Wrestling grows at all levels, with USA Wrestling and high schools leading the way
By Gary Abbott’s List of Biggest Stories in 2024
During the pandemic, there was a big concern that wrestling, a combat sport which does not allow for social distancing, might take a big hit when the world was shut down. However, the absolute opposite has been the reality. Due to creative and aggressive health protocols for wrestling events, the sport bounced back quickly and is now in an impressive growth trend. In 2024, USA Wrestling set new records in membership, blowing past 300,000 members for the first time, with 334,494 at the end of the 2023-24 season. Female wrestling led the way with 30% growth during the year, but expansion happened across the board, in all age-levels, in every part of the country and for both males and females. This growth was also reflected at the high school level. According to the NFHS press release, “the two biggest story lines are the increases in all forms of high school football, and the continued rise in both girls and boys wrestling.” Girls wrestling is the fastest growing sport in the nation, hands-down, but boys wrestling is also growing quickly. The NFHS reported that boys wrestling grew by 32,443 athletes in 2023-24 and has had a 25% increase since the 2021-22 season. Entries for both boys and girls at major USA Wrestling events are also setting records. College wrestling is seeing the addition of new programs for men and women in all of the organizations (NCAA, NAIA, NJCAA, etc.). It has been said that we are in the golden era for wrestling in the United States and the data is proving this to be true. The mission for all leaders within wrestling is to fuel continued growth in strategic ways that brings the world’s greatest sport to even more people in the future. … more at … https://www.themat.com/news/2024/december/28/abbott-blog-top-10-wrestling-stories-of-2024
UNC’s Moore, NCSU’s Robinson Tabbed ACC Co-Wrestlers of the Week
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (theACC.com) – Following a top-5 win versus a top-10 team, North Carolina’s Spencer Moore and NC State’s Vince Robinson were named Atlantic Coast Conference Co-Wrestlers of the Week following matches from January 10-13.
In North Carolina’s ACC opener versus No. 8 Virginia Tech on Friday, January 10, No. 20 Moore picked up his first top-5 win of the season with a 4-1 sudden victory win over No. 4 Eddie Ventresca of Virginia Tech at 125 pounds. After Ventresca forced the match into sudden victory with an escape in the third period to tie the match at 1-1, Moore was able to secure a takedown with 39 seconds remaining in the overtime period for the decision.
The win was the first for the Tar Heels over the Hokies since the 2019-20 season and the first against Virginia Tech in Chapel Hill since the 2018-19 season.
NC State’s match at No. 3 Oklahoma State, which was moved to Monday, January 13, due to weather conditions, started with a win from Robinson at 125 pounds to put the No. 5 Wolfpack in front 3-0 in the match. No. 11 Robinson, who returned to the NC State lineup after not competing for over a month, defeated No. 2 Troy Spratley of the Cowboys 7-3 to start the dual. … more at … https://theacc.com/news/2025/1/14/wrestling-uncs-moore-ncsus-robinson-tabbed-acc-co-wrestlers-of-the-week.aspx
What to Watch: Week 11 of the College Wrestling Season
As Week 11 of the college wrestling season kicks off, many teams begin their conference schedules, gearing up for some of the most intense matches of the season. Wrestling fans won’t want to miss the NWCA National Duals happening in Iowa this weekend, where teams from five divisions are set to compete.
NWCA National Duals
Date: January 10-11, 2025
Time: 10 a.m. CT
Location: UNI-Dome, Cedar Falls, Iowa
Where to Watch: FloWrestling
Teams from multiple divisions travel to Cedar Falls, Iowa, for the annual NWCA National Duals. Competition begins on Friday, January 10, and continues into Saturday. Brackets have been released for the following divisions: NCAA DI Men, NCAA DII Men, NCAA DIII Men and NAIA Men. For more information, visit themat.com.
