of 300,000 CHF spread evenly across the 30 weight categories. The Ordinary Congress and elections have been postponed to 2021, but the World Wrestling End of Year Conference will be organized as a virtual event. … rest of story at https://unitedworldwrestling.org/article/wrestling-organize-individual-world-cup-lieu-2020-world-championships?mc_cid=c33f4da146&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
High School News – # 28
TDR Editor’s Notes ; The following articles are about the changes in seasons in some of the states. The answer in several locations has been to cancel the state sanction schools season while other states have postponed the start of wrestling until much later in the year. Other states have made modifications in the amount and types of competitions. Hopefully these changes will be for the best for the wrestlers. Of course it would be best for all, to have the pandemic infections to be cured as quickly as possible. We hope that wrestling will be able to recover and grow in the long run in spite of these horrible developments. A state by state summary is located and updated on the W.I.N. magazine website which is linked at (#10).
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
1 } – Massachusetts becomes second New England state to cancel wrestling
Massachusetts became the second state in New England to cancel wrestling competition on Friday due to the COVID-19 pandemic when the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) issued new high school sports guidelines for athletic competition this winter. Wrestlers, with modifications, will be allowed to train but there will be no competitions between schools. Small groups of 10 or less will be allowed to train provided they stay apart from each other. The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) already canceled winter state and sectional tournaments in all winter sports earlier in the week. Vermont cancelled high school wrestling for this winter in late October. Connecticut has prohibited any wrestling through January 1 after new rules from the state Department of Health were issued on Thursday. … rest of story at https://ctwrestling.com/2020/11/massachusetts-becomes-second-new-england-state-to-cancel-wrestling/3509/?mc_cid=5c187c6cfd&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
2 } – State Dept. of Health doesn’t recommend wrestling be allowed this winter
by Gerry deSimas, Jr. , Connecticut Wrestling Online Nov. 9, 2020
Connecticut’s Department of Health (DPH) issued new, updated guidance late Monday on sports activities for private, municipal, interscholastic, youth and adult sports leagues during the COVID-19 pandemic and doesn’t recommend that wrestling be held this winter. Wrestling is classified as a high-risk sport by the state and the DPH doesn’t recommend practices or any matches be held.
Indoor individual one-on-one training, aerobic conditioning and non-contact skill development drills could be allowed with modifications, perhaps masks. Wrestling and any other high-risk sports – notably football — was already cancelled through January 1 thanks to an executive order from Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont issued last Thursday. … rest of story at https://ctwrestling.com/2020/11/state-dept-of-health-doesnt-recommend-wrestling-be-allowed-this-winter/3523/?mc_cid=c33f4da146&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
CIAC delays start of winter season, including wrestling, until mid-January
by Gerry deSimas, Jr. , Connecticut Wrestling Online November 17, 2020
The Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference’s (CIAC) Board of Control voted Tuesday to postpone the start of the scholastic winter sports season until Tuesday, January 19, 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. That is the first date that practices could held. With sports requiring 10 days of practices, competition could possibly begin in the first week of February. Glenn Lungarini, executive director of the CIAC, all sports are currently scheduled to start, including wrestling, which is currently classified as a high-risk sport by the Connecticut Department of Health. A decision on wrestling would be made in January. … rest of story at https://ctwrestling.com/2020/11/ciac-delays-start-of-winter-sports-season-including-wrestling-until-mid-january/3545/?mc_cid=97ab69a0c8&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
3 } – Massachusetts, New Jersey move wrestling seasons to spring
Massachusetts and New Jersey have delayed the potential start for the 2021 high school wrestling season to the COVID-19 pandemic. Both states are moving the sport to the spring.
Connecticut has delayed the start of the winter sports season two months until January 19. Practices cannot begin until that date and games would begin around February 1. Since wrestling is considered a high risk sport by the Connecticut Department of Health, modifications would have to be made for the sport to played. On Friday, the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA)’s Board of Directors approved delaying the start of the winter sports season to Dec. 14. The board voted to move wrestling to the spring season. The committee felt that wrestling has a better chance of competing if they hold meets outside. The spring season begins on April 26. Phil Napolitano, the MIAA’s Assistant Executive Director, told Southeast Coast Today.com, “A move to the spring will allow it to take place outdoors. Wrestling being indoors was the main reason it was denied.” Wrestling is also considered a high risk sport by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs.
