InterMat Staff

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio State wrestling head coach Tom Ryan announced Wednesday the selection of three assistant coaches to join the OSU staff. Lou Rosselli, who spent 14 seasons at Edinboro, and former Buckeye Tommy Rowlands were named to the staff. Joe Heskett, who competed at Iowa State, will be the Buckeyes' volunteer assistant coach. "Lou Rosselli has incredible international experience," Ryan said. "He also has a proven track record of producing champions. Tommy Rowlands and Joe Heskett are the epitomes of great student-athletes coming from the state of Ohio. They will help us reach our goals at Ohio State." Jim Humphrey and Ross Thatcher also will remain on the Ohio State staff. Humphrey will continue to coach the Ohio Wrestling Club. Thatcher, who served as the program director of recruiting and conditioning in his first season with the Buckeyes in 2005-06, will become the director of operations this upcoming year. As the assistant head coach at Edinboro, Rosselli's duties included aiding in the coordination of practices and developing training schedules. Rosselli also worked extensively with recruiting. During his tenure, Rosselli helped coach the Fighting Scots to eight Eastern Wrestling League tournament championships, which included four consecutive crowns in two different spans (1998-01 and 2003-2006). The Fighting Scots won their seventh Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference title in 2006 after securing the championship from 1998-2000 and 2002-2004. Individually, Rosselli coached 33 PSAC champions and 22 EWL champions. On the national level, Edinboro had 70 NCAA Division I tournament qualifiers and 17 went on to become All-Americans between 1997 and 2006. During that span, The Fighting Scots were credited with one national champion and four runner-ups. As a competitor, Rosselli was a member of the U.S. Olympic Team in 1996 and a three-time national champion (1995, 96 and 99). At Edinboro, Rosselli was a two-time All-American in 1991 and 1993 at 118 pounds. In 1989, Rosselli was named EWL Freshman of the Year and became the first Edinboro freshman to earn a trip to nationals. A three-time PSAC champion, Rosselli earned EWL and PSAC Wrestler of the Year honors in 1993 after winning titles in both conferences. Rosselli graduated from Edinboro with a degree in health and physical education. Rowlands will begin his first season as a full-time assistant coach for Ohio State after one season as the Director of Program Operations and one as the volunteer assistant coach. The 2002 and 2004 NCAA heavyweight champion, Rowlands offers expertise that allowed him to conclude his career as the most decorated wrestler in Ohio State history. He is just the second Buckeye to win two national titles and the first to earn All-America honors four times. Rowlands narrowly missed a spot on the U.S. Olympic team at 211 pounds in May of 2005, but regrouped at the World University Games in Izmir, Turkey, in August with a gold-medal performance. Rowlands claimed his fourth medal, including his first gold for Team USA in four competitions since completing his OSU career in 2004. The Hilliard, Ohio, native is the all-time leader at Ohio State in career wins (164), career team points (702.0) and career takedowns (705). His career record of 164-14 (.921) ranks fourth all-time in winning percentage at OSU, while his 44 wins in 2004 and 43 triumphs in 2001 rank fourth and fifth all-time in a single season. Rowlands, who has volunteered as an instructor at offseason wrestling camps his entire college career, is thrilled to have the opportunity to stay involved with the program he helped carry to national prominence. Rowlands graduated from OSU with a degree in business. Heskett joins the wrestling staff after spending two seasons as the volunteer assistant coach at Cal Poly University San Luis Obispo. A native of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, Heskett attended Walsh Jesuit High School where he was a three-time Ohio state champion from 1995-97 at 158 pounds and earned Outstanding Wrestler honors his junior and senior years. During his junior season, Heskett pinned every opponent throughout the sectional, district and state tournaments. Heskett went on to wrestle at Iowa State, becoming the Cyclones' eighth four-time All-American (1999-2002) with an overall record of 143-9. Third on ISU's all-time wins list, Heskett finished third in 1999 at the NCAA tournament and second in 2000 and 2001, before claiming the 165-pound title in 2002. Heskett was a three-time Big 12 champion and three-time Midlands champion between the 1998-99 and 2001-02 seasons. On the international circuit, Heskett was a 2004 Olympic alternate and a three-time U.S. National Team member. In 2004, Heskett was the Dave Schultz International champion, earning Outstanding Wrestler laurels. Heskett also became the 2002 New York Athletic Club Champion and earned a silver medal at the 2001 Pan American Games. Heskett graduated from Iowa State with a degree in speech communications. Humphrey is a former Buckeye and a 1972 graduate of Ohio State. He owns an extensive wrestling and coaching background that includes All-America honors and a 1972 Big Ten Individual Championship. A member of the Ohio State Athletics Hall of Fame, Humphrey is a five-time freestyle national champion, as well as the 1977 World Games silver medalist. Humphrey's impressive head coaching resume consists of leading the 1984 Canadian Olympic Team and the 1988 U.S. Olympic squad. In the collegiate ranks, Humphrey was the head coach at Indiana from 1984-1989. Both of Humphrey's sons, Jordin and Reece, are members of the 2005-06 Buckeye squad. Thatcher will enter his second year on the OSU staff and first as the director of operations. Thatcher was a Penn State letterwinner from 1997-2000 and served as an assistant coach at PSU from 2000-2003. While with the Nittany Lions, Thatcher was named captain and garnered All-America honors. Following his time at Penn State, Thatcher wrestled for the New York Athletic Club, where he was a two-time Sunkist International Open Champion, New York Athletic International Open Champion, Dave Schultz International Open Champion and North East Regional Outstanding Wrestler and Champion. A two-time Ohio state champion and a three-time Ohio state finalist at Bishop Ready High School in Columbus, Thatcher won bronze as a member of the 2001 U.S. Pan American team and was a member of the U.S. University World squad.

Being at the top of the ladder is not unchartered territory for Donny Pritzlaff –- it just hasn't happened in a few years. The New Jersey native, and Pennsylvania Hammer team member, is now on the top of the U.S. freestyle ladder at 163 lbs. after his victory over RPW Season One champion Joe Williams in the U.S. Nationals finals. The win was shocking to pretty much the entire wrestling community, except those named Pritzlaff. "I would say that not many people expected me to beat Joe," Pritzlaff said with a smile. "But that's part of wrestling. You have to be ready for the unexpected. I didn't train to lose in the finals. I train to win the Nationals, the Trials and eventually a gold medal." Amazingly, the four-time NCAA All-American is somewhat used to being an underdog. But when you don't parade around the mat pounding your chest after wins, being an underdog is an easy role to play. Even with one NCAA title under his belt while at Wisconsin going into his senior season, he was usually the underdog to Joe Heskett, a Season One competitor for the Iowa Stalkers and the wrestler Pritzlaff defeated as a junior for an NCAA crown. Pritzlaff quieted all critics with another win over Heskett in the NCAA finals that year. But with Williams lurking and Olympic champion Brandon Slay sitting on the verge of retirement, Pritzlaff might as well have been packaged by Garfield and sent to Abu Dhabi. He was a forgotten man. Donny Pritzlaff"I don't crave much attention anyways, but that was a real shock," Pritzlaff said. "Two years in-a-row, I was wrestling in front of nearly 20,000 fans on this major stage, and when you go into freestyle, it's almost like you're starting over in some ways. You have to re-prove yourself." For Pritzlaff, always a quiet individual, it didn't take long to get his name known in the freestyle world. He placed third in the 2002 U.S. World Team Trials, putting him within arm's reach of a spot on the World Team that year. It seemed like the future was bright as he prepared for a move to Hofstra to become an assistant coach. Instead, the future became grey. Ask any professional athlete, and they will tell you to savor any time you have at the top, because you may never know when you are going to get there again. This was starting to hold true for Pritzlaff, who wasn't all that close to matching his third-place finish in 2003 or 2004. With Hofstra starting to become a powerful collegiate program nationwide and Pritzlaff limping through the 2004 Olympic cycle, he started hearing the whispers to retire. "I'm not going to lie, it crossed my mind," Pritzlaff said. "I think retirement crosses anyone's mind at the end of an Olympic cycle, though. That four years is grueling, and I put my all into it. But at the same time, I knew I still had a lot left in me, and in international terms, I was still fairly young at that time." Donny PritzlaffNow 27 years old, five years younger than Williams, a rejuvenated Pritzlaff is again the man to beat. He is feeling as close to 100 percent healthy as a freestyle wrestler can at this time of year, and he is preparing for his first tournament where he is ensured of wearing a red singlet in every match since 2001, the year he won his second NCAA title. "I never really thought about it that way, but I guess that's kind of ironic," Pritzlaff said of the red singlet. "Hopefully, I have the same results with that color." Though instead of wearing the letter "W" on his singlet, he might as well have a big target on his chest. After all, it does get lonely at the top. Editor's Note: This article was written before Hofstra head coach Tom Ryan accepted the job at The Ohio State Univ. Pritzlaff is still considered a staff member at Hofstra. On keeping your composure: Don't get discouraged by anything. This sport can throw a lot of things your way. You have to be prepared for every hurdle. You may not get over all of them, but if you are prepared, they won't knock you down either. For the coaches: Don't overload young wrestlers. With so much changing technique throughout wrestling, it is important to just stick to the basics with younger wrestlers. When they get older and more comfortable, then it may be time to expand. Remember to work at their pace, not yours.

