Women’s Wrestling Results & News — # 21
Pennsauken wrestler back on mat after life-threatening illness
PENNSAUKEN TOWNSHIP, New Jersey (WPVI) — A Pennsauken High School wrestler is back on the mat after battling a life-threatening illness. “It felt like good old times,” senior Amanda Lezcano. Lezcano still can’t walk without a crutch, but she still can get in her wrestling stance without help. Last year, she couldn’t breathe without the help. “Eventually, I wasn’t able to breathe on my own, I had to be on a breathing tube,” she said. She says it was July and she had a common cold but then unexpectedly lost control of her legs. “My parents took me to the hospital and they told me I had Guillain-Barre Syndrome and that’s when your immune system attacks your body,” said Lezcano. She went from a three-sport athlete, constantly surrounded by friends, to thinking she might die at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. “I couldn’t move my legs or my arms. I wasn’t able to speak. I thought I wasn’t going to make it, to be honest,” said Lezcano. But on Wednesday night, it was a happy ending with a whole school and medical team of help. Amanda got better and gets to be a high school senior again. … story at https://6abc.com/5926495/?mc_cid=a84c1748d7&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
Greensboro College Becomes First College in North Carolina to Offer Women’s Wrestling as a Varsity Intercollegiate Sport
GREENSBORO, N.C. – Greensboro College will offer women’s wrestling as a varsity intercollegiate sport beginning in Fall 2020. It will be the first college or university in North Carolina to do so. The proposal was approved Feb. 12 by President Lawrence D. Czarda, Ph.D., on the recommendation of Robin Daniel, interim director of athletics. “This is a great opportunity for young women wrestlers, especially in the state of North Carolina,” said head wrestling coach Kevin Birmingham, who will coach both the men’s and the women’s teams. “The sport is really taking off at the high-school level, and where are those women going? I want them to come to Greensboro College.” Greensboro College, which competes in the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s Division III, began its men’s wrestling program in 2015. Costs to add a women’s team will be minimal, with space and equipment already on hand. Division III schools, typically among the smallest, do not offer athletic scholarships.
The NCAA has designated women’s wrestling as an “emerging sport,” one that it recognizes but for which it does not yet have sanctioned championships. Women’s wrestling has been an Olympic sport since 2004.
High-school girls’ wrestling is the fastest-growing girls’ sport in the country, particularly in the southeastern U.S. Nationally, the number of high school girls participating in wrestling grew from 804 in 1994 to 21,124 in 2019, according to the National Wrestling Coaches Association. Currently, 20 states have sanctioned women’s state wrestling championships. … story at https://greensborocollegesports.com/news/2020/2/14/greensboro-college-becomes-first-college-in-north-carolina-to-offer-womens-wrestling-as-a-varsity-intercollegiate-sport.aspx?mc_cid=aac8a693e2&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
Olympic gold medallist named provincial ambassador for sport and active living
Olympic gold-medallist Erica Wiebe has been named a provincial ambassador to encourage Albertans to take part in sports and live an active lifestyle. Culture, Multiculturalism and Status of Women Minister Leela Aheer made the announcement during the Alberta Winter Games in Airdrie on Saturday. The year-long appointment will see Wiebe travel across the province to encourage underrepresented or marginalized populations to take up sport, and to raise awareness about the benefits of staying active “I truly believe sport has the power to change lives, has the power to unite communities, has the power to transform our economy and our people at the individual and community level,” said Wiebe. The world-class wrestler won gold at the 2018 and 2014 Commonwealth Games, and the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil — the third Canadian to medal in wrestling at the Olympics and second Canadian woman to win gold after Carol Huynh in 2008. … story and video at https://calgaryherald.com/news/local-news/olympic-gold-medalist-named-provincial-ambassador-for-sport-and-active-living/?mc_cid=73f08c1943&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
20 Days to Adrian: Jessica Medina
Jessica Medina
Nickname: Funky Gold Medina
College: University of the Cumberlands (Williamsburg, Kentucky)
High School: Diamond Ranch High School (Pomona, California)
Age: 33
High school and college credentials: The Cumberlands star won WCWA titles in 2006 and 2008 following a second-place finish in 2005.
International credentials: Medina was a member of the U.S. Women’s National Team for six years (2009-15) and was a member of U.S. Senior World Teams in 2009 and 2010. She won silver medals at the 2010 and 2011 Pan American Championships and was a 2006 Junior World bronze medalist.
Where is Medina now? The 33-year-old currently serves as the National Women’s Wrestling Developmental Coach for USA Wrestling … story at https://www.trackwrestling.com/PortalPost.jsp?TIM=1581823941135&twSessionId=xzsbqhuluj&postId=389516135&mc_cid=73f08c1943&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
Former wrestling teammates now coaching history
MCPHERSON, Kan.— More than 200 girls competed at the Girls West Regional Wrestling tournament today in McPherson. Its the first year as a high school sanctioned sport and a lot of people have been waiting a long time for this, including two former wrestlers. In a sea of male coaches and referees, there are two female coaches sitting mat side cheering on their girl wrestlers, in the first ever West Regional tournament as a high school sanctioned sport. McPherson wrestling assistant. coach, Chandra Engle said, “Beth and I had wrestled together in high school.”
Holcomb wrestling coach, Beth Johnson said. “I’ve known her since I was nine or ten years old. I’ve known her for a long time, ten years and we’ve wrestled longer than that.” Johnson and Engle were both on the 2008 Kansas USA Wrestling team. “She ended up finishing first at nationals my senior year, I got fourth that year,” said Engle. “So it was a really neat team to be on. It was the biggest team that we’d had yet for Kansas. Probably the first time we started having a team go to Fargo was me and Beth.” More than ten years later, both still find themselves in the wrestling world but in a different role. “We’re just passing the flame pretty much,” said Johnson. “Our coaches passed it to us and now we’re passing it to the kids whenever they get older. Hopefully they continue wrestling as well.” Engle said, “The first time I saw her, I was surprised, I didn’t know she was coaching. It was at another tournament and we ran into each other in the locker room, it was a big hug fest. It’s neat to see her and be like where you coaching, how many girls you got?” …. story at https://www.kwch.com/content/sports/Former-wrestling-teammates-now-coaching-history-567917631.html?mc_cid=148f5f63fc&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
Girls wrestling movement growing in Berks County
