InterMat Staff

BLACKSBURG, Va. -- In its first road dual of the season, No. 4 Mizzou Wrestling (5-0, 0-0 MAC) defeated No. 10 Virginia Tech (3-1, 0-0 ACC), 22-12, Saturday evening in Blacksburg, Va., at the Moss Arts Center. The win was Mizzou's eighth win over a top-10 team since the start of the 2014-15 season. Mizzou held a 16-9 lead heading into the 197 bout, and the lead appeared to be getting tighter as redshirt senior 197-pounder Willie Miklus (Altoona, Iowa) trailed No. 2-ranked Jared Haught, 7-2, late in the third period. Miklus didn't let the deficit faze him, however, as the two-time NCAA All-American was able to put Haught on his back and record a fall, which gave the Tigers a 13 point cushion and sealed the dual for the Tigers. NOTABLE TIGERS Miklus was one of two Tigers to record bonus points, as he recorded his third fall this season and 24th of his career. The Tiger senior now needs just three falls to reach the top-10 in program history for career falls. Redshirt junior 133-pounder John Erneste (Kansas City, Mo.) was the other Tiger to record bonus points, as Erneste defeated No. 13-ranked Dennis Gustafson by way of a major decision, 11-2. With the win, Erneste moves to 9-0 on the season, with bonus points coming in seven of his victories (six falls, one major decision). Redshirt junior 149-pounder Grant Leeth (Kearney, Mo.) posted the best win of his career to-date, as he defeated No. 5-ranked Solomon Chishko in the 149 pound bout. Leeth recorded takedowns in the first and second period, and grew his lead to take the match, 8-2. QUOTABLES Mizzou Head Coach Brian Smith On the dual… "From the first match, all the way through the end, our team fought hard. It was really exciting to see, because when you're on the road in a hostile environment, you never know how it will go. But our team showed up and fought for every point, they were shooting the entire time and that aggressiveness paid off, as we found a way to win." On Willie Miklus' comeback victory "We talk about it all the time and coach it in the practice room, you wrestle the whole go. Whether it's a 30 second go, or a seven minute match, you wrestle the entire time. It is something we did today and we proved it's important." UP NEXT Next, Mizzou will conclude its road trip by squaring up against Virginia tomorrow in Charlottesville, Va. The dual is scheduled to start at 1 p.m. (ET)/Noon (CT), and will be streamed on the ACC Network Extra through the Watch ESPN app. For all the latest on Mizzou Wrestling, stay tuned to MUTigers.com and follow the team on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram (MizzouWrestling). Results: 125: No. 19 Barlow McGhee (MIZ) dec. Kyle Nostrem (VT): 5-1 | MIZ 3, VT 0 133: No. 8 John Erneste (MIZ) major. dec. No. 13 Dennis Gustafson (VT): 11-2 | MIZ 7, VT 0 141: Brent Moore (VT) dec. Nick Nasenbeny (MIZ): 4-0 | MIZ 7, VT 3 149: No. 19 Grant Leeth (MIZ) dec. No. 5 Solomon Chishko (VT): 8-2 | MIZ 10, VT 3 157: No. 2 Joey Lavallee (MIZ) dec. B.C. LaPrade (VT): 9-2 | MIZ 13, VT 3 165: No. 4 Connor McFadden (VT) dec. Connor Flynn (MIZ): 5-3 | MIZ 13, VT 6 174: No. 4 Daniel Lewis (MIZ) dec. Hunter Bolen (VT): 3-0 | MIZ 16, VT 6 184: No. 6 Zack Zavastsky (VT) dec. Canten Marriott (MIZ): 13-8 | MIZ 16, VT 9 197: No. 3 Willie Miklus (MIZ) fall No. 2 Jared Haught (VT): 6:45 | MIZ 22, VT 9 HWT: No. 25 Andrew Dunn (VT) dec. Austin Myers (MIZ): 3-1 | MIZ 22, VT 12

Morgantown, W.Va. -- Bonus-point wins at the three upper weights powered 13th-ranked Nebraska to a 28-13 win on Saturday at the WVU Coliseum in Morgantown, W.Va. With Nebraska holding a 13-6 lead entering the intermission following the 174-pound bout, Taylor Venz won a 17-5 major decision over Brenden McRill at 184 pounds, before Eric Schultz unleashed a scoring barrage on the way to a 22-5 technical fall over Hunter DeLong at 197 pounds. In the heavyweight bout, sophomore David Jensen gave NU a 28-6 lead in the match after he recorded Nebraska's first pin of the dual season, as he pinned Brandon Ngati in 3:17. Isaiah White, the 11th-ranked wrestler in the nation at 165 pounds according to InterMat, dominated his match at 165 pounds, scoring a total of seven takedowns and a reversal, as he cruised to a 17-7 major decision over Ryan Lopez. Fifth-ranked Colton McCrystal picked up a decision at 149 pounds, as he came back from an early deficit to defeat Kyler Rea, 6-4. No. 7 Chad Red Jr. began the day with a win by forfeit to give Nebraska an early 6-0 lead. West Virginia recorded wins at 157, 174, 125 and 133. NU's Collin Purinton started fast and got out to an early lead over Zachary Moore at 157 pounds, but Moore scored a pair of takedowns in the second period, and forced the match to overtime. In the sudden victory period, Moore notched a takedown to win an 8-6 decision. Eric Engler dropped a 7-1 decision at 174 pounds to Nick Kiussis, while senior Mitchell Maginnis fell to Devin Brown by a 9-5 decision at 125 pounds. WVU's Matthew Schmitt won a 10-2 major decision over NU's Brian Peska at 133 pounds in the final bout of the afternoon. The Huskers will return to action next Friday and Saturday at the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Collegiate Wrestling Invitational in Las Vegas, Nev. Action at both days of the tournament is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. (CT). Results: 141: #7 Chad Red Jr. (NEB) wins by forfeit (NEB 6, WVU 0) 149: #5 Colton McCrystal (NEB) dec. Kyler Rea (WVU), 6-4 (NEB 9, WVU 0) 157: Zachary Moore (WVU) sv-1 Collin Purinton (NEB), 8-6 (NEB 9, WVU 3) 165: #11 Isaiah White (NEB) major dec. Ryan Lopez (WVU), 17-7 (NEB 13, WVU 3) 174: Nick Kiussis (WVU) dec. Eric Engler (NEB), 7-1 (NEB 13, WVU 6) 184: Taylor Venz (NEB) major dec. Brenden McRill (WVU), 17-5 (NEB 17, WVU 6) 197: Eric Schultz (NEB) tech. fall Hunter DeLong (WVU), 22-5 (NEB 22, WVU 6) HWT: David Jensen (NEB) pin Brandon Ngati (WVU), 3:17 (NEB 28, WVU 6) 125: Devin Brown (WVU) dec. Mitchell Maginnis (NEB), 9-5 (NEB 28, WVU 9) 133: Matthew Schmitt (WVU) major dec. Brian Peska (NEB), 10-2 (NEB 28, WVU 13)

Ben Askren could not have asked for a better way to conclude a career. The former University of Missouri wrestling champ finished his professional mixed martial arts career still holding onto his welterweight title -- and his perfect record -- with a TKO of final rival Shinya Aoki at 57 seconds of the first round of Askren's retirement bout at the "ONE Championship 65: Immortal Pursuit" event at Singapore Indoor Stadium Friday night. "Aoki pulled guard seconds into the bout, but Askren picked him up from the ground and slammed him back down," reported MMAfighting.com. "Askren went into Aoki's guard and immediately rocked him with a right hand, and kept landing shots until Aoki turned and the referee called it at the 57-second mark." Ben Askren"Aoki is a black belt in judo and Brazilian jiu-jitsu and is known for his grappling skills," according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. "But he was no match for Askren, who got in the mount position early and rained down a barrage of heavy punches that left the referee with no choice but to call a halt to the fight." With the win, Askren concludes his pro MMA career with a perfect 18-0 record, while the veteran Aoki drops to 39-8. Back in September, Askren announced his plans to trade in his fight trunks for a business suit and retire from fighting, taking an executive position with ONE Championships after his bout with Aoki. After making short work of Aoki in what had been labeled his "retirement match," Askren was asked if it was indeed his swan song from competition. "I think it's it," Askren said. "I did leave that caveat, if I get the opportunity to prove I'm No. 1 -- I think I'm No. 1. I know I'm No. 1. I haven't gotten to prove to the world I'm No. 1. So if I get that opportunity, (I'd) take that opportunity. "I don't need to make any more money. I need to show people that I'm the best welterweight in the world. Other than that, I'm out." Askren won't restricted to the executive suite. The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reported that the Wisconsin native plans to turn his attention to helping run the Askren Wrestling Academy, which has locations in Hartland, Mequon and Green Bay. He co-founded the AWA with his brother, Max, and former Arrowhead wrestling coach John Mesenbrink. Prior to launching his pro MMA career, Askren was a highly accomplished amateur wrestler. He was a four-time NCAA finalist for the University of Missouri, winning titles in 2006 and 2007. Askren earned a place on the U.S. men's freestyle team for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Matthew Chun is the very definition of scholar-athlete. Matthew ChunThe senior at Massachusetts Institute of Technology is a mechanical engineering major with a minor in management science while also serving as captain of the wrestling team. If that weren't enough, Chun has just learned that he's one of just 32 Americans to have been selected as a Rhodes Scholar, receiving what is considered to be the most elite award and scholarship in the world for international study. Rhodes Scholars receive a fully-funded opportunity to study at the University of Oxford in England for at least two years. Each scholarship -- which includes a stipend for living expenses -- is valued at $68,000 per year. "Rhodes Scholars are selected based on criteria established by the will of 19th century businessman Cecil Rhodes: outstanding scholarly achievements, character, commitment to others and to the common good, and potential for leadership in their chosen career field," according to a statement from the NCAA. Chun is one of just three college students who participated in sports -- and one of two current MIT students -- to earn this honor this year. Originally from Arlington, Va., Chun is a 125-pound wrestler and team captain for the MIT wrestling team. He is a three-time NCWA (National Collegiate Wrestling Association) national championships qualifier, and a two-time Academic All-American. In addition to his academic and athletic pursuits, Chun is also the co-editor-in-chief of Et Spiritus, MIT's student-run journal of Christian thought. In addition, he has held executive roles with the national engineering honor society Tau Beta Pi, and was selected as a member of an MIT delegation to Congress to advocate for federal science policy. Here's how MIT News described Chun's plans as a Rhodes Scholar: "As a Rhodes Scholar, Chun seeks to further his knowledge of policy and law, with the goal of advising organizations that bring life-improving technologies to countries around the world. At Oxford, he will pursue a second BA in jurisprudence before returning to the U.S. to enroll in law school with a focus on intellectual property."

