InterMat Staff

BUFFALO, NY -- The University at Buffalo wrestling squad witnessed a second consecutive successful UB Open Sunday afternoon, as five Bulls took individual titles in their respective weight classes and kicking off the 2006-07 season with a bang. Thirteen in all placed at the fourth annual open that featured 14 top-notch wrestling schools. Senior captain Mark Budd (Orrville, OH/Orrville) took his third straight UB Open title at 133 pounds, winning a 10-3 decision over the Finger Lakes' Mike Grey. Budd faced three others prior to his championship finish, coasting through with a fall over Edinboro's Pat Wayne in the opening round, only to be awarded a technical fall over Lock Haven's Erik Smith, 18-2, in the quarterfinals. True freshman Corey Greene (Bennington, Vermont/Mt. Anthony Union) looked as though he would face Budd in the finals, but was bumped by Grey, 9-5. Greene rebounded to claim fourth in his first collegiate open. Photo of Ryan Needle Ryan Needle At the 141 weight class, junior Ryan Needle (Newfane, NY/Newfane) began his highly-anticipated 2006-07 campaign with his first UB Open title. Needle, the third-seed, defeated Bloomburg's George Hickman in a 8-4 final decision, while downing a Mid-American Conference rival in Ohio's Kevin Christensen by a 12-4 count. Following a redshirt campaign a season ago, sophomore Scott Rendos (Brockway, PA/Brockway) took home his first UB Open first-place trophy as he dominated the 157 field. Following a 17-0 technical fall in the quarterfinals, top-seeded Rendos took out second-seed Alex Conover of CCM with another technical fall, 16-1. Junior Mike Ragusa (Foxboro, MA/Foxboro) displayed a balance effort in taking his first open title. The junior grappler handed Ohio's Anthony Cirany a 6-4 decision loss. Juniors Mickey Moran (Pittsburgh, PA/Shaler Area) and Nate Rock (Ephrata, PA/ Ephrata) were seeded first and second, respectively, so there was no surprise that they saw each other in the finals at 174. In the end, Rock would take the title, while Moran would settle for second. Also placing for UB was redshirt freshman Ricky Scott (Walden, NY/Valley Central), who took second in the 184 weight class; senior 197-pounder Ray Lamb (Mays Landing, NJ/Absegami), junior heavyweight Jeff Parker (Foxboro, MA/Foxboro), and redshirt freshman 149-pounder Jason Hilliard (Genoa, NY/Southern Cayuga), who each took fourth; and junior 157-pounder Steven Muldrow (Cincinnati, OH/Summit Country Day) and freshman 197-pounder Jimmy Hamel (Natick, MA/Natick), who each took fifth. The Bulls next compete at the Oklahoma Gold Classic in Brockport, NY on Saturday, Nov. 11. The meet is scheduled to begin at 10:00 am.

NASHVILLE, Ind. -- The Indiana wrestling team kicked off its 2006-07 campaign with the annual intra-squad wrestle-offs, held at Brown County High School on Sunday, Nov. 5. Three of the Hoosiers' four returning NCAA qualifiers competed in the event, with all three taking major decisions over their teammates. "It was a good event today," head coach Duane Goldman said. "I really appreciate the large crowd that attended. They really added a lot to the wrestle-offs. I was pleased with the way we wrestled today - it's a great opportunity for us as coaches to analyze and criticize our athletes. It's given us a good idea of what we need to work on going into our competitive season." Andrae Hernandez was the first returning qualifier to compete, matching up with his cousin, Jose Escobedo, at 133 pounds. Hernandez took a 12-2 major decision, the first major decision of the day. Two-time All-American Brandon Becker staved off a hard-fought effort from Ryan Pribble, moving on to a 12-2 major decision of his own. Junior Max Dean had to outlast a strong effort from two-time Indiana state champion Paul Young, but Dean eventually walked away with an 11-2 major decision. Three newcomers posted major decisions of their own in the event, with redshirt freshmen Trevor Perry and Angel Escobedo and true freshman Nathan Everhart walking away with decisive victories. Perry tallied a 12-4 victory over freshman Nick Avery, Escobedo bested sophomore Wesley Fike 19-7, and Everhart topped walk-on Justin Kuhlman 16-6. Perhaps the most anticipated matchup of the event came at 149 pounds, where highly touted redshirt Matt Coughlin faced Bloomington standout Kurt Kinser. The two grapplers fought to a 1-1 tie in their bout. In other action, at 125 pounds Fike defeated Ted Strychalski 6-2, Alex Warren topped Justin Sciscoe 4-0 at 141, Nick Walpole bested Scott Kelly 8-1 at 141, Jantzen Minton beat Eric Cameron 4-3 at 184 and Marc Bennett downed Justin Curran 5-2 at 184. The Hoosiers will begin their regular season on Sunday, Nov. 12, at the Michigan State Open in East Lansing, Mich. 125: Angel Escobedo maj. dec. Wesley Fike, 19-7 125: Wesley Fike dec. Ted Strychalski, 6-2 133: Andrae Hernandez maj. dec. Jose Escobedo, 12-2 141: Alex Warren dec. Justin Sciscoe, 4-0 141: Nick Walpole dec. Scott Kelly, 8-1 149: Matt Coughlin tied Kurt Kinser, 1-1 157: Brandon Becker maj. dec. Ryan Pribble, 12-2 165: Max Dean maj. dec. Paul Young, 11-2 174: Trevor Perry maj. dec. Nick Avery, 12-4 184: Marc Bennett dec. Justin Curran, 5-2 184: Jantzen Minton dec. Eric Cameron, 4-3 197: Nathan Everhart maj. dec. Justin Kuhlman

YPSILANTI, Mich. -- Northwestern opened its season Saturday at the Easterm Michigan Open and started 2006-07 on a strong note, winning four championships. Ryan Lang (North Royalton, Ohio/St. Edward), Jake Herbert (Wexford, Pa./North Allegheny), Mike Tamillow (Oak Park, Ill./Fenwick) and Dustin Fox (Galion, Ohio/Galion) all won championships at the season's first event. On the day, Northwestern won four titles and placed seven total wrestlers. Fox went a perfect 5-0 at 285 lbs. to win his first career tournament championship. He topped Alan O'Donnell of Michigan State in the first round, 4-2 and followed that up by taking down Omar Maktabi of Michigan, 6-2. After defeating opponents from Lindenwood and Eastern Michigan to advance to the finals, he defeated Ed Prendergast from Navy by an 8-6 decision. In the championship match, Fox scored 4 points in a thirty second Overtime ride out situation by reversing his finals opponent and then securing a takedown as time ran out. He was the No. 2 seed at 285 lbs., but did not face top-seeded Kirk Nail of Ohio State due to a medical condition. At 141 lbs., Lang, a ranked No. 1 in the nation, not only posted a 5-0 record, but did not have a point scored on him in his five matches. Lang defeated Deone Williams of Brockport University and Cody Burdett of Utah State by major decision, 12-0 and 10-0 respectively. He cruised past Eastern Michigan's Zach Donofrio 9-0 and advanced to the final by topping Ohio State's Reece Humphrey by a 1-0 decision. He pinned Navy's Brad Canterbury 1:36 into the match to take the title. Top-ranked Herbert, wrestling at 184 lbs., pinned all of his opponents up to his final match against Ty Todd of Michigan. In the qurterfinals, he pinned Michigan's Ryan Selley at the 1:50 mark. In the finals, Herbert defeated Todd by a convincing 6-3 decision. Tamillow, wrestling unattached, won the championship at 197 lbs., notching two falls. The No. 2 seed topped opponents from Lindenwood and Cleveland State in the first two rounds and defeated Michigan's Casey White 7-2 to advance to the final where he downed top-seeded Nate Moore from Purdue by a 3-1 decision. Moore entered the tournament No. 9 in the nation at 197 lbs. while Tamillow stands at No. 14. A big story of the open was Wildcat freshman Brandon Precin (Orland Park, Ill./Carl Sandburg) at 125 lbs. who knocked off fourth-ranked and top-seeded Mark Moos of Michigan to start the tournament. Moos is a three-time NCAA qualifier at 133 lbs and is back at 125 after moving up in weight. The unseeded Precin won five matches and took 6th place at 125 lbs. He had another big win against Michigan's Michael Watts by a 10-2 major decision. He placed sixth. At 133 lbs., unseeded sophomore James Kohlberg (Rolling Meadows, Ill./Rolling Meadows) finished in fourth place. He defeated Findlay's second-seeded Andy Uhl, a Division II national champion, by an 8-4 decision in his second match. By knocked off a No. 2 seed, Kohlberg was the second unseeded Wildcat to upset a high-seeded opponent. Precin defeated a No. 1 seed earlier in the day. At 165 lbs., Jim Friend (Libertyville, Ill./Libertyville), seeing his first action in two years, placed sixth with a 5-2 record. He defeated Purdue's Juston Fraga in his sixth match, 10-8, but fell in the fifth place match. The Wildcats return to action when they host the NU Duals Sunday, Nov. 12, at Welsh-Ryan Arena.

Erie, Pa. -- The Stanford wrestling team began the 2006-07 season today at the Avalon Duals in Erie, Pa. The Cardinal dropped its first two duals of the day to Maryland (27-12) and No. 13 Edinboro (30-7), but finished the day strong with a 28-19 victory over Mercyhurst. Against Maryland, the Cardinal took an early lead when junior Tanner Gardner pinned James Knox in 5:19. The Terrapins caught up with three-straight wins, but junior Josh Zupancic stopped the run with a 7-2 decision over Mike McGill at 157 pounds. In his collegiate debut, freshman Zack Giesen collected the only remaining win for the Cardinal, claiming a 4-0 decision over Rich DoPierto at 184 pounds. The Cardinal continued action against the host team, Edinboro, and picked up wins at 125 pounds and 165 pounds. Gardner earned his second-straight win with a 13-0 major decision over Eric Morrill at 125 pounds. Senior Brian Perry highlighted the day with an 11-8 decision over fourth-ranked Deonte Penn at 165 pounds. Two Stanford wrestlers came up just short, as Zupancic was edged by No. 17 Matt Hill, 3-2, at 157 pounds and sophomore Luke Feist fell in a close 5-4 decision to Phil Moricone at 174 pounds. Stanford earned up its first win of the season in the final dual with Mercyhurst. At 125 pounds, Gardner pinned Payne Lint in 4:16 for his third win of the day and freshman Cameron Teitelman picked up his first collegiate win with an 11-4 decision over Braxdon Scaletta at 133 pounds. Mercyhurst pulled into a tie with wins at 141 pounds and 149 pounds, but Zupancic pinned Andy Lamancusa and Perry claimed a 12-2 major decision over Hudson Harrison to give the Cardinal a 10-point advantage. After Mercyhurst's Zack Schafer won by fall at 174 pounds, Cardinal freshman Zack Giesen stepped up with a 4-1 decision over Trevor Gallo. Sophomore Jared Boyer picked up his first win of the season with a win by fall over Rich Froats in 2:17 to seal the victory for the Cardinal. Stanford heads to Fargo, ND next Saturday to compete in the Bison Open. The first Pac-10 dual for the Cardinal will be Nov. 17 at Cal State Fullerton.

