CSU wrestlers look to repeat history in saving their program as wrestling alum Stipe Miocic lends his support
CLEVELAND — The situation the Cleveland State Wrestling team finds itself in following the school’s decision to eliminate the program following this academic year is not unfamiliar.
RELATED: Cleveland State University discontinues 3 NCAA sports programs after Board of Trustees approval A decade ago, the 2015 squad suffered the same blow when the school axed the program. The move sent shockwaves through the team and the school.
Students rallied behind the team, voting in a referendum that they’d be willing to raise credit hour prices to save the sport. A move that a decade ago led the university to reverse its decision and reinstate the sport. It’s a formula some members of the current squad hope to replicate ten years later. An investment in wrestling now is an investment in Cleveland’s future. “I firmly believe that we have 30 guys on our roster that are from Ohio, and most of them are from the greater Cleveland area,” said wrestler Joey Lyons. That’s why he launched a GoFundMe account to raise money to mount the case for keeping the team. A push received attention when CSU wrestling’s most famous alum, Stipe Miocic, told his followers on X he was sick to his stomach and heartbroken for these young men and coaches. He said the program shaped him into the person he is. Closing with, “I hope there’s still time to make a difference and save this incredible program.” Words that were music to the team’s ears. “It’s awesome. I mean, to have a guy of that caliber, with that kind of platform and to use that platform for us, it’s astounding,” Lyons said.
If Cleveland State gets rid of wrestling, it’s a move that would come as the city of Cleveland prepares to host the sport’s ultimate showcase next spring, the 2026 NCAA Men’s Division 1 National Championships. The wrestling championships last hosted by Cleveland in 2018 … more at … https://www.news5cleveland.com/news/local-news/csu-wrestlers-look-to-repeat-history-in-saving-their-program-as-wrestling-alum-stipe-miocic-lends-his-support?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
Virginia College Wrestling News & Results
Hokies dominate Cavaliers in Commonwealth Clash
BLACKSBURG, VA – No. 10 Virginia Tech wrestling (6-2, 2-1) was down two starters, but their power was on full display on Friday night against the Virginia Cavaliers (4-4, 0-3) in Cassell Coliseum. The Hokies won nine of ten bouts with six bonus point victories including two wins by true freshmen in front of 3,755 Hokie faithful to extend their win streak to 13 over the Cavaliers.
Bonus Point Party
- No. 5 Eddie Ventresca got the party started with a dominant major decision in a ranked victory over No. 30 Keyveon Roller. Ventresca was all offense en route to two takedowns, an escape, and riding time point to get the 8-0 victory.
- No. 19 Connor McGonagle made his second appearance in Cassell to the tune of a 10-0 major decision against another ranked opponent. McGonagle secured a crafty takedown in the first and wouldn’t look back as he picked up a reversal, backpoints, and a riding time point to give the home team another bonus point victory.
- No. 10 Sam Latona faced another top-20 opponent in No. 17 Dylan Cedeno at 141-pounds and it was Latona with a veteran performance. Latona was persistent with his attacks and defense on point to secure a takedown and pick up an escape and riding time point for the 5-1 decision.
- The Hitman returned to the lineup since his last match on December 19 and didn’t miss a beat. No. 1 Caleb Henson was slowed down to a 6-2 lead in the first two periods before an offensive outburst in the third to pick up the 19-5 major decision.
- The defending ACC champion at 184-pounds is catching fire – a 1:36 pin for yet another bonus point victory for the Hokies. No. 24 Thomas Stewart Jr. showed superb defense to offense to take his opponent from feet to back to secure the fall in the first period.
- No. 14 Jimmy Mullen ended the dual in thrilling fashion with heavyweight leg defense right into a cradle for the second period fall. The redshirt freshman is continuing a strong season in the lineup with another bonus point victory.
Freshmen Win Dual Debuts, Smith Returns to Lineup
Two freshmen made their dual debuts – Matt Henrich and Gage Wright – in thrilling fashion … more at … https://hokiesports.com/news/2025/02/1/hokies-dominate-cavaliers-in-commonwealth-clash
And …
Keydets’ hot start leads to 22-20 victory
RICHMOND, Va. – In front of a packed house filled with alumni and fans, VMI Wrestling scored a massive 22-20 Southern Conference victory over Gardner-Webb Friday night at Benedictine College Prep.
