Gary Abbott Was The Right Person At The Right Time For USA Wrestling
ary Abbott leaves a lasting legacy after 37 years as USA Wrestling’s director of communications.
By this point, everyone has a Gary Abbott story. My favorite was at the 2019 World Championships in Astana, Kazakhstan.
Several members of the U.S. delegation experienced some sort of bug, and, halfway through the tournament, it got Gary. I saw him in the bathroom with a handful of paper towels when I asked what happened. He puked on press row and was about to clean up his mess.
Gary vomited three times and never left the tournament. He powered through like a Jordan Burroughs double-leg takedown.
I moved as far away from Gary as possible, hoping to avoid his fate. I held my breath if he was near. I used paper towels to open doors. I didn’t make eye contact. I tried everything.
Well, it didn’t work. I got sick the next day and puked three times — just like Gary.
Only I returned to the hotel to recover. Andy Hamilton, Trackwrestling’s content manager at the time (this was at the peak of the Track vs Flo wars), said Gary defeated me 3-3 on criteria since he kept working through the session, and I did not.
There’s a strong chance we used “BarfingGary1” as a password for one of our Trackwrestling accounts when we returned home.
This was quintessential Gary Abbott. Nothing would ever stand in the way of getting the job done — even if you have to sacrifice your health to make it happen. There’s a reason USA Wrestling’s executive director, Rich Bender, calls Abbott the hardest working man in wrestling, and Gary always proved it.
Gary is calling it a career after 37 ½ years as USA Wrestling’s director of communications. He covered the Olympics, World Championships, NCAA Championships, youth tournaments, beach wrestling, and everything in between.
His greatest legacy will be the advancement of women’s wrestling. There were times when Abbott was the lone voice for a sport that was working to find its place.
Bender was an intern at USA Wrestling in 1988 when he was asked to make a presentation to the board of directors about sending a women’s team to the 1989 World Championships. The presentation must have worked since the first U.S. women’s World team competed the following year.
He credits Abbott for the presentation and for his groundbreaking women’s wrestling coverage. “Few, if anyone, has had a bigger impact on the promotion of women’s wrestling than Gary Abbott,” Bender said. “He’s long been a bulldog on the idea of women having the same opportunities as men. Gary doesn’t jump to the front for credit, … more at … https://www.flowrestling.org/articles/14588959-gary-abbott-was-the-right-person-at-the-right-time-for-usa-wrestling
The Citadel Releases 2025-26 Wrestling Schedule
CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Citadel wrestling program officially announced the upcoming 2025-26 schedule Tuesday morning, slating the season opener for Sunday, Nov. 2 at the Southeast Open individual tournament with Southern Conference competition igniting on Sunday, Jan. 18 and the SoCon Championship set for early March.
“The 2025-2026 schedule will be a tough challenge for our team,” interim head coach Luke Welch said. “We have many guys back from the starting lineup and we will have new faces as well. The team will have an opportunity to wrestle some of the best teams in the country. Going on my sixth season here, this might be the toughest schedule the program has seen.”
Following the Southeast Open to open the 2025-26 campaign in early November, the Bulldogs return to the state of Virginia for a trio of head-to-head team matchups at the George Mason Duals on Saturday, Nov. 8. Just a week later, The Citadel serves as quasi-host for the second-ever Throwdown on the Yorktown on Saturday, Nov. 15, squaring off against both Air Force and Maryland in back-to-back duals on the flight deck of the USS Yorktown CV-10, a retired U.S. Navy aircraft carrier anchored in the Charleston Harbor just off the coast of Mount Pleasant, S.C.
The Bulldogs officially launch the home slate later in December, starting off with a dual against Michigan State on Sunday, Dec. 7 before hosting Truett McConnell on Thursday, Dec. 18. The non-conference schedule continues with the NC State Duals on Sunday, Dec. 21 with battles against both the host Wolfpack as well as fellow visitor Buffalo before making the annual trek to … more at … https://citadelsports.com/news/2025/9/29/the-citadel-releases-2025-26-wrestling-schedule.aspx
Forged in the Trent-ches: Hidlay dug deep to win World gold
By Tristan Warner
There was a moment mid-match when Trent Hidlay had to stop and say a quick prayer. He begged for a second chance.
With just a matter of seconds remaining in the first period, the score clock read 10-4 in favor of UWW athlete Amanula Gadzhimagomedov, as the match paused for a challenge from his opponent’s corner. If the challenge had been won, and the two-point exposure in question went in favor of Gadzhimagomedov instead of Hidlay, the match would have ended via tech fall. “It was chaotic, man,” Hidlay said just moments after a three-minute blur of a second frame that he couldn’t quite recall. “Just a couple seconds ago, I was a challenge away from losing. I said a quick prayer for one more chance. I asked for one more life and I’ll figure a way out.”
