InterMat Staff

Bruce Burnett

Jon Jones won't make his highly anticipated title defense against Alexander Gustaffson until about a week and a half from now. But until then, Bellator and World Series of Fighting are serving up some tournament style MMA action, odd mismatches, and a few intriguing match ups. Featherweight standouts Patricio "Pitbull" Freire and Diego Nunes will anchor Friday's Bellator card, while WSOF features a faded Andrei Arlovski against heavy handed Mike Kyle. One fight will produce a contender, the other a brutal knockout. We'll let you guess which one is which. On top of breaking down the fights, Richard and John both butcher the English language they've supposedly mastered for a living. Do you want to listen to a past episode? Access archives.

Thanks to the generosity of former Knox wrestlers, a former nationally ranked NCAA Division III grappler will lead the Prairie Fire wrestling program. Joe NortonJoe Norton takes the reins as the new full-time head wrestling coach on September 16. He replaces Tony Islas, who stepped down in July after 12 seasons as a part-time coach with the Prairie Fire to take a position as a high school administrator. Norton comes to Knox from his alma mater, North Central College in Naperville, Illinois, where he served as a graduate assistant wrestling coach from 2010 to 2012. His responsibilities included recruiting and retaining quality student-athletes, as well as helping to plan and run team practices and workouts. Norton was a four-year varsity letter winner as a member of the North Central wrestling team between 2006 and 2010. He had 94 career victories on the mat and was a four-time NCAA regional place winner. He was a two-time conference runner-up, three-time tournament champion, seven-time tournament finalist, captain of a team ranked as high as #4 in NCAA Division III, earned a #9 national ranking as an individual, and was the recipient of the "Hammer Award" in recognition of outstanding commitment and work ethic. "I had a great opportunity to spend seven years in a program that knows what it takes to be successful," Norton said of his time at North Central. Norton attended Montini Catholic High School in Lombard, Illinois, where he was a 2006 All-State selection and an AAU first-team All-American. He concluded his high school career with 102 wins and was the captain of three squads that won state championships. "Joe comes from two great programs in Montini Catholic High School and North Central College," said Knox College athletic director Chad Eisele '93. "He has been taught and worked for some great mentors and I am confident that Joe is ready to take on the challenge of running his own program." Norton said he's excited to lead a program that has such tremendous support. "The fact that Knox is willing to commit to wrestling says a lot about where the program can be. I'm thankful to Chad Eisele and President Teresa Amott for their faith in me to take the wrestling program to the next level." Norton is the seventh full-time coach hired by the College in the past two years.

Manheim, Pa. -- In a week filled with great news for the sport of wrestling, Huntingdon College (Ala.) has announced that it will be adding a new varsity program for the 2014-15 season at the NCAA Division III level. The addition represents the 100th new varsity intercollegiate wrestling program added across the nation since 2001 and the first NCAA wrestling program in Alabama in over 30 years. "On behalf of the NWCA Board of Directors and our President Rob Koll, I am thrilled that the Huntingdon College Administration recognizes the educational value that wrestling will bring to their campus," said NWCA Executive Director Mike Moyer. The announcement for the new program was made at a press conference featuring Huntingdon College administrators, sponsors, friends of wrestling, and legendary University of Iowa Wrestling coach and Olympic Champion Dan Gable. The news was made possible by a group of benefactors that collectively provided over $40,000 to help launch the program. Among these individuals are Bob Feldmeier Sr. (CEO of Feldmeier Equipment and former Princeton Wrestler), Greg Hatcher (prominent Arkansas businessman), and Stephen Chazen (President of UNUS Foundation). In addition to these individuals, the U.S. Wrestling Foundation continued its support of college wrestling with a $10,000 donation to alleviate the start-up costs of the program. "We are thrilled to support Huntingdon College as they take the step of adding wrestling to their intercollegiate athletic program," stated Jeff Waters, Board President of the U.S. Wrestling Foundation. "This support demonstrates the partnership between the Foundation, USA Wrestling and the National Wrestling Coaches Association as we come together to promote and grow the sport." John Purnell, president of Brute, celebrated the addition of another program to the college ranks with the NWCA by donating a set of competition uniforms for 15 wrestlers through its R.E.A.C.H.E.S. (Rewarding Educational Athletic Choices Helping Each Sport) program. The Huntingdon College administration also announced that Tom Storey would be the first head coach of the new program. Storey, a former wrestler at the Naval Academy, was an EIWA Champion and wrestled in two NCAA Championships. "I am honored to be selected as the head wrestling coach at Huntingdon College," said Storey. "I am looking forward to building a dynasty in D3 wrestling!" For more information on programs added since 1999, visit the "New and Re-Instated" section of the NWCA website. About the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) The National Wrestling Coaches Association, established in 1928, is a non-profit organization for the advancement of all levels of the sport of wrestling with primary emphasis on developing coaches who work in academic environments. The membership embraces all people interested in amateur wrestling. The three core competencies of the NWCA are: coaching development, student-athlete welfare, and promotion of wrestling. About Brute Wrestling Brute is a company that manufactures high quality wrestling equipment. In their pursuit to grow wrestling, Brute has supported the sport extensively through its R.E.A.C.H.E.S. (Rewarding Educational Athletic Choices Helping Each Sport) program. R.E.A.C.H.E.S. is a nonprofit 501(c) (3) organization founded in 2007 in an effort to promote, protect and preserve amateur wrestling in its truest form. R.E.A.C.H.E.S. provides athletic opportunities to athletes of all ages and abilities. Since R.E.A.C.H.E.S. inception in 2007, Brute has given back to wrestling in excess of $200,000.00. About U.S. Wrestling Foundation The United States Wrestling Foundation (the Foundation) is dedicated to the growth of amateur wrestling in the United States. The Foundation works closely with wrestling organizations that are essential to the growth of the sport of wrestling at all levels.

ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- Navy wrestling head coach Bruce Burnett, who wrapped up his 13th year at the Academy last spring by leading the Mids to a second-place finish at the EIWA Championship while being named the EIWA Coach of the Year, has announced he will retire effective Oct. 1. Brian Antonelli, who is in his eighth season at the Naval Academy, will serve as the interim head coach for the 2013-14 season. Bruce Burnett"The values of honor, courage, determination and commitment quickly come to mind when I reflect on Coach Burnett," said Naval Academy Director of Athletics Chet Gladchuk. "Bruce has been our staff's benchmark for Academy values throughout his distinguished and nationally respected tenure at Navy. Those who wrestled for him will attest to his brilliance as a coach, but even more significant has been his educational influence on their personal and professional development. So many are proud and grateful for the role he has played in their lives. We will miss Coach Burnett and his lovely wife Karen very much." "For 13 years I have had the privilege of challenging hundreds of young men on the mat as they prepare for careers of service and leadership," said Burnett. "When I came to the Academy in October of 2000, I envisioned this position as a five to seven-year commitment. However, after experiencing the focus of purposeful work and the quality of young men entering the wrestling room, I knew my professional work life would conclude at the Naval Academy. "At every level, I have experienced on-going support and I commend Chet Gladchuk for his leadership, as well as the Academy leadership, for the direction and important role of athletics within the Academy setting. Within the wrestling program, we have over 23 Navy SEALs and many more Marines and Naval Officers who have been or are on active duty. I do believe that Navy wrestling was a significant contributor in the preparation and readiness for the leadership role they have today. "I have been blessed with a strong and dedicated coaching staff, supportive and involved alumni and wonderful families who have entrusted us with their young men. Undoubtedly, it will be the day to day contact with those athletes and relationships forged that I will miss the most. I am excited for the future of Navy wrestling and I know we have the support of the athletic department and the personnel in place to keep the program moving forward. I have the utmost respect for Brian Antonelli, who not only is a graduate of the Naval Academy, but has served alongside me in coaching these young men. Without a doubt, the program is in great hands moving forward with Brian leading the way." One of the most revered coaches this sport has seen, it's no surprise that Burnett has been able to uphold the Navy wrestling tradition that John Schultz began in 1909 and has been carried through by the likes of the legendary Ray Swartz and Ed Peery. Simply put, Bruce Burnett is a winner. At every level of the sport, Burnett has seen success. During his 13-year stay at the Academy, he led the Midshipmen to a 113-57 record (.665) that featured six-straight seasons of 10 or more wins from 2002-07. The Midshipmen have flourished under his guidance, finishing among the top five at the EIWA Championship in seven of the last nine years, winning eight individual EIWA crowns and placing among the top 25 at the NCAA Championship in three of the last seven seasons. He guided Navy to an 18th-place finish at the 2007 and ‘08 NCAA Championships, its highest NCAA finish since placing 13th more than two decades ago (1990). Along the way, he helped mold 10 EIWA Champions, 50 NCAA qualifiers and 10 wrestlers who garnered All-America recognition under his tutelage including two-time All-American and Navy's all-time winningest wrestler Bryce Saddoris (‘11). Saddoris also became the first wrestler in school history to win 30 or more matches in each of his four seasons and finished his career with a staggering 147 wins. Bruce Burnett was Navy's head wrestling coach for 13 seasons (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com)"Coach Burnett was the reason why I came to the Academy," said Saddoris, a 1st Lt. in the Marine Corps who is stationed at Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, Fla. "The integrity and honesty with which he leads his life and coaches sets him apart from everyone else. "When I was at NAPS, he sat all of us down and asked us what our personal goals were. I told him I wanted to be an All-American and be a national champion. He told me that if I trusted in him, he would get me there. There was not a time I went out on the mat unprepared. He knew when to pump the brakes and when to step on the gas. He is the reason why I succeeded at Navy and even now wrestling for the Marine Corps. I owe everything to him. "I consider Coach Burnett a father figure, a father away from home. He cared as much about our lives off the mat as he did on the mat. He truly cared about me as a man. To this day, we talk a couple of times a month. I call him for advice about wrestling, but also in my day to day life. You just cannot get any better than Coach Burnett." He also helped Joe Baker, Matt Stolpinski and Ed Prendergast earn All-America status in 2008, marking the first time since 1967 that Navy put three wrestlers atop the All-America stage in a single season. Last winter, six of Navy's 10 wrestlers garnered top-five finishes to guide the Mids to a second-place finish at the EIWA Championship. It was the program's strongest finish since 2007 and Burnett was rewarded by being named the EIWA Coach of the Year. All six of those wrestlers earned automatic bids to the NCAA Championship, including 2013 graduate Dan Miller who was crowned the EIWA Champion at 285 pounds. Miller is Navy's first EIWA individual champion since 2009 (Joe Baker, Bryce Saddoris) and the first Navy heavyweight to win a title since Ed Prendergast won back-to-back crowns in 2007 and ‘08. Additionally, the Mids produced a 6-1 dual meet record that featured a win over nationally-ranked programs Maryland (22-18) and Rutgers (19-15), while Navy also captured its 13th consecutive win over rival Army (22-10). Burnett is one of the most well-known coaches on the national scene, having spent the bulk of his coaching career at the highest level. Burnett helped prepare the United States' elite athletes for world and Olympic competition as the national freestyle coach beginning in 1992. His resume is nothing short of impressive. His teams won five medals at the 1996 Olympic Games (three gold, one silver and one bronze), five at the 2000 Olympic Games (one gold, two silver and two bronze) and eight medals at the 1999 Pan American Games (six gold, one silver and one bronze). Additionally, his teams captured World Team Titles in 1993 and 1995, the World Cup of Wrestling in 1993, ‘94, ‘95, ‘97, ‘98, ‘99 and ‘00 and the Pan American Championship in 1993, ‘94, ‘95 and ‘96. During that time, Burnett coached Kurt Angle, Tom Brands, Kendal Cross, Kevin Jackson, Brandon Slay and John Smith to Olympic gold medals, while cornering Terry Brands, Tom Brands, Angle, Jackson and Smith to World Championships. "Coach Burnett is a contagious guy," said John Smith, a two-time Olympic Gold Medalist and all-time winningest coach in Oklahoma State history. "You always wanted to be around him, and he's very motivating. He inspired me throughout my wrestling career. When I started coaching, I learned so much from him. Even today, I use several of his ideas and techniques. He's a great man, a great coach and a great friend." "Bruce Burnett was a coach that came along at the right time for me," said Iowa head coach Tom Brands, an Olympic gold medalist and three-time national champion. "His relationships were built on drive and compassion, and he laid things out simply. He was fiercely loyal in the corner and out of it. I remember one time at the World Cup when FILA tried to have a closed door meeting with only Terry and I and he stepped in and basically said, ‘not on my watch'. You came to expect that kind of back-up from him. When Dave Schultz was shot and killed, we were in Krasnoyarsk, Russia getting ready for competition. He broke the news to us. Dave and Bruce were very tight. Bruce made it all right. He's one of those guys that doesn't get enough credit." "Bruce Burnett was a meticulous coach and a great friend," said Iowa associate head coach Terry Brands, an Olympic bronze medalist and two-time World champion. "He is someone who cared to understand individuals. He would come beside the athlete to determine what was best. He's a top notch man and a top notch coach." He was named the Freestyle Wrestling Coach of the Year in 1995 and 1996 and was named the United States Olympic Committee Elite Coach of the Year in 1996. As Navy's head coach, Burnett remained active in the national and international coaching scene, serving as the head coach of the United States World Cup Team at the 2002 Freestyle World Cup of Wrestling Championship, the U.S. World University Games Head Coach in 2005, the FISU University World Championship Coach in 2010, the Pan American Games Coach in 2011 and the FILA Junior World Championship Coach in 2012. An opportunity for friends of Navy wrestling to express their appreciation to Coach Burnett and Karen will be on Friday, Feb. 21, prior to the 57th edition of the Army-Navy wrestling match in the Bo Coppedge Room in Alumni Hall. Details to follow in the near future.

