InterMat Staff

Victoria Francis (Photo/T.R. Foley)ZAGREB, Croatia -- Victoria Francis (Litchfield, Ill./Titan Mercury WC/Lindenwood) finished a strong day with a bronze-medal win at 72 kilos/158.5 pounds on the final day of women’s freestyle at the FILA Junior World Championships on Friday. Francis scored an impressive 16-6 technical fall in the bronze-medal bout over Francy Radelt of Germany, giving Team USA its third bronze medal of the women's tournament. Francis was very effective with her counter defense, stopping Radelt's double leg attacks and spinning behind for multiple takedowns. Radelt scored one four-point double leg to tighten up the match in the first period, but Francis continued her effective wrestling, reaching the 10-point lead as time ran out. Read full story ... U.S. Women's freestyle performance on Friday 48 kilos/105.5 pounds -- Cody Pfau, Brush, Colo. (OKCU Gator RTC), dnp/21st LOSS Milana Dadisheva (Russia), pin 0:36 55 kilos/121 pounds -- Becka Leathers, Choctaw, Okla. (Choctaw WC), 8th WIN Anastassia Krasanova (Estonia), pin 2:32 LOSS Tetyana Kit (Ukraine), 4-4 LOSS Amber Maschke (Canada), pin 0:41 63 kilos/138.75 pounds -- Alexis Porter, Ballston Lake, N.Y. (New York AC), dnp/12th WIN Signe Fidje (Norway), 6-2 LOSS Burneebaatar Nyamgerel (Mongolia), 2-7 72 kilos/158.5 pounds -- Victoria Francis, Litchfield, Ill. (Titan Mercury WC/Lindenwood), 3rd WIN Pooja (India), pin 0:39 LOSS Anzhela Kataeva (Russia), 2-9 WIN Gracelynn Doogan (Canada), 9-1 WIN Francy Radelt (Germany), tech. fall 16-6

The UFC did wrestling a favor this week when it watched as its most profitable figure engaged in fisticuffs with an opponent. There is plenty of blame to be dispersed to both Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier for their on-stage antics, but the real gift was that MMA showed once again that spectacle and promotion does not make a sport. Wrestling has long been intrigued by the popularity and profitability of MMA. There have been attempts to make weigh-ins more dramatic and hype the clash of likely opponents. Often these promotional stunts barely increase the attendance, or large-scale media acceptance of wrestling events. More often it's an oddity that distracts. The simple truth is that wrestling is a sport, not a promotional spectacle. International sport can make money, but there are certain restrictions that must always be in place to ensure fair play and equity. Often those don't mesh with pre-fight brawls in casino hotel lobbies. Go Cormier! To your questions ... Q: How do you think Matt Lindland does as the USA Greco-Roman coach? -- Dan A. Foley: There was a nice article on Coach Lindland and where he sees his value as a coach. There is some appeal in having an athlete who has been exposed to various forms of martial arts while still having been successful in what they coach. Greco-Roman success won't be immediate. The international community loves the sport and while we have some of the better athletes, we are deficient in training and competition schedules. These guys are good because they wrestle more matches against top competition. Though it would be great to see some of the top freestylers migrate to Greco-Roman, that change will need to occur well before they enter their 20s. The competition has only practiced this one style their whole life, and our team (who is better than most give them credit) would launch for five many of the names being floated as possible Greco-Roman converts. Q: Did you see the article on the rise of women's wrestling? That's good press for the sport. -- Susan A. Foley: The article does a great job of reminding wrestling fans how far removed most media consumers are from understanding the growth of our sport. Marina Doi won a Junior World bronze (Photo/T.R. Foley)Female wrestling is incredible. Whether it's Marina Doi, who won a bronze medal at the Junior World Championships, or Helen Maroulis whose become the face of the sport in the USA, women's wrestling is experiencing more success and popularity in America. However that popularity isn't translating into positive PR for the sport. Women deserve a shot, but to get to the next level the sport needs advocates motivated by their love for wrestling to take the forefront. We need ambassadors in every city and every state. We need individuals who see that the sport of wrestling (not just men's) can benefit from having gender equity -- that these women don't just have a value as mat stars, but are competent, brilliant and courageous competitors. If you don't like women's wrestling, that's your choice, but if your put down the prejudice and head over to FILA-Wrestling.com today at noon ET, I think you'll find that the sport can be every bit as exciting and complex as the men's side. Multimedia Halftime Metamorsis Preview Link: Kiki Kelley: The only woman to go in Iran's wrestling arena Q: Could you please make mention of these young men in your mailbag who died this past weekend in Epworth, Iowa following a parade where they participated on the high school wrestling float. One of the young wrestlers killed, Mitchell Kluesner, was the nephew of my co-worker. Three of the four young men were on the Western Dubuque High School wrestling team and all four were good kids in school and the community. I am sure the wrestling community would like to hold these families in their thoughts and prayers as they mourn the loss of their sons, grandsons, brothers, nephews, and cousins. -- Tom G. Foley: Thank you for taking the time to eulogize these young men. Bringing their passing to the attention of the entire wrestling community is an opportunity for us all to reflect on the loss of these families and grow appreciation for how fortunate we are to be healthy and happy. Like many in the wrestling community, I saw this story posted on Facebook and my heart was crushed in thinking of the loss of these parents and the surrounding community. Life is filled with the promise of tomorrow and a better outcome, but young life has more chances built in and a story yet to be written. To lose these young men on the precipice of life that may include first loves, children and self-exploration seems cruel. It is cruel. We are taught to love our neighbors and for wrestlers that extends to everyone who has shared in the turmoil. To a person, the tight knit wrestling community might not have individually known these young men, but their struggle on their mats and hopes for a bright future was a common connection by which all wrestlers can relate. Their early deaths are a reminder of the fragility of life and how much we should respect each day. I will keep these boys and their families in my thoughts. I also trust that our entire community will do the same. Thank you again for writing and I wish the best to their family and everyone at Western Dubuque High School during this time of need. Comment of the Week By Mark B. I wanted to commend you for your stance on youth wrestling. I have a 3-year-old son and I am torn on getting him involved in wrestling ... largely because of the broken system of youth wrestling that is in place. Too much, too early. I do not see much middle ground. This pains me because I love wrestling and am an avid fan. I wrestled though college at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. It put me in the company of great men who guided me through my youth. It has molded me to be the father and husband I am today. That being said I do not want my son to be involved in the current youth wrestling culture. In my opinion the cost now outweighs the benefits. I am 40 and have been involved with wrestling since I was a 10. I have seen my share of overzealous and outright crazy fathers. I have countless horror stories of kids whose fathers wrestled them non-stop. Their lives revolved around wrestling. They lived in a wrestling prison. Three tournaments a weekend, cutting weight, traveling all over the country and traveling hours just to attend a certain club. I have yet to see this end well for the young men. Fathers sacrificed their sons' youth, personal development and innocence to satisfy their egos and/or to fulfill a void in accomplish from their own wrestling careers. All for accolades and trophies that will mean very little when they reach adulthood. In large most of the kids that I know that wrestled non-stop as kids are low functioning adults. Crime, and substance abuse stain many of their lives. They struggle through adulthood. Their identity wrapped up in an activity that carries very little value in the adult world. It's tragic. How different would their lives turned out if they had more balance? The way things are now is insane and it needs to stop. Wrestling should be a tool that teaches kids skills and tools that will help them be successful in the important aspects of life. An extracurricular activity. Not the center of a kid's universe. If my kid wrestles I will start my own club and do things my way. Low pressure, little competition, based in skill and personal development. He might not end up being a championship wrestler but he will end up being a championship human being.

ZAGREB, Croatia -- The United States came home with a pair of bronze medalists on the first day of women's freestyle at the FILA Junior World Championships on Thursday. Kayla Miracle (Photo/T.R. Foley)Capturing bronze medals with big pins in the evening session were Marina Doi, Kingsburg, Calif. (Titan Mercury WC) at 44 kilos/97 pounds and Kayla Miracle (Campbellsville, Ky./Sunkist Kids) at 59 kilos/130 pounds. Both athletes won their first FILA Junior World medals, after a successful career on the FILA Cadet level. Doi won three Cadet World medals, including a Cadet World title, while Miracle was a Cadet World silver medalist. Doi broke open a close match against Weronika Sikora of Poland in the bronze-medal bout, with Sikora having a decided height advantage. Doi battled for a second-period takedown that she converted into a cradle, and pressed for a fall at 4:21. Read full story ... U.S. Women's Freestyle performances on Thursday 44 kilos/97 pounds -- Marina Doi, Kingsburg, Calif. (Titan Mercury WC), 3rd LOSS Haruka Uchijo (Japan), tech. fall 0-11, 5:25 WIN Mariya Georgiyeva (Ukraine), 6-6 WIN Weronika Sikora (Poland), pin 4:21 51 kilos/112.25 pounds -- Amy Fearnside, Morgan Hill, Calif. (Titan Mercury WC/Jamestown), dnp/12th LOSS Lilya Horishna (Ukraine), 5-8 59 kilos/130 pounds -- Kayla Miracle, Campbellsville, Ky. (Sunkist Kids), 3rd WIN Bayhan Derya (Turkey), pin 1:46 WIN Madina Bagbergenova (Kazakhstan), pin 2:14 LOSS Luisa Niemesch (Germany), 3-4 WIN Patrizia Liuzzi (Italy), pin 5:44 WIN Kriszta Tunde (Romania), pin , 4:30 67 kilos/147.5 pounds -- Kayla Aggio, Rohnert Park, Calif. (OKCU Gator RTC), dnp/15th LOSS Martina Kueuz (Austria), 3-4

Without much MMA on the docket this weekend, Richard and John break down the rather overpriced Metamoris grappling card going down on Saturday, featuring BJJ specialists Saulo Ribeiro and Andre Galvao and accomplished fighters such as Chael Sonnen and Josh Barnett. But seriously, $300 for front row seats? And $20 to stream the pay per view? OK then. On top of that, this show previews the World Series of Fighting card and discusses the Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier brawl. Do you want to listen to a past episode? Access archives.

ZAGREB, Croatia -- Sophomore Adam Coon (Fowlerville, Mich./Fowlerville HS) of the University of Michigan wrestling team posted a 4-1 record, including three falls, en route to a 120kg/264-pound Greco-Roman bronze medal at the FILA Junior World Championships on Wednesday (Aug. 6) at the Dom Sportova Sport Hall. Adam Coon (Photo/T.R. Foley)Coon pinned Japan's Arata Sonoda in his medal match, countering a throw attempt to catch Sonoda in a seat-beat scramble before throwing in a half and turning him over at the 0:45 mark. It was Coon's second world medal, adding to his 2011 FILA Cadet World Freestyle gold; he competed in the 2011 Cadet World Greco competition. "It has been a pretty good day," said Coon. "I had some ups and downs with it. I got caught in a few positions I didn't like, and got beat up by the Russian in the semifinals. It is just the mentality that you never give up. Until that final whistle, you don't give up. That was my mentality for each match. In my final match here, I went out the best as I could. I got into a position where I thought I could get the fall, so I worked extremely hard to get that fall." Coon also pinned in the first round and quarterfinals, using a late hip toss to complete a dominant effort against Hungary's Adam Mertse in the latter match. Coon was up five points at the time of the fall after scoring on a quick pushout and two takedowns. He rallied to defeat Korea's Seungchan Lee, 8-5, in the second round, fighting off his back for nearly a minute after an early Lee four-point throw to storm back with a pair of four-point throws of his own. Down a point midway through the second period, he scored on a bodylock trip on the edge to ice the comeback win. His lone blemish of the tournament came in the semifinal round, where he dropped a quick 8-0 technical fall to two-time FILA Junior World champion Sergey Semenov of Russia. Semenov, who earned a 3-1 decision in the championship match, jumped on Coon immediately, hitting an early four-point and adding a pair of gut wrenches to end the bout just 29 seconds in. Coon gave Team USA its only medal of the Greco-Roman competition. He will return for freestyle action on Sunday (Aug. 10). He is one of only two athletes in the entire FILA Junior World tournament competing in both styles. Complete Results: First Round - pinned Stepan David (Czech Republic), 0:45 Second Round - dec. Seungchan Lee (Korea), 8-05 Quarterfinals - pinned Adam Mertse (Hungary), 5:10 Semifinals - tech. fall by Sergey Semenov (Russia), 8-0 Bronze Match - pinned Arata Sonoda (Japan), 0:45 Finished in third place with 4-1 record

The summer wrestling period had three major events -- AAU Scholastic Duals at Disney, Junior National Duals, and Cadet and Junior National Championships that were just held in Fargo, North Dakota -- in which large numbers of nationally ranked wrestlers were participants. These grade rankings of early August "react" and "reflect" what has happened in these tournaments, as well as other events in the period. The number No. 1-ranked wrestlers remain unchanged in the senior, junior, sophomore and freshman rankings. Anthony Valencia (St. John Bosco, Calif.) is the nation's top prospect in the senior class, and will be competing in Croatia this week at the FILA Junior World Championships. Mark Hall (Apple Valley, Minn.), who won a FILA Cadet freestyle world title in July, stays atop the junior rankings. Fellow FILA Cadet freestyle World champion Spencer Lee (Franklin Regional, Pa.) anchors the sophomore class rankings. Lastly, the freshman class anchor remains FILA Cadet World Championships participant Cade Olivas (St. John Bosco, Calif.). Two wrestlers moved up 20-plus spots into the top 30 for the senior rankings: Josh Maruca (Franklin Regional, Pa.), third in Junior freestyle at 145 pounds and the Outstanding Wrestler at the Disney Duals; and Chaz Tucker (Blair Academy, N.J.), Junior freestyle runner-up at 126 pounds. In the sophomore rankings, a pair of wrestlers moved up 20-plus spots into the top 20: Cadet National double runner-up Kamal Bey (Oak Park River Forest, Ill.) and Junior freestyle 126 pound champion Mitchell McKee (St. Michael-Albertville, Minn.). InterMat Platinum is required to view all the rankings. InterMat ranks the top 100 seniors, top 50 juniors, top 50 sophomores, top 25 freshmen, and top 15 junior high wrestlers. Sneak Peek Senior: 1. Anthony Valencia (St. John Bosco, Calif.) 2. Logan Massa (St. Johns, Mich.) 3. Myles Martin (McDonogh, Md.) 4. Ke-Shawn Hayes (Park Hill, Mo.) 5. Zahid Valencia (St. John Bosco, Calif.) 6. Fox Baldwin (Osceola, Fla.) 7. Matthew Kolodzik (Blair Academy, N.J.) 8. Vincenzo Joseph (Pittsburgh Central Catholic, Pa.) 9. Nick Piccininni (Ward Melville, N.Y.) 10. Bobby Steveson (Apple Valley, Minn.) Junior: 1. Mark Hall (Apple Valley, Minn.) 2. Mason Manville (Blair Academy, N.J.) 3. Luke Pletcher (Greater Latrobe, Pa.) 4. Nick Suriano (Bergen Catholic, N.J.) 5. Jordan Wood (Boyertown, Pa.) Sophomore: 1. Spencer Lee (Franklin Regional, Pa.) 2. Nick Lee (Evansville Mater Dei, Ind.) 3. Brady Berge (Kasson-Mantorville, Minn.) 4. Daton Fix (Sand Springs, Okla.) 5. Yianni Diakomihalis (Hilton, N.Y.) Freshman: 1. Cade Olivas (St. John Bosco, Calif.) 2. Ryan Thomas (St. Paris Graham, Ohio) 3. Gavin Teasdale (Jefferson-Morgan, Pa.) 4. Gable Steveson (Apple Valley, Minn.) 5. Rocky Jordan (St. Paris Graham, Ohio) Junior High: 1. Josh McKenzie (New Jersey) 2. Theorius Robison (Colorado) 3. Nick Raimo (New Jersey) 4. Cohlton Shultz (Colorado) 5. Adam Busiello (New York)

