InterMat Staff

To say that 2005 has been an emotional rollercoaster for Iowa State senior Nate Gallick would be understatement. In a three-month span (late March to late June), the 22-year-old Gallick came up just short, placing second, in the three most prestigious wrestling events in the country -- NCAA Tournament, U.S. Nationals, and World Team Trials. "It was real frustrating," said Gallick. "Three tournaments in a row I came up just short of accomplishing my goal. I wrestled the best I could. Maybe I could have wrestled a little smarter, but the bottom line is that I'm wrestling good competition. That's wrestling. You have to beat the good guys. And I didn't." Thankfully for Gallick, his luck changed in August when he traveled to Izmir, Turkey to wrestle in the World University Games. Nate Gallick (second from right) won the World University Games gold medal at 60 kg in Izmir, Turkey.Competing at 60 kg (132 lbs), Gallick cruised through his first three matches without surrendering a single point. He got stronger and more confident with every match. In the finals, he met Odabasi Tevfik, a 2004 Olympian from Turkey. After dropping the first period 6-2, the resilient Gallick battled back to win the final two periods by scores of 1-0 and 3-0, to become a University World champion. "He came back real strong after falling behind and just crushed his finals opponent," said Iowa State coach Bobby Douglas. "He did a superb job. It wasn't like he beat him up -- he just took him apart with very good technique." Added Gallick, "I felt as good as I've ever felt wrestling. I just felt really confident, really comfortable. The competitors that I was wrestling really fit well with my style." Now turn back the clock four years to 2001. Gallick, a Tucson native, had just captured his second individual state title for Sunnyside High School, a wrestling powerhouse in Arizona (the Blue Devils won the team state title every year of Gallick's high school career). He had compiled a high school career record of 107-3. He was coveted by many of the nation's top collegiate wrestling programs, but he only really considered two schools -- Arizona State, which was less than a two-hour drive away, and Iowa State. Douglas, a former coach at Arizona State (1974-1992) and someone who still has very close ties to the state of Arizona, had known Gallick since he was young. He had closely followed Gallick's development from the time he was a maturing middle school wrestler until he became one of the top high school wrestlers in the country. Sunnyside High has become a recruiting haven for Douglas, who had previously recruited three All-Americans, before Gallick, from the school. One of those wrestlers, Thom Ortiz, the current head coach at Arizona State, was an assistant at Iowa State when Gallick was recruited. "I originally had my heart set on Arizona State, and then Iowa State recruited me, and I kind of changed my mind," said Gallick. "Thom Ortiz had a pretty big influence on my decision. But I took my visit, met Coach Douglas and the guys, and I knew that it was the right place. As far as workout partners and facilities, Iowa State was the perfect situation for me. "Once Nate visited Iowa State, he was sold on coming," added Douglas. "There was no question in his mind that he wanted to come. And there was no question in our minds that we wanted him. What Nate was able to accomplish as a high school wrestler told us that he was the perfect fit for Iowa State, so we pursued him." So there he was … a wide-eyed 18-year-old, 1700 miles from home, wrestling in one of the most storied wrestling programs in NCAA history. It was then, in the fall of 2001, that Gallick would devise his eight-year wrestling plan -- a plan that included such milestones as becoming an NCAA All-American, winning an NCAA title, winning a World title, and winning an Olympic gold medal. Douglas, who has amassed more than 400 dual meet victories as a coach, almost always has his freshmen redshirt. He believes that redshirting his first-year wrestlers allows for them to adjust to the college environment and to mature as students. In 2001, the Cyclones brought in the top recruiting class in the country, bolstered by Gallick, Harry Lester (four-time Ohio state champion and current U.S. World Team member in Greco-Roman), and Ken Cook (California state champion). In 2005, Nate Gallick finished runner-up at both the U.S. Nationals and World Team Trials. He lost to Michael Lightner in the finals of both events.It turned out to be a great year for Gallick. He lived in the dorms with Lester, made a lot of new friends, and got acclimated to his new home. Plus, he had a stable of phenomenal workout partners, which included Zach Roberson, Aaron Holker, Cody Sanderson, and Lester. "It was actually nice not having as much pressure on me, because I wasn't competing in the lineup," said Gallick. "I got a chance to wrestle a lot of freestyle that year. We had some really good freshmen and we all hung out a lot. So it was great." Ironically, that season, Gallick's teammate, Holker, wrestled against one of Gallick's childhood friends and a former Sunnyside wrestler, Eric Larkin, in the NCAA finals at 141 lbs. "I was kind of caught between a rock and a hard place," said Gallick, recalling the match. "From a team standpoint, you want your teammate to win and help the team. And from a friend's standpoint, you want him to win and get his NCAA title that he deserves." Holker won the match 10-5. But Larkin would go on to win the NCAA title the following year and cap off his senior season with a perfect 34-0 record. Larkin was also awarded the Dan Hodge Trophy, which is presented by the International Wrestling Institute and W.I.N. Magazine, and given annually to the nation's most outstanding collegiate wrestler. The next year would prove to be a trying time in Gallick's life. With Roberson and Holker both returning to the Cyclone lineup at 133 and 141 respectively, the only way he could be assured a spot in the lineup was by moving up and wrestling at 149. It might not have been what was best for him, but it was best for the team. And Gallick just wanted to help the Cyclones win. All season he weighed in at 141, even though he competed at 149. Holker, a senior captain, was cutting a lot of weight at the time, so the Iowa state coaches wanted to make sure that Gallick could stay certified at 141 just in case Holker decided to move up to 149. "It was a nightmare for me," said Gallick of wrestling at 149. "I was undersized every match and got throttled quite a bit that year. I went through some real tough times. I think it really affected me. I got over it, but it was hard. Real hard. I was pretty unhappy that whole year." Gallick finished that season with a 16-16 record. While his technique and athleticism allowed him stay competitive with many of the top 149-pounders in the country, his lack of size and strength prevented him from defeating those wrestlers. He placed fourth at the Big 12 Championships, which kept him out of the NCAA Tournament. In 2003, Nate Gallick defeated Todd Meneely to win the FILA Junior National Championships.That spring, in April, Gallick won a title at the FILA Junior National Championships at 60 kg and was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Wrestler in the process. A month later, he placed seventh at the U.S. Nationals. Gallick's sophomore year, with Holker graduated, he settled nicely into the 141-pound slot for the Cyclones. He posted a 26-6 record, won the Big 12 title in his home arena, Hilton Coliseum, and earned the second seed at the NCAA Tournament. But in the quarterfinals of the NCAA Tournament, Gallick lost a heartbreaking match in double overtime to Matt Murray of Nebraska, a wrestler he had beaten twice during the season. Gallick went on to place fifth, while his teammate and close friend, Roberson, won the NCAA title at 133 lbs. Last year, as a junior, Gallick cruised through the regular season with an undefeated record. And then, in early March, he won his second straight Big 12 title by narrowly beating Teyon Ware of Oklahoma for the second time that season. It marked the fourth straight victory over Ware dating back to 2003. It had been a perfect season for Gallick. Now he just had one more thing to accomplish -- winning an NCAA title. Two weeks later, as expected, Gallick received the No. 1 seed at the NCAA Tournament. After rolling through his first four matches, only giving up 10 points along the way, he met Ware in the NCAA finals. This time everything was on the line. Gallick's 30-0 season record no longer mattered. Gallick's 4-0 career record against Ware no longer mattered. Gallick's two Big 12 titles no longer mattered. The fact that Gallick was the number one seed, Ware the number two seed, no longer mattered. All that mattered was that he was wrestling for an NCAA title. "I felt pretty confident going into the finals," said Gallick. "All of our matches were fairly close, though, so I knew anything could happen." Teyon Ware of Oklahoma defeated Nate Gallick by a score of 3-2 to win the 2005 NCAA title at 141.It wasn't to be. Ware won 3-2. "I felt like I was so close to a goal that I wanted to achieve, a goal that I still want to achieve," said Gallick. "I think about that match a lot. It bothered me. It still does." Douglas, who has produced six NCAA champions while at Iowa State, was a little more diplomatic in his assessment. "I think every loss is a lesson," said Douglas. "That was a valuable lesson to Nate. He knows what he did wrong and he's making steps to prepare to correct that." Gallick took a week off after the NCAA Tournament in March to clear his head and refocus, before beginning his freestyle training. This past summer, Gallick spent most of his summer training in Ames with Roberson, as he prepared for the University World Games and the upcoming collegiate season. Gallick and Roberson have been close friends and training partners ever since Gallick arrived in Ames in the fall of 2001. While both compete in the same weight class (60 kg), and have the same dream of winning an Olympic gold medal, they insist that nothing will stand in the way of their friendship. "It's not tough training and competing with a friend, because of the relationship we have," said Roberson, who finished fourth at the World Team Trials and second in the inaugural season of Real Pro Wrestling. "We keep it kind of lighthearted. We both know that we want to win, and we're going to do everything we can to beat the other one, but we joke around about it a lot. I would rather lose to him than anyone in our weight class. And I'm sure it's the same for him, too." Zach Roberson (left) and Nate Gallick have been friends and training partners since 2001.Gallick chimed in, "We tease each other all the time about who is going to be on the Olympic Team. It's not like an uncomfortable situation or anything. We just know that we're both after the same thing." As Gallick begins his senior season, he has a new roommate -- his younger brother, Nick, a freshman wrestler at Iowa State. Nick won four state titles for Sunnyside and was one of the most sought after recruits in the country. He will follow protocol and redshirt this season for the Cyclones. Gallick is excited to have his younger brother by his side for his final season. "It's pretty awesome," said Gallick. "We're spending a lot of time together. I haven't seen him for years, at least not for more than a week at a time. We're regular lifting partners. It's just overall great having him here." Gallick's wrestling goals are simply stated. He wants an NCAA title this season. He wants a World title. And then he wants an Olympic title. He believes that he's in the perfect environment to accomplish those goals. He is with his brother. He has great training partners and facilities. And he has a great coach in Douglas. Bobby Douglas is beginning his 14th year as head coach at Iowa State."Coach Douglas just cares so much," said Gallick. "On and off the mat, I just see him as a friend. It's real easy for me to think that he cares more than a lot of other coaches. When I win or lose, he genuinely feel as good or bad as I do. If I go to his house to pick up a videotape, or take care of his dog, he's there watching and studying videos late at night. Wrestling is his life. He makes it a point to help out. If there is anything I ever need, he's always right there." Douglas, who has twice served as head coach for the U.S. Olympic Team, sees an extremely bright future for Gallick. "He has a competitive heart, a passion for wrestling, and he's a good athlete," said Douglas. I'm not one to make predictions, but I will say that Nate has a lot of growth left in him. Technically, he can get 25-30 percent better. Physically, he can get 10-15 percent stronger. If he improves his conditioning and learns to move his hands properly, I think he definitely has a chance to be the man."