BLOOMSBURG -- Bloomsburg University Director of Athletics Michael McFarland has announced the hiring of Marcus Gordon as assistant wrestling coach at the school. Gordon comes to Bloomsburg after spending six seasons as the assistant coach at Ashland (OH) University where he was also a standout wrestling for the Eagles. At Ashland Gordon was involved in every aspect of the AU program playing a prominent role in recruiting, assisting in camps and special projects along with coaching responsibilities during matches and practices. He helped coach 26 NCAA D-II national qualifiers; nine NCAA D-II All-Americans and 21 NWCA All-Academic student-athletes. He was helped the Eagles to a 15-2-1 dual meet record in 2010-11, the school's best record in 30 years. As a wrestler Gordon was a three-year letterman for the Eagles. He was a two-time qualifier for the national meet and a two-time Academic All-America (Wrestling Coaches of America). He won a championship at the 2008 Midwest Classic and that same season was a regional champion. During the 2007-08 season Gordon was ranked as high as third in the country. Gordon also served as a team captain. Gordon began his collegiate career at Eastern Michigan where he was a two-year starter on the mat at EMU. "It is exciting to complete the wrestling coaching staff with the addition of assistant coach Marcus Gordon, who joins us from Ashland," said McFarland. "A true competitor, Marcus provides the perfect complement to head coach Jason Mester's style and blends the necessary components to take our program to the next level. Now with Coach Mester, Coach Gordon, and Paul Lyon joining as a volunteer assistant coach, the Huskies can get to work on defending their EWL dual meet title." As a high schooler Gordon was a wrestling standout at Mapleton High School. During his prep career he was a four-time OHSAA state placer and a two-time state champion. He was also named the most valuable wrestler at the state championship meet. He holds Mapleton's record for career takedowns (886). Gordon earned a degree in special education at Ashland. He and his wife, Jessica, will live in the Bloomsburg area.

MANHEIM, Pa. -- With the All Star Classic less than two months away, the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) and Greater Washington Wrestling Business Network (GWWBN) has announced three days of events featuring programming for attendees of all ages at George Mason University. The wrestling centric weekend will begin on Friday, Nov. 1 with the Middle School All Star match. The match will be at 7:00pm in the George Mason University Field House and admission will be $5 for fans. Building on the Middle School match, there will be an All Star practice that will take place on Saturday, Nov. 2 at 10:00am in the George Mason University Field House. These middle school participants will be trained and treated just like the All Star Classic collegiate participants. "Fans can look forward to some very competitive matches," said GWWBN Board Member and Middle School Classic Coordinator Kurt McHenry. "In many cases, the matches are highly anticipated ‘showdowns' between highly rated competitors from opposite sides of the country. It should be a lot of fun and a great experience for all." Following the Middle School All Star Practice on Saturday, NUWAY will present the All Star Clinic. Registration for the event will take place between 11:00am-12:00pm, with the event lasting until from 12:00pm to 5:00pm in the George Mason University Field House. The All Star Clinic is expected to draw 500 attendees, including NCAA champions, past All-Star Classic participants, coaches with wrestlers competing in the All Star Classic, Olympians and Beat the Street kids. "The part that is so exciting is each clinician will only have time to teach their favorite technique," said GWWBN Board Member and 2x NCAA Champion Wade Schalles. "That means there will be passion in everything the wrestlers hear and everything they see for 5 straight hours. That means a high retention rate for things learned, a definite factor in championship performances." While all Beat the Street kids will attend the event for free, remaining attendees will be required to purchase either a $30 clinic-only ticket or $40 clinic and All Star Classic combination pass. The final event on Saturday, November 2 will be the GWWBN's Pre-Meet Social. The event will be held at the George Mason University Patriot Center from 5:00-6:30pm. The event will serve as a mixer for coaches, sponsors and professionals to unite the business and wrestling communities as one. "The goal of the Social is to allow wrestling fans from all over the country, a chance to re-connect, make new friends, and potentially meet new business contacts," said GWWBN Board Member and Social Coordinator Keith Burgess. "Wrestlers and fans at any level will have an opportunity to mix & mingle with CEO's from Fortune 500 companies to the legends of our beloved sport." To attend the social, individuals will be required to pay a $100 fee or can purchase a pass to the social and a VIP ticket to the All Star Classic for $150. The final day of the weekend will feature the anticipated All Star Classic at 7:15pm on the George Mason University campus. Prior to the main event, at 6:45pm, undercard matches will be hosted showcasing two USAW Olympic-style matches and two college feature matches. The match-ups for the undercard feature bouts include a George Mason University wrestler squaring off against a West Chester University wrestler and an American University Wrestler against a Ursiinus College wrestler. For more information about the event visit the NWCA All-Star Classic page. About the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) The National Wrestling Coaches Association, established in 1928, is a non-profit organization for the advancement of all levels of the sport of wrestling with primary emphasis on developing coaches who work in academic environments. The membership embraces all people interested in amateur wrestling. The three core competencies of the NWCA are: coaching development, student-athlete welfare, and promotion of wrestling. About Greater Washington Wrestling Business Network GWWBN is a non-profit networking group that has been organized with the objective of mobilizing the wrestling community for business, social, and personal purposes. Their goal is to have our members to network and prosper together while we positing ourselves as an advocate for wrestling at all levels with in the Greater Washington Region. Contact: For NWCA Coyte Cooper - ccooper@nwca.cc

