College Recruits & Transfers # 5
TDR Editor’s Notes ; Included is news of high school wrestling which may seem far away as stories are from Minnesota, Tennessee, Kentucky, Arizona, Colorado, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, Iowa, Michigan and when one adds in the states where the wrestlersare coming from and well, it becomes national news. Also a variety of experiences that other wrestlers can learn from as they look at entering the college wrestling ranks.
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1 } – Maverick Wrestling Adds 13 to Roster
MANKATO, Minn. — Minnesota State wrestling coach Jim Makovsky has announced that 13 student-athletes have joined the Maverick wrestling team. “Overall, it’s exciting to have such a large class of guys coming in together. We are confident that we’ve attracted the right type of student-athlete that will contribute to the overall mission of our program. Some of these wrestlers will be called on right away to contribute but they will all definitely make an impact on the culture of the program and raise the competitiveness within the wrestling room. We are hopeful we will wrestle this year, we’re looking forward to the season starting – whenever that is,” assistant coach Ty Eustice said.
Information about this year’s recruiting class appears below.
Dylan Anderson (Lakeville, Minn./Apple Valley)
Anderson (157/165 lbs.) finished in fifth place in the AAA state tournament twice. As a senior, he posted a 46-9 record, which included 41 pins.
Eustice on Dylan Anderson: “Dylan comes from a great program and is a natural pinner with an incredible pin rate his senior year. We’re excited to watch him continue to develop and add to his game.”
Jerez Autridge (Owatonna, Minn./Owatonna) … rest of story at https://msumavericks.com/news/2020/8/27/maverick-wrestling-adds-13-to-roster.aspx?mc_cid=ea5a873124&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
2 } – Four-Time Tennessee State Champ Part of Mocs Incoming Class
With classes well underway at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, GoMocs.com continues its breakdown of the wrestling program’s incoming class. Head coach Kyle Ruschell has put together a strong group that fits in well with some experienced returners.
This week’s profile takes a look at Gallatin, Tenn., native Noah Horst. Horst wrapped up an outstanding career at Chattanooga’s Baylor School, where he won the 132-pound TSSAA Division II title. That was the fourth title in a row for Horst, who plans to major in Civil Engineering at UTC. His performance helped Baylor to its state-record 16th traditional team trophy.
“It’s always great to get a local standout like Noah,” stated Ruschell. “The Baylor School is an incredible program that we’re grateful to have in our backyard. Noah could be starting a pipeline that could be incredibly beneficial to our program.”
A member of the National Honor Society, Horst also excelled in the classroom. As a senior, he was the Tennessee State recipient of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame’s Dave Schultz Award. This honor recognizes and celebrates the nation’s most outstanding high school senior male wrestlers … rest of story at https://gomocs.com/news/2020/8/31/wrestling-four-time-tennessee-state-champ-part-of-mocs-incoming-class.aspx?mc_cid=45fdbe861d&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
3 } – Bellarmine Wrestling welcomes 11 newcomers to squad.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Bellarmine University wrestling team boasts 11 newcomers who have the joined the Knights this season. The robust recruiting class includes 10 true freshmen and sophomore transfer Zane Brown. Bellarmine is transitioning to Division I this season and is an associate member of the Southern Conference.
“I am beyond excited to welcome these guys to our family! I’ve spent the past year or more recruiting these individuals and to finally have them here on campus feels great,” Knights Head Coach Spencer Adams said. “Overall, this is the best class we have put together. If you look across the board, not only do these guys stand out as athletes, but their off-the-mat accolades are a testament to their true character and reveal much more about them. Recruiting well-rounded student-athletes is how we have built the solid foundation that we have today.
“In the past two seasons, we were awarded the Spalding Sportsmanship Award for the GLVC conference, while defeating multiple top-15 nationally ranked opponents and garnering a top-25 team ranking as well. We want to win but, more importantly, we want to win the right way. It takes a special combination of grades, character and athletic talent to be a Knight and this group fully showcases … rest of story at https://athletics.bellarmine.edu/news/2020/9/1/wrestling-welcomes-11-newcomers-to-squad.aspx?mc_cid=1fef1a8869&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
4 } – Embry-Riddle EAGLES ADD NINE NEW GRAPPLERS
PRESCOTT, Ariz. – The oldest program that Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Ariz.) has is its wrestling program, with nine national champions and countless All-Americans in the program’s history new faces have a lot to live up to. Head Coach KC Rock brings in nine new grapplers in hopes to bring home another national champion and a team national championship.
First is Kenny Copely. The heavyweight is quite the athlete, he was a two-time All-State Offensive and Defensive linemen. Adding to that he won the state heavyweight crown twice during his high school career. His prowess in both sports allowed his football team to win two state championships, three wrestling state championships, and three track and field state titles. “He is a Bad Man!!” Rock exclaimed. “Heavyweights with his kind of desire and athleticism are hard to find and we found another!”
The next athlete is Garrett Fletcher (FR/Bakersfield, Calif.). Fletcher is a four-time state qualifier in a tough high school circuit in California. The Bakersfield native is no stranger to tough competition, he managed to win 16 matches with six pins and only six losses. “Garrett comes from a strong high school program with a rich tradition located in the hot bed of California high school wrestling,” Rock continued. “Four-time California state qualifier is no small accomplishment.”
The third incoming freshman is Jarett Jorgensen (FR/Morgan, Utah). The 125 lb grappler is a three time State Champion in Utah. His athleticism stretched onto the football field as well, where he was a part of another state championship team at MHS. He is not a stranger to the program as his Uncle is the head coach of the Eagles. “Jarett will be another force in our lower weights,” Rock praised. “He has been a year round wrestler winning three Utah state titles and being in the finals four times.”
A very familiar face joins the Eagles in Keller Rock (FR/Chino Valley, Ariz.), KC Rock‘s son. Keller was the Arizona State Champion on three different occassions and at three different weights, 138 lbs., 160 lbs., and 170 lbs. The Yavapai County native has been a constant … rest of story at https://www.eraueagles.com/article/2727?mc_cid=1fef1a8869&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
5 } – Dallastown wrestler ready for a life of service after committing to U.S. Air Force Academy
Brooks Gable is aware his perspective has changed over the past 11 years. He remembers being a 6-year-old and visiting his older brother, Clay, at the United States Air Force Academy. He would marvel at the uniforms and fantasize about jumping out of planes. He wanted to be just those cadets when he was older. As a 17-year-old being recruited by the school, he noticed different things about the academy. But he had the same desire to attend the prestigious school. A rising senior wrestler at Dallastown Area High School, Gable verbally committed to Air Force last Friday. The soonest he can sign with the Division I program is Nov. 11.
“My reasons for liking the academy changed as I matured,” Gable said. “When the coaches talk about being invested, they are taking a holistic approach and looking at you as an individual, not just an athlete or student. They are trying to create a better overall person and care if you’re a good leader. “I thought I would thrive in that approach and being around like-minded people.”
Located in Colorado Springs, the U.S. Air Force Academy is the youngest of the country’s service academies, having been founded in 1954. Every cadet is required to participate in athletics, whether at the intercollegiate NCAA Division I or intramural level.
Air Force’s wrestling team competes in the Big 12 and has been coached for the past seven years by Sam Barber. Service academies technically don’t offer athletic scholarships, but tuition, expenses and room and board are covered following acceptance. Gable said he’s still working though the academy’s extensive acceptance process, but has been offered a spot on the wrestling team from Air Force’s coaches, who have told him he has a strong chance of getting in. He’s currently completing the paperwork needed to get a congressional nomination for acceptance.
“The coaches have reviewed my (resume) and said it’s in my wheelhouse to get in,” said Gable, who won the District 3 Class 3A title at 145 pounds last year. “They’ve been clear in their intention to have me on the team.” More:‘I’ve been pretty fortunate:’ Dallastown wrestling coach remains humble after 300th win … rest of story at https://www.ydr.com/story/sports/high-school/wrestling/2020/09/02/air-force-athletics-dallastowns-brooks-gable-commits-wrestling/5681347002/?mc_cid=1fef1a8869&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
6 } – OSU Wrestling: It Looks Like the Ferrari Family has Moved to Stillwater
It looks like the Ferrari’s are getting closer to OSU.
This year Oklahoma State brought in the No. 1 wrestling recruiting class in the country, which included the No. 1 prospect AJ Ferrari. Almost just as intriguing a storyline as Ferrari’s commitment is what it could mean for OSU and his two brothers pictured above with him.
AJ’s younger brother Anthony is currently listed at No. 4 at 152, according to FloWrestling’s high school rankings. Anthony has been a World Team finalist twice and is one of the top high school juniors in the country. The youngest brother is just starting his freshman year of high school. Angelo, who was consistently one of the top ten junior high wrestlers in the country, competed at 125 last season and some see him as possibly the most talented of the family. Interestingly it looks like Anthony and Angelo may be competing for Stillwater High School next season. … rest of story and photos at https://pistolsfiringblog.com/osu-wrestling-it-looks-like-the-ferrari-family-has-moved-to-stillwater/?mc_cid=1fef1a8869&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
7 } – Two Iowa City West senior wrestlers, Graham Gambrall and Ashton Barker, announce Division I commitments
It’s no secret that Iowa City West possesses a rich wrestling tradition. The Trojans have piled up plenty of hardware in their storied history. Their five state duals crowns are tied for the fourth-most in state history. They’ve also won a pair of traditional state tournament titles, in 2006 and 2007, in addition to 11 top-four finishes. The constant flow of talented wrestlers has been the crucial ingredient to West’s wrestling success. In all, 22 wrestlers have combined to win 32 individual team titles for the Trojans, including many who have gone on to wrestle Division I. Two more recently announced plans to add their names to that list. … rest of story and videos at https://www.press-citizen.com/story/sports/high-school/2020/09/01/iowa-city-west-senior-wrestlers-announce-division-commitments-graham-gambrall-ashton-barker-iahswr/5688124002/?mc_cid=48f6ce54f3&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
8 } – Belle Vernon linebacker’s name starting to carry weight with college recruiters
Cole Weightman sees himself playing on a big college stage some day, maybe digging in behind the defensive line, his speed gauge set to downhill, with an eye toward ruining Saturdays for opposing quarterbacks. But the emerging linebacker at Belle Vernon also might have a career as a salesman. Watch the incoming junior’s Twitter account and it’s clear he has a knack for promoting a product. In this case, he is the product.
