InterMat Staff

2021 NCAA Champion AJ Ferrari (photo courtesy of Tony Rotundo; WrestlersAreWarriors.com) Update Since this original article was posted more information came out regarding AJ Ferrari. Sources close to the team indicate that Ferrari was dismissed from the Oklahoma State team by July 1st. The Stillwater Police Department posted the following tweet in reference to an ongoing investigation regarding Ferrari. The incident in question was said to have occurred on July 2nd, 2022. Original article Today, the wrestling world learned that 2021 NCAA champion AJ Ferrari is no longer a member of the Oklahoma State wrestling team. As of this morning, Ferrari had not entered the transfer portal. Ferrari went 20-1 as a true freshman to capture the national title at 197 lbs for Oklahoma State. Since then, Ferrari maintained a perfect 10-0 record during the 2021-22 season, but had his campaign derailed due to an automobile accident in late January. Ferrari was unable to compete for the remainder of the season because of injuries suffered during the accident. Ferrari has also had success on the international scene, winning a bronze medal at the Cadet World Championships in 2018 and competing with an injury during the 2020 Olympic Team Trials. Where Ferrari may land is an interesting matter. Four of the top six teams in InterMat's summer rankings (Penn State, Iowa, Ohio State, Missouri) each bring back All-American 197 lbers. Ferrari may also have options outside of the college wrestling world. Like Gable Steveson, Ferrari was a part of the WWE's initial NIL (Next In Line) program and has shown plenty of interest in that direction, along with mixed martial arts. So, circling back to college wrestling, with options like the WWE and MMA, and a large social media following, Ferrari is likely to command a significant dollar amount, related to NIL figures. Looking at Oklahoma State for the 2022-23 season, without Ferrari, Gavin Stika is the only returning 197 lber on the roster. He went a respectable 16-10, but was 0-2 at the 2022 Big 12 Championships. There is a rumored series of weight bumps that could happen with the Cowboys, including Travis Wittlake going from 165 to 184 and possibly Kyle Haas moving to 197. This is certainly a developing story as Ferrari would provide an immediate title threat wherever he would enroll, but also could choose to take a different route.

NC State recruit Vincent Robinson (photo courtesy of Tony Rotundo; WrestlersAreWarriors.com) We are just a few days away from the first whistle blowing at the FargoDome as the Junior/16U National Championships will occur. The event returned in 2021, after it was canceled in 2020, and had an incredibly deep field. This year's group looks even better. Over the next couple of days, we'll go conference-by-conference to preview recruits from each school and their chances for success. We have only included recruits that have been tabbed to participate in one of the tournaments. We started with the Pac-12, now we're going across the country with the ACC. Little by little, over the past decade (maybe more) the ACC has turned into a recruiting power. Even with only six teams, the conference is generally well-represented in yearly recruiting rankings. 2022 was no different as three of the league's schools were recognized in the top ten (NC State, Virginia Tech, Virginia) and two more were amongst the top 16 (Pittsburgh, North Carolina). Across the board, most of the key recruits from the Class of 2022 will not make the trek to Fargo for the 16U and Junior National Championships. That's alright because these schools recruit well and have more in the pipeline. NC State boasts the largest number of the ACC schools, but North Carolina, Virginia, and Virginia Tech all have recruits that are capable of claiming All-American honors. All four schools have at least one returning All-American ready to scrap. Below are the future ACC stars to watch during the upcoming week in North Dakota. NC State Koy Buesgens, Minnesota (145) - Class of 2023 Jeremiah Price, North Carolina (138) - Class of 2023 Vincent Robinson, Illinois (132) - Class of 2023 Cheaney Schoeff, Indiana (138) - Class of 2023 There are no members of NC State's #3 ranked recruiting class schedule to take the mat, but that's alright, because the Wolfpack already has a large contingent committed from 2023 and four are slated to compete. Vincent Robinson was fifth in Junior freestyle last year and continued to impress at high-level tournaments. Robinson won the Ironman and was top-five at the Super 32 and Powerade. The other top-50 recruit for NC State and ready for action is Koy Buesgens, a runner-up at the 2021 Super 32. Buesgens has a pair of past top-eight finishes to his name in Fargo. He was sixth at 138 last year in Junior Greco and eighth in 16U freestyle in 2019. The other two recruits for NC State will be competing in the 138 lb bracket this year. Two-time Indiana runner-up, Cheaney Schoeff is a top-100 wrestler that could have an impact. The other 138 lber is Jeremiah Price, an in-state product who has won three NC titles. North Carolina Sabino Portella, New Jersey (170) - Class of 2023 Marco Tocci, Pennsylvania (113) - Class of 2023 The North Carolina contingent will consist of a pair of wrestlers from their Class of 2023 with Sabino Portella and Marco Tocci. Portella is back at the 170 lb weight class where he took seventh in Junior freestyle last year. Not a bad feat for an upperweight heading into his junior year of high school. A New Jersey runner-up in 2021, Portella went on to claim fourth last season. Tocci was seventh in Junior Greco-Roman last year at 113 lbs. He ended up qualifying for the Pennsylvania state tournament for the first time in 2022. Pittsburgh Dylan Evans, Pennsylvania (152) - Class of 2023 From right in their backyard the Panthers have a legit title contender at 152 lbs with Dylan Evans. Evans was third in both styles last year at the 16U level. This year he's already finished seventh at UWW Cadet in freestyle. The Pennsylvania AAA state champ is definitely one to watch! Virginia Gable Porter, Iowa (132) - Class of 2023 The Cavaliers had their best recruiting haul in quite some time, resulting in the #9 class in the nation in 2022. The 2023 Class got off to a bang with a verbal from three-time Iowa state finalist and two-time champion Gable Porter. Porter's best national-level results have come on the Greco front. Last summer, he was a finalist at the Junior level, after making the UWW Cadet finals, as well. While he's expected to be in the mix for a title in that style, also expect an impact in freestyle, too. Virginia Tech Parker Ferrell, Virginia (285) - Class of 2024 Logan Frazier, Indiana (126) - Class of 2023 Aiden Lacoma, Virginia (285) Last summer, the Hokies saw two eventual Hokie recruits capture stop signs at the Junior freestyle division with Caleb Henson and TJ Stewart. This year they'll be well-represented at heavyweight with current high school teammates Aiden Lacoma and Parker Ferrell. Lacoma won a state title at 285 for Christiansburg (VA), while Ferrell won at 220. Lacoma was sixth in Junior Greco last year and placed at the Super 32, Ironman, and Beast during the high school season. Ferrell was a double 16U AA last year, taking third in freestyle and fifth in Greco. Recently, Ferrell was third at UWW Cadet in freestyle at 110 kg. The Class of 2023 is represented by Indiana state champion Logan Frazier. Through each year of high school, Frazier has increased his state placement by one, so he could continue to improve and contend for a spot in the top eight here.

2021 NCAA Champion AJ Ferrari (photo courtesy of Tony Rotundo; WrestlersAreWarriors.com) Today, the wrestling world learned that 2021 NCAA champion AJ Ferrari is no longer a member of the Oklahoma State wrestling team. As of this morning, Ferrari had not entered the transfer portal. Ferrari went 20-1 as a true freshman to capture the national title at 197 lbs for Oklahoma State. Since then, Ferrari maintained a perfect 10-0 record during the 2021-22 season, but had his campaign derailed due to an automobile accident in late January. Ferrari was unable to compete for the remainder of the season because of injuries suffered during the accident. Ferrari has also had success on the international scene, winning a bronze medal at the Cadet World Championships in 2018 and competing with an injury during the 2020 Olympic Team Trials. Where Ferrari may land is an interesting matter. Four of the top six teams in InterMat's summer rankings (Penn State, Iowa, Ohio State, Missouri) each bring back All-American 197 lbers. Ferrari may also have options outside of the college wrestling world. Like Gable Steveson, Ferrari was a part of the WWE's initial NIL (Next In Line) program and has shown plenty of interest in that direction, along with mixed martial arts. So, circling back to college wrestling, with options like the WWE and MMA, and a large social media following, Ferrari is likely to command a significant dollar amount, related to NIL figures. Looking at Oklahoma State for the 2022-23 season, without Ferrari, Gavin Stika is the only returning 197 lber on the roster. He went a respectable 16-10, but was 0-2 at the 2022 Big 12 Championships. There is a rumored series of weight bumps that could happen with the Cowboys, including Travis Wittlake going from 165 to 184 and possibly Kyle Haas moving to 197. This is certainly a developing story as Ferrari would provide an immediate title threat wherever he would enroll, but also could choose to take a different route.

2021 16U freestyle runner-up and Stanford commit Aden Valencia (photo courtesy of Tony Rotundo; WrestlersAreWarriors.com) We are just a few days away from the first whistle blowing at the FargoDome as the Junior/16U National Championships will occur. The event returned in 2021, after it was canceled in 2020, and had an incredibly deep field. This year's group looks even better. Over the next couple of days, we'll go conference-by-conference to preview recruits from each school and their chances for success. We have only included recruits that have been tabbed to participate in one of the tournaments. We're starting out west with the Pac-12! This conference features a traditional recruiting power in Arizona State and one that has recently developed in Oregon State. Stanford missed out on most of the 2021 recruiting cycle during the year of uncertainty surrounding the program. The second-year staff has made up for it with an incredible group for 2022 and some great verbals from 2023 and even 2024. Here are the Pac-12 recruits to watch out for in the FargoDome. Arizona State Kaleb Larkin, Arizona (145) Jacob Meissner, Minnesota (195) Nicco Ruiz, California (160) - Class of 2023 Emilio Ysaguirre, Arizona (138) The Sun Devils have an experienced group of recruits that have generally tasted success in Fargo already. Emilio Ysaguirre was always well thought of before the 2021 tournament, but used a runner-up finish at last year's Junior freestyle tournament as a breakout. Fellow incoming freshman, Kaleb Larkin, is battle tested with the Valiant Prep program; however, he's seeking his first Junior freestyle placement. He was fourth in 16U Greco-Roman in 2019. Top-ranked Nicco Ruiz was fifth in Junior freestyle before his junior year of high school. Jacob Meissner is a Super 32 fifth-place finisher that could make a dent here. Cal Poly Lucas Condon, California (170) - Class of 2023 Nathan Glass, Nevada (220) Cash Stewart, Wisconsin (160) Wesley Wilson, California (195) Typically Cal Poly's recruiting classes are heavily composed of in-state natives and that's generally the case this year, as well. However, a couple of out-of-state recruits will be in action in Fargo. Nevada's Nathan Glass was an NHSCA Senior National AA (7th) at 285 lbs, while Cash Stewart was a two-time Wisconsin state finalist and a champion as a sophomore. From the Class of 2022, Wesley Wilson was a match shy of placing at the CIF tournament, but was third at this year's Doc Buchanan. The Class of 2023 is off to a good start with Lucas Condon, who was third at the state tournament last season. CSU Bakersfield Ryan Arrington, California (220) Wanderlei Whittington, California (145) - Class of 2023 CSU Bakersfield tends to be creative on the recruiting trail and seeks out gems before the rest of the country discovers them. Ryan Arrington was a fourth-place finisher in a really solid California state weight class. He also was sixth at NHSCA SR's. Wanderlei Whittington went 1-2 at the state tournament in a loaded weight with a pair of tough losses to quality opponents. Little Rock Brendon Abdon, Florida (152) Kodiak Cannedy, Tennessee (170) Chance Davis, Oklahoma (160) Kyle Dutton, Missouri (145) Cael Keck, Missouri (132) Stephen Little, Kentucky (195) Brennan Van Hoecke, Florida (138) Head Coach Neil Erisman has a large chunk of his 19th-ranked recruiting class locked in and ready to go for Fargo. This entire group is graduated seniors who look to finish their respective high school career's on a high note. Cael Keck is the only one that has placed twice in Fargo, as he was a double Junior AA at 100 lbs in 2019. Brennan Van Hoecke took third in 16U freestyle that same year. Kyle Dutton was also sixth in 16U Greco-Roman in 2019. The remainder of the class have strong national-level credentials, but haven't tasted the podium in the FargoDome. Brendon Abdon had an excellent senior campaign with top-eight finishes at the Super 32 and Ironman, before capping it off with a finals appearance at NHSCA's. Kentucky's Stephen Little was also an Ironman placer. Oregon State DJ Gillette, Oregon (138) - Class of 2023 CJ Hamblin, Washington (170) Justin Rademacher, Oregon (182) - Class of 2023 Nash Singleton, Oregon (132) Cade White, Idaho (152) - Class of 2023 Incredibly enough, all of these five recruits for OSU have at least one past All-American placement from Fargo on their respective resumes. Starting with incoming freshmen, CJ Hamblin used the 2019 tournament to break out with top-six finishes in both styles at the 16U level. Nash Singleton took fifth in Junior Greco last year and third in 16U freestyle in 2019. Looking ahead to the rising seniors, DJ Gillette has proven to be a standout in Greco with a third-place finish in 2019 at 94 lbs in the 16U division. Earlier this year, Gillette was seventh in UWW Cadet Greco. That's the same placement as Justin Rademacher, who was a couple weights higher at 80 kg. He was an impressive fourth in 16U freestyle in 2021. Cade White's best national finish was a sixth-place showing at 16U Greco last year. Don't be surprised to see a few future Beavers come back with some hardware. Stanford Jack Darrah, Missouri (195) Zach Hanson, Minnesota (145) - Class of 2023; Lorenzo Norman, New Jersey (170) - Class of 2023 Aden Valencia, California (126) - Class of 2024 Abe Wojcikiewicz, Illinois (182) - Class of 2023 Perhaps the most dangerous team in the league, from this tournament's standpoint and in the future, is Stanford. Incoming freshman Jack Darrah has had his best results in Greco. He was a 2019 Pan-American champion, as a Cadet, and placed top-three twice in Fargo in the 16U division. The 2023 Class boasts Zach Hanson, who was a double 16U national champion last year. In the spring, Hanson was top-four in both styles at UWW Cadet's 65 kg. He should be a favorite in both styles as he moves to the Junior division. Lorenzo Norman doesn't have a long list of credentials in international styles, but was a finalist at the Ironman and Powerade this year. Now looking waaay ahead to the Class of 2024, Aden Valencia has shined at various national-level tournaments and this one is no exception. He was a 16U runner-up in freestyle last year after making the finals in both styles at UWW Cadets. True to form, he also was a finalist at the Super 32, before taking third in California.

2022 NCAA Champion Keegan O'Toole (photo courtesy of Sam Janicki; SJanickiPhoto.com) Welcome to a new, regular feature for InterMat! Every day, for the next few months, we'll look into the recent history of a DI wrestling program with our "Ten Years of…" feature. Even if you're a die-hard supporter of a particular school, there will be good information you may have forgotten. For others, it's a quick way to learn about a program you may not be familiar with. We're going in alphabetical order for this one, so next up is...Missouri! For past teams: Air Force American Appalachian State Arizona State Army West Point Binghamton Bloomsburg Brown Bucknell Buffalo Cal Poly Campbell Central Michigan Chattanooga Clarion Cleveland State Columbia Cornell CSU Bakersfield Davidson Drexel Duke Edinboro Franklin & Marshall Gardner-Webb George Mason Harvard Hofstra Illinois Indiana Iowa Iowa State Kent State Lehigh Lock Haven Maryland Michigan Michigan State Minnesota NCAA Qualifiers (90) 2022 125: Noah Surtin (#18); 141: Allan Hart (#9); 149: Josh Edmond (#26); 157: Jarrett Jacques (#25); 165: Keegan O'Toole (#2); 174: Peyton Mocco (#11); 184: Jeremiah Kent (#17); 197: Rocky Elam (#7); 285: Zach Elam (#16) 2021 125: Noah Surtin (#18); 133: Matt Schmitt (#6); 141: Allan Hart (#6); 149: Brock Mauller (#3); 157: Jarrett Jacques (#7); 165: Keegan O'Toole (#6); 174: Peyton Mocco (#10); 184: Jeremiah Kent (#9); 197: Rocky Elam (#7); 285: Zach Elam (#11) 2020 133: Allan Hart (#19); 141: Grant Leeth (#17); 149: Brock Mauller (#4); 157: Jarrett Jacques (#14); 165: Peyton Mocco (#30); 174: Connor Flynn (#20); 184: Dylan Wisman (#22); 197: Wyatt Koelling (#23) 2019 125: Dack Punke (#27); 133: John Erneste (#8); 141: Jaydin Eierman (#5); 149: Brock Mauller (#4); 157: Jarrett Jacques (#13); 165: Connor Flynn (#15); 174: Daniel Lewis (#2); 184: Dylan Wisman (#14); 285: Zach Elam (#20) 2018 125: Barlow McGee; 133: John Erneste (#5); 141: Jaydin Eierman (#2); 149: Grant Leeth (#3); 157: Joey Lavallee (#2); 165: Connor Flynn; 174: Daniel Lewis (#3); 184: Canten Marriott (#15); 197: Willie Miklus (#6) 2017 125: Barlow McGee; 133: John Erneste (#10); 141: Jaydin Eierman (#8); 149: Lavion Mayes (#8); 157: Joey Lavallee (#3); 165: Daniel Lewis (#6); 197: J'den Cox (#1); 285: Austin Myers 2016 125: Barlow McGee (#8); 133: Zach Synon; 141: Matt Manley (#5); 149: Lavion Mayes (#3); 157: Le'Roy Barnes; 165: Daniel Lewis (#4); 174: Blaise Butler (#3); 184: Willie Miklus (#14); 197: J'den Cox (#2) 2015 125: Alan Waters (#1); 133: Zach Synon; 141: Lavion Mayes (#3); 149: Drake Houdashelt (#1); 157: Joey Lavallee (#9); 165: Mike England; 174: John Eblen (#4); 184: Willie Miklus; 197: J'den Cox (#1); 285: Devin Mellon (#11) 2014 133: Matt Manley; 141: Lavion Mayes; 149: Drake Houdashelt (#1); 157: Joey Lavallee (#14); 165: Zach Toal; 174: Mike England; 197: J'den Cox (#2); 285: Devin Mellon 2013 125: Alan Waters (#1); 133: Nathan McCormick (#6); 141: Nick Hucke; 149: Drake Houdashelt; 157: Kyle Bradley; 165: Zach Toal; 174: Todd Porter; 184: Mike Larson (#11); 197: Brent Haynes (#12); 285: Dom Bradley (#1) National Champions Keegan O'Toole (165 - 2022) J'den Cox (197 - 2014, 2016, 2017) Drake Houdashelt (149 - 2015) NCAA All-Americans 2022: Keegan O'Toole (165 - 1st); Rocky Elam (197 - 4th) 2021: Brock Mauller (149 - 5th); Keegan O'Toole (165 - 3rd); Rocky Elam (197 - 5th) 2019: John Erneste (133 - 6th); Jaydin Eierman (141 - 3rd); Brock Mauller (149 - 6th); Daniel Lewis (174 - 4th) 2018: Jaydin Eierman (141 - 4th); Grant Leeth (149 - 6th); Daniel Lewis (174 - 4th); Willie Miklus (197 - 8th) 2017: Jaydin Eierman (141 - 5th); Lavion Mayes (149 - 2nd); Joey Lavallee (157 - 2nd); Daniel Lewis (165 - 6th); J'den Cox (197 - 1st) 2016: Lavion Mayes (149 -3rd); Daniel Lewis (165 - 4th); Willie Miklus (184 - 6th); J'den Cox (197 - 1st) 2015: Alan Waters (125 - 3rd); Lavion Mayes (141 - 7th); Drake Houdashelt (149 - 1st); Willie Miklus (184 - 7th); J'den Cox (197 - 5th) 2014: Drake Houdashelt (149 - 5th); J'den Cox (197 - 1st) 2013: Alan Waters (125 - 4th); Nathan McCormick (133 - 8th); Drake Houdashelt (149 - 6th); 184: Mike Larson (184 - 8th); 285: Dom Bradley (285 - 4th) NWCA All-Americans Brock Mauller (149 - First Team) Jarrett Jacques (157 - Honorable Mention) Round of 12 Finishers Noah Surtin (2022 - 125) Peyton Mocco (2022 - 174) Zach Elam (2019, 2022 - 285) Matt Schmitt (2021 - 133) Allan Hart (2021 - 141) Jarrett Jacques (2021 - 157) John Erneste (2018 - 133) Joey Lavallee (2014, 2018 - 157) Barlow McGee (2016 - 125) Blaise Butler (2016 - 174) Mike England (2015 - 165) Devin Mellon (2015 - 285) Todd Porter (2013 - 174) Conference Champions Big 12 2022: Keegan O'Toole (165) MAC 2021: Matt Schmitt (133); Brock Mauller (149); Keegan O'Toole (165); Rocky Elam (197) 2020: Brock Mauller (149) 2019: John Erneste (133); Jaydin Eierman (141); Brock Mauller (149); Jarrett Jacques (157); Daniel Lewis (174); Dylan Wisman (197) 2018: John Erneste (133); Jaydin Eierman (141); Grant Leeth (149); Joey Lavallee (157); Connor Flynn (165); Daniel Lewis (174); Willie Miklus (197) 2017: John Erneste (133); Jaydin Eierman (141); Lavion Mayes (149); Joey Lavallee (157); Daniel Lewis (165); J'den Cox (197) 2016: Barlow McGee (125); LeRoy Barnes (157); Daniel Lewis (165); Blaise Butler (174); J'den Cox (197) 2015: Alan Waters (125); Zach Synon (133); Drake Houdashelt (149); J'den Cox (197); Devin Mellon (285) 2014: Drake Houdashelt (149); J'den Cox (197) 2013: Alan Waters (125); Nathan McCormick (133); Drake Houdashelt (149); Dom Bradley (285) Dual Record 2021-22: 11-4 2021: 10-0 2019-20: 12-7 2018-19: 16-1 2017-18: 19-0 2016-17: 11-4 2015-16: 14-2 2014-15: 24-0 2013-14: 11-2 2012-13: 16-3 Conference Tournament Placement Big 12 2021-22: 1st MAC 2021: 1st 2019-20: 1st 2018-19: 1st 2017-18: 1st 2016-17: 1st 2015-16: 1st 2014-15: 1st 2013-14: 1st 2012-13: 1st NCAA Tournament Team Placement 2021-22: 9th (49.5 points) 2021: 7th (64 points) 2019-20: No Tournament 2018-19: 6th (62 points) 2017-18: 6th (61.5 points) 2016-17; 5th (86.5 points) 2015-16: 6th (74.5 points) 2014-15: 4th (73.5 points) 2013-14: 14th (40.5 points) 2012-13: 7th (56.5 points) Head Coaching History Brian Smith (1998-Present) Best Lineup (Comprised of wrestlers from 2013-22) 125 - Alan Waters: 4x NCAA Qualifier (#1 x2 and #3 seeds), 2x NCAA All-American (3rd, 4th), 3x MAC Champion 133 - John Erneste: 3x NCAA Qualifier (#5, #8, and #10 seeds), 2019 NCAA All-American (6th), 3x MAC Champion 141 - Jaydin Eierman: 5x NCAA Qualifier (#1, #2, #5, #8 and #10 seeds), 4x NCAA All-American (2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th), 3x MAC Champion and 1x Big Ten Champion 149 - Drake Houdashelt: 4x NCAA Qualifier (#1 seed x2), 2015 NCAA Champion, 3x NCAA All-American (1st, 5th, 6th), 4x Conference Champion 157 - Joey Lavallee: 4x NCAA Qualifier (#2, #3, #9 and #14 seeds), 2017 NCAA Runner-Up, 2x NCAA Round of 12 Finisher, 2x MAC Champion 165 - Keegan O'Toole: 2x NCAA Qualifier (#2 and #6 seeds), 2022 NCAA Champion, 2x NCAA All-American (2nd, 3rd), 2x Conference Champion 174 - Daniel Lewis: 4x NCAA Qualifier (#2, #3, #4 and #6 seeds), 2022 NCAA All-American (4th x3, 6th), 4x MAC Champion 184 - Willie Miklus: 4x NCAA Qualifier (#6 x2 and #14 seeds), 4x NCAA All-American (6th x2, 7th, 8th), 2018 MAC Champion 197 - J'den Cox: 3x NCAA Champion, 4x NCAA All-American (1st, 1st, 5th, 1st), 4x MA Champion 285 - Dom Bradley: 2x NCAA Qualifier (#1 and #5 seeds), 2x NCAA All-American (3rd, 4th), 2x Conference Champion Recruiting Number of Big Boarder's Per Year 2022: #21 Zeke Seltzer (IN); #35 Clayton Whiting (WI); #67 Ryan Boersma (IL); #107 Cameron Steed (OK); #129 Kade Moore (TX); #164 J Conway (IN); #221 Owen Uhls (MO); #229 Jerrdon Fisher (KS) 2021: #38 Korbin Shepherd (MO); #95 Nate Pulliam (MO) 2020: #1 Keegan O'Toole (WI); #11 Rocky Elam (MO); #22 Josh Edmond (MI); #96 Colton Hawks (MO); #145 Trey Crawford (MO); #162 Duwayne Villalpando (KS); #187 Seth Nitzel (KS) 2019: #77 Noah Surtin (IL); #87 Jace Punke (IL) 2018: #32 Malik Johnson (MO); #44 Zach Elam (MO); #54 Brock Mauller (MO); #60 Jeremiah Kent (MO); #80 Jarrett Jacques (MO); #96 Cevion Severado (MO) 2017: #37 Jared Campbell (OH); #69 Jacob Raschka (WI); #84 Allan Hart (OH) 2016: #76 Ethan Karsten (MO); #97 Wyatt Koelling (UT) 2015: #34 Jaydin Eierman (MO); #52 Will Roark (MO); #61 Dylan Wisman (VA); #76 Luke Fortuna (IL) 2014: #35 Daniel Lewis (MO) 2013: #7 J'den Cox (MO); #55 BJ Toal (OH); #57 Joey Lavallee (NV); #58 Parker Vonedigy (NC); #84 Barlow McGee (IL)

