InterMat Staff

There are 21 days left until the opening ceremonies of the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro and never before have the Games or movement felt more necessary or symbolic. The events in France, the shooting of police officers and Black Lives Matter movement show us all a world that's violent and divided. It's easy to embrace fear during turbulent times and without an external jolt we individually, and as a culture, can fall into a cycle of anxiety and hatred. There is no doubt that as a nation we are heartbroken by the recent spat of violence and frustrated from what feels like a lack of answers. We look to France and within our own borders and we've never been less secure in the experiment of democracy, or the idea of freedom. That trepidation infects everything we do, which makes the Olympic Games a well-timed distraction, but also something more. Something like a lesson in humanity. The Olympics are a time for the world to enjoy what's possible and reflect on the best qualities of Man. On the field of play the passion of the planet's most-gifted and hardest working athletes will inspire us to do more with our minds and bodies; and in the post-competition embraces we see inspiration for the possibility of peaceful interplay between cultures, ideals and societies. Our sport of wrestling is special even among Olympic sports. The contact and measured aggression creates a deeper level of compassion than most athletes and fans will ever understand. Still, wrestling is only a small part of these Games. There are thousands of other athletes taking the field with stories to inspire and we should all watch with wide eyes and open hearts. I'm looking forward to the Olympics for many reasons: I want to see Jordan Burroughs repeat as Olympic champion; I want to watch as Kaori Icho or Saori Yoshida win their record-setting fourth Olympic gold medal; I want to watch greatness in action. But more than medals -- more than the on-the-mat heroics or medals -- I'm eager for the opportunity to disregard anger and fear. I'm ready to celebrate love and embrace forgiveness. I'm ready for the chance to move forward. Together. To your questions … Q: The Olympics are around the corner. It rubs me the wrong way when I hear people refer to Michael Phelps as the 'greatest Olympian ever.' I know they will be wearing that line out on TV. Maybe it's accurate, but it's all relative to the sport athletes compete in. Granted I'm biased, being a wrestler, but how many golds does he have per event he has qualified for? How many events can a SINGLE swimmer/track athlete/gymnast qualify for in one Olympics? Medal count shouldn't be used to represent 'greatest ever.' Understandably competing in multiple events takes a toll on a body and should be taken into consideration too, but c'mon. Obviously wrestling has multiple weight classes and two styles, but if you lose one match, it's 'OK, make the team again in four years.' If Michael Phelps loses an event, heck he can still win multiple golds tomorrow! What other sport does a single athlete only have one chance to medal every four years? Can you think of any other athletes across the board that have dominated their sport across multiple Olympics? It would be interesting to see an infographic of events qualified/gold medals from different sports. Also, some countries don't have as much participation in certain sports as others. I feel participation should be taken into consideration when dominance is the topic. Which sport has the most participation across the board at each Olympics? Soccer I'd assume? Hope I'm not asking anybody for too much research. I just thought this would be a fun topic right now. -- Willy D Foley: The most dominant athlete across the Olympics is Carl Lewis. I don't think Jordan Burroughs can upend Lewis. Carl Lewis is probably most famous for his FOUR straight Olympic gold medals in the long jump, but he won an additional FIVE gold medals in the 100m, 200m, 4x100m relay and the 4x200m relay. Like Phelps, you could discount the relay for its repetitiveness, and then again discount 100m and 200m for being the same activity but different lengths. However, Lewis is STILL the most dominant athlete as he was able to RUN and JUMP to gold. Those aren't the same skill (at all) as evidenced by the fact nobody since has medaled in both, much less earned gold. Burroughs can certainly lay claim to the greatest ever in freestyle should he win a third Olympic gold medal in 2020, but prior to that the argument is just opinion. I realize that the one USSR entry is now 25+ and that the weight classes have shrunk from 10 to 6, but unless he captures three there just isn't the gold on the table to make it happen. Remember that no matter how many countries entered or how many weight classes there were the Olympics are still four years apart -- and length of domination has to be a criteria in terms of Olympic dominance. Also, we absolutely don't have the budget for your research request and infographic! Mark Manning talks to James Green at the Freestyle World Cup (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com)Q: Does Mark Manning deserve more credit for the work he has done with Jordan Burroughs and James Green? Do you think he gave any thought to potentially becoming the National Freestyle Coach for USA Wrestling? -- Mike C. Foley: Mark Manning probably doesn't have the name ID he deserves given all he's accomplished at Nebraska. Burroughs and Green are just two examples, but in addition to his freestyle commitments he's done a heck of a job with his college program over the last decade. Manning won't be the national team coach any time soon, as USA Wrestling recently hired Bill Zadick through to the 2020 Games in Tokyo. I think Zadick will be around for a while and I think USA Wrestling (and the nation as a whole) seems to really benefit from Coach Manning raising talent in Lincoln. Q: How far can Frank Molinaro and J'den Cox go in Rio? Medal? -- Mike Z. Foley: Of course they both can medal. In a seeded, balanced bracket they both have a low-percentage chance of placing, but in a lopsided bracket with repechage I think that they both have a great chance at making it to the medal round. If made to bet I'd give Cox more of a chance if for no other reason than 86 kilograms is not as deep as 65 kilograms, thereby reducing the chance that he loses to someone who isn't in the finals. MULTIMEDIA HALFTIME Link: Conquering a video game addiction Iranian Pahlevani Q: Are you surprised this University of Minnesota investigation is taking so long? What's your hunch on what comes out of it? -- Mike C. Foley: Colleges and universities are the worst when it comes to internal investigations. If I had to guess they know the outcome but are being diligent in ensuring that they are covered for all legal eventualities. From afar the safe bet would be to keep Coach Robinson on staff. Regardless of how it looks to the outside world, that Advocare shake has already been spilled. The Minnesota wrestling team and athletics family is tied to a Xanax case. Unwashable. The only way to really prolong this case would be to fire J Robinson and get dragged into court where ALL your departmental emails are under subpoena review. That's not what anyone wants, especially a new athletic director. #FreeJRob Q: If Jordan Burroughs wins gold in Rio, where does he rate in regards to the greatest wrestlers in United States history, including college and international? I have it John Smith, Jordan Burroughs, Bruce Baumgartner, Dan Gable. -- David D. Foley: I don't think that talk of greatest American wrestler ever can extend much past John Smith and Bruce Baumgartner. Smith won six titles, two of which were Olympic gold medals to go along with two NCAA championships. Baumgartner has 14 Olympic and world medals -- by far the most in American wrestling history, and he's the only one to medal at four Olympic Games. As much as Gable is a saint in the sport and leader of men, I don't think that the single Olympic title really equates to that of Smith and Baumgartner's accomplishments at the world level, even with his two undefeated seasons and two NCAA titles. As a coach, I think there is no equal to Gable, but on the mat I don't think that it's the same company, if it were then Cael Sanderson would be ranked higher than Gable. Burroughs winning a second Olympic gold to go along with three world titles puts him on the heels of John Smith for aggregate gold should he win another world title. Pulling even with Smith in gold medals would probably give Burroughs the overall edge since he also has a world bronze medal in his pocket and the potential for a heck of a lot more gold. Q: Explain to me how a wrestler/athlete can be banned from competition for failing a drug test and then readmitted later? How confident can we the public be in a system that flags multiple athletes and then allows them to compete anyway? -- Nanette R. Foley: Athletes who violate USADA's and WADA's anti-doping regulations earn either a two or four-year ban, with four years being the more common outcome recently. That is a VERY long time to be out of competition and punishment enough for an action, in my opinion. Athletes who violate the doping policies are out until the end of their suspension. There is a review process by which athletes can appeal suspensions on the grounds of tainted supplements or other extraordinary circumstances and have their ruling reduced. Geno Petriashvili successfully defended himself a few years ago and earned a reduction. Olympic wrestler turned UFC fighter Yoel Romero also earned a reduced sentence after claiming tainted supplements, and then providing substantial documentation and proof. Q: InterMat listed the fundraising pages for the individual members of the Olympic wrestling team that had them set up. I'm glad they did. Hopefully it helped and if you're reading this and haven't drop at least 10 bucks in your favorite wrestlers account, you should. They entertain us all year, the least we could do it support them in their quest to be the world's best. So … I only follow wrestling, but I would assume other sports (fencing, swimming, lacrosse, etc.) have college-eligible athletes on the team as well. My questions is, if an athlete still has college eligibility, would or could taking donations from a GoFundMe account affect his/her eligibility? Could the school or university support them in any way or does the NCAA have rules against this? I know I'm just a fan and don't understand all the NCAA rules, but if I were an AD and had an athlete make the team it would only make sense to put the support of the school behind them. Just curious to see what's "doable" and what's not? -- Jason R. Foley: The NCAA has apparently made some exception for college athletes to use GoFundMe as a method to get families to Rio, since Kyle Snyder has a page. My guess is that he can't be in charge of the account, though I noticed he raised $25,401 of the requested $20,000. Some big donations in the mix, too.

