Finn: Wrestling made me the journalist I wanted to be

By Mike Finn

As a journalist for the past 47 years, I have covered many sports, especially wrestling since 1988, including the past 21 years as WIN editor. During that time, I’ve loved digging up information on what mat accomplishments made wrestlers and coaches so memorable.
Yet, at the same time, no one will ever find any glowing wrestling moments in my past with this sport, which included competing for Columbus High School in Waterloo, Iowa, where I never wrestled varsity and usually got my rear kicked.
But I never lost my love for the sport, primarily because of the life skills the sport provided me as a parent and a person. I also like to think those skills of not backing down against the biggest challenges helped me as a Watergate-era journalist, trained to challenge authority.
And this reporting style was perfect for a sport like wrestling where coaches and wrestlers expressed their feelings, whether I liked their answers or not. That is why I loved writing about wrestling because no athlete or coach of any sport is more candid than a wrestler.
That is what I’ll probably miss the most as I say goodbye to the wrestling community. This is the last column for WIN as I officially retire on Feb. 7.
The best part of my job has been interviewing countless people over the years. And to all those I never got to speak to, I apologize because I believe everyone has a story.
Of course, there are too many people for me to thank, but I will start with WIN founder Mike Chapman, whose challenge of making wrestling a mainstream sport has never been appreciated. And, current WIN owner Bryan Van Kley, who made me editor in 2003, at a time when I needed a professional change, and who was kind enough to share his family with me.
I’ve been fortunate to work with other incredible people over the past two decades, including our office managers Diana Strickland, Kim Mapes, Michele Worthington and Gina LeFleur … as well as so many columnists, including Kyle Klingman, Rob Sherrill and Sandy Stevens who have been there since my WIN beginning.
There have been so many other professionals who have helped me over the years like members of USA Wrestling, including executive director Rich Bender and Hall of Fame information specialist Gary Abbott, whose recommendation gave me the chance to work with NBC Sports for every summer Olympics since 2008.

Click on the cover or call 888-305-0606 to subscribe to WIN Magazine.

I could say the same thing about Jason Bryant, the current voice of wrestling, or the National Wrestling Coaches Association, led by Mike Moyer and so many more I’ve pestered over the years. And speaking of being a pest, I’m sure many a coach got tired of me asking so many questions. Yet so many of their answers, whether I liked them or not, still stick to my soul.
And no coach had a greater impact on me than Dan Gable, … more at … https://www.win-magazine.com/2025/01/24/finn-wrestling-made-me-the-journalist-i-wanted-to-be/

January 29, 2025 Posted by The TakeDown Report | Uncategorized | sports, wrestling | Leave a comment

Cleveland State Wresling Results & News

Cleveland State Wrestling Sweeps MAC Doubleheader
CLEVELAND, Ohio – Cleveland State swept its home conference doubleheader against Bloomsburg and Clarion on Friday evening. The Vikings opened the night with a 40-0 shutout of the Huskies and then picked up a 24-10 win over the Golden Eagles.  
The match with Bloomsburg started at 165-pounds and saw the Green and White win the opening four matches by decision to lead 12-0. No. 31 Daniel Bucknavich bumped the advantage to 18-0 behind a fall in 2:45.  A Ben Aranda technical fall at 125-pounds bumped the margin to 23-0. A Jake Manley decision at 133-pounds and a forfeit at 141-pounds made it 32-0.  
AJ Parish scored a huge 22-5 technical fall at 149-pounds and Reese Stephen capped off the shutout with a 4-1 sudden victory at 157-pounds as the Green and White won 40-0.  The match with Clarion also started at 165-pounds and saw the Vikings win the first four matches by decision to 12-0. The visitors were then deducted a team point for unsportsmanlike.  
Bucknavich secured a narrow 1-0 decision at 285-pounds as the lead moved to 15-{-1}. Clarion got on the board with a major decision at 125-pound to trail 15-3.  Molchak swung the momentum back for the home team with a fall in 1:19 as the advantage stood at 21-3.  
The Golden Eagles took the next two matches by decision and major decision to pull within 21-10. However, Stephen capped off the night with a 4-1 victory as Cleveland State won 24-10. … more at … https://csuvikings.com/news/2025/1/24/cleveland-state-wrestling-sweeps-mac-doubleheader.aspx
And …

