Friday From the Archives: Your memories go beyond just ‘Fargo’
By Sandy Stevens
Oh, the memories!
From swatting mosquitoes after the Fargo Flood to Fred Feeney explaining to Willie Nelson that the white-clad referees were not selling ice cream, recollections of the Junior Nationals over nearly 50 years surfaced when I recently posed this question on Facebook:
“If you’ve ever wrestled, coached, officiated, paired, volunteered, photographed, covered or cheered at the National Junior Freestyle Championships in the past 50 years, what was your most memorable experience?”
Recollections traversed the five decades and five sites of the Junior Nationals, as the tournament took place in Iowa City (1971-82), Cedar Falls (1983-90), Warrensburg (1991) and St. Paul (1992) before moving to Fargo in 1993.
Here’s a sampling of those memories, beginning with Morrie Adams, who cited the earliest: “Help recruit volunteers and set up the first Junior Nationals Tournament in Iowa City.”
Ed Kane: “Officiating the first Junior Nationals. Vince Zuaro said, ‘Good job kid,’ but he was sitting me down because I wasn’t quite ready to officiate the finals!”
Mike Pickford: “In Iowa City at the (un-air-conditioned) recreation center, when it was so hot and we were still going after 10 p.m.”
Pamela Jean Gibbons: “(Being told that) I was going to run the UNI Dome scoreboard for freestyle finals.”
Randall Balch: “Many years ago, starting the finals before you introduced the wrestlers. The match was over in like 20 seconds, and you said, ‘And the wrestlers for this match were….’ I’ll never start a match early again!”
Colleen Holst Flathers: “So many fun memories as a student trainer in the UNI Dome, including an orthopedic surgeon from New York who didn’t realize that corn grew on a plant. We took him to a cornfield before his flight back home.”
Ken Chertow: “Sandy Stevens asking me how to pronounce my name at Junior Nationals. Then days later, announcing that I was the first Junior National champion ever from West Virginia. A few days later, I won freestyle and OW, too. Memories of a lifetime!”
Nate Spieth: “Having to take cover in the tunnels because there was a tornado outside.”
TJ Bramblec: “A pen fell off my shirt collar while (officiating). Circling the mat, I nonchalantly changed levels and flipped it off the mat, not realizing that the direction of ‘the flying object’ was on a dead line with (referee) Belinda Brown’s forehead. … more at … https://www.win-magazine.com/2025/07/03/friday-from-the-archives-your-memories-go-beyond-just-fargo/
UNC Wrestling Welcomes 10 Newcomers For 2025-26 Campaign
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – Entering year three under the direction of head coach Rob Koll, the North Carolina wrestling program has welcomed 10 newcomers for the 2025-26 campaign.
The newest group of Tar Heels includes eight freshmen and two transfers. Read below for more information:
Nate Askew
149 lbs.
Suwanee, Ga. | Baylor School
• Wrestled for three seasons under coach Rex Kendle at the Baylor School.
• Was a member of the 2024 United States U17 World Team.
• A three-time prep All-America and two-time state champion prior to arriving in Chapel Hill.
Matthew Botello
133 lbs.
Hingham, Mass. | Wyoming Seminary
• Wrestled for three seasons at Wyoming Seminary under coach Cornell Robinson.
• A two-time prep national champion prior to arriving at UNC.
• Becomes the fifth sibling to wrestle collegiately.
Mikey Calcagno
197 lbs.
Elmhurst, Ill. | IC Catholic Prep
• Wrestled for four seasons under coach Danny Alccocer at IC Catholic Prep.
• A two-time state champion during high school career.
• Played football as well, helping ICCP to a 2023 state championship.
• Father played college football at Bowling Green State University in Ohio.
Bryce Hepner
165 lbs.
Avon, Ohio | St. Edward | Ohio State
• A transfer from Ohio State, spending five seasons with the Buckeyes.
• During his time in Columbus, collected 25 victories on the mat.
• In prep career, reached the Ohio state finals in three-straight seasons, including back-to-back titles as a sophomore and junior.
