InterMat Staff

Having last week discussed the best high school wrestling programs of the last four years, it's now time to discuss how those programs are positioned to perform on a go-forward basis. Let's start by looking at the 2014-15 prospects for each of the 14 teams to be ranked at the end of the last four seasons (Note: we are over five months away from the start of that season, and much is unknown -- projected weight classes, notable freshmen, notable transfers, etc.). Apple Valley, Minn. Ranked second last week in the last four year "dynasty rankings," the Eagles are anchored for 2014-15 by a trio of returning state champions: Mark Hall, Bobby Steveson and Maolu Woiwor. Hall is the nation's top-ranked Class of 2016 wrestler, while Steveson is within the top 20 for the Class of 2015. Gable Steveson, one of that nation's best incoming freshmen, finished second at state last year; while two other wrestlers, Kyle Rathman and Brock Morgan, placed third at state last year. Bethlehem Catholic, Pa. After four consecutive state dual meet titles and three straight in the individual bracket tournament, the rest of Class AA is thankful that the Hawks have elected to move up to the big-school Class AAA competition. Based on their roster composition, they will be well-equipped to contend for a fifth straight dual meet title, but an individual title may be out of reach. In addition to the big-school state tournament competition being tougher, their regional is now much less forgiving in terms of competition and structure (four qualify from the Northeast Regional in Class AAA, instead of the five qualifying from their previous stint in the Class AA Southeast Regional). The Hawks will be an experienced, but relatively young squad in 2014-15, as six of their seven rostered wrestlers with state tournament experience are either rising sophomores or juniors. The lone senior is two-time state placer Andrew Dunn. They feature a pair of returning state champions in rising sophomore Jake Reigel and rising junior Luke Karam. Additional returning state placers include Class of 2016 wrestlers Joey Gould and Stephen Maloney, along with Class of 2017 wrestler Mikey Labriola. Bettendorf, Iowa The Bulldogs have finished top three in both the state individual and dual meet tournaments each of the last five seasons (double titles in 2012 and 2014), and are well positioned to do the same this year. Even as defending champions with seven returning state qualifiers, six returning state placers, and four past state champions (three defending) -- they will not enter the upcoming season as the best team in Iowa. Instead Bettendorf will be playing second fiddle to 2013 double state champions Southeast Polk, who were runners-up in both tournaments this past season (the Rams return all nine of their state placers and 11 of 12 qualifiers). However, still look for the Bulldogs to be positioned among the nation's elite anchored by a core of excellent seniors in Freddy Stroker, a two-time state champion who is ranked in the top 10 in the Class of 2015; state champion Jacob Schwarm; returning state runner-up Paul Glynn; and 2013 state champion Jacob Woodard, a three-time state placres. Rising juniors Jack Wagner and Max Erpedling both placed at state last year, with Wagner taking home a state title. Blair Academy, N.J. The three-time defending national champions are anchored by defending National Prep champions Matthew Kolodzik and Mason Manville, both of whom are elite wrestlers within their respective grade levels (2015 and 2016). Another pair of rising seniors on this squad has won National Prep titles in the past, Chaz Tucker and Jordan Kutler. Other past National Prep placers within this lineup could include Zach Sherman, Matt Deehan, Requir van der Merwe, Brandon Dallavia, David Showunmi, and Neil Putnam. Brian Antonelli, the interim head coach last year for the Naval Academy, takes over as the head coach. Since Jeff Buxton left, Charles Danhof served as an interim coach for 2012-13 and Solomon Fleckman was the coach in 2013-14. While this may represent somewhat of a "break" from the Buxton Era, what won't represent a break is the level of wrestling success; as the Buccaneers are loaded with that existing core, and a projected stellar group of incoming ninth graders. Brandon, Fla. This program came to the forefront with their seemingly never-ending dual meet win streak that got them featured on ESPN's "The Season". However, in many ways, more recognition has come for the Eagles since "the streak" ended. The productivity in major off-season events (Fargo, NHSCA grade-level nationals, Super 32 Challenge) has continued, and in some ways expanded, while the high school season has featured a seemingly upgraded schedule with some trips to The Clash and the Cheesehead Invitational. Russ Cozart's program will remain among the nation's elite this coming year, as five returning state champions will be present in the lineup: top 35 Class of 2015 prospect Dylan Lucas, fellow rising seniors Dakota Greene and Dontae McGee, top 15 Class of 2016 wrestler Kyle Norstrem, and fellow junior-to-be Frankie Bruno. Two other projected starters placed second at state last year -- Troy Joyce and Ty Lucas -- with three others placing at state last year as well. Broken Arrow, Okla. Though lacking the juice that some of their colleagues on this list possess, coach Shawn Jones and his Tigers have a solid enough core to remain in contention for a position in the top half to middle of the Fab 50 national team rankings. They feature four rising seniors who placed in the top three at state last year, including three that will almost assuredly appear in the top 100 rankings to be published next week. Markus Simmons and Davion Jeffries are both three-time state finalists and two-time state champions, Paden Bailey has placed second in the state twice, while Steve Allen placed third at state this year. Two other Broken Arrow wrestlers return with state tournament experience: rising junior Isaiah Page and rising sophomore Tajuan Daniels. Clovis, Calif. Going after a fifth consecutive California state title, which would be a record, the Cougars will again be among the nation's best teams. They are anchored by returning state champion Justin Mejia, who also is a top 20 wrestler in the Class of 2017. Five other wrestlers on the team roster have placed in past California state wrestling tournaments: Tristan Gilliland, Khristian Olivas, Isaiah Hokit, Josh Hokit, and A.J. Nevills. Another five wrestlers will bring state tournament experience to the table: Lane Barnes, Jared Hill, Dominic Kincaid, Adam Prentice, and Hexton Coronado. Yet again this squad will be extremely deep and balanced. Veteran co-head coach Steve Tirapelle, younger co-head coach Ben Holscher, and lead assistant coach Adam Tirapelle are excellent program builders and technicians, who have shepherded a sustainable legacy program from top to bottom. Detroit Catholic Central, Mich. It's been an excellent five year run for the Shamrocks, as they have won four of the last five state dual meet titles in Michigan's big-school division. The only blemish being an upset one-point defeat in the 2011 state dual meet final. However, heading into the 2014-15 season, they lose (at least) eight key contributors to this sustained legacy of excellence to graduation. It includes four major Division I recruits in Malik Amine (Michigan), Nick Bennett (Nebraska), Andrew Garcia (Cornell), and Logan Marcicki (Indiana). Returning to the lineup are only three wrestlers with state tournament experience: state champions Trevor Zdebski and Myles Amine, as well as two-time state third placer Nick Giese. It is an open question as to if this will be a Fab 50 team to start the 2014-15 season. However, an ambitious off-season program and regular season schedule should have this team ready to contend for a fifth title in six seasons for head coach Mitch Hancock. Massillon Perry, Ohio After winning that elusive state title and finishing in the top 10 of the national rankings, the Panthers move on to the 2014-15 season in kind of a rebuild mode after losing three state champions, another state runner-up, two additional state placers, and an additional state qualifier to graduation. However, this "rebuild" is a matter of degree, as the core of a viable Fab 50 squad is present. This core reflects three returning state runners-up, all rising seniors: Jose Rodriguez, a 2013 state champion and projected top 100 Class of 2015 prospect; Jake Newhouse; and Nick Steed. Two other rising seniors bring state tournament experience to the table as well. Montini Catholic, Ill. Similar to Bethlehem Catholic, the Broncos will move up to the big-school division (Class AAA) in the 2014-15 season after making medium-school competition (Class AA) their personal fiefdom in recent years. In all six years since Illinois went to three classes of competition, as opposed to two, they won the dual meet state title. Their streak is now actually at seven consecutive state titles, as they won the big-school state title in the last year of two classes (2007-08). While Oak Park River Forest is loaded to the nines in Class AAA next year, Montini Catholic has as good a chance as anyone in this behemoth of a classification to take second place. The Broncos are anchored by a pair of top 30 Class of 2015 wrestlers, two-time state champion Xavier Montalvo and three-time state/National Prep runner-up Michael Johnson, Jr. Two other wrestlers return as state champions, Dylan Duncan and Vincent Turk, with another pair having placed at state last year. St. Edward, Ohio After three consecutive years in the top five (and possibly longer, since InterMat had not done team rankings prior to 2010-11), the Eagles barely finished in the Fab 50 last season. Headed into 2014-15, they feature only three returning state placers: fourth place finisher L.J. Bentley, sixth placer Parker Knapp, and seventh placer Allan Hart. They also feature returning state qualifier Hunter Ladnier, and three more wrestlers that were state alternates (one match away from state qualification). The upcoming Eagles' squad is one that is more deep and balanced than it is anchor-based. While things are very speculative at over five months to go until the season, a back half Fab 50 position is the probable ceiling. The key to St. Edward success in the coming season will be the emergence of program depth, which is something that had always been a staple. St. Johns, Mich. A long time ago China had the Ming Dynasty, in recent years it has been the Massa Dynasty at St. Johns. In the last six years, starting with Taylor Massa's freshman year in 2008-09, the Redwings have been in the Division 2 state dual meet semifinals or better each and every season. They were semifinal losers in 2008-09, won championships the next four years, before finishing runners-up losing the state final on criteria this past season. The 2014-15 season marks the senior season of Logan Massa, who currently is the nation's No. 2 rising senior. With four other state placers augmenting Massa, the Redwings should be battling it out with Lowell for a state title in Michigan's Division 2 this year, and look to be somewhere in the middle the Fab 50 team rankings. Two-time state champion Angus Arthur, currently ranked No. 24 in the Class of 2015 is in some ways the co-anchor of that squad. They are joined by two-time state placers Ian Parker and Tyler Wildmo, along with Drew Wixsom as wrestlers with state tournament podium appearances. Four other St. Johns wrestlers return after qualifying for state last year. St. Paris Graham, Ohio Jeff Jordan (Photo/Rob Preston)The Falcons have won 13 straight state titles, and are one of the "800 pound gorilla" programs nationally. They have three defending state champions -- Eli Stickley, Kyle Lawson, and Alex Marinelli -- along with Eli Seipel, who won state in 2012-13. Augmenting that quartet are Brent Moore and Mario Kastl, who placed second and third respectively in last year's state tournament; Justin Stickley and Josh Couchman, who both placed sixth at state; and two others who qualified for state. However, with these wrestlers congested around relatively the same size -- and three of the nation's best incoming freshmen coming into the program -- the composition of the lineup will be interesting. Those top freshmen are Ryan Thomas, Mitch Moore, and Rocky Jordan. Given that Rocky is head coach Jeff Jordan's youngest son, don't look for this program to vacate its elite position anytime soon. Wyoming Seminary, Pa. The Blue Knights will seek to build upon last year's National Prep title, as head coach Scott Green continues to build upon what John Gordon started. They will be led by five wrestlers who have finished runners-up at National Preps in the past: Trent Olson, Will Verallis, Danny Boychuck, Nick Reenan, and Chris Weiler. Other returning placers include John Busiello, Jimmy Overheiser, and Michael Rogers. That is an excellent core to what is assured to be an elite national squad and contender for a national title and National Prep title.

Dan Gable will go "On the Mat" this Wednesday, June 11. “On the Mat" is a presentation of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum. The show can be heard live on the Internet at 1650thefan.com or locally in Northeast Iowa each Wednesday from 5:00 to 6:00 PM Central on AM 1650, The Fan. This Wednesday's show will air from 5:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. due to a Chicago Cubs game. A podcast of the show is available on theopenmat.com. E-mail dgmstaff@nwhof.org with any questions or comments. Gable is the namesake of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum. He will provide his thoughts on the recent Dan Gable Celebrity Golf Tournament, Glen Brand Wrestling Hall of Fame induction ceremony, and the World Team Trials.

Buena Vista University Director of Athletics Christyn Abaray has announced the hiring of Jeff Breese as its new head wrestling coach. Breese takes over for Sevond Cole, who had held the position for the last six years. "I am excited to have Coach Jeff Breese joining our department as the new head wrestling coach," says Abaray. "Jeff brings with him his experience competing at the Division I level and coaching at both Divisions I and III levels, from upstarting a program to training All-Americans. Knowing we are here to develop future leaders, Jeff has shown that he sees the holistic development of the student-athletes as the main priority. I am thrilled to have him on board and look forward to the growth of our wrestling program." Breese comes to BVU after serving as the director of operations at his alma mater of North Carolina State University since 2012. During his time there, he has managed the team's budget and coordinated its travel schedule, co-directed social media and video promotions, developed a satellite camp system and a match film system, and directed match day events and activities, among other duties. In addition, he also spent time working with the Wolfpack Wrestling Club directing its fundraising and alumni relations activities. He also worked hand-in-hand with the Wolfpack Regional Training Center and organized and co-directed a system that trained over 300 wrestlers annually. "I am thrilled and very blessed to have the opportunity to guide a program with such a great history in one of the most competitive conferences in all of wrestling," says Breese. "It is very exciting to present my vision for the program and work with our student-athletes to help them reach their goals. The most gratifying aspect to becoming a head coach is being able to honor the countless people that have mentored me and shaped my approach to coaching." He began his career in the coaching field in 2006 at Seton Hall University where he spent two years assisting in starting up the university's wrestling program. He then became the first head coach at Penn State New Kensington in 2009 before moving to Division I Northern Illinois University as an assistant coach in 2010. Throughout his coaching career, he has coached 21 NCAA Qualifiers, including one national champion, and three All-Americans. He's also had a hand in four top-30 national recruiting classes, including one ranked in the top-5. "Buena Vista Wrestling has strong wrestling tradition that should be celebrated," adds Breese. "I want our current student-athletes to continue to build upon that tradition and make their own legacy." A 2006 graduate of North Carolina State University, Breese was a three-year starter for the Wolfpack and a member of their 2004 Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) championship team. A native of Claysville, Pa., he was a two-time Pennsylvania High School state champion - freshman (1999) and junior (2001) – going a perfect 41-0 during his freshman campaign. He finished his prep career at 105-9. Breese is scheduled to begin duties at BVU on August 1st.