The blue-corner’s challenge was ultimately lost, and Hidlay went into the break trailing 10-5 in the 92-kg finals in men’s freestyle.
Having blasted his way through four opponents to get there, which included three tech falls and a 6-1 victory, the first-time Senior World Team member showed he does not know the meaning of the word quit. The former five-time All-American at NC State (2020-2024) blitzed his way back from an eight-point deficit, clawing his way to a remarkably gutsy 13-10 victory and subsequent World gold medal. “I don’t really remember anything that happened in the last four minutes,” Hidlay said. “It felt really terrible doing it but just never give up. You get one more chance to get back and you make the most of it. And you don’t quit until the clock says zero.”
In the final frame, Hidlay’s ferocious underhook and tireless pace wore down his fading opponent, as he scored two two-point double-leg takedowns and put an exclamation mark on his Zagreb experience with a four-point explosive double just before time expired.
For a guy who came so close to winning an NCAA title, twice reaching the finals in 2021 and 2024 but falling just shy of the coveted collegiate pinnacle, this World gold medal was just the vindication for which Hidlay had been longing. “I am just emotional. I am a World champion. This is everything I’ve ever dreamed of. In that fashion too … it was probably the most me thing I’ve ever done. I am just proud I figured a way out. I kept looking at the score wondering if I actually scored 13 points.
“I don’t know how it happened, but it happened. It was a wave of emotions. Everything I’ve ever put into this sport showed up in those six minutes. Nothing emulates my style and my career in a nutshell more than that, so it is kind of fitting that is the way it happened. “It is just satisfying to know your work is paying off. You put so much into it and are just waiting for the day it comes through.”
As Hidlay felt that burn in his chest in the final minute, still in search of the match-winning points, he felt a little extra push from the American faithful. From those in attendance and the proud supporters of Team USA, in that moment, Hidlay knew the victory he was so desperately seeking was for more than his own glory. “Representing Team USA is the coolest thing ever. We had a meeting on 9/11 about how much it means to me and to people to go out and wrestle so hard … that’s why you do it. You wrestle to represent your country, yourself, and the people who build you up for it.”
Jamill Kelly, the 2004 Olympic silver medalist who now serves as head coach at the Wolfpack RTC in Raleigh, expressed his elation after Hidlay’s thrilling come-from-behind victory. “He is a professional,” Kelly stated. “He works so hard, and he earned every bit of this. If you’ve watched him wrestle before, that is the competitor … more at … https://www.win-magazine.com/2025/09/24/forged-in-the-trent-ches-trent-hidlay-dug-deep-to-win-world-gold/
How The All-Time Women’s College Wrestling Team Was Picked
Picking the all-time women’s college wrestling team wasn’t easy. Here were the 10 toughest choices.
Creating the greatest women’s college wrestling wasn’t easy — especially since deserving candidates were left off the list. Several picks were slam dunks, like all of the four-time college national champions. A wrestler was evaluated only during the years she competed in college, with caveats. Winning multiple college championships is important, but international success during college is factored into a wrestler’s final evaluation.
Several of the picks — rightly — received criticism. This was less about being right and more about opening the conversation to learn more about our women’s college wrestling stars.
Below are explanations for the toughest decisions and how the final pick was made.
Click here to read the Greatest Women’s College Wrestlers Of All Time article in its entirety.
Click here for a list of every women’s college national champion.
WCWA 121/123: Michaela Hutchison (Oklahoma City), or Sarah Hildebrandt (King), or Dom Parrish (Simon Fraser)
Final pick: Michaela Hutchison
This was the toughest decision since King’s Sarah Hildebrandt and Simon Fraser’s Dom Parrish were at the weight. Hildebrandt won the 2024 Olympics and Parrish won the 2022 World Championships after college, placing them in rarified air.
However, post-college credentials don’t count; only domestic and international accomplishments during college.
Hutchison defeated Shauna Isbell (Lindenwood) in the 2009 finals, and Isbell eventually finished 2nd-3rd-1st-2nd at the WCWA Championships, giving Hutchison a high-caliber win as a freshman. Hutchison’s only WCWA tournament loss in four seasons was to Helen Maroulis, and she took a period off of her during the ball draw era. And Hutchison won her third title over Hildebrandt, who became a four-time finalist and two-time champion.
Parrish finished 3rd-2nd-1st-1st from 2016-19, falling to Oklahoma City’s Becka Leather (an eventual World bronze medalist) and Campbellsville’s Andribeth Rivera at nationals.