The Keydets, who move to 5-7 overall with a 1-2 SoCon record, picked up their first conference win over the Bulldogs in dramatic fashion. With the triumph, VMI has now defeated Gardner-Webb for the 10th time in program history.
VMI started the dual with an 18-4 advantage until Gardner-Webb flipped the script by tallying the next 16 points, making it 20-18 in favor of the Bulldogs. In the final bout of the evening, 149-pounder Patrick Jordon recorded a big 14-2 major decision to put the Keydets back on top and seal VMI’s first league win.
Starting off the match-opening surge … more at … https://vmikeydets.com/news/2025/1/31/wrestling-keydets-hot-start-leads-to-22-20-victory.aspx
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Dixon Named ODAC Wrestler of the Week
FERRUM, Virginia — The Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) has announced its Athletes of the Week and Ferrum College senior Rayshawn Dixon has been named Heavier Weight Wrestler of the Week. This is Dixon’s second ODAC Wrestler of the Week award this season and his 10th career honor.
Dixon posted a perfect 5-0 mark in winning the rugged Pete Willson Invitational (PWI), hosted by Wheaton College Friday and Saturday, January 31 through February 1, in Wheaton, Illinois. Included in Dixon’s two-day run in the 285-pound weight class were a pin, three major decisions and a decision.
In his semifinal win, Dixon mad an impressive 19-7 major decision over Myles Johnson of Ohio Northern University, ranked #13 in the nation by the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA). He then posted a 13-6 decision in the title match over Josh Woodrey (#15 NWCA) of Augustana University.
Dixon outscored his opponents by a combined 57-16 over his five matches at the PWI, to earn his third career title. The title makes him the first Ferrum wrestler to earn three titles at the prestigious event. Current Ferrum Head Wrestling Coach Logan Meister and Dixon were tied with two titles each coming into the weekend. Currently ranked #2 in the nation, Dixon is 21-1 … more at … https://ferrumpanthers.com/news/2025/2/3/wrestling-dixon-named-odac-wrestler-of-the-week.aspx
And …
Mark Samuel earns ODAC Wrestler of the Week Award
FOREST, Va. – Roanoke College junior Mark Samuel earned the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) Lighter Weight Wrestler of the week for the week of February 3.
Samuel won the 141-pound weight class and the Maroon wrestling team placed seventh at the two-day Pete Willson Wheaton Invitational Friday and Saturday, facing some of the top teams in the nation. He won four matches to advance to the finals, one by technical fall and one by major decision. Samuel had a 19-4 technical fall victory in the finals over his foe from North Central. … more at … https://roanokemaroons.com/news/2025/2/3/wrestling-mark-samuel-earns-odac-wrestler-of-the-week-award.aspx
App. State Beats Bellarmine, Stays Unbeaten in SoCon
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Holding a narrow lead, with one of the Division I pins leaders on deck for Bellarmine in the final match, App State Wrestling needed a clutch performance from Carson Floyd.
Floyd delivered, securing a second-period pin that gave the Mountaineers an insurmountable 10-point lead with one match remaining in a 23-19 road victory at Bellarmine on Friday night. App State improved to 5-3 overall and 4-0 in SoCon duals in advance of a trip to Gardner-Webb on Tuesday.
The 11th pin of the season from Bellarmine heavyweight Daulton Mayer in a senior-true freshman showdown to close the dual meant that the Mountaineers and Knights (1-3, 0-2 SoCon) split the 10 matches, but Floyd’s pin and two tech falls among App State’s four bonus-point wins made the difference.
Starting five freshmen, the Mountaineers’ five wins came from four ranked veterans who were 2023-24 starters and one redshirt freshman: Jeremiah Price.
