College Wrestling News – # 114
TDR Editor’s Notes ; An update on college news in a variety of aspects.
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1 } – NCAA Division I Council reportedly votes to grant additional year of eligibility to winter-sports athletes
Spencer Lee’s pathway to become a four-time NCAA champion could be cleared again, and the drive for five might be alive for Yianni Diakomihalis and Mekhi Lewis. The NCAA’s Division I Council voted Tuesday in favor of granting an additional year of eligibility to winter sports athletes, college basketball analyst Jeff Goodman reported. Goodman tweeted that the decision could be brought back for reconsideration and won’t be official until the close of Wednesday’s meetings. In August, the NCAA granted blanket waivers to athletes participating in fall sports, enabling them to compete this season without exhausting a year of eligibility. The NCAA also ruled then that schools would be allowed a temporary expansion of scholarship limits to accomodate seniors who opt to return for an additional season. The decision on winter-sports athletes could open the door for potential historic feats in college wrestling. … rest of story at https://www.trackwrestling.com/PortalPost.jsp?TIM=1602639465254&twSessionId=katzbfkdqt&postId=869451135&mc_cid=2844d9a77e&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
2 } – Fresno State Athletics announces program changes
FRESNO, Calif. – In response to ongoing financial challenges for Fresno State Athletics, whose revenues have been dramatically impacted this fiscal year by the COVID-19 pandemic, Fresno State announced today its decision to implement program reductions that will ensure long-term financial sustainability of its athletics program. At the conclusion of the 2020-21 academic year, the following sports teams will be discontinued: varsity lacrosse, men’s tennis and wrestling. Fresno State Athletics expects an overall annual budget savings of approximately $2.5 million, once all scholarships and other contractual obligations have been fulfilled.
Following the reduction, Fresno State will continue to sponsor 18 NCAA Division I sports (six men’s sports and 12 women’s sports), serving and supporting approximately 430 student-athletes, while also ensuring the University’s ongoing commitment to gender equity. “Today’s decision is difficult for everyone and yet it is a necessary step to ensure the financial viability of our Athletics Department,” said President Joseph I. Castro. “We appreciate those who have supported these Bulldogs programs over the years, including coaches, current and former student-athletes, and their families.”
The expected operating deficit for Fresno State Athletics this fiscal year is approximately $6.6 million due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the sports teams’ competitive seasons and the related result of not being able to have fans in its venues. (For context, the department’s average annual operating deficit is approximately $2.2 million. … rest of story at https://gobulldogs.com/news/2020/10/16/general-fresno-state-athletics-announces-program-changes.aspx?mc_cid=ef4f862d31&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
3 } – Adventures with the AD – Wrestling
HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. – “Adventures with the AD” is a video series in which each of our Centenary Athletics teams will get a chance to challenge Athletics Director Travis Spencer to complete a skill or drill that they are required to perform in practice or a game. In Episode 4, the wrestling team puts Spencer through his paces including a challenge to climb the rope and do some drilling on the mat. Do you think he successfully completed the challenge? Watch the video. … rest of story at https://centenarycyclones.com/news/2020/10/14/adventures-with-the-ad-wrestling.aspx?mc_cid=61e8f19369&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
4 } – Southeastern Wrestling Releases 2020-21 Schedule
LAKELAND, Fla.—Southeastern University wrestling coach Brandon Jorge released the team’s 2020-21 schedule this afternoon. The Fire will participate in two opens to start the year followed by 12 dual meets.
“Despite some of the scheduling challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we were still able to put together an extremely challenging schedule that will prepare us for our conference and national tournaments,” said Jorge. “We return a very tough dual lineup, so I am looking forward to some of our head-to-head duals against some of the best teams in the nation.” On November 7th, the sixth season of competition begins in Williamsburg, Ky. at the Patriot Open. The following week, the Fire will head to Marietta, Ga. for the Life University Open.
The first dual meets will take place the following week as the Fire host the annual Fire Duals at The Fire Pit. Action will start at 8 a.m. and will feature visits from first-year program Montreat, Reinhardt, Texas Wesleyan, and Keiser. History will be made on December 5th as the Fire host the Florida Duals which will feature three collegiate wrestling teams from the Sunshine State. It has been more than 35 years since multiple programs in Florida have competed in college wrestling. … rest of story at https://fire.seu.edu/news/2020/10/16/wrestling-releases-2020-21-schedule.aspx?mc_cid=ef4f862d31&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
5 } – Adam Wilson named head men’s and women’s wrestling coach
ALBION — On Thursday, Albion College Director of Athletics Matt Arend announced the hiring of Adam Wilson as the head men’s and women’s wrestling coach. Wilson will bring back men’s wrestling after its disbandment from the college in the 1970s while establishing the new women’s program.
A western Michigan native, Wilson comes to Albion after spending the last four seasons as the head assistant men’s wrestling coach at Olivet College. During his time with the Comets, he was heavily involved in recruiting and building a competitive program in the MIAA. Wilson was also responsible for fundraising, managing social media, alumni engagement and competition day items.
“I am extremely grateful to have the opportunity to lead the men’s and women’s wrestling programs at Albion College,” said Wilson. “In addition to the excellent academic opportunities, graduate outcomes and tradition within the athletic department, Matt Arend shared a vision of building a championship program. I am thankful to have this opportunity and I am excited to get to work and have my family join the Albion community.” Wilson also had one-year stints on the coaching staffs at Trine and Washington and Lee, where he oversaw recruiting and training programs for his student-athletes. … rest of story at https://albion.prestosports.com/sports/wrest/2020-21/releases/20201015dgtz17?mc_cid=1a1915e009&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
6 } – Iowa wrestler Tony Cassioppi talks about living through pandemic, what’s next – Podcast
Former Hononegah star wrestler Tony Cassioppi was about to make his run at an NCAA national championship last March, seeded third at 285 headed into the season finale. But then the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and sports across the country (including the NCAA wrestling championships) were canceled. Cassioppi spent the summer waiting for his opportunity to return to the mat, and now the red-shirt sophomore who is eagerly awaiting his next season with the Hawkeyes has a chance to get warmed up in a big way. Cassioppi is not only a part of the Hawkeye Wrestling Club’s Showdown Open on Nov. 1, but he will close out the evening with a match against a former two-time NCAA champion who won a bronze medal at the 2017 World Championships. “This is a great way to get out on the mat and challenge ourselves,“ … rest of story at https://www.rrstar.com/story/sports/high-school/wrestling/2020/10/23/podcast-iowa-wrestler-tony-cassioppi-talks-about-living-through-pandemic-whatrsquos-next/114469034/
7 } – Golden Gopher coach Luke Becker loves his team’s wrestling rivalry with Iowa
Minnesota assistant coach Luke Becker is always ready for a showdown with Iowa. That’s why he is excited about Zach Sanders competing in the Nov. 1 HWC Showdown Open live on Trackwrestling. … rest of story at https://www.trackwrestling.com/PortalPlayer.jsp?TIM=1603682264092&twSessionId=gshnlohvgq&videoId=870910135&mc_cid=ab142e53b8&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
8 } – Four-time All-American Matt Kolodzik goes On The Mat
Princeton’s first four-time wrestling All-American, Matthew Kolodzik, will go On The Mat to talk about his upcoming battle with Pat Lugo at the Hawkeye Wrestling Club Showdown Open on November 1. An Ohio native, Kolodzik wrestled at prep powerhouse Blair Academy in New Jersey before enrolling at Princeton. Join Kyle Klingman and Andy Hamilton On The Mat, the flagship podcast of Trackwrestling.com. … rest of story at https://www.mattalkonline.com/podcast/trackwrestling/on-the-mat/matthew-kolodzik-goes-on-the-mat-otm617/?mc_cid=5358e83a0f&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
9} – CWRU Athletics Announces Cancellation of Winter Sports Competition in 2020-21
Case Western Reserve University announced on Tuesday afternoon that its winter varsity sports (men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s indoor track & field, men’s and women’s swimming & diving, and wrestling) will not be participating in intercollegiate competition this season.
“After consultation with health experts and university leadership, we have also determined that winter sport varsity and club athletic competition cannot take place safely this winter sport season,” said Amy Backus, the James C. Wyant Director of Athletics and Chair of Physical Education at CWRU in an e-mail to student-athletes on Tuesday. “The health and safety of our student-athletes, coaches and staff is the top priority driving this decision. As we have done in the fall, we anticipate that winter sport student-athletes will be able to practice and condition with their coaches in a controlled and safe environment when they return for the spring semester.” The announcement follows a decision announced earlier in the day by the University Athletic Association, cancelling competition in winter sports hosted by the league. Prior to today’s decision, CWRU initially made the announcement to cancel competition for fall sports on July 8, and extended the cancellation on August 3 to include all sports through the end of the calendar year. … rest of story at https://athletics.case.edu/general/2020-21/releases/20201027mux2br?mc_cid=2e944b01db&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
10 } – DI board backs transfer proposal, suspends academic penalties
Effects of pandemic lead to Academic Performance Program changes for two years
The Division I Board of Directors strongly supports legislation that would allow all Division I student-athletes the opportunity to transfer and compete immediately, regardless of the sport they play. The board met virtually Wednesday. “It’s time to provide uniform transfer flexibility to Division I student-athletes,” said board chair Denise Trauth, president at Texas State. “The board members agree that the Working Group on Transfers created a sensible proposal that provides all student-athletes, no matter what sport they play, the opportunity for academic and athletic pursuits at the school that is the best fit.” Trauth was officially elected chair during Wednesday’s meeting and has served on an interim basis since the summer. … rest of story at https://www.ncaa.org/about/resources/media-center/news/di-board-backs-transfer-proposal-suspends-academic-penalties?mc_cid=aa8061392c&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
College Coaching News – # 7
TDR Editor’s Notes ; Included are interviews of college coaches and notices of changes in coaching positions at new programs and at existing programs.
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1 } – Coach Profile: Joe Galante
Every Wednesday, TCNJ Athletics will profile a coach from one of its programs. Today, its head wrestling coach Joe Galante ’07. Galante will be entering his 10th season in 2020-21. He has produced a career record of 120-57 in dual matches and has led the Lions to three top-10 finishes at the NCAA Division III Championships. The 2019 NCAA Mideast Regional Coach of the Year and 2020 NWCA Mideast Regional Coach of the Year, Galante has coached 20 All-Americans, including two NCAA Champions. In 2020, he coached TCNJ to its first ever NCAA Regional Championship.
You are now entering your 10th season as head coach at TCNJ following your wrestling career at the College. What is it about TCNJ that keeps you coming back year after year?
TCNJ is a healthy environment filled with motivated individuals who are focused on improvement and success. I love being a part of that culture and helping to make it stronger.
