Wrestling grows at all levels, with USA Wrestling and high schools leading the way
By Gary Abbott’s List of Biggest Stories in 2024
During the pandemic, there was a big concern that wrestling, a combat sport which does not allow for social distancing, might take a big hit when the world was shut down. However, the absolute opposite has been the reality. Due to creative and aggressive health protocols for wrestling events, the sport bounced back quickly and is now in an impressive growth trend. In 2024, USA Wrestling set new records in membership, blowing past 300,000 members for the first time, with 334,494 at the end of the 2023-24 season. Female wrestling led the way with 30% growth during the year, but expansion happened across the board, in all age-levels, in every part of the country and for both males and females. This growth was also reflected at the high school level. According to the NFHS press release, “the two biggest story lines are the increases in all forms of high school football, and the continued rise in both girls and boys wrestling.” Girls wrestling is the fastest growing sport in the nation, hands-down, but boys wrestling is also growing quickly. The NFHS reported that boys wrestling grew by 32,443 athletes in 2023-24 and has had a 25% increase since the 2021-22 season. Entries for both boys and girls at major USA Wrestling events are also setting records. College wrestling is seeing the addition of new programs for men and women in all of the organizations (NCAA, NAIA, NJCAA, etc.). It has been said that we are in the golden era for wrestling in the United States and the data is proving this to be true. The mission for all leaders within wrestling is to fuel continued growth in strategic ways that brings the world’s greatest sport to even more people in the future. … more at … https://www.themat.com/news/2024/december/28/abbott-blog-top-10-wrestling-stories-of-2024
UNC’s Moore, NCSU’s Robinson Tabbed ACC Co-Wrestlers of the Week
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (theACC.com) – Following a top-5 win versus a top-10 team, North Carolina’s Spencer Moore and NC State’s Vince Robinson were named Atlantic Coast Conference Co-Wrestlers of the Week following matches from January 10-13.
In North Carolina’s ACC opener versus No. 8 Virginia Tech on Friday, January 10, No. 20 Moore picked up his first top-5 win of the season with a 4-1 sudden victory win over No. 4 Eddie Ventresca of Virginia Tech at 125 pounds. After Ventresca forced the match into sudden victory with an escape in the third period to tie the match at 1-1, Moore was able to secure a takedown with 39 seconds remaining in the overtime period for the decision.
The win was the first for the Tar Heels over the Hokies since the 2019-20 season and the first against Virginia Tech in Chapel Hill since the 2018-19 season.
NC State’s match at No. 3 Oklahoma State, which was moved to Monday, January 13, due to weather conditions, started with a win from Robinson at 125 pounds to put the No. 5 Wolfpack in front 3-0 in the match. No. 11 Robinson, who returned to the NC State lineup after not competing for over a month, defeated No. 2 Troy Spratley of the Cowboys 7-3 to start the dual. … more at … https://theacc.com/news/2025/1/14/wrestling-uncs-moore-ncsus-robinson-tabbed-acc-co-wrestlers-of-the-week.aspx
No. 6 Huskers Outlast No. 4 Gophers
The No. 6 Nebraska wrestling team took down No. 4 Minnesota behind the efforts of three upset victories for the Big Red, winning the dual 21-13. Head coach Mark Manning notched his 300th dual win at Nebraska, and the Huskers improved to 6-1 (1-0 Big Ten) while handing the Gophers (4-1, 0-1 Big Ten) their first loss of the season.
The Saturday afternoon crowd of 3,518 at the Devaney Center set the stage for the Big Ten home opener, and the Huskers came out on top in the top-10 matchup, taking seven of 10 bouts and three of four top-10 ranked individual matches.
Starting at 157, the Huskers’ fifth-ranked Antrell Taylor took on No. 10 Tommy Askey. The pair traded escapes in the first two periods, and went scoreless in the third to force overtime. Taylor took control quickly into the sudden victory period, and claimed the win with a takedown. The sophomore notched his 14th victory of the season, sixth ranked win, and three points for the Big Red. It was Askey’s first loss of the season.
Next, Christopher Minto faced No. 9 Andrew Sparks at 165. Minto struck first with a two-point reversal in the second period. Trailing in the third, Minto scored a takedown to take the lead at 5-4. He held that lead to the end of the period, scoring the second victory for Nebraska, and extending the overall lead to 6-0. The win was Minto’s 13th of the season, and the upset was the second of his career to topple a ranked opponent.