For over a decade, this article might have been titled "Augsburg or Wartburg? Division III Teams to Watch." Not this season. A number of Division III teams will be making a strong run at the 'Burgs this season. And while this list is obviously not comprehensive, here is a preview of five teams I think will make some noise at the Division III level this year. And guess what? I'm not picking either one of the ‘Burgs to win it all. Read on. Augsburg Auggies Having won nine national championships in the last 15 years, including 2005, the fact that Jeff Swenson's Augsburg Auggies are among the favorites to hold the trophy should be no surprise. How they will do so after losing three undefeated champions, and five All-Americans overall, is the major question facing them for the upcoming season. Oh, and will three-time undefeated National Champion 157-pounder Marcus LeVesseur be able to finish his college career without a loss? Outlook: Marcus LeVesseurThe Auggies have lost five All-Americans from last year to graduation. Of course, this means that the team still has five All-Americans returning this year. Along with LeVesseur, Ryan Valek (165, runner-up), Brad Tupa (184, 4th), and Justin Sorensen (197, 6th) are all seniors looking to repeat or improve upon their All-American finishes in their final season. Jared Evans (149, 7th), a junior, is the only returning All-American who is an underclassmen. With success, naturally, comes greater competition within to even garner a starting spot. Augsburg is one of only a few Division III teams where returning All-Americans are not assured their position for the following year. All will have to again earn their positions. Who will replace the lost All-Americans from last season (three of whom -- Joe Moon, Mark Matzek and Matt Shankey were undefeated national champions)? Well, as with most years in Minneapolis, it'll be a battle for spots. Returning at 125/133, will be junior Ben Moss, who had a solid 12-3 record last year. The Auggies hope he will be able to help ease the loss either Shankey or Matzek, depending on which weight he goes. At 141, Rich Taylor (Sr., last year's record: 12-11) and Josh Hansen (Jr., 23-10) will be fighting to fill in the considerable shoes left by two-time national runner-up Jamell Tidwell. Replacing a wrestler of Moon's credentials at 174 will be difficult, but either Travis Birhanzl (Sr., 14-3) or Robbie Gotreau (So., 24-11) -- both platooned during Moon's absence the first part of last season, should be effective. At heavyweight, Andrew Neumann (Jr., 16-7) seems to be the front-runner for departed fourth-place finisher Mark Simmonds. Wartburg Knights The "other half" of the ‘Burg dynasty in Division III college wrestling, led by veteran coach Jim Miller, is just south of the Minnesota border in Waverly, Iowa. Wartburg has been trading championships with Augsburg over the last decade. The Knights hope to improve upon their second-place finish from last year. Led by two two-time NCAA champions, 141-pounder Dustin Hinschberger and 197-pounder Akeem Carter, the Knights have their aim squarely on the "Burg nemesis" to the north. Outlook: As with Augsburg, guaranteed spots are non-existent in Knight-land. There's a pretty good chance, however, that Hinschberger and Carter have a stranglehold on their weights. Other All-American's battling for a return trip to national prominence includes Heavyweight Blake Gillis (Jr., runner-up in '05), who will try all the tricks in his bag to try to topple UW-Lacrosse's Ryan Allen this year. Senior Scott Kauffman (184, 5th), a senior, will try to rise higher in the ranks, as will Jacob Naig (149, 6th) who is only a sophomore. Akeem CarterGone from last year's national runner-up team are All-Americans Justin McClintock (4th at 125), Tyler Hubbard (3rd at 133), and 2004 All-American's Cory Connell (157) and Mark Sturm (174). Also gone is national qualifier Andrew Knaack at 165. Looking to step in at 125 is junior Corey Kalina, who sported a respectable 13-7 record last year. At 133, another junior, Kyle Blood (15-9), will be battling to represent the Knights. A clear-cut favorite to replace former runner-up Connell doesn't seem to be on the horizon. Perhaps Robert Kuennen (Sr., 13-11) or Dustin Cooper (Jr., 11-9) will move up from 149 to fill in; then again, it's always possible for a new recruit or transfer to fill in the shoes. Sophomores John Galbraith and Adam Swalla (10-7) are possible frontrunners for 165 and 174, respectively. University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse Eagles Eight-time defending Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference champion UW-Lacrosse has had a good run within the state's borders; yet, the school has yet to produce a National Championship team. Eagle faithful -- along with young coach Nate Skaar, are hoping this year's young and decorated UW-Lacrosse team will improve three spots from its fourth-place finish of 2005 -- I'm guessing they will. The team has perhaps the most celebrated Division III wrestler, along with Levesseur, in heavyweight Ryan Allen, who has won the past two national titles. There are a host of teammates who will be working to match their anchor's accomplishments. Outlook: Along with Allen, who has given both Steve Mocco (two-time Division I champion) and Cole Konrad (Divsion I runner-up) close matches, an astounding six 2005 All-Americans return for the Eagles. Youth is being served in LaCrosse, as five of those All-American's are underclassmen. Starting at 125 should be Jordan Kolinski, who took 7th as a freshman. Another sophomore, Mike Rohowetz, landed an 8th-place finish in a very tough 133 weight class last year. At 149, junior Jake Larsen finished 4th, and will look to improve upon that finish this year. There have been rumblings that senior Nick Ammerman (165, 6th) will not be competing this year; needless to say, Coach Skaar and all LaCrosse supporters are hoping this isn't the case. Other All-American's returning to the lineup in 05-06 are 174-pounder Josh Chelf (6th) and Jim Swanson (197, 5th) -- both juniors. Nate SkaarNot to be overlooked is junior Ross Needham (157, DNP), who gave Levesseur a bit of a scare at nationals, losing only 5-4 before bowing out in consolations. Also returning to the lineup is senior Adam Kuchnia (141, 19-9), who just missed the national tournament, finishing 2nd at the WIAC Championships, and sophomore Josh Zabel (184, 29-13). All this means that UW-LaCrosse likely returns its entire lineup. Also, coupled with the Eagles' massive recruiting class, this is a team to be reckoned with this year and the years to come. Luther Norse Coach Dave Mitchell has produced some quality Norse teams in his ten-year tenure; in fact, Luther has placed in the top five nationally four times in that span; this includes a 3rd-place finish in 2005. This team might again be headed towards a high national finish, but they need to find some effective replacements for the wealth of talent they lost. Led by returning 149-pound NCAA champion Matt Pyle, a junior, Luther brings a mix of youth and experience into the 2005-06 campaign. Outlook: The loss of five starters, including four All-Americans (including one National Champion), is tough for any DIII program. It is the hope in Decorah, however, that the more experienced Norse will lead their fledgling teammates by example throughout the year. One comrade Pyle hopes will help him in this quest is All-American Michael Lopez, a senior, who placed 4th last year. There are rumors that Lopez may not be eligible for the upcoming season. If this is the case, then Luther will have another substantial hole to fill in the lineup. Other veterans on the squad include Nathan Evans (125, Sr., 12-15) and former national qualifier Lon Welsh (Sr., 174, 12-8). The Norse had a successful national tournament in 2005, culminating in the aforementioned five All-Americans and third-place team finish. Who will they look to take those spots over? Starting at 141, Ben Kissling (Jr., 4-9) and Brad Ernst (So., 3-6) will be fighting to replace Jeff Patzke, who placed 3rd nationally in ‘05. Ryan Lebeau, 2005 runner-up at 157, is gone, leaving a void in the middle of the lineup. Perhaps look for Nate Van Dyke (Jr., 9-10 at 149) to move up a weight, or a new recruit to take the spot. At 165, the move might be the other way, as A.J. Gregg (So., 23-12 at 174) could look to replace Garrett South, the 2005 NCAA champion. 184 looks to be a wide-open weight for Luther, as all of the returning participants had sub-.500 records in 2005. Joe Postuma (Jr., 7-15) and Scott Jennings (So., 2-4) actually had the best-looking records at the weight behind graduated All-American Danny Adams (6th). The top highest weights look like they have serious holes. Gone is starter Wyatt Reyerson at 197, and his successor is a major question mark. Heavyweight also presents a problem, as Luther had no steady heavyweight during the 2004-05 season. How the team fills in those spots will be a good indicator of the team's success. State University of New York-Brockport Golden Eagles SUNY-Brockport was a wrestling powerhouse in the 1980s, winning three national titles during the decade (1980, 1982, and 1983). They have not tasted national glory since the 1992 season, however; this could be the year they put up a serious challenge. Veteran coach Don Murray, in his 36th season, is well-aware that returning four All-Americans is a very nice start. He hopes that there will be a glorious celebration near Rochester next March. Outlook: One person who won't be sad to see Augsburg's Mark Matzek graduate is junior Tony D'Ambra. Matzek won a tight 3-1 decision over D'Ambra in the 2005 finals match, giving D'Ambra a runner-up finish -- he will surely look to take it one step further this season. Joining him will be Shaheim Bradshaw, a sophomore, who took 5th place nationally in a meat-grinder of a weight class. Logic would dictate that a freshman, who did so well—at that weight, will be looking for a top-three finish this season. Brockport is well-represented at the upper-weights, as senior 197-pounder Will Weiss (3rd) and heavyweight Pat Bennett (Sr., 8th) anchor the Golden Eagles. Other returning wrestlers who saw time include Allan Boice (So., starter at 125, 15-13), Brett Giehl (So., 174, 11-10) and Donald Williams (So., 157/165, 17-9). Brockport did lose two 2005 national qualifiers in Dan Roberts (141, four-time national qualifier) and Pat Hanscomb (149) after last season to graduation. They will look to Kyle Fried (So., 141/149, 14-6) and Andrew Grillo (So., 149, 7-2) to pick up the slack. At 184, the Golden Eagles will return sophomore Steve Speiseleiere, who went 3-13 during his freshman campaign. Prediction for 2005-06: 1. UW-LaCrosse 2. Augsburg 3. Wartburg 4. SUNY-Brockport 5. Luther Up-and-Comers: Loras Duhawks Coach Randy Steward's Duhawks have a nice mix of youth and experience coming back this season. Last year's team was laden with underclassmen, including junior All-American Terry Morgan, who took third place at the 2005 Championships. A year older and wiser, Loras could be a top-10 team come March. Buena Vista Beavers Mark SchwabThere is a lot of excitement surrounding the Buena Vista program -- because of second-year coach Mark Schwab, who has been successful everywhere he has been. Beaver fans hope that the combination of Schwab's experience and the energy of youth, as well as the return of sophomore All-American Jestin Hulegaard (a former transfer from the University of Minnesota), will bring a top-15 finish to Storm Lake. Concordia-Moorhead Cobbers Coach Clay Nagel is a well-known name in Minnesota high school wrestling circles. He coached small-town Frazee to numerous state titles. His last name might be more familiar in national circles -- as he's the father of current Gopher All-American Matt Nagel, and former two-time Division II All-American Travis Nagel. The name has meant something to the Cobbers: Nagel has brought a huge recruiting class with him, especially by Division III standards. Likely not this year. Maybe not next. But Concordia will be a force in the near future.