You have coached three teams to national top-10 finishes, athletes to 20 All-America honors, and two National Champions. What has been the key to that success? … rest of story at https://tcnjathletics.com/news/2020/11/4/wrestling-coach-profile-joe-galante.aspx?mc_cid=68c338ad78&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
2 } – Tyson Thivierge wants to bring another NAIA championship back to Montana
Tyson Thivierge wants Montana State-Northern back on top. The Northern Lights head coach dives into pronouncing his last name, building a championship culture, and loyal fans who cheered against his team when they faced Iowa. … rest of story at https://www.trackwrestling.com/PortalPlayer.jsp?TIM=1604979663796&twSessionId=rfnmaghwfh&videoId=874986135&mc_cid=799fb85b6c&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
3 } – MEISTER TABBED AS NEW FRIENDS UNIVERSITY MEN’S AND WOMEN’S WRESTLING COACH
WICHITA, Kan. – Friends University Director of Athletics Dr. Rob Ramseyer has announced the hiring of Aaron Meister as the head coach of the newly added men’s and wrestling programs. “We feel lucky to attract a coach with the experience of starting and running a successful wrestling program,” Ramseyer said. “Aaron brings a great deal of experience to the role and Christian higher education. We are confident he will build a quality program that will be successful in being competitive but also producing students who are engaged and will graduate. We are excited to welcome him and his wife Jill back to Kansas.”
Meister is indeed familiar with Kansas after attending Holton High School, Labette County Community College and then graduating from Fort Hays State University. He comes to Friends after helping to jumpstart the men’s and women’s wrestling programs as an assistant coach for four seasons at Wayland Baptist University (WBU) in Plainview, Texas. He then took the reins of the program after head coach legendary head coach Johnny Cobb retired prior to the 2014-15 season.
Meister’s decorated coaching career includes coaching a World Champion, Tamyra Mensah-Stock, four World medalists, 13 National Champions, 96 All-Americans, and the 2019 NAIA Women’s Dual Champions. Among those All-Americans is an Olympic Trials champion, two World Team Trials champions, three U.S. Open champions, a University World runner-up, and 25 of those individuals are either World or Olympic Trials qualifiers. … rest of story at https://www.friendsathletics.com/article/3536?mc_cid=b4122c2e60&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
4 } – Get to Know: Head Assistant Wrestling Coach Ross Needham
La Crosse, Wis. – UW-La Crosse Intercollegiate Athletics is giving fans an opportunity to get to know its staff during the 2020-21 season. We thank members of the Eagles’ staff for participating. Today’s staff member is UWL Head Assistant Wrestling Coach Ross Needham.
Needham is in his 11th season as an assistant wrestling coach at UWL in 2020-21, including his ninth as the head assistant coach. He also serves as an instructor in the exercise sport science department. Needham was named the 2014-15 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III Midwest Region Assistant Coach of the Year after helping lead UWL to a third-place finish in the regional championship. The Eagles advanced five wrestlers to the NCAA Division III Championships with two earning regional titles. UWL has finished in the top-eight four years at the national championships in Needham’s tenure, placing third in 2010-11 and fourth in 2011-12 and 2012-13. The Eagles were sixth in 2015-16, seventh in 2017-18 and eighth in 2014-15. A total of 34 wrestlers have earned NCAA III All-America honors in the last 10 seasons. … rest of story at https://uwlathletics.com/news/2020/11/12/get-to-know-head-assistant-wrestling-coach-ross-needham.aspx?mc_cid=b4122c2e60&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
5 } – Former Boxer Zach Binkerd Named Interim Men’s & Women’s Wrestling Coach
The Boxer wrestling program is now in the hands of former Pacific wrestler and former assistant coach Zach Binkerd as he’s officially been named interim Head men’s and women’s wrestling coach. Binkerd knows first-hand how Pacific and the ability to compete in a sport you love at the college level can make a significant impact in one’s life. “I think some of the things that I learned as an athlete helped me in my professional career. The things that I learned in the classroom pushed me above my peers. I truly believe that Pacific University has a great education. I did both my undergrad and graduate work here, and I came out of my graduate program feeling like a professional – like I was ready to attack the world. I owe that a lot to the education that I received at Pacific and the culture that was created through the wrestling program,” said Binkerd. Athletic Director Keith Buckley is excited to have Binkerd lead the way for the Boxer wrestling program moving forward. “Coach Binkerd has a tremendous connection to the Boxer wrestling community and is eager … rest of story at https://goboxers.com/news/2020/11/12/former-boxer-zach-binkerd-named-interim-mens-womens-wrestling-coach.aspx?mc_cid=b4122c2e60&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
6 } – Celso “Tony” DeAnda Named NMU Women’s Wrestling Head Coach
MARQUETTE, Mich. – Northern Michigan University has selected Celso “Tony” DeAnda to be the first women’s wrestling coach in program history. “Members of the search committee and others involved in the search process were impressed with Tony’s detailed plan for building NMU women’s wrestling into a nationally competitive program,” said Director of Athletics Forrest Karr. “Tony has contributed significantly to the growth of the sport and his considerable experience will benefit NMU student-athletes going forward.” DeAnda comes to NMU after starting the women’s wrestling program at Presbyterian College in Clinton, South Carolina, … rest of story at https://nmuwildcats.com/sports/wwrest/2020-21/releases/20201014i0izpu?mc_cid=1debff05aa&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
7 } – Get to Know: Head Men’s Wrestling Coach Ian Clark
ELMIRA, N.Y. — A year ago, Elmira College’s Associate Vice President of Athletics, Renee Carlineo, announced that the Soaring Eagles would return to the mats for the first time since the 1970s with the re-introduction of men’s wrestling. Two months later, former SUNY Cortland Red Dragon and Oswego State assistant coach, Ian Clark, was appointed the team’s new head coach. Originally from Evan Mills, New York – a small North Country village located just outside Fort Drum – Clark won a Section III Class A championship as a heavyweight at Indian River High School during his senior year. That season, he narrowly missed out on a berth in the state tournament as the Section III runner-up in the large school division. Clark went on to study at nearby Jefferson Community College, before finishing his collegiate career at SUNY Cortland, where he earned a degree in Business Economics in 2011. No stranger to working with young programs, Clark’s most recent coaching stint saw him play a valuable role in reviving the men’s wrestling team at Division III Wilmington College in Wilmington, Ohio. … rest of story at https://athletics.elmira.edu/news/2020/10/6/get-to-know-head-mens-wrestling-coach-ian-clark.aspx?mc_cid=aeabd832c4&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
8 } – New Bees coach welcomes opportunity
Bo Bettinson embraces the uniqueness of the opportunity. Named Monday as the head coach for the new St. Ambrose wrestling program that will begin competition during the 2021-22 school year, Bettinson welcomes the chance to build a program from the ground up. “This is an opportunity that doesn’t come around very often and it’s both a little scary and yet very exciting at the same time,’’ said Bettinson, a four-time NAIA national qualifier at Waldorf who has worked since 2017 as an assistant coach at Montana State-Northern. “I’m looking forward to building a program, bringing in guys who value their grades, have a great work ethic and believe in a family culture. Those are the things that we want St. Ambrose wrestling to be about.’’ A Reno, Nevada, native, Bettinson has spent six years in Iowa, wrestling and coaching at Waldorf where he was a four-year team captain and won 105 matches during his career at 125 pounds and worked as a graduate assistant coach from 2015-17. … rest of story at https://qctimes.com/sports/college/wrestling/new-bees-coach-welcomes-opportunity/article_9269ffe1-7e64-539b-b059-7d157e460df9.html?mc_cid=2e944b01db&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
9} – Twin coaches Anthony and Gennaro Bonaventura talk D3 wrestling, podcasting and coaching #InternationalPodcastDay
Twin brothers and Division III wrestling coaches Anthony and Gennaro Bonaventura are up next on Short Time. The pair host the D3 Nation Podcast, which focuses on, you guessed it, Division III wrestling. Anthony is a coach at Stevens Institute of Technology in New Jersey, while Gennaro is an assistant at their alma mater of Waynesburg. This interview was part of the #InternationalPodcastDay marathon live stream from Mat Talk Online … rest of story at https://www.mattalkonline.com/podcast/short-time/twin-coaches-anthony-and-gennaro-bonaventura-talk-d3-wrestling-podcasting-and-coaching-internationalpodcastday/?mc_cid=9d92b7854a&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
10 } – Spotlight: Joe Jamison
Each week our Spotlight Series will focus on a coach or staff member to showcase the incredible talent we have at Ursinus. This week’s subject is wrestling coach Joe Jamison, who is entering his second season with the program. In his debut campaign, Jamison led the Bears to a fourth-place finish at the Centennial Conference championships, where four of his wrestlers reached the finals of their respective weight classes.
What drew you to Ursinus, and what makes Ursinus unique?
The community and support at Ursinus is second to none. It’s an incredibly welcoming place that prides itself on helping others succeed and develop into who they want to become.
What’s the best piece of advice, coaching or otherwise, you’ve ever received?
The last thing my dad ever told me was to “never stop working hard.” From a coaching perspective, it’s that I’m an educator, and wrestling is what I’m teaching. The student-athletes’ well-being and personal development is the goal. … rest of story at https://ursinus.prestosports.com/general/2020-21/releases/20201005du9s5z?mc_cid=bbb5286d21&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
Wrestlers In Business Network – November Newsletter
TDR Editor’s Notes ; Here is most of the latest newsletter from the WIBN (Wrestlers In Business Network). This is a quality organization and a good opportunity to build networking with businesses with those of similar backgrounds and interests in supporting wrestling opportunities. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Webinar Speaker Series Launched: I am excited to announce that the WIBN National Webinar Series will kick off on Thursday, December 10, at 4:30 pm EST. Our first presenter, Carl Eschenbach (click here for bio), is a rock star leader in the venture capital/technology sector (Sequoia Capital), and you won’t want to miss him. Before joining Sequoia Capital in 2016, Carl was President and COO of VMware, where he helped grow the company from $31 million in his first full year to $7 billion in revenues and from 200 people to 20,000. Carl will be a 2021 member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame as an Outstanding American. He will be presenting on “Key Traits of Successful Managers and Entrepreneurs,” followed by a Question/Answer opportunity.
We will be hosting one or two of these WIBN National webinars each month to keep our WIBN members and chapters fully engaged until we can get back to regular events and activities. Please be sure to forward any suggestions for future presentation topics that you think would have broad appeal to our vast WIBN network of members (please send to Mike Moyer at mmoyer@nwca.cc).
New/Revitalized WIBN Chapters: I am happy to report that we have a strong interest in Reading, PA, to form a WIBN Chapter. We also have great possibilities in New Orleans, Chicago, and Pittsburgh, PA. If you live in any of these regions and are interested in being considered to serve on the local chapter Board, please contact me, and I will be sure to connect you to the appropriate people.
