InterMat Staff

Chad Walsh and Ryan Wolfe LAWRENCEVILLE, N.J. -- Former Rider Wrestling All-Americans Chad Walsh and Ryan Wolfe are returning to serve as assistant coaches, head coach John Hangey has announced. "We are very excited to announce the addition of Ryan Wolfe and Chad Walsh as assistant coaches to the wrestling program," said Hangey. "Both Ryan and Chad represented Rider University at the highest level during their athletic careers having earned All American status. They bring a wealth of experience and success to the staff and will provide a genuine passion for our University and wrestling program. This will be beneficial to our younger student-athletes and will be extremely helpful in the overall development of our team." Walsh is one of only two, two-time All-Americans in Rider history, joining John Carvalheira. He was a four-time NCAA qualifier and is Rider's all-time leader in wins by fall with 39, having surpassed Tim Morrison's record of 29 that stood for nearly 35 years. He was a three-time EWL Champion and a two-time EWL Wrestler of the Year and Rider Male Athlete of the Year. Walsh was named to the 2015 Amateur Wrestling News All-Rookie Team and was a four-time NWCA All-Academic Team honoree. Wolfe returns to Rider following a year as an assistant coach at Lock Haven. Along with All-American honors, Wolfe was a three-time NCAA DI tournament qualifier and three-time EWL Champion. He was a four-time EWL finalist, a two-time place-winner at the Midlands Tournament and he was also a freestyle All-American.

Jacob Kasper after pinning Iowa's Sam Stoll at the NCAAs (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com) DURHAM, N.C. -- Duke University wrestling head coach Glen Lanham has announced the addition of former Blue Devil standout Jacob Kasper to the coaching staff. Kasper will serve as an assistant coach and will work closely with the upper weights as well recruiting for the program. "I'm excited to have him join our staff," said Lanham. "I think this is the first time in the program's history we've had someone as decorated as him coming back to be a part of the coaching staff. He's going to add a youth and an excitement to our program. Whatever Kasper does, he's passionate about and that will spill over into coaching. He's already had some great ideas. I'm excited to see him as a coach." A two-time All-American at heavyweight and the Duke single-season wins record holder, Kasper joins the staff after one of the most decorated careers in Blue Devil wrestling history. The Ohio native graduated in May after finishing a career-best fourth at the NCAA Championships to earn his second consecutive All-America honor. "To say I am excited to be coaching my former teammates as well as the freshmen would be an understatement," said Kasper. "I owe so much of who I am to the Duke wrestling team and staff and I hope I can impart many of those lessons I learned to the current team. I truly believe Duke wrestling is on the cusp of a huge breakthrough and will have more record-breaking moments this year and every year after and I'm thrilled to be a small piece of it." A native of Lexington, Ohio, Kasper competed at 184 pounds his first two seasons, qualifying for the NCAA Championships as a sophomore. With one year of starting under his belt, Kasper took home runner-up honors at the ACC Championships in his second season and finished with a 24-12 overall record. After taking a redshirt season in 2015-16, Kasper worked tirelessly on putting on weight to bump up to heavyweight where he excelled. His work ethic and will to succeed was unmatched as he marched his way onto the national wrestling scene in January 2017 when he became the first wrestler in Duke history to win the Southern Scuffle title, which he would do again in 2018. As a redshirt junior, Kasper posted a 30-6 overall record and earned his first All-America award with a sixth-place showing at the NCAA Championships. Five of his six losses came against top 20 foes as he became one of 13 Blue Devils in program history to amass 30 wins in a season. The two-year captain saved his best year for last, repeating as Southern Scuffle Champion, winning his first ACC title and taking fourth at the NCAA Championships just miles from his hometown in Ohio. Along the way, he eclipsed the Duke single-season wins mark with a 38-4 overall record. For his career, Kasper posted a 107-38 overall record and is the lone Duke wrestler to win a Southern Scuffle crown. Kasper resides in Durham and also will remain a member of the Wolfpack RTC where he trains with some of the best wrestlers in the country.

The 2019 NAIA Women's Wrestling Invitational will be held at Harold Newman Arena KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Jamestown will host the 2019 NAIA Women's Wrestling Invitational, the national office announced on Wednesday. The invitational will be held on March 15-16, 2019. The NAIA added women's wrestling as an invitational sport beginning the 2018-2019 academic year after the National Administrative Council (NAC) unanimously approved the motion at the NAIA National Convention in Kansas City, Mo., in April 2018. The NAIA is the first intercollegiate athletics association to officially recognize women's wrestling. "The NAIA is thrilled to have the University of Jamestown host the 2019 Women's Wrestling National Invitational," said Jim Carr, NAIA president and CEO. "This is a milestone event for women's wrestling and we are confident that Jamestown will deliver an exceptional experience for student-athletes, coaches, and fans." "The University of Jamestown looks forward to hosting this tournament," University of Jamestown President Dr. Polly Peterson said. "We have been committed to women's wrestling for a decade and are pleased that it is now an NAIA sport. The University and the Jamestown community look forward to welcoming the athletes and their fans. The University is appreciative of the support and participation that it received from the community as we moved through the site selection process." Harold Newman Arena will be the site for the event. The $16 million building opened September 29, 2017, and has already been the host to a college conference basketball championship tournament, high school regional basketball game, and many state, local and regional events. The 61,000 square foot facility features a private meeting room overlooking the floor, which combined with the lobby, can seat 350 people. There are 8 locker rooms, two concession stands, a game day athletic training room and conference room. "We are proud to host the first NAIA Women's Wrestling National Invitational," Jamestown Director of Athletics Sean Johnson said. "It's a terrific opportunity to showcase Harold Newman Arena, our community and our state. This is the sixth NAIA wrestling national championship we've hosted here in Jamestown and one of the big reasons is our strong wrestling community. By hosting this event, we hope to grow women's wrestling in our state and region." Harold Newman Arena is connected by a hallway to a brand new, state of the art athletic training center and the school's 6,000 square foot wrestling room, recently renovated 5,500 square foot weight training center with adjacent locker room space. Twenty-five NAIA institutions - including Jamestown -- are anticipated to field women's wrestling teams during the 2018-2019 season, up from 19 the year prior. Women's wrestling will be eligible for championship status after two years of competition as an invitational sport, and 40 institutions sponsor a varsity women's wrestling team. Quick Facts: Host: University of Jamestown (N.D.) Event: NAIA Women's Wrestling National Invitational Dates: March 15-16, 2019 Facility: Harold Newman Arena City: Jamestown, N.D. About the University of Jamestown: Established in 1883 as Jamestown College, University of Jamestown is a private, liberal arts university granting bachelor of arts and science in nursing degrees, as well as master's degrees in education and leadership, and a Fargo-based doctor of physical therapy degree. University of Jamestown offers more than 30 areas of study. With the Journey to Success, emphasis is placed not only on preparing students academically in their chosen areas of study, but also on preparing students through an experience that is student-centered and integrates the liberal arts with sound professional programs. The Journey includes a four-year graduation guarantee and a guaranteed internship.

