Takedown Report

Amateur Wrestling Reports

Former wrestlers competing in the Super Bowl: 2025 edition

Feb 5, 2025, 1:46 PM EST
by Savannah Asmann, USA Wrestling
Wrestling’s impact extends far beyond the mat, influencing life, leadership, and sports—particularly football. This year, Super Bowl LIX on Feb. 9 in New Orleans, Louisiana, will feature several former wrestlers showcasing their skills on football’s biggest night.
Kansas City Chiefs #
Creed Humphrey – #52
Center
Creed Humphrey began wrestling when he was four in Shawnee, Oklahoma. His father, Chad, became a three-time All-American at the University of Central of Oklahoma. Humphrey earned a runner-up finish in the Oklahoma state tournament. He played his college ball at Oklahoma and was the Chiefs’ second round pick in 2021. Read more about Humphrey’s wrestling background in these features: … more at … https://www.themat.com/news/2025/february/05/former-wrestlers-competing-in-the-super-bowl-2025-edition

February 23, 2025 Posted by | Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Northwestern Wrestling Mourns the Passing of Former Head Coach Tom Jarman

Wheaton Wrestling Remembers its first National Champion, Tom Jarman (’65)
Former Wheaton College wrestler Tom Jarman (’65), died Thursday, January 30. Jarman was Wheaton wrestling’s first National Champion and the College’s second individual National Champion in any sport. As a sophomore in 1963, Jarman won the National Championship in the 157-pound weight class at the first NCAA College Division III Tournament, helping Wheaton to a sixth-place finish at the tournament. He followed up his National Championship season with a fourth-place finish at Nationals in 1964. He was inducted into the Wheaton College “Hall of Honor” in 1977, entering in the hall of fame’s second induction class. Wheaton head coach Jim Gruenwald says of Jarman, “As an athlete Tom was amazing, as a coach, he was even better, and as a friend and mentor he was priceless.” Gruenwald continues, “Tom Jarman was instrumental in bringing me to Wheaton. But he didn’t stop there, he coached me to be a better coach. Regular calls and encouragement helped me through the first few years of building the program, to choosing captains, and remaining calm through the difficult moments. He is loved and will be missed.”  Following his time on the mat at Wheaton, Jarman went into coaching. He served as the head wrestling coach at Taylor University from 1969-79 where he led the Trojans to a dual meet record of 119-21. His teams placed in the NAIA Top-10 for six-consecutive years from 1974-1979, and won two district titles, … more at … https://athletics.wheaton.edu/news/2025/2/4/wheaton-wrestling-remembers-its-first-national-champion-tom-jarman-65.aspx?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
And …

Northwestern Wrestling Mourns the Passing of Former Head Coach Tom Jarman
EVANSTON, Ill. – Northwestern wrestling mourns the passing of former head coach Tom Jarman, who passed away on Thursday, January 30, at the age of 82. Jarman served as Northwestern’s head wrestling coach from 1979 to 1989. During his decade in Evanston, Jarman guided the Wildcats to a 111-79 record in dual action. In 1985, he piloted the team to a fourth-place finish in the Big Ten – its highest placement in 14 years. Four years later, Jarman’s 1989 squad finished eighth overall at the NCAA Championships, for what was then the second-highest finish in program history. Overall, Jarman guided Northwestern to seven seasons of double-digit dual victories, including back-to-back 15-win seasons in 1986 and ’87. Under Jarman’s tutelage, the Wildcats earned seven All-American honors and qualified 26 athletes to the NCAA Tournament. Mike Funk, the program’s first four-time All-American, began his Northwestern career under Jarman in 1987 and wrestled to a fourth-place finish at 177 lbs that spring. To cap off his time at Northwestern, Jarman coached two wrestlers to Big Ten Championships in 1989: Jack Griffin at 118 lbs and Mark Whitehead at 190 lbs. Prior to his time with the Wildcats, Jarman began his coaching career at Taylor University, … more at … https://nusports.com/news/2025/2/6/northwestern-wrestling-mourns-the-passing-of-former-head-coach-tom-jarman