WIBN Business Development Highlight: Whenever possible, I like to highlight a Wrestlers In Business Network Connection. In this issue, I’d like to illustrate the great work of our WIBN/Denver Chapter leader, Kevin Brooks, who is a partner at Sunbelt Business Brokers. Last month via a WIBN introduction, I connected Kevin with WIBN/Long island member Neil Duncan. Neil is in the process of selling a Relocatable Light Fabrication & Distribution Company. Needless to say, a strong relationship built on their mutual wrestling interests resulted, and now the company is officially for sale with multiple inquiries from potential buyers. Here is a link if anyone is interested in learning more about the opportunity: https://wrestlersinbusiness.org/forsale
I encourage any other WIBN members with similar stories to please send them to Mike Moyer mmoyer@nwca.cc so we can feature them in future issues of WIBN newsletters. This is truly the power of the WIBN network.
Update on Interscholastic & Intercollegiate Wrestling Season: It is great to see that the intercollegiate wrestling has begun, primarily with the NAIA and Women’s divisions. It appears as if most of the other intercollegiate teams will be competing shortly after January 1, 2021. There are a few isolated instances where conferences and/or individual institutions have suspended all winter sports. While it is a very fluid situation, our college wrestling coaches’ consensus is that they are willing to make whatever compromises necessary to protect the national championship. We expect a potentially chaotic and unpredictable season, but hopefully, all of the various national championships can go off as scheduled.
The interscholastic wrestling season is just as fluid. With each passing week, a growing number of state high school athletic associations appear to be pushing the start dates for their seasons back toward January while others are moving as far out as the Spring. For a complete update, please click here to view an up-to-date illustration of where each state association is with their season.
In closing, and on behalf of our NWCA President, Coach Kevin Ward, and our Board of Directors, I hope everyone has a terrific Thanksgiving season!
College Results – # 2
TDR Editor’s Notes ; Some more results from college matches and schedules announced in November. It is expected that in our next set of results will have the rest of the matches from last month.
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1 } – VIKINGS DOMINATE AT HOME
Des Moines, IA – No. 1 Grand View men’s wrestling hosted their first tournament of the season today, November 7, in the Johnson Wellness Center. The Vikings hosted Benedictine College, Doane University, Oklahoma Wesleyan, and William Penn. Team one for Grand View outscored their opponents 146-13 over the course of the three duals. Team two outscored their opponents 115-0 during their two duals. Grand View collected 32 pins throughout the day dominating the mat over their opponents.
Up Next?
Grand View will be back in Des Moines on November 22 for the Grand View Open. The meet is set to start at 9:00 a.m. … rest of story at http://www.gvvikings.com/article/6796?mc_cid=5c187c6cfd&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
2 } – GLVC announces 2020-21 wrestling schedule
SPRINGFIELD, Mo.— The Great Lakes Valley Conference approved the 2020-21 wrestling schedule, and Drury University will open its fifth season of intercollegiate competition on Jan. 10. The schedule was adjusted due to concerns regarding the COVID-19 pandemic resulting in the start of the season pushed back more than two months, and the slate moved to 11 duals eliminating regular season tournaments.
The Panthers will open the year on Jan. 10 with GLVC duals at Ouachita Baptist in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. Drury will take on Indianapolis, then Ouachita Baptist later that afternoon.
Drury’s first home event of the year will be Jan. 23 when they host a series of GLVC duals at the O’Reilly Family Event Center. Lindenwood will face Ouachita Baptist to start the event at 10 am, and then the Panthers will take on Lindenwood at 11:30 am. In the second half of the day, Maryville will wrestle Ouachita Baptist at 1 pm, and the event concludes with Drury against Maryville at 2:30 pm. … rest of story at https://drurypanthers.com/news/2020/11/10/glvc-announces-2020-21-wrestling-schedule.aspx?mc_cid=c33f4da146&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
3 } – 2020-2021 NAIA Wrestling Coaches’ Top 20 Poll – No. 1
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – In the first poll of 2020 season, wrestling powerhouse Grand View University (Iowa) claimed the No. 1 spot to begin the season in first poll released Friday. Life (Ga.), Reinhardt (Ga.), Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) and Southeastern (Fla.) rounded out the top five.
Poll Methodology
- The poll was voted upon by a panel of head coaches representing each of the eight conferences.
- Two days prior to the national poll, each qualifying group rater submits the top six individuals from each weight class in his conference into the system. Only wrestlers listed on a conference ballot are considered for the national ballot.
- The top 20 individuals in each weight class is based on how each voter ranks the best individuals. An individual receives 20 points for each first place vote, 19 for second place and so on through the list. This same point system is used to determine the team ranking. … rest of story at https://www.naia.org/sports/mwrest/2020-21/Releases/Mwrest_Poll1?mc_cid=870ca1d130&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
4 } – DIII ACTION THIS WEEKEND
A pair of events with DIII wrestlers are set to go off this weekend. First the UWW Junior/U23 National Championships take place in Omaha, Nebraska, from Friday to Sunday. Freestyle and Greco-Roman will be contested in each age group, and a good number of DIII wrestlers are already registered.
Live Results | Event Schedule
The Adrian Invitational is Saturday as well. The five team event features the host Bulldogs along with Trine and three NAIA schools. This may be the only intercollegiate competition at a DIII school in the fall semester. The event will take place with no fans, though video and live results are available. … rest of story at https://www.d3wrestle.com/diii-action-this-weekend/?mc_cid=870ca1d130&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
5 } – Tigers fall in season-opening dual
MITCHELL, S.D. – In a battle of nationally recognized teams, the Concordia Bulldogs defeated the Dakota Wesleyan University wrestling team, 34-6 in the opening dual of the season at the DWU/Avera Sports and Wellness Complex on Friday. In the opening match of the night, Cole Halouska (Worthing, S.D.) fell by a 7-3 decision. Freshman Hunter Planansky (Hayden, Colo.) helped DWU bounce back after a tightly contested match. He picked up the victory in a 2-0 decision.
Carter Max (Mitchell, S.D.) battled in the 197-pound weight class and lost by fall in 5:36. Kyle Mullaney (Worthington, Minn.) battled next but ended up falling in a 6-2 decision. … rest of story at https://dwu.prestosports.com/sports/wrest/2020-21/releases/20201113wezy50?mc_cid=870ca1d130&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
6 } – Mavericks Announce 2020-21 Wrestling Schedule
Mankato, Minn. – The Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference has announced its basketball and wrestling schedules for the 2020-21 academic year. The schedules were approved by the NSIC Board of Directors with the health and safety of student-athletes, coaches, and staff as the top priority. Both the basketball and wrestling schedules will begin in January and schools will follow NCAA Sports Science Institute (SSI) guidelines for competition. To mitigate COVID-19 exposure, schools will only compete against one opponent each week of the season. The 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. … rest of story at https://msumavericks.com/news/2020/11/13/mavericks-announce-2020-21-wrestling-schedule.aspx?mc_cid=0db378071a&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
7 } – Men’s Wrestling Captures Own Adrian Bulldogs Invitational Crown with Three Champions
ADRIAN, Mich.–The 19th-ranked Adrian College men’s wrestling team had a successful 2020-21 season debut on Saturday with three first-place finishes as the Bulldogs also won the Adrian Bulldogs Invitational at the Merillat Sport & Fitness Center field house.
Bolstered by individual titles from a junior trio in Zach Altman (174 pounds), Derick Duvall (165) and Isaiah Espinoza (285), Adrian scored 159 points to outdistance Thomas More (134.5), Indiana Tech (121.5) and Trine (115.5) for the team crown–the first championship in the four-year history of the event for the host school.
All told, the Bulldogs had 32 placers in the top-8, 15 in the top-4 and five runners-up. “I am extremely happy and excited that we were able to not only host an event (despite the COVID-19 pandemic) but also perform at a high level,” stated Adrian head coach Bill Schindel. “We still have a lot of work ahead but this is a great start to the season.” Espinoza, who is nationally-ranked fourth at heavyweight by FloWrestling, flattened … rest of story at https://adrian.prestosports.com/sports/m-wrestl/2020-21/releases/20201114pxymzk?mc_cid=0db378071a&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
8 } – No. 2 Men’s Wrestling Dominates Montreat in Home Opener
MARIETTA, Ga. —- The No. 2 nationally ranked Life University men’s wrestling team won the 2020 home opener 49 to -1 over Montreat College Wednesday night. Life U finished the match with a pair of forfeits at 125 lbs. and 285 lbs. as well as four wins via pin fall and a major decision for the clean sweep. A mat violation cost the Cavaliers a team point for the negative result. In the first official match, Gavin Christ earned the win via pin fall in 2:41 for an early 12-0 Life U lead. Jacob Ruiz (141 lbs.) answered with a 13-5 major decision, as Yarhoski Aldiva took a 10-3 decision at 149 lbs. Jack Bass held on in the final moments for a 15-12 decision at 157 lbs. to give Life U a 22-0 lead. … rest of story at https://liferunningeagles.com/news/2020/11/18/no-2-mens-wrestling-dominates-montreat-in-home-opener.aspx?mc_cid=d63f9879b6&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
9} – BRAVES DEFEAT THE OKLAHOMA WESLEYAN EAGLES, 42-12
OTTAWA, Kan. – The Ottawa University men’s wrestling team tripped up the Oklahoma Wesleyan Eagles on Thursday evening in Wilson Field House, 42-12. The dual started off with a victory by Tyler Johnson, Johnson won by forfeit in the 125lb weight division. Wade Landrum was defeated by a fall by Kolby Encinas (OKWU) in the 133lb weight division. In the 141lb weight class, Parker Wright won by fall over Terrell Banuelos (OKWU). Gabriel McDuffie won by fall in the 157lb weight class over Chad Sakamoto (OKWU). Kolby Droegemeier defeated Jaden Walden (OKWU) by a fall in the 165lb weight division. Hunter Remigio was bested by Austin Daniels (OKWU) by a fall in the 174lb weight class. … rest of story at https://www.ottawabraves.com/article/mens-wrestling/mwr-braves-defeat-the-oklahoma-wesleyan-eagles-42-12?mc_cid=59de35edde&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
10 } – JIMMIES RALLY FOR WIN OVER NORTHWESTERN
Ramiro Macias (SR/Delano, Calif.) defeated Skyler Bonestroo 3-2 in ultimate tiebreaker, helping the University of Jamestown men’s wrestling team to a 24-22 dual victory over Northwestern (Iowa) College Friday night at Harold Newman Arena. The Jimmies took a 21-0 lead after the Red Raiders were open at 125 and 149, and Ramon Carillo getting a win at 133 after Manny Jaramillo was forced to forfeit due to injury after the first period. Antonio Ruiz (SR/West Valley, Utah) won a 10-6 decision at 141 and it appeared Jamestown was in control. Northwestern came back to lead 22-21 with Blake Pomajzl winning an 11-2 decision over Jake Hamilton (FR/Colorado Springs, Colo.) at 157; Jake Francksen-Small winning 11-3 over Carston Toedter (FR/Atwater, Minn.) at 165; Austin Hendrickson winning a 13-4 decision over Gabe Juaregui-Diaz (JR/San Antonio, Texas) at 174; Luke Jenness pinning Thomas Ingraham (JR/Saratoga, Wyo.) in 1:53 at 184; and Bennet Sikkink winning a 14-2 decision over Elijah Ramos (FR/Honolulu, Hawaii) at 197. … rest of story at https://www.jimmiepride.com/article/5677?mc_cid=46ecd7f19c&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
COMPLETE LIST OF USA WRESTLING SANCTIONED EVENTS FOR THE NEXT THREE MONTHS, AS OF NOVEMBER 30
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 note are two new events in both Kansas and Texas. Other states that had one additional event added to the list are Louisiana, Maryland, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Virginia. 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, especially if conditions do not allow for competitions in their own state at this time. Contact event directors for more information on the event details and eligibility requirements. Please forward this story to others seeking competitive opportunities. For more information on USA Wrestling events, visit https://usawrestlingevents.com/
SANCTIONED EVENTS BY DATE
December 2- Thunder Classic 2020, Westlake High School, 99 N Thunder Blvd, Saratoga Springs Utah 84045, Event Director: Jeffrey Newby Jeffreynewby@hotmail.com
December 4-5 – Western States Crush COVID, Legacy Events Center, 151 South 1100 West, Farmington, Utah 84025, Event Director: Jeffrey Newby Jeffreynewby@hotmail.com … rest of the story at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2020/November/30/USA-Wrestling-sanctioned-events-for-the-next-three-months-as-of-Nov-30?mc_cid=ac95ae6b76&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
Women’s Wrestling News – # 52
TDR Editor’s Notes ; The following articles involve women’s and girls wrestling on Olympic, College, High School and youth levels.
