InterMat Staff

Two former college wrestlers with Arizona roots opened and closed UFC on FOX 29 Saturday ... and both came out on the losing end of their fights. In the main event to conclude the UFC on FOX 29 broadcast live from the Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. Saturday night, Justin Gaethje, 2010 NCAA All-American for the University of Northern Colorado, was the victim of a fourth-round TKO at the hands of Dustin Poirier in a five-round, top-of-the-card 155-pound lightweight bout ... while, in the very first fight of the event, former Arizona State wrestler Patrick Williams lost a unanimous decision to Luke Sanders. Justin Gaethje Gaethje falls in "Fight of the Year" contender In terms of action, the UFC on FOX 29 main event did not disappoint -- unless you are a fan of Justin Gaethje, who grew up not far from the fight site (and in fact was a two-time Arizona state champ for nearby Safford High) -- as more than one account of the bout described it as being worthy of "fight of the year" honors. "The UFC on FOX 29 main event between Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje was everything we thought it would be," according to MMAFighting.com. "For three rounds on Saturday night, the lightweights threw down with ferocity and reckless abandon, thrilling the crowd at Gila River Arena in Gaethje's backyard of Glendale, Ariz." "But in the fourth, Poirier, his legs chopped up by leg kicks and the victim of two eye pokes, came out and finished the job. Poirier earned the TKO victory in the early clubhouse leader for Fight of the Year at the 33-second mark of the fourth round." "Justin is a warrior," Poirier said afterwards. "This guy would have died in there if Herb Dean didn't stop the fight." Here's how ESPN described the action in the 155-pound main event. "Down to just one leg (and one eye), UFC lightweight Dustin Poirier knocked out Justin Gaethje in the fourth round of a back-and-forth fight on Saturday." "Poirier rocked Gaethje with a left hand, then followed with punches until referee Herb Dean called it off at the 33-second mark of the round." "It was an impressive finish, especially considering Poirier's lead right leg was chewed up by leg kicks. His right eye was also swollen shut, from a combination of punches and inadvertent eye-pokes by Gaethje." With the UFC at FOX 29 loss, Gaethje is now 18-2 in his pro mixed martial arts career. The former Northern Colorado mat star had been on an 18-match win streak -- with 15 of those wins by knockout -- until being knocked out himself in his last two bouts. With the win, Poirier improves to 23-5 overall. Williams loses on unanimous decision In the first fight of the night, former Sun Devil matman Patrick Williams came out on the losing end of a unanimous decision in a three-round bantamweight (135-pound) bout to Luke Sanders, 30-27, 30-27, and 29-28. "The two men were cautious to start, feeling each other out from range but hesitating to truly commit ..." MMAJunkie.com reported. "With Williams visibly tiring, Sanders tagged him with a high kick and another big left in the closing seconds of the opening frame." "The two men traded low kicks to open the second, and each landed clean when they went high, as well. However, Williams quick start faded as the round wore on, and Sanders kept the pressure high." That pattern continued into the third and final period, with the judges agreeing that Sanders had won the bout. With the loss, Williams is now 8-6 overall in his pro MMA career he launched in August 2010 (1-3 in UFC competition), and has dropped back-to-back fights for the first time in his professional career. Sanders picks up his first UFC win since January 2016, improving his overall record to 12-2, and 2-2 in UFC.

Saturday night saw Brownsburg High School host the 2018 Cliff Keen Dream Team Wrestling Classic as a team of Indiana senior all-stars took on a group from the rest of the United States in the almost annual event put on by Wrestling USA Magazine. The rankings suggested that Indiana would win two, maybe three matches; however, the Hoosier State senior came through with four victories. Headlining the effort was four-time state placer Ty Mills from Brownsburg, who trailed No. 4 Malik Johnson (Christian Brothers College, Mo.) 4-0 entering the third period at 126 pounds. Mills chose the top position, and rode effectively for the first minute-plus before locking up a cradle and securing the pin at the 5:25 mark. The other home school star was No. 3 Brayton Lee, who competed in the evening's last match - the featured match - at 152 pounds against No. 2 Jacori Teemer (Long Beach, N.Y.). The tightly contested bout was 4-4 at the end of regulation, with Lee securing the winning takedown early in overtime off a blast double. However, as expected the United States team dominated the rest of the night, winning nine of the other eleven matches to secure a 31-16 victory. National No. 1 Travis Wittlake (Marshfield, Ore.) had the best performance for the United States; he earned a 17-1 technical fall at the 3:33 mark over Noah Warren (Perry Meridian), a three-time state placer and this year a state champion. The other dominating performance of the program came from Indiana's national No. 1, Mason Parris (Lawrenceburg) at 220 pounds. Parris dominated No. 3 Brandon Whitman (Dundee, Mich.) - a North Carolina signee - to the tune of a comprehensive 16-4 major decision victory. United States 31 Indiana 16 160: No. 6 Jared Franek (West Fargo N.D.) decision Jack Eiteljorge (Carmel) 5-2 170: No. 1 Travis Wittlake (Marshfield, Ore.) technical fall Noah Warren (Perry Meridian) 17-1, 3:33 182: No. 6 Jared Krattiger (Waterford, Wis.) decision Conner Graber (Northridge) 17-10 195: No. 4 Lucas Davison (Chesterton) decision Tanner Sloan (Alburnett, Iowa) 6-3 220: No. 1 Mason Parris (Lawrenceburg) major decision No. 3 Brandon Whitman (Dundee, Mich.) 16-4 285: No. 15 Jake Levengood (Vacaville, Calif.) decision Brandon Streck (Merrillville) 4-0 113: No. 9 Cevion Severado (Christian Brothers College, Mo.) decision Jose Diaz (Wheeler) 11-8 120: No. 7 Joey Meldendez (Montini Catholic, Ill.) major decision Colin Poynter (Portage) 10-2 126: Ty Mills (Bronwsburg) pin No. 4 Malik Johnson (Christian Brothers College, Mo.) 5:25 132: No. 3 Real Woods (Montini Catholic, Ill.) decision Blake Mullkey (Brownsburg) 7-1 138: No. 10 Cole Matthews (Reynolds, Pa.) decision Kris Rumph (Portage) 8-6 145: No. 9 (at 152) Alex Lloyd (Shakopee, Minn.) decision Christian Hunt (Yorktown) 8-5 152: No. 3 Brayton Lee (Brownsburg) decision No. 2 Jacori Teemer (Long Beach, N.Y.) 6-4, overtime

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) will add women's wrestling as an invitational sport beginning the 2018-19 academic year. The decision was unanimously approved today by the NAIA's National Administrative Council at the NAIA National Convention in Kansas City, Mo. "The NAIA is proud to be the first intercollegiate athletics association to officially recognize women's wrestling," said NAIA President & CEO Jim Carr. "This is a great opportunity to empower female student-athletes both athletically and academically. The recent growth of the sport indicates it will have a strong future with our association." The NAIA has more member institutions sponsoring women's wrestling than any other intercollegiate athletics association. This year, 19 schools offered women's wrestling and it's anticipated that the 2018-19 academic year will have 25 teams. "The National Wrestling Coaches Association is grateful for the NAIA's leadership and pioneering efforts as the first collegiate governing body to recognize women's wrestling as an invitational sport," said Mike Moyer, executive director of NWCA. "We look forward to working with the NAIA and its member institutions to establish many more intercollegiate women's teams moving forward." Invitational status officially puts women's wrestling under NAIA purview. This means the sport will begin competing and developing the protocols and framework needed for championship status. A national women's wrestling invitational will be hosted annually. Once a sport has 40 teams and has completed two years at invitational status, it may apply for championship status.

Two former collegiate wrestlers who earned a combined five NCAA All-American honors -- Michael Chandler, and Logan Storley -- came out on top at Bellator 197 in suburban St. Louis Friday night. Chandler, who was an All-American at the University of Missouri, choked Brandon Gritz unconscious in the first round of their lightweight (155-pound) co-main event at The Family Arena in St. Charles, Mo. … while Storley, a four-time All-American for the University of Minnesota, scored a unanimous decision over hometown hero Joaquin Buckley in their three-round welterweight (170-pound) fight, 30-27, 30-26, 30-26. Chandler puts foe to sleep Michael Chandler, who wrestled at Northwest High School in suburban St. Louis before becoming a Mizzou Tiger mat star, submitted Girtz -- a replacement for injured Bellator lightweight champ Brent Primus -- at the four-minute mark of the opening round. Here's now Sherdog.com described the action: "After a stalemate developed on the feet, Chandler swooped in for a takedown, moved to the mounted crucifix position and softened the Trevor Wittman protégé with ground-and-pound. He then made a lightning-quick transition to the arm-triangle, tightened his squeeze and waited for Girtz to go limp." With the win, the 31-year-old Chandler -- a two-time former Bellator lightweight champ -- is now 18-4 since launching his pro mixed martial arts career in August 2008, and has improved to 15-4 in Bellator competition, while Girtz dropped to 15-8 overall, and 7-6 in Bellator bouts. Logan Storley (Photo/Bellator) Storley maintains flawless fight record Logan Storley -- who wrestled at the same high school in South Dakota (Webster) and same college (Minnesota) as former UFC heavyweight champ Brock Lesnar -- tallied yet another win at Bellator 197 to build on his perfect professional MMA career started in August 2015. "Logan Storley was never in danger of losing his undefeated record because he never gave Joaquin Buckley a chance to get in the fight," according to MMAJunkie.com. "It was a performance that was effective, if not the most exciting display of MMA," MMAJunkie continued. "Storley wasted no time in charging across the octagon to take down Buckley, who was ill-equipped to stop the takedown against the fence. After half a round, Buckley succeeded in getting to his feet, only to be slammed back to the mat. Storley then advanced to mount and pounded away, suggesting a finish was imminent. But Buckley managed to avoid the worst of the damage, as he would do for the remainder of the fight." BloodyElbow.com weighed in with its assessment: "Any time it appeared as if Buckley was going to scramble back to his feet, Storley dragged him right back down to the ground. Rinse and repeat was the theme of the rest of the round, with Storley's wrestling pedigree proving to be too much for Buckley." With the win, the 25-year-old Storley is now 8-0 overall in his pro career, and 3-0 since signing with Bellator ... while Buckley fell to 8-2 overall, and is now 3-2 in Bellator.

