East Coast Wrestlers On to the ACC
TDR Editor’s Notes; Great to see this good news about First Flight senior wrestlers going on to compete on the college level. Check out the link so you can see the photos.
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From the Outer Banks Sentinel
Longtime friends Arien Leigh and Jeremiah Derby, who have both won state high school wrestling championships, celebrate at their May 2 signing day ceremony at First Flight High School. As is obvious from their garb, Leigh is headed to Durham and Derby is ticketed for Chapel Hill.
Arien Leigh and Jeremiah Derby
Rest of the story at https://www.obsentinel.com/sports/on-to-the-acc/article_597e66e8-4edc-11e8-931a-9f2da7eae6b2.html
TDR Top 12 Wrestlers – Eastern Carolina at 220 & 285 Lbs.
TDR Editor’s Notes; Last set of preliminary final rankings. The eventual final list will be narrowed down to a total of 180 wrestlers. 12 wrestlers for each weight class plus 12 wild cards to make the final list. (12 x 14 = 168 + 12 = 180. Let us know your input before the end of the month.
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TDR TOP 12 – Best of Eastern North Carolina – 2017-2018
Rnk Wght. Name Team Gr. W. L. Pct. Dist. Dist. State
1 220 Williams, Larry Corinth Holders 12 36 5 0.878 4A-E 1st 4th
2 220 Peterson, Patrick Swansboro 12 36 3 0.923 3A-E 1st 5th
3 220 Harris, Albert Currituck County 11 37 5 0.881 2A-E 1st 5th
4 220 Voelker, Travis Wake Forest 12 36 4 0.900 4A-E 2nd w1
5 220 Aytch-Cuttino, Ka’Von Ayden-Grifton 12 31 8 0.795 2A-E 3rd w1
6 220 Hollar, Christian Hoggard 12 14 5 0.737 4A-E 4th w2
7 220 Perry, Alexander SE Raleigh 12 17 7 0.708 4A-E 3rd w1
8 220 Rogers, Michael Franklinton 11 35 6 0.854 3A-E 4th L2
9 220 Klutney, Tanner Wilson Hunt 12 13 3 0.813 3A-E 2nd L2
10 220 Rome, Ky’Vaughn John A. Holmes 12 20 5 0.800 1A-E 3rd L2
11 220 Nichols, Logan Washington 11 32 9 0.780 2A-E 2nd L2
12 220 Atkins, Raven Northeastern 11 19 4 0.826 2A-E dnw
12 220 Thomas, Eyan South Brunswick 12 25 10 0.714 3A-E 3rd L2
1 285 Hudson, Thomas Dixon 12 53 0 1.000 2A-E 1st 1st
2 285 Crump, Joshua West Craven 11 34 6 0.850 2A-E 2nd 2nd
3 285 Everett, Khalic North Pitt 12 47 7 0.870 2A-E 3rd 6th
4 285 Armstrong, Javon Pamlico 10 27 4 0.871 1A-E 1st 1st
5 285 Flowers, Jacob New Bern 12 50 13 0.794 4A-E 1st 4th
6 285 Williams, Nyterrius Rosewood 11 37 12 0.755 1A-E 2nd 2nd
7 285 Vickers, Joseph Heritage 11 49 10 0.831 4A-E 3rd w2
8 285 Regan, Tray Lumberton 11 42 10 0.808 4A-ME 2nd w2
9 285 Lawrence, Antonio Roanoke Rapids 12 20 8 0.714 2A-E 4th w2
10 285 Locklear, Harry St. Pauls 11 25 7 0.781 2A-ME 1st w1
11 285 Coward, JaNathan Cleveland 12 22 6 0.786 3A-E 2nd L2
12 285 Westerberg, Hunter Swansboro 10 25 6 0.806 3A-E 3rd L2
12 285 Vaught, Brandon South Brunswick 11 20 8 0.714 3A-E 1st w1
Wrestling Attendance:
TDR Editor’s Notes; Great to see attendance increasing at college wrestling matches. With promotions and encouragement from fans and wrestlers. Let’s keep trying promotions and generate publicity for our great sport.
