Takedown Report

Amateur Wrestling Reports

From great to greatest: How returning NCAA wrestling champions prepare to be even more dominant in 2025

Penn State’s Carter Starocci is unquestionably one of the best college wrestlers of all time. With four NCAA titles and two Big Ten titles to his name at 174 pounds, he’s already solidified himself in the history books with the chance to win an unprecedented fifth Division I NCAA title this year, now up at 184 pounds.
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But Starocci’s main focus this year is less on his last title and more on how he can improve. “I really find peace in training and getting better,” Starocci said. “My dad used to always tell me, ‘every day, you have the option: either get better or get worse. If you stay the same, everyone else around you is getting better, and that means you’re getting worse’…so every single second of the day I really try to utilize ‘is this going to help me, or is it not?” 
Starocci is one of seven returning champions from 2024 looking to add to his resume this season, and he’s the only champ from last year with more than one title. Ohio State’s Jesse Mendez, Virginia Tech’s Caleb Henson and Penn State’s Levi Haines all earned All-American honors as true freshman, finishing sixth, fifth and second respectively at 141, 149 and 157 pounds before winning their first titles as true sophomores last season.
THROWBACK: Here’s how Mendez and Henson earned All-American honors as true freshmen
UNI’s Parker Keckeisen won his first title in 2024 at 184 pounds after finishing third twice and second in 2023, while Penn State’s Greg Kerkvliet  … more at … https://www.ncaa.com/news/wrestling/article/2024-11-15/great-greatest-how-returning-ncaa-wrestling-champions-prepare-be-even-more-dominant

November 19, 2024 Posted by | Uncategorized | , , | Leave a comment

Blugolds mourn loss of longtime coach and friend Don Parker

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire athletics program mourns the passing of longtime wrestling coach and friend Don Parker. Parker passed away November 13 at the age of 79. Parker was an instrumental figure for the UW-Eau Claire wrestling program. He served as head coach of the Blugolds for 32 years in a career spanning from 1977 to 2009. He coached countless wrestlers over the course of his time with UW-Eau Claire and had an immeasurable impact on the campus community. Parker’s teams produced one national champion, 12 All-Americans and 15 conference champions. He became the school’s first recipient of the WIAC Wrestling Coach of the Year award when he received the honor in the 1999-00 season.
Parker was also an assistant Blugold football coach for 12 seasons and an instructor in the Department of Kinesiology. A native of Hawkeye, Iowa and a four-sport letterman at North Fayette County Community School, Parker was a state wrestling champion in high school and then went on to win two NCAA Division II titles at State College of Iowa, now known as the University of Northern Iowa. As a Division II national champion, he qualified for the NCAA Division I tournament where he placed sixth at 191 pounds in 1967. A three-time North Central Conference champion and conference MVP in 1966, he wrestled in the first NCAA All-Star meet.
Before arriving in Eau Claire, Parker spent four years as the head coach at Upper Iowa University following stints at Zion-Benton High School in Illinois, Vernonia High School in Oregon and Hillsboro High School in Oregon. Parker served as president of the NAIA national wrestling coaches association in 1986-87. He was named NAIA District 14 Coach of the Year in 1987. He was inducted into the Northern Iowa Hall of Fame in 1986, the NCAA Division II Hall of Fame in 2000, the Iowa Glen Brand Hall of Fame in 2007 and the National Wrestling Hall of Fame-Wisconsin … more at … https://blugolds.com/news/2024/11/14/wrestling-blugolds-mourn-loss-of-longtime-coach-and-friend-don-parker.aspx

November 19, 2024 Posted by | Uncategorized | , , | Leave a comment

‘All American’ Is A Must-See Women’s Wrestling Documentary

Learn more about ‘All American’ — a new women’s wrestling documentary everyone should watch.
Women’s wrestling is more than a sport. It’s a movement.
That’s the tagline for Mark Altschul’s soon-to-be-released must-watch women’s wrestling documentary.  The film’s synopsis is this: “In this modern, coming-of-age documentary, Naomi, Jojo, and Arham grapple with economic divides, gender roles, and family dynamics while competing in the fastest-growing high school sport in the country: women’s wrestling.”
All of the above is true, but that’s a surface-level description of a documentary that captures wrestling’s essence. Filmed over five years from 2017 to 2022, ‘All American’ provides an in-depth look into women’s wrestling, our sense of belonging, and a universal need for acceptance. And wrestling plays a fundamental role in developing lasting and authentic relationships.
Some of the best moments are interviews with women’s wrestling trailblazers. Afsoon Johnston is front and center when she shares her story of fleeing war-torn Iran to become America’s first female to medal at the World Championships.  There are universally significant quotes that unlock the power of a singularly unique sport.
“I can’t live without wrestling.”
“I’d do anything for wrestling.”
“Wrestling introduced me to my potential.” 
“Being a coach is building people up.”
The film’s peak moment is a match between New Yorkers Mia Macaluso and Naomi Henry in the 2018 Cadet National final in Fargo, North Dakota. Mia’s mom, Nikki, messages Naomi after the match—a transcendent interaction that illustrates the lasting bonds within a combat sport.  “I was blown away by these young women when I saw women’s wrestling for the first time,” Altschul said. “I’ve never seen women wrestling like that and these women were incredible. This was a passion project. … more at … https://www.flowrestling.org/articles/13019252-all-american-is-a-must-see-womens-wrestling-documentary