The Augustana wrestling team crowned three champions as the Vikings opened the 2006-07 season with an impressive showing at the Daktronics/Warren Williamson Open Saturday in Brookings, S.D. Nate Buys won the 197-pound title, earning the Most Outstanding Wrestler award in the process. Also winning their weight classes were Tom Nesseth at 184 pounds and Ray O'Connor at Heavyweight. Buys, an All-American at 184 pounds last season, cruised into the finals. He pinned Rory Miller in 4:18 before picking up a 17-2 technical fall over Myles Ulmer in the second round. He then pinned John Jones in 3:48 before picking up a 3-1 decision over Jacob Marrs in the finals. Nesseth received a first-round bye before pinning Kevin Kelly in 3:13 in the second round. In the third round, he scored a 16-1 technical fall over Northern State's Jade Cowan. In the semifinals, Nesseth edged teammate Andrew Sorenson 3-0 before earning a 5-2 decision over Tyler Sorenson in the finals. O'Connor edged past Zach Covinington 2-1 and Sam Zylstra 4-2 in his first two matches. In the finals, O'Connor downed Richard Flowers 5-1. A fourth Viking, Chris Trampe, made it to the finals. Trampe, a 125-pounder, won his first two matches before falling to Chas Welch 7-4 in the finals. The Vikings had two wrestlers place at 141 pounds. Jordan Burmeister finished fourth, while Mike Long was fifth. At 157 pounds, Aaron Haddorf earned a fourth-place finish. The Vikings will return to the mat next Saturday when they travel to Mitchell, S.D., for the Dakota Wesleyan Open.

St. Cloud, Minn. -- The St. Cloud State Wrestling team made its debut under first year head coach on Saturday, November 11, in an intersquad meet at Halenbeck Hall with the Cardinal Red team dominating action over the Black squad 29-9. Two exhibition matches started the meet highlighted with first year wrestler Brady Routh pinning Regional Placer, Tom Messerli, with 16 seconds left in the overtime minute of match. Big wins for the Red squad included bouts by All-American Matt Steffenson who controlled his match against veteran Tom Anderson, winning 12-5. A junior transfer, Nick Wilkes, man-handled Jairo Sandoval in an 18-5 decision over the Miami native. The Huskies will begin their regular season on Saturday, November 11 at the Dakota Wesleyan University Open, bouts beginning at 9:00 a.m. MATCH RESULTS (RED v. Black) 125 Gabriel Suarez 1 v. Nick Wasche 3 133 Sonny Silva 15 v. Wes Hanson 0 141 Tim Whitley 5 v. Brent Johnson 3 149 Grant Johnson 9 v. Bryce Mackey 5 157 John Sundgren 9 v. 3 Russell Lumley 165 Matt Steffenson 12 v. Tom Anderson 5 174 Russell Smith 14 v. Neil Russell 5 184 Adam Hill 11 v. Eric Rogness 3 197 Nick Wilkes 18 v. Jairo Sandoval 5 EXHIBITIONS 141 John Denney 13 v. Matt Jackson 3 149 Tom Messerli pinned by Brady Routh at :44 in fourth period

NORMAN, Okla. -- The University of Oklahoma wrestling team defeated Missouri Valley 43-0, and Oklahoma City University 49-0 Saturday night at the Howard McCasland Field House. Head coach Jack Spates and the Sooners dominated and never trailed either school winning both duals by a combined score of 92-0. "I was pleased overall with our performance tonight in two ways, one, we dominated which was great, and two, we saw some good things technically," head coach Jack Spates said. The first dual matched Missouri Valley and OU with the Sooners scoring two major decisions to begin the evening. Sam Hazewinkel defeated Billy Exline 15-3 and Nolan Spring followed up with a 17-7 defeat of Garrett Harding. Kyle Terry beat Clint Leonard by a decision of 8-3, with his twin brother Chad winning by a forfeit to put OU up 17-0. Will Rowe sparked the Sooners with a technical fall of Chad Jennings winning 17-2. Shane Siebert wrestling his first ever match for the Sooners disposed of Kyle Nelson by a major decision of 14-0. Also wrestling his first match for Oklahoma, Joshua Weitzel made quick work of Jake Oberfoell pinning the Viking wrestler in the first period at the 2:04 mark. Josh Hinton need overtime to finish off Josh Lockett. Hinton won his 184 pound match by a decision of 6-4. Joel Flaggert scored another technical fall for OU as he defeated Kyle Riley, 18-2 in the second period. Heavyweight Brad Farmer kept the goose egg on the board for the Sooners as he defeated Wade Empting by a decision of 11-4. Wrestling for the first time since 1932 Oklahoma City University was not able to challenge the Sooners as OU cruised to their second victory of the evening. Sam Hazewinkel won by forfeit to begin the second dual of the evening. Nolan Spring scored his second major decision of the night by defeating Justin Blumer 12-1. Kyle Terry defeated Gabe Hale by a major decision of 19-4 to put the Sooners up 11-0 after three matches. For the second straight match Chad Terry was without an opponent as he drew his second victory by forfeit at 149 pounds. Will Rowe scored his first pin of the season when he took Trevor Adkisson down at the 3:25 mark in the second period. Shane Siebert also recorded his first pin of the young season, as he scored a fall on Dillon Blackmon at the 2:46 mark in the second period. Josh Weitzel scored a technical fall of John Wilcox at 174 pounds winning 18-2. Josh Hinton won a 6-1 decision over Mitchell Eichenauer. Joel Flaggert recorded his second technical fall when he defeated Corey Johnson 23-5. Brad Farmer ended the evening by posting a shutout winning a major decision over Jeremy Johnson 10-0. "This was an invaluable couple of matches because we saw some things that we need to improve on. Overall I was pleased and I look forward to us getting better," Spates continued. Weight-By-Weight Results OU vs. Missouri Valley 125: Sam Hazewinkel (OU) maj. dec. 15-3 Billy Exline (MV) 133: Nolan Spring (OU) maj. dec. 17-7 Garrett Harding (MV) 141: Kyle Terry (OU) dec. 8-3 Clint Leonard (MV) 149: Chad Terry (OU) win by forfeit 157: Will Rowe (OU) tech. fall 17-2 Chad Jennings (MV) 165: Shane Seibert (OU) maj. dec. 14-0 Kyle Nelson (MV) 174: Joshua Weitzel (OU) fall 2:04 Jake Oberfoell (MV) 184: Josh Hinton (OU) sudden death dec. 6-4 Jasper Lockett (MV) 197: Joel Flaggert (OU) tech. fall 18-2 Kyle Riley (MV) HWT: Brad Farmer (OU) dec. 11-4 Wade Empting (MV) Weight-By-Weight Results OU vs. Oklahoma City University 125: Sam Hazewinkel (OU) win by forfeit 133: Nolan Spring (OU) mja. dec. 12-1 Justin Blumer (OCU) 141: Kyle Terry (OU) maj. dec. 19-4 Gabe Hale (OCU) 149: Chad Terry (OU) win by forfeit 157: Will Rowe (OU) fall 3:25 Trevor Adkisson (OCU) 165: Shane Seibert (OU) Fall 2:46 Dillon Blackmon (OCU) 174: Joshua Weitzel (OU) tech. fall 18-2 John Wilcox (OCU) 184: Josh Hinton (OU) dec. 6-1Mitchell Eichenauer (OCU) 197: Joel Flaggert (OU) tech. fall 23-5 Corey Johnson (OCU) HWT: Brad Farmer (OU) maj. dec. 10-0 Jeremy Johnson (OCU)

IOWA CITY, IA -- The University of Iowa wrestling team held its second day of intrasquad competition Saturday morning at the Dan Gable Wrestling Complex in Iowa City, IA. The Hawkeye fans that packed the wrestling practice room to watch the annual wrestle-offs were treated to a glimpse of Iowa's young and talented depth. Three of Saturday's seven winners are seniors, while three are redshirt freshmen. Senior Mario Galanakis (Greenfield, IA) started Saturday's matches off with a 10-3 decision over redshirt freshman Joe Slaton (Cedar Rapids, IA) at 133. Redshirt freshman Dan LeClere (Coggon, IA) provided the first upset of the intrasquad at 141, scoring a takedown in the third period to defeat returning all-American and junior Alex Tsirtsis (Griffith, IN), 4-3. Senior Alex Grunder (Wilton, IA) scored an 11-6 win over true freshman Travis Blasco (Old Bridge, NJ) at 149, and redshirt freshman Ryan Morningstar (Lisbon, IA) followed suit with an 11-1 major decision over junior Brad Medchill (Woodlands, TX) at 157. Two-time all-American and junior Mark Perry (Stillwater, OK) scored a 10-2 major decision over senior Ben Stedman (Sioux City, IA) at 165. All-American senior Eric Luedke (Colby, KS) scored a takedown in sudden victory to defeat Jay Borschel (Marion, IA), 7-5, at 174. Redshirt freshman Phillip Keddy (Vernal, UT) ended the competition with a 10-2 major decision over redshirt freshman Rick Loera (Park Ridge, IL) at 184. The Hawkeyes will open the 2006-07 season November 18 at the Kaufman-Brand Open in Omaha, NE. Saturday Wrestle-Off Results 133 - Mario Galanakis dec. Joe Slaton, 10-3 141 - Dan LeClere dec. Alex Tsirtsis, 4-3 149 - Alex Grunder dec. Travis Blasco, 11-6 157 - Ryan Morningstar maj. dec. Brad Medchill, 11-1 165 - Mark Perry maj. dec. Ben Stedman, 10-2 174 - Eric Luedke dec. Jay Borschel, 7-5 sv 184 - Phillip Keddy maj. dec. Rick Loera, 10-2

