InterMat Staff

USA Wrestling has just released their rosters for the Pan Am Games this August and … wow. While we have been thinking of the drama around certain Final X matches (and even some of the non-Olympic weight talk) it's eye-opening to see the starting six in men's and women's freestyle for Lima. This team is very experience, but not long in the tooth - a rare and usually successful combination. Women's wrestling: 50 kilograms: Whitney Conder 53 kilograms: Sarah Hildebrandt 57 kilograms: Jenna Burkert 62 kilograms: Kayla Miracle 68 kilograms: Tamyra Mensah-Stock 76 kilograms: Adeline Gray Freestyle: 57 kilograms: Daton Fix 65 kilograms: Zain Retherford 74 kilograms: Jordan Burroughs 86 kilograms: Pat Downey 97 kilograms: Kyle Snyder 125 kilograms: Nick Gwiazdowski These are monster lineups! Really. I'm often accused of lacking the proper amount of Team USA loyalty, but in this case I hope it's evident that I'm bullish on these squads' chances to take home a lot of hardware from Peru. The over/under for gold medals is 8.5. Make your picks in the comments. To your questions … J'den Cox walks out on to the mat at Final X: Rutgers (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com) Q: Who do you view as America's most underappreciated wrestler? -- Mike C. Foley: I don't think this is close: J'den Cox. World champion, Olympic bronze medalist and world bronze medalist. Four-time World Team member. Also, he's fluent in sign language, has the voice of an angel, and can play the guitar. What I will say is that his was a frog boil. Cox loses in the Olympic semifinals, mostly because of a mismanaged final minute. Then he beats David Taylor for the 2017 World Team spot at 86 kilograms (with controversy), takes a bad loss in Paris, then gets dragged by DT online. There just wasn't a lot of good media around Cox for about 18 months. The one additional point, which Cox himself acknowledges, is that he can be hesitant to attack and instead chooses to get ahead and control as needed. That's not a great way to win fans, but I think he is on his way to becoming a bigger star in our sport -- as he should be! Q: I watched Lee Roper's comments about having a dual meet championship to decide the team winner and I couldn't agree more. To maintain the level of support and excitement, you would need to tack it on to the existing individual tournament, which can pose some challenges, most notably making weight and extra matches for the top guys. Here's my thought... Realistically only eight teams have a shot at winning and they will all be bringing large contingents to the individual tournament anyway. Dual meets throughout the year can be used to determine seeding 1-8. Bump the individual tournament back one day and have it run Wednesday-Friday. Three-pound allowance for Saturday weigh in and run the whole tournament that day. It's a lot of wrestling for the best teams but I think they'll be up for it. What do you think? Is that too many matches for the best wrestlers? Too many weigh-ins? Will fans want to watch four days? Capitalizing on the existing weekend with the huge fanbase already there seems to make the most sense. The alternative would be to do it the weekend before at pre-determined location like Carver-Hawkeye or the RAC so fans can plan for it and then could be a Friday-Saturday event. -- Andy S. Foley: Traditionally the problem with dual meet tournament is that you'd be scrambling last minute to find the venue of one of the teams entered in the tournament. I think lacrosse actually has the best system. They host preliminary rounds of the tournament in traditional locations and whittle down until the Final Four, which takes place in a pre-determined location. Bring those teams to a pre-determined location (RAC, Penn State, Atlantic City) and make it a destination event. With a focus on going to the same area each year there will be interest and attendance. The individual tournament is cool. Goofy, but that's our format and it draws a lot of attention and income. I don't think there is any reason to turn your back on something that works, but I also don't think that the team race there is a main driver of attention, partially because passive fans would have no idea how to score it. A dual meet championship makes the sport more approachable to more people. Fans are lazy and like to root for their colors. Let's help them and make access to those types of events easier, not harder. As for the timing. I think the preliminaries can be done midseason and the finals can be two weeks after the individual tournament. But also, I'm not putting a lot of thought into that expansion since I think the first act is to change the season to a single semester, which would also allow for a radical change to the calendar of events. Q: Alex Dieringer has performed well in international events and dominated Zahid Valencia at Final X. Do you think Dieringer has a shot against Kyle Dake (assuming he's healthy) in the wrestle-off later this summer? -- Mike C. Foley: To recap, Kyle Dake was injured late last year, underwent surgery, and is now getting himself healthy to defend his spot on Team USA. As is his right, he deferred the Final X wrestle-off due to the injury and his staff has been locked in negotiations with Dieringer's staff about when and where they will compete. The absolute last day they could compete would be before the start of the three-week world championships training and acclimation camp. That's late August. If the sides can't agree on a location and date (which indications are they cannot), the freestyle competition committee would be expected to set the date. That meeting may have already taken place, but once it does and they announce the details the sides will basically have to accept their determination. My guess is that they meet at the Olympic Training Center in mid-August, but that is really just a guess. And yes, Dieringer is almost even odds to make this year's team. He's amazing to watch and competes with purpose. Should be an exciting match! MULTIMEDIA HALFTIME Meet King Vlad. I'm proud of my team's work on this piece and think the world of Vlad. Please enjoy and share! Q: In your opinion which state has the toughest high school state wrestling tournament? -- Gregg Y. Foley: Pennsylvania, Ohio, and New Jersey. They produce the most All-American wrestlers and have for quite some time! Q: Since it seems that most of the colleges that are adding wrestling programs are enrollment-based schools, why haven't we seen any of the historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) launch or resurrect a program and add a women's program? -- Nick M. Foley: Maybe they'll be next. I'm not sure why the HBCUs haven't followed suit, but I do think that our sport has an opportunity to grow there. As many know the HBCUs were the hardest hit by Title IX since female attendance at those schools was so much higher than males. With proportionality as the most enforced prong the schools had to deal with that issue quickly. I think Tamyra Mensah and Jacarra Winchester are great ambassadors for black women in the sport of wrestling,. Add in that Beat the Streets is expanding and the time for an HBCU to start a men's and women's program could be near. Q: Who in your opinion made the best transition from wrestling to MMA? -- Gregg Y. Foley: Depending on the metric for measuring "best" the answer could vary wildly. In terms of titles, gross dollars, and fame the answer should be Daniel Cormier. He took a well-accomplished but not extraordinary wrestling career and parlayed it into two UFC belts, tens of millions of dollars, and recognition among a number of non-MMA fans. He also has a lucrative broadcasting deal. Henry Cejudo would be the other option. He has two belts, has made some good money, and is the most decorated wrestler to ever compete (and win) in the UFC. Using only the feel-good and "wow" metrics I'd say Yoel Romero. He's a fantastic competitor, well-liked, and was an absolute monster on the mats. Always love watching him compete. Khadzhimurat Gatsalov defeated Kyle Snyder 6-3 at Beat the Streets in 2014 (Photo/John Sachs, Tech-Fall.com) Q: I see Khadzhimurat Gatsalov will be representing Armenia at 97 kilograms. He's 36 now, but obviously tremendously skilled. Do you see expect him to be in the mix to contend with Abdulrashid Sadulaev and Kyle Snyder for gold in 2019/2020? Or as a medal threat? Where does he fit in? -- Mike C. Foley: He won't beat Sadualev and he's a huge dog to Snyder. That said 97 kilograms is a weird weight category. Assuming he qualifies for the Olympics he'll probably just rest and refine his timing. All he'll need to do at the Olympic Games is win three matches on the first day, or alternatively he loses to Sadualev first round and he wrestles once on day one and twice on day two. For an old man that's a pretty manageable schedule. I think in the older format he'd have had much more difficulty making it through the tournament and medaling. Q: Long-time listener, first-time caller. Little bit about our program: We have success locally because we recruit our building well (harass the kids until they come out) and usually fill all 14 classes with average-type kids. Due to Virginia's watered-down system, we send a handful to states every year. However, we can't regularly develop top-level studs so we finish between 10th-20th each year. Couple questions: 1. Best way to raise awareness for a program in an area not known for wrestling? 2. What's the best fundraising idea you've ever heard for a wrestling program? -- Fan Foley: Thanks for the question (and for being a loyal reader!). How to build interest at the local level is a key for growing the sport of wrestling. Walking the halls and plucking strong kids for the team really isn't an option anymore. As you note, there is a need to raise awareness, interest, and money. But again, how? The main driver of interest will always be the appearance of success within your community. When some wrestlers are seen as top of their sport they tend to attract younger kids who want to also find themselves lavished in praise. You mentioned some state-level tournaments. While you noted that Virginia is a watered-down system, the kids in the hallways don't need to know that. Besides, this is the system you were given and although it's imperfect it allows for some pretty stellar marketing opportunities within the high school and especially the middle school. Open practices and events that involve the community are always a great way to pique the interest of decision makers and parents anxious to find their teens an activity. Maybe a wrestling practice or scrimmage on mats outside. You could also host a takedown tournament or all-night practice to raise money. Another idea would be to offer a fun and stripped-down version of wrestling -- maybe takedown only -- and try to get parents and college students to get involved. Even if there are only a handful of entries the first year a carnival atmosphere will attract interest. There are just a few off-the-cuff ideas. Maybe the readers can offer some ideas. Coaches, do you have any ideas that have worked to help spark interest in your program?

