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 Saturday at the 10-team Ober Invitational, hosted by Elizabethtown College. Noble went 4-0 on the day with two major decisions and a technical fall.
Cook won the 285-pound title at the Ober Invitational. He was 5-0 with two pins and two major decisions. Cook’s only tight challenge was in the semifinals, defeating teammate Brady Elswick in the sudden … more at … https://roanokemaroons.com/news/2025/1/27/wrestling-noble-and-cook-earn-odac-wrestler-of-the-week-awards.aspx
Cleveland State News Update
Stipe Miocic on Cleveland State cutting wrestling: ‘Let’s save the program’
Former UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic broke his silence on Cleveland State’s announcement to cut the wrestling program and other sports.
CSU announced the removal of wrestling, women’s golf and softball amid a reduction of the athletics budget. Safe to say, the news wasn’t met with a positive reaction.
Especially those in the wrestling community, many were shocked and angry over wrestling’s elimination. Miocic, a former Cleveland State record, took to social media.
“I’m sick to my stomach and heartbroken for these young men and coaches,” Miocic wrote on Twitter. “One of the oldest sports at Cleveland State University—wrestling—is being cut. As a former wrestler at CSU, this program was a huge chapter of my life and shaped me into the person I am today. I’ll always cherish what it gave me. My heart goes out to everyone affected by this decision. I hope there’s still time to make a difference and save this incredible program. Let’s save the program!” … more at … https://www.on3.com/college/cleveland-state-vikings/news/stipe-miocic-on-cleveland-state-cutting-wrestling-lets-save-the-program/
And …
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 are one of the biggest gets in college sports. … 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
NCAA DI Rankings Updated (1/28/2025)
Once again, there were plenty of changes to the national rankings after removing wrestlers for season-ending injuries or inactivity, or “other.” This was apparent at 197 lbs with two-time All-American Trey Munoz getting removed. Munoz has not competed since Vegas in early December. From what we understand, there is a possibility that Munoz will return this season, so, should he do so, he’ll be reinserted. Also at 197 lbs, Christian Carroll was removed as he had left the Iowa State team. Those changes resulted in a handful of wrestlers at this weight getting bumped up a couple spots automatically.
There were also some changes with Cornell’s lightweights. Late last week, there was confirmation that Greg Diakomihalis was injured and Brett Ungar intends to move from 133 to 125. Once Ungar gets down and wrestles, he’ll be considered. With Ungar dropping, we have Tyler Ferrera debuting in the rankings for Cornell at 133 lbs.
One of the brain busters of the week was how to handle the #4-#8 range at 141 lbs. Cael Happel won a huge matchup against Tagen Jamison, but then lost the next day to Mosha Schwartz. Jamison also lost to Jacob Frost. Complicating the matter is that both have wins over #6 Brock Hardy. We did flip Happel and Jamison due to the head-to-head result, but are holding steady otherwise. Should Happel/Jamison continue to lose to lesser-ranked opponents, they’ll drop.
A few teams still might have lineup wrinkles to work out and one that’s become evident has been Nebraska at 174 lbs. Veteran Bubba Wilson had a strong tournament in Vegas, but has missed a lot of time. In his absence, redshirt freshman Christopher Minto has been excellent. In the past few weeks, he’s posted wins over Beau Mantanona and Andrew Sparks. … more at … https://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/college/ncaa-di-rankings-updated-1282025-r99965/
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. The list also includes how many pins (P), tech falls (TF), … more at … https://www.win-magazine.com/2025/01/29/january-29-race-for-the-hodge-trophy-update/
#6 Wolfpack Defeats #18 UNC In Rivalry Thriller
Chapel Hill, N.C. – Coming down to the very last bout, sixth-ranked NC State wrestling claimed its 12th consecutive win over 18th-ranked North Carolina Friday night on the road to improve to 4-0 in conference action. The Wolfpack claimed five of the 10 bouts, making bonus points crucial in determining a winning outcome. Four matchups were determined by just two points or less.
Kicking things off at 133 pounds, the Tarheels took the three opening bouts to go up 10-0, scoring more points in those three bouts than total points the last two times these two teams faced each other. Upperclassmen for the Pack, Ed Scott and Derek Fields, would be the first to get NC State on the scoreboard to not let North Carolina run away with their lead, making the score 6-10. The next three bouts would go back in forth between NC State and UNC but Dylan Fishback provided key bonus points from a major decision at 184 pounds.
