InterMat Staff

Nick Suriano (Photo/Juan Garcia) Nick Suriano will be able to wrestle at Rutgers University this fall, after all. The Big Ten has granted the former Penn State wrestler an immediate eligibility waiver, meaning the New Jersey high school mat star will not be required to sit out a season before wrestling for the Scarlet Knights, according to NJ.com. On Sunday the conference that's home to both Penn State and Rutgers approved a waiver request that clears Suriano's transfer without his having to lose a year of eligibility, sources told NJ Advance Media. Earlier this summer, there were reports that Penn State would block any attempt by Suriano to leave the program. However, the PSU athletic department released a statement saying they had granted him his release from the program. From there it was up to the Big Ten on whether or not Suriano would have to sit out one season before being able to return to action. After nearly a month, the Big Ten Academics and Eligibility subcommittee ruled in favor of Suriano on Sunday. Once Suriano's enrollment at Rutgers is finalized, he will most likely be considered as a sophomore, eligible to wrestle for three full seasons ... and with the potential of three national titles. As InterMat reported Aug. 8, the original deal would have had Suriano sit out the 2017-18 season, limiting his eligibility to just two seasons. Suriano will likely face his former teammates when Penn State comes to Rutgers for a dual meet on Jan. 28, 2018. As a Penn State wrestler, Suriano compiled a 16-3 record at 125 pounds during his freshman season in 2016-17. Suriano is arguably one of the all-time great wrestlers to come out of New Jersey. Wrestling for Bergen Catholic High School, Suriano compiled a perfect 159-0 record, racking up four NJSIAA (New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association) titles. He also won numerous individual championships at national tournaments such as Super 32 and Beast of the East.

Services have been announced for former Pennsylvania high school wrestling coach Dennis Leyman, who died in his home Friday evening of undisclosed causes. He was 65. Visitation for the former North Star coach and superintendent will take place Wednesday, Sept. 6 at Hoffman Funeral Home, 409 Main Street, Boswell, Penn. from 2-8 p.m., with a vigil for the deceased at 2 p.m. that day. Funeral Mass will take place Thursday at 10 a.m. at All Saints Church in Boswell, with Rev. Fr. John Voytek as celebrant. Dennis P. Leyman started as an assistant wrestling coach at North Star High under Marshall Policicchio, Leyman became the head coach in 1982, a position he held until 2000. His teams went 162-100-4 in dual meets and won four District 5 championships. As Cougar head coach, Leyman had two wrestlers earn individual PIAA (Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association) wrestling titles: Gary Kaltenbaugh in 1983 and Kyle Szewczyk in 1997. One of his Leyman's state champs weighed in on his coaching style. "He would get the most out of anyone," Szewczyk told Eric Knopsnyder of the Tribune-Democrat. "He could maximize someone's potential, regardless of what that potential was. If it was to be a one-time regional qualifier or a state champion, he made sure you got there." The current Waynesburg Central assistant coach added, "He was authoritative every day. He was intense. Practice was extremely organized, and he was very old school. There was no messing around. What he said was rule." "He was one of the (North Star) coaches, along with Marsh Policicchio, that set the standard," said Tim Rosa, the Cougars current head coach. "They set the standard for what we are trying to achieve. He is in the hall of fame as a coach. He really continued that North Star tradition and is one of the guys that I look up to as a coach." "My observation was that Dennis was a quiet, no-nonsense kind of guy who always got the most out of his talent," said Pennsylvania wrestling writer Tom Elling. "He coached in District 5, which produced many great coaches including Ed Clark, Rod Hoover, Bill Creps, to name a few. He was well-respected across the state." For those reasons, Leyman was named the state's Class AA coach of the year in 1990 and was inducted into the District 5 Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2015. Born March 30, 1952 in Bridgeston, N.J., Leyman went to Bridgeston High School and then to Glassboro State College in New Jersey. He then came to southwest Pennsylvania in 1977 to teach industrial arts. Leyman later became principal at North Star Middle School while continuing to coach wrestling at the high school. In 2002, he became superintendent of the district located in Somerset County in southwest Pennsylvania until his retirement in 2010. Leyman is survived by his wife of 28 years, Martha; three sons; and ten grandchildren.

Ben Askren is still in possession of the ONE Championship welterweight belt. The former NCAA wrestling champ and Olympian successfully defended his title in Shanghai Saturday night, scoring a TKO over Sweden's Zebaztian Kadestam at 4:06 of the second round. BloodyElbow.com used the word "manhandled" to describe Askren's treatment of Kadestam, while MMAFighting.com described the former Mizzou mat star title defense as a "one-sided performance." "Askren quickly slammed Kadestam on the ground early in the opening round, getting to the mount position and landing hard shots," MMAFighting.com reported. "Kadestam didn't do anything but survive, but made it to the second round." In the second round, Askren continued what worked for him in Round One, maintaining his ground and pound. Eventually Kadestam "turtled up" (to quote BloodyElbow.com). The referee stopped the fight at four minutes of the second. Askren is now 17-0 (with one no-contest) in his pro mixed martial arts career, while Kadestam dropped to 9-4. After the fight, Askren said he wants to face more challenging challengers. "I haven't got hit one time my last two fights, so someone please come into this cage who can actually hit me," said the former Mizzou Tiger. "I'm open to a super fight. I'm open to any welterweight on planet Earth. Bring it, baby," Askren added. Prior to launching his pro MMA career in 2009, Askren was a highly accomplished amateur wrestler. He was a four-time NCAA finalist for Missouri, winning titles in 2006 and 2007. Askren earned a place on the U.S. men's freestyle team for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Two-time state champion Grant Aronoff (St. Thomas Aquinas, Fla.) verbally committed to Penn. The projected 141/149 was champion of the NHSCA Freshman and Sophomore Nationals earlier in his career, and placed fourth at the Super 32 Challenge last fall. He is ranked No. 41 overall in the Class of 2018, and ended the 2016-17 season ranked No. 9 nationally at 138 pounds.

A trio of U.S. wrestlers who earned medals at the recent 2017 World Wrestling Championships -- along with a couple other special guests -- will be featured on the Takedown Radio broadcast this Saturday, Sept. 2. Join Tony Hager and Brad Johnson for the two-hour broadcast from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Central available on KXNO 1460 AM radio and online at www.KXNO.iHeart.com or TakedownWrestle.com Here's this Saturday's guest list: 9 a.m. J'Den Cox - 2017 World bronze medalist 9:20 a.m. Alli Ragan - 2017 World silver medalist 9:40 a.m. Terry Steiner - United States Women's head coach 10 a.m. Kyle Snyder - 2017 World gold medalist 10:40 a.m. Rulon Gardner - 2000 Olympic gold medalist

The Apprentice School's Director of Athletics, Michael W. Allen, has named Micah Amrozowicz Head Wrestling coach. Micah Amrozowicz"Micah was a no-brainer. He is a former apprentice, he has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to working and navigating down in the yard, and being a former wrestler and assistant coach, he bleeds Builder wrestling. I am excited to see how the next chapter unfolds under Coach Amrozowicz's leadership," states Allen. A native of Virginia Beach and Kellam High School, Amrozowicz is a former two-time NCWA All-American who spent the last 10 seasons as an assistant coach for the Builders. Amrozowicz ended one of the best two-year runs in the modern era of Apprentice School wrestling finishing second at 133 pounds in 2007 and put together a two-year record of 84-18. He was also named the Outstanding Wrestler at the 2007 Virginia Duals as the Builders finished second in the American College Division. His freshman season he set what was then the school record for wins in a season as he finished 45-8. He came to the Builders after two years at Virginia Military Institute where he was 47-29. He took fourth at 133 pounds in the Southern Conference Championships as a sophomore in 2004. Amrozowicz is a 2009 Advanced graduate of the Apprentice School as a welder. He has worked as a designer, planner and currently serves as a welding Foreman in the welding department. He graduated in 2013 from Old Dominion University with a BS in Occupational Technical Studies as a Training Specialist. In his ten previous seasons as an assistant coach, Amrozowicz has helped coached over 30 National Collegiate Wrestling Association All-Americans. "I am thankful for the opportunity to continue my coaching career at The Apprentice School, and look forward to giving back to the school that has given me so much. I look forward to building championships while helping develop leaders for this company. This is a special program to be a part of and it has been exciting seeing it grow and seeing where it is headed. A special thanks to Bruce Shumaker for being a mentor over the last 10 years, and most importantly my wife and family that has been nothing but supportive. GO BUILDERS!," states Amrozowicz.

