Takedown Report

Amateur Wrestling Reports

History Was Made at the 2025 Super 32

As someone who enjoys the historical aspect of our sport, it was a must to be in Greensboro, North Carolina over the weekend for the latest edition of the Super 32. For a tournament that dates back to the 1990’s and has featured countless NCAA All-Americans, national champions, and even Olympic medalists, the Super 32 never had a wrestler win four championships at the high school level. Now there are two. Bo Bassett and Taina Fernandez both dominated their way through Super 32 brackets over the weekend and won their fourth championship belt. In her five bouts, Fernandez only was pushed past the two-minute mark on one occasion. She only allowed a single point while scoring 40 of her own.
Bassett made the finals after six straight tech falls. In the championship match, he defeated Penn commit, Charlie DeSena, via a 13-4 major decision. Two of Bassett’s titles have come over wrestlers that either already earned, or would go on to win, Super 32 titles themselves.
The tournament organizers were prepared in the event that Bassett and Fernandez would win their fourth titles and hand personalized statues made of the two competitors. While each was wrestling in the finals, the tournament stopped so that fans could direct the fullest extent of their attention to these young stars and their attempt at chasing history.
The girls portion of this tournament has only been in existence since 2017, so there isn’t as much history associated with that competition. But for Bassett to be the four-time, in today’s wrestling landscape is quite remarkable. The quality of wrestling and the readiness of young wrestlers is at a much higher level today compared to the early 2000’s.
This should be a high school season full of such milestones for Bassett. He is also on pace to win his fourth title at the Ironman and Powerade. … more at … https://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/history-was-made-at-the-2025-super-32-r100583/

October 23, 2025 Posted by | Uncategorized | , , | Leave a comment

A Look At The Schedule For The 2025 Defense Soap Super 32 Challenge

Check out the complete schedule for the 2025 Defense Soap Super 32 Challenge, set for Oct. 18-19 in Greensboro, North Carolina.
If you’re a fan of folkstyle wrestling and want a glimpse of the top young wrestlers in the nation, the Defense Soap Super 32 Challenge is a can’t-miss event that absolutely should be on your radar.
Not only will the 2025 event feature many of the top high school athletes in the country – including 200 nationally ranked boys and more than 150 nationally ranked girls – the two-day tournament also serves as a crystal ball of sorts, as the field will include future stars just now competing in the Elementary School 8 & Under Division.
This year, the Super 32 Challenge will be held Oct. 18-19 at the Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina, and we’ve got the schedule for you.

All of the action from the Greensboro Coliseum will be streamed live on FloWrestling and the FloSports app, and you’ll also be able to check out news, notes, brackets, highlights, replays and interviews on both platforms.
Matches will take place throughout the day across more than two dozen mats, with a dozen or more weight classifications for almost all of the age groups. 
Whether you have a favorite wrestler or category, or you’re curious about the future of the sport, remember to tune in to see who will claim this year’s title. 
Here is the complete schedule for the weekend. FloWrestling coverage on both days will begin at 8 a.m. Eastern.
2025 Defense Soap Super 32 Challenge Competition Schedule
All Times Eastern
Friday, Oct. 17
2 p.m. – Coliseum doors open … more at … https://www.flowrestling.org/articles/14624760-a-look-at-the-schedule-for-the-2025-defense-soap-super-32-challenge

October 16, 2025 Posted by | Uncategorized | , | Leave a comment

Ranking Individual Transfers for the 2025-26 Season

The news in the offseason never seemed to stop and much of it centered around the transfer portal. While there are gripes about it (and many are understandable), it does add an element of intrigue around each collegiate season. Plenty of familiar faces have traded singlets over the past few months.
The transfer portal isn’t just limited to a few select teams. The five teams atop InterMat’s preseason tournament rankings all had at least one major addition via the portal. Other teams hope to crash that party, potentially led by additions of their own.
This year’s crop of transfers was about as good as any ever. There were two national champions who switched teams. How about a four-time All-American transfer? Or some young stars with multiple years of eligibility remaining. Yes, yes, and yes. All of the above were in and out of the portal this offseason.
And since everyone loves a good set of rankings. We’ve ranked the wrestlers that have swapped teams via the portal leading into the 2025-26 season. The criteria for these rankings were potential impact on the upcoming season and beyond. Wrestlers who have more than one year of eligibility jumped over some more accomplished wrestlers with only one year remaining.