NAIA Men: Campbellsville, Corban, Cumberlands, Doane, Eastern Oregon, Embry-Riddle, Grand View, Indiana Tech, Life, Missouri Valley, Montana State Northern, Morningside, Oklahoma City, Providence, Reinhardt, … more at … https://www.themat.com/news/2025/january/09/what-to-watch-week-11-of-the-college-wrestling-season
And …
5 college wrestling duals to watch this weekend
With nearly two dozen upcoming college duals this weekend featuring ranked teams, there’s no shortage of great action to watch. Here are five duals in particular worth your attention.
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Friday, Jan. 10: No. 4 Ohio State vs. No. 11 Illinois, 8 p.m. on BTN+
Ranked No. 4 in the country, the Buckeyes have nine wrestlers in the top 15 and are loaded with stars. Illinois, though, poses a sneaky challenge in this dual, as the Illini are favored in half of the projected bouts in this Big Ten battle. The home mat advantage in Illinois is notable here as well, particularly in a dual where every weight will matter.
If the dual begins 125 pounds, Ohio State will have the advantage at the start with No. 10 Brendan McCrone, a sophomore who has made big jumps this year but is fresh off a 6-5 loss to Maximo Renteria of Oregon State. This is one of just two weights where Illinois does not have a ranked wrestler, so McCrone’s job will be to go out and win with bonus to swing the momentum toward Ohio State before the top-10 battle at 133 pounds between No. 9 Nic Bouzakis and No. 2 Lucas Bryd.
Byrd and Bouzakis have not hit yet in their college wrestling careers because Byrd was out with an injury last season, but expect this match to be fast-paced and intense. Byrd is 9-0 on the year and heavily favored, but Bouzakis does have wins over All-Americans Dylan Ragusin and Anthony Noto this year with his only non-teammate loss coming against Cliff Keen champ Zeth Romney. There’s a path for both teams to win without the match, though the possibility becomes narrower for Illinois if Byrd drops to Bouzakis. Ohio State will then be favored at 141 pounds with No. 1 Jesse Mendez vs. No. 13 Danny Puncino, 157 pounds with No. 7 Paddy Gallagher vs. Jason Kraisser, … more at … https://www.ncaa.com/news/wrestling/article/2025-01-09/5-college-wrestling-duals-watch-weekend
No. 13 Cyclones Top No. 22 Mountaineers on the Road
MORGANTOWN, W. Va. – No. 13 Iowa State (5-3, 2-0 Big 12) stayed perfect in Big 12 dual action with a 24-18 victory over No. 22 West Virginia (7-2, 1-2 Big 12) Wednesday evening inside WVU Coliseum. Bonus points were the difference as the teams split the 10 bouts, 5-5.
Iowa State won the takedown battle, 17-12. Paniro Johnson and Cody Chittum both got pins for the Cyclones while Evan Frost notched a tech fall and Evan Bockman earned a major decision.
Evan Frost started the scoring with a commanding 20-3 tech fall over Tommy Maddox at 133 pounds. Frost tallied six takedowns in the win, including three in the opening period, as he improved to 6-2 on the season.
Jacob Frost made it back-to-back wins for the Frost family to open the dual. Jacob won by decision, 9-6, over No. 29 Jordan Titus at 141 pounds. Frost overcame an early takedown by Titus and fended off a last-ditch effort by the Mountaineer for the win.
Johnson and Chittum secured back-to-back falls for the Cyclones at 149 and 157 pounds, respectively, to put Iowa State ahead 20-0 after four matches. Johnson, in his first match of the season at 149 pounds, now has dual victories at 149, 157 and 165 pounds this season.
West Virginia got on the board with two-consecutive major decisions at 165 and 174 pounds. At 165, No. 3 Peyton Hall defeated Aiden Riggins, 16-6, in Riggins’ first match of the season at the weight. At 174 pounds, MJ Gaitan fell 14-4 to No. 28 Brody Conley. Gaitan was putting Conley on his back in the third period but the match was stopped due to a potentially dangerous hold.