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. -- Harvard wrestling has added Jimmy Sheptock and Johnni DiJulius to its coaching staff, The David G. Bunning '88 Head Coach for Harvard Wrestling Jay Weiss announced today. Sheptock will serve as the program's assistant coach with DiJulius set to arrive in Cambridge as the Crimson's volunteer assistant. "I could not be happier with the additions of Jimmy and Johnni to our staff," Weiss said. "Each one brings an energy and passion that will undoubtedly filter into our program. These guys are of high character and driven for excellence. I am very much looking forward to working with them." Jimmy Sheptock (Photo/Maryland Athletics)Sheptock comes to Harvard after a three-year stint at his alma mater, the University of Maryland, where he spent two seasons as an assistant coach before being elevated to associate head coach prior to the 2018-19 campaign. During his time in College Park, Sheptock helped Maryland send eight Terrapins to the NCAA Championships with heavyweight Youssif Hemida earning All-America honors in 2018 and 2019. Youssif became Maryland's eighth wrestler to earn All-America accolades multiple times in a career and the first since Sheptock accomplished the feat in 2014. "I am excited to start my new role at Harvard," Sheptock said. "I am grateful for the opportunity that Coach Weiss and the rest of his coaching staff has given me. I look forward to coaching the best and brightest at the world's greatest institution!" The three-time ACC champion and NCAA qualifier began his coaching career at Drexel where he helped the Dragons to 10 dual-meet wins in 2015-16, the program's most since 2008-09. In that season, Sheptock helped six Drexel wrestlers reach the EIWA podium with two winning conference titles and seven earning a spot at the 2016 NCAA meet. Before moving into the coaching ranks, Sheptock graduated in 2014 as one of Maryland's most storied wrestlers. In addition to his three ACC titles, three NCAA appearances and two All-America honors while competing at 174 and 184 pounds, Sheptock compiled a record of 129-20 and was an unblemished 51-0 in dual matches with 67 bonus-point victories. His finest season came in 2013-14, when he finished with a 32-1 record after clinching an NCAA finals berth, ACC championship and Midlands title. Johnni DiJulius (Photo/Kent State Athletics)DiJulius, meanwhile, brings similar credentials to Cambridge following a stellar collegiate career at Ohio State. Wrestling at 133 pounds, DiJulius posted a record of 115-47 in Columbus, including a 30-8 record as a junior in 2014-15, which ultimately helped the Buckeyes win not only the Big Ten crown, but the program's only NCAA title. DiJulius also qualified for the NCAA Championships four times and won the 133-pound weight class at the 2013 Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational. "I am so excited to start working at Harvard and not only helping wrestlers become the best version of themselves on and off the mat, but also making myself the best version I can be as well," DiJulius said. "I can't wait to get started." After his collegiate career at Ohio State came to an end, DiJulius relocated to Kent, Ohio, to become a volunteer assistant coach at Kent State. In his one season, DiJulius helped a pair of Golden Flashes - Anthony Tutolo at 133 pounds and 157-pounder Casey Sparkman - qualify for the NCAA meet. The last two years, he has trained at the Ohio Regional Training Center in Columbus.

The nation's first -- and only -- six-time NCAA wrestling champion. Pennsylvania high school state champ (despite being from a school without a wrestling program). NFL All-Pro offensive guard for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Distinguished Member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. One of just fifteen named to the NCAA 75th Anniversary team as one of the greatest college wrestlers since 1928. All of these accomplishments just scratch the surface of the life and career of Carlton Haselrig. Now the all-time great amateur wrestler/pro football star shares his story -- the good and the bad -- in the new book, "Giant Killer: The Carlton Haselrig Story" by Haselrig and Kevin Emily, now available from OptionalStart.org. Meet the authors Carlton Haselrig is one of the most accomplished wrestlers-turned-pro football players. Born in Johnstown, Pa. in 1966, Haselrig played football as a kid in his uncle's backyard then at Greater Johnstown High School, where he also took up wrestling and participated in various wrestling tournaments on his own, as there was no official wrestling team at the school. Despite those challenges, Haselrig won a state title at the 1984 PIAA (Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association) wrestling championships. To continue his mat career, Haselrig stayed close to home. As a student-athlete at NCAA Division II University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown, he finished in third place in the heavyweight bracket as a freshman at the 1986 NCAA D2 championships. As a sophomore, Haselrig started his title drive, going on to win both the Division I and Division II titles in his sophomore, junior and senior seasons, for a total of six championships. How did Haselrig become the only wrestler to win more than four NCAA titles? Before 1990, individual champs of the Division II and Division III wrestling championships automatically qualified for the Division I championships. This made it possible for Haselrig to win two titles in one year. After Haselrig earned his six NCAA titles, the Division I Wrestling Committee voted to change the rules, no longer allowing Division II and III champions to compete at the D1 championships. After graduating from UPJ, Carlton Haselrig launched his pro football career as an offensive guard with the Pittsburgh Steelers ... despite never having played the sport while in college. After four seasons at the Steelers -- and one with the New York Jets -- Haselrig retired from the NFL because of off-field issues (which he has since overcome). Kevin Emily was born in South Carolina ... but he grew up in one of the hottest of the nation's amateur wrestling hotbeds, Waterloo, Iowa ... hometown of the one and only Dan Gable. Emily wrestled in Waterloo, then at University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, before launching his own teaching and coaching career in his native South Carolina. His passion for the sport continues beyond coaching to include sharing the stories about highly accomplished wrestlers ... like Carlton Haselrig. What's with the title? The title "Giant Killer" did not come from Kevin Emily. Nor is it the result of a focus group, or a brainstorming session at a publishing house or advertising agency. Instead, it is the product of Carlton Haselrig himself. "I like 'Giant Killer' because my whole life I've had to slay the bigger opponents, ya know," Haselrig disclosed in the book of the same name. "When I was in high school, it was winning State without a high school team; in college, I was going up against bigger guys, and then I had to win the D1s coming from a smaller school. Even with the Steelers, I was going against guys bigger than me. Plus not playing college football and all." How "Giant Killer" came together Author Kevin Emily shared the story of how the new book about Carlton Haselrig came together. Carlton Haselrig and Kevin Emily at a book signing in Pittsburgh"It started with Pathfinder Vol. 1, the journey and struggles of African-American wrestlers," Emily told InterMat. "I interviewed Carlton for that book. Funniest thing -- I sent that chapter to Carlton for his review, but instead heard back from his wife Michelle. She really liked it." "Carlton asked her to ask me to write his entire life story." "Michelle asked me, 'Would you like to come to Johnstown, meet with him and his friends?'" "I drove up two years ago," Emily continued. "Spent eight days there. Walked all over town, talked to his high school coach, his college coach (Pat Pecora at University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown), even interviewed writers at the local newspaper." "I started letting it all soak in, and the story came together in my mind." "I wrote from the perspective of being there." "Carlton had said, 'The book needs to tell all of the story -- the good, the bad and the ugly.'" "I decided I should work to get it ready for the 2019 NCAAs in Pittsburgh," Kevin Emily continued. "It was presented at the WIN Fan Fest." "When people read this book, they'll see how he had it all and then threw it away. His life was a rollercoaster. Then, finally, he put his life back together. He kept fighting for himself, his wife, his family." The whole process -- gathering information, and the actual writing of "Giant Killer" -- took one year, eight months to complete, according to Kevin Emily, describing it as a "long-time, long-term investment." "There are things in this book that have never been told before," Emily continued. "Carlton waited until he thought it was time to tell his story. I never thought in a million years I'd have this opportunity." "It was a tremendous honor to help tell Carlton Haselrig's story." "The book is about being a successful human being." Kevin Emily's latest book "Giant Killer: The Carlton Haselrig Story" continues the coach/author's career of sharing the stories of successful, ground-breaking individuals in amateur wrestling ... as demonstrated in his first two books, "Pathfinder I" and "Pathfinder II" which told the stories of pioneering African-Americans in the sport. As with those earlier books, "Giant Killer" does a great job of telling a story about a notable individual in an informative, honest, truly compelling way. Emily has a strong ability to share Haselrig's story -- not just the successes, but past troubles as well -- in a way that is appropriate for readers of any age, whether they are in grade school ... or last stepped onto a mat decades ago. What's next It's not surprising to learn that Kevin Emily is already at work on his fourth book. "My next book is 'King of the Mat'" the high school coach/author told InterMat. "It'll tell the stories of great high school wrestling coaches such as Russ Cozart (Brandon High in Florida) and Bob Siddens (late, legendary coach at Waterloo West in Iowa where Emily himself wrestled and later coached). "I plan to have the book available by the beginning of the 2019 high school wrestling season -- Thanksgiving time," said Emily. "I want to keep sharing knowledge," coach Emily continued. "I try to inform people. I want to let people know what's so great about wrestling and the people who are involved in it." "I want to give back to the sport that did so much for me." To order "Giant Killer: The Carlton Haselrig Story" -- along with Kevin Emily's earlier books "Pathfinder: Vol. I" and "Pathfinder: Vol. II" -- visit coach Emily's official website, OptionalStart.org.

