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."

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.

TheMat.com has put together a preview article of the Grappling World Team Trials set for Sierra College in Rocklin, Calif. on September 13-14. At stake are spots on the U.S. World Team which competes in Lucerne, Switzerland on December 20-21 at the Grappling World Championships.

136.5 pounds:
This weight class looks to be as action packed as last year. However, rumors have it that the defending National and World Champion Darren Uyenoyama has retired from Grappling to focus his energy on his professional MMA career and recently opened San Francisco-based gym, Fogtown Jiu-Jitsu. In the absence of Uyenoyama, 2007 Grappling World Finalist and 2x NCAA All-American, Matt Sanchez of Ultimate Fitness leaps to the head of the pack as the division favorite. Sanchez is coming off a dominating first-place performance at the Rio International Open. However, Sanchez’s road to victory could be rough. His chief rival is Brian Peterson of Big John McCarthy’s Ultimate Training Academy. These two athletes met at the Grappler’s Quest Qualifier last year with Sanchez coming out the victor by a narrow margin. Peterson will be looking to avenge this loss and claim ownership to the National title. Also look for top newcomers Alejandro Zeas (Team Yamasaki), John Blalock (10th Planet), Daniel Kessler (American Pankration), Robert Lopez (Urban Jungle), and Eric Anderson (Minnesota Martial Arts Academy) to make waves in this division.

154 pounds:
21-year-old Grappling phenom, Ricky Lundell of Grappler's Edge, will look to repeat his performance from last year’s World Team Trials. Lundell will have his hands full with the slick submission artist, Cobra Kai’s Scott Bieri. Both athletes are submission-minded grapplers that are always looking to end the match. With their tremendous athleticism and willingness to take risk, this match-up could be the match of the tournament. The potential tournament spoiler will go to 3x Oklahoma State All-American Shane Roller, who has been training with Marc Laimon and will bring a tough competitive mindset to the trials. Also watch out for Greco-Roman sensations Jacob Hey from Matt Hughes’ H.I.T. Squad and No Limits MMA’s own, Shannon Slack. Both are transitioning into MMA/Grappling from Greco-Roman wrestling, and both competed in the U.S. Olympic Team Trials for wrestling in June. The dark horse for the weight class will have to go to Colorado Fight Factory’s Keith Wilson, who is rumored to be dropping down to 154 lbs. He is a skilled grappler that is known in Grappling and wrestling circles as a strong competitor. Others to watch are Matt Holt (Team Volt), Tom Lecuyer (K3 Kombat Sports), Peter Sutton (Team Quest), Preston Marks (Ashevilla BJJ), and Kahlil Moreland (Roger Machado JJ).

176 pounds:
This is hands down, the toughest weight class of the entire Trials, and is stacked from top to bottom. The favorite is defending champion Don Ortega who proved his ability in grinding through the stacked 2007 Trials. The Adams State All-American wrestler and 2007 Grappling World Champion is a hard nose grappler that makes his opponent earn every point and position. Ortega is going to have his hands full with MMA legend and UFC veteran Dennis Hallman, who has more experience then any other grappler in the tournament. Hallman suffered a big upset last year in a one-point, semifinal loss to Paragon Jiu-Jitsu’s Bill Cooper. Hallman suffered an injury during the match and had to withdraw from the tournament. He is looking to redeem himself and take Ortega’s title. Up-and-coming grapplers and mixed-martial artists Jacob Volkman and Johny Hendricks are going to give anyone that steps in front of them a tough time. Volkman, a 3x NCAA All-American from the University of Minnesota, recently dominated the field at the Midwest Qualifier, where he submitted 2007 Grappling All-American and World bronze medalist Mike Kelly in under a minute. Hendricks is a 2x NCAA Champion and 4x NCAA All-American. The former Oklahoma State Cowboy is now a Cobra Kai disciple and has been training Grappling/MMA for the past two years. Funkmaster and Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Brown Belt Joseph Gutierrez will look to ruffle some feathers with his unorthodox style and relentless submission attack. Hollywood BJJ instructor Shawn Williams and his #1 student Warren Stout will look to repeat their performances from the Last Chance Qualifier and make some noise in this stacked division. Others to watch for include Sean Spangler (Cobra Kai), Jeff Paulson (American Pankration), Brad Sandavol (Ultimate Fitness), and Mike Kelly (Gilbert Grappling).

