Gene Mills and Ed Banach to go 'On the Mat' this week
Kent Sesker Dan Gable Museum
09/24/2008

This week's edition of "On the Mat" will feature wrestling legends Gene Mills and Ed Banach.

Mills was one of the most dominant wrestlers to ever take the mat. After winning a high school state championship in New Jersey as a senior in 1976, Mills blossomed at Syracuse University where he was a four-time All-American and two-time NCAA Wrestling champion at 118 pounds. He pinned 107 opponents while compiling a college record of 144-5-1. Mills was a three-time World Cup Champion, 1980 Olympian and 1985 World team member.

Banach still holds the career pin mark at the University of Iowa with 73. He was a three-time NCAA champion, a four-time finalist and a key member of four consecutive NCAA team championships from 1980-1983. A native of Port Jervis, NY, Banach was an Olympic freestyle champion in 1984 at 198 pounds.

"On the Mat" can be hard live on the internet at www.kcnzam.com or locally in Northeast Iowa each Wednesday from 5:00 - 6:00 PM Central time on 1650, The Fan. Feel free to e-mail radio@wrestlingmuseum.org with questions or comments about the show.

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 4:27 PM | Permalink

Arizona State Wrestling lends a hand at Wilson neighborhood event
Alex Ryan ASU
09/23/2008

Sun Devil wrestlers were once again on hand to assist in the neighborhood’s clean up project

TEMPE, Ariz. - The Arizona State University wrestling program recently assisted the efforts of the Wilson Neighborhood Clean Up, held Saturday, September 20, at the neighborhood surrounding Wilson Elementary School in Phoenix. For the second year in a row, the Sun Devils were on hand to help invigorate students, parents and the community residents to take pride and ownership of their neighborhood by working to clear debris from the streets.

Organized by the Wilson Community Center, the day started at 8 a.m. with the Sun Devils meeting with the members of the community and students of Wilson Elementary School before breaking off into groups with the volunteering children to begin the clean up. After a two-hour clean up, all involved came together at the school for lunch.

The Wilson community is distinguished by a highly mobile, single parent impoverished population and is surrounded by substance abuse, prostitution and substandard housing. As an inner-city school district, Wilson Elementary School District serves approximately 1,500 children, many of which reside below the poverty level. Twenty-five percent of the children that attend Wilson High School are classified as homeless while 75% live in dilapidated housing or local hotels. Ninety-eight percent of the total population qualifies for the free/reduced-cost Federal lunch program. According to the Arizona State Education Department data, Wilson School District is considered to be the most “at-risk� in Maricopa County.

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 4:26 PM | Permalink

Olympian Andy Hrovat determined to come back strong in 2009
Craig Sesker USA Wrestling
09/24/2008

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – There is not a day that goes by when freestyle wrestler Andy Hrovat isn’t reminded about what happened at the 2008 Olympic Games.

Hrovat suffered a heartbreaking, last-second loss to Cuba’s Reineris Salas in his first and only bout of the Olympics last month in Beijing, China.

“Every day you run into somebody and they find out you’re an Olympian. They ask ‘How did you do?’ and I have to tell them I lost with three seconds left,� Hrovat said. “It’s something that is with me and something that will push me to hopefully win that title next year. It’s something that I will definitely use for motivation.�

The 28-year-old Hrovat is back on the mat training and looking for something big at 84 kg/185 lbs. during the 2008-09 season.

Hrovat, who lives and trains in Ann Arbor, Mich., was working out this week at the U.S. Olympic Training Center during a brief visit to Colorado Springs.

“I came out here for my Olympic evaluation, and it went as I expected,� Hrovat said. “Kevin (Jackson, U.S. National Coach) said I did everything I was told. He said if someone wasn’t living out here he would want them on my schedule with the way I train and go places to compete and wrestle the toughest competition. I go to the Overtime club to train with (Coach) Sean Bormet and I come out here for training camps. I’m going to continue to follow the same schedule for the upcoming season.�

Hrovat had the lead late in his opening match at the Olympics before the Cuban scored in the closing seconds of the third period to pull out a 3-0, 1-3, 2-2 victory.

“The Olympics is a big stage, but I felt real comfortable out there and I felt stronger than the guy I was wrestling,� Hrovat said. “I wasn’t pushing the pace hard enough where the guy would’ve folded. He was somebody I should be able to tech-fall two periods in a row. There’s no excuse for me losing. The way I see it, I was three seconds away from being in the finals. That’s realistic, because I could beat everybody else that was on my side (of the bracket). That’s the hardest part, knowing I had a mental lapse. That’s the difference between having a chance to win a gold medal and not getting a chance to wrestle back.�

A 2006 U.S. World Team member, Hrovat hopes to finish the upcoming season at the 2009 World Championships. That event is scheduled for Sept. 21-27, 2009 in Herning, Denmark.

“I need to change some things around mentally so I can get past those big matches internationally and start winning like I can,� Hrovat said. “I’m looking forward to getting back into it and competing again.�

Hrovat never left his wrestling shoes on the mat and would like to keep wrestling through the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

“I’m just taking it year-by-year right now,� he said. “By the time 2012 rolls around I will be 32. You never know how healthy your body will be. The goal is four years, but I don’t want to be holding on if I get injured or something. I’ve been fortunate with the way I wrestle where I don’t put myself in those positions to hurt my knees or anything.�

The U.S. freestyle team won just one medal, the gold won by Henry Cejudo, at the 2008 Olympics.

“Everybody needs to buy into our system and push each other,� Hrovat said. “Some people in the U.S. refuse to wrestle overseas and they’re not going to get any better if they don’t. The best guys in each weight class need to train with each other and make each other better. Some guys won’t do that because they don’t want to show the other guy what they have. I was training today with Bryce Hasseman, and we’re two of the top guys in our weight class. We pushed each other and made each other better. We also had guys who didn’t come to training camps. You can’t do that if you expect to win.�

Hrovat said the 21-year-old Cejudo had a razor-sharp focus while he geared up his preparations for the Olympics.

“Henry was a huge bright spot for us,� Hrovat said. “He’s a professional and that’s why he won. He trained every day as a professional and lived his life as a professional. He did everything the coaches asked him to do and he bought into the plan we had. He’s a 21-year-old kid, but he was the leader of this team. He pushed the pace and set an example by how hard he worked.�

Hrovat said he expects to be back competing in November.

“I’m real excited about this season,� he said. “The thing that excites me – even though I may have had a failure in the Olympics – is I have improved every year and I’m developing more. I’m gaining more and more confidence, and I keep getting better. I’m ready to get back out there and see what I can do.�

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 4:23 PM | Permalink

U.S. National Freestyle Coach Kevin Jackson stepping down to take position with Sunkist Kids
Craig Sesker USA Wrestling
09/26/2008

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – USA Wrestling National Freestyle Wrestling Coach Kevin Jackson resigned his position on Friday to become head coach with the Sunkist Kids Wrestling Club.

