Takedown Report

Amateur Wrestling Reports

High School News – # 26

TDR Editor’s Notes ; Some results, some adjustments and concerns about the future are included in these articles. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
1 } – ‘It’s definitely scary:’ Prep stars face uncertain future in light of college cuts
The heartbreak currently being felt by college athletic departments from all over the country is something Luke Smith has seen first-hand. In 2018, Smith, who was recently named the interim head wrestling coach at Cal State Bakersfield, helped Eastern Michigan have one of the best seasons in program history. The Eagles placed third, their best ever finish, at the Mid-American Conference Tournament and had their first All-American in nearly 20 years. Smith, an assistant on that staff, expected even bigger things the following season, as EMU was set to return five national tournament qualifiers. Those aspirations were never fulfilled. Just weeks after the MAC Tournament, wrestling was one of four sports cut by the university, forcing Smith and the rest of the staff into a brutal conversation with their athletes that still hurts him to think about more than two years later. … rest of story at https://www.bakersfield.com/sports/bvarsity/its-definitely-scary-prep-stars-face-uncertain-future-in-light-of-college-cuts/article_e3d0ecf8-1621-11eb-b23a-ab3fd3d9d3da.html?mc_cid=ab142e53b8&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

2 } – Matside Recap: Super 32 Challenge
Richard Mann (@richardamann) and Clay Sauertieg (@ByCSauertieg) are back to break down the finals of the Super 32 Challenge. The finals featured some of the top high school wrestlers in the country who will soon be contending for national titles on the collegiate level. 0:00 – Open
1:06 – 106: Vincent Kilkeary (PA) dec over Braeden Davis (MI) 5-2
3:28 – 113: Caden Horwath (MI) dec over PJ Duke (NY) 4-3
6:15 – 120: Cooper Flynn (TN) dec over Mason Gibson (PA) 6-1
10:07 – 126: Drake Ayala (IA) dec over Troy Spratley (NY) 3-2
14:07 – 132: Nic Bouzakis (PA) major dec over Chance Lamer (OR) 13-4
17:53 – 138: Caden McCrary (GA) dec over Levi Haines (PA) 8-2
20:26 – 145: Alek Martin (OH) dec over Rocco Welsh (PA) 6-4
23:45 – 152: Caleb Henson (GA) dec over Anthony Perrari (OK) 4-3
27:24 – 160: Dean Hamiti (IL) fall over Matthew Singleton (GA) (Performance of the Night) … rest of story at https://intermatwrestle.com/articles/23951?mc_cid=5358e83a0f&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

3 } – .Facts, Stats, and Trends from the Last Decade of the Super 32 (2010-19)
While we’re still a week out from one of the gems of the high school preseason, the Super 32, it’s never too early to start thinking about the tournament. It has developed from a regional event, in the early 2000’s, to the most competitive folkstyle event in the country. Once registration opens, the event sells out almost simultaneously. Look no further than their website to find the list of famous alumni from the tournament. Kyle Snyder, David Taylor, Kyle Dake, and Zain Retherford are just some of the notable wrestlers that have come to Greensboro, North Carolina, to try and capture a championship belt.  We’ll get to the site information in our actual preview, but today we’ll focus on analyzing some of the numbers and trends associated with the tournament, over the last decade.  … rest of story at https://news.theopenmat.com/high-school-wrestling/facts-stats-and-trends-from-the-last-decade-of-the-super-32-2010-19/79124

4 } – VISAA announces state championships for 3 winter sports. Wrestling is prohibited for now.
Basketball, indoor track and swimming and diving will hold state championships during the winter season, the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association announced Monday. The private school state championships will be limited to the moderate-risk sports, leaving wrestling without a postseason unless the National Federation of State High School Associations changes its high-risk designation. The VISAA executive committee unanimously approved the recommendations given by its Winter Sports Competition Committee, according to a release. The VISAA basketball state tournaments will be held Feb. 23-27, indoor track’s championship will be Feb. 20, and the swimming and diving championships will be Feb. 19-20. Postseason qualifications this season won’t be based on rankings, however, as the VISAA will extend “open invitations to member schools.” Sport-specific safety protocols will be released on Nov. 6 and guidelines for postseason … rest of story at https://www.pilotonline.com/757teamz/vp-sp-visaa-winter-state-championships-20201026-4q6cdv56bbff7kc7dxskow4aj4-story.html?mc_cid=5358e83a0f&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

5 } – Super 32 recap: Bouzakis, Hamiti blitz through brackets on a bonus bonanza
The Super 32 wrapped up Sunday in Myrtle Beach, S.C., where a collection of the nation’s top high school wrestlers seized belts and enhanced their resumes. Here’s a look at how the champions navigated through the tournament. 
106 — Vincent Kilkeary (Pennsylvania) dec. Braeden Davis (Mich.) 5-2 Kilkeary’s path to the belt: Trailed 5-2 in his first match of the tournament before rallying back to beat Marcello Milani 8-5 in the round of 64. Cruised through his next three matches with a tech, a major and a 9-2 win against New Jersey’s Anthony Knox. Used a late takedown to beat Missouri’s Zan Fugitt 3-1 in the semis and downed Davis, a Fargo champ, thanks to a pair of takedowns. 
Placewinners: 1. Vincent Kilkeary (Pennsylvania); 2. Braeden Davis (Michigan); 3. Nate Jesuroga (Iowa); 4. Anthony Knox (New Jersey); 5. Beric Jordan (Ohio); 6. Zan Fugitt (Missouri); 7. Dillon Campbell (Ohio); 8. Caleb Thoennes (Minnesota).
113 — Caden Horwath (Michigan) dec. P.J. Duke (New York) 4-3 
Horwath’s path to the belt: Rolled into the semis by going fall, fall, tech, major. Took out 2019 Cadet Greco World Teamer and double Akron finalist Cory Land of Alabama 4-3 on a third-period rideout to reach the finals and then stopped Duke, who won a New York state title in February as a seventh-grader, using a first-period takedown and a late escape to pull out a 4-3 win.  … rest of story at https://www.trackwrestling.com/PortalPost.jsp?TIM=1603766880144&twSessionId=uvmzrzlxcu&postId=872135135&mc_cid=5358e83a0f&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

6 } – The OPEN MAT NEWS
National High School Wrestling Individual Rankings – October 6th, 2020
TOM has released our latest set of high school rankings for the 2020-21 school year. With only a small amount of action taking place in the summer and more lately, we anticipate some of these weights to vary by the time the high school seasons take place. TOM has done extensive research trying to figure out weights for the 2020-21; however if you have further information, contact esmith@theopenmat.com . … rest of story and rankings at https://news.theopenmat.com/high-school-wrestling/high-school-wrestling-rankings/national-high-school-wrestling-individual-rankings-october-6th-2020/79029
Five Takeaways from Who’s #1 2020
Saturday night, one of the mainstays of the high school wrestling calendar took place when FloWrestling hosted their Who’s #1 event. Most of the top high schoolers descended on Austin, Texas, for a chance to stake their claim at the top spot in their respective weight classes. The result was a highly entertaining evening that showed a little bit of everything. Overtime/tiebreaker matches, breakout performances, domination, and simply, some hard-fought scraps. Below are the full results from the Who’s #1 (WNO) along with five takeaways from the night of action.
112 – Mia Palumbo (Illinois) over Sage Mortimer (Utah) 11-6 … rest of story at https://news.theopenmat.com/high-school-wrestling/five-takeaways-from-whos-1-2020/79023
Five Takeaways from Night of Conflict 2020
This weekend, the crew over at IAwrestle put on their annual preseason event, the “Night of Conflict,” from Sioux City, Iowa. The name may be misleading now, because there was so much action on the schedule, they needed two nights to showcase all of the state’s wrestling talent. The event was expanded to include an all-girls dual on Friday nights, while the boys would compete on Saturday evening. Here are some of the highlights from another great event from IAwrestle.
1) Making an Event “Big-Time”
A big tip of the cap to the entire staff at IAwrestle as they have continued to produce an event that feels “big-time.” Being a lifelong Virginia resident, this is something that cuts to the nerve for me. Our state tournament, the pinnacle of a young wrestler’s voyage through our sport, is made to feel like an afterthought due to neglect from our governing body (VHSL). The state has six classes of public schools wrestling with another for private schools, which amounts to seven state champions at every weight class. … rest of story at https://news.theopenmat.com/high-school-wrestling/five-takeaways-from-night-of-conflict-2020/78983

7 } – New England championships in wrestling cancelled for 2021
For the first time since 1965, there will be no New England wrestling championship meet to conclude the high school wrestling season.
Earlier this month, the New England Council, the organization that hosts New England championship meets in 13 sports, voted unanimously to cancel the fall and winter championship meets due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The cross country championship meet won’t be held in November nor will the wrestling, indoor track, gymnastics, dance and cheerleading meets that were scheduled for February and March. A decision on the 2021 spring events (outdoor track and field and golf) will be made later in 2021. Even if the Council wanted to hold a championship meet, many schools would not be able to attend. In Connecticut, fall sports is limited to regional competition and there will be no state tournaments this fall. Out-of-state competition is prohibited at this time. … rest of story at https://ctwrestling.com/2020/10/new-england-championships-in-wrestling-cancelled-for-2021/3499/?mc_cid=2e944b01db&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

8 } – Collins Hill High School remembers legendary wrestling coach Cliff Ramos at memorial service
Friends and family remembered longtime Gwinnett wrestling coach Cliff Ramos as a man of many talents, but most of all as a great husband, father and grandfather at a memorial service Saturday morning. The event was held at Collins Hill High School’s football stadium. Ramos died last week after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. As head coach at Collins Hill for 18 years, Ramos developed what many at the memorial service called “a wrestling powerhouse.” Under Ramos’ guidance, the school won nine traditional state and dual state championships, was ranked nationally five times, and helped develop numerous state champions and state placers. Ramos himself was also a member of the Gwinnett Sports Hall of Fame and National Wrestling Hall of Fame. “Coach Ramos was a man of unmatched determination and passion,” … rest of story at https://www.gwinnettdailypost.com/local/collins-hill-high-school-remembers-legendary-wrestling-coach-cliff-ramos-at-memorial-service/article_21bb8b82-1617-11eb-a6a5-4f30066de1a1.html?mc_cid=ab142e53b8&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

9} – Illinois high school wrestling season moved to summer season
A day after Illinois governor J.B. Pritzker Illinois Department of Public Health put Illinois high school wrestling on hold, the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) announced that the wrestling season will be moved to the summer season. The IHSA Board of Directors held a board meeting Wednesday and announced plans for winter sports in Illinois. The wrestling season will be held from April 19 to June 26, 2021. Basketball and other winter athletics will be held during the winter months. Illinois has reported 389,095 total COVID-19 cases with 9,619 deaths. New cases of spiked by over 6,000 on Wednesday. … rest of story at https://intermatwrestle.com/articles/23954?mc_cid=aa8061392c&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

10 } – POWERADE WRESTLING TOURNAMENT CHANGES VENUE, TO BE HELD IN MONROEVILLE, PA., DEC. 28-29
To help comply with the health and safety guidelines set by the Pennsylvania Department of Health and to assist in social distancing we are happy to announce a change in venues for the 2020 Powerade Wrestling Tournament. The tournament will be moved to the spacious Monroeville Convention Center in Monroeville, Pennsylvania. The tournament will now be held on Monday & Tuesday, December 28 and 29, 2020. The Powerade Junior Tournament’s (Girls, Boys JV, 15U, 12U & 10U) will be held on Sunday, December 27, 2020 at the same location. … rest of story at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2020/October/29/Powerade-Tournament-to-be-held-in-Monroeville-PA?mc_cid=8d4526dbd7&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

