Freestyle U23 World Team Trials Tournament concludes
Five of the ten spots for the U23 men’s freestyle World Team were claimed Sunday afternoon in Akron. However, it is unknown which five spots they will be. Five of the trials tournament winners can still be challenged by U23 eligible wrestlers that are competing for a Senior World Team spot in Final X.
The wrestlers eligible to challenge include Daton Fix, Yianni Diakomihalis, Ryan Deakin, Bo Nickal, and Gable Steveson. While the aforementioned wrestlers are penciled in for Final X at, 57 kilograms, 65 kilograms, 70 kilograms, 92 kilograms, and 125 kilograms respectively, they have the ability to challenge whichever U23 weight they are inclined to. The U23 World Team will compete at the U23 World Championships in Budapest, Hungary, this October.
Read complete story on TheMat.com …
Finals Results
57: Gabe Townsell over Danny Vega, 2 matches to 1
Match 1: Vega tech. fall Townsell, 10-0
Match 2: Townsell tech. fall Vega, 12-2
Match 3: Townsell tech. fall Vega, 10-0
61 kg: Chas Tucker over Micky Phillippi, 2 matches to 0
Match 1: Tucker dec. Phillippi, 4-0
Match 2: Tucker tech. fall Phillippi, 10-0
65 kg: Jaydin Eierman over Luke Pletcher, 2 matches 1
Match 1: Eierman dec. Pletcher, 8-5
Match 2: Pletcher dec. Eierman, 12-11
Match 3: Eierman dec. Pletcher, 9-6
Rest of the results at https://intermatwrestle.com/articles/21981
New Distinguished Members Paulson, Saunders, Adams, Lorenzo headline inspiring 43rd Hall of Fame induction ceremony
BY GARY ABBOTT, USA WRESTLING | JUNE 02, 2019,
The Class of 2019 from the National Wrestling Hall of Fame:
Jim ‘Doc’ McCloughan, Steve Cannon, Emily Shilson, Brandon Paulson, Townsend Saunders, Dave Errett, David Curby, Cohlton Schultz, Rich Lorenzo, Carl Adams.
STILLWATER, Okla. – The 43rd National Wrestling Hall of Fame Honors Banquet was an inspiring evening, with four new Distinguished Members inducted, and a full Class of 2019 honorees recognized during ceremonies at the OSU Student Union on Saturday night. The four new Distinguished Members included an impressive mix of wrestling talent and leadership, representing Olympic and World medals, NCAA titles, numerous All-American honors plus extensive success in coaching on many levels of the sport. 1996 Olympic silver medalist and 2001 World silver medalist Brandon Paulson, who was successful on the national and international level at a young age, took time to thank many who helped along the journey. “Thank you to USA Wrestling. I am a product of USA Wrestling. I came up through it. Especially Rich Bender and his family who extended my career, and Steve Fraser. ‘Enjoy the battle’ and “Expect to win’ are not just slogans. Joe Russell, who made me want to be a better man and first got me into Greco. Dan Chandler, the greatest Greco-Roman coach in U.S. history, was my lifelong coach. All my training partners and competitors, they made me strive to be great. That is what I always strive to be, and I wasn’t always, but they helped me get there as much as I could. To Jake Deitchler, who showed me the potential of an athlete, when an athlete is all-in. To Jared Lawrence, my partner at PINnacle, he is the yin to my yang. I love my family and my wrestlers and I would do anything for them,” he said.