November 19, 2024 Posted by | Uncategorized | , , | Leave a comment

TDR Top 12 Preseason Girls Rankings 100-120 lbs.

Editor’s Notes; The following are potential returning wrestlers from last year’s The TakeDown Report’s Top 12 Team as best wrestlers in eastern North Carolina. We expect many changes in weight classes
This will be the 28th consecutive season of publicizing the TDR Top 12 rankings and awards. The win-loss record is from the end of last year. There will be freshmen who could and maybe even should be listed and they will once the regular season. Many wrestlers will be in different weight classes but that will be apparent once the ‘referee blows the whistle.’ We welcome input from coaches, fans and wrestlers.
We plan to recognize the top wrestlers with engraved wooden plaques the 21st year with our ‘duck under’ logo. We do have TDR T-Shirts yet we do have white print on black shirts TDR shirts for just $10!
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

RnkWght.NameTeamGr.W.L.Pct.
1100Ockerman, AnnaCorinth-Holders253630.923
2100Reese, KhiryRosewood2744160.733
3100Hijawi, ZainabSouth Central2633120.733
4100Cline, RyleighSwansboro272880.778
5100Ayala-Garcia, LauraManteo263870.844
6100Morrow, BrookeBunn2536130.735
7100Villarreal, CarolinaHavelock2523180.561
11100Miniglio, CallistaPasquatank County2624160.600
11100Raygoza, IsabellaSouth Brunswick2716120.571
1107Simmons, KatieLaney253130.912
2107Wallace, MakaylaAyden-Grifton2519130.594
3107Miller, AdriannaSouthwest Onslow272360.793
4107Rivera, KayleeEastern Wayne2716110.593
5107Vindigni, JulianneCleveland2724190.558
6107Romero, ZuanyNorthern Nash2716100.615
7107Moore, MadelineWake Forest2616160.500
1114Frank, KaitlynnLejeune252950.853
2114Simpson, KateBunn251950.792
3114Phillips, AbigailCroatan2724120.667
4114McKethan, ColbyPasquatank County2629160.644
5114Brewer, AbigailCleveland2721140.600
6114Belangia, KoriCurrituck Co.2722130.629
7114O’Neal, LeilaniJacksonville271550.750
11114Aguirre-Gomez, GabriellaManteo2733130.717
11114Heitman, PeytonDixon272190.700
11114Butler, PeytonHavelock2520130.606
11114Lee, AngelNorth Lenoir271590.625
11114Flores, AdelinaSwansboro2716140.533
1120Simpson, SkylaFirst Flight272290.710
2120Scales, AhriannaPasquatank County254350.896
3120Vindigni, AddisonCleveland255060.893
4120Odom, TriniteeHeidi Trask2522130.629
5120Lopez, LucyBunn252360.793
6120Ballard, ClaireNew Bern271390.591
7120Kiser, MiaLaney2623100.697
11120Ajinga, ReeceHavelock2621140.600
11120Reynolds, SkylarDixon2718140.563
11120Chavez, FernandaWest Craven2716130.552

November 18, 2024 Posted by | Uncategorized | , , | Leave a comment

TDR Top 12 Preseason Girls Rankings 126-145 lbs.