• Was a three-time freestyle state champion and three-time Ironman placer during prep career.
Liam Hickey
133 lbs.
Raleigh, N.C. | Cardinal Gibbons
• Wrestled under coaches Brandon Palmer and Casey Gashaw at Cardinal Gibbons in Raleigh.
• Was a two-time state champion … more at … https://goheels.com/news/2025/7/1/wrestling-welcomes-10-newcomers-for-2025-26-campaign
U.N.C. Wrestling Announces 2026 ACC Schedule
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – Entering year three under the direction of head coach Rob Koll, the North Carolina wrestling program has announced its 2026 Atlantic Coast Conference schedule for the upcoming season. The Tar Heels will wrestle Pitt, Duke and Stanford at home inside Carmichael Arena, with road dates against Virginia, NC State and Virginia Tech.
Carolina opens the ACC slate with back-to-back duals on the road, traveling to Virginia (Jan. 16) and rival NC State (Jan. 23). The Tar Heels conclude the month of January with the conference home opener against Pitt (Jan. 30), followed by a home matchup against Duke (Feb. 6).
The program closes the conference portion of the regular season at Virginia Tech (Feb. 13) and the home finale against Stanford (Feb. 20). Last season, Carolina claimed a share of the ACC regular season title, … more at … https://goheels.com/news/2025/6/30/wrestling-announces-2026-acc-schedule
Northeastern State University Announces Historic Athletics Expansion With 7 New Teams
TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — Northeastern State University is planning the largest expansion of its athletics department in school history, adding seven varsity teams over the next two years.
Men’s and women’s wrestling, along with volleyball, will debut as varsity sports in the 2026–27 academic year.
Men’s and women’s indoor and outdoor track and field, as well as men’s and women’s cross country, will be added for the 2027–28 academic year.
Previously, in March 2025, the department announced the revival of its men’s tennis program following a 24-year absence, and it is already set for competition for the upcoming fall season. In total, NSU will have ten additional programs eligible for national championship opportunities for student-athletes.
The addition of wrestling and volleyball is expected to bring more than 100 new student-athletes to NSU campuses by fall 2026. With Tahlequah and Broken Arrow set to host competitions, the region is projected to benefit from roughly 20 additional athletic events annually.
“Once our expansion is complete, we look to have over 300 new student-athletes on our campus,” Director of Athletics John Sisemore said. “Working with Northeastern State University President Dr. Rodney Hanley and the NSU cabinet members, we knew this would be great for the future of NSU and huge for Tahlequah. There will be an immediate impact on the local economy with the addition of these programs, which will bring thousands of annual spectators and families to the area.” … more at … https://goriverhawksgo.com/news/2025/6/30/mens-cross-country-nsu-announces-historic-athletics-expansion-with-7-new-teams.aspx
Siena Heights University Announces Closure at the Conclusion of the 2025-2026 Academic Year
June 30, 2025, Adrian, Michigan – Siena Heights University, with the full support of the Board of Trustees and General Council of the Adrian Dominican Sisters, will close at the conclusion of the 2025-2026 academic year.
Senior leadership has assessed the financial situation, operational challenges, and long-term sustainability. Despite the dedication of our board, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and supporters, continuing operations beyond the coming academic year is no longer feasible.
“For 105 Years, Siena Heights University has been a beacon of light in a world sometimes cast in darkness,” said Dr. Douglas B. Palmer, President. “The spirit of Siena Heights will continue long after the institution itself closes its doors because it lives in every graduate, faculty member, and staff person who has been on campus – whether in-person or online.”
The University’s top priority will be students’ academic progress and working with partner institutions to establish transfer pathways that allow as little disruption as possible. Faculty and staff will be supported with transition assistance. The intent is to have as full and vibrant an academic year as possible, including academics, athletics, support services, and extracurriculars. “We are deeply grateful to the faculty, staff, students, and … more at … https://www.sienaheights.edu/siena-heights-university-announces-closure/
Talented U.S. Senior Women’s Freestyle World Team set during Final X in Newark
Senior medalists Maroulis, Blades, Winchester, Kilty, Welker among women’s freestyle Final X champions
NEWARK, N.J. – The 2025 U.S. Senior World Team women’s freestyle was determined at an exciting Final X at the Prudential Center on Saturday. The winners at Final X will compete for the United States at the Senior World Championships in Zagreb, Croatia, September 13-21.
