InterMat Staff

Sam StollSOFIA, Bulgaria -- Sam Stoll (Kasson, Minn./Minnesota Storm) stormed back after a semifinal loss to win a bronze medal at 120 kilos/264.5 pounds in Greco-Roman at the Junior World Championships on Wednesday. Stoll secured a body lock, threw and pinned Behnam Shajaeiaghadam of Iran in the first period of their bronze-medal bout, ending the match at 2:15. It was the first medal for the USA at the Junior Worlds this year. Read complete story ...

STILLWATER --– Oklahoma State sophomore wrestlers Alex Dieringer and Austin Marsden will represent Team USA once again at the Junior World Championships, this time in Sofia, Bulgaria. Dieringer is set to wrestle on Saturday, and Marsden will compete on Sunday. Competition on both days is set to begin at 1 a.m. CT. Their draws will be announced later this week. The pair earned spots on the Junior World Team in front of a home crowd at Gallagher-Iba Arena at the World Team Trials back in June. After a successful freshman season that saw him place third at 157 pounds at the NCAA Championships, Dieringer breezed through his bracket to take home the 74 kilogram title, including two convincing wins over Dylan Palacio in a best-of-three championship series. Marsden, who took a redshirt for the most recent NCAA season, showed off with a five-point throw in his opening match and finished the tournament with two bonus-point wins over Adam Coon in the 120 kg finals. Last year, the two competed at the Junior World Championships in Pattaya, Thailand, where Dieringer split a pair of bouts, while Marsden loss his only match of the tournament. Fans can view the action live from the FILA Facebook page or receive updates by following @USAWrestling on Twitter.

LOCK HAVEN, Pa. -- Steve Fittery has been named the new assistant wrestling coach at Lock Haven University. Fittery, a former standout collegiate wrestler at both Shippensburg University and American University, has had recent collegiate coaching stints at both the University of Maryland and American. LHU head coach Scott Moore is very excited about the addition of Fittery to the staff. "I am extremely excited about Steve (Fittery) coming on board here at Lock Haven as an assistant coach. He will be a great role model for our team and will lead by example on a daily basis," said Moore. "His achievements in wrestling and academics truly speak for his competitive nature. He has worked with some great coaches in Mark Cody and Kerry McCoy over the last couple seasons and has some great ideas for building the future of LHU wrestling. Steve is a professional in every aspect of life and will make an immediate impact on our program in both recruiting, development and fundraising." LHU Director of Athletics, Mark Sherburne echoed Moore's excitement. "We are very excited to have Steve (Fittery) join our wrestling program as an assistant coach," said Sherburne. "The success that Steve has been able to attain throughout his wrestling career, as both, a student-athlete and a young coach, will be a tremendous asset to the advancement of our student-athletes and wrestling program. He is a hard worker, tremendous competitor, outstanding teacher and clinician and well respected among his peers and colleagues. During the 2012-13 season, Fittery was on Maryland's staff and helped lead three Terps to Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) individual championships. This past season, Maryland had one All-American and finished 27th at the 2013 NCAA Championships in Des Moines, Iowa. Fittery, a 2011 graduate of American University coached at his alma mater during the 2011-12 season. During the season, he helped lead two American Eagles to All-American status. American finished 19th at the 2012 NCAA Championships and took a program-best, third-place at the Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association (EIWA) Championships during that same season. Fittery earned a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics & Secondary Education from American in 2011. While at American, Fittery enjoyed a standout career both academically and athletically. At American, Fittery was a two-time All-American finishing third in 2011 and fifth in 2010. He was named the American University Male Athlete of the Year in 2011. Fittery was the 2011 EIWA Champion and a two-time Midlands Champion. Prior to his career at American, Fittery spent several seasons at Shippensburg. While competing for the Red Raiders, he was a two-time NCAA Division II National Runner-up. He was named the Shippensburg Freshman-Athlete of the Year in 2007 and the Shippensburg Male-Athlete of the Year in 2008. He was the 2008 PSAC Champion and was a two-time East Region Champion. Most impressive, Fittery was a four-time First Team Academic All-American during his career as a student-athlete at both Shippensburg and American. Having spent time coaching at the collegiate level, Fittery also brings with him a strong camp and youth coaching background. During High School, Fittery was a two-time Pennsylvania state place-winner at Cocalico. Fittery is thankful for this new opportunity and is looking forward to the future. "I'm thankful to Scott (Moore) and LHU for this opportunity and I'm committed to helping Lock Haven continue its strong wrestling tradition," said Fittery. "Coach Moore has big goals for the program and has a relentless work ethic to make them happen. I'm pumped to be a part of it and for all the exciting things happening here at LHU."

Related: Schedule COLLEGE PARK, Md. -- A return trip to Madison Square Garden to participate in the Grapple at the Garden and a trip to Ann Arbor to face future Big Ten rival Michigan highlight the University of Maryland wrestling team’s 2013-14 schedule, which head coach Kerry McCoy announced on Wednesday. After facing Nebraska and Ohio State in the inaugural Grapple at the Garden last year, the Terps are scheduled to match up with Cornell and Rutgers at this year’s event. Maryland will also travel to Stanford as part of a west coast trip that also includes the Roadrunner Open at CSU Bakersfield. The Terrapins schedule features notable local showdowns against American and Navy, along with their New Year’s trip to Northwestern for the Midlands Championships. The home slate includes the annual Terrapin Duals (Alderson-Broaddus, Johns Hopkins, Kutztown) along with duals against American, Duke, NC State, Penn and Pittsburgh. "The schedule is a good mix of traditional opponents and new competition along with some exciting trips," said head coach Kerry McCoy. "We have our traditional ACC and local rivalries, and in preparation for our transition to the Big Ten we have Michigan on the schedule. "I think it will challenge our guys, but if we do what we are capable of doing it will be a very successful year." Maryland unofficially opens its 2013-14 campaign with the Red and Black Wrestle-Offs on Oct. 27 in preparation for the Terrapin Duals on Nov. 3. The Terps will square off against Alderson-Broaddus, Johns Hopkins and Kutztown in the season-opening event. Following a week off, the Terps head to Stanford to grapple with the Cardinal on Nov. 16 and wrestle in the Roadrunner Open the following day. Maryland returns home just before Thanksgiving and welcomes Penn to Comcast Pavilion (Nov. 22) before heading to New York City to wrestle the Big Red and Scarlet Knights at the Grapple at the Garden (Dec. 1). The Terps wrestle in their final home meet of 2013 against Pittsburgh on Dec. 6. After a break for finals and the Christmas holiday, the Terps head to Evanston, Ill., for the prestigious Midlands Championships. The two-day event (Dec. 29-30) features several of the nation’s top teams and wrestlers. Maryland opens 2014 with five consecutive road dual meets beginning with Michigan (Jan. 5). One week later, the Terps travel to Navy (Jan. 11) following by their ACC opener against Virginia Tech (Jan. 19). The road trip concludes with a dual at North Carolina (Jan. 24) and at Virginia (Jan. 31). Maryland has the first of three consecutive home meets against Duke on Feb. 8 and continues the homestand against NC State on Feb. 14. The Terps play host to the Battle of the Beltway against American on Feb. 16 in the final home dual of the season before closing the regular season at George Mason on Feb. 20. Virginia Tech plays host to the ACC Championships in Blacksburg on March 8. The NCAA Championships are set for March 20-22 in Oklahoma City.