With the covid-19 pandemic changing the recruiting game and preventing prospects from showcasing their talents in front of college coaches, Weightman has campaigned over social media to let schools know of his talent and hunger to play at the next level. Anyone can send a tweet or direct message to a coach with video clips of them lifting weights, running around cones or shuffling their feet. Dozens of players do it every day.
But Weightman isn’t just anyone.
The old adage that says if you’re good enough, they’ll find you probably would apply to Weightman even if he hadn’t spent his summer connecting with college programs. His potential looms large. “I know he’s talking to a lot of schools,” Belle Vernon coach Matt Humbert said. “He can be one of the best inside linebackers we’ve had. He played some really good football toward the end of last season, and I think he is ready to explode.” The 6-foot-4, 215-pound Weightman, who thinks he fell off the radar some due to such a quiet offseason, can be a force on defense for the Leopards. His daily grind to improve fuels his aspirations to make it big. … rest of story at https://tribhssn.triblive.com/belle-vernon-linebackers-name-starting-to-carry-weight-with-college-recruiters/?mc_cid=48f6ce54f3&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
9} – .Real Woods Withdraws Name From Transfer Portal
This and other videos stories at https://www.flowrestling.org/articles/6770160-real-woods-withdraws-name-from-transfer-portal
10 } -After two surgeries, Sandburg graduate Patrick Brucki decides to transfer from Princeton to Michigan: ‘I’m just excited about the future.’
Patrick Brucki has been through a lot over the last year. From injury issues that led to three surgeries to the cancellation of this year’s NCAA Tournament due to the coronavirus pandemic to the realization that he wouldn’t wrestle again for Princeton.
Now, though, Brucki sees a light at the end of the tunnel — even if it still appears to be a little bit in the distance. Brucki, a state champion at Sandburg and two-time All-American at Princeton, plans to transfer to the University of Michigan and compete as a graduate transfer in 2021-22 after sitting out the upcoming season. “It’s been a rough 10 months,” Brucki said. “Right now, I’m just excited about the future. … rest of story at https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/daily-southtown/sports/ct-sta-spt-wrestling-michigan-patrick-brucki-st-090320-20200902-ndybigtjtbhvnh4obmfrdccdae-story.html?mc_cid=48f6ce54f3&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
College News & Notes – # 109
TDR Editor’s Notes ; Interesting article about what could happen this season for Oklahoma State leads off this collection. Yet the five ways could appy to many other schools. A look at Oklahoma City’s new coach and interviews with Ark.-Little Rock coaches and the NCWA’s President and shared below. Look them over and check them out. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
1 } – Five Ways Coronavirus Could end up Impacting Oklahoma State’s Wrestling Season
We’re currently living in one of the craziest times in history. COVID-19 has wreaked havoc on sports everywhere, and with it basically everything has changed. Just announced in the last few days, we have some conferences that are going to be playing football and some that aren’t. Wrestling is an entirely different sport both financially and in other ways so I thought with all this crazy going on, I’d throw out some discussion on a few things that theoretically could happen as it relates to Big 12 wrestling and Oklahoma State. In reality just about anything could take place, but here are a few topics I thought I’d speculate on.
1. The season will be shortened
This is going to happen. Football, which draws in tons of revenue and is the lifeblood of most athletic departments, has cut two non-conference games and shortened the season to 10 games. This will certainly happen with wrestling, and all signs point to it being a spring sport instead of a split fall/spring sport as we’ve always known it. Ninety-two percent of NWCA D1 membership voted to postpone the season to spring.
I actually believe that this may become permanent. There’s been a push for this in the sport for a while and it does make a lot of sense for it to move to a spring-only sport. Having a few matches then practicing through Christmas and Thanksgiving breaks then getting back at it again afterward is not liked by everyone, and more than anything it puts wrestling conference tournaments and the NCAA tournament competing with the basketball tournament for fans. A lot of wrestlers and coaches don’t like that as it is right now, so if this goes to a one-semester sport this season and it works, it may become permanent.
2. Crowds will be minimized (but maybe still decent)
The crowds being minimized is certain to happen, but given that football is having fans, it’s reasonable to expect wrestling to. … rest of story at https://pistolsfiringblog.com/five-ways-coronavirus-could-end-up-impacting-oklahoma-states-wrestling-season/?mc_cid=503739b0f8&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
2 } – Gomez becomes Stars coach
OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma City University has selected Nate Gomez as its men’s wrestling head coach.
Gomez became a part of a national championship wrestling team in college and a state finalist in high school.
In 2019-20, five Stars earned all-American honors to equal their program-best number in the 2020 NAIA Championships. Oklahoma City (8-3) took eighth in the team standings and the eighth spot in the postseason national top 25. OCU secured its first conference championship in the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference-Sooner Athletic Conference Championships behind six individual league champions.
“I’m excited to have Nate Gomez joining our staff to lead the Oklahoma City University men’s wrestling team,” OCU athletic director Jim Abbott said. “Nate has a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to succeed as a student, athlete and person in our program, and I have no doubt that he will contribute positively to the tradition of success that we enjoy in men’s wrestling.”
Gomez was a member of Central Oklahoma’s 13th national championship team in 2001-02 and its … rest of story at https://www.ocusports.com/news/2020/8/18/mens-wrestling-gomez-becomes-stars-coach.aspx?mc_cid=503739b0f8&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
3 } – TOM’s Quarant-Interview with Neil Erisman (Little Rock)
Today TOM caught up with the very first head coach of the Little Rock Trojans, Neil Erisman. Coach Erisman talks about some of the adversity his program featured in year one and his overall impression and takeaways from the 2019-20 season. The program also recently hired two-time All-American Chandler Rogers as an assistant coach. Erisman talks about what Rogers brings to the team, along with the strengths of Javier Maldonado. This staff is eager to work with a talented recruiting class that features a California state champion and a few other multiple-time high school All-Americans. Looking at Coach Erisman’s career, we remind him of the UFC champion that he defeated in the first round of his first NCAA Tournament … rest of story and video at https://news.theopenmat.com/college-wrestling-news/toms-quarant-interview-with-neil-erisman-little-rock/78733?mc_cid=503739b0f8&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
4 } – Chandler Rogers Added to Little Rock Wrestling Staff
LITTLE ROCK – Little Rock wrestling has named Chandler Rogers as its newest addition to the staff, as announced by the program on Wednesday. Rogers, a former Oklahoma State wrestler, was also coached by current Little Rock head coach Neil Erisman in high school.
“Chandler brings an exciting new dynamic to our staff and program,” said Erisman. “His character, background and wrestling knowledge have instantly elevated us. We are already seeing dividends of having him here on staff and we are grateful for him and his wife, Tori, for believing in our mission and joining us here in Little Rock.”
Rogers joins the Trojans as an assistant coach after spending a year as Director of Operations for Air Force wrestling, where his duties included logistics, management, and social media support. Concurrently, Rogers spent his time in Colorado Springs pursuing his wrestling career as a 2020 Olympic Trials qualifier and fourth on the ladder in the nation.
His post-collegiate wrestling career is fairly new yet highly impressive. In April of 2019, Rogers represented the United States men’s freestyle team at the 2019 Pan American Championships in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Rogers was instrumental in the USA’s momentous showing as the squad swept all 10 gold medals in freestyle for the first time in history. Since then, Rogers took third at the U.S. Open in Senior Greco and later recorded a second-place finish at the U23 Greco World Team Trials.
Rogers graduated from Oklahoma State in 2019 with a degree in general education after a successful four years with the decorated Cowboy wrestling program. He was a four-year starter for Oklahoma State, … rest of story at https://lrtrojans.com/news/2020/8/19/chandler-rogers-added-to-little-rock-wrestling-staff.aspx?mc_cid=b69497687c&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
5 } – State of Wrestling Podcast: NWCA Division I Leadership Group Chairman Troy Nickerson of Northern Colorado
Troy Nickerson, head wrestling coach at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, Colorado, comes on the latest episode of State of Wrestling to discuss his role with the NWCA Division I Leadership Group, his tenure as head coach at Northern Colorado and what’s next for Division I wrestling.
Nickerson looks on his experiences as an athlete and an assistant as to what’s guided him in his career as well as the promotion of assistant Garett Kiley on the staff and what came from the recent NWCA Convention, which was held virtually at the end of July. … rest of story and podcast at http://www.nwcaonline.com/state-of-wrestling-podcast-nwca-division-i-leadership-group-chairman-troy-nickerson-of-northern-colorado/?mc_cid=b69497687c&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
6 } – TOM’s Quarant-Interview with Dennis Papadatos (Hofstra)
FEATURE ARTICLES
ByEarl SmithPosted on 08/20/2020
TOM recently spoke with the head coach of Hofstra’s wrestling team Dennis Papadatos. Dennis is excited about the prospects of a Hofstra team that won seven of its last eight dual meets in 2019-20, went undefeated in conference action, and qualified a pair of wrestlers for the national tournament. His entire starting lineup returns, which includes a couple of wrestlers that narrowly missed automatically qualifying in 2020, as well. We talk about how Hofstra University and the wrestling team are preparing for an uncertain school year and wrestling season, what he learned from a rough 2019 campaign, and the relationship that former UFC champion Chris Weidman has with his alma mater. Straying from the wrestling mats, we also talk about Star Wars, … rest of story and podcast at https://news.theopenmat.com/05-feature-articles/toms-quarant-interview-with-dennis-papadatos-hofstra/78743?mc_cid=27a5988c78&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
7 } – #FREESTYLEFRIDAY: A LOOK AT THE NCAA DI COACHES AND THEIR INTERNATIONAL SUCCESSES
The college wrestling world is coached by some of the greatest wrestlers in U.S. history, including five Olympic medalists and two other Senior World medalists. Today, we’ll take a look at Division I college coaches that have collected World and Olympic medals during their athletic careers.
