InterMat Staff

A wild, wacky and entertaining week of wrestling at the U.S. Open proved something most wrestling observers already know. Making a U.S. world team this year will be no easy feat. The first step of qualifying for the 2018 world team certainly demonstrated that when a total of 30 champions -- 10 in each style -- were crowned this past weekend in Las Vegas. There was no shortage of top-notch competition as wrestlers gained momentum heading into the final qualifiers that will determine this year's world team. Here are 10 takeaways from the U.S. Open: Isaiah Martinez cruised to a U.S. Open title, beating Dan Vallimont in the finals (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com) 10. Martinez impressive as his focus turns to freestyle Two-time NCAA champion Isaiah Martinez didn't finish his college career the way he wanted after suffering a second straight NCAA finals loss. But Martinez certainly has plenty of competitive fire left. That was evident when he powered to the Open title at 74 kilograms. Martinez steamrolled veteran Dan Vallimont with a 10-0 win by technical superiority in the finals. He scored three takedowns and two turns to make quick work of Vallimont. It will be interesting to see how Martinez matches up in a potential Final X matchup with Olympic gold medalist and four-time world champion Jordan Burroughs. 9. Greco Olympians still chasing medals The U.S. has struggled in Greco-Roman wrestling over the past decade, but this could be the year the Americans turn their fortunes around. Two-time Olympian Ben Provisor, along with Olympians Robby Smith and Ellis Coleman, looked strong in earning championships in Vegas. They now take aim at qualifying for Budapest at the Greco World Team Trials in Tulsa, Okla. All of those wrestlers are still competing at a high level and are capable of winning world medals. Sarah Hildebrandt won her U.S. Open title by defeating Olympian Haley Augello (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com) 8. Hildebrandt knocks off Olympian Sarah Hildebrandt earned Outstanding Wrestler in women's freestyle after downing 2016 Olympian and 2017 World Team member Haley Augello in the Open finals at 53 kilograms. Hildebrandt, a 2016 world team member, scored a pair of takedowns in the first period and another in the second period to win her first U.S. Open title. This may be the year Hildebrandt lands a spot on the world podium. She's a talented and aggressive wrestler who is capable of that type of performance. 7. Ramos outlasts young stud Fix Tony Ramos has cut back down to 57 kilograms and he had his hands full in winning the U.S. Open. Ramos scored a second-period takedown late in the match to edge 2017 Junior world champion Daton Fix 2-2 on criteria in the finals. Kudos to Ramos for looking to bounce back after falling to eventual world silver medalist Thomas Gilman in last year's world team trials. They could meet again for this year's world team spot. And kudos to Fix, who still has four years of college eligibility left, for turning in a strong showing in a top-level Senior event. 6. Conder hits jackpot by downing Anthony Three-time world team member Whitney Conder may have found a home at the new weight class of 50 kilograms. Conder won her fifth U.S. Open title by downing past world fifth-place finisher Victoria Anthony 7-3 in the finals. Conder controlled the match on her feet while enjoying a size advantage in the bout. Conder previously wrestled at 53 kilograms and Anthony was in the former 48-kilogram class. Conder could be a force internationally in this women's freestyle division. 5. Colon, Garrett light up scoreboard with combined 33 points In a match filled with big moves and huge momentum swings, Joe Colon emerged with a wild 20-13 win over Nahshon Garrett in the finals at 61 kilograms. Colon, a past All-American for Northern Iowa, actually trailed after the first period before executing a succession of turns to take control in the second period. Colon won a loaded class that included the last four NCAA champions at 133 pounds. He was named Outstanding Wrestler in men's freestyle. Kamal Bey won his second straight U.S. Open title (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com) 4. Don't turn away when watching Bey The maturation and progression of talented young Greco star Kamal Bey continues. And that's bad news for his opponents. The Junior world champion continues to turn in sparkling performances and he put on another show in winning his second straight U.S. Open. The explosive Bey scored back-to-back spectacular four-point throws in cruising past Peyton Walsh in the finals at 77 kilograms. He celebrated his win Friday night with a backflip. Don't be surprised if you see him doing that same move again in a few months at the worlds. 3. Gray returning to championship form Three-time World champion Adeline Gray has stormed back onto the women's freestyle scene this year, finishing ahead of the reigning Olympic and world champions this season. As expected, Gray dominated the field at 76 kilograms in prevailing in Las Vegas. The women's wrestling legend, a five-time world medalist and 2016 Olympian, is going to be very tough to beat by anyone on the planet this year. Once Gray scores a takedown, the match is virtually over because she is so lethal at turning her opponents. She has bounced back in a big way after missing last season with a shoulder injury. 2. Dake holds off Dieringer in classic finale There was a reason the finals match between four-time NCAA champion Kyle Dake and three-time NCAA champion Alex Dieringer was the last bout of the tournament. The battle at 79 kilograms lived up to its billing as Dake, coming off wins over two world silver medalists at the World Cup, earned a hard-fought victory. A wild scramble late in the match resulted in two points apiece for both wrestlers and Dake won on criteria after the match ended in a 5-5 deadlock. It would've been fun to see an overtime decide this match instead of criteria. Dake landed a spot in the Final X event which will determine the world team spot. Dieringer is a top freestyle prospect who is a past Junior world silver medalist. Adam Coon defeated Jake Varner in the U.S. Open freestyle finals (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com) 1. Coon nearly strikes it rich twice in Vegas Most wrestlers go their entire career without defeating an Olympic gold medalist. Adam Coon has now done it twice in the same year. Coon capped a phenomenal weekend by downing 2012 Olympic gold medalist Jake Varner 3-1 to win the U.S. Open freestyle title at heavyweight. Coon enjoyed a big size advantage over Varner, who previously competed at a weight class below. That win came a night after Coon placed second to Olympian Robby Smith in the Greco-Roman tournament. Coon knocked off 2016 Olympic gold medalist Kyle Snyder during the college season before Snyder came back to edge Coon twice in the postseason. The massive 6-foot-6 Coon, a past Cadet world champion and Junior world medalist, could be a force in both international styles for years to come. Craig Sesker has written about wrestling for more than three decades. He's covered three Olympic Games and is a two-time national wrestling writer of the year.

Zhan Beleniuk at the 2015 World Championships (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com) Zhan Beleniuk, Greco-Roman silver medalist at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, said he had been prohibited from going to Russia for the 2018 European Wrestling Championship which starts next week, the Russian news agency TASS reported Saturday. The 85 kilogram/187-pound Beleniuk revealed his situation on his Instagram account. "I would rather not go into details, but want to say that we fought until the very end for the right to go," Beleniuk said. "Everything will change in the future, including the political environment, just like it was many times before, however, no one will be able to give back athletes their youth and chances for high achievements, while they are young and strong," the 27-year-old wrestler added. Beleniuk has wrestled at the European Championship in the past, earning gold in 2014 and 2016, as well as the bronze medal at the 2012 European Championship in Belgrade. In addition, Beleniuk was a gold medalist at the 2015 World Championships, and received bronze at the Worlds the year before. In mid-March, Ukrainian Sports Minister Igor Zhdanov issued an official directive banning national athletes from participating in all sports competitions held on the territory of Russia. A document signed by Ukrainian Sport Minister Zhdanov on March 14 stated that athletes of Ukrainian national sports teams had been banned not only from participating in Russia-hosted competitions, but travelling to Russia for training camps as well. At the time of that announcement, Nenad lalovic, President of United World Wrestling (UWW), said Ukraine's possible boycott of the 2018 European Wrestling Championship in Russia would split the wrestling family and such decisions were inadmissible. This month, the Ukrainian Sports Ministry stated that it withdrew the direct order for national athletes to stay away from all international competitions hosted by Russia. In fact, on April 17, the press service of the Ukrainian Wrestling Association stated that the national freestyle wrestling team planned to take part in the European Wrestling Championship this year in Russia. The issue of whether Ukraine would send wrestlers to the European Championship in Russia has a political dimension going back at least a handful of years, made worse when Russia launched an invasion of neighboring Ukraine in August 2014.

Chris Bono What does an experienced head coach of a major NCAA Division I wrestling program get? It's been a subject of speculation wherever wrestling fans gather -- in online wrestling forums, on social media and at watering holes across the country. It's pretty rare for the wrestling community to be made aware of the details of an employment contract, other than the length of the employment term, as evidenced by recent announcements concerning contract extensions for head wrestling coaches at North Carolina State and University of Northern Iowa which did not disclose salary. Here's an exception: we know the terms of the University of Wisconsin's contract for Chris Bono to be the new head coach of the Badger wrestling program -- including annual salary -- thanks to Madison.com. The news organization sought a copy of the contract Bono signed with Wisconsin on March 24 under an open records request ... and received the document on Friday. Bono, 44, who had been coaching at South Dakota State University for the past six seasons until accepting the new job with the Badgers last month, will be making an annual salary of $250,000 during the length of the three-year contract ... nearly twice what he made coaching the Jackrabbits mat program. What's more, as Madison.com points out, Bono's new salary is more than double the final salary of Barry Davis, who announced his retirement at the end of the season after 25 years at Wisconsin. Davis was making $107,467, according to his most recently available contract. Doug Tiedt, senior associate athletic director who is responsible for the UW wrestling program, said the Badgers tried to match what coaches are paid at top programs. "To be competitive, we felt the salary was something that we needed to be competitive with the other programs in the country," Tiedt said. To provide some perspective, Tom Brands, who heads up the University of Iowa wrestling program, received a base salary of $177,000 -- and total compensation of $359,033 -- in the 2016 fiscal year, according to the Des Moines Register. The same newspaper reported that Iowa State's Kevin Dresser had a base salary of $300,000 in 2017-18. As head coach of the SDSU Jackrabbits, Bono made $130,000 in the 2017-18 school year, according to the South Dakota Board of Regents. Bono's salary was due to increase to $140,000 in 2018-19 and $150,000 in 2019-20. Tiedt disclosed that there were approximately 100 applications for the head wrestling coach position at Wisconsin. "As I talked to contacts around the country, people said this was the premier job that was going to be open," Tiedt said. "It's in the best wrestling conference in the country (the Big Ten). And I think people often called Wisconsin a sleeping giant in terms of the talent and the potential for the program." Beyond salary: some of the fine print of Bono's contract The employment contract Chris Bono signed one month ago to become Wisconsin's head wrestling coach is eleven pages long. It extends for three years -- from April 2, 2018 through May 31, 2021. There are provisions to extend the contract, and it is subject to annual review. Bono's annual salary of $250,000 is for an eleven-month year; he is scheduled to have the entire month of June off each year. The contract also says the new coach is entitled to "vacation, sick leave and other benefits available to limited appointees of the University." What's more, the salary also includes payment for "all required TV, radio or other media appearances on behalf of the University." As for potential ventures on the side ... according to the contract, the coach must receive prior annual, written approval from the Director of Athletics for, among other things, "sports camps, TV and radio programs, commercial endorsements and consulting with athletic shoe, apparel or equipment manufacturers or sellers." What about relocating Coach Bono and his family from Brookings, South Dakota to Madison, Wisconsin? According to the contract, "the University will contribute to moving expenses, subject to University and state rules." Note: if the coach were to resign or be dismissed within 12 months of being hired, he would be responsible for repaying Wisconsin the full amount. If he were to leave sometime between 12-24 months, the coach would owe half the moving expenses.

