InterMat Staff

WRESTLING! Fall is in the air. The wrestling rooms are being aired out, mats rolled out, new equipment is being unboxed and for some "New" coaches the anticipation is just about over as their respective charges, the young freshmen athletes head to the many varied collegiate campuses across this great country. Talk about a run on sentence but I did have to get it out. I get charged up thinking about all the possibilities last years changes will bring this year and for seasons to come. WRESTLING! This week on TDR: The new head coach of American International College Yellow Jackets Chaz Seiberts joins us to tell us of his hopes, dreams and plans for the Yellow Jackets 15 year old program. Seiberts the first full time coach in the programs history was hired after a stretch at UNC Pembroke under P.J. Smith. Seiberts replaced Shirzad Ahmadi. Mark Cody, third year head coach of the Eagles of American University, will join us to share how he plans on topping last years break out team performance. Things will never be the same on the campus of this important college in our nations capital, Washington, D.C. Coach and Mrs. Cody are also enjoying the arrival of yet another little wrestler who loves the night life so to speak. No rest for the wicked I guess. Congratulations! Next we head down the road to what used to be rural Maryland. Not any more. You never really leave the city and its hard to tell where one community ends and another begins as you head to College Park. The Wrestling Terrapins of the University of Maryland are headed by Pat Santoro. The Terrapin faithful are a patient lot. Will this be the year for the squad to break out and realize all the dreams of their head coach. Tune in and find out! Joseph DeMeo Former head coach of the Stanford Cardinal, Standout Cornell Wrestler '66, National Freestyle Champion and Head Coach of U.S. Greco Roman World Team 4x, National Coach of the year for USA Wrestling 3x, Member of the USOC coaching staff in 1976, 1980, 1988, 1992, Named the Developmental Coach of the Year by USA Wrestling in 2005. Coach DeMeo has been selected for induction into the Cornell University Athletic Hall of Fame at the 29th annual ceremonies to be held Friday night, November 3rd on the Cornell Campus. The UFC has experienced tremendous growth and with the number of wrestlers active within this organization and others like it one must wonder if the future for wrestling professionals isn't a career in the octagon. The UFC's top competition official, Big John McCarthy joins us for a look at Saturday nights UFC 62 pay per view LIVE from Las Vegas, NV Join us. We're going to be all over the place but will still promise to make it fun for all of us. Thanks for listening and for all of your emails, letters, phone calls and encouraging comments!

LARAMIE, Wyo. -- University of Wyoming head wrestling coach Steven Suder announced today the hiring of Ben VomBaur as an assistant coach with the Cowboy program. VomBaur replaces K.C. Rock, who took a coaching position at Utah Valley State earlier this summer. VomBaur was a two-time All-American wrestler at 125 pounds for Boise State University. In his three years with the program, 2001-03, he placed fourth at the NCAA Tournament in 2002 and sixth in 2003, and was a Pac-10 conference champion in both 2001 and 2003. Prior to attending Boise State, VomBaur spent a year at Clackamas Community College in Oregon City, Ore., where he was an NJCAA All-American, placing third at nationals. VomBaur comes to Wyoming from Wasatch High School in Heber City, Utah, where he coached the wrestling team to back-to-back Utah state championships. He has coached seven individual state high school champions the past two years. VomBaur is also active in the wrestling community as a club coach, camp director and instructor. "The addition of Ben is more than a step in the right direction for this program," stated Suder. "He will bring a freshness, vigor and experience to our wrestling room that will really be a boost of motivation and encouragement to this team. "Ben had very good collegiate career at a very good program, which will enhance ours. He is a young, current guy who will actually be training himself, which only adds to the positives he brings UW Wrestling."

Oskaloosa -- William Penn University Athletics Director Mike Laird has announced the hiring of Jeff Barber as assistant wrestling coach and security guard at the university. Barber comes to Penn from NCAA Division II Central Missouri State where he was an assistant coach from 2003-2005. He also has assistant coach experience at Minnesota State-Moorhead from 1999-2003 and Delta Junction HS in Alaska from 1993-1996. During his tenure, he has helped produce three state finalists, 11 NCAA DII All-Americans, and 19 members of the NWCA All-Academic team. He has experience on the mat as well, earning two letters at State College Area HS. Barber also compete two seasons with the U.S. Army Europe in 1987-1988. Away from the sport, Barber has served as a U.S. Army Military Policeman and a Sergeant with the Covington County Sheriff's Department in Andalusia, Ala. Barber, a native of Pennsylvania, graduated from Minnesota State-Moorhead with a degree in american studies. He has also completed his graduate work from criminal justice from Central Missouri State.

BETHLEHEM, Pa. -– Lehigh University has received word from incoming prospective wrestling student-athlete Mike Grey that he will not be honoring the commitment he made to attend Lehigh and instead will enroll in a community college near Ithaca, New York. Grey shared that it is his intention to eventually enroll at Cornell University. This news was received on Tuesday evening, August 15 by Lehigh head coach Greg Strobel, in a telephone call from Mike Grey. In November 2005, Grey and both his parents signed a letter of understanding and commitment prepared by Lehigh regarding his offer of admission and his financial aid award. His intentions to enroll at Lehigh in the fall of 2006 were affirmed throughout the 2005-2006 academic year, during the summer months, and as recently as early August 2006, in telephone conversations with members of the Lehigh Wrestling staff. Institutions that do not participate in the national letter of intent program are not precluded by NCAA rules from continuing to recruit prospective student-athletes that have made commitments to another institution. Lehigh has no specific knowledge of, interest in, or comment on the recruitment tactics used by other institutions. As a matter of operating policy, Lehigh does not bind students to decisions that those students subsequently determine to be contrary to their best interests, and does not continue to recruit or communicate with students that have made formal commitments to other schools. Lehigh does, however, share with relevant institutions, cases involving students that change their minds about attending Lehigh after initially accepting an early decision offer of admission and a financial aid award. Grey has been released by Lehigh from his intended commitment and the University and wrestling program wish him academic, athletic and personal fulfillment.

GAFFNEY, S.C. -— Limestone College's wrestling head coach Ben Stehura has announced that Trent Goodale will join the team's coaching staff as an assistant for the upcoming season. Goodale, a native of Osage, Iowa, attended the University of Iowa where he earned a bachelor of arts in communication studies. He was a four-year letterwinner for the Hawkeyes and was a 2004 NCAA Division I national qualifier. He was also a two-time Fila Junior All-American in freestyle. His coaching experience includes volunteering as an assistant coach during college with the Iowa West High School and working several University of Iowa Athletic Camps. During his high school career at Osage High School, he was a three-time state champion and a four-time conference champions.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The Ohio State wrestling coaching staff will host the 2006 Ohio State Wrestling Coaches Clinic in St. John Arena Oct. 12-13 in conjunction with the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) and the Ohio Wrestling Coaches Association. The first-year OSU personnel will hold four technique sessions during the two-day annual event, which will begin at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 12. Immediately following the first technique session, team wrestle-offs will be held at 8 p.m. Coaches attending the clinic will be admitted free of charge for the wrestle-offs. Leading the Buckeye staff is head coach Tom Ryan, who was a seven-time conference coach of the year at Hofstra. Ohio State assistants, Tommy Rowlands (two-time NCAA champion and 2008 Olympic hopeful) and Lou Rosselli (1996 Olympian and 2006 U.S. World Team coach) and volunteer assistant coach Joe Heskett (NCAA champion and 2008 Olympic hopeful) also will be in attendance. Also a part of the session is OSU wrestling director of operations Ross Thatcher (All-American at Penn State) and Jim Humphrey (1988 Olympic coach). OSHAA will present the state rules interpretation, as well as hold a coaches association meeting. Registration will begin at 2 p.m. and will end at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 12. For more information and registration, log on to www.ohiostatebuckeyes.com. 2006 Ohio State Coaches Clinic Schedule Thursday, October 12, 2006 2 p.m.-3 p.m. Early Registration (receive parking passes during check in) 5 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Registration - St. John Arena (NE side) Session 1 6:30 p.m.-7:45 p.m. Technique Session: OSU coaching staff 8 p.m.-9 p.m. OSU Wrestle-offs (St. John Arena) 8 p.m.-9 p.m. Coaches Hall of Fame Committee Meeting (Recruiting Room) 9:15 p.m.-11:15p.m. Coaches Social - French Field House Friday, October 13, 2006 7:30 a.m.-8:30 a.m. Breakfast - St. John Arena 7:30 a.m.-8:30 a.m. Registration - St. John Arena (only for those who have not checked in) Session 2 8:30 a.m. -9:30 a.m. State Rules Interpretation Meeting - OHSAA 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Coaches Associations Meeting with OHSAA Representatives "State Wrestling Announcements" 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Technique Session: OSU coaching staff noon-1 p.m. Lunch - French Field House Session 3 1 p.m.-1:45 p.m. Technique Session: OSU coaching staff 1:45 p.m.-2:30 p.m. Technique Session: OSU coaching staff 2:45 p.m. Ohio State Practice (wrestling room Steelwood facility)