In a top-20 battle at 184 pounds, No. 12 Evan Bockman was victorious against No. 16 Dennis Robin by 9-1 major decision. Bockman pushed for a bonus point and got it with a late takedown plus a riding time point. … more at … https://cyclones.com/news/2025/1/8/wrestling-no-13-cyclones-top-no-22-mountaineers-on-the-road.aspx
Army claims Southern Scuffle team title, Northern Iowa downs Nebraska, Cornell defeats Missouri
Week ten of the college wrestling season has come and gone. Army secured its first-ever team title at the Southern Scuffle with one champion in Gunner Filipowicz, Northern Iowa picked up a ranked victory over Nebraska, Oklahoma State routed Air Force 43-6, and so much more. Let’s dive into the highlights and key moments that made this week one to remember.
Performance of the week
Chattanooga’s Sergio Desiante secured an individual title at 174 pounds for the Mocs at the 2025 Southern Scuffle on Sunday. In the finals, Desiante picked up a win over No. 10 Gaven Sax of Oklahoma. In the semifinals on Sunday morning, Desiante, ranked 29th in the latest FloWrestling rankings, defeated No. 4 Lennox Wolak of Virginia Tech, 7-6. Desiante was named the Most Outstanding Wrestler of the tournament. … more at … https://www.themat.com/news/2025/january/06/college-wrestling-notebook-army-claims-southern-scuffle-team-title-northern-iowa-downs-nebraska-cornell-defeats-missouri
And …
Army Wins Team Title, 4 Mocs Place at the Southern Scuffle
Sergio Desiante earned the Chattanooga Mocs first title at the 2025 Southern Scuffle presented by Compound Sportswear with back-to-back top 10 triumphs.
RESULTS (PDF) | TICKETS
CHATTANOOGA—Army claimed the team title at the Southern Scuffle presented by Compound Sportswear. The Chattanooga Mocs Sergio Desiante, the champion at 174, was named Most Outstanding Wrestler. He led four Mocs to the podium for the weekend.
The four medalists ties for second highest total in school history in the event. That was also done in 2012 and 2024 and ranks behind seven in 2006 in Greensboro, N.C. The two semifinalists – Jackson Hurst (165) & Sergio Desiante (174) – marked the third time in program history with multiple wrestlers reaching that point. There were two in 2006 and a high of three last year.
Desiante made the big splash with a top 5 win in the semifinals. He took the early lead with a first period takedown and dominated the bout in a 7-6 decision. … more at … https://gomocs.com/news/2025/1/5/wrestling-recap-army-wins-team-title-4-mocs-place-at-the-southern-scuffle.aspx
UNI wrestling takes down No. 4 Nebraska in 24-9 home win
Panthers defeat Cornhuskers in dual action for the first time since 1991. UNI back in action next weekend at NWCA Multi-Division National Dual Championships in UNI-Dome.
OFFICIALS – Eric McGill, Leo Mercado
ATTENDANCE – 3,113
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa — The UNI wrestling team brought the heat to the McLeod Center on Sunday afternoon as the tenth-ranked Panthers knocked off No. 4 Nebraska in non-conference dual action by a score of 24-9.
Northern Iowa’s big win marked the first victory over the Cornhuskers in 34 years, as well as its first top-five ranked win since beating No. 3 Ohio State at the 2022 Collegiate Duals.
The Panthers picked up four individual wins over top-five ranked opponents, which began with a stunning win for No. 31 Trever Anderson at 125 pounds over fifth-ranked and returning All-American Caleb Smith. Cael Happel (141 pounds), Ryder Downey (157 pounds) and Parker Keckeisen (184 pounds) also picked up top-five wins.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Anderson set the tone early at 125 pounds against Smith. After a scoreless first period, Smith took the lead early in the second with a quick escape, but Anderson responded with a takedown and, after another escape by Smith, Anderson escaped in the third period for a 4-2 lead before adding an extra point for riding time for a 5-2 victory. The victory marked Anderson’s first dual win of the season and his second career victory over a top-five opponent, having previously defeated No. 1 Jakob Camacho (North Carolina State) last year.
Julian Farber made his dual debut of the season at 133 pounds against No. 20 Jacob Van Dee. Van Dee took control early, securing a takedown in the first period and adding an escape in the third. Farber would battle hard in the final period as he scrambled for a potential takedown, but ultimately fell short, dropping the match 5-0 as Van Dee earned the additional riding time point.
