InterMat Staff

Who: Title Fight Championship presents Ground and Pound: The Beginning Starring 8 x UFC Welter Weight Champion Matt Hughes and 5X UFC Champion Randy "The Natural" Couture When: Friday April 21st, 2006 Doors open at 6:00 PM Fights start at 7:30 PM Where: 7 Flags Events Center, 2100 NW 100th St,Clive, Iowa 50325 -- 515-278-8888 Tickets: Tickets are priced at $75.00 Ringside and $35.00 General admission and can be purchased at the 7 Flags Events Center front desk, Mondays through Sundays; at Iowa Video, 2822 Beaver Ave, Des Moines, Iowa (515) 274-4257, info at Titlefightchampionship.com or for credit cards by calling (515)-274-0849. VIP Tickets are sold out! What: Are you ready? Iowa's voice of NCAA Wrestling, MMA Fighting and Pro Boxing Scott Casber and his partner and long time Motocross Star turned promoter Tony Wenck are proud to bring Title Fight Championships to the 7 Flags Events Center for a night of unparalleled mixed martial arts fights at 7:30 p.m. Sat April 21. Meet the legend 5X UFC Champion Randy "The Natural" Couture Shake the Hand of Special TFC Official and 8 x UFC Welter Weight Champion Matt Hughes Witness the pinnacle of athleticism and sportsmanship as TFC showcases world-class fighters from around the midwest , including many of the midwest's top contenders. Watch as TFC welcomes 2 X NCAA All American and Couture Trained Gray Maynard to the ranks of the pros! See the return of The War Frog Ronnie Britt, Ian Tice, Chuck Grigsby, Waylon Wolf, Chris Mickle, Joe Jordan, Mike Van Meer and many others! Be there as TFC Pays Tribute and honors the greatest Ultimate Fighter of all Time. Former 5X UFC champion Randy "The Natural" Couture, The man that made the term Ground and pound part of the MMA vocabulary. Join the hundreds that already purchased their tickets to become part this legendary night of one-on-one combat. (for those unable to attend Title Fight Championship presents Ground and Pound: The Beginning in person please tune to www.Takedownradio.com the voice of Wrestling and MMA for all of the action LIVE from ring side with your hosts Steve Foster, Nick Passolano and Nick Britton!) Title Fight Championship presents Ground and Pound: The Beginning The TFC Card (subject to change): Mike Cinowoski Vs. Leo Sylvest* Mike Van Meer Vs. Waylon Wolf* Ronnie Britt Vs Josh Pankey* Ian Tice Vs Matt Albright* Chris Mickle Vs Adam Hopper* Joe Jordan Vs Trent Blair* Chuck Grigsby Vs Chris Clark* Nick Marin Vs Mike Adams* Josh Powell Vs Gray Maynard* Brian Green Vs Jason Purcell* Joe Vedapoe Vs TBA* Brian Valline Vs TBA* Josh Gutcher Vs TBA* Iron Jaw Jesse Sanders Vs Plus 3 to 4 more big bouts For more information about this evening of MMA action call Scott Casber or Tony Wenck at 515-274-0849

Olympic silver medalist Jamill Kelly spent this past weekend working with the Carrie Garth Wells Institute (CGWI) in Oklahoma City to help raise money for disadvantaged children and families throughout Oklahoma. Kelly was one of the many stars on hand at Terrance Jackson's All-Star Weekend last Thursday through Saturday. Jackson started this event last year, and included Kelly in its inaugural year. The Olympic silver medalist was back this year, hanging with the likes of Clinton Portis, LaVar Arrington and Cato June. "Last year I was contacted by a friend of mine from college about being involved with the charity and coming out to help them get the ball rolling. They wanted athletes from Oklahoma as well as around the country so of course I agreed," Kelly said. "The whole experience was great and I hope to stay involved and hope other wrestlers can become involved too." The athletes visited the OU Medical Center Children's Hospital on Friday morning and hosted an autograph session at Incredible Pizza on Friday afternoon before bowling and playing games with many of the area's youth. Kelly (right), Arrington (left) and Jackson with a child and his father.On Saturday, the athletes took part in a golf scramble and were invited to a fashion show that featured local designers. Overall, the weekend raised a lot of money for the CGWI's cause and the charity gained momentum for next year. "It's a great feeling to be in a position to be able to help this families, and kids, and help raise money to benefit people in the community. It also helps keep you very grounded and realize that you always have to count your blessings." But with all the fanfare over the NFL stars in Oklahoma City, Kelly was never overshadowed or left feeling out of place. "It was just like hanging with Mo (Lawal) and Daniel (Cormier)," Kelly said. "They took me in as if I was one of their boys. I had a really good time. They actually asked me some questions about wrestling. LaVar Arrington actually asked me how he could lose 10 lbs. As an athlete, I know and feel I'm one of the best in the world, so I never get awestruck. As I look at it, none of them can honestly say their second best in the world."

Five years ago, life was a lot different for Stephen Neal. At times struggling financially, his future was in limbo. He was training for the U.S. Nationals, where he looked to become the top U.S. heavyweight again. Just one year earlier, Neal was the defending World champion, before getting unseated by Kerry McCoy in 2000. But going into the 2001 U.S. Nationals, Neal knew it would be his last year as a wrestler -- no matter what happened. He had made the choice to try out for NFL scouts and work to be signed as a free agent. Improbable? Neal did not play football in college. Impossible? His mix of size, strength and athleticism made him an interesting prospect for any team that had nothing to lose by taking a risk. There were other options, too. Kurt Angle had become a star entertainer for the WWE, and Neal had been approached by their executives. But that was not a life he was interested in. "I always wanted to play football," Neal said. "I just got real fortunate to step in at the right time. I'm glad the option was there. I was originally going to try to pursue this in 2000 if I made the Olympic Team. I was trying to set the process in motion from my end of it. I just got lucky that Matt Ghaffari introduced me to my current agency, who then got me a tryout." That tryout turned into a free agent contract to join the New England Patriots practice squad. If Neal was to succeed in football, he would have to change everything he knew from competing at a high level in wrestling. There was no more individuality. Everything needed to be done as one cohesive unit -- a team. "When you're playing football, there's 22 guys on the playing surface. In wrestling, there are two guys. In wrestling, you see if the guy's going to head butt you or not. In football, you don't see where the blows are coming from," Neal stated. "There are a few skills that are similar. You have to have pretty good balance. You definitely need a lot of strength. You just have to expect to win." Stephen NealThe biggest gap came in technique, Neal said. He had to learn not only his job on every play, but the jobs of his teammates as well. But he did have one thing on his side. Even though Neal did not play college football, as every other player in training camp for the Patriots had that year, he received a lot of respect from his teammates. "They knew I was a top athlete from another sport. They knew I didn't have the football skills, but they all believed I could get it done," Neal said. Nearly five years ago after his first tryout with an NFL team, Neal is now a starting guard for the three-time World champion Patriots and one of the most respected offensive linemen in the NFL. His life, once consumed by wrestling and worrying about where his next check would come from, is now consumed by NFL playbooks, his wife Jodee and his two children, three-year old Colby and one-year old Jillian. While so much has changed with Neal, even more has changed within wrestling. New weight classes. New rules. New faces. He finds it hard to keep up sometimes. "I try to watch (wrestling) as much as I can. I try to follow the college stuff. As for the international, it's impossible for me to watch the Worlds or anything. We are in the middle of training camp and starting our season," Neal said. "I was pretty excited when Tolly (Thompson) took third in the world. Tolly's a great guy. We went back and forth competing in international and college, so for him to represent the country and take third is a cool thing." "It's tough, too, when FILA keeps changing the rules. I mean, I won a World title and barely understand what's going on now. But I would have loved to have had that push-out rule when I was wrestling," Neal added with a laugh. Neal also found time to see some of his old training partners and teammates competing in the inaugural season of Real Pro Wrestling. "I think it's really exciting. You watch a lot of the other sports and they hype up the players and they hype up how intense it is. Real Pro Wrestling is doing that for wrestling. I think it's cool you get teams and fans that are excited about it. You need a fan base to help your sport grow." Even with the possibility of RPW, Neal still would have taken a chance at the NFL. It was his goal. It was his dream. And while Neal does not know how long he will play in the NFL, though he says he'll keep going as long as they let him play, he does know what he wants to do when his football career is over. Stephen Neal"I think I'd get back involved with wrestling. Running kind of sucks, and it's always good to get out there in the wrestling room. You compete and you battle, and that would be a good way for me to get my weight down when football's over," Neal said. "I weighed about 265 (lbs.) when I competed. These new weights would have been good for me. But right now, I weigh around 300. I can't wait to get back down." That weight, however, may help him in the New England winter time, along with helping him to keep some of the most powerful men in the world from laying a finger on the quarterback he protects. But one question will always remain among wrestling and football enthusiasts alike -- which is more satisfying, winning an individual World title or a team World title? "It is hard to compare. When I won in 1999, I was out there on the mat by myself. In football, there's 53 guys on the team, so you share that victory with everyone. The bonding of a team is really special, but the individual championship is great because of how much work you've put in." Five years ago, who would have thought he would have to answer that question? Certainly not Neal, the Patriot who will always have one more World title than his teammates.

