2008 Beijing Olympic Games

If the Olympic Games are a history of mankind, wrestling is the prologue. When the ancient Games of the Olympiad were born, wrestling already was an ancient game. Widely recognised as the world's oldest competitive sport, wrestling appeared in a series of Egyptian wall paintings as many as 5000 years ago. When the Games began in 776 BC, more than two millenniums later, it included wrestling, and, in the years that followed, wrestling featured as the main event.

The sport would return in a similar role when the Olympic Games returned after a 1500-year absence in 1896. Organisers, seeking direct links to ancient times, found a natural in the sport that had enjoyed popularity across much of the ancient world, from Greece, Assyria and Babylon to India, China and Japan. They resurrected Greco-Roman wrestling, a style they believed to be an exact carryover from the Greek and Roman wrestlers of old.

In Greco-Roman wrestling, the wrestlers used only their arms and upper bodies to attack. They could hold only those same parts of their opponents. It worked nicely from a historical perspective, but another breezier style was sweeping across Great Britain and the United States by then. Known as "catch as catch can", it had become standard fare - and popular professional entertainment - at fairs and festivals in both countries.

In 1904, the Olympic Games added the second wrestling event and called it "freestyle". Now, wrestlers could use their legs for pushing, lifting and tripping, and they could hold opponents above or below the waist.

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 11:55 PM | Permalink

Steven Suder resigns as head coach at Wyoming
University of Wyoming
04/29/2008

LARAMIE, Wyo. - University of Wyoming Athletics Director Tom Burman announced on Tuesday that head wrestling coach Steven Suder is resigning his position at the University of Wyoming to pursue other interests.

Suder has served as head coach of the Cowboy wrestling program for the past 19 years, and was also a former Cowboy wrestling letterman from 1975-79.

"Coach Suder has been a part of our athletic program for over two decades as a coach and student-athlete, and we thank him for all his many years of service," said Burman. "Before returning as head coach, he was an outstanding wrestler here at UW. We wish him, his wife Deanna and his family all the best."

"I have been blessed to have had the opportunity to come back and serve as the head wrestling coach at UW for these past 19 years," said Suder. "I have worked alongside some great people during this assignment. In my opinion, everything is in place for this program to climb back up and challenge for championships and Top 15 national rankings again. Some very good changes have been made in the last couple years including the additions of current assistant coaches Ben (VomBaur) and Travis (Shufelt), and it's time to have some fresh, hungry, passionate `newness' leading the way. I am excited to see it happen."

"Either of those men would fill his shoes pretty well." A source close to the story said.

Suder led Wyoming to two Western Athletic Conference team titles as head coach in 1990 and 1992. He was selected WAC Coach of the Year four times, and since UW left the WAC after the 1999 season, Suder earned NCAA West Regional Coach of the Year honors twice -- in 2001 and 2004. His dual record as a head coach is 127-136-2 (.483). As a student-athlete, he earned All-America honors his senior year of 1979 after placing eighth in the 150-pound weight class at the NCAA Championships.

Burman said that current Cowboy assistant coach Ben VomBaur would serve as the interim head coach, but that no specific timetable for filling the head-coaching position would be established.

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 8:39 PM | Permalink

Quotes from National Men’s Freestyle champions
USA FloWrestling
04/26/2008

55 kg/121 lbs. - Matt Azevedo, Pismo Beach, Calif. (Sunkist Kids)
(On Cejudo move that led to the pin)
“A little bit, yeah. I think when you lose the first period it definitely changes your mind frame. You feel like you have to go out and get the guy. A lot of times I feel like that too. I think he maybe tried to force something that wasn’t there.�

“I expected to win. I knew I could win a National title and obviously this is just a stepping stone to get to the Olympic team. This is a big goal. This is a big deal for me to be a National champion.�

60 kg/132 lbs. - Shawn Bunch, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Gator WC)
(On having to prove himself here)
“I’ve been beating guys all the time. I felt like I didn’t get respect for what I’ve been doing. I can beat all those guys. I think I’m the best in the world and I can win the Olympic gold if I make the team.�

(On what his strength is right now)
“I wrestle smarter now. I’m more physical with my hands. I’m just using what I’ve learned on the mat.�

(On how he prepares for the Trials)
“My mindset is to win, don’t give up anything. I know I can do it. I’ve been working out, practicing, and beating everyone in the room. I’m ready for that.�

66 kg/145.5 lbs. - Doug Schwab, Iowa City, Iowa (Gator WC)
(On competing at this competitive weight)
“Everybody knows each other so well. I’ve wrestled him. Everybody has wrestled everybody in our weight so many times. It just comes down to the fact that you do it so well it doesn’t even matter.�

“I didn’t really set up my holds. I was hanging on the head a lot and blocking off instead of getting attacks. He was doing a good job of going for that high crotch, he’s good there. I felt like I missed some opportunities for go behinds, ones I really wasn’t very happy with. Like you said, I really don’t want it to go to a clinch, because it’s a flip of a coin. That’s not good enough odds for me.�

74 kg/163 lbs. - Ben Askren, Columbia, Mo. (Sunkist Kids)
(On his dream of doing this)
“You know I had a lot of things I wanted to do this year. I said this year I wanted to be tough. This year is for the Olympics. That’s all I do everyday, my life’s boring, but it paid off.�

(On whether he thought he should be number one)
“I felt like it. I beat Donny (Pritzlaff), I placed above Casey (Cunningham), I had great overseas tournaments. I’ve been number one since November and then all the sudden they come in and move me down to number three.�

(On being down in his second match)
“I know Ramico (Blackmon) can’t go three periods hard with me. I got a little over anxious in making him tired, but I knew if I made him tired in the first period it would pay off in the second and third. To win the first period really wasn’t necessary. I was expecting to go three.�

84 kg/185 lbs. - Mo Lawal, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Sunkist Kids)
(On not getting respect before the event)
“Not disrespected, but I feel like people forgot about me. They tried to make a star out of some of these college kids. They forgot about me.�

(On having lost before)
“The thing is if me and Andy (Hrovat) are wrestling tomorrow he won’t be thinking about this last match because it’s a new match. Anything can happen.�

(On dropping back to 84 kg)
“I just decided to do it. I was kind of light and 84 is where it’s at, so I came back.�

96 kg/211.5 lbs. - Daniel Cormier, Stillwater, Okla. (Gator WC)
(On staying at this weight)
“The thing that kept me at this weight is that it’s my weight class. I can’t wrestle heavyweight. I’m not tall enough. I’m too short. I’ve been successful when I have gone up but I don’t think I could wrestle it as well as 96 kg at a consistent basis.�

(On whether this is his last shot)
“I think when you start saying this is my last chance you almost set yourself up to fail. You set your expectations so high that you may not reach them. That can happen anytime, but I really don’t want to put a timetable on my career until I accomplish everything I need to accomplish in this sport.�

(On staying on top for so long)
“The keys are a good coaching staff, John Smith and Kevin Jackson. Good training partners, I had Tommy Rowlands in a couple weeks ago. Mo Lawal has been in Stillwater and he’s a national champ, Chris Pendleton, Tyrone Lewis, good training partners. I mean just being dedicated is important.�

120 kg/264.5 lbs. - Tommy Rowlands, Columbus, Ohio (Sunkist Kids)
(On the exchange with Steve Mocco)
“I don't have any hard feelings (about it). The hand fighting just got a little too physical. It was a real tough match."

(On the winning point)
“There was no controversy on the last point at all. The only controversy is that I need to wrestle better.�

(On what he needs to do better)
“My preparation was great for this tournament. I felt great out there. I didn’t execute the way I wanted to. I need to get my offense going and score more points. I was ready to go. I just need to compete better next time.�

(On his Olympic goal)
“I feel like I’m the best in America. If I wrestle my best, I can compete for a gold medal in the Olympics.�

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 1:10 AM | Permalink

Tickets now on sale for 2009 NCAA Wrestling Championships in St. Louis
St. Louis Sports Commission
03/22/2008

2009 NCAA Tournament Tickets are now available

ST. LOUIS – March 20, 2008 — Beginning today, fans can order tickets to next year’s NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships in St. Louis. Tickets may be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 314/241-1888 or 866/646-8849 (toll free).

Fans attending this year’s Championships in St. Louis can also purchase tickets at the Scottrade Center box office during the event.

Tickets to the 2009 Championships are sold as all-session packages, providing admission to the six sessions taking place during the three-day tournament, and start at only $60. Other mezzanine level seats are $90 and $120. Tickets in the plaza level are $150. All tickets are subject to Ticketmaster convenience charges and handling fees.

The 79th NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships take place at Scottrade Center March 19-21, 2009. The University of Missouri and the St. Louis Sports Commission serve as hosts for the event, which returns to the Gateway City for the fifth time in 10 years. The 2000 Championships in St. Louis boast the event’s all-time total attendance record of 96,944.

In addition to obtaining tickets, fans can also reserve hotel rooms for their stay in St. Louis. Hotel reservations can be made online at www.stlsports.org/wrestling or by calling the St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission toll-free at 888/882-5569.

The 2009 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships is one of 10 NCAA Division I championships taking place in St. Louis this decade. The region previously hosted the Wrestling Championships in 2000, 2004 and 2005; the Women’s Final Four in 2001; the Men’s Final Four in 2005; the Men’s Soccer College Cup in 2006; and the Men’s Frozen Four in 2007. In addition to the 2008 Wrestling Championships, which begin today, the region will also host the Women’s Final Four in 2009.
For more information on the 2009 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships visit NCAA Wrestling Tournament.com

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 1:02 AM | Permalink

TheWrestlingTalk released major update to its community about 2 weeks ago. I waited to detail the update until most of the finishing touches were completed. Check out how TWT is revolutionizing how wrestlers communicate:

Personal Profiles: (Here's Mine) This isn't just a wrestler's Facebook/MySpace. Complete your recruiting profile and get noticed by college coaches, add your highlight video from TWT Videos. If you put yourself on YouTube, you can add those videos to your profile as well.

Social Groups / Free Team Sites: Create your own team site with a forum, ability to add photos, videos, and more. Use the social groups feature to promote a cause (Save X's Wrestling Team, Donate to X's recovery fund) or connect with people who have a niche interest you share.

Free Wrestling Blog: Keep track of your daily workout regimen or keep your fan base up to date on your latest wrestling tournament.

Photo Albums: Wrestling is not your only interest, show off what else you enjoy. An excellent way to get to know your forum mates!

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 7:59 PM | Permalink

Four new national champions crowned in wild U.S. Freestyle Nationals finals; Azevedo pins Cejudo at 55 kg
Gary Abbott USA Wrestling
04/26/2008

LAS VEGAS, NEV. - It was a night for newcomers, as four of the seven winners won a Senior national title for the first time at the 2008 Las Vegas/ASICS U.S. National Freestyle Championships at the Las Vegas Convention Center on Saturday night.

The first four weight classes were captured by first-time winners: Matt Azevedo (Pismo Beach, Calif./Sunkist Kids) at 55 kg/121 lbs., Shawn Bunch (Colorado Springs, Colo./New York AC) at 60 kg/132 lbs., Doug Schwab (Iowa City, Iowa/Gator WC) at 66 kg/145.5 lbs. and Ben Askren (Columbia, Mo./Sunkist Kids) at 74 kg/163 lbs.

Azevedo shocked two-time U.S. Nationals champion and top-seed Henry Cejudo (Colorado Springs, Colo./Sunkist Kids) with a second period pin, 1-0, 0:18. Azevedo won the first period, scoring a takedown from the clinch. Early in the second period, Azevedo blocked a front headlock attempt by Cejudo and caught him on his back, securing the pin. Azevedo was named Outstanding Wrestler based upon his performance.

“I expected to win. I knew I could win a National title and obviously this is just a stepping stone to get to the Olympic team. This is a big goal. This is a big deal for me to be a National champion,� said Azevedo.

Azevedo took advantage of a move by Cejudo which he felt may have been forced.

“I think when you lose the first period it definitely changes your mind frame,� said Azevedo. “You feel like you have to go out and get the guy. A lot of times I feel like that too. I think he maybe tried to force something that wasn’t there.�

Bunch defeated Oklahoma State NCAA champion Coleman Scott (Waynesburg, Pa./Gator WC) in two straight periods, 4-0, 1-0. Bunch scored a three-point front headlock in the first period along with another takedown, and scored the only takedown in the second period.

“I’ve been beating guys all the time. I felt like I didn’t get respect for what I’ve been doing. I can beat all those guys. I think I’m the best in the world and I can win the Olympic gold if I make the team,� said Bunch.

Schwab, who was fifth in the 2007 World Championships, scored a two-period victory over 2006 World Champion Bill Zadick (Colorado Springs, Colo./Gator WC), 1-0, 3-0. Schwab won both periods by scoring takedowns from the clinch. In the first period, Zadick received one point for the takedown, and in the second period, he received three points for the exposure.

“Everybody knows each other so well. I’ve wrestled him. Everybody has wrestled everybody in our weight so many times. It just comes down to the fact that you do it so well it doesn’t even matter,� said Schwab.

Askren won in two straight periods, defeating 2006 World Team Trials runner-up Tyrone Lewis (Stillwater, Okla./Gator WC), 3-0, 3-2. Askren won the first period with a three-point double leg takedown. In the second period, trailing 2-0, Askren scored a two-point exposure and a takedown for the victory.

“You know I had a lot of things I wanted to do this year. I said this year I wanted to be tough. This year is for the Olympics. That’s all I do everyday, my life’s boring, but it paid off,� said Askren.

Previous champions won the next three matches, with Mo Lawal (Colorado Springs, Colo./Gator WC) capturing his third U.S. Nationals title at 84 kg/185 lbs. and 2004 Olympian Daniel Cormier (Stillwater, Okla./Sunkist Kids) winning his sixth career nationals title with a win at 96 kg/211.5 pounds and Tommy Rowlands (Columbus, Ohio/Sunkist Kids) winning his second straight national gold at 120 kg/264.5 pounds.

Lawal defeated 2006 World Team member Andy Hrovat (Ann Arbor, Mich./New York AC), 1-1, 1-0. In the first period, Hrovat scored the first takedown, with Lawal taking the second takedown, winning the period on the tiebreaker of last point scored. In the second period, Lawal had the only takedown.

Cormier was dominant in his 7-0, 2-0 victory over Nik Fekete (Iowa City, Iowa/New York AC). In the first period technical fall, Cormier scored two takedowns for one point, a two-point gutwrench and a three-point front headlock. In the second period, Cormier added two more takedowns.

Lawal and Cormier met in the finals of the 2007 U.S. Nationals, with Cormier winning by 1-0, 1-0. Cormier also beat Lawal in the finals of the World Team Trials. This year, Lawal dropped back to 84 kg/185 lbs. and both were national champions. Both wrestlers attended Oklahoma State and are friends.

In a hotly contested heavyweight finals, Rowlands defeated Steve Mocco (Colorado Springs, Colo./New York AC) , 3-0, 0-2, 1-0. The action was so intense that the wrestlers traded blows at the end of the second period.

Rowlands won the first period with a takedown with exposure from the clinch. Mocco had a takedown and a stepout for points in the second period. The only point in the final round was when Rowlands forced Mocco to step out on a hip toss during a scramble.

By winning the U.S. Nationals, three wrestlers qualified to advance directly to the best-of-three series at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials. There are four criteria that a 2008 National champion must meet in order to skip straight into the final series. They are:
• Top 10 finish at the 2005, 2006 or 2007 Senior World Championships
• 2005 University World Games medalist
• 2005, 2006 or 2007 Junior World medalist
• Multiple-time U.S. World Team member

Based upon these criteria, advancing into the finals series are Schwab, Lawal and Rowlands. The other four champions will enter the Challenge Tournament portion of the tournament.

The top seven placewinners at each weight class qualified to compete at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials in Las Vegas, Nev., June 13-15.

U.S. NATIONAL FREESTYLE WRESTLING CHAMPIONSHIPS
At Las Vegas, Nev., April 26

55 kg/121 lbs.
1st – Matt Azevedo, Pismo Beach, Calif. (Sunkist Kids) pin Henry Cejudo, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Sunkist Kids), 1-0, 0:18
3rd - Danny Felix, Morgantown, W.Va. (Sunkist Kids) dec. Nick Simmons, Williamstown, Mich. (Sunkist Kids), 2-1, 0-2, 3-0
5th - Vic Moreno, Palo Alto, Calif (Gator WC) dec. Grant Nakamura, Ames, Iowa (Sunkist Kids), 5-0,6-2
7th - Adam Smith, State College, Pa. (New York AC) dec. Javier Maldonado, Kissimmee, Fla. (Sunkist Kids), 6-0, 1-0

60 kg/132 lbs.
1st – Shawn Bunch, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Gator WC) dec. Coleman Scott, Waynesburg, Pa. (Gator WC), 4-0, 1-0
3rd - Teyon Ware, Oklahoma City, Okla. (New York AC) dec. Dylan Long, Ames, Iowa (Sunkist Kids), 5-1, 1-0
5th - Michael Lightner, Norman, Okla. (Sunkist Kids) inj. dft. over Zach Roberson, Tempe, Ariz. (Sunkist Kids),
7th - Drew Headlee, Pittsburgh, Pa. (Pittsburgh) dec. Franklin Gomez, Brandon, Fla. (Michigan WC), 3-2, 6-0

66 kg/145.5 lbs.
1st – Doug Schwab, Iowa City, Iowa (Gator WC) dec. Bill Zadick, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Gator WC), 1-0, 3-0
3rd - Jared Frayer, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Gator WC) dec. Chris Bono, Ringold, Ga. (Sunkist Kids), 1-0,5-1
5th - Brent Metcalf, Davison, Mich. (Gator WC) inj. dft. Zack Esposito, Stillwater, OK (Gator Wrestling Club),
7th - Trent Paulson, Ames, Iowa (Sunkist Kids) dec. Eric Larkin, Tempe, Ariz. (Sunkist Kids), 0-1, 1-1, 2-1

74 kg/163 lbs.
1st – Ben Askren, Columbia, Mo. (Sunkist Kids) dec. Tyrone Lewis, Stillwater, Okla. (Gator WC), 3-0, 3-2
3rd - Ryan Churella, Ann Arbor, Mich. (New York AC) dec. Matt Lackey, Champaign, Ill. (New York AC), 5-2, 1-2, 3-0
5th - Ramico Blackmon, Colorado Springs Colo. (New York AC) dec. Travis Paulson, Ames, Iowa (Sunkist Kids), 1-0, 2-0
7th - Eric Luedke, Iowa City, Iowa (Hawkeye WC) dec. Casey Cunningham, Mt. Pleasant, Mich. (Sunkist Kids), 0-6,1-0,3-0

84 kg/185 lbs.
1st – Mo Lawal, Temecula, Calif. (Sunkist Kids) dec. Andy Hrovat, Ann Arbor Mich. (New York AC), 1-1, 1-0
3rd - Bryce Hasseman, Bloomsburg, Pa, (New York AC) inj. dft. Clint Wattenberg, Ithaca, N.Y. (New York Athletic Club),
5th - B J Padden, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Sunkist Kids) inj. dft. Matt Pell, Charlottesville, Va. (Cavalier WC),
7th - Jake Varner, Ames, Iowa (Sunkist Kids) dec. Tyrel Todd, , (New York AC), 2-0,7-1

96 kg/211.5 lbs.
1st – Daniel Cormier, Stillwater, Okla. (Gator Wrestling Club) dec. Nik Fekete, Iowa City Iowa (New York AC), 7-0,2-0
3rd - Willie Parks, Colorado Springs, Colo. (U.S. Army) dec. Kurt Backes, Ames, Iowa (Sunkist Kids), 0-1, 2-0, 1-0
5th - Damion Hahn, Ithaca, N.Y. (New York Athletic Club) dec. Max Askren, Hartland, Wis. (Sunkist Kids), 7-0, 3-0
7th - Nick Preston, Columbus, Ohio (Sunkist Kids) dec. Konrad Dudziak, Bayonne, N.J. (New York AC), 1-0, 3-0

120 kg/264.5 lbs.
1st - Tommy Rowlands, Columbus, Ohio (Sunkist Kids) dec. Steve Mocco, Colorado Springs, Colo. (New York AC), 3-0, 0-2, 1-0
3rd - Tervel Dlagnev, Kearney, Neb. (Sunkist Kids) dec. Tolly Thompson, Waterloo, Iowa (Sunkist Kids), 1-0, 0-1, 3-0
5th - Les Sigman, Lincoln, Neb. (Sunkist Kids) dec. Patrick Cummins, State College Pa. (New York AC), 2-0,2-0
7th - Scott Steele, Baltimore, Md. (Navy Mat Club) dec. Dom Bradley, Columbia, Mo. (Sunkist Kids), 0-1, 1-0, 1-1

Div. I Team champion – Sunkist Kids, 109 pts.
Div. I Team runner-up – New York AC, pts.

Div. II Team champions – Gator WC, 62 pts.

USAW, LSV, and FloWrestling all provided wrestling videos for the event.

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 5:53 PM | Permalink

Hard-charging Schwab advances to freestyle finals at U.S. Nationals
Craig Sesker USA Wrestling
04/26/2008

LAS VEGAS – Doug Schwab proved he belonged on the United States World Team in freestyle wrestling last year.

A surprise winner at the 2007 U.S. World Team Trials in Las Vegas, Schwab placed fifth in his first trip to the World Championships and qualified the United States for the Olympics at 66 kg/145.5 lbs.

But Schwab still has his share of doubters and detractors – many of whom feel Schwab turned in the tournament of his life and couldn’t repeat his feat again this year.

The top-seeded Schwab took a big step toward proving many of them wrong by advancing to the finals of the U.S. Nationals on Saturday afternoon at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

A win over 2006 World champion Bill Zadick in Saturday night’s finals would send Schwab into the best-of-3 finals series at June’s U.S. Olympic Team Trials.

“I’m sure there were a lot of guys here hoping they would draw me, and that’s fine,� Schwab said. “A lot of people just think I had one good tournament. I want to show them I can consistently beat these guys because I know I can.�

Upsets occurred early and often on Saturday morning as No. 1 seeds Casey Cunningham (74 kg/163 lbs.) and Joe Williams (84 kg/185 lbs.) both dropped first-round matches.

Schwab outlasted No. 5 seed Jared Frayer 4-3, 2-3, 1-0 in the semifinals. The third period was scoreless after two minutes and came down to the leg clinch. Schwab won the coin flip and quickly finished with Frayer’s leg to pull out the win.

“He’s a dangerous wrestler and he caught me in the second period with an arm spin,� Schwab said. “I shouldn’t have let it come down to the clinch in the third period. I need to stay on the attack more and not let that happen.�

It will be an interesting battle in the finals, matching a pair of past NCAA wrestling champions for the Iowa Hawkeyes. Zadick, 35, made his second World Team in 2006 and won a World title in Guangzhou, China. Schwab, 30, followed by making his first World Team in 2007 before turning in a top-five finish in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Schwab is coached by Iowa head coach Tom Brands, a past Olympic and World champion. Zadick is coached by U.S. Freestyle Resident Coach Terry Brands, Tom’s twin brother who was a two-time World champion.

“That’s great,� Schwab said when informed Zadick had reached the finals. “It will be a great opportunity for me to wrestle a World champion. Bill’s a tough competitor. I’m looking forward to it.�

Schwab, an assistant coach at the University of Iowa, has made noticeable gains since making the World Team last year. He won a bronze medal at the 2007 Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, before turning in a strong performance at the World Championships.

“I’m so much better than I was last year,� Schwab said. “Obviously, everything I went through after making the World Team made me a much better wrestler. I’m really excited to see what I can do this year. I gained a lot of experience and confidence. I know I can wrestle with anybody right now.�

Unseeded Eric Luedke, a past All-American for the Iowa Hawkeyes, knocked off Cunningham 0-3, 4-4, 4-2 in the opening round. Cunningham placed second at the 2007 U.S. World Team Trials.

The top-seeded Williams, a two-time World bronze medalist, suffered a stunning early loss when he fell to unseeded B.J. Padden in the first round. Padden shot in on a duck-under maneuver and finished with a double-leg takedown with four seconds left to earn the 0-1, 3-0, 2-2 win.

Another early upset occurred at 74 kg/163 lbs. when Ryan Churella knocked off 2006 World bronze medalist and No. 2 seed Donny Pritzlaff in the quarterfinals.

Three other members of the 2007 U.S. World Team reached the finals Saturday. That group includes World bronze medalist Daniel Cormier (96 kg/211.5 lbs.) along with World Team members Henry Cejudo (55 kg/121 lbs.) and Tommy Rowlands (120 kg/264.5 lbs.).

Mike Zadick and Nate Gallick, ranked 1-2 at 60 kg/132 lbs., are not competing this weekend. Zadick wrestled in an Olympic qualification tournament last weekend in Switzerland and Gallick is scheduled to compete in the final Olympic qualifier for freestyle next weekend in Poland.

Gallick needs to place in the top three to qualify the U.S. for the Olympics at 60 kilos.

U.S. NATIONALS FREESTYLE FINALISTS

55 kg/121 lbs. – Henry Cejudo (Sunkist Kids) vs. Matt Azevedo (Sunkist Kids)

60 kg/132 lbs. – Coleman Scott (Gator WC) vs. Shawn Bunch (Gator WC)

66 kg/145.5 lbs. – Doug Schwab (Gator WC) vs. Bill Zadick (Gator WC)

74 kg/163 lbs. – Tyrone Lewis (Gator WC) vs. Ben Askren (Sunkist Kids)

84 kg/185 lbs. – Andy Hrovat (New York AC) vs. Mo Lawal (Sunkist Kids)

96 kg/211.5 lbs. – Daniel Cormier (Gator WC) vs. Nik Fekete (New York AC)

120 kg/264.5 lbs. – Tommy Rowlands (Sunkist Kids) vs. Steve Mocco (New York AC)

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 12:12 AM | Permalink

Miranda, Miller among champions at U.S. Women’s National Championships
Gary Abbott USA Wrestling
04/24/2008

LAS VEGAS, NEV. – With the U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Wrestling just weeks away, the 2008 U.S. Women’s National Championships had special significance Thursday night at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

The champions in the four Olympic weight classes earned a spot in the best-of-three championship series at the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Wrestling at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nev., June 13-15.

Claiming a national title at an Olympic division was 2004 Olympic bronze medalist Patricia Miranda (Colorado Springs, Colo./Sunkist Kids) at 48 kg/105.5 lbs. Miranda defeated 2001 World silver medalist Stephanie Murata (Colorado Springs, Colo./Sunkist Kids) in the championship finals, 6-0, 1-0.

In the first period, Miranda threw Murata for a three-point takedown, turned her and pressed her towards the mat, just missing a fall as time ran out. In the second period, Miranda scored the only takedown for the win. It was Miranda’s seventh career U.S. Nationals title.