DOYLESTOWN, Pa. -- Women's wrestling is coming to Delaware Valley University. The school announced today that women's wrestling and fencing have been added to the school's offerings and will begin competition in 2019-20. "We are very excited about our intention to add both women's wrestling and fencing to our ever-growing list of athletic opportunities here at DelVal," director of athletics Steve Cantrell said. "Both sports have grown by leaps and bounds and it further shows the commitment by the University to our entire athletic department as well as meeting the interests of our students." Forty-eight colleges now sponsor a varsity women's wrestling team, according to the National Wrestling Coaches Association.

Lonnie Morris coaching at the NCAA Division III Wrestling Championships Johnson & Wales head wrestling coach Lonnie Morris joins The MatBoss Podcast for Episode 4. Host Chad Dennis talks to Morris about building his program, evolving as a coach, recruiting, growing his team's fan base through events and promotions, competing against Rutgers, team expectations and more. 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 | Stitcher | Spreaker | Google Play Music | RSS

"The King of Ohio high school wrestling died Monday at age 96." Mike Milkovich with son Tom MilkovichThat's how Pat Galbincea, long-time Cleveland Plain Dealer sportswriter who is arguably the dean of amateur wrestling writers in the Buckeye state, opened his tribute to Mike Milkovich, coach of the legendary Maple Heights High School mat program for nearly three decades and head of a household of wrestling greats. "Big Mike" passed away Labor Day Monday from what doctors said were complications from pneumonia and advanced age. He was 96. Michael Milkovich was one of eight kids of Paul and Dragica Milkovich, who came to Ohio from Croatia immediately after World War I. The Milkovich family settled into a working-class suburb of Cleveland, where Mike was a 145-pound state champion for Garfield Heights High in 1941, and was a key ingredient in the Bulldogs winning the Ohio state team title that year. He also earned NCAA All-American honors as a wrestler at Kent State University. However, "Big Mike" is best known -- and most respected -- for a stellar high school coaching career. By any measure, Milkovich's wrestling coaching resume was loaded with mind-blowing stats and incredible honors. From 1949 to 1977, Milkovich coached the Maple Heights Mustangs of suburban Cleveland to 16 undefeated seasons, 10 state championships, nine state runner-up finishes and 37 individual state titles. His teams' overall record in dual meets was 262-25-2 (a .912 winning percentage). All were state records at the time he retired forty-one years ago. Milkovich also guided the Mustangs to a record 103 consecutive dual meet victories from 1963-72 (still a record). As for honors… Milkovich was a charter member of the Ohio Wrestling Hall of Fame, welcomed into the Greater Cleveland Sports Hall of Fame in 1978, and one of just three high school coaches elected to the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in Stillwater, Okla. as a Distinguished Member in 1983. "When people are interested in exploring the development and culture of youth wrestling in the United States, they need to look no further than legendary coach Mike Milkovich Sr. and the dynasty that he built and sustained at Maple Heights High School during the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s," said Lee Roy Smith, Executive Director of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. "But there is much more to the man than his phenomenal coaching career, including his innovative promotion of the sport. "On behalf of our Board of Governors and the Hall of Fame, we extend our sincere sympathies to Big Mike's family, friends, former wrestlers, students and those who were fortunate enough to have gone fishing with him in the Florida Keys." Milkovich also owns the rare distinction of being the subject of a book, "Mustang" written by Jim Kalin, Amateur Wrestling News writer and Dellinger Award honoree as 2009 wrestling writer of the year, who grew up in the Cleveland area and wrestled for a rival high school. "Mike Milkovich and Maple Heights changed Cleveland wrestling at a time when Ohio really didn't figure into the national scene," Kalin told this writer -- a Cleveland area resident himself for two years - in a 2016 InterMat interview about "Mustang." "He and his wrestlers forced Ohio to become better. Now Ohio ranks among the top two or three states for wrestling in the nation." "He helped other coaches up their game." The National Hall of Fame cited a couple other elements of Mike Milkovich's coaching career that set him apart. "Complementing his record on the mat was his flair for promotion of the sport," according to the Hall's Distinguished Member write-up for Milkovich. "He attracted attention to his program with the use of mat maids, cheerleaders, pep clubs, booster clubs, junior high and junior varsity matches and the "radical" innovation of holding the meets at night." "Milkovich never limited his horizons to Maple Heights," the Hall continued. "An educator of coaches and wrestlers, he conducted clinics across the country. He developed and published a practice plan for both high school and college coaches. His book on how to teach wrestling sold thousands of copies. A video tape series on wrestling techniques received nationwide acclaim." Coach Mike and Barbara Milkovich raised two daughters - Cathy and Beth - and four sons: Tom, an undefeated three-time state champ and NCAA champ at Michigan State; Mike Jr., a state champ and All-American at Kent State; Dan, who placed third in the state; and youngest son Pat, while not a state champ, was a two-time national champ and four-time NCAA finalist at Michigan State. Mike Milkovich was preceded in death by his wife Barbara. Funeral arrangements are pending at this time.

Matt Ramos won a Cadet world title this summer (Photo/Martin Gabor, United World Wrestling) Cadet world freestyle champion Matt Ramos (Lockport, Ill.) verbally committed to the University of Minnesota on Tuesday evening. He made his announcement on Twitter. The No. 59 overall prospect is a two-time state placer, yet to make a state final, finishing fifth and third the last two seasons. Additional notable success for Ramos comes in a Preseason Nationals title last fall and a NHSCA Junior Nationals title this spring in folkstyle, along with Cadet National runner-up finishes in both styles last summer. He projects to compete collegiately as a 125-pound wrestler.

Jordan Burroughs is -263 to medal at the World Championships (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com) Betting odds for USA freestyle wrestlers at the World Championships have been released by BetDSI. The World Championships are set for Oct. 20-28 in Budapest, Hungary. To register for an online account and bet online, visit BetDSI.com. How betting works: If betting on a wrestler listed with a minus (-) sign, you must risk that number amount to profit $100 (and get your stake back). For example, risking $263 on Jordan Burroughs (-263) to medal would profit $100. If betting on a wrestler listed with a plus (+) sign, for every $100 you risk, you profit that amount. For example, risking $100 on David Taylor (+115) to win a gold medal would profit $115. Note: Betting odds are subject to change.