Matt Lindland (photo courtesy of Tony Rotundo; WrestlersAreWarriors.com) National Greco-Roman Coach Matt Lindland has resigned after eight years on the professional coaching staff at USA Wrestling. Lindland, a 2000 Olympic silver medalist and 2001 World silver medalist, served as National Greco-Roman Coach with the organization since May of 2014. “Coaching the athletes on the U.S. National Team for Greco-Roman has been an honor of a lifetime, and it remains work that I am immensely proud. I wish the program the best during the forthcoming transition. We have a great group of coaches and wrestlers working hard to get ready for the upcoming World Championships. I am excited to see the big things that they are capable of achieving,” said Lindland. Lindland not only coached the elite U.S. Senior Greco-Roman wrestlers, but also oversaw the development of the sport on the age-group levels. “I am especially proud of the progress made together in rebuilding the U.S. Greco-Roman program into an expanded grassroots youth network that integrates seamlessly with the various Senior-level World medals our athletes have earned,” said Lindland. During his tenure as National Coach, Lindland led the program to four World medals: two bronze medals by Andy Bisek (2014, 2015), a silver medal by Adam Coon (2018) and a bronze by G'Angelo Hancock (2021). The USA had three Pan American Games champions under Lindland, Andy Bisek and Jon Anderson in 2015 and Pat Smith in 2019. The United States qualified four athletes for the 2016 Olympics (Jesse Thielke, Andy Bisek, Ben Provisor, Robby Smith) and four athletes for the 2020 Olympics (Ildar Hafizov, Alejandro Sancho, John Stefanowicz, G'Angelo Hancock). “What makes Greco-Roman so special is the community of athletes, parents, coaches, alumni and administrative support staff that comprise our family, from across the grassroots to the Senior level. I have treasured those relationships and cherished the moments of medal triumphs. In the future, I remain committed to growing the Greco-Roman network as a priority for me to serve all of our athletes, parents and families in reaching their dreams of World and Olympic Championships,” said Lindland. Lindland was the fourth Greco-Roman National Coach in USA Wrestling, joining two-time Olympic medalist Dennis Koslowski, World champion Mike Houck and Olympic champion Steve Fraser in the position. In another change for the program, Mohammed Abdelfatah, the Assistant National Greco-Roman Coach is no longer a staff member with USA Wrestling. Abdelfatah, a World champion for Egypt, has served in a coaching role with USA Wrestling for many years. Ivan Ivanov will lead the U.S. Senior World Greco-Roman Team in Belgrade, Serbia in September. Ivanov, who was named to the new position of General Manager, Greco-Roman Programs in April 2022, directs all aspects of the USA Wrestling Greco-Roman program. He is responsible for the coaching of U.S. Greco-Roman athletes, working with the assistance of key volunteer coaches within the organization. Ivanov and USA Wrestling's High Performance staff will evaluate the coaching needs of the National Greco-Roman program leading up to the World Championships and beyond.

Jennifer Rogers (left) and Kayla Miracle (photos courtesy of Sam Janicki; SJanickiPhoto.com) The 2022 World Team wrestle-off at 62 kg in women's freestyle between Kayla Miracle and Jennifer Rogers will take place on Aug. 13 at 2 p.m. ET at J.P. McCaskey High School in Lancaster, Pa. Miracle, the returning World silver medalist at the weight and 2020 Olympian, was granted a delayed wrestle-off after sustaining an injury before June's Final X New York, the last step of the World Team selection process, where she was set to face World Team Trials champion Rogers. In addition to her Senior World silver, Miracle is also a 2019 U23 World runner-up and 2016 Junior World bronze medalist. She is competing for a spot on her third Senior World Team. Rogers is a 2013 Junior World bronze medalist and two-time Senior Pan American champion, who seeks a bid to her first Senior Worlds. The wrestle-off will feature a best-of-three series between Miracle and Rogers, with the first match at 2 p.m. ET. Match two will take place following 30 minutes of rest time as will match three, if needed. The winner of the series will represent the United States at the 2022 Senior World Championships in Belgrade, Serbia, Sept. 10-18. For information on World Championships hospitality, contact Morgan Rabine (mrabine@usawrestling.org). The wrestle-off, which is hosted by Beat the Streets Lancaster and Pennsylvania USA Wrestling, will be open to the public. Ticket information will be announced once it is released. Fans not able to attend can watch live on FloWrestling.org.

2x Junior Champion Sage Mortimer of King University (photo courtesy of John Sachs; Tech-Fall.com) Yesterday, we looked at the schools that had signed wrestlers who had won Junior National titles in Fargo in Men's Freestyle. Today, we're doing a similar exercise, but looking on the Junior Women's Freestyle side of things. The question remains the same? Which schools have signed the most Junior champions, since 2012? With the rapidly changing and growing landscape of women's collegiate wrestling, there are dozens of programs that exist today that were not available to young women in 2012, so this may not be a completely accurate representation of the current recruiting trends. Though they have yet to wrestle an official match and are not expected to do so full-time until 2023-24, Iowa already had three past champions signed. Expect that number to change by the end of next week and going forward. Perennial powers King, McKendree, Campbellsville, and Oklahoma City lead the way. Oklahoma City's titles have all come from over seven years ago, while King and McKendree have consistently been a force on the recruiting trail for most of the period observed. This will be a fun study to look at five years from now, to see if other powers emerge. Schools are listed alphabetically. The numbers in parentheses are the number of women they have signed during this period (2012-21) that have won Junior titles. Wrestlers that have won multiple titles were only counted once. Wrestlers are listed with the original school they signed with; transfers are not accounted for. Augsburg (3): Emily Shilson (2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 - 97/100/106 lbs), Gabrielle Skidmore (2019 - 122 lbs), Vayle Rae Baker (2017, 2018 - 106/117 lbs) Aurora (1): Alexis Janiak (2021 - 127 lbs) Brewton-Parker (1): Abnelis Yambo (2018 - 132 lbs) Campbellsville (5): Alexandra Castillo (2017/2018 - 200 lbs), McKayla Campbell (2015 - 97 lbs), Steffanie Hampton (2013 - 117 lbs), Autumn Rux (2013 - 159 lbs), Kayla Miracle (2012 - 121 lbs) Colorado Mesa (1): Tristan Kelly (2018 - 164 lbs) Corban (1): Alexys Zepeda (2018 - 122 lbs) Eastern Oregon (1): Kaylee Moore (2019 - 132 lbs) Emmanuel (2): Kayla Marano (2016 - 148 lbs), Sara Kouba (2016 - 172 lbs) Grand View (1): Alexis Gomez (2017 - 152 lbs) Hartland (1): Eliana Bommarito (2021 - 225 lbs) Iowa (3): Brianna Gonzalez (2021 - 100 lbs), Kylie Welker (2021 - 164 lbs), Sam Calkins (2021 - 200 lbs) Iowa Wesleyan (1): Mia Palumbo (2018 - 106 lbs) Jamestown (1): Mary Westman (2012 - 159 lbs) King (12): Sage Mortimer (2019 and 2021 - 100/112 lbs), London Houston (2021 - 132 lbs), Montana Delawder (2019 - 112 lbs), Tiffani Baublitz (2019 - 152 lbs), Victoria Espinoza (2016 - 198 lbs), Marina Doi (2013, 2014 - 97 lbs), Regina Doi (2013, 2014 - 97 lbs), Gabby Garcia (2014 - 121 lbs), Rachel Hale (2013 - 121 lbs), Megan Black (2012 - 112 lbs), Evalyn Reyna (2012 - 125 lbs), Katie Germain (2012 - 130 lbs) Lakeland (1): Jayden Laurent (2017, 2018 - 144 lbs) Life (1): Gabrielle Hamilton (2019 - 200 lbs) Lyon (1): Kelani Corbett (2019 - 180 lbs) McKendree (8): Alara Boyd (2019 - 138 lbs), McKenzie Cook (2019 - 144 lbs), Felicity Taylor (2018 - 112 lbs), Emma Bruntil (2017, 2018 - 138 lbs), Sydnee Kimber (2017 - 164 lbs), Cameron Guerin (2016 - 112 lbs), Brenda Reyna (2016 - 117 lbs), Alexis Porter (2012, 2013, 2014 - 139/148 lbs) Menlo (2): Alleida Martinez (2016, 2017 - 105/117 lbs), Gracie Figueroa (2015, 2016, 2017 - 117/121/122 lbs) Oklahoma City (6): Rachel Watters (2015, 2016 - 159 lbs), Becka Leathers (2013, 2015 - 125/139 lbs), Monica Mason (2015 - 198 lbs), Marissa Birrueta (2014 - 112 lbs), Cody Pfau (2012, 2013 - 105 lbs), Natalia Hinojo (2012 - 148 lbs) Simon Fraser (1): Dominique Parrish (2014 - 117 lbs) Southern Oregon (1): Desiree Zavala (2014 - 139 lbs) Texas Wesleyan (1): Brittyn Corbishley (2021 - 180 lbs) The Cumberlands (1): Jesse Kirby (2018 - 180 lbs) Warner Pacific (1): Kiaya Van Scoyoc (2013, 2014 - 172/198 lbs) Wayland Baptist (2): Kierra Boyce (2012 - 198 lbs); Marissa Patterson (2017 - 180 lbs)

Pittsburgh 197 lber Nino Bonaccorsi (photo courtesy of Sam Janicki; SJanickiPhoto.com) The Panthers continue to grow and find success under the guidance of Coach Keith Gavin bringing home another top 25 finish at the NCAA tournament last season. Cole Matthews is the top returning placer, earning his first All-American accolades with a 5th place finish at 141 lbs. The Panthers had a heartbreaking Friday night at the NCAA tournament with three wrestlers falling in the bloodround. Micky Phillippi suffered his third loss in the Round of 12 while Jake Wentzel and Nino Bonaccorsi fell after appearances in the NCAA Finals the previous season; the bloodround is cruel. While there will be a strong core returning, there will be a lot of changes in Pittsburgh this season. Associate Head Coach Jordan Leen is no longer with the Panthers, as he accepted the head coaching position at Brown; this caused a shift in the staff with Luke Pletcher moving to assistant coach from the Volunteer position and recent grad Jake Wentzel has come on staff as the volunteer assistant. The Panthers graduated starters Gage Curry (125), Elijah Cleary (157), Jake Wentzel (165) and Gregg Harvey (184) but will still have a veteran-heavy lineup. Coach Gavin has used the transfer portal very well to add experience to the lineup. Last season, he added starters Gage Curry and Elijah Cleary, who provided stability and a veteran presence. This season he has gone back to the well to add four transfers to an already strong recruiting class. Dazjon Castro and Holden Heller are both previous NCAA qualifiers, with Casto making the bloodround last season; the Panthers also add a second Heller brother in Reece, who was previously a starter at Hofstra. The final “transfer” is coming in with his full slate of eligibility. Vincent Santaniello is joining the Panthers from Naval Academy Prep School, where he spent a year after a stellar high school career in New Jersey. He was a New Jersey state champion and a four-time placewinner, ending his career with a 133-10 record. Santaniello signed to Navy as a highly ranked recruit, but after a year at Navy Prep, he didn't feel it was the appropriate fit for him. He stated that Coach Kolat highly recommended Pitt and Coach Gavin, and Santaniello felt the school was a great fit after his visit. He competed at 133 last season, but he could potentially see time at either 125 or 133. Recruits Pitt brings in a solid class that is anchored by talent from Western PA. Gavin has done a phenomenal job keeping talent home and building the future of the program around local recruits. Their class comes in at #15-Intermat and #14-MatScouts and is comprised of six top-250 recruits, with three in the top 100. #34 Mac Stout (197) Mt. Lebanon, PA #41 Dayton Pitzer (285) Mt. Pleasant, PA #94 Jared Keslar (157) Connellsville, PA #137 Codie Cuerbo (125) Aurora, OH #150 Briar Priest (141/149) Hempfield, PA #231 Kelin Laffey (149/157) Pine Richland, PA NR Jack Pletcher (157) Greater Latrobe, PA NR Carson Miller (141/149) Palmetto Ridge, FL Transfers: Dazjon Casto (157) The Citadel; Holden Heller (165) Hofstra; Reece Heller (184) Hofstra; Vincent Santaniello (125/133) Navy Prep Here is what I see the Panthers rolling out for their lineup next year: 125: Colton Camacho Camacho was the starter in 2021 and was in competition for the starting spot last year with transfer Gage Curry. Camacho was 11-5 last season; he got the starting nod in a couple duals and performed very well in open competition. Camacho showed a lot of growth last season and is poised to have a solid year. 133: Micky Phillippi Yes, Micky is back. Phillippi has been one of the most consistent wrestlers in the country for the past five years and has come up just short of All-American status, falling in the bloodround in all three of the NCAA Championships in which he has wrestled. Phillippi has had quite the journey in his college experience; he started at UVA and transferred to Pitt when Coach Gavin was hired. He received a medical redshirt in his first season at Pitt, in addition to his redshirt year at UVA; add in the COVID eligibility year and you have Phillippi manning the 133 spot in his seventh season. I firmly believe that Phillippi gets over the hump this season and ends his career on the podium. Phillippi is also playing a huge role as a leader and a mentor for the incredible recruiting classes that have come to Pitt in the past few years. 141: Cole Matthews Matthews enters this season with a lot of hype after a breakout season last year that saw him placing fifth at the NCAA Championships. So long as Matthews doesn't overdo it on his partnership with Primanti Bros, he'll enter the season as the top-ranked wrestler at 141. Matthews gritted through a torn ACL in the 2021 season and qualified (and won a match) at the NCAA tournament. After surgery and rehab, he came out with a vengeance last season and put the country on notice. He is one of my favorite ACC wrestlers to watch--he is tenacious and looks to score in all situations. Matthews was 21-4 last season with three of those losses coming to other All-Americans; he lost to Kizhan Clarke in SV3 in the NCAA semifinals after giving Clarke his first loss of the season in their dual match. 149: Brock McMillen We will get the first glimpse of McMillen in the Panther lineup after posting a 6-1 record in his redshirt year. McMillen was a big recruit for the Panthers and was a three-time state champ and a four-time finalist. McMillen is fun to watch, he has great mat awareness and a lot of maturity for a young wrestler. Along with Luca Augustine, they will play a key role in the future of the Pitt program. 157: Dazjon Casto Casto joins the Panthers as a grad transfer from The Citadel after serving as an ACC slayer at the NCAA tournament last year with wins over Austin O'Connor, Connor Brady and Jake Keating before falling in the bloodround. Casto comes to Pitt with a career record of 82-44; he had a solid year last year, finishing at 23-8, winning the SOCON Championship and putting on an impressive performance in Detroit. The Panthers had success with a transfer at 157 last season in Elijah Cleary, and I think they will have another successful run with Casto. 165: Holden Heller Another transfer for the Panthers that can make an immediate impact--Heller comes to Pitt from Hofstra with his brother Reece, who will be in contention for the starting spot at 184. Holden was a three-year starter for Hofstra; he took a redshirt year last season and had a solid year, with some close matches against Peyton Hall and Izzak Olejnik. Holden was the EIWA Champion in 2021 and was a national qualifier. 174: Luca Augustine I'm very much looking forward to the debut of Augustine in the Pitt lineup. He had a strong redshirt year, finishing at 12-5 on the season. Augustine has received high praise from the coaching staff and they have high expectations for the freshman. Luca has a very high ceiling and will be a fun prospect to keep an eye on for the Panthers. 184: Reece Heller Heller joins from Hofstra where he went 12-5 as a redshirt last season. He has moved up weight classes every season and looks to do it again this season to fill the 184 spot after the graduation of Gregg Harvey. Heller was the starter for Hofstra his freshman season at 149. 197: Nino Bonaccorsi Nino has been a leader for the Panthers for the past four years and enters his final year as an NCAA finalist and two-time ACC Champion. Bonaccorsi fell in the bloodround last year in a wild 197 bracket. He enters this season as a persistent All-American threat that has shown he can beat anyone; I feel like often Nino doesn't get as much respect as he should for the impressive career that he has had. He may not be the flashiest wrestler, but he is incredibly dangerous and has an incredible ability to win close matches. 285: Jake Slinger Slinger had an up-and-down season last year and is looking to provide more consistency for the Panthers at the top of the lineup. He has shown the ability to win some clutch matches and can end matches quickly on top, picking up four pins last year, two that played a big role in team dual wins. I expect Slinger to finish much stronger in the ACC than he did last year.