“I guess the sentiment is I dare to dream but you always sort of catch yourself when your mind gets too far ahead of where you are in the season,� said Miranda about her victory. “But I have dared to pick up my head and look to Beijing, dream that I can be there, and dream that I can better my bronze medal finish into gold. It’s such a blessing and I really appreciate all the help that’s gone into it.�

Miranda is competing at 48 kg for the first time at the U.S. Nationals since 2004. In 2005, she took a year off to concentrate on her first year at Yale Law School. In 2006 and 2007, she competed up at 51 kg. Miranda dropped down to 48 kg earlier this winter.

The top seven placewinners in the four Olympic weight classes (48 kg, 55 kg, 63 kg, 72 kg) and the top four placewinners in the three non-Olympic weight classes (51 kg, 59 kg, 67 kg) qualify to compete at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials. This is the major qualifying event for the Trials.

In an upset, Randi Miller (Colorado Springs, Colo./Gator WC) defeated 2004 Olympic silver medalist Sara McMann (Gaffney, S.C/Sunkist Kids), 2-1, 4-0. It was Miller’s first U.S. Nationals title. Miller was named Outstanding Wrestler for her victory.

In the first period, Miller broke a 1-1 tie with a takedown late in the period to win. In the second period, Miller controlled the action, with two takedowns and two stepouts to score all four points. Miller had beaten McMann two previous times, but not at an event of this significance.

“Winning and losing, I try to keep that out of my head. I’m going to go out there, I’m fight hard as I can, and I’m going to have fun. That’s just what goes through my head before matches,� said Miller. “To have a win against someone like Sara (McMann) is always going to help. Reminding yourself you can do it will always help you.�

The champions in the two other Olympic weight classes were Marcie Van Dusen (Colorado Springs, Colo./Sunkist Kids) at 55 kg/121 lbs. and Ali Bernard (New Ulm, Minn./Gator WC) at 72 kg/158.5 lbs.

Van Dusen defeated 2003 World bronze medalist Jenny Wong (Gaffney, S.C./Sunkist Kids) in the finals, It was her second U.S. Nationals title in a row.

Wong won the first period, scoring a takedown from the clinch. In the second period, Van Dusen scored a pair of takedowns in the second period to knot up the match. In the deciding third period, Van Dusen scored four takedowns and a two-point exposure for the technical fall.

Bernard defeated two-time World bronze medalist Katie Downing (Colorado Springs, Colo./Sunkist Kids), 0-1, 2-2, 1-0. It was Bernard’s second career national title. Downing won the first period, defending against the leg clinch. The second period went to Bernard on a two-point takedown. The deciding third period was won on the leg clinch, with Bernard scoring the takedown.

Both finalists defeated past World champions in the semifinals. Downing defeated two-time World champion Kristie Marano (Colorado Springs, Colo./New York AC) and Bernard stopped 2005 World champion Iris Smith (Colorado Springs, Colo./U.S. Army). Smith defeated Marano in the bronze medal match.

None of the champions at the non-Olympic weight classes have previously won a U.S. Senior Nationals title. Capturing their first national crowns were Jessica Medina (Pomona, Calif./New York AC) at 51 kg/112.25 pounds, Erin Tomeo (Colorado Springs, Colo./Sunkist Kids at 59 kg/130 lbs. and Stefenie Shaw (Waterford, Conn./New York AC) at 67 kg/147.5 lbs.

Medina defeated high school star Helen Maroulis (Rockville, Md./New York AC), 3-0, 3-0 in the finals. Medina won the first period with a three-point takedown from the clinch, and scored the only takedowns in the second period.

Tomeo pinned Othella Lucas (San Diego, Calif./New York AC) late in the second period. Tomeo won the first period with two takedowns. The second period was wide open, with both wrestlers putting their opponents into danger. The period was back and forth, with the score tied at 3-3, 5-5 and 6-6 before Tomeo turned and pinned Lucas with eight seconds left on the clock.

Shaw defeated Sara Hilliard (Lawrence, Kansas/OCU Stars) in the finals, 2-0, 6-0. She scored two first-period takedowns, and was able to open up the offense during the second period with a number of gut wrench exposures.

The Fulp-Allen sisters, Sara at 48 kg/105.5 pounds and Katherine at 51 kg/112.25 lbs., both won bronze medals at their weight classes.

There is one more qualifying event for women wrestlers for the U.S. Olympic Team Trials, the Northern Plains Olympic Regional Trials in Waterloo, Iowa, May 8-10. The champions at each weight class at that event qualify for the Olympic Team Trials.

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 6:51 PM | Permalink

Fortune claims third straight title at Asics Western Junior Greco-Roman Regional
Elizabeth Wiley USA Wrestling
04/23/2008

Tyrell Fortune of Oregon took home his third straight Greco-Roman title at the 2008 Western Junior Regional Greco-Roman Championships April 23 in Las Vegas and was named Outstanding Wrestler for the tournament.

Fortune, who was a double champion at the 2007 Western Junior Regional, scored a technical fall over Dustin Meloche of Florida in the finals at 215, 8-0, 5-0.

Eric Starks of Washington and Ryland Geiger of Oregon were the only other repeat champions from 2007. Starks earned at technical fall at 171 over Cole Shafer of Utah, 7-0, 7-0. Geiger beat Clete Hanson of Washington, 1-1, 2-1, 7-0.

In the 112 pound finals, Ryan Mango of Missouri defeated Efrain Aguilar III of Washington 5-0, 7-0 to earn his second medal of the day. Mango lost to 2007 Junior World Team member Tyler Cox of Wyoming in the FILA Junior Nationals at 50 kg/110 lbs. Mango was a 2008 FILA Cadet National champion.

Washington had the most winners for any state, with three wrestlers claiming titles. In addition to Starks, Patrick Mucha beat Paul Garze of Arizona at 119 and Brian Owen pinned Ian Paddock of New York 49 seconds into the second period at 130.

Three states had two gold medalists, Missouri, Oregon, and Wisconsin. Missouri took back to back weight classes with Mango at 112 and Justin Forrest defeating Kyle Komata at 125. For Wisconsin, Cole Schmitt earned at technical fall over John Thompson of Washington at 140 and Kalvin York beat Derek St. John at 152. Geiger combined with Fortune for Oregon’s two titles.

At 98 pounds Carson Kuhn of Utah earned at technical fall against Chris Bostic of Arizona, 6-0, 6-0. One weight up, Ryak Finch of Arizona placed first with a technical fall over Steven Romero of Washington at 105, 7-0, 8-0.

Matt McDonough pinned fellow Iowan Marshall Koethe at 135, in the only final that featured two wrestlers from one state.

Joseph Cozart of Florida topped Eric Jones of Washington at 145, Tyler Koehn of Kansas beat Clarence Neely of Missouri at 160, and Toby Erickson of Montana earned a technical fall over Harrison Ford of Illinois to round out the champions.

Of the other returning champion, three placed. Eric Jones of Washington was second at 145, Reid Chivers of Washington came in third at 189, and Kade Moss of Utah placed sixth at 125.

WESTERN JUNIOR GRECO-ROMAN REGIONALS
At Las Vegas, Nev., April 23

98 lbs.
1st - Carson Kuhn (Utah) tech. fall Chris Bostic (Arizona) 6-0, 6-0
3rd - Nicholas Clobes (Minnesota) dec. Jacoby Bergeron (Minnesota) 7-0, 0-3, 1-1
5th - Max Mejia (Arizona) dec. Anthony Castano (New York) 7-1, 6-1

105 lbs.
1st - Ryak Finch (Arizona) tech. fall Steven Romero (Washington) 7-0, 8-0
3rd - Drew Van Anrooy (Oregon) dec. Courtland Hacker (Colorado) Dec 3-0, 3-1
5th - Jacob Falk (Utah) dec. Bo Bettinson (Nevada) Dec 2-1, 6-0

112 lbs.
1st - Ryan Mango (Missouri) dec. Efrain Aguilar Iii (Washington) 5-0, 7-0
3rd - Tyler Cox (Wyoming) dec. Steven Keith (New York) 0-6, 7-3, 10-2
5th - Tony Pena (Colorado) dec. Zach Holland (Washington) 6-0, 3-3

119 lbs.
1st - Patrick Mucha (Washington) dec. Paul Garza (Arizona) 9-0, 3-3, 5-1
3rd - Cody Lensing (Minnesota) dec. Scott Filbert (Arizona) 9-2, 3-1
5th - Kenny Sanders (Washington) inj. dft. Isaac Romero (Washington)

125 lbs.
1st - Justin Forrest (Missouri) dec. Kyle Komata (Washington) 5-2, 7-5
3rd - Justin Lavalle (Minnesota) tech. fall Thomas Kelliher (Minnesota) 6-0, 7-0
5th - Luke Goettl (Arizona) tech. fall Kade Moss (Utah) 7-0, 6-0

130 lbs.
1st - Brian Owen (Washington) pin Ian Paddock (New York) 4-1, 0:49
3rd - Jacob Kaufman (Oregon) dec. Devon Bonds (Minnesota) 4-2, 8-0
5th - Nicholas Harris (Nevada) dec. Tanner Beaman (Montana) 2-1, 2-1

135 lbs.
1st - Matt McDoonough (Iowa) pin Marshall Koethe (Iowa) Pin 6-0, 1:01
3rd - Josh Kindig (Pennsylvania) dec. Kyle Bradley (Missouri) 4-3, 6-3
5th - Luke Vaith (Minnesota) inj. dft. Eric Luna (Oregon)

140 lbs.
1st - Cole Schmitt (Wisconsin) tech. fall John Thompson (Washington) 6-0, 8-0
3rd - Shane Strumwasser (New York) dec. Patrick Smith (Minnesota) 5-0, 5-0
5th - Sam Mecham (Oregon) dec. Robert Pickrell (Colorado) 3-0, 3-0

145 lbs.
1st - Joseph Cozart (Florida) dec. Eric Jones (Washington) 4-1, 9-2
3rd - Derek Garcia (Washington) dec. Jared Hatley (Wyoming) 0-7, 5-2, 7-3
5th - Terrance Williams (Oregon) inj. dft. Tyler Sheridan (California)

152 lbs.
1st - Kalvin York (Wisconsin) dec. Derek St John (Iowa) 4-2, 3-1
3rd - Brad Sweet (Washington) pin Abner Cook (Idaho) 1:01
5th - Joey Chandler (Oregon) inj. dft. Matt Cartusciello (New York)

160 lbs.
1st - Tyler Koehn (Kansas) dec. Clarence Neely (Missouri) 3-0, 4-0
3rd - Justin Martin (Oregon) dec. Randy Larson (Oregon) 0-7, 6-5, 5-2
5th - Steve Harvey (Washington) pin Chris Sweet (Washington) 3-2, 0:56

171 lbs.
1st - Eric Starks (Washington) tech. fall Cole Shafer (Utah) 7-0, 7-0
3rd - Ethen Lofthouse (Utah) dec. Jake Swartz (Washington) 1-1, 1-1, 6-0
5th - Ben Bennett (Michigan) dec. Raymond Pina (Arizona) 3-0, 3-0

189 lbs.
1st - Ryland Geiger (Oregon) dec. Clete Hanson (Washington) 1-1, 2-1, 7-0
3rd - Reid Chivers (Washington) tech. fall Morgan Mcintosh (California) 6-0, 7-4
5th - Robert Prigmore (Texas) dec. Zach Folden (Washington) 4-0, 1-1

215 lbs.
1st - Tyrell Fortune (Oregon) tech. fall Dustin Meloche (Florida) 8-0, 5-0
3rd - Jake Kahnke (Minnesota) dec. William Knowles (California) 2-2, 3-0
5th - Adam Fager (Utah) dec. Trevor Rupp (Idaho) 4-1, 1-1, 2-1

285 lbs.
1st - Toby Erickson (Montana) tech. fall Harrison Ford (Illinois) 7-0, 6-0
3rd - Jacob Mitchell (Oregon) pin Jacob Kettler (Minnesota) 1-3, 0:39
5th - Parker Betts (Minnesota) Dec. Trevor Harvey (California) 1-5, 1-1, 1-1

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 6:16 PM | Permalink

U.S. Nationals video coverage on Live Sports Video
Gary Abbott USA Wrestling
04/23/2008

Wrestling fans will be able to watch many of the exciting matches from the Las Vegas/ASICS U.S. National Wrestling Championships in Las Vegas, Nev. this week.

The entire gold-medal finals of the U.S. Women’s National Championships will be webcast live on LiveSportsVideo.com on Thursday, April 24, starting at 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time.

The finals of men’s freestyle and Greco-Roman will be broadcast on a taped-delayed basis on ESPNU. As part of the broadcast agreement with ESPN, there will be no webcast of the men’s finals.

Flowrestling

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 4:47 AM | Permalink

U.S. Freestyle National Championships seeded wrestlers
USA Wrestling
04/22/2008

U.S. Freestyle National Championships seeded wrestlers

55 KG/121 LBS.
1. Henry Cejudo, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Sunkist Kids)
2. Vic Moreno, Stanford, Calif. (Gator WC)
3. Matt Azevedo, Arroyo Grande, Calif. (Sunkist Kids)
4. Nick Simmons, Corvallis, Ore. (Sunkist Kids)
5. Danny Felix, Morgantown, W.Va. (Sunkist Kids)
6. Adam Smith, Newport, Pa. (New York AC)
7. Rollie Peterkin, Wellesley, Mass. (Sunkist Kids)
8. Grant Nakamura, Branson, Mo. (Sunkist Kids)

60 KG/132 LBS.
1. Mike Zadick, Solon, Iowa (Gator WC)
2. Angel Cejudo, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Sunkist Kids)
3. Zach Roberson, Tempe, Ariz. (Sunkist Kids)
4. Michael Lightner, Norman, Okla. (Sunkist Kids)
5. Shawn Bunch, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Gator WC)
6. Teyon Ware, Norman, Okla. (New York AC)
7. Coleman Scott, Stillwater, Okla. (Gator WC)
8. Darrell Vasquez, Cambridge, Mass. (New York AC)

66 KG/145.5 LBS.
1. Doug Schwab, Iowa City, Iowa (Gator WC)
2. Trent Paulson, Ames, Iowa (Sunkist Kids)
3. Chris Bono, Ringgold, Ga. (Sunkist Kids)
4. Zack Esposito, Stillwater, Okla. (Gator WC)
5. Jared Frayer, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Gator WC)
6. Cary Kolat, Baltimore, Md. (Sunkist Kids)
7. Bill Zadick, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Gator WC)
8. Joe Johnston, Iowa City, Iowa (Hawkeye WC)

74 KG/163 LBS.
1. Casey Cunningham, Mt. Pleasant, Mich. (Sunkist Kids)
2. Donny Pritzlaff, Madison, Wis. (New York AC)
3. Ben Askren, Columbia, Mo. (Sunkist Kids)
4. Tyrone Lewis, Stillwater, Okla. (Gator WC)
5. Travis Paulson, Ames, Iowa (Sunkist Kids)
6. Ramico Blackman, Colorado Springs, Colo. (New York AC)
7. Ryan Churella, Ann Arbor, Mich. (New York AC)
8. Matt Lackey, Champaign, Ill. (New York AC)

84 KG/185 LBS.
1. Joe Williams, Belvidere, Ill. (Sunkist Kids)
2. Mo Lawal, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Gator WC)
3. Jake Herbert, Wexford, Pa. (New York AC)
4. Andy Hrovat, Ann Arbor, Mich. (New York AC)
5. Chris Pendleton, Stillwater, Okla. (Gator WC)
6. Bryce Hasseman, Bloomsburg, Pa. (New York AC)
7. Clint Wattenberg, Ithaca, N.Y. (New York AC)
8. Lee Fullhart, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Gator WC)

96 KG/211.5 LBS.
1. Daniel Cormier, Stillwater, Okla. (Gator WC)
2. Damion Hahn, Ithaca, N.Y. (New York AC)
3. Sean Stender, Cedar Falls, Iowa (Sunkist Kids)
4. Kyle Cerminara, Colorado Springs, Colo. (New York AC)
5. Kurt Backes, Ames, Iowa (Sunkist Kids)
6. Nik Fekete, Coralville, Iowa (New York AC)
7. Israel Silva, Chattanooga, Tenn. (Sunkist Kids)
8. Willie Parks, Colorado Springs, Colo. (U.S. Army)

120 KG/264.5 LBS.
1. Tommy Rowlands, Columbus, Ohio (Sunkist Kids)
2. Steve Mocco, N. Bergen, N.J. (New York AC)
3. Les Sigman, Omaha, Neb. (Sunkist Kids)
4. Pat Cummins, Blacksburg, Va. (New York AC)
5. Tolly Thompson, Cedar Falls, Iowa (Sunkist Kids)
6. Tervel Dlagnev, Arlington, Texas (Loper WC)
7. Mike Faust, Coralville, Iowa (Gator WC)
8. John Laboranti, Scranton, Pa. (Penn State WC)

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 2:14 PM | Permalink

The University of Northern Iowa wrestling team wrapped up the 2007-08 season with its annual awards banquet on Sat., April 19, in the McLeod Center’s Alumni Suite.

UNI finished the season with a dual mark of 7-5-1 and qualified nine wrestlers for the NCAA Championships. The Panthers also captured the Western Wrestling Conference dual and tournament championships. UNI was a perfect 4-0 in league dual action for the second consecutive season. The Panthers then finished off the WWC season by winning the NCAA West Regional/WWC title. The regional win marked the 23rd straight regional crown for the Panthers.

The Panthers then placed 20th in the nation at the 2008 NCAA Division I NCAA Wrestling Championships held March 20-22 in the Scottrade Center in St. Louis. UNI’s Moza Fay led the way with a 5th-place finish in the 165-pound weight class.

Junior Moza Fay (Anamosa, Iowa) was named the Most Valuable Wrestler at the banquet. It marks the second straight season Fay has earned the Panthers’ MVW award after sharing it last year with Nick Baima. Fay posted an overall record of 25-8 and led the squad with 11 falls. He was also named the WWC’s Wrestler of the Year for 2007-08.

Senior Alex Dolly (Mishawaka, Ind.) was given the Chuck Patten Award, which is based on leadership. Dolly reached the Round of 12 at the 2008 NCAA Championships and came within one victory of All-America status. Dolly also reached the Round of 12 at the 2005 NCAA Championships. He was a three-time national qualifier and posted 60 career wins for the Panthers.

Junior Andrew Anderson earned the Lyle E. Schwarzenbach Award. The award recognizes an individual who exhibits the highest standards in citizenship, academics, practice and dedication. Anderson qualified for the NCAA Championships for the third straight season and posted a record of 21-11 in 2007-08. Anderson holds a 3.29 grade point average while majoring in business management.

Redshirt freshman Dustin Bauman (Stratford, Wis.) was awarded the McCready/Steffensmeier Award for leadership. Bauman was a third-team all-WWC selection and earned 13 wins this season for the Panthers at heavyweight.

Senior Danny Dunning (Waterloo, Iowa) was given the Most Courageous Award. Dunning tallied an 8-5 mark in 2007-08, while dealing the sudden death of his father, Walt.

Sophomore Tyson Reiner (Mitchell, S.D.) garnered the Most Improved Award. Reiner qualified for the NCAA Championships and captured a win over Michigan’s Jeff Marsh, 5-2. Reiner missed the first part of the 2007-08 season with a broken bone in his hand, but bounced back to win the 157-pound West Regional title. Reiner was a first-team all-WWC pick this season.

Freshman Nick Pickerell (Albia, Iowa) tallied the Rookie Award at the banquet. Pickerell was also named the WWC Freshman of the Year after tallying a 21-9 overall record. Pickerell earned a trip to the NCAA Championships after winning the 149-pound title at the NCAA West Regional. Pickerell was also a first-team all-WWC pick.

True freshman Christian Brantley (Homewood, Ill.) was given the Redshirt Award.

UNI's four seniors were also recognized by head coach Brad Penrith and the rest of the UNI coaching staff.

UNI's 2007-08 Senior Class
Alex Dolly (Mishawaka, Ind.)
Danny Dunning (Waterloo, Iowa)
C.J. Ettelson (Hudson, Iowa)
Justin Swafford (Mediapolis, Iowa)

2007-08 Award Winners
Redshirt Award – Christian Brantley
Rookie Award – Nick Pickerell
Most Improved Award – Tyson Reiner
Most Courageous Award – Danny Dunning
McCready/Steffensmeier Award – Dustin Bauman
Lyle E. Schwarzenbach Award – Andrew Anderson
Chuck Patten Award – Alex Dolly
Most Valuable Wrestler Award – Moza Fay

NOTE: Mike Mixsell served as the emcee for the event - the 26th consecutive year he has served in that capacity.

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 3:21 PM | Permalink

Former UFC light heavyweight champion Chuck Liddell has been taken off of the card for UFC 85 scheduled to take place in London on June 7, MMARated.com is reporting.

The UFC has yet to issue an official statement.

Liddell had been scheduled to fight Rashad Evans. Evans is also expected to be removed from the card with the bout against Liddell likely to be re-scheduled for later in the summer.

Liddell had originally been scheduled to fight Mauricio “Shogun� Rua on the card, but Evans was tapped as a replacement after Rua was forced to bow out after aggravating a knee injury.

There is no word if a replacement main event will be added to the UFC 85 lineup. A heavyweight title between Brandon Vera and Fabricio Werdum is currently the highest profile match that’s still scheduled.

According to the Wrestling Observer, the event, scheduled for the O2 Arena, has sold over 10,000 tickets, making it very unlikely that the event will be re-scheduled entirely.

It will be interesting to see if the show remains scheduled for pay-per-view, as drawing a strong buyrate could be difficult without a legitimate main event. UFC 85 will also be taking place just two weeks after UFC 84, which already an obstacle in regards to drawing a strong buyrate.

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 11:57 PM | Permalink

Matt Lindland fighting in Oregon politics
Submitted by:Keith Mills
Posted on : 4/17/2008

Matt Lindland has accomplished more in his lifetime than most. Not only himself a vet of UFC and an Olympic silver medalist Matt also owns Team Quest and the Sport Fight promotion. Now Matt has dropped the wrestling shoes and added to that resume Republican Party candidate for Oregon State Representative in House District 52.

ADCC News does not endorse any candidate or take part in politics of any community. This is meant as reporting on the activities of one of MMA’s most accomplished competitors. In the archives are multiple updates with Matt throughout his career.

The seat for which Matt is running is currently held by Rep. Patti Smith who is stepping down at the end of the current term. Matt and fellow Republican challenger Phyllis Thiemann will face off in the May primary with the winner going on to the general election to fill the seat. Although images of Matt squaring off in a MMA cage against Phyllis or the Oregon House of Representatives itself is an amusing one Matt’s webpage MattforOregon.com focuses on his role as businessman in the community while citing high taxes especially on small businesses as a primary platform. Outside of District 52 Matt is actually keeping a low profile about running and isn’t using for instance this weekend’s Sport Fight show on HDNet to project any message.

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 9:10 PM | Permalink

Zadick loses to World champion in second round of Olympic Qualifying Tournament, fails to place
Craig Sesker USA Wrestling
04/19/2008

MARTINGY, Switzerland – The United States freestyle wrestling team is down to its last chance to qualify for the Olympics at 60 kg/132 lbs.

2006 World gold medalist Seyed Morad Mohammadi of Iran defeated 2006 World silver medalist Mike Zadick of the U.S. 1-0, 0-1, 1-0 in the second round of the Freestyle Olympic Qualifying Tournament on Saturday.

Zadick was eliminated when 2004 Olympic gold medalist Yandro Quintana of Cuba swept Mohammadi 6-0, 2-0 in the quarterfinal round.

This is the second-to-last Olympic Qualifying Tournament in freestyle. The final qualifier is set for May 3-4 in Poznan, Poland. The top three finishers in each weight class at that qualifier will qualify their countries for the Olympics.

The U.S. has qualified in the other six freestyle weight classes for the Olympics, set for Aug. 12-21 in Beijing, China.

“We are really in a pressure situation now,� U.S. National Coach Kevin Jackson said.

Zadick (Solon, Iowa/Gator WC) needed to place in the top four in Switzerland to qualify the U.S. for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China. There were 28 wrestlers entered at 60 kilos.

Zadick swept Themis Iakovidis of Greece 7-4, 4-0 in the first round.

In the second-round match with Mohammadi, a rematch of the 2006 World finals, Zadick dropped the first period 1-0 when Mohammadi scored on a single-leg takedown. Zadick spun behind Mohammadi in the second period for a takedown to win the period 1-0.

The third period was scoreless after two minutes and went to the clinch. Jackson said Zadick refused to let the Iranian clinch his leg and lost on a caution call to decide the match.

“Mike did not get off enough scoring attempts in the periods we lost,� Jackson said. “We cannot afford for periods to be determined by the clinch.�

The U.S. has qualified 14 of 18 weight classes overall for the Olympics. The U.S. has qualified in five of the seven classes in Greco-Roman and three of the four classes in women’s freestyle. Two qualifiers remain in Greco-Roman and women’s freestyle.

The U.S. still needs to qualify for the Olympics in Greco-Roman at 60 kg/132 lbs. and 74 kg/163 lbs. The women still need to qualify at 55 kg/121 lbs.

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 7:11 PM | Permalink

2008 U.S. Freestyle National Championships preview
Craig Sesker USA Wrestling
04/18/2008

The United States placed fourth in the team race at the 2007 World Championships, but the U.S. won only one medal.

Veteran Daniel Cormier (211.5 lbs.) broke through to win his first career World medal after he placed third at the 2007 Worlds.

The U.S. also had fifth-place finishers in the Worlds in Doug Schwab (145.5), Joe Heskett (163), Joe Williams (185) and Tommy Rowlands (264.5).

Heskett retired shortly after the Worlds because of a heart condition, but all the other wrestlers are back looking to build on the performances they had in 2007.

Cormier and Williams both wrestled at the 2004 Olympics. Cormier placed fourth and Williams finished fifth in Athens.

As usual, there are a number of top contenders in each of the seven weight classes in freestyle. It will be interesting to see how it shakes out this year as we move toward the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China.

55 KG/121 LBS.

Henry Cejudo made his first U.S. World Team in 2007, but lost in the first round at the World Championships.

Cejudo has come back strong this year, beating 2007 World bronze medalist Andy Moreno of Cuba to win the 2008 Pan American Championships.

Cejudo may have his hands full with 2004 Olympic silver medalist Stephen Abas back wrestling this year. Abas has been sidelined by knee injuries the past two years, but is back now competing. Abas placed third at the 2008 Dave Schultz Memorial International and recently won the Olympic Trials qualifier in Washington.

It’s more than just a two-horse race at 121.

Vic Moreno has emerged as a top contender here and has looked very strong while receiving a taste of international competition. Moreno placed third in the Ivan Yarygin Grand Prix earlier this year.

Matt Azevedo, who placed second to Cejudo in the 2007 World Team Trials, also is a threat to make a big splash here.

Nick Simmons also can’t be overlooked. Simmons lost a close, three-period battle to Cejudo in the finals of the U.S. Nationals last year.

Veteran Danny Felix came back and won the Sunkist Kids International Open earlier this year.

Past World champion and Olympic silver medalist Sammie Henson is another wrestler who could make a comeback here. Henson won a bronze medal at the 2006 World Championships, but wrestled only one match in 2007. If he does return, he will be a contender for the title.