202.5 pounds:
The entrance of Rick MacCauley has turned this division upside down. Philadelphia’s best grappler, MacCauley of Team Balance brings countless Grappler’s Quest titles and a BJJ Black Belt to the Trials. His dominating performance at the Mason Dixon Qualifier has given him the title of favorite despite being in the same division as defending champion Malcolm Havens. However, don’t count out the former Western Conference Champion and Wyoming wrestler Havens. He was World Champion last year and is known for tireless conditioning and freakish strength. Both MacCauley and Havens could be challenged by Cal State Bakersfield 1999 All-American and IFL veteran Raphael “Noodle” Davis. Noodle brings tons of size and competition experience to table. Team Quest’s David Culbertson is a dark horse at this weight, and is coming off of a big win against 2007 World Team Trials and World Finalist Matt Horwich, at the Northwest Qualifier, who is also a major threat at this weight class. Look out for Jake Rosholt, 3x NCAA Champion from Oklahoma State, although Rosholt’s participation is questionable. If he does compete, he is an instant favorite, having proven his ability to win big tournaments on more than one occasion. Other contenders are Timmy Bond (Street Sport BJJ) and Ian Murphy (Prodigy Elite). Bond is coming off of a great performance at the So Cal Qualifier by dominating all of his opponents. Murphy is a former Cal State Fullerton standout and Freestyle University National Champion and has three straight submission victories en route to victory at the Last Chance Qualifier. Others to watch out for are Chaun Sims (Easton BJJ), Dan Clark (MMA Institute), and Jeff Funicello (American Pankration).

275 pounds:
This Division can be summed up with one word, Monson! Jeff Monson is arguably the best U.S. Grappler to date and unquestionably one of the most accomplished grapplers of all time. Monson is the definition of what it means to be a competitor. He is a former World Heavyweight #1 contender and MMA legend. Where most professional fighters at his level would rest on their laurels and shy away from putting their reputation on the line, Monson defies convention. He is a unique individual. As the defending World Team Trials and World Champion, Monson will be looking to repeat. Challenging from Team Quest is Aaron Stark, an All-American wrestler from Wisconsin and former IFL fighter. Stark is coming off of a victory over Bobak Ranjbaran, in the finals of the Northwest Qualifier. Grappler’s Edge athlete Brandon Ruiz is the best wrestler of the field with a recent No. 3 ranking in Greco-Roman wrestling. Look for him to be able to give anyone trouble. Team Lutter’s Justin Wren, a Texas native and former Junior National Champion, is very familiar with stepping up at big tournaments and is learning from one of the best grapplers in the country. Also watch out for Ramon Diaz of No Limits MMA, who was a 2007 World silver medalist and strong wrestler and Sombo competitor. Others to look out for include, James Haddon (Fogtown JJ), Bobak Ranjbaran (Demon Jiu Jitsu), John Dolida (Hybrid).

Watch for the videos to appear on flowrestling.

Women’s Divisions:
The women divisions will have some of the nation’s finest female grapplers. At 105.5 lbs., Lisa Ward will be the heavy favorite with only a few possible competitors. The 121-lbs. division is turning out to be the toughest division of the trials. Defending World Team Trials and World Champion Felicia Oh is the favorite to repeat as Champion. However, rumor has it that MMA bad girl and defending 138.5 lbs. World Team Trials and World Champion, Tara LaRosa, is dropping down to take on Felicia Oh for the title of #1 female grappler in the United States. Also in this division is Bahar Shahidi, who was 2007 World Team Trials and World Finalist, losing to Oh in both finals. In the 138.5 lbs. weight class, Cindy Hales of Gracie-Barra Seattle and Josh Barnett protége Ginele Marquez-Lee will battle for the top spot. Ginele is the returning World Team Trials Finalist in the division, but Cindy Hales is known as one of the top female grapplers in the country. It should be exciting. At 158.5 lbs., Val Worthington of New Breed Jiu-Jitsu stands atop the mountain with few challengers. However, if Tori Adams of Colorado Fight Factory decides not to go down to 138.5 lbs., it should be an exciting match for the 158.5 lbs crown. Other grapplers to look out for are Angela Poe (Grappler’s Edge), Meisha Tate (Victory Athletics), Molly Helsel (NCFC), Vanessa Hardy (Riverside Submissions), Betsy Jones (Capitol Jiu-jitsu Team) Danielle Hobeika, Carla O’Connell (No Limits MMA), and Sandy Nickal (Rio Rancho Wrestling Club).

TDR's Brute Adidas studios come alive again this week with special guests from around the country. The wrestling season is just around the corner, and new recruits are hankering to make themselves a place on the teams of choice. To make a difference. I can feel it. The hair on the back of my neck is starting to stand up. It's almost here!

Joining me in the studio on his way to Iraq will be Vern Jefferson, to discuss his upcoming fight with John Hurricane Halverson, along with Brad Chiafos of the Des Moines Buccaneers.

Guests on TDR this week -

Greg Jackson - Jackson's gym in Albuquerque, NM trains many top fighters. Greg will share some tips on crab mcgaw - self defense. Jackson is 100% trainer. He is not a manager. Training men like Rashad Evans, GSP, Joey V. and others he has game plans, training schedules and programs in place as individual as the fighter. Some of his top fighters include: Keith Jardine, Rashad Evans, Georges St. Pierre, Nate Marquardt, Joey Villasenor, and David Loiseau.