In addition to his Olympic and World medal, Paulson also won a 1993 Espoir World silver medal, and was an NCAA All-American for Minnesota. He won USA Wrestling national titles on the Cadet, Junior, Espoir, University and Senior levels. Paulson has made a huge impact as a coach, on the youth level with PINnacle Wrestling School, and at an elite Greco-Roman level with the Minnesota Storm and as a volunteer international coach with USA Wrestling. A 1996 Olympic silver medalist and two-time Olympian Townsend Saunders, who competed during one of the most successful eras for USA Wrestling, joked about how long it took to be elected to the Hall. “I get the distinct feeling that I am here a little bit late. A lot of my team members, especially from the United States team, are already inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, including my wife Tricia. I think about that when my spouse asked, ‘What took you so long?” In reality, a lot of my peers have not and will not be inducted into the Hall of Fame. In my opinion, they should be, because of the impact they had on me. I know I could not achieve my goals without them. I will say this. My hope is that my accomplishments and this induction and my interaction with their families will hopefully inspire the next generation of wrestlers and athletes to become the best that they possibly can,” said Saunders.
In addition to winning his Olympic silver medal in Atlanta in 1996, Saunders placed sixth in the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, Spain. Saunders was a member of the 1993 and 1995 U.S. Freestyle World Teams, which won World Team Titles in Toronto and Atlanta respectively. An NCAA runner-up for Arizona State, and NCAA Div. II national champion at Cal-State Bakersfield, Saunders won titles at the Pan American Games and Goodwill Games. He is part of the first husband-wife pair of Hall of Fame Distinguished Members, as his wife, four-time World champion Tricia Saunders, was the first woman inducted into the Hall back in 2006. Two-time NCAA champion, long-time Boston University coach and innovative inventor and businessman Carl Adams, gave special recognition to his parents and family, his coaches, his teammates and the wrestlers that he coached. He also expanded his thanks to so many others who helped influence his life. “After 56 years of involvement in the sport of wrestling, there are so many people I need to thank. There is no way I am going to be able to do it here today. The best way for me to say it is that anyone who has been involved in my wrestling journey, thank you. All of you own a piece of this honor, because without you, I would not be standing here today,” said Adams. Rest of the story at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2019/June/02/Inspiring-Hall-of-Fame-Honors-banquet-recognizes-new-inductees?mc_cid=81bca688f4&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
Bo Nickal’s legacy: a creative pinner and two-time Schalles Award winner
By Mike Finn
Bo Nickal may be the most famous “Bo” since Bo Jackson, the former multi-professional sport athlete of the 1980s, who capitalized on his fame with the “Bo Knows” commercials. But there are a lot of differences between these men with the same first name and not just because Bo is Nickal’s given name, and not a nickname that Jackson showcased with the Kansas City Royals or Oakland Raiders. Nickal, who recently capped off his final season at Penn State with a third national championship and won the 2019 Hodge Trophy, admitted he does not know everything when it comes to wrestling.
“We have 35 guys on the team and everyone one of them does something better than I do so I have something to learn from every single guy on the team,” said Nickal. The native of Allen, Texas, said that attitude is also part of his style which helped him earn the 2019 Schalles Award, presented by WIN Magazine, as the nation’s top pinner for a second straight year. “Being in the Penn State room and having the amazing partners and coaches that I have, I’ve seen ten times in practice every situation I’ve been in during a match,” he said. “I’m very confident in every position that I’m in. That’s a huge testament to my coaches and training partners.” That included teammate and fellow three-time national champion Jason Nolf, who had three less pins (15) than Nickal’s 18 falls this past winter but finished one pin ahead of Nickal (60-59) in career falls at Penn State. Rest of the story, photo and list of previous winners at https://www.win-magazine.com/2019/05/nickal-wins-2019-schalles-award/?mc_cid=5cf27f4634&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
2019 WIN Journalist of the Year Justin Hoch looks for more than fire inside wrestlers
By Mike Finn
In meeting the photographer who created the “The Fire Inside” project — an extremely up-close and intense group of portraits of at least 1,800 people who are currently associated with the sport of wrestling — one might think Justin Hoch was an angry person. But when countless people actually meet this resident of New York City, they actually realize that Hoch is one of the nicer, more inquisitive people who is trying to promote the sport with his unique photography. “I want (the project) to be a representation of the intensity of the sport and what it creates within people,” said Hoch. “When you see one of these portraits, it tells you something about that individual. And when you see a collection of all of those things, it starts to paint a picture of what the wrestling community is.”
