NC National Wrestling Hall of Fame Pictures
Editor’s Notes; It has been pointed out that we have not shared any of the many photos taken at the North Carolina Induction Banquet for the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. Well, here are some for you to view. The first is of long time Hall of Fame coach Milt Sherman as he introduces one of the Inductees. The second is Jerry Daniels, also known affectionately as ‘Mouse’ along with a list of other previous inductees. The next two are of the cover and inside of the printed program. Next is former long time UNC coach Bill Lam who has been a great worker for the WHOF efforts in North Carolina. Next two pictures are of the new Inductees and the last two are of one of the Inductees speaking and then with chapter president Coach Rex Wells and Milt Sherman.
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R.C. LaHaye named Lander’s head wrestling coach
Editor’s Notes; This new program is taking a strong step in hiring a successful head coach a year before they will start competing. LaHaye did well with a new program when Gran Canyon started and he could repeat that in South Carolina.
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GREENWOOD – Lander has tabbed its first wrestling coach as athletics director Brian Reese announced the hiring of R.C. LaHaye on Tuesday.
LaHaye brings to Lander an impressive career both as a competitor and coach. LaHaye spent the past four seasons as the associate head coach at Newberry after serving as the first head coach for Grand Canyon’s wrestling program for seven years. “Today starts a new chapter for Lander Athletics with the hiring of R.C. LaHaye as our first head wrestling coach,” said Reese. “Coach LaHaye brings a deep understanding of the sport and a passion for leading young men. This hire should give Bearcat fans great confidence that bright days are ahead for Lander wrestling.” “I would like the thank Brian Reese and President Consentino for the opportunity to start the wrestling program at Lander,” LaHaye said. “I couldn’t be more excited to hit the ground running and start recruiting the first crop of Bearcat wrestlers.” LaHaye played a key role in developing Newberry into a championship contender, helping lead the Wolves to three ECAC championships and an NCAA Super Region Championship in four seasons. Newberry went 41-14 in dual matches during LaHaye’s tenure. Rest of the story at http://www.landerbearcats.com/sports/wrest/2018-19/releases/20180702qc4u0o?mc_cid=a6c965d7b7&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
Jeremiah Derby of First Flight awarded the James Johnson Award
Jeremiah Derby of First Flight awarded the James Johnson Trophy Award
State Champion Jeremiah Derby of First Flight High School was presented one of the annual James Johnson Award trophies as the best senior scholastic wrestler in eastern North Carolina in 2018 at his school’s wrestling recognition night. This award is named in honor of three time Greco-Roman national champion James Johnson. For the second consecutive year more than one award will be given. James Johnson awards will also be presented to Thomas Hudson of Dixon and Beau Studebaker of East Carteret. All three finished as an unbeaten state champion in a dominate fashion in their weight class this year.
Derby scored a perfect winning record in 41 matches this season as he won his second state championship. Jeremiah was a consistent winner as he won 149 of his 162 high school matches. He has placed for First Flight High School in every tournament the he competed in for his team. He was a four time conference and four time regional champion and a four time state placer (6th-1st-2nd-1st). He credits his decision to move up to 126 lbs. this season as a key in making this his most successful season. He emphasized that “Instead of worrying about cutting weight I was able to focus on getting stronger and better. I believe this helped to give me an edge this year and to dominate my competition.” After placing 3rd and then 5th in the prestigious mid-season WRAL tournament the two previous years “… winning this year on my birthday, (December 23rd) was a special memory this season.”