Jeff Karam at the Walsh Ironman (Photo/Sam Janicki) Jeff Karam is stepping down as head wrestling coach at Bethlehem Catholic High School, the northeastern Pennsylvania school announced Friday. Karam has been at the helm of the program, ranked No. 17 in the nation in InterMat's Fab 50 high school rankings, for a decade. In his last season as coach, Karam's Golden Hawks were 16-1, earning a Class 3A team title -- with five individual champs -- at the 2018 PIAA (Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association) state wrestling championships. The wrestling program at Becahi won a total of six team titles during Karam's ten-year tenure, including four consecutive Class 2A championships from 2011-14, and compiled an overall record of 159-20. Prior to coming to Bethlehem Catholic, Karam coached 16 seasons at Freedom High School, and one season at Delaware Valley in New Jersey. Before becoming a coach, Karam wrestled at Easton High School, then at Lock Haven University. Why is Jeff Karam leaving one of the nation's top prep powerhouses? The 50-year-old coach decided it was time to spend more time with his family. Karam and his wife Deborah have twin sons -- Luke, who just completed his first season wrestling at Lehigh University (where he was an NCAA championships qualifier), and Cole, who is considering a return to the sport after stepping away for a time. "I missed Luke's first college pin," Jeff Karam told the Allentown Morning Call. "I missed something I can't get back." "I just felt it was the right time to do it," Karam said. "My family always comes first in my life. I don't want miss those moments if I don't have to." In announcing the departure of its successful wrestling coach, Bethlehem Catholic athletic director Chris Domyan said, "Jeff Karam has achieved tremendous accomplishments as a wrestling coach here at Becahi, but all of his accolades pale in comparison to his character, faith, and leadership. In just 10 years, he has led countless young men on a path of excellence in the sport of wrestling, all because of his unwavering dedication and commitment. I can think of no greater compliment than to say, that if I had a son, I would be blessed to have him coached by Jeff Karam. He will truly be missed by the Bethlehem Catholic community and we wish him all the best in the future." "It has been an honor to coach at Bethlehem Catholic," Karam said in the news release. "The families, staff, student body, and the administration, have been very supportive. The relationships and memories are something that I will cherish for years to come. I was so blessed to be part of these athletes' lives and I look forward to seeing their growth and success in the future. I also just want to thank all of my coaches, especially Randy Cruz, who is one of the best coaches I have been around. Lastly, I want to thank my wife and sons for their support in allowing me to do something that I love."

Kyle Dake won the U.S. Open title at 79 kilograms, beating Alex Dieringer (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com) LAS VEGAS -- The fans had a fantastic show, as 10 men's freestyle national champions were crowned on Saturday afternoon at the Marine Corps U.S. Open at the South Point Arena. Five of the winners advanced directly to the Final X series, which sets the 2018 U.S. World team, while five of the winners advanced to the finals series at the preliminary qualifier for Final X, the Freestyle World Team Trials Challenge Tournament in Rochester, Minn. In the final bout on the card, four-time NCAA champion Kyle Dake of the Titan Mercury WC beat three-time NCAA champion Alex Dieringer of the Titan Mercury WC by criteria, 5-5 at 79 kg. Dake led 2-0 at the break, but Dieringer scored a takedown to tie it at 2-2 which Dake challenged and lost, making it 3-2 Dieringer. Dake forced a pushout to make it 3-3. On a scramble started by a Dake crotchlift, and challenged by Dieringer, officials gave both wrestlers two points. Criteria went to Dake, giving him his second career U.S. Open title and a berth in Final X. Read complete story on TheMat.com … 57 kg: 1st: Tony Ramos dec. Daton Fix, 2-2 3rd: Zach Sanders dec. Frank Perrelli, 4-3 5th: David Terao tech. fall Brent Fleetwood, 10-0 7th: Eddie Klimara tech. fall Skyler Petry, 10-0 61 kg: 1st: Joe Colon dec. Nahshon Garrett, 20-13 3rd: Nico Megaludis tech. fall Tyler Graff, 10-0 5th: Brandon Wright by injury default over Seth Gross 7th: Darrius Little dec. Jens Lantz, 5-4 65 kg: 1st: Joseph McKenna dec. Jaydin Eierman, 7-3 3rd: Logan Stieber tech. fall Nicholas Dardanes, 13-2 5th: Jayson Ness tech. fall Evan Henderson, 10-0 7th: Andy Simmons tech. fall Robbie Mathers, 10-0 70 kg: 1st: Jason Chamberlain dec. Hayden Hidlay, 4-1 3rd: Alec Pantaleo dec. Dylan Ness, 8-2 5th: Ryan Deakin by injury default over Frank Molinaro 7th: Griffin Parriott dec. Josh Reyes, 2-1 74 kg: 1st: Isaiah Martinez tech. fall Dan Vallimont, 10-0 3rd: Jake Sueflohn tech. fall Quinton Godley, 11-0 5th: Evan Wick tech. fall Carson Brolsma, 10-0 7th: Taleb Rahmani tech. fall Nicholas Bonomo, 13-2 79 kg: 1st: Kyle Dake dec. Alex Dieringer, 5-5 3rd: Josh Asper dec. Mike Evans, 6-1 5th: Nate Jackson tech. fall Ben Harvey, 10-0 7th: Stacey Davis tech. fall Michael Thelen, 11-0 86 kg: 1st: David Taylor dec. Richard Perry, 8-0 3rd: Nick Reenan tech. fall Timothy Dudley, 10-0 5th: Austin Coburn by injury default over Ryan McWatters 7th: Pat Downey tech. fall Brandon Supernaw, 10-0 92 kg: 1st: J'den Cox dec. Hayden Zillmer, 2-0 3rd: Enock Francois pin Deron Winn, 1:32 5th: Nikko Reyes by injury default over Timmy McCall 7th: Cody Walters tech. fall Jeremiah Imonode, 10-0 97 kg: 1st: Austin Schafer dec. Ty Walz, 14-7 3rd: Kyven Gadson dec. Nathan Burak, 3-2 5th: Ben Honis dec. Ross Larson, 13-11 7th: Braden Atwood by injury default over Blaize Cabell 125 kg: 1st: Adam Coon dec. Jake Varner, 3-1 3rd: Dom Bradley dec. Gable Steveson, 2-2 5th: Tony Nelson dec. Tanner Hall, 6-4 7th: Michael Kosoy tech. fall Shawn Streck, 10-0 Outstanding Wrestler - Joe Colon (Titan Mercury WC), 61 kg Div. I champion: Titan Mercury WC, 147 Div. I runner-up: Sunkist Kids, 54 Div. II champion: New York AC, 34 RTC Cup champion: New York AC RTC RTC Cup runner-up: Nittany Lion WC

Daniel Kerkvliet (Photo/Larry Slater)LAS VEGAS -- 2017 Cadet World champions Aaron Brooks and Daniel Kerkvliet won UWW Junior freestyle national titles on Saturday morning at the 2018 Marines Corps U.S. Open to earned automatic bids to the Junior Freestyle World Team Trials, which will be held May 18-20 in Rochester, Minn. Both World champs teched their opponents in their final bouts as Brooks put up a 14-3 win over Michael Labriola at 79 kilograms, and Kerkvliet earned a quick 10-0 victory over Zach Elam at 97 kg. Of his five matches, Brooks, who will take a year to train at the OTC next year, won four of them with technical falls. Oklahoma State commit Kerkvliet was perfect this weekend, not giving up a single point to outscore his opponents, 41-0, collectively. Read complete story on TheMat.com … 57 kg: 1st: Brandon Courtney dec. Malik Heinselman, 10-3 3rd: Paul Bianchi tech. fall Gavin Teasdale, 17-6 5th: Sidney Flores pinned Ty Smith, 1:51 7th: Rayvon Foley tech. fall Gage Curry, 23-12 61 kg: 1st: Austin Gomez tech. fall Jordan Decatur, 14-4 3rd: Joshua Saunders dec. Vitali Arujau, 10-8 5th: Mcgwire Midkiff by injury default over Gabriel Tagg 7th: Derek Spann pinned Jack Skudlarczyk, 3:31 65 kg: 1st: Dominick Demas dec. Max Murin, 10-3 3rd: Andrew Alirez pinned Kaden Gfeller, 2:41 5th: Kanen Storr pinned Kendall Coleman, 1:51 7th: Yahya Thomas dec. Michael Blockhus, 7-0 70 kg: 1st: Austin O'Connor dec. Brady Berge, 2-2 3rd: Jacori Teemer tech. fall David Carr, 12-2 5th: Brayton Lee tech. fall Jaden Van maanen, 16-5 7th: Brock Mauller dec. AJ Jaffe, 6-2 74 kg: 1st: Jeremiah Moody dec. Dustin Plott, 8-6 3rd: Jarrett Jacques by forfeit over Kaleb Romero 5th: Mehki Lewis dec. Tyler Dow, 15-8 7th: Andrew Merola tech fall Hayden Hastings, 13-2 79 kg: 1st: Aaron Brooks tech. fall Michael Labriola, 14-3 3rd: Beau Breske tech fall Matthew Finesilver, 10-0 5th: Travis Stefanik dec. Trent Hidlay, 6-3 7th: Travis Wittlake dec. Ethan Smith, 8-8 86 kg: 1st: Lou Deprez tech. fall Nino Bonaccorsi, 12-2 3rd: Jelani Embree by injury default over Kordell Norfleet 5th: Max Lyon tech. fall Cameron Caffey, 10-0 7th: Michael Beard tech. fall Myles Wilson, 10-0 92 kg: 1st: Jacob Warner tech. fall John Borst, 10-0 3rd: Jakob Woodley tech. fall Jacob Raschka, 12-3 5th: Alex Hopkins dec. Danny Salas, 8-8 7th: Lucas Davison pinned Cade Belshay, 2:46 97 kg: 1st: Daniel Kerkvliet tech. fall Zach Elam, 10-0 3rd: Quinn Miller by injury default over Matthew Correnti 5th: Hunter Dejong by injury default over Jake Boyd 7th: Cale Davidson tech. fall Owen Trephan, 10-0 125 kg: 1st: Gannon Gremmel dec. Brandon Metz, 16-8 3rd: Trent Hillger dec. Seth Nevills, 8-3 5th: Kayne Hutchison tech. fall Robert Winters, 14-4 7th: Bobby Heald dec. Christian Rebottaro, 10-4