The United States freestyle team captured their first world team title last week in Paris. The squad's historic performance came with a full complement of surprises and substantive enough for a week's worth of unique and hot takes. I came away with a lot of impressions, but I thought the following five were the most salient and telling of the team's direction and reason for success. 1. Thomas Gilman proved he's a legit USA 57-kilogram wrestler for Tokyo 2020. While the weight class at the 2017 World Championships lacked some of the depth from previous years, little can detract from the composure and gamesmanship Gilman showed while on the mat. Though he will have plenty of domestic challenges, his knack for finding a way to win in Paris required the type of focus and preparation his opponents seemed to lack. Gilman has some technical deficiencies (finishing single legs), but chugging into the challenging international calendar I think he has capability to keep turning heads. 2. Logan Stieber (61 kilograms) and Zain Retherford (65 kilograms) will be just fine. Stieber and Retherford didn't make the podium, they tended to wrestle well. A better draw for Stieber and a little more clock management by Zain and the duo could have made medal runs at the World Championships. Stieber has proven he has the ability to win overseas, should he have made it past Adam Batirov, Zain was likely to crush opponents in the quarterfinals and semifinals. Jordan Burroughs celebrates after winning a world title at 74 kilograms (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com) 3. Jordan Burroughs never left. Just like it was difficult to comprehend the stress Burroughs felt heading into Rio, or the disappointment he endured afterward, it's equally difficult to understand the feeling of accomplishment he enjoyed in coming back to win a fifth world title. Burroughs is not that young, and he's not as quick or mobile as in year's past, but it was evident throughout Paris 2017 that Burroughs could arguably be named the most mentally tough wrestler in the history of USA Wrestling. I know that I was inspired, but I can also tell you that my 23-year-old British videographer was ecstatic to see every match in which Burroughs wrestled. Without knowing much about the sport, he migrated to Burroughs' mental toughness and, frankly, badassery, from the first match through the last. The day after the tournament he was looking online to find and buy an All I See is Gold shirt. What separates Burroughs isn't just inherent star power that comes with winning five titles, it's the horsepower he employs in each match and that incredible one-of-a-kind will to win he seems to tap into year after year. 4. Helen Maroulis is the gnarliest woman on the planet. I have to think watching her dominate (and foot sweep) her way to the world title gave the men's freestyle team a boost in their competition. All hail the queen. 5. USA Wrestling is a vibrant, cohesive organization. From the president to the executive director to media staff and beyond, every member of the USA Wrestling staff has bought into the idea that they can win at this level. I'm fortunate enough to see a lot of international federations and national teams operate and I can think of none that is as inclusive, willing to accept new ideas and implement game-winning formulas as much as USA Wrestling. The potential of the team at the development level is only made stronger when considering the overall financial and emotional health of the organization. USA Wrestling is absolutely a leading national federation. To your questions … Q: Which current Junior is most likely to make the Senior men's team next year: Spencer Lee, Daton Fix, Mark Hall, Zahid Valencia, or Gable Steveson? -- Irv O. Foley: Zahid or Gable since the two new weight classes are in the upper weights (79 kilograms and 92 kilograms) and either give them a direct opportunity to compete, or could draw some competition away. While I think that Thomas Gilman is the man for a few years, I think that Daton Fix could be a game changer. After seeing his domination at the Junior World Championships it's tough to remember that he's only entering college. Q: How the hell can wrestling build a solid fan base if there is no consistent way to watch It? I have a Flo Pro account, which is stupid expensive and I couldn't watch Worlds on that. Watch all the matches for 10 bucks on Track … No thanks. Available on NBCSN from 3-5:30, oh wait, not available for you. All the matches on YouTube, not available in your country. Seems like I need to buy a different subscription for every major wrestling event. I just have to read play-by-play updates, but I hate reading. -- Will H. Foley: I would have given you a video response, but alas I don't have those resources. Look, if you can't spend $10 for 20-plus days of World Championships coverage (180-plus hours), or make your way to a TV with NBCSN or the Olympic Channel, then there isn't much that anyone can do for you. I'd also tell you that United World Wrestling put out a nightly video recap for free and that more than 250 accredited media were on site to share their perspective on the events. Also, add in the 18-plus highlight videos made the SAME DAY by United World Wrestling and the interviews conducted by Track, Flo and USA Wrestling, and there is no excuse for not spending the $10 to watch your favorite sport live. Q: What did you make of David Taylor's tweet about J'den Cox? I read it as sour grapes. I don't think it reflects well on Taylor. I have always kind of liked Taylor, but after his behavior at the Trials and this tweet, it feels like he has some growing up to do. -- Mike C. Foley: I can only imagine Taylor's frustration at seeing Cox's semifinal match. He believes that he was wronged at the Trials, and perceived a lack of urgency in Cox after he was fireman carried in the semifinals. While I don't know if his response was perfect, I can definitely see his motivation and understand his frustration. I don't think it's maturity thing, I think this is the result of having two of the world's best 86-kilogram wrestlers competing within the same nation. If I could recommend anything it would be to allow DT a little leniency. He was professionally frustrated and absolutely not a bad person, or immature. MULTIMEDIA HALFTIME Snyderlaev and Team USA Q: What is the reasoning for the weight classes being different between freestyle and Greco-Roman? I never understood why they became different in 2013. Although there aren't that many senior level wrestlers competing in both styles, there are many Junior and U23 wrestlers doing both styles, and it would make more sense to align the weight classes. The new freestyle weights are good. The only improvement I would suggest is changing 74 and 79 to be 75 and 80, and changing 97 to be at least 98. That way the gaps get progressively larger. Lastly, why will there be no 2-kilogram weight allowance on the second day of competition starting in 2019? Why not have just 1 kilogram on Day 2? -- Jeff S. Foley: I don't have the full rationale of the Technical Commission's choice to alter the Greco-Roman weights, but I don't see any reason that they needed to be the same. There are very few wrestlers competing in both styles and the weight options are pretty close to each other. The Junior, U23 and Senior weights are now all the same, too. The weight classes look to add more opportunities to the big men. The scientific, technical, referee and other expert committees all weighed in on the categories and found these to be amenable to the most number of countries. This particular plan is a mixture of ideas presented by Japan, Iran and Russia with the support of the United States. The idea is to eliminate all wiggle room for cutting weight at the Olympic Games. The athletes competing on the second day will also have several hours to rehydrate and recover before the night's finals. Q: Crazy that Russia didn't win a single gold medal at the Worlds in any style. When was the last time that happened? What do you think contributed to that? I have my theories, but wanted to know what you thought. -- Mike C. Foley: 1951 ... maybe? As I don't think they competed. My guess is that they are coming off an Olympic year a little banged up and Team USA is in top form. The gap had been closing for some time at the Junior level and the USA is seeing the results now at the Senior level. Q: With the new weight classes, do you think we will see Abdulrashid Sadulaev move down to 92 kilograms? -- Mike C. Foley: No. Sadulaev is competing for Olympic titles and it makes no sense for him to buffer 10 pounds for three years as others get acclimated to the weight class. He will be just fine at 97 kilograms next year. Q: In a recent mailbag you made a comment about Kevin Jackson being the best hire-to-task as developmental coach. I hope you are right. I hope he has found his niche. I'm fearful that you are wrong, because as supreme an athlete and competitor as he was, and as outstanding a man he is, his track record as a program leader is spotty at best. His tenure as national team coach had our lowest output of world & Olympic medals in 40-plus years. He ran Iowa State from legit title threat to laughing stock. I understand there may be more factors contributing to those bad experiences than simply KJ's presence. Maybe he simply has bad timing. I don't know. I hope I'm wrong, but I'm fearful we're seeing the high-water mark in developmental performance in these next couple years. -- Sam G. Foley: KJ is the man and is absolutely going to thrive in this role. I understand your viewpoint, but his enthusiasm, knowledge of the sport and compatibility with members of the organization and young wrestlers will equate into an enormous amount of developmental improvement. I'm a big believer in his impact on the lives of his wrestlers and think USA Wrestling is blessed to have him in that room. NCAA ANALYSIS OF THE WEEK By Bob D. Many pundits on other sites are dismissing Ohio State's chances to challenge Penn State next year with or without Nick Suriano (still in limbo as of 8/24/17). I see it as very close with Nathan Tomasello at 125, Luke Pletcher at 133, transfer Joey McKenna and Ke-Shawn Hayes at 141/149 (both listed at 141/149), Micah Jordan at 157, transfer Te'Shawn Campbell at 165, then Bo Jordan, Myles Martin, Kollin Moore and Kyle Snyder at 174-285. Remember, PSU came out of the Big Ten with only two champs before they crushed the field at NCAAs. But even if they win five titles, get a couple of 5s from Cutch and Nevills, and 8 or so from Cortez at 141, that might not be enough to win it. Ohio State could get three titles at 125, 197 and 285, a couple of 2s at 174 and 184, mid-level AAs from McKenna (who's actually a title threat at 141) and Micah Jordan, a low-level AA from Hayes, mid to low level AA for Pletcher, and maybe even a podium spot from Campbell. PSU's bonus advantage (returning bonus points) is 8 with McKenna and Campbell on Ohio State's roster, which is not insurmountable. I crunched the numbers and it looks pretty close from my perspective. I see PSU as a slight favorite with Suraino and Ohio State as a slight favorite with Suriano elsewhere. And to muddy the waters, Bo Jordan had two close matches with Mark Hall, each winning one, while wrestling on one foot, Martin is 2-4 vs. Nickal but has beaten him two of the last three (2016 NCAAs and 2017 Big Tens), and Vincenzo Joseph has to navigate Imar and Logan Massa to win again.