ESPN's long-standing commitment to expanding coverage of wrestling continues with plans for the 2014 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championship in Oklahoma City March 20- 22. For the first time, live coverage of every mat during the tournament will be available on an ESPN network. For the last five years, ESPN3 has carried an exclusive four-screen, four-mat viewing experience unique to wrestling. The expansion will create an unprecedented eight-mat viewing experience on ESPN3 for the early rounds and six-mat coverage for the Semifinals, with full match coverage continuing on ESPN3, ESPNU or ESPN and WatchESPN for the Semifinal, Medal and Championship rounds. ESPN began airing NCAA wrestling championships in 1980, its first year as a network, and has provided live coverage of every round since 2011. "There is an increasing appetite for the NCAA Wrestling Championship from the sport's avid fan base, especially on our digital platforms," said Brent Colborne, ESPN director of programming and acquisitions. “We continue to look for new ways to serve wrestling fans and live coverage of every mat on ESPN3 will provide an unprecedented amount of comprehensive coverage for the event." The championship continues to see success across ESPN with a 55 percent increase year-to-year growth in viewers for the 2013 final match and 12.6 million live minutes viewed on ESPN3 and WatchESPN, up 13 percent. ESPN networks commitment to the championship extends through 2024.

FILA and USA Wrestling held a joint press conference directly after the International Olympic Committee voted to keep wrestling in the Olympics as an additional sport for 2020 and 2024. Featured in this press conference are FILA President Nenad Lalovic, USA Wrestling Executive Director Rich Bender, CPOW Chair Bill Scherr, FILA Bureau member Jim Scherr, Actor/CPOW member Billy Baldwin, and USA Wrestling President Jim Ravannack.

STILLWATER -- Coaches and members of the Oklahoma State wrestling team watched intently from the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in Stillwater, Okla., as the International Olympic Committee announced that wrestling would be included in the 2020 and 2024 Summer Olympics as a provisional sport. "I think the message that was sent down today from the IOC was since wrestling has been in the ancient games, as well as the modern games, we shouldn't be trailing; we are expected to be leading," coach John Smith said. "Winning the majority vote back in May to forward us to today's decision and winning the majority of the vote today was huge for us, and gives us a second opportunity to do it well." In February, the IOC executive board recommended that wrestling be dropped from the Olympic Games after the 2016 Olympics. Only three months later, the sport was given hope as it was named to the short-list of sports to be included in the 2020 Summer Games. On the short-list for inclusion alongside wrestling was a combined baseball/softball bid and squash. Each made its case for inclusion Sunday to the members of the IOC in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and it was voted it on shortly after. Wrestling received 49 of 95 votes, giving it the majority on the first ballot and a quick victory for the wrestling community. "That was harder than a wrestling match for me," 2012 Olympic bronze medalist Coleman Scott said. "It's been a long process, and I was nervous all morning. We had a good presentation and a very good panel, and I'm glad we didn't take it lightly. There were a lot kids watching with us today and this was for them." Cowboy wrestling sophomore Alex Dieringer knew this decision would have long-lasting implications and was excited for the result. "It's my future," Dieringer said. "I'm really excited knowing that I'm going to be able to continue following my Olympic dreams." The 2020 Summer Olympics will be held in Tokyo, Japan.

Wrestling is back, and it might have a new hero. After 208 days in bureaucratic purgatory and an international outcry thought to be unmatched in modern Olympic history, the 125th IOC Session reinstituted the sport on Sunday. The IOC Session, which also considered strong bids by squash and baseball/softball, voted once, and in accordance with procedure granted wrestling a provisional status in the 2020 and 2024 Games by a single vote. Daniel Igali (Photo/T.R. Foley)Though FILA president Nenad Lalovic led the campaign and presentation from start to finish, it was Daniel Igali, a gold medalist for Canada at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, who won over the IOC and the wrestling community. Igali, who is now head of the Nigerian Wrestling Federation, told of his journey from one of 20 siblings growing up in Nigeria to becoming an Olympic Champion. He threaded the experience together through the prism of motivation, which for him was simply having the chance to fly on an airplane. The Internet swooned, as wrestling's social media base responded with calls for his immediate ascension through the FILA ranks. From T-shirt drives to a large-scale overhaul of the sport's rules and governance, the community support for the reinstatement of the wrestling in the Olympic Games played a key role in the sport's six-month campaign. From #SaveOlympicWrestling to #TakeAStance, the wrestling community was heralded for their unity by the media and FILA President Nenad Lalovic. "We came together like never before," said the 55-year-old Serbian businessman. "Our athletes are taught to compete and we did just that." Lalovic, who was elected to the presidency after former president Raphael Martinetti resigned in February, has garnered much of the credit for unifying the community and leading wide-scale changes to the sport's rules and governance. Though Igali's personal story addressed the universal accessibility of the sport, at the center of the IOC's concern was gender equality. Wrestling had recently instituted a realignment of their Olympic weights from a distribution of seven for men's freestyle, seven for men's Greco-Roman, and four for women's freestyle to six for each discipline. Still, the IOC balked during the question answer after the sport's presentation with Angela Ruggiero of the United States asking about a parallel program for women. "She was smart to ask the question," said presenter and 2008 Olympic gold medalist Carol Huynh of Canada. "I knew it was coming and I thought we've handled it well." The perception that wrestling was "old" in the face of newer sports baseball/softball and squash dogged the Ancient Greek sport for much of the day. Claims that athletes weren't in control of their outcomes and of widespread corruption were also addressed. Lalovic, who held a brief press conference after the event unveiled the 'Wrestling World Plan" a shiny pamphlet describing the general steps wrestling will take to keep improving. "Our new goal is to become a permanent member of the IOC. They are our only partner and we will do what every federation must and keep improving."