Editor’s Notes; The following are potential returning wrestlers from last year’s The TakeDown Report’s Top 12 Team as best wrestlers in eastern North Carolina. We expect many changes in weight classes
This will be the 28th consecutive season of publicizing the TDR Top 12 rankings and awards. The win-loss record is from the end of last year. There will be freshmen who could and maybe even should be listed and they will once the regular season. Many wrestlers will be in different weight classes but that will be apparent once the ‘referee blows the whistle.’ We welcome input from coaches, fans and wrestlers.
We plan to recognize the top wrestlers with engraved wooden plaques the 21st year with our ‘duck under’ logo. We do have TDR T-Shirts yet we do have white print on black shirts TDR shirts for just $10!
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

RnkWght.NameTeamGr.W.L.Pct.
1126Sommer, CharliWest Carteret272970.806
2126Ready, OliviaHavelock253780.822
3126Hirkala, MariellaSwansboro2532110.744
4126Mercer, JoBunn2515130.536
5126Murray, ReaganFranklinton2714110.560
6126Rodriquez, AnabelDixon251320.867
7126Beaver, MirellHeritage2624130.649
15126Williams, JordynSwansboro271670.696
15126Holton, MyrezzaManteo2621200.512
1132Hall, LaurenHeidi Trask262120.913
2132Murillo, BellaFike253180.795
3132Snow, KennedleHavelock253630.923
4132Ross, CeliaDixon2532130.711
5132Friedman, EllaMillbrook26930.750
6132Orellana, CynthiaLaney251870.720
7132Hogan, SoraSwansboro2522120.647
11132Hough, XanaleeLouisburg2523110.676
11132Guzman, LeahCleveland2522180.550
1138Campbell, IsabellaHavelock2536110.766
2138Mitchell, ZedyaSouth Central261870.720
3138Disbennett, GiovannaDixon2529130.690
4138Hankins, Ma’LayshaNorth Pitt261150.688
5138Busby, EllaEast Carteret251690.640
6138Lavigni, MiaWhite Oak2723130.639
7138Hernandez, LincyKnightdale25880.500
1145Bane, FaithNew Bern263420.944
2145Ross, Ay’SeanteLaney253450.872
3145Milbery, MaggieSwansboro2537110.771
3145Gouveia, AllysonMillbrook25501.000
5145McCarthy, KellyCroatan2723150.605
6145Stonebraker, ClaireCleveland2518120.600
7145Seal, MadisonCurrituck Co.272680.765
7145Morales, AlmaBunn252380.742

November 18, 2024 Posted by | Uncategorized | , , | Leave a comment

TDR Top 12 Preseason Girls Rankings 152-235 lbs.

Editor’s Notes; The following are potential returning wrestlers from last year’s The TakeDown Report’s Top 12 Team as best wrestlers in eastern North Carolina. We expect many changes in weight classes
This will be the 28th consecutive season of publicizing the TDR Top 12 rankings and awards. The win-loss record is from the end of last year. There will be freshmen who could and maybe even should be listed and they will once the regular season. Many wrestlers will be in different weight classes but that will be apparent once the ‘referee blows the whistle.’ We welcome input from coaches, fans and wrestlers.
We plan to recognize the top wrestlers with engraved wooden plaques the 21st year with our ‘duck under’ logo. We do have TDR T-Shirts yet we do have white print on black shirts TDR shirts for just $10!
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

RnkWght.NameTeamGr.W.L.Pct.
1152Noblees, JymeiaGoldsboro251050.667
2152Vargus, GabrielaLejeune2526100.722
3152Barrera, TalianaDixon2729100.744
3152Fraser, ToriNorth Pitt261740.810
5152Parrish, EmilyRosewood25720.778
6152Escobar, GenesisLaney271170.611
7152Hoover, AubrieRolesville2616110.593
1165Pollock,  ElainaLaney253220.941
2165Gebremichael, RohamaWakefield2537130.740
3165Yopp, EmmaSouth Brunswick2629150.659
3165Alasin, EvanglineNortheastern262270.759
5165Thalheimer, AmeliaHeidi Trask251350.722
6165Clark, MakaylaJacksonville271680.667
7165Ferlin, EmmaHavelock2524160.600
11165Livesay, ZoeCurrituck Co.2619130.594
15165Escudero, GailManteo2516160.500
1185Harris, KyndalHavelock2631130.705
2185Soto, IngridBunn262160.778
3185Brake, CaraNorthern Nash261880.692
3185Gillihan, EdelleAshley251370.650
5185Valerin, LaynieCleveland2719160.543
6185Estrada, AnnalisaCroatan2614120.538
7185Larson, GabriellaDixon271090.526
1235George, NyemaHavelock252850.848
2235Marshall, SophiaRosewood253750.881
3235Barden, LeslieLaney2620120.625
3235Christiansen, AlijahAshley261890.667
5235Bowman, LindaDixon2729110.725
6235Barrios-Domingo, AmiManteo2522120.647
7235Stancil, DeannaCroatan271570.682
7235Vinson, MaleaWhite Oak2513100.565
11235Gause, LaNeshaLaney271980.704