60 KG/132 LBS.

2006 World silver medalist Mike Zadick made the World Team again in 2007, but lost in the first round and was eliminated.

The U.S. was still looking to qualify this weight class for the Olympics. Zadick was scheduled to compete at an Olympic qualifier on April 19 in Switzerland.

Nate Gallick, who beat Zadick in the finals of the 2007 U.S. Nationals, is a top contender in this division. Gallick is a past World University Games champion. Gallick lost to Zadick in a Special Wrestle-Off for a spot on the 2007 U.S. World Team.

Zach Roberson, third in the 2007 World Team Trials, is another wrestler who could make an impact in this class. Shawn Bunch, one of the most explosive wrestlers in the U.S. in any class, is a dangerous wrestler.

Angel Cejudo also is very talented. Cejudo won the Dave Schultz Memorial International earlier this year. 2005 World Team member Michael Lightner also could be in the mix as well as two-time NCAA champion Teyon Ware.

66 KG/145.5 LBS.

This typically is one of the deepest – and most wide-open weight classes – in this country. And this year is no exception.

Doug Schwab made his first World Team last year and finished fifth at the 2007 World Championships. Bill Zadick, slowed by injuries last year, is back now and hoping to regain the form of 2006 when he won a World title.

Trent Paulson has been one of the biggest surprises in this weight class. Paulson dropped down a weight class before winning the Dave Schultz Memorial International and the Kiev International this year.

Also expected to be in the mix is 2007 U.S. Nationals champion Chris Bono, who was second at the World Team Trials last year.

Zack Esposito and Jared Frayer also are contenders to win the title along with Eric Larkin and Jared Lawrence.

Past World medalist and Olympian Cary Kolat is back wrestling again. Kolat won the Sunkist Kids International Open last fall.

74 KG/163 LBS.

With 2007 World Team member Joe Heskett retired after he was diagnosed with a heart condition, this weight class also is virtually up for grabs in 2008.

Casey Cunningham placed second at the 2007 World Team Trials and will be the No. 1 seed at the U.S. Nationals.

Ben Askren, the two-time Hodge Trophy winner from Missouri, has made a quick transition to freestyle. Askren won a tournament in Canada before winning the New York AC International and placing third at the Kiev International.

2006 World bronze medalist Donny Pritlzaff, who lost to Askren in the New York AC event, is another threat to win the title. Tyrone Lewis, who lost to Pritzlaff in the finals of the 2006 World Team Trials, won the Sunkist Kids event earlier this season.

Travis Paulson also has wrestled well. He beat Askren at the Sunkist Kids tournament before losing to Lewis in the finals. He also took third in the Alexander Medved International.

Ramico Blackmon, third at the 2007 World Team Trials, also is capable of winning this division.

84 KG/185 LBS.

Veteran Joe Williams moved up a weight class last year before placing fifth at the 2007 Worlds.

Williams will receive a challenge from 2005 World Team member Mo Lawal, who has moved back down to 185 this season. Lawal moved up a class last year and placed second at the World Team Trials at 211.5 pounds.

2007 NCAA champion Jake Herbert of Northwestern has looked very strong during his Olympic redshirt year. Herbert won the Dave Schultz Memorial International.

2006 World Team member Andy Hrovat also could be a factor in this weight class along with past National Team member Chris Pendleton.

Veteran Lee Fullhart, a past Olympic Team Trials and World Team Trials runner-up, is another experienced wrestler in this division.

Clint Wattenberg is another wrestler who could be a factor. He was second at the 2006 World Team Trials and third in the event last year.

96 KG/211.5 LBS.

Daniel Cormier is looking to build on a strong 2007 when he won his first World-level medal. Cormier won a bronze medal at the 2007 Worlds.

Cormier is heavily favored to make his second straight Olympic Team in 2008.

Among the wrestlers looking to knock off Cormier are Damion Hahn, Sean Stender, Nik Fekete, Kyle Cerminara, Kurt Backes and Willie Parks.

Hahn, a two-time NCAA champion for Minnesota, placed third at the 2007 World Team Trials.

120 KG/264.5 LBS.

Tommy Rowlands broke through to make his first World Team in 2007. Rowlands placed fifth at the World Championships.

Rowlands is off to a strong start this year. He knocked off past World champion Alexis Rodriguez of Cuba en route to winning the 2008 Dave Schultz Memorial International.

Steve Mocco, second in the World Team Trials the past three years, is looking to finally make his first World-level team this year. The two-time NCAA champion has looked strong this season. Mocco already has won four tournaments this season.

2005 World bronze medalist Tolly Thompson, a World Team member in 2005 and 2006, also could be a factor here. Thompson was slowed by injuries in 2007, but is back healthy now.

Les Sigman, fourth in the 2007 World Team Trials, continues to gain international experience and make improvement. Sigman was second at the Sunkist Kids and New York AC events this season.

Pat Cummins could be in the mix as well. He was third at the 2007 Trials.

Tervel Dlagnev, fourth at the 2007 U.S. Nationals, is another top young heavyweight to watch. Dlagnev recently won his second NCAA Division II title while leading Nebraska-Kearney to the team title.

Cole Konrad, second at the 2007 U.S. Nationals, could be in the mix as well. Konrad has wrestled both freestyle and Greco-Roman this season.

2007 U.S. FREESTYLE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS RESULTS

55 kg/121 lbs.
1st – Henry Cejudo, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Sunkist Kids) dec. Nick Simmons, Williamston, Mich. (Sunkist Kids), 4-4, 4-3, 5-0
3rd - Vic Moreno, Palo Alto, Calif. (Gator WC) dec. Matt Azevedo, Pismo Beach, Calif. (Sunkist Kids), 1-0,1-0
5th - Adam Smith, Colorado Springs Co, Pa. (NYAC) dec. Michael Martinez, Pagosa Springs Colo. (Cowboy WC), 4-1, 1-0
7th - Grant Nakamura, Ames, Iowa (Sunkist Kids) dec. Jess Zobeck, Elma, Iowa (USOTC), 0-6, 6-3, 4-3

60 kg/132 lbs.
1st – Nate Gallick, Ames, Iowa (Sunkist Kids) dec. Mike Zadick, Solon, Iowa (Gator WC), 0-1., 3-0, 2-0
3rd - Shawn Bunch, Leavenworth, Kan. (Gator WC) dec. Zach Roberson, Ames, Iowa (Sunkist Kids), 2-1,0-1,1-0
5th - Chris Fleeger, Ithaca, N.Y. (New York AC) dec. Danny Felix, Morgantown, W.Va. (Sunkist Kids), 1-0,0-1,2-0
7th - Eric Metzler, Evanston, Ill. (Wildcat WC) dec. Joey Rivera, Stroudsburg, Pa. (Warrior WC), 3-2,2-2

66 kg/145.5 lbs.
1st – Chris Bono, Ringgold, Ga. (Sunkist Kids) dec. Jared Frayer, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Gator WC), 2-6, 3-1, 1-0.
3rd - Zack Esposito, Stillwater, Okla. (Gator WC) inj. dft. Cary Kolat, Hampstead, Md. (unattched),
5th - Jared Lawrence, Sand Point, Idaho (Minnesota Storm) inj. dft. Eric Larkin, Tempe, Ariz. (Sunkist Kids),
7th - Doug Schwab, Iowa City, Iowa (Gator Wrestling Club) inj. dft. Jesse Jantzen, New York, N.Y. (New York)

74 kg/163 lbs.
1st – Joe Heskett, Columbus, Ohio (Gator WC) dec. Casey Cunningham, Mt. Pleasant, Mich. (Sunkist Kids), 1-6, 4-0, 2-1
3rd - Donny Pritzlaff, Madison, Wis. (NYAC) dec. Ramico Blackmon, Colorado Springs Colo. (New York CA), 0-6,3-0,1-0
5th - Scott Owen, Annapolis, Md. (NYAC) inj. dft. Ben Askren, Columbia, Mo. (Sunkist Kids)
7th - Tyrone Lewis, Oklahoma City OK, Okla. (Gator Wrestling Club) pin Trent Paulson, Ames, Iowa (Sunkist Kids), 0:23

84 kg/185 lbs.
1st – Joe Williams, Dekalb, Ill. (Sunkist Kids) dec. Lee Fullhart, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Gator WC), 0-1, 1-0, 1-0
3rd - Andy Hrovat, Ann Arbor, Mich. (New York AC) dec. Chris Pendleton, Stillwater, Okla. (Gator WC), 6-0, 7-4
5th - Tyrel Todd, Bozeman, Mont. (New York AC) dec. Tony Gansen, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Sunkist Kids), 5-4, 5-2
7th - Bryce Hasseman, Colorado Springs, Colo. (New York AC) dec. Jake Varner, Ames, Iowa (Sunkist Kids), 1-0, 3-0

96 kg/211.5 lbs.
1st – Daniel Cormier, Stillwater, Okla. (Gator WC) dec. Mo Lawal, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Gator WC), 1-0, 1-0
3rd - Kyle Cerminara, Colorado Springs, Colo. (New York AC) dec. Dawid Rechul, Colorado Springs, Colo. (New York AC), 1-0, 0-1, 1-0
5th - Kurt Backes, Ames, Iowa (Sunkist Kids) dec. Sean Stender, Cedar Falls, Iowa (Sunkist Kids), 1-3, 3-0, 1-1
7th - Damion Hahn, Ithaca, N.Y. (New York AC) dec. Mike Tamillow, Evanston, Ill. (Wildcat WC), 4-2, 3-0

120 kg/264.5 lbs.
1st – Tommy Rowlands, Columbus, Ohio (Sunkist Kids) dec. Cole Konrad, Freedom, Wis. (Minnesota Storm), 3-2, 1-0
3rd - Steve Mocco, Stillwater, Okla. (New York) dec. Tervel Dlagnev, Arlington, Texas (Loper WC), 3-0, 3-0
5th - Michael Irving, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Gator WC) inj. dft. Tolly Thompson, Cedar Falls, Iowa (Sunkist Kids)
7th - Pat Cummins, Evanston., Ill. (New York AC) tech. fall Greg Wagner, Ann Arbor, Mich. (New York AC), 8-2, 6-0

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 11:45 PM | Permalink

A thread over at TheWrestlingTalk provoked this post, feel free to head over there and respond to this:

For those of you who have already cast your vote in the Hottest Poster poll, here's your chance to weigh in on
something wrestling-related...

Who are the top five greatest US college wrestlers of all time? (I'm thinking "all-time = since 1928" when the NCAA championships first appeared, but if you are moved to include someone from, say, 1911, rock on.)

All I ask is... that you make your list based solely on COLLEGE WRESTLING careers. I do NOT want you to put someone on the list because of his Olympic gold medals, brilliant coaching legacy, stellar NFL career, kick-ass performance in MMA, being a badass in WWE, his humanitarian work alongside Mother Teresa, or any other non-college wrestling factors.

You can respond here..

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 5:07 PM | Permalink

College Wrestling Coaches 2008 Salaries Database

Enter a name or choose a division to the left to view head college wrestling coaches fiscal 2008 base salaries.

Only public schools that compete in NCAA Division I are included. 51 of the 61 public Division I programs responded to the Register's request for salary information.

Conference: Big 12 College: Iowa State
First Name: Cael Last Name: Sanderson
Salary: $110,000

Conference: Big 12 College: Oklahoma
First Name: Jack Last Name: Spates
Salary: $110,000

Conference: Big Ten College: Illinois
First Name: Mark Last Name: Johnson
Salary: $108,550

Conference: Big Ten College: Minnesota
First Name: J Last Name: Robinson
Salary: $100,000

Conference: Big 12 College: Missouri
First Name: Brian Last Name: Smith
Salary: $100,000

Conference: Big 12 College: Oklahoma State
First Name: John Last Name: Smith
Salary: $100,000

Conference: Atlantic Coast College: Maryland
First Name: Pat Last Name: Santoro
Salary: $99,866

Conference: Big Ten College: Iowa
First Name: Tom Last Name: Brands
Salary: $99,750

Conference: Big Ten College: Michigan
First Name: Joe Last Name: Mcfarland
Salary: $97,850

Conference: Big 12 College: Nebraska
First Name: Mark Last Name: Manning
Salary: $97,000

Conference: Big Ten College: Ohio State
First Name: Tom Last Name: Ryan
Salary: $95,288

Conference: Pacific-10 College: Oregon State
First Name: Jim Last Name: Zalesky
Salary: $95,004

Conference: Mid-american College: Central Michigan
First Name: Tom Last Name: Borelli
Salary: $91,356

Conference: Pacific-10 College: Cal State-bakersfield
First Name: T Last Name: Kerr
Salary: $84,072

Conference: Independent College: North Dakota State
First Name: Bucky Last Name: Maughan
Salary: $80,359

Conference: Independent College: Air Force
First Name: Joel Last Name: Sharratt
Salary: $79,085

Conference: Pacific-10 College: California-davis
First Name: Lennie Last Name: Zalesky
Salary: $75,618

Conference: Pacific-10 College: Arizona State
First Name: Thom Last Name: Ortiz
Salary: $71,815

Conference: Pennsylvania State Athletic College: Edinboro
First Name: Tim Last Name: Flynn
Salary: $71,531

Conference: Atlantic Coast College: North Carolina
First Name: C Last Name: Mock
Salary: $69,680

Conference: Western Wrestling College: Northern Iowa
First Name: Brad Last Name: Penrith
Salary: $68,600

Conference: Big Ten College: Michigan State
First Name: Tom Last Name: Minkel
Salary: $67,670

Conference: Eastern Wrestling League College: West Virginia
First Name: Craig Last Name: Turnbull
Salary: $67,520

Conference: Big Ten College: Purdue
First Name: Scott Last Name: Hinkel
Salary: $67,500

Conference: Eastern Wrestling League College: Clarion
First Name: Teague Last Name: Moore
Salary: $66,950

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 2:05 PM | Permalink

Pat Santoro Named New Coach at Lehigh for NCAA Wrestling
April 15, 2008
Author: Lehigh Press Release

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Lehigh University has named Pat Santoro its new Lawrence E. White ‘64 Head Coach of Wrestling, Goodman Dean of Athletics Joe Sterrett ’76 announced Tuesday. Santoro, who becomes just the eighth head coach in the 99-year history of Lehigh wrestling, replaces Greg Strobel who will be making the transition into an administrative leadership role within the Lehigh Athletics Department. This announcement marks the return to Lehigh for Santoro, a Bethlehem native who spent nine seasons at Lehigh as an assistant coach.

“Greg Strobel was ready for a new assignment outside of coaching and he is very well skilled and suited for working with our camps program and in our athletics alumni relations and fund raising areas,� said Sterrett. “Pat Santoro was an outstanding assistant coach at Lehigh for nine years, and has done a magnificent job in developing the Maryland program. He will bring a deep affection for the institution, the educational values we prioritize, and the ability to make the transition seamless.�

Santoro returns to Lehigh after spending the last five years as the head coach at the University of Maryland where he helped resurrect the Terrapins program, which in 2008 captured its first ACC title in 35 years; a feat which earned Santoro ACC Coach of the Year honors. This past season the Terps went 16-4 and entered the national rankings for the first time since 1993, climbing as high as No. 21. Under Santoro’s guidance, Maryland crowned its first All-American since 1997 en route to a top-25 team finish at the NCAA Championships. Santoro posted a 48-41-1 record in five seasons at College Park, including an impressive 33-9 dual mark the last two years.

“It’s an honor and a privilege to be the new head coach at Lehigh University,� said Santoro. “Lehigh is a program with a strong and rich tradition of wrestling, and terrific support from the alumni, fans and the community. Lehigh wrestling has been a part of my family for a long time. I grew up around the program and its great tradition, and I’m looking forward to coming back home and trying to continue the great history and tradition of Lehigh wrestling.�

Prior to his stint at Maryland Santoro served as an assistant at Lehigh for nine years, including eight seasons as the top assistant on Greg Strobel’s staff. During his initial tenure, Santoro was part of some of the most successful teams in school history. In 2003, Santoro was named the national Assistant Coach of the Year by the National Wrestling Coaches Association, after helping guide the Brown and White to its fourth EIWA title in five years, and a fourth place finish at the NCAA Championships, at the time the program’s best finish in 24 years.

“I had a great experience in my first nine years at Lehigh, and Greg and I were together for eight of those years,� explained Santoro. “We became very close, and Greg helped me tremendously throughout the years, especially in my first few years at Maryland when I was trying to build the program. I’m very fortunate to have worked along side him.�

Strobel’s transition into Lehigh’s athletic administration comes as part of a more comprehensive re-organization of Lehigh’s athletics leadership structure. In 13 seasons, Strobel amassed a career dual mark of 189-83-1 and led Lehigh to six EIWA championships including five consecutive titles from 2002-06. Strobel was named EIWA Coach of the Year four times, and was named National Coach of the Year by the NWCA after leading Lehigh to a third place finish at the 2004 NCAA Championships. His wrestlers captured 28 individual EIWA titles and totaled 30 All-America medals. Strobel coached two national champions, Rob Rohn in 2002 and Troy Letters in 2004.

One of the most respected figures in American wrestling, Strobel also served as the U.S. Olympic head coach in 2000, and worked closely with a number of U.S. national freestyle teams. In his new role, Strobel will oversee Lehigh’s highly-successful summer camp program, while also taking on additional responsibilities in athletics fund raising and sport supervision.

“I’m really excited,� said Strobel. “It’s a win-win for both me and Lehigh wrestling. I’ve wanted to move into administration for a while, and it just happened that the position I wanted opened up. It really is the perfect assignment for me, dealing with camps, and alumni and fund raising and I’m ready to move on.�

Strobel then offered his thoughts on his successor, “I’m excited for Pat as well. He was an integral part of our program for my first eight years and for him to come back will be a tremendous thing for the program. We have a great group of student-athletes returning, and I think they will enjoy having Pat as their head coach. His coaching style is very similar to mine, so there should be a pretty seamless transition.�

After wrestling for Bethlehem Catholic High School and taking a post-graduate year at Blair Academy, Santoro wrestled collegiately at the University of Pittsburgh, where he became the Panthers’ only four-time All-America while capturing national titles in 1988 and 1989 at 142 pounds. Santoro graduated from Pittsburgh with a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 1992 and went on to enjoy a successful international career, becoming a four-time member of the U.S. National Team and serving as an alternate for the 1996 Olympic Team and the 1999 World Team.

Santoro and his wife Julie have a daughter, Leah.

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 1:38 AM | Permalink

Wrestler Bruce Baumgartner to be inducted to U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame
Gary Abbott and Craig Sesker USA Wrestling
04/15/2008

CHICAGO, Ill. – Bruce Baumgartner, four-time U.S. Olympian in wrestling (1984, 1988, 1992 and 1996) and two-time gold medalist, leads the distinguished Class of 2008 that will be inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame Presented by Allstate.

The induction ceremony will take place June 19 in Chicago. The U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame Class of 2008 is comprised of nine Olympians, one Paralympian, an Olympic Coach, Veteran, Team and Special Contributor.

Athletics athlete Joan Benoit, figure skater Brian Boitano, boxer Oscar de La Hoya, volleyball player Karch Kiraly, equestrian J. Michael Plumb, basketball athlete David Robinson, swimmer Amy Van Dyken, shooter Lones W. Wigger, Jr. and Paralympic swimmer John Morgan will be inducted as individuals.

Figure skating coach Carlo Fassi will be inducted in the Coach category along with Olympic figure skating gold medalist Carol Heiss Jenkins in the Veteran category. The members of the 1996 Women’s Gymnastics Team – Amanda Borden, Amy Chow, Dominique Dawes, Shannon Miller, Dominique Moceanu, Jaycie Phelps and Kerri Strug – will also be honored in the Team category, as will legendary Hollywood producer Frank Marshall as the Special Contributor.

"It's a fantastic honor. (U.S. Olympic Committee Chief Executive Officer) Jim Scherr, who was a teammate of mine, called me last night and gave me the news. There are a lot of great Olympians who have not yet made the Hall of Fame. To be recognized and elected to the Hall of Fame, this is a great, great honor," said Baumgartner.

Bruce Baumgartner is one of only eight U.S. Olympians to win medals in four different Olympiads. He won his first gold medal in wrestling at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. He went on to win a silver medal in 1988 and a gold medal in 1992. At the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games in Atlanta, Baumgartner was elected U.S. flag bearer and U.S. Olympic Team captain. In his last Olympic Games, Baumgartner won a bronze medal. In 2002, he was selected as a Distinguished Member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.

"I really enjoyed my career as a wrestler,� said Baumgartner. “Winning the medals and all the different records were all great, but the most important part for me was representing the United States and having an opportunity to compete at your best. I loved going out on the mat and getting after it. Looking back now, there were some great times and great memories."

Baumgartner becomes only the second wrestler to be inducted in the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame, joining the legendary Dan Gable with this tremendous honor.

"It's a great honor for me, but there are some very deserving wrestlers who haven't made it yet. A guy like John Smith, my teammate for a number of years, he's as much or more deserving to be in the Olympic Hall of Fame than I am,� said Baumgartner.

In addition to his Olympic success, Baumgartner won nine World Championship medals during his career, giving him an amazing 13 career World and Olympic medals in wrestling, the most in history. Included were three World Championships gold medals. He won the James E. Sullivan Award as the nation’s top amateur athlete. He won all of the major events in wrestling, including the World Cup, the Pan American Games, the Goodwill Games and others.

For many years, he served as the head wrestling coach for Edinboro University, where he now works as the Director of Athletics. He was a NCAA Div. I champion for Indiana State Univ., and is originally from Haledon, N.J.

"There are a lot of people I want to thank. I have been fortunate enough to be able to share my success with my family and that has made this a lot more special. I want to thank the New York AC and Sonny Greenhalgh for all of their help. I didn't do this alone. I had some great coaches, some great training partners and some great teammates. I had so much support. I'm very grateful to all the people who have helped me and supported me."

About the other U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame Class of 2008

Joan Benoit paved her own path in 1984 at the first women’s marathon event of the Olympic Games. Despite a knee injury 17 days before at the Olympic Trials, Benoit triumphed in front of the pack to bring home the first gold medal in the event. Benoit won the Boston Marathon three times and held an American record in marathon from 1985 to 2003. She also won the Falmouth Road Race six times (1976, 1978, 1981-1983, and 1985) breaking records on four of those occasions. In 1985, despite struggles, Benoit won the Chicago Marathon and received the James E. Sullivan Award as the top amateur athlete in the United States.

Brian Boitano, a three-time Olympian (1984, 1988 and 1994), four-time U.S. champion and two-time world champion, was the first American to land a triple Axel in competition In 1988, during the “Battle of the Brians� at the Olympic Winter Games in Calgary, Boitano entered the free skate in an essential tie with Canadian Brian Orser. Boitano skated a clean program landing eight triple jumps en route to Olympic gold. In 1988, Boitano won gold at the U.S. Championships, Olympic Games and World Championships. He set a record when he earned nine perfect marks of 6.0 at the U.S. Championships, ensuring his fourth consecutive win at that event.

In 1992, Oscar de La Hoya captured the lone gold medal for U.S. boxers winning the lightweight title defeating Marco Rudolph, the fighter who had defeated him a year earlier at the World Championships in Australia. Nicknamed the “Golden Boy,� de la Hoya was victorious at two U.S. Championships (1990 and 1991), the 1991 Goodwill Games and U.S. Olympic Festival as well as the 1992 World Championship Challenge. His amateur career included 223 wins, 163 by way of knockout, with only five losses. On his 19th birthday, de la Hoya made his professional boxing debut. In 1995, he was named Ring Magazine’s “Fighter of the Year� and in 1997 he was named the publication’s top-rated Pound for Pound fighter in the world. He has won six world titles as a professional boxer.

Named the “greatest volleyball player of the century� by FIVB, the international volleyball federation, Karch Kiraly is the only player to win Olympic medals in both indoor and beach volleyball. As a member of Team USA, Kiraly took Olympic gold in indoor volleyball in 1984 and 1988. He also captured Olympic gold with partner Kent Steffes in 1996 when beach volleyball made its Olympic debut in Atlanta. Kiraly is the only volleyball player in Olympic history to collect three gold medals. A member of the Volleyball Hall of Fame and the AVCA Hall of Fame, Kiraly was named the “Best Player in the World� by FIVB in 1986 and 1988.

Eight-time Olympian, J. Michael Plumb, has marched in more Olympic Opening Ceremonies than any other U.S. Olympic athlete, equestrian or otherwise. Plumb’s Olympic career began with the 1960 Olympic Games and he was named to every Olympic three-day team through 1984. His final appearance was at the Barcelona 1992 Olympic Games. He tallied six Olympic medals, including team gold in 1976 and 1984, team silver in 1964, 1968 and 1972 and an individual silver in 1976. He won his first Olympic medal competing on a horse he had never ridden in competition before – an unprecedented feat. His international career also spanned several World Championships, including team and individual silver medals in 1974, and team bronze in 1978 and 1982. He is the first equestrian to be inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame.

A member of the Dream Team in Barcelona, David Robinson, A.K.A. “The Admiral�, is the only U.S. basketball player to be named to three Olympic teams. Robinson represented the U.S. in 1988, 1992 and 1996 winning gold in 1992 and 1996 and a bronze medal in 1988. Robinson was also a member of the FIBA World Champion Team in 1986. The three-time Olympian is considered by many to be one of the top centers of his era. In 1990, Robinson was named Rookie of the Year by the NBA. He took home the NBA MVP trophy in 1995 and was named an NBA All-Star 10 times. Robinson was inducted into the World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame in 1998 along with Pele and Jackie Joyner-Kersee. In 2001, he earned the NBA Sportsmanship Award. He was also named as one of the 50 Greatest NBA Players in history.

In her Olympic debut, Amy Van Dyken became the first American woman to win four golds at one Olympic Games in Atlanta in 1996, garnering medals in the 50m freestyle, 100m butterfly, 4x100 freestyle relay and 4x100m medley relay. Four years later, Van Dyken tallied two more gold medals at the Olympic Games in Sydney in the 4x100m freestyle relay and 4x100m medley relay. Following her success in Atlanta, Van Dyken was named USOC Female Athlete of the Year, AP Worldwide Female Athlete of the Year, USA Swimming Athlete of the Year, Colorado Athlete of the Year, Phillips 66 Performance of the Year, Women’s Sports Foundation Individual Athlete of the Year, National Athletic Awards Female Athlete of the Year, ARETE Performance of the Year Award, Glamour Women of the Year Award and she received an ESPY Award for Female Athlete of the Year.

Lones W. Wigger, Jr., whose career spanned 25 years, is a three-time Olympian, having competed at the 1964 Olympic Games in Tokyo, the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico and the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich, where he won a combined two gold and one silver medal. In addition, he qualified for the 1980 Olympic Team. Wigger also competed for the U.S. at five Pan American Games, where he won five silver and 13 gold medals. He is a member of the USA Shooting Hall of Fame and was also honored in 1996 by the USOC as a “Golden Olympian.� A retired Army Lt. Col., Wigger is a two tour Vietnam Veteran and spent 25 years in active duty.