November 28, 2020 Posted by | Uncategorized | Leave a comment

College Results – # 1

TDR Editor’s Notes ; Happy Thanksgiving! First set of schedules and results for college matches. Looking to post more news and results and to catch up on the news. We welcome input and news sent in.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
1 } – Garcia, Sanchez collect pins in debuts; Concordia falls at York
YORK, Neb. – College wrestling is underway in 2020-21. In a meeting of nearby programs, Concordia University Wrestling took on York College at the Freeman Center in York, Neb., for the first time since January 2014. The Panthers dominated the first half of the dual while securing a 30-19 victory on Friday (Oct. 30). Six of the 10 matches ended by fall.
Third-year Head Coach Levi Calhoun rolled out a new-look lineup with seven grapplers wearing the Bulldog singlet for the very first time. It’s a different team than the one that went 13-2 in dual meets last season. Even so, Calhoun has high expectations for his squad.
“Overall I’m just disappointed. We don’t like to lose – that’s the first thing,” Calhoun said. “We can’t give up falls. We gave up four falls. You can’t win a lot of duals like that. We just need to get better.” There were plenty of fireworks in this season opener for both sides. … rest of story and full details at https://www.cune.edu/athletics/teams/wrestling/news/garcia-sanchez-collect-pins-debuts-concordia-falls-york?mc_cid=69b31ff737&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

2 } –  RECAPPANTHERS STUN GPAC CHAMPS IN DUAL VICTORY
YORK – York College made heads turn on Friday night when the Panthers dominated the reigning Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) champions 30-19. It was the first NAIA wrestling competition in the country and it was a doozy. Six of the ten matches were decided by fall. Four of those went York’s way. Harley Williamson (JR/Euless, Texas) led things off when he pinned Carter Willis for the quick 6-0 York advantage.
The 133 lb. match was the most anticipated match of the night as it boasted two NAIA National Qualifiers from the year before. The match did not disappoint as Pierce Mederios (SR/Mountain Home, Idaho) beat Mario Ybarra 4-3 in sudden victory. … rest of story at https://www.ycpanthers.com/article/1008.php?mc_cid=41fa5d2268&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

3 } – ABBOTT BLOG: NOV. 1 WITH NO COLLEGE WRESTLING? ACTUALLY, IT HAS ALREADY STARTED
Traditionally, the start of the annual college wrestling season is on or about November 1. Intrasquad wrestle-offs were held in October at schools which hold them. Most years kick off with the NWCA All-Star Classic on that first Monday, and a number of traditional college open tournaments begin in November and are held the rest of the first semester. There are even a handful of important dual meets held prior to the holiday break. The major wrestling media outlets begin publishing weekly rankings in November. Just like everything else during the COVUD-19 pandemic, nothing is the way we are used to it in wrestling, as in the rest of our lives. … rest of story at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2020/November/01/Abbott-Blog-College-Wrestling?mc_cid=41fa5d2268&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

4 } – Adrian College Wrestling Releases a Fall Semester Schedule
ADRIAN, Mich.–Adrian College men’s wrestling head coach Bill Schindel has announced a 2020-21 schedule for the fall semester for his fifth Bulldogs squad.
There are three dates–all in November–and the docket is highlight by the Adrian College Invitational on Saturday the 14th. The four-team event includes Indiana Tech, Marian (Ind.) and Thomas More joining the host Bulldogs for action beginning at 11 a.m. in the Merillat Sport & Fitness Center field house. The Bulldogs hit the mat for the first time a week earlier on Nov. 7 for their own Adrian Bulldogs Tournament Simulation. It is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. “This weekend we are hosting our annual tournament simulator. … rest of story at https://adrian.prestosports.com/sports/m-wrestl/2020-21/releases/20201028ljdy9q?mc_cid=1abb33fe3e&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

5 } – Milliken Big Blue Wrestling Marks Fifth Anniversary of Return to Competition
November 3, 2020 marks the five year anniversary of the restart of the Millikin University wrestling program.  The program that was disbanded in 2008 made an impressive return to the mat downing Hannibal LaGrange College 49-0 on November 3, 2015 at the Griswold Center.
University officials had modest expectations for the programs first few seasons, but those thoughts weren’t held by the Big Blue’s first year head coach Ryan Birt. Initial plans called for a roster between 10-15 athletes.  In his first few months on the job, Birt hit the recruiting trail hard and opened the 2015-16 with a roster of more than 35 wrestlers.
When Birt was hired, Millikin had no mats and no practice facility. Millikin’s opening night rout was an early signal of some impressive accomplishments the program would accomplish in its first five years. The young Big Blue program has won Millikin’s first ever College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) wrestling team championship and two second place finished. … rest of story at https://athletics.millikin.edu/news/2020/11/3/big-blue-wrestling-marks-fifth-anniversary-of-return-to-competition.aspx?mc_cid=1abb33fe3e&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

6 } – SPENCER LEE, JAYDIN EIERMAN, PAT LUGO SHINE AT HAWKEYE WRESTLING CLUB SHOWDOWN OPEN
Normally at this time of year we’d be getting revved up for the start of another Iowa wrestling season. Practice would have kicked off and we’d be looking forward to some early season tune-up events before the Hawkeyes get ready to face Big Ten foes. We might still be basking in the glow of Iowa’s NCAA championship in March and looking forward to the possibility of a repeat in a few months. 
Obviously, this year is anything but normal. Iowa did not win an NCAA championship in March — because there was no NCAA Tournament eight long months ago, one of the first sports casualties of the still-raging COVID-19 pandemic. Practice for the upcoming season may have begun, but the details of that season are still in desperately short supply. The best guess is that it’s going to start after January 1 and featured a limited schedule, probably with somewhere around 6-8 competition weekends  prior to the conference and NCAA Tournaments. Hopefully we’ll find out more about the shape and form of that upcoming season soon. … rest of story at https://www.goiowaawesome.com/iowa-hawkeyes-wrestling/2020/11/4932/spencer-lee-jaydin-eierman-shine-at-hawkeye-wrestling-club-showdown-open?mc_cid=1abb33fe3e&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

7 } – Queens Wrestling Releases 2020-21 Schedule
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Queens University of Charlotte and head coach Rob Tate are pleased to announce the team’s 2020-21 schedule. The program is officially slated to begin competition January 7, 2021. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the start date was postponed more than two months from the original regular season start date in November.
The Royals’ schedule includes nine regular season matches, seven of which make up conference competition. Queens starts the season with three straight conference matches wrestling at Limestone University in the season opener on Jan. 7 before traveling to Coker University on Jan. 11 in Hartsville, S.C. The Royals host two events this season inside Curry Arena with the home opener versus Emmanual College (Ga.) scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 14 at 7 p.m. … rest of story at https://queensathletics.com/news/2020/11/3/wrestling-set-to-begin-competition-in-january.aspx?mc_cid=68c338ad78&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

8 } – Wayland Baptist Women wrestlers roll in season debut
Wayland Baptist’s women’s wrestlers dominated while the Pioneer men struggled in Saturday morning’s dual against Texas Wesleyan at the Pete & Nelda Laney Student Activities Center. The WBU women prevailed, 38-10, while the men fell to the second-year Rams, 48-9. “It wasn’t a bad first showing, but you could definitely tell this was our first competition,” WBU coach Aaron Meister said of his women’s team’s performance. “You train a certain way and prepare to compete, but ultimately once you get out there you never know what’s going to happen. Now we have some real, live, competitive experience and some film. “We can definitely get better.” … rest of story at https://wbuathletics.com/news/2020/11/7/mens-wrestling-women-wrestlers-roll-in-season-debut.aspx?mc_cid=5c187c6cfd&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

9} – Life University Men’s Wrestling Shuts Out Truett McConnell in 2020 Opener
CLEVELAND, Ga. —- The Life University men’s wrestling team started the 2020 season in dominant fashion with a 42-0 win over Truett McConnell Wednesday night. Rand McCray Jr. started the match with a 7-4 decision at 125 pounds. Marcus Abreu picked up the first fall of the match at 133 lbs. 2:14 seconds into the first period. The Running Eagles took a 15-0 lead with a forfeit at 141 lbs.  … rest of story at https://liferunningeagles.com/news/2020/11/4/mens-wrestling-shuts-out-truett-mcconnell-in-2020-opener.aspx?mc_cid=68c338ad78&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

10 } – Writing Time: What did the HWC Showdown Open show us?
Above all else, the driving force behind the Hawkeye Wrestling Club Showdown Open was a simple desire from Tom Brands to see his top wrestlers on the mat again for the first time in nearly eight months.  So the Iowa coach and his staff plotted a path to competition, worked through the event planning and handpicked a set of opponents that would test the Hawkeyes. The lineup of main-card opponents for Hawkeye Wrestling Club members? An Olympic champion, a pair of two-time World medalists, a couple four-time All-Americans and a two-time NCAA finalist. 
That’s not a test. It’s a graduate course.  “These matches were set up for a reason — and we were exposed,” Brands said Sunday night after the 17-bout card. “I wasn’t thinking we were going to get exposed, and we were exposed.”  What else did the Hawkeye Wrestling Club Showdown Open reveal? … rest of story at https://www.trackwrestling.com/PortalPost.jsp?TIM=1604463513709&twSessionId=tehtlbqnrh&postId=873853135&mc_cid=1abb33fe3e&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

November 27, 2020 Posted by | Uncategorized | Leave a comment

College Wrestling News – # 113

TDR Editor’s Notes ; Included are articles of individual schools in Oklahoma (#1 & 5), Wyoming (#4), and Iowa (#6). Others have a broader view as this season has had to make many adjustments in Division-III (#3), The MAC (#7), The NCAA adding another season (#9), and saving ptograms (#2). More hopeful is the announcement of future national tournaments (#8) and the video of a unique match (#10).
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
1 } – OKWU grapplers boost numbers, potential for 2020-21
Oklahoma Wesleyan University’s wrestling team is gearing up for what it hopes to be its most consistent journey since the program began four years ago, and the first campaign for which new head coach Thomas Carr will preside. The Eagles have set their opener for Nov. 7 in a dual meet tournament at York (Neb.) College. Details for later matches this season have to be finalized, due to possible responses this winter to the virus. The Eagles welcome back some proven talents, including Ridge Smith, who powered to fourth place, at 184 pounds, in last season’s combined Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference/Sooner Athletic Conference men’s championship tournament. … rest of story at https://www.examiner-enterprise.com/story/sports/2020/10/24/okwu-mat-coach-blends-veterans-and-newcomers-promising-squad/3744399001/?mc_cid=ab142e53b8&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

2 } – What Could Save NCAA Programs From Further Sports Cuts? The Knight Commission Has An Idea
Just about all of Division I is in financial trouble. Furloughs and layoffs, salary cuts, and travel and spending deductions are some of the tools being used to try to balance a FY 2021 budget with minimal revenues but lots of fixed expenses. It’s ugly. When the Power 5 created the College Football Playoff in 2014, the media dollars poured in, to the tune of $450 million per year. Over the last six years, $2.7 billion has filled up their coffers, leaving the rest of Division I in the dust as they try to remain competitive. Yet some of those same juggernaut schools are dropping sports. I’ve written about the challenges facing schools that have resorted to cuts in 2020, like Stanford University, the University of Iowa and the University of Minnesota. You know it’s bad when the richest schools are bailing out. But it’s even worse for the non-Power 5 programs, which, if the big-time schools are swimming in debt, are drowning in it. Schools like William and Mary, George Washington University, LaSalle University, Boise State University and the University of Connecticut have thrown their hands up and said they can no longer have a program this broad. Many fans and athletic directors wish someone—anyone—would throw them a lifeline. … rest of story at https://www.forbes.com/sites/karenweaver/2020/10/07/what-could-save-ncaa-programs-from-further-sports-cuts-the-knight-commission-has-an-idea/?mc_cid=a13c46544f&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b&sh=75a9c82b4012

3 } – QUESTIONS FOR A NEW SEASON
October 1st marked the first day of official training for the 2020-2021 season. Usually, the start date is October 10th, but the NCAA has allowed some additional flexibility due to the uncertainty imposed by COVID-19. Additionally, rather than allowing a 19 week season where activity on a single day uses up a week, DIII teams in all sports are instead working with a 114 day season where each day of practice or competition counts only for itself. Some schools are currently training without contact. Others are wrestling in small groups. Some are surely training as usual. Some schools are entirely or mostly online. If those schools are practicing, they are doing so without most of their wrestlers on campus. As each school navigates the pandemic in its own way, there are a lot of questions about how the season will look, and many of them do not have answers. … rest of story at https://www.d3wrestle.com/questions-for-a-new-season/?mc_cid=aeabd832c4&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

4 } – Six COVID-19 cases prompt University of Wyoming wrestling to halt activities
University of Wyoming wrestlers have halted activities after six cases of COVID-19 were identified among the team, the school announced Wednesday. The team won’t engage in any athletic activities and members are being encouraged to shelter in place through Oct. 14, the university said in a press release. During that period, team members are supposed to only interact with people they live with, while attending classes remotely. The decision comes a week after the school halted cheer team activities after three members of the team tested positive for COVID-19. That team has roughly 40 members. The school also closed its law school in mid-September to in-person instruction after six students tested positive. … rest of story at https://trib.com/news/state-and-regional/six-covid-19-cases-prompt-university-of-wyoming-wrestling-to-halt-activities/article_70af5756-3e73-554f-98ba-dec5dda5edf9.html?mc_cid=a2feb99899&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

5 } – Updated OSU Wrestling Roster Reveals a Few Program Losses
An updated look at the current roster

Oklahoma State updated its online roster for the 2020-2021 season and there were some changes. Naturally the graduating seniors are gone and no longer listed, but there seems to be a few other program losses. Brevin Balmeceda, Rhett Golowenski, Bear Hughes, Alex Kauffman, Triston Wills, Dallas Wilson, and Conner Wilson are all no longer listed on the roster.
Hughes and Wills were expected as both announced plans to transfer to Arkansas-Little Rock over the summer. The other roster changes were not as well known. Golowenski and Dallas Wilson were both listed at 125 last season which leaves the Cowboys with only one 125 on the roster who is not a true freshman with Colten Klein. … rest of story at https://pistolsfiringblog.com/updated-osu-wrestling-roster-reveals-program-additions-and-losses/?mc_cid=accb7cd38c&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

6 } – Leistikow: Tackling your questions, Part 2 … wrestling worries

Alex Marinelli, left, and Spencer Lee, middle, are certainly hoping for an NCAA title shot in 2021.