Jackson, 43, has served as National Freestyle Coach for USA Wrestling since January 2001. He led the U.S. to a second-place team finish at the 2003 World Championships and a third-place finish at the 2006 World Championships.

“I’m looking forward to pursuing the Sunkist situation,� Jackson said, “and I’m planning to continue helping the U.S. in our quest to win at the World level.�

During Jackson’s tenure as U.S. National Coach, the U.S. had Olympic freestyle gold medalists in Cael Sanderson in 2004 and Henry Cejudo in 2008, and a World champion in Bill Zadick in 2006.

Jackson was Freestyle Resident Coach for USA Wrestling from 1998-2001. An athlete he coached was 2000 Olympic champion Brandon Slay.

“We’ve had an Olympic champion in the last three Olympics, in addition to a World champion, and I’m proud of their efforts,� Jackson said. “We never met my goal of being the best team in the World, but we accomplished some good things here.�

Art Martori, founder of the Sunkist Kids Wrestling Club, offered Jackson the position with his Phoenix-based club.

“Kevin Jackson will run our elite program, and he will be responsible for preparing our elite athletes to become World and Olympic champions,� Martori said. “Our program is going to be very aggressive in our approach and we’re excited about the future. We’re very excited about having Kevin involved with our program. He’s going to make this program as good as it can be.�

Jackson is considered one of the greatest wrestlers in U.S. history, winning a gold medal at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain. He also won a pair of World Championships, in 1991 and 1995. He is one of only five U.S. wrestlers to claim three career World-level titles.

Jackson is a Distinguished Member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and the FILA International Wrestling Hall of Fame.

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 4:21 PM | Permalink

St. Louis to host 2012 NCAA Wrestling Championships
09/24/2008

In announcing its new "NCAA Championships City" pilot program, the NCAA has also announced that the 2012 NCAA Div. I Wrestling Championships will be hosted in St. Louis, Mo.

In an email sent within the wrestling community, Randy Buhr, the Associate Director for Championships for the NCAA, indicated the following:

"Please note that St. Louis has been designated as one of the championship cities. As part of this designation, they have also been selected to host the 2012 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships. Congratulations to our friends and partners at the St. Louis Sports Commission and the University of Missouri (as it relates to Division I Wrestling – they are the host institution)! We will look forward to returning to St. Louis not only in 2009, but also in 2012 for the NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships!"

NCAA OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

NCAA SELECTS SIX CITIES FOR INAUGURAL “NCAA CHAMPIONSHIP CITY� PILOT PROGRAM

INDIANAPOLIS --- The NCAA has selected six cities—Cary, N.C., Cleveland, Indianapolis, St. Louis, San Diego and San Antonio—to serve as inaugural members in its new “NCAA Championship City� pilot program.

The Championship City pilot program will feature multiple host opportunities of NCAA Division I, II and III men’s and women’s championships through 2012. The centerpiece of the Championship City pilot program is a long-term agreement between the NCAA and each host city to bring a wide array of championships and ancillary events to the six geographical areas over the course of several years.

“The Championship City model is a multiple-event concept that will create greater community support of the events through increased attendance and an enhanced atmosphere for the student-athletes and fans, as well as operational and economic efficiencies both for the cities and the NCAA,� said NCAA President Myles Brand. “This bundling of events allows the NCAA and the cities to provide benefits collectively that individual championships would be unable to provide on their own.�

Each of the six cities selected to take part in the pilot program has hosted an NCAA championship in previous years, including various levels of the Division I Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournaments. While most cities selected to host an NCAA championship focus on a specific division or sport, the Championship City pilot will provide the six cities with the privilege to host specific NCAA championships in Division I, II and III; a wider range of sports to host, which opens the city to a broader and diverse range of fans; rights to use enhanced NCAA trademarks; and NCAA marketing initiatives that identify it as a city selected specifically by the NCAA for the Championship City pilot program.

Through the program, the cities will work more closely with NCAA administrators to provide an enhanced championship experience for NCAA student-athletes and fans. Enhancements may include hosting social networking activities where student-athletes can communicate via the Internet about their academic and/or athletic experiences; creating a student-athlete lounge; hosting musical concerts and sports forums; hosting fan festivals that provide additional opportunities for visitors and community residents to celebrate the student-athlete and championship; and providing additional opportunities for student-athletes to interact with each other at host city attractions and venues.

The program will also incorporate an enhanced NCAA branding campaign to heighten the championship and place more emphasis on the student-athletes, the community that hosts the event and NCAA educational messaging. Creative art, special messaging and NCAA branding will also be implemented to enhance the program in the host city.

The NCAA Championship City pilot program has four primary objectives:
• enhance the overall experience for student-athletes who earn the opportunity to compete in NCAA championships
• increase promotion and visibility of the NCAA championship locally and nationally
• engage and support the communities selected to host NCAA Championships
• create fiscal and administrative efficiencies for cities that host championships

The Championship City pilot program will provide the six cities with increased leverage in long-term planning, in terms of general scheduling and developing ancillary and entertainment events. It also will allow city officials more time to establish additional resources to support the events and generate community involvement, which could have a positive economic impact on the host city. The cities will also have access to a wide range of NCAA championships, which includes a diverse audience of student-athletes and fan base.

The Championship City model emerged from a review of NCAA championship administrators seeking to enhance the student-athlete experience while reducing expenses. The multiple host model should reduce travel and costs in signage and lodging, which results in better fiscal and administrative efficiencies for the city and the NCAA national office.

“The championships staff at the national office is charged with efficient use of resources, effective operating and administrative procedures, supporting and enhancing the student-athlete experience, and meeting membership expectations, said Joni Comstock, NCAA senior vice president for championships. “Championship Cities is among the strategies that allow us to most effectively accomplish those four goals. We already have examples in men’s lacrosse, the Division II Championships Festivals and other sport-by-sport combinations (track and field, soccer and swimming) to show that concurrent championships lead to more efficiencies. The Championship City pilot program is another step in that direction.�

Once the Championship City model was created, the NCAA approached about three dozen cities, with 21 submitting proposals to join the pilot program. The field was narrowed to six cities, all of which had extensive experience in hosting NCAA championships in past years.

In reviewing the proposals from the cities, the NCAA looked at applications that focused on enhancing the championship experience for student-athletes, to include hospitality and pre- and post-championship activities. The group also considered proposals that would increase attendance, develop better community and regional awareness and highlight student-athlete achievements through extended media efforts. Community involvement that supported NCAA educational messaging and explained the academic and athletic accomplishments of student-athletes was considered, along with corporate community involvement and grassroots development in selection of the Championship Cities.

Additional championships may be awarded to the six inaugural pilot program cities. The NCAA will discuss opening the program to other cities once the pilot model and championship events have been evaluated. The NCAA will also host its annual convention in San Antonio (2011) and Indianapolis (2012).

