Gable Steveson Returning to Gopher Wrestling Team
MINNEAPOLIS – He’s back.
Olympic gold medalist, two-time NCAA champion and two-time Hodge Trophy winner Gable Steveson is returning to the University of Minnesota wrestling team for a fifth season of competition in the 2024-25 campaign, head coach Brandon Eggum announced Tuesday. “First I would like to thank the University of Minnesota for their time, their effort and their persistence with me to push me to the man I am today,” Steveson said in his comeback video. “Minnesota has given me everything, and now it’s my turn to give it right back to them: to put my feet back on the wrestling mat, to be the champ, one more time.”
Steveson has the opportunity to return by utilizing NCAA waivers due to an Olympic redshirt and the extra year of eligibility that was granted in 2020 due to the circumstances surrounding COVID-19. He is expected to make his season debut on Nov. 24 against Campbell. “Gable has the burning desire to compete for the Maroon and Gold one last time,” Eggum said. “We are thankful he has chosen the opportunity to add to his historic legacy with our program. He is one of the best to ever compete in the sport of wrestling, and we are grateful for the impact has had at our program.”
Steveson, who last competed during the 2021-22 campaign, is one of the most decorated wrestlers in Minnesota wrestling history. The heavyweight is one of six in program history to win multiple NCAA championships (2021-22), one of eight to win three Big Ten titles (2020-22) and one of 11 to be a four-time All-American (2019-22). He boasts the best winning percentage in Gophers history with an 85-2 career record (.977), including a perfect 48-0 mark in dual competition and a 36-0 tally against Big Ten opponents. … more at … https://gophersports.com/news/2024/11/12/gable-steveson-returning-to-gopher-wrestling-team
Carolinas Colleges News & Results
Wolves Dominate in Season Home Opener 44-10 Against Bluefield State University
Newberry, SC: The Wolves dominate in season home opener 44-10 against Bluefield State University.
The first win of the night goes to Sophomore Ethan McCullough who went up against Luke Roberts at 133 pounds. Roberts couldn’t keep up with McCullough as the match ended with a technical fall 21-4.
Caelen Alderman, 149 pounds, was up next against Enrique Sanchez where he brought the pressure. Alderman was the first and only Newberry pin of the night with a time of 4:06. … more at … https://newberrywolves.com/news/2024/11/13/general-wolves-dominate-in-season-home-opener-44-10-against-bluefield-state-university.aspx
And …
Crusaders Move to 2-0 in Conference With Victory at LMU
HARROGATE, Tenn. — The Belmont Abbey wrestling team earned its second straight Conference Carolinas victory thanks to a 35-16 victory over Lincoln Memorial Wednesday evening at Mary Mars Gymansium.
The Crusaders won three of the six bouts contested Wednesday while winning the other four via forfeit. Freshman Stone Busler (149) led the way for the Crusaders with a win via tech fall over LMU’s Graham Rocha.
Additionally, Alex Ropski (165) and Palmer Smith (174) won their respective bouts by decision to help clinch the match for the Abbey.
Belmont Abbey is now 2-0 overall in dual matches with the same record in Conference Carolinas competition. Lincoln Memorial is now 0-2 overall and in conference play. … more at … https://abbeyathletics.com/news/2024/11/13/wrestling-crusaders-move-to-2-0-in-conference-with-victory-at-lmu.aspx
And …
Issac Sheeren Named Conference Carolinas Wrestler of the Week
GREENVILLE, S.C. – Freshman Issac Sheeren has been named the Conference Carolinas Wrestler of the Week, the league annouced on Tuesday afternoon. This is the first award for Sheeren this season and the first Bearcat to earn a weekly honor from the conference since the 2022-23 season.
Sheeren also earned Wrestler of the Week honors from Wrestle Report
A freshman from Houston, Texas, Sheeren opened his career with a dominant 18-2 tech fall over Ruban Izzard Jr. of Allen. He then raised eyebrows on Friday as he took down a former Junior College national champion in Kale Schrader of Newberry with a takedown in the last ten seconds to secure a 6-5 win.