Please tune in to the weeks Takedown Radio. We welcome back Minnesota's Asst. Head Coach Marty Morgan. Last week we talked to Marty about his families back ground in boxing and wrestling. This week let's focus on the future of preseason favorite Minnesota and what it will take to win a national championship in Detroit! Next we venture to D1's southern most wrestling campus at the Citadel for a conversation with Bulldog Head Coach Rob Hjerling. The bulldogs have made some credible improvements over the last several years. What does the future hold for this time honored program? Tune in and find out. UFC Legend Jens "Lil Evil" Pulver will join us to discuss his future with the UFC and Saturday evening's Green Sparks Entertainment night of MMA action at Frank Santana's 7 Flags Event Center. With Jens officiating and me announcing, it's sure to be a terrific night of great action. Oh, Chris "The Crippler" Leben will be there too. Next we head west to visit with Cardinal Head Coach Kerry McCoy. One of the most technically graceful athletes to ever wrestle and taught by one of the great coaching teachers in Greg Strobel, Kerry has so much to offer his student athletes. How has the arrival of new asst coach Ray Blake tinted the picture for the program? The Purler Academy features brothers Tony and Nick Purler. Their accomplishments are numerous and my fingers are tired so you gotta just check out their web site. We'll talk with Coach Nick Purler to see what it is that drives these brothers, their academy and further more what keeps them involved to the degree they are in the sport we love. Their web site is PurlerWrestling.com Influential Coach Mike Duroe who is now heading up the program at Cornell College in Mt. Vernon Iowa will join us to update us on what is going on there and at USA Wrestling. This soft spoken, knowledgeable athlete/coach and Gable confidant is more important to the wrestling community than many of us even know. Tune in and Find out why. Thanks for tuning in each week Live, archived or now Pod Cast. Keep it on the Mat! Keep Wrestling!

David Craig, a 171-pounder from Brandon, Florida, was arguably the No. 1 high school wrestling recruit in the country in 2005-06. The soon-to-be Lehigh freshman's wrestling resume speaks for itself: Four-time Florida high school state champion, 184-0 record, 102 pins, Junior Nationals double champion, Cadet Nationals champion, Walsh Ironman champion, Beast of the East champion, and two-time First Team Asics All-American. Just days before heading off to Lehigh to begin his freshman year, Craig spoke to RevWrestling.com about his decision not to defend his Junior National titles last month, whether or not he expects to redshirt this season, his projected weight class, and his future aspirations. You chose Lehigh over Oklahoma State, Iowa State, and many other elite collegiate wrestling programs. What was enticing to you about the Lehigh program? Craig: Well, first of all, it's a great wrestling program. Coach Strobel is a great coach and he has a great staff. There are a lot fans behind the program, too. It was the best combination for me … it was the best academic school that I could go with, so I thought I'd be better off there. What was the hardest part about the whole recruiting process? Craig: I guess the hardest part for me was feeling personally tied to some of the people recruiting me. You can make friends quickly with the coaches and wrestlers on the different teams. You kind of feel like you're letting them down if you don't pick their school. It was tough making the calls. I was just glad when it was finally over. David Craig (Photo/Jon Malinowski)You were a double champion at the 2005 Junior Nationals. Why did you decide not to defend your titles this summer in Fargo? Craig: I don't know … I just really didn't want to go. I've been out there a lot. It's a long tournament. I just wanted to spend some time at home. How much have you been able to get on the mat this summer? Craig: I can't get on the mat every day. I've been taking a little break, I guess. The mats are always open and available at our high school. But I've been on the mats a good amount of time. I went to the Olympic Training Center and was also out at Lehigh for the camps. You obviously come from a very successful wrestling program in Brandon, Florda … one that has produced Division I wrestlers like Rocky Cozart at Michigan State and Cesar Grajales at Penn. What have they told you about making the transition from high school to collegiate wrestling? Craig: They didn't psyche me out or anything. Of course it's tough. It's obviously tougher than high school. They just told me to work hard and I'll be fine. It's the same stuff you have to do to get better. As you begin your collegiate wrestling career at Lehigh as the No. 1 high school recruit in the country … how much pressure do you feel to succeed at the next level? Craig: A little bit, but I try not to think too much about it. I just try to think about, OK, it's college wrestling … it's whole new slate. It doesn't matter how I did in high school. Have you had discussions with the Lehigh coaches about whether or not you will redshirt this season? Craig: I'm fairly sure that I'm going to redshirt. That hasn't been set in stone or anything, but I'm fairly sure that is what's going to happen. You were a 171-pounder for most of your high school wrestling career. What weight do you see yourself wrestling in college? Craig: I think 174 at the lowest. I would like to go 184, but I only weigh 180 right now. I could really go either one without any problem as far as feeling comfortable. David Craig (Photo/Jon Malinowski)You're extremely accomplished in all three styles of wrestling -- freestyle, Greco-Roman, and folkstyle. Do you favor any one style over another? Craig: Not really. They all kind of have their benefits. I like them all just the same, though. Do you plan to continue wrestling the international styles during your collegiate wrestling career? Craig: Oh, definitely. I'll probably just be wrestling freestyle. I don't think I'll be wrestling Greco anymore. I plan on wrestling freestyle in the off-season. I don't know if I will after college or not … I don't know how that's going to work out. Was there a wrestler that you looked up when you were growing up? Craig: Not really. When I was growing up, I didn't really focus too much on other wrestlers. I was just kind of worried about how I was doing. Last month, Jon Trenge, one of Lehigh's all-time greats, joined the Mountain Hawks coaching staff. What does it mean to you to have such a talented upper-weight, like Trenge, in the wrestling room every day? Craig: Well, it's going to be a big help because he's extremely accomplished. He obviously knows what it takes to get it done. I'll have a lot of confidence in what he's going to be showing me … and the advice he's going to provide. So it'll be a big confidence booster. What do you hope to accomplish at Lehigh? Craig: The most important thing is to graduate. And also win as many NCAA titles as I can.

BETHLEHEM, Pa. –- Lehigh head coach Greg Strobel completed his coaching staff for the 2006-07 season with the addition of two-time All-American John Clark as a volunteer assistant coach. Clark will also serve as the new head coach and clinician for the Lehigh Valley Athletic Club. He comes to Lehigh after spending last season as an assistant coach at Stanford under former LVAC head coach and Lehigh volunteer assistant Kerry McCoy. Clark was a four-time NCAA Qualifier at 165 pounds for Ohio State, earning All-American honors in each of his final two seasons. He placed sixth at the 2003 NCAA Championships and then took fifth in 2004. He won 134 career bouts for the Buckeyes and was a two-time runner-up at the Big Ten championships. Clark will work primarily with the Mountain Hawks' middleweights in addition to his LVAC duties. "This is a great addition for us," said Strobel, the 2006 EIWA Coach of the Year who is entering his 12th season. "I've been impressed with John since I first saw him wrestle for Ohio State. He is good on his feat, he is good on the mat, and he brings a lot to Lehigh with his previous coaching experience. " A native of Canton, N.Y., Clark earned his degree in sociology from Ohio State in 2004 and worked for a year in sales before joining McCoy's staff at Stanford. "I am honored to be part of the rich Lehigh wrestling tradition," said Clark. "With the supporting staff, wrestlers and exceptional fans we look forward to having great success at Lehigh. As head coach of the LVAC, Clark will be responsible for planning and promoting LVAC clinics in both folkstyle and freestyle for young wrestlers ages 10-17 and will serve as head coach for the annual clinics run by the club. Clark comes from an accomplished wrestling family. His older brother Mitch is a former NCAA Champion for Ohio State and is currently on the coaching staff at Cornell. Younger brother Charlie is entering his junior year on the Buckeyes wrestling team. Strobel's coaching staff now consists of Clark, and assistant coaches Tim Dernlan and Jon Trenge, who were hired last month. Lehigh, the five-time defending EIWA team champions, return seven NCAA Qualifiers as well as the nation's top recruiting class in 2006-07.