IOWA CITY, Iowa -- Freshman Justin Stickley opened with one fall and junior Sam Stoll closed with a second as the University of Iowa wrestling team rolled past No. 22 Rider, 35-6, on Friday at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Stickley (125) erased a 6-1 deficit before building a 15-7 lead and earning his third fall of the season in 4:36. Stoll's pin was less dramatic. He turned a first-period takedown into his third fall of the year in one minute, 27 seconds. "Stickley was all over the guy and when you're all over a guy it inspires your teammates," said UI head coach Tom Brands. "But these guys are veterans and they are not going to get too caught up in that. It inspires me and it inspires the crowd. That was a pretty loud roar on that fall. That's what our fans want to see." The seventh-ranked Hawkeyes scored bonus points in seven-of-eight wins, adding five major decisions to their bookended falls. Brandon Sorensen and Michael Kemerer picked up major decisions at 149 and 157, respectively, and before Stoll closed the dual, Iowa racked up three straight majors from Joey Gunther, Mitch Bowman, and Cash Wilcke. "We scored a lot of bonus points and we need bonus points," said Brands. "We have guys that have a lot left in them and they're just going to get better. There are some positives there. There was good hustle. There was a lot of riding time. Edge of the mat is big, when there is one toe in bounds you can still get back points, you can get a fall outside the circle, so that's important." Iowa forced the action most of the night, owning 28 of the 33 takedowns scored and forcing 15 stall calls. The Hawkeyes also got four-point nearfalls from Stickley, Kemerer, Bowman, and Wilcke. "Fans come to watch exciting wrestling," Brands said. "That's why you have to control the center of the mat and we're doing that for the most part. If we wrestle how we can wrestle, and wrestle the moment and build leads, chain wrestle, come off the bottom and wrestle in all positions, we're going to be just fine." Iowa returns to the mat Friday, Dec. 1 hosting No. 14 Illinois at 7 p.m. (CT) at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Tickets are available at hawkeyesports.com/tickets. NOTABLES Bowman earned his first career win over a ranked opponent. Three of Kemerer's last six opponents have been top 7 opponents, he is 3-0 with two major decisions against those three opponents. Justin Stickley improved to 5-2 with his first win over a D1 opponent. Iowa forced 15 stall calls in the match and owned a 28-5 advantage in takedowns. Fifteen of Sam Stoll's 33 career wins have ended in fall. Friday was the first meeting in series history between the two teams. Records: Iowa (4-0), Rider (0-1). Attendance was 7,699 Results: 125 -- Justin Stickley (I) pinned Jonathan Tropea (R), 4:36; 6-0 133 -- Phillip Laux (I) dec. Anthony Cefolo (R), 5-1; 9-0 141 -- #17 Tyson Dippery (R) dec. Vince Turk (I), 8-4; 9-3 149 -- #2 Brandon Sorensen (I) major dec. Gary Dinmore (R), 14-4; 13-3 157 -- #3 Michael Kemerer (I) major dec. #7 B.J. Clagon (R), 18-5; 17-3 165 -- #4 Chad Walsh (R) dec. #16 Kaleb Young (I), 5-4; 17-6 174 -- Joey Gunther (I) major dec. Wayne Stinson (R), 12-3; 21-6 184 -- Mitch Bowman (I) major dec. #20 Michael Fagg-Daves (R), 15-3; 25-6 197 -- #10 Cash Wilcke (I) major dec. Ethan Laird (R), 16-3; 29-6 285 -- #7 Sam Stoll (I) pinned Mauro Correnti (R), 1:27; 35-6

"It's the most wonderful time of the year ..." The line from that classic holiday song is most appropriate now, as wrestling season is now underway ... and, as we enter the holiday season, a prime gift-giving season, too. Searching for that winning gift for the wrestler -- or wrestling fan -- on your gift list? Here are some ideas that will score big. (To learn more about the book/movie -- and place your order -- click on the title.) For Kids and Young Adults Wrestling: A Boy's First Book Want to introduce a youngster to all that's great about the sport of wrestling? You could spend hours searching the internet for an appropriate book, shell out some money for it (along with shipping and handling), then wait for it to arrive in the mail. Or you can take the easy way ... by downloading "Wrestling: A Boy's First Book." This age-appropriate book is written for young boys and girls ages 7-9 who might be interested in the sport ... and is designed to be read to potential wrestlers by their parents, grandparents or other caring adult. First published in 2009, it's proven book that's already in use in thousands of homes, now available as a free download for you to print out ... or read on your tablet or other device. To Be The Best: Overtime "To Be The Best: Overtime" by former wrestler H.L. Hertel is the third in a series of young adult novels focused on Ron Castle and his younger brother Nick, both Midwestern high school wrestlers. Here's how the newest member of the popular book series tells what's inside: "Nick enters his senior season with everything in life being nearly perfect. He has a loving girlfriend, a following of fans, a legendary coach and, like the end of his junior season, he is ranked first in the state. Yet, the cracks surface quickly as past agitators and teammates alike seem focused on keeping him from realizing his wrestling dreams while others seem intent on damaging his relationship ..." Making History Personal Leon Bailey: The Dream Leon Bailey is one of the pioneers of amateur wrestling in the U.S. who opened the door to other athletes of color in the sport. He was the first African-American to wrestle for the U.S. Navy at Quonset Point Naval Air Station in Rhode Island in the mid-1960s who then became a Navy coach... and became the first black to win an individual title at the AAU New England Six-State Championships in 1964. The Baltimore native shares his life story in his inspiring new "Leon Bailey - The Dream" book that's uplifting and informative for readers of all ages. Pathfinder "Pathfinder: The Journey of the African-American Wrestler" by Kevin Emily seeks to help today's athletes and fans of all colors appreciate the accomplishments and achievements of a number of African-American wrestlers and coaches who opened doors for subsequent generations of athletes. Emily, originally from Waterloo, Iowa who is now a high school wrestling coach in South Carolina, interviewed a number of pioneers in the sport (or their surviving family members), including Simon Roberts, Harold Henson, Nate Carr, Lee Kemp, and Carlton Haselrig who share their personal stories. Wrestle Like a Girl Women's wrestling has come so far, so fast. In 1989, the first U.S. women's World wrestling team consisted of two wrestlers and one coach; winners were awarded appliances, not trophies. Contrast those early days with the tremendous growth in women's wrestling -- at least 30 women's college wrestling programs, and now seven states with officially sanctioned competition for high school girls -- along with recent successes such as Helen Maroulis becoming the first U.S. woman to win a gold medal at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. "Wrestle Like a Girl" by Craig Sesker and Jamie Moffatt shares the stories of women who overcame stereotypes, discrimination and other obstacles to make their mark in the sport, from pioneers to today's superstars. A Spartan Journey Which Big Ten wrestling program was the first to win an NCAA Division I team title while a member of that conference? The answer: Michigan State, who did it at the 1967 NCAAs. Dale Anderson was a member of that history-making MSU wrestling team that helped propel the Spartans to that team title a half-century ago after having been a struggling, cellar-dwelling squad just three years earlier. Now Anderson tells that story -- along with what he describes as "a travelogue of my (wrestling) life" that intersects with a number of familiar names in the sport -- in his "A Spartan Journey: Michigan State's 1967 Miracle on the Mat." Dan Gable: A Wrestling Life 2 If you think you know Dan Gable, you might be surprised by what you learn from the legendary wrestler/coach in his own words in the new book "Dan Gable: A Wrestling Life 2", the follow-up to the best-selling "A Wrestling Life: The Inspirational Stories of Dan Gable." Both books use a winning format where the great Gable shares stories from his own life -- some stories directly from wrestling, as well as those incidents beyond the mat -- as if the former University of Iowa coach and Olympic gold medalist is sitting right next to you. First book. A Season on the Mat Nolan Zavoral's classic "year in the life" book chronicles the dramatic 1996-97 season of the Iowa Hawkeyes, in which Dan Gable led his team -- far from his most talented -- to the national title. "Season on the Mat" takes readers behind the scenes to provide an incredible perspective into how a top collegiate wrestling program works ... along with insights into the legendary coach and how he managed to get the most from his athletes. Inspiration to be Your Best Chad Parks' Game Changing Moves What kind of game-changing moves can propel a wrestler or coach from average or even less-than-adequate performance ... to a much higher level of success? Not just on the mat ... but also in all aspects of life? Long-time wrestler and coach Chad Parks shares his own unique insights gained from experiences that transcend sports, to have a positive impact on life, in his new book, "Game Changing Moves: Life Lessons Learned from the Locker Room and Beyond." The book features concise (3-5 page) chapters which address specific topics of significant interest to individuals in wrestling. Noah Kaufman's Lessons from the Wrestling Mat: Life Lessons from a Quarter-Century of Coaching and Competing Why wrestle? Those involved in the sport -- athletes, coaches, fans -- can offer various reasons to participate. As someone with 25 years as a wrestler and coach, Noah Kaufman has addressed that question in his new book, "Lessons from the Mat: Life Lessons from a Quarter Century of Coaching and Competing." This highly readable book shares various life lessons from wrestling -- including perseverance, confidence, dedication, gratitude, and overcoming adversity -- building on experiences shared by numerous wrestlers, as well as from other real-life stories. Lee Kemp's Winning Gold Lee Kemp is widely considered to be one of the greatest wrestlers of all time. He is a three-time World champion with three NCAA titles for the University of Wisconsin ... as well as an esteemed coach. In "Winning Gold", Kemp shares profound insights he discovered on his journey to success. Concise chapters packed with thought-provoking content make this inspirational new book a winner for readers of all ages. Michael Fessler's The Wrestler Imagine having the ability to share what you know now with yourself when you were a kid. Think of all the knowledge, wisdom and experience you could impart with the younger you. That's the idea behind Michael Fessler's third book, "The Wrestler: A Life of Passion and the Pursuit of Greatness" which the author has described as being "today's me talking to my younger self" ... all with the idea of helping today's wrestlers gain more from their careers, including a thoughtful perspective while they're still competing. Jeff Spain's Wrestling with Business There are powerful parallels between the world of business and the sport of wrestling. The elements that mean success on the wrestling mat -- hard work, tenacity, self-control, self-discipline, commitment, drive -- also translate to success in business at all levels, whether as a sales rep or a CEO. Jeff Spain, former NCAA wrestler and now successful life insurance sales and marketing executive, shares his experience, observations and insights into the aspects that make individuals winners in athletics and in business in his book, "Wrestling with Business: How Success on the Mat Leads to Success in Business." While Spain's book offers inspiration to former wrestlers now in the business world, its lessons are also applicable to young athletes still in the sport. The Sparrow's Spirit Wouldn't be great if we could benefit from someone else's wisdom and experience? Dr. Bill Welker's "The Sparrow's Spirit: A Champion Wrestler's Lifetime Reflections on Prayer and Perseverance" memoir does a winning job of serving up one man's wisdom gained from experience, so that today's readers can learn from his own missteps and mistakes ... in a series of concise, compelling stories from Welker's life as a wrestler and long-time instructor that make this 156-page book both humorous and uplifting for readers of all ages. A Saint in the City: Stories of Champions from the Barrio A new updated edition of Scott Glabb's memoir of coaching wrestling at Santa Ana High School in suburban Los Angeles and how he changes lives of those on his wrestling team. The book has been updated to include new chapters on female wrestlers, additional details on UFC fighter Gilbert "El Nino" Melendez, and more on some of the same memorable characters from the first edition, along with additional new photos. Must-Read Reference Pennsylvania Wrestling Handbook, 2017-2018 Compiled by award-winning wrestling writer Tom Elling and updated each year, "Pennsylvania Wrestling Handbook" is the go-to source for the sport in the Keystone State. Features every PIAA (Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association) returning wrestler who was in PIAA or PIAST series tournaments, including won-loss records, weight, graduation year and tournament placement. In addition, you'll find every PIAA placer since 1938, as well as placer results for major tournaments featuring Pennsylvania wrestlers. The History of Collegiate Wrestling First published in 2005, "The History of Collegiate Wrestling: A Century of Wrestling Excellence" was late wrestling historian Jay Hammond's definitive book covering the first 100 years of intercollegiate wrestling. The original 380-page hardback provides a season-by-season analysis, along with feature articles including profiles of significant wrestlers, coaches and programs, analysis of rules changes, and other elements to add to a reader's understanding of college wrestling through the years. This edition has been updated to provide coverage through the 2017 college season. Legends of Michigan: Cliff Keen Mention the name Cliff Keen and large numbers of wrestlers and fans will immediately think of the company that provides wrestling gear. However, the man Cliff Keen is much more than an entrepreneur who launched that business. Keen was head coach of the University of Michigan wrestling program for 45 years, the longest tenure of any head coach at the Ann Arbor school ... and an assistant football coach for the Wolverines for 33 years, the longest-serving football coach at Michigan. This monumental book, written by Dave Taylor, is rich with detail on the Michigan wrestling program, including tons of photos. Reel-Life Wrestling: See the Movie, Read the Book American Wrestler: The Wizard In this 2016 movie -- based on true events -- 17-year-old Ali Jahani is a newcomer to a small California town where he stands out as different in an unwelcoming community, living with an embittered uncle. The boy faces a mountain of adversity and rejection ... so he joins the school's foundering wrestling program, where he learns the benefits of hard work and teamwork. Stars Jon Voight, William Fitchner, and, in the title role, Ali Afshar. Foxcatcher In "Foxcatcher: The True Story of My Brother's Murder, John du Pont's Madness, and the Quest for Olympic Gold," 1984 Olympic gold medal-winning wrestler Mark Schultz's memoir, reveals the real story behind why he and his brother Dave Schultz came to the Foxcatcher Farms wrestling training facility owned by multimillionaire John du Pont, heir to the du Pont chemical fortune. Mark Schultz's book served as the basis for the 2014 movie "Foxcatcher", starring Channing Tatum as Mark Schultz, Mark Ruffalo as Dave, and Steve Carell as du Pont. Movie link Pinned What price are Ohio high school wrestlers willing to pay for a state championship? "Pinned" is the true story of two wrestlers -- one of them, future Ohio State and MMA star Lance Palmer -- each driven on a quest to win a state title. A compelling documentary now available on DVD. Vision Quest You've seen the 1985 movie "Vision Quest" dozens of times, and worn out multiple copies of its popular soundtrack. But ... have you ever read the book? Terry Davis' "Vision Quest" is a classic coming-of-age novel well worth reading, as it serves up surprises and rewards for readers who can recite lines from the movie in their sleep. DVD For fans of "Vision Quest" novel/movie, here's a gift idea that will wear well: unique T-shirts featuring iconic images of Brian Shute, the undefeated state champion wrestler who was Louden Swain's nemesis, sold by the man who brought Shute to life in the film, Frank Jasper. Visit www.shuteshirts.com. Skip the mall; shop the Hall. It's nearly impossible to find truly special, wrestling-related gifts at your local mall ... or the typical online shopping website. The one online exception is the website for the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, where you'll find books, DVDs, posters, wearables, collectables, and so many more gifts sure to score big with the wrestlers, coaches and fans on your holiday list. Visit http://nwhof.org/products-page.

