Back-to-Back Pins Resurrect No. 13 Corban Men’s Wrestling as Warriors Swipe Dual Win from NCAA Cal Poly Humboldt
SALEM, Ore. – For all but about five minutes of tonight’s dual for the No. 13-ranked Corban University Men’s Wrestling team, the Warriors trailed their NCAA DII Cal Poly Humboldt counterparts on the scoreboard, as the early weight classes struggled to get going yet the fear of their first dual loss of the season was erased in a matter of minutes thanks to the work of five student-athletes who won their weight classes and eventually, secured them their 26-23 dual victory over the Lumberjacks.
To view the complete results from today’s dual, click HERE or see below for a weight class summary. “A little bit of a slow start tonight but it was a fast finish,” explained Warriors’ head coach Nolan Harris. “It was definitely exciting for our fanbase for it to end as it did. After 165lbs, we knew we needed to win out with bonus points in multiple matches. Our guys knew the goal and rose to the occasion. Tyson got it started by putting up a lot of points en route to a tech fall and really got the enthusiasm back on our side. Hunter showed great composure with a big fall after giving up an initial takedown. It set up the great finish by Toni and sealing the dual win with the quick fall. Again, we knew we needed bonus points for the team to win, as if Toni were to win by decision, we would’ve ended up tied and Cal Poly Humboldt had the criteria necessary to win the tiebreak. Ultimately, Toni’s fall sealed the victory. I’m proud of the team effort tonight and look forward to our guys getting through finals this next week and our upcoming match against a tough Southern Oregon squad on Saturday.
The Warriors (4-0) proved tonight that it’s not necessarily always how you start a dual that determines the result, but often how you finish them that produce meaningful victories and help set the standard for the rest of the 2024-25 season. After dropping their first four weight classes to the Jacks (0-3) via a technical fall, back-to-back fortfeits, and a decision to trail 20-0 on the scoreboard, redshirt senior David Rubio was able to kick off the team scoring for Corban men’s wrestling with a hard fought 6-4 decision over Cal Poly Humboldt’s Gil Mossburg that sparked the remainder of the Warriors waiting to face their dual opponents.
The Lumberjacks earned those three points right back at 165lbs as Cole Zoller took a 9-3 decision over sophomore Jesse Rubio, … more at … https://corbanwarriors.com/news/2024/12/8/back-to-back-pins-resurrect-no-13-corban-mens-wrestling-as-warriors-swipe-dual-win-from-ncaa-cal-poly-humboldt.aspx
Bianchi’s Upset Victory Powers Little Rock to Fourth Straight Win
Trojans finish 6-4 on the day to stay unbeaten in duals
In a thrilling dual featuring as many overtime matches as those decided in regulation, Little Rock Wrestling clinched its fourth consecutive victory, remaining undefeated in dual competition with a 6-4 performance on the day.
“There were a lot of ups and downs, a lot of emotional moments, a lot of really awesome moments. The team we wrestled is gritty and tough and they make your life tough, but we found a way to score a lot of points and get after them a certain matches. It’s definitely something we’re encouraged about, but there’s always room to be better.” Coach Erisman on the win over Central Michigan
How It Happened
The action began at 125, where Tyson Roach made his dual debut against (R) Freshman Kaden Chinavare. After a scoreless first period, Chinavare pulled ahead in the second with an escape and takedown, ultimately holding off Roach’s late comeback attempt for a 9-6 win.
Trailing 0-3, Nasir Bailey wasted no time getting Little Rock on the board at 133. The standout sophomore pinned Sean Spidle in just 1:24, giving the Trojans a 6-3 lead.
At 141, Cole Minnick faced Kellan Aure in a cautious match that ended in Aure’s favor with a second-period pin, putting Central Michigan ahead 9-6.
Brennan Van Hoecke evened the score at 149, defeating Colin Kacena 11-5 in a high-paced final period.
The turning point came at 157, where Matty Bianchi faced Johnny Lovett in the first of three overtime matches. After a tense regulation, Bianchi secured a sudden-victory takedown to win 3-1, giving the Trojans a 12-9 lead heading into intermission. … more at … https://lrtrojans.com/news/2024/12/8/wrestling-bianchis-upset-victory-powers-little-rock-to-fourth-straight-win.aspx
Montreat Men’s wrestling splits tri-dual at Pikeville
PIKEVILLE, Ky.— The Montreat men’s wrestling team passed through the state of Kentucky Friday evening for a tri-dual hosted by the University of Pikeville. Competing in team duals for the first time this season, the Cavaliers dropped their nonconference matchup versus the Midway University Eagles before rebounding with an Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) triumph over the University of Pikeville Bears. With the split, Montreat started the season 1-1 (1-0 AAC).