It will take me a long time to come to terms with the recent International Olympic Committee decision to implement its 6-6-6 plan with weight classes across the Olympic wrestling styles. While I may eventually come to terms with it, I'll never get over it. Sometimes I curse the fact that I love wrestling so much. The sport treats its fans almost as callously as it treats its athletes. Sometimes I wonder if I write about a sport caught in the pull of some tragic Sophoclean destiny, unable to turn from the path of its own inevitable demise at, essentially, its own hand. Breaking the hearts of boys and girls To briefly explain the 6-6-6 plan, prior to the IOC decision, Olympic wrestling featured seven weight classes in men's freestlye, seven in Greco-Roman, and four in women's freestyle. The IOC has taken a weight class from each of the two men's styles and added them to women's freestyle. International Olympic Committee headquartersObviously, this limits the number of medal opportunities for men in Olympic wrestling. Since 1996, men's wrestling has lost forty percent of its weight classes. If wrestling gets voted back into the Olympics this September, which seems likely, and avoids its immediate demise, I am not sure it can stop the incremental death being visited upon it. This decision dealt a blow to women's wrestling as well. While in the short term, obviously the decision increased the number of women's weight classes. In the long term, however, it limits the number of weight classes. This decision tethers the number of women's freestyle wrestling weight classes to the dwindling number of men's weight classes. Beware of the IOC bearing gifts. Watching women's wrestling grow every year both in the number of participants and the sophistication of technique, I had high hopes for its growth as an Olympic sport. I looked forward to the day when women's freestyle would continue to obtain more weight classes on the Olympic level to the point where it would have added as to be equal with men's freestyle. This will never be the case. With the 6-6-6 plan, the IOC has clearly stated that it will not add weight classes to Olympic wrestling; instead they will only redistribute them. The IOC decision has reduced wrestling weight classes to a zero-sum game, and when you play this kind of game, nobody can win without someone else losing, and even worse, the overall level of prosperity The myth of imperative proportionality I understand that the IOC still thinks the 6-6-6 plan as unequal, after all, twelve men's weight classes remain as opposed to only six for women. This sort of thinking of shows a remarkable lack of consistency on the part of the IOC, which throughout the Olympic program recognizes that sexual proportionality is not, and should not be an imperative. A quick look at the Olympic program reveals an events list redolent with sexual disproportions in sports which favor both sexes. Favoring men: The Olympics includes no women's analogue event in all canoe events, three shooting events, one weightlifting weight class, 50-kilometer walk, seven boxing weight classes, one men's gymnastics event, two rowing events, four-man bobsled, all Nordic combined events and, all ski-jumping events. Favoring women: The Olympics includes no men's analogue event in all rhythmic gymnastics events, all synchronized swimming events, and three swimming events. These discrepancies should not act as evidence of some sort of inequity. I believe that some women's sports do not demand a men's analogue, and some men's sports do not demand a women's analogue. Based on the structure of the Summer and Winter Olympic programs, the IOC agrees with me, except, perplexingly, when it comes to wrestling. Solving the number of athletes problem The press release for the IOC 6-6-6 decision mentioned that weight classes were deducted from men's wrestling while being added to women's as a means of not running afoul of the arbitrarily established maximum number of athletes who may compete in the Olympics. If the IOC really wanted to help wrestling while keeping the number of overall athlete down, it could have done two things. First, they could have not added a team sport like sevens rugby to the program. The sport of rugby, in all its forms, seems like an odd fit in the Olympics to begin with, but the size of its teams demand the addition of a substantial number of athletes to the games. Second, they could have redistributed wrestlers to new women's weight classes. Current weight classes contain, on average, nineteen wrestlers. If you just took two wrestlers from each men's weight class, you would have freed up enough room to establish two new women's weight classes without having to eliminate a men's weight class. That last point I find particularly troubling. That solution seems so obvious. Certainly it occurred to the IOC. I can't imagine why they would not use that option. The fact that the qualifiers could have been easily distributed, and that the rest of the Olympic program sits filled with massive amounts of proportional representation among the sexes makes me suspect that the act of taking two weight classes from men was simply a punitive measure, and part of a pattern of hostile behavior the IOC has manifested against wrestling for a long time. I love Olympic wrestling, if only the Olympics loved it too.

SPALA, Poland -- The United States won three bronze medals in men's freestyle on the opening day of the Ziolkowski Memorial International on Saturday. Read complete story ...

Seven United States wrestlers won gold at the 2013 FILA Cadet Greco-Roman Pan American Championships, pacing the USA to the team title Friday, August 9 in Medellin, Colombia. The USA finished with 92 team points beating out Venezuela, 73, and Colombia, 69. 2013 Fargo double champions Daton Fix and Mason Manville won titles at 50 kilos and 69 kilos respectively. Christian Jenco at 100 kilos, Kaden Gfeller at 42 kilos, Paul Bianchi at 46 kilos, Kaid Brock at 54 kilos and Robert Steveson at 85 kilos also won weight class titles for the USA. Read complete story ...

SPALA, Poland -- American Alyssa Lampe won a gold medal, and U.S. wrestlers Victoria Anthony and J.D. Bergman earned bronze medals in international events here on Sunday. Lampe won the Poland Open championship in women’s freestyle at 48 kilos/105.5 pounds while Anthony took bronze in the same weight class. Lampe and Anthony are 2013 U.S. World Team members. Read complete story ...

Steve Martin

MOSCOW -- Women's wrestling will have two extra medal classes at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, while two men's events from the London Olympics program have been dropped. The International Olympic Committee says one weight category in both men’s freestyle and Greco-Roman will be transferred to women’s freestyle. The switch creates six weight classes in all three disciplines at Rio. Wrestling's governing body, FILA, proposed the changes to create more equality as it seeks to retain Olympic status for the 2020 Summer Games. The IOC says its board also approved two changes in sailing: mixed multihull will replace men’s keelboat in Rio and women's skiff replaces women's match racing. The IOC allowed the changes because they won’t increase the number of athletes competing. Rio organizers have a quota of about 10,800 athletes.

TEMPE -- President Barack Obama announced his intent to appoint former Arizona State University wrestling standout Anthony Robles to the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition, the White House Office of the Press Secretary announced via press release on Thursday. Robles is currently an NCAA Wrestling Analyst and Expert at ESPN. Born with only one leg, Robles won the 2010-2011 NCAA individual wrestling championship in the 125-pound weight class, and was a three-time all-American. His awards include NCAA Best Wrestler of the National Tournament in 2011, the Jimmy V Perseverance Award at the ESPN ESPYs, and the NFL Hispanic Heritage Leadership Award. He was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2012. Robles earned his B.A. in business communications in 2011. Following his graduation, Robles took up a career in motivational speaking, travelling across the country to share his story of perseverance in the face of his handicap. The President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition was formerly the President’s Council on Physical Fitness but was renamed by Obama in 2010 with a new emphasis on nutrition as an element of fitness. The American government organization aims to “promote, encourage and motivate Americans of all ages to become physically active and participate in sport”. It is part of the Office of Public Health and Science, an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The council is currently made up of co-chars Drew Brees and Dominique Dawes with councilmembers that include Dan Barber, Carl Edwards, Allyson Felix, Dr. Jayne Greenberg, Grant Hill, Billie Jean King, Michelle Kwan, Dr. Risa Lavizzo-Moure, Cornell McClellan, Dr. Stephen McDonough, Chris Paul, Curtis Pride, Donna Richardson Joyner and Dr. Ian Smith.

BadgerStateWrestling.com's Shane Sparks catches up with Teague Moore and talks to him about Tour ACW, which debuts on Oct. 20 in Pittsburgh. Listen to interview on BadgerStateWrestling.com.