FILA's president Nenad Lalovic discusses Wrestling World Plan (Photo/T.R. Foley) Buenos Aires, Argentina -- The International Olympic Committee (IOC) today announced it voted the sport of wrestling to remain in the Olympic program as a provisional sport at the 2020 and 2024 Olympic Games. On the first vote, wrestling received 49 votes out of the 95 voters, receiving the majority of votes and winning on the first ballot. USA Wrestling and its Committee for the Preservation of Olympic Wrestling (CPOW) join our international wrestling federation FILA in expressing extreme gratitude and satisfaction following the IOC's announcement. On Feb. 12, 2013, the IOC Executive Board recommended that wrestling not be included with the 25 Core Sports initiative, which is set to begin after the 2016 Olympic Games. The IOC allowed wrestling to join with other sports in the hopes of becoming a provisional sport of the 2020 and 2024 Olympic programs. On May 29, the IOC Executive Board selected wrestling for the short list of three sports for consideration by the IOC General Assembly today. "This is a great day for wrestling and for USA Wrestling. As a sport and an organization, we came together like never before to support the sport we love. I want to thank all who helped our cause, especially those from USA Wrestling state organizations and our grassroots community. You all have stepped up, with fundraising efforts, online activities, attendance at our big events and so many other important things. As a family, we showed our pride in wrestling, and have helped tell the story of our sport to the IOC and to the world," said USA Wrestling President James Ravannack. "Now the work really starts for wrestling. We need to capitalize on the opportunity which we have received and continue to move the sport forward. Momentum is on our side. We must continue to be passionate and aggressive in promoting and improving wrestling in the United States and around the world. We also want to thank everybody from the U.S. wrestling community who has stepped up to support the Keep Olympic Wrestling movement," said USA Wrestling Executive Director Rich Bender. Nenad Lalovic presents (Photo/T.R. Foley)"We are thrilled with the IOC decision today. Wrestling has been a significant part of the ancient and modern Olympics and we are pleased to be on the program for 2020 and 2024. The IOC has been fair and encouraging to us and we believe that there will be opportunities for us to again be one of the core sports and permanently on the program in the future. The Olympics has much to offer wrestling and wrestling adds greatly to the Olympic program. It is important to the millions of young wrestlers around the world -- boys and girls -- that we work to provide an opportunity for them to dream Olympic dreams, just as many of us did. And so we will continue the fight to become a core sport of the Olympic Games," said Bill Scherr, Chairman of the Committee for the Preservation of Olympic Wrestling. "It's a great day for wrestling and a great day for the Olympics," said Mike Novogratz, spokesman for the Committee for the Preservation of Olympic Wrestling. Although wrestling has retained its position in the 2020 and 2024 Olympic Games, the work of the USA Wrestling community is not finished. The mission of CPOW has been "to ensure that wrestling remains as a core sport of the Olympic Games." This mission has not yet been achieved. The Keep Olympic Wrestling effort, led by CPOW in the United States, helped bring many positive changes and improvements to the sport. There has been great support and momentum for wrestling in its effort to remain on the Olympic program. The work to improve wrestling and expand its participation and impact here in the United States and around the world will continue, leading up to the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and beyond. ABOUT USA WRESTLING USA Wrestling is the National Governing Body for the Sport of Wrestling in the United States and, as such, is its representative to the United States Olympic Committee and the International Wrestling Federation FILA. Simply, USA Wrestling is the central organization that coordinates amateur wrestling programs in the nation and works to create interest and participation in these programs. Its president is James Ravannack, and its Executive Director is Rich Bender. ABOUT CPOW The Committee for the Preservation of Olympic Wrestling (CPOW) was developed by USA Wrestling, whose mission is to insure that wrestling remains as a core sport of the Olympic Games. CPOW features many highly-respected leaders within the American wrestling, chaired by Bill Scherr of Glenview, Ill., a World champion and Olympic medalist in freestyle wrestling and a leader in the Olympic family.

Related: Schedule AMES, Iowa -- The Iowa State wrestling team announced its schedule for the 2013-14 season today. The Cyclones, who finished 11-5 (3-3 Big 12) last season will open their 2013-14 campaign with a double-header against NAIA opponent Grand View and CAA member Drexel on Nov. 7 at Hilton Coliseum. The dual with the Vikings marks the first meeting between the two schools and just the fifth dual all-time against an NAIA opponent for the Cyclones. Drexel will also be making its first appearance ever in Ames. Last season, Iowa State traveled to Philadelphia and beat the Dragons 31-12, scoring bonus points in six of the eight matches. Drexel is coached by former Cyclone Matt Azevedo. The nonconference schedule is highlighted by the Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series dual with Iowa, slated for 2 p.m. on Dec. 1 at Hilton Coliseum. The mat will once again be elevated on a platform and be located in the center of the arena. The raised platform provides optimal viewing of this elite wrestling event. Season ticket holders will have their seats adjusted one section to the east to reflect the shifted wrestling mat and platform. All seating in Hilton Coliseum will be reserved. To view a seating diagram for the Iowa dual click here. Wrestling season ticket holders have the first opportunity to purchase single-meet tickets for this event. To purchase, either indicate the number of tickets on the renewal you will receive in your mailbox or follow the steps online. To guarantee your seats, be sure to purchase your Iowa State vs. Iowa wrestling tickets by Oct. 28. Single-meet tickets will be available to the public beginning Oct. 30. On Dec. 6, the Cyclones will head to Las Vegas, Nev. for the two-day Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational, marking the school’s first appearance at the event. For more information on the tournament and other participating schools, click here. On Jan. 1, Iowa State will head to Chattagnooga, Tenn. for the coveted Southern Scuffle, which has become one of the premiere holiday tournaments in collegiate wrestling. For more information on the coveted tournament, click here. The Cyclones will be back in the NWCA National Duals this season on Feb. 16-17 in Columbus, Ohio. The appearance marks Iowa State’s first since hosting a national duals regional in 2012. The schedule for the 2014 NWCA National Duals will be announced at a later date. Iowa State will close out the regular season at home against perennial wrestling power Minnesota on Feb. 23 at 2 p.m. Iowa State leads the all-time series with the Gophers 44-16-2. The 2013-14 season closes with the Big 12 Championships in Norman, Okla. on March 8 and the NCAA Championships on March 20-22 in Oklahoma City at Chesapeake Energy Arena, home to the NBA’s Oklahoma City Thunder.