A host of Eastern Michigan University students and other sports stakeholders plan to rally on the college's campus to protest proposed athletic program cuts on Monday, April 16. On March 20, the EMU Board of Regents announced a plan to eliminate four athletic programs including tennis, wrestling, softball and men's swimming. Hundreds are expected to turn out for the event. "Eastern Michigan University needs to consider the long-term effect these cuts will have on current and prospective students in other sports or considering attending the school to continue their athletic careers," said Kevin Doak, an EMU swimming alumnus who also is organizing Save EMU Sports, a social media group which already has 40,000 signatures on a Change.Org petition calling for the cancellation of these proposed cuts. "This rally is designed to present university officials with alternative solutions, in addition to supporting our student-athletes and staff. The Coalition For A Better EMU sponsored rally will support impacted EMU student-athletes and staff, as well as sharing some proposed alternative solutions to the cuts. The rally will begin at 6 pm outside the campus's Convocation Center, located at 799 North Hewitt Road in Ypsilanti. More information about the rally and the proposed athletic cuts can be found at www.saveemusports.com

Jim Jordan (Photo/WP Company LLC ) Jim Jordan, two-time NCAA champ for University of Wisconsin and National Wrestling Hall of Fame honoree who is now a Republican congressman for western Ohio, is exploring a run for Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Washington Post reported Friday. Two Republican lawmakers told the Post that they had spoken with Jordan in the days since current Speaker Paul Ryan announced his plan not to run for re-election once his current term expires at the end of 2018, and both said that they got the impression that Jordan would enter the race to lead the House GOP. The lawmakers spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe private conversations. Jim Jordan with Russ HellicksonAccording to the lawmakers who spoke to Jordan about his plans, the wrestler-turned-Congressman has met with conservative activists seeking to draft him into the race. A number of prominent conservatives have also promoted Jordan on social media, according to the Post. The 54-year-old Jordan is well-known in conservative political circles. The four-time Ohio high school state champ at perennial prep powerhouse Graham High School in St. Paris, Ohio (ranked No. 5 in the nation by InterMat at the end of this season) who went on to continue his mat career as a Wisconsin Badger in the 1980s is co-founder of the House Freedom Caucus, a faction of about three dozen conservative lawmakers that could play a kingmaker role in any vote to determine House Speaker once Ryan retires after the 2018 election. Until now, the two individuals reportedly seeking to become Speaker are House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) and House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.). Jordan did not raise the issue in an appearance on Fox News Thursday night, nor did he respond to text messages and phone calls from the Washington Post seeking comment Thursday night and Friday morning. Aides to Jordan and the Freedom Caucus also did not respond. Jordan was welcomed into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in Stillwater, Okla. in 2014 as an Outstanding American, a category which honors individuals from the sport of wrestling whose accomplishments are notable beyond wrestling. A native of Champaign County in western Ohio north of Dayton, Jim Jordan graduated from Graham High School in 1982 as a four-time state wrestling champion with a record of 150-1. Jordan wrestled at the University of Wisconsin at 134 pounds from 1982-1986. As a Badger, Jordan was a two-time Big Ten conference champ, a three-time NCAA All-American and twice an NCAA champion, winning back-to-back titles in 1985 (defeating Oklahoma State's John Smith in the finals, 7-4) and 1986 (beating Iowa's Greg Randall in the title bout, 6-2). Jordan graduated from Wisconsin with a bachelor's degree in economics in 1986.

Marina DoiMarina Doi was named Female Athlete of the Year at King University, it was announced on Thursday night at the fourth annual King Pride Awards. Doi is a four-time WCWA All-American and two-time national champion. This year she forfeited a possible third title to her twin sister Regina Doi. She owns a career record of 77-8, which includes 34 technical falls and 12 pins. She joins past King wrestlers Alli Ragan and Breonnah Neal as past winners of the award. Doi, a native of Kingsburg, Calif., has multiple age group world medals.

Eastern Michigan University students, athletes, faculty, and alumni -- along with two robust social media groups -- are calling on their university to refrain from canceling university four sports programs at the end of this month. "We're asking for Eastern Michigan University to provide interested parties like us a real chance to understand the athletic budget and how the determination was made to eliminate several award-winning programs," said Aaron Sulzer, one of many student-athletes and alumni concerned about recently proposed EMU budget cuts to its athletic programs. "While the university says the savings from cutting these programs is $2 million, some experts believe the savings is much less -- perhaps as little as $61,000. Based on my understanding, the university is being shortsighted and not taking into account the revenue that is being generated in tuition from these athletic programs. The university is risking its reputation among students, faculty and alumni by attempting to save just a small amount of funding." Students, alumni, and faculty also remain concerned that these decisions to eliminate athletic programs such as tennis, wrestling, softball and men's swimming came with little interest in the Board of Regents operating with complete transparency, they said. "It's unconscionable that Eastern Michigan University would even consider eliminating these worthwhile and valuable programs, negatively impacting the lives of hundreds of student-athletes," said Laurie Hubbard, EMU Hall of Fame Swimmer. "It is my hope that the President and Board of Regents allow cooler heads to prevail and give serious thought to alternative ways to achieve savings in the university's athletic programs." The Board of Regents also should establish a broader, well-reasoned plan of action and give these programs the opportunity to seek outside funds and resources to preserve the sports that are proposed to be cut. "Eastern Michigan University also needs to consider the long-term effect these cuts will have on current and prospective students in other sports or considering attending the school to continue their athletic careers," said Kevin Doak, an EMU swimming alumnus who is organizing Save EMU Sports, a social media group which already has 40,000 signatures on a Change.Org petition calling for the cancellation of these cuts. "Making haphazard cuts to certain programs while leaving others intact leads to instability and indecision, which can negatively impact student enrollment in the long run." Doak is organizing a rally to be held on the campus of EMU on Monday, April 16. That rally -- sponsored by the Coalition For A Better EMU -- will begin at 6 p.m. outside the campus's Convocation Center, located at 799 North Hewitt Road in Ypsilanti. A second rally is scheduled for Friday, April 20 to further protest the cuts. The start time for that gathering is at 10 am in front of Welch Hall. "We're cautiously optimistic that we can have some sort of positive resolution to this crisis with the university," Hubbard said. "Until that time, we intend to continue to have ongoing dialogue with university officials to show them the errors of their ways."

Services have been announced for Arizona State wrestling alum and former high school coach Randy Jeffries, 67, and his nine-year-old daughter Josalyn who were killed in a collision in Oklahoma earlier this week. Funeral services will take place Saturday, April 14 at 10:00 a.m. at the gym at Calera High School, 209 North Third Street, Calera, Okla. Visitation will start one hour earlier at 9:00 a.m. at the gym. Burial will take place at Rosehill Cemetery in Calera. In addition, the local police chief Don Hyde, Jr., has established a fund to help cover funeral expenses for Randy and Josalyn. Individuals may make donations directly to account number 2967006 at First United Bank, 601 North Service Road in Calera. Randy Roy “Coach” Jeffries wrestled at Arizona State in the mid 1970s, along with brothers Jim, John, Ron and Tim in the same decade. More recently, Randy Jeffries had served as a volunteer wrestling coach at Durant High School in south-central Oklahoma, just north of the Oklahoma-Texas border, and only a few miles from the scene of the fatal crash. Media reports indicate that the Jeffries' sedan was broadsided by a limestone rock-hauler on U.S. 69/75 Monday evening. Randy Jeffries was pronounced dead at the scene. His daughter died later of her injuries. The truck driver was uninjured. Grief counselors had been brought in to help Josalyn Jeffries' fourth-grade classmates deal with the death of their friend. "This is not easy," Chief Hyde said. "It brings a big man down, because you see the hurt in those children's eyes." "The biggest thing I would like to see come from this is it brought our town even closer. We're small, we're growing, but we still have that 'I know where they live,' and so that's what hurts the most."