Wrestling meets not generally held outside. But a Colorado high school, Douglas County, has hosted some outdoor meets the past few years with the mat placed on the artificial turf of their football field. The first match was held in December 2017 and a second match was held in January 2019. … rest of story at https://ctwrestling.com/2020/11/massachusetts-new-jersey-move-wrestling-seasons-into-spring/3551/?mc_cid=d6bdb93622&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
4 } – Richmond Public Schools: No winter sports for high school, middle school athletes
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Citing the increase in COVID-19 cases in the area and with the goal of keeping players, coaches and spectators safe, Richmond Public Schools Superintendent Jason Kamras announced that there will be no winter sports at RPS schools this year.
The decision affects basketball, gymnastics, indoor track, swimming and diving, and wrestling.
“Athletics are important for many reasons: they motivate and inspire, improve student health, and can even lead to college scholarships. I am deeply sensitive to this,” Kamras said in a statement. “At the same time, given our decision to go 100% virtual for the first semester, and given rapidly rising infection rates, we will unfortunately not be fielding any teams this winter.” … rest of story at https://www.wric.com/sports/richmond-public-schools-no-winter-sports-for-high-school-middle-school-athletes/?mc_cid=c33f4da146&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
5 } – OREGON HEALTH AUTHORITY PROHIBITS WRESTLING, AS PART OF FREEZE OF INDOOR SPORTS AND ACTIVITIES
The Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA) issued this tweet today:
UPDATE: The Governor’s Office and OHA has released new Statewide Freeze Guidance for K-12 School Sports. Starting today all indoor sports and activities (including weight training and conditioning) are prohibited.
The organization shared a document from the Oregon Health Authority entitled: Statewide Freeze Guidance – Outdoor K-12 School Sports, Limited Return to Play.
Click here for guidance from Oregon Health Authority
Key points from the document include
Applicability: This guidance applies to outdoor K-12 school sports practice, training and play for specified sports statewide. All indoor K-12 school sports are prohibited at this time. … rest of story at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2020/November/18/Oregon-prohibits-wrestling-as-part-of-indoor-sports-freeze?mc_cid=d63f9879b6&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
6 } – Michigan High School Wrestling Attempts To Move Forward With Masks
To Open one needs to create a free account to see the full story. … rest of story at https://www.flowrestling.org/articles/6824012-michigan-high-school-wrestling-attempts-to-move-forward-with-masks
7 } – NJSIAA MOVES NEW JERSEY HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLING SEASON BACK TO MARCH 1-APRIL 24
By NJSIAA | Nov. 20, 2020, 4:59 p.m. (ET)
The New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) has updated its high school sports plan for the 2020-21 season. Included are a number of things that affect wrestling, which we will post below. The wrestling season has been pushed back.
Below are edits from the document – “Return-to-Play – Season 2 and Season 3 Update”
Season 2, Season 2A and Season 3 Update:
Wrestling has been moved to Season 3, which was originally created to accommodate girls’ volleyball and gymnastics.
Practice Start: March 1
Competition Start: March 16
Competition End: April 24
Gymnastics, G Volleyball and Wrestling – Season 3
Prior to the issuance of Executive Order No. 187 on October 12, 2020, practice and competition for indoor medium and high-risk sports were prohibited. Therefore, in August 2020, the gymnastics and girls’ volleyball seasons were moved to a newly created Season 3. As wrestling is NJSIAA’s high-risk indoor winter sport, per the NJ DOH Guidance for Sports Activities, and based on feedback from health officials and member schools, NJSIAA will postpone wrestling to Season 3. … rest of story at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2020/November/20/NJSIAA-pushes-NJ-high-school-season-to-March-through-late-April?mc_cid=46ecd7f19c&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
8 } – {Maryland} – Winter sports delayed; swimming and wrestling canceled
WORTON — With public health metrics moving in the wrong direction, the school system’s Return to Play Committee on Tuesday canceled the 2020-21 swimming and wrestling seasons and pushed back the start of the remaining winter sports until early January. On Wednesday, Superintendent Karen Couch announced that beginning Monday, Dec. 7, Kent County Public Schools would return to fully remote instruction for all students. Athletic Director Kevin Taylor said he believes Kent is the first county on the Eastern Shore to cancel a winter sport this year due to concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic. “I think they’ll be others. They’re probably waiting to see what schools around them are doing,” Taylor said in a telephone interview Tuesday, Dec. 1.