What's up everyone? My name is Marshall Marquardt and I wrestle for Dana College, which is in the NAIA. We are located smack in the heart of America, in Blair, Nebraska. I will be writing entries every other week during the collegiate wrestling season. Each entry will be a look into my life as a Dana College wrestler. As much as I hate to admit it, I would have probably been considered a mediocre wrestler in high school, (never even placing at state, but finishing fourth on my high school's all-time win's list and going on to be a Junior Nationals Greco All-American). When I was offered a chance to wrestle at the collegiate level, I jumped at the opportunity. I was part of a 20 wrestler recruiting class to Dana College in 2001, which currently had about 20 wrestlers total. My class was the beginning of a new era at Dana College. An era of elite recruiting classes and some of the hardest working athletes and coaches I have seen in the sport. So I now enter my fifth year at Dana College, and my last year of eligibility (I redshirted in 01-02), I have a lot to prove to myself. Preseason started for us with a 12-mile run. Honestly, though, this is the easiest preseason practice we go through. This year it was a little different from the past, as we were assigned into groups of four. I did not know two of the three in my group, which I guess was the point because I got to know them much better in the time it took us to run 12 miles. Blair Alderman and Wade Jordan push themselves during the 12-mile runThis run was a big test to see who actually did something over the summer, and it was more than evident that many of the guys didn't do anything. Personally, I was ready for it, but could have been more prepared. I lifted all summer and ran at least once per week, but wish I could have got in the room a little more for some drilling sessions. However, I accomplished many goals this summer. One problem of mine was that I was always really light. I wrestle 174 pounds, and last season I came in around 194 pounds, but towards the end of the year, I was weighing 168-170 after practices, and was weighing in two to three pounds light on tournament days. It is nice not to be sucking weight all the time, but there is definite disadvantage to being light. I am coming in this year at 206, the heaviest I have ever been. I plan on wrestling 174 at some point in the season, just when that will be I am not sure. I started my wrestling diet the Monday before the 12-mile run, and after one week, I am down to 196. This is a very serious diet that I had a good friend and old wrestling partner, Sam Melendrez (seventh place at 2002 NAIA Tournament), help me put together. It basically consists of eating about 200-250 grams of protein a day strung out through 6-8 meals. I eat most of my carbohydrates in the morning and lunch meals, and very few at my evening meal. I eat 3-5 snacks throughout the day which usually contain 20-40 grams of protein with little carbohydrates. The main goal is to eat every one and a half to two hours to constantly keep your metabolism running full throttle for maximum fat burning (as well as working out of course, but for wrestlers that usually isn't a problem). My goal was to lose 1-3 pounds per week, but 10 in the first week made me pretty happy, considering I wasn't cutting back the amount of food I was eating or my liquid intake, just my fat and carb intake. Steve CostanzaOur second preseason practice of the year was insane. My coach, Steve Costanzo, broke the team up into three groups (we have 70 guys on the team, so we can't all fit in one place at the same time, including our wrestling room, but I'll talk about that sometime in the future.) There were three stations that we switched through, staying at each one for 20 minutes. The first station assigned to my group was the weight room. We were basically assigned to do three different exercises, hang/power cleans, front squats, and lunges. My group of three in the weight room got through four sets of both power cleans and front squats (returning later to finish lunges). It was then time to move on to the second station. This was an extreme version of plyometric training, which included squat jumps, stance-in-motion, leap frogs, push-ups, stair-steppers, etc. for twenty minutes. I tried to push as hard as possible, but there comes a point when your body can no longer do one more movement. I was so close to reaching that point, when the whistle blew to hit the next station. Jon Goodridge and Jason Bilinski run side-by-side down a dirt roadIt was a nice break to have a 30 second jog to the next station, where we started immediately. This last station was extremely difficult (the worst of the three) and pushed everyone to the limit. I am sure that most of you reading this are familiar with wheelbarrows -- well this is a modified version of those. We do them up a hill that is only about 30 yards long but at a 45 degree angle. It is ridiculous. I made 15 minutes and threw up at the top of the hill. I kept going and as the whistle blew to quit and go run a cool down lap, it came again, then again, then again. However, despite vomiting four times, I felt good. I did not feel out of shape. I thought I was deepening my current condition and getting stronger both mentally and physically. I have to give props out to the whole team, though ... it was a serious test and everyone finished. That is one thing that is interesting about an NAIA school and wrestling. Wrestling is a sport that has struggled in the last 30 years in the aspect of school support and maintaining programs. At Dana, everyone can come as long as they are willing to put in the time and effort, and many of them are. Until next time, keep getting better. Marshall Marquardt