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Iowa Leads, Record Number of Programs Hit 1000/2000 Milestones
Despite a small step back from the top two, Division I college wrestling saw overall dual attendance continue to climb to heights not seen since the data was first tracked by Denny Diehl during the 2001-02 season. The 2017-18 NCAA DI wrestling numbers from this season underscore the growth of the rank and file programs across the country. While the top of the list looks similar to last season and a few programs took significant steps backward, the number of programs averaging more than 1000 or 2000 fans per home date continues to grow. The 2000 spectator attendance benchmark has seen a steady rise since the turn of the century while those surpassing four figures has been up and down. This year, however, saw some programs you might not expect draw consistent crowds. This effort was a collaboration between TheOpenMat and Mat Talk Online. To dig deeper into the numbers, please visit the Mat Talk Almanac which features dual by dual attendance numbers as well as historical data.
Rest of the story at https://news.theopenmat.com/blog/2018/04/10/wrestling-attendance-iowa-leads-record-number-programs-hit-1000-2000-milestones/?mc_cid=52aac6f692&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
Fresno State Wrestling makes return in style finishing No. 5 nationally in attendance
TDR Editor’s Notes; OK, this news is from a while back yet it is positive news about the return of a Division I program and how they had great attendance at their matches. Other Division I schools who foolishly dropped wrestling in the past should take notice of this and make the right move to re-start their programs. They know who they are.
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FRESNO, Calif. – In its first year back as a program after an 11-year hiatus, Fresno State Wrestling made a national statement in its return finishing the 2017-18 season fifth in the nation in home attendance. “I just want to thank the Red Wave for a great start,” said head coach Troy Steiner. “Bringing wrestling back to the Valley was the right decision and we are going to build this program into something very special. We understand we must do our part and put a exciting product on the mat that is entertaining to watch and we will work to do that as we continue to climb. GO DOGS!”
With an average home attendance of 4,566 at the ‘Dogs six home duals this season, Fresno State ranked fifth in the country as they were only surpassed by Big Ten programs Iowa, Penn State, Ohio State and Rutgers nationally.
Rest of the Story at http://gobulldogs.com/news/2018/4/10/fresno-state-wrestling-ranks-no-5-in-the-nation-in-attendance-in-first-year-back.aspx?mc_cid=52aac6f692&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
Michael Stokes Award Announced & Plaques Mailed
TDR Editor’s Notes; The 2018 Michael Stokes Award for the top senior wrestler in the Tri-County Tar River area will be awarded to Sincere King of North Pitt. King won 50 matches with just 5 losses as he placed 3rd in the state. With 178 wins King ranks 2nd in North Pitt School history. He was named the Eastern Plains Conference Most Outstanding Wrestler, and the Pitt County Most Outstanding Wrestler. King also won championships in the following tournaments: Pitt County, Eastern Plains Conference, Eagle Invitational, and North Pitt Invitational. King is looking to wrestle in college next year. He is still deciding between a few schools and should make the decision in the coming weeks.
Also note that ALL of the wooden plaques have been mailed and should have been delivered to the coaches and wrestlers at their schools. We would appreciate if coaches and wrestlers e-mail us when they receive their plaque. E-mail us at martinkfleming@gmail.com
TDR Top 12 Wrestlers – Eastern Carolina at 182 & 195 Lbs.
Send us your input and comments before the end of May.
