InterMat Staff

Augsburg College will begin the season as the No. 1-ranked Division III team in the country. The Auggies have nine wrestlers ranked out of the 10 weight classes in the preseason Brute-Adidas National Wrestling Coaches Association Division III Rankings. Team Rankings: 1. Augsburg College (MN) 2. Wartburg College (IA) 3. University of Wisconsin-La Crosse 4. Luther College (IA) 5. Heidelberg College (IA) 6. Delaware Valley College (PA) 7. State University of New York at Brockport 8. Johnson and Wales University (RI) 9. North Central College (IL) 10. Cortland State University of New York 11. Buena Vista University (IA) 12. Coe College (IA) 13. Olivet College (MI) 14. York College (PA) 15. University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point 16. Cornell College (IA) 17. Springfield College (MA) 18. Wilkes University (PA) 19. College of New Jersey 20. Lycoming College (PA) 21. Thiel College (PA) 22. University of Wisconsin-Whitewater 23. Roger Williams University (RI) 24. Loras College (IA) 25. University of Wisconsin-Platteville 26. Norwich University (VT) 27. John Carroll University (OH) 28. Ithaca College (NY) 29. Augustana College (IL) 30. Ursinus College (PA) Individual Rankings: 125 lbs. 1. Nate Hansen -- Luther College (Sr) 2. Felipe Quiroz -- Wilkes College (So) 3. Chris Heilman -- Cornell College (Jr) 4. Brandon McDonough -- Johnson & Wales University (Jr) 5. Rob Vaccaro -- SUNY Brockport (Sr) 6. Ryan Gadsby -- Cortland State (Jr) 7. Anthony Nicolicchia -- Roger Williams University (Jr) 8. Seth Flodeen -- Augsburg College (So) 133 lbs. 1. Jafier Vanier -- Augsburg College (Jr) 2. Justin Hulegaard -- Buena Vista University (Sr) 3. John Sheets -- Manchester College (Sr) 4. David Morgan -- King's College (So) 5. Adam Johnson -- North Central College (Jr) 6. Sean Cullen -- Lycoming College (Sr) 7. Matt Smith -- Johnson & Wales University (Sr) 8. Brian Zane -- Norwich University (Sr) 141 lbs. 1. Andrew Lacroix -- Roger Williams University (Sr) 2. Paul LeBlanc -- Cortland State (So) 3. Mike Gaeta -- Springfield College (Sr) 4. Zach McKray -- Wartburg College (So) 5. Zach Chambers -- UW Platteville (Sr) 6. Rick Laforge -- Delaware Valley College (Sr) 7. Quincy Osbourne -- Augsburg College (Jr) 8. Mike Conklin -- Norwich University (Sr) 149 lbs. 1. Jacob Naig -- Wartburg College (Sr) 2. Jason Roush -- College of Mount St. Joseph (Sr) 3. Jared Evans -- Augsburg College (Sr) 4. Matt Pyle -- Luther College (Sr) 5. Don Ooton -- SUNY Brockport (Sr) 6. Tim Bohlman -- York College (Sr) 7. Jared Creason -- Coe College (Sr) 8. Ryan Higgins -- UW Platteville (Jr) 157 lbs. 1. Joe Pflug -- Heidelburg College (Jr) 2. Jeremy Anderson -- Augsburg College (Jr) 3. Ross Needham -- UW LaCrosse (Sr) 4. Jacob Malone -- Saint John's University (Sr) 5. Bobby Gingerich -- North Central College (Sr) 6. Shaheim Bradshaw -- SUNY Brockport (Jr) 7. Elliott Spence -- College of Mount St. Joseph (Jr) 8. Joe Galante -- College of New Jersey (Sr) 165 lbs. 1. Steve Martell -- Johnson & Wales University (Jr) 2. Jerry Bowne -- York College (Sr) 3. Tim Maxworthy -- Heidelburg College (Sr) 4. Scott Dorn -- UW La Crosse (Sr) 5. Willie Holst -- Augsburg College (So) 6. Corey Murphy -- Thiel College (Sr) 7. Derrick Ricker -- Messiah College (Sr) 8. Brandon McWhinnie -- Steven's Institute of Technology (Jr) 174 lbs. 1. Stephon Sair -- Cortland State (Sr) 2. Josh Chelf -- UW LaCrosse (Jr) 3. Robbie Gotreau -- Augsburg College (Jr) 4. John Dolan -- Williams College (Sr) 5. Tim Kelly -- College of Mount St. Joseph (Sr) 6. Tim Miller -- North Central College (So) 7. Kyle Vanderhyde -- Olivet College (So) 8. Andrew Winfield -- McDaniel College (So) 184 lbs. 1. Jason Lulloff -- UW LaCrosse (Sr) 2. Ryan Summers -- John Carroll University (Sr) 3. Romeo Djoumessi -- Wartburg College (So) 4. Darin Cruickshank -- Olivet College (Jr) 5. Ben Plowman -- Ohio Northern University (Sr) 6. Trevor LeBlanc -- Cortland State (So) 7. Nicholas Calendrino -- Ithaca College (Sr) 8. Jay Figgens -- Loras College (Jr) 197 lbs. 1. Brandon Kelly -- Wilkes University (Sr) 2. TJ Miller -- Wartburg College (Jr) 3. Matt Loesch -- Muhlenberg College (Sr) 4. Ben Strandberg -- Buena Vista University (Sr) 5. Alex Bonander -- Luther College (So) 6. Jeff Wright -- Olivet College (Sr) 7. Jason Reilly -- King's College (Sr) 8. Wally O'Connor -- Augsburg College (Jr) 285 lbs. 1. Blake Gillis -- Wartburg College (Sr) 2. John Miller -- Luther College (So) 3. Ward Brady -- Elmhurst College (Sr) 4. Trevor Hiffa -- Oneonta State (Jr) 5. Ryan Rozek -- UW Platteville (Sr) 6. Andrew Neuman -- Augsburg College (Sr) 7. Kyle Brown -- Thiel College (Sr) 8. Jake Taylor -- Oswego State (Jr)

On Oct. 14, a mini-tournament was held to decide who would compete in the Red and White Classic. The Red and White Classic is our version of wrestle-offs. It is run fairly similar to the World or Olympic Trials. First, a mini-tournament takes place, where all team members compete (with exception of returning All-Americans). The finals of the mini-tournament counts as Match 1, in a best two out of three series. The second match in this series occurs at the Red and White Classic. This year the Classic was held on October 20. At 125, freshman Ty Costa won the mini-tournament, pitting himself against senior and returning All-American Craig Trampe. In a surprising victory, Costa pulled out a 2-1 victory over the returning All-American. At 133, I wrestled Eric Ghram. The match went in my favor and I was able to earn a starting spot on our roster. Wrestling at 141 was freshman Brian Ghram and returning All-American Terrance Almond. Terrance might be one of the strongest pound-for-pound human beings I have ever wrestled. He displayed this strength while nearside cradling Ghram for a pin. At 149, Clinton Dale was to wrestle the loser of the 141-pound match. Coming back from his earlier loss, freshman Brian Ghram was able to beat Clinton Dale and earn his spot as a starter. Coming off a season ending injury last year, Jason Bilinski earned his spot at 157 by pinning Dan Prey in a far-side cradle. Wrestling at 165 was Bula Tuzon and Jordan Davis. Tuzon spent most of his summer training in Colorado Springs. The off season training paid off, as he beat Davis in a decisive victory. At 174, two freshmen battled their way to the finals. In the end Josh Ghobadpoor from Georgia defeated Nebraska's own Ross Milam. At 184, muscle-bound senior Webster Farris wrestled skinny armed freshmen John Wilborne. Wilborne scrambled well, but in the end Webster's power was too much. In a clinic of tilts and turns, Wade Jordan beat freshman John Schmalz to become our starting wrestler at 197. At the end of the dual, Jesse Boggs defeated Shawn Gach, making him our varsity heavyweight. For the time being, the winners of this dual will be our starters. However, these spots are not final and are subject to change. It was really nice seeing all of our guys in action at the Red and White Classic. Last year, I was unable to wrestle in many duals so I really enjoyed being back in a dual meet setting. I remember watching national duals last year … and wishing I was wrestling. Dual meets are my favorite because there is always so much excitement surrounding the event. With preseason now over, regular season practice has begun. As of right now we are wrestling four days a week, with an alternative work out on Wednesday. Most of our practice time has been devoted to neutral drilling, which has been very beneficial to all of our wrestlers. The guys seem more excited about competing and wrestling than I have seen in years past. Personally, I can't wait for the season to start. My weight is a little low, which is very rare in our sport and definitely new to me. I am curious to see how much this will affect my performance. On one hand, I could be stronger and have more energy by not cutting weight. On the other hand, I could find myself struggling with the size of my opponents. Either way, I will have to find a way to win. On Saturday Oct. 21, Dana College wrestling held a fall wrestling clinic, open to all ages. As our featured clinician, we had World champion Kevin Jackson. His vast knowledge and excitement for the sport inspired everyone including our college wrestlers. During his session the wrestlers were taught how to hand fight and set up neutral shots. I was glad to see most of our Dana wrestlers out trying these techniques as well. The previous day, Coach Fergola had asked me to run a session of the camp. I was very happy that he trusted me enough to teach in front of Jackson and the rest of the camp. I ended up teaching a session on the under-hook series. I always find it beneficial to my own wrestling when I teach. It allows me to pick up some little things that I may not notice when wrestling on my own. My session was followed by Dana assistant coach Jimmy Rollins. Rollins is known for his dominance in the top position. For his session, he taught a leg ride series. During his series, I paid close attention, trying to pick up any tricks that might improve my own riding. At the end of the clinic, we rolled mats, swept the floors, and picked up trash. Burke BarnesHeading into the last week of October, our team will start to transition from strictly drilling to more live wrestling. Here at Dana we like to wrestle 75-minute grind matches, which I feel are very beneficial. These are my favorite practices. I love seeing our guys completely exhausted, but still going at it. 75 minutes of straight wrestling also gives me a chance to release any anger or frustration that may have built up through out the week. Wrestling is great for that. No matter what is going on in your life, you can always come into the wrestling room and forget about it for an hour or two. In the coming weeks we will compete in some open tournaments, including the SDSU Open and the UNO Open. Theses tournaments will be a good indicator of where our team is at. Even though I was able to see our guys wrestle in the Red and White Classic, I am still excited to see them in real competition. The sooner we get out on the mat, the sooner we can begin improving some of our weak spots. I hope to wrestle in every open tournament on our schedule. In the two years I have competed at the college level, I have only been able to rack up around 25 matches. This year I hope to almost double that number and go into nationals ready. Until next time, Burke Barnes Past Entries: Entry 1 (10/11/06)

EVANSTON, Ill. -- Ryan Bertin has been named assistant wrestling coach, head coach Tim Cysewski announced Tuesday. Bertin is a two-time NCAA champion at 157 lbs. and was a four-time NCAA All-American for the University of Michigan. He will assume his coaching responsibilities immediately. "Ryan has everything you search for in a coach," Cysewski said. "He's an outstanding technician, leads by example and understands what it takes to be the very best." Bertin is one of the most successful wrestlers in Wolverine history. He won the NCAA championship at 157 lbs. in 2003 and 2005. He was a four-time NCAA All-American and 2005 Big Ten Wrestler of the Year. He ranks fifth on Michigan's all-time wins list with a 142-21 career mark. During his senior season in 2004-05 he posted a 31-1 record with a perfect 18-0 dual mark. He finished second at the Big Ten Championships and won the NCAA title. Bertin is a product of St. Edward high school, one of the top high school programs in the nation and was a high school National Champion. "Our wrestlers are very excited to learn from Ryan, Cysewski said. "They will be able to draw from his competitive experiences in many ways." He was a three-time NWCA All-Academic and three-time Academic All-Big Ten selection. Bertin, who resides in Chicago, previously served as coach of the Northwestern Wrestling Club and Kyle Bertin, his younger brother, is a freshman for the Wildcats. The Wildcats, ranked top-10 in several preseason polls, begin their season Saturday, Nov. 4 at the Eastern Michigan Open.