Jack Mueller won the U23 World Team Trials (Photo/Sam Janicki, SJanickiPhoto.com) CHARLOTTESVILLE -- Jack Mueller, an All-American at 125 pounds as a true freshman in 2016-17, will wrestle again for Virginia, but it won't be until the 2019-20 season. Mueller, who competed at 133 pounds for the Cavaliers as a sophomore, will redshirt this season. He's focused on preparing for the Under-23 world freestyle championships, to be held in November in Bucharest, Romania. In June, at USA Wrestling's U23 trials in Akron, Ohio, Mueller went 7-0 to win the 57-kilogram (125.7-pound) class. Mid-career redshirts are not uncommon in college wrestling, and for "the past two years, he and his family have been thinking about it and talking about it," UVA head coach Steve Garland said, "and Jack and I have been talking about it. "That's the way you want to make a decision that's this big. You want to do it with a well-thought-out, well-analyzed, well-vetted process." At one point, Mueller considered redshirting in 2019-20 to try to make the U.S. freestyle team for the 2020 Olympics, but "something was tugging on his heart to do it sooner," Garland said, "and frankly when he made the world [U23] team, it actually made the decision more clear for everybody." Freestyle wrestling differs significantly from folkstyle wrestling, which is used at the high school and college levels in the United States. (Folkstyle is also known as scholastic or collegiate.) Switching from one style to another during a college season is challenging, said Garland, who's an assistant coach on the U.S.'s U23 freestyle team and will be with Mueller in Romania. Mueller, a graduate of Trinity Christian Academy in the Dallas suburb of Addison, Texas, said folkstyle "is more of a grind and a mental-toughness check. Freestyle, it's more skilled-based and finesse." As a sophomore, Mueller dealt with a series of injuries and finished 24-7 after losing in the round of 12 at the NCAA championships in Cleveland. He expects to return to college competition a better wrestler after his redshirt year. "After last season kind of being a letdown and then making the world team," Mueller said, "I think it's a really good season for me to get my eyes back on the prize and work as hard as I can every day and hopefully make some gains in my wrestling that I haven't made yet." Not only did injuries hinder Mueller last season, his adjustment to a new weight class was not as smooth as he'd hoped. "I just didn't think that my stuff on top was working as well as it was when I was at 125," he said. When he dropped back down to 125 for the U23 freestyle trials in Ohio, he found it easier to hit his favorite moves, "because I could just overpower a lot of people," Mueller said. After he returns from the world championships, Mueller will wrestle unattached at several college tournaments, Garland said, probably at 133 pounds. "I feel good about it," Garland said of Mueller's decision to redshirt. "The downside is that, wow, we just knocked an All-American out of our lineup. But it would be a bigger deal if we didn't have amazing guys" to fill that spot. Candidates to replace Mueller at 133 pounds are redshirt freshman Brian Courtney, sophomores Sam Book and Scott Kiyono, and true freshman Ben Kamali. Courtney, wrestling unattached at 141 pounds last season, posted a 21-9 record. He's probably a "more natural fit" at 133, Garland said. "Going forward, I think he's going to put muscle on, I think he's going to grow, I think God will take over and change his body. But right now, where he's at physically, it actually works out great. He's a total stud. He's an amazing kid. He's one of my favorite guys I've ever coached already." Courtney is "going to shock a lot of people, for sure," Mueller said. "He's more than capable." Garland stressed that Courtney "will be pushed every step of the way to make the starting lineup. Guys like Scotty Kiyono and Sam Book are tough and getting better as well, and they are hungry to compete and be the guy there too, and when you factor in a freshman like Kamali, who's fantastic, we will have competition that will make them all better to see who'll be the guy ultimately at that weight." The Cavaliers' roster includes only two seniors, 184-pounders Will Schany and Chance McClure. Each is in his fifth year in the program. "We potentially could have four to six freshman or sophomore starters," Garland said. "That's as young as it gets. So we're still going to have some growing pains." Garland is heading into his 13th season as head coach at his alma mater. His projected lineup for 2018-19: * 125 pounds: Redshirt sophomore Louie Hayes, an NCAA tournament qualifier at this weight last season. Like Mueller, Hayes lost in the round of 12. * 133 pounds: Courtney, Book, Kiyono or Kamali. Book posted a 16-11 record last season. * 141 pounds: Redshirt junior Sam Krivus, a two-time NCAA tournament qualifier at 149. Krivus went 2-2 at NCAAs last season. * 149 pounds: Sophomore Jake Keating or redshirt sophomore Sam Martino. Keating went 25-15 last season. * 157 pounds: Redshirt freshman Cam Coy, redshirt sophomore Michael Murphy or true freshman Justin McCoy. Coy, wrestling unattached last season, went 14-9. * 165 pounds: Coy, Murphy or McCoy. * 174 pounds: True freshman Robert Patrick or sophomore Michael Battista. * 184 pounds: Schany or McClure. Schany was an NCAA tournament qualifier at 174 last season. * 197 pounds: Redshirt junior Tyler Love or redshirt sophomore Jay Aiello. Love competed at heavyweight at the NCAA championships last season. * 285 pounds: Redshirt freshman Quinn Miller or sophomore Brian Kennerly. In all, 12 wrestlers from UVA competed at the U23 freestyle trials in Ohio. Standouts, in addition to Mueller, included Hayes, Courtney, Krivus, Keating and Love. "I'm dead serious when I say this: We're going to be really, really good in a year or two," Mueller said. "We're so young right now, and there's just a lot of talent." Garland agreed. "God willing, if we're healthy, that's going to be character-wise, talent-wise, culture-wise the best group of kids I've ever had, collectively," he said.

While most of us were preparing for the three-day Labor Day holiday weekend, efforts to overturn Eastern Michigan University's decision to eliminate its wrestling program and three other sports last spring were dismissed on Friday, Aug. 31. The lawsuit -- brought by EMU alums Douglas and Mary Willer in May -- sought to negate the university's elimination of women's tennis, softball, men's wrestling and swimming and diving, claiming the move was made in violation of the Michigan Open Meetings Act. Michigan Court of Claims Judge Stephen Borrello ruled that even if there was a violation of the OMA, the court would not invalidate the Board of Regents' decision to eliminate the sports. "On the allegations made in plaintiffs' complaint, the decision to eliminate the four varsity sports, even if made in a secret meeting and in a manner that was contrary to the OMA, was re-approved at a public meeting in April 2018," Borrello wrote. As InterMat reported back in May, the lawsuit had been filed by the Willers, both EMU graduates. Douglas Willer was a two-time All-American wrestler and member of the EMU Athletic Hall of Fame. Eastern Michigan had announced its decision to cut wrestling and the three other sports back in March, immediately after the conclusion of the 2018 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships.