The following are the Championship Cities and the championships they will host:

Cary, North Carolina
2008 Division I Women’s College Cup*
2009 Division I Women’s Basketball Regional*
2009 Division I Men’s College Cup
2010 Division I Women’s College Cup
2010 Division II Baseball Championship
2011 Division III Men’s and Women’s Cross Country Championships
2012 Division III Men’s and Women’s Tennis Championships

Cleveland
2009 Division III Men’s and Women’s Cross Country Championships
2009 Division III Women’s Volleyball Championship
2010 Division III Men’s Tennis Championships
2010 Division III Men’s and Women’s Outdoor Track and Field Championships
2011 National Collegiate Women’s Gymnastics Championships

Indianapolis
2009 Division I Men’s Basketball Regional*
2010 Men’s Final Four*
2011 Women’s Final Four*

St. Louis
2009 Division I Wrestling Championships*
2009 Women’s Final Four*
2010 Division I Men’s Basketball Regional*
2010 Division III Women’s Volleyball Championship
2011 Division III Women’s Volleyball Championship
2011 Division I Men’s Ice Hockey regional
2012 Division I Wrestling Championships

San Antonio
2009 Division II Women’s Basketball Championship
2009 Division III Men’s and Women’s Soccer Championships
2010 Women’s Final Four*
2010 Division III Men’s and Women’s Soccer Championships
2011 Division II Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving Championships
2011 Division I Women’s Volleyball Championship

San Diego
2009 Division I Women’s Basketball Regional*
2010 National Collegiate Women’s Water Polo Championship
2011 Division I Men’s Golf Regional

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 6:38 PM | Permalink

Chun, Murata among finalists at U.S. World Team Trials for women's freestyle
Craig Sesker USA Wrestling
09/20/2008

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – 2008 Olympian Clarissa Chun shook off a slow start to move into the finals of the U.S. Women’s World Team Trials.

Chun overcame an early three-point deficit to charge back and defeat Junior World Team member Victoria Anthony 5-3, 4-0 in the semifinals on Saturday afternoon at the U.S. Olympic Training Center.

Chun, fifth in the Olympic Games last month in Beijing, China, advances to face Alyssa Lampe in the best-of-3 match series in the final round at 48 kg/105.5 lbs. The finals are scheduled to start at 4 p.m.

Chun is the only member of the four-athlete U.S. Olympic women’s freestyle wrestling team from Beijing who has entered the tournament. Chun had the lead late in her semifinal match at the Olympics against two-time World champion Chiharu Icho of Japan before falling.

“I want to compete in the Worlds – just to get that shot again,� Chun said. “I’m lucky to have another opportunity so close to the Olympics. I want to win a World title.�

The winners at the Trials qualify for the World Championships. The World Championships for women’s freestyle will be held Oct. 11-13 at Yoyogi National Stadium in Tokyo, Japan. The World Championships are being held in the seven women’s freestyle weights, because only four weights were contested at the Olympic Games for women.

Also reaching the final round are World silver medalist Stephanie Murata (51 kg/112.25 pounds), Junior World silver medalist Tatiana Padilla (55 kg/121 lbs.), World Team member Leigh Jaynes (59 kg/130 lbs.) and World University bronze medalist Alaina Berube (63 kg/138.75 lbs.).

World University champion Elena Pirozhkov (67 kg/147.5 lbs.) will meet Junior World champion Adeline Gray (67 kg/147.5 lbs.) in the finals at 67 kg/147.5 lbs..

Two-time World University champion Stephany Lee and 2005 World champion Iris Smith will battle in the finals at 72 kg/158.5 lbs.

Murata will meet 2008 Junior World bronze medalist Helen Maroulis in the final round.

FINALS MATCHUPS FOR U.S. WORLD TEAM TRIALS FOR WOMEN’S FREESTYLE

48 kg/105.5 lbs. – Clarissa Chun, Colorado Springs (Sunkist Kids) vs. Alyssa Lampe, Tomahawk, Wis. (Sunkist Kids)

51 kg/112.25 lbs. – Stephanie Murata, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Sunkist Kids) vs. Helen Maroulis, Rockville, Md. (New York AC)

55 kg/121 lbs. – Tatiana Padilla, Azusa, Calif. (Sunkist Kids) vs. Chelynne Pringle, Hugo, Minn. (Minnesota Storm)

59 kg/130 lbs. – Leigh Jaynes, Colorado Springs, Colo. (New York AC) vs. Deanna Rix, River Falls, Wis. (New York AC)

63 kg/138.75 lbs. – Alaina Berube, River Falls, Wis. (New York AC) vs. Schuyler Brown, Montpelier, Va. (USOEC)

67 kg/147.5 lbs. – Elena Pirozkhov, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Gator WC) vs. Adeline Gray, Denver, Colo. (USOEC)

72 kg/158.5 lbs. – Stephany Lee, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Sunkist Kids) vs. Iris Smith, Colorado Springs, Colo. (U.S. Army)

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 9:10 PM | Permalink

The defending Big Ten and NCAA champion University of Iowa wrestling team has secured W.I.N. magazines top pre-season national ranking.

The Hawkeyes were ranked first in W.I.N.'s pre-season dual rankings, as well as in the magazine's pre-season tournament power index. The second ranking is based on how a school's individual ranked wrestlers would finish at the NCAA Championships and the point total listed is what those competitors would accumulate at the national meet.

The rankings, which were released Tuesday, also list six Hawkeyes in the top 10 in their respective weight classes. Hawkeye juniors Joe Slaton (133) and Brent Metcalf (141) are both earned a number one ranking. Iowa senior Charlie Falck (125) and junior Jay Borschel (174) are each ranked second, while junior Phillip Keddy (184) is ranked fifth and senior Alex Tsirtsis is ranked eighth (141).

The Hawkeyes are scheduled to open the 2008-09 season Nov. 21 when they host the Iowa City duals.

W.I.N. Division I Top 20 Pre-Season Dual Rankings sponsored by Adidas Wrestling shoes.

Rank School

1. Iowa
2. Ohio State
3. Iowa State
4. Cornell
5. Missouri
6. Oklahoma State
7. Illinois
8. Nebraska
9. Penn State
10. Michigan
11. Minnesota
12. Northwestern
13. Boise State
14. Central Michigan
15. Wisconsin
16. Indiana
17. Maryland
18. Edinboro
19. West Virginia
20. Oklahoma

Top 20 Pre-Season Tournament Power Index

Rank, School, Points
1. Iowa, 91
2. Iowa State, 90
3. Cornell, 77
4. Missouri, 61
5. Ohio State, 54
6. Nebraska, 53
7. Illinois, 50
8. Michigan, 44
9. Penn State, 35
10. Boise State, 34.5
11. Oklahoma State, 34
12. Wisconsin, 32
13. Northwestern, 31.5
14. Indiana, 28
15. Minnesota, 24.5
16. Edinboro, 23
17. Maryland, 22.5
18. Central Michigan, 19
Northern Iowa, 19
20. Hofstra 17.5

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 3:54 PM | Permalink

Jesus Wilson named assistant wrestling coach at UNCG
DATE: 9/12/2008 1:00:00 PM
UNC Greensboro head wrestling coach Jason Loukides announced on Thursday the hiring of Jesus Wilson as an assistant coach. Wilson will be responsible for all areas of the program and will work especially with the lighter weight classes.