When Gov. Mifflin freshman Jayleah Pletz received her sixth-place medal at Reading High, fans throughout Berks County cheered. Although Pletz said she started wrestling only to have fun, she suddenly became one of the faces in a movement to help Pennsylvania grow the sport of girls wrestling. Pletz became the first female to earn a medal in the 22-year history of the BCIAA Individual Wrestling Championships when she went 3-3 to finish sixth at 106 pounds. “It was fun,” Pletz said. “It was a new experience. It’s cool to be the first one.” A movement to grow girls wrestling in Berks County has been spearheaded by former Gov. Mifflin wrestler David Roche, founder of Venom Wrestling Academy. Twenty-five girls, ages 5-14, from 10 different schools participated in the latest girls-only clinic at Muhlenberg High School. “A lot of girls have been denied opportunities,” said Roche, a 2006 Gov. Mifflin grad. “We just want to be the ones to say everybody can wrestle no matter what. We’re going to make sure they have an opportunity to be on the mat.” Seventh-grader Katalyna Borreli, whose successful battle to overturn the Tulpehocken School District policy excluding junior high and high school girls from wrestling against boys gained countywide attention in November, attended the clinic. Borreli’s father, Frankie, was there to support his daughter and talk to parents who might be apprehensive about their daughters wrestling boys. …. story and video at at https://www.readingeagle.com/sports/high-school/girls-wrestling-movement-growing-in-berks-county/article_bc08f574-4176-11ea-aa98-a34a2032d5fc.html?mc_cid=148f5f63fc&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
High School News & Notes – # 12
(In Michigan)
Coin flip could determine whether or not powerful Davison wins state wrestling title
FLINT — Winning district and regional championships have become mere formalities for Davison’s wrestling team. The Cardinals have won Division 1 district and regional titles for eight straight years, reaching the state championship match four times during that stretch while making it to the semis three times. In six of those years, they were eliminated by the eventual state champion. … story at https://www.mlive.com/highschoolsports/2020/02/coin-flip-could-determine-whether-or-not-powerful-davison-wins-state-wrestling-title.html?mc_cid=e1e9966c02&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
High School Insider: A coast-to-coast sweep of the prep dual landscape
Last week, we prepped you for the upcoming run of team dual tournaments across the country. Today, we’ll recap some of those results as well as pick up on some other tidbits along the way. We start in Pennsylvania, which was the first of the tradition-rich wrestling states to host its state dual tournaments. The Keystone state breaks it down into two classifications, AA for the smaller schools and AAA for the larger schools and we were once again reminded that to be the best, you have to beat the best. Heading into the AA tournament, a number of teams were thought to have a serious chance at a championship. Saucon Valley had just won District XI over Notre Dame, Southern Columbia rolled through District IV after finishing as the runner-up a year ago and winning the team title at the individual tournament, and three-time defending champ Reynolds was looking as good as ever out of District X. …. story at https://www.trackwrestling.com/PortalPost.jsp?TIM=1581570946559&twSessionId=ccjagiuqhs&postId=389220135&mc_cid=e1e9966c02&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
(In Georgia)
Georgia OL signee Austin Blaske wins state wrestling title
Georgia added some depth to its offensive line in the Early Signing Period with the addition of in-state offensive lineman Austin Blaske (Guyton, Ga./South Effingham), a former N.C. State commitment. When he arrives the Dawgs will have a second wrestling state champion in its offensive line room. On Saturday, Blaske, at 6-foot-5, 280 pounds, won the 5A heavyweight title in Macon (Ga.).
Redshirt freshman interior offensive lineman Clay Webb also helped his team to a duals wrestling state championship in high school, finishing with a 45-1 record and 38 pins. Check out Blaske, who was the state runner-up as a junior, in action from the match that sent him to this season’s state championship below. …. story at https://247sports.com/college/georgia/Article/Georgia-Bulldogs-Football-Austin-Blaske-wrestling-state-championship-highlights-143856708/?mc_cid=73f08c1943&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
Honoring former coach, DeSales has breakthrough showing at State Wrestling Championships
Competitiors hit the mat at the KHSAA state wrestling championships
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Gone since August, Travis Riley’s words still resonate on the chalkboard in the DeSales High School wrestling room: “Stay in the fight. Never quit.” “It’s hard to come into the room and not see him in some way,” Colts head coach Greg Miller said. Riley, entering his fourth year as DeSales’ assistant coach, died by suicide on Aug. 15 at the age of 43. The Colts dedicated their season to their former coach and finished the most successful year in program history Saturday in the State Wrestling Championships at the Kentucky Horse Park. Led by Dejuan Watkins’ runner-up finish in the 285-pound weight class, DeSales finished in 13th place with 68 points. …. story at https://www.courier-journal.com/story/sports/preps/kentucky/2020/02/15/khsaa-state-wrestling-meet-2020-desales-wrestlers-break-through/4719236002/?mc_cid=73f08c1943&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
2020 Indiana State Finals by the Numbers
Overall
Rankings always provide a great insight to the best of the best in the state. Arguments always ensue on who is the best and who should be ranked. Over the years our rankings have proven to be the best out there. On top of that our rankings are locked before the first whistle at sectional and they do not take into account the semi-state draws. This year only 9 wrestlers that advanced to state were not in our state or semi-state rankings. We also set a new record for most state ranked wrestlers advancing to state with 180 or just over 80%! Thanks to our rankings gurus Mike Reiser, Caleb Spires, Howard Cottey, and Dustin Bentz for another great season. Do not forget to download the IndianaMat brackets with rankings attached so it is easier to follow the state finals. Click here for our special IndianaMat brackets
Full story and more at https://indianamat.com/index.php?/articles.html/high-school-news/tournament-previews/2020-state-finals-by-the-numbers-r975/&mc_cid=148f5f63fc&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
Garfield wrestling coach J.L. Williams retiring after 40 years on the mat
By Aaron Lommers, Special to The Seattle Times
Forty years ago, J.L. Williams was handed the keys to the Garfield High School wrestling program — literally. It was the start of something special, but more importantly for the countless wrestlers he coached, it might have been the best thing that ever happened to them. After moving to Washington from Stamford, Conn., at age 22 while working at Boeing, Williams was recruited by a friend, a Garfield alum, to help a program that hadn’t won a match in five years. In his first season in 1980, Williams helped lead the team to three straight wins to start the season. “After that fourth match, I got handed a set of keys,” Williams said. “I said, ‘I don’t need keys, I may or may not be coming back next year as far as helping out.’ I was told, ‘No, you’re the new head coach.’”
That started a 40-year career coaching at Garfield. That career will come to an end this weekend after Mat Classic at the Tacoma Dome. Garfield senior and first-year wrestler Daniel Johnston will be the Bulldogs’ lone representative after qualifying at 145 pounds. “It’s time for some new blood,” Williams said. “I’ve helped out as many kids as I can. I found a young man named Terrell Minor to take over. I was looking for someone to come in and take over for the old guy.” … story at https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/high-school/garfield-wrestling-coach-j-l-williams-retiring-after-40-years-on-the-mat/?mc_cid=148f5f63fc&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
College Results — # 73
TDR Editor’s Notes ; We have listed 14 stories of end-of the regular conference season dual meets. Yes, these are quite delayed but we are catching up. It may be a retreat into the days when there was wrestling. Too much in denial to look at more recent news. Oh, well ….
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Runnin’ Bulldogs Defeat VMI, 23-15, Friday Night
LEXINGTON, Va. – Gardner-Webb took the last four matchups of the evening to earn a 23-15 win over VMI in Southern Conference wrestling action Friday night at Cormack Hall in Lexington, Va.