Jeff Breese - After spending two years matside coaching at Seton Hill University, Jeff Breese made a career change. That change has led him to become the new Director of Media Relations for the National Wrestling Coaches Association. Breese, a Claysville, Pa., native, was a Pennsylvania state high school champion at McGuffey and competed on the Division I level at N.C. State, where he earned a degree in Mass Media and Public Relations with a minor in Journalism.

Nick Gallo - Silver Medalist, past Hofstra Head Coach, Hall of Fame member and one of the "Leaders" of the pack at Asics-TW promotions joins us to discuss the Olympic Games. Gallo was a member of the 1976 and 1980 Olympic Freestyle Wrestling Teams

Brad Dillon - An All-American on the mat and in the classroom at Lehigh, begins his first season as an assistant coach under Pat Santoro at LeHigh. Dillon followed Santoro to the University of Maryland. In his first season with the Terps, Dillon was involved in helping land a nationally ranked recruiting class and helping Charlie Pinto to the ACC title at 141 pounds. He hopes to impact the Mountain Hawks in the same fashion.

Pat Smith - a Distinguished Member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, a 4X NCAA Champion, a former collegiate wrestler at Oklahoma State University and a former assistant coach at OSU and now one of the fathers of HS wrestling in Arkansas.

Each week for 11 years now we have provided the best coverage and conversation on our sport possible. We have great sponsors that understand the need to promote wrestling everyday of the year. Our goal is to continue that effort and you can listen in from 9 AM to 11 AM CST at Takedownradio.com LIVE or archived and by Pod Cast at Takedownradio.com Please make use of the services and products from our sponsors.

The wrestling alumni received the SU’s commitment to build a memorial if they could raise the estimated $15,000 needed for its construction. The memorial will be located directly in front of the Garrett Sports Complex, site of O.W. Hout’s Gymnasium and the former wrestling room. It will consist of a brick edged concrete patio with steel benches including memorial plaques to Coach and Mrs. Kunes, who also spent many great years on staff at SU.

During the summer of 2007, in an effort to demonstrate commitment to this project to the university, wrestling alumni Joel Tokarz, Todd Burns, Rick Evans, David Richards, Bill Bryson, Tom Dodd, Scott Tashjy, Ken Tashjy, and Whitney Gay made an initial contribution totaling $5,600. Consequently, the friends and alumni of SU wrestling need to raise an additional $9,400 to meet the initial fundraising goal, with an anticipated completion and dedication date in the spring of 2009.

Born in 1925 and raised in State College, Penn., Charlie Kunes Sr. played varsity football, basketball, and track at State College High School and was named to the All-Central Counties football team in 1941 and 1942. Kunes got his first taste of wrestling competition as a heavyweight during his college days at Lock Haven State College under legendary coach Hubert Jack. There he lettered in football, wrestling, and track, graduating in 1951.

Wrestling equipment including wrestling shoes, wrestling headgear, and wrestling singlets will be made available.

Kunes joined the athletic staff at SU in 1966. Kunes founded the SU wrestling program that year (1966-67) going 4-3 in duals with victories over current NCAA Division I teams American University and Hofstra University. Kunes retired after the 1990-91 season, a season in which the team set a then school record for wins at 12-3-1. In addition to being head wrestling coach, he also served as an assistant football coach, as a professor of health and physical education, and later as the Director of the Physical Education Department. He earned his Master of Science from Bucknell University in 1972.

A veteran high school and college wrestling official for 33 years, Coach Kunes helped conduct the NCAA, NAIA, and Middle Atlantic Conference Championships, the national YMCA tournament, and Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) District, Regional, and State Championships. Coach Kunes served as secretary-treasurer of the Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Officials Association (EIWOA) and as rules interpreter for District 6 of the PIAA.

Numerous honors have been bestowed on Kunes since his days as a head coach and an active veteran wrestling official. As head coach, Kunes guided the Crusaders to a 163-165-6 record. His wrestlers won six individual Middle Atlantic Conference titles and five NCAA Division III All-America awards. SU dropped wrestling in 1996. Kunes, who had 13 winning seasons during his 25-year stint, and was inducted into the NCAA Division III Wrestling Coaches Hall of Fame in 2004 when the championships were held in Dubuque, Iowa.

He was a PIAA wrestling tournament official between 1967 and 1984, and served as the head official for a number of those years. Additionally, Kunes coordinated officials’ assignments. In 1986, Kunes was one of only 21 referees ever inducted into the EIWOA Hall of Fame, which celebrated its 50th year in 2004. Kunes received another major honor in 1987 when he was inducted into the PIAA Wrestling Coaches Hall of Fame in Hershey. He was inducted into the Susquehanna University Sports Hall of Fame in 1991, the Lock Haven University Wrestling Hall of Fame in April 2005, and the PIAA District 4 Hall of Fame.