Portland State head wrestling coach Marlin Grahn announced the 2005-06 Viking team awards Monday. The top honor of Outstanding Wrestler was awarded to senior 149-pounder Adam Duryee. Duryee, who transferred to Portland State from Jamestown College, N.D., took second at the Best of the West tournament in Central Point, Ore., on Nov. 19 and led the Vikings with 13 victories. His wins over Pacific's Nick Byrd and Fresno State's Dustin Rocha helped spur the Vikings to back-to-back victories on Jan. 28. Duryee also tied sophomore Sean Murphy and freshman Brian Lemmon for the team lead in falls with three. The Homedale, Idaho native earned All-Pacific 10 Conference second team academic honors, maintaining a 3.21 GPA, while majoring in business administration. The Vikings' Most Improved award went to Lemmon, who led the team with two victories at the Portland State Tournament on Jan. 8. Along with tying for the team lead in pins, Lemmon also tied for the team lead in technical falls with one. Sophomore Jake Schneider, the final Viking ousted at this season's Pac-10 Championships, earned Most Inspirational. The Milwaukie, Ore., 197-pound wrestler came on late in the season with two victories over Stanford's Larry Ozowara and wins over Pacific's Derek Hendrix and Fresno State's Miguel Rodriguez. Earning the Scholar Athlete award for the second straight year was Casco. A two-time All-Pac-10 academic second team honoree, Casco maintained a 3.48 GPA while majoring in business administration and wrestling to seven victories.

MADISON, Wis. -- The University of Wisconsin wrestling team held its annual banquet last week at the Milford Hills Hunt Club and bid farewell to its five seniors and announced team award winners. Wisconsin recognized its departing seniors Tom Clum (Arvada, Colo.), Kelly Flaherty (Big Lake, Minn.), Ed Gutnik (Iselin, N.J.), Lee Kraemer (Deforest, Wis.) and Tony Turner (Spring Valley, Wis.). The five leaders helped the Badgers earn a 9-5-1 overall record, and a 4-3-1 Big Ten Conference mark. UW placed sixth in the Big Ten regular season, edging out Iowa and Michigan State. At the Big Ten championships, Wisconsin took seventh with Clum earning the Big Ten crown at 133 lbs. Following their Big Ten championship appearance, Wisconsin headed to Oklahoma City, Okla. for the 2006 NCAA Championships. There, the team placed 21st, racking up 33.5 total points. Clum led the Badgers with a fifth-place finish at 133 lbs., while sophomore Craig Henning (Chippewa Falls, Wis.) placed eighth at 157 lbs. Both wrestlers earned All-American honor to complement their placements at the tournament. Freshman Dallas Herbst (Winneconne, Wis.) took home the team awards for most improved wrestler and most pins. Herbst boasted an overall record of 21-12 this season and placed eighth at the Big Ten championships. He also led the Badgers with 12 pin victories, including two at the NCAAs. Lee Kraemer earned the George Martin Scholar Award with the highest GPA on the team. Kraemer finished his career as a Badger with a perfect 4-0 conference record. For the third straight year, Clum was named the wrestling team's most valuable wrestler. Clum led the Badgers with a 19-4 overall record, 6-1 in the Big Ten. He finished his career with two Big Ten crowns and an All-American twice over. Though not a regular in the starting line-up this season, Tony Turner was presented the team player award for his tireless work at practice and his dedication to helping the team succeed. His positive attitude and leadership set an example for others and embodied that of a team player. Junior Tyler Turner (Spring Valley, Wis.) qualified for his third NCAA competition falling just shy of All-America status. With a 22-9 record this season at 149 lbs., Turner was named the most dedicated wrestler. In addition to leading the team as a captain, Turner led by example, cutting weight and maintaining a high level of competition at that new weight. Next up for the Badgers is the annual UW Wrestling Sporting Clay Bucky Shoot on June 17 at Milford Hills Hunt Club in Johnson Creek, Wis.

Manheim, Pa -- The National Wrestling Coaches Association announced its annual list of All-Academic Division I wrestlers for the 2005-06 season. Eighteen of the 68 wrestlers named to the NWCA All-Academic team placed at the 2006 NCAA Division I championships in Oklahoma City. Of the national placewinners, Ben Askren of the University of Missouri was the only NCAA champion in the group. Askren, the Tigers' first national champion in wrestling, is a Geography major with a 3.190 GPA. Askren was also the Outstanding Wrestler of the 2006 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships. "For a student-athlete to be both great on the mat and great in the classroom is remarkable," said NWCA Executive Director Mike Moyer. "He went undefeated, was the outstanding wrestler and came in with a very solid GPA." "His accomplishments this year are unrivaled – He's a national champion and All-American on and off the mat," said Moyer. Three NCAA runners-up make the list with an impressive combination of grades and wrestling credentials. Four-time All-American Steve Mocco of Oklahoma State is one of four Cowboys on the list. Mocco, an Education major, finished with a 3.045 GPA, while Jake Herbert of Northwestern had a 3.0 majoring in Communications and Michigan's Ryan Churella sports a 3.26 GPA in Sport Management & Communications. The 67 wrestlers represent 39 of the 86 Division I wrestling programs. Three programs have four wrestlers – Oklahoma State, Illinois and Oklahoma, while Central Michigan, Northwestern, Slippery Rock and Michigan have three All-Academic selections apiece. In all, 18 All-Americans were recognized along with 39 additional NCAA qualifiers. To qualify for selection, wrestlers must A) have a 3.2 GPA and been an NCAA qualifier or won 60 percent of his total schedule and must have competed in 60 percent of team schedule or B) have a 3.0 and earned NCAA All-American honors. Thirteen wrestlers carried GPA's over a 3.8 with American University's Matt Morkel and Oklahoma's Justin Dyer each achieving impressive 4.0 averages. "Any student, whether it be an athlete or not, should be commended for achieving a 4.0 grade point average," said Moyer. "Matt Morkel and Justin Dyer should be commended not only for their stellar GPA, but applauded for earning such high marks while going through the rigors of collegiate wrestling." Other wrestlers achieving over a 3.8 were: Tyler McCormick (Missouri, 3.95), Bryce Leonhardt (Wyoming, 3.936), Mark Himes (Duquesne, 3.92), Tommy Cunningham (VMI, 3.902), Mark DiSalvo (Central Michigan, 3.90), Joel Caruso (George Mason, 3.90), James Woodall (Penn State, 3.882), Dustin Tillman (Columbia, 3.845), Max Dean (Indiana, 3.820) and Eric Tannenbaum (Michigan, 3.80). Nine wrestlers were in graduate-level courses, including Morkel and Dyer and both All-Academic selections from The Citadel – Sean Markey and Mark Thompson. Brown comes away with the top team GPA for the second consecutive year. Last year, Dave Amato's Bears won the award with a 3.2762. This year, Brown improved its standing, finishing with a team GPA of 3.3515, good enough to edge second-place Duke, which came in at 3.327. Princeton, Duquesne and Northwestern rounded out the top five. Oklahoma and Michigan were the only schools to finish in the Top 10 at the NCAA championships and the NWCA All-Academic standings. Team rankings are selected by taking the average GPA of each team's starting ten wrestlers along with two backups that wrestled in at least one varsity match. Individually, the average GPA of this year's field was 3.512, up from last year's average of 3.416. The average team GPA of the Top 30 was 2.988, last year's team average was 3.037. "The fact there's been a rise in the individual GPA numbers of the All-Academic team shows that there's not only greater competition on the mat, but in the classroom as well," said NWCA President Ron Beaschler. "We're very pleased that the NWCA can recognize these wrestlers. They exemplify the term 'student-athlete.'" 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.

State College, Pa. -- Two members of the Penn State Nittany Lion wrestling team earned solid placings at the 2006 Men's University and FILA Cadet National Championships held on the campus of Northwestern University this past weekend. Nine members of head coach Troy Sunderland's team competed in the free-style event. True freshman Brad Pataky (Clearfield, Pa.) was the top Penn State placer, going 4-1 at 55 kilograms and placing third. Freshman Mark Friend (Libertyville, Ill.) also earned an eighth place finish with a 5-3 mark at 74 kg. While not earning a place, sophomore Bryan Heller (Fair Haven, N.J.) went 5-2 at 60 kg and both James Yonushonis (Philipsburg, Pa.) and David Erwin (Urbana, Ohio) went 3-2 at 84 kg. The event took place on Friday and Saturday, April 27-28, in Welsh-Ryan/McGaw Hall on the campus of Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill.