TDR TOP 12 – Best of Eastern North Carolina – 2017-2018
Rnk Wght. Name Team Gr. W. L. Pct. Dist. Dist. State
1 182 Studebaker, Beau East Carteret 12 36 0 1.000 1A-E 1st 1st
2 182 Ferguson, Andrew Washington 12 45 3 0.938 2A-E 1st 4th
3 182 LaValle, Noah Topsail 10 36 5 0.878 3A-E 1st w2
4 182 Kort, Kyle Croatan 12 28 15 0.651 2A-E 2nd 6th
5 182 Patino, Douglas J.F. Webb 12 16 4 0.800 2A-ME 3rd w1
6 182 Proctor, Isiah Fike 12 34 11 0.756 3A-E 3rd w1
7 182 Aragao, Bryan North Brunswick 10 19 8 0.704 3A-E 2nd w1
8 182 Edens, Andrew Dixon 10 34 15 0.694 2A-E 3rd w1
9 182 Coble, Zachary Southern Nash 12 36 12 0.750 3A-E 4th L2
10 182 Bennett, Jaidon New Bern 10 34 14 0.708 4A-E 4th L2
11 182 Alcorn, Jelani Pasquotank 12 26 12 0.684 2A-E 4th L2
1 195 Stutz, Darrien Pasquotank 12 36 5 0.878 2A-E 1st 1st
2 195 Malone, Jack Wake Forest 12 38 3 0.927 4A-E 1st 5th
3 195 Belcher, Jerell South Central 11 30 3 0.909 4A-E 2nd 4th
4 195 Zalaya, Ivan Clinton 12 26 4 0.867 2A-ME 2nd 4th
5 195 Raya, Jesus Southern Nash 12 33 3 0.917 3A-E 1st w1
6 195 Zafra, Jonathan Manteo 12 25 10 0.714 1A-E 1st 2nd
7 195 Brock, Edward Lumberton 11 40 7 0.851 4A-ME 3rd w1
8 195 Willis, Cael Laney 11 30 6 0.833 4A-E 3rd w1
9 195 Hall, Tyger Croatan 12 15 3 0.833 2A-E 3rd w1
10 195 Herman, Dylan Northeastern 11 30 5 0.857 2A-E 2nd L2
11 195 James, Bobby Rolesville 11 28 4 0.875 4A-ME w3
12 195 Gray, Aaron Ayden-Grifton 12 33 10 0.767 2A-E 4th L2
12 195 Carroll, N. Neuse Charter 12 42 6 0.875 1A-E w2
12 195 Erickson, Nathan Cleveland 11 32 12 0.727 3A-E 3rd L2
12 195 Bullock, Jayleen Fike 9 20 13 0.606 3A-E 2nd L2
TDR Top 12 Wrestlers of Eastern North Carolina at 160 & 170 Lbs
TDR Editor’s Notes; The next two weight classes with a full look at the Top 12 in each. The 160 lbs. wrestlers are led by undefeated Roy Heverly Award winner Alec Sampson of Hoggard. Darnel Brooks jumped up to 170 and bounced back from a 1 point loss in the Regional finals to take a state championship the next week.
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TDR TOP 12 – Best of Eastern North Carolina – 2017-2018
Rnk Wght. Name Team Gr. W. L. Pct. Dist. Dist. State
1 160 Sampson, Alec Hoggard 11 31 0 1.000 4A-E 1st 1st
2 160 Soliz, Joshua Southwest Onslow 12 35 2 0.946 2A-E 1st 3rd
3 160 Alston, Trequan Southern Vance 12 36 5 0.878 2A-ME 1st 4th
4 160 Smith, Lincoln West Brunswick 12 41 9 0.820 3A-E 1st 5th
5 160 Wrought, Connor New Bern 11 31 12 0.721 4A-E 4th 6th
6 160 Darden, James Corinth Holders 12 34 7 0.829 4A-E 3rd w1
7 160 Wargo, Tyler Richlands 11 47 10 0.825 2A-E 2nd w1
8 160 Lejnar, Zachary Cleveland 12 40 3 0.930 3A-E 2nd L2
9 160 Fairchild, J. C. Franklinton 12 34 7 0.829 3A-E 3rd L2
10 160 Perkins, Rushawn Farmville Central 12 23 9 0.719 2A-E 3rd L2
11 160 Goins, Jaylyn SW Edgecombe 12 17 9 0.654 2A-E 4th L2
12 160 Deck, Isiah Neuse Charter 11 40 13 0.755 1A-E w2
12 160 Koonce, Austin Washington 12 44 3 0.936 2A-E dnw
1 170 Brooks, Darnel North Brunswick 12 32 3 0.914 3A-E 2nd 1st
2 170 Bethel, Jacary West Brunswick 12 39 1 0.975 3A-E 1st 3rd
3 170 Perkins, Malik Farmville Central 12 48 2 0.960 2A-E 1st 4th
4 170 Aldridge, Rory Northside (Jacks.) 12 40 17 0.702 3A-E 3rd 6th
5 170 Voelker, Connor Wake Forest 10 36 16 0.692 4A-E 4th 6th
6 170 Lyon, Nate Heritage 12 46 10 0.821 4A-E 2nd w1
7 170 Gladwell, Walker Croatan 10 23 9 0.719 2A-E 3rd L2
8 170 Boone, Jashaun Havelock 12 22 9 0.710 3A-E 4th w2
9 170 Cope, Jeremy Bunn 10 17 7 0.708 2A-E 2nd L2
10 170 Cobb, Mitchell Washington 12 37 16 0.698 2A-E 4th L2
11 170 Carroll, Cameron Corinth Holders 12 30 15 0.667 4A-E 3rd w1
12 170 Shene, Brandon Richlands 12 42 9 0.824 3A-E w2
National Wrestling Media Association announces 2017-18 awards
TDR Editor’s Notes; Good to see hard working effective journalists get some recognition for what they have done for wrestling.