Lyons Named MAC East Wrestler of the Week
CLEVELAND, Ohio – Cleveland State senior Joey Lyons was named the MAC East Division Wrestler of the Week. Lyons becomes the second Viking this season to earn a weekly and the first of his career. Lyons led the Green and White to a sweep of its doubleheader on Friday as the Wooster, Ohio, native went 2-0 at 197-pounds. He started the night with an 8-1 decision over Mason Rebuck of Bloomsburg and capped off the night with a 7-4 decision against Ethan Wiant of Clarion. On the year, Lyons is 8-10 overall … more at … https://csuvikings.com/news/2025/1/28/wrestling-lyons-named-mac-east-wrestler-of-the-week.aspx
And …

CSU Board of Trustees Approves Recommendations to Reduce Athletics Budget
CLEVELAND, Ohio (Jan. 23, 2025) — Cleveland State University (CSU) has announced it will discontinue its three NCAA sport programs in wrestling, women’s golf and softball, following the approval of the CSU Board of Trustees at their meeting on January 23, 2025. CSU made the difficult decision to discontinue these sport programs at the conclusion of their respective seasons this academic year as part of a strategic effort, which began in 2023, to address budgetary shortfalls across the University. In addition to the discontinued programs, the CSU Board of Trustees approved relocating the University’s Esports program from CSU Athletics to CSU’s Washkewicz College of Engineering.
These recommendations resulted from a thorough review of CSU Athletics programs by a working group comprised of representatives from CSU Athletics, CSU faculty and the Cleveland community. The difficult decision to discontinue programs was made after careful consideration in keeping with the guiding principles that the working group identified, including aligning with CSU’s commitment to upholding a transformational student-athlete experience and positioning CSU Athletics for long-term success in the classroom, in the community and in competition. “Over the past several years, one of our primary goals has been … more at … https://csuohio.edu/news/csu-board-trustees-approves-recommendations-reduce-athletics-budget
And …

SAVE CLEVELAND STATE WRESTLING!
Cleveland State Family,
I’m sure you have seen the devastating news about our program being cut at the end of the season. Here is my statement regarding this decision. “A decision was made yesterday to discontinue the Cleveland State Wrestling Program—a program I’ve poured my heart into for the last nine years. It breaks my heart to see our young men placed in this situation, especially in the middle of their season.
Wrestling has always been about overcoming adversity, and I know the lessons these young men have learned will guide them through this challenging time. I have full confidence in their ability to persevere. The 36 incredible young men who represent this program believed in my vision, chose Cleveland State over countless other opportunities, and fully bought into our culture of excellence, integrity, and hard work. They have done everything asked of them and continue to be men of character and resilience.
I ask for your prayers, positivity, and belief as we navigate this difficult road together. This program has been a family, and I am grateful for every moment I’ve had leading these remarkable individuals. Let’s stand together and support them as they continue to chase their dreams”
What can you do to show your support?
|To honor, remember, and celebrate everyone who has wrestled at Cleveland State University over the past 60 years, I am personally planning a Celebration of the Program before, during, and after our match against Kent State on Thursday, February 20th. All matches are held at Woodling Gym, Location is 2450 Chester Ave, Parking in the EG Garage next to the Gym,
I plan to invite Youth, MS, HS, and other local college programs to attend and enjoy an evening of great conversations around the best sport in the world! Please consider attending and sharing the information. I am thinking a 6pm-7pm social with food, music, and conversation, followed by a 7pm dual with Kent State, and a gathering at the Viking Public House to follow.
FREE TO EVERYONE! If you are wanting to donate financial, please consider doing so here: http://www.clevelandrtc.org/shop/DONATION
More details to come, I believe that we can get 1,000 people in Woodling to show their love and support one last time. 
We are….FamilyJosh Moore <j.j.moore40@csuohio.edu>
Head Wrestling Coach
330-554-7936

