High School News – # 17
1 } – Another honor for Canon-McMillan’s Nijenhuis: O-R Sports Headliner
Gerrit Nijenhuis could not have asked for a better season. The senior from Canon-McMillan High School went through it undefeated and won the last 58 varsity wrestling matches of his career. His 47th bout of his senior season made him a two-time PIAA Class AAA champion and four-time medalist at the Giant Center in Hershey. Nijenhuis walked off the mat, well leapt off the mat and into the arms of Big Macs head coach Jeff Havelka with the most victories in WPIAL history, 181, and with four medals from it’s tournament, the last two of them gold. Nijenhuis made his final win an historic one, defeating Donovan McMillon of Peters Township, 6-0, in the 182-pound final. …. rest of the story at … https://observer-reporter.com/sports/another-honor-for-canon-mcmillans-nijenhuis-o-r-sports-headliner/article_31717756-79d9-11ea-8003-b33860108057.html?mc_cid=ddb6bdf133&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
2 } – High school wrestling group provides meals at Christiana, Wilmington hospitals
Megan Smakulski didn’t know much about high school wrestling until a couple of days ago. So the nurse manager for 6 South, Stepdown and the Intensive Care Unit at ChristianaCare’s Wilmington Hospital was amazed when she heard the Delaware Wrestling Alliance was preparing to donate meals to her staff. “It just shows how their role models have inspired them to do good in the community, especially during a time like a pandemic,” Smakulski said Wednesday.
DWA treasurer Bob Shaw delivered 100 meals — 50 for each shift — to the ICU staff at Christiana Hospital on Monday, and 100 more to Wilmington Hospital on Tuesday. “It’s just a very, very bad time with this virus, and nurses and doctors are in there working all of these hours,” Shaw said. “Nobody is paying for their meals. We had the money, so we wanted to help the community and do our share.” …. rest of the story at … https://www.delawareonline.com/story/sports/high-school/2020/04/16/delaware-high-school-wrestling-group-provides-meals-two-hospitals/2985794001/?mc_cid=c40241fd14&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
3 } – Disney Duals wrestling tournament postponed, moving to Virginia Beach
The National Scholastic Duals will not be taking place at Disney this June, another loss to the sports calendar because of the coronavirus pandemic. The tournament, referred to as the Disney Duals, was set to be held June 18-24 at Disney’s Wide World of Sports. It has been postponed and will be moved to Virginia Beach in early August the AAU confirmed on Thursday. The tournament had 194 teams participate in it last summer. “It was a very difficult decision to make,” National AAU Wrestling chairman Wes Creason said. “That’s our showcase event for the nation; that’s a tournament we gear for each year.” The decision was first announced on a social media post by AAU Wrestling. “This move has been done to ensure the safety and well-being of our athletes, coaches and parents, as well as to provide wrestlers the opportunity to still compete for an AAU national title this summer,” AAU director of marketing and public relations Rachel D’Orazio said via email. “We plan to be back at Disney next year.” The impact of the pandemic played heavily into the decision along with the reality of having thousands of wrestlers, coaches and fans in a confined space. There was also a concern that the event would even be allowed to take place. …. rest of the story at … https://www.orlandosentinel.com/coronavirus/os-sp-hs-wrestling-disney-duals-20200416-t3sz2ie2nrexfdjmmt7fcufvnu-story.html?mc_cid=c40241fd14&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b&int=lat_digitaladshouse_bx-modal_acquisition-subscriber_ngux_display-ad-interstitial_bx-bonus-story_______
4 } – 2020-21 High School Wrestling Rules Changes Address Weigh-In Procedures, Hair Length Restrictions
By NFHS on April 28, 2020
As the result of a concerted effort to accommodate the growing number of female wrestlers, the 2020-21 high school wrestling rules changes are headlined by significant adjustments to weigh-in protocol and appropriate hair length requirements.