Vinod Kumar The Australian Olympic Committee has asked Wrestling Australia to withdraw Vinod Kumar as a member of the Greco-Roman wrestling squad for the 2016 Olympics over an alleged doping violation. The AOC said Kumar tested positive in April at the African/Oceania Olympic qualifier in Algeria where he won a silver medal. Both his A and B samples reportedly tested positive. The organization has not named the drug. The AOC said Kumar had been suspended for four years but had 30 days to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. His biography has been deleted from the official AOC website, replaced by portraits of Australian athletes who will be competing at the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil next month. United World Wrestling has been informed of the situation, and has said it will reallocate his position in the 66 kilogram/145-pound weight class in Greco to an athlete from another country. Kumar moved to Australia in 2010 and he started training at the United Wrestling Club under former Wresting Australia President Kuldip Bassi. Kumar had won six national championships and "countless" medals at the Australia Cup and Canberra Cup tournaments, according to an April 2016 feature article about the four members of the Australian Olympic wrestling team at the official AOC website. When he qualified for the Australian team last spring, Kumar said, "At this moment, I feel very proud to be representing Australia and feel very fortunate to be a part of the Olympic team." With Kumar being banned, Australia will be sending only three men to wrestle in Rio -- two competing in freestyle, and one in Greco-Roman. The last time an Australian wrestler won a medal at the Olympics: the 1948 Games in London, when two -- Jim Armstrong and Dick Garrard -- took home bronze and silver respectively.

Paul Bradley Paul Bradley, two-time NCAA All-American wrestler for the University of Iowa, has signed a multi-fight deal with World Series of Fighting, the organization announced Thursday. The former Hawkeye mat star posted this message on his Paul "The Gentleman" Bradley Facebook page Thursday afternoon: "Onto greener pastures. Thank u so much @MMAWorldSeries @SugarRaySefo @WSOF_Kevin for welcoming me." "We are excited to welcome aboard Paul Bradley, and look forward to having him test his skills in our highly competitive welterweight division," said World Series of Fighting President Ray Sefo. "Paul has fought and triumphed over some top caliber opposition during his 10-year career, so we are confident that he will be a great addition to our roster." The 33-year-old Bradley, who competes as a welterweight (170 pounds), launched his professional mixed martial arts career in October 2006. A veteran of both the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and Strikeforce, Bradley has compiled an overall record of 23-6, with two no-contest decisions. The Tama, Iowa native won his last fight, scoring a TKO in the first 40 seconds of his bout with fellow former NCAA All-American Chris Honeycutt at Bellator 148 in January. World Series of Fighting said Bradley will make his debut in the decagon cage at a date to be determined.

Geo Martinez defeated ASU's Matt Kraus in the Pac-12 finals at 149 pounds (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com) The Bronco is becoming a Cowboy, as Geo Martinez has been granted a release from Boise State and will transfer to Oklahoma State, according to multiple media reports Thursday. Oklahoma State confirmed the transfer Thursday, according to the Idaho Press. A team spokesman said that his paperwork had already been submitted and the transfer was official. By transferring to Division I Oklahoma State, true sophomore Martinez must sit out a year, per NCAA rules. A two-time Pac-12 champ and 2016 NCAA All-American, Martinez asked for his release after the firing of long-time Boise State coach Greg Randall, but before new coach Mike Mendoza was announced on May 20. There were no restrictions placed on his release, meaning he was free to transfer anywhere. "I wish Geo the best of luck in the next phase of his wrestling career," Mendoza said in a statement. "When there is transition in coaching positions, these types of things tend to happen. That being said, returning Boise State to the upper echelon of collegiate wrestling does not rest on the shoulders of one individual, and I look forward to accomplishing great things with this program." Geordan Martinez just completed his sophomore season at Boise State, where he won his second Pac-12 conference championship, and placed eighth in the 149-pound bracket at the 2016 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships. The Peyton, Colo. native built a 62-15 overall record for the Broncos. Prior to coming to Boise State, Martinez was a three-time Colorado state wrestling champ for Pine Creek High School.

The Junior & Cadet National Championships get underway Saturday in Fargo, N.D. View the event schedule below. Saturday, July 16 2 p.m. Cadet Women's Freestyle (Session I) 7 p.m. Cadet Women's Freestyle (Finals) Sunday, July 17 9 a.m. Cadet Greco-Roman (Session I) 3 p.m. Cadet Greco-Roman (Session II) Monday, July 18 9 a.m. Cadet Greco-Roman (Session III), Junior Greco-Roman (Session I) 2 p.m. Cadet Greco-Roman (Finals) 6 p.m. Junior Greco-Roman (Session II), Junior Women's Freestyle (Session I) Tuesday July 19 9 a.m. Junior Women's Freestyle (Session II), Junior Greco-Roman (Session III) 2:15 p.m. Junior Greco-Roman (Finals) 3 p.m. Junior Women's Freestyle (Session III) 5:45 p.m. Junior Women's Freestyle (Finals) Wednesday, July 20 9:30 a.m. Junior Women's Freestyle Duals (Session I), Cadet Men's Freestyle (Session I) 3:30 p.m. Junior Women's Freestyle Duals (Finals), Cadet Men's Freestyle (Session II) Thursday, July 21 9:30 a.m. Cadet Men's Freestyle (Session III), Junior Men's Freestyle (Session I) 3:30 p.m. Cadet Men's Freestyle (Session IV), Junior Men's Freestyle (Session II) Friday, July 22 9 a.m. Junior Men's Freestyle (Session III) 2 p.m. Cadet Men's Freestyle (Finals) 6 p.m. Junior Men's Freestyle (Session IV) Saturday, July 23 10 a.m. Junior Men's Freestyle (Finals)

The old adage "two heads are better than one" may have guided Minnesota's Owatonna High School in its decision to hire Scott Seykora and Adam Woitalla as co-head wrestling coaches, the Owatonna People's Press reported Wednesday. Seykora and Woitalla replace Cliff Casteel, who stepped down from the head coaching job in April after five seasons to spend more time with his family. Casteel will remain as a special education instructor at Owatonna High. Seykora has spent the last 13 seasons as an assistant coach with the Huskies, and, in fact, was on the staff when OHS won its last Minnesota state team title in 2005. Woitalla comes to Owatonna having graduated from St. Olaf College in nearby Northfield, Minn. in 2016, where, as a wrestler, was a scholar All-American. Woitalla was unable to wrestle for the Oles as a senior because of an injury; instead, he gained experience serving as an assistant on the Northfield High staff where his father, Mark, was the head coach. Seykora admitted he hadn't even considered the idea of seeking the head coaching position at Owatonna. "Actually, I didn't apply for the job," Seykora told the People's Press. "It wasn't that I didn't feel like I could do it; I just wanted to make sure they could find a great candidate. When they opened it up, Ryan (Swanson, Owatonna athletic director) came to me and showed me the list of candidates and said he wanted to bring in a younger coach with a fresh look and relate to the kids. He liked Adam's application and he interviewed great. Ryan approached me about the co-head coach at one point -- almost like a student-teacher type of situation." For Woitalla, having Seykora's knowledge and experience at his side will make for a smooth transition as he launches his coaching career. "Having a co-head coach was in the works from the very beginning," Woitalla said. "Scott brings amazing experience and knowledge of the community and the wrestling program. You want someone like Scott involved." According to Seykora, the co-head coaching label will be a "year-to-year" process, with duties to be split evenly. Seykora and Woitalla agree that their first priority will be to meet with the assistant coaching staff and talk about their vision and direction for the program. The coaching duo of Seykora and Woitalla will head up an Owatonna wrestling program that has enjoyed a legacy of success, once having been coached by Scot Davis, "the winningest prep wrestling coach in the nation" for a quarter-century, until 2011. All of OHS' six state qualifiers from 2016 are returning, including two-time state title winner Peyton Robb, and195-pound state champ Brandon Moen, once he recovers from a knee injury. Owatonna's AD believes the new co-head coaches will be able to keep the Huskies mat program among the top 10-15 in Minnesota.

