Originally posted by Steven Hammersley for BleacherReport

A summer filled with head coaching openings has created a nauseating experience for fans of many of the largest wrestling programs in the land. The sport well reputed for developing many of the top mixed martial arts stars (read: Dan Henderson, Brock Lesnar, Randy Couture) is often times mistaken for the WWE, but make no mistake about the names you're about to hear and their impact on their new locale.

Cael Sanderson, longtime Iowa State Cyclone, and the only undefeated division one NCAA champion in the history of the sport, left his perch with the 'Clones to move into the Nation's hotbed of wrestling talent—Pennsylvania. According to "Wrestling Talk", a social network of wrestling junkies, Sanderson takes with him his entire staff and several of the highly sought-after recruits that had originally followed him to Iowa State.

The list leaving ISU to follow "King Cael" includes Iowa State's most valuable wrestler, Jake Varner. Sanderson's will to win led him out of his comfort zone and into the throne at Penn State University, where he will now lead the Nittany Lions.

After the vacancy at Penn State was filled Iowa State was left in shambles compared to where they thought their program was headed. The difficult task, even for the University that churns out champions like Sanderson and Dan Gable, of replacing Olympic Champion Cael Sanderson was taken head on by Athletic Director Jamie Pollard.

Pollard spent a great deal of his time courting Terry Brands, the twin bother of the University of Iowa's elite head coach, Tom. Brands, showing his commitment to ISU's major in-state rival, turned down Pollard on multiple occasions including the day the announced their new coach, Kevin Jackson.

Jackson graduated from Iowa State in 1986-1987 after transferring from the defunct Louisiana State wrestling program and went on to win an Olympic gold in 1992 for the United States.

The University of Illinois kept their decision in-house. After long time coach Mark Johnson decided to retire this summer the Fighting Illini were quick to name his replacement, Jim Heffernan.

Heffernan, who paid his dues at the University as an assistant of 15 years, becomes yet another Iowa Hawkeye bred wrestler to take over a Division One post. While Heffernan is the least credentialed wrestler of the new coaching positions he makes up for it with decades of Division One coaching experience in the Big Ten and beyond.

Keeping the coaching change in the family will provide a more fluid transition for recruits and the current roster of stars.

Arizona State University released their coach, Thom Ortiz, after eight years at the helm. The Sun Devils struggled to move back into the national spotlight with a combination of mixed recruiting results and difficulty aligning a coaching staff.

While there were many glimmers of hope through the years the powers that be decided to move on to another young leader for their program. While the news has yet to be broken, several sources within the wrestling community point to Shawn Charles as the new man at the helm.

Excitement around this selection runs deeper than at most universities because ASU has been known for developing many of the UFC's most anticipated young stars.

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 4:51 PM | Permalink

U.S. edges France for Gi team title at Grappling Worlds in Switzerland
Gary Abbott USA Wrestling
12/22/2008

LUCERNE, SWITZERLAND – A day after dominating the No-Gi division, the United States came back with a smaller team yet emerged as the team champions in the Gi division at the Grappling World Championships on Sunday.

The U.S. was led by two gold medalists, Lisa Ward (Olympia, Wash./United Fight Team) at 48 kg/105.5 lbs. in women’s Grappling and Ian Murphy (Fullerton, Calif. (Alpha Male/Ultimate Fitness) at 92 kg/202.5 lbs. in men’s Grappling.

Ward became the only U.S. Grappler to win a double title, capturing both the No-Gi and Gi competitions. She scored a submission over Lisa Newton of Great Britain in the fnals with an armbar.

Murphy was the only U.S. men’s Grappler to be a finalist in both the No-Gi and Gi events. He won a silver medal in the No-Gi competition on Saturday.

In the finals, he defeated a talented competitor with a strong background in Gi jiu jitsu, Pierre Pilat of France, 2-1. It was the first time that Murphy had competed in a Gi Grappling competition.

Murphy’s victory in the finals allowed the United States to edge France in the team standings in Gi Grappling by one point.

"I was just going out there to give it a shot. I have learned a couple things over the years for the Gi, so I was hoping I could get by with my wrestling and No-Gi stuff,� said Murphy. “I just tried to get the guys tired and pass their guard at the end of the match and it worked. I was surprised!"

The U.S. added silver medals in the Gi competition from Brian Peterson (Valencia, Calif./Big John McCarthy’s Ultimate Training Center) at 62 kg/136.5 lbs. and Tara LaRosa, Philadelphia, Pa. (Philadelphia Fight Factory) at 55 kg/121 lbs.

Peterson was defeated in the finals by Herminio Garcia of Spain by submission. LaRosa fell in the finals to Laurence Fouillat of France, 0-1. Fouillat was a gold-medalist both the No-Gi and Gi competitions.

“On Sunday, we only had a few athletes compete, but everyone pulled their weight,� said USA Wrestling Manager of Developing Styles Jason Townsend. “Ian Murphy pulled the victory through with his win in the finals. It was a dramatic win for the team. I was surprised that the USA won both styles. It was a great experience."

For more information on the FILA Grappling World Championships, visit the official website at:
http://www.d4-world.com/

WORLD GRAPPLING CHAMPIONSHIPS
At Lucerne, Switzerland, Dec. 21

U.S. Men’s results

62 kg/136.5 lbs. - Brian Peterson, Valencia, Calif. (Big John McCarthy’s Ultimate Training Center), 2nd
WIN Tom Barlow (Great Britain)
LOSS Herminio Garcia (Spain), submission

70 kg/154 lbs. - Tom LeCuyer, Plano, Ill. (Atlas Xtreme Team, Torres Martial Arts), dnp
LOSS Michael Karkula (Canada)
LOSS Simone Franceschini (Italy)

80 kg/176 lbs. - Mike Kelly, Hebron, Ill. (Gilbert Grappling), dnp
Match results not currently available

92 kg/202.5 lbs. - Raphael Davis, Lomita, Calif. (Team Caique), dnp
LOSS Herb (Germany), submission

92 kg/202.5 lbs. - Ian Murphy, Fullerton, Calif. (Alpha Male/Ultimate Fitness), 1st
WIN Yaman Nakdali (Spain), submission
WIN Gregor Herb (Germany), 4-1
WIN Pierre Pilat (France), 2-1

U.S. women’s results

48 kg/105.5 lbs. - Lisa Ward, Olympia, Wash. (United Fight Team), 1st
WIN Lisa Newton (Great Britain), submission

55 kg/121 lbs. - Tara LaRosa, Philadelphia, Pa. (Philadelphia Fight Factory), 2nd
Preliminary bouts not available
LOSS Laurence Fouillat (France), 0-1

63 kg/138.75 lbs. - Molly Helsel, San Diego, Calif. (North County Fight Club), dnp
LOSS Julia Klammsteiner (Italy)
72 kg/158.5 lbs. - Miesha Tate, Olympia, Wash. (Victory Athletics), dnp
LOSS Julia Klammsteiner (Italy)

72 kg/158.5 lbs. - Angela Poe, Craig, Colo. (Grappler’s Edge), 5th
LOSS Alaina Hardie (Canada)
LOSS Julia Klammsteiner (Italy)

More results will be posted when available.

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 3:45 PM | Permalink

Oklahoma State captures team title at Reno Tournament of Champions
Roger Moore For TheMat.com
12/19/2008

Related Links
College Wrestling Network

RENO, Nev. – Oklahoma State crowned just one champion – 285-pounder Jared Rosholt - but had enough to hold off Edinboro for the team title at the 14th Reno Tournament of Champions on Thursday.

The Cowboys totaled 146.5 points, placing eight among the top six, outdistancing the Fighting Scots by 14 points. Edinboro had three champions and eight among the top six.

North Carolina (94), Bakersfield (87.5) and Navy (79) rounded out the top five in the 30-team field.

“With this team, any win is a good win,� said O-State head coach John Smith. “It’s been a long week for us, a lot of traveling. We had some guys have pretty good tournaments. At the end of the day it isn’t what I was hoping for.

“Conditioning-wise, we aren’t where we need to be, but some of that probably has to do with the travel.�

The Cowboys beat Cal Poly on Tuesday night in San Luis Obispo before showing up in Reno on Wednesday afternoon.

Rosholt, the No. 1-ranked heavyweight in the country, survived a major scare in the finals against Duke’s Konrad Dudziak. The Cowboy junior appeared to be in control, taking a 4-0 lead into the final two minutes. But Dudziak scored a takedown, received a stalling point and nearly had a takedown at the edge of the mat as the final buzzer sounded in a 5-4 match.

Four Oklahoma State wrestlers lost in the finals, including Obe Blanc, who fell to top-seeded Anthony Robles of Arizona State in the 125-pound finals. Robles, named the Outstanding Wrestler, had two technical falls, a pin, a major and a 9-2 decision of Blanc in the finals.

“Obe is tough, I have a lot of respect for him,� said Robles, who was a win away from being an All-American in 2008. “I knew I had to go tough for seven minutes because he is a former All-American and those are the guys I have to beat to reach my goals.�

Arizona State also crowned Chris Drouin, who beat Oklahoma State’s Jamal Parks in the 141-pound finale. Parks appeared to have a victory with a third-period takedown, but Drouin scored with a double-leg attack in the final 10 seconds to force overtime where he scored with another double-leg shot for a 7-5 victory.

Edinboro had a solid day, crowning Gregor Gillespie (157), Jared King (165) and Chris Honeycutt (184).

Gillespie, a three-time All-American and national champ two seasons ago, beat O-State’s Neil Erisman, 8-0, in his finals bout.

A handful of teams sat out many starters, including Edinboro.

“I don’t know why guys wouldn’t come to this tournament … maybe they want an early Christmas break,� said Gillespie, who survived a scare from North Carolina’s Thomas Scotton in the quarterfinals. “I’d rather be here, you have to make weight one time so that can’t be it.

“I underestimated (Scotton). Sometimes it’s hard for me to get going, but our new coach (Kyle Cerminara) really gets me going.�

King, the top seed at 165, handled O-State’s Brandon Mason, 4-2, in his finals match.

Honeycutt was never really challenged all day, beating Wyoming freshman Joe LeBlanc, 4-1, in the finals.

The top seed won seven of the weight classes.

O-State’s Clayton Foster, the top seed at 197, lost a heartbreaker to California-Bakersfield’s Brandon Halsey. Foster scored a takedown in the final 15 seconds for a 7-6 lead, but Halsey, who beat Rosholt in the 215-pound Junior freestyle finals in Fargo in 2004, turned Foster’s cheap-tilt attempt into a headlock for a reversal and three near-fall points. Riding time gave Halsey a 12-7 victory.

Halsey, ineligible a year ago, made it stand up with three more wins and the title. He beat Stanford’s Luke Feist, 6-3, in the finals.
Another unseeded wrestler, Nebraska-Kearney’s Kamarudeen Usman, upset No. 1 seed Austin Trotman of Appalachian State in the 174-pound semifinals. However, Usman lost to Navy’s Luke Rebertus in the finals.

The Midshipmen also saw top-seeded Bryce Saddoris win a title, beating unseeded Nick Stabile of North Carolina, 7-4, in the finals at 149.
California-Fullerton’s TJ Dillashaw, seeded No. 1 at 133, survived three close matches on his way to a title. He beat Edinboro’s Ricky Deubel, 3-1, in the finals.

OSU’s Foster defaulted out of the tournament after his loss to Halsey. Kevin Wainscott, an unattached entry at 174 for Smith, also defaulted out of the tournament and Cody Hill, OSU’s entry at 174, battled an injury in his final match in the consolations.

Newly McSpadden, the starter at 157, lost to Cal Poly’s Chase Pami on Tuesday. Neither competed on Thursday.

“There is some concern right now with some of the injuries,� Smith said.

The iron-man award goes to OSU’s Jared Shelton. The 184-pound senior was pinned in his first match but won seven straight to take third.

Teammate Chris McNeil, unattached at 184, hammered Liberty’s Chris Daggett in the first round then proceeded to reach the semifinals before falling to LeBlanc. McNeil was fifth.

OSU’s Chris Notte took Dillishaw to the wire in the semifinals before losing a 7-5 match. He came back to beat Bakersfield’s Thomas Kimbrell for third.

“I liked what Chris Notte did, he had a good tournament,� said Smith. “For Jared (Shelton) to come back the way he did is good and Chris (McNeil) had a good showing.�

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 11:16 PM | Permalink

HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE: Ed Eichelberger
Roger Moore National Wrestling Hall of Fame
12/16/2008

Even if Edward Eichelberger had never wrestled a match for Lehigh University he’d be remembered as one of the great individuals to ever set foot on the Pennsylvania campus.

“He was a real inspiration to me, a great teammate to have,� said Joe Gratto, a two-time All-American and 1957 NCAA champion. “There was never any question about his integrity and he was a 4.0 (GPA) or close in the toughest major at Lehigh.�

“He was Senior Resident in the dormitories and a very strong member of the FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes). Just a class guy.�

After graduating from Lehigh in 1956 with a B.S. in electrical engineering, Eichelberger joined IBM where he would spend the next 38 years until his retirement in 1994. He received his Masters and Ph.D. from Princeton, and along the way received 25 patents in the fields of chip, circuit and test design.

In 1974 he received the “Outstanding Contributor Award� from IBM for technical publications and patents.

“I was never the best student, but it turned out that I was a pretty good engineer,� said Eichelberger, who will be one of four inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame & Museum next June as the Class of 2009’s Distinguished Members. “Someone once said that nothing succeeds like success. I had a good wrestling career and some of that work I put in translated into my career after Lehigh.�

His wrestling credentials mirrored his accomplishments from IBM.
He was coached by a legend in high school – Billy Martin at Granby High School in Norfolk, Va. – and by another legend in college – Gerald Leeman at Lehigh.

Eichelberger was undefeated his final three years of high school, winning three state titles in Virginia.

“I wrestled in Billy Martin’s first intramural tournament,� Eichelberger said. “I was actually going to go camping that weekend when I was in the Boy Scouts, but after a long talk with Coach Martin he talked me into wrestling in that tournament.

“He told me ‘I could go camping anytime, but that this tournament was only going to be one weekend.’ It was my first real exposure to wrestling. Nobody knew what wrestling was at that time in the state of Virginia.�

Martin had begun teaching some wrestling as a gym teacher at Granby. As a junior high student, Eichelberger’s first exposure came when a neighbor came home and started talking about something new that was going on in gym class.

A very quick learner, Eichelberger’s career at Lehigh included two NCAA championships and a 55-3-1 record with 37 pins. One of his losses came in the 1954 College finals to Myron Roderick of Oklahoma A&M.

He was named the EIWA Tournament’s Outstanding Wrestler in 1955 and 1956 and the sports NCAA Tournament’s OW in 1955 when he pinned 4 of 5 opponents.

“There was this interest we had at Granby in winning by fall,� Eichelberger said. “If you didn’t pin it was almost like a loss. We always worked on pinning combinations. (Coach) Martin always let you experiment with things. If you came up with something, and you thought it might work, he’d work with you on it.

“It wasn’t really like that when I got to Lehigh. The pin just didn’t seem as important.�

Martin, a member of the NWHOF’s Class of 1980, was also about competition. His first Granby team had a dual meet against Frank “Sprig� Gardner’s powerful Mepham High School squad in New York.

“That’s where I learned the cross-faced cradle, from those workouts with Mepham,� Eichelberger said. “I wrestled in three National AAU tournaments while I was still in high school. My sophomore year (at Granby) I wrestled the NCAA champion from two or three weeks earlier. Coach (Martin) just told me he was some guy from out west.�

As a senior at Granby, Eichelberger caught the eye of Lehigh coach Billy Sheridan. Already wanting to be an engineer, the move from Norfolk to Bethlehem was an easy one.

However, Leeman, a silver medalist in freestyle at the 1948 Olympics, would be Sheridan’s hand-picked successor and took over in the fall of 1952.

“(Leeman) was about my size so I got to train with him,� Eichelberger said. “My weakness was takedowns and he was one of the best. He really worked with me.�

For dual meets, Leeman would often weigh-in both Eichelberger and Gratto at 147 pounds.

“There were a lot of coaches who tried to duck Eichelberger in duals,� Gratto said. “If they threw out a back-up, I’d generally take him apart and Ed would whip their starter up a weight.�

“I was always pleasured to participate in a dual meet because it meant a day away from Eichelberger in the practice room. He was mild-mannered … and there was nothing cocky about him … but you were generally on your back within about 45 seconds when you wrestled him.�

Added Eichelberger, “We had three 147-pounders and we’d kind of flip a coin to see who was going down to 137. The other guy would wear a coat and wrestle at 157.�

As a senior, Eichelberger wrestled most duals at 157 pounds.

His competitive days would soon come to an end after 1956, spending most of his time focused on his new job at IBM.

“It was a little of a lot of things,� he said. “A friend who wrestled at Harvard came to IBM the same time I did and we worked out some together, but it was hard to stay involved with so little competition around.�

“I went back to Princeton for graduate school and worked out briefly with their team, but oddly enough the coach didn’t really want me around.�

After returning from Princeton, Eichelberger helped coach a high school team in Endicott, N.Y., for a semester.

A devout Catholic, Eichelberger always added Galatians 6:14 to his signature.

It reads: But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 2:11 AM | Permalink

HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE: Peter Steele Blair
Roger Moore National Wrestling Hall of Fame
12/15/2008

On the mat Peter Steele Blair was as tough and intimidating as anybody who’s ever put on a wrestling singlet.

Off the mat he put forth the same effort in regards to his fellow man and service to his country.

Blair, who died June 29, 1994, after a short bout with cancer, will be inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame & Museum next June as part of the Class of 2009’s Distinguished Members.

Joe Gattuso, a two-time All-American, was a teammate of Blair from 1951-55 at the Naval Academy. Midshipmen head coach Ray Swartz tabbed Gattuso, a 167-pounder, and Blair, a 177-pounder, the “Goldust Twins.�

“I don’t really remember why, they just called us that because we were special at the time,� said Gattuso, who was also fullback for Navy’s 1954 Sugar Bowl-winning team. “We worked with each other quite a bit. He was absolutely as tough as anybody I wrestled.�

“The thing about him was that he could go forever, his endurance was pretty incredible.�

While at the Naval Academy, Blair compiled a 57-5 record – he did not lose a match as a junior and senior – and won back-to-back NCAA championships in 1955 and 1956.

Swartz, a 1990 inductee into the NWHOF called Blair “the greatest I ever coached.�

“He’s a true champion, capable of turning his nervous system off or on almost at will,� said Swartz in an article for All Hands in July of 1956. “Before a match, Pete will fool most people with his apparent disinterest. But when the match begins, he’s as crafty and dangerous as a stalking tiger. He’s a terrific competitor.�

Were it not for a growth spurt, Blair may have never made it to the mat.

At just 5-foot-6 as a high school senior at Granby High School, Blair was not part of Billy Martin’s first wrestling team in 1949 – Ed Eichelberger, also part of the Class of 2009, was Martin’s first star at Granby, winning three state titles.

Blair enlisted in the Navy at the age of 16, and during his recruit training grew an amazing 6 inches. By the time his two years at Bainbridge Prep Academy were done that total was 7.5 inches.

“Martin started varsity wrestling at Granby when I was a senior,� said Blair in a 1978 story for the Virginian-Pilot and Ledger-Star. “He picked his team from an intramural tournament. When I got to Annapolis I told them I was from Granby and they thought I was already an established wrestler.�

In Blair’s final collegiate match he pinned Ken Leuer of the University of Iowa in the 1956 NCAA finals. Leuer would win the 1957 NCAA championship at 191.

“He was an individual who certainly understood what he was doing on the mat,� said Leuer, elected to the NWHOF as an Outstanding American in 2002. “He was well-conditioned and very strong. I remember that match very well because it was the last match I lost in college.�

“I also remember (Blair) as being a complete gentleman as well.�

Dan Muthler, a champion in 1973, is the only other Navy wrestler to win an NCAA title.

Blair’s post-college career was short, although very successful.
Soon after winning the 1956 NCAA title, Blair pinned five opponents in winning a National AAU title. Two weeks later he was the Olympic Trials champion at 192 pounds and would be elected team captain by his freestyle teammates.

In Melbourne at the 1956 Olympics, Blair would earn a bronze medal, finishing behind Iran’s Gholamreza Takhiti and the Soviet Union’s Boris Kulaev.

“It was a great honor to participate in the Olympics,� said Blair in 1978. “I won a bronze medal. I think I could have probably done better, but nervousness detracted from my efficiency. Four years later they invited me back, to try out for the Olympic team, but I rejected it.�

Academy graduates were expected to be officers in their respective fields. Unlike today, competitive careers in athletics were not the norm.

An officer in the Navy from 1955 until his retirement in 1974, Blair served on ships and submarines and taught at the Academy.

He returned to Annapolis in the summer of 1966 for a 3-year tour as an instructor in the Physics Department. He served as Officer Representative for the Midshipmen wrestling team coached by Ed Peery, a member of the Class of 1980’s Distinguished Members.

“The thing I remember about Pete Blair more than anything was the strength he had,� Peery said. “He had incredible hand strength. Danny Hodge got a lot more attention, but Pete was right there. He’d been off the mat for awhile when he came back (in 1966) but he still crushed everybody in the room.�

“As tough as Pete was as a wrestler, he was just a real salt-of-the-earth kind of guy.�

The son of Rear Admiral Leon N. Blair, Peter Steele Blair married his wife Margot in June of 1955. They have seven children – Barbara, Peter, Lynn, Sarah, Elaine, Mary and John.

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 11:02 PM | Permalink

Bigger, stronger and better: Tervel Dlagnev making plenty of noise in heavyweight division
Craig Sesker USA Wrestling
12/12/2008

Tervel Dlagnev's day usually starts with a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for breakfast.

It ends with a small meal about an hour before bedtime.

In between, Dlagnev sits down for brunch, a big lunch, a snack and a big dinner. After his morning and afternoon workouts, he will consume a 300-calorie protein shake.

It's all part of his 6,000 calorie-a-day plan, coupled with strength work in the weight room, to become bigger, stronger and more competitive at his freestyle weight class of 120 kg/264.5 lbs.

The plan has worked to perfection so far for Dlagnev. Now about 25 pounds heavier than he was at June's U.S. Olympic Team Trials, the 260-pound Dlagnev's commitment to becoming bigger paid off late last month when he won the New York Althetic Club International (A Sports Club).

“My goal is to keep my weight right around 120 kilos and be as strong and as physical and as fast as I possibly can,� Dlagnev said. “I’m basically just trying to eat a lot, and keep it as healthy as I can. The added weight is going to really help me. I feel really good right now.�

Dlagnev, a 2008 World University champion who celebrated his 23rd birthday last month, upset 2008 U.S. Olympian Steve Mocco in the New York AC finals.

Since competing in the Olympics in August, Mocco had knocked off a past Olympic champion and Olympic bronze medalist to open the 2008-09 season.

"Mocco’s physical and intense, and I knew he was going to bring it,� Dlagnev said. “He’s very hard to score on. It was a big win for me. He placed seventh in the Olympics, and he’s a great wrestler. It’s a great confidence-builder. It’s early in the season, but it’s good to know I’m improving. I know I will obviously see him quite a bit more this season.�

For a guy who weighed in about 30 pounds under the maximum allowed for his weight class at the Olympic Trials, Dlagnev was facing numerous competitors who have to cut weight to make 120 kilos.

With international governing body FILA's one-point pushout rule, which was implemented in 2005, bigger wrestlers like Mocco have feasted on smaller heavyweights like Dlagnev.

“It is tough being 240 pounds, and getting pushed out of bounds by guys who are a lot bigger than me,� Dlagnev said. “I just wasn’t big enough in the past. I’m getting there now.�

At the New York AC International, Dlagnev did a better job holding his ground against Mocco. Dlagnev won the match, 1-1, 0-2, 2-1.

"My goal was to stay in there and not get pushed out, but I think Mocco still pushed me out of bounds four times in the match,� Dlagnev said. “Plus, he scored more points than I did overall. I can’t let that happen. He definitely exposed a lot of weaknesses. I still have a lot of work to do.�

The athletic Dlagnev thrives with an array of leg attacks, including a lethal low single that he took Mocco down with in New York.

“I’m 260 now, but I still feel like I have my speed and quickness and agility,� Dlagnev said. “I’m still looking to get stronger, but I need to be able to keep moving like I am now.�

Dlagnev, now helping as a club coach at the University of Northern Iowa, continues to raise his level of wrestling as he's now ranked No. 2 in the U.S. behind Mocco at 120 kilos. He is 1-1 in his career against Mocco.

The first time they wrestled, Mocco won 3-0, 3-0 at the 2007 U.S. Nationals.

“He got a couple of pushouts and a couple of go-behinds off my shots,� said Dlagnev, who competes for the Sunkist Kids. “He really put it on me.�

Dlagnev and Mocco trained together in Iowa just a few weeks before the New York AC meet. Mocco trains in Iowa City now, just down the road from where Dlagnev is in Cedar Falls.

The heavyweight class in the U.S. also may still include Tommy Rowlands, who placed fifth in the World in 2007 before falling to Mocco in the finals of the 2008 Olympic Trials. Rowlands is still weighing his options as far as continuing to compete.

Among the other top heavyweights competing are Les Sigman and Scott Steele. Sigman finished fifth at the Olympic Trials. Steele, who wrestles collegiately for Navy, was a surprising third-place finisher at the Olympic Trials.

Dlagnev was born in Bulgaria and moved to the U.S. when he was four years old. He did not start wrestling until his sophomore year of high school in Arlington, Texas. Third and fourth at the Texas state tournament, he drew virtually no interest from college recruiters.

One school that did notice was Nebraska-Kearney, an NCAA Division II school.

Dlagnev has been on a roll since winning his first Division II national title in March 2007. He followed the next month by placing fourth at the U.S. Nationals. In October 2007, he beat long-time college rival Sigman for the first time ever in the finals of the Sunkist Kids International Open.

Dlagnev followed by capping his college career with his second national title and led his team to its first NCAA crown in school history.

Dlagnev continued the momentum with a third-place finish at the 2008 U.S. Nationals, winning his last four matches after falling to Sigman in the quarterfinals. Dlagnev beat past World bronze medalist Tolly Thompson in the match for third place.

Dlagnev then failed to place at June's Olympic Trials. He went 1-2, falling to Steele and Pat Cummins after winning his first bout.

"For some reason, I wasn’t ready to wrestle hard at the Trials and my conditioning wasn’t where it needed to be,� he said. “There are no excuses. I didn’t wrestle in my strong positions. I just didn’t wrestle well.�

Dlagnev quickly regrouped to win the World University Championships in early July in Greece.

“It was great to have a chance to get back on the mat and rebound from the Trials,� he said. “I was fired up and ready to go for University Worlds. It was great to have some success against overseas competition.�

Dlagnev’s recent win over Mocco caught the attention of new U.S. National Freestyle Coach Zeke Jones, who was in New York for the event.

“Tervel has really made nice progress,� Jones said. “His main strengths are his ability to wrestle in all positions. He’s multi-dimensional. He moves very well for a heavyweight. He moves as well as any heavyweight, which gives him an advantage. He is very good at attacking the legs.

“His potential is really high. He obviously has wrestling to learn. He needs to make progress in his mental preparation and he needs to continue to gain experience internationally.�

Dlagnev has competed just twice overseas. He wrestled at the World University Championships this past summer in Greece. This fall, he competed in an international event in Russia. He fell short of placing in that event.

He said his next event likely is the Dave Schultz Memorial International in early February in Colorado Springs.

Dlagnev said he didn’t get much sleep during the Olympic Games. Like many wrestling fans who were back home watching in the U.S., he stayed up late to watch many of the matches that were shown on television and on the Internet.

“I watched as many matches as I could,� he said. “I like watching everybody, from the little guys all the way up to the heavyweights. I was so excited and pumped up to watch the matches. It’s the first time I’ve really watched wrestling in the Olympics. In 2000, I hadn’t started to wrestle. In 2004, I didn’t really know a lot about international wrestling. Now, I pretty much know who all the guys are now so it was fun to watch. I studied a lot of the matches and I tried to learn things that might help me.�

Dlagnev’s favorite part of the Olympics wasn’t the wrestling.

“It was the Opening Ceremonies,� he said. “I loved the parade of countries and watching all the athletes walk into the stadium. When the U.S. team finally came in, I saw two of our wrestlers, Andy Hrovat and Spenser Mango, walking with all the athletes. That was really cool. It was so exciting. It would be so sweet to be part of that in 2012.�

For now, Dlagnev is shooting for a more immediate goal. Making the U.S. freestyle team for the 2009 World Championships, set for Sept. 21-27 in Herning, Denmark.

“My goal is to be on the 2009 World Team,� he said. “I want to be a World champ and win a gold medal, that’s the plan. I love wrestling, and I love the process of training and trying to continually get better. I still have so much to learn.�

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 11:34 PM | Permalink

By Jeff Breese
InterMat
jbreese@intermatwrestle.com

This time of the season is like the calm before the storm. Many teams are pulling back their travel and competition to allow student-athletes to prepare for finals or to heal up for looming holiday tournaments and conference schedules. While there are still a large number of competitions this week, it is a somewhat condensed version of the typical week in the college season.

This condensed schedule includes a highly anticipated battle in Ann Arbor, as No. 10 Michigan battles No. 16 Central Michigan at 2 p.m. on Sunday. Michigan comes into dual with a 1-1 dual record and a 6th place finish at the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational. Central Michigan is 3-1 on the season with the lone loss coming at the hands of No. 1 Iowa.

Last season, the Chippewas upset the Wolverines, 21-13, in front 4,273 at Rose Arena. The Chippewas will look to make to it two straight wins over the maize and blue, but will have to win a few key bouts to do so.

The 125 bout may be the most exciting and most important bout of the dual. The match between No. 9 Scotti Sentes of Central Michigan and No. 11 Mike Watts of Michigan is likely the swing bout of the match. Aside from the valuable three points that are at stake, this bout has the potential to give a huge wave of momentum to the winner.

Ten ranked wrestlers are expected to compete in the dual, five from each side. Despite the abundance of ranked competitors, only two matches pit ranked opponents. They include the Sentes versus Watts bout and Michigan’s No. 1 Steve Luke against Central Michigan’s No. 10 Mike Miller match.

Two bouts, 157 and 285, are expected to be battles of unranked wrestlers. That total could be increased to three, pending the status of No. 3 Tyrel Todd of Michigan. Todd medical defaulted out of the tournament last weekend in Vegas. All this adds up to three bouts being considered up for grabs on paper. The team that can win the most toss-up matches should prevail.

Anyone in the Ann Arbor area should get out to watch this dual. If you cannot make it to the University of Michigan this Sunday, make sure you check out the coverage of the dual on InterMat and the College Wrestling Network.

Other Duals of Interest this Week:

12/11- Iowa at UNI
12/12- Oregon State at Boise State
12/12- Mercyhurst at Gannon
12/13- UNI at Wisconsin
12/14- West Virginia at Penn State
12/14- Ohio State at Edinboro

Posted to the College Wrestling Network

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 11:55 PM | Permalink

Wyoming’s Joe LeBlanc gained nearly 20 pounds so that he could wrestle with bigger wrestlers during his redshirt freshman season this winter. The native of Meeker, Colo., proved he could wrestle with the big boys in college wrestling as the Cowboy won four matches Friday to put himself in the semifinals of the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational.

LeBlanc didn’t take time to make people notice him when he edged Nebraska’s Vince Jones, the No. 3 seed, by a 9-7 margin in sudden victory.

“Anybody can beat anybody on any given day,� said LeBlanc, who won three Colorado state championships before redshirting for the Cowboys last winter. “Seedings and all that don’t mean a lot in the sport.�

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 7:43 PM | Permalink

TheMat.com weighs in with its predictions for the Iowa-Iowa State dual
Craig Sesker USA wrestling
12/04/2008

As someone who is an Iowa native – my parents grew up just outside Ames and I grew up near Iowa City – I have great memories from watching Iowa wrestle against Iowa State.

My earliest memories came when Iowa still wrestled in the old Fieldhouse, where I watched Hawkeyes like Randy Lewis, Ed and Lou Banach, Chris Campbell, Bruce Kinseth and Bud “Rocky� Palmer compete under legendary coach Dan Gable.

I remember watching Cyclone greats like Nate Carr, Jim Gibbons, Mike Land, Kelly Ward and Frank Santana wrestle for a Hall of Fame coach in Dr. Harold Nichols.

The late 1980s battle between Iowa’s Royce Alger and Iowa State’s Kevin Jackson was one of the best matchups that I remember. Another one that I vividly recall is when Carr bumped up a weight class and was soundly defeated by Iowa’s Jim Zalesky, in a battle of national champions, in the early 1980s.

The upcoming Iowa-Iowa State dual, set for Saturday night at Carver-Hawkeye Arena, has the potential to be one of the all-time classics in this series. Iowa is ranked No. 1 and Iowa State is No. 2. Iowa hopes to attract 16,000 fans and break the all-time attendance record. As of Thursday morning, 13,500 tickets had already been sold for the dual.