UFC fighter Desmond Green -- a former wrestler at University at Buffalo -- was arrested Monday for his involvement in a five-vehicle crash in Florida which killed two women last August. Desmond GreenGreen, 29, is facing 20 charges, including DUI manslaughter. As of Wednesday, he was still being held in Broward County Jail in southeastern Florida on bonds totaling $194,000. According to police, the multi-vehicle, chain-reaction crash started about 6 a.m. August 18 on I-75 northbound in Pembroke Pines when Green lost control of the 2011 Dodge Durango he was driving and veered into the path of a tractor-trailer. Those vehicles then struck three cars, including a 2007 Toyota Yaris, killing two passengers and seriously injuring the driver and another passenger. As InterMat reported last August, Green sustained minor injuries. The Sun-Sentinel newspaper stated that investigators noted that Green showed signs of impairment, including slurred speech. Toxicology tests later confirmed the presence of drugs and alcohol. Investigators recovered a plastic bag from Green's Durango which tested positive for cocaine. "Green's normal faculties were impaired by alcoholic beverages and/or controlled substance at the time the crash occurred," according to the arrest report. Further investigation revealed Green was driving on a second suspended license and was not wearing a seat belt at the time of last summer's fatal crash. In the ten months since being involved in a fatal crash, Green has fought three times in the UFC, posting a 2-1 mark in the Octagon. He last appeared at UFC Fight Night 152 on May 18, when he captured a unanimous decision victory over Charles Jourdain in a lightweight (155-pound) bout. Green, who has also competed in Bellator and Titan FC promotions, is 23-8 in a pro career he launched in April 2012. Prior to entering MMA competition, Green made a name for himself in amateur wrestling in upstate New York. The Rochester native was a New York state wrestling champ for Rush-Henrietta High School. Green later wrestled for University at Buffalo, where he was a two-time MAC (Mid-American Conference) wrestling champion.

The NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel approved allowing wrestlers to compete in shorts designed for the sport and removing all language in the sport's rules book regarding the length of a wrestler's hair. The changes are effective for the 2019-20 academic year. NCAA Wrestling Rules Committee members wanted to make the rules for hair less rigid and provide an additional option for the competition uniform. Previously, wrestlers could compete only in traditional singlets with or without full-length tights or form-fitting shirts and shorts. This third uniform option requires the form-fitting shirt but allows teams to pair this top with loose-fitting shorts designed for wrestling. Wrestlers' hair still will be required to be free of oils and/or greasy substances. Hair coverings still will be allowed and considered special equipment. The rule that prohibited a wrestler's hair from extending below the level of an ordinary shirt collar and the hair on the side of the head from extending below the earlobes has been eliminated. Warnings The penalty sequence for stalling violations will shift to the following in the 2019-20 academic year: After the initial warning, a single match point will be deducted for the next two violations. A fourth stalling violation will be a 2-point match deduction, and the last stalling violation will be disqualification. Previously, the stalling penalty sequence was a warning followed by single-point deductions on the second, third and fourth stalling violations, and then disqualification. Hands to the face The panel approved the reclassification of “hands to the face” from an unnecessary roughness violation to an illegal hold. Rules for illegal holds indicate that “whenever possible, illegal holds should be prevented rather than called.” This will provide referees more flexibility to use verbal cues, issue formal warnings and/or stop the action as “potentially dangerous” before calling an illegal hold. Referees still may call an illegal hold for hands to the face without warning if they determine it is appropriate. Based on feedback from a membership comment period and from the Committee on Competitive Safeguards and Medical Aspects of Sports, the NCAA Wrestling Rules Committee withdrew proposed recommendations regarding video review challenges, medical forfeits and weigh-ins. The rules committee plans to further discuss weigh-in times with CSMAS in the future.

Stevan Micic gets in on a shot against Mahir Amiraslanov in the gold-medal match (Photo/Gabor Martin, United World Wrestling) MINSK, Belarus -- University of Michigan fifth-year seniors Stevan Micic and Myles Amine captured silver and bronze medals, respectively, at the 2019 European Games on Wednesday (June 26) at the Sport Palace. Micic represents Serbia internationally, while Amine wrestles for San Marino. Both are three-time NCAA All-Americans and team captains at Michigan. Micic fell to Azerbaijan's Mahir Amiraslanov, 9-1, in the 57-kilogram gold-medal match. He was unable to overcome an early four-point takedown in the first and could not finish on a couple deep leg attacks in the second. Amiraslanov also defeated defending world champion Zaur Uguev in the semifinals. It was Micic's first competition since the NCAA Championships in March. Micic rallied from deficits in all three of his first-day wins, most notably a 6-5 decision against Turkey's Suleyman Atli -- the current No. 1-ranked wrestler in the world and the 57-kilogram gold medalist at the European Championships in April -- in the quarterfinals. Micic scored two takedowns and a leg turk in the second period to overcome a four-point deficit. Amine used criteria to earn a 3-3 win over Azerbaijan's Alexander Gostiev in his bronze-medal match at 86 kilograms. After trailing, 1-0, at the break, Amine earned a passivity point early in the second before scoring on a high crotch off a restart. Gostiev, a three-time European Championship silver medalist, evened the score with a pair of stepouts but could not overcome Amine's criteria advantage for the two-point takedown. Amine was pulled back into repechage when Russia's Dareun Kurugliev -- the eventual gold-medal winner -- made the final. He defeated Poland's Zbigniew Baranowski, 6-3, on the strength of two first-period takedowns and a late stepout. Baranowski was the 92-kilogram silver medalist at the European Championships in April. It was Amine's first senior-level international medal and the first in wrestling for San Marino. Over his past two tournaments -- the first of his senior-level freestyle career -- Amine has faced a world and/or European medalist in six of seven matches, going 3-3 in those bouts.

Steve Bleise gets his hand raised after a win against Oklahoma State (Photo/Mark Beshey, The Guillotine) NORFOLK, Va. -- Old Dominion head wrestling coach Steve Martin announced the addition of Kevin Beazley as assistant coach and Steve Bleise as volunteer assistant coach on Tuesday afternoon. "We are excited to get Kevin and Steve on our coaching staff," explained Martin. "Kevin is an excellent technician as well as a great people person. Kevin will be in charge of the 174-285 pound weight classes. Steve is an awesome addition to our staff and will immediately make an impact with our middleweights. He will be in charge of the 149-174 pound weight classes. Steve is fresh off a career at University of Minnesota where he competed at the highest level." Beazley returns to Norfolk after a successful collegiate career as a Monarch from 2012- 2017 and a graduate at the University of Michigan from 2017-2018. During his career at ODU, Beazley earned All-American status in 2017 taking eighth place at the NCAA Championships at 197 pounds. During his senior season at ODU, Beazley defeated six nationally-ranked wrestlers and was the MAC runner-up. "We expect him to not only push our upper weights but to also give us a recruiting advantage in the state of Michigan. He is a coaches son so he understands the sport and how to help student-athletes reach their goals on and off the mat!" "I am really excited to be coming back to ODU as a coach," explained Beazley. "Working under coach Martin and coach Thomas is a great opportunity for me to learn the other side of the sport. In the short time that I've been on campus, I've already learned that there's a lot more that goes into college wrestling than I thought when I was a competitor. The mentorship I received from coach Martin as an athlete helped put me on the podium and I'm looking forward to how much he is going to help me grow as a coach." Three-time NCAA Qualifier Steve Bleise joins the Monarchs replacing Chris Mecate as the Volunteer Assistant. Bleise spent three seasons wrestling at Northern Illinois before transferring to Minnesota for his final two years of eligibility. Bleise wrestled for current ODU head assistant Daryl Thomas while at NIU. In 2019, Bleise defeated No. 3 Ryan Deakin at the Big Ten Championships. He was also awarded the Verne Gagne Leadership Award from Minnesota and a member of the Academic All-Big Ten Team. "He has an abundance of energy and will be a game changer in helping our guys reach their potential. Both Kevin and Steve are from Michigan so we expect to start recruiting more thoroughly in that state, said Martin." Watch Bleise take out 2019 U.S. Open Champion, Deakin (Northwestern) in the quarterfinals of the 2019 Big 10 Championships. "I would like to thank coach Martin and coach Thomas for giving me the opportunity to coach alongside them at ODU," said Bleise. "Having already had Daryl as a coach, I know I'm joining a program full of people who are just as passionate about wrestling as I am. I'm excited to join the Monarch family and can't wait to get to work."

