Takedown Report

Colleges – Top Teams by Winning Percentage – top 150

TDR Editor’s Notes : The follow teams are the top 150 schools ranked by winning percentage of dual meets. The all-time historic records for the schools with at least 70 wins are listed. Some of the teams’ records are incomplete but we post what information we have and welcome information and corrections provided by others so this list will be updated. In just 12 seasons Grand View has won 92% of their matches in the NAIA. The 2nd team, in Cuyahoga West Community College is the top junior college program with a 91.4% winning percentage. Some of their records are missing. The third school and top in Division I is Oklahoma State with 89% wins in 101 seasons.
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November 17, 2020 Posted by The TakeDown Report | Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Colleges – Top Teams by Winning Percentage – 2nd half

TDR Editor’s Notes : The follow teams are the second half of list of schools ranked by winning percentage of dual meets.
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November 17, 2020 Posted by The TakeDown Report | Uncategorized | Leave a comment

College Wrestling News – # 112

TDR Editor’s Notes ; to be posted +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
1 } – Cael Sanderson talks NCAA Tournament cancellation, winter athlete eligibility, future of wrestling
Cael Sanderson understood the NCAA’s decision to cancel the 2020 NCAA Tournament in Minneapolis back in March. But even though he understood the decision — and on some level expected it — understanding didn’t necessarily make it any easier for him or his athletes to take. “I don’t think it was a huge surprise. I think it was definitely deflating and definitely disappointing,” Sanderson told The Daily Collegian. “It was also understandable because it was hard to justify bringing your kids, staff and people from all over the country into one location, especially in a contact sport or any personal kind of setting.”
At the forefront of Sanderson’s mind when the cancellation went into effect was the impact it’d have on his wrestlers. There’s both a team and an individual aspect to wrestling, something that makes the sport stand out in that regard. Also, it’s largely in the postseason — at conference and especially national tournaments — where wrestlers’ careers get remembered and legacies are cemented.
Now, there’ll be gaps in their legacies. “You just feel bad for the kids because they’ve been training their whole lives for these opportunities. And to not have had the chance to compete in the national tournament — in our sport — that’s obviously the crowning jewel…,” Sanderson said. “We love to compete. But when they’re looking back on their season in 20 years, the question is how’d you do in the national tournament?” … rest of story at _{https://www.collegian.psu.edu/sports/wrestling/article_de38e20e-1325-11eb-912c-27fbec08c5fd.html?mc_cid=1b88391836&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}

2 } – NAIA retains winter sport championship dates
The NAIA recently announced plans to proceed with winter championship dates and locations as scheduled. For Wayland Baptist, this means championship dates and locations for men’s and women’s basketball and men’s and women’s wrestling will remain as scheduled, for now.   
“As with anything COVID-related, we cannot predict with certainty what the situation will be in the coming months. Based upon the information we have now, we intend to proceed with our winter championship dates and locations as scheduled,” NAIA President & CEO Jim Carr said. “While some members have expressed interest in delaying winter championships, moving these events to spring will cause additional resource and logistical challenges for members, conferences, and the national office.”  
The NAIA previously moved championship dates for fall sports – cross country, football, soccer and volleyball – to the spring. “It should be noted that the (NAIA) national office is working with the winter host sites regarding contingency plans, … rest of story at _{https://wbuathletics.com/news/2020/9/29/mens-basketball-naia-retains-winter-sport-championship-dates.aspx?mc_cid=72c2868447&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}

3 } – Management Council recommends blanket waiver for all DIII student-athletes
Presidents Council will vote on season-of-participation waiver recommendation next week
October 21, 2020 By Jeremy Villanueva
The Division III Management Council is forwarding a recommendation to the Presidents Council to allow all Division III student-athletes to compete up to the established dates of competition/contest maximums without being charged a season of intercollegiate participation for this academic year. The Presidents Council will review the recommendation during its Oct. 28 videoconference. The blanket waiver request would not charge student-athletes a term of attendance for any term (semester/quarter) during the 2020-21 academic year in which they were eligible for competition.
The council noted that the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to dramatically affect higher education at least through the end of this academic year and likely beyond, and student-athletes are feeling the impact from both an academic and athletics perspective. The uncertainty regarding the extent of their athletics participation and the related eligibility repercussions contribute to a growing list of concerns for student-athletes.
This recommendation does not serve as a rationale for future reduced enrollment by student-athletes. Rather, the council reaffirmed its commitment … rest of story at _{https://www.ncaa.org/about/resources/media-center/news/management-council-recommends-blanket-waiver-all-diii-student-athletes?mc_cid=1b88391836&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}

4 } – NJCAA announces 2020-21 eligibility status
Charlotte, NC – The NJCAA Board of Regents met Thursday to discuss NJCAA student-athlete eligibility for the 2020-21 academic year. Following the Board of Regents’ vote, all 2020-21 NJCAA sport seasons (fall, winter, spring) will not count towards student-athlete eligibility. The eligibility relief is provided to all NJCAA student-athletes regardless of sport season participation in the 2020-21 academic year. “The Board of Regents feels this decision is best for the success and well-being of our student-athletes and member colleges at this time,” stated Dr. Christopher Parker, NJCAA President & CEO. “There is no right answer to this challenge and situation, but as an association, we are going to support the eligibility of all our student-athletes to help them succeed in their academic and athletic careers.”

