InterMat Staff

As most expected, Demetrious Johnson defended his flyweight title against Ali Bagautinov at UFC 174. Meanwhile, Rory MacDonald continued his march toward title contention with a comfortable decision victory over Tyron Woodley. In this week's episode, Richard and John analyze what's next and preview this weekend's World Series of Fighting card. Do you want to listen to a past episode? Access archives.

Troy Nickerson and Wes Brisco will go "On the Mat" this Wednesday, June 18. "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 p.m. CT on AM 1650, The Fan. A podcast of the show is available on theopenmat.com. E-mail dgmstaff@nwhof.org with any questions or comments. Nickerson was named the head wrestling coach at Northern Colorado after a stint as an assistant wrestling coach at Iowa State. He was an NCAA champion for Cornell in 2009. Brisco will participate in the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame weekend. The son of Hall of Famer Gerry Brisco, Wes was a two-time state place winner at the Florida high school state wrestling tournament.

Anthony Valencia recently won the Junior World Team Trials (Photo/John Sachs, Tech-Fall.com) InterMat released updated high school grade rankings on Wednesday morning. Junior World Team member Anthony Valencia (St. John Bosco, Calif.) takes over the No. 1 ranking in the senior class. Four-time state champion Mark Hall (Apple Valley, Minn.) remains on top of the junior class. Undefeated state champion Spencer Lee (Franklin Regional, Pa.) keeps his No. 1 ranking in the sophomore class. Cade Olivas (St. John Bosco, Calif.) is the nation's top freshman wrestler. Adam Busiello (New York) is the No. 1 junior high wrestler in the U.S. InterMat Platinum is required to view all the rankings. InterMat ranks the top 100 seniors, top 50 juniors, top 50 sophomores, top 25 freshmen, and top 15 junior high wrestlers. Sneak Peek Senior: 1. Anthony Valencia (St. John Bosco, Calif.) 2. Logan Massa (St. Johns, Mich.) 3. Ke-Shawn Hayes (Park Hill, Mo.) 4. Myles Martin (McDonogh, Md.) 5. Lance Benick (Totino-Grace, Minn.) 6. Zahid Valencia (St. John Bosco, Calif.) 7. Fox Baldwin (Osceola, Fla.) 8. Joe Smith (Stillwater, Okla.) 9. Matthew Kolodzik (Blair Academy, N.J.) 10. Fredy Stroker (Bettendorf, Iowa) Junior: 1. Mark Hall (Apple Valley, Minn.) 2. Mason Manville (Blair Academy, N.J.) 3. Luke Pletcher (Greater Latrobe, Pa.) 4. Nick Suriano (Bergen Catholic, N.J.) 5. Jordan Wood (Boyertown, Pa.) Sophomore: 1. Spencer Lee (Franklin Regional, Pa.) 2. Brady Berge (Kasson-Mantorville, Minn.) 3. Daton Fix (Sand Springs, Okla.) 4. Nick Lee (Evansville Mater Dei, Ind.) 5. Yianni Diakomihalis (Hilton, N.Y.) Freshman: 1. Cade Olivas (St. John Bosco, Calif.) 2. Ryan Thomas (St. Paris Graham, Ohio) 3. Gavin Teasdale (Jefferson-Morgan, Pa.) 4. Gable Steveson (Apple Valley, Minn.) 5. Rocky Jordan (St. Paris Graham, Ohio) Junior High: 1. Adam Busiello (New York) 2. Colton Yapoujian (Colorado) 3. Anthony Jackson (Minnesota) 4. Nick Raimo (New Jersey) 5. Beau Bartlett (Arizona)

GREELEY -- The future of Northern Colorado Wrestling begins on Monday as Director of Athletics Darren Dunn announced Troy Nickerson as the program's seventh head coach in its 35 year history. "After a lengthy, diligent process, we found a great leader for our wrestling program in Troy Nickerson," Dunn said. "He is a bright star in wrestling, familiar with Colorado Wrestling and he will be a great mentor for our student-athletes. I am truly excited Troy will be joining our UNC family." Nickerson comes to Northern Colorado after coaching the past two seasons at Iowa State and finishing a remarkable collegiate career with Cornell from 2006-10. His recent history in the sport includes NCAA Championships and All-American statuses; along with off-the-mat initiatives to build relationships in his community. "I'm extremely excited to join the Northern Colorado Wrestling community," Nickerson said. "I want to thank Darren Dunn and the search committee for believing in me and providing me with this opportunity. I will work tirelessly to make UNC Wrestling a force to be reckoned with in the future." Troy Nickerson (Photo/Larry Slater)Nickerson's main responsibilities at Iowa State included the lightweights of 125-149 pounds. During his two seasons, he coached one NCAA All-American and one NCAA qualifier in 2013-14 and finished all of his starters with a record of at least .500 in 2012-13. Prior to joining the Iowa State wrestling program, Nickerson served as an assistant coach at the Finger Lakes Wrestling Club from 2011-12 in Ithaca, N.Y. He was also the head coach of the FLWC college team during 2010-11. During his four seasons as a member of the Big Red wrestling program at Cornell, Nickerson finished as an NCAA Champion in 2009 at 125 pounds, a four-time All-American, a two-time NCAA Tournament finalist and racked up a 97-8 career record, placing himself 20th all-time in wins in program history. Nickerson inherits the program that went down to Arizona State and won on the Sun Devils' home opener, 24-15. The team finished the 2013-14 season with a 5-13 record and a Western Wrestling All-Conference third team selection to upcoming senior Henry Chirino (Brandon, Fla.). Chirino and fellow senior Mitchell Polkowske (LaJara, Colo.) recently finished fifth in their weight divisions at the ASICS National Championships in late May. Teammate Trey Andrews (Safford, Ariz.) will also participate in late-season matches, heading to the Junior Pan American Championships with USA Wrestling from June 27-29. Originally from Chenango Forks, N.Y., Nickerson graduated from Cornell in 2010 with a bachelor's degree in biology & science with a minor in nutritional science. What they're saying ... "What a great day for wrestling! The fact that the Darren Dunn and the leadership of the University of Northern Colorado went to such great lengths to go out and hire a coach of Troy