The Wisconsin wrestling team kicked off the 2006-07 season by going 2-0 in its double-dual match against the University of Dubuque and UW-Oshkosh Friday at the KI Convention Center in Green Bay, Wis. Wisconsin rolled by Dubuque 49-0 before defeating UW-Oshkosh 40-3. The Badgers have never lost their season opener under head coach Barry Davis. Nine UW wrestlers went undefeated on the day, with five earning wins by pin. Junior Collin Cudd (River Falls, Wis.) notched two falls, earning a pin against Dubuque's Jason Francis at 2:23 and UW-Oshkosh's Chris Stratton at 3:30. At 133 lbs., Zach Tanelli (Short Hills, N.J.) notched a pin over Adam Shumaker of Dubuque at 4:26. Senior Tyler Turner (Spring Valley, Wis.) and Jake Donar (Cuba City, Wis.) also had wins by fall against Dubuque, with Turner's coming at 6:35 in his match against Hakeem Mahdi while Donar pinned Bobby Larson at 1:57. Kyle Ruschell (Crittenden, Kent.) and Jordan Hein (Wausau, Wis.) garnered their first Badger wins against Dubuque at 141 lbs. and heavyweight, respectively. Ruschell defeated Dubuque's Dan Ruter 6-1, while Hein earned a 3-0 win over Eric Daughtes. Against UW-Oshkosh, Dallas Herbst (Winneconne, Wis.) had his first pin of the season against Kyle Coleman at 1:52. Herbst, who wrestles at 197 lbs., led the Badgers last season with 12 wins by fall. Wisconsin's Mike Metzger (Columbus, Wis.) and Matt Maciag (Sussex, N.J.) continued their winning ways against UW-Oshkosh. At 157 lbs., Metzger defeated Evan Brown of Dubuque 3-0 before earning an 8-2 win over Oshkosh's Dallas Moe. At 174 lbs., Maciag earned two major decision victories on the day. He took down Joe Depew of Dubuque 16-4 followed by Adam Dorner 11-1. Justin Peterson, of Comstock, Wis., notched a major decision victory as well, defeating UW –Oshkosh's Pat Detmer 14-2 at 184 lbs. Oshkosh's only points of the match were scored at heavyweight as Justin Schmalfeldt slipped by Hein 7-4. The Badgers return to dual action on Nov. 12 as they travel to Evanston, Ill. for the Northwestern Duals. Check uwbadgers.com for the latest updates and scores. Wisconsin 49 Dubuque 0 125 Collin Cudd (Wisconsin) Pinned Jason Francis (UD), 2:23 06/06 133 Zach Tanelli (Wisconsin) Pinned Adam Shumaker (UD), 4:26 06/12 141 Kyle Ruschell (Wisconsin) Defeated Dan Ruter (UD), 6-1 03/15 149 Tyler Turner (Wisconsin) Pinned Hakeem Mahdi (UD), 6:35 06/21 157 Mike Metzger (Wisconsin) Defeated Evan Brown (UD), 3-0 03/24 165 Jake Donar (Wisconsin) Pinned Bobby Larson (UD), 1:57 06/30 174 Matt Maciag (Wisconsin) Defeated Joe Depew (UD), 16-4 04/34 184 Justin Peterson (Wisconsin) Won By Forfeit 06/40 197 Dallas Herbst (Wisconsin) Won By Forfeit 06/46 285 Jordan Hein (Wisconsin) Defeated Eric Daughtee (UD), 3-0 03/49 Wisconsin 40 UW-Oshkosh 3 125 Collin Cudd (Wisconsin) Pinned Chris Stratton (UWO), 3:30 06/06 133 Zach Tanelli (Wisconsin) Tech Fall Over Derek Koenig (UWO), 4:06 141 Kyle Ruschell (Wisconsin) Defeated Justin Talbot (UWO), 17-6 04/15 149 Tyler Turner (Wisconsin) Defeated Paul Gretzinger (UWO), 13-3 04/19 157 Mike Metzger (Wisconsin) Defeated Dallas Moe (UWO), 8-2 03/22 165 Jake Donar (Wisconsin) Defeated Kevin Luedtke (UWO), 11-1 04/26 174 Matt Maciag (Wisconsin) Defeated Adam Dorner (UWO), 11-1 04/30 184 Justin Peterson (Wisconsin) Defeated Pat Detmer (UWO), 14-2 04/34 197 Dallas Herbst (Wisconsin) Pinned Kyle Coleman (UWO), 1:52 06/40 285 Justin Schmalfeldt (UWO) Defeated Jordan Hein (Wisconsin), 7-4 00/40

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. -- Two wrestling newcomers earned victories Friday at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga's annual Blue-Gold Match. Seth Garvin defeated T.J. Sayers 4-2 in overtime at 165 pounds, and Josh Edmondson recorded a 6-3 win over Mike Marable at 184. The Mocs held wrestle-offs at each weight class except 197 pounds with the winner earning the tentative starting position at that weight. "Tonight went the way I thought it would go to an extent," first-year Head Coach Chris Bono said. "We have a lot of work to do. I was satisfied with our conditioning this early in the year. Now we can go back and work on some things that we need to correct." Garvin, a junior, is a transfer from the University of Wisconsin, and Edmondson, also a junior, was a Junior College National Champion at North Idaho College. In other results, junior Shawn Cordell edged junior Javier Maldonado, 3-2 at 125 pounds, and senior Josh Keefe scored a 15-4 major decision over freshman Pete Miller at 133. Senior Aaron Martin blanked freshman Joey Knox 6-0 at 149, senior Jake Yost defeated sophomore Gonzolo Lopez 8-4 at 157, and junior Lloyd Rogers got past sophomore Kyle McKee at 174 by a 6-2 count. The only pin of the night came at heavyweight. Junior Nick Lorenzano pinned sophomore Eric Rogers at 1:24. Freshman Cody Cleveland registered a 13-1 major over freshman Mark Nicely at 141 then had to take on All-America Michael Keefe in the evening's final match. Keefe, a senior and last year's starter at 141, notched an 8-5 win. Matt Keller, an All-America last season at 133 pounds, is recovering from an injury and did not participate. Matt Koz, a transfer from the University of Minnesota, is the expected starter at 197. The Mocs open the 2006-07 season next Saturday at home with two matches. UTC hosts Southern Conference foe Davidson at 7 p.m. and Virginia Tech from the Atlantic Coast Conference immediately following the opening match. Both matches will be held at Maclellan Gym on the UTC campus. Wrestle-off Results 141 Cody Cleveland maj. dec. Mark Nicely, 13-1 125 Shawn Cordell dec. Javier Maldonado, 3-2 133 Josh Keefe maj. dec. Pete Miller, 15-4 149 Aaron Martin dec. Joey Knox, 6-0 157 Jake Yost dec. Gonzolo Lopez, 8-4 165 Seth Garvin dec. T.J. Sayers, 4-2 (ot) 174 Lloyd Rogers dec. Kyle McKee, 6-2 184 Josh Edmondson dec. Mike Marable, 6-3 Hwt Nick Lorenzano pinned Eric Rogers, 1:24 141 Michael Keefe dec. Cody Cleveland, 8-5

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga wrestling team will hold its annual Blue-Gold Match Friday at 6 p.m. in the Maclellan Gym on the UTC campus. The public is invited, and admission is free. The respective weight classes will pit two UTC wrestlers in a match to determine the tentative season starter at that position. "This is an excellent opportunity for our fans to get an early look at our guys," UTC Head Coach Chris Bono said. "This is a sure sign that the season is just around the corner. We are excited to get started and hope to have a big crowd here Friday night." Matt Keller, an All-America last season at 133 pounds, is recovering from an injury and will not participate in the wrestle-offs. Other returning starters from last season hoping to hold down their spots include Javier Maldonado at 125 pounds, Michael Keefe at 141, Aaron Martin at 149, Jake Yost at 157, T.J. Sayers at 165 and Lloyd Rogers at 174. Maldonado, Martin and Yost were SoCon champions and NCAA qualifiers in 2006. Keefe made his second straight appearance at the NCAAs last year, Sayers competed at 174 pounds for the Mocs, and Rogers wrestled at 184 and 197. Matt Koz, a transfer from the University of Minnesota, will be competing this weekend at the West Virginia Open in Morgantown, W.Va., and will not be in town for the Blue-Gold match. Bono will have two honorary coaches for each team Friday night. Pat Murphy and David Noblit will serve as Blue Team coaches, and Mike Craft and Jeff Rufolo will do the same for the Gold Team. All four are former UTC wrestlers. Wrestle-off Lineup 141 Cody Cleveland vs. Mark Nicely 125 Javier Maldonado vs. Shawn Cordell 133 Josh Keefe vs. Pete Miller 149 Joey Knox vs. Aaron Martin 157 Gonzolo Lopez vs. Jake Yost 165 Seth Garvin vs. T.J. Sayers 174 Lloyd Rogers vs. Kyle McKee 184 Josh Edmuson vs. Mike Marable Hwt Eric Rogers vs. Nick Lorenzano 141 winner of Cleveland and Nicely vs. Michael Keefe

Orem, Utah -- The annual Green & Black dual ended in a tie after both teams ran off streaks of 16 straight points in the intrasquad opener to the wrestling season. "I feel really good about what I saw today," Utah Valley State head coach Greg Williams said. "I see a lot of improvement from when we first started practice to where we are now." After Richard Winger and Billy Green got the green team off to a 6-0 lead, Benjamin Kjar pinned Alex Smith (2:23) to tie the dual at six. Kjar's pin started a 19-0 black team run that didn't end until Dustin Olsen won a decision over Gerhart Vuksinick. With Olsen's win, the green team started a run of its own, scoring 16 unanswered points to put the green team ahead 22-19 going into the final match. In the final match, Anthony Turchetta of the black team fell behind Eric McAllister,4-1, early before rallying to take the match (11-7) and ensuring the tie. The Wolverines officially start their season Nov. 11, at the Cowboy Open in Laramie, Wyo. The first dual meet will be Nov. 18 at the Jack Hancock Dual Invitational in Golden, Colo.