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- On the strength of bonus points scored in the finals, Pennsylvania Blue defeated Illinois, 41-33, for the freestyle team title at the Schoolboy National Duals. Pennsylvania Blue won nine matches, while Illinois won eight in the finals showdown. The big difference came in the number of matches won with bonus points. Pennsylvania won eight of their nine matches with bonus points, including six technical falls and two pins. Illinois had just five victories scoring bonus points, with three technical falls and two pins. With the bouts starting at 190 pounds, the teams split the first six matches, with Pennsylvania Blue winning three and Illinois winning three. Pennsylvania Blue had a 14-11 lead, based on bonus points. Read full story Results Gold /Silver Pool Results: 1st Place: Pennsylvania Blue 2nd Place: Illinois 3rd Place: Minnesota II 4th Place: New Jersey 5th Place: Oklahoma Red 6th Place: Team Missouri 7th Place: Indiana Gold 8th Place: Team Washington 1st: Pennsylvania Blue defeated Illinois, 41-33 3rd: Minnesota II defeated New Jersey, 42-33 5th: Oklahoma Red defeated Team Missouri, 38-35 7th: Indiana Gold defeated Team Washington, 43-34 Championship Pennsylvania Blue 41, Illinois 33 190: Ian Malesiewski (Pennsylvania Blue) tech. fall Jayce Punke (Illinois), 11-0 210: Sergio Villalobos (Illinois) pinned Kyree Brown (Pennsylvania Blue), 0:18 265: Ronald Tucker (Illinois) dec. Mike Slivinski (Pennsylvania Blue), 4-4 70: Jj White (Pennsylvania Blue) tech. fall Brody Norman (Illinois), 10-0 77: Dylan Ragusin (Illinois) dec. Dillon Murphy (Pennsylvania Blue), 10-2 84: Conner Kievman (Pennsylvania Blue) pinned Reece Heller (Illinois), 0:25 91: Travis Ford-Melton (Illinois) tech. fall Joe Klock (Pennsylvania Blue), 13-2 98: Juan Bazaldua (Illinois) tech. fall Michael Kistler (Pennsylvania Blue), 10-0 105: Will Lewan (Illinois) dec. Tommy Traver (Pennsylvania Blue), 6-1 112: Justin Mccoy (Pennsylvania Blue) tech. fall Matt Ortiz (Illinois), 10-0 120: Carnell Andrews (Pennsylvania Blue) pinned Michael Gunther (Illinois), 2:59 128: Josh Stillings (Pennsylvania Blue) dec. Danny Braunagel (Illinois), 8-5 136: Jack Hendrick (Pennsylvania Blue) tech. fall Max Fritz (Illinois), 10-0 144: Drew Hoselton (Illinois) pinned Caleb Hetrick (Pennsylvania Blue), 3:12 152: Ben Root (Pennsylvania Blue) tech. fall Danny Benoit (Illinois), 11-0 160: Nate Jimenez (Illinois) tech. fall Julian Gorring (Pennsylvania Blue), 10-0 175: Gavin Hoffman (Pennsylvania Blue) tech. fall Tyler Surges (Illinois), 14-1 Third Place Minnesota II 42, New Jersey 33 190: Keegan Cavallero (Minnesota II) dec. Wade Drugac (New Jersey F), 7-1 210: Manuel Alvarez (Minnesota II) by forfeit 265: Dereck Casco (Minnesota II) pinned Dom Castallano (New Jersey F), 1:28 70: Will Guida (New Jersey F) tech. fall Pax Creese (Minnesota II), 12-2 77: Justin Bierdumpfel (New Jersey F) tech. fall Max Crowe (Minnesota II), 10-0 84: Emily Shilson (Minnesota II) tech. fall Sam Alvarez (New Jersey F), 13-2 91: Joe Hielman (New Jersey F) dec. Jeron Mattson (Minnesota II), 13-9 98: Pat Glory (New Jersey F) tech. fall Colby Njos (Minnesota II), 14-4 105: Gerard Angelo (New Jersey F) tech. fall Peyton Robb (Minnesota II), 10-0 112: Carmen Ferrante (New Jersey F) dec. Tyler Eischens (Minnesota II), 6-5 120: Nick Raimo (New Jersey F) tech. fall Brady Gross (Minnesota II), 11-0 128: Patrick Kenndy (Minnesota II) pinned Mathew Liberato (New Jersey F), 3:14 136: Anthony Jackson (Minnesota II) tech. fall Mathew Dallara (New Jersey F), 10-0 144: Ryan Karoly (New Jersey F) tech. fall Zach Peterson (Minnesota II), 11-0 152: Cody Dravis (Minnesota II) pinned Flynn Leaf (New Jersey F), 1:15 160: Christian Kurth (Minnesota II) tech. fall Joe Wilson (New Jersey F), 11-0 175: Colton Hellman (Minnesota II) dec. Joe Wilson (New Jersey F), 5-1 Fifth Place Oklahoma Red 38, Team Missouri 35 190: Hunter Pyle (Team Missouri) pinned Drake Barbee (Oklahoma Red), 1:04 210: Clint Herrick (Team Missouri) dec. Mason Lancaster (Oklahoma Red), 6-0 265: Tyler Curd (Team Missouri) tech. fall Montana Phillips (Oklahoma Red), 13-3 70: Riley Weir (Oklahoma Red) tech. fall Riley Wertz (Team Missouri), 10-0 77: Garrett Stiedley (Oklahoma Red) dec. Garrett Raynor (Team Missouri), 8-8 84: Colton Schneider (Oklahoma Red) tech. fall Trey Crawford (Team Missouri), 10-0 91: Colt Newton (Oklahoma Red) tech. fall Blake Ackerman (Team Missouri), 10-0 98: Rj Mosley jr (Oklahoma Red) tech. fall Zeke Beach (Team Missouri), 10-0 105: Andrew Gamble (Team Missouri) pinned Jacob Blair (Oklahoma Red), 0:20 112: Colton Denney (Oklahoma Red) tech. fall Dayton Fields (Team Missouri), 10-0 120: Jacob Schmuck (Team Missouri) pinned Jon Mcgowen (Oklahoma Red), 0:58 128: Zane Coleman (Oklahoma Red) tech. fall Griffin Mann (Team Missouri), 12-1 136: Tyler Craig (Team Missouri) dec. Jacob Swenson (Oklahoma Red), 9-3 144: Devon Winston (Team Missouri) pinned DJ Boone (Oklahoma Red), 1:10 152: Jermaine Harring (Oklahoma Red) tech. fall Dylan Allen (Team Missouri), 12-0 160: Zach Russell (Team Missouri) dec. Justin Johnson (Oklahoma Red), 12-8 175: Shane Flandermeyer (Oklahoma Red) tech. fall Freeman Johns (Team Missouri), 10-0 Seventh Place Indiana Gold 43, Team Washington 34 190: Kione Gill (Team Washington) tech. fall Landon Burton (Indiana Gold), 12-0 210: Kyle Cornwell (Indiana Gold) pinned Cruz Peterson (Team Washington), 1:34 265: Manny Cheam (Indiana Gold) by forfeit 70: Alex Cottey (Indiana Gold) dec. Brenden Chaowanapibool (Team Washington), 12-6 77: Beau Wiebe (Team Washington) dec. Trey Lane (Indiana Gold), 14-8 84: Isaiah Gonzalez (Team Washington) dec. Asa Garcia (Indiana Gold), 6-5 91: Alexander Cruz (Team Washington) pinned Matt Lee (Indiana Gold), 3:09 98: Christian Hunt (Indiana Gold) tech. fall Alexandro Vaca (Team Washington), 10-0 105: Tylor Triana (Indiana Gold) tech. fall Mason Phillips (Team Washington), 17-7 112: Quinton Scott (Team Washington) dec. Jack Servies (Indiana Gold), 5-4 120: Lane Holland (Team Washington) tech. fall Carson Brewer (Indiana Gold), 13-2 128: Zach Melloh (Indiana Gold) dec. Jack Ervien (Team Washington), 12-5 136: Zack Fattore (Indiana Gold) tech. fall Gavin Gies (Team Washington), 10-0 144: Kameron Fuller (Indiana Gold) pinned Adrian St. germain (Team Washington), 3:01 152: Lucas Davison (Indiana Gold) pinned Malachi Lawrence (Team Washington), 1:18 160: Zachary Stratton (Team Washington) pinned Caleb Thomas (Indiana Gold), 0:46 175: Zayne Ball (Team Washington) tech. fall Leonardo Pena (Indiana Gold), 14-3

This weekend Bellator is headlined by Eric Prindle vs. James Thompson (Wait ... Seriously?) and World Series of Fighting is continuing its ill advised global expansion with a Canadian fight card featuring David Loiseau vs. Dwayne Lewis (Wait ... Seriously?). Thankfully Richard and John won't break down any of that but instead focus on Saturday's UFC fight night card, where Ben Henderson will attempt to move his way back up the lightweight ranks. Do you want to listen to a past episode? Access archives.