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1 } – Adeline Gray wrestles after 6 months away. Her sister wrestles for the first time in 9 years
The last time world wrestling champion Adeline Gray competed, she fractured ribs at mid-March’s Pan American Championships in Ottawa, one of the last international sporting events held at the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. Normally, that kind of injury could debilitate hopes of qualifying for an Olympic team. Normally. But the Olympic Trials had already been postponed from their early April date. And Gray, as a reigning world medalist with a bye into the trials finals, had the option of postponing her competition due to injury anyway. Then, a week after Pan Ams, the Tokyo Games were postponed, later rescheduled for the same June/July dates in 2021. Gray, the American record holder with five world wrestling titles, returns to the competition mat on Saturday at the U.S. Championships in Coralville, Iowa.
The meet has no bearing on next year’s Olympics or Olympic Trials. … rest of story at https://olympics.nbcsports.com/2020/10/10/adeline-gray-wrestling-geneva/
2 } – PAGE, GRAY, MOLINARI WIN SENIOR NATIONAL WOMEN’S FREESTYLE TITLES ON SATURDAY
CORALVILLE, Iowa – The final three weight classes in women’s freestyle wrapped up on Saturday night at the Senior Nationals, with three champions reaching the top of the podium. Winning her third Senior Nationals title was Jennifer Page of the Titan Mercury WC, who needed some last second heroics to edge five-time age-group World medalist Macey Kilty of the Sunkist Kids, 4-3. … rest of story at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2020/October/10/Page-Gray-Molinari-win-Senior-womens-national-titles?mc_cid=aabea4b794&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
3 } – Hildebrandt adds another title
Penn High School graduate Sarah Hildebrandt is on a roll as she prepares for the US Olympic Trials in women’s wrestling, delayed a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Hildebrandt added another national championship to her resume Friday, winning the women’s 50 Kg (110 pd) weight class at the US Senior Nationals in Coralville, Iowa. On Saturday, she was named the outstanding women’s wrestler for the entire tournament. Hildebrandt did not give up a point in either her semifinal or championship matches. She beat Emily Shilson in her semifinal contest, 10-0.
In the championship round, against Amy Fearnside — one of her practice partners at the US Olympic Training Center — Hildebrandt won 8-0, scoring three takedowns and a leg lace. It is Hildebrandt’s second national wrestling championship as a senior wrestler, to go along with two national collegiate championships she won while attending King University. … rest of story at https://www.southbendtribune.com/sports/community/hildebrandt-adds-another-title/article_353fbd4a-0c17-11eb-b8bf-7ff802acd110.html?mc_cid=aabea4b794&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
4 } – Recent successes of Jennifer Page, Jane Valencia exemplify NLWC’s commitment to growing women’s wrestling |
The success of Penn State’s collegiate wrestling team during the Cael Sanderson era is well documented. The Nittany Lions have won 152 matches and eight NCAA titles entering Sanderson’s 12th season in Happy Valley, but his success doesn’t stop there. Sanderson has long been an advocate for growing the sport and has backed up his words with tangible steps he feels need to be taken to accomplish that. The Salt Lake City, Utah, native has said the sport needs to become more digestible and easier to understand to the general public and needs to see an increase in the number of scholarships. But there’s one other area where Sanderson has quietly grown the sport, and it’s paid dividends. … rest of story at https://www.collegian.psu.edu/sports/wrestling/article_bc1a4b22-0c1d-11eb-84ec-2be295aa4644.html?mc_cid=9d92b7854a&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
5 } – WISCONSIN WRESTLING LEAGUE ANNOUNCES A WOMEN’S WRESTLING DIVISION FOR ITS 2020-21 SEASON
The Wisconsin Wrestling League is proud to announce the addition of a girls division to our 2020-21 wrestling season. This division will be available to any kindergarten through 8th grade female wrestler that wants to participate this season. “The purpose of adding a girls division is not just to provide an opportunity to girls that wrestle, but also to ensure we are doing what we can to help grow women’s wrestling in Wisconsin,” said Justin Tritz, Founder of the WWL. “We believe we can increase participation and foster growth by ensuring girls have the opportunity to compete against other girls.” The WWL will be kicking off the season with a girls event held at The Beast Cage in Wisconsin Rapids on Sunday, December 6th. … rest of story at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2020/October/19/Womens-Wrestling-League-in-Wisconsin?mc_cid=c883bf378a&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
6 } – Montana DeLawder queen of the mat, and the Gettysburg High School Homecoming court
Montana DeLawder was already a queen of the wrestling mat, but now she’s also queen of the court. No, not a basketball court, rather the homecoming court at Gettysburg Area High School. DeLawder, a senior, was named homecoming queen during halftime of Gettysburg’s home football game against York Suburban last Saturday evening. The thing is, she wasn’t officially crowned that night because she was busy showing off her skills as one of the nation’s top scholastic female wrestlers in the True Power event hosted by PA Power Wrestling in Blair County. DeLawder was only a moment removed from completing an 8-2 victory over Lily Sherer of Delaware Valley High School when she got the news. “As I came off the mat my mom was listening live (to the homecoming announcement) and she came down on the floor,” said DeLawder. “I hadn’t even put my clothes back on or got water, so it basically happened at the same time. I was excited, it was pretty cool.”
DeLawder was suddenly a queen, only she didn’t have a crown. That was rectified as she was promptly presented a Burger King crown that she proudly donned for a few photos following the match. … rest of story at https://www.gettysburgtimes.com/sports/article_d4afddd9-710b-58fc-8bf6-62fd379d24a0.html?mc_cid=a5e2a6cc0d&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
7 } – Jessica Medina: What I learned from Clarissa Chun
Clarissa Chun and Jessica Medina currently work together on the women’s national team staff at USA Wrestling after competing against each other at times during their respective wrestling careers. Chun was a 2008 World champion and a 2012 Olympic bronze medalist who currently serves as the assistant women’s national coach. Medina was a three-time U.S. Open champion and a 2006 Junior World bronze medalist who currently serves as National Women’s Developmental Coach. The following are Medina’s words on what she has learned from Clarissa Chun.
COMING FULL CIRCLE
I learned a lot from Clarissa over the years. When I came on the scene she was someone I really looked up to and when she made her first Olympic team it was really exciting. It was an interesting path going from ‘Wow, this is Clarissa Chun someone I want to follow down the same path’ and then becoming teammates and competitors with all the weight class changes. … rest of story at https://www.trackwrestling.com/PortalPost.jsp?TIM=1603420562759&twSessionId=gwvztvxbro&postId=871118135&mc_cid=6032bfb245&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
8 } – USA WRESTLING BRIAN KECK MEMORIAL PRESEASON NATIONALS GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL FIELD INCLUDES 56 NATIONALLY RANKED STARS
The USA Wrestling Brian Keck Memorial Preseason Nationals is developing into one of the best events of the year for high school girls. Set for next weekend in Des Moines, Iowa, the girls high school field features 56 athletes who were ranked in the National Girls High School Preseason Rankings.
This event will play an important part in determining the next Girls High School Rankings, set to be announced in November. No. 1 ranked wrestlers in the field include Samara Chavez of Texas, entered at 112 and Olivia Brown of Oklahoma, competing at 200. No. 2 ranked wrestlers who are registered are Montana Delawder of Pennsylvania (competing at 127), … rest of story at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2020/October/23/Nationally-ranked-high-school-girls-competing-at-Preseason-Nationals?mc_cid=cc6d7a1ffb&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
9} – Lakeland University graduate returns to assistant coach former team
SHEBOYGAN, Wis. (BVM) — Lakeland University’s new women’s wrestling graduate assistant coach, Madison Ruckdashel, hopes to further grow and improve the program she helped shape as an athlete. 22-year-old, Madison Ruckdashel, started wrestling in first grade. “My dad was the coach for middle school and I have a brother that’s pretty close to my age,” Ruckdashel said. “I just kind of grew up on that and enjoyed wrestling around and I wanted to continue it.” Her brother, Garrett Ruckdashel, wrestles for the University of Wisconsin – Platteville, where her father also wrestled. Being a female wrestler brought its own challenges. “It was hard sometimes being like an outcast,” Ruckdashel said. “You wanted to try to relate to your teammates, but in some ways you just couldn’t. Some people accepted you and some people didn’t.” “It was also challenging, as I got older, boys started to get stronger. That was hard to wrap my head around. It made me doubt myself a couple of times.” … rest of story at https://bvmsports.com/2020/10/23/lakeland-university-graduate-returns-to-assistant-coach-former-team/?mc_cid=cc6d7a1ffb&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
10 } – High School Girls Wrestling Showcased at Super 32
South Carolina – – The increasing depth within high school girls wrestling was showcased in Myrtle Beach at the annual Super 32 tournament on Sunday. Without U16 and Junior Nationals in Fargo this season, Super 32 was a first look at how some of USA Wrestling’s rankings may have changed since wrestling was paused in the spring. It was also a look at how some of the wrestlers have moved around in weight classes since the last rankings. Girls wrestled at 11 weights: 97, 103, 108, 115, 123, 130, 139, 148, 160, 172 and 195 pounds. This article looks at the finalists for each of those weights.