Registration is now open for the 2018 InterMat Classic high school wrestling tournament. The ninth edition of this popular preseason event will take place on Saturday, Oct. 20, at Edina High School, 6754 Valley View Road, in Edina, Minn. The 2018 InterMat Classic is open to wrestlers in grades 7-12. It will offer competition in 15 weight classes -- the 14 standard NHSF (National High School Foundation) weights, plus an additional 100-pound weight class. New name, new location Founded in 2010 as the InterMat JJ Classic, the 2018 edition of this fall tournament for junior high and high school wrestlers now sports a new name -- InterMat Classic -- and a new location, having relocated from Rochester, Minn. to Edina in the suburban Twin Cities, with easy access via major Interstate highways as well as from major airlines via Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. "Rochester was a great home for our first eight years, but ultimately we wanted to move the event to the Twin Cities," said event chairman -- and InterMat website co-owner -- Andrew Hipps. "We believe Edina is a perfect fit for the InterMat Classic. Not only is it in a great location that is easy for people to get to and from, but Edina has very nice facilities. We are very excited about partnering with Edina and bringing the event to the Twin Cities." A history of great competition Now in its ninth year, the 2018 InterMat Classic has provided junior and senior high wrestlers with an unbeatable opportunity to test themselves against the best wrestlers from the Midwest ... and beyond, with past champions from all over the U.S., including California and Texas. Mark Hall celebrates after a win in the NCAA semifinals (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com) Only one wrestler can claim five InterMat Classic titles: Mark Hall, 2017 NCAA champ for Penn State, tallied five straight InterMat Classic crowns as a wrestler at Minnesota's Apple Valley High School from 2011 through 2015. In 2017, Alex Lloyd of Shakopee, Minn. -- now as freshman at South Dakota State -- became a four-time InterMat Classic champion. Seth Gross after winning the NCAA title at 133 pounds (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com) Other great wrestlers who have participated in the InterMat Classic in the past include: Gable Steveson, Junior/Cadet world champ in freestyle and nation's No. 1 recruit in 2018 Seth Gross, NCAA champ for South Dakota State Michael Kroells, NCAA All-American for Minnesota Tommy Thorn, NCAA All-American for Minnesota Mitchell McKee, Junior world silver medalist in freestyle Sam Stoll, NCAA All-American for Iowa Jake Waste, NCAA Division II champ for Cal Baptist Lucas Jeske, NCAA Division III champ for Augsburg Mason Manville, Cadet world champ in freestyle Great wrestling ... for a great cause Justin KukowskiEven though this tournament has a new name and a new location, one thing remains the same. As in the past, proceeds from the 2018 InterMat Classic will go to the Justin Kukowski Foundation, a foundation whose mission is to fund research, development, to provide complementary alternative therapies and psychological support for cancer patients. In addition, it provides scholarships to cancer patients in need. The Foundation is named in honor of Justin "JJ" Kukowski, an avid sports fan who passed away from cancer in 2007. "Justin was an amazing person who touched a lot of lives in the 27 years he was alive," according to Andrew Hipps. "We wanted to honor Justin through this event and raise money for an important cause." Register early and save Registration for the 2018 InterMat Classic opened on Saturday, Sept. 1 ... and extends right up until weigh-ins. However, there is a money-saving, early-bird registration special. The cost is $40 if you register during the month of September, and $50 if you register in October. For more information and to register, visit www.intermatwrestle.com/intermatclassic.

Vern Jones, wrestling champ at Stanford University and in high school who went on to use his fortune gained from his drilling business to support the sport he loved, passed away last Sunday, Aug. 25 at his home near Sacramento, Calif. after suffering a stroke earlier that week. He was 93. Vern JonesAccording to the Stanford wrestling Facebook page, "from 1946-49, Vern posted an undefeated 4-year career for the Cardinals, winning three conference championships and acting as student-coach during his final two seasons." Despite being long associated with Stanford and the state of California, Vernon Jones was born on May 1, 1925, in Minneapolis and grew up in the Midwest. It was there that Jones was introduced to wrestling, first at Proviso High School in suburban Chicago, then at Woodruff High in Peoria, where he won the 125-pound title at the 1942 Illinois state wrestling championships, becoming that school's first state mat champ. After graduating from high school, Jones wrestled while serving as a naval aviator during World War II. In 1945, Jones enrolled in Stanford University on the G.I. bill, studying petroleum geology and competing on the school's wrestling team. In the four years he wrestled as a Cardinal, he was undefeated, winning the Pacific Coast Conference Championship three times, according to the Sacramento Bee. "Jones was known in the drilling industry as a trailblazer in mud logging, the science of recording and analyzing rock cuttings in drilling mud during the exploration process," the Sacramento newspaper continued. "He is remembered by friends and family for his generosity, donating liberally to organizations across California." A few years after graduating from Stanford, Jones and a classmate launched the Exploration Logging Co., a geologic logging services firm that functioned as a consultant to well owners and producers. He developed the company into the largest organization of its kind, until his retirement in 1980. "I think his early wrestling career proved his toughness," said Vern Jones' son Derek. "And he really carried that on into business." Jones used his experience -- and fortune gained from his business venture -- to help support his college alma mater and the sport he loved. "A generous philanthropist, he later provided financial stability for the program in years that it needed it most and eventually established the Vern Jones Wrestling Program Endowment in 2003," according to the Stanford wrestling Facebook page. Here's what the Pac-12 conference said of Jones' generous gift 15 years ago. "The establishment of the operating endowment will enable the Cardinal wrestling program to travel to the most competitive events in the country, in addition to expanding its recruiting efforts and capabilities." "'When your program becomes financially self-sufficient, the coach and his staff can turn their focus to coaching, recruiting, marketing and developing a better product for everyone,' Chris Horpel, who served as Stanford wrestling head coach from 1980-2001, said. 'Coach Steve Buddie and his staff are doing an excellent job in every aspect and I am glad to have been part of this program for so many years.'" "'For Vern Jones, wrestling has played a largely important role in his life,' Stanford head wrestling coach Steve Buddie said. 'He truly appreciated every aspect of his collegiate wrestling experience. His generous gift has now opened the door of opportunity to many young wrestlers who hope to have that same positive experience at Stanford. His gift has also lent instant credibility to this aggressive and highly important endowment campaign. We are forever grateful for Vern Jones' lifelong relationship with Stanford Wrestling.'" That was not the extent of Vern Jones' involvement in wrestling long after he had stepped off the mat. In 1999, Jones became the first-ever wrestler inducted into the Stanford Athletics Hall of Fame. In 2015, he was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, according to the Stanford wrestling Facebook page. Jones is survived by his wife, Gloria, and two children, Derek and Sandra.

JoeQuan Richardson, a senior wrestler and student assistant for the mat program at Central Baptist College in Arkansas, died Wednesday of undisclosed causes. He was 24. JoeQuan Richardson Richardson wrestled for the CBC Mustangs at 141 pounds. He was pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Exercise Science. Prior to coming to the Conway, Ark. school, Richardson was a member of the wrestling team at Northwood High School in Shreveport, La. Central Baptist College issued the following statement: "We offer our deepest sympathy to JoeQuan's family and friends and ask that you remember them in prayer." Richardson's teammates were devastated by the loss of their teammate and friend. "As a wrestler, he was an Energizer bunny. He goes and he goes. He had a gas tank like there no tomorrow," fellow CBC wrestler Francisco Joseph told KARK-TV. "I didn't see it coming. Physically the guy was in better shape than anyone on the team," said Tyree Avery. Head Coach Ken Prophete described JoeQuan Richardson as a hard worker who never quit. "If I told him to run through a wall and that you would be a national champion he would do. He was one of those people you wish you had ten of in your program," said Prophete. Funeral arrangements are still pending. However, on Thursday, Sept. 6, the CBC Mustang wrestling team will hold a balloon release and memorial service for JoeQuan Richardson at 4 p.m. at the school's wrestling facility. Students, faculty and staff along with people in the community are welcome to attend. Central Baptist College is a private, four-year liberal arts college located in Conway, Ark. in the central part of the state, just north of Little Rock, the state capital. It has an enrollment of approximately 800 students.