What is going to happen with college wrestling season?
Expanding on what colleague Cody Goodwin wrote last month, expect the NCAA Championships (scheduled for March 18-20 in St. Louis) to be protected at all costs. Coaches are looking at a start date around Jan. 1, a limited schedule (conference-only duals, probably) and perhaps fewer national qualifiers. Of all sports, close-quarters wrestling would benefit most from daily antigen testing that began Wednesday for Big Ten football programs. If football goes well, wrestling has a chance. One last thought on wrestling: I think the NCAA should allow this abbreviated-at-best season as a “free” year of eligibility, like in football. In that case, Iowa 125-pound phenom Spencer Lee would recover his shot at four NCAA titles. … rest of story at https://www.hawkcentral.com/story/sports/college/columnists/chad-leistikow/2020/10/01/iowa-football-linebackers-after-djimon-colbert-run-game-creativity-under-brian-ferentz/3587509001/?mc_cid=a2feb99899&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

7 } – MAC Announces Operational Plan for Wrestling, and Swim & Dive Seasons
CLEVELAND, Ohio – The Mid-American Conference announced Monday an operational plan for Wrestling, and Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving to conduct the 2020-21 season. The plan, approved by the MAC Directors of Athletics on Friday, includes recommendations for Wrestling and Men’s and Women’s Swimming to conduct the 2020-21 season, while mitigating health and safety concerns related to COVID-19. 
The MAC Wrestling season is scheduled to begin January 1, 2021 with teams competing in an eight-week season with Conference Quad and Tri Meets scheduled by the Conference office during Weeks 4 & 5. The MAC Championships will take place February 27-28, 2021.
The MAC Men’s and Women’s Swimming & Diving seasons originally scheduled for late October will begin competition on November 5th. Both the men’s and women’s Conference championships will pushed back (Men: April 8-10, Women: April 15-17) to accompany the delayed start date. Student-Athletes will remain eligible to compete at the NCAA Championships held in March.  
A full list of recommendations for each sport can be found below. These recommendations are and will be subject to change due to the COVID-19 pandemic, in accordance with state and local health guidelines.   

Wrestling

8 } – NCAA awards future sites for national tournament
The NCAA on Wednesday unveiled future sites for its wrestling championships and college wrestling’s showcase event is circling back to three familiar places and one new stop.  For the first time, Tulsa will play the role of the host city of the NCAA Championships in 2023 before Kansas City (2024), Philadelphia (2025) and Cleveland (2026) welcome the tournament back.  The NCAA Championships went to Kansas City for the first time in 2003 and Philadelphia in 2011, while Cleveland played host in 1998 and 2018.  The Division II NCAA Championships are headed to Cedar Rapids (2023), Wichita (2024), Indianapolis (2025) and Sioux Falls (2026), while Roanoke (2023), LaCrosse (2024), Providence (2025) and Cedar Rapids (2026) will host the D3 Championships. … rest of story at https://www.trackwrestling.com/PortalPost.jsp?TIM=1602705358203&twSessionId=uwwxmrsqam&postId=870485135&mc_cid=61e8f19369&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
Oklahoma State Chosen to Host NCAA Championship Events
STILLWATER – Oklahoma State has been selected to host the 2022 NCAA Men’s and Women’s Cross Country Championships, the 2023 NCAA Wrestling Championships, the 2024 NCAA Men’s and Women’s Tennis Championships and the 2025 NCAA Men’s Golf Regionals, it was announced today. In February of this year, schools across the country submitted bids to host NCAA Championships spanning from the 2022-23 academic year through the 2025-26 academic year. The Men’s Final Four and championships for baseball and softball were excluded from this bid process. … rest of story at https://okstate.com/news/2020/10/14/general-oklahoma-state-chosen-to-host-ncaa-championship-events.aspx?mc_cid=61e8f19369&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
Penn, Drexel, PHL Sports Selected To Host 2025 NCAA Wrestling Championship at the Wells Fargo Center
PHILADELPHIA – The University of Pennsylvania, in conjunction with Drexel University and PHL Sports, has been selected to host the 2025 NCAA Wrestling Championship at the Wells Fargo Center, the NCAA announced today. Philadelphia, and more specifically the University of Pennsylvania, has a long and storied history with wrestling, beginning with hosting the first intercollegiate tournament on Penn’s campus in 1905. … rest of story at https://pennathletics.com/news/2020/10/14/penn-drexel-phl-sports-selected-to-host-2025-ncaa-wrestling-championship-at-the-wells-fargo-center.aspx?mc_cid=61e8f19369&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

9} – NCAA grants winter athletes additional season
The NCAA’s Division I Council voted this week to grant all winter athletes, including wrestlers, who compete during the 2020-21 season, an additional season of eligibility due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Spring athletes were previously granted an additional season of eligibility. “The pandemic will continue to impact winter sport seasons in ways we can’t predict. Council members opted to provide for winter sport student-athletes the same flexibility given spring and fall sports previously,” … rest of story at https://intermatwrestle.com/articles/23928?mc_cid=61e8f19369&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
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, … rest of the story at https://www.trackwrestling.com/PortalPost.jsp?TIM=1602639465254&twSessionId=katzbfkdqt&postId=869451135&mc_cid=2844d9a77e&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

10 } – 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? … rest of story and video at https://centenarycyclones.com/news/2020/10/14/adventures-with-the-ad-wrestling.aspx?mc_cid=61e8f19369&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

November 26, 2020 Posted by | Uncategorized | Leave a comment

NCAA Division II Programs & News – # 5


TDR Editor’s Notes ;
A gathering of articles of NCAA Division II wrestling programs. Some are about many or all the schools in the D-II division such as rankings (# 8) and expanding eligibility (#1). Ohio schools such as Lake Erie (#3 & 7), and Ohio Valley (#6). Colorado School of Mines (#9), Minnesota Moorhead (#4) and Newman in Kansas (#5) are highlighted in an article featuring them. The two articles on Nebraska schools focus on recruiting at U.N.-Kearney (#10) and the postponed schedule at Chadron State (#2) that affects all the Division II schools.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
1 } – NCAA grants DII winter athletes further season-of-competition relief
Division II winter sport student-athletes who compete during the 2020-21 academic year will receive an additional season of competition through a waiver the Division II Management Council approved this week. In addition, student-athletes eligible for this waiver also will receive an extension of eligibility, according to a waiver previously approved by the Division II Administrative Committee. The same flexibility was provided to spring sport athletes after their 2020 seasons were canceled and to fall student-athletes after the Division II Championships were canceled as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Previously, the Administrative Committee approved a pair of waivers permitting all student-athletes who competed during the 2020-21 academic year an additional year of eligibility and season-of-competition opportunities if their team completed 50% or less of their sport’s maximum contests/dates of competition. That flexibility still applies for spring sport student-athletes in the 2021 season. … rest of story at https://hayspost.com/posts/72303568-8b63-4ef5-bf20-da6922e746f9?mc_cid=a5e2a6cc0d&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

2 } – No wrestling for Eagles this fall
CHADRON, Neb. — November 17, 2020 — Because of COVID issues and its recent spread, the Chadron State College wrestling team will not have any matches until January, Coach Brett Hunter said Monday. Earlier this month it was announced that the Eagles would host the Colorado Western Mountaineers on Dec. 4 and dual Nebraska-Kearney there on Dec. 11 before expanding the schedule in January. But Hunter said recent upticks in the virus have caused the sport to back away from competition the remainder of this calendar year.  It’s hoped the season can open in January.
Chadron State, which has a 31-man roster, began practicing in mid-October, but no practices are taking place this week. Hunter also said in order to keep his wrestlers in shape … rest of story at https://chadroneagles.com/news/2020/11/17/no-wrestling-for-eagles-this-fall.aspx?mc_cid=97ab69a0c8&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

3 } – Lake Erie Storm Welcome in the Signing Class of 2021
PAINESVILLE, Ohio) – The Lake Erie College Athletic Department announced and welcomed the signing of 23 student-athletes across five different sports on Wednesday during National Signing Day. The Storm Wrestling team led the day with 10 signees followed by Women’s Soccer with 9 new members joining the team next season. The 2021 signing class brings in athletes from Ohio, Michigan, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Texas, and North Carolina. … rest of story at https://lakeerie.prestosports.com/general/2020-21/releases/20201111paelk7?mc_cid=ebacab18d4&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

4 } – Getting II Know a DII Program: MSU-Moorhead
The Minnesota Moorhead wrestling program was established in 1952, and has competed in NCAA Division II since the 1995-96 season. In 25 years as an NCAA Division II program, the Dragons have 28 All-Americans after sending 83 total National Qualifiers to the NCAA Division II National Championships. Kris Nelson closed out his 11th season as the head coach at Minnesota Moorhead in 2019-20.
The Dragons had one National Qualifier in 2019-20, with Braydon Ortloff finishing third at 165 at the Super Region 5 Tournament to make his first trip to Nationals. The Moorhead sophomore was the first to qualify for the Dragons at 165 since 2009. Two of the 83 National Qualifiers in Dragon history have come back as National Champions, with Nate Baker winning the 165 lbs title in 2006 and Nate Henrickson taking the 167 lbs championship in 1997. Jordan Magnuson joins Ortloff back in the Dragon starting lineup for 2020-21, having qualified for the NCAA Division II National Championships in 2019 at heavyweight. … rest of story at https://news.theopenmat.com/college-wrestling-news/getting-ii-know-a-dii-program-msu-moorhead/79222?mc_cid=1abb33fe3e&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

5 } – Getting II Know a DII Program: Newman
Newman’s wrestling program was established in 2004, and became an NCAA Division II program for the 2008-09 season. The Jets have qualified 15 to the NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships in 12 years in D2, with seven of those student-athletes returning to campus as All-Americans. Noel Torres is the lone National Champion in program history, winning the 184 title in 2018 for head coach Ryan Smith, who will enter his 13th year at the head of the Newman program in 2020-21.
“The Newman University Wrestling Staff provides student-athletes with the best possible environment to be a champion on both the mat and in the classroom,” Smith said. “We are striving to ingrain a championship mindset from enrollment to graduation.”
Smith has coached all seven of the Newman All-Americans, with all seven coming since the 2016 season. Kameron Frame is the latest in the string of Jet All-Americans, earning his second AA finish last season via entering the 2020 NCAA Division II National Championships as the four-seed at 157. Frame finished sixth a season earlier, and returns for his redshirt junior season in 2020-21 as a two-time D2 All-American. … rest of story at https://news.theopenmat.com/college-wrestling-news/getting-ii-know-a-dii-program-newman/79131?mc_cid=1debff05aa&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