Returning student-athletes will be considered “non-counters” for letter of intent and NJCAA eligibility purposes. The NJCAA Eligibility Committee will continue to review and evaluate the impact of the blanket waiver on eligibility requirements. “The uncertainty surrounding the pandemic has put collegiate sports in a very challenging situation,” … rest of story at _{https://theguillotine.com/2020/10/njcaa-announces-2020-21-eligibility-status/?mc_cid=6032bfb245&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}

5 } – From wrestling to engineering to walk-on fullback, Adam Prentice’s journey to USC
A college wrestler, a Division III linebacker and an engineer walk into a football meeting room — they’re all Adam Prentice. Or rather, they’re all paths Prentice, now a fullback with South Carolina football, could have taken as a senior at Clovis High School in California in 2015. In an age of specialization, the burly three-sport athlete did just about everything well, from playing both linebacker and running back for the Cougars, to putting up a 4.0 GPA in the classroom, to his volunteer work outside of it. But all of that didn’t add up to much in the way of big-time college football offers. Division III Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, in New York, was interested in him, both for his defensive play and his academic profile as a engineering student. More locally, Cal Poly had offered him a scholarship in wrestling. And after that, most schools either weren’t interested or were just impatient, … rest of story at _{https://www.thestate.com/sports/college/university-of-south-carolina/usc-football/article246592718.html?mc_cid=cc6d7a1ffb&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}

6 } – IOWA STAR MCDONOUGH JOINS CORNELL WRESTLING STAFF
MOUNT VERNON – Matt McDonough, a two-time NCAA champion at the University of Iowa, has joined Coach Brent Hamm‘s Cornell wrestling staff as the head assistant for the 2020-21 season. “I am thrilled to have Matt on our coaching staff,” Hamm said. “Matt is high energy and relates well with people. His expertise in the wrestling room will raise our program to new heights. Matt will be a great mentor to our athletes and a huge asset on our coaching staff.”
McDonough was a three-time national finalist for the Hawkeyes, claiming NCAA crowns at 125 pounds in 2010 and 2012. He was NCAA runner-up in 2011. McDonough reached the finals at the Big Ten Championships four consecutive seasons, winning the title in 2011 and 2012. A native of Marion, Iowa, McDonough compiled an impressive 122-9 career record in a Hawkeye singlet. His .931 career winning percentage ranked 11th-highest in Iowa’s storied history at the time of his graduation. McDonough went 74-3 in Big Ten duals.
McDonough helped lead the Hawkeyes to Big Ten and NCAA team championships during the 2009-10 season. McDonough went on to compete for the Hawkeye Wrestling Club and was a member of the USA Freestyle National Team at 57 kilograms. Prior to landing on the Hilltop, McDonough was assistant coach at the University of Wisconsin. He spent two seasons on the Badgers’ staff. McDonough also ran the Eastern Iowa Wrestling Club for three years. … rest of story at _{https://www.cornellrams.com/article/3733?mc_cid=9754f989b3&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}

7 } – Loss of University of Iowa sports is a betrayal
On Aug. 21, I and people I love were handed a betrayal by institutions I have loved and revered my entire life, the University of Iowa and the UI Athletic Dept. Anyone who has been betrayed by a loved one knows the sheer agony, unlike any other, of being angry and hurt to the very core of your being. In this case, the feeling is mixed with the utter grief and loss. • With loss of TV revenue looming, Iowa discontinues 4 sports
UI has announced it is dismantling the men’s and women’s Hawkeye Swimming and Diving program at the conclusion of the 2020-21 season. The reason given is that due to the loss of football revenue during a pandemic, four athletic programs need to be cut for the survival of other programs. Student athletes, who had spent their summer anxiously waiting for and trusting the guidance of the athletic department, found out at their first gathering with the team since early March, that, instead, their team is being discarded.
Their coaches, who have trained and cared for these young adults and who are the heart and soul of the program, had been given 30 minutes to process this knowledge before it was announced to their assembled student athletes, some were freshmen who had arrived on campus a few days prior and hadn’t even started classes let alone practice. Some had just survived the derecho that ripped through the state. All were young adults trying to come to terms with all the loss and change that has been caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. In their open letter, the U of I Athletic Dept. claims to be “transparent” and to have considered the importance, engagement, and history of Hawkeye Swimming and Diving before cutting the program.
History? Hawkeye Swimming and Diving is a program that originated in 1917 during World War I, survived the Spanish flu pandemic, the Great Depression, World War II, and Title IX cuts over its 103-year history. It is a program that has produced 27 Olympians, 476 NCAA All-Americans, and 19 NCAA champions. The butterfly stroke was invented at UI. Hawkeye Swimming and Diving not only had several athletes slated to compete in last season’s canceled NCAA Championships, but has athletes who are slated to compete at the 2021 Olympic Trials and the program is scheduled to host NCAA Championships in Iowa City in March 2021. After competing in the basement of the Field House for decades, a spectacular multimillion dollar facility was opened in 2010. It has 48 students on its roster from around the world. … rest of story at _{https://www.thegazette.com/subject/opinion/guest-columnist/loss-of-university-of-iowa-sports-is-a-betrayal-20200828?mc_cid=ea5a873124&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}