Rollie Peterkin Most wrestler memoirs tend to take readers on a journey of sorts -- a journey that traces the subject's life, from the first time he/she took up the sport, and usually ending triumphantly with a national title or Olympic medal. Former Penn wrestler Rollie Peterkin's new book "The Cage: Escaping the American Dream" takes readers on his own life journey that is something of a globe-hopping adventure tale, starting in Philadelphia and concluding in Spain, with stops along the way at Wall Street, MMA fights in Peru, the Amazon River, Great Britain and Paris, with a steady stream of mind-blowing experiences along the way. Peterkin's new, self-published memoir is now available for purchase at Amazon.com. Meet Rollie Peterkin A native of Wellesley, Mass., Peterkin was first introduced to wrestling at age 7. "I had to travel a lot for meaningful competition," Peterkin told InterMat. In his quest to a become better wrestler, Peterkin connected with Kendall Cross, an assistant coach at Harvard at the time, who "helped bring me to a higher level" according to Peterkin, who describes Cross as "a friend to this day." Rollie PeterkinPeterkin made his presence known nationally by twice winning Junior/Cadet National Championship titles at Fargo ... then, as a junior, enrolled at New Jersey-based Blair Academy, home to one of nation's premier prep wrestling programs. "All the guys in the room are killers," is how Peterkin described the level of competition at wrestling practice. That crucible - along with actual dual-meet and tournament competition - helped advance Peterkin's mat career and his standing within the wrestling community. Peterkin was highly recruited by a number of colleges ... but the Massachusetts product sought an Ivy League education. "I chose Penn because of Wharton, the number one business school," Peterkin told InterMat. Interesting, Peterkin doesn't have much to say about his college mat career as a Quaker in "The Cage", but, rather uses it as springboard for the rest of his life's adventures. "I qualified for nationals [NCAAs] three consecutive years," Peterkin wrote. "Each year, I beat many of the top competitors during the season. I won over 100 collegiate matches, which was a notable achievement by itself. But that didn't help me at the NCAA tournament, where I suffered heartbreak the same round for three years in a row. I had been working towards this moment for the previous seventeen years of my life, and it all came down to one day in March. And I failed." The opening chapter of "The Cage" zeroes in on the third and final heartbreak of Peterkin's collegiate career, at the 2011 NCAAs held at Wells Fargo Arena in Philadelphia ... the city that's home to University of Pennsylvania. "It was the last wrestling match of my college career and I had gotten pinned," Peterkin wrote. "If I had won, I would have been guaranteed a spot on the podium as an NCAA All-American. It was something I had always dreamed about, and this year was my last chance. I had beaten many top-ranked wrestlers during the season, but, for now, for the third year in a row, I had fallen short and I was done forever." "I think most guys aren't satisfied with the way their careers end," Peterkin told InterMat. "We're so competitive you don't want your career to end with anything less than a win." At least Peterkin could console himself with the knowledge he had a job on Wall Street waiting for him upon graduation. But he had no idea of the further adventures awaiting him beyond the business world ... adventures that the former Penn wrestler would share in "The Cage." How "The Cage" came together "Former wrestler leaves Wall Street to fight in MMA in Peru" is how Peterkin described "The Cage" in what he referred to as an "elevator pitch" to someone wanting to know the basics about the book ... but it's much more than that. "I initially wanted to write a book about MMA and feared that the travel stories and the girlfriend stuff would get in the way," Peterkin told InterMat. "I had written a blog while in MMA in Peru," Peterkin continued. "As I was blogging, I had friends who told me, 'You should write a book.'" "I worked from those (blog entries) for the book." "I started actually writing the book after my trips around Peru ... I would write every day, about 1,000 words a day," according to Peterkin. "I think that all the discipline of having been a wrestler, including cutting weight, transferred to my writing." Peterkin admitted he wasn't much of a writer at Penn - at least in the strictly academic sense of writing papers and other class assignments - but he did maintain a wrestling blog while in college, and kept a personal journal. That said, Peterkin wrote "The Cage" with an audience in mind. "I tried to write it as if the reader was looking over my shoulder," Peterkin said. "After all, the Amazon, Peru, MMA - all those are pretty much inaccessible to most of us. I wanted to take readers along for the journey." "In my mind, I thought it would be an MMA book which would end with my winning a title." Instead, life got in the way ... which made for more adventures for Peterkin to share in "The Cage." "Originally, the book ended with my leaving Peru," said Peterkin. "However, lots of interesting things happened since." "All those challenges have helped not only to define me, but also to fortify me." Doing things his way Rollie Peterkin chose the self-publishing route to bring "The Cage" to readers. "I didn't even consider the traditional 'get a publisher' route," Peterkin said. "Self-publishing is great for editorial control." "There are a lot of challenges. It takes a lot of work to self-publish, lots of research. I hired an editor, got a graphic designer for the cover and inside design." "I focused on writing it, and making it the best it could be." Peterkin's "The Cage" takes readers inside worlds that most of us will never know first-hand. The daily adrenaline rush of working long hours at an investment bank ... and the big-time partying that took place after-hours, only to show up back at the office early the next morning to do it all over again. The intense workouts preparing for an MMA fight ... and the physical and mental combat inside the cage that ravages mind and body. A front-row seat for a cockfight. Heart-pounding travel adventures in exotic locations well beyond what most of us would experience on vacation. Yet "The Cage" also manages to incorporate elements that are universal for everyone, such as the heartbreak of when a girlfriend dumps you. "The Cage" reads like a novel - one of those classic coming-of-age stories you read back in school. Peterkin's sometimes-crazy, even surreal travel experiences and you-are-there immediacy are reminiscent of Jack Kerouac's iconic novel "On the Road" ... only Peterkin's adventures are global in location and scope. It's the memoir of a wrestler unlike any other you'll ever read. To learn more about Rollie Peterkin's "The Cage: Escaping the American Dream", visit his website. The book is available for purchase online at a number of websites, including Amazon.com.

Julian Chlebove (Northampton) already won state this past year as a freshman at 113 pounds in Pennsylvania's big-school division. Now the No. 6 overall prospect in the Class of 2019 verbally committed to Arizona State on Wednesday afternoon. After the season ended, he was runner-up at 120 pounds in the NHSCA Freshman Nationals. In addition to the state title, he placed in the Beast of the East up at 120 pounds, and won the Escape the Rock Tournament down at 113. Chlebove also finished third in the 2015 Flo Nationals high school division at 106 pounds during his eight grade season. He projects as a 133/141 in college.

State runner-up Jacob Wright (Dinuba, Calif.) verbally committed to Fresno State University on Wednesday afternoon. The projected 141/149 pound wrestler in college finished second in the state tournament this past season at 138 pounds, having also qualified for state as a freshman at 120 pounds. Wright is ranked No. 56 overall in the Class of 2017, and is the initial commit in this class for Fresno State, whose program is re-starting next fall. However, the Bulldogs have three additional commitments already to their program from Clovis alumni. Isaiah Hokit and Khristian Olivas will be transferring from Drexel and Utah Valley back to their home area, and project to compete as 141 and 149 pound wrestlers; each was a 2015 graduate from Clovis. Josh Hokit originally committed to Drexel, but will be starting his college career at Fresno State in the fall of 2017 after graduating as the No. 41 overall Class of 2016 prospect. He projects as a 184 pound wrestler, and ended the 2015-16 season ranked No. 6 at 182 pounds.

A trio of US Olympic wrestling team members and a quartet of college coaches are among the featured guests on this week's Takedown TV, Takedown Wrestling announced Wednesday. Among this week's features: Cal State Bakersfield head coach Manny Rivera 2016 US Olympians Kyle Snyder, Andy Bisek, Robert Smith Rutgers head coach Scott Goodale previews the "Battle at the Birthplace" outdoor dual Oregon State head coach Jim Zalesky Olympic medalist Soronzonbold Battsetseg's trailer from United World Wrestling Bellator Lightweight Champion (and former Missouri mat star) Michael Chandler feature Lyon College head wrestling coach reacts to UFC 200 Watch this week's episode here ... or at the Takedown Wrestling's YouTube Channel. In addition, Takedown Wrestling TV is aired on these television networks. All air times are Central. Cablevision: Sundays at 4 p.m. Charter Cable: Thursday at 6:30 p.m., Friday 11:30 p.m. and Monday 2:30 p.m. Comcast Cable: Friday at 5:00 p.m. Cox Cable: Sunday 9:30 a.m. Fight Network HD: Sundays at 4:00 p.m. KWEM, Stillwater, Oklahoma: Tuesday 7:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday at 8:00 p.m. Long Lines Cable: Daily at 5:30 p.m. Mediacom Cable: Sundays at 10:30 a.m. MidCo Sports Network: Saturday 10:00 a.m. and Sunday at 9:00 a.m. SECV8: Friday at 5:00 p.m.

