Takedown Report

Wrestling History # 6

1 } – Pat Smith: My Wrestling Hero
The 25th installment of My Wrestling Hero features Greco-Roman World Team member Pat Smith, who shares his thoughts on his wrestling hero: Mike Houck.
These are Smith’s words on his wrestling hero:
“If I had to pick, it would probably be Mike Houck because of his incredible story. He was the first (Greco-Roman World champion from the United States) and the person he is, as well. A lot people say, ‘Don’t meet your heroes because heroes disappoint you.’ But he definitely over-delivers from that standpoint. He’s definitely one of the best people I’ve ever met, the most integrity, lives what he talks about. 
“He’s been an example of everything through action. … rest of story … https://www.trackwrestling.com/PortalPost.jsp?TIM=1589846281894&twSessionId=atzmltkojt&postId=782015135&mc_cid=588b1d30ac&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

2 } – John Smith to be First Wrestler Inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame
The Oklahoma Hall of Fame is set to announce its 2020 class this week and Oklahoma State head coach John Smith will become the first wrestler ever inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame.
On a “Sneak Peek” Tweeted out on Friday, John Smith is pictured to the center-left and sources have confirmed that he is expected to be announced as a part of the 2020 class on Thursday. Last year I wrote about it in my article titled: John Smith, Ed Gallagher and the Hall of Fame Snub No One Is Talking About. With all of the history with the sport of wrestling, in the first 92 years of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, they had never inducted a wrestler. Now two-time Olympic and four-time World Champion John Smith will become the first wrestler ever to be inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. … Rest of story … https://pistolsfiringblog.com/john-smith-to-be-first-wrestler-inducted-into-the-oklahoma-hall-of-fame/?mc_cid=588b1d30ac&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

3 } – Two-time NCAA champion Kevin Randleman named to UFC Hall of Fame
Las Vegas – UFC® today announced that former UFC heavyweight champion Kevin Randleman has been named to the UFC Hall of Fame class for 2020 as a Pioneer. The 2020 UFC Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, presented by Toyo Tires®, will take place later this year and will be streamed live on UFC FIGHT PASS®.
“Kevin Randleman was one of the first real athletes in the early days of UFC,” UFC President Dana White said. “He was a two-time NCAA Division I National Champion and All-American wrestler at The Ohio State University. He was the fifth heavyweight champion in UFC history and one of the first athletes to successfully compete at both heavyweight and light heavyweight. He was a pioneer of the sport and it’s an honor to induct him into the UFC Hall of Fame Class of 2020.” … rest of story … https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2020/May/18/Randleman-named-to-UFC-Hall-of-Fame?mc_cid=588b1d30ac&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

4 } – Tervel Dlagnev: My Wrestling Hero
The 26th installment of My Wrestling Hero features Ohio State assistant Tervel Dlagnev. The three-time World and Olympic bronze medalist shares his thoughts on his wrestling hero: Tolly Thompson. 
These are Dlagnev’s words on his wrestling hero:
“Growing up I watched a lot of the legends in our sport. I really liked watching Cael (Sanderson), watching John Smith, watching (Bruce) Baumgartner. The person that sticks out and is the person who got me to believe and got me excited about international wrestling after college was Tolly Thompson.
“When I went to a regional tournament my sophomore year I stuck around at Northern Iowa and trained with Tolly for a couple days and befriended him. … rest of story at … https://www.trackwrestling.com/PortalPost.jsp?TIM=1589997765364&twSessionId=pzdkojobbh&postId=782039135&mc_cid=a518fb1f79&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

5 } – #131 Steve Marianetti – 1995 NCAA Champ, 3x All American
ABOUT THIS EPISODE
Steve Marianetti is a former NCAA champ and 3x All American for the Fighting Illini.  He’s well known for beating Lincoln McIlravy in the 1995 NCAA finals, thus pulling off one of the biggest upsets in NCAA finals history.  After college, Steve wrestled internationally and then worked as an assistant coach under legendary coach, Mark Johnson. Today, Steve is the head coach of Elmhurst college.  Enjoy this one folks! … rest of story … https://wrestlingchangedmylife.com/marianetti/?mc_cid=a518fb1f79&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

6 } – Former OSU legends discuss John Smith’s impact: ‘His drive and determination to be the best drove him to reinvent the sport’
Oklahoma State wrestling coach and former wrestler John Smith was announced as the first wrestler to be inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame on Thursday. Many of Smith’s current and former wrestlers, which included national champions, MMA standouts and successful coaches, reacted to their former coach’s honor, mentioning not only Smith’s impact on them individually, but on the entire sport of wrestling.
DALTON FIX on JOHN SMITH
“I cannot think of someone who deserves to be in the Oklahoma Hall of Fame more than Coach Smith. He has had a huge impact in my wrestling career. I am lucky that I get to learn from one of the greatest wrestlers of all-time. Hopefully this opens the door for more wrestlers to receive this honor.” Fix was an NCAA runner-up as a freshman in 2019 before redshirting this past season to prepare for the 2020 Olympics, which were postponed until 2021 because of the COVID-19 crisis. Before going to OSU, Fix was a four-time state champion and never lost a match at Sand Springs. … rest of story … https://www.tulsaworld.com/sports/college/osu/former-osu-legends-discuss-john-smiths-impact-his-drive-and-determination-to-be-the-best/collection_2b1b4333-5c9a-58dd-8f97-59bf0618830d.html?mc_cid=4b3d9c77ea&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b#2

7 } – High school wrestling career of pro wrestler Cody Runnels
It might be an understatement to say that wrestling is in the blood for Cody Runnels. However, it might not be the type of wrestling that takes place in high school gyms and wrestling rooms across the country. Before Runnels was ever born, his father made a name for himself by winning multiple professional wrestling world titles as Dusty Rhodes. Eventually the youngest son of the internationally famous “son of a plumber” would follow his father into the so-called squared circle, but his own extensive wrestling career began on the amateur mats.
Runnels began wrestling at the youth level, and his family name quickly attracted attention. By the time he was in middle school, he had become accustomed to opponents and parents realizing he had a famous father.
“In middle school, I remember seeing this father grab his kid and give him a pep talk, almost shaking him, ‘You’ve got to wrestle Dusty Rhodes’ son. If you win, you beat Dusty Rhodes,” … rest of story … https://intermatwrestle.com/articles/23633?mc_cid=97df5e5b46&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

8 } – #133 Sunny Abe – 1996 Olympian for Japan, NCAA Champ for PSU
ABOUT THIS EPISODE
Sunny Abe is a former national champion for Penn State. At age 17, he moved from Japan to the US without speaking English. After two years of rigorous training (8+ hours a day), he was enrolled at Penn State where he’d go on to finish 4th, 3rd, 2nd and 1st for the Nittany Lions. He was also an Olympian for Japan at the 96 games. Enjoy folks!
FOLLOW THE PODCAST
WrestlingChangedMyLife.com … rest of the story … https://wrestlingchangedmylife.com/sunny/?mc_cid=16ee523e9b&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4bhttps://www.trackwrestling.com/PortalPost.jsp?TIM=1590514634797&twSessionId=gfefzvfhud&postId=782122135&mc_cid=a56cef7301&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

9 } – Bruce Baumgartner also made his name at Edinboro
By John Johnson
After 36 years of hard work and dedication, legendary freestyle super-heavyweight-turned-wrestling-coach-and- administrator Bruce Baumgartner chose to retire from Edinboro University on May 8. It was a career that saw him progress within the university located in the western Pennsylvania community of Edinboro; from starting out as an assistant wrestling coach in 1984, elevated to head coach in 1990, named interim athletic director in 1997, and permanent AD eight months later. Baumgartner then held the position of athletics director until 2018, when he was Appointed Assistant Vice President of University Advancement. Baumgartner will remain the President of USA Wrestling, a position he has held since 2016. So why now for retire from Edinboro?
“Two things,” he said. “One, I have seen too many people work long, 65 or 70, and when they retire, they don’t have the ability to do what they want to do because their health isn’t there. I am healthy and my wife is healthy.  … rest of story … https://www.win-magazine.com/2020/05/bruce-baumgartner-also-made-his-name-at-edinboro/?mc_cid=af75736df9&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

10 } – The Turning Point in Abe’s Life: A Wrestling Match
Lincoln is one of the greatest leaders in US history, but prior to his being elected the 16th President of the United States, he used his skills as a wrestler to win approval from the masses. Here to tell the story is wrestling historian, Mike Chapman. … rest of story … http://www.ouramericannetwork.org/story?title=The-Turning-Point-in-Abe-s-Life-A-Wrestling-Match&mc_cid=af75736df9&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

June 24, 2020 Posted by The TakeDown Report | Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Looking to Next Season (#4)