Olympic medalists
Zeke Jones (Arizona State)
Coaching at his alma mater, Jones has headed the Arizona State wrestling program since 2014, where he has been named the Pac-12 Coach of the Year three times. As an athlete, Jones was an NCAA finalist and three-time All-American for the Sun Devils. In his international career, Jones represented the USA at seven World Championships (1989-91, 93-95, 97) as well as the 1992 Olympics. At the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, Jones claimed a silver medal at 52 kg. In addition to his Olympic medal, Jones also owns a gold medal from the 1991 World Championships as well as a bronze medal from the 1995 World Championships.
Read more about Zeke Jones here
Tom Brands (Iowa)
Brands has been at the helm of the Iowa wrestling team for 14 season, coaching the Hawkeyes to three NCAA team titles with 12 NCAA champions and 82 All-Americans.
During his wrestling days, Brands was a three-time NCAA champion and four-time All-American. After competing collegiately, he dedicated himself to freestyle and earned spots on the 1993, 1994 and 1995 World Teams. … rest of story at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2020/August/21/Freestyle-Friday-NCAA-coach-international-success?mc_cid=3e7422f8f7&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
8 } – Introducing James Green – VT99
James Green, a multiple-time World medalist, four-time Division I All-American at Nebraska and New Jersey native, has joined the Southeast Regional Training Center. On the 99th installment of Inside Virginia Tech Wrestling, we meet Mr. Green and talk about his expectations with this Olympic cycle and beyond, what he hopes to learn from the staff and athletes in Blacksburg and what it’s been like to move across the country during a global pandemic. … rest of story and podcast at http://www.mattalkonline.com/podcast/inside-vt-wrestling/introducing-james-green-vt99/?mc_cid=7d6595523f&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
9} – Ken Bigley is on a mission to take New York wrestling to another level
Ken Bigley, an assistant coach at New York University who works with the PSAL sports coordinator, takes a progressive look at advancing wrestling. His outlook may be the future of the sport. … rest of story at https://www.trackwrestling.com/PortalPlayer.jsp?TIM=1598412488313&twSessionId=ftoqqqligb&videoId=861694135&mc_cid=0b16b413d6&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
10 } – Interview with Air Force Academy Head Coach Sam Barber
By G. Wyatt Schultz for The Predicament
Interview with Sam Barber of the Air Force Academy. He was formerly head coach at Upper Iowa in Fayette and the head coach at Augsburg in Minnesota. He also at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. … rest of story and video at https://www.thepredicament.com/2020/08/interview-with-air-force-academy-head-coach-sam-barber/?mc_cid=45fdbe861d&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
MIKE MATLOCK, 72, LONGTIME USA WRESTLING REFEREE AND COACH, PASSED AWAY TUESDAY
By Rusty Davidson, Special to TheMat.com, and other sources | Sept. 02, 2020,
The USA Wrestling community received and shared word on Tuesday of the passing of Mike Matlock, 72, a longtime volunteer in the USA Wrestling family.
Matlock was found early Tuesday morning in his home in New Bern, N.C. Reports indicate he passed peacefully. Details are pending notification of next of kin.
Mike Matlock was known to many in the wrestling world as “Mad Dog.” “The Dog” wore the nickname affectionately. He was apt to greet students and friends with a friendly “Woof.”
Matlock was known globally as a first category referee. Officiating under the banners of USA Wrestling and its predecessors, along with the current United World Wrestling, Matlock was known as a Teacher of his fellow officials. Many referees mentored by “The Dog” went on to represent several countries at the highest levels.
Matlock most recently served as a non-voting Honorary Board member for North Carolina USA Wrestling. The Board of North Carolina USA Wrestling honored him recently by naming North Carolina’s annual Official of the Year Award as the Mike “Mad Dog” Matlock Award.
“Mad Dog” also contributed as a high school and club coach, mentoring youth in Missouri, Nebraska, Michigan, Arizona, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Florida, and North Carolina over the last 50 years. Countless youngsters, across multiple generations, credit Matlock for helping them make greater contributions in life through wrestling. … rest of this story at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2020/September/02/Official-and-coach-Mike-Matlock-passed-away?mc_cid=48f6ce54f3&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
WILL NCAA DIV. I WESTERN CAROLINA ADD MEN’S AND WOMEN’S WRESTLING SOON?
By Gary Abbott, USA Wrestling, and Collegiate Consulting | Sept. 09, 2020,
Editor’s Note: It is great news when a college sports consulting firm recommends the addition of men’s and women’s wrestling, and that is what happened last week. Collegiate Consulting, which has worked with over 500 colleges since 2005, gave Western Carolina University a sports sponsorship study, including targeting sports for the school to add to its athletic department. In that study, both men’s and women’s wrestling made the cut.
Western Carolina is an NCAA Div. I institution which competes in the Southern Conference. The Southern Conference sponsors men’s wrestling and the Catamounts could join its eight-team wrestling conference. In women’s wrestling, which recently received NCAA Emerging Sports Status at Div. I, there is one Div. I program, Presbyterian, which also competes in the Sourthern Conference on the men’s side. There is a great opportunity for Western Carolina to develop successful programs in both men’s and women’s wrestling. Both programs would have many other teams to wrestle against in their region.
To us, men’s and women’s wrestling seems like a perfect match for Western Carolina. Makes all the sense in the world…
Here is a press release published by Collegiate Consulting detailing its sports sponsorship study for Western Carolina.
Collegiate Consulting Completes Sports Sponsorship Study for Western Carolina
CULLOWHEE, NC (SEPT. 4, 2020) – Western Carolina University brought on Collegiate Consulting to conduct a sports sponsorship study. The institution, a Southern Conference member since 1976, is exploring the possibility of adding sports programs.
The study includes an analysis of the athletic department’s current budget, financial aid allocation, and competitiveness, as well as program specific figures for men’s wrestling and the two women’s sports explored – women’s lacrosse, and women’s wrestling.
Within the region, there are 19 men’s wrestling teams, 26 women’s lacrosse teams, and nine women’s wrestling teams. The NCAA has recently announced the addition of women’s wrestling as an emerging sport. Within the state of North Carolina, high school men’s wrestling participation is high, while women’s lacrosse continues to grow.
Collegiate Consulting developed a five-year timeline for men’s wrestling and each women’s sport. For men’s wrestling, the starting operating budget is $112,500 with a two-person coaching staff by 2022. The Division I financial aid maximum for men’s wrestling, 9.90 scholarships, would be reached under Collegiate Consulting’s recommendation via a staggered model by 2024. Women’s lacrosse would have a coaching staff size of two and an operating budget of $136,900. Women’s wrestling would have a scholarship cap of 4.0; with a head coach and year one operating budget of $85,000.
An 18-month ramp up schedule was developed starting in 2021-22 with a partial schedule. Western Carolina currently has 16 sports, with men’s wrestling potentially being its eighth men’s program. … rest of the story at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2020/September/09/Will-Western-Carolina-add-mens-and-womens-wrestling?fbclid=IwAR1Q28M-puENZ2-vY2Z_kBbuJujd2Vtd3hJNZWleDB_VGuH8TBxqRz1KK2E
High School Wrestling News # 23
TDR Editor’s Notes ; A look at some of high school news from the last month in New Jersey, Nebraska, Florida, Virginia, Tennessee and Wisconsin. Closer to home and of interest to wrestlers across most of the eastern states is the Super 32 Challenge. It is still planned for late October and we hope to attend that event in Greensboro. It shall be soon determined what will happen in the next few days.
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1 } – Heverly plans to keep ‘business as usual’ for Irish powerhouse
Bill Heverly says nothing is going to change as he takes over the Camden Catholic High School wrestling program. That’s really bad news for opponents of the Irish. Heverly will remain at his alma mater, taking the reins of the mighty program with a seamless handoff from Matt Walsh, who stepped down after reestablishing the Irish as a state powerhouse. The school made the official announcement last week. Camden Catholic is coming off one of its finest seasons in program history, going 22-2 with sectional and state titles last winter. The team was rewarded with the No. 1 ranking in South Jersey. “I’m totally honored, it’s an awesome thing to be the head coach at Camden Catholic, it’s something I’ve wanted to be since I was younger,” said the 38-year-old Heverly, who was a two-time region champ and two-time state finalist during his wrestling days with the Irish. … rest of story at https://www.courierpostonline.com/story/sports/2020/08/10/h-s-wrestling-heverly-plans-keep-business-usual-irish-powerhouse/3337699001/?mc_cid=a0c3658079&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
2 } – SUPER 32 Challenge Update
The state of North Carolina currently remains in Phase 2 of the Safer at Home reopening plan. Last week, Governor Cooper extended the Phase 2 order until at least September 11.
We are still planning to hold the Super 32 on October 24-25. This is, however, dependent on North Carolina moving out of Phase 2 as well as lifting restrictions on indoor gatherings when the state government makes their next decision on September 11.
Based on this timeline, we anticipate being able to make an official announcement regarding the status of this year’s event by the weekend of September 12-13.
If restrictions are lifted and we are able to hold the Super 32, Early Registration (all divisions) will open on September 26 and regular registration (all divisions) will open on October 3. Please also note that there will be NO PETITIONS this year.
We are still working out details regarding registration, as well as potential Early Entry Tournaments, and that information will be posted as soon as finalized. … rest of story at https://www.super32.com/#:~:text=We%20are%20still%20planning%20to,next%20decision%20on%20September%2011.