The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Wrestling Rules Committee met April 5-6 and recommended 11 rules changes to take effect next school year. In accordance with current health safety guidelines, the rules meeting was held in an online format. All rules revisions recommended by the Wrestling Rules Committee were approved by the NFHS Board of Directors. “These rule changes are some of the most prolific modifications in the history of high school wrestling,” said Elliot Hopkins, NFHS director of sports and student services and liaison to the Wrestling Rules Committee. “The rules committee made necessary, drastic changes to attract more young people to our sport without sacrificing the health and safety of the participants.” The weigh-in procedure was altered through a combination of changes to Rule 4, Section 5 (Weighing-In) of the Wrestling Rule Book. …. rest of the story at … https://www.nfhs.org/articles/2020-21-high-school-wrestling-rules-changes-address-weigh-in-procedures-hair-length-restrictions/?mc_cid=b693ccac6a&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
5 } – PIAA plan for 12 weight classes in wrestling takes a hit
The National High School Federation Association did not approve the PIAA plan to reduce the weight classes in wrestling to 12 from the current 14. The NHSFA released its list of rule changes for the 2020-21 season and the reduction of weight classes proposed by the PIAA did not make the list. Too bad, because it was a good idea and a way to inject more excitement into the sport. Last summer, the PIAA passed a proposal to cut two of the current weight classes. The organization sought to make the move permanent by having the NHSFA give its approval. If that failed, then the PIAA was determined to try it as a three-year pilot program. Tuesday’s release of the Federation rule changes sent the state back to the drawing board. If the pilot plan is approved, it could be implemented for the 2021-22 season. …. rest of story at … https://observer-reporter.com/sports/piaa-plan-for-12-weight-classes-in-wrestling-takes-a-hit/article_875f1bb4-8992-11ea-b304-439fcff0236f.html?mc_cid=09298b3e7a&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
6 } – Lake Highland Prep wrestling leaves FHSAA competition for national schedule
The goal for the Lake Highland Prep wrestling team has been the same since Mike Palazzo took over — be the best team in the country. The Highlanders have gotten close to that target, finishing in the top 10 in the country for five consecutive seasons. Now Lake Highland wrestling is taking the next step toward its objective, surrendering its chance to rack up more Florida state championships to instead take on a truly national schedule starting with its 2020-21 season.
The move means that LHP, which has dominated Class 1A in the past nine years, will not be competing in Florida High School Athletic Association district, region and state tournaments. Its wrestlers will not vie for individual weight class state championships. “We want to be the best team in the country and this is probably the best path for us to chase the ultimate goal,” Lake Highland wrestling coach Mike Palazzo said. “That’s the biggest reason for this decision.” …. rest of story at … https://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/highschool/wrestling/os-sp-hs-wrestling-lhp-fhsaa-national-20200507-ien3tohl7bbyxpbgs6rghtl7mm-story.html?mc_cid=6299171a9e&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
7 } – Allred Honored by National Wrestling Hall of Fame
STILLWATER, Okla. — The National Wrestling Hall of Fame on Thursday announced the state winners of the Dave Schultz High School Excellence Award (DSHSEA) and incoming NU freshman Silas Allred was selected as the recipient in his home state of Indiana. “The DSHSEA was established in 1996 to honor Olympic and World champion Dave Schultz, whose career was cut short when he was murdered in January 1996,” the official DSHSEA release reads. “He was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame as a Distinguished Member in 1997 and as a member of the United World Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2016.
“The award recognizes and celebrates the nation’s most outstanding high school senior male wrestlers for their excellence in wrestling, scholastic achievement, citizenship, and community service. “Winners are evaluated and selected …. rest of the story at … https://huskers.com/news/2020/5/14/allred-honored-by-national-wrestling-hall-of-fame.aspx
8 } – New approved WIAA wrestling amendment allows for bigger tournaments to finish without controversy
Imagine preparing for the prestigious Lake Stevens Invitational as an up-and-coming wrestler who wants nothing more than to get on the podium of one of the top in-season tournaments in the state of Washington. And imagine fighting through the grueling consolation bracket, only to be told you cannot compete for a distinct tournament placing. By both WIAA and National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) rules – a five-match-per-day restriction – that occurrence was happening with regularity all around Washington.
Not anymore.
The WIAA representative assembly passed a new amendment (rule 44.4.0) that will now allow a wrestler to compete in as many as six matches in a day. It was ratified by a 28-7 approval vote. …. rest of story at … https://scorebooklive.com/washington/2020/05/11/new-approved-wiaa-wrestling-amendment-allows-for-bigger-tournaments-to-finish-without-controversy/?mc_cid=682211b4c7&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
9 } – Preps mailbag: Should private schools be held to a different standard in the postseason?
When state tournaments roll around, how private schools fit into the current system devised by the MSHSL is always a topic of debate.
In the 2018-19 school year, private schools (not charter or home schools), which make up approximately 14 percent of MSHSL member schools, won 28 percent of state team championships. Is that a fair and equitable percentage? Do private schools have an advantage? On the other hand, the very nature of private schools is such that they need to attract students to make up a student body. They don’t have established youth athletic programs that become natural feeder systems for public high school athletic programs. Are they judged unfairly? And what about perennially successful public programs? Should they be held to a similar standard? We asked for your thoughts on this topic: Should private schools be held to a higher or different standard for postseason play? We received a strong response, through Twitter and email. Here are some of your thoughts. “What is a fair percentage for us to win? …. rest of story at … https://www.startribune.com/preps-mailbag-should-private-schools-be-held-to-a-different-standard-in-the-postseason/570237182/?mc_cid=8266d89c28&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b&refresh=true
10 } – Iowa high school wrestling programs will have option to sit out regional duals competition
Coaches’ reactions vary to change for 2020-21 postseason
DES MOINES — The Iowa high school wrestling state duals tournament isn’t going anywhere. The event is remaining at Wells Fargo Arena, taking place the day before the three-day traditional state tournament. Qualifying and the teams involved could be different. The Iowa High School Athletic Association Board of Control unanimously approved recommendations from its wrestling advisory committee in April, allowing teams to opt out of postseason duals before the start of regular-season competition and trimming the regional duals field from 32 to 24 in Classes 1A and 2A. The changes go into effect for the 2020-21 season.