Maryland’s reigning Super 32 champ and #1 seed at 97 pounds is Alex Szkotnicki. Just a sophomore, Alex earned a second consecutive belt this weekend after winning by fall in all four matches—including the final bout versus Missouri’s Ava Ward, which she finished with a cradle. Szkotnicki wasn’t scored on during the finals in 2019 or 2020. … rest of story at https://www.transitionwrestling.com/high-school-girls-wrestling-showcased-at-super-32/?mc_cid=5358e83a0f&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
Carolinas’ Colleges’ News – # 14
TDR Editor’s Notes ; An update on results and plans for schools in the Carolinas. On next Friday December 4th the Tar Heel Open will be in Chapel Hill. Best to check on the UNC web site for details on limits to attending. The newest team in North Carolina is Montreat College and they have wrestled three dual meets. They will resume competition in January after the semester break.
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1 } – GAVIN KANE TALKS COMING TO CAROLINA, WRESTLING WITH BROTHER
With UNC’s freshman class in Chapel Hill this season, the Tar Heels now have three sets of brothers on the team. Gavin Kane, whose brother, Devin, was a Round-of-12 wrestler for Carolina in 2019, joins the team after winning four Georgia state titles.
This week, he sat down with GoHeels.com to discuss joining the Carolina culture, wrestling with his brother and more.
GoHeels: What is it like to wrestle at the collegiate level with your brother, Devin?
Kane: Being able to wrestle on the same team as my brother is a dream come true. We haven’t been on the same wrestling team since he was in fifth grade and I was in first. It brings back memories of him being a role model to me. Knowing we both have the experience to both wrestle at the college level is something I thought would never happen. He helps me every day with getting comfortable around the team and showing me what it takes to be competitive in college. … rest of story at https://goheels.com/news/2020/10/29/gavin-kane-talks-coming-to-carolina-wrestling-with-brother.aspx?mc_cid=8d4526dbd7&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
2 } – MatGeeks founder Jacob Hewgley and building an interest in talking wrestling
Jacob Hewgley is the host of the Mat Geeks podcast. The Mat Geeks media organization is devoted to providing exclusive coverage of ACC wrestling. Hewgley works as a high school math teacher and wrestling coach in North Carolina. Hewgley decided to start Mat Geeks because he felt the ACC was not receiving the attention it deserves from the major wrestling media outlets. All of the Mat Geek’s content can be found on the Mat Geeks Rokfin page! … rest of story at https://www.mattalkonline.com/podcast/short-time/matgeeks-founder-jacob-hewgley-and-building-an-interest-in-talking-wrestling/?mc_cid=69b31ff737&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
3 } – Thomas More Opens Season With 35-9 Win Over Montreat
CRESTVIEW HILLS, Ky.) – The Thomas More University wrestling team opened the 2020-21 season with a 35-9 win over Montreat College in dual match at the Connor Convocation Center in Crestview Hills, Kentucky. … rest of story at https://thomasmore.prestosports.com/sports/wrest/2020-21/releases/20201107wozl8e?mc_cid=5c187c6cfd&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
WRESTLING COMPETES IN PROGRAM’S INAUGURAL DUAL
CRESTVIEW HILLS, Ky.— In the first dual in the Montreat wrestling program’s history, the Cavaliers battled against the Thomas More University Saints. Montreat fought valiantly but was ultimately defeated 35-9 after late falls went in the favor of the opposition.
Landon Chambers notched the first individual win for the Cavaliers, collecting a major decision in the 141-pound class to earn four team points for Montreat. The freshman from Marietta, Ga. recorded 17 individual points and gave up eight to win by nine in his match.
Easton Griffin then captured a decision over his opponent in the 165-pound weight class. Griffin registered seven points to earn a close 7-4 win to tighten the team gap to 11 points. … rest of story at http://www.montreatcavaliers.com/article/3260
4 } – COVID UPDATE (Nov. 14): ACC Updates Winter Sports Safety Standards
UPDATE; November 14, 2020
ACC Updates Winter Sports Safety Standards Within its Medical Advisory Group Report
GREENSBORO, N.C. (theACC.com) – The Atlantic Coast Conference announced Friday the updated protocols for winter sports within the league’s Medical Advisory Group Report. The report specifically addresses enhanced safety standards and testing measures in basketball, wrestling and low transmission risk sports. “The ACC’s Medical Advisory Group, in conjunction with our campus administrators and student-athletes, continues to do outstanding work to provide a safe environment in which our teams can compete,” said ACC Commissioner John Swofford. “I applaud all of our student-athletes as they continue to persevere through these challenging times.” The ACC’s Medical Advisory Group has been … rest of story at https://goduke.com/news/2020/11/14/athletics-duke-announces-attendance-restrictions.aspx?mc_cid=0db378071a&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
5 } – CAMPBELL’S WRESTLE-OFFS, THE ORANGE AND BLACK VIRTUAL EXPERIENCE, SET FOR NOVEMBER 22
BUIES CREEK, N.C. – Campbell’s 2020 wrestle offs, the Orange & Black Virtual Experience, are set for November 22 inside the John W. Pope Jr. Convocation Center. Normally set outdoors around CU’s Homecoming festivities, this year’s event will be forced inside. No spectators will be allowed inside the venue due to COVID-19 protocols, but the day’s matchups will be broadcast online as 50 wrestlers compete for 10 starting lineup spots. Follow the action for free all day on social media, including our live finals broadcast at 4:00 p.m. on Facebook Live. Get even more behind-the-scenes content, including interviews and live preliminary matches with Orange & Black Exclusive Access … rest of story at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2020/November/17/Campbell-wrestle-offs?mc_cid=97ab69a0c8&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
6 } – Dolgeville’s Jake Null signs Letter of Intent to wrestle at North Carolina State
DOLGEVILLE, N.Y. – While waiting to see what his senior season may bring, Dolgeville Blue Devil Jake Null finalized plans to continue his education and his wrestling career Friday with the signing of his National Letter of Intent to attend North Carolina State University.
Null, New York’s Division II state champion at 160 pounds as an undefeated junior, decided on the Division I Raleigh, North Carolina, school prior to state tournament at Albany’s Times Union Center at the end of February and notified other interested schools of his decision. “Today is a formality,” Null said after signing his paperwork in Dolgeville’s middle school gym while surrounded by his parents, Ryan and Daisy Null, brother Anthony Chromczak, and coaches John Treen, David Haughton and Kasey Foster Friday afternoon, “but it does close off a semi-stressful period.” Null enters North Carolina State through early admissions as a business administration major. … rest of story at https://www.timestelegram.com/story/sports/2020/11/17/dolgevilles-jake-null-signs-wrestle-north-carolina-state/6312262002/?mc_cid=97ab69a0c8&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
7 } – NATIONAL SIGNING DAY: Grundy grappler Peyton McComas signs with Gardner-Webb wrestling program
GRUNDY, Va. – Grundy High School senior Peyton McComas has grown into a two-time state champion wrestler and has matured into an NCAA Division I grappler. McComas signed a letter-of-intent Monday with Gardner-Webb.
His now 6-foot-5 frame has served him well in high school and the maturing process will serve him well in college, says his high school coach, former Iowa All-American Travis Fiser.
“He’s really grown, not only physically, but in maturity, as a good wrestler and a good athlete,” Fiser said. “Typically, guys that are 6-5, 6-4 are on the basketball court and Peyton’s one of those guys who really loved wrestling and I really think that’s really gonna help in college, with the size and the leverage that he’ll have. “There’ll be some big guys there, but he has the frame to put the size on and he’ll do well. That’s a great pick-up for Gardner-Webb.” McComas also heard from Virginia Tech, VMI, Roanoke College and Averett University before deciding on Gardner-Webb. … rest of story at https://heraldcourier.com/sports/national-signing-day-grundy-grappler-peyton-mccomas-signs-with-gardner-webb-wrestling-program/article_5e3f2178-248a-11eb-826d-171b5ee69a75.html?mc_cid=ebacab18d4&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
8 } – TOM’s Talks Tar Heel Open with Tony Ramos
On December 4th, North Carolina’s Tar Heel Wrestling Club will air the Tar Heel Open on FITE TV. UNC’s associate head coach, Tony Ramos, sat down with us to talk about all of the planning that has gone into making this event happen. Ramos goes into matchmaking, COVID concerns, their streaming choices, the headline bouts and all of the hurdles he’s encountered in planning this event. With just a week before the Tar Heel Open, Tony already has his eyes set on a second offering from the THWC. If you listen closely, you may decipher when it is and who may be involved. Ramos also drops a nugget about when we could see the actual UNC team on the mat for the 2020-21 season. … rest of story at https://news.theopenmat.com/international-wrestling/toms-talks-tar-heel-open-with-tony-ramos/79507?mc_cid=de5a36abdc&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
9} – KILTY VS. BRUNTIL TO HEADLINE TAR HEEL WRESTLING CLUB OPEN ON DEC. 4
By Tar Heel Wrestling Club | Nov. 23, 2020
The Tar Heel Wrestling Club will host the Tar Heel Wrestling Open on FITE December 4.
CHAPEL HILL, N.C.– The Tar Heel Wrestling Club announced Wednesday that it will be hosting its first open event on December 4, partnering with FITE to host the Tar Heel Wrestling Open in Chapel Hill. The night’s main event is set to feature multiple-time age-group world medalist Macey Kilty against Emma Bruntil, 2019 Senior Nationals champion at 62kg.
The event will also showcase UNC’s Austin O’Connor, who finished third at the 2019 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships at 149 pounds. O’Connor will face two-time NCAA champion for Oklahoma State Dean Heil, who now trains with the Navy-Marine Corps RTC in Annapolis, Maryland. UNC’s contingent at the event also includes … rest of story at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2020/November/23/THWC-Open-set-for-Dec-4?mc_cid=638194e439&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
Dean Heil to Wrestle Austin O’Connor on December 4th
Coleman Scott and the Tar Heel Wrestling Club will be hosting an event on December 4th called the Tar Heel Wrestling Open. The event will be aired on Fite TV and will feature former Cowboy and two-time NCAA champion Dean Heil. … rest of story at https://pistolsfiringblog.com/dean-heil-to-wrestle-austin-oconnor-on-december-4th/?mc_cid=46ecd7f19c&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
10 } – MONTREAT NEARLY UPSETS BREWTON-PARKER FOR FIRST WIN
MOUNT VERNON, Ga.— The Montreat wrestling team almost earned its first win in program history as the Cavaliers battled the Brewton-Parker College Barons on Saturday. Montreat found itself with a lead going into the final match of the day, but ultimately fell by a tight 25-21 score. The Barons, who are receiving votes in the national wrestling poll, claimed the first two matches to go up 10-0 early. Landon Chambers and Jonathan Zafra then notched back-to-back pins for the Cavaliers to put the visitors on top 12-10. Chambers pinned his competition at 5:30 in the 141-pound class, while Zafra recorded the fall in 2:40 at 149. The next four matches were extremely close, coming down to decisions of six points or less. Brewton-Parker took three of the four individual bouts to take a 19-15 advantage going into the last two battles of the competition. Easton Griffin earned a 10-4 decision over his opponent at 165. … rest of story at http://www.montreatcavaliers.com/article/3272
Wrestling History – # 21
TDR Editor’s Notes ; The TDR was started decades ago with the intent to report on wrestling coverage elsewhere in the media. The desire was to show wrestlers and wrestling fans that the sport has a long history and widespread interest that is neglected by the mainstream sports media. In recent years with the evolution in technology and media coverage all wrestling fans can easily access information and records of other wrestlers. The discovery of video clips from the World Cup in Toledo in 1989 kept me up much later than I planned. It was great to view the matches in person back then and surprising to find themagain. Keep wrestling and encourage others to support wrestling when you can.