Buenos Aires, Argentina -- Since February, FILA President Nenad Lalovic, along with all members of the FILA Bureau, have embarked on a revolutionary journey to transform the sport of wrestling. The changes, spelled out in detail below, have yielded a new sport of wrestling that is more interesting, equitable and progressive than the version the world knew just six months ago. FILA's changes since February include: New weight classes for women: FILA redistributed its weight classes to provide more opportunities for female wrestlers. Women gained two weight classes in Freestyle, while Greco Roman and Men's Freestyle each lost a weight class. This new structure will be used for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. More active roles for Women and Athletes: FILA will have 3 seats for women and active athletes on the Bureau at all times. These Bureau participants will be elected by their peers. Female Vice President -- FILA will have at least one female Vice President on the Bureau at all times. 17 amended commissions: FILA proposed amending 15 Commissions during its Extraordinary Congress in May. It recently announced it will amend 17 Commissions, due to overwhelming interest from athletes and wrestling supporters that want to assist FILA. Major rule changes: FILA introduced major rule changes to make the sport more interesting to the spectator, while ensuring the most active wrestler wins the match. These changes include: Moving from 3, 2-minute periods to 2, 3-minute periods Cumulative scoring for the match New scoring of spectacular throws awarding 3 or 5 points Enacting a new passivity rule (If a referee determines a wrestler is being passive, they receive a warning. If there's a second offense, the match will be stopped temporarily and the offending wrestler must score a point within 30 seconds or their opponent receives a point.) Developed World Wrestling Plan: FILA has developed a new strategic plan for the entire wrestling world. The first stage of this plan will be implemented at the World Championships later this month. This phase will: optimize FILA's internal process, improve event presentation, develop the FILA brand and implement a new strategic communications plan. Established Scientific Commission: FILA and the International Network of Wrestling Researchers established a Scientific Commission within FILA that will provide scientific expertise in presenting solutions to the modern issues the sport faces. Monthly rankings: FILA introduced monthly rankings to the sport for the first time. Each discipline -- Greco Roman, Men's Freestyle and Women's Freestyle -- are announced a week apart from each other. Save Olympic Wrestling Meet in Ancient Olympia: In July, FILA and the global wrestling community returned to the birthplace of Olympic wrestling - Ancient Olympia, Greece - for the first wrestling match in Olympia since 393 AD. Of particular note, two 11 year old Greek girls wrestled in the Ancient Palaestra, marking the first time females had wrestled in Olympia, ever. World Wrestling Month in May: FILA created, launched and managed World Wrestling Month. Wrestling events were staged around the World to highlight the significance the sport holds on the global stage. Two matches during the month highlighted wrestling's ability to unite nations, regardless of politics. Iran, Russia and the USA sent some of their top men's talent to New York City to participate in an amazing event in Grand Central Terminal, while the women's teams from Canada, Ukraine and the USA went to Niagra Falls for the Battle of the Falls. Launched a redesigned website: In June, FILA launched a redesigned website. This new site is easier to navigate, incorporates vivid imagery and allows for the integration of live streaming video content and real time results. Social media: Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and #TakeAStance: FILA has been very aggressive on social media since February. The FILA Official Facebook page has grown by nearly 100,000 friends, totaling over 103,000 now and the FILA Official Twitter account has grown by nearly 40,000, from 4,000 followers to over 44,000 now. Additionally, President Nenad Lalovic took part in the social media revolution, by participating in a Twitter chat and Google+ Hangout with Olympic wrestling fans from around the World. Lastly, FILA created their own social media campaign, asking wrestlers to get in a classic wrestling stance and share user-generated photos across Facebook and Twitter with the hashtag #TakeAStance. Live streaming video: FILA provided live streaming video from the Junior and Cadet World Championships for the first time in history. This video was available through the FILA Facebook page and the FILA website. Improvements for the television broadcast: FILA representatives met with the Olympic Broadcasting Service, as well as other television broadcast experts, to explore changes to the presentation of their sport that could make it more attractive to viewers. Potential new technology includes point of view cameras closer to the action and the collection and integration of biometrics data into the broadcast. Improved media access and information: FILA provided event previews and daily recaps of the Junior and Cadet World Championships to the media for the first time in the history of each event. About FILA FILA, the International Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles, is the global governing body of the sport of wrestling. It works to promote the sport and facilitate the activities of its 177 national federations from around the world. It is based in Corsier-Sur-Vevey, Switzerland. For additional details or for questions about the Save Olympic Wrestling campaign and FILA, please contact FILA at 41.21 312 84 26 or Bob Condron, Press Officer, condron@fila-wrestling.com