Three-time All-American Kevin Jack will be training at the Wolfpack RTC (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com) RALEIGH, N.C. -- In an effort to continue to be one of the top training centers in the country for wrestling, the Wolfpack Regional Training Center (RTC) has announced an expanded roster of athletes that will be training full-time in Raleigh at NC State University. The mission of the Wolfpack's RTC is to provide year round opportunities for wrestlers who strive to pursue the dream of wrestling both at the Olympics and other international tournaments in both Freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling after their collegiate careers. "This is the deepest roster with the most full-time athletes training here in Raleigh that we have had since we started the Wolfpack RTC," said NC State Wrestling head coach Pat Popolizio. "Our goal is to help all of these athletes accomplish their post-collegiate goals of earning medals on the international level." To have all of these top-level athletes competing under the Wolfpack RTC banner is extremely valuable to our Wolfpack Wrestling team," Popolizio continued. "These RTC athletes serve as valuable mentors to our team, both in the practice room and in life outside of wrestling. "These recent additions, and our recent success overall, would not be possible without the support of our RTC donors. Many people have stepped up and generously donated money to help these athletes' efforts in accomplishing their long-term goals." The Wolfpack RTC is headed up by coach Obe Blanc. A member of the staff since 2014, Blanc was recently named the Coach of the Year by the 2018 National College Open. Here is a listing of the full-time members of the Wolfpack's RTC: Nick Gwiazdowski (NC State 2013-16 • Delanson, N.Y.) The most decorated wrestler in NC State school history, Gwiazdowski has remained in Raleigh since his collegiate career and trained at the Wolfpack RTC. Gwiazdowski has taken over as the top U.S. competitor at 125 kg in freestyle wrestling. He is a 2017 Bronze Medalist at the World Championships, and most recently, he helped the U.S. win its first Freestyle World Cup since 2003. While at NC State, he won a pair of national championships and was an All-American in all three of his seasons at NC State, and a three-time ACC Wrestler of the Year. Tommy Gantt (NC State 2012-16 • Cahokia, Ill.) After earning All-American honors at 157 pounds as a senior for NC State in 2016, Gantt has been training at the Wolfpack's RTC while enrolled in grad school. Gantt now transitions to a full-time Wolfpack RTC member. Gantt has enjoyed success since transitioning to freestyle. Just a few weeks ago, Gantt bumped up to 74 kg and won the Gold Medal at the Bill Farrell International, which qualifies him for the U.S. Team Trials for the second straight summer. Timmy McCall (Wisconsin 2011-15 • Hope Mills, N.C.) A North Carolina native, McCall joined the Wolfpack RTC in 2015, and has not only trained full-time but works extensively with Athletes in Action on NC State's campus. McCall competed collegiately at Wisconsin, and was ranked as high as ninth nationally. He took first place at the 2017 Henri Deglane Challenge, and was a 2016 Bill Farrell International runner-up. Three recently athletes that just completed their college eligibility will also be joining the Wolfpack's RTC. Michael Macchiavello and Kevin Jack both will training full-time in Raleigh after completing their All-American Wolfpack careers this past March, while Jacob Kasper will split his time training between the Wolfpack's RTC and his alma mater Duke after his All-American career with the Blue Devils. The three combined to earn six All-American honors during their collegiate careers, including all three earning All-American status at the 2018 NCAA Championships in their final go-around. "We are very happy and pleased to keep both Michael and Kevin here in Raleigh as they have been instrumental to our program's success," said Popolizio. "These guys have had several post-college opportunities, and I am glad they have viewed us as the best training environment to accomplish their Senior-level goals." "This shows the evolution of the ACC, how we are using each other's resources and both schools are benefitting from a move like this," said Duke head coach Glenn Lanham. "Jacob has a very bright future ahead of him. He has developed and progressed tremendously over the last few years, and I am expecting big things from him." Michael Macchiavello (NC State 2014-18 • Monroe, N.C.) Macchiavello capped his NC State career in grand style, winning his final match to win the 197-pound National Championship back in March. The 2018 ACC Wrestler of the year, Macchiavello started the NCAA Championships as the No. 4 seed, and capped off his title run with the winning takedown with 15 seconds left to claim NC State's eight national title. After a redshirt season in 2016. Macchiavello earned All-ACC honors each of his last two seasons. He earned a B.S. degree in Finance from NC State in the Spring of 2017. Kevin Jack (NC State 2015-18 • Danbury, Conn.) Jack finished his NC State career as only the fifth individual to earn All-American honors three times in a career, and he also finished second in school history in career wins (115). Jack burst onto the college wrestling scene, coming out of redshirt and placing fifth at 141 pounds as a true freshman in 2015. He then went on to place third last year and capped his career with a sixth place finish this past March. He will earn a degree in sport management in May. Jacob Kasper (Duke 2014-18 • Lexington, Ohio) Kasper recently completed his collegiate career as a two-time All-American wrestling at heavyweight at nearby Duke, placing fourth this past year and sixth in 2017. The 2018 ACC Champion was 39-4 in his senior season and was 30-6 as a junior. He redshirted the 2016 season, and trained in Colorado at the Olympic Training Center. In addition to the full-time members, recent NC State grads Quinton Godley, Lee Davis, and Mike Kosoy also train at the Wolfpack's RTC. If you are interested in donating to the Wolfpack RTC, please visit WolfpackRTC.com.