InterMat senior writer T.R. Foley answers reader questions about NCAA wrestling, international wrestling, recruiting, or anything loosely related to wrestling. You have until Thursday night every week to send questions to Foley's Twitter or email account. Do you want to read a past mailbag? Access archives. If you're a wrestling fan and have seen these images, then you've likely broken a glass in anger or kicked a swan in frustration. The Oregon Ducks last week released images from their new football training facility, to which they've given the dry name, The Football Performance Center. Perhaps there is no introduction more telling of the facilities gratuitous abundance than the opening paragraph written by New York Times reporter Greg Bishop:The Football Performance Center at the University of Oregon features rugs woven by hand in Nepal, couches made in Italy and Brazilian hardwood underfoot in the weight room that is so dense, designers of this opulent palace believe it will not burn.Wrestling fans don't need to be reminded that the Ducks wrestling program was eliminated in July of 2007 due to the budget constraints brought on from the addition of a baseball program and competitive cheer (which has yet to be recognized as a scholarship-bearing Division I sport). Some in the wrestling community pushed the blame on Title IX, but the equality of women is just a scapegoat for what is a larger and much more pervasive problem: Football and amateurism. While wrestling and other sports scratch for a few extra fans, the NCAA works tirelessly to ensure that the culture of football and profiteering endures past every substantial lawsuit, concerning piece of concussion research, and seemingly bi-weekly amateurism scandal. Despite the growing sentiment that football is corrupt and unhealthy, the NCAA preaches it as a gospel of Americana and schools line up to give their benedictions. How else can one explain a cathedral built for the cause of enslavement? Too harsh? Just read the quote left by Walt Byers, the father of the modern NCAA, in regards to modern amateurism in his book Unsportsmanlike Conduct:Today the NCAA Presidents Commission is preoccupied with tightening a few loose bolts in a worn machine, firmly committed to the neo-plantation belief that the enormous proceeds from college games belong to the overseers (administrators) and supervisors (coaches). The plantation workers performing in the arena may only receive those benefits authorized by the overseers.Why isn't that quote splashed across the entryway to Oregon's $70 million, 145,000 square foot facility? You'd think it would at least fit on one of the 250 televisions. Wrestling can't compete with Brazilian hard wood floors and rooms devoted to video games for athletes. We aren't big enough and never will be. However, we are well proportioned to score PR victories by changing our sport in unexpected and progressive ways. Our solution isn't to raise $70 million for a building that gets pages worth of negative and snarky reviews. Our answer comes in raising $5 million to start the NCAA's first Division I women's wrestling program, or eliminating singlets, getting rid of the weight-cutting culture, or improving our competition schedule. These aren't just winning arguments and slick press releases; these are the changes that need to be made for the betterment of the sport and the next generation of wrestlers. Miss this chance and we'll be the quack jobs. To your questions ... Q: What happened to Ryen Nieman and Jamie Clark? Both were big recruits a few years back. -- @Rhino184 Foley: Ryen Neiman isn't on the roster at Indiana University and the last time he seemed to compete was the intrasquad competition at the start of 2011. His career is over. Jamie Clark was at Kent State for a spell in 2012, but felt better in a teaching capacity and lives in the area helping out and running camps. Q: What is the toughest state to win an individual high school state championship in and why? How tough do you think California's State Championships compare to other states? -- Gregg Y. CIF wrestling medal (Photo/John Sachs, Tech-Fall.com)Foley: California, based on the number of competitors placed within a single division, is the toughest state tournament in the country. Though Pennsylvania is a "better" wrestling state in almost every metric, it is much easier for a wrestler there to win a state title given that there is more opportunity and fewer competitors. There has only been ONE four-time California state champion (Darrell Vasquez), which should give you some indication about the quality of the athlete that shows up to the tournament every season. The quality isn't just because there are solid programs, but the top-flight individuals from small schools -- who in Ohio or Virginia might wrestle in one of the many divisions -- gets a chance at competitors from better programs in bigger schools. Again, I think Pennsylvania is the best wrestling state, but California has the toughest state tournament to win. Q: How do think Alexander Karelin would've done in MMA in light of how dominant he was internationally in Greco-Roman wrestling? And what's your opinion on the Rulon Gardener win over Karelin? Basically did Rulon Gardner win on a technicality due to the rules vs. if they kept wrestling Karelin would've figured out a way to win? -- Marcus R. Foley: Alexander Karelin is successful at everything he attempts. Poetry? The man. Duma? Elected. Leader of Mother Russia? Hasn't tried ... yet. Mixed martial arts wouldn't have been a problem for Karelin. As a big guy he'd have less worry about grappling, and with his obscene size, genius-level intellect and ferocious competitive style he'd have been one of the top five heavyweights of all time. There is no argument for why he'd be less-than-impressive. As for the match with Rulon Gardner, Karelin was the unfortunate victim of terrible rules that awarded Gardner a point after the Russian lost a coin flip and briefly unlocked hands his hands. Were the rules like they are right now, you can imagine that Karelin would have earned the first point from passivity and been in control the rest of the match. I'm American, but all my passwords include the word "karelin." Alexander KarelinThere is a story, possibly apocryphal, about Juan Antonio Samaranch watching the Karelin-Gardner match. Apparently, Samaranch had shown up to the finals thinking, like most people, that Karelin would easily beat the doughy American kid. He was undefeated in 13 years, and by all accounts part-cyborg. Samaranch loved attention, and in an effort to see more flash bulbs had planned to bestow a special award on Karelin after the match. The Russian was about to become the first wrestler in the world to ever win the gold medal at four Olympic Games which meant plenty of good press for the Olympic movement. Samaranch is up in the VIP box watching the match, and to his eye all looks good for the Russian. Sure there is cheering and a brief loudspeaker explanation of breaking grips, but Samaranch was busy prepping the speech as it was a fact that Karelin couldn't lose. The match is tied at the end of the first three-minute period which shows that Karelin is responsible for action within 30 seconds. He ends up unclasping his hands and gives up a point. Three more minutes pass, regulation ends and it's 1-0 Gardner, but as the rules states overtime was to occur. Samaranch, who is half paying attention, doesn't know who is winning, but is so steadfast in the certainty of events that he begins the walk to the floor greet Karelin. He's arguably the greatest leader in the history of the Olympic movement, so he can be excused if he wants to be part of history. Just before he goes full-steam, some of his aides inform him that Karelin hadn't won, but instead had lost during the prolonged hugging bout. When the aides tried to explain why Karelin had lost, Samaranch couldn't follow and in a tizzy storms out of the building, flinging unkind words about our beloved sport as he left the building. Samaranch was happy to know that there was an upset, but for a man whose job it was to present an athletic event to the world, it was as stain on wrestling that even he couldn't understand the winners and losers. MULTIMEDIA HALFTIME Seriously, he's a bad dude. Still love this one ... Interesting. I'd be careful about making this the centerpiece of any argument, but there is a powerful perspective to be heard from the Caucuses. Q: What do you think of the NWCA All-Star Classic moving to George Mason? -- Andy R. Foley: The Patriot Center holds a lot more fans, which could be incredible if there are matches that wrestling fans will travel to watch in person. Should the NWCA and its partners keep working to improve the quality of the event, including high-quality promotional videos and marquee matchups, then it is possible that the crowds could rival what we saw last year at American University. The NWCA and hosts of the event need to make this about more than just the college kids selected to attend. By creating annual programming outside of the two-hour event, like the dinners and clinics, there is a good chance it could become an annual can't-miss event for wrestling fans in the region. Q: In my opinion Logan Storley will be the next collegiate wrestler to be a stand out in MMA. He has all the skills? What do you think? -- Gregg Y. Foley: Sure! There's no questioning his toughness or wrestling ability. The big test will come in his ability to learn jiu-jitsu and striking. Can't win a fight with wrestling if you take a shin to live, or get your arm snapped off by a Brazilian limb-hunter. Q: Five of the seven U.S. World Team members were in the U.S. lineup that was beaten in rather dominant fashion by Iran at Grand Central Station in May. All five of those wrestlers lost to their Iranian opponents. Do you think this might predict a disappointing overall U.S. showing in the upcoming World Championships? Or do you think this will prove to be part of the learning process, with the American wrestlers peaking at the right time in September? -- Mark R. Foley: Most Americans believe that FILA's new rules benefit American freestyle wrestlers by eliminating period-based strategies based in positioning, and rewarding constant action and conditioning. I'd agree. And since the rules changed after the Rumble on the Rails, we should be, overall, in a better position to win some heads-up matches. More importantly we are well built for a long tournament because unlike other countries we've trained our whole lives for the match-ending technical fall. At seven points Americans like Brent Metcalf have an enormous, absolutely GIGANTIC incentive to go out and launch rapid attacks. By earning quick technical falls wrestlers like Metcalf can save their energy for the battles they might run into later in the tournament, while other more conservative wrestlers like those from Iran might not be able to end matches as often with such efficacy. Like you wrote, this team is probably peaking for September, and if you trust their training and leadership, then you have to be optimistic about their chances to bring home more than two gold medals at the World Championships.

If you felt let down that a Bellator sideshow bout between Quinton "Rampage" Jackson fell through, don't worry. Rampage is fighting a Brazilian big-headed parade float. By that I mean Tito Ortiz, but either way, it will anchor Bellator's first pay per view with two big named fighters in a total mismatch. The only question is whether it is a good idea. Also on this week's show, Richard and John discuss what's next for UFC featherweight champion Jose Also and take a first look at the UFC's debut on Fox Sports 1. Do you want to listen to a past episode? Access archives.

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. -- Scotti Sentes, a two-time NCAA Division I All-American and four-time national qualifier while wrestling at Central Michigan, has been named assistant wrestling coach at Cal Poly. “In looking for an assistant coach this spring, we wanted to hire someone that not only was good on the mat but also someone that could relate well to our student-athletes and help us promote the Mustang Mission,” third-year Mustang head coach Brendan Buckley said Thursday in announcing the hire. “We feel strongly that we accomplished this in hiring Scotti Sentes,” Buckley added. “He is a great technician and will be a terrific asset for returning NCAA qualifier Devon Lotito as well as all of our wrestlers.” Sentes twice won Mid-American Conference titles (2009 and 2011) and placed third in 2010 and 2013. He finished his Chippewas career with a 108-33 overall record, including 55-12 in duals (17-1 in MAC dual meets) and 53-21 in tournaments. Among his 108 career wins were 23 falls. Sentes placed fourth in the NCAA finals at 133 pounds as a junior in 2011 and seventh at 125 as a freshman in 2009. While wrestling at Central Michigan, Sentes also was involved in numerous camps and club teams. He was a clinician for wrestling clinics and camps at Central Michigan and throughout the country under Chippewas head coach Tom Borelli. Sentes also was founder and head coach/clinician for Team Anaconda Blood and was a coach for National Team Florida, preparing wrestlers for national competition during the high school offseason. He also was an instructor for the Riverdale Wrestling Club during his high school career. Sentes was a four-time Florida state high school champion while attending Riverdale High School, compiling a 213-3 career prep record and winning his last 140 matches. He also finished runner-up in the state finals at 103 pounds while competing with the varsity as an eight-grader in 2004. He was 51-0 with 36 falls as a senior. Sentes also won a senior nationals title in 2008. Sentes earned his bachelor of science degree in English at Central Michigan last May.

ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- Fourteenth-year Navy wrestling head coach Bruce Burnett has announced that Danny Song, a former assistant at Bloomsburg and Iowa, has joined the program’s staff as an assistant coach. Danny Song“I am really excited for our athletes, our coaches and the Naval Academy to have Danny Song join our family,” said Burnett, the former U.S. Olympic head coach who has compiled an 113-57 record at the helm of the Midshipmen program. “He brings intensity, experience of being on a staff that has won National Titles, and a love for the sort of Wrestling that is infectious. We are all lucky to have him as part of the team.” “I am fired up to work for the Mids at Navy Wrestling,” said Song. “I’ve been blessed to work with good people in this sport and could not be happier to join Bruce (Burnett) and Brian (Antonelli). It’s clear to see the program’s mission is to get the job done the right way, every time, with the highest focus and fight. That is also how I was raised to approach it, and that is how I will approach it in the future.” A 2008 graduate of the University of Iowa, Song began his coaching career serving as an assistant coach and strength coordinator for his alma mater in 2009. During Song’s tenure, the Hawkeyes won the 2010 NCAA Championship and Big Ten Tournament crowns, while earning Big Ten regular-season titles in 2010 and 2011. The Hawks finished third at the NCAA Championship in 2011 and 2012. In addition to his position at the University of Iowa, Song served as an administrator, coach and competitor with the Hawkeye Wrestling Club. As an integral member of the Hawkeye Wrestling Club, Song knows first-hand the importance of his role in supporting and developing student-athletes who aspire to compete for World and Olympic gold medals. Following three seasons at Iowa, Song moved on to Bloomsburg where he saw the Huskies finish the 2012-13 campaign with a 17-3 dual meet record, while closing out the year ranked 15th by USA Today/ Amateur Wrestling News/National Wrestling Coaches Association. Bloomsburg also won the EWL Conference dual meet title outright and qualified six wrestlers for the NCAA Championship. Shortly after the completion of the 2013 championship season, Song served as interim head coach. ISong has also leant his expertise to a number of camps over the years, including at the Naval Academy, the Brands-Gable Summer Camps and in his hometown with the Hauppauge Youth Organization camp systems.

WEST POINT, N.Y. -- Third-year Army head wrestling coach Joe Heskett announced the addition of Brad Pataky to his staff as an assistant coach on Thursday morning. An extremely accomplished wrestler in his own right, Pataky comes to West Point having spent the last two seasons on the staff at Lock Haven University. “Brad is an ideal fit for our mission here at West Point,” Heskett said. “He embodies impeccable character and a passion for greatness. He is very intelligent and loves to battle on the mat. He is in the hunt to make World and Olympic teams and will have a major impact in the overall development of our cadet-athletes." Pataky was a three-time NCAA qualifier at Penn State where he was also three-time BIG 10 place winner. The Keystone State native helped lead the Nittany Lions to the 2011 NCAA national title and posted an 83-31 career record. Prior to his time in State College, Pa., Pataky enjoyed a stellar high school career during which he was a 2004 PIAA State Champion at 112 pounds, three-time PIAA state medalist and 10-time Asics Freestyle/Greco All-American. He authored an impressive 125-5 record as a high school grappler. Pataky continues to enjoy a highly successful career at both the national and international level. He is a University Place Winner and Champion (2008), Canada Cup place winner and two-time runner-up. A Guelph Open place winner and Champion, also in 2008, he was also a two-time Northwest F/S Regional Champion and U.S. Open place winner, NYAC place winner (2007) and University World Team member (2008). He placed seventh at the 2008 University World Games and was an Olympic Team Trials Qualifier in 2008. Pataky earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Penn State in 2011. He went on to obtain his teaching certification while serving as a volunteer assistant coach at Lock Haven over the last two seasons. Along with maintaining his coaching duties, Pataky continues to train for an Olympic berth at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

COLLEGE PARK, Md. -- University of Maryland wrestling head coach Kerry McCoy announced the addition of four-time NCAA All-American and 2004 NCAA runner-up Tyrone Lewis as an assistant coach for the Terps on Thursday. Lewis, a native of El Reno, Okla., arrives in College Park after spending two seasons as a volunteer assistant at Oklahoma. Prior to his two-year stint in Norman, Lewis served as an assistant coach at Oklahoma State for three seasons. "I am very excited to have Tyrone join our program," said McCoy. "He was one of the best wrestlers on one of the nation's best teams at Oklahoma State, and has coached for two of the country's most storied programs. "He brings a ton of knowledge and experience with him. He has already and will continue to provide a positive impact on the Maryland wrestling family." In his time with Oklahoma, the Sooners finished in the top 15 at the NCAA Championships twice with Kedric Maple capturing the 141-pound national title last season. Before making the transition into coaching, Lewis wrestled for the Cowboys from 2001-04, where he won two Big XII titles (2001, 2004) and compiled a 120-15 record. Lewis made four NCAA appearances finishing fifth in 2001, third in 2002, fifth in 2003, and was a national runner-up in 2004. Lewis' name is known in national wrestling circles as he was the 2008 runner-up at both the U.S. Olympic Trials and at U.S. Nationals in the 74 kg/163 pound weight class. He was an alternate for the 2008 Olympic team. Lewis competed on both the national and international levels after leaving Oklahoma State. He represented the United States at the 2005 World University Games in Izmir, Turkey, and was a training partner for the U.S. Senior World Team as it competed at the 2005 FILA World Championships in Budapest, Hungary. "As soon as I saw an opportunity at the University of Maryland, I knew I had to jump on it,” said Lewis. "I know the direction the program is headed and the excitement surrounding the program. "I knew it would be a great fit for me because of the relationship I have with Coach McCoy from competing and training together in the past. Being able to learn from him and Coach [Mike] Catullo, a guy with a wealth of knowledge, caused everything to line up and it is a great fit. I am excited to get started." After graduating from Oklahoma State, Lewis took his first collegiate coaching job at Oklahoma City University as an assistant and helped guide the Stars to a 12th-place finish at the NAIA Championships, while coaching three All-Americans.