Harrison coach Chris Baird and Chad Dennis coaching at a tournament Episode 32 of The MatBoss Podcast features Chad Dennis and his high school assistant coach Chris Baird. The main topic of discussion on this episode is the weight class debate in high school wrestling. Should we remove weights, should we shift weights. Two coaches with different viewpoints discuss it. The two also field questions from the live Facebook stream. About MatBoss: Created by coaches for coaches, MatBoss for iPad® integrates wrestling stats directly into the video you record for each match, completely replacing the need for labor-intensive pencil and paper scoring systems. It's the wrestling stats app our sport has been waiting for. Focus on coaching, not busy work Improve through video analysis Make data an advantage Eliminate scoring errors Increase exposure Become a digital coach For more information, visit MatBossApp.com. Follow MatBoss on Twitter and subscribe to the show @MatBossApp | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | Spreaker | Google Podcasts | RSS

Clint Musser CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Head coach Josh Moore of the Cleveland State University wrestling program announced the hiring of Clint Musser as assistant coach Tuesday morning. Musser, a two-time All-American at Penn State in his collegiate days, returns to his northeast Ohio roots with this announcement after spending the past four seasons as an assistant coach at American University. "Clint has the coaching experience and wrestling credentials to make an immediate impact in our program," Moore said. "He will assist with our vision of adding the top recruits from northeast Ohio with his relationships and connections." Musser helped American to one of its most successful seasons in recent history, on and off the mat, in 2018-19. The Eagles posted their best dual winning percentage in eight seasons with their 7-4 mark while American's 75.5 points at the Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association Championships were its most in seven seasons. American finished second in Division I in team grade point average, its best such finish since 2011, while its 3.56 figure was the program's best since that academic metric was tracked. During the 2017-18 season, Musser helped the Eagles send five wrestlers to the NCAA Championships, the first such occurrence for the program in six years. Over his first two seasons, he helped American have 12 combined EIWA placewinners, including David Terao, who earned NCAA All-American honors, the first-ever for American at 125 pounds. "To my knowledge, this will be the first time in the history of our program that we will have two full-time assistant coaches," Moore said. "I would like to thank our Director of Athletics, Scott Garrett, and the entire administration for supporting our program by helping us add this new position." Prior to American, Musser spent the three previous seasons in northeast Ohio, including a stint at Cleveland State in 2014-15. With the Vikings, Musser helped the program to a 7-3 dual mark, a pair of NCAA qualifiers and the program's best finish at the EWL Championships in 11 years. Musser served as a volunteer assistant at Kent State in his first collegiate coaching stint. Over the 2012-13 and 2013-14 seasons, he helped two Golden Flashes claim All-America honors, including one who was named MAC Wrestler of the Year in 2013, while helping the team to 21 dual wins. Musser began his coaching career as an assistant coach at both Massillon Perry HS and Walsh Jesuit HS, helping guide nine wrestlers to individual state championships and four wrestlers to high school national titles. He also helped lead his teams to top-five finishes at the state tournament in all seven of his seasons as an assistant coach. As a team captain at Penn State, Musser was an NCAA runner-up at 157 pounds as a senior in 1999. He was a three-time NCAA qualifier, placing in the top three at the Big Ten tournament in three straight seasons. He also earned Academic All-Big Ten honors and was selected to the National Wrestling Coaches Association All-Academic Team. Musser won 123 matches for the Nittany Lions, ranking among the top 10 in career victories. A graduate of Walsh Jesuit High School, Musser earned a Bachelor's degree from Penn State in 1999.

Ohio joins the growing list of states which will now have a separate state wrestling tournament for high school girls next year. The Ohio High School Wrestling Coaches Association (OHSWCA) voted unanimously to officially sponsor a girls' state wrestling tournament for the upcoming 2019-2020 school year. Ohio's first girls state wrestling championship will be held February 22-12, 2020 at Hilliard Davidson High School, 5100 Davidson Road in Hilliard, a suburb of Columbus. "It is our goal to make this a first-class event and build it to 'emerging sport status' with the OHSAA (Ohio High School Athletic Association, the official governing body for high school athletics in Ohio)," said Dean Conley, president of the OHSWCA. "Once we meet the requirements, we plan on handing this over to OHSAA like we did with the state dual tournament." The OHSAA weighed in with their backing for the event. "The OHSAA is in full support of the OHSWCA conducting a girls' tournament," said Tyler Brooks, wrestling administrator for the OHSAA. "This tournament is an important and necessary step for girls wrestling as they seek emerging sport status. Last year there were more than 200 females who wrestled for their school so we look forward to partnering with the OHSWCA in order to help grow the sport of wrestling by increasing participation opportunities for female wrestlers." The OHSWCA stated that wrestlers, coaches and schools can stay informed by visiting the association's official website starting this September. www.ohswca.org Ohio is the nineteenth state to announce the establishment of a separate girls' state wrestling tournament ... and the third in the month of June, joining New Mexico and Arkansas.

MILLERSVILLE, Pa. -- Millersville University wrestling head coach Kerry Regner has named Ryan Whittle as the program's assistant coach. Whittle and Regner have a relationship that dates to Whittle's first season as a collegiate wrestler. Ryan WhittleA 2018 graduate of Williams Baptist, Whittle was a three-time NAIA Championships qualifier and the 165-pound American Midwest Conference Champion in 2017. Whittle began his wrestling career at Clarion while Regner was a graduate assistant coach. After Regner started the wrestling program at Williams Baptist, Whittle followed and was a member of the first-ever team at the university. Whittle also served as a team captain. "I am thrilled to have Coach Whittle and his fiancé Megan join the Millersville wrestling family," said Regner. "I know his addition will bring service and pride to not just the wrestling program, but also the institution and community. Coach Whittle's passion and work ethic for the sport of wrestling will advance the program in the path we are seeking." Millersville is Whittle's first stop as a collegiate wrestling coach, having worked with the Refinery Youth Wrestling Club in Walnut Ridge, Ark., for the last six months. Whittle received a USA Wrestling Bronze Coaching Certification and continues to compete in senior level Greco Roman competition. Whittle aided Williams Baptist in its recruiting efforts as well. After graduating with a bachelor's degree in health and physical education in 2018, Whittle was hired as an admissions counselor, recruiting out-of-state students. As an undergraduate student, Whittle was the assistant director of student activities, creating, promoting and hosting campus-wide events for the students of the university. Whittle and his fiance, Megan Blashford, are set to be married in September.

Stevan Micic gets his hand raised after winning in the semifinals of the European Games (Photo/Gabor Martin, United World Wrestling) MINSK, Belarus -- Stevan Micic earned a spot in the finals of the European Games at 57 kilograms. Competing for Serbia, the 23-year-old Micic picked up a 7-4 win over U23 world bronze medalist Taras Markovych of Ukraine in the semifinals on Tuesday in Minsk, Belarus. Micic, a three-time All-American for Michigan, trailed after the opening period, but battled back to win by three. In Wednesday's gold-medal finals, Micic will face European bronze medalist Mahir Amiraslanov of Azerbaijan. Amiraslanov edged returning world champion Zavur Uguev of Russia 3-2 in the semifinals. Micic becomes Serbia's second medalist ever at the European Games, joining Viktor Nemes, who won a silver medal in 2015. He has a chance to become Serbia's first-ever European Games gold medalist. Two other wrestlers currently competing in NCAA wrestling, Michigan's Myles Amine and Campbell's Jere Heino, will compete in repechage on Wednesday. Amine, representing San Marino, dropped his first match on Tuesday at 86 kilograms, but was pulled back into repechage after the wrestler who defeated him, Russia's Dauren Kurugliev, reached the finals. Heino was placed in repechage at 125 kilograms after the wrestler who beat him, Georgia's Givi Matcharashvili, reached the gold-medal match at 125 kilograms. Repechage matches are scheduled to begin at 4 a.m. ET on Wednesday. Micic will wrestle for gold at approximately 11:50 a.m. ET. It can be viewed on the Olympic Channel.

LA GRANDE, Ore. -- Michael Ayala has been hired as the Eastern Oregon head women's wrestling coach, director of athletics Anji Weissenfluh announced on Monday. "After conducting a national search we are excited to announce Michael Ayala as our women's wrestling coach," said Weissenfluh. "Through the interview process, it was clear to see that not only will Michael's ties to the pacific northwest be beneficial to him leading our program, but Michael is dedicated and excited to be part of growing the sport of women's wrestling. His ability to connect with student-athletes and to identify quality prospects are some of what we believe will help him find success at EOU." Ayala brings a strong resume of work with both women's and men's wrestling at the University of Providence, a Cascade Collegiate Conference rival in wrestling. In 2017, Ayala joined the Argos as the assistant men's wrestling coach. He then filled in as the interim head women's wrestling coach during the first half of the 2018-19 year, later returning to his role as an assistant for both the men's and women's programs. "I'm very honored to coach a group of hardworking women," said Ayala. "I really like the team chemistry and every athlete here wants to get better. I'm excited to get to help these student-athletes reach their goals on and off the mat. We want to be competitive and excel at all levels, and we strive to be the best in the classroom, community, and on the mat." Ayala also has experience as the assistant strength and conditioning coach at Providence where he helped program and develop various workouts for the Argo athletic teams. "Michael's high energy personality, his plan and vision for EOU women's wrestling, past coaching experience, and his competitive drive will no doubt be contributing factors in him raising the bar for our women's wrestling program," said Weissenfluh. Ayala obtained his Bachelor's degree in Psychology from University of Great Falls (now named University of Providence), and has a Master's degree in Clinical Counseling. He is a USA Wrestling Bronze certified coach and has years of experience coaching free style, the style of women's collegiate wrestling. The women's wrestling program wrapped up its third year with two NAIA All-Americans and one WCWA All-American, finishing 13th at the inaugural NAIA Invitational.

CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland -- United World Wrestling announced the start of ticket sales for the 2019 Senior Wrestling World Championships, which are set to take place September 14-22 at the Barys Arena in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan. There was unprecedented interest in last year's Senior Wrestling World Championships held in Budapest. Fans from more than 60 countries purchased 40,000 tickets before the opening night of the tournament. The 2019 Wrestling World Championships should draw even more fan attention as it will serve as the first qualification event for the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. The top six finishers in each Olympic weight category in Nur-Sultan will secure an Olympic qualification for their nation. The remaining qualification spots will be earned at continental competitions and a "Last Chance Qualifier" during the 2020 competition calendar. "Wrestling's best will be making highlights all tournament long," said Gordon Templeman, Director of Commercial Operation & Communications. "Our wrestlers will be aiming to win a world championship and to earn their nation's spot at the 2020 Games in Tokyo, which will add energy to every round of action." In addition to Olympic qualification, the 2019 Wrestling World Championships will also be the first-time a full season of ranking series events will determine the top four seeds in each weight category. "With the new system our top wrestlers will now meet more often in the finals and semifinals, adding to the competitiveness and promotion of the event," said Jean-Daniel Rey, Director of Sport for United World Wrestling. "Fans have been watching all season to see who will end up in the top four of their favorite weight classes." Greco-Roman will kick off the world championships on September 14, followed by women's wrestling and concluding with men's freestyle. Men's freestyle 97kg weight category will once again be contested on the tournament's final day, which could bring a third-straight tournament-ending match between defending Olympic champions Abdulrashid SADULAEV (RUS) and Kyle SNYDER (USA). The wrestlers split results in the previous two meetings, with Sadulaev winning by fall last year in Budapest. All-session passes and single-day tickets for the 2019 Senior Wrestling World Championships are available NOW and can be purchased at https://kassir.kz/category/chempionat-mira-po-borbe. Schedule: 2019 Senior Wrestling World Championships Saturday, September 14 GR - 55-63-72-82kg Sunday, September 15 GR - 55-63-72-82kg GR - 67-87-97kg Monday, September 16 GR - 67-87-97kg GR - 60-77-130kg Tuesday, September 17 GR - 60-77-130kg WW - 50-53-55-72kg Wednesday, September 18 WW - 50-53-55-72kg WW - 57-59-65-76kg Thursday, September 19 WW - 57-59-65-76kg WW - 62-68kg FS - 57-65kg Friday, September 20 WW - 62-68kg FS - 57-65kg FS - 70-74-92-125kg Saturday, September 21 FS - 70-74-92-125kg FS - 61-79-86-97kg Sunday, September 22 FS - 61-79-86-97kg

Stevan Micic defeated world No. 1 Suleyman Atli in the quarterfinals of the European Games (Photo/Gabor Martin, United World Wrestling) MINSK, Belarus -- Michigan three-time All-American Stevan Micic knocked off world No. 1 Suleyman Atli of Turkey to reach the semifinals of the European Games at 57 kilograms on Tuesday in Minsk, Belarus. Micic, who competes internationally for Serbia, opened his tournament with a 4-2 victory over Lasha Lomtadze of Georgia, a bronze medalist at the Henri Deglane Challenge. He then faced Atli, a European champion and returning world bronze medalist, in the quarterfinals. Atli jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the opening period and extended his lead to four in the second period. But Micic battled back -- scoring two takedowns and a leg turk in the second period -- to win 6-5. He now faces U23 world bronze medalist Taras Markovych of Ukraine in the semifinals, which will take place today at 11 a.m. ET. The other side of the 57-kilogram brackets pits returning world champion Zavur Uguev of Russia, ranked No. 2 in the world, against 2015 junior world champion Mahir Amiraslanov of Azerbaijan. Another Michigan three-time All-American, Myles Amine, competed Tuesday at the European Games. Amine, who wrestles for San Marino, dropped his opening match at 86 kilograms to two-time Ivan Yarygin Grand Prix champion Dauren Kurugliev of Russia, 6-0. Amine carried the flag for San Marino in the opening ceremony of the European Games. Campbell's Jere Heino, competing for Finland, lost his first match to U23 world champion Givi Matcharashvili of Georgia by 10-0 technical fall at 125 kilograms. Both Amine and Heino will have a chance to wrestle back in repechage if the wrestlers who defeated them win in today's semifinals.

Greg Jones Keeping up with the Joneses of West Virginia University wrestling fame just got more difficult. Greg Jones and Vertus Jones -- two all-time great Mountaineer wrestlers who happen to be brothers -- will be among the nine honorees in the Class of 2019 to be welcomed into the West Virginia University Sports Hall of Fame, the Morgantown-based university announced this weekend. Greg Jones Greg Jones is West Virginia University's all-time leader in wins and is the Mountaineers' only three-time NCAA wrestling champion during his wrestling career from 2001-05. Posting a career record of 126-4, Jones won the NCAA Championship as a freshman in 2002 at 174 pounds, as a junior in 2004 at 184 pounds and as a senior in 2005 at 184 pounds. With three NCAA individual championships, Jones became the 39th wrestler in NCAA history to win three national championships, the 20th wrestler to win titles at two different weight classes and the 10th wrestler to win a national title as a freshman. What's more, Greg Jones is the only Mountaineer mat star to earn an undefeated season, doing it in 2004 with a record of 26-0 and once again in 2005, posting a mark of 25-0. He ended his career on a 51-match win streak. A four-time Eastern Wrestling League (EWL) champion, Jones holds WVU records for best mark as a freshman (34-2), best record of the 167/174-pound weight class (34-2) and most NCAA Tournament wins (17) and is tied for the most NCAA Tournament appearances (4). The Slickville, Pennsylvania, native appeared in the National Wrestling Coaches Association All-Star Classic three times, winning each match. He is a two-time recipient of WVU's Red Brown Cup, given to WVU's Most Outstanding Student-Athlete, and became the first Mountaineer to be named to the NCAA Tournament's Most Outstanding Wrestler in 2005. Jones was the fourth wrestler in EWL history to claim four EWL titles and led the league in points twice. He finished his EWL career with a record of 27-0 in dual meets. Other awards and titles for Jones during his WVU career include 2005 -- Most Outstanding Wrestler at the NCAA Championships, Most Outstanding Wrestler at the EWL Championships, EWL points champion, College Sports Television National Athlete of the Week, WVU's Coca-Cola Community All-American; 2004 -- West Virginia Sports Writers Association's Hardman Award winner, one of 23 U.S. athletes nominated for the AAU James E. Sullivan award, EWL points leader, Hodge Trophy finalist, EWL Wrestler of the Year, Midlands Classic champion; 2002 -- EWL Wrestler and Freshman of the Year and Amateur Wrestling News Freshman of the Year. In 2010, Jones was inducted into the EWL Wrestling Hall of Fame, the Southwestern Pennsylvania Wrestling Hall of fame in 2013 and in 2019, the Pennsylvania Wrestling Coaches Association Hall of Fame. What's more, Jones was inducted into the Dapper Dan Wrestling Classic Hall of Fame. In 2012, Greg Jones was named to InterMat's Top 10 College Wrestlers of the 2000s. Following his collegiate wrestling career, Jones served as an assistant coach and associate head coach at WVU for nine seasons. Since 2014, Jones has been one of the top wrestling coaches in mixed martial arts training. Greg Jones graduated from WVU in 2005 with a bachelor's degree in sports and exercise psychology, now lives in Boca Raton, Florida with his wife, Kelly, and their two children, Mara and Greyson. Vertus Jones Vertus Jones became the Mountaineers' first three-time wrestling All-American and first four-time Eastern Wrestling League (EWL) champion during his outstanding career from 1997-2000. A two-time NCAA runner-up, Jones posted a stellar 30-2 record as a senior in 2000 at 184 pounds, setting the all-time West Virginia consecutive wins mark at 24. He earned his final All-America honor with a second-place finish at the 2000 NCAA Championships in St. Louis. He was named the EWL Co-Wrestler of the Year in 2000, as well as the EWL Tournament's Outstanding Wrestler. Jones is currently tied for 10th on the WVU all-time list for victories as a senior (30). He won the EWL title at 184 pounds. As a junior, the Slickville, Pennsylvania, native posted a third-place finish at the NCAA Championships at 184 pounds. Jones participated in the NWCA All-Star Classic and currently ranks eighth on the WVU all-time list for victories as a junior (31). He captured the EWL championship at 184 pounds. As a sophomore in 1998, Jones was the youngest of 20 finalists at the NCAA Tournament and became the youngest in WVU history to reach the NCAA finals. He capped his impressive sophomore campaign with a second-place finish at 177 pounds at the NCAA Tournament. Jones won the EWL title at 177 pounds. In 1997, Jones became the second WVU wrestler to win EWLs as a freshman. He qualified for the NCAA Tournament after being named the EWL champion at 167 pounds and was named WVU's Rookie of the Year. Jones became the first Mountaineer wrestler to be a four-time EWL champion and only the third EWL wrestler to be a four-time champion. He totaled 11 EWL Tournament victories in his WVU tenure. Jones finished his WVU career with 95 victories, which was sixth-best at the time at WVU. He currently ranks fourth on the WVU all-time list for victories in a single season in the 177/184 pound weight class with 31. Jones is second on WVU's all-time list for NCAA Tournament victories with 14. Jones was twice named as a recipient of the George Nedeff Outstanding Wrestler Award. He was a finalist for NCAA Sportsperson of the year as a senior. Jones was inducted into the EWL Hall of Fame, was a 2006 inductee into the Southwest Pennsylvania Wrestling Hall of Fame and a 2010 inductee into the Pennsylvania Wrestling Hall of Fame. Jones graduated from WVU with a bachelor's degree in health and physical education teaching in 2001. He has taught and coached in the North Hills School District and was voted Section 3 AAA Assistant Wrestling Coach of the Year for the 2003-04, 2006-07 and 2007-08 wrestling seasons as well as District 7 AAA Assistant Wrestling Coach of the Year for the 2006-07, 2007-08 and 2015-16 wrestling seasons. Jones lives in Pittsburgh with his wife, Rachel, and children, Jayla and Jaden. The Jones brothers -- Greg and Vertus -- will become only the second set of siblings to be inducted into the WVU Sports Hall of Fame. In addition to Greg and Vertus Jones, the West Virginia University Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2019 includes Meg Bulger (women's basketball), Steve Dunlap (football), Darryl Prue (men's basketball), Lisa Stoia (women's soccer), John Thornton (football), Dr. Stefan Thynell (rifle) and Pete White (men's basketball/track & field). Induction ceremonies will take place Saturday, Sept. 14, prior to the West Virginia-NC State football game at Morgantown.