South Carolina's Aiken County is taking to high school wrestling in a big way. This fall, three of the county's public high schools will be launching wrestling programs, joining four other high schools in Aiken County that started competing in the oldest and greatest sport last fall. The trio of new wrestling programs are at Ridge Spring-Monetta, Silver Bluff and Wagener-Salley High Schools. Prior to fall 2016, none of the seven high schools in the Aiken County Public Schools district -- a 25,000-student district located in the southern part of the state, along the South Carolina-Georgia border -- had wrestling. In fact, Aiken County was the fourth-largest in South Carolina not to have wrestling until last fall. "We have to start all the way back at the basics and teach the kids everything," Silver Bluff coach Josh Hadden told the Aiken Standard this week. "That's pretty much it; we've got to start from the bottom and build up." To help the wrestlers at the three new programs get some valuable on-the-mat experience before taking on more seasoned competition, there will be a tri-meet at Silver Bluff on Dec. 9. A month later, they'll participate at the Aiken County Challenge on Jan. 6 at Midland Valley High -- one of the four schools that welcomed wrestling one year ago. The Aiken County Challenge tournament has been expanded to include the new programs. The whole idea is to help build local interest in wrestling, and perhaps extend existing rivalries in other sports into the sport that's relatively new in this corner of South Carolina. "It's gonna be really cool, because it's actually going to be a full county tournament," said Midland Valley head coach Kevin Emily, who launched that school's mat program in fall 2016, bringing considerable coaching experience -- including a stint at the storied Waterloo West High program in Iowa, Dan Gable's alma mater -- to South Carolina. "Seven teams. Some of the teams might not have a full lineup, but that's OK. It's still the unity. It's still the appearance. It still gives you the atmosphere of a real county tournament." Sean Alford The driving force behind the two-year, seven-school rollout of wrestling in Aiken County is Aiken County Schools Superintendent Dr. Sean Alford. Alford believes in wrestling. He coached youth wrestling. Two of his sons wrestled in high school (in another district) and went on to post-secondary mat careers -- one at The Citadel, the other at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. "They were lucky to gain the core principles that wrestling offers to its participants," Alford said in a July 2017 interview with InterMat. "Aiken County has a great tradition of producing athletes in various sports, some who have had success in pro sports," Alford continued. "When I came here, I was surprised, given the track record of sports success, that this district did not have wrestling in its high schools." Now all seven of the public high schools in Aiken County have interscholastic wrestling. And that's something worthy of celebration.

A building used by a southeast Ohio high school for its three-year-old wrestling program was destroyed by fire early Wednesday morning. A freestanding metal building containing the wrestling practice room and a weight room for Eastern High School in Meigs County was a total loss, according to media reports. Fire departments from throughout southeast Ohio were first called to the scene at about 11 p.m. Tuesday to put out an initial fire. Firefighters left the scene three hours later, believing that they had completely extinguished the fire, WSAZ-TV , the NBC affiliate in Huntington-Charleston, W. Va. reported. However, at about 5:30 a.m. Wednesday, fire crews returned to the scene when the fire apparently rekindled. Flames were seen coming through the building's roof, ultimately destroying the structure. Eastern High School Principal Shawn Bush, who was on the scene Wednesday morning, said the building had been utilized by the Eastern High School wrestling team under the direction of Coach Josh Mummey, who is also the school's athletics director. Bush told the Pomeroy (Ohio) Daily Sentinel that Mummey had put a lot of effort into bringing the program to Eastern and setting up the building for the team. In addition to a wrestling room and weight room, the building also had a storage facility. Cause of the fire is unknown. No injuries were reported. Eastern High School is a four-year public school located in Reedsville, Ohio, a community on the Ohio River, roughly between Athens, Ohio and Parkersburg, West Virginia, and about two hours south of Columbus.