On the mat at 174 was No. 16 Lenny Pinto and Minnesota’s No. 24 Clayton Whiting. Two takedowns gave Pinto the 6-2 lead entering the second period. A penalty and escape in the third, along with riding time, gave Pinto the 9-3 decision. … more at … https://huskers.com/news/2025/01/11/no-6-huskers-outlast-no-4-gophers
What to Watch: Week 11 of the College Wrestling Season
As Week 11 of the college wrestling season kicks off, many teams begin their conference schedules, gearing up for some of the most intense matches of the season. Wrestling fans won’t want to miss the NWCA National Duals happening in Iowa this weekend, where teams from five divisions are set to compete.
NWCA National Duals
Date: January 10-11, 2025
Time: 10 a.m. CT
Location: UNI-Dome, Cedar Falls, Iowa
Where to Watch: FloWrestling
Teams from multiple divisions travel to Cedar Falls, Iowa, for the annual NWCA National Duals. Competition begins on Friday, January 10, and continues into Saturday. Brackets have been released for the following divisions: NCAA DI Men, NCAA DII Men, NCAA DIII Men and NAIA Men. For more information, visit themat.com.
NAIA Men: Campbellsville, Corban, Cumberlands, Doane, Eastern Oregon, Embry-Riddle, Grand View, Indiana Tech, Life, Missouri Valley, Montana State Northern, Morningside, Oklahoma City, Providence, Reinhardt, … more at … https://www.themat.com/news/2025/january/09/what-to-watch-week-11-of-the-college-wrestling-season
And …
5 college wrestling duals to watch this weekend
With nearly two dozen upcoming college duals this weekend featuring ranked teams, there’s no shortage of great action to watch. Here are five duals in particular worth your attention.
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Friday, Jan. 10: No. 4 Ohio State vs. No. 11 Illinois, 8 p.m. on BTN+
Ranked No. 4 in the country, the Buckeyes have nine wrestlers in the top 15 and are loaded with stars. Illinois, though, poses a sneaky challenge in this dual, as the Illini are favored in half of the projected bouts in this Big Ten battle. The home mat advantage in Illinois is notable here as well, particularly in a dual where every weight will matter.
If the dual begins 125 pounds, Ohio State will have the advantage at the start with No. 10 Brendan McCrone, a sophomore who has made big jumps this year but is fresh off a 6-5 loss to Maximo Renteria of Oregon State. This is one of just two weights where Illinois does not have a ranked wrestler, so McCrone’s job will be to go out and win with bonus to swing the momentum toward Ohio State before the top-10 battle at 133 pounds between No. 9 Nic Bouzakis and No. 2 Lucas Bryd.
Byrd and Bouzakis have not hit yet in their college wrestling careers because Byrd was out with an injury last season, but expect this match to be fast-paced and intense. Byrd is 9-0 on the year and heavily favored, but Bouzakis does have wins over All-Americans Dylan Ragusin and Anthony Noto this year with his only non-teammate loss coming against Cliff Keen champ Zeth Romney. There’s a path for both teams to win without the match, though the possibility becomes narrower for Illinois if Byrd drops to Bouzakis. Ohio State will then be favored at 141 pounds with No. 1 Jesse Mendez vs. No. 13 Danny Puncino, 157 pounds with No. 7 Paddy Gallagher vs. Jason Kraisser, … more at … https://www.ncaa.com/news/wrestling/article/2025-01-09/5-college-wrestling-duals-watch-weekend
No. 13 Cyclones Top No. 22 Mountaineers on the Road
MORGANTOWN, W. Va. – No. 13 Iowa State (5-3, 2-0 Big 12) stayed perfect in Big 12 dual action with a 24-18 victory over No. 22 West Virginia (7-2, 1-2 Big 12) Wednesday evening inside WVU Coliseum. Bonus points were the difference as the teams split the 10 bouts, 5-5.
Iowa State won the takedown battle, 17-12. Paniro Johnson and Cody Chittum both got pins for the Cyclones while Evan Frost notched a tech fall and Evan Bockman earned a major decision.
Evan Frost started the scoring with a commanding 20-3 tech fall over Tommy Maddox at 133 pounds. Frost tallied six takedowns in the win, including three in the opening period, as he improved to 6-2 on the season.