With two bouts remaining, North Carolina held a 16-10 lead. Heavyweight, Isaac Trumble quickly gave up a few takedowns making Pack fans weary. However, the fourth-ranked junior flipped the script when he pinned Nolan Neves in the first period to tie up the scoreboard 16-16. It all came down to the spark plug for the Pack this season, Vince Robinson in the final bout of the match … more at … https://gopack.com/news/2025/1/31/wrestling-6-wolfpack-defeats-18-unc-in-rivalry-thriller
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 with a 4-1 sudden victory over No. 23 Mac Church of No. 11 Virginia Tech at 165 pounds on Friday, January 24. With the match tied at 1-1, Wallace earned a takedown with 1:18 on the clock in the first overtime to collect the thrilling win. The victory was the first ACC win of his collegiate career and 22nd win of the season. His 22 wins are tied for the third-most in Duke history for a single season since 1999.
Ranked No. 29 entering the weekend, Buesgens picked up a 4-1 win over No. 21 Finn Solomon of No. 15 Pitt at 149 pounds to help No. 6 NC State improve to 3-0 … more at … https://theacc.com/news/2025/1/28/wrestling-dukes-wallace-nc-states-buesgens-named-acc-co-wrestlers-of-the-week.aspx
USA Wrestling News & Results
Monday grabs gold, three Americans move to finals at Dan Kolov – Nikola Petrov International
VARNA, Bulgaria – Quincy Monday was the lone men’s freestyle medalist for Team USA on Saturday at the 2025 Dan Kolov – Nikola Petrov International. He defeated returning champion Ivan Kusyak of Ukraine, 9-2, for the 74 kg gold medal.
A tight match early turned into a comfortable lead thanks to a takedown-to-turn sequence for Monday while his opponent was on the shot clock. Monday opened up a 5-0 lead in the first period and cemented the match with a similar takedown-to-lace combination in the second frame.
Monday finished with a 4-0 record for the event, which included a signature 12-0 technical fall win over 2023 World bronze medalist Ramazan Ramazanov of Bulgaria in the opening round. It is his second international gold medal and fourth international medal overall. Monday wrapped up a superb January tour that included a silver medal run at the Henri Deglane Grand Prix in addition to his Dan Kolov – Nikola Petrov title.
Past NCAA All-American Liam Cronin dropped a tight 4-1 decision to Roman Hutsuliak of Ukraine in the 57 kg bronze medal match to finish in fourth place. Cronin led on criteria, 1-1, in the final minute … more at … https://www.themat.com/news/2025/january/25/monday-grabs-gold-three-americans-move-to-finals-at-dan-kolov-nikola-petrov-international
And …
USA Wrestling Kids Folkstyle Nationals: Villafane (14U) and Gilbert (12U) named boys Outstanding Wrestlers
FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Day one of the 2025 USA Wrestling Kids Folkstyle Nationals featured boys competition in the 14U and 12U age divisions, with exceptional performances across the board. Winning the Outstanding Wrestler in the boys 14U division was Nelson Villafane of the Mat Assassins WC, the champion at 84 pounds. Villafane pinned Grayson VanValkenburg of the Michigan Premier WC in 1:44 in the finals. Villafane had three pins and two technical falls on his dominant march to the title.
Claiming the Outstanding Wrestler in the boys 12U division was Chase Gilbert of the Nova WC, the champion at 82 pounds. Gilbert pinned Walter Caulum of West Salem Bangor Wrestling in 50 seconds in the finals. He had three pins, a technical fall and a decision on his way to the championship.
This event is part of the coveted USA Wrestling Triple Crown in all of the age groups. An athlete in the boys divisions wins the USA Wrestling Triple Crown if they win the USA Wrestling national title in folkstyle, freestyle and Greco-Roman in the same year.
14U Boys Notes
Two-time Triple Crown winner Korbin Kiessling of Rampage Wrestling won the first leg of this year’s Triple Crown with a victory … more at … https://www.themat.com/news/2025/january/25/usa-wrestling-kids-folkstyle-nationals-villafane-14u-and-gilbert-12u-named-boys-outstanding-wrestlers
Women’s Wresling News & Results
Hawkeyes Pick Up 4 Ranked Wins, Finish Undefeated in 2024-25 Duals
The top-ranked University of Iowa women’s wrestling team dominated at the Journeymen College Duals, picking up ranked wins against No. 12 Lock Haven, No. 15 Sacred Heart, No. 19 Elmira College and No. 6 Presbyterian.