Though Frank Molinaro put a dagger in the heart of the complaints about criteria being "boring," last weekend's World Team Trials did become a showcase for a new complaint about international rules -- the much-maligned and difficult-to-recognize "almost takedown." Over the past four months I've traveled more than 100k miles across four continents to cover more than a dozen international freestyle wrestling tournaments for FILA. I have never -- literally not once -- seen an "almost takedown" awarded to a wrestler. The only place I've heard it discussed or seen it awarded is in America. Why? I haven't the fuzziest and like you would love to find out. I don't know if the rule will be reinterpreted to become more widely and uniformly enforced, or eliminated altogether. That is up to the rules and referees commissions. However, I would point to last year's short-lived one-point "go-behind" takedown as an example of these committees making a change based on the experiences (complaints) of the American wrestling community. The broader realization for wrestling fans needs to be that wrestling as a point-scoring, time-managed sport NEEDS rule changes and adjustments to increase action. As we've seen with the abysmal NCAA rules and the former international rules, this is a tricky process. New strategies and gamesmanship are sure to emerge, which will necessitate small in-season tweaks by the rules and referee commissions to ensure that scoring stays high and action lively. The effort put into ensuring that in wrestling has been, broadly speaking, both positive and effective. If you want to see what grappling can become without a good rules and referees commission take a peek into the rapidly declining action in sport jiu-jitsu. What was once a submission-first sport for exceedingly tough humans has morphed into an unwatchable ten minutes of pajama-pulling. Two of the sport's very best practitioners -- Buchecha and Keenan Cornelius -- met last weekend in the semifinals of a world-level tournament. The "fight," as it is called in jiu-jitsu, lasted 10 minutes but produced almost no discernible point-scoring action, much less open-action that casual fans could find entertaining. We're talking about two guys who, if properly incentivized by the rules, could perform acts of physical skill and flexibility you'd find incredible. However, in a sport with no independent referee commission, a 10-minute clock and little rules creativity we instead get two guys panting hard and tugging on each other's gis. How can they win if they don't score any points? The fighters are awarded "advantages" given for, you guessed it, "almost maneuvers." To your questions ... Q: What is next for David Taylor after losing to Jordan Burroughs? -- David E. Foley: Shoe salesman! The Magic Man isn't going anywhere. He's the firm No. 2 this year and will get extensive overseas competition and training. Burroughs is the man to beat on the mat and their rivalry will continue until M2 grows out of the weight class, or somehow drops to 70 kilos. Q: Seeing Tony Ramos down at 125 pounds and David Taylor lose to Jordan Burroughs got me thinking. How hard of a time do you think Taylor would have going down a weight? There's still time for him to make the World Team if he could make the cut. -- Scott M. Foley: Like how I webbed this question with the one above? Synergy. I don't know how tough of a diet he has to keep in making 74 kilos, but I think that he can make the (opens calculator) 8.5-pound drop to 70 kilos for the Trials in late July. Taylor is a big boy, but at stake is the chance to win his first World title. He would have the same training opportunities as discussed above, but instead of just watching his friends compete and knocking around Europe for some preparation tourneys, M2 could be The Guy. He makes a positive impact on his teammates and I would love to see his energy, and that of his fan base, at the World Championships in Tashkent. By the way ... I'm not a musical genius and crowd chants aren't my thing, but aren't there lots of opportunities to call Taylor to a mat by singing refrains of popular songs with the word "magic" in them. Let that knock around your heads a bit and get back to me. Q: Who will have the better beard at the World Championships, Ed Ruth or Jordan Burroughs? -- Ronald M. Who will have the better beard at the World Championships? (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com)Foley: Oh, please ... Jordan (@alliseeisgold) Burroughs. The three-time World title winner isn't going to lose a beard growing contest to a 23-year-old. Though sports beards have their place, trendy beard-growing to jock up your look is pathetic, hipster-driven koala dung. Men, it's time to grow up and buy a razor. Covering your face with hair in an attempt to look more masculine is antithetical to the core ideal of masculinity -- the confidence to be your true self (Read: Capable of living outside of Hipster-driven trends.) A man should never desire to purchase beard care products (waxes and combs) to cover up the fact he doesn't have a superhero jawline, and confuse women into thinking he has a handmade four-post bed made of self-fell sequoias. You don't look attractive. You look like the broke cousin of the backup banjo player for Mumford and Sons. Go read a book, shoot a squirrel and drink a beer. Be the man your facial hair is working so hard to project to the world. MULTIMEDIA HALFTIME Your Move, FLIPS Highlights of the World Team Trials Brilliant Commentary Q: With Matt Lindland taking over the Greco program it got me thinking on what could be changed. How much recruitment of guys takes place? Specifically, should Lindland try to convince Andrew Howe to try Greco? I know Howe has seen freestyle success, but he just placed third, so he is behind two guys and lost to Dake last time they wrestled. We have seen crossover success before and his heavy hands could translate well. I would think his popularity would also be a boom to the Greco program. Do you think Howe could have success in Greco and should he give it a try? -- Dan B. Foley: The hiring of Matt Lindland signaled USA Wrestling's desire to recruit more freestylers to the Greco-Roman team. I think that's a smart idea and with J.D. Bergman already committing to the jump it's starting to pay off (in depth of talent). Howe is the big prize for USA Wrestling. He's stuck behind a wall of talent and as he gets older it will be tough for his athleticism to stay in range with the leading triad, never mind the upstart talent that might come through the ranks. I'm probably not well-suited to give life advice to Andrew Howe, but from the outside there is an opportunity for him to compete and do well on the Greco-Roman team. He won't be a shoe-in to compete (Note: Greco-Roman might not be our best, but our team still has some tough asses in the lineup), but he will raise the level of intensity in the room and improve the depth. Who knows maybe he refines his talent and makes the Olympic team. Would you be all that surprised? Winners like to win. Q: The future of U.S. wrestling clubs looks strong. Would clubs like @tmwc12 benefit from a league like Germany? -- @theschneid13 Foley: Wonderful little piece of videography. Life is always better when instead of bathing our children, filing taxes or drafting angry emails to airlines we instead are able to watch wrestling videos with dramatic music. Great stuff. The American wrestling scene is still pretty fractured by geography and the ability to provide substantial financial support to wrestlers outside the top three in their weight class. I'd love to see a league, but I think it's more important for our guys to get overseas and compete more often in high-level and mid-level events. Our freestylers need more looks at the Asian and European talent and that takes big money. I'm tickled if both can happen, but I don't know if there is enough wrestling money active to support a two-front campaign. Q: We all know that the Trials were available through premium service on Flowrestling. Someone put both JB vs DT matches on YouTube... it would appear those links now say "David Taylor vs. Jordan Burroughs ... " This video is no longer available due to a copyright claim by Flocasts. It would appear Flo was on the lookout for it. Your thoughts? -- Frank C. Foley: The new-look Flo is making a lot of money through their pay-per-view model and part of monetizing online video is preventing rampant copyright infringement. I can't rattle them for protecting their property. However, when starting down this path it will be vital that they not be infringing on the copyright-protected material of others. The latter will prove to be their bigger challenge. RANT OF THE WEEK By Jason E. We are missing the boat. I mean missing it big time. To give you an analogy if we were playing the old Milton Bradley battleship game our fleet would have been sunk in four moves. My 5-year-old son and I were watching cartoons this past Saturday. In that time, there must have been a zillion commercials. Many of which featured sports being played by kids. Tony the Tiger was kicking a soccer ball, a famous football player was encouraging kids to eat right, a professional wrestler was having kids eat Fruity Pebbles. At no time did I see amateur wrestling in those commercials. Are we hated that much (can't be we are ranked as the sixth most popular sport by the NFHS yearly participation survey)? Are we too proud or too serious to make our sport "kid friendly?" Kids are going to do what they think is important. "Hey kids, buy Fruity Yummy Coca Poofs cause this wildly radical character said so." They are going to buy it. "Hey kids, watch these teenagers have fun and smile in the commercial after kicking a goal." OK soccer is cool! "Hey mom, when is registration?" Bottom line this kind of propaganda works. If you don't believe me look at the NFL. Or Alabama football where I'm from. Kids will chew candy made of broken glass if their favorite Crimson Tide guy tells them to. Is it because football is inherently awesome? No, it's because from the time they can click the "on" button they are beat over the head with that damned Crimson A. Why are we as a community of fans, or even better USA wrestling not getting on Saturday Morning/Cartoon Network/Disney XD. Just think about it, how many kids probably joined wrestling because of AC Slater (oh yes I did, just use a Saved by the Bell reference). Somebody crowd source this idea, tweet Ashton Kutcher and let's get some wrestling in the next kids commercial, or a funny kids cartoon where the main antagonist is a wrestler, a 15-second highlight spot run every 30 minutes on cartoon network. (Just as long as those production values don't mirror the ones from the 90s, think the World Cup on ESPN2, I can hear the music now). I'd even settle for a banner on the side of websites like Animal Jam, or the aforementioned TV stations. Sorry, USA Wrestling, but kids aren't going to download podcasts, Facebook has been dead for years, and they are too young to tweet. Once we get this ball rolling, then maybe we can get the adult coaches to calm down at practice so kids don't want to jump off a cliff instead of hit the mats, but one problem at a time I guess.

Member's of the U.S. men's freestyle team pose for a photo (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com)The U.S. men's freestyle team is without question one of the more exciting produced in recent years. Changes to international rules, the growth of individual performers and the return of an Olympic champion give the American side renewed hope for a chance at winning a team title. That's unlikely, but there are more than a few wrestlers on the squad who have chances to earn World medals. Below is a look at those odds when looking outside the U.S. and taking into account the highly talented opponents the American side is likely to face. The numbers here are likely to change as the summer progresses and wrestlers young and old show what they are capable of accomplishing at the international level. Read up and stay tuned. 57 kilos: Tony Ramos Gold: 5 percent Medal: 15 percent The freshest face on the U.S. men's freestyle team. Tony Ramos takes over for Angel Escobedo at 57 kilos in 2014. An NCAA champion for Iowa in 2014, Ramos doesn't have a ton of national freestyle experience. He chose to sit out the U.S. Open and has only made the weight once and is down from a collegiate weight of 133 pounds. Tony Ramos made his first U.S. World Team at 57 kilos (Photo/John Sachs, Tech-Fall.com)Ramos is sturdy on his feet, with an attacking style that can whither down lesser opponents. However much the international scene has become more accommodating to his plodding style, Ramos will face one of the toughest international weights, filled with freestyle-focused opponents willing to match Ramos' aggression with creativity and slick techniques. I like Ramos, in the right place, to win a match at the World Championships, but to make it past the names listed below in what will undoubtedly be one of his first international tournaments is highly improbable. Look for Ramos to go overseas before the World Championship to get more time training in foreign rooms and in one or two mid-level tournaments. How he performs there will give all wrestling fans a better indication of his future performance. Top wrestlers: Vladimir Khinchegashvili (Georgia), Rasul Kaliev (Kazakhstan), Damdinbazar Tsogtbaatar (Mongolia), Viktor Lebedev (Russia), Artyom Gebekov (Russia) or Nariman Israpilov (Russia) 65 kilos: Brent Metcalf Gold: 20 percent Medal: 60 percent One of the more impressive American wrestlers of the 2014 season, Brent Metcalf finished undefeated at the World Cup in Los Angeles and managed a victory over world No. 1 Magomed Kurbanaliev of Russia. That win didn't count on the official record as it was goodwill and above weight, but that Metcalf could wrestle with the top guy was evident. Before his recent success Metcalf has struggled in his most recent high-level international tournaments -- 2013 World Championships and Ivan Yarygin Invitational. At Worlds he lost a lopsided decision to Iran's Mehdi Taghavi and at Yarygin he dropped an odd match to Soslan Romanov, who he'd actually beaten twice before. Metcalf is wrestling well and showed at the 2013 Ivan Yarygin that he can handle big tournaments, when he finished second. Like almost all the Americans, Metcalf's tournament will be decided by who he faces in the first two rounds. Lucky for him Taghavi won't be competing in 2014 as he's missed the qualifications tournaments to make him eligible. Also to his favor is that two of the top four ranked wrestlers in the world are former NCAA finalists in Franklin Gomez and Boris Novachkov. His familiarity with their styles should limit any stumbling blocks. The most concerning early-round matchups for Metcalf would be a second-round matchup with Kurbanaliev, or meeting an upstart Iranian with little video in the first round. He will also need to be ready for whoever the Mongolians send, as they tend to have a style drag-and-scramble style similar to Russia's Romanov. Top wrestlers: Magomed Kurbanaliev (Russia), Franklin Gomez (Puerto Rico), Servet Coskun (Turkey), Borislav Novachkov (Bulgaria), Jang Jin-Hyeok (North Korea), Ganzorig Mandakhnaran (Mongolia) 74 kilos: Jordan Burroughs Gold: 95 percent Medal: 95 percent Not much needs to be written about Jordan Burroughs' career and what he is capable of at the 2014 World Championships. He has faced his toughest opponent in David Taylor and came away with hard-fought victories. At the international level there are only a few guys who can give him issues, but few who can outright beat him more than twice out of 10 times. His biggest threat will be two-time European champion Aniuar Geduev, who he beat at a Beat the Streets event. Geduev looked awesome in Finland and has the type of build that could give Burroughs some trouble. Iranian stalwart Akbari will have to fight his way back onto the team after a disappointing 2014 campaign, leaving serviceable Reza Afzali Paemami as the more likely opponent. Burroughs is not a sure thing. Injuries, illness and off days happen to everyone, but as we learned in 2013 even those types of setbacks might not stop what is looking like what could become one of the greatest Americans to ever wrestle internationally. Top wrestlers: Aniuar Geduev (Russia), Reza Afzali Paemami (Iran), Yabrail Hasanov (Azerbaijan), Ali Shabanov (Belarus) 86 kilos: Ed Ruth Gold: 5 percent Medal: 60 percent Ed Ruth was impressive last week in his performance against 2013 World Team member Keith Gavin. Sharp on his feet, Ruth was too fast to angles against Gavin in what will likely prove to be a changing of the guard. Ed Ruth defeated Keith Gavin to make the U.S. World Team (Photo/John Sachs, Tech-Fall.com)As nice as Ruth looked, it was only a one-country tournament and in the world of wrestling only having one or two freestyle tournaments makes it tough to predict big things. Still, Ruth's ability to dominate and seemingly score when interested makes him the type of show-up-and-medal type wrestler that head coach Bruce Burnett will like to see. Ruth can medal, but it is highly unlikely to be gold. Even if he makes it through a bracket that will include either defending World champion Ibragim Aldatov of Ukraine or silver medalist Reineris Salas Perez of Cuba, he almost certainly cannot make it past shoe-in finalist Abdul Rashid Sadulaev, who is by most accounts the most physically dominant wrestler in the world, and arguably the No. 1 or No. 2 best wrestler overall. Look for Ruth to compete overseas in the coming months and test out his growing (and changing) freestyle game plan. As Cael Sanderson works to specify his attacks from the feet, he will also look to work on Ruth limiting his in-match mistakes. If coach can make that click I really like Ruth for silver or bronze. Top wrestlers: Abdul Rashid Sadulaev (Russia), Murad Gaidarov (Belarus), Rashid Kurbanov (Uzbekistan), Ibragim Aldatov (Ukraine), Reineris Salas Perez (Cuba), Ehsan Lashgari (Iran) 97 kilos: Jake Varner Gold: 40 percent Medal: 75 percent Olympic champion Jake Varner is back on the mats after what was an 18-month layoff from competing. He's still a bit rusty, but at the U.S. Open and World Team Trials proved that he was still the top guy in the country at 97 kilos. Looking ahead to the World Championships, Varner will need to get in more international matches to remind him of the size and skill of the opponents he will be facing in Tashkent. His weight is arguably the single most loaded of the entire tournament, with Olympic and World champions littering the upper ranks. Though intimidating for his fans, it's unlikely to phase Varner, who won his Olympic gold in what was then considered to be the toughest weight class of the entire Olympic Games. To win Varner will have to wrestle well early and face either Reza Yazdani (Iran) or Khetag Gazumov (Azerbaijan) in his bracket as they finished 1-2 last year in Budapest. Yazdani might be the better selection as many Iranian fans love to give the champion a hard time about not winning the Olympic Games. Maybe Varner feels he can match up well against the Lion of Joybar? It's likely that Varner will wrestle well enough to place -- and gold is still a possbility, though a very difficult outcome to predict for someone still a little rusty from his time away. Top wrestlers: Reza Yazdani (Iran), Abdusalam Gadisov (Russia), Khetag Gazumov (Azerbaijan), Ivan Yankouski (Belarus), Sharif Sharifov (Azerbaijan) 125 kilos: Tervel Dlagnev Gold: 5 percent Medal: 45 percent One of the most consistent performers for Team USA, Tervel Dlagnev has become a stalwart at heavyweight. He's big and mobile, but has often fumbled to close out big matches and earn hardware. Three times he finished fifth in world-level tournaments. Tervel Dlagnev defeated Zack Rey in the finals of the U.S. World Team Trials (Photo/John Sachs, Tech-Fall.com)Still, he's looking confident against domestic competition and knows his international opponents. Dlagnev is one of the few guys to have beaten now-retired three-time Olympic gold medalist Artur Taymazov of Uzbekistan. His gold medal chances are made thin by the likely return of 2013 World champion Khadzhimurat Gatsalov (Russia) and the recent rockstar performance of Turkey's Taha Akgul. Both present difficult style matchups. The most talented wrestler in the field might be Komeil Ghasemi (Iran), who also looked impressive in winning the 2014 Asian Championships in Astana and who beat Dlagnev at the World Cup in Los Angeles. Dlagnev should win matches and if he loses before the finals it will likely be to a finalist. He will have a shot to medal. It just depends on whether he is able to convert the opportunity into more hardware. Top wrestlers: Taha Akgul (Turkey), Komeil Ghasemi (Iran), Alan Khugaev (Russia), Khadzhimurat Gatsalov (Russia), Aleksander Khotsianivski (Ukraine), Ali Isaev (Azerbaijan)