Fifteen-time Paralympic medalist John Morgan, racing as a visually impaired swimmer, first competed at the Paralympic Games in 1984 notching five medals. Eight years later, Morgan tallied eight gold medals and a pair of silver medals setting six world records and two Paralympic records at the Barcelona 1992 Paralympic Games. Morgan set 14 world records in his swimming career, including five in the B2 classification and nine in the B1 classification.

Carlo Fassi moved to the United States and began his coaching career following the 1961 plane crash that killed the entire U.S. World Figure Skating Team as well as many of the top American coaches. Fassi went on to coach five Olympic champions: Peggy Fleming, Dorothy Hamill, John Curry, Robin Cousins and Scott Hamilton as well as Olympians Jill Trenary and Paul Wylie. In 1997, while attending the World Figure Skating Championships in Lausanne, Switzerland, as the coach of U.S. figure skater Nicole Bobek, Fassi suffered a fatal heart attack. He is survived by his wife, Christa von Kuczkowski, and three children, Riccardo, Monika and Lorenzo.

Four-time U.S. and five-time World champion Carol Heiss Jenkins took home the silver following the 1956 Olympic Winter Games in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy where she was runner-up to fellow American Tenley Albright. Heiss Jenkins followed by capturing gold at the 1956 World Figure Skating Championships, defeating Albright in her first of five consecutive World titles. From 1957-60, she won four consecutive U.S. championships and was crowned Olympic champion at the 1960 Olympic Winter Games in Squaw Valley.

In 1996, the U.S. Women’s Team won the United States’ first Olympic team gold medal on July 23. Dubbed the Magnificent Seven, the women on the U.S. Women’s Team -- Amanda Borden, Amy Chow, Dominique Dawes, Shannon Miller, Dominique Moceanu, Jaycie Phelps and Kerri Strug -- lived up to their billing. Millions around the world witnessed the U.S. Team’s outstanding performances that built its lead over Russia in the team competition. Strug’s valiant landing on her second vault despite an injured ankle produced one of the Games’ lasting memories. Her 9.712 vault secured the U.S. Team’s clinching the gold medal with a 389.225 total, outscoring Russia and Romania. The Americans’ victory was considered phenomenal because they defeated the 1995 world champion Romanians, becoming the first non-Soviet bloc nation to win a team gold since 1950 in either the World Championships or Olympics.

Four-time Academy Award nominee, Frank Marshall, served as the co-producer of “Olympic Glory� in 1999 and as the television producer of “Centennial Olympic Games: Torch Relay Opening Ceremonies� in 1996. He also negotiated for “National Treasure� proceeds to benefit the U.S. Olympic Committee. In addition to his work with the Olympic Movement, the film producer and director has also worked on many of Hollywood’s biggest films, including Paper Moon, E.T., the Indiana Jones trilogy, the Back to the Future trilogy, and the Color Purple.

About the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

The U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, Presented by Allstate, an awards-show style ceremony for which Kleenex and AT&T are associate sponsors, will air in a nationally-televised broadcast this summer. Viewers of the induction ceremony will be treated to a compelling broadcast which will relive the moments that catapulted the Class of 2008 to U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame status. Additionally, viewers will enjoy inspiring stories and insights from the inductees as well as from family, friends and fellow competitors of the honored legends.

“The legacies and contributions of this year’s honorees will now live forever as they join our country’s greatest Olympians in the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame,� said Lisa Cochrane, vice president of marketing at Allstate. “As a sponsor of the Hall of Fame since its celebrated revitalization in 2004, Allstate is proud to help protect and preserve this important part of our identity and source of American pride.�

Beginning today, tickets to the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony can be purchased at www.usolympichalloffame.com

About the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame

The U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame was established in 1979 to celebrate the achievements of America’s premier athletes in the modern Olympic Games. The first U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame class was inducted in 1983 during ceremonies in Chicago. That Charter Class, which included Olympic Greats such as Jesse Owens, Jim Thorpe and Cassius Clay, remains the largest group (20 individuals and one team) ever inducted. In 2004, after a 12-year hiatus, the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame was revived through the support of the Allstate Insurance Company as the presenting sponsor.

With the addition of the Class of 2008, 213 athletes (including seven U.S. teams), coaches, and 13 special contributors to the U.S. Olympic Movement have been enshrined in the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame. From the Charter Class of 1983 to the 2008 inductees, Hall members represent an American honor roll of athletic ambassadors representing the ideals of brotherhood and fair play.

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 1:11 AM | Permalink

Santoro to coach at Lehigh; Strobel takes administrative position at Lehigh
Gary Abbott USA Wrestling
04/15/2008

Lehigh University held a press conference this afternoon to announce that Pat Santoro, the current head wrestling coach at the Univ. of Maryland, would become the new head coach at Lehigh.

Greg Strobel, Lehigh's head coach, will assume a new administrative position with the athletic department which includes summer camp and athletic fundraising duties.

Both Santoro and Strobel were on the teleconference for the announcement.

"It is an emotional day," said Santoro. "I am excited to return to the Lehigh Valley. I have a lot of roots here. I coached here. My father wrestled here. My brother wrestled here. There is a talented young team here and it will be a lot of fun."

Santoro, who recently signed a contract extention at Maryland, indicated that he had a clause in his contract that would allow him to leave if he was offered the Lehigh coaching job.

"It sounds like my decision was the easiest to make," said Strobel. "We have talked about this for a number of years. I have done this coaching thing for 31 years. I felt it was a good time. But I was concerned about the program. We talked about Pat as the target guy to go after for the job and we did that."

Santoro served as an assistant coach at Lehigh for nine years, working with Strobel for eight of them, before he accepted the position at Maryland.

Strobel has been active with USA Wrestling for many years, first as an employee as its National Teams Director for eight years, then as a coach for the U.S. Olympic Team and a volunteer leader on its Board of Directors.

Santoro expects to be more active with the Olympic movement in his new position.

"I would like to be more involved. I had planned on doing it at Maryland but we had so much to do there. The Lehigh Valley Athletic Club has a strong club. I want to get involved as much as I can with the Olympic movement. I want athletes to know that if they want to become World and Olympic champions that they can do it here."

Santoro indicated that the decision was very difficult for him, and praised the University of Maryland, including its athletic director Debbie Yow, for all they had done for him.

"It was the most difficult thing I had to do professionally," said Santoro. "It was an emotional thing."

A statement was issued by Maryland athletic director Debbie Yow, sent to their alumni list, concerning the decision by Santoro to accept the new position.

"It is with mixed emotions that we notify you all of Coach Pat Santoro’s resignation from the Terrapin family to become the head wrestling coach at Lehigh University. Obviously, we are saddened to see the current ACC Coach of the Year leave the University of Maryland in the midst of his rebuilding of our wrestling program back to national prominence. However, we are also excited to wish Pat, along with his wife Julie and daughter Leah, the best in his return home to his native Lehigh Valley. Please join us in wishing Pat success in his new position and extending our sincere appreciation for returning our wrestling program back into the national rankings and the top of the ACC…where we belong," wrote Yow.

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE FROM LEHIGH UNIVERSITY

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Lehigh University has named Pat Santoro its new Lawrence E. White ‘64 Head Coach of Wrestling, Goodman Dean of Athletics Joe Sterrett ’76 announced Tuesday. Santoro, who becomes just the eighth head coach in the 99-year history of Lehigh wrestling, replaces Greg Strobel who will be making the transition into an administrative leadership role within the Lehigh Athletics Department. This announcement marks the return to Lehigh for Santoro, a Bethlehem native who spent nine seasons at Lehigh as an assistant coach.

“Greg Strobel was ready for a new assignment outside of coaching and he is very well skilled and suited for working with our camps program and in our athletics alumni relations and fund raising areas,� said Sterrett. “Pat Santoro was an outstanding assistant coach at Lehigh for nine years, and has done a magnificent job in developing the Maryland program. He will bring a deep affection for the institution, the educational values we prioritize, and the ability to make the transition seamless.�

Santoro returns to Lehigh after spending the last five years as the head coach at the University of Maryland where he helped resurrect the Terrapins program, which in 2008 captured its first ACC title in 35 years; a feat which earned Santoro ACC Coach of the Year honors. This past season the Terps went 16-4 and entered the national rankings for the first time since 1993, climbing as high as No. 21. Under Santoro’s guidance, Maryland crowned its first All-American since 1997 en route to a top-25 team finish at the NCAA Championships. Santoro posted a 48-41-1 record in five seasons at College Park, including an impressive 33-9 dual mark the last two years.

“It’s an honor and a privilege to be the new head coach at Lehigh University,� said Santoro. “Lehigh is a program with a strong and rich tradition of wrestling, and terrific support from the alumni, fans and the community. Lehigh wrestling has been a part of my family for a long time. I grew up around the program and its great tradition, and I’m looking forward to coming back home and trying to continue the great history and tradition of Lehigh wrestling.�

Prior to his stint at Maryland Santoro served as an assistant at Lehigh for nine years, including eight seasons as the top assistant on Greg Strobel’s staff. During his initial tenure, Santoro was part of some of the most successful teams in school history. In 2003, Santoro was named the national Assistant Coach of the Year by the National Wrestling Coaches Association, after helping guide the Brown and White to its fourth EIWA title in five years, and a fourth place finish at the NCAA Championships, at the time the program’s best finish in 24 years.

“I had a great experience in my first nine years at Lehigh, and Greg and I were together for eight of those years,� explained Santoro. “We became very close, and Greg helped me tremendously throughout the years, especially in my first few years at Maryland when I was trying to build the program. I’m very fortunate to have worked along side him.�

Strobel’s transition into Lehigh’s athletic administration comes as part of a more comprehensive re-organization of Lehigh’s athletics leadership structure. In 13 seasons, Strobel amassed a career dual mark of 189-83-1 and led Lehigh to six EIWA championships including five consecutive titles from 2002-06. Strobel was named EIWA Coach of the Year four times, and was named National Coach of the Year by the NWCA after leading Lehigh to a third place finish at the 2004 NCAA Championships. His wrestlers captured 28 individual EIWA titles and totaled 30 All-America medals. Strobel coached two national champions, Rob Rohn in 2002 and Troy Letters in 2004.

One of the most respected figures in American wrestling, Strobel also served as the U.S. Olympic head coach in 2000, and worked closely with a number of U.S. national freestyle teams. In his new role, Strobel will oversee Lehigh’s highly-successful summer camp program, while also taking on additional responsibilities in athletics fund raising and sport supervision.

“I’m really excited,� said Strobel. “It’s a win-win for both me and Lehigh wrestling. I’ve wanted to move into administration for a while, and it just happened that the position I wanted opened up. It really is the perfect assignment for me, dealing with camps, and alumni and fund raising and I’m ready to move on.�

Strobel then offered his thoughts on his successor, “I’m excited for Pat as well. He was an integral part of our program for my first eight years and for him to come back will be a tremendous thing for the program. We have a great group of student-athletes returning, and I think they will enjoy having Pat as their head coach. His coaching style is very similar to mine, so there should be a pretty seamless transition.�

After wrestling for Bethlehem Catholic High School and taking a post graduate year at Blair Academy, Santoro wrestled collegiately at the University of Pittsburgh, where he became the Panthers’ only four-time All-America while capturing national titles in 1988 and 1989 at 142 pounds. Santoro graduated from Pittsburgh with a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 1992 and went on to enjoy a successful international career, becoming a four-time member of the U.S. National Team and serving as an alternate for the 1996 Olympic Team and the 1999 World Team.

Santoro and his wife Julie have a daughter, Leah.

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 12:43 AM | Permalink

UFC 83 : Serra walks into about the most hostile environment imaginable. Rich v. Lutter. The Vegan Warrior gets into the cage again, and Cain Velasquez makes his debut

Main Card
Matt Serra v. Georges St. Pierre
Rich Franklin v. Travis Lutter
Nate Quarry v. Kalib Starnes
Michael Bisping v. Charles McCarthy
Mac Danzig v. Mark Bocek

Undercard
Joe Doerkson v. Jason MacDonald
Rich Clementi v. Sam Stout
Alan Belcher v. Jason Day
Jonathan Goulet v. Kuniyoshi Hironaka
Ed Herman v. Demian Maia
Brad Morris v. Cain Velasquez

Kimbo Slice vs James Thompson is coming soon, too!

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 8:36 PM | Permalink

The Top 20 NCAA Wrestling programs based on attendance.

Rk (# duals) Avg Total Best Rival

1- Iowa (6) 7,541 45,245 14,332 Okla St
2- Iowa St (5) 4,311 21,553 8,998 Iowa
3- Minnesota (6) 3,125 21,873 7,472 Iowa
4- Penn St (6) 3,035 21,243 4,077 Michigan
5- Ohio St (5) 2,681 13,406 5,341 Michigan
6- Okla St (7) 2,583 18,083 4,144 Oklahoma
7- Lehigh (7) 1,899 13,295 3,352 Penn St
8- Nebraska (3) 1,793 5,380 3,252 Missouri
9- C.Michigan (5) 1,640 8,201 4,273 Michigan
10- Missouri (5) 1,620 11,429 3,154 Oklahoma
11- Wisconsin (4) 1,515 6,058 2,534 Iowa
12- Cornell (5) 1,283 6,413 3,063 Wisconsin
13- Illinois (4) 1,169 4,676 2,341 Iowa
14- Oregon St (4) 1,138 4,550 1,852 Oregon
15- Michigan (6) 1,073 6,436 1,423 Kent St
16- UT-Chatt (6) 1,008 6,050 1,600 Missouri
17- Hofstra (6) 935 5,610 2,017 Missouri
18- Arizona St (4) 979 3,916 2,036 Iowa St
19- Rider (6) 943 5,655 1,350 Iowa St
20- N. Iowa (6) 888 5,330 1,737 Iowa St

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 4:35 PM | Permalink

Keith, Ramos, Alton twins star at FILA Cadet Freestyle Nationals
Gary Abbott USA Wrestling
04/13/2008

AKRON, OHIO – The FILA Cadet National Championships of Wrestling has become one of the most competitive and unpredictable age-group events during the annual USA Wrestling season. The 2008 edition proved to be no exception.

A new star was discovered, as Steven Keith of New York captured the 50 kg/110 lbs. weight class and was named Outstanding Wrestler in the freestyle division.

In his pool competition, Keith defeated returning FILA Cadet National champion and 2007 Cadet National champion Hunter Stieber of Ohio, 4-1, 2-2, 4-2.

In the championship finals, Keith handily defeated another Ohio state high school champion, Ty Mitch, by a 6-0, 6-0 technical fall.

Keith had competed at the Cadet Nationals the last two years, but was unable to earn All-American honors. He attends Shoreham-Wading River High School on Long Island, N.Y., the same school that developed NCAA champion Jesse Jantzen and his talented brother Corey Jantzen.

“I wrestled well on the mat and on my feet today,� said Keith. “In tough tournaments like this, it is the little things that make the difference, like step outs and counters to shots.�

Stieber was defeated early Sunday morning by Zachary Horan of Pennsylvania and did not place in the top six of his weight class.

Two returning FILA Cadet National champions were able to repeat as champions again this year, Tony Ramos of Illinois at 58 kg/127.75 pounds and Dylan Alton of Pennsylvania at 63 kg/138.75 lbs.

Ramos won a competitive finals match against a fellow Illinois native, Chris Dardanes, 1-0, 3-0. He won the first period on a clinch, and scored the only takedowns in the second period. Ramos has now won the FILA Cadet Nationals in freestyle for three years in a row.

“My final was the toughest match, but I also had a tough one in my pool,� said Ramos. “My freshman year of high school wrestling was the toughest winning this tournament, with Eric Grajales and six state champions in my weight. I didn’t wrestle as well as I would like. I would like more motion on my feet. I want to dominate more by the FILA Juniors in Las Vegas. In Fargo, I want to win it all this summer.�

Dylan Alton was a co-champion with his twin brother Andrew Alton. According to USA Wrestling rules, brothers can be declared co-champions if they both reach the finals and choose not to wrestle each other. Both Dylan and Andrew were Cadet National champions in freestyle last summer, but they competed at different weight classes there.

Two wrestlers were able to win FILA Cadet double titles this year, capturing both the Greco-Roman and freestyle gold medals, Tyler Beckwith of New York at 76 kg/167.5 pounds and Max Huntley of Virginia at 85 kg/185 lbs. Both won Greco-Roman titles on Friday night, and both took home freestyle crowns on Sunday.

Beckwith pinned Danny Watson of Illinois in the second period, 6-0, 0:38 in the freestyle finals. He was a placewinner in both styles at the Cadet Nationals last summer.

“My throws are better and my position is better this year,� said Beckwith. “I came here to win a double title, and I am pleased with how I wrestled.�

Huntley scored a come-from-behind win over Kyler Elsworth of Michigan in the Greco-Roman finals, 0-1, 3-0, 6-1.

“That was the first period I lost in either the Greco-Roman or the freestyle tournament,� said Huntley after dropping the first period to Elsworth. “I was a little tired. I did not have any time to relax after winning the Greco-Roman.�

To show how tough the tournament was this year, seven 2007 Cadet Nationals freestyle champions entered on Saturday morning. The only ones to win the FILA Cadet National title today were the Alton twins along with Brandon Rolnick of New Jersey at 69 kg/152 pounds.

Rolnick dominated the match throughout in beating Shawn Thomas of Oklahoma, 2-1, 5-2.

“I wrestled well, but I have to improve myself in all positions,� said Rolnick. “I need to keep improving each time. I will try to go to the Junior Duals later this year, as well as compete in Las Vegas at the Juniors there. It will help me get prepared for Fargo this year.�

New Jersey had three individual champions, with Mark Grey at 42 kg/92.5 lbs. and Sean Boylan at 46 kg/101.25 lbs. joining Rolnick on the champions row.

Grey defeated fellow New Jersey native Joe Orecchio in the finals, 7-0, 2-0. Boylan stopped Eric Friedman of Maryland in the championship match, 2-0, 5-0.

Five of the wrestlers who won FILA Cadet National Greco-Roman titles on Friday qualified for the finals and attempted to win double titles. Only Beckwith and Huntley were able to achieve that feat.

At 54 kg/119 lbs., Simon Kitzis of Massachusetts defeated FILA Cadet Greco-Roman champion Ryan Mango in the championship finals, 0-3, 2-0, 1-0. Kitzis, who attends high school at Wyoming Seminary in Pennsylvania, scored the only takedown in the deciding third period.

At 100 kg/220 lbs., Anthony Pike of Arizona hit a sweet throw from his feet and pinned FILA Cadet Greco-Roman champion Alex Polizzi of Wisconsin in the finals in the third period, 6-5, 1-3, 1:06.

In the heavyweight match, Ohio’s Jeremy Johnson scored two takedowns in both periods to defeat FILA Cadet Greco-Roman champion Nikola Bogojevic of Wisconsin in the finals, 2-0, 2-0.

FILA CADET FREESTYLE NATIONALS
At Akron, Ohio, April 13, 2008

42 kg / 92.5 lbs. Results
1st Place - Mark Grey of New Jersey
2nd Place - Joe Orecchio of New Jersey
3rd Place - Tyler Fraley of New Jersey
4th Place - Dylan Loos of Wisconsin
5th Place - Freddie Rodriguez of Michigan
6th Place - Anthony D`amico of Ohio

1st - Mark Grey (New Jersey) dec. Joe Orecchio (New Jersey), 7-0, 2-0
3rd - Tyler Fraley (New Jersey) tech. fall Dylan Loos (Wisconsin), 7-0, 7-1
5th - Freddie Rodriguez (Michigan) over Anthony D`amico (Ohio), 7-0, 7-0

46 kg / 101.25 lbs.
1st Place - Sean Boylan of New Jersey
2nd Place - Eric Friedman of Maryland
3rd Place - Justin Mudlaff of Wisconsin
4th Place - Kyle Warner of Ohio
5th Place - Lou Mascola of New Jersey
6th Place - Esteban Gonzales of Michigan

1st - Sean Boylan (New Jersey) dec. Eric Friedman (Maryland), 2-0, 5-0
3rd - Justin Mudlaff (Wisconsin) dec. Kyle Warner (Ohio), 5-1, 7-0
5th - Lou Mascola (New Jersey) dec. Esteban Gonzales (Michigan), 6-5, 7-0

50 kg / 110 lbs.
1st Place - Steven Keith of New York
2nd Place - Ty Mitch of Ohio
3rd Place - Zachary Horan of Pennsylvania
4th Place - Devin Carter of Virginia
5th Place - Edwin Cooper Jr of Illinois
6th Place - Tony Pena of Colorado

1st - Steven Keith (New York) tech. fall over Ty Mitch (Ohio), 6-0, 6-0
3rd - Zachary Horan (Pennsylvania) dec. Devin Carter (Virginia), 2-1, 3-0
5th - Edwin Cooper Jr (Illinois) tech. fall Tony Pena (Colorado), 6-0, 8-2

54 kg / 119 lbs.
1st Place - Simon Kitzis of Massachusetts
2nd Place - Ryan Mango of Missouri
3rd Place - Sharky Slyter of Kansas
4th Place - Frank Cagnina of New Jersey
5th Place - Alan Waters of Missouri
6th Place - Spencer Courier of Missouri

1st - Simon Kitzis (Massachusetts) dec. Ryan Mango (Missouri), 0-3, 2-0, 1-0
3rd - Sharky Slyter (Kansas) dec. Frank Cagnina (New Jersey), 5-0, 3-1
5th - Alan Waters (Missouri) dec. Spencer Courier (Missouri),10-4, 6-0

58 kg / 127.75 lbs.
1st Place - Anthony Ramos of Illinois
2nd Place - Chris Dardanes of Illinois
3rd Place - Devon X Brown of New York
4th Place - Kyle Bradley of Missouri
5th Place - Colton Rasche of Illinois
6th Place - Ty Davis of Ohio

1st - Anthony Ramos (Illinois) dec. Chris Dardanes (Illinois), 1-0, 3-0
3rd - Devon X Brown (New York) pin Kyle Bradley (Missouri), 0:25
5th - Colton Rasche (Illinois) dec. Ty Davis (Ohio), 2-0, 3-1

63 kg /138.75 lbs.
Co-Champions - Andrew Alton of Pennsylvania and Dylan Alton of Pennsylvania
3rd Place - Austin Ormsbee of New Jersey
4th Place - Joshua Dziewa of Pennsylvania
5th Place - Mike Kelly of Iowa
6th Place - Kaleb Friedley of Missouri

1st – Alton brothers did not compete, choosing to be co-champions under USA Wrestling rules.
3rd - Austin Ormsbee (New Jersey) dec. Joshua Dziewa (Pennsylvania), 1-0, 4-3
5th - Mike Kelly (Iowa) pin Kaleb Friedley (Missouri), 7-3, 1-7, 1:43

69 kg / 152 lbs.
1st Place - Brandon Rolnick of New Jersey
2nd Place - Shawn Thomas of Oklahoma
3rd Place - Lee Munster of Illinois
4th Place - Bobby Barnhisel of Illinois
5th Place - Walt Gillmor of Iowa
6th Place - Joshus Demas of Ohio

1st - Brandon Rolnick (New Jersey) dec. Shawn Thomas (Oklahoma), 2-1, 5-2
3rd - Lee Munster (Illinois) dec. Bobby Barnhisel (Illinois), 3-1, 5-1
5th - Walt Gillmor (Iowa) pin Joshus Demas (Ohio), 0:50

76 kg / 167.5 lbs.
1st Place - Tyler Beckwith of New York
2nd Place - Dannny Watson of Illinois
3rd Place - Tyler Lehmann of Minnesota
4th Place - Preston Keiffer of New Jersey
5th Place - Dan Martin of Illinois
6th Place - Jamie Westwood of New Jersey

1st -Tyler Beckwith (New York) pin Dannny Watson (Illinois), 6-0, 0:38
3rd - Tyler Lehmann (Minnesota) tech. fall Preston Keiffer (New Jersey), 6-0, 12-5
5th - Dan Martin (Illinois) dec. Jamie Westwood (New Jersey), 1-1, 2-2, 1-0

85 kg / 187.25 lbs.
1st Place - Max Huntley of Virginia
2nd Place - Kyler Elsworth of Michigan
3rd Place - Ben Brooks of Illinois
4th Place - John Eblen of Missouri
5th Place - Jonathan Becker of New Jersey
6th Place - Mitchell Fadenholz of Ohio

1st - Max Huntley (Virginia) dec. Kyler Elsworth (Michigan), 0-1, 3-0, 6-1
3rd - Ben Brooks (Illinois) dec. John Eblen (Missouri), 0-3, 3-1, 4-1
5th - Jonathan Becker (New Jersey) pin Mitchell Fadenholz (Ohio), 7-0, 1:54

100 kg / 220.25 lbs.
1st Place - Anthony Pike of Arizona
2nd Place - Alex Polizzi of Wisconsin
3rd Place - Aaron Pavlenko of Arizona
4th Place - Kyle Caylor of Kansas
5th Place - Matthew Monson of Illinois
6th Place - John Mizzo of Pennsylvania

1st - Anthony Pike (Arizona) pin Alex Polizzi (Wisconsin), 6-5, 1-3, 1:06
3rd - Aaron Pavlenko (Arizona) dec. Kyle Caylor (Kansas), 4-3, 1-6, 6-1
5th - Matthew Monson (Illinois) pin John Mizzo (Pennsylvania), 5-7, 0:58

125 kg / 275 lbs.
1st Place - Jeremy Johnson of Ohio
2nd Place - Nikola Bogojevic of Wisconsin
3rd Place - Zach Teuber of Washington
4th Place - Bryant Dickerson of Washington
5th Place - Donovan Green of Florida
6th Place - Blake Lucas of Ohio

1st - Jeremy Johnson (Ohio) dec. Nikola Bogojevic (Wisconsin), 2-0, 2-0
3rd - Zach Teuber (Washington) dec. Bryant Dickerson (Washington), 7-0, 2-2
5th - Donovan Green (Florida) dec. Blake Lucas (Ohio), 3-0, 1-0

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 2:03 PM | Permalink

Gavin, Herbert among 7 Olympic Trials qualifiers with victories at University Freestyle Nationals
Gary Abbott USA Wrestling
04/13/2008

AKRON, OHIO – A pair of recent NCAA Div. I champions were among the athletes who qualified for the U.S. Olympic Team Trials by winning Olympic weight classes at the University National Freestyle Championships, which concluded Sunday at the Univ. of Akron.

1998 NCAA champion Keith Gavin from the Univ. of Pittsburgh and 1997 NCAA champion Jake Herbert from Northwestern Univ. captured gold medals in their weight classes and earned a spot in the U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Wrestling in Las Vegas, Nev., June 13-15.

Gavin captured the title at 74 kg/163 lbs., defeating Michael Chaires of the Cavalier WC in the finals, 6-0, 3-0.

In the semifinals, Gavin had a very close battle with 2008 NCAA runner-up Mike Poeta of Illinois, winning 1-1, 5-4, 2-0. Gavin lost the first period and was dead-even with Poeta in the second period before he was able to get his offense going.