The Golden Gopher wrestling program announced its season awards at its annual team banquet on Sunday evening. NCAA Champion Cole Konrad was named the team's Most Valuable Wrestler, while true freshman Dustin Schlatter was named the team's Most Outstanding Wrestler after becoming the first rookie in school history to win a national title. Konrad became the third wrestler in school history to post an undefeated season with a 41-0 record. He won the national title with an overtime decision against two-time NCAA Champion Steve Mocco of Oklahoma State. Konrad was also named the team's Most Dedicated Wrestler. In addition, he was honored for his team-leading 16 pins on the year. Schlatter finished his freshman season with a 42-1 record, the fourth-highest win total in school history. He won the national title at 149 pounds with a 4-0 decision against second-seeded Ty Eustice of Iowa. Schlatter was also named the team's Most Outstanding Freshman. Senior Matt Nagel was the recipient of the Verne Gagne Leadership Award. The lone senior on the roster, he helped lead a young Minnesota squad to a Big Ten Championship and a second-place finish at the NCAA Championships. A 2005 All-American, Nagel finished runner-up at the Big Ten Championships at 165 pounds. The Frazee, Minn., native closed out his career with a 100-60 record and three trips to the NCAA Tournament. Other awards given out included the Fraser Dean Most Courageous Wrestler and the Chris Berglin Most Improved Wrestler. Sophomore Mitch Kuhlman was named the most courageous after moving from 165 pounds to 197 pounds this year. He finished with three Big Ten victories. Sophomore Roger Kish was named the most improved after finishing second at the NCAA Championships. He also won the 184-pound title at the Big Ten Championships. Jason Waidzulis and Tyler Safratowich were the recipients of the Teammates Award for their contributions in the practice and locker rooms. Academic awards were presented to a pair of Golden Gopher wrestlers. Jeremy Larson was the upperclassmen honoree after posting a 3.524 GPA. Chris McPhail was the freshman honoree with his 3.50 GPA. 2005-06 Team Awards: Most Valuable Wrestler Award: Cole Konrad Most Outstanding Wrestler Award: Dustin Schlatter Most Outstanding Freshman Award: Dustin Schlatter Verne Gagne Leadership Award: Matt Nagel Fraser Dean Most Courageous Wrestler Award: Mitch Kuhlman Most Dedicated Wrestler: Cole Konrad Chris Berglin Most Improved Award: Roger Kish Most Falls Award: Cole Konrad Teammate Awards: Jason Waidzulis, Tyler Safratowich Upperclassmen Academic Award: Jeremy Larson Freshman Academic Award: Chris McPhail

Bill Scherr of Glenview, Ill. has been named 2005 Women's Coach of the Year by USA Wrestling. This is the first time that Scherr has received this prestigious award. Scherr was a coach of the 2005 U.S. Women's World Team, which placed third in the team standings and featured four medalists, including World champion Iris Smith. Along with Joe Corso of New Orleans, La., Scherr has been named by USA Wrestling to serve as a 2006 U.S. Women's World Team coach, working at the Wrestling World Championships in Guangzhou, China in the fall. Scherr is currently a women's coach with the Sunkist Kids, and also works with the Wildcat WC freestyle wrestlers. Scherr was an instructor at the FILA Women's World Training Camp held at the Japan Institute of Sports Science in Tokyo, January 5-15, an elite program in which 13 nations participated. He was an assistant coach at Indiana University for five years, from 1984-89, working with coach Jim Humphrey. The team was 2-17 the season before his arrival and had a 15-0 record his final year with the program. Scherr is also a widely respected clinician, working numerous camps and clinics around the nation. Scherr was one of the greatest wrestlers in U.S. freestyle history. He was a 1985 World champion and a 1988 Olympic bronze medalist. He ran off an amazing five-year run of consecutive World-level medals for the United States from 1985-89. He was also a 1986 and 1989 World silver medalist and a 1987 World bronze medalist. His five consecutive World-level medals is one of U.S. wrestling's greatest feats, surpassed only by superstars Bruce Baumgartner, John Smith and Dave Schultz. Bill Scherr was a two-time World Cup champion, a Pan American Games champion, a World Grand Masters champion, a Goodwill Games champion and a four-time U.S. Nationals champion. In 1992, he made a late comeback to the sport, winning the U.S. Nationals title and making the finals of the Olympic Team Trials where he placed second. He is a Distinguished Member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. Scherr was a 1984 NCAA champion at the Univ. of Nebraska, where he starred alongside his twin brother Jim. He was also a two-time high school state champion from Mobridge, S.D. Scherr has developed a new web page about wrestling coaching (www.mywrestlingcoach.com), where he posts numerous detailed articles with information and advice on technique, coaching, mental toughness and other important training issues. Professionally, he is a Vice President with Goldman Sachs & Co. USA Wrestling will be announcing major award winners each day this week on TheMat.com. PAST WOMEN'S COACH OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNERS 2005 -- Bill Scherr, Glenview, Ill., Sunkist Kids 2004 -- Tricia Saunders, Phoenix, Ariz., Sunkist Kids 2003 -- Townsend Saunders, Phoenix, Ariz., Sunkist Kids 2002 -- Joe Corso, Des Moines, Iowa, Sunkist Kids

Shawn Sheldon (West Palm Beach, Fla./New York AC) has been named 2005 Greco-Roman Coach of the Year by USA Wrestling. This is the first time Sheldon has won this prestigious award. Sheldon currently works for the Palm Beach County Community Olympic Development Program, as its Wrestling Administrator and as a CODP Manager. Sheldon conducts wrestling training for local athletes of all ages in this Olympic-based community sports program. He is a club coach with the New York Athletic Club, which won the 2005 U.S. Nationals team title in Greco-Roman and placed four athletes on 2005 U.S. Greco-Roman World Team. Sheldon coached at the U.S. Olympic Training Center for a number of years, assisting with the resident program, prior to accepting his position in Palm Beach County. He has also coached U.S. teams on international tours. Along with Andy Seras of Sandy Hook, Conn., Sheldon has been named by USA Wrestling to serve as a 2006 U.S. Greco-Roman World Team coach, working at the Wrestling World Championships in Guangzhou, China in the fall. `He was an assistant wrestling coach at his alma mater, SUNY-Albany from 1991-1993. Sheldon served as the Colorado State Junior National Team Head Coach in 2002 and the New York State Junior National Team Assistant Coach in 1993 and also coached the Florida Junior National team in 2005. Sheldon is a bronze-level certified coach in USA Wrestling's National Coaches Education Program. He was one of the most successful Greco-Roman wrestlers in American history, competing on the national and international levels for almost two decades. Sheldon placed fourth in the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain, and competed in the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, South Korea. He was also a silver medalist at the 1991 World Championships. Sheldon competed in eight World Championships for the United States. Sheldon also won the U.S. National Greco-Roman Championships nine times and was second in the U.S. Nationals eight times. He was a two-time World Cup champion, winning titles in 1989 and 1996. He was also third in the 1987 and 1991 Pan American Games. Sheldon won a U.S. record eight Greco-Roman World Cup medals during his career. He was a five-time Concord Cup gold medalist. Sheldon was a 1986 NCAA Div. III national champion, competing for SUNY-Albany and a three-time All-American. He was third in the New York high school state championships in 1983, competing for Columbia-Voorheesville High School. USA Wrestling will be announcing major award winners each day this week on TheMat.com. PAST GRECO-ROMAN COACH OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNERS 2005 –- Shawn Sheldon, West Palm Beach, Fla., New York AC 2004 -- Andy Seras, Sandy Hook, Conn., Sunkist Kids 2003 -- Shon Lewis, Colorado Springs, Colo., U.S. Army 2002 -- Shon Lewis, Colorado Springs, Colo., U.S. Army 2001 -- Andy Seras, Sandy Hook, Conn., Sunkist Kids 2000 -- Dan Chandler, Minneapolis, Minn., Minnesota Storm 1999 -- Dan Chandler, Minneapolis, Minn., Minnesota Storm 1998 -- Jay Antonelli, Quantico, Va., U.S. Marines 1997 -- Dan Chandler, Minneapolis, Minn., Minnesota Storm 1996 -- Rob Hermann, Pensacola, Fla., U.S. Navy 1995 -- Dan Chandler, Minneapolis, Minn., Minnesota Storm 1994 -- Dan Chandler, Minneapolis, Minn., Minnesota USA Wrestling 1993 -- Tony Thomas, Fort Benning, Ga., U.S. Army 1992 -- Rob Hermann, Pensacola, Fla., U.S. Navy