The goal is to create a better competitive environment for regional duals. “The hope is at the regional duals and state duals is the teams that show up are going to bring their best varsity kids, being able to compete, and try to win,” IHSAA Wrestling Administrator ad Director of Officials Lewie Curtis said. “We’ve had numerous situations where teams basically send their junior varsity or non-district qualifiers and those beat out at sectionals. They’re just not sending their best team. “They don’t want to advance, but they qualified because the won or got second at their sectional. We’re just trying to give them the option of not being there, if they don’t want to be there.” The process will begin before the start of the season. …. rest of story at … https://www.thegazette.com/subject/sports/iowa-high-school-wrestling-teams-can-sit-out-regional-duals-20200507?mc_cid=8266d89c28&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
Florida officially sanctions girls wrestling for 2021-2022
Competitive opportunities just became brighter for young women wrestlers in the Sunshine State, as the board of directors of the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) voted to officially sanction girls wrestling as a state championship sport on Tuesday.
The vote was unanimous: 13-0.
While the move towards sanctioned girls wrestling in Florida seemed to move at lightning speed (first proposed by the FHSAA in late April this year), some student-athletes hoping to be able to wrestle in Florida’s first fully-sanctioned girls state championship next spring in 2021, the FHSAA answered concerns from some schools who had already set their budgets for girls’ wrestling programs for the next school year, so the executive board approved as one to have the first girls’ wrestling season to take place during the 2021-2022 school year. It appeared to be a winning schedule for high school girl wrestlers throughout Florida, whether at brand-new girls-only wrestling programs, or for schools still in the process of setting up new girls-only programs right now, so, in the meantime will have girls compete on existing boys teams.
“For the almost 800 girls and 100 plus schools that are already doing this, they are already prepared and they’ll do what they have to do, even if they have to wrestle with boys for one more year, they are down to do that.” Tallahassee Lincoln wrestling coach Mike Crowder told the Orlando Sentinel. “I assume our numbers will grow astronomically, even this year.” To back up Coach Crowder’s sentiment … girls wrestling continues to grow exponentially in recent years, with no signs of letting up. As recently as the beginning of 2018, six states had six separate state championships: Alaska, California, Hawaii, Tennessee, Texas, and Washington State. Two-and-a-half-years later, Florida just became the 24th state to fully sanction girls championship wrestling. …. rest of story at … https://intermatwrestle.com/articles/23683?fbclid=IwAR17yrUBa-7oFL1ZYqhhICYgGQsdLqfz2cNrodLaAL5zSMZesjdBJUI9F9s
NWCA considers shifting college wrestling season to spring
TDR Editor’s Notes ; The TDR agrees that this proposed move of the season schedule is a wise one and worthy of consideration. Read about it and think it over. What would be best for the sport?+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
In more than a century of college wrestling, the competitive season has always taken place in the winter, usually starting in late fall, and concluding in mid- to late March … going back to the first NCAA wrestling championships in 1928.
However, some within the collegiate wrestling community are seriously considering shifting the wrestling season later in the school year, to take place in the spring. The idea — which springs from the current coronavirus pandemic which disrupted the 2020 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships in Minneapolis this past March — is already being discussed by the National Wrestling Coaches Association, according to Oklahoma State head wrestling coach John Smith.
In an exclusive interview with the Stillwater News Press — the community newspaper for the town that’s home to Oklahoma State — John Smith said, “We’re looking at right now, real closely, to moving (the start of) our season to January, for a lot of reasons. “The main one being that extension of time of maybe, making sure that we get situated early on as we return to school and following guidelines that we need to follow, but also giving us additional time in our sport to prepare in preparation of the virus in our sport. … “The NWCA, along with the coaches, are looking at maybe moving the season to January and beyond. That would be definitely something that would have to get approval from the NCAA, and we’ll see how it goes.” There are existing scheduling factors which would make shifting the NCAAs a bit later in the season more challenging. For starters, the 2021 and 2022 NCAAs have already been scheduled on the national sports schedule, with the 2021 NCAAs already booked for St. Louis (March 18-20, 2021), and the 2022 NCAAs on the calendar to take place in Detroit March 17-19 in 2022) … both scheduled for the second weekend of the traditional Spring Break holiday. What’s more, those dates correspond with the opening weekend for the NCAA Men’s Basketball “March Madness” Tournament.
Smith told the Stillwater paper that, while the current pandemic may be initially fueling the idea of possibly revising the college wrestling season later in the school year, the Oklahoma State coach said that there is hope among some wrestling coaches that the NCAA will push the season back within the school year, making it ultimately a spring sport. “I think it’s temporary now, but we’ve learned a lesson that we might choose to be a spring sport rather than a winter sport and start our season in early January and end somewhere in mid- to late-April,” Smith said. “I’m not saying that’s going to happen right away — definitely not in the next three years it can’t happen, because NCAA championships scheduled out.”