Ohio's Dylan D'Emilio was a Fargo champion last summer in the Cadet freestyle competition (Photo/John Sachs, Tech-Fall.com) Fargo. One word that means so much within the scholastic age wrestling community. The ASICS/Vaughan Junior and Cadet Nationals return yet again to Fargo, North Dakota, starting this coming weekend. Competing in Greco-Roman and freestyle will be the nation's top high school aged wrestlers, both boys and girls. The event starts on Saturday with the Cadet Women's freestyle tournament. The first session will commence at 2 p.m. CT, while the medal matches are slated for a second session starting at 7 p.m. Male wrestlers make their debut in the FARGODOME on Sunday with the Cadet Greco-Roman tournament. Two sessions of wrestling will take place, one at 9 a.m. and the other at 3 p.m. By then, there will be semifinal matches set up on the front side of the bracket, which will take place in a Monday morning session starting at 9 a.m. The Cadet Greco-Roman medal matches are slated for 2 p.m. Cadet level wrestlers have birth dates in either 2000 or 2001. Also competing on Monday will be Junior level wrestlers. Males will be competing in the opening day of Greco-Roman, with two sessions, one at 9 a.m. and the other at 6 p.m. Female wrestlers will compete in freestyle, their opening session at 6 p.m. Junior level wrestlers were in 9th through 12th grade during the 2015-16 school year. Quarterfinal and semifinal matches, along with consolation matches to determine All-American honors will take place on Tuesday starting at 9 a.m. with medal matches in Greco-Roman at 2:15 p.m., and the Women's freestyle at 5:45 p.m. One week from today starts the rather high profile Cadet (male) freestyle event, along with the complete contesting of the Junior Women's Duals. Both events will have two sessions on July 20 starting at 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. CT. Cadet freestyle will continue with two rounds on Thursday, July 21, one that includes the quarterfinals at 9:30 a.m. and one that includes the semifinals at 3:30 p.m. It is at that time, one week from Thursday morning when the Junior freestyle event commences. This three-day event is as important a trio of days as any on the scholastic wrestling calendar. The assemblage of talent that is present in this field is impressive, as are the matchups of high-end talent that happen throughout the tournament. Day one in Junior freestyle sets up the round of 16 on the front side of the draw, with wrestling on Thursday taking place in sessions at 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. As previously mentioned, the quarterfinals in Cadet freestyle take place on Thursday morning, with semifinals and consolation matches to set up the medal round taking place Thursday afternoon. Those medal matches will take place on week from Friday starting at 2 p.m. With the core rounds of the Junior freestyle event sandwiching the Cadet freestyle medal matches on in the afternoon, Fargo Friday is arguably the biggest single day on the scholastic wrestling calendar in a given year. Junior freestyle sessions on Friday start at 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Round of sixteen and quarterfinals take place in the morning, while semifinals take place in the evening. The final session of the Fargo extravaganza is one week from Saturday, July 23, starting at 10 a.m. CT. Now that we all know the chronology of the upcoming competition, let's take a look at what will actually happen during the course of the events. Line bracketing For the third straight year, traditional double-elimination brackets will be used in Fargo, after many years of vertical pairing. UWW Cadet and Junior World Championships The Cadet and Junior World Championships are going to be held later in the calendar year then they were last year due to the Olympic Games being held in early-through-mid August. The Junior World event will be held in late August, while the Cadet World event is slated for early-to-mid September. There are many Fargo eligible wrestlers slated to participate on those teams. By virtue of the calendar, it is reasonable and plausible to see those wrestlers participate next week in Fargo. However, those decisions will have to be made in context of considering the upcoming World Championships -- relative training cycles, etc. The following UWW Cadet World Championships participants are Cadet eligible for Fargo: Kurt McHenry (Virginia) -- freestyle at 42 kilos Jalen Spuhler (Wisconsin) -- Greco-Roman at 42 kilos Aaron Cashman (Minnesota) -- freestyle at 50 kilos Malik Johnson (Missouri) -- Greco-Roman at 50 kilos Travis Wittlake (Oregon) -- freestyle at 76 kilos Gable Steveson (Minnesota) -- freestyle at 100 kilos Cohlton Schultz (Colorado) -- Greco-Roman at 100 kilos The following UWW Cadet World Championships participants are Junior eligible for Fargo: Malik Heinselman (Colorado) -- freestyle at 46 kilos Mosha Schwartz (Colorado) -- Greco-Roman at 46 kilos Roman Bravo-Young (Arizona) -- freestyle at 54 kilos Real Woods (Illinois) -- Greco-Roman at 54 kilos Vitali Arujau (New York) -- freestyle at 58 kilos Jack Davis (Pennsylvania) -- Greco-Roman at 58 kilos Yianni Diakomihalis (New York) -- freestyle at 63 kilos Peyton Omania (California) -- Greco-Roman at 63 kilos David Carr (Ohio) -- freestyle at 69 kilos Max Wohlabaugh (Florida) -- Greco-Roman at 69 kilos Clay Lautt (Kansas) -- Greco-Roman at 76 kilos Jacob Warner (Illinois) -- freestyle at 85 kilos Brandon Whitman (Michigan) -- Greco-Roman at 85 kilos (runner-up, but Warner is freestyle only at Worlds) The following UWW Junior World Championships participants are Junior eligible for Fargo: Spencer Lee (Pennsylvania) -- freestyle at 50 kilos Daton Fix (Oklahoma) -- freestyle at 55 kilos Taylor Lamont (Utah) -- Greco-Roman at 60 kilos Mark Hall (Minnesota) -- freestyle at 74 kilos Kamal Bey (Illinois) -- Greco-Roman at 74 kilos Nick Reenan (Texas) -- Greco-Roman at 84 kilos Jordan Wood (Pennsylvania) -- freestyle at 120 kilos Returning Fargo champions Many wrestlers that won weight class titles in last year's Junior and Cadet Nationals can return for this year's event, though the vast majority of the Cadet champions will be moving up to the Junior level in next week's competitions. As a result, the Cadet National tournaments become a breeding ground for emerging stars and names to watch for in the upcoming seasons of scholastic wrestling. Cadet champions who can repeat at the Cadet level this coming year (listed by weight class in which they won their title last year): Jordan Decatur (Ohio) -- 106 pounds, freestyle Malik Johnson (Missouri) -- 106 pounds, Greco-Roman Nick Raimo (New Jersey) -- 120 pounds, double (both Greco-Roman and freestyle) Sammy Sasso (Pennsylvania) -- 132 pounds, freestyle Ryan Karoly (New Jersey) -- 160 pounds, freestyle Travis Wittlake (Oregon) -- 160 pounds, Greco-Roman Gable Steveson (Minnesota) -- 220 pounds, freestyle Cohlton Schultz (Colorado) -- 220 pounds, Greco-Roman Cadet champions that move up to the Junior level: Mosha Schwartz (Colorado) -- 88 pounds, double Malik Heinselman (Colorado) -- 94 pounds, double Dylan D'Emilio (Ohio) -- 100 pounds, freestyle Peter Ogunsanya (Illinois) -- 100 pounds, Greco-Roman Roman Bravo-Young (Arizona) -- 113 pounds, double Vitali Arujau (New York) -- 126 pounds, freestyle Patrick Ramirez (California) -- 126 pounds, Greco-Roman Alex Lloyd (Minnesota) -- 132 pounds, Greco-Roman Joe Lee (Indiana) -- 138 pounds, freestyle Andrew Merola (New Jersey) -- 138 pounds, Greco-Roman Anthony Artalona (Florida) -- 145 pounds, double Trevell Timmons (Illinois) -- 152 pounds, freestyle Max Wohlabaugh (Florida) -- 152 pounds, Greco-Roman Jacob Warner (Illinois) -- 170 pounds, double Jacob Raschka (Wisconsin) -- 182 pounds, freestyle Andrew Davison (Indiana) -- 182 pounds, Greco-Roman Jake Boyd (Missouri) -- 195 pounds, freestyle Brady Daniel (Maryland) -- 195 pounds, Greco-Roman Nick Boykin (Tennessee) -- 285 pounds, double Junior champions eligible to compete again: Jason Holmes (Arizona) -- 100 pounds, freestyle Jaret Lane (Pennsylvania) -- 100 pounds, Greco-Roman Louie Hayes (Illinois) -- 106 pounds, double Brandon Courtney (Arizona) -- 113 pounds freestyle Dack Punke (Illinois) -- 113 pounds, Greco-Roman Daton Fix (Oklahoma) -- 120 pounds, freestyle Dalton Duffield (Oklahoma) -- 120 pounds, Greco-Roman Gabe Townsell (Illinois) -- 126 pounds, Greco-Roman Taylor Lamont (Utah) -- 132 pounds, freestyle Mitch McKee (Minnesota) -- 132 pounds, Greco-Roman Hayden Hidlay (Pennsylvania) -- 152 pounds, Greco-Roman Beau Breske (Wisconsin) -- 170 pounds, freestyle Kamal Bey (Illinois) -- 170 pounds, Greco-Roman Nick Reenan (Texas) -- 182 pounds, double Wyatt Koelling (Utah) -- 195 pounds, Greco-Roman Jordan Wood (Pennsylvania) -- 220 pounds, freestyle Osawaru Odighizuwa (Oregon) -- 285 pounds, freestyle (do not expect him to participate, as he is going to be playing football at UCLA) Dante Jiovanetta (Florida) -- 285 pounds, Greco-Roman Rising freshmen to watch in Cadet Nationals As mentioned earlier in this article, the Cadet Nationals serve as proving ground for many an emerging star. Yes, that does include incoming freshmen. Last summer, five wrestlers combined to win seven stop signs at the Cadet Nationals before stepping on the high school mats. Among the top Class of 2020 wrestlers, some of the more likely to capture a stop sign include: No. 1 Beau Bartlett (Pennsylvania): Even though the 126-pound weight class in which he is most likely to compete will be a tough weight class, Bartlett has already shown to be more than competitive. He was champion at the Cadet Folkstyle tournament in early April, the first leg of the Cadet triple crown, and was a UWW Cadet freestyle All-American at 58 kilos (127.75 pounds) in early June. Bartlett will most likely be an underdog to returning double champion Nick Raimo at minimum. No. 2 Joshua Saunders (Missouri): He was runner-up to Bartlett at 126 pounds in Cadet folkstyle during the spring. Then he was one match from All-American honors at UWW Cadet freestyle competing at 54 kilos (119 pounds), with both losses coming to wrestlers not eligible to compete at the Cadet level in Fargo. Look for him to be in the hunt at 120 pounds, where he was a double champion at the Central Regional in May. No. 4 Jesse Vasquez (California): He was champion in Cadet folkstyle competing up at 120 pounds, during the first leg of the Cadet Triple Crown in early April. Vasquez then placed seventh in the 50 kilo (110 pound) weight class at the UWW Cadet freestyle tournament in early June, with both losses coming by a single point including one to defending Fargo freestyle champion D'Emilio; also with two wins over past Cadet All-Americans in Fargo. Look for him at 113 pounds, and to be among those in the mix (included in there would be Coltan Yapoujian, to whom he lost at the UWW Cadet freestyle tournament 2-1). No. 5 Braxton Amos (West Virginia): The very talented upper-weight went 11-2 between Greco-Roman and freestyle in contested matches at the Cadet Duals last month, with the loss in Greco-Roman being an unexpected outcome; the loss in freestyle was 8-2 against one of the nation's best rising juniors in Gavin Hoffman of Pennsylvania. Amos was undefeated in eleven contested matches at the Schoolboy Duals across the two styles in June of 2015. Though rising frosh in upper weights tend to struggle, look for Amos to make significant noise, even if it isn't in the form of that giant golden stop sign. No. 6 Jeremiah Reno (Missouri): Look for Reno to be among those in the hunt at 94 pounds, after a runner-up finish in the UWW Cadet freestyle tournament at 42 kilos (92 pounds) and winning a Roller World of Wrestling Triple Crown this year at 89 pounds in the 15-U division. His championship series loss at UWW Cadets came against the very talented Kurt McHenry of Virginia, though he did nab one of the three bouts; however, Reno would project to be the clear favorite excluding McHenry. Fargo coverage Keep your eye glued onto InterMat for Fargo coverage throughout the coming week including some event-specific previews and recaps, and well as a broad recap of the whole group of tournaments after the festivities are complete.