8 } – Jordan Oliver to Wrestle in $25,000 Tournament on FloWrestling
FloWrestling announced on Saturday at Who’s Number One that it will host an eight-person tournament for wrestlers weighing in at 150 pounds, and Jordan Oliver will be one of the competitors. All entrants will make $1,000 with the fourth place finisher taking home $5,000, the third place finisher taking $10,000, the runner-up $15,000 and the winner $25,000.
The other two announced entries for the event are NCAA champion Anthony Ashnault and former Edinboro Scot and Iowa Hawkeye Patricio Lugo. The event will take place on Dec. 18. … rest of story at _{https://pistolsfiringblog.com/jordan-oliver-to-wrestle-in-25000-tournament-on-flowrestling/?mc_cid=9e55d26136&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}

9} – University of Iowa expects football resurrection will pare down deficit, but cut sports to remain eliminated
IOWA CITY — The resurrection of Big Ten football — even in a limited capacity, with a truncated schedule and no fan revenue — could shave tens of millions off an anticipated $75 million University of Iowa athletics deficit during this pandemic-plagued year.
But downgrading the massive losses to between $40 million and $60 million will not save the four sports UI Athletics last month announced will disappear at the end of this academic year, UI Athletic Director Gary Barta told the Board of Regents on Wednesday. “The great news didn’t fix the problem,” Barta said of the Sept. 16 conference decision to kick off a shortened football season the weekend of Oct. 23-24.
“That day, I had staff members whose positions were being eliminated contact us and ask if they’d be able to stay on,” Barta told the regents. “And we had to have that very, very challenging discussion to say, ‘I’m sorry, but this hole is still very deep. And it’s going to be impacting us probably more than a decade as we pay back the deficit. “And so, no, the positions are still gone. The pay cuts are still in place. And the furloughs are still having to be taken.” Addressing a massive and mounting alumni and athlete-driven campaign to save the four dropped UI sports — swimming and diving, men’s tennis, and men’s gymnastics — Barta repeated and publicly answered a question that group brought him after learning of the football resumption. … rest of story at _{https://www.thegazette.com/subject/sports/university-of-iowa-expects-football-resurrection-will-pare-down-deficit-but-cut-sports-to-remain-eliminated-20200923?mc_cid=f2d65a70bb&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}

10 } – Coach Mike Tellez leads successful wrestling program
WHITTIER — In 2006 the Rio Hondo College Wrestling program was on the brink of extinction. Enter Mike Tellez.
As an assistant in 2006 and then becoming the head coach the next season, Tellez began a transformation of the program and has never looked back for the last 14 years. Tellez, who was an All-American wrestler at Rio in 1985-’87, has seen multiple All-Americans, won five conference titles as a team and had four individual CCCAA State Champions.
“We’ve had great success at Rio Hondo, being a smaller program,” said Tellez, who won his seventh Coach of the Year honor. “We have a hard-working team and we take what we have and we know we have to develop it. “We usually have a smaller team (18-25 wrestlers). We’ve got guys that maybe didn’t have success in high school, but have way better success in college. Kahlil Tucker, our state champion last year, was a CIF placer and didn’t qualify for state in high school. His first year here, he didn’t qualify for state, and the second year he is state champ.”
Tellez, who has a staff of six assistant coaches, emphasized about how hard Tucker worked to get there. “I think it was the hard work of him buying into the system that we have,” said Tellez, who wrestled at Rio Hondo from 1985-’87. “Our motto here is: ‘When the kid wins, it’s the kid. When the kid loses, it’s the coaching.’ “He bought in and did everything that we asked him to do and earned it. He went from being not ranked to being the state champ.” … rest of story at _{https://www.greenleafguardian.com/coach-mike-tellez-leads-successful-wrestling-program/?mc_cid=cc6d7a1ffb&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}

November 17, 2020 Posted by The TakeDown Report | Uncategorized | Leave a comment

National Wrestling News – Nov. # 1

TDR Editor’s Notes ; A variety ofarticles from this fall that could have an impact or interest across state boundaries. Admittedly these are from a while back as we are catching up on the news and events.
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1 } – Looking to make a difference with BTS Chicago’s Mike Dixon
Mike Dixon had a long coaching career across Division I and Division II with the lion’s share of it coming at Old Dominion before he returned to his alma mater at Indiana. On Episode 618 of the Short Time Wrestling Podcast, Dixon talks about his newest move as he’s the new Director of Wrestling and Enrichment at Beat the Streets Chicago. Dixon talks about his introduction to wrestling as a sophomore in high school, his first college coaching job at Division II Indianapolis and then getting into D1 coaching officially at James Madison before stopping at ODU for more than a decade. What’s on the horizon for Beat The Streets Chicago? Why is it important to help provide educational enrichment opportunities through wrestling to at-risk youth? We’ll find out what drives Mike Dixon. … rest of story at _{https://www.mattalkonline.com/podcast/short-time/looking-to-make-a-difference-with-bts-chicagos-mike-dixon/?mc_cid=9754f989b3&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}