Eighth-ranked Happel (141 pounds) secured his third career top-five victory and earned his third straight win over No. 5 Brock Hardy in a come-from-behind effort. Hardy jumped out to a 4-0 lead … more at … https://unipanthers.com/news/2025/1/5/wrestling-uni-wrestling-takes-down-no-4-nebraska-in-24-9-home-win
Mount Olive Wins!
No. 25 Mount Olive Men cruises past Allen, 45-10
MOUNT OLIVE (Jan. 3) – After recording six falls on Friday afternoon, the No. 25 ranked University of Mount Olive men’s wrestling team posted a dominant 45-10 win over Allen in Conference Carolinas action at Kornegay Arena.
With the win, the Trojans remained undefeated at home and improve to 7-2 this season behind a perfect 4-0 record in league duals. Mount Olive holds a 5-0 record all-time against Allen dating back to 2021. Meanwhile, the Yellow Jackets fall to 2-4 overall with a 1-3 mark in conference action.
Redshirt junior Christian Decatur established an early 6-0 advantage at 125 with a late first-round pin over Xavier Anderson. Following a forfeit at 133, the Trojans held a 12-0 lead before freshman Benjamin Hernandez registered a fall against Quantavius Reaves in the 141-weight class. Allen closed the gap with a victory at 149 before Mount Olive recorded four consecutive wins. No. 3 ranked senior Jake Nicolosi (157) produced a third-round fall versus Quincy Gash, while No. 11 freshman Brent Nicolosi earned a quick pin over Ya`Donnis Hardaway at 165. In the 174-weight class, redshirt senior Colby Teague delivered a fall against Farrad Moore before junior Calan Staub (184) defeated Jerell Baskins … more at … https://umotrojans.com/news/2025/1/3/wrestling-no-25-mount-olive-cruises-past-allen-45-10.aspx
And …
The Mount Olive Women begin the New Year with win over Allen, 34-10
MOUNT OLIVE (Jan. 3) – In the first home event at Kornegay Arena in the New Year, the Trojans remained undefeated in South Atlantic Conference Carolinas dual meet action with a 34-10 victory over Allen on Friday afternoon.
With the win, the University of Mount Olive women’s wrestling program collects a fifth straight win to improve to 8-1 overall and 4-0 mark in conference duals. The Trojans also matched their program record with eight dual meet victories in their third year as a team. Meanwhile, Allen drops to 3-4 this season behind a 0-3 record in league matches.
Mount Olive built an early 10-0 advantage after receiving forfeits at 103 and 110 before sophomore Mallory McDonald registered a first-round fall over Stacy Pule in the 117-weight class. Both sides agreed to a double forfeit at 124 and the Trojans stretched their lead to 24-1 with two additional wins. Sophomore Ayonna McNeill (131) delivered a dominant 18-7 tech fall versus Lyric Drumgoole, while sophomore Angelica Steffy received a forfeit in the 138-weight class. The Yellow Jackets responded with a fall at 145 to trim the deficit to 24-6 before sophomore Savannah Bramhall produced … more at … https://umotrojans.com/news/2025/1/3/womens-wrestling-the-trojans-begin-the-new-year-with-win-over-allen-34-10.aspx
Cornell Wrestling takes down Missouri on the Road
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The No. 12 wrestling team defeated the No. 19 University of Missouri 26-12 on Friday night in Mizzou Arena.
This is the third consecutive meeting the Big Red has topped the Tigers.
Tyler Ferrara started the momentum in the 133lb weight class for the Big Red with a tight 3-2 decision over Kade Moore. No. 32 Josh Saunders followed up with a 12-4 major decision over Josh Edmond, Saunders ended the match with a takedown and a nearfall.
No. 2 Meyer Shapiro started his first period with two quick takedowns to start with a 6-1 lead over No. 32 James Conway. In the second for Shapiro, he earned two nearfalls and a penalty point before closing it out in the third with one more takedown and an escape to win his bout 17-2.