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," now available from Crosstraining Publishing. Meet Chad Parks Chad Parks is a wrestling coach, teacher and strength training specialist based in Kansas. Prior to that, Parks was indeed a wrestler. He says he was first introduced to the sport as a newborn, as his mother took him to matches that his father coached. Parks can count more than 1,000 matches during his on-the-mat career. In addition to his work as an instructor, Parks offers inspiration to others to reach their full potential through life with Jesus, both as a professional speaker, and as a blogger. How the book came about You could say that Chad Parks built his book "Game Changing Moves" from a foundation constructed from his extensive experience as author of his "Coach P's Perspectives" blog. "I started blogging about four or five years ago," Parks told InterMat. "I got good feedback." "I noticed that a lot of my favorite bloggers had written books. I thought that might be an appropriate direction for me to share my insights and experiences with a wider audience." "I contacted a buddy of mine for help," Parks continued. "He put me in touch with someone who works on manuscripts. That person told me he wanted a manuscript by spring break, which lit a fire under me to put my book together. He liked what I came up with, making some slight revisions." "Other friends suggested Crosstraining.com as a possible publisher. They publish for Fellowship of Christian Athletes." "The whole process took about 18 months," Parks disclosed. "God's timing is better than mine." Describing "Game Changing Moves" "The majority of content in the book is similar to topics I'd written about in my blog. I'd describe the content of "Game Changing Moves" as being wrestling-focused and faith-based." Chad ParksAs Parks explained, each chapter is its own story. Each chapter is a concise, three-to-five-page presentation of a particular topic -- "Relational Leadership", "Keys to Becoming a Champion", "Passion and Enthusiasm" and "Bend Don't Break" are typical chapter titles. Each chapter wraps up with that Parks titles "Game Changing Moves" that provides readers with three questions designed to help readers review what they've just read ... guide their thinking ... and act upon it. The concise chapter format is reader-friendly; if a reader is pressed for time, he or she can digest a single chapter in a matter of minutes ... or continue reading chapter-after-chapter if time permits. "The book 'Organizational Leadership' is one I really liked, especially for its format," Parks told InterMat. Parks also wanted "Game Changing Moves" to be appropriate for readers of all ages and backgrounds. "I try to take complex concepts and make things clear and simple. It's appropriate for young athletes, yet the content applies to businesses and others in positions of leadership." One of the aspects of the book is that incorporates Scriptures as appropriate to the lessons in the book. "I wanted the book to be uplifting and encouraging," said Parks. "I wanted it to be appropriate for all ages. In fact, I have a couple friends who read it to their kids as devotionals." All of these elements -- the concise format, a universality in message appropriate to all ages and backgrounds, a positive tone, and incorporating religious lessons to illustrate and reinforce key concepts -- are the product of Chad Parks' own background. "It's much like my coaching -- presenting a skill in a way high school wrestlers can grasp right away," according to the long-time wrestling coach. "That approach has helped me with learning anything new," Parks continued. "I think that works for others too." Positive change starts from within the book Chad Parks coachingFor decades, wrestlers and coaches have turned to instructional books and videos to learn new techniques ... sharpen their skills ... and gain a competitive advantage. "Game Changing Moves" offers similar benefits by giving readers real, practical tools to help make positive moves in all aspects of life -- not just on the wrestling mat, but also in areas beyond sports, such as relationships, leadership, and faith. Through his book, Chad Parks provides life-changing inspiration, using clear, concise lessons (one per chapter), with thought-provoking questions at the end of each chapter that make the contents all the more applicable. You don't have to be a wrestler on a quest for a state, national or international title -- or a coach who instructs and guides young athletes -- to gain value from Parks' writings. "Game Changing Moves" has a universality of message that is positive, encouraging, and, indeed, game- and life-changing. "Game Changing Moves: Life Lessons from the Locker Room and Beyond" is available at Amazon.com as well as from the publisher, CrosstrainingPublishing.com.