2x Hodge Trophy winner Gable Steveson (photo courtesy of Tony Rotundo; WrestlersAreWarriors.com) Welcome to a new, regular feature for InterMat! Every day, for the next few months, we'll look into the recent history of a DI wrestling program with our "Ten Years of…" feature. Even if you're a die-hard supporter of a particular school, there will be good information you may have forgotten. For others, it's a quick way to learn about a program you may not be familiar with. We're going in alphabetical order for this one, so next up is...Minnesota! For past teams: Air Force American Appalachian State Arizona State Army West Point Binghamton Bloomsburg Brown Bucknell Buffalo Cal Poly Campbell Central Michigan Chattanooga Clarion Cleveland State Columbia Cornell CSU Bakersfield Davidson Drexel Duke Edinboro Franklin & Marshall Gardner-Webb George Mason Harvard Hofstra Illinois Indiana Iowa Iowa State Kent State Lehigh Lock Haven Maryland Michigan Michigan State NCAA Qualifiers (82) 2022 125: Patrick McKee (#8); 133: Jake Gliva (#29); 141: Jakob Bergeland (#10); 149: Michael Blockhus (#31); 165: Cael Carlson (#28); 174: Bailee O'Reilly (#21); 184: Isaiah Salazar (#19); 197: Michial Foy (#26): 285: Gable Steveson (#1) 2021 125: Patrick McKee (#15); 133: Boo Dryden (#23); 141: Marcos Polanco (#28); 149: Michael Blockhus (#14); 157: Brayton Lee (#6); 165: Andrew Sparks (#24); 174: Jake Allar (#24); 184: Owen Webster (#17); 285: Gable Steveson (#1) 2020 125: Patrick McKee (#24); 141: Mitch McKee (#10); 149: Brayton Lee (#7); 165: Bailee O'Reilly (#28); 174: Devin Skatzka (#7); 184: Owen Webster (#18); 197: Hunter Ritter (#29); 285: Gable Steveson (#1) 2019 125: Sean Russell (#6); 133: Ethan Lizak (#6); 141: Mitch McKee (#7); 149: Tommy Thorn (#20); 157: Steve Bleise (#10); 165: Carson Brolsma (#28); 174: Devin Skatzka (#9); 285: Gable Steveson (#3) 2018 125: Ethan Lizak (#8); 133: Mitch McKee (#16); 141: Tommy Thorn; 149: Steve Bleise; 157: Jake Short; 165: Nick Wanzek (#12); 184: Brandon Krone 2017 125: Ethan Lizak (#6); 133: Mitch McKee (#14); 141: Tommy Thorn (#14); 157: Jake Short (#8); 165: Nick Wanzek (#16); 174: Chris Pfarr; 184: Bobby Steveson; 197: Brett Pfarr (#2); 285: Michael Kroells (#8) 2016 141: Tommy Thorn (#11); 149: Jake Short; 174: Nick Wanzek; 197: Brett Pfarr (#3); 285: Michael Kroells (#9) 2015 125: Ethan Lizak; 133: Chris Dardanes (#1); 141: Nick Dardanes (#6); 157: Dylan Ness (#3); 174: Logan Storley (#6); 184: Brett Pfarr (#11); 197: Scott Schiller (#5); 285: Michael Kroells (#9) 2014 133: David Thorn (#8); 141: Chris Dardanes (#6): 149: Nick Dardanes (#2); 157: Dylan Ness (#9); 165: Danny Zilverberg (#15); 174: Logan Storley (#6); 184: Kevin Steinhaus (#7); 197: Scott Schiller (#4); 285: Tony Nelson (#1) 2013 125: David Thorn; 133: Chris Dardanes (#5); 141: Nick Dardanes (#8); 149: Dylan Ness (#6); 157: Danny Zilverberg; 165: Cody Yohn (#11); 174: Logan Storley (#6); 184: Kevin Steinhaus (#5); 197: Scott Schiller (#10); 285: Tony Nelson (#2) National Champions Gable Steveson (285 - 2021, 2022) Tony Nelson (285 - 2012, 2013) NCAA All-Americans 2022: Patrick McKee (125 - 5th); Jakob Bergeland (141 - 7th); Gable Steveson (285 - 1st) 2021: Patrick McKee (125 - 3rd); Brayton Lee (157 - 6th); Gable Steveson (285 - 1st) 2019: Ethan Lizak (125 - 7th); Mitch McKee (141 - 6th); Devin Skatzka (174 - 8th); Gable Steveson (285 - 3rd) 2018: Ethan Lizak (125 - 4th) 2017: Ethan Lizak (125 - 2nd); Tommy Thorn (141 - 8th); Brett Pfarr (197 - 2nd); Michael Kroells (285 - 7th) 2016: Brett Pfarr (197 - 3rd); Michael Kroells (285 - 7th) 2015: Chris Dardanes (133 - 4th); Dylan Ness (157 - 6th); Logan Storley (174 - 4th); Scott Schiller (197 - 4th); Michael Kroells (285 - 8th) 2014: David Thorn (133 - 5th); Dylan Ness (157 - 2nd); Danny Zilverberg (165 - 7th); Logan Storley (174 - 3rd); Kevin Steinhaus (184 - 5th); Scott Schiller (197 - 3rd); Tony Nelson (285 - 2nd) 2013: David Thorn (125 - 7th); Chris Dardanes (133 - 6th); Nick Dardanes (141 - 7th); Dylan Ness (149 - 4th); Cody Yohn (165 - 7th); Logan Storley (174 - 4th); Scott Schiller (197 - 5th) NWCA All-Americans Mitch McKee (141 - Second Team) Brayton Lee (149 - First Team) Devin Skatzka (174 - First Team) Gable Steveson (285 - First Team) Round of 12 Finishers Owen Webster (2021 - 184) Sean Russell (2019 - 125) Tommy Thorn (2019 - 149) Steve Bleise (2019 - 157) Mitch McKee (2017, 2018 - 133) Nick Wanzek (2017, 2018 - 165) Jake Short (2017 - 157) Chris Dardanes (2014 - 141) Kevin Steinhaus (2013 - 184) Big Ten Champions 2022: Gable Steveson (285) 2021: Gable Steveson (285) 2020: Gable Steveson (285) 2015: Chris Dardanes (133) 2014: Tony Nelson (285) 2013: Dylan Ness (149); Tony Nelson (285) Big Ten Runner's-Up 2019: Gable Steveson (285) 2018: Ethan Lizak (125) 2017: Brett Pfarr (197) 2015: Dylan Ness (157); Brett Pfarr (184) 2013: Kevin Steinhaus (184); Scott Schiller (197) Dual Record 2021-22: 4-6 2021: 7-2 2019-20: 9-8 2018-19: 14-3 2017-18: 10-8 2016-17: 7-5 2015-16: 10-8 2014-15: 12-3 2013-14: 14-1 2012-13: 16-2 Big Ten Tournament Placement 2021-22: 6th 2021: 5th 2019-20: 8th 2018-19: 4th 2017-18: 7th 2016-17: 5th 2015-16: 9th 2014-15: 3rd 2013-14: 3rd 2012-13: 2nd NCAA Tournament Team Placement 2021-22: 11th 2021: 7th-tie 2019-20: No Tournament 2018-19: 8th 2017-18: 17th 2016-17: 7th 2015-16: 17th 2014-15: 8th 2013-14: 2nd 2012-13: 3rd Head Coaching History Brandon Eggum (2016-Present) J Robinson (1986-2016) Best Lineup (comprised of wrestlers from 2013-22) 125 - Patrick McKee: 3x NCAA Qualifier (#8 and #15 seeds); 2x NCAA All-American (3rd, 5th) 133 - Ethan Lizak: 4x NCAA Qualifier (#6 x2 and #8 seeds); 3x NCAA All-American (2nd, 4th, 7th), 2018 Big Ten Runner-Up 141 - Chris Dardanes: 4x NCAA Qualifier (#1, #5, #6, and #10 seeds); 3x NCAA All-American (4th x2, 6th), 2015 Big Ten Champion 149 - Dylan Ness: 4x NCAA All-American (2nd x2, 4th, 6th); 2013 Big Ten Champion, 3x Big Ten finalist 157 - Brayton Lee: 2x NCAA Qualifier (#6 and #7 seeds); 2021 NCAA 6th Place 165 - Cody Yohn: 4x NCAA Qualifier (#10, #11, #12 seeds); 2013 NCAA 7th Place 174 - Logan Storley: 4x NCAA All-American (3rd, 4th x2, 6th); 2012 Big Ten Runner-Up 184 - Kevin Steinhaus: 4x NCAA Qualifier (#5 x2, #7 and #8 seeds); 2012 Big Ten Champion, 3x Big Ten finalist 197 - Brett Pfarr: 3x NCAA Qualifier (#2, #3, and #11 seeds); 2x NCAA All-American (2nd, 3rd); 2x Big Ten Runner-Up 285 - Gable Steveson: 4x NCAA Qualifier (#1 x3 and #3 seeds); 2x NCAA Champion; 3x NCAA All-American (1st, 1st, 3rd); 3x Big Ten Champion Recruiting Number of Big Boarder's Per Year 2022: #15 Troy Spratley (TX); #79 Hunter Lyden (MN); #195 Drayden Morten (MN) 2021: #22 Bennett Tabor (MN); #47 Tagen Jamison (TX); #65 Blaine Brenner (WI); #67 Drew Roberts (ID); #92 Vance Vombaur (CO); #117 Jager Eisch (WI); #153 Gabe Nagel (MN); #229 Mason Gehloff (MN) 2020: #39 Aaron Nagao (CA); #41 Andrew Sparks (CA); #45 Isaiah Salazar (CO); #142 Sam Skillings (WI) 2019: #28 Devin Winston (MO); #44 Matt Ramos (IL) 2018: #1 Gable Steveson (MN); #11 Brayton Lee (IN); #13 Patrick McKee (MN); #30 Ryan Thomas (OH); #84 Garrett Joles (WI) 2017: #25 Jake Allar (MN) 2016: #21 Mitchell McKee (MN); #37 Hunter Marko (WI); #101 Lucas Jeske (MN) 2015: #12 Bobby Steveson (MN); #20 Fredy Stroker (IA); #21 Larry Early (IL) 2014: #29 Tommy Thorn (MN); #37 Nathan Rose (MN); #60 Ethan Lizak (MN); #113 Jack Bass (VA); #141 Stephen Polkowski (IL) 2013: #18 Jake Short (MN); #23 Nick Wanzek (MN); #120 Judson Preskitt (TX)

Austin O'Connor at a 2021-22 dual (photos courtesy of Sam Janicki; SJanickiPhoto.com) Not much has gone to plan for North Carolina's Austin O'Connor over the past five months, but maybe it's all part of something bigger. O'Connor tore the anterior cruciate ligament, posterior cruciate ligament, and lateral collateral ligament in his right knee in February and wrestled through it to hit the podium at the NCAA Championships. He had surgery after the season and most recently underwent another procedure to remove scar tissue in the injured area. The injury zapped O'Connor of his explosiveness and limited his offense last postseason, when he slipped to eighth place at 157 pounds after winning his first NCAA title at 149 the season before. That showing then planted seeds of doubt across the college wrestling world about O'Connor's ability to get back to the top of the podium. The recent complications have since made the start of next season murkier as O'Connor races to get healthy, though he admits being ready for the Tar Heels' first action of the season might not be possible. O'Connor has opted to return for his sixth season to right the wrongs and work toward winning a second NCAA title. At the same time, he has shifted from his original plan to be a three-time NCAA champ to settling for a shot at No. 2 and refocusing on his next chapter, which includes getting a master's degree and later taking a grad assistant role at UNC. "I always had it in the back of my mind that I would come back because I just had an extra year of eligibility," O'Connor said. "Growing up, college was a big step for me and my wrestling career, so I always wanted to see how well I could do. I already got one national title, so I wanted to make it two and then three. Obviously, this year didn't work out as I planned, but I battled an injury and still got on the podium. "People are already starting to doubt me for next season. I want to show them that I should have won it last year if I was healthy, and I'm going to win it again." Austin O'Connor in the 2021 NCAA semifinals (photos courtesy of Sam Janicki; SJanickiPhoto.com) O'Connor debuted in Intermat's preseason national rankings at No. 7 at 157 pounds, which he said was more amusing than it was insulting. Working off results from late last season, the ranking made sense but might not have given O'Connor full credit for the injury and what he accomplished when he won an NCAA title in 2020-'21 and placed third in 2018-'19. The same could have been said about the No. 11 seed he got for last season's NCAA Championships. Either way, O'Connor isn't doing all this work and rehab to allow himself to get caught up with rankings because he believes the ball is in his own court. In his mind, if he gets healthy and wrestles the way he knows he can, another NCAA title is his for the taking. "I think it was funny that I was ranked No. 7," he said. "My coaches thought it was a little funny, too. This weekend at practice, they posted it on the wall and circled my name at No. 7. And it was just a little bit of a joke because, I mean, we all know that I'm better than that and that I'm going to perform when the time comes. All I've got to do is heal up a little bit first, and then it's on to start proving people wrong." In a way, O'Connor's decision to push through the knee injury - and certainly his decision to wrestle in the ACC Championships without a brace - is fueling those very doubts. If he would have medically forfeited to NC State's Ed Scott in the ACC finals, maybe his NCAA seeding would have been impacted less. Or maybe if he had taken the easier route and not competed at all, his reputation as an NCAA champ would have been better protected. Stepping away from a fight has never been in O'Connor's nature, though, and the 3-2 loss to Scott, who earned the No. 4 seed at NCAAs, in the ACC finals was a perfect example. And while he said he quite literally couldn't attempt a leg attack against Scott and lost a tight decision, O'Connor also got valuable experience that helped him wrestle back from a sudden-victory loss to Citadel's Dazjon Casto in the first round at NCAAs. "I feel like in the sport of wrestling, all wrestlers have battled adversity in the past," O'Connor said. "It was no different for me. I never really had the idea that I was going to sit out and let a kid have it. I'm going to make him fight for a win no matter if I'm injured or not." Austin O'Connor, with a large brace, in the first round at the 2022 NCAA Championships (photos courtesy of Sam Janicki; SJanickiPhoto.com) The inability to quit has clearly made O'Connor one of the premier wrestlers in the country and should serve him well no matter where life takes him in the future. But that physical and mental toughness might be an immediate asset if his current plan comes to fruition to move to California after graduation and start mixed martial arts training. Through Tar Heels coach Coleman Scott, O'Connor has forged a relationship with Ultimate Fighting Championship Hall of Famer and current color commentator Daniel Cormier, who was an NCAA finalist during his time at Oklahoma State. Cormier noticed O'Connor's temperament and style three years ago and reached out to Scott about him, though O'Connor said his coach kept the call from him until he independently asked to connect with Cormier. "The year before I even won NCAAs, he was calling up Coleman like, 'Hey, I love how this kid wrestles. He's a mean dude. What are his plans for after college?'" O'Connor said. "So, he's been on me for a while now, and I think he's excited to get me out there. He's always on the phone with me, telling me that he's ready to have me out there. I think it was a little difficult that I stayed in college another year - he wanted me out there training already - but he understood it and I think he'll be ready when I decide to come out there." O'Connor has spent time learning the ropes with Cormier and might have spent more time this summer on MMA training had he not been forced to rest and rehab his knee. That was all part of his series of recent first-hand experiences that were further confirmation that even the best-laid plans are bound to change, so O'Connor continues to build layers of contingencies for when his UNC career ends. He is set to start getting his master's in education, then plans to spend a year as a graduate assistant and volunteer coach, which should allow him to train for the 2024 Olympics. He is also well-positioned to launch an MMA career under the tutelage of a Hall of Famer. First thing is first, though. O'Connor is back at North Carolina for one thing only. "I'm doing everything I can to get my knee healthy and get back on the mat as soon as possible because I want to do big things next year," he said. "Not only do I want to go for a national title, I think I have a chance at getting a Hodge. That's something I would love to do." Austin O'Connor in the 2021 NCAA finals (photos courtesy of Sam Janicki; SJanickiPhoto.com)

Drake Ayala at the Junior finals in 2021 (photo courtesy of Tony Rotundo; WrestlersAreWarriors.com) In order for a team to make a significant impact at the NCAA Championships, they have to "have the horses." Recruiting is as important in wrestling as any other collegiate sport. The underdog, walk-on stories are nice, but more often than not, the guys who compete for national titles are ones that we noticed as stars in high school. This trend is evident when analyzing Fargo winners. The pinnacle of high school wrestling, especially in the international styles, are championships in Fargo's Junior division. Since wins on the Greco-Roman front don't always translate to folkstyle success, we're going to focus on Junior Men's Freestyle. Which schools end up signing the most Junior Freestyle national champions? We have the results below and they generally are in lockstep with programs that have won the most at NCAA's. Are they winning because they are signing superstars or are they signing superstars because they are winning? It's kind of a "chicken or the egg" argument, but one for a different day. Below are schools that have signed Junior Freestyle national champions since 2010, listed alphabetically. The number in parentheses is the number of individual champions they have signed. Some of these athletes may have ended up transferring later in their collegiate careers. Wrestlers with a * next to their name are from the Class of 2023 and haven't officially "signed" with that college yet, but have merely given verbal commitments. As with all Fargo-related content, Jason Bryant's Fargo Almanac is an incredible resource for any historical study. Arizona State (3): Brandon Courtney (2015 - 113 lbs), Tyler Liberatore (2010 - 130 lbs), Tanner Hall (2010 - 215 lbs) Boise State (1): Carson Kuhn (2010 - 119 lbs) Clarion (1): Joey Fischer (2018 - 100 lbs) Columbia (2): Angelo Rini (2019 - 126 lbs), Markus Schiedel (2013 - 160 lbs) Cornell (3): Joshua Saunders (2019 - 138 lbs), Ben Darmstadt (2016 - 195 lbs), Brian Realbuto (2011 - 145 lbs) Drexel (1): Ty Smith (2017 - 113 lbs) Fresno State (1): Jace Luchau (2019 - 152 lbs) Illinois (6): Kannon Webster (2021 - 120 lbs)*, Luke Luffman (2019 and 2020 - 285 lbs), Danny Braunagel (2018 - 160 lbs), Isaiah Martinez (2012 - 160 lbs), Zane Richards (2011 - 130 lbs), Zac Brunson (2011 - 152 lbs) Indiana (1): Elijah Oliver (2013 - 113 lbs) Iowa (12): Drake Ayala (2019 and 2021 - 113/126 lbs), Patrick Kennedy (2019 - 170 lbs), Abe Assad (2019 - 182 lbs), Cullan Schriever (2018 - 113 lbs), Tony Cassioppi (2017 and 2018 - 285 lbs), Jacob Warner (2017 - 195 lbs), Seth Gross (2013 - 132 lbs), Cory Clark (2012 - 126 lbs), Sam Brooks (2012 - 195 lbs), Thomas Gilman (2011 - 119 lbs), Jake Ballweg (2010 - 140 lbs), Nick Moore (2010 - 160 lbs) Iowa State (8): Manny Rojas (2021 - 170 lbs), David Carr (2017 - 160 lbs), Austin Gomez (2016 - 126 lbs); Ian Parker (2016 - 132 lbs), Sammy Colbray (2016 - 220 lbs), Gannon Gremmel (2016 - 285 lbs), Danny Vega (2014 - 106 lbs), Marcus Harrington (2014 - 220 lbs) Lehigh (1): Jordan Wood (2015 - 220 lbs) Michigan (5): Drew Mattin (2017 - 126 lbs), Ben Freeman (2017 - 138 lbs), Will Lewan (2017 - 152 lbs), Austin Assad (2015 and 2014 - 126/120 lbs), Adam Coon (2012 and 2013 - 285 lbs) Minnesota (11): Tagen Jamison (2021 - 138 lbs), Brayton Lee (2018 - 152 lbs), Patrick McKee (2017 - 120 lbs), Jake Allar (2016 - 160 lbs), Fredy Stroker (2015 - 145 lbs), Larry Early (2015 - 152 lbs), Mitch McKee (2014 - 126 lbs), Tommy Thorn (2012 and 2014 - 113/132 lbs), Bobby Steveson (2014 - 195 lbs), Hunter Marko (2013 - 106 lbs), Logan Storley (2010 - 171 lbs) Missouri (4): Keegan O'Toole (2018 - 138 lbs), Zach Elam (2017 - 220 lbs), Canten Marriott (2016 - 170), J'den Cox (2012 - 220 lbs) Navy (1): Atilano Escobar (2017 - 132 lbs) NC State (2): Dylan Fishback (2021 - 195 lbs), Nick Reenan (2015 - 182) Nebraska (3): Dominick Serrano (2019 - 132 lbs), Beau Breske (2015 - 170), Destin McCauley (2010 - 152) North Carolina (2): Nasir Bailey (2021 - 132 lbs), Wil Guida (2017 and 2018 - 100/106 lbs) Northern Colorado (1): Jacob Seely (2015 - 195 lbs) Northwestern (5): Jack Jessen (2018 - 182 lbs), Lucas Davison (2018 - 195 lbs), Mitch Sliga (2013 - 195 lbs), Bryce Brill (2012 - 138 lbs), Jason Tsirtsis (2011 - 140 lbs) Old Dominion (1): Anthony Molton (2019 - 120 lbs) Ohio State (8): Andre Gonzales (2019 - 106 lbs), Anthony Echemendia (2019 - 145 lbs), Paddy Gallagher (2019 - 160 lbs), Jordan Decatur (2018 - 132 lbs), Carson Kharchla (2018 - 170 lbs), Malik Heinselman (2016 - 100 lbs), Myles Martin (2014 - 182 lbs), Nathan Tomasello (2021, 2012 and 2013 - 112/120 lbs) Oklahoma State (10): Jordan Williams (2021 - 145 lbs), Daton Fix (2015 - 120 lbs), Joseph Smith (2015 - 160 lbs), Ryan Blees (2013 and 2014 - 152/160 lbs), Chandler Rogers (2014 - 170 lbs), Anthony Collica (2012/2013 - 145 lbs), Kyle Crutchmer (2012 - 170 lbs), Jordan Rogers (2012 - 182 lbs), Alex Dieringer (2010 and 2011 - 145/160 lbs), Eddie Klimara (2010 - 125 lbs) Penn (3): Christian Carroll (2021 - 220 lbs), Michael Colaiocco (2018 - 126 lbs), Anthony Artalona (2016 and 2017; 145 lbs) Penn State (10): Braeden Davis (2021 - 113 lbs)*, Josh Barr (2021 - 160 lbs)*, Aaron Brooks (2017 - 170 lbs), Gavin Teasdale (2016 - 120 lbs); Nick Lee (2016 - 138 lbs), Mason Manville (2014 - 152 lbs), Jared Cortez (2013 - 126 lbs), Bo Nickal (2013 - 170 lbs), Zain Retherford (2012 - 132 lbs), Morgan McIntosh (2010 and 2011 - 189/215 lbs) Presbyterian (1): Jonovan Smith (2019 - 195 lbs) Princeton (1): Matt Kolodzik (2015 - 138 lbs) Purdue (2): Max Lyon (2017 - 182 lbs), Griffin Parriott (2016 - 152 lbs) Rutgers (1): Nic Aguilar (2016 - 113 lbs) South Dakota State (1): Paul Mascarenas (2012 - 106 lbs) Stanford (1): Matt Garelli (2010 and 2011 - 98/105 lbs) Utah Valley (3): Taylor LaMont (2015 - 132 lbs), Matt Findlay (2014 - 138 lbs), Roy Nash (2013 - 220 lbs) Virginia (2): Louie Hayes (2015 - 106 lbs), Jack Mueller (2014 - 113 lbs) Virginia Tech (5): Caleb Henson (2021 - 152 lbs), TJ Stewart (2021 - 182 lbs), Bryce Andonian (2018 - 145 lbs), Sam Latona (2017 - 106 lbs), Joey Dance (2011 - 125 lbs) Wisconsin (3): Braxton Amos (2019 - 220 lbs), Eric Barnett (2018 - 120 lbs), Connor Medbery (2011 - 285 lbs) Augsburg (1): Owen Webster (2016 - 182 lbs) Iowa Lakes CC (1): Freddie Rodriguez (2010 - 112 lbs) Iowa Western (1): Devin Peterson (2011 - 195 lbs) Lindsey Wilson (1): Michael Pixley (2013 - 182 lbs) Notre Dame (1): Isaiah White (2014 - 145 lbs) UW LaCrosse (1): Ben Kawczynski (2021 - 285 lbs)