COLLEGE PARK, Md. -- The University of Maryland Fall Wrestling Coaches/Wrestlers Clinic is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, October 21 & 22, 2005. This clinic is designed for coaches and wrestlers to learn and interact with their team on the instruction. Registration needs to be completed by Oct. 19. Walk-ins are welcome. A $10 additional fee will be charged for those who do not pre-register by Oct. 19. The clinic will be held at the Comcast Center Wrestling Room on the University of Maryland's campus. Directions will be provided upon receipt of registration. Fees for the clinic include instructional costs, supplies, educational materials, a t-shirt, dinner on campus and a coach's social. Coaches cost: $75 per coach for both days $50 second coach from the same high school $25 each additional coach from the same high school Cost for a single wrestler includes a Maryland Wrestling t-shirt $45 for both days (starting at 5:30 pm on Oct. 21) $35 for Saturday only Make checks payable to Pat Santoro's Minds in Motion For additional information and questions, or to register for the clinic, please contact Todd Beckerman at (301) 314-6677 or via email at tfb@umd.edu. University of Maryland Fall Wrestling Coaches/Wrestlers Clinic October 21 & 22, 2005 University of Maryland Comcast Center-Wrestling Room College Park, MD Clinic Schedule: October 21, 2005 1:45 -- 2:30 pm - Registration in the Comcast Wrestling Room, College Park, MD 2:30 -- 3:30 pm -- Session I 3:30 -- 5:00 pm -- MD wrestling practice 4:45 - 5:30 pm -- Dinner 5:30 -- 7:00 pm -- Session II (Coaches and Wrestlers) 7:30 -- 9:00 pm -- Coaches Social October 22, 2005 9-11 am -- Session III (Coaches/Wrestlers session) 11- 12 pm -- Wrestlers only in wrestling room 11- 12 pm -- Session IV- Coaches (Strength and Conditioning with MD wrestling team) 12 pm -- Final Comments Hotel Information: Comfort Inn & Suites, Phone: (301) 441-8110 Holiday Inn: Phone: 301-345-6700 Quality Inn & Suites, Phone: (301) 276-1000 Days Inn College Park, Phone: 301-345-5000

The University of the Cumberlands (formerly Cumberland College) has one of the largest and most successful women's wrestling programs in North America. The Patriot ladies come to UC from all corners of the United States. Coach Kip Flanik (Cleveland, OH) has been very successful in finding and recruiting the nation's top wrestlers. Although there are close to fifty wrestlers from eighteen different states on the team, Coach Flanik could not ask for a closer group of student-athletes. Horrified by the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, junior Aquilla Hills (Charlotte, NC) and Coach Flanik joined together to form a relief effort for the hurricane's victims. After careful planning, Coach Flanik called a meeting to inform the team of their goals. The team supported the idea and was ecstatic to help. Hills, along with several teammates, planned clothing drives in each of the dorms on campus. They also set aside an entire Saturday to accept donations outside of the local Wal-Mart and raise funds through a carwash. Without the team, Hills feels that the project would not have been successful. "I am very thankful that I have the opportunity to be part of such a loving team. The girls are always willing to help no matter what the situation may be," stated Hills. The ladies raised over $750 to help aid Katrina victims.

BUDAPEST, Hungary -- Former Oklahoma State wrestler Muhammed Lawal was eliminated in the quarterfinal round of the World Wrestling Championships in Budapest, Hungary. Lawal was defeated by 2004 Olympic bronze medalist Sazhid Sazhidov of Russia in the quarterfinals. Sazhidov was defeated in the semifinals and finished fifth for the tournament at 84 kg (185 lbs.). It was the first international tournament for Lawal and he posted a 2-1 record.

The mats were delivered to the Blake Family Wrestling Training Center on Monday evening.WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- The clock is ticking towards the beginning of the 2005-06 wrestling season, and that brings extra excitement for the Purdue Boilermakers. When practice begins on Oct. 12, the Boilermakers will no longer be in the basement of Mackey Arena. The Blake Family Wrestling Training Center is nearing completion, with the practice mats being delivered on Monday evening, Sept. 26. With the mats in the room, and the new sound system installed, the finishing date is just around the corner. "The new facility is vital for our training and recruitment of blue-chip student-athletes," head coach Jessie Reyes said. "This room will bring our program to the forefront of college wrestling." The new room, built in Lambert Fieldhouse in the location of the former swimming pool, features two full-size competition mats, plus extra room for drilling as well as designated space for cardio machines and a video/sound room. "The floor surface and mat surface in this room will be second to none," assistant coach Tom Erikson said. "The way this place was put together, there won't be a better wrestling surface in the country."

Simpson College's Bob Darrah, a high school and college wrestling coach for 33 years, has been elected for induction into the Glen Brand Wrestling Hall of Fame of Iowa. Bob DarrahDarrah will be inducted as part of the Class of 2006 Apr. 8 in the Glen Brand Wrestling Hall of Fame of Iowa wing of the International Wrestling Institute and Museum. The Glen Brand Wrestling Hall of Fame of Iowa was begun in 2002 as a way to further recognize and honor the people who have made an impact on the Iowa Wrestling scene. Darrah was the head coach at Morning Sun (1961-67), Urbandale (1967-69), and Dowling Catholic High Schools (1969-89). In 27 years on the prep level, Darrah's teams went undefeated 17 times and did not have a losing record. In his final 11 years at Dowling, the Maroons went 161-1 and won the first three state dual meet championships (1987-89). Dowling won four state championships (1975, 1978, 1984, 1988). The Maroons were second five times at the state tournament. Dowling won the 3A State Tournament Qualifying meet 17 years in a row. He led four of his Dowling wrestlers to five US Federation High School Freestyle Championships (Jeff Carter, two times, Perry Hummel, Tim Anderson, and Kurt Engler). For his efforts, Darrah was named the 1977 Iowa Class 3A Coach of the Year, the 1988 Amateur Wrestling News High School Coach of the Year, and the 1990 National High School Athletic Coaches Association National Coach of the Year. He also coached the Iowa Federation Wrestling team for 21 years. His high school teams posted a 340-17-2 record. His 340 dual wins are the second most in Iowa high school history. Darrah held all office of the Iowa High School Wrestling Coaches Association, serving two terms as president. Darrah also organized All-Star dual meets between wrestles from Iowa and Pennsylvania and those duals were held in conjunction with the Penn vs USA All-Star meets at the University of Pittsburgh Fieldhouse. Darrah served as the head wrestling coach at Simpson from 1989-1995 where he compiled an 86-25-1 record and one Iowa Conference Championship (1991). Five of his wrestlers were named All-Americans and one was a two-time National Champion (Travis Young). He was voted Iowa Conference Wrestling Coach of the Year in 1991. His contributions to the program continue to be remembers as in 1996, the practice facility at Simpson was renamed the Darrah Wrestling Room. Simpson has won 87 of 192 meets (a .453 winning percentage) in which they have entered since Darrah took over the team. Darrah has been named Iowa Conference Women's Golf Coach of the Year 10 times and has led the Storm to eight league titles. Since 1989, Simpson has finished second at the national women's golf tournament (either NCAA or NCGA) three times, two third place finishes, and one fourth place showing. Simpson golfers have posted 55 All-Conference performances with four; Tracey Voss (1994), Leah Willenborg (1994, 1995, 1996), Hannah Willenborg (1998, 2000), and Fay Bradley (2000), earning All-American honors. Voss earned Academic All-American honors on two occasions as well. In 1994, Leah Willenborg became the first Division III player from Iowa to compete at the NCAA Division I National Championships. Both Leah and Hannah Willenborg were awarded NCAA Post-Graduate Scholarships. Darrah also served as the Simpson's men's golf coach from 1994-1998 where his teams finished in the upper division of the conference every year and one player, Jordan Dirks, earned All-Conference honors. This is the seventh Hall of Fame that Darrah will be a member of. He is currently a member of the Iowa High School, Dowling Catholic High School, Westmar College (charter member), Chariton High School, Iowa Wrestling Federation (Cresco, Iowa), and National Wrestling Hall of Fames.

