Takedown Report

Amateur Wrestling Reports

The Campbell Funding Situation

“I am committed to continuing our winning tradition both academically and athletically. I look forward to the work ahead with a focus on providing a championship caliber experience for our student-athletes, coaches, staff and the entire Campbell family. The future is bright for Campbell Athletics.”
Those are the words for Campbell University’s Director of Athletics Hannah Bazemore shortly after being named the school’s athletic director in November 2022. 
Those words rang hollow just a day after the school’s wrestling team learned that they would have a significant amount of funding cut from them. Starting in the 2025-26 school year, the wrestling program will only be given three scholarships which is a sharp decrease from the nine they had been working with. In what seems to be an unusual move, wrestlers who wish to keep their scholarships would not be allowed to compete. 
InterMat reached out to AD Bazemore for comment on this story and/or more information about this situation and has yet to receive a response as of Tuesday morning.  Men’s and women’s soccer, golf, tennis, and volleyball are also said to be impacted. 
This change comes on the heels of the school’s move from the Big South Conference to the Coastal Athletic Association (formerly the Colonial Athletic Association). The move put Campbell in a conference that stretches from Charleston, South Carolina to Boston, Massachusetts. It was likely supposed to boost the school’s profile in football and basketball but generally has added more in travel expenses for everyone else – a common thread in conference realignment. 
Another “big-picture” change that’s in play here is the announcement that college athletics must share revenue with their athletes. Campbell has reportedly “opted in” to participate in revenue sharing in the future. Administrators can stomach sharing revenue with football and basketball teams, but everyone else, not so much. That plays a part in this decision. 
The main theme here is that the school and the athletic department have grossly mismanaged their … more at … https://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/college/socon/the-campbell-funding-situation-r99624/?utm_source=Wrestling+News&utm_campaign=62306f9b2b-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2022_09_28_09_07_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_44607e8210-62306f9b2b-245314521&mc_cid=62306f9b2b&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

And Budget cuts coming for Campbell athletics, school says
… story at … https://www.wralsportsfan.com/budget-cuts-coming-for-campbell-athletics-school-says/21675210/?utm_source=Wrestling+News&utm_campaign=c7bbfabb03-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2022_09_28_09_07_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_44607e8210-c7bbfabb03-245314521&mc_cid=c7bbfabb03&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

And Facing funding challenges some universities make difficult choices on academic, athletic programs
BUIES CREEK, N.C. (WTVD) — Korbin Meink recalls his time wrestling for Campbell University fondly. “I enjoyed my time there. I got two degrees from that school, and everything about it was awesome while I was there. I felt like we were one of the best programs on campus, and it was great to be part of that,” said Meink, who graduated in 2022.
Meinik’s experience influenced his younger brother to take a recruiting trip to Campbell himself. However, what the brothers learned on that trip was difficult to accept. “They were talking about how they wanted to give (him) a scholarship, and they just said we don’t have it anymore because we have the guys on the team we need to look after, and right now our recruiting has kind of gone to a halt because we have no more funds to give to anyone,” said Meink.
Meink, who won multiple conference championships at the school, learned the news a couple days before word trickled out on social media, … more at … https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkZQe9AqYjA

And … So uh, what’s going on with Campbell?
Is the latest athletic department budget cut a sign of the times, or more about a local campus situation?
Good morning, and thanks for spending part of your day with Extra Points.
I’m not used to writing a lot about the Campbell University Camels on this newsletter. I know they have an excellent baseball program, they’re in Buies Creek, North Carolina, they’re a small, private college in the CAA, and their fans apparently say Roll Humps, which is maybe my new favorite fan slogan.
I also knew that Campbell had a real wrestling tradition. Remember when we wrote about how the University of Wyoming scheduled a wrestling match in a barn? They put it on UFC Fight Pass and everything. That was against Campbell. Also, the Camels won.
But earlier this week, I stared to hear some different stories about Campbell wrestling. Namely, that the school was slashing the budget. … more and audio at … https://www.extrapointsmb.com/p/so-uh-what-s-going-on-with-campbell