What a week it was for Team USA men's and women's wrestlers at the 2017 World Championships in Paris! Relive the excitement ... by checking out this week's Takedown TV. You'll catch the action highlights ... along with interviews with the wrestlers that made it happen. Watch online or on these cable networks/channels: Cablevision: Sundays at 4 p.m. Charter Cable: Thursday at 6:30 p.m., Friday 11:30 p.m. and Monday 2:30 p.m. Comcast Cable: Friday at 5 p.m. Cox Cable: Sunday 9:30 a.m. Fight Network HD: Sundays at 4 p.m. KCWI 23: Saturday 4 p.m. KWEM Stillwater, Oklahoma: Tuesday 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. Long Lines Cable: Daily at 5:30 p.m. Mediacom Cable: Sundays at 10:30 a.m. MidCo Sports Network: Saturday 10 a.m. and Sunday at 9 a.m. SECV8: Friday at 5 p.m. Suddenlink Cable: Check your local listings. Multiple air times. Time Warner Cable Sports: Saturday at 12 p.m. Western Reserve Cable: Tuesday at 11 p.m., Friday at 5:30 p.m., Saturday at 10 p.m.

Registration has opened for the 2017 InterMat JJ Classic, a premier preseason high school wrestling tournament that takes place on Saturday, Oct. 21, at the UCR Regional Sports Center in Rochester, Minnesota. The event is open to wrestlers in grades 7 through 12. Wrestlers who register prior to Oct. 1 will save $10 on the entry fee. Proceeds from the event go toward the Justin Kukowski Foundation, which provides scholarships for people living with cancer. For more information on the JJ Classic, visit the event website. To register for the JJ Classic, click here.

USA Wrestling will host the U23 World Team Trials at the Mayo Civic Center in Rochester, Minn., October 6-8. This will be the qualifying event in all three Olympic disciplines for the U23 World Championships, set for Bydgoszcz, Poland, November 21-26. This is a new World Championships being hosted by United World Wrestling for the first time. Athletes who are between 19-23 years old can enter (Born 1994-1998), with 18-year-olds (Born 1999) able to compete with a medical and parental certificate. This age group covers a variety of talented athletes, including wrestlers who are college graduates, others still competing in college and even some of the nation's best high school upperclassmen. The championship finals in all weight classes will be a best-of-three series between the winners of the semifinals. Women's freestyle and four Greco-Roman weights (66 kg, 75 kg, 85 kg and 98 kg) will be contested on Saturday, October 7. Men's freestyle and four Greco-Roman weights (59 kg, 71 kg, 80 kg, & 130 kg) will be contested on Sunday, October 8 The entry fee for the U23 World Team Trials is $50 (a $20 discount) for those staying at one of the host hotels listed on the event website. The deadline for the discounted entry fee is Tuesday, October 3 at 10:00 p.m. MST. Online registration will begin on September 5. Those who book other hotel arrangements or register onsite will pay a $70 entry fee. All participants must hold a 2017-18 USA Wrestling Open license, which can be purchased on-line at usawmembership.com The event will feature the 2017 UWW weight classes contested on the Senior level which are: Men's freestyle: 57 kg, 61 kg, 65 kg, 70 kg, 74 kg, 86 kg, 97 kg, 125 kg Greco-Roman: 59 kg, 66 kg, 71 kg, 75 kg, 80 kg, 85 kg, 98 kg, 130 kg Women's freestyle: 48 kg, 53 kg, 55 kg, 58 kg, 60 kg, 63 kg, 69 kg, 75 kg In this World Team Trials, the competition will be single elimination, with a repechage for those who lose to a gold-medal finalists resulting in two bronze medals. Click here for U23 World Team Trials website U23 WORLD TEAM TRIALS SCHEDULE At Rochester, Minn., October 6-8 Friday, October 6 2:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. - Mandatory Check-in, Weigh-in Card Pickup, and Waiver Drop-off · Women's Freestyle: All weights · Greco Roman: 66kg, 75kg, 85kg, & 98kg 3:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. - Medical Check & Weigh Ins · Women's Freestyle: All weights · Greco Roman: 66kg, 75kg, 85kg, & 98kg 4:00p.m. - Women's Freestyle (All Weights) Seeding Meeting 4:00p.m. - Greco-Roman (66kg, 75kg, 85kg, & 98kg) Seeding Meeting Saturday, October 7 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. - Session I: Preliminaries, Quarterfinals, Semifinals · Women's Freestyle: All weights · Greco Roman: 66kg, 75kg, 85kg, & 98kg 2:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. - Mandatory Check-in, Weigh-in Card Pickup, and Waiver Drop-off · Men's Freestyle: All weights · Greco Roman: 59kg, 71kg, 80kg, & 130kg 3:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. - Medical Check & Weigh Ins · Men's Freestyle: All weights · Greco Roman: 59kg, 71kg, 80kg, & 130kg 4:00p.m. - Men's Freestyle (All Weights) Seeding Meeting 4:00p.m. - Greco-Roman (59kg, 71kg, 80kg, & 130kg) Seeding Meeting 3:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Session II: Final Trials- Best of 3 Series: Match #1, Match #2 and Match #3 (if needed), & Repechage · Women's Freestyle: All weights · Greco Roman: 66kg, 75kg, 85kg, & 98kg Sunday, October 8 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. - Session III: Preliminaries, Quarterfinals, Semifinals · Men's Freestyle: All weights* · Greco Roman: 59kg, 71kg, 80kg, & 130kg 3:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. - Session IV: Final Trials - Best of 3 Series: Match #1, Match #2 and Match #3 (if needed), & Repechage · Men's Freestyle: All weights · Greco Roman: 59kg, 71kg, 80kg, & 130kg

Mark Ellis Mark Ellis, 2009 NCAA heavyweight champ for the University of Missouri, is one of six athletes who have been selected to be inducted into Mizzou's Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame, the school announced Monday. Ellis and the other five outstanding Missouri Tiger athletes will be formally inducted on Friday, Oct. 20 in a ceremony and celebration to be held at the Hampton Inn & Suites in Columbia, Mo. In addition, the honorees will be recognized at the Mizzou Football Homecoming game the next day against Idaho. Mark Ellis is the only Tiger wrestler to have won a heavyweight crown in the long history of Mizzou wrestling. Ellis won the 285-pound title at the 2009 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships. In addition, the native of Peculiar, Mo. was a two-time NCAA All-American, earning that honor in 2009 and 2010. Ellis compiled a 90-39 career record, with one-third of those wins by pin. He won the 2010 Mizzou Wrestling Ed Lampitt Total Tiger Award for his well-rounded academic and athletic success, and was named the team's Most Outstanding Wrestler in 2009. Other all-time great Missouri student-athletes who are Class of 2017 Mizzou Athletics Hall of Fame include Tim Lauder (baseball); Adrianne Perry (gymnastics); Dennis Poppe (football); Rhea Taylor (softball); and Sean Weatherspoon (football). The Friday, Oct. 20 induction ceremony at the Columbia Hampton Inn is open to the public. A limited number of tickets are available for the general public to purchase for $40 by ordering online at TSFMizzou.com/HalllofFame.