Sean Bormet with Sergei Beloglazov ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Two-time Olympic and six-time world champion Sergei Beloglazov has been named the new head coach of the Cliff Keen Wrestling Club, the club announced on Friday (Aug. 31). Considered among the greatest freestyle wrestlers in the history of the sport, Beloglazov relocated to Ann Arbor from his hometown Kaliningrad, Russia, this month with his wife, Irina, and twin daughters, Kate and Sasha. "Sergei is one of the very best competitors and wrestling minds in the history of our sport," said University of Michigan head coach Sean Bormet. "He has a vast range of world-class international coaching experience, and his energy and enthusiasm around the mat is incredible. It's a tremendous opportunity for everyone involved in our program to learn from him. We are thrilled to have him and his family with us in Ann Arbor." "I'm excited for this opportunity," said Beloglazov, "and I'm excited to work with Sean and his coaches and athletes. Training collegiate and freestyle out of the same facility is a great concept, and the programs here at Michigan are excellent. I look forward to helping them continue their wrestling and pursue their Olympic and world dreams." Beloglazov ruled the freestyle bantamweight for nearly a decade, capturing two Olympic gold medals (1980, '88) and five world titles (1981, '83-87) at 57kg/125 pounds -- he also won world gold at featherweight (62kg/136 pounds) in 1982 -- after claiming silver at the 1979 World Championships. He won five World Cup titles (1979, '80, '81, '83, '86) and was a five-time European champion. Beloglazov was inducted into the UWW International Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2004. A master wrestling technician, Beloglazov has coached internationally since his retirement from competition and, among numerous positions around the world, has served as a national team coach for Japan, Russia, the United States and Kazakhstan over the last 25 years.

IOWA CITY, Iowa -- University of Iowa head wrestling coach Tom Brands announced Friday that former Hawkeye All-American Bobby Telford has joined the coaching staff as volunteer assistant coach. Bobby TelfordTelford fills a position previously occupied by Ben Berhow. Berhow is transitioning to a coaching and administrative role with the Hawkeye Wrestling Club. Telford has been a member of the HWC since graduating in 2015. He was an All-American for the Hawkeyes in 2012, 2014, and 2015, and completed his career with an overall record of 108-27 while wrestling at 285 pounds. He has competed in a number of international tournaments on the senior circuit, and as of last April, was the No. 5 ranked heavyweight in the United States. He is taking an indefinite leave from competition to focus his attention on his new position on the Hawkeye coaching staff. "I'm fired up to get started," Telford said. "I've wanted nothing but the absolute best for this team and the people in this program since arriving in Iowa City in 2011. This is an opportunity afforded to very few people, and I want to thank Tom, Terry (Brands), and (Ryan) Morningstar for giving me the chance to continue our pursuit of NCAA and World Championships." Berhow joined the Hawkeye staff in 2013, working primarily with the upper weights. In his five seasons in the corner, Iowa crowned 28 All-Americans, including current HWC members Sammy Brooks, Nathan Burak, Cory Clark, Thomas Gilman, Alex Meyer, and Brandon Sorensen. "This is a step forward for me," Berhow said. "This transition allows me to maintain a role inside the Hawkeye program while balancing some personal interests outside of the wrestling room. I am embracing the challenges of both and looking forward to the year ahead." Telford is the second coach Brands has added to the staff this summer. Quinn Hollan was named strength and conditioning coach on Aug. 10. "We had two experienced heavyweights in our room yesterday and we'll have two experienced heavyweights in our room tomorrow," Brands said. "They're both in positions that fit them professionally, and they're both aware of the expectations demanded by their new roles. That's a good thing, because we have a lot of horsepower on our roster and we need everyone on board."

Tony Ramos coaching at the NCAAs (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com) CHAPEL HILL -- Three-time All-American and 2014 NCAA champion Tony Ramos has been promoted to assistant coach for the North Carolina wrestling program, head coach Coleman Scott announced Friday. Ramos, who joined the staff as a volunteer assistant in 2016, brings a wealth of experience from both the collegiate and international ranks. "I am very excited to have the opportunity to keep working with the the Carolina wrestling program," Ramos said. "Recruiting is a new role that I get to step into with this promotion, and I am ready to hit the ground running and get the Tar Heels competing for individual and team national titles on a regular basis." Ramos replaces Neil Erisman, who departed earlier this year to become the first head wrestling coach at Little Rock. "Tony has been a tremendous asset to our staff for the last two years and I am thrilled for him to take on this new role," Scott said. "His energy and enthusiasm for both wrestling and this university will make him a natural recruiter and a great leader for the young men in our program." A decorated international wrestler in addition to his accomplishments at the University of Iowa, Ramos has been a staple on USA Wrestling teams over the last several years. A two-time U.S. World Team Trials champion and the 2018 U.S. Open champion, he is among the top-ranked American wrestlers at 57 kg. Ramos is married to the former Megan Eskew, a volleyball team captain while at Iowa, and the couple has two sons, A.J. and Lincoln, and just welcomed a daughter, Calla, on August 30.

Jeremy Spates (Photo/SIUE Sports Information) EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. -- SIUE wrestling Head Coach Jeremy Spates has inked a three-year contract extension, Director of Athletics Dr. Brad Hewitt announced Thursday. Spates' agreement will keep him as the Cougars' head coach through the 2020-21 season. "We're extremely pleased with the progress that Jeremy Spates has made in building a quality program with quality young men while achieving national success," said Hewitt. "He is consistently placing wrestlers at the national tournament, and we believe he is not that far off from placing an entire team there. We're excited that he is willing and enthusiastic about remaining with SIUE." SIUE was touted nationally for its 2018 recruiting class, earning top 25 honors from FloWrestling and Intermat. Beginning this season, Spates leads SIUE wrestling into a new era as a member of the Mid-American Conference. SIUE had been a member of the Southern Conference since the 2012-13 season. "People have asked if this is a stepping stone but when I came here, this is where I wanted to be," said Spates. "I wanted to return the program back to its glory days. I am thankful for Dr. Hewitt and the athletic department for the opportunity to continue building the program." The Cougars have grown significantly under Spates' watch since David Devine earned a spot at the NCAA Division I Championships during the 2013-14 season. Since then, 10 SIUE wrestlers won SoCon Tournament titles and advanced to the NCAA Championships. Jake Residori took it a step further during the 2016-17 season when he earned All-American status at 174 pounds. He became the first SIUE wrestler to earn Division I All-American status since SIUE Athletics Hall of Famer Tim Wright in 1987. John Muldoon, Tyshawn Williams and Nate Higgins all return to the SIUE lineup this season after earning spots at the national championships last season. SIUE will release its 2018-19 schedule early next month.