Bo Nickal throws Stanford's Nathan Traxler in the Southern Scuffle finals (Photo/Sam Janicki, SJanickiPhoto.com) The honors keep piling up for Bo Nickal. Nickal, three-time NCAA Division I wrestling champion who earned 2019 InterMat Wrestler of the Year honors and the 2019 Hodge Trophy, has been named Penn State Male Student-Athlete of the Year, the school announced Monday. Nickal becomes the seventh individual Nittany Lion wrestler to earn Male Student-Athlete of the Year. The most recent PSU wrestler to earn this honor was Zain Retherford in 2015-16 and 2016-17. At the 2019 NCAA Division I Wrestling championships, Nickal won his third consecutive national title -- this time, at 197 pounds - which helped propel the Nittany Lions to another team title. The Allen, Texas native concluded his senior season with a perfect 30-0 record, including 18 pins, three technical falls and six major decisions. In his time as at Penn State, Nickal tallied a 120-3 career record, with 59 pins, 12 technical falls and 23 major decisions. In addition to earning InterMat Wrestler of the Year and Hodge Trophy honors in 2019, this year Nickal was named Co-Big Ten Wrestler of the Year (shared with teammate Jason Nolf) and the 2019 NCAA Most Dominant Wrestler. In prior years, Nickal was named the 2018 NCAA Tournament Outstanding Wrestler and 2017 NCAA Tournament Gorriaran Award recipient for the most falls in the least amount of time. He ends his career second on Penn State's all-time pins list (with 59) … tied for third on Penn State's all-time NCAA wins list (19); and tied for 13th on Penn State's all-time wins list (120). Nickal also was an Academic All-Big Ten honoree, was a first team NWCA (National Wrestling Coaches Association) National All-Academic selection and won the 2019 U.S. Open title this past April. Ally McHugh was named Penn State Female Student-Athlete of the Year at the same time Nickal was revealed for the school's male athlete for 2019. McHugh and Nickal will be on the ballot for Big Ten Male and Female Athletes of the Year with honorees from the other 13 conference institutions. Speaking of Big Ten honors … just last week, Bo Nickal's teammate, Jason Nolf, was named Penn State's male recipient of the Big Ten Medal of Honor.

Deron Winn (Photo/Josh Hedges, Getty Images) Deron Winn scored an impressive unanimous decision win in his UFC debut at UFC Fight Night 153 -- also known as UFC at ESPN+ 12 -- at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina Saturday night. The judges scored the middleweight (185-pound) opening event 29-28, 29-28, 29-28 for Winn against Eric Spicely, the third announced opponent for the former two-time junior college wrestling champ, who took the fight less than a week ago. The Winn-Spicely bout was impressive for a number of reasons: Winn scored 169 significant strikes in the opening round -- the most landed ever in a UFC middleweight bout -- compared to Spicely with 108 strikes in Round One. (Winn tallied 367 strikes in three rounds, compared to Spicely's 224.) UFC president singled out the Winn-Spicely bout for positive comments, saying: "If you just missed the Spicely vs. Winn fight on ESPN, you blew it. Spicely, Winn that's how you open a show boys. Unbelievable fight." Winn and Spicely each earned $50,000 bonuses from UFC for their "Fight of the Night." In its live play-by-play coverage, Sherdog.com declared, "What a fight, one of the best fights of the year so far." "Eric Spicely vs. Deron Winn in a middleweight bout opened up the card with fireworks ..." is how MMAnews.com opened its coverage of the first-of-the-evening match. "These two fighters went after it for three straight rounds of hard-hitting action ..." "The card sure started off with a bang," according to BloodyElbow.com. "Eric Spicely came in on six days of notice to fight Deron Winn, and they went to war. Winn won all three rounds, but they threw an absolute ton of strikes and both put on a great performance. If you didn't see the card, this is the fight you should go back and watch." If that weren't enough, MMAjunkie.com had plenty of positive things to say about the winner: "Deron Winn is certainly an intriguing prospect -- an undefeated record and the full endorsement of UFC heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier will do that for you. At just 5-foot-6, Winn is certainly a unique type in the middleweight division, and his elite wrestling background gives him an incredible base of skills from which to grow ... "Winn showed plenty of positives. The power in his punches is palpable. Eric Spicely deserves all the credit in the world for not wilting in the face of the attacks. Winn's pressure was relentless, rarely taking a step back. And the fight was one heck of a way to start the night, setting the tone for a fun night and earning Winn and Spicely $50,000 for the evening's 'Fight of the Night.'" "Winn didn't flash his wrestling skills, but there's really no question whether or not those exist. Instead, he said he made a conscious decision to try and entertain the fans, electing to just duke it out on the feet ... Otherwise, the takeaways seem to show Winn is going to matter in this division -- short legs or not." Here's what the two-time NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association) wrestling champ for St. Louis Community College, Meramec, said on Facebook this weekend: "I moved to 6-0 tonight and 1-0 in the @ufc it was an incredible night in this journey of mine. So much work goes on behind the scenes of all this. I got the fight of the night bonus and that makes things so much sweeter. Thank you everybody so much for the support. I have an unbelievable team and support system that helps me every step of the way. I love you guys and all I wanna do is get better to show you how great I can actually be. We are just scratching the surface.. all love on this end." With the victory, Winn improves his professional record to 6-0 overall, and 1-0 in UFC since signing in late December 2018. Spicely falls to 12-5.

Administrators from NCAA schools sponsoring women's wrestling met in Orlando on June 11 to discuss a plan for positioning the sport to achieve the emerging sport status that has been recommended by the NCAA Women's Committee on Athletics. The administrators, in attendance, asked the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) to assist in reaching out to sponsoring NCAA schools to solicit nominations and hold an election to select administrators interested in serving on a working group that will develop a strategic plan to bring the recommendation across the goal line. "This is an exciting time for women's wrestling and it is important that we continue the positive momentum towards NCAA emerging sport status," said Gannon University Director of Athletics, Lisa Goddard McGuirk. "As administrators, it is our intent to best support our student-athletes and their collegiate experience, while continuing to support the continued growth of the sport." The plan calls for the working group to develop a road map that mirrors the NCAA Bylaws (compliance, eligibility, etc.) so that transitioning to an NCAA championship sport will be smooth and seamless. The group in attendance took the time to recognize the outstanding work of the Wrestle Like a Girl organization who help spearhead the request for the NCAA Women's Committee on Athletics to support the emerging sport status for NCAA Women's Wrestling. Other groups that provided support in that effort included the National Collegiate Wrestling Association, USA Wrestling, National Wrestling Hall of Fame, USOC and the National Wrestling Coaches Association. "The willingness of the NWCA to assist in organizing an opportunity for administrative involvement of AD's from both current programs and newer programs at NCAA institutions was very successful. There was great feedback and involvement from everyone in attendance including AD's who have experience with women's wrestling and AD's from newer programs. Everyone is on board and excited about taking the reins on the critical next steps for women's wrestling and the NCAA Emerging sport status. " said Nate Moorman, Director of Athletics at Emmanuel College. The group also recognized the hard work of the coaches who, through the Women's Collegiate Wrestling Association (WCWA), have been providing a collegiate championship for women competing at all collegiate levels. The administrators emphasized the need to continue to provide an opportunity for all women competing at NCAA institutions to have a collegiate national championship experience while waiting for the NCAA process to be completed. The plan calls for the working group to be in place by the end of June.