Iowa has a huge edge in the all-time series, but there still has been some great drama and excitement when the two in-state rivals meet. With Olympic champions Tom Brands of Iowa and Cael Sanderson of Iowa State College now leading these two great programs, you can expect another great battle.

These teams used to wrestle each other twice each season, and it would be great to see that happen again someday. They could meet again at the National Duals in early January. That would be a treat for the fans as well.

Just for fun, here are my predictions for what I think will happen on Saturday night in Iowa City:

125 – No. 2 Charlie Falck (Iowa) vs. No. 5 Tyler Clark (Iowa State)

This should be a lot better match than people think. Clark is much-improved and earned a spot in the NCAA tournament last year as a freshman.

Falck is off to a strong start in his senior season and the two-time All-American should control this match.

Sesker’s pick: Falck by decision

133 – No. 11 Daniel Dennis (Iowa) or No. 1 Joey Slaton (Iowa) vs. No. 5 Nick Fanthorpe (Iowa State)

Dennis or Slaton? That is the biggest question mark heading into this meet. Slaton was an NCAA runner-up last year, but Dennis is very tough as well.

Dennis has wrestled the majority of matches this year for Iowa as Slaton was bringing his weight back down to 133.

Iowa State’s Nick Fanthorpe finished seventh in the country last year, after bumping up to 133 from 125. Fanthorpe brings it for seven minutes and is known for pushing the pace.

Whether it’s Dennis or Slaton, this could be one of the best matches of the dual.

Sesker’s pick: Fanthorpe by decision

141 – No. 3 Alex Tsirtsis (Iowa) vs. No. 2 Nick Gallick (Iowa State)

Gallick is coming off a big win over national champion J Jaggers of Ohio State at the all-star dual. Gallick finished strong last season with a fifth-place finish at the NCAAs.

Gallick is a dangerous wrestler, with a number of big moves that are tough to stop.

Tsirtsis, an All-American in 2006, is back in the lineup after redshirting last year. One of the nation’s best recruits coming out of high school, he looks like he may finally live up to that after a fast start to his senior season.

This should be another very tight match.

Sesker’s pick: Gallick by decision

149 – No. 1 Brent Metcalf (Iowa) vs. No. 6 Mitch Mueller (Iowa State)

This dual is expected to be decided by bonus points, and this is where Iowa can pick up some additional points.

Metcalf, a returning NCAA champion, has dominated Mueller in the past. But Mueller has shown improvement this season.

Metcalf loves big stages like this, and expect him to put on another show like he did when he beat North Carolina State’s Darrion Caldwell by technical fall at the all-star match.

Sesker’s pick: Metcalf by technical fall

157 – Matt Ballweg (Iowa) vs. No. 6 Cyler Sanderson (Iowa State)

Speaking of bonus points, Iowa State could add some extra team points here in a matchup of an All-American in Sanderson against an unranked, first-year starter in Ballweg.

Sanderson is another Cyclone who can put big points on the board. He also made major strides after bumping up a class last year.

Ballweg, 6-2 this year, grew up in Iowa and is well aware of the significance this dual carries.

Sesker’s pick: Sanderson by major decision

165 – No. 9 Ryan Morningstar (Iowa) vs. No. 3 Jon Reader (Iowa State)

Morningstar turned in a big win in this dual two years ago in Iowa City when he beat Trent Paulson, who went on to win an NCAA title that season.

Morningstar is looking much stronger this year after moving up a weight class.

Reader, a sophomore, is off to an 8-0 start after being an All-American last year.

Sesker’s pick: Morningstar by decision

174 – No. 2 Jay Borschel (Iowa) vs. No. 8 Duke Burk (Iowa State)

Borschel made a huge splash in his first season as a Hawkeye starter, placing third at the NCAAs.

This will be an interesting matchup with Borschel facing Burk, a veteran who transferred to ISU from Northern Illinois.

Borschel lost a close match to Michigan’s Steve Luke in the all-star dual while Burk is 2-0 this season.

This may be a close, low-scoring battle.

Sesker’s pick: Borschel by decision

184 – No. 3 Phil Keddy (Iowa) vs. Jerome Ward (Iowa State)

Keddy is heavily favored here against Ward, a freshman who is a top prospect for the Cyclones.

Keddy looks to have taken his game up yet another level this year and will look to score bonus points here.

Sesker’s pick: Keddy by major decision

197 – Luke Lofthouse (Iowa) vs. No. 1 Jake Varner (Iowa State)

Varner, a two-time NCAA runner-up, looked very good in scoring a lopsided win over All-American Hudson Taylor of Maryland in the all-star meet. The powerful Varner has moved up a weight class and looks very strong at 197.

With Iowa starter Chad Beatty out with an injury, Varner has a chance to turn in a dominant performance here.

Iowa has three possible starters listed in its lineup at 197, but look for past starter Luke Lofthouse to take the mat.

Sesker’s pick: Varner by major decision

285 – No. 13 Dan Erekson (Iowa) vs. No. 2 David Zabriskie (Iowa State)

Zabriskie was an All-American last year and will be in the mix to win the national title this season.

Erekson, a former 197-pounder, is off to a 7-0 start at heavyweight.

This could be closer than you might think.

Sesker’s pick: Zabriskie by decision

That makes it five wins for Iowa and five wins for Iowa State. The Metcalf match gives the Hawkeyes a one-point dual win.

Then again, Varner may win by fall and that would change the outcome.

But I’m sticking with my picks.

Final score: Iowa 18, Iowa State 17

Again, these picks are just for fun. It should be a great dual, involving two great teams, with an unbelievable atmosphere expected at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. It’s obviously great for wrestling to have this many fans watching these great athletes compete.

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 2:22 AM | Permalink

1 vs. 2: Hawkeyes, Cyclones ready to make run at national attendance record
Craig Sesker USA wrestling
12/03/2008

In the photo: Olympic gold medalists Tom Brands of Iowa (left) and Cael Sanderson of Iowa State will lead their teams into Saturday night's dual in Iowa City. Des Moines Register photo.

Who says an early December college dual meet doesn’t matter?

Not the Iowa Hawkeyes and Iowa State Cyclones.

Ranked No. 1 and No. 2 in the country, Iowa and Iowa State have a chance to make history when they step onto the mat for their much-anticipated dual meet Saturday night at Iowa City’s Carver-Hawkeye Arena.

The returning NCAA champion Hawkeyes are hoping to break the national college dual-meet attendance record when they face their in-state wrestling rivals from Ames.

Minnesota set the national record of 15,646 fans when it scored a 22-15 win over Iowa on Feb. 1, 2002 at the Target Center in Minneapolis. That broke the record of 15,291, set in 1992 when Iowa beat Iowa State in Iowa City. Iowa coach Tom Brands wrestled in that dual as a Hawkeye senior.

It would only be fitting that Iowa broke the attendance mark on Saturday. Iowa has been involved in 43 of the 44 largest dual-meet crowds in NCAA history, helping to set the national attendance record 10 times. Of those 44 top crowds, 29 came during Iowa-Iowa State duals. 21 of those 29 Iowa-ISU duals were in Iowa City.

Iowa officials said Carver-Hawkeye Arena’s capacity would be close to 16,000 fans for Saturday’s dual. The University of Iowa Sports Information Office said Tuesday that more than 12,000 tickets had been sold for the dual.

“This is a tribute to the team we have,� Brands said. “Without the guys we have, you don’t have a product that is worth breaking the attendance record. This is important to the program because we have the horsepower in the lineup to entertain. And the competition will be there to entertain.�

Iowa State coach Cael Sanderson said his team embraces the challenge of competing in front of a packed house.

“It’s going to be awesome, it’s exciting for the wrestlers,� Sanderson said. “This is just great for the sport. It gives the best athletes in the country a chance to compete in front of a huge crowd. That’s what we work for, to perform in front of a lot of people. I hope they can break the record. Even though we’re not the home team, it would mean a lot to our program to break it.�

The Iowa-Iowa State dual on Saturday is expected to be closely contested as both teams boast experienced, proven and talented lineups. Each team features six All-Americans.

Iowa is led by returning national champion and Hodge Trophy winner Brent Metcalf at 149 pounds. The Hawkeye lineup also includes All-Americans Charlie Falck (125), Joe Slaton (133), Alex Tsirtsis (141), Jay Borschel (174) and Phil Keddy (184).

Iowa State is led by two-time NCAA runner-up Jake Varner at 197. ISU also will put All-Americans Nick Fanthorpe (133), Nick Gallick (141), Cyler Sanderson (157), Jon Reader (165) and David Zabriskie (heavyweight) on the mat. The Cyclones have seven juniors, two sophomores and a freshman in their lineup.

“This is a real good test for us,� Brands said. “We will be ready, and we will step up and compete. Every competition on our schedule is important and this is the next one on our schedule. It’s a big dual meet, and then we will move on.�

Iowa has won the last three meetings with Iowa State, but the Cyclones did earn back-to-back wins over Iowa in the 2003-04 and 2004-05 seasons.

“We view this dual as a big test for us,� Sanderson wrestling shoes said. “There is a nice rivalry and that adds a little more fuel to the fire. We’re definitely excited about this opportunity. It’s going to be a fun match. Our goal is to be national champions, and that environment is very similar to the national tournament. You have to go out there and fight and attack. It’s great preparation for us.�

Brands, a 1996 Olympic gold medalist, is in his third season as the head coach at Iowa. His first Hawkeye team finished eighth at the NCAA tournament before Iowa won the national title this past March in St. Louis. Metcalf, Falck and Keddy each earned wins at the recent all-star dual in Columbus, Ohio.

Sanderson, a 2004 Olympic gold medalist, is in his third season as the head coach at Iowa State. His first Cyclone team placed second in the NCAA meet before ISU finished fifth last year. Gallick and Varner are both coming off impressive wins in the all-star dual, with Gallick knocking off returning NCAA champion J Jaggers of Ohio State.

Iowa has won both duals against Iowa State since Brands and Sanderson took over as head coaches at their respective alma maters.

Iowa’s return to the top of college wrestling has given its home attendance a huge boost.

The Hawkeyes drew 14,332 fans to Carver-Hawkeye Arena this past January for a dual meet against Oklahoma State. It was the largest college wrestling crowd in the country in nearly six years and was the seventh-biggest dual crowd ever. The Hawkeyes lost the meet 19-14, but rebounded to win the National Duals before earning team titles at the Big Ten and NCAA tournaments.

Sanderson has had his share of experiences at Carver-Hawkeye Arena as a Cyclone wrestler and a coach. He won his third of four NCAA individual titles in 2001 at Carver-Hawkeye Arena en route to finishing his college career with a 159-0 record.

“It’s a great environment,� Sanderson said. “I’ve always looked forward to going over there and competing. Seeing that kind of fan support is great for wrestling.�

TOP 44 LARGEST DUAL MEET CROWDS IN THE NATION

Home-Visitor Date Attendance
1. Minnesota-Iowa Feb. 1, 2002 15,646
2. Iowa-Iowa State Feb. 22, 1992 15,291
3. Iowa-Iowa State Feb. 19, 1983 15,283
4. Iowa-Iowa State Jan. 18, 1986 15,210
5. Iowa-Iowa State Feb. 21, 1987 14,760
6. Iowa State-Iowa Feb. 19, 1982 14,507
7. Iowa-Oklahoma State Jan. 5, 2008 14,332
8. Iowa State-Iowa Feb. 19, 1977 14,300
9. Iowa State-Iowa Jan. 7, 1978 14,300
10. Iowa State-Iowa Jan. 9, 1976 14,293
11. Iowa State-Iowa Jan. 15, 1983 13,805
12. Iowa-Iowa State Dec. 3, 2006 13,732
13. Iowa-Iowa State Jan. 16, 1988 13,575
14. Iowa-Oklahoma State Feb. 14, 1998 13,240
15. Iowa State-Iowa Jan. 9, 1981 13,192
16. Minnesota-Iowa Feb. 20, 2000 13,128
17. Iowa-Iowa State Jan. 6, 1979 12,951
18. Iowa-Iowa State Feb. 18, 1978 12,900
19. Iowa-Iowa State Jan. 9, 1982 12,900
20. Iowa-Iowa State Feb. 21, 1976 12,890
21. Iowa-Iowa State Feb. 21, 1981 12,750
22. Iowa-Iowa State Jan. 14, 1984 12,568
23. Iowa State-Iowa Dec. 10, 1999 12,327
24. Iowa-Iowa State Jan. 7, 1977 12,250
25. Iowa-Iowa State Feb. 16, 1980 12,200
26. Iowa-Iowa State Jan. 3, 1975 12,200
27. Iowa-Oklahoma Feb. 15, 1975 12,195
28. Minnesota-Iowa (St. Paul, MN) Nov. 15, 2002 12,180
29. Iowa-Iowa State Dec. 8, 2000 12,145
30. Iowa-Oklahoma State Feb. 9, 1991 12,112
31. Iowa-Oklahoma State Feb. 11, 1995 11,845
32. Iowa-Iowa State Feb. 18, 1996 11,679
33. Iowa-Oklahoma State Feb. 16, 1985 11,583
34. Iowa-Iowa State Feb. 19, 1989 11,391
35. Minnesota-Iowa Jan. 23, 1998 11,284
36. Penn State-Iowa Dec. 6, 1996 11,245
37. Iowa State-Iowa Jan. 5, 1980 11,100
38. Iowa-Oklahoma State Feb. 4, 2000 10,498
39. Iowa-Iowa State Feb. 20, 1994 10,290
40. Iowa-Iowa State Jan. 13, 1973 10,268
41. Northern Iowa-Iowa Feb. 5, 1976 10,200
42. Iowa-Iowa State Feb. 23, 1985 10,115
43. Iowa State-Oklahoma State Jan. 7, 1972 10,100
44. Iowa-Minnesota Feb. 18, 2001 10,048

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 7:32 PM | Permalink

No. 7 St. John's Upsets No. 2 Augsburg
DATE: 11/26/2008 11:59:00 PM
Claiming wins in six of 10 bouts, the St.
John's University wrestling team snapped a 22-match losing streak to Augsburg College with an 18-13 dual-meet victory on Wednesday night at Augsburg's Si Melby Hall.

The Johnnies (5-0 overall), ranked No. 7 in the latest National Wrestling Coaches Association Division III national rankings, won for the first time over the No. 2-ranked Auggies (0-1 overall) since the
1985-86 season. Augsburg is 28-2 in dual meets against St. John's since 1979. The St. John's victory also broke two other Augsburg winning streaks -- a streak of 70 straight victories over Minnesota Division II or III opponents since 1996, and a streak of 92 straight victories over Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference foes stretching to the
1986-87 season.

Augsburg, winners of 10 of the last 18 Division III national titles, is now 228-20 against Divisions II and III teams since the 1989-90 season, losing just 15 matches to non-Division I opponents since the 1995-96 season. Against strictly Division III opponents, Augsburg is 235-23 since the 1979-80 season and 159-13 since the 1989-90 season.

The Johnnies built an 18-6 lead after eight bouts and withstood Augsburg wins in the final two bouts to secure the dual victory.

Meanwhile, Augsburg gained a major-decision, 14-5 victory from 197-pounder Jared Massey (JR, Circle Pines, Minn./Centennial HS) over the Johnnies' Tony Willaert (SO, North Mankato, Minn./Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial HS), ranked No. 3 nationally in the weight class. Massey, now 5-0 on the season, claimed six takedowns and built
1:46 of riding time in the win.

Two of Augsburg's three nationally-ranked wrestlers in action on Wednesday claimed victories, as top-ranked Travis Lang (SR, Bismarck,
N.D.) built a 5-0 first-period lead and held off a rally by the Johnnies' Mogi Baatar (JR, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia/St. Benedict's Prep HS) in a 9-8 victory. No. 5-ranked Andy Witzel (JR, Fulda, Minn.) scored a
6-3 victory at heavyweight over the Johnnies' Cody Socher (FY, Delano, Minn.).

The Johnnies claimed three wins on riding-time bonus points -- a 4-3 win by Chad Henle (FY, Spicer, Minn./New London-Spicer HS) over Augsburg's Josh Roberts (FY, Grand Forks, N.D./Central HS) at 125; a 3-2 win by Matt Baarson (SO, Brooklyn Park, Minn./Champlin Park HS) over Augsburg's No. 3-ranked Jason Adams (JR, Coon Rapids, Minn.) at 157; and a 4-3 win by Matt Schrupp (SR, Watertown, Minn./Watertown-Mayer HS) over Augsburg's Brandon Klukow (SR, Albert Lea, Minn.) at 165.

Augsburg's Lucas Murray (SO, Anoka, Minn.) used a takedown and three-point near-fall midway through the third period to claim an 11-8 win over No. 3-ranked Minga Batsukh (SO, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia/St.
Benedict's Prep HS) at 141.

Dustin Baxter (SO, Fairbanks, Alaska/West Valley HS) of St. John's used a takedown with 14 seconds left to score a 12-10 win over Augsburg's Garrett Long (JR, Cedar, Minn./St. Francis HS) at 184. John Vaith (SO, Hastings, Minn.) used a reversal and three-point near-fall in the third period to rally for an 8-6 win over Augsburg's Tony Valek (FY, Belle Plaine, Minn./Scott West) at 149, and Grant Eustice (SR, Shoreview, Minn./Mounds View HS) scored a 6-3 win over Augsburg's Brandon Bahr (FY, Bemidji, Minn.) at 174.

Augsburg's White Team (junior varsity) won six of nine bouts to score a
25-6 win over the St. John's junior varsity in the preliminary match on Wednesday.

Augsburg returns to action after the Thanksgiving break on Saturday, Dec. 6 at 9 a.m., competing at the Minnesota State Moorhead Dragon Open.
St. John's competes at the Wisconsin-La Crosse Duals on Dec. 6.

College Wrestling -- No. 7 St. John's 18, No. 2 Augsburg 13 Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2008, Si Melby Hall, Minneapolis, Minn.
Time of match: 1:38. Attendance: 367.
Action begins at 125 pounds.
Officials: Brad Hanson, Kurt Nathe.
125 -- Chad Henle (St. John’s, 7-2) dec. Josh Roberts (Augsburg, 2-2)
4-3 (St. John’s 3-0).
133 -- No. 1 Travis Lang (Augsburg, 5-0) dec. Mogi Baatar (St.
John’s, 5-4) 9-8 (TIED 3-3).
141 -- Lucas Murray (Augsburg, 4-0) dec. No. 3 Minga Batsukh (St.
John’s, 4-1) 11-8 (Augsburg 6-3).
149 -- John Vaith (St. John’s, 5-2) dec. Tony Valek (Augsburg, 2-1)
8-6 (TIED 6-6).
157 -- Matt Baarson (St. John’s, 6-2) dec. No. 3 Jason Adams (Augsburg, 4-1) 3-2 (St. John’s 9-6).
165 -- Matt Schrupp (St. John’s, 3-1) dec. Brandon Klukow (Augsburg,
4-1) 4-3 (St. John’s 12-6).
174 -- Grant Eustice (St. John’s, 7-1) dec. Brandon Bahr (Augsburg,
2-2) 6-3 (St. John’s 15-6).
184 -- Dustin Baxter (St. John’s, 1-0) dec. Garrett Long (Augsburg,
0-3) 12-10 (St. John’s 18-6).
197 -- Jared Massey (Augsburg, 5-0) maj. dec. No. 3 Tony Willaert (St.
John’s, 6-3) 14-5 (St. John’s 18-10).
HWT -- No. 5 Andy Witzel (Augsburg, 5-0) dec. Cody Socher (St.
John’s, 5-2) 6-3 (St. John’s 18-13).

College Wrestling -- Augsburg JV 25, St. John's JV 6 Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2008, Si Melby Hall, Minneapolis, Minn.
Time of match: 1:25. Action begins at 125 pounds.
Official: Kurt Nathe.
125 -- Freddy Vigil (Augsburg, 3-1) dec. Matt Laine (St. John’s, 0-3) 4-0 (Augsburg 3-0).
133 -- Alex Johnson (Augsburg, 4-1) dec. Scott Padrnos (St. John’s,
3-4) 6-4 (Augsburg 6-0).
141 -- Nathan Lexvold (Augsburg, 3-0) wins by forfeit (Augsburg 12-0).
149 -- Torey Stewart (Augsburg, 3-1) maj. dec. Jon Shellenberger (St.
John’s, 3-3) 11-3 (Augsburg 16-0).
157 -- Beau Hansen (Augsburg, 2-2) dec. Zach Anderson (St. John’s,
2-4) 6-2 (Augsburg 19-0).
165 -- Double Forfeit.
174 -- Dustin Raygor (St. John’s, 5-1) dec. Spencer Flodeen (Augsburg, 2-3) 5-4 (Augsburg 19-3).
184 -- Matt Pfarr (St. John’s, 5-0) dec. Trenton Larrieu (Augsburg,
0-1) 4-3 (Augsburg 19-6).
197 -- Andy Peterson (Augsburg, 4-1) dec. No. 7 (at 184) Kyle Schumm (St. John’s, 4-3) 10-9 (Augsburg 22-6).
HWT -- Nick Creamier (Augsburg, 4-0) dec. Jacob Evenson (St. John’s,
3-4) 11-8 (Augsburg 25-6).

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 7:38 PM | Permalink

Date Ranked:11/25/2008

Ranked By



WRESTLING INSIDER NEWSMAGAZINE (WIN)

2008-09 NCAA DIV. I DUAL TEAM RANKINGS

(Previous Rankings from Nov. 18, 2008)



Rk. Team (Previous)

1. Iowa (1st)

50(tie) Boston U. 0 1

50(tie) Delaware State 0 1

50(tie) Northern Colorado 0 1

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 7:32 PM | Permalink

Bigger and better: Nebraska's Jordan Burroughs ready to make run at NCAA title
Craig Sesker USA Wrestling
11/26/2008

There is a photo on page 2 of the Nebraska media guide that was taken just after the conclusion of the 2008 NCAA Championships in St. Louis.

In the picture, NU heavyweight Jon May is holding a trophy over his head while surrounded by happy teammates and coaches.

Among those pictured is a smiling Jordan Burroughs.

Burroughs capped a superb true sophomore season with a third-place national finish at 149 pounds. He led Nebraska to a fourth-place finish in the team race, marking the first time in 15 years the Huskers had won a trophy at the NCAA tournament.

Don’t get the idea that Burroughs was content with the way the 2007-08 season ended. But for Burroughs, who failed to place at the 2007 NCAA meet for a team that finished 16th, last season definitely was a sign of progress.

“Winning that trophy, it was very important for our program,� Burroughs said. “We were very close to second, but the way we finished still builds a lot of confidence for our team. We thought we should’ve had a couple of guys in the finals, but we continued to wrestle hard the whole tournament. We proved to everyone in the country that we’re a top program.�

Now a junior, Burroughs is looking for bigger and better things during the 2008-09 season. Burroughs, for one, is bigger and hopes to be better as he bumps up a weight class to 157 pounds.

Burroughs won the 157 title at Nebraska-Omaha’s Kaufman-Brand Open this past weekend, downing past NCAA champion Dustin Schlatter of Minnesota 6-4 in the finals. Burroughs, 0-3 in his career against Schlatter prior to that match, was named Outstanding Wrestler.

Burroughs was one of six champions for Nebraska in the event. Also winning titles for the Huskers were All-Americans Stephen Dwyer (165), Brandon Browne (174) and Craig Brester (197), NCAA qualifier Vince Jones (184) and talented freshman Tucker Lane (heavyweight).

Nebraska, which placed second at the 2008 National Duals, is ranked sixth nationally this season by InterMat.

“We know we can improve on what we did last year,� Burroughs said. “We have a number of guys in our room who are capable of winning individual national titles this year. We’re shooting for the top this year.�

Burroughs has certified at 149, but said his recent move up to 157 is permanent. He turned in a dominating performance in his first big meet at his new weight class on Saturday in Omaha.

Burroughs advanced to the finals against Schlatter, whom he lost twice to as a freshman and once as a sophomore. This match was scoreless after one period and was tied 2-2 entering the final period.

Burroughs, who is lethal on his feet and excels with a blast double-leg shot, scored two takedowns on a pair of leg attacks in the final period to beat Schlatter 6-4.

“It’s always good to beat a guy who you’ve lost to in the past,� Burroughs said. “I feel so much better and so much stronger at 157. It was a pretty big cut, going back down to 149. Moving up to 157, I’m able to eat better and that helps me stay focused and have more energy in practice. It’s made a big difference for me already.�

Burroughs, from Sicklerville, N.J., was not considered one of the nation’s elite recruits coming out of high school. He was ranked seventh nationally at 135 pounds by InterMat as a prep senior. But Burroughs finished strong, winning a New Jersey state title in 2006 before winning High School Nationals.

Nebraska coach Mark Manning didn’t have much trouble finding Burroughs’ house in New Jersey when he recruited him. Burroughs is the next-door neighbor to Jones, who arrived at Nebraska a year before Burroughs did.

Jones, a Cornhusker senior, is a two-time national qualifier. Burroughs and Jones are roommates at Nebraska.

“Vince was always the better wrestler when we were growing up,� Burroughs said. “I’ve always looked up to him and he always was someone who would teach me the ropes. I feed off his energy. He’s my best friend. He’s like my brother.�

Jones fell one win short of being an All-American last year.

“That was very disappointing, I felt so bad for him,� Burroughs said. “I’m looking forward to us being national champs together this year. Vince has been wrestling great this year. He has a chance to have a great season.�

Burroughs arrived in Lincoln, Neb., in the fall of 2006 with the idea that he would redshirt at 141 pounds that season for Nebraska.

Burroughs’ days as a 141-pound redshirt were short-lived. Burroughs quickly added bulk in the NU weight room and moved up to 149. Shortly after Christmas, Burroughs was pulled out of his redshirt and inserted into the Nebraska lineup as a true freshman.

Burroughs wrestled well at the end of the season and qualified for the 2007 NCAA tournament in Auburn Hills, Mich. Unseeded as a true freshman, Burroughs drew the top-seeded Schlatter in the first round and fell 3-2. He won his next match before falling to No. 2 seed Matt Storniolo of Oklahoma in a marathon, four-overtime battle. Burroughs finished his freshman season 16-13.

Burroughs made significant gains last season. He finished with a 34-6 record and was named Outstanding Wrestler after winning the Big 12 Championships.

Seeded fourth at the 2008 NCAA tournament, Burroughs knocked off returning NCAA runner-up Josh Churella of Michigan in the quarterfinals before dropping an 8-4 decision to eventual champion and Hodge Trophy winner Brent Metcalf of Iowa. Burroughs came back to beat Harvard’s J.P. O’Connor and then downed Churella again to place third.

“I improved a lot last year, and I feel like I’m a lot better this year,� Burroughs said. “I just want to keep improving. A lot of guys peak early. To me, you can never be too good. I am always eager to learn.�

Burroughs is in his junior season of college, but he won’t turn 21 until next July.

“Jordan is very young and he has a tremendous upside,� Manning said. “To see how much he’s developed, grown and matured from the time he came here is really impressive. He’s very disciplined, with everything he does. His effort is tremendous, and his focus and mindset have really improved. Every day in the practice room, he brings it 100 percent.�

Burroughs also has the physical skills to go with his work ethic.

“We saw that Jordan was really a special athlete when we watched him in high school,� Manning said. “To see him develop into this caliber of wrestler has been great to see. He’s very athletic, but he’s developed into a great wrestler.�

Burroughs qualified for the U.S. Junior World Team in freestyle this past summer. Among the wrestlers he worked out with at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs were Olympian Doug Schwab and past National Team member Jared Frayer.

Burroughs went 2-1 and placed 10th at July’s Junior World Championships in Turkey. He competed at 66 kg/145.5 lbs.

“I didn’t wrestle my best, but it was still a great experience and I learned a lot,� he said. “It was my first trip outside the country. I love freestyle. My ultimate goal is to make the Olympic team in 2012 and win an Olympic gold medal.�

Manning, who has coached numerous U.S. teams on the international level, said that goal is realistic.

“I think Jordan can and will be an Olympic and World champion, if he sets his mind to it,� Manning said. “He has great ability. He’s very talented and he’s only going to get better as a wrestler. The sky’s the limit. He has a very bright future in freestyle.�

Manning said there were high expectations placed on Burroughs entering the Junior Worlds after American Bubba Jenkins won a Junior World title in the same weight class in 2007.

“I think Jordan was the best guy in his weight at the Junior World Championships,� said Manning, who served as one of the coaches of that American squad. “He just wasn’t himself and probably put too much pressure on himself. But I think that experience will help him grow in the long run. I know he learned from it.�

For now, the goal for Burroughs is to ascend to the top of the medal stand at the 2009 NCAA Championships in St. Louis.

The event will be held in the same venue, the Scottrade Center, where Burroughs and his team had a breakthrough performance last season.

Burroughs hopes to be smiling again at the end of the tournament, but for different reasons.

“I’m still not satisfied,� he said. “I won’t be satisfied until I’m the national champion and our team is holding the national championship trophy.�

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 5:03 PM | Permalink

Indiana's Kurt Kinser races to fast start on wrestling mat
Craig Sesker USA Wrestling
11/20/2008

As a kid growing up, Kurt Kinser’s summer vacations were spent traveling around the country in the family motor home.

The trips weren’t all about sightseeing and relaxation.

The Kinser family business is auto racing. Kurt’s father, Steve, has made his mark while traveling all over the United States as a 20-time World of Outlaws Sprint Car national champion.

Unlike his older brother, Kraig, who races alongside his dad on the World of Outlaws circuit, Kurt never quite caught the racing bug. But early on, Kurt’s father helped him develop a passion for another sport.

Steve Kinser was a state champion wrestler in Indiana before he became a legend on America’s dirt track ovals.

“The headlock was the first move I ever learned,� Kurt said. “My dad taught it to me when I first started wrestling when I was 3 or 4 years old.�

Now more than 15 years later, Kurt Kinser is still using the first move he learned to excel on the wrestling mat as a sophomore at Indiana University.

Kinser, an NCAA qualifier last season, is off to a fast start this season for the Hoosiers at 157 pounds. He won the Michigan State Open and he is ranked No. 9 nationally by InterMat.

Kinser was named Big Ten Wrestler of the Week after winning the Michigan State Open. He downed No. 8 Matt Moley of Bloomsburg 3-2 in the semifinals before pinning Northwestern’s Jason Welch in just 56 seconds in the finals.

Kinser has started this season at 157 after competing at 149 last year. IU junior Matt Coughlin, who placed seventh at the 2007 NCAA Championships, also is at 157. Kinser has certified at 149, so there is a possibility he could drop back down and compete there. Coughlin certified at 157.

Kinser, from Bloomington, Ind., won an Indiana state championship as a senior before joining the Hoosiers wrestling program. He went 15-4 in open tournaments during his redshirt season at Indiana in 2006-07.

Kinser cracked the IU starting lineup last season as a freshman at 149 pounds. He finished 32-16 with 18 falls. He ranked in the top five in the country in falls and finished just one pin shy of the school record.

Many of the falls were the result of the headlock that he is not bashful about unleashing.

“I like to push the pace and wrestle a wide-open match,� Kinser said. “The headlock has always been my main move. I’ve added more techniques to what I do, but when the opening is there I will go for the headlock.�

Indiana coach Duane Goldman likes the way Kinser approaches a match.

“Kurt’s definitely not boring – we really enjoy watching him,� Goldman said. “He’s real aggressive. He’s extremely strong and extremely well-conditioned. His arsenal comes from upper-body moves. He’s a little bit unconventional, but he has quite a bit of technique. He’s tough to match up against because he’s so dangerous. He will pin guys in the first, second and third period. He will not let up.�

Goldman said Kinser has been a great fit for the Hoosier program.

“Kurt comes from a real good family, and he’s from right here in Bloomington,� Goldman said. “He’s a very nice kid and very humble.�

Kurt Kinser said he marvels at what his father has done in his racing career. Steve Kinser is known as “The King� for his dominance in the national sprint-car circuit. He’s 54 years old, but still going strong against some drivers who are less than half his age.

“My dad is one of the fiercest competitors I’ve ever seen,� Kurt said. “My mother (Dana) has that same competitiveness. She was a very good athlete who excelled in track.�

Steve said the door is still open if Kurt wants to try his hand at racing.

“If he ever wants to do it, I would help him,� Steve said. “I would be proud of Kurt no matter what he does. He always loved wrestling more than anything else. He’s really competitive and he has a great work ethic. It’s great to see him doing so well in wrestling.�

Kurt’s brother, Kraig, also excelled in wrestling in high school before jumping into racing full-time.

“Wrestling is a great sport,� Steve Kinser said. “The one-on-one competition – and being able to think when you’re tired and be able to put out 100 percent mentally – it’s a tough sport. Having been a wrestler has definitely helped my racing career. Those athletes are very dedicated. I know Kurt’s worked very hard. He’s had to fight for everything he’s ever accomplished in wrestling.�

And there’s still more work to be done. Kurt Kinser won three matches at the 2008 NCAA Championships in St. Louis and finished two wins short of earning All-American honors at 149 pounds.

Kinser knocked off his share of tough opponents last season. He beat past NCAA runner-up Ryan Lang of Northwestern in the Big Ten tournament. Among his wins at the NCAA tournament was a first-period fall over past All-American Don Fisch of Rider.