1 } – Wrestling Program Aims to Continue Climb as Class of 2024 is Introduced
The 2020 season saw the Princeton wrestling team win its first Ivy League title since 1986 and earn a program-record four All-American accolades, among other highlights. Now, the team will add a nine-member Class of 2024 to a program whose lineup from the EIWA Championships had just two seniors. Here’s a look at the Class of 2024:
Blaine Bergey Cumming, Ga. • Buford • 157/165
Bergey had a 177-13 record in high school, winning two Georgia state titles and making the state finals all four times. …. rest of story at … https://goprincetontigers.com/news/2020/5/7/wrestling-program-aims-to-continue-climb-as-class-of-2024-is-introduced.aspx?mc_cid=8266d89c28&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

2 } – Board of Governors moves toward allowing student-athlete compensation for endorsements and promotions
The NCAA’s highest governing body has taken unprecedented steps to allow college athletes to be compensated for their name, image and likeness.
At its meeting this week, the Board of Governors supported rule changes to allow student-athletes to receive compensation for third-party endorsements both related to and separate from athletics. It also supports compensation for other student-athlete opportunities, such as social media, businesses they have started and personal appearances within the guiding principles originally outlined by the board in October. …. rest of story … https://www.ncaa.org/about/resources/media-center/news/board-governors-moves-toward-allowing-student-athlete-compensation-endorsements-and-promotions?mc_cid=09298b3e7a&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

3 } – CCAA SUSPENDS NCAA COMPETITION FOR FALL 2020
Based on Chancellor White’s May 12th announcement that the vast majority of CSU courses will be virtual for the fall semester of the 2020-21 academic year, and with utmost consideration for the health and welfare of our students, coaches, staff, faculty and communities, CCAA member institutions have determined that NCAA sport competition will not occur during the fall of 2020. … rest of story … https://goccaa.org/news/2020/5/12/general-ccaa-suspends-ncaa-competition-for-fall-2020.aspx?fbclid=IwAR1bmiuKZFXnCzxnU74qs_hyHYMc5ynKkcj6BXNw9Glp7SUd4UFwG14b090

4 }- Two Mizzou teams were championships-bound. Instead, sports shut down and dreams faded
…. It was a similar story for Missouri wrestling coach Brian Smith. His team was nearing the end of a bicycle workout when, in the middle of it, he was notified the NCAA had canceled all winter and spring sports championships. The Tigers, fresh off their ninth straight Mid-American Conference title, were barred from taking their next step. … rest of story … https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/sec/university-of-missouri/article242570226.html?mc_cid=4570e96a5e&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

5 } – Oregon State athletic director Scott Barnes: There will be college football, and we will not cut sports in 2020-21
Oregon State athletic director Scott Barnes, while acknowledging his department will encounter “some deep cuts … some really difficult decisions,” is adamant there will be a college football season sometime during the 2020-21 school year. Barnes, speaking to the media Thursday afternoon, also insisted one cut he’s not planning to make are any of the school’s current offering of men’s and women’s sports. … rest of story … https://www.oregonlive.com/beavers/2020/05/oregon-state-athletic-director-scott-barnes-there-will-be-college-football-and-we-will-not-cut-sports-in-2020-21.html?mc_cid=8266d89c28&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

6 } – SUNY-Binghamton welcomes 11 to incoming class
Bearcats add talent, depth at nearly every weight class
The Binghamton University wrestling team and head coach Kyle Borshoff have announced the addition of 11 newcomers for the 2020-21 season. The incoming recruiting class features wrestlers from four different states and nine projected weight classes. “I am very excited about this incoming class,” Borshoff said. “I expect them to have a big impact right away as they fight for starting spots, and make their teammates around them better. Adding these 11 guys to our room will have a huge benefit on the training situation for each guy that is already in the program.” Projected heavyweight Collin Burns (Hilton, N.Y.) joins the Bearcats … rest of story … https://bubearcats.com/news/2020/5/7/wrestling-welcomes-11-to-incoming-class.aspx?mc_cid=8266d89c28&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

7 } – Some colleges are ‘using pandemic as an excuse’ to eliminate athletics programs
Sports programs are starting to fall like dominoes as college athletics departments face unprecedented financial challenges during the coronavirus pandemic. The baseball programs at Bowling Green State University in Ohio and at Furman University in South Carolina, which were eliminated this week, are the latest casualties among more than a dozen Division I athletics teams to have been cut nationwide since last month.
B. David Ridpath, associate professor of sports business at Ohio University and interim president of the Drake Group, a national nonprofit advocacy organization, said he believes some college leaders are conveniently using COVID-19’s economic impact as a reason for trimming sports, instead of implementing other cost-cutting measures.
“There’s a lot of fat that can be cut before sports being dropped,” said Ridpath, a former wrestling coach at Ohio University who previously served as an athletics administrator at Weber State University. “I think dropping sports is basically a knee-jerk reaction and many of the schools are using the pandemic as an excuse for something they already wanted to do. There may come a time where dropping a sport is a viable solution, but it should be the last one and based on many different things.” … rest of story … https://www.mycentraljersey.com/story/sports/college/2020/05/19/colleges-using-pandemic-excuse-cut-sports-programs/5225835002/?mc_cid=09c8756a50&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

8 } – Wolverines Finalize Nationally Ranked Recruiting Class
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — The University of Michigan wrestling program has landed another nationally ranked recruiting class, according to all major wrestling media outlets. The eight-man incoming class combined for nine state titles and 13 Fargo All-America honors over their high school careers and is ranked No. 16 by Flowrestling, No. 12 by InterMat and No. 11 by The Open Mat. “We’re really excited about this incoming class of Wolverines,” said head coach Sean Bormet. “It’s a very tough and athletic class with strong leadership traits that will have an immediate impact on our program. … rest of story … https://mgoblue.com/news/2020/5/12/wrestling-wolverines-finalize-nationally-ranked-recruiting-class.aspx?mc_cid=c97d5b4f2c&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

9 } – NAIA Announces Extensions to Championship Hosts Affected by COVID-19
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) announced it will extend championship agreements for seven of its championship host sites affected this past year by COVID-19. The extensions were announced to assist further the relationship between the NAIA and its host cities. Women’s basketball (Sioux City, Iowa), women’s wrestling (University of Jamestown, Jamestown, N.D.), men’s and women’s bowling (Lawrence Tech University, Sterling Heights, Mich.), men’s and women’s tennis (Mobile, Ala.), baseball (Lewis-Clark State, Lewiston, Idaho), outdoor track and field (Gulf Shores, Ala.) and men’s golf (Mesa, Ariz.) came to an agreement on a one-year extension. … rest of story … https://lcvalley.dailyfly.com/Home/ArtMID/1352/ArticleID/55629/NAIA-Announces-Extensions-to-Championship-Hosts-Affected-by-COVID-19?mc_cid=d787fad1c9&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

10 } – Harvard Announces Incoming First-Year Class of 2024
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – The David G. Bunning ’88 Head Coach of Harvard wrestling, Jay Weiss, announces its seven-member incoming class: Cole Bayless, Kenny Herrmann, Will Hoeft, Niko Katsuyoshi, Nick Marcenelle, Dom Mata, and Luke Rada. “We’re really excited for this group to join our wrestling family,” says Weiss. “Not only are they all accomplished on the mat, but they come with high character which will add to our current culture. This is going to be an impactful group that I can’t wait to get on campus.” … rest of story … https://www.gocrimson.com/sports/wrest/2020-21/releases/20200512mimkvv?mc_cid=c97d5b4f2c&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

June 22, 2020 Posted by The TakeDown Report | Uncategorized | Leave a comment

2019 World Championships to re-air on Olympic Channel this weekend

Olympic Channel to re-air 2019 Wrestling Worlds shows 32 times in June, starting June 15
BY GARY ABBOTT, USA WRESTLING | JUNE 11, 2020, 
USA Wrestling was informed by United World Wrestling that the Olympic Channel will re-air its coverage from the 2019 UWW World Wrestling Championships in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan 32 different times in June. Included are the championship finals from seven different days of the World Championships, with specific shows coverning all three Olympic disciplines: Men’s Freestyle, Women’s Freestyle, Greco-Roman.
The United States won five individual gold medals, from women’s freestyle World champions Jacarra Winchester, Tamyra Mensah-Stock and Adeline Gray, along with men’s freestyle World Champions Kyle Dake and J’den Cox. It was the first time ever that the USA had three women’s freestyle gold medalists the same year. Gray won her fifth Senior World title, the most in USA Wrestling history. Overall, the USA won seven World medals, while the women’s freestyle and the men’s freestyle teams both placed third in the team standings to return home with a trophy.
The Olympic Channel coverage begins on Monday, June 15 and ends on Sunday, June 21. The Wrestling World Championships shows run in 32 different time slots. Shows are either 2 hours, 2 1/2 hours or 3 hours in length.
The specific show and airing time are in the chart below. All of the times listed below are U.S. Eastern time zone. Check your local listings for the times in your area.