Daniel Lewis (Photo/Mark Lundy, Lutte-Lens.com) The college wrestling season is right back at it following the short Thanksgiving break. No. 4 Missouri travels to Blacksburg, Va. to take on No. 8 Virginia Tech. The dual meet features 12 wrestlers currently ranked in the InterMat rankings and a match between the second and third ranked wrestlers at 197 pounds. The following is a weight-by-weight preview of the dual meet. The lineups are a prediction of each team's best squad. 125: No. 19 Barlow McGhee (Missouri) vs. Kyle Norstrem (Virginia Tech) McGhee is back for his fifth year and looking to become an All-American for the first time. So far this season, he dropped his first match of the season in sudden victory against No. 13 Travis Piotrowski (Illinois). However, since then, he has bounced with with a string of victories and made his way back into the InterMat rankings. At the Lindenwood Open last week, McGhee defeated No. 20 Brock Hudkins (Northern Illinois) and three other wrestlers to take the title. Norstrem has started this season with a 7-3 record. He enters this match after picking up back-to-back wins over Alonzo Allen (Chattanooga) and Drew Hildebrandt (Central Michigan). Last year, during his redshirt season, Norstrem picked up a win over No. 15 Louie Hayes (Virginia). McGhee seems to cut a ton of weight to get down to 125. He has a size advantage over pretty much everyone in the division. This should allow to him control the pace of this match and take a decision victory. Prediction: McGhee (Missouri) dec. Norstrem (Virginia Tech) 133: No. 9 John Erneste (Missouri) vs. No. 16 Dennis Gustafson (Virginia Tech) Erneste has been on a roll this season. At the Lindenwood Open, he took home first place with four wins and three coming via fall. Last season Erneste picked up signature wins over No.6 Mitchell McKee (Minnesota), No. 5 Bryan Lantry (Buffalo) and No. 15 Corey Keener (Penn State). While Gustafson does not have as many signature wins throughout his career, he has also started the season extremely strong. He has gone 8-1 with his only loss coming against Scotty Parker (Lehigh) at the Journeymen Classic. So far this year, he has defeated No. 18 Cameron Kelly (Ohio) and No. 17 Josh Terao (American). Erneste should be the favorite in this match, but Gustafson has shown that he has the ability to jump levels so far this season. Look for this to be a closer match than expected. Prediction: Erneste (Missouri) dec. Norstrem (Virginia Tech) 141: No. 4 Jaydin Eierman (Missouri) vs. Brent Moore (Virginia Tech) Eierman is back for the Tigers after finishing fifth at the NCAA tournament and being named MAC "Freshman of the Year." So far this season, he has won all nine of his matches and bonused everyone other than Kaden Gfeller (Oklahoma State). Moore joined Tech last year as a top 100 recruit and a FloNationals champion. In his redshirt year, he went 26-6 with 16 bonus points wins. This year, he has started the season 5-5 but dropped back-to-back matches against Michael Pongracz (Chattanooga) and Mason Smith (Central Michigan). Moore has only given up bonus points twice in his collegiate career, but Eierman has been a man on a mission so far this season. He will certainly attempt to run up the score on Moore here. Prediction: Eierman (Missouri) tech fall over Moore (Virginia Tech) 149: No. 18 Grant Leeth (Missouri) vs. No. 7 Solomon Chishko (Virginia Tech) Leeth is back on the mat this season for the first time since his redshirt season at Duke in 2015. So far this season, he has gone 6-2 with his losses coming against Boo Lewallen (Oklahoma State) and No. 18 Davion Jeffries (Oklahoma). Chishko has entered his junior season after already securing a pair of All-American seasons. He dropped a match against No. 11 Geo Martinez (Oklahoma State) at the Journeymen Classic, but he rebounded nicely with a victory over No. 7 Justin Oliver (Central Michigan) last weekend. Back in 2015 Chishko defeated Leeth 10-4 at the Appalachian Open. Since then Leeth has struggled with injuries, while Chishko has continued to develop. The Virginia Tech wrestler only scored bonus points in 23 percent of his matches last season, but he should be able to do it here. Prediction: Chishko (Virginia Tech) maj. dec. Leeth (Missouri) 157: No. 2 Joey Lavallee (Missouri) vs. Ryan Blees (Virginia Tech) Lavallee became an All-American for the first time last season after finishing as the runner-up at 157. He lost only two matches last year including the national final. This year, he has once against started undefeated with an 8-0 record and five bonus point wins. Blees joined Tech last season after transferring from Oklahoma State. He held down the starting spot in multiple duals, but he did not represent the team in the ACC or NCAA tournaments. So far this season, Blees is 2-1 with a victory over Laken Cook (Appalachian State). During the 2016 season, Lavalle won an exciting 18-15 decision over Blees. Since then, the gap has widened between the two. Blees has yet to qualify for the NCAA tournament, while Lavallee finished as runner up. This will be a bonus opportunity for the Tigers. Prediction: Lavallee (Missouri) maj. dec. Blees (Virginia Tech) 165: Connor Flynn (Missouri) vs. No. 5 David McFadden (Virginia Tech) Flynn redshirted last season after transferring from West Virginia. He went 24-4 and won three open tournaments. So far this season, he has gone 6-2. He took second place at the Lindenwood Open and registered a win against No 4 (NJCAA) Dayton Racer (Clackamas CC). In 2016 McFadden earned ACC "Freshman of the Year" honors and finished sixth at the NCAA Championship. He redshirted last season and went 17-2 with 13 bonus point victories. So far this year, McFadden has gone undefeated and knocked off No. 6 Chandler Rogers (Oklahoma State) at the Journeymen Classic. These two wrestled previously during the 2016 season while Flynn was at West Virginia. McFadden won a 9-2 decision in a dual meet. McFadden has looked sharp so far this season with no signs of the lingering effects from his knee injury. He should be able to handle Flynn once again. Prediction: McFadden (Virginia Tech) dec. Flynn (Missouri) 174: No. 4 Daniel Lewis (Missouri) vs. Hunter Bolen (Virginia Tech) Lewis was a two-time All-American at 165 and this season he has made the move up to 174. The early season results have been tremendous. Lewis has won all eight of his matches, including six falls, and defeated No. 13 Yoanse Mejias (Oklahoma). Bolen is a true freshman from Virginia. He has lost all three of time dual meet matches so far this season, but he did managed to go to overtime with Justin Lampe (Chattanooga). At Christiansburg HS, he was a three-time state champion. This is a really tough ask for a true freshman. Lewis has look absolutely dominant at the higher weight, and he should be able to notch another fall against Bolen. Prediction: Lewis (Missouri) fall over Bolen (Virginia Tech) 184: Canten Marriott (Missouri) vs. No. 6 Zack Zavatsky (Virginia Tech) Marriott is coming off his redshirt season where he went 17-9. He has started all three duals for the Tigers so far. He dropped a decision against No. 12 Emery Parker (Illinois) but scored wins against Missouri Valley and Central Missouri. Zavatsky is looking to get over the hump this season and become an All-American. He is a two-time ACC champion, but he has failed to place at the last two NCAA tournaments. So far this season, he has gone 8-2 with a win over No. 13 Bryce Carr (Chattanooga) and a pair of overtime losses against No.4 Ryan Preisch (Lehigh) and Nick Reenan (NC State). In his only match against ranked competition so far this season Marriott struggled to score. He will not have very much luck against Zavatsky either. This should be a chance to pick up bonus for Virginia Tech. Prediction: Zavatasky (Virginia Tech) maj. dec. Marriott (Missouri) 197: No. 3 Willie Miklus (Missouri) vs. No. 2 Jared Haught (Virginia Tech) This will be an interesting return for Miklus. Last year, he suffered an injury against Virginia Tech and ended up missing the rest of the season. In his previous two seasons, he finished as an All-American twice. For his senior season, he is moving up to 197. Miklus began this season with eight-straight wins, but he lost by major decision against freshman Jacob Warner (Iowa) in the finals of the Lindenwood Open. Haught became a two-time All-American last year after finishing fifth at the NCAA tournament. He lost only four matches last season with two of those losses coming against Olympic medalist J'den Cox. To start this season, Haught has won six-straight matches. After falling against Warner last weekend, it appears as if Miklus is a little rusty from his injury layoff or dealing with the adjustment to a new weight. At this point Haught has to be the favorite. However, the result could be different around tournament time. Prediction: Haught (Virginia Tech) dec. Miklus (Missouri) 285: Austin Myers (Missouri) vs. Andrew Dunn (Virginia Tech) Myers finished third in the MAC and qualified for the NCAA tournament in his first season for Missouri after transferring from West Virginia. So far this season, he is 7-2 including a victory over Marcus Harrington (Iowa State). Dunn takes over as the heavyweight start for Tech after redshirting last season. During his redshirt year, he went 16-4 with six falls. So far this season, Dunn has gone 9-2 with both of his losses coming against ranked wrestlers No. 6 Jacob Kasper (Duke) and No. 13 Nathan Butler (Stanford). Like most heavyweight matches this should be a close contest. So far this year, Dunn has had the better season and competed against the tougher schedule. He should be the favorite here. Prediction: Dunn (Virginia Tech) dec. Myers (Missouri) Dual Meet Prediction: Missouri 20, Virginia Tech 16

BYDGOSZCZ, Poland -- The United States wrapped up its Greco-Roman competition at the U23 World Championships in Bydgoszcz, Poland, on Wednesday afternoon. USA was unable to qualify any wrestlers to the medal rounds, but the Red, White and Blue did pick up wins from Dalton Roberts and G'Angelo Hancock. "It's going to take leadership within the program," U.S. Greco-Roman National Coach Matt Lindland said. "Talent, alone, won't get it done. You have to have talent, hard work and all the intangibles that go along with what it takes to be a champion." Read complete story on TheMat.com …

As the winter season approaches, and the start of the scholastic wrestling season, let's take a look back at what some of the exploits of the country's star wrestlers during their fall sports season. While many star wrestlers spend their fall honing their wrestling craft and getting ready for the upcoming season through the preseason tournament circuit, others were participating in fall sports, most notably football. Here is a look at six high-end wrestlers who also excelled on the gridiron. Joey Baughman (Wadsworth, Ohio) The University of Virginia wrestling commit enters his senior wrestling season ranked No. 74 overall in the Class of 2018, and tenth at 182 pounds. However, his recently completed football season as a quarterback could throw a curveball into that situation. The Grizzlies finished 11-1, going undefeated during the regular season and advancing to the state round of 16. Baughman had over 3000 yards passing and 1500 yards on the ground with 56 touchdowns between passing and running. He will also be a finalist for Mr. Football in Ohio, an award to be announced next week. Zach Elam after winning a Fargo freestyle title (Photo/Jim Thrall) Zach Elam (Staley, Mo.) A Junior National freestyle champion this summer, the University of Missouri signee is ranked third nationally at 220 pounds and No. 50 overall on the football field. As a tight end and defensive lineman, Elam has played a role in advancing Staley to this weekend's state title game with a 13-0 record for the season to date. On the season, he has at least 43 receptions for 766 yards and 12 touchdowns though one game of offensive statistics is missing; while on the other side of the ball he has at least 50 tackles (30 of the solo variety) and over 18 tackles for loss (7 sacks), with two games of defensive statistics missing. Gaige Garcia (Southern Columbia, Pa.) The nation's No. 19 overall Class of 2020 wrestler is a returning state placer, but also the ace offensive player for a state football power. Southern Columbia were state runners-up last year after winning a state-record seventh state football title in 2015. The Tigers are currently an undefeated 13-0 headed into their state quarterfinal game this weekend. Playing the tailback position, Garcia is averaging 140 yards per game on the ground with 30 rushing touchdowns on the season; when augmented by his receiving numbers, he is at just under 2200 yards from scrimmage on 176 touches (152 carries, 24 receptions) and has 35 TD's on the season. Josh McKenzie (Bergen Catholic, N.J.) This junior, ranked No. 23 overall as a wrestler in his class, will start the 2017-18 wrestling season as the No. 10 ranked wrestler at 220 pounds. The four-star "athlete" on the football field is primarily a running back, while playing some at defensive back. The Crusaders are currently 9-2 and will be playing St. Peter's Prep for a state title next weekend. The 2016 state placer on the mats during the present football season has run for over 800 yards on 130 carries with seven touchdowns, though one of his games did not have stats submitted; on defense, McKenzie has about 40 tackles (15 solo). Mason Parris is the nation's top-ranked 220-pounder (Photo/Paul Tincher, IndianaMat) Mason Parris (Lawrenceburg, Ind.) The No. 8 overall senior wrestler is the nation's top-ranked 220-pound wrestler and a University of Michigan signee. However, he is also a star on the football field on both sides of the ball, as both a running back and linebacker. Parris was key in the Tigers advancing to the state quarterfinals and finishing 11-2 one season after they were state runners-up. On the season, Parris had nine touchdowns on offense (eight running), while amassing over 150 tackles (85-plus of the solo variety) with at least 15 of them of the tackle-for-loss variety. Anthony Walters (Bishop McCort, Pa.) The No. 73 overall senior wrestler will start the season ranked fifth nationally at 195 pounds. During the fall football season, he amassed over 1100 yards on the ground while averaging close to six yards per carry. Walters also had at least 20 touchdowns, which enabled him to break the school record for touchdowns in a career. The Crushers finished the season with a 10-3 record, advancing to the state playoffs round of 16.