Chad Bellis’ five-point tech fall by an 18-3 score at 133 pounds was his team’s only victory in the first four matches, but App State trailed only 9-5 because Bellarmine had posted a trio of three-point decisions, and Price came up big with five more points via a 25-8 tech fall at 157 pounds to put the Mountaineers ahead for good.
Will Miller (10-1 major decision at 165 pounds) and Luke Uliano (3-0 decision at 174 pounds) then won back-to-back matches that were both officially scoreless entering the third period to increase the Mountaineers’ lead from 10-9 to 17-9.
Bellarmine’s win by an 18-7 major decision at 184 pounds cut its deficit to 17-13 before the 28th-ranked Floyd took the mat against redshirt freshman Andrew Liber, who had lost a 4-1 decision to ranked Campbell veteran Levi Hopkins in Bellarmine’s first SoCon dual a week earlier.
Floyd recorded a first-period takedown and added four near fall points late in the period for a 7-0 advantage. Starting the second period on top, Floyd put Liber on his back before successfully recording a pin halfway through the period.
Bellis held a 4-2 lead in the second period against Trayce Eckman … more at … https://appstatesports.com/news/2025/1/31/wrestling-beats-bellarmine-stays-unbeaten-in-league.aspx
Huskers Rout Wisconsin, 35-7
Behind five bonus-point bouts including two pins, the Nebraska wrestling team improved to 4-1 in Big Ten competition, taking down Wisconsin 35-7 on Friday night. The Big Red (9-2) notched the ninth win of the season, and eight Huskers won their bouts.
Kicking off the dual at 125 for Nebraska was freshman Kael Lauridsen. Taking on No. 17 Nicolar Rivera, Lauridsen recorded two escapes, but it was not enough to overcome the eight-point deficit, putting three on the board for Wisconsin.
Up next was a ranked matchup at 133, with No. 14 Jacob Van Dee facing No. 22 Zan Fugitt. Van Dee managed an escape in the first period, but was held to one point, giving Fugitt the major dec. after three takedowns (11-1).
Looking to get on the board for the Huskers was No. 6 Brock Hardy, who wrestled Brock Bobzien at 141. Hardy notched two takedowns in the first period to take the early lead. At 2:20, Hardy pinned Bobzien to claim six points for NU. It was the junior’s 19th career pin, and fourth of the season.
After cutting the Wisconsin lead to one, at 149, Nebraska sent No. 3 Ridge Lovett to take on Royce Nilo. Lovett started hot, racking up four takedowns in the first period. He continued to dominate with two nearfalls in the second, which was enough for the tech. fall (19-3). The win from Lovett took the dual lead for the Huskers at 11-7.
Next on the mat was No. 4 Antrell Taylor and Luke Mechler at 157. Taylor took a 4-1 lead entering the third period with a takedown and an escape. Taylor was able to secure two more takedowns for the 10-4 decision, extending the lead to seven.
Big Ten Freshman of the Week and No. 8 Christopher Minto was next up at 165 for the Huskers, facing Cale Anderson. Entering the second with a 3-0 lead, Minto added a takedown and two-point nearfall. With a reversal in the third, Minto improved to 16-1 on the season, and cemented the third major decision of his career, 11-2.
At 174, No. 14 Lenny Pinto met Luke Condon on the mat. Pinto trailed after the first period (1-3), but came back with a quick takedown and nearfall points to take the lead. An escape in the third period gave Pinto the 9-4 decision, winning the fifth consecutive match for Nebraska. Taking the mat at 184 was No. 8 Silas Allred and Dylan Russo. … more at … https://huskers.com/news/2025/02/1/huskers-route-wisconsin-35-7
The Triumph of Talent: Recap of the 6th Annual Wonder Women Wrestling Tournament, Wonder Women VI
Columbia, Mo. – January 2025 – In a dazzling showcase of skill, determination, and sheer talent, the 6th Annual Wonder Women Wrestling Tournament proved to be a resounding success, drawing in over 2000 spectators eager to witness the prowess of some of the nation’s most formidable high school female wrestlers. The tournament, now in its seventh year, has evolved into a beacon of excellence, featuring nationally ranked competitors and power-packed nationally ranked teams vying for the coveted Wonder Women championship belts and team trophies.