Robby Smith won his third U.S. Open Greco-Roman title (Photo/John Sachs, Tech-Fall.com) LAS VEGAS - Friday night's U.S. Open Senior Greco-Roman finals saw high-flying action inside the South Point Arena as 10 wrestlers punched their tickets to the World Team Trials best-of-three finals in June. A rematch of the 2016 U.S. Olympic Team Trials finals, the 130-kilogram gold-medal match was one of the night's most anticipated bouts as Olympian Robby Smith (New York AC) took on 2016 Olympic Team Trials runner-up and 2016 US Open champion Adam Coon (New York AC/MWC) for the 130-kilogram title. Smith dominated the match, shutting down Coon, who had an impressive run to the finals. Smith, a four-time Senior World Team member, picked up four points in the first period, bullying Coon out of bounds twice and scoring a takedown. Only one more point was scored in the second period, which gave Smith a 5-0 win and his third U.S. Open championship. Smith owns titles from the 2013 and 2014 U.S. Opens. Read complete story on TheMat.com … Finals results: 55 kg: Max Nowry dec. Sam Hazewinkel, 10-3 60 kg: Dalton Roberts dec. Mike Fuenffinger, 9-8 63 kg: Ryan Mango dec. Sammy Jones, 6-3 67 kg: Ellis Coleman tech. fall Jessy Williams, 10-0 72 kg: RaVaughn Perkins tech. fall Pat Smith, 9-0 77 kg: Kamal Bey tech. fall Peyton Walsh, 8-0 82 kg: Geordan Speiller tech. fall Barrett Stanghill, 8-0 87 kg: Ben Provisor dec. Joe Rau, 14-10 97 kg: Dan Miller dec. Micah Burak, 5-3 130 kg: Robby Smith dec. Adam Coon, 5-0

Sarah Hildebrandt defeated Olympian Haley Augello in the finals (Photo/John Sachs, Tech-Fall.com) LAS VEGAS -- The women's freestyle finals of the Marine Corps U.S. Open had a mix of veteran champions and young new talents at the South Point Arena on Friday night. One of the most anticipated finals, 2016 World Team member Sarah Hildebrandt of the New York AC defeated 2016 Olympian and 2017 World Team member Haley Augello of the New York AC, 6-1. Hildebrandt scored two takedowns in the first period and another in the second period to win her first U.S. Open title. Hildebrandt was named Outstanding Wrestler in the women's division. Kayla Miracle of the Sunkist Kids won her second straight U.S. Open title, defeating 2017 World Team member Mallory Velte of the Titan Mercury WC, 3-0 in another showcase final. Miracle, who has won Cadet and Junior World medals for the USA, scored her first point when Velte was hit with a shot clock violation, and added a takedown for her other two points. Miracle finished her college career at Campbellsville this year as a four-time WCWA champion. Read complete story on TheMat.com … Finals results: 50 kg: Whitney Conder dec. Victoria Anthony, 7-3 53 kg: Sarah Hildebrandt dec. Haley Augello, 6-1 55 kg: Jacarra Winchester dec. Dominique Parrish, 5-3 57 kg: Alex Hedrick pinned Michaela Beck, 2:41 59 kg: Kelsey Campbell dec. Lauren Louive, 4-2 62 kg: Kayla Miracle dec. Mallory Velte, 3-0 65 kg: Julia Salata dec. Forrest Molinari, 5-0 68 kg: Tamyra Stock tech. fall Randyll Beltz, 10-0 72 kg: Erin Clodgo dec. Rachel Watters, 6-5 76 kg: Adeline Gray tech. fall Leilani Camrgo-Noane, 10-0 Outstanding Wrestler: Sarah Hildebrandt, New York AC Div. I team champions: Titan Mercury WC, 91 points Div. I team runner-up: New York AC, 84 points.

Nahshon Garrett advanced to the finals with a win over Seth Gross at 61 kilograms (Photo/Larry Slater) Semifinal results 57 kilograms: Tony Ramos dec. Zach Sanders, 8-4 Daton Fix tech. fall David Terao, 10-0 61 kilograms: Joe Colon dec. Brandon Wright, 7-5 Nahshon Garrett dec. Seth Gross, 18-13 65 kilograms: Jaydin Eierman tech. fall Nick Dardanes, 10-0 Joey McKenna tech. fall Evan Henderson, 10-0 70 kilograms: Jason Chamberlain dec. Frank Molinaro, 4-2 Hayden Hidlay dec. Alec Pantaleo, 7-5 74 kilograms: Isaiah Martinez tech. fall Jake Sueflohn, 11-0 Dan Vallimont dec. Quinton Godley, 6-3 79 kilograms: Kyle Dake tech. fall Joshua Asper, 11-0 Alex Dieringer tech. fall Mike Evans, 11-0 86 kilograms: David Taylor tech. fall T.J. Dudley, 12-2 Richard Perry tech. fall Ryan McWatters, 13-1 92 kilograms: J'den Cox dec. Deron Winn, 3-0 Hayden Zillmer tech. fall Enock Francois, 14-2 97 kilograms: Austin Schafer dec. Kyven Gadson, 4-3 Ty Walz dec. Nathan Burak, 4-3 125 kilograms: Adam Coon dec. Dom Bradley, 3-3 Jake Varner dec. Tanner Hall, 2-0 Finals matchups 57: Tony Ramos vs. Daton Fix 61: Joe Colon vs. Nahshon Garrett 65: Jaydin Eierman vs. Joey McKenna 70: Jason Chamberlain vs. Hayden Hidlay 74: Isaiah Martinez vs. Dan Vallimont 79: Kyle Dake vs. Alex Dieringer 86: David Taylor vs. Richard Perry 92: J'den Cox vs. Hayden Zillmer 97: Austin Schafer vs. Ty Walz 125: Adam Coon vs. Jake Varner

Cornell's Yianni Diakomihalis (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com) Amateur Wrestling News has named Yianni Diakomihalis of Cornell University as its 2018 Rookie Wrestler of the Year, and University of Pittsburgh's Keith Gavin as its 2018 Rookie Coach of the Year, the magazine announced in its May 15, 2018 issue made available to subscribers online this week. The Big Red's Rookie Wrestler of the Year In announcing its choice for top first-year college wrestler for the just-concluded season, AWN began by pointing out the prep accomplishments of its honoree: "Our 2018 Rookie of the Year Yianni Diakomihalis was in high school just ten months ago. The Cornell true freshman was one of just seven wrestlers ever to win four New York high school state titles ..." adding that the wrestler they selected compiled a 243-3 record in high school. For AWN, Diakomihalis' selection isn't just about impressive high school accomplishments. The iconic magazine labels the 141-pound champ's weight class as "one of the toughest at the NCAAs" -- citing Diakomihalis defeat of a pair of Cowboys -- two-time defending champ Dean Heil of Oklahoma State in the quarterfinals, and topping of two-time NCAA runner-up Bryce Meredith of Wyoming in the title match. Amateur Wrestling News also cites the Big Red rookie's 34-1 college record as reason why the oldest national wrestling publication selected Diakomihalis as 2018 Rookie Wrestler of the Year instead of Iowa's Spencer Lee, who just last month received the magazine's Hammer Award "presented to that wrestler who wins what our selection panel feels was the deepest, most competitive weight class at the NCAA tournament." The Panthers' Rookie Coach of the Year Keith Gavin was named head coach of the Pitt Panther wrestling program in mid-April 2017, the eleventh in school history. It was a homecoming of sorts for Gavin, who was a two-time EWL (Eastern Wrestling League) champ and twice named EWL Wrestler of the Year for Pittsburgh. After graduation, Gavin gained valuable coaching experience at University of Oklahoma and University of Virginia before returning to take the helm at his college alma mater. Amateur Wrestling News described Gavin's efforts to turn the Pitt program around in his first year. "The Panthers had concluded 2016-17 with an 11-5 record while falling in the rankings all season. In rebuilding mode this season with five underclassmen, Pitt went 2-3 against ACC (Atlantic Coast Conference) rivals but rallied to win the final two (duals) vs. Virginia and Duke. They placed third at the ACCs, highlighted by three individual champs, Pitt's most since the 2014-15 season." AWN's announcement of Diakomihalis and Gavin as 2018 Rookie Wrestler and Coach of the Year, respectively, came as part of a six-page feature highlighting the magazine's 2018 All-Rookie Team. The May 15 issue includes a list of magazine's selections for the top three first-year college wrestlers in each weight class for this past season ... along with its all-time Rookie Wrestler of the Year honorees going back to 1974, and Rookie Coach of the Year award-winners since 1962.

