How To Choose A Women’s College Wrestling Program
Here is what a high school girl needs to know when selecting a women’s college wrestling program.
Recruiting season is in full swing, and it’s time to make a college decision. Here is what you need to know about picking a women’s college wrestling program.
What Are My Options?
Many schools offer women’s college wrestling, ranging from NCAA to NAIA to junior college to California junior college. Below is a breakdown of the number of programs in each division.
NCAA Division I: 10
NCAA Division II:42
NCAA Division III:81
Total NCAA: 133
NAIA:52
NJCAA: 38
CCCAA: 21
Division III does not offer athletic scholarships, whereas the other divisions do. However, it does not mean you aren’t eligible for financial aid. A Division III program might be less expensive if you meet the qualifications. It’s important to ask questions and understand the process.
Several major colleges don’t sponsor women’s college wrestling but have a club program. These colleges won’t compete at the end-of-year championships but typically wrestle in open tournaments.
The National Collegiate Wrestling Association (NCWA) is a folkstyle option with an end-of-season tournament, but this is a guide for colleges that offer women’s wrestling as a varsity sport.
All three NCAA divisions compete at the NCAA Championships, but that will change during the 2027 season when Division III programs host a separate championship.
The best resource to get started is thewcwc.com. It provides detailed information about available college programs and coaches. Most college athletic websites have a recruiting form to get started.
Also, some colleges created a women’s wrestling program and are in transition. That could mean waiting for a year or two for a varsity schedule to begin.
Know what you want, be open-minded, and take all your visits.
What Kind Of Team Do You Want To Be A Part Of?
The answer varies for every wrestler, but it’s important to consider when deciding on a college. Every program has a different competitive level, and every coach has a different vision.
Do you want to be part of a big team or a small team?
Do you want to be part of an upstart or established program?
Do you want … more at … https://www.flowrestling.org/articles/12794622-how-to-choose-a-womens-college-wrestling-program?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
The High School On SI Boys Postseason National Wrestling Rankings Set the Stage for Fargo
The final rankings before USA Wrestling’s 16U and Junior Nationals feature weight-class shakeups, a new No. 1 at 157 pounds and the usual Fargo surprises.
We have reached the end of the line. The 2026 Boys Postseason National Wrestling Rankings period will come to a close over the next week at the Fargodome in North Dakota at USA Wrestling’s 16U and Junior Nationals, aka “Fargo.” Boys Freestyle begins on Friday and concludes on Sunday with both divisions competing on all three days. Greco Roman follows that and then the ladies will close out the action.
State rosters were released over the last few weeks, and while there can still be changes at the scale – this is what it looks like heading into Fargo.
Weight Changes Shake Up the Rankings
We moved folks around based on their listed weight on the rosters. Last year we recall scrambling on the first day of boys’ competition to make last-minute changes that were presented at the scales. Weight changes are permitted at weigh in and every year there are at least a handful or more who do so.
A New No. 1 at 157 Pounds
The results of the weight class shuffle due to roster construction gives us a new number one at 157 pounds in Lake Highland Prep, Florida’s Charlie DeSena, who moved up from 150 pounds, where he was ranked second. The previous number one at 157, Melvin Miller (Bishop McCort, Pennsylvania) has migrated up to 165 pounds. Miller is ranked second behind Delbarton, New Jersey’s Jayden James, who defeated him at Ironman.
We will not be getting a rematch at Fargo, though, as James is sitting it out as he prepares for what he hopes will be another gold medal run at the World Championships later this summer. In fact, most of the wrestlers who qualified for the World Team are skipping Fargo.
No Penalty for Sitting Out
There are a lot of stars missing from the Fargo field. Between the World Team members, graduating seniors just taking the summer off, and others choosing different events to attend, a lot of the top ten guys are not registered for Fargo.