2 } – Hall of Fame & USA Wrestling team up to Produce Audio Podcast Series
The National Wrestling Hall of Fame has joined forces with USA Wrestling on an exciting new initiative, Etched in Stone – Stories of Wrestling Legends. Scheduled to launch in November, the series of audio podcasts and digital magazines will share the untold stories of Hall of Fame Distinguished Members.
Listeners will hear Distinguished Members recount their trials and tribulations on the way to being honored as one of wrestling’s best. Competitors, coaches, teammates and others who were part of the journey will also provide insight on the legend and their accomplishments.
Podcasts and magazines will be created and produced by wrestlers and wrestling insiders, who will utilize their knowledge and unique perspective to extract the stories that fans want to hear. EIS will be distributed by the Hall of Fame, USA Wrestling and major podcast distribution channels, helping increase exposure for wrestling.
The series is the brainchild of 1976 NCAA wrestling champion and Hall of Fame board member Pat Christenson. “As I made my first walk through the Hall, … rest of story at _{https://nwhof.org/blog/hall-of-fame-usa-wrestling-team-up-to-produce-audio-podcast-series/?mc_cid=8e7f0f219d&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}

3 } – Wrestling Insider Newsmagazine’s Mike Finn goes On The Mat – OTM616
W.I.N. Magazine’s Mike Finn goes On The Mat
Longtime editor of Wrestling Insider Newsmagazine Mike Finn comes back On The Mat. Finn’s covered the sport for decades and provides one of the sharpest beards in all of wrestling. Join Kyle Klingman and Andy Hamilton On The Mat, the flagship podcast of Trackwrestling.com. … rest of story at _{https://www.mattalkonline.com/podcast/trackwrestling/on-the-mat/wrestling-insider-newsmagazines-mike-finn-goes-on-the-mat-otm616/?mc_cid=8e7f0f219d&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}

4 } – Men’s college track is being threatened in budget-strapped Division I athletic departments
By Ken Goe | The Oregonian/OregonLive
The news hit Ben Blankenship earlier this month with the force of an airborne, 16-pound shot.
The University of Minnesota was responding to the coronavirus pandemic and resulting a $75 million athletic department budget deficit by cutting several men’s sports, among them track and field. Minnesota is only the latest Division I athletic program to deal with the financial crisis in college sports by cutting men’s track. If this becomes a trend, it would threaten the viability of one of the Olympic movement’s bellwether sports at the college level. Critics also contend it would fall disproportionately on athletes of color and is tone deaf given money lavished on college football. Blankenship honed his running talent at Minnesota. It ushered him to a professional career with Oregon Track Club Elite and to the 2016 Olympics, where he competed for Team USA in the 1,500 meters. It was as if all the pride Blankenship took in wearing a Minnesota singlet, of representing his home state, and in everything he has accomplished during and since were of no importance to Minnesota athletic director Mark Coyle and university president Joan T.A. Gabel. … rest of story at _{https://www.oregonlive.com/trackandfield/2020/09/mens-college-track-is-being-threatened-in-budget-strapped-division-i-athletic-departments.html?mc_cid=9754f989b3&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}

5 } – Jonny Ruggiano: ‘It’s easy be passionate when you have a leader like Andy Barth’
Jonny Ruggiano explains the jobs he has held within Titan Mercury Wrestling Club, the Washington Mat Classic, and the magic of Andy Barth. … rest of story at _{https://www.trackwrestling.com/PortalPlayer.jsp?TIM=1601321928180&twSessionId=xrtnlwgumg&videoId=867850135&mc_cid=8e7f0f219d&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}

6 } – BAUMGARTNER ANNOUNCES USA WRESTLING AD-HOC DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION COMMITTEE MEMBERS
By Taylor Miller, USA Wrestling |
USA Wrestling President Bruce Baumgartner announced today the members of the organization’s newly revived Ad-Hoc Diversity and Inclusion Committee, made up of 15 people, including seven women and eight men.
USA Wrestling’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee’s mission is to lead, and support athletes in achieving excellence by inspiring all levels of USA Wrestling to embrace unique perspectives and practices that create awareness, appreciation, acceptance and celebration of diversity, equity and inclusion. According to USA Wrestling by-laws, President Baumgartner has the authority to create and populate ad-hoc committees. To populate the Diversity and Inclusion Committee, Baumgartner carefully reviewed applications from interested USA Wrestling members as well as several outside of the wrestling community and also sought out recommendations from a variety of USA Wrestling constituencies.
Baumgartner selected USA Wrestling Secretary and Executive Committee member Kerry McCoy as the chairperson of the committee. McCoy is a two-time Olympian and 2003 World silver medalist in men’s freestyle. After his athletic career, McCoy focused on coaching, with head coaching stints at Stanford and the University of Maryland. … rest of story at _{https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2020/October/02/Baumgartner-announces-Diversity-and-Inclusion-committee?mc_cid=accb7cd38c&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}

7 } – Hermiston’s Trevor Wagner overcomes gunshot to excel in three sports
HERMISTON — A tragic accident when he was 9 years old had doctors telling Trevor Wagner he may never play sports again. Not only did Wagner prove them wrong, he is a star three-sport athlete at Hermiston High School. “He’s always been a hard worker and a good kid,” Hermiston football coach David Faaeteete said. “He doesn’t talk much, he just works, and his work ethic is infectious. He is a good teammate.” Wagner, who plays football and baseball, and wrestles for the Bulldogs, had just finished third grade when he was involved in a shooting accident that led to a helicopter ride to Portland, three surgeries and a two-week stay in the hospital. “We live about 25 minutes out of town,” Wagner said. “My grandma told us there was a badger in our yard and we (with 14-year-old brother Andy) went full Army to get it.”
They never found the badger and eventually gave up the fight. Their parents, Tammy and Lucas Wagner, were heading out, and told the boys to clean the guns and put them away. That didn’t happen right away, but when the boys got around to it, Andy tripped, and the gun he was holding dropped and discharged, firing a .22 caliber bullet through his brother’s left leg right below the knee. … rest of story at _{https://www.eastoregonian.com/townnews/sport/hermistons-trevor-wagner-overcomes-gunshot-to-excel-in-three-sports/article_7895a388-f69c-11ea-a3b7-d709fe3182aa.html?mc_cid=72c2868447&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}