They took a year off to acclimate to a college schedule, grow, or just wait out a starter, but now these ten redshirt freshman are ready to shine. Staying on top will require hard work and good luck, but if their prep careers and early college results are any indication, each of these wrestlers is poised to make an impact at the NCAA tournament in 2014. Cory Clark (Iowa, 125) About Clark: Cory Clark's redshirt year was pretty impressive. Though it seemed to start almost impossibly well, with his surprising last second 3-2 loss to two-time NCAA champion and teammate Matt McDonough, Clark's season only heated up as the winter grew colder. In December the young Hawkeye picked up a stunning 6-1 win over eventual 2013 NCAA champion Jesse Delgado (Illinois) in the finals of the UNI Open. He finished the season 20-2. Clark, who was a four-time state champion in Iowa, will face stiff competition from fellow redshirt freshman Thomas Gilman for the starting spot at 125 pounds. However, should Clark make it out of the practice room the nation will already be on warning, and he will be considered an immediate contender for the national title. Iowa head wrestling coach Tom Brands on Clark: "We have a unique situation with Clark and Gilman, and they're benefitting from it. Clark is super determined and super competitive, and those are two of the things that have helped him develop at the rate he's going. He's learning discipline every day." Jason Tsirtsis (Northwestern, 149) Jason Tsirtsis made the Junior World Team at 66 kilos (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com)About Tsirtsis: Things are looking up for Northwestern coach Drew Pariano. Fresh off a five-year contract extension, Pariano will be welcoming Jason Tsirtsis -- the nation's top recruit in 2012 -- to the Wildcat lineup. Tsirtsis, the younger brother of Iowa standout and All-American Alex Tsisrtis, is coming off an impressive redshirt campaign. Jason placed eighth at Midlands where he wrestled 2013 NCAA champions Kendric Maple of Oklahoma to a narrow 7-5 loss and piked up 18 wins overall. In high school Tsirtsis defeated former NCAA champions Darrion Caldwell at the 2012 Last Chance Olympic Qualifier. That success has continued, as the Indiana native will be representing the United States. in the freestyle competition of the 2013 FILA Junior World Championships in Sofia, Bulgaria at 66 kilos. Northwestern head wrestling coach Drew Pariano on Tsirtsis: "I believe that Tsirtsis will be perfectly prepared to have an outstanding freshman season. With Welch graduating we will rely on Tsirtsis to score big points for our middle weights. He will also be positively impacted by our Chicago RTC and the training partners that we have lined up for him (which includes Welch) and our team. Lastly, he has a burning desire to win a World title next week. That attitude will carry over and help him reach his goals of being a national champion." Jimmy Gulibon (Penn State, 133) About Gulibon: Cael Sanderson' accompaniment to two-time NCAA finalist Nico Megaludis, the incoming 133-pound wrestler was a four-time state champion in Pennsylvania and a POWERade title. Potent on top and still growing into 133 pounds. Gulibon posted a 23-7 record in his redshirt campaign, including six technical falls and five major decisions. Penn State head wrestling coach Cael Sanderson on Gulibon: "Jimmy has had a real solid redshirt year. He has a history of success being a four-time PIAA state champ. Those don't come around often. He is extremely competitive, a hard worker and disciplined. But above all that, he loves to wrestle. We're excited to get him out there on the mat this year." Jordan Rogers (Oklahoma State, 184) About Rogers: One of the most sought after wrestlers in 2012 and the top 182-pound prospect in the nation, Jordan Rodgers was an impressive 144-8 in high school. The pinning machine also found his way to three Washington state titles and the Junior Dan Hodge Award. Rogers, who finished his redshirt season 8-3 including six falls, found an end-of-the-year streak of five wins. The well-built redshirt freshman is expected to fill in for Chris Chionuma at 184 pounds, and wrestle alongside returning 174-pound NCAA champion Chris Perry. Oklahoma State head wrestling coach John Smith on Rogers: "With Rogers, I like his pinning potential. He's great at it. His development is coming along a lot quicker than I expected, and I'm excited to see what he can do for us." Mark Grey (Cornell, 133) Mark Grey finishes a shot against Illinois' Zane Richards (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com)About Grey: Though an accomplished folkstyle wrestler with a well-known older brother, Mark Grey is hoping to prove himself as one of the best wrestlers in the nation in 2013. Though technically not a redshirt since he has yet to enroll at Cornell, Grey trained with the Finger Lakes Wrestling Club (FLWC), which helped him acclimate to the college training schedule and expectations. He placed fifth at the Buffalo Brawl dropping matches to two-time NCAA Champion Logan Stieber and Army's Jordan Thome. He'd later take second at the Binghamton Open and win the Mat Town Open. The two-time Junior World Team member won arguably the toughest weight class of the FILA Junior World Team trials in 2013 (60 kilos) when he beat Earl Hall, Joey McKenna, and Zane Richards in a row. He'll join several other wrestlers on this list and will be competing in Bulgaria next week at the FILA Junior World Championships. Alex Cisneros (Cornell, 149) About Cisneros: Like teammate Mark Grey, Alex Cisneros technically wasn't a redshirt this past season and has yet to enroll at Cornell. The young wrestler went 2-2 at the Buffalo Brawl, but bounced back and won the Mat Town Open with four straight victories. The three-time California state champion is hoping to work his way into a Big Red lineup that is always competitive at the lower weights. Thomas Gilman (Iowa, 125) Thomas Gilman earned a spot on the Junior World Team at 55 kilos (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com)About Gilman: Were it not for teammate Cory Clark's wins over Delgado, the wrestling world would probably be buzzing about Thomas Gilman and his new role as the Hawkeyes' starting 125-pound wrestler. Like Clark, Gilman was a heavily recruited four-time state champion (Nebraska) and seems destined to stand on top of several podiums throughout his collegiate career. However his first task is making it past his teammate. Gilman's 2013 collegiate season included an impressive 23-5 overall record, including seven straight wins to end the season. Maybe most striking about his season was that the 55-kilo freestyler earned the chance to represent the United States in next weekend's 2013 FILA Junior World Championships in Sofia, Bulgaria. Iowa head wrestling coach Tom Brands on Gilman: "Gilman has made steady progress where I would call a good place. He's very serious about what he's doing. He's very committed. He's very disciplined. Very determined. He works every day and he works hard at it. Doug Vollaro (Lehigh, 285) About Vollaro: A star recruit from 2012, with a solid performance to start his redshirt campaign, Vollaro was forced to sit out the second half of the season due to injury. Though he only saw limited action, the heavyweight with a big future posted a respectable 18-7 record. The Mountain Hawks expect even more in 2013-2014. A two-time high school state champion from Florida, Vollaro was also a FloNationals champion in high school and one of the top-ranked heavyweights in the country. With a history of heavyweight champions, including 2011 NCAA champion Zack Rey the future is bright for Vollaro and the Lehigh Valley. Sam Brooks (Iowa, 174/184) Sam Brooks defeated Oklahoma State's Jordan Rogers on his way to making the Junior World Team at 84 kilos (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com)About Brooks: Sam Brooks is one of the nation's top incoming redshirts, but unfortunate for him he's behind All-Americans Mike Evans (174) and Ethan Lofthouse (184). Unexpected injuries could always help Brooks with chance to start for the Hawkeyes, and given that he should be able to float between weight classes the Illinois-native will find mat time. No matter if he starts in 2014 or not, he can take comfort in the knowledge that Iowa fans appreciate a wrestler who is willing to wait his turn and be a team player. Brooks has a solid redshirt campaign going 19-9 in collegiate competition and placing eighth at Midlands. A FILA Cadet World bronze medalist, Brooks qualified for next week's FILA Junior Worlds in Sofia and will wrestle at 84 kilos. Iowa head wrestling coach Tom Brands on Brooks: "Brooks last year went with some of the best guys in the country. He went with Ethen Lofthouse, so he has one of the best guys in the country right there in his room. He's got an opportunity every day to see where he stacks up. It's unique because he has to get ready in our room with Burak and Evans and Lofthouse. It's a good situation for him and he thrives on it. I don't think he shrinks from any challenge. From a competitive point of view, he doesn't shrink from a task." Max Schneider (Cal Poly, 157) About Schneider: The only wrestler on the list who didn't compete in 2013, Max Schneider's career is ready to take off. The top recruit of then first-year Cal Poly coach Brendan Buckley, Schneider has plenty of promise, and is another anchor for the young Mustang squad. Cal Poly head wrestling coach Brendan Buckley on Schneider: "We have the highest of expectations for Max. He has a unique style with his judo background and is solid in all positions. We feel he will be very competitive this year and be a major player on our team."

Brent Metcalf will go "On the Mat" today. "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 week's show will air from 5 to 5:30 p.m. due to the Chicago Cubs pre-game show. E-mail dgmstaff@nwhof.org with any questions or comments about the show. A podcast of the show is available on theopenmat.com. Metcalf was an NCAA champion for the University of Iowa in 2008 and 2010. He recently won the Sargsyan International tournament in Armenia. Metcalf will represent the United States at the freestyle World Wrestling Championships at 145.5 pounds later this year.