“It was very important for me to wrestle in the NCAA tournament – it was a great experience,� Kurt said. “That gave me a big boost going into this season.�

His father was in the stands when Kurt wrestled at the NCAA meet last March.

“My dad comes out to as many tournaments as he can,� Kurt said. “He enjoys watching me compete. He’s very supportive and that means a lot to me.�

Kurt still enjoys watching his father continue to excel in the national sprint-car circuit.

“Dad said he wants to keep racing as long as he can stay competitive,� Kurt said. “It’s very inspirational to watch him. He’s a great role model for me. He’s taught me that you can be the best if you have that desire.�

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 9:14 PM | Permalink

TheMat.com weighs in with its predictions for the NWCA All-Star Classic
Craig Sesker USA Wrestling
11/24/2008

One of the best matches that I have ever witnessed came during the college all-star dual meet.

The matchup occurred on Jan. 29, 1996 in Iowa City, when the all-star meet was held in the middle of the season. Iowa’s Mark Ironside staged a furious third-period rally to beat Lock Haven’s Cary Kolat 9-8 at 134 pounds before 8,500 screaming fans at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.

I really wish I was there in Columbus, Ohio, but purely just for fun, here are my predictions for the National Wrestling Coaches Association All-Star Classic. The dual will be held tonight, Nov. 24, at Ohio State University in Columbus.

This meet really should be held in Iowa again sometime soon, especially with all these Iowa and Iowa State wrestlers competing.

Anyway, here’s how I see the all-star dual playing out:

125 – Charlie Falck (Iowa) vs. James Nicholson (Old Dominion)

Not exactly the matchup we envisioned for this event - with NCAA champion Angel Escobedo of Indiana and past NCAA runner-up Troy Nickerson of Cornell not wrestling - but it should still be an intriguing battle.

Nicholson was an All-American last year and he will have his share of motivation wrestling against an Iowa Hawkeye. Nicholson is from Des Moines.

Falck, a two-time All-American, is an experienced and savvy wrestler who can beat anybody.

Sesker’s pick: Falck

133 – Jayson Ness (Minnesota) vs. Jimmy Kennedy (Illinois)

It’s still too early to tell how Ness will do at 133 after bumping up from 125.

Kennedy is a proven commodity after placing fourth nationally at 133, but look for Ness to come out strong after dropping a match in this event last year. The long, lanky Ness is tough to match up against, especially if you haven’t wrestled him. Ness was second in the nation at 125 last year.

Too bad top-ranked Joe Slaton of Iowa wasn’t able to wrestle, but we may see plenty of him very soon.

Sesker’s pick: Ness

141 – J Jaggers (Ohio State) vs. Nick Gallick (Iowa State)

Jaggers was a huge surprise, at least in my eyes, at last year’s NCAA tournament. But the kid came to Ohio State as one of the nation’s best overall recruits. He lived up to it last year.

Expect Jaggers to put on a show for his home fans against a very tough wrestler in Gallick.

Gallick showed a lot of improvement last year and is a dangerous wrestler who is capable of turning a match around in a hurry.

Sesker’s pick: Jaggers

149 – Brent Metcalf (Iowa) vs. Darrion Caldwell (North Carolina State)

This is the matchup that everyone wants to see.

Metcalf suffered his only collegiate loss exactly one year ago to Caldwell, who caught him with a spladle. Watching the video, Metcalf does not look to be pinned. Not even close.

Metcalf, the best collegiate wrestler since Cael Sanderson, can’t wait for this match. Caldwell is very explosive and dangerous, but he also has pulled out some low-scoring matches as well.

Hopefully, both guys will open it up since it doesn’t count on their records. That could be really fun to watch.

Sesker’s pick: Metcalf

157 – Jordan Leen (Cornell) vs. Cyler Sanderson (Iowa State)

This could be another entertaining bout to watch, as both wrestlers are capable of putting on a show.

Leen has already been in some tough battles this season, including suffering an overtime loss to Harvard’s J.P. O’Connor.

Sanderson is another Iowa State wrestler who has made major improvements since coming to Ames. But Leen obviously has won when the stakes were the highest.

I wouldn’t have minded seeing another 157 match tonight with Mike Poeta of Illinois battling Gregor Gillespie of Edinboro again. Their match in Las Vegas last season was one of the best of the 2007-08 college season.

But Leen-Sanderson will be interesting to watch.

Sesker’s pick: Sanderson

165 – Nick Marable (Missouri) vs. Mack Lewnes (Cornell)

This is a rematch of the third-place match from the 2008 NCAAs, won by Marable.

Both wrestlers will contend for the NCAA title this year. Marable proved how tough he was in the postseason last year. Lewnes is just a sophomore, but he has really been impressive.

Look for a real close match here.

Sesker’s pick: Lewnes

174 – Steve Luke (Michigan) vs. Jay Borschel (Iowa)

This looks like one of the toughest bouts to call in the whole dual in a battle of Big Ten rivals.

Luke was second in the country last year and Borschel third.

Luke, in his fourth season as a starter, has an edge in experience. But Borschel performed very well last year in his first year as a starter.

Sesker’s pick: Luke

184 – Phil Keddy (Iowa) vs. Louis Caputo (Harvard)

Keddy may have been the most improved wrestler in the country last year, and reports from Iowa City indicate he may be even better this year.

Caputo is a tough competitor as well, who has excelled during the summer in freestyle.

Keddy is extremely strong, and will be tough for anyone to score on. He really bought in when Tom Brands took over the Iowa program, and it’s paying off for him now.

NCAA champions Jake Herbert of Northwestern and Mike Pucillo of Ohio State aren’t competing tonight, but we will see plenty of those two in the coming months as well.

Sesker’s pick: Keddy

197 – Jake Varner (Iowa State) vs. Hudson Taylor (Maryland)

Speaking of tough to score on, Varner may be the best in the country at keeping opponents off the scoreboard.

Taylor is a workhorse, who is going to keep wrestling hard for seven minutes. He proved that at the 2008 NCAAs.

Varner, a two-time NCAA runner-up, is capable of being a dominant force at 197 if he looks for his offense more.

Sesker’s pick: Varner

285 – Jared Rosholt (Oklahoma State) vs. Kyle Massey (Wisconsin)

Rosholt, Jake’s “little� brother, who definitely has some big shoes to fill, really came into his own last season and enters this season ranked No. 1.

This could be a low-scoring, tactical battle. That seems to be the trend these days in the heavyweight class.

This match doesn’t count, so these big boys need to open it up a little more and give the fans something to watch.

Sesker’s pick: Rosholt

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 12:36 AM | Permalink

TheMat.com weighs in with its predictions for the NWCA All-Star Classic
Craig Sesker USA Wrestling
11/24/2008

One of the best matches that I have ever witnessed came during the college all-star dual meet.

The matchup occurred on Jan. 29, 1996 in Iowa City, when the all-star meet was held in the middle of the season. Iowa’s Mark Ironside staged a furious third-period rally to beat Lock Haven’s Cary Kolat 9-8 at 134 pounds before 8,500 screaming fans at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.

I really wish I was there in Columbus, Ohio, but purely just for fun, here are my predictions for the National Wrestling Coaches Association All-Star Classic. The dual will be held tonight, Nov. 24, at Ohio State University in Columbus.

This meet really should be held in Iowa again sometime soon, especially with all these Iowa and Iowa State wrestlers competing.

Anyway, here’s how I see the all-star dual playing out:

125 – Charlie Falck (Iowa) vs. James Nicholson (Old Dominion)

Not exactly the matchup we envisioned for this event - with NCAA champion Angel Escobedo of Indiana and past NCAA runner-up Troy Nickerson of Cornell not wrestling - but it should still be an intriguing battle.

Nicholson was an All-American last year and he will have his share of motivation wrestling against an Iowa Hawkeye. Nicholson is from Des Moines.

Falck, a two-time All-American, is an experienced and savvy wrestler who can beat anybody.

Sesker’s pick: Falck

133 – Jayson Ness (Minnesota) vs. Jimmy Kennedy (Illinois)

It’s still too early to tell how Ness will do at 133 after bumping up from 125.

Kennedy is a proven commodity after placing fourth nationally at 133, but look for Ness to come out strong after dropping a match in this event last year. The long, lanky Ness is tough to match up against, especially if you haven’t wrestled him. Ness was second in the nation at 125 last year.

Too bad top-ranked Joe Slaton of Iowa wasn’t able to wrestle, but we may see plenty of him very soon.

Sesker’s pick: Ness

141 – J Jaggers (Ohio State) vs. Nick Gallick (Iowa State)

Jaggers was a huge surprise, at least in my eyes, at last year’s NCAA tournament. But the kid came to Ohio State as one of the nation’s best overall recruits. He lived up to it last year.

Expect Jaggers to put on a show for his home fans against a very tough wrestler in Gallick.

Gallick showed a lot of improvement last year and is a dangerous wrestler who is capable of turning a match around in a hurry.

Sesker’s pick: Jaggers

149 – Brent Metcalf (Iowa) vs. Darrion Caldwell (North Carolina State)

This is the matchup that everyone wants to see.

Metcalf suffered his only collegiate loss exactly one year ago to Caldwell, who caught him with a spladle. Watching the video, Metcalf does not look to be pinned. Not even close.

Metcalf, the best collegiate wrestler since Cael Sanderson, can’t wait for this match. Caldwell is very explosive and dangerous, but he also has pulled out some low-scoring matches as well.

Hopefully, both guys will open it up since it doesn’t count on their records. That could be really fun to watch.

Sesker’s pick: Metcalf

157 – Jordan Leen (Cornell) vs. Cyler Sanderson (Iowa State)

This could be another entertaining bout to watch, as both wrestlers are capable of putting on a show.

Leen has already been in some tough battles this season, including suffering an overtime loss to Harvard’s J.P. O’Connor.

Sanderson is another Iowa State wrestler who has made major improvements since coming to Ames. But Leen obviously has won when the stakes were the highest.

I wouldn’t have minded seeing another 157 match tonight with Mike Poeta of Illinois battling Gregor Gillespie of Edinboro again. Their match in Las Vegas last season was one of the best of the 2007-08 college season.

But Leen-Sanderson will be interesting to watch.

Sesker’s pick: Sanderson

165 – Nick Marable (Missouri) vs. Mack Lewnes (Cornell)

This is a rematch of the third-place match from the 2008 NCAAs, won by Marable.

Both wrestlers will contend for the NCAA title this year. Marable proved how tough he was in the postseason last year. Lewnes is just a sophomore, but he has really been impressive.

Look for a real close match here.

Sesker’s pick: Lewnes

174 – Steve Luke (Michigan) vs. Jay Borschel (Iowa)

This looks like one of the toughest bouts to call in the whole dual in a battle of Big Ten rivals.

Luke was second in the country last year and Borschel third.

Luke, in his fourth season as a starter, has an edge in experience. But Borschel performed very well last year in his first year as a starter.

Sesker’s pick: Luke

184 – Phil Keddy (Iowa) vs. Louis Caputo (Harvard)

Keddy may have been the most improved wrestler in the country last year, and reports from Iowa City indicate he may be even better this year.

Caputo is a tough competitor as well, who has excelled during the summer in freestyle.

Keddy is extremely strong, and will be tough for anyone to score on. He really bought in when Tom Brands took over the Iowa program, and it’s paying off for him now.

NCAA champions Jake Herbert of Northwestern and Mike Pucillo of Ohio State aren’t competing tonight, but we will see plenty of those two in the coming months as well.

Sesker’s pick: Keddy

197 – Jake Varner (Iowa State) vs. Hudson Taylor (Maryland)

Speaking of tough to score on, Varner may be the best in the country at keeping opponents off the scoreboard.

Taylor is a workhorse, who is going to keep wrestling hard for seven minutes. He proved that at the 2008 NCAAs.

Varner, a two-time NCAA runner-up, is capable of being a dominant force at 197 if he looks for his offense more.

Sesker’s pick: Varner

285 – Jared Rosholt (Oklahoma State) vs. Kyle Massey (Wisconsin)

Rosholt, Jake’s “little� brother, who definitely has some big shoes to fill, really came into his own last season and enters this season ranked No. 1.

This could be a low-scoring, tactical battle. That seems to be the trend these days in the heavyweight class.

This match doesn’t count, so these big boys need to open it up a little more and give the fans something to watch.

Sesker’s pick: Rosholt

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 12:36 AM | Permalink

NWCA All-Star Classic to feature Caldwell vs. Metcalf 2
Jeff Breese InterMat Wrestling
11/19/2008

By Jeff Breese, InterMat
jbreese@intermatwrestle.com

This week is packed with great wrestling action, so much so that it seems unfair to focus on just one match at one event. However, based upon fan interest, No. 1 Brent Metcalf of Iowa versus No. 4 Darrion Caldwell of North Carolina State is the premier action of this week.

Caldwell and Metcalf will meet for the second time in their college careers, this time at the NWCA All-Star Classic Presented by the United States Marine Corps. The date for this rematch is November 24 at St. John Arena in Columbus, Ohio.

November 24 is significant because it is the one year anniversary of the first meeting between Caldwell and Metcalf. Ironically, that bout also took place in Ohio, but that time at St. Edward High School near Cleveland.

For those who may not know, Caldwell, then ranked No. 6, spladled and pinned the No. 1 ranked Metcalf in 1:40. The match has since become a YouTube sensation and has been the rematch that fans have been aching to see. It nearly happened at the NCAA Championships last March, but Caldwell fell one win short of the finals, losing a close bout with Bubba Jenkins of Penn State. Metcalf then handled Jenkins in the finals to win the NCAA title and cap off an undefeated string dating back to the match with Caldwell. Caldwell finished last season by taking fifth at the NCAA Championships.

Going into the bout on Monday, Caldwell is 8-0 and has already defeated the No. 5 and No. 7 wrestlers in the country. Metcalf will be seeing his first action of the season on Friday at the Iowa City Duals.

The popular sentiment is that there is no chance of Caldwell repeating his performance of a first period fall. Many fans favor Metcalf in this battle, as he is the returning national champion. It has even been said that Metcalf will try to make an example of Caldwell, while avenging his only loss from last season.

The flip side of the argument is that Caldwell is potentially the only wrestler in the weight capable of beating Metcalf, because of his high point output and because he is dangerous from any position.

Monday night will prove one group of fans correct, at least for right now.

Caldwell versus Metcalf may be the most anticipated match Monday night, but it certainly will not be the only quality bout. The full list of participants and ticket information can be found at:
http://www.nwcaonline.com/allstarclassic.cfm

Nov. 21- No. 9 Michigan at No. 22 Lehigh
Nov. 21 – No. 14 Penn State at No. 4 Cornell
Nov. 21- No. 2 Iowa State at No. 12 Wisconsin
Nov. 22- No. 9 Michigan at No. 21 Penn
Nov. 22- No. 20 Old Dominion at No. 19 Oklahoma
Nov. 22 No. 16 Hofstra at No. 5 Missouri
Nov. 22- Body Bar Invitational
Nov. 23- Sprawl and Brawl
Nov. 23- Keystone Classic
Nov. 23- No. 20 Old Dominion at No. 7 Oklahoma State

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 10:53 PM | Permalink

Caldwell replaces Jenkins in NWCA All-Star Classic
11/18/2008
North Carolina State University Sports Information

RALEIGH, N.C. -- A year ago, Darrion Caldwell became NC State's first All-American in 12 years. Now, Caldwell has become the first Wolfpack wrestler in 16 years to earn an invitation to the National Wrestling Coaches Association All-Star Classic.

The NWCA All-Star Classic, presented by the United States Marine Corps, normally pairs the top two college wrestlers in each of the 10 weight classifications. This year's event will be hosted by Ohio State University at St. John Arena on Monday, November 24. Caldwell will face No. 1-ranked Brent Metcalf of Iowa at 149 pounds in what will be the one-year anniversary of their first meeting. Caldwell met Metcalf, then ranked No. 6, last November 24 in a dual match in Lakewood, Ohio. Caldwell stunned Metcalf by pinning him in 1:40.

Metcalf did not lose another match after his loss to Caldwell. He finished the season 35-1 and won the national championship. As of November 17, he had not seen action yet this season. Caldwell finished fifth in the nation a year ago at 149 to earn All-America honors. He is off to an 8-0 start with three falls, a technical fall, and three victories over ranked opponents. Caldwell is No. 4 in the latest NWCA rankings.

Bouts in the NWCA All-Star Classic are counted as exhibition matches only and will affect neither the national rankings or postseason seedings.

Exhibition or not, this will be Caldwell's 13th career match vs. a top 10 opponent. As a freshman 141-pounder, he went 2-2 vs. top 10 foes. Since moving up to 149 pounds last season, Caldwell has wrestled eight matches against top 10 opponents and won them all, including two this season. He defeated fifth-ranked Lance Palmer of Ohio State 2-1 at the Wolfpack Open, then took an 8-4 decision over No. 7 Kyle Ruschell of Wisconsin at the ACC/Big Ten Challenge last weekend.

Caldwell is 64-11 for his career with 36 falls. He ranks fourth in NC State history in career winning percentage (.853), third in career pins, and needs eight more victories to crack the school's top 20 for career victories.

The last NC State wrestler invited to participate in the NWCA All-Star Classic was Sylvester Terkay, who participated twice, in 1992 and 1993, and won both times.

Tickets for those fortunate enough to attend are $10 apiece. All children 6 and under are admitted free of charge. NWCA members receive a complimentary ticket when showing their NWCA membership card. Call TicketMaster at 614-431-3600 to order your tickets or visit www.ohiostatebuckeyes.com. ESPNU will air the event on tape delay. Dates and times will be announced once they become available.

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 1:55 AM | Permalink

Westwood High School in Iowa seeks support for wrestlers injured in terrible accident
Gary Abbott USA Wrestling
11/13/2008

The wrestling family from a small community in Northwest Iowa is reaching out for support and prayers, after a automobile terrible accident on Saturday, Nov. 8, which has devastated the community.

Five high school wrestlers and their coach were heading to a wrestling clinic in a vehicle, which was struck head-on by another vehicle. The driver of the other auto was killed, and the six Westwood High School passengers were injured and hospitalized.

The plight of the Westwood community was first shared with the nation, when Jason Bryant of Wrestling 411 wrote about it on his blog, as well as on the company website. To read Bryant’s appeal to the wrestling community, visit:
http://bryantwrestling.wordpress.com/2008/11/09/small-iowa-community-could-use-your-thoughts-and-prayers/

“We are a five small towns in Iowa. All of them have 1,000 people or less. We are rural Iowa,� said Kirk Ahrends, the Westwood Schools Superintendent. “We come together at the best of times and the worst of times. I can’t say how much our community is coming together and helping our boys and our coach.�

Now, days after the accident, each of those who were victims of the crash are dealing with different medical issues, all which need immediate and extensive care.

The Westwood School District has set up an account where people can make donations to support the medical care for the wrestlers and coach.

The Sloan State Bank, 302 4th Street, Sloan, Iowa 51055 has set up seven individual accounts for donations to the following victims:
Dan Thompson, Coach
Trent Baker, Student in accident
Adam Greeno, Student in accident
Blake Jorgensen, Student in accident
Jordan Mitchell, Student in accident
Sage Washburn, Student in accident
Quaid Haburn, Student whose father was killed in other vehicle

Donations can be addressed to each individual account if you like to donate to a specific person or donations addressed to the "Westwood Accident Victims" will be divided equally among the accounts. Please note these donations are not tax deductible.

“We are trying to make arrangements with a charitable organization in town that can take donations on a tax deductible basis,� said Ahrends. “It is in progress. We hope to have that set up by Friday.�

There are specific medical needs that need attention right away.

“We are progressing with one of our boys to go to the Craig Institute in Colorado. That is a program for paralyzed students. That is a long-term situation for he and his family to move out there. It may be up to 180 days,� said Ahrends.

“We have two other students who are facing operations. We don’t know what those needs are yet. There will be long term needs for them,� said Ahrends. “The good news is we had one student walk out on Monday. We hope our coach and another student may be out of the hospital by Friday.�

This tragic accident has brought the community together, both within the school district, but also around the state of Iowa. In addition, prayers and support have flowed in from the wrestling community all across the nation;

“They are 25 miles from my school shoes. The head coach there is a very good friend,� said Casey Conover, head wrestling coach for Maple-Valley/Anthon-Oto High School and one of the many people working to help the Westwood wrestlers. “It was a horrible accident. Any help they receive would be greatly appreciated.�

No women were injured in the accident.

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 1:46 PM | Permalink

Hodge Trophy winner Brent Metcalf sets example on and off the mat
Craig Sesker USA Wrestling
11/13/2008

Brent Metcalf didn’t pump his fist. He didn’t jump up and down.

He didn’t leap into the arms of his coaches.

He didn’t even crack a smile.

He had just won his first NCAA championship at 149 pounds to cap a magical season where he led Iowa to its first national team title in eight years.

Metcalf simply walked off the mat after his 14-8 national finals win over Penn State’s Bubba Jenkins at the 2008 NCAA Championships in St. Louis. That reaction provided a microcosm of what makes the multi-talented Metcalf tick.

“I was happy with the win, not so much with the performance. I don’t like giving up points – that’s not how you want to wrestle,� Metcalf said. “I don’t want to give my opponent the satisfaction of watching me celebrate, which would make it look like a big deal that I beat him.�

What Metcalf did during his first official season of collegiate competition was a very big deal. Metcalf entered his sophomore season with plenty of hype and lofty expectations.

He more than lived up to them by joining past Iowa State star Cael Sanderson shoes as the only sophomore to win the Dan Hodge Trophy as the best collegiate wrestler in the United States. He also was named Outstanding Wrestler of the Big Ten and NCAA Tournaments, and honored as Big Ten Wrestler of the Year.

His biggest achievement may have come when he was named Jesse Owens Big Ten Male Athlete of the Year, beating out athletes in more high profile sports like football and basketball.

So what does Metcalf do for an encore? Now a junior, Metcalf starts this season ranked No. 1 for the top-ranked team in the country. Iowa returns five All-Americans from the national championship team from last season.

Iowa won the 2008 NCAA title by a whopping 38.5 points over runner-up Ohio State.

“We didn’t have all the success we wanted last year from an individual point of view,� Metcalf said. “Our guys are motivated to put 10 guys on the podium, 10 guys on top of the podium.�

Last season, Metcalf suffered an upset loss to North Carolina State’s Darrion Caldwell early in the year before tearing through college wrestling en route to his first national crown.

The Hodge Trophy has traditionally gone to a wrestler who makes it through the season unbeaten. And typically to an upperclassmen.

But Metcalf’s memorable season made him the logical choice for the 2008 Hodge Trophy, presented annually by Wrestling Insider Newsmagazine.

“Brent Metcalf epitomizes what it means to force action on the wrestling mat,� said Bryan Van Kley, publisher of WIN. “And that makes for a very entertaining style of wrestling when a guy is constantly looking to dominate. This was the biggest factor in him winning the Dan Hodge Trophy. He goes after the pin, and he's constantly trying to build on a lead.

�And even more importantly, he's a top-shelf person as well. I've heard Coach Tom Brands challenge his entire team by pointing at Brent and saying, 'If you want to be a champion, live your life like Brent Metcalf lives his.' Brands challenges his guys to commit to the sport in the way that Metcalf does, and commit to living their life the way he does off the mat. Everything in his life has a purpose, and he’s the type of guy who other wrestlers can look up to.�

A quick glance at Metcalf’s sophomore season provides proof of his dominance. He went 35-1 and won his last 32 matches of the season. He scored bonus points in all but 10 of his victories.

He had his opponents constantly backpedaling and trying to wrestle on the edge of the mat. His relentless style and superior conditioning had many opponents gasping for air in the third, and sometimes even second, period of a match.

“Brent has a wide-open style,� Brands said. “He goes hard and he goes smart. There is no let up at all with him in anything he does. He just works hard and he keeps getting better. He's a ferocious competitor.�

Metcalf, a sociology major, also excels in the classroom. He is an Academic All-American.

“Brent is passionate about everything he does,� Brands said. “There are no distractions off the mat with him. He’s a very good student and just a well-rounded kid.�

Metcalf lost a season of eligibility when he followed Brands from Virginia Tech to Iowa just over two years ago. Virginia Tech refused to release Metcalf from his scholarship, costing him his freshman season. Metcalf was unable to compete as an Iowa freshman after redshirting at Virginia Tech the year before.

“(Virginia Tech) has the right to do that through NCAA rules,� Metcalf said. “There is nothing we can do about it. You just have to move on.�

In addition to wrestling for Tom Brands, Metcalf also is being coached by Terry Brands this season. Terry Brands, Tom’s twin brother, joined the Hawkeye coaching staff after serving as the Freestyle Resident Coach at USA Wrestling. Terry Brands coached Henry Cejudo to an Olympic gold medal and past Hawkeye standout Bill Zadick to a World title.

“It’s great having Terry in the room now,� Metcalf said. “It’s a new voice and a new face, but it’s the same message. It’s consistent with the same standard that Tom lives by and preaches. I’ve worked with Terry at the Olympic Training Center, and he’s a great coach.�

Metcalf, 22, continues to be a top prospect internationally at 66 kg/145.5 lbs. He reached the Challenge Tournament semifinals at June’s U.S. Olympic Team Trials before falling to Zadick. Metcalf then lost his next match, in three periods to past National Team member Jared Frayer, and fell short of placing.

“I’ve gained a lot of good experience wrestling freestyle,� Metcalf said. “The guys at that level obviously are tougher. I need to wrestle smarter. I’m going to continue to go to my offense and score points. I’m at my best when I’m attacking, whether it's freestyle or folkstyle. To me, wrestling is wrestling. You approach it the same way.�

Count Dan Gable, an Olympic and World champion who coached Iowa to 15 NCAA titles, among those who see Metcalf making an impact at the international level in freestyle wrestling.

“From USA Wrestling’s point of view, he is the type of kid who can be a catalyst for them and he has the makings of someone who can go a long way internationally,� Gable said. “He has the attitude, the tenacity and the intensity that sets him apart. And he has shown big-time improvement with his technique. If he keeps getting better and keeps working, he can be very good at the next level.�

For now, Metcalf is focused on the college season.

“I just have to continue to do what I’ve done, and bring it to another level,� he said. “I need to score points, and get majors, tech falls and pins. We really want to put it on guys, we really want to dominate. There's always more to do, there's always more work to be done."

Metcalf’s life has been anything but easy. His brother, Chase, died in an automobile accident. And then he lost the year of college eligibility when he transferred to Iowa.

“Brent’s dealt with a lot of adversity in his life, and I think it’s made him a lot stronger,� Gable said. “He’s a very focused, very driven kid. He does everything the right way, on and off the mat. He’s a great example for everyone in the Iowa program. He’s just a winner, plain and simple.�

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 12:42 AM | Permalink

ACC/Big Ten Clash a premier tournament this weekend
Jeff Breese InterMat Wrestling
11/12/2008

The third week of the season will again be a mix duals and opens, but the featured event will be the ACC/Big Ten Clash on Saturday. The third installment of the ACC/Big Ten Clash pits three ACC and three Big Ten schools against each other in round robin format.

The ranked teams involved in the event are No. 9 Illinois, No. 12 Wisconsin, and No. 21 Virginia, with Michigan State, NC State, and North Carolina completing the field.

The team aspect of the ACC taking on the Big Ten is interesting, but the truly exciting part of the event is the individual bouts that put highly ranked wrestlers up against one another early in the season. The ACC/Big Ten Clash also provides wrestlers on the fringe of the rankings a chance to put their name on the map sooner rather than later.

Some of the potential individual match-ups are:

285- No. 3 Kyle Massey (Wisconsin) vs No. 13 Justin Dobies (North Carolina)
184- No. 9 Rocco Caponi (Virginia) vs No. 10 Trevor Brandvold (Wisconsin)
149- No. 4 Darrion Caldwell (NC State) vs No. 7 Kyle Ruschell (Wisconsin)
141- No. 13 Zach Tanelli (Wisconsin) vs No. 18 Joe Caramanica (NC State)
141- No. 15 Troy Tirapelle (Illinois) vs No. 18 Joe Caramanica (NC State)
165- No. 13 Roger Smith-Bergsrud (Illinois) vs Keegan Mueller (North Carolina)
174- No. 12 John Dergo (Illinois) vs No. 15 Chris Henrich (Virginia)
285- No. 6 John Wise (Illinois) vs No. 13 Justin Dobies (North Carolina)

Additionally, five other ranked wrestlers will be in action in Chapel Hill on Saturday. NC State’s Ryan Goodman would provide another ranked wrestler and two more duals with ranked wrestlers. However, Goodman will likely be out of the line-up, due to competing on the Wolfpack football team, as well.

Outside of the ACC/Big Ten Clash, there are a few other notable duals taking place this week. No. 5 Missouri opens its season with duals against Lock Haven and Bucknell on Saturday and Sunday. No. 7 Penn State takes on Hofstra on Sunday and No. 18 Oklahoma starts its season against Division II No. 6 Central Oklahoma on Thursday. Also, in Division II, No. 15 Limestone will host No.7 Newberry and No. 13 Mercyhurst for a tri-meet.

The open tournament scene continues with tournaments throughout the country this weekend, most notably the Harold Nichols Cyclone Open. It is still early in the season, but many important matches are being wrestled, especially in Division I because of the new qualification system. Every win and every loss means a little bit more this year.

There is a lot of action going on between now and March, so make sure to get out and catch it in person at a college in your area.

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 10:13 PM | Permalink

USA Wrestling leader John Carlson among eight high school athletic directors honored by NFHS
Bruce Howard NFHS
11/10/2008

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (November 10, 2008) - The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) will award NFHS Citations to eight high school athletic directors December 16 in San Diego, California, at the 39th annual National Conference of High School Directors of Athletics.

NFHS Citations are presented annually to outstanding athletic directors in recognition of contributions to interscholastic athletics at the local, state and national levels. State associations nominate athletic directors for NFHS Citations, and the NFHS Board of Directors approves recipients.

This year's award winners are Jeffrey M. Benson, CMAA, athletic director, Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School, South Paris, Maine; William Bowers, CMAA, executive director of the Oregon Athletic Directors Association; John Carlson, CMAA, director of athletics, Chandler (Arizona) Unified School District; Darren Paulson, CAA, activities director, Rapid City (South Dakota) Central High School; George Phelan III, CAA, athletic director, Miami (Florida) Sunset Senior High School; Carol M. Satterwhite, CAA, former athletic director, Wilde Lake High School, Columbia, Maryland; Gary Segrest, CAA, athletic director, Mineral Springs (Arkansas) Public Schools; and Doug Smith, CMAA, athletic administrator, Naperville (Illinois) North High School.

Carlson is a NCEP gold-medal coach with USA Wrestling and has been an active leader within the organization.

Other recipients with a wrestling background include Bowers, Paulson and Phelan.

Citations will be presented at the conference banquet at 6:30
p.m. December 16.

Following are biographical sketches on this year's NFHS Citation
recipients with a wrestling background

BILL BOWERS

Bill Bowers, CMAA, devoted 31 years of stout service as an educator in Springfield (Oregon) Public Schools before becoming executive director of the Oregon Athletic Directors Association (OADA).

Bowers served as a mathematics instructor and the football, wrestling and baseball coach at Hamlin Junior High School from 1972 to 1979, a mathematics instructor, head baseball coach and assistant football coach at Springfield High School from 1979 to 2003, and was athletics and activities director at Springfield High School from 1995
to 2003.

Within the NIAAA, Bowers was state liaison to the NIAAA for six years and a state certification chair for two years, and he has presented more than 30 leadership training courses at state conferences and the national conference. At the state level, Bowers was ticket manager for the Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA) state championship events for five years, was the Class 3A state wrestling championship meet director for three years and was the Class 1A state volleyball championship meet director for three years. Bowers, who was a member of the OADA executive board for 11 years, also served as the organization's president.

Throughout his career, Bowers has received considerable recognition. He was named Midwestern League Baseball coach of the year in both 1983 and 1988, the Midwestern League athletic director of the year, the OADA AAAA athletic director of the year and the OADA state athletic director of the year. At the national level, he was an NIAAA State Award of Merit recipient in 2003 and an NIAAA Distinguished Service Award recipient in 2005. In addition, he earned the CAA designation in 1998 and in 2002, became the first athletic director in Oregon to attain the CMAA designation.

Bowers has also been a key asset to the community as he was the executive secretary and treasurer of the Oregon Junior Baseball Association, president of the Springfield Baseball Commission and president of Midwestern League Athletic Directors. Currently, he is on the Emerald Kidsports Board of Directors, is the ticket chairman for OSAA state championship events and is the scoreboard operator for the University of Oregon's football and men's basketball teams.

JOHN CARLSON

John Carlson, CMAA, has devoted 34 outstanding years to the Chandler (Arizona) Unified School District, including the past 20 as district athletic director.

Prior to assuming Chandler's director of athletics position, Carlson was a teacher and coach at Chandler High School. During that time, he taught Arizona history, world history, safety education, study skills and physical education, and was a driver's education instructor, assistant football coach and head wrestling and track coach. Carlson, who spent his entire educational and coaching career in Arizona, began at Sacaton Public Schools and Central Arizona College.