One thing we’ve never done and will not start now, is penalizing wrestlers for not competing. If you’ve made your way into our rankings, you will stay there unless you are forced out by your own actions or those of others. While inactivity doesn’t necessarily hurt you, it can lead to a tumble down the ranks as others emerge. … more at … https://www.si.com/high-school/wrestling/the-high-school-on-si-boys-postseason-national-wrestling-rankings-set-the-stage-for-fargo-01kx1n587n0n?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
Former White Oak assistant Dave Morgan tabbed as Lackawanna’s men’s wrestling coach
Lackawanna College is bringing in a former national champion and Scranton native to its athletic department, as the school prepares to compete in NCAA Division II and the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference.
Dave Morgan was recently hired as the Falcons’ men’s wrestling coach, replacing John Fox, who will continue to coach the women’s wrestling program.
“As we continue our transition to NCAA Division II and build a championship-level experience, Dave’s background in working closely with students and supporting both academic and personal development will be a tremendous asset,” Lackawanna athletic director Erik Larson said in a press release. “He understands the critical role athletics plays in complementing the work of our coaches, and his ability to connect with student-athletes will help foster a culture of accountability, growth and success both on the mat and in the classroom.”
A 2004 West Scranton graduate, Morgan was a two-time state medalist — fourth place as a sophomore and runner-up as a senior — and finished his high school wrestling career with 144 wins, which is still a program record.
After earning a scholarship to the University of Pittsburgh and spending a year with the Panthers, Morgan transferred to King’s College and became a two-time Division III national champion (2007, 2008) and three-time conference champion, finishing his career with an 86-7 record.
Morgan started his coaching career at King’s as an assistant from 2008-2010, and later coached at Scranton High School alongside his brother, Jim, for four years. Then, Morgan built and coached a club program in southern North Carolina and was an assistant at White Oak High School.
Morgan not only has experience on the mat, but also in the cage — with his amateur MMA career starting in 2006. Four years later, he captured a title and entered the professional ranks. He had a 6-12 professional record, securing a belt in 2022.
After 10 years away from Scranton, Morgan returned … more at … https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/2026/07/08/local-college-morgan-tabbed-at-lackawannas-mens-wrestling-coach/?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
Meet the college wrestling star propelling the USA towards Rugby World Cup 2027
For Cory Daniel and the USA Men’s Eagles, the inaugural Nations Cup arrives at a useful point in their journey to next year’s Rugby World Cup.
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The July window will give Scott Lawrence’s side three Tests against Portugal, Zimbabwe and Spain, with the wider competition also featuring Tonga. For the USA, it is a block that should offer a clearer read on where the squad is, which players are forcing their way into the picture, and how much progress has been made since the start of the year.
For Daniel, it is another chance to keep building.
The Old Glory DC back-row has never had the standard rugby route. He came to the sport late, having first competed in wrestling and American football, and only started playing rugby when he was almost 24. His college wrestling coach connected him with the game, and although there was plenty to learn, Daniel found a way to digest it.
“I started playing it, and I fell in love with it pretty early on,” Daniel told RugbyPass. “There were definitely challenges, for sure, but with my football background, I understood that, if you simplify the game as much as you can, one team has the ball and is trying to score, and the other team is trying to stop them.”
That football background helped with the basics of handling, evasion and contact skills. Wrestling however shaped far more of the player he has become.
“With the wrestling, that really helped me, especially in the tackle area and the breakdown area,” he said. “I did not realise early on, but it was probably the best sport I could have transitioned from.”
That remains clear in his game. Daniel has become one of the Eagles’ more dependable defensive forwards who regularly gets through heavy contact work and has built much of his value around tackling, breakdown pressure and repeat effort.
Lawrence sees that value in straightforward terms. “Cory is the kind of no-nonsense, work hard, love your family, love your country individual that represents the true heartbeat of our country.”
Daniel did not brush off the comment when asked about it. “I think that is a good way to describe someone like myself, and it is pretty special he said something like that.” … more at … https://www.rugbypass.com/plus/meet-the-college-wrestling-star-propelling-the-usa-towards-rugby-world-cup-2027/?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
Pat Santoro to Step Away From Men’s Wrestling Head Coaching Position; Brad Dillon ’04 Named Head Coach
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – After more than a quarter-century of service to Lehigh wrestling as a coach, including the last 18 seasons as head coach, Pat Santoro is announcing his retirement from his position as the Lawrence White Head Coach of Men’s Wrestling. Former Lehigh All-American and current Associate Head Coach Brad Dillon ’04 will lead the Mountain Hawks into the 2026-27 season.