Freshman No.14 Simon Ruiz scored four takedowns alongside an escape and penalty points to take his bout 17-3 over Jake Stoffel.
No. 8 Chris Foca beat ranked opponent No. 9 Colton Hawks 9-1 by decision with riding time and Julian Ramirez beat Joel Mylin 9-2 with two takedowns, a reversal and riding time. Aiden Hanning finished it up for Cornell with a 2-0 win over Jarrett Stoner.
Match-by-match results (rankings from InterMat rankings): Cornell 26, Missouri 12
125: No. 30 Gage Walker defeated Marcello Milani by fall (Cornell 0, Missouri 6) … more at … https://cornellbigred.com/news/2025/1/3/cornell-wrestling-takes-down-missouri-on-the-road.aspx
Lehigh Wrestling Adds Heavyweight Owen Trephan To Roster
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Lehigh wrestling has added two-time NCAA qualifier Owen Trephan as a graduate transfer for the spring semester. Trephan comes to Lehigh after five-and-a-half years at North Carolina State University, where for the previous two seasons he was the starting heavyweight and an ACC champion for the Wolfpack.
Trephan owns a 64-17 record over the previous four seasons at NC State. Over the last two seasons, Trephan went 41-12 overall at 285 including a 21-1 dual mark. Trephan won back-to-back ACC titles at 285 in 2023 and 2024, qualifying for the NCAA Championships in both seasons. He went 2-2 in his first NCAA appearance and went 1-2 last season.
The Summerville, S.C., native is 10-0 so far in the 2024-25 season. Competing unattached he went 4-0 to claim the title at the Nov. 3 Battle at the Citadel, and then went 3-0 to win the 285B pool at the Nov. 10 Journeymen Collegiate Classic. Right before the holidays, Trephan competed unattached in Lehigh’s Sheridan Tournament and went 3-0 to claim the title at 285 at Stabler Arena.
Trephan is currently ranked ninth nationally in both the FloWrestling and InterMat rankings. Off the mats, Trephan earned Academic All-ACC honors the previous two seasons and is a four-time member of the ACC Academic Honor Roll. Prior to his time at NC State, Trephan was a South Carolina state … more at … https://lehighsports.com/news/2025/1/3/lehigh-wrestling-adds-heavyweight-owen-trephan-to-roster.aspx
UNI wrestling takes down No. 4 Nebraska in 24-9 home win
Panthers defeat Cornhuskers in dual action for the first time since 1991. UNI back in action next weekend at NWCA Multi-Division National Dual Championships in UNI-Dome.
OFFICIALS – Eric McGill, Leo Mercado ATTENDANCE – 3,113
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa — The UNI wrestling team brought the heat to the McLeod Center on Sunday afternoon as the tenth-ranked Panthers knocked off No. 4 Nebraska in non-conference dual action by a score of 24-9.
Northern Iowa’s big win marked the first victory over the Cornhuskers in 34 years, as well as its first top-five ranked win since beating No. 3 Ohio State at the 2022 Collegiate Duals.
The Panthers picked up four individual wins over top-five ranked opponents, which began with a stunning win for No. 31 Trever Anderson at 125 pounds over fifth-ranked and returning All-American Caleb Smith. Cael Happel (141 pounds), Ryder Downey (157 pounds) and Parker Keckeisen (184 pounds) also picked up top-five wins.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Anderson set the tone early at 125 pounds against Smith. After a scoreless first period, Smith took the lead early in the second with a quick escape, but Anderson responded with a takedown and, after another escape by Smith, Anderson escaped in the third period for a 4-2 lead before adding an extra point for riding time for a 5-2 victory. The victory marked Anderson’s first dual win of the season and his second career victory over a top-five opponent, having previously defeated No. 1 Jakob Camacho (North Carolina State) last year.
Julian Farber made his dual debut of the season at 133 pounds against No. 20 Jacob Van Dee. … more at … https://unipanthers.com/news/2025/1/5/wrestling-uni-wrestling-takes-down-no-4-nebraska-in-24-9-home-win
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 