MANHEIM, Pa. -- It was a banner year for Division II wrestling programs as the National Wrestling Coaches Association released its annual All-Academic team and individual standings for the 2017-18 season. With more than 300 individuals and 51 teams represented, it was the largest collective group of Division II athletes and teams ever named to the team. "What we've seen across all levels of wrestling is the importance of the student part of the term student-athlete," NWCA Executive Director Mike Moyer said. "Coaches around the country understand the importance to the health of our sport isn't just putting out good wrestlers and winning championships, but providing an environment where we foster growth in the classroom and in turn, develop the next generation of teachers and coaches to continue that mindset." Colorado School of Mines led the honorees with 16 All-Academic selections, while Maryville was a close second with 15 honorees, followed by 13 Upper Iowa Peacocks and 12 apiece from the University of Indianapolis, Nebraska-Kearney and St. Cloud State. Team-wise, Maryville came out as the top individual team with an average GPA of 3.4532, edging Colorado School of Mines, which was second with an average of 3.4384. Four NCAA Champions and a total of 36 All-Americans at the NCAA Division II Championships earned individual honors. The four NCAA Champions included Bret Romanzak of Ashland, Noel Torres of Newman, Cody Law of Pitt-Johnstown, and Josh Walker of Upper Iowa. In order for a student-athlete to be nominated to the Division II All-Academic Team, he must have a minimum 3.2 cumulative grade point average on a 4.0 scale, with that benchmark at 3.0 for those who qualified for the 2018 NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships. The athlete must also be in at least a second full year at his school, and have competed in a minimum of six dates of competition. "Each college and university brings a special set of academic challenges to our educational system," said Moyer. "What we've seen from our annual All-Academic teams is that among student-athletes, wrestlers are excelling in the classroom, and that's not only great for their respective schools, but it's also great for our respective sport as we continue to add new program after new program and emphasize the quality of student-athlete these schools can bring to their campuses," said Moyer. Twelve student-athletes on the All-Academic listing earned a 4.0 GPA, including three student-athletes each from Central Missouri and New Mexico Highlands. Coker, Lindenwood, Maryville, Nebraska-Kearney, West Liberty and the Indianapolis each also had a student-athlete post a 4.0 GPA. Five student-athletes earned All-Academic honors for the fourth time in their career: Aero Amo (Augustana), Nick Crume (Indianapolis), Hunter Haralson (Lindenwood), Travis Holt (St. Cloud State), and Damon Sims (Pitt.-Johnstown). Top 20 All-Academic Teams Rank Institution Team GPA 1 Maryville 3.4532 2 Colorado School of Mines 3.4384 3 Limestone College 3.3422 4 University of Indianapolis 3.2921 5 Coker College 3.2855 6 Belmont Abbey 3.2342 7 Findlay 3.1817 8 Lindenwood 3.1531 9 Minnesota State-Mankato 3.1469 10 East Stroudsburg 3.1332 11 Newman 3.1254 12 LIU Post 3.1191 13 Northern State 3.1034 14 Western State Colorado 3.0976 15 Drury 3.0918 16 Mary 3.0828 17 California Baptist 3.0776 18 Central Missouri 3.0766 19 Mercyhurst 3.0651 20 Colorado Mesa 3.0644 NWCA Division II All-Academic Individuals Name School Yr Wgt Major Morell, Dan Ashland Jr 125 Sport Management Vidika, Sebastian Ashland Sr 125 Philosophy Fenner, Jerry Ashland Jr 133 Sport Management Wilcox, Justin Ashland Fr 133 Integrated Social Studies Diven, John Ashland RSr 149 MBA Hall, Garrett Ashland So 157 Business management Romanzak, Bret Ashland Jr 165 Finance Price, Christian Ashland So 174 Accounting Murphy, Jordan Ashland Sr 184 MBA Ramirez, Oscar Augustana (S.D.) Sr 149 Spanish Neises, Bailey Augustana (S.D.) So 157 Exercise Science Bye, Regan Augustana (S.D.) So 165 Elementary Education Kelvington, Ben Augustana (S.D.) RFr 165 Biochemistry Amo, Aero Augustana (S.D.) Sr 184 Nursing Bishop, Daniel Augustana (S.D.) Fr 184 Biology Fletcher, Connor Bellarmine Fr 157 History and Environmental Studies Hanson, Clayton Bellarmine Fr 157 Psychology Sams, Andrew Bellarmine Fr 165 Secondary Education: Math McCorckle, Josh Bellarmine Fr 285 Music and Political Science Sheridan, Daniel Bellarmine Jr 285 Actuarial Science and Economics Spano, Christopher Bellarmine Fr Exercise Science Payne, Justin Belmont Abbey Fr 125 Undeclared Gregor, Troy Belmont Abbey Jr 141 Business Management Glunt, Jake Belmont Abbey Sr 174 Business Management Glunt, Luke Belmont Abbey Jr 184 Biology Girard, Brian Belmont Abbey Jr 197 Biology Kistler, Nolan California Baptist Sr 174 Criminal Justice Strang, Garrett California Baptist So 197 Civil Engineering Schridde, Zachary Central Missouri Sr 141 BS Engineering Technology Brunnert, Martin Central Missouri So 174 BS Construction Management Person, Allan Central Missouri Sr 174 BS Engineering Technology Best, Braden Central Missouri RSo 184 BS Biology Hampton, Dominique Central Missouri So 197 BS Digital Media Production Morris, Ryan Central Missouri Fr 285 BS Criminal Justice Karst, Chance Chadron State RFr 133 Rangeland Management Miller, Joshua Chadron State Jr 141 Rangeland Management Thumm, Brock Chadron State Jr 141 Education Haskell, Caleb Chadron State Fr 149 Education Navarro, Chris Coker Fr 125 Biology (Pre-Medical) Crabtree, Drew Coker Fr 133 Elementary Education Kieta,Matthew Coker So 149 Biology (Pre-Medical) Maund, Ian Coker Fr 174 Undeclared Garlow, Jordon Coker Sr 184 Business Administration (Sport Management) Peguero, Luis Coker Sr 197 Business Administration (Management) Parland, Robert Coker Gr 285 College Athletic Administration Wilson, Jeremy Coker So 285 Biology (Pre-Medical) Lewis, Channing Colorado Mesa Sr 125 Landman/energy management McDaniel, Michael Colorado Mesa Jr 133 Sport Management Farina, Marc Colorado Mesa So 141 Landman/Energy Management VanHoose, Daniel Colorado Mesa Fr 141 Pre-mechanical engineering Buhr, Jason Colorado Mesa Jr 165 Exercise Science Negus, Donnie Colorado Mesa So 174 Health and Fitness Promotion Nicoletti, Bruno Colorado Mesa Sr 174 Finance Mooring, Hunter Colorado Mesa Fr 197 Pre-nursing Gracia, Zachary Colorado School of Mines Sr 125 Electrical Engineering Stogdill, Jake Colorado School of Mines Fr 125 Civil Engineering Woods, Jake Colorado School of Mines So 133 Civil Engineering Erickson, Lukas Colorado School of Mines Jr 141 Mechanical Engineering Carpenter, Ryan Colorado School of Mines RJr 149 Mechanical Engineering Ottum, Noah Colorado School of Mines Fr 149 Engineering Physics Damenti, Jonathon Colorado School of Mines Fr 157 Undecided Ruby, Ethan Colorado School of Mines Sr 157 Electrical Engineering Hinkle, Andrew Colorado School of Mines Fr 174 Electrical Engineering Shelton, Trenton Colorado School of Mines Fr 174 Petroleum Engineering Saunders, Brandon Colorado School of Mines Jr 184 Mechanical Engineering Ventura, Connor Colorado School of Mines Fr 184 Electrical Engineering Saunders, Brandon Colorado School of Mines Jr 197 Mechanical Engineering Spallino, Anthony Colorado School of Mines So 197 Mechanical Engineering Feldman, Jacob Colorado School of Mines RJr 285 Engineering Physics Hunt, Weston Colorado School of Mines Fr 285 Civil Engineering Seaton, Josiah Colorado State-Pueblo Jr 125 Accounting Fantin, Kyle Colorado State-Pueblo Gr 157 EXHPR (Recreation) Otis, Seth Drury Fr 141 Undecided Stahlman, Ben Drury So 157 Organizational and Leadership Communication Taylor, Grant Drury So 165 Architecture Brune, Jacob Drury Fr 174 Marketing Clines, Trenton Drury RFr 174 Finance/Accounting Oss, John Drury Sr 184 Management Curnutt, Cody Drury Fr 285 Biochemistry Melton, Ben Drury Jr 285 Secondary Education Cohen, Blake East Stroudsburg RJr 149 Health & Physical Education Silva, Christian East Stroudsburg Sr 157 Exercise Science Makagon, Daniel East Stroudsburg So 197 Exercise Science Stewart, Michael Findlay Sr 133 Strength & Conditioning Turner, 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Povlick, Marcus Mckendree So 125 BS--Math Braunagel, Jarrid Mckendree So 141 BA--Math/Finance and Actuary Kemper, Isaiah Mckendree Jr 149 BS Exercise Science and Sports Performance Strope, Ryan Mckendree 157 Masters in Business Administration Foster, Nick Mckendree So 174 BA--Math Bartos, Eric Mercyhurst Fr 125 Finance Accounting Burke, Aidan Mercyhurst Fr 133 Biology Grass, Logan Mercyhurst So 149 Biology Watkins, Owen Mercyhurst Fr 157 Early Childhood and Special Education Breeden, Zachary Mercyhurst So 174 Bio-Chemistry Konyk, Nick Mercyhurst So 174 Biology Phipps, Wes Mercyhurst Sr 197 Criminal Justice Administration Robb, Jacob Mercyhurst Fr 285 Biology Constantine, Kevin Millersville Fr 141 Chemistry Worley, Keegan Millersville Sr 141 English Education Decker, Seth Millersville Sr 157 Technology and Engineering Ed Heng, Anthony Minnesota State-Mankato Fr 141 Mechanical Engineering Rathman, Kyle Minnesota State-Mankato Fr 141 Interdisciplinary Studies Herman, Dylan Minnesota 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Hernandez, Dakota Nebraska-Kearney So 157 Psychology Johnson, Walker Nebraska-Kearney So 157 Physics Malcom, Matt Nebraska-Kearney Fr 157 Deciding Stodden, Zach Nebraska-Kearney RJr 174 Elementary Education K-6 Deaton, Isacc Nebraska-Kearney Jr 184 Construction Management Bila, Chace Nebraska-Kearney Sr 197 Exercise Science Searle, Logan Nebraska-Kearney So 197 Chemistry 7-12 Radik, Brady Nebraska-Kearney Jr 285 Exercise Science Gaylor, Jack New Mexico Highlands Gr 125 Human Performance & Sport Garcia, Isaac New Mexico Highlands Fr 133 Pre-Proffesional Health Logan, John Pine New Mexico Highlands Jr 141 Business Administration, Marketing Michel, Allen New Mexico Highlands So 165 Political Science, Law Yara, Kenneth New Mexico Highlands Jr 174 Pre-Professional Health Betchloff, Jonathan New Mexico Highlands Gr 184 Human Performance of Sport, Sports Administration Neal, Austin Newberry Fr 125 Biology Crocker, Austin Newberry Jr 184 Criminology Eremita, Vincent Newman Fr 133 Nursing Mies, Tyler Newman Sr 157 Healthcare Science Torres, Noel Newman Sr 184 MBA Stoneberger, Jacob Newman So 197 Biology Balavage, Thor Newman So 285 Nursing Castellanos, Cortez Northern State Fr 125 Human Performance and Fitness Holtan, Billy Northern State So 149 Biology Perryman, Blake Northern State Sr 165 Human Performance and Fitness Lura, Riley Northern State So 184 Business Horn, Justice Northern State So 285 Business McClay, Ivan Notre Dame Sr 125 Social Studies Bavery, David Notre Dame Sr 133 Sports Mgmt. 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Law, Cody Pitt-Johnstown Sr 157 Psychology Sims Jr. Damon Pitt-Johnstown Sr 285 Business Marketing Vu, Brandon San Francisco State Jr 125 English Education Clem, Kurtis San Francisco State Fr 149 Dietetics Boutain, Mason San Francisco State RFr 157 Nursing Pichedwatana, Justin San Francisco State So 174 Sociology Rosales, Elias San Francisco State Fr 184 Nursing Diltz, Alan Seton Hill So 133 Undecided Cawoski, Joel Seton Hill Fr 141 Undecided Alessandro, Joey Seton Hill Sr 149 Elementary Ed Pre K - Grade 4 Voytek, Zach Seton Hill Gr 157 MBA, Management Spec Greenwald, Damon Seton Hill So 174 Biology - BS Bowlen, Nathan Seton Hill So 184 Biology - BS McChesney, Tommy Seton Hill Fr 184 Exercise Science, Health/Fitness Temple, Jake Seton Hill Sr 197 Sociology Reagan, David Shippensburg Jr 125 Marketing Rush, Cole Shippensburg So 133 Biology Brinkac, Sara Simon Fraser Fr 133 undeclared Medvinsky, Nadia Simon Fraser Fr 157 undeclared Curtis, Taylor Southwest Minnesota State Sr 125 exercise science Butcher, Trent Southwest Minnesota State Sr 141 business management Beaumaster, Zach Southwest Minnesota State Jr 149 justice administration Arredondo, Cortez Southwest Minnesota State Jr 157 justice administration Osing, Griffin Southwest Minnesota State Jr 174 physical education Velasquez, Brett St. Cloud State Jr 125 Biomedical Science Vos, Garrett St. Cloud State Fr 125 Criminal Justice Oftedahl, Jarred St. Cloud State Sr 141 Liberal Studies Roddick, John St. Cloud State RSo 141 Nursing Swanson, Travis St. Cloud State Jr 141 Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering Barzowski, Joshua St. Cloud State Fr 157 General Studies Bomstad, Larry St. Cloud State Sr 157 Technology Management Holt, Travis St. Cloud State Sr 157 Health and Physical Education Fitzpatrick, Devin St. Cloud State Fr 165 General Business Eischens, Kolton St. Cloud State So 174 Health and Physical Education Nelson, Brady St. Cloud State So 184 Criminal Justice Reigstad, Brady St. Cloud State Fr 285 Technology Management LaVearn, Bryan Tiffin So 141 Homeland Security/Terrorism Boyd, Chase Tiffin Sr 174 Management Komotos, Luke Truman State Sr 174 Exercise Science Reeves, Sam Truman State Jr 197 Exercise Science Daggett, Nick UNC Pembroke Fr 125 Biology Hnasko, Ethan UNC Pembroke Fr 133 Business Administration Makosy, Tyler UNC Pembroke Jr 149 Exercise and Sport Science Joyner, Eric UNC Pembroke Sr 157 Criminal Justice Milks, Eric UNC Pembroke RSr 157 Criminal Justice Walker, Josh Upper Iowa Sr 133 Business Administration Prochaska, Tanner Upper Iowa Fr 149 Psychology Nelson, Dalton Upper Iowa Fr 157 Conservation Management Spotts, Mac Upper Iowa Fr 157 Ag Business Black, Tucker Upper Iowa Jr 165 Ag Business Nelson, Cody Upper Iowa Jr 165 Industrial Technology Gundrum, Jordan Upper Iowa Jr 174 Information Systems Gehling, Jamie Upper Iowa So 184 Ag Business Hahn, Dalton Upper Iowa Fr 184 Ag Business Baumler, Nick Upper Iowa So 197 Accounting Sorensen, Brock Upper Iowa So 197 Industrial Technology Hopp, Logan Upper Iowa Sr 285 Criminal Justice Maloy, Aaron Upper Iowa Fr 285 Business Administration Scoles, Brett UW-Parkside Sr 165 Health Professions Price, Connor UW-Parkside Jr 184 Communications Lehman, James UW-Parkside RJr 197 Psychology/Sociology Arneson, Logan West Liberty Fr 141 Journalism Cornell, Joshua West Liberty Jr 149 Health & Physical Education Sutton, Tanner West Liberty Sr 149 MA Business Administration Morgan, Chase West Liberty Fr 174 Undeclared Ramsey, Jacob West Liberty Duncan, Colby Western State Colorado RFr 133 Exercise Sport Science Slaughter, Jason Western State Colorado So 157 Elementary Education Pellow, Ryan Western State Colorado Sr 165 Biology Self, Tyler Western State Colorado So 165 Biology Thelen, Micahael Western State Colorado So 165 Business Administration Supernaw, Brandon Western State Colorado Jr 174 Chemistry Bunker, Ladd Western State Colorado Jr 184 Business Administration Gonzales, Brendan Western State Colorado So 184 Business Administration Price, Ben Western State Colorado Sr 197 Biology Schmidt, Konnor Western State Colorado So 197 Business Administration Deseriere, Sammy Western State Colorado Fr 285 Mathematics Adkins, Logan Wheeling Jesuit So 141 Nursing Donahue, Jared Wheeling Jesuit Fr 141 Biology Driscoll, Keegan Wheeling Jesuit Jr 165 Engineering Pasiuk, Aidan Wheeling Jesuit Fr 184 Exercise Science