This came down to the number of titles won and … more at … https://www.flowrestling.org/articles/14569278-how-the-all-time-womens-college-wrestling-team-was-picked
Pat Pecora, Dr. Ray Wrabley Honored as Part of PSAC 75th Anniversary Celebration
FULL ‘DISTINGUISHED KEYNOTES’ RELEASE | FULL LIST OF HONOREES
Legendary Pitt-Johnstown wrestling coach and athletic director Pat Pecora and Pitt-Johnstown Faculty Athletic Representative Dr. Ray Wrabley were honored on Wednesday by being named “Distinguished Keynotes” as the part of the PSAC’s 75th Anniversary celebration. The Distinguished Keynotes are Individuals that have been historically influential in the PSAC, whether it be staff, coaches, or administrators.
Throughout September, the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference celebrated its 75th anniversary season and honored 300 of its most prominent contributors. Four groups of honorees, with 75 in each group, were honored. The groups include: “Made in the PSAC” (released Sept. 3) , “75 Greatest Female Athletes,” (released Sept. 10), “75 Greatest Male Athletes,” (released Sept. 17) and “Distinguished Keynotes” (release date Sept. 24).
“Every great structure relies on keystones, which are essential elements that hold everything together,” said Steve Murray, PSAC Commissioner. “The individuals we recognize as our Distinguished Keystones have been just that: the steady hands, bold voices, and visionary leaders who helped shape the foundation of our conference. They may or may not have worn a uniform, but their fingerprints are all over our history. Their legacy reminds us that success isn’t only measured in points or trophies but in leadership, dedication, and a lifelong commitment to something greater than oneself.”
“For 75 years, the PSAC has been more than a conference–it’s been a proving ground for excellence, leadership, and lifelong impact,” said PSAC Commissioner Steve Murray. “The ‘Made in the PSAC’ honorees reflect the very best of what our institutions represent. Their achievements stand as a testament to the transformative power of Division II athletics and the values that define the PSAC: integrity, resilience, and a commitment to something greater than oneself.”
Pat Pecora – Pitt-Johnstown, Wrestling Coach, 1976-24
Winningest coach in college wrestling history; all-time leader in dual meet victories with 661; 4-time National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) National Coach of the Year; led team to NCAA Division II National Championships in 1996 and 1999; 25 NCAA Regional Championships; inducted into nine Halls of Fame … more at … https://pittjohnstownathletics.com/news/2025/9/24/general-pat-pecora-dr-ray-wrabley-honored-as-part-of-psac-75th-anniversary-celebration.aspx
Hall of Fame 2025: Dad’s Advice Led Sentes to Life-Changing Decision
Two-Time All-American Scotti Sentes to be inducted into Marcy Weston CMU Athletics Hall of Fame on Friday
By: Andy Sneddon
MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. – Father knows best?
Scotti Sentes lived it.
At the insistence of his dad, Sentes attended a wrestling camp at Central Michigan University in the summer of 2007, ahead of his senior year at Riverdale High School in North Fort Myers, Fla. “I didn’t want to go, wasn’t really interested, never heard of Central,” Sentes said. “I even told the guys when I visited, ‘My dad’s making me come here; I’m not really interested,’ and they were like, ‘Ah, it’s OK, just come and check things out.’ “I got to meet some of the wrestlers, got to meet coach (Tom) Borrelli …”
That camp, that meeting with the legendary Borrelli, and the subsequent decision to enroll at CMU changed Sentes’ life. On Friday, Sentes will be inducted into the Central Michigan University Marcy Weston Athletics Hall of Fame during a ceremony in McGuirk Arena in the Kulhavi Events Center.
Sentes and other members of the Class of 2025 will then be introduced during the CMU-Eastern Michigan football game on Kramer/Deromedi Field at Kelly/Shorts Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 27.
Sentes quickly went from not knowing CMU to buying into Borrelli’s program. Shortly thereafter, he became the first freshman All-American in program history. … more at … https://cmuchippewas.com/news/2025/9/24/wrestling-hall-of-fame-2025-dads-advice-led-sentes-to-life-changing-decision
NC State Wrestling to Host Annual Coaches Clinic
RALEIGH – NC State wrestling is set to host its annual coaches clinic, featuring 2025 Senior World Champion Trent Hidlay, in the Weisiger-Brown Athletic Facility October 24-25 to kick-start its 2025-26 dual-match season.
Led by NC State’s current coaching staff and recent Senior World Champion Trent Hidlay, the clinic is scheduled for a mid-day start on Friday, October 24 and will wrap up early afternoon Saturday, October 25 in the Weisiger-Brown Athletic Facility on NC State’s campus.
Both days will feature numerous technique sessions, along with lectures on strength and conditioning, weight management, nutrition, and academics. Friday night will conclude with a coaches social at Mitch’s Tavern after each of the technique sessions. The entire event will be capped off by NC State’s Wrestle-Offs in … more at … https://gopack.com/news/2025/9/25/nc-state-wrestling-to-host-annual-coaches-clinic
Eight Champions Crowned at RAF 01 Event
History was made in Cleveland, Ohio, tonight as Real American Freestyle (RAF) held its first card, RAF 01. Eight champions were crowned in an electric atmosphere, with a star-studded list of participants.