Issac then wrapped his week by winning the Georgia Open on Sunday which included him taking down the #3 ranked heavyweight in NAIA, 8-2, in the finals. … more at … https://landerbearcats.com/news/2024/11/12/wrestling-issac-sheeren-named-conference-carolinas-wrestler-of-the-week.aspx
And …
A wrestler’s journey from Afghanistan to Newberry College
NEWBERRY COUNTY – The start of a new season for the Newberry College wrestling team means a crop of new wrestlers with unique backgrounds and stories. One of those unique stories is that of Bashir Rostami, an Afghanistan refugee who, after wrestling for his high school in Florida for one year, found his way to Newberry.
Rostami was born in Kabul (the capital city of Afghanistan), and grew up in the Parwan Province before once again living in Kabul. His sister, Malalai, had a high-level position at the Kabul International Airport and according to Bryant Blanton, associate head wrestling coach at Newberry college, she bravely risked her own life helping to get American soldiers out of Afghanistan.
This heroic act led to the troops offering to get her and her family out of Afghanistan, to which they took advantage. The family then came to the United States, specifically Tampa, Florida. Rostami attended Freedom High School for two years. While he was unable to wrestle his junior year, he did participate during his senior year.
And wrestled he did as Rostami said he won over 20 matches with just one loss. This was not Rastami’s first experience with wrestling, or contact sports in general. He said he wrestled for about six or seven years in Afghanistan, as well as practicing kung fu, muay thai, mixed martial arts and soccer.
Rastami said he has a goal of being a UFC world champion and that his family is his motivation to succeed, especially that of his father who passed away two years ago. … more at … https://www.newberryobserver.com/sports/72714/a-wrestlers-journey-from-afghanistan-to-newberry-college
Jason Moorman Out As King University Women’s Wrestling Coach
Jason Moorman is no longer the King University Women’s Wrestling coach as of October 18, 2024
TDR Editor’s Notes; Moorman is the top Women’s Coach in Career Dual Meet Wins!
Jason Moorman is no longer the head women’s wrestling coach at King. Moorman is arguably the country’s most successful women’s college wrestling coach after serving in the role since the 2009-10 season.
He led the team to a 1-9 record during its inaugural season before building a national powerhouse. The Tornado won four WCWA Championships (2014-17) and has placed in the top three at the National Collegiate Women’s Wrestling Championships since the tournament began in 2020.
King University, an NCAA Division II school in Bristol, Tennessee, stated about his departure: “As of Friday, Oct. 18, 2024, Jason Moorman is no longer employed with King University. We are grateful for his service and wish him well going forward. “The future remains bright for the Tornado, and we will now begin a formal search process to identify the next proven and qualified candidate to guide our highly respected women’s wrestling program.”
The 2014 King University women’s team was inducted into the Athletics Hall of Fame on Oct 6, 2024. Moorman and several team members, including 2024 Olympic gold medalist Sarah Hildebrandt, attended the weekend festivities. “I know when abrupt changes like this happen in a sport with men coaching female athletes, first assumptions can go straight to some inappropriate incidents causing harm or mistreating student-athletes, and that is not the case whatsoever,” Moorman said. … more at … https://www.flowrestling.org/articles/12919987-jason-moorman-out-as-king-university-womens-wrestling-coach
NWCA Announces Return of National Dual Meet Championships to UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls, IA, January 10-11, 2025
102 Teams to Compete Across Six Divisions, Including NCAA Division I Men’s Teams for the First Time Since 2017
MANHEIM, PA – The National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) is excited to announce the return of the NWCA/USMC Multi-Division National Dual Meet Championships, presented by A Better Way Athletics, Capitol Construction, and Defense Soap, set to take place on January 10-11, 2025, at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls, IA. This marks the first time since 2017 that NCAA Division I Men’s teams will compete in this prestigious event.
The National Duals will feature a highly competitive field, with teams from six divisions: NAIA Men, NAIA Women, NCAA D1 Men, NCAA D2 Men, NCAA D3 Men, and NCAA Women. In total, 102 teams will battle over two days of action, culminating in the championship finals on Saturday afternoon, January 11. 54% of the programs participating, were established since the year 2000.