Kunes died October 2, 2006 at his State College home after a long illness at the age of 81. He is survived by his wife, Jane, of 60 years, and his son, Charles S. (Chip) Kunes Jr.

Coach Kunes was a wonderful teacher and coach, but above all, he was a consummate gentleman. He taught generations of young men that success comes in many forms, not all of which are represented by a winning score. He taught the value of hard work and personal accountability. He was a traditional man who demanded respect and courtesy, while always conveying the same to those he taught and coached.

By the way he lived his life; Coach Kunes’ lasting lesson for all of us is that service to others is the greatest gift we can give of ourselves. His memorial will reflect these sentiments to generations of SU students to come. Please consider a personal contribution toward the construction of this special tribute to a special man. Any donation will be greatly appreciated. Please make your gift payable to Susquehanna University – “Kunes Memorial Fund” and direct your gift to:

Ms. Angela Hoot
SU Office of Development
514 University Avenue
Selinsgrove, PA 17870-9950

Once the memorial is completed, you will be invited to attend the dedication ceremony on campus. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact wrestling alum Ken Tashjy at 978-697-6497, or tashjyk@middlesex.mass.edu. Thank you in advance for your support.

Yours in wrestling,
Charlie Kunes Memorial Fund Committee
Whitney Gay 71’, Ken Tashjy 83’, Tom Dodd 92’

The GCSC hosted the University Nationals alongside the FILA Cadet Nationals in 2007 and 2008. This marked a change in venue for the event after it was held in the Chicago area starting in 1992.

"We are honored and excited to have been given the USA Wrestling National Events Organization of the Year. It means a lot to us as we pride ourselves on the ability to help create great events and we truly value our relationship with USA Wrestling," said David Gilbert, President of the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission.

Both years the event was hosted in Akron, Ohio, entry records were set. In 2007, five event records were set including: largest University freestyle field (490), largest University field (freestyle and Greco-Roman combined) (604), largest FILA Cadet freestyle field (377), largest FILA Cadet Greco-Roman field (215) and largest FILA Cadet field (freestyle and Greco-Roman combined) (592).

In 2008, both the freestyle and Greco-Roman divisions at the University Nationals have set entry records this year. The University Greco-Roman Nationals had 155 entries this year, up from 114 last year, an increase of 41 wrestlers. In the University Freestyle, there are 552 entries this year, an increase of 62 wrestlers. The University Men’s total comes to 707 participants, 103 more than last year.

“The Greater Cleveland Sports Commission and USA Wrestling Ohio have done a tremendous job with the University and Cadet National Championships,” said Pete Isais, USA Wrestling Director of National Events. “Their hard work and commitment has led to a record setting number of participants both years. We at USA Wrestling can think of no better way to recognize their efforts than with this award.”

The 2008 event also included the exciting addition of the Women’s University National Championships. The Women’s University Nationals were originally held alongside the Men’s University Nationals in Evanston, Ill. for five years (1998 – 2002). Since 2002, the women’s division was part of the Body Bar Women’s Nationals, an event that combined four age-group levels.

The Greater Cleveland Sports Commission is the non-profit organization that works to measurably enhance the economy, image and quality of life in the Greater Cleveland community by attracting and creating significant sporting events and activities.

USA Wrestling coordinates over 30 regional and national-level events every year. This award was created to recognize the tremendous service of thousands of volunteers who give freely of their time for the benefit of our young athletes. For several years, USA Wrestling has acknowledged the efforts of volunteer leaders, mat and pairing officials, and coaches, and felt it imperative to recognize the people who work so diligently in the many facets of our regional and national championship events.

GCSC is the second recipient of this award, which recognizes a dedicated volunteer or organization that has contributed highly to USA Wrestling’s regional and national championship events. Steve Knipp of Waterloo, Iowa was named the inaugural winner as USAW Person of the Year in 2007.

Already considered one of the big personal stories of the Beijing Olympics, Henry Cejudo reached an even larger audience when he was interviewed on one of the most popular shows on television. Wrestling fans across the nation took great pride when this 21-year-old represented his sport with great charm and character on national television.

The Tonight Show appearance became a reality back in Beijing, China, after Cejudo’s amazing victory at 55 kg/121 lbs. on August 19. His heartfelt celebration and impressive personal story captured the attention of the world. It also caught the attention of Tonight Show’s Steve Ridgeway.

Ridgeway spent some time with Cejudo during one of his days of media tours following his victory, and decided that Henry’s story should be included on the Tonight Show.