8 } – Coach Lindland’s Weekly Report: What Matters Now
Five Point Move is proud to host USA Greco-Roman National Team head coach Matt Lindland each week for Coach Lindland’s Report. Here is where you will find detailed perspectives from Coach Lindland pertaining to recent results, upcoming events, training plans, and other Greco-related news that isn’t available anywhere else. ALSO — if you would like to donate directly to the US Greco-Roman program, just click here. Your support is appreciated! The times couldn’t be stranger for US National Team head coach Matt Lindland. Depending on the day, it may seem as though nothing is going on, or more than enough is unfolding on a moment-to-moment basis to occupy his thoughts. For starters, the Senior World Championships, scheduled for December in Serbia, is not yet a done deal. Despite by all appearances being written in stone two months ago by United World Wrestling, the tournament’s status is still questionable. … rest of story at _{http://www.fivepointmove.com/usa-greco/lindland-what-matters-now/?mc_cid=72c2868447&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}

9} – EXCITING NEW USA WRESTLING-SANCTIONED WISCONSIN WRESTLING LEAGUE FOR YOUTH TO LAUNCH THIS WINTER

The Wisconsin Wrestling League has been formed to provide safe and reliable wrestling practice and competition opportunities to youth wrestlers across the state of Wisconsin. Creation of the league is largely the work of Justin Tritz, Scott Kluever (State Coach Coordinator for the Wisconsin Wrestling Federation) and Dave Black (chairperson of the WWF).
Regular season league competition is slated to begin in early December 2020 and culminate on January 31, 2021, with postseason competition starting on February 7, 2021. All events will be sanctioned with USA Wrestling and will use Trackwrestling event management software. Divisions for the league will be based on the current grade of the participants (K-2, 3-5 and 6-8), and all events will be conducted in accordance with COVID-19 related regulations. Competing teams will be limited to 40 wrestlers on their roster to ensure proper scheduling and pairing of the event.
Tritz, the founder and former CEO/president of Trackwrestling, has a long history of wrestling in Wisconsin. After an incredibly successful prep career at Wisconsin Rapids Lincoln, he has remained connected with the sport, not only with Trackwrestling, but also with the youth and high school programs in Rapids and more recently with Beast Cage Wrestling. … rest of story at _{https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2020/September/29/Wisconsin-Wrestling-League-formed-this-winter?mc_cid=72c2868447&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}

10 } – AYALA WINS IN SUDDEN VICTORY, FACUNDO IN ULTIMATE TIEBREAKER, JORDAN BURROUGHS VS. ZAHID VALENCIA ANNOUNCED FOR NOV. 14 AT FLOWRESTLING’S WHO’S #1
Austin, Texas – FloWrestling’s 14-match Who’s #1 card delivered a night of relentless high school wrestling action. In particular, the main and co-main events were must-see wrestling.
In the co-main event at 120 pounds, Drake Ayala knocked off the pound-for-pound No. 1 wrestler in the country Richie Figueroa. Ayala led 3-1 going into the third period on the strength of a first period takedown and a second period escape. Figueroa, who was looking to become the first three-time Who’s #1 winner, escaped quickly to start the third period. While it looked like Ayala locked up the match with a late takedown, Figueroa’s corner challenged, and Ayala was called for grabbing Figueroa’s shirt, sending the match into sudden victory tied at three.
In overtime, Ayala could not be denied, scoring … rest of story at _{https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2020/October/03/Whos-Number-1?mc_cid=9e55d26136&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}

November 15, 2020 Posted by The TakeDown Report | Uncategorized | Leave a comment

College Coaching News – # 6

TDR Editor’s Notes ; Several stories about new assistant and new head coaches taking on the challenges of working with college student-athletes in wrestling. Other administrative changes to schedules and competition are in other stories. Our last story is on a somber note with the passing of Hall of Fame wrestler, coach and administrator Greg Strobel. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
1 } – Proposal caps brackets at 75 percent for NCAA Division III winter, spring championships
The Division III Championships Committee on Tuesday recommended that winter and spring 2021 national championship brackets and field sizes not exceed 75 percent of their standard capacity. A caveat to the proposal is if a sport’s maximum number of allocated automatic qualifiers surpasses the 75 percent threshold, the championship could expand the field to accommodate each automatic berth. This is consistent with the Division III philosophy of emphasizing conference competition. The committee’s main goal was to preserve access to NCAA championships through automatic qualification. Field sizes for individual sports also would be reduced to 75 percent of their typical size.
LATEST COVID-19 NEWS: College sports news and schedule updates | College football tracker
The recommendation will make its way through the Division III governance structure, including getting feedback from winter and spring sport committees, before the Management and Presidents Councils make a final decision in October. The financial impact wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic is the driving force behind the proposal. The health crisis already has forced Division III to cancel its 2020 winter, spring and fall championships. As in many schools and conferences, tough financial decisions also are being made at the national level of college athletics. … rest of story at _{https://www.ncaa.com/news/ncaa/article/2020-09-16/proposal-caps-brackets-75-percent-ncaa-division-iii-winter-spring-championships?mc_cid=c6a292a4f2&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}