Stillwater, Okla. -- Iowa State wrestling recruits T.J.Sebolt (Centerville, Iowa) and Jon Reader (Davison, Mich.) were the recipients of the prestigious 2006 Dave Schultz High School Excellence awards Wednesday presented by the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. The annual award is given to high school seniors who demonstrate excellence in wrestling success, scholastic achievement, character, citizenship and community service. Sebolt and Reader have combined for seven state championships and career records of 438-7. "Sebolt and Reader are two important pieces of the puzzle to elevate the Iowa State wrestling program to the top," head coach Cael Sanderson said. "I'm proud of their accomplishments and this honor is a great way to foreshadow a sign of things to come on the collegiate level." Sebolt became the 17th wrestler in Iowa high school history to win four state titles with a 9-3 decision in his Class 2-A 130-pound final over Zach McCool of Manchester West Delaware. Sebolt wrapped up his highly decorated career with a record of 207-1 including a state mark 137 falls. Sebolt also had a record prep win streak of 192 matches and was ranked second in Amateur Wrestling News' lastest high school rankings at 130 pounds. He is projected to redshirt next season. "This award caps off my career in a nice way but college is here now and it's time to move on," Sebolt said. "My goal is to win open tournaments and get stronger in my redshirt year." Reader capped off a phenomenal career at Davison High School under head coach Roy Hall claiming his third Michigan state title to finish with a career mark of 231-6. Reader completed an undefeated senior season with a 60-0 record, pinning 53 consecutive opponents. He was recently named "Mr. Michigan Wrestler of the Year" by the Michigan Wrestling Association. Reader joined former teammates Brent Metcalf (Virginia Tech) and Nebraska All-American Paul Donahoe by earning the in-state honor. Reader is ranked second at 152 pounds in AWN's rankings. Reader is expected to redshirt next season. Three ISU redshirt freshmen won the Dave Schultz award last season as high school seniors, Jake Varner (California), Nick Gallick (Arizona) and Cyler Sanderson (Utah). The award is named in honor of Olympic and World champion Dave Schultz who was inducted in the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum in 1997.

Mike Duroe of Iowa City, Iowa has been named 2005 Freestyle Coach of the Year by USA Wrestling. This is the first time that Duroe has received this prestigious award Duroe was a coach for the 2005 U.S. Freestyle World Team, which placed eighth in the standings and featured two medalists, competing in Budapest, Hungary. Duroe has coached numerous U.S. World-level teams, both in men's freestyle and women's freestyle, as a volunteer coach and also as a staff member for USA Wrestling. He was on the staff of the last three U.S. Olympic men's freestyle coaching teams. Along with Lou Rosselli of Edinboro, Pa., Duroe has been named by USA Wrestling to serve as a 2006 U.S. Freestyle World Team coach, working at the Wrestling World Championships in Guangzhou, China in the fall. Duroe is the head wrestling coach at Cornell College, a Div. III school in Iowa. He served as an interim coach in 2005-06, and accepted the full-time position this spring. He was previously the coach of the Hawkeye Wrestling Club and the administrative assistant for the Univ. of Iowa wrestling program. He has extensive coaching experience on the high school, college and international levels. Duroe served in two professional coaching positions for USA Wrestling, the national governing body. From 1998-2000, he was USA Wrestling's Freestyle Developmental Coach. In 2001, Duroe served as USA Wrestling's Freestyle Resident Coach, working with the elite men's freestyle wrestlers at the U.S. Olympic Training Center. As National Developmental Coach, Duroe was responsible for the responsible for developing age-group freestyle wrestlers. He also managed USA Wrestling's women's wrestling programs, including serving as the Head Women's National Coach. Under Duroe's leadership, the United States was successful in age-group World Championships in freestyle wrestling. The highlight of his efforts with the women's program came in 1999, when the United States won the World Team Title in women's wrestling. Prior to joining USA Wrestling's national staff, he coached U.S. teams on the national and international level in men's and women's wrestling. He served as the head coach of three U.S. Women's World Teams (1995-97). Duroe served as head coach of the women's team at the 1997 Pan American Championships. He also was an assistant coach for the 1996 Pan American Championships men's team. Duroe was also the head coach of the 1995 Cadet World Team. He also served as a coach at four U.S. Olympic Festivals (1989-90, 1993-94). Duroe served as head coach at Northern Michigan Univ. from 1980-85, and assistant coach from 1978-80. During his tenure at Northern Michigan, he tutored 27 All-Americans and three national champions. Duroe was also the coach for the Wildcat Wrestling Club at Northwestern Univ. from 1985-86 and an assistant wrestling coach for the Univ. of Pennsylvania from 2001-2003. Duroe served as the head coach at New Trier High School in Illinois from 1986-98, where he led his team to four conference and five regional team titles. As an athlete, Duroe was a two-time regional champion for Drake Univ. He served as captain of Drake's team for three years and has been inducted into the Drake University Wrestling Hall of Fame. Duroe competed on the national level in freestyle in the early 1980s. He was a three-time national freestyle placewinner, and was the 1983 AAU National champion. USA Wrestling will be announcing major award winners each day this week on TheMat.com. PAST FREESTYLE COACH OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNERS 2005 -- Mike Duroe, Iowa City, Iowa, Hawkeye TC 2004 -- Bobby Douglas, Ames, Iowa, Sunkist Kids 2003 -- Tom Brands, Iowa City, Iowa, Hawkeye WC 2002 -- Tom Brands, Iowa City, Iowa, Hawkeye WC 2001 -- Zeke Jones, Morgantown, W.Va., Sunkist Kids 2000 -- John Smith, Stillwater, Okla., Sunkist Kids 1999 -- Greg Strobel, Bethlehem, Pa., New York Athletic Club 1998 -- John Smith, Stillwater, Okla., Sunkist Kids 1997 -- Greg Strobel, Bethlehem, Pa., New York Athletic Club 1996 -- Bruce Burnett, Colorado Springs, Colo., National Freestyle Coach 1995 -- Bruce Burnett, Colorado Springs, Colo., National Freestyle Coach 1994 -- Gene Davis, Colorado Springs, Colo., Athletes In Action 1993 -- Joe Seay, Oklahoma City, Okla., Sunkist Kids 1992 -- Bobby Douglas, Ames, Iowa, Sunkist Kids

