InterMat Staff

With the high school wrestling season' start approaching, InterMat will be taking fans across the United States of America on a tour of scholastic wrestling. From now until the middle of November, InterMat will introduce fans to the top high school senior wrestlers in the 49 states with scholastic wrestling. From Alaska to Florida, and Maine to California, fans will gain exposure to future college and senior level stars. Regarded as the most competitive state for high school wrestling, it is again a banner year for the Pennsylvania senior class. The Keystone State sports a World champion and national champion, a Pan American champion, and numerous state champions. In all, these ten wrestlers have combined for twelve state championships, a national prep championship, and nineteen state finals appearances. Here are the top ten wrestlers in the state of Pennsylvania for the Class of 2013 ... 1. Zain Retherford (Benton) Projected 2012-2013 High School Weight Class: 132/138 Projected College Weight Class: 133/141 College Choices (listed alphabetically): Cornell, Iowa, Lehigh, Oklahoma State, Penn State Zain Retherford won a Junior National freestyle title in Fargo (Photo/Dave Jedlicka, jedicheetah.com)Analysis: Retherford had a decorated offseason after missing the high school season. He was ruled ineligible to wrestle as a junior after it was determined that his transfer to Benton was partially motivated by athletics. He wrestled for Line Mountain during his freshman and sophomore years of high school. While there, he had only three losses. A three-time Super 32 Challenge placewinner in North Carolina, it is regarded as the most competitive preseason individual tournament. To cap off his amazing summer, Retherford traveled to Azerbaijan and won a Cadet World championship in freestyle. His coach Russ Hughes was a two-time state champion at Benton and an All-American at Penn State University. Words From the Corner: "Zain is an incredibly dedicated student-athlete. How many wrestlers can miss a whole high school season and still win FILA Cadets and Fargo in the same summer? He is one of the few to accomplish these feats. This shows a lot about the character and self sacrifice of this young man. He spent his junior year learning, training, coaching, and studying to help him excel at the next level. Zain has two great parents who have helped guide their son into a great citizen. But what makes me most proud is how he has traded his eagle wings in for tiger claws and is ready to show the world how good of a wrestler he has become." -- Russ Hughes, Benton head wrestling coach Career Highlights: 2012 FILA Cadet World Championships gold medalist (63 kilos) 2012 USAW Junior National freestyle champion (132) 2012 FILA Cadet Nationals freestyle champion (63 kilos) 2012 NHSCA Junior Nationals champion (126) 2011 USAW Cadet Nationals freestyle fifth-place finisher (125) 2011 2A state third-place finisher (112, competed for Line Mountain) 2010 2A state champion (103, competed for Line Mountain) 2. Eric Morris (Wyoming Seminary) Projected 2012-13 High School Weight Class: 170 Projected College Weight Class: 174/184 College Choices: Cornell, Harvard, Pennsylvania Eric MorrisAnalysis: Entering high school, Morris was rated InterMat's No. 1 incoming freshman. He burst onto the scene as a ninth-grader by placing fifth at the Beast of the East at 130 pounds in his first high school tournament. During that season in a dual meet, Morris won by fall over St. Edward, Ohio senior Jamie Clark, who at the time was a consensus top three wrestler in the 130-pound weight class. One of the most difficult wrestlers in the nation to score on, Morris has superior mat awareness. Words From the Corner: "No one in the country wrestles harder than Eric. He has an advanced understanding of position and tremendous short offense. He has put a ton of effort into generating his own offense. His top position is college-ready now. His accomplishments on our schedule speak for themselves." -- Scott Green, Wyoming Seminary head wrestling coach Career Highlights: 2012 Pan American Cadet freestyle champion (85 kilos) 2012 Pan American Cadet Greco champion (85 kilos) 2012 National Prep Tournament champion (170) 2011 Walsh Ironman third-place finisher (170) 2011 USAW Cadet Greco Nationals champion (160) 2011 USAW Cadet Nationals freestyle third-place finisher (160) 2011 National Prep runner-up (152) 2010 National Prep runner-up (130) 3. Cody Wiercioch (Canon-McMillan) Projected 2012-13 High School Weight Class: 170/182 Projected College Weight Class: 174 College Choices: Maryland, North Carolina, Penn State, West Virginia Cody Wiercioch (Photo/Rob Preston)Analysis: Wiercioch transferred to the western Pennsylvania powerhouse Canon-McMillan for his junior year after attending Charleroi, which is a Class 2A school. The buzz about Wiercioch began after he won the POWERade Christmas Tournament as a freshman at 152 pounds. He went onto win a state title that season and the talk started about him becoming the state's eleventh four-time state champion. His hopes of being a four-timer were derailed in the state final match of his sophomore year when he lost to Travis McKillop in overtime. Wiercioch has four losses in his high school career, all to McKillop of Burrell. Words From the Corner: "Great kid. So technically sound in all three positions. Truly one of the most talented wrestlers in the country! Pleasure to coach and fun to watch. Also big goals, bright future! Cody is coming off an outstanding junior season, being part of state dual meet championship team and capturing his second individual state title." -- Chris Mary, Canon-McMillan head wrestling coach Career Highlights: 2012 3A state champion (170) 2011 POWERade Christmas Tournament champion (170) 2011 2A state runner-up (160, competed at Charleroi) 2010 POWERade Christmas Tournament runner-up (160) 2010 2A state champion (152, competed at Charleroi) 2009 POWERade Christmas Tournament champion (152) 4. Michael Racciato (Pen Argyl) Projected 2012-13 High School Weight Class: 152/160 Projected College Weight Class: 157 College Choices: Lehigh, Ohio State, Penn State, Virginia Tech Analysis: In the heart of the nation's hotbed for wrestling, District 11, reigns one of America's most exciting wrestlers in Racciato. A superior athlete who also stars as a do-it-all playmaker for his football team. In a highly anticipated state final match in 2012, Racciato decisioned Austin Matthews 11-8 to capture his second state gold medal. As a sophomore, Racciato won his first state title by beating Matthews' older brother Adam by major decision 10-2. Words From the Corner: "Mikey's wrestling style is phenomenal and exciting to watch and be a part of! His brute strength and wanting to win is the reason we as coaches want to be a part of his success. But most of all wrestling isn't the only thing Mikey is good at. When he walks into a room his fun personality makes you laugh and care for our kids is tremendous! Mike will be very successful as he moves on in life." -- Scott Desmond, Pen Argyl head wrestling coach Career Highlights: 2012 2A state champion (138) 2011 2A state champion (135) 2010 NHSCA Freshman Nationals runner-up (130) 2010 2A state third-place finisher (130) 5. Connor Schram (Canon-McMillan) Projected 2012-13 High School Weight Class: 126 Projected College Weight Class: 125/133 College Choices: Harvard, Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh, Princeton, Stanford Analysis: Schram is looking to become a rare four-time state finalist. After winning gold as a freshman at 103, he has had to settle for silver the past two seasons. Don't look for the silver trend to continue during Schram's senior year as he will be more determined than ever to win his second state title. Had an impressive showing at Fargo in July at Junior Nationals in freestyle by placing fourth. Schram had wrestled very few freestyle matches before this summer and did not skip a beat when he was in action beating many consensus national top twenty wrestlers. Words From the Corner: "An excellent student-athlete! Extremely talented in all three positions. A pleasure to coach, a true champion on and off the mat! A bright kid, big goals, and bright future! I am sure Connor and Cody Wiercioch's goal is to win state titles in their senior season. Both individuals will be noted as two of the best in Pennsylvania history. -- Chris Mary, Canon-McMillan head wrestling coach Career Highlights: 2012 USAW Junior Nationals freestyle fourth-place finisher (126) 2012 3A state runner-up (120) 2011 3A state runner-up (112) 2010 POWERade Christmas Tournament champion (112) 2010 3A state champion (103) Schram had wrestled very few freestyle matches before this summer and did not skip a beat when he was in action beating many consensus national top twenty wrestlers. 