On April 15, Henry Cejudo became the first high school wrestler to win the U.S. Nationals since USA Wrestling became the national governing body for the sport in 1983. The high school senior, who lives and trains at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, entered the tournament as the No. 3 seed. Cejudo knocked off former NCAA runner-up Luke Eustice in the semifinals before earning a win in the finals over No. 1 seed Matt Azevedo to capture the 121-pound (55 kg) title. Henry CejudoLast November, Cejudo won the New York Athletic Club Holiday Championships and was named Outstanding Wrestler of the event. Cejudo, who stands just 5-foot-5, won four state championships, two in Arizona and two in Colorado. His four-year high school record was an impressive 121-3, with all three of those losses coming during his freshman season. Andrew Hipps recently caught up with Cejudo to talk about his impressive U.S. Nationals performance, his relationship with Terry Brands, his thoughts on Sammie Henson, and his decision to forgo collegiate wrestling to train freestyle. First off, congrats on your U.S. Nationals title. Did you surprise yourself with your performance in Las Vegas? Or, was this something you kind of expected? Cejudo: Yeah, I always expect to win. Because of the way we train at the U.S. Olympic Training Center, it's something I expected to accomplish. What is a typical day like for you? Cejudo: It depends on the day, actually. But I wake up in the morning and workout. Then I go right to school. Get out of school, go to practice. After practice, do extra stuff, extra workouts. And then after that, go to my room, do homework, and go to sleep. It seems as though your life pretty much revolves around wrestling. Do you ever get tired of wrestling? Cejudo: No, as you long as you keep winning, you never get tired of it. It's all about your goals. Who are your daily training partners? Cejudo: I work out with my brother, Angel. I also work out with Michael Lightner, Bill Zadick, Gabe Burak, Pat McCaffrey, and a few other guys, too. I read a story where you were quoted as saying if Terry Brands would have been hired as the new head coach at Ohio State job, you would have probably followed him there and wrestled folkstyle in college. Is that true? Cejudo: It was a thought. So it wasn't a done deal that if Terry got the job you were packing your bags for Columbus, Ohio? Cejudo: No, they kind of quoted me wrong. I said it would have been a thought for me, but freestyle right now is kind of my desire. Henry Cejudo (Photo/John Sachs)In what areas of your wrestling specifically do you think Terry Brands has helped you the most? Cejudo: Conditioning. Especially hand fighting. A lot of motion. He tells me, 'Don't stop wrestling. Get it, get it.' He's helped me mentally. I've always been mentally tough, but he's just made me want it more. How long have you been working with Terry Brands? Cejudo: I started working with him last spring, so it has officially been a year now. In your opinion, what is the one area of your wrestling that you need to improve the most? Cejudo: I really don't want to say. Sammie Henson has been the dominant wrestler this weight class for over a decade. What's it going to take to unseat him and make the U.S. World Team? Cejudo: It's going to take a lot of hard work. Realistically, just capitalizing off his mistakes and doing what's right. As you get ready for the World Team Trials in late May, do you train specifically for Henson? Cejudo: No, I train for everybody. But he's the man right now. You won your fourth straight state high school title this season. After having so much success at senior level events, like the New York Athletic Club Holiday Championships, was it tough to get motivated against lesser competition? Cejudo: Actually, yeah, it was. It wasn't so exciting anymore. I remember my freshman and sophomore years, it was exciting. Once I started training at the OTC, everything became different. Would you say that you were bored in high school competition? Cejudo: No, I just didn't think it was very exciting. Have you officially ruled out collegiate wrestling? Or is that still an option at this point? Cejudo: It's still an option. Nothing is for sure yet. But as of right now, it's freestyle at least until 2008. Did you take any official college visits? And if so, which colleges did you at least consider? Cejudo: Minnesota, Oklahoma, Tennessee-Chattanooga, and Arizona State. In your opinion, were you the best 125-pound high school or collegiate folkstyle wrestler in the country this season? Cejudo: Oh, yeah, without a doubt. Do you like wrestling freestyle more than folkstyle? Cejudo: Yeah, I would say so. Freestyle is the style that I train every single day. Henry Cejudo (Photo/John Sachs)Why do you feel training freestyle full-time is the best route for you? Cejudo: Freestyle is the style that you can win world and Olympic medals. Was there a wrestler that you looked up to when you were growing, someone you enjoyed watching? Cejudo: Not really. But I did have a video on Zeke Jones when I was young. I guess he was one of the guys I looked up to. Is it a tough cut for you to get down to 121 pounds? Cejudo: Yeah, actually it is. People don't know this, but I'm pretty big. I don't cut like some of the other guys do, but, yeah, I cut a fair amount of weight. What are your short term and long term wrestling goals right now? Cejudo: Short term is just to get through the World Team Trials. And then go to Brazil, Rio de Janeiro, get that done. And then get the Junior World Team Trials done, too. And then after that, it's just to win them all, win all the World Championships.

STILLWATER, Okla. -- Volunteer assistant coach Pat Smith has elected to step down from his position with Oklahoma State's wrestling program. "There is great pain in having your brother leave your staff after 11 years," head coach John Smith said. "Pat has made a contribution to the legacy of this wrestling program. He regrets his personal decisions and is stepping down because he loves Oklahoma State University and the wrestling program." Smith joined his brother's staff in 1994 after capturing his fourth NCAA title. He was recently elected to the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and will be enshrined in June.

Evanston, Ill. -- Stanford volunteer assistant coach and first-ever NCAA Champion Matt Gentry posted a 6-1 record at the 2006 University Nationals en route to a third-place finish at the Welsh-Ryan Arena and McGaw Hall on the campus of Northwestern University. Gentry began the day with a shutout win over Harvard's Bobby Latessa to advance to the semifinals, where he matched up against Iowa State's Trent Paulson. Paulson narrowly edged Gentry, 0-1, 2-0, 2-2 but Gentry posted his second win of the tournament over Pitt's Matt Kocher and then added a 1-0, 3-1 victory over Paulson's twin brother, Travis Paulson, in the wrestleback championship to take third place. Redshirt freshman Luke Feist added another win to his record before falling out of the competition. Feist finished the weekend with four wins, including a 3-0, 2-1 decision over this year's Pac-10 Champion at 165 pounds, Patrick Pitsch of Arizona State. Sophomore Phillip Doerner also ended his day in the consolation bracket, but finished the tournament with one win.

CORVALLIS, Ore. -– Troy Steiner has been hired as an assistant coach for Oregon State's wrestling team, OSU head coach Jim Zalesky announced Friday. Steiner, who had been on Zalesky's coaching staff for the past two seasons at Iowa, previously worked at Oregon State as an assistant to head coach Joe Wells during the 1995-96 season. "Troy was out here for a year with Joe Wells and knows the area and a lot of the people in the area," Zalesky said. "And he brings a great work ethic to the table, which is very important to me. He's been successful as a wrestler in high school and in college and he's wrestled internationally. Troy has wrestled at all the levels and now he's coached at all levels – colleges, clubs, kids. He brings a lot of experience at all levels into our program." Prior to working with Zalesky at Iowa, Steiner owned and operated the ADVANCE School of Wrestling in Madison, Wis., for four years. He also served as an assistant coach at Wisconsin from 1997-2001 and Minnesota in 1996-97. During his career, Steiner has coached 22 All-Americans, 10 Big Ten champions, six NCAA champions and one junior FILA World Freestyle champion. Steiner was a four-time all-American at Iowa from 1990-93 and an NCAA champion in 1992. He won three Big Ten titles at Iowa, compiling a 148-13 career record at 134 and 142 pounds. He and his twin brother, Terry, were part of three national and four Big Ten championship teams. Steiner shares Iowa's school record for best season winning percentage for the 42-0 record he compiled during his junior season. He also ranks third in career wins (148) and sixth in season wins (42) in school history. In post-collegiate competition, Steiner was a nine-time U.S. National team member, winning the 1992 World Cup and the 1996 Pan-American Games titles. He placed third at the U.S. Olympic Trials in 1992 and 1996, and fifth in 2000. A native of Bismarck, N.D., Steiner was inducted into the North Dakota Hall of Fame in 1998. Steiner received his bachelor's degree in Social Work from Iowa in 1993 and his master's degree in Kinesiology with a sports management emphasis from Minnesota in 1998. He and his wife Shawn have two children, Spencer and Abbigail.

GAFFNEY, S.C. -- The Limestone College wrestling program has announced the signing of three athletes to National Letters of Intent. Casey Bradley, Todd Neptune and Dan Scanlan will wrestle for the Saints in the fall of 2006. "We're excited to add these three student athletes to our program," Limestone Head Coach Ben Stehura said. "We have added talent and depth to our lineup. They bring impressive credentials on and off the mat and will be a great fit for Limestone Wrestling." Bradley was a four year starter at Muncie South High School in Indiana, compiling a career record of 121-12. Bradley was the "Most Dedicated" wrestler three of his four years as a starter. He won three Sectional and Regional titles and was a two-time Semi-State qualifier. As a senior, Bradley wrestled his way to a 37-2 record and a fifth-place finish in the tough single division at the Indiana State Tournament. As a result of his accomplishments, Bradley was his team's 2006 MVP and also "2006 Athlete of the Year" for The Star Press. Bradley is projected to wrestle at 149 or 157 for the Saints. Neptune is a two-time state place winner out of John Glenn High School in Ohio. As a freshman, Neptune broke the single season win record after earning 42 wins. His first state appearance as a junior landed him the seventh-place spot on the podium. As a senior, Neptune broke his own single season win record by wrestling his way to a 49 wins and one loss and a second place finish at the State Championships in the 171-pound division II weight class. In addition to the single season win record, Neptune holds the career pin record and also broke the single season pin record this year after compiling 37 pins. He is projected to wrestle at 174 for the Saints. Hailing from Leesburg, Va., Scanlan is a two-time AA Virginia state champion. He qualified for the state tournament as a freshman and went on to win titles at 160 and 171 pound weight classes. Scanlan compiled an impressive 99 wins and four losses during his high school career. USA Today ranked Scanlan 17th overall in the nation at the 171-pound weight class coming out of high school. In addition to folkstyle competition, he was a member of the 2004 Virginia Junior National Dual meet team that took third place at the Junior National Duals. This year, Scanlan has competed in numerous college open tournaments placing second at the University of North Carolina – Pembroke Open and claiming a title at the Millersville Open in Pennsylvania. He is projected to wrestle at 184 for the Saints.