2 } – KEEPING UP WITH THE JACKRABBITS — CODY CALDWELL
Wrestling and weddings are the two topics of this week’s Keeping Up With The Jackrabbits.
Assistant wrestling coach Cody Caldwell joins host Tyler Merriam to discuss the wrestlers returning to campus and his wedding, which will take place next week. … rest of story at _{https://gojacks.com/news/2020/9/25/general-keeping-up-with-the-jackrabbits-cody-caldwell.aspx?mc_cid=29285b55e6&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}

3 } – Pacific University Names Zach Binkerd Interim Men’s & Women’s Wrestling Coach
The Boxer wrestling program is now in the hands of former Pacific wrestler and former assistant coach Zach Binkerd as he’s officially been named interim Head men’s and women’s wrestling coach. 
 Binkerd knows first-hand how Pacific and the ability to compete in a sport you love at the college level can make a significant impact in one’s life. “I think some of the things that I learned as an athlete helped me in my professional career. The things that I learned in the classroom pushed me above my peers. I truly believe that Pacific University has a great education. I did both my undergrad and graduate work here, and I came out of my graduate program feeling like a professional –  like I was ready to attack the world. I owe that a lot to the education that I received at Pacific and the culture that was created through the wrestling program,” said Binkerd.
 Athletic Director Keith Buckley is excited to have Binkerd lead the way for the Boxer wrestling program moving forward. 
 “Coach Binkerd has a tremendous connection to the Boxer wrestling community and is eager to take the necessary steps to move our program positively forward into the future. He is a proud wrestling alum of Pacific University who is excited to lead our current student-athletes through this challenging time,” said Buckley.
 Binkerd’s ties to Pacific wrestling run deep. … rest of story at _{https://portal.nwcaonline.com/articles/NWCA_News/Zach-Binkerd-Named-Interim-Men-s-13-11-2020}

4 } – MEISTER TABBED AS NEW FRIENDS UNIVERSITY MEN’S AND WOMEN’S WRESTLING COACH
WICHITA, Kan. – Friends University Director of Athletics Dr. Rob Ramseyer has announced the hiring of Aaron Meister as the head coach of the newly added men’s and wrestling programs.
“We feel lucky to attract a coach with the experience of starting and running a successful wrestling program,” Ramseyer said.  “Aaron brings a great deal of experience to the role and Christian higher education. We are confident he will build a quality program that will be successful in being competitive but also producing students who are engaged and will graduate.  We are excited to welcome him and his wife Jill back to Kansas.” Meister is indeed familiar with Kansas after attending Holton High School, Labette County Community College and then graduating from Fort Hays State University.
He comes to Friends after helping to jumpstart the men’s and women’s wrestling programs as an assistant coach for four seasons at Wayland Baptist University (WBU) in Plainview, Texas. He then took the reins of the program after head coach legendary head coach Johnny Cobb retired prior to the 2014-15 season. Meister’s decorated coaching career includes coaching a World Champion, Tamyra Mensah-Stock, four World medalists, 13 National Champions, 96 All-Americans, and the 2019 NAIA Women’s Dual Champions. Among those All-Americans is an Olympic Trials champion, two World Team Trials champions, three U.S. Open champions, a University World runner-up, and 25 of those individuals are either World or Olympic Trials qualifiers.
While at WBU, Meister has initiated and endowed two scholarships … rest of story at _{https://portal.nwcaonline.com/articles/NWCA_News/MEISTER-TABBED-AS-NEW-FRIENDS-12-11-2020?lId=00n00000000001D00da&lname=NWCA%20Articles}

5 } – Wenger Named Peacock Assistant Wrestling Coach
Josh Wenger has been named as the assistant wrestling coach at Upper Iowa University. The Cedar Rapids, Iowa native comes to the Peacock wrestling program from Grand View University in Des Moines, Iowa.
“I am very excited to be a part of the Upper Iowa University wrestling staff,” said Wenger. “Upper Iowa has a great culture and the talent to compete at the highest level.  I am eager to begin working with the team and help each of the wrestlers be the best student-athletes they can be.”
Wenger earned a pair of NAIA National Championships for the Vikings with one coming at 141 pounds and one at 149 pounds. He earned NAIA All-American and NWCA Scholar All-American honors three times each. Wenger was named a Heart of American Champion of Character in 2020 and scored a spot on the Amateur Wrestling News 2017 All-Rookie Team.
“I’m fired up to announce Josh Wenger as our new assistant wrestling coach,” said Head Wrestling Coach Heath Grimm. “He is fresh out of college and will be someone who can get on the mat … rest of story at _{https://uiupeacocks.com/news/2020/9/29/wenger-named-peacock-assistant-wrestling-coach.aspx?mc_cid=72c2868447&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}

6 } – Coach Hansen Bringing Lots to Table for Panther Wrestling
Matt Hansen was hired by Head Coach Nick Nothern at the beginning of the school year. Hansen is no stranger to collegiate wrestling, as he brings 14 years of coaching experience with him. He served as an assistant coach at Luther College, Hastings College, and Simpson College. Hansen also served as the head coach at Doane University and was named the “Rookie Coach of the Year”, by Amateur Wrestling News Magazine. As a student-athlete Hansen, was a two-time national qualifier for the University of Nebraska-Kearney’s wrestling team. 