Edmond, Okla. –- The Red squad dominated the White, 28-15, tonight in Edmond as the University of Oklahoma wrestling team held its annual Red/White ranking match in Edmond, Okla. Sam Hazewinkel began the evening scoring a fall over Anthony Hayes at 125 pounds to give the red a 6-0 advantage. Hazewinkel disposed of Hayes at the 3:58 mark in the second period. Freshman Brian Shelton continued where Hazewinkel left off in the 133 pound match, defeating Nolan Spring by a decision of 5-3. In the following match, Redshirt freshman Kyle Terry registered a major decision, 14-4, over Trey Blakely at 141 pounds. Chad Terry recorded the white's first points of the evening as he defeated Matt Sansone by a decision of 10-4. Will Rowe kept the white team in the match at 157 pounds as he pinned Chris DeVilbiss with one second remaining in the third period at the 3:59 mark of the match. "I was not expecting Chris to come out and be as competitive as he was, he is getting better each day and is a very tough competitor," Rowe said. Rowe begins the year at 157 pounds where he was one of six NCAA qualifiers for the Sooners last year. "Coming in the match I was nervous for the team, but this prepares us for Saturdays duals. The advantage that tonight gave us was that this felt like a real match and it helped get the nerves and butterflies out of our system before the regular season begins." Shane Seibert put the red up by seven after the 165 pound match as he scored a major decision by a score of 13-2 over Blake Allen. Josh Hinton defeated Eugene Young by a decision of 5-2 at 184 pounds. Two-time All-American Joel Flaggert rounded out the scoring for the red at 197 pounds as he pinned Matt Cole in the first period at the 1:22 mark to put the red up by 16. At heavyweight Brad Farmer defeated Nathan Fernandez by a decision of 5-4. "I was very pleased with our performance tonight. I usually leave our ranking matches wondering if we have been working, but I felt we looked very good," head coach Jack Spates said. "Sam Hazewinkel looked awesome as did Brian Shelton," Spates added. "Will Rowe wrestled a very tough match and I was very pleased with his effort. For the most part I was very pleased with our showing tonight." The Sooners begin the regular season Saturday night at the Howard McCasland Field House when they host Missouri Valley and UCO in a double-dual that starts at 5 p.m. Weight-By-Weight Results 125: Sam Hazewinkel (Red) fall 3:58 Anthony Hayes (White) 133: Brian Shelton (Red) dec. 5-3 Nolan Spring (White) 141: Kyle Terry (Red) maj. dec. 14-4 Trey Blakely (White) 149: Chad Terry (White) dec. 10-4 Matt Sansone (Red) 157: Will Rowe (White) takedown 3:59 Chris DeVilbiss (Red) 165: Shane Seibert (Red) maj. dec. 13-2 Blake Allen (White) 174: Jeff James (Red) injury default Joshua Weitzel (White) 184: Josh Hinton (White) dec. 5-2 Eugene Young (Red) 197: Joel Flaggert (Red) fall 1:22 Matt Cole (White) HWT: Brad Farmer (White) dec. 5-4 Nathan Fernandez (Red)

AMES, Iowa -- The 2006-07 Iowa State wrestling team was unveiled to the public during an intrasquad meet Thursday night at the Lied Recreation Center. Featured in the intrasquad meet were bouts at all weights with the exception of 197 pounds. The Cyclones open the season Friday, Nov. 10 against Division III Buena Vista at 6 p.m. at Ames High School. 141 pounds: Joey DeMarie vs. Jonathan Scott First Period 2:18 DeMarie takedown, 2-0 1:44 Scott escape, 2-1 0:16 DeMarie takedown, 4-1 Second Period Scott chooses down 1:40 Scott escape, 4-2 0:37 DeMarie takedown, 6-2 Third Period DeMaire chooses down 1:45 DeMarie reversal, 8-2 1:33 Scott escape, 8-3 0:41 DeMarie takedown, 10-3 0:26 Scott two-point nearfall, 10-5 DeMarie riding time Final: DeMarie wins by decision, 11-7 125 pounds: Ben Hanisch vs. Nick Fanthorpe First Period 1:51 Fanthorpe takedown, 0-2 0:31 Hanisch warning, 0-2 Second Period Hanisch defers, Fanthorpe chooses neutral 1:06 Hanisch stall warning, 0-3 Third Period Hanisch chooses top 1:38 Fanthorpe takedown, 0-5 Fanthorpe riding time Final: Fanthorpe wins by decision, 6-0 133 pounds: Nick Gallick vs. Laramie Shaffer First Period 2:48 Gallick takedown, 2-0 2:32 Gallick three-point nearfall, 5-0 2:08 Shaffer escape, 5-1 Second Period Gallick defers, Shaffer chooses down 0:26 Shaffer escape, 5-2 Third Period Gallick chooses down 1:17 Gallick warning, 5-2 0:52 Shaffer warning, 5-2 0:48 Gallick escape, 6-2 Gallick riding time Final: Gallick wins by decision, 7-2 141 pounds: Mitch Mueller vs. T.J. Sebolt First Period 0:59 Mueller takedown, 2-0 Second Period Mueller chooses down 2:00 Sebolt caution, 2-0 1:54 Mueller escape, 3-0 0:41 Mueller takedown, 5-0 0:39 Sebolt escape, 5-1 Third Period Sebolt chooses down 1:33 Sebolt escape, 5-2 1:10 Sebolt warning, 5-2 1:09 Mueller takedown, 7-2 1:03 Sebolt escape, 7-3 0:44 Mueller takedown, 9-3 0:42 Sebolt escape, 9-4 0:01 Sebolt warning, 10-4 Mueller riding time Final: Mueller wins by decision, 11-4 149 pounds: Jason Knipp vs. Cyler Sanderson First Period No scoring Second Period Sanderson defers, Knipp chooses down 1:54 Knipp escape, 1-0 0:44 Knipp warning, 1-0 Third Period Sanderson chooses down 2:00 Knipp caution, 1-0 1:54 Sanderson escape, 1-1 1:23 Knipp stalling, 1-2 Final: Sanderson wins by decision, 2-1 157 pounds: Trent Paulson vs. Mike Somsky First Period 0:30 Paulson takedown, 2-0 Second Period Paulson defers, Somsky chooses neutral Third Period Paulson chooses down 1:57 Paulson escape, 3-0 0:50 Paulson warning, 3-0 0:02 Paulson takedown, 5-0 Final: Paulson wins by decision, 5-0 165 pounds: Travis Paulson vs. Jonathan Reader First Period 2:31 Paulson takedown, 2-0 2:25 Reader escape, 2-1 Second Period Paulson chooses down 1:29 Paulson escape, 3-1 0:54 Paulson takedown, 5-1 Third Period Reader chooses down 1:59 Reader escape, 5-2 0:57 Paulson takedown, 7-2 0:53 Reader escape, 7-3 0:32 Reader warning, 7-3 0:01 Paulson takedown, 9-3 Final: Paulson wins by decision, 9-3 174 pounds: David Bertolino vs. Grant Turner First Period 1:44 Turner takedown, 0-2 1:37 Bertolino escape, 1-2 Second Period Turner defers, Bertolino chooses down 1:59 Bertolino escape, 2-2 Third Period Turner chooses down 1:00 Turner escape, 2-3 0:42 Turner takedown, 2-5 0:04 Bertolino escape, 3-5 Final: Tuner wins by decision, 5-3 184 pounds: Jake Varner vs. Chris Pursel First Period 2:52 Varner takedown, 2-0 2:25 Pursel escape, 2-1 1:14 Varner takedown, 4-1 0:00 Pursel escape, 4-2 Second Period Pursel chooses down Final: Varner wins by fall at 4:20 HWT: David Zabriskie vs. Richard Schopf First Period 1:50 Zabriskie takedown, 2-0 0:33 Schopf escape, 2-1 0:12 Zabriskie takedown, 4-1 1:00 Schopf escape, 4-2 0:45 Zabriskie takedown, 6-2 0:22 Schopf escape, 6-3 0:08 Zabriskie takedown, 8-3 Second Period Zabriskie chooses down 1:51 Zabriskie escape, 9-3 1:47 Zabriskie takedown, 11-3 1:27 Schopf warning, 11-3 1:15 Schopf escape, 11-4 1:00 Zabriskie takedown, 13-4 0:52 Schopf escape, 13-5 0:28 Zabriskie takedown, 15-5 Zabriskie riding time Final: Zabriskie wins by major decision, 16-5