6. Ryan Diehl (Trinity) Projected 2012-13 High School Weight Class: 126 Projected College Weight Class: 133 College Commitment: Maryland Analysis: The Diehl hype-train began after he won the Super 32 Challenge by beating No. 1-ranked 120-pound wrestler George DiCamillo of St. Ignatius, Ohio in the final. Living in West Virginia, Diehl commutes daily to attend Trinity High School. He is a two-time West Virginia state champion, accomplishing the feat at Berkeley Springs, a Class AA school that sits in the northeastern corner of the Mountain State. He went undefeated as a sophomore, with his only two losses coming during his freshman year. He beat the same opponent, Zach Brown of Oak Glen, W.V., to win his first two state tournaments. Words From the Corner: "Ryan is a fantastic individual overall. He works hard on and off the mat, and it shows. He challenges himself daily and looks to continually evolve as a wrestler and a person. It has been an honor to have been part of his growth over the years. He is dedicated to his team, his partners, and his self development, while being very thankful for the outstanding support network he has daily. I expect Ryan to be successful not only on the mat in the future, but in life in general. He has learned that wrestling is a tool that has established key individual values and characteristics that will allow him to overcome any obstacle. (Maryland coach) Kerry McCoy is getting an outstanding young man. I wish him the best and I look forward to seeing him on the national stage soon." -- Chris Bentley, Trinity head wrestling coach Career Highlights: 2012 2A state champion (113) 2011 Super 32 Challenge champion (120) 2011 Class AA state champion (112, competed for Berkeley Springs, W.V.) 2010 Class AA state champion (103, competed for Berkeley Springs, W.V.) 7. Austin Matthews (Reynolds) Projected 2012-13 High School Weight Class: 152 Projected College Weight Class: 157 College Choices: Binghamton, Kent State, Penn State, Virginia Austin Matthew (Photo/Rob Preston)Analysis: Matthews started his stellar junior year with a runner-up finish at the Super 32 Challenge before losing to five-time Fargo champion Ben Whitford of St. Johns, Mich., in the championship match. He continued onto the Walsh Ironman tournament where he worked his way through a brutal 138-pound bracket to become a finalist. An accomplished folkstyle wrestler, he won grade-level championships in first two years of high school at the NHSCA Nationals in Virginia Beach, Va. Regarded as the best wrestler in Pennsylvania to have not won a state championship, yet. Words From the Corner: "It has been an honor to coach Austin the past three years and look forward to his senior year as he has committed himself to becoming a leader on and off the mat. Austin is a pleasure to be around, and is a great role model for his teammates and youth wrestlers. He always has time for the young wrestlers that look up to him. I firmly believe that he has the intangibles to obtain his goal of a state title this year and transfer that success on to the collegiate level." -- Casey Taylor, Reynolds head wrestling coach Career Highlights: 2012 NHSCA Junior Nationals runner-up (138) 2012 2A state runner-up (138) 2011 Walsh Ironman runner-up (138) 2011 NHSCA Sophomore Nationals champion (140) 2011 2A state runner-up (140) 2010 NHSCA Freshman Nationals champion (125) 8. Ryan Solomon (Milton) Projected 2012-13 High School Weight Class: 195 Projected College Weight Class: 197 College Choices: Cornell, Iowa State, Maryland, Penn State, Pittsburgh Ryan Solomon (Photo/Dave Jedlicka, jedicheetah.com)Analysis: Consider the names of past USA Wrestling All-Americans: Andrew Alton, Dylan Alton, and Josh Kindig. Those three Pennsylvania wrestlers had seven, six, and seven USAW All-American placements in Fargo, respectively. Ryan Solomon enters his senior year with six All-American finishes in Fargo. The past two summers he was a double All-American in the Junior division and in 2010 he was a double Cadet All-American. He is in elite company when you consider this. Along with being a spectacular student, he competes all year on the mat. Words From the Corner: "Every high school coach should have an opportunity to coach a student-athlete like Ryan Solomon. He is a first-class wrestler and person who epitomizes the work ethic that it takes to succeed in any endeavor in life. An outspoken leader that is a winner on and off the mat. It is because of his character, that I have no doubts that Ryan will accomplish his lofty goals as a wrestler and most importantly in his career after wrestling." -- Mike Snyder, Milton head wrestling coach Career Highlights: 2012 USAW Junior National Greco-Roman champion (195) 2012 USAW Junior National freestyle third-place finisher (195) 2012 2A state champion (195) 2011 2A state runner-up (215) 2010 2A state sixth-place finisher (189) 2010 NHSCA Freshman Nationals third-place finisher (189) 9. Matt McCutcheon (Kiski Area) Projected 2012-13 High School Weight Class: 182/195 Projected College Weight Class: 184 College Commitment: Penn State Matt McCutcheonAnalysis: McCutcheon had his coming-out party during the last weekend in October of 2011. In the semifinal of the Super 32 Challenge, he defeated two-time Cadet National freestyle champion Mitch Sliga of Indiana to catapult himself into one of the elite upper weight wrestlers in the country. He capped off the tournament by defeating another former Cadet National freestyle champion Brooks Climmons of Georgia to win the 195-pound weight class at the Super 32 Challenge. Words From the Corner: "Matt has worked very hard over his career and has made himself into one of best high school wrestlers in the country. He has showed big improvements with his offseason workouts recently now with his focus only on wrestling. Matt is a great kid and is an awesome role model for younger wrestlers both on and off the mat." -- Jody Strittmatter, coach/club director Young Guns Wrestling Career Highlights: 2012 3A state champion (182) 2011 Super 32 Challenge champion (195) 2011 3A state fifth-place finisher (189) 10. Garrett Hammond (Chambersburg) Projected 2012-13 High School Weight Class: 152 Projected College Weight Class: 157/165 College Choices: Drexel, Maryland, Northwestern, Penn State, Pittsburgh Analysis: In his first high school tournament as a freshman for Wyoming Seminary, Hammond grinded his way through the consolation bracket of the Walsh Ironman to finish eighth at 125 pounds. As a sophomore, he returned home to Chambersburg High School and immediately was a threat in the South Central Region. He capped off a phenomenal sophomore campaign by placing third at the NHSCA Nationals. A talented mat wrestler, Hammond scores from the top position with a patented crab ride. Words From the Corner: "Garett is an excellent role model and example for our young wrestlers to follow. He is very coachable, driven and goal-oriented in his approach toward his training. He is always looking to improve his skills and techniques." -- Matt Mentzer, Chambersburg assistant wrestling coach Career Highlights: 2012 3A state champion (145) 2012 Escape the Rock champion (152) 2011 Walsh Ironman third-place finisher (152) 2011 USAW Cadet Nationals freestyle fourth-place finisher (145) 2011 USAW Cadet Greco Nationals fifth-place finisher (145) 2011 3A state runner-up (135) 2010 National Prep Tournament seventh-place finisher (125: competed for Wyoming Seminary)