Final X served as the Beat the Streets New York Annual Benefit, the 15th BTSNY Annual Benefit to date. The event helped BTSNY raise more than $950,000 for its youth wrestling programs which empower 3,000-plus young people in New York City.
The team will be a mix of five experienced stars, along with an influx of five young athletes who qualified for their first Senior World Team.
2016 Olympic champion, three-time Olympic medalist and three-time World champion Helen Maroulis continued her amazing run of excellence by pinning Amanda Martinez in both of their matches at 57 kg. Maroulis scored a first-period pin in 1:51 in the first match, then was able to put away Martinez in 4:43 in bout two.
Maroulis has qualified for her 12th Senior World Team, and with her three Olympic appearances, has now made her 15th career U.S. Senior level team. In her first 14 appearances, Maroulis won 10 medals, with seven at the World Championships and three at the Olympics.
2024 Olympic silver medalist Kennedy Blades finished off a two-match sweep over Brooklyn Hays at 68 kg. It will be her first Senior World Championships appearance. In the second match, Blades scored the first takedown and went on to a 5-2 win over Hays. In the opening bout, Blades came strong with nine second-period points to defeat Brooklyn Hays, 10-4.
Blades was joined by her 2025 University of Iowa teammates on the Senior World Team, Macey Kilty at 65 kg and Kylie Welker at 76 kg. All three won 2025 NCWWC national titles for the Hawkeyes. … more at … https://www.themat.com/news/2025/june/14/talented-u-s-senior-women-s-freestyle-world-team-set-during-final-x-in-newark
NCAA Approves Women’s Wrestling Championship Structure for 2026 Debut
The NCAA Division I Sports Oversight Committee approved the framework for the inaugural women’s wrestling championship at their June 18th meeting, setting 180 qualifiers across six regional sites for the March 2026 tournament.
The University of Iowa and Iowa City Area Sports Commission will co-host the historic championship at Xtreme Arena in Coralville, Iowa.
The committee selected 180 qualifiers over the NCAA Women’s Wrestling Committee’s recommendation of 210 qualifiers across seven regions. The decision aligns with NCAA principles for championship access based on total sport participation.
Teams may enter up to 10 competitors — one per weight class — in regional tournaments, matching the men’s wrestling format. Regionals will be single-day events held two weekends before finals. The championship runs Thursday through Saturday on the first full weekend in March. … more at … https://theguillotine.com/2025/06/ncaa-approves-womens-wrestling-championship-structure-for-2026-debut/
Nine berths on 2025 U.S. Senior Men’s Freestyle World Team set during exciting Final X action in Newark
Duke shocks Diakomihalis, Senior medalists Lee, Snyder, Valencia among men’s freestyle Final X champions
NEWARK, N.J. – Nine berths on the 2025 U.S. Senior World Team were determined in men’s freestyle at an exciting Final X at the Prudential Center on Saturday.
Final X served as the Beat the Streets New York Annual Benefit, the 15th BTSNY Annual Benefit to date. The event helped BTSNY raise more than $950,000 for its youth wrestling programs which empower 3,000-plus young people in New York City.
The biggest story came at 70 kg, where high school sensation PJ Duke defeated 2022 World silver medalist Yianni Diakomihalis, two matches to one, to make his first Senior World Team.
Not only was his victory considered an unexpected upset, but it was done in dramatic fashion in the third and deciding match. Trailing 2-0, Duke took Diakomihalis down to his back and was able to lock him up and secure the pin at 4:07.
Diakomihalis was dominant in the first match, scoring four takedowns and a turn to secure a 10-0 technical fall. However, Duke fought back in the second match for a huge 17-10 win. Diakomihalis led 9-2 … more at … https://www.themat.com/news/2025/june/14/nine-berths-on-2025-u-s-senior-men-s-freestyle-world-team-set-during-exciting-final-x-action-in-newark
Oklahoma has left wrestling to die in new era of college sports
Bad news for OU wrestling fans
The Oklahoma Sooners have made their priorities clear, and wrestling is not one of them.