Arizona State All-American Jacori Teemer during the 2016 Cadet Freestyle finals (photo courtesy of John Sachs; Tech-Fall.com) We are under a week away from the 16U and Junior National Championships from the FargoDome in Fargo, North Dakota. The tournament affectionately called, simply "Fargo." Even with the proliferation of "national-level" tournaments seemingly every weekend, Fargo has stood the test of time and is in a league of it's own. Still the purest form of an "All-American" honor for the high school level, Fargo is the setting for many of tomorrow's stars. With that being said, many of the 2022 NCAA DI All-Americans also had success in Fargo. Just how much? Below are 2022 NCAA DI All-Americans who finished in the top-eight in at least one style/age group during their time in Fargo. As you can see, there are a high percentage of college AA's that were Fargo All-Americans. 125 lbs Patrick Glory (Princeton) - 2017 Junior Freestyle 3rd Place (120 lbs) Vito Arujau (Cornell) - 2014 Cadet Freestyle 3rd Place (120 lbs), 2015 Cadet Freestyle Champion (126 lbs) Patrick McKee (Minnesota) - 2014 Cadet Greco-Roman 2nd Place (88 lbs), 2014 Freestyle 4th Place (88 lbs), 2015 Cadet Freestyle 3rd Place (100 lbs); 2016 Junior Greco-Roman 3rd Place (113 lbs); 2016 Junior Freestyle 3rd Place (113 lbs); 2017 Junior Greco-Roman 4th Place (120 lbs); 2017 Junior Freestyle Champion (120 lbs); 2018 Junior Freestyle 3rd Place (126 lbs) Brandon Courtney (Arizona State) - 2015 Junior Freestyle Champion (113 lbs); 2016 Junior Freestyle 3rd Place (120) Eric Barnett (Wisconsin) - 2016 Cadet Freestyle 6th Place (100 lbs); 2017 Junior Greco-Roman 4th Place (113 lbs); 2018 Junior Greco-Roman 3rd Place (120 lbs); 2018 Junior Freestyle Champion (120 lbs) Brandon Kaylor (Oregon State) - 2014 Cadet Greco-Roman 5th Place (88 lbs), 2014 Cadet Freestyle 4th Place (88 lbs), 2016 Junior Greco-Roman 5th Place (106 lbs); 2016 Junior Freestyle 3rd Place (106 lbs); 2017 Junior Greco-Roman Champion (113 lbs); 2017 Junior Freestyle 2nd Place (113 lbs); 2018 Junior Greco-Roman 6th Place (120 lbs) 133 lbs Roman Bravo-Young (Penn State) - 2014 Cadet Greco-Roman Champion (100 lbs), 2014 Cadet Freestyle Champion, (100 lbs), 2015 Cadet Freestyle Champion (113 lbs) Daton Fix (Oklahoma State) - 2013 Cadet Freestyle Champion (113 lbs), 2014 Cadet Greco-Roman Champion (106 lbs), 2015 Junior Freestyle Champion (120 lbs) Lucas Byrd (Illinois) - 2015 Cadet Freestyle 3rd Place (88 lbs); 2016 Cadet Greco-Roman 2nd Place (100 lbs) Chris Cannon (Northwestern) - 2016 Cadet Freestyle 4th Place (126 lbs) 141 lbs Nick Lee (Penn State) - 2013 Cadet Freestyle 3rd Place (126 lbs), 2014 Cadet Freestyle Champion (132 lbs), 2016 Junior Freestyle Champion (138 lbs) Cole Matthews (Pittsburgh) - 2016 Cadet Freestyle 5th Place (138 lbs) Jake Bergeland (Minnesota) - 2014 Cadet Freestyle 8th Place (120 lbs), 2014 Cadet Freestyle 8th Place (120 lbs), 2017 Junior Freestyle 4th Place (138 lbs) 149 lbs Yianni Diakomihalis (Cornell) - 2014 Cadet Freestyle 2nd Place (120 lbs) Ridge Lovett (Nebraska) - 2015 Cadet Freestyle 2nd Place (88 lbs); 2016 Cadet Greco-Roman Champion (100 lbs); 2016 Cadet Freestyle 2nd Place (100 lbs); 2017 Junior Greco-Roman 3rd Place (120 lbs); 2017 Junior Freestyle 5th Place (120 lbs); 2018 Junior Greco-Roman Champion (132 lbs); 2018 Junior Greco-Roman Champion (132 lbs); 2019 Junior Greco-Roman Champion (138 lbs); 2019 Junior Freestyle 2nd Place (138 lbs) Bryce Andonian (Virginia Tech) - 2018 Junior Freestyle Champion (145 lbs) Austin Gomez (Wisconsin) - 2013 Cadet Greco-Roman Champion (94 lbs), 2013 Cadet Freestyle 2nd Place (94 lbs), 2014 Cadet Greco-Roman Champion (113 lbs), 2014 Cadet Freestyle Champion (113 lbs), 2015 Junior Freestyle 5th Place (120 lbs); 2016 Junior Freestyle Champion (126 lbs) Sammy Sasso (Ohio State) - 2015 Cadet Freestyle Champion (132 lbs); 2016 Cadet Greco-Roman 3rd Place (138 lbs); 2016 Cadet Freestyle 2nd Place (138 lbs); 2017 Junior Freestyle 5th Place (145 lbs) Kyle Parco (Arizona State) - 2018 Junior Freestyle Champion (138 lbs) 157 lbs Ryan Deakin (Northwestern) - 2014 Junior Greco-Roman 5th Place (120 lbs), 2015 Junior Greco-Roman 6th Place (132 lbs); 2016 Junior Greco-Roman Champion (145 lbs); 2016 Junior Freestyle 5th Place (145 lbs) Quincy Monday (Princeton) - 2015 Cadet Freestyle 7th Place (106 lbs) David Carr (Iowa State) - 2017 Junior Freestyle Champion (160 lbs) Peyton Robb (Nebraska) - 2016 Cadet Greco-Roman 5th Place (126 lbs); 2016 Cadet Freestyle 5th Place (126 lbs); 2017 Junior Greco-Roman Champion (152 lbs); 2017 Junior Freestyle 3rd Place (152 lbs) Will Lewan (Michigan) - 2015 Cadet Freestyle 3rd Place (120 lbs); 2016 Cadet Greco-Roman Champion (138 lbs); 2016 Cadet Freestyle 3rd Place (138 lbs); 2017 Junior Freestyle Champion (152 lbs) Jacori Teemer (Arizona State) - 2015 Cadet Freestyle 7th Place (120 lbs); 2016 Cadet Freestyle Champion (132 lbs) Hunter Willits (Oregon State) - 2014 Cadet Freestyle 7th Place (138 lbs), 2016 Junior Freestyle 7th Place (152 lbs) Austin O'Connor (North Carolina) - 2014 Cadet Greco-Roman 3rd Place (132 lbs), 2014 Cadet Freestyle 5th Place (132 lbs) 165 lbs Keegan O'Toole (Missouri) - 2016 Cadet Freestyle 7th Place (106 lbs); 2017 Cadet Freestyle 4th Place (126 lbs); 2018 Junior Freestyle Champion (138 lbs); 2019 Junior Freestyle 3rd Place (152 lbs) Shane Griffith (Stanford) - 2015 Cadet Freestyle 2nd Place (138 lbs) Evan Wick (Cal Poly) - 2015 Junior Freestyle 2nd Place (152 lbs); 2016 Junior Freestyle 6th Place (160 lbs) Cameron Amine (Michigan) - 2016 Cadet Greco-Roman 4th Place (138 lbs); 2016 Cadet Freestyle 7th Place (138 lbs); 2018 Junior Freestyle 6th Place (152 lbs) Dean Hamiti (Wisconsin) - 2019 Cadet Freestyle Champion (145 lbs) Carson Kharchla (Ohio State) - 2015 Cadet Freestyle 4th Place (132 lbs); 2017 Junior Freestyle 4th Place (160 lbs); 2018 Junior Freestyle Champion (170 lbs) 174 lbs Carter Starocci (Penn State) - 2016 Cadet Greco-Roman 8th Place (152 lbs); 2017 Cadet Greco-Roman Champion (160 lbs); 2017 Cadet Freestyle Champion (152 lbs); 2018 Junior Freestyle 4th Place (170 lbs) Hayden Hidlay (NC State) - 2013 Cadet Greco-Roman 2nd Place (126 lbs), 2013 Cadet Freestyle 2nd Place (126 lbs), 2014 Junior Greco-Roman 5th Place (145 lbs), 2015 Junior Freestyle 3rd Place (152 lbs) Michael Kemerer (Iowa) - 2014 Junior Freestyle 5th Place (145 lbs) Dustin Plott (Oklahoma State) - 2016 Cadet Freestyle 3rd Place (132 lbs); 2018 Junior Freestyle 2nd Place (170 lbs); 2019 Junior Freestyle 2nd Place (182 lbs) Clay Lautt (North Carolina) - 2015 Cadet Freestyle 4th Place (160 lbs); 2016 Junior Greco-Roman 5th Place (170 lbs) 184 lbs Aaron Brooks (Penn State) - 2016 Cadet Greco-Roman Champion (160 lbs); 2016 Cadet Freestyle Champion (160 lbs); 2017 Junior Freestyle Champion (170 lbs) Parker Keckeisen (Northern Iowa) - 2017 Junior Freestyle 3rd Place (170 lbs); 2018 Junior Freestyle 3rd Place (182 lbs) Bernie Truax (Cal Poly) - 2016 Cadet Greco-Roman 4th Place (126 lbs) Trent Hidlay (NC State) - 2015 Cadet Freestyle 8th Place (160 lbs); 2016 Junior Freestyle 7th Place (160 lbs); 2017 Junior Greco-Roman 2nd Place (170 lbs); 2017 Junior Freestyle 2nd Place (170 lbs) Marcus Coleman (Iowa State) - 2015 Cadet Freestyle 2nd Place (160 lbs) 197 lbs Jacob Warner (Iowa) - 2014 Cadet Greco-Roman 4th Place (160 lbs), 2014 Cadet Freestyle 5th Place (160 lbs); 2015 Cadet Freestyle Champion (170 lbs); 2017 Junior Greco-Roman Champion (195 lbs); 2017 Junior Freestyle Champion (195 lbs) Rocky Elam (Missouri) - 2017 Cadet Freestyle 6th Place (170 lbs); 2018 Cadet Freestyle Champion (182 lbs); 2019 Junior Freestyle 4th Place (182 lbs) Gavin Hoffman (Ohio State) - 2015 Cadet Freestyle 5th Place (182 lbs); 2016 Cadet Freestyle 2nd Place (220 lbs) 285 lbs Gable Steveson (Minnesota) - 2015 Cadet Freestyle Champion (220 lbs) Cohlton Schultz (Arizona State) - 2015 Cadet Freestyle Runner-Up (220 lbs); 2016 Cadet Greco-Roman 3rd Place (220 lbs); 2016 Cadet Freestyle Champion (220 lbs) Jordan Wood (Lehigh) - 2013 Cadet Greco-Roman 2nd Place (220 lbs), 2013 Cadet Freestyle 3rd Place (220 lbs), 2015 Junior Freestyle Champion (220 lbs) Greg Kerkvliet (Penn State) - 2016 Cadet Freestyle 3rd Place (195 lbs) Mason Parris (Michigan) - 2018 Junior Freestyle 3rd Place (285 lbs) Lucas Davison (Northwestern) - 2016 Cadet Greco-Roman 5th Place (182 lbs); 2016 Cadet Freestyle 2nd Place (182 lbs); 2017 Junior Greco-Roman 7th Place (182 lbs); 2017 Junior Freestyle 3rd Place (182 lbs); 2018 Junior Greco-Roman Champion (195 lbs); 2018 Junior Freestyle Champion (195 lbs) Tony Cassioppi (Iowa) - 2015 Cadet Freestyle 3rd Place (285 lbs); 2016 Junior Greco-Roman 3rd Place (285 lbs); 2016 Junior Freestyle 2nd Place (285 lbs); 2017 Junior Greco-Roman Champion (285 lbs); 2017 Junior Freestyle Champion (285 lbs); 2018 Junior Greco-Roman Champion (285 lbs); 2018 Junior Freestyle Champion (285 lbs)

Michigan State All-American Rayvon Foley (photo courtesy of Sam Janicki; SJanickiPhoto.com) Welcome to a new, regular feature for InterMat! Every day, for the next few months, we'll look into the recent history of a DI wrestling program with our "Ten Years of…" feature. Even if you're a die-hard supporter of a particular school, there will be good information you may have forgotten. For others, it's a quick way to learn about a program you may not be familiar with. We're going in alphabetical order for this one, so next up is...Michigan State! For past teams: Air Force American Appalachian State Arizona State Army West Point Binghamton Bloomsburg Brown Bucknell Buffalo Cal Poly Campbell Central Michigan Chattanooga Clarion Cleveland State Columbia Cornell CSU Bakersfield Davidson Drexel Duke Edinboro Franklin & Marshall Gardner-Webb George Mason Harvard Hofstra Illinois Indiana Iowa Iowa State Kent State Lehigh Lock Haven Maryland Michigan NCAA Qualifiers (34) 2022 133 - Rayvon Foley (#8); 157 - Chase Saldate (#21); 165 - Caleb Fish (#31); 184 - Layne Malczewski (#22); 197 - Cameron Caffey (#9) 2021 125 - Rayvon Foley (#8); 133 - Jordan Hamdan (#30); 149 - Peyton Omania (#28); 157 - Chase Saldate (#15); 165 - Jake Tucker (#25); 174 - Drew Hughes (#32); 184 - Layne Malczewski (#15); 197 - Cameron Caffey (#10) 2020 125 - Logan Griffin (#30); 149 - Alex Hrisopoulos (#31); 157 - Jake Tucker (#20); 165 - Drew Hughes (#26); 174 - Layne Malczewski (#25); 184 - Cameron Caffey (#6) 2019 125 - Rayvon Foley (#9); 174 - Drew Hughes (#26); 184 - Cameron Caffey (#19) 2018 125 - Rayvon Foley 2017 133 - Austin Eicher; 141 - Javier Gasca (#13); 165 - Drew Hughes (#15) 2016 141 - Javier Gasca 2015 184 - John Rizqallah 2014 184 - John Rizqallah (#14); 285 - Mike McClure (#7) 2013 149 - Dan Osterman; 157 - Ryan Watts; 184 - John Rizqallah; 285 - Mike McClure (#8) National Champions None NCAA All-Americans 2019: Rayvon Foley (125 - 7th) 2014: Mike McClure (285 - 5th) NWCA All-Americans Cameron Caffey (184 - First Team) Round of 12 Finishers Cameron Caffey (2021 - 197) Drew Hughes (2017 - 165) Big Ten Champions None Big Ten Runner's Up 2020: Cameron Caffey (184) 2017: Javier Gasca (141) Dual Record 2021-22: 10-4 2021: 2-5 2019-20: 8-10 2018-19: 10-8 2017-18: 6-11 2016-17: 5-11 2015-16: 2-14 2014-15: 5-13 2013-14: 8-10 2012-13: 4-14 Big Ten Tournament Placement 2021-22: 12th 2021: 8th 2019-20: 10th 2018-19: 8th-tie 2017-18: 14th 2016-17: 10th 2015-16: 13th 2014-15: 13th 2013-14: 12th 2012-13: 12th NCAA Tournament Team Placement 2021-22: 40th 2021: 30th 2019-20: No Tournament 2018-19: 33rd 2017-18: 65th-tie 2016-17: 41st 2015-16: 69th-tie 2014-15: 69th 2013-14: 32nd 2012-13: 51st-tie Head Coaching History Roger Chandler (2016-Present) Tom Minkel (1991-2016) Best Lineup (comprised of wrestlers from 2013-22) 125 - Rayvon Foley: 4x NCAA Qualifier (#8 x2 and #9 seeds); 2019 NCAA All-American (7th); 2021 Big Ten 3rd Place 133 - Austin Eicher: 2017 NCAA Qualifier; 2016 NCAA Qualifier and MAC Champion for Northern Illinois 141 - Javier Gasca: 2x NCAA Qualifier (#13 seed); 2017 Big Ten Runner-Up 149 - Dan Osterman: 3x NCAA Qualifier 157 - Chase Saldate: 2x NCAA Qualifier (#15 seed) 165 - Jake Tucker: 2x NCAA Qualifier 174 - Drew Hughes: 4x NCAA Qualifier (#15 seed); 2017 NCAA Round of 12 Finisher 184 - John Rizqallah: 3x NCAA Qualifier (#14 seed) 197 - Cameron Caffey: 4x NCAA Qualifier (#6, #9, #10 seeds); 2020 NWCA First Team All-American; 2021 NCAA Round of 12 Finisher; 2020 Big Ten Runner-Up 285 - Mike McClure: 2x NCAA Qualifier (#7 and #8 seeds); 2014 NCAA All-American (5th) Recruiting Number of Big Boarder's Per Year 2022: #160 Caesar Garza (CA) 2020: #8 Chase Saldate (CA); #50 Tristan Lujan (CA); #148 Caleb Fish (MI); #194 Eddie Homrock (MI) 2019: #89 Jordan Crace (OH) 2018: #72 Peyton Omania (CA) 2017: #90 Jaden Enriquez (CA) 2016: #31 Drew Hughes (IN); #81 Jake Tucker (IL) 2013: #47 Christian Pagdilao (CA); #64 Javier Gasca (CA)

New Cal Baptist head coach Derek Moore (photo courtesy of Tony Rotundo; WrestlersAreWarriors.com) RIVERSIDE – California Baptist University wrestling has removed the interim tag and named Derek Moore the program's next head coach. Moore was named the Lancers' interim head coach after Lennie Zalesky resigned after 11 years at the helm for CBU back in April. Moore first joined CBU as an assistant coach in 2017 and was named the National Collegiate Open Co-Coach of the Year in 2020 when the Lancers produced five All-Americans at the event. "We are so excited for Derek Moore to lead our wrestling program into a very bright future," Director of Athletics Tyler Mariucci said. "Moore has proven himself as an outstanding leader in his five seasons here at CBU and in his short time in the interim role. He's earned this title and we can't wait to see what this program can accomplish in Division I and the Big 12 Conference." CBU officially joined the Big 12 Conference as an affiliate member in wrestling on July 1 for the 2022-23 season. The Lancers will join the other Big 12 wrestling members in a regular season scheduling alliance and will compete for the league's postseason title and automatic qualification into the NCAA championships. "I am overjoyed and honored to have the 'interim' title lifted and be named the next head coach here at CBU; God is so incredibly good to me," Moore said. "I want to thank President Dr. Ronald L. Ellis and Tyler Mariucci for their support and confidence in my ability to lead this program forward. I believe in this institution, I believe in this program and I believe in the young men who have committed to being part of this amazing story we are writing." Moore is an accomplished wrestler in his own right. He was named the Most Outstanding Wrestler with UC Davis at the NCAA Division I Championships in 2007 when he won the 141-pound national title. The move to Riverside reunited him with Zalesky, who he wrestled under at UC Davis from 2003-07. Over his career, Moore won two Pac-10 championships at his weight class. He was also crowned the Pac-10 Wrestler of the Year and UC Davis Male Athlete of the Year in 2007. Prior to CBU, Moore spent four seasons as an assistant coach at Sacred Heart University. He also served six years in the United States Army as a field artillery officer after college. During that time, he spent four years training at the Olympic Training Center with the Army's World Class Athlete Program. As a soldier-athlete, he represented the Army in World and Olympic competition and qualified for the 2012 freestyle Olympic trials at 60 kilograms.