Takedown Wrestling Media presented by 04 Water/Blue 04 "The Evolution in Hydration" announced that they've reached an expanded distribution agreement with Time Warner SportsChannel. Under the terms of the agreement Time Warner SportsChannel will expand distribution of Takedown Wrestling and USA Wrestling Weekly to promote and grow the sport of wrestling on Ch. 323 in New York City, the Hudson Valley and both North and South Carolina. The distribution agreement between Takedown Wrestling Media and Time Warner SportsChannel is both important and strategic. Effective immediately both USA Wrestling Weekly and Takedown Wrestling Weekly News Programs will be available to the expanded audience. These additions increase the total number of homes receiving the wrestling news programs to 55 million homes first run 52 weeks per year. "Takedown Wrestling Media is excited to grow our partnership with Time Warner SportsChannel to keep fans up to date on the world of wrestling. College and International styles alike will benefit from the wide and growing distribution of Time Warner SportsChannel," said Scott Casber, Founder of Takedown Wrestling Media. Casber's views were mirrored by Time Warner Cable Sports Sr. Director and General Manager Steve Arvan, who said, "We believe that the time is right to expand our wrestling news coverage. We see the sport of wrestling as being under-reported nationally and feel that by teaming with Takedown Media and USA Wrestling Weekly we can give Time Warner SportsChannel's grappling fans access to the finest worldwide wrestling coverage available." USA Wrestling's President James Ravanack added "that the increased coverage of USA wrestling events and its athletes will serve to continue wrestling's growth especially in the south eastern United States. We're confident that wrestling's growth in the US and around the world will benefit from the increased coverage and expanded distribution from our relationship with Time Warner SportsChannel " The distribution agreement between Takedown Wrestling Media and Time Warner SportsChannel continues and grows the original 2 year old distribution between the two companies. Time Warner SportsChannel and Takedown Wrestling Media will add additional markets in the coming months. The agreement is part of Takedown Wrestling Media's strategy to create a network of news outlets covering, promoting and growing all disciplines of the growing sport. About Takedown Wrestling Media Takedown Wrestling Media started 17 year ago as a single one-hour radio program broadcast from Clear Channel's KXNO studios in Des Moines. TDR pioneered Internet distribution of its weekly audio format and coverage of live events and specials. TDR TV was born as an addition to the radio program, initially available only on the Internet, the program is now available on a variety of different web sites, DirecTV, Dish Network and cable systems in the US. More information can be found at: Takedownradio.com About USA Wresting Weekly USA Wrestling Weekly was started in 2011 as a way to self promote the efforts of our US Wrestlers on the international level. Starting with Internet distribution, USAWW has been successful in growing its programming base with cable affiliates around the country. Host Scott Casber, well-known throughout the sports community, speaks to wrestling groups and promotes the sport wherever he can. More information can be found online at USA Wrestling's TheMat.com About Time Warner SportsChannel Time Warner Sports connects people and businesses with information, entertainment and each other. That's why we bring you the latest innovations for your home-from high-definition television, to Enhanced TV features, to high-speed data and Digital Phone services. We also believe in the power of community, which we show through our signature education programs, countless hours of volunteerism and by contributing cash and in-kind support to benefit the communities where we operate.

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. -- Former NCAA champion and current U.S. National Team member Keith Gavin has been hired as an assistant coach for the Virginia wrestling program, as announced Wednesday by UVa head coach Steve Garland. “We are thrilled to welcome Keith Gavin as an assistant coach,” Garland said. “Not only was Keith an NCAA champion, and thus has a very high level of wrestling knowledge himself, he also has been mentored by some of the best coaches in the nation. He has traveled the world learning and wrestling, and I am excited to have our kids now learning from him.” A two-time All-American while wrestling at the University of Pittsburgh, Gavin has extensive international experience and currently is a member of the U.S. National Freestyle Wrestling Team, where he is ranked No. 1 nationally at 86 kilograms (185 pounds). “I am very grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the Virginia wrestling program,” Gavin said. “Coach Garland and his staff have done a great job building this program, and I look forward to doing everything I can to contribute to future success at UVa.” Gavin wrestled from 2003-08 at Pittsburgh, earning All-America honors in 2007 and 2008. He was the NCAA champion at 174 pounds during an undefeated campaign in 2008 (27-0 record) and was the national runner-up in 2007. He finished his career with a 120-37 record. Gavin is a member of the Eastern Wrestling League Hall of Fame and was the EWL Wrestler of the Year in 2007 and 2008. Gavin has wrestled internationally since graduating from Pitt in 2008 and has been part of the U.S. national team for each of the last five years. He placed third at the 2012 U.S. Olympic Trials and then won U.S. national championships in 2013 and 2014. He also competed for the United States at the 2013 World Championships in Budapest, Hungary. Gavin was the runner-up at the 2010 and 2014 U.S. World Team Trials and placed third at the 2011 World Team Trials. He also was the runner-up at the 2011 Pan-American Championships. Since February 2012, Gavin has trained at the Ohio Regional Training Center in Columbus, Ohio, while working toward the world championships and Olympics. He trained at the Lehigh Valley Athletic Club in Bethlehem, Pa., from 2009-12. After earning a bachelor's degree in philosophy in 2008 from Pitt, Gavin remained at his alma mater from April 2008 to August 2009 as an assistant coach, working directly with the middle to upper weight classes. Gavin and his wife, Carrie Foster Gavin, recently welcomed their first child, Nora.

RIVERSIDE, Calif. -- California Baptist University wrestling expanded Monday with the announcement that Andrew Nicola was joining the staff of Lancers head coach Lennie Zalesky. Nicola comes to CBU after assistant coaching jobs at Cumberland University and at the University of Central Missouri. He also held coaching jobs at a pair of Indiana high schools – Bloomington South and Culver Academies. “Andrew is very good in the areas we are looking to improve,” said Zalesky, who now has two assistant coaches in Nicola and Arsen Aleksanyan. “He is well connected to the national wrestling community and has a very good understanding of the things we need to do to bring our team up another level.” It is a task Nicola is excited to take on at CBU. "I am very excited to work with Coach Zalesky and Coach Aleksanyan,” Nicola said. “These two coaches have a wealth of knowledge and are proven winners. I have so much to learn about the sport and about coaching, and I am confident that these are the two that I want mentoring me. They lead by example in every facet of their lives. I am eager to help bring CBU wrestling to national prominence." Cumberland posted a number of program-best performances over the last two years with Nicola on board. He was responsible for running practices, teaching technique and handling recruiting for the Bulldogs, as well as arranging travel and assisting with scheduling. He also handled ordering gear for the squad, monitoring student-athlete grades and class attendance, along with organizing community service and support activities for the team. The Bulldogs enjoyed their highest-ever finishes at the NAIA Championships (sixth), National Wrestling Coaches Association National Duals (third) and NWCA Academic All-American Team standings (fourth) in 2013-14. They also had six wrestlers earn All-American honors after the program had just 11 in its previous 16 seasons, with a NAIA National Champion and runner up. Nicola also holds coaching experience at the international level as a USA Wrestling Silver Certified coach, serving on the Indiana National Team coaching staff over the last 12 years. He was a Team USA Senior World Team Coaching Ambassador in 2013, traveling to Budapest, Hungary for the World Championships. In 2012, Nicola was named the 2012 Indiana Cadet/Junior Coach of the Year "[President] Dr. Ronald Ellis, [Vice President] Kent Dacus and [Director of Athletics] Dr. Micah Parker have blessed me with a great opportunity to join the CBU family,” Nicola said. “The school is growing and is very invested in the athletic programs. The school support and community support are second to none, and this will -- without a doubt -- be a great place for me." Nicola is a Fort Wayne, Ind. native, where his family and two brothers – Adam and Daniel – still reside. He is currently working on completing his second master’s degree in education from Cumberland, which is scheduled to be completed in December. He earned his first master’s degree in athletic and sport business administration in 2012 from Central Missouri. In 2008, he finished his bachelor’s degree in biology from Indiana.

ARKADELPHIA, Ark. -- Chris Chionuma, a three-time All-American wrestler, has been named interim head coach of Ouachita Baptist University wrestling, according to Athletic Director David Sharp. Chris ChionumaChionuma, who has served the past year as a wrestling team graduate assistant at Ouachita, succeeds Kevin Ward who was named wrestling head coach Aug. 1 at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. “We’re excited to have Chris Chionuma during this interim time to continue the wresting tradition here at Ouachita,” Sharp said. “The fact that Chris has assisted with our program for the past year will help us maintain and build on Ouachita’s outstanding wrestling program.” “I am honored to continue the tradition that Coach Ward has built here at Ouachita,” Chionuma said. Noting that the Ouachita Tiger wrestling team has “an outstanding senior class,” he added, “Our goal is to bring back another trophy accompanied by OBU’s first national champion in this upcoming season.” Chionuma holds a Bachelor of Science in Education degree from Oklahoma State University. While wrestling at Oklahoma State his senior year, he was the Big XII wrestling champion in his weight class. He previously wrestled at Lindenwood University where he was an NAIA national champion and a three-time All-American. While in college, Chionuma’s other honors included being named an Academic All-American and serving as wrestling team captain at both OSU and Lindenwood. He also has served as an Athletes in Action assistant coach in Mongolia. He is pursuing a master’s degree in sports administration. Ouachita’s wrestling program, established in 2010, has had 10 All-Americans and two national runner-ups in just four seasons of competition. The Tigers finished fourth nationally in 2014 and gained a program-record five All-Americans. Ouachita wrestling has finished in the top 15 in the nation each of the past three seasons.

Every summer in the third week of July there is a national tournament that hardly anyone watches in person. It's hard to get to and is held in a cavernous building that somehow is called a dome. It might be the least fan-friendly place to watch wrestling anywhere. But if you happen to be a coach or a member of the media, it is arguably the single most thrilling event in amateur wrestling. If you're lucky enough to get on the floor of the FARGODOME during the ASICS/Vaughan Junior & Cadet National Championships, you will never want to settle for a patron's seat. I know, I've done both. If you have ever wrestled in this event (especially the Junior division), you have officially entered the three most brutal days of staged competition. If you place in the top eight, you are one of the elite in the nation. Frankly, there should be a penalty to a wrestler's national ranking if he chooses to skip Fargo. The risk to reward is too high and the penalty for skipping is none. For the last three Fargo tournaments I have picked a well-known national wrestler and asked if I could follow him through the three days of competition. The first year I traveled along with current Minnesota Gopher wrestler Brandon Kingsley, who finished fourth. The following year I chose current Gopher wrestler Jake Short, who finished third. Last summer I trailed incoming Gopher freshman Tommy Thorn, who failed to place. Each was a slight favorite to win the title and I have since developed a reputation as a bad luck charm. T-shirts were made honoring the late Jim Short, a Minnesota wrestling legend (Photo/David Peterson)This came my way by none other than the grandmother of Minnesota wrestling, Pat Short. This year she cornered me and asked whose tournament I'm going to ruin this year. I told her Fredy Stroker from Iowa. She seemed pleased with the answer, had a tear in her eye and kept moving. Pat Short has been attending this event for many decades but this is the first year she was without her husband Jim. He passed away a few months ago and there were many Minnesota coaches wearing shirts honoring the late great Jim Short. Fredy and I met up Thursday morning as the small guys were on the mat. He had a smile as wide as a river and looked fresh. I was a little skeptical. Two nights earlier he was involved in a serious accident that totaled his dad's car. Fredy's mom Anabel begged him to stay home and forget about Fargo. Also, this was Fredy's first live competition since the Iowa state tournament where it was determined he wrestled the entire event with a torn MCL. I also happen to know every big-time wrestling coach in America wants him at his college. In the past two weeks he has hosted several head coaches in his parents' living room that have recently won national titles. I couldn't help but wonder if the pressure was going to be too much. Finally, he is wrestling one weight class higher (145) than he planned. He simply did not want to cut weight for this event Day 1: Thursday, July 24, 2014 Match No. 1: Fredy Stroker (Iowa) vs. Kaleb Winebarger (Oregon) This is an opponent that Fredy knows nothing about. Kaleb is a two-time state placewinner in Oregon and last season was a runner up. This is a mismatch from the beginning and Stroker walks away with an easy 10-0 technical fall. Fredy barely breaks a sweat and is happy to be off with an easy start. Since this tournament no longer uses the pairing style and has moved to traditional bracketing, it has almost guaranteed the top wrestlers will be separated. In the past it was common for crazy tough matchups to happen right away. Also, once you lose here, there is no chance to wrestle in the finals. Many people favor this and many longed for the way it's always been. One thing is clear: this new form of bracketing is here to stay. The only question many people had on the opening day is, "Will Friday night be as exciting as it has always been?" Fredy Stroker (Photo/Jeff Beshey, The Guillotine)Match No. 2: Fredy Stroker (Iowa) vs. Chase Lemons (Idaho) This is the second straight match with an unknown opponent. Lemons is more recognizable in Idaho and recently finished as a runner-up in the state tournament. Fredy gets an early takedown for a 2-0 lead. As the first period rolls on, Lemons is becoming more confident and has found a way to slow Fredy down. The period ends 2-0. As the second period begins, it's clear Lemons smells victory and gets in deep on a few takedowns. Stroker has to work hard to fend off being pushed out of bounds. Clearly Stroker is hanging on to his lead and the momentum is on Lemons' side. The last 30 seconds of the period ends with a few nice scrambles, but Fredy hangs on for a close 2-0 win. He walks off the mat with a sigh of relief and another smile. He knows this thing is going to be rough. Fredy Stroker is an Army brat and has moved several times. He considers Pennsylvania his home state and has several friends in this weight class. They are not only his friends; he has wrestled with these guys throughout his youth wrestling career. Each of them at one time or another has been ranked near the top of the national rankings. Right now that spot belongs to Fredy. The Stroker family moved to Bettendorf, Iowa, three years ago just in time for Fredy to enter high school. He is currently a two-time state champion and is on track to break most of the Bulldogs' long-standing records. He is coached by Iowa wrestling legend Dan Knight, who is one of Iowa's four-time state champions. Match No. 3: Fredy Stroker (Iowa) vs. Rocco Russo (New York) Once again Fredy knows nothing about this opponent. He's damn good. He has a high school record of 237-33 and is a multiple-time state placer. He has committed to Buffalo. This match gets off to a quick start. Fredy gets an early takedown followed by a two-point tilt. He follows this with another takedown and the period ends 6-0. This match will be over halfway through the second period with Fredy picking up the fall. Later I ask him why this match seemed so much easier. "I wasn't mentally ready for my second match," said Fredy. "I came into this one warmed up and ready to go." I asked if he felt like he was ready to make a deep run. He smiled and said, "I am!" Last fall Fredy skipped his usual preseason events and only entered Flo's "Who's Number 1?" This inaugural event in Pennsylvania featured four of the nation's top 132-pounders. Fredy surprised most of his critics by defeating multiple-time Fargo champion Seth Gross in his first match and then took out his friend Michael Kemerer in the finals. He spent the season ranked No. 1 by some publications and ran the table to the state championship. Many people have asked if he deserved that ranking, and this weekend in Fargo provides an opportunity for Stroker to silence the doubters. Day 2: Friday, July 25, 2014 Match No. 4 (Round of 16): Fredy Stroker (Iowa) vs. Zac Carson (Ohio) There will be nothing easy today. Anyone still alive without a loss today is a very good wrestler and the chances to win by large margins are small. In the old pairing system mentioned earlier, this day (Cadet finals are in the middle of the day) used to be considered the toughest day of wrestling anywhere. I'm excited to see if it holds up. Carson is another unknown opponent nationally, but certainly is known in Ohio circles. Two years ago he was a runner-up to four-time state champion Dean Heil, and was a bronze medal winner last year. He was also a placer at FloNationals. Steve Elwood (right) and Lance Hughes take in the action from the elevated mat in Fargo (Photo/David Peterson)As Fredy is warming up, he mentions he has never wrestled on the championship stage. "I have never had any match up there," said Fredy. "I hope my first time is in the finals tomorrow." I ask him where this next match is and he doesn't know. We part and a few minutes later I read on the screen "Mat 1: Stroker vs. Carson." This is the championship stage. As the match gets underway, neither wrestler can gain an advantage. A minute goes by without any scoring. Carson tries a few leg attacks that are blocked easily by Stroker and then Fredy receives a passivity warning. He is told he has 30 seconds to score, or a point will go to his opponent. Within 10 seconds Stroker has Carson's leg in the air and brings him to the mat for a 2-0 lead. The period ends with that score and another look of relief is on Stroker's face as he comes to the corner to cool down. Forty seconds into the second period Fredy gets an easy takedown to build the lead to 4-0. He is now doing a little shuffle with his feet and daring Carson to come in on him. Carson takes him up on this offer and picks up a nice two points of his own. The last minute of the match is pure excitement as Carson tries everything he can to even the score as Fredy circles and tries to fend him off. The match ends 4-2 Stroker. Fredy is not happy with his performance here and is frustrated he isn't scoring more points. "I should have run away with that win. It should never have been that close." Every wrestler thinks his weight class is the tournament's toughest. The experts agree that 120, 126, 145 and 195 pounds are probably the deepest. Entering the weekend, most thought the top competitors at 145 pounds were Isaiah White, Fredy Stroker, Michael Kemerer, Josh Maruca, Vincenzo Joseph, Patrick Duggan and Mark Voss. We are now in the quarterfinals and all those wrestlers have yet to take a loss. Match No. 5 (Quarterfinals): Fredy Stroker (Iowa) vs. Patrick Duggan (Pennsylvania) This is one of Fredy's longtime wrestling pals. They have known each other since they were 6. Mr. Stroker and Mr. Duggan are very good friends. This will not be an easy match for either wrestler. They shake hands and it is clear Duggan has spent many days in the weight room. His muscles are bulging out of his singlet and he's clearly the strongest opponent Stroker has faced in Fargo. Duggan has plenty of accolades. He is a multiple-time placewinner here at Fargo, Beast of the East placewinner and a two-time Pennsylvania state placer. They meet in the center and Duggan comes at Stroker right away. Fredy has to fight hard to ward off a takedown. The pressure keeps coming and like the match before, Fredy is put on the 30-second clock for passivity. This time he is unable to capture a point and for the first time in the tournament, Stroker is behind 1-0. Fredy Stroker gets his hand raised (Photo/David Peterson)Duggan shoots in again and almost picks up a takedown. The period ends with Duggan ahead 1-0. Stroker gets on the offensive early in the second period and gets a nice takedown to jump ahead 2-1. Fredy keeps coming at Duggan and the referee returns the favor and puts Duggan on the 30-second passivity clock. Patrick tries several moves to prevent the one-point penalty, but can't pick up any points. It's now 3-1 Stroker with under a minute remaining in the match. Duggan is desperate and tries several throws and leg attacks. None of them are successful, but with 15 seconds to go, Duggan gets one point for a pushout. He vainly tries another dive in on the legs but comes up empty. Final score is 3-2 Stroker. This guarantees All-American honors for Stroker. How tough is it to be an All-American in Fargo? There were 108 entrants at the 145-pound weight class. 100 of those will not be All-Americans. It's a big deal and I can attest that virtually every one of those 108 competitors thought they would make it. The look in the eyes of the wrestlers as they are eliminated is ghost-like. Most do their best to get away from the crowd. It is almost always followed by the saddest tears and time spent alone. No one wants to be caught crying, but many of the competitors can't hold the tears back as their opponents' arms are raised. It is tough to watch a young boy hang his head as he goes to every corner to shake all coaches hands and make his way to the center judge to do the same. There's something sadly shameful about this that only a wrestler understands. They have no one to hang their loss on. It's their fault and their dreams are dead. Match No. 6 (Semifinals): Fredy Stroker (Iowa) vs. Vincenzo Joseph (Pennsylvania) Here is another longtime friend and wrestling partner of Stroker's. Vince has been in the shadow of the likes of Kemerer, Stroker and Maruca, but unfairly. Joseph is the reigning Pennsylvania state champion and a multiple-time state placewinner. He also finished fourth in the prestigious Walsh Ironman last December. Still, most don't give this tough wrestler his due. He is another very strong athlete with very little body fat. He looks much bigger than Stroker. The match starts with Joseph diving and successfully grabbing the ankle and gets a quick 2-0 lead. Fredy tries a similar move but finds himself at the edge of the circle and is easily pushed out. It's now 3-0 Joseph. Fredy Stroker (Photo/David Peterson)Coach Knight recognizes this match is not going to be like the others and is yelling for Fredy to control the ties and get him off the head! The period comes to a close with Joseph confidently walking off the mat with a nice 3-0 lead. The second period starts just like the first, but this time Fredy blocks the shot to the ankle with his signature whizzer hold. It does nothing except take valuable time off the clock. After the referee breaks the action, Joseph is in again and this time scores the two points. He follows this right away with a two-point tilt and suddenly Stroker is down 7-0. With less than 90 seconds to go, Fredy takes a few wild shots that are easily blocked. As the period comes to an end, Joseph gets one more point for a pushout and the match ends 8-0 Joseph. I'm stunned this happened so fast. I didn't see this coming and neither did most others. I have been here enough times to know to get away from a wrestler after a devastating loss. I know he needs time alone and I'm all about giving it to him. Fredy Stroker's dream of being a national champion is dead. The rest of the semifinal round is lights out. Some of the very best wrestling matches are condensed to this two-hour period and the action is breathtaking. My traveling companion Lance Hughes and I are constantly running between the three semifinal mats making sure we don't miss anything special. We are fortunate enough to see Mitchell McKee (Minnesota) score an unbelievable 10 points in the last 20 seconds of his match to march to the finals. We watch Tommy Thorn roar back from a three-point deficit with less than 30 seconds on the clock. We slap hands as Bobby Steveson (Minnesota) avenges his loss to Samuel Colbray with another gut-check comeback (was down 5-2) with 45 seconds to go. The new bracketing system seems to bring out the best in these guys. The famous Friday night blood round has been replaced by some thrilling semifinal matches. Match No. 7 (Consolation Semifinals): Fredy Stroker (Iowa) vs. Michael Kemerer (Pennsylvania) This is the third straight opponent from PA for Stroker. These two know each other all too well. Kemerer is a two-time state finalist and a multiple-time All-American in Fargo. He was clearly one of the favorites to win this title. These two are now wrestling to make it into the third-place match. The loser will wrestle for fifth. Kemerer strikes first with a takedown in the first minute of the match to go up 2-0. Stroker battles back with a takedown in the final 30 seconds of the period to knot the score at 2-2 as the opening period comes to a close. Kemerer regains his lead, 3-2, with a pushout 57 seconds into the second period. Kemerer nearly scores a takedown midway through the period, but the two wrestlers go out of bounds. Both wrestlers remain aggressive, and with 23 seconds left in the match Stroker fires off a shot and converts it to a takedown with 16 seconds left to take a 4-3 lead, which is how the match would end. He will wrestle for third place in the medal round tomorrow. Day 3: Saturday, July 26, 2014 By this time most of the competitors are in the stands. The Junior division started with over a thousand wrestlers and we are down to the final 120. There will be 15 champions taking a stop sign (the big plaque is octagon shaped) home with them. Most wrestlers covet this hardware more than any other besides an Olympic gold medal. There is nothing harder to win as a high school-age wrestler, and their peers consider them the best in the nation. It's the only major national wrestling event without travel restrictions or barriers to enter. If you think you have it, bring it. Fredy Stroker with Bettendorf teammate Logan RyanMatch No. 8: (Third Place): Fredy Stroker (Iowa) vs. Josh Maruca (Pennsylvania) Fredy and I can't believe he is about to wrestle his fourth straight friend from Pennsylvania. The state of Pennsylvania is without argument the deepest wrestling state in the nation. State placers in PA would win state titles in the majority of the other 49 states. The match does not start off well for Fredy. Maruca gets in on a takedown and traps Stroker's arm. He uses his leverage and rolls Fredy back and forth in a series of successive moves. Each roll is worth two points and they are coming fast and furious. Like some other freestyle moves, when a wrestler is caught in deep, there is very little he can do. The points are awarded faster than I can keep up with and just like that, it's over. Maruca wins the third-place match 11-0. I give Fredy plenty of space to absorb the loss. I know this is painful and I'm not getting near that agony. I make my way to the championship stage to take in that action. Later, Fredy comes up on the stage with the other All Americans at 145 pounds and accepts his fourth-place trophy. He is happy and light on his feet. He tells me he feels bad about the losses he took here, but fourth place feels pretty good. He knows he has one more year of this next summer and he looks me in the eye and says, "It's mine next year!" I believe him. Isaiah White of Illinois went on to win the championship at 145 pounds in convincing fashion, defeating Vincenzo Joseph 9-3 in the championship match.