Blair, NE -- New Head Coach Richard Fergola announced his coaching staff for the 2006-07 season today. The 2006 NAIA National Champions went through a major coaching change after former coach Steve Costanzo headed to St. Cloud State University in Minnesota. Fergola, who was the head assistant for the past two seasons, has not had to go very far from the Dana campus to fill his staff. Fergola hired four new individuals all of which are Dana College graduates or soon to be. Taking over the head assistant position vacated by Fergola after moving into the Head coaching position, is Wynn Fangmeier. Fangmeier is no stranger to Dana College as he was a 2x NAIA All-American for the Vikings placing 8th and 3rd. Fangmeier is a 2004 graduate of Dana. Fangmeier's concentration will be the upper weights. In addition to Fangmeier's coaching duties, he will also be working in computer services on Dana's campus. The 2nd assistant position will be filled by Antonio Barber. Barber is a 2006 graduate of Dana College. He competed for the Vikings the past three years. In 2006, Barber worked as a student assistant coach with his main focus in the strength & conditioning area. Barber will also work with the upper weights and continue his role in strength & conditioning. Ernie Abariotes will be returning on the Dana coaching staff and will be entering his 14th year. Ernie has spent a majority of his time looking over the Dana College wrestling program that he had once competed for and served as the commander in the head coaching position. He is responsible for producing the school's first-ever wrestling All-American, Virgil Watson, in 1979. Still affiliated with the program, he has spent the last seven seasons as an assistant coach. A native Nebraskan, Abariotes is a Dana College Athletic Hall of Fame member, a 2003 inductee into the Dana College Wrestling Hall of Fame and a member of the Nebraska Wrestling Hall of Fame. Abariotes graduated from Dana in 1965. Coach Fergola will utilize some youth yet experienced as well by adding two student assistant positions. Filling these positions will be 4x All-Americans Jimmy Rollins and Blair Alderman. Rollins is fresh off winning the 2006 NAIA National title for the Vikings at 133 pounds. Rollins claimed two junior college All-American titles, one of which as a national championship in 2002 as well as two NAIA All-American honors. Rollins, a native from New Jersey will work mostly with the lighter and middle weights. Alderman was also a 4x All-American. A transfer from North Idaho Community College, Alderman placed twice while at NIC and twice for the Vikings. Alderman will work with Coach Fangmeier and Coach Barber in helping develop the upper weights. Both Alderman and Rollins were part of Fergola's first recruiting class at Dana in 2004. Fergola will have the luxury of three more former Dana wrestlers serving in Volunteer Coaching positions. Ben Henderson, Marshall Marquardt and Willie Parks will all be assisting with the program. Henderson was a 2x All-American for the Vikings placing 5th in 2005 and 2006 at 157. Henderson will help develop the middle weights. Marquardt, also a 2006 graduate for the Vikings, claimed his first All-American honors in 2006 by placing 7th. Marquardt was also Junior Greco and University Greco All-American. 2x National Champion, Willie Parks will serve in a volunteer role working with middle to upper weights as well as using his time as a coach to train freestyle in his quest to make a world team. Parks was a junior college national champion in 2002 and a NAIA National champion in 2006 for Dana. "I am very excited to have these great people on my staff," said Head Coach Richard Fergola. They bring experience, work ethic, and loyality to this program. A head coach couldn't wish for a better staff. These guys were great wrestlers and will make outstanding coaches".

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The Steelwood Athletic Training Facility, practice site for the Ohio State wrestling team, will also serve as the home of The Buckeye Wrestling Club, an Ohio Regional Olympic Training Center. The mission of The Buckeye Wrestling Club includes producing various levels of champions, from the Ohio state high school tournament to national, world and Olympic level events. It is the goal of the center to fund an Olympic hopeful at each of the seven weight classes in freestyle competition within the next three years. Additionally, The Buckeye Wrestling Club seeks to expand the community support for the Ohio State wrestling program in its goal of winning a NCAA championship. Head coach of The Buckeye Wrestling Club is Jim Humphrey, who has an extensive wrestling background that includes head coaching duties for the U.S. Olympic and World and Canadian Olympic and World teams. A 1972 Big Ten individual champion and NCAA All-American at Ohio State, Humphrey also was a World Silver Medalist, a five-time U.S. Open champion (two Most Outstanding Wrestling honors) and a four-time World Team member. Humphrey went on to coach at Indiana University and later was inducted into the state of Indiana Hall of Fame. Humphrey also is a member of the Ohio State and the state of Ohio halls of fame. "As a former two-time head Olympic coach, it is my goal to create a dynamic environment where The Buckeye Wrestling Club members can strive to reach their international goals and OSU wrestlers can succeed in the efforts to be NCAA champions individually and as a team," Humphrey said. "I am confident my experience coaching the likes of Olympic, world and NCAA champions Dave Schultz, John Smith and Kenny Monday will enhance The Buckeye Wrestling Club members' efforts to achieve athletic excellence." 2006 U.S. World Team head coach Lou Rosselli also will serve as one of six coaches of The Buckeye Wrestling Club. Rosselli's resume includes serving as a U.S. head coach for the 2005 World University Games and the Women's World Cup. As an assistant coach at Edinboro for nine seasons, Rosselli coached 17 All-Americans. Competitively, Rosselli was a 1996 U.S. Olympian, 1997 World Cup champion, three-time U.S. Open champion (1995-1999) and two-time NCAA All-American at Edinboro (1991, 1993). OSU assistant coach Tommy Rowlands and volunteer assistant coach Joe Heskett currently are training at the center in The Ohio State Wrestling Room as 2008 Beijing Olympic Games hopefuls in addition to fulfilling their commitment to The Buckeye Wrestling Club as staff members. "As an Ohio native and an alumnus of The Ohio State University, I am excited to be in an environment that is conducive to being an Olympic champion in Columbus, Ohio," Rowlands said. "It is my obligation and my duty to fulfill my dream and help the OSU wrestling team reach its potential as NCAA champions." Rowlands epitomizes the center's objective of producing champions at all levels by succeeding at the high school, collegiate, national and international stages, including most recently becoming the 2005 World University Games Champion and Pan-American Games silver medalist. A letterwinner at Ohio State from 2001-2004, Rowlands was a two-time NCAA champion and a four-time All-American. At Bishop Ready High School, Rowlands was a two-time Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) state champion. A native of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, who attended Walsh Jesuit High School, Heskett, returns to the state of Ohio after attending Iowa State (1999-2002), where he was a 2002 NCAA champion and a four-time All-American. Heskett's international and national experience includes being named an alternate to the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens and two University National Freestyle championships. At Walsh Jesuit, Heskett was a three-time OHSAA state champion. "I am back in the greatest wrestling state in the country," Heskett said. "It is great to be home. I have been searching for an environment where I can grow as a coach and have the opportunity to coach a winning team and become an Olympian." The training center also will maintain outreach and community initiatives to serve the Central Ohio area, as well as a Kids Club, which provides club practices and clinics throughout the year. "We want to surround kids in the local community around Olympic hopefuls while training in the OSU wrestling room, which is considered one of the best facilities in the country," Ross Thatcher, the Ohio State wrestling team's director of operations, said. A NCAA All-American at Penn State (1998-2000), Thatcher was an assistant coach for PSU and served as the Nittany Lion Wrestling Club coach before joining OSU and The Buckeye Wrestling Club. His additional coaching duties include the 2006 Junior Fila World Team and the Ohio International Wrestling Club. Internationally, Thatcher was a Bronze medalist at the Pan-American games for the U.S. squad and a World University Games Freestyle team member. Also a part of The Buckeye Wrestling Club staff is Jim Edwards. A two-time OHSAA state champion and NCAA All-American at Louisiana State University, Edwards was an Ohio International Wrestling Club Coach. Edwards also mentored Rowlands at the high school level. For more information about The Buckeye Wrestling Club, log on to http://www.thebuckeyewrestlingclub.com

With the school year rapidly approaching, it is time once again for the Annual Sooner Wrestling Golf Classic. Attached is a sign-up sheet. Please fax, mail, or email Robbie Waller (rwaller@ou.edu) (405-325-8211 or 255-9942) with your team, hole sponsorship, and plans to attend. Thank you all and we look forward to seeing you on the course Sept. 22nd! Register Here!

The Virginia Challenge, a non-profit wrestling organization aimed at brining national level wrestling events to Virginia, has announced its newest event, the Neptune Festival Beach Brawl Wrestling Championships to be held on Sept. 30-Oct. 1 in Virginia Beach, Va. The event will be the second Beach Wrestling Event that the Virginia Challenge has sponsored; the first was the North American Beach Wrestling Championships in June of 2006. "The North American Beach Wrestling Championships were a real hit with people that were on the Virginia Beach Oceanfront," said Virginia Challenge Executive Director Frank Lipoli. "We held it in conjunction with the North American Sand Soccer Championships and we had literally thousands of people stopping to watch the wrestling in between the soccer matches." "It really helped us not only present the new style of Beach Wrestling to regular wrestling fans, it helped us get exposure for the sport of wrestling to non-wrestling fans," said Lipoli. The Neptune Festival Beach Brawl will again have a side-by-side partner – the 33rd annual Neptune Festival. The Neptune Festival routinely attracts over 300,000 people to the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. "This is a great weekend for people to come down to Virginia Beach for a weekend getaway and have some wrestling in their itinerary," said Lipoli. "Think about it, you can wrestle in front of 300,000 people!" he said. One thing that the Virginia Challenge launched at the North American Championships is a dual-meet format. The "Hungry Hungry Hippos," a team comprised mostly of Great Bridge High School wrestlers, won the first Beach Wrestling dual tournament held in the United States. The format is something Lipoli and the Virginia Challenge will keep and to continue to develop. "It was so much fun, not just for the fans, but for the kids wrestling too," said Lipoli. "This really helps the event stand out among Beach Wrestling events – we're the first and only tournament to have a dual meet element." Always a master of the catchphrase, Lipoli's "Beach Brawl Duals" will likely have creative teams like the "Sand Devils and Sandmen" again. The event, like the North American Championships, will be USA Wrestling sanctioned and competitors must have a valid USA Wrestling Card to compete. September 30 will be the individual portion of the event, with roped off competition circles dotting the 18th Street shoreline. The Beach Brawl Duals will hit the sand on October 1. "What I really like about Beach Wrestling is basically, it's a day at the beach," said Lipoli. "You go out, wrestle a few minutes, and go rinse off in the Atlantic Ocean." Coupling the event with major functions at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront will continue. "We really think this is a great way to showcase the sport of wrestling, regardless of the style, to the public," said Lipoli. "We'll have elementary, middle school and high school divisions along with open, military and college divisions, too." The second Virginia Challenge event continues a trend of the new FILA style of wrestling in the U.S. This past weekend, Long Island was host to the East Coast National Beach Wrestling Championships and the first U.S. Nationals are set for Florida later in the month. Registration information and additional information on Beach Wrestling and the Neptune Festival Beach Brawl Wrestling Championships can be found at www.virginiachallenge.org. W.I.N. Magazine, InterMat and GameDay Magazine will again be media sponsors of the event.