David Taylor advanced to the semifinals at 86 kilograms (Photo/Larry Slater) Quarterfinal results 57 kilograms: Tony Ramos dec. Joshua Rodriguez, 2-1 Zach Sanders dec. Darian Cruz, 4-1 David Terao dec. Skyler Petry 12-8 Daton Fix dec. Daniel Deshazer, 4-0 61 kilograms: Joe Colon dec. Nico Megaludis, 5-2 Brandon Wright dec. Darrius Little, 5-1 Nahshon Garrett dec. Tyler Graff, 5-3 Seth Gross dec. Jon Morrison, 7-6 65 kilograms: Jaydin Eierman dec. Logan Stieber, 6-5 Nick Dardanes dec. Andy Simmons, 9-0 Evan Henderson dec. Anthony Abidin, 9-8 Joey Mckenna tech. fall Robbie Mathers, 11-0 70 kilograms: Frank Molinaro dec. Ryan Deakin, 10-4 Jason Chamberlain tech. fall Hunter Stieber, 15-4 Alec Pantaleo tech. fall Dylan Ness, 11-1 Hayden Hidlay dec. Chase Pami, 5-0 74 kilograms: Isaiah Martinez tech. fall Jacen Petersen, 10-0 Jake Sueflohn tech. fall Carson Brolsma, 12-2 Quinton Godley tech. fall Nicholas Bonomo, 11-0 Dan Vallimont tech. fall Alexander Smythe, 12-2 79 kilograms: Kyle Dake tech. fall Stacey Davis, 10-0 Joshua Asper tech. fall Aaron Trygstad, 10-0 Michael Evans tech. fall Michael Thelen, 10-0 Alex Dieringer tech. fall Nathan Jackson, 10-0 86 kilograms: David Taylor pinned Noe Garcia, 0:33 Timothy Dudley tech. fall Bryan Battisto, 10-0 Ryan Mcwatters tech. fall Dominic Ducharme, 13-2 1:32 Richard Perry pinned Reed South, 0:24 92 kilograms: J'den Cox tech. fall Tanner Orndorff, 10-0 Deron Winn tech. fall Matt Williams, 11-0 Enock Francois dec. Morgan Smith, 9-0 Hayden Zillmer tech. fall Nikko Reyes, 10-0 97 kilograms: Kyven Gadson dec. Ben Honis, 4-1 Austin Schafer tech. fall Blaize Cabell, 10-0 Nathan Burak pinned Joshua Roetman, 1:22 Ty Walz dec. Braden Atwood, 11-6 125 kilograms: Dom Bradley dec. Michael Kosoy, 7-0 Adam Coon tech. fall Gable Steveson, 11-0 Jake Varner dec. Tony Nelson, 5-1 Tanner Hall dec. Zack Rey, 3-2 Semifinal matchups 57 kilograms: Tony Ramos vs. Zach Sanders Daton Fix vs. David Terao 61 kilograms: Joe Colon vs. Brandon Wright Nahshon Garrett vs. Seth Gross 65 kilograms: Nick Dardanes vs. Jaydin Eierman Joey McKenna vs. Evan Henderson 70 kilograms: Frank Molinaro vs. Jason Chamberlain Alec Pantaleo vs. Hayden Hidlay 74 kilograms: Isaiah Martinez vs. Jake Sueflohn Dan Vallimont vs. Quinton Godley 79 kilograms: Kyle Dake vs. Joshua Asper Alex Dieringer vs. Mike Evans 86 kilograms: David Taylor vs. T.J. Dudley Richard Perry vs. Ryan McWatters 92 kilograms: J'den Cox vs. Deron Winn Hayden Zillmer vs. Enock Francois 97 kilograms: Kyven Gadson vs. Austin Schafer Ty Walz vs. Nathan Burak 125 kilograms: Dom Bradley vs. Adam Coon Jake Varner vs. Tanner Hall

Former Secretary of State and noted sports fan Condoleezza Rice concluded her Commission on College Basketball this week by delivering a news conference in which she warned that the "time was ticking" for the sport. While she only outlined the commission's findings as it related to basketball, she echoed the ideas promulgated by the NCAA, such as HARSHER penalties on any and all violations of amateurism statutes. The former Stanford professor also went so far as to say playing in the NCAA should not be "undervalued or underestimated." I don't care about basketball, college or professional. The appeal of the same action occurring again and again and again and again for that much time simply doesn't entrance me the way that it does many other people. (I do love to play to basketball.) However, I do care about wrestling and have at least a passing interest in what it means to be part of a sports culture that profits off the amateurism of young, mostly minority, athletes. Wrestling doesn't have this exact problem at the moment but has seen a variation with the consequences of college student Kyle Snyder winning a world and then Olympic gold medal while still in college. Due to current NCAA athletic eligibility requirements Snyder was unable to capitalize on what some have estimated to be upwards of $500,000 in potential sponsorship opportunities. Snyder's decision was made (in part) to support his teammates at Ohio State, but also to receive his degree. Snyder was forced into that decision by the NCAA's rules against athletes accepting money for their image. While there is plenty of talk of what it would mean to directly pay athletes to play NCAA sports -- and while salaried workers should be discussed as the central issue for NCAA schools -- it's allowing players to earn money from sponsors that has the NCAA on edge. Why? If college athletes were permitted to sign sponsorship deals, universities would see an immediate and massive decrease in sponsorship dollars for their programs. Starting a few years ago brands realized they got more traction in sponsoring athletes with direct reach to their fans (those who buy stuff) than they did in funding the associations that sponsored their sport. Professional sports teams suffered a little, but international sports federations like FIFA were quick to see massive reductions in sponsorship dollars since brands were going straight to the cow. Some, like wrestling, are combating that loss with improved social media outreach, but many federations too slow to adapt are losing dollars to their athletes. The NCAA knows that sponsor loss would reduce the amount of money being pulled in by member institutions. In no way would that affect the play on the field, but it would reduce services to athletes. That's not an altruistic position by the NCAA, those are well-paying, cushy, mostly bureaucratic jobs on college campuses. Should the ASICS money disappear it would be these deep state-like employees first out the door. Athletes should be paid. Consequences come as they must, restricting the earning potential of an adult based on outdated norms is more akin to indentured servitude than it is to any ideals of a free market. To your questions ... Jordan Oliver won a U.S. Open title last year (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com) Q: Jordan Oliver's suspension is up April 29, which is obviously after the U.S. Open. Can JO get some sort of wild card to compete in the World Team Trials? Should he be able to compete? -- Mike C. Foley: As I understand it Oliver's positive test was always more about a paperwork flub than intentional disobedience of the anti-doping regulations. With that in mind I think it would be a little silly to keep him off the mats for the discrepancy of what would be two days. However those are the rules. Uncool, but the rules. Time off is a strange thing. While it might imply rust, it can also open new perspectives and give wrestlers time to work on new techniques and strategies. I can't wait to see how the time off from competition has affected Oliver. Q: Do you think that, with the right backing, that college wrestling could get to be as big as college basketball? -- @ChurroSolider Foley: No. Too complicated and no team aspect. Wrestling can be a more popular sport, but American folkstyle can only grow so much. Any popularized version would need to be consumable for the masses. Q: What potential U.S. Open matchup in men's freestyle are you most excited about? -- Mike C. Kyle Dake has multiple wins over Alex Dieringer, including one at last year's Trials (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com) Foley: Kyle Dake has been exceptional this year. He's healthy, aggressive on his feet and entertaining fans around the globe with monster lifts. His matchup with Alex Dieringer is compelling because unlike the Azerbaijani or Japanese opponents Dake has faced, Dieringer knows Dake's strategy and has competed against him on the stage. I'm favoring Dake, but the matchup intrigues me because I'd love to see where Dieringer is at in his development, but also how Dake adapts to a wrestler who knows some of his core strengths. This will be a real time chess match. The 61-kilogram and 65-kilogram weight classes will be must watch. I don't think they have Team USA's top talent, but it does include all the best competitors at those weights (save Kendric Maple and Zain Retherford). For the USA to contend for the 2018 World Championship in Budapest they'll need to see more productivity out of these weights. I'm a believer in what Logan Stieber can do at 65 kilograms, so I'll be keeping an eye on his progress throughout the tournament. Q: Any rumblings on the head coaching openings in Division I? Edinboro? Cleveland State? Arkansas Little Rock? -- Mike C. Foley: Cleveland State would be best served to keep Josh Moore as the head coach. Should they have the right package and support I think that his leadership would translate to an energized program. Also, Moore's already on staff and the startup energy for the administration would be significantly reduced given his knowledge of the institution. That said, David Bolyard is also in search of work and would be a strong candidate. For Edinboro it could be any number of candidates. Missouri assistant coach Alex Clemsen would be a natural fit given his extensive resume and attachment to the school, but I've heard he's not interested in this move. Alumni A.J. Schopp (Purdue) and Matt Hill (Kent State) are top contenders given their recent stints. Again, Josh Moore would be in the running, but that could make family dinner a little difficult given that Scott is at Lock Haven. Little Rock … not a clue, but I think that it'll take an applicant with patience and the type of CEO mindset we know wrestling now needs. Q: What's your opinion on the NAIA recognizing women's wrestling as an official sport? It also seems like the NAIA in general adds wrestling teams each year in states where wrestling may be growing i.e. Georgia, Florida, and California, how do you see the addition of teams this affecting the growth of wrestling at the high school level in particular the states mentioned? -- Marcus R. Foley: If the NAIA can complete the emerging sport status I think that the recent growth could kickstart similar moves by more Division I programs. The growth at the smaller schools has a lot to do with increasing enrollment and in places with a lot of competition for bodies these niche programs are a good way to draw in paying students. Q: Coach Kevin Roberts was fired by Oregon State last August after a situation with a former Oregon State wrestler. After reading the Portland Tribune story, it seems to be that Roberts may have gotten a raw deal. Obviously, there are two sides to the story. What are your thoughts? -- Mike C. Foley: The article is long, but I think it does a decent job of fleshing out the conflict between athlete and coach. From my reading between the lines (and the actual lines) it would seem that the wrestler had a well-documented temper and was sensitive to ethnic-based jokes that others in his community thought nascent. I'm of a zero tolerance mindset when it comes to teasing ethnic minorities, but that also doesn't excuse any and all retaliatory behavior when slighted. All that aside, the coach obviously crossed a few lines in the eyes of the athlete. That's not to say he's racist or said racist things, but it's believable that he might have uttered something that was less than culturally correct. Given the tenuous and combustible nature of the relationship with the athlete the normal corrective measures (meeting, course-taking) were outpaced by emotion on all three sides: athlete, coach and athletic department. The other thing to remember when judging college hires and fires is that the administration almost always falls on the side of least resistance. These are very political jobs and the athletic directors will do whatever is necessary to reduce their risk of exposure to scandal. If the Roberts case was brewing into some type of back-and-forth he-said-he-said cultural complaint, it's easy to see why Oregon State leadership shooed it away as efficiently as possible. What's the story behind Martin Floreani being forced out of FloSports? -- Scott M. Foley: Investor concerns? Ongoing lawsuit? Unclear since there have been no detailed public comments, but this article does bring some of the recent court proceedings into focus.