February 23, 2025 Posted by | Uncategorized | , , | Leave a comment

Paulsboro’s Paul Morina sits atop New Jersey wrestling win list with 803

PAULSBORO – Before taking a shot at history, Paul Morina sat alone on the top of the bleachers, looking at the future of the Paulsboro High School wrestling team in the middle school meet. Hours later, Morina sat alone again – this time atop the state’s all-time win list of wrestling coaches in New Jersey history. Morina watched his Red Raiders put together one of their best performances of the season as the team presented its coach with career win No. 803, knocking off bitter rival West Deptford with a 36-27 decision on Wednesday. Morina, the face of Paulsboro wrestling for 40 years as head coach, surpassed Stan Woods, who won 802 times in his 57-year coaching career, including 55 years at Emerson/Park Ridge. Morina improved his career record to 803-59-4 over his four decades. ,,, more at … https://www.courierpostonline.com/story/sports/high-school/wrestling/2025/02/05/paulsboros-paul-morina-becomes-the-winningest-wrestling-coach-in-state-history/78213785007/

February 23, 2025 Posted by | Uncategorized | Leave a comment

ASICS January 29 Race for the Hodge Trophy Update

This March, WIN Magazine, Culture House and ASICS will announce the winner of the prestigious 2025 Dan Hodge Trophy that will be presented to the nation’s top NCAA Division I wrestler, following the March 20-22 NCAA Championships in Philadelphia. Between now and then, WIN Magazine will provide a weekly update, every Tuesday, at WIN-Magazine.com on this year’s race for the coveted trophy, which was created in 1994 by former WIN publisher Mike Chapman and named after Dan Hodge, the late three-time NCAA champion (1955-57) from the University of Oklahoma. In addition to former Hodge Trophy winners, a retired coach from each region, and national media members, wrestling fans can once again be part of the voting as well. Shortly after the NCAAs, fans will be able to vote online at WIN-Magazine.com with the winner earning five first-place votes. The criteria for winning the award are record, dominance/bonus-point percentage, quality of competition and sportsmanship.
Statistical Look at Notable 2025 Hodge Trophy Candidates
The following list shows wrestlers ranked within the top 10 (as of WIN’s Jan. 27 rankings) who are currently undefeated. … more at … https://www.win-magazine.com/2025/01/29/january-29-race-for-the-hodge-trophy-update/?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email

February 23, 2025 Posted by | Uncategorized | Leave a comment

CSU wrestlers look to repeat history in saving their program as wrestling alum Stipe Miocic lends his support

CLEVELAND — The situation the Cleveland State Wrestling team finds itself in following the school’s decision to eliminate the program following this academic year is not unfamiliar.
RELATED: Cleveland State University discontinues 3 NCAA sports programs after Board of Trustees approval A decade ago, the 2015 squad suffered the same blow when the school axed the program. The move sent shockwaves through the team and the school.
Students rallied behind the team, voting in a referendum that they’d be willing to raise credit hour prices to save the sport. A move that a decade ago led the university to reverse its decision and reinstate the sport. It’s a formula some members of the current squad hope to replicate ten years later. An investment in wrestling now is an investment in Cleveland’s future. “I firmly believe that we have 30 guys on our roster that are from Ohio, and most of them are from the greater Cleveland area,” said wrestler Joey Lyons. That’s why he launched a GoFundMe account to raise money to mount the case for keeping the team. A push received attention when CSU wrestling’s most famous alum, Stipe Miocic, told his followers on X he was sick to his stomach and heartbroken for these young men and coaches. He said the program shaped him into the person he is. Closing with, “I hope there’s still time to make a difference and save this incredible program.” Words that were music to the team’s ears. “It’s awesome. I mean, to have a guy of that caliber, with that kind of platform and to use that platform for us, it’s astounding,” Lyons said.
If Cleveland State gets rid of wrestling, it’s a move that would come as the city of Cleveland prepares to host the sport’s ultimate showcase next spring, the 2026 NCAA Men’s Division 1 National Championships. The wrestling championships last hosted by Cleveland in 2018 … more at … https://www.news5cleveland.com/news/local-news/csu-wrestlers-look-to-repeat-history-in-saving-their-program-as-wrestling-alum-stipe-miocic-lends-his-support?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email

February 22, 2025 Posted by | Uncategorized | , , | Leave a comment

Dual Results and News- N.C., S.C., & Va.