3 } – They can’t grapple so they paddle. How a HS wrestling rivalry turned into kayak racing
If you can’t grapple, grab a paddle and hit the beach. That was the idea behind the first-ever kayak racing event for two high school wrestling teams that wanted to find a fun way to turn a summer workout into a socially distant day of team bonding.
For more than five hours Monday, a group of 25 wrestlers from Paramus Catholic and St. Joseph High School in Metuchen squared off in a series of kayak races on the bay side of Sandy Hook.
“The whole point was to come out, be together and have some fun … even in the worst of times,” said Will Matistic, a rising senior at Paramus Catholic. Teams raced in pairs of two out and back to a buoy floating a quarter-mile into the bay. In the final race, all 12 kayaks lined up for the biggest prize — free T-shirts and paddling glory. Maticisk and Benny Bautista finished 30 seconds ahead of the pack and led a 1-2-3 finish for Paramus Catholic before Anthony Bistany and Aidan Pierce hit the sand as the first finishers for St. Joseph. … rest of story at https://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2020/08/they-cant-grapple-so-they-paddle-how-a-hs-wrestling-rivalry-turned-into-kayak-racing.html?mc_cid=a0c3658079&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
4 } – After 10 years and three state titles, Doug Fisher steps down as Fauquier High wrestling coach
Fauquier High School is in the market for a new head wrestling coach. Doug Fisher recently resigned after 10 years atop the Falcons’ state dynasty program. Fauquier won its third state championship of Fisher’s tenure last winter to go with 2015 and 2016 crowns. Fauquier also was the state runnerup in 2014, 2017 and 2018. Fisher explained that the timing was right. Son Sam will be wrestling at nationally-ranked Virginia Tech after becoming the first Fauquier County wrestler ever to win four state championships. “That’s part of it,” Fisher began. “I just felt I had done what I had set out to do, and I was comfortable where I was. It’s a good stopping point and I wanted to do something else.” He departs with a 150-70 career record in dual meet competition to go with a slew of individual and team honors. His 150 wins stands in second place in school history behind the 192 by Bryan Hurst from 1999-2009. “He’s done a great job with our program,” said FHS activities director Mark Ott, who praised Fisher’s dedication and character. “Doug is a class act,” Ott continued, pointing to the coach’s emphasis on providing the Falcons with the best equipment, competition, travel and support. … rest of story at https://www.fauquier.com/news/after-10-years-and-three-state-titles-doug-fisher-steps-down-as-fauquier-high-wrestling/article_890bb290-dcaf-11ea-bbea-e38e37ec233d.html?mc_cid=18ec0c1b30&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
5 } – Orlando father launches popular wrestling web show during coronavirus pandemic
When the coronavirus pandemic forced shutdowns across Central Florida in March, Daniel Ward got innovative. The father of The First Academy wrestler Daniel Ward Jr. wanted to give back to the sport that had welcomed him and his son, and he was looking for a way to help showcase all of the people involved in the sport.
He decided to start a webcast called ‘Ward Wrestling Live’ on Facebook.
“I was home because of the quarantine and I wanted to do something that hadn’t been done,” Ward said. “I wasn’t looking to only interview big names like national outlets, I just wanted to talk to anybody in the wrestling community that would come on.” And Ward has done just that. Since his debut show on April 6, Ward has hosted more than 270 shows, with his guests including wrestlers of all ages and talent levels; high school, club, college and national team coaches from around the country; referees; and wrestling historians. … rest of story at https://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/highschool/wrestling/os-sp-hs-wrestling-daniel-ward-20200817-jqzx3l2kn5cmvadi6guyrnjipu-story.html?mc_cid=38a5eef6bd&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
6 } – Rex Kendle: ‘Baling hay might be the single best exercise that a wrestler could do’
Rex Kendle recently took over as head wrestling coach for Baylor School in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He breaks down his new role at a prep school after growing up on a farm in Michigan. … rest of story at https://www.trackwrestling.com/PortalPlayer.jsp?TIM=1597806625190&twSessionId=swvvddkvgr&videoId=859598135&mc_cid=503739b0f8&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
7 } – NASCAR Truck Series driver and high school wrestler Derek Kraus goes On The Mat
Sitting 11th in NASCAR’s Gander RV & Outdoor Truck Series, Stratford, Wisconsin, native Derek Kraus is on the playoff bubble this season. A recent high school graduate, Kraus wrestled and trained with age-group world champion Macey Kilty and has deep wrestling roots. Join Kyle Klingman and Andy Hamilton On The Mat, the flagship podcast of Trackwrestling.com. … rest of story at https://www.trackwrestling.com/PortalPlayer.jsp?TIM=1598239636477&twSessionId=azfdajuchr&videoId=861092135&mc_cid=22b2bd575c&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
8 } – Featured profile: Marc-Anthony McGowan
The Trackwrestling database houses hundreds of thousands of profiles that serve as a repository for match and tournament data, archived video, stories and interviews. In the weeks and months ahead, we’ll bring some of those profiles to the forefront on the Trackwrestling home page. Marc-Anthony McGowan’s resume includes a Cadet World title and an Ironman championship last year for Blair Academy. Prior to his time at Blair, McGowan also won a Florida state championship in 2019 as an eighth-grader. McGowan’s profile includes … rest of story at https://www.trackwrestling.com/PortalPost.jsp?TIM=1598239636477&twSessionId=azfdajuchr&postId=861246135&mc_cid=22b2bd575c&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
9} – Faulkenberry helps lead a powerful 1-2 punch for Broken Bow
Casey Faulkenberry won his first state title last season. This season, he will look to make history for Broken Bow.
Last season, Broken Bow finished in ninth overall in Class C. They did have two state champions though. Senior’s Lathan Duda and Casey Faulkenberry. Duda a 195 pounder, has already made his future plans. Early in the month he committed to North Dakota State. Faulkenberry still has his options open. The returning 126 pound Class C champion, wants to leave a legacy at Broken Bow and do something no other wrestler in school history has done. Casey started wrestling when he was in kindergarten. Years of hard work and dedication prepared him for high school. As a Freshman, he went 51-3 and finished in third at 113 pounds. Sophomore year he made the jump to 126 pounds, where he went 40-6 and finished in fifth place. Finally last year, after getting off to a late start following a broken collarbone from Cross Country, he went 31-2 and won his first state title. Casey says “It was an amazing experience worth being a part of. This summer it has made me hungrier for another one” Last years State championship did not come easy, as it came at the expense of his friend and two time state champion Chris Williams from Valentine. “Chris and I went back and fourth all season. He got me early on in the year pretty handily when I was coming back from injury. Then we wrestled at conference … rest of story at https://newrestle.com/2020/08/23/faulkenberry-helps-lead-a-powerful-1-2-punch-for-broken-bow/?mc_cid=22b2bd575c&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
10 } – Three-time NCAA champ Ryan Allen doesn’t hold back as the coach of Iowa Grant School in Wisconsin
Ryan Allen won three NCAA Division III titles for Wisconsin-La Crosse over the same opponent in the finals all three years (2004-06). Now, he is the head wrestling coach at Iowa Grant School in Wisconsin. Through it all, Allen refuses to hold back. … rest of story at https://www.trackwrestling.com/PortalPlayer.jsp?TIM=1598326577822&twSessionId=dppjsiugne&videoId=861674135&mc_cid=7d6595523f&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
St. Ambrose University to Add Men’s Wrestling
St. Ambrose University will add men’s wrestling and co-ed competitive winter guard to an already expansive menu of varsity athletics, beginning in the 2021-2022 academic year.
The new additions bring to 31 the number of varsity options St. Ambrose offers student-athletes interested in furthering their education while continuing to compete at a high collegiate level.
Men’s wrestling is a sanctioned National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) championship sport with a significant history in the two states that send the most students to St. Ambrose. Iowa is a noted hotbed for both high school and college wrestling, with more than 6,300 high school wrestlers competing on an annual basis. Illinois has the nation’s second-largest number of boys high school wrestlers.
Winter guard will pair with the growing SAU Athletics Bands program to build on a new phenomenon across the nation. Under the Winter Guard International (WGI) organizing body, winter guard combines color guard, winds, and percussion participants who compete in large-meet formats judged by qualified panelists.
St. Ambrose will be the only winter guard college program in the region and while competing in the WGI’s independent division can include on its roster current high school students interested in the competitive opportunity.
“We believe adding wrestling and winter guard to our athletics menu will give many additional prospective students more reason to consider St. Ambrose University,” said Sister Joan Lescinski, CSJ, PhD, president of St. Ambrose. “Currently, varsity student-athletes comprise more than half of our undergraduate student population, and the most rewarding aspect of our growth in the number athletic participants has been the consistent success these student-athletes enjoy in the classroom.”
Athletics Director Mike Holmes said the university will look to fill the head wrestling coaching position as quickly as possible so that recruiting for the 2021-2022 season can begin. The first class of wrestling recruits is expected to number about 20. The roster should reach 35 in a matter of three years.
The university has partnered with Beyond the Baseline, a for-profit facility located on the former campus of Marycrest College, to provide wrestling practice space. Home meets will be held in Lee Lohman Arena.
Although the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC), the conference in which most SAU teams compete, does not sanction wrestling, St. Ambrose will become the fifth member school to offer a wrestling program. Holmes noted competition across the state of Iowa also will fill the schedule. St. Ambrose may apply for affiliate membership in the Heart of America Athletic Conference, which includes members from Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and Iowa. … rest of the story at https://portal.nwcaonline.com/articles/NWCA_News/St-Ambrose-Athletics-to-Add-Men-s-8-9-2020?lId=00n00000000001D00da&lname=NWCA%20Articles
Women’s Wrestling News # 47
TDR Editor’s Notes ; A late summer look at women’s wrestling experiences on a variety of levels from the international to collegiate and on thru scholastic programs. We are especially encouraged to see the growth of wrestling teams which bring opportunities for more wrestlers.