EVANSTON, Ill. -- Northwestern wrestlers Jake Herbert (Wexford, Pa./North Allegheny) and Ryan Lang (North Royalton, Ohio/St. Edward) have been invited to participate in the 41st annual NWCA All-Star Classic held in Dallas, Texas. Herbert will make his second appearance while Lang will make his first. The All-Star Classic traditionally pits the No. 1 vs. No. 2 wrestlers in each weight class against each other. Herbert and Lang will enter the 2006-07 season ranked No. 1 in their respective weight classes. At 141, Lang will face second-ranked Andy Simmons from Michigan State and Herbert will take on Minnesota's Roger Kish, ranked second at 184 lbs. Herbert defeated Nebraska's Jacob Klein in his first All-Star Classic appearance in 2005. This year marks the first time Northwestern will have two representatives in the same year. "This event recognizes the elite wrestlers in the country," head coach Tim Cysewski said. "It shows the wrestling world that Northwestern is continuing to evolve as a national power. We take the invitations very seriously and we plan to use this meet to set the stage for the 2006-07 season." The 41st annual NWCA All-Star Classic takes place Nov. 20 at the Dallas Convention Center

WEST POINT, N.Y. –- Army wrestling head coach Chuck Barbee and his staff will host the 7th annual Army Wrestling Fall Clinic for both wrestlers and coaches on Saturday Nov. 5. The clinic will take place in the team's new wrestling room, located in Arvin Gymnasium, with registration between 8 a.m. until 9 a.m. The day will consist of five sessions (9:15 and 10:30 a.m., and 1, 2, and 3 p.m.) that focus on technique, peaking, strength, nutrition, mental skills and drilling. The cost of the clinic is $30 per coach or wrestler. Barbee, who enters his seventh season at Army, was a three-time All-American at perennial power Oklahoma State. The Black Knight's mentor has led the program back onto the national scene cracking the NCAA Top 25 polls last season, and will serve as the primary instructor throughout the day. Mike Clayton and Bill Maldonado round out the Army coaching staff, and list of presenters for the day's events. Clayton, a 1995 Navy graduate, has mentored 30 All-Americans and eight NCWA Champions during his coaching career. Maldonado, a 2002 Iowa State, was a NCAA All-American with the Cyclones and holds a master's degree in education. Participants are encouraged to watch Army's Black vs. Gold intra-squad dual meet following the clinic. Admission is free with matches starting at 4 p.m. Any wrestlers or coaches interested in attending any of the day's planned activities can contact Maldonado by phone at 845-938-5028 or by e-mail at william.maldonado@usma.edu.

DES MOINES -- Takedown Radio host Scott Casber announced the addition of Drexel University to the line up of Live events and Live room shows that Takedownradio.com will broadcast between November 6th to November 14th 2006. Coach Jack Childs and his Drexel University Wrestling program are in their 60 th season and we feel that's important enough to do a special broadcast on November 8th from 12 Noon to 2 PM. Then TDR goes back on the road and heads to Bucknell and Coach Dan Wirnsberger for a show that evening at 5:30 PM or so for 2 more hours of Wrestling Talk on Takedownradio.com "This road trip, like others we've done and will do is a huge outreach for us. This sport is important and the wrestlers need to know that the national media cares," said Casber. "It is a real pleasure to visit our coaches and athletes in their own backyards. the pride they have is evident and we are pleased to be able to share that with them." A complete TDR schedule is included below: Date Day Location Time Nov 2nd Thursday Iowa State University 6-8 PM CST Wrestle Offs Ames, Iowa Nov 4th Saturday U of Iowa 9-11 AM CST Wrestle Offs Iowa City, Iowa Nov. 4th Saturday Real Pro Wrestling 12-6 PM CST Cornell College Mt. Vernon, Iowa Nov. 6th Monday East Stroudsburg U 4:30 Eastern East Stroudsburg, PA Room Show Nov. 7th Tuesday Lehigh University 6 Eastern Bethleham, PA Wrestle Offs Nov. 8th (1) Wed Drexel University 12 Noon to 2 East Philadelphia, PA Nov. 8th (2) Wed Bucknell University 5:30-7:30 PM Eastern Lewisburg, PA Nov. 9th Thurs Lock Haven University 5:30 East Lock Haven, PA Room Show Nov. 10th Fri Edinboro University 4 - 6 PM East Edinboro, PA Room Show Nov 11th Saturday Real Pro Wrestling 10-6 PM Eastern Philadelphia, PA Nov. 12th Sunday Penn State University 6 Eastern University Park, PA Wrestle Offs Nov. 13th Monday Rider University 5:30 Eastern Lawrenceville, NJ Room Show Nov. 18 Saturday UNO Open 9:00 AM CST Omaha, NE Nov. 20th Monday NWCA All Star TBA Dallas, Texas Nov. 25th Saturday Journeymen/Brute NE Duals 9:00 AM Eastern Albany, NY Dec. 1-2 Fri-Sat Las Vegas Invitational Las Vegas, NV Fri 10:00 AM Sat-7:00 AM PT Dec. 21st Thurs University of Missouri 6-9 PM Missouri VS. Pitt Columbia, Mo Dec. 29-30 Fri-Sat Midlands Championships Welsh-Ryan Arena Evanston, Il Fri 10:00 AM Sat-9:00 AM CST East Coast Tour Dates and locations will be announced soon Schools to be included: Davidson, The Citadel, , UNC Chapel Hill, UNC Greensboro, Old Dominion, American, V-Tech, Virginia, VMI, Navy, Army, Maryland, Bucknell, Binghamton Jan. 13-14 Sat-Sun NWCA Nat'l Duals TBA UNI Dome U of Northern, Iowa West Coast Tour Dates and locations will be announced soon Schools to be included: Arizona State, Cal. Poly, Cal. Davis, Cal. Fullerton, Stanford, San Francisco State, Oregon State, U of Oregon Feb. 10th Sat. Wild Rose Casino 9-11 AM CST Emmetsburg, Iowa Special on Location Broadcast Feb. 17th Sat. Des Moines Sportshow 9-11 AM CST Wells Fargo Arena Special on Location Broadcast March 3rd Sat Big 12 Championships 9 AM CST Hearnes Center University of Missouri March 9th Fri Border Brawl 6 PM CST Iowa vs. Nebraska HS March 15-17 Th-Sat NCAA Championships TBA Detroit, Michigan Special Tour dates are presented by: Riddx Inc., Intermatwrestle.com, Asics, Body Bar, Royalty Fight Wear, DanGable.com, Real Pro Wrestling and Champions Wrestling Schools.

Blair, NE -- The 2006 NAIA National Champions completed their annual Red & White Classic on Friday night. The classic marks the final wrestle-offs for varsity positions. While this year's team is young, they have proven that they are extremely talented and were well deserving of the No. 2 Non-Division I recruiting class in the country. At 125, freshman Ty Costa (Turlock, Calif.) claimed a 2-1 victory over senior and returning All-American Craig Trampe (Ord, Neb.). These two will wrestle again in a best two of three series. The 133-pound match lasted only 30 seconds as two-time All-American Burke Barnes (Lake Stevens, Wash.) made quick work of a very talented freshman Eric Graham (Kansas City, Mo.) with a fall. Senior and three-time All-American Terrence Almond (Pelham, Ga.) took 1:30 to pin freshman Brian Graham (Kansas City, Mo. ) at 141. Two former high school teammates from Las Vegas, N.M., had to square-off to see who is going to claim the 149 pound start. Clinton Dale won a close match over Marcos Martinez, 4-2. At 157, two-time NJCAA national qualifier Jason Bilinski (Pittsgrove, N.J.) took care of Dan Pray (St. George, Kan.) with a fall at 1:22. With a major decision, redshirt freshman Ryan "Bula" Tuzon (Wailuku, Hawaii) won big over freshman Jordan Davis (Blaine, Minn.) 16-7 at 165 pounds. At 174, freshman Josh Ghobadpoor (Dahlonega, Ga.) won by decision over junior John Justice (Moreno Valley, Calif.) 11-8. Ghobadpoor will enter the starting line-up at 174 as a freshman after making four state finals appearances in his home state of Georgia. At 184, junior Webster Farris (Nebraska City, Neb.) narrowly defeated freshman Jon Wilbourne (Lake Stevens, Wash.) 5-2. Farris was a 2005 GPAC Champion and national qualifier but suffered a knee injury which sidelined him for the 2006 national championship season. Farris was an Academic All-American in 2006. 197 will be filled by junior Wade Jordan (Coulee City, Wash.). Jordan placed 3rd in the GPAC in 2006 at heavyweight, but will now drop down to 197. Jordan defeated freshman John Schmalz (Kansas City, Mo.) by technical fall 17-1. Heavyweights Jesse Boggs (Deming, N.M.) and Shawn Gach (Omaha, Neb.) hooked it up, with Boggs winning by fall at 4:52. Both Boggs and Gach were redshirts in 2006. In the final match of the evening, freshman Brian Graham, who lost in the opening match to senior Terrence Almond, wrestled Clinton Dale who claimed the 149 victory. Graham came out on top with a 6-5 win. Following the Red & White Classic was the annual Dana College Wrestling Clinic. The clinic was held on Saturday and saw 1992 Olympic Champion Kevin Jackson as the feature clinician. Jackson is also our current U.S. Freestyle Head Coach. About 75 youth wrestlers and coaches attended the clinic to learn techniques and tips from Coach Jackson as well as Dana's All-Americans and coaches. The 2006-07 Vikings will begin their competitive schedule on Nov. 4 at the Daktronics South Dakota State Open in Brookings, S.D. 2006 Red & White Results 125- Ty Costa dec. Craig Trampe 2-1 133- Burke Barnes wbf over Eric Graham :30 141- Terrence Almond wbf over Brian Graham 1:30 149- Clinton Dale dec. Marcos Martinez 4-2 157- Jason Bilinski wbf over Dan Pray 1:22 165- Bula Tuzon major dec. Jordan Davis 16-7 174- Josh Ghobadpoor dec. John Justice 11-8 184- Webster Farris dec. Jon Wilbourne 5-2 197- Wade Jordan wbtf John Schmalz 17-1 285- Jesse Boggs wbf over Shawn Gach 4:52 Exhibition: Brian Graham dec. Clinton Dale 6-5