The Raiders earned a 20-18 win over Buena Vista University Tuesday night after a hard fought first dual of the season. The Raiders and Beavers split the matches evenly 5-5 but the Raiders were able to win thanks to a pair of major decisions late in the match. The Raiders found themselves off to a hot start at the 125 pound weight as Sam Klarenbeek was able to get a fall in the 3rd period. It was a hard fought and frantic match but Klarenbeek was able to capitalize on an error from Vento and get the pin. BVU was able to tie things up after the 133 match as Spurrier was able to get the best of Mills. Altenburg pushed away a late effort by Dahl to earn a decision putting the Beavers up 9-6 after 3 matches. Preciado put forth a great effort and doubled up Tuttle tying up the match at 9-9. Daniel Zeleny and Andrew Null would both drop decisions and the Raiders found themselves down 9-15 six matches in. Then the big swing occurred. Brandon Shuler went out with an attitude to him and was able to dominate Hoffman with a 13-4 major decision. Brock Brenneman fed off of the Shuler match and went out and had a great first two periods and the Raider's coaching staff saw a chance to get bonus points with a major decision and told Brenneman to cut his opponent off and go for more takedowns. Brock did so and was able to get a 11-3 major decision with a few seconds left in the third period. Nicholas Null would make it a three match streak with a 5-0 shutout decision. The Raiders went from 9-15 down after six matches to up 20-15 in nine matches. Skyler Bonestroo was even at 1-1 in the last period and slipped late in the match to give Puls a chance to capitalize. Skyler did a good job to not get pinned in the final seconds and the Raiders were able to hold off the Beavers for their first win of 2017-2018 season. "Sam and Brock were huge matches for us tonight," commented Head Coach Rik Dahl. "Both of them came up with huge points for us at big moments of the dual. Brock's win was massive being towards the end of the dual but without Sam's pin, we would not be talking about a win tonight." Results: 125 Sam Klarenbeek (Northwestern (Iowa) vs. Nate Vento (Buena Vista) Fall 5:39 6-0 133 Cole Mills (Northwestern (Iowa) vs. Schuyler Spurrier (Buena Vista) Fall 3:48 6-6 141 Eli Dahl (Northwestern (Iowa) vs. Riley Altenburg (Buena Vista) 8-11 Decision 6-9 149 Dante Preciado (Northwestern (Iowa) vs. Johnathon Tuttle (Buena Vista) 8-4 Decision 9-9 157 Daniel Zeleny (Northwestern (Iowa) vs. Brad Kerkhoff (Buena Vista) 6-8 Decision 9-12 165 Andrew Null (Northwestern (Iowa) vs. Shane Vaughan (Buena Vista) 0-3 Decision 9-15 174 Brandon Shuler (Northwestern (Iowa) vs. Andrew Hoffman (Buena Vista) 13-4 Major decision 13-15 184 Brock Brenneman (Northwestern (Iowa) vs. Lavaris Preston (Buena Vista) 11-3 Major decision 17-15 197 Nicholas Null (Northwestern (Iowa) vs. Kevin Pape (Buena Vista) 5-0 Decision 20-15 285 Skyler Bonestroo (Northwestern (Iowa) vs. Tyler Puls (Buena Vista) 1-3 Decision 20-18 Match Descriptions 125: Klarenbeek went down 2-1 after 1st but knotted it up at 3-3 in second with a solid takedown. Went up early in third with point after an early escape and then had a nice takedown to get to 6 points and then fall with 1:23 left in third after a great move to secure the 6 points. Score 6-0 133: Two take downs early saw Mills get a quick 4-1 lead in the first. Another takedown at the end of the first period gave a 6-3 lead for Mills. Roles quickly changed as Mills got caught and eventually pinned in the second period on a reversal of a move. Score 6-6 141: Eli Dahl got off to a rough start in the first quickly going down 4-1 after two takedowns for Altenburg. Was able to escape and get to 4-2. A quick takedown by Dahl late in the first period got things evened up at 4 going into the second. Things started off well for dahl in second but Altenburg took advantage and scored 2 points. He then rode that takedown into 4 near fall points putting dahl behind 10-4 going into the 3rd. Dahl became aggressive trying to trim the 6 point deficit and was able to get a takedown to get to 6-10. Dahl then traded an escape for another takedown but was unable to get the points needed falling in a decision 8-11. Score 6-9 149: Dante got off to a good start getting an early takedown. Tuttle eventually escaped the initial take down and the 1st ended 2-1 for Dante. A good takedown in the 2nd got Dante to a 4-1 lead which he would ride until the start of the 3rd. An escape after Dante started on top gave Tuttle a point to make it 4-2 but a quick succession of takedowns and escapes at the end of the third saw Dante win 8-4 on a decision. Score 9-9 157: Zeleny had long battle to start on the mat as early points were hard to come by. Kerkhoff finally scored a takedown after a long control battle with Zeleny. That score would hold for the first. Another battle for control happened early in the second as Kerkhoff was able to grab a leg and sweep down Zeleny for a 4-0 lead. The 4-0 lead would quickly grow to 6-1 for Kerkhoff but Zeleny would score an immediate takedown to cut the score in half to 3-6. Another trade for takedown and escape would lead to a 8-4 advantage and a late takedown for Zeleny would be too late seeing the 8-6 decision go to BVU. Score 9-12 165: Andrew had a takedown that was over rolled saw Vaughan get an early 2-0 lead. The score would stay the same in the second period as both wrestlers would not earn a point. 3 minutes of ride time saw Vaughn get the 3 point decision for BVU with a 3-0 score. Score 9-15 174: Brandon an early take down for Shuler got things rolling for the Red Raiders. A late escape in the 1st got Hoffman on the board to end the 1st. Schuler started on top in the second and was able to get a 2 point near fall and significant ride time to start off the period. The 4-1 quickly became an 8-1 lead after a 4 point near fall. The second would end 8-2 after an escape by Hoffman. An early escape and takedown by Shuler to start the third stretched the lead to 11-2. Another takedown and escape found Shuler up 13-4 and that is how the match would end. The major decision would give the Raiders 4 team points. Score 13-15 184: Brenneman's early attempt to a takedown set the tone for the match as he was able to capitalize on his next shot for a 2 point takedown. The second started off well for Brock as he was able to reverse a shot from Preston and earn another takedown for a 4-0 lead. Brenneman would start off the third just like the other two periods earning a takedown early. Brenneman would find himself up 8-3 halfway through the third and would counter a takedown attempt but Preston to go up 11-3 in which the match would finish for a big major decision for the Red Raiders. Score 17-15 197: Nick an early takedown and some ride time for Null saw him dominate the first period. The early 2-0 would last throughout the first. Another early takedown in the second would double the lead to 4-0. Null grabbed an early escape in the 3rd to get to a five point lead. The lead would hold for a 5-0 decision. Score 20-15 285: Skyler the match started off with a lot of hand fighting and no one was able to score in the first. Bonestroo was able to escape starting out the second period to earn a 1-0 lead. Bonestroo avoided a great takedown attempt by Puls. An early escape by Puls evened the score at 1-1 and the third became a battle of the final point. A late takedown for Puls after a slip by Bonestroo put the score at 3-1 and it would end for a decision for BVU. Score 20-18 The Raiders pick up after Thanksgiving Break with another home dual and conference opener on Thursday, November 30 against Briar Cliff University at 7pm

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. -- Last season's victory for the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire wrestling team over Luther College was their first in 21 years. On Tuesday night, the Blugolds made it two in a row, using a trio of pins to lead to the win. Luther got on the board in the opening match, picking up a decision win at 125-pounds. A huge swing of momentum occurred next for Eau Claire, as Casey Hedrington (Fr.-Chippewa Falls, WI/Chi-Hi) battled off his back to eventually regain top control, turn his opponent multiple times, and ultimately get the crucial pinfall at 133-pounds. Stepping in at 141-pounds, Tyler Demo (Fr.-Loves Park, IL/Belvidere North) earned another key win for the Blugolds. The freshman was victorious, 7-2. After a decision win for the Norse at 149-pounds, Hunter DeLeon (So.-Anoka, MN) sent the Blugolds into the break with a 12-6 lead, following his 9-3 win at 157-pounds. Though Luther responded out of the intermission with a major decision, Eau Claire turned it up and poured it on in the next three matches. Tyler Vogt (Sr.-Owatonna, MN) trailed early in his 174-pound bout, but he fought back to take an 8-5 win. Just as he did in last year's match with the Norse, Cecil Philson (Sr.-Thorp, WI) came up big. This time around, he got a clutch pinfall to add bonus points and separation to the score. At 197-pounds, Ramsey Bloy (Jr.-Freedom, WI) sealed the victory with a pin of his own, needing less than two minutes to get the fall. Luther added a major decision win at heavyweight, but the final score favored Eau Claire, 27-14. With Thanksgiving Break ahead, the Blugold wrestlers' next action comes on December 2, when they compete in the MSOE Invitational in Milwaukee. Results: 125 Murphy (Luther) defeated Dickenson (UWEC) by decision (7-2) 3 0 133 Hedrington (UWEC) defeated Clough (Luther) by fall (5:49) 3 6 141 Demo (UWEC) defeated Menegay (Luther) by decision (7-2) 3 9 149 Valadez (Luther) defeated Dudych (UWEC) by decision (6-2) 6 9 157 DeLeon (UWEC) defeated Suarez (Luther) by decision (9-3) 6 12 165 Poray (Luther) defeated Schmidt (UWEC) by major decision (14-4) 10 12 174 Vogt (UWEC) defeated Vaughns (Luther) by decision (8-5) 10 15 184 Philson (UWEC) defeated Keifer (Luther) by fall (3:40) 10 21 197 Bloy (UWEC) defeated Weaver (Luther) by fall (1:52) 10 27 285 Feldpausch (Luther) defeated Garvin (UWEC) by major decision (13-2) 14 27