6 } – Getting II Know a DII Program: Ohio Valley
The Ohio Valley Fighting Scots program was established in 2011, with OVU sending five national qualifiers to the NCAA Division II National Championships in nine years as a D2 team. Two wrestlers have four of those qualifications, with Chase Long becoming the first to qualify for the Fighting Scots in 2013, with the 197 again making it to Nationals in 2015. Dalton George also qualified twice for Ohio Valley, and became the program’s first and only All-American with a sixth place finish at 174 in 2017. The injury-laden Fighting Scots sent just three to the 2020 NCAA Division II Super Region 3 Tournament last February, with none of the trio making it out of the regional for OVU. The last National Qualifier from the Fighting Scots was Anthony Tripke, who made the trip to the NCAA Division II National Championships at 125 in 2019. Ohio Valley will look to build upon its roster of 10 from a season ago for the upcoming 2020-21 season, … rest of story at https://news.theopenmat.com/college-wrestling-news/getting-ii-know-a-dii-program-ohio-valley/79016?mc_cid=bbb5286d21&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

7 } – Randolph heading to Division II Lake Erie College
CLINTON — Friday was a day Clinton senior Brayden Randolph won’t soon forget. The running back/linebacker ran for 113 yards and knocked down a Blissfield lateral to secure the 16-13 win for the Division 6 district championship. But prior to the game, Randolph signed his National Letter of Intent to wrestle at Lake Erie College, an NCAA Division II program located in Painesville, Ohio.
“It fells great,” Randolph said. “Especially to do that and then come out (to Blissfield) and get a great team win. It was a great feeling and a great day.” Randolph is all about team and family and those were the deciding factors for the three-time Division 4 all-state honoree.
Randolph, who is 151-13 during his high school career with two runner-up finishes, one third place finish and a team state title to go with a team runner-up title, was sold by the family atmosphere around head coach Jeff Breese’s program. “It was that family aspect,” Randolph said. … rest of story at https://www.sentinel-standard.com/news/20201117/randolph-heading-to-division-ii-lake-erie-college?mc_cid=97ab69a0c8&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

8 } – Basford Division II Wrestling Rankings – Preseason
The annual Basford Division II Wrestling Rankings have been released. Rankings compiled by Chris Basford (Basford22@yahoo.com) … rest of story at https://rokfin.com/ranking/946/Basford-Division-II-Wrestling-Rankings–Preseason?mc_cid=c33f4da146&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

9} – Mines Welcomes Ecker As Wrestling Assistant Coach
GOLDEN, Colo. – Colorado School of Mines has announced the hiring of Seth Ecker as assistant coach for the wrestling program. Ecker will join head coach Austin Devoe’s staff looking to help carry the momentum of a program returning to national prominence. Over the past three seasons, Mines has gone 30-7 in duals while winning consecutive RMAC championships. The Orediggers have been a fixture in the national rankings peaking at #9 in 2020, and have produced nine NCAA qualifiers and a pair of All-Americans since 2018. 
Ecker arrives at Mines with a diversity of experience at all three divisions of NCAA wrestling. Most recently, Ecker spent the 2019-20 season as a graduate assistant at Kutztown University, where he helped produce a pair of NWCA All-Americans and two NCAA qualifiers last season. Prior to that, Ecker was the first-ever head coach at Alvernia University in Pennsylvania, where he spent the 2018-19 season recruiting and fundraising for the start-up program. Ecker has also had assistant coaching stops at the University of Maryland, where he coached the program’s first all-American in four seasons; at Ithaca College, where the program produced six NCAA qualifiers in consecutive seasons with six total all-Americans; and at Ursinus College, … rest of story at https://minesathletics.com/news/2020/11/16/mines-welcomes-ecker-as-wrestling-assistant-coach.aspx?mc_cid=97ab69a0c8&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

10 } – Wrestling Adds Three Nebraskans, Five Out-of-State Newcomers
Kearney, Neb. – Nebraska-Kearney head wrestling coach Dalton Jensen today announced the names of eight high school seniors who’ll take to the mats next winter for the Lopers. The in-state newcomers are Drew Arnold (Beatrice H.S.), Daniel DeRosier (Bellevue East H.S.), and Dylan Vodicka (David City H.S.). Coming from outside Nebraska are Tyler Collins (Wray, Colo.), Beau Hostler (Broomfield, Colo.), Jackson Kinsella (Creston, Ia.), Fabian Lopez (Ovid, Colo.), and Briar Reisz (Logan, Ia.). Jensen noted UNK will add some more newcomers to the 2021-22 roster later this academic year.  UNK’s current roster features a stellar senior class. The NCAA Division II Presidents Council has granted an eligibility waiver (i.e. a “free year”) for winter sport student-athletes this year due to the ongoing COVID pandemic.
Arnold (Blue Springs, Neb.) will compete at 133/141 pounds for the Lopers. He has 119 career wins to date and is a three-time state placer, finishing third in Class B last winter at 120 pounds. Outside of the high school season, Arnold placed in the top five at the 2019 USA Pre and Post Season Nationals. “Drew is a very savvy and confident wrestler. The way he approaches his training and matches, he is sure to have success at this level,” Jensen said. … rest of story at https://lopers.com/news/2020/11/13/wrestling-adds-three-nebraskans-five-out-of-state-newcomesr.aspx?mc_cid=870ca1d130&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

November 24, 2020 Posted by | Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Women’s Wrestling News – # 51

TDR Editor’s Notes ; A variety of stories about current event and growth in Women’s wrestling opportunities in colleges (#4 & 7), rankings of wrestlers (#2 & 10) and in high schools (#3 -Idaho, # 5 Florida, #6 & 8-Iowa and #9 Pennsylvania). Even an international touch in #1. A coach-hero of mine is quoted in story #5 with “Wrestlers make coaching football easy, they have balance, coordination, and as a coaching staff we know they’re tough,” said legendary Nebraska Cornhusker football coach Tom Osborne. Amen, to that coach. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
1 } – AFSOON: New book chronicles incredible story of first US women’s medalist
Imagine growing up in Iran, taking a huge risk to flee the country with your family and eventually becoming an American success story.
Afsoon Roshanzamir Johnston can.
She lived it and now her remarkable story is chronicled in her new book “AFSOON” that is receiving excellent reviews in the U.S. and beyond. Afsoon grew up during a dangerous and tumultuous time in Iran in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The country had experienced a revolution, the Iran-Iraq war was taking place and Americans were taken hostage at the U.S. Embassy in Iran. She was forced to chant “Marg Bar Amrika” while stomping on American flags each morning at her school. That translated to “Death to America.” She and her fellow students had to watch as USA flags were often burned in front of them. … rest of story at https://intermatwrestle.com/articles/23881?mc_cid=8e7f0f219d&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

2 } – Women Wrestle 2 – How to Start a DI Women’s Program with John Clark
Last week, Sacred Heart University made headlines as the school announced they would be adding a women’s wrestling program to their athletic offerings. That decision makes them the second DI school to offer women’s wrestling and the first in the northeast. John Clark, currently the coach of the Pioneers men’s team, talks with Alexis and Arian about how this decision came about and the work behind the scenes needed to make women’s wrestling a reality at SHU. … rest of story at https://news.theopenmat.com/womens-wrestling/women-wrestle-2-how-to-start-a-di-womens-program-with-john-clark/78988?mc_cid=72c2868447&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

3 } – IHSAA APPROVES IDAHO GIRLS STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS FOR 2021-22, MAKING IT THE 29TH STATE TO ADD GIRLS WRESTLING
Today, the Idaho High School Activities Association (IHSAA) approved a girls wrestling bracket at its state high school wrestling championships, beginning during the 2021-22 school year. In the IHSAA Board of Directors meeting, held today at Madison High School in Rexburg, Idaho, the Board voted on the following action … rest of story at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2020/September/29/Idaho-adds-girls-high-school-wrestling?mc_cid=72c2868447&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

4 } – Cameron Guerin will compete for McKendree after two years at the Olympic Training Center
Cameron Guerin, an undefeated four-time Washington state wrestling champion, took a non-traditional route to college. She talks about the influence of her father, training in Colorado Springs, and competing for McKendree as a freshman. … rest of story and video at https://www.trackwrestling.com/tw/PortalPlayer.jsp?videoId=866438135&mc_cid=aa70f844b7&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

5 } – Smith wrestles with demands of playing on two boys’ teams
By Bruce Hope bruce@opcfla.com
ORANGE PARK – Already one of two girls playing football in the county, Orange Park High junior Andrea Smith also is on the boys’ and girls’ wrestling teams. “My main sport is wrestling,” she said. “I wrestle here at Orange Park High for the boys’ team, and I wrestle girls nationally on the Florida national team, and I travel every couple of months.”
Smith wrestles in the 195-pound weight class for boys and 200-pound weight class for girls. She is currently ranked sixth nationally among girls, dropping following a loss in the state finals after being as high as No. 2. In seventh grade, she began to wrestle after seeing her brothers at practice and thinking, “I want to do it, too.” She started to wrestle in school in eighth grade, and for her first two seasons, only wrestled boys.
Her first two years were rough. “My first year, I was terrible. I lost every single every single match. The next year I won a couple of matches, and I just went up from there,” she said. … rest of story at https://www.claytodayonline.com/stories/smith-wrestles-with-demands-of-playing-on-two-boys-teams,24344?mc_cid=a2feb99899&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

6 } – An all-girls wrestling camp in Iowa proves that women’s wrestling is on the rise
Toccara Montgomery laughed when she was asked her first question at the all-girls wrestling camp held at the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum in Waterloo, Iowa. She wasn’t laughing at the question, she was laughing because the young girl in the audience captured the essence of women’s wrestling.
“Do you ever get any negativity for being a female wrestler?” the girl asked.  Montgomery’s response? “I still do. It’s tough. It is very, very tough to be in this sport initially.” Randi Miller chimed in with her thoughts. 
I got a lot of negativity from the start of my career all the way to the end,” Miller said. “At first it used to get to me but after a while, I got thick skin. At the end of the day, I wasn’t doing it for anybody else but me and it made me happy so I don’t care what they have to say.” 
Toccara Montgomery and Randi Miller aren’t just two women’s wrestlers who paid their dues. They are World and Olympics medalists. They are pioneers. They are legends. … rest of story at https://www.trackwrestling.com/PortalPost.jsp?TIM=1601690140408&twSessionId=qhhqgohpyi&postId=868084135&mc_cid=accb7cd38c&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

7 } – Breaking the Rock Podcast: Episode 4
The Limestone University Athletics Department’s Breaking the Rock Podcast takes listeners behind the scenes into the lives and stories of Saints student-athletes, coaches and staff. Co-hosted by Michael Sanders and Jordan Parry of the athletic media relations staff, each episode features new guests and unique personal stories in a 30-minute interview-style program released every Monday and Friday.
In episode 4, Sanders and Parry sit down with senior women’s wrestler Eve Berrington to talk about how she got into the sport so late in life, her experiences and world travels to get to where she is now, dealing with physical injuries, and her passion … rest of story at https://golimestonesaints.com/news/2020/10/2/womens-wrestling-breaking-the-rock-podcast-episode-4.aspx?mc_cid=accb7cd38c&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

8 } – Ashley Sword filled an important role in the creation of the Hawkeye Wrestling Club Showdown Open
Ashley Sword, head women’s wrestling coach at Life University, talks about her role with the Nov. 1 Hawkeye Wrestling Club Showdown Open, the excitement Jordan Nelson competing in the event, and creating a place for everyone in Marietta, Georgia. … rest of story at https://www.trackwrestling.com/PortalPlayer.jsp?TIM=1601945377901&twSessionId=duxlnvslgx&videoId=868392135&mc_cid=bbb5286d21&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

9} – Gettysburg becomes eighth school district in Pennsylvania to approve girls’ wrestling team
Gettysburg High School has been a top leader in the girls’ wrestling movement in recent years.  The school continued that trend with a major decision Monday night.  The Gettysburg Area School District school board approved a proposal to create a girls’ wrestling team at the high school by an unanimous vote Monday night. Gettysburg is the first YAIAA school to make girls’ wrestling an official sport. 
It is the eighth school in Pennsylvania to make the move since March. The Warriors are the fourth District 3 program to approve a girls’ program, along with Annville-Cleona, Governor Mifflin and J.P. McCaskey.  “I’ve been fortunate enough to have teammates since 1999 that have been females, two of which were Olympians,” Gettysburg head wrestling coach Chris Haines said in a video attached to the team’s school board proposal. … rest of story at https://www.ydr.com/story/sports/high-school/wrestling/2020/10/06/girls-wrestling-gettysburg-becomes-eighth-pa-school-approve-team/3635699001/?mc_cid=aeabd832c4&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

10 } – Women’s College Wrestling Top 25: Preseason Multi-Division Rankings
Derek Levendusky, AWW Staff
This ranking was produced by a ranking team working with AmericanWomensWrestling.com for FloWrestling & AWW. The team includes AWW staff and several coaches representing both NAIA & NCAA programs.