While the focus right now centers of athlete and fan health in the midst of a pandemic, John Smith has a potentially more powerful reason for making wrestling a spring sport: academic purposes.
“We get so many wrestlers on campus who are first-generation college students, and for that reason, we need to focus on retaining them and maintaining our APR,” Smith said. “So rather than competing over two semesters, competing over one semester might help those student-athletes have greater success academically.” …. rest of story at … https://intermatwrestle.com/articles/23639?fbclid=IwAR2a8pXllw5PQ5WpY1Z6ad6E6DoxJzzMBTC-lR3bXIxiFol5OlrnsWQ3Epk
College Wrestling News – # 98
1 } – Getting II Know a DII Program: Millersville
The Millersville Marauders have a unique past that has seen them as a member of all three NCAA divisions and the NAIA since the program began wrestling in 1946. In that time, more than 542 dual wins later, Millersville has had seven National Champions in two different divisions. In NCAA Division II, the Marauders have one National Champion and two additional All-Americans in eight seasons of competition, the last three under current head coach Kerry Regner.
Regner boasted the history of the program, “Millersville University wrestling has had a rich tradition since 1946. In all, the history boasts seven National Champions, 31 All-Americans and two NCAA III team trophies,” the head coach said. Shane Ruhnke is that National Champion, taking to the top of the podium at 165 in 2019. …. rest of story at … https://news.theopenmat.com/college-wrestling-news/getting-ii-know-a-dii-program-millersville/77865?mc_cid=924af05634&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
2 } – Future Husker defensive lineman Hutmacher already known nationally for wrestling
LINCOLN (KMTV) — Nash Hutmacher hopes to make a name for himself with Husker football. He could’ve also probably done it on the wrestling mat in college as well. The Oacoma, South Dakota native was ranked as the number one high school heavyweight in the nation this year after racking up his 4th straight state title. Hutmacher has been wrestling at heavyweight since 7th grade when he qualified for state. After taking 5th as an 8th grader, he earned his nickname “The Polar Bear”. …. rest of story and video at … https://www.3newsnow.com/omahasportsinsider/osi-college/osi-nebraska-huskers/osi-huskers-football/future-husker-defensive-lineman-hutmacher-already-known-nationally-for-wrestling?mc_cid=682211b4c7&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
3 } – Before Liam Cronin could wrestle like himself again, he had to deal with loss of his daughter
He stood there for 30 minutes, the faint lighting surrounding him and reflecting off the shades of gray and blue so common in hospital rooms. Liam Cronin cradled a bundle of white and pink blankets. Before the disastrous start to his season, its triumphant conclusion and his decision to transfer from Indiana to Nebraska, Cronin stared at the bundle, two tiny hands poking out. The hands belonged to Waverly Jane. She was the result of a surprise pregnancy that developed into the greatest joy Cronin and his fiancée …. rest of the story at … https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/college/indiana/2020/05/14/nebraska-wrestler-liam-cronin-suffered-heartache-indiana-before-transfer/5177407002/?mc_cid=04edd3f4d0&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
4 } – Drop In Weight Class Results In Growth For Paetzell
By Maddy Hite ’20, Lehigh Sports Communications
On February 21, No. 11 Lehigh hosted No. 5 Arizona State inside Leeman-Turner Arena at Grace Hall for the Mountain Hawks’ last dual of the season before the EIWA Championships. For Brandon Paetzell, this match was more than a dual meet. This match was about proving he belonged with the nation’s best. Facing No. 9 Brandon Courtney at 125, Paetzell made his 6-1 decision look easy. After his speedy domination, Paetzell walked off the mat toward coach and friend Darian Cruz hugged him, and affirmed, “I told you so.” A statement he has been waiting years to say. Paetzell’s journey as a wrestler did not come with ease. Amid transferring from Rutgers after his freshman year, to dropping a weight class this season, Paetzell faced plenty of adjustment challenges. …. rest of the story at … https://lehighsports.com/news/2020/5/15/wrestling-drop-in-weight-class-results-in-growth-for-paetzell.aspx?mc_cid=d787fad1c9&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
5 } – Getting II Know a DII Program: Central Missouri
The Central Missouri Mules have competed in every NCAA Division II National Championship, with seven National Champions among 64 total All-Americans. The program has 191 National Qualifiers and more than 400 dual wins in its history, with Justin Ensign currently leading the Mules in his 10th year. “The University of Central Missouri Wrestling program has survived and thrived for a long time by having tough, hard nosed, and selfless individuals,” Ensign said. “We will continue to try and build a strong culture based on that, and try to keep pushing to be competitive at the highest level as a team.” Frank Cagnina was the most recent Mule to stand atop the podium at the NCAA Division II National Championships, winning at 149 in both 2014 and 2015. …. rest of story at … https://news.theopenmat.com/college-wrestling-news/getting-ii-know-a-dii-program-central-missouri/77922?mc_cid=73440286e7&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