“Pat Santoro represents the very best of Lehigh University and college wrestling,” said Lehigh’s Murray H. Goodman ’48 Dean of Athletics Jeremy Gibson. “For more than a quarter century—first as an elite assistant and then for 18 exceptional seasons as our head coach—Pat has led this program with unmatched integrity, passion, and competitive excellence. His legacy is not just measured by the six EIWA team titles or the dozens of All-Americans he mentored, but by the profound, lifelong impact he has made on generations of student-athletes. We are deeply grateful for his tireless service, his leadership, and his unwavering commitment to the Brown and White, and we wish him and his family the absolute best in this next chapter.”
“After much prayer, reflection, and many conversations with my family, I’ve made the difficult decision to step away from Lehigh wrestling,” Santoro said. “This program has been such a huge part of my life and a great blessing to me and my family. It’s hard to put into words what Lehigh wrestling has meant to me. When I look back, what stands out most are the people and the relationships. I’m incredibly grateful for the student-athletes who trusted us, the coaches and staff who gave so much, and the alumni, parents, and supporters who have poured into this program over the years. Lehigh wrestling has given me far more than I could ever give back, and I will always carry those memories and relationships with me.”
After playing an integral role to Lehigh wrestling’s renaissance in the late 1990s under Greg Strobel, … more at … https://nwcaonline.com/news/2026/6/25/national-wrestling-coaches-association-pat-santoro-to-step-away-from-mens-wrestling-head-coaching-position-brad-dillon-04-named-head-coach.aspx
UNC-Pembroke Wrestling Adds Terrence Zaleski As Assistant Coach
By: Alex Pearce, Assistant Athletic Communications Director
PEMBROKE – UNC Pembroke wrestling head coach O.T. Johnson has announced the addition of Terrence Zaleski as assistant coach for the Braves.
A former wrestler at UNCP, Zaleski joins the Black & Gold after spending nine and a half years in the United State Marine Corps, where he was an Officer and served in multiple leadership roles and represented the Marine Corps as a high-level competitor.
“I am excited to have Terrence return to UNCP on the coaching side, as he brings a great deal of experience from his time in the military and his time traveling the world to compete for the Marine Corps and Team USA,” said Johnson. “It’s an honor to have him back in the Black and Gold and I am looking forward to learning from him.”
Zaleski’s wrestling career spans more than a decade of national and international competition. He is a two-time Greco-Roman Olympic Trials Competitor, four-time Greco-Roman World Team Trials Competitor, and eight-time U.S. Open Greco-Roman All-American. His achievements include representing the United States as a 2023 Beach Wrestling World Team Member, winning both the 2020 Armed Forces Greco‑Roman and Freestyle Championships, earning bronze at the 2018 Lavrikov Tournament in St. Petersburg, Russia, and placing multiple times at ASICS University Nationals and FILA Junior national events.
During his military career, Zaleski served with the All-Marine Wrestling Team as both an athlete and a Public Affairs Officer, supporting athletes’ performance while managing organizational messaging, media production, and stakeholder engagement. He later held strategic leadership positions within Marine Corps Recruiting Command, directing regional marketing operations, managing multi‑million‑dollar programs, and building partnerships with educators, coaches, and community leaders across the eastern United States.
Before competing at the senior level, Zaleski built a strong collegiate foundation at UNC Pembroke, qualifying for the 2015 NCAA Division II Championships with a 39-5 record. His early success began in North Carolina high school wrestling, where he was the 2010 state champion for Havelock High School and 2009 state runner‑up for White Oak High School.
Zaleski returns to his alma mater to pursue his Master’s in Social Work, and brings a coaching philosophy … more at … https://uncpbraves.com/news/2026/5/26/wrestling-adds-terrence-zaleski-as-assistant-coach.aspx?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
South Dakota State University MOURNS THE PASSING OF COACH FRANK KURTENBACH
South Dakota State Athletics is mourning the death of former student-athlete, head coach, and longtime benefactor Frank J. Kurtenbach, who passed away at the age of 88.