Carlson, who is a lifetime NIAAA member, has been with the Arizona Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (AIAAA) for 20 years, including 18 as an executive board member and a term as president in 2006. He also has been a member of the Arizona Coaches Association for 37 years, the Arizona Education Association for 33 years and the National Education Association for 34 years. Carlson has been involved with USA Wrestling since 1981, serving on its junior division executive board since 1998.

Carlson has received a wide range of recognitions throughout his professional career. Among those, he was Chandler Young Educator of the Year and the State of Arizona Young Educator of the Year in 1979, the 3A Wrestling Coach of the Year in 1989, and the 5A Wrestling Coach of the Year in 1990.

Carlson was inducted into the Arizona Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1990 and into the Arizona Coaches Association High School Coaches Hall of Fame in 1995. At the national level, he received the NIAAA State Award of Merit 2000 and the NIAAA Distinguished Service Award in 2004.

Carlson, who was Chandler High School head wrestling coach from 1974 to 1991, fielded a nationally ranked program from 1987 to 1990, and led the team to state championships in 1989 and 1990. He also was an 11-year head track coach at Chandler High School and is a gold level certified coach with USA Wrestling.

DARREN PAULSON

It takes a special type of person to handle the position of activities director at the largest high school in South Dakota, but Darren Paulson, CAA, has been more than up to the task. For the past five years, he has excelled in that capacity at Rapid City Central (enrollment 2,300) and has been an athletic administrator for 15 years overall.

Before assuming his position at Rapid City, Paulson was both a teacher and a coach at Mission (South Dakota) Todd County and Lead-Deadwood (South Dakota) High Schools, where he coached football, basketball, track and wrestling. He was activities director during his final 10 years at Lead-Deadwood.

Paulson's service at the local, state and national levels has been quite extensive. Nationally, he was a member of the NIAAA Membership and Service Committee from 2000 to 2001; he obtained his CAA designation in 1998 and has been an attendee of seven national conferences, serving as a delegate in 2000, 2003 and 2004.

At the state level, Paulson has been a member of the South Dakota Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association Board of Directors since 1998, serving as president, vice president and second vice president, and he currently is state assistant leadership training coordinator. Within the South Dakota High School Activities Association, Paulson has been chairman of both the ad-hoc calendar committee and the out-of-season rules committee, and he has been a member of the State Football Advisory Committee since 2002. He has been state event/tournament manager for 11 different sports, including track, boys and girls basketball, and wrestling.

Among his many recognitions, Paulson was named Regional Activities Director of the Year in 2001, South Dakota Assistant Football Coach of the Year in 2001 and South Dakota Assistant Principal of the Year in 2003.

GEORGE PHELAN III

George Phelan III, CAA, has been an outstanding athletic director at Miami (Florida) Sunset Senior High since 1984, but his exemplary service at the school actually goes back to when he was hired as a member of the original staff in 1978.

Phelan was a guidance counselor during his first five years at the school, a position he continues to hold today along with being athletic director. Prior to his time at Miami Sunset, Phelan was a teacher and coach from 1971 to 1978 at Henry H. Filer Junior High, Hialeah High School and Miami Killian High Schools in Florida. Prior to becoming an athletic director, he coached cross country, badminton and wrestling for 13 years.

An NIAAA member since 1984, Phelan has attended all but one national conference during that time, was a member of the Florida Host Committee at three national conferences, was on the Awards Committee, and has been Florida's delegate to the NIAAA Delegate Assembly on two separate occasions. In recognition of his service to the organization, he received both an NIAAA State Award of Merit in 1995 and a Distinguished Service Award in 2005.

At the state level, Phelan has been an active member of the Florida Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (FIAAA) since 1984. Among his leadership positions, he has served as FIAAA president, FIAAA Board of Directors District 16 director and FIAAA Higher Education Committee chairman. In addition, he has been an FIAAA state conference presenter, panelist, discussion leader, moderator and audio visual coordinator. He has also served the Florida High School Athletic Association as a member of the Representative Assembly, the Athletic Directors' Advisory Board and the inaugural Public Liaison Advisory Committee.

Phelan has received numerous recognitions during his tenure at Miami Sunset. Among those, he was named 1984 "Wrestling Coach of the Year" by The Miami News, was chosen Dade County Counseling Association High School Counselor of the Year in 1998 and the FIAAA State of Florida Athletic Administrator of the Year in 2007.

About the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS)

The NFHS, based in Indianapolis, Indiana, is the national leadership organization for high school sports and fine arts activities. Since 1920, the NFHS has led the development of education-based interscholastic sports and fine arts activities that help students succeed in their lives. The NFHS sets direction for the future by building awareness and support, improving the participation experience, establishing consistent standards and rules for competition, and helping those who oversee high school sports and activities. The NFHS writes playing rules for 17 sports for boys and girls at the high school level.

Through its 50 member state associations and the District of Columbia, the NFHS reaches more than 18,500 high schools and 11 million participants in high school activity programs, including more than 7 million in high school sports. As the recognized national authority on interscholastic activity programs, the NFHS conducts national meetings; sanctions interstate events; produces publications for high school coaches, officials and athletic directors; sponsors professional organizations for high school coaches, officials, spirit coaches, speech and debate coaches and music adjudicators; and serves as a national information resource of interscholastic athletics and activities. For more information, visit the NFHS Web site at www.nfhs.org.

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 1:07 PM | Permalink

WCWA women’s college wrestling rankings released for November
WCWA
11/07/2008

The November rankings from the Women’s College Wrestling Association (WCWA) have been released.

There are five new No. 1 ranked wrestlers, who have taken over the top spot since the first pre-season ranking was published in October. The new No. 1 ranked wrestlers include Joey Miller of Oklahoma City Univ. at 48 kg/105.5 lbs., Alyssa Lampe of Northern Michigan USOEC at 51 kg/112.25 lbs., Samantha Schuman of Missouri Baptist at 55 kg/121 lbs., Tatiana Padilla of Lindenwood at 59 kg/130 lbs. and Lacey Novinska of Oklahoma City Univ. at 72 kg/158.5 lbs.

Two of the top ranked athletes are freshmen, Padilla and Miller. Padilla recently won a bronze medal at the Women’s World Wrestling Championships held in Tokyo, Japan. Miller won a pair of tournaments in recent weeks, the Lady Oaks Invitational in Atherton, Calif. and the Sparta Cup in Salinas, Puerto Rico.

Lampe, who was second in last year’s WCWA Nationals, placed second in the U.S. Women’s World Team Trials in Colorado Springs, Colo. this fall.

Oklahoma City Univ. had the most wrestlers with top rankings with five: Miller, Novinska, Lene Wood at 44 kg/97 lbs., Carrie Clark at 82 kg/180.25 and Brittany Delgado at 95 kg/209 lbs. Checkout the videos on flowrestling

Six different teams boasted No. 1 wrestlers, and no team except Oklahoma City Univ. had more than one top-ranked athlete.

Other No. 1 athletes in this ranking included Karen Howe of Missouri Valley College at 63 kg/138.75 lbs. and Amberlee Ebert of Wisconsin-River Falls at 72 kg/158.5 lbs.

The rankings will be published monthly, with two rankings during January.

WCWA INDIVIDUAL RANKINGS
Released November 6, 2008

44 kg/97 lbs.
1. Lene Wood (Oklahoma City Univ.)
2. Stephanie Waters (Oklahoma City Univ.)
3. Priscilla Brownsfield (Univ. of the Cumberlands)
4. Daphne Anne Hogdson (Simon Fraser)
5. Lisa Martinez (Univ. of the Cumberlands)
6. Kiki Araki (Simon Fraser)
7. Ashley Shannon (Univ. of the Cumberlands)
8. Cynthia Zamora (Lindenwood)

48 kg/105.5 lbs.
1. Joey Miller (Oklahoma City Univ.)
2. Joleen Oshiro (Stanford)
3. Nicole Woody (Oklahoma City Univ.)
4. Ashley McKilligan (Simon Fraser)
5. Ashley Dehnz (Univ. of the Cumberlands)
6. Rachael Holthaus (Wisc.-River Falls)
7. Lauren Tallman (Menlo)
8. Christina Varland (Jamestown)

51 kg/112.25 lbs.
1. Alyssa Lampe (Northern Michigan USOEC)
2. Katherine Fulp-Allen (Menlo)
3. Jackie Stiles (Univ. of the Cumberlands)
4. Leann Barney (Oklahoma City Univ.)
5. Tiffany Sluik (Jamestown)
6. Emily Martin (Northern Michigan USOEC)
7. Erica Torres (Oklahoma City Univ.)
8. Shannon Reeves (Univ. of the Cumberlands)

55 kg/121 lbs.
1. Samantha Schuman (Missouri Baptist)
2. Michaela Hutchison (Oklahoma City Univ.)
3. Carla O’Connell (Menlo)
4. Ashley Hudson (Oklahoma City Univ.)
5. Amy Whitbeck (Northern Michigan USOEC)
6. Beth Johnson (Northern Michigan USOEC)
7. Rita Pare (Simon Fraser)
8. Tani Ader (Jamestown)

59 kg/130 lbs.
1. Tatiana Padilla (Lindenwood)
2. Samantha Fee (Missouri Valley College)
3. Nikki Darrow (Northern Michigan USOEC)
4. Breisja Macera (Univ. of the Cumberlands)
5. Jessica Kelvas (Univ. of the Cumberlands)
6. Firen Gassmen (Oklahoma City Univ.)
7. Raissa Dickinson (Simon Fraser)
8. J’aime Sage (Menlo)

63 kg/138.75 lbs.
1. Karen Howe (Missouri Valley College)
2. Samantha Phillips (Oklahoma City Univ.)
3. Schuyler Brown (Northern Michigan USOEC)
4. Jenny Germany (Missouri Valley College)
5. Monique Cabrera (Menlo)
6. Danielle Lappage (Simon Fraser)
7. Paige Rife (Univ. of the Cumberlands)
8. Tessa Plana (Oklahoma City Univ.)

67 kg/147.5 lbs.
1. Amberlee Ebert (Wisc.-River Falls)
2. Stefenie Shaw (Oklahoma City Univ.)
3. Stacie Anaka (Simon Fraser)
4. Zinna Anyanwuh (Missouri Valley College)
5. Lauren Knight (Univ. of the Cumberlands)
6. Melissa Apodaca (Northern Michigan USOEC)
7. Ashlee Evans-Smith (Menlo)
8. Ku’uipo Badayos (Jamestown)

72 kg/158.5 lbs.
1. Lacey Novinska (Oklahoma City Univ.)
2. Lindsay Brooks (Northern Michigan USOEC)
3. Erin Clodgo (Northern Michigan USOEC)
4. Erin Church (Simon Fraser)
5. Melissa Brooks (Northern Michigan USOEC)
6. Moriah Fernandez (Menlo)
7. Christen Paysse (Univ. of the Cumberlands)
8. Erin Fierro (San Jose State)

82 kg/180.25 lbs.
1. Carrie Clark (Oklahoma City Univ.)
2. Terri Milkoff (Univ. of the Cumberlands)
3. Brittany Caoile (Menlo)
4. Hillar Greening (Simon Fraser)
5. Keron Scott (Oklahoma City Univ.)
6. Des Memea (Missouri Baptist)
7. Jessica Scott (Univ. of the Cumberlands)
8. Sunya Maxwel (Jamestown)

95 kg/209 lbs.
1. Brittany Delgado (Oklahoma City Univ.)
2. Lakia Henderson (Univ. of the Cumberlands)
3. Amanda Athon (Jamestown)
4. Tasha McCuller (Missouri Baptist)
5. Laura Stewart (Menlo)
6. Amber Floyd (Univ. of the Cumberlands)
7. Cardellen Parker (San Jose State)

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 5:00 PM | Permalink

Northwestern's Jake Herbert ready to make run at Hodge Trophy, second NCAA title
Craig Sesker USA Wrestling
11/05/2008

In the photo: Jake Herbert looks for points against Germany's Davyd Bichinashvili in the finals of the 2008 Dave Schultz Memorial International. Herbert beat Bichinashvili, who went on to place fifth in the Olympics. Photo by Tech-Fall.com.

If it seems like Jake Herbert has been at Northwestern University forever … well, he has been.

Long-time teammates like fellow national champion Dustin Fox, along with All-Americans Ryan Lang and Mike Tamillow, have completed their eligibility for the Wildcats.

Most of his classmates have graduated and moved on to the business and professional world.

So when the outgoing, fun-loving Herbert was spotted on campus this fall heading to class for the start of his sixth year at Northwestern, fellow students couldn’t resist the opportunity to give him some grief.

“They are like, ‘What are you still doing here?’� Herbert said with a laugh.

The 23-year-old Herbert has one season of eligibility left after taking an Olympic redshirt during the 2007-08 school year.

He originally redshirted at Northwestern during the 2003-04 school year. He followed by placing third, second and first at the NCAA Championships before being granted an Olympic redshirt last season.

“It’s kind of sad that this is finally my senior year,� said Herbert, who is just a handful of credits shy of earning his degree in communications studies. “They say college is the best years of your life, and I did my best to extend it to six years. I wish I could go back and be a freshman all over again. I love it here. I’ve grown so much as a wrestler and a person. It’s been great.�

To say Herbert enters the 2008-09 season with lofty goals is a huge understatement. He is ranked second nationally at 184 pounds behind returning NCAA champion Mike Pucillo of Ohio State.

“I already told (Iowa’s Brent) Metcalf I’m coming after him for the Hodge Trophy this year and he said, ‘Bring it,’� Herbert said with a laugh. “I want to dominate. I want to pin everybody I wrestle. And when the college season ends, I’m jumping into freestyle 100 percent. My plan is to win a gold medal at the 2009 World Championships.�

During his Olympic redshirt season, Herbert showed signs that his goal of winning a World freestyle title is legitimate.

He won a pair of international events – the Hargobind International in Canada and the Dave Schultz Memorial International. Herbert, who competes internationally for the New York Athletic Club, also placed second in the Sunkist Kids International Open.

Herbert knocked off Germany’s Davyd Bichinashvili in the finals of the Schultz event. Bichinashvili placed fifth at the 2008 Olympic Games. Herbert also posted two wins last season over Andy Hrovat, who went on to make the U.S. Olympic Team at 84 kg/185 lbs.

“I learned so much and gained so much experience last year,� Herbert said. “You can’t put a price on how valuable that Olympic redshirt season was for me. I know I can wrestle with, and beat, anybody in the World.�

Even with the fast start, Herbert struggled late in the season. Seeded third at the U.S. Nationals, Herbert won his first match before losing his next two. He fell short of placing in the top eight. He followed by going 1-2 and not placing at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials in June.

Two of his freestyle losses last season came to wrestlers – Iowa State’s Jake Varner and Michigan’s Tyrel Todd – who competed in the 2007-08 college season.

Two weeks after the Olympic Trials, Herbert went to see the doctor.

“I was feeling really tired, and I was just dying in the third period of some of my matches,� Herbert said. “I was having trouble breathing and they diagnosed me with asthma.�

With the asthma under control, Herbert came back to win a bronze medal at the World University Championships in July. He dropped a controversial, three-period match to Turkey’s Muharrem Ersahin before coming back to take third.

“I wrestled fantastic and I felt great at University Worlds – that got me back on track,� said Herbert, who also placed third at the 2006 World University Championships. “I feel great right now, better than I’ve ever felt, going into the college season.�

Herbert, who has compiled a sparkling 101-4 record in his college career, returns to the mat this weekend when Northwestern opens its season at the Michigan State wrestling gear Open.

“Jake’s working harder than ever,� Northwestern coach Tim Cysewski said. “He’s definitely a student of the game. He’s always looking for an edge and always wanting to get better. He’s a great leader. He makes his teammates better because he’s always pushing them. He’s very involved with our team and very supportive of our wrestlers, from top to bottom. He’s like another coach.�

Herbert’s chief competition at the collegiate level this year will be Pucillo, the Ohio State junior who won the NCAA title in 2008. Herbert beat Pucillo 11-5 in their only career meeting, which came during the 2006-07 season.

“Pucillo’s a tough kid,� Herbert said. “He’s very smart and very tactical, and he keeps things close. He obviously had a great NCAA tournament last year and he had an amazing season. I look forward to wrestling him again.�

Some wrestling observers have questioned why Herbert would start the season ranked second. Herbert has not lost a collegiate match since falling to Missouri’s Ben Askren in the 2006 NCAA finals.

“I really don’t care where they put me – that’s their opinion and that’s rankings,� he said. “All I really care about is what happens at the NCAA tournament. That’s all that matters anyway.�

Herbert’s impact on the Northwestern campus in suburban Chicago has extended well beyond the wrestling mat.

“Jake’s definitely been the face of Northwestern wrestling, but he’s been a great asset to the whole athletic department,� Cysewski said. “He’s not a football player or a basketball player, but he’s the best role model for the athletic program here. He supports the other athletic programs and he’s like the Pied Piper where he gets people to follow him. Northwestern had a big soccer game against Ohio State, and Jake had all the wrestlers out there and our guys were all painted up for the game. It was fantastic. And then when we wrestled at home, a bunch of the soccer players reciprocated and came over to support Jake and the wrestling team.�

Herbert, from Wexford, Pa., is among a group of talented young freestyle wrestlers in the U.S. Many of those wrestlers will be in contention to make the 2009 U.S. World Team.

“We’re not that far away from being one of the top teams in the World again,� he said. “We’ve got some real good young wrestlers in the U.S. – guys like Brent Metcalf – who are very hungry. We have the desire to be the best in the World.�

His college coach believes Herbert can reach that level.

“Jake can definitely win a gold medal at the World and Olympic level if he stays focused, stays healthy and continues to improve. I know he can do it,� Cysewski said. “He’s one of those rare guys – he says he’s going to do something and then he goes out and does it. His potential is unbelievable. He has the right attitude and the right work ethic to win the Olympics. I have no doubt about that.�

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 4:06 PM | Permalink

McCoy vs. Santoro headlines Maryland-Lehigh dual
Jeff Breese InterMat
11/05/2008

The second week of the college wrestling season is underway and this week there is no bigger dual meet than the Lehigh versus Maryland on Sunday. It is the most important Division I dual meet scheduled this weekend. This dual has several story lines to follow just with the competitors alone, but none of them compare to the intrigue of the coaching match-up.

It will be Kerry McCoy versus Pat Santoro or Pat Santoro versus Kerry McCoy, depending on your point of view.

The two coaches have a long history with each other and, in a sense, have followed each other from job to job. When McCoy was a student-athlete at Penn State, Santoro was part of the Nittany Lion coaching staff. Once McCoy graduated he became a member of the Nittany Lion coaching staff and Santoro became an assistant at Lehigh. After three seasons at Penn State, McCoy then joined Santoro at Lehigh as the director wrestling and head coach at the Lehigh Valley Athletic Club. Santoro and McCoy were on the same staff at Lehigh until 2004 when Santoro became the head coach at Maryland.

A year later, McCoy left Lehigh to become the head coach at Stanford. It seemed like the cycle would stop there, until this off-season. Greg Strobel stepped down as the Lehigh head coach and Santoro was awarded the position. McCoy, just as in the past, followed the Santoro trail and took the head coaching vacancy at Maryland. Now, to kick-off the 100th season of the Lehigh wrestling, the two old friends will send their best out onto the mat to do battle against each other. Santoro will be coaching against his old team, a program he built into ACC Champs last season.

The dual may not seem to be a tight match on paper, but when both teams lace up their wrestling shoes we should see well prepared athletes who should know each other inside and out. Add in the atmosphere that Lehigh fans provide at any home dual and this match could become much closer than anticipated.

The bouts at 133 and 141 should provide a lot of intrigue and have some back story of their own. Maryland’s Steve Bell and Lehigh’s Matt Fisk square off in a battle of P.I.A.A. Champions at 133. Fisk had the more storied high school career, but Bell will come into the bout ranked No. 13, seven spots higher than Fisk.

Former Easton High School teammates, Alex Krom of Maryland and Seth Ciasulli of Lehigh, will gear up head-to-head at 141. Both wrestlers had stellar high school careers for Easton. Krom set the all-time District 11 wins record and Ciasulli was a three-time Pennsylvania placer. Entering the match Sunday, Ciasulli will be ranked No. 20 and Krom is unranked coming off of a redshirt year.

The Lehigh versus Maryland on Sunday will clearly be the highlight dual, but several opens and invitationals will be going on throughout the weekend. Highlights of these tournaments include: The Oklahoma Gold Classic, the National Catholic Invitational, the Daktronics Open, and the W&J Open.

The Oklahoma Gold Classic, which is hosted by SUNY-Brockport, includes Division I teams such as Edinboro, Hofstra, Kent State, Army, and, of course, Oklahoma. The NCI showcases a mix of Division II East Region talent and throws in Divsion I Duquesne and Sacred Heart. The Daktronics Open is the best tournament to see schools from the Midwest compete and provides a first glimpse at Nebraska-Omaha, which looks to be a dominant force in Division II this season. The W&J Open is one of the tournaments that flies under the radar, but continues to become tougher each season with a good mix of Division I and II teams.

This weekend should be interesting and each week will become more exciting as rivalry matches and conference duals creep closer.

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 9:08 PM | Permalink

TheWrestlingTalk.com has released the 2008-2009 NCAA Wrestling Schedules for all available Division 1 NCAA Wrestling teams. Below you will find a listing of each week throughout the season:

Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
Week 6
Week 7
Week 8
Week 9
Week 10
Week 11
Week 12
Week 13
Week 14
Week 15
Week 16
Week 17
Week 18
Week 19
Week 20
Week 21
Week 22
Week 23
Week 24
Week 25
Week 26
Week 27
Week 28
Week 29
Week 30
Week 31
Week 32

Enjoy the awesome college wrestling coverage!

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 12:20 AM | Permalink

Bart Reiter, ranked 80 by InterMat, has given a verbal to the University of Minnesota. Reiter wom a state title for Don Bosco High School in Iowa last season.

Find out when Iowa wrestles Minnesota by viewing the wrestling schedule.

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 5:17 PM | Permalink

Cornell's Troy Nickerson back on the mat, ready to make run at NCAA title
Craig Sesker USA Wrestling
10/30/2008

Cornell’s Troy Nickerson spent much of his summer trying to decide if he was going to bump up to 133 pounds or stay at 125 for the upcoming college season.

That was until he watched the Olympics.

Inspired by the gold-medal victory by American Henry Cejudo – a guy he grew up winning numerous national age-group tournaments with – Nickerson plans to return to 125 for his junior season.

Not only that, Nickerson plans to drop down to 55 kg/121 lbs. when he straps on the wrestling shoes for freestyle after the college season.

“Henry’s a year younger than me and we were always a weight class apart when we competed in the same events,� Nickerson said. “He’s a great competitor, and it didn’t surprise me a bit to see him win the Olympics. I see myself being at a similar level – I have the same kind of aspirations. Seeing Henry win motivated me to get back down to 125. That’s where I will be at my best.�

Nickerson is back on the mat for his junior season after missing the 2007-08 campaign with a torn labrum in his left shoulder. He suffered the injury last November and had surgery in December.

Nickerson, from Chenango Forks, N.Y., placed second at the 2006 NCAA Championships as a true freshman before finishing third in the 2007 NCAA meet.

“I was pretty eager to get back on the mat,� he said. “It’s been 18 months since I’ve been in a competitive match. It feels great to be back in the practice room and be healthy again.�

Nickerson made an immediate splash in his first season with Cornell, storming all the way to the NCAA finals as a true freshman before falling to returning champion Joe Dubuque of Indiana in the finals.

Nickerson entered the 2007 NCAAs in Auburn Hills, Mich., as the No. 2 seed behind Sam Hazewinkel of Oklahoma. Nickerson suffered a 2-1 double-overtime loss to No. 6 seed Paul Donahoe of Nebraska in the semifinals. Donahoe went on to knock off Hazewinkel in the finals.

“I thought it was my tournament to win and I kind of blew it,� Nickerson said. “I’m determined that this is going to be my year to get it done.�

Nickerson said he wasn’t at his best for the 2007 NCAAs.

“My back was bothering me and I wasn’t 100 percent healthy,� he said. “I wasn’t able to train, get in shape and get my weight down right because of my back. I got myself in a close match and didn’t do enough to win. I had a bunch of chances to score and I didn’t take advantage of it against (Donahoe).

Nickerson was in attendance at the 2008 NCAAs in St. Louis when Indiana’s Angel Escobedo won the title at 125. Nickerson beat Escobedo twice in the 2007 NCAA meet, in the quarterfinals and in the third-place match. Nickerson also has pinned Escobedo in a freestyle matchup.

Escobedo is back this season. Donahoe, now at Edinboro, also is back at 125. Donahoe placed third at the 2008 NCAA meet.

“It was definitely real hard to watch at the NCAAs,� Nickerson said. “I really wanted to be out there.�

Nickerson starts the season ranked second behind Escobedo, who is also a junior.

Nickerson, who is 58-5 in his college career, is part of a loaded Cornell team that could make a run at the NCAA team title this year. The Big Red will have six All-Americans in their lineup this season, including returning NCAA champion Jordan Leen at 157.

“Jordan is training harder than I’ve ever seen him train,� Nickerson said. “He will have a target on his back, but he’s really focused on having another great season.�

Cornell also has All-Americans back in Mike Grey (141), Mack Lewnes (165), Steve Anceravage (174) and Josh Arnone (197).

“I see us right there competing with Iowa and Iowa State for the national title,� Nickerson said. “We have four guys who are potential national champions, plus some other guys who could step in there and be All-Americans. It’s pretty intense in our room right now. It’s real competitive. We’ve developed a lot of depth, and we really push each other.�

Nickerson has his hands full as a Division I athlete and a full-time student at Cornell, an Ivy League school.

He has a 3.0 grade-point average. He is a biology and society major with a concentration in human health and nutrition. He hopes to go on to medical school.

“It’s very tough, trying to balance school and wrestling,� he said. “A lot of nights after practice I will spend another four hours studying. We have a lot on our plate here.�

Nickerson said he plans to compete in April’s U.S. Nationals in freestyle. Nickerson was a two-time Junior Nationals champion and placed second in the 2006 Junior World Team Trials in freestyle.

“I believe I have the potential to compete in the Olympics someday,� he said. “These next four years, it’s time for me to get it done. I will put everything into it I can.�

Before he focuses on freestyle, Nickerson has an NCAA title to win this March in St. Louis.

“Troy looks fantastic right now – he looks better than he ever has before,� Cornell Coach Rob Koll said. “He’s stronger, and technically he’s the same old Troy. I would be really surprised if he doesn’t step in right where he left off, plus a little bit more.�

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 9:04 PM | Permalink

Cornell's Troy Nickerson back on the mat, ready to make run at NCAA title
Craig Sesker USA Wrestling
10/30/2008

Cornell’s Troy Nickerson spent much of his summer trying to decide if he was going to bump up to 133 pounds or stay at 125 for the upcoming college wrestling season.

That was until he watched the Olympics.

Inspired by the gold-medal victory by American Henry Cejudo – a guy he grew up winning numerous national age-group tournaments with – Nickerson plans to return to 125 for his junior season.

Not only that, Nickerson plans to drop down to 55 kg/121 lbs. when he competes in freestyle after the college season.

“Henry’s a year younger than me and we were always a weight class apart when we competed in the same events,� Nickerson said. “He’s a great competitor, and it didn’t surprise me a bit to see him win the Olympics. I see myself being at a similar level – I have the same kind of aspirations. Seeing Henry win motivated me to get back down to 125. That’s where I will be at my best.�

Nickerson is back on the mat for his junior season after missing the 2007-08 campaign with a torn labrum in his left shoulder. He suffered the injury last November and had surgery in December.

Nickerson, from Chenango Forks, N.Y., placed second at the 2006 NCAA Championships as a true freshman before finishing third in the 2007 NCAA meet.

“I was pretty eager to get back on the mat,� he said. “It’s been 18 months since I’ve been in a competitive match. It feels great to be back in the practice room and be healthy again.�

Nickerson made an immediate splash in his first season with Cornell, storming all the way to the NCAA finals as a true freshman before falling to returning champion Joe Dubuque of Indiana in the finals.

Nickerson entered the 2007 NCAAs in Auburn Hills, Mich., as the No. 2 seed behind Sam Hazewinkel of Oklahoma. Nickerson suffered a 2-1 double-overtime loss to No. 6 seed Paul Donahoe of Nebraska in the semifinals. Donahoe went on to knock off Hazewinkel in the finals.

“I thought it was my tournament to win and I kind of blew it,� Nickerson said. “I’m determined that this is going to be my year to get it done.�

Nickerson said he wasn’t at his best for the 2007 NCAAs.

“My back was bothering me and I wasn’t 100 percent healthy,� he said. “I wasn’t able to train, get in shape and get my weight down right because of my back. I got myself in a close match and didn’t do enough to win. I had a bunch of chances to score and I didn’t take advantage of it against (Donahoe).

Nickerson was in attendance at the 2008 NCAAs in St. Louis when Indiana’s Angel Escobedo won the title at 125. Nickerson beat Escobedo twice in the 2007 NCAA meet, in the quarterfinals and in the third-place match. Nickerson also has pinned Escobedo in a freestyle matchup.

Escobedo is back this season. Donahoe, now at Edinboro, also is back at 125. Donahoe placed third at the 2008 NCAA meet.

“It was definitely real hard to watch at the NCAAs,� Nickerson said. “I really wanted to be out there.�

Nickerson starts the season ranked second behind Escobedo, who is also a junior.

Nickerson, who is 58-5 in his college career, is part of a loaded Cornell team that could make a run at the NCAA team title this year. The Big Red will have six All-Americans in their lineup this season, including returning NCAA champion Jordan Leen at 157.

“Jordan is training harder than I’ve ever seen him train,� Nickerson said. “He will have a target on his back, but he’s really focused on having another great season.�

Cornell also has All-Americans back in Mike Grey (141), Mack Lewnes (165), Steve Anceravage (174) and Josh Arnone (197).

“I see us right there competing with Iowa and Iowa State for the national title,� Nickerson said. “We have four guys who are potential national champions, plus some other guys who could step in there and be All-Americans. It’s pretty intense in our room right now. It’s real competitive. We’ve developed a lot of depth, and we really push each other.�

Nickerson has his hands full as a Division I athlete and a full-time student at Cornell, an Ivy League school.

He has a 3.0 grade-point average. He is a biology and society major with a concentration in human health and nutrition. He hopes to go on to medical school.

“It’s very tough, trying to balance school and wrestling,� he said. “A lot of nights after practice I will spend another four hours studying. We have a lot on our plate here.�

Nickerson said he plans to compete in April’s U.S. Nationals in freestyle. Nickerson was a two-time Junior Nationals champion and placed second in the 2006 Junior World Team Trials in freestyle.

“I believe I have the potential to compete in the Olympics someday,� he said. “These next four years, it’s time for me to get it done. I will put everything into it I can.�

Before he focuses on freestyle, Nickerson has an NCAA title to win this March in St. Louis.

“Troy looks fantastic right now – he looks better than he ever has before,� Cornell Coach Rob Koll said. “He’s stronger, and technically he’s the same old Troy. I would be really surprised if he doesn’t step in right where he left off, plus a little bit more.�

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 12:19 AM | Permalink

Ohio State's J Jaggers back for more, looking to repeat as NCAA champion
Craig Sesker USA Wrestling
10/23/2008

In the photo: A bad ankle and a black eye didn't stop J Jaggers from winning the NCAA title at 141 pounds last season.

Shortly after Tom Ryan was hired as the wrestling coach at Ohio State in 2006, J Jaggers was among a group of Buckeye wrestlers who were asked to make a significant sacrifice.

Ryan asked them if they would be willing to restructure their athletic scholarships and take less money.

That would allow the program to build more depth while trying to split up the 9.9 full scholarships the NCAA allows each Division I school for wrestling.

Jaggers, one of the nation’s top recruits coming out of high school, agreed to take less money. So did every other returning scholarship athlete on the OSU roster. Less than two years later, the move already started paying dividends when the Buckeyes finished second at the 2008 NCAA Championships.

Jaggers won an NCAA title last March. So did Mike Pucillo, an athlete OSU landed in large part because of the scholarship money Jaggers and his teammates agreed to give back.

“It was a group sacrifice, and it paid off,� Jaggers said. “We all gave money back. That’s what we needed to do to get a guy like Pucillo. There were about 8 to 10 guys that gave back. I was tired of going into dual meets and only winning 3 out of 10 matches. When Coach Ryan asked us if we were willing to sacrifice, we said we will do whatever it takes to start winning more matches.�

When Ryan was hired to replace Russ Hellickson in the spring of 2006, Jaggers was among the wrestlers who embraced the change in the coaching staff.

A member of the school’s Search Committee for a new head coach, Jaggers endorsed the hiring of Ryan along with assistant coaches Lou Rosselli, Tommy Rowlands and Joe Heskett.

Jaggers has thrived under the current OSU coaching staff. He placed seventh in the 2007 NCAA tournament before winning a national title in 2008 at 141 pounds.