The University of Minnesota wrestling program has announced the signing of Ben Berhow to a National Letter of Intent. In addition, Paul Ode and John Sundgren have signed Acceptance of Admission Forms and will join the program as recruited walk-ons. The three wrestlers will join the Golden Gophers for the 2006-07 season. A native of Hayward, Minn., Berhow was the 2006 Minnesota State Champion at 285 pounds out of Albert Lea High School. He finished runner-up as a junior in 2005. Berhow is the eighth-ranked high school heavyweight in the country according to Intermat. A team captain on his football, wrestling and baseball teams, Berhow will compete in the Minnesota State High School League All-Star Football game this coming June. A senior at Brandon Valley High School, Ode was a three-time placewinner at the South Dakota State Wrestling Championships, including a fifth-place finish this year. Ode compiled a 30-6 record during his senior season as he captured region and conference championships. He is projected to wrestle at 184 pounds for the Golden Gophers. A senior at Blaine High School, Sundgren was a three-time Minnesota state placewinner, including a runner-up finish at 140 pounds this year. Sundgren overcame a pair of injuries, including a broken ankle suffered during the regular season, to finish in second place. He placed fifth as a junior at 119 pounds and second as a sophomore at 103 pounds. He is projected to wrestle at 149 pounds for the Golden Gophers. The three wrestlers will join Minnesota's fall signees, which include Brent Eidenschink, Scott Glasser, Jordan Kolbow, Yura Malamura, Jake Mellmer, Joe Nord, Brandon Sitch and Michael Thorn.

FARGO, N.D. -- North Dakota State head wrestling coach Bucky Maughan announced the signing of three high school student-athletes and one junior college transfer to National Letters of Intent and to continue their education and wrestle for the Bison. Eric Hoffman, Vince Salminen, Brady Schneeberger and Trevor Larson have all signed with the Bison during the late signing period which began on Wednesday, April 12. This group joins Evan Hacker of Canby (Minn.) High School, who signed during November's early signing period. ERIC HOFFMAN Davenport, Iowa (Davenport North H.S./Iowa Central C.C.) Junior college national champion at 125 pounds for Iowa Central Community College in 2005...Had a third place finish in 2004...Finished his career at ICCC with a record of 58-12...Compiled a record of 130-36 at Davenport North High School and holds every major near fall record at the program...Three-time district champion and a three-time state placewinner that included a state championship in 2004...Two-time member of the Iowa Cadet and Junior National Teams...Four-time Junior state champion, a two-time Cadet state champion and a four-time All-American which included a fourth place finish in the Greco-Roman division at the FILA Cadet Nationals in 2003...Plans to major in engineering at North Dakota State...Eric's father, Bob, was a two-time All-American for the University of Nebraska-Omaha from 1979-1983. Coach Maughan's take on Hoffman..."Eric is one of the country's top lightweights and we expect him to challenge for All-America honors his first year at NDSU." VINCE SALMINEN Billings, Mont. (Billings Skyview H.S.) Finished his high school career with a 131-10 record and 84 pins...State champion both his junior and senior seasons and placed third as a sophomore and fourth as a freshman...Named to "The Clash" National Wrestling Duals all-tournament team...Most outstanding wrestler at 152 pounds and crowned national champion at the Brute/Adidas Nationals at 140 pounds in 2005...During his AAU career, was a three-time Ironman champion and Freestyle state champion, a four-time Folkstyle state champion, a five-time Greco-Roman and Sombo state champion, and was a seven-time runner-up. In 1999, he was crowned Grand National Sombo Champion and earned runner-up twice...National champion in both Greco-Roman and Freestyle in 2000. He has been a member of the Montana National Team for the last three years and is a four-time national placewinner...Holds a 3.75 grade-point average and has been a member of the National Honor Society for the last two years...Son of Shane and Tina Salminen of Billings and has one brother, Paolo. Coach Maughan's take on Salminen..."Vince is an outstanding high school wrestler and nationally an eight-time All-American, including championships in Freestyle, Greco-Roman and Sombo. We expect him to be one of our star performers at the Division I level." BRADY SCHNEEBERGER Elbow Lake, Minn. (West Central Area H.S.) All-time leader in wins at West Central High School (184)...Five-time state entrant that won the Class A state title at 130 pounds in 2006...Had runner-up performances his sophomore and junior seasons...Placed sixth at the National Coaches Association Junior Nationals...Two-time all-conference performer in football, finishing with over 2,100 career rushing yards...Honor student selection...Son of Dean and Gail Schneebrger. Coach Maughan's take on Schneeberger..."Brady is one of this year's top lightweights in Minnesota. He captained both the football and wrestling teams and brings the tough, hard-nosed attitude we need as we move to Division I." TREVOR LARSON Starbuck, Minn. (Minnewaska Area H.S.) Projected to wrestle at 165 or 174 for the Bison...Runner-up in Class AA state championships at 145 pounds in 2006...Finished his senior season 39-1...Placed fifth as a junior at the state tournament...Compiled a career record of 128-25 at Minnewaska Area High School...All-state academic selection...Son of Richard and Sandra Larson. Coach Maughan's take on Larson..."Trevor is the type of aggressive wrestler that we like at NDSU. He had 114 takedowns and 22 pins his senior season. I feel he will be a great addition to our program." The Bison wrestling program completed its third year of reclassification to Division I with a 6-6 record. NDSU will also compete in the newly formed Western Wrestling Conference and be eligible for the NCAA tournament beginning next season.

ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- The Navy wrestling team put a cap on the 2005-06 season with its annual banquet on Sunday night. The Mids finished 13-2 in dual meets (the program's best record since 1990-91), placed fourth at the EIWA Tournament, sent five wrestlers to the NCAA Tournament, won the Navy Classic for the second straight year and defeated rival Army for the sixth straight season. "Our program took another step forward during the year and had another very successful season," said Navy head coach Bruce Burnett, who owns a 66-28 record in six years guiding the Midshipmen. "We had another outstanding dual-meet season and placed seven wrestlers at the tough EIWA Conference Tournament with five of them going to the NCAA Tournament. All five then won matches at tbe NCAA Tournament with two making it to the round of 12. We also had eight wrestlers win 20 or more matches, showing off our depth. I am proud of the team and the coaches, and am especially thankful for the group of seniors that helped make it such a good year. With a couple of points here and there, it could have been a great year, and a great year is what we are all looking forward to next year." Senior heavyweight Tanner Garrett (Tulsa, Okla.) ended his career being awarded the Weems Award, given in memory of Lieutenant Commander George Thackray Weems, and earned by the Navy wrestler that displays aggressiveness, determination, good sportsmanship and team spirit. Garrett finished his season with a 43-5 record and was just one win shy of earning All-America honors. He placed second at the EIWA Tournament three times and his 43 wins were the second most ever by a Navy wrestler in a single season. He finished his career with a 114-33 record, good for a tie for fourth on the career victories list. He advanced to three NCAA Tournaments and posted an amazing 104-20 record during his final three years. Junior John Jarred (Kansas City, Mo.) earned the Most Improved Wrestler award, given to the wrestler who has made steady improvements throughout the 2005-06 season. Jarred burst onto the scene with a 35-10 record after recording just a 10-9 record in his previous two seasons combined. Jarred opened the season 17-1 with a title at the Eastern Michigan Open, a second-place finish at the Navy Classic and a third-place showing at the Penn State Open. His 35 wins are tied for the eighth most in a single season in school history. Senior Chris Pogue (Chesapeake, Va.) won the Ray Swartz Award, given in honor of former Navy wrestling coach (1938-60) and National Wrestling Hall of Fame member, Ray Swartz. The award is for the Navy wrestler achieving the most falls in the least amount of time. Pogue finished his senior season with a team-best eight falls and a 29-12 record. He advanced to his first NCAA Tournament after recording a 15-5 mark since moving to 197 pounds midway through the season. Senior Jonny Kane (Portland, Maine) was named the recipient of the Ed Peery Award, named for the former Navy head coach (1960-87) and member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. The award is given to the wrestler who demonstrates outstanding leadership, hard work ethic and competitive spirit. Kane spent much of 2005-06 injured, but managed a 20-9 mark to end his career with a 68-38 record. Sophomore Matt Stolpinski (Westfield, Mass.) was given the Coaches Award, an award for the wrestler that displays great leadership and work ethics. Stolpinski reached his first NCAA Tournament with a 30-11 record and owns a 55-28 career record. His 55 wins in the first two years are the third most by a Navy wrestler in his first two seasons. Lastly, senior Craig Dziewiatkowski (Aurora, Ill.) won the Brett J. Harman Award, given to the wrestler that demonstrates selfless character in both thought and action as well as an individual who puts the team ahead of himself. This person is able to maintain a positive attitude in spite of adversity and his disposition lifts the morale of teammates. His infectious attitude toward life and the sport of wrestling inspires those around him to excel in sport and life. Dziewiatkowski finished his season with a 19-11 mark after suffering an early season ankle injury that he was never able to recover from fully. Dziewiatkowski, who advanced to the 2005 NCAA Tournament, ended his career with a 72-41 record. Navy will return six wrestlers that competed at the EIWA Championships and three that wrestled in the NCAA Tournament.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- Eight intercollegiate institutions, including the University of Northern Iowa, have announced the formation of the Western Wrestling Conference (WWC). The NCAA Division I wrestling-only alliance will begin competition in the 2006-07 season. Charter members of the Western Wrestling Conference will include: the United States Air Force Academy, Fresno State University, North Dakota State University, the University of Northern Colorado, the University of Northern Iowa, South Dakota State University, Utah Valley State College and the University of Wyoming. "We are happy with this new conference affiliation for our wrestling program," UNI Director of Athletics Rick Hartzell said. "At UNI, we strive to have a national top-10 program and we think this league affiliation will continue to allow us to have a strong wrestling program that can reach those lofty aspirations." With league members spread out over seven states and three time zones, schools will only be required to compete against five league schools in dual action to be eligible for the regular season conference championship. Schools will be encouraged to schedule as many conference schools as possible. Four of the members currently compete in the NCAA West Regional and they include Air Force, Fresno State, UNI and Wyoming. Northern Colorado, North Dakota State, South Dakota State and Utah Valley State are transitioning their programs to the Division I level. UNC, NDSU, SDSU will be eligible for the NCAA Championships in 2006-07, while UVSC will be eligible for the postseason in 2009-10. The 2007 NCAA West Regional will still serve as the NCAA qualifying tournament and will be hosted by the University of Northern Iowa. The goal of the league is to replace the West Regional with the conference tournament, which would then serve as the NCAA qualifier. The WWC will submit its application for formal recognition to the NCAA. The WWC plans to recognize student-athletes on both a weekly and full-season basis. Individual awards will include Wrestler of the Week; All-Conference teams; an Academic All-Conference team; and Wrestler, Newcomer and Coach of the Year awards. The league will also crown a team champion following the conclusion of the regular season conference competition and the postseason tournament. The governance of the Western Wrestling Conference will remain primarily with the member institutions. Scheduling of contests, assignment of officials and certain media relations functions will remain with member institutions. Colonel William Walker of the United States Air Force Academy will serve as the Conference Commissioner, while Colin McDonough of UNI will serve as the WWC Media Relations Director. "This is a very important alliance between quality institutions," Walker said. "We think that it will strengthen our programs and provide a better experience for our student-athletes." The eight member schools are spread out of over seven states and three time zones, which will give each school added exposure - both in terms of media and recruiting - in new destinations. The conference affiliation is also expected to generate much interest within the eight schools' substantial alumni base, which numbers nearly 800,000 combined.

Nebraska head wrestling coach Mark Manning announced the 13 members of the Huskers' recruiting class of 2006 on Tuesday. The class includes three signees from the fall signing period, along with 10 wrestlers who signed National Letters-of-Intent during the spring signing period. "We're excited about this class," Manning said. "These young men are good students and great wrestlers. Our philosophy is to recruit tough, hard-nosed competitors who are willing to work hard, and these guys fill that criteria. We're really excited about these young men joining the Husker wrestling family." Included among the 13 signees are four wrestlers ranked in the top 20 nationally in Intermat's High School All-Class Individual Rankings. This list is headed by fall signee Matt Vacanti. A four-time state champion at Papillion-LaVista High School in Papillion, Neb., Vacanti was the third-ranked 140-pound high school wrestler in the nation according to Intermat. Another highly touted in-state recruit is Cameron Browne, who was ranked sixth at 215 pounds. The Plattsmouth, Neb., native and the brother of current Husker Brandon Browne was a state champion and finished third at high school nationals. He is expected to wrestle at 197 pounds at NU. Also listed among the top 10 in his weight class is Jordan Burroughs. Projected to wrestle at either 149 or 157 for Nebraska, Burroughs was ranked seventh at 135 pounds by Intermat after a strong high school career including a state championship at Winslow Township High School in New Jersey, the alma mater of current NU wrestler Vince Jones. Another New Jersey recruit, Bobby Laraway, was ranked 12th at 171 pounds. The Union, N.J., native and graduate of St. Benedict's Prep is slated to wrestle at 174 pounds next season after a high school career that saw him win the prep national championship and take fourth in a high school prep tournament. "We had a pretty young team this year, and these 13 guys will blend in nicely with the wrestlers we have coming back next year," Manning said. Nebraska returns seven NCAA qualifiers and eight starters from last year's squad, which finished with a 12-5 dual record and in 16th place at the NCAA Championships. Nebraska Wrestling Class of 2006 133-Matt Vacanti, Papillion, Neb. (Papillion-La Vista) 141-Casey Gubbles, Randolph, Neb. (Randolph) 149-157-Jordan Burroughs, Sicklerville,, NJ (Winslow Township) 141-Malcolm McGruder, Omaha, Neb. (Creighton Prep) 149-Curtis Salazar, Greeley, Colo. (Valley) 149-Paul Sanders, Blanding, Utah (Blanding) 165-Frank Jonas, Wichita, Kan. (Kapaun-Mt. Carmel) 165-Alex Ward, Baltimore, Md. (Mt. Saint Josephs Prep) 165-Andy Johnson, Yankton, S.D. (Yankton) 165-Stephen Dwyer, Rockton, Ill. (Hononegah) 174-Bobby Laraway, Union, N.J. (St. Benedicts Prep) 197-Nick Schaefer, Omaha, Neb. (Skutt Catholic) 197-Cameron Browne, Plattsmouth, Neb. (Plattsmouth)

IOWA CITY, IA -- University of Iowa senior Ty Eustice has been named the Mike Howard Most Valuable Wrestler for the 2005-06 season. He received the award at the team's annual awards banquet in Iowa City. Eustice was the 149-pound 2006 NCAA runner-up. The Blue Earth, MN, native posted a 28-3 overall record and a 16-1 dual mark. He led the Hawkeyes with 57 team points in dual matches and placed third at the Big Ten Championships. The two-time all-American ended his Hawkeye career with a 111-29 collegiate record and 55-11 dual mark. Eustice also shared the team all-American award with fellow 2006 all-Americans Joe Johnston, Eric Luedke, Mark Perry and Alex Tsirtsis. Johnston, a senior from Prairie Village, KS, also earned the J. Donald McPike, Sr. Award, given annually to the senior with the highest grade-point average, and the John & Dorothy Sill Most Dedicated Wrestler Award. He placed sixth at the Big Ten and NCAA meets. He finished the season with a 27-11 record, going 14-4 in dual matches. The two-time all-American completed his Iowa career with a 113-45 collegiate and 45-18 dual record. Luedke, a junior from Colby, KS, earned the team's Most Improved Wrestler Award. After joining the varsity lineup in January, he compiled a 23-15 season record and 7-7 dual mark at 165 pounds. He also placed sixth at the Big Ten Championships and eighth at the NCAA meet. Perry, a sophomore from Stillwater, OK, picked up the team's most pins award with 13. He went 21-4 at 174 pounds, posting a 9-1 dual record. He placed second at the Big Ten Championships and third at the NCAA meet. Perry also collected the Gorriarian Trophy at the NCAA Championships, which is annually awarded to the wrestler who pins the most opponents in the shortest overall time. He decked four foes in a combined total 15:33. The two-time all-American has a career mark of 48-9. Tsirtsis, a sophomore from Griffith, IN, also earned the Mike J. McGivern Most Courageous Wrestler Award. The 141-pounder posted a 22-10 season record and went 12-6 in dual meets. He placed third at the Big Ten Championships and seventh at the NCAA meet, and has a career record of 44-22. Sharing the Coaches Appreciation Award were Tama, IA, natives Paul Bradley and Matt Walz. Bradley went 16-10 overall and 11-6 in dual matches at 184 pounds. The senior placed seventh at the Big Ten Championships. The two-time all-American finished his Hawkeye career with a 77-37 collegiate and 30-18 dual record. Walz served as team manager for the past five seasons (2002-06). 2005-06 University of Iowa Wrestling Team Awards Mike Howard Award (Most Valuable): Ty Eustice Mike McGivern Award (Most Courageous): Alex Tsirtsis J. Donald McPike, Sr. Award (Highest GPA for graduating senior): Joe Johnston John & Dorothy Sill Award (Most Dedicated): Joe Johnston All-America Award: Ty Eustice, Joe Johnston, Eric Luedke, Mark Perry, Alex Tsirtsis Most Pins Award: Mark Perry (13) Most Improved Award: Eric Luedke Coaches Appreciation Award: Paul Bradley, Matt Walz