June 19, 2020 Posted by The TakeDown Report | Uncategorized | Leave a comment

College Wrestling News – # 99

1 } – Getting II Know a DII Program: Seton Hill University
The Seton Hill Griffins sent two National Qualifiers to the 2020 NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships in the 11th year of the program’s existence.  Frank Bonura and Billy Bowlen were the latest two in a program that has produced 26 national qualifiers since its inception in 2006. The Griffins, led by Head Coach Brian Tucker in his eighth season, posted a dual record of 8-6, running the program’s all-time dual record to 95-121. Heading into next season, Tucker’s Griffins return nine of their 10 starters, with only Bowlen lost to graduation. Along with Wheeling Jesuit transfer Bonura at 125, 2018 National Qualifier Vincent Destefanis also returns for Seton Hill at 133, with 2019 All-American Damon Greenwald also back off of a redshirt year in 2019-20. “We live a culture of Elite Effort, Competitive Behavior, and Team Unity,” Tucker said of his program. The Griffins feature an incoming class of 11 thus far, with all of those newcomers coming to Seton Hill from Pennsylvania.  …. rest of story at … https://news.theopenmat.com/college-wrestling-news/getting-ii-know-a-dii-program-seton-hill-university/77558?mc_cid=945de33a33&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

2 } – Frank Named Interim Head Gettysburg Wrestling Coach
GETTYSBURG, Pa. – Executive Director of Intercollegiate Athletics and Campus Recreation Mike Mattia has announced long-time Gettysburg College wrestling assistant coach Gino Frank has been named the interim head coach for the 2020-21 campaign.
Frank becomes the 18th head coach since the storied program began in 1930. He follows in the footsteps of former colleague Andy Vogel, who is poised to lead the reemergence of the wrestling program at Hiram College. Frank and Vogel worked side-by-side for 13 years guiding the Bullets on the wrestling mat. “I want to thank Gino for taking on this extra responsibility during these uncertain times,” said Mattia. “He has been a part of our wrestling program for over a decade, …. rest of story at … https://gettysburgsports.com/news/2020/5/27/frank-named-interim-head-wrestling-coach.aspx?mc_cid=2313436fb3&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

3 } – Getting II Know a DII Program: Indianapolis
The University of Indianapolis Greyhounds have sent a total of 50 to the podium at the NCAA Division II National Championships always competing as an NCAA Division II member, with one of those in, Nick Walpole at 149 in 2011, taking an individual National Championship. Another program led by an alum, former Greyhound All-American Jason Warthan closed out his 11th year at the head of the UIndy program in 2019-20.
“Through hard work and commitment we are striving to be the best we can be and reach our potential not just as wrestlers but in the classroom and in the community,” Warthan said. “Our student-athletes have done a great job continuing to push the bar higher and higher over the years and have built a culture that I am extremely proud to be a part of. We are excited about the direction we are heading and believe the best is yet to come.” In respect to the 2019-20 season, five Greyhounds were set to compete …. rest of story at … https://news.theopenmat.com/college-wrestling-news/getting-ii-know-a-dii-program-indianapolis/78053?mc_cid=2313436fb3&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

4 } – Lehigh Wrestling Announces Team Award Winners
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – The 2019-20 season was another great one for the Lehigh wrestling program. The Mountain Hawks went 12-3 in duals, with a pair of wins over top five-ranked opponents, and finished the year ranked 10th in the NWCA dual meet poll. In March, Lehigh claimed its third straight EIWA team championship and league-leading 37th overall, crowning three individual champions and nine place winners at Stabler Arena. The COVID-19 pandemic cost nine Mountain Hawks a chance to compete at the NCAA Championships in Minnesota, but five Lehigh wrestlers were recognized as All-Americans by the NWCA. The annual Lewis Wrestling Dinner was another casualty of the pandemic, but head coach Pat Santoro has announced the program award winners for the 2019-20 season. Fifth-year senior Jordan Kutler captured a pair of awards: the Outstanding Athlete Award, …. rest of story at … https://lehighsports.com/news/2020/4/28/lehigh-wrestling-announces-team-award-winners.aspx?mc_cid=b693ccac6a&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

5 } – Cornell wrestler, Elyria alum Ben Darmstadt wins national pin award
If it wasn’t for the novel coronavirus pandemic, there’s no telling how Ben Darmstadt’s season would have ended. Prior to the cancellation of the NCAA Divison I Wrestling Championships, Darmstadt was one of the best 197-pounders in the country and seemed all but destined to make a deep run at the tournament.  While Darmstadt never got a chance to finish out his sophomore season, he was honored April 30 when he was named the Schalles Award Winner by Wrestling Insider Newsmagazine. …. rest of story at … https://www.morningjournal.com/sports/cornell-wrestler-elyria-alumn-ben-darmstadt-wins-national-pin-award/article_8dca74f6-8b06-11ea-b9e0-77922a269ec4.html?mc_cid=d92f731bd9&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

6 } – Josh Roosa New Head Wrestling Coach at King’s College
WILKES-BARRE, PA (May 29, 2020) – A former local wrestling standout at Crestwood High School is returning home, as Associate Vice President and Executive Director of Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreation Cheryl Ish announced the hiring of Josh Roosa as the new head coach of the King’s wrestling program. Roosa becomes the College’s first full-time head coach, and is just the third coach over the storied 51 years of King’s Wrestling.
“It’s with great excitement that we welcome Josh Roosa to King’s and back to NEPA,” said Ish.   “Josh’s passion for the sport, this area and for building our program was evident during the search process. The search committee was impressed with his vision for the growth of the program and his understanding of the success and traditions enjoyed under legendary coach Ned McGinley. I am confident that Josh will take advantage of his familiarity with the high caliber Pennsylvania high school wrestling and quickly begin the process of recruiting quality student-athletes to King’s.” “Josh’s experiences wrestling and coaching at high level will be an asset to developing a strong team culture and promoting individual success,” …. rest of story at … https://portal.nwcaonline.com/articles/NWCA_News/Josh-Roosa-New-Head-Wrestling-Coach-at-29-5-2020

7 } – Stanford’s Shane Griffith named Amateur Wrestling News Rookie of Year, as 2020 AWN Rookie Team announced
AMATEUR WRESTLING NEWS PRESS RELEASE
Two of the nation’s top freshmen competed for the Stanford Cardinal this year in Shane Griffith, 165 and Real Woods, 141. They led their team to second place in the PAC 12 Championships and had a combined record of 47-1. Both were seeded No. 3 in their respective weight classes when NCAA brackets were released in March. Unfortunately neither had the opportunity to wrestle and challenge for NCAA medals with the cancellation of the championships. For his undefeated season, along with being named the Outstanding Wrestler in the PAC 12 tournament, Shane Griffith (28-0) has been named Rookie of the Year by Amateur Wrestling News. “He is a tremendous student-athlete and an overall great example of someone that does the little things right,” said Stanford coach Jason Borrelli. “He is very disciplined, consistent, and has tremendous passion.” Prior to Stanford, Griffith was a three-time state champion at Bergen Catholic in Oradell, NJ, the same school that produced NCAA champ Nick Suriano of Rutgers. Griffith reached the finals four times and was named Outstanding Wrestler as a freshman. …. rest of story at … https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2020/May/26/AWN-All-Rookie-Team-announced?mc_cid=a56cef7301&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

8 } – From Cornhuskers to Concordia U.: Tanner Farmer’s time at NAIA school rewarding
Tanner Farmer enjoyed a solid football career at the University of Nebraska. He played in 31 games over three seasons as a starter and saw action for the Cornhuskers at right guard and center. His college football career ended in 2018 and his attempts to play professionally with the Indianapolis Colts, Houston Texans and Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League fell short. So Farmer, a former Highland High standout, turned his focus toward coaching. He spent the fall working with the fullbacks and tight ends as a volunteer assistant at Concordia University, an NAIA school in Seward, Neb. After football wrapped up, he approached Concordia wrestling coach Levi Calhoun about maybe working out with his squad. Farmer was a two-time undefeated state champion in high school who recently appeared on the both the wrestling (second team) and football (third team) all-decade squads compiled for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. At Nebraska, Farmer went 5-1 as a freshman while wrestling unattached and made regular trips to the Cornhuskers’ wrestling room to work out during his time in Lincoln. “I got to know Tanner in the fall and when he asked about working out with us, I was thrilled,” Calhoun said. “We did a little digging and realized that Tanner had one more semester of eligibility in wrestling.” …. rest of story at … https://www.stltoday.com/sports/college/farmers-time-at-concordia-rewarding/article_0a918c80-0e7b-587e-958c-526bf0b20028.html?mc_cid=2313436fb3&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