Working closely with USA Wrestling’s Communications Manager Craig Sesker, the complicated details of Cejudo’s visit were ironed out while everybody was still over in China. When Henry arrived in Chicago from China on August 26, the Tonight Show decided to re-route him immediately to Los Angeles, where he would appear the next day with Jay Leno.

While working out the travel arrangements, Ridgeway and his colleague Bryan Branly decided to play a little trick on Henry, and also liven up the segment tremendously. Originally, the plan was to have Henry’s older brother Angel and his mother Nelly Rico attend the show as his guests.

The story of Nelly Rico, a single mom who raised Henry and his siblings under trying conditions and with great strength and love, was one of the stories which emerged when Cejudo claimed his Olympic title. Henry had not seen his mother for over a month, because she had not been able to attend the Olympics.

Working with Angel on the trick, they decided to tell Henry that his mom could not attend the show. Meanwhile, the Tonight Show staff flew Nelly and Henry’s sister Gloria Cejudo in at a later time and kept them hidden from Henry. The idea was to surprise Henry with his mother’s appearance at the end of Henry’s interview with Leno.

Meanwhile, Henry flew all the way from Beijing to Chicago, then switched over to a late night flight to Los Angeles, where he was greeted by a limousine and whisked off to the Sheraton Universal Hotel in Universal City. There he was greeted by his brother Angel, and was told his mom was not feeling well and did not attend.

Henry became a big hit seconds after coming off the wrestling mats, in the hotel lobby when it was discovered that an Olympic champion had arrived. Many contestants for the TV series America Has Talent were in the hotel, and lined up for pictures with Henry and his Olympic gold medal. Eventually, Henry went off to get a little sleep after traveling more than a day to get home.

Henry’s day on the Tonight Show was very busy. It started with an 8:30 a.m. breakfast meeting with Tonight Show staffers Ridgeway and Branly, where Henry and Angel were interviewed and ideas about what would be discussed on the show were bantered around.

Many friends along with Cejudo family members arrived during the day, including a group that drove up from his Phoenix hometown early in the morning. By the time that the Tonight Show van pulled up to the 2:45 p.m. pickup at the hotel, there were over a dozen Cejudo supporters there to see Henry’s appearance with Jay Leno.

Cejudo was taken to his own dressing room outside the Tonight Show set, with his friends given backstage passes. Food was brought in by the Tonight Show staff, and everybody was having a good time. Eventually, Jay Leno stopped in himself to greet Henry, visit with his group of friends, and go over the night’s script a bit.

Prior to the start of the show, the friends and family were taken to seats inside the Tonight Show set in the audience. There was a warmup act prior to the start of the show, including some jokes from Leno himself. Meanwhile, Cejudo was by himself behind stage, waiting for his turn with Jay Leno.

The show started with Leno’s monologue, then an extended comedy feature from the Democratic National Convention. Next up was comedian Bill Maher, who talked for two time segments with Leno about politics and other social issues. In between segments, the Tonight Show band entertained with outstanding music, keeping the atmosphere lively.

The Cejudo segment began with video of his Olympic championship celebration, and loud applause from the audience, including the chant of USA, USA, USA. Cejudo sat down next to Leno and began to chat. Cejudo was relaxed and friendly, and soon the two were joking around, telling stories and having a good time.

When Leno asked Cejudo about his mother, Henry praised her and then said that he was sad that she was not able to attend the show. That is when Leno surprised Henry, and those in the audience, by bringing his mom Nelly onto the stage. Henry hugged his mother, and placed his Olympic gold medal around her neck, to the applause and tears of the audience. Ridgeway’s trick had worked, and Henry was given a chance to see his mom for the first time since he had left for China.

After a closing musical act, the Tonight Show ended. The Cejudo family and friends came down on the stage and took pictures with Jay Leno. Everybody went back to the dressing room, where there were hugs and many pictures taken. After Leno came back to wish Henry well, the entire group went back to the vans for a ride back to the hotel. The local NBC affiliate was waiting outside the set for a quick interview with Henry, and soon everybody, including Henry’s mother, returned to spend a night together to celebrate in Los Angeles.

The show airs at 11: 35 p.m. Eastern time. Check your local listings for time and station in your area.

Cejudo captured America’s heart with his stunning victory at 55 kg/121 lbs. on August 19 in Beijing, China. His celebration after winning, which included a heartfelt emotional reaction, captured worldwide headlines, as well as his compelling personal story.

Cejudo, became the youngest U.S. Olympic champion in wrestling in history.

Comedian Bill Maher and Cejudo are scheduled to appear on the show on Wednesday.

Cejudo flew out of Beijing on Tuesday afternoon.