The Freestyle World Cup wrapped up Sunday in Iowa City with the United States earning team gold with a 6-4 decision over Azerbaijan. The win was Team USA's first World Cup gold since 2003 and followed its historic 2017 team championship in Paris. By almost any measure the United States boasts the best freestyle wrestling team in the world. So after a few decades of relative frustrations, how did Team USA climb to the top of the freestyle wrestling world? Not one action can account for a programmatic turnaround, but in speaking with coaches and athletes this weekend in Iowa City the majority seemed to indicate that Regional Training Centers and the continued professionalization of USA Wrestling helped the athletes to secure a better, more sustainable training regimen and competition schedule. For athletes and coaches the money and organizational efforts of the RTC's and USA Wrestling are tangible, which means they are easier to notice as an athlete, certainly more than the influence of video and technology on the technical development of America's Cadet and Junior level wrestlers. Weight management was also mentioned. Team USA is aware that they are the only wrestling nation in the world with extensive know-how on preparation and peaking for same day weigh-ins at big competitions. That, and the addition of weight classes in spots where Team USA was deepest, is adding substantial strength to the lineup especially when facing bottom-heavy nations like Japan or nations who lack similar depth and patience to develop. Team USA is on the rise, but to repeat as world champions they'll have a tall order facing them in Budapest. The Russians, though new to this weight management system, will be prepared to wrestle in October. They'll also be bringing a lineup of world champions and fresh faces prepared to wow fans with some on-the-mat artistry. The same can be said for the Georgians, Turks, and Iranians -- who will be motivated to knock off any wrestler they can from the best team in the world. The next few months will be interesting. Who makes Team USA and how they perform in the summer's tournament will give fans more indication if the Americans can repeat, but for now -- at least for the next week -- American fans should enjoy the feeling of being the greatest freestyle wrestling nation on the planet. Q: I really like the Damion Hahn hire by South Dakota State. How much is this going to hurt Cornell? Any idea how Cornell's staff might change with the loss of Hahn? -- Mike C. Foley: What a hire! I had a quick conversation with Coach Koll at the World Cup and though he'd have preferred to keep Hahn on staff (who wouldn't?) he outlined a future for the program that is nothing short of remarkable. I'll let Cornell release all the plans in due time, but I think Koll and his supporters are going to once again change the landscape of the sport. Big moves. As for coaching staff, you have to think that Dake can make his way onto the staff as a volunteer assistant. There were a lot of nice words said about Mike Grey and Gabe Dean, so I suspect they won't be going anywhere. When you look at Cornell's lineup next year it's entirely possible that they could win the NCAA title. Would that be more likely with Hahn? Maybe. But they are in position and as I said things are looking great in Ithaca. Q: As an Edinboro alum, I'm sad to see Tim Flynn go but I get it; bigger school, bigger conference, more resources. Honestly, I'm surprised he didn't go years ago. Anyway, who are the front-runners for the opening? Any chance Jody Strittmatter leaves Young Guns for it? Both are right in Western Pennsylvania. -- Ryan P. Missouri associate head coach Alex Clemsen was an All-American at Edinboro (Photo/Mark Lundy, Lutte-Lens.com) Foley: If he applies, Alex Clemsen should be the front-runner. Longtime assistant coach at Virginia and Missouri as well as an alumnus of the Edinboro program. Jody Strittmatter is compelling. He certainly has the chops to be a mat coach, but I'm not sure he's as read-in or practiced on leading from within an educational institution. While we've seen high school coaches make the jump to college, we haven't seen club coaches do the same. In my estimation, highly successful club coaches like Strittmatter probably view college jobs as not worth the executive type stress. Imagine it's equitable to being the editor at a magazine or a successful freelance writer. Why give up being your own boss? It would be interesting to see if Josh Moore applies. Could make PSAC competition a family affair! Q: Do you really think Austin DeSanto left Drexel because he needed a tougher room? Or do think he was asked to leave? -- Matt R. Foley: I was told this week by a few people that DeSanto was asked to leave the program. And to be clear, I wasn't asking, but he was on a recruiting trip to Iowa so his name was being discussed. MULTIMEDIA HALFTIME Whoa. Q: What is a reasonable amount of time to expect results for a new coach coming in? The reality is, it takes time to build a program. Most blue chip seniors are already committed, although there are always a few kids that come out of nowhere that were under the radar. You are also at the mercy of the previous coach as far as what seniors have signed. So you build the foundation by getting juniors, but you won't see them for twp years, then when you do, you might redshirt them. While developing the talent on the team is important, once again, you are at the mercy of the previous coach. A lot of people were critical of Sammie Henson, but four years is not a full recruiting cycle, so I am not sure he is being judged fairly or maybe expectations were too high. Case in point: Kevin Dresser got a 7-year deal; that is a full recruiting cycle. Unless you are able to land kids that can place as true freshmen, the reality is, it does take some time. I could point to you as an example: All-American. You placed your senior year. You also didn't qualify for NCAAs your freshman year, which again would only add to the timeline I mentioned above. You were developed, which doesn't happen overnight. You also went on to coach after. Your thoughts? -- Frank C. Foley: I agree that it takes time to develop a full, healthy collegiate wrestling program. There has never been a more competitive time to be a Division I head wrestling coach. The money and support being put into this number of programs is unprecedented. Look at Damion Hahn, arguably one of the most sought-after coaches in the country, headed to South Dakota State. More programs with more resources and a fair qualifying structure means there is less patience for a lack of productivity. You mentioned Sammie and Dresser, but I think the causes for their successes and failures weren't related to time in the chair. Dresser had big names in the room when he arrived, recruited a top-five class in his first year, and hired a slew of top-level assistant coaches. He also engaged alumni, motivated the home community to attend Virginia Tech matches (easier since he was local) and made an imprint on the national media. None of that happened at West Virginia. There might be an argument for Mark Cody not being given enough time at Oklahoma, but overall the recent coaching changes for those in place under five years are well deserved. You don't have to compete for the national title to keep your job as a head wrestling coach. The priority is on fundraising, friendraising and making noticeable gains year-in and year-out. Remember this conversation when it comes to Tim Flynn and how he impacts the room at West Virginia. Larger institution, more funding and high expectations, but I think the institution is happy with 1-2 All-Americans in 2019-2020 so long as there are no discipline issues, grades are good, recruits are signing and the money is coming in through donors. Last point, but with the quality of wrestlers coming out of high school over the past few years I think that there is more opportunity for a program to find success within the first four years. There were two true freshman national champs in 2018! Q: Do you think Spencer Lee is going to compete on the senior level this year? If so, do you think he can beat Thomas Gilman to make the World Team? -- Mike C. Foley: Bah! I don't know. I'm sure that half the state of Iowa is thinking about that right now. Though Gilman went 2-2 on the weekend it's important to remember who he lost to. First was the defending world champion (who is one of the best 57-kilogram wrestlers I've ever seen) and to the 31-year-old defending European champion from Georgia. Not bad losses, but certainly matches he wish he had back. I was told that Gilman and Lee don't wrestle against each other much anymore, so they may not know who would get the better of the matchup. Bets would probably side Lee since he's the people's champion right now in Iowa, while the smart money would likely favor Gilman who has more recent international experience. Like almost everyone, I love Spencer Lee. I feel the same way about Lee that I did when I first saw Abdulrashid Sadualev wrestle at the Cadet World Championships in 2013. He draws you in with his on-the-mat skills and leaves real fans wanting to see more and more. That said, I have to respect Gilman and the technical improvements he's been making and the way he's able to win big matches. Please don't make me choose. Q: Will we ever see an NCAA women's wrestling championship? -- Gregg Y. Foley: Yes! Because women wrestlers are due to show the world that they are just as badass as the men.

Brandon "Rudy" Streck BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Indiana wrestling head coach Angel Escobedo announced Wednesday the signing of Brandon "Rudy" Streck to their incoming freshman class of 2018. Streck, a graduate of Merrillville High School, intends to wrestle at 285 lbs. when he begins his collegiate career. "It's his overall love for wrestling," Escobedo said after receiving his first signing as Indiana's head coach. "I want guys who love wrestling, 'mat rats' that watch film and try to compete as much as he can. When you see someone like Rudy competing in offseason events, you see someone who isn't taking the summer off. That's what I want to see in our room." Streck leaves his prep career as Indiana's No. 2 ranked wrestler in the 220 lbs. weight class, compiling a 67-27 record in his first three seasons. A three-time state qualifier with two IHSAA podium finishes, Streck achieved a runner-up finish at this year's state championships and a sixth-place finish at 285 lbs. one season prior. Winning two Duneland Athletic Conference titles with a Lake County Championship in 2018, Streck doesn't stop wrestling when the season ends. He recently competed in the annual Indiana vs. Illinois All-Star classic and plans to enter the state's lineup for the upcoming Indiana vs. Team USA clash. Streck comes from a wrestling family and will become the second sibling to wrestle in the Big Ten Conference. Rudy's brother, Shawn Streck, wrestles at 285 lbs. for Purdue and qualified for the NCAA Championships in his first varsity year last season. The signing marks Indiana's second current wrestler to graduate from Merrillville High School. True freshman Michael De La Peña joined Indiana's room last fall and led all unattached grapplers with a 16-10 record. In addition to training under coach David Maldonado at the varsity and club level, Streck earned four football letters with the Pirates. The son of Bridget and Tim Streck, Rudy is the fourth of six siblings. 2018 Signing Class: Indiana University Graham Rooks - Columbus, Ind./Columbus East - 149/157 lbs. Tristan Sellmer - Jeffersonville, Ind./Floyd Central - 141/149 lbs. Brandon Streck - Munster, Ind./Merrillville - 285 lbs.