9 } – Called to Serve: SJU Wrestler Says His Time in Collegeville Helped Broaden His Horizons
By Frank Rajkowski, SJU Writer/Video Producer
COLLEGEVILLE, Minn. – Dominic Skawiniak has had a lot to balance over the last four years. The 2020 Saint John’s University graduate has been a standout member of the Johnnies’ wrestling team, and he’s also been part of the Fighting Saints Battalion – the ROTC program made up of students from SJU, the College of Saint Benedict and St. Cloud State University. It’s through that program that, as a junior, Skawiniak took part in Air Assault training at Fort Benning, Ga., and spent time in Thailand training (left) at both the country’s Royal Military Academy and out in the field along the Cambodian border. “We saw how people who don’t have nearly as much as we do farm and go about living their lives,” he said. “We had the chance to interact with a lot of school-age children. The whole trip was really eye-opening. It was a chance to see how people all over are similar, and it really was a reminder of the value of all human life and why that’s worth defending.” …. rest of story at … https://gojohnnies.com/news/2020/5/28/wrestling-called-to-serve-sju-wrestler-says-his-time-in-collegeville-helped-broaden-his-horizons.aspx?mc_cid=af75736df9&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

10 } – Tiger Style’s Jake Bohlken Earns SEC’s Brad Davis Community Service Award
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Mizzou Wrestling senior HWT Jake Bohlken is the 2019-20 winner of Mizzou’s Male Brad Davis SEC Community Service Award, announced Thursday (May 28) by the league office. Each year, the SEC honors one male and one female student-athlete from each of its 14 member institutions who have dedicated exemplary time in their local communities. Riley Sents of Mizzou Volleyball was the Tigers’ female recipient. The school winners will each receive a $5,000 post-graduate scholarship provided by the SEC. The SEC Community Service Post-Graduate Scholarship is named for former Associate Commissioner Brad Davis.  Davis succumbed to cancer on March 2, 2006.  He had been a member of the SEC staff since 1988, first serving as an assistant commissioner until 1994 when he was promoted to associate commissioner. …. rest of story at … https://mutigers.com/news/2020/5/28/wrestling-tiger-styles-jake-bohlken-earns-secs-brad-davis-community-service-award.aspx?mc_cid=af75736df9&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

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

2020 Michael Stokes Award winner

Aaron Bancroft named the 29^th Michael Stokes Award wrestler.

Undefeated State Champion Aaron Bancroft of Fike High School won his 2^nd state title in 2020 in the 3-A 170 lbs. Division with 51 wins.  Last year he was named the Lee Carroll Award winner as top underclassmen in the area.  Aaron also has earned his 4th TDR Top 12 engraved wooden plaque this year as being a top wrestler class in eastern North Carolina.  More details will be announced once a time and place for the award presentation is determined.

            Last year Bancroft earned his first State Champion medal, at 160 pounds, with a (52-1) record.  His only loss was to a Virginia State Champion in finals of the WRAL Holiday tournament.  He was the first state champion in wrestling for Fike.  As a sophomore, Bancroft won his first district title yet fell short of placing at the state tournament while finishing with a (49-5) record.  As a freshman Aaron had a (45-6) record, placed 2^nd in districts and placed 5^th in the state tournament. His overall scholastic career record is 197 wins and 12 losses in his four years of competition.

Michael Stokes wrestled the 1981-1984 seasons at Tarboro High School and with a (96–4) career record.  He was North Carolina’s 2nd 3-time State Champion when there was only one individual champion at a weight in the state. He wrestled for N.C. State and won ACC wrestling titles in 1988 and 1989 and was named the ACC Most Valuable Wrestler both years.  His record of 68 wins 8 losses and 3 ties (.879) is the best career winning percentage at NC State.  He finished second at the NCAA Nationals at 126 lbs. in 1989 to Kendall Cross, the eventual Olympic Gold medalist. Stokes co-captained the Wolfpack in 1989 and one of the ACC’s all time 50 greatest wrestlers as recognized during the conference’s 50th anniversary celebration.  Stokes credits wrestling as “providing me with a mental toughness that enables me to remove boundaries that stand in my way.  Wrestling has given me the sheer determination to believe that I can conquer anything that I set my mind to do.”

            Previous Stokes Award wrestlers include Ray Darden of Ayden-Grifton and Jordan Todd of Rosewood tied for the award in (2019), Michael King of North Pitt (2018), Quadarrius Hopkins of Tarboro (2017), Wilson Smith of Rocky Mount (2016), Angel Najar of North Pitt (2015), Reggie Huff of Southern Nash (2014), David Guevara of Tarboro (2013), Alexander Knight and Jaciento Williamson of Rocky Mount (2012), Xavier Najar of North Pitt (2011), Joe Young of Northern Nash (2010), Corey Smith of Tarboro (2009), Jasmine Cooper of Nash Central (2008), Eric Wischhusen, (2007), Roylando Lucas (2001) and Ira Bing (2000) of Southern Nash, John Brewer (2006) of Wilson Fike, Anthony Taylor (2005) of Rocky Mount, Sammi Hadi (2004) and Ryan Huffman (1997) of SouthWest Edgecombe, Charles Washington (2003) of Northern Nash, Quadric Eason (2002), Mike Christopher (1999 & 1998), Tony Mercer (1996) and Lee Carroll (1994 & 1995) of Tarboro.          

June 16, 2020 Posted by The TakeDown Report | Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Women’s Wrestling News – # 38

1 } – Tricia Saunders High School Excellence Award Regional Winners
The National Wrestling Hall of Fame on Tuesday announced the regional winners of the Tricia Saunders High School Excellence Award (TSHSEA). First presented in 2014, the TSHSEA is named for Tricia Saunders, a four-time World Champion and women’s wrestling pioneer. Saunders was the first woman to be inducted as a Distinguished Member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2006 and was inducted into the United World Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2011. The TSHSEA recognizes and celebrates the nation’s most outstanding high school senior female wrestlers for their excellence in wrestling, scholastic achievement, citizenship, and community service. …. rest of the story at https://nwhof.org/blog/tricia-saunders-high-school-excellence-award-regional-winners-announced/?mc_cid=09c8756a50&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

2 } – Girls wrestling state finals at Ford Field may not be far away
By Patrick Nothaft | pnothaft@mlive.com
When Rayana Sahagun started wrestling at age 5, the number of girls competing at weekend tournaments was limited to herself and one or two close friends. The Sparta High School senior never could have predicted a time when 167 individuals gathered in one spot for Michigan’s inaugural girls wrestling state championships in February 2019, nor could she have foreseen the number expanding to more than 250 a year later and forcing tournament host Adrian College to open up another gym. …. rest of story at … https://www.mlive.com/highschoolsports/2020/05/girls-wrestling-state-finals-at-ford-field-may-not-be-far-away.html?mc_cid=97df5e5b46&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

3 } – World medallist Odunayo Adekuoroy: Parents almost disowned me due to wrestling
World medallist Odunayo Adekuoroye has made a shocking revelation about her parents. In conversation with the Olympics Channel she revealed that she was almost disowned by her parents because of her love for wrestling. The Nigerian wrestler began her wrestling journey at a young age. But while she continued to rise in ranks on the mat, informing her parents about it was a different ball game altogether. Adekuoroye says that she had to lie to her folks to attend her first wrestling tournament.
This is how UWW is celebrating “World Wrestling Day”
“For my first competition, I told my parents I am going to school, but I left with the wrestling team. When I didn’t come back, they were worried and went looking for me everywhere, at the police station. Later I called them. I told them I am fine and I was at a wrestling competition,” she told Olympic Channel. …. rest of story at … https://wrestlingtv.in/world-medallist-odunayo-adekuoroy-parents-almost-disowned-me-due-to-wrestling/?mc_cid=97df5e5b46&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

4 } – Nebraska Girls Wrestling to be Adopted as an Emerging Sport
By Colin Pfeiffer / May 21, 2020
Today was a big day for girls wrestling in Nebraska. Earlier this morning in a 7-1 vote, the NSAA board passed girls wrestling as an emerging high school sport. This afternoon, the NSAA Repsententative assembly voted against sanctioning the sport 28-23, in a vote that needed 31 to pass. While it is sad to see it not pass as a fully sanctioned sport, recognizing it as an emerging sport is a huge step in the right direction. Now that it has passed as an emerging sport, we will likely see the numbers increase of girls participating and some ground work start to be developed for when the sport becomes fully sanctioned. Seeing numbers increase will be one of the key factors the NSAA board of directors will watch, to help them determine when they will sanction it.
What does it mean for girls wrestling to be an emerging sport? 
This means that the NSAA notices that girls wrestling is growing in the state and has a close eye on it. From what we understand, it also means that the NSAA board can now vote to adopt Girls wrestling as a sanctioned sport whenever they feel they are ready. This also allows girls to continue to compete on both the boys and girls teams. The NSWCA would still hold and be responsible for the girls state wrestling tournament. This also allows the state time to lay some ground work for when it does become sanctioned. …. rest of story at … https://newrestle.com/2020/05/21/nebraska-girls-wrestling-to-be-adopted-as-an-emerging-sport/?mc_cid=97df5e5b46&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