Gardner-Webb (4-7, 2-4 SoCon) earned its third straight dual win after trailing VMI (4-11, 1-2 SoCon) by a 15-6 margin after six bouts. … story at https://gwusports.com/news/2020/2/14/wrestling-runnin-bulldogs-defeat-vmi-23-15-friday-night.aspx?mc_cid=aac8a693e2&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
No. 11 Lehigh tops Bucknell 32-6 for ninth straight dual win
LEWISBURG, Pa. – No. 11 Lehigh kicked off a stretch of three duals in eight days with a strong 32-8 win at Bucknell Friday night at Davis Gym. The Mountain Hawks won eight bouts, scored bonus points in four of those wins, and held a 19-2 edge in takedowns as Lehigh wins its ninth straight dual, improving to 10-3 overall and 6-1 against EIWA foes. Bucknell actually finished the night with more reversals (three) than takedowns as the Bison fall to 9-5 overall and 8-2 in the EIWA. … story at https://lehighsports.com/news/2020/2/14/wrestling-no-11-lehigh-tops-bucknell-32-6-for-ninth-straight-dual-win.aspx?mc_cid=aac8a693e2&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
Panthers Cruise to 36-6 Win Over West Virginia
Cedar Falls, Iowa – In their last dual at West Gym, seniors Isaiah Patton, Bryce Steiert, Jay Schwarm, Paden Moore, Taylor Lujan, and Max Thomsen celebrated their careers with a 36-6 victory over West Virginia. Schwarm, Thomsen, Steiert and Lujan all earned bonus-point wins to spur the Panther victory. At 125, Schwarm started off the night with a fall 58 seconds into the first period against West Virginia’s Joey Thomas. Schwarm now leads the NCAA in pins with 13 on the season and 12 against D1 opponents. Schwarm currently sits at fifth in the UNI record book with 47 career pins. … story at https://unipanthers.com/news/2020/2/14/wrestling-panthers-cruise-to-36-6-win-over-west-virginia.aspx?mc_cid=aac8a693e2&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
Monarchs Sink Midshipmen, 16-15 in Tie-Breaking Victory
ANNAPOLIS, Md. – In a match where both teams won five bouts by decision, the Old Dominion wrestling team (8-9, 4-2 MAC) came away with a hard-fought 16-15 victory over Navy (8-5, 3-1 EIWA) on Friday night, earning the tie-breaking win by way of criteria after collecting 41 total match points to Navy’s 29. “I thought we wrestled hard in enemy territory,” head coach Steve Martin said after the ODU victory, its fourth in its last five matches. “Navy always fights hard and we knew nothing would be easy going into this match.” … story at https://odusports.com/news/2020/2/14/wrestling-monarchs-earn-tie-breaker-sink-midshipmen-16-15.aspx?mc_cid=aac8a693e2&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
Virginia Builds Early Lead To Take Down Duke 34-15
DURHAM, N.C. – The Virginia wrestling team (8-5, 1-3 ACC) went on the road and picked up the win on Friday (Feb. 14), taking a 34-15 victory over Duke (0-16, 0-4 ACC) at Cameron Indoor Stadium. The Cavaliers won seven weight classes with bonus-point victories in six of them, including a pin by Louie Hayes (Orland Park, Ill.) at 133 pounds, a tech fall by Justin McCoy (New Paris, Pa.) at 157 pounds and major decisions by Denton Spencer (Waverly, Ga.) and Michael Battista at 149 pounds and 184 pounds, respectively. Patrick McCormick (Poquoson, Va.) and Brian Courtney (Sayre, Pa.) both won by forfeit at 125 pounds and 141 pounds. … story at https://virginiasports.com/news/2020/2/14/wrestling-virginia-builds-early-lead-to-take-down-duke-34-15.aspx?mc_cid=aac8a693e2&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
No Love Lost in Northern Illinois’s Battle With Buffalo
DEKALB, Ill. – The Northern Illinois University wrestling team posted a dramatic come-from-behind victory over Mid-American Conference foe Buffalo in Victor E. Court Friday night. The Huskies (12-4, 7-2) scored a 19-16 victory over the Bulls in a contest that featured four overtime matches, three bonus point wins and went down to the final match. … story at https://niuhuskies.com/news/2020/2/14/no-love-lost-in-niu-wrestlings-battle-with-buffalo.aspx?mc_cid=aac8a693e2&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
No. 3 Duhawks Snap Knights’ Reign, Capture A-R-C Crown
Results (PDF)
Waverly, Iowa (February 14, 2020) – In a rematch of last year’s American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) championship , the No. 3 Loras College Duhawks made history Friday night by capturing the program’s first conference title, defeating No. 1 Wartburg 19-17 in a thrilling back-and-forth dual.
The Duhawk victory snapped Wartburg’s run of 27-consecutive conference titles that dated back to 1994 and also handed the Knights their first loss ever at Levick Arena. Head Coach TJ Miller, who wrestled for Wartburg and was coached by his father, put a high emphasis on the importance of what the win means for Loras College. … story at https://duhawks.com/news/2020/2/14/wrestling-no-3-duhawks-snap-knights-reign-capture-a-r-c-crown.aspx?mc_cid=aac8a693e2&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
UTAH VALLEY SNAPS SKID WITH 20-16 SENIOR NIGHT WIN OVER Northern Colorado
OREM, Utah – Utah Valley University wrestling snapped its losing streak with a 20-16 Big 12 Conference victory over Northern Colorado on Friday night at Lockhart Arena.
The Wolverines (2-10, 1-7 Big 12) and Bears (2-7, 1-5 Big 12) split the contest at five wins apiece, but bonus points proved to be the difference as UVU got a pin from freshman Kainalu Estrella (141 pounds) as well as major decisions from seniors Kimball Bastian (174) and Tanner Orndorff (197), and another key win from Taylor LaMont (133) over a top-20 opponent in the final match of the night to seal the win for the Wolverines. … story at https://gouvu.com/news/2020/2/14/wrestling-utah-valley-snaps-skid-with-20-16-senior-night-win-over-unc.aspx?mc_cid=aac8a693e2&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
Huskers Top Wolverines 25-15 in Senior Sendoff
LINCOLN — The fourth-ranked Nebraska wrestling team won six of ten bouts, scoring bonus points in four matches to defeat No. 22 Michigan 25-15 in front of 1,891 fans on Senior Night at the Devaney Center on Friday. Johnny Blankenship, Zak Hensley, David Jensen, Collin Purinton, Kyle Ruettiger and Isaiah White were all honored in a pre-meet ceremony. … story at https://huskers.com/news/2020/2/14/wrestling-neb-wr-michigan-recap.aspx?mc_cid=aac8a693e2&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
SOUTH DAKOTA STATE WINNING STREAK REACHES FOUR
South Dakota State wrestlers Zach Carlson and Tanner Sloan each won by major decision and the Jackrabbits picked up a pair of forfeits to defeat Fresno State, 26-12, in a Big 12 Conference dual Saturday night at Frost Arena. In winning their fourth dual in a row, the Jackrabbits improved to 11-5 overall and 6-2 in Big 12 action. Fresno State dropped to 9-9 overall and 4-3 against league foes. The Bulldogs forfeited at 125 and 149 pounds, allowing SDSU to build a 15-3 lead through four matches. Clay Carlson posted a 7-3 decision over Gary Joint in the 141-pound bout for the lone Jackrabbit victory in a contested match in the early going. … story at https://gojacks.com/news/2020/2/15/wrestling-winning-streak-reaches-four.aspx?mc_cid=73f08c1943&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
As another woeful Big Ten slate comes to an end, Maryland remains focused
Five weeks separate Maryland wrestling from the NCAA Championships in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and with records of 2-14 overall and 0-8 in Big Ten duals, time is running out for the Terps to earn a statement win. Just three duals remain for Maryland, and, perhaps more importantly, coach Alex Clemsen’s team finishes up its Big Ten schedule Sunday against No. 24 Northwestern. The Terps will wrestle on the main floor of Xfinity Center as part of the Beauty and the Beast promotion with Maryland gymnastics. While It seems like the time for urgency within the program, the importance of Sunday’s dual is no greater than any others this season for Clemsen and his team — it’s just another match. …. story at http://dbknews.com/2020/02/15/maryland-wrestling-match-dual-northwestern-alex-clemsen/?mc_cid=73f08c1943&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
Nittany Lions Down #3 Ohio State in Sold Out Bryce Jordan Center
Nick Lee takes care of Luke Pletcher in dual’s marquee match-up at 141
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – The Penn State Nittany Lions (11-2, 8-1 B1G), ranked No. 2 in the latest InterMat Tournament Power Index, rode a string of three straight bonus wins at the second half to beat No. 3 Ohio State (10-4, 6-3 B1G) in the 2020 BJC Dual. Head coach Cael Sanderson‘s squad won its fifth-straight over Ohio State, posting a 20-16 win in front of a sold-out BJC crowd. The dual was a BTN national telecast.