Blair Academy has finished No. 1 in the final Fab 50 each of the last three seasons (Photo/Rob Preston) Over the last four seasons InterMat has published a Fab 50 list of the top high school wrestling teams in the country. While four years seems like a pretty short period of time, in many ways it can be an eternity in scholastic sports. Four years reflects the time in which a freshman class goes through to their graduation. In addition, three classes older than that initial group, and three younger than the initial group have partaken in at least one year of high school wrestling. Given that premise, let's take a look at many aspects of the Fab 50 rankings over the last four seasons. We'll do some of the discussion this week, with a follow-up feature one week from today. The final rankings from the last four seasons have featured 99 teams in all. Of that group, a subset of 14 squads has ended each of the last four seasons nationally ranked (three of those appearing in the top 10 during each and every season). Here are in my opinion the top 10 performing squads for the 2010-11 through 2013-14 seasons: 1. Blair Academy, N.J. The Buccaneers have won national titles during each of the last three campaigns and finished second nationally in 2010-11. They have won the Ironman in each of the last three years, finishing as runners-up in December 2011; and won the Beast of the East title in each of those four seasons. 2. Apple Valley, Minn. The Eagles won the national title in 2010-11, with final rankings of 3rd, 13th, and 5th the three seasons thereafter. They have won The Clash National High School Duals twice, the Cheesehead Invitational two times, and the Minnesota Christmas Tournament in three of those years. 3. Clovis, Calif. The Cougars have won the single class California state wrestling tournament title during each of the last four seasons. In each season, they have had a major success against national level competition. Most notable of those was a third place finish at The Clash in December 2011, when they beat St. Paris Graham in a classic dual meet for the day one bracket title. They have ended the last four seasons ranked 7th, 5th, 8th, and 3rd. 4. St. Paris Graham, Ohio During the last four years the Falcons have finished first (beat Blair Academy), third (behind Blair Academy and St. Edward), third (Blair Academy and Wyoming Seminary), and second at the Walsh Ironman (Blair Academy). They also have split dual meets against St. Edward, winning the last two years (each team has one expected win and one upset win in that time span). St. Paris Graham joins Blair Academy and Clovis as the only teams to end the last four seasons all inside the top 10: 4th, 8th, 5th, and 6th. 5. Wyoming Seminary, Pa. Before this past year's eighth place finish, the Blue Knights were top four (3rd, 4th, 2nd) in the previous three years at the nation's toughest tournament -- the Walsh Ironman. They were also second to Blair Academy at the Beast of the East in December 2010 through 2012 before finishing third this past year. In the year Wyoming Seminary had their worst performance in these two tournaments, they won the National Prep title. The season ending ranking for the Blue Knights each of the last four years: 11th, 9th, 2nd, and 4th. 6. St. Edward, Ohio Before this past year's major slide backward, the Eagles ended the previous three years inside the top 10 in the country: 5th, 2nd, and 4th. The lynchpin of those seasons was 2011-12 when they ranked second nationally at season end, anchored by a runner-up finish at the Walsh Ironman and a championship at the Clash. The Eagles also won big-school state titles in each of those seasons, and during January 2012 were the squad that most legitimately challenged Blair Academy in dual meet competition during the past four years. They ended the past season ranked No. 50 nationally. 7. Brandon, Fla. During the three previous seasons, Brandon ended the season ranked within the top 10 nationally (3rd, 6th, and 7th). They finished as runners-up at The Clash during 2010-11 and 2012-13, with a third place finish in 2011-12. This past year the Eagles ended the season ranked 15th nationally. 8. St. Johns, Mich. The vast majority of teams on this list have a perennial/dynastic feel to them, with the Redwings being the exception. The program rose into a force as Taylor Massa (No. 2 ranked recruit in the Class of 2012) and friends came through high school, and the run has extended through younger brother Logan (No. 2 ranked recruit in Class of 2015) matriculating at St. Johns. Their end of season rankings over the last four years was 13th, 4th, 3rd, and 29th. 9. Massillon Perry, Ohio Each of the previous three years to this one saw the Panthers finish second at the big-school state tournament to St. Edward, but scored over 100 points in each meet. After nine second place finishes in eleven years, Massillon Perry finally got over the hump as they won a maiden state title for the program. These last four years have seen the Panthers end seasons ranked 19th, 22nd, 16th, and 7th. 10. Bethlehem Catholic, Pa. The Hawks have been the anchor program of PIAA wrestling over these last four seasons. They have earned the last four state dual meet titles and finished first at the last three individual bracket tournaments. Though in the small-school division, Bethlehem Catholic set the all-division points record this past year in the state tournament with 138-1/2 points. At the end of each season the Hawks were ranked 21st, 12th, 20th, and 13th. The other four teams to end the last four seasons ranked within the Fab 50: Montini Catholic, Ill. -- 28th, 26th, 12th, and 18th Bettendorf, Iowa -- 12th, 10th, 50th, and 21st Broken Arrow, Okla. -- 29th, 19th, 36th, and 12th Detroit Catholic Central, Mich. -- 49th, 15th, 18th, and 17th Another 14 teams have been ranked at the end of three of the last four seasons: Canon-McMillan, Pa. -- 18th, 7th, 6th, NR Oak Park River Forest, Ill. -- NR, 31st, 11th, 3rd Southeast Polk, Iowa -- NR, 13th, 17th, 22nd Simley, Minn. -- 6th, 11th, 39th, NR Central Dauphin, Pa. -- 15th, 17th, 29th, NR Marmion Academy, Ill. -- 16th, NR, 26th, 27th Carl Sandburg, Ill. -- 26th, 36th, 9th, NR Allen, Texas -- 36th, 23rd, 15th, NR Poway, Calif. -- NR, 21st, 23rd, 32nd Marist, Ill. -- NR, 46th, 25th, 19th South Plainfield, N.J. -- 41st, 29th, 22nd, NR Tuttle, Okla. -- NR, 28th, 41st, 31st Blue Springs, Mo. -- 42nd, 37th, 38th, NR McDonogh, Md. -- NR, 41st, 31st, 48th Another 31 squads have been ranked at the end of two of the last four seasons. Ten of those squads were ranked in both of the last two seasons: Franklin Regional, Pa. -- 33rd and 8th Bergen Catholic, N.J. -- 34th and 9th Edmond North, Okla. -- 30th and 14th Brecksville, Ohio -- 19th and 26th Archer, Ga. -- 48th and 10th Don Bosco Prep, N.J. -- 37th and 23rd Bound Brook, N.J. -- 40th and 20th Collinsville, Okla. -- 14th and 47th Davison, Mich. -- 43rd and 30th Vacaville, Calif. -- 49th and 44th The rest of those squads ranked in two seasons (21 total): Bakersfield, Calif. -- 8th, 16th, NR, NR Iowa City West, Iowa -- 9th, 27th, NR, NR Christiansburg, Va. -- 24th, 14th, NR, NR Cincinnati Moeller, Ohio -- NR, 18th, 21th, NR Lowell, Mich. -- NR, 24th, NR, 16th Wisconsin Rapids, Wis. -- 10th, 33th, NR, NR Waverly-Shell Rock, Iowa -- 17th, NR, NR, 34th Tulsa Union, Okla. -- 31st, 20th, NR, NR St. Michael-Albertville, Minn. -- NR, 42nd, 10th, NR Perry Meridian, Ind. -- NR, 25th, 28th, NR Nazareth, Pa. -- 32nd, NR, NR, 25th Easton, Pa. -- 20th, 38th, NR, NR Glenbard North, Ill. -- 22nd, 39th, NR, NR Collins Hill, Ga. -- 34th, 34th, NR, NR Kasson-Mantorville, Minn. -- 44th, NR, 24th, NR Scott West, Minn. -- 39th, 32nd, NR, NR Shenendehowa, N.Y. -- 35th, 45th, NR, NR Roseburg, Ore. -- 38th, 49th, NR, NR Hermiston, Ore. -- 43rd, NR, 46th, NR Christian Brothers, Tenn. -- NR, 47th, 47th, NR Kearney, Mo. -- NR, 50th, 45th, NR Forty other squads have appeared in end of season Fab 50 rankings. Sixteen of those squads ended this past season in the Fab 50, 13 of those squads were in at the end of the 2010-11 season, 6 in at the end of the 2011-12 year, and 5 in the end of the 2012-13 year. 25 out of the 49 states with high school wrestling have had a native squad appear in one of the last four end of season Fab 50 rankings. Pennsylvania high schools have the most different high schools to be ranked at the end of a season with 13, while New Jersey and Ohio are next in line with eight each. Illinois is next with seven, while six squads from Oklahoma and California follow. Rounding out the list is the following: Five -- Georgia, Iowa, Minnesota Four -- Michigan, Missouri Three -- Idaho, Maryland, New York, Oregon, Virginia, and Wisconsin Two -- Florida, Utah One -- Arizona, Delaware, Indiana, Nebraska, Tennessee, and Texas These states have yet to have a squad appear within the end of season Fab 50 rankings: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, and Wyoming. Note that teams from Colorado, North Dakota, and Washington (at least) have appeared in an in-season edition of the rankings, but not at season's end. Next week's feature will explore some of the Fab 50 programs and environments in more depth.

MADISON, Wis. -- Olympic champion Jordan Burroughs knew there was a lot on the line when he stood toe-to-toe with David Taylor in the best-of-three finals on the final day of the 2014 U.S. World Team Trials in Madison, Wisconsin. Jordan Burroughs lifts David Taylor in the air off a double (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com)Once again, Burroughs delivered when it mattered most. He defeated Taylor in two straight matches to get back on the U.S. World Team at 74 kilos. "This is our well-being," said the 25-year-old Burroughs after his finals victory. "This is how we take care of ourselves. This is our legacy. We all want to become legendary in this sport." In the first match Burroughs broke open a one-point match with a takedown and pushout in the final 40 seconds. The second match was a back-and-forth affair, and Taylor led 3-2 in the second period before Burroughs scored with consecutive takedowns to take control of the match. "I wanted to go out there and basically fight and see if he wanted to fight back," said Burroughs. Last year Burroughs defeated four-time NCAA champion Kyle Dake to make the U.S. World Team. This year it came over Taylor, who recently finished his collegiate wrestling career as a two-time NCAA champion and four-time NCAA finalist. "I happen to be in the weight class with two of the best wrestlers in the last decade in Kyle Dake and David Taylor, and I'm still leading the charge," said Burroughs. "So despite all the negativity, despite all the doubters, when the smoke clears I'm always left standing." Burroughs will now have an opportunity to win his fourth straight World or Olympic title. "Each year brings its own adversity," said Burroughs. "Last year I broke my ankle when I was preparing for the World Championships. This year I've got a wife. I've got a baby on the way. August 3 is the due date. So I'm going to have to spend a lot of time away from my family at training camp in Italy, Colorado Springs and Arizona State. "But tomorrow I'm going to go home and celebrate and mow my lawn, and sit on my porch and eat an ice cream cone with some rainbow sprinkles. That's the way I celebrate." There were 12 champions crowed at the U.S. World Team Trials Saturday and Sunday in Madison (Photo/Larry Slater)Brent Metcalf made his third U.S. World Team by defeating Jordan Oliver in two straight matches in the best-of-three finals at 65 kilos. In the first match Metcalf trailed 2-1 in the final period before scoring a takedown and pushout for the 4-2 victory. Metcalf controlled Oliver in the second match, 3-0, despite not registering a takedown. His points came off pushouts and the shot clock. Metcalf has put together a strong season in international wrestling events. He went undefeated at the World Cup, and recently notched a win over world No. 1 Magomed Kurbanaliev of Russia. However, he has struggled at the World Championships. "I think I've got a lot of experience on the international scene," said Metcalf. "We all know that. I know that. It's time to put it together and get what I want." Ed Ruth, who recently finished his collegiate wrestling career at Penn State, made his first U.S. World Team by first coming through the challenge tournament, and then defeating Keith Gavin in the best-of-three finals at 86 kilos. In the first match of the finals Ruth surrendered a 5-2 lead, giving up a pushout, takedown and turn in the final period to lose 7-5. Ruth came out a strong in the second match, scoring the first four points, and eventually earned a fall over Gavin in the second period. In the third and deciding match, Ruth overcame a 4-1 deficit to win a high-scoring battle, 11-7. Ruth is not sure what to expect at the World Championships. "Those guys wrestle a different style," said Ruth. "I'm willing to show them my style. They can show me theirs. I feel like I'm just going to have a lot of fun out there." In the women's freestyle competition on Sunday, past World champions Elena Pirozhkova (63 kilos) and Adeline Gray (75 kilos) won titles, along with Whitney Conder (53 kilos). Pirozhkova, who has won gold, silver and bronze medals at the World Championships, was pushed in the best-of-three finals at 63 kilos against Erin Clodgo. In the first match all four of Pirozhkova's points came off a first-period throw in a match she won 4-0. Clodgo came back to win the second match, 2-1, scoring the only takedown of the match with 1:40 remaining. Pirozhkova then eked out a hard-fought 2-1 victory in the third and deciding match, scoring both points off the shot clock. "I definitely had a tough time this tournament," said Pirozhkova, who made her seventh World Team. "Sometimes it doesn't look pretty, but you just have to grit it out." Gray, who is currently ranked No. 1 in the world, won in two straight matches over Jackie Cataline in the best-of-three series at 75 kilos. Gray was dominant in the first match, earning a 10-0 technical fall. In the second match Cataline executed a headlock and put Gray in danger. But Gray fought off her back and battled back to win 7-5. Said Gray of getting put to her back, "I'm trying to go a little more upper body, and anytime you do something out of your comfort zone you put yourself at risk in something that is traditionally not something you defend every day." Conder made her second World Team by blanking Katherine Fulp-Allen in the best-of-three finals at 53 kilos. In the first match Conder scored off the shot clock in the first period and added a takedown in the second period for a 3-0 victory. In the second match she scored off the shot clock and picked up two takedowns, one in each period, for the 5-0 win. The 12 champions crowned on Saturday and Sunday will compete at the World Championships, which take place in September in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Best-of-three finals results Men's freestyle 65 kilos: Brent Metcalf over Jordan Oliver, 2 matches to 0 Match 1: Metcalf dec. Oliver, 4-2 Match 2: Metcalf dec. Oliver, 3-0 74 kilos: Jordan Burroughs over David Taylor, 2 matches to 0 Match 1: Burroughs dec. Taylor, 6-2 Match 2: Burroughs dec. Taylor, 6-5 86 kilos: Ed Ruth over Keith Gavin, 2 matches to 1 Match 1: Gavin dec. Ruth, 7-5 Match 2: Ruth pinned Gavin, 3:44 Match 3: Ruth dec. Gavin, 11-7 Women's freestyle 53 kilos: Whitney Conder over Katherine Fulp-Allen, 2 matches to 0 Match 1: Conder dec. Fulp-Allen, 3-0 Match 2: Conder dec. Fulp-Allen, 5-0 63 kilos: Elena Pirozhkova over Erin Clodgo, 2 matches to 1 Match 1: Pirozhkova dec. Clodgo, 4-0 Match 2: Clodgo dec. Pirozhkova, 2-1 Match 3: Pirozhkova dec. Clodgo, 2-1 75 kilos: Adeline Gray over Jackie Cataline, 2 matches to 0 Match 1: Gray tech. fall Cataline, 10-0 Match 2: Gray dec. Cataline, 7-5