Watch more video of 2011 Dapper Dan Wrestling Classic on flowrestling.org

Al Bevilacqua of Amityville, N.Y., a longtime leader within wrestling at many levels, has been named Man of the Year by USA Wrestling, the national governing body for wrestling in the United States. This award recognizes an outstanding man for his contributions to the sport of wrestling. He is currently the Chairman of the innovative and successful Metropolitan Wrestling Association (MWA) Beat the Streets program, which is bringing wrestling to inner-city schools in the New York City area. Through Bevilacqua's leadership, the MWA Beat the Streets program is creating and funding wrestling teams in middle schools in New York City, where there has never been wrestling before. The program is funded through corporate and private donations, as well as sponsorship. Schools must be located that are willing to start a wrestling team, something that takes time and effort and commitment. In the program, a middle school receives a wrestling mat. In addition, a coach is solicited and provided a stipend, and receives coaches education through the USA Wrestling National Coaches Education Program. "All of the participants in the program are given t-shirts, shorts, Asics wrestling shoes, and wrestling equipment donated by Brute and Cliff Keen. Resilite and Dollamur are providing deeply discounted mats for all 20 schools. We would like to see 100 high schools and 100 middle schools by 2010 adding 8000 more kids to wrestling," he said. Starting with one model program, Baruch Middle School in Manhattan, N.Y., within a year the program has expanded to 20 middle schools within New York City. The success of the program has accelerated interest, and the MWA seeks to increase the number of schools that participate in the Beat the Streets program considerably in the future. "If a product is good, people want to be a part of it," said Bevilacqua. "We are selling it as a great activity for kids. Just give us an opportunity to put a mat in your school. Kids will come. They will be better students and better people. Our model school proved that it works." "There is nothing I have done in wrestling that equals this program," he said. "The potential of this will have a major impact long after I am buried. If this creates a model for major urban centers, wrestling will grow tremendously. It is the last frontier for our sport. We need more people. We need to make it broad based." Some of the other things that Bevilacqua has been involved in is the creation of Wrestling Day in New York City, a celebration of the sport that brings people together. He has participated in the development of the Mayor's Cup, a growing wrestling tournament in the city. Bevilacqua manages two wrestling websites in the New York area, NYWrestling.com as well as the MWA's website (mwausa.org). He also was one of the three individuals who were on the leadership team for the 2005 ASICS East Coast National Beach Wrestling Championships, the first major beach wrestling event in the nation. The East Coast Beach Nationals was a big success, with Bevilacqua handling marketing and promotions of the competition. He also has been a volunteer wrestling coach at Massapequa High School in recent years, a school where he was previously the head wrestling coach and one of only three coaches in school history. Bevilacqua has been involved with USA Wrestling since its early years of existence, going back to the formation of the organization as the U.S. Wrestling Federation. He has served in many capacities within USA Wrestling, including working on the national staff, serving as a state chairperson, serving as a member of the national coaching staff and working with state and regional teams and programs. He was a high school wrestling coach with the successful Massapequa team from 1962-1977, helping build one of the most successful programs in Nassau County and within the state. He served two years at the head wrestling coach at Hofstra University, a Div. I program located in Hempstead, N.Y. Bevilacqua was a member of the USA Wrestling National Coaching staff from 1983-1991, coaching top wrestlers on all levels. He served as a coach for the U.S. teams at the Junior World Championships, the Espoir World Championships and the World Cup. He also was the coach for the U.S. team that competed in the Tbilisi Championships in the former Soviet Union. He was the USA Wrestling State Chairperson for New York from 1971-1979, and was the USA Wrestling Eastern Developmental Director from 1972-1979. Bevilacqua was a member of USA Wrestling's Board of Directors from 1972-1986. He also served for two years as an executive on the national staff for the U.S. Wrestling Federation, working as Assistant Director at the Stillwater, Okla. national headquarters from 1978-1980. The USWF received national governing body status for wrestling in 1983 and became USA Wrestling. Bevilacqua received his bachelor's degree from New York University, where he was a member of the wrestling team from 1957-1961. He competed with the New York Athletic Club team from 1960-1963. He received his masters degree from Queens College, and was in the doctoral program at New York University. Bevilacqua served as an educator with the Massapequa Public Schools from 1961 – 1994. He was an Assistant Director of the National High School Coaches Association from 1996-1999. He has also been involved in other business activities that have impacted the wrestling community. He was USA Wrestling's Coach of the Year in 1983. He has received a Lifetime Service Award from the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and has received a Special Service Award from U.S. Wrestling Federation. Among the Halls of Fame which he has been inducted are the New York State Wrestling Hall of Fame , the New York University Athletic Hall of Fame and the Massapequa High School Hall of Fame. He has been named MWA Man of the Year, and previously served as the chairman of the board for the MWA. Wrestling USA Magazine has named him Man of the Year. "Of all my achievements, this one is up there," said Bevilacqua. "I have received a USWF Special Service Award. This one finishes it off. I am an organizational guy, and this is very nice to have. I am proud that two of the last three winners of the USA Wrestling Man of the Year have been from the Metropolitan Wrestling Association. This is a group of people dedicated to wrestling and to USA Wrestling." PAST USA WRESTLING MAN OF THE YEAR WINNERS 2005 -- Al Bevilacqua 2004 -- Jeff Levitetz 2003 -- Set Agonian 2002 -- Al Kastl 2001 -- James Ravannack 2000 -- Rulon Gardner 1999 -- Duane Morgan 1998 -- Scott Beck 1997 -- Rick Tucci 1996 -- Dave Schultz 1995 -- Leroy Evans 1994 -- James E. Scherr 1993 -- Arthur J. Martori 1992 -- Bruce Baumgartner 1990 -- Eugene Barone 1989 -- John Vaughan 1987 -- Dave Rudrud 1986 -- Jeff Blatnick 1985 -- Dr. Dan Gould 1984 -- Gary Thompson 1983 -- Don Sondgeroth 1982 -- Frank Rader 1981 -- John Roberts 1980 -- Rick Bay 1979 -- Ben Bennett 1978 -- Werner Holzer 1977 -- Vince Zuaro 1976 -- Ken Kraft 1974-75 -- Russ Hellickson 1973 -- Jack Stanbro 1972 -- Melvin Jones 1971 -- Bud Linholm 1970 -- Rex Peery

Charlottesville, VA -- Lenny Bernstein, the head coach of the Virginia wrestling program for the last 13 seasons, announced his resignation today. Virginia athletics director Craig Littlepage said a comprehensive search would commence to find his replacement. "I have been thinking of leaving the coaching profession for about two years now and after finishing my master's degree this spring, I started to look at some other opportunities outside of coaching," Bernstein said. "Although there never seems to be a good time to leave coaching, I believe that I am leaving this program in excellent shape. I will certainly miss my staff, my colleagues at UVa, and my student-athletes. "With the return of every starter from this year's squad, and the continued support of the administration, I have a great deal of confidence that the program will reach the top 10 in the country. I have tremendous memories from the 13 years I have spent as head coach and the three years I worked under the guidance of George Edwards. It's time to become a fan of UVa wrestling and I look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead." During his 13 seasons as head coach Bernstein has led Virginia's program to a 106-92-2 record. He coached wrestlers in 12 NCAA Championships and saw 25 UVa wrestlers win Atlantic Coast Conference individual titles. During his tenure, Bernstein coached six of Virginia's nine All-Americans. "Coach Bernstein has been a valued member of our coaching staff during the time he served as assistant wrestling coach and head coach," Littlepage said. "He advocated in behalf of fully funding scholarships and worked to initiate plans to upgrade facilities like Memorial Gymnasium and practice and locker room facilities in Onesty Hall. He successfully led our team to three top 25 finishes at the NCAA Championships, most recently in 2004 when we finished 16th and has made UVa a regular contender for the ACC title." The Cavaliers finished the 2005-06 dual season with a 12-5 record including a 4-1 mark in the ACC competition that tied for first place in the regular season. The team was third at the 2006 ACC Championships. Bernstein served as an assistant coach for the Virginia wrestling program under George Edwards from 1990-93 before taking over as head coach for the 1993-94 season. Bernstein graduated from UNC in 1989, earning degrees in math and speech communications. As a Tar Heel he compiled a career record of 96-34-6 and won two ACC championships in three trips to the conference finals. He earned All-America honors after placing fourth at the 1987 NCAA Championships. He served as an assistant coach at UNC for one season before going to UVa, where he worked on a master's degree in sports psychology while assisting with the Virginia program.

OREM, Utah -- Utah Valley State wrestling coach Cody Sanderson has resigned his position in order to pursue other coaching opportunities. The search for the second coach in Utah Valley State's short wrestling history will begin immediately and is expected to be completed by early May. Sanderson, a native of Heber City, Utah, leaves Utah Valley with a 22-26-1 all-time dual record in three seasons. He led the Wolverines to a 9-9 record during the 2005-06 season, including wins in seven of their final eight duals. "Cody has done an excellent job in restoring collegiate wrestling to the state of Utah, here at Utah Valley," said Utah Valley State Director of Athletics Mike Jacobsen. "We wish him and his family the very best as he moves on to new opportunities." "Choosing to leave Utah Valley State was an extremely difficult decision. Ultimately I had to do what was best for my wife and children," said Sanderson. "The individuals that I have coached during the past three seasons are very fine young men. Because of their selfless commitment and determination, college wrestling has been restored in the state of Utah." Utah Valley State is the only school in Utah with a collegiate wrestling program. It was added before the 2003-04 season, coinciding with the school's move to NCAA Division-I athletics. "Wrestling is very important to our athletic program," said Jacobsen. "We will find and hire the very best to take our program to new and greater heights. We have great young men in our program and they deserve the very best." "Utah Valley is certain to emerge as a very competitive Division I team," said Sanderson. The athletic administration is committed to success, the high school wrestlers in the state consistently rank among the best in the nation, and the local community is very supportive." Those interested in the position should contact Director of Athletics Mike Jacobsen at 801-863-8998.