WATERLOO, Iowa -- The National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum announced that three of the most prominent wrestlers in Greco-Roman history -- Jim Hazewinkel, Dave Hazewinkel and Lindsey Durlacher -- will be inducted into the Alan & Gloria Rice Greco-Roman Hall of Champions. The Minnesota Wrestling Club will be presented with the Legacy Award and Joe DeMeo will receive the Alan Rice Leadership Award. The Alan & Gloria Rice Greco-Roman Hall of Champions is located in the NWHOF Dan Gable Museum. The ceremony for the seventh class to be inducted will held on Oct. 22 at the Christensen Center Commons on the campus of Augsburg College in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The reception begins at 6 p.m. followed by dinner at 7 p.m. and the ceremony at 8 p.m. Contact the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum at (319) 233-0745 or dgmstaff@nwhof.org for more information on the Alan & Gloria Rice Greco-Roman Hall of Champions. Banquet tickets are $50 each and can be ordered online by clicking https://dgm-nwhof.ticketleap.com/7thgrhoc/ Dave and Jim Hazewinkel, identical twin brothers from Coon Rapids, Minnesota, were members of the 1968 and 1972 United States Greco-Roman Olympic teams and were both members of six consecutive World and Olympic teams from 1967 to 1972. Dave was the first American to win two World medals in Greco-Roman wrestling, earning a bronze medal in 1969 and a silver medal in 1970. Jim was also a member of the 1966 World team and his highest finish at the World Championships was fourth in 1969. The Hazewinkels were presented the Legacy Award by the Alan & Gloria Rice Greco-Roman Hall of Champions in 2012. Lindsey Durlacher helped lead the United States to its first Greco-Roman World Championship team title in 2007, finishing fifth. He was a silver medalist at the Pan American Championships in 2003, and again in 2007 after moving up a weight class. He won a bronze medal at 121 pounds at the 2006 World Championships, and was also a member of the USA team for the 2005 World Championships. He was the U.S. Open champion in 2006 and was runner-up in the event five times. Joe DeMeo was head coach of the U.S. Greco-Roman World team four times, and was a member of the Olympic coaching staff in 1976, 1980, 1988, and 1992. He was named National Coach of the Year three times by USA Wrestling, which named him Developmental Coach of the Year in 2005. The Minnesota Wrestling Club (sometimes called "The Minnesota Storm") has consistently supported the sport of wrestling since its formation in the 1960s. The team has won more than 20 national team championships and produced four USA national and Olympic team coaches. They had a domineering presence in the recent Olympic team trials, and continued their record of placing a wrestler on every USA Olympic wrestling team since 1964. Alan and Gloria Rice, namesakes of the hall of champions, have been instrumental to the success of Greco-Roman wrestling in the United States. Alan Rice was a Big Ten champion and an All-American for the University of Minnesota. In 1956 he won national titles in Greco-Roman and freestyle, and placed fifth at the Olympics. He was a coach of the 1972 Greco-Roman Olympic team. 7th Annual Alan & Gloria Rice Greco-Roman Hall of Champions Saturday, October 22, 2016, 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM Augsburg College, Christensen Center Commons, 720 22nd Avenue, South, Minneapolis, MN 55454 Honoring Hall of Champions Jim Hazewinkel Dave Hazewinkel Lindsey Durlacher (posthumously) Legacy Award Minnesota Wrestling Club Alan Rice Leadership Award Joe DeMeo Saturday, October 22, 2016 6:00 pm Reception 7:00 pm Dinner 8:00 pm Honors Ceremony ~business casual~

Mark Neumann Mark Neumann, a two-time NCAA All-American at University of Oklahoma in the 1970s, has announced his retirement as a teacher and wrestling coach after 39 years, the New Richmond (Wisconsin) News reported Monday. Neumann's career as a wrestler and coach flourished at opposite ends of the country, in both Wisconsin and Oklahoma. Neumann first stepped onto the mat at St. Croix Central High School on the Wisconsin-Minnesota border, where he was a two-time placer at the WIAA (Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association) state wrestling championships. As a junior, Neumann placed third at the 1972 WIAAs; he capped off his senior season with a perfect record and the 182-pound title at the 1973 WIAA state championships. After being recruited by nearly 100 schools, Neumann chose Oklahoma. Wrestling for long-time coach Stan Abel, Neumann earned back-to-back NCAA All-American honors in 1976 and 1977, placing fifth both years at 190 pounds. His performance helped the Sooners win the NCAA national championship in 1974, and finish in the top four at the Nationals in each of his four years on the team. In addition, Neumann was a two-time finalist at the Big 8 conference championships. Upon graduation from college, Neumann was hired to teach and coach wrestling in Guthrie, Okla., where he stayed for 15 years. His Guthrie team earned one state championship and was runner-up once. "We were ranked in the top five in the state most of the last seven or eight years," Neumann told the New Richmond News. The past 24 years, Neumann has served as a classroom instructor (teaching English) and varsity mat coach at New Richmond High School in west-central Wisconsin, not far from his hometown. Among the hundreds of young athletes he coached in nearly a quarter-century: his four sons, who can claim a combined 450 wins in their prep careers. Another reward for Neumann: Seeing how the dedication of his wrestlers in high school has benefitted them in life beyond the sport. "It's such a hard sport," said Neumann. "It teaches you persistence and perseverance. Wrestling is like life. You'd like it to be all sunshine and roses, but not everything turns out the way you want." Is Neumann stepping away from coaching for good? The wrestler/coach whose career spanned the Sooner State and America's Dairyland appears to be leaving the door open. "For my perspective, it would be good to take a year off and evaluate," said the coach whose career spanned nearly four decades. "I have no idea where my life will carry me."