January 29, 2025 Posted by The TakeDown Report | Uncategorized | sports, wrestling | Leave a comment

Division I Results & News

Army Wrestling Beats American in Nation’s Capital
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Army West Point Wrestling won all but one of the 10 bouts at American on its way to a commanding 34-4 dual win Sunday. Of Army’s nine individual wins, two came by fall and three came in bonus point fashion. The Black Knights are now 5-1 in dual matches and 3-0 against EIWA opponents.  For the second consecutive dual, the action commenced at 165 lbs before working up to heavyweight and cycling back to the lighter classes. And for the second consecutive dual, Gunner Filipowicz secured a win in the opening bout and never allowed the opponent to take a lead in the team score.
Filipowicz’s win was his 20^th this year, just one off the current team lead of 21 wins by Trae McDaniel. At 174 lbs, Dalton Harkins scored a takedown in sudden victory to give Army its second win in as many bouts. 
Jakob Gilfoil had a win by fall at 184 lbs in what his first career dual match win. Wolfgang Frable followed at 197 lbs and won by major decision.  In a rematch of his Southern Scuffle semifinal win earlier this month, Lucas Stoddard defeated Will Jarrell by decision at 285 lbs, 6-3.
Charles Farmer claimed Army’s second fall Sunday at 125 lbs, over American’s Kaden Milheim. Ethan Berginc’s late takedown then sealed a win by decision to follow at 133 lbs, … more at … https://goarmywestpoint.com/news/2025/1/19/wrestling-beats-american-in-nations-capital
And …

Men’s Wrestling goes 3-0 at Davidson Duals
Bald Eagles top Brown, The Citadel, and Morgan State for a perfect 3-0 day at the Davidson Duals.
By: KC Wallace
DAVIDSON, N.C. – The Lock Haven men’s wrestling team was a perfect 3-0 at the Davidson Duals today (Jan. 17). The Bald Eagles started the day by downing Brown 26-10. With the match tied 10-10, The Haven won the last five bouts for the victory.
Caden Dobbins (165), Avery Bassett (174), and No. 28 Colin Fegley (184) all picked up wins by decision. Freshman Tucker Hogan topped Thomas Sandoval by a 9-0 major decision.
At 285, Gavin Hoffman won with an 8-2 decision over Alex Semenenko.
In the second dual of the day, the Bald Eagles topped The Citadel 33-6.
No. 18 Wyatt Henson won by tech fall, 21-6, in 5:16 over Thomas Termini at 141. No. 32 Lucas Kapusta and Nick Stampoulos picked up wins by decision at 149 and 157, … more at … https://www.golhu.com/news/2025/1/17/mens-wrestling-goes-3-0-at-davidson-duals.aspx
And …

Lttle Rock Wins Pac-12 Opener Over Oregon State
Trojans earn second-straight win over Beavers
Little Rock continued its impressive start to Pac-12 competition with a commanding 29-14 victory over Oregon State. The Trojans set the tone early, winning the first five bouts to establish a decisive lead that proved insurmountable for the Beavers.
How It Happened
The dual kicked off at 157 pounds, where Matty Bianchi delivered a dominant 9-0 major decision to give Little Rock an early 4-0 advantage. His momentum carried over to Joey Bianchi, who followed up with a decision victory to extend the lead to 7-0. The Trojans then capitalized on an injury forfeit at 174 pounds, with Tyler Brennan securing six points for the team.
Brock DelSignore added to the surge with a technical fall, winning 20-4 in just 5:38. The highlight of the night came at 197 pounds, where Stephen Little capped off the five-bout streak with a decisive pin in just 2:36, pushing Little Rock’s lead to a commanding 24-0.
Oregon State responded with victories at 285 and 125 pounds, cutting the deficit to 24-8. However, Nasir Bailey quickly shut the door on any potential comeback, securing a 21-4 tech fall in 5:46 to seal the win for the Trojans. The Beavers managed to add six more points in the final two bouts, but the result was already decided. … more at … https://lrtrojans.com/news/2025/1/24/wrestling-wins-pac-12-opener-over-oregon-state.aspx?utm_medium=sidearm-email&utm_source=lrtrojans.com&utm_campaign=Wrestling+Wins+Pac-12+Opener+Over+Oregon+State&utm_content=8954d2ad-b92d-41b9-a352-267935f1b8b0
And …