Editor’s Notes ; 2 week catch up from late Jan. & early April. Will have more soon. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
App. State Improves to 5-0 in SoCon with Dominant Win
BOILING SPRINGS — App State Wrestling maintained its unbeaten SoCon dual record by earning bonus-point wins at the first eight weights, capped by back-to-back pins from freshmen Stephan Monchery and Bryson Terrell, in a 38-8 victory at Gardner-Webb on Tuesday night. JohnMark Bentley picked up his 150th career victory as App State’s head coach.
The first-period pins from Monchery, a true freshman heavyweight, … more at … https://appstatesports.com/news/2025/2/4/wrestling-improves-to-5-0-in-socon-with-dominant-win.aspx?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
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#12 Wrestling Locks Up West Division Title with 49-0 Domination of Montevallo
FRANKLIN SPRINGS, Ga. – The 12th-ranked Lander Wrestling team locked up their second consecutive Conference Carolinas West Division Title on Tuesday evening as they shut out the Montevallo Falcons 49-0 in a neutral site contest on the campus of Emmanuel University. This was Lander’s third consecutive shutout and fifth so far this season. The Bearcats won every match by bonus point margins, earning four major decisions, three tech falls, and two pins. Lander improved to 13-4 overall … more at … https://landerbearcats.com/news/2025/2/4/-12-wrestling-locks-up-west-division-title-with-49-0-domination-of-montevallo.aspx?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
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Vince Robinson Named ACC Wrestler of the Week
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Wolfpack wrestler, Vince Robinson has been named the ACC Wrestler of the Week for the third time this season as announced by the conference office on Tuesday, February 4. At Friday night’s rivalry matchup in Chapel Hill, NC State never led UNC until Robinson clinched the victory for his team in the final bout of the night. … more … https://gopack.com/news/2025/2/4/wrestling-vince-robinson-named-acc-wrestler-of-the-week?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
And …

Newberry Wrestling Dominates Allen, Secures 51-3 Victory
NEWBERRY SC – The Newberry College men’s wrestling team put on a commanding performance against Allen University, securing a dominant 51-3 victory at Home. The Wolves won nine of ten bouts, including five by fall, to extend their strong season showing. The McCullough brothers kicked things off in style, with Hunter McCullough (125 lbs.) earning a major decision over Xavier Anderson (12-4), followed by Ethan McCullough (133 lbs.) pinning … more at … https://newberrywolves.com/news/2025/1/29/mens-wrestling-newberry-wrestling-dominates-allen-secures-51-3-victory.aspx?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
And …

Abbey Wrestling Moves to 6-1 in Conference with Victory over Allen
NEWBERRY, S.C. — The Belmont Abbey wrestling team earned its sixth Conference Carolinas victory of the season thanks to a 45-6 win over Allen Wednesday evening. The match was held at Newberry’s Eleazer Arena after it was rescheduled from last week due to inclement weather.  
Christian Arrington earned a pin in 46 seconds … more at … https://abbeyathletics.com/news/2025/1/29/abbey-wrestling-moves-to-6-1-in-conference-with-victory-over-allen.aspx?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
And …

App State Wrestling Shuts Out SoCon Foe
BOONE, N.C. — Kaden Keiser delivered a takedown five seconds into App State’s home dual against Presbyterian on Monday night.  When Aldo Hernandez broke a scoreless tie … more at … https://appstatesports.com/news/2025/1/27/app-state-wrestling-shuts-out-socon-foe.aspx?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
And …

Duke’s Wallace, NC State’s Buesgens Named ACC Co-Wrestlers of the Week
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (theACC.com) – The Atlantic Coast Conference office announced on Tuesday that Duke’s Aidan Wallace and NC State’s Koy Buesgens were named ACC Co-Wrestlers of the Week, as each wrestler scored a top-25 individual win in conference action last weekend, January 24-26.  
In his lone match of the week, Wallace registered the highest victory of his collegiate career … more at … https://theacc.com/news/2025/1/28/wrestling-dukes-wallace-nc-states-buesgens-named-acc-co-wrestlers-of-the-week.aspx?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
And …

UNCP’s – Roberson Tabbed Conference Carolinas Wrestler Of The Week
GREENVILLE, S.C. – Third-ranked 157-pounder Keegan Roberson capped off a 2-0 week by being named Conference Carolinas Wrestler of the Week, the league announced Tuesday. The Chicago, Ill. native started the week off with a 6-1 decision win over Newberry’s Dennis Virelli, … more … https://uncpbraves.com/news/2025/1/28/wrestling-roberson-tabbed-conference-carolinas-wrestler-of-the-week.aspx?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
And …