The Wonder Women Tournament has become synonymous with showcasing rising stars in the world of high school female wrestling, and this year was no exception. With 28 nationally ranked competitors, the tournament demonstrated exponential growth in both participants and talent, solidifying its reputation as a premier event in the wrestling community.
This year, the Wonder Women Tournament reached new heights, hosting 83 teams from nine states across the nation. The diversity and talent on display were undeniable as competitors from Missouri, Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma, Wisconsin, Kentucky, Arkansas, and Nebraska battled through intense brackets. Each state brought its best, with wrestlers making their mark in the finals, solidifying the tournament’s status as a premier national stage for high school female wrestling excellence.
For the first time in Wonder Women history, an out-of-state team claimed the Championship title. Broken Arrow High School from Oklahoma, ranked #5 in the nation by FloWrestling, triumphed over the higher-ranked Bixby High School, also from Oklahoma, which holds the #2 spot. Francis Howell Central High School from Missouri earned an honorable mention in the national ranking and secured third place. Nixa High School (Mo.), ranked #5 nationally and the 2023 Wonder Women champion, took fourth place, followed by Belton (Mo.) (honorable mention), in fifth. A three-way tie for sixth place included Kearney (Mo.) (honorable mention), Menasha (Wis.), and Liberty (Mo.).
These results highlight the tournament’s competitive spirit and its mission to showcase unexpected triumphs while celebrating the exceptional talent of young female wrestlers. As the curtains fall on the 6th Annual Wonder … more at … https://www.win-magazine.com/2025/01/30/the-triumph-of-talent-recap-of-the-6th-annual-wonder-women-wrestling-tournament-wonder-women-vi/
Scholar Stories: Consuelos Using Lessons Learned from Wrestling to Thrive on Stage
Continuing the series that began in 2016-17, each week MGoBlue.com will highlight a Michigan student-athlete and their academic pursuits. These are our Scholar-Athlete Stories, presented by Absopure.
By Sam Gold
Senior Joaquin Consuelos‘ experience at the University of Michigan could be considered unconventional as both a Wolverine wrestler and a student in its prestigious School of Music, Theatre and Dance. However, they are more similar than they might appear as his wrestling background has given him a distinct advantage as he hones his theatrical skills, helping him grow in both fields.
Preparation is critical for any great performance, whether on stage or the wrestling mat. Both require discipline, focus and an understanding of movement — all skills that Consuelos has leveraged through his daily balance of wrestling and acting. He recognizes the strides he has made over the last four years. “I actually understand the rules of the game a little bit better,” Consuelos said. “I think my preparation has gotten better, that’s one of the bigger differences.”
But Consuelos did not initially seriously consider pursuing theater, instead he wanted to focus first on his wrestling career. “As far as studying theater, I think it started with wrestling, and then the theater side was second.” he said. “My wrestling coach in middle school, Jeff Marsh, also went to Michigan. So, I was automatically pushed in that direction a little bit.”
Before his junior year, Consuelos’ high school did not have a wrestling team, yet this helped him grow as a wrestler. He traveled after school and on the weekends to train and compete at Edge Wrestling, a well-known club in Hoboken, N.J. When his high school introduced a wrestling team, Consuelos was more than prepared. “When I started wrestling New York-level competition, … more at … https://mgoblue.com/news/2025/1/29/scholar-stories-consuelos-using-lessons-learned-from-wrestling-to-thrive-on-stage
Face of Paulsboro wrestling, head coach Paul Morina earns lofty milestone
PAULSBORO – Paul Morina says there’s more to wrestling than just victories and titles.
The legendary coach of the Paulsboro High School wrestling team points to something much more important. “You don’t worry about the wins and losses,” Morina said. “You worry about the process and try to develop the kids to be the best they can be. You try to develop them into good wrestlers and become good people. They learn discipline and how to work hard. Those are the things that you have to concentrate on (as a coach). “If you do that, the other things will fall into place.”
For four decades, plenty of things have fallen into place for Morina, the face of Paulsboro wrestling and an icon in South Jersey wrestling.