"He had muscles on top of muscles on top of muscles ..." Curley Culp"His strategy was just to get his hands on his opponent and destroy him with his strength." He stood 6' 2", and weighed in at 265 pounds. He won the heavyweight title by pinning his finals opponent in just 51 seconds. He was so tough and strong, he reportedly broke the helmets of three of his college football teammates during on-field practice sessions. ... yet, by contrast, he was voted "Boy with the Best Smile" by his college classmates. All these wide-ranging statements describe the same guy: Curley Culp, 1967 NCAA heavyweight wrestling champ for Arizona State who was also a football standout, first for the Sun Devils, then over a 14-year NFL career that just culminated by being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio on Saturday, Aug. 3. Let's meet the man who was a superstar on the wrestling mat and on the football field, who despite his imposing physique and impressive strength, was considered to be a true gentleman, even by his opponents. The man from Yuma Curley Culp was born March 10, 1946 in Yuma, Arizona, in the far southwest corner of the state, where Arizona, California and Mexico come together. The youngest of thirteen children of Frank and Octavia Culp, Curley was a twin. His parents liked the name Shirley for his twin sister (who was born 15 minutes prior to her brother), and sought a rhyming name for the son, and decided on Curley. 1963 Yuma Union wrestling teamCurley and his family lived on a farm just outside Yuma. In fact, Curley was a member of the Future Farmers of America organization at Yuma High School in the early 1960s, and president of his high school chapter his senior year. That hands-on farm experience may have had a direct impact on his performance on the football field -- and on the wrestling mat -- for the Yuma High Criminals, as the school's sports teams were called. (The town was the site of a major state prison.) A 1967 Arizona State football handout produced to honor Curley Culp offered an explanation as to how the standout defensive guard got to be the physical specimen that put fear into the hearts of opposing wrestlers and football offensive players alike. "Many athletes nowadays gain size and strength through weightlifting. Not Curley. He attained physical strength through physical labor -- namely, helping his dad in Yuma, Ariz. with work on the farm. His father raised pigs and contracted for garbage with many firms in Yuma. Many are the 50-gallon barrels of garbage toted by Curley. He also has pitched watermelons and worked at an ice plant which accounts for his 18 �" neck and biceps to match." Culp's strength and size gained from farm work made him a critically important member of the Yuma High School's football team as a defensive lineman. Al Alvarez, who assisted with football practices at Yuma High while Culp was on the team, also shared a memory of how Yuma's head football coach Frank Thomas (who passed away earlier this year) decided to give Curley Culp a new role -- taking him off defense, and making him a fullback -- in Yuma's 1964 homecoming game against Mesa. "Coach Thomas said the only way we can beat this team is if we have a fullback that will grind it out," Alvarez said. "He asked Curley if he would play fullback, and Curley said �Sure coach, why not?' And he did, and we beat them 7-0. Curley Culp gained about 100 yards that game, but it took seven or eight defensive Mesa boys to bring him down every time he ran the ball. The next Monday at practice, Curley Culp called coach over and said �Coach, I better not play fullback anymore because I won't last the whole season. They beat me up.'" The mat star with muscles on top of muscles The football player with that speed, size, strength and determination was equally impressive -- and formidable -- as a wrestler. "When I first saw him, he was walking across the gymnasium," said Pat Patterson, head wrestling coach at Yuma High at the time. "It was empty, and as I watched him walk across, I knew he was a once-in-a-lifetime heavyweight wrestler." In a team photo from the 1963 Yuma High yearbook, the wrestling team was shown not in traditional sweatsuits or warm-ups, but in shiny, silky-looking robes, like those worn by prizefighters. In its recent profile of hometown hero Curley Culp, the Yuma Sun wrote, "Once Culp, a heavyweight, shed his robe, the opposing crowd would voice a collective gasp that resonated throughout the gymnasium." Football coach Al Alvarez confirmed that description, saying, "When it was his turn to wrestle, he'd take his robe off and everybody stood in awe at his physique and how big he was and how he went about his business." "He had a body build that was just unbelievable," wrestling coach Patterson added. "He had muscles on top of muscles on top of muscles ..." Culp -- who, in his NFL prime, stood 6' 2" and tipped the scales at 265 pounds -- was not a ponderous muscleman, either. "I've never seen a man that big who could move as quickly as he could," said Patterson. Culp managed to win back-to-back heavyweight titles at the Arizona high school state tournament in 1963 and 1964. In high school, the total package By any measure, Curley Culp was the total package in high school: A successful two-sport athlete who also excelled in the classroom, too. As Patterson put it, "He was a straight-A student. He had intelligence, plus he had the athletic ability." Beyond the gridiron and the wrestling mat, Culp was a highly-accomplished high school student. In addition to being involved with Future Farmers of America (elected chapter president as a senior), Culp was a three-year member of the school's Letterman's Club, a member of the National Honor Society, an Academic Honor Roll honoree, a Who's Who Among Student Leaders in High Schools of America honoree, American Legion Student of the Year, and a delegate to Arizona Boys' State in 1964, according to his bio at his official website. "He was a great person," Alvarez said. "Everybody liked him ... He wasn't a person that you thought was the greatest or anything; he was just a regular guy. But we knew, and everyone else knew, he was the best in whatever he was at. In football he was the best in the line." It's easy to imagine that a high school student with these attributes would attract the attention of colleges far beyond isolated Yuma, Arizona. Curley Culp was heavily recruited by a number of colleges, but chose Arizona State because they said he could continue to participate in both football and wrestling. There may have been additional factors as well. A recruiting trip to remember Fellow Sun Devil matman Tony Russo shared the story about Culp's recruitment trip to ASU in the 2012 book "Wrestling With The Devil" which he wrote with his daughter Tonya Russo Hamilton. "The 1964 season was approaching an end," wrote Russo. "Our final dual meet was to be against our archrivals, the University of Arizona Wildcats, and (ASU head wrestling coach Ted) Bredehoft had a new recruit on campus, Curley Culp ... Bredehoft had given me the task of making sure Curley fell in love with Arizona State." "Curley may have been large, but he had a softness about him; his rounded face and little boy's smile could light up a room, and Coach wanted badly to sign him. Bredehoft turned up his enchanting powers to full-tilt. He'd decided that the dual against the University of Arizona was going to be an outside show ..." "He set the mats up right near the end of Palm Walk, making sure that the Sun Devil wrestlers' chairs would be in the shade of some nearby trees. The Wildcats' chairs were positioned along the side of the mat with no trace of shade; they were getting full rays ... At three-thirty in the afternoon, with no wind and the mat surface lying directly on the concrete, it was hot." "The Wildcats' coach was out of his mind. He couldn't believe the antics Bredehoft was pulling. His guys were overheating, the mat was scalding hot, and as far as he was concerned, Bredehoft was cheating." "'Shady Brady' quipped the opposing spectators more than once during the competition. I still had Curley at my side, and he was thoroughly enjoying himself amidst the mass humanity of the crowd," Russo wrote in his memoir. In a last-minute decision, ASU coach Bredehoft moved Russo up a weight class. "My nerves were ratcheting up; I knew the guy was tough. He was the prior year's conference champion, not to mention ten pounds heavier than me, and I had an audience to impress. Curley needed to see his mentor beat this Wildcat ..." "When my arm was raised, I saw Curley stand up and cheer." "Needless to say, Curley was hooked. He signed with the Devils in both football and wrestling, beginning a highly successful dual career," wrote Russo. You're a Sun Devil now After graduating from Yuma High in 1964, Curley Culp headed to Tempe, Arizona to become a Sun Devil, wrestling for head coach Ted Bredehoft. Bredehoft came to Arizona State in 1962, having coached at University of Washington since 1958. Prior to launching his coaching career, Bredehoft wrestled at Cornell College of Iowa in the early 1950s. Bredehoft competed at the 1952 NCAA championships, where he lost to eventual 115-pound champ Hugh Peery of Pittsburgh, a member of the Peery family mat dynasty that also included brother Ed Peery and father Rex Peery, each three-time NCAA champs. Culp wrestled what was then called the unlimited weight class. (Back then, there was no upper limit for the big men of college wrestling; in fact, there were a handful of NCAA heavyweight champs who tipped the scales at over 300 pounds.) During his career at Arizona State, Culp compiled an overall record of 84-9-4. He won three WAC (Western Athletic Conference) titles and was a two-time NCAA qualifier. As a sophomore at the 1966 NCAA Wrestling Championships at Iowa State, Culp defeated his first opponent, Carel Stith of the University of Nebraska ... but got knocked out of title contention by Iowa State's Steve Shippos. By the rules in place at the time, Culp did not compete in the consolation bracket, and, therefore, did not place. (The heavyweight champ crowned at the 1966 NCAAs was University of Michigan's Dave Porter.) That championship season As a junior, Culp was a perfect 19-0 ... with fourteen of those wins by pin. As the 1967 WAC champ, Culp qualified for the 1967 NCAA championships, hosted by Kent State University in northeast Ohio. According to Jay Hammond's "History of Collegiate Wrestling," a record 345 wrestlers from 91 schools showed up, shattering the previous record of 253. (Recent NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships had 330 wrestlers.) At the 1967 NCAAs, the unlimited bracket had 22 wrestlers. Culp was seeded second, behind 1966 NCAA champ Dave Porter of Michigan. Curley Culp with his coach Ted BredehoftTo help him prepare for the 1967 NCAAs, coach Bredehoft sought the help of Russ Winer, former Oklahoma State heavyweight who won the Big 8 conference title in 1965, and was a finalist at the 1965 NCAAs. "Bredehoft called me to give the 'kid' a workout going into NCAAs," said Winer. "I used to bait heavyweights with a single leg and then sprawl and get the takedown. Culp reached in and took my leg at the knee and lifted me to shoulder height, then gently returned me to the mat." "In another scramble I caught his thigh in a hi-c and turned the corner to see two legs," said the former Cowboy big man. "I had caught ahold of his bicep and thought it was a leg." In the first round of the 1967 NCAAs, Culp drew a bye. In the second round, he faced off against Frank Paquin of Lehigh, a 1965 Ohio high school state champ at heavyweight for North Canton High School, not far from Kent State ... or the Pro Football Hall of Fame in nearby Canton. In a recent interview with Mike Popovich of the Canton Repository, Paquin admitted he had never heard of Curley Culp before the 1967 NCAAs. This may seem strange today, but, realize, nearly 50 years ago, eastern schools such as Lehigh usually didn't schedule Arizona State and other "out west" programs. It was also an era before Facebook, Twitter, wrestling forums and websites such as InterMat made it possible for potential wrestling rivals to connect online and watch each other in online videos. Paquin first met Culp at the weigh-in. As Popovich wrote, "It was an eye-opening experience for Paquin and Penn State's Mike Reid, who went on to star in the NFL with the Cincinnati Bengals." "It would not be an exaggeration to say we were both astounded," Paquin told the Canton Repository. "His arms were literally the size of legs, and believe me, they were all muscle." Culp put those muscles to work on the mat in his match with Paquin. "I have to say that I never experienced human strength to the level of Curley Culp," Paquin said. "It wasn't that he was a great technical wrestler. His strategy was just to get his hands on his opponent and destroy him with his strength." Unlike many of Culp's other opponents, Paquin managed to go the distance with the Sun Devil strongman. Culp got a 15-5 decision over his Lehigh rival. Frank Paquin"It's probably the most points I had ever had scored on me," Paquin told the Canton paper. "Over the years, when folks would say I should be pleased that Curley did not pin me, I would tell them that he was very fresh at the time of the tournament. He threw me so hard that I bounced high enough to turn over before I came back down on the mat." That said, Paquin described a wrestler who was anything but an abysmal brute. "After the match, we did have a short chat, and I found Curley to be a real gentleman," said Paquin. "He was a fine person who may have known it was his year." Quarterfinals and beyond After defeating Paquin, Culp advanced to the quarterfinals, where he pinned Michigan State's Jeff Richardson -- the No. 7 seed, and 1967 Big Ten runner-up -- at 1:50 of their match. At the same time Culp pinned the Spartan, on the other side of the bracket, defending NCAA heavyweight champ Dave Porter of Michigan suffered a stunning 5-4 upset loss to NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) heavyweight champ Dominic "Nick" Carollo of Colorado's Adams State, the No. 8 seed, in the quarterfinals. In the semifinals, Culp faced off against another football star-wrestler, Granville Liggins of the University of Oklahoma. The second-seeded Culp pinned the No. 3 seeded Sooner at 3:46 to advance to the finals. Also advancing to the heavyweight finals was Carollo, who got a 5-3 win over No. 5 Tom Beeson of Western State in Colorado. Carollo, who brought a 16-3-1 record to the NCAAs, had wrestled part of the season at 191 pounds. As Keith Jackson, one of the sportscasters on the ABC-TV "Wide World of Sports" broadcast of the 1967 NCAA finals, pointed out as he introduced the two wrestlers, Carollo weighed in at 205 pounds, while Culp tipped the scales at 260 pounds. Watching online video of that black-and-white ABC broadcast of the heavyweight finals, it's hard not to notice the substantial size difference between the two men that went beyond weight. Culp appeared to be significantly taller and bulkier than his Adams State rival. The match was over almost before it began. The two men shook hands, crossed over, then Culp went in almost immediately and used a lateral drop to bring Carollo to his back. The Adams State wrestler desperately tried to bridge off the mat, but Culp's size and strength were too much; Carollo was pinned at 51 seconds of the bout. With that fast fall, Culp became the first Arizona State wrestler to win an NCAA title, and the first from a school in the southwest. In addition to winning the 1967 NCAA heavyweight title, Culp was presented with the Gorriaran Award, for scoring the most falls in the least amount of time at the tournament. A couple weeks after the NCAAs, Culp was invited to participate in the first-ever East-West All-Star event, sponsored by the NWCA (National Wrestling Coaches Association), and hosted by Oklahoma State. Much like today's annual All-Star Classic, the idea was to feature the top two wrestlers in each weight class; however, in the early years, the event was conducted more like a dual meet, with wrestlers put in east-west teams based (sometimes loosely) on the location of their schools. The concluding match of the 1967 East-West All-Stars featured a battle of heavyweight champs ... with the recently-crowned titlewinner Curley Culp being pinned by 1966 NCAA champ Dave Porter of Michigan at 3:36. One year later, at the 1968 East-West All-Stars, the two met again on the mat, again at Gallagher Hall at Oklahoma State. This time, the 1967 NCAA champ Culp avenged his previous loss to Porter with a 5-3 decision over the Wolverine who won the '66 and '68 heavyweight titles. Culp also pursued a dream of wrestling at the Olympics, by entering the 1968 US Olympic Trials at Iowa State. Russ Winer shared an amusing story about his time in Ames for the Trials: "He, Buzz Hayes and I roomed together at the O-Trials in Ames," said the former Oklahoma State heavyweight. "He went out to get ice, so I hid by the corner and jumped out to scare him, making him drop the ice. He said, �Don't ever do that again, Russ, or I'll throw you off this balcony.' I didn't." Culp's dream of making the US Olympic freestyle team was denied by Larry Kristoff, who had wrestled heavyweight for Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, and heavyweight champ at the first-ever Midlands in 1963. Some suggested he try for the U.S. Greco-Roman squad, but Culp said no ... deciding it was time to focus on continuing his football career by entering the pro football draft. Arizona State gridiron great Curley Culp appeared on the front cover of Arizona State Sun Devils' football program in 1967 as an All-American candidateEven before hanging up his singlet and embarking on an NFL career, Curley Culp was a true two-sports star at Arizona State, excelling at both wrestling and football. In fact, he was one of the few athletes to earn All-American honors in more than one sport, being named a football All-American by both The Sporting News and Time magazine. As with wrestling, Culp was well-regarded on the football field for his incredible strength ... and physical toughness. The story goes that he was so strong, he broke the helmets of three Sun Devil teammates during football practice. Some of his football rivals weighed in, in comments printed in the 1967 ASU football program tribute to Culp. "Culp is really strong," said Dave Middendorf, Washington State offensive guard. "I have never played against a linebacker or middle guard who is as strong in the upper body. He just tosses you off and goes about his business." "You could take all the defensive linemen we faced last year and you wouldn't find a better one than Culp," according to West Texas State center Phil Hampton. "His strength and speed made him almost impossible to block." Hampton's teammate, quarterback Hank Washington, said, "Every time I dropped back to pass, Culp would be there to greet me. He stayed on me all night long and hit like a tank. He would have to be the best defensive player I saw all season." Wyoming offensive guard Mel Hamilton used Culp as a motivational tool. Curley Culp, Arizona State's Smile King in 1967, pictured with Smile Queen Diane Housman"I was impressed with Culp," said Hamilton. "I never was hit so hard. In fact, I'm so impressed with Culp that I've got his picture hanging on the wall, building myself up for next season." During his time in Tempe, Curley Culp could definitely be considered "Big Man On Campus" -- and not just because of his imposing physique. Thumb through copies of the Arizona State Sahuaro yearbooks of the mid-1960s and you'll see dozens of pages devoted to Culp, featuring countless photos as a wrestler, football player, and, out of uniform. He was 1967 Homecoming King ... voted "Boy With The Best Smile" ... Student-Athlete of the Year in both 1967 and 1968 ... and selected as Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges for 1967-68. Going pro In 1968, Culp entered the NFL draft, just one semester shy of graduating. (He would graduate with a bachelor's degree in 1970.) Culp was a second-round pick, grabbed by the Denver Broncos as the 32nd selection overall. However, the team had plans to switch him to offense ... but, instead, decided during training camp to trade him to the Kansas City Chiefs, where, as his Pro Football Hall of Fame biography states, "Fit in perfectly with Chiefs' dominating defense." In his second season in the NFL, Culp was definitely a difference-maker for the Chiefs at Super Bowl IV in New Orleans in January 1970. As the starting left defensive tackle vs. the Minnesota Vikings, Culp registered three tackles, and one assisted tackle to help his team -- who were 13-point underdogs -- to get a 23-7 upset win over the NFL's highest-scoring team. During the 1974 season, Culp was traded by Kansas City to the Houston Oilers (now Tennessee Titans), helping lead that team to its first winning season in eight years in 1975. In 1980, Culp found himself changing teams again, this time, heading north to the Detroit Lions, where he played for one season before retiring from football in 1981. All in all, Curley Culp compiled a very impressive pro football career that spanned fourteen seasons and 179 games. Among the highlights: Named NFL's Defensive Player of the Year in 1975. First- or second-team All-AFC five times. Six Pro Bowls. Super Bowl IV. Hall of Famer In February 2013, Curley Culp, 67, learned that he would be welcomed into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. On Saturday, Aug. 3, the former defensive tackle for the Kansas City Chiefs, Houston Oilers and Detroit Lions was welcomed into the hall at Canton, along with Green Bay outside linebacker Dave Robinson, Baltimore offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden, Dallas guard Larry Allen, Minnesota wide receiver Cris Carter, Tampa Bay defensive tackle Warren Sapp and coach Bill Parcells in the Hall of Fame's Class of 2013. At the induction ceremony Saturday night at Fawcett Stadium in Canton, Curley Culp was introduced by one of his two sons, Chad, 30. Curley Culp giving his HOF induction speechIn his induction speech, the elder Culp acknowledged his own parents, saying, "Two of the most important people in my life, my parents, are not here to celebrate with me. They supported me when I had the opportunity to leave home for the big city in Tempe, Arizona. I will always remember, love and appreciate all that they did for me." In addition, the former Sun Devil thanked a pair of NFL owners: Bud Adams of the Houston Oilers, and Lamar Hunt of the Kansas City Chiefs. "These are the men that made my professional playing days happen. Lamar Hunt wrote me a hand-written letter that I have to this day. Good owners make great players." Culp wrapped up his speech with this message: "In life, as in sports, we should play hard and clean. Hopefully our stories, preserved forever in the Hall of Fame will remind others what hard work and team work can produce." The Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement is arguably the ultimate honor for Culp. However, he has been welcomed into a number of other halls of fame, including the Arizona State University Sports Hall of Fame, the Arizona High School Hall of Fame, the National High School Sports Hall of Fame, the Arizona Wrestling Hall of Fame, and the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame ... along with the Kansas City Chiefs Ring of Honor, and the Arizona State Ring of Honor. Beyond halls of fame inductions, Curley Culp was named the No. 3 athlete in Sports Illustrated magazine's "50 Greatest Sports Figures" of Arizona list in 1999, and ranked sixth in The Arizona Republic's "Athletes of the Century" list that same year. To see Curley Culp make short work of his opponent in the heavyweight finals of the 1967 NCAAs, check out this video on YouTube from the original ABC-TV broadcast. For more than 100 photos of Culp as a wrestler and football star -- along with his opponents and others in his life -- visit the "1967 Curley Culp" photo album at the NCAA Heavyweight Champs Yahoo group. And, check out his new, official website, www.curleyculp.com.