The crowds each day were just under 6,500 fans at the Freestyle World Cup (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com) IOWA CITY -- It was late Sunday afternoon and Carver-Hawkeye Arena was rocking. A boisterous crowd of cheering fans rose to their feet and chanted U-S-A, U-S-A. The winning wrestler raised his arms in the air in celebration and the crowd roared. It didn't matter that the wrestler was David Taylor, who competed for Iowa Hawkeye rival Penn State. What mattered was that Taylor was competing for the United States of America. And that's what makes the World Cup such a special event. Patriotism and enthusiastic are at its peak when the eight best teams on the planet gather for the annual international dual meet wrestling competition. And this year was no exception. A loaded U.S. squad, features numerous Olympic and world medalists and Hodge Trophy winners, stormed to the team title this past weekend in Iowa City. The U.S. downed a strong Azerbaijan team 6-4 in the gold-medal match to capture its first World Cup team title in 15 years. The fans that were there saw a tremendous show by a number of highly skilled athletes. It was a rare and unique opportunity to see a star-studded collection of American wrestlers battling some of the best wrestlers in the world in Iowa. Kudos to Iowa City and for the fans that came out, but the crowds each day were just under 6,500 fans. That's only half the capacity at Carver-Hawkeye. The University of Iowa led the nation in college dual meet attendance with an average of nearly 9,000 fans per dual this past season. It was surprising and disappointing to not see more people show up for a major international event like the World Cup. There were a few factors that likely kept some folks away. Six-time defending champion Iran wasn't there. Neither was perennial power Russia or traditional stronghold Turkey. It was sad to see Iran not show up after the U.S. went all the way to Iran to compete in the 2017 World Cup. Iran did come to the Los Angeles prior to that for the World Cup. The absence of Iran definitely hurt attendance in Iowa City. No doubt some of the rabid Iranian fans who live in the U.S. would have made it to Iowa City if their country would have competed. Other factors that may have kept people away was fans not having an understanding of just what a World Cup in wrestling is. Most people identify the World Cup with the huge soccer extravaganza. Carver-Hawkeye attracted huge crowds for the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Trials, but not so much for this event. The sides were mostly filled, but the end zones on both sides had mostly empty seats. Ticket prices was another issue with why many people didn't go. A two-day adult ticket was $75, but when you consider the entertainment value of the World Cup that seems more than reasonable. Those prices likely kept a few people away. Again, the fans that were there provided an awesome atmosphere for the event. They were knowledgeable, loud and very much into the U.S. matches. The pro-Iowa crowd also supported past Ohio State stars Kyle Snyder and Logan Stieber along with Cornell's Kyle Dake, who beat two Hawkeye wrestlers in the NCAA finals. And the athletes were very appreciative of the crowd support and they conveyed that during post-match interviews. The fans that did show up were fantastic, providing thunderous applause in support of the American team. Japan finished third at the Freestyle World Cup (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com) The Carver-Hawkeye fans also cheered on the Japanese wrestlers as they ran onto the mat to celebrate after winning the bronze-medal dual. The Japanese athletes pointed to the fans and acknowledged them in appreciation of their support. The World Cup, as expected, was an entertaining event to watch. It features a fan-friendly format where they can focus on just one mat while the U.S. team wrestles. The 10-man American team is one of the best it has ever had with the nucleus of that being athletes who led the U.S. to the team title at the 2017 World Championships. Fans were treated to seeing two American legends, Snyder and Jordan Burroughs, take the mat. Snyder is the youngest U.S. wrestler to win the Olympics and the World Championships while Burroughs owns an Olympic gold medal and four world titles. Burroughs is a fan favorite who always puts on a show. And he's a class act who appreciates the support that he receives. Just watching him compete is worth the price admission. Fans also had an opportunity to see hometown hero Thomas Gilman, a three-time All-American for Iowa and a 2017 world silver medalist, compete in the event. There also was an abundance of international standouts that included three-time world champion and Olympic medalist Haji Aliyev of Azerbaijan, world champion Yuki Takahashi of Japan, two-time world silver medalist Reineris Salas of Cuba, and Olympic and world medalist Jabrayil Hasanov of Azerbaijan. There were some outstanding matches between some of the best wrestlers on the planet. Even with some missing teams and missing fans, the World Cup was a success. The quality of competition and the entertainment value it provided was top-notch. It's an awesome event with an excellent format. It's unfortunate that a lot of people missed out on seeing an exciting event. 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.

Adam Kemp with father Lee Kemp FRESNO, Calif. -- The Fresno State Wrestling program and head coach Troy Steiner announced the signing of Adam Kemp for the 2018-19 season on Thursday. "We are excited to have Adam part of the Bulldog Wrestling program," said Steiner. "He has a tremendous upside and comes from from wrestling royalty as he is the son of Lee Kemp, a three-tiime NCAA and World Champion." A projected 165-pounder for the Bulldogs, Kemp arrives at Fresno State after being an Illinois State Medalist at William Fremd High School in Palatine, Illinois taking fifth at 160 pounds at the 2018 Illinois High School Association State Championships. Kemp also qualified for the IHSA State Championships as a junior in 2017. Kemp's father Lee won NCAA championships at 158 pounds for Wisconsin from 1976-78 while winning World Championships in 1987, 1979 & 1982. Kemp finished his college career 143-6-1 and had a 110-match unbeaten streak and is a member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. Kemp joins three Bulldog signees from the fall in South Dakota native Nick Casperson, Turlock native Isaiah Pitman and Vacaville native Lawrence Saenz. "Just the Ticket to Build Our Community" - The Bulldog Scholarship Fund gives Bulldog alumni, fans and friends the opportunity to support Fresno State Athletics and the student-athletes who inspire them. For information about how you can support the Bulldog Scholarship Fund, please visit www.bulldogscholarshipfund.com or call 559-278-7160.

John Meyers (left) with longtime Poway wrestling coach Wayne Branstetter (Photo/Rollin Swan) John Meyers, assistant wrestling coach at Poway High School since 2002, has been named head coach of the storied San Diego area prep program ranked No. 10 in the nation by InterMat. Meyers, 49, is replacing longtime coach Wayne Branstetter, who retired at the end of the California state championship in March after a 45-year coaching career, where he spent the last four decades at Poway. Meyers came to Poway 16 years ago to become an assistant coach of the Titans, and for a full-time position as an English teacher. Meyers made his way to sunny southern California by way of Connecticut -- where he was a four-time state champ at Hall High School in West Hartford -- and the University of Minnesota, where he was on the roster for legendary Gophers head coach J Robinson at 134 pounds, often serving as training partner to three-time NCAA All-American David Zuniga. (Meyers' greatest on-the mat success was not in college, but in freestyle and Greco-Roman competition, where he earned several national championships including a Cadet National Freestyle title and a silver medal at the Cadet Pan American Games in Cali, Colombia. Later, he would compete for the U.S. University World team and travel to China, Mongolia and Finland.) "Coach Robinson did wrestling camps in San Diego every year and he asked me to come out one year," Meyers told the San Diego Union Tribune. "I'd never been to San Diego before." Meyers worked at one of J Rob's wrestling camps while coaching at Southern Connecticut University and vowed someday to return. In 1998, Meyers packed up his Honda and headed west, launching his prep coaching career at the two schools J Robinson had recommended: first at Valhalla High, then joining the staff at Poway after his future boss, Wayne Branstetter, urged him to apply for opening as an assistant. That was a decade-and-a-half ago. The former Golden Gopher never had designs on replacing Branstetter. "I was never pressuring Wayne to retire," Meyers told the Union Tribune. "I would have been happy if he said he wanted to stay a few more years. "I just liked being at Poway. It was so easy to work for Wayne because he always coached the program with my input. I don't fish. I don't have any hobbies. Wrestling is it." When asked what the future holds for one of the nation's top prep programs with a new coach in charge, Meyers basically says, "more of the same." "I want to continue what Wayne started," Meyers said. "I don't see any need to put my fingerprint on this program. It doesn't need that."

Brayton Lee after winning his third state title (Photo/Paul Tincher, IndianaMat.com) Brayton Lee, a senior at Brownsburg (Ind.) High School, is one of the nation's top wrestlers in the Class of 2018. Lee finished his high school career as a three-time state champion with a career record of 164-1. He signed with the University of Minnesota in the fall and is part of a 2018 recruiting class that includes Gable Steveson, Patrick McKee and Ryan Thomas, among others. InterMat caught up with the Gopher signee to talk about his career, decision to attend Minnesota, wrestling goals and much more. You capped off your high school wrestling career with your third state championship in February. Did you take some time off from wrestling after the state tournament? Lee: After my senior season I took 2-3 weeks off the mat. I tried to let my body heal up some and train a little differently, but I'm always doing something. I just lived like a kid, went on runs, lifted and tried some CrossFit. You dominated your competition within the state of Indiana. Was it difficult staying motivated against Indiana competition you were far superior to? Lee: Staying motivated this year wasn't really difficult for me because I'm super passionate about this sport and have lots of emotions so there is a lot that keeps me running. I always want to give my best as well. You attended your first NCAAs in Cleveland as a spectator. What was that experience like for you? Lee: Everything about my first experience being at the tournament was amazing. It was by far the most electric wrestling environment I've ever been in. Being such a fan of wrestling, it was very fun being in a city and in arena with a bunch of people like you and being able to chat about all the matches and see what they think. The NCAA tournament was super inspiring. How can you not want to be on that stage? It's what us wrestlers dream about. Your close friend Chad Red became an All-American as a freshman at Nebraska. What was it like seeing him become an All-American in his first NCAA tournament? Lee: I was so proud seeing one of my best friends reach one of his goals, and the way it happened was thrilling. Being with him his family after the moment was super emotional. I'll remember that moment for the rest of my life. What excites you most about getting to Minnesota? Lee: I'm just super excited about being there and living out there while being able to wrestle and grow as a wrestler and man. In what area of your wrestling do you feel like you need to make the biggest gains in order to successfully transition to Division I wrestling? Lee: I definitely think I need to make my biggest improvements on bottom. There are so many great to wrestlers in college that can ride, turn you, and really slow down a match. I have always loved wrestling on my feet so much and winning matches through neutral so I need to make sure I really work on bottom to be able to handle the transition. You're coming in with Gable Steveson, the nation's top recruit. Obviously, he competed in Indiana before moving to Minnesota. What's your relationship like with Gable? Lee: I'm super excited to become teammates with Gable. We are pretty close. It's always fun getting around Gable and having fun. Have there been discussions with the Gopher coaching staff on whether you will redshirt or compete for a starting spot next season? Do you have a preference? Lee: We haven't had much discussion about redshirting or wrestling. I trust in the coaches and think either decision will be solid. I don't really have a preference. I think both routes could be beneficial. I'll be ready either way. Brayton Lee compiled a career record of 164-1 in high school (Photo/Paul Tincher, IndianaMat.com) Where do you expect to compete weight class-wise in college? Lee: I'll most likely be wrestling 149 pounds or 157 pounds. What can Gopher wrestling fans expect from you when you compete? Lee: I think Gopher fans can expect a wrestler trying to score as many points as possible and letting it fly always, a very high pace, aggressiveness and lots of energy. What are your long-term goals in wrestling? Lee: Ever since I've been young I've dreamed of being a four-time state champ, four-time national champ and Olympic champ. But most importantly, I want to reach my full potential and use wrestling as a platform for God. This story also appears in the April 13 issue of The Guillotine. The Guillotine has been covering wrestling in Minnesota since 1971. Its mission is to report and promote wrestling at all levels -- from youth and high school wrestling to college and international level wrestling. Subscribe to The Guillotine.