Kurtenbach, a native of Dimock, South Dakota, leaves behind a legacy that spans generations of Jackrabbit student-athletes. His impact on SDSU wrestling helped transform the program into what it is today and will continue to shape its future.
“Frank’s impact on South Dakota State wrestling goes far beyond his generosity. He valued building relationships, connecting people and supporting others,” said SDSU wrestling head coach Damion Hahn. “His legacy isn’t just measured in his contributions, but in the lives he helped shape. That support will continue to carry future Jackrabbit wrestlers forward for years to come.”
Kurtenbach arrived at South Dakota State in the fall of 1957 and competed in football and wrestling during his time as a student-athlete, launching a lifelong connection to the university.
After his competitive career, Kurtenbach returned to lead the Jackrabbit wrestling program during the 1968-69 season. In his lone year at the helm, he guided SDSU to an impressive 11-2 dual record and a 10th-place finish at the NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships, cementing his place in program history.
Kurtenbach’s commitment to SDSU extended far beyond his competition and coaching tenure. During visits back to campus, he noticed that the wrestling facilities had changed little since his days as a student-athlete. Motivated to elevate the program he loved, Kurtenbach provided the lead gift for what would become the Kurtenbach Family Wrestling Center, a game-changing facility that helped propel SDSU wrestling onto the national stage. His generosity set a new standard for the program’s infrastructure and continues to benefit current and future Jackrabbits.
“Our thoughts are with the Kurtenbach family with the passing of Frank,” said Justin Sell, SDSU Director of Athletics. “Frank has had a tremendous influence on SDSU from his time as a student-athlete and as a longtime supporter of Jackrabbit athletics. His … more at … https://gojacks.com/news/2026/6/1/wrestling-sdsu-mourns-the-passing-of-frank-kurtenbach?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
James Campos of White Oak awarded the 35th Michael Stokes Award
(Above Asst. Coach Sean Smith, Asst. Coach James Campos Sr., Wrestler James Campos Jr. & Head Coach Donald Hoff)
James Campos of White Oak awarded the 35th Michael Stokes Award
State champion James Campos of White Oak High School was presented the 2026 Michael Stokes Award at the White Oak High School Athletic Awards Night. Michael Stokes and TDR Editor Martin Fleming made the presentation to James at the team awards gathering on May 29th.
James is a three-time state placer, including twice in the state finals. In his state championship season, he won 57 matches with 2 losses. His career record is 176 wins and 20 losses. He was also a two-time regional champion a four-time conference champion, with 124 Career Pins. He placed in every tournament of in his high school career except freshman regionals.
James began wrestling at age 10 with Fury Wrestling in Yakima, Washington He developed his foundation with the Beastworks club in Jacksonville, and refined his skills with Sly Fox Wrestling out of Castle Hayne, NC, which was instrumental in his State Title run. Campos competed for Camp Lejeune High School (Freshman/Sophomore) before finishing his career at White Oak High School (Junior/Senior). James plans to pursue a career in Nursing and plans to wrestle at the University of North Carolina-Pembroke.
Michael Stokes wrestled the 1981-1984 seasons at Tarboro High School and with a (96–4) career record. He was North Carolina’s 2nd 3-time State Champion when there was only one individual champion at a weight in the state. He wrestled for N.C. State and won ACC wrestling titles in 1988 and 1989 and was named the ACC Most Valuable Wrestler both years. His record of 68 wins 8 losses and 3 ties (.879) is the best career winning percentage at NC State. He finished second at the NCAA Nationals at 126 lbs. in 1989 to Kendall Cross, the eventual Olympic Gold medalist. Stokes co-captained the Wolfpack in 1989 and one of the ACC’s all time 50 greatest wrestlers as recognized during the conference’s 50th anniversary celebration. Stokes credits wrestling as “providing me with a mental toughness that enables me to remove boundaries that stand in my way. Wrestling has given me the sheer determination to believe that I can conquer anything that I set my mind to do.”