“I am very excited about the addition of Jesus,� said Loukides. “He brings an incredible work ethic as well as national and international credibility. He was an outstanding competitor for Cuba and the USA and that has made him a great coach. Jesus will instantly make a positive impact on our program.�

Prior to coming to UNCG, Wilson was the head coach at Dakota County Technical College in Rosemount, MN in 2006-07. He was an assistant coach with VMI in 2005-06 and served as head coach at Marine Military Academy in 2004-05.

Wilson was a two-time All-American and NCAA Division III Wrestling National Champion while attending Upper Iowa University. In 2000, he reached his first All-American when he won the national title at the 133 lbs. Also that season, Wilson was selected to the Amateur Wrestling Shoes News All-Rookie Team. He was also named Outstanding Wrestler by both the Iowa Conference and Upper Iowa. After serving as an assistant coach for the Peacocks during the 2000-01 season, Wilson returned to the mats in 2002. He won the national crown at 141 lbs, earning his second All-American honor.

Also in 2002, Wilson claimed the silver medal at the World Team Trial and took fourth place at USA Senior Nationals. A year later, he won the Pan American Championship and was a silver medalist at both the USA Senior Nationals and World Cup.

Wilson earned his bachelor’s degree in recreation from Upper Iowa in 2004.

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 12:25 AM | Permalink

Olympian Clarissa Chun hoping to receive another shot at gold at World Championships
Craig Sesker USA Wrestling
09/10/2008

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Women’s freestyle wrestler Clarissa Chun figured this might be it.

The 2008 season likely would be her last on the wrestling mat.

But after landing a spot on the U.S. Olympic Team and narrowly missing winning a medal at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, the 27-year-old Chun is giving serious consideration to wrestling another four-year cycle.

Chun, fifth at the 2008 Olympics at 48 kg/105.5 lbs., is expected to return to the mat next week for the U.S. World Team Trials for women’s freestyle wrestling. The event is set for Sept. 20 at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs.

The winners in each of the seven weight classes from the World Team Trials will qualify for the World Championships for women, set for Oct. 11-13 in Tokyo, Japan. The women are holding a World Championships this year since only four of the seven international weights for women were contested in the Olympics.

“It’s a little tough mentally because nothing’s guaranteed – I have to try out again just to make the U.S. team,� Chun said. “But I want to compete in the Worlds – just to get that shot again. I’m lucky to have another opportunity so close to the Olympics.�

Wrestling the best of her career, Chun surprised many wrestling observers by knocking off Olympic and World medalist Patricia Miranda to make the U.S. Olympic Team in June.

Chun continued to wrestle well at the Olympics, storming into the semifinals opposite two-time World champion and Olympic silver medalist Chiharu Icho of Japan. Chun held the lead with just under a minute left in the match before Icho prevailed 1-0, 0-3, 1-1. Icho won by virtue of scoring last.

“That match really drives me,� Chun said. “It’s tough to even think about, but it’s something that definitely motivates me.�

Chun then lost to Olympic and World champion Irini Merlini of Ukraine in the bronze-medal match wearing the blue wrestling singlet.

Chun recently watched the match with Icho on NBC’s Olympic Website.

“I can’t do anything about it now, and I’m not making any excuses,� she said. “I did learn a lot from that match and that will help me. Hopefully, I will have better mat strategy and I will minimize the mistakes in the future.�

Since competing in the Olympics, Chun spent time visiting the school in Japan where she hopes to teach English to elementary students later this fall. She also spent a handful of days in her native Hawaii before recently returning to Colorado Springs, where she lives and trains.

She was back on the mat this week at the Olympic Training Center, preparing for the World Team Trials. Among the wrestlers Chun likely will have to battle for a spot on the U.S. World Team is Sara Fulp-Allen, who placed third at the 2008 Olympic Trials.

Chun is looking to compete in her second World Championships. She did not place at the 2000 World Championships.

“Even though I came up short of winning a medal, wrestling at the Olympics helped build my confidence,� she said. “I know I’m not that far away.�

The 2012 Olympic Games in London may seem far away, but it is something Chun is ready to lace up her wrestling shoes for.

“Being part of the Olympics, it was an amazing experience,� she said. “I really thought I was going to be done after this year. But because my Olympic experience was such a positive one, I want to do this again. Nothing is guaranteed, but I want to have another shot at being an Olympian. Sometimes I think, ‘Oh my gosh, four years is a long time’ but it’s worth it to be able to experience being in the Olympics.�

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 5:24 PM | Permalink

Barry, Douglas, Goldstein, Thompson and Giffin are new leaders for Beat the Streets wrestling program
Beat The Streets Wrestling, Inc.
09/05/2008

At the Bi-Annual Board meeting of Beat the Streets Wrestling Inc., Michael Novogratz - Chairman, announced a reorganization of the program administration and an expansion of the Board of Trustees. He recommended the following new Board Members that were approved with overwhelming support by the Board.

Dave Barry, Donald Douglas, Eric Goldstein, and Noel Thompson will join the Board on September 1, 2008. Brian Giffin will become the new full-time Executive Director - President who will report directly to the Board through Chairman, Michael Novogratz. A copy of their individual biographies will be posted on the www.beat-the-streets.org.

Novogratz stated "the organization has grown quickly and that requires a full time Executive Director and President working day to day managing the expanded staff while fulfilling the mission of expanding wrestling mats from Youth through the Olympics".

The Beat the Streets Wrestling Program began in 2005 with one middle school and 23 PSAL High School Teams. As the 2008-2009 season unfolds, there will be 54 Middle Schools and 58 PSAL High School teams participating in wrestling.

Past President and Founder Al Bevilacqua expressed it best, "We have given the sport of wrestling over 4 million dollars of infrastructure and a real chance to succeed in America's largest city. It is in the hands of wrestling people we recruited to prove to the 112 Principals and 58 Athletic Directors that wrestling is a worthwhile investment that help kids succeed through a wrestling life".