ALBANY, N.Y. — The top-ranked University of Iowa women’s wrestling team dominated at the Journeymen College Duals, picking up ranked wins against No. 12 Lock Haven, No. 15 Sacred Heart, No. 19 Elmira College and No. 6 Presbyterian at The Washington Street Armory on Saturday afternoon. Iowa improved to 19-0 in dual competition this season.
The Hawkeyes opened the day with a, 39-6, win over Lock Haven. Third-ranked Sterling Dias started the dual by pinning Summer Batts in 56 seconds at 103 pounds. Second-ranked Ava Bayless accepted a forfeit at 110, while top-ranked Brianna Gonzalez earned an 11-0 win over Jayleah at 117 pounds. At 124, seventh-ranked Cali Leng secured a 10-0 tech fall against Bella Devito. Tenth-ranked Emily Frost defeated Lily Sherer, 4-2, at 131, and sixth-ranked Cadence Diduch followed by accepting a forfeit at 138 pounds. Ella Schmit made her return to the mat and pinned Paige Jackson in 1:49 at 145 pounds. Sixth-ranked Naomi Simon and fifth-ranked Alivia White each earned tech falls at 180 and 207 pounds, respectively, to close the dual.
Iowa then defeated Sacred Heart, 37-6. Top-ranked Rianne Murphy made her return to the mat and pinned Ahsia Torres in 35 seconds at 103 pounds. Emilie and Brianna Gonzalez followed at 110 and 117 pounds, respectively, each earning 10-0 tech. falls. At 124, Leng held on for a 4-3 victory over Ally Fitzgerald. Emmily Patneaud, Diduch and Schmit each secured tech. falls for the Hawkeyes in the next three weight classes. Simon picked up a top-five win at 180 pounds, pinning fifth-ranked Madison Sandquist in 1:11. At 207, White finished the dual with a pin over Madeline Hodges in 38 seconds.
The Hawkeyes then matched up with No. 19 Elmira College, winning, … more at … https://hawkeyesports.com/news/2025/01/25/hawkeyes-pick-up-4-ranked-wins-finish-undefeated-in-duals
And …
Women’s Wrestling Earns Dramatic Win at Otterbein
The Blue Streaks defeated Otterbein in the Cardinals’ home debut
WESTERVILLE – Tuesday night’s showdown proved to be about as close as it gets between John Carroll Women’s Wrestling and Otterbein University. It was a rematch from earlier in the season between the two new programs, as the Cardinals barely eked out a 25-24 win on December 14. In Westerville, during the first-ever home match for Otterbein’s team, the Blue Streaks flipped the script.
In a mirror of the first bout, the Blue Streaks emerged victorious with a 25-24 win.
Results
Otterbein burst out of the gates with three straight forfeits, and set the score at 20-0 thanks to a first-period pin at 124 pounds. Knowing that one more loss could be too much to overcome, John Carroll got to work.
Riley Duffey was the one to stem the tide, picking up a crucial fall in just over two minutes at 131. Sumayyah Kemp followed it up with a similarly vital victory via pin at 138.
Thanks to three straight forfeit wins, the Blue Streaks retook the lead, 25-20. … more at … https://jcusports.com/news/2025/1/28/womens-wrestling-earns-dramatic-win-at-otterbein.aspx
And …
Presby Puts on a Show in New York with Three Wins over Top-20 Opponents
ALBANY, N.Y. – Plucking the victory away from #15 Sacred Heart, #19 Elmira, and #12 Lock Haven all within the span of three hours, the sixth-ranked Presbyterian College women’s wrestling team earned second-place at the NYS Journeymen Duals on Saturday afternoon. Bumping up their win count to 13 (and with seven of those W’s over nationally-ranked challengers), the only so-called “blemish” on PC’s weekend was a narrow defeat at the hands of #1 Iowa.
Other than that slight setback, the Scotsmen can hang their heads high after assembling 99 combined points in the three previous duals where they bested SHU 33-15, Elmira 40-7, and LHU 26-17. After starting off the month of January with a 5th-place mark at the NWCA National Duals … more at … https://gobluehose.com/news/2025/1/25/womens-wrestling-presby-puts-on-a-show-in-new-york-with-three-wins-over-top-20-opponents.aspx
And …
Warriors Three-Peat at PA State Women’s Collegiate Championships
EAST STROUDSBURG – For the third consecutive season, the East Stroudsburg University women’s wrestling team won the Pennsylvania State Collegiate Championship, compiling 94 team points with seven champions, three runner-up performances and 18 total top-six placements on Sunday at Koehler Fieldhouse.