What is a “multi-divisional ranking?” It’s the mother of all college rankings, that’s what it is! With the advent of the multi-divisional scene in women’s college wrestling—the NAIA, NJCAA, NCWA & NCAA programs now have multiple national championships and the WCWA has only partial participation—we might lose sight of how all these women stack up against each other. The multi-divisional rankings takes all of women’s college wrestling and combines it into one Top 25 ranking. It’s an accomplishment to make a list like this as the depth in women’s college wrestling has grown immensely in recent years. Combining all four divisions, there are now well over 100 college programs and clubs for women’s wrestling. The rankings below take into account all women’s college national championships—the WCWA, NAIA, NCWA, and the event launched last year for NCAA programs, the National Women’s Collegiate Wrestling Championships. It also takes duals into account, though some duals might escape our notice due to the difficulty of finding results online.
Please note: Rankings are not predictive. They are based on results. While we know there are many incoming freshmen that are rank-worthy, we do not rank them until they have college results. … rest of story at https://www.americanwomenswrestling.com/news-2/womens-college-wrestling-top-25-preseason-multi-division-rankings?mc_cid=2b31bc4749&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

November 23, 2020 Posted by | Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Carolinas’ Colleges’ News – # 13

TDR Editor’s Notes ; Looking at teams in both Carolinas. South in (#1 & #5) and North Carolina teams such as Appalachian State (#3), Campbell (#4), North Carolina State in (#6, 7 & 8) and the ACC guidelines from Duke University (#9). The University of North Carolina is in (#2) and especially note Timothy Decatur in (#10). He was named for TDR’s James Johnson Award in 2019.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
1 } – Sawyer Root Named Assistant Wrestling Coach
Newberry, S.C. – The Newberry College Athletics Department and Head Men’s Wrestling Coach Cy Wainwright have announced the addition of Sawyer Root as the Assistant Men’s Wrestling Coach, effective immediately. “I am thankful for the opportunity to join the Newberry Wrestling program. The program speaks for itself, and I look forward to working with a high caliber group of wrestlers and coaches,” said Root 
Root joins the Wolves Wrestling Program after a phenomenal career at The Citadel. He was a 2x NCAA National Qualifier. In his last two seasons, he was nationally ranked and finished 56-32 as a Bulldog. … rest of story at https://newberrywolves.com/news/2020/9/24/sawyer-root-named-assistant-wrestling-coach.aspx?mc_cid=f2d65a70bb&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

2 } – SCOTT ADDS KELLY TO WRESTLING STAFF
Head coach Coleman Scott announced Wednesday the addition of 2004 Olympic silver medalist Jamill Kelly to his staff as an assistant coach.
Kelly is a two-time World Team member and a four-time U.S. National Team member. He comes to UNC from Arizona State, where he was on staff for two seasons. He has previously coached at Stanford, NC State, Cal Poly and Harvard.
 “This was a no-brainer for us to bring on Jamill and include him into the Carolina Wrestling family,” Scott said. “He brings a brilliant wrestling mind as well as a unique perspective in the sport of wrestling with his background. His success on the mat speaks for itself. He’s also an elite coach and will be great to have in the room.” … rest of story at https://goheels.com/news/2020/10/7/scott-adds-kelly-to-wrestling-staff.aspx?mc_cid=2b31bc4749&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

3 } – App State Wrestling Staff Marked by Elite-Level Success
BOONE, N.C. — App State Wrestling head coach JohnMark Bentley has announced his full coaching staff for the 2020-21 season, with the three assistant spots being held by Ian Miller, Randall Diabe and DJ Fehlman.
With Miller serving as the head assistant coach, Diabe has been promoted to assistant coach and Felhman arrives as the Mountaineers’ volunteer assistant following a standout competitive career at Lock Haven.
The four coaches in Boone combined for 429 victories and 11 appearances at the NCAA Championships during their college careers.
“I’m excited to add Randall and DJ to round out our staff for this year,” Bentley said. “Randall has … rest of story at https://appstatesports.com/news/2020/10/13/app-state-wrestling-staff-marked-by-elite-level-success.aspx?mc_cid=2844d9a77e&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

4 } – Camel Conversation | Andrew Morgan
All-American Andrew Morgan (184 lbs) joins Evan Budrovich to discuss his prolific career in the Creek, featuring 93 career wins at Campbell and two NCAA Tournament appearances. Morgan shares what transformed Campbell Wrestling into an elite program and his vision for the future. … rest of story at https://gocamels.com/news/2020/10/29/wrestling-camel-conversation-andrew-morgan.aspx?mc_cid=8d4526dbd7&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

5 } – Lander University announces 2021 schedule
GREENWOOD – The Lander wrestling team has announced its schedule for the 2021 season, which sees the Bearcats host five home matches.  “After everything that 2020 has thrown at us, we are excited to get back to competing again in early 2021,” said head coach R.C. LaHaye. “We have a good group of returners, as well as a top-ranked recruiting class. As a staff, we are very excited for year number two.” 
The Bearcats are set to join the joint Conference Carolina, Southern Atlantic Conference wrestling conference after competing as an independent last season. Lander will see action in Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee this season. At the current time, Lander University is anticipating admitting fans this winter to cheer on the Bearcats as they compete on the mat. A full seating policy will be released at a later date. … rest of story at https://lander.prestosports.com/sports/wrest/2020-21/releases/20201029jifmyy?mc_cid=69b31ff737&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

6 } – #PackMentality Pop-Ins Podcast: Ep. 70 – Senior Nationals Preview & Nick Reenan
RALEIGH, N.C. – Episode #70 of the #PackMentality Pop-Ins Podcast sees the return of NC State head coach Pat Popolizio as he chats about the upcoming U.S. Senior Nationals in Iowa. Popolizio and host Brian Reinhardt discuss the logistics and breakdowns of who will be competing for the Wolfpack. Past U.S. National Team member Nick Reenan also joins the show to talk about his career and what he is looking forward to this weekend. … rest of story at https://gopack.com/news/2020/10/7/wrestling-packmentality-pop-ins-podcast-ep-70-senior-nationals-preview-nick-reenan.aspx?mc_cid=2b31bc4749&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

7 } – Gwiazdowski to square off with Cassioppi at HWC Showdown Open
Tony Cassioppi will get an opportunity to test his hand against the American heavyweight gold standard.  The Iowa sophomore will take on two-time World medalist Nick Gwiazdowski at the Hawkeye Wrestling Club Showdown Open.  Gwiazdowski is the fourth World medalist to be announced for the Nov. 1 event, which will be streamed live on Trackwrestling.  The 27-year-old New York native, a two-time NCAA champion from North Carolina State, has been a mainstay on the American men’s freestyle squad throughout the current Olympic cycle, capturing bronze medals at the 2017 and 2018 World Championships and qualifying the United States for the Tokyo Olympics earlier this year by winning the Pan Am Olympic Games Qualifier. … rest of story at https://www.trackwrestling.com/PortalPost.jsp?TIM=1601585172455&twSessionId=ztsdhfowdi&postId=867895135&mc_cid=a2feb99899&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

8 } – NC State’s Brian Reinhardt using podcasting to promote Wolfpack wrestling #InternationalPodcastDay
Brian Reinhardt serves as the host of the #PackMentality Pop-Ins Podcast, a podcast that covers the back-to-back ACC Champion NC State Wolfpack wrestling team. Brian has been with NC State Athletics since graduating from West Virginia University in 1999. He has been the communications contact for all of Pat Popolizio’s nine seasons with Wolfpack Wrestling in Raleigh, N.C., and he is the reigning, defending, undisputed SID of the Year having won the most recent award from the NWMA. The #PackMentality Pop-Ins Podcast debuted in October of 2017, and when it started it was the first podcast produced by NC State Athletics and NC State was the first school to host their own podcast devoted to college wrestling.
Also, host Jason Bryant remembers the late Brian Keck. … rest of story at https://www.mattalkonline.com/podcast/short-time/nc-states-brian-reinhardt-using-podcasting-to-promote-wolfpack-wrestling-internationalpodcastday/?mc_cid=5358e83a0f&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

9} – COVID UPDATE (Nov. 14): ACC Updates Winter Sports Safety Standards
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 meeting weekly since the spring to share information on the impact of COVID-19 on ACC campuses and intercollegiate athletics. The first MAG report was released on July 29 … rest of story at https://goduke.com/news/2020/11/14/athletics-duke-announces-attendance-restrictions.aspx?mc_cid=0db378071a&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

10 } – SIX TAR HEELS SET TO WRESTLE AT JUNIORS, U23S
Six members of the UNC Wrestling program will be competing this weekend in Omaha, Nebraska at the UWW Junior and U23 Nationals. The winners of each style in the event will qualify for the 2021 Senior World Team Trials and/or the 2021 Junior World Team Trials.  
The following Tar Heels will compete in Omaha for the Tar Heel Wrestling Club:  
Timothy Decatur (61kg) – junior men’s freestyle
Sonny Santiago (70kg) – junior men’s freestyle … rest of story at https://goheels.com/news/2020/11/9/wrestling-six-tar-heels-set-to-wrestle-at-juniors-u23s.aspx

November 22, 2020 Posted by | Uncategorized | Leave a comment

International Wrestling News – # 11

TDR Editor’s Notes ; Included are several links to stories about Iran’s controversial execution of a champion wrestler. (#2, 7, 8, & 9). USA wrestlers are of more interest to us, of course their stories are included (# 3, 4 & 6). The impact of the cuts in collegiate programs due to the pandemic crisis has been especially severe. (#10). The adjustments in upcoming events are included. (#1 & 5)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
1 } – United World Wrestling confirms dates for postponed Olympic qualifiers
By Michael Pavitt Sunday, 27 September 2020
Dates for the three remaining continental Olympic qualifiers have been confirmed by United World Wrestling (UWW), as part of an update to the sport’s international calendar. The governing body had confirmed in May that the hosts of the qualifiers were unchanged from the postponed events this year, with Xi’an in China, El Jadidda in Morocco and Hungary’s capital Budapest holding competitions.
El Jadidda is scheduled to host the Africa and Oceania Olympic qualifier from March 12 to 14, with Budapest staging the European qualifier from March 19 to 21. Xi’an is due to hold the Asian qualifier from March 26 to 28. Wrestlers will then have a final chance to secure a Tokyo 2020 berth at the World Olympic Games qualifier in Sofia. This event is scheduled to take place from April 29 to May 2 in Bulgaria’s capital city. … rest of story at https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1098885/uww-dates-for-tokyo-2020-qualifiers?mc_cid=8e7f0f219d&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