TULSA, Okla. -- Oklahoma Red stopped Illinois from winning Junior National Duals in both Greco-Roman and men's freestyle when they defeated them 32-31 in the finals today. This marks the third time since 2014 that Oklahoma has won Junior National Duals in men's freestyle. The showdown came down to the final match between the evenly matched teams. Oklahoma won eight matches and Illinois won seven matches. Illinois got on the board first with a 10-0 tech fall from David Ferrante at 170 lbs. Ferrante couldn't have been much more diverse in his attacks using a single leg, re-attack, gut wrench, double leg, and leg lace to secure the tech fall with 24 seconds left in the first period. Read complete story on TheMat.com ...

MANHEIM, Pa. -- The National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) is proud to announce the 2019 winners of the Inaugural State and National High School Girls Coach of the Year awards. These awards were made available for any state whose high school association sponsored a Girls Championship, Pilot, or Invitational during the 2018-19 season. This program will continue to grow as the number of states sanctioning high school continues to grow. To date Girls High School Wrestling is now sanctioned in 18 states. States sponsoring girls championships: Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts. Maine, Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Washington. Scholastic Boys Coach of the Year Winners This year's National Girls Coach of the Year is Mike Kimber from Mt. Edgecumbe High Schooll (AK) and the National Girls Assistant Coach of the Year is Brad Warren from Rossville High School (TN). Both Kimber and Warren were selected as State Coach of the Year winners. Kimber (National and Alaska Coach of the Year) just completed his 19th season of coaching, each at Mt. Edgecumbe, his alma mater. Kimber's 2018-19 squad finished as State Champions with 13 qualifiers, 7 placers, and 1 individual state champion giving Mt. Edgecumbe back to back state titles. Coach Kimber was inducted into the Alaska Hall of Fame class of 2018 for his efforts in bringing high school girls wrestling to Alaska. In addition to the 2017 and 2018 State Titles, Kimber's squads have won 5 straight regional championships while garnering 38 state placers, 12 of whom won state titles. Warren (National and Tennessee Assistant Coach of the Year) just completed his 6th season of coaching and his 5th at Rossview High School. Coach Warren serves as the lead coach for the girls team taking chare of the day to day operations of the squad when the boys team competes at a separate location. Warren also serves as an assistant coach for the Tennessee National Girls Team often traveling across the country as they compete at national events. In addition, Coach Warren helped start a new middle school team at Rossview and serves as the co-head coach. "The NWCA is proud to launch the National Girls Coach of the Year program to recognize outstanding coaches who are going above and beyond to help grow girls' wrestling across our country. We now have 18 states sponsoring girls' wrestling with many more having great discussions about implementation in their state. Coach Mike Kimber's, and Coach Brad Warren's outstanding contributions to our sport are too numerous to list, but I know that the lasting impact they are making in the lives of there athletes will not be forgotten." Mike Moyer, NWCA Executive Director. STATE - SCHOLASTIC GIRLS HEAD COACH OF THE YEAR SECTION COACH SCHOOL STATE Section 1 Joseph Lemke Jackson Memorial High School New Jersey Section 3 Sean Moistner Alexander High School Georgia Section 3 Vernon Walworth Hoke County High School North Carolina Section 3 Kayla Sharp Clarksville Northwest High School Tennessee Section 5 Randy Roark Lebanon High School Missouri Section 6 Sparky Adair Eaglecrest HS/Cherry Creek School District Colorado Section 7 Luis Gonzalez San Fernando High School California Section 7 Rob Hesia Kamehameha Kapalama Hawaii Section 8 Mike Kimber Mt. Edgecumbe High School Alaska Section 8 Trent Kroll Hood River Valley High School Oregon Section 8 Barb Morgan Sedro-Woolley High School Washington STATE - SCHOLASTIC GIRLS ASSISTANT COACH OF THE YEAR SECTION COACH SCHOOL STATE Section 1 Frank O'Shea Manalapan High School New Jersey Section 3 Ben Mount Hiram High School Georgia Section 3 Brad Warren Rossview High School Tennessee Section 5 Matt Neely Lebanon High School Missouri Section 7 Fallyn Kapoi Kamehameha Kapalama Hawaii Section 8 Raymond "Thor" Williams Bethel Regional High School Alaska Section 8 Lynn Miller Hood River Valley High School Oregon Section 8 Tyson Lindeman Kelso High School Washington

TULSA, Okla. -- Shortly after their women's freestyle team claimed their first title, Illinois continued their Greco-Roman dominance at the Junior National Duals, picking up their third title in three years with a 46-21 victory over Minnesota Blue. Paxton Creese kicked the dual off at 113 pounds with a 10-0 technical fall for Minnesota. In the opening minute, Creese hit a big four-point throw. He finished the match off quickly with three turns off a gut wrench. Illinois got on the board at 120 pounds, where Nain Vazquez picked up a 13-2 technical fall. Vazquez racked up points with his gut wrench. Brody Norman would claim another for Illinois, earning a 8-5 decision at 126 pounds. Read complete story on TheMat.com ...