Brian Smith has resurrected the University of Missouri wrestling program since taking over as head coach in 1998. He inherited a struggling Missouri program that had not posted a winning dual meet record since the 1991-92 season. Since taking over, Smith has posted a 98-53-1 dual meet record. He has coached eight All-Americans while at Missouri. Last season, he guided Ben Askren to the school's first-ever individual national title. RevWrestling.com recently caught up with Smith and discussed Ben Askren's desire to move down to 165 pounds, the comparison between Ben and Max Askren as freshmen, what weight class he considers the most competitive on his team, what he expects to see from Ohio State in two weeks, and much more. Brian Smith (Photo/Mizzou Media Relations)You have taken the Missouri program to new heights since taking over as head coach. When you left Syracuse in 1998 … what was enticing to you about Missouri's program? Smith: Well, it was the Big 12 Conference, which is one the elite conferences in America. I wanted to get back into the Big 10 or the Big 12 … and this was an opportunity. Even though they hadn't been very successful, when you look at the talent coming out of the state of Missouri and the surrounding states, it was kind of like a sleeping giant. I knew that if you could go in and do things right and get people to believe in the program, good things would happen. Your team enters this season ranked No. 3 in the country. Do you feel any additional pressure this season compared to past seasons with the expectations so high? Smith: No, because we place expectations on ourselves. With that, if you've worked hard, done things right, you're training right, your coaches are putting in the time, your athletes are putting in the time … I don't think you look at it that way. You feel prepared. Your confidence level rises because of that. This team works really hard and is prepared. We've gotten better every year, so every year the expectations go higher and higher. This year we know we have a really solid team … and good things can happen if we train right, stay healthy, and wrestle well at the end of the year. It's kind of an expectation. It's not a pressure on us. It's just, hey, if we wrestle well, good things are going to happen. What will have to happen between now and March 15 for your team to be in a position to win a national title? Smith: Well, we have about six wrestlers who are ranked pretty high. Everybody needs to continually get better every day. We preach that to the kids. I think there are a couple of weights that really need to step for us and perform. If that happens, we're going to be right in the title hunt. There are three or four weights that aren't ranked right now, but there's talent. If those kids can mature by January and February and are confident going into the Big 12's, then we have a very solid team. Ben Askren became Missouri's first-ever individual national champion (Photo/Johnnie Johnson).What motives Ben Askren? Smith: To be great. He wants to be the greatest. I knew that when I met him. When I was first recruiting him, one of his idols was Muhammad Ali. Muhammad Ali wanted to be the greatest of all time. That's kind of like Ben. He has that outgoing personality … and some people take it as cocky or arrogant. But he trains very, very hard. He prepares himself at one of the highest levels I've seen. He's always learning new moves. He's always finding out how he can come out of every situation. That's why he's so dominant. He knows every situation he's in … that's why he's as good as he is. When you recruited Ben Askren out of Hartland, Wisconsin, did you imagine that he would go on to be the best collegiate wrestler in the country? Smith: Well, we knew we were getting a pretty good kid. We knew he was pretty special, but at that point we were just hoping that we were getting hopefully our first or maybe second national champion at that point. We had other guys in the room. We knew he had national championship potential. But to be the greatest, I don't know if we were thinking that. Once he got in the practice room and we saw the way he trained, we knew he was something special. When recruiting, you know they're pretty good. But to finally get someone in the room, that's when you find out how tough a kid really is. The two biggest names in collegiate wrestling right now are Ben Askren and Johny Hendricks. Askren has stated that he plans on eventually competing internationally at 163 pounds. Could you foresee a situation where Askren would drop down to 165 pounds to face Hendricks in a collegiate match this season? Smith: He is certified at 165. He was trying to wrestle at the All-Star Classic at 165, but they had already sent out invites. Right now, Ben is at 174, but he's keeping his weight down for when he competes to be one on the World team … and then a year and a half later for the Olympic team. He used to get really heavy during the off-season, but now he doesn't as much. His body has matured and he's a lot stronger looking, but his weight is staying down more. His ultimate goal is to be an Olympic champion, so I think he's preparing his body for that, too. Compare Max Askren before his freshman season to Ben Askren before his freshman season. Smith: Max is just as prepared as Ben. I think he has an advantage over Ben … just because he has gotten to watch his brother go through it. When he was a high school student seeing his brother go through his redshirt year, and then his first year in the lineup, learning from it … and he also gets to train with his brother. He's getting to train with the best college wrestler at this time … and they're close in weight, even though they're two weight classes apart. Max isn't a big 197-pounder, so they train together all the time. I think he had an advantage coming down here during the summers during high school and training with his brother all the time. That makes a big difference. I would say that Max is a little ahead of where Ben was. Does that mean he's going to be as successful? I don't know. I just think with that … being able to train with his brother, see how he trains, see what he goes through, and get advice, I think that's always helpful on the younger brother. Matt Pell, a Wisconsin native, was an All-American two seasons ago at 184 pounds, but came up one match short of All-American status last season at 165 pounds (Photo/Johnnie Johnson).Last season, Matt Pell lost a tight overtime match to Johny Hendricks at the Big 12 Championships. Two weeks later, he lost first round at the NCAA Championships and eventually lost in the All-American round. What do you think Pell took away from that experience of coming up short of his wrestling goals last season? Smith: I think the biggest thing with Matt is staying focused through the season, staying focused through an entire match. He sometimes will have a lapse and it will cost him a match or two. He doesn't lose often. He lost a tight one in the first round and a tight one in the All-American round. It was a 1-1 match with about 10 seconds to go when he lost to (Travis) Paulson. I think he has to maintain his focus through the whole match. The way he looks right now is the best he's ever wrestled in the practice room. It has caused a hunger in him, where this is it. This is his last season of college wrestling … that he can't make mistakes. He has to wrestle with that urgency where this is it. Which weight class do you see as the competitive in your wrestling room? Smith: Probably 157. It's a real competitive weight with Michael Chandler, who made the All-American round last year as a freshman. And then you have a kid named Nick Marable, who had a great true freshman year. I think he went like 22-9, beat Will Roe, and beat some good people. And then Emanuel Brooks is in there, too. He was a junior college national champion at 149 a couple years ago, but still has three years left. So those three are going to battle. Will your starters for the Ohio State dual on Nov. 16 be determined at your Black and Gold wrestle-offs this Sunday? Smith: Yeah, pretty much by the wrestle-offs. I mean, the wrestle-offs give us a pretty good indication of where everybody is, but we see them practice every day, so there are other factors … just on health, too, and how everybody is feeling. We usually go by the Black and Gold for that first early dual we have … then it's tournament results, seeing how people are performing at the tournaments. We'll send a bunch of kids to the Central Missouri Open, then the Missouri Open, and those tournaments will help us determine who we'll take out to Las Vegas. There is obviously a lot of excitement in Columbus (Ohio) with Tom Ryan taking over as the new head coach at Ohio State. What do you expect to see from the Buckeyes in two weeks? Smith: This will be the fourth straight year we've wrestled them in a dual. They always have a talented team. If you look at their lineup the last few years … even four years ago when we first started wrestling, I think they finished third in the country that year. They always have talent. Ohio is a very talented home state. I know he's going to have a big crowd there. We're expecting a very, very tough match. They have two returning All-Americans. I look at some of the kids in the lineup … there are some highly-touted kids. We're expecting a brawl. It's going to be a tough, tough match for us as an opening match. But we like that. We like to open up with some tough competition and know where we're at early and see how we're training and performing on the mat. We may be starting three or four freshman in that match, so we'll see how they show up in a big dual atmosphere … not at home … in that kind of hostile territory. You find out a lot about your team how they perform more on the road than at home. At home, it's comfortable, you don't have to travel, and that kind of lets us know right away. And I know Tom (Ryan), he's going to have them ready to wrestle. It kinds of motivates you … because it will be our fifth week of practice going into that dual. At that point, our guys are ready to kill each other. They're so fed up with wrestling each other. There's nothing like having a good opening dual to motivate them during those five weeks. It keeps them focused, too. Brian Smith has compiled a 98-53-1 dual meet record in eight seasons as head coach of the Missouri Tigers (Photo/Mizzou Media Relations).The Big 12 Championships will take place on your home mat in Columbia this season. Is having an event like that at home underrated or overrated when relating it to your team's performance? Smith: I think it's an advantage to have it at home, just because you don't have to travel. You're not sleeping in different beds. You're going to have a bigger crowd. You're going to have the comforts of warming up in your wrestling room. So I think there are some mental advantages and maybe some physical with less travel, so yeah, I think there are advantages to having the Big 12's at home. This is my ninth year at Missouri and it's only the second time we've had it. The last time we had it, we finished second in the Big 12, which is the only time Missouri has finished that high. So if you look at the past, we did perform well. It was one of our best performances at the Big 12's. How many wrestlers will you need to qualify for the NCAA Championships in order to compete for the title? Smith: We're gunning to get all 10 there. I know it's possible to do it with eight or nine guys. That's what we're looking at. Right now, we think we have the talent to qualify all 10, but we'll find out as the season progresses and how some of our wrestlers progress. Oklahoma State has won the past four NCAA team titles. However, Minnesota is the consensus No. 1 team in the preseason rankings. Who do you view as the team to beat this season? Smith: We'll find that out. Right now, there are a lot of unknowns. I think Minnesota has the most known team. It's guys who have performed, so they are deserving of the top ranking. And then you just find out as the season progresses. The big thing with all the teams in the nation is just trying to stay healthy. That's a big part of college wrestling. Every coach tries not to worry about that, but they do. When you look at the top five, six, or seven teams, they all have very talented teams. Whoever comes in the healthiest and prepared is going to have a better shot at winning it. I think that's a big factor … and I know that's something every coach is looking at. I think Minnesota is definitely the team to beat right now, but we'll find out down the road. We run into them at the Southern Scuffle, so that's a good test for us to see how we match up.