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Two of the nation's premier wrestling teams will indeed meet this season as Penn State and Iowa have announced the scheduling of a non-conference dual. After a twitter conversation between head coaches Cael Sanderson and Tom Brands yesterday, Penn State will visit Iowa on Saturday, Dec. 21, for an 9:00 p.m. (Eastern) dual in Carver Hawkeye Arena. With the squads not scheduled to meet in the Big Ten's rotating eight dual regular season slate, the two teams will get together in Carver Hawkeye for a non-conference dual in December. The Big Ten Network will air the dual meet live. Penn State and Iowa, which have met every year since 1982, have combined to win the last six NCAA titles (Penn State in '13, '12 and '11; Iowa in '10, '09 and '08). The Nittany Lions enter the 2013-14 season as three-time defending NCAA and Big Ten champions while Iowa has won 23 team titles during its program's history. Penn State now has eight non-conference duals. The Lions host Lock Haven, Pittsburgh (in the Bryce Jordan Center), Oklahoma State and Clarion and will visit Rider, Lehigh, Boston and Iowa. Penn State's eight conference duals include Ohio State, Purdue, Northwestern and Illinois at home as well as Indiana, Michigan State, Michigan and Minnesota on the road. The Nittany Lion schedule now features the other top three teams from last year's NCAA Championships (Oklahoma State, Minnesota and now Iowa). The addition of the Iowa dual will alter the Nittany Lions' participation at the Binghamton Open. Penn State's attached contingent to BU would be limited to six in order to add another scheduled event. Any other Nittany Lions going to Binghamton would have to attend unattached. Once again, the full season of Rec Hall duals is sold out on a season-ticket basis but single dual standing room only tickets will be available. This year's season ticket package features eight duals (including the Pitt dual in the BJC). Information on season ticket renewals will be arriving to season ticket holders very soon. The sales of SRO tickets for the Rec Hall duals as well as the general public sale for the BJC dual will begin in October with an announcement on details and instructions being made at that time. For information on Penn State wrestling tickets (including being placed on a waiting list for season tickets) call 1-800-NITTANY or visit the Penn State ticket office in the BJC during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.). 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 newly revised full 2013-14 Penn State Wrestling Schedule is as follows: NOVEMBER Sat. 16 -- at Rider, 6 p.m. Sun. 17 -- at Lehigh, 3 p.m. Sun. 24 -- LOCK HAVEN, 2 p.m. DECEMBER Fri. 6 -- at Boston 7 p.m. Sun. 8 -- PITTSBURGH (in BJC), 2 p.m. Sun. 15 -- OHIO STATE*, 2 p.m. Sat. 21 -- at Iowa, 9:00 p.m. JANUARY W/Th. 1-2 -- Southern Scuffle, Chattanooga, Tenn., All Day Sun. 12 -- PURDUE*, 2 p.m. Fri. 17 -- at Indiana*, 7 p.m. Sun. 19 -- NORTHWESTERN*, 2 p.m. Fri. 24 -- ILLINOIS*, 7 p.m. Fri. 31 -- at Michigan State*, 7 p.m. FEBRUARY Sun. 2 -- at Michigan*, 2 p.m. Sun. 9 -- at Minnesota*, 2 p.m. Sun. 16 -- OKLAHOMA STATE, 2 p.m. Sun. 23 -- CLARION, 2 p.m. MARCH Sa./Su. 8-9 -- Big Ten Championships, Madison, Wis., Times TBA Sat. 8 -- Session 1 -- Opening Round Session 2 -- Semifinals Sun. 9 -- Session 3 -- Consolation, 7th place bouts Session 4 -- Championship Finals, 3rd and 5th Th./Sa. 20-22 2013 NCAA Championships, Oklahoma City, Okla., Times TBA Thur. 20 -- Session 1 -- 1st Round Thur. 20 -- Session 2 -- 2nd Round/Consolations Fri. 21 -- Session 3 -- Quarterfinals/Consolations Fri. 21 -- Session 4 -- Semifinals/All-America Round Sat. 22 -- Session 5 -- Medal Rounds Sat. 22 -- Session 6 -- Championship Finals * Big Ten Dual All dates and times subject to change - All times EASTERN