Derby recognizes and appreciates others who have enabled him to be successful as he stated that he “… can’t give enough thanks to my training partners Arien Leigh and Alex My Nguyen. They have been instrumental in pushing me to perform at my very best and be successful on the mat. My coaches Russell Kepler, Jay Hawes, and Taylor Misuna have prepared me every year to be successful on and off the mat as well. They have taught me what it means to tackle everything I face with determination and to be leader in everything I do.” Leigh and Nyugen are “… memorable teammates as training partners and are great friends. They are always there to support and encourage me to perform my best”. Arien’s focus and determination helps me focus and fulfill my goals. We have been friends since a very young age. Alex My knows how to break the tension in the room with … her corny jokes and positive outlook …”
Jeremiah’s father, David Derby got him started at a young age and has continued to encourage him through the years. Jeremiah flashed a wide smile and stated “It was a no brainer when I got old enough to wrestle I put on my first pair wrestling shoes.” He would like to pass along this passion for wrestling “… everyone to try wrestling because if everyone had the focus, determination, and skills a wrestler then the world would be a more productive place. Wrestling is a tough sport! It’s the toughest sport in my opinion but don’t let that cause you to give up.” Great wrestlers such as Kyle Snyder, Jordan Burroughs, Seth Gross, J’Den Cox, and many others were cited as being his inspiration. “They face opposition and react when things don’t go their way has always inspired me to be a better wrestler. Wrestling has taught me so many lessons in life. I’d say some of the most important lessons wrestling has taught me outside of discipline and determination, wrestling has taught me to enjoy life. Life is too short to spend it grieving a loss, wrestling has taught me how to take my failures, learn from them, and succeed.
Derby’s stellar athletic record combined with his 3.8 g.p.a. attracted the attention of college coaches. He has been accepted at and is committed to wrestling at U.N.C. to major in studio art. He shared that “I plan to get my bachelors and have a career as a coach and professional artist.” He also seeks to be “ … a four time NCAA Champion and qualify for the Olympics. I know people might be skeptical but I fully believe God will bless me with the strength and will to achieve my goals. I have the will, I just need to continue to work on the skill. I know the coaching staff and training partners at UNC have achieved the goals I’m trying to achieve so I know they will be able to provide me with the information to obtain the skill I’m looking for …”
Previous award winners were 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 promotes amateur wrestling in eastern North Carolina and sponsors the Award. This award is for the most successful wrestler in eastern North Carolina. Fleming noted, “It is more expensive to have multiple awards yet each undefeated state champion senior wrestler deserves to be recognized.” “It encourages the young men from the 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 TakeDown Report has encouraging media coverage of wrestling in North Carolina for over 20 years. Contact the TDR at martinkfleming@gmail.com.
James Johnson started wrestling in 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. James has also served as a Public Relations/ Community Speaker for Sunkist worldwide. 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/.
More Wrestling News Bits
TDR Editor; Some exciting wrestling opportunities for growth in girls wrestling tournaments and teams and in dual meet competition.
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Dual team format to return to state wrestling tourney in 2020
Dual Team State Championships to return (In South Dakota)
Story at https://www.thepublicopinion.com/sports/local_sports/column-dual-team-format-to-return-to-state-wrestling-tourney/article_e338b9e6-76a1-11e8-888c-df3555c0e8a0.html?mc_cid=c7c2953d72&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
NJSIAA considers all-girl state wrestling tournament
New Jersey looking to explore girls wrestling options.
Story at https://www.njtvonline.org/news/video/njsiaa-considers-all-girl-state-wrestling-tournament/?mc_cid=74c392f859&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
Sally Roberts named USA Wrestling Woman of the Year
Story at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2018/June/26/Sally-Roberts-named-USA-Wrestling-Woman-of-the-Year?mc_cid=4383c422d6&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
John Smith and Cary Kolat named 2017 USA Wrestling Women’s Co-Coaches of the Year
Story at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2018/June/22/Smith-and-Kolat-named-USA-Wrestling-Women-Coaches-of-the-Year?mc_cid=28070bf6bc&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
NCAA champ Gross visits WJU camp
Kind words about his surprising Wolfpack opponent in the semi-finals that are encouraging to note. Rest of the story at
http://www.timesleaderonline.com/sports/local-sports/2018/06/ncaa-champ-gross-visits-wju-camp/?mc_cid=4383c422d6&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
List of 2018 DI Transfers
Story at https://news.theopenmat.com/blog/2018/06/22/list-of-2018-di-transfers/?mc_cid=28070bf6bc&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
ERISMAN NAMED FIRST HEAD COACH AT LITTLE ROCK
TDR Editor; And now a look at the coaching move from the UNC perspective. We expect that coach Scott will attract many quality candidates for the assistant coaching opening. It will be interesting to see what develops before the fall.
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North Carolina assistant Neil Erisman has been named the first head wrestling coach at Little Rock, the university announced Wednesday. Little Rock will become the 78th Division I wrestling program when it begins competition in 2019-20.