Brandon Eggum

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- The Penn State Nittany Lion wrestlers, two-time defending NCAA and Big Ten Champions, have announced their 2012-13 schedule and once again seven home duals are on tap for Rec Hall. Head coach Cael Sanderson and his squad will also look to defend their Southern Scuffle title as well. The season begins on Thursday, Nov. 1, when the team will once again showcase itself during the Intrasquad Dual. The event, free and open to the public, will begin at 7 p.m. in Rec Hall. The regular season then gets started in earnest on Friday, Nov. 16, when Penn State hosts in-state rival Lehigh in Rec Hall. The annual renewal of one of the nation's oldest wrestling rivalries begins at 7 p.m. Penn State continues in its work to keep Eastern wrestling rivalries alive by trekking to West Virginia for a dual with the Mountaineers two days later, facing off with WVU on Sunday, Nov. 18, at 2 p.m. Penn State then returns to Happy Valley to take part in the Nittany Lion Open on Sunday, Dec. 2, beginning at 8:30 a.m. The next week, Penn State hosts Indiana in its Big Ten opener. The Lions and Hoosiers tangle on Sunday, Dec. 9, at 2 p.m. Lock Haven then comes to Rec Hall on Saturday, Dec. 15, for a 2 p.m. dual in another Eastern wrestling rivalry, closing out the first semester's portion of the schedule. The second semester begins on New Year's Day once again as Penn State travels to Chattanooga, Tenn., to take part in the 2013 Southern Scuffle. Penn State, two-time defending champions of the event, will be one of a bevy of top-ranked teams at the two-day event. Running both Tuesday and Wednesday, Jan. 1-2, the Scuffle will feature an outstanding field including Penn State, Oklahoma State, Cornell, Minnesota, Missouri, Virginia Tech and host Chattanooga just to name a few. Big Ten action continues on Sunday, Jan. 13, when Penn State hosts Michigan State at 2 p.m. in Rec Hall. The Nittany Lions then host Wisconsin on Friday, Jan. 18, at 7 p.m. before heading out to Purdue for a Big Ten road dual. Penn State will battle the Boilermakers on Sunday, Jan. 20, at 1 p.m. The Nebraska Cornhuskers will make their first Rec Hall appearance as members of the Big Ten on Sunday, Jan. 27, at 2 p.m. Penn State will then hit the road for four straight duals as February ensues. Penn State visits Illinois on Friday, Feb. 1 at 8 p.m. (Eastern) and then Iowa on Sunday, Feb. 3, at 3 p.m. (Eastern). The Nittany Lions continue their in-state rivalry with Pittsburgh by visiting the Panthers on Friday, Feb. 8, for a 7 p.m. dual. Penn State then keeps heading west for a Big Ten dual at Ohio State on Sunday, Feb. 10, at 2 p.m. The Nittany Lions will then close out the regular season with two straight duals against Eastern schools. Penn State will host Rider on Sunday, Feb. 17, in the final home dual of the season. Serving as Senior Day, the dual begins a 2 p.m. in Rec Hall. Penn State will then close out the regular season by visiting Rutgers on Sunday, Feb. 24, at 1 p.m., reuniting with former Lion National Champion and four-time All-American Frank Molinaro (who is now an assistant with the Scarlet Knights). Penn State will then trek to Champaign, Ill, for the 2013 Big Ten Wrestling Championships, hosting by Illinois. The two-day event will take place on Saturday and Sunday, March 9-10. The 2013 NCAA Championships are set for Thursday through Saturday, March 21-13, in Des Moines, Iowa. The Nittany Lions have won the last two NCAA and Big Ten titles. It is important to note that all dates and times are subject to change, particularly with the Big Ten Network still finalizing its wrestling broadcast schedule. Ticket information for the 2012-13 season is forthcoming very soon. The season ticket package will include seven home duals (the Intrasquad is a free event and the package does not include the Nittany Lion Open). For information on Penn State wrestling tickets simply call 1-800-NITTANY or check online at www.GoPSUsports.com/tickets/m-wrestl-tickets.html . Fans are encouraged to follow Penn State wrestling via twitter at www.twitter.com/pennstateWRES and on Penn State Wrestling's facebook page at www.facebook.com/pennstatewrestling. The full 2012-13 Penn State Wrestling Schedule is as follows: 2012-13 SCHEDULE NOVEMBER Thur. 1 INTRASQUAD DUAL 7 p.m. Fri. 16 LEHIGH 2 p.m. Sun. 18 at West Virginia 2 p.m. DECEMBER Sun. 2 NITTANY LION OPEN 8:30 a.m. Sun. 9 INDIANA* 2 p.m. Sat. 15 LOCK HAVEN 2 p.m. JANUARY T-W 1-2 Southern Scuffle, Chattanooga, Tenn. All Day Sun. 13 MICHIGAN STATE* 2 p.m. Fri. 18 WISCONSIN* 7 p.m. Sun. 20 at Purdue* 1 p.m. Sun. 27 NEBRASKA* 2 p.m. FEBRUARY Fri. 1 at Illinois* 8 p.m. Sun. 3 at Iowa* 3 p.m. Fri. 8 at Pittsburgh 7 p.m. Sun. 10 at Ohio State* 2 p.m. Sun. 17 RIDER 2 p.m. Sun. 24 at Rutgers 1 p.m. MARCH Sa.-Sn. 9-10 2012 Big Ten Championships, Champaign, Ill. Sat. 9 Session 1 -- Opening Round TBA Sat. 9 Session 2 -- Semifinals TBA Sun. 10 Session 3 -- Consolations, 7th place TBA Sun. 10 Session 4 -- Championship finals, 3rd, 5th TBA Th.-Sa. 21-23 2012 NCAA Wrestling Championships, Des Moines, Iowa Thur. 21 Session 1 -- 1st Round TBA Thur. 21 Session 2 -- 2nd Round/Consolations TBA Fri. 22 Session 3 -- Quarterfinals/Consolations TBA Fri. 22 Session 4 -- Semifinals/All-America Rd. TBA Sat. 23 Session 5 -- Medal Rounds TBA Sat. 23 Session 6 -- Championship Finals TBA * Big Ten Dual All Dates and Times Subject to Change -- All Times EASTERN

InterMat reported on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. CT that Jered Cortez (Glenbard North, Ill.), one of the nation's top juniors, had committed to a college. This is not true. It was removed from the site at 4:30 p.m. CT. InterMat received this information from what we believed to be a reputable source. We regret and apologize for this mistake.