New Concordia coach Levi Calhoun (left) and departing coach Andrew Nicola Hours after Andrew Nicola posted on Facebook that he had been let go as head wrestling coach at Concordia University, the Nebraska-based school issued an official statement Wednesday, naming former assistant coach Levi Calhoun to head up the program. Nicola, who had taken the helm at Concordia in November 2016, wrote: "It is with a heavy heart that I am informing everyone I have been fired as the head wrestling coach at Concordia University. "I don't have much to say except that I wish my great friend Coach Calhoun continued success as he takes on this role and I trust he will do an incredible job. He loves these young men just as I do." Calhoun brings seven seasons of experience as an assistant coach at the NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) level, including three at Concordia, to his new position as head coach. Calhoun has collaborated on some of Concordia's most successful seasons since the program was reinstated in 2009. The 2015-16 team won GPAC/NAIA North Qualifier championships and recorded an eighth-place national championships finish, the highest ever for the program. Over his three seasons with the Bulldogs, Calhoun has coached six All-Americans, including 2016 national champion Andrew Schulte and 2017 national runner up Ceron Francisco. Giovanni Castillo became the program's latest All-American this past March. Furthermore, the 2015-16 and 2016-17 squads that Calhoun assisted on went a combined 14-0 in GPAC duals. "In the three seasons that Coach Calhoun has spent with us at Concordia, he has shown considerable growth both personally and professionally," said Athletics Director Devin Smith. "He has learned from unique settings and a variety of coaches. He has the knowledge of and passion for the sport, the drive to succeed and the value systems that we look for in our head coaches. We are confident that Levi will represent our athletic department and university in a Christ-like manner and move our championship wrestling program forward as we embody the core values of the Concordia Athletic Department." Prior to being hired by former Concordia head coach Dana Vote in 2015, Calhoun spent the previous four seasons as assistant wrestling coach at Baker University, his collegiate alma mater. During his time as an assistant at Baker, Calhoun coached 11 All-Americans, three national finalists and a national champion. As a student-athlete at the Baldwin City, Kan. school, Calhoun became the school's first NAIA All-American wrestler, and was also on the defensive line for the football team. Calhoun expressed his appreciation for the promotion. "I'd first like to thank President (Brian) Friedrich, Devin Smith and Angela Muller for this incredible opportunity," Calhoun said. "Thanks must also go out to my wife, Hollie, and my parents who have supported me throughout my athletic and coaching careers. I am beyond excited to take over this program and continue to be a part of the Bulldog Family. I have been blessed to have been mentored by some great leaders in my time as an assistant coach. Each has played a role in preparing me to be a head coach. We have an incredible group of young men returning as well as a promising recruiting class that we will continue to build throughout the coming months. Our current and future student-athletes will strive to achieve academic excellence, competitive greatness, as well as live their lives on and off the mat as men of Christian character." Located in Seward, Nebraska, Concordia University is a four-year, private school affiliated with the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. Concordia has an enrollment of approximately 2,700 students.

Joey Dance (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com) DAVIDSON, N.C. -- Davidson head coach Andy Lausier welcomes Joey Dance to the Wildcat wrestling staff, announced Wednesday. Dance, a 2017 graduate of Virginia Tech, was a two-time All-American at 125 pounds for the Hokies. The Christiansburg, Va., native was a three-time Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Champion and qualified for the NCAA Championship all four years in Blacksburg. He posted a career mark of 114-20 with 13 pins and lost just one ACC bout in four seasons (20-1). "The hiring of Joey is a tremendous move forward for Davidson Wrestling," said Lausier. "His collegiate experience as one of the nation's top wrestlers at one of the nation's top programs will be an invaluable asset for our team. He brings great energy and ambition to our program and we are all excited to see his impact on Davidson Wrestling." Since his graduation, Dance has competed at the Chicago Regional Training Center (CRTC) in national and international competitions. He also helped instruct fellow CRTC athletes by demonstrating technique and prepping them for competition. Dance started Push Wrestling to help organize and market clinics for local elementary, middle and high school-aged kids. "I'm really excited to begin this new chapter with the Davidson Wildcats as the new assistant wrestling coach," said Dance. "I can't wait to push the program to their new heights and produce champions on and off the mat. Andy and I have big plans for the future of the program!" Dance will begin his tenure at Davidson on Wednesday, Apr. 18.

College-age student-athletes -- male and female -- in Idaho and eastern Oregon who want to continue their on-the-mat careers now have a new option, as Treasure Valley Community College-Caldwell Center is launching a wrestling club for both men and women, the school announced Tuesday. TVCC-Caldwell is located in Caldwell, Idaho, just outside Boise, which had been the home to a NCAA Division I wrestling program until Boise State eliminated it at the end of the 2016-17 season. The college wrestling club will be the product of a new partnership with a local gym owned and operated by Alex Gunoe, a former teacher and wrestling coach. His facility is located across the street from Treasure Valley Community College's Caldwell Center in downtown Caldwell. Wrestling club team members must be enrolled full-time at TVCC during the 2018-19 academic year, with at least nine credits taken at the TVCC Caldwell Center. Both men and women are invited to participate. While the final schedule has not been set, the club members will likely compete against teams from Eastern Oregon University, Brigham Young University -- Idaho, and other local college and universities. "We are still finalizing some of the logistics, but the initial response has taken hold faster than we imagined," said Kaitlin Brookshire, TVCC Caldwell Center Director. "But we are really excited to offer another local option to compete at the collegiate level and support the incredible wrestling legacy Caldwell has built." "With such a strong wrestling community in the Treasure Valley, we're already seeing business and community support for these athletes," Brookshire added. Tryouts and information sessions for the TVCC Caldwell Center wrestling club are scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 21 and Saturday, May 19 at Sergeant's Fitness Gym, 523 Main Street, in Caldwell. For more information, contact Kaitlin Brookshire at kbrookshire@tvcc.cc. TVCC Caldwell Center is affiliated with Treasure Valley Community College, a two-year school with its main campus located in Ontario in eastern Oregon.

Rochester College Athletic Director Klint Pleasant is pleased to announce the addition of wrestling to the athletic department's list of sports and that Paul Holdren will be the first head coach. After graduating from Albion Senior High School, Holdren attended Albion College where he lettered four years on the wrestling team. During his time on the team, Holdren was named captain twice, MVP twice, had an overall record of 49-7-1 and holds 11 Albion College wrestling records. In 2013 Coach Holdren was inducted into the Albion College Athletic Hall of Fame. After finishing his wrestling career at Albion College, Holdren started his coaching career at Albion High School. He then took on the job at Marlette High School. After one year there, Holdren became the varsity head coach at Flint Northwestern High School. Holdren took on the same position at Bentley High School in 1996. In 2002, Holdren established a nationally recognized wrestling program at Mott Community College. During his time at Mott CC, Holdren coached one national champion, 15 All-Americans and 44 national qualifiers. Pleasant is excited about the new wrestling program and to have Coach Holdren on board. "Our athletic department is growing and we look forward to watching wrestling grow as a college sport. High school wrestling in this area has been very strong over the years and there are not many college options. We look forward to interacting with new student-athletes and introducing them to our school's culture and mission. Coach Holdren has come highly recommended and we also look forward to watching him mentor our student-athletes." Coach Holdren's High School coaching achievements:​ Total Record 88-21-1 Three-time District Champ Two-time Top Ten State Finish Coached 21 All-State Wrestlers Nominated Michigan Coach of the Year three times Rochester College is a four-year private school located in Rochester Hills, Mich. just outside Detroit. It has a student enrollment of approximately 1,100. Its sports programs -- including the new wrestling program -- compete in NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics).

Jordon Bakley Jordon Bakley has been named head coach of the wrestling program at Lincoln College, the Illinois-based school announced Tuesday. Bakley, a graduate of Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, has been the head wrestling coach at Central District 301 High School in Burlington, Ill. which serves several Kane County communities in northeast Illinois outside Chicago, since 2015. In addition to being at the helm of Central High School's wrestling program, Bakley has taught math in the central school district over the past 3 years. He has also been an assistant coach for Top Dawgs Team Illinois All Stars club wrestling and was a technique instructor for Old School Wrestling Training Center in Huntley. "Coaching wrestling at Lincoln College, with its longstanding record of excellence in the sport, is a humbling but very exciting opportunity," Bakley said of the school which placed fourth in the team standings at the 2018 NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association) wrestling championships. "Lincoln College built an outstanding reputation as a wrestling powerhouse among two-year schools, now I want to build on that tradition and make us one of the top four-year programs." In addition to announcing Bakley as head wrestling coach, the school also named Boyd Nowicki of Petersburg, Ill. as head coach of the women's softball program. "I'm very pleased that we have been able find two highly qualified and enthusiastic coaches for these important programs," said Lincoln College Athletic Director Mark Purdue. "Lincoln College has a strong tradition in both of these sports and Jordon and Boyd are excited to help us build on those traditions as we transition to four-year athletics." Founded in 1865, Lincoln College is located in the town of Lincoln in central Illinois, about halfway between Peoria and the state capital of Springfield. Both the school and the community are named in honor of Abraham Lincoln, president of the U.S. from 1861-65, who wrestled as a young man. The school, which offers both two- and four-year programs, has a student enrollment of approximately 1,100 students.