Jacob Frost made it back-to-back wins for the Frost family to open the dual. Jacob won by decision, 9-6, over No. 29 Jordan Titus at 141 pounds. Frost overcame an early takedown by Titus and fended off a last-ditch effort by the Mountaineer for the win.
Johnson and Chittum secured back-to-back falls for the Cyclones at 149 and 157 pounds, respectively, to put Iowa State ahead 20-0 after four matches. Johnson, in his first match of the season at 149 pounds, now has dual victories at 149, 157 and 165 pounds this season.
West Virginia got on the board with two-consecutive major decisions at 165 and 174 pounds. At 165, No. 3 Peyton Hall defeated Aiden Riggins, 16-6, in Riggins’ first match of the season at the weight. At 174 pounds, MJ Gaitan fell 14-4 to No. 28 Brody Conley. Gaitan was putting Conley on his back in the third period but the match was stopped due to a potentially dangerous hold.
In a top-20 battle at 184 pounds, No. 12 Evan Bockman was victorious against No. 16 Dennis Robin by 9-1 major decision. Bockman pushed for a bonus point and got it with a late takedown plus a riding time point. … more at … https://cyclones.com/news/2025/1/8/wrestling-no-13-cyclones-top-no-22-mountaineers-on-the-road.aspx
DI Live Streaming Guide (1/8 – 1/12/2025)
We’ve made it through the holidays and are into 2025. With the Southern Scuffle in the rearview mirror, we’re more into a regular schedule, primarily focused on dual competition. A total of 29 duals will be contested and that doesn’t include those that will take place at the NWCA National Duals.
Since it can be difficult to figure out where and when to watch all of these events, InterMat has put together a list of all of the live-streamed events occurring this week. Below are the dates/times and how to watch each match (with links).
To make this guide even easier … more at … https://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/47_streaming-guide/di-live-streaming-guide-18-1122025-r99900/
All times Eastern
Sunday, January 12:
Lehigh at Cornell 12:00 PM ESPN+
Army West Point at LIU 12:00 PM
Maryland at Michigan State 1:00 PM B1G+
Pittsburgh at West Virginia 1:00 PM ESPN+
Edinboro at Clarion 2:00 PM FloWrestling
Northwestern at Illinois 2:00 PM B1G+
Appalachian State at The Citadel 2:00 PM ESPN+
Stanford at Missouri 3:00 PM ESPN+
Purdue at Northern Illinois 3:00 PM ESPN+
NC State at Oklahoma State 3:00 PM ESPN+
Iowa at Wisconsin 3:00 PM B1G+
Arizona State vs. California Baptist at Walnut, CA 5:00 PM FloWrestling
Rutgers at Ohio State 6:00 PM Big Ten Network
Northern Iowa’s win over Nebraska highlights holiday dual meet action as first Top 25 of 2025 released
Manheim, Pennsylvania – Northern Iowa jumped three spots to No. 7 after Sunday’s 24-9 win over then-No. 4 Nebraska in the most recent NWCA Division I Men’s Wrestling Coaches Poll released on Tuesday.
The Panthers (4-0) ranking is the highest the program has seen since it was ranked fifth to end the 2013-14 season. They’ll defend the ranking, and the No. 1 Mid-Major ranking this weekend inside the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls at the NWCA/USMC Multi-Division National Dual Meet Championships presented by A Better Way Athletics, Capitol Construction, and Defense Soap.
The only other Top 10 team in action since before Christmas was fifth-ranked Ohio State, which rolled past Oregon State 40-3 in Columbus. The Buckeyes (5-0) moved up a spot to No. 4 this week. Nebraska slid five spots to No. 9 this week, allowing NC State (6-0) and Minnesota (4-0) to each slide up one spot.
In other ranked action, No. 12 Cornell (2-1) beat then-No. 19 Missouri 26-12, No. 18 Pittsburgh topped Division II Pitt-Johnstown 32-8 and No. 22 West Virginia beat Princeton 27-12.