Previous Stokes Awards : Ryan Mann of N.E. Carolina Prep in 2025, Jason Kennedy of Rosewood in 2024, Walker Bell of West Craven (2023), Raheem Jones of North Pitt (2022), Aaron Bancroft (2020) and Jayleen Bullock (2021) of Wilson Fike. Ray Darden of Ayden-Grifton and Jordan Todd of Rosewood tied for the award in (2019), Sincere King of North Pitt (2018), Quadarrius Hopkins of Tarboro (2017), Wilson Smith of Rocky Mount (2016), Angel Najar of North Pitt (2015), Reggie Huff of Southern Nash (2014), David Guevara of Tarboro (2013), Alexander Knight and Jaciento Williamson of Rocky Mount (2012), Xavier Najar of North Pitt (2011), Joe Young of Northern Nash (2010), Corey Smith of Tarboro (2009), Jasmine Cooper of Nash Central (2008), Eric Wischhusen, (2007), Roylando Lucas (2001) and Ira Bing (2000) of Southern Nash, John Brewer (2006), Aaron Bancroft (2020) and Jayleen Bullock (2021) of Wilson Fike, Anthony Taylor (2005) of Rocky Mount, Sammi Hadi (2004) and Ryan Huffman (1997) of SouthWest Edgecombe, Charles Washington (2003) of Northern Nash, Quadric Eason (2002), of Tarboro.
The TDR promotes amateur wrestling in eastern North Carolina. “The awards are to recognize great wrestlers from before and current ones for their efforts,” Editor Martin Fleming noted. The TakeDown Report has promoted scholastic wrestling for over 25 years in North Carolina and encourages coverage of the sport. Contact the TDR at martinkfleming@gmail.com or https://takedownreport.wordpress.com/ or ‘The TakeDown Report’ on FaceBook.
Induction for The National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum – Wrestlers of the Year Presentation
(above: Faith Bane & Sara Koenig)
(above: Sly Bentley & Martin Fleming)
2026 Tricia Saunders Award: Faith Bane – New Bern High School
Competing at 145 pounds, Bane has been ranked in the top five nationally by USA Wrestling and FloWrestling. She is a three-time regional champion and three-time state qualifier in North Carolina. Bane captured the 2024 state championship and finished runner-up in 2025. In 2026, she advanced to the state semifinals before being forced to withdraw due to an injury.
Bane has achieved success on the national level in freestyle and folkstyle. She is a two-time North Carolina freestyle state champion and a three-time National High School Coaches Association All-American. She was runner-up at NHSCA championships 2024 and champion in 2025. She earned All-American honors at the USA Wrestling US Open High School Showcase, finishing 3rd. In 2025, she placed fifth at the Fargo Junior Nationals and earned All-American honors with a sixth-place finish at Super 32 Challenge. She also finished third at the prestigious Beast of the East tournament in Delaware this past season.
In addition to her high school accomplishments, Bane has competed in four college open tournaments, reaching the finals twice against collegiate competition. She also earned varsity letters in track and field during her freshman and sophomore years. A member of the National Technical Honor Society, Bane carries a 3.2 GPA while balancing a demanding schedule. Bane will continue wrestling at Life University and will study Sport Health Science
2026 Dave Schultz Award: Bentley Sly – Stuart Cramer High School
Sly wrapped up a stellar high school career by becoming just the 15th wrestler in NCHSAA history to win four state titles. His 2026 title run was a dominant 3-0 performance at the state tournament with two pins and a technical fall without surrendering a single point. His career record in high school is 210–6. Sly was named Big South Wrestler of the Year four times, earned team MVP honors from 2023 to 2026, was named Stuart Cramer’s male underclassman athlete of the year, and served as a four-year team captain.
On the national stage, Sly is a three-time NHSCA All-American, highlighted by a runner-up finish this past April. He also finished 3rd at NHSCA Nationals in 2025 and 6th in 2024. In 2025, Sly boasted a 4th-place finish at Super 32, 4th place at the Walsh Ironman, and a 6–2 performance at Fargo Junior Nationals. Sly reached the blood round at Fargo Junior Nationals in 2024.