October 27, 2024 Posted by | Uncategorized | , , | Leave a comment

Hall of Fame Wrestling Coach Bucky Maughan Passes Away

FARGO, N.D. – National Wrestling Hall of Fame Coach Arthur “Bucky” Maughan, who led the North Dakota State University wrestling program for 47 seasons from 1964 to 2011, passed away Tuesday night at the age of 83.  
Maughan’s Bison teams won four NCAA Division II national championships in 1988, 1998, 2000 and 2001 as well as making six national runner-up finishes.  
During NDSU’s Division II era, he coached 21 wrestlers to 30 NCAA Division II national championships and had 19 wrestlers compete in the Division I championships, including six placewinners. Maughan led NDSU to 17 North Central Conference titles, including a span of nine straight from 1982-1990, and coached 88 NCC individual champions.  
Maughan also successfully guided the Bison into the program’s Division I era. He coached five Western Wrestling Conference champions and sent five wrestlers to the NCAA Division I championships.  
Maughan finished his 47-year Bison career with a record of 467 wins, 157 losses and 13 ties in dual meets. He led NDSU to three undefeated seasons in 1984-85, 1991-92 and 2003-04.  
A native of Canonsburg, Pa., Maughan was a Pennsylvania state champion during his high school career. … more at … https://gobison.com/news/2024/10/16/hall-of-fame-wrestling-coach-bucky-maughan-passes-away.aspx?utm_source=Wrestling+News&utm_campaign=c7bbfabb03-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2022_09_28_09_07_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_44607e8210-c7bbfabb03-245314521&mc_cid=c7bbfabb03&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

October 27, 2024 Posted by | Uncategorized | , , | Leave a comment

Hodge Preseason Front-Runners

The Dan Hodge Trophy, sponsored by WIN Magazine and Culture House and presented by ASICS, will be awarded after the 2025 NCAA Championships to the most dominant college wrestler.
Created by WIN founder Mike Chapman in 1995, the award is named after the late Dan Hodge, the three-time NCAA champion from the University of Oklahoma (1955-57) who never allowed a takedown in his career and pinned 36 of 46 opponents.
In addition to the fan vote, the Hodge Trophy Voting Committee, made up of past winners of the award, former coaches and national media members select the winner each year. Criteria for winning the award includes a wrestler’s record, dominance/bonus-point percentage, quality of competition and sportsmanship.
There are 10 NCAA Division I wrestlers who have won NCAA championships and are considered preseason front-runners to win the 2025 Dan Hodge Trophy.
The following is a breakdown of their bonus-point victories in their career, including pins (P), technical falls (TF) and major decisions (MD), and what percentage of their total matches are bonus-point wins. … more at … https://www.win-magazine.com/2024/10/08/who-will-be-the-top-contenders-to-win-the-2025-dan-hodge-trophy/

October 23, 2024 Posted by | Uncategorized | , , | Leave a comment

2024 Super 32 Wrestling Results And Brackets

Check out results from the 2024 Defense Soap Super 32 Wrestling Challenge along with the event schedule and links to brackets
The 2024 Defense Soap Super 32 Challenge is underway in Greensboro, North Carolina. Follow all the results right here. Refresh this article throughout the event as we’ll be updating results all weekend.

2024 Super 32 Brackets

2024 Defense Soap Super 32 Challenge brackets are available on FloArena here.
Oct 12-13

2024 Defense Soap Super 32 Challenge

Finals Results

106 Caleb Noble Gurnee, IL (IL) F Sean Kenny Bayville, NJ (NJ), 5:45
113 Fred Bachmann North wales, PA (PA) DEC Johnathon Mcginty Ridgewood, NJ (NJ), 4-2
120 Christian Castillo Ames, IA (IA) DEC Antonio Mills iii 30019, GA (GA), 6-5 TB2
126 Anthony Knox Monmouth beach, NJ (NJ) DEC Aaron Seidel Schaefferstown, PA (PA), 3-2
132 Jax Forrest Johnstown, PA (PA) DEC Seth Mendoza Mokena, IL (IL), 9-3
138 Sergio Vega Tucson, AZ (AZ) MD Dalton Perry Renovo, PA (PA), 18-5
144 Bo Bassett Windber, PA (PA) DEC Daniel Zepeda Gilroy, CA (CA), 10-7 SV
150 Landon Robideau Saint Michael, MN (MN) TF Blake Cosby Maybee, MI (MI), 20-5 5:51
157 William Denny Manhattan, IL (IL) DEC Kollin Rath Stroudsburg, PA (PA), 7-3
165 Asher Cunningham State College, PA (PA) DEC Dominic Bambinelli Hoscton, GA (GA), 12-11
175 Tyler Eise Gilroy, CA (CA) F Jordan Chapman cranford, NJ (NJ), 2:45
190 Carson Thomas Hamilton, OH (OH) DEC Vincenzo Lavalle East Hanover, NJ (NJ), 7-1
215 Angelo Posada Poway, CA (CA) F Noah Weaver Frankfort, IN (IN), 1:56
285 Dean Bechtold POTTSTOWN, PA (PA) DEC Michael Mocco Parkland, FL (FL), 5-0