Board of Trustees
Michael Novogratz- Chairman
Al Bevilacqua- Founder-Trustee
Dave Barry- Trustee
Scott Beck-Trustee
Michael Bevilacqua-Trustee
Donald Douglas-Trustee
Eric Goldstein-Trustee
Richard Ranalli- Trustee
Rob Schoenberg-Trustee
Noel Thompson- Trustee

Brian Giffin – President and Executive Director

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 7:29 PM | Permalink

Ravannack re-elected as USA Wrestling president during Board of Directors meetings on Sept. 6
Gary Abbott USA Wrestling
09/07/2008

COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. - James Ravannack of Metairie, La. was re-elected as the president of USA Wrestling during the annual USA Wrestling Board of Directors meeting, held at the Crown Plaza hotel on Saturday, September 6.

Ravannack was elected to a second two-year term as the organization’s president.

“I am honored they have trust in our Board leaders,� said Ravannack. “The first two-year term was a learning experience. Hopefully, the knowledge I gained will help me in this term. Our organization is moving and growing. We have to rely upon the people on this Board to run it well.�

During the meetings, the Board also elected all of the officer positions for the organization. The other officers elected were:

First Vice President – Greg Strobel of Bethlehem, Pa.
Second Vice President – Van Stokes of Clarksville, Tenn.
Secretary – Rance Stein of Cashion, Okla.
Treasurer – Duane Morgan of Hollister, Calif.

Strobel, Stokes and Morgan were re-elected to positions that they held during the last two years. Stein will be serving as an officer of USA Wrestling for the first time.

Also elected were eight at-large Board members. Those who were selected by the Board to serve as at-large members were:
Bruce Baumgartner of Edinboro, Pa.
Dave Black of River Falls, Wis.
Chuck Elvin of Lenexa, Kan.
Bill Grant of Inverness, Fla.
Jim Keen of Ann Arbor, Mich.
Hank Porcher of W. Palm Beach, Fla.
Larry Sciacchetano of Baton Rouge, La.
Van Stokes of Clarksville, Tenn.

Elected to the Executive Committee were Bruce Baumgartner of Edinboro, Pa. and Rick Tucci of Pembroke Pines, Fla.

Elected to the Steering Committee were Ed Gould of Merrick, N.Y., Mark Reiland of Iowa City, Iowa and Dave Black of River Falls, Wis.

A number of other committee positions were elected during the meeting.

Long Range Planning Committee: Dave Black of River Falls, Wis., Ed Gould of Merrick, N.Y., Mike Juby of Hutchinson, Kan., Patricia Miranda of Colorado Springs, Colo., Duane Morgan of Hollister, Calif.,

Freestyle Sport Committee: Chris Bono of Ringgold, Ga., Sonny Greenhalgh of West Patterson, N.J., Archie Randall of Mustang, Okla., Greg Strobel of Bethlehem, Pa., Rick Tucci of Pembroke Pines, Fla., Owners of Resilite wrestling mats

Greco-Roman Sport Committee: Brad Ahearn of Colorado Springs, Colo., Al Kastl of Clinton Township, Mich., Sonny Greenhalgh of West Patterson, N.J., Mike Juby of Hutchinson, Kan., Jerry Reichs of Sioux City, Iowa

Women’s Sport Committee: Joe Corso of Metairie, La., Bill Grant of Inverness, Fla., Patricia Miranda of Colorado Springs, Colo., Archie Randall of Mustang, Okla., Marcie Van Dusen of Colorado Springs, Colo.

Freestyle Coach Selection Committee: Greg Strobel of Bethlehem, Pa., Rick Tucci of Pembroke Pines, Fla.

Greco-Roman Coach Selection Committee: Brandon McNab of Colorado Springs, Colo., Jerry Reichs of Sioux City, Iowa

Women’s Coach Selection Committee: Archie Randall of Mustang, Okla., Sally Roberts of Colorado Springs, Colo.

Ravannack appointed Strobel as the chairperson of the Freestyle Coach Selection Committee. He indicated that other chairperson assignments would be made at a later date.

The Board of Directors also approved the fiscal 2008-09 budget, with total revenues of $8,395,383 and total expenditures of $8,192,997. The budget had revenues over expenses of $202,386. Thanks in no large part to sales of wrestling gear (wrestling shoes, wrestling singlets, and other wrestling equipment)

“This is a very realistic budget,� said Treasurer Duane Morgan, in presenting the proposed budget for approval. “The Finance Committee felt very comfortable with this based upon its merits, and we have brought it forward to this Board.�

Morgan told the Board that the budget would require the organization to continue to strive for excellence in all aspects of its business.

“It is OK to challenge our people. It is always good to shoot for the stars,� said Morgan. “This is a team effort, heading for one goal, to be the top national governing body within the U.S. Olympic Committee.�

In his president’s report, Ravannack talked about the success of the organization during the last fiscal year.

“We had a banner year in 2008, both financially and in membership,� said Ravannack. “I want to thank our state leaders and volunteers for all that they do. I want to extend the Board’s recognition to them.�

USA Wrestling Executive Director Rich Bender praised his national staff for its achievements during the year.

“I want to thank this Board for the opportunity to serve them. I am blessed to work with one of the top sports staffs in the entire Olympic movement. They all have a fire in their belly. It is not a job, it is a passion. It is evident in the results you see from them,� said Bender.

Bender also gave credit to the Executive Committee, the state leadership and the U.S. Olympic Committee for their efforts on behalf of USA Wrestling and the sport.

“I want to thank our Executive Committee, which is an incredibly dedicated group that helps our staff and organization and guides us throughout the year. To our state leaders and grass roots volunteers, you are our life blood. You provide opportunities for hundreds of thousands of kids to participate in the world’s greatest sport. Your dedication impresses this Board and our staff. The U.S. Olympic Committee has provided us with considerable resources. The USOC is a great teammate and partner as we try to help our athletes to achieve their goals.�

He also commented upon the U.S. wrestling performance at the Beijing Olympic Games, which yielded three medals, including a gold medal from freestyle wrestler Henry Cejudo.

“I want to articulate what we mean when we say we are disappointed about the Olympics,� said Bender. “We don’t mean we are disappointed in the athletes. We didn’t get the result they wanted or we wanted. We are incredibly proud of our Olympians. We have high expectations for results. We are not going to sit back and accept the result. We have a responsibility to put a plan in place to put us on the top of the podium at the World Championships and the Olympic Games. Athletes, we are proud of you. You are why we exist. We are dedicated to helping you reach that podium.�

In a stirring speech, U.S. Olympic Committee CEO Jim Scherr addressed the Board. Scherr discussing the performance of the entire U.S. delegation at the Beijing Olympic Games, as well as the efforts of USA Wrestling during the Olympics. Scherr said he approached this from three perspectives, as the CEO of the USOC, as a past wrestler who has benefited from the sport, and as an admirer of Rich Bender and his management team.

“This is considered the most successful U.S. Olympic Team in the history of the movement,� said Scherr. “We feel we had a very successful Games.�

He noted four ways in which the USOC evaluates the overall American performance. They are:
1 – Compete Drug Free
2 – Represent the nation with honor, dignity and as good ambassadors
3 – Compete well on the field of play
4 – Allow the team to enjoy the experience and return safe and sound.