A sell-out crowd of 15,995 saw Penn State take down the Buckeyes. The crowd is the third largest in Penn State history and the third largest for an indoor dual in NCAA history. Penn State owns the top two indoor figures in NCAA history (15,998 vs. Iowa on Feb. 10, 2018; 15,996 vs. Pitt on Dec. 8, 2013). The two largest attendance totals were both in outdoor/football stadiums. ….. story at https://gopsusports.com/news/2020/2/15/wrestling-nittany-lions-down-3-ohio-state-in-sold-out-bryce-jordan-center.aspx?mc_cid=73f08c1943&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
Hawkeyes Top Minnesota to Clinch B1G Regular Season Title
IOWA CITY, Iowa — Senior Michael Kemerer put the finishing touches on a Hawkeye route Saturday, pinning No. 9 Devin Skatzka in two minutes, 52 seconds to punctuate top-ranked Iowa’s 35-6 win over No. 13 Minnesota.
Kemerer, ranked No. 1 at 174, led 4-2 in the first period before rolling up a cradle, sending 12,608 fans home happy and clinching Iowa’s first outright Big Ten regular season title since 2015.
It was also the Hawkeyes’ third top-10 win of the evening, and the fifth match that ended in bonus points. …. story at https://hawkeyesports.com/news/2020/2/15/wrestling-hawkeyes-top-minnesota-to-clinch-b1g-regular-season-title.aspx?mc_cid=73f08c1943&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
North Dakota State Defeats No. 21 Stanford 28-13
FARGO, N.D.–North Dakota State won six of 10 bouts including pins from 174-pounder Luke Weber and 133 Cam Sykora to defeat No. 21 Stanford in a non-conference dual on Saturday, Feb. 15, before 499 in Scheels Center. It marked the fourth straight season the Bison have knocked off a nationally-ranked team.
NDSU (8-3, 4-1 #Big12WR) is scheduled to Air Force (4-6, 1-5 #Big12WR) at 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 16, for Senior Day. The Falcons lost 24-10 at Oklahoma on Friday night. …. story at https://gobison.com/news/2020/2/15/wrestling-ndsu-defeats-21-stanford-28-13.aspx?mc_cid=73f08c1943&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
USA grabs three men’s freestyle golds at Pan Am Olympic Qualifier
For the most part, the United States buried opponents Sunday under an avalanche of takedowns and turns on what turned out to be a near-perfect freestyle mission for the Americans at the Pan Am Olympic Qualifier. Thomas Gilman wore down two-time U23 World champion Reineri Andreu Ortega of Cuba and tore through a couple more opponents on his way to winning the gold at 57 kilograms. David Taylor punctuated his return to competition with two dominant performances against stingy opponents en route to the title at 86 kilos. Nick Gwiazdowski registered two shutout technical superiority wins during his run to gold at 125 kilograms. Zain Retherford was on his way, too — until a stunning turn of events left the Americans facing one last chance to qualify the 65-kilogram weight class for Tokyo. Retherford scored a takedown 30 seconds into his semifinal match against Argentina’s Agustin Destribats was transitioned into a leg lace when he lost his lock and got reversed to his back for a fall. Destribats is just the fourth Argentinian to qualify for the Olympics in men’s freestyle and the first since 1996. The United States, on the other hand, must now qualify a 65-kilogram participant through the World Olympic Qualifier, which was originally scheduled to begin April 30 but has since been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The U.S. has failed to qualify a weight class for the Olympics only once — 60 kilograms in 2008 — but Mike Zadick was added to the field that year as an alternate. “Of course, I’m disappointed for Zain because he feels bad, I’m disappointed because we didn’t get the weight qualified, but given the situation, I think we’re about 30 seconds away from tech falling that guy,” USA Wrestling men’s freestyle coach Bill Zadick said. “We’ll look at it and see. Maybe we just got a little too greedy in a position or just got caught. I was talking to some of our other staff and sometimes you can pin people you can’t beat. Maybe Zain was in a unique situation, but I’m no less proud of him.” Gilman did his part at 57 kilograms, registering a pair of technical superiority wins, along with a 4-3 victory in a quarterfinal slugfest against the Cuban. The 2017 World silver medalist went ahead on a kneetap midway through the second period and shut down Andreu the rest of the way. … story at https://www.trackwrestling.com/PortalPost.jsp?TIM=1584420799588&twSessionId=ujmxjpjihb&postId=778143135
College Results — # 72
Augustana Takes Down No. 17 Minnesota State
The Vikings Defeated Two Ranked Wrestlers
MANKATO, Minn. — The Augustana wrestling team recorded its fifth win over nationally-ranked opponents Friday night in the Taylor Center in Mankato, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the Minnesota State Mavericks 24-13 to move to 10-3 on the season and 6-1 in the NSIC. “We showed a lot of heart tonight,” head coach Jason Reitmeier said. “I’m proud of the effort, this team is resilient and nothing keeps them down.” … story at http://goaugie.com/news/2020/2/14/augustana-wrestling-takes-down-no-17-minnesota-state.aspx?mc_cid=aac8a693e2&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
No. 13 Ashland Win Seventh Straight Dual To End Season
Ashland University’s No. 13 wrestling team traveled to Davenport on Friday (Feb. 14) night and topped the Panthers, 33-12, in its final dual of the season. The victory was the seventh straight dual win for the Eagles, as they won every dual after the new year. … story at https://ashland.prestosports.com/sports/wrest/2019-20/releases/20200214vpyg3v?mc_cid=aac8a693e2&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
No.2 McKendree Closes Out Senior Night with a 55-0 Victory
(LEBANON, Ill. – Feb. 14) – McKendree University’s No.2 men’s wrestling honored seven seniors at their final home competition of the 2019-20 season Friday night along with a dual against Ouachita Baptist University. The Bearcats held their own with a 55-0 victory. The seven seniors – … story at https://mckbearcats.com/news/2020/2/14/no-2-mens-wrestling-closes-out-senior-night-with-a-55-0-victory.aspx?mc_cid=aac8a693e2&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
Ninth-Ranked Wildcats Takedown Roger Williams 27-9
PROVIDENCE, RI – The Johnson & Wales University wrestling team ran out to a fast start against rival Roger Williams University and never looked back. The ninth-ranked Wildcats won their eighth match in a row over the Hawks, 27-9, on Friday. Tommy Wrzesien got the Wildcats on the board with a decisive 7-1 decision over Travis Arata at 197 pounds. A run of three-straight major decisions started when Michael DiNardo beat Addison Voisvert, 12-1, at 285 pounds. It was his 147th career win, giving him sole possession of second place on the JWU all-time list. … story at https://providence.jwuathletics.com/sports/wrest/2019-20/releases/20200214vuiqnx?mc_cid=aac8a693e2&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
No. 7 Baldwin-Wallace Takes Down West Liberty (W. Va.) on Seniors’ Night
BEREA, Ohio – On Seniors’ Night, the No. 7 Nationally-Ranked Baldwin Wallace University wrestling team defeated NCAA Division II opponent, West Liberty (W. Va.) University 24-12 in the Lou Higgins Center, inside Ursprung Gymnsium. BW (13-3 overall) tallied five decisions, one major decision, and one technical fall. … story at https://www.bwyellowjackets.com/sports/wrest/2019-20/releases/westliberty?mc_cid=aac8a693e2&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