Dennis Papadatos has been named head wrestling coach at Hofstra HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. -- Dennis Papadatos, a two-time NCAA Division I NCAA National Championship qualifier for the Pride, has been named the 12th head coach in the history of the Hofstra University Wrestling program. The announcement was made by Vice President and Director of Athletics Jeffrey A. Hathaway. "This is an exciting time for the Hofstra Wrestling program," stated Hathaway. "From my initial meeting with Dennis I could see the tremendous passion he has for Hofstra University and our wrestling program. Hofstra Wrestling has experienced great success in its history and Dennis has played a role in that both as a student-athlete and as a staff member. His belief in developing well-rounded student-athletes who succeed in the classroom, on the mat and in the community made him the perfect choice to lead our program. Dennis' tireless efforts have enhanced every program that he has worked with during his journey resulting in him becoming our new head coach. Dennis is a native Long Islander who understands what it will take to be successful at Hofstra on a local, regional and national level. On behalf of the entire Hofstra University community I am thrilled to welcome Dennis, Angela and their three children to our family." "I would like to thank Hofstra President Stuart Rabinowitz and Vice President and Director of Athletics Jeff Hathaway for their trust in me to lead my alma mater and this outstanding wrestling program," commented Papadatos. "Words cannot describe my emotions and my passion for this University. It is home in so many ways and I feel blessed to be a part of it again. I want the Hofstra faithful to know that I will work relentlessly to have this program succeed at the highest level in every aspect and our student-athletes will strive for greatness in everything they do, both on the mat and in the classroom. We will focus and work on building great individuals, who will be fantastic role models, citizens and alumni. I am thankful for my support network that has made this possible, and I am so excited that I can bring my wife and kids home! Go Pride!" Papadatos was a four-year starter at Hofstra under then-head coach Tom Ryan from 1997-2001 and recorded 95 career victories. At 157 pounds, he qualified for the NCAA Championships in 1999-00 after earning a New York State championship and a second-place finish in the ECWA Championships. He returned to nationals as a senior in 2000-01 after winning the ECWA title with three straight victories. Papadatos has served an assistant coach with three well-respected Division I wrestling programs, including the previous two seasons at North Carolina under head coach C.D. Mock. At Chapel Hill Papadatos served as the recruiting coordinator, where he helped the Tar Heels post a top-10 recruiting class for 2014 following a top-20 ranked class in 2013. As a key member of Mock’s staff in running practices, he helped work with the upper weight classes and was part of a coaching unit that saw nine North Carolina wresters qualify for the NCAA Championships. Under his tutelage, North Carolina earned its first All-America selection in eight seasons when Evan Henderson earned the spot at 141 pounds in 2013. Henderson would follow that up with another All-America selection in 2014, becoming UNC's first two-time All-American since 2005 and also the highest finisher in nearly two decades as he finished in fourth place. The Tar Heels had success in the classroom as well as Alex Utley earned NWCA All-Academic Team honors in both 2012-13 and 2013-14, while also being a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference All-Academic Team. North Carolina also finished in the top 25 at the NCAA Championships in 2013 and 2014, marking the first time since 1996 and 1997 that the Tar Heels had finished in the top 25 in back-to-back seasons. Off the mat, Papadatos was responsible for the program’s budget, travel logistics, compliance and the student-athletes’ academic progress. He also helped coach Tar Heels to a 21st-place team finish in 2013, which was the program’s best showing since 1996. Before coming to North Carolina, Papadatos spent five years as an assistant at Binghamton from 2006-11 and helped produce 16 NCAA individual qualifiers and the first four All-America selections in school history. Binghamton saw six wrestlers make it to the NCAA Championships in each of his final two seasons, culminating with a 21st-place national finish in 2010. In the classroom, Papadatos helped Binghamton improve its academic progress rate (APR) score over a four-year period and helped recruit a 2008 class that was ranked in the top-25. He was also part of a staff that led the Bearcats to their first and only Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) title in 2010. Papadatos earned his first assistant wrestling coach position at Northern Illinois, where he helped coach four NCAA Championship qualifiers and Josh Wooton to a Mid-American Conference (MAC) championship at 141 pounds. He assisted in recruiting and arranged the team’s travel and scheduling logistics. Papadatos started his collegiate coaching career as a strength and conditioning assistant at Hofstra from 2001-04 following his graduation. As a certified personal trainer, Papadatos structured team and individual lifts and conditioning programs. Hofstra won the Colonial Athletic Association title in all three of his seasons. As a wrestler, Papadatos was named to the ECWA All-Freshman team in 1998 and was a three-time NWCA Academic All-America. He graduated from Hofstra in 2000 with a degree in exercise physiology and completed a master's in health education from Hofstra in 2002. Dennis and his wife, Angela, have three children (Gabriella - 6, Apostoli - 4 and Yianni - 2). Papadatos was born and raised in Bethpage, New York and attended Island Trees High School. WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT DENNIS PAPADATOS ... Tom Ryan, Head Wrestling Coach at Ohio State (Hofstra Wrestling Coach from 1995-2006) Hofstra is a place where I was nurtured and grew as a coach. I have tremendous pride and many great memories at Hofstra. Former President Shuart remains a friend as does the leader of the athletic department Jeff Hathaway. I am proud of the decision Hofstra made in the hiring of Dennis Papadatos. Dennis is the perfect hire as the Head Wrestling Coach. He was a tremendous example as a student-athlete. His past speaks volumes about the passion and energy he will bring to Hofstra wrestling. I'm excited about the future of the program. Dennis will continue to move the program forward. Noel Thompson, Teammate of Papadatos at Hofstra from 1999-01 and current CEO and Chief Investment Officer of Thompson Global LLC Dennis has always had tremendous passion for wrestling and he’ll bring that enthusiasm with him as he returns to Hofstra. Even when we were teammates, he was always a student of the sport. He was very proficient technically and his continued focus on technique has made him a great coach. He’s going to put Hofstra in position to have great success as a program. Nick Gallo, Former Hofstra Wrestler and 1977 national champion at 126-pound weight class Dennis is a great choice to take Hofstra Wrestling to another level. He has shown great leadership in his previous coaching stops and has incredible passion for both Hofstra and the sport of wrestling. With all the exciting events for Hofstra Wrestling in the future, especially being the host of the upcoming 2016 NCAA National Championships at Madison Square Garden, we are all looking forward to seeing the program’s future. I am sure Dennis will steer us in the right direction. Neil Duncan, Two-time NCAA qualifier for Hofstra from 1971-72 Dennis is an outstanding hire as Hofstra’s new head wrestling coach. He’s a proven top-notch recruiter. As a well-known and respected former Hofstra wrestler, Dennis relates well to the local wrestling community. He has a tireless work ethic and great passion for the sport, which is apparent as soon as you meet him. C.D. Mock, Head Wrestling Coach at North Carolina It has been a great pleasure having Dennis on staff with the Tar Heel family the past few years. Dennis was a big part of our program and certainly instrumental in the positive changes we've experienced during that time. He is the right person to lead the Hofstra program and I have no doubt about his prospects for success. Dennis and his family will always be a part of our family and we wish him much success and happiness. Pat Popolizio, Head Wrestling Coach North Carolina State (was head coach at Binghamton with Papadatos on his staff) I had the honor to work with Dennis first hand during my time at Binghamton University. Dennis was a vital part of the success we had at BU and he will bring a work ethic that is unparalleled to Hofstra. He has all the knowledge and experience to build and brand a national powerhouse and Dennis will bring an exciting attitude and personality to the college ranks. Hofstra has a rich history of wrestling and I am confident Dennis will continue to build upon that. He is the perfect coach, mentor and leader for the Hofstra Pride. Jim Norris, Retired Athletic Director/Binghamton University Dennis Papadatos is one of the finest teacher-coaches that I have ever been associated with and he will do a super job as the Head Wrestling Coach at Hofstra University. Dennis is a first-class person with great integrity and he will continue to be a tremendous role model for young people. His work ethic, inexhaustible energy level, and positive enthusiasm are all second to none. Without a doubt, Dennis Papadatos will build a wrestling program that everybody associated with Hofstra University will be extremely proud of and he will do it the right way. Mike Moyer, Executive Director of National Wrestling Coaches Association Dennis is a terrific hire for Hofstra University. He is fully committed to an educationally based coaching philosophy. Dennis is absolutely tremendous and I know that Hofstra is home for him. He is one of the bright shining stars in our coaching community and Hofstra Wrestling is in good hands with Dennis at the helm. Dennis’ ongoing commitment to pursue professional development on multiple occasions in our CEO Leadership Academy clearly separates him from many others. Coaching development is an important aspect of his maturation as a coach and we couldn’t be happier for Dennis and his family. Pat Tocci, Senior Director of National Wrestling Coaches Association Hofstra University is getting an outstanding coach in Dennis. He is extremely committed and a tireless worker who understands the necessities both on and off the mat it requires to build a successful program. I have no doubt he will continue to build on the rich history of Hofstra Wrestling. Scott Casber, Co-Founder/Host Takedown Wrestling Media Dennis has been a fixture in college wrestling and he’s a tremendous recruiter and outstanding coach. He expects nothing but the best from his student-athletes. Hofstra has made a good hire and he’ll be an incredible asset to the athletic department.