Midway (2-1) secured a dual victory over the Cavs by winning the initial six bouts. Montreat forfeited the 125-lb matchup, and the Eagles utilized two pins and a trio of tech falls to extend their lead up to 33-0.
Three consecutive triumphs helped the Cavaliers close the gap. Dalton Towe got Montreat on the board with a 7-5 decision at 174. Milosz Gargol then followed up Towe’s effort with a 13-3 major decision at 184 before Seth Williamson pinned his 197-lb opponent in 6:09. MU responded with a tech fall in the final bout, though, sealing a 38-13 nonconference victory.
Pikeville (0-2, 0-1 AAC) tried to follow Midway’s script as it also got off to a good start. A forfeit paired with a major decision and a fall vaulted the hosts out to a 16-0 advantage; however, the visitors swiftly flipped the dual in their favor.
Freshman Mikai Brinson notched a pin at 149, while Dylan Hogan did the same wrestling in the 165-lb bout. Coupled with four forfeits, Montreat surged in front of its counterpart, 36-16. The Bears snagged a pin in the final showdown to trim the deficit, but the Cavs still captured their first win of the year via a 36-22 final. … more at … https://montreatcavaliers.com/news/2024/12/6/mens-wrestling-mens-wrestling-splits-tri-dual-at-pikeville.aspx
USA Wrestling launches Grow Greco campaign to support development of Greco-Roman wrestling in the U.S.
USA Wrestling has kicked off a year-long fundraising campaign entitled Grow Greco to further the growth and development of Greco-Roman wrestling in the country.
The U.S. Greco-Roman coaching staff has earmarked a $250,000 fundraising goal for 2025 to support Greco-Roman specific initiatives that include national and international training and competition opportunities, developmental camps across the U.S., and building pipelines for youth athletes to pursue a career in the specialized international discipline. “Supporting Greco-Roman wrestling is more than just a contribution to our program; it’s an investment in the future of our athletes and a legacy of excellence. Every dollar donated helps us build a stronger, more competitive team, providing athletes with opportunities to reach their full potential on the global stage,” said Herb House, U.S. National Greco-Roman Head Coach.
The U.S. qualified four athletes to compete at the 2024 Olympic Games in Greco-Roman wrestling, a feat only nine countries achieved for Paris.
2024 was a banner year for the U.S. age-group World Team’s. The U17 team finished in fifth place with two medalists, including one champion. The U20 team earned three medals and placed sixth as a team. Additionally, the U.S. won its first Greco-Roman medal at the U23 level.
Contributions put directly toward the Greco-Roman program will help continue the upward trajectory seen in 2024 and assist in providing the necessary resources for sustained international success in the style. “Your support fuels athlete training and competition, … more at … https://www.themat.com/news/2024/december/06/usa-wrestling-launches-grow-greco-campaign-to-support-development-of-greco-roman-wrestling-in-the-u-s-
NC State Wrestling Charged Up For ‘Toughest Tournament In The Country’
North Carolina State won’t have a full lineup, but the Wolfpack is ready to tangle with the loaded field at the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational
It’s hard to argue that the Cliff Keen Invitational is not college wrestling’s top in-season tournament each year. This year marks the third straight year NC State will be among the teams competing in Las Vegas. Last year, 37 out of the 80 2024 All-Americans competed at the Cliff Keen Invite. This year will feature eight of the top 12 teams ranked in this week’s Flowrestling rankings “Anytime you can get into an arena and have that many guys going on and placing at NCAAs, you know that is the toughest tournament in the country,” NC State coach Pat Popolizio said. “There is not another tournament in the country (during the season) that mirrors what goes on in Las Vegas.
“We love going to it. We know with the amount of competition there every year, our guys need to zone in and focus. We gave ourselves a month of completion to be ready for this level of competition.” Not all 10 starters will be in action for NC State in Las Vegas this weekend.