MADISON, Wis. -- The final six champions were crowned on Sunday night at the 2014 U.S. World Team Trials at the Aliant Energy Center in Madison, Wisconsin. World No. 1s Jordan Burroughs (74 kilos) and Adeline Gray (75 kilos) earned spots back on the U.S. World Team. Burroughs, an Olympic champion, ousted David Taylor in two matches, while Gray, a turning World bronze medalist, handled Jackie Cataline. The other four champions crowned were Brent Metcalf (65 kilos), Ed Ruth (86 kilos), Whitney Conder (53 kilos) and Elena Pirozhkova (63 kilos). Full recap of Sunday night's action to come ... Men's freestyle 65 kilos: Brent Metcalf over Jordan Oliver, 2 matches to 0 Match 1: Metcalf dec. Oliver, 4-2 Match 2: Metcalf dec. Oliver, 3-0 74 kilos: Jordan Burroughs over David Taylor, 2 matches to 0 Match 1: Burroughs dec. Taylor, 6-2 Match 2: Burroughs dec. Taylor, 6-5 86 kilos: Ed Ruth over Keith Gavin, 2 matches to 1 Match 1: Gavin dec. Ruth, 7-5 Match 2: Ruth pinned Gavin, 3:44 Match 3: Ruth dec. Gavin, 11-7 Women's freestyle 53 kilos: Whitney Conder over Katherine Fulp-Allen, 2 matches to 0 Match 1: Conder dec. Fulp-Allen, 3-0 Match 2: Conder dec. Fulp-Allen, 5-0 63 kilos: Elena Pirozhkova over Erin Clodgo, 2 matches to 1 Match 1: Pirozhkova dec. Clodgo, 4-0 Match 2: Clodgo dec. Pirozhkova, 2-1 Match 3: Pirozhkova dec. Clodgo, 2-1 75 kilos: Adeline Gray over Jackie Cataline, 2 matches to 0 Match 1: Gray tech. fall Cataline, 10-0 Match 2: Gray dec. Cataline, 7-5

David Taylor won by technical fall over Quinton Godley (Photo/John Sachs, Tech-Fall.com) MADISON, Wis. -- Five years ago David Taylor and Ed Ruth became teammates at Penn State. Tonight the two will look to move one step closer to becoming teammates on the U.S. World Team. Taylor and Ruth both came through the challenge tournament on Sunday at the U.S. World Team Trials in Madison, Wisconsin. The 23-year-old Taylor, a four-time NCAA finalist and two-time NCAA champion, won by technical fall in his semifinal victory over Quinton Godley, and then grinded out a tough 3-1 victory over Andrew Howe to advance to the best-of-three finals at 74 kilos where he will meet Olympian champion Jordan Burroughs. The two met just over a month ago in the finals of the U.S. Open, with Burroughs rallying late to win 7-6. Ruth, a three-time NCAA champion and four-time All-American, won the challenge tournament at 86 kilos by avenging a loss from the U.S. Open to Clayton Foster. Ruth and Foster battled to a 2-2 tie after the opening period. In the second period Ruth took control of the match, scoring with a one-point near-takedown, two-point exposure, and late takedown for the 7-3 victory. Ruth will face returning World Team member Keith Gavin in the best-of-three finals tonight. Jordan Oliver rebounded from a disappointing U.S. Open where he suffered an injury and defaulted to sixth place to win the challenge tournament on Sunday at 65 kilos. Oliver avenged a U.S. Open loss to Kellen Russell in the semifinals, and then edged two-time U.S. World Team member Reece Humphrey in the challenge tournament finals, 4-3. All four of Oliver's points in the match came off one move, a trip on the edge of the mat, in the second period. The former Oklahoma State Cowboy will now get a crack at U.S. Open champion Brent Metcalf for a chance to wrestle at the World Championships. World No. 1 Adeline Gray was untested in the challenge tournament at 75 kilos on Sunday. She recorded a 10-0 technical fall, followed by two falls, including one in the finals over past World champion Iris Smith. Gray, who missed the U.S. Open, battles Jackie Cataline tonight. U.S. Open runner-up Katherine Fulp-Allen cruised through the challenge tournament at 53 kilos in women's freestyle, blanking Carlene Sluberski in the finals, 6-0. Tonight she wrestles Whitney Conder in a rematch of the U.S. Open finals. Conder won that meeting 2-0. Another U.S. Open finals rematch will take place at 63 kilos in women's freestyle as challenge tournament champion Erin Clodgo meets three-time World medalist Elena Pirozhkova. Tonight's final session will begin at 6 p.m. CT. Day 2 Best-of-three finals matchups Men's freestyle: 65 kilos: Brent Metcalf vs. Jordan Oliver 74 kilos: Jordan Burroughs vs. David Taylor 86 kilos: Keith Gavin vs. Ed Ruth Women's freestyle: 53 kilos: Whitney Conder vs. Katherine Fulp-Allen 63 kilos: Elena Pirozhkova vs. Erin Clodgo 75 kilos: Jackie Cataline vs. Adeline Gray

Men's freestyle 57 kilos: 1st: Tony Ramos 2nd: Sam Hazewinkel 3rd: Matt McDonough 4th: Nico Megaludis 5th: Zach Sanders 65 kilos: 1st: Brent Metcalf 2nd: Jordan Oliver 3rd: Frank Molinaro 4th: Reece Humphrey 5th: Nick Fanthorpe 74 kilos: 1st: Jordan Burroughs 2nd: David Taylor 3rd: Andrew Howe 4th: Moza Fay 5th: Quinton Godley 86 kilos: 1st: Ed Ruth 2nd: Keith Gavin 3rd: Chris Perry 3rd: Clayton Foster 5th: Jon Reader 97 kilos: 1st: Jake Varner 2nd: Dustin Kilgore 3rd: J.D. Bergman 4th: Deron Winn 5th: Wynn Michalak 125 kilos: 1st: Tervel Dlagnev 2nd: Zack Rey 3rd: Tyrell Fortune 4th: Nick Gwiazdowski 5th: Matt Meuleners Women's freestyle 48 kilos: 1st: Alyssa Lampe 2nd: Victoria Anthony 3rd: Clarissa Chun 4th: Erin Golston 5th: Emily Webster 53 kilos: 1st: Whitney Conder 2nd: Katherine Fulp-Allen 3rd: Carlene Sluberski 4th: Amy Fearnside 5th: Jessica Medina 58 kilos: 1st: Alli Ragan 2nd: Kelsey Campbell 3rd: Jacarra Winchester 4th: Othella Feroleto 5th: Michaela Hutchison 63 kilos: 1st: Elena Pirozhkova 2nd: Erin Clodgo 3rd: Jennifer Page 4th: Amanda Hendey 5th: Lauren Louive 69 kilos: 1st: Veronica Carlson 2nd: Julia Salata 3rd: Tamyra Mensah 4th: Kayla Aggio 75 kilos: 1st: Adeline Gray 2nd: Jackie Cataline 3rd: Iris Smith 4th: Victoria Francis 5th: Heather O'Connor

MADISON, Wis. -- Olympic gold medalist Jake Varner is having fun wrestling again. Jake Varner gets in on a leg attack against Dustin Kilgore in the finals at 97 kilos (Photo/John Sachs, Tech-Fall.com)After taking last year off from competition, the 28-year-old California native is not only back competing, but back on top of the U.S. ladder. On Saturday night, Varner defeated Dustin Kilgore at 97 kilos in the best-of-three finals of the 2014 U.S. World Team Trials at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wisconsin. Varner was dominant in both matches, winning the first match 7-2 and the second 5-2. The only points Kilgore scored were from late takedowns in each of the two matches. "Coach Cael and Coach Cunningham, Coach Cody, they're always preaching have fun and just wrestle," said Varner. "As long as you do that you'll be fine. That's just what I've been doing. It's been a lot more fun." Varner was uncertain about whether he wanted to continue competing after winning his Olympic gold medal two years ago at the London Games. "Once you win something big like the Olympics or Worlds, you kind of hit the pinnacle of wrestling," said Varner, who won a World bronze in 2011 prior to winning his Olympic gold. "You win the biggest thing out there and it's almost like, what's left? So your motivation may wander a little bit. That's why I needed a little time off." Varner was one of three past World medalist to win titles on the opening day of the U.S. World Team Trials. The others were Tervel Dlagnev and Alyssa Lampe. Dlagnev, a 2009 World bronze medalist and 2012 Olympian, made his fifth World or Olympic team by blanking Zack Rey in the finals at 125 kilos, 5-0, 5-0. After finishing fifth in each of the past three World-level events, Dlganev is ready to get back on the medal stand. "I just have to keep having fun, getting better," said Dlagnev. "I have to wake up that day and be the best in the world ... Only God knows. I've just got to keep giving myself opportunities until I wake up on the day when I'm the best." Alyssa Lampe won a hard-fought three-match series over Victoria Anthony (Photo/John Sachs, Tech-Fall.com)Lampe, a World bronze medalist in both 2012 and 2013, won a hard-fought three-match series over Victoria Anthony. Lampe started quickly in the first match and raced out to an 8-0 lead. Anthony, though, battled back in the second period, scoring a two-point takedown, and then a four-point move off an inside trip to cut the deficit to 8-6. But Lampe scored a late takedown to seal the match, 10-6. Anthony controlled the second match, picking up two takedowns to lead 4-0 before executing a headlock and throwing Lampe to her back to earn the fall and force a third and deciding match. Lampe then blanked Anthony in the third match, 5-0, scoring a takedown in the first minute and adding a second-period pushout and late takedown. Lame was confident she could come back after losing by fall in the second match. "A match like I had in the second round, that probably would have devastated me before," said Lampe. "But I've grown. I've matured. I can come back from a match like that ... Come back to win. We have practices like that where you'll lose and you have to keep wrestling." Tony Ramos gets his hand raised after winning the title at 57 kilos (Photo/John Sachs, Tech-Fall.com)Tony Ramos, who recently finished his collegiate wrestling career at Iowa, captured the title at 57 kilos to make his first U.S. World team, beating U.S. Open champion Sam Hazewinkel in two straight matches in the finals. In the first match Ramos used an ankle lace early in the match to score four points, which is all he would need in a 4-0 victory. He controlled the second match, scoring a takedown in each period before surrendering a late takedown to win 5-4. "I knew what he had, "Ramos said of Hazewinkel. "He was my camp counselor when I was younger. That's a thing for little kids that come to camps I do. We might be wrestling one day, so if you really have a dream, go for it." Returning U.S. World Team members Alli Ragan and Veronica Carlson joined Lampe as women's freestyle titlists on Saturday night. Ragan topped 2012 Olympian Kelsey Campbell in two straight matches at 58 kilos. Ragan won the first match 4-2, scoring two first-period takedowns before surrendering a takedown late in the match. She was completely dominant in the second match, winning by technical fall, 10-0, scoring a first-period takedown followed immediately by four tilts to end the match. "I was definitely looking forward to that match," said Ragan, who recently moved to Colorado Springs to train at the Olympic Training Center after finishing her collegiate wrestling career at King University. "I've wanted to wrestle her for a while, actually. So I'm glad I got that one out of the way. I was ready for her to win the challenge tournament, so that's what happened." Carlson took out Julia Salata in two straight matches, 9-2, 5-0, to earn a second straight trip to the World Championships. At last year's Worlds, Carlson won her first match by injury default before losing 8-0 to Zhangting Zhou of China, which ultimately eliminated her from the competition. This year she plans on taking a different approach. "I think I looked at it as a more grand tournament than I should have," said Carlson. I didn't treat it as just another tournament, which is what I need to do." Sunday's competition begins at 10 a.m. CT. The six weight classes contested are 65 kilos, 74 kilos and 86 kilos in men's freestyle, and 53 kilos, 63 kilos and 75 kilos in women's freestyle. Best-of-three finals results Men's freestyle 57 kilos: Tony Ramos over Sam Hazewinkel, 2 matches to 0 Match 1: Ramos dec. Hazewinkel, 4-0 Match 2: Ramos dec. Hazewinkel, 5-4 97 kilos: Jake Varner over Dustin Kilgore, 2 matches to 0 Match 1: Varner dec. Kilgore, 7-2 Match 2: Varner dec. Kilgore, 5-2 125 kilos: Tervel Dlagnev over Zack Rey, 2 matches to 0 Match 1: Dlagnev dec. Rey, 5-0 Match 2: Dlagnev dec. Rey, 5-0 Women's freestyle 48 kilos: Alyssa Lampe over Victoria Anthony, 2 matches to 1 Match 1: Lampe dec. Anthony, 10-6 Match 2: Anthony pinned Lampe Match 3: Lampe dec. Anthony, 5-0 58 kilos: Alli Ragan over Kelsey Campbell, 2 matches to 0 Match 1: Ragan dec. Campbell, 4-2 Match 2: Ragan tech. fall Campbell, 10-0 69 kilos: Veronica Carlson over Julia Salata, 2 matches to 0 Match 1: Carlson dec. Salata, 9-2 Match 1: Carlson dec. Salata, 4-0