Nickerson's reputation and character sends a strong message about their commitment to wrestling. I'm confident that Troy will bring an energy and professionalism to the program that will set UNC Wrestling up for long term success. USA Wrestling welcomes Troy back to Colorado, we're excited for him as he takes this next step in his wrestling career." – Rich Bender, Executive Director of USA Wrestling "Coach Nickerson is a phenomenal wrestler, coach, and mentor. There is no doubt that he will lead the University of Northern Colorado wrestling program to extraordinary success." – Mike Moyer, Executive Director of National Wrestling Coaches Association "Troy is a legend in New York state and is certainly known nation-wide. He was a phenomenal high school wrestler and an equally sensational college career for Cornell. He was a gutsy competitor and found a way to win a national title, literally with one arm, and that's what I'll always remember about Troy. He's very intelligent, and Cornell's tough as it is, but to be a pre-med major and to be a four-time NCAA All-American gives you the idea of the type of focus and time management skills and discipline that Troy possesses." – Rob Koll, Cornell Head Wrestling Coach "Troy's got a passion for wrestling. I think he sees the sport for more than just wrestling. I think he really enjoys the particulars of the administrative duties that he'll be taking on in Northern Colorado. I know that was really attractive for him and building a program is something he's really excited about. He's a straight worker, initiator, innovator and he'll do a great job for the Bears. He's been to two very successful, historically traditional wrestling programs in Cornell and Iowa State, and he's going to try and initiate some of those things to make Northern Colorado his own." – Kevin Jackson, Iowa State Head Wrestling Coach

Kamal Bey (Photo/Jason Bryant)DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- When Kamal Bey steps on the wrestling mat, you can expect plenty of action. And a heck of a show. The explosive and flashy Bey capped a phenomenal week with a technical fall win to propel Team Illinois past Pennsylvania Red 49-27 in the Cadet National Duals freestyle finals. Bey capped an unbeaten week in Greco-Roman and freestyle by scoring an 11-0 first-period win over Jared Seigrist of Pennsylvania Red on Saturday afternoon at the Ocean Center Exhibit Hall. Read full story ... Results Championship Illinois 49, Pennsylvania Red 27 152: Jake Lanning (Illinois) tech. fall Gage Thomas (Pennsylvania Red), 14-3 160: Jacob Warner (Illinois) dec. Drew Peck (Pennsylvania Red), 11-8 170: Kamal Bey (Illinois) tech. fall Jared Seigrist (Pennsylvania Red), 11-0 182: Zane Black (Pennsylvania Red) tech. fall Matthew Wroblewski (Illinois), 17-7 195: Christian Brunner (Illinois) pinned Dymir Davis-Carruth (Pennsylvania Red), 1:46 220: Allen Stallings (Illinois) tech. fall Cole Nye (Pennsylvania Red), 12-0 285: Bryan Ditchman (Illinois) tech. fall Andrew Gunning (Pennsylvania Red), 10-0 88: Jaret Lane (Pennsylvania Red) tech. fall Luke Pradel (Illinois), 14-1 94: Peter Ogunsanya (Illinois) tech. fall Ryan Green (Pennsylvania Red), 10-0 100: Matt Parker (Pennsylvania Red) tech. fall Markus Pavlick (Illinois), 14-4 106: Anthony Madrigal (Illinois) pinned Will Klades (Pennsylvania Red), 2:59 113: Austin Gomez (Illinois) tech. fall Ellis Popiolkowski (Pennsylvania Red), 10-0 120: Travis Piotroski (Illinois) dec. Colby Kenderdine (Pennsylvania Red), 16-13 126: Dylan Duncan (Illinois) tech. fall Victor Kenderdine (Pennsylvania Red), 13-2 132: Eric Hong (Pennsylvania Red) tech. fall Shayne Oster (Illinois), 13-2 138: Cameron Coy (Pennsylvania Red) dec. Trevell Timmons (Illinois), 7-4 145: Jared Verkeleen (Pennsylvania Red) tech. fall Logan Gruszka (Illinois), 11-1 Third Place Ohio Red 42, Oklahoma Red 30 152: Nick Vestal (Ohio Red) tech. fall Zane Basma (Oklahoma Red), 10-0 160: Ben Darmstadt (Ohio Red) tech. fall Bear Hughes (Oklahoma Red), 10-0 170: Drew Hinkle (Oklahoma Red) pinned Colin Keil (Ohio Red), 2:31 182: Dan Baker (Oklahoma Red) dec. JT Brown (Ohio Red), 12-11 195: Matt Stencil (Ohio Red) pinned Dakota Carnes (Oklahoma Red), 0:55 220: Wyatt Hillard (Ohio Red) dec. Delvin Jordan (Oklahoma Red), 9-6 285: Kevin Vough (Ohio Red) pinned Trenton Lieurance (Oklahoma Red), 0:42 88: Jordan Crace (Ohio Red) tech. fall Billy Simpson (Oklahoma Red), 10-0 94: Dylan D`Emilio (Ohio Red) dec. Rhett Golowenski (Oklahoma Red), 8-0 100: Josh Breeding (Ohio Red) tech. fall Wes Ahrberg (Oklahoma Red), 10-0 106: Kaden Gfeller (Oklahoma Red) tech. fall Drew Mattin (Ohio Red), 13-2 113: Josh Copeland (Oklahoma Red) tech. fall Tommy Hoskins (Ohio Red), 11-0 120: Daton Fix (Oklahoma Red) tech. fall Garrett Lambert (Ohio Red), 11-0 126: Corey Shie (Ohio Red) pinned Noah McQuigg (Oklahoma Red), 1:09 132: Beau Bratcher (Oklahoma Red) tech. fall Noah Mattin (Ohio Red), 10-0 138: Jaren Curry (Oklahoma Red) tech. fall Jake Henderson (Ohio Red), 10-0 145: Georgio Poullas (Ohio Red) dec. Payton Scott (Oklahoma Red), 13-12 Fifth Place New Jersey 42, Michigan Blue 36 152: Bryan McLaughlin (New Jersey) tech. fall Kam Bush (Michigan Blue), 13-0 160: Luke Drugac (New Jersey) tech. fall Dylan Briggs (Michigan Blue), 12-0 170: Dean Drugac (New Jersey) by forfeit 182: Brandon Dallavia (New Jersey) tech. fall Connor Cox (Michigan Blue), 10-0 195: James Potts (New Jersey) by forfeit 220: Lucas Ready (Michigan Blue) pinned Junid Homsi (New Jersey) (YELLOW CARD) 285: Chase Morrison (Michigan Blue) by forfeit 88: Rayvon Foley (Michigan Blue) tech. fall Michael Colaiocco (New Jersey), 10-0 94: Cole Janes (Michigan Blue) tech. fall Michael Kelly (New Jersey), 29-18 100: A.J. Facundo (Michigan Blue) dec. PJ Gohn (New Jersey), 16-8 106: Zach Sherman (New Jersey) tech. fall Dominic LaJoie (Michigan Blue), 13-2 113: Ben Freeman (Michigan Blue) tech. fall Andrew Merola (New Jersey), 15-5 120: Kanen Storr (Michigan Blue) tech. fall Garrett Beam (New Jersey), 12-2 126: Dresden Simon (Michigan Blue) by forfeit 132: Kris Lindemann (New Jersey) pinned Jon Martin (Michigan Blue), 1:49 138: Stephan Glasgow (New Jersey) tech. fall Brett Fedewa (Michigan Blue), 10-0 145: TJ Calas (New Jersey) dec. Sage Castillo (Michigan Blue), 16-10 Seventh Place Indiana 48, Utah 28 152: Connor Kirkland (Utah) by forfeit 160: Burk Van Horn (Indiana) tech. fall DJ Cohen (Utah), 13-0 170: Ashton Seely (Utah) tech. fall Cameron Jones (Indiana), 11-0 182: Wyatt Koelling (Utah) pinned Andrew Davison (Indiana), 0:50 195: Kobe Woods (Indiana) pinned Brandon Closson (Utah), 3:00 220: Gunnar Larson (Indiana) tech. fall Jordan Crofts (Utah), 13-1 285: Riley Taylor (Utah) tech. fall Givoni Murillo (Indiana), 10-0 88: Sammy Fair (Indiana) pinned Dalton Stutzman (Utah), 5:55 94: Kory Cavanaugh (Indiana) tech. fall Trevor Cluff (Utah), 12-0 100: Alec White (Indiana) tech. fall Kade Zorn (Utah), 10-0 106: Paul Konrath (Indiana) tech. fall Jaxon Cole (Utah), 11-1 113: Mason Miranda (Indiana) dec. Carlitos Nava (Utah), 9-6 120: Joe Lee (Indiana) tech. fall Taten Ringel (Utah), 10-0 126: Taylor LaMont (Utah) dec. Chad Red (Indiana), 6-2 132: Jaron Jensen (Utah) tech. fall Brayton Lee (Indiana), 10-0 138: Isaac Eicher (Indiana) by forfeit 145: Denzyl Prentice (Indiana) pinned Cole Clark (Utah), 2:29

DUBROVNIK, Croatia -- FILA, the international governing body of wrestling, is one step closer to approving a significant change to its brand identity. The FILA Bureau, a 23-member executive committee overseeing the international governing body of wrestling, voted Friday to approve "United World Wrestling" as the new name for the sport's international federation. The bureau also approved a new logo and steps to better improve the brand consistency of marquee wrestling events around the world. In approving the changes the FILA Bureau accepted that international wrestling needed to create a globally recognized brand that represents the core values of wrestling as well as the new energy behind an organization that only a year before was battling for its spot on the Olympic programme "I think in order for us to move forward, we needed to identify the shortcomings of the past and work hard to improve them," said FILA President Nenad Lalovic. "I think that with a new visual identity that is both distinct and represents the values of wrestling, we all have another reason to be excited for the future of our sport." FILA has been working for the past several months with the branding agency Olive Grove to help develop the new name and visual identity. The plan includes a strategy for creating visual consistency among the wrestling organization's several World and Continental Championships. The new name and logo won't be activated until they receive the approval of the full FILA Congress. The annual meeting of the FILA Congress will take place Sunday, September 7, one day prior to the start of the 2014 FILA World Championships in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Once approved, United World Wrestling will immediately become the new name for the international governing body of wrestling.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Spenser Mango won the battle of Olympians. And did it in a big way. Mango used huge second periods in both matches to sweep Sam Hazewinkel in two straight matches in the finals of the U.S. Greco-Roman World Team Trials on Friday night at the Ocean Center. Both matches were scoreless after the first period before Mango prevailed 13-2 and 8-0 over Hazewinkel, a 2012 Olympian in freestyle who was second at the U.S. World Team Trials in freestyle two weeks ago. "Me and Sam have wrestled so many times," Mango said. "He has a good arm throw, and he's kind of sneaky with it and it's almost impossible to stop. I was ready for him. The more competition we have at this weight the better we will be internationally." Read full story ... Finals Results 59 kilos: Spenser Mango over Sam Hazewinkel, 2 matches to 0 Match 1: Mango tech. fall over Hazewinkel, 13-2 Match 2: Mango tech. fall over Hazewinkel, 8-0 66 kilos: RaVaughn Perkins over Bryce Saddoris, 2 matches to 0 Match 1: Perkins dec. Saddoris, 5-0 Match 2: Perkins pinned Saddoris, 3:21 75 kilos: Andy Bisek over Jon Anderson, 2 matches to 0 Match 1: Bisek tech. fall over Anderson, 9-1 Match 2: Bisek dec. Anderson, 5-0 85 kilos: Jordan Holm over Zac Nielsen, 2 matches to 0 Match 1: Holm tech. fall over Nielsen, 9-1 Match 2: Holm tech. fall over Nielsen, 8-0 98 kilos: Caylor Williams over John Wechter, 2 matches to 0 Match 1: Williams dec. Wechter, 3-0 Match 2: Williams pinned Wechter, 2:28 130 kilos: Robby Smith over Toby Erickson, 2 matches to 0 Match 1: Smith dec. Erickson, 3-0 Match 2: Smith dec. Erickson, 11-2

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Sam Hazewinkel was more than eager to have another shot to make a U.S. World Team. Two weeks after falling in the finals of the World Team Trials in freestyle, Hazewinkel landed a spot in the World Team Trials in Greco-Roman on Friday at the Ocean Center Exhibit Hall. Hazewinkel defeated Max Nowry 2-2 on criteria to win the Challenge Tournament on Friday afternoon at 59 kilos/130 pounds. "I feel good -- I can't complain," said Hazewinkel, a 2012 Olympian in freestyle. "My timing is just a touch off, but for not doing Greco for a while I feel real good out there. Freestyle has helped me where I'm used to moving around more, and it helps me with level changes and creating angles in Greco. My conditioning's real good from training for the freestyle Trials." Hazewinkel advances to face a familiar foe in the finals in two-time Olympian and four-time World Team member Spenser Mango in the best-of-3 final-round series. Read full story … Finals matchups: 59 kilos: Spenser Mango vs. Sam Hazewinkel 66 kilos: RaVaughn Perkins vs. Bryce Saddoris 75 kilos: Andy Bisek vs. Jon Anderson 85 kilos: Jordan Holm vs. Zachary Nielsen 98 kilos: Caylor Williams vs. John Wechter 130 kilos: Robby Smith vs. Toby Erickson