Ashland University has named Josh Hutchens as its head wrestling coach. Hutchens replaces Tim Dernlan, who has left college coaching to start a career as a high school administrator. Hutchens comes to AU from Colorado School of Mines. He's been the head coach of that program since 2009. This will be the third head coaching job Hutchens has held. He was the head coach at James Madison from 2004-07. "I think we're extremely fortunate to find a coach of his caliber who has agreed to lead our program at this particular time," said AU director of athletics Bill Goldring. "He has tremendous experience and knowledge and he's excited to be the next wrestling coach of the Eagles. I think he'll continue to take us in a positive direction." The new AU head coach has several things in common with his predecessor. Like Dernlan, Hutchens is a Purdue graduate. He was a roommate of Dernlan's during his time at Purdue. Hutchens becomes the ninth head coach in the program's history. AU has had varsity wrestling since the 1961-62 season. AU was 15th at nationals last season and returns a pair of All-Americans – Joe Brandt (Versailles, Ohio) and Michael Labry (Twinsburg, Ohio) - in 2013-14. "I've seen them wrestle at nationals every year," remarked Hutchens, when asked about the Eagles. "I know Tim very well and I've talked to Tim a lot, just talking about training and things like that. I know the kids who got to nationals and some other starters. I've started to study where kids are from and what they did in high school. I think I have a pretty good sense of the roster." As a head coach, Hutchens has coached five NCAA national qualifiers and one All-American. He has coached 17 National Wrestling Coaches of America All-Americans and his teams have placed in the top 15 of the NWCA All-Academic Team standings four times. One of his wrestlers received the NCAA Elite 88 Award, which is presented each year to the participating student-athlete at nationals with the highest grade point average. For Hutchens, coming to Ashland is a return to his wrestling roots. "I'm from the Midwest," reminded the new AU head coach. "I'm excited about the caliber of wrestling in Ohio and having the chance to compete nationally. Coming to campus and meeting the athletic director, the president and the other coaches, I saw that I had the same philosophy as everyone else. It's a philosophy that puts the individual first." In addition to his two head coaching stints, Hutchens served as an assistant coach at Colorado School of Mines (2007-09/2002-03) and at James Madison (2003-04). Hutchens also spent one year (2001-02) as a volunteer assistant coach at his alma mater. While at James Madison, Hutchens was the youngest Division I head coach in the nation. James Madison eliminated its wrestling program and Hutchens moved west to Colorado School of Mines. At each stop of his coaching career, Hutchens has worked at schools with high expectations academically. His teams at Colorado School of Mines have consistently ranked among the nation's top academic programs. That's a philosophy he expects to continue at AU. "There are a group of people who think you can't win without sacrificing integrity," said Hutchens. "There are people who think you can't do it without sacrificing the students' welfare. I want to win, but I want to win the right way. I'm a Purdue graduate and a big John Wooden fan. I think you build someone up and they can accomplish anything." As a wrestler, Hutchens was an NCAA Division I national qualifier at Purdue. He finished third at the Big Ten championships. In high school, Hutchens was a two-time Indiana state wrestling champion. He was a 2009 inductee into the Indiana State High School Wrestling Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Hutchens earned his bachelor's degree in small business management from Purdue. He earned his master's degree in athletic administration from James Madison.