SAN FRANCISCO -- San Francisco State Director of Athletics Charles Guthrie announced the appointment of Jason Welch as the head coach of the wrestling program on Monday. Jason Welch (Photo/Milena Wick)"Jason brings a significant breadth of skills to our department and his local ties to the wrestling community will serve our wrestling program extremely well," said Guthrie. "His passion and strategic vision for Gator wrestling will enable our program to build on its rich tradition on and off the mat." Welch brings his technical acumen to San Francisco after having most recently serving as an assistant coach at NCAA Division I Northwestern, where he graduated with a major in English. The 2016 Olympic hopeful has also competed as an athlete in the 2014 World Team Trials and for the Chicago Regional Training Center and Titan Mercury Wrestling Club. Additionally, Welch served as head coach at Loyola Academy in Wilmette, Illinois, and runs a series of prestigious wrestling camps. "I am honored and grateful for this opportunity. I would like to thank President Wong, Charles Guthrie, and the entire search committee for trusting me with the future of SF State wrestling," said Welch. "It has always been my dream to lead a program and to give back to the California wrestling community. I'm very excited for this next step and the chance to build on the program's successful past." As a senior at Northwestern, Welch won a Big Ten championship and placed second at the NCAA championships, making him a three-time NCAA All-American. As a redshirt junior, he was invited to wrestle at the 46th NWCA All-Star Classic and placed fourth for All-American honors. Welch won the famed 49th Midlands tournament hosted by Northwestern and led his squad to its highest team place at the tournament with a second-place finish. As a redshirt sophomore, Welch qualified for the NCAA tournament again and placed sixth to earn All-American honors. Welch started as a true freshman and qualified for the NCAA Wrestling National Championship Tournament. "Jason was one of the most exciting wrestlers to ever don the purple singlet, and it was an honor to coach him for most of his collegiate and senior campaigns," said Northwestern Head Coach Matt Storniolo, who was an assistant who worked closely with Welch during his All-American days. "He was a fierce competitor and I expect him to be no different in his new role. We wish him the best of luck." The Walnut Creek, California native inherits a Gators program that went 64-78 over the last decade. He takes over from San Francisco State alumnus Lars Jensen, a member of both the California Wrestling Hall of Fame and the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. Jensen led the Gators to the program's only NCAA Division II National Championship in 1997. Welch attended Las Lomas High School, where he lettered in wrestling, soccer, and football, but it was on the mat where he began to make a name for himself. En route to four finals and three state championships, Welch amassed 119 consecutive victories and an overall win-loss record of 194-7. He was awarded the Dan Hodge Trophy, given to the best-all around high school senior in the country. Last season, the Gators placed sixth at the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Championships. Two Gator wrestlers were named to the Division II All-Academic Wrestling Team and to the RMAC Wrestling Honor Roll. SF State sponsors 12 sports including men and women's soccer, men and women's basketball, men and women's cross country, women's indoor and outdoor track and field, baseball, softball, women's volleyball, and men's wrestling.

LAWRENCEVILLE, N.J. -- Rider University Wrestling Head Coach John Hangey has announced the hiring of former All-American Dylan Alton as Volunteer Assistant Coach. A 2013 All-American at 157 for Penn State, the three-time national qualifier was a member of four-straight National Championships for the Nittany Lions. Dylan Alton"We are very excited to announce the hiring of Dylan Alton as our volunteer assistant coach for the 2017-18 season," said Hangey. "Dylan brings a wealth of talent, experience and success at all levels to our program. Having wrestled and earned All-America honors for Penn State University, Dylan will provide a training perspective from a perennial Top 10 program." Following his graduation from Penn State, Alton served for two years as Assistant Coach for the West Point Wrestling Club. He was responsible for the team's business activities such as budgeting, fundraising, and organizing travel plans. Alton was also accountable for recruiting high school talent to West Point by cold calling and regular home visits to introduce the wrestler and their family to the program. He facilitated daily team practices and conducted targeted workouts to reach and maximize full potential. Alton directed individual study sessions with wrestlers to analyze match-film and prepare plans of action for each upcoming match.

Helen Maroulis gets her hand raised after winning a world title in Paris (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com) Last week, Helen Maroulis won her third straight world-level championship in dominant fashion. The move up to 58 kilograms did not slow her down one bit, and she scored five technical falls on the way to the gold medal. The following is a by-the-numbers look at the stats and milestones that stood out from her performance. Over the course of the five matches, Maroulis outscored her opponents 53-0. She scored technical falls in all five matches without yielding a single point. On the day, Maroulis landed 13 takedowns. Seven of those 13 takedowns came via counter offense as she scored on go-behinds or reattacks. Maroulis saved her best for last. In the finals against Marwa Amri (Tunisia), she scored her first four-point takedown of the day with a foot sweep and nearly registered the fall. Maroulis earned the top position in parterre 10 times during the tournament. She turned these 10 opportunities into nine leg laces and a gut wrench for 20 of her 53 points. Maroulis also scored an exposure in a scramble against Yessica Oviedo Perez (Dominican Republic) in her quarterfinal bout. As previously stated, Maroulis did not allow any of her opponents to notch a point, so it goes without saying that she did not give up a takedown. She stoned 12 takedown attempts. In the finals, Amri attempted four takedowns, but Maroulis was able to stop them all. In the competition, she earned seven counter takedowns, which means that she was able to turn 58 percent of her opponents' attacks into points. Thanks to her technical falls, the American finished her day after only 13:05 of mat time. If every match went the full six minutes, she would have wrestled 30 minutes. That means she saved herself nearly 17 minutes of wrestling time. Since finishing with a bronze medal at the 2014 World Championships, Maroulis has gone 58-1 with her only loss coming earlier this year at the International Ukrainian Tournament.

Robby Smith, Helen Maroulis and Kyle Snyder (Photos/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com) The first year of a new Olympic cycle typically brings its share of changes and new storylines. And this year was no exception. The 2017 World Championships, held Aug. 21-26 at AccorHotels Arena, was another compelling tournament with plenty of interesting events unfolding. The six-day competition saw the U.S. men's freestyle team earn a dramatic one-point win over Russia for its first team title in 22 years. Jordan Burroughs won his fourth world title and Kyle Snyder his second. The American women finished second in the team race with Helen Maroulis winning a world title and Alli Ragan reaching the finals for the second straight year. Here is the breakdown of American performances by style from Paris: Greco-Roman The U.S. was nowhere to be found in the quarterfinal round. No American wrestler made it past the second round and none won more than one match as the U.S. Greco-Roman struggles continued in big events. The U.S. finished in a team for 30th place in the team standings with one point. The U.S. finished 5-9 overall in the two days of Greco competition in France. The U.S. has won only four total medals at the World and Olympic level in Greco since it won the World team title in 2007. The U.S. started strong before finishing 3-5 overall on the opening day in Paris. First-time World team members Pat Smith, Mason Manville and Tracy Hancock each won one match for the American squad. Two-time Olympian Ben Provisor, competing at his first Worlds, went 0-1. On Day 2 in Paris, Olympians Robby Smith and Ellis Coleman went 1-1. Veterans Ildar Hafizov and Cheney Haight lost in the first round. The U.S. struggled being able to score offensive points against its defensive-minded opponents, particularly late in close matches. Rules changes, where there is no forced par terre, seemed to work against the Americans as well in bouts that were low scoring. The good news for the U.S. is Manville and Hancock are just 20 years old, and Junior World champion Kamal Bey is only 19. There are some talented young wrestlers in the American program who could be making a big impact soon on the Senior level. Grade: D Women's wrestling Reigning Olympic gold medalist Helen Maroulis turned in one of the most dominant performances ever by an American in crushing the competition in Paris. Maroulis won all five bouts by technical fall as she won her matches by a combined 53-0 score. Her weight class wasn't overly strong or loaded, but it was still remarkable what she did after moving up two weight classes. Maroulis also took seventh months off after Rio. Maroulis has now been the best in the world for the last three years in three different weight classes. She is definitely in the conversation when you talk about who is the best women's wrestler in U.S. history. Alli Ragan turned in a superb showing by finishing second in the world for the second straight year. Newcomer Becka Leathers, who is just 20 years old, also looked impressive in collecting a bronze. Veteran Victoria Anthony took fifth for the second time in her career, but still is undersized for her weight class. Even with three-time world champion Adeline Gray out with an injury, the American women turned in a very respectable performance at the 2017 Worlds. The U.S. finished in a tie for second place in the team standings. Japan is still head and shoulders above the rest of the planet in women's freestyle and rolled to the team title in Paris with a very young group of talented athletes. Grade: B+ Freestyle In what will go down as one of the biggest wins in American freestyle wrestling history, Kyle Snyder won a clash of titans by scoring a takedown in the final seconds to rally past Russian Abdulrashid Sadulaev in an epic finals bout at 213 pounds. The U.S. and Russia were tied in the team standings entering the final match of the tournament between Snyder, a 2016 Olympic champion and 2015 world champion, and Sadulaev, an Olympic and two-time world champion. Snyder spun behind Sadulaev to earn a dramatic one-point win, giving the American team a dramatic one-point win in the team standings. It was the first U.S. men's freestyle title in 22 years. American Jordan Burroughs also beat a Russian, past world champion Khetik Tsabolov, in the finals. Burroughs scored two takedowns in the final minute to prevail. Burroughs now owns a combined five World and Olympic titles. The U.S. also had silver medalists in Thomas Gilman and James Green along with bronze medals from J'den Cox and Nick Gwiazdowski. It was a tremendous showing by the American squad, and a perfect way to cap an entering competition in Paris. The American team, for the most part, is still very young. Snyder and Zain Retherford are still in college while Gilman and Gwiazdowski haven't been wrestling full-time in freestyle for very long. The future looks very bright for this Olympic cycle. The U.S. certainly delivered with a masterful showing at the 2017 World Championships. Grade: A+