Brent Metcalf (Photo/Iowa State Sports Information) AMES, Iowa -- Four-time U.S. World Freestyle Team member Brent Metcalf has been promoted to assistant coach for the Iowa State wrestling team. Metcalf was the program's volunteer assistant coach. "I am excited to promote Brent within our organization," Head Coach Kevin Dresser said. "He did a fantastic job in his first year at Iowa State and I am excited to see him to continue to grow as a coach. Getting Brent out on the road recruiting will be a new and exciting challenge for him and, most importantly, a huge asset to the future of Cyclone Wrestling." In his volunteer role on Dresser's staff last year, Metcalf was instrumental in the development of NCAA Championship qualifier Jarrett Degen and Junior World Team member Austin Gomez. "My experience at Iowa State last year was above and beyond any expectations I had," Metcalf said. "This coaching staff, administration and, most importantly, this team are a great group of motivated individuals who I feel blessed to work." A tenacious and highly successful competitor himself, Metcalf is eager to take on a greater role in recruiting, training and coaching the Cyclones. "I very much look forward to taking on a larger role in recruiting and finding the right student-athletes to represent this University," Metcalf said. "My favorite part about coaching is impacting the lives and careers of young men and I'm laser focused on that mission. I look forward to the challenge of bringing Iowa State Wrestling back to national contention, where it belongs!" Metcalf served as the National Freestyle Developmental Coach prior to his arrival in Ames. He joined the USA Wrestling coaching staff in 2016, where his duties centered on coaching the age-group men's freestyle World Teams, directing the freestyle resident athletes at the U.S. Olympic Training Center and serving as an assistant coach on the senior national team. As a senior-level athlete, Metcalf was a staple in the United States' lineup from 2010-16. He won a gold medal at the 2015 Pan American Games, claimed World Cup gold medals in 2014 and 2015 won the 2014 UWW Golden Grand Prix Finals and earned a silver medal at the 2013 Ivan Yarygin Grand Prix. Metcalf qualified for the U.S. Freestyle National Team six straight years (2010-16), winning U.S. Open titles in 2014 and 2015. He was also a member of the 2006 Junior World Team. The Davison, Mich. native is one of the most decorated wrestlers in University of Iowa history. He won two NCAA titles (2008 and 2010) and was an NCAA finalist (2008-10) in each of his three seasons at Iowa. Metcalf won the 2008 Dan Hodge Trophy, given to the nation's best collegiate wrestler, and helped the Hawkeyes win NCAA team titles each year. His career winning percentage of 97.2 (108-3 record) is second-best in Hawkeye history. He was named the Jesse Owens Big Ten Athlete of the Year in 2008, the Outstanding Wrestler at the NCAA Championship in 2008 and was a three-time member of the NWCA All-Academic Team. Metcalf was one of the most highly touted prep wrestlers. While wrestling for Davison High School, he posted a record of 228-0 with 156 victories by fall. He was one of the best athletes to wrestle in USA Wrestling's age-group program, winning six ASICS Junior National Titles, three each in freestyle and Greco-Roman. Metcalf and his wife Kristen have three kids, Chase, Cole and Wyatt. He earned his bachelor's degree from Iowa in 2010. Metcalf's hiring is pending a university background check.

While college wrestling and professional wrestling are two very different endeavors. There is still a great deal of crossover in turns of talent. Many former college wrestlers have gone on to become big stars in the predetermined version of combat. Recently former Appalachian State heavyweight Denzel Dejournette signed on to train at the WWE's performance center, and the company has been actively recruiting former Duke wrestler Jacob Kasper for some time. To discuss the transition of college wrestlers into WWE and the current training environment, Matside welcomes Wrestling Observer Live co-host Mike Sempervive. Richard and Mike discuss the WWE's scouting process, the pros and cons of their training style and what it takes for a college wrestler to be a successful professional wrestler. You can follow Mike on Twitter at @Sempervive and listen to his show on F4WOnline.com. Follow InterMat on Twitter and subscribe to the show @InterMat | Apple Podcasts | iHeartRadio | Google Play Music | Stitcher | Spreaker | RSS