Scherr noted how the ratings for the Olympic Games broke records and surpassed expectations. He noted that many more young people had followed the Beijing Games than in the most previous Olympics. However, in an emotional and moving conclusion to his presentation, Scherr also spoke about the U.S. wrestling performance in Beijing.

“I want to congratulate the athletes. The overall success was not what we expected. We have to look at ourselves and how we can do better in the future. We are not going anywhere. We believe our relationship with USA Wrestling is strong. We support wrestling as well as any other NGB in the Olympic family,� Scherr said.

He noted how the success of the Olympic team helps fuel the sport and its growth within the United States and around the world.

“Failure on the Olympic program is not an option. We will not allow this sport not to succeed. We want to know what is within the wrestling community. If you are going to be successful, there has to be a change in how you work together. Wrestling’s grassroots is not large enough to work separately. All who care about this sport needs to pitch in and support the Olympic movement,� said Scherr.

The Board approved a detailed report prepared by the Long Range Planning Committee entitled “Vision 2016,� which will guide planning for the organization for the next two Olympic quadrenniums. The Board approved the following as part of the Long Range Plan:

Vision Statement: USA Wrestling will strive to be the World’s best Olympic Sports Organization.

Mission Statement: USA Wrestling, guided by the Olympic spirit, provides quality opportunities for its members to achieve its full human and athletic potential.

Values: Responsibility, Integrity, Dedication, Honesty, Accountability, Respect

Also approved as part of the Long Range Plan were five strategic goals:
Goal 1: Assure USA Wrestling’s financial ability to carry out its mission, vision and goals.
Goal 2: Strengthen public awareness of USA Wrestling Programs and accelerate membership growth
Goal 3: Maintain Flexible Organizational Structure sensitive to the changing needs of the sport
Goal 4: Build strategic alliances to raise the profile and strengthen USA Wrestling’s international and domestic position
Goal 5: Be the dominant force in National Wrestling

The next step will be for USA Wrestling to develop published materials where Vision 2016 will be presented to the wrestling community and the general public.

“This is very important to the organization and we will allocate the resources to continue the plan,� said Ravannack. “This committee has stepped forward with leadership.�

Morgan presented the Junior Olympic Wrestling Committee report, which was unanimously accepted by the Board. Included were new changes in the age-group programs of USA Wrestling, including:
• Change in the name of the 9-10 year old age division from the “Midget Division� to the “Intermediate Division.�
• Clarification in the athlete transfer policy for state affiliation. An athlete may change affiliation once per membership year if the state chairpersons of both states affected agree to the transfer. Appeals will be handled by the appropriate age group division.
• Changes in the Women’s Junior National Duals, which will provide for “draw teams� including athletes who wish to participate but are not members of a recognized state association dual meet team.
• Inclusion of folkstyle competitions as part of the separation process for the ASICS/Vaughan Junior and the Accelerade Cadet National Championships.
• Eliminating the 235-pound weight class in the Schoolboy/girl division and replacing it with the 265-pound weight class.

In the FILA report, FILA Bureau member Stan Dziedzic provided information on the results of the FILA elections held at the Beijing Olympics, including the re-election of Raphael Martinetti of Switzerland as FILA President. He also gave a detailed explanation about how a “confluence of events and diligent followthrough� allowed USA Wrestling to convince FILA to allow Mike Zadick to compete at 60 kg in the Olympic freestyle tournament when an athlete from Bulgaria was withdrawn.

The Board expressed overwhelming support for a new initiative spearheaded by women’s wrestling leaders Patricia Miranda and Katie Downing to work towards creating new women’s wrestling programs on the college and high school levels.

In his National Wrestling Hall of Fame report, Executive Director Lee Roy Smith reported on two new exhibits for the upcoming year. The first is an exhibit about the 13 U.S. Presidents who have wrestled. The second is a history of the military and the sport of wrestling. He also noted that the Hall’s Board of Governors is investigating the possibility of renovating, rebuilding or relocating the Hall of Fame and Museum.

Mike Moyer, the Executive Director of the National Wrestling Coaches Association, reported on the success of the NWCA Convention, which was held alongside the U.S. Olympic Team Trials in Las Vegas, Nev. in June. He offered to provide a portion of a new on-line coaching development program to include education on the value of freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling. Moyer also reported on an upcoming Coaching Academy for college wrestling coaches which is being designed in cooperation with Michigan State Univ. and could be required as a condition of coaching at the NCAA Championships.

Ravannack and Bender made a special presentation to Sonny Greenhalgh, who is retiring after 31 years as the Chairman of Wrestling for the New York Athletic Club.

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 7:23 PM | Permalink

U.S. wins three Greco-Roman medals at CISM Military World Championships in Croatia
Van Stokes USA Wrestling
09/05/2008

Greco-Roman wrestling was completed at the 26th Military World Wrestling Championships in Split, Croatia Friday.

The Islamic Republic of Iran won three gold medals and a silver, while USA wrestlers garnered one silver and two bronze medals.

Organized by the Conseil Internationale du Sport Militare, known as CISM, over 20 sports are conducted annually with the motto of "Friendship Through Sports." The wrestling compeition featured the top military wrestlers from 24 countries.

In 66 Kg., SPC Faruk Sahin, of the Army's World World Class Athlete Program at Fort Carson, Colorado, took the silver medal after losing the championship bout to Afshin Biabanger, of the Islamic Republic of Iran, 0-5, 0-5. Both periods were scoreless after the first minute. Sahin was in the down position first in each period, and Biabanger took full advantage of Sahin with a lift and throw in each period for the margin of victory .

Sahin gained the championship bout by beating Mykola Savchenko, Ukraine, 1-1, 2-1 in the qualification round. Later, Sahin needed all three periods to defeat Hyouk Eom, Korea, 3-4, 5-2, 3-0.

At 55Kg., SPC Jermaine Hodge won the bronze medal by defeating Song Buer, China, 0-2, 4-2, 3-0. Hodge lost his opening bout to Gyu-Jin Choi, Korea, 1-3, 0-3. Choi, the gold medalist in the competition, pulled Hodge into the Repechage bout for the bronze against Buer, who lost to Choi in the semi-final bout.

Against Buer, the first minute of each period was scoreless. Hodge lost the draw in each of the three periods but seemed undaunted in the down position. Buer gained an exposure with a gut wrench and went on to win the first period. In the second period, Hodge lost two points when he was unable to execute the start, but quickly gained them back by turning Buer for two, and then hitting a high gut wrench for the margin.

The final period belonged to Hodge who was placed down first, and then kept Choi from scoring. Hodge picked up two more points when Buer was penalized for the start.

The other bronze medal was earned at 74 Kg. by SGT James Shillow, USMC, who beat Ju Bo of China, 7-0 in the first period. Bo was knocked out of the bout by a separated shoulde after Shillow stuck two gut wrenches and a tilt in the first period.