Off the mat Sly maintains a 3.9 GPA and is a member of the National Technical Honor Society and Beta Club. He volunteers as a coach at youth clinics and tournaments, giving back to the wrestling community. He will continue his wrestling career at Appalachian State University and will major in Risk Management & Insurance.
The Citadel Announces Tim McCall as Wrestling Head Coach
CHARLESTON, S.C. – After conducting a nationwide search throughout the offseason, The Citadel officially named Tim McCall as the Bulldogs’ new wrestling head coach Wednesday afternoon. A former standout and two-time NCAA qualifier at the University of Wisconsin, McCall joins the program following a two-year stint at Utah Valley as the head assistant.
“I am incredibly honored and excited to lead the wrestling program at The Citadel,” McCall said. “This is a place built on discipline, toughness and tradition, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to pour into these young men both on and off the mat. My goal is to build on the strong history and foundation already established here while developing a culture centered around accountability, hard work and belief in one another. I can’t wait to get to work with this team, connect with the alumni and community and help lead this program into its next chapter.”
Led by Senior Associate Athletic Director Rachel Fineberg, the search committee conducted an exhaustive evaluation of a highly competitive pool of candidates, selecting McCall based on his ‘vision, character and proven track record of success, all which perfectly align with the mission of The Citadel and the culture of the wrestling program.’
“We are thrilled to welcome Coach McCall, Beth and their children to The Citadel,” said Art Chase, The Citadel Director of Athletics. “Tim’s competitive spirit, value system and proven coaching acumen will continue to push The Citadel wrestling forward. Rachel [Fineberg] and I are confident he will establish a championship culture that will provide a tremendous opportunity for the young men who choose this dynamic path to flourish academically, athletically and socially. We firmly believe our student-athletes will be the beneficiaries of Tim’s intentional commitment to developing each individual both on and off the wrestling mat.
“The passion and pride throughout the program have never been stronger, and we’re grateful for the support from so many individuals, especially General Mike Regner and Coach Ed Steers, who continue to dedicate their time and energy to elevate our standards. Lastly, we are indebted to Coach Ryan LeBlanc and Coach Luke Welch for their tireless leadership while raising the profile of the program.”
Throughout his tenure with Utah Valley, McCall served as a guiding force within the program as the Wolverines garnered national acclaim over the past two years, notably qualifying five NCAA wrestlers for the NCAA Championships during the 2025-26 campaign — good for the second-most in UVU history — while also knocking off No. 14 Stanford in an early-season dual. The year prior, McCall worked directly with the Wolverines’ sixth-ever All-American Terrell Barraclough — advanced into the 165 lbs quarterfinals of the 2025 NCAA Wrestling Championships — while Utah Valley picked up a pair of victories over nationally-ranked opponents No. 23 CSU Bakersfield and No. 23 Oregon State.
Further, he helped foster a balanced environment for student-athletes with 13 Wolverines securing Scholar All-American recognition via the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) — including a team-record nine for the 2025-26 season — while 18 earned distinction as Big 12 All-Academic honorees. As a unit, the program maintained a 3.45 GPA during the 2024-25 season as well as a 3.65 GPA the following year, both good for top 10 marks nationally.
Prior to joining Utah Valley, McCall spent the previous nine years working in and around the wrestling program at North Carolina State, initially starting out as a regional training center athlete and international competitor with the Wolfpack RTC — an extension of USA Wrestling — in 2015 before moving into an assistant coach role ahead of the 2019-20 campaign. As part of the former, he won the 2017 Henri Deglane Challenge and finished as the runner-up at both the 2016 Bill Farrell and the 2018 Dave Schulz tournaments. Further, McCall claimed third at the 2018 World Team Trials while adding a second-place finish at the 2019 Grand Prix of France / Henri Deglane Challenge. … more at … https://citadelsports.com/news/2026/5/20/the-citadel-announces-tim-mccall-as-wrestling-head-coach.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