MADISON, Wis. -- Six champions were crowned on Day 1 of the U.S. World Team in Madison, Wisconsin. Full recap of Saturday night's action to come ... Best-of-three finals results Men's freestyle 57 kilos: Tony Ramos over Sam Hazewinkel, 2 matches to 0 Match 1: Ramos dec. Hazewinkel, 4-0 Match 2: Ramos dec. Hazewinkel, 5-4 97 kilos: Jake Varner over Dustin Kilgore, 2 matches to 0 Match 1: Varner dec. Kilgore, 7-2 Match 2: Varner dec. Kilgore, 5-2 125 kilos: Tervel Dlagnev over Zack Rey, 2 matches to 0 Match 1: Dlagnev dec. Rey, 5-0 Match 2. Dlagnev dec. Rey, 5-0 Women's freestyle 48 kilos: Alyssa Lampe over Victoria Anthony, 2 matches to 1 Match 1: Lampe dec. Anthony, 10-6 Match 2: Anthony pinned Lampe Match 3: Lampe dec. Anthony, 5-0 58 kilos: Alli Ragan over Kelsey Campbell, 2 matches to 0 Match 1: Ragan dec. Campbell, 4-2 Match 2: Ragan tech. fall Campbell, 10-0 69 kilos: Veronica Carlson over Julia Salata, 2 matches to 0 Match 1: Carlson dec. Salata, 9-2 Match 1: Carlson dec. Salata, 4-0

MADISON, Wis. -- Just two months after Tony Ramos capped his collegiate career with an NCAA title, he now sits one best-of-three series away from making his first U.S. World team. Tony Ramos won the challenge tournament at 57 kilos, and will now face Sam Hazewinekl (Photo/Larry Slater)Ramos, who is making his international wrestling debut at 57 kilos, came through the challenge tournament as the No. 4 seed. He opened with a 9-5 decision over Danny Mitcheff. In the semifinals he took out returning World Team member and top-seeded Angel Escobedo, 2-0. Ramos then grinded out a tough 1-0 victory over Penn State three-time All-American Nico Megaludis in the challenge tournament finals. He will face Olympian Sam Hazewinkel tonight in the best-of-three finals. Dustin Kilgore, who did not compete at the U.S. Open due to injury, won the challenge tournament at 97 kilos, knocking off David Zabriskie in the quarterfinals, Cayle Byers in the semifinals and Deron Winn in the finals. Against Winn, Kilgore scored a takedown in each period to pace him to a 5-1 victory. Tonight he will square off against Olympic gold medalist Jake Varner in the best-of-three finals. Zack Rey bounced back from a fourth-place finish at the U.S. Open to win the challenge tournament at 125 kilos. In the semifinals he avenged a loss from the U.S. Open by defeating second-seeded Tyrell Fortune, 6-1. In the finals Rey was dominant against surprise finalist Nick Gwiazdowski, who upset top-seeded Dom Bradley in the semifinals. In the finals Rey raced out to a 5-0 lead after the opening period, and then added two takedowns in the final period to win 9-3. In the women's freestyle competition, U.S. Open runner-up Victoria Anthony was dominant in Saturday's opening session as she reached the best-of-three finals at 48 kilos. In the semifinals she won by technical fall, 12-1, over WCWA national champion Emily Webster. Then in the finals of the challenge tournament she used an inside trip to earn a second-period fall over Olympic bronze medalist and World champion Clarissa Chun. Anthony, a four-time WCWA national champion, was leading 11-0 at the time of the fall. It was Anthony's second straight win over Chun. The previous meeting came in the semifinals of this year's U.S. Open, a match Chun controlled before Anthony used a late headlock to steal the victory. Anthony's best-of-three finals opponent will be two-time World bronze medalist Alyssa Lampe. Olympian Kelsey Campbell, who missed the U.S. Open, won the challenge tournament as the No. 5 seed at 58 kilos. Her challenge tournament finals victory came over sixth-seeded Jacarra Winchester, 6-2, in a match that saw a controversial finish. Campbell was leading 4-2 in the second period before a late flurry in which Winchester nearly scored two points, but instead it was Campbell who received the two points and earned the victory after the challenge. Tonight Campbell will meet U.S. Open champion Alli Ragan in the best-of-three finals. Veronica Carlson and Julia Salata will meet in the best-of-three finals at 69 kilos in women's freestyle. U.S. Open champion Randi Miller did not weigh in on Friday, which means no wrestler in the weight class earned an automatic berth in the best-of-three finals. Carlson crushed Kayla Aggio 9-0 to reach the finals. Salata edged Tamyra Mensah, 8-7, in her semifinal victory. Tonight's best-of-three finals are scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. CT. Day 1 Best-of-three finals matchups Men's freestyle: 57 kilos: Sam Hazewinkel vs. Tony Ramos 97 kilos: Jake Varner vs. Dustin Kilgore 125 kilos: Tervel Dlagnev vs. Zack Rey Women's freestyle: 48 kilos: Alyssa Lampe vs. Victoria Anthony 58 kilos: Alli Ragan vs. Kelsey Campbell 69 kilos: Veronica Carlson vs. Julia Salata

The seeds have been released for Day 1 (Saturday) of the 2014 U.S. World Team Trials. Men's freestyle 57 kilos: 2014 U.S. Open champion & automatic finalist: Sam Hazewinkel No. 1 Angel Escobedo No. 2 Nick Simmons No. 3 Matt McDonough No. 4 Tony Ramos No. 5 Danny Mitcheff No. 6 Brandon Precin No. 7 Zach Sanders No. 8 Mark McKnight No. 9 Kyle Hutter No. 10 Nico Megaludis No. 11 Frank Perrelli 97 kilos: 2014 U.S. Open champion & automatic finalist: Jake Varner No. 1 Wynn Michalak No. 2 J.D. Bergman No. 3 Dustin Kilgore No. 4 Deron Winn No. 5 Micah Burak No. 6 David Zabriskie No. 7 Cameron Simaz No. 8 Jack Jensen No. 9 J'den Cox No. 10 Cayle Byers 125 kilos: 2014 U.S. Open champion & automatic finalist: Tervel Dlagnev No. 1 Dom Bradley No. 2 Tyrell Fortune No. 3 Zachery Rey No. 4 Nick Gwiazdowski No. 5 Jarod Trice No. 6 Matthew Meuleners No. 7 Justin Grant No. 8 Eric Thompson No. 9 Connor Medbery Women's freestyle 48 kilos: 2014 U.S. Open champion & automatic finalist: Alyssa Lampe No. 1 Victoria Anthony No. 2 Clarissa Chun No. 3 Erin Golston No. 4 Emily Webster No. 5 Amy Hou No. 6 Breonnah Neal No. 7 Allene Somera 58 kilos: 2014 U.S. Open champion & automatic finalist: Alli Ragan No. 1 Trinity Griffin No. 2 Michaela Hutchison No. 3 Othella Feroleto No. 4 Sally Roberts No. 5 Kelsey Campbell No. 6 Jacarra Winchester No. 7 Tamara Tillman No. 8 Melissa Apodaca 69 kilos: 2014 U.S. Open champion & automatic finalist: None (Randi Miller did not weigh in) No. 1 Veronica Carlson No. 2 Tamyra Mensah No. 3 Julia Salata No. 4 Kayla Aggio No. 5 Forrest Molinari No. 6 Demi Strub

Olympic bronze medalist Coleman State has been named an assistant at UNC (Photo/John Sachs, Tech-Fall.com) CHAPEL HILL --- Coleman Scott, a four-time All-America performer at Oklahoma State and the 2008 NCAA champion at 133 pounds, has been named an assistant coach with the North Carolina wrestling program, head coach C.D. Mock announced Friday. Scott, who has also excelled at the international level as a four-time member of the United States National Team and a 2012 Olympic bronze medalist in freestyle at 60 kg, will be involved in all aspects of training and skill instruction for the Tar Heels. "We are very excited to have Coleman Scott join our Tar Heel family," Mock said. "Coming from one of the most successful wrestling programs in the history of the sport, his knowledge and experience as a competitor and a coach will add immeasurably to the existing staff and team." Scott will work directly with the light and light/middle weights on technique and training for Carolina after wrapping up competition for the summer in July. Prior to starring at Oklahoma State, Scott was a three-time Pennsylvania state champion at Waynesburg Central High School. Scott and his wife Jessica have two children: daughter Leighton Ann and son Stetson Lewis.

Sammie Henson celebrates after J'den Cox wins the NCAA title (Photo/Larry Slater) The World Team Trials are this weekend and though there is plenty of focus on who will emerge from men's freestyle at 74 kilos there are plenty of plotlines that while not as sexy, will matter just as much to the American effort in Tashkent. First, is that the only weight classes be competed at the World Team Trials are the six Olympic weights, the other six weights (two per category) will be competed at a later date, ostensibly with wrestlers who failed to make the Olympic weight categories either bumping up or down to compete at the World weight classes. Is this fair? No, but USA Wrestling is recognized by the USOC for gold-medal performances at the Olympics and by instituting this system now they can create more attention on the Olympic weight categories. Also, it's their estimation that by allowing guys to drop down and bump up form Olympic weights they will increase the competitiveness of the non-Olympic weights, which in turn helps to create a stronger program. I understand the philosophy, but think we are creating too much drama within the organization. Still, it's the system the women have used since 2004 so that data must support the claim that this is better for the United States. Outside of the qualification system it'll be important to keep an eye on 57 kilos where the American side has not performed well over the past few Worlds and Olympics. The wrestlers are talented, but as 74 kilos grows with talent our outlook at 57 kilos isn't as deep. Will new wrestlers emerge in Madison? I'm hopeful. Keep an eye on our women. They are among the best in the world and are awesome to watch. You think men compete hard? Ha! Anyone who has attended more than a few international tournaments knows that the toughest, angriest, grittiest, and never-say-die competitors tend to compete in the women's division. Their flexibility and weight distribution might mean there are fewer throws, but when the action is close to the mat and creativity is needed to escape or score, it's the women who often create the most fascinating moves. Also, keep an eye out for Matt Lindland's new Greco-Roman wrestlers at the Greco-Roman World Team Trials, which take place June 13 in Daytona Beach, Florida. It's way too early to assess any aspect of his job, but it will be important to make a mental note of where the team is today and where it will be come September. If Lindland wants to make an impact he will need to recruit more guys from the room and start competing more evenly with the European nations. To your questions ... Q: Can you verify the proven performer additional qualification procedures for 74 kilos? Specifically trying to figure out, even if David Taylor were to beat Jordan Burroughs, do they both go to an overseas tournament and highest placer goes to Worlds? Or is it just DT wins he goes to Worlds? And why is this rule so inconsistent every year? -- Frank C. Foley: The rules have changed, but I don't recall there being an overhaul in recent years. You are right. Taylor would have to beat Burroughs in two of three matches and then travel to an overseas tournament where he would then have to place (medal) above Burroughs. Q: What's the deal with Sammie Henson? In his 17 years of coaching he has never spent more than three seasons at a school. Counting West Virginia, he has also coached at eight teams over that period of time. -- Mark K. Foley: When I talked to other coaches and insiders about "why" Sammie Henson had yet to find a head coaching job the first response would always be a failure to stay put for too long, and the assumption that athletic directors would shy away from his lack of commitment. I have always liked Sammie and never perceived the movement as a lack of loyalty to a program, but a rational and natural move up the coaching ranks. There are dozens, possibly hundreds, of coaches who have stayed put at an ascendant program only to look back after eight years and be firmly entrenched as a No. 2 with no chance of getting a premier head coaching position. Loyalty pays off, but not always. Henson also has a specific reason to not trust AD's and those in power. He was at Clemson when they dropped their program. He was their last wrestler to win an NCAA title and as he left, the program crumbled. For a 22-year-old kid that type of event leaves a logical and lasting impact. Don't trust the man, trust yourself. West Virginia is going to be a very good wrestling program in a few years. They may even be a pretty good wrestling program next year. Henson knows how to coach. He's had the experience of coaching on both coasts and in the Olympics -- nothing will shock him. Expect big things. MULTIMEDIA HALFTIME It Hurts To Win Link: Bill Murray continues to inspire Q: Derek DelPorto (Eastern Michigan) and Rob Eiter (Penn) recently announced their resignations as Division I head wrestling coaches to pursue professional opportunities. This is not that uncommon. Lenny Bernstein (Virginia), Chuck Barbee (Army) and others have done the same in the past 10 years. You spent time as a Division I assistant wrestling coach, so I'm sure you have some insight on the duties of a college head wrestling coach. What makes it such a demanding job? -- Mark C. Foley: Simply put ... The paperwork and demands of the NCAA and athletic departments. If coaching was only about winning wrestling matches, then more coaches (albeit different coaches) would be in their jobs for much longer. Unfortunately the NCAA, in a need to keep control over every breathe of their students and coaches has made coaches their primary foot soldiers. The typical Division I head wrestling coach spends very little time on the mat with his athletes, and even those who do practice and show technique unquestionably would tell you that they don't do it enough. Instead of teaching life lessons and outside singles, the main job of a head wrestling coach is to fill out recruiting paperwork, attend compliance meetings and keep up alumni relations. Maybe that's why some of these guys went elsewhere? They saw that their skill set could earn them more money on the open market while also allowing more time for family. Coaching isn't a 9-5 task. You have to be committed from the moment you wake up to the moment you close your eyes. Anything less shows up on the mat. The life span of a head wrestling coach is shrinking, and like most negative things in sports, that has a lot to do with the tightening grip of the NCAA. Q: The post weigh-in stare down/faceoff is absolutely ridiculous in the sport of MMA, right? All it does is give an opportunity to act like an idiot and create fake drama. We know that they aren't supposed to like one another; they're scheduled to fight. Would the sport be any worse off if they did away with the whole thing? I think the King Mo-Rampage scene from last weekend, as well as any time a Diaz fights, shines a bad light on fighters in general. What's your take? -- Curt H. Foley: Dumb. I think that wrestling should publicize their weigh-ins, but the mass buy-in to the bullshit theatrics of MMA staredown and almost guaranteed shoving match lost its appeal in the 90's when Mike Tyson would use the same tactic to promote fights. The guys causing these fights at weigh-ins are guys too insecure about their talents to let the action happen in the cage. They tend to be self-promoters with limited capabilities, as is the case with Mo and Rampage, guys sliding down the backend of their combat careers. Should public weigh-ins happen with wrestling, it would be important to limit this type of action, mostly because striking isn't part of our sport, but mostly because it's tacky and chillingly lame. Q: Which Division I head wrestling coach will lead his program to a top-10 finish first, Zeke Jones (Arizona State) or Sammie Henson (West Virginia)? Why? -- Mark C. Foley: Zeke Jones has more assets in place, but with Sammie Henson there is a large unknown about how his ethos affects a team at-large. We know that Sammie has been instrumental in the success of programs, but what is the outcome when the mat results all hinge on his theories and life philosophies? Neither program will be in the top 10 in the next three years, and likely not the next five. At the six-year mark I think they are both on the edge of cracking the top 10, but if I had to choose I would say Zeke gets there a touch before Sammie if only because he will have massive institutional buy-in and the type of alumni support necessary to get high-level coaches in town.