2022 NCAA Champion Ryan Deakin (photo courtesy of Sam Janicki; SJanickiPhoto.com) The Stanford Cardinal solidified their coaching staff today with the addition of 2022 NCAA champion Ryan Deakin. Deakin is expected to assume the position left by Vincenzo Joseph, who has long been rumored to be leaving to pursue a competitive career on the Senior level. Deakin just completed a collegiate career that left him among the finest wrestlers ever to don a Northwestern singlet. Over five years, Deakin amassed a 114-15 record with three NCAA All-American finishes and a berth on the 2020 NWCA All-American first team. In both 2019-20 and 2021-22, Deakin ended the season unbeaten. He was the top seed in the ill-fated 2020 NCAA Tournament at 157 lbs. This year, Deakin became only the third Northwestern wrestler to claim three Big Ten titles. Deakin won his elusive NCAA title this year after a 9-2 decision over Quincy Monday of Princeton. In 2021-22, Deakin put up an 18-0 record win bonus points in half of those contests. During the regular season, Deakin picked up three titles at the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational and another at the Midlands. Success for Deakin isn't just limited to the collegiate mats. During his redshirt year at Northwestern, Ryan earned a spot on the Junior World Team, in freestyle, and earned a silver medal at the World Championships. In 2019, Deakin downed 70 kg mainstay James Green in the US Open finals to lock up a spot at Final X. Last year, Deakin was fourth at the World Team Trials Challenge Tournament. There will be plenty of talented middleweights for Deakin to work with in the Cardinal wrestling room. First and foremost is two-time NCAA finalist and 2021 champion Shane Griffith at 165. Stanford is also bringing in a pair of top-ten recruits in the Class of 2022 in #2 Daniel Cardenas (149/157) and #9 Hunter Garvin (157/165). Stanford wrapped up their first year under legendary head coach Rob Koll with a 5-4 dual record and a top-20 finish (19th) at the 2022 NCAA Championships. In InterMat's summer rankings, the Cardinal came in at #21 in tournament projections.

New Lehigh 184 lber Tate Samuelson (Photo/Sam Janicki; SJanickiPhoto.com) There has been some offseason action in the EIWA, regarding wrestling transfers (in and out of the conference), coaching changes, and RTC athlete signings. In addition, there are some current open coaching positions and RTC-athlete openings at two schools. Below are a few different trackers that will be updated once a month to help all EIWA fans keep updated on some of these changes.

Yianni Diakomihalis at Final X NYC (Photo/Tony Rotundo; WrestlersAreWarriors.com) Hello there, friends! I hope you all had a happy and safe Fourth of July. I've seen, heard about, or been in enough accidents on the fourth that I just stay at home now and avoid catastrophe. Well, it's early July and nothing's going on, so I'm just going to rattle off some things I'd like to see in the near future. I want to see the return of RTC events. What the crap? You think because regular events are back you can just bail on new ventures? You can't. Who wouldn't be excited for some killer matches at a random event this weekend? Let's bring it back. I want to see Iowa wrestle Northern Iowa. Will Iowa win? More than likely. But who cares. Fans like seeing Iowa schools get feisty with each other. Come on Tom Brands, there's an Adam Fellers 27" brim in it for you if you take the match. I really need to see Yianni tear it up at Worlds. We all know the US hasn't medaled at 65kg since the flip phone and I predict that streak ends this year. I wouldn't mind seeing Bishop McCort freed this year. We get it PA. You made your point. But now you're in danger of losing some of your state's best talent for their whole careers. Alright, I have to answer questions about Matt Finesilver's facial hair so let's get to it. Which transfer are you most interested in following this season and why is it Handsome Matt FInesilver? @Rhino184 How's about no! He spurned Rutgers and robbed us of a Rhino/Jagger Night at Jersey Mike's Arena. I'll never get over this betrayal. I am interested in seeing what Stevo Poulin is up to at Northern Colorado. Some potential post-hype breakout there if you ask me. Follow up: Will he have to go with more facial hair to move up a weight? @coach_wendell And ruin his homage to Rhino's ridiculous profile pic? Sounds like Vice talk to me. Thoughts on the Phillies 11-0 victory over that team from DC? Did you also have a dream about The Movement like Earl Smith? Kevin McGuigan Brother, I got The Movement in my Twitter bio. It's always on my mind. Thoughts on the Phillies? Can't say that I have any. Atlanta is where my attention is. Is all this madness with the conferences gonna be bad for wrestling? New Hampshire Wrestling Fan I don't watch any other college sports, so I don't pay much attention to them. I don't think we will lose programs over it, but you can never trust these schools. I'm in favor of throwing away conferences and going to a regional-type qualifier anyway. Or maybe just one giant NCAA tournament where everyone goes and it takes three weeks to complete. Bring the round of 128 to college wrestling! Is Avril Lavigne still alive? @WorstYoungest Gotta ask a guy in West Virginia about that. Maybe the Mothman abducted her. Potatoes or pasta? Is Cornell not getting enough appreciation for the depth of the freestyle roster they have? Seth Petarra International Correspondent To avoid excommunication from the group I'll say pasta, but I do love a good baked potato with butter and bacon bits. I think they get enough appreciation. Just the other day, I overheard some dude in a deli say, "Yo T, I don't know what a Finger Lake is, but Cornell just churns out studs in freestyle." Then he ordered a veal parmesan for breakfast because….. New Jersey. As a dog person, what is your opinion on late, loud, obnoxious, fireworks? My dog hates them, so now I do, too. Jkos11 I hate them, but there's nothing you can do about it. Let's just keep it to one holiday a year. You don't need fireworks for Memorial Day or Labor Day. Give 'em an inch, and they blow up a mile. Is there a non-Power Five wrestling team you always keep your eye on? Wiems19 I love the Ivy schools. They have loads of talent and are easy to watch since they have a lot of Saturday afternoon matches on ESPN Plus. Any random dual could have a rematch of a New Jersey state final. How fast can you run? Oldest & Greatest I drive a car. Gave up running when people couldn't make me do laps anymore. And for how long without stopping. Joe Kania I can drive all night, baby. Would you rather fight Henry Cejudo or @worstyoungest and @oldestgreatest at the same time? Batting gloves are optional. No rules or weapons. @Gut_Bench69 And hurt my two favorite Jagoffs? Bring on Triple C and I'll wear batting gloves for some reason.

2022 70 Russian National Champion Israil Kasumov (Photo/Tony Rotundo; WrestlersAreWarriors.com) 57 KG Russian Nationals Final Results GOLD: #1 Zavur Uguev over #3 Nachyn Mongush 3-2 BRONZE: #4 Ramiz Gamzatov over Ramazan Abdurakhimov 15-13 BRONZE: Musa Mekhtikhanov over Amir Chamzyn 8-7 #1 Zavur Uguev won his fifth Russian Nationals title with a 3-2 victory over #3 Nachyn Mongush in a rematch of the 2021 Russian Nationals finals. Bronze medalists at Russian Nationals were #4 Ramiz Gamzatov and 2021 Yarygin runner-up Musa Mekhtikhanov. #5 Akhmed Idrisov moved up to 61 KG where he registered a national runner-up finish to #1 Abasgadzhi Magomedov. Important results were Amir Chamzyn upsetting #2 Azamat Tuskaev in the quarterfinals and 2018 Russian Nationals runner-up Donduk-Ool Khuresh-Ool upsetting 2021 world team member #6 Abubakar Mutaliev in the round of 32 and then being beaten by eventual fifth-place finisher Ramazan Abdurakhimov in the round of 16 by 12-2 tech fall. From the aftermath of Russian Nationals, Mongush and Gamzatov both move up one spot to #2 and #3, Musa Mekhtikhanov is back in the rankings for beating Chamzyn for bronze, Chamzyn is in the rankings at #5 for beating Tuskaev who drops to #6, and Abdurakhimov and Khuresh-Ool slot in at #7 and #8. 61 KG Russian Nationals Finals Results GOLD: #1 Abasgadzhi Magomedov over #5 (57) Akhmed Idrisov 4-2 BRONZE: Cherman Tavitov over Aldar Balzhinimaev 2-0 BRONZE: #3 Bashir Magomedov over Zhargal Damdinov by pin #1 Abasgadzhi Magomedov won his third straight Russian Nationals title over 2020 57 KG Russian Nationals bronze medalist #5 (57) Akhmed Idrisov. Save for Idrisov moving up and slotting in at #2, this weight stayed according to numbers with Magomedov beating #3 Bashir Magomedov in the semis and Idrisov beating a pair of returning Russian Nationals bronze medalists in Cherman Tavitov and Aldar Balzhinimaev to make the finals. 65 KG Russian Nationals Final Results GOLD: #7 Ibragim Ibragimov over Gadzhimurad Omarov 5-1 BRONZE: Aripgadzhi Abdulaev over Elbrus Valiev 11-10 BRONZE: Aykhaan Antonov forfeit over #1 Gadzhimurad Rashidov The bracket at 65 KG was absolutely busted through by upsets, culminating in Yarygin bronze medalist #7 Ibragim Ibragimov taking gold. Right from the top, the biggest upset was returning fifth-place finisher Gadzhimurad Omarov upsetting returning national champion and 2021 Olympic bronze medalist #1 Gadzhimurad Rashidov 4-3 in the semifinals. Then into the quarterfinals, Aripgadzhi Abdulaev upset Yarygin champion #2 Shamil Mamedov by 4-4 decision and #7 Ibragim Ibragimov teched Ivan Poddubny tournament champion #4 Alik Khadartsev 12-0. The other final notable upset was #4 Alik Khadartsev upsetting 2021 world champion #3 Zagir Shakhiev 2-0 in the round of 16. From the aftermath of Russian Nationals, Ibragimov rises six spots to #1 and Omarov skyrockets to #2. Rashidov falls two spots to #3. 2019 Cadet world champion Aripgadzhi Abdulaev debuts in the rankings at #4 after beating #2 Shamil Mamedov and Elbrus Valiev to take bronze. Mamedov falls three spots to #5, Khadartsev falls two spots to #6, and Shakhiev drops to #7. 70 KG Russian Nationals Final Results GOLD: #4 Israil Kasumov over #7 Anzor Zakuev 6-3 BRONZE: #2 Viktor Rassadin over #3 Ruslan Zhendaev 7-2 BRONZE: #5 Kurban Shiraev over Kezhik Chimba 4-1 #4 Israil Kasumov won his second consecutive national title 6-3 over the breakthrough star of the tournament #7 Anzor Zakuev. Kasumov, who rebounded from a disappointing showing at the Ivan Poddubny, beat #3 Ruslan Zhendaev and #2 Viktor Rassadin in definitive fashion (13-0 and 12-3) to make his fifth national final. Zakuev upset two-time Russian Nationals bronze medalist #5 Kurban Shiraev in the quarterfinals and avenged his 2021 Russian Nationals bronze medal loss to Abdulla Akhmedov in the semifinals. Other notable results were Alan Kudzoev beating Ivan Poddubny Tournament bronze medalist #6 Ruslan Bogatyrev in the qualification round and being beaten in the round of 32 by 2021 74 KG Yarygin champion Aznaur Tavaev. The changes to the rankings are #1 Evgheni Zherbaev being removed due to inactivity, Kasumov moving up three spots to #1 for winning Russian Nationals, Zakuev moving up four spots to #3, for beating #5 Kurban Shiraev and #9 Abdulla Akhmedov, plus his win from January over #3 Zhendaev at the Yarygin. Tavaev and Kudzoev are back in the rankings at #6 and #7 for Tavaev beating Kudzoev who beat #6 Ruslan Bogatyrev. #8 (70) Magomed Dibirgadzhiev moved up to 74 KG where he got bronze at Russian Nationals. 74KG Russian Nationals Final Results GOLD: #3 Razambek Zhamalov over #4 Cherman Valiev 3-2 BRONZE: #2 David Baev over Semen Tereschenko 4-0 BRONZE: #8 (70) Magomed Dibirgadzhiev over Robert Dzhukaev 3-0 #3 Razambek Zhamalov won his second Russian Nationals title beating 2020 70 KG Russian Nationals champ #4 Cherman Valiev in the finals. In the semis, Zhamalov beat #2 David Baev 9-3 to avenge his loss from the Ivan Poddubny Tournament and #4 Cherman Valiev beat #8 (70) Magomed Dibirgadzhiev. The other major upset from nationals was #8 (70) Magomed Dibirgadzhiev beating #6 Magomedrasul Gazimagomedov 4-4 in the quarterfinals. The changes to the rankings are Zhamalov moving up one spot to #2, and #Dibirgadzhiev taking the #6 spot after taking bronze and beating Gazimagomedov. 79KG Russian Nationals Finals Results GOLD: #2 Malik Shavaev over #8 Magomed Magomaev 6-4 BRONZE: #1 Radik Valiev over Begkhan Misrikhanov 8-0 BRONZE: #10 Nikita Suchkov over #5 Gadzhimurad Alikhmaev 4-2 #2 Malik Shavaev won his second-straight national title with victories over #8 Magomed Magomaev, #1 Radik Valiev and #6 Akhmed Usmanov. Shavaev moves up one spot to #1 for upsetting returning world bronze medalist #1 Radik Valiev in the quarterfinals. Valiev beat returning national runner-up #6 Akhmed Usmanov in the repechage bracket. Magomaev made the finals by beating a trio of Russian Nationals medalists in 2x Russian Nationals bronze medalist #10 Nikita Suchkov, Kakhaber Khubezhty, and 2020 Russian Nationals runner-up #5 Gadzhimurad Alikhmaev. Magomaev moves up five spots to #3 for beating Suchkov and Alikhmaev to make the finals. Suchkov moves up six spots to #4 for beating #5 Gadzhimurad Alikhmaev and his past win over #3 Atsamaz Sanakoev from 2017 Russian Nationals. 2021 Russian Nationals runner-up Usmanov fell two spots in the rankings as his 2022 campaign continues to falter as he didn't placed at the Yarygin or nationals and registered losses to #Valiev, Alikhmaev, and Shavaev. 86 KG Russian Nationals Final Results GOLD: #1 Artur Naifonov over #5 Amanulla Rasulov 3-0 BRONZE: #9 Arsenali Musalaliev over Slavik Naniev 6-2 BRONZE: #3 Ada Bagomedov forfeit over #2 Dauren Kurugliev #1 Artur Naifonov won his third Russian Nationals title over Yarygin runner-up #5 Amanulla Rasulov. Rasulov had a fantastic run at Russian Nationals, beating the likes of #2 Dauren Kurugliev in the semis, #4 Khabil Khashpakov in the quarters, and #3 Ada Bagomedov in the round of 16. Rasulov skyrockets up the rankings to #2. Bagomedov beat Khashpakov in the repechage and then got bronze after Kurugliev forfeited. #9 Arsenali Musalaliev earned his fourth Russian Nationals medal by beating 2018 Alans bronze medalist Slavik Naniev. Musalaliev moves up one spot to #8. 2018 79 KG world bronze medalist #6 Akhmed Gadzhimagomedov was removed from the rankings due to retiring from injuries. Kurugliev and Bagomedov fall one spot to #3 and #4 for losses to Rasulov. 92 KG Russian Nationals Finals Results GOLD: #1 Magomed Kurbanov over #4 Azamat Zakuev 2-0 BRONZE: #2 Vladislav Valiev over #5 Guram Chertkoev 7-0 BRONZE: #3 Magomed Sharipov over #6 Tamerlan Tapsiev 7-0 #1 Magomed Kurbanov won his second national title over 2021 U23 world bronze medalist #4 Azamat Zakuev. #4 Azamat Zakuev moves up two spots to #2 for beating #2 Vladislav Valiev and #5 Guram Chertkoev. #2 Vladislav Valiev falls one spot to #3 for his loss to Zakuev. #1 Magomed Kurbanov beat #4 Magomed Sharipov and #6 Tamerlan Tapsiev. The other notable result was #6 Tamerlan Tapsiev beating #7 Alan Bagaev 8-7 in the round of 16. 97 KG Russian Nationals Final Results GOLD: #9 Aslanbek Sotiev over #4 Shamil Musaev 3-3 BRONZE: #5 Sergey Kozyrev over Igor Ovsyannikov 3-2 BRONZE: #2 Akhmed Tazhudinov over David Dzhugaev 9-3 Two-time Russian Nationals runner-up #9 Aslanbek Sotiev finally won his Russian Nationals title over 2019 Russian Nationals bronze medalist #4 Shamil Musaev. In the semis, Sotiev upset #2 Akhmed Tazhudinov in the semis and #4 Shamil Musaev beat 2021 125 KG Russian Nationals champion #5 Sergey Kozyrev. Other notable upsets were 2021 Russian Nationals bronze medalist Khokh Khugaev beating #7 Abdulla Kurbanov in the qualification round and losing to Maxim Tolmachev in the round of 16. Tolmachev and Khugaev are back in the rankings at #8 and #9 while Kurbanov falls three spots to #10. 125 KG Russian Nationals Final Results GOLD: #8 Alen Khubulov forfeit over Tamerlan Rasuev BRONZE: #5 Baldan Tsyzhipov over Alan Khugaev 3-1 BRONZE: #3 Erik Dzhioev over Gamzat Alizhudinov 8-1 Yarygin bronze medalist #8 Alen Khubulov broke through to win his first Russian National title over Tamerlan Rasuev. Heavyweight, like 65 KG, was a weight highlighted by high-profile upsets. The most notable upsets occurred in the round of 16 against the Khizriev brothers with #1 Zelimkhan Khizriev being upset in the round of 16 by Tamerlan Rasuev and #2 Anzor Khizriev being upset by returning 5th place finisher Saipudin Magomedov. Magomedov was eliminated from competition by #5 Baldan Tsyzhipov in the quarterfinals. The other upset in the round of 16 was Nikita Khabarov beating #7 Vitali Goloev. In the qualification round, 2x Russian Nationals champion #9 Alan Khugaev beat #4 Ostap Pasenok. In the semifinals, #8 Alen Khubulov beat #5 Baldan Tsyzhipov and Rasuev beat #3 Erik Dzhioev. In the aftermath of Russian Nationals, #8 Alen Khubulov moves up seven spots to #1 while Tamerlan Rasuev gets a career-high spot of #2 after beating formerly top-ranked Khizriev. Saipudin Magomedov is in the rankings at #7 for beating Khizriev who falls six spots to #8. #7 Vitali Goloev is out for losing to Nikita Khabarov and #4 Ostap Pasenok falls six spots to #10 for his loss to #9 Khugaev. Pound for Pound The biggest shakeup to the top ten in the pound-for-pound is 65 KG national champion Ibragim Ibragimov and 65 KG national runner-up Gadzhimurad Omarov debuting at #5 and #6. #3 Gadzhimurad Rashidov drops four spots to #7, due to his semifinal loss to #6 Gadzhimurad Omarov. Ibragimov is in for beating #6 Gadzhimurad Omarov, #12 Aripgadzhi Abdulaev and #14 Alik Khadartsev while Omarov gets in for beating #3 Gadzhimurad Rashidov in the semis. Aripgadzhi Abdulaev debuts in the rankings at #12 for beating #11 Shamil Mamedov in the 65 KG Russian Nationals quarterfinals. Alik Khadartsev debuts in the rankings at #14 for beating 2021 65 KG world champion #12 Zagir Shakhiev in the round of 16. Outside of 65 KG, the other new faces in the rankings are a mix of vets and new breakthrough talent. 86 KG Russian Nationals runner-up Amanulla Rasulov slots in at #17 for beating #14 Dauren Kurugliev, who falls four spots to #18. Two-time Russian Nationals champion Malik Shavaev is back in the rankings at #19 after beating #15 Radik Valiev on his way to the 79 KG Russian National title. 70 KG Russian Nationals runner-up Anzor Zakuev returns to the rankings at #23 for beating #22 Kurban Shiraev in the quarterfinals of Russian Nationals and his win over #20 Ruslan Zhendaev from the Yarygin in January. Notable removals from the rankings are as listed: #10 Magomedrasul Gazimagomedov (lost to #6(74) Magomed Dibirgadzhiev in the quarterfinals of 74 KG Russian Nationals, #16 Zelimkhan Khizriev (removed due to round of 16 loss to #2 (125) Tamerlan Rasuev at 125 KG Russian Nationals), #17 Azamat Tuskaev (removed due to quarterfinal loss at 57 KG Russian Nationals to #5 (57) Amir Chamyzn), #18 Evgheni Zherbaev (removed due to inactivity), #20 Ruslan Zhendaev (removed due to losses to #21 Israil Kasumov and #22 Viktor Rassadin at 70 KG Russian Nationals), #22 Kurban Shiraev (removed due to loss to #23 Anzor Zakuev at 70 KG Russian Nationals), and #25 Akhmed Idrisov (head to head loss to #25 Ramiz Gamzatov in 57 KG Yarygin Finals from January).