But Hoch also sees something richer in these images that he believes also can impact people not associated with wrestling. “Sometimes I think we lose sight of what the particular valuable things are,” he said. “It’s a good reminder to know how cool it is and feel good to be part of it. It’s also important for non-wrestlers because it can tell the story about wrestling that they don’t know. They will learn wrestlers’ stories and what the sport did for those people and how those people are giving back to the wrestling community.” Hoch’s “The Fire Inside” project, which fans can find on-line — http://www.jhoch.com/the-fire-inside/— is also displayed at many national wrestling tournaments. For the creative project and years shooting wrestling at all levels, the 38-year-old photographer has been named WIN’s 2019 Journalist of the Year. Rest of the story, photo and a list of previous winners of this award at https://www.win-magazine.com/2019/05/hoch-named-2019-win-journalist-of-the-year/?mc_cid=5cf27f4634&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
History Class with Mr. Klingman: A look at Dan Gable’s international wrestling career
Trackwrestling’s Kyle Klingman looks back at Dan Gable’s international career, including his shoes from the 1972 Olympic Games and his bracket from the 1971 World Championships. Rest of the story and video at https://www.trackwrestling.com/PortalPlayer.jsp?TIM=1558146830941&twSessionId=ukceyxfeqi&videoId=1449488132&mc_cid=0600a65dd4&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
Darden presented Michael Stokes Award as a top senior wrestler in eastern North Carolina
The TakeDown Report presented the 27th Michael Stokes Award to State Champion Darden of Ayden-Grifton High School, as a Top Senior Wrestler in the Tar-Roanoke area in Eastern North Carolina in 2019. Darden finished the year with 33 wins and 1 loss. That loss came against neighboring South Central when Ray moved up a weight class to test himself. Darden was also named the Most Outstanding Wrestler in the Eastern Carolina Conference and was Pitt County Champion. During the season Darden earned 1st Place in all of his regular season tournaments. He was the 2A East Regional Champion and that qualified him for the NCHSAA 2A State Championships in Greensboro. He won the 195 pounds title. After High School is going to attend Saint Andrew’s University and will participate on the wrestling team. Darden also received a personalized wooden plaque engraved with his name and the TDR logo as the top wrestler at his weight class in eastern North Carolina.
Michael Stokes wrestled the 1981-1984 seasons at Tarboro High School and with a (96–4) career record. He was North Carolina’s 2nd 3-time State Champion when there was only one individual champion at a weight in the state. He wrestled for N.C. State and won ACC wrestling titles in 1988 and 1989 and was named the ACC Most Valuable Wrestler both years. His record of 68 wins 8 losses and 3 ties (.879) is the best career winning percentage at NC State. He finished second at the NCAA Nationals at 126 lbs. in 1989 to Kendall Cross, the eventual Olympic Gold medalist. Stokes co-captained the Wolfpack in 1989 and one of the ACC’s all time 50 greatest wrestlers as recognized during the conference’s 50th anniversary celebration. Stokes credits wrestling as “providing me with a mental toughness that enables me to remove boundaries that stand in my way. Wrestling has given me the sheer determination to believe that I can conquer anything that I set my mind to do.” Previous Stokes Award wrestlers include Michael King of North Pitt (2018), Quadarrius Hopkins of Tarboro (2017), Wilson Smith of Rocky Mount (2016), Angel Najar of North Pitt (2015), Reggie Huff of Southern Nash (2014), David Guevara of Tarboro (2013), Alexander Knight and Jaciento Williamson of Rocky Mount (2012), Xavier Najar of North Pitt (2011), Joe Young of Northern Nash (2010), Corey Smith of Tarboro (2009), Jasmine Cooper of Nash Central (2008), Eric Wischhusen, (2007), Roylando Lucas (2001) and Ira Bing (2000) of Southern Nash, John Brewer (2006) of Wilson Fike, Anthony Taylor (2005) of Rocky Mount, Sammi Hadi (2004) and Ryan Huffman (1997) of SouthWest Edgecombe, Charles Washington (2003) of Northern Nash, Quadric Eason (2002), Mike Christopher (1999 & 1998), Tony Mercer (1996) and Lee Carroll (1994 & 1995) of Tarboro. The TDR promotes amateur wrestling in eastern North Carolina and sponsors this award. “The awards are to recognize great wrestlers from before and the current ones for their efforts,” Editor Martin Fleming noted. The TakeDown Report has promoted scholastic wrestling for over 20 years in North Carolina and encourages coverage of the sport. Contact the TDR at martinkfleming@gmail.com or https://takedownreport.wordpress.com/ or ‘The TakeDown Report’ on FaceBook.