SPC Aaron Sieracki, Army, lost his bronze medal match at 84 Kg. to Jan Fischer, Germany, 1-1, 0-4, 1-2. Sieracki beat Antti Hakala, Finland, 1-1, 2-1, to gain the medal match

At 96 Kg., SSG Deon Hicks of the Army was eliminated from medal contention in his first match, when he lost to Yasin Deliktas, Turkey, 2-2, 1-3.

At 60 Kg. SGT Donovan Depatto, USMC, defeated Alijaksandr Ruchko, Belarus, 3-0, 0-3, 1-1, before losing his quarterfinal bout to Artem Kudyk of Ukraine, 0-4, 0-6. Depatto was tossed in each period, and finished the competition out of medal contention.

At 120 Kg., SGT David Arendt, USMC, lost his opening bout to Hay Devender of India, 6-0, 1-2, 2-3, who subsequently lost in the semi-finals to the eventual gold medalist, Oleksandr Chernetskyi of Ukraine.

SSG Shon Lewis, of the Army, and the Head Coach of the Armed Forces Team, had high praise for the quality of the competition.

"As I watched the guys warm up, I am looking at four or five European or World Medalists," said Lewis. "This is an international first class tournament. I can't stress enough how tough it is."

When looking at the USA wrestlers, Lewis noted, "This is big for them because this is at such a high level. They need these international matches. This is huge."

Freestyle competition will be conducted on Saturday and Sunday.

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 3:28 PM | Permalink

Olympic wrestling medalists Henry Cejudo and Randi Miller joined 175 Olympic medalists as the 23rd season of "The Oprah Winfrey Show" goes for the gold when it launches Monday, September 8, 2008.

U.S. Olympic Team athletes who were medalists from 21 sports participated in the taping of the show in front of an audience of nearly 10,000 on Wednesday in Chicago’s Millennium Park for a “Welcome Home Team USA� celebration.

Check your local listings for the time and station to watch the show in your area.

On August 19, Cejudo (Colorado Springs, Colo./Sunkist Kids) won a gold medal in the 55 kg/121 lbs. division in men’s freestyle wrestling. On August 17, Miller won a bronze medal at the 63 kg/138.75 lbs. division in women’s freestyle wrestling.

The other U.S. wrestling medalist, Greco-Roman bronze medalist Adam Wheeler, was unable to attend because of his commitment to the police academy.

The last time Cejudo strapped on his wrestling shoes he defeated Japan in the Olympic finals to become America's only Olympic champion in wrestling.

The Olympic medalists participating in “The Oprah Winfrey Show� season premiere include the following:

Baseball
Jeremy Cummings, Brian Duensing, John Gall, Mike Koplove, Terry Tiffee, Casey Weathers

Basketball (Men’s)
Carmelo Anthony, Carlos Boozer, Chris Bosh, Kobe Bryant, Dwight Howard, Jason Kidd, Chris Paul, Tayshaun Prince, Michael Redd, Dwyane Wade, Deron Williams

Basketball (Women’s)
Tamika Catchings, Sylvia Fowles, Kara Lawson, Lisa Leslie, DeLisha Milton, Candace Parker, Katie Smith

Beach Volleyball (Men’s)
Phil Dalhausser and Todd Rogers

Beach Volleyball (Women’s)
Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh

BMX Racing (Men’s)
Mike Day, Donny Robinson

BMX Racing (Women’s)
Jill Kintner

Boxing (Men’s)
Deontay Wilder

Cycling (Women’s)
Kristin Armstrong

Decathlon (Men’s)
Bryan Clay

Equestrian (Men’s)
Will Simpson

Equestrian (Women’s)
Laura Kraut, Gina Miles

Fencing (Men’s)
Tim Morehouse, Jason Rogers, Keeth Smart, James Williams

Fencing (Women’s)
Emily Cross, Erinn Smart, Hanna Thompson, Mariel Zagunis

Gymnastics (Men’s)
Alexander Artemev, Raj Bhavsar, Joe Hagerty, Jonathan Horton, Justin Spring, Kevin Tan

Gymnastics (Women’s)
Shawn Johnson, Nastia Liukin, Chellsie Memmel, Samantha Peszek, Alicia Sacramone, Bridget Sloan

Judo (Women’s)
Ronda Rousey

Rowing (Men’s)
Josh Inman, Marcus McElhenney, Dan Walsh

Rowing (Women’s)
Erin Cafaro, Anna Cummins, Susan Francia, Michelle Guerette, Caroline Lind, Elle Logan, Lindsay Shoop, Mary Whipple

Sailing (Men’s)
Zach Railey

Sailing (Women’s)
Anna Tunnicliffe

Shooting (Men’s)
Walton G. Eller, Vincent Hancock, Jason Turner

Shooting (Women’s)
Corey Cogdell, Kim Rhode

Soccer (Women’s)
Nicole Barnhart, Shannon Boxx, Rachel Buehler, Lori Chalupny, Stephanie Cox, Angela Hucles, Carli Lloyd, Kate Markgraf, Heather Mitts, Heather O'Reilly, Christie Rampone, Hope Solo, Lindsay Tarpley, Aly Wagner

Softball
Monica Abbott, Laura Berg, Crystl Bustos, Andrea Duran, Jennie Finch, Tairia Flowers, Victoria Galindo, Lovie Jung, Kelly Kretschman, Caitlin Lowe, Jessica Mendoza, Stacey Nuveman, Natasha Watley

Swimming (Men’s)
Ian Crocker, Mark Gangloff, Matt Grevers, Brendan Hansen, Cullen Jones, Jason Lezak, Ryan Lochte, Aaron Peirsol, Michael Phelps, Peter Vanderkaay, Garrett Weber-Gale

Swimming (Women’s)
Elaine Breeden, Caroline Burckle, Natalie Coughlin, Margaret Hoelzer, Katie Hoff, Megan Jendrick, Kara Lynn Joyce, Christine Magnuson, Christine Marshall, Lacey Nymeyer, Allison Schmitt, Emily Silver, Julia Smit, Rebecca Soni, Dara Torres, Kim Vandenberg

Taekwondo (Men’s)
Steven Lopez, Mark Lopez

Taekwondo (Women’s)
Diana Lopez

Track and Field (Men’s)
Bershawn Jackson

Track and Field (Women’s)
Allyson Felix, Shalane Flanagan, Hyleas Fountain, Monique Henderson, Sanya Richards, Stephanie Brown Trafton, Sheena Tosta

Volleyball (Men’s)
Gabe Gardner, Tom Hoff, Rich Lambourne, David Lee, Ryan Millar, Reid Priddy, Riley Salmon, Scott Touzinsky

Volleyball (Women’s)
Lindsey Berg, Heather Bown, Kim Glass, Tayyiba Haneef-Park, Robyn Ah Mow-Santos,

Danielle Scott-Arruda, Stacy Sykora, Kim Willoughby

Water Polo (Men’s)
Tony Azevedo, Layne Beaubien, Brandon Brooks, Peter Hudnut, Rick Merlo, Merrill Moses, Jeff Powers, Peter Varellas, Adam Wright

Water Polo (Women’s)
Patricia Cardenas, Natalie Golda, Alison Gregorka, Brittany Hayes, Jaime Hipp, Heather Petri, Jessica Steffens, Moriah Van Norman, Brenda Villa, Elsie Windes

Wrestling (Men’s)
Henry Cejudo

Wrestling (Women’s)
Randi Miller

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 3:25 PM | Permalink

Sam Barber hired as NCEP Manager for USA Wrestling
Gary Abbott USA Wrestling
09/04/2008

Sam Barber of Roseville, Minn. has been hired as the Manager of the National Coaches Education Program for USA Wrestling.