David Taylor takes a shot on Jordan Burroughs in the U.S. Open finals (Photo/John Sachs, Tech-Fall.com) What does it take to knock off the champ? How do the best stay one step ahead of their toughest opponents? David Taylor will once again look to solve the riddle of Jordan Burroughs in the finals of the World Team Trials this weekend in Madison. Taylor, who first needs to make it past a talented field of competitors in the challenge tournament, is coming off one of the most impressive performances ever put up against the 2012 Olympic champion. Burroughs will be waiting for the winner of the challenge tournament and needs to defeat that individual in a best-of-three series. Even if Burroughs loses that series, it's important to remember that Taylor would still need to place above Burroughs at an international tournament to secure the spot on the 2014 U.S. World Team. To prepare for the technical side of the match here are the keys to victory for both Jordan Burroughs and David Taylor. Jordan Burroughs' keys to victory Start strong, finish stronger: To win the first match and set the pace for the rest of the event, Burroughs will need to fend off the type of early start Taylor enjoyed in the first match. That means creating offensive attacks, but also keeping his feet moving so as not to get into any ankle pick or low-single scrambles. Setting the pace of the match will allow Burroughs to settle in, get comfortable in the tie-ups and look for his offense while not ceding unnecessary points. Single leg finishes, up and away: The Olympic champions need to finish his leg attacks and avoid, at all costs, being put in another cradle. Taylor's counters came from Burroughs' lack of continuation through the move. Though Burroughs was originally concerned with being crotch lifted, he now has to be certain not to base out from underneath Taylor's leg. Burroughs should aim to finish any single leg attack from an outside single finish, preferably bringing Taylor to his feet. Follow-up attacks: Second attacks by Burroughs need to come a little quicker than they did in the last meeting. Taylor is accustomed to the double setups and has seen enough ankle picks for a lifetime. Burroughs needs to look for more dynamic attacks from a front head, especially when coming off a failed double leg attempt. Avoid the big move: The cradle is Taylor's biggest big move, but that doesn't mean he can't unfurl others if Burroughs relaxes on the edge. When wrestled 10 times Burroughs should win this match eight times. The only variable is Burroughs' comfort in bad positions. If he fails to recognize danger, Taylor has a better average over ten matches. Understand the psychological advantage: The three-match format guarantees that the early bugs will be worked out, so it's vital that JB play for later periods and second and third matches. He needs to understand that Taylor can beat him in the first match with intensity and a trick or two, but that limiting mistakes makes Taylor's task much more difficult. Burroughs needs to make Taylor fight late and feel the pressure of the moment -- where the Olympic champion succeeds more often than Taylor. David Taylor's keys to victory Attack early and attack often: Burroughs' is unquestionably one of the world's greatest wrestlers, but he has a weakness in scoring the first points and establishing pace early. Though inarguably a supreme competitor, Burroughs tends to stumble out of the gates when nervous. Maybe that happens again, maybe Burroughs is able to correct his attitude, but Taylor needs to assume that the first 90 seconds are his to win and that counter-offense won't be enough to secure a spot on the World Team. Scoring two takedowns in the first period and playing solid defense is exactly the way Nick Marable found his way to victory and the way Taylor challenged Burroughs in the first match. If he does it again in the first of their three matches he can gain momentum and steal the opening frame. Unleash second-string of counters: Tayor has wonderful defensive counters, especially from low singles and abandoned hi-crotch attempts. Last match against Burroughs, Taylor was able to use a cradle from leg attacks to his right side. That could work again, but Burroughs has no doubt trained that position. Taylor will need to open with something a little different, maybe not as flashy, but that scores points. Crotch lifts, scoot-bys and opposite-leg cradle threats will all work to open up Burroughs from a flattened base. Do that and once Burroughs opens Taylor can likely re-establish the cradle or get on top for two points. Be ready for left-side attacks: Burroughs hinted after their first match that he needed to do a better job attacking both sides. With Taylor's right side causing Burroughs so much trouble, don't be shocked if you see him hit a quick misdirection and attack Taylor's less dominant defensive position. Taylor needs to have a game plan for Burroughs' opposite side attacks. Hands down, head up, wrist control: Burroughs still owns the world's best double leg. Though locking up the hands and wrists won't last but for a few seconds, Taylor needs to get his head low and stop some of the more explosive of Burroughs' attacks late in each period. If Taylor can position himself to both avoid the straight-on double leg and get to an angle, he will enjoy much more success. Underhooks: Iran's Akbari and America's Kyle Dake have both found some success against Burroughs by digging for underhooks and closing down some of Burroughs' offense. Taylor may want to explore opportunities to take seconds off the clock by digging in his lanky arms and driving Burroughs around the mat. Extend the lead: There are never enough points on the board. No matter the circumstances lead protection is not a smart play for Taylor given his build and wrestling style. Tall guys give Burroughs problems, but he can usually power through that frame late in the match. Marable won by avoiding takedowns in the second period of their match, but that didn't work as well for Taylor who stands six inches taller than Marable. Taylor needs to attack for the entire second period in order to change the tide of the action and ensure he avoids a late mistake like he did in the first meeting.

Quantity over quality--that's the UFC's strategy this weekend, with two shows scheduled and not a whole lot of name power on either card. Things get started with a main event featuring Lyoto Machida's leftovers, as Mark Munoz takes on Gegard Mousasi in a middleweight bout. In the evening, heavyweight contender Stipe Miocic will face mediocre, one dimensional, under sized 205er and last second replacement Fabio Maldonado. Not to mention the TUF Brazil finals, if you're into that kind of thing. Rounding things out, Richard and John discuss TJ Dillashaw's shocking victory over Renan Barao. Do you want to listen to a past episode? Access archives.

This past weekend had a couple of major scholastic-aged events on the national wrestling calendar. The FILA Cadet Nationals for Greco-Roman and freestyle were held at the University of Akron, with champions of each weight class (except for 125 kilos/275 pounds) earned spots to compete in the World Championships that will be held in Slovakia in mid-July. Taylor LaMont (Maple Mountain, Utah) headlined the winners in Greco-Roman, as he will represent the United States for a second straight year in the FILA Cadet Greco-Roman world championships; this time at 58 kilos/127.75 pounds. Spencer Lee (Franklin Regional, Pa.) is the lone repeat participant on the freestyle side of things, returning to compete at 50 kilos/110 pounds. Also of note was the sweep of titles obtained by Mason Manville (Blair Academy, N.J.) at 69 kilos/152 pounds. Also this past weekend was the NHSCA National Duals in Virginia Beach. It was a repeat title for the Young Guns Black squad, as they upended Team Griffin Select in the final by a 36-15 score. A stacked group of middle-weights keyed the team to the championship, as the lineup featured five wrestlers that appeared in the end of season weight class rankings: Anthony Tutolo (132), Michael Kemerer (138), Jason Nolf (152), Josh Shields (160), and Zack Zavatsky (195). The other nine members of the squad placed between third and sixth in Ohio Division II, Pennsylvania Class AAA, or Pennsylvania Class AA. Heading into the month of June, it is a big month filled with USA Wrestling events. The dual meet championships for Schoolboy, Cadet, and Juniors will all be conducted. Last year, as has been the norm in recent years, the Illinois USA Wrestling program shined extremely bright. Teams from the Land of Lincoln won five of the six dual meet championships, only a runner-up finish in Schoolboy Greco-Roman kept them from a six-for-six sweep. It will be interesting to see if the Illinois powerhouse continues to be dominant, or if some other squads can emerge and spoil the Illini assault. Things will start with the Schoolboy National Duals next week at Warren Central High School in Indianapolis. Greco-Roman competition will be held on Thursday and Friday (June 5th and 6th), with freestyle on Saturday and Sunday (June 7th and 8th). Next on the schedule will be the Cadet National Duals to be held in Daytona Beach at Ocean Center/Exhibit Hall. Greco-Roman will be wrestled on Wednesday and Thursday (June 11 and 12), with freestyle on Friday and Saturday (June 13 and 14). Held in concert with this event will be the senior level Greco-Roman World Team Trials. The Junior National Duals will take place at the Freede CenterThe dual meet tournaments will take a weekend off before the Junior level competitions are held at the Freede Center on the campus of Oklahoma City University. Greco-Roman will be wrestled on Wednesday and Thursday (June 25 and 26), with freestyle on Friday and Saturday (June 27 and 28). Earlier in that week, USA Wrestling will conduct its Kids National Championships for freestyle and Greco-Roman on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem. Kids Triple Crown recognitions will be on the line, as those that won folkstyle titles in early April will seek the trifecta. Greco-Roman competition is scheduled for June 23 and 24 (Monday and Tuesday), with freestyle slated for June 24 and 25 (Tuesday and Wednesday). Finally on the June calendar of major events is the annual AAU Scholastic Duals (Disney Duals) held at the Disney Wide World of Sports Complex in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. There are two major categories of competition, a District All-Star Division and two Community Divisions based on size of high school. The Community divisions will be contested from June 27 to June 30 (Friday through Monday), with the District division conducted from June 28 to July 1 (Saturday through Tuesday). Also in the month of June, between the Cadet and Junior Duals, InterMat will unveil the first grade-level prospect rankings for the 2014-15 wrestling year. The Class of 2015 will extend to the top 100 seniors, the Class of 2016 top 50 juniors will be released, the Class of 2017 will extend to the top 50 sophomores, the initial Class of 2018 top 25 will be released, as will top 15 Junior High rankings for wrestlers in the Class of 2019 and beyond.

AKRON, Ohio -- Oklahoma State wrestlers Kyle Crutchmer and Chris Perry won their respective brackets of the ASICS University Nationals on Sunday at the Louis and Freda Stile Athletic Field House at the University of Akron. The two will represent the United States at University Worlds Championships in Pecs, Hungary on July 8-12. Crutchmer and Perry earned their ways to a best two-out-of-three finals series, with their quarterfinal and semifinal wins early on Sunday morning. Crutchmer won the title at 80 kg with two-straight wins over Iowa State’s Tanner Weatherman, both resulting in 6-3 decisions. At 86 kilos, Perry faced Enock Francios, who he swept in two bouts, defeating him, 6-0, 6-2, to take the title. Tyler Caldwell and Austin Marsden both made it to the finals at 74 kg and 125 kg, respectively, but each fell to their opponents in two matches. At 70 kilos, Anthony Collica battled back to finish fourth after falling in the semifinals to Adam Hall, 11-4. Austin Schafer came back after a day-one loss to finish seventh at 97 kilos, with his 10-0 technical fall over Matthew Meadows. Nolan Boyd was knocked out of the tournament, suffering a 9-4 defeat to Patrick Kissell on the back side of the 86 kilogram bracket.