Due to numerous requests concerning the eligibility status of Virginia Tech wrestlers, the Virginia Tech Athletics Department issues the following statement: "The Virginia Tech Athletics Department has chosen not to release for the 2006-07 academic year any National Letter of Intent (NLI) signee or those wrestlers receiving athletics financial aid to any Division-I institution. The National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) sets forth guidelines pertaining to transfer situations amongst its member institutions. The NCAA has had a transfer rule in place throughout its years. The NCAA transfer rules require the permission of the institution in order for the student-athlete to avoid eligibility consequences. The rule was enacted, in large part, and remains in place to this day, in order to control the unfettered transfer of athletes from one team to another due to a coaching change. Virginia Tech will apply this rule for the purpose that it was intended. The Virginia Tech Athletics Department has informed these athletes that it will provide transfer releases following the 2006-07 academic year if a student-athlete still wishes to transfer out of Virginia Tech. Virginia Tech announces its position, aware that its decision is subject, per NCAA rules, to an appeal hearing conducted by a committee of Virginia Tech faculty and staff that reside outside of the athletics department." In releasing this statement, the Virginia Tech Athletics Department will have no further comments until the process has run its full course. Concerning "Permission to Contact"... NCAA Bylaw 13.1.1.3 "An athletics staff member or other representative of the institution's athletics interests shall not make contact with the student-athlete of another NCAA or NAIA four-year collegiate institution, directly or indirectly, without first obtaining the written permission of the first institution's athletics director (or an athletics administrator designated by the athletics director) to do so, regardless of who makes the initial contact. If permission is not granted, the second institution shall not encourage the transfer and the institution shall not provide athletically related financial assistance to the student-athlete until the student-athlete has attended the second institution for one academic year. If permission is granted to contact the student-athlete, all applicable NCAA recruiting rules apply." NCAA Bylaw 13.1.1.3.1 "If the institution decides to deny a student-athlete's request to permit any other institution to contact the student-athlete about transferring, the institution shall inform the student-athlete in writing that he or she, upon request, shall be provided a hearing conducted by an institutional entity or committee outside of the athletics department (e.g., the office of student affairs; office of the dean of students; or a committee composed of the faculty athletics representative, student-athletes and nonathletics faculty/staff members). The institution shall have established reasonable procedures for promptly hearing such a request." Concerning the One-Time Transfer Exception ("Release")... NCAA Bylaw 14.5.5.1 "A transfer student from a four-year institution shall not be eligible for intercollegiate competition at a member institution until the student has fulfilled a residence requirement of one full academic year (two full semesters or three full quarters) at the certifying institution." NCAA Bylaw 14.5.5.2.10-(d) "If the student is transferring from a NCAA or NAIA member institution, the student's previous institution shall certify in writing that it has no objection to the student's being granted an exception to the transfer-residence requirement. If the student's previous institution denies his or her request for the release, the institution shall inform the student-athlete in writing that he or she, upon request, shall be provided a hearing conducted by an institutional entity or committee outside of the athletics department (e.g., the office of student affairs; office of the dean of students; or a committee composed of the faculty athletics representative, student-athletes and nonathletics faculty/staff members). The institution shall have established reasonable procedures for promptly hearing such a request." Bylaw language taken from the 2005-06 NCAA Manual, pages 90, 177, and 179.

WEST POINT, N.Y. -- Army head wrestling coach Chuck Barbee announced his 2006-07 recruiting class on Tuesday, welcoming a group of 15 wrestlers to the USMA Class of 2010. The contingent features eight grapplers who won state titles in high school, as well as five wrestlers who attended and developed their skills at USMAPS last year. Four members of Army's 2006-07 recruiting class hail from the talent-rich state of Pennsylvania. "This class will help give us a strong foundation over the next three to four years," remarked Barbee, who is excited about the group. "The kids we are bringing in from the prep school have put themselves in position to succeed at West Point in the Corps and in the wrestling room." With the loss of 11 seniors, the starting lineup is wide open, according to the Army mentor. "I challenge each one of our recruits to make their mark right away. We have a lot of unproven weight classes going into next season and a freshman could certainly break into the starting lineup." Matt Kyler, who put together a 136-13 career record in high school with a state title in 2005, is one of Army's most-heralded recruits. He was ranked the 11th best high school senior and No. 19 overall this past year by USA Wrestling. Kyler won the Pennsylvania state title as a junior, while placing third as both a sophomore and senior. He won the junior national Greco title in 2005, along with placing fourth in the freestyle bracket. A two-time placewinner in the state of Minnesota, Ryan Mergen enters West Point's gates following a year at USMAPS, where he went 7-0 on the wrestling mat. Mergen, who placed eighth at the junior nationals while in high school, placed fifth at the state tournament as a junior before finishing runner-up as a senior. Andy Nicodin compiled a 125-5 career mark in high school, where he won two state titles (2003 and 2004) and placed runner-up at the state championships once (2002). Ranked as high as 12th by NHSCA in 2005, Nicodin is a six-time Greco and freestyle state champion. A product of USMAPS, Lance Penhale was a three-time state champion in Alaska, where he compiled a career mark of 89-12. Penhale, who went 17-7 at the prep school last season, was ranked as high as 12th by USA Wrestling during his senior year of high school. Adam Smetana is coming off a productive season at USMAPS, where he put together a 17-5 record last year. The Valencia, Pa., native won the Greco/freestyle state championship in 2004. Richard Starks, a native of Midway, Ky., won three straight state championships and authored a flashy 205-14 while in high school. He ranked as high as 16th in the nation among seniors by USA Wrestling in 2005-06. Steven Gilbert, a four-time state champion in New Mexico, comes to the Academy having authored a 117-13 record in high school. A NHSCA All-American in 2003 and 2004, Gilbert ranked as high at No. 12 in the nation as a junior. Adam Martinez, a three-time state champion in New Mexico, comes to Army following a decorated high school career, during which he racked up an impressive career record of 200-28. Martinez won state titles as a sophomore, junior and senior, after placing runner-up as a freshman. The Las Vegas, N.M., native also won the state crown during his eighth grade year. Chris Grill comes to Army after placing seventh at the state championships as a junior and senior. The Lansdowne, Pa., product authored a 133-32 career record, setting the school and Delaware County records in the process. A native of Valrico, Fla., Ryan Nye comes to Army having authored a 138-42 career record in high school. Nye won the state title as a senior last season after placing runner-up as a junior. Ranked as high as 26th among high school seniors by USA Wrestling last year, Nye is a two-time member of the National Team. He won back-to-back state titles in Greco, while finishing third in the freestyle competition. A two-time state champion in North Carolina, Charles (Chip) Reed comes to Army straight from high school, where he authored a 127-21 career record. Reed, who placed first at the NHSCA preseason nationals in 2004 and 2005, ranked among the Top 20 nationally by USA Wrestling and by WrestlingInternational.com. A native of Sioux Center, Iowa, Casey Mouw arrives on the banks of the Hudson River following a high school career during which he forged a record of 138-31. Mouw placed sixth at the state tournament as a senior. A four-year letterman in three different sports, Ed Mobley is coming off a sixth-place finish at the Indiana state championships as a senior. Another native of Pennsylvania, Robert O'Neill embarks on his Army career after a year at Army's prep school, where he went 2-1 on the wrestling mat. David Quinn, a two-time all conference selection and three-time all-county honoree, forged a 78-31 record in high school. A state qualifier as a sophomore, Quinn won a district and county championship in 2005. 2006-07 Army Wrestling Recruiting Class (Incoming Freshmen) Name Wt. Hometown High School Steven Gilbert 174 Albuquerque, N.M. Albuquerque Academy Christopher Grill 149/157 Lansdowne, Pa. Upper Darby High School Matthew Kyler 125/133 Clearfield, Pa. Clearfield Area High School Adam Martinez 149/157 Las Vegas, N.M. Robertson High School Ryan Mergen 174/184 Monticello, Minn. Monticello High School Ed Mobley 197 Beech Grove, Ind. Beech Grove High School Casey Mouw 174 Sioux Center, Iowa Sioux Center Community High School Andy Nicodin 165 Falcon, Colo. Hilltop Baptist School Ryan Nye 141 Valrico, Fla. Bloomingdale Senior High School Robert O'Neill 184 Washington Xing, Pa. Council Rock High School North Lance Penhale 125 Kenai, Alaska Nikiski Junior Senior High School David Quinn 165 Flemington, N.J. Hunterdon Central Regional High School Charles (Chip) Reed 197/HWT Winston Salem, N.C. Robert B. Glenn High School Adam Smetana 125/133 Valencia, Pa. Mars Area High School Richard Starks 184/197 Midway, Ky. Woodford County High School

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Penn State Nittany Lion wrestler David Erwin (Urbana, Ohio) was Outstanding Wrestler at the 2006 USA Wrestling Northeast Regional Championships at the Cadet Freestyle Festival in Brockport, N.Y. Erwin won the award after dominating the competition en route to winning the 185.5-pound weight class. Head coach Troy Sunderland had a number of Penn Staters compete at the event, with a total of five earning top four spots. In addition to true freshman Erwin winning his title, red-shirt freshman Jon Clemens (McVeytown, Pa.) was runner-up at 163 pounds. Red-shirt freshman Joe Farina (Denville, N.J.) was runner-up as well, placing second in the 264.5-pound weight class. State College native Nathan Galloway (State College, Pa.), a junior, finished third at 163 pounds and true freshman Mike Ward (Mayfield, Ohio) placed fourth at 185.5. The solid performance at this past weekend's Brockport event follows closely on the heels of an outstanding showing by Penn State's freestyle wrestlers in Las Vegas earlier this month.