“J wins the old-fashioned way, he works hard,� Ryan said. “He has a strong inner belief system and he’s very good at peaking for big events. He loves the sport and has a deep passion for the sport. And he loves to practice. It’s great to have one of your studs pushing so hard in practice.�

Jaggers said Ryan, who came to Ohio State after a successful run at Hofstra, was the perfect guy to lead the Buckeye program.

“Tom Ryan is one of the most passionate guys about the sport that you will ever see,� Jaggers said. “He will spend 100 man hours if it means getting four extra people in the stands to watch us. He loves Ohio State. He acts like a guy who went to school here and grew up 10 minutes away from the campus. It’s great to see.�

Ryan said guys like Jaggers, who is from Northfield, Ohio, made his transition to OSU much easier.

“J bought in immediately when the new staff came in,� Ryan said. “From Day 1, he was a believer. He completely embraced the change in staff and he gave a big chunk of his scholarship back to help the program. That’s the type of guy J is.�

Much of Jaggers’ development on the mat is a direct result of his relationship with Rosselli, a past Olympian who also has served as a U.S. World Team coach in freestyle wrestling.

“I didn’t know Lou at all when he came in here,� Jaggers said. “From Day 1 that Lou got on campus, he’s been the most influential person with my wrestling. I agree with everything he says wholeheartedly. Lou’s technique is the best I’ve ever seen. His outlook on the sport and what he thinks it takes to win is refreshing to hear. We hit it off right away.�

Rosselli’s impact was most noticeable when the sixth-seeded Jaggers made a surprising run to the 2008 NCAA title in St. Louis.

Jaggers actually lost his very first postseason match of 2008 – a 6-2 setback to Minnesota’s Manuel Rivera in the quarterfinals of the Big Ten Championships – before storming back to place third.

“Losing to Rivera, he’s a stud, so there was no shame in that,� Jaggers said. “I beat him in a dual two weeks before that. Once I got that loss out of my system, I avenged a loss to (Iowa's Dan) LeClere and came back to take third. I really felt I was going in the right direction going into nationals.�

Jaggers was not considered one of the favorites when the NCAA brackets were released the Monday before the biggest tournament of the season.

Cal Poly’s Chad Mendes was seeded No. 1, followed by Hofstra’s Charles Griffin and Big Ten champion Kellen Russell of Michigan.

“The number next to my name on the bracket sheet didn’t make much of a difference to me,� Jaggers said. “I was comfortable with the draw I had. Someone had to stand on top of the podium, so why shouldn’t it be me? I felt I deserved it because I work as hard as anyone else.�

Jaggers followed his plan as the No. 6 seed at nationals. He opened with a pair of wins over unseeded wrestlers before matching up with Russell, a talented freshman, in the quarterfinals. Jaggers earned a 5-3 win over the No. 3 seed.

He followed with an 11-9 win over the second-seeded Griffin in the semifinals.

One of the most memorable matches of the 2008 NCAA finals came at 141 when Jaggers outlasted Mendes 5-2 in the finals.

Late in the match, Jaggers was in the top position when Mendes grabbed the left ankle of Jaggers. The ankle bent awkwardly and Jaggers screamed in agony as he heard something pop.

Following an injury timeout, Jaggers was able to finish the final 16 seconds of the match. He hobbled off the mat in obvious pain after his arm was raised as NCAA champion.

“It obviously was very painful – I tore two ligaments,� said Jaggers, who initially thought he had broken his ankle. “It was like my ankle was slowly being torqued, like a rubber band stretching to its limit. I heard it popping a bunch of times. I don’t think your heel is supposed to bend up and touch your shin. It’s definitely something I don’t want to go through again.�

His name is Jeff Jaggers Jr., but he’s been known mainly as J Jaggers.

“Ever since the day I got home from the hospital I’ve been called J,� Jaggers said. “A friend of my mom’s said I was too skinny and looked like a little bird that needed to be fed. They said I looked like a J-bird, and I’ve been know as J ever since then.�

The Buckeyes open this season ranked No. 2 nationally behind Big Ten rival Iowa. The Hawkeyes captured the NCAA team title in 2008, and bring back five All-Americans from that squad.

“Iowa is the team to beat,� Jaggers said. “They beat us by over 30 points last year. We’re looking to catch them. This is the most productive preseason we’ve had since I’ve been here. Everybody is working really hard toward the common goal. The work ethic and the attitude, it’s been great. Everybody in our room is concentrating on the goal of being national champions.�

Ohio State returns three All-Americans, led by returning national champions in Jaggers and Pucillo (184 pounds). Two-time All-American Lance Palmer (149) also is back. National qualifiers Nikko Triggas (125), Reece Humphrey (133) and Jason Johnstone (157) also return along with starters Colt Sponseller (165) and John Weakley (197).

The Buckeyes also picked up Dave Rella (174), a national qualifier for Penn State last season. Cody Gardner (197), a transfer from Virginia Tech, beat Weakley in a recent Wrestle-Off.

Pucillo, a junior, has emerged as one of the leaders on the Buckeye squad.

“Mike Pucillo is one kid I really look up to, even though he's younger than me,� Jaggers said. “His will to win is impressive. I’ve seen him get mad playing Monopoly because he wants to win so badly. He wants to be a champion and that inspires me.�

Pucillo and Jaggers are scheduled to compete in the college all-star dual next month at Ohio State. The top-ranked Jaggers is set to face second-ranked Nick Gallick of Iowa State.

“It’s awesome, it’s exciting to have it in our backyard,� he said. “We hope to put on a good show for the fans.�

Ryan said Jaggers hopes to become a coach.

“I think he will make a good coach,� Ryan said. “He’s personable, recruits love him and he’s a good leader. He’s a cool kid and is very likeable. We always have him involved when we bring recruits in.�

Jaggers was asked how different this season would be since he starts his senior season ranked No. 1.

“Everybody wants to beat a returning national champion,� he said. “I’m sure I will see a lot of different game plans and get a lot of people’s best matches. I’m happy with what happened last year, but if I don’t win nationals again, everything will be a disappointment.�

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Posted by Wrestling Fan at 2:54 AM | Permalink

Smith, Martori to be inducted into National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame on November 1
Gary Abbott USA Wrestling

Two-time Olympic wrestling champion John Smith and Sunkist Kids founder Art Martori will be the first members of the amateur wrestling community to be inducted into the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame, during the 31st annual Induction and Awards Gala held in Schaumburg, Ill. on November 1.

“The inductees represent the very best of their sport, and are chosen not only for their accomplishments, but for their character, integrity, sportsmanship and contributions to their respective sport and their community,� said Dan Sergi, the dinner chairman for the event.

Smith won gold medals at the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, South Korea and the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain. He also won four World gold medals for the United States (1987, 1989-91), winning six straight World and Olympic titles. Smith won the Sullivan Award and the USOC SportsMan of the Year award as the nation’s top amateur athlete.

“I am half-Italian. It is always a proud side of my family,� said Smith. “There are a lot of happy Italians in Oklahoma about this. The athletes inducted are all tied to Italian blood. It is a proud people. My family has a remarkable history, having to grind it out for many years to allow the next generation to have a better life. It wasn’t easy for the Italian people when my family first came to America. They made a commitment to their family. My mother is as excited as anyone about this.�

Smith was a two-time NCAA champion for Oklahoma State. He is currently the head coach at his alma mater, where he has coached five NCAA champion teams during his 18 years, and has become Oklahoma State’s all-time winningest coach. He is a Distinguished Member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. He also is the poster child for the adidas wrestling shoes created by brute.

“It was even more special having Art Martori inducted with me,� said Smith. “He was very important in my career when I wrestled for the Sunkist Kids. He allowed me to focus on being the best wrestler in the world for six years. He was an important part of my success.�

Martori, a former wrestler and successful businessman, founded the Sunkist Kids Wrestling Club three decades ago, and built it into one of the most successful sports clubs in the world within the Olympic family. Martori served a term as president of USA Wrestling, and has been a leader within the organization for many years. He has been inducted as a Distinguished Member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.

“It means being recognized for what you have accomplished,� said Martori. “I grew up in an Italian family. It is a close-knit group of people, who are all about family. We are being honored by our peers. Many Italian-Americans have done great things. They have identified John Smith and I for this honor. There are so many Italian-American sports heroes. To be brought into that level of recognition, from a sport that we say is a fraternity, is rewarding. This is very good for wrestling. To be recognized on a more national basis is exciting for us all.�

The Sunkist Kids have won every USA Wrestling national freestyle team title since 1983, and has had national champion teams in all three of the Olympic styles of wrestling: men’s freestyle, Greco-Roman and women’s freestyle. Athletes representing the Sunkist Kids have won every major honor within the sport, including World and Olympic gold medals and numerous international honors. John Smith was one of eight Olympic wrestling champions who won their gold medal as a member of the Sunkist Kids, along with Dave Schultz, Mark Schultz, Kenny Monday, Kendall Cross, Rulon Gardner, Cael Sanderson and Henry Cejudo.

“I may be getting this award, but this is all about our club,� said Martori. “It is about the Sunkist Kids and all that our wrestlers have accomplished. It is also about people like Tim Gressley and Kim Martori-Wickey, as well as coaches like Bobby Douglas and Joe Seay, those who do the day-to-day things that goes on with the club.�

Others to be inducted in the Class of 2008 are Kelly Amonte Hiller (lacrosse), Phil Mickelson (golf), John Franco (baseball), Mary Carillo (tennis and broadcaster), John Gagliardo (football), Edward J. DeBartolo, Jr. (football), Alfred “Lindy� Faragalli (bowling), Ed Giacomin (ice hockey), Frank “Frankie� Lentine (softball) and Lou Zamperini (track and field).

In addition, the 2008 Michael J. Roarty Sportsman of the Year award will be presented to Dominic M. Sergi, the President of Rex Electric, Inc. and Technologies. The 2008 Yogi Berry Athlete of the Year award will be presented to WBC and WBO middleweight boxing champion Kelly Pavlik.

ART MARTORI INDUCTION BIOGRAPHY

Art Martori has been an exemplary leader and role model in the sport of wrestling for over 30 years. At Arizona State University, Martori made a name for himself in wrestling as a talented and ambitious competitor. After his competitive professional career Art put his wrestling skills and leadership to work and founded the Sunkist Kids wrestling club in 1976. Art's mission for the Sunkist Kids was to create a program that could assist elite athletes to develop into world-class champions. The Sunkist Kids have an impeccable record; they have won every USA Wrestling National Freestyle team title from 1983 to present day. Martori was selected as the president of USA Wrestling and during his short tenure as president the USA Wrestling team won its first world team title in freestyle wrestling. Martori's leadership and abilities to mold talented youth into world class athletes earned him the honor of being selected as a distinguished member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.

JOHN SMITH INDUCTION BIOGRAPHY

John Smith is truly a giant in the sport of wrestling, under the guidance of fellow inductee Art Martori and the Sunkist Kids, Smith achieved unimaginable success. Smith's impressive resume includes two time Olympic Freestyle Champion, two time World Cup Champion, two time Goodwill Games Champion, two time Pan American Champion, two time FILA Senior World Freestyle Champion, and four time USA Senior Freestyle Champion. His accomplishments on the mat have been recognized and celebrated around the world, he was the first American to be honored Master of Technique and Wrestler of the Year by the International Wrestling Federation (FILA), the first wrestler ever nominated for the World Trophy, which he received in 1992, and was recognized as one of the 100 Greatest Olympians of All Time at the 1996 Atlanta Games. Smith has not only proudly represented his country but also the ancient Sport of Wrestling itself. In 1997 Smith was inducted as a Distinguished Member into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, and in 2003 he was honored internationally by the FILA Hall of Fame. Smith now coaches Oklahoma State University Wrestling Team, who under Smith's leadership, have won five national titles.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL ITALIAN AMERICAN SPORTS HALL OF FAME

Located in Chicago's historic "Little Italy" neighborhood, the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit educational institution dedicated to preserving and promoting the history and heritage of Italian Americans in sports. Our collection aims to honor and preserve Italian Americans who have made lasting contributions to sports and society. The NIASHF has awarded over $6 million in scholarships to students from all backgrounds for their academic and athletic endeavors through our Second Wind and A Level Playing Field outreach programs.

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 6:45 PM | Permalink

Hodge Trophy winner Brent Metcalf of Iowa among five NCAA champions who are back this season

Craig Sesker USA Wrestling
10/17/2008

College wrestling practices are underway across the country and with the start of the season just a few weeks away, it’s time to take a quick glance at what to look forward to during the 2008-09 season.

TheMat.com is breaking down each of the 10 weight classes heading into the season, which will culminate with the NCAA Championships on March 19-21, 2009 in St. Louis, Mo.

The Iowa Hawkeyes are the returning NCAA team champion, with Ohio State and Iowa State expected to challenge Iowa for the top spot this season. Nebraska, Cornell, Missouri, Penn State, Illinois and Oklahoma State are among the teams who are capable of being in the hunt.

Five of the 10 NCAA individual champions from 2008 are back this season.

Here is a weight-by-weight look at the upcoming season:

125 POUNDS

This weight class includes the last two NCAA champions in Indiana’s Angel Escobedo and Edinboro’s Paul Donahoe.

Cornell’s Troy Nickerson, who has placed second and third in the country, also is back after missing last season.

2008 NCAA runner-up Jayson Ness of Minnesota will bump up to 133 this season. Ness is a two-time All-American at 125.

This weight class also includes two-time All-American Charlie Falck of Iowa along with All-Americans Brandon Precin of Northwestern and James Nicholson of Old Dominion.

Oklahoma State’s Obe Blanc, an All-American for Lock Haven in 2007, also is in the mix here.

Two other wrestlers to watch here are Arizona State’s Anthony Robles and Penn’s Rollie Peterkin. Both wrestlers finished one win shy of All-American honors last season.

Donahoe, an NCAA champion in 2007 and a third-place finisher in 2008, is now strapping on the wrestling shoes at Edinboro after being dismissed from the University of Nebraska for off-the-mat issues. He is a senior and would be eligible for the second semester.

TheMat.com Top 3: Escobedo, Donahoe, Nickerson.

133 POUNDS

Iowa junior Joey Slaton is the top returning finisher here after placing second in the nation this past March in St. Louis.

Minnesota’s Jayson Ness, a two-time All-American at 125, bumps up to 133 this season.

How tough will the Big Ten be in this division? Michigan State’s Franklin Gomez finished third nationally last season and Jimmy Kennedy of Illinois took fourth.

Iowa State’s Nick Fanthorpe is another wrestler who could contend here. Fanthorpe placed seventh in the nation last year after moving up a weight class. Navy’s Joe Baker is another returning All-American at 133.

Other wrestlers to keep an eye on are Penn State’s Jake Strayer, Hofstra’s Lou Ruggirello and Ohio State’s Reece Humphrey. Strayer was an All-American in 2007, Ruggirello fell one win short of All-American honors last season and Humphrey was a World University silver medalist in freestyle wrestling this past summer.

Oklahoma State’s Tyler Shinn also moves up to this class after previously competing at 125.

TheMat.com Top 3: Slaton, Gomez, Ness.

141 POUNDS

Ohio State’s J Jaggers turned in one of the surprise performances at the 2008 NCAA Championships. Seeded sixth, Jaggers knocked off No. 3 seed Kellen Russell of Michigan, No. 2 seed Charles Griffin of Hofstra and No. 1 seed Chad Mendes of Cal Poly en route to the title.

The next highest returning placewinner at 141 is Iowa State’s Nick Gallick, who took fifth at the NCAAs. Gallick bumped up a weight class last season.

Cornell’s Mike Grey moves up to 141 this year after placing sixth at 133 as a freshman. Tennessee-Chattanooga’s Cody Cleveland placed eighth nationally this past season at 141.

Russell, who spent time ranked No. 1 last season as a freshman, came up one win short of All-American honors last season.

West Virginia’s Brandon Rader is another veteran who could contend here.

Iowa will be very strong here as well. The Hawkeyes will have either All-American Alex Tsirtsis or 2008 NCAA qualifier Dan LeClere competing at 141.

TheMat.com Top 3: Jaggers, Gallick, Russell.

149 POUNDS

The toughest weight class in the country during the 2007-08 season, 149 may be just as competitive this season.

The best wrestler in the country, reigning Hodge Trophy winner Brent Metcalf of Iowa, is back for his junior season after winning the NCAA title in 2008. The punishing, hard-charging Metcalf may be the best college wrestler since Cael Sanderson.

2007 Junior World freestyle champion Bubba Jenkins of Penn State turned in a strong college campaign last season after placing second to Metcalf at nationals. Jenkins came out strong in the NCAA finals against Metcalf before falling 14-8.

Nebraska’s Jordan Burroughs is another talented and dangerous wrestler in this division. Burroughs placed third at nationals last year as a sophomore. He gained experience this past summer as a member of the U.S. Junior World Team.

North Carolina State’s Darrion Caldwell, the only wrestler to beat Metcalf last season, also is back. The explosive Caldwell was fifth in the country in 2008.

Two-time All-American Lance Palmer of Ohio State can’t be counted out either. Palmer gave Metcalf his toughest match of the 2008 NCAAs before Metcalf pulled out a 3-2 win in the quarterfinals.

Purdue’s Jake Patascil and Army’s Matt Kyler are two other top wrestlers in this division.

Three-time All-American Dustin Schlatter of Minnesota moves out of this division. Schlatter is moving up to 157 and he may take a redshirt season.

TheMat.com Top 3: Metcalf, Burroughs, Jenkins.

157 POUNDS

Cornell’s Jordan Leen is back after winning an NCAA title. Leen was seeded eighth before knocking off top-ranked Gregor Gillespie of Edinboro en route to the title.

Gillespie also is back. He won NCAAs as a 149-pounder in 2007.

NCAA runner-up Mike Poeta of Illinois also returns for his senior season. Penn State’s Dan Vallimont is back after finishing third in the country in 2008.

All-American J.P. O’Connor of Harvard is expected to bump up to this division.

Iowa State’s Cyler Sanderson made significant improvement last year in becoming an All-American for the first time in 2008.

Bloomsburg’s Matt Moley rebounded from a first-round loss at the NCAAs to place eighth in the country last season.

Missouri’s Michael Chandler and Iowa’s Ryan Morningstar are two other competitors who could make an impact here.

Minnesota’s Dustin Schlatter plans to move up to 157, but may be taking a redshirt this season. Schlatter has been hampered by injuries since winning the NCAA title at 149 in 2006.

TheMat.com Top 3: Poeta, Gillespie, Leen.

165 POUNDS

The top two finishers in this weight class were seniors, so this division looks to be fairly wide open this season.

Missouri’s Nick Marable, Cornell’s Mack Lewness and Northern Iowa’s Moza Fay look like the top contenders after placing 3-4-5 in the nation in 2008.

Two Big 12 rivals – Iowa State’s Jon Reader and Nebraska’s Stephen Dwyer – can’t be counted out either. Reader placed seventh and Dwyer eighth in the 2008 NCAA meet.

Also from the Big 12, Oklahoma State’s Brandon Mason is dropping down a class to 165. Mason was an All-American at 174 in 2007.

Another wrestler to watch in this class is Central Michigan’s Trevor Stewart.

TheMat.com Top 3: Marable, Lewnes, Mason.

174 POUNDS

Michigan’s Steve Luke is the frontrunner in this division after placing second at the NCAA tournament last year.

Luke will face a stern challenge from Big Ten rival Jay Borschel of Iowa. Borschel placed third in his first NCAA meet last season.

Nebraska’s Brandon Browne also will contend after placing fourth at nationals in 2008.

Missouri’s Raymond Jordan is expected to drop down a class to 174. Jordan placed fifth in the nation at 184 last season.

All-Americans Steve Anceravage of Cornell and Alton Lucas of Hofstra also are back in this division.

TheMat.com Top 3: Borschel, Luke, Browne.

184 POUNDS

This weight class features a pair of NCAA champions in Northwestern’s Jake Herbert and Ohio State’s Mike Pucillo. Herbert won it all in 2007 and Pucillo won it last season.

Herbert is back on the mat for his senior season after taking an Olympic redshirt last year. Herbert has placed third, second and first at the NCAAs in his career.

Another Big Ten wrestler, Iowa’s Phil Keddy, also could make some noise here. Keddy was one of the most improved wrestlers in the country last season. Keddy went from being 14-16 as a freshman to placing sixth nationally as a sophomore.

Boise State sophomore Kirk Smith placed eighth in the country in 2008.

Harvard’s Louis Caputo and Nebraska’s Vince Jones are two other top wrestlers in this division along with Rider’s Doug Umbehauer and West Virginia’s Kurt Brenner.

TheMat.com Top 3: Herbert, Pucillo, Keddy.

197 POUNDS

This could be one of the strongest weight classes in the country again this year with two-time NCAA runner-up Jake Varner of Iowa State and All-American Tyrel Todd of Michigan both bumping up to 197. Todd was third in the country at 184 last year.

Also in this class is 2008 third-place finisher Hudson Taylor of Maryland and fourth-place finisher Craig Brester of Nebraska.

Wisconsin’s Dallas Herbst is back after placing sixth last year. Missouri junior Max Askren was seventh in the nation in 2008.

Cornell’s Josh Arnone and Illinois’ Patrick Bond also can’t be overlooked in this class.

TheMat.com Top 3: Varner, Taylor, Brester.

285 POUNDS

This is another weight class that looks to be up for grabs with the top three finishers from the 2008 NCAAs being seniors.

Oklahoma State’s Jared Rosholt is the top returning wrestler after he placed fourth nationally in 2008. Iowa State’s David Zabriskie was sixth and Wisconsin’s Kyle Massey took eighth. Rosholt, a junior, made noticeable improvement last season. He and Zabriskie have had a number of close battles the past two years.

Navy’s Scott Steele is another guy to keep an eye on here. Stuck behind Navy teammate and third-place NCAA finisher Ed Prendergast last year, Steele will contend for the national title this year. Steele placed third at June’s U.S. Olympic Team Trials in freestyle wrestling and traveled to Beijing, China, as a training partner for Olympian Steve Mocco.

Other top wrestlers in the heavyweight division include Mark Ellis of Missouri, Jermail Porter of Kent State, John Wise of Illinois and Zac Sheaffer of Pittsburgh.

TheMat.com Top 3: Rosholt, Steele, Zabriskie.

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 2:20 PM | Permalink

Gable to attend grand opening of new wrestling facility in Lancaster, Pa. on October 18
10/08/2008

Lancaster, PA – Dan Gable, one of the most renowned American wrestling figures, is leaving Iowa next weekend. Settle down Hawkeye fans, he’s only going to be gone for a few days.

The Manheim Township Mat Club (Lancaster, PA) is celebrating the opening of their brand new wrestling facility, which includes the largest high school wrestling room in the nation.

The celebration, which takes place on Saturday, October 18th at Manheim Township High School, will include a two-hour clinic by Dan Gable.

Following the conclusion of the clinic, there will be a lunch at the high school. Gable will be the honored guest speaker.

“We’ve been successful in growing our youth club and building a new facility. We’re trying to grow and rejuvenate the sport of wrestling,� said Paul Lopez of the Manheim Township Mat Club. “Bringing in someone like Dan Gable raises the awareness of the importance of the sport and what one can accomplish.�

Gable began his legacy as a wrestler at Iowa State, where he won two NCAA titles. His combined prep and collegiate record was 182-1. Following his career at Iowa State, Gable won the 1971 World Championship and 1972 Munich Olympics, where he did not surrender a point.

However, as the head coach at the University of Iowa is where Gable became a household name. Under his watch, the Hawkeyes won 15 NCAA titles, and 45 wrestlers won NCAA titles.

The clinic is open to all wrestlers, so put it on your calendar to make the trek to Lancaster. Space is limited, so all interested in attending should contact Paul Lopez at 717.314.1129.

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 1:11 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

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

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

Support the fundraising campaign for the SU Coach Kunes Memorial
Charlie Kunes Memorial Fund Committee
08/27/2008

Susquehanna University (SU) wrestling founder and 25-year head coach Charlie Kunes passed away in 2006 in his hometown of State College, PA. Soon after a small group of wrestling alumni contacted SU and began discussing the establishment of a permanent campus memorial in recognition of his long and devoted service to SU, its student athletes, and the greater Selinsgrove, PA community.

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’

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 3:43 AM | Permalink

4 time all-american Cary Kolat has released a video library of wrestling technique that currently contains over 1,000 wrestling technique clips!

The Kolat.com Wrestling Video library contains wrestling technique from both standing position and mat wrestling. This is an excellent resource for all coaches and wrestlers!

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 5:29 PM | Permalink

Olympian Clarissa Chun ready to make run at gold medal in Beijing
Craig Sesker USA Wrestling
07/27/2008

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Clarissa Chun walked off the mat with tears in her eyes after one of the most crushing setbacks of her career.

Chun had fallen short of making the historic first U.S. Olympic women’s freestyle wrestling team after losing to Patricia Miranda in the finals of the 2004 Olympic Trials in Indianapolis.

A short time later, U.S. National Coach Terry Steiner provided the words that fueled Chun’s fire the past four years.

“Your time will come,� Steiner told Chun back in 2004. “Your time will come.�

Chun’s time has come, and in a big way. Chun reversed her fortunes from 2004 by stunning the heavily favored Miranda on June 13 in Las Vegas to make the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team at 48 kg/105.5 lbs.

“I was so overwhelmed after I won the Trials,� Chun said. “I was so excited, happy, everything. I thought I was going to cry, but I didn’t. I may have teared up a little bit. To be able to perform like that was amazing.�

Chun (Colorado Springs, Colo./Sunkist Kids) now advances to wrestle at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China. Chun, whose father is Chinese and mother is Japanese, is scheduled to compete in the Olympics on Aug. 16.

Chun, a 2000 World Team member who grew up in Honolulu, Hawaii, placed fourth at the 2008 U.S. Nationals. But Chun did throw a bit of a scare into Miranda in their semifinal matchup. Chun won the first period before Miranda came back to win the next two. Check out her wrestling videos.

The pint-sized, 4-foot-11 Chun, who looks more like a gymnast than a wrestler, came back with a determined effort at the Olympic Trials. She stormed through the Challenge Tournament, knocking off past World Team member Mary Kelly in the finals.

She then advanced to the best-of-3 finals series against Miranda, who earned a berth in the finals by virtue of winning U.S. Nationals.

Chun won the first match 4-0, 0-6, 3-1 before capturing the second bout by a 1-0, 3-1 score. Miranda won a bronze medal at the 2004 Olympics and is a two-time World silver medalist.

Chun was cradled in the second period of the first match, but somehow fought off her back. She then regrouped to win the decisive third period and win the match.

“When she got that cradle, I was like, ‘Oh crap, I can’t get pinned here,’� Chun said. “I just kept fighting and fighting. I knew I had won the first period and all I needed was one more period to win the match. I was able to come back in the third period.�

The 26-year-old Chun was in her first season of freestyle wrestling when she competed at the 2000 World Championships.

“I was really young and I was really intimidated out there,� she said. “I think having gone through that will help me when I get out there at the Olympics.�

Chun nearly made the 2006 World Team before falling to Kelly in a Special Wrestle-Off for the spot on the U.S. squad.

Chun has made significant gains while training with her coach, Keith Wilson, at the Colorado Fight Factory in Colorado Springs.

“A lot of it has been mental in working with Keith,� Chun said. “He’s taught me to believe in myself and he’s given me a lot of positive reinforcement that I could win the Olympic Trials. He’s taught me to stay focused for all three periods.�

An emphasis on conditioning also has been a key for Chun.

“I have worked really hard on that,� she said. “That comes in handy when you’re in shape. I wasn’t tired at all when I wrestled Patricia. I felt great in the third period.�

Chun’s performance at the Olympic Trials impressed her coaches as well.

“Clarissa needs to stay inside herself and not get caught up in the hype of the Games and wrestle,� Steiner said. “She has great movement and ability. She needs to make sure she is wrestling her kind of matches – a lot of attempts and motion.�

Chun has wrestled nearly everyone in her division that will compete in the Olympics at 48 kilos.

“Clarissa has a great chance to medal and win,� Steiner said. “I feel that when you make the U.S. team you are tested and ready to win. There is no person out there that outclasses us. We just need to put it together on the right day.�

Chun said her natural weight is right around 106 pounds.

“I don’t cut any weight,� she said. “I think that helps me because I’m always feeling good when I train. I don’t have to worry about watching my weight like a lot of the other girls.�

Chun started competing in swimming when she was 5 years old before taking up Judo a couple of years later. She started wrestling as a junior in high school.

Chun, who graduated from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs with a degree in communications, is planning to teach English to kindergarten students in Japan during the 2008-09 school year.

Chun said she likely will continue to train and compete after the Olympics.

Chun said it is starting to sink in now that she’s an Olympian.

“It’s kind of weird and kind of crazy to think about it,� she said. “It is great when people call you an Olympian, it’s really cool to hear that. I could get used to this. It’s still hard to believe I beat Patricia in two straight matches. I’m still kind of like, ‘Did I really beat her?’ It’s a great feeling.�

Chun said she will have a large contingent of family and friends, including her parents, watching her from the stands in Beijing.

“I want to win an Olympic gold medal,� Chun said. “I feel really confident right now and I’ve wrestled well against a lot of the top girls in my weight class. I had a really good tournament at the Olympic Trials, but I know I can wrestle better at the Olympics. I’ve wrestled in the World Championships, so I’m not going to be overwhelmed or intimidated by the big stage of the Olympics. I’ve been training my whole life for this opportunity. I will be ready.�

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 12:39 PM | Permalink

Mike Finn and Terry Steiner to go ‘On the Mat’ this week
Kyle Klingman Dan Gable Museum
07/29/2008

This week’s edition of “On the Mat� will feature Mike Finn and Terry Steiner.

“On the Mat� is a weekly wrestling radio program that airs every Wednesday night. This week’s broadcast can be heard live from 6-7 p.m. Central Standard Time. The Dan Gable International Wrestling Institute and Museum in Waterloo, Iowa, hosts the show.

W.I.N. Magazine editor Mike Finn will be on the program to discuss the recent Junior Nationals event in Fargo, North Dakota, and the upcoming Olympic Games. Finn was named wrestling journalist of the year by the National Wrestling Media Association in 2006.

Steiner was named USA Wrestling’s full-time National Women’s Coach in April 2002, the first in USA Wrestling history.

He is responsible for the training of America’s elite women freestyle wrestlers, as well as coaching women wrestlers who are involved in the U.S. Olympic Training Center resident athlete program. As a wrestler, Steiner was an NCAA wrestling champion and a three-time All-American for the University of Iowa.

“On the Mat� can be heard live on the Internet at www.kcnzam.com or locally in Northeast Iowa on 1650, The Fan. Feel free to e-mail radio@wrestlingmuseum.org with questions or comments about the show.

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 4:31 PM | Permalink

U.S. falls short of medals on first day of FILA Junior Greco-Roman Worlds in Turkey
Elizabeth Wiley USA Wrestling
07/29/2008

The U.S. Greco-Roman team failed to place in the four weights that competed Tuesday, July 29 at the FILA Junior Worlds.

Tyler Cox (Gillette, Wyo./Camel Kids), the only returning FILA Junior competitor from 2007, placed ninth at 50 kg/110 lbs. He was the highest placer in competition Tuesday. Cox defeated Bhavale Shivshankar of India, 0-6, 2-0, 6-1, in the first round, but lost to Sang-Hun Oh of Korea, 0-6, 4-7, in the second round.

Kyle Dake (Ithaca, N.Y./Shamrock WC) and Ben Provisor (Stevens Point, Wis./Dennis Hall World Gold WC) also posted 1-1 records. Dake finished 14th at 60 kg/132 lbs. after beating his opponent from Turkey but losing to the Greco-Roman wrestler from Egypt. Provisor came in 19th at the 74 kg/163 lbs. weight class, beating a Polish wrestler and losing to his Turkish opponent.

Michael Rossetti was the other U.S. wrestler competing in the first day of competition. He placed 19th at 96 kg/211.5 lbs. after failing to defeat his first round opponent Taisto Lalli of Finland.

None of the U.S. wrestlers had the opportunity to wrestleback after their loss, because the wrestlers they lost to did not reach the finals.

The final four wrestlers for the U.S. Greco-Roman squad have weighed in and received their draws for competition Wednesday, July 30.

To follow the FILA Junior World Championships as they happen, visit www.fila-wrestling.com/istanbul08/. Coverage includes wrestling shoes, up-to-date results, live matches, and team scores.