OSU’s 1965 Wrestling Team: The Best Ever to Not Win an NCAA Title
OSU’s 1965 Wrestling Team: The Best Ever to Not Win an NCAA Title
In 2018, Ohio State finished second to Penn State at the NCAA tournament. Many current wrestling writers, fans, spectators, coaches and commentators felt that Ohio State was the “best ever” to finish in second place at the NCAA tournament. A few months ago I did a write-up that included some research on Bobby Douglas. Douglas was an Olympian and one of the most successful coaches in the history of the sport. After an undefeated 1965 regular season at Oklahoma State, Douglas had a concussion in his first match at the NCAA tournament and was unable to continue competing. Ultimately the Cowboys fell to Iowa State 87-86, and missed out on what would now be one of 35 NCAA titles. Rest of the story at https://pistolsfiringblog.com/osus-1965-wrestling-team-the-best-ever-to-not-win-an-ncaa-title/?mc_cid=0600a65dd4&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
Matside Updates: Tough Farewells; Matt Finesilver Prepped
Matt Finesilver Prepped for 2019 World Team Trials Challenge
Duke rising senior Matt Finesilver doesn’t have to go far for his next national wrestling tournament as NC State plays host to the 2019 World Team Trials Challenge Tournament this weekend, May 17-19. Finesilver will be among the nation’s top wrestlers competing for spots in one of two Final X events, which determines the World Team. Finesilver, fresh off of taking fourth at the U.S. Open at the end of April to secure an Olympic redshirt, will compete at 79 kilograms in the senior freestyle division. Action begins for him, Saturday, May 19 at 10 a.m. Session II gets underway at 5:30 p.m. Competing at 174 pounds for the Blue Devils the past two seasons, Finesilver is a two-time NCAA qualifier and garnered All-ACC honors in 2019 with a runner-up finish.
It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye
The quartet of Mitch Finesilver, Zach Finesilver, Brandon Leynaud and Alec Schenk officially became Duke alums this past Sunday at the 2019 Duke Commencement ceremony. The group’s impact on the wrestling program can’t be put into words, but lives in the Blue Devils’ consecutive top 25 finishes at the NCAA Championships. Without the tireless work of these four during their careers, Duke would not be where it is today as a wrestling program.
- Mitch Finesilver: Evolutionary Anthropology; Sociology minor
- Zach Finesilver: History; Evolutionary Anthropology minor
- Brandon Leynaud: Sociology; Neuroscience & Psychology minors
- Alec Schenk: Sociology; Italian minor
- Rest of the story at http://www.goduke.com//ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=4200&ATCLID=211803728&mc_cid=0600a65dd4&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
Junior Pan Am team set in men’s freestyle for next week in Guatemala
By Taylor Miller, USA Wrestling | May 28, 2019, The United States has set its men’s freestyle team for the 2019 Junior PanAmerican Championships, which will take place June 5-7 in Guatemala City, Guatemala. The squad features two 2016 Cadet World Team members, Roman Bravo-Young and Real Woods (Greco), as well as two 2019 Junior World Team members, Tanner Sloan and Zach Braunagel (Greco). Also joining Zach is his twin brother Danny. Both are past Fargo champions. Multiple colleges will be represented next weekend by current student-athletes, including Illinois (2), Penn State (2), Stanford (2), Nebraska, Oklahoma and South Dakota State. The team will be led by Israel Silva, who is the USA Wrestling assigned coach for the men’s freestyle portion of the event. Silva is the assistant coach at Fresno State University.