Logan Stieber is the top seed at 65 kilograms (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com) LAS VEGAS -- The seeds have been finalized for the men's freestyle competition at the U.S. Senior Open, which begins on Friday at the South Point Arena. 57 kg 1. Tony Ramos (Sunkist Kids) 2. Daton Fix (Titan Mercury WC) 3. Frank Perrelli (Titan Mercury WC) 4. Zach Sanders (Minnesota Storm) 5. Darian Cruz (New York AC/Lehigh Valley WC) 6. Tim Lambert (Sunkist Kids) 7. Daniel DeShazer (Minnesota Storm) 8. Zane Richards (Titan Mercury WC) 9. Josh Rodriguez (Nittany Lion WC) 10. Eddie Klimara (Titan Mercury WC) 11. David Terao (DCAC) 61 kg 1. Joe Colon (Titan Mercury WC) 2. Jon Morrison (New York AC) 3. Nahshon Garrett (Sunkist Kids) 4. Brandon Wright (New York AC) 5. Cody Brewer (Titan Mercury WC) 6. Tyler Graff (Titan Mercury WC) 7. Seth Gross (Sunkist Kids) 8. Nico Megaludis (Titan Mercury WC) 9. Cory Clark (Titan Mercury WC) 10. Chris Dardanes (Titan Mercury WC) 11. Alan Waters (Titan Mercury WC) 12. Darrius Little (New York AC) 65 kg 1. Logan Stieber (Titan Mercury WC) 2. Joey McKenna (Titan Mercury WC) 3. Evan Henderson (Titan Mercury WC) 4. Josh Kindig (Sunkist Kids) 5. John Simmons (New York AC) 6. Nick Dardanes (Titan Mercury WC) 7. Anthony Abidin (New York AC) 8. Joey Lazor (Panther WC) 9. Jaydin Eierman (Missouri Wrestling RTC) 10. Jayson Ness (Minnesota Storm) 11. Robbie Matthers (Sunkist Kids) 70 kg 1. Frank Molinaro (Titan Mercury WC) 2. Chase Pami (Sunkist Kids) 3. Alec Pantaleo 4. Jason Chamberlain (Titan Mercury WC) 5. Hunter Stieber (Titan Mercury WC) 6. Dylan Ness (Minnesota Storm) 7. Hayden Hidlay (Wolfpack WC) 8. Ryan Deakin (Northwestern) 9. Matthew Kolodzik (Princeton WC) 74 kg 1. Isaiah Martinez (Titan Mercury WC) 2. Dan Vallimont (New York AC) 3. Quinton Godley (Wolfpack WC) 4. Evan Wick (Titan Mercury WC) 79 kg 1. Kyle Dake (Titan Mercury WC) 2. Alex Dieringer (Titan Mercury WC) 3. Michael Evans (Buies Creek RTC) 4. Josh Asper (Navy-Marine Corps) 86 kg 1. David Taylor (Nittany Lions WC) 2. Richard Perry (New York AC) 3. Pat Downey (Titan Mercury WC) 4. Tim Dudley (Sunkist Kids) 92 kg 1. J'den Cox (Titan Mercury WC) 2. Hayden Zillmer (Minnesota Storm) 3. Enock Francois (New York AC) 4. Deron Winn (Titan Mercury WC) 5. Kenny Courts (Titan Mercury WC) 6. Josh Manu (Navy-Marines Corp) 7. Nikko Reyes (Valley RTC) 97 kg 1. Kyven Gadson (Sunkist Kids) 2. Ty Walz (Titan Mercury WC) 3. Nathan Burak (Titan Mercury WC) 4. Austin Schafer (New York AC) 5. Blaize Cabell (Valley RTC) 125 kg 1. Dom Bradley (Sunkist Kids) 2. Zach Rey (New York AC) 3. Jake Varner (Nittany Lion WC) 4. Adam Coon (New York AC) 5. Gable Steveson (Minnesota Storm) 6. Tony Nelson (Minnesota Storm) 7. Tanner Hall (Arizona State) 8. Michael Kosoy (Titan Mercury WC) 9. Johnathan Gingrich (New York AC)

BUFFALO, NY -- Sean Boyle has been hired as assistant wrestling coach at the University at Buffalo, head coach John Stutzman announced on Wednesday. Boyle comes to Buffalo from Cal State Bakersfield where he spent the previous two seasons as an assistant coach. Sean BoyleBoyle served as the Roadrunners assistant coach from 2016 to 2018. He helped lead CSU Bakersfield to third place finishes in the Pac-12 Conference in 2017 and 2018. The Roadrunners had five NCAA qualifiers in each of his two seasons with the team and Sean Nickell was the 2017 Pac-12 champion at 125 lbs. "We are extremely excited to add Sean to our staff," Stutzman said. "Having competed in the Big Ten at the University of Michigan as well as UTC in the Southern Conference, Sean brings a wealth of wrestling knowledge to our program. We are excited to get him back east and we look forward to him hitting the ground running." Prior to CSU Bakersfield, Boyle served as a graduate assistant at Tennessee-Chattanooga from 2015 to 2016. Boyle, a NHSCA Senior National Champion for national powerhouse Blair Academy, began his collegiate wrestling career at the University of Michigan. Boyle wrestled for Michigan from 2009-14 where he was a two-time NCAA Division I qualifier and a two-time Big 10 place winner. He was awarded Michigan's Jeff Reese Most Improved Award (2011) and Michigan's Steve Fraser Mental Toughness Award (2013) during his time in Ann Arbor. After graduating and earning his undergraduate degree from Michigan in 2014. Boyle transferred to Chattanooga prior to the start of the 2014-15 season and was granted a sixth year of eligibility from the NCAA. Boyle won the 2015 Southern Conference Championship at 125 pounds and was 2015 Southern Conference Wrestler of the Year. He qualified for his third NCAA Tournament and ended the season with a 32-7 record. Boyle's combined collegiate wrestling record was 121-60. Boyle completed graduate school at UTC in 2016, earning a master's in secondary education.

Doug Schwab (right) coaching at the NCAAs (Photo/UNI Sports Information) University of Northern Iowa head wrestling coach Doug Schwab has signed a three-year contract extension, the Cedar Falls-based school announced Thursday morning. With the latest addition to his contract on top of a seven-year contract extension inked back in May 2014, Schwab will remain at the helm of the Panther mat program through the end of March 2024. Details of the contract extension -- including financial terms and salary -- were not revealed. Schwab just completed his eighth season at UNI, where he has compiled an overall dual-meet record of 71-47, with a total of 41 NCAA qualifiers and nine NCAA All-Americans. This past season, Schwab guided his wrestlers to a second-place finish in their first-ever Big 12 conference championships, with two Panthers -- Taylor Lujan and Drew Foster -- winning conference crowns at 174 and 184 pounds, respectively. As for the 2018-19 season, Schwab can expect the return of seven NCAA qualifiers and three NCAA All-Americans. "Doug has done a tremendous job with the UNI Panther wrestling program," said UNI Director of Athletics David Harris. "His passion for Panther wrestling is unmatched. He cares deeply about each student-athlete in the wrestling room. We look forward to the continued success of the program on so many levels -- in the classroom, in citizenship and on the competition mat." "I love coaching at the University of Northern Iowa," Schwab said. "My family and I couldn't be more excited to know that for at least the next six years it will be spent in the Cedar Valley. I know that the type of support we get from our administration, alumni and fans is special. We want them to know we are truly grateful for what they do for the program and these men that represent it on and off the mat. I have such an incredible group of coaches and student-athletes to work with. They challenge me and demand the best of me every day and I thank them for that. I cannot wait to lead this program and group of men into the future." Prior to taking the reins of the storied UNI wrestling program, Schwab was a three-time NCAA champ for the University of Iowa as well as a freestyle competitor who wrestled for the U.S. at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. After graduation, the Osage, Iowa native headed east to Virginia Tech, where he served as an assistant to then-head coach Tom Brands ... then returned to his college alma mater to join the coaching staff until accepting the head coaching job at UNI in 2010.

Adeline Gray is the top seed at 76 kilograms in women's wrestling (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com) LAS VEGAS -- The seeds have been released for the Greco-Roman and women's wrestling competition for the U.S. Senior Open, which begins on Thursday at the South Point Arena. Greco-Roman seeds 55 kg 1. Max Nowry (Army WCAP) 2. Randon Miranda (New York AC) 3. Sam Hazewinkel (Sunkist Kids) 4. Kyndall Rutz (NMU-OTS) 5. James Hicks (Army WCAP) 60 kg 1. Ildar Hafizov (Army WCAP) 2. Taylor LaMont (Sunkist Kids) 3. Dalton Roberts (New York AC) 4. Mike Fuenffinger (Army WCAP) 63 kg 1. Hayden Tuma (Army WCAP) 2. Jesse Thielke (New York AC/Legends of Gold) 3. Ryan Mango (Army WCAP) 4. Xavier Johnson (Marines) 5. Sam Jones (New York AC) 6. Colton Rasche (Marines) 7. Lilshawn Greedy (Army WCAP) 8. Travis Rice (NMU-OTS) 9. Wesley Dawkins (Nebraska Golden Eagles) 67 kg 1. Ellis Coleman (Army WCAP) 2. Raymond Bunker (Marines) 3. Jessy Williams (New York AC) 4. Austin Morrow (New York) 5. Chase Nelson (Bison WC) 6. Jamel Johnson (Marines) 7. Anthonie Linares (NMU-OTS) 8. Dante Rodriguez (Papi Trained) 9. Payton Omania (CYC) 72 kg 1. RaVaughn Perkins (New York AC) 2. Pat Smith (Minnesota Storm) 3. Alex Sancho (New York AC) 4. Chris Gonzalez (New York AC) 5. Colin Schubert (New York AC) 6. Alex Mossing (Air Force RTC) 7. Isaac Dukes (Army WCAP) 77 kg 1. Kamal Bey (Sunkist Kids) 2. Jesse Porter (New York AC) 3. Kendrick Sanders (New York AC) 4. Jon Jay Chavez (New York AC) 5. Michael Hooker (Army WCAP) 6. Peyton Walsh (Marines) 7. Alec Ortiz (Minnesota Storm) 8. Curt Calovecchi (NMU-OTS) 9. Xavier Johnson (CYC) 10. Cody Pack (New York AC/Legends of Gold) 82 kg 1. Jon Stefanowicz (Marines) 2. Geordan Speiller (Florida Jets) 3. Courtney Myers (Army WCAP) 4. Barrett Stanghill (Minnesota Storm) 5. Vlad Dombrovskiy (Army WCAP) 6. Richard Carlson (Minnesota Storm) 7. Terrence Zaleski (Marines) 87 kg 1. Ben Provisor (New York AC) 2. Cheney Haight (New York AC) 3. Joe Rau (Minnesota Storm) 4. Khymba Johnson (New York AC) 5. Kevin Radford (Sunkist Kids) 6. Jacob Fisher (Curby 3 Style WC) 7. Easton Hargrave (Olympia WC) 97 kg 1. Lucas Sheridan (Army WCAP) 2. Enock Francois (New York AC) 3. Dan Miller (Marines) 4. Micah Burak (Titan Mercury WC) 5. Dan Olsen (Unattached) 6. Blake Smith (OTC-Colorado) 7. Pete Gounaridis (Army) 130 kg 1. Robby Smith (New York AC) 2. Adam Coon (New York AC) 3. Donny Longendyke (Minnestoa Storm) 4. Trent Osnes (Marines) 5. Alton Meeks (Florida Jets) 6. Malcolm Allen (Minnesota Storm) 7. Orry Elor (CYC) Women's wrestling seeds 50 kg 1. Victoria Anthony (Sunkist Kids) 2. Whitney Conder (U.S. Army WCAP) 3. Amy Fearnside (Titan Mercury WC) 4. Erin Golston (New York AC) 53 kg 1. Haley Augello (New York AC) 2. Sarah Hildebrandt (New York AC) 3. Cody Pfau (Titan Mercury WC) 4. Dajan Treder (unattached) 5. Gabriellle Weyhrich (McKendree Bearcat WC) 6. Ronna Heaton (Sunkist Kids) 55 kg 1. Jacarra Winchester (Titan Mercury WC) 2. Dominique Parrish (Titan Mercury WC) 3. Cameron Guerin (Team Takedown) 4. Tayler Resuriz (McKendree Bearcat WC) 57 kg 1. Megan Black (Titan Mercury WC) 2. Breanna Delgado (Aires WC) 3. Alexandra Hedrick (Titan Mercury WC) 4. Koral Sugiyama (Campbellsville) 5. Michaela Beck (New York AC) 59 kg 1. Kelsey Campbell (Sunkist Kids) 2. Lauren Louive (New York AC) 3. Abigail Nette (Lions WC/Emmanuel) 4. Allison Petix (King University) 5. Brenda Reyna (McKendree Bearcat WC) 62 kg 1. Mallory Velte (Titan Mercury WC) 2. Kayla Miracle (Sunkist Kids) 3. Jenna Burkert (U.S. Army WCAP) 4. Amanda Hendey (Titan Mercury WC) 65 kg 1. Forrest Molinari (Titan Mercury WC) 2. Julia Salata (New York AC) 3. Jaydin Laurent (Musky WC) 4. Alexis Porter (New York AC) 5. Kayla Marano (Lions WC/Emmanuel) 6. Katerina Lobsinger (U.S. Army WCAP) 68 kg 1. Tamyra Stock (Titan Mercury WC) 2. Alexandria Glaude (McKendree Bearcat WC) 3. Randyll Beltz (U.S. Army WCAP) 4. Jasmine Bailey (McKendree Bearcat WC) 72 kg 1. Erin Clodgo (Sunkist Kids) 2. Rachel Watters (New York AC) 3. Alyvia Fiske (Titan Mercury WC) 4. Evonne Evien (unattached) 5. Hannah Gladden (Lions WC/Emmanuel) 6. Anastasia Lobsinger (U.S. Army WCAP) 76 kg 1. Adeline Gray (New York AC) 2. Korianahe Bullock (McKendree Bearcat WC) 3. Leilani Camargo-Naone (MWC Wrestling Academy) 4. Janelle Fuamatu (McKendree Bearcat WC) 5. Mariah Harris (Campbellsville)