November 18, 2024 Posted by | Uncategorized | , , | Leave a comment

Six Stories from the SoCon

Campbell Competes in Dual at the Daddy
The Camels started the season with a bang, competing against Wyoming in the Dual at the Daddy in Cheyenne, Wyoming. The Camels lost 28-12 but put up a fight against the Cowboys. Team points were scored at 149, 174, and 285 – Eugene Harney (149, CAMP), served up an upset against #15 Gabe Willochell (WYO), Harney’s first collegiate dual AND win. Dom Baker put some bonus points on the board with a major decision victory over Brett McIntosh, and top-10-ranked Taye Ghadiali ended the evening on a high note with a technical fall against Kevin Zimmer. Anthony Molton (125) wrestled a barnburner against #2 Jore Volk, ultimately losing 2-0. 

Throwdown on Yorktown
This event was the first time college wrestling was hosted on the flight deck of the historic USS Yorktown, hosted in Charleston, SC by The Citadel. The event also raised over $1,300 for the SC Wrestling Hall of Fame. Unfortunately, the competition was cut short due to weather/climate conditions. The Citadel was bested by UVA 24-11, but not before posting three wins at 149, 184, and 197 pounds. Patrick Brophy (197) has appeared in the rankings the past couple of weeks, blazing ahead with a 4-1 match record after week two of wrestling. Gardner-Webb also threw down on the Yorktown, clinching victories at 141 and 157 pounds, but ultimately was defeated by the Black Knights 35-6. Todd Carter (141) has made an appearance in the rankings in the past couple of weeks as well, currently sitting at #29, up from #33 after week one. 

Journeymen WrangleMania 
Campbell beats Cal Baptist 24-17
The Camels picked up a hefty win over Cal Baptist, securing wins at seven out of ten weights. Anthony Molton (125) and Taye Ghadiali (285) started and ended the dual with falls, putting up bonus points for the Camels. … more at … https://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/college/socon/six-stories-from-the-socon-r99731/

November 18, 2024 Posted by | Uncategorized | , | Leave a comment

This Week in ACC Wrestling

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (theACC.com) – Five of the seven Atlantic Coast Conference wrestling teams will return to the mat this weekend, November 15-17, highlighted by three top-20 duals.  
On Friday, November 15, at 7 p.m. ET, No. 7 Virginia Tech will host No. 8 Missouri on ACCNX. That same night, No. 25 North Carolina will welcome No. 4 Nebraska to Chapel Hill for an 8 p.m. ET match. Then, on Sunday, November 17, No. 6 NC State will face No. 17 Rutgers in the second part of a back-to-back dual meet with Princeton, starting at 4 p.m. ET on UFC Fight Pass.  
Prior to Sunday’s matches with Princeton and Rutgers, NC State will host Appalachian State on Friday at 7 p.m. ET on ACCNX. Duke will travel north to The Empire State to take on Hofstra at 11:30 a.m. ET and Sacred Heart at 1:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, November 16, while Stanford will face off with Cal Poly at 2:30 p.m. ET in non-conference dual-meet action.  
For the third straight week, the ACC had five teams ranked in the top 25 of the NWCA Division I Wrestling Coaches Poll, with two teams in the top 10. NC State leads the way at No. 6, one spot ahead of Virginia Tech at No. 7. With a dual match win over Iowa State, Stanford moved … more at … https://theacc.com/news/2024/11/14/this-week-in-acc-wrestling.aspx