2 } – IRAN EXECUTES WRESTLER
United World Wrestling suggests Iran suspension over Afkari execution unlikely
By Ali Iveson   Wednesday, 16 September 2020
United World Wrestling (UWW) has downplayed the prospect of Iran being banned from wrestling competitions or the Olympic Games following the execution of wrestler Navid Afkari. The 27-year-old, who was given two death sentences for stabbing a security guard and his involvement in demonstrations against the country’s regime in 2018 but claimed he had been coerced into giving a a false confession, was executed last week, state media reported. Human Rights Watch said Afkari’s case was “part of a systematic pattern in which Iranian authorities disregard torture allegations and use coerced confessions in trial proceedings”. UWW and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) were among multiple organisations to call for clemency, and Afkari’s killing has led to calls from many for Iran to be excluded from the Olympics.
However, in a statement provided to insidethegames, UWW suggested such a course was unlikely to be plotted, citing that this would punish other athletes from Iran. “The execution of wrestler Navid Afkari in Iran was very sad news,” UWW said. .. story at https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1098502/uww-statement?mc_cid=f697b041da&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
Expulsion of Iran leads World Players Association’s demands of sporting world after Afkari execution Sept. 17th
World Players Association executive director Brendan Schwab has outlined five commitments the pressure group wants the sporting world to make following the execution of wrestler Navid Afkari in Iran. Iranian state media reported that Afkari was executed on Saturday (September 12). 
The 27-year-old had been given two death sentences for allegedly stabbing a security guard to death and his involvement in demonstrations against the country’s regime in 2018. Afkari had claimed he was tortured into making a false confession and human-rights groups and activists believe he was unjustly targeted by the Iranian authorities to intimidate others who might choose to participate in peaceful protests. … rest of story at https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1098542/five-commitments-from-sporting-world?mc_cid=f6e465b58d&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
US announces sanctions against officials involved in Afkari execution
Sept. 25th
United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has announced sanctions against officials involved in the execution of wrestler Navid Afkari in Iran. Afkari was executed on September 12, having been given two death sentences for allegedly stabbing a security guard to death and his involvement in demonstrations against the country’s regime in 2018. Afkari had claimed he was tortured into making a false confession and human-rights groups and activists believe he was unjustly targeted by the Iranian authorities to intimidate others who might choose to participate in peaceful protests. The US announced sanctions against Judge Seyyed Mahmoud Sadati, Judge Mohammad Soltani, Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Shiraz, plus Adel Abad, Orumiyeh, and Vakilabad Prisons. … rest of story at https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1098843/us-sanctions-related-to-afkari-case?mc_cid=29285b55e6&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

3 } – Former Penn State wrestler Bo Nickal announces weight for Olympic Trials
After much anticipation, three-time NCAA champion Bo Nickal announced via Instagram and Twitter the weight he intended to wrestle at the 2021 Olympic Trials. Nickal, who wrestled at 174, 184 and 197 pounds in college, revealed that he’ll attempt to secure the 86 kg spot on the US Olympic Team for the upcoming Tokyo games. … rest of story at https://www.collegian.psu.edu/sports/wrestling/article_367bf85e-fc68-11ea-86c8-435010c59e35.html?mc_cid=e10bcd29f6&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

4 } – What Rulon Gardner Has Been Up (and Down) to
Since making Olympic history in 2000, the wrestler has battled his share of adversity. But he has never wavered in his commitment to motivating—whether it’s young wrestlers, those in the business world or, not least of all, himself. Rulon Gardner is crammed into the driver’s seat of a 2006 Volkswagen Beetle. As he weaves around trucks, zipping up I-15 North through Provo, Utah, he may be the biggest human on the highway, packed into one of the tiniest vehicles. But he just loves that little red car, with the odometer approaching 300,000 miles. … rest of story at https://www.si.com/olympics/2020/09/24/rulon-gardner-ups-and-downs-20-years-daily-cover?mc_cid=29285b55e6&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

5 } – Update to Calendar and Events for 2021
CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (September 24) — United World Wrestling has updated its event calendar for the 2021 season to reflect all recent adjustments made due to the impact of COVID-19 on a variety of international events.
The Continental Championships will be scheduled at the beginning of the year in order to add the Continental and World Qualifiers. Because the Senior Pan-American Continental Qualifiers were held last year, the Continental Championships will be held at the end of May.
The Continental Championships: 
January 29-31: Oceania Championships, Pago Pago, ASA
February 02-07: African Championships, Marrakech, MAR
February 08-14: European Championships, Katowice, POL
February 16-21: Asian Championships, Almaty, KAZ
May 27-30: Pan-Am Championships, Rio de Janeiro, BRA … rest of story at https://unitedworldwrestling.org/article/update-calendar-and-events-2021?mc_cid=8e7f0f219d&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

6 } – Former OSU Heavyweight Alan Gelogaev has become a U.S. Citizen
From Russia to Oklahoma State to United States citizen.
Former Cowboy heavyweight and two-time All American Alan Gelogaev has become a U.S. Citizen. Gelogaev, who was originally from Moscow, Russia, came to the United States and eventually Oklahoma State in 2008 via a connection he made with Olympians Daniel Cormier and Jamill Kelly. Kelly and Cormier were training in Russia at the time. Gelogaev struggled with some injuries throughout his career but when healthy was as exciting as they come. … rest of story at https://pistolsfiringblog.com/former-osu-heavyweight-alan-gelogaev-has-become-a-u-s-citizen/?mc_cid=a2feb99899&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

7 } – Thousands Sign AJC Letter Urging IOC to Bar Iran From Tokyo Olympics
NEW YORK, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Thousands of people from 39 countries around the world have signed an American Jewish Committee (AJC) letter urging the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to ban Iran from the Olympic Games in Tokyo in 2021. The signed letter was delivered today to IOC President Thomas Bach, ahead of tomorrow’s IOC meeting in Lausanne, Switzerland. “Iran’s record of abuse against its own athletes is abysmal,” states the AJC letter to Bach.
The letter details Iran’s repeated and ongoing violations of the Olympic Charter, of the Olympic ethos, and of basic human rights. “Iran’s record of abuse in sports is just one area of an elaborate tapestry of wholesale violations of basic human rights carried out by the Islamic Republic against its own citizens,” states the letter. … rest of story at https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/thousands-sign-ajc-letter-urging-ioc-to-bar-iran-from-tokyo-olympics-301147278.html?mc_cid=2b31bc4749&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

8 } – Olympics slammed for not caring about murder of Iranian wrestler
“And the IOC turned away, claiming that Navid is not their problem.”
The organization Global Athlete issued a scathing indictment of the International Olympic Committee on Wednesday for its refusal to act against Iran’s regime in response to the execution of Iranian champion Greco-Roman wrestler Navid Afkari.“The IOC’s failure to stand up for athletes’ human rights – their willingness to stand by while athletes are jailed, tortured and executed – is a gross abdication of duty,” said two-time Olympian Noah Hoffman, a Global Athlete member.  … rest of story at https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/olympics-slammed-for-not-caring-about-murder-of-iranian-wrestler-644965?mc_cid=a13c46544f&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

9} – US sanctions Iran judge who ordered wrestling champ’s execution
The United States imposed sanctions on an Iranian judge who sentenced Navid Afkari to death over his role in anti-government protests in 2018.
The United States has imposed sanctions on the Iranian judge who sentenced a wrestling champion to death over his role in anti-government protests in 2018.
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo formally announced the sanctions against Judge Sayyed Mahmoud Sadati in a statement on September 24. He referred to the killing as an “unconscionable act” before calling on nations to “promote accountability for this regime.” “Navid had previously competed in Iran’s National Wrestling Championship and he had so much more to accomplish in life,” Sec. Pompeo said in a statement. “Too often, the Iranian regime targets, arrests, and kills the brightest and most promising Iranians, thereby depriving Iran of its greatest asset – the skill and talent of its own people. Navid’s death must not be in vain: … rest of story at https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2020/9/28/21472051/usa-sanctions-iran-judge-wrestling-champ-execution-navid-afkari-mike-pompeo-news?mc_cid=8e7f0f219d&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

10 } – College sports cuts in the wake of Covid-19 are clouding the future of Olympics participation
Colleges aren’t just postponing sports seasons — they’re canceling them and imperiling the feeder system that brings athletes to the Olympics.
By Matt Marshall, Daniel Arkin and Kanwal Syed
Emily Molins was well on her way to competing in the Olympics. Molins, 20, a lightweight rower, joined the under-23 U.S. national team last year, and she competed for Stanford University’s national championship team.
Then in early July, Molins was invited to join a brief Zoom video call. Stanford’s athletic director informed her and her teammates that their program would be eliminated because of a history of cost overruns in the sports department that Covid-19 had made even worse.
The news devastated Molins. Her Olympic aspirations had been thrown into uncertainty. “This decision makes it much, much harder, especially as a college athlete, to have the resources to pursue elite athletics,” said Molins, who has since decided to take a gap year. Stanford isn’t the only college making adjustments to its sports programs. Numerous college sports conferences and universities have postponed fall sports for reasons centering on safety concerns for student athletes around Covid-19 — and now some college sports programs are being cut altogether. The cuts, many of which are taking place in programs that feed athletes to U.S. Olympic teams, … rest of story at https://www.nbcnews.com/news/sports/college-sports-cuts-wake-covid-19-are-clouding-future-certain-n1243803?mc_cid=1debff05aa&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

November 21, 2020 Posted by | Uncategorized | Leave a comment

High School Wrestling News – # 25

TDR Editor’s Notes ; A look back and catchign up on some high school state wrestling news in Minnesota (#1, 2, 3), Nebraska (#5), New Jersey (#8), Michigan (#9), and Wisconsin (#10). W.I.N. magazine reviews plans for the season across many states (#4) and The Open Mat News also looks at national rankings and news (#6).
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
1 } – Minnesota SHSL Approves Winter Sports Plans
BROOKLYN CENTER, Minn. — The remainder of the Minnesota State High School League’s activities calendar came into view today during the Board of Directors Meeting that was held in a virtual format.
After a presentation by the League’s Return to Participation Task Force, the Board of Directors approved a maximized winter activities season that trims 30 percent of the contest dates. By keeping the length of seasons generally intact, member schools will have the flexibility for rescheduling if contests are postponed because of COVID-19 related outbreaks or other interruptions. As part of the approval, members schools will have the opportunity to use the final two weeks of the season to make up contests if the postponements were weather or COVID related. Scrimmages and preseason jamborees are not allowed under the approved decision. … rest of story at https://theguillotine.com/2020/10/mshsl-approves-winter-sports-plans/?mc_cid=a2feb99899&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4bhttps://www.recordonline.com/story/sports/2020/10/02/minisink-valley-wrestling-port-jervis-eric-tigue-section-9/3596810001/?mc_cid=9e55d26136&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

2 } – Former Spuds coach Toops leading online charge for winter wrestling season in Minnesota
PIERZ, Minn. — Skip Toops has had plenty of success as a high school wrestling coach. The former Moorhead head coach guided the Spuds to three straight Minnesota Class 3A, Section 8 titles and coached two individual state champions.
He’s hoping to secure another favorable result soon in a new charge he’s leading beyond the mat. Toops, now at the helm of the wrestling program at Pierz High School (Minn.), is spearheading the efforts to allow a winter wrestling season in Minnesota. He launched a #letthemwrestlemn movement online that has captured widespread support in a two-week time span. “My whole goal with this is to protect our winter athletes … rest of story at https://www.inforum.com/sports/wrestling/6685091-Former-Spuds-coach-Toops-leading-online-charge-for-winter-wrestling-season-in-Minnesota?mc_cid=a2feb99899&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

3 } – Minnesota Wrestling Coaches Association Report
With relief and optimism, I write this to inform you that we will have a wrestling season. On October 1st, the MSHSL Board of Directors passed a motion for the wrestling season to begin on November 30th. The efforts of many and the positive dialog promoting a safe return to wrestling were a significant factor in working with the MSHSL. A special thanks go out to all those who passionately support student-athletes and their opportunity to participate this season.
Due to sectional football concluding on November 28th, the wrestling season schedule is:
November 30th – Start of the season
December 10th – First date of competition
February 13th – Last day of the regular season … rest of story at https://theguillotine.com/2020/10/minnesota-wrestling-coaches-association-report/?mc_cid=a13c46544f&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

4 } – Updated State-by-State High School Wrestling Plans – Oct. 5
The following lists the state-by-state plans to when high school state wrestling championships will be held in 2020-21. As of Oct. 5, nine states are announced rescheduled dates, 22 tournaments will remain as normally-scheduled in February, while 14 are still awaiting when and if a championship will be held. Two states – Illinois and North Carolina – will hold wrestling seasons, but not hold state tournaments.
Alabama – state wrestling tournaments remain as scheduled. … rest of story at https://www.win-magazine.com/2020/10/07/updated-state-by-state-high-school-wrestling-plans/?mc_cid=2b31bc4749&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b#utm_source=feedly&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=updated-state-by-state-high-school-wrestling-plans