Dan Gable watches the Iowa Hawkeyes at Carver-Hawkeye Arena (Photo/Mark Lundy) Dan Gable, 1971 world champion and 1972 Olympic gold medalist, will be the primary guest for this week's "On the Mat" on Wednesday, Aug. 30. This week's co-host, Jason Bryant of mattalkonline.com, will talk about the just-concluded World Championships in Paris, where the U.S. men's freestyle team not only won the team championships, the first time that has happened since 1995. "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 Thursday at 5 p.m. Central on AM 1650, The Fan. A podcast of the show is available on mattalkonline.com.

Richard Carlson won his MMA debut Richard Carlson, who completed his collegiate wrestling career at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse this spring, wrapped up his summer as a winner in his pro mixed martial arts debut in the town where he went to college. Carlson, a two-time NCAA Division III All-American at UW-La Crosse, won his first MMA bout at the 3 River Throwdown XII event in La Crosse's Copeland Park Saturday evening, finishing off rival Ruben Rios, Jr. with a guillotine choke about halfway through the first round. "I threw him to his back right away, then he ended up getting back up," Carlson told InterMat. "I landed a few leg kicks before cornering him to the cage and throwing him again. When I was attempting to ground and pound I slipped into a guillotine choke and he tapped out." The fight was over at 2:40 of Round 1. "I've never felt an adrenaline rush like that," said Carlson on his Facebook page. "The reaction from the crowd was awesome as well. I was feeding off that, as well." Carlson, a native of Arden Hills, Minn., first got the idea of becoming an MMA fighter after teaching wrestling classes at Ironworks Training Center in Holmen, Wis. "Once I was there and starting jumping in with the muay thai and jiu-jitsu classes, I just said I had to give this a try," Carlson told the La Crosse Tribune prior to his MMA debut. "Seeing it in person is totally different. It's such an adrenaline rush." Despite a successful start in MMA, Carlson's primary focus is Greco-Roman competition, with a dream of wrestling at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. He has been competing in Greco during his collegiate off-season, and even spent some time this summer at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. Carlson's next competition will be the 2017 U23 World Team Trials in early October, with hopes of earning a spot on the Team USA Greco squad competing at the World Championships in Poland in late November. As for Carlson's future plans ... "I'm still concentrated on Greco Roman wrestling, but eventually I plan to shift over to MMA full time," Carlson told InterMat. "Right now fighting is for fun and just to get my feet wet with the sport. I have the U23 trials coming up in October. I will be training for that so I likely won't fight again until December or later." Carlson graduated from UW-La Crosse this spring with a degree in chemistry. He compiled an 84-26 record, bringing home NCAA Division III All-American honors at 174 pounds in 2015 and 2017. Carlson's college coach sees a bright future for his recent grad, whatever he pursues. "He's really passionate about wrestling and really whatever he does," said UW-La Crosse head wrestling coach Dave Malecek. "When he sets his mind to it, whether it's college style wrestling, Greco, and now fighting, he's really driven in what he does."

Services have been announced for Johnny Fiebelkorn, a 17-year-old high school wrestler killed in a rollover accident Saturday near Buffalo. Johnny FiebelkornA funeral service for Johnathan R. "Johnny" Fiebelkorn will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday in the Ross Funeral Home, 10 Eckerson Ave., Akron, N.Y. Fiebelkorn was just starting his senior year at Akron Central High School just east of Buffalo, where was continuing as Tiger wrestling team captain. Johnny Fiebelkorn had been a rear passenger in a vehicle being driven by his older brother Matt Fiebelkorn at 1 a.m. Saturday. The Buffalo News reported that the vehicle hit a set of railroad tracks and rolled over, causing the unbelted wrestler to be partially ejected from the rear window. He reportedly died at the scene. The other two occupants – his brother, and a cousin -- survived the crash without serious injuries. Fiebelkorn's coach since the seventh grade, Danny Klonowski, said Johnny held records for most wrestling wins at the school and still had his senior year ahead of him. He also had been to the wrestling state tournaments three times, had been voted most valuable wrestler on the team in his junior year and had been the captain for four years. "This was going to be our best season in the history of the school. He was by far our most accomplished and best wrestler, but it was not just his wrestling," said Klonoski. "He really had the character you'd want your son to have." In addition to wrestling, Johnny Fiebelkorn had been captain of the football team, a Student Council member and a member of the 2015 Homecoming Court. He also enjoyed four-wheeling and deer hunting. Counselors will be available Monday and Tuesday at Akron Central High for classmates, family and friends.

Army Master Sgt. Corey Hood -- who died in a parachuting accident in Chicago two years -- may have a road named in his honor at the high school where he wrestled and played football, the Cincinnati Enquirer reported Friday. Corey HoodSome of Hood's friends are lobbying West Chester Township trustees to rename Lakota West Drive -- which circles Lakota West High School, Hood's alma mater -- in the late Army parachutist's honor. Hood, a member of the Army Golden Knights parachute team, was injured after colliding with a Navy Leap Frog parachute team member while performing a stunt at the Chicago Air and Water Show in August 2015. Hood died the next day. He had just turned 32. Hood joined the Army one week after graduating in 2001 from Lakota West in north-suburban Cincinnati. He had served five tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan before becoming a Golden Knights parachute team member in 2010. During his 14 years of service, Hood earned two Bronze Stars, two Meritorious Service medals, five Army Commendation medals, and five Army Achievement medals. In addition, Hood also received the Master Parachutist, Pathfinder, Air Assault and Combat Action badges. Lakota West teacher Jason Cronk, who had Hood in his chemistry class, told the Enquirer, "You name a street or a building after something (or someone) you value. I'd like to have people ask, ‘Who was Corey Hood?'" "Corey wasn't a great student at West as far as what his transcript showed," Cronk said, then added, "Corey found himself in the Army. He was a rock star, a poster child for the U.S. Army." One West Chester Township trustee -- Lee Wong -- said renaming the road would not affect any businesses. The only major facility on Lakota West Drive is the high school of the same name. "Corey Hood definitely has a big heart for our community," said Wong. "He stayed connected to our community. He was an inspiration to our community." Township trustees are expected to approve the decision at their next meeting Sept. 12.