Knights Fall in A-R-C Championship to Loras
WAVERLY, Iowa – The top-ranked Wartburg wrestling team fell 19-17 to No. 3 Loras College in the American Rivers Conference Championship on Feb. 14 at Levick Arena. Wartburg’s conference title streak ends at 27 seasons along with the conference dual streak coming to a halt at 220-straight victories dating back to 1994. … story at https://go-knights.net/news/2020/2/14/wrestling-knights-fall-in-a-r-c-championship-to-loras.aspx?mc_cid=aac8a693e2&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
No. 6 The College of New Jersey Honors Seniors Prior to Friday Night Victory
Senior Insert (PDF)
EWING, N.J. – The College of New Jersey wrestling team honored its four graduating senior team members Friday night before a 38-6 victory over Delaware Valley. In their final matches in Packer Hall, Nic Mele, Giancarlo Crivelli, and Dan Kilroy each scored six team points for the sixth-ranked Lions (16-1). The final senior, Mike Plaska, was unable to compete due to injury. Mele started the Lions off with a forfeit win at 141. After the Aggies (5-12) answered with a decision win at 149, Matthew Surich got out to a 16-1 lead early in the third period to earn a technical fall and end the match. … story at https://tcnjathletics.com/news/2020/2/14/no-6-wrestling-honors-seniors-prior-to-friday-night-victory.aspx?mc_cid=aac8a693e2&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
#9 Mines Completes Unbeaten RMAC Season
GOLDEN, Colo. – Colorado School of Mines completed its first-ever perfect RMAC season, dispatching CSU-Pueblo 26-20 to wrap up the outright conference championship. The Orediggers (9-2, 7-0 RMAC) relied on bonus points as Taylor Gambill, #6 Robert Gambrell, and #12 Anderson Salisbury recorded falls and #6 Skyler Lykins had a technical fall to overcome an early Thunderwolves lead. Mines, who shared the RMAC title last year with Western Colorado, finished out the dual season ensuring they will be alone atop the standings thanks to the win. CSU-Pueblo ends at 4-7 overall and 3-4 in the RMAC. … story at https://minesathletics.com/news/2020/2/14/wrestling-9-mines-completes-unbeaten-rmac-season.aspx?mc_cid=aac8a693e2&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
Clarion Snuffs Golden Flashes, 30-8
CLARION, Pa. – The Golden Eagle wrestling team clinched a winning dual season with a dominant effort over Kent State on Friday, as Clarion defeated the Golden Flashes 30-8 at Tippin Gym. Clarion (9-5, 6-3 MAC East) took eight of the 10 bouts to claim their first win over Kent State since the 2000-01 season, snapping a nine-match losing streak to the Golden Flashes.
Brock Zacherl wrestled the final home dual of his Clarion career, defeating Kody Komara 3-2 in the 149-pound bout. … story at https://clariongoldeneagles.com/news/2020/2/14/wrestling-snuffs-golden-flashes-30-8.aspx?mc_cid=aac8a693e2&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
Oklahoma U. GETS IN THE WIN COLUMN, DEFEATS AIR FORCE 24-10
NORMAN – Oklahoma used three major decisions and wins from all five of its ranked wrestlers to defeat Air Force, 24-10, inside McCasland Field House on Friday night. The win snapped a four-match losing streak for the Sooners (4-6 overall, 2-5 Big 12), who took the lead after the third bout of the night and never looked back, as the program improved to 5-0 all-time versus Air Force (4-6 overall, 1-5 Big 12). … story at https://soonersports.com/news/2020/2/14/wrestling-sooners-beat-air-force-24-10.aspx?mc_cid=aac8a693e2&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
Kelbly’s Pin Secures CSU’s Ninth Win
QUICK HITS
- Cleveland State survived a late scare to top Bloomsburg, 23-13
- John Kelbly secured the win with a pin in the final bout at heavyweight
- It was Kelbly’s fifth pin of the season
- Evan Cheek posted his team-leading 32nd win with a technical fall
- Nico O’Dor posted an upset with a late takedown at 157 pounds
- Chase Archangelo, Logan Heil and Riley Smucker also added wins for CSU
- DeAndre Nassar nearly upset the top wrestler in the MAC at 184 pounds
- Cleveland State’s nine wins are its highest total in over a decade
Rutgers Pounds No. 25 Northwestern, 26-13, on Senior Night
PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Behind six individual victories, including a fall from Alex Esposito (HWT) and a Top-10 upset from No. 25 Nicolas Aguilar (125), Rutgers wrestling (10-6, 4-5) defeated No. 25 Northwestern (4-7, 2-6), 25-13, on Friday night in front of 3,497 fans at the RAC.
Willie Scott (174) worked a technical fall while No. 9 Sammy Alvarez (133), No. 15 Billy Janzer (184), and Gerard Angelo (149) all added bonus points with major decisions against the Wildcats, as the Scarlet Knights moved to 4-0 all-time against Northwestern since RU joined the Big Ten Conference in 2014. … story at https://scarletknights.com/news/2020/2/14/wrestling-pounds-no-25-northwestern-26-13-on-senior-night.aspx?mc_cid=aac8a693e2&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
College Wrestlers Inspire
Kerry McCoy, Ed Ruth and Kevin Jackson are trying to increase diversity in wrestling and inspire the next generation
Kerry McCoy, Ed Ruth and Kevin Jackson were all impressive wrestlers who put together illustrious careers. The trio combined has 11 All-American nods, five national titles, three Olympic appearances and an Olympic gold medal between them among other accolades. They did it all, visualized their success and reached the pinnacle of the sport despite having very few people who looked like them who did the same. McCoy is the first black national champion in Penn State wrestling history, Jackson is the second-ever black Olympic gold medalist in American history and Ruth is the only black three-time NCAA champion in Penn State history. But it’s in part because of what Bobby Douglas — the first black Olympic wrestler in history — and Kenny Monday, the first black Olympic gold medalist in history, as well as Nate Carr and others did that enabled McCoy, Ruth and Jackson to realize their goals were possible. “As people in general when you see someone that looks like you accomplishing great things or accomplishing goals, or just being on that platform, it does motivate you to be able to visualize believe that you’re capable as well,” Jackson told the Daily Collegian. It was Monday and others who inspired McCoy and helped him visualize the possibility for success in a sport that has been predominantly white for almost all of its existence. But there was one place where wrestlers of color hadn’t yet ascended to the top of their sport — inside the Penn State wrestling room. … story at https://www.collegian.psu.edu/sports/wrestling/article_5c8d642a-4e07-11ea-bdee-8bc4b7f1f05c.html?mc_cid=a84c1748d7&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
Epps hopes to lead Augsburg to national title, claim third individual title
Augsburg coach Jim Moulsoff knows it won’t be easy to say goodbye to Ryan Epps. The two-time national champion embodies everything you want in a successful student-athlete. Epps is one of the leaders on the loaded Augsburg College wrestling team and he also excels in the classroom. Epps, a senior from Cannon Falls, Minn., has compiled a remarkable 136-12 career record in college. Seven of those losses came his freshman year. “Ryan’s the hardest working kid,” Moulsoff said. “He never stops moving forward and looking to score. He’s relentless.”