5 } – Nebraska state wrestling championship will likely have new schedule in 2021
LINCOLN — Next February’s Nebraska state wrestling tournament is looking to add a fourth day to the schedule at CHI Health Center — and split up the traditional four-class finals. The Nebraska School Activities Association is expected to ratify the wrestling tournament changes next month. It’s very likely that the state finals will be split up between Thursday, Feb. 18, for Classes A and D, and Saturday, Feb. 20, for Classes B and C. NSAA Assistant Director Ron Higdon said the new schedule would … rest of story at https://omaha.com/sports/high-school/nebraska-state-wrestling-championship-will-likely-have-new-schedule-in-2021/article_049036db-ff51-5cd9-8b18-2f2b80e804d5.html?mc_cid=a13c46544f&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

6 } – The OPEN MAT news
National High School Wrestling Individual Rankings – Sept. 24th, 2020
TOM has released our next set of preseason high school rankings for the 2020-21 school year. With only a small amount of action taking place in the summer and more lately, we anticipate some of these weights to vary by the time the high school seasons take place. TOM has done extensive research trying to figure out weights for the 2020-21; however if you have further information, contact esmith@theopenmat.com . … rest of story and rankings at https://news.theopenmat.com/high-school-wrestling/national-high-school-wrestling-individual-rankings-september-24th-2020/78958
TOM’s Recruiting News 9/22
In our September 9th recruiting update, we mentioned that NC State could be on track to secure a fifth-straight top-ten recruiting ranking if its Class of 2022 continues to develop. Well, it has, and Pat Popolizio’s team got a huge verbal, literally and figuratively, from … rest of story at https://news.theopenmat.com/high-school-wrestling/toms-recruiting-news-9-22/78949
TOM’s HS Weekend Recap (9/14)
2020 IndianaMat Hoosier Preseason Open event in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The Olympic Club Folkstyle Duals were conducted in State College, Pennsylvania. New national high school rankings today, but those will be put on the backburner for a day or two due to the chaos that occurred in PA. Upsets galore, as some of the top wrestlers in the nation suffered a loss, in some cases, even two. After the dust cleared, we’ve broken down some of the upsets and notable matches that went down in Indiana and Pennsylvania. … rest of story at https://news.theopenmat.com/high-school-wrestling/toms-hs-weekend-recap-9-14/78898?mc_cid=aa5954ac13&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

7 } – Legendary Minnesota high school wrestling coach Jackson retires
After five seasons leading the Sabers, Jim Jackson has chosen to retire from the head wrestling coaching position for Shakopee High School. Jackson’s long career is well-known in Minnesota wrestling with numerous conference and state wrestling championships on his resume. (He guided Apple Valley High School to 14 state championships.) In Shakopee, he led the Sabers to four conference championships, three section championships, one runner-up state finish and two state championships. … rest of story at https://intermatwrestle.com/articles/23938?mc_cid=c883bf378a&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

8 } – Collingswood (N. J.) wrestling named national Hometown Hero
The whole experience of being one of five FloWrestling Hometown Heroes finalists the last few weeks was a little surreal for Collingswood wrestling coach Dechlin Moody. The surprise honor became much more significant after finding out he was the winner when it was announced on the broadcast of the Who’s No. 1 tournament – one in which St. John Vianney two-time state champion Dean Peterson established himself as the best 126-pounder in the country – on Saturday. … rest of story at https://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2020/10/collingswood-wrestling-coach-named-national-hometown-hero.html?mc_cid=aeabd832c4&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

9} – MHSAA (Michigan) rules basketball, hockey players, wrestlers must wear masks during competition
The Michigan High School Athletic Association plans to begin the winter sports season as usual, but with a few noticeable changes.  The biggest changes include what some student-athletes will be wearing on their faces. The MHSAA, citing Michigan Department of Health and Human Services requirements, will mandate all athletes “practicing and competing in basketball, competitive cheer, ice hockey and wrestling” must wear a face covering. This will not be required for those practicing and competing in bowling, gymnastics, skiing or swimming and diving, unless they are not actively participating at any time. … rest of story at https://www.freep.com/story/sports/high-school/2020/10/23/mhsaa-winter-sports-basketball-hockey-wrestling-wearing-masks/3744932001/?mc_cid=cc6d7a1ffb&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

10 } – Wisconsin commits Hamiti, Copass win Super 32 titles; Bouzakis repeats
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — There’s been a lot of chaos and uncertainty in 2020, and that is putting it mildly. The past two days in Myrtle Beach, S.C. for the 21st edition of the Super 32 Challenge were reflective of that theme. However, upon the conclusion of wrestling in the high school boys division, 14 wrestlers emerged as weight class champions, and they all were befitting the reputation that the tournament has earned over the years.
Wisconsin commit D.J. Hamiti won the title at 160 poundsFirst and foremost, a pair of University of Wisconsin verbal commits for the Class of 2021 from Illinois reigned supreme in their respective weight classes.
Ranked No. 24 overall in the Class of 2021, D.J. Hamiti (Joliet Catholic, Ill.) had a dominant weekend in terms of results in winning the 160-pound weight class with all … rest of story at https://intermatwrestle.com/articles/23948?mc_cid=ab142e53b8&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

November 20, 2020 Posted by | Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Wrestling History – # 20

TDR Editor’s Notes ; It is important to remember our wrestling history of great wrestlers, great teams and accomplishments. They can inspire and encourage current and future wrestlers in their efforts.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
1 } – Bobby Douglas: My Wrestling Hero
Today’s installment of My Wrestling Hero features Bobby Douglas. The legendary former Iowa State and Arizona State coach shares his thoughts on his wrestling heroes: Bill Smith and George Kovalick.
“My wrestling hero is probably Bill Smith. He helped me a great deal as a wrestler and as a coach and as a human being. He had some qualities that I thought were exceptional. First of all, if you’re going to win, you’re going to have to outwork everybody that you’re trying to beat. If you’re not willing to do that, then chances are you won’t win. You may be a winner and you may accomplish many of your goals, but the main goal was to make sure wrestlers got a fair chance at winning the gold medal at the Olympics. That was my goal because I thought if American won the gold then it would really promote and develop wrestling. He was special.
“I’d also say George Kovalick. … rest of story at https://www.trackwrestling.com/PortalPost.jsp?TIM=1600034451535&twSessionId=gflwfjeeps&postId=866479135&mc_cid=26de816f3c&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

2 } – Indiana Wrestling Mourns The Loss of All-American Oliver G. Cellini
BLOOMINGTON, Ind.– Col. (Ret.) Oliver G. Cellini was an All-American wrestler and an All-American hero.
Cellini was a two-time All-American and was a member of the 1932 Indiana Wrestling National Championship Team. In 1939 Cellini was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Corps that would later become the U.S. Air Force.
Cellini passed away on September 12, 2020. He was 107 years old.
“We send our condolences to the Cellini family,” IU head coach Angel Escobedo said. “Oliver will be remembered for serving his country and the great success he had in the Indiana wrestling program. Oliver stands for the same things I emphasize in our program and he will never be forgotten.”
During his time in Bloomington, the Hoosier wrestling team went 24-1 (11-0 Big Ten), and won the only NCAA Championship for the Hoosier wrestling program in 1932. Cellini finished second in his weight class, which qualified him to compete in the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin, Germany.
 While at Indiana University, Cellini was a member of the ROTC program. After he graduated, he spent 13 months serving in active duty with the Army before entering flight school. … rest of story at https://iuhoosiers.com/news/2020/9/15/indiana-wrestling-mourns-the-loss-of-all-american-oliver-g-cellini.aspx?mc_cid=451344eca7&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

3 } – Friday Feature: Another Championship
EDMOND – David James took over as Central Oklahoma’s head wrestling coach before the 1982-83 season, inheriting a program that had won the previous two NAIA national championships. James’ first team, plagued by season-long injuries, finished fifth nationally. But James quickly got the UCO dynasty back on track and he would go on to guide the Bronchos to 12 national titles during a storied career.
The first of the James-led championships came in 1983-84 and is the focus of this week’s Friday Feature. That senior-laden squad – paced by the dominating duo of Ronnie James and Benny Coleman – was ranked No. 1 all season and enjoyed great success throughout. The Bronchos went 11-5-1 in duals, going 4-5-1 against Division I teams while blowing past seven non-DI opponents. UCO also won the Central Missouri Invitational behind five individual champions and had three individual winners in a runner-up showing at the DI-dominated Southwest Missouri Invitational. … rest of story at https://bronchosports.com/news/2020/9/11/wrestling-friday-feature-another-championship.aspx?mc_cid=aa70f844b7&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

4 } – Tom Ryan: My Greatest Loss
Tom Ryan of Iowa reached the 158-pound finals of the 1991 NCAA Championships where he was defeated by Oklahoma State`s Pat Smith, 7-6. Ryan led, 6-5, with under 40 seconds remaining in the match before giving up the deciding takedown. It was the second of four titles for Smith who eventually became the first four-time NCAA Division I champion while Ryan placed third the following season to become a two-time All-American. The former Hawkeye star is the current head wrestling coach at Ohio State where he led the Buckeyes to a team title in 2015.
Ryan discusses three losses: his loss to Smith, his loss in the state semifinals as a senior, and the loss of his son, Teague, who died on February 16, 2004, at the age of five.
The following are Ryan`s words about his three losses.

Chosen suffering
Chosen suffering was my loss to Pat Smith. Unchosen suffering was my loss in the state semis as a senior. … rest of story at https://www.trackwrestling.com/PortalPost.jsp?TIM=1600232107097&twSessionId=zhxbvicxrg&postId=866774135&mc_cid=451344eca7&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

5 } – #164 Ken Chertow – Olympian, 3x All American for Penn State
About this Episode
Ken Chertow is an Olympian from the ‘88 games and 3x All American for Penn State.  After wrestling, Ken started the Gold Medal Training Camp System and has run camps across the country for over 25 years. Go to KenChertow.com to check dates and book a camp with Ken.  
SPONSOR
This episode is brought to you by the Wrestling Changed My Life online store. We have podcast T-Shirts, Hoodies, Crew-necks, Stickers and more.  Go to Store.WrestlingChangedMyLife.com to shop. … rest of story at https://wrestlingchangedmylife.com/chertow/?mc_cid=f697b041da&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

6 } – Steve Fraser: My Wrestling Hero
Today’s installment of My Wrestling Hero features Steve Fraser. The 1984 Olympic gold medalist and longtime former USA Wrestling Greco-Roman coach shares his thoughts on his wrestling heroes: Dan Gable and Masaaki Hatta.
“Of course, Dan Gable was a hero when I was a youngster. Dan Gable, the Peterson brothers, and Chris Taylor were the first wrestling posters I ever had in my room. I would say those guys as a youngster.