Christian Knop is still out after having to injury default in the dual against Appalachian State on Nov. 15. Stepping into his spot at 197 pounds will be sophomore Andrew Macchiavello, the younger brother of 2018 national champion Michael Macchiavello. Kai Orine and Dylan Fishback will also not compete this weekend. Orine won the 133-pound weight class in Las Vegas last year, while Fishback also reached the podium with a seventh-place showing.
Early-Season Standouts
A pair of Wolfpack wrestlers have turned heads with their early season results, and both were not in the lineup last year as they redshirted. They will also compete in perhaps the top two weight classes at the Cliff Keen — 125 pounds and heavyweight. One was expected to make the jump into the top-10 this year, while the second started as a backup and has caught the attention of many after his great start to the season as an unknown.
Isaac Trumble redshirted last year after starting his first two seasons at 197 pounds. Now at heavyweight, Trumble is ranked fifth nationally. He is also a past Cliff Keen champion back in his 197-pound days. … more at … https://www.flowrestling.org/articles/13131773-nc-state-wrestling-charged-up-for-toughest-tournament-in-the-country
College Dual Meet Results
Drexel Earns Dominant Victory Over Clarion, 31-3
CLARION, Pa. – The Drexel wrestling team took down Clarion on the road Wednesday night in dominant fashion, 31-3. The victory was the first of the season for the Dragons after facing off against three ranked opponents. Desmond Pleasant, Kyle Waterman, Jordan Soriano, Luke Nichter, Cody Walsh, Giuseppe Hoose, Mickey O’Malley, and Dom Petracci all earned wins for the Dragons.
The dual started at 125, as Pleasant picked up his first win of the season against Scott Clawson. The redshirt junior found himself in a hole early in the contest, falling behind 5-0 after a takedown and near fall in the final seconds of the first by Clawson. Pleasant made a comeback in the second period, securing an escape and takedown to trail by just two. The Piscataway, N.J. native recorded two takedowns in the final two minutes to take the decision win, 10-6.
Soriano followed up his win against No. 1 Penn State with a major decision win at 141 pounds. The Westbury, N.Y. native managed two takedowns in the first period to take the early 6-2 lead. Soriano carried the momentum to get win, 17-5
Nichter got back in the win column in a hard fought battle at 157 pounds. A takedown and an escape point in the opening period was enough to record the decision win, 4-2.
Walsh earned another win over Wesley Barnes at 165 pounds. Both wrestlers went scoreless heading into the third period. Barnes was able to take Walsh down with nearly one minute remaining to take a 3-1 lead. The Cherry Hill, N.J. native responded with a quick reversal and was able to take the 4-3 win with riding time.
Hoose recorded his first technical fall of the season. The graduate student led 10-0 after the second period, recording two takedowns and four near-fall points. Hoose eventually managed to take his opponent down twice more for the 16-1 win. … more at … https://drexeldragons.com/news/2024/12/4/wrestling-drexel-earns-dominant-victory-over-clarion-31-3?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
And …
Mavs use quick start, strong finish to win at Western in top-20 match-up
No. 14 Mavs move to 4-0 with 31-12 win over No. 17 Mountaineers
GUNNISON, Colo.— The nation’s 14th-ranked Colorado Mesa University men’s wrestling team won the first three matches without conceding a takedown to build a 12-0 team lead and went on to win the last three and seven of the ten total bouts, including five by bonus-point margins to claim a comfortable 31-12 dual win over arch-rival and 17th-ranked Western Colorado University on Wednesday night here in the Mountaineers’ Paul W. Wright Gymnasium.
The Mavericks improved to 4-0 on the season and defeated the Mountaineers (1-2) for the fourth straight dual, a new CMU record winning streak in the rivalry that has seen the teams dual 29 times since 2007.
CMU’s five nationally-ranked wrestlers were all victorious in the dual that did not count in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference standings. The teams will square off again in their conference-counting dual on Feb. 13, 2025 in Grand Junction in CMU’s Bank of Colorado Battle in Brownson.