The Greco-Roman World Team trials start this weekend in Daytona Beach, and for the first time in years this is a must-watch event. Nobody has shorted the prospects of an interesting Greco-Roman style more than me, but the new rules and strategies they've created have made for a much-improved, big-lift spectacle worthy of your time. The big development heading into the Trials is the addition of a handful of freestylers to the event -- guys whose World Team dreams were wiped away two weeks ago in Madison. Though some may seem to have a chance, it's vital to remember that the two style very greatly, with big points in Greco coming from non-traditional freestyle positions. Despite the bleak outlook for many of those guys transitioning styles, their movement does show that USA Wrestling's bet on splitting the competition to add more wrestlers and interest has by-and-large worked. What remains to be seen in the sticking power of that draw. Will Matt Lindland be able to attract some of freestyle wrestling's third and fourth-string wrestlers? If he does, will they succeed at home and abroad? How much money is USA Wrestling willing to spend on their development, as many of those making the transition are already later in their careers? The saga will unfold, and as always we'll all have an opinion, but this weekend try and find the time to enjoy the hard work of America's "other" Olympic wrestling team. To your questions ... Q: What do you think about @BruteWrestling #WCW FB photo of Miss VA? Seems insulting to the female wrestling community. -- @mikemacadocious Foley: The photo in question has since been removed, but for those who didn't see it, essentially it was a mashup of Miss Virginia in beauty queen garb and then one of her strangely, oddly, weirdly, posing in what seems to be the sexy swimsuit pose wearing nothing but a singlet. The first issue is what the photo is trying to depict about the state of women's wrestling. Does sex sell? In some ways it does, more often in much the same way it does for men's sports, which is passive. However, to place an image like that front and center would seem to be more deliberate and non-sequitor, which is why you and others noticed. The other issue is being an adequate social media manager and moving away from what would be easy clicks. There are several theories on how to manage a good social media account, and each product and business requires its own strategy. Sometimes, without goals or a strategy in place it can be easy to fall victim to the convenience of quick hits and big attention, rather than the grind of consistency in messaging. I have no doubt that whoever posted the photo wanted to bring more positive attention to the sport of women's wrestling. Just so happens they made a mistake in their choice of photos. Certain they'll do better next time. Q: Do you think FILA can legislate action? If so, why? Consider that FILA's data demonstrates that action and scoring eventually slow down after every major rule change since the early 90's. Do you have an argument to dispute that competitors and coaches will once again find ways to win matches by avoiding risks and being conservative no what the rules are? -- Matt C. Foley: If "legislate" means to "help create" then I do think FILA/NCAA can legislate action. When two wrestlers walk on a mat there is nothing prompting them to do anything except hug for six minutes. Rules, especially those that allows for scoring points with frequency, tends to create action. International wrestling use to be governed by the black marks system which advanced wrestlers from pool stages based on aggregate points and aggressiveness. It was a system overrun with corruption, or the appearance of corruption. There was action because no wrestler wanted to leave it in the hands of the judges. Today the action is dictated by the pushout rule and the addition of points, actual points, for passivity. By creating urgency, the rules have prompted more wrestling. No longer can you push a 0-0 match to overtime, or rideout a 2-1 lead in the second period. Wrestlers are being awarded for aggression and penalized for passivity. The result is an insane increase in scoring. Coaches and wrestlers will always avoid risk, and though I don't see many ways to do this in freestyle, there has been a recent surge in pushouts in Greco-Roman, as well as a biting for par-terre (since scoring happens from par-terre than neutral in Greco-Roman). That's a problem for Greco-Roman, but one that can be penned in by vigilant referees. However, there has also been a recent surge in three-foul disqualifications, which is not good for the advancement of the sport. Greco-Roman is better than before the overhaul in rules, but to survive there will be a need for vigilant oversight and a constant tweaking of the rules. Q: I would be EMBARRASSED to challenge for a spot on the University Nationals team. We in the USA don't need to do what the Euro's do and send a 26-year-old trumped up HACK. The other kids won the won the University Nationals------------------ THEY GO---------- PERIOD. Screw McDonough, Oliver, Crapgore and Fortune, I hope they get STUCK in the challenge and IF they make the team they get STUCK there -- Paul L Foley: I can sense your passion, and understand your frustration. Americans look at "University" as an NCAA-driven eligibility, and other countries think of it as an age categorization. Challenging guys who rightly think they had the position, but then have to defend it once more feels … well … un-American Maybe you're right and the winners of the tournament shouldn't have to wrestle the losers of another tournament, but as you allude to -- it's a fairly common practice around the world. USA Wrestling wants to win Olympic medals and part of that is making sure your entire senior team (top three) is facing the best possible competition. The World University Games is an incredibly competitive tournament, so they believe that it's in their best interest to send their most qualified and talented team. You also referred to the Europeans sending their meat to the World University Games. That's only kinda true. Denis Tsargush, who has won a few senior-level World titles, did wrestle at last year's event. Some Azerbaijanis did as well. Still, these guys aren't the always-starters and due to the timing of the event it was important to some countries, particularly Azerbaijan, to get another look at some of their top guys. For the Russians, it was a chance to compete even though they hadn't made that year's World Team. Back here at home the only major moral infraction would be if these particular champions were not informed that the other guys could drop and challenges. They should be given the time and expectation to face another challenger. But if they were, then this is just a matter of being asked to go one step further and ensure that it's the strongest team the Stars and Stripes can offer. MULTIMEDIA HALFTIME Creative Judo Finish Post by AlMudir Sport. Too much vomit? Lots of wrestlers at this weekend's UFC 174 Link: $11 Billion for a Soccer Tournament? Maybe not the best idea ... Q: How about a one-point push-out rule for high school and college? I'm so tired of watching NCAA championship matches where one wrestler has one or both feet out-of-bounds for a large amount of time, and the refs choke on their whistles, rather than call stalling. Take the issue out of the refs hands, and simply institute the pushout. Awarding one point will still prod the offensive wrestler to complete a takedown, since that is worth two points, and it will necessitate both wrestlers staying in the center. Plus, it will be much easier for the fan to understand, versus understanding when officials call fleeing the mat or stalling and when they do not. -- Mark M. Foley: Yes! A simple solution to a seemingly complex problem. The NCAA Rules and Competition Committee has not yet grasped the meaning of "out-of-bounds." Why have a line, or a cylinder, if it only demarcates a space in which something has to be inside? Talk about confusing. There isn't a casual fan in the world that would instinctively describe the out-of-bounds line as a place where wrestling was to take place. The model has been proven at the international level, and there are next to zero complaints. Why? Because as you note, the line forces action inside the circle. NCAA wrestling became insufferable this year with tedious rideouts and challenges, but also in a total lack of action on the feet. Tell a kid that the out-of-bounds line is hot fire and I guarantee you will see an explosion of offense on the feet. Q: Looking at the picture of the World Team, every person on it is from Division I and then there is one Division II national champ. Thinking about Aaron Pico, do you think bypassing college will have any effect on him? For the 2020 Olympics, he would be right around his senior year of college. To me, it seems like that is when the U.S. wrestlers are entering their peak. -- Tim H. Foley: The argument goes that they are entering their peak because they haven't been exposed to enough international competition. By going overseas and focusing on freestyle Pico is thereby, in theory, boiling down his wrestling career to what matters most. I think the plan has merit, but there is nothing to judge it against, and therefore no way to know what, or who, is to blame if there is a failure. The college wrestling season is brutal, but if you look at our wrestlers' most successful seasons over the past decade, most have come directly on the heels of a collegiate season. Aaron Pico (Photo/John Sachs, Tech-Fall.com)It makes sense. Wrestlers are in shape, battle hardened and psychologically prepared to fight another fight. For example, Jake Herbert had nothing to lose when he wrestled the 2009 World championships in Denmark. He was a two-time NCAA champion and Hodge Trophy winner. Expectations were low and that allowed him to hit the mats with a stride of confidence, and conditioning, that he otherwise couldn't have achieved. He was the World silver medalist, which remains his best-ever finish at a world-level competition. Pico made the right decision for Pico, but it will be interesting to see his maturation process and what, if any, adjustments he'll make to his future training regimen. It'll also be interesting to see if any other wrestlers follow his unique path. Critiques are sure to be frequent and heavy-handed, but he's a tough kid and there is no doubt he'll make the adjustments necessary to be on par with those guys coming out of college in 2020. Q: The overtime vs. criteria debate is a pretty hot topic right now. I see that having criteria does two things. 1. Forces wrestlers to wrestle and score within the 6 minute time frame. 2. Rewards risk, for example 4-point throw vs. 4 pushouts. But I also see that having a list that coaches, wrestlers, and officials need to go through to determine the winner is a huge hassle. There is no way you can figure out the winner when the scores of matches are entering the teens. Also, from a fan perspective, having a winner when the match is tied is confusing and anti-climactic. -- Tim H. Foley: The scoreboard denotes the winner either with a large line, or a flashing number. Who is winning might be tough for the first year, or for the first few tournaments, but after a while it becomes commonplace. The biggest complaints come from Americans who, to be completely fair, just haven't been paying that much attention to the sport. As they've started to watch more matches the complaints have dwindled, because, as you wrote, the benefits far outweigh any minor confusion that might occur every 40th match. Criteria is a winning idea and overtime has been proven to be a losing one.