In November of 1993, the Ultimate Fighting Championship was organized. The concept was brilliant in its simplicity: there were only two major rules regulating the fighters �- no biting and no eye-gouging �- and the rounds were 10 minutes each in length. Presumably to look good on television, fighters were put into an eight-sided cage dubbed "The Octagon" with no way out during the match. Each competitor would try to secure a victory, either by knocking out, choking out, or forcing the surrender of his opponent. As an example of how vicious the competition was, none of the matches in that first event even went the full length of the first round. Royce Gracie was crowned the original UFC Champion in what is now known as UFC 1. Originally, the sport of mixed martial arts (abbreviated MMA) was billed as a mixture of sports more than as a sport unto itself. Early matches pitted jiu-jitsu experts against boxers, boxers against karate fighters, karate fighters against wrestlers, etc. In its early form, the MMA movement was a kind of mix-and-match of fighters with various backgrounds. Fast forward to 2006. As of this writing, the UFC series of tournaments �- around which the world of MMA is still loosely centered �- has not only become a pay-per-view phenomenon, it has signed a broadcasting deal with Spike TV, a male-focused cable television station. UFC competitions occur every month or two, and the next one, which will appear on August 27th, 2006 on pay-per-view, will be UFC 62. As it has grown in popularity among both fighters and fans, the concept of "style vs. style" has fallen by the wayside. Fighters, in particular, have learned that they must not only know how to strike, they must know how to wrestle. This realization has turned the fiercest legal fighting league in North America into an increasingly wrestling-dominated one. Don't take my word for it. The following quote is taken from an article on ww.mmafighting.com about the UFC's Forrest Petz, a 30 year-old fighter who carries a 17-2 record in MMA competition: "Wrestling is the base upon which everything rests. Without it, you will surely lose." You might think Petz is just saying that because he's a former wrestler �- but you'd be wrong. Petz is a former boxer who still considers his left hook to be his most potent weapon. He was forced to learn wrestling so that he could compete effectively in the UFC. Georges St. PierreThe same could be said of Georges St. Pierre, a 25 year-old from Montreal. In his words, taken from www.ufc.com: "I started martial arts when I was six, doing Kyokushin karate. When I started training for MMA, three years ago, I started wrestling with the national team and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with Nova Uniao..." That's the Canadian National Wrestling Team that Georges is referring to. His 12-1 MMA record indicates that his training decisions have been good ones. And those couldn't have been tough decisions for St. Pierre �- or for any other UFC fighter, for that matter. It's difficult to find any elite MMA fighter who doesn't list wrestling at the top of his training regimen. Muay Thai boxing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu are both extremely popular disciplines among MMA fighters as well, but it's difficult to find fighters even from these disciplines (or any other) who don't mention their wrestling skills and accomplishments early and often. Looking beyond fighters of other styles who have incorporated wrestling into their training, the extent to which former wrestlers have taken over MMA is telling. About 20% of the 176 fighters that the UFC lists on its website have at least some wrestling experience beyond the high school level. When you factor in the fighters who wrestled in high school, that number goes up by double or triple. While it's tough to get exact figures, it's probably not an exaggeration to say that most American fighters in the UFC came from at least a high school-level wrestling background. Most surprising, perhaps, is to see that it's not just wrestling superstars who have successfully made the jump to UFC fighting. It's revealing to see "State Champion" listed in on the short list of an MMA competitor's accomplishments, or to hear it be mentioned by them in interviews. Olympic and NCAA accomplishments are always noted on any MMA fighter's resume, and even junior college-level wrestling accomplishments are never excluded from a UFC fighter's bio. In fact, a number of competitors list any college wrestling experience they have at all on their bio, even if they were career back-ups in college. That's not to say that elite former wrestlers haven't made their mark in MMA. Randy Couture, Mark Hamill, Chael Sonnen, Mark Van Arsdale, and Josh Koschek are all current UFC fighters who were National Champions on at least the NCAA or University Nationals level. But these elite wrestlers are the exception among UFC fighters, not the norm. In an upcoming article, just for fun, we'll take a look at dozens of wrestlers who now fight at the UFC level but did not have National Championship-caliber careers in wrestling. As a concluding thought, the sport of wrestling has certainly left its mark on MMA competition. Athletes from other disciplines have learned that they need to train in the sport of wrestling to become the best fighters in the world. Wrestlers who have taken up MMA, on the other hand, have learned in sport what many of us ex-wrestlers have learned in life: once you've been through wrestling �- even if you weren't very good at it �- everything else seems manageable.

If the saying "Everything's bigger in Texas," is true, then the 2006 NWCA All-Star Classic should be a spectacle for wrestling fans to concentrate on when the Dallas Convention Center Arena hosts the annual event on November 20. The NWCA All-Star Classic, presented by the United States Marine Corps, is an All-Star wrestling dual pitting the top collegiate wrestlers in the nation against each other in a showcase that is sure to be a preview of the NCAA Division I Championship finals. The event will include 10 collegiate weight classes along with several feature bouts involving college wrestlers with Texas roots. The 2006 event will be the 41st such event and the third year the event has been held in the beginning of the wrestling season, rather than in the heart of it. "The NWCA All-Star Classic is one of the nation's premier wrestling events," said NWCA President Ron Beaschler. "Having the Dallas-Fort Worth area and the state of Texas host the event will only continue the tradition of the All-Star Classic being a first-class event." "The NWCA is also happy to again partner with the United States Marine Corps in presenting this event for the third consecutive year," Beaschler said. "It's been a good partnership, not only for us, but for wrestling in general." Three groups spearheaded the effort: the Wrestling Association of Arlington, Team Monday and the National Collegiate Wrestling Association. The Wrestling Association of Arlington is the group that hosts the Lone Star Duals in South Grand Prairie, Texas, each year. The Lone Star Duals is celebrating its 10th anniversary in the 2006-07 season. Team Monday, a wrestling club headed by 1988 Olympic Gold Medalist Kenny Monday, is also involved. Many of Texas' top rising stars have emerged out of Monday's wrestling club. The National Collegiate Wrestling Association, based in Dallas, also helped push to land the event in Texas. Proceeds will go to help the fledging wrestling program at the University of Texas-Arlington, an NCWA team. "What the NCWA does to promote the sport of wrestling is phenomenal," said NWCA Executive Director Mike Moyer. "One of their primary goals is to start new wrestling programs where they didn't exist or re-start programs at places it once existed." "This is one of the things the NCWA is doing to help the sport of wrestling grow in Texas and nationwide," said Moyer. Like the Lone Star Duals, the NCWA is celebrating its 10-year anniversary. Barry Boustead, the tournament director for the Lone Star Duals, is excited in the progress that Texas has made on the national wrestling scene. "We've been trying to do things (in Texas)," Boustead said. "We did the Dream Team Classic last year and brought in kids from all around the nation on the high school level, and now we're doing the same thing with the college kids." "It's a natural progression," he said. "We're doing this in addition to the Lone Star Duals, the NCWA Championships in March, and RealProWrestling is going to do something down here as well," said Boustead. "We're going to have a lot of wrestling in Texas this year." While the NWCA isn't expected to announce the line-up for the 41st All-Star Classic until October, the number of returning national champions and All-Americans should make for an impressive set of matches. For those that haven't ventured to the state for the Lone Star Duals, one thing that the folks in Texas traditionally do well, is hospitality and things for fans to do. "I think everyone that came down for the Olympic Trials in 2000 and Lone Star Duals in the past realize that the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex is a great place to come for anything," said Boustead. "The weather's generally better than most places in the country that time of year. There are lots of hotels, restaurants, activities, just lots of things to do," he said. "And the venue is great. The Dallas Convention Center Arena is a great place to watch and a great place for fans to come to watch – it's really easy to get to." "One things that Texas is known for and what we try to do is be good hosts," Boustead said. "Of all the things we do, it's the one thing we succeed at best. Anyone that comes down is going to have a good time there." With the NWCA All-Star Classic as the next event headed to Texas, it makes Boustead and other event organizers like Jim Giunta of the NCWA and Steve Silver happy. "It's an opportunity for us to participate in a high-caliber collegiate event in addition to the Lone Star Duals," said Boustead. "It's an opportunity for our kids to see national championship-level competition for those that haven't been able to travel." "It also brings a lot of coaches down here, so that's a good thing," he said. "We're definitely pleased to have the opportunity to host this event in Texas and to lend a hand in helping develop the collegiate wrestling scene in a state that hasn't had varsity collegiate wrestling since the 1970's," said Moyer. "We're looking forward to it." The 2005 event was one of the most unpredictable in recent memory. Held in Stillwater, Okla., at the Gallagher-Iba Arena on the campus of Oklahoma State University, four defending NCAA champions were defeated in the event. The National Wrestling Coaches Association, established in 1928, is a professional organization dedicated to serve and provide leadership for the advancement of all levels of the sport of wrestling with primary emphasis on scholastic and collegiate programs. The membership embraces all people interested in amateur wrestling. The NWCA, through its organizational structure, promotes communication, recognizes achievement, recommends rules and regulations, sponsors events, and serves as an educational and informational source. Additionally, the NWCA strives to foster the sportsmanship and integrity that are the cornerstones of athletic competition.