ABOUT THE TONIGHT SHOW WITH JAY LENO

Jay Leno follows in the footsteps of legendary NBC late-night hosts Steve Allen, Jack Paar and Johnny Carson and is the host of the Emmy Award-winning and top-rated "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno." Beginning his 15th season in May 2006, Leno has created his own unique late-night style with a combination of humor, talk and entertainment each night at 11:35 p.m. ET - the wee hours when viewers want to wind down with a few laughs before drifting off to dreamland. Considered by many to be a "variety" show, "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" features a nightly monologue and news-making guests, as well as ongoing comedy segments including "Headlines," "Ask Jay Anything," "Stuff We Found on eBay," wrestling shoes "Jaywalking" and "Battle of Jaywalking All-Stars." The result is a unique and humorous look at today's pop culture.

"The Tonight Show" was honored for Emmy Awards in 1995, 1996, 1997 and 1999 and voted by TV Guide readers as 'Favorite Late Night Show' in 1999 and 2000. Other notable achievements include: Leno's exclusive interview with Senator John Glenn and the astronauts aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery; a pay-per-view wrestling match between Leno and Hulk Hogan; "The Tonight Show Unplugged" in response to California's power crisis; a sum of $360,200 raised for The Twin Towers Fund in 2001 and $505,100 raised to benefit the Red Cross Hurricane Katrina fund in 2005 from auctioning off Leno's celebrity-signed motorcycles on eBay and a special 2001 Thanksgiving show broadcast live on Armed Forces Radio and Television Services to entertain U.S. military personnel worldwide. In addition, the program continued to make history in April 1999 when it became the first television series to be broadcast nightly in HDTV (high-definition television). In 2004 "The Tonight Show" celebrated its 50th Anniversary with tributes to all of its former hosts, Steve Allen, Jack Paar and Johnny Carson.

The program has also proven to be a barometer of political clout. In 2000, the Los Angeles Times noted that "the road to the White House apparently leads through Burbank," as each presidential candidate -- Al Gore, George W. Bush, Bill Bradley and John McCain - appeared to demonstrate their relaxed, good-humored side on the show during the presidential elections. California Governer Arnold Schwarzenegger used "The Tonight Show" stage in 2003 to announce that he would be running for office and the 2004 election year brought Laura Bush, John Kerry, John Edwards and John McCain to "The Tonight Show" couch. The show also created a lot of buzz when it debuted the incredibly successful internet political cartoon "This Land" from Jib Jab for the first time on television.

Many of the world's most popular celebrities, musical guests and newsworthy names make "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" a priority stop on their publicity rounds. In addition to star-power, the "Tonight Show" production team searches for the most interesting "civilian" guests such as kid inventors and individuals with quirky talents and funny stories.

Debbie Vickers is the executive producer. "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" is from Big Dog Productions in association with NBC Universal Television Studios.

Claiming the gold medal at 84 kg/185 lbs. was 2005 World champion Revasi Mindorashvili of Georgia, who defeated 2007 World silver medalist Yusup Abdusalomov of Tajikistan, 2-3, 3-0, 4-0. Abdulsalamov won the first period with a two-point reversal late in the period. From then on, Mindorashvili controlled the action, scoring numerous takedowns in the last two periods.

The champion at 96 kg/211.5 lbs. was Russia’s Shirvani Muradov, who defeated Taimuraz Tigiyev of Kazakhstan in the finals, 1-0, 1-0 in a competitive match.

Claiming his second career Olympic gold medal at 120 kg/264.5 lbs. was Artur Taymazov of Uzbekistan, who defeated 2007 Junior World champion Bakhtiar Akhmedov of Russia, 3-0, 1-0.

Taymazov was also the 2004 Olympic champion and 2000 Olympic silver medalist. Taymazov won the first period with a two-point takedown and a one-point takedown. In the second period, there was no scoring until the final seconds, when Taymazov scored a pushout on Akhmedov.

In the first 84 kg/185 lbs. semifinal, 2005 World bronze medalist Taras Danko of Ukraine defeated Serhat Balci of Turkey, 1-0, 2-0. Danko scored the only takedowns of the match.

2007 World champion Georgy Ketoev of Russia claimed the other 84 kg/185 lbs. bronze medal, beating Davyd Bichinashvili of Germany, 3-0, 0-2, 2-2. The key to the victory was a two-point move by Ketoev in the final period.

The bronze medalists at 96 kg/211.5 pounds were George Gogschelidze of Georgia and Khetag Gazyumov of Azerbaijan. Gogschelidze, a 2001 World champion for Russia, pinned Michel Batista of Cuba in the second period. Gazyumov scored a solid 5-0, 2-0 shutout of Georgii Tibilov of Ukraine.

In the first 120 kg bronze medal match, David Musulbes of Slovakia defeated Disney Rodriguez of Cuba, 4-0, 4-2. Musulbes scored a three-point takedown in the first period, then broke a 2-2 tie in the final period with an exposure from a cradle. Musulbes won his second career Olympic medal, to go along with an Olympic gold he won for Russia in 2000.