Cole Williams believes the way to win wrestling matches is the old fashioned way, by being in top physical condition and out working your opponents. When Williams finished his senior season at Delavan-Darien High School in Delavan, WI he wasn't satisified with a conference title, 34-5 record and a trip to the state tournament. The University of Dubuque(IA) was a virtual wrestling graveyard when Williams arrived, not fielding a full team for several years. Williams has helped Coach Jon McGovern resurrect the program into respectability and the Spartans now have over 30 wrestlers from all over the country on their roster. UD competes in the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, the toughest Division III league in the country. "As far as being a part of rebuilding a program, I think that is what made me tougher. I didn't have any footsteps to follow, I had to learn everything the hard way. Now I am trying to pass down some of the things I have learned to other UD wrestlers". Williams noted. Williams' college training often included three to four work outs per day. His relentless style and extra gear in the closing minutes have become trademarks of his wrestling success. Williams still enjoys running and lifting weights to maintain top condition and is also looking to begin competing in Mixed Martial Arts events. Williams completed his college eligibility last season with his second straight trip to the NCAA Division III National Tournament at 165lbs. Far from a household name, Williams established himself as the leader of the University of Dubuque Spartans over the last four years and now holds school records for season and career wins, 44 and 107 respectively. Williams' other collegiate accolades include: two-time team captain and outstanding wrestler, as well as UD Athlete of the Year. Williams now accepts the challenge of competing in RealProWrestling's Season 2 at the North Regional qualifying tournament on Saturday, November 4 at Cornell College in Mount Vernon, IA. Williams will wrestle at 163lbs. Williams realizes his collegiate accomplishments are behind him and the RPW competition will be tougher as well. "I think RPW is a great way to promote our sport and having the chance to wrestle in it is a great honor. In high school I never had much talent. I believe that hard work is the key to success..." Williams is easy to find prior to his matches. You'll see him stomping around the arena, getting mentally prepared with his headphones on, blasting Metallica or Linkin Park. Williams is ready to challenge all entrants in a loaded weight class which includes NCAA All-Americans Ryan Churella(MI) and Tyrone Woodley(MO). "I want to wrestle against the best guys." Post collegiate wrestlers from all NCAA divisions as well as NAIA and Junior Colleges will be competing in each of the four regional tournaments starting with San Jose on October 28. The other events will be held November 11 in Philadelphia and November 18 in Tulsa. 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 the season which will be in the Spring of 2007. Mark your calendar, and help support the world's oldest and greatest sport by attending one or more of these events. Applications to compete are still being accepted, contact Dean Morrison at dean@realprowrestling.com.

As part of its North Region qualifying tournament which will be held on Saturday, November 4 in Mount Vernon, IA, RealProWrestling has announced Cornell College will also hold their wrestle-offs at 1:00PM, following the semi-final matches. Second year Cornell coach Mike Duroe is happy to include the wrestle-offs as part of the RPW event which includes Parent's Weekend for the Cornell wrestlers and he is also expecting several recruits to attend. Duroe felt there would be at least eight matches out of the 10 collegiate weight classes. The Rams won a school record 15 dual meets last season and return several starters, including All-American junior Chris Heilman at 125lbs. The International Wrestling Institue and Museum will also be on hand to promote it's move from Newton, IA to Waterloo, IA and the re-dedication of the museum to be named The Dan Gable International Wrestling Institue and Museum. Scott Casber from Takedown Radio will be present as well for the Fan Fest and will be broadcasting live in the afternoon and for the finals at 5:00PM. The Fan Fest will include a clinic with the University of Iowa coaching staff, Olympic Champions Dan Gable and Tom Brands. Also participating in the RPW Fan Fest clinic will be former Iowa standouts Wes Hand and Doug Schwab. Coaches are encouraged to bring their teams and wrestling shoes to come experience a great day of wrestling with a low-cost clinic! The first session is free to the public, including the Cornell wrestle-offs. The afternoon session is only $5 per individual, $20 per family, and $30 per team. This includes admission to the finals. Wrestling fans can watch all of the great action at the tournament and be a part of RPWs Fan Fest. Outstanding former college wrestlers from all NCAA divisions as well as NAIA and Junior Colleges will be represented in Mount Vernon. Wrestlers slated to compete include: Grant Nakamura(121), James Rollins(132), Dylan Long(145), Tyrone Woodley(163), Zac Dominguez(185), Israel Silva(211) and former Iowa Hawkeye football player Scott Pospisil(264). 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/ 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 -- Third Base, Cedar Rapids

INDIANAPOLIS -- The NCAA and ESPN announced today expanded live television coverage of the 2007 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships March 15-17 in Auburn Hills, Michigan. For the first time, in the 77-year history of the Division I Wrestling Championships, the Saturday morning medal round will be televised. Scheduled for 10 a.m. EST March 17 on ESPNU, the championships medal round determines the 3rd through 8th place finishers who are honored as All-Americans. "This is a great moment for wrestling fans that will now have the opportunity to see the championship medal round on ESPNU, plus extensive coverage of the Division I Wrestling Championships across our networks," said Burke Magnus, vice president and general manager, ESPNU. "The advent of ESPNU has created opportunity for increased coverage of college sports at every level and further demonstrates our commitment to the NCAA and its membership." ESPN's coverage of the Division I Wrestling Championships has vastly expanded over the last five years. In 2001, only the finals aired on ESPN2 tape delay. In 2003, the championships saw its first ever live coverage in Kansas City, Missouri during the semifinals, while in 2004 the package increased with both the semifinals and finals aired live on ESPN2 and in syndication from St. Louis, Missouri. Three years later, the 2007 championships will now have four of the six sessions on live television with the finals in a primetime time slot on ESPN at 8:00 p.m. EST on Saturday, March 17. Session three will air at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 16 on ESPNU and session four following at 7 p.m. on ESPNU and in syndication. "I can't begin to express how much NCAA Wrestling's partnership with ESPN has meant to our sport," said Colonel William Walker, chair of the Division I Wrestling Committee, Deputy Director of Athletics/Department Head of Physical Education at the United States Air Force Academy. "It has given us a chance to showcase some of the hardest-working student-athletes in the country during one of the most exciting events in collegiate athletics. The expanded ESPN coverage only adds to that tremendous exposure. We're truly grateful to ESPN for their cooperation in making the NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships a prime-time event." The 2007 championships will be held March 15-17 at the Palace of Auburn Hills in Auburn Hills, Michigan (Detroit suburb). The University of Michigan and the Detroit Metro Sports Commission will serve as hosts. Tickets for the 2007 championships are available by visiting http://www.detroitsports.org/wrestling/tickets/index.html.

Mack Reiter, a 133-pound junior for the University of Minnesota of Minnesota, suffered a knee injury on Thursday at practice. However, it's still uncertain whether he tore his ACL or if he'll miss any time on the mat. Reiter is a two-time All-American, placing fourth as a freshman and fourth again last season as a sophomore. He is currently ranked No. 2 in the country by RevWrestling.com at 133 pounds behind defending NCAA champion Matt Valenti of Penn. Mack Reiter (Photo/The Guillotine)"He hurt his knee, but we don't know what's going on yet because we don't have the MRI results," said Minnesota head assistant coach Marty Morgan on Monday morning. The results of the MRI are expected back on Tuesday afternoon. If in fact is Reiter is forced to miss time, Morgan is uncertain who will step in and will the void. "Well, at this point right now, we would probably consider (Travis) Lang, (Jayson) Ness, (Mike) Thorn, or (Jake) Mellmer. It would probably be between the four of those guys," said Morgan. Morgan isn't ready to call Reiter's season over. In fact, he believes there is a possibility that Reiter could wrestle through the injury. "The way we look at it, Owen Elzen took third in the NCAA's with a torn ACL, so we're hoping he can do the same thing," said Morgan. "We'll see how he feels. It just depends if it's torn or just hurt … and sometimes people can wrestle with them. We've had that happen plenty of times. That's our first plan … just plan on wrestling him regardless. Usually it takes two weeks to let it heal up and get the inflammation down. We've had guys in the past where you wouldn't ever even be able to tell. They don't swell up. It just depends. Some people's knees are different than others. We'll kind of play it by ear. First, we'll find out the MRI results … and from there try to figure out what to do."