TEMPE -- The Arizona State University wrestling program is sad to announce the death of historic wrestler Eddie Urbano, who passed away this weekend in Tucson, Ariz. Urbano was a two-time All-American at Arizona State at 150 pounds in 1984 (3rd) and 1985, when he became just ASU's second NCAA Champion in school history and the first since Curley Culp in 1967. Urbano was the first NCAA Champion for legendary ASU coach Bobby Douglas, and set the groundwork for the team's first and only NCAA Championship in 1988. Urbano was a two-time Pac-12 Champion at 150 pounds as well. "The Sun Devil Nation and wrestling community at large is greatly saddened by the sudden death of Eddie Urbano," ASU head coach Shawn Charles said. "Eddie was an outstanding wrestler, a great coach and an awesome friend. He will be greatly missed." Urbano started a stream of talented wrestlers making their way to ASU from Tucson as he posted a career record of 105-17-1 with the Sun Devils. Those 105 victories rank Urbano 17th on ASU's all-time wins list despite only competing for three years as a Sun Devil. He finished his career with 52 dual victories, good for 11th in ASU's all-time record books. As a senior, he helped ASU win the Pac-10 team title and was named the Outstanding Wrestler of the tournament. Urbano was inducted into the Arizona State University Sports Hall of Fame in 1999. Urbano also earned a junior college national title during his time competing at Pima Community College in Tucson. Urbano will be remembered for his passion and commitment to Arizona State wrestling, and as former collegiate and roommate Mike Davies points out, an award-winning smile. "The first thing you would notice about him was that, it was ear to ear...a genuinely happy smile," Davies remembers. "He was so full of life and fun to be around. This is a really sad day for ASU Wrestling." Davies recalls Urbano as a guy that went out of his way to help others out and to be a mentor. Davies credits Urbano for pushing him and making him a better wrestler in their year they spent rooming together, as well as for introducing him to real Mexican food. "I was from Cleveland, so my idea of Mexican food was Taco Bell," Davies said. "The first week we lived together, Eddie had his grandmother (a Mexican native) bring up some homemade food and I have been hooked ever since." Fellow teammate and eventual Olympian Gary Bohay was another who remembers Urbano by his iconic smile and uplifting personality and passion to the sport. "Wrestling was his life and he just worked so hard to be successful," Bohay said. "He was a huge competitor and a wrestling junkie. His NCAA championship really catapaulted ASU to national prominence." RIP Eddie Urbano ???? You will definitely be missed and remembered asfunny, intelligent and kind; but most im instagr.am/p/Ox5C-arxVm/ -- WildFlower (@_JayMoreno) August 26, 2012 A Tucson native, Urbano became one of the first native Arizonans to win an NCAA Championship (Culp came out of Yuma, Ariz.). Urbano was a state champion in high school at perennial powerhouse Sunnyside High School and is part of an elite history at that program that has served as a pipeline for numerous Sun Devil talents through the years. RIP Eddie Urbano. @asuwrestling As a kid, I'd follow him everywhere Did not want to be like Mike, wanted 2 be Eddie! -- Danny Felix (@Toxicpaint9) August 26, 2012 "When you talk about ASU wrestling and wrestling in Arizona, you have to mention Eddie Urbano," Davies said. "We lost one of our greats and one of our leaders." After his time at Arizona State, he became the 1988 Olympic Trials runner-up at 68 kg. Following that, he went on to couch across the state and the city of Tucson, helping numerous individuals go on to achieve their collegiate wrestling dreams. "Eddie was special type of guy. He was a great athlete and a real kind-hearted individual. I have nothing but a tremendous amount of grief for what's happened." said Douglas in a phone interview. "It's hard for me to verbalize about Eddie. He will be missed more now than what people could imagine. He did a lot of good and he's a great example to a lot of minority and poor kids and kids that came from tough backgrounds." Arizona State will provide details for memorial services as soon as they become available. Arizona has lost another tremendous athlete prayers and condolences go out to the family of Coach Eddie Urbano. Sad day for wrestling. #pray -- Anthony Birchak (@abirchakMMA) August 25, 2012 Yes, it is sad. Eddie Urbano is an @asuwrestling legend and will be missed. He had 1 of the greatest inside trips I've ever seen. @franco52 -- Aaron Simpson (@aaronsimpson) August 26, 2012

Jeff Buxton, a high school wrestling coaching legend, has resigned as head wrestling coach and mathematics teacher at Blair Academy in Blairstown, N.J. Jeff Buxton led Blair Academy, N.J., to a No. 1 ranking this past season in the InterMat Fab 50 (Photo/Rob Preston)Buxton had served as a mathematics teacher at Blair Academy since 1982, and became co-head wrestling coach in 1984 and sole head coach in 1991. Blair Academy finished this past season ranked No. 1 in the InterMat Fab 50 after winning titles at the Walsh Ironman, Beast of the East, and POWERade Christmas Wrestling Tournament. It marked the 10th time Blair Academy has finished the season ranked No. 1 nationally since 1995. The Buccaneers have won 32 consecutive National Prep titles. Buxton has coached several wrestlers who went on to earn All-American honors and NCAA titles in college, with the most recent being 2012 NCAA Division I champions Kellen Russell (Michigan) and Ed Ruth (Penn State). (It was Russell's second NCAA title.) Blair Academy alums Mark Perry (Iowa) and Steve Mocco (Iowa/Oklahoma State) won two NCAA titles. Since 2001, Blair wrestlers have earned 30 NCAA All-American honors and eight NCAA titles. Charles Danhof will take over as interim head wrestling coach at Blair Academy, replacing Buxton, according to a source close to the situation. Danhof has served as an assistant coach at Blair Academy and is an English teacher at the school. He wrestled collegiately at Williams College.

DUBUQUE, Iowa -- Former University of Iowa standout Mike Mena has been named as an Assistant Coach at the University of Dubuque. Previously, Mike served as an assistant coach for nine seasons for the Indiana University wrestling program. Mena worked extensively with the Hoosier lightweights. His tutelage led to a 125-pound national championship for Indiana in several seasons at Indiana. In 2008, Mena guided Angel Escobedo to an incredible 34-1 season that ended with the national title after guiding Joe Dubuque to back-to-back 125-pound national championships, in 2004 and 2005 Mike MenaMena is a three-time U.S. freestyle national team member, earning the status by finishing in the top three at the U.S. World Team Trials in 1999, 2001 and 2003. Mena also competed at the 2000 Olympic trials in Dallas, finishing fifth, while at the 2004 USA Olympic Trials in Indianapolis he placed seventh. Mena won gold medals at the New York Athletic Club International, Sunkist International and the 2000 Olympic Qualification International in Mexico. By winning the gold in Mexico, Mena ensured the U.S. would qualify the 119-pound weight class to the Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia. Additionally, he placed six times at the U.S. senior level Freestyle National Championship. Mena graduated from the University of Iowa in 1997 where he was a four-time NCAA All-American and a Big-10 Champion. The Iowa graduate played an important part on three NCAA Team Championship Teams for legendary wrestling coach Dan Gable. The Rock Falls, Ill. native is a graduate of Newman Central Catholic H.S. Mena is the only four-time undefeated state champion in the history of Illinois wrestling. He finished his career with a 157-0 record. Mena has three daughters, Elisia, Makaley, and Gracie. Head Coach Jon McGovern and Mike Mena both competed for three seasons under the tutelage of Dan Gable with the Hawkeye Wrestling Club. "Mike will be a great addition to our program.” stated University of Dubuque Coach Jon McGovern.