The other bronze at 120 kg/264.5 lbs. went to Marid Mutalimov (Kazakhstan) who defeated Fardin Masoumi of Iran, 8-3, 1-1. Mutalimov had a three-point lateral drop in the first period. He won the second period by scoring a takedown in the final seconds, winning the tiebreaker by scoring the last point.

OLYMPIC GAMES
Men’s freestyle wrestling
At Beijing, China, August 21

Gold-medal final pairings

84 kg/185 lbs.
Gold - Revasi Mindorashvili (Georgia)
Silver - Yusup Abdusalomov (Tajikistan)
Bronze – Taras Danko (Ukraine)
Bronze – Georgy Ketoev (Russia)
5th – Serhat Balci (Turkey)
5th – Davyd Bichinashvili (Germany)
7th – Novruz Temrezov (Azerbaijan)
8th – Hartuyun Yenokyan (Armenia)
9th – Zaurbek Sokhiev (Uzbekistan)
10th – Reineris Salas (Cuba)
12th – Andy Hrovat (USA)

Gold match –Mindorashvili dec. Abdulsalamov, 2-3, 3-0, 4-0
Bronze match – Danko dec. Balci, 1-0, 2-0
Bronze match - Ketoev dec. Bichinashvili, 3-0, 0-2, 2-2

96 kg/211.5 lbs.
Gold - Shirvani Muradov (Russia)
Silver - Taimuraz Tigiyev (Kazakhstan)
Bronze – George Gogschelidze (Georgia)
Bronze – Khetag Gazyumov (Azerbaijan)
5th – Michel Batista (Cuba)
5th – Georgii Tibilov (Ukraine)
7th- Kurban Kurbanov (Uzbekistan)
8th – Gergely Kiss (Hungary)
9th –Hakan Koc (Turkey)
10th – Saeid Abrahimi (Iran)
19th – Daniel Cormier (USA)

Gold match – Muradov dec. Tigiyev, 1-0, 1-0
Bronze match – Gogschelidze pin Batista
Bronze match – Gazyumov dec. Tibilov, 5-0, 2-0

120 kg/264.5 lbs.
Gold - Artur Taymazov (Uzbekistan)
Silver - Bakhtiyar Akhmedov (Russia)
Bronze – David Musulbes (Slovakia)
Bronze – Marid Mutalimov (Kazakhstan)
5th – Disney Rodriguez (Cuba)
5th – Fardin Masoumi (Iran)

Gold match – Taymazov dec. Akhmedov, 3-0, 1-0
Bronze match –Musulbes dec. Rodriguez, 4-0, 4-2
Bronze match – Mutalimov dec. Masoumi, 8-3, 1-1

That was evident when the best freestyle wrestler in the World at 55 kg/121 lbs. took part in the U.S. Olympic Committee Closing Press Conference on Friday afternoon at the Olympic Games Main Press Center.

Cejudo joined USOC Chairman of the Board Peter Ueberroth and USOC Chief Executive Officer Jim Scherr, and four other Olympic medalists during the 45-minute session in the main press conference room.

Cejudo, 21, became the youngest U.S. Olympic champion in wrestling when he captured the gold medal on Tuesday at the China Agricultural University Gymnasium.

"The experience here has just been phenomenal," Cejudo said. "It's everything I pictured the Olympic Games to be. The U.S. Olympic Committee did a great job with everything. We had a great facility to practice in and the USOC really took care us. Beijing has been great. I feel really blessed to have had this opportunity."

The session provided a recap of the 2008 Olympics and provided the news media with an opportunity to question the two executives and five athletes about their experience here in China.

Cejudo brought a huge number of fans and relatives with him to Beijing, thanks in large part to sales of his wrestling equipment.

BEIJING, CHINA – Doug Schwab (Iowa City, Iowa/Gator WC) dropped his first repechage match at 66 kg/145.5 lbs., eliminating him from medal contention at 66 kg/145. lbs in Olympic men’s freestyle wrestling on Wednesday night at the China Agricultural University Gymnasium.

To say that Doug left everything on the wrestling mats is an understatement. He wrestled hard, but was defeated by Sushil Kumar of India in the repechage match, 4-1, 0-1, 3-2. Kumar scored a takedown and a leg turn early in the first period. Schwab returned in the second period with a takedown with one second left to win the period. In the third and deciding period, Kumar jumped to a 2-0 lead on a pair of takedowns, and held off a strong Schwab attack to secure the win.

Schwab lost his opening match on Wednesday morning to 2006 World bronze medalist Andriy Stadnik of Ukraine, 2-0, 4-0. When Stadnik made the gold-medal finals, it drew Schwab back into the repechage, which determines the bronze medalists.