5x All-American Myles Amine (photo courtesy of Sam Janicki; SJanickiPhoto.com) Welcome to a new, regular feature for InterMat! Every day, for the next few months, we'll look into the recent history of a DI wrestling program with our "Ten Years of…" feature. Even if you're a die-hard supporter of a particular school, there will be good information you may have forgotten. For others, it's a quick way to learn about a program you may not be familiar with. We're going in alphabetical order for this one, so next up is...Michigan! For past teams: Air Force American Appalachian State Arizona State Army West Point Binghamton Bloomsburg Brown Bucknell Buffalo Cal Poly Campbell Central Michigan Chattanooga Clarion Cleveland State Columbia Cornell CSU Bakersfield Davidson Drexel Duke Edinboro Franklin & Marshall Gardner-Webb George Mason Harvard Hofstra Illinois Indiana Iowa Iowa State Kent State Lehigh Lock Haven Maryland NCAA Qualifiers (80) 2022 125 - Nick Suriano (#1); 133 - Dylan Ragusin (#6); 141 - Stevan Micic (#24); 157 - Will Lewan (#8); 165 - Cameron Amine (#6); 174 - Logan Massa (#3); 184 - Myles Amine (#1); 197 - Patrick Brucki (#4); 285 - Mason Parris (#6) 2021 125 - Dylan Ragusin (#11); 141 - Drew Mattin (#25); 149 - Kanen Storr (#11); 157 - Will Lewan (#14); 165 - Cameron Amine (#11); 174 - Logan Massa (#5); 197 - Myles Amine (#1); 285 - Mason Parris (#2) 2020 125 - Jack Medley (#14); 149 - Kanen Storr (#10); 157 - Will Lewan (#10); 165 - Tyler Meisinger (#33); 184 - Jelani Embree (#26); 197 - Jackson Striggow (#27); 285 - Mason Parris (#3) 2019 125 - Drew Mattin (#16); 133 - Stevan Micic (#2); 141 - Kanen Storr (#8); 149 - Malik Amine (#33); 157 - Alec Pantaleo (#4); 165 - Logan Massa (#6); 174 - Myles Amine (#4); 285 - Mason Parris (#5) 2018 125 - Drew Mattin; 133 - Stevan Micic (#2); 149 - Malik Amine; 157 - Alec Pantaleo (#5); 165 - Logan Massa (#7); 174 - Myles Amine (#5); 184 - Domenic Abounader (#5); 197 - Kevin Beazley; 285 - Adam Coon (#2) 2017 125 - Conor Youtsey; 133 - Stevan Micic (#5); 141 - Sal Profaci; 149 - Zac Hall; 157 - Brian Murphy; 165 - Logan Massa (#2); 174 - Myles Amine (#9) 2016 125 - Conor Youtsey; 133 - Rossi Bruno; 149 - Alec Pantaleo (#5); 157 - Brian Murphy (#12); 184 - Domenic Abounader (#4); 197 - Max Huntley (#10); 285 - Adam Coon (#5) 2015 125 - Conor Youtsey; 133 - Rossi Bruno (#13); 141 - George Fisher; 149 - Alec Pantaleo (#6); 157 - Brian Murphy (#11); 165 - Garrett Sutton; 174 - Taylor Massa; 184 - Domenic Abounader (#8); 197 - Max Huntley (#8); 285 - Adam Coon (#6) 2014 125 - Conor Youtsey; 133 - Rossi Bruno; 141 - Stephen Dutton (#13); 149 - Eric Grajales (#9); 157 - Brian Murphy; 165 - Dan Yates (#13); 184 - Domenic Abounader (#9); 285 - Adam Coon (#4) 2013 125 - Sean Boyle; 133 - Rossi Bruno; 149 - Eric Grajales (#12); 165 - Taylor Massa (#12); 174 - Dan Yates (#10); 197 - Max Huntley; 285 - Ben Apland National Champions NIck Suriano (125 - 2022) NCAA All-Americans 2022: Nick Suriano (125 - 1st); Will Lewan (157 - 5th); Cameron Amine (165 - 4th); Logan Massa (174 - 5th); Myles Amine (184 - 2nd); Mason Parris (285 - 5th) 2021: Cameron Amine (165 - 7th); Logan Massa (174 - 5th); Myles Amine (197 - 3rd); Mason Parris (285 - 2nd) 2019: Stevan Micic (133 - 3rd); Alec Pantaleo (157 - 3rd); Myles Amine (174 - 3rd) 2018: Stevan Micic (133 - 2nd); Alec Pantaleo (157 - 5th); Myles Amine (174 - 3rd); Domenic Abounader (184 - 5th); Adam Coon (285 - 2nd) 2017: Stevan Micic (133 - 4th); Logan Massa (165 - 3rd); Myles Amine (174 - 4th) 2016: Conor Youtsey (125 - 5th); Alec Pantaleo (149 - 6th); Adam Coon (285 - 3rd) 2015: Conor Youtsey (125 - 6th); Rossi Bruno (133 - 8th); Brian Murphy (157 - 7th); Max Huntley (197 - 8th); Adam Coon (285 - 2nd) 2014: Stephen Dutton (141 - 7th); Eric Grajales (149 - 3rd) NWCA All-Americans Kanen Storr (149 - Second Team) Will Lewan (157 - Second Team) Mason Parris (285 - First Team) Round of 12 Finishers Dylan Ragusin (2022 - 133) Stevan Micic (2022 - 141) Logan Massa (2019 - 165) Mason Parris (2019 - 285) Brian Murphy (2016 - 157) Domenic Abounader (2016 - 184) Rossi Bruno (2014 - 133) Adam Coon (2014 - 285) Taylor Massa (2013 - 165) Big Ten Champions 2022: Nick Suriano (125), Myles Amine (184) 2021: Myles Amine (197) 2018: Stevan Micic (133); Alec Pantaleo (157) 2015: Domenic Abounader (184) Big Ten Runner's Up 2022: Will Lewan (157); Cameron Amine (165); Logan Massa (174) 2021: Mason Parris (285) 2020: Mason Parris (285) 2019: Myles Amine (174) 2018: Myles Amine (174); Adam Coon (285) 2017: Logan Massa (165) 2016: Adam Coon (285) Dual Record 2021-22: 12-1 2021: 5-1 2019-20: 7-6 2018-19: 13-1 2017-18: 11-3 2016-17: 8-7 2015-16: 13-3 2014-15: 8-6-1 2013-14: 11-4 2012-13: 10-7 Big Ten Tournament Placement 2021-22: 1st 2021: 4th 2019-20: 7th 2018-19: 6th 2017-18: 3rd 2016-17: 7th 2015-16: 6th 2014-15: 4th 2013-14: 8th 2012-13: 6th NCAA Tournament Team Placement 2021-22: 2nd 2021: 5th 2019-20: No Tournament 2018-19: 5th 2017-18: 4th-tie 2016-17: 10th 2015-16: 9th-tie 2014-15: 11th 2013-14: 17th 2012-13: 33rd-tie Head Coaching History Sean Bormet (2018-Present) Joe McFarland (1999-2018) Best Lineup (Comprised of wrestlers from 2013-22) 125 - Nick Suriano: 2022 NCAA Champion, 2022 Big Ten Champion; 3x NCAA Finalist for Rutgers (2019 NCAA Champion) 133 - Stevan Micic: 4x NCAA Qualifier; 3x NCAA All-American (3rd, 2nd, 4th); 2018 Big Ten Champion 141 - Stephen Dutton: 2014 NCAA All-American (7th); 2x NCAA Qualifier for Lehigh 149 - Alec Pantaleo: 4x NCAA Qualifier; 3x NCAA All-American (3rd, 5th, 6th); 2018 Big Ten Champion 157 - Will Lewan: 3x NCAA Qualifier; 2022 NCAA All-American (5th); 2022 Big Ten Runner-Up 165 - Cameron Amine: 2x NCAA Qualifier; 2x NCAA All-American (4th, 7th); 2022 Big Ten Runner-Up 174 - Logan Massa: 5x NCAA Qualifier, 3x NCAA All-American (3rd, 5th, 5th); 2x Big Ten Runner-Up 184 - Myles Amine: 5x NCAA All-American (2nd, 3rd x3, 4th), 4x Big Ten Finalist, 2x Big Ten Champion 197 - Max Huntley: 3x NCAA Qualifier; 2015 NCAA All-American (8th) 285 - Adam Coon: 4x NCAA Qualifier, 3x NCAA All-American (2nd, 3rd, 2nd); 2x Big Ten Runner-Up Recruiting Big Boarder's Per Year 2022: #11 Rylan Rogers (ID); #100 Ira Jenkins (MI); #246 Nathan Jerore (MI) 2021: #8 Chance Lamer (OR); #195 Zach Mattin (OH) 2020: #34 Gaige Garcia (PA); #59 Dylan Ragusin (IL); #74 Fidel Mayora (IL); #105 Jaden Bullock (VA); #122 Joseph Walker (IN); #184 Brendin Yatooma (MI); 2019: #7 Cameron Amine (MI); #21 Kurt McHenry (VA) 2018: #4 Mason Parris (IN); #7 Joey Silva (FL); #42 Will Lewan (IL) 2017: #28 Jelani Embree (MI); #34 Ben Freeman (MI); #38 Layne Van Anrooy (OR); #57 Andrew Davison (IN) 2016: #94 Dan Perry (MI) 2015: #2 Logan Massa (MI); #32 Myles Amine (MI); #56 Austin Assad (OH); #106 Ben Lamantia (NY) 2014: #27 Zac Hall (MI); #61 Davonte Mahomes (IL); #83 Garrett Sutton (IL); #101 Zehlin Storr (MI)

2014 NCAA Runner-Up Jimmy Sheptock (photo courtesy of Tony Rotundo; WrestlersAreWarriors.com) Welcome to a new, regular feature for InterMat! Every day, for the next few months, we'll look into the recent history of a DI wrestling program with our "Ten Years of…" feature. Even if you're a die-hard supporter of a particular school, there will be good information you may have forgotten. For others, it's a quick way to learn about a program you may not be familiar with. We're going in alphabetical order for this one, so next up is...Maryland! For past teams: Air Force American Appalachian State Arizona State Army West Point Binghamton Bloomsburg Brown Bucknell Buffalo Cal Poly Campbell Central Michigan Chattanooga Clarion Cleveland State Columbia Cornell CSU Bakersfield Davidson Drexel Duke Edinboro Franklin & Marshall Gardner-Webb George Mason Harvard Hofstra Illinois Indiana Iowa Iowa State Kent State Lehigh Lock Haven NCAA Qualifiers (27) 2022 174: Dom Solis (#32); 184: Kyle Cochran (#13); 197: Jaron Smith (#25) 2020 157: Jahi Jones (#32); 174: Phil Spadafora (#33) 2019 285: Youssif Hemida (#10) 2018 141: Ryan Diehl; 149: Baby J Bannister (#16); 285: Youssif Hemida (#12) 2017 133: Billy Rappo; 141: Ryan Diehl; 149: Baby J Bannister (#13); 285: Youssif Hemida 2016 133: Geoff Alexander (#14) 2015 133: Geoff Alexander; 157: Lou Mascola; 285: Spencer Myers 2014 133: Tyler Goodwin; 141: Shyheim Brown; 184: Jimmy Sheptock (#1); 197: Christian Boley (#9); 285: Spencer Myers (#12) 2013 133: Geoff Alexander; 141: Frank Goodwin; 174: Josh Asper (#5); 184: Jimmy Sheptock (#7); 197: Christian Boley NCAA Champions None NCAA All-Americans 2019: Youssif Hemida (285 - 6th) 2018: Youssif Hemida (285 - 8th) 2014: Jimmy Sheptock (184 - 2nd) 2013: Jimmy Sheptock (184 - 6th) NCAA Round of 12 Finishers Youssif Hemida (2017 - 285) Spencer Myers (2015 - 285) Christian Boley (2013, 2014 - 197) Josh Asper (2013 - 174) Conference Champions ACC 2014: Jimmy Sheptock (184) 2013: Josh Asper (174); Jimmy Sheptock (184); Christian Boley (197) Dual Record 2021-22: 7-12 2021: 0-8 2019-20: 2-17 2018-19: 2-12 2017-18: 5-12 2016-17: 2-16 2015-16: 5-13 2014-15: 5-15 2013-14: 9-8 2012-13: 14-8 Conference Tournament Placement Big Ten 2021-22: 13th 2021: 14th 2019-20: 14th 2018-19: 14th 2017-18: 13th 2016-17: 11th 2015-16: 14th 2014-15: 14th ACC 2013-14: 5th 2012-13: 3rd NCAA Tournament Team Placement 2021-22: 48th-tie (2.5 points) 2021: No Qualifiers 2019-20: No Tournament 2018-19: 27th (13 points) 2017-18: 27th (12.5 points) 2016-17: 35th-tie (8.5 points) 2015-16: 64th-tie (1 point) 2014-15: 39th-tie (6 points) 2013-14: 20th (21 points) 2012-13: 27th-tie (16.5 points) Head Coaching History Alex Clemsen (2019-Present) Kerry Mccoy (2008-2019) Best Lineup (Comprised of Wrestlers from 2013-22) 125 - Billy Rappo: 2017 NCAA Qualifier 133 - Geoff Alexander: 4x NCAA Qualifier (#14 seed); 2012 ACC Runner-Up 141 - Ryan Diehl: 2x NCAA Qualifier 149 - Baby J Bannister: 2x NCAA Qualifier (#13 and #16 seeds) 157 - Lou Mascola: 2015 NCAA Qualifier 165 - Kyle Cochran: 2022 NCAA Qualifier (#13 seed) 174 - Josh Asper: 4x NCAA Qualifier (#4, #5, and #7 seeds); 2x NCAA All-American (6th x2); 2x NCAA Round of 12 Finisher; 4x ACC Finalist, 2x ACC Champion 184 - Jimmy Sheptock: 3x NCAA Qualifier (#1, #7, and #12 seeds); 2x NCAA All-American (2nd and 6th); 3x ACC Champion 197 - Christian Boley: 3x NCAA Qualifier (#4 and #9 seeds); 2x NCAA Round of 12 Finisher; 2x ACC Champion 285 - Youssif Hemida: 3x NCAA Qualifier (#10 and #12 seeds); 2x NCAA All-American (6th and 8th) Recruiting Number of Big Boarder's Per Year 2022: #46 Kal Miller (MO) 2021: #36 Jaxon Smith (GA); #43 Ethan Miller (MO); #53 Adrian Cramer (IL); #70 Braxton Brown (TX); #269 Gaven Bell (NY) 2020: #136 Garrett Kappes (MD); #191 Dom Solis (MD) 2019: #61 Michael North (OH) 2017: #41 Kyle Cochran (NJ) 2016: #85 Brandon Cray (NJ); #124 TK Megonigal (VA) 2015: #39 Josh Ugalde (NJ); #109 Youssif Hemida (NY), #112 Jake Restrepo (NY); #121 David-Brian Whisler (OH) 2014: #36 Baby J Bannister (MD); #58 Josh Llopez (MD); #65 Louis Hernandez (NY) 2013: #31 Ryan Diehl (PA)

The Big 12 Championships at the BOK Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma Last week, UCLA and USC announced they are heading to the Big Ten. This struck up a lot of conversation in the wrestling world about whether or not those schools would add wrestling but this week some more dominoes started to shake that could result in more shake-ups in the wrestling world. Dennis Dodd from CBS has reported that the Big 12 started talks with Arizona, Arizona State, Utah, Colorado, Oregon, and Washington to possibly join the conference. With that, I thought I'd look at some hypothetical scenarios that could play out in all this in regard to wrestling. Arizona State could join the Big 12 This one seems most likely. The perennial power of the conference and 21-time Pac 12 Champion Arizona State Sun Devils could move to the Big 12. Dodd's and others reporting indicates the four specific schools the Big 12 is most heavily targeting are Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, and Utah. Arizona State is the only school of those four with wrestling. This would be a massive blow to PAC 12 wrestling but a huge boost for the Big 12 which just brought back Missouri last season. Big 12 and PAC 12 could merge I should probably preface this entire article by saying no one really knows what's going to happen here. Both conferences could stay the same or there could be massive changes. But one rumored possibility is some merger of both conferences. I personally don't think this is that likely, but if it did there would be a sudden super wrestling conference with Oregon State, Arizona State, Stanford, and potentially some affiliates merging with the Big 12. If this did happen, and the powers that be put some energy into it, I think it could work as a wrestling conference. Geographically there are a lot of affiliate schools in each conference that could and should schedule each other anyway. And if schools like Arizona State and Oklahoma State get out to some of these schools from time to time, it would bolster their attendance and give them some much-needed publicity. The PAC 12 could poach some Big 12 Wrestling Schools It doesn't sound like there is any realistic chance that the PAC 12 could snatch up any of the core Big 12 schools. For example, Oklahoma State or Iowa State are not joining the PAC 12. There's just no added value for them to do that. But there are reports of schools that the PAC 12 could grab to replace UCLA and others. One here mentions Boise State, San Diego State, and Fresno State. If the Big 12 did grab the four schools they're reportedly pursuing, the PAC 12 would need to replace them. And the PAC 12 could go after schools like Air Force and Wyoming to fill the gaps left by losing those other schools. The PAC 12 could dissolve A few months ago, we were talking about this potentially happening with the Big 12. Ultimately, they came together and saved it. That result from the Big 12 may have been really well-timed as the PAC 12 is now on their heels and the Big 12 has a chance to capitalize. But if they grab all six of the schools mentioned there are only four left. And there's naturally a possibility that they could all go somewhere else as well. If they do, that will almost certainly spell the end of the PAC 12. At the end of the day, I think the PAC 12 will stay together in some capacity. Even if they just keep a handful of their core schools, the conference brand name does have some value and in a worse-case scenario they could pull in a bunch of schools from the Mountain West to keep going. It would just look very different. Even if they lose Arizona State,but can hang on to Oregon State and bring in Air Force and Wyoming, it could result in a still relatively stable wrestling conference. Nothing Could Happen Like I mentioned earlier, no one really knows what's going to happen here. And if everything stays as it currently is, wrestling won't be impacted at all. USC and UCLA don't have wrestling, so their move doesn't change anything. And if all other schools stay put, then literally nothing will change in the wrestling world. But given all the recent changes in college sports, I would say this might be the least likely scenario.