“I have been privileged to spend four seasons at the University of North Carolina, working with my great friend and head coach Coleman Scott,” said Erisman. “I want to give a very special thank you to coach Coleman Scott, Athletic Director Bubba Cunningham, Vince Ille, the Tar Heel coaching staff and the entire support staff for their constant support during my time at UNC. Chapel Hill will always hold a special place in our hearts and is a place we were proud to call home.”
Erisman spent four seasons at Carolina as the Tar Heels began to improve their national profile. This March, All-Americans Troy Heilmann and Chip Ness led UNC to a 20th-place finish at nationals, the program’s highest finish in more than two decades. Erisman also worked closely with two-time ACC champion and 2015 All-American Ethan Ramos.
Rest of the story at https://goheels.com/news/2018/6/20/wrestling-erisman-named-first-head-coach-at-little-rock.aspx
Neil Erisman Named Little Rock Trojans’ Head Coach
TDR Editor; Good to see assistant coaches in demand and willing to take the step up and meet the challenge of being a head coach. Not only that but the first coach in a new program on the D-I level. That is accepting a big challenge. Good luck Coach Erisman.
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LITTLE ROCK – Little Rock has reached another milestone in the process of adding wrestling as its 15th intercollegiate athletic program with Director of Athletics Chasse Conque announcing the hiring of Neil Erisman as the program’s first head wrestling coach. Erisman brings to Little Rock an impressive career both as a competitor and coach at the Division I level, encompassing two of the nation’s top programs in Oklahoma State and North Carolina. During his coaching career, Erisman has mentored 20 NCAA All-Americans and four NCAA individual champions. “Today starts a new chapter for Little Rock Trojan Athletics with the hiring of Neil Erisman as our first head wrestling coach,” said Conque. “We had tremendous interest in the position and we feel coach Erisman is the right person to lead our program at Little Rock. Neil brings a deep understanding of the sport, a passion for leading young men and a commitment to doing things the right way, giving us great confidence that bright days are ahead for Little Rock wrestling.”
Rest of the story at http://lrtrojans.com/news/2018/6/20/neil-erisman-named-trojans-head-wrestling-coach.aspx?mobile=skip&mc_cid=ab7ba5223a&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
Edmundson built Rosewood into 1-A powerhouse
TDR Editor; Glad for Bill as he moves on to his next career. Yet, I must admit being a bit saddened by this development. He ranks 2nd in dual meet wins for North Carolina coaches and is in the top 20 nationally. Missed working on the state tournament with him this year. Oh, well, Good Luck Bill.
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By RUDY COGGINS rcoggins@newsargus.com
Why leave?
Bill Edmundson asked himself that question on many occasions. His coaching friends couldn’t believe he’d retire with two state champions and three state runners-up still hovering in “The Nest” at Rosewood. “I had almost a year to think about, pray about it,” Edmundson said. “I pretty much decided last July that this was going to be it. We kept it from the team, didn’t want it to be a distraction. “I probably could have been talked out of it at some point.” The past four seasons have been the dream every coach works and lives for in their career. It’s a road map drafted from a humble beginning that included elation from intense victories, disappointment from tough losses and the belief of a community that embraced a sport that’s become yet another cornerstone in Rosewood’s athletics history. All the memorabilia has been packed away. But one item remains visible — a scrapbook assembled by Kim Sullivan that documents every year since 1993. The names might have slipped Edmundson’s mind on occasion, but the once he views the faces, the memories flow.
Rest of the story at http://www.newsargus.com/sports/archives/2018/06/24/prep_wrestling_edmundson_built_rosewood_into_1a_powerhouse/
Thomas Hudson of Dixon awarded the James Johnson Trophy Award
State Champion Thomas Hudson of Dixon High School was presented one of the annual James Johnson Award trophies as the best senior scholastic wrestler in eastern North Carolina in 2018 at his school’s Awards Night. This award is named in honor of three time Greco-Roman national champion James Johnson. For the second consecutive year more than one award will be given. James Johnson awards will also be presented to Jeremiah Derby of First Flight and Beau Studebaker of East Carteret. All three finished as an unbeaten state champion in a dominate fashion in their weight class this year.