STILLWATER, Okla. -- The National Wrestling Hall of Fame & Museum in Stillwater, Oklahoma has announced its 2006 state winners of the Dave Schultz High School Excellence award. This annual award is bestowed upon high school seniors who demonstrate excellence in wrestling success, scholastic achievement, character, citizenship and community service. The award, named in honor of Olympic and world champion Dave Schultz, has recognized 528 wrestlers since its inception in 1996. "A graduate of Palo Alto High School and the University of Oklahoma, Dave Schultz was one of the greatest and most well-liked high school, collegiate, and international wrestlers the United States has ever had" said Lee Roy Smith, Executive Director of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. Regarded as a tireless competitor and supreme tactician on the mat, he was beloved throughout the world of amateur wrestling for his friendliness and eagerness to lend help or advice to teammates and opponents alike. Schultz was inducted into the sport's Hall of Fame as a Distinguished Member in 1997. State-by-state winners were selected from the 48 states that sponsor interscholastic high school wrestling championships. Five regional winners will be selected from the 48 state winners on April 14, and from that group, one individual will be selected as the national winner. The national winner will be invited to Honors Weekend, June 2-3, in Stillwater to receive his award. Following are a list of the 2006 winners by state and school. State/Winner's Name/High School Alabama -- Forrest Millsap, Homewood Alaska -- Eli Hutchison, Skyview Arizona -- Anthony Robles, Mesa California -- Billy Murphy, Hughson Colorado -- Quinten Fuentes, Roosevelt Connecticut -- Mike Powers, Loomis Chaffee Delaware -- Andrew Bradley, St. Marks Florida -- David Craig, Brandon Georgia -- Nate Carr Jr., Jones County Hawaii -- Brandon Low, St. Louis Idaho -- Adam Hall, Bonners Ferry Illinois -- Jim Kennedy, Grant Community Indiana -- Paul Young, Bloomington South Iowa -- T.J. Sebolt, Centerville Kansas -- Jessie Strawn, Holton Kentucky -- Jacob Murton, Lawrence County Louisiana -- Mike Newberg, Parkway Maine -- Josh Pelletier , Foxcroft Academy Maryland -- Mack Lewnes, Mount St. Joseph Massachusetts -- Brian Sheehan, Lowell Michigan -- Jon Reader, Davison Minnesota -- Mike Thorn, St. Michale Missouri -- Zack Bailey, Oak Park Monatana -- Cole Dallaserra, Butte Nebraska -- Matt Vacanti, Papillion--La Vista Nevada -- Bryce Saddoris, Spring Creek New Hampshire -- Eric Morrill, Timberlane Regional New Jersey -- Mike Grey, Delbarton New Mexico -- John Paul Maynes, Silver New York -- J.P. O'Connor, Oxford Academy North Carolina -- Bryan Sigmon, Brandys North Dakota -- Scott Glasser, Bismarck Ohio -- Lance Palmer, St. Edward Oklahoma -- Lance Thompson , Stillwater Oregon -- Zach Giesen , North Valley Pennsylvania -- Matt Dunn, Reynolds Rhode Island -- Ted Coppa, North Kingston South Carolina -- Matt Leach, Greenville Eastside South Dakota -- Brett Jarman, Canton Tennessee -- Corey Manson, Baylor Texas -- Ben Ashmore, Bishop Lynch Utah -- Levi Mele, Uintah Vermont -- Corey Greene, Mount Anthony Virginia -- Jordan Frishkorn, Great Bridge Washington -- Brandon Sitch, Kelso West Virginia -- Joey Lindamood, Parkersburg Wisconsin -- Trevor Bradvold , River Falls Wyoming -- Josh Sainz, Star Valley

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AMES, Iowa -- Three-time All-American and 2006 NCAA 141-pound champion, Nate Gallick was named Iowa State's Outstanding Wrestler for the second consecutive year at the Cyclone wrestling banquet on Wednesday. Gallick was also awarded with the Dr. Wise Burroughs Leadership Award after earning his third Big 12 Conference title and compiling a 35-0 record during his senior campaign and a career record of 106-23. Former ISU wrestler, Eric Voelker, was the keynote speaker for the event. Voelker was a two-time NCAA champion (1987, 89) and a three-time All-American (1987, 88, 89). Gallick, Trent and Travis Paulson were honored as 2006 All-Americans. Trent placed fourth at 157-pounds, earning All-America honors for the second straight year and finishing with 28-4 record. Travis fashioned a 31-7 record and garnered All-America honors for a second time by placing sixth at 165-pounds. Trent and Travis were honored as the team's outstanding juniors. Joe Curran and 174-pounder David Bertolino were named the team's outstanding freshman and sophomore, respectively. Curran wrestled as a true freshman at 197-pounds and recorded five wins by fall. Jesse Sundell received the award for most falls this season with seven. Sundell concluded his career at ISU by making his second straight appearance at the NCAA Championships. ISU heavyweight Richard Schopf was named the Cyclones' Most Improved Wrestler. Sophomore 125-pounder, Ben Hanisch was recognized with the award for hardest work ethic and 149-pounder Grant Turner was presented with the Perseverance Award. Jason Knipp and Hanisch were named to Academic All-Big 12 conference first-team, while Travis and Schopf garnered second-team honors. Gallick, Paulsons and Kurt Backes were honored for serving as team captains for the 2005-06 season.

IOWA CITY, IA -- Former Hawkeye wrestler Tom Brands, a 1996 Olympic gold medalist and four-time all-American has been named head wrestling coach at the University of Iowa. The three-time national champion and member of wrestling's Hall of Fame was introduced to the media by Iowa Director of Athletics Bob Bowlsby at a press conference this afternoon. He is only the eighth wrestling coach at the University of Iowa. "We are very pleased and proud to have Tom Brands returning to lead our wrestling program," said Bowlsby. "The Iowa program is one of the most decorated sports programs in all of intercollegiate athletics and with that comes very lofty expectations. We feel that Tom is capable of meeting those expectations and further contributing to our achievements. We also feel that Coach Brands will lead the program with high integrity and that he will support our team members in all areas of their experiences on our campus." Brands served as head coach at Virginia Tech University for two seasons (2005-06), recording a 17-20 dual mark. In his first season with the Hokies, Brands led the team to the 2005 regular season Atlantic Coast Conference title, set a school record for dual meet wins (16) and had a school-record five wrestlers qualify for the NCAA Championships. During his tenure, Virginia Tech crowned five conference champions and two all-Americans. Senior heavyweight Mike Faust was named 2006 ACC Wrestler of the Year. Prior to taking the helm at Virginia Tech, Brands was an assistant coach at Iowa for 12 seasons (1993-2004). He helped the Hawkeyes to a 177-27 dual record, seven NCAA and eight Big Ten titles, while crowning 23 NCAA Champions, 73 all-Americans and 36 Big Ten Champions. He was named National Wrestling Coaches Association Assistant Coach of the Year in 2000. In 2004, he was one of three coaches for the U.S. Olympic freestyle wrestling team, participating in Athens. Brands also served as assistant coach for the 2002 and 2003 U.S. Freestyle World Teams, earning Freestyle Coach of the Year honors from USA Wrestling both years. He was also a member of the U.S. coaching staff at the 2001 World Championships, and has coached a number of other U.S. teams in international competition. As a competitor, Brands won the 1996 Olympic freestyle gold medal at 136.5 pounds in Atlanta, GA. He also won a gold medal at the 1993 World Freestyle Championships in Toronto, two World Cup gold medals (1994, 1995) and was the 1995 Pan American Games champion. He won four U.S. Nationals titles (1993-96) and made four straight U.S. World or Olympic teams (1993-96). Along with his twin brother, Terry, Tom was named 1993 USA Wrestling Athlete of the Year, the 1993 John Smith Outstanding Freestyle Wrestler and 1993 Amateur Wrestling News Man of the Year. He was inducted into wrestling's Hall of Fame in 2001. Brands was a four-time all-American at Iowa (1989-92). During his Hawkeye career, he won three NCAA titles and was named Outstanding Wrestler of the 1992 NCAA Championships. Also a three time Big Ten champion, Brands won 95 percent of his matches at Iowa. His career mark of 158 7 2, included an undefeated season in 1991 (45 0). The Sheldon, IA, native was born April 9, 1968. He earned his B.S. degree in physical education from Iowa in 1992. He and his wife, Jeni, have three children, Madigan, Kinsee and Tommy.