Winning state championships for the Warriors were Olivia Klein (103), Emily Klein (110), Olivia Palmer (117), Waverly KaneLong (124), Zoe Gress (131), Selina Moore (145) and Tiffani Baublitz (160). Olivia Klein earned a share for Most Outstanding Wrestling with Gannon’s Lili Ujfalvi.
Earning second-place finishes for ESU were Alanna Barberio (110), Angelina Hiller (145) and Ruth Ansah (138). Joining those 10 Warriors on the podium were … more at … https://esuwarriors.com/news/2025/1/26/womens-wrestling-warriors-three-peat-at-pa-state-womens-collegiate-championships.aspx
And …
High School Girls Impress At 2025 Warrior Open
Six high school girls placed in the elite division at the Warrior Women’s Open, including three finalists and two champions.
High school girls continue to prove that the next generation has arrived. Three preps reached the Warrior Women’s Open finals in Fort Wayne, Indiana, with two winning titles. Below is a breakdown of the high schoolers who placed in the Maximus (elite) division with their place, high school, and national high school ranking.
Jaclyn Bouzakis, SO — 1st at 103 — Wyoming Seminary (Pa.), #2 at 105
Champ. Round 1 – Jaclyn Bouzakis over Jordan Epstein (Huntingdon) (TF 10-0)
Quarterfinal – Jaclyn Bouzakis over Riley Banyas (Campbellsville) (TF 10-0)
Semifinal – Jaclyn Bouzakis over Maddie Nieuwenhuis (TF 10-0)
1st Place Match – Jaclyn Bouzakis won by decision over Olivia Shore (Otterbein) (Dec 12-4)
Bouzakis defeated fellow high schooler Maddie Nieuwenhuis in the semis before downing 2022 NCWWC (NCAA) champion Olivia Shore, 12-4, in the finals.
Morgan Turner, JR — 1st at 110 — Lockport HS (Ill.), #1 at 105
Champ. Round 1 – Morgan Turner over Tashayla West (Brewton Parker) (Inj. 0:33)
Champ. Round 2 – Morgan Turner … more at … https://www.flowrestling.org/articles/13577757-high-school-girls-impress-at-2025-warrior-open
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 with back points in the final period of the night, he provided the bookend to a dominant performance from the Mountaineers. App State improved to 3-0 in SoCon duals by having a hand raised at all 10 weights in a 42-0 victory against the Blue Hose with 597 in attendance at Varsity Gym. It was the Mountaineers’ national-leading 18th dual shutout since the calendar flipped to 2020.
They wrestled without two of their four ranked starters, but Colby McBride (bumping up from 125 pounds to 133 in his dual debut) and Hunter Adams (making just his second career dual start at 197) were both victorious as App State (4-3 overall) had a combined eight freshmen or sophomores in its lineup.
Like McBride, Hernandez also had a narrow victory that wasn’t clinched until time expired, and Logan Eller posted a 10-5 decision against 2024 SoCon Championship tournament semifinalist Caleb Roe at 184.
App State’s six bonus-point wins included a pin in just 29 seconds from 28th-ranked Luke Uliano at 174, and Stephan Monchery was also responsible for six team points via a win by forfeit — PC heavyweight Morvens Saint Jean wasn’t in the lineup for the Blue Hose (1-8, 0-3).
Keiser (20-3 tech fall at 149) and seventh-ranked Will Miller (17-1 tech fall at 165) accounted for five team points apiece, while four-point major decisions came from Jeremiah Price (19-7 at 157) and Bryson Terrell (9-0 at 125). Eller recorded a takedown in the first 12 seconds and added two early near fall points … more at … https://appstatesports.com/news/2025/1/27/app-state-wrestling-shuts-out-socon-foe.aspx
Dual-team wrestling playoff brackets set by NCHSAA
The first and second rounds of the wrestling playoffs are scheduled for Saturday.
The N.C. High School Athletic Association has released the finalized brackets for the dual-team wrestling state playoffs.
2025 NCHSAA Dual Team Wrestling Playoff Brackets
The brackets were finalized after the NCHSAA released preliminary brackets earlier in the day on Thursday. Preliminary bracketgs give schools an opportunity to check for any reporting errors or issues with the seeding itself.
Changes were made to the preliminary brackets in the 1A East and West, as well as the 2A West.
The first and second rounds of the wrestling playoffs are scheduled for Saturday. Third round and reigonal rounds will be held on Feb. 5. … more at …. https://www.highschoolot.com/story/dual-team-wrestling-playoff-brackets-set-by-nchsaa/21834838/
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 