The wrestling community was shocked this week after learning that U.S. National Team member Richard Perry had suffered a serious injury during training camp at Camp Pendleton in California. Perry had an object impaled into his eye causing considerable damage to his orbital bone and leaving small pieces of bone close to his brain. That injury and accompanying swelling has caused a number of other complications. As injuries go, Perry's is as serious as they come. Unfortunately, no matter his level of health insurance the financial burden from an injury of this severity has been, and will continue to be, significant. Due to the nature of the injury Perry will remain in California for several weeks, which will be costly to his wife and three young children. To that end the wrestling community has responded by raising money through a GoFundMe account which the Perry family can use for covering these expenses. The outpouring has already been incredible, but let's be sure to keep it going and support one our one in his time of need. Best wishes to the Perry family and to Richard for a speedy and full recovery. To your questions … Q: Congratulations on the birth of your daughter, Foley! As new parents, you and your wife probably have a lot of thoughts flying through your heads, and wrestling is likely not at the top of the list. But...this is a wrestling column. So, let's discuss a classic wrestling question: "When should my daughter/son start wrestling?" Most parents who also happen to be lifelong wrestlers, coaches, and fans of the sport have probably thought about this at some point around having a child. As an uncle, I've thought about how exciting it will be when my now young nieces and nephews start to roll and discover their strength, flexibility, and balance through athletic endeavors, hopefully including wrestling. So, any thoughts on how wrestling and the grappling arts can be sustainably built into a child's (and teen's, and young adult's) life of balance, empathy, competition, and community? What attributes of the sport do you anticipate to be important for self-discovery and socialization for your daughter, beyond the importance of a strong gut wrench, that is? -- Nate H. Foley: Thanks! Children bring a new perspective and even in these early days I've enjoyed thinking about all the small changes she's brought about in the way I view the world. Disneyland has started looking attractive. I want a Subaru Forrester. Changes are brewing. I'm a little less concerned about when my daughter will wrestle (or even if) and more focused on creating healthy physical habits and emotional strength. Though organized wrestling will be her choice, there is certain to be instructive wrestling with her cousins, friends and parents. Light wrestling with your children is beneficial in reducing stress, connecting with parents, learning empathy, and respecting familial hierarchies. As for timing I'm more interested in skill development and a focus on pursuing passions disciplined with rote learning. At this moment I'm not too concerned with steering my daughter into wrestling, or violin so much as I am interested in her developing body awareness via gymnastic-type activity, discipline via repetition and grit in seeing things through. Were my daughter to REALLY want to compete in wrestling I would nudge her towards jiu-jitsu at first as a way to limit any head trauma and also to help teach her positive habits of teamwork and discipline. Also, I think a little pink gi would be too cute for words. Q: Is Jered Cortez still at Penn State? Have injuries officially ended his career? -- @Robbybobbi Foley: Jared Cortez is not listed on the official Penn State roster for 2018-2019. He joined the seniors for a Senior Night celebration last spring, indicating that he was likely to not use his final year of eligibility. Anthony Cassar (Photo/Sam Janicki, SJanickiPhoto.com) Q: What do you make of the Penn State heavyweight situation? Don't you think Nick Nevills is 'owed' something for putting it on the line for his team? Is there such a thing as loyalty at high-level programs? -- @Robbybobbi Foley: Do you mean because Anthony Cassar has moved up to heavyweight? I think it would be difficult to secure any starting position based solely on a previous year's performance, or perceived sacrifice, let alone at Penn State. Cassar is (probably) moving up to avoid a showdown with two-time NCAA champion Bo Nickal who moved up from 184 pounds. Can Cassar beat Nevills and prove himself a more apt Big Ten competitor at a new weight class? Maybe. But I'd still bet on the All-American Nevills to better deal with opponents' weight and find W's for Cael and co. The Blue and White wrestle-off will give some early season indication as to who will take the top spot by March, but don't be surprised if the staff discounts in-the-room wins based on familiarity and weighs heavier success against outside opponents. MULTIMEDIA HALFTIME Snyderlaev 2 anyone? Q: Who do you see as the biggest lock to win a world championship in Budapest in each of the three styles? -- Mike C. Foley: Women's wrestling: This used to be a simple answer: Icho or Yoshida. If that didn't work you could still choose any number of Japanese and feel confident in the pick. But this year the Japanese aren't competing at their top and the smart money remains on Helen Maroulis. She'll be healthy and there just isn't anyone at 57 kilograms who can match her strength or speed. Freestyle: Kyle Snyder and Jordan Burroughs are attractive choices for American wrestling fans, but with Chamizo and Sadualev also challenging for titles at 74 kilograms and 97 kilograms respectively the smart money has to be somewhere else. I'd choose David Taylor, but Hassan Yazdani Charati is an Olympic champion. Geno and Taha are neck and neck at heavyweight. Vladimir Khinchegashvilli dropped a match to Bekbulatov at Euros and is still settling into 65 kilograms. All the favorites taken off the table, the best remaining option might be Akhmed Gadzhimagomedov at 79 kilograms. He beat Kyle Dake 8-2 at Yarygin and hasn't been challenged since. Greco-Roman: Artur Aleksanyan (Armenia): He does nothing better than anyone who's ever done something. Q: I saw that Dom Abounader won a silver medal for Lebanon at the Asian Games. I have noticed that other Americans have competed for other countries. Do they have to have a parent born in that country? Or what is the rule that allows them to compete for other countries? -- Mike C. Foley: Dual passport holders are able to wrestle for either nation without having to change nationality, so long as they have never competed for their other nation previously. For example, Abounader hadn't wrestled for the United States and was able to compete for Lebanon without issue. For those who aren't born with dual citizenship certain nations grant the proper paperwork in order to allow top-flight competitors to join their ranks. Nations are allowed to bring in one wrestler a year in each of the styles and those wrestlers are automatically eligible to wrestle. However, if they've wrestled for another nation there is a transfer fee. What you see in the United States was a long time coming. We have a number of capable wrestlers in the 20's with access to Regional Training Centers and developing nations with a thirst to compete at the international stage. That's the right combination and one I think will continue to create opportunities for our young up-and-coming stars. Q: Thoughts on the Hawkeye Wrestling Club adding to their women's roster with the additions of Kayla Miracle, Forrest Molinari and Michaela Beck? -- Mike C. Foley: Bravo! Having a mixed-gender training situation is awesome for the women and the men. I'm thrilled to see Iowa leading the way in this area and think it's indicative of their larger attitude towards making positive moves in order to compete for the national title and medals at the international level. With Regional Training Centers now interested in our women wrestlers we could see a real change in the development of our women's programs, like we have in men's freestyle. Local support, personalized coaching and a reduction in training-based travel schedules will pay dividends in 2020 and beyond.

Tyler Smith LEXINGTON, Va. -- With classes underway this week and ongoing preparation for the 2018-19 season, VMI head wrestling coach Jim Gibson completed his staff by naming Tyler Smith as an assistant coach Thursday morning. Smith comes to the Institute following a stellar wrestling career at Bucknell University where he was a two-time NCAA Round of 12 finisher and three-time EIWA Conference place winner, including a second-place finish in 2018. He totaled 109 career victories while donning a Bison singlet and placed third at the prestigious Midlands Tournament as a senior. "Tyler has a passion for the sport of wrestling that is unmatched," Gibson said. "Along with this passion, he brings tremendous success from every level of wrestling that he has competed. I'm looking forward to see him develop as a coach and instill that same passion into our wrestlers." A 2013 Pennsylvania state champion in high school, Smith was named a team captain at Bucknell his senior year and qualified for the NCAA Tournament all four years as a Bison as a 141-pounder. He ranks ninth all-time at Bucknell for career victories with 107 and ranks 11th in career winning percentage (.743). A three-time EIWA placewinner, Smith is tied for eighth in the Bucknell wrestling annals in single season dual wins (16 in 2017-18), 11th in single season wins (31, 2016-17) and 12th in single-season winning percentage (.829, 2017-18). Other responsibilities at Bucknell included serving as a camp counselor at Bison System Wrestling Camps in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, and as a leader at the Bucknell Bison Leadership Academy. He also served as a camp counselor at JROB Intensive Camps based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Smith graduated from Bucknell in May with a bachelor's degree in political science.

Bo Jordan (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com) COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The Ohio State University wrestling program staff includes two new faces and two familiar names serving in new roles for the 2018-19 season. Anthony Ralph, the team's volunteer coach the last two years, has been promoted to director of recruiting & operations while four-time All-American Bo Jordan takes over the volunteer coach duties following his graduation. In addition, Riley Ross and Ryan Mantel are also on board as the director of wresting sports science & performance and assistant director of operations, respectively. Ralph is no stranger to team trophies having ended six of this last nine seasons as a Big Ten champion (2017, 2018) or national champion (2014 NCAA D-III; 2010, 2011, 2012 NAIA) for Ohio State and Notre Dame College. His recruiting prowess was responsible for bringing in the No. 1-ranked class in the country for five straight years (20012-16) according to Amateur Wrestling News and has found continued success attracting premier prospects to call Columbus home. Ralph was a talented grappler himself, seizing the 157-pound Mid-American Conference title and advancing to the 1997 D-I NCAA Championships. Jordan wrapped up his collegiate competition this past season with a total of 89 career victories. He's a former Big Ten champion, NCAA finalist and one of the most decorated wrestlers in Ohio State history as four-time All-American. Jordan will serve as an example of a student-athlete, too, owner of three NWCA All-Academic awards. Ross will be responsible for integrating analytics, technology, and strength and conditioning strategies for one of the nation's elite programs. He comes to Ohio State with a unique background in performance, assessment and prescriptions, as well as analytics in the tactical and private sector. Prior, he was a Tactical Strength and Conditioning Specialist with 7th Special Operations Forces soldiers from an anti-terrorism task force in Florida. On the mat, Ross was a two-time NCAA D-II All-American at Nebraska-Kearney. Mantel coached high school wrestling for five years in central Indiana before moving to Columbus to pursue a graduate degree in sport management. The Ball State graduate will assist Ralph with much of the program operations tasks and focus extensively on running camps and clinics.