“I can tell you who a wrestling hero was for me is my high school coach Masaaki Hatta, who was second in the world for Japan. He’s a hero because he took me under his wing when I was a 10th grader. He really, really taught me the ropes about wrestling. … rest of story at https://www.trackwrestling.com/PortalPost.jsp?TIM=1600232107097&twSessionId=zhxbvicxrg&postId=866777135&mc_cid=451344eca7&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

7 } – Jason Kelber and Daryl Weber Induction to the Hall of Fame
By G. Wyatt Schultz for The Predicament
Jason Kelber of West Marshall, National Champion at Nebraska induction to the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum … rest of story and video at https://www.thepredicament.com/2020/08/jason-kelber-and-daryl-weber-induction-to-the-hall-of-fame/?mc_cid=0b16b413d6&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

8 } – Bison Wrestling Through the Decades, Presented by Geisinger
LEWISBURG, Pa. — Wrestling at Bucknell dates back to World War II, when servicemen stationed at Bucknell formed a wrestling team. In 1946-47, the sport earned varsity status, and although it would be another two years before the program earned its first dual win, the Bison have gone on to produce numerous conference champions, NCAA qualifiers and All-Americans. The Bison won team league championships in 1986-87 and 1994-95, and since the varsity program was brought back in 2006-07 after a four-year hiatus, Bucknell has competed in the Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association (EIWA), one of the top leagues in the nation. Under the direction of head coach Dan Wirnsberger, the Bison have finished as high as third in the EIWA on two occasions, and they have crowned three EIWA individual champions and a two-time All-American in Andy Rendos, who is a 2020 inductee into the Bucknell Athletics Hall of Fame. Over the course of this week, we will take a look back through the decades and hear from many of the top wrestlers who helped shape the program’s history. Special thanks to Geisinger for sponsoring the series.  
1950s & 1960s
After debuting as a varsity sport in 1946-47, … rest of story at https://bucknellbison.com/news/2020/9/21/bison-wrestling-through-the-decades-presented-by-geisinger.aspx?mc_cid=1ea990827d&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

9} – Bellarmine names Wrestling’s All-Decade Team
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — With COVID-19 putting fall sports on the shelf this season, the Bellarmine Athletics Communication staff is using part of this time to shine the spotlight on some of the top student-athletes of the past 10 years by naming the Bellarmine All-Decade teams. The teams recognize student-athletes who competed for the Knights at least two seasons from the 2010-11 school year to the 2019-20 year. 
Today, we name the Bellarmine All-Decade Team for Wrestling, which consists of five wrestlers. The wrestling program at Bellarmine was launched mid-decade and is only 4-years-old.
Eric Beck (2017-present)
Beck earned honorable-mention All-GLVC laurels as a sophomore at 165. The Cincinnati native ranks second in program history in career wins (71) and falls (26) and is third in winning percentage (.623). … rest of story and list at https://athletics.bellarmine.edu/news/2020/9/21/all-decade-wrestling.aspx?mc_cid=1ea990827d&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

10 } – Ned McGinley was a tremendous coach and mentor
Editor: I am a 1981 graduate of King’s College and I have always been pleased with the excellent education I received. However, my biggest education came through wrestling with Ned McGinley as my coach. Why was Coach McGinley a superior coach? First and foremost he stressed academics. He often said he was especially proud of wrestlers who became Academic All-Americans. McGinley also had Division III All-Americans, with David Morgan winning two national championships. Ned’s best ability, though, was taking wrestlers who were not high school stars and turning them into pretty solid wrestlers. I fit into that category.
I ended up wrestling all four years at King’s and was inducted into the King’s Wrestling Wall of Fame. The reason I progressed so well was because of Ned’s coaching and also his willingness to wrestle any team, anywhere, at any time. Ned did not back down from a challenge. Ned was going as strong in his 48th year as his first year of coaching. My fellow wrestlers at King’s were especially tough and Ned was even tougher. From battling and working hard, I improved. Ned always said, “You are going to get pushed down and beaten up. … rest of story at https://www.citizensvoice.com/opinion/letters/ned-mcginley-was-a-tremendous-coach-and-mentor/article_13c8c60b-a895-5821-8408-c821249d9a2d.html?mc_cid=f6e465b58d&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

November 19, 2020 Posted by | Uncategorized | Leave a comment

College Recruits & Transfers # 8

TDR Editor’s Notes ; Some positive news about future plans and goals of incoming college wrestlers. The first two articles are linked to overall lists of top level wrestlers which have announced their plans. The rest of the articles are ones for a specific college or university and they are in alphabetical order.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
1 } – College Choices for the #1 Overall Recruits (2005-2021)
Last night Shayne Van Ness, the #1 recruit in the high school Class of 2021, announced via social media that he would be attending Penn State. Once Van Ness signs, he’ll be the fourth #1 overall recruit to ink with the Nittany Lions during the Cael Sanderson-era (2009-present). With that in mind, we though it would be an appropriate time to take a look back at the top recruits in each year since 2005. What’s interesting is that Van Ness is the first wrestler from Blair Academy to earn the top billing in this time period. Probably dating back to Steve Mocco in 2001, though “official” recruiting rankings get sketchy going past 2005. … rest of story at https://news.theopenmat.com/college-wrestling-news/college-choices-for-the-1-overall-recruit-2005-2021/78853?mc_cid=99708d813d&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

2 } – .College Choices for 2020 Super 32 Placewinners
The 2020 Super 32 is in the books! We’ll have more analysis of the action that went down in Myrtle Beach in the coming days. For now, we have the college choices for all of the wrestlers that made the top eight at the Super 32. .. rest of story at https://news.theopenmat.com/high-school-wrestling/college-choices-for-2020-super-32-placewinners/79173?mc_cid=ab142e53b8&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

3 } – Brown University Bears
Meet the Class of 2024: Brown Wrestling
The Brown Wrestling Class of 2024 joins host Scott Cordischi to discuss their experiences prior to Brown and their excitement to join the Bears. … rest of story at https://brownbears.com/news/2020/11/2/meet-the-class-of-2024-brown-wrestling.aspx?mc_cid=41fa5d2268&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

4 } – HARVARD UNIVERSITY
College Recruiting: state champion Berg to Harvard
Cael Berg of Simley has committed to wrestling for Harvard following his upcoming senior season. Berg is a four-time state placer winning the 138-pound Class AA title in 2020 as a junior. He was runner-up at 138 pounds as a sophomore, fifth at 126 pounds as a freshman, and fourth at 106 pounds as an eighth-grader. His current career record is 175-43 including 57 pins. … rest of story and photo at https://theguillotine.com/2020/10/college-recruiting-state-champion-berg-to-harvard/?mc_cid=9e55d26136&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

5 } – IOWA HAWKEYES
Jaydin Eierman gets first chance to wrestle in front of Iowa fans at US Senior Nationals
Xtream Arena hosts event this weekend … rest of story at https://www.thegazette.com/subject/sports/hawkeyes/jaydin-eierman-gets-first-chance-to-wrestle-in-front-of-iowa-fans-at-us-senior-nationals-20201009?mc_cid=dc6ecdfa42&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

6 } – MARYLAND TERRAPINS
Clemsen Announces 2021 Recruiting Class
COLLEGE PARK, Md. — University of Maryland head wrestling coach Alex Clemsen announced the signing of seven recruits for the 2021-22 season. “The 2021 class is a very special group,” Clemsen said. “It’s going to be one of the best classes in the country, and will continue to help us set a foundation that will forever change the trajectory of #TurtlePower and Maryland Wrestling. Nick [Brascetta] and Devin [Mellon] did an amazing job during a difficult time to help us build this class, and we can’t wait to get these guys to College Park and mix them in with our current group of young men. The future is very bright!” … rest of story at https://umterps.com/news/2020/11/11/wrestling-clemsen-announces-2021-recruiting-class.aspx?mc_cid=ebacab18d4&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

7 } – MINNESOTA GOPHERS
Meet the Freshmen: Andrew Sparks
Most people would not have picked Andrew Sparks to win in his state title match last season, but in Andrew’s mind, it was all a part of the plan. The Costa Mesa, California native capped off his astronomical rise in the high school wrestling scene by defeating top 5-nationally ranked Cael Valencia in the California state finals via a decisive 7-1 decision (Watch on Youtube). … rest of story at https://gophersports.com/news/2020/10/20/wrestling-meet-the-freshmen-andrew-sparks.aspx?mc_cid=a5e2a6cc0d&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
College Recruiting: Spratley to Minnesota … story at https://theguillotine.com/2020/10/college-recruiting-spratley-to-minnesota/?mc_cid=a5e2a6cc0d&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
Meet the Freshmen: Ben Lunn
Up next in our Meet the Freshmen series is Shakopee, Minnesota native Ben Lunn. He was a three-time Minnesota state finalist and a key contributor to back-to-back Minnesota state team titles under Shakopee head coach Jim Jackson. … story at https://gophersports.com/news/2020/11/3/wrestling-meet-the-freshmen-ben-lunn.aspx?mc_cid=1abb33fe3e&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
Windsor senior Vance VomBaur calls commitment to University of Minnesota happiest decision of his life
Sometimes something just feels right. And, you go with it. No questions asked. Windsor senior Vance VomBaur recently felt such a feeling while partaking in a Zoom call with members of the University of Minnesota wrestling team’s coaching staff. VomBaur signed a National Letter of Intent on Thursday morning to wrestle in the Division I Big Ten Conference for the Golden Gophers, which have a rich history in wrestling — including three NCAA Division I team championships. Before committing to Minnesota, VomBaur considered North Carolina State, Iowa State and the University of Northern Colorado. But, throughout the recruiting process, he knew where his heart was.
“There were a lot of other schools… but there was just no doubt once we were on our Zoom call and they told me the potential they saw in me,” VomBaur said. “I just knew there was no other place. … It’s the happiest decision of my life so far.” VomBaur said the impression the University of Minnesota’s coaching staff made on him was profound. … rest of the story at https://www.greeleytribune.com/2020/11/12/windsor-senior-vance-vombaur-calls-commitment-to-university-of-minnesota-happiest-decision-of-his-life/?mc_cid=b4122c2e60&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

8 } – NEBRASKA CORNHUSKERS
Nebraska Snags Huge In-State Commitment
Antrell Taylor made the decision to join the Huskers Tuesday night.
Tuesday was going to be a big day in Nebraska with the election, but Antrell Taylor stole the show. Tuesday night he made his commitment to the Huskers where he will continue his wrestling career. The 2019 State Champion is ranked as high as #6 by Willie Saylor and FloWrestling. Taylor chose Nebraska over programs like Ohio State, Virginia Tech, and teams such as NC State and Iowa State where Millard South teammates Isaac Trumble and Conor Knopick will compete for.
Taylor started wrestling at a young age and has been mentored by one of Nebraska’s best wrestlers in state history, Todd Meneely. He spoke very highly of Meneely saying “Todd is basically like a father to me. He helps me through everything, on the mat and off. He is just a really good guy”. Having Todd in his life helped lead him to Millard South. Wrestling for Todd, Jay Meneely, and Nate Olsen means a lot to him. “I like wrestling for them. There is a lot of tradition, we’re like a big family.” … rest of story at https://newrestle.com/2020/11/03/nebraska-snags-huge-in-state-commitment/?mc_cid=68c338ad78&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
Huskers Sign Two Wrestlers in the Class of 2021
Nebraska head coach Mark Manning announced the addition of Jagger Condomitti and Lenny Pinto on Wednesday who are set to join the Huskers for the 2021-22 season. “Jagger Condomitti and Lenny Pinto are tremendous young men of character and integrity,” Manning said. “Both of these young men come from great families and are committed to being the best in the country. They are accomplished competitors and young men that are filled with the drive and spirit to excel. We’re excited about their future and impact they’ll have on Nebraska wrestling.” … rest of the story at https://huskers.com/news/2020/11/11/wrestling-huskers-sign-two-wrestlers-in-the-class-of-2021.aspx?mc_cid=ebacab18d4&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

9} – OREGON STATE BEAVERS
College Recruiting: two-time state champion DeBlaere to Oregon State University
Chase DeBlaere of Simley has committed to wrestling for Oregon State University following his upcoming junior and senior seasons. DeBlaere is a two-time state champion, winning the Class AA 126-pound title in 2020 as a sophomore and the 120-pound title as a freshman. He is a two-time Minnesota Christmas Tournament third-place finisher. … rest of story at https://theguillotine.com/2020/09/college-recruiting-two-time-state-champion-deblaere-to-oregon-state-university/?mc_cid=9754f989b3&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

10 } – PENN STATE NITTANY LIONS
Hey New Lion! Meet Robbie Howard, Freshman Wrestler! … rest of story at https://gopsusports.com/news/2020/9/23/wrestling-hey-new-lion-meet-robbie-howard-freshman-wrestler.aspx?mc_cid=9754f989b3&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
Meet Beau Bartlett – Penn State Freshman Wrestler! … story at https://gopsusports.com/news/2020/8/19/wrestling-meet-beau-bartlett-penn-state-freshman-wrestler.aspx?mc_cid=b69497687c&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
Meet Penn State Wrestler Levko Higgins! … story at https://gopsusports.com/news/2020/9/30/wrestling-meet-penn-state-wrestler-levko-higgins.aspx?mc_cid=a2feb99899&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
Meet Aurelius Dunbar, New Penn State Wrestler! … story at https://gopsusports.com/news/2020/10/7/wrestling-meet-aurelius-dunbar-new-penn-state-wrestler.aspx?mc_cid=2b31bc4749&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

November 19, 2020 Posted by | Uncategorized | Leave a comment