Fight Now USA Presents Takedown Wrestling from the Brute studios in Des Moines, Iowa at 1460 KXNO. Takedown Wrestling is brought to you by Kemin Agrifoods! Every Saturday it's Takedown Wrestling Radio. Join Scott Casber, Dan McCool and Brad Johnson with the Takedown Wrestling Headline News this Saturday from 9 to 11 a.m. CT/ 10 a.m. to noon. ET. Early in July the NCAA moved to discontinue one of the most successful high profile events the Iowa Conference has ever had, the Iowa Conference Wrestling Tournament. The NCAA Division III Wrestling Committee decided to switch to a regional qualifying format for its national tournament. Coaches voted yes or no with the noted result. I pose this question, What have we done? Guests, coaches and learned columnists will tender their thoughts on this emotional topic on Takedown Radio. Leading our round table discussion: K.J. Pilcher, Cedar Rapids Gazeette, 9 to 11 a.m. Dan McCool, Des Moines Register (retired), in-studio Jim Nelson, Waterloo Courier, 10 a.m. Coaching Guests include: Jim Miller, Wartburg, 9 a.m. Dave Mitchell, Luther, 9:20 a.m. Nate Hansen, Simpson, in-studio Randy Steward, Loras, 10 a.m. John Oostendorp, Coe, 10:20 a.m.

Jacob Volkmann

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?

Adam Coon (Fowlerville, Mich.), the nation's No. 2 overall senior recruit, has chosen wrestling over football in college and will wrestle at the University of Michigan. Adam Coon was the lone Junior Triple Crown winner this year (Photo/John Sachs, Tech-Fall.com)As a wrestler, Coon is a three-time state champion, Cadet World champion in freestyle, and Junior National Triple Crown winner at heavyweight. As a football player, Coon is an all-state linebacker and offensive lineman. He has been a two-way starter on the varsity football team at Fowlerville High School since he was a freshman. He is also an all-state shot putter on the track team. According to Adam Coon's father Dan Coon, who serves as the head wrestling coach and track coach at Fowlerville, his 17-year-old son's decision to choose wrestling over football was not an easy one. "It was a very difficult decision for him," said Dan Coon. "He has not completely given up on playing football again. Stephen Neal is one of our heroes, a great heavyweight wrestler who played football later on. So that's always in the back of his mind. So he's open to playing football later on if wrestling doesn't work out." The 6-foot-5, 260-pound Coon was recruited by several Division I programs for football, including Big Ten programs Michigan State (where his mother earned her master's degree), Northwestern, and Wisconsin. Ultimately, Coon chose to stay in his home state and wrestle at Michigan in Ann Arbor, which is just a 40-minute drive from his parents' home in Fowlerville. He plans to major in aerospace engineering. "The biggest part is that Mom wants him close to home," said Dan Coon of his son's decision to commit to Michigan. "Mom has always been a great supporter of him. Adam does appreciate the family support. Being closer to home we feel like we can give him that support." Coon's mother Dana has never missed one of her son's high school wrestling matches or high school football games. Adam Coon defeated Donte Winfield in the Junior National freestyle finals (Photo/Dave Jedlicka, jedicheetah.com)The recruiting process was starting to take its toll on Coon, according to his father, but he was grateful for all his options. "He had a lot of options," said Dan Coon. "That's the gift he has. A lot of kids don't have all the options that he had. So he had to sort things out. We did a lot of pros and cons. "It's been a great recruiting process. The coaches have been great. I have learned an awful lot through this process. There are a lot of great coaches out there in wrestling. I think that's why I love the sport so much myself." Coon is the third highly ranked recruit from the Class of 2013 that Michigan has landed. The other two are Ben Whitford (St. Johns, Mich.) and Brian Murphy (Glenbard North, Ill.), ranked fourth and 11th overall respectively in the Class of 2013. Coon's father said there were discussions with the Michigan coaches during the recruiting process about whether Coon will wrestle or redshirt during his first year in Ann Arbor, but that it's still up in the air. "They'll see what the early workouts look like, and see if he's going to be the man or just a big boy. Heavyweight is very competitive, especially in the Big Ten right now. Will he have that man-strength that he's going to need to be able to compete at heavyweight right away? It's going to come down to what he's ready for." Coon has put together a strong spring and summer on the mat, winning FILA Junior Nationals in Greco-Roman, along with a Triple Crown on the Junior level. According to his father, Coon hopes to have an even stronger spring and summer next year. "Five stop signs is what the goal is for next year," said Dan Coon. "We got four this year. We'll go for five next year."

BAKU, Azerbaijan -- Sixteen-year-old Marina Doi added to her growing collection of international wrestling medals on Thursday by earning gold medal at the 2012 Cadet World Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan in women's freestyle at 38 kilos. Marina Doi won gold at 38 kilosDoi's victory in the gold-medal match came over returning Cadet World bronze medalist Svetlana Ankicheva of Kazakhstan 3-0, 2-0. Doi, a California native, becomes the second U.S. wrestler to win a Cadet World title this year, joining Zain Retherford, who claimed a gold medal on Wednesday in men's freestyle at 63 kilos. Doi, a Pan American Cadet gold medalist, was dominant through the tournament. She won her first match 4-0, 2-1 over Maria Marinska of Bulgaria. She followed that up with a pin over Sahilia Alakbarova of Azerbaijan. She then shut out Ankicheva in the gold-medal match. Another U.S. wrestler, Kayla Miracle, reached the gold-medal match at 56 kilos on Thursday before falling to Japan's Ai Kuradate 3-5, 0-6. Miracle's road to the gold-medal match included a victory over 2011 Cadet World bronze medalist Ekaterina Myagkova of Russia in the semifinals. Alyssa LaFrancis (65 kilos) placed fifth after losing in the bronze-medal match to Ragretta Ourbanzade of Azerbaijan 0-3, 0-5. Julia Long (43 kilos) and Cadence Lee (49 kilos) also competed on Thursday for the U.S., but both failed to win a match. Five more U.S. women's freestyle wrestlers will take to the mats on Friday, including Marina Doi's twin sister Regina at 40 kilos. Watch Marina Doi's gold-medal match ...

"Dear Coach" From my heart I bequeath to you today one little boy in a new singlet and shoes ... with two big wondering eyes, and a happy giggle that lasts all day long and a flash of blonde hair that gleams in the sun when he runs. I trust you will treat him well. He's slipping out of the wrestling room of my heart today and running off down the drive to his first day of school and wrestling practice with you. And never again will he be completely mine. Standing tall and proud he'll wave his young and determined hand this morning and say "good bye" and walk with little man steps to the school yard. Now he'll learn to stand in lines ... and wait for his name to be called when teams are picked. He'll learn to tune his ears to the sound of referee whistles, and he'll learn weight management, and he'll roll around, and he'll look away quickly when the little girl across the class looks his way. And now he'll learn to be jealous. he'll learn to win and lose. And he'll learn how it feels to hurt inside. And he'll learn how not to cry. No longer will he have time to sit on the front porch steps on a hot summer day and watch a bug scurry across the crack on a hot summer sidewalk. Nor will he have time to lay in bed past dawn for it is up at dawn with all speed to the next wrestling tournament. No, now he'll worry about important things. Like grades, and which clothes look cool ... and who he might have to beat for a place on the roster, and the magic of single leg takedowns and practice will replace the magic of bugs and puppies. And now, he'll find new heroes. And now he'll learn to share his worship with his coaches, which is only right, but no longer will I be the smartest person in the whole world. Today when that school bell rings for the first time, he'll learn what it means to be a member of a group, a team, with all its privileges. He'll learn in time that practice makes perfect and it's ok to laugh out loud. He'll learn that he may not have time to kiss dogs noses, or keep frogs in pickle jars, or watch bugs scurry across cracks on hot summer sidewalks. Today he'll learn for the first time that all who smile at him are not his friend. And I'll stand on the front porch and watch him start the long lonely journey to becoming a wrestler, a champion, a man. And so Dear Coach ... From my heart I bequeath to you today one little boy in a new singlet and shoes ... with two wondering eyes, and a happy giggle that lasts all day long and a flash of blonde hair that gleams in the sun when he runs. I trust you will treat him well. Adjusted by Scott Casber from the original version By Dan Valentine From the book "American Essays: Sentimental Classics Designed to Make the Heart Sing". Published by Geo. Mc Co., Box 15671, Salt Lake City, Utah 84115 Copyright dates: 1960, 1961, 1963, 1965, and 1966 by Dan Valentine YouTube Video production by Takedown Wrestling Media