On Monday, Morina reached an impressive milestone – career coaching win No. 800 – as Paulsboro pinned a 39-31 decision on visiting Gloucester in a Colonial Conference meet.
A large group of fans came out to support Morina, who boasts a career record of 800-59-4 with 34 state titles and 43 sectional crowns. Morina needs two more wins to tie the state record held by Stan Woods, who won 802 meets over his 57-year coaching career that included 55 seasons at Emerson-Park Ridge. … more at … https://www.courierpostonline.com/story/sports/high-school/wrestling/2025/01/27/paulsboro-wrestling-head-coach-paul-morina-earns-800th-career-victory/77970265007/
Cleveland State News Update
Stipe Miocic on Cleveland State cutting wrestling: ‘Let’s save the program’
Former UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic broke his silence on Cleveland State’s announcement to cut the wrestling program and other sports.
CSU announced the removal of wrestling, women’s golf and softball amid a reduction of the athletics budget. Safe to say, the news wasn’t met with a positive reaction.
Especially those in the wrestling community, many were shocked and angry over wrestling’s elimination. Miocic, a former Cleveland State record, took to social media.
“I’m sick to my stomach and heartbroken for these young men and coaches,” Miocic wrote on Twitter. “One of the oldest sports at Cleveland State University—wrestling—is being cut. As a former wrestler at CSU, this program was a huge chapter of my life and shaped me into the person I am today. I’ll always cherish what it gave me. My heart goes out to everyone affected by this decision. I hope there’s still time to make a difference and save this incredible program. Let’s save the program!” … more at … https://www.on3.com/college/cleveland-state-vikings/news/stipe-miocic-on-cleveland-state-cutting-wrestling-lets-save-the-program/
And …
CSU wrestlers look to repeat history in saving their program as wrestling alum Stipe Miocic lends his support
CLEVELAND — The situation the Cleveland State Wrestling team finds itself in following the school’s decision to eliminate the program following this academic year is not unfamiliar.
RELATED: Cleveland State University discontinues 3 NCAA sports programs after Board of Trustees approval
A decade ago, the 2015 squad suffered the same blow when the school axed the program. The move sent shockwaves through the team and the school. Students rallied behind the team, voting in a referendum that they’d be willing to raise credit hour prices to save the sport. A move that a decade ago led the university to reverse its decision and reinstate the sport. It’s a formula some members of the current squad hope to replicate ten years later. An investment in wrestling now is an investment in Cleveland’s future. “I firmly believe that we have 30 guys on our roster that are from Ohio, and most of them are from the greater Cleveland area,” said wrestler Joey Lyons.
That’s why he launched a GoFundMe account to raise money to mount the case for keeping the team.
A push received attention when CSU wrestling’s most famous alum, Stipe Miocic, told his followers on X he was sick to his stomach and heartbroken for these young men and coaches. He said the program shaped him into the person he is. Closing with, “I hope there’s still time to make a difference and save this incredible program.” Words that were music to the team’s ears. “It’s awesome. I mean, to have a guy of that caliber, with that kind of platform and to use that platform for us, it’s astounding,” Lyons said.
If Cleveland State gets rid of wrestling, it’s a move that would come as the city of Cleveland prepares to host the sport’s ultimate showcase next spring, the 2026 NCAA Men’s Division 1 National Championships. The wrestling championships last hosted by Cleveland in 2018 are one of the biggest gets in college sports. … more at … https://www.news5cleveland.com/news/local-news/csu-wrestlers-look-to-repeat-history-in-saving-their-program-as-wrestling-alum-stipe-miocic-lends-his-support
Duke’s Wallace, NC State’s Buesgens Named ACC Co-Wrestlers of the Week
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (theACC.com) – The Atlantic Coast Conference office announced on Tuesday that Duke’s Aidan Wallace and NC State’s Koy Buesgens were named ACC Co-Wrestlers of the Week, as each wrestler scored a top-25 individual win in conference action last weekend, January 24-26.