The six weight classes to be contested at the U.S. World Team Trials in Greco-Roman have weighed in and received their seeds for the competition on Friday, June 13 in Daytona Beach Fla. Only the six Olympic weight classes of 59 kilos/130 pounds, 66 kilos/145.5 pounds, 75 kilos/165 pounds, 85 kilos/176 pounds, 98 kilos/216 pounds and 130 kilos/286 pounds will compete in this phase of the Greco-Roman World Team Trials. The two non-Olympic weight classes of 71 kilos/156.5 pounds and 80 kilos/176 pounds will compete in the U.S. World Team Trials phase II in Fargo, N.D. in July. Two athletes will sit out of the challenge tournament and advance directly to the best-of-three championship series on Friday night based on winning the U.S. Open and placing in the top five at last year's World Championships. Spenser Mango will await the challenge tournament winner at 59 kilos/130 pounds and Robby Smith will do the same at 130 kilos/286 pounds Every member of the 2013 U.S. Greco-Roman World Team will be competing in Daytona Beach. Champions at the World Team Trials will compete at the World Championships in Tashkent, Uzbekistan in September. The event will be webcast LIVE on Flowrestling.org, on its Flo Pro platform. Results will be found on TrackWrestling.com, as well as on TheMat.com. 59 kilos/130 pounds Final Wrestle-Off Qualifier Spenser Mango, Colorado Springs, Colo. (U.S. Army WCAP) Challenge Tournament Seeds 1. Jermaine Hodge, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Army WCAP) 2. Max Nowry, Colorado Springs, Colo. (U.S. Army WCAP) 3. Jesse Thielke, Germantown, Wis. (Badger WC) 4. Sam Hazewinkel, Norman, Okla. (Sunkist Kids) 5. Nikko Triggas, Moraga, Calif. (NYAC) 6. Nate Engel, Colorado Springs, Colo. (U.S. Army WCAP) 7. Dmitry Ryabchinskiy, Marquette, Mich. (NYAC) 8. Sammy Jones, Folsom, La. (USOTS) 66 kilos/145.5 pounds 1. Ravaughn Perkins, Omaha, Neb. (RRPN) 2. Ellis Coleman, Colorado Springs, Colo. (U.S. Army WCAP) 3. Bryce Saddoris, Camp Lejeune, N.C. (U.S. Marines) 4. Jamel Johnson, Greensboro, N.C. (YES Wrestling) 5. Brian Graham, Minneapolis, Minn. (Minnesota Storm) 6. Marco Lara, Colorado Springs, Colo. (U.S. Army WCAP) 7. Nick Alvarez, Miami, Fla. (USOTS) 8. Alex Sancho, Miami, Fla. (USOTS) 75 kilos/165 pounds 1. Andrew Bisek, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Minnesota Storm) 2. Jon Anderson, Colorado Springs, Colo. (U.S. Army WCAP) 3. Justin Lester, Colorado Springs, Colo. (U.S. Army WCAP) 4. Geordan Speiller, Oviedo, Fla. (Florida Jets) 5. Jake Fisher, Minneapolis, Minn. (Minnesota Storm) 6. Johnny Stefanowicz, Camp Lejeune, N.C. (U.S. Marines) 7. Alec Ortiz, Minneapolis, Minn. (Minnesota Storm) 8. Camden Grimes, Colorado Springs, Colo. (OTC) 85 kilos/176 pounds 1. Jordan Holm, Minneapolis, Minn. (Minnesota Storm) 2. Zach Neilson, Zimmerman, Colo. (Minnesota Storm/USOEC) 3. Ben Provisor, Colorado Springs, Colo. (NYAC) 4. Courtney Myers, Camp Lejeune, N.C. (U.S. Marines) 5. Josef Rau, Minneapolis, Minn. (Minnesota Storm) 6. Lee Wildes, Oviedo, Fla. (Florida Jets) 7. Ryan Hope, Carol Stream, Ill. (USOTS) 8. David Khavin, Brooklyn, N.Y. (NYAC) 98 kilos/216 pounds 1. Caylor Williams, Greensboro, N.C. (U.S. Army WCAP) 2. John Wechter, Minneapolis, Minn. (Minnesota Storm) 3. Daren Burns, Boone, N.C. (App State RTC) 4. Marcus Finau, Ewa Beach, Haw. (NYAC) 5. Brad Ahearn, Jacksonville, Fla. (Ahearn Wrestling) 6. Pete Gounaridis, Colorado Springs, Colo. (U.S. Army WCAP) 7. J.D. Bergman, Columbus, Ohio (NYAC/Ohio RTC) 8. Patrick Carey, St. Paul, Minn. (Minnesota Storm) 130 kilos/286 pounds Final Wrestle-Off Qualifier Robby Smith, Colorado Springs, Colo. (NYAC) Challenge Tournament Seeds 1. Toby Erickson, East Helena, Mont. (NYAC/USOTS) 2. Erik Nye, Colorado Springs, Colo. (U.S. Army WCAP) 3. Nikola Bogojevic, Superior, Wis. (Minnesota Storm) 4. Jarod Trice, Highland Park, Mich. (Titan Mercury) 5. Parker Betts, St. Michael, Minn. (Minnesota Storm) 6. Jake Kettler, Anoka, Minn. (Patriot Elite WC) 7. Donny Longendyke, Vadnais Heights, Minn. (Minnesota Storm) 8. Daniel Estricher, Shippensburg, Pa. (Modern Day Gladiators)

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Illinois wrestler Allen Stallings provided the spark. And his talented teammates followed suit. The chiseled and powerful 220-pound Stallings opened the dual with a quick technical fall to boost Team Illinois to a 43-31 win over Ohio Red in the Cadet National Duals Greco-Roman finals. Stallings was unbeaten and did not allow a point in the two-day Greco competition on Thursday afternoon at the Ocean Center Exhibition Hall. Illinois repeated as the team champion in Cadet Greco. Read full story Results Championship Illinois 43, Ohio Red 31 220: Allen Stallings (Ilinois) tech. fall Wyatt Hillard (Ohio Red), 12-0 285: Kevin Vough (Ohio Red) tech. fall Brian Ditchman (Ilinois), 12-2 88: Trey Keeley (Ilinois) tech. fall Jordan Crace (Ohio Red), 10-0 94: Peter Ogunsanya (Ilinois) tech. fall Dylan D'Emilio (Ohio Red), 14-1 100: Marcus Povlick (Ilinois) tech. fall Brandon Lucas (Ohio Red), 10-0 106: Dack Punke (Ilinois) tech. fall Nick Henneman (Ohio Red), 11-0 113: Jason Renteria (Ilinois) tech. fall Carsen Speelman (Ohio Red), 12-1 120: Austin O`Connor (Ilinois) tech. fall Garrett Lambert (Ohio Red), 13-2 126: Corey Shie (Ohio Red) dec. Dylan Duncan (Ilinois), 10-1 132: Jamie Hernandez (Ilinois) dec. Noah Mattin (Ohio Red), 8-0 138: Dominic Demas (Ohio Red) dec. Logan Gruska (Ilinois), 9-4 145: Georgio Poulas (Ohio Red) dec. Anthony Cheloni (Ilinois), 9-7 152: Nick Vestal (Ohio Red) tech. fall Jonathon Doyle (Ilinois), 18-8 160: Jacob Warner (Ilinois) tech. fall Tyler Wiederholt (Ohio Red), 15-5 170: Kamal Bey (Ilinois) tech. fall James Handwerk (Ohio Red), 10-0 182: JT Brown (Ohio Red) pinned Jordan Shahrikian (Ilinois), 1:13 195: Matt Stencil (Ohio Red) by forfeit Third Place Pennsylvania Red 41, Washington 34 220: Dallas Goodpaster (Washington) tech. fall Cole Nye (Pennsylvania Red), 11-0 285: Hunter Mullins (Washington) dec. Andrew Gunning (Pennsylvania Red), 1-0 88: Jaret Lane (Pennsylvania Red) dec. Brandon Kaylor (Washington), 3-2 94: Ryan Green (Pennsylvania Red) pinned Jacob Howerton (Washington), 3:38 100: Matt Parker (Pennsylvania Red) pinned TJ Baun (Washington), 1:16 106: Jack Davis (Pennsylvania Red) dec. Clai Quintanilla (Washington), 12-7 113: Chase Wickman (Washington) tech. fall Ellis Popiolkowski (Pennsylvania Red), 14-3 120: Dalton Young (Washington) pinned Colby Kenderdine (Pennsylvania Red), 1:55 126: Victor Kenderdine (Pennsylvania Red) pinned Michael Soler (Washington), 4:20 132: Andy Pham (Washington) pinned Chris Hisey (Pennsylvania Red), 1:38 138: Eric Hong (Pennsylvania Red) dec. Logan Pine (Washington), 13-7 145: Riley Seward (Washington) dec. Vincent Stabilito (Pennsylvania Red), 1-0 152: Nick Vestal (Ohio Red) tech. fall Jonathon Doyle (Ilinois), 18-8 160: Drew Peck (Pennsylvania Red) tech. fall Trey Meyer (Washington), 12-0 170: Zane Black (Pennsylvania Red) dec. Mason McDaniel (Washington), 16-13 182: Hakim Coles (Pennsylvania Red) pinned Bo Campbell (Washington), 3:53 195: Holden Miller (Washington) pinned Dymir Davis-Carruth (Pennsylvania Red), 4:10 Fifth Place Oklahoma Blue 43, New Jersey 37 220: Delvin Jordan (Oklahoma Blue) by forfeit 285: Nevin Henson (Oklahoma Blue) tech. fall Jamie Bailey (New Jersey), 17-5 88: Billy Simpson (Oklahoma Blue) pinned Michael Colaiocco (New Jersey), 0:55 94: Rett Golowenski (Oklahoma Blue) tech. fall Michael Kelly (New Jersey), 11-1 100: PJ Gohn (New Jersey) tech. fall Wes Ahrberg (Oklahoma Blue), 12-2 106: Kaden Gfeller (Oklahoma Blue) pinned Zach Sherman (New Jersey), 2:18 113: Andrew Merola (New Jersey) pinned Jet Taylor (Oklahoma Blue), 0:44 120: Daton Fix (Oklahoma Blue) tech. fall Garrett Beam (New Jersey), 12-0 126: Reggie Thompson (Oklahoma Blue) tech. fall Nick Farro (New Jersey), 11-0 132: Kris Lindemann (New Jersey) pinned Beau Bratcher (Oklahoma Blue), 2:20 138: Jaryn Curry (Oklahoma Blue) dec. Aidan Monteverdi (New Jersey), 13-5 145: Payton Scott (Oklahoma Blue) tech. fall TJ Calas (New Jersey), 15-5 152: Michael Ilic (New Jersey) pinned Zane Basma (Oklahoma Blue), 2:00 160: Luke Drugac (New Jersey) pinned Bear Hughes (Oklahoma Blue), 0:27 170: Dean Drugac (New Jersey) tech. fall Drew Hinkle (Oklahoma Blue), 10-0 182: Brandon Dallavia (New Jersey) tech. fall Dan Baker (Oklahoma Blue), 10-0 195: Kendall Anderson (Oklahoma Blue) tech. fall James Potts (New Jersey), 15-3 Seventh Place California 50, Florida Red 30 220: Dustin Dukleth (California) dec. Kyle Mann (Florida Red), 1:24 285: Gavin Nye (California) pinned Robert Valverde (Florida Red), 0:22 88: Andrew Valverde (Florida Red) by forfeit 94: Izaak Olejnik (California) by forfeit 100: Chase Zollmann (California) pinned Blake Fuller (Florida Red), 0:33 106: Kai Guingona (California) dec. Devin Kohn (Florida Red), 6-6 113: Navonte Demison (California) tech. fall Tyler DiFiore (Florida Red), 16-6 120: Jose Figueroa (California) dec. Anthony Vizciano (Florida Red), 14-13 126: Lysander Mahilum (California) tech. fall Bryce Marcus (Florida Red), 10-0 132: Clay Shropshire (California) tech. fall Todd Perry (Florida Red), 15-5 138: Anthony Artalona (Florida Red) tech. fall Andrew Alvarez (California), 14-3 145: Max Wohlabaugh (Florida Red) dec. James Quintana (California), 9-1 152: Ricardo Gonzalez (California) tech. fall Leonardo Tarantino (Florida Red), 22-12 160: Sam Loera (California) by forfeit 170: Laurence Kosoy (Florida Red) pinned Andrew Cervantez (California), 1:42 182: Chei Hill (Florida Red) dec. Kobe Rosas (California), 16-13 195: Caleb Calhoun (Florida Red) pinned Bonifacio Escobar (California), 1:49

More than a decade after women first took the mats at the Olympic Games their sport is among the fastest rising in popularity both in the United States and nations around the world. Still after three Olympics it remains a sport divided into two classes of talent, the Japanese and everyone else. The island nation has won medals in 11 of 12 weight classes contested since women's freestyle wrestling was introduced at the 2004 Olympic Games. Of those 11 Olympic medals, seven have been gold. Members of the U.S. women's freestyle team pose (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com)Those numbers will dwindle in 2016 as FILA has both increased the weight categories and shifted them in a way, which unintentionally pushed some talent from the top of the international ranks, specifically by increasing the highest weight allowance from 72 kilos to 75 kilos. Few countries stand to gain more traction with these changes than the American squad who has yet to bring home an Olympic gold. Leading the American hopes will be Adeline Gray, the top-ranked wrestler at 75 kilos and the athlete most likely poised for a two-year run to Rio. Despite the rosy outlook up top, no American woman made the finals in 2013, with the stars and stripes only earning three bronze across seven weight classes. Here is the look at the rest of the women's freestylers who have qualified in an Olympic weight category at the World Team Trials and will be competing at the 2014 FILA World Championships this September in Tashkent. 