The two nationally-ranked Mountaineer wrestlers that were in Wednesday’s lineup were also winners and combined for two of the Mountaineers’ three wins and nine of their 12 team points. The quick start was keyed by seventh-ranked 125-pound sophomore Dayson Torgerson, who registered a 17-0 technical fall win three seconds before the end of the first period. Oran Huff, ranked 12th in the country at 133 pounds, …more at … https://cmumavericks.com/news/2024/12/4/wrestling-mavs-use-quick-start-strong-finish-to-win-at-western-in-top-20-match-up.aspx?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
And …
Johnson’s pin lifts No. 13 Wrestling to thrilling 21-20 OAC victory at John Carroll
UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS — Freshman Myles Johnson (Springboro) registered a first period pin to lead the No. 13-ranked Ohio Northern wrestling team to a come from behind 21-20 victory at John Carroll on Tuesday night. This is the Polar Bears’ second conference victory this season.
The Basics
- Records: #13 Ohio Northern (7-3 Overall, 2-0 OAC), John Carroll (4-3 Overall, 1-1 OAC).
- Venue: DeCarlo Varsity Center – University Heights, Ohio.
ONU Individuals
Johnson won by pin at 2:42 to give the Polar Bears the win
Senior Cael Vanderhorst (Covington) began the scoring for the Polar Bears with a major decision at 149 lbs Senior Jayden Jones (Ashland) followed with another major decision at 157 to cut into the lead. Senior Adam Myers (Springfield/STEM Academy) with a major decision at 174 for the Polar Bears. Senior Gavin Layman (Chesterton, Ind.) won by decision at 197 to pull the Polar Bears within 20-15. … more at … https://www.onusports.com/sports/wrest/2024-25/releases/20241203sovc3h
New WIN Rankings released; Ten Top-15 teams and 100 nationally-ranked wrestlers at Vegas Invite
NEWTON, Iowa — The Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational has historically pitted the nation’s best college wrestlers against each other early in the season as this weekend’s 42nd annual tournament features over 100 nationally-ranked wrestlers and 10 teams that are rated among the Top-15 schools in WIN Magazine’s Dec. 2 NCAA Div. I rankings, presented by Cliff Keen Athletic.
Led by Oklahoma State, rated No. 3 in WIN’s Tournament Power Index, the other notable teams in WIN’s latest TPI that will wrestle this Friday and Saturday, Dec. 6-7, in the Las Vegas Convention Center, include No. 4 Nebraska, 5 Ohio State, 6 NC State, 7 Virginia Tech, 9 Cornell, 10 Iowa State, 11 Michigan, 12 Northern Iowa and 15 South Dakota State.
Depending exactly on which wrestlers enter, this could mean as many as 27 wrestlers ranked in the top five of their weight class:
- 125 – No. 1 Richard Figueroa (Arizona State); No. 2 Matt Ramos (Purdue); No. 3 Caleb Smith (Nebraska); No. 5 Troy Spratley (Oklahoma State);
- 133 – No. 3 Dylan Ragusin (Michigan);
- 141 – No. 1 Jesse Mendez (Ohio State); No. 4 Brock Hardy (Nebraska); No. 5 Cael Happel (Northern Iowa);
- 149 – No. 1 Caleb Henson (Virginia Tech); No. 3 Ty Watters (West Virginia); No.5 Ridge Lovett (Nebraska); … more at … https://www.win-magazine.com/2024/12/02/new-win-rankings-released-ten-top-15-teams-and-100-nationally-ranked-wrestlers-at-vegas-invite/
11 reasons why everyone should wrestle, the sequel
By John Klessinger (former SouthWest Edgecombe coach)
Almost five years ago to the day, I wrote my first article for WIN magazine. The article was entitled “11 Reasons Why Everyone Should Wrestle.” Plenty of things have changed in my life since then. At the time, my daughter was a sophomore in high school. Now, she is a junior in college. My son was in middle school and now he is only a few months away from graduating high school.
The team I coach won its first state dual championship in 2022, which we repeated in 2023. Last year, we lost in the state dual final 33-30. The dual came down to the last match. We were down 33-27. We needed a fall to tie. A fall would give us the win by criteria. My kid pushed around his opponent for six minutes. His opponent did his job. He fought and stayed off his back, securing the match and state title for his team.
I wrote a book, “A Coach’s Manual: Everything You Need to Be a Successful Coach”, which was published by Championship Productions. Last fall, I was inducted into the Maryland Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.