Charleston, S.C. -- Bulldog head coach Rob Hjerling announced the addition of Tucker Lane to the wrestling coaching staff on Thursday. Lane comes to The Citadel from the University of Nebraska where he was a four-time NCAA championship qualifier at the heavyweight division while making it to the All-American round his junior and senior years. Tucker Lane"We are very happy and excited to have Tucker join the program. He fits the needs of the program in many areas both on and off of the mat," said Hjerling. "He will be a tremendous asset to our wrestlers and to the coaching staff. " "I am excited to be a part of The Citadel wrestling team," said Lane. "I look forward to training with the wrestlers and helping them reach their goals on and off the mat. On the mat, Lane collected 105 career wins, becoming just the 20th wrestler in Nebraska history to record over 100 wins, including eight victories in his four NCAA championship appearances. After the Cornhuskers made the move to the Big Ten in 2012, Lane nabbed seventh place as a No. 4 seed at his first Big Ten Tournament. As a Big XII contender from 2008-2010, Lane earned three consecutive third place finishes in the conference tournament, racking up six victories. While at Nebraska, Lane also excelled in the classroom, receiving numerous academic accolades including the prestigious NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship. He was a Big Ten distinguished scholar (2012), two-time CoSIDA Academic All-American (first team in 2012, second team in 2011), four-time NWCA All-Academic team member, academic All-Big Ten and two-time first team academic All-Big XII and an eight-time member of the Big XII's Commissioner's Honor Roll. Before enrolling at Nebraska, Lane was a three-time state champion at Nucla High School in Nucla, Colo., under the direction of former professional wrestler, head coach and father Larry Lane. For more information on Bulldog wrestling, visit us on Twitter @CitadelSports, Facebook or the official site of The Citadel Athletics at www.citadelsports.com.

On this week's show, Richard and John are joined by UFC bantamweight Chico Camus, who breaks down his win over Dustin Pague at UFC 150. Also, Camus's teammate at Roufusport, Michael Rhodes, talks about recently improving his professional record to 2-0 and gives fans an inside look at one of the sport's top welterweight prospects. Before wrapping things up, the boys discuss Strikeforce champion Rhonda Rousey's quick win over Sarah Kaufman, and what is next for MMA's female phenom. Do you want to listen to a past episode? View archives.

Boiling Springs, N.C. -- Gardner-Webb wrestling head coach Daniel Elliott is pleased announce the addition of former NCAA All-American and Appalachian State standout Kyle Blevins to the Runnin’ Bulldog wrestling coaching staff beginning this season. Kyle BlevinsBlevins, who was a three-year letterwinner on the mat at Appalachian State, brings a lot of experience to the Gardner-Webb coaching staff where he will serve as a graduate assistant coach. “We are excited to bring Kyle onto our staff here at Gardner-Webb,” commented Coach Elliott. “I have known Kyle for several years now through various camps and I am impressed with his ability to teach wrestling, something you don't see too often in someone coming right out of college. I am very pleased with what he will bring to the table, and having an All-American on staff is going to be huge for our program.” While at Appalachian State, Blevins was a two-time NCAA National Qualifier (2011 and 2012) and was an NCAA All-American in 2012. He was also tabbed the 2012 Southern Conference Wrestler of the Year and was a Southern Conference Champion in his weight class of 165 pounds. In 2012, he finished fourth-place overall at the 2012 NCAA National Tournament, the highest of any unseeded wrestler in any weight class. Blevins also set program records for wins in a season with 40 victories overall and finished the year ranked No. 15 overall in the nation by both Intermat Wrestling and W.I.N. Magazine. Blevins finished his career with 124 wins, second most in Appalachian State history, 78 wins coming over his final two years on the mat for the Mountaineers. Blevins has served as a camp counselor at the Appalachian State University Wrestling Camps, where he has helped to manage day-to-day camp activities, assisted the coaches during drills and technique sessions, officiated camp competitions and matches, and assisted in housing responsibilities. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Relations with a minor in Business from Appalachian State University in May2012. Blevins is currently working toward his Master’s degree in Sports Science & Pedagogy from Gardner-Webb University.