Coach Hansen oversees the strength and conditioning program for the Panthers. This role fits right into his education and expertise, as he is a certified strength and conditioning coach certified by the National Strength and Conditioning Association. … rest of story at _{https://goneosho.com/news/2020/9/25/coach-hansen-bringing-lots-to-table-for-panther-wrestling.aspx?mc_cid=29285b55e6&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}

7 } – SUNY-Binghampton Wrestling hires Mytych as assistant coach
Exeter, Pa. native arrives with extensive experience at collegiate level
VESTAL, N.Y. – Head wrestling coach Kyle Borshoff has announced the hiring of Steve Mytych (MITT-itch) as an assistant coach. Mytych, a native of Northeast Pennsylvania, comes to Binghamton following a stint as an assistant at Bloomsburg University. In addition to the hiring of Mytych, third-year coach Fred Garcia has been elevated to the top assistant role. “We are excited to add Steve to our coaching staff,” Borshoff said. “He brings a wealth of experience and knowledge that will help all of our athletes reach their wrestling goals. Steve has competed and coached at the highest level of our sport and I am sure he will help our athletes earn National Championships and All American honors.”
Prior to his stop at Bloomsburg, Mytych helped restart Keystone College’s wrestling program beginning in the 2016-17 season. He took major steps in helping the Giants return to national prominence over his three seasons as head coach, including posting eight dual victories in the team’s first season back. Mytych also has experience as the head strength and conditioning coach and assistant wrestling coach at Wyoming Seminary Preparatory High School. Collegiately, the Drexel University graduate excelled on the mat, posting the most career wins in the program’s history with 128. The four-time NCAA qualifier also has the most wins in a single season by a Dragon (38). “I want to thank Coach Borshoff and the administration for this great opportunity,” Mytych said. … rest of story at _{https://bubearcats.com/news/2020/10/2/wrestling-hires-assistant-coach-mytych.aspx?mc_cid=accb7cd38c&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}

8 } – Tim Jager steps down as Morningside College Director of Athletics
SIOUX CITY, IA — Tuesday morning Morningside college announced that Tim Jager will step down from his position as athletic director as of December 15th, 2020.
Next year Jager will start a new position with Sunnybrook Church. During Jager’s tenure with Morningside, the Mustang athletics program has won the GPAC All-Sports Trophy five times, amassed a number of conference and national titles, and is home to student-athletes who regularly receive recognition for academics and outstanding character.
Morningside College President John Reynders stated, “Tim has done a remarkable job as our athletic director the past eight years. His record of service to Mustang athletics is exemplary, and our programs have only flourished under his leadership. I am incredibly grateful for his dedication to Morningside and wish him nothing but the best on his future endeavors.” “Tim embodies the qualities we look for in our student-athletes. He understands what it is to be a strong competitor and a person of great character, and it is reflected in the work he has done here at Morningside and beyond,” … rest of story at _{https://siouxlandnews.com/news/local/tim-jager-steps-down-as-morningside-college-director-of-athletics?mc_cid=aeabd832c4&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}

9} – NESCAC CANCELS WINTER SPORTS COMPETITION
The New England Small College Athletic Conference announced the cancellation of winter sports competition today. Williams, Wesleyan, and Trinity are the the NESCAC schools that sponsor wrestling. Schools will be able to make their own decisions regarding winter sports; there just will not be official conference competition and championships.
Trinity’s release states, “This announcement does not restrict institutions from developing individual plans for winter sports that involve practice or competition, including competition with other NESCAC institutions who choose to compete,” and, “In addition to practice, we know that competition is an important part of the collegiate athletic experience. . .We will continue to pursue the possibility of a robust winter sports experience that meets Trinity, State of Connecticut, and NCAA guidelines.
Williams, on the other hand, has canceled winter sports competition. “We write with the disappointing news that our winter varsity athletes will not compete this year. The New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) has just announced a unanimous decision not to hold a competitive winter sports season, … rest of story at _{https://www.d3wrestle.com/nescac-cancels-winter-sports-competition/?mc_cid=a13c46544f&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}

10 } – Lehigh Athletics Mourns the Passing of Greg Strobel
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Lehigh Athletics has lost a legend. On Thursday, the family of former head wrestling coach and administrator Greg Strobel shared the news that he had passed away. A member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, Strobel served as Lehigh’s head coach from 1995 through 2008, which included five straight EIWA Championships from 2002 through 2006. Strobel was 68 years old.  
“The news of Greg’s passing is shocking and difficult to process, mostly because Greg was so full of life and optimism and energy, perhaps more so than anyone I have ever known,” said Murray H. Goodman Dean of Athletics Joe Sterrett. “His resilience and strength through a successful battle with cancer a few years ago, and then the loss of his wife Donna less than a year ago, were profound examples to everyone who knew him of the power of faith and a positive attitude.”
Current Lehigh head wrestling coach Pat Santoro served as an assistant under Strobel for eight seasons, and after a stint as Maryland head coach, was named his successor following Strobel’s retirement in 2008.
“I’m having a hard time wrapping my head around Greg’s passing,” said Santoro. “He was a man so full of life and has been a part of mine for many years. He was a great mentor coach, and friend.”
As Lehigh head coach, Strobel posted a 189-83-1 dual record, winning six total EIWA titles. Under his watch, Strobel’s wrestlers captured 28 individual EIWA championships and 30 All-America honors. He coached two NCAA champions: Rob Rohn in 2002 and Troy Letters in 2004. He was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2012. “Greg lived an amazing life and accomplished so much,” said Santoro. … rest of story at _{https://lehighsports.com/news/2020/10/9/wrestling-lehigh-athletics-mourns-the-passing-of-greg-strobel.aspx?mc_cid=dc6ecdfa42&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}