OSU Wrestling: Fish Beats Downey, Cowboys Battle Past Northern Iowa
Fish turned the momentum by beating No. 4 Downey.
Four matches into the Cowboys’ Friday night dual in Cedar Falls felt like the first time this season OSU’s undefeated streak was in jeopardy, but then Caleb Fish flipped things back into the Pokes’ favor. Oklahoma State beat Northern Iowa 22-14, continuing the No. 3 Cowboys’ unbeaten start while handing the No. 5 Panthers their first loss of the season. Northern Iowa led 10-3 through the 149-pounders.
Fish, ranked 11th coming into the night at 157 pounds, went up against No. 4 Ryder Downey, the reigning Big 12 champion at the weight. Fish took a 3-0 lead into the third period before Downey escaped and scored on a takedown of his own. Fish had a late escape to force sudden victory. There, Fish got in on a double leg and finished, ending the match with a takedown. … more at … https://pistolsfiringblog.com/osu-wrestling-fish-beats-downey-cowboys-battle-past-northern-iowa/
And …

First ACC Win – No. 16 Stanford defeats Virginia, 34-9
STANFORD, Calif. – Winning eight of 10 bouts, No. 16 Stanford defeated Virginia, 34-9, on Sunday in Maples Pavilion.
It was the first ACC dual on The Farm for the Cardinal, which improved to 7-2 overall and 1-1 in conference meets. Virginia drops to 4-3, 0-2 ACC. Five of Stanford’s eight wins came by bonus points. No. 4 Lorenzo Norman opened the dual with a 20-5 technical fall over Michael Murphy at 174 pounds. The redshirt freshman has won nine consecutive matches, improving to 18-1 on the season. He is also 9-0 in duals and has seven technical falls this season. The Cardinal added to its lead at 184 pounds as Tye Monteiro won by injury default over Justin Phillips. The redshirt freshman is 7-7 overall and 2-2 in duals. Fifth year Nick Stemmet, ranked No. 24 at 197 pounds, … more at … https://gostanford.com/news/2025/01/27/first-acc-win-wrestling

January 28, 2025 Posted by The TakeDown Report | Uncategorized | sports, wrestling | Leave a comment

Campbell defeats Bellarmine 29-10 to improve to 3-0 in SoCon action

BUIES CREEK, N.C. – Campbell wrestling continued their winning ways with a 29-10 victory over Bellarmine Friday evening at Gore Arena.
The Fighting Camels improved to 3-0 in SoCon duals and 4-7 overall, while the Knights started their conference slate 0-1 (1-2 overall).
Anthony Molton and Landon Sargent continued to be effective bookends in the Camel lineup. Each recorded their third bonus-point win in the third consecutive SoCon match.
Molton scored his third-straight tech fall to give the Camels an early lead, defeating Damion Ryan 23-7 just 16 seconds into the second period. The result is his team-leading sixth tech fall of the year.
Sargent recorded his second fall victory, pinning Will Muckler in the first period (1:42) to improve to 3-0 in conference bouts (two pins, one major decision). The freshman from Fayetteville now leads the team in pins, owning five at this point in the season.
Chris Earnest added a pin of his own at 157 pounds as the third bonus-point win on the night for the Camels. His pin in the second period against Jeb Prechtel extended Campbell’s lead to 17-3 at the halfway point in the match.
Logan Heil and Wynton Denkins recorded wins by decision at 133 and 149 pounds, respectively. At 165 pounds, Dom Baker recorded a reversal and 1:30 of riding time … more at … https://gocamels.com/news/2025/1/24/wrestling-campbell-defeats-bellarmine-29-10-to-improve-to-3-0-in-socon-action.aspx