Semifinal Results

106 Sean Kenny Bayville, NJ (NJ) F Turner Ross Edmond, OK (OK), 3:42

106 Caleb Noble Gurnee, IL (IL) MD Hayden Schwab Cedar Falls, IA (IA), 10-2

113 Johnathon Mcginty Ridgewood, NJ (NJ) DEC Ignacio Villasenor Stillwater, OK (OK), 5-4 … more at … https://www.flowrestling.org/articles/12896729-2024-super-32-wrestling-results-brackets-and-schedule

October 15, 2024 Posted by | Uncategorized | , , | Leave a comment

Emmanuel College Announces the Addition of Men’s & Women’s Wrestling Programs

OCT. 5, 2024 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – BOSTON – Emmanuel College is very pleased to announce the addition of men’s and women’s wrestling as varsity programs to the athletic department. These new varsity teams – which will begin competing in the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 school years, respectively – will represent the only Division III collegiate wrestling programs in the City of Boston.
Wrestling is among the nation’s fastest-growing sports, particularly at the collegiate level, due largely to its appeal to student-athletes from various backgrounds. Emmanuel is proud to join this movement, further expanding the range of its athletic offerings and bringing its total number of Division III programs to 18. “This new wrestling program is a win for current and future Emmanuel student-athletes and for our entire community,” said Emmanuel College President Beth Ross. “We are excited to provide wrestlers superb opportunities to engage in Division III intercollegiate competition, and we look forward to the way they will further electrify our Boston campus with their displays of athleticism, stamina, and heart.” Regarding women’s wrestling, according to the Women’s Collegiate Wrestling Coalition (WCWC), Emmanuel is the 105th NCAA varsity program to offer women’s wrestling. The popularity of women’s wrestling resulted in the NCAA declaring it an emerging sport in 2020-2021, as 66 institutions have added the sport since then. Based on the most recent participation rate, women’s wrestling is on track to become the NCAA’s 91st NCAA championship.
According to the Next College Student Athlete (NCSA), 126 NCAA Division III programs offer men’s varsity wrestling as Emmanuel becomes the 17th institution in New England to offer the sport. The popularity of wrestling has been seen at the high school level as, according to the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA), there has been a 25 percent increase in participation in boys wrestling from approximately 230,000 in 2021-2022 to nearly 292,000 in 2023-2024. “The addition of the wrestling program at Emmanuel further solidifies the College’s commitment … more at … https://goecsaints.com/news/2024/10/5/general-emmanuel-college-announces-the-addition-of-mens-womens-wrestling-programs.aspx

October 13, 2024 Posted by | Uncategorized | , , | Leave a comment

Six Americans over 30 earn spots on Non-Olympic Weights World Team

By Mike Finn
OMAHA — Sunday was quite a day for several of USA Wrestling’s older wrestlers as six wrestlers over the age of 30 — James Green, Jordan Burroughs and David Taylor in men’s freestyle, Ildar Hafizov and Aliaksandr Kikiniou in Greco-Roman, and Jacarra Winchester in women’s freestyle — all won Best-of-3 Championships at the Non-Olympic Weight World Team Trials.
For Green and Burroughs, New Jersey natives and former stars at the University of Nebraska, they earned spots before many of their Husker fans in the MECA – CHI Health Center. Green, 31, a two-time World medalist, defeated former Michigan All-American Alec Pantaleo in two straight matches at 70 kilos, while Burroughs, 36, a six-time World champion and 2012 Olympic gold medalist, avenged a 2023 World Team Trials loss to Chance Marsteller at 79 kilos.

Taylor, 33, the former World and Olympic champ who came up short at the 2024 Olympic Trials at 86 kilos before taking the Oklahoma State head coaching position, defeated fellow 2023 Worlds teammate Zahid Valencia in two straight bouts at 92 kilos.

Aliaksandr Kikiniou (right), a 2009 World bronze medalist for Belarus, defeated Jesse Porter in two bouts to claim a World Team Trials title in Greco-Roman. (Sam Janicki photo)

Hafizov and Kikiniou, both immigrants from Uzbekistan and Belarus, respectively, earned spots on the team. Hafizov, 36, qualified for his fifth World Team for Team USA but needed three matches to beat Max Black at 63 kilos, while Kikiniou, 44, a former World bronze medalist for his native country, will represent Team USA for the first time. Winchester, 31, who has represented Team USA at 53k and 55k in past World and Olympic Championships, won two straight matches against Michaela Beck at 59 kilos.