Epps, who competes at 157 pounds, is one of four returning national champions in the powerful Augsburg lineup. The Auggies also feature two-time national champion Lucas Jeske (165) along with national champions David Flynn (141) and Lance Benick (197).
“It’s nice to have guys on our team who have similar mindsets of wanting to be successful — I think each guy feeds off that,” Epps said. “Everyone is buying into what we’re doing and everyone is working hard.”
Augsburg has 120 points back from the team that rolled to the NCAA Division III team title in 2019.
“Last year, we did a great job peaking at the right time and wrestling to our potential,” Epps said. “We’re working hard to do the same thing again this season.”
Epps is 24-1 this season and ranked No.2 nationally at 157 pounds. His lone loss was an 8-4 setback to fourth-ranked Brandon Murray of Loras at the National Duals. All-American Grant Zamin of Wisconsin-La Crosse is ranked No. 1 at 157. … story at https://intermatwrestle.com/articles/23185?mc_cid=aac8a693e2&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
NWCA releases Mid-Major Top 20 Poll
Manheim, Pennsylvania — The National Wrestling Coaches Association released its first Mid-Major Top 20 of the season on Thursday. Formulated in 2017, the Mid-Major Top 20 concentrates on the programs that fall outside of the traditional “Power 5” conferences.
The EIWA conference dominated the top 5 with four of the top five teams led by Lehigh which was ranked first. Northern Iowa was right behind the Mountain Hawks in the second position. Princeton, which just won its first Ivy League Championship since 1986 fell into the third spot. The Tigers had a win in November over Lehigh.
Rounding out the top five is Cornell in fourth and Army West Point in fifth.
The Southern Conference made a big splash in the next five with Campbell reaching their highest Mid-Major Poll ranking ever falling into the 6th spot. Appalachian State was right on their heels falling into the 8th spot. … story at http://www.nwcaonline.com/nwca-releases-mid-major-top-20-poll-2/?mc_cid=a84c1748d7&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
College Results — # 71
Auggies get 4 pins in 40-9 win over Cobbers
MINNEAPOLIS — Claiming seven bonus-point decisions in winning eight of 10 bouts, including four by pin, the No. 2-ranked Augsburg University men’s wrestling team scored a 40-9 dual-meet victory over Concordia College-Moorhead on Thursday evening at Si Melby Hall.
THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE: Augsburg 40, Concordia-Moorhead 9
LOCATION: Si Melby Hall, Minneapolis
RECORDS: Augsburg 7-2 overall, Concordia-Moorhead 6-5 overall …. story at https://athletics.augsburg.edu/news/2020/2/13/mwr021320.aspx?mc_cid=a84c1748d7&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
WV Tech win Three straight for the Golden Bears
BECKLEY, West Virginia — WVU Tech wrestling picked up its third consecutive win with a 32-18 decision over Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) opponent Bluefield College Thursday evening in Van Meter Gym. The Golden Bears finish the regular season 4-7, 2-2 (AAC). … story at https://goldenbearathletics.com/news/2020/2/13/wrestling-three-straight-for-the-golden-bears.aspx?mc_cid=a84c1748d7&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
Manchester Spartans Top Thunder 27-23 in Home Finale
NORTH MANCHESTER, Ind. – The Manchester University wrestling team won a hard-fought 27-23 dual against Trine in the team’s home finale on Thursday evening in Stauffer-Wolfe Arena. Elijah Phillips (Centerville, Ind./Centerville) got the Black and Gold on the scoreboard with a pin at 133-lbs. Freshman Ellisston Ross (Bloomington, Ind./Bloomington South) added a 5-3 decision at 157-lbs. …. story at https://www.muspartans.com/sports/wrest/2019-20/releases/20200213uw49kj?mc_cid=a84c1748d7&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
Millikin Wins First Ever CCIW Wrestling Championship
The Millikin wrestling team won the 2020 College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) Wrestling Championships team title on February 13 at the Griswold Center. It was the first ever team title in Big Blue wrestling history. Millikin edged North Central College 135-134 with the championship not being decided until the third place match at 285 won by Millikin’s Frank Tomaskovic. Millikin Head Coach Ryan Birt was named the CCIW Coach of the Year. … story at https://athletics.millikin.edu/news/2020/2/13/millikin-wins-first-ever-cciw-wrestling-championship.aspx?mc_cid=a84c1748d7&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
Central thumps Simpson in conference wrestling finale
PELLA — On the heels of a frustrating few weeks for the Central College wrestling team, the Dutch romped over Simpson College to the tune of 36-14 Thursday night in the final dual of the season. The Dutch (12-6, 3-5 American Rivers Conference) had lost four of its previous five dual matches, all against ranked opponents. They left no doubt against Simpson (3-12, 1-7 conference) as six of their seven victories were decided by either fall or technical fall. “Our team showed what they are capable of tonight,” coach Eric Van Kley said. “It was a tremendous crowd in (P.H. Kuyper Gymnasium) tonight and I think we fed off that energy.” … story at https://athletics.central.edu/news/2020/2/13/central-thumps-simpson-in-conference-wrestling-finale.aspx?mc_cid=a84c1748d7&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
#25 Mavericks Upend #13 Adams State in Road Dual
ALAMOSA, Colo. – The No. 25 Colorado Mesa men’s wrestling team pulled off the upset on Thursday evening, upending No. 13 (tied) Adams State, 27-17 in Plachy Hall in a Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference dual. The Mavericks (9-4, 5-1 RMAC) won six of the ten bouts that included a forfeit win at 197 pounds en route to the win. …. story at https://cmumavericks.com/news/2020/2/13/wrestling-25-mavericks-upend-13-adams-state-in-road-dual.aspx?mc_cid=a84c1748d7&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
Crusaders Finish Regular Season With League-Best Record
BRISTOL, TENN. – The Belmont Abbey wrestling team finished off the regular season with a 39-12 victory over King Thursday. The Crusaders finished the season with a 14-4 record and a 6-1 South Atlantic Conference Carolinas record. The Abbey is currently in first place in the league and can finish tied for the best record. … story at https://abbeyathletics.prestosports.com/sports/wrest/2019-20/releases/20200213xl9c3o?mc_cid=a84c1748d7&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
Univ. Nebraska Kearney Tames the Tigers Again, 34-11
Kearney, Neb. – The third-ranked Nebraska-Kearney wrestling team used two tech falls and two falls to down 22nd-ranked Fort Hays State, 34-11 (PDF), Thursday night in Kansas. This was the regular season finale for the Lopers (13-6, 3-1). Up next is the NCAA Super Region IV Championships February 29th at the Health & Sports Center. … story at https://lopers.com/news/2020/2/13/wrestling-unk-tames-the-tigers-again-34-11.aspx?mc_cid=a84c1748d7&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
#1 St. Cloud State clinches 9th consecutive NSIC championship
The #1 St. Cloud State University wrestling team (15-0, 7-0 NSIC) continued its amazing string of success by clinching at least a share of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference championship for the ninth consecutive season thanks to a 29-9 victory over #10 Upper Iowa (12-5, 5-3 NSIC) on Thursday, Feb. 13 at SCSU’s Halenbeck Hall in St. Cloud, Minn. … story at https://scsuhuskies.com/news/2020/2/13/-1-st-cloud-state-clinches-9th-consecutive-nsic-wrestling-championship.aspx?mc_cid=a84c1748d7&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
No. 20 Camels down App State 20-13
BUIES CREEK, N.C. – Noah Gonser’s major decision clinched No. 20 Campbell’s 20-13 win over Appalachian State Thursday night inside Carter Gym. In a matchup of the only two unbeaten teams in SoCon action, the Camels (9-2, 5-0 SoCon) claimed four of the final five bouts to top the visiting Mountaineers (8-3, 5-1 SoCon). The win marked Campbell’s seventh-straight, including five SoCon matches. … story at https://gocamels.com/news/2020/2/13/wrestling-no-20-camels-down-app-state-20-13.aspx?mc_cid=a84c1748d7&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
Popolizio and the Pack
How a coaching change and the creation of #PackMentality took NC State to new heights and gave Raleigh wrestling fever.