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1 } – Best Husker Wrestlers Ever: No. 1 Jordan Burroughs
No. 1 Jordan Burroughs (2006-11)
Jordan Burroughs put together a Husker career that was head and shoulders above the rest of the pack. In fact, naming the greatest Husker wrestler ever was similar to naming the greatest basketball player ever for the Chicago Bulls. Easy answer.
As a Husker, Burroughs finished with a 128-20 career record, winning two NCAA titles and three conference titles while earning All-American honors three times. Burroughs won the 2011 Hodge Trophy, given to the nation’s most outstanding college wrestler. He’s the only Husker to ever win the award, which is like the Heisman Trophy for college wrestling. Burroughs is sixth on the all-time win list at Nebraska and holds the sixth-best win percentage (.865). As an upperclassman, Burroughs put together the only two undefeated seasons ever by a Husker.
Despite where he’s at now, Burroughs wasn’t always considered the best. In fact, he wasn’t all that highly recruited out of high school. The 2006 New Jersey state champion, Burroughs was sort of a late addition to the Husker recruiting class. As a freshman, Burroughs cracked the starting lineup midway through the season after moving from 141 pounds to 149. Burroughs finished the year with a third-place finish at the Big 12 Championships to qualify for the NCAA tournament … rest of story at https://www.cornnation.com/2020/8/29/21406408/best-husker-wrestlers-ever-no-1-jordan-burroughs
No. 2 Bill Scherr (1981-84)
At the end of Bill Scherr’s career, he was by far the most accomplished wrestler Nebraska had ever seen. He was the first to win over 100 career matches, setting the Nebraska career mark with a 133-18 record that would stand for more than a decade until Tolly Thompson set the current career mark with 157 wins. Scherr, who wrestled at 190 pounds, currently sits in fourth place in all-time wins behind Thompson, Robert Kokesh (144) and Bryan Snyder (136). Scherr was Nebraska’s first three-time All-American, including an NCAA title in 1984, winning his title the same year as his brother Jim Scherr (177 pounds). In duals, Bill Scherr shined. He went 71-9 in dual competition, the most dual wins ever by a Husker. His win percentage of .881 is fifth most ever at Nebraska, and he was the first Husker to notch three 30-win seasons. … rest of story at https://www.cornnation.com/2020/8/25/21398631/best-husker-wrestlers-ever-no-2-bill-scherr?mc_cid=0b16b413d6&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
No. 3 Bryan Snyder (1997-2002)
At the time of his graduation in 2002, Bryan Snyder was arguably the best wrestler in Husker history. He went 136-11 throughout his career, giving him the all-time best win percentage at Nebraska at .925. The 157-pounder went on to win four Big 12 titles while becoming the first Husker to earn All-American honors all four years of his career. Snyder went 69-4 in dual competition, securing the second most dual wins by a Husker and the second best dual win percentage (.945) behind only Mike Nissen, who went 36-0 in duals in the early 60s. … rest of story at https://www.cornnation.com/2020/8/19/21374392/best-husker-wrestlers-ever-no-3-bryan-snyder?mc_cid=b69497687c&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
2 } – Dennis Hall: My Wrestling Hero
Today’s installment of My Wrestling Hero features Dennis Hall. The 1995 Greco-Roman World champion and 1996 Olympic silver medalist shares his thoughts on his wrestling hero: Andy Rein. “I’d probably say Andy Rein (was my wrestling hero_ when I was young. I’m from Wisconsin and he’s an Olympic silver medalist. I enjoyed watching him compete. He could wrestle both lower body and upper body at the same time. That was kind of cool because that’s what I wanted to do. “He coached me at Madison for the first year — it was just the mental stuff. … rest of story at https://www.trackwrestling.com/PortalPost.jsp?TIM=1600666030730&twSessionId=itskowpdma&postId=867087135&mc_cid=f6e465b58d&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
3 } – Friday Feature: More Dominance
EDMOND – The 1984-85 season looked like it was going to be a rebuilding one for Central Oklahoma’s powerhouse wrestling program. After all, only three starters returned from the previous year’s national championship team and there was just one senior on the 38-man roster. Some rebuild.
The Bronchos of head coach David James stormed to their second straight NAIA national title behind a dominating national tournament performance, giving UCO its fifth championship in seven years. The 1984-85 squad is the focus of this week’s Friday Feature.
James was cautious entering the season. “We may take some lumps this year,” the third-year coach said in the 1984-85 media guide’s preseason preview. “But we’ll keep working and hopefully qualify 10 wrestlers to defend the title.” UCO’s dual record wasn’t impressive at 11-9, but the Bronchos wrestled 11 Division I teams (going 3-8) … rest of story at https://bronchosports.com/news/2020/9/18/wrestling-friday-feature-more-dominance.aspx?mc_cid=f6e465b58d&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
4 } – Frank Molinaro: My Wrestling Hero
Today’s installment of My Wrestling Hero features Frank Molinaro. The 2016 Olympian shares his thoughts on his wrestling heroes: World champions Magomed Kurbanaliev and Reza Yazdani.
“Right now I’d say my favorite wrestler is Magomed Kurbanaliev from Dagestan. He’s the (2016) World champ at 70 kilos. I’ve studied him since 2013. I really like his stuff. I’ve studied everything he does — his tactics, his technique, his strategy. He has a lot of similar attributes to me — shorter, more compact, explosive. “Another person that I modeled my style after was Reza Yazdani. … rest of story at https://www.trackwrestling.com/PortalPost.jsp?TIM=1600666030730&twSessionId=itskowpdma&postId=867287135&mc_cid=f6e465b58d&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
5 } – Marcus LeVesseur: My Wrestling Hero
Today’s installment of My Wrestling Hero features Marcus LeVesseur. The four-time Division III NCAA champion shares his thoughts on his wrestling hero: John Smith. “As a young, young wrestler when I was growing up it was all about John Smith. He was very shifty and versatile on his feet. My style matched his style — trying to be as fast as I can as an offensive wrestler (with) low-singles, misdirection-singles, high-crotches, those are super slick. I wanted to emulate my wrestling style to cater to his. John Smith would probably be my wrestling hero as I was growing up. “As I grew into my own in the sport of wrestling … rest of story at https://www.trackwrestling.com/PortalPost.jsp?TIM=1600745763883&twSessionId=layhgfixqr&postId=867310135&mc_cid=1ea990827d&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
6 } – Jim Gruenwald: My Wrestling Hero
Today’s installment of My Wrestling Hero features Jim Gruenwald. The Wheaton College coach who was a three-time USA Greco-Roman national champion shares his thoughts on his wrestling heroes: John and Ben Peterson. “I would like to rephrase it and not say hero, but say icon. The reason I say icon is because there’s a danger with calling people a hero because we’re all flawed in some way, but there are some icons in the sport that we accept their humanity yet they’ve still done great things. I think for me — and I’m 50 years old — my generation of looking at icons would be John and Ben Peterson. Here’s why. “They were more just wrestling … rest of story at https://www.trackwrestling.com/PortalPost.jsp?TIM=1600789898120&twSessionId=ztkwysceng&postId=867465135&mc_cid=e10bcd29f6&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
7 } – Bebeto Yewah: My Greatest Loss
Note: This is the seventh edition of the ‘My Greatest Loss’ series. In the weeks ahead, we’ll interview some of wrestling’s past and present stars to hear their thoughts on the losses that helped shape their careers and put them on a higher trajectory toward greatness.
Bebeto Yewah emigrated from Cameroon to the United States in 2001 having never wrestled before. He started wrestling as a junior in high school and placed second for Lansing Sexton High School in Lansing, Michigan, as a senior.
Yewah attended the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse where he was an NCAA Division III champion in 2010 and 2011 and was seeded first at 141 pounds entering the 2012 NCAA tournament after placing fifth at the prestigious Midlands earlier in the season. … rest of story at https://www.trackwrestling.com/PortalPost.jsp?TIM=1600828805161&twSessionId=qnkfmnnlap&postId=867577135&mc_cid=e10bcd29f6&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
8 } – Dan Dennis: My Wrestling Hero
Today’s installment of My Wrestling Hero features Dan Dennis. The Hawkeye Wrestling Club coach and 2016 Olympian shares his thoughts on his wrestling heroes, including Lincoln McIlravy, the Brands brothers and Sergei Beloglazov. “I was more into other sports (growing up). (Mike) Tyson and (Michael) Jordan were my favorite athletes. As I got older, I had more respect and more admiration for a lot of different people. I don’t know that I have a wrestling hero, but I have admiration for (Lincoln) McIlravy because he broke the mold of what you would expect on that team. … rest of story at https://www.trackwrestling.com/PortalPost.jsp?TIM=1600914601788&twSessionId=ldkhnhsavf&postId=867579135&mc_cid=9754f989b3&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
9} – Alex Clemsen: My Wrestling Hero
Today’s installment of My Wrestling Hero features Alex Clemsen. The Maryland coach shares his thoughts on his wrestling heroes, including Lincoln McIlravy and Sanshiro Abe.
These are Clemsen’s words on his wrestling heroes: “I would say I have two. It would be my old man (Byron). He got me into the sport and introduced me to it. He kept me really steady in it. Wrestling is such an emotional sport, but if you’re going to be successful long-term you have to be able to handle highs and lows and he did a really good job of allowing me to have sustained success because of his outlook and his mentorship and focus maturation and not just wins and losses. He always did a good job.