125 kg Final X winner Hayden Zillmer (Photo/Tony Rotundo; WrestlersAreWarriors.com) 57 KG #11 Reza Atri (IRI), #12 Alireza Sarlak (IRI), #14 Yuki Takahashi (JPN) and #15 Nurislam Sanayev (KAZ) have been removed from the rankings due to inactivity as they have not wrestled since the 2021 World/Olympic championships. #2 Thomas Gilman earned his chance to compete at his fifth World/Olympic championships with two shutout victories over Vito Arujau at Final X. 2021 U23 world champion Aliabbas Rzazade (AZE) is back in the rankings at #16 after beating 2021 world bronze medalist #17 Horst Lehr (GER) in the finals of the Matteo Pellicone. Bronze medalists at the Pellicone were Kamil Kerymov (UKR) and Saban Kiziltas (TUR). Aman Aman (IND) returns to the rankings at #20 after winning the U23 Asian championships and the Bolat Turlykhanov Cup. 2021 61 KG world bronze medalist #13 Toshihiro Hasegawa (JPN) won the Meiji Cup over 2019 Junior world champ Toshiya Abe (JPN). Yudai Fujita (JPN) beat Rikuto Arai (JPN) for bronze. Muhammed Karavus (TUR) won the Mediterranean Games over Levan Metrevelli Vartanov (ESP) with Morris Obispado (ITA) taking bronze. Simone Piroddu (ITA) won the Junior European championships over Harutyun Hovhannisyan (ARM) with Luka Gvinjilia (GEO) and Ahmet Karavus (TUR) taking bronze. #1 Zavur Uguev (RUS) won his fifth Russian Nationals title with a 3-2 victory over #5 Nachyn Mongush (RUS) in a rematch of the 2021 Russian Nationals finals. Bronze medalists at Russian Nationals were #6 Ramiz Gamzatov (RUS) and 2021 Yarygin runner-up Musa Mekhtikhanov. #7 Akhmed Idrisov (RUS) moved up to 61 KG, where he registered a national runner-up finish to #1 Abasgadzhi Magomedov (RUS). Important results were Amir Chamzyn upsetting #4 Azamat Tuskaev in the quarterfinals and 2018 Russian Nationals runner-up Donduk-Ool Khuresh-Ool upsetting 2021 world team member #18 Abubakar Mutaliev in the round of 32 and then being beaten by eventual fifth place finisher Ramazan Abdurakhimov in the round of 16 by 12-2 tech fall. From the aftermath of Russian Nationals, Uguev keeps his top spot, Mongush and Gamzatov (RUS) move up one spot to #4 and #5, Mekhtikhanov is back in the rankings at #6 for beating Amir Chamzyn, who debuts in the rankings at #7 after beating Tuskaev in the Russian Nationals quarterfinals. Tuskaev falls four spots to #8 in the rankings for his quarterfinal loss at Russian Nationals to #7 Amir Chamzyn. Abdurakhimov debuts in the rankings at #17 for beating 2018 Russian Nationals runner-up #18 Khuresh-Ool, who beat returning Russian world rep #19 Abubakar Mutalev (RUS). 61 KG #13 Seth Gross (USA) moved up nine spots in the rankings to #4 after beating 2021 world runner-up #2 Daton FIx (USA) in a three-match series at Final X to secure the U.S. world team spot. Fix dropped three spots to #5 after his loss to Gross. #2 Rei Higuchi (JPN) made the world team for Japan after winning the Meiji Cup over Kodai Ogawa (JPN) 4-0. The bronze medalist at the Meiji Cup was Kaito Morikawa (JPN) over Hayato Fujita (JPN). Taiyrbek Zhumashbek Uulu (KGZ) won the U23 Asian championships over Assylzhan Yessengeldi (KAZ) with Alibeg Alibegov (BRN) taking bronze. Davit Abaladze (GEO) won the Junior European championships over Khamzat Arsamerzouev (FRA), with Hyak Abrahamyan (ARM) and Ramik Heybatov (AZE) taking bronze. Recep Topal (TUR) beat 2021 European runner-up Andrey Dzhelep (UKR) to win the Matteo Pellicone and both men return to the rankings at #15 and #16 respectively. Taking bronze at the Matteo Pellicone was Taimuraz Vanishvili (GEO) and Ahmet Tas (TUR). #1 Abasgadzhi Magomedov (RUS) won his third straight Russian Nationals title over 2020 57 KG Russian Nationals bronze medalist #7 (57) Akhmed Idrisov. Bronze medalists at Russian Nationals were #7 Bashir Magomedov (RUS) and Cherman Tavitov (RUS). Save for Idrisov moving up and slotting in at #3, Russia didn't see much shakeup with Magomedov beating #7 Bashir Magomedov (RUS) in the semis and Idrisov beating a pair of returning Russian Nationals bronze medalists in Cherman Tavitov (RUS) and Aldar Balzhinimaev (RUS) to make the finals. Bekbolot Myrzanazar Uulu (KGZ) won the Bolat Turlykhanov Cup over Zhassulan Taskul (KAZ). Taking bronze at the Turlykhanov Cup was Yeldos Membekov of Kazakhstan. 65 KG #1 Takuto Otoguro (JPN) has been removed from the rankings due to inactivity. Otoguro has not competed since the Tokyo Olympics last August, where he won gold over #4 Haji Aliyev (AZE). The #1 number one wrestler in the world is European champion #3 Ismail Musukaev (HUN). #11 Yianni Diakomihalis (USA) made his second consecutive U.S. world team with two wins over Evan Henderson (USA) at Final X. With reigning Olympic champion, Otoguro, still out of competition, Kaiki Yamaguchi (JPN) won the world team spot for Japan at the Meiji cup, beating Ryoma Anraku (JPN) in the finals 4-3. Kotaro Kiyooka (JPN) took bronze at the Meiji Cup with a 17-6 win over Shinnosuke Suwama (JPN). The bracket for Russian Nationals at 65 KG was absolutely busted through by upsets, culminating in Yarygin bronze medalist #14 Ibragim Ibragimov (RUS) taking gold. Bronze medalists at Russian Nationals were Aripgadzhi Abdulaev (RUS) and Aykhaan Antonov (RUS). Right from the top, the biggest upset was returning 5th place finisher Gadzhimurad Omarov (RUS) upsetting returning national champion and 2021 Olympic bronze medalist #2 Gadzhimurad Rashidov (RUS) 4-3 in the semifinals. Then into the quarterfinals, Abdulaev upset Yarygin champion #5 Shamil Mamedov (RUS) by 4-4 decision and #14 Ibragim Ibragimov (RUS) teched Ivan Poddubny tournament champion #10 Alik Khadartsev (RUS) 12-0. The other final notable upset was #10 Alik Khadartsev (RUS) upsetting 2021 world champion #6 Zagir Shakhiev (RUS) 2-0 in the round of 16. From the aftermath of Russian Nationals, Ibragimov rises up elevent spots to #3 and Omarov skyrockets from unranked to #4. Rashidov falls three spots to #5. 2019 Cadet world champion Abdulaev debuts in the rankings at #6 after beating Mamedov and Elbrus Valiev (RUS) to take bronze. Mamedov falls down one spot to #6, Khadartsev goes up two spots to #8 for beating #6 Zagir Shakhiev (RUS), and Shakhiev drops three spots to #9 #12 (61) Zelimkhan Abakarov (ALB) won the Mediterranean Games over Yehia Hafez (EGY) with #14 Vladimir Egorov (MKD) and Stevan Micic (SRB) taking bronze. Mykyta Zubal (UKR) beat Ayub Musaev (BEL) to win the Junior European championships with Luka Janezashvili (GEO) and Constantin Chirilov (MDA) taking bronze. Sujeet Sujeet (IND) won the U23 Asian championships over Adlan Askarov (KAZ) with Ikromzhon Khadzhimurodov (KGZ) taking bronze. 2021 world bronze medalist Tulga Tumur Ochir (MGL) returns to the rankings at #13 after winning the Bolat Turlykhanov Cup over Abbos Rakhmonov (UZB). Tumur Ochir avenged his loss from the Yasar Dogu to Umidjon Jalolov (UZB) 5-1 and Rakhmonov notched the biggest win of his career by beating four-time World/Olympic medalist #8 Bajrang Punia (IND) 6-2 in the semifinals. Rakhmonov debuts in the 65 KG rankings at #15 while Punia drops eight spots to #16 for his loss to Rakhmonov. Sebastian Rivera (PUR) debuts in the rankings at #20 after winning the Matteo Pellicone with victories over 2021 U23 European champion Erik Arushanian (UKR), 2019 61 KG Alans bronze medalist Shamil Omarov (ITA), and 2018 60 KG cadet world champion Hamza Alaca (TUR). 70 KG #1 Magomedmurad Gadzhiev (POL) and #3 Evgheni Zhebraev (RUS) have been removed from the rankings due to inactivity. Neither man has competed since the 2021 World Championships, where Gadzhiev took gold and Zherbaev took bronze. #7 Israil Kasumov (RUS) won his second consecutive Russian National national title 6-3 over breakthrough star of the tournament #13 Anzor Zakuev (RUS). Kasumov, who rebounded from a disappointing showing at the Ivan Poddubny, beat #5 Ruslan Zhendaev (RUS) and #4 Viktor Rassadin in definitive fashion (13-0 and 12-3) to make his fifth national final (RUS). Zakuev upset two-time Russian Nationals bronze medalist #6 Kurban Shiraev (RUS) in the quarterfinals and avenged his 2021 Russian Nationals bronze medal loss to Abdulla Akhmedov (RUS) in the semifinals. Bronze medalists at Russian Nationals were #4 Viktor Rassadin and #6 Kurban Shiraev (RUS). Other notable results were Alan Kudzoev (RUS) beating Ivan Poddubny Tournament bronze medalist #12 Ruslan Bogatyrev (RUS) in the qualification round and was beaten in the round of 32 by 2021 74 KG Yarygin champion Aznaur Tavaev (RUS). From the aftermath of Russian Nationals, Kasumov goes up six spots in the rankings to #1, Zakuev goes up nine spots to #4 for beating Shiraev and for his win over Zhendaev at the Yarygin in January. Tavaev and AKudzoev slot back in the rankings at #14 and #15 after Tavaev beat Kudzoev, who beat Poddubny Tournament bronze medalist Bogatyrev at Russian Nationals. 2021 Russian Nationals bronze medalist Akhmedov is back in the rankings at #18 because he has a better resume (win over #4 Anzor Zakuev from 2021 Russian Nationals) then the American contingency of Tyler Berger, Ryan Deakin, and Sammy Sasso, who were in for alternating wins over each other and 2021 Ziolkowski champ Alec Pantaleo (USA). #7 Taishi Narikuni (JPN) lost in the semifinals of the Meiji Cup to eventual champ Kota Takahashi (JPN) and then later won a wrestle-off against Takahashi to lock up the world team spot for Japan. Takahashi won the Meiji Cup over Keitaro Ono (JPN) with Narikuni taking bronze over Hiroki Azegami (JPN). Takahashi debuts in the rankings at #19 for his win over #7 Taishi Narikuni (JPN). #13 Zain Retherford (USA) won the 70 KG U.S. world team spot in a three-match series against #14 Jordan Oliver (USA). His victory over Oliver makes it Retherford's third Senior world team with his last two being made in 2017 and 2019. #8 Ernazar Akmataliev (KGZ) won the Bolat Turlykhanov Cup over Rodion Anchugin (KAZ) with bronze medalists being Zafarbek Otakhonov (UZB) and Alibek Osmonov (KGZ). Orozobek Toktomambetov (KGZ) won the U23 Asian Championships over Doszhan Assetov (KAZ) with Mustafo Akhmedov (TJK) taking bronze. Hayk Papikyan (ARM) won the Junior European championships over Sabir Jafarov (AZE) with Muhammad Abdurachmanov (BEL) and Pavel Andrusca (MDA) taking bronze. Joshgun Azimov (AZE) won the Matteo Pellicone over Murad Evloev (AZE), with bronze medalists being #2 (65) Haji Aliyev (AZE) and Cuneyt Budak (TUR). Azimov slots in at the #10 slot for his wins over #8 Zurab Iakobishvili (GEO) and Servet Coskun (TUR). Coskun fills in at the #11 spot after beating #8 Zurab Iakobishvili (GEO) 10-5 in the repechage bracket. #2 (65) Haji Aliyev (AZE) forfeited in the semis to #10 Joshgun Azimov (AZE) and there is no change in his ranking at 65. 74 KG Reigning world champion #2 Kyle Dake (USA) won Final X in two matches over #8 Jason Nolf (USA) to secure his fourth world team spot. Daichi Takatani (JPN) won the Meiji Cup over Kirin Kinoshita (JPN) with Yuto Fukada (JPN) taking bronze. #1 Zaurbek Sidakov (RUS) didn't compete at Russian Nationals due to an ankle injury he suffered in his Ivan Poddubny Tournament finals match in May against #5 David Baev (RUS). #6 Razambek Zhamalov won his second Russian Nationals title beating 2020 70 KG Russian Nationals champ #7 Cherman Valiev in the finals. Bronze medalists at Russian Nationals were Baev and Magomed Dibirgadzhiev (RUS). In the semis, Zhamalov beat Baev 9-3 to avenge his loss from the Ivan Poddubny Tournament and #7 Valiev beat Magomed Dibirgadzhiev. The other major upset from nationals was Dibirgadzhiev beating #10 Magomedrasul Gazimagomedov (RUS) 4-4 in the quarterfinals. The changes to the rankings are Zhamalov moving up one spot to #5, and Dibirgadzhiev taking the #10 spot after taking bronze and beating Gazimagomedov. #3 Taimuraz Salkazanov (SVK) won both the Bolat Turlykhanov Cup and the Matteo Pellicone in impressive fashion. At the Turlykhanov Cup, Salkazanov beat a pair of past world medalists in #16 Nurkhoza Kaipanov (KAZ) and Ikhtiyor Navruzov (UZB) to make the finals, where he beat Byambadorj Bat Erdene (MGL). Bronze medalists at the Turlykhanov Cup were #16 Nurkhoza Kaipanov (KAZ) and Amr Hussen (EGY). In the finals of the Matteo Pellicone, #3 Taimuraz Salkazanov (SVK) beat #15 Turan Bayramov (AZE) with bronze medalists being Khadzhimurad Gadzhiev (AZE) and Mitch Finesilver (ISR). Bayramov looks to have wrapped up the world team spot for Azerbaijan, outplacing 2019 world rep Khadzhimurad Gadzhiev (AZE) and 2021 Junior world runner-up #15 Dzhabrail Gadzhiev (AZE) 5-3 in the semis. Finesilver of Israel makes his debut in the rankings at #19 for upsetting Gadzhiev in the bronze medal match, while Gadzhiev falls five spots to #20. Gadzhiev (AZE) won the Junior European championships over Gheorghi Cara (MDA) with Vadym Tsurkan (UKR) and Muhammad Ozmut (TUR) taking bronze. Naveen Naveen (IND) won the U23 Asian championships over Asomiddin Hasanov (UZB) with Alinur Takirov (KGZ) and Shynggys Mukhametkaliyev (KAZ) taking bronze. Amr Hussen (EGY) won the Mediterranean Games over Samet Ak (TUR) with #12 (65) Islam Dudaev (ALB) and Malik Amine (SMR) taking bronze. 79 KG #1 Jordan Burroughs (USA) won Final X in three matches against #5 Chance Marsteller (USA). Marsteller moves up two spots to #3 for beating Burroughs in match two of Final X. Yudai Takahashi (JPN) won the Meiji Cup over Yajuro Yamasaki (JPN) with Takahiro Murayama (JPN) taking bronze. #4 Malik Shavaev (RUS) won his second-straight Russian national title with victories over #13 Magomed Magomaev (RUS), #3 Radik Valiev (RUS) and #12 Akhmed Usmanov (RUS). Bronze medalists at Russian Nationals were Valiev and Nikita Suchkov (RUS). Shavaev moves up one spot to #4 for upsetting returning world bronze medalist Valiev in the quarterfinals. Valiev beat returning national runner-up #12 Akhmed Usmanov in the repechage bracket. #13 Magomed Magomaev made the finals by beating a trio of Russian Nationals medalists in 2x Russian Nationals bronze medalist Suchkov, Kakhaber Khubezhty (RUS), and 2020 Russian Nationals runner-up #13 Gadzhimurad Alikhmaev (RUS). Magomaev moves up three spots to #10 for beating Suchkov (RUS), Khubezhty, and #13 Gadzhimurad Alikhmaev (RUS) to make the finals. Suchkov makes the #11 spot in the rankings for beating #13 Gadzhimurad Alikhmaev (RUS) and his past win over #12 Atsamaz Sanakoev (RUS) from 2017 Russian Nationals. 2021 Russian Nationals runner-up Usmanov fell two spots in the rankings to #14 as his 2022 campaign continues to falter, as he didn't placed at the Yarygin or nationals and registered losses to Valiev, Alikhmaev, and Shavaev. Mushegh Mkrtchyan (ARM) won the Junior European championships over Otari Adeishvili (GEO) with Sabuhi Amiralsanov (AZE) and Radomir Stoyanov (BUL) taking bronze. Mukhammad Abdullaev (KGZ) won the U23 Asian championships over Senior Asian Championships runner-up Baliyan Gourav (IND). Bolat Sakaev (KAZ) won the Bolat Turlykhanov Cup over Saiakbai Usupov (KGZ) with Akhsarbek Gulaev (SVK) and Arsalan Budazhapov (KGZ) taking bronze. Vasyl Mykhailov (UKR) won the Matteo Pellicone over Yakup Shikhdzhamalov (ROU) with Vladimeri Gamkrelidze (GEO) and Akhsarbek Gulaev (SVK) taking bronze. 86 KG #12 Akhmed Gadzhimagomedov (RUS) and #17 Taimuraz Friev Naskideava (ESP) have been removed from the rankings. Gadzhimagomedov due to retiring from injuries and Friev because he hasn't competed since the 2021 World Championships. #2 David Taylor (USA) made his third World/Olympic team by winning a two-match series against #7 Zahid Valencia (USA). Mao Okui (JPN) won the Meiji Cup over Shota Shirai (JPN) with Tatsuya Shirai (JPN) taking bronze, but Shirai won the wrestle-off against Mao Okui so he will represent Japan at the world championships. #3 Artur Naifonov won his third Russian Nationals title over Yarygin runner-up #7 Amanulla Rasulov (RUS). Bronze medalists at Russian Nationals were #13 Arsenali Musalaliev (RUS) and #6 Ada Bagomedov (RUS). Rasulov had a fantastic run at Russian Nationals, beating the likes of #4 Dauren Kurugliev (RUS) in the semis, #11 Khabil Khashpakov (RUS) in the quarters, and #6 Ada Bagomedov in the round of 16. Rasulov moves up the rankings to #4. Bagomedov beat Khashpakov in the repechage and then got bronze after Kurugliev forfeited. #1 Hassan Yazdani Charati (IRI) won the Bolat Turlykhanov Cup over Boris Makoev (SVK) with #19 Fatih Erdin (TUR) and Bobur Islomov (UZB) took bronze. #19 Fatih Erdin jumps up ten spots in the rankings to #9 for beating #9 Azamat Dauletbekov (KAZ) in the bronze medal match of the Turlykhanov, but can't climb higher due to his loss in the Mediterranean Games finals to #16 Myles Amine (SMR), who moved up eight spots to #8 for beating Erdin. On the subject of the Mediterranean Games, Choiras Charlambos (CYP) and Akhmed Aibuev (FRA) took bronze. 2021 Junior world runner-up Rakhim Magamadov (FRA) won the Junior European championships over Daviti Koguashvili (GEO) with Fatih Altunbas (TUR) and Nazar Dod (UKR) taking bronze. Azizbek Fayzullaev (UZB) debuts in the rankings at #20 for winning the U23 Asian championships with a 3-0 record that saw him beat 2019 Senior world runner-up Deepak Punia (IND). 2021 world bronze medalist #17 Abubakar Abakarov (AZE) won the Matteo Pellicone over Tarsan Maisuradze (GEO). Bronze medalists at the Matteo Pellicone were Zaur Beradze (GEO) and Boris Makoev (SVK). Maisuradze (GEO) debuts in the rankings at #18 for beating 2021 U23 world champion Mukhammed Aliiev (UKR) in the semifinals. Ivars Samosonoks (LAT) debuts in the rankings at #19 for beating 2019 92 KG Alans runner-up Georgi Rubaev (MDA) in the repechage bracket of the Alans. 92 KG #4 Javad Ebrahimi (IRI) was removed from the rankings due to inactivity, as he has not competed since winning the Ali Aliyev last June. Reigning world champion #1 Kamran Ghasempour (IRI) won the Bolat Turlykhanov Cup over #20 Adilet Davlumbaev (KAZ) with Abdimanap Baigenzheyev (KAZ) taking bronze. Viky Viky (IND) won the U23 Asian championships. Ion Demian (MDA) won the Junior European championships over Andro Margishvili (GEO) with Adlan Viskhanov (FRA) and Denys Sahaliuk (UKR) taking bronze. #2 Magomed Kurbanov (RUS) won his second Russian national title over 2021 U23 world bronze medalist #13 Azamat Zakuev (RUS). Bronze medalists at Russian Nationals were #14 Magomed Sharipov (RUS) and #5 Vladislav Valiev (RUS). Zakuev moves up nine spots to #4 for beating Valiev and #15 Guram Chertkoev (RUS). 2021 world bronze medalist #3 J'den Cox (USA) made his sixth World/Olympic team winning a three match series against Nate Jackson (USA). Nate Jackson (USA) makes his debut in the rankings at #6 for beating #3 J'den Cox (USA) at Final X. Sosuke Takatani (JPN) won the Meiji Cup over Hikaru Abe (JPN) with Satoshi Miura (JPN) taking bronze. 2021 world bronze medalist #10 Osman Nurmagomedov (AZE) won the Matteo Pellicone by forfeit over #19 Miriani Maisuradze (GEO) with #11 Erhan Yaylaci (TUR) taking bronze. Maisuradze moves up seven spots in the rankings to #12 for beating #11 Erhan Yaylaci (TUR) in the semis. Yaylaci falls two spots from #11 to #13. 97 KG #18 Batyrbek Tsakulov (SVK) made the biggest improvement this month to climb up fourteen spots in the rankings to #4 after winning the Bolat Turlykhanov Cup and the Matteo Pellicone. At the Turlykhanov Cup, Tsakulov tech falled and pinned his way through the competition highlighted by a semifinal pin over 2016 Olympic bronze medalist Magomed Ibragimov (UZB) before tech falling 2021 Junior world champion Amirhossein Firouzpourbandpei (IRi) in the finals. Akzhen Aitbekov (KAZ) and Ibragimov took bronze at the Turlykhanov The Matteo Pellicone was a major breakthrough for Tsakulov and Givi Matcharashvili as both men notched impressive ranked wins. In the finals of the Matteo Pellicone, Tsakulov would be in control throughout taking a 10-4 victory over Matcharashvili. Bronze medalists at the Matteo Pellicone were #12 Elizbar Odikadze (GEO) and #6 Vladislav Baitsaev (HUN). Highlighting the great performances from the Matteo Pellicone, Matcharashvili made his presence known defeating #5 Magomedkhan Magomedov (AZE) and #6 Vladislav Baitsaev (HUN) to make the finals. Tsakulov's path to the finals saw him notch two ranked wins over #12 Elizbar Odikadze (GEO) and #11 Zbigniew Baranowski (POL). Givi returns to the rankings at #5 for his wins over #5 Magomedkhan Magomedov (AZE) and #6 Vladislav Baitsaev (HUN) while Tsakulov moves up from #18 to #4 for his wins over Matcharashvili, Odikadze and Baranowski plus his title at the Bolat Turlykhanov Cup. Deepak Deepak (IND) won the U23 Asian championships. 2021 Olympic bronze medalist #4 Reineris Salas Perez (CUB) was eliminated from the rankings due to inactivity, having not competed since last August where he took bronze in Tokyo. Mucahit Celik (TUR) won the Junior European championships over Ivan Prymachenko (UKR) with Luka Khutchua (GEO) and Georgian Tripon (ROU) taking bronze. 2019 world bronze medalist Magomedgadzhi Nurov (MKD) won the Mediterranean Games over #7 (92) Feyzullah Akturk (TUR) with Mohamad Saadoui (TUN) taking bronze. Two-time Russian Nationals runner-up Aslanbek Sotiev (RUS) finally won his first Russian Nationals title over 2019 Russian Nationals bronze medalist #10 Shamil Musaev (RUS). Bronze medalists were #16 Sergey Kozyrev (RUS) and #9 Akhmed Tazhudinov (RUS), In the semis, Sotiev upset #7 Akhmed Tazhudinov (RUS) in the semis and #10 Shamil Musaev (RUS) beat 2021 125 KG Russian Nationals champion Kozyrev. Sotiev returns to the rankings at #8 for his wins over Tazhudinov and Musaev. Other notable upsets were 2021 Russian Nationals bronze medalist Khokh Khugaev (RUS) beating #19 Abdulla Kurbanov (RUS) in the qualification round and losing to Maxim Tolmachev (RUS) in the round of 16. Tolmachev and Khugaev are back in the rankings at #17 and #18 while Kurbanov falls two spots to #19. #2 Kyle Snyder (USA) won Final X in two matches over Kollin Moore (USA). Takashi Ishiguro (JPN) won the Meiji Cup over Hibiki Ito (JPN) with Taira Sonoda (JPN) taking bronze. 125 KG #1 Amir Zare (IRI) made his return to competition by winning the Bolat Turlykhanov Cup with over #9 Yusup Batirmurzaev (KAZ). Bronze medalists were #8 Lkhagvagerel Munkhtur (MGL) and Mohit Mohit (IND). Alisher Yergali (KAZ) won the U23 Asian championships. Taiki Yamamoto (JPN) won the Meiji Cup over Hiruto Ninomiya (JPN) with Yuji Fukui (JPN) taking bronze. Yarygin bronze medalist #19 Alen Khubulov (RUS) broke through to win his first Russian National title over Tamerlan Rasuev (RUS). Bronze medalists at Russian Nationals were #8 Baldan Tsyzhipov (RUS) and #10 Erik Dzhioev (RUS). Heavyweight, like 65 KG, was a weight highlighted by high-profile upsets. The most notable upsets occurred in the round of 16 against the Khizriev brothers with #4 Zelimkhan Khizriev being upset in the round of 16 by Tamerlan Rasuev (RUS) and #5 Anzor Khizriev (RUS) being upset by returning 5th place finisher Saipudin Magomedov (RUS). Magomedov was eliminated from competition by #8 Baldan Tsyzhipov (RUS) in the quarterfinals, while Rasuev made the finals and Zelimkhan forfeited out. The other upset in the round of 16 was Nikita Khabarov (RUS) beating #13 Vitali Goloev (RUS). The other upset was 2x Russian Nationals champion Khugaev (RUS) beating #7 Ostap Pasenok (RUS) in the qualification round. In the semifinals, Khubulov (RUS) beat Tsyzhipov (RUS) and Rasuev beat Dzhioev (RUS). In the aftermath of Russian Nationals, Khubulov moves up fifteen spots to #4 while Rasuev gets a career-high spot of #5 after beating formerly fourth ranked Zelimkhan Khizriev. Saipudin Magomedov is in the rankings at #11 for beating Khizriev, who falls seven spots to #12. Nikita Khabarov (RUS) is in the rankings at #16 for beating Goloev (RUS) who falls to #17 and Pasenok falls seven spots to #14 for his loss to #13 Alan Khugaev (RUS). Lyova Gevorgyan (ARM) won the Junior European championships over Merab Suleimanashvili (GEO) with Adil Misirci (TUR) and Giorgi Ivanov (BUL) taking bronze. Magomedgadzhi Nurasulov (SRB) won the Mediterranean Games over 2021 97 KG Olympic bronze medalist Abraham Conyedo Ruano (CUB) with Youssif Hemida (EGY) and Salim Ercan (TUR) taking bronze. #3 Geno Petriashvili (GEO) won the Matteo Pellicone over 2021 U23 European champion Anil Killicsallyan (TUR) with Kamil Kosciolek (POL) and Oleksandr Khotsianivski (UKR) taking bronze. Hayden Zillmer (USA) debuts in the rankings at #20 for winning a three-match series at Final X over two time world bronze medalist Nick Gwiazdowski (USA). Pound for Pound Removed this month from the pound for pound rankings are #4 Takuto Otoguro (inactivity), #19 Timur Bizhoev (resume doesn't hold up against breakthrough of 65 and 74 KG talent), #20 Magomedrasul Gazimagomedov (loss to #10 (74) Magomed Dibirgadzhiev in the quarterfinals of 74 KG Russian Nationals), and #21 Magomedmurad Gadzhiev (hasn't competed since 2021 worlds). Otoguro has been removed due to inactivity as he has not competed since winning the 2021 65 KG Olympics last August. #6 Magomedkhabib Kadimagomedov (BLR), #7 Kyle Dake (USA) and #8 Hassan Yazdani (IRI) all got bumped up two spots in the pound-for-pound due to Otoguro's removal plus #5 Gadzhimurad Rashidov (RUS) falling to #7 after his semifinal loss at 65 KG Russian Nationals. On the subject of 65 KG Russian Nationals, as previously mentioned Rashidov fell two spots to #7 due to his loss in the semifinals to eventual runner-up Gadzhimurad Omarov (RUS). 65 KG Russian Nationals champion Ibragim Ibragimov (RUS) debuts in the rankings at #18, while Russian Nationals runner-up Gadzhimurad Omarov (RUS) debuts at #19. 70 KG Russian Nationals champion Israil Kasumov (RUS) is back in the rankings at #21 due to his wins at Russian Nationals over Ruslan Zhendaev, Anzor Zakuev, and Viktor Rassadin plus pound-for-pound wins over #1 Zaurbek Sidakov (RUS), #15 David Baev (RUS), and #16 Cherman Valiev (RUS). Chance Marsteller (USA) debuts in the pound-for-pound rankings at #24 after taking a match against #10 Jordan Burroughs (USA) on his way to a runner-up finish at the 79 KG Final X. 65 KG Russian Nationals bronze medalist Aripgadzhi Abdulaev (RUS) takes the final spot in the rankings at #25 for his win over Yarygin and Yasar Dogu champion #24 Shamil Mamedov (RUS) in the quarterfinals of Russian Nationals.