Deron Winn

WEST POINT, N.Y. -- Kevin Ward, who turned a wrestling program built from scratch at Ouachita Baptist University into a national contender, has been named Army's new head wrestling coach, Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Boo Corrigan announced today. Ward, the 2014 NCAA Division II Coach of the Year, becomes the 10th head coach in program history. "We are very excited to welcome Kevin to Army West Point," said Corrigan. "We had a tremendous pool of candidates and Kevin's success building a program, his leadership and passion made him our top choice. Kevin blew away me and the search committee when he visited. He is an overachiever that knows how to win. His accomplishments as a coach are many. We look forward to working with him in this next chapter of our wrestling program." Kevin Ward"I am honored to be selected as the next head wrestling coach at West Point," said Ward. "I would like to express my appreciation to Boo Corrigan and the search committee for giving me this opportunity. It's quite a privilege to lead such a proud program with as much tradition as Army wrestling. The cadet-athletes at West Point are the best of the best, and I look forward helping develop them as leaders of character in the United States Army and champions on the wrestling mat. Army wrestling is in a great spot with a nationally ranked recruiting class coming in and multiple NCAA Qualifiers on the team. We will continue to look for and recruit wrestlers who truly want to be leaders of character and have goals of winning NCAA titles. I am ready to get to work and continue to build on the proud tradition of Army wrestling" As the first and only head coach of Ouachita Baptist's wrestling program, Ward led the Tigers to top-15 finishes at the NCAA Tournament in each of the last three seasons. Ward coached 10 All-Americans and two NCAA finalists, Dallas Smith and Josh Myers, during his time at Ouachita. Ward was named the NCAA Division II Coach of the Year after guiding the Tigers to a fourth-place finish at the NCAAs and an 8-5 dual match record last season. Five of Ward's wrestlers claimed All-America honors in 2014, including Myers, who was the national runner-up at the 141-pound weight class. "I would also like to thank the many great people, and, most importantly, the student-athletes I was fortunate enough to coach at Ouachita Baptist University," said Ward. "Without their hard work and discipline, none of this would have been made possible. They are a great group of young men and we wish them the very best." After the program's inaugural 2010-11 campaign, Ward coached three All-Americans and steered the Tigers to a 15th-place showing at the NCAA Tournament the following season. The program took another step forward during the 2012-13 season with its first-ever national runner-up in Smith, while the team placed 12th overall at the NCAAs. Ward was also a major factor in fundraising for the wrestling squad. He helped raise more than $300,000 in donations to the up-and-coming program during his four-year stint. Over his first two months at Ouachita, Ward led the renovation effort of the team's weight room, which hadn't been updated in nearly 30 years. An accomplished wrestler at Oklahoma State, Ward started his coaching career as a graduate assistant with the Cowboys during the 2006-07 season, while earning his master's degree in health and human performance. He assisted legendary head coach John Smith with drill sessions and preparing the team for competitions, as well as coaching at open tournaments. Oklahoma State posted a 14-5 overall record and took third place at the Big 12 Championships with Ward on staff. The Cowboys placed fifth at the NCAA Championships and had four All-Americans, including two national runner-ups, Coleman Scott and Johny Hendricks. As a member of one of the most storied programs in the country, Ward had a tremendous amount of success as a wrestler at Oklahoma State. Ward was on four NCAA National Championship teams (2003, 2004, 2005, 2006) and two undefeated squads (2002-03 and 2004-05). In 2005, Ward beat three opponents to grab the Big 12 title at the 157-pound weight class. He won 12 of his first 14 matches that season and posted a 23-12 record overall. Ward returned to the conference championship the following season, earning a runner-up finish. Ward qualified for the NCAA Tournament twice and was a three-time National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) Academic All-American. The Cowboys won four Big 12 championships in a row during Ward's time in Stillwater. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in sociology. Along with his coaching duties over the years, Ward has served on the NWCA Executive Committee and Board of Directors, as well as handling the role of Vice President-elect of the Division II Coaches Association. Ward and his wife Hannah will reside at West Point.

The wrestling world is a little quieter this week. Fargo is subsiding and on the international front there is just the Commonwealth Games and the buildup to the World Championships in Tashkent. For once, we have what feels something like a rest. Wrestling's lulls are great for long reads about the emotional connection we as fans have to the sport. Wrestling heads are different than fans from major sports fans. Many of us competed, or have children who have competed, and the connections we feel to the athletes and the traditions of the sport are personal. For many, the sport has helped defined our human existence. Last week I wrote about the professionalization of youth sports, and in particular the problem with a sharp increase in youth wrestling tournaments. I stick by my stance that there is just too much wrestling for too high a cost, but as always there is more to the story. There was, as always, some backlash to the article. There were the ranters and the haters, but there were also two very touching personal essays, and those quality stories is what I hope to share with you this week. The FARGODOME in Fargo, North Dakota serves as the venue for the Cadet & Junior National Championships every summer (Photo/John Sachs, Tech-Fall.com)For many readers Fargo has become a part of their personal journey and I respect the spot and tradition enough to give those journeys space in this week's column. Maybe I don't share that same passion for North Dakota wrestling as many of my readers, but I do understand the connection and I hope that we can always respect and honor those meaningful moments. The emotional connection to wrestling is what drives me to link the following two emails. Both are well-written stories about the relationship with family and friends sometimes built around wrestling -- in this case the preparation and competition of Fargo. Hope you enjoy them as much as I did, and be sure to leave your thoughts in the comments section below. Link: Nate's story Link: Sharon's story To your questions ... Q: I saw your comments about women's wrestling and gender equity. How could an NCAA wrestling program even add women to their roster? Who would they wrestle? -- Dan S. Foley: The most obvious solution would be to create a women's team with independent funding. Wrestlers on the female team would be given scholarship money and be treated exactly the same as men, but wrestle freestyle instead of folkstyle. That option is riddled with complications, largely that there isn't enough budgetary leeway to make such a program viable for many schools, and that many programs can't handle the extra responsibilities necessary to stay compliant. The other option -- and this is only an idea -- would be to trim two weight classes and combine that with two other women's weight classes to create four total. That would make the balance 2-1, but if instituted across several schools could pump life into the sport. Women's wrestling is more popular than you might think. Last year at the World Championships several thousand people viewed each and every one of the female wrestling matches and their comments constituted much of the social media traffic. The upside to cutting two men's weight classes would be to concentrate the talent and allow for more competitiveness throughout the country. Are you tired of dynastic wrestling powers and fear that a new dual meet system might further stratify the 'have's' from the 'have not's?' Then trimming the men's side to eight weights is a great solution. The downside is that there are fewer weight classes for young men to compete. But that is only initially. Adding a female wrestling component and limiting the men's to eight would actually create MORE opportunity because it would make the cost for entry into men's wrestling much more (there would be nothing stating you must have a women's program). I know that it would be unpopular, but it would be even more unexpected and could provide wrestling with the type of thoughtful pre-emptive strike that could prevent it from being on the chopping block once the football and basketball players start accumulating paychecks. Q: I was wondering if you had access to the data surrounding the FILA broadcasts of their international wrestling tournaments (i.e. Golden Grand Prix, Cadet World Championships, Senior World Championships)? Do you know how many viewers are actually tuning in? If so, what proportion is American and what portion is from the rest of the world? I am extremely grateful for these broadcasts and I tune in regularly. But I'm wondering how many other people have the interest and ability to watch in the early hours of the morning in the U.S. -- Eric S. Foley: I do have access and can tell you that hundreds of thousands of viewers tune in to watch the livestream of the World Championship. In fact, now that FILA has a somewhat reliable streaming platform (far-flung destinations don't always have reliable internet) the numbers in 2014 have been positively incredible. More than a quarter of a million people tuned in ONLINE to watch the European Championships -- a tournament that was broadcast live on television around the continent and also played on tape delay. As for Americans, I'd have to dig deeper into the numbers, but based on social media interaction numbers you'd have to assume roughly half come from the states. MULTIMEDIA HALFTIME Proof that no Westerner will ever fully understand China ... Link: Kabbadi, Kabbadi, Wrestling My good pal Ben Lowy -- a friend of wrestling -- has launched a new commercial site for his photography. It includes work from our projects, but all of it rocks. Q: What do you think of Henry Cejudo signing with the UFC? Didn't he miss weight in his last two fights? -- Mike H. Foley: I give up on the UFC. The first gut-punch was the news that Uncle Dana was in hot pursuit of former MMA fighter turned Hollywood actress Gina Carano to fight Ronda Rousey. The fight is a total joke and is the most obvious money grab in many years for an organization that increasingly gives two craps about being seen with their hand in the jar. Cejudo being signed means that the UFC is now into celebrity boxing matches. It's been stated across the Internet that Cejudo has yet to fight anyone of merit and has missed weights his last two fights, and event skipped shows altogether. His professionalism in MMA is abysmal, though some of that might owe to a sport that is largely devoid of good business people. I would love to see Cejudo succeed if I thought he were as passionate about MMA as he was about wrestling. However, I think his larger goal is to maintain a level of notoriety that affords him the option to speak publicly, sign books and address business gatherings in Phoenix. MMA is a real sport and the UFC has the best practitioners in the world. For that I'm thankful, because at least at some point Cejudo will be forced to make the decision between eating the 4 ounce leather gloves of his highly skilled opponents, or leaving his own 4-ounce gloves in the center of the octagon. COMMENT OF THE WEEK By Paul L. I could not agree with you more I live in Calgary Alberta originally from East Detroit, three of my teenaged cousins play hockey 10.5 months a year They go from regular league to camps to spring tournaments to camps to pre try outs to dry land training to AUGUST try outs -- can you believe that crap AUGUST try outs for hockey in winter I tell their fathers please don't tell me how well the kids are doing from April to September because it means "nothing." I told them for all their effort and commitment they better get full rides to American universities when it's all said and done. Yes, all three are on pace for it but from here on it gets TOUGH, it's going to interesting to see if they do get the rides One of my cousins is bust, broke from his three kids in hockey, he is OBSESSED with one his sons going to the NHL, I said his goal should be paid for education and four years of the greatest time of his life It's gotten to the point, where you ask your kid at 2 years old to pick a sport, because if you don't do it 24/7/365 you won't make the dumb ass team Even Wayne Gretzky and his brothers played baseball in summer, Wayne loves baseball. His son is the minor's leagues Wayne said kids need to play other sports. It gives them a mental break and assists them in becoming a better-rounded athlete. It develops other motor skills I said this for years: It's going to take the top 10 sophomore/junior stud wrestlers or hockey players to say, to hell with summer wrestling or hockey were playing baseball and the next season these kids STILL excel Once the other kids see the top tier kids enjoying the climb, playing other sports and going waterskiing they will follow

I agree with many of your points about the state of youth wrestling, but I disagree that Fargo embodies everything that's gone awry in the sport, and this is why: It may not be like this everywhere, but in my state, Ohio, wrestlers from all corners of the state come together, as one team, to prepare for Fargo. They train together at St. Ed's in Cleveland for the week prior to the tournament, under the guidance of an army of volunteer coaches who also come from all corners of the state. The wrestling community of St. Ed's and greater Cleveland open up their homes to our wrestlers for a week -- housing them, feeding them, helping with laundry, and transporting them to camp. Past wrestling legends and rising stars make their way to the camp over the course of the week to teach and encourage and inspire the wrestlers as they prepare for the tournament. To me, this is youth sports at its very, very best. I agree with you that these national tournaments should be steppingstones that give kids an opportunity to learn about the sport and themselves, and for most kids, that's exactly what Fargo is. While there will always be a few bad apples, the majority of us wrestling parents eventually figure out that in the sport of wrestling, the journey (and all the lessons and experiences along the way) is 100 times more important than any end result. The lucky ones figure this out sooner rather than later, when there's still time left to enjoy the ride. I consider myself one of the lucky ones, and for us, the week ahead is going to be an awesome one! PS: It is now Monday, July 28 and we are back home in Ohio, with many wrestlers from all over the state whom we now call friends. It was indeed an awesome week! I had two sons wrestle in Fargo, a Cadet and a Junior. My older son leaves for college in a few weeks, and this was probably the last time my sons will wrestle together in the same singlet, on the same team, so that alone made the tournament very special for us. We are extremely proud of our younger son, Alex, simply for making it to Fargo. He did not place high enough at our state tournament to secure a spot on Ohio's team, so he went to the Central Regional a few weeks later and placed third in Greco to earn his spot on the team, which was not an easy feat. Our older son, AJ, had no plans of going to Fargo without his brother this year, so Alex's hard-earned placement at Central Regionals is what put both of our sons on Team Ohio. Our older son, AJ, wrestled in his final high school tournament in Fargo, and surpassed his goal of ending his high school career as an All-American by making it to the finals in both Greco and Freestyle, surprising a lot of people along the way. Obviously, we are very proud of him too! Our boys typically only enter a couple of big, national tournaments each year. Our family has limited resources, and like you, we think that our boys should do other things in the off-season besides wrestling. But Fargo is like no other tournament. Fargo is special, and Fargo will remain on our list.

I love the mailbag and am a big follower of the Olympic wrestling styles. I really appreciate the coverage outside of the usual "NCAA folkstyle = US wrestling" mentality. Thanks for covering the big non-Olympic/non-world championship events that are only bucket list trips for individuals like me. Thanks for giving equal courtesy in discussing our sport's hard-working and accomplished women that other media may not cover. Anyhow, I want to offer a contrasting opinion on what Fargo is, or maybe what it was circa 2001-02-03. My twin brother and I had the great pleasure of representing our home state in freestyle and/or Greco Roman wrestling at the Cadet and Junior National Championships during our time in high school. It meant a whole lot to strap on that Ohio singlet and pace out onto a football-field sized sea of wrestling mats with every other state's best kids all around you. From the first weigh-in to the singlet trading outside the FARGODOME, you felt like you were a part of something special. I want to explain why Fargo is (was?) a fantastic tournament and why it can still be a great experience, even with the current climate of competition and sport specialization. Fargo is a dreamscape for many wrestlers, an out-of-state trip to test oneself against the best wrestlers in the country. To many wrestlers, it is a special rite of passage to go through the qualification process and arrive in a foreign land to gut wrench the crap out of kids from three time zones away. Fargo is a vision without formal infrastructure like high school folkstyle wrestling. You have to want to be there and have to go headlong through a gauntlet just to get there. For example, my brother and I were very much immersed in the sport of wrestling from ages 12-17. Our local high school team was decent, and our friends were on the team. Wrestling was, at that time and at that school in northeast Ohio, a social engagement with a few kids picking up hardware at state tournaments every year. Our high school team was good, but not great. Our parents had never been exposed to wrestling, but were very supportive, and liked the fact that we had some goals and a vision to work hard and meet them. Prior to high school we had a middle school coach who made wrestling fun. He made every practice an absolute obstacle course of fun. "25-push-ups? 10-pull-ups? Run for 30-minutes? Is that even possible?" It was great fun to try and learn new moves and get fit. With each personal step in fitness, mat acumen and making friends, we gained confidence and built loftier goals. Today, wrestle-offs'stomorrow the world. Holy shit! Is that a tricep I have growing now too!? Like lots of young men, my brother and I wanted to be good at wrestling. But a big part of that was because it was so much fun to scale each little mountain beside your brother, friends and classmates. Now, with that context, back to Fargo and why it mattered. During our freshman year of mixed JV and varsity wrestling (read: lumps taken), a few of our older peers went onward to "nationals" in someplace called Fargo. Not the branded pay-to-play youth or grade-specific nationals that spring up every other year these days, but the USA wrestling nationals that a wrestler had to qualify for through regionals, states, and, if it came down to it, a wildcard process. This was the tournament that USA Wrestler highlighted every summer. On those pages, kids from small towns in Pennsylvania and Michigan, Delaware and Illinois were winning official-looking medals and damn, I wanted to win one too. To make our state competitive out in Fargo, numerous grown-ups put together a great state system to encourage participation (

Lakeland College has named Quincy Osborn as its new head wrestling coach, Lakeland Vice President for Athletics and Wellness Nate Dehne has announced. Osborn comes to Lakeland from the State University of New York at Buffalo, where he was an assistant coach at the NCAA Division I school this past year. He replaces Mike DeRoehn, who resigned in May after four years at Lakeland to take the head coaching job at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. "We are very excited to welcome Quincy and his wife Hannah to the Lakeland College family," said Dehne. "Quincy's accomplishments and experience on the mat, along with his desire to mentor and guide our student athletes in all aspects of their personal and professional lives make him a great match for our program. We look forward to his continuing to build on the foundation built by our former coaches and student-athletes." Osborn has seven years of collegiate coaching experience at the NCAA Division I and III levels and also competed at both levels. He spent the last five years in the Division I Mid-American Conference, coaching at Ohio University for four years before going to Buffalo. This past year with the Bulls, he was an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator, as well as serving as an adjunct instructor for the school. Osborn began his college coaching career at Augsburg (Minn.) College as an assistant coach and assistant camp director. He began his coaching career after completing his collegiate wrestling career at the NCAA Division III power. Wrestling at Augsburg as a senior, Osborn was the Division III champion at 141 lbs. and led the Auggies to the team national championship. Osborn began his collegiate career at the University of Minnesota, where he was a three-year letter winner. He was a two-time NCAA Division I national championships qualifier, reaching the national championships as a sophomore at 133 lbs. and as a junior at 149 lbs. "I would like to thank Mr. Dehne and Lakeland College for giving me the opportunity to be a head coach and lead a program," said Osborn. "I would also like to thank my family, friends, and mentors for support and guidance, (and) I also owe thanks to Augsburg, Ohio, and Buffalo. I have learned a lot from those experiences and opportunities. "I am extremely excited to lead the Lakeland College wrestling team. The program is in a solid position and the goal will be to take the team to the next level. I look forward to learning the community and getting to know the athletes and staff in addition to building connections with the alumni and support base. "The expectations of the program will be simple: the team will prepare and compete in a way that promotes winning at the highest level," said Osborn. "The program will emphasize living a championship lifestyle on and off the mat. There will be a lot of work ahead and I can't wait to get started!" A native of Grand Rapids, Minn., Osborn received his bachelor's degree in history from Augsburg in 2009 and his master's in coaching education from Ohio University in 2011. Osborn is married to wife Hannah, and they are owners of two cats and a dog.