Troy Steiner, head coach of the newly resurrected wrestling program at Fresno State, and pro wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer, will be featured guests on this week's edition of the On the Mat wrestling broadcast on Wednesday, July 13. Prior to being named to head up the Bulldogs wrestling program in May, Troy Steiner had been on the coaching staff at Oregon State for the past ten years. As a wrestler, he was a four-time NCAA All-American at University of Iowa, winning the 142-pound title at the 1992 NCAA championships. Meltzer is the 2016 winner of the Jim Melby Award during the 2016 George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame induction at the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum. On the Mat is a presentation of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum. The show can be heard live on the Internet at 1650thefan.com or locally in Northeast Iowa each Wednesday at 5 p.m. Central on AM 1650, The Fan. A podcast of the show is available on mattalkonline.com.

Hunter Bolen was a FloNationals runner-up (Photo/John Bishop) Two-time state champion Hunter Bolen (Christiansburg, Va.) made his verbal commitment to in-state Virginia Tech on Monday evening. The No. 35 overall recruit in the 2017 class is a two-time state champion after missing the post-season his freshman year due to injury. Bolen ended the 2015-16 season ranked No. 13 overall at 160 pounds, after a season in which he placed eighth in the Super 32 Challenge and runner-up at the FloNationals, both of those events coming at 152 pounds. He projects as a 165 pound wrestler in college.

Lane Dickeson, a redshirt freshman wrestler at Notre Dame College of Ohio last season and two-time Tennessee high school state championships medalist, was killed in a single-vehicle crash Sunday. He was 19. The 2015 Wilson Central High School graduate was at the wheel of his Subaru when he apparently lost control, according to the Tennessee Highway Patrol. The vehicle left the road at approximately 4:30 p.m. Sunday and struck a tree outside Mt. Juliet, Tenn. Lane DickesonDickeson spent the 2015-2016 academic year as a redshirt freshman at NCAA Division II Notre Dame College in suburban Cleveland, but had made plans to transfer closer to home to Middle Tennessee State and wrestle there, according to multiple media reports in Tennessee. As a high school wrestler, Dickeson medaled twice at the TSSAA (Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association) Class AAA state tournament, as runner-up at 126 pounds in 2014, and placing sixth at 138 his senior year. He was a four-time state championships qualifier, a two-time region qualifier, and a three-time AAU All-American. Dickeson finished his prep career at 187 victories, placing him eighth all-time at Wilson Central. "Lane was one of the most successful wrestlers I've coached," WCHS head coach John Kramer told the Wilson Post. "Not just at Wilson Central but throughout my 28-year career. "Lane was part of that group that came up to Wilson Central and put program on the map. He will be greatly missed and remembered forever." Visitation will be at 4-8 p.m. Wednesday at Bond Memorial Chapel, 1098 Weston Drive, Mt. Juliet, and 4-6 p.m. Thursday at Cooks United Methodist Church, 7919 Lebanon Road, Mt. Juliet. Funeral services will be at 6 p.m. Thursday at Cooks United Methodist. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the Wilson Central wrestling program. Members of the Wilson Central wrestling team will serve as pallbearers. In addition, an online memorial fund has been established to help Lane Dickeson's family with funeral expenses. As of Monday evening, approximately $750 of the $10,000 goal had been raised.

Marcus Coleman finished runner-up in the Cadet freestyle competition in Fargo (Photo/John Sachs, Tech-Fall.com)Two-time state champion Marcus Coleman (Ames, Iowa) will be staying very close to home for college, as he verbally committed to Iowa State University on Monday afternoon. The projected 174/184 pound wrestler in college ended the 2015-16 season ranked No. 16 overall nationally at 170 pounds, and is currently ranked No. 42 overall among all Class of 2017 prospects nationally. Coleman joins No. 13 Austin Gomez (Glenbard North, Iowa) as a verbal commit to the Cyclones' 2017 recruiting class. He was also a Cadet National freestyle runner-up last summer, after winning Cadet folkstyle during the spring; and this spring placed fourth in Junior folkstyle.

The same weekend UFC 200 featured top mixed martial arts fighters such as Brock Lesnar, Daniel Cormier and Frankie Edgar in action in the Octagon in Las Vegas, parent organization Ultimate Fighting Championships finalized a deal to sell itself to talent management giant WME-IMG for approximately $4 billion, according to multiple media reports Monday. Backing the deal with WME-IMG -- the product of a merger between William Morris Endeavor (WME) and International Management Group (IMG) -- are the private equity heavyweights Silver Lake, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts, and the investment firm of the billionaire Michael S. Dell, the New York Times reported. There have been rumors of a UFC sale since spring, but the company had denied being available for sale. In fact, UFC president Dana White had said, "We're not for sale," though he conceded, "But let me tell you what. If somebody shows up with $4 billion, we can talk." Just one week ago, White -- along with UFC CEO Lorenzo Fertitta, one of two brothers who formed Zuffa, Inc. which had purchased UFC in 2000 for $2 million -- told the Los Angeles Times, "We own the UFC. We did not sell the UFC." (The deal was signed this past weekend.) White will remain as UFC president and retain a stake in ownership. Long-time UFC owners Lorenzo and Frank Fertitta will remain as minority investors. What does this sale mean to fans who purchase tickets to attend UFC events in person and watch at home thanks to pay-per-view? As WrestlingInc.com asked, "Should fans be concerned?" "Exact opposite. Sport is going to the next level." Lorenzo Fertitta, who is stepping down as CEO, said in a statement: "We're confident that the new ownership team of WME-IMG, with whom we've built a strong relationship over the last several years, is committed to accelerating UFC's global growth. Most importantly, our new owners share the same vision and passion for this organization and its athletes." The UFC sale makes sense to purchaser WME-IMG, as the organization represents a number of top MMA talent such as Ronda Rousey in negotiations for endorsements and movie deals, and the UFC itself. Just last year, WME-IMG purchased the Professional Bull Riders league. That purchase along with today's $4 billion deal for UFC helps propel WME-IMG to become a platform for digital media content, controlling various elements ranging from marketing to talent management to television and digital distribution. UFC has come a long way since the first Ultimate Fighting Championship event in November 1993 in Denver. When the Fertitta brothers purchased the organization in 2000, UFC was dealing with major challenges, including major financial losses, and significant organized opposition from a number of politicians, including Sen. John McCain, a former Navy wrestler who called it "human cockfighting," and former New York governor George Pataki, who had professional MMA banned from his state (a prohibition overturned just this year). In recent years, UFC has extended its reach around the world, and has become not only a financial titan -- with expanding coverage in mainstream and sports media -- but something of a star-making phenomenon, with a number of its athletes making names for themselves in commercial endorsements, TV shows, and movies. What's more, UFC has helped provide new competitive opportunities for former amateur wrestlers from Randy Couture to Daniel Cormier.