BUDAPEST, Hungary -- Former Oklahoma State wrestler Muhammed Lawal advanced to the quarterfinals of the World Freestyle Wrestling Championships in Budapest, Hungary. Lawal had a quick pin over Ibrahim Al Khatib of Libya in just 22 seconds. He advanced to the quarterfinals after defeating Ruslan Sumenkov of Kyrgyzstan. The 84 kg (185 lbs.) bracket will be completed later today. Lawal will face Olympic bronze medalist Sazhid Sazhidov of Russia in the quarterfinals. Daniel Cormier did not fare as well 96 kg (211.5 lbs.). Cormier won his first match, but was defeated in the second round by Aleksei Krupnykov of Kyrgyzstan. Cormier must hope for Krupnykov to reach the finals in order to compete in the wrestle-back rounds.

Sara McMannCOLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- No stranger to the national wrestling experience, former Lock Haven University wrestler Sara McMann will compete at this year's World Championships in Budapest, Hungary Thursday Sept. 29. A former member of the Bald Eagle wrestling squad, McMann was an Olympic Silver Medalist in 2004, also taking second in the 2003 World Cup. She also added championships in the Manitoba Open in both 2001 and 2003. McMann is the top ranked grappler at the 63 kg class for Team USA. With a new format this season, the World Championships take each day to work through an entire weight class. McMann will wrestle Sept. 29, while another former LHU grappler, Jenny Wong, will compete Sept. 28.

AMES, Iowa -- Steve Knight has recently been named Executive Director and Club Coach of the Cyclone Wrestling Club, the support arm for the Iowa State University wrestling program. Knight's duties as Executive Director will include building membership, sponsorship and coordinating special events for the Cyclone Wrestling Club. Knight will also work with wrestlers to continue their careers beyond college while training for international competition and expand the regional training site concept. Iowa State wrestling has been designated as an official USAW Regional Training Site. "I'm excited to be back in Cyclone country and I'm honored and proud to be a part of this program again. I have great memories here. My wife and I are also pleased to be back around family," said Knight this past week from the Iowa State campus. "We feel fortunate to have the opportunity to hire someone with Steve's experience and background, " stated Jeff Murphy, Cyclone Wrestling Club president. "Coach Douglas and his staff are doing a great job of bringing the best wrestlers in the nation to Iowa State. Our top mission at the Cyclone Wrestling Club is to provide those wrestlers with the opportunity to pursue their post collegiate wrestling goals, and the addition of Steve Knight will help us to achieve that mission. Steve Knight received his bachelor's and master's degrees from Iowa State University. He was an Iowa State NCAA All American and Big 8 Champion at 126lbs. He went on to win the 1992 Pan American Championships at 136.5lbs. He wrestled on the US Freestyle circuit through 1992 competing both nationally and internationally. He was also a five time Senior National Freestyle All American while competing for the Cyclone Wrestling Club. Knight was an assistant coach for three seasons at Iowa State under Head Coach Jim Gibbons. After finishing his competitive career, he and his wife settled in Colorado. For the past ten years, Steve was the Head Coach for Team Excel, a USA Wrestling club that competed on both the Senior Olympic freestyle level as well as the Junior level. Team Excel has seen much success in 10 years with many Senior level All American performances. On the junior level, Team Excel wrestlers earned 62 High School State Championships with many of these wrestlers going on to wrestle on the college level. Two wrestlers from the program have achieved Division I NCAA All American status. Knight has been a member of the USA Wrestling National Teams coaching pool for 12 years. He is a USA Wrestling bronze level certified coach and has lead many teams abroad. He was the Head Coach of the US Pan Am team in 2004 that won the Freestyle Pan American Championships in Guatemala City, Guatemala. In 2005, he coached the US World Cup team to Tashkent, Uzbekistan. He has served on two US Olympic Coaching staffs in 2000 and 2004. He also worked for two years with the Australian National team coaching in two World Freestyle Championships in 1998 and 1999. In Colorado, Knight was also the founder of the Colorado state chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. He was instrumental in developing USA Wrestling's very first Junior Olympic Program model that is currently being utilized today in several states. Knight is also a committee member for the USA Wrestling Federation of Clubs board. Steve and his wife Kristin have three children, Evan 13, Colby 11 and Mackenzie 9.

All three U.S. freestyle wrestlers who competed on the opening day of the World Wrestling Championships were defeated in the morning session at the Laszlo Papp Sports Arena in Budapest, Hungary, Sept. 26. 1998 World Champion Sammie Henson (Flintstone, Ga./Sunkist Kids) won his first match of the day, but was defeated in his second round match at 55 kg/121 lbs. Losing in their opening matches of the day were Michael Lightner (Norman, Okla./Sunkist Kids) at 60 kg/132 lbs. and Chris Bono (Gilbert, Iowa/Sunkist Kids) at 66 kg/145.5 lbs. Henson opened the first match with a 2-3, 2-0, 4-0 victory over Vytas Cumakov of Lithuania. Henson was ahead 2-0 in the first period, but lost that period when Cumakov scored a takedown and a leg lace turn for three points. Henson dominated the next two periods, shutting out Cumakov 2-0 and 4-0 to win the match. In the next round, Henson was defeated by a young talent, Zalimkhan Kutseev of Russia, 1-1, 0-7. Henson scored the first point in the opening period on a takedown, but Kutseev scored a takedown with 12 seconds remaining to tie the match. The Russian won the period by scoring the last point in the period which is in the tiebreaking rules. In the second period, Kutseev scored a takedown and then turned Henson three times to his back to score seven points, winning the period by technical superiority. Under the new rules, if an athlete is six or more points ahead in any period, it ends the period by technical superiority. Lightner was defeated in a tight three-period match to 2004 Olympian Tevfik Odabasi of Turkey, 2-0, 0-1, 0-4. It was Lightner's first appearance in a World Championships. Lightner won the first period 2-0, with a takedown and a step out point. In the second period, Odabasi scored the only point when Lightner stepped out of bounds. The final period went to Odabasi, who scored a two-point crotch lift on a counter to a Lightner shot, then scored two more takedowns when Lightner tried to press his offense. Bono was defeated by Evan MacDonald of Canada, 1-1, 1-1. In both periods, Bono scored the first point of the match on a takedown. In the first period, MacDonald scored a point when Bono went out of bounds with four seconds left. In the second period, Bono stepped out with just one second remaining, giving the point to MacDonald. In the new rules, the athlete who scored the final point wins a 1-1 tie. Bono was competing in the World Championships for the second time in his career. MacDonald was eighth at the 2003 World Championships, and competed in the 2004 Olympic Games. Bono beat MacDonald at the Sunkist Kids International Open earlier this season. As of the end of the morning session, Henson and Bono still have the opportunity to wrestle back for third place, because the athletes they lost to are still alive in the competition. However, both of their opponents must advance to the gold-medal finals for Henson and Bono to qualify for the wrestle-back rounds. Lightner was eliminated from the competition when Odabasi was defeated in the second round by 2004 Olympic champion Yandro Quintana of Cuba. "The bottom line is we were in scoring position and didn't finish the holds," said U.S. coach Mike Duroe. "That happened in Michael's match, and in Bono's match. Bono was ahead in both periods. A one-point lead is never enough. If you try to hold a lead, you are taking a chance. When you are in a position to win, you have to finish it clean. We are capable of doing that." QUOTES: 55 kg/121 lbs. - Sammie Henson (Flintstone, Ga./Sunkist Kids) "It was nothing. I just woke up this morning and didn't feel it. I was tired. I was strong; I am always strong. That guy is a good wrestler, but he's not in my league. He is done. He won't beat the other guys. He beat me. I got beat. Sammie Henson wasn't there today. What are you going to say? I am mad. I am pissed off. I have three kids and a family…" 60 kg/132 lbs. - Michael Lightner (Norman, Okla./Sunkist Kids) "For myself, I felt good. I don't feel like he did anything. I was in on his leg. I got beat with my own technique. I didn't react on my finish quite enough. At the end, the rest of the points were scored on me forcing attacks. It is going to be hard to swallow. I beat myself, hesitating on a shot." "I was ready to go physically and mentally. I felt I went out there and was in control. Coach Jackson preaches it all the time. Don't let him score on your technique. I let him score on my technique. The chances are against me getting back in with (Olympic champion) Quintana there." "It has been a good experience. I have gotten better. I have grown as a wrestler. I am disappointed it ended this way. I had higher expectations and my family had higher expectations. I've been knocked down before. I will be back." 66 kg/145.5 lbs. - Chris Bono (Gilbert, Iowa/Sunkist Kids) "I made two of the biggest mistakes in my life. Those were things I worked in camp. I let my coaches down. They had me ready. I felt great. I didn't do the things we practiced. I played defense instead of building my lead and wrestling. I didn't stay aggressive. I should have gone for another point. I played defense and it cost me." "He has a tough draw ahead of him, the Kazakhstan wrestler who was fourth in the Olympics and the Bulgarian." "I still feel like I can win this tournament. To do that, you have to wrestle mistake free. I didn't do that. I was ready. I blew it, everything I worked for." Joe Seay, U.S. World Team Coach "I don't know the reason Sammie lost. I can't say it was mental. But today, I looked at Sammie and I didn't see what I should see. He is in excellent shape. But it seemed like he was tired. It was a combination of things. I wish I had the answer." "You don't sit on a lead. You don't wrestle on the edge. You control the middle of the mat and you stay there. We worked on that all summer." Mike Duroe, U.S. World Team Coach "The bottom line is we were in scoring position and didn't finish the holds. That happened in Michael's match, and in Bono's match. Bono was ahead in both periods. A one-point lead is never enough. If you try to hold a lead, you are taking a chance. When you are in a position to win, you have to finish it clean. We are capable of doing that." "With Chris Bono, it happened with 15 seconds left in the first period and just four seconds left in the second period. You have to keep wrestling. That is how we coached them."