6 } – FloSports’ Ray Machuca talks “Bad Cut,” “The Crossing,” and the importance of documentaries during a time with few live sports
With the world still facing plenty of quarantine restrictions thanks to COVID-19, sports networks have been left without a lot of live events to show, and that’s increased a focus on documentaries. ESPN’s The Last Dance was moved up from its planned June launch and has pulled in record ratings, and they have also announced further upcoming 30 for 30 installments, while NHL Network and others have also been putting out new documentaries. Streaming service FloSports is also releasing their own original documentaries, including two big recent ones, Bad Cut: The Dangers of Extreme Weight-Cutting (focused on weight-cutting in wrestling and MMA) and The Crossing: The Anthony Echemendia Story (focused on a Cuban wrestler who defected during a camp in Guatemala and crossed three borders to reach the U.S., where he’s now set to wrestle for Ohio State). …. rest of the story at … https://awfulannouncing.com/streaming/flosports-ray-machuca-talks-bad-cut-the-crossing-and-the-importance-of-documentaries.html?mc_cid=73440286e7&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
7 } – Getting II Know a DII Program: Augustana
Another long-time NCAA Division II program led by an alumni National Champion head coach, the Augustana Vikings have sent 12 to the top of the podium in program history. In a storied history in NCAA Division II, the Vikings have finished as team national runners-up three times, third once, and fourth twice, but have never won a title as a team. Augustana is currently led by former Viking Jason Reitmeier, who won the 142 lb National Championship in 1997 and was also an All-American for Augustana in 1996. The Vikings, who will leave Division II for a move to NCAA Division I after the 2020-21 season, were the hosts of the 2020 NCAA Division II National Championships, with three Augustana wrestlers representing the program in their home city of Sioux Falls. …. rest of the story at … https://news.theopenmat.com/college-wrestling-news/getting-ii-know-a-dii-program-augustana/77958?mc_cid=588b1d30ac&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
8 } – Brian Ferentz – Why Iowa Football Recruits Wrestlers
Brian Ferentz is the Iowa Football offensive coordinator. He’s also a former Patriots coach and NFL player. Back in high school Brian wrestled – surprise, surprise. In this episode we talk about why Iowa Football recruits wrestlers, Brian’s journey to OC at Iowa, and his philosophy on preparation. We also talk about the #1 trait amongst successful leaders.
This episode is brought to you by Competitor Supreme – a legendary Dan Gable film from the 1990’s. You can now stream Competitor Supreme on WrestlingChangedMyLife.com. …. rest of story at … https://wrestlingchangedmylife.com/ferentz/?mc_cid=8ec233ede0&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
9 } – Getting II Know a DII Program: Kutztown
Another long-time NCAA Division II program, the Kutztown Golden Bears have seen recent success with all five of their individual National Championships coming in the last 15 years. Three of those titles came from big men, including 2019 reigning National Champion Andrew Dunn who took the heavyweight title at the 2019 NCAA Division II National Championships. In total, 32 have taken to the podium for Kutztown, which is currently led by Robert Fisher. The Golden Bear headman has led the program for 20 years after the 2019-20 season, with all five of the aforementioned National Championships coming under his guidance. “We are a program that treats its student-athletes as family,” Fisher said of the Golden Bears. “We coach our wrestlers not only on the mats but also for life.” …. rest of story at … https://news.theopenmat.com/college-wrestling-news/getting-ii-know-a-dii-program-kutztown/78014?mc_cid=4b3d9c77ea&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
10 } – NEW BEGINNINGS: LHU Wrestling ushers in new era during 2019-20 season
For the Lock Haven University wrestling team, the 2019-20 season proved to be another memorable one. The Bald Eagles settled into their new home in the Mid-American Conference and proved once again, “The Rise” is here to stay. The rise of LHU wrestling started back in 2017-18. Highlighted by Ronnie Perry‘s storybook run to the 2018 NCAA Division I finals, LHU returned to the national scene. LHU placed 16th at the NCAA Tournament in Cleveland in 2018 and crowned two all-Americans. Two more All-Americans in 2019 and a second straight top-20 finish proved the rise of LHU wrestling was for real after an all-around strong 2018-19 season.
This season (2019-20), Lock Haven officially opened its tenure in the MAC, a traditionally strong Division I wrestling conference …. rest of story at … https://www.golhu.com/news/2020/4/21/new-beginnings-lhu-wrestling-ushers-in-new-era-during-2019-20-season.aspx?mc_cid=945de33a33&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
2020 Roy Heverly Award Winners
Mark Samuel of Wilmington Laney & River Carroll of Swansboro named ‘Roy Heverly Award’ winners as top Underclassmen in Eastern North Carolina.