MINNEAPOLIS -- Augsburg University, the No. 2-ranked team in the National Wrestling Coaches Association Division III national rankings, was able to claim victories in eight straight bouts en route to a 42-9 dual-meet victory over St. Olaf College on Tuesday evening at Si Melby Hall. After giving up a decision at 125, Augsburg's Sam Bennyhoff (JR, Mound, Minn./Mound-Westonka HS) got the Auggies on the board with a second-period technical fall. Bennyhoff picked up two takedowns and a two-point near-fall in the first period, to go along with a reversal and two four-point near-falls in the second period. Ranked No. 5 nationally at 133 pounds, Bennyhoff is now 5-0 on the season. At 141 pounds, Mike Hayes (JR, Oconomowoc, Wis./Kettle Moraine HS) picked up a 1:31 pin over Thomas Sanner, moving his record to 4-1 on the season. Teammate Alex Wilson (JR, Oak Grove, Minn./St. Francis HS) followed with another Augsburg pin at 149 pounds, posting the fall in just 57 seconds. Wilson is also 4-1 on the year. Bryce Zdanovec (SR, Little Chute, Wis./Little Chute HS) made it three straight Augsburg pins, posting a third-period fall over William Collins. Lucas Jeske (SO, St. Michael, Minn./St. Michael-Albertville HS) took the forfeit for Augsburg at 165 pounds to move the match score to 29-3. At 174 pounds, Tanner Vassar (SO, Maple Lake, Minn./Maple Lake HS) claimed three takedowns, an escape and a penalty point in addition to a riding-time point, as he posted a 9-0 major decision over Frankie Lee. Jackson Graham (SR, Apple Valley, Minn./Apple Valley HS) moved to 3-2 on the season with a third-period technical fall of St. Olaf's Benjamin Keillor. Graham finished with two takedowns and three near-falls. 197-pounder Sebastian Larson (SR, River Falls, Wis./River Falls HS) remained unbeaten on the year with an 8-0 major decision over Sebastian Hyta. At 125 pounds, St. Olaf's Lucas Womack claimed a 14-7 decision over Augsburg's Zach Ferguson (SO, St. Paul, Minn./Central HS). The Oles claimed up their lone pin of the night in the final bout, as heavyweight Troy Beaman picked up a 2:35 pin over Ethan Hofacker (SO, Spring Valley, Wis./Spring Valley HS). St. Olaf competes next on Saturday, December 2nd at the Milwaukee School of Engineering Invitational. Augsburg returns to action on December 2nd at the UW-La Crosse Candlewood Suites Duals. Results: 125: Lucas Womack (STO, 1-2) dec. Zach Ferguson (AUG, 0-1) 14-7 (St. Olaf 3-0) 133: No. 5 Sam Bennyhoff (AUG, 5-0) tech. fall Luke Wallace (STO, 0-3) 16-1 at 4:50 (Augsburg 5-3) 141: Mike Hayes (AUG, 4-1) pin Thomas Saner (STO, 1-3) 2:03 (Augsburg 11-3) 149: Alex Wilson (AUG, 4-1) pinned Charles Geiser (STO, 0-3) 0:57 (Augsburg 17-3) 157: Bryce Zdanovec (AUG, 4-1) pinned William Collins (STO, 0-3) 5:36 (Augsburg 23-3) 165: Lucas Jeske (AUG, 5-0) wins by forfeit (Augsburg 29-3) 174: Tanner Vassar (AUG, 4-1) maj. dec. Frankie Lee (STO, 1-3) 9-0 (Augsburg 33-3) 184: Jackson Graham (AUG, 3-2) tech. fall Benjamin Keillor (STO, 0-3) 15-0 at 5:15 (Augsburg 38-3) 197: Sebastian Larson (AUG, 5-0) maj. dec.Sebastian Hyta (STO, 0-3) 8-0 (Augsburg 42-3) HWT: Troy Beaman (STO, 4-1) pinned Ethan Hofacker (AUG, 0-3) 2:35 (Augsburg 42-9)

The No. 12 ranked University of Wisconsin-Whitewater wrestling team claimed its first five matches Tuesday night en route to a 33-10 triumph over UW-Platteville in a Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference dual at Kris Russell Arena. The Warhawks (3-0 overall, 3-0 WIAC) tallied three pins, one technical fall and one major decision en route to the win over the Pioneers (0-2, 0-1). Senior Jordan Newman (Blaine, MN/St. John's Military Academy), sophomores Devin Tortorice (Wauconda, Ill./Carmel) and Mike Tortorice (Wauconda, Ill./Carmel) each posted falls to lead UW-Whitewater. Newman collected his fifth pin and improved to 6-1 on the season at 197 pounds in one minute, 59 seconds against Codey Meyer. He entered the week as the nation's consensus No. 1 wrestler in the weight class. At 141 pounds, Devin Tortorice (Wauconda, Ill./Carmel) improved to 7-1 on the year with his first pin in two minutes, 32 seconds against UW-Platteville's Luke Pradel. He is ranked 10th in the nation by both the National Wrestling Coaches Association and D3wrestle.com. Mike Tortorice (Wauconda, Ill./Carmel) closed the dual with a pin in just 13 seconds against Nick Donovan to move to 7-1 on the season at 125 pounds. Sophomore Wilder Wichman (Watertown, Wis./Johnson Creek) recorded his fifth victory of the season, an 18-2 technical fall in seven minutes against Trevor Harsh at 149 pounds. Sophomore Hazen Rice (Schaumburg, Ill./Schaumburg) started the dual at 133 pounds with first major decision of the season by a 15-1 score over Chase Katzenmeyer. The nation's consensus No. 10 at 133, Rice improved to 5-1 for the year. Sophomore Ryder Sigler (Fredonia, Wis./Cedarburg) and freshman Mike Ordonez (River Forest, Ill./Oak Park River Forest) were winners by decision at 165 and 157 pounds, respectively. Sigler (5-2) posted a takedown in the third overtime period to win by sudden victory, while Ordonez (4-2) jumped out to a 6-4 lead in the first period and hung on for a 10-6 triumph. The Warhawks return to action next week Saturday, Dec. 2, at the Candlewood Suite Duals in La Crosse. The team is scheduled to take on No. 2 Augsburg (Minn.) at 9 a.m., No. 21 Concordia-Moorhead (Minn.) at 10:30 a.m. and top-ranked Wartburg (Iowa) at 12 p.m. Results: 125: Mike Tortorice (Wauconda, Ill./Carmel) d. Nick Donovan (UW-Platteville) by fall, 0:13 133: Hazen Rice (Schaumburg, Ill./Schaumburg) d. Chase Katzenmeyer (UW-Platteville) by major decision, 15-1 141: Devin Tortorice (Wauconda, Ill./Carmel) d. Luke Pradel (UW-Platteville) by fall, 2:23 149: Wilder Wichman (Watertown, Wis./Johnson Creek) d. Trevor Harsh (UW-Platteville) by technical fall, 18-2 (7:00) 157: Mike Ordonez (River Forest, Ill./Oak Park River Forest) d. Dustin Reynolds (UW-Platteville) by decision, 10-6 165: Ryder Sigler (Fredonia, Wis./Cedarburg) d. Isaac Brosinski (UW-Platteville) by decision, 4-2 (SV-1) 174: Jon Goetz (UW-Platteville) d. Nicholas Bonomo (Downers Grove, Ill./Downers Grove North) by decision, 8-5 184: Grant Wedepohl (UW-Platteville) d. Nick Stencel (Oregon, Ohio/Clay) by major decision, 10-0 197: Jordan Newman (Blaine, MN/St. John's Military Academy) d. Cody Meyer (UW-Platteville) by fall, 1:59 285: D'Andre Johnson (UW-Platteville) d. Dylan Uzumecki (Batavia, Ill./Batavia) by decision, 6-3

The sixth-ranked Pitt-Johnstown wrestlers took advantage of a pair of technical falls and pins from No. 12 Levi Niebauer at 197 lbs. and No. 11 D.J. Sims at 285 lbs. to close out a solid, 34-9 PSAC victory at East Stroudsburg, Wednesday night in East Stroudsburg. The Mountain Cats improved to 4-1 overall and 2-0 in the PSAC. The Warriors took an early 3-0 with Victor Lopez's 5-4 decision over Matt Siszka at 125 lbs., but Pitt-Johnstown responded with a 14-7 win by Sam Holandez at 133 lbs. and a 17-0 technical fall at 3:27 by fifth-ranked Chris Eddins at 141 lbs. to build an 8-3 lead of its own. East Stroudsburg kept it close and got a narrow 3-2 decision from Blake Cohen at 149 lbs., but second-ranked Cody Law recorded Pitt-Johnstown's second technical fall of the evening when he downed Marquan Payne,, 20-4, at 6:36 to increase it to 13-6. The Warriors pulled off an upset at 165 lbs. with Mike Raccioppi's 9-3 decision over 11th-ranked Devin Austin. However, No. 2 Tyler Reinhart won by disqualification at 174 lbs. to make it 19-9. Reinhart was leading 15-3 with three seconds left in the third period over Joe Guzzo, when Guzzo was hit with his fifth stalling call of the match. Pitt-Johnstown pulled away from there. At 184 lbs., Brodie Englert held off Paul Rallis, 2-1, and Niebauer and Sims each won by fall to wrap up the 34-9 victory. Niebauer pinned Daniel Makagon at 1:48 at 197 lbs., and Sims followed with a fall over Hunter Marhan at 4:55. With the loss, the Warriors are 0-1 overall and 0-1 in the PSAC. Pitt-Johnstown travels to seventh-ranked Ashland (OH) University on December 2 and to the 2017 PSAC Championships on December 9. The Mountain Cats will wrestle their next home match on January 20 when Wheeling Jesuit (WV) University visits the Sports Center. Results: 125 lbs. Victor Lopez (ESU) Decision Matt Siszka (UPJ) 5-4 3-0 ESU 133 lbs. Sam Holandez (UPJ) Decision Francesco Palagruto (ESU) 14-7 3-3 TIE 141 lbs. #5 Chris Eddins (UPJ) Technical Fall Peter Nace 17-0 (3:27) 8-3 UPJ 149 lbs. Blake Cohen (ESU) Decision Corey Falleroni (UPJ) 3-2 8-6 UPJ 157 lbs. #2 Cody Law(UPJ) Technical Fall Marquan Payne (ESU) 20-4 (6:36) 13-6 UPJ 165 lbs. Mike Raccioppi (ESU) Decision #11 Devin Austin (UPJ) 9-3 13-9 UPJ 174 lbs. #2 Tyler Reinhart (UPJ) Won By Disqualification Joe Guzzo (ESU) 19-9 UPJ * Reinhart led 15-3 with 0:02 left at time of match termination (DQ Due to 5 Stalling Calls) 184 lbs. Brodie Englert (UPJ) Decision Paul Rallis (ESU) 2-1 22-9 UPJ 197 lbs. #12 Levi Niebauer (UPJ) Fall Daniel Makagon (ESU) 1:48 28-9 UPJ 285 lbs. #11 D.J. Sims (UPJ) Fall Hunter Marhan (ESU) 4:55 34-9 UPJ