Winter sports at KCHS were scheduled to start Dec. 7. A swim season would have been problematic because pool time at Washington College’s Casey Swim Center was to be limited to one hour a day and only several days a week, and there would have been no meets, Taylor said. Plus, the pool would not be available for KCHS use once college students return in January for the spring semester.
The cancellation of the wrestling season was not unexpected. The National Federation of State High School Associations has characterized the sport as one of “higher risk” related to transmission of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. “Even though we knew there was a high probability we wouldn’t have a season, we still had hope,” KCHS wrestling coach Chris Yiannakis wrote Wednesday in an email to the Kent County News.
Loss of the season “stings,” he said. Yiannakis was heading into the third year as head coach at his alma mater and was well on his way to rebuilding a program that once ruled the region. The list of returnees included two state tournament qualifiers who each won more than 30 matches last season. “My heart goes out to our four seniors. They lose the most,” Yiannakis wrote in the email. … rest of story at https://www.cecildaily.com/apg/coverage/winter-sports-delayed-swimming-and-wrestling-canceled/article_5ac15100-a441-5bae-b948-a29ffd7c07dc.html?mc_cid=29548697b5&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
9} – Fluvanna wrestlers disappointed by school board’s decision to cancel season
PALMYRA – Shawn Metcalf was set to enter his senior season just a few wins shy of reaching the 100-win milestone during his high school wrestling career. Austin Moore hoped to pursue a berth in the VHSL Class 3 state wrestling championships after narrowly missing out last season.
Neither wrestler will have an opportunity to reach their individual and team milestones this winter after the Fluvanna County School Board recently voted to cancel the Flucos’ wrestling season because of concerns with COVID-19.
Virginia public schools are set to return to practice for winter sports in the next two weeks, but Virginia High School League executive director Dr. John W. “Billy” Haun has maintained that the decision to play would be made at the local school level for each program. So far, a handful of school divisions throughout the Commonwealth have opted out of winter sports, including Williamsburg-James City County, which announced its decision right before the Thanksgiving break, and Henrico County, which announced Monday that it would not participate in winter sports.
To date, Fluvanna County is the only school division in Central Virginia to cancel a sports season. … rest of story at https://dailyprogress.com/sports/fluvanna-wrestlers-disappointed-by-school-boards-decision-to-cancel-season/article_bf7ce190-334f-11eb-a5a9-c3dda0c4bc85.html?mc_cid=2514c7e76e&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
10 } – State-by-state listing of planned high school wrestling seasons in 2021
By Rob Sherrill
The foll0wing is an update to WIN’s state-by-state itinerary of when and if high school wrestling will be held in 2021, according to each state’s governing body. While some states are set to begin in December and complete a normal winter season, Vermont cancelled its wrestling season and the states of California, Illinois Massachusetts, North Carolina and New Mexico will begin later this spring and end in summer.
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Last updated Nov. 24, 2020
Alabama – regular season events limited to four teams; dual state tournament week of Jan. 22; individual state tournament Feb. 18-20. Read Return to Play for Winter Sports here.
Alaska – competition to start Nov. 13; state tournament Jan. 29-30. Read Out-of-State Travel Restrictions here.
Arizona – dual meets only, one match limit per day, out-of-state travel prohibited; regular season ends Jan. 30; boys sectionals Feb. 6, girls sectionals Feb. 13; state tournament not scheduled. Read Winter Sports Modifications here.
Arkansas – limited to 18 events; maximum per event eight teams or 114 individuals; dual meets encouraged; state tournament Feb. 18-20. Read COVID-19 Wrestling Guidelines here.
California – wrestling to move to summer season; wrestling state tournament June 11-12.
Colorado – practice starts Jan. 4, competition Jan. 7; seven dual meets and seven competition days; one-day state tournament Mar. 6.
Connecticut – start of winter sports season postponed to Jan. 19; approval to contest wrestling TBA; state health department has recommended canceling the 2020-21 season.
Delaware – approval to contest wrestling TBA.
Florida – competition starts Nov. 30; minimum match requirements for state tournament eligibility waived; dual state tournaments Jan. 22-23, … rest of story at https://www.win-magazine.com/2020/11/24/state-by-state-listing-of-planned-high-school-wrestling-seasons-in-2021/?mc_cid=1348aad4fc&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b#utm_source=feedly&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=state-by-state-listing-of-planned-high-school-wrestling-seasons-in-2021
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