In his lone match of the week, Wallace registered the highest victory of his collegiate career with a 4-1 sudden victory over No. 23 Mac Church of No. 11 Virginia Tech at 165 pounds on Friday, January 24. With the match tied at 1-1, Wallace earned a takedown with 1:18 on the clock in the first overtime to collect the thrilling win. The victory was the first ACC win of his collegiate career and 22nd win of the season. His 22 wins are tied for the third-most in Duke history for a single season since 1999.
Ranked No. 29 entering the weekend, Buesgens picked up a 4-1 win over No. 21 Finn Solomon of No. 15 Pitt at 149 pounds to help No. 6 NC State improve to 3-0 … more at … https://theacc.com/news/2025/1/28/wrestling-dukes-wallace-nc-states-buesgens-named-acc-co-wrestlers-of-the-week.aspx
USA Wrestling News & Results
Monday grabs gold, three Americans move to finals at Dan Kolov – Nikola Petrov International
VARNA, Bulgaria – Quincy Monday was the lone men’s freestyle medalist for Team USA on Saturday at the 2025 Dan Kolov – Nikola Petrov International. He defeated returning champion Ivan Kusyak of Ukraine, 9-2, for the 74 kg gold medal.
A tight match early turned into a comfortable lead thanks to a takedown-to-turn sequence for Monday while his opponent was on the shot clock. Monday opened up a 5-0 lead in the first period and cemented the match with a similar takedown-to-lace combination in the second frame.
Monday finished with a 4-0 record for the event, which included a signature 12-0 technical fall win over 2023 World bronze medalist Ramazan Ramazanov of Bulgaria in the opening round. It is his second international gold medal and fourth international medal overall. Monday wrapped up a superb January tour that included a silver medal run at the Henri Deglane Grand Prix in addition to his Dan Kolov – Nikola Petrov title.
Past NCAA All-American Liam Cronin dropped a tight 4-1 decision to Roman Hutsuliak of Ukraine in the 57 kg bronze medal match to finish in fourth place. Cronin led on criteria, 1-1, in the final minute … more at … https://www.themat.com/news/2025/january/25/monday-grabs-gold-three-americans-move-to-finals-at-dan-kolov-nikola-petrov-international
And …
USA Wrestling Kids Folkstyle Nationals: Villafane (14U) and Gilbert (12U) named boys Outstanding Wrestlers
FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Day one of the 2025 USA Wrestling Kids Folkstyle Nationals featured boys competition in the 14U and 12U age divisions, with exceptional performances across the board. Winning the Outstanding Wrestler in the boys 14U division was Nelson Villafane of the Mat Assassins WC, the champion at 84 pounds. Villafane pinned Grayson VanValkenburg of the Michigan Premier WC in 1:44 in the finals. Villafane had three pins and two technical falls on his dominant march to the title.
Claiming the Outstanding Wrestler in the boys 12U division was Chase Gilbert of the Nova WC, the champion at 82 pounds. Gilbert pinned Walter Caulum of West Salem Bangor Wrestling in 50 seconds in the finals. He had three pins, a technical fall and a decision on his way to the championship.
This event is part of the coveted USA Wrestling Triple Crown in all of the age groups. An athlete in the boys divisions wins the USA Wrestling Triple Crown if they win the USA Wrestling national title in folkstyle, freestyle and Greco-Roman in the same year.
14U Boys Notes
Two-time Triple Crown winner Korbin Kiessling of Rampage Wrestling won the first leg of this year’s Triple Crown with a victory … more at … https://www.themat.com/news/2025/january/25/usa-wrestling-kids-folkstyle-nationals-villafane-14u-and-gilbert-12u-named-boys-outstanding-wrestlers
TDR blog
After 20 seasons of publicizing wrestling The TakeDown Report’s (TDR) focus has changed to the collecting of college coaching records from North America since 1903. We will continue to recognize and reward successful wrestlers in eastern North Carolina (east of Raleigh & Fayetteville), assist with schools in starting or re-starting a team and this blog. Join us on our FaceBook Page – “The TakeDown Report” for photos and news. Please send results, stories, links and news to pass along. E-mail us at takedownreport@gmail.com
Martin Fleming, Editor
Takedown Report
Takedown Report 