1. AJ Ferrari: Nebraska (from CSU Bakersfield)
Even up a weight class, Ferrari will be a national title contender at 285 lbs. The 2021 NCAA champion, returned to college wrestling with Bakersfield and finished third in the nation at 197 lbs. The returning NCAA runner-up Cornhuskers could roll out a lineup that includes seven returning All-Americans and two past NCAA champions. There’s also a chance that Ferrari could have another year of eligibility after the 2025-26 campaign.

2. Rocco Welsh: Penn State (from Oklahoma State)
Going from Zack Ryder to Rocco Welsh, Penn State has a wrestler who has made the NCAA finals once (in his only previous appearance at nationals). He still … more at … https://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/college/ranking-individual-transfers-for-the-2025-26-season-r100552/

October 15, 2025 Posted by | Uncategorized | , | Leave a comment

Head Coach Nick Mitchell Departs From Grand View University

The Winningest Coach in NAIA Wrestling History
Grand View University Announces the Departure of Nick Mitchell Following His Historic Tenure as Head Wrestling Coach
The winningest coach in NAIA wrestling history led the Vikings to 13 national titles, 157 All-Americans, and the longest dual win streak in collegiate history.
DES MOINES, IOWA – Grand View University announced today the departure of Head Wrestling Coach Nick Mitchell, after a historic tenure that has set the standard for excellence in collegiate wrestling. After 17 seasons leading the Vikings, Mitchell will step away from coaching to pursue an opportunity outside of collegiate athletics. “It is hard to put into words what Coach Mitchell has done for our wrestling program and for Grand View University Athletics,” said Troy Plummer, Athletic Director. “He steps away as the most successful men’s wrestling coach in NAIA history and will leave behind a legacy of remarkable achievement. Nick has been an incredible leader, mentor, and ambassador for Grand View University. His vision and relentless commitment to a championship lifestyle elevated not only our men’s wrestling program but also the entire culture of Grand View Athletics. While we are sad to see him go, we are deeply grateful for the foundation of excellence and integrity he built here. Nick will always be a valued member of the Viking family, and we wish him nothing but the best in his next chapter.”
Mitchell’s impact on Grand View Wrestling and the sport as a whole is unmatched. During his 17 years as head coach, he compiled a staggering 205-12 dual record and guided the Vikings to 13 NAIA National Championships in the last 14 years, along with 12 NWCA National Dual Titles, 7 Central Region National Qualifier Championships, and 9 Heart of America Conference titles. Under his leadership, Grand View produced 157 All-Americans and 45 NAIA Individual National Champions, both NAIA records. His teams also hold the NAIA National Championship Team Scoring Record with 234.5 points in 2017 and achieved the longest collegiate dual win streak in history with 162 consecutive victories from 2011 to 2022.
Mitchell’s personal accolades include being named the 2020 USA Wrestling Coach of the Year, six-time NWCA National Coach of the Year, and nine-time NAIA National Coach of the Year.
Mitchell shared, “As I reflect on the last 17 years at Grand View, … more at … https://gvvikings.com/news/2025/10/9/general-head-coach-nick-mitchell-departs-from-grand-view.aspx