5 } – NWCA 2019-2020 NCAA WOMEN SCHOLAR ALL-AMERICA AWARDS
Manheim, PA – On Thursday, the National Wrestling Coaches Association announced the full slate of 2019-2020 Scholar All-American Team and Individual honorees for NCAA Women with awards going to 68 individuals representing 15 institutions.
LINK: Top 6 Scholar All-American Teams
LINK: Individual Scholar All-Americans
“On behalf of the NWCA and our Board of Directors, we are excited to honor the amazing academic achievement demonstrated by this year’s Scholar All-American teams and individuals from the NCAA institutions that sponsor Women’s Wrestling,” said NWCA Executive Director Mike Moyer. In the team race, Adrian College finished atop the field with a 3.65 GPA followed by Colorado Mesa University (3.41) and King University (3.38). For the individual awards, the Colorado Mesa University led the list of honorees with nine …. rest of story at … http://www.nwcaonline.com/nwca-2019-2020-ncaa-women-scholar-all-america-awards/?mc_cid=97df5e5b46&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

6 } – Girls will have a league of their own in wrestling this winter, boys volleyball and coed cheer will not
MIDVALE — Utah girls will have a league of their own this winter — a wrestling league, that is. On Thursday, girls wrestling was officially sanctioned by the board of trustees of the Utah High School Activities Association. Two other sports — coed competitive cheer and boys volleyball — were not sanctioned.
While coed competitive cheer failed by a vote of 6-5 after coaches said they’d prefer the sport not be sanctioned until they could work out a few issues, the UHSAA Board of Trustees didn’t even vote on boys volleyball. “We get why they didn’t (sanction volleyball), and we’re working on building a partnership with the UHSAA,” said Jill Davis, Utah Boys Volleyball Association co-founder and president, who made a presentation to the board Thursday morning on behalf of boys the high school club volleyball program. …. rest of story at … https://www.deseret.com/sports/2020/5/21/21266556/utah-high-school-sports-girls-wrestling-boys-volleyball-co-ed-cheer?mc_cid=97df5e5b46&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

7 } – Where does women’s wrestling go from here?
Is the momentum still there?
Many key wrestling figures, including Oklahoma State head coach John Smith, said we are in the midst of the greatest era in our sport. Among the positives was the rapid growth of women’s wrestling at the high school and college level.  Women’s college wrestling split into two divisions (NAIA programs and NCAA programs) this season and there was constant talk about official NCAA and NAIA sanctioned women’s wrestling tournaments in the near future.  Then the coronavirus hit. 
Fortunately, the Cliff Keen National Collegiate Women’s Wrestling Championships (NCAA programs competing against each other in an exclusive tournament) took place on March 6-7 in Adrian, Michigan. The NAIA women’s championships were scheduled to take place the following week but COVID-19 canceled all championship events that weekend. …. rest of story at … https://www.trackwrestling.com/PortalPost.jsp?TIM=1589997765364&twSessionId=pzdkojobbh&postId=782056135&mc_cid=a518fb1f79&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

8 } – LuchaFIT captures personal stories in a new COVID-19 Section; National Coaches Chun and Medina featured in first post
BY GARY ABBOTT, USA WRESTLING | MAY 19, 2020
LuchaFIT, the ultimate source for female wrestling, has launched a new online series featuring personal stories about how the wrestling community has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. These unique and interesting stories, directly from those who have been impacted, are being posted twice a week in LuchaFIT’s new COVID-19 Special Section. The first story comes from USA Wrestling Assistant National Women’s Coaches Clarissa Chun and Jessica Medina in an entry entitled “Six Feet Apart: Clarissa Chun and Jessica Medina.” It was posted today. Users can read a transcript of what Chun and Medina shared through the story, and also listen to an audio version of the story in which they are featured. LuchaFIT explains the reason for this new adventure:
Inspired by the athlete articles displayed by The Player’s Tribune known as “The Iso,” LuchaFIT was spirited to create our own, unique version of experiences while sheltering at home. The desire is to provide insight on how wrestling communities around the world have been impacted by coronavirus. From athletes to coaches, individuals to organizations, everyone has a story to tell about their experiences. …. rest of story at … https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2020/May/19/LuchaFIT-tells-personal-stories-in-its-new-COVID-19-Special-Section?mc_cid=09c8756a50&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

9 } – HEART OF AMERICA TO SPONSOR WOMEN’S WRESTLING IN 2020-21
Women’s Wrestling – Fri, May 22, 2020
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Heart of America Athletic Conference will add women’s wrestling to the list of conference sponsored sports, beginning with the 2020-21 academic year, as part of the league’s continued growth. The addition bumps the conference’s list of sponsored sports up to 22. “Women’s wrestling has really been gaining momentum at the collegiate level,” stated Commissioner Lori Thomas. “We have a great core group in our conference and we’re looking forward to providing them with the support and recognition at the conference level.” Five full-time conference member institutions – Baker, Central Methodist, Grand View, Missouri Valley, and William Penn – will field the women’s wrestling teams with the potential for associate members to join at a later date. Grand View (No. 11), Missouri Valley (No. 15), and Central Methodist (No. 20) were each named in the final edition of the NAIA Women’s Wrestling Coaches’ Top 20 Poll back in February. Women’s wrestling currently is recognized by the NAIA as an invitational sport with 28 institutions sponsoring the sport in 2019-20. The Heart will join the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference, Mid-South Conference, and Sooner Athletic Conference as NAIA leagues sponsoring women’s wrestling. Invitational distinction indicates that sport has enough schools to support it, is developing administrative rules, and is on the path to becoming a fully sponsored championship. …. Rest of Story at … http://www.heartofamericaconference.com/article/4197.php?mc_cid=4b3d9c77ea&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

10 } – South Carolina girls wrestling for respect and love of the sport
LEXINGTON, S.C. — It’s mid-January, and the gym of Lexington High School is packed with wrestlers competing at the Carolina Invitational Wrestling Tournament. Though the girls’ side of the ledger isn’t an officially sanctioned sport of the SCHSL, it’s growing. WYFF News 4 photojournalist Chip Baysden went to Lexington to tell their story. “20 years ago, you might have had three girls maybe in the state that were competing,” says Brandy Green. “To now having over 100 girls competing today, it’s absolutely amazing. This is real life for these girls.”
Green, the Head Wrestling Coach at Limestone College and former four-time Wrestling Association High School National Champion is leading the push to have girls wrestling acknowledged as a high school sport in the state of South Carolina. “We still have a lot of convincing to do at the state level,” Green says. “We’re looking at just over 20 states right now that have sanctioned high school state tournaments. All the surrounding states have either sanctioned it or the proposals have gone through and they’re waiting for votes.” …. rest of story at … https://www.wyff4.com/article/south-carolina-girls-wrestling-for-respect-and-love-of-the-sport/32677694?mc_cid=a56cef7301&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b#

June 16, 2020 Posted by The TakeDown Report | Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Wrestling History – # 5

1 } – Hugo Otopalik – Wrestler, Coach, Organizer & Booster
By Don Sayenga and Jairus K. Hammond
Hugo Otopalik, a Distinguished Member inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in the Charter Class of 1976, was the first collegiate wrestling star to go on to become a great collegiate coach.

At the age of 25, he played in the backfield of the fabulous 1915 Nebraska football team, the first undefeated Cornhusker team. He and fellow back Dick Rutherford also carried superstar status when they appeared on the mats for Dr. Raymond Clapp’s wrestling squad. …. rest of story at … https://nwhof.org/blog/otopalik-was-wrestler-coach-organizer-booster/?mc_cid=6299171a9e&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

2 } – I Was Ready to Help Fight the Pandemic. Then I Got Sick Myself
As a surgeon, I anticipated seeing Covid-19 through the eyes of a medical professional. But being a patient was a different matter.
In 2016, Dr. David Hirsch, a maxillofacial surgeon, performed pro bono reconstructive surgery on Dustin E. Kirby, a Navy corpsman who was struck in the face by a bullet while serving in a Marine Corps infantry battalion in Iraq in 2006. In March he contracted Covid-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. While recovering at home he shared the experience of his infection, and what he learned from it, by narrating to C.J. Chivers, who traced Dustin Kirby’s medical journey in a book, “The Fighters.”
When the coronavirus was spreading in China, Iran and Europe, Lenox Hill Hospital, where I’m the chief of maxillofacial surgery, was getting ready. I was impressed; they were on it. They were saying, “The disease is coming and it is coming fast.” …. rest of story at … https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/24/magazine/surgeon-covid-diary.html?mc_cid=9b182d31f3&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