Jacarra Winchester has now qualified for either the Worlds or Olympics in three different weights. (Sam Janicki photo)

The other six winners, who will compete in the 2024 Non-Olympic Weight World Championships, Oct. 28-31 in Tirana, Albania, were 2023 World champ Vito Arujau (61k) in men’s freestyle, Areana Villaescusa (55k), 2023 World silver medalist Macey Kilty (65k) and Kylie Welker (72k) in women’s freestyle, and Brady Koontz (55k) and Benji Peak (63k) in Greco-Roman. … more at … https://www.win-magazine.com/2024/09/15/29536/

October 11, 2024 Posted by | Uncategorized | , , , | Leave a comment

UNC Wrestling Releases 2024-25 Schedule

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – Entering year two under the direction of head coach Rob Koll, the North Carolina wrestling program announced its schedule Wednesday morning, prior to the 2024-25 campaign.
The schedule features matchups with eight top-25 programs from last season’s final NWCA coaches poll: Nebraska (3), Iowa State (5), Ohio State (6), NC State (7), Virginia Tech (13), Stanford (20), Oregon State (21) and Pitt (23).
In the opening month of November, Carolina will compete in the Southeast Open (Nov. 2), followed by duals against Navy (Nov. 10), Drexel (Nov. 10), Nebraska (Nov. 15), Greensboro College (Nov. 25) and Illinois (Nov. 25).
Closing out the calendar year, the Tar Heels travel to the Collegiate Wrestling Duals in Nashville, meeting Ohio State, Lock Haven and Iowa State.
Prior to the ACC slate, the program will compete at Soldier Salute (Dec. 29-30) and Southern Scuffle (Jan. 4-5).
Once again, Friday Night Duals returns to the Atlantic Coast Conference, with home matchups against Virginia Tech (Jan. 10), NC State (Jan. 26) and Virginia (Feb. 14). The Tar Heels travel to Duke (Jan. 17), Pitt (Feb. 7) and Stanford (Feb. 21), adding an additional non-conference meeting against Oregon State (Feb. 23) on the west coast trip. … more at … https://goheels.com/news/2024/10/3/wrestling-releases-2024-25-schedule

October 8, 2024 Posted by | Uncategorized | , | Leave a comment

One leg, unmeasurable courage: An interview with Anthony Robles, subject of ‘Unstoppable’

In the history of NCAA athletics, there may not be a championship as unlikely, extraordinary and inspiring as Anthony Robles’ 2011 individual wrestling national championship at the 125-pound weight class — accomplishing the already remarkable feat with only one leg. 
Robles’ story is captured in the new film “Unstoppable” that plays in the Isis Theatre as part of Aspen Filmfest on Friday at 5 p.m. The film stars Jennifer Lopez as Robles’ mother and Don Cheadle as his wrestling coach and was produced by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. 
The Aspen Daily News spoke to Robles from his home in Arizona about his life and about the new film. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Aspen Daily News: Let’s take it back to the beginning. Where did you grow up? 
Anthony Robles: I was born in California, but I grew up in Mesa Arizona. We moved out here when I was 14 years-old and that’s when I got introduced to wrestling. I’ve been in Arizona ever since. 
ADN: You eschewed the prosthetic leg when you were very young, like 3 years old. What do you recall about growing up and dealing with your situation? I don’t want to call it a disability because you have never treated it like one. 
Robles: I refer to it as my challenge. That’s what my mom always called it. We tried off-and-on with the prosthetic leg. But for me, I just remember wanting to be like everybody else, to get around as quick as I could, run around with all the other little kids and I felt like the prosthetic leg just weighed me down. I couldn’t keep up with everybody else and I felt like using the crutches was my perfect outlet. They were more comfortable to me. It was more my style. And so my mom was like, “It’s your decision,” and when she gave me that choice I ditched the prosthetic leg and I never looked back on it. 
ADN: Kids are mean. Did you get teased at all? 
Robles: There were instances where kids teased me or said things, especially kids who didn’t have the experience of being around someone different, someone who’s missing a leg. … more at … https://www.aspendailynews.com/arts_and_entertainment/one-leg-unmeasurable-courage-an-interview-with-anthony-robles-subject-of-unstoppable/article_84e94502-7593-11ef-a5a4-8711ff2aa08e.html