AKRON, Ohio -- Ian Miller wanted to put on a show for his home fans. And he did exactly that -- in dramatic fashion. Ian Miller was named Outstanding WrestlerMiller executed two spectacular moves to pin Tyler Caldwell in two straight bouts in the University Nationals freestyle finals on Sunday afternoon at the University of Akron Field House. Miller, an NCAA All-American for nearby Kent State, body-locked, lifted and then pinned Caldwell 52 seconds into the first match in the best-of-3 finals at 74 kilos/163 pounds. Miller then came roaring back with a lateral drop to pin Caldwell just 16 seconds into the second bout. Caldwell is a two-time NCAA runner-up who placed third at last month’s U.S. Senior Open. Champions in Akron will position themselves to qualify for the University World Championships on July 8-12 in Pecs, Hungary. The highest eligible placer within the top six at the U.S. Senior Trials can challenge the University Champion at the same weight. Read full story on TheMat.com … Finals Results 57 kilos: Nahshon Garrett over David Terao, 2 matches to 0 Garrett dec. Terao, 11-0 Garrett dec. Terao, 15-4 61 kilos: B.J. Futrell over Joe Colon, 2 matches to 0 Futrell dec. Colon, 5-4 Futrell dec. Colon, 11-0 65 kilos: Anthony Ashnault over Michael Mangrum, 2 matches to 0 Ashnault dec. Mangrum, 5-4 Ashnault dec. Mangrum, 6-0 70 kilos: James Green over Adam Hall, 2 matches to 0 Green dec. Hall, 4-1 Green dec. Hall, 4-2 74 kilos: Ian Miller over Tyler Caldwell, 2 matches to 0 Miller pinned Caldwell, 0:52 Miller pinned Caldwell, 0:16 80 kilos: Kyle Crutchmer over Tanner Weatherman, 2 matches to 0 Crutchmer dec. Weatherman, 6-3 Crutchmer dec. Weatherman, 6-3 86 kilos: Chris Perry over Enock Francois, 2 matches to 0 Perry dec. Francois, 6-0 Perry dec. Francois, 6-2 97 kilos: Chad Hanke over Lucas Sheridan, 2 matches to 0 Hanke dec. Sheridan, 10-0 Hanke dec. Sheridan, 10-0 125 kilos: Adam Coon over Austin Marsden, 2 matches to 0 Coon dec. Marsden, 11-3 Coon dec. Marsden, 11-6

Mark Hall, the nation's No. 1 sophomore wrestler, claimed the title at 76 kilos (Photo/David Peterson) AKRON, Ohio -- After coming in as the perceived pre-tournament favorite the previous two years, but falling short of the championship, Mark Hall (Apple Valley, Minn.) sought to break through with a FILA Cadet freestyle national title this weekend. The nation's top sophomore wrestler of dominated through five opponents on the way to the championship final, two pins and three technical falls, and only giving up two points along the way. Things were slightly tighter in the championship final at 76 kilos (167.5 pounds) against Beau Breske (Hartford Union, Wis.), the nation's sixth-ranked sophomore. Hall scored a takedown in the first minute of each period to assure a 4-1 victory, and his first appearance on the United States world team at the FILA Cadet level. "It feels good to finally get the title, and beating a lot of quality wrestlers along the way," said Hall, who was named Outstanding Wrestler of the event. "Now I'm best in the United States at 76 kilos, I want to be best in the world." Joining Hall as a wrestler to earn a championship in 2014 after finishing as runner-up in 2013 was Daton Fix (Sand Springs, Okla.) at 54 kilos (119 pounds), as he scored the last point to win a 1-1 bout against Nick Suriano (Bergen Catholic, N.J.). Both wrestlers are elite talents who dominated all other opponents in the tournament. Fix, a Cadet Triple Crown winner in 2013, ended the 2013-14 high school season ranked third at 113 pounds and is currently No. 5 overall in the freshman class; while Suriano ranks No. 4 in the sophomore class and ended the high school season ranked second at 113. Suriano scored the match's first point at the 90 second mark, as Fix was called for a passivity violation. Halfway through the second period, Suriano would be guilty of a passivity infraction for the equalizing -- and de facto go-ahead -- point. Despite a relatively deep leg attack late in the match by Suriano, Fix was able to fend the attacks off and score the victory. "I didn't want to win that way, but I'll take it, and it feels great to finally make the World team" said Fix. "We both showed great defenses." The lone wrestler to return to the FILA Cadet freestyle World Team is Spencer Lee (Franklin Regional, Pa.), as the nation's top freshman steamrolled through the field at 50 kilos (110 pounds). During the high school season, Lee was the nation's top 113 pound wrestler, and has wins over both Suriano (Super 32 final) and Fix (2013 FILA Cadet freestyle final) in the last 13 months. All six bouts prior to the championship final were 10-0 technical fall victories with none lasting more than a minute in length. The finals bout was no more difficult, though it last 1:36 in length and Lee gave up a point in an 11-1 technical fall victory over Joey Prata (St. Christopher's Va.) After Lee scored the opening takedown, Prata scored a reversal and then Lee would counter with a reversal for a 3-1 lead after just over 20 seconds of wrestling. Lee would then score a takedown at the 40 second mark on a go-behind, and then would score a two-point exposure with an arm bar in which he almost got the fall. Two trap-arm gut-wrenches later, the match was done. "My goal is to be a world champ, no doubt," said Lee after the match. "I know it can happen. It's a dream of mine, and I'm going to make it a reality." Two other wrestlers from Western Pennsylvania who train out of the Young Guns Wrestling Club joined Lee as FILA Cadet freestyle champions. Incoming ninth grader Gavin Teasdale, who is ranked No. 3 overall among Junior High wrestlers, dominated his way to the title at 42 kilos (92.5 pounds). His five matches prior to the championship bout were all technical fall victories, and he gave up three points in total along the way. The championship final was the toughest match of the tournament for Teasdale, as he only led 2-1 after one period against Illinois native Peter Ogunsanya. However, four consecutive takedowns in the second period off of low level single-leg attacks would yield the 2013 Cadet National freestyle champion with a 10-1 match victory. "I was able to get into more of my offense," said Teasdale about his second period performance. "Just kept working to wear down the opponent, and find openings." Jared Verkleeren (Belle Vernon) won the title at 63 kilos (138.75 pounds) despite failing to place at the state tournament this past season, as he went 1-2 at 145 pounds after being out of the lineup until early January due to an injury. The first match of this tournament for Verkleeren was also a struggle, as he trailed 3-0 late in the first period against Ohio state champ Nate Hagan (Toledo Central Catholic) before rallying back to win 4-3. The hot streak would last the rest of the tournament, as it was a second match pin followed by five straight technical fall victories to put himself in good position to win the title. A 4-2 victory over returning a returning Cadet freestyle All-American placed him into the championship final. It was a clear and decisive victory for Verkleeren in this bout, 5-3 over 2013 Cadet National freestyle runner-up Austin Kraisser (Centennial, Md.). "I'm always in hard practices (at Young Guns)," said Verkleeren. "John, Jody, and Joe (Strittmatter) have helped me get to where I am." There will be a fourth Pennsylvania native competing for Team USA in the FILA Cadet world freestyle championships in Slovakia in eight week's time. Jordan Wood (Boyertown), who is the No. 5 overall ranked sophomore nationally, took home the title at 100 kilos (220.5 pounds). Prior to the final it was two pins and three shutout techs in six matches. The final against Lucas Warren (Marmion Academy, Ill.), the nation's No. 44 sophomore, was pretty similar. Wood jumped out to a 6-0 lead after one period, and added three more points off a single leg takedown and gut-wrench. A pair of very late takedowns for Warren closed the gap, but it was too little and too late, as Wood won 9-4. "It's going to be fun to start my international career," said Wood after his match. "It will be good to go across the pond, and see the opposition from other countries." A third top five ranked wrestler in the sophomore class joined Hall and Wood as FILA Cadet champions on Sunday, as No. 2 ranked Mason Manville (Blair Academy, N.J.) ran through the field at 69 kilos (152 pounds) to augment his Greco-Roman title on Friday with one in freestyle. From nine matches on Saturday and Sunday, Manville gave up one point while scoring 77 of his own. "I wrestle best when controlling the area and ties, and staying in good position," said Manville. "I try to be in control and dominate each match." The championship final for Manville was a 7-0 victory over returning Cadet freestyle runner-up Trace Carello (Marmion Academy, Ill.). Manville scored a pushout and takedown in the first period before getting two takedowns in the second period. He'll head to Slovakia, and do so with international experience, having won multiple events overseas this calendar year. "The (international) opponents wrestle so differently than they do here (in the United States)," said Manville. "It will be a battle, and I know I have to make sure to maintain control in each match." Rounding out the champions were Cade Olivas (California), the nation's No. 1 Junior High wrestler who won the title at 46 kilos (101.25 pounds); Carter Happel (Lisbon, Iowa), the nation's No. 25 sophomore who won the title at 58 kilos (127.75 pounds); Hunter Ritter (John Carroll, Md.) at 85 kilos (187.5 pounds); and Jake Marnin (Southeast Polk, Iowa) at 125 kilos (275 pounds). Finals Results: 42 kilos: Gavin Teasdale (Pennsylvania) dec. Peter Ogunsanya (Illinois) by 10-1 decision 46 kilos: Cade Olivas (California) tech. fall Louie Hayes (Carl Sandburg, Ill.), 10-0 at 3:05 50 kilos: Spencer Lee (Franklin Regional, Pa.) tech. fall Joey Prata (St. Christopher's, Va.), 11-1 54 kilos: Daton Fix (Sand Springs, Okla.) dec. Nick Suriano (Bergen Catholic, N.J.), 1-1 58 kilos: Carter Happel (Lisbon, Iowa) dec. Nick Lee (Evansville Mater Dei, Ind.), 12-7 63 kilos: Jared Verkleeren (Belle Vernon, Pa.) dec. Austin Kraisser (Centennial, Md.), 5-3 69 kilos: Mason Manville (Blair Academy, N.J.) dec. Trace Carello (Marmion Academy, Ill.), 7-0 76 kilos: Mark Hall (Apple Valley, Minn.) dec. Beau Breske (Hartford Union, Wis.), 4-1 85 kilos: Hunter Ritter (John Carroll, Md.) dec. Samuel Colbray (Hermiston, Ore.), 10-7 100 kilos: Jordan Wood (Boyertown, Pa.) dec. Lucas Warren (Marmion Academy, Ill.), 9-4 decision 125 kilos: Jake Marnin (Southeast Polk, Iowa) dec. Kevin Vough (Elyria, Ohio), 9-4

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- University of Michigan wrestling head coach Joe McFarland announced Friday (May 23) the promotion of former Wolverine All-American Josh Churella to assistant coach. Prior to his appointment to the full-time staff, Churella spent two seasons as the Wolverines' volunteer coach. "Josh is a perfect choice for this staff," said McFarland. "He did a tremendous job over the last two years as volunteer coach. He has a huge passion for the University of Michigan and our wrestling program. He is a high-character individual, has a great personality and a wonderful presence in our practice room. He has excelled at the highest level of wrestling -- both in college and internationally. He's just a great role model for our guys. He'll do an outstanding job, and we're excited about him taking on a bigger role." Josh Churella"I'm extremely excited about this opportunity," said Churella. "After spending two years here as the volunteer assistant coach, I have learned a lot from Joe (McFarland), Sean (Bormet) and Donny (Pritzlaff), and I am grateful for that experience. I'm happy with my decision two years ago to stay here at Michigan; my heart has always been here. I have developed a lot as a coach -- both with our current Michigan wrestlers and with our club guys -- and I'm excited to grow more in this new role. "Michigan wrestling is in a great spot right now. We've had a few good recruiting classes, and I'd like to think I was a part of that even in my limited, volunteer role. I'm eager to hit the ground running in my new position, get into homes and out to tournaments, identify and evaluate prospects and continue to bring the right kids into our program and develop them. I expect big things for Michigan in the next few years." In his two seasons on the U-M coaching staff, Churella has assisted with the program's day-to-day operations, including practice planning, match preparation, event and clinic promotion and individual technique assistance. He is also active in the Wolverine practice room as an everyday workout partner, working primarily with the middleweights, including 2014 All-Americans Steve Dutton and Eric Grajales. As a Wolverine wrestler (2005-08), Churella was a three-time NCAA All-American. He wrapped up his collegiate career with a 124-21 record -- ranking 16th among Michigan's all-time wins leaders. He boasted a career-best 31-5 record during his junior season; the same year he advanced to the 149-pound final at the NCAA Championships. Churella began his career at 141 pounds, where he won a Big Ten title and earned All-America honors as a freshman. Over Churella's competitive career at Michigan, the Wolverines were a regular fixture among the national level with top-10 showings at the NCAA Championships in each of his four seasons, including a runner-up finish in 2005. Michigan also claimed two Big Ten dual-meet titles in his first two seasons. After his graduation, Churella enjoyed a successful freestyle career. He was a three-year freestyle national team member at 66kg/145.5 pounds after twice placing third at the World Team Trials (2010, '11) and, most recently, at the 2012 Olympic Team Trials. He was the runner-up at the 2010 U.S. Open and captured a medal at several international tournaments, including the NYAC International Open (gold, 2009) and Cuba's Cerro Pelado Tournament (bronze, 2010). Originally from Northville, Mich., Churella earned his bachelor's degree in sport management from Michigan in 2008. He currently lives in Ann Arbor with his wife, Carlee, and son, Cruz.