The 2019 Junior Pan American Championships begin with Greco-Roman action on June 5, followed by women’s freestyle on June 6 and closing with men’s freestyle on June 7. Fans can watch all the action live on Trackwrestling.com.
Below is a breakdown of the team and a list of individual accomplishments. 57 kg: Trevor Mastrogiovanni (Blairstown, N.J./Blairstown WC)– 2018 Junior Fargo All-American, 2017 Cadet Fargo All-American, fifth at 2019 UWW Junior Nationals, committed to Oklahoma State
61 kg: Roman Bravo-Young (Tuscon, Ariz./Nittany Lion WC) – 10th at 2016 Cadet World Championships, 2019 NCAA All-American for Penn State, 2nd at 2018 U23 World Team Trials, 2nd at 2019 UWW Junior Nationals, 3rd at 2019 Junior World Team Trials
65 kg: Real Woods (Albuquerque, N.M./CARTC) – 15th at 2016 Cadet World Championship in Greco-Roman, 3rd at UWW Junior Nationals, redshirt freshman for Stanford
70 kg: Peyton Robb (Owattona, Minn./Nebraska) – 2017 Cadet Pan American champion in freestyle and Greco-Roman, 3rd at Junior World Team Trials, 3rd at UWW Junior Nationals, 2018 Junior GR Fargo champion, 2018 Junior Fargo All-American (FS), redshirt freshman for Nebraska. Rest of the team and story at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2019/May/28/Junior-Pan-Am-team-set-in-mens-freestyle-for-next-week-in-Guatemala?mc_cid=1eedb1e477&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
Final X: Lincoln Card Set
The field for Final X: Lincoln on June 15 was finalized this weekend with the completion of the USA Wrestling Freestyle World Team Trials Challenge Tournament at Reynolds Coliseum in Raleigh, North Carolina. Five men’s freestyle, five women’s freestyle and five Greco-Roman weight classes will be contested, with the winners earning a spot on Team USA for the 2019 UWW Freestyle World Championships. Final X: Lincoln is one of two events to determine the United States World Team, as other weight classes will be contested on June 8 on the campus of Rutgers University. During Final X, the top men’s and women’s freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestlers will compete in a best-of-three series, competing to earn spots on the U.S. senior world team and the opportunity to compete at the 2019 World Wrestling Championships in Astana, Kazakhstan, on Sept. 14-22, 2019.
Former Husker greats Jordan Burroughs (74 kg) and James Green (70 kg) will headline the field at Final X: Lincoln. An Olympic gold medalist and four-time world champion, Burroughs will be looking to represent the United States at the premier international competition (Olympics or World Championships) for the ninth year in a row. Burroughs is the reigning Final X Champion at 74 kg, and is tied for second in U.S. history with five world or Olympic titles. A two-time national champion and three-time All-American at Nebraska, Burroughs continues to live in Lincoln and train at the Nebraska Wrestling Training Center under Nebraska Head Coach Mark Manning and Associate Head Coach Bryan Snyder. Burroughs will be wrestling Isaiah Martinez in a rematch of the 2018 Final X: Lincoln match. Burroughs defeated Martinez last year in match one by 4-1 decision and match two by technical fall, 11-1. Green, a two-time world medalist, will be looking to make his fifth-consecutive U.S. world team. Rest of the story at http://www.huskers.com//ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=100&ATCLID=211803894&mc_cid=7176dda3ce&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