“Growing up I had two guys I really liked to watch — Sonny (Sanshiro) Abe … rest of story at https://www.trackwrestling.com/PortalPost.jsp?TIM=1598057948343&twSessionId=vkuhpehiqw&postId=860944135&mc_cid=3e7422f8f7&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
10 } – On His Own But Not Alone: The Ballad Of Jake Fisher
ByTimothy Hands
It arose from begrudgement. The presumption is that Jake Fisher (77 kg, Curby 3-Style) wanted to talk. Though he is on the record below, the opposite was true. Not that Fisher wishes to avoid sharing his story. That is another 180 of the facts. It’s more about the commitment, from both of you. He needs to be sure. The way Fisher sees it, if you are keen to learn his deal, to try and understand the wheels which spin inside of his head and the magnetocardiography reading from the heart that drives his passion, then you better come prepared. To him, the whole thing is an investment. A conversation is an investment. Especially when there are times the discussion feels akin to an exhumation. And the only reason why certain issues aren’t truly dead to Fisher is because he hasn’t yet had the chance to kill them again. Part of Fisher’s frustration is, inevitably, intertwined with love. … rest of story at http://www.fivepointmove.com/greco-wrestling-interviews/on-his-own-not-alone-jake-fisher/?mc_cid=9754f989b3&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
College Recruits, Transfers & News # 9
TDR Editor’s Notes ; The following are by no means a comprehensive list of recruits, signings, transfers and newcomers to various college teams. They are starting points for stories of interest of wrestlers who move on to the next level of wrestling and education.
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1 } – Tiger wrestling brings in 11th-best Non-Division 1 Recruiting Class for 2020-21
CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. — The USA Wrestling Magazine College Recruiting Rankings have been released and Campbellsville University has a team in the Top 15. For Non-Division I recruiting classes, the Tigers enter at No. 11 in the Wrestling USA Magazine’s ranking released last week. The ranking includes NCAA Division II, III, NAIA, NCJAA. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic that has hampered recruiting across the country, the coaching staff, led by head coach Franky James, brought in 16 student-athletes and was the third-highest recruiting class among all NAIA programs. This 2020 signing class includes transfer Austin Johnson from Wabash, Ohio State Champ Alex Coleman, Illinois State Champ Fabian Lopez, Virginia State Champ Odysseus Avgeros and State Placers Simon Powell (KY) Dylan Cooper (IL), Chauncey Wilson (VA). In addition, Izzy Foston, Brice Parks and Anthony Parks, all from Ohio, are also state placers. Coleman and Lopez are also Fargo National Champs. “If your team is showing up in these rankings it’s a good sign for your program,” said James. “We have a great staff put together this year with the hiring of former NAIA national champion Cody Linton and we expect 2021 to be another strong recruiting class. It takes non-stop work, but our staff is grinding on the daily to make sure the 2021 class is another solid group. We are off to a great start on this next class with the signing of Fargo Champ Zeke Escalera.” The Tigers are coming off a 2019 season that saw them go 21-2 in duals, … rest of story at https://campbellsvilletigers.com/news/2020/10/20/mens-wrestling-tiger-wrestling-brings-in-11th-best-non-division-1-recruiting-class-for-2020-21.aspx?mc_cid=a5e2a6cc0d&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
2 } – My Story Matters: Dajun Johnson
Loyalty is vital to UNI wrestler Dajun Johnson. It is why he chose to commit to Old Dominion. They were among the first schools to offer him a scholarship and had a recruiting class that Johnson thought could build a program. His loyalty was also why, when Old Dominion dropped their program, the freshman from Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin chose UNI. Sure, they were also one of the first schools to offer him during his initial recruiting process, but his loyalty was to his friend and Panther redshirt freshman Parker Keckeisen. “I’ve known Parker since I was in the sixth grade,” Johnson said. “He was there when I first started wrestling. We wrestled together at Askren Wrestling Academy. … rest of story at https://unipanthers.com/news/2020/10/27/my-story-matters-dujan-johnson.aspx?mc_cid=2e944b01db&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
3 } – College Recruiting: two-time state placewinner Nelson to University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Reid Nelson of Simley has committed to wrestling for University of Arkansas at Little Rock following his upcoming senior season. Nelson is a two-time state placewinner. He was the Class AA 113-pound third-place finisher in 2020 as a junior. He placed third at 106 pounds as a freshman while competing for Forest Lake. Nelson was a USA Wrestling Cadet Freestyle All-American in 2018. Nelson is projected to wrestle at 125 pounds for the Trojans. … rest of story at https://theguillotine.com/2020/10/college-recruiting-two-time-state-placewinner-nelson-to-university-of-arkansas-at-little-rock/?mc_cid=41fa5d2268&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
4 } – .Tech adds a pair of high school champions on signing day
New Hokies won championships in Maryland, Pennsylvania
BLACKSBURG – Virginia Tech wrestling head coach Tony Robie announced Wednesday that two prospective student-athletes had signed their National Letters of Intent to wrestle in Cassell Coliseum for the Hokies.
“With limited scholarship dollars available we knew that this year’s class would be smaller than the previous two years,” Robie said. “That being said, we feel great about the two guys and their families that are officially joining our program today. In addition to their impressive rankings and accolades on the mat, they both possess all the intangibles that we look for in our student-athletes.”
Cooper Flynn and Trey Kibe come to Blacksburg after impressive high school careers, winning the Prep National Championship and Pennsylvania State Championship, respectively. Both wrestlers are ranked among the top 25 overall recruits in the class of 2021 according to FloWrestling, with Flynn coming in at No. 3 at 126 pounds and Kibe at No. 4 in the 170-pound weight class. .. rest of story at https://hokiesports.com/news/2020/11/11/wrestling-tech-adds-two-state-champions-on-signing-day.aspx?mc_cid=ebacab18d4&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
5 } – Indiana Wrestling Adds Two in 2021 Signing Class
BLOOMINGTON, Ind.– Coming off of back-to-back top-25 recruiting classes, IU head coach Angel Escobedo is excited to add two more in the 2021 class.
Coming to Bloomington in the fall of 2021 will be Henry Porter (Gilroy, Calif., 145 lb) and Jake Evans (Elyria, Ohio, 184 lb).
“Going into this recruiting season we knew our recruiting class would be small compared to the previous two years,” Escobedo said. “My staff focused on blue chip recruits who can have an immediate impact in our lineup and as always we look to recruit young men with high character. Welcome to the Indiana Wrestling family Henry and Jake. Go Hoosiers!”
Henry Porter has a high school record of 135-15 and has been ranked as the 81st overall recruit in the 2021 class. Porter is a California state finalist and three-time placer. He placed second as a freshman and third in the last two seasons. Porter, projected to wrestle in college at 141/149, has also been a placer at Ironman and Super 32. He is a two-time NHSCA All-American and two-time junior freestyle California state champion.
“Henry Porter has had an amazing high school wrestling career so far in one of the toughest wrestling states in the country,” … rest of story at https://iuhoosiers.com/news/2020/11/11/indiana-wrestling-adds-two-in-2021-signing-class.aspx?mc_cid=ebacab18d4&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
6 } – Casey Swiderski, a Michigan state champ, becomes Iowa State’s first 2022 commit
The Iowa State wrestling program opened its 2022 recruiting class with a huge splash. Casey Swiderski, a junior at Dundee High School in Michigan, announced his commitment to the Cyclones on Saturday. He picked Iowa State over the likes of Michigan and Purdue, among others, and projects at 149 pounds. “Just a small town boy chasin’ his dreams,” Swiderski wrote in an Instagram post announcing his decision. Swiderski’s commitment adds to Iowa State’s recent recruiting momentum. Earlier this week, Midland’s Damon Huston became the latest addition to the Cyclones’ highly-touted 2021 recruiting class, which includes three top-60 recruits. Even more, Iowa State added a transfer in Andrew Huddleston, a Missouri state champ who’s currently at NAIA’s Central Methodist who announced his intent to transfer on Saturday. … rest of story at https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/sports/high-school/2020/11/07/wrestling-casey-swiderski-michigan-state-champ-becomes-iowa-state-first-2022-commit-cyclones-dresser/6203979002/?mc_cid=5c187c6cfd&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
7 } – Tanner Farmer Trades his Helmet for Headgear
Undiscovered potential
We often hear that when one door closes, another door opens. For former Nebraska football player Tanner Farmer, truer words could not have been spoken. In 2019, Farmer was coaching football for Concordia University in Seward. While recruiting about recruiting in the NAIA, he discovered that student athletes don’t get “years” to complete their athletic participation, but in fact “semesters”. When Farmer was in Lincoln playing football for the Huskers, he only played 9 semesters of football. He had 1 semester of eligibility left, and that is when his competitive spirit kicked in. Farmer loved wrestling and what it had done for him in the past, So he traded in the helmet, and joined the wrestling team.
Tanner started wrestling when he was young. He said “I was a bigger kid, and I was playing football and I had a football coach, Bill Weber, who had a kid my age and he wrestled. He told my father, that wrestling was a great way to not get big. I was a chunk, so I went out. After 2 years, I managed to stay at 175, the same weight. As time went on and I hit puberty, I got bigger but wrestling always kept me in great shape. I loved wrestling. I wasn’t very good, but I was a quick learner.” Quick learning got Tanner far. During the summer between his sophomore and junior year of high school, he entered Fargo with one month of training in Greco. He finished as the national runner up, and added a 3rd place finish in Freestyle. When he was in Lincoln, he didn’t wrestle at first. … rest of story at https://newrestle.com/2020/10/12/tanner-farmer-trades-his-helmet-for-headgear/?mc_cid=61e8f19369&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
8 } – Former OU Heavyweight Connor Webb has Transferred to OSU
The former Sooner has been added to the OSU roster
Oklahoma State went from having only two heavyweights listed on its roster most of last season to having myriad options. Former Sooner Connor Webb has transferred to OSU, joining Konner Doucet, George Marsh and Cornelius Putnam as listed heavyweights on OSU’s roster. Webb was the starter at heavyweight for OU during the 2017-18 season as a true freshman. He went 5-22 and 2-14 in duals including one Bedlam dual loss to Derek White. There were some updates to the online roster for OSU a few weeks ago that did not include Webb, but he’s since been added. … rest of story at https://pistolsfiringblog.com/former-ou-heavyweight-connor-webb-has-transferred-to-osu/?mc_cid=61e8f19369&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
9} – .Mizzou Wrestling signs two talented wrestlers to 2020-21 signing class
Korbin Shepherd and Nate Pulliam sign with Brian Smith’s program
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Mizzou Wrestling head coach Brian Smith has signed two new wrestlers to his program on Wednesday (Nov. 11). 133-pounder Korbin Shepherd (Blue Springs, Mo.) and 149-pounder Nate Pulliam (Rolla, Mo.) will join Mizzou next season. “Both of these young men understand what Tiger Style is,” head coach Brian Smith said. “They are both proud to put on the Black and Gold and represent Mizzou and the State of Missouri in the future.” .. rest of story at https://mutigers.com/news/2020/11/4/mizzou-wrestling-signs-two-talented-wrestlers-to-2020-21-signing-class.aspx?mc_cid=ebacab18d4&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
10 } – A.S.U. Wrestling Signs Four Elite Wrestlers
TEMPE, Ariz. — Head coach Zeke Jones and the Sun Devil wrestling team announced the signing of four student-athletes to their 2021-22 roster on Thursday morning. The highly anticipated recruiting class includes the No. 1 pound-for-pound recruit in the country, Richard Figueroa and Cael Valencia, the younger brother of Arizona State wrestlers Zahid and Anthony Valencia. “We’re certainly excited about this year’s recruiting class,” Jones said. “Anytime you can sign four kids in the top 50 in the senior class it’s a tremendous victory. Signing the No. 1 pound-for-pound recruit in America and with two recruits in the top-five, it shows that we are continuing to attract the nations best wrestlers.” Jones has signed the number one pound-for-pound wrestler three out of the past seven years. … rest of story at https://thesundevils.com/news/2020/11/13/-asuwrestling-signs-four-elite-wrestlers.aspx?mc_cid=870ca1d130&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
National Wrestling News – Nov. # 2
TDR Editor’s Notes ; An assortment of stories which span wrestling across the nation in this trying time of uncertainties.