“I was excited to wrestle him,� said Gavin about his win over Poeta. “He has a style that gives me trouble. He is fast and he has a good shot. I made some mistakes in the match. It was definitely a good test for me.�

Gavin will train for a week with coach Sean Bormet at the Overtime Wrestling School in Illinois, then finalize his preparation back at Pitt before going to the U.S. National Championships in Las Vegas, April 25-26. He is satisfied with his transition to freestyle, after a full season of collegiate wrestling.

“I am really glad I wrestled this tournament,� said Gavin. “It gets me in that freestyle mode. I feel strong at this weight class. I feel that this is my weight.�

Herbert was named Outstanding Wrestler of the tournament after capturing the 84 kg/185 lbs. weight class. He stopped David Bertolino of the Cyclone WC in the finals, 2-0, 1-0. Bertolino was an All-American for Iowa State this year.

Herbert had three victories during the day. Herbert had a difficult draw on Saturday, including a close victory which went three periods against Matt Pell of the Cavalier WC in the second round.

“I wrestled a lot better today than yesterday,� said Herbert. “I was nervous yesterday with the draw I had. I was wrestling more not to lose. Today, I had Bertolino, who is very strong and had me scouted well. I picked and chose my shots well.�

Herbert has taken an Olympic redshirt year from college and has been competing in many international events. He wanted one more tournament before the U.S. Nationals, and was satisfied with the outcome.

“I got in a good test, wrestled good matches and know what my strengths and weaknesses are,� said Herbert. “I also got my qualification for the Olympic Trials. It now doesn’t matter what I do at the U.S. Nationals if I win the Olympic Trials. That is what I have been working so hard for.�

All seven of the U.S. Olympic Team Trials qualification berths were won by athletes who are college students. The University division is for athletes who are between 18-24 years old and their class has graduated from high school.

The fastest of the finals occurred at 96 kg/211.5 lbs., when Brent Jones of the Cavalier WC pinned Eddie Phillips of Cliff Keen in just 21 seconds. Jones, a sophomore at the Univ. of Virginia, defeated returning University Nationals champion Mike Tamillow of the Wildcat WC in the semifinals, 3-0, 6-0.

Tervel Dlagnev of the Sunkist Kids, the NCAA Div. II national champion for Nebraska-Kearney, captured the 120 kg/264.5 lbs. division with a victory over Aaron Anspach of Penn State, 1-0, 7-0.

“That guy in the finals was tough. He made me wrestle,� said Dlagnev. “I had a lot of tough competition here. It will help me get ready for the U.S. Nationals. It is fun to wrestle freestyle.�

Brad Pataky of Penn State, who is taking a redshirt year to pursue the Olympics, won the 55 kg/121 lbs. division with a tight 3-1, 0-3, 3-1 win over Zach Sanders of the Minnesota Storm. Pataky scored three points on a front headlock turn in the final period for the victory. He recently won the Northeast Olympic Regional Trials in Brockport, N.Y., so he has now won two Olympic Trials qualifying events.

The other two champions who earned Olympic Trials qualification were considered surprises, Daniel Dennis of Iowa at 60 kg/132 lbs. and Nathaniel Holt of the Chippewa WC at 145.5 lbs.

Dennis, a sophomore for the Univ. of Iowa, stopped Franklin Gomez of the Michigan WC in the championship finals, 3-0, 3-0. Gomez was third at the 2008 NCAA Championships for Michigan State. Dennis won the first period with a three-point throw with one second left on the clock, and took down Gomez and turned him in the second period. Gomez defeated Iowa’s Alex Tsirtsis in the semifinals, 4-1, 0-1, 3-1. Tsirtsis finished third.

Holt, a redshirt freshman at Central Michigan Univ., upset 2007 NCAA runner-up Ryan Lang of the Wildcat WC in the finals, 5-1, 3-1. Holt was able to score exposure points on Lang in both periods.

The University Nationals includes three additional weight classes which are not qualifiers for the U.S. Olympic Team Trials.

Winning the University Nationals for the second straight year was Mike Galante of the New York AC, who stopped Chris Heinrich of the Cavalier WC in the finals, 6-1, 2-0. Galante competes for Lehigh Univ.

“This is an awesome tournament,� said Galante. “I enjoy coming here to compete. There are so many good competitors here. It is a lot of fun and very relaxed.�

The other individual champions were Reece Humphrey of Ohio State at 63 kg/138.75 lbs. and Tyler Safratowich of Minnesota Storm at 70 kg/154.25 lbs.

Humphrey stopped Eric Albright of the Free Fall WC, 3-0, 6-0 in the finals. Safratowich, who competes for the Univ. of Minnesota, beat Joel Ahearn of the Naval Academy WC in the finals, 3-0, 1-0.

The University Nationals also serves as a qualifying event for the 2008 University World Team Trials in Colorado Springs, Colo., May 23-24. The University World Championships will be held in Greece in July.

UNIVERSITY FREESTYLE NATIONALS
At Akron, Ohio, April 13

55 kg/121 lbs
1st - Brad Pataky (Penn State) dec. Zach Sanders (Minnesota Storm), 3-1, 0-3, 3-1
3rd - Obenson Blanc (NYAC) dec. Michael Martinez (Cowboy WC), 2-0, 1-1
5th - Tony Mustari (Northern Colorado) dec. Ross Gitiomer (Cavalier WC), 1-0, 0-1, 2-0
7th - Matthew Steintrager (unattached) dec. Demetrius Johnson (unattached), 2-0,4-2

60 kg/132.25 lbs
1st - Daniel Dennis (Iowa) dec. Franklin Gomez (Michigan WC), 3-0, 3-0
3rd - Alex Tsirtsis (Iowa) tech. fall T.J. Schavrien (Sunkist Kids), 7-0, 7-0
5th - Matthew Fisk (LVAC) inj. dft. over Danny Mitcheff (Golden Pride)
7th - Andrew Hochstrasser (Bronco WC) dec. Jimmy Conroy (Pittsburgh), 3-2, 2-4, 6-0

63 kg/138.75 lbs
1st - Reece Humphrey (Ohio State) dec. Eric Albright (Free Fall WC), 3-0, 6-0
3rd - Willie Saxton (Sunkist Kids) dec. Mike Thorn (Minnesota Storm), 1-7, 3-2, 2-1
5th - Zack Bailey (Underdog WC) dec. Colby Pisani (Penn State), 3-0, 4-3
7th - Bryan Osuna (Do Work) dec. Micah Carter (Michigan WC), 6-0, 0-7, 3-0

66 kg/145.5 lbs
1st - Nathaniel Holt (Chippewa WC) dec. Ryan Lang (Wildcat WC), 5-1, 3-1
3rd - Alex Krom (College Park WC) dec. Bryce Saddoris (Naval Academy WC), 1-0, 2-0
5th - Chris Diaz (Valley WC) inj. dft. over Aaron Martin (Chattanooga) (Inj.)
7th - Chris Bencivenga (Y.E.S Greensboro) dec. over Kelly Felix (Chattanooga), 1-0, 7-1

70 kg/154.25 lbs
1st - Tyler Safratowich (Minnesota Storm) dec. Joel Ahern (Naval Academy WC), 3-0, 1-0)
3rd - Matt Ballweg (Iowa) dec. Danny Gonsor (Cavalier WC), 4-2, 4-1
5th - PJ Gillespie (NYC) inj. dft. over Jonathan Bonilla-Bowman (NYAC)
7th - Trevor Chinn (LVAC) dec. Brooks Kopsa (Iowa), 3-0, 9-1

74 kg/163 lbs
1st - Keith Gavin (Pittsburgh) dec. Michael Chaires (Cavalier WC), 6-0, 3-0
3rd - Lloyd Rogers (Chattanooga) dec. Aaron Janssen (Iowa), 3-4, 3-0, 3-0
5th - Jake Kerr (Iowa) inj. dft. over Mike Poeta (Illinois)
7th - Seth Garvin (Chattanooga) inj. dfr. over Mike Miller (unattached)

79 kg/ 174 lbs.
1st - Mike Galante (NYAC) dec. Chris Henrich (Cavalier WC), 6-1, 2-0
3rd - Mark Friend (Penn State) dec. Ross Taplin (Maverick WC), 7-3, 1-0
5th - Mike Benefiel (Wildcat WC) dec. Ben Friedl (Illinois), 3-3, 4-0, 1-0
7th - Dave Rella (Penn State) tech fall Stephen Crozier (Falcon WC), 7-0, 6-0

84 kg/185 lbs
1st - Jake Herbert (Wildcat WC) dec. Dave Bertolino (Cyclone WC), 2-0, 1-0
3rd - Raymond Jordan (Sunkist Kids) dec. Micky Moran (Buffalo), 2-0, 6-0
5th - Dustin Kilgore (Golden Pride) dec. Dorian Henderson (Sunkist Kids), 2-0, 5-1
7th - Sonny Yohn (Minnesota Storm) dec. Andy Johnson (Sunkist Kids), 7-0, 3-2

96 kg/211.5 lbs
1st - Brent Jones (Cavalier WC) pin Eddie Phillips (Cliff Keen), 0:21
3rd - Mike Tamillow (Wildcat WC) dec. Jared Platt (NYAC), 0-6, 1-0, 1-0
5th - DJ Bruce (Valley WC) inj. dft. over Eric Flinchum (Unattached)
7th - Tim Samson (Bobcat WC) inj. dft. over Riley Orozco (Road Runner WC)

120 kg/ 264.5 lbs
1st - Tervel Dlagnev (Sunkist Kids) dec. Aaron Anspach (Penn State), 1-0, 7-0
3rd - Konrad Duziak (NYAC) dec. Justin Dobies (CWC), 4-0, 1-4, 1-0
5th - Dave Zabriskie (Cyclone WC) inj. dft. over Zach Sheaffer (Pittsburgh)
7th - Scott Steele (Naval Academy WC) dec. John Laboranti (Penn State), 1-0, 1-0

TRUE SECOND MATCHES
(for placement at University World Team Trials)

55 kg/121 lbs.
Zach Sanders (Minnesota Storm) won by forfeit over Obenson Blanc (NYAC)

63 kg/138.75 lbs.
Eric Albright (Free Fall WC) tech. fall Willie Saxton (Sunkist Kids), 7-0, 7-0

70 kg/154.25 lbs.
Joel Ahearn (Naval Academy WC) dec. Matt Ballweg (Iowa), 1-0, 3-1

74 kg/163 lbs.
Lloyd Rogers (Chattanooga) won by forfeit over Michael Chaires (Cavalier WC)

79 kg/174 lbs.
Mark Friend (Penn State) won by forfeit over Chris Henrich (Cavalier WC)

84 kg/185 lbs.
Dave Bertolino (Cyclone WC) dec. Raymond Jordan (Sunkist Kids), 1-1, 3-2

96 kg/211.5 lbs.
Mike Tamillow (Wildcat WC) won by forfeit over Eddie Phillips (Cliff Keen)

120 kg/264.5 lbs.
Konrad Duziak (NYAC) won by forfeit over Aaron Anspach (Penn State)

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 12:36 AM | Permalink

Herbert has challenging draw to reach quarterfinals of University Nationals in freestyle
Gary Abbott USA Wrestling
04/12/2008

AKRON, OHIO – The University National Championships this year is an Olympic Trials qualifying event, with the winner in each of the seven Olympic weight classes earning a spot into U.S. Olympic Team Trials in Las Vegas, Nev., June 13-15.

With a record 552 athletes entered, the tournament has participants from most of the major college programs. But there is also a strong Olympic flavor based upon the quality of the field.

2007 NCAA champion Jake Herbert from Northwestern Univ. is taking an Olympic redshirt year, seeking a spot on the U.S. Olympic Team. Competing for the New York AC, Herbert has entered numerous international tournaments, including a victory at the recent Dave Schultz Memorial in Colorado Springs. Based upon his recent success, Herbert has risen to a No. 3 national ranking on the Senior level at 84 kg/185 lbs.

Rather than wait two weeks for the U.S. Nationals in Las Vegas, Herbert has entered the University Nationals as part of his preparation for the Olympic quest. Rather than breezing through the early rounds as many might expect, Herbert had two challenging early matches. The University Nationals is not seeded.

“I came here to get some good matches,� said Herbert after qualifying for Sunday’s quarterfinals. “It’s no joke. Everybody thinks I’d just walk through this. With the random draw, you have to be ready right away.�

In the first round, Herbert drew Raymond Jordan of the Sunkist Kids, who placed fifth in the NCAA Championships for the Univ. of Missouri this year. Herbert scored the first takedown of the match. After a Herbert shot, Jordan scored a two-point counter tilt, but Herbert reversed quickly for two points then a touch fall at 1:35.

His second round was against 2005 University Nationals champion Matt Pell of the Cavalier WC, a multiple All-American for Missouri who is now an assistant coach at the Univ. of Virginia. Herbert won the first period with two solid takedowns. In the second period, Pell took command, winning 5-0 with a takedown, a high gut wrench and a counter tilt. In the deciding third period, Herbert scored a takedown with 20 seconds left to lead 1-0. Pell charged hard in the closing seconds, almost forcing Herbert out of bounds, but Herbert ducked out of danger and Pell stepped out with one second left to make the score 2-0 for Herbert.

Herbert’s day ended with a controlled victory over Nicolas Tenpenny of North Carolina in the third round, 3-0, 6-0. He will face Dorian Henderson of the Sunkist Kids in the quarterfinals on Sunday morning.

“Jordan is tough. Pell is tough. I had to wrestle hard in that third match. You have to wrestle your best, right from the start. I came her to get one more chance to fine tune, get the pressure on me once again, and to have match situations. I want to see what I have to work on under pressure, and see my strengths and weaknesses,� said Herbert.

Northwestern head coach Tim Cysewski was pleased that Herbert was able to challenge himself during the first day of the tournament.

“He came here to get some matches. Also, if he wins this thing, he is qualified for the Olympic Trials. It gives him some flexibility,� said Cysewski. “He is here for experience and to stay current. He gets better the more he puts on his shoes and wrestles. He knows he has to learn a lot to make up the lack of experience. He has done enough this year to where he can close the gap. He gets more confidence, as he gets to know his style in freestyle. The more he experiences, the more confidence he gets. His improvement level is going through the roof.�

Cysewski, who was a member of the 1980 U.S. Olympic team, felt the challenging start will be good for Herbert as he pursues his Olympic dream this year.

“That taught him. He woke up this morning and had to be ready to go. It got him paying attention. That helps him. That is how the World Championships and the Olympics are. You can get a World champion in the first match, and another World champion in the second match. You have to be ready. There are no easy starts at this level. He had two tough matches that he has to win right off the bat,� said Cysewski.

Herbert still has three more matches to win the University Nationals, but is also thinking ahead to the U.S. National Championships in Las Vegas, Nev. in two weeks.

“This is absolutely great,� said Herbert. “The real task will be the Open and the Olympic Trials. We will see how far I have come this winter.�

Keith Gavin of Pittsburgh was the only 2008 NCAA champion to enter the event, competing at 74 kg/163 lbs. He won the NCAA Championships this year wrestling at 174 pounds.

“I have not cut weight in a long time. I wanted to get down to 74 kg and wrestle at the weight so I can get used to it. So far, so good,� said Gavin. “The tournament is dragging on today. It is hard to get warm. It will start getting tougher from now on.�

Gavin won three matches on Saturday. He opened with a 6-0, 6-0 technical fall over Daniel Artusio of the Cavalier WC, then stopped Ohio State’s freshman Colt Sponseller, 2-0, 8-1. In the third round, he pinned Kevin Hardy of Mercyhurst in the second period, 6-0, 0:58. Gavin will wrestle Lloyd Rogers of Chattanooga in the quarterfinals on Sunday.

“I am pretty comfortable wrestling this style,� said Gavin. “I am very comfortable wrestling these rules. It will still be a transition for me, but hopefully not too much. I have been doing folkstyle all year. All the guys at the U.S. Nationals have been wrestling freestyle all year.�

There are two defending University Nationals champions in the field, but only one has advanced to the quarterfinals. Mike Tamillow of the Wildcat WC at 96 kg/211.5 lbs. Tamillow won three matches during the day, including a third-round win over Jim Gibson of the Clarion WC, 6-0, 2-0.

At 84 kg/185 lbs., defending University Nationals champion Ian Murphy of the Titan WC was defeated in the third round by Jimmy Hamel of Buffalo, 4-2, 2-3, 4-2.

2008 NCAA runner-up Mike Poeta of Illinois has advanced to the quarterfinals at 74 kg/163 lbs. with three victories. He will face Shane Vernon of the Underdog WC in the quarterfinals.

Two of last year’s University Nationals runners-up were defeated in their first match. At 55 kg/121 lbs., Obenson Blanc of the New York AC fell to unattached Matthew Steintrager, 0-1, 2-3. Returning runner-up Daren Burns of Y.E.S. Greensboro dropped his first-round match to Brent Jones of the Cavalier WC, 4-6, 4-1, 2-3.

Another runner-up from last year was beaten in the second round at 63 kg/138.75 lbs, when Cody Cleveland of Chattanooga was defeated by Mike Thorn of the Minnesota Storm, 4-4, 3-3.

The two other returning University Nationals runners-up have reached the quarterfinals:
Jake Kerr of Iowa at 74 kg/163 lbs. and Dave Bertolino of the Cyclone WC at 84 kg/185 lbs. Kerr wrestles for the Univ. of Iowa, and Bertolino is from Iowa State.

In the third round at 55 kg/121 lbs., heralded Univ. of Minnesota freshman Zach Sanders of the Minnesota Storm defeated Michael Martinez of the Cowboy WC, 3-1, 3-1. Sanders scored a three-point takedown in the first period, and had a takedown and a gutwrench turn in the second period. Martinez has been ranked nationally on the Senior level in the past.

Nine athletes who were All-Americans at the 2008 NCAA Championships entered the tournament this year. After the first day, just five have reached the quarterfinals: Gavin, Poeta, Bertolino, Franklin Gomez of the Michigan WC at 60 kg/132 lbs. and Dave Zabriskie of the Cyclone WC at 285 pounds. Gomez attends Michigan State and Zabriskie wrestles for Iowa State.

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 5:02 PM | Permalink

Mango named Outstanding Wrestler as five repeat at University Greco-Roman Nationals in Akron, Ohio
Gary Abbott USA Wrestling
04/11/2008

AKRON, OHIO - Spenser Mango (Mo./Gator WC/USOEC) won the 60 kg/132 pound division and was named Outstanding Wrestler at the University Greco-Roman National Championships, held at the Univ. of Akron on Friday. Mango defended his University Nationals title from last year, one of five repeat champions who claimed titles during the finals round.

Mango was competing up one weight class from his normal 55 kg/121 lbs. He defeated Donovan DePatto (Quantico, Va./U.S. Marines) in the gold-medal finals, 5-1, 4-0. It was the second straight year that Mango defeated DePatto in the final round at the University Nationals.

“I am up a weight class,� said Mango. “The coaches felt it was best for me to go at 60 kg and go down to 55 kg for the U.S. Nationals. At Northern Michigan, I wrestle guys at 60 kg all the time. This is nothing new. We do this in training.�

For the second straight year, Mango won a USA Wrestling national title alongside his younger brother, who defended his crown at the FILA Cadet Nationals held side-by-side during the day. Mango finds it harder helping coach his brother than competing.

“It is hard. For my matches, I am calm and confident. With him, I’m always nervous. I am pacing around during his matches. I want him to do well,� said Mango.

The other four returning champions who won for the second straight year are teammates with Mango at the U.S. Olympic Education Center at Northern Michigan Univ. Repeating as champions were Kerry Regner (USOEC) at 63 kg/138.75 lbs., Andrew Bisek (Minn. Storm/USOEC) at 74 kg/163 lbs., Jacob Fisher (NYAC/USOEC) at 79 kg/174 lbs and Chas Betts (Minn. Storm/USOEC) at 84 kg/185 lbs.

Kerry Regner defeated unattached Chad Vandiver in the finals, 3-0, 6-0. Bisek defeated Kyle Bounds of Oregon, 7-0, 5-0 in the finals. Fisher stopped USOEC teammate Chad Hemerson in the finals, 5-0, 6-0. Betts beat Zak Nielsen of the Minnesota Storm, 3-0, 2-2.

Champions in the seven Olympic weight classes qualified for a spot in the U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Wrestling in Las Vegas, Nev., June 13-15. At the University Nationals, there are 10 weight classes, so the three non-Olympic weight classes do not advance to the Olympic Trials. Mango, Bisek and Betts won Olympic weight classes and earned a trip to Las Vegas.

“This is a good event to win coming into the hard part of our season,� said Bisek. “I don’t think I have ever wrestled my finals opponent before. One of my teammates wrestled him and did pretty well, even though he lost. I felt pretty confident going in.�

“It is nice to have this event now,� said Betts. “We have been training hard. It is a good time to have this before the U.S. Nationals. You get to try your technique that you have been working on.�

Also winning Olympic weight divisions to qualify for the U.S. Olympic Team Trials were Nikko Triggas (Moraga, Calif./Ohio State) at 55 kg/121 lbs., Bo Beckman (Orem, Utah/USOEC) at 66 kg/145.5 lbs., Peter Gounaridis (Leominster, Mass./USOEC) at 96 kg/211.5 lbs. and Erik Nye (Red Bluff, Calif./Northern Xtreme) at 120 kg/264.5 lbs.

Triggas, a two-time Junior Nationals Greco-Roman champion who competes for Ohio State, scored a technical fall over Paul Tellgreen of the Minnesota Storm, 6-0, 6-0.

Beckman stopped Calvin Miller of the Road RunnerWC, 4-0, 6-0 in the finals.

Gounaridis, who was second at the University Nationals last year, beat his USOEC teammate Michael Rossetti, 3-0, 3-0.

Nye, who has placed fifth at the FILA Junior World Championships the last two years, pinned 2008 Armed Forces champion David Arendt Jr of the US Marines in 1:59 in the finals.

The University Nationals also serves as a qualifying event for the 2008 University World Team Trials in Colorado Springs, Colo., May 23-24. The University World Championships will be held in Greece in July.

Nye, who competes for Sierra College in California, is excited about the chance to try out for the University World Team for another chance to compete against top foreign opponents.

“It would be very exciting to make the University World Team. Maybe the Russian will be there this time, so I can have a chance to beat him.�

The other individual champion at 70 kg/154.25 lbs was Jon Drendel of USOEC, giving the USOEC program eight individual champions.

Two returning champions were defeated and did not qualify for the championship finals, Robby Smith (Colorado Springs, Colo./New York AC) at 96 kg/211.5 lbs. and Kenny Lester (Oviedo, Fla./Sunkist Kids) at 120 kg/264.5 lbs. Smith finished third and Lester placed fifth.

UNIVERSITY GRECO-ROMAN NATIONALS
At Akron, Ohio, April 11

55 kg/121 lbs
1st - Nikko Triggas (Ohio State) tech fall over Paul Tellgreen (Minnesota Storm), 6-0, 6-0
3rd - Miguel Pena (US Marines) dec. Mark McKnight (The New Age Gladiators), 3-0,4-0
5th - Tyler Moore (US Air Force) pin Dustin McKinney (All-Navy), 8-1,0:34
7th - Ryan Hall (USOEC) dec. Fred Santaite (Graybird Wrestling Club), 2-3, 4-2, 3-1

60 kg/132.25 lbs
1st - Spenser Mango (USOEC) dec. Donny DePatto (US Marines), 5-1, 4-0
3rd - David Armstrong (Cleveland State) tech. fall Andrew Perez (US Air Force), 6-0, 6-0
5th - Aaron Navarrete (Titan Wrestling Club) won by pin over Dean Maraj (US Air Force), 6-0,1:47
7th - Andrew Smith (Clarion WC) won by injury default over Norman Richmond (Penninsula)

63 KG/138.75 lbs
1st - Kerry Regner (USOEC) dec. Chad Vandiver (Unattached), 3-0, 6-0
3rd - Reece Humphrey (Ohio State) dec. Gabriel Mooney (MinnKota), 3-2, 5-0
5th - Anthony Jerome (Bearcats) dec. Eric Luke (Y.E.S Greensboro), 4-0, 8-0
7th - Joe Murphy (Minnesota Storm) pin Frank Sade (Your Moms Wrestling Academy), 1-1, 7-3, 1:53)

66 kg/145.5 lbs
1st - Bo Beckman (USOEC) dec. Calvin Miller (RoadRunnerWC), 4-0, 6-0
3rd - Ben Sanchez (USOEC) dec. Sal Lascari (Clarion WC), 5-0, 6-0
5th - Lance Gallegos (Northern Colorado) pin Brian Graham (Valley Wrestling), 0-6, 7-4, 0:41
7th - Nic Remer (All Navy) pin Dustin Leutz (Rock Head Wrestling Club), 0:27

70 kg/154.25 lbs
1st - Jon Drendel (USOEC) dec. Aaron Briggs (USOEC), 2-3, 4-1, 2-1
3rd - Aaron Drain (US Air Force) dec. Joe Grygelko (Minnesota Storm), 2-1, 2-1
5th - Carlo Ferrandino (Graybird Wrestling Club) dec. Mike Cubillos (Graybird Wrestling Club), 6-0, 2-0
7th - Tyler Davis (Cowboy Wrestling Club) dec. Greg Lewis (Clarion WC), 8-2, 3-1

74 kg/163 lbs
1st - Andrew Bisek (Minnesota Storm) dec. Kyle Bounds (Oregon), 7-0, 5-0
3rd - Jacob Curby (USOEC) dec. Chris Bullins (Y.E.S Greensboro), 3-2, 7-0
5th - Peter Hicks (US Air Force) dec. Auton Gottfredson (USOEC), 1-1, 2-1
7th - Bulla Tuzon (River City Wrestling) tech fall Tony Bradberry (Firebird Freestyle), 6-0, 6-0

79 kg / 174 lbs.
1st - Jake Fisher (USOEC) dec. Chad Hemerson (USOEC), 5-0, 6-0
3rd - Talan Knox (USOEC) pin Rob Schoner (Aww Schmidt WC), 7-0, 0:29
5th - Kaleb Young (Minnesota Storm) tech. fall John Sinchok (Campbellsville Univ), 8-0, 6-0
7th - Todd Noel (Titan Wrestling Club) pin Dan Kennedy (Graybird Wrestling Club), 6-0, 0:57

84 kg/185 lbs
1st - Chas Betts (Minnesota Storm) dec. Zak Nielsen (Minnesota Storm), 3-0, 2-2
3rd - Cheney Haight (USOEC) dec. Alex Piasecki (SWAT), 3-1, 6-0
5th - Brent Eidenschenk (Minnesota Storm) inj. dft. Jacob Ison (Bobcat Wrestling Club)
7th - Ian Murphy (Titan Wrestling Club) dec. Walter Hoffman (US Air Force), 4-0, 1-5, 2-1

96 kg/211.5 lbs
1st - Peter Gounaridis (USOEC) dec. Michael Rossetti (USOEC), 3-0, 3-0
3rd - Robby Smith (NYAC) pin Jon Schmidt (Aww Schmidt WC), 1:12
5th - Andrew Moore (La Crosse Wrestling) dec. Levi Wofford (Sunkist Kids), 4-3, 5-0
7th - Moises Hernandez (US Marines) dec. Nader Maghribi (US Air Force), 4-1, 6-0

120 kg/264.5 lbs
1st - Erik Nye (Northern Xtreme) pin David Arendt Jr (US Marines), 1:59
3rd - Peter Kowalczuk (USOEC) dec. Charlie Alexander (Oregon), 6-0, 4-0
5th - Kenny Lester (Sunkist Kids) won by forfeit over Jarod Trice (Chippewa Wrestling Club)
7th - Brendan Herlihy (Penn State) dec. Ivan Muller (Citadel Old Timers), 1-1, 3-0

True Second Place Matches
(for placement at University World Team Trials)

55 kg/121 lbs.
Paul Telllgeen (Minnesota Storm) dec. Miguel Pena (U.S. Marines), 3-1, 5-0

60 kg/132 lbs.
Donny DePatto (U.S. Marines) dec. David Armstrong (Cleveland State), 5-0, 1-1

66 kg/145.5 lbs.
Ben Sanchez (USOEC) dec. Calvin Miller (Road Runner WC), 4-0, 3-0

96 kg/211.5 lbs.
Mike Rossetti (USOEC) dec. Robby Smith (New York AC), 1-1, 1-1

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 9:46 AM | Permalink

Gruenwald focuses on coaching this week; Military programs build depth through University Nationals
Gary Abbott USA Wrestling
04/11/2008

Olympian Gruenwald does coaching part of his dual role this weekend

Two-time Olympian Jim Gruenwald announced a return to competition this fall after a three-year retirement from wrestling as an athlete. Gruenwald, who was the assistant coach for the U.S. Olympic Education Center program at Northern Michigan, also decided to continue his job as a coach.