In the past couple years, Alex Tsirtsis has experienced considerable changes and challenges in his wrestling career. Alex TsirtsisTwo years ago, Alex arrived at the University of Iowa campus as a highly sought-after recruit, having completed an undefeated high school career in Indiana with four state titles. Since coming to Iowa City, Alex has experienced a complete changeover in the coaching staff, an influx of wrestlers from the Virginia Tech program, and his own personal challenges with injuries and surgeries, including surgery on his left knee this summer that was complicated by a staph infection. Yet, despite these changes and challenges, the 141-pound Iowa Hawkeye begins this season as a true junior ranked fifth in his weight class by RevWrestling.com and most other major amateur wrestling Web sites and publications. And he's ready and eager for the 2006-07 season to begin. A career 15 years in the making Twenty-one-year old Alex Tsirtsis got his start in wrestling at age six. "My dad wrestled in high school, and introduced me to the sport by enrolling me in a kids' wrestling club near my house," says Alex. "By age 7, we were traveling around the country, competing in national tournaments." "Participating in all these events required a lot of effort for my dad," Alex continues. "I'm grateful for all he did to launch my career." "Wrestling came naturally to me at an early age," according to Alex. "I've always been a pretty competitive guy. Wrestling has been my lifestyle my whole life." High school highs It was while in high school that Alex Tsirtsis made a national name for himself. By the time he entered Griffith High School in northwest Indiana -- about fifteen miles southeast of the Chicago loop -- Alex had stopped playing organized baseball and focused his athletic abilities solely on wrestling. And that singular pursuit paid off with perfection: Alex compiled a 236-0 record under coach Travis Wells. In addition, Alex joined a very elite club of only a handful of Indiana high school wrestlers who have won four state titles. When asked if he felt mounting pressure to maintain a perfect record while in high school, "I took it one match at a time," Alex replies. "Confidence helped me a lot, too. You've got to go out on the mat with the idea of winning." Alex's fourth and final high school title was made all the sweeter in that he was joined by three other Griffith grapplers as state titlewinners. "These guys were a big help in helping me train for competition," says Alex. During his prep wrestling career, Alex Tsirtsis' accomplishments weren't limited within the borders of the Hoosier state. In his senior year, Alex placed sixth at the 2004 FILA Junior World Freestyle Team Trials in the 145.5-pound weight class. Making the Midlands while still a prep Perhaps just as impressive, Alex was only the third high school wrestler ever to be invited to participate at the Midlands, the prestigious post-Christmas tournament held at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois just outside Chicago. (The other two prep grapplers who've competed during the 40+ years of the Midlands: Jimmy Carr and Cary Kolat, both of Pennsylvania.) In a pre-event article in the Chicago Tribune, Alex mentioned that he had attended the Midlands with his father for years. "It's like a true test before the NCAA tournament," Alex told the Tribune. "I don't know if there's a tougher college tournament besides the NCAA Championships. I just wanted to get a head start and see where I stand." Alex Tsirtsis (Photo/Johnnie Johnson)When the dust settled after the two-day tournament, Alex was 2-2 against some of the toughest college and club competition in the US. He lost his first Midlands match to ninth-seeded Max Meltzer of Harvard, 6-1. In a reversal of fortune, the then-high school senior pinned Eastern Illinois' Bob Fangeron in just less than two minutes … then got a 16-12 decision over University of Tennessee-Chattanooga's Michael Keefe. However, Alex lost his consolation-round match to eleventh-seeded Joe Clarke of West Virginia, 5-2. It would not be Alex Tsirtsis' last Midlands. Now wrestling for the Hawkeyes … With all these achievements in his sport in high school, Alex experienced the rush of being recruited by some of the top college wrestling programs in the country. "The most pressure in making the decision was put there by myself," says Alex. "As I was looking at schools, I always kept in my mind, �Which program best meets my goals?' Iowa meets my goals. They put me in the best position of realizing my goals of winning national titles and, eventually, wrestling at the Olympics." When Alex arrived at the University of Iowa, he did not have the luxury of redshirting his freshman year -- the opportunity to grow accustomed to rigors of college academics and the demands of collegiate wrestling -- but was inserted into the lineup right away at 141 pounds. As a true freshman, Alex got off to a great start, winning the title at the Kaufman-Brand Open. In his first year, Alex compiled a 27-13 overall record, going 22-12 in college competition. In dual meets, Alex built a 9-6 record (4-4 in Big Ten competition), scoring seven major decisions and two pins, and making an immediate contribution for the Hawkeyes by scoring 35 team points in dual competition. In addition, Alex made an impressive return to the Midlands tournament, placing sixth. Alex capped off his freshman year by placing fifth at the Big Ten championships. He also earned the coaches' appreciation team award. As a sophomore, Alex posted 23-10 overall record, securing a 22-10 mark in collegiate competition. He compiled a 12-6 record in dual meets, winning six of eight bouts in Big Ten dual meet competition, and contributing 41 team points. At the 2006 Big Ten Conference Championships at Indiana University, Alex placed third at 141. Two weeks later, at the NCAA Division I Championships at Oklahoma City, Alex earned All-American honors by placing seventh in the 141-pound weight class -- one of three Hawkeyes to claim All-American status. For all these accomplishments in his second year as an Iowa Hawkeye, Alex Tsirtsis earned the team's Mike J. McGivern Most Courageous Wrestler award, and his second athletic letter. The impact of changes in the coaching staff When Alex Tsirtsis made the commitment to head west from Griffith, Indiana on I-80 to wrestle at the University of Iowa, Jim Zalesky was the head coach of Hawkeyes. Not long after the 2006 NCAA's were history, so was Zalesky's association with his alma mater. Another Iowa mat champion, Tom Brands, was hired away from Virginia Tech, bringing along a new coaching staff of his own: Wes Hand, Doug Schwab and Mike Zadick, all products of the Iowa program. Joining the coaching staff is legendary former head coach Dan Gable. When discussing the new coaching situation, Alex says, "It was a challenge. I was close to the previous coaching staff." Then Alex quickly adds, "Both Zalesky and Brands are great coaches, both products of Gable and the Iowa way of wrestling with intensity." A day in the life of a Hawkeye Alex Tsirtsis' college routine changes from day to day. According to Alex, typically there's "lots of lifting and conditioning in the morning. Then, in the afternoon, there's practice sessions with live wrestling … It all adds up to about three hours a day." Alex Tsirtsis (Photo/Johnnie Johnson)During those practice sessions, Alex works out with two coaches who bring considerable accomplishments and experience: NCAA champ Doug Schwab, and Mike Zadick, recent silver medalist at the World Championships in China. As Alex describes this opportunity, "You can learn from anybody, see what works for them, what's made them successful. It should help me move to a higher level." It's not all wrestling for Alex. As an economics major, he has to balance the demands of the classroom with those of being a wrestler at one of the top programs in the country. "To make it all work, you have to be regimented," says Alex. "You have to plan your schedule and make the most efficient use of your time." "I like Iowa City a lot," says Alex. "I bought a house here. It's really a home away from home for me." Looking forward After knee surgery this summer, Alex Tsirtsis "definitely feels ready" for his junior year as the Iowa Hawkeyes' man at 141. He's expecting that there will be more national attention focused on Iowa this year because of the changes in the program. "We've got to stay focused, and not get caught up in the hype," according to Alex. "There are high expectations for us. Attitude and actions are now more important than ever." Alex Tsirtsis (Photo/Johnnie Johnson)Right now, Alex is focused on the upcoming season -- "working hard to make an even greater contribution to the team," says Alex. "I'm concentrating day-by-day on getting better, working towards accomplishing my goals" which ultimately include Big Ten and NCAA titles. Alex ultimately dreams of one day representing the US on the mats at the Olympics. "I plan to get back into freestyle competition at some point, but, right now, I'm concentrating on college," says Alex. As for life beyond wrestling, Alex is not sure about his career goals just yet, but says, "I like the idea of coaching. I see it as a way to give something to the sport."

EVANSTON, Ill -- Northwestern assistant coach Rob Eiter has resigned to accept a coaching position at the University of Pennsylvania, head coach Tim Cysewski announced today. Eiter spent nine seasons on Cysewski's Wildcat coaching staff. "I had a great experience at Northwestern and I owe a lot to Tim and the Northwestern family," Eiter said. "It was a tough decision to make, but one that was in the best interest of my family. Tim is not only a great coach, but also a great friend. I'm going to miss him, Drew (Pariano), the wrestlers and their parents." Eiter came to Northwestern from Clarion University, where served as an assistant from 1993-98. As a wrestler, Eiter was a member of the 1992 and 1996 Olympic freestyle teams and the 1993 and 1995 World Championship teams. He also was a five-time U.S. Open national champion and two-time World Cup silver medalist. Since Eiter's first season on the staff in 1997-98, the Wildcats have sent 34 wrestlers to the NCAA Championships, where they earned nine All-America honors. In addition, three Wildcats won Big Ten titles during his tenure. "Rob is a good friend and a good coach," Cysewski said. "He was a great teacher and has been an asset to our program. He will be missed and we wish him the best of luck." A search for a replacement is underway. The Wildcats, ranked top-10 in several preseason polls, begin their season Saturday, Nov. 4 at the Eastern Michigan Open.

Zachary Fowl isn't a name that many people know across the country in wrestling circles. His name doesn't carry the weight of Eustice, Nakamura, or even Cejudo. Yet Fowl, a 121-pounder from Port Deposit, Maryland, still looks forward to his chance to win a Regional Qualifier knowing that all he wants, is a chance. Fowl sent RPW President Matt Case a thank you note expressing his gratitude for his invitation to the Philadelphia qualifier set for November 11th. " I just wanted to thank Real Pro Wrestling for given me the opportunity to live my childhood dream!! It means the world to me and I am very grateful. I think organizations like RPW make America a better place. Thank you for opening this door." For years wrestlers have toiled in obscurity to continue their wrestling careers, with little chance to eke out a living perfecting a craft that is rarely understood by the mainstream press. Now with the advent of RPW's Season 2 wrestlers across the country are signing up for one of four Regional Qualifiers with sites on both increasing their longevity as an athlete and getting the sport more recognition. Mike Faust an up and coming heavyweight who graduated from Virginia Tech and is now a part of the Iowa Hawkeyes program sees the potential in Real Pro Wrestling. "I think its an exciting and innovative concept that will finally bring wrestling to mainstream America." Matt Morkel didn't have a prominent career in college but he is still enthusiastically pursuing the possibilities that RPW offers. Morkel an American University graduate and former wrestler for Omaha Skutt a powerhouse in Nebraska high school athletics clearly sees that RPW is more than just a wrestling TV show. "I think RPW is great for the sport of wrestling and everybody out there. I love the sport so much and I think the exposure wrestling will get from the league will open up new doors and households. I know if people get a chance to see it, they will appreciate it and all levels of wrestling will excel. I have gained a great deal from wrestling and the more people who can learn about the sport and benefit from it the better we all will be." Mike Faust (Photo/HokieSports.com)With attitudes like Fowl's, Faust's, and Morkel's, Real Pro Wrestling's Season 2 is a success in the making. The more the wrestling community sees the potential for the sport on television and in live events, the more wrestling supporters will want to support the efforts of RPW. Fans of wrestling have four great opportunities to see the Real Pro Wrestling qualifiers with the first event in San Jose, California October 28th, followed by the November 4th event in Mt. Vernon, Iowa. November 11th the Eastern Regional Qualifier in Philadelphia with the last qualifier occurring November 18th in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Applications for all weight classes are still being taken and aspiring wrestlers of all skill levels are encouraged to contact Dean Morrison at dean@realprowrestling.com This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it to find out how they can be a part of Season 2 with Real Pro Wrestling.