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1 } – Girls Wrestling Team Proposed for Central Mountain High School
BALD EAGLE TOWNSHIP – With school board approval next month, Central Mountain High School will be among the first Pennsylvania high schools to field a girls wrestling team.
District officials advanced the proposal at the Tuesday night meeting of the Keystone Central School Board’s curricular and extra-curricular committee. Among those endorsing the proposal were school district superintendent Jacquelyn Martin, Central Mountain athletic director George Bidwell and Wildcat wrestling coach Biff Walizer. The superintendent said after the meeting that a presentation on the proposal will be heard at the school board’s work session Sept. 3 with a possible vote at its Sept. 10 voting session. If approved, Central Mountain would join a handful of such programs in the state, including Easton, North Allegheny and Lancaster McCaskey High Schools. As explained by Bidwell, there would be no additional cost to the district as the present boys program (which included two girls in the most recent season) already has the needed uniforms and equipment. Bidwell detailed the growth of girls wrestling nationally and in Pennsylvania. He said most recently there were 239 girls on 139 boys’ teams across the state, including 26 girls on teams that Central Mountain competes with. He said a girls team would demonstrate the school district’s commitment to “being a leader in the areas of equity and diversity.” He said there are five area schools part of some 42 schools across the state exploring establishment of a program. … rest of story at http://therecord-online.com/site/archives/61505?mc_cid=27a5988c78&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
2 } – Sarah Hildebrandt: My Wrestling Hero
Today’s installment of My Wrestling Hero features Sarah Hildebrandt. The 2018 World silver medalist shares her thoughts on her wrestling heroes: Her siblings.
These are Hildebrandt’s words on her wrestling heroes:
“My heroes are my siblings — my younger brother, Drew, who is a Division I wrestler and seeing how hard he works. Everything that has happened recently and not being able to wrestle at NCAAs because of COVID and seeing his resiliency with all that is inspiring. It’s been cool to chase a dream with him. “Then my older brother, Cory, who also wrestled collegiately for a couple of years. He’s the person who brought wrestling to our family. He brought the flier home one day and obviously none of us would be in this sport without him. He’s the biggest wrestling hero, I think, in our wrestling family. “Then my little sister who became the women’s wrestling head coach at Trine University … rest of story at https://www.trackwrestling.com/PortalPost.jsp?TIM=1597893407283&twSessionId=rroijpjdfz&postId=859671135&mc_cid=b69497687c&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
3 } – Iranian immigrant Afsoon Johnston became the first U.S. World medalist in women’s wrestling
Afsoon Johnston’s incredible journey from Iran to the United States is the subject of a new book. Could her history-making wrestling career become the subject of a film? . … rest of story and video at https://www.trackwrestling.com/PortalPlayer.jsp?TIM=1597893615559&twSessionId=spsyxwfzcn&videoId=859739135&mc_cid=b69497687c&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
4 } – Sesker’s story of Johnston’s painful immigration from Iran to enjoying the American dream
The English translation of “Afsoon” is “good omen” and that was never more true than on Aug. 16, 1972, when a little girl by that name was born in Tehran, Iran, to Manu and Jila Roshanzamir. Because 48 years later, wrestling fans — or anyone who loves the American dream — will likely be inspired by one of the sport’s newest books. It’s an amazing story of the U.S.’s first World medalist in women’s wrestling — an incredible feat that gave hope to her parents at a time when world events made life very difficult. And thanks to the effort of wrestling author Craig Sesker, the story of that woman — Afsoon Johnston — can be read in the book, “Afsoon.” Sesker has written 10 books on wrestling — including “Bobby Douglas” — but this may be his best effort. The 206-page biography of Afsoon (Roshanzamir) Johnston is an easy read and in three hours time Sesker does a masterful job of drawing readers into her unique life. In addition, I felt like I was reading a future movie screenplay about this woman, who admitted a movie producer actually approached her about making a movie about her life when she was in high school. … rest of story at https://www.win-magazine.com/2020/08/sesker-tells-the-story-of-johnstons-painful-immigration-from-iran-to-enjoying-the-american-dream/?mc_cid=1321811b68&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b#utm_source=feedly&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=sesker-tells-the-story-of-johnstons-painful-immigration-from-iran-to-enjoying-the-american-dream
5 } – Family fled life-threatening danger to find roots, success in United States
By BRYCE MILLER COLUMNIST
Imagine being lined up military-style as a 7-year-old in a first-grade class, ordered to bark venom-laced chants and stomp on a flag before watching it set ablaze.
Try to process the fear, the confusion, the blur of thoughts bouncing around fragile minds like pinballs at a time when you’re supposed to learn how to count to 10 and master the alphabet.
El Cajon’s Afsoon Johnston understands the unsettling swirl of it because she lived it in Tehran, Iran. The country jarringly shifted from westernized lifestyles under the exiled Shah to the terrifying, tight-fisted religious rule of Ayatollah Khomeini. … rest of story at https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sports/sports-columnists/story/2020-08-14/afsoon-johnston-iran-wrestling-world-bronze-first-medal-womens-olympics?mc_cid=fca2dfc53b&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
6 } – Julia Salata: My Wrestling Hero
Today’s installment of My Wrestling Hero features Julia Salata. The four-time women’s freestyle National Team member and King assistant coach shares her thoughts on her wrestling hero: Jacque Davis.
These are Salata’s words on her wrestling hero:
“I’m going to go with Jacque Davis. I worked with Jacque on a number of different things. I first met her in Fargo in 2014 when she first got the job as Beat the Streets New York women’s coordinator. I didn’t really know Jacque. She was never a high profile senior-level athlete. She was unknown to me. It was like, ‘Who’s this person coaching with me on Team New York? I don’t really know her.’ After being around her for 10 days it was like, ‘Holy crap, she’s incredible.’ “From that point we started collaborating on several things and a couple different projects. Everything she does, she puts 100 percent into everything. … rest of story at https://www.trackwrestling.com/PortalPost.jsp?TIM=1596678206992&twSessionId=vsretnndpf&postId=788178135&mc_cid=dabfe2c4a0&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
7 } – My CU Story: McKayla Campbell reflects on her quarantine experience
During quarantine I was handling my classes pretty well and our professors were working really well with us in our “new normal”. Having all of the classes the last seven weeks move online was challenging because we didn’t have that face-to-face interaction. But challenging moments are what student-athletes strive for and it taught me something new through this whole experience.
Outside of my class work, I was happy to spend time with family. At home to stay entertained I helped restructure a pool deck and remodel a kitchen. My family was happy that we had time to spend together and we are thankful none of us had contracted the virus.
After I was told that the national championship was canceled, I was very upset. It was more upsetting because we were already in North Dakota and weigh-ins were the next morning. What hurt the most was seeing our seniors not have their last chance to get on the podium. Those teammates worked so hard to achieve their goals and I had been there with them the entire time. It was heartbreaking to see their dreams shattered and not have another chance.
On the flip side, I am fortunate to say I have another year to look forward to and I promise to not take it for granted. When we were practicing as a team, our workouts every morning were very structured. I had to learn how to take that structure and develop my physical fitness on my own which included smaller workouts throughout the day – mainly body workouts. I also was able to implement a running program and I took a lot of walks. … rest of story at https://campbellsvilletigers.com/news/2020/8/19/womens-wrestling-my-cu-story.aspx?mc_cid=b69497687c&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
8 } – Five-time world champ Gray eager to get back on mat
Adeline Gray had the dates circled on her calendar.
August 2 and 3.
That is when Gray was supposed to compete in women’s freestyle wrestling at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan. The five-time world champion was set to cap her Hall of Fame career with an Olympic gold medal. But Gray’s dreams, similar to those of athletes around the globe, were put on hold when the sports world was shut down during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Olympics were postponed to next year. “It’s obviously disappointing the Olympics didn’t happen this year,” Gray said. “It’s been a challenge to stay focused and find training opportunities.” … rest of story at https://intermatwrestle.com/articles/23821?mc_cid=b69497687c&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
9} – 31. Coach Jessica Medina: National Women’s Development Coach for USA Wrestling/Champion On and Off the Mat
In this episode, Coach P speaks with Coach Jessica Medina, who is the Women’s National Development Coach for USA Wrestling. Coach Medina is a former head college wrestling coach, USA Wrestling National Team Member, 3 x US Open Champion, Multi-time college All-American, and more. She now works for USA Wrestling in helping to develop our elite female wrestlers ranging from teens to the USA World Team. During the conversation, we discuss Coach Medina’s start in sports, what drew her to wrestling, how she ended up coaching, and lessons she’s learned along the way. Make sure to share this do not miss episode with the female athletes in your life and all those looking to make a positive impact in this world! … rest of story at https://coachchadparkspodcast.libsyn.com/31-coach-jessica-medina-national-womens-development-coach-for-usa-wrestlingchampion-on-and-off-the-mat?mc_cid=503739b0f8&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
10 } – Jenna Burkert – 3x World Team Member, Army Sergeant
Jenna Burkert is a 3x World Team member for the Red, White and Blue. She currently resides in Colorado and represents the Army WCAP program. Enjoy this one folks!