Frank Bettucci, an NCAA wrestling champ for Cornell University and member of the 1956 U.S. Olympic team, passed away in Kingsport, Tenn. on August 23. He was 87. Frank BettucciBorn in December 1930, Bettucci grew up in Ithaca, N.Y., the hometown of Cornell. He was a three-time Section 4 champion at Ithaca High under head coach Bill Layton. In addition to captaining the wrestling squad, Bettucci served as captain of the school's football and golf programs. After graduating from Ithaca in 1949, Bettucci enrolled at Cornell. Wrestling for head coach Erie "Jimmy" Miller, Bettucci was a three-time 147-pound EIWA (Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association) champion. He capped off his Big Red mat career by winning the 147-pound title at the 1953 NCAAs hosted by Penn State. Bettucci compiled a 48-3 record in three seasons at Cornell, including a 33-match winning streak to close his career. Bettucci continued his involvement in wrestling after graduation. He earned a place on the men's freestyle team for the 1956 U.S. Olympic wrestling team. Bettucci went to Melbourne, Australia, but a knee injury in practice just before the Games kept him from competing. "The mats were different, much thicker, and my moves were all pivotal so I twisted my ankle in maneuvers," Bettucci told the Southwest Virginia Today in an August 2016 interview. "It killed me just to sit down and watch, but that's the way life is. I'd love to go back and watch. I like to watch all the Olympics." Four years later, Bettucci set his sights on wrestling at the 1960 Rome Olympics. He reached the finals of the 1960 U.S. Olympic Trials, but lost a disputed decision to eventual gold medalist Shelby Wilson in the last round. Bettucci's participation in wrestling was extensive and long-lasting. He won national AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) championships in 1957 and 1960. Bettucci also served as an assistant coach at Cornell. Jamie Moffatt, noted wrestling writer and Cornell wrestling alum, has fond memories of Frank Bettucci. "He was one of my coaches during my freshman year (1961-62) on the Cornell wrestling team," Moffatt told InterMat. "I was quite close to Frank and admired him greatly." Beyond wrestling, Bettucci went on to serve with the 82nd Airborne Division of the U.S. Army. He spent most of his post-college career serving overseas on various assignments with the Agency for International Development (USAID). Frank Bettucci earned a number of wrestling honors in his lifetime. He is a member of the New York State Wrestling Hall of Fame, Cornell University Athletic Hall of Fame, and Eastern Intercollegiate Hall of Fame. Bettucci was welcomed into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame as a Distinguished Member in June 2015. Sadly, because Bettucci suffered from neuropathy in his feet and was unable to walk, was not able to be present for the induction ceremony in Oklahoma. However, Bettucci was there in spirit. A group of friends -- including fellow Cornell great Dave Auble, current Big Red wrestling coach Rob Koll, and Jamie Moffatt -- traveled to the assisted living facility in Virginia where Bettucci lived at the time to be with the honoree and watch a live feed of the ceremony. Cornell coach Koll shared a personal recollection of Bettucci with InterMat. "My fondest memory of Frank was when he returned to the mats at 66 years old to wrestle in a Cornell alumni match. He attempted one of his infamous duck-unders and caught an elbow to the face. Although the trainers, coaches and everyone else in the gym wanted him to stop, as he was bleeding profusely, Frank shrugged it off and finished the match. He was just an incredibly tough customer!" Services have yet to be announced.

USA won the team title in freestyle at the World Championships in Paris (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com) PARIS -- He raised his hands wild and motioned the crowd to cheer, and they screamed wildly. He beat on his chest. He was the world champion again. The team title came down to the last match of the tournament, Russia versus America, Abdulrahsid Sadulaev versus Kyle Snyder. They did not disappoint. This was no ordinary match, and these were no ordinary wrestlers. Olympic and world champ vs. Olympic and world champ. Both 21 years old. Both legends in the making. This one was for all the marbles. Snyder lives for this moment. He trains for it. Sadulaev scored the opening takedown and the crowd erupted. Snyder responded with a step out to make the score 2-1 in favor of Sadulaev. Sadulaev scored again to go up 3-1. Which enticed the Russians to chant loudly, but when Snyder responded with a go-behind to grab the lead on criteria at the end of the first period, chants of "USA, USA, USA," were deafening. Coming out of the break Sadulaev responded first with a takedown to go up 5-3. Snyder inched closer with a step out, making the score 5-4. But it was a wild scramble and a spin behind near the edge of the mat with 16 seconds remaining that gave Snyder the lead for good and the Americans the chance to cheer. Kyle Snyder celebrates after beating Abdulrashid Sadulaev of Russia (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com) Snyder's victory over the Russian Tank gave USA its third-ever world team title in freestyle, and first since 1995. It was Sadulaev's first loss in four years, and first-ever loss at the World Championships. "I'm happy with my performance," Snyder said. "I would have been happy with my performance even if I had lost. The only thing that would have made this better was if we were in Moscow in front of his crowd and in U.S. second." Jordan Burroughs captured his fourth world championship, to go along with an Olympic title he won in 2012. This time his world title came against a Russian opponent, the first time he wrestled a Russian in the world finals during his seven years of international competition. In a back-and-forth match against Khetik Tsabolov, Burroughs found himself down by one with less than two minutes to go in the match. But in Burroughs-like fashion, he hit a blast double leg shot to go up 7-6. He added two more points to win 9-6. Jordan Burroughs with the American flag after winning the world title in Paris (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com) Burroughs remains unbeaten in world championship finals matches. "It feels good to be back," Burroughs said. "Actually, I never left." Burroughs enjoys the feeling of being on top. "Nobody remembers the silvers," Burroughs said. "They only remember the golds. Gold never gets old." Burroughs, who failed to place at the 2016 Olympic Games last summer, credited his faith for helping him be successful. "I was put back in a position to be successful because of my faith," Burroughs said. Burroughs' and James Green's personal coach Mark Manning, who coached them at Nebraska, said it wasn't an accident for Burroughs and Green to reach the finals. "That was our plan," Manning said. "We're happy tonight if James wins. I'm blessed to be around these guys. They are zero maintenance and this is impressive. They're pros at what they do." James Green upgraded his world medal at 70 kilograms. He was a world bronze medalist in 2015, and this year he finished with a silver medal, losing in the finals to Olympic bronze medalist Frank Chamizo of Italy, who is now a two-time world champion. Green was unable to get his offense going. On one of Green's shot attempts, Chamizo hit a sprawl-like cartwheel where he seemed to almost hang in the air. While Green struggled offensively, Chamizo capitalized, countering for takedowns. Chamizo's athletic ability and experience proved to be too much for Green to handle. He cruised to an 8-0 shutout victory. Despite the loss to Chamizo in the finals, Green was happy with the team title. "It's awesome," Green said. "I kind of got out of my wheelhouse (in my match), but I keep getting better." USA freestyle coach Bill Zadick, a past world champion, was excited and remained calm, but said this title took a group effort. "So many things have to come together for something like this to be possible," Zadick said. "(Snyder's bout) was an epic battle. One guy scores the other guy scores and keeps raising the bar. Glory to God our guys came out on top."