Junior World Championships
At Istanbul, Turkey, July 29

U.S. performances on Tuesday

50 kg/110 lbs. - Tyler Cox, Gillette, Wyo. (Camel Kids), 9th
WIN Bhavale Shivshankar (India), 0-6, 2-0, 6-1
LOSS Sang-Hun Oh (Korea), 0-6, 4-7

60 kg/132 lbs. - Kyle Dake, Ithaca, N.Y. (Shamrock WC), 14th
WIN Przemyslaw Kraczkowski (Poland), 3-6, 2-2, 6-0
LOSS Saida Mouneim Said (Egypt), 0-4,0-3

74 kg/163 lbs. - Ben Proviser, Stevens Point, Wis. (Dennis Hall World Gold WC), 19th
WIN Mariusz Szostek (Poland), 1-1, 3-1
LOSS Selim Demir (Turkey), 0-2, 1-2

96 kg/211.5 lbs. - Michael Rossetti, Pittsburgh, Penn. (USOEC), 19th
LOSS Taisto Lalli (Finland), 1-1, 0-6

U.S. Greco-Roman men’s draws for Wednesday’s session

55 kg/121 lbs. – Jimmy Chase, Carol Strem, Ill. (Pinnacle WC)
vs. Artem Roitman (Israel)

66 kg/145.5 lbs. – Bo Beckman, Orem, Utah (USOEC)
vs. Havder Kareem Hasan (Iraq)

84 kg/185 lbs. – Zach Nielsen, Zimmerman, Minn. (Minnesota Storm)
vs. Robert Papp (Romania)

120 kg/264.5 lbs. – Peter Kowalczuk, Oak Park, Ill. (Sunkist Kids/USOEC)
vs. Riza Kayaalp (Turkey)

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 4:23 PM | Permalink

FILA Junior Worlds to test top wrestlers in all three styles starting July 29 in Turkey
Elizabeth Wiley USA Wrestling
07/25/2008

USA Wrestling has been busy this summer preparing the 2007 U.S. Junior World Teams in all three Olympic styles for competition at the FILA Junior World Championships in Istanbul, Turkey, July 29-Aug. 3.

The top 17-20 year old wrestlers in the world will compete at the event. The United States has had considerable success on the FILA Junior level in the past, and seeks to return from China with a number of medals.

In 2007, at the Junior World Championships in Beijing, China, the United States captured four individual medals. The U.S. women’s team tied for fourth in the team standings with three medalists, including World Champion Whitney Conder (Puyallup. Wash./USOEC). The men’s freestyle team placed 11th in the standings, with Bubba Jenkins (Virginia Beach, Va./Penn State) capturing a World Title. The men’s Greco-Roman team placed ninth and had two wrestlers place fifth to lead the team.

Set to lead the women’s freestyle team and two returning medalists. Tatiana Padilla (Azusa, Calif./Sunkist Kids) earned a silver medal at 59 kg/130 lbs. at last year’s competition. Padilla has had strong performances on the senior level nationally and recently finished third at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials for wrestling at 55 kg/121 lbs. Alyssa Lampe (Tomahawk, Wis./USOEC) placed third at 48 kg/105.5 lbs and hopes to improve on her performance. Also returning from last year’s squad is Paige Rife (Fowlerville, Mich./USOEC) at 72 kg/158.5 lbs.

Filling out the roster for the women’s team are Victoria Anthony (Huntington Beach, Calif./) at 44 kg/97 lbs., Helen Maroulis (Rockville, Md./New York AC) at 51 kg/112.25 lbs., Michaela Hutchison (Soldotna, Alaska/) at 55 kg/121 lbs., Schuyler Brown (Montpelier, Va./USOEC) at 63 kg/138.75 lbs., and Adeline Gray (Littleton, Colo./) at 67 kg/147.5 lbs.

Coaching the women’s team are Developmental coach Izzy Izboinikov and volunteers Rob Eiter and Donnie Stephens.

Fifth-place finisher at the 2007 Junior Worlds Tyler Cox is set to lead the Junior Greco-Roman team in Turkey. Cox is the only returning wrestler and will look to improve on last year’s placement at 50 kg/110 lbs.

Joining Cox on the Greco-Roman team are Jimmy Chase (Carol Strem, Ill./Pinnacle WC) at 55 kg/121 lbs., Kyle Dake (Ithaca, N.Y./Shamrock WC) at 60 kg/132 lbs., Bo Beckman (Orem, Utah/USOEC) at 66 kg/145.5 lbs., Ben Provisor (Stevens Point, Wis./Dennis Hall World Gold WC) at 74 kg/163 lbs., Zach Nielsen (Zimmerman, Minn./Minnesota Storm) at 84 kg/185 lbs., Michael Rossetti (Pittsburgh, Penn./USOEC) at 96 kg/211.5 lbs., and Peter Kowalczuk, (Oak Park, Ill./Sunkist Kids/USOEC) at 120 kg/264.5 lbs.

Greco-Roman Developmental Coach Ike Anderson and volunteer Ray Brinzer will serve as the coaching staff for the team.

Men’s freestyle also only has one returning 2007 Junior World Team member. Tyler Graff, a high school aged wrestler, (Loveland, Colo./Loveland Wrestling Academy) will move up a weight class to wrestle at 60 kg/132 lbs. Graff did not place last year.

Joining Graff to complete the men’s freestyle team are Mark Rappo (Holland, Pa./Sunkist Kids) at 50 kg/110 lbs., Zach Sanders (Wabasha, Minn./Minnesota Storm) at 55 kg/121 lbs., Jordan Burroughs (Sicklerville, N.J./Sunkist Kids) at 66 kg/145.5 lbs., Quentin Wright (Bellefonte, Penn./Penn State) at 74 kg/163 lbs., Kirk Smith (Boise, Idaho/Bronco WC) at 84 kg/185 lbs., Clayton Foster (Kooskia, Idaho/Gator WC) at 96 kg/211.5 lbs., and Clayton Jack (Vacaville, Calif./Orange Crush) at 120 kg/211.5 lbs.

Freestyle Developmental Coach Dave Bennett is joined by volunteers Scott Chenoweth and Mark Manning.

The men’s Junior World Teams were determined at the Junior World Team Trials, held in Colorado Springs, Colo. in late May. The women’s Junior World Team was set at the Body Bar FILA Junior Nationals in Colorado Springs, Colo. in mid May.

U.S. Junior World Teams
Istanbul, Turkey

Men’s FS:
50 kg: Mark Rappo, Holland, Pa. (Sunkist Kids)
55 kg: Zach Sanders, Wabasha, Minn. (Minnesota Storm)
60 kg: Tyler Graff, Loveland, Colo. (New York AC)
66 kg: Jordan Burroughs, Sicklerville, N.J. (Sunkist Kids)
74 kg: Quentin Wright, Bellefonte, Penn. (Penn State)
84 kg: Kirk Smith, Boise, Idaho (Bronco WC)
96 kg: Clayton Foster, Kooskia, Idaho (Gator WC)
120 kg: Clayton Jack, Vacaville, Calif. (Orange Crush)

Coach: Mark Manning, Lincoln, Neb.
Coach: Scott Chenoweth, Perry, Okla.
Coach: Dave Bennett, Colorado Springs, Colo.

Greco-Roman:
50 kg: Tyler Cox, Gillete, Wyo. (Camel Kids)
55 kg: Jimmy Chase, Carol Strem, Ill. (Pinnacle WC)
60 kg: Kyle Dake, Ithaca, N.Y. (Shamrock WC)
66 kg: Bo Beckman, Orem, Utah (USOEC)
74 kg: Ben Provisor, Stevens Point, Wis. (Dennis Hall World Gold WC)
84 kg: Zach Nielsen, Zimmerman, Minn. (Minnesota Storm)
96 kg: Michael Rossetti, Pittsburgh, Penn. (USOEC)
120 kg: Peter Kowalczuk, Oak Park, Ill. (Sunkist Kids/USOEC)

Coach: Ray Brinzer, Freedom, Pa.
Coach: Ike Anderson, Colorado Springs, Colo.

Women’s FS:
44 kg: Victoria Anthony, Huntington Beach, Calif.
48 kg: Alyssa Lampe, Tomahawk, Wis. (USOEC)
51 kg: Helen Maroulis, Rockville, Md. (New York AC)
55 kg: Michaela Hutchison, Soldotna, Alaska
59 kg: Tatiana Padilla, Azusa, Calif. (Sunkist Kids)
63 kg: Schuyler Brown, Montpelier, Va. (USOEC)
67 kg: Adeline Gray, Littleton, Colo.
72 kg: Paige Rife, Fowlerville, Mich. (USOEC)

Coach: Rob Eiter, Ocean City, N.J.
Coach: Donnie Stephens, Arcadia, Calif.
Coach: Vladislav “Izzy� Izboinikov, Colorado Springs, Colo.

JUNIOR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS SCHEDULE
At Istanbul, Turkey, July 29-August 3

Tuesday, July 29 – Greco-Roman: 50 kg, 60 kg, 74 kg, 96 kg (Cox, Dake, Provisor, Rossetti)

Wednesday, July 30 – Greco-Roman: 55 kg, 66 kg, 84 kg, 120 kg (Chase, Beckman, Nielsen, Kowalczuk)

Thursday, July 31 – Women’s Freestyle: 44 kg, 51 kg, 59 kg, 67 kg (Anthony, Maroulis, Padilla, Gray)

Friday, August 1 – Women’s Freestyle: 48 kg, 55 kg, 63 kg, 72 kg (Lampe, Hutchinson, Brown, Rife)

Saturday, August 2 – Men’s Freestyle: 50 kg, 60 kg, 74 kg, 96 kg (Rappo, Graff, Wright, Foster)

Sunday, August 3 – Men’s Freestyle: 55 kg, 66 kg, 84 kg, 120 kg (Sanders, Burroughs, Smith, Jack)

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 1:57 PM | Permalink

Interviews from the National Champions are now available on The Wrestling Talk, check 'em out!

Freestyle Cadets & Juniors to Follow.

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 6:33 PM | Permalink

Nowry, Sanders, Grajales win second career Junior National Greco-Roman titles
Gary Abbott USA Wrestling
07/22/2008

Interview videos are up

FARGO, N.D. – Max Nowry of Illinois (105) and Kendrick Sanders of Florida (145) repeated as Junior National champions with victories at the ASICS/Vaughan Junior Greco-Roman Wrestling Nationals at the FargoDome on Tuesday afternoon.

Nowry, a Junior double champion last year, won his third career Junior Nationals title with a victory over Ryak Fitch of Arizona at 105 pounds, 6-5, 1-1. The first period was wide open, with Fitch jumping ahead 5-0, but Nowry turning him three times with gutwrenches to win 6-5. The second period went down to defense from the bottom position, with Nowry defending and scoring the final point of the match.

Sanders put on a display of explosive throws in a two-period victory over Zach Clemente of New York in the finals, 6-1, 6-0. In the first period, Sanders had a three-point throw. In the second period, a high amplitude five-point throw from the reverse lift position ended the match instantly.

Sanders was named Outstanding Wrestler of the tournament for his impressive dominant performance.

Winning a second career Junior Nationals Greco-Roman title was Eric Grajales of Florida, who needed three periods to defeat Ellis Coleman of Illinois, 0-2, 3-3, 6-0. Grajales was also a Junior Nationals Greco-Roman champion in 2006, and has competed on two U.S. Junior World Teams.

In the final period, Grajales received two points when Coleman was cautioned for jumping the whistle. Grajales hit two more gut wrenches to win the final period by technical fall.

2007 Junior Nationals runner-up Tyrell Fortune of Oregon had his offense going strong when he defeated Orlando Scales of Ohio in two straight periods, 6-1, 6-0. Scales scored the first takedown of the match, but Fortune rebounded with a three-point throw to take the first period. In the second period, he quickly took down Scales and turned him a number of times for the technical fall. Fortune was a double Cadet Nationals champion in 2005 and 2006.

Talented twins Dylan and Andrew Alton of Pennsylvania both reached the finals, but only one came home with a title.

Dylan defeated fellow Pennsylvanian Josh Kindig in the finals in two straight periods, 4-0, 3-0 at 135 pounds. Alton scored exposure points in both periods and controlled the action. Dylan Alton was second in Cadet Nationals in Greco-Roman last year and first in freestyle.

At 140 pounds, Cole Schmitt of Wisconsin defeated Andrew Alton of Pennsylvania in two straight periods, 4-1, 4-2. Schmitt scored a three-point throw in both periods. Schmitt was a FILA Cadet Nationals champion this year and was third at the Junior Nationals last year. Andrew Alton was a double Cadet Nationals champion in 2007.

Joining Schmitt as a Junior Nationals Greco-Roman champion was his high school teammate at Belleville-Monticello-New Glarus co-op program in Wisconsin was Kalvin York at 152 pounds. He defeated 2007 Cadet Nationals champion Kirk Cowburn of Pennsylvania in the finals, 3-2, 7-1. York hit a big three-point throw early in the second period to nail down the win.

In a battle of Missouri stars, Ryan Mango defeated Alan Waters in the finals at 112 pounds in a three-period battle, 4-1, 0-2, 6-0. After splitting the first two periods, Mango got his offense going in the deciding third period, using lift and throws to score a technical fall for the period.

Mango was a double Cadet Nationals champion in 2006, while Waters won a Cadet double title in 2007. Mango, younger brother of 2008 Olympian Spenser Mango, missed this event last year after breaking his wrist. Mango beat Waters 2-3, 6-1, 2-1 earlier this year in the FILA Cadet Nationals finals in Akron, Ohio.

Jake Bellis of Illinois opened the tournament with excitement, defeating Tyler Fraley of New Jersey in the finals, 5-4, 7-0 at 98 pounds. Bellis was able to use a powerful gut wrench a number of times during the match.

With Bellis and Nowry winning titles, and a total team effort, Illinois won the Wells Fargo Insurance Services Cup team title with 67 points, followed by Minnesota with 49 points and Pennsylvania with 45 points.

In an impressive performance at 119 pounds, Logan Stieber of Ohio pinned Sharky Slyter of Kansas in 1:27. Stieber turned Slyter early in the period, then ran a bar arm for the pin. He was a Cadet Nationals freestyle champion last year.

The 125-pound match went down to the final seconds, with Luke Goettl of Arizona defeating Justin LaValle of Minnesota, 2-1, 1-10, 3-2. With LaValle leading in the closing period, Goettl scored an exposure turn for two points to win the final period.

Travis Rutt of Minnesota won the gold medal at 160 pounds, defeating 2007 Junior Nationals runner-up Alec Ortiz of Oregon in the finals, 5-0, 7-0. Rutt scored a five-point throw from the reverse lift in the first period, then turned Ortiz twice in the second period for the technical fall. Rutt placed fifth at the Junior Nationals last year.

In a battle of Cadet National Greco-Roman champions from last year, Ethen Lofthouse of Utah defeated Joel Bauman of Minnesota at 171 pounds, 2-0, 5-1. Lofthouse scored a hip toss for three points in the second period to end the match. Last year, Lofthouse won the Cadet title at 160 pounds while Bauman was the champion at 171 pounds.

After losing the first period, Brent Haynes of Missouri came back strong to defeat Clayton Kendall of Illinois, 0-6, 1-1, 7-0. Haynes had two takedowns, a gut wrench, then a headlock to put Kendall away in the final period.

The heavyweight match ended quickly, as John Hiles of Ohio hit multiple gut wrench turns in both periods to score a technical fall over Kyle Kober of Iowa in the finals, 7-0, 6-0.

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 2:02 PM | Permalink

Branch announced as new head coach at Wyoming
DATE: 7/14/2008 9:23:00 PM
Laramie, WY
Wyoming Sports Information

University of Wyoming Athletics Director Tom Burman announced on Monday that Mark Branch has been selected as the new head wrestling coach at UW.

Branch comes to Wyoming from Oklahoma State University where he was the Associate Head Wrestling Coach. He was a part of five NCAA team championships as a coach and student-athlete at OSU. As a college wrestler, Branch was a member of OSU's 1994 NCAA Championship team, and served on the coaching staff for OSU's 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005 NCAA titles.

He provided the Cowboys from Stillwater with personal and team instruction including technique training, weight training, conditioning and nutrition. He was instrumental in the recruiting of student-athletes to Stillwater, as well as organizing fundraising projects, promotional strategies and assisting in public relation functions with student-athletes.

Branch replaces Steven Suder, who coached the Wyoming Cowboys from 1989-2008.

"The hiring of Mark is exciting for the future of Wyoming Cowboy wrestling," Burman said. "We feel his experience and passion will enable us to become a national player in the wrestling community."

"For me, this is the realization of my goal to become an NCAA head coach," said Branch. "I'm from a competitive background, and I was looking for a place where I could build a nationally-competitive program. I believe there is a great deal of support from the Athletic Department and the University as a whole at Wyoming. Wyoming is the right program for me and the right fit for me and my family. I appreciate the confidence that Tom Burman (UW Athletics Director) and Matt Whisenant (UW Senior Associate Athletics Director) have shown in me to get the job done."

As a member of the OSU coaching staff, Branch was named the National Wrestling Coaches' Association (NWCA) Assistant Coach of the Year in 2004. He helped coach OSU to seven Big XII Championships, four NCAA Championships and three Dual Team Championships. He was named the Associate Head Coach at OSU in 2002. He individually coached 31 All-Americans and nine NCAA Champions.

Branch has been a freestyle wrestling coach for the Gator Club in New Orleans, La., since 1997 where he provides personal instruction and training in freestyle wrestling. His teams have participated at various World Team training camps. He has coached at the U.S. Nationals and World/Olympic Team Trials.

As a student-athlete at OSU, Branch was a four-time NCAA All-American (1994-97), four-time NCAA National Finalist (1994-97), two-time NCAA National Champion at 167 pounds (1994 and '97) and a two-time National Freestyle All-American (1998 and '99). In 1997, he was named the Big XII Athlete of the Year, OSU Student-Athlete of the Year and the top graduating senior for OSU Wrestling. He was a four-time NWCA Academic All-American, received an NCAA Post-Graduate Scholarship Award and a Big XII Post-Graduate Scholarship Award.

Branch earned his bachelor of science degree in secondary education from Oklahoma State in 1997 and earned his master of science degree in athletic administration from OSU in 2000.

"I wouldn't be in this position if it weren't for the opportunities I was given at my alma mater, Oklahoma State," said Branch. "John Smith (Head Wrestling Coach at Oklahoma State) gave me the opportunity to learn from him. I consider him to be the greatest coach in college wrestling. I was fortunate to be a part of the greatest program in college wrestling as a student-athlete and assistant coach with the Oklahoma State Cowboys, now I'm excited to build on the great tradition of Wyoming Cowboy wrestling."

A native of Newkirk, Okla., he and his wife Susan have a daughter, Maggie Belle, and a son, Mason Layne.

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 2:50 PM | Permalink

Top U.S. wrestlers set to take down competition at University Worlds July 9-13 in Greece
Elizabeth Wiley USA Wrestling
07/07/2008

The USA Wrestling University World Teams will travel to Thessoloniki, Greece for the University World Championships July 9-13.

Men’s freestyle, Greco-Roman and women’s freestyle wrestling teams will all compete against some of the best in the world at the competition.

Jake Herbert is the only returning competitor on the men’s freestyle team. A bronze medalist at last year’s competition, Herbert will provide leadership and experience for the team as he competes at 84 kg/185 lbs.

“Herbert is a returning bronze medalist,� Freestyle Developmental Coach Dave Bennett said. “He knows what he needs to do. We’re expecting a good performance.�

Joining Herbert on the freestyle team are Brad Pataky at 55 kg/121 lbs., Reece Humphrey at 60 kg/132 lbs., Josh Churella at 66 kg/145.5 lbs, Keith Gavin at 74 kg/163 lbs., Brendan Jones at 96 kg/211.5 lbs. and Tervel Dlagnev at 120 kg/264.5 lbs. All six of these wrestlers are making their first trip to compete at University Worlds.

“My goal for this team is to come back with seven gold medals and I think it’s a goal for them, too,� said Bennett. “That may not happen, but we have to go in believing all things are possible.�

The men’s freestyle team will be coached by Lou Rosselli and Wes Hand. Dave Bennett is serving as team leader for the trip.

The Greco-Roman squad features two wrestlers who just missed out on berths to the 2008 Olympic Games, as well as a number of other talented athletes.

“(Sam) Hazewinkel competed at the Olympic Team Trials and was one match from making the Olympic Team,� Greco-Roman Developmental Coach Ike Anderson said. “I’m excited about him.�

Sam Hazewinkel lost to Spenser Mango in the Championship Series at 55 kg/121 lbs. while Cheney Haight finished behind T.C. Dantzler at 74 kg/163 lbs.

“I expect Cheney Haight to be able to medal,� said Anderson. “Again he was one match from making the Olympic Team against T.C.�

Another top contender for the Greco-Roman team is Chas Betts. Betts was a silver medalist at the 2006 University World Championships and hopes to medal again in 2008.

The rest of the team is Donovan Depatto at 60 kg/132 lbs., Jacob Curby at 66 kg/145.5 lbs., and Robbie Smith at 96 kg/211.5 lbs. The heavyweight contender has not yet been determined for the U.S.

Eric Wetzel and Gary Mayabb will coach the Greco-Roman team.

The women’s side features seven athletes that took part in the U.S. Olympic Team Trials and should be incredibly competitive in Greece.

Three wrestlers on the team also competed at the 2006 World University Championships. Alaina Berube was a bronze medalist at 63 kg/138.75 lbs. two years ago. Joining her from that squad are Sara Fulp-Allen at 48 kg/105.5 lbs. and Othella Lucas at 59 kg/130 lbs.

Rounding out the women’s team are Katherine Fulp-Allen at 51 kg/112.25 lbs., Chelynne Pringle at 55 kg/121 lbs., Elena Pirozhkov at 67 kg/147.5 lbs., and Stephany Lee at 72 kg/158.5 lbs.

Serving as coaches for the women’s freestyle team are Shannyn Gillespie and Trevor Keifer.

University World Championships
Thessoloniki, Greece

Men’s Freestyle:
55 kg: Brad Pataky, Clearfield, Pa. (New York AC)
60 kg: Reece Humphrey, Indianapolis, Ind. (Ohio State)
66 kg: Josh Churella, Ann Arbor, Mich. (New York AC)
74 kg: Keith Gavin, Factoryville, Pa. (New York AC)
84 kg: Jake Herbert, Wexford, Pa. (New York AC)
96 kg: Brent Jones, Burke, Va. (Cavalier WC)
120 kg: Tervel Dlagnev, Arlington, Texas (Loper WC)

Coach: Lou Rosselli
Coach: Wes Hand
Team Leader: Dave Bennett

Greco-Roman:
55 kg: Sam Hazewinkel, Norman, Okla. (Gator WC)
60 kg: Donovan Depatto, Quantico, Va. (U.S. Marine Corp)
66 kg: Jacob Curby, LaGrange, Ill. (USOEC/GatorWC)
74 kg: Cheney Haight, Orem, Utah (USOEC/New York AC)
84 kg: Chas Betts, St. Michael, Minn. (USOEC/Minnesota Storm)
96 kg: Robbie Smith, Colorado Springs, Colo. (New York AC)
120 kg: TBD

Coach: Eric Wetzel
Coach: Gary Mayabb

Women’s Freestyle:
48 kg: Sara Fulp-Allen, Colorado Springs, Colo. (New York AC)
51 kg: Katherine Fulp-Allen, El Granada, Calif. (Menlo College)
55 kg: Chelynne Pringle, Hugo, Minn. (Minnesota Storm)
59 kg: Othella Lucas, San Diego, Calif. (New York AC)
63 kg: Alaina Berube, River Falls, Wis. (New York AC)
67 kg: Elena Pirozhkov, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Gator WC)
72 kg: Stephany Lee, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Sunkist Kids)

Coach: Shannyn Gillespie
Coach: Trevor Keifer

Generally in exchanges like this the US Team brings along wrestling gear to give to other nations.

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 6:01 PM | Permalink

Patterson, Dolmo claim Beach World Team Trials titles in Rochester
Gary Abbott USA Wrestling
07/06/2008

ROCHESTER, N.Y. – The most experienced Beach wrestler in the nation claimed one of the titles, and a newcomer to the Beach scene claimed the other at the 2008 U.S. Beach World Team Trials at Ontario Beach Park on Sunday.

2007 World Beach bronze medalist Carlos Dolmo (Bronx, N.Y./Blast Double NY) won the Over 85 kg/187.5 pound title, while Binghamton University wrestler Nate Patterson (Ontario, N.Y./Team Cook) claimed the title at Below 85 kg (187.5 lbs).

The top three placewinners at the U.S. Beach World Team Trials in each weight class earn a spot on the U.S. team which will compete in Durres, Albania, Sept. 20.

Dolmo won both of his matches by 2-0 shutouts, including a victory in the championship match over Mike Carroll (Lake Winola, Pa./Avalanche). Dolmo had defeated Carroll 2-1 in the U.S. Nationals finals on Saturday in the 302-pound division.

Dolmo plans to attend the World Beach Wrestling Championships for the third time. He was third at the 2007 Beach Worlds, and fifth at the 2006 Beach Worlds.

“I remember last year,� said Dolmo. “I want to win the gold and bring it back to the USA. We’ve never had a Beach World champion. I want to be the first to accomplish that.�

Dolmo was pleased with his wrestling performance on both Saturday and Sunday. He has been wrestling on the beach for four seasons, competing in the first Beach events held in his native New York back in 2005.

“I wrestled well. I kept good position,� said Dolmo “My finals opponent was taller and bigger than me. I had to stay patient, find an opening and exploit that opening.�

Patterson, who will be entering his senior year at Binghamton, also had a strong weekend of wrestling. He won his first U.S. Beach national title on Saturday, claiming the 171-pound title.

Today, Patterson won three matches to capture the World Team Trials title. In the finals, he defeated 2007 World bronze medalist Jeff Funicello (Gilbert, Ariz./American Pankration) in a 1-1 referee’s decision. Funicello was the 187-pound national champion on Saturday.

“I came and watched last year, and it looked like fun,� said Patterson. “I came to try it out this year. Coming in, I wasn’t aware of all the rules, but I picked it up quickly. It is a blast doing this.�

Patterson defeated two other talented Beach wrestlers on Sunday. He stopped 2007 U.S. Beach Nationals champion Neil Cook (Rochester, N.Y./Team Titan) in quarterfinals, 2-0, then defeated 2006 World Beach bronze medalist Ray Downey (Babylon, N.Y./Razor WC) in the semifinals, 2-0.

“I had some tough guys,� said Patterson. “I didn’t change my style. I don’t do much upperbody wrestling. I tried to shoot and score like that.�

Patterson has been third at the CAA Championships twice in his career, and returns for his final season of college wrestling in the fall.

Earning spots on the U.S. World Beach Team with victories in their bronze medal matches were Trevor Chinn (Canandaigua, N.Y./Team Titan) at the Below 85 kg (187.5 lbs.) division and Matt Mahon (Rochester, N.Y./Apex WC) at the Above 85 kg (187.5 lbs.) division.

Chinn stopped Michael Proulx (Bath, Maine/unattached) in the bronze-medal match, 2-1. Chinn was second at the 2008 U.S. Beach Nationals at 171 pounds and was a U.S. Beach Nationals champion in 2006. Chinn competes for Lehigh University.

Mahon scored a 37-second pin over 2008 U.S. Beach Nationals champion Corey Waite (Team Cook) in the bronze medal match. Mahon was third at the 2007 U.S. Beach Nationals on Saturday at 302 pounds.

The first National Beach High School Duals was held on Sunday, featuring club teams of high school wrestlers. Claiming the team title, and the championship belt, was Team Titan/Worldwide, with a 4-0 record. The Beach Nuts placed second and the Cheeburger Cheeburger Team placed third. This event was a great success, and is expected to grow in future years.

Beach wrestling equipment generally lacks wrestling shoes, wrestling singlets, and wrestling headgear, exchanged for bare feet, shorts, and no shirt. The shoes are removed for obvious reasons- no sand.

U.S. BEACH WORLD TEAM TRIALS
At Rochester, N.Y., July 6, 2008

Under 85 kg/187.5 lbs.
1st - Nate Patterson (Ontario, N.Y./Team Cook) dec. Jeff Funicello (Gilbert, Ariz./American Pankration), 1-1, referee’s decision
3rd - Trevor Chinn (Canandaigua, N.Y./Team Titan) dec. Michael Proulx (Bath, Maine/unattached), 2-1
5th – Neil Cook (Rochester, N.Y./Team Titan) dec. Ray Downey (Babylon, N.Y./Razor WC), 2-1.

Over 85 kg/187.5 lbs.
1st - Carlos Dolmo (Bronx, N.Y./Blast Double NY) dec. Mike Carroll (Lake Winola, Pa./Avalanche), 2-0
3rd - Matt Mahon (Rochester, N.Y./Apex WC) pin Corey Waite (Johnson City, N.Y./Team Cook), 0:37

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 2:44 PM | Permalink

This past weekend we had a great time helping to raise awareness for the flood ravaged museum in Waterloo. Pro Wrestling star Rowdy Roddy Piper quipped to museum founder Mike Chapman, "It's a little rain, a little water Mike, Get over it." I wish it were that simple. They desperately need the help of the community. Please visit the Museum's web site at http://www.wrestlingmuseum.org Many have turned out to help with muscle and some with donations. the museum and our sports heritage need you now!

Please help-
Dan Gable International Wrestling Institute and Museum 303 Jefferson St., Waterloo, IA 50701 319.233.0745 • fax 319.233.3477 info@wrestlingmuseum.org

We return this 4th of July weekend to our Brute Adidas studios for another great show. We'll go back in time, just a little, take a look at some of the news from your sport and visit with some of America's greatest athletes and coaches. Each Saturday from 9 AM to 11 AM CST we dive head first down to the mat with interesting interviews and conversation. Miss a show? Miss a lot! Listen to the archives at Takedownradio.com or subscribe to the TDR Pod Cast at no charge.

This week on TDR-

Dan Wirnsberger- Head Coach of the Bison of Bucknell.

Troy Steiner- Asst Head Coach of the Beavers of Oregon State.

Terry Brands- USA Wrestling Resident Freestyle Coach

Mitch Clark- Past NCAA champion for Ohio State

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 5:06 PM | Permalink

Fort Hays State University announced on Thursday, June 26, 2008, the hiring of Chas Thompson as Head Wrestling Coach. Thompson becomes the 13th coach in the wrestling program's history.

Thompson comes to Fort Hays State from Pratt Community College, where he served as head coach for two years from 2006-2008. In his time at PCC, Thompson led the Beavers to 10th and 21st place finishes at the NJCAA National Tournament and coached two NJCAA All-Americans. He also coached 11 Academic All-Americans. His 2006-07 team was ranked as high as 6th in the nation and his dash 2007-08 team was ranked as high as 10th in the nation.

Thompson is no stranger to the Fort Hays State program, where he served as an assistant coach for three years prior to becoming the head coach at Pratt Community College. Thompson was a graduate assistant coach for two years at FHSU from 2003-2005. He was a student assistant coach during the 2002-03 season. Thompson had the privilege of helping coach five NCAA Division II All-Americans as an assistant at FHSU.

Outside his collegiate coaching experience, Thompson has also served in several other coaching roles. He was a coach for the Cadet National Team in Fargo, N.D., the past three years and a coach for the Southern Plains Wrestling Team the past four years. Thompson also served as a summer wrestling coach from 1999-2008 in the Freestyle, Folkstyle, and Greco Roman disciplines.

Thompson wrestled for Fort Hays State University from 1999-2002. He was a national qualifier during his junior season (1999-2000) after winning his weight class at the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference
Championships/NCAA Division II West Regional.

Prior to competing at FHSU, Thompson wrestled for two seasons at Labette Community College under his father Jody Thompson. His father is a member of the Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association Hall of Fame, NJCAA Coaches Hall of Fame, Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Hall of Fame, and National Wrestling Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Thompson earned NJCAA All-American honors as a sophomore and was a two-time national qualifi er for LCC.

A native of Parsons, Kan., Thompson compiled a record of 133-14 in his prep career at Parsons High School. He was named the Kansas Class 4A Wrestler of the Year after winning the state championship as a senior. He was a four-time state placer at PHS.

Thompson earned a bachelor's degree in Physical Education from Fort Hays State in 2003, and is currently working towards completion of his master's degree in Sports Administration at FHSU.

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 2:27 AM | Permalink

'Tranquility' is usually not a word associated with members of the U.S. Olympic wrestling team. After all, the lives of these world-class athletes are a mix of discipline, training and putting their minds and skills to the test against other highly-trained wrestlers.

http://themat.com/images/PamperedTeam.jpg

So when Ben Askren, Clarissa Chun, Marcie Van Dusen, Randi Miller and Ali Bernard, all of whom will represent the U.S. in Beijing in August, had a chance to spend the afternoon being pampered by the pros at Tranquility Salon and Day Spa in Bedminster, N.J., they were understandably excited.

"Between training and preparing for matches and tournaments there isn't much time for facials and massages,�said Chun, a native of Hawaii who qualified at 48 KG. "It's fun to feel a little pampered and get to show that we're women as well as athletes."

For Miller, the U.S. women's representative at 63 KG, the day was a chance to relieve the stresses that competing has brought over the past few weeks getting ready for Team Trials. "We're happy to have this little breather in between Trials and Olympics, and we're aware of how intense the training will be," she explained. "But washing away that stress, even for a couple of hours, is a great way to re-energize for what's ahead."

The athletes have spent the past few days in the New York Metro area doing clinics, meet-and-greets and media appearances in support of "Fuel the Dream," a program instituted by USA Wrestling to assist the families of these athletes with travel expenses to Beijing. The time at "Tranquility" has also helped take the edge off their busy schedules while in the area.

"We are happy and honored to be able to support these tremendous athletes in this way," said Jody Maurais, owner of Tranquility, which has been in business for 18 years, including the past five at its present location, a charming two-story converted residence. "It's a sheer pleasure for us to be involved in this way, and to help make them feel relaxed and look great."