Samuel and Carroll will be presented the 19th & 20th Roy Heverly Award as the top underclassman scholastic wrestlers in eastern North Carolina this fall. The TDR hopes that this can be done in front of a large gathering of sports fans yet details will be determined in August. Sophomore Mark Samuel went undefeated in 51 matches as 4-A State Champion at 106 lbs. for Laney H.S, Junior 3-A State Champion at 160 lbs. River Carroll of Swansboro also went undefeated in over 50 matches against North Carolina wrestlers. His only loss was a decision to a Virginia wrestler who went on to be an undefeated state champion in his state finals. More details will be reported later when the presentation dates are confirmed.
Previous ‘Roy Heverly Award’ winners
2019 Christian Decatur of Rosewood
2018 Alec Sampson of Hoggard
2017 Beau Studebaker of East Carteret
2016 Harrison Campbell of West Brunswick
2015 Blaine Mainz of Jacksonville
2014 Joe Sculthorpe of Topsail
2013 Matteson Correll of Topsail
2012 Nick Quillen of Rosewood and Tyler Ross of Jacksonville
2011 Jake Smith of Havelock
2010 Marquin Hill of Washington
2009 Ryan Blackwell of Croatan
2008 Charlie Millea of Havelock
2007 Frank Hickman of Wilmington Laney
2006 Sean O’Laker of Croatan
2005 Eddie Sawyer of Currituck Co.
2004 Brian Lashomb of Currituck Co.
2003 Raymond Jordan of New Bern,
The award is named in honor of former state champion Roy Heverly, a 4 time state medalist at West Carteret and three time All-American at The University of North Carolina-Pembroke. The TakeDown Report, an on-line publication promotes amateur wrestling in eastern North Carolina, sponsors these Awards. “These awards recognize the most successful wrestlers in the area each year.” Fleming noted, “It encourages the young men from the teams in the eastern part of the state with another opportunity for others to realize the hard work, determination and discipline it takes to be a top wrestler,” he added. The TDR also ranks wrestlers in a TDR Top 12 List that is displayed on the TDR Blog page. The TDR has been involved in the publicity of amateur wrestling in North Carolina for over 20 years. Contact the TDR at martinkfleming@gmail.com, (252) 883-3311 & https://takedownreport.wordpress.com/
Women’s Wrestling News – # 37
1 } – The National Wrestling Hall of Fame on Tuesday announced the regional winners for 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. The national winner of the TSHSEA will be announced on May 26. …. rest of story at … https://nwhof.org/blog/tricia-saunders-high-school-excellence-award-regional-winners-announced/
2 } – LEARNING TO TRUST YOURSELF AND DO CRAZY THINGS, WITH KELSEY CAMPBELL
Today’s guest is Kelsey Campbell, an incredible Olympic athlete. She was the first female wrestler to compete for Arizona State University in 2007 and is the 12th woman in the US to wrestle for a Division I Men’s Wrestling team. The Scottsdale resident has conditioned her body and mental toughness to outperform her peers and that ambition and dedication has led to a number of national and international accolades, including representing the US in the Olympic Games in 2012 in London. …. rest of story at … http://chrystalrose.com/2020/05/episode-30learning-to-trust-yourself-and-do-crazy-things-with-kelsey-campbell/?mc_cid=0f2858c4d6&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
3 } – McKayla Campbell continues to help lead the Lady Tigers as she closes out an impressive junior season
CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. – The highly touted 109-pound wrestler from Wauseon, Ohio, McKayla Campbell, has put herself among the top in the country after three seasons as a Lady Tiger. Campbell sprung onto the scene her freshman season, finishing as the Mid-South Conference Runner-Up at 116 pounds before being named the conference’s Freshman of the Year. As her year went on, Campbell was able to capitalize on a fourth-place national finish to aid the Lady Tigers to win their first-ever WCWA National Championship.
Fast forwarding two seasons, Campbell played an integral role in CU’s second national title this season, earning her second WCWA National Runner-Up honor at 109-lbs. …. rest of story at … https://campbellsvilletigers.com/news/2020/5/13/womens-wrestling-athlete-spotlight-mckayla-campbell-continues-to-help-lead-the-lady-tigers-as-she-closes-out-an-impressive-junior-season.aspx?mc_cid=0f2858c4d6&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
4 } – 2019 – 2020 Colorado Girls High School Wrestling All-State Teams
InsideCoWrestling is proud to present the first ever All-State Girls High School Wrestling individuals. We have 1st team, 2nd team and honorable mention team for the ten weight classes. Season record and season long tournaments placement were taken into consideration and making these pick while honoring these student athletes. Also, we have the top five girls high school tournament teams that were figured by the season’s regular and postseason team placements.