Jared Franek will compete at 160 pounds for Team USA (Photo/Jeff Beshey, The Guillotine) The 2018 Cliff Keen Dream Team Wrestling Classic will take place this Saturday evening at 6 p.m. in Brownsburg, which is located just outside of Indianapolis. Wrestling USA Magazine has partnered with IndianaMat.com to conduct this mostly annual senior all-star event pitting some of the top wrestlers in the country against those from a select state, this year Indiana. There will be a live web broadcast of the event available through FloWrestling. Below are the matchups slated for the event as of the moment, rankings are from the most recent update, which was on March 21. This event is the last one of the 2017-18 ranking season as final rankings will be published early next week. 113: Jose Diaz (Wheeler) vs. No. 9 Cevion Severado (Christian Brothers College, Mo.) Diaz has placed eighth each of the last two years in this weight class in single-class Indiana, while Severado won his first state title this year after placing the previous two years at 106 pounds. Severado was also runner-up at the Walsh Ironman earlier in the 2017-18 season and was a Junior World silver medalist in Greco-Roman this past summer. 120: Colin Poynter (Portage) vs. No. 7 Joey Melendez (Montini Catholic, Ill.) Poynter qualified for state this year at 126 but lost his opening round match, which means not placing in the single-elimination Indiana state tournament; however, he did place fourth in the 120-pound weight class as a junior. Melendez won state each of the previous two years before placing fourth this season, while navigating his way through an injury; this past summer he was a Junior National freestyle runner-up. 126: Ty Mills (Brownsburg) vs. No. 4 Malik Johnson (Christian Brothers College, Mo.) Mills is a four-time state placer, state finalist as a freshman and junior with third place finishes as a sophomore and senior. The Duke signee also placed sixth at the FloNationals this past weekend. Four-time state champion Johnson has signed with Missouri, was on the Cadet world team in Greco-Roman this past summer, and won the Walsh Ironman earlier this season. 132: Graham Rooks (Columbus East) vs. No. 3 Real Woods (Montini Catholic, Ill.) Four-time state placer Rooks, an Indiana signee, broke through with state gold this season after losing in the state semifinal round each of the previous three seasons. Stanford signee Woods is a three-time state champion, four-time state finalist, and a finalist at the Preseason Nationals each of the last two years. 138: Kris Rumph (Portage) vs. No. 10 Cole Matthews (Reynolds, Pa.) Three-time state medalist Rumph earned a state title this season. Last weekend he placed third at the FloNationals down at 132 pounds one week after failing to place at the NHSCA Senior Nationals. Four-time state placer Matthews bookended his career with state titles, and the Pitt signee upset national No. 1 Quinn Kinner at the Pittsburgh Wrestling Classic 2-1/2 weeks ago. 145: Christian Hunt (Yorktown) vs. No. 9 (at 152) Alex Lloyd (Shakopee, Minn.) State runner-up the last two years, Hunt is also a four-time state qualifier, adding a sixth place finish his freshman year to the resume. South Dakota State signee Lloyd is a three-time state champion, placed third at the Super 32 this fall, is a two-time Junior National folkstyle champion, and a two-time Junior National freestyle All-American 152: No. 3 Brayton Lee (Brownsburg) vs. No. 2 Jacori Teemer (Long Beach, N.Y.) This is the clear showcase match of the event, taking place in Brayton Lee's home gym. The University of Minnesota signee is a three-time state champion losing one match in his career, it coming in the semi-state quarterfinal as a freshman, which in Indiana means not making it to the state tournament. Additonally the resume features two Super 32 placements, along with third place finishes in Junior freestyle (this past summer), UWW Cadet freestyle, and Cadet freestyle. Five-time state champion Teemer is an Arizona State signee, was a 2017 FloNationals champion, has won NHSCA grade-level titles the last two years, and was a bronze medalist in freestyle at the Cadet World Championships this past summer. 160: Gleason Mappes (Center Grove) vs. No. 6 Jared Franek (West Fargo, N.D.) Mappes earned state runner-up honors this season after placing fourth the previous two seasons, and also placed fifth at the FloNationals in 2017. Four-time state champion Franek was runner-up at both the FloNationals and in Junior freestyle during the spring/summer 2017 interval. 170: Noah Warren (Perry Meridian) vs. No. 1 Travis Wittlake (Marshfield, Ore.) Three-time state placer Warren capped off an impressive career winning a state title in his senior season. Four-time state champion Wittlake was a Cadet World bronze medalist in 2016, and won the UWW Cadet national title in freestyle this year before injury made him unable to compete at the world championships; the runner-up at the national tournament went on to win world gold in his weight class (76 kilos). 182: Conner Graber (Northridge) vs. No. 6 Jared Krattiger (Waterford, Wis.) Graber placed seventh at state as a junior before earning gold this season with a mild upset in the state finals match against four-time state placer Nathan Walton. Four-time state placer Krattiger made his first state final this season and secured his first state title before winning a FloNationals title last weekend; additionally the Wisconsin signee was third at the Super 32 this past fall. 195: No. 4 Lucas Davison (Chesterton) vs. Tanner Sloan (Alburnett, Iowa) Due to a late scratch, what was going to be a high profile match ends up being less of one. The two-time state finalist Davison was an undefeated state champion this season after finishing as runner-up at the Super 32 in the preseason. In addition, the Northwestern signee was a Junior National double All-American during this past summer. The South Dakota State commit Sloan earned state titles this season and as a sophomore 220: No. 1 Mason Parris (Lawrenceburg, Ind.) vs. No. 3 (at 195) Brandon Whitman (Dundee, Mich.) If Lee vs. Teemer is the main event, this is either a joint main event or right behind it. This match features two of the nation's most talented upper weight wrestlers going at it. The University of Michigan signee Parris has one career loss, it coming in the state semifinals his freshman year; since then he has won the consolation final to finish third and then sailed to three straight undefeated state titles. Parris is also now a two-time FloNationals champion. Four-time state champion Whitman is a North Carolina signee; his resume includes a 2016 FloNationals runner-up finish, a 2016 Super 32 placement, double third and double fifth at Junior Nationals the last two summers, and a spot on the 2016 Cadet world team in Greco-Roman. 285: Brandon Streck (Merrillville) vs. No. 15 Jake Levengood (Vacaville, Calif.) Both wrestlers in this match were state runners-up to all-time type figures in their state; Streck losing the 220 pound final to Parris, one year after placing sixth at 285, with Levengood faling to Seth Nevills after also placing at state the previous two seasons. Streck will be attending Indiana, and is the younger brother of Shawn Streck, who qualified for the NCAA tournament for Purdue this season; while Levengood signed with Oregon State to play on the offensive line.

Tim Flynn coaching at the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com) MORGANTOWN, W.Va. -- West Virginia University Director of Athletics and Associate Vice President Shane Lyons has named Tim Flynn as the school's ninth wrestling coach. Flynn comes to West Virginia from Edinboro, where he spent the past 21 years building the Fighting Scots into a wrestling powerhouse. He compiled a 223-95-5 career record at Edinboro to become the school's all-time winningest coach and a member of its Hall of Fame. His accomplishments at Edinboro totaled 150 national qualifiers, 38 All-Americans, 64 EWL champions and 97 PSAC champions. He led the Fighting Scots to five top-10 finishes at the NCAA Wrestling Championships, 14 top-20 finishes and 18 top-25 finishes. Flynn engineered in recent years two of the best seasons in Edinboro wrestling history. His 2013-14 squad recorded a fifth-place finish at the national tournament with three All-Americans. The Fighting Scots ended the year with an 11-3 record, winning 10 of their last 11 duals including a 17-16 win over No. 6 Pitt. He received NWCA NCAA Division I Coach of the Year honors, shared InterMat Coach of the Year honors with Minnesota's J Robinson and also was selected as WIN's Dan Gable Coach of the Year. He followed in 2014-15 with four All-Americans and a third-place national finish - the school's highest ever. He was the Eastern Wrestling League (EWL) Coach of the Year seven times and the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Coach of the Year 13 times. Flynn also coached three national champions (John Koscheck at 174 in 2001, Gregor Gillespie at 149 in 2007 and Jarrod King at 165 in 2009) and eight NCAA runners-up. Under the former Penn State All-American, Edinboro dominated eastern wrestling circles, winning the EWL Championship in 15 of the last 21 years, including eight straight years at one point, along with the PSAC tournament title 17 times in his 21 campaigns. At one point, Edinboro won 34 of 35 EWL dual matches, which included a 29-match winning streak. "Tim brings to West Virginia a wealth of head coaching experience, success and veteran leadership," Lyons said. "He is a proven winner and one of the most respected coaches in the sport. His years of success and consistency speak volumes, and I know he will be a great fit for our department and wrestling program." Before taking over the head coaching duties, Flynn was an assistant at Edinboro under legendary coach and Olympian Bruce Baumgartner from 1992-97. Flynn assisted Baumgartner to a 56-21 record, including a 14-0 dual match mark and a sixth-place finish at Nationals in 1996. "I'm excited, this is a blessing for me," Flynn said. "It came at a great time. West Virginia is a sleeping giant located in a great spot for wrestling as well as a great conference. I'm excited and ready to get started." Following three standout seasons at Vista High in Vista, California, Flynn moved east to finish his prep career at Annapolis Senior High in Annapolis, Maryland. He went on to enjoy a stellar career at Penn State, captaining the 1986-87 squad while earning All-American honors at 134 pounds. He went 30-10-1 as a senior, winning the EWL title and finishing seventh at Nationals. The Nittany Lions enjoyed one of their greatest seasons ever with an 18-1-1 record and a third-place finish at the NCAA Tournament. Flynn finished with a 105-32-2 collegiate wrestling record, still ranking among the all-time career leaders in victories for Penn State. He also won the EWL title as a junior in 1986 while competing at 126 pounds, finishing with a 30-7-1 mark. He qualified for Nationals as a sophomore as well after finishing second at the EWL Championships. He was a four-time Midlands Championships place winner, a two-time Mat-Town USA champion and was an Espoir National freestyle runner-up in 1984. Flynn, who is currently a member of the National Collegiate Wrestling Association (NWCA) Leadership Group, graduated from Penn State in 1987 with a bachelor's degree in business management. He later earned his master's degree in business administration from Penn State with a concentration in finance in 1990. He and his wife, Tanya, have two children - Logan and Riley.

Iowa averaged 9,000 fans for dual meets this season (Photo/Mark Lundy, Lutte-Lens.com) IOWA CITY, Iowa -- The University of Iowa wrestling program led the nation in attendance for the 12th consecutive season according to the Division I attendance report released Tuesday by The Open Mat and Mat Talk Online. Iowa averaged 8,996 fans and led the country in total attendance with 71,966 fans attending eight home dates. The Hawkeyes averaged at least 8,000 fans for the 10th consecutive season. Iowa was involved in the three highest attended duals this year; at Penn State (15,998), at Ohio State (15,117) and at home against Oklahoma State (13,485). The Hawkeyes have led the nation in attendance in each of head coach Tom Brands' 12 seasons. NCAA Division I Wrestling Attendance Top 10 for 2017-18: Rank School Avg. 1. IOWA 8996 2. Penn State 7693 3. Ohio State 6681 4. Rutgers 4680 5. Fresno State 4566 6. Iowa State 3361 7. Oklahoma St. 3152 8. Lehigh 2705 9. Michigan 2615 10. Minnesota 2185