The session was the brainchild of Steven John Jastrabek, Tranquility's manager and artistic director and a longtime supporter of USA Wrestling. The makeovers preceded the team’s appearance at a special welcome dinner at the Bernards Inn in Bernardsville, which also served as a fundraiser for “Fuel the Dream.�

Even men's 74 KG freestyler Askren and his signature curly locks got in on the fun. "I think a couple of the guys were a little jealous,� he joked, “though they may not want to admit it."

"’Tranquility’ is all about making people feel good," added Maurais. "There's a therapeutic quality to what our professionals do for people, and the wrestlers got that same treatment today.�

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 6:53 AM | Permalink

NWCA announces Columbus as host for All-Star Classic; National Duals set to stay in Cedar Falls
Jason Bryant NWCA
06/19/2008

After finishing second at the 2008 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships, it didn’t seem like there was much more Ohio State coach Tom Ryan could to bring momentum into Columbus and excitement to the wrestling program.

Well, there was.

On Wednesday, the National Wrestling Coaches Association announced the 43rd annual NWCA All-Star Classic presented by the United States Marine Corps will be hosted by the Ohio State University on November 24, 2008.

Prior to the announcement, the NWCA Board of Directors unanimously approved the motion to have Ohio State host the event at the annual NWCA Convention held last week in Las Vegas prior to the Olympic Trials.

“We’ve taken the All-Star Classic around the country, but it’s hard to believe it’s been 27 years since the event has been in Columbus,� said NWCA Executive Director Mike Moyer. “We’ve been to Dallas and Oregon the last two years to try to kick start and preserve wrestling and this coming year, we’re going to an area where wrestling isn’t just thriving, it’s creating an electric atmosphere around campus.�

Last year, the event drew over 4,300 fans at the University of Oregon’s MacArthur Court in an effort to help the Save Oregon Wrestling effort.

“We were pleased about the outpouring of support from the fans in Oregon last year,� said Moyer. “Even with the event traditionally held on a Monday night, we think Columbus will be an ideal location for wrestling fans in the region to watch the best college wrestling has to offer and many previews of what you will see in St. Louis come March.

Back in 1981, names like Gene Mills, Jim Gibbons, Andre Metzger, Nate Carr, Ricky Stewart, Dan Severn and Bruce Baumgartner highlighted the field.

Also on Wednesday, the NWCA announced a two-year extension with the University of Northern Iowa as the host of the NWCA/Cliff Keen National Duals. This move was also approved by the NWCA’s Board of Directors.

The event called the UNI-Dome home for the fourth consecutive year and the two-year extension will make it the host site through the 2010 and 2011 seasons.

“The staff ant Northern Iowa and the representatives of the local visitors and conventions bureaus do an amazing amount of work and preparation for this event,� said NWCA President Ron Mirikitani. “Just finding lodging for 80-something teams is hard enough, but they make it easy choice to continue to come back.�

The 2008 NWCA/Cliff Keen National Duals were named Event of the Year by the Cedar Valley Tourism Awards handed out last May.

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 8:30 PM | Permalink

After so many years of chasing Rulon Gardner, Dremiel Byers learned what it was like to have Rulon Gardner chasing him.

Byers, a world-level wrestler for 10 years who was twice blocked from the Olympics by former gold medalist Gardner, won his way to the games by beating U.S. Army teammate Tim Taylor in the best-of-three U.S. Olympic Greco-Roman 264½-pound trials Sunday night.

Finally, a wrestler long accustomed to being No. 2 was No. 1, and Byers did it in a big way by catching Taylor with an underhook and dropping him for a 5-point move that decided the third and final match of their best-of-three series.

And guess who chased him across the mat for an interview once he was done? None other than Gardner, Byers' longtime rival and NBC's newest wrestling analyst.

"To come out and finish the way he did was the best thing he could have done," Gardner said. "That's going to give him a lot of confidence going into Beijing."

Think the 33-year-old Byers hasn't waited for this day since he first took up Greco-Roman wrestling a dozen years ago? Since he first won a national championship nine years ago, a remarkably long time for someone to wait to become an Olympian after proving he was good enough to be the best in the country?

"It's kind of poetic," said Byers, a 2002 world champion who choked back tears of pride and accomplishment. "I'm a romantic guy like that. There's a closeness there."

Byers feels the same way now about Taylor, a former Clearfield (Pa.) High wrestler who trains in Colorado Springs daily with Byers. The two go on hunting trips and attend parties together, and beating Taylor was as hard for Byers as beating Byers once was for Gardner.

"Other guys here are in clubs that live all over the country and come together for one event," Byers said. "In the Army, we're an actual team. We're in our (wrestling) room pounding it out every day."

Now, Byers likely will take Taylor with him to Beijing to help him prepare for the Olympics. Just as Gardner took him to the games to help Gardner prepare for winning his upset-of-a-lifetime gold medal in 2000 and bronze medal in 2004. And if Byers wants another training partner ...

"If he wants me to help him, I'm there," Gardner said.

Fittingly on a night that Gardner won, several other longtime No. 2s also came through to make the Olympic team.

At freestyle 185 pounds, Andy Hrovat beat three-time national champion Mo Lawal. In a surprise at Greco-Roman 211½ pounds, Adam Wheeler outlasted Justin Ruiz, who had won the past five national titles, three times beating Wheeler. At freestyle 264½ pounds, Steve Mocco -- the national runner-up the past five years and a three-time world team runner-up -- defeated top-seeded Tommy Rowlands, who was fifth in the world last year.

When Mocco won, family members -- including sister Katie, who competed in this weekend's judo trials -- hugged, screamed and cried upon realizing he wasn't second any longer.

"It's been a struggle, it's been a struggle for my family," said Mocco, also a two-time NCAA runner-up. "I've always come up a little bit short. But in a real tough weight class, I found a way to win."

There was one repeat Olympian on Sunday night, Daniel Cormier at freestyle 211½ pounds,

There was no doubt who is No. 1 at freestyle 163 pounds -- Ben Askren, the oh-so-confident former Missouri wrestler who needed only one year to transition from two-time NCAA champion to Olympian.

Former college stars such as the 23-year-old Askren often need a much longer indoctrination before excelling in freestyle, and Askren has adapted his style. But he hasn't eliminated the raised No. 1 fingers, the pumping fists, the crowd gestures, all of which stamp him as a nonconformist in an old, traditional sport.

"I just knew I was going to win. There was no doubt in my mind," Askren said.

That confidence, he said, comes from a relentless training regimen and an eagerness to outwork his opponents.

"I work harder than a lot of people. A lot of senior level (wrestlers) don't want to work. They don't want to be the best," Askren said.

He doesn't doubt he will win in Beijing, despite his lack of top-level international experience.

"I'm going to win a gold medal," Askren said.

The other Greco-Roman and freestyle Olympians were determined Saturday night, including 18-year-old Jake Deitchler, the first high schooler to make the U.S. team in 32 years.

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 3:59 AM | Permalink

Cormier makes second Olympic Team, Byers gets his first chance with wins at U.S. Olympic Team Trials
Gary Abbott USA Wrestling
06/15/2008

LAS VEGAS, Nev. - Daniel Cormier (Stillwater, Okla./Gator WC) made his second straight Olympic team, defeating Damion Hahn (Ithaca, N.Y./New York AC) in two straight matches at 96 kg/211.5 lbs. at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials at the Thomas & Mack Center on Sunday.

Cormier placed fourth in the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece. He won a World bronze medal in 2007. It was his sixth straight year claiming the U.S. team spot at his weight class.

“I’m just going to train hard. It’s my second Olympic Games. I don’t want to feel like I did coming back from Athens in 2004. Losing two overtime matches in the semis and then losing the bronze medal match. I don’t want to feel that way. I’m doing everything possible to make sure I’m prepared and ready to go when I get to China. If I do that I think I’ll be okay,� said Cormier.

Cormier is the only member of the men’s freestyle Olympic Team who has competed in a previous Olympic Games. On Friday, Brad Vering (Colorado Springs, Colo./New York AC) made his second Olympic team in Greco-Roman with a victory at 84 kg/185 lbs.

In bout number one, the first period, trailing 1-0, Cormier scored six points with a takedown and two tilts to win, 6-1. In the second period, Cormier again opened up his offense, turning Hahn to get a 6-0 technical fall.

In bout two, scored a point in each period, on a stepout in the first period and a spin behind in the second period, for a 1-1 victory and his second Olympic berth.

“I’m confident. I’m getting to the point where I am confident in my abilities and I figure if I go out and wrestle like I’m capable, I’m going to be okay. That’s pretty much what’s been happening. These guys are tough competitors. I’ve been lucky enough, blessed to stay healthy and believe in myself. It’s been leading to victories,� said Cormier.

2002 World champion Dremiel Byers (Colorado Springs, Colo./US Army) made his first Olympic Team, but needed three matches to get by U.S. Army teammate Timothy Taylor at 120 kg/264.5 lbs.

Byers won the first match, 1-1, 4-0, but fell in the second bout, 2-5, 2-1, 1-1. In the deciding third match, Byers dominated the first period, 4-0. In the second period, Byers hit a five-point high amplitude throw to immediately finish the match.

Byers talked about the challenge of facing his friend and teammate in the Championship Series with an Olympic berth at stake.

“That’s my brother from another mother. We live that everyday with our unit. We really are family. If you look around at Nationals or you look into it, we’re the only actual team. The other guys are clubs that live all over the country and come together for one event. We’re in there pounding it out everyday with each other,� said Byers.

Byers placed second at the 2004 U.S. Olympic Team Trials to archrival and friend Rulon Gardner, who won an Olympic gold in 2000 and Olympic bronze in 2004. Byers served as Gardner’s training partner at the 2004 Olympic Games.

Gardner was in attendance, serving as the color analyst for the MSNBC coverage of the Olympic Trials. Gardner hugged Byers on center mat, and conducted the television interview with him at the conclusion of the victory.

2008 U.S. Nationals champion Ben Askren (Columbia, Mo./Sunkist Kids) defeated Tyrone Lewis (Stillwater, Okla., Gator WC) in two straight matches. It was a rematch of this year’s nationals finals, also won by Askren.

A popular two-time NCAA champion for Missouri, Askren made his first World-level team in his first full season concentrating only on freestyle.

In the first match, Askren scored a leg attack takedown in each period for a 1-1, 1-1 victory.

The second match started strong for Lewis, who was trailing by a point before throwing Askren for three points with a body lock for a 6-3 win. In the second period, Askren scored twice to win 2-0. The deciding third period went to Askren, who scored a takedown on the edge early in the period and held on for the victory.

“Number one, I work harder than a lot of people. A lot of the senior level athletes don’t want to work hard, they want to do that. Number two, I leave my mind open, I’m looking for everybody. I’m watching the Russians, I’m watching the World Champs, I’m watching them and I’m picking everything up.�

Four of the series went the full three matches, adding great drama to the final night of the U.S. Olympic Team Trials event.

At 84 kg/185 lbs., 2006 U.S. World Team member Andy Hrovat (Ann Arbor, Mich./New York AC) defeated 2005 U.S. World Team member Mo Lawal, (Temecula, Calif./Sunkist Kids) in three bouts.

Lawal won the first match, 1-1, 1-0. In the first period, after Hrovat scored on a stepout, Lawal hit a takedown with just five seconds left to win the period by scoring the last point. In the second period, he scored the only takedown of the period.

In the second match, Lawal scored the only takedown of the first period to take it 1-0. In the second period, there were no takedowns and Lawal won the coin toss. Hrovat scored a two-point counter chestlock to win period two, 2-0. With time running out in the third period, Lawal shot a double on Hrovat on the edge, but Hrovat hit another three-point chestlock to take the period 3-0 and tie up the series.

In the deciding third match, Lawal won the first period with a takedown, 1-0. The second period was scoreless, and Hrovat won the toss, scoring a takedown from the clinch, 1-0. The third and deciding period, Lawal scored a takedown out of bounds with 43 seconds left. Hrovat scored two points with seven seconds left, getting an exposure on a scramble. Although Lawal scored a takedown with two seconds left to tie the match at 2-2, Hrovat earned the spot by scoring the highest point move of the period.

Lawal had defeated Hrovat in the finals of the U.S. Nationals in 2008. Hrovat defeated Lawal at the World Team Trials in 2006 on the way to his first World Championships appearance.

At 120 kg/264.5 lbs. in freestyle, Steve Mocco (Colorado Springs, Colo./New York AC) by defeating 2007 World Team member Tommy Rowlands (Columbus, Ohio/New York AC) in three bouts.

Mocco won the first match in two straight periods, 1-0, 1-0. In the first period, Mocco scored a takedown from the clinch. In the second period, Rowlands stepped out of bounds, giving Mocco the only point of the period.

Rowlands won the second match in two periods. He scored a three-point takedown from the clinch in the first period for a 3-0 score, then got the only point in the second period on when Mocco went out of bounds on a scramble.

The deciding third match was all Mocco, who scored a pushout to win the first period, 1-0, then two takedowns in the second period to score the victory and a spot on the U.S. World Team.

In Greco-Roman, there was an upset at 96 kg/211.5 lbs. when Adam Wheeler (Colorado Springs, Colo./Gator WC) defeated 2005 World bronze medalist Justin Ruiz (Colorado Springs, Colo./New York AC) in three matches.

Ruiz had advanced directly to the Championship Series finals after winning U.S. Nationals and having placed in the top five of the World during the last three years. Ruiz has competed on four U.S. World Teams, while Wheeler made his first U.S. team.

Wheeler won the first period, 2-2, turning Ruiz for exposure in the final par terre segment. In the second period, Ruiz won 1-1 by scoring the last point by defending from par terre. The last period went to Wheeler by a 1-1 score, as he received the final point defending from par terre.

In the second match, Ruiz got his offense going, hitting a gutwrench in the first period, and scoring on a two-point penalty and a reversal in the second period to win the match, 3-0, 4-0.

In the third and final match went without a point scored on the feet. Ruiz won the first period, 1-1, by scoring the last point from the defensive position in par terre. Wheeler won the second period, 1-1, scoring the last point on defense. In the third and final period, Ruiz lost the flip and defended first, but Wheeler was able to score a point when Ruiz stepped out of bounds. In the last 30-second par terre position, Ruiz was unable to turn Wheeler, almost getting a lift but running out of time, giving the period to Wheeler.

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 4:26 PM | Permalink

John Smith

Aleks Emelianenko

James Thompson

Dustin Schlatter

Cael Sanderson

Dan Gable

Tom Brands

Jayson Ness

Charlie Falck

David Taylor

Zack Esposito

Buvaisar Saitiev

Saitiev

murtazaliev

Adam Saitiev

Ketoev

Gatsalov

Muradov

flowrestling

Mike Zadick

Brent Metcalf

Bubba Jenkins

Eric Tannenbaum

Saytiev

Mike Houck

Dennis Hall

Steve Fraser

Joe Warren

Kudukhov

Farniev

Kimbo Slice

Brett Rogers

Frank Shamrock

College Football

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 4:05 AM | Permalink

Former Wisconsin wrestler Lee Kemp can add another accolade to his long list of accomplishments. The three-time NCAA Champion will be inducted into the International Wrestling Hall of Fame on Aug. 21 during this summer's Olympics in Beijing.

Kemp wrestled at Wisconsin from 1975-78 and still holds the school record for most career falls (47) and career winning percentage (.957).

After his time at Wisconsin, Kemp went on to become a three-time Freestyle World Champion (1978, 1979 and 1982) at 163 lbs., and he took home a bronze medal at the 1981 World Championships.

Kemp earned a spot on the 1980 U.S. Olympic Freestyle team but did not get to compete because of the U.S. boycott on the Olympic Games that were in Moscow that year. Kemp will not only be in Beijing this summer for the induction ceremony but also to serve as an assistant coach on the 2008 U.S. Olympic Freestyle team.

Each new member will be permanently recognized at the International Wrestling Hall of Fame at FILA Headquarters in Corsier-sur-Vevey, Switzerland and at the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum in Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA. The inaugural class of the FILA International Wrestling Hall of Fame members was inducted in 2003. Since then, 49 members have been inducted.

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 2:37 PM | Permalink

Univ. of Oregon wrestlers sue the university to prevent them from dropping the program
Save Oregon College Wrestling
06/09/2008

Eugene, OR (June 9) -- Members of the University of Oregon’s wrestling team filed suit Friday afternoon in the Oregon Circuit Court for Marion County, seeking to prevent the University from dropping wrestling as an intercollegiate sport. Circuit Judge Albin Norblad will hear the case.

The complaint alleges that the UO’s plan to eliminate wrestling would violate not only the procedural requirements for dropping an intercollegiate team but also the substantive requirements of the equal privileges and immunities clause of Oregon’s constitution, an Oregon anti-discrimination statute known as Section 659.850, and the Oregon University System’s implementing regulations.

In essence, the University mistakenly believed that gender equity under the federal Title IX statute required UO to eliminate men’s wrestling to enable UO to add men’s baseball, without considering whether that would violate Oregon’s constitution and statutes, as well as established University procedures. After acknowledging that Title IX did not require UO to eliminate wrestling to make room for baseball, UO spokesmen developed several new reasons to justify their original decision to drop wrestling. Like the original Title IX reasoning, however, the University’s new reasons fail to consider violations of Oregon law and University procedures.

The complaint seeks a preliminary injunction that orders UO to defer dropping wrestling until the athletic department completes the required intra-University consultation with UO’s Intercollegiate Athletics Committee and offers the affected students the opportunity for a hearing. Either UO’s president or the Oregon University System’s chancellor would make the final decision after the hearings. If UO still intends to drop wrestling after the required hearings, the parties would return to court to challenge that decision before the preliminary injunction dissolves.

The plaintiff, Equity in Athletics in Oregon, is an Oregon non-profit corporation that represents returning members of the Oregon wrestling team, prospective students who wish to wrestle at the University, and other Oregon citizens interested in the University’s proving an equitable athletic opportunity. The defendants are the University of Oregon, UO President David Frohnmayer, the Oregon University System, OUS Chancellor George Pernsteiner, UO Athletic Director Pat Kilkenny, UO Associate Athletic Directors Reneé Baumgartner and Neal Zoumboukos, and UO General Counsel Melinda Grier.

When Athletic Director Pat Kilkenny announced the resumption of the Oregon baseball program, suspended since 1981, during a press conference on July 13, 2007, he cited the need to comply with the gender equity provisions of U.S. Department of Education policy under Title IX by dropping wrestling and adding women’s competitive cheerleading. Wrestling boosters have argued that Title IX does not require UO to drop men’s wrestling simply because UO intends to add men’s baseball. In response, UO appears to have conceded that its initial Title IX rationale was flawed. On two occasions, in a Feb. 27, 2008, interview in the student newspaper, the Daily Emerald, and in a March 6, 2008, article in the fan publication, Ducks Illustrated, Zoumboukos acknowledged that Title IX did not require UO to drop wrestling.

Instead, Zoumboukos indicated that UO now was dropping wrestling for a combination of four criteria, neither one of which was determinative: (1) UO lacks a wrestling facility; (2) the Eugene area lacks a dedicated fan base; (3) the opportunity to capitalize on an investment; and (4) the lack of support in the Pac-10 and NCAA Division I.

While the plaintiff disagrees that the federal Title IX law even allows UO to cut college wrestling, the complaint alleges that UO violated Oregon’s stronger anti-discrimination laws by not applying the same criteria evenly to both men’s and women’s teams. For example, interscholastic wrestling is more popular in Oregon and nationally than women’s lacrosse and competitive cheerleading, the Pac-10 and NCAA Division I support wrestling as much or more than those women’s sports, UO wrestling has higher attendance than several women’s teams, no women’s teams are required to pay their own way, and the wrestling community has offered significant financial contributions to endow UO wrestling.

“Since we all agree that federal law does not require UO to cut wrestling,� said attorney Richard Franklin, “the question is whether Oregon law allows UO to use a one-sided analysis to cut wrestling.� Last month, the Oregon Supreme Court held that the Oregon State Activities Association violated Section 659.850 by failing to schedule basketball playoff games around the Saturday Sabbath of athletes of the Seventh Day Adventist faith.

The plaintiff alleges that UO’s mistakes were compounded by the athletic department proceeding without the required hearings and consultations. “Oregon does not require administrative procedures to make people feel good,� said Franklin, “we require it because it helps agencies make better, more informed decisions when they publicly air an issue and allow the affected public to voice their concerns.� In 1987, when Frohnmayer served as Oregon’s Attorney General, he authored an interpretation of the Oregon Administrative Procedures Act that required universities to provide students who failed a drug test the opportunity for a hearing before terminating the right or privilege of participating in athletics. The plaintiff argues that the same rationale applies to terminating an entire team. “If UO had held a pre-termination hearing, it would have become obvious before UO took any final action that the athletic department had misconstrued Title IX and failed to consider Oregon law at all,� added Franklin.

Since Kilkenny announced the planned elimination of Oregon wrestling last year, a coalition of alumni led by former UO wrestling coach Ron Finley formed the Save Oregon Wrestling Foundation and has raised more than $3 million in cash and pledges to endow UO wrestling. Such efforts have succeeded at other schools. Last month, Arizona State University announced plans to drop intercollegiate wrestling, but ASU reversed the decision two weeks later after boosters promised enough money to endow the sport. To date, however, Duck athletic department officials have shown little interest in working with the Save Oregon Wrestling Foundation.

According to statistics furnished by the Oregon School Activities Association, wrestling is the second most popular boys’ winter sport in Oregon high schools. For the 2006-07 school year, the latest figures available, some 4,659 boys wrestled on Oregon scholastic teams. This number does not include the 55 girls, 31 home schoolers, and 17 foreign exchange students who also participated in wrestling on the high school level.

Some 70% of University of Oregon wrestlers, averaged over the past three seasons, are graduates of Oregon high schools. This represents the largest percentage of native Oregonians on an UO intercollegiate athletic team. Only one other Duck athletic squad, the women’s cross country team, has more than 50% Oregonians on its roster. The University sponsors intercollegiate sports, such as women’s lacrosse, in which Oregonians do not compete on the high school level.

Wrestling at the University of Oregon has existed since 1913 as a club sport and since 1953 as an intercollegiate sport. Oregon wrestlers have won 32 All-American honors and 69 individual conference championships. Five Ducks have wrestled and one has coached in the Olympic Games.

The plaintiff is the Oregon chapter of Equity in Athletics, which is suing the U.S. Department of Education and James Madison University in Virginia over JMU’s plans to eliminate men’s and women’s archery and gymnastics, women’s fencing, and men’s track, swimming, and wrestling. Equity in Athletics also is working with a foundation formed by parents and alumni to save the Syracuse University men’s and women’s swim teams, which Syracuse had scheduled for elimination next year. In response to those efforts, Syracuse extended the elimination date forward three years to allow all matriculated swimmers to complete their athletic careers at Syracuse, which that foundation hopes will allow enough time to endow the swimming teams.
Equity in Athletics in Oregon is represented by Richard D. Franklin of Portland, Oregon, and Lawrence J. Joseph of Washington, D.C.

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 6:34 AM | Permalink

Confident Askren set to compete at U.S. Olympic Team Trials
Craig Sesker USA Wrestling
06/03/2008

Ben Askren said he’s always had his share of detractors.

He said people questioned whether he would ever win a state high school title in Wisconsin.

And there were some saying he would never win an NCAA title during his career at the University of Missouri.

And even now – after Askren won April’s U.S. Nationals to clinch a No. 1 seed for next week’s U.S. Olympic Team Trials in Las Vegas – he said he knows there are people out there expecting him to fail.

“People have always doubted me – that makes it fun proving them wrong,� he said. “I’ve always wrestled with a chip on my shoulder. Going into the Trials, people still aren’t convinced I’m going to win. Come June 15, they are going to be convinced or they are going to be delusional.�

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The list of people doubting Askren’s abilities dwindled after he turned in an impressive performance in winning the U.S. Nationals in freestyle at 74 kg/163 lbs. The 23-year-old Askren now takes aim at trying to win the Olympic Trials and earning a trip to the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China.

Askren has been highly successful at every level of wrestling. He won two state titles before turning in a magical college career at Missouri. Askren was a four-time NCAA finalist, winning national titles as a junior and a senior. He twice won the Hodge Trophy, wrestling’s version of the Heisman Trophy, to cap his career.

Askren jumped into freestyle immediately after completing his college career. He dropped a close semifinal match to Joe Heskett in the U.S. Nationals before finishing sixth. Heskett went on to place fifth in the World before being forced to retire because of a heart condition.

Askren placed fifth in the 2007 World Team Trials.

Those finishes had many wrestling observers questioning whether Askren's funky, unorthodox style was the right fit for international wrestling.

Askren has made huge improvements during the 2007-08 season. He’s won three tournaments this season.

He briefly moved up to No. 1 in the U.S. freestyle rankings, but then dropped down to the No. 3 seed for the U.S. Nationals. Askren’s finish at the 2007 World Team Trials dropped him down to the No. 3 spot when seeds were determined.

“That most definitely was a big motivator for me,� Askren said. “I felt like I was the No. 1 guy going in there.�

That swagger and level of confidence, as most wrestling observers are well aware, is never in short supply.

“Every time I step on the mat I think I am better than my opponent,� Askren said. “There are no limits to what I can do.�

Askren’s wide-open, go-for-broke style is appealing to wrestling fans.

He said too many freestyle matches, especially in the U.S., don’t feature enough action.

“I’ve only been to one clinch this year,� he said. “Letting matches come down to clinches and pushouts, you can’t put yourself in that position. I like putting points on the board and going for the big moves. I am going to pressure my opponent and make him wrestle. I’m not going to let him take me to the clinch. You can’t get stuck in a mindset where you think you can’t score.�

As supremely confident as he is, Askren is still continually tweaking his style of wrestling. He’s spent hours watching video of freestyle matches in his quest to learn and improve.

“I knew I had to change my style coming out of college,� he said. “I’m smart enough to know I had to look at some things that didn’t work. I wrestled poorly last year and I knew I had to get better.�

Among the wrestlers Askren has spent time training with recently are fellow NCAA champions Jake Herbert and Keith Gavin. He also took part in the recent Sunkist Kids camp in Arizona. He also trains with his younger brother, Max, an All-American for Missouri who qualified for the Olympic Trials at 96 kg/211.5 lbs.

Ben Askren’s actions, at times, have rubbed opponents the wrong way.

During his physical, hard-fought U.S. Nationals finals win over Tyrone Lewis, Askren and Lewis went nose-to-nose and exchanged words during the match.

“I think he got frustrated because he was having trouble scoring,� Askren said. “I’m not going to back down from anybody. I took him out of his element. I never lost my focus.�

Askren also has gained valuable international experience this season. He placed third at February’s Kiev International in the Ukraine. He also went 2-1 at February’s World Cup in Russia, falling to Russia’s Denis Tsargush.

“All those guys in the World are beatable,� Askren said. “Heskett was right there against (Russian World champion Makhach) Murtazaliev last year. As long as I train hard and wrestle a great match, I am just as likely to beat the best guys as anybody else.�

Part of Askren’s motivation to win the Olympics came from watching fellow Wisconsin native Garrett Lowney win an Olympic bronze medal in 2000. Askren was in attendance when Lowney won the 2000 Olympic Team Trials in Dallas.

Four years later, Askren competed at the 2004 Olympic Trials in Indianapolis. He placed sixth.

“I think about the Olympics all the time,� he said. “It’s been a dream for a long time. I’m focused on the Trials – I’ve got to take care of business in Vegas first. But winning an Olympic gold medal is something I think about all the time.�

With the Olympic Trials still more than a week away, Askren is like a kid waiting for Christmas morning to arrive.

“I wish I could wrestle today,� he said. “I can’t wait.�

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 11:51 PM | Permalink

Pre-seeds for the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials in women’s freestyle announced
Gary Abbott USA Wrestling
05/30/2008

USA Wrestling has released the pre-seeds for women’s freestyle heading into the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials. Seeds are subject to change following weigh-ins.

Pre-seed Women’s freestyle brackets

Special Coverage Section

48 kg/105.5 pounds
Qualified for best-of-three finals: Patricia Miranda, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Sunkist Kids)

Challenge Tournament seeds
1. Stephanie Murata, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Sunkist Kids)
2. Sara Fulp-Allen, Colorado Springs, Colo. (New York AC)
3. Clarissa Chun, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Sunkist Kids)
4. Mary Kelly, Gaffney, S.C. (New York AC)
5. Jessica Medina, Pomona, Calif. (New York AC)
6. Sadie Kaneda, Honolulu, Hawaii (USOEC)
7. Alyssa Lampe, Tomahawk, Wis. (Sunkist Kids)
8. Kapua Torres, Williamsburg, Ky. (Univ. of the Cumberlands)
9. Emily Martin, Frisco, Texas (unattached)

55 kg/121 pounds
Qualified for best-of-three finals: Marcie Van Dusen, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Sunkist Kids)

Challenge Tournament seeds
1. Jenny Wong, Gaffney, S.C. (Sunkist Kids)
2. Sally Roberts, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Gator WC)
3. Tina George, Colorado Springs, Colo. (U.S. Army)
4. Erin Tomeo, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Sunkist Kids)
5. Tatiana Padilla, Azusa, Calif. (Sunkist Kids)
6. Shyla Iokia, Wailuku, Hawaii (USOEC)
7. Chelynne Pringle, Hugo, Minn. (Minnesota Storm)
8. Leigh Jaynes, Colorado Springs, Colo. (U.S. Army)
9. Othella Lucas, San Diego, Calif. (New York AC)
10. Kelsey Campbell, Tempe, Ariz. (Sunkist Kids)
11. Deanna Rix, Colorado Springs, Colo. (New York AC)
12. Cherae Pascua, Colorado Springs, Colo. (New York AC)
13. Amy Borgnini, Terre Haute, Ind. (Gator WC)
14. Sharon Jacobson, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Gator WC)
15. Sandy Do, San Diego, Calif. (Cumberlands)
16. Katherine Fulp-Allen, El Granada, Calif.(New York AC)
17. Cheryl Wong, Croton, N.Y. (New York AC)

63 kg/138.75 pounds
Qualified for best-of-three finals: Randi Miller, Colorado Springs, Colo (Gator WC)

Challenge Tournament seeds
1. Sara McMann, Gaffney, S.C. (Sunkist Kids)
2. Alaina Berube, Colorado Springs, Colo. (New York AC)
3. Elena Pirozhkova, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Gator WC)
4. Tori Adams, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Sunkist Kids)
5. Stefanie Shaw, Waterford, Conn. (New York AC)
6. Jennifer Germany, Chula Vista, Calif. (Missouri Valley College)
7. Sara Hilliard, Lawrence, Kan. (OCU Stars)
8. Samantha Fee, Blairstown, N.J. (Missouri Valley)
9. Lauren Knight, Vallejo, Calif. (Cumberlands)
10. Shamaine Danner, Richmond, Mo. (Missouri Valley)
11. Marina Piccolotti, Pacifica, Calif. (unattached)

72 kg/158.5 pounds
Qualified for best-of-three finals: Ali Bernard, New Ulm, Minn. (Gator WC)

Challenge Tournament seeds
1. Katie Downing, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Sunkist Kids)
2. Iris Smith, Colorado Springs, Colo. (U.S. Army)
3. Kristie Marano, Colorado Springs, Colo. (New York AC)
4. Stephany Lee, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Sunkist Kids)
5. Megan Goldsmith, Black River Falls, Wis. (UCWC)
6. Lacey Novinska, Fennimore, Wis. (OCU Stars)
7. Jenna Pavlik, Lewes, Del. (New York AC)
8. Amberlee Ebert, Reedsville, Wisc. (Missouri Valley)
9. Ashley Sword, West Palm Beach, Fla. (OCU Stars)
10. Jessica Smith, Austintown, Ohio (unattached)

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 3:18 PM | Permalink

Olympic gold medalist Bobby Weaver, former world champion Mike Houck and three-time NCAA champions Ricky Bonomo and Wayne Martin were inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame on Saturday.

Weaver won the gold medal in the light-flyweight class at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, when the U.S. had seven freestyle champions. The Pennsylvania native who wrestled at Lehigh finished third in the 1982 NCAA championships and also won a silver medal at the 1979 world championships.

Houck won the United States' first Greco-Roman world championship in 1985 and later served as coach of the U.S. Olympic team that won two medals at the 1992 Barcelona Games. The Minnesota native also won two Christian College national titles wrestling at Maranatha Baptist Bible College.

Bonomo won national championships at 118 pounds from 1985-87 for Bloomsburg University in Pennsylvania.

Martin, who was honored posthumously, was the first person to win NCAA wrestling titles at three different weight classes. He was the 134-pound champion in 1934, the 145-pound champion in 1935 and the 135-pound champion in 1936 at Oklahoma.

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 2:20 PM | Permalink

Pre-seeds for the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials in Greco-Roman announced
Gary Abbott USA Wrestling
05/29/2008

USA Wrestling has released the pre-seeds for Greco-Roman heading into the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials. Seeds are subject to change following weigh-ins.