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Penn State head wrestling coach Cael Sanderson, leader of the two-time defending NCAA champion Nittany Lion wrestlers, has signed a contract extension that will keep him the leader of the Lion pack through the 2017 season. "I really appreciate the gesture by Dr. Joyner and the administration to actively pursue a contract extension," said Sanderson. "I'm thrilled that the University has confidence in our coaching team. With the hard work of Cody Sanderson and Casey Cunningham, this staff is fully enjoying their coaching responsibilities and we are excited to continue leading Penn State wrestling." Cael Sanderson (Photo/Bill Ennis)Sanderson's new deal runs from July 1 of this year through June of 2017 at a base salary of $175,000 per year. For full details on Sanderson's new contract, please visit www.progress.psu.edu . "It is a real pleasure to have Cael Sanderson at Penn State University," said Dr. David Joyner, Acting Director of Athletics. "The leadership he provides to our student-athletes is of the highest order. I am extremely pleased that we are able to announce his new contract and commitment to Penn State. We look forward to many more successful years with Cael at the helm of our wrestling program." Sanderson, the most accomplished athlete in the history of collegiate wrestling, has turned Penn State into a wrestling powerhouse in just three years at the helm of the program. In his first year at Penn State (2009-10), he guided the Lions to a 13-6-1 dual meet mark, 5-3 in Big Ten action, and crowned his first Big Ten Champion. The Lions finished No. 10 in the final USA Today/Coaches dual meet poll and placed ninth at NCAAs. In 2010-11, Sanderson guided the Nittany Lions to its first-ever Southern Scuffle Co-Championship and its first Virginia Duals Championship since 1991 (2010-11). In guiding Penn State to a 6-1-1 conference mark, Sanderson equaled, at the time, the most Big Ten dual meet wins in Penn State history in just his second year at the helm of the Nittany Lions. Sanderson led Penn State to the school's first ever Big Ten Championship on March 5-6, 2011, and was named 2011 Big Ten Coach of the Year. In the process he became the first person ever to earn both Big 12 and Big Ten Coach of the Year honors. Saving the best for last, he led the Nittany Lions to the 2011 NCAA National Championship in Philadelphia on March 17-19, Penn State's first since 1953 and Sanderson's first as a collegiate head coach. This past season, Sanderson led Penn State to a school record 7-1 Big Ten dual record and a share of the 2012 Big Ten dual meet championship. Sanderson then made it two in a row by leading Penn State to the 2012 Big Ten Championship at Purdue on March 3-4 and was named 2012 Big Ten Coach of the Year, earning the honor for the second straight season. Two weeks later, Sanderson led Penn State to a second straight NCAA crown, helping Penn State to become just the fourth team in NCAA history to win back-to-back titles. He capped his year off by being named Intermat's National Coach of the Year Coach Sanderson now sports an 86-18-2 dual meet mark in his sixth year as a collegiate head coach. He is 43-8-2 after three years at Penn State. In three years as Penn State's coach, Sanderson has led the Nittany Lions to two-straight conference titles, two straight national titles, collected 14 All-Americans, three national champions, two Gorriaran winners, one NCAA tourney OW and one Hodge Trophy winner. Fans are encouraged to follow Penn State wrestling via twitter at www.twitter.com/pennstateWREST and on Penn State Wrestling's facebook page at www.facebook.com/pennstatewrestling. Sanderson's year-by-year record and individual accolades follow: Sanderson's Career Coaching Record Season Rec % Conf. B10 NCAA Qual. AA NC 2006-07 13-3-0 .813 --- 1st 2nd 10 4 1 2007-08 16-4-0 .800 --- 1st 5th 10 7 0 2008-09 15-3-0 .833 --- 1st 3rd 10 4 1 2009-10 13-6-1 .675 5-3 5th 9th 6 3 0 2010-11 17-1-1 .921 6-1-1 1st 1st 8 5 1 2011-12 13-1-0 .929 7-1 1st 1st 9 6 3 Career 87-18-2 .822 18-5-1 --- --- 53 29 6 THE SANDERSON FILE Full Name: Cael Norman Sanderson Birthday: June 20, 1979 Birthplace: Provo, Utah Hometown: Heber City, Utah Alma Mater: Iowa State, 2002 Spouse: Kelly Children: Tate, Teag COACHING HONORS 2007 NWCA Coach of the Year 2007 Big 12 Conference Coach of the Year 2007 Amateur Wrestling News Rookie Coach of the Year 2007 RevWrestling.com Coach of the Year 2011 Big Ten Coach of the Year 2012 Big Ten Coach of the Year 2012 Intermat National Coach of the Year Only man in NCAA history to earn both Big Ten and Big 12 Coach of the Year honors Coached 6 National Champions (4 in 3 years at PSU) 29 All-Americans in just 6 years (14 in 3 years at PSU) 53 of 60 of his wrestlers qualified for NCAAs Coached 9 Big Ten Champions in three years in the conference AS A WRESTLER... The only wrestler in NCAA history to never lose a bout Four-time NCAA National Champion Four-time NCAA Most Outstanding Wrestler 2004 Olympic Gold Medalist 159-0 as collegiate wrestler Four-time Big 12 Champion Sports Illustrated called unbeaten streak #2 most outstanding achievement in collegiate history Three-time Hodge Trophy winner Final NCAA win named one of 25 Defining Moments by NCAA ESPY Award for Best Male Collegiate Athlete ESPN Sports Century special on his career One-time appearance on Wheaties cereal box

BAKU, Azerbaijan -- A day after the U.S. went 2-7 at the Cadet World Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan on the event's opening day, Zain Retherford (Benton, Pa.) gave the U.S. its first medal -- in the form of gold -- on Wednesday. Zain RetherfordRetherford, a Junior National freestyle champion in Fargo, went 4-0 on Wednesday to claim the gold medal at 63 kilos. In the gold-medal match he defeated Russia's Supian Burmagomedov 0-1, 4-3, 2-1. His other victories came over Hossein Rouzbehmaleh of Iran, Sapar Kubandykov of Kyrgyzstan, and Ilyas Zhumay of Kazakhstan. Last year Adam Coon claimed a gold medal at the Cadet World Championships in freestyle at 100 kilos. Two other U.S. wrestlers, Chance Marsteller (76 kilos) and Garrett Ryan (100 kilos), placed fifth in the competition on Wednesday. Marsteller, the nation's No. 1 overall junior, won his first two matches, but was injured in his semifinal loss to Ruslan Ruchko of Ukraine. He was forced to default out of the competition. Ryan lost in the second round to Georgy Gogaev of Russia, but was pulled back into the repechage after Gogaev reached the gold-medal match. Ryan pinned Beka Kachetelidze of Georgia in his first repechange, but dropped his bronze-medal match to Yunus Dede of Turkey 4-1, 0-4, 1-2. Joey McKenna (54 kilos) won his first two matches to reach the quarterfinals before losing by injury default to Zokir Mansurov of Uzbekistan. McKenna was eliminated when Mansurov lost in the semifinals. Mitchell McKee (46 kilos) dropped his opening match and was eliminated. Watch Zain Retherford's gold-medal match ...

Solomon Chishko won the POWERade, defeating Blair's Dylan Milonas in the finals (Photo/Rob Preston) One of the nation's top juniors, Solomon Chishko (Canon-McMillan, Pa.), gave a verbal commitment to Virginia Tech on Tuesday. He projects as a 149/157-pounder in college. "I've always liked the school and the setting," said Chishko. "I think it is a good fit for me." Chishko is a POWERade champion and two-time state third-place finisher. He is ranked No. 5 overall in the Class of 2014.

Philadelphia -- Drexel University wrestling coach Matt Azevado has announced the hiring of Tyler Nauman as an assistant coach. Nauman is a recent graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, where he excelled on the mat during his four years at the school. Tyler Nauman earned All-American honors twice at Pitt (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com)Nauman was a four-year letterwinner at Pitt and was twice named an All-American. In 2010 he earned the honor at 141 pounds, and as a senior was named All-America at 149 pounds. He finished fifth in the NCAA Championships in each of those seasons. Nauman was also a four-time EWL conference champion and won over 100 matches while at Pitt. He served as team captain as both a junior and a senior. Nauman graduated in April of 2012 with a degree in communications. He is working on a master’s degree in education at Drexel.