The full conference schedule from the Big Ten and ACC kicks off this weekend, while 14 Division I teams will compete at the National Duals, which returns to the UNI-Dome with a focus on Mid-Major programs (non-Power 4 schools). … more at … https://nwcaonline.com/news/2025/1/7/ncaa-division-1-men-northern-iowas-win-over-nebraska-highlights-holiday-dual-meet-action-as-first-top-25-of-2025-released.aspx
And …
NCAA DI Rankings Updated (1/7/2025)
The most notable change we’ve made in this week’s rankings is at 141 lbs. We’ve put Jesse Mendez into the #1 spot above Andrew Alirez. Mendez hasn’t missed a date for Ohio State and is now 16-0 with bonus point wins in 75% of those contests. Alirez is only 3-0. Mendez has wins over #4, #7, #11, #15 (x2), #19, #27, and #31 – along with a title at the CKLV. Alirez has wins over #9 and #17. We feel good about the move since ranking Alirez above Mendez was not a slam-dunk choice from day one. There were arguments to be made for Mendez from day one.
With a few upsets at the top of 125 lbs, we had to restructure the #5-#11 range. The notable results from that range include Caleb Smith falling to Trever Anderson and Maximo Renteria getting even with Brendon McCrone.
The shuffling at 125 and a Southern Scuffle title pushed Stevo Poulin into the top-six. That led Northern Colorado to be one of the biggest movers in the team tournament rankings. They were previously 17th, but now sit in a tie for 13th place with Purdue. … more at … https://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/college/ncaa-di-rankings-updated-172025-r99896/
Army claims Southern Scuffle team title, Northern Iowa downs Nebraska, Cornell defeats Missouri
Week ten of the college wrestling season has come and gone. Army secured its first-ever team title at the Southern Scuffle with one champion in Gunner Filipowicz, Northern Iowa picked up a ranked victory over Nebraska, Oklahoma State routed Air Force 43-6, and so much more. Let’s dive into the highlights and key moments that made this week one to remember.
Performance of the week
Chattanooga’s Sergio Desiante secured an individual title at 174 pounds for the Mocs at the 2025 Southern Scuffle on Sunday. In the finals, Desiante picked up a win over No. 10 Gaven Sax of Oklahoma. In the semifinals on Sunday morning, Desiante, ranked 29th in the latest FloWrestling rankings, defeated No. 4 Lennox Wolak of Virginia Tech, 7-6. Desiante was named the Most Outstanding Wrestler of the tournament. … more at … https://www.themat.com/news/2025/january/06/college-wrestling-notebook-army-claims-southern-scuffle-team-title-northern-iowa-downs-nebraska-cornell-defeats-missouri
And …
Army Wins Team Title, 4 Mocs Place at the Southern Scuffle
Sergio Desiante earned the Chattanooga Mocs first title at the 2025 Southern Scuffle presented by Compound Sportswear with back-to-back top 10 triumphs.
RESULTS (PDF) | TICKETS
CHATTANOOGA—Army claimed the team title at the Southern Scuffle presented by Compound Sportswear. The Chattanooga Mocs Sergio Desiante, the champion at 174, was named Most Outstanding Wrestler. He led four Mocs to the podium for the weekend.
The four medalists ties for second highest total in school history in the event. That was also done in 2012 and 2024 and ranks behind seven in 2006 in Greensboro, N.C. The two semifinalists – Jackson Hurst (165) & Sergio Desiante (174) – marked the third time in program history with multiple wrestlers reaching that point. There were two in 2006 and a high of three last year.
Desiante made the big splash with a top 5 win in the semifinals. He took the early lead with a first period takedown and dominated the bout in a 7-6 decision. … more at … https://gomocs.com/news/2025/1/5/wrestling-recap-army-wins-team-title-4-mocs-place-at-the-southern-scuffle.aspx
UNI wrestling takes down No. 4 Nebraska in 24-9 home win
Panthers defeat Cornhuskers in dual action for the first time since 1991. UNI back in action next weekend at NWCA Multi-Division National Dual Championships in UNI-Dome.
OFFICIALS – Eric McGill, Leo Mercado
ATTENDANCE – 3,113
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa — The UNI wrestling team brought the heat to the McLeod Center on Sunday afternoon as the tenth-ranked Panthers knocked off No. 4 Nebraska in non-conference dual action by a score of 24-9.
Northern Iowa’s big win marked the first victory over the Cornhuskers in 34 years, as well as its first top-five ranked win since beating No. 3 Ohio State at the 2022 Collegiate Duals.