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- Purdue head wrestling coach Tony Ersland announced the addition of Jake Sueflohn as a volunteer assistant coach Monday. Sueflohn, who was recruited by Ersland during his time at Nebraska, was a four-time NCAA qualifier and four-time Big Ten Championships placewinner for the Huskers. Sueflohn will play a vital role in the growth and development of the Boilermakers' top-10 incoming class as well as the Boilermaker Regional Training Center. Jake Sueflohn works to finish a single against Kyle Langerderfer of Illinois (Photo/Mark Lundy, Lutte-Lens.com)"Growing the program is what needs to happen and continue to happen," Ersland said. "We've started a strong foundation, created the work ethic and got our guys focused on the right things and we're very excited about that. Jake is a continuation of that growth and development we think needs to happen year in and year out. "Jake is an absolute grinder," Ersland continued. "He is one of the hardest wrestling guys you will find out there; you'd be hard-pressed to find somebody like him. He has the grinder mentality, that great competitive drive when he's out there wrestling and that's a big deal for us. Obviously with our strong class that's coming in and good talent within the program, we need to continue to develop the understanding that it takes a lot of work and a lot of competitive drive to get it done and Jake can show our guys that." During his career at Nebraska, Sueflohn amassed a career record of 109-32 (.773) wrestling all but one season at 149 pounds. He was twice the Huskers' team leader in major decisions, racking up 35 in his career. "As a wrestler, Jake always brought an element of toughness to his wrestling," Ersland said. "He's a hard worker that is tough in his training, very focused in his mindset and very disciplined in his wrestling." Sueflohn qualified for the NCAA Championships at 149 pounds in 2013, 2014 and 2016 after qualifying at 141 as a true freshman in 2012. The Watertown, Wisconsin, native was the 149-pound runner-up at the Big Ten Championships as a junior in 2014 and as a sophomore in 2013. Sueflohn placed three times at the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational, highlighted by a runner-up finish in 2013. That same season he also brought home the Reno Tournament of Champions title at 149 pounds. Sueflohn was honored numerous times for his accomplishments on and off the mat. Sueflohn received the Nebraska Granite Award, which was bestowed for his toughness, the Most Dedicated Award and the Tom Osborne Citizenship Award. For his work in the classroom, Sueflohn earned a spot on the Nebraska Scholar-Athlete Honor Roll four different semesters and was an Academic All-Big Ten selection in 2014. "I have always loved the Big Ten Conference," Sueflohn said. "When Purdue approached me about being the middleweight coach I had to take it. It's a great opportunity to begin my coaching career and it's something I couldn't pass up. I think I bring a lot of grit and a strong work ethic to the team, and along with the other coaches on staff, a lot of experience in the Big Ten." Ersland recruited Sueflohn out of Arrowhead High School where he was a two-time Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association champion while going 100-1 during his final two seasons. Sueflohn tallied a high school record of 188-10 (.950). He also earned All-America honors in 2011 with a third-place finish at 145 pounds at the ASICS/Vaughn Junior Freestyle National Championships. "I've always had a good relationship with Coach Ersland," Sueflohn said. "I've known him six years now and I think him and I see a lot of things eye-to-eye. I think working together will be pretty easy and I'm looking forward to working with him and the rest of the staff. I grew up watching Zach [Tanelli] and Tyrel [Todd] so I think it's awesome that I get to work with these guys now." Sueflohn will receive his Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism, with concentrations in communications, psychology and sociology, from Nebraska in August.

COLLEGE PARK, Md. -- Former two-time All-American and University of Maryland wrestling alumnus Jimmy Sheptock ('14) will join the Terrapin staff this year as an assistant coach as announced by head coach Kerry McCoy Monday. Sheptock returns to his alma mater after a two-year stint at Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pa. “I'm excited to be back at Maryland and help out the program that gave me so much,” said Sheptock. “This is a fantastic opportunity for me and I want to thank Coach McCoy for bringing me back to College Park. I'm ready to get to work and see what the future holds.” Sheptock helped guide the Dragons to their most dual meet victories (10) since the 2008-09 this past year, including a six-match win streak to end the season. The Dragons had six wrestlers reach the podium at the 2016 Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association Championships, the most since joining the conference. Sheptock helped guide two Drexel wrestlers to EIWA titles while seven Dragons qualified for the NCAA Championships under his tutelage. During his time at Drexel, Sheptock was responsible for the squad's day-to-day operations including practice planning, travel arrangements and marketing promotions for the team. “We're thrilled to have Jimmy back here at Maryland as a part of our staff,” said Kerry McCoy. “Jimmy is one of the best wrestlers to ever put on a Terrapin uniform, and will be a great example for our guys. Having coached him I know what kind of energy and focus he brings to the mat everyday, and he's done some big things at Drexel the past two seasons. It's exciting to bring a former Terp like Jimmy on board with our program. I'm looking forward to the season ahead.” Sheptock finished his Maryland career as one of the most accomplished wrestlers in program history as a three-time ACC Champion, three-time NCAA qualifier and two-time All-American at 174 and 184 pounds. The Northhampton, Pa. native amassed a 129-20 all-time record as a Terp, and was a perfect 51-0 in dual matches with 67 total bonus-point victories. Sheptock's 2013-14 season was one of the greatest individual runs in Maryland wrestling history, as he finished 32-1 and as the NCAA finalist, ACC Champion and Midlands Champion. He became the first-ever Maryland wrestler to obtain the No. 1 seed at the NCAA Championships and earn a No. 1 national ranking. Sheptock became just the fourth Terp to finish in the top-two in school history, and the first since Gobel Kline won the national championship in 1969. Sheptock earned his Masters of Sports Management while he was at Drexel and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Communication from Maryland.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Geoffrey Alexander, a four-time NCAA qualifier at the University of Maryland, has joined the Brown University wrestling program as an assistant coach, Brown head coach Todd Beckerman announced on Monday. "Our staff is excited to bring Geoffrey on board and believe that he can make an impact working with our lower weights," Beckerman said. "I coached Geoffrey during my time at Maryland and know that he brings a tremendous work ethic to all that he does on and off the mat." Alexander recorded 100 wins in his career at Maryland, becoming just the fourth wrestler in program history to reach the century mark in career wins. He earned a spot in the NCAA Championships in 2012, 2013, 2015, and 2016. Alexander finished his career with a .690 winning percentage, a 45-15 (.750) mark in dual bouts, and 48 bonus-point victories. "I am truly grateful for this opportunity to coach at Brown University and look forward to working with some of the best and brightest student-athletes in the country," Alexander said. "I have known Coach Beckerman since my days as a high school wrestler, and I know that he expects nothing short of excellence in all aspects of his program." As a redshirt senior, Alexander made his fourth appearance at NCAAs after posting an undefeated 6-0 mark in Big Ten duals. In his redshirt season in 2013-14, he notched a 25-2 record and won four open tournaments. During the Terrapins' time in the Atlantic Coast Conference, Alexander placed twice at the league championship at 133 lbs., coming in second in 2012 and fifth in 2013. He earned All-ACC honors and helped Maryland take home the team title in 2012. Alexander finished a perfect 5-0 in ACC duals as a sophomore. A native of Pittsburgh, Pa., and a product of Shady Side Academy, Alexander gained a degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice from Maryland in 2016.

The first episode of Global Wrestling News for July has plenty of news about US Olympic wrestling as well as developments in high school and collegiate wrestling too. This week's show covers all the bases -- and then some -- with these feature segments: Interviews with the Cadet World Team along with head coach Brandon Slay. Is this our best team ever? Air Force's Dustin Kilgore and Sam Barber. Great hire? Wayne Boyd's "As I See It" NASCAR wrestling match. Do drivers make great wrestlers? And what about that play-by-play commentary? Yianni Diakomihalis and David Carr scrap on Instagram Ryan Taylor injury reactions Freshman Adam Busiello commits to Penn State. Was it too early? Alex Dieringer up for Best Male College Athlete ESPY. Will wrestling fans help him take down the competition? Ben Dermstadt -- Under Armour Wrestler of the Week This half-hour Global Wrestling News broadcast presents the news about all aspects of amateur wrestling, in a fast-paced sports news format featuring Scott Casber and Tony Hager, along with comments and opinions from wrestling aficionado Wayne Eric Boyd, who champions the oldest and greatest sport. Global Wrestling News is a subsidiary of Global Wrestling Championships and owned by Titan Mercury Wrestling Club. This week's show has already been posted at TheMat.com, TMWC1.com, and Takedown Wrestling's website. In addition, it is available on Takedown Wrestling's YouTube channel. What's more, you'll find Global Wrestling News on these cable, satellite and broadcast channels. (All times Central.) Cablevision: Sundays at 4 p.m. Charter Cable: Thursday at 6:30 p.m., Friday 11:30 p.m. and Monday 2:30 p.m. Cox Cable: Sunday 9:30 a.m. Fight Network HD: Sundays at 4:00 p.m. Long Lines Cable: Daily at 5:30 p.m. Mediacom Cable: Sundays at 10:30 a.m. MidCo Sports Network: Saturday 10:00 a.m. and Sunday at 9 a.m. Suddenlink Cable: Check your local listings. Multiple air times.