Kyle Snyder defeated Adam Coon of Michigan twice this past season (Photo/Richard Immel) Kyle Snyder just added yet another honor to his wrestling resume. The three-time NCAA heavyweight champ and 2016 Olympic gold medalist in freestyle wrestling has been named one of two Ohio State athletes to earn the 2018 Medal of Honor award for Big Ten athletes. Snyder, along with former Buckeye women's basketball star Kelsey Mitchell, were named recipients of the honor at Ohio State's Scarlet and Graymies awards Tuesday evening. Each year, the Big Ten Medal of Honor is awarded to one male athlete and one female athlete from the graduating class of each of the 14 universities in the conference to recognize both athletic and academic excellence. The award dates back to 1915. Snyder concluded his collegiate mat career last month at the 2018 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships in Cleveland by becoming only the fifth three-time NCAA heavyweight champ in the nearly 90-year history of the tournament. In addition, the Maryland native won three consecutive Big Ten heavyweight titles (2016-2018). Snyder's 75-5 overall college record helped the Buckeyes win three Big Ten conference crowns as well as the 2015 NCAA team title. In addition to these collegiate mat accomplishments, Snyder also made a name for himself in the international freestyle wrestling, winning a gold medal at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, and two World championships, all while enrolled at Ohio State. In fact, Snyder is the only wrestler to have won Olympic gold then follow up with an NCAA title. Snyder's athletic prowess is accompanied by excellence in the classroom. While at Ohio State, he was also a three-time NWCA (National Wrestling Coaches Association) Academic All-American, and recently became just the fourth wrestler to ever win the AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) Sullivan Award, presented each year since 1930 to the most outstanding amateur athlete in the United States. Snyder is not the only wrestler to have earned a 2018 Medal of Honor from the Big Ten. University of Illinois wrestling champ Isaiah Martinez was also presented with the award this week.

Isaiah Martinez (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com) Isaiah Martinez may have to build a bigger trophy case. Martinez, who is concluding his career at the University of Illinois, is one of two student-athletes from the school to receive the 2018 Medal of Honor from the Big Ten. Martinez was presented with the award, along with track & field and cross-country star Nicole Choquette, at the annual Fighting Illini Oskee Awards ceremony held at State Farm Center in Champaign Monday night. One of the most prestigious conference awards in college athletics, the Big Ten Medal of Honor was first awarded in 1915 to one student-athlete from the graduating class of each university who had "attained the greatest proficiency in athletics and scholastic work." Isaiah Martinez is arguably the most accomplished wrestler in more than a century of the sport at University of Illinois. The California native racked up the honors -- two-time NCAA champion, four-time NCAA finalist, four-time Big Ten Champion, four-time All-American – along with an impressive career record of 116-3. The wrestler affectionately known as "Imar" has also made a positive impression in freestyle wrestling, having placed fifth at the 2017 U23 World Championship, and is a member of the 2018 USA Freestyle World Cup Team. If that weren't enough, Martinez has demonstrated leadership in other ways. He is a three-time team captain, a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and is involved with many youth wrestling groups. He's on track to earned a bachelor's degree in sociology from the University of Illinois and plans to continue his wrestling career while training in Champaign-Urbana. "Isaiah is an incredible representative of our program and University," said Illinois head wrestling coach Jim Heffernan. "He has fantastic work habits, great character, is unbelievably loyal and his will to win is like nothing I have ever been around. He is the most self-critical athlete I have coached, evaluating every second of every match to find something to improve on. He'll even talk to the coaches about ways his teammates can improve. Isaiah is incredibly visible in the wrestling world and is unbelievably accommodating toward people that want some of his time. He is the most impressive kid I have ever coached." Martinez weighed in on what the 2018 Big Ten award meant to him on Twitter: "Winning this Medal of Honor was 5x harder for me than winning any tournament. Trying to get good grades and pay attention in class for 4+ years is like torture for an ADHD kid like me." Martinez is not the only Big Ten mat champ to have received a 2018 Big Ten Medal of Honor this week. Ohio State heavyweight Kyle Snyder was named his school's male recipient of the conference award.

Helen Maroulis gets her hand raised after winning a world title in Paris (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com) NEW YORK -- Helen Maroulis, who captured America's heart by winning gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics, two-time World silver medalist Alli Ragan and U.S. World Team member Tamyra Stock will compete for Team USA against Team Nigeria at the annual Beat the Streets Benefit, May 17 at Pier 17/Seaport District in lower Manhattan. Maroulis, who will be making her sixth straight Beat the Streets (www.btsny.org) appearance, has a perfect 5-0 record in BTS competition and recently joined the staff as a Student-Athlete Mentor and Coach Educator. Her gold medal match victory came at 53kg against Japanese superstar Saori Yoshida, as Maroulis became the first American to win a gold medal in women's wrestling. A Rockville, Md., native, Maroulis is also a two-time World champion and now lives and trains in New York. Ragan, who has made five straight U.S. Senior World Teams, placed second in the Worlds the past two years while also winning the Pan American Championships in 2017. She is also a two-time U.S Open. Champion, a two-time Junior World medalist and two-time WCWA women's college national champion at King University. The Carbondale, Ill., native now lives in Colorado Springs, Colo. and Iowa City, Iowa. Stock, the reigning 2017 U.S. World Team Trials champion, also won the 2016 U.S. Olympic Team Trials but did not compete in Rio because the U.S. did not qualify at her weight. She became the first American athlete to win back-to-back golds in the prestigious Ivan Yarygin Grand Prix in Russia. She won two WCWA titles for Wayland Baptist University. The Katy, Texas, native (nee Mensah) now resides in Colorado Springs, Colo. "There is no greater American champion than Helen Maroulis, and we're excited that she is making yet another appearance at Beat the Streets Annual Benefit," said Brendan Buckley, Executive Director, Beat the Streets Inc. "Combined with her new, formal role with BTS New York, Helen is making a difference in the lives of young wrestlers, and this event will be another opportunity for fans to see her in action on the mat." Nigeria is the first African nation to compete at a Beat the Streets Benefit. The opponents from Nigeria for the U.S. trio will be as follows: 57 kg - Helen Maroulis vs. Odunayo Adekuoroye 59 kg - Alli Ragan vs. Bisola Makanjuola 68 kg - Tamyra Stock vs. Blessing Oborududu Maroulis faces one of the most successful and popular athletes on Team Nigeria. Adekuoroye was a 2017 World silver medalist and 2015 World bronze medalist. She competed in the 2016 Olympic Games, and is coming off a gold-medal effort at the Commonwealth Games. Ragan's opponent is a rising young talent for Team Nigeria. Makanjuola was a 2018 African champion and won a silver medal at the 2017 African Championships. Stock faces a veteran star in Oborududu, who competed in both the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games. She is an eight-time African Champion, and has also won the All-Africa Games. Like Adekuoroye, Oburududu is fresh off a victory at the 2018 Commonwealth Games. The Team USA men and their international opponents will be announced soon. This year will mark the first time that Beat the Streets has held its annual event at Pier 17/South Street District. In 2013, the event dubbed "The Rumble on the Rails," was hosted in historic Grand Central Terminal and featured dual meets between Team USA, Russia and Iran. Playing an important role in the international Keep Olympic Wrestling effort, this historic wrestling event gained international media coverage and helped wrestling retain its status on the Olympic Games program. Coverage will be available live and on-demand exclusively on FloWrestling.com. To access live and on-demand coverage of the Beat the Streets New York City Annual Benefit, visit FloWrestling.com and become a PRO subscriber. A subscription unlocks access to premium content across the entire FloSports network, as well as the matches from the Beat the Streets program starting at 2:30 p.m. ET on May 17. Watch the event across all screens by downloading the FloSports app on iOS, Roku or Apple TV 4. This will be the ninth straight year in which a major international-style wrestling competition will be hosted as part of the Beat the Streets Benefit activities. In 2010, an all-star challenge featuring top U.S. wrestlers was held on the USS Intrepid, an aircraft carrier docked on the west side of Manhattan. Times Square has been the venue for the 2011, 2012 and 2014-2017 events. This year, top Beat the Streets youth wrestlers will take the mat showcasing their skills in exhibition matches beginning at 2:30 p.m. to kick off the NYC Benefit. For the third straight year, the Benefit will feature the PSAL Girls Freestyle Dual Meet Championships finals, showcasing the two top New York City girl's freestyle wrestling high school teams from the spring girl's freestyle season. Then it's Team USA vs. an international squad at 6:00 p.m. and super match between Jordan Burroughs and Italy's Frank Chamizo with video highlights and special guest appearances followed by the Beat the Streets Benefit Celebration. Tickets are required for entry and can be purchased by visiting www.btsny.org, calling 212-777-5702 or emailing Joe DelConte at jdelconte@btsny.org. The Benefit Celebration at Pier 17 will follow the wrestling competition. This unique and electrifying annual event helps Beat the Streets raise significant funds to further its mission. Whether it's providing a safe, constructive outlet for our urban youth, fighting childhood obesity, empowering women, or uniting entire nations, wrestling teaches persistence, dedication, and the value of working hard to achieve one's goals and creates opportunities for personal and universal growth. BTS currently serve over 3,000 student-athletes every year. 2018 Beat the Streets Wrestling Schedule The Seaport District/Pier 17, New York City, May 17, 2018 2:30 p.m. - Beat the Streets Youth Exhibition Matches 4:45 p.m. - New York City Girls Freestyle Dual Meet Championships Finals 6:00 p.m. - World Class Wrestling to include: • Team USA vs. Nigeria in women's freestyle 57 kg - Helen Maroulis (USA) vs. Odunayo Adekuoroye (Nigeria) 59 kg - Alli Ragan (USA) vs. Bisola Makanjuola (Nigeria) 68 kg - Tamyra Stock (USA) vs. Blessing Oborududu (Nigeria) • Team USA vs. TBA in men's freestyle • Super Match - Jordan Burroughs (USA) vs. Frank Chamizo (ITA) Followed by Annual Benefit Celebration, Pier 17 About Beat the Streets The mission of Beat the Streets is to develop the full potential of the urban youth and to strengthen the culture of New York City wrestling. BTS works directly with the New York City Department of Education in a public-private partnership to bring the life changing sport of wrestling to over 3,000 New York City student-athletes to help them achieve their personal and athletic goals. Through the operation of wrestling programs in middle and high schools in the five boroughs, BTS and the DOE provide a safe, positive atmosphere in which disadvantaged and at-risk youth can learn the essential life lessons of grit, personal responsibility and teamwork, physical fitness and nutrition, and life-long learning. The goal of fostering strong, well-rounded student-athletes is delivered through coaching, after-school programs, life skills workshops, and summer camps. More information can be found at www.btsny.org. About USA Wrestling USA Wrestling is the National Governing Body for the Sport of Wrestling in the United States and, as such, is its representative to the United States Olympic Committee and United World Wrestling, the international wrestling federation. Simply, USA Wrestling is the central organization that coordinates amateur wrestling programs in the nation and works to create interest and participation in these programs. It has over 220,000 members across the nation, boys and girls, men and women of all ages, representing all levels of the sport. Its president is Bruce Baumgartner, and its Executive Director is Rich Bender. More information can be found at TheMat.com