3 } – Wrestling part of Komac family’s DNA
(Editor’s note: Cascade Collegiate Conference media release)
With COVID-19 putting live sporting events on hold, the Cascade Collegiate Conference wanted to take the time to highlight families within our #ThisIsTheCCC community. Many of our member institutions have administration, coaches and student-athletes family members competing together, making the CCC truly a family affair.
CORVALLIS, Ore.– Steve Komac has been coaching for over 25 years, long before his sons were born and people used to ask him if he would want his kids to get into wrestling some day. “I would reply, ‘Oh, I don’t care. They can do whatever they want,’” said Steve, who is the Interim Head Men’s Wrestling Coach at the University of Providence. “Then I had kids that were running around on the mat everyday, then they start wrestling in the living room and it just happens. I am very fortunate my kids took to wrestling and made it their own. It has been a very rewarding experience over the years.”
The Komac house was definitely a wrestling house growing up. …. rest of story at … https://www.montanasports.com/frontier-conference/wrestling-part-of-komac-familys-dna?mc_cid=17ded1ad3b&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

4 } – Kevin Jackson: My Wrestling Hero
The 14th installment of My Wrestling Hero features three-time World and Olympic champion Kevin Jackson. Now USA Wrestling’s men’s freestyle developmental coach, Jackson shares his thoughts on his wrestling hero — 1988 Olympic gold medalist Kenny Monday. 
These are Jackson’s thoughts on his wrestling hero: 
“I have so many wrestling heroes, but Kenny Monday was my guy. He’s only a couple years older than I am, but I saw him when he came down to Louisiana State and he beat one of my best friends in a match and he really hammered him. I saw Kenny at Junior Nationals when it used to be in Iowa City and Kenny was in my weight class. I wrestled a guy named Mills who went to Tennessee and ended up becoming an All-American. Mills beat me good. I think he beat me by seven or eight points. I thought he was the toughest guy I ever wrestled. Then Mills wrestled Kenny and Kenny pinned Mills in about a minute. I was so happy I didn’t have to wrestle Kenny because he had just pinned the guy who had hammered me.  …. rest of story at … https://www.trackwrestling.com/PortalPost.jsp?TIM=1588908058810&twSessionId=czejqskkqy&postId=780490135&mc_cid=8266d89c28&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

5 } – Hofstra Mourns The Passing Of Joel Kislin
Hempstead, NY – The Hofstra University Department of Athletics and its wrestling program mourns the passing of Joel Kislin ’73. Kislin, an All-American as a senior, passed away May 7 after a battle with cancer. He was 68. A two-time Middle Atlantic Conference champion and NCAA qualifier at Hofstra after a stellar two-year career at Luzerne Community College that saw him win a Junior College National Championship in 1971, Kislin would place third in the heavyweight class at the 1973 NCAA Championships to take home All-America accolades. He was Hofstra’s second All-American in program history. “Joel was a loyal Hofstra wrestling alumni, fan and friend.  He took great pride in being one of our first All-Americans as well as all his accolades in our singlet.  He loved checking in, was always positive, and looked to help anyway he could.  He would bring his family to events, and clearly extended his family love to our program, that he was a big part of,” said head coach Dennis Papadatos. “Myself, as well with the Hofstra wrestling program, send our deepest condolences to his entire family, …. rest of story at … https://gohofstra.com/news/2020/5/9/wrestling-wrest-hofstra-mourns-the-passing-of-joel-kislin.aspx?mc_cid=924af05634&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

6 } – #127 John Fisher – 4x All American, 183 Collegiate Wins
John Fisher is a 4x All American for Michigan, compiling an incredible 183 wins for the Wolverines.  John was also the 1992 Olympic Trials runner-up, where he took John Smith to three matches.  Enjoy folks!
This episode is brought to you by the Beat the Streets Chicago Virtual Gala, which takes place on Saturday, June 6 from 8-9 pm.  It would mean the world to me if you registered to attend the gala. No donation necessary, just come and see what we’re doing with Beat the Streets Chicago. To register, go to WrestlingChangedMyLife.com and click on the Beat the Streets tile.  …. rest of street at … https://wrestlingchangedmylife.com/fisher/?mc_cid=2bb0dedacc&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

7 } – American wrestling legend Baumgartner retires after 36 years of university service
American wrestling legend Bruce Baumgartner has retired from his work at Edinboro University in Pennsylvania after spending the past 36 years in various roles. Baumgartner began working at the university as an assistant wrestling coach in 1984 and was promoted six years later to the head coach position. From there, Baumgartner took on more administrative roles, being named the director of athletics in 1997 and in 2018 the assistant vice-president of university advancement. As an athlete, Baumgartner is one of the most decorated wrestlers in American history, picking up medals in four separate Olympic Games.
In his Olympic debut at Los Angeles 1984, Baumgartner won gold in the 130-kilogram freestyle category. Staying a super-heavyweight, he added a silver medal at Seoul 1988, won gold again at Barcelona 1992 and finally finishing his Olympic run by winning bronze at Atlanta 1996. … rest of story at … https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1094081/bruce-baugartner-wrestling-retire?mc_cid=2bb0dedacc&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

8 } – Troy Steiner: My Wrestling Hero
The 23rd installment of My Wrestling Hero features Fresno State coach Troy Steiner. The four-time All-American and 1992 NCAA champion shares his thoughts on his wrestling hero: Milo Trusty.
These are Steiner’s words on his wrestling hero:
“I’d have to say it’s probably my club coach growing up. He had so much influence and impact on us growing up, so Milo Trusty would have to be the guy. He taught me the passion of the sport. There are so many other people you could put in there that have done a lot for me but I would say he’d be the one if I had to pick one guy. …. rest of story at … https://www.trackwrestling.com/PortalPost.jsp?TIM=1589681963416&twSessionId=lwsxzctdvc&postId=781997135&mc_cid=73440286e7&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

9 } – Nahshon Garrett: My Wrestling Hero
The 16th installment of My Wrestling Hero features NCAA champion Nahshon Garrett. The four-time All-American shares his thoughts on his wrestling hero — Jordan Burroughs. 
“My wrestling hero definitely would have to be Jordan Burroughs, without a doubt. He was the first black male wrestler I saw that I could identify with. I started wrestling late, in eight grade. I remember my sophomore year I watched a video of Jordan Burroughs and it was legitimately the first guy who looked like me who is super, super good. I never got to watch the other greats like Kevin Jackson and all the other guys but he was the first one that I saw in college do amazing things. …. rest of story at … https://www.trackwrestling.com/PortalPost.jsp?TIM=1589005918626&twSessionId=jvletchfto&postId=781755135&mc_cid=4570e96a5e&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

10 } – Kyven Gadson: My Wrestling Hero
The 21st installment of My Wrestling Hero features Kyven Gadson. The 2015 NCAA champion shares his thoughts on his wrestling hero: His father Willie, who passed away in 2013 after a battle with cancer. 
These are Gadson’s words on his wrestling hero: 
“My wrestling hero is my dad. The reason being is because he introduced me to wrestling and he poured his life into wrestling and wrestling was something that saved his life.
“The things he looked to implement in my life with wrestling were accountability as well as a work ethic. It was a very blue-collar work ethic. My senior year of college I created that mantra for myself: Be rare. I remember going to a gym as a kid and looking around and I was the only little black kid in the gym in small-town, rural Iowa. I said to my dad, ‘Where are the other kids that look like me? …. rest of story at … https://www.trackwrestling.com/PortalPost.jsp?TIM=1589465489251&twSessionId=hzxxkbcdnh&postId=781946135&mc_cid=04edd3f4d0&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

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

International Wrestling News — # 5

1 } – WCL announces cancellation of 2020 events, same host cities for 2021
OTTAWA – Due to safety concerns surrounding the spread of the COVID-19 virus, Wrestling Canada Lutte has cancelled the Junior / Senior and U17 / U 19 Canadian Championships, as well as the 2020 Canada Cup. Each event will be held in 2021 in the same host city that was slated to run the events in 2020. The Junior / Senior Championships will take place in London, Ont. in March, the U17 / U19 Championships & Cadet Trials will be in Edmonton in March or April, and Canada Cup will return to Calgary in June. Each event will be run in the same format as was scheduled for 2020. Dates for the three events will be announced in the coming months. …. rest of story at … https://wrestling.ca/wcl-announces-cancellation-of-2020-events-same-host-cities-for-2021/?mc_cid=eb28f2fdb6&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

2 } – World Champion Morais crowned Female Wrestler of the Year, Capellan named Male Wrestler of the Year
OTTAWA – Linda Morais and Darthe Capellan have been awarded the titles of 2019 Female and Male Senior Wrestlers of the Year. In September, Morais, of Tecumseh, Ont., became World Champion at 59 kg. Morais, who trains with the Montreal Wrestling Club, defeated Liubov Ovcharova of Russia in the gold medal match with a pin to claim victory. Ovcharova appeared to be in control of the match and held a 6-1 lead at the two-minute mark. Morais, 26, scored on an exposure and was able to secure the victory by fall. …. rest of story at … https://wrestling.ca/world-champion-morais-crowned-female-wrestler-of-the-year-capellan-named-male-wrestler-of-the-year/?mc_cid=924af05634&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