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ABOUT THE WRESTLING CHANGED MY LIFE PODCAST
Hosted by Ryan Warner, the Wrestling Changed My Life Podcast features in-depth interviews with wrestlers and coaches to learn how the sport shaped and molded their lives. By stitching together stories of sacrifice, triumph, defeat and perseverance, the Podcast takes the listener deep inside the world’s oldest sport. … rest of story at https://wrestlingchangedmylife.com/jenna/?mc_cid=27a5988c78&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
College News & Notes # 108
TDR Editor’s Notes ; A tour of college coaching news and views across the country from Beckerman at Brown to Branch at WYoming to Rutt at Rochester to Cater in Arkansas and others. This off season has been more trying as the schedules of events, recruiting and travel a=have all been disrupted by the virus pandemic. It is even more challenging than usual to fill open coaching positions, conduct recruiting and to make lans for the next year as the academic calendar and proceedures are in turmoil. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
1 } – Todd Beckerman of Brown is optimistic about college wrestling
Brown head coach Todd Beckerman says endowing a college wrestling program is more important than wins and losses. He also says he can still handle his brother: 21-year Major League Soccer veteran Kyle Beckerman. … rest of story and video at https://www.trackwrestling.com/PortalPlayer.jsp?TIM=1595387241407&twSessionId=cbundhfndw&videoId=786707135&mc_cid=aa0bad43f6&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
2 } – TOM’s Quarant-Interview with Mark Branch (Wyoming)
Recently TOM had the chance to speak with Wyoming’s head coach Mark Branch. Coach Branch talks about his coaching staff’s penchant for uncovering recruits that may have been overlooked by the rest of the nation and helping them develop into excellent collegiate wrestlers. The Cowboys will have five (possibly six) national qualifiers returning in 2020-21 after having a “young” squad last season. Coach Branch is looking for some experienced wrestlers to step up as leaders in the upcoming season and preaches about how a collegiate wrestling career goes by quickly. We couldn’t talk to Branch without discussing his incredible NCAA title run as a freshman with a record under .500, as well as his opinions on the best NCAA team of all-time. … rest of story at https://news.theopenmat.com/college-wrestling-news/toms-quarant-interview-with-mark-branch-wyoming/78688?mc_cid=fca2dfc53b&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
3 } – Rutt brings big credentials as new RCTC wrestling coach
Travis Rutt is taking over as the Rochester Community and Technical College’s head wrestling coach, Randy Rager stepping down after 15 impressive seasons on the job.
The motherload would be if Rochester Community and Technical College’s new wrestling coach Travis Rutt was actually eligible to wrestle in a few matches this season.
That’s not going to happen, but Rutt would scare the heck out of opponents. The 29-year-old Rutt was one of the best 184-pounders in the country while competing at the University of Wisconsin, and then among the country’s best 197-pounders after transferring to wrestling power University of Oklahoma.
But it isn’t Rutt’s physical powers that he calls on anymore. Now, it’s his wrestling teaching acumen and people skills that he leans on, and he’s hoping … rest of story at https://theguillotine.com/2020/08/rutt-brings-big-credentials-as-new-rctc-wrestling-coach/?mc_cid=1321811b68&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
4 } – CATER JOINS WRESTLING STAFF
Conway, Ark. – Central Baptist College head wrestling coach Ken Prophete has announced an addition to his coaching staff for the 2020-21 season. Ralph Cater, a high school coach from Fla., joins the staff as an assistant.
“Coach Cater is stepping in as a volunteer recruiting coach for us and I am excited to have him on our coaching staff,” said Prophete. “He comes to us with three decades of coaching experience and with a reputation that fits our great with our mission as a program here at CBC. We are excited to add Coach Cater to our staff!”
Cater, who will train the middleweights at CBC, has previously coached at Cardinal Gibbons High School in the Miami area and the school where several CBC wrestlers have come from. He was also a club coach for a team called the Miami Elite. In his 30+ years of experience, Coach Cater has had over 100 state qualifiers, 49 state placers, 11 state champions and 11 state runners up. During his collegiate career, … rest of story at http://www.cbcmustangs.com/article/2004.php?mc_cid=a0c3658079&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
5 } – REYES ADDED TO WRESTLING STAFF
Glendale, AZ- Head Coach Travis Patrick is excited to announce the hiring of Koby Reyes as an assistant coach for his staff. Reyes concluded his collegiate career by wrestling for the Boilermakers of Purdue University.
Coach Patrick stated, “We are very excited to have Koby join the wrestling staff this season. Going into the second year of our program it was important for us to grow our coaching staff with men who love the Lord, love wrestling, and are eager to mentor the athletes in our program. Koby is a tremendous fit with our staff and I believe he will make a big impact on our program and the ACU community in the coming year.”
Coach Reyes commented, “I am extremely grateful for this opportunity to join the ACU family and help Coach Patrick lead the wrestling team. I am excited to develop relationships and reinforce our student-athletes in their development as young men.” Reyes, who wrestled for Purdue … rest of story at https://www.acufirestorm.com/article/2264?mc_cid=44ca76fc30&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
6 } – Eric Van Kley balances life as a wrestling coach and athletic director
Eric Van Kley, head wrestling coach and athletic director at Division III Central College (Pella, Iowa), has been involved in wrestling at every level. He stays adaptable and flexible with a disability, a new wrestling landscape, and growing as a leader. … rest of story and videos at https://www.trackwrestling.com/PortalPlayer.jsp?TIM=1597350470306&twSessionId=tasfyfqlsm&videoId=788259135&mc_cid=18ec0c1b30&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
7 } – Garett Kiley Elevated to Head Assistant Wrestling Coach
GREELEY, Colo. – Head Wrestling Coach Troy Nickerson elevated Garett Kiley to the position of Head Assistant Wrestling Coach after his strong first two seasons working with Northern Colorado. He has made an impact in three key components of coaching: training, recruiting and academics. Over the past two years, Kiley’s helped send eight wrestlers to the NCAA Championships, sign a top five ranked recruiting class and have five NWCA Scholar All-Americans.
“Coach Kiley has grown to become an integral part of our wrestling program and his abilities have proven to be superior,” Nickerson said. “He is committed to being with us for the long haul and is very deserving of the title change. I look forward to him continuing to push me and the program to new heights.”
In his first season at UNC, Kiley coached up three Bears to the NCAA Championships in Rico Montoya, Chris Sandoval and Jacob Seely. He assisted in the recruiting efforts of a top five ranked recruiting class that included Andrew “Boo” Alirez and Mosha Schwartz who would go on a qualify for the NCAA’s their freshman season. Two Bears earned NWCA Scholar All-America status in Montoya and Seeley. Montana was also the Big 12 Wrestling Scholar-Athlete of the Year … rest of story at https://uncbears.com/news/2020/8/17/garett-kiley-elevated-to-head-assistant-wrestling-coach.aspx?mc_cid=503739b0f8&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
8 } – Bid for NAIA Men’s Wrestling Championship Now Available
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) has opened the bid process to host both the 2022 and 2023 NAIA Men’s Wrestling Championship.
The men’s wrestling championship is a two day event that culminates in the crowning of 10 individual weight class national champions and one team champion for the year. The championship attracts 500-600 total participants within the official team party and between 3,000 and 5,000 fans on average.
Beyond the economic impact to the community, the NAIA gives its hosts significant opportunities to realize a return on the investment. … rest of story at https://www.naia.org/sports/mwrest/2020-21/Releases/MWrest_BidRelease_8_14_2020?mc_cid=1321811b68&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
9} – Nate Engel is on the right path at Oregon State
Nate Engel begins his journey as an assistant coach at Oregon State following a wrestling career that includes numerous diverse stops. … rest of story and video at https://www.trackwrestling.com/PortalPlayer.jsp?TIM=1597009911584&twSessionId=tehmutpxcy&videoId=788239135&mc_cid=2938e52dc9&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
10 } – Bleise and Williams Added to Wrestling Staff
Bakersfield, Calif. – CSU Bakersfield Head Coach Manny Rivera has announced the addition of two staff members for the 2020-21 campaign. Former Old Dominion Assistant Coach Steve Bleise will join the Roadrunners in a similar capacity, while former CSUB grappler Matt Williams will become the program’s Director of Operations.
Bleise helped the Monarchs to a 10-9 overall record, a 6-2 mark in Mid-American Conference duals and was named the National Collegiate Open coach of the year in 2019-20. He mentored Old Dominion’s Michael McGee, who captured the program’s first NCO Championship and was one of six Monarchs to earn NCO All-American honors.
Bleise wrestled three seasons at Northern Illinois before spending his final two collegiate seasons with Minnesota. He reached the NCAA Championship meet four times during his undergraduate career. As a Gopher, Bleise served as a team captain and earned Academic All-Big Ten accolades.
“It’s always exciting to bring a hungry, young coach onto our staff,” said Rivera. “We look forward to the immediate impact Steve will have on our wrestlers. He brings a contagious enthusiasm and ambition that will serve our program well.”
Williams won 96 career bouts in his `Runner career, ranking 15th all-time on CSUB’s career wins list. His 31 career pins rank sixth in program history. Williams reached the NCAA Tournament in each of his final two seasons in Bakersfield and finished as the Pac-12 runner-up during his senior campaign. … rest of story at https://gorunners.com/news/2020/8/17/bleise-and-williams-added-to-wrestling-staff.aspx?mc_cid=38a5eef6bd&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
Wrestling History # 15
TDR Editor’s Notes ; A holiday such as Labor Day is great time to look back on wrestling history. Several entries are from the series that Track Wrestling has as current coaches and wrestlers share about previous coaches and wrestlers that encourage and/or motivated them. Good to listen in to others’ experiences and views on what wrestling has done for their heroes and for themselves.
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1 } – Cory Land: My Wrestling Hero
Today’s installment of My Wrestling Hero features Cory Land. The 2019 Cadet World Team member and three-time Alabama state champion shares his thoughts on his wrestling heroes: his brother, Michael.
These are Land’s words on his wrestling hero:
“I’d have to say my wrestling hero is my brother (Michael) because he’s the one who got me into the sport and he’s always been right there to support me and help me. He’s my biggest fan. We’re really close. We’ve spent countless hours wrestling in the living room on our carpet floor. We’re always on each other. “It used to be he was teaching me stuff since he started wrestling … rest of story at https://www.trackwrestling.com/PortalPost.jsp?TIM=1597115238197&twSessionId=qqayahikyu&postId=788263135&mc_cid=a0c3658079&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
2 } – Celebrating Jordan Burroughs
Today marks the eighth anniversary of USA Wrestling legend Jordan Burroughs winning a gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics. To celebrate, we’ll look back at some of the notable matches from Jordan’s storied international career. Just over two years ago, we collaborated with Jordan to put together a list of his top 20 matches. Of course, Jordan’s career is far from over, and he has only added to his legend in those two-plus years. So here are five more matches that are must-see from Burroughs from mid-2018 on. Make sure to check out our previous list, as well as these more recent matches, as you appreciate one of the all-time greats on an important date for him.