“This year’s National Dual Meet Championships promises to be an exciting and intense competition with some of the best wrestlers in the country going head-to-head,” said NWCA Executive Director Mike Moyer. “We are thrilled to return to the UNI-Dome, a venue with a rich wrestling history, and bring the National Duals back to fans … more at … https://nwcaonline.com/news/2024/11/8/national-wrestling-coaches-association-nwca-announces-return-of-national-dual-meet-championships-to-uni-dome-in-cedar-falls-ia-january-10-11-2025.aspx?utm_source=social&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=national_duals&utm_content=NWCA&utm_id=banner
HBCU Wrestling and Delaware State Announce the First Ever Division I Women’s Wrestling Program
DOVER — HBCU Wrestling and Delaware State University (DSU) are proud to announce the historic launch of the first-ever Division I women’s wrestling program at an HBCU, a major milestone made possible by a generous $1.25 million gift from HBCU Wrestling. This initiative represents more than just an expansion in athletics; it is a commitment to equitable opportunities, reflecting both institutions’ dedication to creating pathways where student-athletes can thrive.
“The partnership with HBCU Wrestling gives our women student-athletes a platform to compete, grow, and inspire others. We are excited for this new chapter and the impact it will have for years to come,” said Dr. Alecia Shields-Gadson, Director of Athletics.
The Delaware State University athletics department will immediately begin the search for a head coach. The first season for the women’s wrestling program is set to begin in the 2025-26 season.
Founded in 2021, HBCU Wrestling has made it its mission to bring wrestling back to HBCUs, giving young athletes the chance to excel in sports while being empowered as leaders. This movement began with a $2.7 million gift to Morgan State University, leading to the revitalization of its wrestling program. With the launch of DSU’s women’s team, HBCU Wrestling continues its mission to increase representation and opportunity in collegiate sports.
Restoring Tradition, Advancing Equity
Delaware State University’s history in wrestling spans decades, and it was the last HBCU to offer a Division I wrestling program before it was discontinued in 2009 due to financial and compliance challenges. The closure of DSU’s program mirrored a broader trend, as many universities—both HBCUs and others—faced similar pressures that led to the elimination of wrestling programs nationwide. Now, with HBCU Wrestling’s strategic support, DSU is not only reviving its program but doing so in a way that aligns with Title IX standards and promotes gender equity. This new program opens the doors for DSU to develop a sustainable, competitive team where young women athletes can reach their full potential.
“This announcement is not only about wrestling; it’s about expanding access to life-changing opportunities,” said Jahi Jones, Executive Director of HBCU Wrestling. “At HBCU Wrestling, we’ve built a foundation that now allows young women to succeed, thrive, and lead while still being in an environment where they feel seen, valued, and loved. This program aligns with the incredible growth of women’s wrestling nationwide, and I look forward to a strong, lasting partnership with Delaware State University that will inspire and empower future generations.”
A New Era for HBCU Athletics
DSU President Tony Allen highlighted the significance of this partnership.
“Delaware State University is proud to take this historic step in advancing opportunities for women in sports,” said Tony Allen, President of DSU. “We’re also thankful for our partnership with HBCU Wrestling, which … more at … https://dsuhornets.com/news/2024/11/7/general-hbcu-wrestling-and-delaware-state-announce-the-first-ever-division-i-womens-wrestling-program.aspx
UNC Wrestling Sweeps Duals, Three Collect Open Championships Saturday
ANNAPOLIS, Md. – North Carolina wrestling (2-0) began its dual portion of the 2024-25 schedule Saturday, collecting wins over Drexel (33-0) and Navy (23-16).
Against the Dragons, Carolina completed the sweep, earning seven decisions and three major decisions. Lachlan McNeil (149), Nicholas Fea (165) and Cade Lautt (197) collected bonus point victories for the Tar Heels.
With the win, Carolina began the season 1-0 for the seventh-straight season, the second-longest streak in program history (1973-74 to 1980-81).
In the nightcap, the Tar Heels collected four bonus point victories, courtesy of Spencer Moore (125), Lachlan McNeil (141), Sonny Santiago (157) and Aydin Guttridge (285).
The Tar Heels begin the home portion of the schedule on Friday, hosting No. 4 Nebraska inside Carmichael Arena.