October 11, 2025 Posted by | Uncategorized | , | Leave a comment

Gary Abbott Was The Right Person At The Right Time For USA Wrestling

ary Abbott leaves a lasting legacy after 37 years as USA Wrestling’s director of communications.
By this point, everyone has a Gary Abbott story. My favorite was at the 2019 World Championships in Astana, Kazakhstan.
Several members of the U.S. delegation experienced some sort of bug, and, halfway through the tournament, it got Gary. I saw him in the bathroom with a handful of paper towels when I asked what happened. He puked on press row and was about to clean up his mess. 
Gary vomited three times and never left the tournament. He powered through like a Jordan Burroughs double-leg takedown. 
I moved as far away from Gary as possible, hoping to avoid his fate. I held my breath if he was near. I used paper towels to open doors. I didn’t make eye contact. I tried everything. 
Well, it didn’t work. I got sick the next day and puked three times — just like Gary. 
Only I returned to the hotel to recover. Andy Hamilton, Trackwrestling’s content manager at the time (this was at the peak of the Track vs Flo wars), said Gary defeated me 3-3 on criteria since he kept working through the session, and I did not. 
There’s a strong chance we used “BarfingGary1” as a password for one of our Trackwrestling accounts when we returned home. 
This was quintessential Gary Abbott. Nothing would ever stand in the way of getting the job done — even if you have to sacrifice your health to make it happen. There’s a reason USA Wrestling’s executive director, Rich Bender, calls Abbott the hardest working man in wrestling, and Gary always proved it. 
Gary is calling it a career after 37 ½ years as USA Wrestling’s director of communications. He covered the Olympics, World Championships, NCAA Championships, youth tournaments, beach wrestling, and everything in between. 
His greatest legacy will be the advancement of women’s wrestling. There were times when Abbott was the lone voice for a sport that was working to find its place. 
Bender was an intern at USA Wrestling in 1988 when he was asked to make a presentation to the board of directors about sending a women’s team to the 1989 World Championships. The presentation must have worked since the first U.S. women’s World team competed the following year.
He credits Abbott for the presentation and for his groundbreaking women’s wrestling coverage.  “Few, if anyone, has had a bigger impact on the promotion of women’s wrestling than Gary Abbott,” Bender said. “He’s long been a bulldog on the idea of women having the same opportunities as men. Gary doesn’t jump to the front for credit, … more at … https://www.flowrestling.org/articles/14588959-gary-abbott-was-the-right-person-at-the-right-time-for-usa-wrestling

October 3, 2025 Posted by | Uncategorized | , , | Leave a comment

Forged in the Trent-ches: Hidlay dug deep to win World gold


By Tristan Warner 
There was a moment mid-match when Trent Hidlay had to stop and say a quick prayer. He begged for a second chance.
With just a matter of seconds remaining in the first period, the score clock read 10-4 in favor of UWW athlete Amanula Gadzhimagomedov, as the match paused for a challenge from his opponent’s corner. If the challenge had been won, and the two-point exposure in question went in favor of Gadzhimagomedov instead of Hidlay, the match would have ended via tech fall. “It was chaotic, man,” Hidlay said just moments after a three-minute blur of a second frame that he couldn’t quite recall. “Just a couple seconds ago, I was a challenge away from losing. I said a quick prayer for one more chance. I asked for one more life and I’ll figure a way out.”
The blue-corner’s challenge was ultimately lost, and Hidlay went into the break trailing 10-5 in the 92-kg finals in men’s freestyle.
Having blasted his way through four opponents to get there, which included three tech falls and a 6-1 victory, the first-time Senior World Team member showed he does not know the meaning of the word quit. The former five-time All-American at NC State (2020-2024) blitzed his way back from an eight-point deficit, clawing his way to a remarkably gutsy 13-10 victory and subsequent World gold medal. “I don’t really remember anything that happened in the last four minutes,” Hidlay said. “It felt really terrible doing it but just never give up. You get one more chance to get back and you make the most of it. And you don’t quit until the clock says zero.”
In the final frame, Hidlay’s ferocious underhook and tireless pace wore down his fading opponent, as he scored two two-point double-leg takedowns and put an exclamation mark on his Zagreb experience with a four-point explosive double just before time expired.
For a guy who came so close to winning an NCAA title, twice reaching the finals in 2021 and 2024 but falling just shy of the coveted collegiate pinnacle, this World gold medal was just the vindication for which Hidlay had been longing. “I am just emotional. I am a World champion. This is everything I’ve ever dreamed of. In that fashion too … it was probably the most me thing I’ve ever done. I am just proud I figured a way out. I kept looking at the score wondering if I actually scored 13 points.
“I don’t know how it happened, but it happened. It was a wave of emotions. Everything I’ve ever put into this sport showed up in those six minutes. Nothing emulates my style and my career in a nutshell more than that, so it is kind of fitting that is the way it happened. “It is just satisfying to know your work is paying off. You put so much into it and are just waiting for the day it comes through.”
As Hidlay felt that burn in his chest in the final minute, still in search of the match-winning points, he felt a little extra push from the American faithful. From those in attendance and the proud supporters of Team USA, in that moment, Hidlay knew the victory he was so desperately seeking was for more than his own glory. “Representing Team USA is the coolest thing ever. We had a meeting on 9/11 about how much it means to me and to people to go out and wrestle so hard … that’s why you do it. You wrestle to represent your country, yourself, and the people who build you up for it.”
Jamill Kelly, the 2004 Olympic silver medalist who now serves as head coach at the Wolfpack RTC in Raleigh, expressed his elation after Hidlay’s thrilling come-from-behind victory. “He is a professional,” Kelly stated. “He works so hard, and he earned every bit of this. If you’ve watched him wrestle before, that is the competitor … more at … https://www.win-magazine.com/2025/09/24/forged-in-the-trent-ches-trent-hidlay-dug-deep-to-win-world-gold/