On a different level, while things were going well professionally as a teacher and coach, both of my kids blew out their knees. In 2020, my daughter tore her ACL. Then, in 2022, my son tore his ACL. That left a few years of constant encouragement and attempts at optimism for them both. Ironically, I ruptured my quad tendon in 2023. The doctor said it was the “old man’s version of a torn ACL.” Subconsciously, I guess I wanted to know what it was like.
On a personal level, the past five years have been very challenging. Beyond injuries, things have been difficult at times. It is a part of life. We go through difficult times. I do. You do. We all do. Which brings me back to the first article I had written for WIN, “Why Everyone Should Wrestle.”
If it wasn’t for wrestling, I am certain the last five years would have been much more difficult. Wrestling has been my anchor. It has and continues to teach me the mental toughness to deal with the challenges and continue to keep getting up over and over.
To commemorate our great sport and to celebrate my five-year anniversary writing for WIN, here is part II of 11 Reasons Why Everyone Should Wrestle.
1. Friendships and Community
Once you’ve wrestled, you become part of a special group of people. All wrestlers know the difficulty of the sport. When you meet a wrestler, you become instant friends. You share similar experiences. It is tough to explain, but wrestlers are good people. Hardworking people. Honest people. The sport teaches you the value of struggling and sacrifice. That is why most walk around with humility.
2. Physical Toughness
In some ways, this reason was in the first article — not explicitly stated but implied. However, I don’t know many wrestlers who shy away from things due to bumps and bruises. Wrestlers are physically tough. We don’t sit out because we aren’t feeling great. We do things when we are hurt and sick. Most people I know who aren’t wrestlers are quick to “find a soft place to land.” … more at … https://www.win-magazine.com/2024/12/03/11-reasons-why-everyone-should-wrestle-the-sequel/
Dozens of wrestlers will battle to be crowned first girls champs
After years of lobbying, girls finally get their own wrestling division in DODEA-Europe.
Those hitting the mats will be making history when the season begins Saturday at Ramstein, Wiesbaden and Vicenza.
They also will be seeking the first titles for girls at the European championships Feb. 6-8 at the Wiesbaden Sport and Fitness Center in Wiesbaden, Germany, after a few of their female predecessors fell just short over the last decade. Some have a leg up on the competition, having grappled with the boys for years, while others are giving the sport a try for the first time. They will compete across eight weight classes – 105, 110, 115, 120, 130, 140, 155 and 170-and-above. Those designations could change during the season, according to DODEA European athletic director Kathy Clemmons. Here’s a team-by-team look at the first girls wrestling season, based on responses from coaches across Europe: Alconbury The Dragons don’t have a large contingent, but they can boast having one of the most experienced wrestlers across Europe. Originally a gymnast, senior Richele Reyes switched over to wrestling when her family moved to the Netherlands. She’s qualified for the European meet three times in her high school career, finishing sixth at 120 pounds her sophomore year. … more at … https://www.stripes.com/sports/europe/2024-12-04/dodea-europe-girls-wrestling-preview-16056145.html
Fresno City Men’s Wrestling Dominates Simpson Duals as Coach Keysaw Celebrates 300 Wins
Fresno City College’s men’s wrestling team went undefeated at the Simpson Duals, marking head coach Paul Keysaw’s 300 dual wins. This milestone was earned over the nearly three decades of Keysaw’s career, showcasing not only his personal dedication but the team’s resilience. “Milestones mean I’m getting old,” Keysaw said, “But they’re a reminder of the hard work that goes into every win.”
Starting his career at Moorpark College in 1996, Keysaw joined FCC as a coach in 2006. Known for his straightforward style and focus on building highly competitive teams, he instills a relentless work ethic in his athletes. “If you want to be successful, you have to work harder than everyone else,” Keysaw said.
Under his guidance, FCC men’s wrestling team has consistently placed in the top three of California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) state championships since 2008. His ability to adapt his coaching style has been key. For sophomore Jake Prudek, ranked first in the state, the event was another stepping stone on his journey to secure a second state title.
Despite setbacks from a car accident and injury recovery, he credits his resilience to the relentless training methods instilled by Keysaw and the team’s culture of valuing hard work. “We practice until we don’t want to do one more rep,” Prudek said. … more at … https://www.therampageonline.com/sports/2024/12/04/fresno-city-mens-wrestling-dominates-simpson-duals-as-coach-keysaw-celebrates-300-wins/
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 