Former college wrestlers won four and lost two of their bouts at UFC 200 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas Saturday night, with Brock Lesnar, Daniel Cormier, Cain Velasquez and T.J. Dillashaw leaving the Octagon with victories, while Frankie Edgar and Johny Hendricks lost their matches. Brock's back Four-and-a-half years ago, Brock Lesnar suffered a first-round TKO at the hands of Alastair Overeem at UFC 141, making what many assumed to be his last appearance in MMA. Brock LesnarAt UFC 200, the 2000 NCAA heavyweight champ for the University of Minnesota returned to the Octagon with a unanimous decision over Mark Hall. All three judges scored the fight 29-27, helping Lesnar break a two-fight MMA losing streak. "With his performance at UFC 200, Brock Lesnar once again proved he is one of the most special athletes of this generation," wrote Alex Schlinsky for MMAMania.com. "On just five weeks' notice, the former UFC Heavyweight champion took on the legendary striker and top ten contender Mark Hunt, and completely dominated 'The Super Samoan' on the mat." "Lesnar's explosive takedowns and impregnable top control led to a ferocious beating in the first and third rounds, and although the WWE superstar had some cardio issues, his performance was sensational." Sherdog.com reported that Lesnar looked good in the first five minutes, then went on to say, "At the start of the third, Lesnar shot and pulled down Hunt again. Lesnar dominated the round, though he was not dominating. He tried lobbing tired arms into Hunt's face. The crowd began booing as Lesnar stayed on top, occasionally hitting Hunt with rights to the head." "It took me a little while to get acclimated," Lesnar said after the bout. When asked about his next step, he said, "One day at a time." Lesnar, 38, is now 6-3 in his pro MMA career that goes back nine years (but includes nearly a half-decade away from the Octagon); the 42-year-old Hall falls to 12-11-1. Cormier: Still the champ Just two days ago, Daniel Cormier, two-time Olympian and Oklahoma State All-American wrestler, thought he would be defending his UFC Light-Heavyweight title against Jon Jones, former junior college wrestling champ ... until it was revealed that Jones had failed a drug test. Instead, all-time great Anderson Silva stepped into the breach, going the distance with the champ who ultimately won a unanimous three-round decision, with all three judges scoring it 30-26. "In the second round, a cascade of boos fell from the rafters; the sellout crowd apparently forgot that it was watching an exhibition instead of a fight," said Sherdog.com. "Silva showed some spark by flicking a few punches and some kicks, and Cormier smiled and walked through it all as if they were pebbles thrown at him. When Silva appeared as if wanted to make it a real fight in the third round, Cormier simply picked up the Brazilian and dropped him. Silva may have even hurt Cormier with a kick late in the third, but Cormier again quelled the threat by tying up the legend and ending it." In its assessment of the bout, MMAMania.com wrote, "Sure, 'The Spider' lost , but he wasn't savagely beaten down and finished. Silva was there to compete for his fans, for his legacy, and for the UFC." After the match, Cormier said, "Hats off to Anderson. I got him with some good elbows early and landed some hard shots, but he just kept going. It's a dangerous fight anytime you face Anderson." Cormier is now 18-1, while Silva drops to 33-8. Velasquez victorious Cain Velasquez, two-time NCAA All-American wrestler for Arizona State in 2004 and 2005, scored a TKO at 4:57 of the first round of his heavyweight match with Travis Browne. "It was a thoroughly dominating performance by the two-time UFC heavyweight champion," is how Sherdog.com succinctly described the bout. In his review of his less than five-minute performance in the Octagon, Velasquez said, "I'm never happy with what I have. My timing was a little off as far as being able to close the distance. Yeah, it's good to get a win, but I always want to be better. It's about improving on those little things as a fighter. That's just the way I am." The former Sun Devil mat star is now 14-2, while Browne comes out at 18-4-1. Dillashaw does it T.J. Dillashaw avenged an October 2013 defeat to Raphael Assuncao as he cruised to a three-round unanimous decision, 30-27, in their bantamweight bout on the preliminary portion of the card. "Assuncao held his own in the standup exchanges but lacked the speed and skill necessary to deal with the former titleholder's footwork and movement," according to Sherdog.com. Dillashaw picked apart the Brazilian from the outside, integrating kicks to the legs, body and head with two-, three- and four-punch combinations. By the time the second and third rounds arrived, Assuncao was bleeding heavily from the nose and mouth." Dillashaw, a three-time NCAA Division I championships qualifier for Cal State-Fullerton, is now 13-3 overall, while Assuncao drops to 23-5. Rough night for Edgar, Hendricks In a main-card match, Frankie Edgar lost a unanimous decision to Jose Aldo for the UFC interim featherweight title, with two judges scoring it 49-46 and one had it 48-47. Edgar, a four-time NCAA qualifier at Clarion University, was busted up by the end of the fifth and final round, bleeding from both eyes. He now drops to 20-5-1. "I feel really good," Aldo said, now 26-2. "This is one step to getting the belt back. The next time you'll see me as the true champion." In a preliminary welterweight bout, former UFC champ Johny Hendricks came out on the losing end of a unanimous decision vs. Kelvin Gastelum. "Stifling forward pressure and heavy punching combinations carried 'The Ultimate Fighter' 17 winner Kelvin Gastelum to a unanimous verdict," Sherdog.com reported. The judges gave the match to Gastelum 29-28, 30-27, and 30-27. Hendricks, two-time NCAA champ for Oklahoma State in 2005 and 2006, is now 17-6, having lost four of his last six bouts, while Gastelum climbs to 12-2.

Two members of the U.S. Olympic team, Robert Smith, and Andy Bisek -- along with two top college wrestling coaches, Jim Zalesky and Doug Schwab -- are among the guests on this Saturday's Takedown Radio, the broadcast announced Friday. Join hosts Scott Casber, Tony Hager, and Brad Johnson this Saturday from 9-11 a.m. live on KXNO.com, IHeartRadio.com and TakedownWrestle.com. Fans, athletes and coaches are invited to participate by calling 866-333-5966 or 515-284-5966. This week's guests include (all times Central): 9:00 a.m.: Robby Smith, U.S. Olympic Greco-Roman Team Member, 130 kilograms/286 pounds 9:20 a.m.: Andy Bisek, U.S. Olympic Greco-Roman Team Member, 75 kilograms/165 pounds 9:35 a.m.: Gene Zanetti, founder of Wrestling Mindset 10:00 a.m.: Gable Steveson, Cadet World Team Member, 100 kilograms/220 pounds 10:15 a.m.: Jim Zalesky, Oregon State University head wrestling coach 10:35 a.m.: Doug Schwab, University of Northern Iowa head coach

Men's wrestling will now join the roster of sports sponsored by the Great Lakes Valley Conference starting with the 2016-17 season, with member wrestling programs vying for a first-ever conference title in the sport next February, the GLVC announced Thursday. Wrestling becomes the 21st intercollegiate sport to be sponsored by the GLVC, which is composed of NCAA Division II schools primarily located in the central U.S. The push to add wrestling to the GLVC's roster of sponsored sports had gained momentum in the past year, with Drury University's announcement in November it would add wrestling for the 2016-17 school year… then, last month, Bellarmine University's move to absorb the former Saint Catharine College mat program which had been competing in the NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics), effective this fall. With the new programs at Drury and Bellarmine, there are now seven schools in the GLVC now offering wrestling, exceeding the minimum six programs required by the NCAA for a conference to sponsor a sport, and conduct a conference championship. In addition to the two new mat programs, other GLVC schools that will be competing for the inaugural GLVC conference title include University of Indianapolis, Maryville University, McKendree University, Truman State University and the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. The 2016-17 schedule will be announced at a later date. GLVC competition is expected to take place over a three-week period in January and February. The GLVC team title winner shall be decided upon by winning percentage of league matches only; there will not be a postseason tournament. "The Great Lakes Valley Conference is pleased to expand our sports sponsorship with the addition of men's wrestling for the upcoming 2016-17 academic year," said GLVC Commissioner Jim Naumovich. "We are excited to provide the wrestling student-athletes in the league the opportunity to compete for a GLVC Championship and provide a conference home for the seven institutions that sponsor the sport." Wrestling programs that are now part of the GLVC have performed well on the mat in the past. At the 2016 NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships, Maryville paced conference members with a fifth-place finish, followed by UW-Parkside and McKendree in seventh and eighth, respectively, while Indianapolis placed 13th. Additionally, GLVC wrestlers claimed two of the 10 individual titles at the 2016 NCAAs: McKendree sophomore Darren Wynn, 141-pound champ, and UW-Parkside redshirt sophomore Nick Becker, 174-pound title winner. Founded in 1978, the Great Lakes Valley Conference consists of sixteen member schools located in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri and Wisconsin. Conference headquarters are located in Indianapolis.