January 28, 2025 Posted by The TakeDown Report | Uncategorized | sports, wrestling | Leave a comment

Big Ten Results & News

#11 Illini Wrestling Topples #29 Terrapins, 33-7
COLLEGE PARK, Md. – The No. 11 Illinois wrestling team(8-2, 3-2 B1G) won their dual against No. 29 Maryland (8-6, 3-1 B1G) 33-7 on Friday (Jan. 24). Illinois improves to 9-0 all-time over Maryland by winning eight of the 10 bouts tonight.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Caelan Riley started off the scoring for the Orange and Blue at 125 pounds with his 10-5 decision win over Abram Cline (MARY) to put Illinois up early, 3-0, in a dual they never trailed.
No. 4 at 133 pounds Lucas Byrd bounced back from his first loss of the season a week ago with a 7-3 decision win over No. 11 Braxton Brown (MARY) to put Illinois up 6-0. No. 12 at 141 pounds Danny Pucino made it three-straight decision wins with his 8-5 win over Dario Lemus (MARY) to make it 9-0 for the Illini.
No. 12 at 149 pounds Kannon Webster put some bonus points on the board for Illinois when he pinned No. 32 Kal Miller (MARY) in 4:39. This was his third fall of the season and ballooned the Illini lead to 15-0. No. 13 at 165 pounds Braeden Scoles added more bonus points with a wicked fast tech. fall over Alex Uryniak, 20-3 (3:15). This shifted the scoreboard 20-4 in Illinois’ favor after Maryland won their first bout of the night at 157 pounds in a major decision.
No. 21 at 174 pounds Danny Braunagel made it back-to-back tech. falls … more at … https://fightingillini.com/news/2025/1/24/wrestling-hold.aspx
And …

No. 21 Indiana Dominates Michigan State
EAST LANSING, Mich. ––– No. 21 Indiana handled Michigan State in East Lansing on Friday night, taking nine of ten bouts to win, 35-3, at Jenison Fieldhouse. The score marked the largest margin of victory in series history with the Hoosiers winning by 32 points.
With the win, Indiana improved to 6-2 overall, 2-2 in the Big Ten and 4-0 on the road.
KEY MOMENTS
• No. 18 Jacob Moran (125) used a late takedown in the last 30 seconds of the third period to pull away and win over Caleb Weiand in a 12-10 decision.
• Ryan Garvick (157) held on late to defeat Breaden Stauffenberg in a close 6-5 decision for his first career dual victory.
• No. 12 Tyler Lillard (165) was tied at 1-1 with Jay Nivison after three periods. In overtime, Lillard got Nivison on the edge of the circle and worked a pin (8:41) to win the bout.
• No. 28 DJ Washington only needed 5:11 of match time to work a 19-3 tech fall over Luke Daly.
• No. 20 Gabe Sollars (197) bested No. 25 Remy Cotton in a ranked win on an 11-6 decision.
NOTABLES
• Indiana won nine of 10 bouts in the dual. … more at … https://iuhoosiers.com/news/2025/1/24/wrestling-no-21-indiana-dominates-michigan-state
And …