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. -- The World Wrestling Championships, which begin Monday in Budapest, Hungary, will have a distinctive University of Tennessee at Chattanooga flavor. Three members of the UTC coaching staff are members of the USA Wrestling National Team, including Mocs' Head Coach Joe Seay, who is one of two U.S. Freestyle coaches. Two new UTC assistant coaches, Chris Bono and Sammie Henson, are competing next week as members of the U.S. National Team in the freestyle tournament. Bono is the top-ranked U.S. wrestler at 66 kilograms (145.5 pounds) while Henson ranks first at 55 kilograms (121 pounds). Bono, an NCAA Champion from Iowa State, is a three-time U.S. World Team member, a two-time U.S. Nationals Champion and a 2003 World Cup Gold Medalist. Henson is a graduate of Missouri who won two NCAA titles while competing for the Tigers. He is a 1998 World Champion, a 2000 Olympic Silver Medalist and a three-time U.S. Nationals Champion. Seay was hired by UTC in May of this year to replace former Head Coach Terry Brands. Seay served as head coach of the 1996 U.S. Olympic Freestyle Wrestling Team which produced three Gold Medal winners. He has led U.S. freestyle teams to World Team titles in 1993 and 1995. Prior to his arrival in Chattanooga, Seay won two NCAA team championships as the head coach at Oklahoma State and earned seven NCAA Division II National titles while the head coach at Cal State-Bakersfield. The World Championships conclude Wednesday.

STILLWATER, Okla. -- Former Oklahoma State wrestlers Muhammed Lawal and Daniel Cormier will compete for a world championship at the World Wrestling Championships in Budapest, Hungary, beginning Mon., Sept. 26. Lawal took the title at the U.S. Senior Nationals and then won the finals at the World Team Trials to earn this opportunity. He does not have much international experience, but part of that is due to wrestling at the same weight class (84 kg/185 lbs.) as Cael Sanderson. Sanderson has not competed since he won the gold medal at the 2004 Olympics. Lawal is a medal threat despite being a new face on the international scene. At Oklahoma State, Lawal wrestled one season and finished third at the NCAA Championships in 2003. He began his collegiate career at Central Oklahoma before transferring to OSU. Cormier has improved each year he has wrestled at the international level. He will be considered one of the favorites at 96 kg (211.5 lbs.). Cormier is coming off of a World Cup title in March, and he finished a disappointing fourth-place at the 2004 Olympic Games. The Russians have been a force at this weight class for the last few years. At Oklahoma State, Cormier was an All-American in 2001 finishing as the national runner-up at the 184 lb. weight class.

Four weeks ago, as the nation stood in awe of the disastrous aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, a small group from University of the Cumberlands (formerly Cumberland College) set out to make a difference. The University's women's wrestling team saw the need for assistance and dedicated themselves to helping the victims of the disaster. Hurricane Katrina has topped the list of the costliest and most destructive tropical storms in the western hemisphere. The city of New Orleans was almost completely submerged in water while other coastal areas in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama suffered major damages. A majority of the victims were left without a home and without hope. UC's women's wrestling team aimed to help Katrina's victims regain hope and help the victims on the path toward recovery. Working in conjunction with the local Red Cross chapter, the ladies set up car washes, monetary donation centers at local stores, and drop off boxes within each of UC's dorms. Through these donations, the team was able to raise close to $800 and over twenty bags filled with clothing. The ladies then used the donations to buy simple but necessary toiletries such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste, and toothbrushes. After only two weeks of full practice, the ladies will travel to London, Ontario on September 30, 2005, to compete with the University of Western Ontario in a scrimmage.

Record number of participants Early in September 2005, a total of 734 competitors in the 3 wrestling styles (freestyle, Greco-Roman, and female) from 98 countries returned their preliminary registration forms to the Organising Committee of the Senior World Championship in Budapest. If this number is confirmed, the competition, starting on 25 September 2005, will be the biggest event ever organised by FILA. Broadcasting innovations With its huge number of cameras at the competition, the Hungarian public television will provide the wrestling fans with services characterized by innovations. Their impact will extend far beyond the Hungarian borders, since the events will be relayed by Eurosport and various televisions from Greece, Turkey, Finland, Russia, and Germany. In addition, Canadian, Japanese, Indian, and Iranian channels will ensure a permanent coverage of the World Championship. Finally, and for the first time, FILA will broadcast the matches live on its website (www.fila-wrestling.com). Olympic anniversary On 10 December 2005, the Hungarian Olympic Committee (HNOC) will celebrate its 110 anniversary. However, the celebration will be anticipated in order to coincide with the World Championship. Mr. Jacques Rogge, the International Olympic Committee President, will honour us with his presence as well. He will take part in the Hungarian NOC solemn general meeting taking place on 1 October 2005 in Budapest National Theatre and then he will attend the wrestling events. Two thousand young wrestlers As the Freestyle European Championship in 2000, Junior Olympiads will be organised at the same time and will welcome two thousand young wrestlers. They will take place in the Syma stadium that hosted the Veterans World Championship in 2003. Meetings and exhibition An exhibition devoted to the roots of wrestling will be opened on 25 September 2005, a few hours before the Opening Ceremony. It will be also the opening of the 2nd Hungarian Meetings, bringing together 600 to 800 former great wrestling champions. Anthem and pop concert During the Opening Ceremony, the violinist Edvin Marton, who plays with a highly valuable Stradivarius, will perform the Championship anthem that was kindly composed by him. After this performance, he will stay on the stage with his guest, Lou Bega, the international pop star, for a gala concert. Entertainments for children Finally, the Organising Committee will put a lot of effort into entertaining children who are an integral part of their massive advertising campaign. A wide range of recreational activities, including photography contests, games, and extreme sports, will be offered between the wrestling sessions. Tamas Gaspar, the head of the Organising Committee and Secretary General of the Hungarian Wrestling Federation, explains this great involvement: "We wish that the seven days of competition will make the heart of Budapest, city of 2 millions people, beat with the Laszlo Papp Arena."