Several former collegiate national champions and all-american wrestlers will be looking to make their mark at the RealProWrestling North Regional tournament on Saturday, November 4 at Cornell College in Mount Vernon, IA. Doors open at 8:30AM with a rules clinic beginning at 9:00 followed by the quarter-finals at 10:00. The first of four RPW regionals was held on Saturday, October 28 in San Jose. The East Regional will be in Philadelphia on November 11 and South Regional in Tulsa on November 18. All 28 regional champions will advance to the Super Challenge on January 7 in San Jose for the right to represent one of the eight teams for the dual meet portion of Season 2, slated to begin in late March. Go to www.realprowrestling.com to see results and photos of the San Jose event. NCAA runner-up Luke Eustice(Iowa) will be one of the top contenders at 121lbs. Grant Nakamura(Iowa State), Randy Ruiz(Stanford) and Desmond Radunz(Minnesota State Moorehead) are also competing. Spenser Mango withdrew due to a knee injury. NCAA champion Nate Gallick(Iowa State) was previously seen as the man to beat at 132lbs. However, Gallick also suffered a knee injury at the Sunkist Open and will not be wrestling. James Rollins won a national title at NAIA Dana College in Nebraska and is ready to prove himself on a new stage. Paul Collum(Iowa Central, Missouri Valley) was both a NJCAA and NAIA national champion and could end up winning this weight class. Eddie Gutnik(Wisconsin) and Adam Keisetter(Nebraska-Kearney) are in the mix as well. 145lbs features former NCAA runner-ups Dylan Long(UNI) and Joe Johnston(Iowa). Long competed collegiately at 141lbs and Johnston wrestled at 157. Johnston is now serving as an assistant coach at host school Cornell College and Long is on Cael Sanderson's staff at Iowa State. This weight includes Greco-Roman star Mark Rial(UNI), three-time NAIA Champ Michael Rio(Lindenwood), Danny Song(Merchant Marine Academy) and Jason Robbins(Arizona State). Tyrone Woodley(Missouri) highlights a deep class at 163lbs. Reggie Wright(Oklahoma State), Kevin Stanley(Central Missouri), Cole Williams(Dubuque), Shamar Bailey(Marantha Bible College), Mike Kelly(Harper College), Brandon Hatchett(Junior National Champ), Jeff Paulson(Minnesota State Moorehead) and Tade Kemnitz(UW Lacrosse) will all be battling for the title. NCAA runner-up Ryan Churella(Michigan) is nursing an injury and will now be competing in Philadelphia. Jacob Volkmann(Minnesota) and two-time NCAA Division II champ Tom Meester(Augustana) are among the favorites at 185lbs. Zac Dominguez(Nebraska-Lincoln), Jesse Robbins(3x Junior National Champ), Dominic Desando(Indiana) and Octavius Bellamy(Chicago State) will also be in the hunt. All-Americans Sean Stender(UNI) and Ben Wissel(Purdue) may wrestle for the title at 211lbs. Israel Silva(TN Chattanooga) and Malcom Haven(Wyoming) look to prove otherwise. 264lbs shapes up with Greg Wagner(Michigan), Jason Klohs(Minnesota), NAIA champ Roger Miller(Lindenwood) and Mount Vernon(IA) native Scott Pospisil. Wagner was an NCAA all-american last season and is difficult to score on. Olympic champions Dan Gable and Tom Brands headline the afternoon Fan Fest which will include a technique clinic. Support the world's oldest and greatest sport by attending this exciting event! Event Detail: Date: Saturday: Nov. 4th 2006 Location: Cornell College. Indoor Arena. 600 First Street, West. Mt. Vernon, IA 52314 Website: http://www.cornellcollege.edu/athletic_facilities/ Map: 600 1st St W Mount Vernon, IA 52314-1006, US Schedule: 8:30 a.m. - Doors open 9:00 a.m. - RPW Rules Clinic 10:00 a.m. - Quarter-Final Round 11:30 a.m. - Semi-Final Round 1:00 p.m. - Cornell College wrestle-offs 2:30 p.m. - RPW Fan Fest clinic 5:00 p.m. - Championship Finals 6:30 p.m. - Awards Ceremony 8:00 p.m. - After Party - 3rd Base, Cedar Rapids

NORMAN, Okla. -- Oklahoma head coach Jack Spates will debut the 2006-07 wrestling team on Saturday night in their season opener against Missouri Valley and Oklahoma City University in a double-dual at 5 p.m. at the Howard McCasland Field House. The Sooners return three All-Americans and six starters from the 2005-06 squad that went 11-6-1 and finished as the Big 12 runner-up and a third place finish at the NCAA Championships. Sam Hazewinkel, Matt Storniolo and Joel Flaggert finished the season with All-American honors and returning starter Will Rowe was a 2006 NCAA qualifier. "Saturday will be exciting as we kickoff our regular season, and, as coaches, we are really pleased with how we have been practicing," continued Spates. Missouri Valley begins its season Saturday when they travel to Norman. Head coach Mike Machholz is entering his 12th year at the helm of the Viking wrestling team who finished seventh at the 2005-06 NAIA Championships and earned five All-America honors. The Vikings return seven wrestlers who competed at the NAIA Championships. Missouri valley finished 2005-06 with a record of Oklahoma City University is wrestling for the first time since 1932. "All of our wrestlers are eager to get out on the mat and show what they can do. Everyone has put in a lot of work at practice and now it is time for the real thing." The first 250 fans will receive a free OU visor.

State College, Pa. –– Penn State Nittany Lion wrestler James Yonushonis (Philipsburg, Pa.), the No. 3 ranked 174-pounder in the nation, has been asked to join teammate Phil Davis (Harrisburg, Pa.) and wrestle in the prestigious National Wrestling Coaches Association All-Star Classic. The event will take place in the Dallas Convention Center Arena on Monday, Nov. 20. Yonushonis got the invite when No. 1 Ben Askren of Missouri opted out of the event. Yonushonis will face No. 2 Matt Herrington of Penn in the 174-pound match-up. With Davis and Yonushonis making the trip, Penn State joins Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Northwestern, Minnesota and Penn as teams with more than one grappler taking part. Yonushonis, a senior captain for Penn State, is a returning All-American, having finished eighth at nationals in Oklahoma City last March. The Philipsburg native went 24-9 last season, including a 14-2 dual match mark. He has a 53-44 career record as a three-year starter for head coach Troy Sunderland. The duo met last season at nationals with Herrington coming away with a win by fall in the consolation quarterfinals. Herrington went on to place fifth and Yonushonis placed eighth. Yonushonis and Herrington did not wrestle in the dual match between the two schools last season. The potential full field features 20 of the country's best grapplers. At 118, Oklahoma's Sam Hazewinkle will face Cornell's Troy Nickerson. Penn's Matt Valenti will tangle with Oklahoma State's Coleman Scott at 125. Northwestern's Ryan Lange will meat Michigan State's Andy Simmons at 141. Minnesota's Dustin Schlatter will face Oklahoma's Matt Storniolo at 149. Brian Stith of Arizona State will meet Iowa State's Trent Paulson at 157. Oklahoma State's Johnny Hendricks will meet Mark Perry of Iowa at 165. Yonushonis faces Herrington at 174. Northwestern's Jake Herbert will meet Minnesota's Roger Kish at 184. Davis and Jerry Rinaldi of Cornell will battle at 197. Minnesota's Cole Konrad will face Harvard's Bode Ogunwole at HWT. The field is subject to change and not all bouts are finalized. "It's an amazing accomplishment for James and a great way for him to start off his senior year," Sunderland said. "The improvement he's made over the years is outstanding and it is a credit to his work ethic that he gets this opportunity." Penn State opens up the 2006-07 season when it hosts Wrestle-Offs on Sunday, Nov. 12 at 1 p.m. in Rec Hall. The regular season commences on Sunday, Nov. 19, when Penn State will face Clarion, Pitt-Johnstown and No. 13 Edinboro at the Pennsylvania Duals. The event, hosted by Lock Haven University, begins at 10 a.m. in LHU's Thomas Field House. Davis and Sunderland will then fly to Dallas Sunday evening after the Pa. Duals in preparation for Monday night's NWCA All-Star Classic. Penn State's home schedule begins in earnest with a home dual vs. Lehigh on Friday, Dec. 8, at 7 p.m. Admission to Wrestle-Offs is free. Season and single-match tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by calling the Penn State ticket office at 814-863-1000 or 800-833-5533 for more information. Fans can also get tickets at GoPSUsports.com. This year's season ticket prices are $24 for adults and $18 for students. Single dual prices are $5 per event for adults and $3 per event for youth.

The Steve Costanzo era at St. Cloud State University will open on Saturday, Nov. 4, as the Husky wrestling squad will begin its season with the Cardinal and Black Challenge exhibition intersquad meet at 6:00 p.m. in the Halenbeck Hall gymnasium. Admission for this event is free and open to the public. SCSU returns nine members of the 2005-06 squad and welcomes 22 new Huskies. Returning for the Huskies are two NorthCentral Regional placers. Included in the 22 new members is an All-American, multiple state champions and seven transfers. Costanzo named a trio of captains for the 2006-07 season. They are Tom Messerli (Lafayette), Nicolas Wilkes (Onamia) and Russel Smith (Owatonna). The captains were selected by vote from their team members. Steve Costanzo begins his first season as the Husky head wrestling coach during the 2006-07 season. He becomes the 13th coach in the history of the St. Cloud State University wrestling program, which dates back to 1949-50. Costanzo is in his eighth season overall as a head coach. He has spent the last seven years at Dana College in Blair, NE where he amassed an overall record of 61-30-2 while coaching 74 NAIA National Qualifiers, 31 NAIA All-Americans and two National Champions. Costanzo led Dana College to the NAIA National Championship in 2006 (with a tourney record 193 points) and a NWCA National Duals Championship in 2006. Listed below are the probable starting line-ups for the upcoming Cardinal and Black Challenge on Nov. 4 in Halenbeck Hall. 125: Gabe Suarez (Red) vs. Nick Wasche (Black) 133: Sonny Silva (Red) vs. Wes Hanson (Black) 141: Tim Whitely (Red) vs. Brent Johnson (Black) 149: Grant Johnson (Red) vs. Bryce Mackey (Black) 157: John Sundgren (Red) vs. Chad Kubasch (Black) 165: Matt Steffenson (Red) vs. Tom Anderson (Black) 174: Russell Smith (Red) vs. Neil Russell (Black) 184: Adam Hill (Red) vs. Eric Rogness (Black) 197: Nick Wilkes (Red) vs. Jairo Sandoval (Black) 285: Nick Nowak (Red) vs. Brandon Thiebault (Black) Exhibitions: 141 - John Denney (Red) vs. Matt Jackson (Black) 149 - Tom Messerli (Red) vs. Russell Lumley (Black) 149 - Ryan Clark (Red) vs. Brady Routh (Black)