3 } – Dates set for 2021 Canadian Championships
OTTAWA – Wrestling Canada Lutte and local organizing committees have finalized dates for the 2021 Junior / Senior Championships and U17 / U19 & Cadet Trials.
The Junior / Senior Canadian Championships will take place from March 19 to 21, 2021 in London, Ont. The tournament will be used as a selection event for the Pan-Am and World Championships for the senior and junior age categories. The U17 / U19 & Cadet Trials are set for March 26 to 28, 2021 in Edmonton.  …. rest of story at … https://wrestling.ca/dates-set-for-2021-canadian-championships/?mc_cid=04468f0b0b&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

4 } – WRESTLING THE LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL FOR WANNABE REFUGEE OLYMPIAN
Syrian Amir Al-Awad is grateful to wrestling. Even at his lowest moments, when grappling on a mat was far from his thoughts, the sport has remained ingrained inside. Wrestling makes you face challenges and as a wrestler I was taught to be resilient and confront life, no matter what, explained Al-Awad, whose life was sent spinning by the outbreak of civil war in Syria in 2011. “If I am thrown to the ground or hit the bottom I have to come up and start afresh.” Wrestling-obsessed since he was nine years old, the former Asian and Arab champion has come to embody this ethos. After his house was destroyed, Al-Awad and his family became internally displaced as war raged around them. The former professional sportsman was routinely arrested. …. rest of story at … https://www.olympic.org/news/wrestling-the-light-at-the-end-of-the-tunnel-for-wannabe-refugee-olympian?mc_cid=3777fdd4a3&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

5 } – Ismael Borrero, Olympic champion wrestler, recovers from coronavirus
Ismael Borrero, a reigning Olympic and world champion Greco-Roman wrestler from Cuba, has recovered after testing positive for the coronavirus after a March competition, according to United World Wrestling. Borrero, 28, began showing coronavirus symptoms a few days after a March 17 return to Cuba from Canada, where he competed at the Pan American Championships, according to Cuban media, which reported he entered a health center in Havana. …. rest of story at … https://sports.yahoo.com/ismael-borrero-olympic-champion-wrestler-193320180.html?mc_cid=17ded1ad3b&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

6 } – IOC Confirms Wrestling’s Qualification Process
The International Olympic Committee Executive Committee just approved the Wrestling Qualification System for Tokyo 2020. United World Wrestling is one of the first International Federations that updated its Qualification System for Tokyo 2020. The main principles and rules will remain the same. As mentioned earlier to all the National Wrestling Federations, Morocco, Hungary and China will keep the organization of the Continental Qualifiers and Bulgaria will organize the World Qualification. We are very happy to be able to announce the next steps towards the Olympic Games for all the athletes.  …. rest of story at … https://unitedworldwrestling.org/article/ioc-confirms-wrestlings-qualification-process?mc_cid=b693ccac6a&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

7 } – Russia women’s wrestling coach Magomed Aliomarov loses battle with COVID-19
Magomed Aliomarov, a leader in the development of women’s wrestling in Russia, died Wednesday, after a brief battle with COVID-19. He was 67. Born in the small village of Tlyarosh in Dagestan, Aliomarov launched his lifelong involvement in the sport of wrestling as a child. After concluding his active competitive career. Aliomarov worked as a club coach in Dagestan from 1978-1992 before taking an administrative role as vice-president of the Azerbaijan Wrestling Federation from 2008 to 2017. That nation saw great success during Aliomarov’s tenure including a 2009 World Championship team title in women’s wrestling. In 2011 Aliomarov became the head coach of Azerbaijan Women’s Wrestling team, where he remained until 2015. …. rest of story at … https://intermatwrestle.com/articles/23620?fbclid=IwAR0-a_ziTWPRXG7PBfGqp9awtTrZmVwhNb6pDsCMLYRkcpDagsEG33h2rjE

8 } – In Olympic sports, canceled events mean fewer member fees, which mean trouble
With their competition calendars wiped clean, Olympic organizers in the United States say the financial toll of the novel coronavirus is coming into focus, and the overall economic impact of the pandemic promises to be staggering. The national governing bodies (NGBs) that oversee the individual Olympic sports are nonprofit organizations that have seen their funding sources dry up in recent weeks as thousands of competitions and events have been canceled or postponed indefinitely. Most rely heavily on membership dues and event proceeds for revenue but have been unable to host competitions during what would normally be a busy season. Max Cobb, head of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee’s National Governing Bodies Council, said in an interview this week that lost revenue could reach $100 million. …. rest of story at … https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2020/05/07/olympic-sports-canceled-events-mean-fewer-member-fees-which-mean-trouble/?mc_cid=8266d89c28&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

9 } – Could N.J. native James Green upset Dake, Burroughs to claim Olympic wrestling spot?
By Bill Evans | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Much of the wrestling community is looking forward to a Jordan Burroughs vs. Kyle Dake showdown at the U.S. Olympic Trials – which were postponed from early April to sometime next year because of coronavirus precautions and the rescheduling of the Tokyo Olympics to 2021. But there’s a wrestler who, all like Burroughs, hails from New Jersey, attended the University of Nebraska, still trains in Lincoln and is hoping to change the narrative on who represents the United States in the Tokyo Olympics at 74 kg. James Green, Willingboro’s first state champion and a four-time All-American, is a two-time world medalist at 70 kg and his silver medal in 2017 helped the United States to a team title for the first time in over two decades. But with only six freestyle weights at the Olympics instead of 10 in the other three years, Green either had to drop down to 65 kg, which he did for the 2016 Olympic Trials, or go up to 74. …. rest of story at … https://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2020/05/could-nj-native-james-green-upset-dake-burroughs-to-claim-olympic-wrestling-spot.html?mc_cid=8266d89c28&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

10 } – FIRST PITCHES: A witness to the rise of J’den Cox’s star
How do you know you’re covering a future superstar athlete?
The answer, simply, is that you don’t.
My first assignment at the Columbia Missourian was covering high school wrestling, which isn’t necessarily the most sought-after beat at the Missourian. But then I met a 14-year-old freshman at Hickman by the name of J’Den Cox. I knew he was something special, but I had no idea he would eventually become one of the greatest athletes Missouri has ever seen. Many people now know Cox for his fun-loving attitude and his long list of accomplishments on the wrestling mat — three individual NCAA national championships while at Missouri, a Rio 2016 Olympic bronze medal and 2018 and 2019 world championships. …. rest of story at … https://www.columbiamissourian.com/sports/mizzou_sports/first-pitches-a-witness-to-the-rise-of-jden-coxs-star/article_38a64fe6-864b-11ea-bbf7-6b66cb07d866.html?mc_cid=9dee3504ef&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

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

Javon Armstrong named 2020 Lee Carroll Award winner

            Undefeated State Champion Javon Armstrong of Pamlico County High School has been named the 2020 Lee Carroll Award recipient.  Armstrong collected his 2^nd state title in three championship finals all in the 1-A 285 pounds weight class in the past three seasons.   The 22^nd Lee Carroll Award is for excellence in athletics, academics, and sportsmanship in eastern North Carolina.

            Last year State Champion Aaron Bancroft of Wilson Fike High School was presented the 21^st Lee Carroll Award.  The TakeDown Report Editor, Martin Fleming and Lee Carroll look forward to presenting this award at an appropriate time and setting later this year.  An earlier presentation was postponed due to the difficulties in scheduling meetings and assemblies due to the CoVID-19 health crisis

            Lee Carroll started wrestling his sophomore year when Tarboro High School re-started the sport in 1992 with Butch Sadler as his coach.  Lee won 112 matches in just 3 years with the Vikings.  Lee was state runner-up his junior year before becoming a record setting undefeated state champion in 1995 with a (50-0) record.  Lee went on to start four years at North Carolina State qualifying for the Nationals 3 times.  Lee has taught engineering graphics at N.C. State as an adjunct professor and has his own interactive design agency, Forged Media, in Raleigh.  He has been recognized and inducted in the Tarboro High Athletic Hall of Fame.

            Brothers Christian and Timothy Decatur of Rosewood tied for this award as top-level underclassmen wrestlers in 2018.  Other previous award winners include Jaqwuez Norman of Farmville Central (2017), Kaleb Taylor of Rosewood (2016), Wilson Smith of Rocky Mount (2015 & 2014), Angel Najar of North Pitt (2013), Alexander Knight and Jacineto Williamson of Rocky Mount in 2012, Chris Fess of Beddingfield and Tamaris Lane of Nash Central in 2011, Chandler Phillips of Rocky Mount (2010), Landon Lucas of SW Edgecombe (2009), Corey Smith (2008) and Eric Sutton (2007) of Tarboro, Zach Shearin and Paul Horner (2006) and Pat Anstead (2004) of Southern Nash, Jimmy McNamara (2005) of Wilson Hunt and Sammi Hadi (2003) of SW Edgecombe.