November 14, 2020 Posted by The TakeDown Report | Uncategorized | Leave a comment

‘He ain’t done yet’: Former UNC wrestler competes in first post-collegiate meet

BY MADI KIRKMAN
In his first event after a four-year career with UNC wrestling, A.C. Headlee competed in the 2020 U.S. Senior Nationals as part of his path to a bid to the Olympic or World Championship team.  
Headlee graduated last year after an impressive college career with UNC wrestling, where he was a three-time NCAA Championship qualifier. He continued his wrestling career with the Tar Heel Wrestling Club — an organization for wrestlers to continue their training for a World or Olympic championship. 
Headlee said continuing to wrestle after college was an easy decision for him and something he always wanted to do. “I realized really early on in my life that I wanted to be involved in wrestling for as long as my body will let me,” he said. 
Headlee said his decision to join the Tar Heel Wrestling Club was an obvious choice because of his relationship with Kenny Monday, the U.S. Olympic Regional Training Center head coach at the club. UNC alumni also helped set Headlee up with a job at Milwaukee Tool as a sales representative to support himself outside of wrestling.
Senior Nationals is the biggest open tournament for wrestlers in the United States who are competing on a senior level. It was also the first major senior-level event USA Wrestling has hosted since the cancellations brought on by COVID-19. “I think being off for that long was probably longer than a lot of us have ever gone between competition,” Headlee said. “But it was just good to get back and just feel that adrenaline that you get during a match. I think a lot of people needed it.”
Headlee prepared for the event with Monday, who had a training regiment for him to follow.  “It’s a transition from college-style wrestling to Olympic-style wrestling, so it takes a little longer to make that change, and that’s what he’s in the process of doing now,” Monday said.
Gary Wayne Harding was Headlee’s teammate who then became an assistant coach for UNC after he graduated, coaching Headlee in his final season. Harding said Headlee is an explosive and powerful wrestler with a high wrestling IQ.
“He wrestles a smart match, and as soon as you let your guard down, he’s going to capitalize on it,” Harding said. “As soon as you make a mistake, he’s on it, and he’s going to light you up.”
Right now, Headlee’s focus is on developing into a “world-class athlete” and getting used to freestyle wrestling in hopes of eventually making an Olympic or World Championship team.
“Every single time I step on the mat, I’m learning,” Headlee said. “I’m trying to be a sponge and just soak all the knowledge and information in.” Headlee went 2-2 at Senior Nationals and did not place. He said he needs to focus on getting bigger and will go over film and work on technique with Monday in order to help him improve. … rest of the story at https://www.dailytarheel.com/article/2020/10/ac-headlee-unc-wrestler-competes-in-senior-nationals?mc_cid=1debff05aa&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

November 11, 2020 Posted by The TakeDown Report | Uncategorized | Leave a comment

NC State Wolfpack send 7 to UWW Junior Nationals

NC State Wrestling Sending Seven to UWW Junior Nationals

Six true freshmen to see first action since arriving in Raleigh

RALEIGH, N.C. – Seven current members of the NC State wrestling team will be in action this weekend, coming at the UWW Junior Nationals. The event will take place at the MECA-CHI Health Center of Omaha in Omaha, Nebraska.

In all styles, the winner of the UWW Junior Nationals will earn a bid to the 2021 Senior World Team Trials and the 2021 Junior World Team Trials, if age eligible.

Jr. Tyrie Houghton is the lone returner from the Pack’s 2020 ACC Championship squad that will be in action, and he will be joined by six true freshmen competing for the first time since arriving at NC State this summer.

Fr. Isaac Trumble will be competing in both freestyle and greco-roman, while all of the other six wrestlers will be wrestling freestyle.

Here is a list of the Pack’s entrants:

UWW Junior Nationals – Greco-Roman

Fr. Isaac Trumble – 97 kg

UWW Junior Nationals – Freestyle

Fr. Anthony Noto – 57 kg

Fr. Ryan Jack – 61 kg

Fr. Joe Roberts – 70 kg

Fr. Donald Cates – 74 kg

Fr. Dylan Reinert – 79 kg

Fr. Isaac Trumble – 92 kg

Jr. Tyrie Houghton – 97 kg

Rest of story and background at www.GoPack.com

November 11, 2020 Posted by The TakeDown Report | Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Colleges – Most Wins All Time

TDR Editor’s Notes : We welcome input and corrections as needed. Four of the top five schools in wins are Division I programs. Springfield College is the top program in Division III and third over all. Look on down the list for your favorite school program.
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