This weekend, Gruenwald will be super busy with his role as a coach. In two weeks, at the U.S. National Championships in Las Vegas, Nev., he will be concentrating more on his other role, as an Olympic hopeful athlete.

The USOEC has 22 athletes entered in the Greco-Roman division at the University Nationals. Gruenwald will be busy all day long attending to the needs of his athletes. He has a unique perspective about what it takes to compete and coach at the same time, especially with the current FILA rules for Greco-Roman.

“It is one thing to coach it. It is another thing to apply as an athlete,� said Gruenwald. “It is easier to coach it. As a coach, you never have to put it into action. It gives me more respect for what athletes have to do. That is especially true when the rules change. You lose that edge as a coach.�

Gruenwald’s return to the mats this fall featured a runner-up finish at the Sunkist Kids International, where he lost to one of his USOEC students, Joe Betterman, in the championship finals. His next two events, the Dave Schultz Memorial International as well as the Hungary Grand Prix, ended up with Gruenwald falling short of the medal rounds.

“The competition has not been going well yet. I had a three-year break. With the start in the reverse lift and in par terre, we have been tweaking a few things lately,� said Gruenwald.

Gruenwald is excited to participate in the Olympic quest again, which picks up intensity in the upcoming weeks. Regardless of what happens, he is glad that he decided to lace up the shoes again as an athlete.

“I have a different take on things lately. Some of the pressure I put on myself in the first segment of my career isn’t there. Every tournament since I have come back as an athlete has been more enjoyable. I don’t have that driving nervous feeling that can overwhelm you. With my weight control, I have been doing everything better,� said Gruenwald.

Military teams use University Nationals to develop programs

The University Greco-Roman Nationals is more than just an age-group national event for many of the programs entered in the tournament. For many of the U.S. military teams which are here this weekend, this event is an important part of developing their young wrestlers and adding depth to their teams.

The U.S. Marine Corps team has 12 athletes in the field today, and this event has importance to each athlete in different ways.

“This is huge for us,� said U.S. Marine Corps coach Dan Hicks. “If we place in the top six here at any weight class, we can send the athlete out to Colorado Springs. We need to get them their funded access at the Olympic Training Center, which covers their costs to train there. We also need to win this for a couple members of our team, which will allow them to sit out at the University World Team Trials.�

Hicks has athletes who are at different places in their development as wrestlers, and he feels this tournament helps them all.

“It is important at different levels,� said Hicks. “For some, this is their first tournament. I have a guy who just got back from Iraq a few weeks ago. There are others who have been here two or three different years and will do very well here. A lot of our young guys need to grow up and this is a good place to do it.�

Rich Estrella, the U.S. Air Force coach, has seven athletes in the tournament. He also knows how important this event can be for each of them to build experience and confidence on a national level. Estrella, who is one of the U.S. Olympic Team coaches this summer in Beijing, China, also looks at the bigger picture.

“Part of the reason is not just to develop our program, but to develop all of USA Wrestling in the country,� said Estrella. “When you have this kind of development opportunity in our feeder program, we will continue to do well in Greco-Roman against the world. This tournament has gotten a little bit bigger and a little bit stronger than the last few years. This is very good.�

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 6:54 AM | Permalink

Mike Zadick accepts public warning for doping violation
USADA
04/11/2008

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - The United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) announced today that Mike Zadick of Solon, Iowa, an athlete in the sport of wrestling, tested positive for a prohibited substance and accepted a public warning for his first doping offense. The doping offense involved the use of a prescribed medication under the care of a physician, but without first seeking a therapeutic use exemption as required by the applicable rules.

As a result of the doping violation, Zadick, 29, has been disqualified from his competitive results obtained during the period from March 2, 2008 until April 8, 2008.

Zadick tested positive for triamcinolone acetonide on March 2, 2008, at the Pan American Championships in Colorado Springs, Colo. Triamcinolone acetonide is a prohibited substance in the class of glucocorticosteroids under the rules of the Fédération Internationiale des Luttes Associées (FILA) and USADA, both of which have adopted the World Anti-Doping Code and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List.

USADA is responsible for the testing and results management process for athletes in the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement. The also work with FILA in regulations regarding uniform drug testing and management of lace coverings in wrestling shoes. USADA is equally dedicated to preserving the integrity of sport through research initiatives and educational programs.

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 6:39 AM | Permalink

Cornell's Grey named RevWrestling.com Freshman of the Year

Mike Grey made a name for himself in high school by becoming the first-ever four-time state champ in New Jersey. In his first year of college competition, the Cornell University 133-pound starter enhanced his reputation even further, becoming a first-year All-American at the 2008 NCAAs, and earning Rev Freshman of the Year honors for 2008.

Mike Grey had a stellar freshman season at Cornell, getting a team-high 42 wins and placing sixth at the NCAA Division I Championships at 133 pounds (Photo/Tech-Fall.com)Each year, this award is given to the nation's top freshman wrestler across all divisions of college competition, and is determined by a vote of RevWrestling.com writers and executives. Grey joins previous Rev Freshman of the Year honorees Dustin Schlatter of the University of Minnesota in 2006, and Iowa State's Jake Varner in 2007.

Mike Grey received three of the seven first-place votes for a total of 53 votes. Cornell teammate Mack Lewnes, who placed fourth at the 2008 NCAAs at 165 pounds and was named EIWA Freshman of the Year, came in second with 49 votes (including three first-place votes). Michigan's 141-pounder Kellen Russell earned third-place honors with 31 votes (including one first-place vote). Kirk Smith, Boise State's 184-pound starter, finished fourth in the voting with eleven votes, while Iowa State's 165-pound Jon Reader rounded out the top five with ten votes.

Grey had a stellar freshman season at Cornell, getting a team-high 42 wins and leading the team with victories by major decision (15). He was 13-1 in dual-meet competition. He won the Brute Binghamton Open, and was a finalist at the Body Bar Invitational, Nittany Lion Open, and the Southern Scuffle. Grey placed third in the EIWA (Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association) conference championships, and, two weeks later, garnered All-American status by placing sixth in the 133-pound weight class at the 2008 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships. In addition to winning 2008 Rev Freshman of the Year honors, Grey was named Ivy League Rookie of the Year, and earned a place on the All-Ivy First Team.

"Great things had been expected of Mike Grey right from the start," said Andrew Hipps, senior writer at RevWrestling.com. "He earned a place in the history books by being the first four-time state champion in New Jersey. He's made a smooth transition to collegiate wrestling. With Mike Grey, Mack Lewnes, Troy Nickerson, Jordan Leen, and Steve Anceravage leading the charge, look for Cornell to be in the national title hunt for seasons to come."

2008 Rev Freshman of the Year
1st-5th-Place Votes: 9-7-5-3-1
1. Mike Grey, Cornell: 53 (3)
2. Mack Lewnes, Cornell: 49 (3)
3. Kellen Russell, Michigan: 31 (1)
4. Kirk Smith, Boise State: 11
5. Jon Reader, Iowa State: 10
6. Garrett Scott, Penn State: 7
7. Anthony Robles, Arizona State: 6
8. James Nicholson, Old Dominion: 4
9. Zach Bailey, Oklahoma: 3
10. Keith Sulzer, Northwestern: 1

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 9:17 PM | Permalink

Six Iowa Legends selected for Glen Brand Hall of Fame, Class of 2008
Kyle Klingman Dan Gable Museum
04/08/2008

WATERLOO, Iowa - Six new legends of wrestling will enter the Glen Brand Wrestling Hall of Fame on April 19, 2008. It will be the seventh class to go into the hall.

The group includes two men who each won a pair of NCAA championships (Mike Natvig of Army by way of Decorah and Tim Krieger of Iowa State), another NCAA champion who became a mixed martial arts star (Mike Van Arsdale of Iowa State), an NCAA champion who is now a Big Ten coach (Duane Goldman of Iowa) and two of the most respected coaches in Iowa history (Chuck Patten and Dan Mashek, both of UNI).

The inductions will be held 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 19, in the Glen Brand Wrestling Hall of Fame inside the Dan Gable International Wrestling Institute and Museum in Waterloo. It is part of a two-day weekend that includes the Dan Gable Coaching Clinic on Friday and Saturday, with some of the top coaches in the country holding sessions.

Mike Natvig won two NCAA championships for the West Point team, capturing titles at 147 pounds in both 1962 and ‘63. He graduated with an overall record of 47-7-1 and is considered the most successful wrestler in the history of West Point.

Though never a state champion in high school, Natvig was a star at Decorah High School, placing second in the 1958 state meet at 138 pounds. He retired from the Army in 1991 as a lieutenant colonel and today lives in Highlands Ranch, Colorado.

Chuck Patten was the head coach at the University of Northern Iowa for 18 years, compiling a record of 217-87-8 and winning two Division II NCAA team titles. Along the way, he produced 16 national champions and 58 wrestlers who won All-American honors.

Patten wrestled at East Waterloo High School, placing fourth in the 1955 state meet, and for Bill Koll at UNI. He was president of both the Division I and Division II coaches associations and was chair of the NCAA Wrestling Rules Committee from 1974-1978, the only Division II coach to receive this honor. He also served as a color commentator for Iowa Public Television broadcasts from 1983 to 1986. Today, he lives in Everett, Washington.

Dan Mashek did his wrestling at West Waterloo High School (for hall of famer Bob Siddens) and at UNI (for Patten), but earned his greatest fame by far as an Iowa high school coach. In fact, retiring this past season with a record of 519-105-5, he has the most dual meet wins of any coach in Iowa history. He started the program at Don Bosco of Gilbertville in 1970 and quickly made the Dons a perennial power. While there, he claimed four traditional team titles and one dual team title. He saw 20 of his wrestlers win a total of 24 individual state titles. He began coaching at North Scott in 2000 and compiled a record of 93-30. He currently lives in Eldridge.

Tim Kreiger was a three-time state champion at Mason City High School who became a four-time All-American at Iowa State University. He claimed two NCAA titles, in 1987 and ’89, and won four Big Eight championships at 150 pounds. He was also second in 1988 and fifth in 1986 at the NCAA tournament. His overall record of 116-3-2 is one of the best in the history of Iowa colleges. He lives in Minneapolis, where he works in the financial industry.

Duane Goldman was a four-time Big Ten champion and four-time NCAA finalist at the University of Iowa, winning the 190-pound NCAA title in 1986. His overall record of 132-10 ranks tenth on the all-time Hawkeye career win percentage. A two-time state champion in Colorado, Goldman was an assistant coach under Joe McFarland at Indiana University before being named the head coach in 1992. His 2005 Hoosier team placed ninth in the NCAA wrestling race, his highest finish as head coach.

Mike Van Arsdale placed sixth, third and first at the NCAA meet while wearing the cardinal and gold for Iowa State. His individual title came at 167 pounds in 1988. He made several international freestyle teams and won a gold medal at the 1997 World Cup. He also posted a victory over a young Cyclone star named Cael Sanderson in the 2000 Olympic trials in Dallas.

A graduate of West Waterloo High School, he was state champion in 1982. Van Arsdale has earned fame as a mixed martial artist and today runs a kids wrestling program in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

For more information on the 2008 coaches clinic and hall of fame inductions, check the museum’s web site at www.wrestlingmuseum.org, or call the museum at 319-233-0745, and ask for Kyle Klingman or Kent Sesker.

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 4:45 PM | Permalink

With the signing of the highly sought Colby Covington, we now have a good idea what the complete wrestling lineup will look like heading into the 2008-09 season as the Hawkeyes try to go back to back with national titles. Find out who Tom Brands will likely be sending out to the mat next fall and get an early look at their projection on a national level.

125
Projected Starter: Charlie Falck

In the Wings: J.J. Krutsinger
Incoming High School Recruits: Nate Moore

Two-time All-American Charlie Falck returns to the Hawkeye line-up as the elder statesmen of the team. Each year Falck has improved on his NCAA finish, and there is no reason that shouldn't happen again next season. Jayson Ness may bump up to 133 to make way for Zach Sanders, but in his absence returns Troy Nickerson who made it to the finals as a freshmen. Also returning are reigning national champion Angel Escobedo and 2007 champ Paul Donahoe. Falck was close enough to inhale a whiff of the finals last month, and he has the potential to get just as far if not farther next season.

The nation's No. 1 recruit at 125 pounds joins the Hawkeyes this fall, where it's likely he and J.J. Krutsinger will try-out all season long for Falck's spot when his eligibility vanishes. Krutsinger was listed by Intermat as the No. 10 recruit at 125 coming out of high school, so both have plenty of talent. The cupboard looks pretty good for the next few years.

Projected Finish: 2nd – 4th

133
Projected Starter: Joey Slaton
In the Wings: Dan Dennis
Incoming Recruits: Matt McDonough, Mark Ballweg

Written off by even one of his teammates at the beginning of the season, Joey Slaton enjoyed a season long joy ride to the pinnacle of the wrestling world. This season Slaton enters as one of the favorites for the 133 title after making it all the way to the finals last month. The finals appearance was a short one, which should provide some extra fuel for someone who is already one of the countries fieriest wrestlers. While Coleman Scott will be gone next season, the other three contributors to Slaton's loss column — Mike Grey, Jimmy Kennedy, and Franklin Gomez — all return.

There is speculation going around that Slaton might not be able to make 133 consistently next season, but until that happens it's only that, speculation. If that should happen, Dan Dennis is one of the better back-ups in the country and could start for any number of programs around the country. Coming in to join Slaton and Dennis next year are Iowa state champs Matt McDonough and Mark Ballweg. Both were ranked by Intermat in the top-10 — McDonough 4th at 130 and Ballweg 9th at 135 — so it will be fun to see how they spread out to try and find a niche in the line-up for the future.

Projected Finish: 1st-3rd

141
Projected Starter: Alex Tsirtsis/Dan LeClere
In the Wings: Tsirtsis/LeClere
Incoming Recruits: None

All last season, the Alex Tsirstis v. Dan LeClere discussion raged on. This year the talk becomes reality as one of these two All-American caliber wrestlers will grab hold of the 141 spot, while the other once again misses out on the biggest competition of the year. Coming off his redshirt year, Tsirtsis will be the veteran of the weight class and will undoubtedly be hoping for a championship send-off. In his absence young talented wrestlers have come to the top of the class, so it will be interesting how he fares against the new competition.

LeClere on the other hand is not going to take to highly to the thought of sitting out more years in his college career than he wrestled. Like Tsirtsis, the talent is undoubtedly there, and he is capable of beating anyone in the entire class. The consistency just isn't there. With four All-Americans gone to graduation there is a great chance for the Hawkeyes score a lot more points at this class than they did last season. Whoever, Brands goes with come tournament time will be expected to deliver on that promise of points.

Projected Finish: 3rd-8th

149
Projected Starter: Brent Metcalf
In the Wings: Matt Ballweg, Nick LeClere
Incoming Recruits: None

Metcalf finished off a whirlwind season last month with an NCAA title that culminated in an outstanding wrestler of the tournament award and the prestigious Hodge Trophy. He is face of the Hawkeye program now and will be expected to bring home another title next season. One thing to watch in the off-season is what the other wrestlers in his weight class do, but regardless of who stays and who goes there will be plenty of competition and talent remaining in this weight class.

Sitting behind Brent Metcalf is as undesirable a position for a competitive athlete as being drafted as a quarterback by the Indianapolis Colts. Barring an injury, wrestling unattached is the extent of the action anyone is going to see at the 149-weight class for the next two seasons.

Projected Finish: 1st

157
Projected Starter: Ryan Morningstar
In the Wings: Brooks Kopsa, Stew Gillmor
Incoming Recruits: None

After a season's worth of frustrations, Ryan Morningstar gave Hawkeye fans reason for hope towards the completion of the 2007-2008 campaign. Morningstar managed to qualify for the NCAA tournament in Minneapolis, and took sixth seeded Matt Kocher into the second sudden victory period. In the consolation round he beat fifth seeded C.P. Schlatter before bowing out to Brandon Becker. Morningstar has the talent, as he showed in March, he just needs to believe in it. If he does, Morningstar could finally make a serious run at the podium in St. Louis.

While he hasn't been as dominant as Metcalf, there doesn't seem to be much of a chance to break into the line-up at 157. The only way Morningstar doesn't compete at 157 is if he is in the line-up at 165 pounds. Gillmor and Kopsa are young so they can't be counted out, but it will be at least two more seasons before they get their shot.

Projected Finish: 6th - No All American

165
Projected Starter: Colby Covington
In the Wings: Jake Kerr, Aaron Janssen
Incoming Recruits: Covington

The entire Hawkeye wrestling fanbase had to feel revealed today when they saw Colby Covington officially signed with the University of Iowa. Covington's credentials have been talked about to no end, so there's no use going over them again. Covington isn't going to fill Mark Perry shoes for the Hawkeyes at the NCAA's, but he does give Tom Brands someone he can count on to qualify and score points for the Iowa at the national tournament — something they didn't appear to have at seasons end. With the careers of Mark Perry and Eric Tannenbaum finished, Nick Marable has to be the favorite to win the weight class. However, the weight class isn't an extremely deep one and Covington does have a chance to stand on the podium

The inability to get a win in the absence of Perry is the reason the Iowa staff went after Covington. Kerr and Jansen could make big strides this off-season, but it was clear Brands and the other Iowa coaches were not content with entering next season hoping that would happen.

Projected Finish: 6th – No All American

Jay Borschel could contend for a title next season.

174
Projected Starter: Jay Borschel
In the Wings: Grant Gambrall
Incoming Recruits: Grant Gambrall

It took a few weeks to solidify who would be the starter at 174 pounds for Iowa last season, but after Borschel took hold of the position he put together an impressive season. Borschel climbed his way to as high as No. 2 in the rankings last year, and was only a takedown away from beating Keith Gavin and heading to the NCAA finals. He looked just as good in the wrestle-backs, pinning 11th seeded Steve Ancerage to get to the third place match where he calmly defeated third seeded Brandon Browne. With Gavin gone, Borschel will be one of the favorites to win the national title next year. Steve Luke will also return again next season and presents a formidable obstacle in Borschel's pursuit of wrestling supremacy.

Gambrall comes in as one of the top wrestlers in the 171-pound weight class, and just recently defeated former Hawkeye commit Jordan Blanton —another highly rated 171-pounder — in the Iowa-Illinois All-Star meet. Like most in this class coach Brands and his staff will have plenty of time to mold him before he sees the Iowa line-up.

Projected Finish- 1st - 2nd

184
Projected Starter: Phil Keddy
In the Wings: Rick, Loera, Vinnie Wagner
Incoming Recruits: None

If Brent Metcalf's season was the story of the year, Phil Keddy's was the runner-up. No one showed more improvement from one season to the next than Iowa's 184-pounder. The goal for next season is to take it to the next step and start finishing off the guys ranked above him. He was so close with so many top wrestlers this year, and seemed to get close everytime — coming inches away from beating Raymond Jordan in the fifth place bout. He will need to do that if he is to improve on his standing next year, as nearly everyone returns and Jake Herbert will throw himself back into the mix as well.

Rick Loera, wherever he ends up, just seems to be the odd man out at this moment. Borschel and Keddy locked up 174 and 184 last year, and Chad Beatty got Brands' stamp of approval at 197. For Wagner, as it is for numerous recruits on the roster, its just a timing thing. Keddy has himself firmly set in the line-up after earning All-American honors last year, and there doesn't appear to be a reason that he won't return to his spot for the next two seasons.

Projected Finish- 5th – 7th

197
Projected Starter: Chad Beatty
In the Wings: Luke Lofthouse, Brodie Ambrose
Incoming Recruits: None

After his dual saving performance against Anthony Biondo, Chad Beatty ensured his name would live forever in Hawkeye lore. This season, he'll try to make sure his name stays in the line-up for a few years to come. Beatty showed quickness and more importantly talent last season, he just wasn't anywhere close to the weight he was supposed to be competing at. The hope is clearly that he can bulk up and keep his skill set, in order to increase his competitiveness at the weight class. He was already a darkhorse this year to make the NCAA tournament, and should have an even better chance next year with a full season of training and feed under his belt.

Beatty stapled the spot down towards seasons end, but his spot isn't permanent just yet. He should be a solid favorite to keep the spot, but a little competition never hurt anyone. Lofthouse and Ambrose will be up for the task, and each wrestler should be the better for the push.

Projected Finish- Qualifier

HWT
Projected Starter: Dan Erekson
In the Wings: Blake Rasing
Incoming Recruits: None

After a bulk up redshirt year, fans should be excited to see the new Dan Erekson. With the well documented lack of support for Matt Fields' wrestling style, any new face is going to be a pleasant sight for fans. The junior should get the nod at heavyweight, and will be expected to be an All-American contender next season. With last year's heavyweight class loaded with seniors, Erekson has a great chance to slide into the class and compete at the highest level.

Rasing brings intriguing potential to the wrestling room, but chances are he's going to spend a few more years in the wrestling room before he stands under the lights of Carver-Hawkeye Arena in a Black and Gold singlet. With Erekson looking capable of taking over for Matt Fields, there is no reason to rush the redshirt freshmen.

Projected Finish- 5th – 7th

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 4:26 PM | Permalink

Old Dominion's Martin, Nicholson honored
4/9/2008
Old Dominion University Sports Information

RICHMOND, Va. -- Old Dominion University wrestling coach Steve Martin has been selected the Colonial Athletic Association Coach of the Year and red shirt freshman James Nicholson has been honored as the CAA Rookie of the year today as the CAA announced its 2007-08 wrestling awards.

Martin, previously a coach at Great Bridge High School in VA was named CAA Coach of the Year for the first time in his four years at ODU, after guiding the Monarchs to the highest national ranking in school history. Nicholson (Des Moines, Iowa) became Old Dominion's first All-American since 1995, winning his first CAA championship and finishing 8th at the NCAA Tournament.

Martin coached Old Dominion to a 17-3 overall record, including a 6-1 mark in CAA action. It was the second most wins in school history and the second best record in the modern era for the wrestling program. The only losses in the season came to nationally ranked opponents: #3 Iowa, #17 Illinois and #12 Hofstra. ODU closed the gap at the CAA Championship, taking second place for the third straight year and qualifying a school record six individuals to the national tournament. The team was ranked in the national polls for the first time since 1990-91 and reached its highest national ranking in school history at 18th in the country.

Nicholson finished with 35 wins in his rookie campaign coupled with just 10 losses. He finished the regular season winning 23 of his last 25 bouts and entered the NCAA Tournament on a 12-match winning streak, improving to a career-high 14 en route to his All-American finish. The Monarch grappler had eight major decisions, five technical falls and two pins on the season and was 6-1 in CAA action.

Nicholson led the league in rookie major decisions with eight and in rookie technical falls with five. He also finished tied for second in rookie wins and fifth in the CAA overall with 35. In the final NCAA Rankings of the year, Nicholson was ranked 10th in the nation by InterMat.

Old Dominion concluded the 2007-08 season ranked 2nd in the Colonial Athletic Association after the team's third straight runner-up performance at the tournament. With just one senior graduating in 2008, the Monarchs will return nine of ten starters to the lineup in 2008-09.

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 9:45 PM | Permalink

international rankings prepared by Iran and Bulgaria released through end of March
ISNA and Bulgarian Wrestling Federation
04/07/2008

A ranking of international wrestlers, developed by the Iranian Students News Agency and the Bulgarian Wrestling Federation, has been released. This ranking is based upon international competition through the end of March.

This ranking uses a point system for determining the top athletes in the world in all three styles of Olympic wrestling.

Points are awarded to athletes who place 1st through 5th in a variety of international tournaments. The point system is weighted, giving more points to the major events on the schedule.

The base points for the year began with the 2007 World Championships in Azerbaijan, and will include the other major events during the rest of the season.

The organizers of the ranking system plan to publish an international ranking every month during the season.