2022 MAC champion Anthony Noto (photo courtesy of Sam Janicki; SJanickiPhoto.com) Welcome to a new, regular feature for InterMat! Every day, for the next few months, we'll look into the recent history of a DI wrestling program with our "Ten Years of…" feature. Even if you're a die-hard supporter of a particular school, there will be good information you may have forgotten. For others, it's a quick way to learn about a program you may not be familiar with. We're going in alphabetical order for this one, so next up is...Lock Haven! For past teams: Air Force American Appalachian State Arizona State Army West Point Binghamton Bloomsburg Brown Bucknell Buffalo Cal Poly Campbell Central Michigan Chattanooga Clarion Cleveland State Columbia Cornell CSU Bakersfield Davidson Drexel Duke Edinboro Franklin & Marshall Gardner-Webb George Mason Harvard Hofstra Illinois Indiana Iowa Iowa State Kent State Lehigh NCAA Qualifiers (37) 2022 125 - Anthony Noto (#17); 149 - DaShawn Farber (#33); 157 - Ben Barton (#26); 165 - Ashton Eyler (#23); 285 - Isaac Reid (#25) 2020 125 - Luke Werner (#13); 133 - DJ Fehlman (#30); 141 - Kyle Shoop (#20); 157 - Alex Klucker (#30); 174 - Jared Siegrist (#27) 2019 133 - DJ Fehlman (#24); 141 - Kyle Shoop (#13); 157 - Alex Klucker (#32); 165 - Chance Marsteller (#5); 184 - Corey Hazel (#16); 285 - Thomas Haines (#11) 2018 141 - Kyle Shoop; 149 - Ronnie Perry (#15); 157 - Alex Klucker; 165 - Chance Marsteller (#9); 184 - Corey Hazel; 285 - Thomas Haines (#15) 2017 133 - DJ Fehlman; 141 - Ronnie Perry; 149 - Kyle Shoop; 285 - Thomas Haines (#14) 2016 149 - Dan Neff (#15); 197 - Phil Sprenkle 2015 133 - Ronnie Perry; 149 - Dan Neff; 184 - Fred Garcia 2014 141 - Dan Neff; 149 - Mac Maldarelli; 165 - Jake Kemerer; 184 - Fred Garcia 2013 141 - Dan Neff; 184 - Fred Garcia National Champions None NCAA All-Americans 2019: Kyle Shoop (141 - 7th); Chance Marsteller (165 - 3rd) 2018: Ronnie Perry (149 - 2nd); Chance Marsteller (165 - 4th) 2015: Dan Neff (149 - 8th) NWCA All-Americans Luke Werner (125 - Honorable Mention) NCAA Round of 12 Finishers None Conference Champions MAC 2022: Anthony Noto (125); Ben Barton (157) 2020: Jared Siegrist (174) EWL 2019: DJ Fehlman (133); Kyle Shoop (141); Alex Klucker (157); Chance Marsteller (165); Corey Hazel (184); Thomas Haines (285) 2018: Ronnie Perry (149); Alex Klucker (157); Corey Hazel (184) 2017: Ronnie Perry (141) 2016: Dan Neff (149) Dual Records 2021-22: 10-5 2021: No Duals 2019-20: 7-7 2018-19: 10-3 2017-18: 12-4 2016-17: 8-8 2015-16: 9-9 2014-15: 7-12 2013-14: 3-10 2012-13: 7-6 Conference Tournament Placement MAC 2021-22: 1st 2021: 14th 2019-20: 5th EWL 2018-19: 1st 2017-18: 1st 2016-17: 3rd 2015-16: 3rd 2014-15: 3rd 2013-14: 3rd 2012-13: 5th NCAA Tournament Team Placement 2021-22: 37th 2021: No Qualifiers 2019-20: No Tournament 2018-19: 18th 2017-18: 16th 2016-17: 44th-tie 2015-16: 50th-tie 2014-15: 37th 2013-14: 56th-tie 2012-13: 57th-tie Head Coaching History Scott Moore (2013-Present) Best Lineup (Comprised of wrestlers from 2013-22) 125 - Anthony Noto: 2022 NCAA Qualifier (#17), 2022 MAC Champion 133 - Ronnie Perry: 3x NCAA Qualifier (#15 seed), 2018 NCAA Runner-Up, 2x EWL Champion 141 - Kyle Shoop: 3x NCAA Qualifier (#13 and #20 seed), 2019 NCAA All-American (7th place), 2019 EWL Champion 149 - Dan Neff: 4x NCAA Qualifier (#15 seed), 2015 NCAA All-American (8th place), 2016 EWL Champion 157 - Alex Klucker: 3x NCAA Qualifier, 2x EWL Champion 165 - Chance Marsteller: 2x NCAA Qualifier (#5 and #9 seeds), 2x NCAA All-American (3rd and 4th place), 2019 EWL Champion 174 - Jared Siegrist: 2020 NCAA Qualifier, 2020 MAC Champion 184 - Fred Garcia: 3x NCAA Qualifier, 3x EWL Runner-Up 197 - Phil Sprenkle: 2016 NCAA Qualifier 285 - Thomas Haines: 3x NCAA Qualifier (#11 and #15 seeds), 2019 EWL Champion, 3x EWL Finalist Recruiting Number of Big Boarder's Per Year 2021: #225 Tommy Dressler (PA); #292 Gable Strickland (PA) 2020: #35 Tyler Stoltzfus (PA); #163 Will Betancourt (PA); #178 Nick Stonecheck (GA); #199 DaShawn Farber (PA) 2018: #68 Isaac Reid (PA) 2016: #73 Tyshawn White (PA) 2014: #106 Kyle Bova (PA); #131 Tristan Sponseller (PA) 2013: #184 Mauro Correnti (NJ)

Kevin Jackson coaching J'den Cox at Final X Stillwater (photo courtesy of Tony Rotundo; WrestlersAreWarriors.com) For the Fourth of July, we had the idea to reach out to several athletes who had the honor and responsibility to represent Team USA. We wanted to keep this simple, but profound, if that makes sense. We asked two main questions of several notable characters from Team USA lore. Question number 1) What athletic moment comes to mind when you think about your experiences representing the United States? Question number 2) Is there a moment off of the mat that you think of when you reflect on your experiences representing USA Wrestling? Some of the answers that came back didn't match the questions exactly, but nobody really cares. This is just an exercise to get some fun answers from the best the USA has had to offer the world. Here, Kevin Claunch and Lauren Muther compile the answers and experiences shared by some greats. We hope you enjoy and have a great Fourth of July! Randy Lewis - 2 time Olympian, Junior World Champion, 1984 Olympic Gold Medalist 1. I made two Junior World Teams, two Pan Am Teams, two World Teams, and two Olympic Teams, and I won a Junior World Title and 2 Pan Am Titles, as well as an Olympic Title. I also had my shot at a World Title robbed from me in 1982 by a protest similar to what happened 3 times to Cary Kolat. The highlight of my career was obviously winning the Gold Medal in 1984. Besides the Olympics, the best moment of my career came in a USA v Russia dual meet in Rapid City, SD in 1980. Check out my article I wrote called "The Toughest Kid on the Block" - 2. The one thing I loved the most after winning the Olympics was wrestling in USA vs Russia dual meets in front of big crowds. I wrestled in four dual meets against two Russian World Champions and the 1988 Olympic silver medalist. I won all 4 dual meets and put on a good show. In 1990, I wrestled against the defending World Champion from Russia at 149.5 pounds in a USA v Russia dual meet in Wisconsin and my Dad was there. He told me "Randy, you don't have to put on a show, you just have to win the match." I said, "Dad, I'M GONNA win the match, but I'm also gonna PUT ON A SHOW. Lee Roy Smith was our coach during that meet, and he gave our first 3 wrestlers good technical advice against their opponents. When I got ready to step on the mat, he just smiled and said loudly, "Lewboo, ok let's show the crowd what wrestling is all about. Against the World Champion from Russia, I was ahead 13-4 before I pinned him. I loved representing the USA v Russia in dual meets. Stephen Neal - 1999 World Champion and 1999 Pan Am Champion 1. Competing for the United States of America was such an honor. Every singlet and warmup we received during that time of competition had the flag and letters USA printed on them. What was missing from those uniforms were the athletes' names, for good reason. When I think about wrestling in those tournaments, I remember the pride I had, and still have, for the best country in the world, and trying to show what we stand for. Hard work. Never give up. Compete with Honor. 2. Every time I hear the National Anthem I remember October 10th, 1999 when Old Glory was raised in Ankara, Turkey. Everyone in that arena stood in silence listening to The Star-Spangled Banner until our flag was raised and the song was over! Never gets old hearing that song and having that memory. Kendall Cross - Two-time Olympian, Olympic Gold Medalist 1996 1. This is an obvious one - the moment our National Anthem began to play after I stood atop the podium at the '96 Atlanta Games and accepted my Gold Medal. It was a magical experience; one I played over and over in my mind. To actually live it, was surreal! I remember just shaking my head, kind of in disbelief that it was happening. A proud moment to hear our National Anthem play. 2. My first Olympics - '92 Barcelona Games. I'll never forget walking out onto the field in Barcelona Olympic Stadium during the Opening Ceremonies, with the entire US contingent of athletes. Of all the countries that marched onto the field that evening, Team USA drew the absolute loudest roar from the crowd. It was a noise I felt deep in my chest. Unforgettable! For that moment, I had this overwhelming sense of pride - for being an American! It was like the Goliath of teams stepped onto that field, and for that moment, no other team existed. Kevin Jackson - Olympic Gold Medalist 1992, World Champion 1991 and 1995, Pan Am Champ 1991 and 1995. 1. When standing on the award stand receiving the gold medal, every American in the arena began to sing the National Anthem! My heart filled with joy and pride for representing the United States of America. 2. It really hit me at the closing ceremonies. They were the day after I won the Olympic Gold. Standing in the stadium, I felt the most patriotic I've ever felt. It was the greatest sense of achievement I had ever experienced. Upon entering the Olympic stadium, I noticed how well dressed the officials were; coats, hats, and ties. You could feel the energy and all its great history. I then noticed runners warming up on the track, a woman high jumps over the high bar, and a javelin came flying through the air. That's when the reality of the moment hit me like a ton of bricks… This is the Olympic Games! The OLYMPIC GAMES!!! The great ancient games that Jesse Owens, Jim Thorpe, Muhammad Ali, Mary Lou Retton, and other greats had competed in, and I, Kevin Jackson, was now a part of that history. It was the greatest sense of achievement I ever experienced. It was an overwhelming feeling of pride and patriotism. Kerry McCoy - 2-time Olympian (2000, 2004), World Silver Medalist 2003, Pan Am Champion 2003 1. Making my first Olympic Team always jumps to the top of the list, but another is my Cadet World Team experience. It was my first time out of the U.S. and it was my first exposure to elite wrestlers from all over the country as teammates. 2. The opening ceremonies of the Olympic Games were the most incredible experiences. Being around so many incredible athletes representing their countries was amazing. During that time, the only thing that mattered was being a part of the Olympic family and being united under the Olympic flag. Donny Pritzlaff - World Bronze Medalist 2006, World Cup Bronze Medalist (2007), Pan Am Silver Medalist 2006, 2-time Dave Schultz Gold Medalist (2002, 2005), Junior World Champ 1998 1. Winning the bronze medal at the 2006 World Championships for the U.S. against an opponent from Belarus who beat me twice previously. 2. There isn't one off-the-mat moment in particular but I think often of all the people, relationships and lifelong friendships that I built traveling overseas with the U.S. team and the many stories of all these trips.