Team: 1. Fresno City 2. Sierra 3. Santa Ana 4. Palomar 5. Cerritos 6. Santa Rosa 7. Bakersfield 8. Mt. San Antonio 9. Sacramento City 10. Modesto Individual: 125: 1. Ivan Sanchez, Santa Ana 2. Chauncey Phillips, Sierra 3. Taylor McCorriston, Santa Rosa 4. Bobby Escalantes, Delta 5. Todd Wilcox, Sierra 6. Cecil Sebastian, Mt. San Antonio 7. Dominick Rucireta , Sacramento City 8. Klye Crouch , Fresno City 133: 1. Carlos Alaniz, Cerritos 2. Cody Gibson, Bakersfield 3. Gabe Aguilar, Santa Ana 4. Mike Righi, Fresno City 5. Rolando Velasco, Modesto 6. Eddy Ngo, West Valley 7. James Durrago, Chabot 8. Armando Martinez, Delta 141: 1. Jordan Keckler, Modesto 2. Edgar Mercado, Fresno City 3. Joe Serrato, Santa Ana 4. Tyson Knieram, Palomar 5. Jonathan Ronny, Chabot 6. Andrew Holmes, Cerritos 7. Randy Tambare, Sierra 8. Chris Alves, Shasta 149: 1. Alfonso Sanchez, Fresno City 2. Leland Gridley, Sierra 3. Joe Barajas, Palomar 4. Vlad Kochiev, Moorpark 5. Travis Wood, Sierra 6. Ian Millan, Rio Hondo 7. Scott Sandy, Sacramento City 8. Tony Ruiz, Cerritos 157: 1. J D Thrall, Sacramento City 2. Sinai Pezzat, Fresno City 3. Devin Vasquez, Santa Ana 4. Stuart Cole, Palomar 5. Ryan Sanchez, Palomar 6. Matt Giffin, Sierra 7. Mark Bertron, West Valley 8. Richard Orewyler, Mt San Antonio 165: 1. Glenn Shaw, Palomar 2. Michael Williams, Cuesta 3. Nick Bardsley, Fresno City 4. Jack Porter, Cerritos 5. Chris Minafao, West Valley 6. Daniel Garay, Mt San Antonio 7. Jaspreet Singh, Sierra 8. Josh Dixon, Sacramento City 174: 1. Klye Griffin, Santa Rosa 2. Tom Eaton, Santa Ana 3. Shaun Ceremello, Fresno City 4. Travis Edwards, Cuesta 5. Sean McAlenny, Bakersfield 6. Travis Tielens, Palomar 7. Ryan Sughrue, Modesto 8. Carlos Ordonez, Delta 184: 1. Tim Hawkins, Mt San Antonio 2. Jason Carrasco, Bakersfield 3. Steven Urquizo, Fresno City 4. Louie Audelo, Cerritos 5. Cory Compton, Sacramento City 6. Marques Gales, Santa Rosa 7. Mark Ryan, Santa Rosa 8. Joey Hauss, Moorpark 197: 1. Jayson Collard, Santa Rosa 2. Ryan Silvera, Mt San Antonio 3. Norman Nail, West Hills 4. Brandon Stickel, Sierra 5. Jacob Bingham, Santa Rosa 6. Joseph Ramirez, Modesto 7. Tyler Blair, Fresno City 8. Tim Wallace, Shasta 285: 1. Eric Nye, Sierra 2. Josh Marquez, Bakersfield 3. Brandon Doran, Cerritos 4. Luis Leyva, Fresno City 5. Victor Leyva, Fresno City 6. Robbie Roman-Marin, West Hills 7. Matt Klimik, Palomar 8. Tyler Porras, Santa Ana

STILLWATER, Okla. -- Oklahoma State head wrestling coach John Smith announced the Orange and Black Dual will be held on Nov. 2 at 7 p.m. inside Gallagher-Iba Arena. The Cowboys have six spots to fill off of last season's NCAA championship team. All-Americans Coleman Scott and Nathan Morgan will both move up in weight to 133 and 141, respectively. NCAA champion Johny Hendricks returns for his senior season at 165 pounds, and sophomore Brandon Mason is back at 174 after qualifying for the NCAA Championships a year ago. Despite the loss of six starters and three NCAA champions, the Cowboys are ranked second in the preseason polls after graduating three former NCAA champions. Minnesota is ranked No. 1, and the Cowboys will wrestle the Gophers in Minneapolis on Dec. 6. Hendricks is ranked No. 1 at 165 after winning the last two NCAA championships. Scott is ranked third, Morgan is ranked No. 4 and Mason is ranked as high as fifth by W.I.N Magazine. Redshirt freshman heavyweight Jared Rosholt is ranked 13th by W.I.N. Several Cowboys will have the opportunity to make the lineup for the first time. Juniors B.J. Jackson and Ryan Freeman will compete for the 149-pound spot vacated by three-time All-American Zack Esposito. As many as four wrestlers will compete for the vacancy at 157. Senior Eric Dabbs, junior Sam Lewnes and sophomore Newly McSpadden all have experience at the weight. The Cowboys lack experience at 125, 184 and 197. Redshirt freshmen Tyler Shinn and Mike Bizzle will be vying for the opening at 125. Sophomore Jared Shelton is dropping down in weight to wrestle at 184, where he will compete with juniors Jack Jensen and Brent Parkey. Juniors Chaz Cointment and Jake Duke are competing at 197, while freshman Carl Hines may be in the mix as well. The coaching staff will use the Orange and Black dual to help determine the lineup for their season opening dualagainst California-Davis on Nov. 12 at 2 p.m.

After winning a national title at the 2006 NAIA National Wrestling Tournament this spring, former Dana College wrestler Jimmy Rollins assumed he would be hanging up his gear for the last time. That is, until he was tapped to compete for a spot on a new professional wrestling league that is rapidly gaining nationwide attention. On November 4, Rollins will compete against some of the nation's top wrestlers at the Real Pro Wrestling Northern Region Qualifier in Mt. Vernon, Iowa. He will be vying for a spot on one of league's eight teams –- the California Claw, Chicago Groove, Iowa Stalkers, Minnesota Freeze, New York Outrage, Oklahoma Slam, Pennsylvania Hammer and the Texas Shooters. Launched in 2005, Real Pro Wrestling is a new professional league of sport wrestling, similar to the amateur wrestling found in the Olympic Games and at the college and high school level. Though it is considered a "professional" league because its members are paid, RPW isn't the same as traditional professional wrestling leagues like the WWE, which feature predetermined outcomes and operate under a different set of rules from amateur wrestling. RPW features a hybrid style of wrestling that combines the classic styles of Greco-Roman and Freestyle, the two Olympic sanctioned sports, along with elements of college and Sumo wrestling. Some of the rules have been modified to make the action more intense. Among the most noticeable changes are the following: • Two three-minute periods instead of three periods totaling seven minutes; • If a wrestler pushes his opponent out of the ring he gets a point; • The Bonus -- if a wrestler manages to stay in the center of the mat and stay aggressive, their bonus meter will go up. If they get the bonus, they get to go into a special position in which they can't lose any points and can gain points by throwing their opponents. Another unique aspect of RPW is that the matches are conducted in a specially designed coliseum which showcases a raised circular mat to facilitate better camera angles and to afford the live audience a better viewing experience. The circular mat allows for 360-degree camera angles. Matches are recorded and later broadcast in prime time on PAX TV and Fox Sports Net. Now starting its second season, RPW contacted wrestling programs throughout the country this summer in search of wrestlers to compete in four regional contests. The winners of these contests will go on to compete in super-regionals matches on January 7 in California When RPW representatives contacted Dana Head Wrestling Coach Rich Fergola, he gave them several names of Dana wrestlers he believed had the talent and skill to compete in the Northern Region Qualifier. An RPW representative conducted phone interviews with each of the wrestlers, and ultimately selected Rollins. "I'm always looking for ways to promote Dana wrestling and get more guys involved in freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling, and I thought this would be a great opportunity for both Jimmy and Dana's wrestling program," Fergola said. "Jimmy is a student coach for us, and he did very well for us as an athlete. This is an opportunity for him to elevate his level of competition, and at the same time bring a lot of attention to our program." Since being notified of his selection to compete in the regional competition, Rollins has been rigorously training to compete against other world-class wrestlers like Luke Eustice, Nate Gallick, Shawn Bunch, Dylan Long, Mark Rial, Ryan Churrella, Kyle Ceminara, Greg Wagner and Mike Faust. "The main challenge for me has been learning the rules of RPW since they are so different," he said. "I dabbled with freestyle and Greco-Roman before, but haven't competed in it since high school. I've been working to get my styles back and re-learn some of that stuff." Current and former Dana wrestlers and Dana's wrestling coaches have been instrumental in the training process, he said. Of his plan of attack, Rollins said: "I've got to stay with some of the bread-and-butter stuff that I've always used and try to pick up some new stuff here and there by watching other current wrestlers." Though he's likely to face some of the toughest competition of his wrestling career at the RPW regional, Rollins said he looks forward to the challenge and to the chance to return to the mat. "I'm nervous, but I'm excited too about being able to strap it up again and go out there and wrestle," he said. "I'm just going to train as hard as I can, get as prepared as I can, and go out there and let the chips fall where they may."

Blair, NE -- Dana College Head Wrestling Coach Richard Fergola announced the 2006-07 captains for the defending NAIA National Champions. Four captains were selected by their peers to help lead the Vikings towards another national championship. Leading the way for the Vikings will be three returning All-Americans and an Academic All-American. Craig Trampe, Burke Barnes and Terrence Almond all placed in 2006. Barnes is a two-time All-American while Almond will be looking to make history by becoming Dana's first four-time All-American. Joining these All-Americans is Webster Farris. Farris was a national qualifier in 2005 claiming the GPAC title and 4th at the Central Region before a severe knee injury. "These four men exemplify quality leadership skills and work ethic we will need to help guide this team this season," states Head Coach Richard Fergola.