No. 25 North Carolina 33, Drexel 0
November 9, 2024 | Alumni Hall | Annapolis, Md.
125: No. 26 Spencer Moore (UNC) over Desmond Pleasant (Drexel): 10-5 Dec
133: No. 17 Ethan Oakley (UNC) over Kyler Waterman (Drexel): 8-2 Dec
141: Jayden Scott (UNC) over Jordan Soriano (Drexel): 5-2 Dec
149: No. 6 Lachlan McNeil (UNC) over Dom Findora (Drexel): 14-4 MD … more at … https://goheels.com/news/2024/11/9/wrestling-sweeps-duals-three-collect-open-championships-saturday
Breaking down the fireworks, upsets and epic matches from first weekend of college wrestling
College wrestling season is officially back, and the first weekend of the season brought plenty of fireworks, upsets and epic matches. Here are some of the most notable results and takeaways from the opening few days of the year:
Wyoming and Campbell raise the bar for elite college duals
As mentioned in my weekend preview, one of the biggest stories heading into the first weekend of college wrestling was the Wyoming vs. Campbell dual in a rodeo venue. This match delivered.
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Not only did Wyoming and Campbell put forward an incredible evening that highlighted the ‘fun’ of college wrestling, but they also created ten stellar matches, highlighted elite sportsmanship and a vision for what the future of college wrestling could look like. These are two teams pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the sport and making headlines doing it.
From a wrestling standpoint, Stockton O’Brien of Wyoming earned “Wrestler of the Dual” honors for his pin against Campbell’s No. 18 Domenic Zaccone, but the entire dual featured great action. … more at … https://www.ncaa.com/news/wrestling/article/2024-11-04/breaking-down-first-weekend-college-wrestling
Olympics Wrestling PA Announcer finds community, belonging as Voice of the Huskies
Jason Bryant has emerged as one of the top wrestling public address (PA) announcers in the world over the past decade.
The numbers speak for themselves: 25 collegiate wrestling national championship events, seven world championship events and three editions of the Summer Olympics.
So how did an avid wrestling fan end up as the voice of a Division I men’s hockey team?
When longtime PA announcer Chuck Clausen retired in 2022 after 32 years with St. Cloud State University Men’s Hockey, a significant role needed to be filled.
Bryant first saw the job posting on a PA announcing Facebook group. He showed it to his wife Abby, who encouraged him to give it a try. “We opened up a search not knowing where it would go, and a lot of people wanted to be the next voice of the Huskies,” said Andrew Melroe, Assistant Athletics Director for Athletic Communications. “I was surprised and happy when I saw he had applied, I hoped we could make it work … any time I can add to the Husky family, I’m happy to do so.”
Bryant didn’t feel his in-person audition went great, so he was a bit surprised when he was offered the position. Prior to SCSU’s 2022-23 season opener against St. Thomas, he’d only seen one college hockey game live in his life. Did he feel ready to call one in-person?
“I’ve done the Olympics; nothing is more pressure-packed than that,” Bryant said. … more at … https://today.stcloudstate.edu/2024/10/28/olympics-wrestling-pa-announcer-finds-community-belonging-as-voice-of-the-huskies/
#7 Wolfpack Collect Four Falls Against Campbell to Start Dual Action
Bethlehem, Pa. – Seventh-ranked NC State wrestling dominated Campbell by a 44-3 score at Journeymen’s WrangleMania Saturday evening to kick off its dual-match slate for the year. In its first dual-match of the 2024-25 season, NC State wrestling showed off its new lineup Saturday evening against Campbell when four of its 10 bouts ended early from pin falls. NC State got the victory in each of the four ranked match-ups featured at the 141, 157, 174, and 197 classes.
After the first two bouts at 125 and 133, the score leveled out at three a piece, but the Pack wouldn’t give the Camels anymore points from then on. Kai Orine, Ed Scott, Matty Singleton, and Christian Knop each collected falls over their opponents to allow the Pack’s team score to completely break away from Campbell’s. In addition to that, Dylan Fishback earned a technical fall in just the second period.