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New Brighton, Minnesota — The National Wrestling Media Association has announced its annual award winners for the 2017-18 season. The NWMA is the national professional organization for journalists who cover the sport of amateur wrestling. This includes reporters, editors, publishers, webmasters, photographers, broadcasters, athletic communications professionals and other media professionals who share an interest and involvement in the sport. The organization was founded in 1989. Awards will be presented to those in attendance at the 2018 Men’s Freestyle World Cup April 7 in Iowa City. “Between the membership and the officers, we were presented with a solid group of nominees and we’re pleased to recognize these individuals not just for a job well done, but for a job well done in covering a sport that’s near and dear to everyone within the organization,” said NWMA President Jason Bryant. Rest of the Story at http://www.nationalwrestlingmedia.com/2018/04/national-wrestling-media-association-announces-2017-18-awards/
Coaching Notes
TDR Editor’s Notes; Trying to keep up with the changes in head coaches at the college level. Here are three more.
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Coaching Notes
David Bolyard of Eastern Michigan Univ, named MAC Coach of the year. Rest of the story at wrestling-david-bolyard-named-mac-coach-of-the-year
Sam Hazewinkel named new head coach at Oklahoma City University. Rest of the story at http://www.ocusports.com/news/2018/3/28/mens-wrestling-hazelwinkel-takes-stars-coaching-reins.aspx?mc_cid=dc77a98054&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
Duane Goldman retires as head coach at Indiana University. Angel Escobedo will become the 8th head coach in the school’s history. Rest of the story at
http://iuhoosiers.com/news/2018/4/5/goldman-announces-retirement-as-head-coach-of-iu-wrestling-escobedo-named-programs-eighth-head-coach.aspx?mc_cid=5cba4a7156&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b
Alvernia Announces Addition Of Wrestling For 2019-20
TDR Editor’s Notes; Even if this school is well out of the Carolinas we are glad to see new programs being started and added to the opportunities for wrestlers to continue their education and to continue wrestling as well.
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Reading, Pa. (Apr. 4, 2018) – Alvernia University Athletic Director Bill Stiles announced Wednesday the addition of Wrestling as the university’s 28th varsity sport.
The national search for a head coach will begin immediately, and the Golden Wolves start competing in the winter of 2019. “We are in the heart of a wrestling hotbed with over 36,000 boys participating in high school wrestling within our primary recruiting market, encompassing almost 1500 high school programs – including all 15 schools in Berks County,” said Stiles. “The ability for us to continue strategic growth and provide additional opportunities to talented student-athletes in our region remains paramount, and wrestling provides a wonderful opportunity for us to do that.” Alvernia will be the sixth member of the Middle Atlantic Conference to sponsor varsity wrestling. Messiah College earned the 2018 MAC Championship followed by Delaware Valley, Wilkes, Lycoming, and King’s. Rest of the story at http://auwolves.com/news/2018/4/4/general-alvernia-announces-addition-of-wrestling-for-2019-20.aspx?mc_cid=5cba4a7156&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