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1 } – ‘First To Fight’ With All-Marine Head Coach Jason Loukides
All-Marine Wrestling head coach Jason Loukides — arguably the best Senior coach in the United States, not just in Greco-Roman but also including every available style — has done everything he can to keep his athletes engaged in what has become wrestling’s “new normal”.
Between workouts centering around physical distancing measures, virtual team meetings, and regular attempts to keep wrestlers engaged in their own individual objectives, the process has been a new one over the past six months for Loukides and he has taken it in stride, even as the country prepares for a Senior National tournament that will unfold without his unit’s participation. You would have to dial it back all the way to the winter to find the last time a First to Fight was released. … rest of story at http://www.fivepointmove.com/all-marine-wrestling/jason-loukides-october-20/?mc_cid=9e55d26136&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
2 } – Schenectady wrestling legend Joe DeMeo dies
Joe DeMeo, who excelled on the wrestling mat and went on to help so many others do the same in a decorated and decades-long coaching career, died early Friday morning at the age of 79. DeMeo wrestled at Mont Pleasant High School and made one of his coaching stops at the University at Albany. In 2005, he was inducted into the Schenectady City School District Athletic Hall of Fame.
“He was a big figure in the wrestling community and a no-brainer to get into the Schenectady City School District Hall of Fame,” said Bob Pezzano, the hall of fame’s chairman. “He was recognized by everybody.”
That included U.S. Wrestling, which tabbed the Niskayuna resident as the 2005 Developmental Coach of the Year and three times selected him the National Coach of the Year. “He impressed people no matter where he was doing his thing,” Pezzano said.
“The Mont Pleasant community has lost a great one,” said John Conway, a 1975 Mont Pleasant graduate who coached wrestling for years at Duanesburg and also earned numerous accolades as an official of the sport. “He was very bright, first of all. He was a Cornell graduate. He comes from a very competitive family. He just had it.”
DeMeo was a member of the U.S. Olympic coaching staff in 1976, 1980, 1988 and 1992, and mentored 1984 Olympic champions Jeff Blatnick and Dave Schultz. He also worked with Olympians Shawn Sheldon, Andy Seras, Ike Anderson, Frank Famiano and Chris Catalfo, as well as two-time women’s world champion Kristie Davis. … rest of story at https://dailygazette.com/2020/10/03/wrestling-legend-joe-demeo-dies/?mc_cid=9e55d26136&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
3 } – It’s all about the love of wrestling for Nick Spatola of Spatola Wrestling
Nick Spatola of Spatola Wrestling created his own wrestling club in the Cincinnati area. Spatola talks about youth wrestling, Japanese wrestling culture, and making the sport fun.
Dan Gable grants final dream for stage 4 cancer patient .. rest of story at https://www.trackwrestling.com/PortalPlayer.jsp?TIM=1601763098441&twSessionId=aekusswpcs&videoId=868201135&mc_cid=9e55d26136&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
4 } – NCWA Season Begins January 1st Pending 50 Team Registration
Based upon Board recommendations The NCWA will proceed with the nationals date as published and may make change decisions as we get closer to January 1st, the expected opening of the season. If By January 8th we have a MINIMUM of 50 men’s programs committed through administratively signed team applications and paid dues we will proceed with an NCWA 2020-21 Wrestling season.
On Sept 6th 2020 the NCWA Executive board made the following decisions concerning the 2020-21 Season:
1) For the NCWA to Sponsor a wrestling season in 2021 a Minimum Team member threshold of 50 (fifty) Men’s TEAMS must be approved for membership. The Deadline for this threshold is January 8th 2021. ( It will be very important for teams to register sooner than the deadline to insure the season moving forward)
2) Team Registration may begin on November 1st – all applications and team dues will be processed, but all approvals will be held until Jan 1, 2021 pending the 50 Team minimum season threshold being met. … rest of story at https://ncwa.net/news/2020/ncwa-season-begins-january-1st-2021-pending-50-team-registration?mc_cid=9e55d26136&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
5 } – SUNSHINE PRESEASON NATIONAL DUALS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS TEAMS SET FOR ORLANDO, FLA., NOV. 20-22
Looking for a great competition, while enjoying a vacation in a sunny destination at a four-diamond resort? The 2020 Sunshine Preseason National Duals sounds like the perfect way to mix great wrestling with a fun activity for your team. The 2020 Sunshine Preseason National Duals will be held at Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando, Fla., November 20-22. The field has been capped at 48 boys’ teams and 16 girls’ teams, competing on 100,000 square feet of wrestling surface featuring 20 different mats. The boy’s competition will be for athletes in Grades 6-12, and will feature Folkstyle wrestling. The plan is to allow some elementary and middle school wrestlers to join … rest of story at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2020/October/05/Sunshine-Preseason-Duals-set-for-Orlando-FL?mc_cid=bbb5286d21&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
6 } – No Tax On Faith: Matt Lindland Cancer Journal #1
In the previous edition of the Coach Lindland’s Report, US National Team head coach Matt Lindland detailed the discovery that he had developed prostate cancer just prior to the New Year. The initial treatment plan called for, in fact, no treatment. As outlined in the report and below, Lindland’s PSA numbers and Gleason Score allowed for a temporary wait-and-see approach. Treatment was only to become availed once Lindland’s numbers increased to a level necessitating further intervention. That time has now arrived.
Given Lindland’s strong Christian perspective, this journal entry and others to potentially follow will be located here under 5PM’s ‘Christian Faith’ category. For those interested in prostate cancer and where/how to inquire about symptoms and screening, please refer to the Prostate Cancer Foundation. Communication has been an area that we have wanted to improve in the Greco-Roman program. In the spirit of that effort, I wanted to share something that I have been going through, and how I am handling the situation. … rest of story at http://www.fivepointmove.com/christian-faith/lindland-no-tax-faith/?mc_cid=9e55d26136&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
7 } – Colonel Steve Banach is a true American success story
Colonel Steve Banach and his brothers, 1984 Olympic champions Ed and Lou, grew up poor and homeless before being adopted. Their path to finding wrestling is one of America’s great success stories.
Colonel Steve Banach: ‘Nobody had done what we did in the history of warfare … rest of story at https://www.trackwrestling.com/PortalPlayer.jsp?TIM=1601863208900&twSessionId=nfxikzfngw&videoId=868219135&mc_cid=9e55d26136&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
8 } – COMPLETE LIST OF USA WRESTLING SANCTIONED EVENTS FOR THE NEXT THREE MONTHS, AS OF OCTOBER 5
USA Wrestling will be regularly publishing a list of sanctioned events as our nation and our sport comes back from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The list will be created in order to provide 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. This information is also available through USA Wrestling’s membership system, TheMat.com website and on usawrestlingevents.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. In this article, there are 30 tournaments/clinics listed from 13 different states. … rest of story at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2020/October/05/USA-Wrestling-sanctioned-events-in-the-next-three-months?mc_cid=bbb5286d21&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
9} – What can we learn from John Smith and Jordan Burroughs about a global pandemic?
John Smith and Jordan Burroughs are teaching us about how to deal with a global pandemic. They haven’t told us anything explicitly, but if you dig into the past, their actions are examples we can follow. Smith is a six-time World and Olympic champion, winning gold medals from 1987-1992. Burroughs is a five-time World and Olympic champion (2011-13, 2015, and 2017) who has made nine consecutive World and Olympic teams. Both have something in common: they took a redshirt year during college that changed the trajectory of their careers.
Smith took his after the 1985 collegiate season where he placed second to Wisconsin’s Jim Jordan in the NCAA championship finals. The entire 1986 season was spent growing. While Smith competed a few times, most of his efforts were poured into improvements. Burroughs was forced into redshirt but the result was similar. He won the 2009 NCAA Championships but sat out the entire 2010 collegiate season due to injury. Like Smith, this was his opportunity to develop. He came back for the 2011 collegiate season with a vengeance. He dominated his domestic competition then went on to win his first World title later that year.
A global pandemic forced all sports to stop for several months. Every wrestler was given the same opportunity that John Smith and Jordan Burroughs had when they made breakthroughs. Any gains by Smith and Burroughs weren’t made through a listless and apathetic approach. … rest of story at https://www.trackwrestling.com/PortalPost.jsp?TIM=1602125859895&twSessionId=fqvizjzbym&postId=868393135&mc_cid=2b31bc4749&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
10 } – When a college cuts a sports program, these are the lives upended
By Emily Giambalvo
Throughout the past six months, college athletes across the country have logged on to video calls and watched their athletic directors appear on the screen. Then they hear that the administration decided to cut their team. The explanation hardly matters, because their minds spin into a whirlwind wondering what comes next.
A freshman track and field athlete cried on the bed in his dorm room. He felt angry and screamed. A baseball coach tried to explain the situation to his two young children before focusing his efforts on finding his players a home. Months later, he scrolls through Instagram and struggles with mixed emotions as he sees his players in their new uniforms.
The novel coronavirus pandemic has financially strained athletic departments. Schools didn’t receive their usual distribution from the NCAA after the men’s basketball tournament was canceled. They have lost revenue from student fees and donations. Most conferences are playing a shortened football season, with limited or no fan attendance, hurting yet another revenue stream. Many smaller schools are no longer receiving the payouts from nonconference matchups against Power Five programs. … rest of story at https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2020/10/06/college-sports-program-cuts/?mc_cid=2b31bc4749&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
TDR blog
After 20 seasons of publicizing wrestling The TakeDown Report’s (TDR) focus has changed to the collecting of college coaching records from North America since 1903. We will continue to recognize and reward successful wrestlers in eastern North Carolina (east of Raleigh & Fayetteville), assist with schools in starting or re-starting a team and this blog. Join us on our FaceBook Page – “The TakeDown Report” for photos and news. Please send results, stories, links and news to pass along. E-mail us at takedownreport@gmail.com
Martin Fleming, Editor
Takedown Report