MINNEAPOLIS -- Mark Matzek, who led the Augsburg College wrestling program to top-10 national tournament finishes in each of his six years as head coach, has announced his resignation, college officials said on Monday. Mark Matzek (Photo/Caleb Williams)A 2005 Augsburg alumnus, Matzek is returning to his hometown of Ellsworth, Wis., where he will become a mathematics teacher at Ellsworth Middle School, pending the Ellsworth School Board's approval. Matzek will also serve as a coach at the high school level. Jim Moulsoff, who has served as an assistant coach on Matzek's staff for six seasons, will serve as interim head coach during the 2014-15 season, while a national coaching search takes place, said Augsburg Athletic Director Jeff Swenson. Moulsoff will be the 10th head coach in the history of the Augsburg wrestling program. In addition, Tony Valek, a 2012 Augsburg alumnus who has served as an assistant coach in the Augsburg graduate fellowship program for the past two seasons, will move into Moulsoff's former role as the team's top assistant coach, also on an interim basis for the 2014-15 season. "I wish Mark and his family the very best as he pursues a new challenge in his life. There is no stronger draw for Mark than going back home and being in the community that he was raised in," Swenson said. "I thank Mark for six years of exceptional service to Augsburg College, the athletic program and the wrestling program. His coaching record speaks for itself." Under Matzek's leadership, Augsburg continued its reputation as one of the top small-college wrestling programs in the nation. The Auggies won the NCAA Division III national title in the 2009-10 season, while finishing second in 2008-09, 2010-11 and 2011-12, fifth in 2013-14 and 10th in 2012-13. Augsburg wrestlers earned 30 All-American honors and five individual national championships during Matzek's tenure as head coach. Augsburg squads won NCAA regional titles in each of his six seasons, with 25 individual regional titlists. The Auggies recorded a 55-21-1 dual-meet record over the past six seasons. Academically, Matzek's teams finished in the top 10 in the National Wrestling Coaches Association Division III Scholar All-America Team listing each of the last three seasons, including earning the academic national title in 2011-12 with a 3.7341 team grade-point average. Auggie wrestlers earned 22 NWCA Scholar All-America honors and two Capital One Academic All-America (CoSIDA) honors in Matzek's six seasons as head coach. "This is the toughest decision I've ever had to make in my life, because I love both Augsburg and the community I came from," said Matzek. "Having a child in February reinforced my values that I want to have more time with my family, and the best way for me to do that is to teach and coach at Ellsworth. "It's tough to leave because we have seven starters returning (to Augsburg) this year and with the addition of some great personnel, Augsburg is ready make a run this year. I'm confident, that with the new leadership in place with Jim and Tony, that the student-athletes in the program have nothing to be worried about. I truly believe that the relationships I've had with the people at Augsburg, and the values they have, are what brought me there as an undergrad and kept me there as an employee. It is a great place." Matzek served on the Augsburg wrestling coaching staff for nine seasons, including two as an assistant coach under Swenson and one under Sam Barber in 2007-08. As an assistant coach, Matzek was a part of Auggie squads that won the national title in 2006-07 and finished third in both 2005-06 and 2007-08. In his nine seasons on the Augsburg staff, the Auggies claimed 50 All-Americans and nine individual national championships, while going 82-27-1 in dual meets. Matzek was one of the top lightweight wrestlers in Augsburg history. He earned 133-pound All-American honors three times and won national titles twice in his career, finishing with a 129-21 record. In 2002-03, he finished fourth nationally with a 40-7 record, then won his first national title in the 2003-04 season, finishing 35-4. He finished his career with a 42-match winning streak, which included a 34-0 mark in his senior season as he repeated as national champion -- joining a select group of nine Auggie wrestlers in school history to win multiple national championships. He was a part of two national title teams and two national runner-up squads. Academically, Matzek was a three-time NWCA Scholar All-American, a CoSIDA Academic All-District honoree three times, and a CoSIDA Academic All-America first-team selection in 2005. He was named an Augsburg Honor Athlete in 2005. He was a mathematics and secondary education major at Augsburg. Moulsoff is a well-known figure in Minnesota's wrestling community, having served as a high school coach for 18 seasons before joining the Augsburg coaching staff in 2008. He was promoted to a full-time assistant coaching position prior to the 2010-11 season, serving as the top assistant coach on the Augsburg staff. He also is the director of the James Haglund Family Fitness and Recreation Center in the Augsburg Athletic Department. In 2013-14, Moulsoff was named West Region Assistant Coach of the Year by his coaching peers during the NCAA West Regional at Augsburg. "I'm very humbled and honored to have the opportunity to lead such a historic program. We've got a lot of good pieces in place, because of the work that Mark has done. I'd like to thank Mark for the opportunity to work with him," Moulsoff said. "The future looks very positive. Mark did great work with the program behind the scenes, and we hope to continue that work. We are looking forward to working with the coaching staff and the entire athletic department. We have a great recruiting class coming in, and we have a great group of athletes returning to the program." Prior to joining the Auggie staff, Moulsoff spent 15 years as head coach of the Minnehaha Academy High School wrestling program (1993-2008). In the 2002-03 season, Moulsoff led the Redhawk program to a 12-5 dual meet record and earned the Metro Alliance Conference Coach of the Year honors. He was an assistant coach at Whapeton (N.D.) High School from 1990-93. In addition to his experience at the high school level, Moulsoff has been active as a coach in many levels of amateur wrestling and has served as the cadet director for Minnesota/USA Wrestling. A native of Breckenridge, Minn., Moulsoff wrestled competitively at the North Dakota State College of Science from 1981-83, and earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Minnesota in 2003. Valek was a three-time All-American and four-time national tournament qualifier during his Augsburg career, finishing with a 136-25 record, including 87 bonus-point victories (60 pins, six technical falls, 21 major decisions). He was a national runner-up at 149 pounds in both 2010-11 and 2009-10, while finishing third in 2011-12. Valek was a top performer in the classroom as well, as he was named to the Capital One Academic All-America men's at-large first team twice during his four-year career. He earned NWCA Division III Scholar All-America honors his final three seasons, and was named as the recipient of the NCAA Elite 89 Award as the student-athlete with the highest cumulative grade-point average at the 2012 NCAA Division III Wrestling National Championships. Valek was the first Augsburg student-athlete ever to be named as a first-team CoSIDA Academic All-America honoree twice. A native of Belle Plaine, Minn., Valek graduated with a bachelor's degree in accounting and management from Augsburg in 2012. Valek is currently pursuing a master's degree in leadership at Augsburg. "As we embark on a new era for Augsburg wrestling, I am confident that we have the perfect duo in Jim Moulsoff and Tony Valek to lead us through this transition." Swenson said. "Jim has a proven track record in coaching at all levels, and has earned the respect of all the student-athletes he has touched. This past season, Jim was named West Region Assistant Coach of the Year. We are fortunate to have Jim as our interim head coach, as he is an excellent coach, leader and person. In his short time at Augsburg as an assistant coach, Tony has shown that he is a great leader on and off the mat. As a NCAA Elite 89 award-winner and three-time All-American, he has demonstrated the ability to get the job done in all facets of his life and is a great leader by example."

The 2014 edition of USA Wrestling's Cadet and Junior National Championships from Fargo came to their conclusion this past Saturday. As is the case in every year, it is a defining tournament in the calendar year for many competitors. College coaches are present to evaluate, media members and ranking services are dissecting the results, and so forth. Performances in Fargo can shape the narrative about wrestlers headed into the next scholastic season, as well as the perception that college coaches will have about the prospective student athlete. They can also serve as important confidence and development boosts for the athletes themselves. Let's take a look at five young men from each the Junior and Cadet levels whose performances during the Fargo week enhanced their stock. Juniors 1. Isaiah White (Oak Park River Forest, Ill.) -- 145-pound freestyle champion White built upon an excellent Junior Duals event in which he went 7-0 at 145 pounds, four of those wins coming against wrestlers who were ranked in their weight class at the end of the 2013-14 season (including three against wrestlers ranked ahead of him at 138 pounds -- 12-2 and 6-4 over Logan Ryan from Iowa, 12-2 over Zac Hall from Michigan). In Fargo, White went 7-0 on the tournament, with three clear decision victories over nationally ranked wrestlers, and technical falls against all other opposition. All three of those wrestlers were ranked higher at the end of the 2013-14 season, and returning Junior freestyle All-Americans. In the third round, he beat Grant Leeth (Missouri) by a 10-1 score; in the quarterfinal, it was a 9-2 victory over Michael Kemerer (Pennsylvania); and the impressive run was capped off by a 9-3 finals victory over Vincenzo Joseph (Pennsylvania). Already ranked all the way up at No. 8 nationally in the Class of 2016, a group which is rather deep, moving up significantly within his grade level is not too likely. However, White's Fargo (and Junior Duals) results create a plausible scenario for him to be ranked No. 1 nationally in his weight class at the start of the 2014-15 season; having ended the 2013-14 season ranked No. 4 among underclassmen at 138 pounds, and No. 12 overall. 2. Jacob Armstrong (Salem Hills, Utah) -- 182-pound double All-American Despite a pair of state titles and a pair of All-American finishes in Greco-Roman (Junior 6th in 2013, Cadet 3rd in 2012), most would not have placed the rising senior Armstrong on a list of candidates for a national rankings, either top 100 for the Class of 2015 or in a weight class this fall. A pair of top-four place finishes in Fargo later, the narrative has changed. Armstrong went 6-1 in contested matches during Greco-Roman on the way to a third-place finish. The tournament started with a pair of technical falls sandwiched around a pin, before a 13-5 quarterfinal loss against top 100 Class of 2015 prospect Seth McLeod (Idaho). Next was a crucial bounce back win over another top 100 Class of 2015 wrestler, a 15-1 technical fall against Dylan Wisman (Virginia) to earn All-American honors. A pair of 11-0 technical falls would advance Armstrong to the third place match, where he beat McLeod this go around by injury default in the first period. During the freestyle tournament, it was four opening wins for Armstrong to propel him to the semifinals. The initial two wins were by 10-0 technical fall and pin, before a 10-0 win over nationally ranked Class of 2016 wrestler Nathan Traxler (Illinois) and a 10-6 decision against top 50 Class of 2015 prospect Justan Rivera (Georgia). While he did lose 12-4 to eventual champion Myles Martin (New Jersey), the No. 4 ranked Class of 2015 wrestler, those points were the only ones that Martin allowed in the tournament. The consolation semifinal match was a 12-1 technical fall over top 100 Class of 2015 prospect Cash Wilcke (Iowa), and then he fell short in the third place match by a 14-13 score to Wisman. 3. Sean DeShazer (Wichita Heights, Kan.) -- 126-pound double All-American Despite a Junior folkstyle runner-up finish at 126 pounds in April, three-time state champion DeShazer did not enter Fargo ranked among the top 100 Class of 2015 prospects. Headed out of Fargo, he provides a compelling case for inclusion. Between the Greco-Roman and freestyle competitions, DeShazer went 12-3 in finishing third and fourth place in the competitions. During his 6-1 Greco-Roman "run," DeShazer had a pair of wins over the talented Cody Karstetter (Oklahoma), and upended two-time Cadet Greco-Roman champion Mitchell McKee (Minnesota) by 10-4 decision in the consolation semifinal. The lone loss was to eventual champion Taylor LaMont (Utah), as he was cautioned out of the semifinal. DeShazer advanced to the quarterfinals in freestyle with three wins over Greco-Roman All-Americans in as many matches, including a 3-3 criteria victory over LaMont to flip the Greco-Roman semifinal loss. After a somewhat baffling 3-2 loss to Jonathan Gabriel (Pennsylvania) in the quarterfinal, he bounced back with a 10-0 technical fall over Greco-Roman runner-up Kegan Calkins (Illinois), which was a second win over Calkins in the freestyle event. Consecutive wins versus top 100 Class of 2015 prospects, 8-7 over Lincoln Olson (Michigan) and a 12-1 technical fall against Kaid Brock (Oklahoma), propelled him to the third place bout; one that did end in a 10-0 defeat against Domenic Forys (Pennsylvania). 4. Josh Maruca (Franklin Regional, Pa.) -- third place at 145 pounds Maruca entered the summer season ranked No. 55 in the Class of 2015, and potentially enhanced that perception with earning Outstanding Wrestler honors at the Disney Duals in late June. However, the 145-pound weight class was the toughest bracket in Junior freestyle, so there were no guarantees of an All-American finish. The tournament started off with limited fanfare as a bye, 10-0 technical fall, and 10-6 decision over state placer Eric Barone (Illinois) placed him into the round of 16. However, that match was not a fortuitous one for Maruca, as he was upset by Jordan Kutler (New Jersey), 8-8 on criteria. Then, it was a six match onslaught through consolation for the rising senior. Three victories by technical fall assured Maruca his All-American finish. The last two of those were over Max Thomsen (Iowa), who is ranked No. 32 in the Class of 2015, and a returning Junior freestyle All-American in Jonce Blaylock (Oklahoma). The next match was a 7-3 victory over another wrestler ahead of him in the Class of 2015 rankings, No. 20 Patrick Duggan. Next in line for Maruca was an 11-1 victory in the consolation semifinal, before a third victory over a class of 2015 wrestler ranked ahead of him; this time it was an 11-0 technical fall over No. 10 Fredy Stroker (Iowa). 5. Tate Orndorff (University, Wash.) -- double third place at 285 pounds Orndorff ended the 2013-14 season outside the weight class rankings at 285 pounds, and appeared outside the top 100 for the Class of 2015 in the late June initial rankings for the 2014-15 season. For the freestyle tournament, he opened with three 10-0 technical falls prior to a 10-4 quarterfinal loss against top 50 Class of 2015 prospect Jake Marnin (Iowa). He bounced back with three consecutive decision victories to advance to the consolation final, a match in which he avenged that quarterfinal loss to Marnin with a 13-3 technical fall victory. Earlier in the week, Orndorff advanced to the semifinal with three consecutive decision victories. The semifinal was a 9-0 defeat against Northern Iowa bound Adarios Jones (Illinois), who would finish runner-up in Greco-Roman and win the freestyle title. Consolation wrestling would see him bounce back with a 4-2 victory over now two-time Junior double All-American Michael Hobbs (Illinois), before pinning Marnin in 48 seconcs in the third place bout. Cadets 1. Ethan Karsten (Platte County, Mo.) -- 138-pound double champion Though he won state this past high school year as a sophomore, Karsten has never really been in the conversation for a top 50 spot in the Class of 2016. Nor was he viewed as the pre-tournament favorite in either style. The returning fourth-place finisher in Cadet Greco-Roman down three weight classes at 120 pounds started this year's Greco-Roman competition in spectactular fashion with three first minute falls. In the quarterfinal round, it was a 20-10 technical fall victory over FILA Cadet Greco-Roman champion Dominick Demas (Ohio). The semifinal was another technical fall, and the championship match was an 8-3 victory over 2013 FILA Cadet Greco-Roman champion Devin Bahir (Wisconsin), who had won the Cadet folkstyle title in this weight class. 6-0 in Greco-Roman would be replicated in freestyle, as that tournament started with a pin and 11-0 technical fall. The round of 16 match was a 9-7 victory over Hunter Bolen (Virginia), his third of four victories over top 30 Class of 2017 prospects between both competitions. Karsten's run continued with a pin over Preseason Nationals champion Colin Clingenpeel (Iowa) in the quarterfinals, and was followed up with a second victory over Bahr on the week, this time 8-7 in the semifinal. The finals match was a valedictory affair, a 10-0 victory over Shayne Oster (Illinois). 2. Matt Stencel (Oregon Clay, Ohio) -- 195-pound double champion Yet another rising junior that won double titles at Cadet Nationals last week, Stencel was a runner-up during this past high school season. Though given that state tournament finish, most thought of him as a bona fide title contender, his magnitude of dominance was more than thought likely. Five Greco-Roman matches for Stencel all ended in first period wins by fall, and his total mat time was less than that of one full match (5:38 in all). The quarterfinal victory was a pin in 2:12 over Kobe Woods (Indiana), which reversed his only loss in either style at the Cadet Duals last month. Five matches in freestyle for Stencel were similarly dominant. The opening two matches were shutout technical falls, and a 14 second pin followed in the quarterfinal. His signature bout of the Fargo week was a 16-10 victory over pre-tournament favorite Matt Correnti (New Jersey), who entered the tournament ranked No. 35 in the Class of 2016. The championship match was a 13-4 victory over Cadet folkstyle champion Woods to cap off a stellar week. 3. Ian Timmins (Wooster, Nev.) -- 106-pound double finalist, Greco-Roman champion Even with a state title during his freshman year of high school, and fifth-place finish in Cadet folkstyle, Timmins did not enter the Fargo week as an individual that was truly on the national radar. However, his run to the finals in both styles will most certainly change that narrative. The Greco-Roman competition for Timmins opened with two technical falls and a first period pin before a 13-8 quarterfinals victory over another wrestler who won state as a freshman this past year. In the semifinal it was a 10-6 victory over Drew Mattin (Ohio), before a second period pin in the final over Drew West (Iowa), who was the FILA Cadet Greco-Roman champion at 110 pounds. The freestyle campaign for Timmins started out with similar success, as he opened with a pair of technical falls. Next up was consecutive pins to advance to the semifinal. Those pins came over Cadet folkstyle champion Rylee Molitor (Minnesota) and returning Cadet freestyle champion Kaden Gfeller (Oklahoma), who is ranked No. 39 in the Class of 2017. The semifinal bout was a 14-10 victory over Anthony Madrigal (Illinois), a top 20 rising freshman. Despite falling to Cadet folkstyle champion Paul Konrath (Indiana) by 8-2 decision in the final, the week was a noted success for Timmins. 4. Alex Lloyd (Shakopee, Minn.) -- 126-pound double All-American Alex Lloyd (Photo/Jeff Beshey, The Guillotine)Finishing third in Minnesota's big-school division at 120 pounds as an eighth-grader provided most with an idea that Lloyd was a capable wrestler with lots of potential. A third-place finish at 126 pounds in Cadet folkstyle confirmed that notion. However, earning All-American finishes in both styles in a middleweight class in Fargo prior to ninth grade further validates his significant potential. The Greco-Roman tournament did not start well for Lloyd with a 6-4 loss to Zachary Krause (Illinois), who would end up not earning All-American honors during the tournament. However, he bounced back with eight consecutive wins to finish inside the top six. It took seven of those wins to clinch All-American status with a finish inside the top eight. For the sixth of those wins, he beat Chad Red (Indiana), the nation's No. 22 ranked wrestler in the Class of 2016 and a returning Cadet Greco-Roman All-American. After a sixth-place finish in Greco-Roman, the nation's No. 15 ranked rising freshman, built upon this with a fifth-place finish in freestyle. In his second match, during the round of 32, it was a 10-7 loss to now two-time Cadet freestyle All-American Corey Shie (Ohio); who also was the Cadet folkstyle champion. Lloyd bounced back with six consecutive wins to assure a top-six finish, five of those wins necessary to confirm All-American status. Two of those wins were over returning Cadet freestyle All-Americans, 18-12 over Andrew Mehrholz (Illinois) and then a 6-5 victory over Quentin Hovis (Arizona) in the "blood round." 5. Matthew Park (Centennial, Idaho) -- 145-pound double finalist, Greco-Roman champion Though he won a state title during this past season, which was his sophomore campaign, Park entered the Fargo week as an unknown on the national scale. At the FILA Cadet Nationals in Akron two months ago, Park went 1-2 in the Greco-Roman competition; but more positively was 3-2 in six rounds of wrestling in the freestyle tournament. It was total dominance during Greco-Roman, as he had three pins in about a minute or less, a 14-3 technical fall, and an injury default in about a minute. Prior to losing by 11-0 technical fall to FILA Cadet freestyle champion Jared Verkleeren (Pennsylvania) in the Cadet freestyle final, it was extreme dominance for Park. His first five matches of the tournament were wins by fall in a total of 5:27, which is less than the length of a full match. Among those wins by fall were those over Brady Berge (Minnesota), a top five ranked Class of 2017 wrestler, and returning Cadet freestyle runner-up Jonathan Ross (Pennsylvania).