International Wrestling Rankings
Released March 31

Greco-Roman

55 kg/121 lbs.
1.Hamid Surian/Iran/-30
2.Nazir Mankiev/RUS/-19
3.Park En Chul/KOR/-13
3.Lindsey Durlacher/USA/-13
3.Yasner Hernandez/CUB/-13
6.Kristian Fris/SER/-11
6.Ildar Hafizov/UZB/-11
8.Bekhan Mankiev/RUS/-10
9.Zaur Kuramagomedov/RUS/-9
10.Roman Amoian/ARM/-8
10.Sam Hazewinkel/USA/-8
10.Husein Aigun/TUR/-8
10.Asset Imanbaev/KAZ/-8
14.Anders Rioningen/NOR/-6
14.Cha Kvang Su/PRK/-6
16.Hasan Moustafa/EGY/-5
16.Horhe Cardoso/VEN/-5
18.Mohamad Fageri/Iran/-4
18.Marat Garipov/KAZ/-4
18.Kohei Hasagava/JPN/-4
18.Kokelov/KAZ/-4
18.Natig Bagirov/AZE/-4
23.Fazel Ahmadi/FIN/-3
23.Mahman Elaev/ISR/-3
23.Anton Chelaru/ROM/-3
23.Bilel Benbrih/ALG/-3
27.Josh Habeck/USA/-2
27.Bager Tavakolian/Iran/-2
27.Ernar Ramazanov/KAZ/-2
27.Sherali Shodmanov/UZB/-2
27.Li Shu Zin/CHI/-2
27.Venelin Venkov/BUL/-2
27.Yasin Bahrampur/Iran/-2
27.Tomas Roningen/NOR/-2
35.Aleksandar Kostadinov/BUL/-1
35.Hamid Zare/Iran/-1
35.Elbek Tuiev/BLR/-1
35.Promise Mvenga/CAN/-1
35.Nabil Nazih/MAR/-1
35.Maher Bouturi/TUN/-1
35.Julio Munoz/COL/-1
35.Spencer Mango/USA/-1
35.Lasha Gogitadze/GEO/-1
35.Virgil Munteanu/ROM/-1
35.Anton Audikas/LIT/-1
35.Shahin Gasimov/TJK/-1
35.Hashim Baikara/TUR/-1
35.Anar Zeinalov/EST/-1

60 kg/132 lbs.
1.David Bedinadze/GEO/-20
2.Makoto Sasamoto/JPN/-13
2.Eusebio Diakonu/ROM/-13
4.Jin Ji Huyn/KOR/-13
5.Roberto Monzon/CUB/-12
6.Nurbahit Tengizbaev/KAZ/-10
6.Ruslan Tumenbaev/KGZ/-10
8.Yarko Huiki/FIN/-9
8.Yri Dubinin/BLR/-9
10.Abuzar Nurzade/Iran/-8
10.Danilo Krymov/UKR/-8
10.Davor Stefanek/SER/-8
10.Aslan Abdulin/RUS/-8
10.Dilshod Aripov/UZB/-8
10.Erbol Koniratov/KAZ/-8
16.Stig Berge/NOR/-6
17.Aset Imanbaev/KAZ/-5
17.Sebastian Idalgo/FRA/-5
17.Asraf Melegy/EGY/-5
17.Hamid Bafava/Iran/-5
21.Vitali Ragimov/AZE/-4
21.Manuel Lopez/MEX/-4
21.Ali Askani/Iran/-4
21.Uri Denisov/BLR/-4
21.Hideo Kitaora/JPN/-4
26.Denis Bikei/SER/-3
26.Artiom Kudik/UKR/-3
26.Atakan Uksel/TUR/-3
26.Eduard Barsegian/POL/-3
26.Mohamed Zogbi/ALG/-3
31.Amir Derikvandi/Iran/-2
31.Ivan Duke/COL/-2
31.Joe Betterman/USA/-2
31.Park En Chul/KOR/-2
31.Nam Kiong Jin/PRK/-2
31.Ravinder Singh/IND/-2
31.Marco Lara/USA/-2
31.Omid Nurozi/Iran/-2
31.Islambek Albiev/RUS/-2
31.Sagat Dzalilov/AZE/-2
41.Emil Milev/BUL/-1
41.Erik Buson/FRA/-1
41.Apostolos Manolidis/GRE/-1
41.Perica Dimitrievich/SER/-1
41.Williams Bassy/NIG/-1
41.Zied Keffi/TUN/-1
41.Luis Liendo/VEN/-1
41.Milton Gualpa/ECU/-1
41.Mahmut Gorez/TUR/-1
41.Balint Karposhi/HUN/-1
41.Udzi Okamoto/JPN/-1
41.Mustafa Saglam/TUR/-1
41.Ernestas Baguzas/LIT/-1

66 kg/145.5 lbs.
1.Farid Mansurov/AZE/-24
2.Steve Guenot/FRA/-20
3.Nikolai Gergov/BUL/-19
4.Tomas Lorinc/HUN/-17
5.Harry Lester/USA/-11
6.Arman Adikian/ARM/-10
6.Kim Min Chul/KOR/-10
8.Seiran Simonian/RUS/-9
9.Refik Aivazoglu/TUR/-8
9.Hamid Reihani/Iran/-8
9.Alain Millian/CUB/-8
12.Arunat Kuchinov/RUS/-7
13.Seref Erologlu/TUR/-6
13.Kenat Begaliev/KGZ/-6
15.Mati Kauto/FIN/-5
15.Mark Rial/USA/-5
15.Mohamed Serir/ALG/-5
18.Sergei Kovalenko/RUS/-4
18.Endriks Arteaga/VEN/-4
18.Kim Kal Chol/PRK/-4
18.Masaki Imuro/JPN/-4
18.Ali Mohamadi/Iran/-4
23.Yarko Huiki/FIN/-3
23.Jacob Curby/USA/-3
23.Aleksandar Maksimovich/SER/-3
23.Ame van Mik/Afrique de Sud/-3
23.Artak Ishkanian/FRA/-3
23.Erkan Ulvan/TUR/-3
29.Mihail Siamonov/BLR/-2
29.Beibit Nigumanov/KAZ/-2
29.Gurbinder Singh/IND/-2
29.Chao Ung Lang/C.Taipe/-2
29.Ulises Calderon/MEX/-2
29.Tomas Svierk/POL/-2
29.Hamid Reza Rezai/Iran/-2
29.Sasun Gambarian/ARM/-2
29.Ambako Vachadze/RUS/-2
38.Karel Hanek/CZE/-1
38.Manuhar Chahanadze/GEO/-1
38.Platini Dzabatou/Congo/-1
38.Hamza Louati/TUN/-1
38.Alvis Almendra/PAN/-1
38.Jose Saenz/GUA/-1
38.Vasili Lukov/RUS/-1
38.Markus Tatner/GER/-1
38.Muhran Machutadze/GEO/-1
38.Mehmet Sengiz/TUR/-1
38.Faruk Shahin/USA/-1
38.Sasu Kaasinen/FIN/-1
38.Edgaras Venkaitis/LIT/-1

74 kg/163 lbs.
1.Yavor Yanakiev/BUL/-20
2.Mark Madsen/DEN/-17
3.T.C. Dantzler/USA/-12
4.Kristof Guenot/FRA/-11
4.Valdemaras Venkaitis/LIT/-11
6.Chang Iong Ksiang/CHI/-10
6.Ulian Kvit/POL/-10
8.Roman Meleshin/KAZ/-9
9.Seref Tufenk/TUR/-8
9.Aleh Mihailovich/BLR/-8
9.Vladimir Satskih/UKR/-8
9.Farshad Alizade/Iran/-8
9.Sixto Ochoa/PER/-8
14.Viktor Aniskovech/BLR/-6
14.Aleksandar Kikinev/BLR/-6
14.Daniar Kobonov/KGZ/-6
14.Mehdi Mohamadi/Iran/-6
18.Valteri Moisio/FIN/-5
18.Mesud Zehdene/ALG/-5
18.Murat Argin/SUI/-5
18.Alan Hasli/FRA/-5
22.Aleksandar Kazakevich/LIT/-4
22.Harry Lester/USA/-4
22.Mohsen Gafarzade/Iran/-4
22.Ung Tae/KOR/-4
22.Asset Adilov/KAZ/-4
22.Odeliss Herero/CUB/-4
28.Tero Valimaaki/FIN/-3
28.Genadi Gogishvili/GEO/-3
28.Ahmed Abdelsadek/EGY/-3
31.Ilgar Abdulov/AZE/-2
31.Talan Knox/USA/-2
31.Naresh Kumar/IND/-2
31.Vartares Samurgashev/RUS/-2
31.Tsukasa Tcurumaki/JPN/-2
31.Elton Brown/PAN/-2
31.Halil Abdulahi/Iran/-2
31.Mihail Ivanchenko/RUS/-2
39.Yesi Keki/FIN/-1
39.Marselo Mina/ECU/-1
39.Juan Eskobar/MEX/-1
39.Yadulah Arabjafari/Iran/-1
39.Akram Ziad/TUN/-1
39.Ikefani Ikveakvu/NIG/-1
39.Abel Balitabar/Iran/-1
39.Emre Cemlekchioglu/TUR/-1
39.Ioakim Ardaaalen/NOR/-1
39.Ure Kuhar/SLO/-1
39.Stepan Kricuha/RUS/-1
39.Ramazan Sahin/TUR/-1
39.Benedikt Ernst/AUT/-1
39.Andy Bisek/USA/-1

84 kg/185 lbs.
1.Aleksei Mishin/RUS/-25
2.Badri Khasaia/GEO/-19
3.Falcon Estrada/CUB/-17
4.Taleb Nematpour/Iran/-14
5.Brad Vering/USA/-14
6.Saman Tahmasebi/Iran/-11
7.Kim Jun Sub/KOR/-11
8.Shingo Machumoto/JPN/-10
9.Ara Abrahamian/SWE/-9
10.Nazmi Avludza/TUR/-8
10.Oleg Shokalov/RUS/-8
10.Andrea Minguzzi/ITA/-8
13.Laimutis Adomaitis/LTU/-6
13.Andrei Baranovski/BLR/-6
15.Ardo Arusar/EST/-5
15.Haikel Ashouri/TUN/-5
15.Chas Betts/USA/-5
18.Shalva Gadabadze/AZE/-4
18.Cho Ho Chul/KOR/-4
18.Uri Samohin/KAZ/-4
18.Keith Sieracki/USA/-4
18.Mohamed Bekir/TUR/-4
18.Zaur Kerezev/RUS/-4
24.Dzimi Petersson/SWE/-3
24.David Muntu/Congo/-3
24.Mohamed Ychedag/TUR/-3
27.Cristian Mosquera/COL/-2
27.Victor Sprenger/CAN/-2
27.Zanarbek Kenzeev/KGZ/-2
27.Yania Abutabeeh/YOR/-2
27.Brad Ahearn/USA/-2
27.Davud Abedinzadeh/Iran/-2
27.Davud Akbari/Iran/-2
27.Viacheslav Makarenko/BLR/-2
27.Oleksandar Dorogan/UKR/-2
36.Ivan Iabandziev/BUL/-1
36.Artur Mihailevich/POL/-1
36.Mishel Mabonga/Congo/-1
36.Robert Papp/ROM/-1
36.Joe Agbonaibare/NIG/-1
36.Meluni Numeni/FRA/-1
36.Alim Selimov/BLR/-1
36.Antonio Mendoza/MEX/-1
36.Cristian Ortiz/P.Riko/-1
36.Ioakim Jau/SUI/-1
36.Goran Boianov/SER/-1
36.Artur Shahinian/ARM/-1
36.Mats Rolfsen/NOR/-1
36.Fredrik Shon/SWE/-1

96 kg/211.5 lbs.
1.Gasem Rezai/Iran/-25
2.Ramaz Nozadze/GEO/-20
3.Justin Ruiz/USA/-16
4.Mindaugas Ezerkis/LIT/-13
5.Marek Svec/CZE/-11
6.Diagoro Timonchini/ITA/-11
6.Kenzo Kato/JPN/-11
8.Ahmed Tachiyaldaz/TUR/-10
9.Aslanbek Hustov/RUS/-8
9.Abas Nuri/Iran/-8
9.Jimmy Lidberg/SWE/-8
12.Margulan Asambekov/KAZ/-7
13.Iakob Sedergen/SWE/-5
13.Samir Bouguerera/ALG/-5
13.Vasili Teplouhov/RUS/-5
13.Yosvani Lima Goikoechea/CUB/-5
13.Evgeni Achkasov/RUS/-5
18.Shota Normania/BLR/-4
18.Frich Aanes/NOR/-4
18.Adam Wheeler/USA/-4
18.Karam Gaber/EGY/-4
18.Mehmet Ozal/TUR/-4
18.Andrei Deberni/POL/-4
18.Han Tae Iong/KOR/-4
18.A.Aliev/UZB/-4
26.Gusen Zarachov/RUS/-3
26.Husin Ayari/TUN/-3
26.Vinsent Vidal/FRA/-3
29.Todoris Tunosidis/GRE/-2
29.Hamid Sarsuh/Iran/-2
29.Maksim Safarian/RUS/-2
29.Wang Wei Gun/TPE/-2
29.Scott Seeley/CAN/-2
29.Dmitrii Timchenko/UKR/-2
35.Kaloan Dinchev/BUL/-1
35.Samid Bugeri/ALG/-1
35.William Serrano/ESA/-1
35.Etien van Histiin/RSA/-1
35.Pol Ikpom/NIG/-1
35.Luis Fernandes/BRA/-1
35.Mojtaba Kababi/Iran/-1
35.Oleg Krioka/UKR/-1
35.Emin Ozturk/TUR/-1
35.Timo Kallio/FIN/-1
35.Laiosh Virag/HUN/-1
35.Taisto Hali/FIN/-1
35.Ion Patru/ROM/-1
35.Uha Haapala/FIN/-1

120 kg/264.5 lbs.
1.Mihail Lopes/CUB/-43
2.Hasan Baroev/RUS/-21
3.Dremiel Byers/USA/-19
4.Riza Kayalaap/TUR/-18
5.Masud Hashemzade/Iran/-14
6.Georgi Churchumia/KAZ/-13
7.Yuri Patrikeev/ARM/-11
8.Yanik Schepanik/FRA/-9
8.Mihali Deak Bardosh/HUN/-9
10.Ismail Guzel/TUR/-8
10.David Soldadze/UZB/-8
12.Mindaugas Mizgaitis/LTU/-7
13.Yaser Abdelrahman/EGY/-5
13.Russ Davie/USA/-5
15.Aleksandar Anuchin/RUS/-4
15.Bashin Babajanzade/Iran/-4
15.Hirokazi Suzuki/JPN/-4
18.Achamaz Kabulov/RUS/-3
18.Karim Assadi/TUN/-3
18.David Arend/USA/-3
18.Cesar Fagan/ROM/-3
22.Panaiotis Papadopulos/GRE/-2
22.Ivan Ivanov/BUL/-2
22.Rafael Bareno/VEN/-2
22.Rodrigo Artiheiro/BRA/-2
22.Peyam Zarinpur/Iran/-2
22.Muradin Tuchiev/TJK/-2
22.Hong Hun Hee/KOR/-2
22.Sergei Artuhin/BLR/-2
22.Iosif Chogashvili/BLR/-2
31.Daniel Figara/ITA/-1
31.Niko Shmid/GER/-1
31.Boian Kruzich/SER/
31.Radomir Petkovich/SER/-1
31.Rahim Mahdani/Iran/-1
31.Ksenofont Kotchiombas/GRE/-1
31.Rayan Abrahams/Afrique de Sud/-1
31.Viktor Asprillia/COL/-1
31.Edvin Rodriges/Nikaragua/-1
31.Genadii Lisenko/KAZ/-1
31.Guram Perselidze/GEO/-1
31.Mohsen Bashini/Iran/-1
31.Iohan Evren/SWE/-1
31.Heiko Suupart/EST/-1

Freestyle

55 kg/121 lbs.
1.Besik Kuduhov/RUS/-28
2.Roshvan Gadziev/BLR/-23
3.Baara Naranbaatar/MGL/-21
4.Andy Moreno/CUB/-15
5.Tomohiro Machunaga/JPN/-10
6.Taghi Dadashi/Iran/-10
7.Sezer Akgul/TUR/-9
7.Dilshod Mansurov/UZB/-9
9.Musa Saidubulatov/UKR/-8
9.Henry Cejudo/USA/-8
11.Jan Jae Hon/KOR/-6
12.Genadi Tulbea/MLD/-5
12.Adam Diata/SEN/-5
14.Dzamal Otarsultanow/RUS/-4
14.Kim Sam Nan/PRK/-4
14.Firas/SYR/-4
14.Namik Sevdimov/AZE/-4
14.Abas Dabagi/Iran/-4
19.Mohamed Atia/TUN/-3
20.Labazan Askerbiev/RUS/-2
20.Suhrab Atalail/TUR/-2
20.Stephen Abas/USA/-2
20.Nariman Israpilov/RUS/-2
20.Aleksandar Lasicha/BLR/-2
20.Nick Simmons/USA/-2
20.Gevork Markarian/UKR/-2
20.Vladislav Andreev/BLR/-2
20.John Pineda/CAN/-2
20.Fredi Serrano/COL/-2
20.Vic Moreno/USA/-2
20.Nurlan Oruzbek/KGZ/-2
20.Artur Hromov/RUS/-2
33.Nikolai Starostin/RUS/-1
33.Uri Golub/UKR/-1
33.Aleksandar Koriakin/RUS/-1
33.Vinicis Pedroza/BRA/-1
33.Cezar Roberty/VEN/-1
33.Pier Botta/RSA/-1
33.Feisal Aunie/ALG/-1
33.Yasihiro Inaba/JPN/-1
33.Svetoslav Nejchev/BUL/-1
33.Namik Abdulaev/AZE/-1
33.Bazar Zalsapov/RUS/-1

60 kg/132 lbs.
1.Mavlet Batirov/RUS/-21
2.Tefik Odabashi/TUR/-17
3.Anatoli Guida/BUL/-17
4.Bazar Bazarguriev/KGZ/-13
5.Saed Prizreni/ALB/-11
6.Iogeshvar Dutt/IND/-10
6.Qin He/CHI/-9
8.Alan Dudaev/RUS/-8
8.Givi Sisauri/CAN/-8
8.Georgi Bucur/ROM/-8
8.Angel Cejudo/USA/-8
8.Vasili Fedorishin/UKR/-8
13.Noriuki Takachuki/JPN/-6
14.Hassan Madany/EGY/-5
15.Morad Mohamadi/Iran/-4
16.Adam Batirov/RUS/-4
16.Gilermo Torres/MEX/-4
16.Vais Tlegenov/UZB/-4
16.Suhbaatar Sengedorz/MGL/-4
16.Bair Olin/RUS/-4
16.Martin Berberian/ARM/-4
16.Aleksandar Karnitski/BLR/-4
23.Niils de Jager/RSA/-3
24.Ramazan Saritov/RUS/-2
24.Uri Semakin/UKR/-2
24.Maksim Matus/UKR/-2
24.Jong Min Riom/PRK/-2
24.Mike Zadick/USA/-2
24.Badrudin Magomedov/BLR/-2
24.Andrei Perpelita/MLD/-2
24.Luis Portillio/El Sal/-2
24. Zach Roberson/USA/-2
24.Petre Toarka/ROM/-2
24.Viktor Vilmov/RUS/-2
35.Aslan Dohov/RUS/-1
35.Shawn Bunch/USA/-1
35.Isaak Boaz/NIG/-1
35.Viktor Salobatriatre/SEN/-1
35.Nikolai Leontiev/RUS/-1
35.Uri Balanduk/UKR/-1
35.Luiz Ortiz/P.Riko/-1
35.Maikal Gonzales/CUB/-1
35.Michael Lightner/USA/-1
35.Ersin Cetin/TUR/-1
35.Saed Ahmadi/Iran/-1

66 kg/145.5 lbs.
1.Geandry Garzon/CUB/-21
2.Ramazan Shahin/TUR/-20
3.Trent Paulson/USA/-16
4.Albert Batirov/BLR/-12
5.Irbek Farniev/RUS/-11
5.Otar Tushishvili/GEO/-11
7.Jang Chung Song/PRK/-10
8.Doug Schwab/USA/-9
8.Andrei Stadnik/UKR/-9
10.Rasul Dzukaev/RUS/-8
10.Yasin Bolat/TUR/-8
12.Onurbaat Purevdzaav/MGL/-6
13.Hainrih Barns/RSA/-5
14.Shamil Batirov/RUS/-4
14.Haislan Garcia/CAN/-4
14.Emin Azizov/AZE/-4
14.Viktor Belokopiti/UKR/-4
14.Elman Asgarov/AZE/-4
14.Sushil Kumar/IND/-4
14.Kazuhiko Ikemachu/JPN/-4
21.Idrisse Diatta/SEN/-3
22.Zaur Botaev/RUS/-2
22.Serafim Barzakov/BUL/-2
22.Adam Sobierai/POL/-2
22.Rikardo Roberti/VEN/-2
22.Chris Bono/USA/-2
22.Batzorig Buiandzav/MGL/-2
22.Shamil Abdulaev/RUS/-2
22.Miroslav Dikan/GBR/-2
22.Amir Berukov/RUS/-2
22.Magomed Aziev/RUS/-2
22.Mazen Kadmany/SYR/-2
22.Leonid Spiridonov/KAZ/-2
22.Darsan Dzaparov/RUS/-2
22.Renat Ramazanov/RUS/-2
36.Rafik Alimov/RUS/-1
36.Ramazan Abdurahmanov/AZE/-1
36.Billel Guinie/ALG/-1
36.Mohamed Belayeh/TUN/-1
36.Zirair Hovanesian/ARM/-1
36.Akurek Tanatarov/KAZ/-1
36.Edison Hurtado/COL/-1
36.Pool Ambrocio/PER/-1
36.Tatsuhiro Yonemichu/JPN/-1
36.Jared Lawrence/USA/-1
36.Hamid Mohamadnedzad/Iran/-1
36.Artish Tambulak/RUS/-1

74 kg/163 lbs.
1.Mahach Murtazaliev/RUS/-28
2.Ivan Fundora/CUB/-19
3.Ibrahim Aldatov/UKR/-13
4.Chamsulvar Chamsulvaraev/AZE/-11
5.Cho Bun Kvan/KOR/-10
6.Meisam Gokar/Iran/-10
7.Stefan Georgita/ROM/-9
7.Joe Heskett/USA/-9
7.Murad Gaidarov/BLR/-9
10.Ahmed Gulhan/TUR/-8
10.Andrii Shiika/GER/-8
10.Saifudin Osmanov/KAZ/-8
13.Abdulhakim Shapiev/KAZ/-6
14.Joel Anetmi/NIG/-5
15.Buvaisar Saitiev/RUS/-4
15.Casey Cunningham/USA/-4
15.Gombodorz Dorvanchig/MGL/-4
15.Agil Guliev/AZE/-4
15.Matthew Gentry/CAN/-4
15.Kazauki Nagashima/JPN/-4
15.Aleksandar Motil/BLR/-4
15.Ramazan Shahin/TUR/-4
23.Richard Adinal/Afrique de Sud/-3
23.Travis Paulson/USA/-3
25.Sergei Kirilov/RUS/-2
25.Denis Chargus/RUS/-2
25.Jamie Espinal/P.Riko/-2
25.Donny Pritzlaff/USA/-2
25.Ben Askren/USA/-2
25.Iman Mohamadian/Iran/-2
25.Rigileng Si/CHI/-2
25.Zaur Salautdinov/TJK/-2
25.Oleg Belocherkovski/UKR/-2
34.Muslim Dadaev/RUS/-1
34.Riad Dzelassi/TUN/-1
34.Augusto Midana/GVI/-1
34.Aihan Sucu/TUR/-1
34.Maksimo Blanko/VEN/-1
34.Wilsson Medina/COL/-1
34.Vadim Zaichev/BLR/-1
34.Eric Luedke/USA/-1
34.Ugur Cadir/TUR/-1

84 kg/185 lbs.
1. Georgi Ketoev/RUS/-28
2. Usup Abdusalamov/TJK/-17
2. Joe Williams/USA/-17
4. Serhat Bachi/TUR/-13
5. Reza Yazdany/IRI/-11
5. Zaurbek Sohiev/UZB/-11
7.Soslan Kachoev/RUS/-10
7.Vang Ung/CHI/-10
9.Hamid Tatari/Iran/-10
10.Nurmagomed Nurmagomedov/RUS/-8
10. Jake Herbert/USA/-8
12.Ganzorig Gagnadorz/MGL/-7
13.Aden Rahimi/TUN/-5
14.Sazid Sazidov/RUS/-4
14.David Bichinashvili/GER/-4
14.Magomed Ibrahimov/RUs/-4
14.Abdul Amaev/UZB/-4
14.Jarlis Moskuera/COL/-4
14.Taras Danko/UKR/-4
20.Conrad de Villiers/Afrique de Sud/-3
20.Anzor Urishev/RUS/-3
22.Adam Saitiev/RUS/-2
22.Navruz Temrezov/AZE/-2
22.Ali Imamoglu/TUR/-2
22.Revaz Mindorashvili/GEO/-2
22.Adrian Joude/BRA/-2
22.Utaka Suzuki/JPN/-2
22.Rosmel Gil/VEN/-2
22.Bryce Hasseman/USA/-2
22.Aigum Bagomaev/RUS/-2
22.Clint Wattenberg/USA/-2
22.Ludvig Alborov/RUS/-2
33.Mustafa Khouli/MAR/-1
33.Ablaie Thiam/SEN/-1
33.Willy Parks/USA/-1
33.Reineri Salas/CUB/-1
33.Manuel Garcia/P.Riko/-1
33.Vadim Alborov/RUS/-1
33.Vadim Laliev/ARM/-1
33.Ivan Yankovski/BLR/-1
33.Niko Ganidze/GEO/-1
33.Ermek Baidashov/KAZ/-1

96 kg/211.5 lbs.
1.Khadzimurad Gatsalov/RUS/-24
2.Kurban Kurbanov/UZB/-21
3.Abas Moradi/Iran/-14
4.Saed Ebrahimi/IRI/-13
5.Daniel Cormier/USA/-11
5.Hakan Koc/TUR/-11
7.Aleksei Krupniakov/KGZ/-9
9.Shirwani Muradov/RUS/-8
9.Michel Batista/CUB/-8
9.Sean Stender/USA/-8
9.Georgi Gogselidze/GEO/-8
9.Uri Belonovski/RUS/-8
9.Hetak Gazumov/AZE/-8
15.Daulet Shabanbai/KAZ/-6
16.Moustaffa Emara/EGY/-5
17.Stefan Kehrer/GER/-4
17.Nurzan Kataev/KAZ/-4
17.Damion Hahn/USA/-4
17.Ko Tae Hon/KOR/-4
21.Kakuma Bela Loufu/RSA /-3
22.Sait Bingol/TUR/-2
22.Evgeni Kolomiech/RUS/-2
22.Wang Yanian/CHI/-2
22.Naveen/IND/-2
22.Bartolomei Barnitski/POL/-2
22.William Serrano/El SAL/-2
22.David Zilberman/CAN/-2
22.Saidhasan Abubakirov/RUS/-2
22.Badruhi Belashelashvili/GEO/-2
22.Israel Silva/USA/-2
22.Ibrahim Saidov/RUS/-2
22.Ilimdar Saidov/UKR/-2
34.Nugrun Chukrov/RUS/-1
34.Ruzdi Rahimi/TUN/-1
34.Samuel Seck/SEN/-1
34.Marselo Gimaraesh/BRA/-1
34.Mathew White/P.Riko/-1
34.Kenan Gor/TUR/-1
34.Michael Irving/USA/-1
34.Arash Mardani/Iran/-1
34.Nikolai Cheban/MLD/-1
34.Kurt Backes/USA/-1
34.Yasin Kilic/TUR/-1
34.Alan Zaseev/RUS/-1