Steve Mocco, a two-time NCAA champion at heavyweight who completed his wrestling eligibility in March, has joined Oklahoma State's football team. The 24-year-old Mocco, who is currently a member of the U.S. National Freestyle Team at 120 kg, will play defensive tackle for the Cowboys and is listed as No. 69 on the team's roster. Nelson BarnesRevWrestling.com recently caught up with Oklahoma State defensive line coach Nelson Barnes and asked him 10 questions about Mocco the football player. When did you first learn that Steve Mocco would be playing football at Oklahoma State? And what was your initial reaction? Barnes: I think we first learned about it during the summer. The NCAA cleared him for a fifth year. His eligibility was done in wrestling, but he still had one more year in another sport. The NCAA grants permission for two-sport athletes who redshirt one season. It would be the same case if a young man played basketball and redshirted one season … and then played football. So you would still have a five-year clock. Has he talked to you about why he is giving football a try? Do you know if he has aspirations of someday playing in the NFL? Barnes: I never talk in terms of going beyond collegiate football and playing professionally. Steve Mocco made the decision to come out … and he wanted to be a part of the program. He knows a lot of the football players. A lot of the football players came out during the wrestling season and helped him prepare him to try to win a national championship, so he wants to have the opportunity to come out and help them. In your opinion, how have Mocco's wrestling skills translated into skills as a defensive lineman? Barnes: Well, I don't know anything about wrestling, so I couldn't speak intelligently on how his wrestling skills have helped. But what I can speak on is his work ethic. He has a tremendous work ethic. You can see that rubbing off on a lot of the players in our group. If you're a hard worker, people notice that. So, No. 1 … I would say his work ethic and how he goes about his business … a lot of the players have picked up on that and it has benefited them. He has been actively wrestling in the spring and summer … did he come into practice in good shape? How has his conditioning been? Barnes: His conditioning is good. He ran with the players during the summer, so he's in very good shape. Plus, he's a wrestler … those guys are always in great shape. Steve Mocco (Photo/John Sachs)I imagine there's a pretty big learning curve transitioning from wrestling to football. Have you seen him show any frustration during practice while he's trying to learn the techniques to be a successful defensive lineman? Barnes: No, he's been a great young man to work with. He has a great attitude every day. And he's been very positive every day. When I talk to him, he's really enjoying himself. We enjoy having him … and he's enjoying the experience. Have you noticed how Mocco has interacted with the other football players? How have they accepted him? Barnes: It's been excellent … athletes are athletes. Whenever they workout together and sweat together, there's a common bond. So he has bonded extremely well with the guys in the group. You open the season on September 2 at home against Missouri State. How much playing time do you anticipate Mocco will get this season? Barnes: Well, playing time is something I never talk about with the players. We have a starting group and we have a depth chart. We play players as we need to play them. It's never something we talk about. Of course, if you're the starter, you're going to start the game and you'll probably play a significant amount of it. If you're not, you're going to play as you're needed. Can you say where he sits on the depth chart at this point? Barnes: Well, we haven't really finalized our depth chart yet. We won't do that until two-a-day practices are over. Everybody just starts in a spot and we just work. We don't have a true starting depth chart. And we won't have that until we get ready to prepare the week of the first game. Stephen NealStephen Neal was a world class wrestler who has now made a smooth transition into professional football as an offensive lineman for the New England Patriots. Was there much discussion about whether Mocco would be an offensive or defensive lineman? Barnes: Well, we're happy to have him where he is right now. And I think he's enjoying the experience. So for me to be able to speak on behalf of (Neal), I wouldn't know. I don't know anything about his football background. So I couldn't speak on whether he and Mocco have similar attributes. Has Oklahoma State wrestling coach John Smith been spotted at practice yet checking in on his former wrestler? Barnes: I couldn't say that I know that. I have talked to John Smith … I've visited with him a few times. He could have been at practice … I don't know that. Our practices have been open, so there are always a lot of people out there. But I can't really say whether he has been there or not.

Thanks to my friends Steve Foster, John Rizzutti and Ross Peterson for filling in for me last week as I took a much needed vacation. I am so refreshed and energized, ready to get back to it for sure. By the way, if you did not hear Intermatwrestle.com's Jason Bryant on last weeks show, please go back and listen to the archives as his interview was tremendous! This week on Takedown Radio: Tyrone Lewis -- New Asst Coach at Ok. City University. Archie Randall knew what he was doing when he hired this guy. A tremendous wrestler, 4 x All American and nice guy how will this translate into coaching? Recruiting? We'll see. Andrew Pariano -- Asst Head Coach for the Wildcats of Northwestern. Is it too early to talk about the fall, the returning stars, the incoming stars of the future? What do the surprising Wildcats have in store for the Big 10 and the rest of D1? Jeff Ragan -- The business of wrestling at the Citadel is handled by Jeff Ragan. Coach Rob Hjerling is lucky indeed to have such a capable ally as Jeff. This was a huge year for The Bulldogs summer camp programs with clinicians like John Smith heading to D1 Wrestling's southern most campus. Matt Anderson -- Former U of Iowa standout wrestler. Always competitive now faces the toughest challenge of his career as he and his dogs prepare to face the 30 plus year old Iditarod. The race starts in Anchorage, Alaska and runs 1140 miles to Nome Alaska. Matt looks to win this race as he recreates the serum run of 1925 that saved the village of Nome Alaska. He feeds 24 dogs each day that are in training for the race . He needs the wrestling communities help. Mike Zadick may join in the call. What goals does he have left to achieve? Marty Morgan -- Minnesota's Favorite son returns to TDR for a look at his families history in boxing, carnival tough men and shoot wrestling. Some of you may not know that Marty's uncle is the infamous bad guy now turned for the better, "the Old Red Head" Red Bastien. Marty's impact on the world of collegiate wrestling begs the question, When will Marty Morgan be a D 1 Head Coach?

Beach Wrestling series travels to Long Beach, N.Y. this weekend, with U.S. Nationals in Palm Beach, Fla. August 19-20 USA Wrestling's schedule of Beach Wrestling competitions in August continues this weekend, with the ASICS East Coast National Beach Championships in Long Beach, N.Y., Saturday, August 12 and Sunday, August 13. This event leads into the first U.S. Beach Wrestling Nationals, set for Riviera Beach, Fla. on Saturday, August 19 and Sunday, August 20. There were two events on the schedule held this past weekend. The TNT Northeast National Beach Wrestling Championships were held Caroga Lake, N.Y. on Saturday, August 5. Champions were crowned in nine weight divisions, and organizers considered the tournament a success. "The event went on without a hitch. The weather was great and everyone had a great time," said event director Tom Bergami. The photo with this article is action from the TNT Northeast tournament. For results of the TNT Northeast National Beach Wrestling Championships, visit: http://www.themat.com/results.php?page=display_results_style&ResultID=100733 The New Hampshire Beach Wrestling Tournament was also hosted on Hampton Beach, N.H. on Saturday, August 5, with a good turnout and positive response from those who participated. This will mark the second year of the ASICS East Coast Beach Nationals at Long Beach, a popular beach on Long Island's South Shore. A test event was held this past weekend, providing organizers a chance to prepare for another successful tournament this weekend and also showcasing the new sport to the many beachgoers that day. The 2005 competition attracted over 200 participants and received considerable media attention. Organizers have added a second day of wrestling this year, and have included a Veterans division along with additional age-groups. For information, visit the ASICS East Coast Beach Wrestling web page at: http://www.mwausa.org/usa-beach-wrestling-championship-2006.html USA Wrestling is excited to hosts its first U.S. Beach Wrestling Nationals at the Singer Island Hilton Oceanfront Resort in Riviera Beach, Fla. on Saturday, August 19 and Sunday, August 20. There will be a number of divisions in the competition for men and women including Schoolboy, Cadet, Elite, Senior and Veterans. Athletes from across the nation and around the region are expected in each division. The Senior competition will serve as the qualifying event for the U.S. team that will compete in the World Beach Wrestling Championships in Antalya, Turkey, November 3-5. The U.S. Sombo National Championships will also be held during the same weekend there. For more information, please visit the U.S. Beach and Sombo Nationals website at: http://www.palmbeachsports.com/Events/USA%20Wrestling/Untitled-2.html There are still a few rooms available at the Singer Island Hilton Oceanfront Resort at the USA Wrestling discounted rate. Call right away to get this great rate. Contact James Hanson directly at 561-472-0304 and tell him you are with the USA Wrestling group. The beach schedule for the month wraps up with the first Southern Sand National Beach Wrestling Championships in Tulsa, Okla. on Friday, August 25 and Saturday, August 26. The tournament will be held on the Beach Volleyball Courts in Tulsa. There are numerous age groups, starting with Kids wrestling divisions and going all the way up to Senior and Veterans divisions. There will also be live music at the competition, and a variety of family activities. For more information, visit the Southern Sand National Beach Wrestling website at: http://www.okbeachwrestling.com/ Beach Wrestling was added as a new style of international wrestling, starting in 2005. Athletes compete on sand, in a style that features takedowns within a ring. The sport is gaining in popularity as more people are trying the new style. For information on Beach Wrestling, contact Gary Abbott of USA Wrestling at 719-598-8181 or via e-mail at gabbott@usawrestling.org REMAINING BEACH WRESTLING SCHEDULE August 12-13 -- ASICS East Coast National Beach Wrestling Championships in Long Beach, N.Y. Divisions: middle school, high school, college, veterans, girls and women. Additional information can be obtained by calling TW Promotions, Inc. at 631-588-4343 x104, or by e-mailing ASICSBeach@aol.com August 19 –20 – U.S. National Beach Wrestling Championships at the Singer Island Hilton Oceanfront Resort in Riviera Beach, Fla. The Senior division is the qualifying event for the World Beach Wrestling Championships in Turkey. Divisions: Schoolboy, Cadet, Elite, Open, Veterans. Contact Gary Abbott of USA Wrestling at 719-598-8181. August 25-26 – Southern Sand Beach Wrestling Championships at the Beach Volleyball Courts in Tulsa, Okla. Divisions: Veterans, Senior, University, Junior, Cadet, Schoolboy/girl, Novice Midget, Bantam. Contact John Nix at 972-816-3876.