USA Wrestling's University Nationals will carry added significance this year as it will serve as the qualifying event for the World University Championships. The University Nationals for freestyle and Greco-Roman, along with the FILA Cadet Nationals in both styles, are scheduled for April 28-30 at Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill. Champions at the University Nationals qualify to represent the United States at the World University Championships in Ulan Bator, Mongolia, on June 15-20. Finalists from the University Nationals qualify for the World Team Trials on May 27-28 in Sioux City, Iowa. Wrestlers 18-24 years old who are U.S. citizens and whose class has graduated from high school are eligible to compete at University Nationals. This event showcases future stars of the sport and is an important stepping stone for Olympic hopefuls on their path to winning medals for the United States. Wrestlers who may be back to defend their titles in Greco-Roman are 2005 U.S. World Team member Harry Lester of the U.S. Olympic Education Center/Gator Wrestling Club (145.5 lbs.) along with NCAA All-Americans Trent Paulson of Iowa State (163) and J.D. Bergman of Ohio State (211.5). Bergman also won a title in freestyle last year. Lester has been the Outstanding Wrestler in Greco-Roman the past two years. Minnesota heavyweight Cole Konrad, who won his first NCAA title last month, is expected to compete in Evanston. Konrad placed third at the World Team Trials in 2005. Konrad did not compete at the U.S. Nationals in Las Vegas and needs to reach the finals at University Nationals to make this year's World Team Trials. Michigan State's Nick Simmons, third at 121 pounds in freestyle at the World Team Trials last year, also may compete in Evanston since he did not wrestle in Vegas. He still has not qualified for the World Team Trials. He won University Nationals last year and went on to place fifth in the 2005 World University Games. University of Missouri teammates Ben Askren (185) and Matt Pell (163) also could be in the field. Askren, the reigning Hodge Trophy winner, was second in freestyle at University Nationals last year while Pell is the defending champion at 163. Justin Millard of the U.S. Air Force likely will return to defend his Greco-Roman title at 185. Northwestern All-American Jake Herbert, who lost to Askren in the NCAA finals at 174, placed fourth at University Nationals at 185 last year. NCAA champion Dustin Schlatter of Minnesota may compete in the University Nationals. He could meet another talented true freshman, Virginia Tech's Brent Metcalf, at 145.5 pounds in Evanston. Metcalf won the FILA Junior Freestyle title last week in Las Vegas. Another possibility for University Nationals is Cornell true freshman Troy Nickerson, who placed second at the NCAA meet at 125. In the FILA Cadet Nationals, a number of top young stars may be entered in Evanston. Ohio's David Taylor, a double FILA Cadet National champion last year at 92.5 pounds, also won Cadet Nationals last summer. Cadet National champions Andrew Long of Iowa, Eric Grajales of Florida and Tyler Clark of Illinois also could be in the mix to take home more hardware. Long was third in Greco-Roman and fifth in freestyle last year at 92.5 pounds in FILA Cadets. Grajales was third in Greco-Roman and fifth in freetyle at 101.25. Clark was third in freestyle at 110. Cadet All-American Andy Pokorny of Nebraska is a returning FILA Cadet National champion as is Esai Dominguez of Iowa. 2006 SCHEDULE FOR UNIVERSITY/FILA CADET NATIONALS Thursday, April 27: 7-8 p.m. -- University and FILA Cadet Greco-Roman registration 8-8:30 p.m. -- University and FILA Cadet Greco-Roman weigh-ins Friday, April 28: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. -– University and FILA Cadet Greco-Roman preliminaries 3 p.m.-conclusion –- University and FILA Cadet Greco-Roman preliminaries through finals 6-7:30 p.m. –- University freestyle registration 6-8 p.m. –- FILA Cadet freestyle registration 8-8:30 p.m. –- University and FILA Cadet freestyle weigh-ins Saturday, April 29: 9 a.m.-noon –- University and FILA Cadet freestyle preliminaries 2-5 p.m. –- University and FILA Cadet freestyle preliminaries 6-9 p.m. -- University and FILA Cadet freestyle preliminaries Sunday, April 30: 9 a.m.-conclusion -- University and FILA Cadet freestyle preliminaries through finals 2005 CHAMPIONS FROM UNIVERSITY/FILA CADET NATIONALS University Greco-Roman 50 kg/110 lbs. - Ricardo Osorio (U.S. Air Force). 55 kg/121 lbs. - Joe Betterman (USOEC). 60 kg/132 lbs. - Jeremiah Davis (USOEC). 66 kg/145.5 lbs. - Harry Lester (USOEC). 74 kg/163 lbs. - Trent Paulson (Cyclone WC). 84 kg/185 lbs. - Justin Millard (U.S. Air Force). 96 kg/211.5 lbs. - J.D. Bergman (Ohio International WC). 120 kg/264.5 lbs. - Jake Marquardt (Viking WC). University Freestyle 50 kg/110 lbs. - Daniel Jackson (Minnesota Storm). 55 kg/121 lbs. - Nick Simmons (Michigan WC). 60 kg/132 lbs. - Drew Headlee (Pitt WC). 66 kg/145.5 lbs. - Jason Mester (Central Michigan). 74 kg/163 lbs. - Matt Pell (Tiger WC). 84 kg/185 lbs. - Tyler Nixt (Hawkeye WC). 96 kg/211.5 lbs. - J.D. Bergman (Ohio International WC). 120 kg/264.5 lbs. - Israel Silva (Chattanooga). FILA Cadet Greco-Roman 42 kg/92.5 lbs. - David Taylor (Ohio). 46 kg/101.25 lbs. - Andy Pokorny (Nebraska). 50 kg/110 lbs. - Brian Owen (Washington). 54 kg/119 lbs. - Dak Adamson (New Mexico). 58 kg/127.75 lbs. - Spencer Jasper (Arizona). 63 kg/138.75 lbs. - Esai Dominguez (Iowa). 69 kg/152 lbs.- Jon Reader (Michigan). 76 kg/167.5 lbs. - Brent Chriswell (Washington). 85 kg/187.25 lbs. - Patrick Flynn (Pennsylvania). 100 kg/220.25 lbs. - Ryan Nachtrab (Ohio). FILA Cadet Freestyle 42 kg/92.5 lbs. - David Taylor (Ohio). 46 kg/101.25 lbs. - Riley Adamson (New Mexico). 50 kg/110 lbs. - Brandon Davis (North Carolina). 54 kg/119 lbs. - Alex Meade (Delaware). 58 kg/127.75 lbs. - Coby Boyd (Ohio). 63 kg/138.75 lbs. - Matt Ballweg (Iowa). 69 kg/152 lbs. - Jon Reader (Michigan). 76 kg/167.5 lbs. - Scott Giffin (New Jersey). 85 kg/187.25 lbs. - Brent Chriswell (Washington). 100 kg/220.25 lbs. - Christopher Lewis (California).

Ames, Iowa -- Cody Sanderson, a two-time 133-pound NCAA finalist as an Iowa State wrestler who has been the head wrestling coach at Utah Valley State the last three seasons, has joined the Cyclone coaching staff as associate head coach. The staff addition was announced Friday by ISU head coach Cael Sanderson, Cody's younger brother. Cael Sanderson hired former Iowa assistant coach Tim Hartung earlier this month. "People who know Cody will be thrilled by his addition to our coaching staff," Cael Sanderson said. "He knows Iowa State but has also been a head coach the last three seasons and will bring unique experience to the wrestling room. Cody is smart. He is driven to be successful. Ultimately, he is someone I trust and respect.He did a lot to help our wrestlers during his time in Ames. Our wrestlers will attest to his contributions. The only wrestling coach that Utah Valley State has known, Cody Sanderson built the Wolverine program in Orem from scratch starting in 2003. His team won six its last seven dual meets this season. "I am anxious and excited to return to Ames," Cody Sanderson said. "Iowa State University has been great to my family. Coaching at UVSC was a very unique experience. Forming a new Division I wrestling team has, at times, been especially challenging. Because of those challenges, I feel that I am better prepared to help Iowa State wrestlers reach their goals." Cody Sanderson grew up with brothers Cael and Cole in Heber City, Utah. He wrestled for his father Steve at Wasatch High School. Cody Sanderson was a four-time state champion, two-time junior national champion and his high school's valedictorian. Cody Sanderson's Iowa State credentials include: two-time NCAA runner-up, two-time All-American, Big 12 champion, Big 12 Most Outstanding Wrestler honoree, four-time NCAA Tournament qualifier, Midlands champion and two-time academic All-American. Sanderson wrestled at Iowa State from 1996-2000. He finished his career with 116 wins, ranking 17th on the all-time ISU win list. He made the NCAA 133-pound championship match as a junior (1999) and as a senior (2000), posting a 62-9 record his last two collegiate seasons. He was also the Big 12 133-pound champion his senior season. He served as captain of the Cyclones in 1999 and 2000 for lSU head coach Bobby Douglas. In 1999, Iowa State finished fourth at the NCAA Championships and a year later finished second nationally. Sanderson also wrestled internationally for Coach Douglas. Cody Sanderson wrestled for the USA national team. He was a Sunkist International Open champion, runner-up at the Dave Schultz International Open and a three-time University national champion. His coaching career began where his collegiate career ended, at Iowa State, where Sanderson served as an administrative assistant before heading for Utah Valley State. Sanderson served as the Cyclone Wrestling Club coach for three years, where his teams competed in the University National Championships, United States national championships, United States World Team Trials, Junior World Team Trials, and the Espoir National Championships. Sanderson has also assisted with the Utah National Team for the past seven years and is a certified Bronze Level Coach with USA Wrestling. Sanderson earned his bachelor's degree from Iowa State in psychology. Cody married his wife Sarah on July 17, 1999 in Hudson, Wisconsin. They met at Iowa State where Sarah was a member of the ISU gymnastics team. Together they have a son, Kade and a daughter, Tylar Ann.