COLUMBUS, Ohio - The No. 2 Ohio State University wrestling team handed Kent State (5-1) its first loss of the season and bested Cleveland State (0-1) as well to sweep through the 2017 Thanksgiving Throwdown. The Buckeyes outscored their in-state competition 81-12, topping CSU 43-3 and KSU 38-9. The Scarlet & Gray dominated the evening inside St. John Arena, dropping only three of 20 bouts. In addition, 14 of the 17 victories were accompanied by bonus points including four appearances by the #PinChain. Ohio State also recorded eight tech falls and two major decisions. Micah Jordan and Kollin Moore were responsible for 11 team points apiece to pace all Buckeyes while the Snyder Brothers (Kevin and Kyle) combined for 11 points in splitting the heavyweight bouts. Bo Jordan and Myles Martin were double-digit contributor, too, each posting back-to-back tech falls. Ke-Shawn Hayes and Martin notched wins over nationally-ranked opponents, marking the third such victory for Hayes dating back to the Princeton Open finals. A half dozen Buckeyes remain undefeated entering next weekend's Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational: Luke Pletcher (7-0), Hayes (8-0), Te'Shan Campbell (7-0), Martin (8-0), Kollin Moore (3-0) and Kyle Snyder (3-0). OHIO STATE 43, CLEVELAND STATE 3 125 lbs | Cameron Lathem (CSU) def. Brakan Mead (OSU) | D, 7-3 133 lbs | No. 10 Luke Pletcher (OSU) def. Andrew Coghill (CSU) | PIN, 4:12 141 lbs | Clay Ragon (OSU) def. Sam Matzek (CSU) | SV1, 9-7 149 lbs | No. 9 Ke-Shawn Hayes (OSU) def. Ryan Ford (CSU) | MD, 16-2 157 lbs | No. 6 Micah Jordan (OSU) def. Georgio Poullas (CSU) | PIN, 5:31 165 lbs | No. 7 Te'Shan Campbell (OSU) def. John Vaughn (CSU) | MD 11-1 174 lbs | No. 3 Bo Jordan (OSU) def. Gabe Stark (CSU) | TF, 19-4 184 lbs | No. 2 Myles Martin (OSU) def. No. 19 Nick Corba (CSU) | TF, 23-7 197 lbs | No. 1 Kollin Moore (OSU) def. John Kelbly (CSU) | TF, 18-2 285 lbs | Kevin Snyder (OSU) def. Collin Kelly (CSU) | TF, 20-5 OHIO STATE 38, KENT STATE 9 125 lbs | Will Bardezbain (KSU) def. Brakan Mead (OSU) | D, 10-5 133 lbs | No. 10 Luke Pletcher (OSU) def. Anthony Tutolo (KSU) | D, 2-0 141 lbs | Tim Rooney (CSU) def. Brendan Fitzgerald (OSU) | PIN, 6:57 149 lbs | No. 9 Ke-Shawn Hayes (OSU) def. No. 20 Nick Monico (KSU) | D, 7-2 157 lbs | No. 6 Micah Jordan (OSU) def. Casey Sparkman (KSU) | TF, 19-4 165 lbs | No. 7 Te'Shan Campbell (OSU) def. Isaac Bast (KSU) | TF, 15-0 174 lbs | No. 3 Bo Jordan (OSU) def. Dylan Barreiro (KSU) | TF, 19-4 184 lbs | No. 2 Myles Martin (OSU) def. Colin McCracken (KSU) | TF, 27-12 197 lbs | No. 1 Kollin Moore (OSU) def. Shane Mast (KSU) | PIN, 1:16 285 lbs | No.1 Kyle Snyder (OSU) def. Devin Nye (KSU) | PIN, 3:39 KENT STATE 36, CLEVELAND STATE 9 125 lbs | Will Bardezbain (KSU) def. Cameron Lathem (CSU) | PIN, 2:37 133 lbs | Anthony Tutolo (KSU) def. Andrew Coghill (CSU) | D, 9-4 141 lbs | Tim Rooney (KSU) def. Sam Matzek (CSU) | PIN, 1:50 149 lbs | No. 20 Nick Monico (KSU) def. Ryan Ford (CSU) | SV1, 3-1 157 lbs | Casey Sparkman (KSU) def. Georgio Poullas (CSU) | TF, 18-3 165 lbs | Isaac Bast (KSU) def. John Vaughn (CSU) | MD, 12-4 174 lbs | Gabe Stark (CSU) def. Dylan Barreiro (KSU) | PIN, 5:57 184 lbs | No. 19 Nick Corba (CSU) def. Collin McCracken (KSU) | D, 7-2 197 lbs | Kyle Conel (KSU) def. John Kelbly (CSU) | TF, 18-3 285 lbs | Devin Nye (KSU) def. Collin Kelly (CSU) | MD, 12-4

Jack Stanbro, whose diverse career in wrestling as an NCAA finalist, World competitor, successful high school mat coach and respected photographer of the sport spanned more than six decades, passed away Saturday. He was 80. Jack StanbroStanbro wrestled at Ithaca College in upstate New York, making it to the 191-pound title match at the 1960 NCAA Wrestling Championships at University of Maryland, where he lost to Oklahoma State's George Goobner. That same year, Stanbro was a finalist at the National AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) championships at 191. While at Ithaca, Stanbro was a teammate of fellow NCAA finalist Bob Marella, heavyweight runner-up at the 1959 Nationals, who later became professional wrestler and announcer Gorilla Monsoon. (In fact, according to a tribute to Monsoon at a Canadian pro wrestling website, Marella tried to persuade his friend to enter the "squared circle" but Stanbro reportedly declined because it meant being away from home, and his dislike for "the showmanship aspects of pro wrestling.") Stanbro's on-the-mat accomplishments went beyond Ithaca College, as he also competed for the New York Athletic Club. He won championships at Eastern AAU, Senior Mets, and National YMCA, and was a member of two U.S. world teams. Stanbro's overall record as a wrestler was 225-13-5, according to a 2002 tribute to the wrestler/coach/photographer in Wrestling USA magazine. Stanbro shared his on-the-mat experience as a high school wrestling coach. As coach at Lindenhurst High School, Stanbro's teams were New York State Section XI champions for five consecutive years, compiling an overall record of 249-27-4 in both varsity and junior varsity competition. In addition, Stanbro coached wrestling for 18 years at Johnson City High School, winning many section and state honors. In addition, Stanbro was a past president of the Section XI and the Section IV Wrestling Coaches Association, and has a lifetime coaching record of 349 wins, 69 losses and 11 ties. Stanbro is also noted for his promotion of international styles of wrestling by teaching large groups of boys in freestyle and Greco-Roman, as well as directing both junior high and junior age level wrestling tournaments. He was selected as Freestyle Coach of the United States Junior World Championship Team. He also coached United States national teams that toured Japan in 1971, Poland in 1973, and Russia in 1989. Stanbro was a long-time wrestling official, serving as a 1E pairings official. In addition, he started and oversaw the Wrestling Hall of Fame - Upstate N.Y. Chapter. For all his accomplishments, Jack Stanbro was inducted into the Ithaca College Hall of Fame. Many wrestling fans may be most familiar with Jack Stanbro for his incredible photos that expertly captured mat action. He was a long-time contributor to Wrestling USA magazine. In addition, Stanbro was a past president of the National Wrestling Media Association. Jack is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Sonja: his children, Thomas (Carole) Stanbro, Kathleen (Michael) Rasso, Christine (William) Madden, Audra (Robert) DeMarco, William Stanbro, and Jack Jr. (Cynthia) Stanbro: his grandchildren, Victoria, Samantha, Ashley, Keegan and Kallyn: his sisters, Shirley Clark and Nancy Siebert and many nieces and nephews. UPDATE 11/22/17 Services have been announced. Visitation will take place Friday, Dec. 1 beginning at 9:30 a.m. at St. James Parish, 155 Main St. Johnson City, N.Y. until the start of the funeral mass at 11:30 a.m. at the church. Committal of his ashes will be done privately by the family. Those wishing to make memorial donations are invited to contribute to: NY State Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame C/O Carl Koenig - President PO Box 83 Oxford, NY 13830 Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center PO Box 5028 Hagerstown, MD 21741-5028

Veryl Long (left) wrestling Bobby Douglas (Photo/National Wrestling Hall of Fame) Veryl Long, Big 8 and NCAA wrestling champion for Iowa State who later became a high school and college coach, has passed away. A native of Pennsylvania, Veryl Long, Sr., received a full scholarship to Iowa State in 1962, wrestling for legendary head coach Harold Nichols. As a Cyclone, Long won the 147-pound title at the 1963 Big 8 conference championships, defeating Bob Dupree of the University of Oklahoma. Long was also a three-time NCAA All-American, placing third at the 1963 NCAAs, and fourth at the Nationals the following year. At the 1965 NCAAs at University of Wyoming, Long defeated Joe Bavaro of Gettysburg, 5-0, 0-0 SRD (split referee decision) in the finals to win the 147-pound championship. Long completed his collegiate career with a 95-4 overall record. Prior to heading west to Iowa State, Veryl Long had already built an impressive wrestling resume. He wrestled at Trinity High School in Pittsburgh, compiling a 65-2 record. He was a two-time WPIAL (Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League) and Regional champ in 1955 and 1956. Long placed twice at the Pennsylvania state wrestling championships, coming in second at 138 pounds in 1955, and winning the state title at 145 pounds as a senior in 1956. After graduating from high school, Long entered the U.S. Army. While at Fort Knox in Kentucky, Long won the post championships in freestyle and Greco-Roman titles at 147 pounds. From 1958-1960, Long was a member of the All-Army wrestling team. He was a member of the 1959 Pan-American wrestling team, and was an alternate on the 1960 U.S. Olympic wrestling team. Having completed his military service and earning his college degree from Iowa State, Veryl Long then shared his experience and knowledge as a competitor as a coach, first as an assistant at Montclair State College in New Jersey, then as head coach of the now-defunct wrestling program at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh. For nearly a decade in the late 1980s into the 1990s, Long was head wrestling coach at Carrick High School in Pittsburgh, where he coached 46 Pittsburgh city champions and 24 runners-up. He retired from coaching in 1997, and had served as a PIAA (Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association) for 14 years. For all his accomplishments as a wrestler and coach, Veryl Long has been welcomed into a number of halls of fame, including the Pennsylvania Wrestling Coaches Hall of Fame in 1987, the Pennsylvania Sports Wrestling Hall of Fame Washington-Greene Chapter in 2001, the Trinity High School Hall of Fame in 2012, and the Iowa State Athletics Hall of Fame in 2013.