Big men -- mainly heavyweights -- are the most recognized wrestlers in the United States. There is a stigma that follows them around throughout their lives, one that says that while they are mean, dominant forces on the mat, they are cuddly teddy bears off it. But recently, athletes such as Kerry McCoy and Steve Mocco have changed that perception somewhat. Heavyweight wrestlers throughout history such as Chris Taylor, Bruce Baumgartner, Jeff Blatnick and Rulon Gardner have all had the "grizzly bear on the mat, teddy bear off it" glow to their personalities. Instead of being compared to a bear, McCoy has instead been compared to Greek sculptures, hosting a physique that sports fans are accustomed to seeing in the NFL. While McCoy is definitely approachable off the mat as well, he is not the classic image of what a U.S. heavyweight has looked like in the past. But since McCoy stopped competing at 264 lbs. internationally, ending with his seventh place finish in the 2004 Athens Olympics, that physique has taken a hit. Now as a head coach at Stanford Univ., he is closer to the lower weight class of 211 lbs., weighing anywhere between 222-228 lbs. on any given day according to him. "I am actually at my normal body weight. Many people do not realize how hard I had to work to keep my weight up. They forget or don't know that I wrestled 190 as a freshman in college and 177 as a senior in high school," McCoy said as he has already begun to prepare for his second season as Stanford's coach. "Most of my college career I was about the same weight that I am now, so the main reason I lost weight is that I am not trying to keep it on. I used to lift weights three to six times a week depending on my training and now I think I have lifted three to six times all year." That rigorous work ethic during his training days is what made McCoy the unofficial leader of the World Teams and the Olympic Teams he was a part of. But as a coach at Stanford, McCoy's role has changed. "As a coach at Stanford I am definitely not 'the leader.' There are so many people here that have accomplished so much that I am trying to learn as much as I can," he said. Kerry McCoyMcCoy is also changing another perception of heavyweight wrestlers -- the one that says they don't have brains. The big man is a technology whiz, and goes at great lengths to stay up-to-date with the newest products and features. And surely, taking the time to make sure his glasses don't fog up before he did interviews always surprised the media. Today, though, McCoy's job is to change two more perceptions -- the ones about West Coast wrestlers and Stanford wrestling. For years, wrestling fans have considered wrestlers from the west coast as "soft," a perception that amazingly exists in most any sport. While McCoy agrees that there is a difference in styles, he is also confident that his wrestlers at Stanford can match the intensity level of any East Coast wrestler. "I think the west coast style is more slick and funky in general. You see a lot more rolling and scrambling out here. Back east, there was a little bit of that, but most of the east coast wrestlers had more controlled and physical styles," McCoy stated. "Our guys are hard workers that gave total effort. I think we were in as good of shape if not better than most of our competition and that was something that I always focused on myself." That hard work translated into a winning season for a young team, including four PAC-10 placewinners and one NCAA All-American. Nonetheless, developing wrestlers in California and recruiting a would-be surfer to stay in a wrestling room year-long is an enviable task. But for the man who was raised in Long Island, spent many cold winters training in State College, Pa. and then spent more training others in Bethlehem, Pa., McCoy couldn't be more pleased as to where he has ended up. "Stanford is one of the nations best universities as well as one of the most successful athletic programs. I wanted to be a part of that. Also the weather is great and the people are even better," McCoy said while adding that he does miss his family at times. He should be more careful what he says. Someone may want to run up and give him a squeeze. Favorite color -- (Standford) red, (Penn State) blue or (Lehigh) brown? Blue, covered with brown, and red on top. What advice would you give prospective college recruits? Do as much as you can while you can. On the mat is important, but what you do off the mat is very important as well. Get involved in a few things that will make you a stronger candidate. I think many people wait until their senior year to start preparing for college. I think if you can start as a freshman or even an 8th grader and start finding out what colleges are looking for, you will have a much better experience as the years go by. You love having the latest technology. What is the latest item you purchased? I was in the Verizon store the first day the Treo 700 came out, but I resisted the temptation to buy it. So there have not been many new tech purchases. I did get a mac laptop, so I am still working on learning how to work it, but not much outside of that.

Manheim, Pa. -- It's been complete domination. This year's Brute Scholastic Showcase presented by the National Wrestling Coaches Association and the Delaware Wrestling Alliance has a familiar name expected to lead the charge for another team title. Pennsylvania has owned the event in recent years, winning every year since the event moved from Battle Creek, Mich., to its current home in Delaware. This year should see more of the same as a pair of Pennsylvania teams lead the 21-team field at the 2006 Scholastic Showcase to be held April 8-9, 2006 at Delaware State University's Memorial Hall in Dover. This is a USA Wrestling sanctioned event, and the participants are all USA Wrestling members. With 39 state champions in the field and 146 state placewinners, the event will put the top underclassmen in the country up against each other in a state vs. state format. With four rosters still to be submitted, the numbers of state champions and state placewinners is expected to rise significantly. With 21 teams in the field, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Indiana, Ohio and Virginia are bringing two each, while Colorado, Florida, Illinios, Michigan, and New York will also be fielding state teams. "This event really has all the makings of a real wrestling spectacle," said NWCA Executive Director Mike Moyer. "The Scholastic Showcase has traditionally been one of the best events an accomplished underclassman can compete in with his state." "Each year, there are future NCAA Division I All-Americans meeting head to head in the event and this year should be more of the same," said Moyer. Teams will be seeded one through eight and will compete in pool competition all day on Friday. The top two teams of each pool will advance to an eight-team bracket championship on Saturday to compete for the scholastic duals title. Highlighting the field individually are a slew of nationally ranked state champions from around the country. Top-ranked 103-pounder Jordan Oliver will kickstart the PA Gold team and with him comes the return of Alex Meade, the talented state champion from Delaware now enrolled at Easton Area High School in Pennsylvania. Two-time state champion Tim Darling of Nazareth and state runner-up Tyler Nauman of Middletown anchor the PA Gold. The PA Blue has its share of talented wrestlers, with Derry Area's two-time state champion Troy Dolan and Canon-McMillan's Colin Johnston leading the charge. Both are dominant lightweights. Beast of the East runner-up Mike Robinson is also in the field as well as fellow Beast placer Chris Heinrich of Germantown Academy, a National Prep runner-up. Maryland's Gold team has eight state champions including three-time state champion Eren Civan of Walt Whitman High School. Civan is 120-0 in high school and last year in Fargo, won titles in both Cadet Freestyle and Cadet Greceo. Vince Taweel is also one to watch as the Hammond High School junior is a three-time state champion. National Prep runner-up Michael Bressler is also solid. Colorado makes the farthest trip, bringing four state champions and 13 state placewinners. Illinois comes with a diverse array of talent, highlighted by Mt. Carmel 215-pounder Christian Brantley, a very tough upper weight that finished second in the state this past year. Massachusetts' A-Team brings five state champions with one hailing from Rhode Island – two-time state champion Cory Pelletier. New York's team is primarily Long Island-based, but with it is state champion John Oschmann at 130 and Long Beach state champion Edquardo Delgado. Maciej Jochym, Cory Lemka and P.J. Gillespie are also state placewinners. Virginia Blue boasts four state champions including three-timer Junior Pearman from Great Bridge. Beast placewinner Andrew Williams of Tabb High School in Yorktown, Va., bolsters a deep 108-pound weight class in the event. He finished third at the Beast of the East. The weights are federation weights plus five pounds, so 103 is 108, 112 is 117 and so on. ABOUT THE NWCA The National Wrestling Coaches Association, established in 1928, is a professional organization dedicated to serve and provide leadership for the advancement of all levels of the sport of wrestling with primary emphasis on scholastic and collegiate programs. The membership embraces all people interested in amateur wrestling. The NWCA, through its organizational structure, promotes communication, recognizes achievement, recommends rules and regulations, sponsors events, and serves as an educational and informational source. Additionally, the NWCA strives to foster the sportsmanship and integrity that are the cornerstones of athletic competition. ABOUT THE DWA "The Delaware Wrestling Alliance, Inc. is committed to promoting, enhancing, and developing through educational assistance, individual, and team building, moral character development, community spirit, and sportsmanship." DWA is a non-profit, 501-C3 Tax Exempt corporation, and was formed in January of 1996 to promote the sport of wrestling in Delaware at all levels. Formerly named the Delaware Wrestling Booster's Association, the DWA is comprised of members from all facets of the Delaware wrestling community. Included in it's membership are representatives from: The Delaware Wrestling Officials Association, The Delaware Wrestling Coaches Association, high school booster clubs, youth groups, Delaware Wrestling USA, and fans of all ages.