This weekend, the U.S. Open and UWW Junior Nationals take place in Las Vegas. While the Open serves as a qualifier for this year's World Team Trials, the weekend's events also give fans one of the first opportunities to see some of the best incoming recruits face off against college level competition. Between the two tournaments, nine of the top 20 recruits from last season will be in action. The following is a preview of the path to the championship for those recruits. David Carr is among the top contenders at 70 kilograms (Photo/Sam Janicki) 70 kilograms, Junior freestyle Top recruits: No. 3 David Carr (Iowa State), No. 7 Jacori Teemer (Arizona State) and No. 10 Brayton Lee (Minnesota) The field at 70 kilograms in the Junior division is loaded in terms of top-20 recruits. Depending on the draw, fans might get to see a rematch between Lee and Teemer. The two recently faced off in a folkstyle match at the IndianaMat Dream Team Classic. Lee won a match that featured several questionable referee decisions, both ways, and plenty of controversy. Carr, who is expected to kickstart the rebuilding process at Iowa State for coach Kevin Dresser, will also contend for the title at this weight. The field also includes a pair of top recruits from last season who will be coming off redshirts for Penn State next winter. Brady Berge competed in only one tournament last season and finished second at the Princeton Open. Jarod Verkleeren, a former cadet world champion, also had a light workload during his redshirt campaign. He went 9-2 with his losses coming against veterans Jared Prince (Navy) and Max Thomsen (Northern Iowa). Rounding out the field is another pair of blue chip prospect from last season who will be coming off redshirt. Austin O'Connor went 20-3 in his first season at North Carolina, and Dominick Demas is expected to contribute to Lou Rosselli's Oklahoma squad next season. 79 kilograms, Junior freestyle Top recruits: No. 2 Travis Wittlake (Oklahoma State) and No. 17 Aaron Brooks (OTC/Penn State) The top two recruits in the 79-kilogram weight class provide some unique storylines. Wittlake defeated Brooks for the chance to represent the U.S. at the cadet world championships last season. However, Wittlake pulled out with an injury, and Brooks went on to win the world championship. Two months after Brooks won the gold medal, Wittlake decommitted from Penn State and end up signing with Oklahoma State. Brooks, who was one of the best unsigned talents, signed with Penn State and will spend a year at the OTC before reporting to campus. In terms of college wrestlers competing at this weight, it is safe to say that it is stacked with talent. Beau Breske (Nebraska) and Michael Labriola (Nebraska) might end up getting an early rehearsal for their wrestle-off for next season. Breske, who came to the Cornhuskers as a blue-chip recruit, had a tough season, ended up going 9-12 and missed out on qualifying for the NCAA tournament. Labriola redshirted his first season at Nebraska. During his off-the-books season, he won three open tournaments and knocked off the likes of David Kocer (South Dakota State), Jacobe Smith (Oklahoma State), Joey Gunther (Iowa) and Johnny Sebastian (Northwestern). Marcus Coleman's redshirt season for Iowa State turned into a bright spot for the program. He won four open tournaments and went 24-2. His only two losses during the season came against veteran Taylor Lujan (Northern Iowa). Matt Finesilver (Duke) along with his three brothers all qualified for the NCAA tournament for the Blue Devils. During the season, he went 25-11 and picked up wins over Daniel Bullard (NC State) and Forrest Przybysz (Appalachian State). Joe Grello (Rutgers) started for the Scarlet Knights and went 14-10. He went 0-2 at the Big Ten Championships and failed to qualify for the NCAA tournament. His best wins came over Breske and Chris Pfarr (Minnesota). Fellow top-25 recruit Trent Hidlay will also be in the field before heading to NC State and joining his brother who recently finished second at the NCAA tournament. Hidlay has wrestled both Wittlake and Brooks before. The familiarity might lead to an upset. Anthony Mantanona (Oklahoma) spent his first season in Norman as a redshirt campaign. He went 13-2, but he did not face a very tough schedule. His losses came against Joe Smith (Oklahoma State) and Devin Kane (North Carolina). Mantanona is also registered to compete in the Junior Greco-Roman bracket this weekend. Ethan Smith (Ohio State) went 19-7 as a redshirt this past season. The former blue-chip recruit could contend to replace the departed Bo Jordan at 174 pounds next year, but he might end up being too big for that spot. 86 kilograms, Junior freestyle Top recruits: No. 13 Gavin Hoffman (Ohio State) and No. 14 Michael Beard (Penn State) Hoffman and Beard have already started a rivalry that might just continue in the Big Ten. The two wrestled at Who's No. 1, and Hoffman came out with a victory. Neither are expected to start next for their respective teams. However, fans will still get a chance to see them against Division I competition here. Jelani Embree (Michigan) went 15-2 during his redshirt season. His only losses on the season came against Dakota Greer (Edinboro) and Nick Reenan (NC State). Embree picked up a pair of wins over fellow prospect Ethan Smith (Ohio State). Kordell Norfleet (Arizona State) was forced into action in his true freshman season. He certainly took his lumps and finished with a 12-12 record. However, he finished the season by winning the Pac 12 tournament and qualifying for the NCAA tournament. 125 kilograms, Junior freestyle Top recruit: No. 5 Seth Nevills (Penn State) Despite still being in high school, Nevills might be the favorite to take this weight at the Junior level. The consensus top five pick proved once again this past season to be a legitimate heavyweight prospect. Standing in his way are Fargo runner-up and North Dakota State recruit Brandon Metz. While the field does not include many returning starters, Gonna Gremmel (Iowa State) and Aaron Costello (Iowa) will be there representing historical powers. Gable Steveson celebrates after winning the gold medal (Photo/Richard Immel) 125 kilograms, U.S. Open Top recruit: No.1 Gable Steveson (Minnesota) After a pair of Cadet world titles and a Junior world title, Steveson decided it was time to move up to the senior level. This past season, he won another state title, defeated No. 2 (at 220) Daniel Kerkvliet and even won a collegiate open that he entered last November. Unsurprisingly, the senior field features multiple wrestlers that could push the 17-year-old including Dom Bradley, Tony Nelson and even Olympic gold medalist Jake Varner. In the preseeds released by USA Wrestling, Steveson earned the fifth seed, which means he could meet NCAA runner up Adam Coon who knocked off multiple-time world champion Kyle Snyder last season.