November 18, 2024 Posted by | Uncategorized | , | Leave a comment

Cornhuskers Take Down Campbell, No. 25 UNC

Behind 12 bonus-point victories, the No. 4 Nebraska (3-0-0) wrestling team took on a Friday double header in North Carolina, defeating Campbell (1-3-0), 40-6, and No. 25 North Carolina (2-1-0), 34-3, earning the first road wins and ranked victory of the year. Heavyweight Harley Andrews led the Big Red in dual points, claiming a combined 11 points for the team.
The Huskers started in Buies Creek, N.C., at Jim Perry Stadium, for the program’s first ever outdoor dual, at Campbell’s baseball field. The “Dual on the Diamond” started at 125 lbs. Redshirt freshman Alan Koehler took on Campbell’s No. 29 Anthony Molton. Molton defeated the Husker with an 8-0 decision powered by two takedowns, an escape and the riding time point. At 133, No. 23 Domenic Zaccone pulled off an overtime upset over No. 11 Jacob Van Dee after wrapping three periods tied at 1-1. Zaccone got the takedown to claim the 4-1 decision and push the Camels’ lead to 6-0.
No. 4 Brock Hardy got the Big Red on the board with a tech. fall over Michael Trujillo in 6:37 time. Hardy’s 17-0 victory at 141 put the Huskers within one of Campbell after three matches. Due to conditions on the mat, the dual was moved indoors to the Carter Gym, between the 141 and 149 bouts.
After relocating, No. 5 Ridge Lovett went 2-2 in wins by fall to open his senior season, pinning Oliver Fairchild in just 2:16. At 157, No. 4 Antrell Taylor made quick work of Seth Larson pinning the Camel in just 10 seconds. Taylor’s win pushed the Husker lead to 17-6. In the sixth match of the afternoon, No. 18 Bubba Wilson at 165 notched his first dual win of the season with a statement major decision, 16-3, over Kendrick Hodge. 
At 174, No. 6 Lenny Pinto put up a 19-4, 4:18 tech. fall against Brant Cracraft before No. 6 Silas Allred pushed the Big Red to the 31-6 lead with another 19-4 tech. fall, in 2:43 time at 184. At 197, freshman No. 28 Camden McDanel claimed his first collegiate major decision, 17-5, defeating Mike Slade. To wrap up the … more at … https://huskers.com/news/2024/11/16/huskers-take-down-campbell-no-25-unc

November 18, 2024 Posted by | Uncategorized | , , , | Leave a comment

#6 Wolfpack Handles Business with App State by a 34-12 Score

RALEIGH, N.C. – Led by Isaac Trumble’s pin fall win in his return to Reynolds Coliseum and technical falls by both Ed Scott and Vince Robinson, sixth-ranked NC State wrestling handled business with App State Friday night to take a 34-12 victory for its first home dual-match of the 2024-25 slate.
After bumping up to 133 pounds in the offseason, redshirt-sophomore Troy Hohman, entered the lineup for the Wolfpack to open the dual-match. His first points of the night over App State’s Chad Bellis came from a 2-point reversal to start the second period. He then gave up a technical point and an escape to make it two a piece. With 30 seconds remaining in the second period he secured a 3-point takedown that was challenged by App State’s head coach and overturned, keeping it 2-2. With less than a minute remaining in the bout, Bellis is able to get a takedown on the edge to carry his decision win comfortably and give the Mountaineers the first team points of the night.
Wrestling at 141 in the starting lineup for the first time in Reynolds Coliseum, seventh-ranked Kai Orine faced App State’s Sean Carter who had to injury default early in the third period, giving NC State the 6-3 lead in team points.
Koy Buesgens claimed a 7-5 victory when he took the stage in the starting lineup at 149 pounds for the first time to face Kaden Keiser. The first period closed out scoreless, but Buesgens started the second in down position and gave away two back points but followed up with an escape making it 1-2. The redshirt-freshman for the Pack is able to get a takedown with 30 seconds left in the second period, giving him the 4-2 lead. Tied up at four a piece with just a minute remaining … more at … https://gopack.com/news/2024/11/15/wrestling-6-wolfpack-handles-business-with-app-state-by-a-34-12-score
And …

Popolizio Signs Elite Recruiting Class on National Signing Day
RALEIGH, N.C. – NC State wrestling head coach Pat Popolizio signed five recruits as part of its 2025 signing class on Wednesday. The group was ranked as the No. 6 recruiting class by FloWrestling on Sept. 19.

Between Will Denny, Brogan Tucker, and Daniel Zepeda, three members of the signing class are featured on FloWrestling’s Big Board rankings list. Zepeda leads the group at No. 7, followed by Denny at No. 17, and rounded out by Tucker at No. 27.
All five wrestlers were named to Sports Illustrated’s 2024-25 Preseason National High School Rankings that list the top 25 wrestlers from all over the country in each weight class.
Will Denny • Manhattan, Illinois
No. 17 on FloWrestling’s Class of 2025 High School Big Board…Ranked No. 3 at 150lbs by Sports Illustrated in the 2024-25 Preseason National High School Rankings…2024 Super 32 Challenge Champion at 157lbs…Won a state title his junior year…Ranked No. 1 by Illinois Matmen his junior year
Cason Howle • Greenwood, South Carolina
Ranked No. 14 at 215lbs by Sports Illustrated in the 2024-25 Preseason National High School Rankings…Three time South Carolina state champion…Holds a 159-1 record heading into his senior year … more at … https://gopack.com/news/2024/11/14/wrestling-popolizio-signs-elite-recruiting-class-on-national-signing-day

November 18, 2024 Posted by | Uncategorized | , | Leave a comment

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