He begins this full-time position at USA Wrestling’s national headquarters in Colorado Springs, Colo. in early September. Barber will be responsible for managing the day-to-day responsibilities and activities associated with USA Wrestling’s National Coaches Education Program (NCEP).

Barber comes to USA Wrestling with over a decade of experience as a coach on the college level, as well as extensive grassroots wrestling involvement.

We personally thought Barber had hung up his wrestling shoes and turned in for a corporate job- glad that isn't what happened.

“USA Wrestling is extremely fortunate to add Sam Barber to its professional staff as the NCEP Manager,� said Mark Scott, USA Wrestling Director of State Services. “Sam brings an outstanding background in coaching at all levels, and his experience within the grass-roots programs of USA Wrestling will provide a keen understanding of the needs of the organizations grass-roots and developmental coaches. In addition, his experience and success at the college level will allow USA Wrestling to develop and sustain programs for coaches to advance their knowledge and expertise to levels not recently available.�

He served as the head wrestling coach at Augsburg College in Minnesota during the 2007-08 season, leading one of the nation’s best Div. III wrestling programs. He was the Associate Head Coach for two seasons and the Head Assistant Coach for three seasons.

During Barber’s tenure at Augsburg, the program won the NCAA Div. III National Championships three times (2001, 2005, 2007), was Div. III runner-up three times (2002, 2003, 2004) and placed third two times (2006, 2008). Barber helped coach 14 NCAA Div. III individual national champions and 51 All-Americans. He was named Div. III Assistant Coach of the Year by the National Wrestling Coaches Association in 2006.

With the wrestling program, he served as academic coordinator and recruiting coordinator for the team. His athletes maintained a 3.2 GPA during his years with the team. He also handled marketing and promotion activities for the program. In addition, Barber was a health and physical education instructor at Augsburg for seven years.

Barber was an assistant wrestling coach at Minnesota State-Mankato during the 2000-2001 season, in which the team placed fifth in the NCAA Div. II Nationals and featured an individual national champion.

He also served five seasons as a coach at Upper Iowa University (1995-2000), including serving as the head wrestling coach during the 1999-2000 season. During his year as head coach, Upper Iowa placed 11th in the NCAA Div. III National Championships, its highest finish in 20 years. He was the head assistant coach there from 1995-1999. He coached two NCAA Div. III national champions and nine All-Americans, and was named the Div. III Rookie Coach of the Year in 1999.

Barber was active with Minnesota/USA Wrestling serving in a number of volunteer leadership positions. For more than 10 years, he was the FILA Junior/University Director for the association, the head coach of the Junior National Freestyle program and an assistant coach with the Senior-level program.

He is a USA Wrestling Silver Certified coach, and has taken the NWCA Leadership Development Training Program.

Barber has worked over 15 years as a director with the J Robinson Intensive Camps, one of the most respected and successful summer wrestling camp programs in the nation.

He received his bachelor’s degree in physical education from Upper Iowa University in 1995, and his Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Experiential Education from Minnesota State – Mankato in 2004.

"I feel tremendously fortunate for the opportunity to be involved with such a prestigious organization as USA Wrestling and the Olympic movement,� said Barber. “I am very excited about the opportunity to promote wrestling as the Manager of the National Coaches Education Program. I look forward to working with the world class coaches, and hard working, passionate people involved at every level of our great sport."

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 1:15 PM | Permalink

Marty Morgan resigns from head assistant coach post at Minnesota
Univ. of Minnesota
09/02/2008

Head assistant wrestling coach Marty Morgan resigned from his position at the University of Minnesota on Tuesday afternoon after 16 years with the program. Morgan will go on to train former Gopher All-American wrestler Brock Lesnar, a popular Ultimate Fighting Championships (UFC) competitor, on a full-time basis.

“I’m going to step back for a year to help Brock [Lesnar] train and I’ll see where I’m at next summer. I’ve been working with Brock [Lesnar] the past few years on his training and now I’ve been offered a unique opportunity to work with him full time.� Morgan said. “This has definitely been a difficult decision, considering that I have been involved with the program for 20 years as an athlete and coach. I am happy to have a great relationship with the University of Minnesota administration, J Robinson, the wrestling staff, past and current team members, and numerous fans around this great wrestling state.�

A native of Bloomington, Minn., Morgan began his collegiate wrestling career at North Dakota State where he won a Division II national championship as a true freshman before transferring to Minnesota. Morgan was a three-time All-American for the Gophers and won a national title at 177 pounds as a senior in 1991. With a 39-0 record during his senior season, Morgan became the first wrestler in school history to finish with an unblemished record and is one of just three wrestlers in Minnesota history to accomplish that feat. He capped off his career with the Big Ten Medal of Honor, which is awarded to a Big Ten student-athlete who demonstrates excellence in academics and athletics.

Morgan was the top assistant under head coach J Robinson for 13 of his 16 seasons with the program. During his time at Minnesota, Morgan helped secure Minnesota Wrestling’s status as one of the most storied and successful programs in the nation. Under Morgan’s watch, the Gophers attracted some of the nation’s most sought-after recruits on a regular basis and won national titles in 2000-01, 2001-02 and 2006-07. The Gophers have also captured six Big Ten Conference championships under Morgan’s tutelage.

“Marty has been around Minnesota Wrestling for 20 years, but this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for him to step away for a year and to see what else is out there,� head coach J Robinson said. “I think it’s important for people to see different opportunities that life has to offer from a different perspective and a year away from the program can provide that perspective for Marty. He will be obviously missed this year with the way we do things, but we look forward to working with him in the future.�

The Gopher wrestling program, which boasts one of the nation’s highest-rated recruiting classes again this year, begins its 2008-09 season with the Bison Open in Fargo, N.D. on Nov. 15. Minnesota’s first home wrestling event comes when the Gophers host fellow perennial national power Oklahoma State in a New Year’s Day dual at the Sports Pavilion.

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 5:27 PM | Permalink