The eight-day campaign of the Cadet and Junior National Championships concluded in Fargo on Saturday. Over the course of the four men's competitions (Cadet and JLowe: Fargo by the numbersunior FS/GR), north of seven thousand matches took place (about 2100 JN FS, 1900 CN FS, 1700 JN GR, 1550 CN GR). Those matches involved more than 3700 bracket participants -- though obviously in many cases one athlete was on brackets in both freestyle and Greco-Roman. It narrowed things down to a total of 512 All-American honors, which reflected less than 14 percent of those on the bracket. From last year, overall participation was a virtual wash, as increases in competitors at the Junior level were mostly countered by decreases at the Cadet level. Below is a chart and spreadsheet showing participation patterns in Fargo over the last ten years for each of the tournaments. Land of Lincoln leads the way In a headline that has become more or less overkill during the summer months, Illinois was once again the dominant state in this USA Wrestling event by almost any metric. They won the points and All-American count distinctions in both Cadet competitions as well as the Junior Greco-Roman event (New Jersey had the most points in Junior freestyle, while Pennsylvania and Oklahoma had the most All-Americans) In terms of aggregate points (8 for first down to 1 for eighth) across the four events, Illinois had almost 100 more than the next best state (293 to Minnesota with 194). If one looks at Greco-Roman only, the margin was just over 60 (170 for Illinois to 108 for Minnesota); looking at freestyle only, the gap was much narrower (123 for Illinois to 111 for Pennsylvania and 91 for New Jersey); in terms of Cadet level performance, where they won both styles at the Duals in Daytona Beach, they doubled the points of the next team in line (189 for Illinois to 95 for Ohio and 90 for Minnesota); while Illinois and Minnesota had the joint most points combined on the Junior level with 104. In terms of cumulative All-Americans, the gap was 22 between Illinois and Minnesota, who had the second most (66 to 44, Pennsylvania third with 34). For Greco-Roman, Illinois almost had as many All-Americans as the next two combined (37 in comparison to 24 for Minnesota and 17 for Wisconsin); while in freestyle it was a bit closer, as Illinois had 29 in comparison to 25 for Pennsylvania and 20 for Minnesota). Looking at the Cadet program, Illinois had more than the next two combined (41 in comparison to 22 for Minnesota and 18 for Pennsylvania); and it was much closer at the Junior level with Illinois having 25 All-Americans, in comparison to 22 for Minnesota and 17 for Oklahoma. In terms of cumulative finalists, Illinois led the way with 14 to Minnesota having 13 and Ohio with 8. Breaking it out in terms of Greco-Roman, Illinois and Minnesota had the joint most with 7, while Utah had 5; and in terms of freestyle it was Illinois with 7, while New Jersey and Minnesota had 6 each. Looking at the Cadet program, Illinois led the way with 10, while Minnesota with 6 and Ohio on 5 were next in line; while for the Junior program, Minnesota led the way with 7, with 6 for New Jersey, and Illinois one of four squads with 4 each. Not that this is breaking news at this point, but there are a few simple keys -- easier said than to do it -- for the success of Illinois in USA Wrestling competitions. First and foremost, there is a base of talent within the state. Secondly, there is strong coaching present. Third, and arguably more important than the first two, is that there is a prioritization on competing in these events for the wrestlers, from the coaches, and within a strong leadership structure. Depth is the defining factor While much is made out of the champions and All-American finishers in each of the competitions, it wouldn't carry (as) much value if the journey didn't involve matches against strong competition. Obviously not everyone earns All-American distinction, and that includes some extremely high-end competitors. For the freestyle competitions, let's take a look at eight notable wrestlers from each weight class that failed to earn All-American honors. Junior Nationals 100: only 24 participants 106: Emilio Alcantav (Arizona), Jordan Aquino (California), Brendan Coughlin (Maryland), Ian Mullen (Illinois), Dack Punke (Illinois), ^Dalton Roberts (Michigan), Arick Shankles (Alabama), Colin Valdivez (Missouri) 113: Max Johnson (Michigan), ^Zac McCauley (Ohio), Cody Minnick (Illinois), Toribio Navarro (Tennesse), Corbin Nirschl (Kansas), ^Tanner Rohweder (Iowa), Josh Venia (Ohio), and Jack Wagner (Iowa) 120: *Camden Bertucci (Michigan), Michael Cullen (Illinois), Dalton Duffield (Oklahoma), Nolan Hellickson (Iowa), *Nick Lukanich (Illinois), ^Christian Moody (Oklahoma), *^Elijah Oliver (Tennessee), and Brock Rathbun (Iowa) 126: Keegan Calkins (Illinois), Evan Cheek (Ohio), Jacob Fontanez (Oklahoma), Garrett Hancock (Ohio), ^Taylor LaMont (Utah), ^Richard Montoya (New Mexico), Matthew Noble (New Jersey), and *Stephen Polakowski (Illinois) 132: ^Cameron Kelly (Ohio), Michael Kostandaras (Ohio), ^Sam Krivus (Pennsylvania), William Koll (New York), ^Boo Lewallen (Oklahoma), Marty Margolis (Maryland), Cole Martin (Wisconsin), and ^*Jordan Shearer (North Dakota) 138: Ian Brown (Pennsylvania), Alex Butler (Illinois), ^Julian Flores (California), Dusty Hone (Utah), *^Brandon James (Indiana), ^Robert Lee (Wisconsin), Wyatt Sheets (Oklahoma), and ^Cole Weaver (Michigan) 145: *Jonce Blaylock (Oklahoma), ^Kevin Budock (Maryland), ^Hayden Hidlay (Pennsylvania), ^Austin Kraisser (Maryland), ^*Grant Leeth (Missouri), ^Michael Longo (California), ^Bryce Parson (Idaho), and ^Max Thomsen (Iowa) 152: Lorenzo de la Riva (California), ^Colstin DiBlasi (Missouri), ^Isaac Dulgarian (Kansas), Thomas Dutton (New York), Collbran Meeker (Oregon), Jared Scharenbock (Wisconsin), Chase Straw (Iowa), and ^Cole Walter (Pennsylvania) 160: Corbin Allen (Virginia), ^Trace Carello (Illinois), Weston Dobler (North Dakota), ^Andrew Fogarty (Minnesota), Paden Moore (Minnesota), ^Dayton Racer (Missouri), ^Ben Schram (Ohio), and ^Jonathan Viruet (Massachusetts) 170: Gavin Grater (Kansas), Dustin Gray (Missouri), Jacob Holschlag (Iowa), Dylan Lydy (Indiana), Andrew McNally (Ohio), Tyler McNutt (Missouri), Garrett Miller (Texas), and Weston Taylor (Arizona) 182: Jordan Dieringer (Oklahoma), ^Seth McLeod (Idaho), Adis Radoncic (New York), Eric Schultz (Illinois), *Christian Stackhouse (New Jersey), Jacob Weber (New York), Nick Weldon (Alabam), and Tyler Wildmo (Michigan) 195: David Chadd (Wisconsin), Chance Cooper (Missouri), Terell Fields (Pennsylvania), Emilio Fowler (Kansas), *Edgar Ruano (Illinois), Randy Scott (Indiana), and Jeffrey Velez (New Jersey) 220: Christian Boyles (Missouri), Seth Brennock (Ohio), Christian Colucci (New Jersey), Christian Dulaney (Minnesota), *Lance Evans (Iowa), *Parker Knapp (Ohio), *^Roy Nash (Utah), and Rafael Rokosz (New York) 285: Blake Andrews (Texas), Collin Braun (Missouri), Dane Drimmer (Colorado), Matt Halverson (Wisconsin), Conan Jennings (Ohio), Ryan Monk (Pennsylvania), Ryan Prescott (Michigan), and Kaleb Staack (Iowa) *indicates returning Junior All-American ^indicates grade-level ranked prospect Junior Nationals 84: only 28 participants 91: only 27 participants 100: Cody Craig (Maine), Boo Dryden (Kansas), Jackson Kohlberg (Illinois), *Brady Koontz (Wisconsin), Dylan Koontz (Wisconsin), Eusebio Rivera (Illinois), *Brayden Schwalbe (Montana), and Alec White (Indiana) 106: Jakob Campbell (Pennsylvania), Colin Gerardi (Virginia), *Cameron Hunsaker (Utah), Dominic Lajoie (Michigan), Austin Macias (Illinois), Michael McGee (Illinois), Rylee Molitor (Minnesota), Cody Trybus (Maryland) 113: *Trey Chalifoux (Tennessee), Navonte Demison (California), *Will Kaldes (Pennsylvania), Tim Kane (Connecticut), ^Andrew Merola (New Jersey), Logan Treaster (Kansas), *Drew West (Iowa), and *Chase Wickman (Washington) 120: Tate Carney (Kansas), Peter Del Gallo (Maine), ^Joe Lee (Indiana), Ryan Leisure (Iowa), Wyatt Long (Pennsylvania), Josh McClure (Missouri), Requir van der Merwe (New Jersey), and Jacob Wasser (Pennsylvania) 126: Alex Felix (California), Mogan Fuenffinger (Minnesota), *Quentin Hovis (Arizona), Ethan Krause (Maryland), *Andrew Mehrholz (Illinois), Avery Shay (Connecticut), Dresden Simon (Michigan), Josh Wyland (Virginia) 132: Jake Allar (Minnesota), ^Jaron Chavez (Idaho), *Chris Deloza (California), *Zackary Diamond (Hawaii), Parker Filius (Montana), Aaron Kruk (Illinois), Trysten Perales (Washington), and Michael Peters (Illinois) 138: ^Hunter Bolen (Virginia), ^Jaryn Curry (Oklahoma), Brett Johnson (Indiana), Brandon Konecny (Arizona), Brock Port (Pennsylvania), ^Josiah Rider (Colorado), Jason Romero (Colorado), and Demarius Smith-Terhune (Illinois) 145: Spencer Carey (New Jersey), Anthony Cheloni (Illinois), Liam Corbett (Hawaii), Jacob Covaciu (Indiana), Quentin Milliken (Pennsylvania), Tervell Timmons (Illinois), ^Layne Van Anrooy (Oregon), and ^Max Wohlabaugh (Florida) 152: Riley Jaramillo (Oregon), Lucas Jeske (Minnesota), Jake Lanning (Illinois), Bryan McLaughlin (New Jersey), ^A.J. Pedro (Massachusetts), Jimmy Saylor (Pennsylvania), Gage Thomas (Pennsylvania), and Josh Weinstein (North Carolina) 160: A.J. Alford (South Carolina), Nigel Feliz (New Jersey), Jacob Gray (Indiana), Tucker Leavitt (Idaho), Mason McDaniel (Washington), Drew Peck (Pennsylvania), Davis Perry (Alabama), and Ashton Seely (Utah) 170: Dylan Anderson (Wisconsin), Braden Best (Missouri), J.T. Brown (Ohio), Andrew Buckley (Missouri), Frank Guida (Pennsylvania), Ethan Kimber (Minnesota), Lawrence Kosoy (Florida), and Evan Ronsen (Minnesota) 182: Hakim Coles (Pennsylvania), Dean Drugac (New Jersey), Riley Kauzlaric (Illinois), Colin McCracken (Pennsylvania), Casey Randles (Idaho), Kobe Rosas (California), Noah Ryan (Minnesota), and James Watters (Illinois) 195: Christian Araneo (New York), *Brian Barnes (Oregon), Dakota Carnes (Oklahoma), Sam Erckenback (Minnesota), Bailey Kelly (Kansas), Forrest Lalunguna (Colorado), Chris Martinez (Ohio), and Dylan Prince (Kansas) 220: Dustin Dukleth (California), Ethan Hofacker (Wisconsin), Casey Jumps (Missouri), Matt Naig (Iowa), Caleb Ring (Iowa), Ryan Socha (Wisconsin), Cameron Wetli (Indiana), and Tommy Williams (Missouri) 285: only 228 participants *indicates returning Cadet, Junior, and/or FILA Cadet All-American ^indicates grade-level ranked prospect Triple Crowns In recent years, USA Wrestling has placed an emphasis on winning a Triple Crown at the Cadet and Junior levels. The distinction is earned by winning a title at the Folkstyle Nationals in Cedar Falls, Iowa during the early spring and then sweeping titles in Greco-Roman and freestyle during the Fargo week. During this year, a pair of wrestlers in both the Cadet and Junior levels earned the Triple Crown distinction. Earning the honor at the Cadet level were Beau Breske (Wisconsin) and Keegan Moore (Minnesota), who swept titles at 170 and 182 pounds respectively. Both wrestlers are ranked in the top 10 nationally of the Class of 2016, Breske is No. 6, while Moore is No. 10. At the Junior level, the accomplishment was achieved by wrestlers in the 100 and 106 pound weight classes. Rising senior Randon Miranda (California), who has yet to place in his state tournament due to being obviously undersized, did it at 100 pounds. While at 106 pounds, it was done by Danny Vega (Arizona), who was also a finalist in all three styles last year at 100 pounds on the Cadet level -- champion in freestyle after taking second in both folkstyle and Greco-Roman. Double the fun Also a major accomplishment is the ability to win titles in both styles during the Fargo week. The tournaments are wrestled at a high level with just one day between the two competitions, which exacerbates the internal physical and mental rigor in addition to externally navigating tough opponents. Sweeping titles at the Cadet level were Nicolas Aguilar (California) at 94 pounds, Roman Bravo-Young (Arizona) at 100, Austin Gomez (Illinois) at 113, Ethan Karsten (Missouri) at 138, and Matt Stencel (Ohio) at 195 -- along with Triple Crown winners Breske and Moore. No wrestlers other than Triple Crown winners Miranda and Vega were able to sweep the titles in Fargo at the Junior level. Additional wrestlers to make the finals in both styles at the Cadet level were: Ian Timmins (Nevada) -- Greco champ, freestyle runner-up at 106 pounds Jaden Enriquez (California) -- Greco champ, freestyle runner-up at 126 Matthew Park (Idaho) -- Greco champ, freestyle runner-up at 145 Owen Webster (Minnesota) -- Greco champ, freestyle runner-up at 160 Kamal Bey (Illinois) -- runner-up in both styles at 170 to Breske Wyatt Koelling (Utah) -- runner-up in both styles at 182 to Moore Osawaru Odighizuwa (Oregon) -- Greco runner-up, freestyle champion at 285 Additional wrestlers to make the finals in both styles at the Junior level: Zack Murillo (Connecticut) -- runner-up in both styles at 100 to Miranda Chandler Rogers (Oklahoma) -- Greco runner-up, at 170 A.J. Kowal (Ohio) -- at 182 Adarios Jones (Illinois) -- Greco-runner-up, at 285 Just to even navigate two big-brackets against high-end competition and earn All-American honors in both styles is a significant accomplishment. In addition to the double champions and double finalists, these wrestlers were double All-Americans at the Cadet level: Troy Allen (Virginia) -- Greco fourth, freestyle eighth at 195 Christian Ayala (California) -- Greco third, freestyle sixth at 220 Devin Bahr (Wisconsin) -- Greco runner-up, freestyle third at 138 Jake Bergeland (Minnesota) -- eighth in both styles at 120 Andrew Berreyesa (Nevada) -- Greco third, freestyle sixth at 160 Domenick Demas (Ohio) -- Greco third, freestyle sixth at 138 Bryan Ditchman (Illinois) -- Greco third, freestyle fourth at 285 Luke Drugac (New Jersey) -- Greco sixth, freestyle seventh at 170 Ben Freeman (Michigan) -- Greco third, freestyle runner-up at 113 James Handwerk (Ohio) -- Greco runner-up at 160, freestyle fifth at 170 Wyatt Harden (Michigan) -- Greco runner-up, freestyle sixth at 195 Jason Holmes (Arizona) -- Greco third, freestyle runner-up at 88 Eric Hong (Pennsylvania) -- third in both styles at 132 Jack Jessen (Illinois) -- third in both styles at 170 Brent Jones (Minnesota) -- Greco fourth, freestyle eighth at 113 Brandon Kaylor (Washington) -- fifth in both styles at 88 Jaret Lane (Pennsylvania) -- eighth in both styles at 88 Alex Lloyd (Minnesota) -- Greco sixth, freestyle fifth at 126 Isaac Luellen (Kansas) -- Greco fourth, freestyle sixth at 182 Jordan Martinez (Colorado) -- Greco seventh, freestyle eighth at 106 Drew Mattin (Ohio) -- fourth in both styles at 106 Patrick McKee (Minnesota) -- Greco runner-up, freestyle sixth at 88 Brandon Meikel (Utah) -- Greco runner-up, freestyle seventh at 94 Joey Melendez (Illinois) -- Greco sixth, freestyle seventh at 88 Brandon Metz (North Dakota) -- Greco champion, freestyle third at 220 Hunter Mullins (Washington) -- Greco fifth, freestyle second at 285 Jeremiah Moody (Wisconsin) -- Greco third, freestyle fifth at 152 Austin O'Connor (Illinois) -- Greco third at 126, freestyle fifth at 132 Peter Ogunsanya (Illinois) -- third in both styles at 94 Izaak Olejnik (California) -- Greco seventh, freestyle eighth at 94 Andrew Piehl (Minnesota) -- seventh in both styles at 285 Anthony Piscopo (Pennsylvania) -- Greco seventh, freestyle fifth at 220 Marcus Povlick (Illinois) -- Greco sixth, freestyle fourth at 100 Lucas Ready (Michigan) -- Greco fifth, freestyle runner-up at 220 Anthony Sherry (Iowa) -- Greco runner-up, freestyle sixth at 152 Corey Shie (Ohio) -- fourth in both styles at 126 Billy Simpson (Oklahoma) -- Greco seventh, freestyle third at 88 Elijah Varona (Florida) -- Greco sixth, freestyle fifth at 94 Kevin Vough (Ohio) -- Greco champion, freestyle third at 285 Jacob Warner (Illinois) -- fifth in both styles at 160 Bryce West (Iowa) -- Greco runner-up, freestyle fourth at 113 Coltan Williams (Texas) -- Greco champion, freestyle fifth at 120 Kobe Woods (Indiana) -- Greco seventh, freestyle runner-up at 195 Dalton Young (Washington) -- fifth in both styles at 113 Taylor LaMont earned All-American honors in both styles, though at different levels. He was the Junior Greco-Roman champion and third in Cadet freestyle, both at 126 pounds. Double All-Americans in the Junior level, in addition to those that made the final in both styles: Jacob Armstrong (Utah) -- Greco third, freestyle fourth at 182 Brett Bye (South Daktoa) -- Greco third at 160, freestyle fourth at 170 Anthony Cefolo (New Jersey) -- Greco runner-up, freestyle third at 120 Joey Cisneros (California) -- Greco fourth, freestyle third at 113 Samuel Colbray (Oregon) -- Greco champion, freestyle third at 195 Ryan Deakin (Colorado) -- Greco fifth, freestyle seventh at 120 Sean DeShazer (Kansas) -- Greco third, freestyle fourth at 126 Joel Dixon (Oklahoma) -- Greco second, freestyle fourth at 195 Benny Gomez (Michigan) -- fifth in both styles at 113 Louie Hayes (Illinois) -- third in both styles at 100 Michael Hobbs (Illinois) -- Greco fifth, freestyle sixth at 285 Kirk Johansen (Illinois) -- Greco fifth, freestyle seventh at 106 Jake Marnin (Iowa) -- fourth in both styles at 285 Mitch McKee (Minnesota) -- Greco fifth, freestyle champion at 126 Austin Myers (Kentucky) -- Greco sixth, freestyle third at 220 Mason Nafieh (Oklahoma) -- Greco seventh, freestyle fifth at 100 Tate Orndorff (Washington) -- third in both styles at 285 Burke Paddock (New York) -- Greco champion at 160, freestyle third at 170 Skyler Petry (Minnesota) -- Greco champion, freestyle fourth at 120 Justan Rivera (Georgia) -- Greco champion, freestyle eighth at 182 Renaldo Rodriguez-Spencer (New York) -- Greco champion at 145, freestyle eighth at 152 Michael Rogers (Pennsylvania) -- Greco third at 220, freestyle eighth at 285 Dorian Sapien (Idaho) -- Greco champion, freestyle seventh at 113 Bobby Steveson (Minnesota) -- Greco sixth, freestyle champion at 195 Jet Tryon (Missouri) -- Greco fifth, freestyle seventh at 100 Jesse Webb (Vermont) -- Greco sixth, freestyle runner-up at 285 In all, 58 Cadet wrestlers earned All-American honors in both Fargo tournaments, while the distinction was achieved by 32 at the Junior level, and then you have LaMont who doubled at split levels. Exceeding perceptions Every year during the Fargo week there are wrestlers whose performance level exceeds what was projected of them based on ability, past productivity, or whatever. A discussion of some of the wrestlers who most notably saw their "stock" increase during the Fargo week will appear as the Wednesday Lowe Down feature.