Thomas has been an outstanding multi-sport student athlete at Dixon High School with a
career wrestling record of (158-53), going 54-0 and winning the state title this year. He has the second most career wins in school history. He proudly shared his biggest thrill this season was winning the state tournament by “pinning everyone on the way up.” Thomas qualified for the state tournament three times, placing 6th as a sophomore, and twice won the Eastern Region Championships. Thomas has also excelled in football. He lettered in varsity football all four years, was a starter for the last three, two time all-conference offensive linemen and recognized as an All-Area player his senior year.
He did not neglect his academic studies. Thomas is an AP student, maintaining a 4.2 GPA. He plans to attend ECU this fall, and to wrestle on the club team. He looks to study sports medicine and to become an athletic trainer. His older brother Tyler and his mother encouraged him to start wrestling in the 6th grade. Thomas’ mother, was an enthusiastic wrestling fan yet she passed away the night before his first Varsity Tournament his freshman year. “Tyler has been inspirational for me and wrestling taught me how to work hard and never give up. He and my coaches helped improve my conditioning and moves on top” Thomas shared. Coaches Dal Tomlinson and Christian Brothers stated that coaching Thomas “ was a great pleasure to coach and that he was the most dedicated to his team and family.” Thomas boasted of his teammate, Devin Gerena, who improved from “Below .500 as a first year sophomore to 4th in the state as a senior.” His toughest and most memorable opponent this year was junior Joshua Crump of West Craven. They met four times, including the regional and state finals.
Previous award winners were 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 promotes amateur wrestling in eastern North Carolina and sponsors the Award. This award is for the most successful wrestler in eastern North Carolina. Fleming noted, “It is more expensive to have multiple awards yet each undefeated state champion senior wrestler deserves to be recognized.” “It encourages the young men from the 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 TakeDown Report has encouraging media coverage of wrestling in North Carolina for over 20 years. Contact the TDR at martinkfleming@gmail.com.
James Johnson started wrestling in 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. James has also served as a Public Relations/ Community Speaker for Sunkist worldwide. 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/.
Some More Wrestling News
Other Wrestling News Stories;
Massachusetts to add girls wrestling tournament for 2019 – A good start which could develop into regular season matches between teams. – Story at https://intermatwrestle.com/articles/20259
Rial named new Buena Vista head wrestling coach. Our congratulations to the new coach and good luck. – Story at https://intermatwrestle.com/articles/20245
Mark Manning and Bryan Snyder named winners of 2017 Terry McCann Award as USA Wrestling Freestyle Co-Coaches of the Year. Story at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2018/June/12/Manning-and-Snyder-named-Freestyle-Coaches-of-the-Year?mc_cid=f047da2a55&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
Who Should Little Rock Hire? New Division I program will be the only one in Arkansas and they have not announced who will be their first coach. Story at https://news.theopenmat.com/blog/2018/06/11/who-should-little-rock-hire/?mc_cid=c57e92ea94&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
From Duke to the WWE, Kasper ready to be wrestling star – Don’t know what to say about this other than isn’t a degree from Duke worth something better than pro wrestling? Story at https://www.wralsportsfan.com/wwe/17619988/?mc_cid=c57e92ea94&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
Kyle Snyder named 2017 John Smith Award winner, as USA Wrestling’s Freestyle Wrestler of the Year
TDR Editor; Snyder hauls in another big athletic award and deservedly so. He has had and continues to have an impressive wrestling career.
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Kyle Snyder (Woodbine, Md./Titan Mercury WC/Ohio RTC) has been named the winner of the 2017 John Smith Award as the Freestyle Wrestler of the Year by USA Wrestling. It is the third straight year that Snyder has won this prestigious award, after also winning the 2015 and 2016 Freestyle Wrestler of the Year. Since the award was created, only two freestyle wrestlers have won the award three straight years, Snyder and Jordan Burroughs (2011-2013). Snyder was the 2017 World champion at 97 kg in men’s freestyle wrestling, winning his gold medal at the World Championships in Paris, France. In the championship finals, Snyder won what was dubbed within wrestling the “Match of the Century,” defeating Olympic champion and two-time World champion Abdulrashid Sadulaev of Russia in the World finals, Rest of the story at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2018/June/13/Kyle-Snyder-named-USA-Wrestling-Freestyle-Athlete-of-the-Year?mc_cid=e83fec82e0&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