Before you chow down at your Thanksgiving Day feast, here's something to whet your appetite: this week's “On the Mat” show on Wednesday, Nov. 22. “On the Mat” guests are Mark Ironside, two-time NCAA champion for the University of Iowa, and Jeff Byers, the voice of Penn State wrestling. “On the Mat” is a presentation of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum. The show can be heard live on the Internet at 1650thefan.com or locally in Northeast Iowa this Wednesday at 5 p.m. Central on AM 1650, The Fan. A podcast of the show is available at mattalkonline.com. Email dgmstaff@nwhof.org with any questions or comments.

Seton Hill's head wrestling coach Brian Tucker has announced that two-time All-American Tyler Nauman is joining the coaching staff as an assistant coach. He has tons of experience from coaching at many different schools in addition to wrestling through out high school and college. Nauman will definitely bring new skills and competitiveness to Seton Hill. "When assistant coach Brett Smith accepted the Head Coaching position at Urbana University, Tyler immediately came to my mind to fill the position. His loyalty and passion to the sport is unmatched. He has proven he is a great coach and brings a wealth of knowledge to our team. His involvement in the WPIAL gives him knowledge of many of the wrestlers on our roster and I look forward to working with him. I expect him to immediately impact the growth of this program and help us toward becoming National Champions," stated Coach Tucker Nauman will be joining the Griffins' after spending last season at his alma mater, the University of Pittsburgh where he served as volunteer assistant coach and was Pittsburgh Wrestling Club head coach. During that time he coached five national qualifiers. Prior to his coaching stint at Pitt, Nauman began his coaching career at Drexel University where he coached two national qualifiers during the 2012-2013 season. After that he took the reigns as head coach at Belle Vernon High School from 2013-2014 and led the team to qualify three for the state tournament including a state place winner. His coaching career then took him to South Park High School as an assistant coach where he had four state champions, five state placers, and five state qualifiers during two seasons. In 2014, Middletown PA gained a new wrestling club. Nauman started his own wrestling club, Team Nauman. Team Nauman has gained national recognition since its inauguration placing as a team at prestigious events such as NHSCA Duals and Disney Duals as well as placing individuals and crowning champions at FloNationals and NHSCA Nationals. As a wrestler at Middletown Area high school Nauman placed at states all 4 years capped in his senior season with a state title and outstanding wrestler award winner. After winning states he was chosen to wrestle on the Dapper Dan PA team and was also awarded outstanding wrestler of the dual. His success on the mat continued at the University of Pittsburgh. He was a four-time Eastern Wrestling League Conference Champion, a two time All American (earning 5th place honors on both occasions), a member of three conference championship teams, and most importantly, a team captain. Nauman has etched his name in Pitt's record book after achieving the third-most wins of 41 wins and 39 falls in his career. Seton Hill is excited to have Tyler Nauman join the wrestling program and coaching staff.

BYDGOSZCZ, Poland -- U.S. Greco-Roman wrapped up day one of the U23 World Championships in Bydgoszcz, Poland, on Tuesday, unable to qualify a wrestler for the medal rounds. "It was a rough first day," U.S. Greco-Roman National Coach Matt Lindland said. "We've got a lot of young guys here that experienced their first World Championships today. Tomorrow we have a more experienced group wrestling." 2017 U.S. Open runner-up and 2016 UWW University Nationals champion Jesse Porter advanced to the repechage at 75 kg/165 lbs. Porter (Albany, N.Y./New York AC) battled with 2017 Senior World fifth-place finisher Fatih Cengiz of Turkey in his first match. In a bout full of passivity points, Porter was on the short end, suffering a 2-1 heartbreaker. Cengiz went on to the 75 kg finals, pulling Porter back into repechage. There, he took on 2016 Cadet World silver medalist and 2017 Junior World bronze medalist Nasir Hasanov of Azerbaijan. Hasanov came out swinging with a big four-point throw to open scoring. Shortly after, the Azeri wrapped up the match with a headlock for four points and an 8-0 win, bringing Porter's run to a medal to an end. Read complete story on TheMat.com ...

DEFIANCE, OHIO -- The Defiance College athletic program has named Antonio Guerra to lead the newly refounded Yellow Jacket wrestling program, which will begin competition in the 2018-19 school year. Antonio Guerra"We are excited for Tony to join our staff and be the face of our wrestling program," said interim athletic director Jodie Holava. "He has a very decorative background both as an assistant coach and as an athlete and feel he will be a great mentor for our student-athletes." Guerra comes to Defiance from Ashland University, where he has been the head assistant wrestling coach since September 2015. In his time with the Eagles, Guerra has organized fundraising activities, been the main contact for top recruits, and coordinated practice plans for the Division II institution. In the 2016-17 season, he helped Michael Labry to a national championship in the 133-pound weight class, Ashland's first National Champion since 1996. As a team, the Eagles finished sixth in the country in the final NCAA rankings that season. Prior to his time at Ashland, Guerra was the head coach at Central Catholic High School in Toledo, Ohio. During his tenure with the Irish, his teams placed in the top three in the state three times in his five seasons at the helm, including a state runner-up finish in 2015. Guerra led five individual state champion wrestlers, as well as 17 state placers, helping him earn two Three Rivers Athletic Conference Coach of the Year honors. His coaching career began as a graduate assistant at the University of Findlay, where he coached from 2008 through 2010. While there, Guerra aided in developing a practice structure and offered help in the recruiting process. He also provided assistance with event planning and chaperoned wrestlers to dual meets and tournaments. Guerra is a 2008 graduate of the University of Findlay, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in biology. While wrestling for the Oilers, he was a two-time NCAA Division II National Champion, a three-time National Finalist, and a four-time Division II All-American. Guerra was also named Academic All-American and two-time University of Findlay Male Athlete of the Year honoree. Guerra is also a member of the Waite High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

A GoFundMe page has been set up for a high school wrestler who was found shot to death at his job at a laundromat early Saturday morning. December HtooThe fundraising website has been established to help pay funeral expenses for December Htoo, a sophomore student-athlete at J.C. Harmon High School in Kansas City, Kan. A fellow employee found Htoo dead at the Maple Hill Laundromat where he worked part-time. Htoo was discovered at about 7 a.m. Saturday, the time he would normally be headed to wrestling practice. He had been shot four times inside the laundry. "Him not showing up was out of the ordinary," Zach Davies, head wrestling coach at J.C. Harmon, told the NBC affiliate in Kansas City. "To have this happen pretty much right before our eyes," said Davies. "I mean he was there one day and gone the next and it's hard to come to grips with that." "We were a family and all these kids they lost a brother and it's almost to the effect of we felt like we lost a son too," said Davies. "He truly is one of a kind, very unique, very funny, very outgoing loving kid. There is not a person on the team that hasn't been affected by him in a positive way. Even our new freshman this year." December Htoo loved wrestling and hoped to become a professional mixed martial arts fighter, according to his 14-year-old brother, Kyaw Wah. “All he wanted to do is follow his dream.” “My brother was a great person,” Kyaw said. “He's got no enemy. … He's got great friends. Everybody loved him.” And, apparently, a great wrestler in the making, according to his high school coach. Davies described Htoo as having a "daring wrestling style, “running to the beat of his own drum,” the coach told the Kansas City Star. As a freshman, he learned quickly and came with his own style. “He scored on phenomenal wrestlers, and he didn't know what he'd done,” he said. “He was so full of joy,” Davies said. “The maddest part of this is that he came here for a better life — for a safe place.”

Dick Francis (far right) On the same weekend the Fresno State wrestling program had its first home event in just over a decade, one of its most successful coaches of that earlier era passed away. Dick Francis, who ranks second in all-time victories for the newly revived program, died Sunday at his home in Philadelphia, according to former Fresno State mat coach Dennis DeLiddo. Dr. Francis was 85. From 1965 to 1981, Francis coached Fresno State wrestling to 108 wins. In his 16 seasons at the helm, Francis guided the Bulldog mat program into NCAA Division I competition and coached the program's first NCAA champion, Mike Gallego, whom he recruited into wrestling while at McLane High. In addition, Francis led the Bulldogs to two conference championships with 39 individual conference champions. Francis began his coaching career at Fresno High in 1956 before leading McLane from 1958-64. He took over the Bulldogs in their fourth season as an NCAA Division II program and posted four consecutive winning seasons prior to moving to Division I. Francis was inducted into the California Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2002. DeLiddo, who wrestled for Francis at Fresno State in the late 1960s before taking over as coach in 1981, shared his memories of his coach with the Fresno Bee. "He was a real straight-arrowed guy, a real disciplinarian," said DeLiddo. "He knew a lot more about wrestling than most people back in those days." DeLiddo had kept in touch with Francis over the years, recently sending the former coach some Fresno State wrestling gear to commemorate the program's return after an eleven-year absence. "His wife sent me a card saying how happy that made him," DeLiddo said. "It meant a lot to him." Francis' passing came two days after Fresno State hosted its first wrestling event since the program had been eliminated in 2006.