The following matches are listed in order with the most recent matches last.
2018 World Championships vs. Mostafa Hosseinkhani (Iran) – Round of 16
The latest in a long line of tough Iranian opponents that have threatened to unseat Burroughs, Mostafa Hosseinkhani gave Jordan a test early in the 2018 World Championships. Hosseinkhani was a World bronze medalist … rest of story and videos at https://news.theopenmat.com/international-wrestling/celebrating-jordan-burroughs/78671?mc_cid=a0c3658079&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
3 } – Olympic Wrestler Speaks About 1980 Moscow Games
(KBAK/KBFX) BAKERSFIELD, CALIF — In 1980, the United States led a boycott of the Summer Olympic Games in Moscow to protest the late 1979 Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. In total, 65 nations refused to participate in the games, whereas 80 countries sent athletes to compete.
Bakersfield resident, Dan Mello was of member of the 1980 USA greco roman wrestling team. Mello never got the chance to compete because of the boycott. … rest of story and video at https://bakersfieldnow.com/news/local/olympic-wrestler-speaks-about-1980-moscow-games
4 } – Gil Sanchez – The Last Man to Beat John Smith in College
ABOUT THIS EPISODE
Gil Sanchez is the last man to beat John Smith in college. It happened in November of 1986 in Lincoln Nebraska. Gil would go on to take 2nd to John at the 1987 NCAA’s. I love this conversation and hope you do as well.
SPONSOR
This episode is brought to you by the Wrestling Changed My Life online store. … rest of story at https://wrestlingchangedmylife.com/gil/?mc_cid=44ca76fc30&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
5 } – Tom Borrelli: My Wrestling Hero
Today’s installment of My Wrestling Hero features Tom Borrelli. The Central Michigan coach shares his thoughts on his wrestling hero: John Smith.
These are Borrelli’s words on his wrestling hero:
“My wrestling hero is probably John Smith. I’m a little bit older than John, but I got to watch him from the time he was in middle school. His middle school coach was the head coach at Clemson when I was an assistant. Eddie Griffin was the head wrestling coach at Del City High School when John was in middle school. That’s where John ended up going to high school.
“I’ve known John from afar for a long time and watched him a lot. It’s amazing how much that guy improved. Absolutely amazing how much that guy improved. I saw him when he was in high school at Junior Nationals his senior year, maybe his junior year. He took fourth and there were three guys from Oklahoma who finished ahead of him in his weight class. I don’t think people remember that. … rest of story at https://www.trackwrestling.com/PortalPost.jsp?TIM=1597350470306&twSessionId=tasfyfqlsm&postId=788508135&mc_cid=18ec0c1b30&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
6 } – Jason Borrelli: My Wrestling Hero
Today’s installment of My Wrestling Hero features Jason Borrelli. The Stanford coach shares his thoughts on his wrestling hero: Casey Cunningham.
These are Borrelli’s words on his wrestling hero:
“My mind goes two places. It goes to who did the most for me and meant so much to me with what I was involved with, which is Casey Cunningham. As a younger kid and you’re in middle school and he’s in your dad’s program and he’s the guy who is the face of the program and the person who is going to turn the program around. I’m thinking about him being and my dad is talking about him being a national champion and to see that come to fruition — that something that’s big.
“There were a lot of things. I looked up to Casey so much and he was like a big brother to me since I was around him all the time. He wasn’t that much older than me, to be honest to you. We were about six years apart. I wrote on my folders in middle school and I’d have ‘CC Rules’ on it. Everyone would ask, ‘What does CC stand for?’ I never told anybody, but it was Casey Cunningham Rules. I would write on the walls in my bedroom ‘CC Rules’ … rest of story at https://www.trackwrestling.com/PortalPost.jsp?TIM=1597806625190&twSessionId=swvvddkvgr&postId=859601135&mc_cid=503739b0f8&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
7 } – Joe Colon: My Wrestling Hero
Today’s installment of My Wrestling Hero features Joe Colon. The 2018 World bronze medalist shares his thoughts on his wrestling heroes, including Kevin Jackson.
These are Colon’s words on his wrestling hero:
“Growing up Kevin Jackson was a hero. That was pretty cool that he got to coach me at the World Championships. There are a lot of guys I grew up watching. Dan Gable used to be one. Growing up in Iowa there are so many guys I grew up watching.
“I liked the way Kevin competed and the way he wrestled. I was 1-year-old when he won an Olympic gold medal, so it was watching tapes. He was a guy who I (watched and) wanted to do those things. When I made my commitment to UNI, I wanted to do the things that he was doing — go make an Olympic team and win medals. When I was picking between Doug (Schwab) and Kevin — Kevin was one of my heroes, but I didn’t wrestle at Iowa State for him, … rest of story at https://www.trackwrestling.com/PortalPost.jsp?TIM=1597635255496&twSessionId=aqqlixoqzf&postId=788550135&mc_cid=1321811b68&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
8 } – Jeremy Spates: My Wrestling Hero
Today’s installment of My Wrestling Hero features Jeremy Spates. The SIU Edwardsville coach shares his thoughts on his wrestling heroes: his father Jack, and John Kading.
These are Jeremy Spates’ words on his wrestling heroes:
“I have a lot of heroes with my dad (Jack) being the biggest one. His wasn’t as much as a hero, and he was more the person I looked at for the work ethic. I had a couple of heroes over the years. One of my favorites was actually John Kading. When I was in high school I used to go up to the Oklahoma wrestling room at night and John was up there always getting an extra lift and runs. I always looked up to his work ethic. He couldn’t make the team as a freshman because they had Andy Foster at 190 pounds and went up and was an All-American at heavyweight then went back down and won it. His senior year his knee was completely torn. The first match at the NCAA he wrestled a kid from Syracuse and the kid was cranking on it and it was to the point where John dragging his leg back and then battled through the tournament and made it to the finals where he lost to Lee Fullhart of Iowa. … rest of story at https://www.trackwrestling.com/PortalPost.jsp?TIM=1597461672256&twSessionId=ytczdmrkhb&postId=788522135&mc_cid=fca2dfc53b&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
9} – Apprentice School Wrestling Announces All Decade Team
Wrestler of the Decade (1)
Marcus Chevres (2008-2012) – Chevres finished his career as the second ever four-time All-American for the Builders. The Norfolk native set the all-time school wins record at the time with 134. In all four seasons “Chevy” never lost more than one bout at the National Championships, finishing 3rd his final two seasons and as the runner-up his first two seasons. He was also named the Apprentice School Co-Athlete of the Year with Men’s Basketball Senior Isaiah Harrison.
All Decade Team Captain (1)
Colton Messick (2016-2020) – Ignoring his individual athletic achievements, Colton is arguably the greatest leader the Builders have ever seen. Colton was instrumental in cultivating a family-like mentality on the squad, as well as holding his teammates to a higher standard. Leading by example with hard work, he guided the team to a pair of second place finishes at the National Championships.
All Decade Team
125-Colton Messick (2016-2020) – The three-time All-American’s career was highlighted with a National Title in 2018. He was also a two-time MAC Champion, and a two-time USCAA Champion. His 128 career wins are the third most in school history.
133-Marcus Chevres (2008-2012) – Aside from his four All-American honors, Chevres was also a four-time Mid-Atlantic Conference champion. … rest of story at https://www.gobuilders.com/sports/wrest/2019-20/releases/20200813l8xf3d?mc_cid=18ec0c1b30&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
10 } – Brandon Slay: What I learned from Kevin Jackson
Kevin Jackson coached Brandon Slay to a gold medal at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
Jackson is a three-time World/Olympic champion (1991-92, ’95), a three-time All-American for Louisiana State (1983-85), and a runner-up at the 1987 NCAA Championships for Iowa State. He currently serves as USA Wrestling’s National Freestyle Developmental Coach. Slay was an NCAA tournament runner-up for Penn in 1997 and 1998 as well as a two-time Greco-Roman Cadet World medalist (1990-91). He currently serves as the head coach and executive director of the Pennsylvania Regional Training Center.
These are Slay’s words on what he has learned from Jackson.
The NCAA Championships aren’t the Olympics
The first thing I learned from Coach Jackson is that you don’t have to be an NCAA champion to be an Olympic champion. That’s one thing that I struggled with a little bit after college. I got second at the NCAA tournament twice — my junior and senior years. I think there’s a temptation to think that you have to win the NCAAs to be an Olympic champion.
When I got to the Olympic Training Center there was a part of me that didn’t believe that I was worthy of being that yet. I needed that boost of confidence. He was just the ideal coach for me because when I started sharing that with him he immediately got fired up and passionate. … rest of story at https://www.trackwrestling.com/PortalPost.jsp?TIM=1597350470306&twSessionId=tasfyfqlsm&postId=788246135&mc_cid=18ec0c1b30&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
International Wrestling News – # 9
TDR Editor’s Notes ; Catching up on some previous stories which are important enough to look over even if late. Until we can compete again.
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1 } – POSTPONED OLYMPICS DAY 2: GOLD MEDALS SCHEDULED AT 76 KG WOMEN, PLUS 60 KG AND 130 KG GRECO-ROMAN
August 3 was scheduled to be the first day of medal competition in wrestling at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, had the event not been postponed and rescheduled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We will take a closer look at the three weight classes that would have been featured in the medal rounds today, 76 kg in women’s freestyle, plus two Greco-Roman weight classes, 60 kg and 130 kg.