120 kg/264.5 lbs.
1.Bilial Mahov/RUS/-22
2.Fardin Masumi/Iran/-18
3.Tommy Rowlands/USA/-17
4.Fatih Shakiroglu/TUR/-16
5.Alexis Rodrigez/CUB/-15
6.Marid Mutalimov/KAZ/-14
7.Artur Taimazov/UZB/-11
7.Vadim Tasoev/UKR/-11
9.Rares Chintoan/ROM/-9
10.Steve Mocco/USA/-8
11.Bahtiar Ahmedov/RUS/-8
12.Aleksei Shemarov/RUS/-5
12.Zarsalaigan Chulunbaat/MGL/-5
12.Willson Siewari/NIG/-5
15.Kuramagomed Kuramagomedov/RUS/-4
15.Bozidar Boiadziev/RUS/-4
15.Liang Lei/CHI/-4
15.Antoni Joude/BRA/-4
15.Marcus Hamman/GER/-4
15.Aidan Polatchi/TUR/-4
21.Hisham Abdelwaheb/EGY/-3
22.Lazaro Marsagashvili/GEO/-2
22.Lari Langovski/MEX/-2
22.Oleg Kalagov/UZB/-2
22.Go Song Jin/KOR/-2
22.Mike Faust/USA/-2
22.Redzeb Kara/TUR/-2
22.Les Sigman/USA/-2
22.Ruslan Basiev/ARM/-2
22.Ali Isaev/AZE/-2
31.Iwan Istenko/UKR/-1
31.Dirk Winterfeld/GER/-1
31.Slim Cheebi/TUN/-1
31.Davie Jakobs/RSA/-1
31.Winchel Negron/P.Riko/-1
31.Arjan Bhular/CAN/-1
31.Maksim Mihalkevich/BLR/-1
31.David Musulbes/SLK/-1

Women

48 kg/105.5 lbs.
1.Chiharo Icho/JPN/-30
2.Clarissa Chun/USA/-16
3.Irina Merlin/UKR/-13
4.Stephanie Murata/USA/-13
4.Carol Huynh/CAN/-13
6.Sara Fulp Allen/USA/-12
7.Li Ksiaomei/CHI/-11
7.Mielis Karipa/VEN/-11
9.Maria Stadnik/AZE/-10
10.Enzargal Chogtbaiar/MGL/-9
11.Patricia Miranda/USA/-8
11.Marina Shishkina/RUS/-8
11.Sofia Matsson/SWE/-8
14.Zamira Rahmanova/RUS/-6
14.Hamza Nazinha/TUN/-6
14.Ren Ksua Cheng/CHI/-6
17.Vanesa Bubriem/FRA/-5
18.Elza Tazetdinova/RUS/-4
18.Neha/IND/-4
18.Ingrid Sellar/El SAL/-4
21.Linda Larson/SWE/-3
21.Sami Ozitti/NIG/-3
21.Psata Fani/GRE/-3
24.Alyssa Lampe/USA/-2
24.Lindzi Rushton/CAN/-2
24.Aleksandra Engelhard/GER/-2
24.Talia Malqui/PER/-2
24.Tatiana Bagatuk/KAZ/-2
24.Natalia Budu/MLD/-2
24.Sunisha Klahan/THA/-2
24.Wu Li Chuan/C.Taipe/-2
24.Viktoria Umelianova/UKR/-2
33.Iana Stadnik/GBR/-1
33.Suzana Almeida/BRA/-1
33.Katiuska Toasa/ECU/-1
33.Mary Kelly/USA/-1
33.Angellee Homma/USA/-1
33.Marine Dimma/MAD/-1
33.Mona Mahmud/EGY/-1
33.Zaklin Shelin/GER/-1
33.Marva Meziani/TUN/-1
33.Natalia Gushchina/RUS/-1
33.Maria LIvach/UKR/-1
33.Ulia Omilusik/POL/-1
33.Sariaane Savola/FIN/-1
33.Sureen Davaa/MGL/-1
33.Cheinesh Bubru/RUS/-1

51 kg/112.25 lbs.
1.Hitomi Sakamoto/JPN/-20
2.Aleksandra Engelhard/GER/-17
3.Ana Trusova/RUS/-16
4.Tatiana Bagatuk/KAz/-15
5.Ren Huacheng/CHI/-13
6.Erika Sharp/CAN/-11
6.An Katerin Delunch/FRA/-11
8.Un Hae Zin/KOR/-10
9.Patricia Miranda/USA/-8
9.Vanesa Boubriem/FRA/-8
9.Ulia Blagina/UKR/-8
12.Natalia Budu/MLD/-7
12.Marina Vilmova/RUS/-7
14.Ana Maksimova/RUS/-6
15.Marina Markevich/BLR/-5
15.Wasila Rafavi/TUN/-5
15.Izabel Samboa/SEN/-5
15.Sabrina Magnusson/SWE/-5
19.Erica Tores/USA/-4
19.Dam Ti Hu/VIE/-4
19.Huan Ven Zuan/CHI/-4
19.Vanessa Brown/CAN/-4
23.Marina Serano/ESP/-3
23.Alena Adashinska/RUS/-3
23.Akuve Chuvendu/NIG/-3
26.Katerina Krasnova/RUS/-2
26.Aiano Suzuki/JPN/-2
26.Renata Omilusik/POL/-2
26.Kai Uri/JPN/-2
26.Tsai Pei Jing/C.Taipe/-2
26.Nadezda Shushko/BLR/-2
26.Aleksandra Kogut/UKR/-2
26.Davasuuh Otgoncuveeg/MGL/-2
26.Audrey Pang/USA/-2
26.Claire Dupont/USA/-2
36.Cheryl Wong/USA/-1
36.Tina Ylinen/FIN/-1
36.Svetlana Asratashvili/BLR/-1
36.Aim Abdulina/KAZ/-1
36.Aurellia Basste/FRA/-1
36.Jennifer Peabody/USA/-1
36.Ekaterina Zenkina/RUS/-1
36.Mpo Madi/RSA/-1
36.Dilek Atakol/TUR/-1
36.Melani Lesafre/FRA/-1

55 kg/121 lbs.
1.Saori Ioshida/JPN/-30
2.Natalia Golts/RUS/-21
3.Tatjana Lazareva/UKR/-17
4.Ida Karlson/SWE/-13
5.Olga Smirnova/KAZ/-11
5.Najdan Odgonzargaal/MGL/-11
7.Alena Filipova/BLR/-10
8.Sally Roberts/USA/-8
8.Ana Zviridovska/POL/-8
8.Tonia Verbiik/CAN/-8
9.Saltanat Abdurahmanova/KAZ/-6
9.Silvia Bilenska/POL/-6
11.Ana Gomes/FRA/-5
11.Marva Amri/TUN/-5
11.Lovina Odohi/NIG/-5
11.Iohana Matson/SWE/-5
15.Marcie Van Dusen/USA/-4
16.Natalia Sinishin/UKR/-4
16.Emese Sabo/HUN/-4
16.Ksu Li/CHI/-4
16.Ksi Ung Cu/TWI/-4
16.Ture Nene/GVI/-4
21.Natalia Smirnova/RUS/-2
21.Magdalena Arelano/MEX/-2
21.Marcia Andrade/VEN/-2
21.Ngiem Tai Gviang/VIE/-2
21.Agata Pietrzak/POL/-2
21.Jessika Behtel/GER/-2
21.Kristian Knittel/GER/-2
21.Irina Hariv/UKR/-2
21.Ana Maksimova/RUS/-2
30.Namsrai Amntula/MGL/-1
30.Sofia Pompuridu/GRE/-1
30.Ehbaiar Tsevemed/MGL/-1
30.Rahtatu Sonko/SEN/-1
30.Tereza Zviridovska/POL/-1
30.Enid Rivera/P.Riko/-1
30.Joice Silva/BRA/-1
30.Olga Narepeha/UKR/-1
30.Ana Maria Paul/ROM/-1
30.Deanna Rix/USA/-1
30.Dina Mirzaeva/UZB/-1
30.Cherae Pascua/USA/-1

59 kg/130 lbs.
1.Audrey Bokashvili/FRA/-20
2.Ludmila Kristea/MLD/-14
3.Stefani Gross/GER/-13
4.Tatiana Padilla/USA/-12
5.Dorj Narmandah/MGL/-11
5.Natalia Sinishin/UKR/-11
7.Li Songi/CHI/-10
8.Britani Laverdure/CAN/-9
8.Sandra Roa/COL/-9
10. Sally Roberts/USA/-8
10.Ida Terres Nerrel/SWE/-8
10.Olga Smirnova/KAZ/-8
10.Erin Tomeo/USA/-8
14.Katerina Ianishkevich/BLR/-5
14.Hela Riabi/TUN/-5
14.Alla Cherkasova/UKR/-5
17.Amanda Gerhard/CAN/-4
17.Anita/IND/-4
17.Kadzita Mizuki/JPN/-4
17.Gudrin Hoie/NOR/-4
17.Galina Legenkina/RUS/-4
22.Meriam Selum/FRA/-3
22.Sonia Ahmadli/AZE/-3
22.Elvina Mursalova/AZE/-3
22.Maria Musa/NIG/-3
26.Sabrina Espozito/ITA/-2
26.Ung Hai Rim/KOR/-2
26.Li Chu Ping/C.Taipe/-2
26.Aldona Hanishevska/POL/-2
26.Tsuda Kaya/JPN/-2
26.Margarita Fatkulina/RUS/-2
26.Kelsey Campbell/USA/-2
26.Othella Lucas/USA/-2
34.Andrea Simon/ROM/-1
34.Adelaida Sambo/SEN/-1
34.Manuela Andriantsalama/MAD/-1
34.Kruza Molgovzeta/POL/-1
34.Joanna Kodzei/POL/-1
34.Wendi Garsia/MEX/-1
34.Samantha Fee/USA/-1
34.Natasha Balash/GER/-1
34.Muriet Dinbelova/KAZ/-1
34.K.Godo/HUN/-1
34.Ameli Mursher/FRA/-1
34.Chagnadorz Narangaarav/MGL/-1

63 kg/138.75 lbs.
1.Kaori Icho/JPN/-30
2.Monika Rogien/POL/-19
3.Elena Shaligina/KAZ/-17
4.Alena Kartashova/RUS/-16
5.Sara McMann/USA/-11
5.Ulia Ostapchuk/UKR/-11
7.Liza Legrand/FRA/-9
8.Alain Berube/USA/-8
8.Marina Dugrenier/CAN/-8
10.Lubov Volosova/RUS/-8
11.Badrah Odonchimeg/MGL/-7
12.Hellena Allandi/SWE/-6
12.Sandra Roa/COL/-6
14.Olga Hilko/BLR/-5
14.Hajat Faraj/EGY/-5
14.Olesa Zamula/AZE/-5
14.Ana Polovneva/RUS/-4
14.Elena Pirozkhov/USA/-4
14.Hoi Min Vei/TAIWAN/-4
14.Randi Miller/USA/-4
21.Nikol Hartman/AUT/-3
21.Agoro Papavisilio/GRE/-3
21.Tori Adams/USA/-3
21.Hadi Diatta/SEN/-3
25.Oksana Shalikova/UKR/-2
25.Ge Zen/CHI/-2
25.Jakhar Geetika/IND/-2
25.Joselin Rojas/VEN/-2
25.Mariana Sastin/HUN/-2
25.Evelina Grivik/SWE/-2
31.Stefani Kouassi/Cot di Voar/-1
31.Yoselin Rojas/VEN/-1
31.Furgen Onal/TUR/-1
31.Diana Miranda/MEX/-1
31.Zumike Geringer/Afrique de Sud/-1
31.Carolin Cardoso/BRA/-1
31.Ludmila Golovchenko/UKR/-1
31.Elina Vaseva/BUL/-1
31.Tereza Mendes/ESP/-1
31.Ekaterina Melnikova/RUS/-1

67 kg/147.5 lbs.
1.Natalia Kuksina/RUS/-27
2.Jing Rui Kse/CHI/-20
3.Martina Dugrenier/CAN/-13
4.Daria Karpenko/KAZ/-13
5.Katie Downing/USA/-11
5.Nasaarburma Ochirbaat/MGL/-11
7.Ulia Bartnovska/RUS/-10
7.Mami Shinkai/JPN/-10
9.Yoshiko Inoe/JPN/-9
10.Elena Shaligina/KAZ/-8
10.Elena Pirozkhov/USA/-8
10.Monika Rogien/POL/-8
13.Liza Legrand/FRA/-5
13.Iheancho Ifeoma/NIG/-5
15.Maria Muller/GER/-4
15.Megan Dollan/CAN/-4
15.Paulina Grabovska/POL/-4
15.Zang Feng Li/CHI/-4
19.Maria Kachina/TUR/-3
19.Zosian Soloniana/MAD/-3
19.Aurelia Gerlak/FRA/-3
22.Evgenia Atamanova/RUS/-2
22.Amberlee Ebert/USA/-2
22.Stefany Maierhofer/AUT/-2
22.Magda Pitrzik/POL/-2
22.Suman Kundu/IND/-2
22.Yong So Yung/KOR/-2
22.Stefanie Shaw/USA/-2
22.Ana Polovneva/RUS/-2
22.Irina Bogdanova/RUS/-2
31.Darina Sanzeeva/RUS/-1
31.Burku Orskaia/TUR/-1
31.Chiaki Idzima/JPN/-1
31.Ase Karlson/SWE/-1
31.Ashley Sword/USA/-1
31.Sana Chortani/TUN/-1
31.Sambo Eufrazie/SEN/-1
31.Maria Kachina/AZE/-1
31.Olga Ignatuk/BLR/-1
31.Sara Hilliard/USA/-1
31.Dzenifar Butner/GER/-1
31.Mari Guseti/FRA/-1
31.Irina Bogdanova/RUS/-1

72 kg/158.5 lbs.
1.Stanka Zlateva/BUL/-44
2.Guzel Manurova/RUS/-19
3.Unda Maider/ESP/-16
4.Burmaa Ochirbaat/MGL/-15
5.Kristie Marano/USA/-13
5.Olga Zanibekova/KAZ/-13
7.Stephany Lee/USA/-12
8.Kioko Hamaguchi/JPN/-10
9.Wang Xu/CHI/-9
10.Dzeni Fransson/SWE/-5
10.Alena Perepelkina/RUS/-5
10.Amarachi Obiandzunva/NIG/-5
10.Iris Smith/USA/-5
14.Alena Starobutceva/RUS/-5
15.Okenefa Akuffo/CAN/-4
15.Xu Ksiang/CHI/-4
15.Ana Panova/KAZ/-4
18.Maria Vroni/GRE/-3
18.Agneshka Viezchak/POL/-3
18.Sabrin Matluti/TUN/-3
21.Ali Bernard/USA/-2
21.Hwang Eun Joo/KOR/-2
21.Anitta Shaltze/GER/-2
21.Rozengella Koinsensao/BRA/-2
21.Ana Vavrizka/POL/-2
21.Ekaterina Bukina/RUS/-2
27.Sheherezada Bentorki/FRA/-1
27.Irina Chirkevich/BLR/-1
27.Desire Smitt/RSA/-1
27.Laure Ali Anabel/CAM/-1
27.Jaresmitt Weffer/VEN/-1
27.Mariana Kolich/FRA/-1
27.Diana Murda/ROM/-1
27.Natasha Sandrine/CIV/-1
27.Seda Unal/TUR/-1

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 3:37 AM | Permalink

Tolly Thompson healthy again, ready to take aim at making U.S. Olympic Wrestling Team
Craig Sesker USA Wrestling
04/05/2008

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa – It was a hot summer night in northeast Iowa in 1984 when a wide-eyed, 10-year-old was captivated by what was unfolding on television.

A young wrestler named Tolly Thompson immediately set a goal that night.

He wanted to win an Olympic gold medal.

“I was watching the Olympics, and I remember seeing Bobby Weaver carrying his kid around after he won the gold medal,� Thompson said. “It was really exciting. I decided I wanted to do something like that someday.�

Thompson will have that opportunity this year. The 34-year-old freestyle heavyweight enters what likely will be his final U.S. Olympic Team Trials as one of the contenders to make the American team.

Thompson made U.S. World Teams in 2005 and 2006, winning a bronze medal at the 2005 World Championships in Budapest, Hungary.

Thompson suffered through an injury-plagued 2007 season. He injured his back and shoulder during a semifinal loss to Cole Konrad at the U.S. Nationals and was defeated by Les Sigman in his first match at the U.S. World Team Trials.

Thompson, a past NCAA champion for Nebraska, is currently ranked seventh in the U.S. at 120 kg/264.5 lbs. He recently returned to competition and earned a win over a wrestler from Belarus in a dual meet in Washington, D.C.

Thompson (Cedar Falls, Iowa/Sunkist Kids) said he is back healthy again entering the U.S. Nationals on April 23-26 in Las Vegas.

“I feel good and I’ve been training real hard,� Thompson said Saturday as he watched the action at the ASICS/USA Wrestling Folkstyle Nationals. “I’m ready to go. I have plenty of experience and I’m excited to see how I fare at the Open.�

Thompson, an assistant coach at Northern Iowa, was among the many people helping put on the massive, three-day wrestling event this weekend. Around 2,400 wrestlers are competing on 22 mats at Folkstyle Nationals.

“This is a great event and it’s still growing,� he said. “It’s huge for our community and for Iowa. The goal for next year should be 3,000 wrestlers.�

Tommy Rowlands, fifth in the World in 2007, will be the No. 1 seed at the U.S. Nationals with Steve Mocco seeded second.

“It’s a lot easier to make the (Olympic) Team when you win the Open,� Thompson said of the U.S. Nationals. “I don’t really see myself as an underdog. You have to wrestle, no matter what you’re seeded. We’ve all wrestled each other enough – there really are no secrets between us.�

Thompson said he doesn’t perceive his age as something that works against him.

“I think Bruce Baumgartner was 38 when he was done, and I’m 34,� Thompson said. “I don’t feel any different than I did three years ago.�

Thompson will be competing in his third Olympic Team Trials. He placed second to World silver medalist Kerry McCoy at the 2004 Trials in Indianapolis. The 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials are scheduled for June 13-15 in Las Vegas.

“Obviously, there is a lot of pressure to make the Olympic Team,� Thompson said. “There are only seven spots on the team and it’s a meatgrinder. I feel like I have the experience and I know I will be ready for the Trials in June.�

Thompson said he hasn’t decided if he'd hang up his shoes after this season.

“All my focus is on this year and this moment,� he said. “I will worry about next year down the road. Who knows? I may decide to wrestle another year.�

Thompson was asked what it would mean to realize an Olympic dream he has had for nearly 24 years.

“I not only want to make the Olympic Team, I want to go win a gold medal for the United States,� he said. “That’s what we train for, to be the best in the World. That’s what I’m working for.�

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 8:35 PM | Permalink

Travis Shufelt elevated to full-time assistant coach at Wyoming
University of Wyoming
04/03/2008

LARAMIE, Wyo. — Wyoming head college wrestling coach Steven Suder announced Thursday the hiring of former volunteer assistant coach Travis Shufelt to full-time assistant coach. Shufelt will become the number two assistant while Ben VomBaur will be elevated to the number one assistant. The change in coaching staff was spurred by the resignation of former associate head coach Matt Johnson to pursue other opportunities.

"We had a pretty good idea of what we were going to get when we added Travis as a volunteer assistant coach two seasons ago,� UW head coach Steven Suder said. “When he arrived, we got a lot more than we expected and we are glad to give him this opportunity and reward him for his efforts.�

Shufelt will enter his third season with the Wyoming coaching staff for the 2008-09 season.

Shufelt was an All-American and a captain at the University of Nebraska. At 149 pounds, Shufelt was a four-time National Qualifier and a two-time Big 12 runner-up. As a junior he was the Las Vegas Invite Champion and was the outstanding wrestler at the Virginia Duals.

Travis brings an impressive high school career to Wyoming as well. He collected three state championships and has the record for most wins in a career and a season. Was the team MVP, Wrestler of the year, and first team All-Conference his freshman through senior years of high school wrestling while in Wisconsin.

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 8:27 PM | Permalink

2000 Olympic Wrestling Trials runner-up Kerry Boumans passing along knowledge to wrestlers at Overtime School of Wrestling
Craig Sesker USA Wrestling
04/04/2008

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa – It seems almost like yesterday when Kerry Boumans came within an eyelash of making the United States Olympic Team in freestyle wrestling.

Boumans finished second to two-time World Champion Terry Brands at the 2000 U.S. Olympic Team Trials in Dallas before Brands went on to win a bronze medal at the Olympics in Sydney, Australia.

Even though he didn’t win, the slick, athletic Boumans gained the respect and admiration from fans for battling valiantly in a fierce, hard-fought battle against the powerful Brands.

Boumans is now passing along his vast wealth of wrestling knowledge as one of the coaches at the Overtime School of Wrestling in suburban Chicago. Boumans said he has 25 kids from his club competing at the ASICS/USA Wrestling Gear Folkstyle Nationals this weekend at the University of Northern Iowa.

Boumans, who works under Overtime head coach Sean Bormet, coaches athletes from the youth to the Senior levels. He works with wrestlers of all ages and skill levels.

“It’s a blast – I love it,� said Boumans, in his third year with Overtime. “Coaching is a lot harder than wrestling, that’s for sure. As a competitor, you can be selfish where you just worry about yourself. When you coach a bunch of kids, you want them all to succeed and you have them in your heart when they are out there competing.

“I’m really enjoying coaching. I’ve been blessed to have Sean invite me to come in and coach at Overtime. We have a good thing going and all of our coaches work real closely together. We complement each other real well.�

The Folkstyle Nationals has attracted a record number of entries this weekend.

“The level of competition is very high – there are a lot of very good wrestlers here,� Boumans said. “It’s a good opportunity for us, especially being so close to Iowa, to get a bunch of kids some experience in a big event like this. We’re excited to see what we can do.�

Among the record field are 51 entrants from Boumans’ home state of Louisiana.

“It’s very exciting to see that many kids here from Louisiana,� Boumans said. “There are a bunch of great athletes down there and some coaches are taking notice and trying to raise the level. It’s great to see them up here competing and I hope wrestling continues to grow down there. I hope their numbers keep going up and they keep coming to big tournaments like this.�

Boumans said the Overtime club just finished a training camp for Senior-level athletes that included 2006 World bronze medalist Donny Pritzlaff, past World Team member Andy Hrovat, National Team member Clint Wattenberg and NCAA champion Jake Herbert.

Boumans put his athletic ability on display in an entertaining finals series against Brands in the finals of the 2000 Olympic Trials at 127.75 lbs.

“What I remember the most is I left everything I had out there on the mat,� Boumans said. “I wrestled my best and I just didn’t come out on top. I was fortunate to be in that situation and wrestle a great competitor in the finals. I didn’t quite come out on top, but I gave it everything I had. The chips didn’t quite fall my way, but that’s OK.�

With the 2008 Olympic Trials coming up in Las Vegas on June 13-15, Boumans was asked about what it’s like to compete in an event like that with so much on the line.

“It’s hard to explain,� he said. “It’s really a neat feeling to be in that situation where you really have an opportunity to fulfill a dream you’ve had since you were a little kid and make an Olympic Team. You’ve trained your whole life for this moment. It’s euphoria to know you are just a couple of matches away from wrestling in the Olympics. It’s a really cool feeling to compete in a big event like the Trials. I was fortunate to be in that situation.�

Boumans, a two-time NAIA national champion for the University of Mary, said there is something special about this sport.

“You look around this arena and you see a lot of kids and families and communities coming together for one goal and one purpose,� he said. “I like to think of the wrestling community as one big family and that’s what makes it really unique. It’s great to be a part of it.�

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 12:39 AM | Permalink

Iowa got individual titles from Brent Metcalf and Mark Perry to go with its runaway team title in the NCAA wrestling championships Saturday night.

The top-ranked Hawkeyes put a stranglehold on their first championship since 2000 and 21st overall a day earlier and finished with 117.5 points and a whopping 38.5-point victory margin. Ohio State also won two individual titles and finished a distant second, the school's best finish, and just missed a third title when top-ranked heavyweight Dustin Fox of Northwestern beat the Buckeyes' J.D. Bergman 4-2 in the second sudden victory period.

Ohio State had 79 points, four ahead of Penn State. Nebraska was fourth with 74, followed by Iowa State and Oklahoma State (72), Central Michigan and Michigan (67) and Minnesota (61.5).

Metcalf and Jay Borschel, the third-place finisher at 174 pounds, are transfers from Virginia Tech who helped boost Iowa's profile under second-year coach Tom Brands. Iowa was eighth last year, 41 points behind champion Minnesota, and last challenged for the title with a second-place finish in 2004.

"The program is building and it's working toward dominance," Metcalf said. "We've had a dramatic change."

Two wrestlers wrapped up unbeaten seasons, Keith Gavin of Pittsburgh at 174 and Mike Pucillo of Ohio State at 184. Pucillo spoiled an unbeaten season for Jake Varner of Iowa State, who had been 29-0. Chad Mendes of Cal Poly, that school's first finalist since 1983, was upset 5-2 by sixth seed J Jaggers of Ohio State at 141. Jaggers wrestling shoes got stuck to the mat and he really hurt his ankle.

Cornell's Jordan Leen, the eighth seed at 157 pounds, was the biggest long shot to prevail with a 5-4 victory over second seed Michael Poeta, the crucial point coming on an escape in the final minute. Leen knocked off top seed Gregor Gillespie of Edinboro in the semifinals.

"I don't know what this feels like," Leen said. "I'm just kind of a mess right now, to be honest with you. It just happened to be my weekend."

Six schools entered the final day with a chance to finish second, giving the meet a dose of secondary drama beyond Iowa's victory lap after the Hawkeyes entered the championship round with a 35.5-point cushion. Pucillo's overtime victory over Varner, with all the scoring coming on escapes, clinched second place for Ohio State after a 10th-place finish last year.

"There is a buzz around the state like there has never been before," Jaggers said. "It shows younger kids that you can win national titles at Ohio State.

"We should be the one to take down Iowa."

Metcalf, top-ranked at 149 pounds as a sophomore, rallied from an early 4-1 deficit to beat Bubba Jenkins of Penn State 14-8. Metcalf took control in the second period, at one point slamming the sixth-seeded Jenkins to the mat.

Perry, a senior, defended his title at 165 pounds with a 5-2 victory over top seed Eric Tannenbaum of Michigan. Perry was the second seed after losing by a point to Tannenbaum in the Big Ten championships, and finished strong after reinjuring a knee that required surgery last fall.

"I don't know if I'm getting too old or what, but my knee popped and it hurt worse than the first time I popped it," Perry said. "I wasn't going to forfeit in the finals, but obviously I went on the defensive after that.

"I could hardly squat in my stance without caving in."

Minnesota 125-pounder Jayson Ness lost twice in 41 matches this season, both times to Indiana's Angel Escobedo. Escobedo pulled away in the final minute for a 10-3 victory that ended with a near fall when Ness attempted to flip him in desperation, giving the Hoosiers the title at the lightest weight class for the third time in four years.

Coleman Scott of Oklahoma State gave the finals early buzz when he needed only 49 seconds to pin Iowa's Joey Slaton at 133 pounds. It's believed to be the fastest pin in the finals since a 30-second fall by Ohio University's Andy Daniels in 1978.

Phil Davis of Penn State was the most enthusiastic winner, leaping and pointing to the school's fans after a 7-2 victory over Wynn Michalak of Central Michigan at 197. Pittsburgh's Gavin was perhaps the most methodical throughout the meet, calmly winning his last three matches by 3, 1 and 2 points to finish at 27-0.

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 3:56 PM | Permalink