With the high school wrestling season' start approaching, InterMat will be taking fans across the United States of America on a tour of scholastic wrestling. From now until the middle of November, InterMat will introduce fans to the top high school senior wrestlers in the 49 states with scholastic wrestling. From Alaska to Florida, and Maine to California, fans will gain exposure to future college and senior level stars. The rankings within this article do not necessarily reflect those done by InterMat. Last year's class made its mark in Kansas wrestling history by placing seven wrestlers on Division I rosters. We said goodbye to Fargo national champion Austin Hood, who is headed to Oklahoma State, and to NHSCA National champion Matt Reed, who will wear the crimson and cream at the University of Oklahoma. Once again the excitement is building for an encore! The following seniors are considered the ten best in the Kansas Class of 2013. In all, they have accounted for 14 state championships, including a FILA Cadet National title. 1. Nathan Butler (Leavenworth) Projected 2012-13 High School Weight Class: 285 Projected College Weight Class: 285 Nathan ButlerAnalysis: Nathan has a stockpile of accomplishments both on and off the mat. With two state titles and a career record of 113-18, 86-4 over the last two years, he stood at the top of the podium at FILA Cadet Nationals in freestyle in June and placed second in Greco-Roman. He was a 2011 Fargo All-American before making the jump to heavyweight after his junior year. His height and frame will allow him to grow into an elite heavyweight and he is now on everybody's recruiting list. With his work in the classroom, Nathan will be able to name his college. 2. Zac Gentzler (Andover Central) Projected 2012-13 High School Weight Class: 120 Projected College Weight Class: 125 Zac GentzlerAnalysis: Zac is on the verge of becoming the 29th Kansas four-time state champion. With a stellar 114-1 career record, he is undefeated versus Kansas competition over three high school seasons. In 2010, Zac also went 10-0 at the Junior National Duals in freestyle. He has that in-your-face style and has punishing riding skills. He will have a wide range of college choices and will have a real shot to follow his older brother to a Division I school. 3. Will Geary (Topeka) Projected 2012-13 High School Weight Class: 285 Projected College Weight Class: 285 Will GearyAnalysis: Will Geary is a multi-sport phenom. You will rarely see a heavyweight with his combination of size and agility. He is on everybody's football recruiting list and will have to decide between the college gridiron or mat. Having just started wrestling in ninth grade, Will has a 93-12 career record, finishing 31-0 and atop the Kansas state podium in 2012. He is a true crowd-pleaser with his leg attacks to go along with his impressive physical presence. Look for him at Virginia Beach in 2013. 4. Levi Eck (Andale) Projected 2012-13 High School Weight Class: 182 Projected College Weight Class: 174 Analysis: Levi's career record is 115-15. He is a three-time state placer and two-time finalist, winning a state title last year with a 40-1 record. This last season, he was a USAW Folkstyle National All-American. He won the Kansas Greco state championship and in 2010 he finished 14-3 at the Cadet National Duals. With a solid duckunder and an innate ability to come out on top of scrambles, he led his high school team to two straight state titles. 5. Calvin Ochs (Hoxie) Projected 2012-13 High School Weight Class: 160 Projected College Weight Class: 157 Analysis: Calvin had his best year ever in 2012, making the state finals for the third straight year and taking home the gold with a 30-3 junior campaign. After the folkstyle season, he stepped up his training efforts by winning the Rocky Mountain Nationals, Kansas state freestyle title and a runner-up finish at Southern Plains. He was a big part of the Greco National Dual team in OKC, winning six matches which prepared him for his success at Fargo by gaining All-American status for the first time in his career! 6. Jonathan Blackwell (Bonner Springs) Projected 2012-13 High School Weight Class: 152 Projected College Weight Class: 149 Analysis: Jonathan is a three-time state finalist, winning a state title in 2011 as a sophomore. He has a 121-20 career record and has been a key contributor to the National Duals teams. He has a really strong short fireman's and keeps in great position on his feet. He made the All-Class dual team in 2011 and 12, representing Team Kansas at the Rocky Mountain Duals. Expect him to make the finals for the fourth straight year! 7. Bryce Shoemaker (Baldwin) Projected 2012-13 High School Weight Class: 138 Projected College Weight Class: 133 Analysis: With a 115-16 career record, Bryce climbed the top of the state podium his freshman season, overcoming an injury in 2010 to make the finals last year on his way to a 40-6 record. At the 2012 Bobcat Classic, Bryce beat nationally ranked Gary Wayne Harding from Oklahoma before beating Kansas four-time state champion and Wyoming signee Dylan Schumacher. He has made the schools Honor Roll all three years and served as Team Captain the last two years. 8. Dustin Reed (Colby) Projected 2012-13 High School Weight Class: 126 Projected College Weight Class: 125/133 AAnalysis: As a three-time State Finalist and two-time state champion with a career record of 118-6, Dustin is the odds on favorite to bring home a third title this year. He has a strong sense of team loyalty, serving as captain for the state runner-up Colby Eagles last year. He is 84-3 over the last two seasons! 9. Jared Johnson (Pleasant Ridge) Projected 2012-13 High School Weight Class: 170 Projected College Weight Class: 165 Analysis: With 21 career Fargo victories, Jared is a two-time Fargo All-American. His career high school record is 109-13, going 38-3 on his way to the state finals last season. He has been an integral part of the National Dual teams and has won the Southern Plains regional two times. Jared is a crowd favorite with his Greco experience and has been a huge help with my postseason teams. He is the favorite this season to take home that elusive state title. 10. Hunter Haralson (Lawrence) Projected 2012-13 High School Weight Class: 132 Projected College Weight Class: 133 Analysis: Hunter finally won his Kansas state championship that many expected out of this elite athlete from Lawrence, Kan. As a multiple-time Kansas kids state champion, many across the state had projected him as a possible four-time champ. He placed second as a freshman and fourth as a sophomore, accumulating a 111-21 career record. I will never forget his effort as a fifth-grader for the National Dual Team in Illinois, lighting up the bench as he trashed the 70-pound competitors at the start of each dual! Honorable Mention: Chris Burley (Great Bend) Cody Eastman (Arkansas City) Trey Francka (Chase County) Bryant Guillen (Topeka Seaman) Dakota Leach (Goddard) Nick Meck (Shawnee Heights) Aaron Rafalko (Junction City) John Risewick (Norton) Clay Wilcox (Chaparral) Spencer Wilson (Lawrence Free State)

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- University of Illinois head coach Jim Heffernan announced that three-time All-American and four-time Academic All-American Wynn Michalak will join the Fighting Illini coaching staff as a volunteer assistant coach. Michalak comes to Illinois from Central Michigan University, he was a graduate assistant coach from 2008-2012 and has spent the last two years as a resident athlete at the Olympic Training Center. "The addition of Wynn Michalak to our staff is something we are really excited about," Heffernan said. "It was important for us to find the right fit, and Wynn fills our needs as a staff and program. He is from a traditionally strong program, and has gained valuable experience in the past two years living at the Olympic Training Center and competing on the international level. He will be a great leader for our guys and possesses a very high standard of morals and values. In addition to his coaching duties, Wynn plans to train and compete with the goal of making the world and Olympic team in the future." Post collegiately, Michalak was the 2010 Hargobind International champion and was runner-up at the 2011 Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Open and Sunkist Kids International Open. During his time at Central Michigan, Michalak was a three-time All-American and was the fourth individual in Mid-American Conference history to win four conference titles, the first Chippewa to accomplish the feat. The standout wrestler was also a three-time MAC Wrestler of the Year and the 2005 MAC Freshman of the Year. Michalak also earned the 2007 CMU Dick Enberg Inaugural Scholar-Athlete of the Year award, which is given to a junior student-athlete who has a minimum of 3.20 GPA and who has performed with distinction their sport and considered a team leader.

STANFORD, Calif. -- Former Northwestern standout Brandon Precin has joined the Stanford wrestling staff as a volunteer assistant coach for the upcoming season, head coach Jason Borrelli announced today. Northwestern's Brandon Precin finished his college wrestling career as a three-time All-American at 125 pounds (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com)“I am delighted to welcome Brandon Precin to our coaching staff,” said Borrelli. “Brandon brings an array of wrestling accomplishments to our program and will be a tremendous asset to our light weights on the mat.” Precin, who was a three-time All-American at 125 pounds for the Wildcats from 2006-11, will not only serve on the coaching staff for Stanford, but he will also be the head coach of the Cardinal Wrestling Club. Additionally, Precin will continue to train at 55kg (121 pounds) for the 2016 Olympics. Originally from Orland Park, Ill., Precin ended his career at Northwestern ranking third all-time in career victories with a record of 138-31. He was a two-time NCAA third-place finisher and a two-time Big Ten finalist. He garnered a No. 1 national ranking at 125 pounds during his senior season. “He has outstanding knowledge of the sport and will aide in the overall development of our entire roster,” said Borrelli. “Brandon is the perfect complement to the rest of our coaching staff and I am thrilled to have him on the west coast.”

Randy Couture

This is a slideshow I created from photos I took at the 2012 Olympic Games in London.