2019 – 2020 Colorado Girls High School Wrestling All-State 1st Team
100 lbs – Morgan Johnson, Loveland 22 – 0, freshman, state champion, regional 1 champion, 4 regular season tournaments champion – Poudre, Loveland, Northridge, NCCT,
105 lbs – Janessa George, Chatfield 36 – 2, freshman, state runner-up, …. rest of the story at … http://www.insidecoloradowrestling.com/index.php/16-high-school/1841-2019-2020-colorado-girls-high-school-wrestling-all-state-teams?mc_cid=04edd3f4d0&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
5 } – Tamyra Mensah-Stock: My Wrestling Hero
The 20th installment of My Wrestling Hero features Tamyra Mensah-Stock. The reigning World champion shares her thoughts on her wrestling heroes: Adeline Gray, Elena Pirozhkova, Randi Miller and Helen Maroulis. These are Mensah-Stock’s words on her wrestling heroes:
“A lot of people have inspired me over the years but I didn’t have wrestling growing up so I didn’t really have that wrestling hero. The wrestlers who have inspired me have been Adeline (Gray), Elena Pirozhkova, and Randi Miller. The reason I say those three is because each of those inspired me in a way that made me a better wrestler today. “Elena Pirozhlkova would go out of her way to tell me …. rest of the story at … https://www.trackwrestling.com/PortalPost.jsp?TIM=1589402424272&twSessionId=mdtpraaxpf&postId=781902135&mc_cid=0f2858c4d6&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
6 } – Parkland’s Zumas building a path to PIAA girls wrestling
By Brad Wilson | For lehighvalleylive.com
Brooke Zumas wants to make it easy for girls wrestling to make it big in Pennsylvania. The path to do so is plainly laid out. The PIAA will consider sanctioning girls wrestling as a sport — just as the NJSIAA has done, with all that implies, such as state championships and the like — when there are 100 certified girls teams at member schools. Right now, there’s one — Lancaster McCaskey. …. rest of the story at … https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/highschoolsports/2020/05/parklands-zumas-building-a-path-to-piaa-girls-wrestling.html?mc_cid=0f2858c4d6&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
7 } – IOC approves a financial envelope of up to 800 million U.S. dollars to address the COVID-19 crisis
BY INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE | MAY 15, 2020, 10:18 A.M. (ET)THE INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE (IOC) ANTICIPATES THAT IT WILL HAVE TO BEAR COSTS OF UP TO USD 800 MILLION FOR ITS PART OF THE RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE ORGANISATION OF THE OLYMPIC GAMES TOKYO 2020, ITS OWN EXTENDED OPERATIONS AND THE SUPPORT FOR THE WIDER OLYMPIC MOVEMENT. THIS AMOUNT WILL BE COVERED BY THE IOC ITSELF, INCLUDING ANY FUNDING FROM THE OLYMPIC FOUNDATION.
This number includes the cost for the organisation of the postponed Games of up to USD 650 million for the IOC, and an aid package of up to USD 150 million for the Olympic Movement, including the International Federations (IFs), the National Olympic Committees (NOCs) and the IOC-Recognised Organisations, to enable them to continue their sports, their activities and their support to their athletes. Today, the IOC Executive Board (EB) approved this financial plan. At the moment, the IOC is undergoing a deep analysis process to evaluate and assess the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on all of its operations. This is a complex exercise because of the constantly changing factors which have to be considered in the current environment. The IOC, as the leader of the Olympic Movement, …. rest of the story at … https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2020/May/15/IOC-to-spend-800-million-extra-for-rescheduled-Olympics?mc_cid=d787fad1c9&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
8 } – WREAPER – A.W.W. VIRTUAL BEST ALL-TIME WOMEN’S TOURNAMENT COLLAB
American Women’s Wrestling is teaming with Wreaper Wrestling on a joint project over the next four weeks to promote and co-host a virtual “Best of All-time Tournament” for senior level women. The campaign will feature 16-woman brackets using this year’s 6 Olympic weights, and include Twitter poll voting for matches along with weekly podcasts starting Thursday, May 21st to discuss each round. The collaboration was inspired by Wreaper Wrestling staff, …. rest of story at … https://www.wreaperwrestling.com/wreaper-a-w-w-virtual-best-all-time-womens-tournament-collab/?mc_cid=d787fad1c9&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b and Fear the Wreaper! Website dedicated to advancing women’s wrestling at https://www.trackwrestling.com/PortalPlayer.jsp?TIM=1589681963416&twSessionId=lwsxzctdvc&videoId=782001135&mc_cid=73440286e7&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
9 } – What kind of impact could Women’s Wrestling have in Nebraska?
By Cody Mainquist / May 16, 2020
The debate has been going on for some time now in this state about “Should Women’s wrestling become a sanctioned sport?” It is one of the fastest growing sports across the country and is only getting bigger. Currently 23 states have it sanctioned including bordering states Colorado, Missouri, South Dakota and Kansas. In addition, Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Oklahoma, Massachusetts, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, Utah and Washington have all sanctioned the sport in the last few years. South Dakota and Oklahoma were the most recent states to sanction the sport on April 21st and April 22nd. Nebraska can’t drag their feet on this subject, now is the time to add it and not fall behind the curve.