If a casual sports fan had wandered into William Neal Reynolds Coliseum on the campus of North Carolina State last Friday, they would have been greeted by the crowd of more than 4300 fans who were there to watch the dual meet between #3 NC State and their bitter rival, #8 UNC. They would have walked into a wall of sound coming from the Wolfpack fans and laid their eyes on a sea of red that filled seemingly every nook and cranny of the arena. The environment was exactly what you would expect in a high stakes rivalry sporting event and, if one knew nothing of wrestling or the history of NC State’s program, they would have thought that the Wolfpack was a perennial power and that crowds like this were fairly normal for wrestling matches. What they wouldn’t know is that less than a decade ago, attendance was scarce and wins were rare. They wouldn’t know that just eight years ago, the Wolfpack finished dead last in the ACC and scored a half point at the NCAA Tournament – and that half point was cause for celebration! What a casual sports fan wouldn’t know or ever assume by witnessing the record setting crowd in Reynolds Coliseum last Friday is how far the NC State Wrestling program has come in the last eight years, a turnaround that started with Debbie Yow’s decision to hire a man that would come to be known as “Skip.”
Part 1: The Skip
March of 2012 was a good month for Pat Popolizio. The Niskayuna, New York native was wrapping up his sixth year as the head coach at Binghamton University and had just led the Bearcats to a 14th place finish at the NCAA Tournament a mere five years after going winless in dual meets in 2006-07. Donnie Vinson and Nick Gwiazdowski had both earned All American honors in 2012 and had at least one year of eligibility left and both looked to be legitimate national title contenders in the very near future. It was starting to look like Binghamton could make a real run at cracking the top ten and putting multiple wrestlers in the national finals, a monumental feat for a program that had been reinstated less than a decade prior. Popolizio finally had things rolling at Binghamton and was excited to see what would come next, but little did he know that he would find himself trading Binghamton green for NC State red just a few weeks later. …. story at http://www.hmawrestling.com/article/popolizio-and-the-pack/?mc_cid=a84c1748d7&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
College News & Results — # 70
U.S. Coast Guard Academy Beats MMA to Clinch SUPT Trophy For Sixth Straight Season
KINGS POINT, N.Y. — Coast Guard, ranked 10th nationally, won eight of the ten matches to secure the Superintendents’ Trophy for the sixth straight year with a 24-7 win over archrival Merchant Marine. Coast Guard now leads the Superintendents’ Trophy 10-1 with seven contests left in the 2019-20 year. The Bears finish the season 7-2 in dual meets. All ten matches were decided by decision with Noah Caskey (141), AJ Pagliarulo (149), Philip Rogers (165), AJ Aeberli (174), Paul Detwiler (184), Jon Wagner (197), Patrick Irwin (Hwt.) and Parker Brunkala (125) all picking up wins by decision. Merchant Marine held a slight 7-6 edge after four matches before the final six matches of the night. Coast Guard clinched the win with an Irwin 8-2 decision at heavyweight. … story at https://uscgasports.com/sports/wrest/2019-20/releases/20200212wcq34y?mc_cid=e1e9966c02&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
#25 Mavericks Win Eight Bouts in Dual Win
LAS VEGAS, N.M. – The No. 25 Colorado Mesa men’s wrestling team started the road trip off right with a 35-6 win over New Mexico Highlands on Wednesday evening in a Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference dual.
Cian Apple (125) and Dylan Keeney (133) opened the dual with a pair of pins to give the Mavericks an early 12-0 lead. Apple earned a first round pin while Keeney’s came late in the second round.
At 141 pounds, redshirt sophomore Daniel Van Hoose dropped a close 6-4 decision to Jonathan Trujillo who entered the bout ranked No. 12 nationally. …. story at https://cmumavericks.com/news/2020/2/12/wrestling-25-mavericks-win-eight-bouts-in-dual-win.aspx?mc_cid=e1e9966c02&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
Central Oklahoma Bronchos Fall To No. 2 McKendree
LEBANON, Ill. (Feb. 12) – No. 6-ranked Central Oklahoma had a six-match winning streak snapped Wednesday night with a hard-fought 20-12 loss to No. 2 McKendree. The Bronchos won four of the 10 matches and were within 14-12 after 184 pounds, but the Bearcats won the final two weights to secure the win. UCO fell to 11-2 on the season. “It was a good, tough match and we just came up a little short,” head coach Todd Steidley said. “We wrestled hard, but McKendree has a great team and they were just better than us tonight.” … story at https://bronchosports.com/news/2020/2/12/wrestling-bronchos-fall-to-no-2-mckendree.aspx?mc_cid=e1e9966c02&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
For Chris Ayres and Princeton wrestling, a breakthrough in 14-year journey with more to come
The emotions of 14 years of struggle overwhelmed Chris Ayres on Sunday as Travis Stefanik locked up a cradle in the closing seconds of his 184-pound match. Stefanik’s win clinched a 19-13 victory for the Princeton University wresting team over Cornell that ended the Big Red’s Ivy League winning streak at 92 matches and 18 years. … story at https://www.nj.com/sports/2020/02/for-chris-ayres-and-princeton-wrestling-a-breakthrough-in-14-year-journey-with-more-to-come.html?mc_cid=e1e9966c02&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
KILLORAN’S PIN SEALS NO. 17 GOLDEN BEARS’ 26-16 SENIOR NIGHT WIN OVER SHIPPENSBURG
KUTZTOWN, Pa. — Reserve heavyweight Tommy Killoran’s (Perkiomenville, Pa./Boyertown) third period pin caused an eruption from the Kutztown bench and secured a 26-16 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference dual win over Shippensburg for the 17th-ranked Golden Bears on Senior Night, Wednesday, at Keystone Arena. Killoran has spent two seasons training with the top heavyweight in defending national champion Andrew Dunn Jr. (Bethlehem, Pa./Bethlehem Catholic), and has put that work to good use in limited action this season. Wrestling in just his second dual of the season, Killoran delivered in his final home match. Shippensburg’s (8-10, 0-7 PSAC) Dan Scheib led 4-2 after two periods and chose the bottom to start the third, hoping to add more of a buffer with escape. That decision backfired when Killoran rolled him over and stuck him 40 seconds into the final stanza. … story at https://kubears.com/news/2020/2/12/wrestling-killorans-pin-seals-no-17-golden-bears-26-16-senior-night-win-over-shippensburg.aspx?mc_cid=e1e9966c02&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
Morgan takes SoCon Wrestler of the Week
BUIES CREEK, N.C. – After earning his 12th win in his last 14 outings, Campbell’s Andrew Morgan has been named the Southern Conference’s Wrestler of the Week for February 5-11. Morgan, ranked No. 6 in the nation at 184 pounds, shut out No. 14 Matthew Waddell 5-0, and locked in Campbell’s 26-11 win over Chattanooga on Saturday. The victory was Campbell’s sixth straight dual win, remaining perfect in SoCon action. …. story at https://gocamels.com/news/2020/2/12/wrestling-morgan-takes-socon-wrestler-of-the-week.aspx?mc_cid=e1e9966c02&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
‘They’ve grown to be brothers’: UNC wrestling roommates form a successful foundation