Local star Nathan Tomasello will go down in history as the first wrestler to win a RAF bout and the first bantamweight champion. The former Ohio State national champion was a crowd favorite as he used his impressive build and strength to keep Matt Ramos at bay for most of the bout. Tomasello’s four points were all scored off of step-out points. In the second period, Tomasello was close to a pair of takedowns when he earned his stepouts. Ramos nearly shocked the crowd with a late takedown during a sequence that started with a flying squirrel attempt.
The third installment of Yianni Diakomihalis versus Indian world/Olympic medalist Bajrang Punia ended the same way as the first two – with the four-time national champion from Cornell getting his hand raised. It was in the third period when Diakomihalis used a low leg attack to become the first RAF wrestler to register a takedown. That maneuver iced a 5-1 victory for Diakomihalis.
The third bout of the evening featured a current star against a former great and it established a pattern for matches of this ilk. Generally, it was the younger wrestler who got their hand raised. In this instance, Mexican Olympian Austin Gomez needed less than a minute to roll against another hometown hero, Lance Palmer of St. Ed’s and Ohio State fame. This bout did not have a title on the line, but it appears we could have a Diakomihalis-Gomez clash in the future.
Some of the biggest fireworks of the evening came from the combination of Evan Wick and Jason Nolf in the middleweight championship. Wick jumped out to the lead, surprising Nolf on a low, reshot attempt. Nolf would answer by getting a takedown of his own. These were no ordinary two points. Nolf had Wick above his head, sitting on his shoulders for a moment, … more at … https://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/49_raf/eight-champions-crowned-at-raf-01-event-r100479/
Canadian Collegiate U Sports Changes Transfer Rules
by Jake Bridges 2
September 18th, 2025Canada, College, International, News, Transfers, U Sports
U SPORTS, the governing body for university and college sports in Canada, has updated its transfer rules. First or second-year athletes in the Canadian university system can now transfer schools without penalty. Previously, athletes who transferred in the Canadian system were forced to sit out one calendar year of competition; however, this rule did not apply to all sports. Swimming, cross-country, and track and field had exemptions.
The update also paves the way for easier transfer from NCAA or NAIA schools to a Canadian University, as the 365-day sit-out period previously applied to such transfers.
The new ruleset will come into effect in the 2026-2027 season.
When speaking on the decision, U Sports CEO Pierre Arsenault said, “The landscape of post-secondary sport is evolving, and our role is to ensure our policies reflect the needs of those we serve.”
The change in policy is well timed. In the United States, the House Settlement established new limits on roster sizes across NCAA sports. Most programs are being forced to decrease their size and cut athletes, meaning that as we enter the post-House era, there will be more athletes in the U.S. than roster spots. U SPORTS’ new policy allows them to be a viable alternative for those athletes.
While U SPORTS lagged behind the NCAA in transfer policy, historically, their rulebook has been less restrictive than the NCAA’s.
U SPORTS, for example, does not impose a five-year window … more at … https://swimswam.com/canadian-collegiate-u-sports-changes-transfer-rules/
Blades dominates bronze medal match, Bey to repechage at World Championships
ZAGREB, Croatia – After experiencing her first loss since the Olympic final over one year ago, 22-year-old Kennedy Blades got the next best thing—She showed the grit of a champion to come back for a World bronze medal.
It was a tall task for blades in the 68 kg bronze medal showcase. She was matched against 2024 Olympic bronze medalist and 2023 World champion Buse Cavusoglu Tosun of Türkiye. Blades made Cavusoglu Tosun appear pedestrian, posting a 12-1 technical fall over the savvy veteran.
Blades saved her best effort for last. She got to all of her spots with apparent ease, converting multiple takedowns, displaying excellent mat awareness and body positioning, all-the-while snuffing out any Cavusoglu Tosun threat. Fittingly, a re-attack single leg iced the win with 37 seconds left in on the clock. The bronze is Blades first medal at a Senior World Championships, in this her first appearance. She is a three-time age-group World medalist, with a U20 World title coming in 2021, plus a U20 World bronze and U23 World silver in 2023. Blades collected silver up at 76 kg last year at the Olympic Games in Paris, France.
Women’s freestyle group three athletes Adaugo Nwachukwu at 62 kg and Alex Glaude at 72 kg—both of whom lost in the quarterfinals and … more at … https://www.themat.com/news/2025/september/18/blades-dominates-bronze-medal-match-bey-to-repechage-at-world-championships
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
Takedown Report 