October 5, 2024 Posted by | Uncategorized | , , | Leave a comment

UNC-Pembroke Wrestling Announces Schedule For 60th Season

PEMBROKE – Eight home dates, including hosting the NCAA Super Region 2 tournament, as well as road trips to Pennsylvania and Indiana, highlight the 2024-25 UNC Pembroke wrestling schedule that was released Tuesday by head coach Othello “O.T.” Johnson.  “I’m super grateful for the chance to compete and lead our program in its 60th year,” said head coach OT Johnson. “We have a great group of guys returning, as well as a solid crop of new wrestlers we brought in, to go along with a good group of seniors who have been and will continue to provide leadership.”
Fans can get an early look at the team on Tuesday, October 22 at 6 p.m. when the Braves hit the mat for their annual Black & Gold intra-squad event. Admission to that event, as well as all home dual meets, is free. All home dual meets are scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.
The Braves will officially kick off the new season on November 3 when they host the 43rd Annual Pembroke Classic. Wrestling action is slated to begin at 9 a.m. Admission to the Pembroke Classic is $10 for the day. Students with a valid student ID are free.
The Black & Gold will be in action for their first home dual meet on November 6, as they host Montevallo for Pep Rally & Schools Night, before hosting King on November 13 for Military Appreciation Night.
The Braves will hit the road in mid-December for Indianapolis, Ind. for the 45th Annual Midwest Classic. The two-day event will take place December 14 and 15 at Nicoson Hall.  “Excited to get back to this event. A tournament we’ve been to every year for the duration of our staff’s time here, and one that gives us a unique perspective as we will be going back for Nationals as part of the D2 Winter Sports Festival, so hopefully will get to cheer on our swimming and indoor track & field Braves.” said Johnson. 
The Black & Gold will return home January 2, as they host Limestone for WWE Night. The Braves will then trek north to Johnstown, Pa. for the Mountain Cat Duals on January 4.  “Obviously, we have a lot of guys on our roster from the western Pennsylvania area, so we’re excited to give them a chance to wrestle in front of their family and friends at a super-competitive event,” said Johnson.
UNCP will host Newberry on January 21 for Braves Unity Challenge Night, and then close out the home dual meet portion on January 24, as they host Mount Olive for Senior Night and Alumni Weekend, with Alumni Weekend continuing on January 25, as the Black & Gold hosts the BraveTough Open. 
The region’s best wrestlers will then flock to Pembroke as the Braves host the NCAA Super Region 2 Tournament … more at … https://uncpbraves.com/news/2024/10/1/wrestling-announces-schedule-for-60th-season.aspx

October 5, 2024 Posted by | Uncategorized | , , | Leave a comment

Burroughs, Taylor, Arujau, Green make U.S. Senior World Team in men’s freestyle

OMAHA, Neb. – The United States will send an experienced team of men’s freestyle athletes to the 2024 World Championships. The four-man team, which earned their berths at this weekend’s World Team Trials, includes two Olympic champions, three World champions and all four who have won World medals. Combined, these four athletes have won a combined two Olympic gold medals, 10 World gold medals and 16 total World medals. All four athletes swept their best-of-three Championship Series in two straight matches. 2012 Olympic champion and six-time World champion Jordan Burroughs swept his two-match series at 79 kg over 2023 World Team member Chance Marsteller. Burroughs sealed the win in the second match with a 6-3 victory. The key exchange late in the second period had Burroughs score four points on a double leg shot, with Marsteller getting a two-point counter exposure. On Sunday morning, Burroughs shut out Marsteller in the first match.
It was the third time these warriors battled in the finals of a World Team qualifier. Burroughs and Marsteller also wrestled in Final X twice, with Burroughs making the World Team in 2022 and Marsteller earning the spot in 2023. It will be Burroughs 10th Senior World Team. 2020 Olympic champion and three-time World champion David Taylor came through the Challenge Tournament on Saturday, then swept the Championship Series at 92 kg over 2023 World bronze medalist Zahid Valencia. Taylor clinched the win in the second match pin over Valencia at 2:34. After Taylor scored the first two takedowns, he cradled Valencia for a takedown, then turned him again and secured the fall. In the first match, Taylor scored a second period takedown to claim criteria in a 3-3 match.
It was Taylor’s first competition since dropping … more at … https://www.themat.com/news/2024/september/15/burroughs-taylor-arujau-green-make-u-s-senior-world-team-in-men-s-freestyle

October 4, 2024 Posted by | Uncategorized | , , , | Leave a comment