Earlier this week Minnesota heavyweight wrestler and NCAA Division I All-American Gable Steveson was arrested alongside teammate Dylan Martinez on suspicion of sexual assault. The wrestlers were released 36 hours later after police were unwilling or unable to file charges against the pair. The investigation is still underway, and charges could be posted at any time, but as of Thursday night the only action taken is that the University of Minnesota has placed the wrestlers on a mandatory suspension from team activities. Nobody in the wrestling community enjoys hearing about the arrest of our top athletes. Our sport receives such little attention, that when it's wasted on the negative some in the community wish to not discuss it or have outlets like InterMat carry the facts. That repulsion to the facts were on display this week. While I can understand wanting a moderated response (innocent until proven guilty), there is no precedent for burying news just because fans don't want to hear it. In fact, the opposite is true. If self-censorship was more common among media outlets (as is now being promoted on message boards and comment threads) then it only harms the fans, since the discretion moves from one of newsworthiness to one of a fan's feelings. The accusations against Steveson and Martinez are serious and should they be found guilty of wrongdoing the punishment will be severe. Sexual assault is a criminal offense, but it's also an offense that can fall under EEOC for dismissal from school, and one that can trigger a SafeSport violation. The latter two may not need a criminal outcome, much like civil court doesn't depend on a criminal verdict. At this point, there is no way for me (or you) to know what happened, but there is room to discuss how we as a community should approach this topic in the future. While the news coverage is interesting, it pales to some of the more reprehensible attitudes. Some members of our community mismanaged this discussion by making victim accusations rather than showing compassion and utilizing patience. The internet often finds a way to promote its platform's most controversial opinions. Just look at the comments on articles from this column over the last 18 months -- there is no topic boring enough to escape the ever-expanding bilge of hate-filled trolls. Like many of you, I saw the article and thought of how incredibly awful for this young woman -- someone's daughter, sister, best friend, coworker -- to be attacked by two men. To have a turbulent mixture of sadness, anger, and doubt swirling in her head is difficult to fully grasp. To maybe have had an innocence forever taken from her. Sexual assault -- rape -- isn't just a physical assault, it's a crime that can injure the mind and soul forever. But there were prominent wrestlers and former wrestlers who looked past those feelings and immediately found comfort in making efforts to victim shame. That this was another example of the non-existent trend of "false reporting" -- women who inaccurately describe sexual encounters in order to slander a man's name. While false reports have happened the numbers are dwarfed by real assaults -- women who haven't suffered just reputational damage but rape. Individuals arguing that this case is false based on the premise they like the wrestler and they've "heard it happens nowadays" doesn't make them the member of some enlightened elite, it convicts them of uncurable stupidity and moral failure. According to RAINN, more than 320,000 Americans older than 12 years old were victims of sexual assault or rape last year alone. Seems that even the trolliest troll would admit that half a million women aren't faking their stories of sexual assault. The cruelty necessary to question the honesty of a victim is incompatible with the values of any community, large or small. When members of the wrestling community chime in with ignorant statements they are seeking attention because they need validation. They need to be seen because they need to feel loved or hated to feel validated; to be exalted by praise or motivated by anger to have a purpose. So for these athletes and keyboard jockeys finding humor in this women's pain, you're a disgrace. But for the fans out there seeing it, do us all a favor and take away the thing that gives them power: ignore them in earnest. Discard their self-serving opinions and myopic world view in favor of something more productive, creative, kind, and loving. We have a wrestling community filled with beautiful, trustworthy and sincere people. Find them. Promote them. It'll make for a much better world, and sport. To your questions … Q: If Gable Steveson requests a special wrestle-off for the U23 team, should it be granted to him? -- @CurtJones87 Foley: I'm not sure what the procedure would be with USA Wrestling, but there is nothing legally (that I'm aware of) that would limit his participation in those types of events. Now, were it an NCAA-sanctioned event he would need to be in good standing with his team, which as of today he isn't as he is still suspended. However, if charges are filed there is likely some guideline in place that would limit him from competition. Also, there is SafeSport which would almost certainly come into play, though I can't speak to how that policy is enforced and what would trigger its implementation (charges vs. conviction). Q: Now that Bo Nickal requested a special wrestle-off for the U23 team, do you think any of the other eligible wrestlers will? I believe Daton Fix, Yianni Diakomihalis, Ryan Deakin and Gable Steveson are all eligible. -- Mike C. Foley: As of now three of the eligible nine wrestlers who lost in Final X have requested a wrestle-off: Bo Nickal, Cohlton Schultz, and Brady Koontz. I wouldn't suspect that Fix will look to wrestle in both tournaments. Yianni's team is currently attempting to litigate him onto the senior team, but could go ahead and schedule the wrestle-off in case they aren't granted what they are seeking. Would be a shame to not see him compete at U23 because of the situation that was created. Imagine Deakin will submit but don't know for sure! Daton Fix scored a late takedown on Thomas Gilman at Final X: Lincoln (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com) Q: What did you think of the takedown call awarded to Daton Fix against Thomas Gilman late in their third match? Seemed really close, but I personally didn't think it was a takedown. -- Mike C. Foley: After Final X Rutgers I chose to watch a comedy show rather than Final X, so I didn't have the benefit of seeing the scramble live. That means I've probably been manipulated a bit. Still, my take is that it's a pretty straightforward takedown. Gilman switched legs at the end of the scramble and went double under on the left leg, but was flat to the mat. The international rules and interpretation are not very compassionate when control is established with one wrestler in total par-terre position. The leg was also underneath the body. Had Gilman kept his hips off the mat and the leg over his head, or elevated, he could maybe have avoided the points. But I think that if you're flat on the mat and your opponent is parallel with arms locked around you it's a takedown. Q: With Takuto Otoguro and Kaori Icho losing at the Meiji Cup last week, do you think there is a real chance we won't see one or both at the Tokyo Olympics? Icho would be going for her fifth Olympic title in her home country. Would be stunning if she didn't make the team. -- Mike C. Foley: Kaori Icho is 35 years old and has been hammering the mats since she was 5 years old. That's a lot of know-how, but also a lot of damage to the body. She has slowed significantly the past three years. She isn't protecting her legs as well as she was in Rio and everything from her ankles to her back looks stiff as wood. While I'm a card-carrying member of her fan club, I think that Risako Kawai (a fellow Olympic champion) has more steam at the moment. As for Otoguro, he too is facing an accomplished opponent in Rio 2106 silver medalist Rei Higuchi. Otoguro has a number of wins over Higuchi, but looked a step slower in their finals match, often waiting until Higuchi was deep on an attack to launch a counter scoring move. Wasn't pretty, and when you add in his sock pull and suspect lungs maybe Japan would benefit from Higuchi in Tokyo. Nice thing is that this is all settled on July 6 and we get to watch! Q: This makes nine straight world teams for Jordan Burroughs, I think the record is 14 straight by Bruce Baumgartner (1983-1996) having medaled in all but '91. Any idea where JB stacks in consecutive or total world teams made? -- Frank C. Foley: Way, way up there. Only modern comparison would come on the women's side with Adeline making her eighth world team. As for a historical reference I don't have the pull for that at the moment, but I think that someone in the comments can add their best guesses. I mean John Smith made six and won six. Yikes. Spencer Lee defeated Jack Mueller to claim his second straight NCAA title (Photo/John Sachs, Tech-Fall.com) Q: Why didn't Spencer Lee compete for the World Team? Is he injured? A healthy Lee might have beaten out Fix for that spot. -- Andy S. Foley: Unclear and Iowa isn't talking at the moment. It's been a bit since Spencer has competed in freestyle. Maybe he's deferred to Gilman? Maybe he's not that good at freestyle anymore?! (just kidding). Either way, if he's planning on making a run at the team in 2020 I'm not sure that sitting out the entire quad was the right call. Q: Now that Aaron Pico has taken three losses in seven MMA fights, do you think it could alter his original plans? Do you see him making a run for the 2020 Olympic Team at 65 kilograms? Obviously, he is 6-0 against Zain, but would he have enough time to get back into form? Is he eligible to compete for Mexico? -- Mike C. Foley: Last I've heard he's eligible in terms of transfer, but unclear if he's activated that transfer or what he wants to do in order to compete. There is likely no way he can be on the team for this year's World Championships, since the transfer would have needed to be done last December. He could still enter and qualify from the continental championships or the last chance qualifier. I'd love to see Pico back on the mats! Q: What wine pairs best with watching international tournaments at 4 a.m.? I've got a nice semi-dry Riesling from 2014 I may break out for the Medved. -- @jagger712 Foley: If you like a dry Riesling I think you'll enjoy a Gruner. Typically a little cheaper, drier, and frankly better. But are you trying to drink wine at 4 a.m.? What about an Irish coffee? Trick is to make your own whip cream for the mug and use Jameson. I think I'd start there and move into a 7 a.m. Bloody Maria (tequila) before moving to a more sustainable beer choice -- like Guinness. I'm genuinely interested in hearing what you choose. Also, this reminds me that there will be A LOT of tired fans in September, with the 2019 World Championships in Nur-Sultan.

Pat Whitcomb lifts Taylor Kornoely after winning the NCAA title at heavyweight (Photo/Mark Lundy, Lutte-Lens.com) Pat Whitcomb, head wrestling coach at North Idaho College who was fired in the middle of last season after more than two decades at the helm, has filed a tort claim with intent to sue his alma mater and former employer for damages. A tort is a filing that alleges civil wrongdoing that caused loss or harm from an action. Torts allow the opportunity for cases to be settled out of court before a suit is filed. Whitcomb accuses the college of discrimination, reputational damage, retaliation and misconduct, with an estimate of damages to the former NIC wrestler/coach to be between $50,000 and $100,000 to date. "During the past several years, NIC has suffered through a series of allegations of wrongful, corrupt and unlawful conduct," the tort claim states. "Pat Whitcomb, previously employed as a wrestling coach for NIC, attempted to prevent such misconduct where he could, and to bring to light the misconduct he could not prevent. "As a result, he has suffered extensive retaliation, ultimately ending in the loss of his employment, interference with his business relationships and other harms and damages." As InterMat reported on Jan. 25, Whitcomb said he was fired on January 7 for what he believes are his efforts to upgrade facilities to accommodate double-amputee wrestler Hassan Hawthorne, 2016 Alabama 145-pound state champ, for speaking up for a co-worker who was assaulted on campus, and because school leaders want to drop wrestling -- arguably NIC's most successful varsity sport (the program was ranked fourth in the nation at the time of his firing) -- in favor of launching a baseball program. Whitcomb's attorney, James Piotrowski, also filed a complaint similar to the NIC tort claim to the Idaho Human Rights Commission. When asked about the tort claim, Laura Rumpler, NIC's chief communications and government relations officer, told the Coeur d'Alene Press, "It is the responsibility of NIC's leadership to make the difficult decisions to ensure employees who serve our students operate with integrity and align with the college's values of student success and academic excellence." "While I (or the college) cannot comment specifically on the possibility of pending litigation, NIC denies any wrongful conduct and is confident that any judicial process will afford clarity and bring the truth and facts to light," according to Rumpler. In the 22 years since Whitcomb was hired as head wrestling coach, NIC could claim 18 individual national champions and 108 All-Americans. He was honored as National Coach of the Year twice and Region 18 Coach of the Year eight times. Whitcomb is a member of the NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association) Wrestling Hall of Fame and NIC Hall of Fame. Two weeks ago, North Idaho announced it had hired Michael Sebaaly as its head wrestling coach. Founded in 1933, North Idaho College is a public, two-year community college located in Coeur d'Alene. It has a total enrollment of approximately 7,800 students.

Punahele Soriano, NCAA Division III All-American wrestler at Iowa's Wartburg College, secured a UFC contract with his impressive win on the Season 3 premiere of Dana White's Contender Series Tuesday night at UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Punahele Soriano (Photo/Jeff Beshey, The Guillotine)The 26-year-old Hawaiian native scored a unanimous decision in a three-round middleweight (185-pound) bout over Jamie Pickett, (30-27, 30-27, 30-26). It was the first time Soriano had a professional MMA fight go beyond the first round. In the first round, Soriano came out strong as he usually does, but Pickett was able to survive the late barrage before the sound of the horn," according to MMAjunkie.com. "Soriano remained calm and calculated, using his wrestling to control the rest of the fight." After the win, the former Wartburg Knight -- who earned All-America honors at the 2014 NCAAs by placing seventh in the 197-pound bracket -- Soriano expressed some concern whether he might not be selected by UFC president Dana White for a UFC contract. "To be honest, yeah," Soriano said. "It's kind of what I was thinking." A few minutes after Soriano's fight, though, White announced that he had chosen Soriano for a UFC contract, praising the former D3 mat star's ability to adjust his game plan and go the distance for the first time. Soriano is now 6-0 in his pro career which started in January 2017 … and the owner of a UFC contract. His first UFC fight has yet to be scheduled.