There is one women’s weight class being showcased each day during the six days of finals at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. This decision was for a lot of good reasons, but mainly because Japan is the power in Olympic women’s freestyle wrestling and will be one of the hottest tickets among all sports in Tokyo. At this point, half of the field has been determined in every weight class for the 2021 Olympic wrestling competition. … rest of story at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2020/August/03/Postponed-Olympics-Day-2?mc_cid=a357f66b67&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
2 } – POSTPONED OLYMPICS DAY 3: GOLD MEDALS SCHEDULED AT 68 KG WOMEN, PLUS 77 KG AND 97 KG GRECO-ROMAN
Today, August 4, was scheduled to be the second night that medals would be awarded in wrestling at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, had the event not been postponed and rescheduled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We will take a closer look at the three weight classes that would have been featured in the August 4 medal rounds today, 68 kg in women’s freestyle, plus two Greco-Roman weight classes, 77 kg and 97 kg.
At this point, half of the field has been determined in every weight class for the 2021 Olympic wrestling competition. We will look at the nations qualified (and the athletes expected to wrestle), as well as those who might be favored to qualify for the Olympics in the Olympic Qualifiers to come in 2021. The United States team will not be determined until April 2021. … rest of story at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2020/August/04/Day-3-of-postponed-Olympics?mc_cid=490d601747&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
3 } – POSTPONED OLYMPICS DAY 4: GOLD MEDALS SCHEDULED AT 67 KG AND 87 KG GRECO-ROMAN, PLUS 62 KG WOMEN
The United States has an entry in every weight class that would have featured medal match finals on August 5, had the event not been postponed and rescheduled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We will take a closer look at these three weight classes: 67 kg and 87 kg in Greco-Roman and 62 kg in women’s freestyle.
At this point, half of the field has been determined in every weight class for the 2021 Olympic wrestling competition. We will look at the nations qualified (and the athletes expected to wrestle), as well as those who might be favored to qualify for the Olympics in the Olympic Qualifiers to come in 2021. The United States team will not be determined until April 2021.
Greco-Roman 67 kg review
The United States earned its spot at the 2020 Olympic Games in March at the Pan American Olympic Qualifier in Ottawa, Canada. The 2019 Senior World Team member Ellis Coleman was still healing from injury, … rest of story at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2020/August/05/Day-four-of-postponed-Olympics?mc_cid=dabfe2c4a0&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
4 } – POSTPONED OLYMPICS DAY 5: GOLD MEDALS SCHEDULED IN FREESTYLE AT 57 KG (WOMEN), 57 KG AND 86 KG (MEN)
The competition on the fifth day of the Olympic Games wrestling, had the event not been postponed and rescheduled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, would have only featured freestyle wrestling. (All of the four previous days had some Greco-Roman action). The medal match finals on August 6 would have featured these three freestyle weight classes: 57 kg in women’s freestyle, plus 57 kg and 86 kg in men’s freestyle. The United States has qualified in all three of these weight classes, and have high medal hopes in all three brackets.
At this point, half of the field has been determined in every weight class for the 2021 Olympic wrestling competition. We will look at the nations qualified (and the athletes expected to wrestle), as well as those who might be favored to qualify for the Olympics in the Olympic Qualifiers to come in 2021. The United States team will not be determined until April 2021.
Women’s Freestyle 57 kg review
The United States qualified for the Tokyo Olympic Games at this weight class, when 2016 Olympic champion Helen Maroulis made the finals at the 2020 Pan American Olympic Qualifier in Ottawa, Canada in March. … rest of story at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2020/August/06/Postponed-Olympics-Day-5?mc_cid=d480353b0e&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
5 } – 2020 AGM and Board of Directors update
OTTAWA – In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Wrestling Canada Lutte (WCL) held its Annual General Meeting virtually for the first time. The meeting was split into two parts.
The first portion was held on July 29, and saw five positions on the board of directors up for election. The elected or re-elected directors were:
- Jasmine Mian – 3rd consecutive two-year term
- Steve Rennalls – 3rd consecutive two-year term
- John Cook – 3rd consecutive two-year term
- Lee MacKay – previously appointed to fill BOD vacancy. Now elected for a two-year term.
- Bill Whiteway – previously appointed to fill BOD vacancy. Now elected for a two-year term.
The second portion, a larger annual meeting of members, will take place in August, and will also be held virtually. … rest of story at https://wrestling.ca/2020-agm-and-board-of-directors-update/?mc_cid=dabfe2c4a0&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
6 } – POSTPONED OLYMPICS DAY 6: GOLD MEDALS SCHEDULED IN FREESTYLE AT 74 KG, 125 KG (MEN) AND 53 KG (WOMEN)
The sixth day of wrestling at the 2020 Olympic Games was scheduled for today. Had the event not been postponed and rescheduled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the three weights that would have had medal matches on August 7 are 74 kg and 125 kg in men’s freestyle and 53 kg in women’s freestyle. Team USA is qualified in all three of those weights. In fact, two of the athletes who qualified the U.S. in those divisions are World champions, four-time World champion Jordan Burroughs (74kg MFS) and 2019 World champion Jaccara Winchester (53 kg WFS).
At this point, half of the field has been determined in every weight class for the 2021 Olympic wrestling competition. We will look at the nations qualified (and the athletes expected to wrestle), … rest of story at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2020/August/07/Postponed-Olympics-Day-6?mc_cid=040ae84fd3&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
7 } – UWW LIVE: Aleksandr KARELIN: Three-Time Olympic Champion, Nine-Time World Champion
No wrestler has dominated the sport of Greco-Roman wrestling like Aleksandr KARELIN (RUS).
The “Russian Bear” had an unrivaled 13-year unbeaten streak in international wrestling competition and went six consecutive years without surrendering a point. He never lost a match at the world championships. Karelin claimed eight of his nine world titles during the 1990’s, along with two of his three Olympic titles and nine of his 12 European titles. United World Wrestling named Karelin the greatest Greco-Roman wrestler of the 20th century. Karelin joined Eric Olanowski to talk about his path to becoming arguably the greatest wrestler of all time. He also spoke about which Olympic gold was the most difficult to win, his career as a Russian politician, and how he surprisingly managed to avoid getting cauliflower ear. … rest of story at https://unitedworldwrestling.org/article/uww-live-aleksandr-karelin-three-time-olympic-champion-nine-time-world-champion?mc_cid=18ec0c1b30&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
8 } – .From Olympic pariah to UFC legend: Daniel Cormier’s remarkable second act
Daniel Cormier snuck back into the Olympic Village, hoping his coaches and teammates were at Beijing’s Agricultural University Gymnasium a few miles down the road. He was determined to avoid them before he had to board the shuttle bus back to the airport. He didn’t want to talk about the harrowing weight-cut, which caused his kidneys to fail and landed him in hospital for four days. He didn’t want to explain to them why their team captain and America’s best hope for a wrestling medal had weighed in successfully, but failed to report to the center mat the next day at the 2008 Olympic Games. “For a lot of people, I became a pariah,” said Cormier, who placed fourth at the 2004 Games and clinched a bronze medal at the 2007 World Championships, cementing him as a medal favorite. “In wrestling, you don’t miss the Olympic Games. I had to face all the people I’d let down. It was very difficult. I was so embarrassed.” .. rest of story at https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2020/aug/13/from-olympic-pariah-to-ufc-legend-daniel-cormiers-remarkable-second-act?mc_cid=18ec0c1b30&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
9} – AMENDED ATHLETE SELECTION PROCEDURES FOR THE 2020 OLYMPIC GAMES ARE NOW POSTED
Today, USA Wrestling has posted the amended Athlete Selection Procedures for the 2020 Olympic Games in the National Teams section on its website, TheMat.com. There is a separate Athlete Selection Procedures document for each of the Olympic disciplines: Women’s Freestyle, Men’s Freestyle and Greco-Roman. These documents have been approved by the appropriate Sport Committee within USA Wrestling, as well as by the USA Wrestling Executive Committee. It has also been approved by the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee. All athletes and coaches who wish to review the most current approved procedures are encouraged to read these newly posted documents. … rest of story at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2020/August/17/Amended-Olympic-Trials-Procedures-posted?mc_cid=38a5eef6bd&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
10 } – Artur Aleksanyan on Rio Olympic victory, feelings, secrets to avoid “stellar disease
The Rio Olympic gold medal gave me everything, but also took away time, health, freedom, for which I do not regret for a second. August 16, 2016 changed my life, but not me.
This is what Armenia’s three-time world, five-time European and European Games Greco-Roman wrestling champion Artur Aleksanyan said in a conversation with NEWS.am Sport when talking about that memorable day and great victory, winning the Olympic gold medal. Four years ago, on August 16, Artur Aleksanyan won a gold medal at the Rio Olympics. After a 20-year break, Armenia again had an Olympic victory.
In a conversation with NEWS.am Sport, Artur Aleksanyan recalled that victory day in Rio.
Arthur, 4 years ago on this very day you won the Olympic gold medal. What emotions does this day evoke after one Olympic season?
As the years go by, I get a better idea of what happened in Rio on August 16th. … rest of story at https://sport.news.am/eng/news/113800/exclusive-artur-aleksanyan-on-rio-olympic-victory-feelings-secrets-to-avoid-%E2%80%9Cstellar-disease%E2%80%9D-photos.html?mc_cid=38a5eef6bd&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
TDR blog
After 20 seasons of publicizing wrestling The TakeDown Report’s (TDR) focus has changed to the collecting of college coaching records from North America since 1903. We will continue to recognize and reward successful wrestlers in eastern North Carolina (east of Raleigh & Fayetteville), assist with schools in starting or re-starting a team and this blog. Join us on our FaceBook Page – “The TakeDown Report” for photos and news. Please send results, stories, links and news to pass along. E-mail us at takedownreport@gmail.com
Martin Fleming, Editor
Takedown Report