The Numbers
The numbers don’t lie when it comes to the sport. On February 1st, NSWCA held the first ever girls state tournament in York. They had 115 girls competing from 37 different schools and that number is expected to grow. Former Olympian Georgi Ivanov with NEUSA Wrestling said “Currently over 200 youth girls are registered with NEUSA cards.” Nebraska Wrestling Academy in Omaha has over 40 girls alone in their room training. Nebraska City and West Point each had 22 girls out for wrestling this season. Schools across the state are starting to see an increase in girls competing. …. rest of story at … https://newrestle.com/2020/05/16/what-kind-of-impact-could-womens-wrestling-have-in-nebraska/?mc_cid=73440286e7&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
10 } – 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. …. rest of the story at … https://www.mycentraljersey.com/story/sports/college/2020/05/19/colleges-using-pandemic-excuse-cut-sports-programs/5225835002/?mc_cid=09c8756a50&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
2020 James Johnson Award winners
The 2020 James Johnson Award will be presented to three undefeated state champions seniors. The three won 172 matches this year
State Champion Bryan Aragao, 182 lbs., of North Brunswick High School was presented the 22nd Annual James Johnson Award trophy last week. He shares the award this year with undefeated state champions Christian Decatur – 113 lbs, & Tyler Hughes – 152 lbs., of C.B. Aycock High School. They will be presented at a time and place to be announced. The award is named in honor of 3 time Greco-Roman national champion & Olympic Coach James Johnson.
Previous award winners were Timothy Decatur of Rosewood in 2019, Beau Studebaker of East Carteret, Jeremiah Derby of First Flight and Thomas Hudson of Dixon in 2018. Carlos Martinez of First Flight (2017), Will Newbern of West Carteret (2017), Tanner Stamper-Smith (2016) of Havelock, Joe Mondragon (2015) of Ashley H.S., De’Andre Jones (2014) of New Bern, Alex Bray (2013) of Croatan, Jon Wiley (2012) of South Brunswick, Marquin Hill (2011) of Washington H.S., Branden Lietz (2010) of J.H. Rose, Mamour Camara (2009) of Louisburg, Anthony Rogers (2008) of Knightdale, Ngu Tran (2007) of C.B. Aycock, Victor Hojillo (2006) of West Carteret, Raymond Jordan (2004) of New Bern, Shaun Sheffield (2003) of Havelock, David Pelsang (2005), and Paris Dottery (2002) of White Oak.
The TakeDown Report has promoted amateur wrestling in eastern North Carolina and sponsors the Award. This award is for the most successful senior wrestlers in eastern North Carolina. Fleming noted, “It is more expensive to have multiple awards yet we see each undefeated state champion senior wrestler as deserving to be recognized.” “It encourages young men from teams in the eastern part of the state with an opportunity to realize the hard work, determination and discipline it takes to be a top notch wrestler,” he added. The TDR also ranks wrestlers in a TDR Top 12 List that is displayed on the TDR Blog page. Contact the TDR at takedownreport@gmail.com,
James Johnson started wrestling his junior year for D.H. Conley High School in Greenville with Milt Sherman as his coach. James was Coney’s 1st state champion in any sport in 1976. He was North Carolina’s 1st Eastern Junior National Champion in 1975 and North Carolina’s 1st Junior Nationals All-American with 3rd in 1976. He started four years at the University of Kentucky. He is now a sports consultant and coach for the Phoenix-based Sunkist Kids Wrestling Club. He also specializes in developing unique training for people of all fitness levels with a broad background in public speaking, sports training techniques, and health and fitness. He was inducted as an “Outstanding American” in the North Carolina State Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. In 2012 he was a coach for the U.S.A. Olympic Greco-Roman team in London.
“J.J.” as his friends often called him died last September in Arizona due to health complications developed while coaching the USA Juniors Greco-Roman team at the World Championships in Estonia. He was on the USA National Wrestling team for 12 years, winning 3 National Championships, USA Athlete of the Year, AIM Christian Athlete of the Year, and Olympic Team Alternate. He has been an Ambassador for the United States Olympic Committee, USA wrestling and The Sunkist Kids Wrestling organization for over 20 years. More at http://jjchamp3x.com/.
North Brunswick’s Aragao recognized as top senior wrestler in Eastern N.C.
Bryan Aragao was presented with the James Johnson Award Thursday from The TakeDown Report.
The accolades continue to roll in for North Brunswick senior wrestler Bryan Aragao.
After finishing his final season undefeated — and the NCHSAA’s Class 3A 182-pound state champion — Aragao received the James Johnson Award on Thursday from The TakeDown Report.
The honor is given to the top senior scholastic wrestler in Eastern North Carolina every year. Aragao is sharing the award with two wrestlers from C.B. Aycock, Christian Decatur and Tyler Hughes, who also went undefeated and won state championships. … Rest of story at https://www.starnewsonline.com/sports/20200528/north-brunswicks-aragao-recognized-as-top-senior-wrestler-in-eastern-nc
All included are photos of the Wilmington Star-News All Area Wrestling Team wrestlers.
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