INDIANAPOLIS -- The NCAA Wrestling Committee has selected the Savvis Center in St. Louis as the site for the 2008 and 2009 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships, the Qwest Center Omaha in Omaha, Nebraska as the host site for 2010 and the Wachovia Center in Philadelphia to serve as host in 2011. "The Wrestling Committee thought it said a great deal about the sport and these championships to have the number of quality bids that we had, and that made our job that much more difficult," said Tom Bold, the previous chair of the NCAA Wrestling Committee who presided over the site selections. "We felt the three cities we selected each offer something very unique and exciting, and will offer an outstanding experience to our student-athletes and fans." The University of Missouri, Columbia will co-host the events along with the St. Louis Sports Commission March 20-22, 2008, and March 19-21, 2009. St. Louis has been the host for three previous Division I Wrestling Championships in 2000, 2004 and 2005. In 2000, St. Louis set the all-session attendance record of 96,944 fans, which still stands. "St. Louis has done a tremendous job of hosting the wrestling championships in the past," Bold said. "The wrestling committee has been extremely impressed with the dedication of the staff from Missouri, the Savvis Center and the St. Louis Sports Commission to the championships. In addition, the feedback the committee received from the student-athletes, coaches and fans during the last two years in St. Louis was overwhelmingly positive so we are excited to go back." In 2010, the University of Nebraska, Lincoln will co-host the event along with the Omaha Sports Commission March 18-20. It will mark the first time the championships have ever been held in the state of Nebraska. "We were extremely impressed with the proximity of everything in Omaha," Bold said. "The Qwest Center Omaha, hotels, airport and restaurants are all very close. Also, Omaha is conveniently located with regards to many of our institutions and the fans that have supported this event in the past. With the great partnership the NCAA already has with the city of Omaha through the Men's College World Series, we know that they will to do a tremendous job." The championships will be back in the state of Pennsylvania for the first time since 1999, March 17-19, 2011. Rider University and the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference will host the event. Overall, the event has been held in the state 10 times before, but this will be the first time it will be held in Philadelphia. Previous Pennsylvania host sites include Bethlehem, Pittsburgh and State College. "The state of Pennsylvania is a wrestling hotbed," Bold said, "and this will give our fans on the East Coast a chance to see wrestling's premier event for the first time in a long while. The Wachovia Center is a state-of-the-art venue, and the city of Philadelphia is a perfect site to showcase the championships." Previously announced, the 2006 championships will be held at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City, March 16-18, while the 2007 championships will be held March 15-17, at the Palace of Auburn Hills in Michigan.

Matt Zwaschka, Tony Wright, Nick Karls and Jeff Zastrow have been named assistant wrestling coaches at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, head coach Tim Fader announced. Zwaschka wrestled for Fader at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse from 2000-2003. He earned National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III Wrestling Coaches Association Scholar All-American honors twice. He was UW-L's team captain in 2003, the same year he won the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference championship at 165 pounds and qualified for the NCAA III championship. He went 43-26 in his four seasons at La Crosse, and gained international experience as a member of a Division III all-star team that competed in Bulgaria and Turkey in 2002. He served as an assistant coach at Holmen (WI) High School the last two years. "I am very familiar with Mat and what he brings to the program," Fader said. "He was the ideal candidate for the position in that he can bring a lot of experience to all this duties on campus. He is a great technician and has the work ethic and attitude that will impact all of the UW-W wrestlers." Zwaschka has bachelor's and master's degrees in physical education from UW-La Crosse. His duties at UW-W will include lecturing in the department of health, physical education, recreation and coaching, as well as assisting with the strength and conditioning program in intercollegiate athletics. Tony Wright wrestled for the Warhawks for three years (2002-2004), winning the WIAC championship at 157 pounds in 2004 and qualifying for the NCAA III championship. He also qualified for the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics championship as a freshman at Mount Saint Clare College (IA) before transferring to UW-W. Wright earned NCAA III Wrestling Coaches Association Scholar Athlete honors in 2004. "Tony brings his loyalty to this program back for 2005-2006," noted Fader. "He ahs committed to student teaching and coaching, which I think shows his passion for the UW-W program." Wright will graduate from UW-W in December with a bachelor's in fine arts and teaching licensure. He duties at Whitewater will include serving as the head coach of the Warhawk wrestling club. Karls concluded his collegiate wrestling career last season with his name scattered throughout the Warhawk record book. He qualified for the NCAA III championship twice, earning All-American honors in 2003 and 2004. He earned NCAA III Wrestling Coaches Association Scholar All-American recognition in 2002, 2003 and 2004. He was the 2004 WIAC champion at 141 pounds, as well as the league's Max Sparger Scholar Athlete for wrestling. The 38 wins he piled up during the 2003-2004 season is the sixth highest in school history; his 102 career wins is ninth; and his career winning percentage of .803 is tenth best in the record book. "I wish we had another year to put Nick in a singlet," said Fader. "He loves to be in the room, and will have a big impact on the guys around his weight class. He is a pretty serious athlete in that he is training all the time. I'm excited to have him here again this year." Zastrow is another former Warhawk wrestler. He qualified for the NCAA III championship in 2002 and 2004, and earned NCAA III WCA Scholar All-American honors in 2004. He finished second in a state benchpress competition last summer, and competes in ultimate fighting contests. "Jeff is one of the strongest forces behind our program right now," commented Fader. "He is learning a lot about the coaching side of the sport while continuing to compete. I challenge our wrestlers to work harder than "Z" and this coaching staff. If they can, we will be in good shape." Fader is entering his second year at UW-Whitewater. In his first year he directed UW-W to a fourth place finish in the WIAC, had two wrestlers earn NCAA Division III championship berths, and Karls earned his second All-American honors. In a recent compilation of results, UW-W was among the top twenty Division III teams in the country over the thirty year period that that NCAA has offered a Division III championship.

Todd BeckermanCOLLEGE PARK, Md. -- Former Nebraska All-American Todd Beckerman has joined the University of Maryland's coaching staff, head coach Pat Santoro announced today. A native of Crofton, Md., Beckerman spent the last two seasons as an assistant coach at the Naval Academy. Last season with the Midshipmen, the team posted its best dual record since 1993, finished 33rd at the NCAA Championships and had a school-record eight wrestlers post 25-win seasons. "We are excited to have someone of Todd's caliber join the program," Santoro said. "He has been involved with very successful programs in Nebraska, Penn State and Navy, and the program will benefit from his experience. Being a local guy, he's a great fit for the program. He will work well with all of our wrestlers, especially the lower-weight guys." "I'm excited to be a part of the Maryland program and to work with Pat Santoro," Beckerman said. "I look forward to working with the athletes and helping the team achieve success in the ACC and nationally." A former four-year letterwinner and two-time All-America at Nebraska, Beckerman came to Navy from Lincoln, Neb., where he spent the 2002-03 season as a volunteer assistant coach for the Huskers. Beckerman coached primarily the lower weight classes and helped coordinate and assist in the Husker recruiting efforts. He also organized and conducted daily teaching and technique sessions. Prior to returning to his alma mater, Beckerman worked during the 2001-02 season as an administrative assistant in the Penn State wrestling office, where he worked one-on-one with student-athletes and played a large role in directing summer camps. Beckerman also created and implemented the Todd Beckerman All-American Wrestling Camp, which was held for six-straight summers at Nebraska beginning in 1997. At the 2000 and 2001 NCAA Championships, Beckerman wrestled to All-America status as well as Academic All-Big 12 honors in both seasons. He was named the 2000-01 Nebraska Male Athlete of the Year, as well as the Husker Power Lifter of the Year. The 2000-01 Nebraska team captain also competed internationally in 1999 and 2000 as a member of the Big 12 All-Star Wrestling Team. Beckerman graduated from Nebraska in 2001 with a bachelor's degree in Human Resources and Family Sciences.

FRESNO, Calif. -- The new coaching staff at Fresno State is teaming with local and nationwide wrestling leaders to provide a day full wrestling action and instruction as the Bulldogs open the 2005 California Coaches Wrestling Clinic. Both coaches and athletes are invited to attend the clinic, which will feature instructional seminars from world-class coaches and clinicians, coaching certification, as well as admission to the Fresno State wrestle-offs that evening. Among the wrestling icons that will be in attendance at the clinic are the new Fresno State coaching staff, led by head coach Shawn Charles, who takes over the program following four years as an assistant at Big 12 powerhouse Nebraska. In addition, long-time Fresno State head coach and local wrestling legend Dennis DeLiddo will provide his leadership. The program has also invited two world-class wrestlers to help provide leadership in Cael Sanderson and Stephen Abas. Sanderson was a four time NCAA champion at Iowa State and recorded a 159-0 record in four years as a Cyclone, the only wrestler ever to remain undefeated through four years of collegiate competition. He is joined by Abas, a three-time national champion for the Bulldogs and a 2004 Oympic Medalist. All attendees will attend two clinics, and the coaches will be able to attend the USA Wrestling seminar and the CIF rules and weight certification clinic with Duane Morgan, which will provide coaches with the required certification for the upcoming year. Any athletes that want to attend will participate in two athlete-only technique sessions, receive a Fresno State wrestling t-shirt and will have dinner provided for them. The 2005 Bulldog wrestling squad will finish off the evening by opening the team’s varsity wrestle-offs for viewing. All coaches and athletes attending the clinic will receive admission to the wrestle-offs, which will determine the varsity squad for Fresno State during the 2005 season. The pre-registration deadline for the 2005 California Coaches Clinic is on October 24. All coaches and athletes interested in attending the clinic can reach the Fresno State wrestling office by email at klake@csufresno.edu or by phone at (559) 278-4804. More information can also be found on the Fresno State Athletics Web site, www.gobulldogs.com.