Roanoke’s Noble and Cook earn ODAC Wrestler of the Week Awards
FOREST, Va. – The Roanoke College wrestling team swept the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) Athlete of the Week awards for the week of January 27. Senior Josh Noble earned the Lighter Weight Wrestler of the Week accolades while junior Nicholas Cook took home Heavier Weight Wrestler of the Week honors. Noble captured the individual title at 125 pounds … more at … https://roanokemaroons.com/news/2025/1/27/wrestling-noble-and-cook-earn-odac-wrestler-of-the-week-awards.aspx?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email









February 22, 2025 Posted by | Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Cleveland State Wrestling Mourns the Loss of Coach Bonacci

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Dick Bonacci, one of the founding members of the Cleveland State Athletics family, passed away this past week. Bonacci was a legend, mentor, and friend who dedicated 36 years to the wrestling program.
Bonacci arrived at Fenn College in 1962, reviving a wrestling program that had been dormant for almost 30 years. Through his hard work and determination, he guided the team through the transformation to the Cleveland State Vikings in year four.
In his time at Cleveland State, Bonacci posted a record of 296-177-9, with 25 winning seasons, including 17 consecutive winning campaigns from 1964-81. He helped secure 92 individual NCAA Championship berths including 10 All-Americans.
For his dedication to the sport, Bonacci was inducted into the seven Hall of Fames.
Bonacci got his start at West High School in Cleveland, Ohio, where he never lost a match, posting a perfect 60-0 record while catching three OHSAA State Titles. In 1951, his team was crowned National Champions.
Bonnaci went on to wrestle at the University of Toledo, winning three MAC Championships and guiding the team to two conference championships. In … more at … https://csuvikings.com/news/2025/1/27/cleveland-state-wrestling-mourns-the-loss-of-coach-bonacci.aspx?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email

February 22, 2025 Posted by | Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Cleveland State Wrestling Topples Kent State in Front of Sellout Crowd

TDR Editor’s Notes: SAVE CLEVELAND STATE WRESTLING!!! Cleveland is home to one of the strongest areas for high school wrestling in Ohio and the USA. There is a strong tradition and history of our sport in N.E. Ohio. The TakeDown Report started in “N.E. Ohio – The Heart of Wrestling” in 1986-1987. If you have a picture of one of our old TDR shirts with that slogan please send.
The TDR will return to full speed this weekend. The Editor has been sidelined due to illness for the last 3 weeks. No excuses. It is what it is.
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CLEVELAND, Ohio – Cleveland State toppled Kent State 21-15 in front of a sellout crowd of 2,400 people inside Woodling Gymnasium on Thursday evening.
The Vikings jumped out to a 4-0 advantage behind a 16-3 major decision by Ben Aranda at 125-pounds. Jake Manley followed with a 10-8 decision to make it 7-0.
Kent State answered back with the next three matches to take a 12-7 advantage after the 157-pound contest.
Tate Geiser picked up a massive 19-4 technical fall at 165-pounds to even the match at 12-12. The Golden Flashes quickly went ahead by three behind a 10-4 decision at 174-pounds.
In one of the most exciting contests of the night, Gavin Ricketts pulled out a 4-1 sudden victory at 184-pounds, tying the match at 15-15. Joey Lyons then picked up a 5-1 decision at 197-pounds to make it 18-15.
No. 29 Daniel Bucknavich capped off the evening with a 2-0 shutout at 285-pounds as the Green and White won 21-15.
The Vikings return to the mat on Saturday to conclude the dual season with a match at Rider … more at … https://csuvikings.com/news/2025/2/20/cleveland-state-wrestling-topples-kent-state-in-front-of-sellout-crowd.aspx?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email

February 22, 2025 Posted by | Uncategorized | Leave a comment

TDR Top 12 – Febr. 1st Girls Rankings 100-114 lbs.