Pre-seed Greco-Roman brackets

Special Coverage Section

55 kg/121 pounds
1. Spenser Mango, St. Louis, Mo. (USOEC/Gator WC)
2. Lindsey Durlacher, Colorado Springs, Colo. (New York AC)
3. Jermaine Hodge, Colorado Springs, Colo. (U.S. Army)
4. Sam Hazewinkel, Norman, Okla. (Gator WC)
5. Eric Grajales, Brandon, Fla. (Sunkist Kids)
6. Jimmy Chase, Carol Stream, Ill. (Pinnacle)
7. Joshua Habeck, Colorado Springs, Colo. (U.S. Army)
8. Anthony Brooker, Philadelphia, Pa. (U.S. Air Force)
9. Nikko Triggas, Moraga, Calif. (Ohio State)
10. Miguel Pena, Camp Lejeune, N.C. (U.S. Marines)
11. Nate Engel, St. Helena, Calif. (Sunkist/USOEC)
12. Roger Stewart, Colorado Springs, Colo. (New York AC)

60 kg/132 pounds
1. Joe Betterman, Chicago, Ill. (New York AC/USOEC)
2. Glenn Garrison, Colorado Springs, Colo. (U.S. Army)
3. Marco Lara, Long Beach, Calif. (New York AC)
4. Jeremiah Davis, Colorado Springs, Colo. (U.S. Army)
5. Willie Madison, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Gator WC)
6. Eric Stevenson, Newberg, Ore. (Newberg WC)
7. Donovan DePatto, Quantico, Va. (U.S. Marine Corps)
8. CC Fisher, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Unattached)
9. Chad Vandiver, Roscoe, Ill. (Unattached)
10. Noah Blankenship, Bucyrus, Ohio (U.S. Marines)
11. Tony Mustari, Greeley, Colo. (Northern Colorado Wrestling)

66 kg/145.5 pounds
1. Mark Rial, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Gator WC)
2. Jake Deitchler, Rumsey, Minn. (Minnesota Storm)
3. Harry Lester, Akron, Ohio (Gator WC)
4. Faruk Sahin, Colorado Springs, Colo. (U.S. Army)
5. Jacob Curby, LaGrange, Ill. (Gator/USOEC)
6. Jacob Hey, Colorado Springs, Colo. (U.S. Air Force)
7. Marcel Cooper, Colorado Springs, Colo. (U.S. Army)
8. Oscar Wood, Colorado Springs, Colo. (U.S. Army)
9. Mike Ellsworth, Colorado Springs, Colo. (New York AC)
10. Shanon Slack, Colorado Springs, Colo. (No Limits)
11. Esai Dominguez, Omaha, Neb. (Maverick WC)
12. Bo Beckman, Pleasant Grove, Utah (USOEC)

74 kg/163 pounds
Qualified for best-of-three finals: T.C. Dantzler, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Gator WC)

Challenge Tournament seeds
1. Andrew Bisek, Chaska, Minn. (Minnesota Storm)
2. Jake Fisher, Platte City, Mo. (New York AC)
3. Keith Sieracki, Colorado Springs, Colo. (U.S. Army)
4. Cheney Haight, Orem, Utah (New York AC)
5. Ken Cook, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Sunkist Kids)
6. Jess Hargrave, Colorado Springs, Colo (U.S. Army)
7. James Johnson, Colorado Springs, Colo. (U.S. Army)
8. Talan Knox, Salt Lake City, Utah (Sunkist Kids)
9. Brandon McNab, Colorado Springs, Colo. (U.S. Army)
10. Kevin Lozano, Jefferson, La. (Gator WC)
11. Steven Forrest, Camp Lejeune, N.C. (U.S. Marines)
12. Chris Bullins, Stoneville, N.C. (Y.E.S Greensboro)

84 kg/185 pounds
1. Brad Ahearn, Colorado Springs, Colo. (U.S. Army)
2. Brad Vering, Colorado Springs, Colo. (New York AC)
3. Chas Betts, St. Michael, Minn. (Minnesota Storm)
4. Aaron Sieracki, Colorado Springs, Colo. (U.S. Army)
5. Jacob Clark, Top Sail Island, N.C. (Minnesota Storm)
6. Jake Plamann, Kaukauna, Wis. (Gator WC)
7. Zak Nielsen, Zimmerman, Minn. (USOEC)
8. John Wechter, Lansing, Mich. (Sunkist Kids)
9. Jeremy Pederson, Sneads Ferry, N.C. (U.S. Marines)
10. Abe Haddon, Colorado Springs, Colo. (USOTC)
11. David Spangler, Iowa City, Iowa (U.S. Air Force)
12. Jeff Funicello, Mesa, Ariz. (Sunkist Kids)

96 kg/211.5 pounds
Qualified for best-of-three finals: Justin Ruiz, Colorado Springs, Colo. (New York AC)

Challenge Tournament seeds
1. R.C. Johnson, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Sunkist Kids)
2. Adam Wheeler, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Gator WC)
3. Robbie Smith, Colorado Springs, Colo. (New York AC)
4. Justin Millard, Chesapeake Beach, Md. (U.S. Air Force)
5. John Lorenz, Lacrosse, Wis. (Unattached)
6. Peter Gounaridis, Leominster, Mass. (NMU/USOEC)
7. Deon Hicks, Colorado Springs, Colo. (U.S. Army)
8. Daren Burns, Catawba, N.C. (Y.E.S Greensboro)
9. Moises Hernandez, Top Sail, N.C. (U.S. Marines)

120 kg/264.5 pounds
Qualified for best-of-three finals: Dremiel Byers, Colorado Springs, Colo. (U.S. Army)

Challenge Tournament seeds
1. Russ Davie, Colorado Springs, Colo. (New York AC)
2. Timothy Taylor, Colorado Springs, Colo. (U.S. Army)
3. Erik Nye, Sacramento, Calif. (Sunkist Kids)
4. Peter Kowalczuk, Oak Park, Ill. (NMU/USOEC)
5. David Arendt, Quantico, Va. (U.S. Marine Corps)
6. Cole Konrad, Minneapolis, Minn. (Minnesota Storm)
7. Mark Simmonds, Minneapolis, Minn. (U.S. Navy)
8. Max Lossen, Winona, Minn. (Cross Current)

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 12:02 AM | Permalink

Arizona State wrestler Kyle DeBerry relieved, excited to see wrestling program reinstated
Craig Sesker USA Wrestling
05/23/2008

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Kyle DeBerry went 2-2 and fell short of placing Friday at the FILA Junior World Team Trials.

But DeBerry still felt like a guy who had just won a championship.

A tough day of wrestling was quickly transformed into a day of elation for the Arizona State freshman when DeBerry received the news Friday afternoon that the ASU wrestling program was being reinstated.

DeBerry, who redshirted this past season as a 165-pounder for ASU, has experienced a roller-coaster past couple of weeks after it was announced on May 13 that Arizona State was dropping wrestling along with men’s swimming and men’s tennis.

“This is so huge for us to have our program reinstated,� DeBerry said. “We’re so excited and happy. It’s great to hear the news. We can’t wait for next season. This is a big step for the sport of wrestling that our program is being saved. I hope this sends a message to other schools that it can be done.�

DeBerry’s coach, ASU head coach Thom Ortiz, was a busy man Friday afternoon with his cell phone stuck to his right ear. He was busy talking with wrestlers, recruits and the news media, among others, after the news broke on Friday.

Ortiz, along with DeBerry, was at U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs for the FILA Junior and World University Trials.

Just a couple of days after it was announced the program was being dropped, DeBerry said he learned there was a chance it could be brought back.

“We heard there was a chance, but we were all still pretty scared about what might happen,� DeBerry said. “Coach Ortiz told us there was a shot we could get this back and we were not going down without putting up a fight. We were going to fight to keep this program alive and it paid off for us.�

DeBerry, a four-time Arizona state high school champion from Tucson, Ariz., said he was undergoing a wide range of emotions after hearing the good news Friday.

“It’s just a big relief for me right now,� DeBerry said. “I don’t have to worry about where I’m going to have to wrestle next year. And I’m really excited as well because we have a really good group of young guys who are ready to go. We’re going to do real well next year.�

DeBerry said the news 10 days ago that ASU was dropping wrestling came as “a big shock.�

“The guys on the team, we had no idea this was coming,� he said. “We woke up to phone calls and e-mails at 8:30 in the morning that said, ‘I’m sorry and we regret to tell you that your program is being dropped.’ My reaction was I was totally surprised and it just came out of nowhere. We just didn’t understand it.�

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 1:55 PM | Permalink

USA Wrestling releases its Grappling rankings for May 2008
USA Wrestling
05/28/2008

USA Wrestling has published a May ranking for its Grappling programs, featuring the top men and women Grapplers in the nation.

A committee of Grappling leaders has developed these rankings, which will be published monthly during the USA Wrestling Grappling season. The rankings are based upon the FILA rules of Grappling, as conducted in USA Wrestling sanctioned events.

USA Wrestling has already conducted three of the 12 events in the Grappling World Team Trials Qualifying Series. Two more events are set for this weekend, the Northeast Regional Qualifier in Phoenix, N.Y. and the Southern Plains Regional Qualifier in Fort Worth, Texas.

For information and to pre-register for a Grappling World Team Trials qualifier, visit:
http://www.themat.com/schedules.php?page=grappling

USA WRESTLING GRAPPLING RANKINGS
Published May 27, 2008

Men’s Grappling

136.5
1. Darren Uyenoyama (Fogtown Jiu Jitsu)
2. Matt Sanchez (Ultimate Fitness)
3. Shaine Jamie (unattached)
4. Mike Cusi (Roy Harris Academy)
5. Brian Peterson (JJ Machado)
6. Jimmy Kirkemo (Team Titan)
7. Chris Holdsworth (Cobra Kai)
8. Ulysseys Gomez (Cobra Kai)
9. Alejandro Zeas (Team Yamasaki)
10. Johnny Ramirez (New Breed Jiu Jitsu)

154
1. Ricky Lundell (Pedro Sauer Team)
2. Jeff Glover (Paragon Jiu-Jitsu)
3. Alberto Crane (No Limits)
4. David Edwards (NYMAG)
5. Scott Bieri (Cobra Kai)
6. Shannon Slack (No Limits)
7. Cub Swanson (Combat Submission Wrestling)
8. Denny Prokopos (10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu)
9. Shane Roller (Team Takedown)
10. Jacob Hey (H.I.T. Squad)

176
1. Don Ortega (No Limits)
2. Bill Cooper (Paragon Jiu Jitsu)
3. Mike Kelly (Gilbert Grappling)
4. Cory Devela (Victory Athletics)
5. Dennis Hallman (Victory Athletics)
6. Sean Spangler (Cobra Kai)
7. Rylan Lizares (Pedro Sauer Team)
8. Johny Hendricks (Team Takedown)
9. Joseph Gutierrez (Showtime BJJ)
10. tie; Keith Wilson (Colorado Fight Factory)
James Clay (Cebell)

202.5
1. Malcolm Havens (Grappler’s Edge)
2. Matt Horwich (Team Quest)
3. Cameron Diffley (Las Vegas Combat Club)
4. Ryan Gillespie (The Boxing Club)
5. Rick MacCauley (Balance Studios)
6. Timothy Bond (Street Sport BJJ)
7. Chaun Sims (Easton BJJ)
8. Jake Rosholt (Team Takedown)
9. Rafael Lovato Jr. (Team Lovato)
10. Dan Clark (MMA Institute)

275
1. Jeff Monson (Victory Athletics)
2. Bryan Vetell (Team Renzo Gracie)
3. Bruce Hoyer (Action MMA)
4. Aaron Hayes (Team Quest)
5. Ramon Diaz (No Limits)
6. Brandon Ruiz (Grappler’s Edge)
7. Bobak Ranjbaran (Demon Jiu Jitsu)
8. Ray “Kong� Seralle (Undisputed)
9. James Horne (Cobra Kai)
10. Lloyd Marshbanks (Team Kadillac)

Women’s Grappling

105.5
1. Lisa Ward (United Fight Team)
2, Hillary Witt (Saulo Ribeiro BJJ)
3. Van Mines (unattached)
4. Amanda Milner (unattached)
5. Van Do (unattached)

121
1. Felicia Oh (JJ Machado)
2. Bahar Shahidi (Grappler’s Edge)
3. Christina Rodriguez (Gracie Tampa)
4. Carla O’Connell (No Limits)
5. Bethany Marshall (Modern American MMA)

138
1. Tara Larosa (unattached)
2. Ginele Marquez-Lee (Combat Submission Wrestling)
3. Shayna Baszler (Action MMA)
4. Crystina Coats (The Boxing Club)
5. Tori Adams (Sunkist Kids)

158.5
1. Valerie Worthington (New Breed Jiu-Jitsu)
2. Elaina Maxwell (unattached)
3. Milda Shibonis (Pedro Sauer Team)
4. Shannon Hooper (No Limits)
5. Erin Toughill (unattached)

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 5:55 AM | Permalink

Spataro named Menlo College interim athletic director
Mindy Mills Menlo College
05/27/2008

ATHERTON, CA – Provost Dr. James Kelly announced Monday that Keith Spataro has been named Menlo College’s Interim Athletic Director. With this move, head football coach Mark Kaanapu has been appointed the Associate Athletic Director’s position.

Spataro began the Menlo men’s wrestling program in 2001 and had immediate success after camp. His inaugural squad finished eighth at the national championships. In his seven years at Menlo, Spataro has coached 36 All Americans, six National Champions and four Daktronics Scholar Athletes. In 2003, Spataro was named Associate Athletic Director; where his chief responsibilities were overseeing compliance regulations, eligibility, and facilities.

“I am very pleased that Keith Spataro has taken on the Interim Athletic Director position for the Oaks,� stated Dr. Kelly. “He hits the ground running because he has worked closely with our departing Athletic Director in operating our programs to ensure excellence in performance, team-building, and healthy competition.�

Kaanapu’s fist stint on the Oaks coaching staff was in 1996 as Offensive Line coach and recruiting coordinator and the next year was promoted to Assistant Head Football Coach. He returned to Menlo in 2000 as Offensive Line Coach before assuming head coaching duties later that December. For the past five years, Kaanapu has served as Menlo’s Assistant Athletic Director.

“Coach Mark Kaanapu has an excellent reputation on campus as a friendly and supportive leader. I know he is looking forward to increasing his contribution to Oaks Athletics, and in enhancing its excellent reputation and tradition in producing scholar-athletes,� noted Dr. Kelly.

With the restructure of the athletic department, Kathy Imwalle is now the Administrative Manager of Athletics and Mindy Mills has been named the Media Relations Director of Athletics.

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 3:57 AM | Permalink

Exciting activities planned for 32nd annual Hall of Fame Honors Weekend in Stillwater, Okla., May 30-31
NWHOF
05/27/2008

STILLWATER, Okla. – Wrestling dignitaries from across the country will begin arriving in Stillwater throughout this week for the 32nd annual Honors Weekend and Induction Ceremony of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum scheduled for May 30-31, 2008.

“With this event, wrestling gathers to pay tribute to the best and the brightest that this sport has to offer,� said Lee Roy Smith, Executive Director of the Hall. “We are thrilled to include with our distinguished class of 2008 award winners, the Penn State University wrestling program which celebrates its 100th anniversary of collegiate competition. The 1953 Nittany Lions, the first east coast team to win an NCAA Division I title, will also be recognized, continuing our commitment to honor not just outstanding individual efforts but also extraordinary teams.�

NCAA Wrestling

Four new Distinguished Members and one Outstanding American will be inducted. The class of new Distinguished Americans includes wrestlers: Ricky Bonomo, Mike Houck, Wayne Martin, and Bobby Weaver. Chick fil A executive Dan T. Cathy will be honored as the Outstanding American.
Rounding out the list of awards to be presented, the winner of the Dave Schultz High School Excellence Award is Utah’s Justin Chamberlain. Winner of the Order of Merit is Tulsan Richard Small; Blind wrestler Dr. James V. Mastro will receive the Medal of Courage, and the winner of the Lifetime Achievement for Officials is Jerry Wager.

“Unfortunately, Bobby Weaver is ill and will be unable to attend,� Smith said. “We are very disappointed that he won’t be able to join us as we express our admiration for what he has given to our sport, but we send our best wishes to him for a speedy and complete recovery.�
A State Chapter Presidents Conference is scheduled prior to Honors Weekend on Thursday and Friday morning.

“We always get a good number of inductees, board members, and wrestling dignitaries attending each year’s ceremonies,� Smith said. “By including our state chapter presidents, we are rewarding our grass root volunteers for the great job of extending our mission on a state-by-state level.�

Smith said he is expecting visitors from 43 states to come to Stillwater over Honors Weekend, indicative of the Hall’s national appeal.

Honors Weekend officially kicks off Friday evening with a public reception and presentation of plaques at the Hall of Fame and Museum. After the new plaques are revealed, guests will join Penn State wrestlers in a ceremony honoring their program’s rich history.

Saturday morning features an 18-hole golf tournament. Non-golfers can enjoy guest speakers, a fashion show, poker tournament, and club activities like tennis and swimming. Everyone comes together for lunch before an afternoon break.

The evening festivities begin with a pre-banquet reception followed by the black-tie dinner and induction.

On Sunday morning, the weekend may be over for honorees, but for the Board of Governors, the work is just beginning. The board holds one of two annual meetings that morning at the Hampton Inn.

“This is an occasion that makes everyone feel good about the sport and stimulates a camaraderie that inspires people to want to do what they can to help this sport grow,� Smith concludes.

For more information on Honors Weekend contact the National Wrestling Hall of Fame & Museum at 405-377-5243 or visit our website at www.wrestlinghalloffame.org.

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 3:53 AM | Permalink

Minnesota inks No. 1 recruiting class
5/15/2008
University of Minnesota Sports Information

The Golden Gopher wrestling program has signed the top recruiting class in the nation this year, according to the most recent issue of W.I.N. Magazine. All six of Minnesota's early period recruits ended their prep careers ranked in the top-11 in the final W.I.N. Magazine national high school rankings.

Jake Deitchler (Anoka, Minn.) and Ryland Geiger (Scapposse, Ore.) were each ranked No. 1 in their weight classes following outstanding prep careers - Deitchler at 152 pounds and Geiger at 189. Deitchler will also have a chance to make the U.S. Olympic team this June when he competes at the U.S. Team Trials in Las Vegas.

Blair Academy's (N.J.) Mario Mason was the nation's second-best recruit at 145 pounds, according to the publication, while Apple Valley High School (Minn.) product Matt Mincey was the nation's fourth-ranked wrestler at 135 pounds. Rounding out the nation's top recruiting class are Topeka, Kan. native Atticus Disney (seventh) and 171-pounder Cody Yohn (11th), the brother of current Gopher freshman Sonny Yohn (both hail from Alamosa, Col.).

Three spring signees not factored into W.I.N.'s ranking include Thane Antczak (Chetek/Prairie Farm, Wis.), Zach Loppnow (Lake City, Minn.) and Wesley Richard (Dillingham, Alaska).

Minnesota boasts the only class in the nation with six incoming wrestlers ranked in W.I.N.'s final prep rankings. This is generally considered to be the program's most-heralded class in several years - W.I.N. ranked the Gophers 10th in 2007, fourth in 2006, 14th in 2005 and 19th in 2004.

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 12:16 AM | Permalink

Burroughs wins FILA Junior World Team Trials
5/25/2008
University of Nebraska Sports Information

Lincoln -- Nebraska All-America wrestler Jordan Burroughs translated his success for the Huskers to the international level on Saturday as he won the 66 kilogram (145.5 pound) division of the FILA Junior World Team Trials in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Burroughs, wrestling in the freestyle division, defeated Michigan's Kellen Russell in two consecutive sets (5-0, 4-0 in the first and 6-0, 4-0 in the second) to win the best-of-three series and claim a spot on the U.S. world team.

"This is a good step towards making the 2012 Olympic team," Head Coach Mark Manning said. "[FILA World Championships] is a good opportunity to wrestle some of the best kids in the world at his age level."

Burroughs will now travel with the U.S. delegation to the FILA World Championships in Istanbul, Turkey, from July 29 to Aug. 3. Manning will also travel with him as a coach for the U.S. team.

The Sicklerville, N.J. native qualified for the FILA Junior World Team Trials by winning the FILA Junior National Championships in Las Vegas last month. The national championship automatically qualified him for the finals at the world team trials.

Burroughs, a sophomore, claimed his first All-America honors in March with a third-place finish at 149 pounds.

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 11:14 PM | Permalink

Arizona State reinstates wrestling program as 21st varsity sport; Sun Devils will compete fully in 2008-09
Arizona State University
05/23/2008

TEMPE, Ariz. - Arizona State University Vice President for Athletics Lisa Love announced Friday that the athletic department is fully reinstating the sport of varsity wrestling, effective immediately, due to financial support from local civic leadership. The reinstatement of wrestling gives ASU 21 sports in its varsity athletic program.

"It is with great pleasure that I announce the reinstatement of the varsity sport of wrestling at ASU," says Love. "The wrestling community, both locally and nationally, accepted this as a challenge to do something wonderful for the sport. ASU is forever grateful for that passion and unwavering support. Something special is happening on our campus thanks to civic leadership that cares deeply about ASU wrestling."

ASU had announced on May 13, 2008 that it was discontinuing the sport of wrestling due to the rising cost of operating a 22-sport varsity program. It was determined at that time that sponsoring a 20-sport program would better fit ASU¹s athletic financial profile. Love indicated at the time that if the wrestling community were able to raise enough financial support the sport could be reinstated. That commitment is there and the sport will continue at Arizona State.

Love said that fundraising for the sport of wrestling will be an ongoing process. The objective is not just to sponsor wrestling as a varsity sport, but to position the sport as one of the top programs in the country.

The Sun Devil wrestling team is a member of the Pacific-10 Conference.

>> I don't personally understand the $8,000,000.00 price tag to reinstate wrestling, especially when wrestling gear isn't really any more expensive than tennis apparel.. I would imagine that much of the tag comes from a lease on property, but I'd be interested to hear other opinions as to why wrestling cost $3,000,000.00 more than swimming or tennis to get started.

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 9:59 PM | Permalink

ASU coach Thom Ortiz: Reinstatement of program like winning the lottery
Craig Sesker USA Wrestling
05/23/2008

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Thom Ortiz’s cell phone rang at around 3 p.m. Mountain Time on Friday.

The caller on the other end, Arizona State athletic director Lisa Love, quickly broke the news.

She was reinstating the wrestling program at Arizona State University.

Ten days after Love announced the Sun Devil wrestling program was being dropped, ASU brought wrestling back after receiving financial support from local civic leadership.

“Actually, I was real calm when Lisa Love called and I said ‘Thank you very much,’� said Ortiz, ASU’s head coach. “I just had to kind of take it all in at first. It was like we had just won the lottery. It seemed like it was too good to be true.

“I was very calm and Lisa asked me, ‘You don’t seem very excited.’ I was just trying to compose myself and count my blessings. In the face of death, my dad always told me to smile. But when you get something like this you have to count your blessings and be thankful and grateful.�

Ortiz, who was at the U.S. Olympic Training Center watching his wrestlers compete at the FILA Junior and World University Trials, learned ASU was dropping wrestling on May 13. Love also announced men’s swimming and men’s tennis were being dropped.

Ortiz was asked what the last 10 days have been like.

“I don’t think it’s been as difficult as people think because we’ve focused on the process of getting this program reinstated,� Ortiz said. “I didn’t realize it’s been 10 days already – I don’t even know what day it is right now. Every day is the same when things like this occur. We just focused on being positive. I really believed this whole time we were going to reinstate this program.�

Ortiz credited Love for her recent decision.

“I am thankful Lisa Love is our A.D., and she showed a lot of guts in reinstating this program,� Ortiz said. “She showed what she’s made of. She took a lot of unnecessary flak, but that’s the past. She’s not vindictive in any way. She likes progress and she wants to move forward.�

Ortiz was busy calling members of his team late Friday afternoon during the tournament in Colorado Springs.

“Our guys are very excited and very elated,� Ortiz said. “We have a good young group. We’re going to be strong and I think we can have a great team.�

One of Ortiz’s recruits, heavyweight Erik Nye, won a World University Team Trials title in Greco-Roman on Friday.

“I talked to Erik and told him we were reinstated,� Ortiz said. “I said, ‘Are you still coming?’ and he said, ‘Absolutely.’ That was great to here.�

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 7:55 PM | Permalink

U.S. falls short of placing at final Olympic qualifier in Greco-Roman
Craig Sesker USA Wrestling
05/24/2008

The United States Greco-Roman wrestling team came up short in its quest to qualify for the 2008 Olympic Games at 60 kg/132 lbs.

2007 U.S. World Team member Joe Betterman went 1-1 and did not place at Greco-Roman Olympic Qualifying Tournament No. 2 on Saturday in Novi Sad, Serbia.

Betterman (Chicago, Ill./New York AC/USOEC) beat Hungary’s Balint Korpasi 3-0, 3-0 in the first round at 60 kg/132 lbs. Betterman then fell to past World silver medalist Karen Mnatsakanyan of Armenia 2-0, 1-1.

Betterman was eliminated when the Armenian wrestler fell one match short of reaching the finals.

The top three wrestlers in each weight class from the second of two qualifiers qualified their countries for the 2008 Olympics, set for Aug. 12-21 in Beijing, China.

The U.S. team, which won the team title at the 2007 World Championships, qualified the other six Greco-Roman weight classes for the Olympics.

Betterman came up short in two other opportunities to qualify the weight class for the Olympics. He did not place at the 2007 World Championships and won a bronze medal at the 2008 Pan American Championships.

American Jim Gruenwald (Marquette, Mich./Sunkist Kids) failed to place at 60 kilos at Greco-Roman Olympic Qualifying Tournament No. 1 on May 10 in Rome, Italy. Gruenwald suffered a shoulder injury in that event.

The U.S. has qualified 16-of-18 weight classes overall for the Olympics. The U.S. has qualified 6-of-7 classes in Greco-Roman, 6-of-7 classes in freestyle and all four classes in women’s freestyle.

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 12:03 AM | Permalink

We know you ran right through your last 500, so we release 500 more!

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Posted by Wrestling Fan at 9:12 PM | Permalink

Hodge Trophy winner Brent Metcalf hoping magical 2008 continues at Olympic Trials
Craig Sesker USA Wrestling
05/21/2008

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – You can see it in his eyes, you can hear it in his voice and you can witness it when he steps onto the mat.

Brent Metcalf is serious about becoming a United States Olympian in freestyle wrestling in 2008.

A recent afternoon practice at the U.S. Olympic Training Center provided the proof.

Fifth at the 2008 U.S. Nationals, after losing twice to U.S. National Team member Jared Frayer, Metcalf is taking full advantage of the six weeks between U.S. Nationals and the U.S. Olympic Team Trials.

Drenched in sweat as he battled veteran Chris Bono in the center of a jam-packed wrestling room, Metcalf worked through a grueling afternoon practice under the watchful eye of U.S. Freestyle Resident Coach Terry Brands.

“This is a great opportunity to get in some really good training against the highest level of competition,� Metcalf said. “I’m in a great training environment at Iowa, and coming out here is even another notch up for me. The time between the U.S. Open and the Trials obviously is real critical for me. I haven’t had a lot of time to train in freestyle because of the college season. I’m trying to gain as much experience and mat time as I can before the Trials.�

Metcalf is coming off a storybook sophomore season for the Iowa Hawkeyes. He won his first NCAA title at 149 pounds and led the Hawkeyes to their first NCAA team title in eight years. He won the Hodge Trophy as the nation’s best college wrestler and was named Big Ten Wrestler of the Year.

Metcalf said he took “a few days off� after the college season before plunging into freestyle training full-time.

Metcalf is hoping for an opportunity to face one of his college coaches, Hawkeye assistant coach Doug Schwab, in the finals of the U.S. Olympic Team Trials on June 14 in Las Vegas.

Schwab, who placed fifth at the 2007 World Championships at 66 kg/145.5 lbs., clinched a spot in the best-of-3 finals at the Olympic Trials by virtue of winning April’s U.S. Nationals. Metcalf will need to win the Challenge Tournament, where he is expected to be seeded fourth, to earn a shot at Schwab later the same day in the finals.

The champion from the Olympic Trials advances to the Olympic Games, set for Aug. 12-21 in Beijing, China.

“I want to see an all-Iowa final,� Metcalf said of the Olympic Trials. “Schwab is already in the finals, we know that. There is no other way to have it than having both of us in the finals battling it out for the spot. I have three or four matches ahead of me before I get to the finals, but that’s where I see myself at the Trials. I have to wrestle smart and wrestle hard. I know I’ve put the work in.�

Metcalf said Schwab is among the wrestlers he trains with at the Iowa wrestling room inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City.

“Having the No. 1 guy in your room is a great opportunity for me, where I can train with him and learn from him,� Metcalf said. “I try to train with Schwab as much as I can. The great thing about Schwab is we can compete and go at it hard against each other, and then after practice is over he will grab me and say, ‘Hey, you need to do this.’ He will work with me. He’s a competitor and a coach at the same time.�

Working out with a guy like the physical, hard-nosed Bono, a three-time U.S. World Team member, won’t hurt Metcalf’s development either.

“You have to wrestle tough the entire time against a guy like (Bono),� Metcalf said. “He’s very good in his positions and his special areas. You have to really try to shut him down and get to your own offense.�

Metcalf said he learned from the two matches he lost against Frayer at U.S. Nationals.

“I need to get to my offense and finish right now and score,� Metcalf said. “I can’t wait around out there. I need to get to his legs and finish.�

The 21-year-old Metcalf, who trains under Iowa head coach Tom Brands in Iowa City, is learning from Tom’s twin brother Terry this week in Colorado. Tom Brands was an Olympic and World champion. Terry Brands won two World titles and an Olympic bronze medal in freestyle.

“Tom and Terry have similar coaching styles – it’s great training with Terry out here,� Metcalf said. “The techniques they teach are a little bit different, so that helps me when I come out here to train. They’re great coaches. I’ve learned a lot from them.�

Metcalf, from Davison, Mich., more than lived up to the massive hype placed on him entering his first season of collegiate competition in 2007-08.

Metcalf led team champion Iowa to a whopping 38.5-point win over second-place Ohio State at the 2008 NCAA tournament in St. Louis. The Hawkeyes return a majority of their team for next season and will be the preseason No. 1 team in the country in 2008-09.

“The atmosphere in our room is great right now,� he said. “Having that glimpse of success – I call it a glimpse because I know a lot of us aren’t really satisfied with two champions and just a 30-point victory. Having that glimpse of success really opened our eyes that, ‘Wow, we can do something great at Iowa.’ A lot of our guys are really grasping that now. There are a ton of guys in our room training right now to be national champions. That’s great to see.�

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 3:17 PM | Permalink

Russia tops list with all 18 weight classes qualified for Olympics; U.S. second with 16 classes qualified
Craig Sesker USA Wrestling
05/22/2008

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – With two Olympic qualifiers remaining, Russia is the lone country that has qualified all 18 wrestling weight classes for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China.

The United States is second with 16 total weight classes qualified. The U.S. can add to its total at the final Olympic Greco-Roman qualifier this weekend in Serbia. Joe Betterman will try to qualify the U.S. for the Olympics on Saturday when he competes at 60 kg/132 lbs.

The U.S. has qualified in 6-of-7 weight classes in both freestyle and Greco-Roman. The U.S. has qualified in all four Olympic divisions for women’s freestyle. The American team will be determined at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials on June 13-15 in Las Vegas.

Azerbaijan is next in line with 15 overall weight classes qualified for Beijing. Kazakhstan has 14 total qualifiers and the Ukraine has 13. Cuba, Iran and Turkey are next in line with 12 classes qualified for the Olympics.

The final Olympic qualifier for women’s freestyle is scheduled for May 31-June 1 in Sweden.

The top eight finishers in each weight class from the 2007 World Championships qualified their countries for the Olympics. The champions in each weight class from the European, Asian, African and Pan American Championships also qualified their countries for Beijing.

Additionally, two Olympic qualifiers are being held in each style. The top four finishers in each weight class from the first qualifier in freestyle and Greco-Roman qualified their country for the Olympics. The top three finishers in each weight class from the second qualifier in freestyle and Greco-Roman qualify their country for the Olympics.

The top two finishers in each weight class from both women’s freestyle qualifiers send their countries to the Olympics.

The Olympic competition in wrestling is scheduled for Aug. 12-21 in Beijing.

LIST OF WEIGHT CLASSES QUALIFIED FOR 2008 OLYMPIC GAMES
Country-Freestyle-Greco-Women-Total Weight Classes
Russia 7-7-4-18
United States 6-6-4-16
Azerbaijan 7-5-3-15
Kazakhstan 6-5-3-14
Ukraine 6-3-4-13
Cuba 7-5-0-12
Iran 7-5-0-12
Turkey 7-5-0-12
Bulgaria 5-5-1-11
Korea 5-5-1-11
Canada 5-1-4-10
Georgia 5-5-0-10
Japan 3-3-4-10
China 3-2-4-9
Poland 4-3-2-9

Posted by Wrestling Fan at 11:44 PM | Permalink

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