Minnesota Routs Wisconsin, 39-3, for Largest Victory in Madison
MINNEAPOLIS – No. 7 Minnesota (6-1, 2-1 B1G) had one of its most dominant victories in series history Friday night at the UW Field House with a 39-3 rout of Wisconsin (4-8, 0-4). Winning nine of 10 matches, the Gophers posted their largest margin of victory ever in Madison, surpassing a 40-6 win in 2003. It also marked the sixth straight win at Wisconsin for Minnesota, its longest in series history. The cumulative score during the stretch is 163-59.
The point total was the fourth highest for the Gophers in 107 all-time matchups against the Badgers and the most since that 40-6 win in 2003. The three points allowed were the team’s fewest in the series since 2012.
It was the 70th all-time win in the Border Battle rivalry for Minnesota, 18 more than it has over any other program. The Golden Gophers have now taken 12 of the last 13 meetings between the schools.
The tone was set right from the start at 197 pounds as No. 9 Isaiah Salazar tech falled Niccolo Colucci, 15-0, in just 2:11. It was the first of six tech falls on the night for Minnesota, its most since also posting six in the second dual of the season last year against Morgan State. Salazar only needed one takedown of Colucci, tacking on four separate instances of four nearfall points for his fifth tech fall win of the year and pushing his record to 12-3 overall and 2-1 in the Big Ten.
Top-ranked heavyweight Gable Steveson made it two straight tech falls with a 21-5 triumph over Brooks Empey in 3:09. Steveson hit six takedowns in the opening period … more at … https://gophersports.com/news/2025/1/24/wrestling-minnesota-routs-wisconsin-39-3-for-largest-victory-in-madison
And …

Dominant Start Leads to 29-12 Win at Northwestern
MINNEAPOLIS – No. 7 Minnesota (6-1, 3-1 B1G) won the first five matches, four by bonus point, on its way to a 29-12 victory at Northwestern (2-4, 0-4) Sunday at Welsh-Ryan Arena.
In all, the Golden Gophers won seven of the 10 matches Sunday, taking five by bonus points, including three tech falls. They’ve won 13 of their last 14 duals overall, and against Northwestern, Minnesota has taken five of the last six and 19 of the past 21 matchups. The dual kicked off at 165 … more at … https://gophersports.com/news/2025/1/26/wrestling-dominant-start-leads-to-29-12-win-at-northwestern
And …

Wolverines Surge to Decisive Home Win over No. 24 Indiana
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — The No. 18-ranked University of Michigan wrestling team won seven of the last eight matches, including five over ranked opponents, to shake off a slow start and surge to a 22-13 win over No. 24 Indiana on Sunday afternoon (Jan. 26) at Crisler Center.
Down 10-0 entering the 141-pound matchup, sophomore Sergio Lemley got Michigan on the board with a 15-2 major decision against 28th-ranked Henry Porter. Lemley, ranked 11th in the latest InterMat poll, scored four takedowns, including two in the third period and one in the final :05 on the edge, and accumulated 2:16 in advantage time. … more at … https://mgoblue.com/news/2025/1/26/wrestling-wolverines-surge-to-decisive-home-win-over-no-24-indiana
And …

No. 14 Rutgers Earns Statement Win over No. 10 Illinois, 16-15
PISCATAWAY, N.J. – No. 14 Rutgers wrestling (11-4, 3-2) delivered a thrilling 16-15 win over No. 10 Illinois (8-3, 3-3) on Sunday in front of 3,385 fans at Jersey Mike’s Arena. Down 15-12 ahead of the day’s final bout, No. 7 Yaraslau Slavikouski worked a 4-1 win in sudden victory over No. 10 Luke Luffman to lock up the top-10 dual win thanks to Criteria C, total match points, where the Scarlet Knights held a 38-34 advantage.  
Slavikouski, No. 14 Joseph Olivieri (141), No. 19 Dean Peterson (125), No. 22 Jackson Turley (174) and No. 31 Conner Harer (157) all worked decisions against the Illini. Eight of the dual’s 10 bouts were decided by four points or less, with four of RU’s five wins coming against ranked individuals.  
Sunday marked the first win over … more at … https://scarletknights.com/news/2025/1/26/no-14-wrestling-earns-statement-win-over-no-10-illinois-16-15.aspx

January 28, 2025 Posted by The TakeDown Report | Uncategorized | sports, wrestling | Leave a comment