September 29, 2025 Posted by | Uncategorized | , | Leave a comment

Eight Champions Crowned at RAF 01 Event

History was made in Cleveland, Ohio, tonight as Real American Freestyle (RAF) held its first card, RAF 01. Eight champions were crowned in an electric atmosphere, with a star-studded list of participants.
Local star Nathan Tomasello will go down in history as the first wrestler to win a RAF bout and the first bantamweight champion. The former Ohio State national champion was a crowd favorite as he used his impressive build and strength to keep Matt Ramos at bay for most of the bout. Tomasello’s four points were all scored off of step-out points. In the second period, Tomasello was close to a pair of takedowns when he earned his stepouts. Ramos nearly shocked the crowd with a late takedown during a sequence that started with a flying squirrel attempt.
The third installment of Yianni Diakomihalis versus Indian world/Olympic medalist Bajrang Punia ended the same way as the first two – with the four-time national champion from Cornell getting his hand raised. It was in the third period when Diakomihalis used a low leg attack to become the first RAF wrestler to register a takedown. That maneuver iced a 5-1 victory for Diakomihalis.
The third bout of the evening featured a current star against a former great and it established a pattern for matches of this ilk. Generally, it was the younger wrestler who got their hand raised. In this instance, Mexican Olympian Austin Gomez needed less than a minute to roll against another hometown hero, Lance Palmer of St. Ed’s and Ohio State fame. This bout did not have a title on the line, but it appears we could have a Diakomihalis-Gomez clash in the future.
Some of the biggest fireworks of the evening came from the combination of Evan Wick and Jason Nolf in the middleweight championship. Wick jumped out to the lead, surprising Nolf on a low, reshot attempt. Nolf would answer by getting a takedown of his own. These were no ordinary two points. Nolf had Wick above his head, sitting on his shoulders for a moment, … more at … https://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/49_raf/eight-champions-crowned-at-raf-01-event-r100479/

September 27, 2025 Posted by | Uncategorized | , | Leave a comment

Canadian Collegiate U Sports Changes Transfer Rules

by Jake Bridges 2
September 18th, 2025Canada, College, International, News, Transfers, U Sports

U SPORTS, the governing body for university and college sports in Canada, has updated its transfer rules. First or second-year athletes in the Canadian university system can now transfer schools without penalty.  Previously, athletes who transferred in the Canadian system were forced to sit out one calendar year of competition; however, this rule did not apply to all sports. Swimming, cross-country, and track and field had exemptions. 
The update also paves the way for easier transfer from NCAA or NAIA schools to a Canadian University, as the 365-day sit-out period previously applied to such transfers. 
The new ruleset will come into effect in the 2026-2027 season. 
When speaking on the decision, U Sports CEO Pierre Arsenault said, “The landscape of post-secondary sport is evolving, and our role is to ensure our policies reflect the needs of those we serve.”
The change in policy is well timed. In the United States, the House Settlement established new limits on roster sizes across NCAA sports. Most programs are being forced to decrease their size and cut athletes, meaning that as we enter the post-House era, there will be more athletes in the U.S. than roster spots. U SPORTS’ new policy allows them to be a viable alternative for those athletes. 
While U SPORTS lagged behind the NCAA in transfer policy, historically, their rulebook has been less restrictive than the NCAA’s. 
U SPORTS, for example, does not impose a five-year window … more at … https://swimswam.com/canadian-collegiate-u-sports-changes-transfer-rules/