Editor’s Notes; This season’s The TakeDown Report’s Top 120 best female wrestlers in eastern North Carolina rankings as of the end of the Regular season, more or less.. This is the 3rd season of TDR Top 12 rankings and awards for girl wrestlers and the 28th season for boys. We welcome input from coaches, fans and wrestlers. We will recognize the top wrestlers with engraved wooden plaques for the 21st year with the ‘duck under’ logo. We also have TDR T-Shirts with white print on black shirts for just $10!
The following columns are Rank, Weight, wrestler, school, graduation year, wins, losses, win percentage.
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1100Johnson, IzabellaCroatan282520.926
2100Ockerman, AnnaCorinth-Holders251410.933
3100Van Pelt, CharlotteJacksonville283230.914
4100Cook, AspenNorth Brunswick251410.933
5100Ayala-Garcia, AngelicaManteo262350.821
6100Raygoza, IsabellaSouth Brunswick271560.714
7100Vee, AlainaSwansboro2825100.714
8100Fuller, RowanHeritage281030.769
10100Davis, BryleeRosewood281470.667
10100Huang, YesanLaney2621110.656
1107Reese, KhiryRosewood272301.000
2107Hijawi, ZainabSouth Central261720.895
3107Simmons, KatieLaney252430.889
4107Wallace, MakaylaAyden-Grifton272040.833
5107Morrow, BrookeBunn252260.786
6107McKethan, ColbyPasquotank County262270.759
7107Rivers, KayleeEastern Wayne27920.818
8107Kishea, ZoeWhite Oak27820.800
10107Moore, MadelineWake Forest262390.719
10107Cline, RyleighSwansboro2722100.688
1114Scales, AhriannaPasquotank County25321####
2114Miller, AdriannaSouthwest Onslow271410.933
3114Lebui, CatherineWest Brunswick281420.875
4114Lee, AngelNorth Lenoir272560.806
5114Vindigni, JulianneCleveland2735100.778
6114Smith, PeytonJacksonville2728100.737
7114Garcia, AbbyHavelock282690.743
8114Maddalena, SarahLejeune262280.733
10114Austin, AlissaFirst Flight281730.850
10114Durham, HelenWakefield2829110.725
10114Sanders, MajestyWake Forest262190.700
10114Smith, Kris’anaAyden-Gifton251570.682
10114Duhon, AverySwansboro2723120.657

February 6, 2025 Posted by | Uncategorized | | Leave a comment

TDR Top 12 – Febr. 1st Girls Rankings 120-132 lbs.

Editor’s Notes; This season’s The TakeDown Report’s Top 120 best female wrestlers in eastern North Carolina rankings as of the end of the Regular season, more or less.. This is the 3rd season of TDR Top 12 rankings and awards for girl wrestlers and the 28th season for boys. We welcome input from coaches, fans and wrestlers. We will recognize the top wrestlers with engraved wooden plaques for the 21st year with the ‘duck under’ logo. We also have TDR T-Shirts with white print on black shirts for just $10!
The following columns are Rank, Weight, wrestler, school, graduation year, wins, losses, win percentage.
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1120Vindigni, AddisonCleveland254301.000
2120Simpson, SkylaFirst Flight271601.000
3120Ready, OliviaHavelock253210.970
4120Odom, TriniteeHeidi Trask252330.885
5120Hirkala, MariellaSwansboro253360.846
6120Aguirre-Gomez, GabriellaManteo273080.789
8120Belangia, KoriCurrituck Co.272370.767
9120Shipley, HaydenJacksonville2826100.722
7120Ballard, ClaireNew Bern2730100.750
10120Swift, KenzingtonSwansboro27950.643
10120Sanchez, AdelaideLejeune281690.640
10120Delgado, OriannaFranklinton271590.625
15120Ipanaque, JulianaWake Forest281260.667
1126Snow, KennedleHavelock253830.927
2126Johnson, LaNauticaVance County261740.810
3126Kiser, MiaLaney262870.800
4126Holton, MyrezzaManteo262770.794
5126Whitley, MacynDixon262170.750
6126Brewer, AbigailCleveland2731130.705
7126Wiley, TrinitySouth Brunswick271870.720
8126Chavez, FernandaWest Craven2722100.688
10126Waybright, IsabelleLejeune251880.692
10126Wood, AlexandriaCurrituck Co.252090.690
1132Rodriquez, AnabelDixon253020.938
2132Murillo, BellaFike251510.938
3132Sommer, CharliWest Carteret271420.875
4132Almedia-Torres, KeyaraCleveland253490.791
5132Lavigne, MiaWhite Oak2731110.738
6132Martin, VioletRolesville251460.700
7132Beaver, MirellHeritage262470.774
8132Woolley, MichelleHeidi Trask251040.714
10132Vita, KrisaSouth Brunswick251040.714
10132Sapp, AshleighWest Brunswick281040.714
10132Almendarez, FerlaniNorth Pitt2725110.694
10132Collinis, AydelynSwansboro2826120.684
10132Potter, MikaylahCorinth-Holders281890.667
10132Simmons, MatildaSouth Central271050.667

February 6, 2025 Posted by | Uncategorized | | Leave a comment