Tom Ryan has been named as Ohio State's new head wrestling coach. Gene Smith, athletics director at Ohio State, announced the hiring Saturday. Ryan, a 1993 graduate of Iowa, comes to Ohio State after spending the past 11 years at the helm of the Hofstra wrestling program. He will sign a five-year contract with Ohio State. "Ohio State is one of the most inspiring campuses I have ever visited," Ryan said. "The combination of academic and athletic standards allows Ohio State to attract the top student-athletes in the country. I am humble and thankful Gene Smith has entrusted me with the wrestling program at Ohio State. "In the short term, I plan to first meet with the team and begin putting together a staff of national caliber. I also want to get out to the communities in Ohio and reach out to the coaches at the high school level. There is great high school wrestling in Ohio and it not only is my job to coach Ohio State, but also build strong relationships with coaches at the high school level." At Hofstra, Ryan led the Pride to six-consecutive conference titles, including this past season. Hofstra won the Eastern Collegiate Wrestling Association championship in 2001 before winning five-consecutive Colonial Athletic Association crowns (2002-06). Ryan, who took over the Hofstra program in September 1995, was named conference coach of the year seven times. He was a two-time New York State Coach of the Year. Ryan compiled a 109-82-2 record at Hofstra and led the Pride to a 47-match (46-0-1) unbeaten streak in dual-match action. In his 11 years at Hofstra, Ryan guided 65 wrestlers to NCAA championship appearances, including eight in 2006. Eleven of his wrestlers earned All-America honors, while 10 were named Academic All-Americans. He also coached his wrestlers to 45 individual conference titles. "I want to thank (Ohio State Associate Director of Athletics) Heather Lyke and the search committee for all their hard work in finding a great choice for this position," Smith said. "Tom will be a terrific addition to our staff. He is one of the top wrestling coaches in the country." Ryan was a two-time Big Ten champion at Iowa, winning the 158-pound titles in 1991 and 1992. He earned All-America honors twice with a second-place finish in 1991 and third-place finish in 1992. He began his collegiate career at Syracuse, wrestling two seasons for the Orange, where he captured an Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association title in 1989. He earned a bachelor's degree in education from Iowa in May 1993. He began his coaching career as an assistant coach at Indiana from 1993-94.

Taking part in some of the premier off-season wrestling tournaments in the nation, Fresno State wrestlers placed highly in both the FILA Junior National Championships as well as the U.S. Senior National Championships. Both tournaments are qualifiers for the national trials, which cover entry onto both the junior and senior national teams. Eight wrestlers currently affiliated with the Fresno State program participated in the two championships, which were both held this past weekend in Las Vegas. Among the wrestlers participating in the FILA Junior National Championships, two wrestlers stood out. True freshman and NCAA qualifier Cory Borges placed eighth in the 55kg (121 pound) weight class, earning All-American honors and heavyweight Wade Sauer placed fifth in the 120 kg (264 pound) weight class, also earning All-American honors as well as a trip to the FILA Junior National World Team Trials. That competition will take place during June in Colorado Springs, Colorado at the U.S. Olympic Training Center. "This is a great chance for our wrestlers to gain a lot of experience," said head coach Shawn Charles. "At these tournaments, individual wrestlers will see a lot of styles, and get the chance to meet the top competition. From a team standpoint, our guys who still want to compete even in the off-season can use this as an opportunity to build strength and stay in top condition, even while facing some of the best wrestlers in the nation." In the U.S. Senior National Championships, assistant coach Travis Pascoe had the top finish for the Bulldogs. Wrestling at 84 kg (185 pounds), the former All-American defeated some of the top competition in the nation to finish in fourth place, earning a spot in the 2006 United States World Team Trials. One of the key tournaments for Olympic Team representation, that competition will be held in Sioux City, Iowa, beginning on May 26. "It was a great result for Travis, and obviously something that he has been working towards," said Charles. "This certainly reinforces to anyone involved with the program that they're working with one of the top wrestlers in the country. Any recruit that comes here knows that they will learn good techniques and skills from a wrestling partner of that caliber."

Augustana head wrestling coach Jason Reitmeier today announced the addition of seven individuals to the Vikings 2005-06 recruiting class. The group includes Josh Montgomery of Canton, S.D., Kirk Bunkers of Brookings, S.D., Tyler Copsey of Glenwood, Iowa, Jarred McCarthy of Farmington, Minn., Beau Penk of Litchfield, Minn., Mike Wubbena of Fairmont, Minn., and Charlie Cunningham of Kaycee, Wyo. The new additions join a recruiting class that already included Jay Sherer of Columbus, Neb., Kyle Svendsen of Omaha, Neb., Lance Peters of LeRoy, Minn., who signed with the Vikings in November. This could be our best recruiting class ever, Reitmeier said. We not only filled some needs, but we also brought in some depth. This is definitely one of the most successful classes we have brought in with many awards and accolades. Montgomery posted a 159-26 record during the final four years of his career at Canton High School, including an amazing 90-3 mark in his junior and senior seasons. In 2005-06, Montgomery went 44-1 with 20 falls and captured the Big Sioux Conference title, a regional crown and the Class A state title at 125 pounds. In the process, he helped the C-Hawks to a 27-0 record, the Class A state duals championship and a runner-up finish at the state individual tournament. Montgomery, a three-time first team all-conference performer, won the Class B state title in 2005 after placing fourth as a sophomore in 2004. As a freshman, he finished fifth at the Class A state meet. Josh is a very scrappy wrestler who performs best in the big matches, Reitmeier said. He was a very accomplished high school wrestler and will make an impact in our lineup. Bunkers was a three-time Class AA state qualifier at Brookings High School. He qualified for the Class AA state meet the final three years of his career, placing fourth as a junior and seventh as a senior. A four-year starter, Bunkers posted a 26-8 record in 2005-06 after going 32-10 as a junior. Kirk is an athletic big man who we are looking forward to working with, Reitmeier said. He has had lots of success in high school. Copsey was a three-time state qualifier at Glenwood High School. He won 127 career matches, including 72 wins by fall. He had a 43-0 record as a senior during which he won the Hawkeye 10 Conference title, the sectional and district crowns and the Class 2A state championship, while helping the Rams to a sixth-place finish in the team standings. As a junior, Copsey went 39-9, won the conference title and placed second at the state meet. Tyler is a beast on top and a smart athlete on his feet, Reitmeier said. He comes from a great high school program and will be very successful at the college level. McCarthy was a four-time All-Missota Conference performer at Farmington High School. He was 30-2 with 21 pins as a senior. However, he was unable to compete at the Class AAA state tournament due to illness. He did win the state title in 2005 after compiling a 38-3 overall record. As a sophomore, he posted a 35-8 record and placed fourth at state. Jarred is a former state champion who we�re really excited about having in our program, Reitmeier said. �He can score points in a hurry and is a very smart wrestler. Penk compiled a 235-25 career record with 114 pins at Litchfield High School. His 235 wins is the second-highest win total in Minnesota high school history. He went 43-1 with 20 pins in 2005-06 and won the Class AA state title after going 38-3 with 20 pins and finishing second at state as a junior. As a junior in 2003-04, he went 43-3 with 24 pinds and placed sixth at state. �Beau is a viscous competitor,� Reitmeier said. �He has the second most wins in Minnesota high school history. He will compete for a starting spot immediately.� Wubbena, who also signed with the Augustana football team, was a six-year starter at Fairmont High School. Five times he placed at the Class AAA state tournament, earning a third-place finish as a senior after finishing second as a junior and sophomore. He had a career record of 205-28, including a 35-1 record as a junior and a 41-1 mark as a senior. Mike is one of the most athletic kids I have seen,� Reitmeier said. He's very explosive and quick. Cunningham is the younger brother of Viking football player Ben Cunningham. He capped his career at Kaycee High School by winning the Wyoming Class 1A state title in 2006. Charlie is a Wyoming state champion who is looking to continue his success at the collegiate level, Reitmeier said. He will add more depth to the upper weights and challenge for a starting job at 174 pounds. Augustana placed seventh at the 2006 NCAA Division II National Championships, crowning six All-Americans in the process. The Vikings were the 2005 national runner-up.