We are hiring a full-time assistant. You will have the opportunity to train and develop many dedicated young wrestlers. This is a full time year round position and requires relocation to State College, PA. You would need to handle a significant amount of camp office work as we plan for and promote our camps, though there will be plenty of mat time coaching too. Your summer would be spent coaching at camps and you would have opportunity to coach many fall weekends and two or more days per week throughout the school year. Salary is commensurate with experience. If you are interested in exploring a career opportunity with us, let me know. If someone you know may be interested, please share this email with them. We could also get you involved in our remaining PA camps. Though our staff Is largely finalized, we could work you into teaching schedule if you want to visit and discuss future employment. We have over a week of camp left in Allentown, PA August 7-18. To learn more about our expanding camp system visit the camp section of www.kenchertow.com.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The Ohio State wrestling coaching staff will travel to various high schools throughout the state of Ohio between Aug. 30-Sept. 14 to share their outlook on the future of Ohio State wrestling, Tom Ryan, OSU head coach, said. "We are bound to the state of Ohio and the people that make it the greatest wrestling state in the country," Ryan said. "It is our intention and duty to help continue such a great tradition at the youth and high school level. Our program has set out a plan for success and the support from the Ohio wrestling community is a part of that plan. We want everyone in the state to have the chance to hear what we have planned for the future of Ohio State wrestling." The first-year coaching staff invites all fans and coaches to attend one of six sessions, as the wrestling personnel also will discuss their commitment to the Ohio wrestling community, along with a detailed calendar of events. "As an Ohio native and lifetime Buckeye, I want nothing more than to see this program win an NCAA championship," Tommy Rowlands, assistant coach, said. "Through hard work and the support of the Ohio wrestling community, I know this is possible." The 2006-07 Buckeye schedule gets underway Nov. 12 at the Michigan State Open. Ohio State's first home dual meet at St. John Arena is vs. Missouri Nov. 16 and is Ohio High School Wrestling Night. OSU will honor former multiple state high school wrestling champions and title-holders, who will be congratulated at halftime by Gene Smith, Ohio State Director of Athletics. Please contact the wrestling coaching staff at 614-292-4302 or wrestling@buckeyes.ath.ohio-state.edu if interested in participating in the ceremony. Ohio State Wrestling Coaches' Tour: Date Time Location City Aug. 30 7 p.m. Oregon Clay Oregon, Ohio Aug. 31 7 p.m. Archbishop Moeller Cincinnati, Ohio Sept. 6 7 p.m. Beavercreek Beavercreek, Ohio Sept. 7 7 p.m. St. Edward Lakewood, Ohio Sept. 13 7 p.m. Wadsworth Wadsworth, Ohio Sept. 14 7 p.m. Hilliard Davidson Hilliard, Ohio

OKLAHOMA CITY –- Oklahoma City University's wrestling program has added Link Davis as an assistant coach after a stint as assistant under OCU coach Archie Randall at El Reno, Okla. Link DavisDavis spent the past year at El Reno as an assistant. El Reno won its 11th consecutive Class 4A state title this past year. At OCU, Davis will work with the 141- and 149-pound wrestlers and every aspect of the program. "It's a great opportunity just to be in a college setting and to be able with Coach Randall and Tyrone Lewis," Davis said. Davis had been a head coach at Broken Arrow, Okla., from 2002-05, going 41-19 in duals, after being an assistant there for two years. Davis coached four-time state champion Brandon Tucker and three-time state champ Shane Vernon with the Tigers. Broken Arrow won the Class 5A dual state title in 2002. "His program at Broken Arrow was among the tops in Class 5A," Randall said. "To have his knowledge, expertise and most importantly, his enthusiasm are important to the success of this program." Before then, Davis was also head coach at Poteau, Okla., and an assistant coach at Enid, Okla. On the junior level, Davis coached with the Oklahoma cadet program since 1997. The Oklahoma team won the national cadet title in 2000 under Davis' guidance. Collegiately, Davis wrestled at Central Oklahoma from 1995-97 and Missouri Valley in 1993-94. Davis wrestled at the prep level in Cleveland, Okla., and became a cadet national runner-up. The Stars will wrestle for the first time since the 1930s. OCU opens with the Lindenwood Open on Oct. 27, then wrestles its first dual against Oklahoma on Nov. 4.

A lot of commonly-held assumptions about the geographic lay-out of American wrestling are either over-generalized or simply not true. These are 5 of the most oversold myths in the sport today. Myth 1: Title IX has killed wrestling Reality: High school wrestling participation has remained at a plateau for the last 25 years and the sport is showing signs of rebounding at the collegiate level According to the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), participation by males in high school wrestling in 1969-70 was 226,681. It went up to a peak of 355,160 in 1975-76, but was back down to 245,029 by 1980-1981. Since then, participation has fluctuated between 216,453 and 256,107 boys each year. In 2004-05, the figure was 243,009, good for a ranking as the 6th most popular sport for high school males, and that's without a pro league and big time marketing. On the collegiate level, the number of NCAA wrestling programs has stabilized over the last five years or so. The NCWA – a Title IX-free wrestling alternative for post-high school institutions – currently boasts a whopping 118 programs. Factor Real Pro Wrestling into the mix and the only certain impact of Title IX in the long-term appears to be that it has merely succeeded in reducing the NCAA's role in the sport of wrestling. Myth 2: Iowa, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania are the most restling-dominated states in the country Reality: Are we talking college or high school? Any casual sports fan is aware of wrestling powerhouses like Iowa, ISU, Oklahoma, and OSU, and even UNI has been a perennial top 20 team for the last several years. Iowa also has far and away the nation's best NCAA Division 3 conference, the IIAC, and the Central Oklahoma is a top NCAA Division 2 team. Pennsylvania does it with brute numbers at the NCAA level, with about 1/6th of all NCAA wrestling teams hailing from there. When you go to the high school level, however, the picture gets murkier. The ratio of high school male wrestlers to male basketball players in all three of these states is in the bottom half of the nation: Iowa is 26th; Pennsylvania is 36th; and Oklahoma is 37th. They have similar rates when you look at male wrestlers as a percentage of total high school athletes (Iowa at 16th, Pennsylvania at 34th, and Oklahoma at 37th). Myth 3: Southern states are obsessed with basketball, not wrestling Reality: This is true for a few states, but North Carolina has the has the third-highest ratio of wrestlers to basketball players in the country The Deep South does have stretches which are almost devoid of wrestling. Arkansas, Mississippi, Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, and Kentucky all rank in the bottom eight for states with lowest proportion of male wrestlers to male basketball players at the high school level. Collectively, they have about 11.3 hoops players for every wrestler in these six states. But the other half of the story is stunning for wrestling and basketball fans alike. Below are the states which had the fewest male high school basketball players per male high school wrestler in 2004-05: 1. Utah (1.1 basketball players/wrestler) 2. Maryland (1.2) 3. North Carolina (1.3) Virginia comes in a respectable 8th place in this category, with 1.5 basketball players per grappler. The collegiate level is just as telling: fully 16 teams, more than 1/6th of all NCAA Division 1 wrestling teams, are located in the "basketball hotbeds" of Maryland, North Carolina, and Virginia. Myth 4: Hockey is bigger than wrestling in the USA Reality: More than six times as many American high school boys participated in wrestling than in hockey in 2004-05 The 37,004 males who participated in high school hockey in 2004-05, are dwarfed by the 243,009 who participated in high school wrestling that same year. Only three tiny states (Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont) saw more high school boys play hockey than wrestle. Even in the NCAA, where hockey is sometimes considered a "revenue sport," there are just 133 men's hockey teams compared to 226 programs sponsoring men's wrestling. Two factors come into play here that will help to digest this unexpected statistic. For one thing, the NHL may be somewhat over-hyped in the United States -– a lot of its fan base is in Canada –- and the long-term viability of several of it franchises in "The States" are in question. Second, hockey has a unique structure of clubs that operates outside of high schools and colleges. While this is probably truer in hockey than any other sport, it's unlikely that even this accounts for the yawning gap between hockey and wrestling. Myth 5: There are no major areas of intense wrestling interest west of Iowa Reality: The Rocky Mountain states have -– by far -– the highest rates of male wrestlers as a percentage of total high school athletes in the USA The top states, in terms of number of male wrestlers as a percentage of total high school athletes in 2004-05: 1. Utah (6.6%) 2. Wyoming (6.4%) 3. Alaska (5.9%) 4. Nebraska (5.9%) 5. Nevada (5.8%) 6. Oregon (5.3%) 7. Washington (5.2%) 8. Idaho (5.2%) 9. Arizona (5.2%) 10. Indiana (5.0%) 11. South Dakota (4.9%) 12. South Carolina (4.9%) 13. Kansas (4.9%) 14. Illinois (4.8%) 15. Montana (4.7%) 16. Iowa (4.6%) We kept going until we got to Iowa, and as you can see, it took awhile. All of the top 9 wrestling states in terms of male wrestlers as a percentage of total high school athletes in 2004-05 were located west of Iowa. Okalahoma came in 37th by this measure, which put them behind every state western state except for Texas and Hawaii. On the collegiate level, Utah Valley State, Northern Colorado, SDSU, and NDSU will all either compete at or be transitioning to the NCAA Division 1 level in the newly-minted Western Wrestling Conference (WWC) in 2006-07. Based on this data, the American West looks to be wrestling's biggest growth region going forward.