A couple more studio shows then we hit the road in earnest as we visit America's Wrestling Rooms. So for now I give you the guests for This week on TDR- U Penn's Matt Valenti, this young man is on the fast track to greatness. His Coaches (Zeke Jones) understand this and look to make sure he stays on task. Smart, articulate and athletically gifted. What more could a coach want? Last Year -- 2005-06: NCAA National Champion at 133 lbs. ... All-American ... As NCAA tournament's sixth seed, beat Purdue's Chris Fleeger, 3-2, in national final ... EIWA Wrestler of the Year ... EIWA champion at 133 lbs ... Unanimous First-Team All-Ivy ... 36-2 overall record ... Tied his own single-season school record for wins ... Became first Penn junior to reach 100 career wins ... Ended season on a 24-match win streak ... Is sixth all-time on Penn's career wins list with 105 ... Took second at the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational ... Co-champion, along with Matt Eveleth, of the Keystone Classic ... Won the Brockport/Oklahoma Gold and the Keystone Classic. Matt Valenti International: FILA Junior All-American ... Junior National Freestyle Champion ... Cadet National All-American. Frank Popolizio, The "Coach" and founder of the Journeyman/Brute NE Collegiate Duals, Sat. November 25th, 2006 at the Guilderland HS, Guilderland Center NY. http://www.journeymenwrestling.com. Frank will talk about this years event and who is expected to compete. Martin Fleming founder of The Takedown Report, an insiders look at wrestling in and around the Carolinas will join us to examine all that is going on in the region. Most certainly we'll talk about the magic taking place at CD Mocks UNC Chapel Hill and the new coach at UNC Greensboro Jason Loukides. Also, the schools that have added wrestling at the HS or collegiate level. This should be a terrific focused look. Tune in. Randy Couture, will join us for an preview of all things going on in his life. Before entering the UFC, Randy Couture served in the U.S. Army from 1982–1988. Upon discharge, he was a three-time Olympic team alternate (1988, 1992 and 1996); a semifinalist at the 2000 Olympic Trials; a three-time National Collegiate Athletic Association D-I All-American; and a two-time NCAA finalist.[1] Randy Couture debuted in the UFC on May 30th, 1997 as part of UFC 13: The Ultimate Force. At the time, the event consisted of two four-man tournaments: one in the lightweight (under 200 lb) division and one in the heavyweight (200 lb and over) division. Couture fought in the heavyweight tournament, defeating Tony Halme and Steven Graham to win it. His next match was an elimination bout for the heavyweight title against the young Brazilian "Phenom", Vitor Belfort. Randy scored a TKO victory. Couture won his first Heavyweight title via decision in a 1997 match against kickboxer Maurice Smith. Couture was afterwards stripped of the title when he could not come to contractual terms with the UFC and its parent company at the time, Semaphore Entertainment Group. After leaving the UFC, Couture signed with the RINGS organization, a fightsport promotion primarily based out of Japan. His tenure with RINGS would prove to be short-lived. He returned to the UFC in 2000, where he recaptured the Heavyweight title from Kevin Randleman at UFC 28 on November 17 of that year. After two consecutive losses in the heavyweight division to larger opponents, including a title loss to Josh Barnett, Couture moved down a weight class to fight at 205 lbs in the UFC's light-heavyweight division where he stayed for the remainder of his fighting career. In his light-heavyweight debut, Couture took on long-time number one contender Chuck Liddell for the Interim Light-Heavyweight Championship. Couture emerged victorious by TKO in the third round, and became the only competitor to win championship titles in two weight classes. His next bout was billed as a "Champion Vs. Champion" fight in order to settle who was the rightful, undisputed champion of the division; Couture faced the five-time defending champion Tito Ortiz for the Undisputed Light-Heavyweight title. He controlled the younger Ortiz throughout the five rounds of the fight, scoring a unanimous decision and becoming UFC's Undisputed Light-Heavyweight Champion at age 40. On April 16, 2005, Couture lost his title and suffered the first knockout-loss of his career in a rematch with Chuck Liddell. Couture came back in August with a win over Mike van Arsdale to reestablish himself as a top contender. He faced Liddell again for the third and final time in a title match on February 4, 2006 at UFC 57; he did not succeed, however, and once again suffered a knockout-loss. Immediately after the match, he announced his retirement from the sport.On June 24, 2006, Couture became the fourth fighter to be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame, joining Royce Gracie, Dan Severn, and Ken Shamrock. Couture, now retired from "the Octagon", has embarked on a variety of activities, including appearing at UFC events as a broadcast commentator. He will also appear in the upcoming Rob Schneider comedy Big Stan, along with MMA fighters Don Frye and Bob Sapp. Maurice "Mo" Smith, former UFC kick boxing star now head coach for the International Fight League. (born December 13, 1961) Mo is an American and former kickboxer who also had succeeded in professional mixed martial arts. He is a member of Team Alliance and has a professional MMA record of 11-9-0 as of November 17, 2000. In 1997, he fought for the Ultimate Fighting Championship heavyweight title against Randy Couture, losing by judge's decision. He is now a coach for the International Fight League. 2nd UFC Champion holding the title between July 27, 1997 - December 21, 1997 Author Christopher Nowinski, Former WWE Superstar, Harvard Quarterback will join us to discuss sports dirty little secret. Head injuries and the sports the ignore them. Most Notably football but wrestling has to deal with this as well as Greco athletes will tell you. Christopher's new book is called "Head Games: Football's Concussion Crisis" Please join us each Saturday from 9 AM to 11:00 AM CST throughout the year for the very best in sports radio, Takedown Wrestling Radio!

First off, I would like to start by saying it is my hope that people read this simply to realize how much dedication wrestling takes. I am Jake Herbert, a junior at Northwestern University and I will be sharing my season with the readers of RevWrestling.com. Wrestling is not just a sport for me. Rather, it is a lifestyle. This past summer I qualified to compete in the University World Games by winning the University Nationals title, held at Northwestern. This was my first trip overseas to wrestle … and the start of my international career. Jake Herbert (Photo/Stephen J. Carrera)On June 7, the University World Team got together at the Olympic Training Center (OTC) to prepare for the championships, which were held in Mongolia. I was fortunate in that I was able to train with fellow collegiate wrestlers who share the same passion for the sport as I do. The training was intense at the OTC, but the mood was light. My fellow teammates were fun to be around and they had a competitive edge about them at all times. I believe that our Northwestern team has a similar mindset. We work extremely hard, but we know how to relax and have fun with the sport. Another similarity between the University World Team and my Northwestern team is that we have numerous guys that want to win NCAA titles and world medals. It is a great environment to be around and I wouldn't trade it for anything. In general, the wrestlers competing at the World University Games were tough, but they were not in the shape that our team was in. Certain people might find this hard to believe, but I lost every single first period out there. However, the international style (of sometimes slowing down the match) did not allow my opponents to keep up with my match pace. I ended up winning the bronze medal. To be honest, I was happy that I earned a medal in my first international competition. On the flight home, all I could think about was the Russian wrestler that I lost to (he ended up winning the gold medal). I knew that my technique needed to improve if I was going to beat him in future bouts. I made up my mind on the flight; I no longer was to lose … any match! Throughout the rest of the summer, I was a clinician at camps around the country. I feel that camps improve my technique and I love working with kids who want to excel in our sport. I worked camps in Illinois (The Northwestern Camps), Ohio, Iowa, Missouri, and of course, my home state of Pennsylvania. I love being on the mats in the morning, noon, and night! Plus, I always look forward to improving my technique and the technique of those around me. After that, I had a couple weeks off to go back home and relax with my family and friends. Jake Herbert (Photo/Stephen J. Carrera)School has been in session for about a month now, and classes are going well. I have my first midterm tomorrow and I am done studying for the night. It is another goal of mine to keep my grades up so I can be an Academic All-American again this year. The NU team is looking very tough! I love the attitude that the freshmen class bring(s) to the team. In addition, we don't have one senior on the team, so everyone will be back in 2007-08. It is an exciting time to be at Northwestern. The next two years we will be young and our potential is unlimited. I always say that a great part of wrestling is the fact that on any given day any man can be beat. On a sad note, my pull-up championship was taken from me this year by a freshman! Keith Sulzer (the former St. Edward High School wrestler) beat my total by pumping out 50 straight pull-ups. I had 49, but don't worry, we will have a rematch this week. In closing, I really feel great as this year begins. I want the national title and I believe that this is my year. It is a goal of mine to outwork everyone. I was one match short last year … I want to have the perfect NCAA tournament this year. After that, I want to make the senior level world team. Those are my goals for the year! Until next time, take care. I challenge you to work hard and the results will be well worth it! Jake Herbert

Blair, NE -- Dana's wrestling Head Coach Richard Fergola announced today that the annual Red & White Classic wrestle-offs will be held this Friday October 20th at 7:00 pm in the Gardner-Hawks Center. The defending NAIA National Champions will be looking to replace a record setting line-up that went into the history books as the highest scoring team in NAIA's 50 years of wrestling championships. The Vikings held their annual Team Trials on Saturday October 14th at the Gardner-Hawks Center. This event is held just like a challenge tournament in which brackets are set-up and the finalists earn the right to compete in the Red & White Classic this Friday to see who will claim the top spot in their weight. The three returning All-Americans for Dana were exempt from the Team Trials and await the winner of the challenge tournament. Craig Trampe (125), Burke Barnes (133) and Terrence Almond (141) all sat out of the challenge tournament, but will take on the winners of the tournament on Friday in the Red & White. The Red & White Classic will also feature four honorary coaches for the event. This year marks the third year that the Red & White Classic will feature honorary coaches. This year's coaches are Ron Beaman, Perry Mostek, Steve Hansen and Pete Isham. Beaman is a former head coach of the Vikings for almost 20 years. Mostek is a Dana wrestling alumni and All-American and Wrestler of the Year for the Vikings in 1999. Steve Hansen is the father of current Dana wrestler Chancy Hansen. Mr. Hansen and his wife Debbie have been major supporters of the Dana Wrestling program. Hansen wrestled at the University of Iowa and also hosts the Viking wrestling team on his ranch in Valentine, NE for the annual Team Retreat. Pete Isham is also a Dana wrestling alumni and is the current Assistant Coach at Millard North High School in Omaha. Spectators will also get a chance to meet the new Vikings which were considered the No. 2 Non-Division I recruiting class in the country by Wrestling USA magazine. Following the Red & White Classic on Saturday October 21st will be the annual Fall Wrestling Clinic. Feature clinician will be 1992 Olympic Champion, 2x World Champion and current U.S. Head Freestyle coach Kevin Jackson as well as the Dana College National Champion athletes and coaching staff. The clinic registration begins at 8:00 am with the clinic starting at 9:00 am. For the registration form, go to: Fall Clinic For the Red & White Classic line-ups, see below: 2006 Dana College Wrestling Red & White Classic Line-Ups: Weight White Team Red Team 125 Craig Trampe, Sr. vs. Ty Costa, Fr. 133 Burke Barnes, Jr. vs. Eric Graham, Fr. 141 Terrence Almond, Sr. vs. Brian Graham, Fr. 149 Clinton Dale, Jr. vs. Marcos Martinez, Jr. 157 Jason Bilinski, Jr. vs. Dan Pray, Jr. 165 Bula Tuzon, R-Fr. vs. Jordan Davis, Fr. 174 Josh Ghobadpoor, Fr. vs. Ross Milam, So. 184 Webster Farris, Jr. vs. Jon Wilbourne, Fr. 197 Wade Jordan, Jr. vs. John Schmalz, Fr. 285 Jesse Boggs, R-Fr. vs. Shawn Gach, R-Fr. Coaches: Ron Beaman, Steve Hansen Perry Mostek, Pete Isham