Wrestling may be the oldest and greatest sport, but at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, everything about the sport will be exciting and new. New NCAA Division I wrestling program. New head coach, Neil Erisman. And, a brand-new wrestling facility, plans which were unveiled Tuesday. Back in March at the 2018 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships, UA Little Rock announced it would add wrestling to its roster of intercollegiate sports. Three months later, the school revealed it had hired Erisman, bringing valuable coaching experience at Oklahoma State, then University of North Carolina to launch the new mat program. This week, the floor plans and architectural drawings for Little Rock's new wrestling facility were unwrapped. The new facility, to be named the Greg Hatcher Wrestling Center in honor of the man who brought the first Division I wrestling program to Arkansas, will provide a state-of-the-art home for the Trojan wrestling program. The new freestanding facility represents a major portion of Greg Hatcher's $1.4 million gift to launch the wrestling program at Little Rock. The 16,000-square-foot facility will feature a practice facility with four wrestling mats, along with coaches' offices, locker rooms, an athletes' lounge, training room and a weight room all in one self-contained facility. In addition, the Hatcher Wrestling Center will also feature a pair of outdoor patio areas available to the entire campus community, providing a place for students, faculty and staff to meet and socialize. The facility will be built adjacent to the Donaghey Athletic Center on the south end of campus, occupying the space that was once home to old tennis courts. "This was a vision of Greg Hatcher, and to him, I say thank you," said UA Little Rock Director of Athletics Chasse Conque. "We appreciate you sharing your vision, your time, your tenacity and your philanthropy to make this all happen. I'm confident with the support of Greg and this community, this program will quickly become a national contender in just a few short years." Greg Hatcher echoed that sentiment, saying, "Little Rock wrestling isn't here just to participate, it's here to compete. To have four wrestling mats to practice with in a stand-alone building with its own locker room, its own coaches' offices and its own weight room, Little Rock will have one of the premiere wrestling facilities in the country." Construction on the Hatcher Wrestling Center will begin this fall and is expected to be completed in the spring of 2019. Erisman is already recruiting his first signing class as Little Rock sets its sights on its first season of competition in the fall of 2019. The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is a four-year, metropolitan public research university in the state capital. Established in 1927, the school has approximately 12,000 students.

Richard Perry (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com) A GoFundMe page has been established for Richard Perry, U.S. men's freestyle national team member who was seriously injured while training earlier this week at the National Team Training Camp in California. The online fundraising site has been created by friends of the Perry family, who are seeking support for Richard's family for expenses related to the accident. He and his wife Gina have three young children. "Last night (Monday), Rich suffered a terrible accident," according to the GoFundMe page author Jessa H. Miller. "He was at the national team training camp in San Diego. His eye was impaled causing brain trauma. He is in the fight for his life right now. He was (flown) to one of the top neurological hospitals in California." "Currently, the doctors have to wait for the swelling to go down before they can perform surgery. Even after surgery there will be many hurdles to overcome. He will have to remain in California for at least 3-6 months for recovery and rehab. His wife Gina was on the first plane from Pennsylvania to be by his side." In addition to help with medical expenses, the Perrys will need income to replace what Richard would normally earn on the job, and could use help with travel costs between their home in Pennsylvania and California, where he is receiving treatment. Richard Perry, currently ranked No. 3 on Freestyle Team USA at 86 kilograms/189 pounds, competes for the New York Athletic Club and trains with the Pennsylvania Regional Training Center. In college, Perry wrestled for Bloomsburg University, and before that, Middletown High School in Connecticut. In addition, Perry is a leader within USA Wrestling, serving on its Board of Directors and its Executive Committee.

Edmond Ruth has won two PIAA titles (Photo/Tom Elling) When it comes to wrestling, Edmond Ruth appears to be right at home in Pennsylvania. The two-time PIAA state champ plans to complete his high school mat career in the Keystone State ... and continue his collegiate career by making a verbal commitment to Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pa., according to multiple news reports Monday night. Finishing what he started at Susquehanna Township High ... Despite media reports to the contrary, Edmond Ruth -- ranked 67th in the nation overall by InterMat -- will wrestle this season as a senior at Susquehanna Township High School near Harrisburg, where he has won back-to-back state titles in 2017 and 2018. During the summer, there have been news stories that the rising senior would be finishing his prep career at Clovis North High in California. Those stories were fueled by the fact Edmond spent much of the summer in California, where his older brother Edward "EZ Ed" Ruth -- an undefeated Bellator MMA fighter and three-time NCAA wrestling champ for Penn State -- now trains. Thanayi Ruth, mother of both Edward and Edmond, pinned the story on her elder son, in this explanation to PennLive.com. "Edward is an anomaly," Thanayi Ruth said. "He challenges the gray area, so he put it out there. I said, 'Why would you do that?' He said, 'Publicity for Edmond.' So, that's what that was." "At that point, we were deciding he would leave Pennsylvania and go finish up in California with his brother," Thanayi Ruth continued. "But the things that were supposed to be put in place, as a mother, I didn't feel comfortable. I said, we'll try it in the summertime to see if it works and if the things get done and if I'm comfortable with it. "I gave it a chance. I was not comfortable. He had to come home." ... then, on to Lehigh The storied wrestling program at Lehigh University has landed a verbal commitment from Pennsylvania native Edmond Ruth. The Bethlehem-based school served up an offer the Ruth family could not refuse. "They came out of the woodwork," Thanayi Ruth told PennLive.com. "They came to visit us and we were like, 'Whoooo.'" In reporting on Edmond Ruth's verbal commitment to Lehigh, PennLive.com's Dustin Hockensmith wrote, "For Edmond, he saw post-graduate opportunities and a chance to master one of his big interests, video production, and the business behind it. That's all in addition to a wrestling program that crowned three All-Americans and finished last season as the No. 10 team in the country, according to InterMat." In exchange, the Mountain Hawks will be getting a wrestler in Edmond Ruth with an impressive mat resume, with two Pennsylvania state titles at 152 pounds as a sophomore and 170 as a junior, going into his senior season with a 103-10 career record, and 72-match win streak.