September 27, 2025 Posted by | Uncategorized | , , | Leave a comment

Barket, Console & Wallace Tabbed Duke University Wrestling Captains for 2025-26

DURHAM, N.C. —With the wrestling season approaching, Duke head coach Glen Lanham has announced tri-captains to lead the 2025-26 squad as Connor Barket, Gaetano Console and Aidan Wallace were selected. It marks the third season in a row that Barket and Console will serve as captains. 
“All of the guys really put in a really good summer of work,” said Lanham.  “Gaetano and Connor led us the last two years and now we add in a fresh face in there with Aidan.  Aidan is very competitive and wants to take more of a leadership role.  So, I think we’re heading in the right direction with all of these guys. Obviously, Connor and Gaetano have the experience of leading the team last year and they’ve done an outstanding job. And now, Aidan has stepped up in the mix.  He had a really good season last year, was more vocal in the leadership role, more responsible and was named to the ACC Honor Roll.  Aidan has showed that he was capable of being one of those three guys to lead the program.”
Coming off his first appearance in the NCAA Championship, Barket is primed for another outstanding season with the Blue Devils. He has won 40 matches over the last two seasons and was ranked as high as No. 17 nationally a season ago.  Barket, who hails from West Lafayette, Indiana, totaled 24 wins this past year, which were the fifth-most in Blue Devil history as a heavyweight. 
A native of Barrington Hills, Illinois, Console has been a steady leader since stepping foot on campus three seasons ago.  Wrestling at 165/174 over his career, Console has tallied 19 wins as a Blue Devil.  He is … more at … https://goduke.com/news/2025/9/19/barket-console-wallace-tabbed-wrestling-captains-for-2025-26

September 24, 2025 Posted by | Uncategorized | | Leave a comment

On the Mat in 2026: IMG Academy to Launch Wrestling Program

IMG Academy Launches 11th Sport Program led by North Carolina Assistant Coach Enock Francios, Adding to its Unprecedented Growth of 4 New Sports Since 2022.
BRADENTON, Fla. (Sept. 17, 2025) – IMG Academy, the world’s leading sports education brand, announced the launch of its newest sports program. This bold expansion marks the fourth sport launched in four years, a testament to IMG Academy’s continued growth and commitment to its mission of empowering student-athletes to win their future both on and off the mat. Driven by its vision to be the global leader in performance and personal development, IMG Academy is expanding access to its world-class resources, providing more student-athletes with the opportunity to pursue their athletic, academic, and personal goals at the highest level.
Following the successful launch of softball and the addition of boys volleyball, the new wrestling program continues IMG Academy’s pursuit to be unrivaled in opportunity and access. As one of the fastest-growing sports in the nation, with a 129% increase in participation in 2021–22, wrestling presents a timely opportunity to deepen IMG Academy’s impact here and beyond. Wrestling is set to begin in 2026 with a series of spring and summer camps, leading up to the official launch of the boarding school program in August.
“At IMG Academy, our commitment to empowering student-athletes to win their future fuels our continuous evolution and has allowed us to grow our campus offering at a revolutionary pace over the last several years,” said Mike Milliron, Chief Operating Officer at IMG Academy Campus. “The launch of wrestling as our 11th overall sport marks an unrivaled milestone for our team, students, and families, and we cannot wait to see what we can accomplish under our wrestling leadership.”
To lead its newly launched wrestling program, IMG Academy has appointed Enock Francois as its Wrestling Director. Francois brings a distinguished track record of athletic and academic excellence, along with extensive coaching experience at top collegiate programs. He comes to IMG Academy from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he served as an assistant wrestling coach under Rob Koll, an NCAA National Champion, four-time All-American, and three-time ACC Champion. … more at … https://www.flowrestling.org/articles/14542328-on-the-mat-in-2026-img-academy-to-launch-wrestling-program

September 23, 2025 Posted by | Uncategorized | , , , | Leave a comment

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