Please Note: RevWrestling.com is dedicated to covering and promoting amateur wrestling on all levels. However, on occasion, RevWrestling.com will look at mixed martial arts (MMA) as it relates to amateur wrestling. Tonight's MMA fight card from the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas features two UFC championships (middleweight and lightweight) and seven other matches, including a heavyweight, light-heavy heavyweight, and middleweight fight, plus two additional welterweight and lightweight fights. This the first time there has been a 155-pound lightweight championship since "Little Evil" Jens Pulver held the belt many years ago. Pulver came back to fight in the UFC last month, but was upset by Dan Lauzon, who is on tonight's card. But, tonight, it is Sean "The Muscle Shark" SHERK (29-2-1) against Kenny "KenFlo" FLORIAN (7-2-0). Sherk is a poor man's Matt Hughes, a muscle bound ball of speed with relentless pursuit. His only two losses are to Hughes and Georges St. Pierre. Not bad. Florian continues to amaze. His modest physique will look scrawny in the ring with Sherk. But, fights aren't won by looks. Unlike Sherk, Florien is a patient fighter. While the Muscle Shark will try to roll through KenFlo like a locomotive, Kenny will wait for the mistake to happen and will capitalize on it like a striking cobra snake. I see underdog FLORIAN (+290) winning in the 2nd round by submission. That will make him the first Spike TV TUF fighter to be crowned a champion! In the featured fight, middleweight championship, Rich "Ace" FRANKLIN (22-1-0) defends his title against Anderson "The Spider" SILVA (15-4), a Brazilian jiu-jitsu fighter known for his devastating strikes, hands, knees, and feet. Silva is a master technician who is lightning fast. Ace Franklin is just plain awesome. Franklin usually gets the upper hand with some ferocious stand-up, his lengthy frame and long legs make a dangerous. Yet, his ground skills are supposed to be among the best. He usually ends his fight by TKO with some savage elbows and fists reigning down on his staggered opponent. Anderson Silva does not plan to follow that pattern. Coming off his impressive 1st round KO of Chris Leben, a man with an iron chin, Silva may be on top of his game. His confidence and perhaps the fact that Franklin is coming in after an injury (broken hand) may create a scenario for another big upset. I think Silva will shock the UFC world with a 1st round KO over Rich Franklin! … and history may show that it wasn't an upset at all. In other fights on the card: Cheick KONGO (19-2-1) weeps his UFC record perfect with an easy 1st round KO over Carmelo MARRERO (5-0-0). If you are into bridge jumping, KONGO (–500) cashes the winning ticket. It will only be a matter of time before we see this stud up against Tim Silvia for the heavyweight belt. Jon FITCH (16-2-0) wins by submission over Kuniyoshi HIRONAKA (10-2-0). Fitch is being touted as the best welterweight fighter out there that nobody has seen. Tonight we get to. Fitch is a workout machine and should win this as a (-325) favorite. Spencer FISHER (19-2-0) wins by submission over Dan LAUZON (4-0-0). Can you say "young and brash?" That's Dan "The Upgrade" Lauzon, who just shocked the world with a 1st round KO over Jens Pulver, ruining "Little Evil's" return to the UFC. Tonight he goes to school against Spencer Fisher, no small task. Fisher will get his pound of flesh before taking Lauzon to the mat and ending the show with a rear-naked chokehold. Fisher wins by submission in the 2nd round as a (-420) favorite. Keith "The Dean of Mean" JARDINE (11-3-1) takes on the human tattoo, Mike Nickels (4-1-0) in a Light heavyweight match. Mean Jardine should have little trouble with his less experienced opponent. This one ends with a 2nd round KO. Jardine (-500) keeps the favorites in clover. Middleweight Kalib STARNES (9-1-1) gets a shot at a very experienced Yushin OKAMI(18-3-0). As a small underdog (+105) Starnes wins a close decision. Lightweight Clay "The Carpenter" Guida (20-3-0) should get a submission win over a determined Justin James (22-5-0). Guida, of the long locks, has a wrestling edge that should allow him to control the fight, opening up the opportunity for an armbar submission in the 2nd round. The favored Guida (-275) cashes the winning ticket. Kurt "Batman" Pellegrino (14-2-0) submits a less experienced Junior ASSUNCAO (5-1-0). Pellegrino with the green hair has won 75% of his fights by submission. Assuncao is a MMA unknown. Favorite Pellegrino (-300) gets the bacon. Well, that's it for now. Enjoy the fights. And, please notice how wrestlers stand tall in the octagon of mixed martial artists. The ability to control your opponent's body gives a fighter the necessary tools to take away his opponent's game. And, that is usually a formula for success in the UFC. More later. The UFC Monster.