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. -- Former NCAA wrestling champion Chris Bono has been named Head Wrestling Coach at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Athletics Director Rick Hart announced Saturday. Bono, an assistant for the Mocs last season, held the title of interim head coach after the May 8 departure of former Head Coach Joe Seay. "This means the world to me," Bono said. "It has been a goal of mine to become a head coach since I got into the coaching profession. I plan on leading the team and representing UTC with integrity. We will work hard and work toward a national championship. "I am extremely grateful to Rick Hart, the search committee and the University for this opportunity, and I will not let them down." A member of the 2005-06 staff, Bono helped lead UTC to its 21st Southern Conference title and a 30th-place finish at the NCAA Championships. Although new to his position as Athletics Director, Hart was heavily involved in the national search for the head coach, and said that Bono was a perfect fit to direct the tradition-rich program. "We are excited to have Chris Bono as our head coach on a permanent basis," Hart said. "We are appreciative of his leadership during the transition between coaches and between athletics directors. We look forward to Chris continuing the outstanding tradition of UTC wrestling, and we are confident that he and his program will represent the University and the City of Chattanooga with the utmost class and competitive spirit." Bono joined the UTC staff in 2005 after serving nine years as a wrestling assistant coach at national-power Iowa State. He worked for Head Coach Bobby Douglas and was the Cyclones' head assistant coach for the last five years. During Bono's final year on the ISU staff, he helped direct the Cyclones to a 16-4 dual match record in 2004-05, a third-place finish in the Big 12 Conference and a sixth-place showing at the 2005 NCAA Championships. A native of Gilbert, Iowa, Bono holds many coaching and competitive honors. He was named the National Wrestling Coaches Association Assistant Coach of the Year in 2002 for his role in ISU's success that season. The Cyclones compiled a 17-5 dual match record and were NCAA runner-ups with five wrestlers earning All-America status. Bono, who lettered at Iowa State from 1994-97, ranks fifth on the program's all-time wins list with 130 victories. He won the NCAA 150-pound title as a junior. A four-time NCAA participant, he placed fifth at the Nationals as a sophomore and second as a senior. As a freshman, he placed eighth at the Big Eight Conference Championships. He wrestled to a Big Eight Conference runner-up finish his sophomore year, won the Big Eight title as a junior and was named the Most Outstanding Wrestler at the inaugural Big 12 Conference Championship in 1997. He registered a 41-11 record as a sophomore, went 37-4 as a junior and was 37-2 his senior season. Bono's wrestling success did not come to a halt upon his graduation from Iowa State. During the summer of 2004 as a freestyle competitor, Bono defeated Doug Schwab, 5-4, to take third place at the 2004 U.S. Olympic Trials in Las Vegas, Nevada. In 2003, Bono won the 145.5-pound title at the U.S. Senior Freestyle National Championships in Las Vegas, qualifying for the World Team Trials in Indianapolis, Ind., where he was runner-up at that same weight. He was a U.S. World Cup team member, earning the gold medal at the 2003 World Cup Wrestling Championships in Boise, Idaho, and was a member of the national team at the 2003 Titan Games in San Jose, Calif. Bono's freestyle accomplishments in 2002 led to a U.S. Senior Freestyle No. 1 national ranking at 145.5 pounds and a spot on the U.S. World Team. He began the year with a first-place showing at the Dave Schultz Memorial in Colorado Springs, Colo., followed by a fourth-place finish at the Kiev Grand Prix in Kiev, Ukraine. He won a bronze medal at the Pan American Championships in Caracara, Venezuela, and placed third at the U.S. Freestyle National Championships in Las Vegas, earning a berth to the World Team Trials. At the 2002 World Team Trials, Bono swept through the mini-tournament beating Reggie Wright (Gator WC) of Colorado Springs, Colo., 3-1 and Schwab (Hawkeye WC) of Iowa City, Iowa, 3-2 to advance to the finals. In the 145.5-pound championship, Bono defeated Jamill Kelly (Gator WC) of Stillwater, Okla., 3-1 and 3-0, earning his second consecutive World Team Trials title. In a special wrestle-off for the 145.5-pound spot on the 2002 U.S. World Team, Bono defeated Bill Zadick (Hawkeye WC) of Iowa City, Iowa, two matches to one, 2-3, 3-1, 3-2 OT, to earn his second consecutive trip to the World Championships. The U.S. World Team, however, did not compete at the World Championships in Tehran, Iran. Bono also captured top honors at the 2004 NYAC Invitational with a victory in the finals over 2004 NCAA champion Jesse Jantzen, formerly of Harvard, and also earned a 66 kilogram title at the 20th annual Sunkist International Open with a win in the finals over former 2003 NCAA 149-pound champion and current Arizona State assistant coach Eric Larkin. Bono competed at the 2005 World Championships in September in Budapest, Hungary. At the 2005 World Team Trials, Bono, the number one seed, captured the title at 66 kilograms by defeating Jared Lawrence two matches to none. In May of 2006, Bono beat Japan's Kohei Fujimoto (1-0, 2-0), Uzbekistan's Muradollo Ablokulov (2-4, 1-0, 2-0) and Russia's Jirair Oganesyan (1-1, 5-4) at the Independence Cup Grand Prix in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. He finished with the silver medal after losing 0-1, 2-1, 1-1 to Russia's Andrey Sementsov on a takedown with 14 seconds left in the final period. Sementsov is the reigning Junior European champion. Bono earned his bachelor's degree in Exercise and Sports Science from Iowa State in 1997. He and his wife, Niki, have two daughters, Josie and Ellie.

St. Cloud, MN -- The St. Cloud State University wrestling team announced its 2006-07 schedule, which will feature four home dual meets and the 2006 Husky Open on Dec. 9. This season will be the dawn of a new era for SCSU wrestling, as the Huskies welcome first-year coach Steve Costanzo in 2006-07. The schedule will kick-off at 6 p.m. on Nov. 4, with the Cardinal/Black Challenge in Halenbeck Hall. This intra-squad match will give Husky wrestling fans their first look at Costanzo's new team.has On Nov. 11, SCSU will send wrestlers to the Dakota Wesleyan Open in Mitchell, S.D., and on Nov. 18, SCSU athletes will compete at the prestigious Kaufman-Brand Open in Omaha, Neb. This meet is the largest single-day collegiate wrestling meet in the nation, and it is hosted by defending NCAA Division II champion Nebraska-Omaha. On Dec. 3, the Huskies will travel to the Northern Iowa Open in Cedar Falls, Iowa. To complete the 2006 portion of its schedule, SCSU will host the Husky Open on Dec. 9, in Halebeck Hall. This will mark the 37th year that SCSU has hosted a wrestling tournament in Halenbeck Hall. In previous years, the tournament was called the St. Cloud State Invitational and this marks the first-year that an Open tournament format will be used. The Husky Open has also been designated as Parents' Day at SCSU. The Huskies will kick-off their dual meet season on Jan. 9, with a home match against non-conference rival Minnesota State University, Moorhead at 7 p.m. The match has been designated as Prep Night at SCSU. On Jan. 13, the Huskies will host Northern State University at 3 p.m. This match has been slated as Alumni Day, and all SCSU wrestling alumni are encouraged to return for a day of memories and some great wrestling action. SCSU will battle North Central Conference rival and three-time defending national champion Nebraska-Omaha on Jan. 19, at 7 p.m. in Omaha, Neb. This will mark a reunion of sorts for Costanzo, as he is a 1996 graduate of UNO and three-time All-America wrestler for the Mavericks. SCSU will complete the weekend trip at 2 p.m. on Jan. 20, with another NCC match at Augustana College. On Jan. 23, the Huskies will travel to non-conference rival Southwest Minnesota State University for a 7 p.m. match, and on Jan. 28, the Huskies will battle perennial NCAA Division III powerhouse Augsburg College. The dual in Minneapolis will begin at 2 p.m. The road trips will continue for the Huskies on Feb. 2, with a 7 p.m. date at Upper Iowa, followed by a 10 a.m. date at the University of Dubuque Open on Feb. 3, in Dubuque, Iowa. The seven-date road swing will be completed on Feb. 9, with a 7 p.m. showdown against Stearns County rival St. John's in Collegeville. The Huskies will return to the friendly confines of Halenbeck Hall at 7 p.m. on Feb. 15 for a conference meeting with Minnesota State University, Mankato. The home season will be completed at 7 p.m. on Feb. 16, with Senior Night at SCSU. The Huskies will battle non-conference rival University of Mary that night in Halenbeck Hall, and the squad's 2006-07 seniors will be saluted during the evening. On Feb. 25, the Huskies will travel to the 2007 NCAA Division II North Central Regional that will be hosted by Minnesota State University, Moorhead. The top finishers at the regional will earn their tickets to the 2007 NCAA Division II championships, which will be hosted this year by the University of Nebraska-Kearney on March 9-10, in Kearney, Neb. For more information about SCSU wrestling, please call 320-308-2996.