The Panthers picked up four individual wins over top-five ranked opponents, which began with a stunning win for No. 31 Trever Anderson at 125 pounds over fifth-ranked and returning All-American Caleb Smith. Cael Happel (141 pounds), Ryder Downey (157 pounds) and Parker Keckeisen (184 pounds) also picked up top-five wins.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Anderson set the tone early at 125 pounds against Smith. After a scoreless first period, Smith took the lead early in the second with a quick escape, but Anderson responded with a takedown and, after another escape by Smith, Anderson escaped in the third period for a 4-2 lead before adding an extra point for riding time for a 5-2 victory. The victory marked Anderson’s first dual win of the season and his second career victory over a top-five opponent, having previously defeated No. 1 Jakob Camacho (North Carolina State) last year.
Julian Farber made his dual debut of the season at 133 pounds against No. 20 Jacob Van Dee. Van Dee took control early, securing a takedown in the first period and adding an escape in the third. Farber would battle hard in the final period as he scrambled for a potential takedown, but ultimately fell short, dropping the match 5-0 as Van Dee earned the additional riding time point.
Eighth-ranked Happel (141 pounds) secured his third career top-five victory and earned his third straight win over No. 5 Brock Hardy in a come-from-behind effort. Hardy jumped out to a 4-0 lead … more at … https://unipanthers.com/news/2025/1/5/wrestling-uni-wrestling-takes-down-no-4-nebraska-in-24-9-home-win
Mount Olive Wins!
No. 25 Mount Olive Men cruises past Allen, 45-10
MOUNT OLIVE (Jan. 3) – After recording six falls on Friday afternoon, the No. 25 ranked University of Mount Olive men’s wrestling team posted a dominant 45-10 win over Allen in Conference Carolinas action at Kornegay Arena.
With the win, the Trojans remained undefeated at home and improve to 7-2 this season behind a perfect 4-0 record in league duals. Mount Olive holds a 5-0 record all-time against Allen dating back to 2021. Meanwhile, the Yellow Jackets fall to 2-4 overall with a 1-3 mark in conference action.
Redshirt junior Christian Decatur established an early 6-0 advantage at 125 with a late first-round pin over Xavier Anderson. Following a forfeit at 133, the Trojans held a 12-0 lead before freshman Benjamin Hernandez registered a fall against Quantavius Reaves in the 141-weight class. Allen closed the gap with a victory at 149 before Mount Olive recorded four consecutive wins. No. 3 ranked senior Jake Nicolosi (157) produced a third-round fall versus Quincy Gash, while No. 11 freshman Brent Nicolosi earned a quick pin over Ya`Donnis Hardaway at 165. In the 174-weight class, redshirt senior Colby Teague delivered a fall against Farrad Moore before junior Calan Staub (184) defeated Jerell Baskins … more at … https://umotrojans.com/news/2025/1/3/wrestling-no-25-mount-olive-cruises-past-allen-45-10.aspx
And …
The Mount Olive Women begin the New Year with win over Allen, 34-10
MOUNT OLIVE (Jan. 3) – In the first home event at Kornegay Arena in the New Year, the Trojans remained undefeated in South Atlantic Conference Carolinas dual meet action with a 34-10 victory over Allen on Friday afternoon.
With the win, the University of Mount Olive women’s wrestling program collects a fifth straight win to improve to 8-1 overall and 4-0 mark in conference duals. The Trojans also matched their program record with eight dual meet victories in their third year as a team. Meanwhile, Allen drops to 3-4 this season behind a 0-3 record in league matches.
Mount Olive built an early 10-0 advantage after receiving forfeits at 103 and 110 before sophomore Mallory McDonald registered a first-round fall over Stacy Pule in the 117-weight class. Both sides agreed to a double forfeit at 124 and the Trojans stretched their lead to 24-1 with two additional wins. Sophomore Ayonna McNeill (131) delivered a dominant 18-7 tech fall versus Lyric Drumgoole, while sophomore Angelica Steffy received a forfeit in the 138-weight class. The Yellow Jackets responded with a fall at 145 to trim the deficit to 24-6 before sophomore Savannah Bramhall produced … more at … https://umotrojans.com/news/2025/1/3/womens-wrestling-the-trojans-begin-the-new-year-with-win-over-allen-34-10.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 