This Saturday Wrestling coaches and athletes will have a chance to receive world class instruction from one of the all-time greats of the sport -- Dan Gable and TDR listeners will hear from the legend on LIVE on air. Coach Gable will be the featured clinician at the Dan Gable Championship Wrestling Clinic. The clinic will be held April 7-8 at Newton's Berg Middle School. The hosts for the clinic include Championship Productions and the International Wrestling Institute and Museum. Takedown Wrestling Radio is please to broadcast its Saturday morning program for the 2nd consecutive year. The chance to talk to Dan Gable, Cornell Head Coach and 2005 NWCA "Coach of the Year" Rob Koll, UNI Asst. Coach and 2005 World Cup Bronze Medalist Tolly Thompson, Former Iowa Great Mark Ironside and Northwestern University Assist. Coach Rob Eiter all in one morning is incredible. Only Championship Productions and the IWIM have that ability. Topics to be covered on the mat and on air include: Practice drills, leg riding tilts, cradles and high crotch takedowns. Later that same day the mics will go silent as we attend the inductions of the IWIM's Glen Brand Hall of Fame. Inductees from the State of Iowa include: Bob Buzzard, Bob Darrah, Bill Dotson, Jim Duschen, Jim Harmon, Jim Heffernan, Bruce Kinseth, Mike Land and Ken Leuer. TDR encourages you all to attend as we honor these great athletes for conduct on and off the mat. For more information about the clinic call 800-873-2730 or visit ChampionshipProductions.com

LOCK HAVEN, Pa. -- The Lock Haven University wrestling team and head coach Rocky Bonomo held its annual season-ending awards banquet Saturday (April 1) in Bentley Hall on the LHU campus. Recipients of the year-end awards were: The Hildebrandt Award for most team points: Junior 157-pounder Seth Martin (Selinsgrove, Pa./Selinsgrove) The Hubert Jack Award coach's award: Senior 149-pounder Joshua Medina (Las Vegas/Pima C.C.) The Goldthorpe Award for most outstanding wrestler: Sophomore 125-pounder Obenson Blanc (Naples, Fla./Lely) The Fredericks Award for academic achievement: Junior 149-pounder Matt Fittery (Denver, Pa./Cocalico) The Dennis Killion Award for most improved: Junior 184-pounder Derrick Morgan (Milan, Pa./Athens) The Hildebrandt Award for most team points: Junior 157 pounder Seth Martin (Selinsgrove, Pa./Selinsgrove) The Rookie of the Year Award: Junior 197-pounder Tom Kocher (Lancaster, Pa./Manheim Township)

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- The University of Michigan wrestling team, which captured its third consecutive Big Ten Conference dual-meet crown and a sixth straight top-10 finish at the NCAA Championships, celebrated its 2005-06 season and announced the team awards at its annual team banquet on Saturday (April 1) at the Junge Family Champions Center. For the second time in his U-M career, fifth-year senior captain Ryan Churella (Northville, Mich./Northville HS) was the recipient of the CLIFF KEEN AWARD for the team's most outstanding wrestler. In his final season at Michigan, Churella posted a near-perfect 29-1 record and advanced to the 165-pound final at the NCAA Championships. He ended his career as a three-time All-American and a three-time Big Ten Conference champion, just the eighth Wolverine in program history to accomplish such a task. His 117-18 career record places him sixth in the U-M record book for career winning percentage (.867) and 15th in career wins. He also ranks ninth among the all-time pin leaders with 35 career falls. The STEVE FRASER AWARD for mental toughness went to sophomore/freshman Steve Luke (Massillon, Ohio/Perry HS), who battled through adversity to register a 14-12 record in his first varsity season and earn a trip to the NCAA Championships after claiming a fourth-place finish at the Big Ten meet. Earlier in the season, Luke defeated a pair of opponents among the top four in the nation en route to the 157-pound title at the Cliff Keen Invitational as well as national and conference wrestler of the week recognition. Sophomore/freshman Casey White (Commerce, Mich./Walled Lake HS) was named the recipient of the DR. DONAHUE AWARD FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE, the award that goes to the wrestler who has shown exemplary performance in the classroom and maintains the highest grade point average on the team. White, who plans to transfer into the Stephen M. Ross School of Business after the winter semester, also earned Big Ten All-Academic honors and is a two-time U-M Athletic Academic Achievement Award recipient. Fifth-year senior captain Greg Wagner (Fort Wayne, Ind./Snider HS) received the JEFF REESE AWARD as the most improved wrestler for his dedication to improving his skills and increasing his contribution to the team. While already establishing himself as one of the nation's top heavyweight in previous seasons, the U-M captain was simply dominant in his final collegiate season. Removing eight falls and a forfeit victory, 21 of his matches went the distance in 2005-06 with Wagner boasting a 155-28 combined winning margin. He closed out his U-M career with his greatest performance at the NCAA Championships in four appearances, claiming third-place honors behind a 5-1 record with three falls and a major decision. A three-time All-American, Wagner's career record of 134-37 ranks him seventh on Michigan's all-time wins list. This year's MARK CHURELLA MOST OUTSTANDING FRESHMAN AWARD went to sophomore/freshman Tyrel Todd (Bozeman, Mont./Bozeman HS). Behind a 20-12 season record, Todd demonstrated his ability to go toe-to-toe with the nation's best 184-pound competition. Of his 12 losses during the season, eight came by two points or less while three required overtime. He qualified for the NCAA tournament in just his first varsity season by claiming fifth place at the conference meet with wins against a pair of top-10 opponents. The 11TH MAN AWARD went to fifth-year senior Willie Breyer (Oxford, Mich./Oxford HS) for showing the most outstanding team dedication and effort in his willingness to always help his teammates. Breyer, who moved in and out of the lineup while battling with injury throughout the season, staged one of the most impressive performances at the Big Ten Championships, rallying from a first-round loss to post three straight wins and qualify for his first NCAA Championships. Breyer wrapped up his U-M career with a 50-45 mark and boasted 17 falls. The Wolverines concluded the 2005-06 season with a 16-2 dual record and a 8-0 Big Ten mark, earning their third straight conference dual-meet crown. After placing third at the Big Ten Championships, U-M posted a seventh-place team showing at the NCAA Championships, marking the program's sixth consecutive top-10 performance at the national meet.

This past March, Montclair State University (MSU) announced its plans to eliminate the varsity wrestling program. This is the second time in past 12 months they have tried to eliminate the program. Countless young wrestlers are counting on New Jersey tax paying citizens to voice your opinion again! Please take a moment to write a letter of support for saving this Division I team. Your efforts can make a difference. Some suggested talking points: • Montclair State University is a state supported school funded with tax payer dollars. MSU's primary mission is to develop the next generation of teachers and the mission should include coaches. MSU should have an obligation to provide activities like wrestling that are indigenous to the region. • There are 8,455 high school wrestlers in New Jersey and only six four-year intercollegiate wrestling programs (with an average college roster size of 25, this equates to 150 college "roster slots" to accommodate 8,455 scholastic wrestlers). • Based on NFHS participation statistics, New Jersey ranks 8th in the nation with respect to the largest number of scholastic wrestlers in a state. • The 2006 NJSIAA State Wrestling Championships in Atlantic City sold an unprecedented 41,000 tickets. This state tournament is among the largest in the nation. • Nationally, the NFHS has reported that the average tenure of a high school coach in the Olympic sports (including wrestling) is only 3-5 years. This statistic, along with the dwindling number of intercollegiate wrestling programs, has created a national shortage of high school coaches. • Currently, there are approximately 150 MSU alums that are coaching and/or teaching in the Mid-Atlantic region. Many of these coaches are among the best coaches in America. • MSU has a very rich wrestling tradition as evidenced by the following: 2 National Team Titles, 29 National Champions, and over 100 All Americans. Please show your support for Montclair State's wrestling team by e-mailing your letter to the following officials: Dr. Susan A. Cole, President MSU: coles@mail.montclair.edu Ms. Alyson Thelin, Secretary to the Board of Trustees: thelina@mail.montclair.edu New Jersey Governor Jon S. Corzine: Click on "Education" Option http://www.state.nj.us/governor/govmail.html Remember: 1. Be polite and courteous. 2. Thank them for considering your concerns. 3. If they fail to respond, write them again. There is an important rally taking place on the campus of Montclair State University on Thursday, April 6 from 3-6pm. We would like to encourage as many people as possible to attend this rally to show support for the reinstatement of the program. Please wear RED to show your support and make this a fun and positive day. The board of Trustees of MSU is meeting at College Hall at 4:30pm and they need to understand both the importance of wrestling at MSU and the current crisis in the MSU Athletic Department. Thank you for your support of college wrestling.