San Francisco, Calif -- SF State's wrestling team will begin its 2006-07 season in a little over week with its annual Alumni exhibition match on Friday, November 10 at 7pm in the Main Gymnasium on SF State's campus. Coach Lars Jensen, who is entering his 24th season as the head coach of his alma mater's wrestling program, returns nine letter winners from last year's team including two starters. Senior 141 lb. wrestler Virgil Lockett (San Francisco, CA/Lowell HS) is one of the two starters returning along with senior Will Simmons (165, Sacramento, CA/Sac City College). "We are looking for Virgil and Will along with Kenny Packard (So, 157, Fresno, CA/Roosevelt School of the Arts) and Ali Lockett (Jr, 149, San Francisco, CA/Skyline College) to be our leaders this season," said Jensen. "Our goals for the upcoming season is to be more successful in dual meets and to place in the top four in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC)," added Jensen. "We would also like to extend our streak to 44 of sending a wrestler to the NCAA Division II National Championship in Kearney, Nebraska, in March and also have a wrestler earn All-American status for the 51st time in Coach Jensen's career." Last year, the Gators finished in sixth place in the RMAC and sent Virgil Lockett to the NCAA Nationals in Findlay, Ohio. The senior Lockett finished his first season as a Gator with a 27-13 record. Simmons finished last season with a 7-16 record in his first season in the purple and gold after transferring to SF State from Sac City College. Packard also is in his second season as a Gator after finishing last season with a 5-6 record. Also returning from last year's team are Jeff Johnson (Jr, 141, Antelope, CA/Center HS) and Jamil Smart (So, 133, Pittsburg, CA/Concord HS). To assist in the Gators in achieving their goals will be a host of newcomers including Ali Lockett, Austin Torres (Jr, 157, Schererville, IN/Skyline College), David Johnson (Sr, 184, Pocatello, ID/North Idaho College), and Vince Bordi (Fr, 285, Manteca, CA/Manteca HS). Other newcomers on this year's team that will be competing to crack into SF State's line-up are Randy Aguirre (Jr, Covina, CA/Mt. San Antonio College), Pierre Bondoc (Fr, 125, Modesto, CA/Beyer HS), Cory Creighton ( Fr, 184, Carson, WA/Stevenson HS), Josh Gonzalez (Fr, 174, Dixon, CA/Dixon HS), Alecxis Lara (Jr, 184, Gilroy, CA/Skyline College), Brian Loper (Jr, 157, Santa Barbara, CA/Santa Barbara HS), Ben Lockett (Fr, 133, San Francisco, CA/George Washington HS), Tom McFadden (Jr, 149, Walnut Creek, CA/Diablo Valley College), Dwight Middleton (Jr, 174, Los Angeles, CA/East LA College), Mike O'Brien (Jr, 174, Stockton, CA/San Joaquin Delta College), Brian Tharp (Fr, 125, San Clemente, CA), and Alexander Trueblood (Fr, 197, Vista, CA) along with Nelson Um (So, 133, Oakland, CA). Of the teams that Coach Jensen will look to contend for the RMAC title this season are Nebraska-Kearney, Western State, and Adams State. SF State will begin its regular season on Saturday, November 18 when they travel to Golden, Colorado, to participate in the John Hancock Duals on the campus of Colorado School of Mines. The Gators will face Montana State-Northern and RMAC powerhouse Western State in the first round of the Duals. Their home opener will be on Friday, December 8 against rival UC Davis at 7pm. This will be one of four home duals for the Gators which will also host the Annual California Collegiates on Saturday, February 3. The NCAA Division II West Regional/RMAC Championships are set for Sunday, February 26 in Golden, Colorado, with the Nationals set for two weeks later on March 9-10 in Kearney, Nebraska.

EDMOND, Okla. -- Six-time champion Central Oklahoma is the slight favorite to capture the 2007 NCAA Division II wrestling national championship, according to the preseason poll released Tuesday by the NCAA Division II Wrestling Coaches' Association. Only two points separated the top three teams, with the Bronchos earning four of the eight first-place votes and finishing with 152 points to edge out Nebraska-Kearney (151) and Minnesota State-Mankato (150). The Antelopes received three first-place votes and the Mavericks the other first-place nod in the balloting of coaches from around the country. Three-time defending national champion Nebraska-Omaha was fourth in the rankings, with Pittsburgh-Johnstown (Pa.), Western State (Colo.), Indianapolis (Ind.), Upper Iowa, Fort Hays State and Augustana (S.D.) rounding out the top 10. UCO, which won eight NAIA titles from 1979-89 in addition to claiming Division II crowns in 1992-93-94-95-02-03, has No. 1 Kyle Evans (141) leading a list of eight ranked individuals. UNK, last year's runner-up and the host of this season's national tournament, is led by top-rated Brett Allgood (133) and Tervel Dlagnev (285). MSU-Mankato has seven top-eight individuals, headed by No. 2 Nick Smith (125). NCAA Division II Wrestling Rankings:M The NCAA Division II Wrestling Coaches' Association Top 20 preseason poll, with points and last year's national tournament finish: Rank School (State) Points Last Year's Finish 1. Central Oklahoma 152 4th 2. Nebraska-Kearney 151 2nd 3. Minnesota State-Mankato 150 5th 4. Nebraska-Omaha 139 1st 5. Pittsburgh-Johnstown (Pa.) 126 7th 6. Western State (Colo.) 108 18th 7. Indianapolis (Ind.) 100 T9th 8. Upper Iowa 93 16th 9. Fort Hays State 87 11th 10. Augustana (S.D.) 85 6th 11. Mercyhurst (Pa.) 81 14th 12. West Liberty State (W.Va.) 74 21st 13. Wisconsin-Parkside 61 13th 14. Minnesota State-Moorhead 51 12th 15. Ashland (Ohio) 50 19th 16. Adams State (Colo.) 42 8th 17. Findlay (Ohio) 30 T9th 18. Carson-Newman (Tenn.) 29 20th 19. Anderson (S.C.) 18 T31st 20. Kutztown (Pa.) 15 27th Others receiving votes: Chadron State (Neb.), Newberry (S.C.), Northern State (S.D.), Shippensburg (Pa.), Truman State (Mo.). Individual Rankings: 125 Pounds 1. Cody Garcia, Nebraska-Omaha 2. Nick Smith, Minnesota State-Mankato 3. Trevor Charboneau, Nebraska-Kearney 4. Mike Compton, Ashland (Ohio) 5. Shane Caruthers, Central Oklahoma 6. Tyler Mumbulo, Upper Iowa 7. Chris Trampe, Augustana (S.D.) 8. Payne Lint, Mercyhurst (Pa.) 133 Pounds 1. Brett Allgood, Nebraska-Kearney 2. Andy Uhl, Findlay (Ohio) 3. Shane Perkey, Indianapolis (Ind.) 4. Brandon Reasey, Pittsburgh-Johnstown (Pa.) 5. Jeff Pfaffinger, Minnesota State-Mankato 6. Jared Henning, Central Oklahoma 7. Raymond Dunning, Adams State (Colo.) 8. Marques Bravo, Western State (Colo.) 141 Pounds 1. Kyle Evans, Central Oklahoma 2. Jeff Rutledge, Nebraska-Kearney 3. J.J. Zanetta, Mercyhurst (Pa.) 4. Chris Freije, Western State (Colo.) 5. Virgil Lockett, San Franciso State (Calif.) 6. Craig Becker, Wisconsin-Parkside 7. Efrain Ayala, Minnesota State-Mankato 8. John Gamble, Upper Iowa 149 Pounds 1. Mikel Delk, Fort Hays State (Kan.) 2. Charlie Pingleton, Indianapolis (Ind.) 3. Jason Rhoten, Minnesota State-Mankato 4. Shea Timothy, Central Oklahoma 5. Camille DuPont, Western State (Colo.) 6. Chris Chambers, Kutztown (Pa.) 7. Don Cummings, Mercyhurst (Pa.) 8. Matt True, Nebraska-Kearney 157 Pounds 1. Brad Becker, Wisconsin-Parkside 2. Tony Guerra, Findlay (Ohio) 3. Austin Scarset, Augustana (S.D.) 4. Cody Humphrey, Carson-Newman (Tenn.) 5. Zach Lee, Western State (Colo.) 6. Jason Leavitt, Central Oklahoma 7. Kevin Kalbach, Kutztown (Pa.) 8. Jared Webster, Chadron State (Neb.) 165 Pounds 1. Nate Baker, Minnesota State-Moorhead 2. Ross Taplin, Nebraska-Omaha 3. Albert Miles, Pittsburgh-Johnstown (Pa.) 4. Andy Pickar, Minnesota State-Mankato 5. Larry Wilbanks, Western State (Colo.) 6. Blake Peterson, Truman State (Mo.) 7. Kyle Becker, Wisconsin-Parkside 8. Evan Copeland, Adams State (Colo.) 174 Pounds 1. J.D. Naig, Nebraska-Omaha 2. Careef Robertson, Anderson (S.C.) 3. Michael Jackson, Indianapolis (Ind.) 4. Zach Shafer, Mercyhurst (Pa.) 5. Cody Henriksen, Augustana (S.D.) 6. Tom Clark, West Liberty State (W.Va.) 7. Quinn Tolbert, Newberry (S.C.) 8. Jesse Sheets, Central Missouri State 184 Pounds 1. Mike Corcetti, Pittsburgh-Johnstown (Pa.) 2. Mark Murphy, Shippensburg (Pa.) 3. Travis Krinke, Minnesota State-Mankato 4. Nate Jones, Carson-Newman (Tenn.) 5. Jared Hess, Central Oklahoma 6. Mike Howell, Fort Hays State (Kan.) 7. Phil Bruschuk, Upper Iowa 8. Derek Brunson, North Carolina-Pembroke 197 Pounds 1. Casey Woodall, Adams State (Colo.) 2. Nate Buys, Augustana (S.D.) 3. Chris Taylor, West Liberty (W.Va.) 4. Mike Fowler, Pittsburgh-Johnstown (Pa.) 5. Heath Jolley, Central Oklahoma 6. Jacob Marrs, Nebraska-Omaha 7. Ryan Phillips, Upper Iowa 8. Kelsey Empting, Nebraska-Kearney 285 Pounds 1. Tervel Dlagnev, Nebraska-Kearney 2. Chris Finn, Central Oklahoma 3. Andrew Ubben, Fort Hays State (Kan.) 4. Jose Navarro, Indianapolis (Ind.) 5. Brian Black, Upper Iowa 6. Charles Saguil, New Mexico Highlands 7. Josh Ohl, Ashland (Ohio) 8. Brady Wilson, Minnesota State-Mankato

