Murray State College to Add Wrestling Program, Renovate Armory
Murray State College is proud to announce the addition of men’s and women’s wrestling to its roster of competitive teams starting in Fall 2025. “Wrestling is the fastest growing competitive sport in the United States right now,” said Brandon Bowling, Murray State College Athletic Director. “It’s the perfect time to add a new program for our young men and women as we search for opportunities that add value and give students reasons to choose Murray State.”
The Murray State College Board of Regents recently approved to renovate the historic armory on the Tishomingo campus to serve as a state-of-the-art wrestling facility and the new home of the Murray State College Athletic Hall of Fame. “The armory is a special building on our campus that hasn’t been used since its decommissioning in the 1990s. This is a way to bring the facility back to life in a way that serves our students and the community,” said Adisha Chapman, Murray State College Board Chair. “My family has a long history of participation in the sport of wrestling and I’ve seen first-hand the benefits it provides to the athletes.”
The local economic impact of a single wrestling competition has the potential to reach an estimated $47,000. These events bring teams from across the region that will contribute sales tax dollars in the form of fuel, food and other travel-related expenses. With plans to schedule two youth camps per summer, hosting 100 attendees each, it truly becomes an economic asset. “The addition of men’s and women’s wrestling is good for Murray State, but also for the region,” said Dr. Tim Faltyn, Murray State College President. “A project of this nature reflects our unwavering commitment to not only providing exceptional student opportunities and experiences but also to bolster our local communities.”
This historic announcement comes just one year after the start of the first Cross Country team at Murray State. Enrollment has increased 33% over the last three years and is expected to continue to climb. “The importance of academic and athletic programs at Murray State cannot be underscored,” … more at … https://mscok.edu/news/Wrestling-Ardmory
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
Virginia Colleges’ Results
No. 19 Averett wrestling cruises past Randolph, Saint Andrews to open dual schedule
DANVILLE, Va. — No. 19 Averett University wrestling opened its dual season in dominant fashion, blanking first-year program Randolph College 56-0 before beating Saint Andrews University 50-3 in a tri-meet Saturday in the Grant Center.
Averett (2-0, 1-0 ODAC) picked up five wins by fall in its Old Dominion Athletic Conference matchup against Randolph (0-2, 0-1 ODAC). At 125 pounds, senior Mason Barrett pinned Justin Porter in under a minute, while junior Wyatt Parker also got a pin in the first period at 141. Senior Jesse Alvarado won by fall at 149 pounds, as did junior Jacob Jiminez at 197 and junior Braeden Fluke at heavyweight.
The Cougars’ success continued in another win immediately after the Randolph matchup as Averett improved to 5-0 all-time against Saint Andrews. Barrett, who is ranked nationally at No. 3 and No. 4 in multiple polls, added another quick pin in the first period to improve him to 5-0 this season. Regionally ranked sophomore A.J. Orlando III also won by fall in under a minute as Averett jumped out to a 12-0 team lead against the Knights. Alvarado had the quickest pin of the night at 24 seconds in his win at 149. … more at … https://averettcougars.com/news/2024/11/9/mens-wrestling-no-19-averett-wrestling-cruises-past-randolph-saint-andrews-to-open-dual-schedule.aspx
And …
Hoos Down The Citadel At Throwdown On The Yorktown
CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Virginia wrestling team (2-0) went on the road and picked up victory on Friday night (Nov. 8) as the Cavaliers defeated The Citadel (0-1) by a score of 24-11 at the Throwdown On The Yorktown. The event was wrestled on the deck of the U.S.S. Yorktown.
The evening’s second dual against Gardner-Webb was cancelled due to condensation on the mats creating slick conditions.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Virginia got off to a quick start for the second straight dual, winning the first three bouts behind gritty performances from Keyveon Roller (125), Gable Porter (133) and Kyren Butler (141). Butler pushed the Cavaliers to a 9-0 lead as he picked up a sudden-victory decision at 141 pounds.
The Citadel got on the board with a victory at 149 pounds before Virginia rattled off three more decisions from Michael Gioffre (157), Nick Hamilton (165) and Rocco Contino (174). Gioffre took control of a 1-1 match in the third period to take is win and kick off the second run of the night for the Hoos. The three-match stretch was capped by Contino claiming victory with a takedown with 10 seconds left in the match to secure his win. After Citadel wins at 184 and 197, Virginia’s Brenan Morgan … more at … https://virginiasports.com/news/2024/11/08/hoos-down-the-citadel-at-throwdown-on-the-yorktown/
And …
Crusaders Open Home Slate with Victory over Emmanuel
BELMONT, N.C. — The Belmont Abbey wrestling team opened the home schedule with a strong 41-4 victory over Emmanuel Wednesday evening at the Wheeler Center.
The match represented the opening dual match in Conference Carolinas competition. It was scheduled to be an outdoor match on the Quad but was moved indoors due to weather.
The Crusaders won nine of the 10 bouts on the evening, including a pin from John Carayiannis in the 149-pound weight class over Emmanuel’s Charles Hayes in 1:31. Additionally, the Abbey won three matches by technical fall including freshman Zach Bergman at 133 along with Mason Kump (184) and Caleb Moore (197).
Three others won by major decision with Justin Wright closing out the match with …. more at … https://abbeyathletics.com/news/2024/11/6/wrestling-crusaders-open-home-slate-with-victory-over-emmanuel.aspx
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
Historic House-NCAA settlement leaving hundreds of Olympic sport athletes in peril
On Nov. 13, college athletes across the country can sign financial aid agreements with their chosen university.
While the NCAA eliminated the National Letter of Intent program, signing day remains in place as a seminal moment for college-bound athletes to make their verbal commitments binding. It is traditionally a celebrated day. For some, that’s not the case this year.
Hundreds of college prospects, many of them participating in Olympic sports, are in a precarious position as the signing date approaches. Schools have eliminated roster spots and, for some, scholarship offers that they were once promised. Meanwhile, several dozen current college athletes are being notified that they are no longer part of their teams — some of the notifications arriving after the fall semester even began.
The actions are a result of a significant and overshadowed roster change affiliated with the NCAA’s historic settlement of an antitrust lawsuit (House). While the NCAA and power conferences agreed to expand upon scholarships as part of the settlement, they also imposed roster limits for sports, many of which did not previously exist.
Such a change will result in thousands of lost roster spots for mostly walk-on athletes and those on partial scholarship — a consequence that, while previously reported by Yahoo Sports, has now sparked outrage … more at … https://sports.yahoo.com/historic-house-ncaa-settlement-leaving-hundreds-of-olympic-sport-athletes-in-peril-125238713.html
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
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
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