The Rev Wrestler of the Year award is given annually to the most outstanding collegiate wrestler in the country as voted on by a panel of RevWrestling.com writers and executives … and now the fans. This season, the fans will be included in the selection process for the Rev Wrestler of the Year. The fan voting will take place on RevWrestling.com after the NCAA Division I Championships in Auburn Hills, Mich. Last season, Missouri's Ben Askren won the Rev Wrestler of the Year award, tallying seven of the eight first-place votes. Now it's time to handicap the field for this year's Rev Wrestler of the Year award. In inverse order, below are the top 10 candidates: *Please note: The NWCA All-Star Classic held at the Dallas Convention Center Arena on Nov. 20 was not included as a key date for any of the wrestlers. 10. Roger Kish (Minnesota, Junior, 184) Why he has a shot: Kish remains one of the most gifted wrestlers in the country. After a disappointing freshman season in 2004-05 (by many people's standards, considering his hype coming out of high school), he came back to finish as the NCAA runner-up last season at 184. The fact that he wrestles for the preseason No. 1-ranked Gophers helps his chances because of the national exposure he'll get. What hurts him: His weight class, 184, isn't recognized as one of the toughest weight classes nationally. Kish has battled some inconsistency and injuries throughout his young career. And while he'll certainly gets exposure wrestling for the Gophers, he also gets overshadowed by NCAA champion teammates Dustin Schlatter and Cole Konrad. Roger KishKey dates: On Nov. 25, the Gophers head to Albany (N.Y.) for the Northeast Duals, where Kish could potentially meet All-American Josh Glenn of American. However, there have been rumors circling that Glenn might be moving up to 197 this season. The two met at the Northeast Duals last season … where Glen pinned Kish. Ironically, the Gophers do not wrestle Northwestern in a dual this season, so Kish will not see Jake Herbert during the regular season, but could potentially meet him at the NWCA National Duals on Jan. 13-14. Odds: 25-1. For Kish to even be mentioned as a contender for the Rev Wrestler of the Year award, he must go undefeated, beat Herbert, and completely dominate his competition this season. 9. Matt Valenti (Penn, Senior, 133) Why he has a shot: He's the defending NCAA champion at 133 and a two-time All-American. Last season as the No. 6 seed at the NCAA Championships, Valenti defeated the No. 3 seed (Tom Clum of Wisconsin) in the quarterfinals, the No. 2 seed (Nathan Morgan of Oklahoma State) in the semifinals, and the No. 5 seed (Chris Fleeger of Purdue) in the finals. He also has arguably the best lightweight coach in the country in Olympic silver medalist Zeke Jones. What hurts him: Not wrestling in the Big Ten or Big 12 conferences. East coast and Ivy League wrestling fans are well aware of Valenti's talents. He was a two-time New Jersey state champion and Junior Nationals Freestyle champion. He has dominated Ivy League competition since he stepped foot on the Penn campus. But consider this: The top 10 teams in the preseason Rev All-Division Collegiate Team Rankings come from either the Big Ten or Big 12. So, no matter how great Valenti performs this season, Big Ten and Big 12 wrestling fans will point out the fact that he doesn't see the best competition. Jake Strayer of Penn State, who is currently ranked No. 7, gave Valenti one of his two losses last season. Key dates: The only top 20 teams that Penn duals this season are No. 11 Cornell (Feb. 9), No. 15 Hofstra (Jan. 26), and No. 24 Nebraska (Feb. 17). However, Penn does travel to the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational on Dec. 1-2 and the NWCA National Duals on Jan. 13-14. Last season, Valenti was runner-up in Las Vegas to Shawn Bunch of Edinboro. There's a chance Valenti could meet No. 4 Tyler McCormick of Missouri, No. 5 Matt Keller of Tennessee Chattanooga, No. 6 Darrell Vasquez of Cal Poly, or No. 8 Drew Headlee of Pittsburgh in Las Vegas. Valenti will surely see some stiff competition at the NWCA National Duals, too. Odds: 20-1. A perfect season capped off with his second straight NCAA title will put him in the discussion, but a single loss will immediately take him out of consideration for the award. 8. Mark Perry (Iowa, Junior, 165) Why he has a shot: He's moving down to 165 and most importantly away from the best wrestler in the country, Ben Askren of Missouri. Perry is a go-for-broke wrestler who excites wrestling fans because of his wide open style. He's comfortable on his feet, tough on top, and loves to scramble. He's a pinner, too. He led the Hawkeyes with 13 last season … and also picked up the award at the NCAA Championships for most falls in least amount of time. What hurts him: The 165-pound weight class is considered by many to be on the deepest nationally as it occupies eight All-Americans and a two-time NCAA champion in Johny Hendricks of Oklahoma State. Iowa wrestles a tough schedule and Perry will see the nation's top wrestlers week in and week out, which increases the likelihood that he'll slip up and lose a match or two. Perry was also banged up last season. He missed eight duals and often times wrestled hurt. One of Perry's main workout partners, Tim Hartung, is gone … having joined Cael Sanderson's staff at Iowa State. Mark Perry (Photo/Johnnie Johnson)Key dates: On Jan. 19, Perry will head to Stillwater, where he was born and raised, and face Hendricks in what should be a hostile environment. A lot has been made of the fact that Perry is the nephew of the Smith brothers … and that his father, Mark, was a longtime coach for the Cowboys. The two wrestlers have a rivalry that goes all the way back to their high school days, when Hendricks defeated Perry in the finals of Junior Nationals. Hendricks was 3-0 against Perry two seasons ago, including a victory in the NCAA finals. Odds: 15-1. If Perry goes undefeated, beats Hendricks, and wins the 165-pound title, he has to be considered one of the leading candidates for the Rev Wrestler of the Year award. But those are some mighty big ifs. 7. Troy Nickerson (Cornell, Sophomore, 125) Why he has a shot: Nickerson, a five-time New York state champion, lived up to his billing last season as a true freshman going 32-2 en route to an NCAA runner-up finish at 125. What hurts him: Like Valenti, Nickerson wrestles in the Ivy League, so he doesn't get the exposure of the top Big Ten and Big 12 wrestlers. He also lost a great coach, mentor, and workout partner in Steve Garland, who was hired as Virginia new head coach in April. Former Lehigh star Cory Cooperman was added to the Cornell staff, though. Key dates: Make no mistake about it, even though Nickerson doesn't wrestle in the Big Ten or Big 12, his schedule is anything but soft. He'll compete in three of collegiate wrestling's most prestigious events: Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational (Dec. 1-2), Southern Scuffle (Dec. 29-30), and the NWCA National Duals (Jan. 13-14). Cornell also duals No. 9 Penn State (Jan. 7), No. 10 Ohio State (Nov. 26), No. 12 Penn (Feb. 9), No. 13 Harvard (Feb. 16), No. 15 Hofstra (Feb.3), and No. 23 Arizona State (Jan. 21). Odds: 12-1. The 125-pound weight class appears to be a three-wrestler race between Nickerson, Sam Hazewinkel of Oklahoma, and Nick Simmons of Michigan State. If Nickerson can win the NCAA title and go undefeated, he should at least be in the mix. 6. Sam Hazewinkel (Oklahoma, Senior, 125) Why he has a shot: Hazewinkel is one of the nation's top collegiate wrestlers, even though he has yet to reach the top of the podium at the NCAA Championships. He has placed third the past three seasons, losing close matches in the semifinals to the eventual NCAA champion in each of those seasons. The two-time Big 12 champion has suffered only nine losses in his entire collegiate career. Last season, he defeated Nickerson at the NWCA National Duals, handing the Cornell standout his first and only regular season defeat. Hazewinkel is also an Olympic hopeful in Greco-Roman. What hurts him: As previously mentioned, Hazewinkel has yet to get through the semifinal roadblock at the NCAA Championships. Until he reaches the NCAA finals and gets that elusive title, he'll just be thought of as a very good collegiate wrestler and a Greco-Roman specialist. Sam Hazewinkel (Photo/John Sachs)Key dates: Hazewinkel and the Sooners will compete at the NWCA Nationals Duals (Jan. 13-14), so there is a good chance that he'll face some highly-ranked wrestlers. In the last dual meet of the season for the Sooners on Feb. 23, Hazewinkel will face Nick Simmons of Michigan State in East Lansing. That showdown between two of the best 125-pounders in the country will go a long way in determining seeds for the NCAA Championships. Hazewinkel and Simmons split two matches last season. Odds: 11-1. If Hazewinkel goes undefeated and wins his first NCAA title, he'll be mentioned in the Rev Wrestler of the Year conversation. But in order for him to have any chance at winning the award, he'll need a few of the top contenders to falter. 5. Jake Herbert (Northwestern, Junior, 184) Why he has a shot: Like Mark Perry of Iowa, Herbert is wisely moving away from Ben Askren of Missouri. Perry is moving down to 165, while Herbert is moving up to 184. You could make a pretty strong case that Herbert was one of the top two or three wrestlers in the entire country regardless of weight class last season. Unfortunately for Herbert, he was in the same weight class as Askren, who gave him his only blemish last season in the NCAA finals. Herbert posted a 36-1 record last season, including a perfect 14-0 dual and 8-0 Big Ten mark. He also had two convincing wins over Perry. What hurts him: Herbert is a strong, physical wrestler who shouldn't have any problems moving up in weight. But there's always some uncertainty when wrestlers move into new weight classes and face a new opponents. If Herbert would have stayed at 174 and avenged his loss to Askren en route to an NCAA title this season, it would have likely propelled him into the top spot for the Rev Wrestler of the Year. Key dates: Herbert will compete in three premier collegiate events: Reno Tournament of Champions (Dec. 20), Midlands (Dec. 29-30), and the Nationals Duals (Jan. 13-14). He has won Midlands titles the past two seasons in his home arena … and last season he was named Midlands Champion of Champions, an award voted on by all the tournament champions. He will not meet Kish in a regular season dual meet (since Northwestern and Minnesota do not dual each other), but could potentially face him at the NWCA National Duals or Big Ten Championships. Herbert defeated Kish, 4-0, 5-1, in freestyle at the University Nationals in late April. Odds: 10-1. If Herbert and Askren both win titles and go undefeated, it will be extremely difficult for Herbert to win the Rev Wrestler of the Year award … because the memory of Askren's convincing 14-2 major decision victory is still etched in many people's minds. 4. Johny Hendricks (Oklahoma State, Senior, 165) Why he has a shot: Hendricks is the defending two-time NCAA champion at 165 who knows how to win when it matters most. He's the leader of the four-time defending champion Cowboys. Love him or hate him, he puts on a great show every single time he steps on a wrestling mat. He's an aggressive wrestler who is solid in every position. Johny Hendricks (Photo/John Sachs)What hurts him: Some call it confidence, some call it arrogance. Regardless, Hendricks remains one of the most controversial collegiate wrestlers of this generation. He is booed in almost every arena outside Stillwater. There is a large contingency of wrestling fans who believe that Hendricks benefited from some favorable calls in the NCAA finals against Michigan's Ryan Churella. Hendricks seems to raise his level at the NCAA Championships, but he has also been known to have occasional letdowns during the regular season. Those letdowns have prevented him from finishing a season undefeated. Last season, Hendricks was pinned by Oregon's Joey Bracamonte at the Reno Tournament of Champions … and he also needed overtime to defeat Matt Pell of Missouri in the Big 12 finals. Key dates: Hendricks will compete at the Reno Tournament of Champions (Dec. 20) and the NWCA National Duals (Jan. 13-14), but the date that everyone in the wrestling world is circling on their calendars is Jan. 19, when Hendricks faces Perry in Stillwater. Odds: 8-1. Hendricks has a chance to become the Cowboys 15th three-time NCAA champion. But he's a bit too controversial to garner enough votes from the writers and fans to win the award. 3. Cole Konrad (Minnesota, Senior, Hwt) Why he has a shot: Konrad was an undefeated NCAA champion last season at heavyweight for Minnesota. He's big, strong, and extremely athletic for a big man. He toppled his nemesis, Steve Mocco of Oklahoma State, four times last season. What hurts him: The heavyweight division graduated five of the eight All-Americans from last season, including four of the top five. Konrad no longer has to worry about Mocco, which is a good thing for him, but many believe that he won't have anyone to challenge him this season. Key dates: Konrad needs just 18 wins to break Tim Hartung's school record of 58 consecutive wins. He should surpass that mark at the NWCA National Duals on Jan. 13-14 … or shortly after. Odds: 7-1. Konrad would be a front-runner to win this award in past season, but he faces some stiff competition this season. Unless teammate Dustin Schlatter loses … or Askren gets injured, it will be difficult for Konrad to win the award. 2. Dustin Schlatter (Minnesota, Sophomore, 149) Why he has a shot: Schlatter, a sophomore, is on track to become one of the greatest collegiate wrestlers of all time. Last season as a true freshman, Schlatter won an NCAA title in arguably the toughest weight class in the country (149). He defeated 2005 NCAA champion Zack Esposito of Oklahoma State twice, including an 11-2 thumping in a February dual meet in Oklahoma City. Schlatter finished with a 42-1 record (his only loss occurred in November, which he later avenged) and became Minnesota's first freshman NCAA champion ever. He also became just the ninth Golden Gopher wrestler to win a Big Ten title and NCAA title in the same season. What hurts him: The fact that Ben Askren is back for one more season is the only thing standing in the way of Schlatter and the Rev Wrestler of the Year award. Esposito and NCAA runner-up Ty Eustice of Iowa have graduated, so many wonder if there is anyone in the country who can challenge Schlatter. Some might argue that Konrad, a senior, is the top wrestler on the team, which could take votes away from Schlatter. Key dates: On Dec. 8, Schlatter will take on highly touted freshman Cyler Sanderson of Iowa State at Hilton Coliseum in Ames. On Dec. 29-30, Schlatter and the Gophers will wrestle in the Southern Scuttle … where he could potentially meet returning sophomore All-American Gregor Gillespie of Edinboro. In addition to competing in the NWCA Nationals Duals (Jan. 13-14), Schlatter will also see three of the top 10 149-pounders in dual meets this season. Odds: 6-1. Schlatter should be the clear front-runner to win the Rev Wrestler of the Year award next season as a junior (and again as a senior), but with Askren back, it's going to be difficult to win this season. 1. Ben Askren (Missouri, Senior, 174) Why he has a shot: Askren is the reigning Rev Wrestler of the Year, winning the award with seven of the eight first-place votes. Last season, he finished with a perfect 45-0 record, which is the only undefeated season in the history of the Missouri program. He also set Missouri season records for pins (25), consecutive wins (45), and he currently owns the record for most career pins at Missouri (61). He dominated everyone who stepped on the mat with him last season, including Herbert, who he dominated in the NCAA finals by a score of 14-2. What hurts him: Lack of competition. Some wonder if Askren has simply gotten bored with collegiate wrestling because of his domination. There are times when it looks like he's merely toying with his opponent before racking up another pin. Of last season's top 174-pounders, Herbert (runner-up), Perry (third place), and Hoftra's Mike Patrovich (fourth place), have all wisely moved out of the weight class. The chances of Askren losing a match this season are about as great as Bucknell (no offense intended) winning the team title at the NCAA Championships. Ben Askren (Photo/John Sachs)Key dates: It's tough to pinpoint any key dates on Askren's schedule because it's unlikely that he'll get a serious test this season. However, if you're a collegiate wrestling fan who wants to see Askren in action, he'll be competing at the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational (Dec. 1-2), Southern Scuffle (Dec. 29-30), and NWCA National Duals (Jan. 13-14). Odds: 6-5. It's hard to imagine Askren being any more dominant than he was last season. But with Herbert, Perry, and Patrovich all moving into different weight classes, Askren has a legitimate chance to put together the most dominant single season in the history of collegiate wrestling.

Last March, Nate Gallick of Iowa State prepared to battle Teyon Ware of Oklahoma for the right to be NCAA champion at 141lbs. Gallick had beaten Ware seven out of eight previous matches, the lone loss occuring in the 2005 NCAA title match. Gallick triumped in 2006 with a first period takedown that held up for a 3-2 victory. Gallick is now competing for the Cyclone Wrestling Club in Ames, IA and will wrestle as long as his body holds up. Only 23 years old, the future looks bright for this Arizona native. Gallick headlines a talented field of post collegiate wrestlers who will compete at RealProWrestling's North Regional qualifying tournament on Saturday, November 4 at Cornell College in Mount Vernon, IA. Gallick will wrestle at 132lbs. MIchigan All-Americans Ryan Churella (163) and Greg Wagner (264) will also challenge for RPW regional titles. Luke Eustice was an NCAA runner-up for Iowa in 2002 and will compete at 121. Former UNI star Dylan Long will be in the mix at 145. Successful wrestlers from all collegiate divisions including Junior College, NAIA as well as NCAA Division II and III will be looking to make their mark in Season 2 of RealProWrestling. Including: 121 - Desmond Radunz (Moorehead State University)- 2x DII qualifier, 2x Greco FILA AA, 2x FS AA. 211 - Israel Silva (University Tenn. Chattanooga/Jr College)-2x NJCAA AA, University Nationals Champ 132 - James Rollins (Dana College) - 2002 NJCAA National Champ, 2006 NAIA National Champ "I'm pretty excited about it. I think what they're doing is pretty important, getting wrestling out there and put in the mainstream, getting it on television." Gallick mentioned. "I'm training right now and getting myself prepared. The main goal now is to make that 2008 Olympic (freestyle) team." Gallick looks to conquer other challenges in the meantime. He will compete October 12-14 at the Sunkist Kids/ASU International Open in Tempe, AZ. Gallick hasn't changed his training regiment and feels his freestyle and previous greco-roman experiences will bode well for him in RPW matches. "I think RealProWrestling has some potential to be pretty big." Gallick noted. RealProWrestling has the same seven weight classes as international wrestling, those include: 121, 132, 145, 163, 185, 211 and 264. Athletes can still apply to compete at the North Regional in Mount Vernon by going to www.realprowrestling.com