With the House v. NCAA settlement officially being approved and allowing revenue sharing in college sports, OU athletic director Joe Castiglione recently announced six sports that will get a share of the $20.5 million this year — football, men’s and women’s basketball, baseball, softball, and women’s gymnastics. Wrestling, one of the most popular sports in the state of Oklahoma, did not make the cut.
Wrestling gets left behind as OU picks its six revenue-share winners
All six sports are deserving of the money. Let that be clear. Football and men’s basketball are the monsters that have to be fed at every school. Baseball is also one of the most popular sports in America. Women’s basketball, softball and women’s gymnastics are consistent national contenders that have earned the support at OU.
But in a new era of college athletics where only the strong will survive, OU is experiencing the strain of having so many different mouths to feed. And some sports might not survive, including wrestling.
Wrestling has been on life support at OU for some time, but that’s what happens when things aren’t nourished. The sport itself is not to blame, though. Wrestling has brought OU seven national championships, tied for the third-most with football and women’s gymnastics. It’s a sport that could succeed using mostly local talent, which can’t be said for the other sports the Sooners are trying to win at. … more at … https://stormininnorman.com/oklahoma-sooners-left-college-wrestling-to-die-in-new-era-of-college-sports-revenue-sharing
Gable on kids trying international styles, other sports
Editor’s Note: WIN Publisher Bryan Van Kley sat down with wrestling legend Dan Gable for an exclusive interview about current topics in the sport. This article appeared in WIN’s Volume 31 Issue 9, which was printed on June 5, 2025. For more practical advice from Gable for wrestlers, coaches and parents, buy a WIN Digital or Combo Subscription here. Archived Q&As with Gable are in every issue in the Archives Section.
WIN: Why do you think it’s important that wrestlers continue from folkstyle into the Olympic styles?
GABLE: There’s really no difference between them (the styles); they’re all wrestling. Wrestling’s wrestling. If you put an opponent on their back and pin them, you win. If you’re good on your feet and good on the bottom, that carries over for both freestyle and scholastic wrestling.
Terry Steiner (head U.S. women’s freestyle coach who wrestled for Gable in college) doesn’t agree with me on this. And I don’t know where Bill Zadick (U.S.’s head men’s freestyle coach who also wrestled for Gable) is on it, but that doesn’t matter. They can have their own beliefs. I believe if you know how to “escape in reverse”, then you’re going to be better because you’re going to get taken down less by knowing how to scramble. You do things to escape in situations like when somebody shoots on you. You stop them, and you escape from them, so they don’t get you. In fact, even better, as they shoot, you score and go around them or snap them down or whip them over. You’re learning defensive moves that work too.
So, I really believe scholastic wrestling is a very important part of our Olympic success. And you’re going to say, well, these kids have been doing this all their life, and they’re really better on defense. Well, yeah, so the first thing I learned in wrestling is just to get off your back, because that’s (getting pinned) a match-ending move. The second thing I would teach in freestyle and Greco-Roman is how to keep from getting ankle-laced and gut wrenched, because those are match-ending moves.
WIN: What are your thoughts on sports specialization vs. being a multi-sport athlete?
GABLE: It depends on whether you can handle one sport, so you don’t get burnt out, and it depends on your size. For me in high school, one of the reasons I didn’t do anything but wrestle was because I was 95 pounds, then 103 and 112. And then when I had started having success a lot, and I learned, it helped me from a motivational point of view. For most people, I think you need to be involved in more activities.
However, if you’re going to be a three-sport person, and let’s say you love wrestling, football and baseball but you’re going to move forward with wrestling after high school, I would add freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling. Those come in at a different time, mostly in the summer when you’re out of school. … more at … https://www.win-magazine.com/2025/06/26/gable-on-kids-trying-international-styles-other-sports/
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