100: 1st: Randon Miranda (California) tech. fall Zack Murillo (Connecticut), 14-3 3rd: Louie Hayes (Illinois) dec. Arik Furseth (Wisconsin), 10-4 5th: Mason Naifeh (Oklahoma) dec. Cole Rohan (Oregon), 10-2 7th: Jet Tryon (Missouri) dec. Ryan Zachmeier (North Dakota), 8-1 106: 1st: Danny Vega (Arizona) tech. fall Drew Hildebrandt (Indiana), 12-1 3rd: Jonathan Tropea (New Jersey) tech. fall Kade Evans (Utah), 10-0 5th: Howard Smith (Texas) dec. Kelan McKenna (New York), 15-12 7th: Kirk Johansen (Illinois) tech. fall Bryce Brimhall (Utah), 10-0 113: 1st: Jack Mueller (Texas) tech. fall Matthew Schmitt (Missouri), 12-1 3rd: Joe Cisneros (California) dec. Montorie Bridges (Oklahoma), 6-4 5th: Benny Gomez (Michigan) dec. Andrew Nieman (Oklahoma), 2-1 7th: Dorian Sapien (Idaho) tech. fall Garrett Pepple (Indiana), 11-1 120: 1st: Austin Assad (Ohio) dec. Sean Russell (Georgia), 11-8 3rd: Anthony Cefolo (New Jersey) dec. Skylar Petry (Minnesota), 9-5 5th: Doyle Trout (Nebraska) pin Hunter Marko (Wisconsin), 3:32 7th: Ryan Deakin (Colorado) tech. fall Kyle Akins (Illinois), 16-5 126: 1st: Mitch McKee (Minnesota) dec. Chaz Tucker (New Jersey), 10-8 3rd: Domenic Forys (Pennsylvania) tech. fall Sean DeShazer (Kansas), 10-0 5th: Kaid Brock (Oklahoma) tech. fall Jonathan Gabriel (Pennsylvania), 12-2 7th: Lincoln Olson (Michigan) tech. fall Peter Lipari (New Jersey), 19-8 132: 1st: Tommy Thorn (Minnesota) dec. Ke-Shawn Hayes (Missouri), 5-1 3rd: A.C. Headlee (Pennsylvania) by injury default over Keegan Moore (Oklahoma) 5th: Gary Wayne Harding (Oklahoma) tech. fall Michael Cook (Idaho), 10-0 7th: Mike Magaldo (New Jersey) tech. fall Jayden Pentz (Utah), 11-0 138: 1st: Matt Findlay (Utah) tech. fall Brock Zacherl (Pennsylvania), 18-8 3rd: Zac Hall (Michigan) dec. Will Roark (Missouri), 10-2 5th: Zehlin Storr (Michigan) by injury default over Seth Gross (Minnesota) o 7th: Logan Ryan (Iowa) dec. Ben Brancale (Minnesota), 10-4 145: 1st: Isaiah White (Illinois) dec. Vincenzo Joseph (Pennsylvania), 9-3 3rd: Josh Maruca (Pennsylvania) tech. fall Fredy Stroker (Iowa), 11-0 5th: Michael Kemerer (Pennsylvania) by injury default over Mark Voss (Minnesota) 7th: Jordan Kutler (New Jersey) dec. Patrick Duggan (Pennsylvania), 13-4 152: 1st: Mason Manville (New Jersey) dec. David McFadden (New Jersey), 7-2 3rd: Josh Shields (Pennsylvania) tech. fall Joe Smith (Oklahoma), 14-4 5th: Tyler Mann (Arkansas) dec. Luke Fortuna (Illinois), 7-1 7th: Myles Amine (Michigan) pin Renaldo Rodriguez-Spencer (New York), 4:25 160: 1st: Ryan Blees (North Dakota) dec. Logan Massa (Michigan), 5-2 3rd: Fox Baldwin (Florida) dec. Bryce Steiert (Iowa), 11-11 on criteria 5th: Logan Breitenbach (Maryland) dec. Chris Weiler (Pennsylvania), 12-8 7th: Hayden Hansen (Oklahoma) by injury default over Jacobe Smith (Oklahoma) 170: 1st: Chandler Rogers (Oklahoma) tech. fall Josef Johnson (New Jersey), 10-0 3rd: Burke Paddock (New York) tech. fall Brett Bye (South Dakota), 10-0 5th: Spencer Derifield (Iowa) tech. fall Luke Norland (Minnesota), 10-0 7th: David-Brian Whisler (Ohio) tech. fall Jordan Bushey (New York), 11-1 182: 1st: Myles Martin (New Jersey) tech. fall A.J. Kowal (Ohio), 10-0 3rd: Dylan Wisman (Virginia) dec. Jacob Armstrong (Utah), 14-13 5th: Mitch Bowman (Iowa) tech. fall Cash Wilcke (Iowa), 13-2 7th: Nathan Traxler (Illinois) by injury default over Justan Rivera (Georga) 195: 1st: Bobby Steveson (Minnesota) dec. Lance Benick (Minnesota), 3-1 3rd: Samuel Colbray (Oregon) tech. fall Joel Dixon (Oklahoma), 10-0 5th: Kevin Mulligan (New Jersey) pin David Showunmi (Pennsylvania), 5:25 7th: Jacob Seely (Colorado) tech. fall Nathaniel Rose (New York), 11-1 220: 1st: Marcus Harrington (Iowa) dec. Andrew Dixon (Oklahoma), 6-2 3rd: Austin Myers (Kentucky) dec. Clay Broze (Minnesota), 8-2 5th: Youssif Hemida (New York) tech. fall Fletcher Miller (Indiana), 22-12 7th: Rylee Streifel (Minnesota) dec. Patrick Grayson (Virginia), 16-9 285: 1st: Adarios Jones (Illinios) dec. Jesse Webb (Vermont), 3-0 3rd: Tate Orndorff (Washington) tech. fall Jake Marnin (Iowa), 13-3 5th: Dan Stribal (South Dakota) by injury default over Michael Hobbs (Illinois) 7th: Robert Carson II (Illinois) dec. Michael Rogers (Pennsylvania), 8-1