Schwab is wrestling in his first Olympic Games. Schwab was fifth at the 2007 World Championships. He is a native of Osage, Iowa, and was a NCAA champion for the Univ. of Iowa. He is currently an assistant wrestling coach at Iowa. Schwab was married a few days after the Olympic Trials. He beat 2006 World champion Bill Zadick in the finals of the Olympic Trials. His older brother Mark was a talented freestyle wrestler.

On Wednesday morning, Ben Askren (Columbia, Mo./Sunkist Kids) went 1-1 at 74 kg/163 lbs. and was eliminated from the competition.

Last year's World finalists Ramzan Shahin of Turkey and Gendry Garzon of Cuba will meet in the first round. Expect to see an exciting match here with attacks, counter-attacks, flurries and trips. Hopefully Garzon shows a little more heart than his Cuban counterpart Quintana. If he does I believe he will win this match.

2007 Junior World Champion Mehdi Taghavi will take on Canada's Veranes Garcia. Taghavi is real tough and I see him advancing.

Ikematsu of Japan, 3rd at the 2003 World Championships will be taking on last year's Bronze Medalist and 2006 Silver medalist Otar Tushishvili of Georgia. The Georgian is extremely powerful, while Ikematsu is very slick. Look for the Georgian to advance here.

Young of Korea will be taking on veteran and multiple World Champion Serafim Barzakov of Bulgaria. Barzakov is has a lead leg high crotch that catches guys and has great defense. His specialty is cradling guys off of their attacks. He is getting up there in age and doesn't appear as sharp as he used to be, but I see him advancing here.

2007 European champion Albert Batyrov of Belarus will take on North Korea's Song Chun Yang. Batyrov has good stuff and has recent wins over Shahin and Irbek Farniev of Russia. I look for Batyrov to advance here, but it will be a tough bout.

USA's Doug Schwab will be taking on 2006 World wrestling Bronze medalist Andrey Stadnik of the Ukraine. Stadnik is very experienced and has recent wins over both Murtazaliev and Farniev. Schwab is a goer and can wear his opponents down but is limited in his technique and shows almost zero par terre offense. I don't see him beating Stadnik.

The winner of this bout will face India's Sushil Kumar whose best performance was 4th at the 2003 World Championships at 60 kg.

2003 World Champion Irbek Farniev will be taking on Armenia's Suren Markosyan. 2nd in the 2003 Junior worlds at 60 kg, this will be Markosyan's first Senior World level tournament. Farniev is experienced, fast, and flexible with a solid par terre attack. He tends to have conditioning issues, but he looked absolutely fantastic at this year's World Cup with wins over both Stadnik and Garzon. Farniev advances.

Semi Finals:

Andrey Stadnik, Ukraine v. Irbek Farniev, Russia
Geandry Garzon, Cuba v. Otar Tusishvili, Georgia

Finals: Farniev v. Garzon

Gold medal: Gendry Garzon, Cuba

Strap on your wrestling shoes Mike, its time to go!

The United States had not qualified to participate in the Olympic Games at 60 kg during the qualification process prior to the Beijing Olympics.

USA Wrestling made a formal request to FILA to add Zadick to the Olympic Games field at 60 kg when it was learned that the Bulgarian Wrestling Federation withdrew its entry from the Olympics at that weight division due to injury.

The FILA Bureau, the governing council for international wrestling, met on Sunday to discuss the request and came to its decision at that time.

Zadick was a 2006 World silver medalist and member of the 2007 U.S. World Team. He won the 60 kg division at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials in June to earn the No. 1 spot on Team USA in his weight class.

"It was determined that Mike Zadick was an Olympic eligible athlete, who has been in serious training if this opportunity became available," said USA Wrestling Executive Director Rich Bender. "We are excited for him and have confidence in his ability to perform well at the Olympic Games."

Zadick will weigh in on Monday, August 18 and will compete on Tuesday, August 19.

"It's been a lifelong dream of mine to wrestle in the Olympic Games," Zadick said. "I never stopped believing it would happen. I want to thank USA Wrestling and (USA Wrestling Executive Director) Rich Bender for making this happen. I'm looking forward to having an opportunity to wrestle in the Olympics and bringing home a gold medal."

Mr Abrahamian is a Swedish athlete who stepped down from the podium and laid his medal on the floor during the awards ceremony for the men's Greco-Roman wrestling singlets 84kg event. He had received one of two bronze medals awarded.

The IOC Disciplinary Commission consisted of three persons: Dr Thomas Bach (Chairman), Denis Oswald and Sergey Bubka. All three are Olympians with extensive experience of elite sport etiquette.

The IOC Executive Board decided that Mr Abrahamian, Sweden:
1. Is disqualified from the event of men's Greco-Roman wrestling, 84kg.
2. Is excluded from the Games of the XXIX Olympiad in Beijing in 2008.
3. Shall have his Olympic identity and accreditation card immediately cancelled and withdrawn.