The University of Pittsburgh wrestling program has received a $250,000 gift from the Vartabedian family to the Pitt Wrestling Championship Fund, the school announced Thursday. The Pitt Wrestling Championship Fund allows donors to invest in the school's wrestling program directly, to support strategic investments that move Pitt wrestling towards its championship goals, such as this year's renovation of the Fitzgerald Field House wrestling room. "We are extremely grateful for the Vartabedian family's generous gift," Director of Athletics Heather Lyke said. "Our wrestling team is working tirelessly to capture more championships, and by renovating their training and practice space, it will enhance our recruiting opportunities and overall student-athlete experience." A 1967 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, Nish Vartabedian spent 25 years working for Fidelity Investment where he became an Executive Vice President prior to retiring in 2008. Vartabedian has served his alma mater in many ways, from participating on numerous academic committees, to offering support to various Pitt athletic programs, including the most recent gift to Panther wrestling. "It's an exciting time for the Pitt wrestling program and I couldn't be happier to help them reach new heights," Vartabedian said. "Keith Garvin and his staff have an incredible vision for their team and I am motivated by their competitiveness and others should be as well. I hope my gift will not only help transform the wrestling room, but also challenges other supporters to follow suit." "On behalf of my coaching staff and student-athletes, we are incredibly humbled by Nish's commitment," coach Gavin said. "I am more than thrilled to be back at my alma mater and to help these wrestlers reach their full potential on and off the mat. The support from not only former wrestlers, but Pitt alumni in general, has been non-stop since upon my arrival." Pitt's new wrestling facility The wrestling room at the Fitzgerald Fieldhouse is undergoing approximately $700,000 in renovations for the 2017-18 season. This will be the first major renovation to the facility in over a decade. Among the enhancements to Pitt wrestling facility includes new mats in the wrestling room, and a complete renovation of the cardio/strength training facility, including new workout equipment. The renovated Pitt wrestling facility will provide an optimal training environment for Panther wrestlers, as well as serve as a positive recruiting tool as coach Gavin and his staff seek to build a championship future for Pitt wrestling.

Former college wrestling stars Joey Davis and Chris Honeycutt came out as winners at Bellator 182: Koreshkov vs. Njokuani at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y. Friday night. Joey DavisDavis, four-time undefeated NCAA Division II champ for Notre Dame College of Ohio, scored a TKO over Justin Roswell at 1:35 in Round One of their catchweight match ... while Honeycutt, runner-up at 197 pounds for Edinboro University at the 2012 NCAA Division I championships, got a TKO at 2:06 in the second round over Kevin Casey in their middleweight (180 lb.) fight. At the beginning of their bout, Davis slammed Roswell on his back. The former wrestler then landed punches, opening up a big gash near Roswell's left eye that bled profusely, according to Sherdog.com's play-by-play coverage. The referee then stepped in and stopped the action. Joey Davis, who had his first Bellator bout almost exactly one year ago, is now 2-0 in his pro mixed martial arts career ... while Roswell is now 1-2-0 in his young career. As for Honeycutt ... CagesidePress.com reported, "The story early and often was Honeycutt's ability to get the fight to the mat, which he did in both the first and second rounds. Casey, stacked up against the fence, had little answer." In the second round, the former Fighting Scot All-American wrestler administered serious ground-and-pound on Casey before the referee called a halt. Honeycutt, who launched his pro MMA career in January 2013, is now 10-1. Casey now has a record of 9-6-2.

Jordan Burroughs defeated Bekzod Abdurahkmonov, avenging a loss from Rio (Photo/Mark Lundy, Lutte-Lens.com) PARIS -- The American freestyle team advanced three wrestlers to gold-medal matches and leads the team race narrowly over Russia heading into tonight's final session at the World Championships in Paris. James Green (70 kilograms), Jordan Burroughs (74 kilograms), and Kyle Snyder (97 kilograms) all reached the finals on Saturday. Burroughs punched his ticket to the finals by avenging a loss in last summer's Olympic Games to Bekzod Abdurakhmonov of Uzbekistan. Down 3-2 at the break, Burroughs needed to make his move, and he did. A double leg takedown at the 5:06 giving him the lead he wouldn't surrender. He added a few more points to close out a 6-3 victory. Burroughs had high praise for Abdurakhmonov. "He's extremely tough," Burroughs said. "He's a world-class competitor. He beat me at the Olympic Games and it was a tech fall. So that was memorable for me. I really wanted to get this one. I'm happy to be back in the finals. This is the first time in seven years I'm in the finals against Russia." Burroughs gave the American fans a scare in his very first match, giving up an early takedown and facing a 2-0 deficit against Ali Shabanau of Belarus before getting a point on a step out to close the gap to 2-1. He trailed 5-2 at the break, but stormed back to even the score at 5-5, but still trailed on criteria. It was the blast double with 17 seconds left that helped seal the victory. In Burroughs' second match he fell behind 2-0, but after getting his head taped to cover a cut above his right eye, he went to work, scoring 12 unanswered points and winning by technical fall 12-2 over Sahsuki Takatani of Japan. Burroughs seemed more relaxed in his quarterfinals match winning by technical fall 13-2 over Zelimkhan Khadjiev of France who had the hometown fans behind him. James Green advanced to his first world finals at 70 kilograms (Photo/Mark Lundy, Lutte-Lens.com) Green, a 2015 world bronze medalist, advanced to the finals by beating Yuhi Fujinami of Japan. He was methodical with his scoring and fought off last second shot attempts by Fujinami, including a step out that the Japanese coaches challenged as a takedown. Green held on for a 5-3 victory. Green opened his tournament by dismantling another New Jersey native, Nestor Taffur (Colombia) 8-0, and then edged Zurabi Erbotsonashvili of Georgia 3-2 in the quarterfinals. Green said it's the preparation the team does that helps him win close matches. "At team camp that's what we train for," Green said. "We've been doing this so long we just have to come out there and wrestle." Kyle Snyder was dominant in Saturday's first session (Photo/Mark Lundy, Lutte-Lens.com) Snyder, the youngest American world champion and Olympic gold medalist, was dominant through the day, advancing to the finals at 97 kilograms. He will now face another Olympic champion, Russia's Abdulrashid Sadulaev, in the gold-medal match, which could potentially determine the team champion. In his semifinal match, Snyder led 7-0 before making a small mistake and allowing Aslanbek Alborov of Azerbaijan capitalize on a takedown. A takedown by Snyder after the break, finished the scoring at 9-2. Snyder started the day with a 10-0 technical fall against Mame Ibragimov of Kazakhstan, and continued his dominance in his next match against Naoya Akaguma of Japan, again winning 10-0. "I feel good," Snyder said. "Sometimes I think I was made for these situations against these types of guys." Zain Retherford won his first match of the day over David Habat, an Ohio native who wrestled collegiately at Edinboro. He is now representing Slovakia. Retherford used his constant pressure to overwhelm Habat with a series of takedowns. The single leg attacks by Retherford led him to a 10-0 technical fall. In his second match, Retherford found himself down 2-0 to Olympian Adam Batirov of Bahrain at the break. But Retherford found his single leg shot for a takedown to make the score 2-2 and give him the criteria lead. Shortly thereafter, Retherford was facing a 5-2 deficit with 5:28 left on the clock. Again, Retherford moved his opponent and earned a takedown closing the gap to 5-4. Retherford was close to scoring a takedown at the buzzer, which would have given him the win, but it was ruled that time expired. The call was challenged and upheld, giving Batirov the 6-4 victory. Retherford was eliminated when Batirov dropped his next match. Tonight's final session is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. local time, 1 p.m. ET.