OKLAHOMA CITY -- In 2004, Cael Sanderson walked away from wrestling at the age of 25 after winning an Olympic gold medal. He was no longer having fun with it. Cael Sanderson defeated World silver medalist Jake Herbert (Photo/Jeff Beshey, The Guillotine)Now, seven years later, Sanderson, who went 159-0 as a college competitor at Iowa State, is back competing, and having fun with it. As Sanderson put the finishing touches on a two-match victory over 2009 World silver medalist Jake Herbert at the 2011 U.S. World Team Trials on Saturday night, he winked at those positioned matside. "I'm just trying to have fun with it," said Sanderson after outscoring Herbert 11-2 in two matches. "That's the trick." Sanderson won three matches in the Challenge Tournament on Saturday afternoon, prior to facing Herbert. His final win in the Challenge Tournament came over Jon Reader, a wrestler he recruited and coached at Iowa State. "That was very strange," said Sanderson of facing his former wrestler. "Reader is somebody I have a great deal of respect for. I've spent a lot of time with him and around him. I consider him a really great friend. So it was weird. That was a weird match for me. It wasn't who I was hoping to wrestle." Sanderson is one of three wrestlers with the Nittany Lion Wrestling Club to make the 2011 U.S. World Team. The others are Jake Varner and Teyon Ware. Varner earned a spot on the U.S. World Team on Friday night, while Ware secured his spot on Saturday night by defeating returning U.S. World Team member Brent Metcalf in the best-of-three finals series. Ware, a 2011 U.S. Open champion, defeated Metcalf in the opening match. Metcalf, though, came back to win the second match. In the third and deciding match, Ware got on a roll, and outscored Metcalf 9-1 in two periods to take the match and make his first U.S. World Team. "I'm very excited," said Ware, who won two NCAA titles as a college competitor at the University of Oklahoma in Norman, 20 miles from Oklahoma City. "This is the easy part. The easy part is done. I've got to take it up a notch and bring home a medal for the World Team." Ware's journey to the top of the U.S. freestyle ladder at 66 kilos has not been without bumps in the road. He failed to win a match at the 2007 and 2008 Trials at 66 kilos. He then switched styles from freestyle to Greco-Roman and dropped down a weight class to 60 kilos. Ware failed to place at the 2009 U.S. World Team Trials in Greco-Roman. He then made the decision to switch back to freestyle and move from Ohio, where he had been training, to Pennsylvania to wrestle for the Nittany Lion Wrestling Club. "It was a tough decision," said Ware of his move to State College, Pa. "But I got the phone call from Cael. I saw it as an honor. He gave me a call and asked me to train with him. If you want to be the best, you have to train with the best." Tervel Dlagnev, a 2009 World bronze medalist, is back on the U.S. World Team at 120 kilos, after finishing runner-up at the U.S. World Team Trials a year ago. Dlagnev defeated 2008 Olympian Steve Mocco two matches to one to earn the spot, two months after winning his first U.S. Open title. "I'm just excited to have this opportunity to go back to the Worlds," said Dlagnev, who trains at the Ohio RTC in Columbus, Ohio. "Second World Team. Finally won the Open. Great season so far. I've got to cap it off with a World gold medal." Nick Simmons rebounded from a disappointing U.S. Open, where he finished sixth, to make his first U.S. World Team at 55 kilos. He came from behind in the best-of-three series to beat U.S. Open champion Sam Hazewinkel. The first match went to Hazewinkel, but Simmons battled back to win the final two matches, both in three periods. "I had a bad performance at the U.S. Open," said Simmons, who trains in Corvallis, Ore."We sat down with all my coaching staff at Oregon State and readjusted everything ... how I was training, my diet, and everything. That helped tremendously. I owe those guys everything." Greco-Roman wrestlers Joe Betterman, Jake Fisher, and Justin Ruiz earned spots on this year's U.S. World Team with victories on Saturday night. All three are past Trials champions. Betterman, who was on the U.S. World Team in 2007 and won the U.S. Olympic Team Trials in 2008, defeated two-time returning U.S. World Team member Jeremiah Davis in two straight matches at 60 kilos. "I feel like I'm right there with the top guys in the world," said Betterman, who has won every international event he has entered this season except two. "I've beaten the top guys in the world in the Olympics, so I'm right there. I think this year is my year for a medal." Fisher made his second straight U.S. World Team at 74 kilos by avenging a loss from this year's U.S. Open finals to Ben Provisor. Fisher won the opening match in the best-of-three series finals, but Provisor came back to win the second match. The third and deciding match was a seesaw battle that went three periods before Fisher emerged with the hard-fought victory. "It just came down to a hard fight and me defending," said Fisher. "That's pretty much how I won. Ben's tough." Ruiz, a World bronze medalist in 2005 and seven-time U.S. Open champion registered two shutout victories over John Lorenz at 96 kilos to make his sixth U.S. World Team. So what does it mean to Ruiz to be back on the U.S. World Team? "It means another shot to go wrestle the world's best and it gives me a shot to qualify the weight class for the Olympic Games, so it's big, real big," said Ruiz. Four of the seven wrestlers on this year's U.S. World Team were a part of the team that won the world championship in Greco-Roman as a team in 2007. "I think we've got a great shot to make some waves at the World Championships," said Ruiz. In the women's freestyle competition, a pair of past World finalists, Clarissa Chun and Elena Pirozhkova, came out victorious on Saturday night. Chun, a 2008 World champion, dominated Alyssa Lampe in two straight matches to win the title at 48 kilos. Lampe defeated Chun a year ago to make the U.S. World Team. "I'm just so focused," said Chun, who battled injuries last year. "Every day in practice I make promises to myself. Those promises are for me. I just have a good group of people helping me." Pirozhkova, a returning World silver medalist, defeated Adeline Gray in two straight matches. "We know each pretty well," Pirozhkova said of Gray, who won the U.S. Open this year at 67 kilos. "We both train at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs together. I know everything she does. She knows everything I do, basically, so it's just whoever brings it to the mat that day." Saturday Night Finals Results Men's Freestyle 55 kg: Nick Simmons (Sunkist Kids) def. Sam Hazewinkel (Sunkist Kids), 2 matches to 1 Hazewinkel dec. Simmons, 0-1, 3-1, 1-0 Simmons dec. Hazewinkel, 0-4, 3-3, 5-3 Simmons dec. Hazewinkel, 2-6, 8-1, 6-1 66 kg: Teyon Ware (Nittany Lion WC) def. Brent Metcalf (New York AC), 2 matches to 1 Ware dec. Metcalf, 1-0, 0-1, 1-1 Metcalf dec. Ware, 2-1, 0-6, 2-0 Ware dec. Metcalf, 2-0, 7-1 84 kg: Cael Sanderson (Nittany Lion WC) def. Jake Herbert (New York AC), 2 matches to 0 Sanderson dec. Herbert, 4-1, 2-0 Sanderson dec. Herbert, 5-2, 2-0 120 kg: Tervel Dlagnev (Sunkist Kids) def. Steve Mocco (New York AC), 2 matches to 1 Mocco dec. Dlagnev, 1-0, 0-1, 1-0 Dlagnev dec. Mocco, 1-0, 3-0 Dlagnev dec. Mocco, 1-0, 1-0 Greco-Roman 60 kg: Joe Betterman (Sunkist Kids) def. Jeremiah Davis (U.S. Army), 2 matches to 0 Betterman dec. Davis, 2-0, 0-6, 4-0 Betterman dec. Davis, 0-2, 3-0, 1-0 74 kg: Jake Fisher (New York AC) def. Ben Provisor (Sunkist Kids), 2 matches to 1 Fisher dec. Provisor, 1-0, 0-1, 1-0 Provisor dec. Fisher, 1-0, 3-0 Fisher dec. Provisor, 1-0, 0-1, 1-0 96 kg: Justin Ruiz (New York AC) def. John Lorenz (U.S. Army), 2 matches to 0 Ruiz dec. Lorenz, 2-0, 1-0 Ruiz dec. Lorenz, 1-0, 2-0 Women's Freestyle 48 kg: Clarissa Chun (Sunkist Kids) def. Alyssa Lampe (Sunkist Kids), 2 matches to 0 Chun dec. Lampe, 6-0, 4-1 Chun dec. Lampe, 7-0, 7-1 63 kg: Elena Pirozhkova (Gator WC) def. Adeline Gray (New York AC), 2 matches to 0 Pirozhkova dec. Gray, 2-0, 1-0 Pirozhkova dec. Gray, 2-0, 1-0