Coming off of his redshirt year, 24th-ranked Singleton rejoined the lineup at the 174 pound weight class and came out in style, pinning his opponent, 25th-ranked Dom baker in just 24 seconds. The night capped off with No. 10 Isaac Trumble in his first match at heavyweight … more at … https://gopack.com/news/2024/11/9/wrestling-7-wolfpack-collect-four-falls-against-campbell-to-start-dual-action
Prendergast named Wrestler of the Week
GREENVILLE, N.C. (Nov. 5) – After claiming the individual championship at 103, University of Mount Olive freshman Lillian Prendergast was selected as the Conference Carolinas Wrestler of the Week by the league office on Tuesday afternoon.
Prendergast posted a perfect 3-0 record in the 103-weight class on Saturday in her first collegiate competition with Mount Olive in the Trojan Open. After receiving an opening-round bye, she produced a fall in just 48 seconds over Olivia Collins of Greensboro in the quarterfinals before defeating Morgan Repasky of Montreat by a 10-0 tech fall. In the championship match, Prendergast captured the individual title via forfeit over Angelina Casteneda of Cumberlands.
She becomes the first-ever recipient of the weekly conference honor in the inaugural season of women’s wrestling in South Atlantic Conference Carolinas. … more at …. https://umotrojans.com/news/2024/11/5/womens-wrestling-prendergast-named-wrestler-of-the-week.aspx
And …
Mount Olive Women’s Wrestling defeats Bluefield State, 40-10
Results
BLUEFIELD, W. Va. (Nov. 6) – In their first-ever South Atlantic Conference Carolinas dual match, the Trojans delivered a significant 40-10 victory at Bluefield State with four victories via fall on Wednesday night. With the win, the University of Mount Olive women’s wrestling team improves to 1-0 in dual competition after beginning the year last weekend at the Trojan Open. It marked the first meeting between the sides following the start of the inaugural year of women’s wrestling being sponsored as a conference sport. Meanwhile, Bluefield State drops to 0-1 this season as it begins its second year as a program.
Following three forfeits to begin the match, the Trojan held an early 15-0 advantage on Wednesday night. In the 124-weight class, sophomore Ayonna McNeill delivered a first-period pin at the 1:28 mark to stretch the lead to 20-0. Bluefield State … more at … https://umotrojans.com/news/2024/11/7/womens-wrestling-defeats-bluefield-state-40-10.aspx
And …
Prendergast finishes fourth; UMO competes at Eagle Madness
MARIETTA, Ga. (Nov. 9) – Freshman Lillian Prendergast reached the podium with a fourth-place finish in the 103-weight class on Saturday, as the Trojans competed at the Eagle Madness Open, hosted by Life University.
The University of Mount Olive women’s wrestling program featured eight wrestlers across seven different weight classes. It marked the second open competition of the season for the Trojans following a dual match victory over Bluefield State earlier this week.
Following an opening-round loss, Prendergast rebounded with three consecutive wins in the consolation bracket. She produced a first-round pin over D. Tejada before earning a 14-2 tech fall versus Alyssa Archer of Lindsey Wilson. In the consolation semifinals, Prendergast won via fall over Conference Carolinas foe Lynnlie Rountree of Emmanuel. She ultimately claimed fourth place at 103 following a loss to Kira Mitchell in the third-place match.
In the 117-weight class, sophomore Ayonna McNeill posted a 2-2 record while competing in Georgia on Saturday. She registered an opening-round fall over Ruby Guerrero of Hastings before suffering a loss via pin to Salyna Shotwell of Life. In the consolation bracket, McNeill recorded a fall in 57 seconds against Madison Addcock of Marymount, but fell to Shahreen Gulacha of Life in the next round.
Freshman Alfa Dominguez delivered a 2-2 record in her second collegiate open with the program. Competing at 131, she dropped her first bout before responding with a pair of victories in the consolation bracket. Dominguez defeated Jayla Mackell and Ingird Penn of Marymount, but fell in the third round to Olivia Mottley of Life.
In the 138-weight class, sophomore Angelica Steffy produced a 2-2 mark while competing … more at … https://umotrojans.com/news/2024/11/9/womens-wrestling-prendergast-finishes-fourth-umo-competes-at-eagle-madness.aspx
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 