Related: Junior Freestyle Results | Junior Freestyle All-Americans FARGO, N.D. -- The eight-day marathon that is the Cadet and Junior National Championships came to a conclusion early Saturday afternoon in Fargo, N.D. Team New Jersey ended up as champions in the point standings, as their 11 All-Americans combined for 58 points. Anchoring the Garden State effort was the championships won by Mason Manville and Myles Martin at 152 and 182 respectively. Manville added to his FILA Cadet world title won a week ago this afternoon with a Junior freestyle title. He beat fellow New Jersey wrestler David McFadden 7-2 to augment the Cadet freestyle title won last year in Fargo. Martin ended his dominant tournament run with a 10-0 victory over A.J. Kowal (Ohio), who was also runner-up in the Greco-Roman competition. There was a three-way tie for second in the team standings on 53 points between Minnesota, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania. The Gopher State had three weight class titles among their eleven All-Americans. St. Michael-Albertville teammates Mitch McKee and Tommy Thorn won back-to-back titles at 126 and 132; McKee over Chaz Tucker (New Jersey) 10-8, and Thorn -- now a two-time Junior freestyle champion -- surged late against Ke-Shawn Hayes (Missouri) to turn a 1-1 tie into a 5-1 victory. The other title came in an all-Minnesota title, as Bobby Steveson scored a late takedown to beat Lance Benick 3-1 in a match between top 20 Class of 2015 wrestlers. The lone title for the Oklahoma and Pennsylvania squads was earned by Oklahoma State enrollee Chandler Rogers (Oklahoma), who scored a 10-0 technical fall over Josef Johnson (New Jersey) in the 170 pound final. It was a first Fargo freestyle title for Rogers, who was runner-up in Greco-Roman on Tuesday and had won the Junior folkstyle title in early April. Fellow Oklahoma State enrollee Ryan Blees (North Dakota) repeated as a Junior freestyle champion, scoring late to earn a 5-2 victory over Logan Massa (Michigan) in the 160 pound final. This was a reversal of the FILA Junior freestyle final at 154 pounds in April, a match that Massa won. Also winning Fargo freestyle titles for a second consecutive year were Danny Vega (Arizona), Jack Mueller (Texas), and Isaiah White (Illinois). Vega earned a 12-1 technical fall over Drew Hildebrandt (Indiana) at 106 pounds to cap off a Junior Triple Crown in this weight class, and add to the Cadet freestyle 100 pound title he won last year. Mueller added to last year’s Cadet 106 freestyle title with a 12-1 technical fall in the 113 pound final over Matthew Schmitt (Missouri). White was the Cadet 138 freestyle champion last year, and cemented an absurdly impressive tournament with a 9-3 victory over Vincenzo Joseph (Pennsylvania) in the 145 pound final. Joining Vega as a Junior Triple Crown winner was Randon Miranda (California) at 100 pounds. He added to the folkstyle title from April and Greco-Roman title from Tuesday with a 14-3 technical fall victory over Zack Murillo (Connecticut), whom he also beat for the Greco-Roman title. It was a second straight Fargo freestyle runner-up finish for Murillo. Rounding out the Junior freestyle champions were Austin Assad (Ohio), Matt Findlay (Utah), Marcus Harrington (Iowa), and Adarios Jones (Illinois). Assad rallied back from a 7-2 deficit after one period to upend Edinboro enrollee Sean Russell (Georgia) 11-8 at 120 pounds. Boise State enrollee Findlay rallied back from an 8-2 second period deficit with 16 unanswered points to score an 18-8 technical fall over Clarion enrollee Brock Zacherl (Pennsylvania) at 183 pounds. It was a battle of Big 12 Conference enrollees at 220 pounds, as Iowa State’s Harrington defeated soon-to-be Sooner Andrew Dixon (Oklahoma) 6-2. Finally, at 285 pounds, it was a MAC enrollee battle, as Northern Iowa bound Adarios Jones (Illinois) upended Ohio Bobcat Jesse Webb (Vermont) 3-0. Medal Match Results 100: 1st: Randon Miranda (California) tech. fall Zack Murillo (Connecticut), 14-3 3rd: Louie Hayes (Illinois) dec. Arik Furseth (Wisconsin), 10-4 5th: Mason Naifeh (Oklahoma) dec. Cole Rohan (Oregon), 10-2 7th: Jet Tryon (Missouri) dec. Ryan Zachmeier (North Dakota), 8-1 106: 1st: Danny Vega (Arizona) tech. fall Drew Hildebrandt (Indiana), 12-1 3rd: Jonathan Tropea (New Jersey) tech. fall Kade Evans (Utah), 10-0 5th: Howard Smith (Texas) dec. Kelan McKenna (New York), 15-12 7th: Kirk Johansen (Illinois) tech. fall Bryce Brimhall (Utah), 10-0 113: 1st: Jack Mueller (Texas) tech. fall Matthew Schmitt (Missouri), 12-1 3rd: Joe Cisneros (California) dec. Montorie Bridges (Oklahoma), 6-4 5th: Benny Gomez (Michigan) dec. Andrew Nieman (Oklahoma), 2-1 7th: Dorian Sapien (Idaho) tech. fall Garrett Pepple (Indiana), 11-1 120: 1st: Austin Assad (Ohio) dec. Sean Russell (Georgia), 11-8 3rd: Anthony Cefolo (New Jersey) dec. Skylar Petry (Minnesota), 9-5 5th: Doyle Trout (Nebraska) pin Hunter Marko (Wisconsin), 3:32 7th: Ryan Deakin (Colorado) tech. fall Kyle Akins (Illinois), 16-5 126: 1st: Mitch McKee (Minnesota) dec. Chaz Tucker (New Jersey), 10-8 3rd: Domenic Forys (Pennsylvania) tech. fall Sean DeShazer (Kansas), 10-0 5th: Kaid Brock (Oklahoma) tech. fall Jonathan Gabriel (Pennsylvania), 12-2 7th: Lincoln Olson (Michigan) tech. fall Peter Lipari (New Jersey), 19-8 132: 1st: Tommy Thorn (Minnesota) dec. Ke-Shawn Hayes (Missouri), 5-1 3rd: A.C. Headlee (Pennsylvania) by injury default over Keegan Moore (Oklahoma) 5th: Gary Wayne Harding (Oklahoma) tech. fall Michael Cook (Idaho), 10-0 7th: Mike Magaldo (New Jersey) tech. fall Jayden Pentz (Utah), 11-0 138: 1st: Matt Findlay (Utah) tech. fall Brock Zacherl (Pennsylvania), 18-8 3rd: Zac Hall (Michigan) dec. Will Roark (Missouri), 10-2 5th: Zehlin Storr (Michigan) by injury default over Seth Gross (Minnesota) o 7th: Logan Ryan (Iowa) dec. Ben Brancale (Minnesota), 10-4 145: 1st: Isaiah White (Illinois) dec. Vincenzo Joseph (Pennsylvania), 9-3 3rd: Josh Maruca (Pennsylvania) tech. fall Fredy Stroker (Iowa), 11-0 5th: Michael Kemerer (Pennsylvania) by injury default over Mark Voss (Minnesota) 7th: Jordan Kutler (New Jersey) dec. Patrick Duggan (Pennsylvania), 13-4 152: 1st: Mason Manville (New Jersey) dec. David McFadden (New Jersey), 7-2 3rd: Josh Shields (Pennsylvania) tech. fall Joe Smith (Oklahoma), 14-4 5th: Tyler Mann (Arkansas) dec. Luke Fortuna (Illinois), 7-1 7th: Myles Amine (Michigan) pin Renaldo Rodriguez-Spencer (New York), 4:25 160: 1st: Ryan Blees (North Dakota) dec. Logan Massa (Michigan), 5-2 3rd: Fox Baldwin (Florida) dec. Bryce Steiert (Iowa), 11-11 on criteria 5th: Logan Breitenbach (Maryland) dec. Chris Weiler (Pennsylvania), 12-8 7th: Hayden Hansen (Oklahoma) by injury default over Jacobe Smith (Oklahoma) 170: 1st: Chandler Rogers (Oklahoma) tech. fall Josef Johnson (New Jersey), 10-0 3rd: Burke Paddock (New York) tech. fall Brett Bye (South Dakota), 10-0 5th: Spencer Derifield (Iowa) tech. fall Luke Norland (Minnesota), 10-0 7th: David-Brian Whisler (Ohio) tech. fall Jordan Bushey (New York), 11-1 182: 1st: Myles Martin (New Jersey) tech. fall A.J. Kowal (Ohio), 10-0 3rd: Dylan Wisman (Virginia) dec. Jacob Armstrong (Utah), 14-13 5th: Mitch Bowman (Iowa) tech. fall Cash Wilcke (Iowa), 13-2 7th: Nathan Traxler (Illinois) by injury default over Justan Rivera (Georga) 195: 1st: Bobby Steveson (Minnesota) dec. Lance Benick (Minnesota), 3-1 3rd: Samuel Colbray (Oregon) tech. fall Joel Dixon (Oklahoma), 10-0 5th: Kevin Mulligan (New Jersey) pin David Showunmi (Pennsylvania), 5:25 7th: Jacob Seely (Colorado) tech. fall Nathaniel Rose (New York), 11-1 220: 1st: Marcus Harrington (Iowa) dec. Andrew Dixon (Oklahoma), 6-2 3rd: Austin Myers (Kentucky) dec. Clay Broze (Minnesota), 8-2 5th: Youssif Hemida (New York) tech. fall Fletcher Miller (Indiana), 22-12 7th: Rylee Streifel (Minnesota) dec. Patrick Grayson (Virginia), 16-9 285: 1st: Adarios Jones (Illinios) dec. Jesse Webb (Vermont), 3-0 3rd: Tate Orndorff (Washington) tech. fall Jake Marnin (Iowa), 13-3 5th: Dan Stribal (South Dakota) by injury default over Michael Hobbs (Illinois) 7th: Robert Carson II (Illinois) dec. Michael Rogers (Pennsylvania), 8-1

Matt Brown is riding an unlikely win streak and Robbie Lawler is finally living up to his potential. On Saturday the two square off on FOX to see who will stay in the UFC welterweight title picture. As successful as Brown has been of late, Richard and John both expect Lawler to come out on top. They also break down the rest of the FOX card and look back at Conor McGregor's win over Diego Brandao. Do you want to listen to a past episode? Access archives.

88: 1st: Malik Heinselman (Colorado) tech. fall Jason Holmes (Arizona), 16-6 3rd: Billy Simpson (Oklahoma) dec. Jarod Kosman (Connecticut), 6-5 5th: Brandon Kaylor (Washington) by injury default 7th: Joey Melendez (Illinois) dec. Jaret Lane (Pennsylvania), 10-8 94: 1st: Nicolas Aguilar (California) tech. fall Dylan D'Emilio (Ohio), 11-0 3rd: Peter Ogunsanya (Illinois) dec. Rhett Golowenski (Oklahoma), 7-4 5th: Elijah Varona (Florida) pinned Ryan Chauvin (Colorado), 1:09 7th: Brandon Meikel (Utah) dec. Izzak Olenik (California), 3-2 100: 1st: Roman Bravo-Young (Arizona) dec. Max Murin (Pennsylvania), 9-0 3rd: Matthew Parker (Pennsylvania) dec. Marcus Povlick (Illinois), 5-2 5th: Joseph Thomas (Maryland) dec. Clayton Singh (Missouri), 6-4 7th: Noah Fye (Iowa) tech. fall Jonathan Gomez (New York), 12-2 106: 1st: Paul Konrath (Indiana) dec. Ian Timmins (Nevada), 8-2 3rd: Kaden Gfeller (Oklahoma) tech. fall Drew Mattin (Ohio), 11-0 5th: Zachary Sherman (New Jersey) by injury default over Anthony Madrigal (Illinois) 7th: Sidney Oliver (Missouri) dec. Jordan Martinez (Colorado), 4-2 113: 1st: Austin Gomez (Illinois) tech. fall Ben Freeman (Michigan), 11-0 3rd: Ty Agaisse (New Jersey) dec. Bryce West (Iowa), 4-3 5th: Dalton Young (Washington) dec. Josh Copeland (Oklahoma), 8-8 7th: Ian Parker (Michigan) tech. fall Brent Jones (Minnesota), 11-0 120: 1st: Dylan Duncan (Illinois) dec. Yianni Diakomihallis (New York), 12-4 3rd: Vitali Arujau (New York) tech. fall Kanen Storr (Michigan), 10-0 5th: Coltan Williams (Texas) by injury default over Garrett Lambert (Ohio) 7th: Travis Piotrowski (Illinois) tech. fall Jake Bergeland (Minnesota), 12-2 126: 1st: Chad Red (Indiana) dec. Jaden Enriquez (California), 4-3 3rd: Taylor Lamont (Utah) pinned Corey Shie (Ohio), 5:58 5th: Alex Lloyd (Minnesota) dec. Aj Jaffe (Illinois), 10-7 7th: Chris Sandoval (Colorado) by injury default over Zachary Krause (Illinois) 132: 1st: Nick Lee (Indiana) tech. fall Jaime Hernandez (Illinois), 11-0 3rd: Eric Hong (Pennsylvania) tech. fall Ben Anderson (Utah), 11-0 5th: Austin O'Connor (Illinois) dec. Hunter Shelton (Missouri), 10-4 7th: Evan Eldred (Indiana) tech. fall Ryan Epps (Minnesota), 11-0 138: 1st: Ethan Karsten (Missouri) tech. fall Shayne Oster (Illinois), 10-0 3rd: Devin Bahr (Wisconsin) tech. fall Colton Clingenpeel (Iowa), 10-0 5th: Adrian Ojeda (Nevada) by injury default over Dominick Demas (Ohio) 7th: Hunter Willits (Colorado) pinned Collin Kraus (Wisconsin), 5:59 145: 1st: Jared Verkleeren (Pennsylvania) tech. fall Matthew Park (Idaho), 11-0 3rd: Brady Berge (Minnesota) tech. fall Anthony Mantanona (California), 10-0 5th: Austin Hiles (Ohio) dec. Jonathan Ross (Pennsylvania), 10-6 7th: Mitchell Willett (Oregon) pinned Brandon Kui (New Jersey), 2:59 152: 1st: Trey Meyer (Washington) dec. Johnny Blankenship (Missouri), 9-7 3rd: Luke Troy (California) tech. fall Jeremiah Moody (Wisconsin), 11-0 5th: Nathaniel Morris (Illinois) dec. Anthony Sherry (Iowa), 9-8 7th: Jake Woodley (Pennsylvania) tech. fall Avery DiNardi (New Jersey), 10-0 160: 1st: Brandon Dallavia (New Jersey) dec. Owen Webster (Minnesota), 11-7 3rd: Benjamin Darmstadt (Ohio) pinned Joe Grello (New Jersey), 0:57 5th: Jacob Warner (Illinois) tech. fall Andrew Berreyesa (Nevada), 14-1 7th: Gary Jantzer (Oregon) tech. fall Jacob Raschka (Wisconsin), 10-0 170: 1st: Beau Breske (Wisconsin) dec. Kamal Bey (Illinois), 9-6 3rd: Jack Jessen (Illinois) tech. fall Jared Siegrist (Pennsylvania), 14-3 5th: James Handwerk (Ohio) tech. fall Matthew Wroblewski (Illinois), 10-0 7th: Luke Drugac (New Jersey) pinned Brady Daniel (Maryland), 0:57 182: 1st: Keegan Moore (Minnesota) dec. Wyatt Koelling (Utah), 7-0 3rd: Haydn Maley (Oregon) dec. John Jakobsen (Pennsylvania), 12-10 5th: Tyler Self (Oregon) by injury default over Isaac Luellen (Kansas) 7th: Christian Brunner (Illinois) tech. fall Antonio Agee (Virginia), 16-6 195: 1st: Matt Stencel (Ohio) dec. Kobe Woods (Indiana), 13-4 3rd: Matthew Correnti (New Jersey) tech. fall Jeffrey Allen (Virginia), 11-0 5th: Zane Black (Pennsylvania) by injury default over Wyatt Harden (Michigan) 7th: Francis Duggan (Pennsylvania) tech. fall Troy Allen (Virginia), 14-4 220: 1st: Gannon Gremmel (Iowa) dec. Luke Ready (Michigan), 8-7 3rd: Brandon Metz (North Dakota) tech. fall Cole Nye (Pennsylvania), 12-2 5th: Anthony Piscopo (Pennsylvania) tech. fall Cristian Ayala (California), 10-0 7th: Brandon Musselman (Missouri) tech. fall Brett Winters (Alabama), 10-0 285: 1st: Osawaru Odighizuwa (Oregon) dec. Hunter Mullins (Washington), 3-2 3rd: Kevin Vough (Ohio) dec. Bryan Ditchman (Illinois), 6-3 5th: Christian Rebottaro (California) pinned Blayne Burnett (Oregon), 4:58 7th: Andrew Piehl (Minnesota) dec. Dominic Tudor (Illinois), 7-2