ITHACA, N.Y. -- After two seasons as a volunteer on the Cornell coaching staff, Mike Grey has been promoted to a full-time assistant coach it was announced today by Rob Koll, The David Dunlop '59 Head Coach of Wrestling. Mike Grey (Photo/Cornell Sports Information)In his two seasons as a volunteer assistant, Cornell posted a 25-5 dual meet record with two Ivy League titles, two EIWA team crowns and two top five NCAA team finishes. Big Red athletes won four NCAA titles, earned nine All-America honors, won six EIWA titles and captured seven first-team All-Ivy honors. The 2012 squad finished fourth at the NCAAs and featured three national champions (Kyle Dake at 157, Steve Bosak at 184, Cam Simaz at 197), while the 2013 team was fifth overall and had four wrestlers finish in the top four of their weight class. Included was four-time national champion Dake, the 2013 Hodge Trophy winner. Grey joined the Big Red as volunteer assistant coach in 2011 after helping the team to second-place finishes at the 2010 and 2011 NCAA championships as a student-athlete, the highest finishes in program history. Grey finished an impressive collegiate career with a 117-30 record and sits third on the Big Red leader board for most major decisions. A four-time NCAA qualifier, he was named the 2008 Ivy League Rookie of the Year and the 2008 Rev Wrestling Freshman of the Year. Grey was also a four-time All-Ivy first team selection, as well as a two-time EIWA champion. He placed sixth at the NCAA tournament in both his rookie season and his senior season, earning him All-American status twice. Prior to Cornell, Grey was a highly decorated high school wrestler, as the first four-time state champion out of New Jersey. Grey graduated from Cornell in 2011 with a degree in Development Sociology and currently resides in Ithaca.

EVANSTON, Ill. -- Northwestern Vice President for Athletics and Recreation Jim Phillips announced today that head wrestling coach Drew Pariano has been given a five-year contract extension through the 2018 season. In three seasons as head coach of the Wildcats, Pariano has guided the squad to top-20 finishes at the NCAA championships in each season along with seven All-America honors. "In his three years as our head coach, it is evident to see the positive impact Drew has had on our wrestling program and our athletic department as a whole," Phillips said. "He produced two NCAA finalists this past season, seven All-America honors in just three years and his teams are consistently recognized by the NCAA and NWCA for academic success. As a result, we are looking forward to crowning multiple NCAA champions and All-Americans in the coming years and seeing what the future holds for the Northwestern wrestling program with Drew at the helm." "I would like to thank Dr. Phillips and President Schapiro for their ongoing support of our wrestling program," Pariano said. "Northwestern Wrestling is synonymous with excellence and my staff and I will work extremely hard to carry on the tradition. Northwestern is a very special place for me and I plan on building the program into a perennial national title contender. The student-athletes that we currently have, and those who we continue to recruit, will embody what Northwestern Athletics is all about; success, honor and dedication". Pariano has been an integral part of the Northwestern program for 12 years, wrestling for the Wildcats from 1995-99, returning as an assistant coach in 2005 and then elevated to associate head coach before assuming the role as head coach on June 1, 2010. In his three seasons at the helm, the Wildcats have enjoyed a significant amount of success in the highly-competitive Big Ten Conference and on the national level. The 2012-13 season culminated with then-senior Jason Welch winning the Big Ten title at 157 lbs. and also earning a trip to the national finals at the 2013 NCAA Wrestling Championships, capping his NU career in elite company as a three-time All-American. Redshirt sophomore Mike McMullan also advanced to the national finals at heavyweight, giving Pariano's squad two NCAA finalists. Northwestern was one of just four schools, along with team champion Penn State, runner-up Oklahoma State and Iowa, to advance at least two wrestlers to the finals at the 2013 NCAA Championships. The Wildcats have qualified at least five wrestlers for the NCAA championships in each of Pariano's three seasons as head coach. Additionally, the squad has finished inside the top 20 all three years, including a top-10 showing (ninth place) during the 2011-12 campaign. During that span, four different wrestlers have achieved seven All-America honors. Since Pariano returned to Northwestern as an assistant coach in 2005, he has helped coach Jake Herbert (2007, 2009) and Dustin Fox (2008) to three national titles and guided nine wrestlers to 19 All-America honors. Pariano's Wildcats also are consistently honored for their academic achievements. As a team, Northwestern's GPA during the 2012-13 season ranked amongst the top 20 squads in the country according to the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) and the Wildcats had a perfect APR score of 1,000 during 2011-12 to receive an NCAA Public Recognition Award. Redshirt sophomore Pierce Harger, a two-time NCAA qualifier, became a two-time NWCA All-Academic honoree in 2012-13, which extended NU's streak of at least one NWCA All-Academic honoree to nine of the last 10 seasons. Off the mat, Pariano has been instrumental in assembling several of the most highly-touted recruiting classes Northwestern has seen in the past two decades. He took the lead in recruiting two-time Illinois state champion Brandon Precin from Chicago's Sandburg High School in 2006 -- coaching the three-time All-American Precin to two third-place national finishes at 125 pounds -- and in 2008 he helped NU sign Welch -- a three-time NU All-American and 2013 NCAA finalist -- the Junior Dan Hodge Trophy winner as the nation's best prep wrestler. He also signed McMullan, who was the nation's No. 1 ranked heavyweight and now two-time All-American at NU, along with one of the top recruits in the country in 2012, four-time Indiana state champion, Jason Tsirtsis, who is currently preparing for the 2013 FILA Junior World Championships.

Related: Schedule IOWA CITY, Iowa -- The University of Iowa wrestling program released its 2013-14 schedule Monday, and the calendar includes seven home dates and a return to the Ken Kraft Midlands Championships. Iowa, the national attendance leader each of the last seven seasons, opens the home schedule on Mediacom Mat at Carver-Hawkeye Arena on Nov. 22, hosting Baker University, Cornell College, and Iowa Central in the Iowa City Duals. Nonconference foes Buffalo (Dec. 12) and Oklahoma State (Jan. 10), and Big Ten opponents Michigan State (Jan. 5), Indiana (Jan. 12), Minnesota (Jan. 26), and Michigan (Feb. 9) are also on the home schedule. Iowa's road schedule includes a pair of visits to Evanston, Ill. The Hawkeyes will aim for their record 23rd Midlands Championship at Welsh Ryan Arena on Dec. 29-30, before returning to Northwestern on Jan. 31 to face the Wildcats in one of four conference road duals. The Big Ten schedule also includes duals at Purdue (Jan. 3), Nebraska (Jan. 17), and Wisconsin (Feb. 23). The Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series continues Dec. 1 in Ames, Iowa. The Hawkeyes have won all nine meetings against the Cyclones since the Cy-Hawk Series' inception in 2004-05. The nonconference schedule also include duals at Edinboro (Dec. 5) and Lehigh (Feb. 14). Wisconsin hosts the Big Ten Championships on March 8-9, and the NCAA Championships will be contested March 20-22 in Oklahoma City. The Hawkeyes open the season Nov. 15 at a tournament yet to be determined. All start times for the 2013-14 season will be announced at a later date.