The U.S. Open is one of the best events on the wrestling calendar. Many of the top wrestlers in the country, and the world for that matter, compete every year in this important national event. And this year is no exception. This year's U.S. Open field will feature an abundance of talented and proven stars that include three-time world champion Adeline Gray, Olympic and world medalist J'den Cox, Hodge Trophy winners Kyle Dake and David Taylor, and Junior world champion Kamal Bey. The U.S. Open will be held Thursday through Saturday in Las Vegas. Not all of the stars will be there. Returning world men's and women's freestyle medalists who are competing in the same weight class this year have already advanced to the Final X. The Final X will be held at three locations and serve as the qualifier for the 2018 U.S. World Team in men's and women's freestyle. U.S. Open champions in the weight classes without a returning medalist will land spots in the Final X. Open champions in weights with a returning medalist will take part in the World Team Trials Challenge Tournament next month in Rochester, Minn. U.S. Open champions in Greco-Roman will advance to the finals of June's World Team Trials for Greco in Tulsa. The World Championships return to Budapest, Hungary in October. Here are 10 storylines to keep an eye on during the U.S. Open: Nahshon Garrett is one of the top contenders at 61 kilograms (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com) 10. Last four NCAA champions at 133 are in loaded 61-kilogram bracket Cody Brewer, Nahshon Garrett, Cory Clark and Seth Gross have accounted for the last four NCAA titles at 133 pounds. All four are entered in the loaded U.S. Open freestyle weight class of 61 kilograms/132 pounds. Joe Colon is the No. 1 pre-seed. He earned a win in his only World Cup match earlier this month. Jon Morrison is No. 2. Among the other top wrestlers to watch in this class are Brandon Wright, Tyler Graff, Nico Megaludis, Chris Dardanes, Alan Waters and Darrius Little. This is the deepest weight class in the tournament. And it could be the most entertaining weight class to watch in Vegas. 9. Big boys battle in Greco Robby Smith has become a fixture as the No. 1 Greco-Roman heavyweight in the U.S. Smith placed fifth in the world in 2013 and 2015. Smith is still the wrestler to beat, but it will be interesting to see how massive Adam Coon fares in Las Vegas. Coon placed second behind Smith at the 2016 Olympic Trials and just finished his college career with a second-place finish at the NCAA meet. Coon also is registered in freestyle, so we will see how that impacts what he does in Greco. Coon could become a fixture on Greco teams for years to come. Victoria Anthony with her championship plaque after winning the U.S. Open title last year (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com) 8. Who will rule at 50 kilograms? The new women's freestyle weight class of 50 kilograms could offer one of the more intriguing battles at the Open. Two-time world fifth-place finisher Victoria Anthony and three-time world team member Whitney Conder are the favorites in this class. Anthony moves up from the former 48-kilogram weight class while Conder is moving down from 53. Anthony is small for the weight class, but she is powerful and explosive for her size with an arsenal of big moves. Tony Ramos celebrates after winning a U.S. Open title last year (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com) 7. Return of Ramos Tony Ramos made a pair of world teams in freestyle before falling in two straight matches to fellow Iowa Hawkeye alum Thomas Gilman in the finals of the 2017 World Team Trials. Gilman went on to win a silver medal at the World Championships in Paris. Ramos started this season up a weight class, but he's dropping back down to 57 kilograms for the U.S. Open. Ramos would love another shot at facing Gilman again in the championship series of the Final X. Ramos is in a tough weight in Vegas that also includes Junior world champion Daton Fix and NCAA champion Darian Cruz. 6. Tamyra's time is now Tamyra Stock has the talent and the tools to be a world champion in women's freestyle wrestling. She proved that by winning back-to-back titles at the prestigious Ivan Yarygin event in Russia. Now she has to prove it on the sport's biggest stage. Stock gained World Championships experience last year and she looks like a strong contender to earn a medal this season. She is a powerful wrestler with an impressive arsenal of moves. You will want to follow her matches in Vegas. 5. Olympic gold medalist Jake Varner listed among pre-seeds Jake Varner hasn't competed on the big stage since 2016, but his name was listed Monday as the No. 3 pre-seed at heavyweight. Varner won his 2012 Olympic gold medal at 96 kilograms, but he has competed at heavyweight in the past. He placed second to eventual Olympic gold medalist Kyle Snyder at 97 kilograms at the 2016 Olympic Trials. Varner actually won the first match of their best-of-3 championship series before Snyder won the final two bouts. It will be interesting to see how Varner fares if he does compete in Las Vegas. 4. Kamal Bey is must-see wrestling Don't turn away from the mat when Kamal Bey is wrestling. You might miss something you've never seen before. That's how impressive this young standout is in Greco-Roman wrestling. Bey can light up the scoreboard like a pinball machine with his spectacular array of explosive lifts and throws. He's the dynamic sparkplug that could lead a revival for a U.S. Greco program that has struggled over the past decade. Bey won a Junior world title last year and he's ready to burst onto the scene on the Senior level. J'den Cox at the Freestyle World Cup (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com) 3. New weight, same outlook for J'den J'den Cox's impressive resume keeps adding glowing achievements as he continues to exceed expectations. Not expected to win an Olympic medal in 2016, Cox earned a bronze medal in Rio. Not expected to even make the U.S. world team in 2017, Cox beat favored David Taylor before winning a bronze medal in Paris. Now Cox moves up to the new freestyle weight class of 92 kilograms. Cox had a huge size advantage at 86 kilograms and appears to be adjusting well to his new division. He clearly feels better without having to drop so much weight this season. No matter the circumstances, Cox has definitely performed well when the stakes are highest. Adeline Gray after making the U.S. Olympic Team in 2016 (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com) 2. Gray returns with focus on more gold Three-time world champion Adeline Gray is back. And in a big way this season. The five-time world medalist finished ahead of the reigning world champion and reigning Olympic champion in winning February's Klippan Open in Sweden. Gray beat 2017 world champion Yasemin Adar of Turkey in the heavyweight finals. Gray was ranked No. 1 in the world entering the 2016 Olympics, but she fell short of medaling. She missed last season with an injury, but she's back now and eager to begin her run toward another Olympic Games in women's freestyle. Kyle Dake is coming off a strong performance at the Freestyle World Cup (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com) 1. Dake, Taylor ready to make first world team It should have happened by now. Kyle Dake and David Taylor should've made a Senior-level world team in freestyle. But both were stuck behind Olympic and world medalists Jordan Burroughs and J'den Cox. With the expansion to 10 weight classes for the World Championships, Dake and Taylor are in different weight classes. And they are poised to make a run at world titles this year. Dake is coming off an outstanding performance at the World Cup at the new weight class of 79 kilograms where he beat two world silver medalists. Among the other entries at 79 is Junior world silver medalist and three-time NCAA champion Alex Dieringer. Taylor has excelled the past two seasons at 86 kilograms and looked superb earlier this month at the World Cup. He pinned Olympic and world champion Hassan Yazdani of Iran at the 2017 World Cup. Dake and Taylor are in the prime of their careers and ready to strike gold at the sport's top level. There is no doubt that it could happen this year. Craig Sesker has written about wrestling for more than three decades. He's covered three Olympic Games and is a two-time national wrestling writer of the year.

The Urbandale athletic department announced late Monday that Mike Moreno has returned to the position of head wrestling coach at Urbandale High School. Moreno, who teaches physical education at the high school stepped down following the 2013 to become an assistant coach. Mike MorenoMoreno led the J-Hawks from 2006-2013. During that time frame, Moreno led the J-Hawks to a 69-67 record. During that time frame, the J-Hawks had 5 State Champions and 22 State Placewinners. Urbandale placed 3rd at the 2010 Class 3A state tournament and Moreno was honored as the 3A Coach of the Year that season. Moreno was the Class 2A Wrestling Coach of the Year in 1997 and guided his 1994 team to the State Title. His team finished second in 1997 and third in the state dual meet tournament that same year. Moreno's overall record at Clarinda was 210-98-1. Mike Moreno is a former three-time NCAA qualifier at Iowa State University and was named NCAA All American in 1992.

Vincent Altebrando Vincent Altebrando, a long-time head wrestling coach and physical education teacher at Walt Whitman High School on Long Island, New York, has died, Newsday reported Monday. He was 51. Altebrando died of HLH -- a rare autoimmune disease -- while surrounded by his wife and four daughters at Stony Brook University Hospital on Friday, April 20. In Altebrando's 24 years as coach at Whitman, his teams earned 213 dual-meet wins and three league titles. Earlier this year, Altebrando was the recipient of the sportsmanship award at the Suffolk County Wrestling Coaches Association banquet. Altebrando grew up in Selden, N.Y. and graduated from Newfield High School in 1984. He was a Suffolk County heavyweight wrestling champion and a runner-up in the New York state wrestling tournament in 1984. In addition, Altebrando played football. Altebrando's high school wrestling coach had high praise for his former heavyweight, describing him as "a fierce competitor but an unbelievably humble guy, a soft-spoken gentle giant." "Vinny's work ethic was unparalleled," Tony Perna told Newsday. "I coached for 32 years and there was never anyone like him. He always gave 100 percent." After graduating from Newfield High, Altebrando wrestled at Springfield College, an NCAA Division III school in Springfield, Mass. and graduated with a degree in physical education. Jim Wright, director of athletics at Walt Whitman, described how Altebrando had a positive impact on students beyond the wrestling squad at the public high school in Huntington Station, N.Y. "He was a guy that cared for all the kids," Wright said. "He made a huge difference in our community. I think the true measure of a person's life is how many lives they touch. And his were countless." Vincent Altebrando is survived by his wife Kristie, four daughters -- Anjelia, Gionna, Natalia, and Mirabella -- and two brothers, Nick and Anthony. Visitation will take place today (Tuesday, April 24) from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at Branch Funeral Home in Miller Place, N.Y. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday at the St. Louis de Montfort R.C. Church in Sound Beach at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Medford. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Vincent Altebrando to: Miller Place High School Athletic Program, 7 Memorial Dr. Miller Place, N.Y. 11764 (make checks payable to Miller Place School District) or Walt Whitman High School Athletic Program, 60 Weston St., Huntington Station, N.Y. 11746. In addition, a GoFundMe page has been set up to raise funds for the Vincent Altebrando Memorial Fund.

Nic Bouzakis Link: Top 15 Junior High Rankings While Super 32 Challenge high school division champion Ryan Crookham (Saucon Valley, Pa.) remains the top junior high wrestler in the country, Nic Bouzakis (Lake Highland Prep, Fla.) moves up one spot to No. 2 after winning a second high school state title in Florida's small school division at 120 pounds. Bouzakis added a Cadet folkstyle title at 120 pounds since then as well. Despite winning a Cadet folkstyle title at 100 pounds, Jordan Williams (Collinsville, Okla.) drops one position in the rankings to third place; he also won a junior high state title in Oklahoma since the last rankings update. Improving a few spots in the rankings is Jesse Mendez (Indiana), who is now fourth in the rankings with a couple significant resume boosts since the late January rankings update. In addition to winning yet another middle school state title, he was runner-up to Bouzakis in Cadet folkstyle, and the following week he placed third at the FloNationals in the 113-pound weight class of the high school division. Also performing superbly in the high school division of the FloNationals was Joey Cruz (Clovis North, Calif.), who makes his debut in the Junior High top 15 at the seventh position; he was runner-up at 106 pounds, and also won a California USA middle school state title at 117. The other newcomer to this update in the top 15 is seventh grader Marc-Anthony McGowan (Florida), though he had been ranked in the fall 2017 update. McGowan won the third leg of the Roller/Flo World of Wrestling Triple Crown with a title at Reno in the 15-U 82-pound weight class, after winning a Schoolboy folkstyle national title the week before at 87 pounds.

Peyton Robb (right) with Jordan Burroughs Peyton Robb (Owatonna, Minn.), a three-time state champion, announced that he will be signing with Nebraska after initially signing with South Dakota State. He ended this past season ranked No. 2 at 160 pounds and No. 26 overall in the Class of 2018. Robb is projected to wrestle at 157 pounds or 165 pounds for the Cornhuskers. This past season, Robb finished with a perfect 48-0 record and claimed a state championship at 160 pounds. His previous state titles came at 120 pounds as a sophomore and 106 pounds as a freshman. He was a Fargo double All-American last summer, winning a Junior National Greco-Roman title.