John SmithSTILLWATER, Okla. -- Oklahoma State’s wrestling team will once again boast one of the toughest schedules in the country in 2005-06. The Cowboys open the season at the Kaufman Brand Open in Omaha and they will return home to host the NWCA All-Star duals at Gallagher-Iba Arena on Nov. 21. OSU opens its dual season on the road at Michigan State. The Cowboys will have a tough test for its home opener when Lehigh comes to town on Dec. 2. Bedlam rival Oklahoma will wrestle in Gallagher-Iba a week later on Dec. 9. Oklahoma State will open the new year with home meets against Army and Northern Iowa on Jan. 5. The Cowboys will travel to Iowa to face the Hawkeyes on Jan. 7. They will return to Iowa the following week for the NWCA National Duals in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Fresno State, Cal Poly, Iowa State, Nebraska and Hofstra are all set to make trips to Stillwater late in the season. OSU will wrestle Minnesota at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City, before closing out the dual season against Oklahoma in Norman. Iowa State will host the Big 12 Championships at the Hilton Coliseum on March 4, and the Cowboys will wrestle for their 34th national championship at the Ford Center. Nov. 19 Omaha Open Omaha, Neb. All Day Nov. 21 NWCA All-Star Duals Stillwater, Okla. TBA Nov. 27 Michigan State East Lansing, Mich. 1 p.m. Dec. 2 Lehigh Stillwater, Okla. TBA Dec. 9 Oklahoma Stillwater, Okla. 7 p.m. Dec. 18 Reno TOC Reno, Nev. All Day Dec. 20 Boise State Boise, Idaho TBA Jan. 5 Army Stillwater, Okla. 6 p.m. Jan. 5 Northern Iowa Stillwater, Okla. 7:30 p.m. Jan. 7 Iowa Iowa City, Iowa TBA Jan. 14-15 National Duals Cedar Falls, Iowa All Day Jan. 20 Cal Poly Stillwater, Okla. 6 p.m. Jan. 20 Fresno State Stillwater, Okla. 7:30 p.m. Jan. 22 Missouri Columbia, Mo. TBA Jan. 29 Iowa State Stillwater, Okla. 2 p.m. Feb. 3 Nebraska Stillwater, Okla. 7 p.m. Feb. 10 Hofstra Stillwater, Okla. 7 p.m. Feb. 12 Minnesota Oklahoma City, Okla. TBA

Chris BonoCHATTANOOGA, Tenn. -- Chris Bono, a nine-year assistant wrestling coach at national-power Iowa State, has accepted an assistant coaching position at UTC, Head Coach Joey Seay announced Thursday. Bono is expected to coach the Mocs’ middleweight wrestlers. A member of Head Coach Bobby Douglas’ coaching staff since 1997, Bono has held the title of the Cyclones’ head assistant coach for five years. He helped ISU to a 16-4 dual match record in 2004-05, a third-place finish in the Big 12 Conference and a sixth-place showing at the 2005 NCAA Championships. Bono is currently preparing to compete at the 2005 World Championships which will take place Sept. 26 in Budapest, Hungary. At the 2005 World Team Trials, Bono, the number one seed, captured the title at 66 kilograms by defeating Jared Lawrence two matches to none. Seay is the head coach of the United States team. "I am thrilled that he has decided to take this position," Seay said. "He is another quality individual for our program and gives us, in my opinion, the best staff in the country. You have to have the right people in the right places. These guys will make this thing happen and will certainly help in our nationwide recruiting efforts." Bono joins Steve Hamilton, Sammie Henson and Leonce Crump as members of Seay’s first staff at UTC. A native of Gilbert, Iowa, Bono holds many coaching and competitive honors. He was named the National Wrestling Coaches Association Assistant Coach of the Year in 2002 for his role in ISU’s success that season. The Cyclones compiled a 17-5 dual match record and were NCAA runner-ups with five wrestlers earning All-America status. Bono, who lettered at Iowa State from 1994-97, ranks fifth on the program’s all-time wins list with 130 victories. He won the NCAA 150-pound title as a junior. A four-time NCAA participant, he placed fifth at the Nationals as a sophomore and second as a senior. As a freshman, he placed eighth at the Big Eight Conference Championships. He wrestled to a Big Eight Conference runner-up finish his sophomore year, won the Big Eight title as a junior and was named the Most Outstanding Wrestler at the inaugural Big 12 Conference Championship in 1997. He registered a 41-11 record as a sophomore, went 37-4 as a junior and was 37-2 his senior season. Bono’s wrestling success did not come to a halt upon his graduation from Iowa State. During the summer of 2004 as a freestyle competitor, Bono decisioned Doug Schwab, 5-4, to take third place at the 2004 U.S. Olympic Trials in Las Vegas, Nevada. In 2003, Bono won the 145.5-pound title at the U.S. Senior Freestyle National Championships in Las Vegas, Nevada, qualifying for the World Team Trials in Indianapolis, Ind., where he was runner-up at that same weight. He was a U.S. World Cup team member, earning the gold medal at the 2003 World Cup Wrestling Championships in Boise, Idaho, and was a member of the national team at the 2003 Titan Games in San Jose, Calif. Bono's freestyle accomplishments in 2002 led to a No.1 U.S. Senior Freestyle national ranking at 145.5 pounds and a spot on the U.S. World Team. He began the year with a first-place showing at the Dave Schultz Memorial in Colorado Springs, Colo., followed by a fourth-place finish at the Kiev Grand Prix in Kiev, Ukraine. He won a bronze medal at the Pan American Championships in Caracara, Venezuela, and placed third at the U.S. Freestyle National Championships in Las Vegas, Nevada, earning a berth to the World Team Trials. At the 2002 World Team Trials, Bono swept through the mini-tournament beating Reggie Wright (Gator WC) of Colorado Springs, Colo., 3-1 and Schwab (Hawkeye WC) of Iowa City, Iowa, 3-2 to advance to the finals. In the 145.5-pound championship, Bono defeated Jamill Kelly (Gator WC) of Stillwater, Okla., 3-1 and 3-0, earning his second consecutive World Team Trials title. In a special wrestle-off for the 145.5-pound spot on the 2002 U.S. World Team, Bono defeated Bill Zadick (Hawkeye WC) of Iowa City, Iowa, two matches to one, 2-3, 3-1, 3-2 OT, to earn his second consecutive trip to the World Championships. The U.S. World Team, however, did not compete at the World Championships in Tehran, Iran. Bono also captured top honors at the 2004 NYAC Invitational with a victory in the finals over 2004 NCAA champion Jesse Jantzen, formerly of Harvard, and also earned a 66 kg. title at the 20th annual Sunkist International Open with a win in the finals over former 2003 NCAA 149-pound champion and current Arizona State assistant coach Eric Larkin. Bono earned his bachelor's degree in Exercise and Sports Science from Iowa State in 1997. He and his wife, Niki, have two daughters, Josie and Ellie.

The Golden Gopher wrestling team has announced that senior Matt Nagel and junior Cole Konrad have been named captains for the 2005-06 season. Nagel and Konrad will lead a Minnesota team that returns three All-Americans and seven starters from a year ago. Matt NagelNagel became a first-time All-American in 2005 with a sixth-place finish at the NCAA Championships. He was named the team's most improved wrestler after compiling a 31-15 record. More impressive, 29 of his 46 matches on the year came against wrestlers that qualified for the NCAA Championships. A three-year letterwinner, Nagel finished with a 5-3 record in conference dual meets and placed a career-best third at the Big Ten Championships. Cole KonradKonrad is a two-time All-American heavyweight for the Golden Gophers. Last season as a sophomore, Konrad won a Big Ten title and finished second at the NCAA Championships. Konrad finished the 2005 season with a 41-3 record, the fourth-highest win total in school history. In just two seasons, Konrad has a 79-13 career record. His 79 wins are the most by a Golden Gopher in back-to-back season since Dan Zilverberg's 88 victories from 1978-80. Minnesota begins the season at the Bison Open on Nov. 12. The Golden Gophers open their dual meet season on Dec. 2 at Northern Iowa.

Related Link: The MMA Outsider Podcast Archives Richard and John did not even talk this week, but they were still able to put together a great piece of audio. This episode is kind of like The Postal Service before they got sued by the actual postal service. Richard breaks takes a look at the upcoming UFC event in Sweden, while John chats with Strikeforce veterans Lumumba Sayers and Andreas Spang.

NCAA Division I Championships Brackets