48 kilos: Alyssa Lampe Gold: 20 percent Medal: 60 percent Ranked No. 4 in the world this June, Alyssa Lampe is one of America's most consistent international performers. At home she's faced nemesis Victoria Anthony repeatedly, a matchup that has helped to hone her skills and ready her for international competition. Lampe is technically sound and can be, when needed, physically brutal. Alyssa Lampe (Photo/John Sachs, Tech-Fall.com)Standing in her way is a trio of past World champions, led by defending champion Eri Tosaka, a diminutive powerhouse who has already bested fellow World champion Yanan Sun (down from 51 kilos) and can be brutal in attacks. Like her countrywomen, Tosaka can often wrestle at a level above much of her competition and has an 8-0 technical fall victory over Lampe from last year's World Championships. Lampe is a two-time World bronze medalist and only improving. She will need to wrestle her best tournament to make the finals and put together a match against Tosaka, Yunan or Maria Stadnyck, the Azerbaijani wrestler who last week pinned 2012 World champion Jessica MacDonald of Canada. Top wrestlers: Eri Tosaka (Japan), Mariya Stadnyk (Azerbaijan), Yanan Sun (China), Jessica MacDonald (Canada) 53 kilos: Whitney Conder Gold: 0 percent Medal: 20 percent It's unreasonable to think that anyone in the 53-kilo field will beat three-time Olympic champion and 11-time World champion Saori Yoshida, who has moved down from 55 kilos. If there is a wrestler who can take out the Japanese legend it will be Sofia Mattsson of Sweden, a World champion herself who also moved down to challenge Yoshida. Whitney Conder is a Junior World champion from 2007, but it's difficult to project how she will do in such a stacked weight class. Should Conder find a gap in her side of the bracket, she's capable of making the semifinals, from there she could make a run at a medal. She will need to have her best imaginable tournament. Top wrestlers: Saori Yoshida (Japan), Maria Gurova (Russia), Sofia Mattsson (Sweden), Zhong Xuechun (China) 58 kilos: Alli Ragan Gold: 0 percent Medal: 30 percent Alli Ragan (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com)Alli Ragan is talented and though a depressing, self-defeating statement -- her best chance at a medal might be to run into Kaori Icho (Japan) and find her way into the repechage. That's an honest assessment of a dangerous top-bracket, but a manageable lower side. For Ragan, the draw -- as it is for most wrestlers -- will determine much of what she can accomplish. Despite the naysaying, Ragan has shown promise in big tournaments, making it to the finals of the World University Games last year and toughing out a packed World Team Trials at home. Top wrestlers: Kaori Icho (Japan), Valeria Koblova-Zholobova (Russia), Petra Olli (Finland), Marianna Sastin (Hungary) 63 kilos: Elena Pirozhkova Gold: 40 percent Medal: 80 percent America's second-best chance for a title comes with former World champion Elena Pirozhkova. She's inarguably among the best in the world, and unlike lower weights hers isn't blockaded at the top by unbeatable Japanese talent since Icho dropped down to 60 kilos. Pirozhkova second World title might ultimately come down to her ability to make it past Latvia's Anastasija Grigorjeva, who has looked phenomenal since falling at last year's World Championships. Grigorjeva is a good matchup for Pirozhkova so a meeting between the two could be beneficial to her gold medal chances, though also lurking in the field is last year's runner-up Soronzonbold Battsetseg of Mongolia, who pinned the American at last year's World Championships and an always-ready Xiluo Zhuoma of China. Top wrestlers: Anastasija Grigorjeva (Latvia), Jackeline Rentaria Castillo (Columbia), Xiluo Zhuoma (China), Yurika Ito (Japan), Soronzonbold Battsetseg (Mongolia) 69 kilos: Veronica Carlson or Randi Miller Gold: 0 percent Medal: 20 percent Veronica Carlson won the World Team Trials, but 2008 Olympic bronze medalist Randi Miller was injured for the tournament and requested a special wrestle-off, which was granted by USA Wrestling. Either way, the outlook remains similar for both athletes. Carlson lost to a decent Zhou Zhangting of China at the 2013 World Championships and Randi Miller is on the backend of her record-setting career. The new class of women at 69 kilos is one of the most top-heavy in the World Championships, led by 2012 Olympic champion Natalia Vorobieva of Russia who, were it not for a miracle headlock in last year's World Championships, would be running a 50-match winning streak. Also at the weight class is defending World champion Alina Makhinya (formerly Stadnyk) and the very impressive Sara Dosho of Japan. Top wrestlers: Natalia Vorobieva (Russia), Alina Makhinya (Ukraine), Sara Dosho (Japan), Aline Focken (Germany) 75 kilos: Adeline Gray Gold: 80 percent Medal: 95 percent Adeline Gray (Photo/John Sachs, Tech-Fall.com)Canadian Erica Wiebe is on fire this month, but Adeline Gray has so far retained the top spot at 75 kilos. To win a title will most likely mean that Gray will see Wiebe, or Olympic bronze medalist Gouzel Manyurova (Kazakhstan) in the early rounds. Gray owns a narrow win over Manyurova, who is also the head coach of the Kazakhstan women's freestyle team. Gray should be optimistic about her chances since her rival, 2013 World champion Zhang Fengliu of China, is now between weight classes and battling an injury. Should Zhang bump up to 75 kilos that could mean trouble for Gray, but the extra weight may not agree with the Chinese wrestler. That is a question mark that Gray will have to address once she's in Tashkent. Top wrestlers: Erica Wiebe (Canada), Vasilisa Marzaliuk (Belarus), Ekaterina Bukina (Russia), Gouzel Manyurova (Kazakhstan)

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