            The TakeDown Report has promoted amateur wrestling for over 20 years in eastern North Carolina reporting wrestling results and encouraging media coverage of the sport.  Fleming noted, “We desire to encourage wrestlers and teams in this area to realize the hard work, determination and discipline it takes to be a top notch wrestler,” he added.   The TakeDown Report sponsors the Award. Contact the TDR at martinkfleming@gmail.com  or call (252) 883-3311.   Fans are invited to check our blog at https://takedownreport.wordpress.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/The-TakeDown-Report-235098404048/ or on Twitter Martin Fleming‏ @MFlemdog.

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

Looking to Next Season (#3)

1 } – RUDIS Wrestling Podcast #151: Interview with NWCA Executive Director Mike Moyer
On today’s episode of the RUDIS Wrestling Podcast, Matt Dernlan is joined by National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) Executive Director Mike Moyer. Dernlan and Moyer break down who the NWCA serves, how it is structured, and the ways in which it betters the sport of wrestling. Moyer provides an administrative point of view on how the Coronavirus has impact college athletics, as well as institutions in general. Moyer suggests a full restructuring of the institution of college athletics in order to preserve Olympic sporting programs and provides details of how the NWCA is working with other coaches associations in order to advocate for the preservation of Olympic sports as the NCAA prepares to make a decision which could lead to catastrophic cuts across all sports.
As colleges and universities across the country begin to close their doors, and those which remain open looking to conserve funds by cutting athletics programs, Dernlan and Moyer caution against underestimating the value of community support. …. rest of story at … https://therudis.com/rudis-wrestling-podcast-151-interview-with-nwca-executive-director-mike-moyer/?mc_cid=17ded1ad3b&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

2 } – OHIO STATE COMMITMENT PADDY GALLAGHER NAMED 2020 MARK ZIMMER MOST OUTSTANDING WRESTLER BY THE OHIO HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLING COACHES ASSOCIATION
Ohio State’s marquee recruit in the Class of 2021 just picked up another honor: St. Edward’s junior Padraic (Paddy) Gallagher was honored with the 2020 Mark Zimmer Most Outstanding Wrestler award by the Ohio High School Wrestling Coaches Association.
Gallagher went 33-1 at 160 pounds, and was pegged as the favorite to win a second state title prior to the cancellation of this year’s state tournament. Through three seasons he’s compiled a record of 85-10, qualified for the state tournament three years running, and won the 160-pound championship a year ago. …. rest of story at … https://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio-state-wrestling/2020/04/113677/ohio-state-commitment-paddy-gallagher-named-2020-mark-zimmer-most-outstanding-wrestler-by-the-ohio-high-school?mc_cid=78e39ca524&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

3 } -Drexel Wrestling Adds 10 for 2020-21 Season
PHILADELPHIA – Head Coach of Wrestling Matt Azevedo announced today the addition of 10 wrestlers for the upcoming 2020-21 season. The incoming crop of Dragons features a pair of state champions.  
“The class of 2020 is a very strong group,” Azevedo said. “They will add a lot of talent, depth and character to our already accomplished roster. I feel that Drexel Wrestling is on the cusp of making another jump as a team on the national level and the class of 2020 will play a big role in our future success.”  
Elijah Anthony
Elijah Anthony competed for Blair Academy in Blair Township, N.J. – a national power in prep wrestling. He wrestled to a third-place finish at prep nationals and will compete at heavyweight for Drexel. …. rest of story at … https://drexeldragons.com/news/2020/5/1/wrestling-adds-10-for-2020-21-season.aspx?mc_cid=d92f731bd9&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

4 } – Liam Cronin Joins Husker Wrestling Program
LINCOLN — The Nebraska wrestling team added a highly-touted transfer on May 16 when Head Coach Mark Manning announced that Liam Cronin will join the Huskers for the 2020-21 season. Cronin, a 125-pounder, comes to Nebraska after spending the first three seasons of his collegiate career at Indiana. Cronin has 41 collegiate victories to his credit, including 17 during the 2019-20 campaign on his way to a fifth-place finish at the 2020 Big Ten Championships. Cronin’s performance earned him an automatic bid to the 2020 NCAA Wrestling Championships, but he never had the chance to take the mat as the championships were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Cronin went 9-3 overall against dual competition as a junior, with a 6-3 mark in Big Ten dual matches, including ranked victories over then-No. 5 Devin Schroder (Purdue) and then-No. 15 Nico Aguilar (Rutgers). …. rest of story at … https://huskers.com/news/2020/5/16/liam-cronin-joins-husker-wrestling-program.aspx?mc_cid=588b1d30ac&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

5 } – Sun Devil Wrestling Signs Three to 2020-21 Roster
TEMPE, Ariz. – The Sun Devil wrestling team has signed a trio of prospects to National Letters of Intent (NLI), announced by head coach Zeke Jones.  
Lou Fincher (Free State), David Palosika (Mountain Pointe) and Ricky Roberto (Hillgrove) have all made their commitment to compete for the Sun Devils and attend ASU in 2020. The trio will join transfer Michael McGee and California prospect Jesse Vasquez to a team that will be replacing five senior wrestlers who graduated this past season. …. rest of story at … https://thesundevils.com/news/2020/5/6/sun-devil-wrestling-signs-three-to-2020-21-roster.aspx?mc_cid=6299171a9e&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

6 } – Iowa wrestler Michael Kemerer determined heading into final year as a Hawkeye
After missing out on nationals the last two seasons, Michael Kemerer is determined to make his sixth year as a Hawkeyes count.
For Iowa wrestling’s Michael Kemerer, 2019-20 was shaping up to be a comeback season for the ages. After missing the entirety of 2018-19 with knee and shoulder injuries, Kemerer hit the mat in a new weight class for the Hawkeyes. At 174 pounds, Kemerer finished the season 15-1. His only loss came to Penn State’s Mark Hall during the final round of the Big Ten Championships. The body of work Kemerer had put together on the season earned him the second seed in his weight class for the NCAA Wrestling Championships. Unfortunately, he never got the chance to avenge his loss and compete for a national championship. …. rest of story at … https://dailyiowan.com/2020/05/05/iowa-wrestler-michael-kemerer-determined-heading-into-final-year-as-a-hawkeye/?mc_cid=ffdd6be49b&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

7 } – What will Rutgers wrestling’s 2021 lineup look like? Here’s our early projection
A big addition. An unexpected return. Several new recruits. Rutgers wrestling may have had its season cut short by the coronavirus pandemic, but its offseason has been a busy one so far amid the shutdown. While there will always be questions about what would have happened at the NCAA Championships before the abrupt halt, the Scarlet Knights got through their transition season – it wasn’t quite rebuilding, but it was close – quite well in hindsight. …. rest of story at … https://www.nj.com/rutgers/2020/05/what-will-rutgers-wrestlings-2021-lineup-look-like-heres-our-early-projection.html?mc_cid=ffdd6be49b&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

8 } – Franklin & Marshall Wrestling Welcomes Class of 2024
LANCASTER, Pa. – Franklin & Marshall wrestling coach Mike Rogers announced the program’s incoming class of 2024. The six-member group is geographically-diverse, as two student-athletes hail from Pennsylvania, along with one each from Indiana, New Jersey, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts.  “This class has a lot of experience at the state and national level,” explained Rogers. “They have all had great amounts of success on the mat and in the classroom. We know that we are getting a hard-working group of guys that carry high athletic and academic goals.”  …. rest of story at … https://www.godiplomats.com/sports/m-wrestl/2019-20/releases/20200505kl01ls?mc_cid=6299171a9e&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

9 } – Ersland Adds Four to 2020 Top-25 Recruiting Class
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue wrestling head coach Tony Ersland announced the addition of four more members to his 2020 recruiting class Thursday, welcoming Mitch Hutmacher, Dorian Keys, Trey Kruse and Macartney Parkinson to the Boilermaker family. The quartet pushes the Boilermakers’ list of new additions to seven as they join fall signees Gerrit Nijenhuis, Cooper Noehre and Jake Rundell, rounding out a group that has been ranked as one of the nation’s top-25 classes by three different publications.  
Ersland’s class was ranked No. 13 by FloWrestling, No. 20 by InterMat and No. 22 by MatScouts, marking his fourth top-25 ranked recruiting class in the last five seasons. “I’m incredibly pleased with this class and can’t wait for these guys to all join us on campus,” said Ersland. …. rest of story at … https://purduesports.com/news/2020/5/7/wrestling-ersland-adds-four-to-2020-top-25-recruiting-class.aspx?mc_cid=8266d89c28&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

10 } – How to Get Recruited for Wrestling
Despite all the college programs out there and all the services created to help kids get recruited I still see a lot of great athletes not getting noticed. As a college coach, I feel like I am in a unique position to talk about my process and the ways that certain kids get recruited and certain great kids fall through the cracks. …. rest of story at … https://www.pushpullwrestling.com/blog-1/how-to-get-recruited-for-wrestling?mc_cid=b693ccac6a&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

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