“Company is misery’s best companion,” Joey Melendez said, seated next to his teammates Clay Lautt, Jaime Hernandez and Zach Sherman. “Going through it together is way better than doing it by yourself.” The four UNC wrestlers had just finished a Monday evening practice in the blistering hot wrestling facility tucked away in Fetzer Hall. They walk out of the locker room and back to the mats together, exchanging jokes and laughs before crouching down with tired legs in folding chairs. Upon meeting the group, it’s easy to see the friendship shared among them. The quartet are all starters on a team that has seen a meteoric rise into a top-10 national ranking; all sought-after recruits that took a chance in leaving their home states to come to Chapel Hill. And they all share an off-campus house together. …. story at https://www.dailytarheel.com/article/2020/02/four-unc-wrestlers-find-success-as-roommates?mc_cid=e1e9966c02&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
ARGOS DEFEAT LIGHTS IN FINAL REGULAR SEASON DUAL
BILLINGS, Mont. – In the final dual of the regular season, the #9 University of Providence men’s wrestling team defeated Montana State Northern 28-14 in Billings Thursday night. The Argos got down 6-0 early before T. J. Baun (141 lbs.) got a big win in the third match of the night. Shonn Roberts (149 lbs.) and Casey Dobson (157 lbs.) recorded back to back pins to give the Argos the lead. Jordan Komac (165 lbs.) defeated Nakoda Seigel in a tough match. Hayden Schrull (184 lbs.) sealed the deal with a pin before Justin Harbison (285 lbs.) closed the dual out with a major decision. …. story at https://upargos.com/news/2020/2/13/mens-wrestling-argos-defeat-lights-in-final-regular-season-dual.aspx?mc_cid=a84c1748d7&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
Stanford Cardinal Dominates Little Rock
STANFORD, Calif. – No. 13 Stanford won eight of 10 bouts in a dominating 38-10 win over Little Rock, Thursday, at Burnham Pavilion. Stanford improved to 11-2 overall and 4-1 in the Pac-12 Conference. Little Rock, which is in its inaugural season of wrestling and is the newest member of the Pac-12, dropped to 1-7 overall and 0-2 in the conference. During the intermission, Stanford recognized its five seniors –Jake Barry, Brandon Kier, Trevor Rasmussen, David Showunmi and Gabriel Townsell – as it was the final regular-season home dual on The Farm. …. story at https://gostanford.com/news/2020/2/13/wrestling-cardinal-dominates-little-rock.aspx
Diplomats Secure Rupp Cup Win
LANCASTER, Pa. – Franklin & Marshall’s wrestling team celebrated senior night with a commanding 23-10 win over Millersville on Thursday evening in Mayser, bringing the Rupp Cup trophy back to campus. The Diplomats improved to 5-6 while the Marauders fell to 7-10. Before the start of the annual rivalry, the Diplomats honored their six-member senior class of Cole Aaron, Brett Kulp, Emmett LiCastri, Reid Robilotto, Eli Smith, and Jimmy Stillerman. …. story at https://www.godiplomats.com/sports/m-wrestl/2019-20/releases/20200213xjgaor?mc_cid=a84c1748d7&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
College Coaches’ News
Azevedo To Be Inducted into California Wrestling Hall of Fame
PHILADELPHIA – Mert and Joanne Hill Head Coach of Wrestling Matt Azevedo will be one of 11 inductees into the California Wrestling Hall of Fame, when the organization holds its banquet on June 13.
Azevedo is in his ninth season at the helm with Drexel. He has coached the Dragons to their first appearance in the USA Today/NCWA DI Coaches Poll and kept Drexel in the Top 25 for six weeks in the 2016-17 season. The next year, Drexel finished the season ranked in the coaches poll as well as three other rankings compiled by national media outlets Intermat and FloWrestling. The Dragons have won 10 or more duals in three of the last four complete seasons. Twenty-eight Drexel wrestlers have qualified for the NCAA Wrestling Championships under Azevedo’s watch. …. story at https://drexeldragons.com/news/2020/2/12/azevedo-to-be-inducted-into-california-wrestling-hall-of-fame.aspx?mc_cid=e1e9966c02&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
Penn State coach Cael Sanderson speaks out on how to grow wrestling
Cael Sanderson is a titan at seemingly every level of the wrestling world. He’s the most successful collegiate wrestler in NCAA Division I history, won an Olympic Gold and has won eight NCAA titles as a head coach. And yet, one of the sport’s biggest names at one of the country’s most well-known universities, feels he only has so much pull when it comes to changing and growing the sport he’s made his livelihood. “I just try to do the best that I can with the job I’ve been hired to do. That’s how we try to do our best to make the sport more interesting, more competitive and I think that’s happening as we’re seeing just with numbers alone,” Sanderson said. “We’re just gonna do what we can control. That’s always been my philosophy — just do the job I was hired to do.” Sanderson knows wrestling is a niche sport that is difficult to follow and understand at times. Of the nine NCAA sanctioned men’s team sports at the Division I level, wrestling ranks fifth with 75 programs, well behind the next closest sport, swimming and diving, which has 131 teams competing. … story at https://www.collegian.psu.edu/sports/wrestling/article_1fd672e0-4d32-11ea-9957-0fde7402caf6.html?mc_cid=e1e9966c02&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
Univ. Pitt-Johnstown’s Pecora alone at the top of the mountain
No coach in college wrestling history has won more dual meets than Pat Pecora. The University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown coach watched his Mountain Cats defeat Mercyhurst, 22-12, last Friday – giving him 617 career victories, one more than Dale Thomas of Oregon State. The man who said he always thought of coaching as a family was surrounded after the match by current and former wrestlers who helped him reach that remarkable wins total. “When I started coaching, I was 22 years old. What did I know? I never was even an assistant coach in my life,” Pecora said at the UPJ Wellness Center. “I ran a team like my parents raised a family. That’s all it was. That’s what I try to do in everything I’m in.” Pecora arrived at UPJ in 1976 to take over a young Mountain Cats program, and his first team went 4-12. But the Cats have had only one losing season since, and have rolled up 29 straight winning campaigns. …. story at https://www.tribdem.com/news/editorials/editorial-upj-s-pecora-alone-at-the-top-of-the/article_acbf4f6a-4d0a-11ea-8257-57b3979032fe.html?mc_cid=e1e9966c02&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
Family-first mentality propels Pat Pecora to all-time NCAA wins record
By STEVE ROTSTEINPittsburgh
Post-Gazette srotstein@post-gazette.com
story at https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/other-colleges/2020/02/12/pat-pecora-pitt-johnstown-mountain-cats-wrestling-chris-eddins-jody-strittmatter/stories/202002120026?mc_cid=e1e9966c02&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
TDR blog
After 20 seasons of publicizing wrestling The TakeDown Report’s (TDR) focus has changed to the collecting of college coaching records from North America since 1903. We will continue to recognize and reward successful wrestlers in eastern North Carolina (east of Raleigh & Fayetteville), assist with schools in starting or re-starting a team and this blog. Join us on our FaceBook Page – “The TakeDown Report” for photos and news. Please send results, stories, links and news to pass along. E-mail us at takedownreport@gmail.com
Martin Fleming, Editor
Takedown Report