The Rev office has received many calls and e-mails in recent days surrounding the recent coaching changes at Iowa, Iowa State, and Ohio State from some inside sources. Some of these rumors might prove to be accurate, while others might prove to be, well, just rumors. • Cael Sanderson was going to be named head coach at Iowa State in the summer, so people who say that Bobby Douglas was forced out are way off base. It was likely going to happen after the summer wrestling camp season. Cael, Bobby, and Iowa State AD James Pollard talked about it. The only problem was the timing. Pollard got antsy and just wanted everyone to know that Cael was off the market. He didn't want Ohio State and Iowa to even consider Cael. Bobby was just really surprised by the timing, but other than that, he was all for Cael taking over. • Iowa State called an emergency meeting for wrestlers and coaches on Wednesday night after news broke that Bobby was replaced by Cael. Apparently, the information was leaked before many of the wrestlers even knew about it. • According to an Iowa State official, Cael was given a five-year contract with an initial base salary of $110,000. • The sudden Cael hiring was a P.R. move. Why let Iowa control all the headlines? Iowa State is trying to develop something, too. Chances are, Iowa fires Jim Zalesky and brings in Tom Brands and Iowa controls the headlines all summer, including when Cael is switched to the new coach later in the summer. Or, you could do it now (like Iowa State did), get some of that publicity for your school before Brands comes in, and look, Cael is just as hot (if not a hotter) topic right now. • The sudden Cael hiring had a lot to do with recruiting. Now everyone knows that Cael is coaching Iowa State and Brands is (or will soon be) at Iowa. There are no questions for recruits as to where Cael will be next year, or in two years, etc. • Chris Bono left Iowa State last off-season because Bobby and Cael sat him down. Bobby told Bono that Cael would take over this off-season, and then Cael said he wouldn't retain Bono on his staff, so Bono went looking elsewhere. This has been planned. • There is a possibility that Cody Sanderson will leave Utah Valley State to join Cael at Iowa State, where he'll become the head assistant coach. Cole Sanderson will be the strength and conditioning coach at Iowa State. And Cyler Sanderson will be the starting 149-pounder for the Cyclones. So it will be a Sanderson family affair in Ames. • Tim Hartung, who was let go as an Iowa assistant coach when Jim Zalesky was fired, will definitely be on Cael's staff at Iowa State. Cael and Hartung are close friends. Remember, Cael hand picked Hartung as his training partner to come down to Athens in preparation for the Olympics. • Derek Mountsier, a former Iowa State standout and Northern Iowa assistant coach, is a candidate to join Cael's staff at Iowa State. But in order for Mountsier to leave Tulsa (where he is a pharmaceutical rep), the job must pay really well. He is from Newton, Iowa, but his wife is from Oklahoma. • Cael wants people on his staff who aren't currently training, but he likes Zach Roberson a lot. So don't be surprised if Roberson stays on the Iowa State staff. • There is no chance that Tommy Rowlands will succeed Russ Hellickson as the next head coach at Ohio State. Rowlands will be moving to Colorado Springs to train full time. • Tom Brands is scheduled to interview for the Iowa job next week, but it's already a done deal. He is headed back to Iowa, along with all of his top recruits. Brent Metcalf vs. Dustin Schlatter should be a great Big Ten rivalry for years to come. • Brands had not yet spoken to Ohio State about their head coaching position. • Terry Steiner, an Iowa assistant who was also let go after Zalesky was fired, was very disappointed that the decision came so sudden. He's not sure yet what his future holds. "I wish they would have given us a chance with the staff we had here," Steiner told one source. "To me, two years is not enough time." • Mike Zadick will be on the Iowa staff next season. • Although it's unlikely that Dan Gable would return to coaching at Iowa, he hasn't completely ruled it out. • Zalesky had one year left on his contract. He will be paid $130,000 as part of a settlement. He could very well resurface next season at Ohio State or Oregon State. • Other names, besides Tom Brands, that are being thrown around as potential replacements for Zalesky include Terry Brands, Barry Davis, Brad Penrith, Mark Manning, Brad Penrith, Tom Ryan, Rob Koll, Jim Heffernan, Jim Miller, and Marty Morgan.

Has wrestling finally made it big? Ultimately, you can throw fan attendance, television ratings and everything else out the window when it comes to measuring the strength of a sport. Instead, you have to look at just one person -- a college's athletics director. Since the conclusion of the NCAA Wrestling Championships just a couple short weeks ago, three of the biggest jobs in all of college wrestling have opened up. And there are rumors of others, including at least one more in the Big Ten Conference. Call it coaches retiring, coaches resigning or coaches being fired, but all three Athletics Directors agreed on one thing -- their programs were not going in the right direction. Coaching slots at Iowa and Ohio State now must be filled. Olympic champion Cael Sanderson will take over at Iowa State, as was expected. But the timing of all three will continue to be questioned. The carousel began last week when Russ Hellickson announced an end to his 20-year reign at The Ohio State. Undoubtedly, Hellickson had seen some rough times with his program recently, including a protested match that was re-wrestled at the NCAA's this year. That almost seemed to be a breaking point. But with one of the nation's largest athletics budgets looming in search of a top head coach, including the likes of Rob Koll, Tom Ryan, Tom Brands, Iowa folded its hand on its entire coaching staff. Jim Zalesky may have had the toughest job in sports, which no one could argue -- following a legend. While Zalesky produced solid results at Iowa, the administration decided that after nine years, the program needed to be more competitive towards a national title. Forget that recruiting has completely changed since Dan Gable left, and that kids now know they can win a national title at almost any school. Iowa athletic director Bob Bowlsby flinched on Ohio State's move. In all reality, he would hate to see a coach such as Brands take over at Ohio State, instead of at Iowa. It would be an ironic twist for the program that rose to prominence after Gable left Iowa State. Another possible Iowa candidate would have been Sanderson, who brought in the top recruiting class in the country a year ago to Iowa State -- yes, even better than Brands'. So Iowa State did what they had talked about doing for two years, letting Douglas ride off into the sunset while Sanderson, this generation's version of Gable, was not allowed to ride a Cyclone two hours west to Iowa City. While this move was more predictable and expected, the timing couldn't have been more momentous. This was Iowa State's way of telling Iowa "Not this time!" And so now the wrestling world is left in limbo for the first time in decades - maybe ever. For college football fans, this time comes every year. Programs that struggled get rid of their coach (however they want to word it) and bring in fresh life. Brands has already become wrestling's version of Urban Meyer -- a young coaching prospect with a plethora of potential and respect. He is surely the top candidate on the lists at Ohio State and Iowa -- and with good reason, just as Meyer was the top candidate at Florida and Notre Dame over a year ago. Athletics Directors are finally showing that they care about wrestling. But not only that they care, but that they want to win as well. Oklahoma State's four straight titles will most likely be in jeopardy next year, and the wrestling world is seeing the rise of programs such as Cornell, Hofstra, Michigan and Illinois among others. Wrestling budgets are on the rise. While the Big Ten and Big XII Conferences have always placed money into their budgets, the smaller schools are starting to reap benefits. Cornell has one of the nicest practice and competition facilities you could find. MAC schools are all starting to bump scholarships up, and for those that have over nine scholarships, they are seeing their budgets increased. Other smaller programs such as Northern Iowa, Cal Poly, Edinboro and American have even become more competitive with national programs. Small schools are now being referred to as mid-majors, with Central Michigan playing the role of Gonzaga most recently. Maybe George Mason can become the next… George Mason. Soon, we may start seeing the "Iowa Clause" or the "Oklahoma State Clause" written into coaching contracts, similar to the "Notre Dame Clause" in college football. Who knows, maybe Brands and Ryan already have such a clause. And all this excitement could only mean good for the future of Real Pro Wrestling as well. The more that colleges begin to care, the more money they begin to use to fund a "non-revenue sport" such as wrestling, the more people on a national level will take notice. The more people that take notice of the live NCAA finals on ESPN, or of the individual athletes within the sport, the more they will follow these athletes beyond their college careers. Wrestlers such as Ben Askren who set themselves apart from the rest in the personality department will reap the most benefits of this. Last year, a record three wrestlers were nominated for ESPY Awards. This year, it's possible another two could be up for awards again. If the ESPY Committee is taking notice, and athletics directors are taking notice, certainly Average Joe sports fan will take notice.