EIWA Preseason Rankings: Team ranking based on a poll of all EIWA head coaches. Individual rankings based on a standing committee of four EIWA head coaches. Note that by conference policy freshmen are not eligible for ranking until they have begun competition. Team Ranking_ 1. Cornell 2. Lehigh 3. Penn 4. Columbia 5. Harvard 6. Navy 7. American 8. Brown 125_ 1. Troy Nickerson, Cornell 2. Matt Fisk, Lehigh 3. Jeff Schell, Brown 4. Brandon Kinney, Columbia 5. Chris Clarke, American 6. Alex Usztics, Navy 133_ 1. Matt Valenti, Penn 2. Robbie Preston, Harvard 3. Joe Baker, Navy 4. William Simpson, Army 5. Matt DeLorenzo, Columbia 6. John Stout, Lehigh 141_ 1. Max Meltzer, Harvard 2. Cesar Grajales, Penn 3. Matt Cisasulli, Lehigh 4. Sal Tirico, Columbia 5. Frankie Baugan, Army 6. Nate Nauroth, East Stroudsburg 149_ 1. Matt Dragon, Penn 2. John Cox, Navy 3. Trevor Chinn, Lehigh 4. Jordan Leen, Cornell 5. Anthony Constantino, Columbia 6. Brian Rowan, Army 157_ 1. Andrew Flanagan, Harvard 2. Devin Mesanko, Columbia 3. Gene Zannetti, Penn 4. Matt Anderson, Lehigh 5. John Jarrad, Navy 6. Jaime Lijo, Rutgers 165_ 1. Steve Anceravage, Cornell 2. Shawn Kitchner, Brown 3. Ricky Turk, Columbia 4. Zach Shanaman, Penn 5. Justin Herbert, Franklin & Marshall 6. Jesse Feinsod, Navy 174_ 1. Matt Herrington, Penn 2. Matt Palmer, Columbia 3. Matt Stolpinski, Navy 4. David Helfrich, Lehigh 5. Joey Hooker, Cornell 6. Rudy Rueda, American 184_ 1. Louis Caputo, Harvard 2. Justin Barent, Columbia 3. Lior Zamir, Penn 4. Josh Arnone, Cornell 5. Antonio Miranda, Navy 6. Dwayne Hash-Barberis, American 197_ 1. Josh Glenn, American 2. Jerry Rinaldi, Cornell 3. Matt Cassidy, Lehigh 4. Leo Saniuk, Brown 5. Tyler Moyer, Navy 6. Kirk Davis, Columbia 285_ 1. Bode Ogunwole, Harvard 2. Paul Weibel, Lehigh 3. Adam LoPiccolo, American 4. Zack Hammond, Cornell 5. Michael Sprigg, Army 6. Stanley Foster, East Stroudsburg

IOWA CITY, IA -- The University of Iowa wrestling team will hold its annual wrestle-offs this week at the Dan Gable Wrestling Complex in Carver-Hawkeye Arena. There will be one match Thursday at 5 p.m., nine matches Friday, starting at 4:30 p.m., and seven matches Saturday starting at 8:30 a.m. All matches are open to the public. Iowa will open the 2006-07 Nov. 18 at the Kaufman-Brand Open in Omaha, NE. Thursday: 5:00 p.m. 149 Matt Ballweg vs. Brooks Kopsa Friday: 4:30 p.m. 133 Mario Galanakis vs. Billy Murphy 133 Daniel Dennis vs. Joe Slaton 141 Derek Coorough vs. Dan LeClere 149 Winner of Ballweg/Kopsa vs. Alex Grunder 149 Brett Stedman vs. Travis Blasco 157 Brad Medchill vs. Joe Uker 157 Nick Kolegraff vs. Ryan Morningstar 165 Mark Perry vs. Jake Kerr 165 T.H. Leet vs. Ben Stedman Saturday: 8:30 a.m. 133 Winner Galanakis/Murphy vs. Winner Dennis/Slaton 141 Winner Coorough/LeClere vs. Alex Tsirtsis 149 Winner Ballweg/Kopsa/Grunder vs. Winner Brett Stedman/Blasco 157 Winner Medchill/Uker vs. Winner Kolegraff/Morningstar 165 Winner Perry/Kerr vs. Winner Leet/Ben Stedman 174 Jay Borschel vs. Eric Luedke 184 Phil Keddy vs. Rick Loera

Kent, Ohio -- After a milestone 2005-06 season, Kent State expects even better things to come in the near future. The Golden Flashes return seven starters this season, all of whom placed in the top three of their weight classes at the 2006 MAC Championships. Among that group, KSU returns six wrestlers with 20-win seasons and three national qualifiers. With plenty of battle-tested veterans along with new talent, fourth-year Head Coach Jim Andrassy looks for the Flashes to continue their national rise during the 2006-07 season. "We want to be among the top 15-20 teams in the country," said Andrassy. "We have the ability to get seven to eight guys in the national tournament... We also have the abilty to take over the top spot in the MAC, but we'll have to stay healthy and continue to get better." The top priority for the Golden Flashes this season will be to increase their number of national qualifers after taking five to the 2006 NCAA Tournament. By competing in four challenging tournaments in the first two months of the season (Oklahoma Gold Showcase, Body Bar Invitational, Cliff Keen Invitational and Southern Scuffle), Andrassy intends to give his lineup opportunities to be in the nationwide spotlight. "We want our guys to wrestle as well as possible in the beginning of the year and get them nationally ranked," said Andrassy. "That's how you get to the national tournament. They need to peak early in the season and get noticed on a national level... Then peak again at the end of the season." Last year's breakout season has already provided high recognition on the conference and national scenes in the preseason. Kent State was ranked second in the MAC Preseason Coaches poll, while eight Golden Flashes were ranked in top four of their respective weight classes. Six of those eight also were ranked in national preseason polls. KSU is led by five seniors who have helped the program rise from the bottom tier of the Mid-American Conference standings to a second place finish at the MAC Championships last season and the most points scored (75.5) at the conference tournament since 1990. In addition to MAC success, last season's dual meet achievements (14-4-1) marked the best winning percentage since 2000 and resulted in a National Wrestling Coaches Association Top 25 ranking. In addition, a strong group of freshmen join the team in 2006-07 and many bring the ability to make an immediate impact. "We have some very athletic wrestlers in this new freshman class," said Andrassy. Following is a breakdown of the 2005-06 Golden Flashes by weight class: 125 Pounds Senior Chad Sportelli returns after a 30-win season. Sportelli earned a wild card bid to the NCAA Tournament in his first season at Kent State, but sophomore Danny Mitcheff (18-8) is also likely to see time at 125. "Chad emerged as a great team leader last year has a great work ethic and Danny is quite possibly the best recruit Kent State has ever brought in." Freshmen Bryce Freeman, Ryan Wagner and Jeff Shymske are all likely to redshirt, but will be used if needed. 133 Pounds Mitcheff could see most of his time at 133. "Danny has the ability to wrestle at both spots (125 & 133)." Redshirt freshman Jeremy Depoy (5-8) and sophomore Clayton Stark (6-8) will both compete for varsity time. 141 Pounds Sophomore Drew Lashaway (12-17) is the incumbent but sophomore Clint Sponseller is close on his heels. Lashaway finished third at the 2006 MAC Tournament, while Sponseller went 23-9 wrestling unattached. "They'll battle for the position. Drew has the varsity experience and made a step forward at the end of last season, but Clint is not far behind." 149 pounds Senior Jason McGee is finally at his natural weight class after starting last season at 165 pounds and trimming down to 141 two seasons ago. McGee has posted back-to-back 20-win seasons and placed third in a difficult 165-pound class at the MAC Tournament last season. He could also get spot starts at 157. "Jason has the ability to win a MAC Championship. He's a guy who can get nationally ranked with good showings at these early tournaments." Redshirt freshman Patrick Lanham (8-9) will be the backup at 149. A state champion in high school, Lanham will play a key role at both 149 and 157. Freshman Jake Kyle is expected to redshirt, but has a promising future ahead of him. "Jake is as good of a recruit as we've had in the last few years." 157 Pounds Defending MAC champion Kurt Gross (29-9) returns to his starting spot at 157 and could be used on occasion at 165. The standout junior brings All-American aspirations to the mat this season. "Kurt's wrestled with the best guys in the country and he's only going to get better. He could really get us on the map nationally." Freshman walk-on Justin Huffman is impressing coaches early but may redshirt. 165 Pounds A number of Flashes will compete for the spot left open by McGee. Junior Joe Whelan, a state champion in high school, may be the early favorite but several underclassmen could emerge as the starter. Sophomore Cory Maier (7-7) and redshirt freshman James Reynolds (6-7) both showed promise last season. True freshmen John Pycraft, Greg Heinz and Sli Bostelman will also look to crack the lineup at 165. "Several guys may see starts at the beginning of the year and it may take some time to see who emerges." 174 pounds Senior Aaron Miller (31-9) will look to make his return to NCAA Tournament. A team leader, Miller has shown steady improvement throughout his career. "Aaron has gotten bigger and stronger this season and looks as good as he ever has. He loves to compete and will do everything he can to win a match." Several of KSU 165-pounders could serve as the backup this season. True freshman Chris Estep will likely redshirt but could have a future role in the starting lineup at 174. 184 Pounds Sophomores Eric Chine, Tom LaRosa and Michael Blackwell will all compete for the starting nod. Chine (13-8) had the most success on the mat last season but could be slowed down by a preseason injury. LaRosa, who wrestled at 197 last season, will be stronger than many opponents at 184. Blackwell picked up seven wins in his first season at KSU and looking to have a breakout year. 197 Pounds Senior Ardian Ramadani (22-11) went up one weight class last season and made significant improvements throughout the year, finishing third at the MAC Tournament. "Ardi has gained a lot of confidence since the beginning of last year. Pound for Pound is the strongest guy on the team. When you look at his success, he's a product of our system." LaRosa and Blackwell could serve as backups. Heavyweight Jermail Porter won 20 matches as a redshirt freshman last season and tallied six pins. He earned MAC Freshman-of-the-Year honors after placing second at the MAC Tournament. Senior Willie Leonard (17-6) has also seen plenty of varsity action over the last three years and has racked up 50 career wins and 22 pins. "Jermail came in at 325 pounds this year and is as big and strong as any heavyweight in the country. He was very close to making the national tournament and has the ability to be among the best in the country. Willlie's a competitor who's beaten several starters at other schools."

Congratulations to Othella Lucas! Othella Lucas, a women's wrestler from the Univ. of the Cumberlands, is this weeks TheMat.com/Takedownradio.com Wrestler of the Week. Othella is one of the hardest working women in wrestling today. No one wrestles with more heart and determination. Special recognition goes to her coach Kip Flanik. Congratulations Othella from all of us at TheMat.com and TakedownRadio.com and our friends at Asics!