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. With the Olympic decision only two days away it's important to realize that we are all worried about our post-decision emotions. Should the vote come back with a negative result I can guarantee that one of the 14 dozen Japanese film crews on location in Buenos Aires will capture footage of me heaving a park bench through a department store window. If not a violent outburst then a newspaper reporter will interview me while I lay face down in a plate of charcuterie, splashes of whiskey and Malbec speckling my dress shirt. Or maybe I'll just start swimming? Hop into the ocean and Diane Nyad my way to the Falkland Islands and claim it for the sport of wrestling. Likely it will be a positive result in which case I suspect I'll cry like it were the end of "The Notebook." I've been practicing sobbing and laughing into my arms to prevent having my emotions exploited on the front-page of your local paper, a gob of nasal drain streaking across my cheek. Photographers love photographs of grown men weeping. Whatever your emotion, embrace the moment. You guys, we the wrestling community, deserve a moment to mourn or celebrate in any fashion we choose. The #SaveOlympicWrestling movement has already been a monumental success, with new rules, and a revived interest in all things dealing with the sport. No matter what the 104 voting members of the IOC decide, we are a better sport for acknowledging a large portion of our shortcomings and taking steps to improve. Some booze, some tears? Meh. Let it out. If you want some more details about the weekend and are tuning in around 11:45 a.m. ET I'll be posting everything to Twitter. To your questions ... Q: Mid-summer slowdown question: Who would you choose to be in a folkstyle all-star dual of the best U.S. wrestlers over 34 (I'm trying to exclude anyone even close to competition age) at the current NCAA weight classes? Let's presume good health across the board just to level the playing field. I'd pay big money to see guys like Terry Brands, Donny Pritzlaff, Eric Guerrero and Cary Kolat go at it. Who ya got? -- Bryan R. Foley: My starting ten of guys over the age of 34 who I think could still roll? Hmm. I have a preference for the ACC guys (nostalgia) and guys who were nasty on top. I also would like to choose the GOAT and a football player. I'm beating a very dead horse, but wouldn't each of these guys come out for a takedown-only event? What's to lose? Each would have plenty of accomplishments to fall back on, and how hurt can you get in one takedown? (The answer is "seriously" but let's imagine it's not.) They could wear cool outfits and dance on their way into the arena. Anyone who wouldn't pay a Buffalo nickel to see some of the old-timers square-up and go for broke is a fool. And I pity the fool. Prediction?! PAIN! 125: Sammie Henson 133: Mike Mena 141: T.J. Jaworsky 149: Bill Zadick 157: Lincoln McIlravy 165: Donny Pritzlaff 174: Sean Bormet 184: Mitch Clark 197: Cael Sanderson 285: Stephen Neal Q: Do high school wrestling programs need a coach that is also a teacher at that school to revive the program, or have you seen it accomplished in other ways? -- Jim S. Foley: High school programs 40 years ago needed a coach who was in the school in order to recruit talented competitors, but today the professionalization of amateur sports has changed that dynamic. The most important predictor of a program's future success is the establishment of a club program that can serve the local community of wrestlers outside the two hours of practice time five days a week, four months a year. A solid club program gets the kids involved in a professionalized and predictable schedule. Being at the school is not a bad idea, but doing it in sacrifice of another career you might enjoy more as a professional outside the wrestling room would be counter-productive. In my experience the coaches who were content with their position in life were most able to connect with their wrestlers, and in the end happy wrestlers helps to promote a healthy lifestyle and generational continuity for the sport we love. MULTIMEDIA HALFTIME Sirius XM Fight Club Radio discussion about Olympic discussion ... Jay Mohr, Tom Arnold team up for "Wrestling Nice" video ... Images from Foxcatcher ... The first showcasing of Foxcatcher will be Friday Nov. 8 at the AFI FEST in Hollywood. Q: Do you think Aaron Pico should be getting more attention than Kyle Snyder right now? Everyone is talking about Pico and even voting his performance the best on TheMat.com's poll. I agree that dominating the Cadet World Championships coming out of your freshman year of high school is pretty amazing, but I think what Snyder did was far more impressive. People seem to forget that Snyder is just heading into his senior year. When was the last time someone his age won the Junior World Championships? And he dominated just about the same way Pico did. The difference to me though is the ages involved between the two tournaments. Snyder beat dudes that, in their countries, are probably considered men. This is a tournament that Logan Stieber couldn't get gold in. That's one of our best college wrestlers, and Snyder did it as a high school student in a big weight class. I think both Pico and Snyder are easily the two brightest prospects in wrestling today, but we need to chill the hype on all these high school freshmen. -- Nicholas B. Foley: As you noted, much of Pico's appeal stems from his position as a high school freshman. That being the case, he'll be 17 years old soon and that put him at 18 months younger than Kyle Snyder, who is forging his senior year to wrestle at the Olympic Training Center. Hype is hype. Pico is a world-beater stud, as is Kyle Snyder. To compare the two isn't very productive. However, I do think that Snyder, who projects to be 21 years old for the 2016 Games, is much more likely to make the U.S. World Team at whatever weight class is created once FILA pares the seven down to six. Pico is in an odd position. The weight class shift could go any of the three directions: unchanged, terrible, or perfect. With Snyder you know that there is going to be a linebacker weight, and it's logical to assume that with even marginal growth projections he'll be stomping American competition come Olympic Team Trials. With Pico he's much more likely to lose the game of weight class Frogger, and be smashed by bureaucracy. Skill-wise, Snyder is more fluid, while Pico has better defense and hands dipped in concrete. Q: We keep hearing that Ben Askren may leave Bellator and go to the UFC. Do you think he will be successful in the UFC as he was in Bellator like other wrestlers such as T.J. Dillashaw and Gray Maynard? -- Gregg Y. Foley: Yes. As you do one thing you do all things, and it's ludicrous to bet against a guy of Ben Askren's talent this late in the game. Every indication is that he is the greatest control-based wrestler in history ... yes, the history of mankind. Nobody has been more capable at preventing his opponent mount a logical defense, and nobody has been more smothering than Ben Askren. Whether it's a knuckleball, two-minute drill or taking someone down and holding them against their will, never bet against someone who originates and dominates a style. TWITTER OF THE WEEK! @caelsanderson and @tombrandsHAWK You thought Twitter was for teeny boppers and stalkers? Well you're right, but it's also for Olympic champions and NCAA champion coaches to talk about setting up the greatest dual meet of the season. Update: Penn State, Iowa set to battle in non-conference dual.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- USA Wrestling, the national governing body for wrestling in the United States, has released its inaugural All-Time NFL Honor Roll, featuring pro football stars who wrestled. This announcement is made in recognition of the start of the new NFL season and days prior to the International Olympic Committee's vote in Buenos Aires, Argentina, about wrestling's future as a sport on the Olympic program. There is a long tradition of great football players who also competed in wrestling during some part of their athletic careers. Some had impressive wrestling credentials, others were involved in wrestling in high school and in their youth, but all bring a wrestling background to the football achievements. There are 12 Pro Football Hall of Fame athletes who are confirmed to have a wrestling background. Headlining the team is recent Hall of Fame member Curley Culp, who was a 1967 NCAA wrestling champion for Arizona State and a two-time state wrestling champion for Yuma High School in Arizona. Culp made his impact in the NFL as a defensive tackle for the Kansas City Chiefs. Henry Jordan, a Hall of Fame defensive tackle for the Green Bay Packers and Cleveland Browns, wrestled for the University of Virginia, where he was an NCAA runner-up in wrestling in 1957. He also wrestled for Warwick High School in Virginia. Hall of Famer inductee Leo Nomellini, who starred as a defensive tackle for the San Francisco 49ers, was a Big Ten wrestling champion for the University of Minnesota and attended Chicago Crane Technical High School. Offensive guard John Hannah, who starred with the New England Patriots on his way to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, wrestled at Baylor School in Chattanooga, Tenn, where he won a National Prep wrestling title in 1967. Hall of Fame offensive tackle Dan Dierdorf competed in wrestling at the University of Michigan and at Glenwood High School in Ohio. Dierdorf starred in the NFL for the St. Louis Cardinals, and has gone on to a great career as a television football announcer. Dierdorf was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame as an Outstanding American in 1997. Hall of Fame running back Jim Thorpe, who played for a number of different professional teams, was considered the top all-around athlete of his era and perhaps of all time. Wrestling was one of the sports which Thorpe participated in his youth. Thorpe attended Carlisle Indian Industrial Tech in Pennsylvania. A number of Pro Football Hall of Famers did not wrestle in college but were involved in the sport in their youth. Mike Webster, a Hall of Fame center who starred for the Pittsburgh Steelers, was third in the Wisconsin state wrestling meet for Rhinelander High School. Larry Csonka, a Hall of Fame running back for the Miami Dolphins, competed in wrestling in his youth, where he attended Stow High School in Ohio. Hall of Fame defensive back Ronnie Lott of the San Francisco 49ers was a wrestler for Eisenhower High School in California. Hall of Fame offensive guard Randall McDaniel of the Minnesota Vikings was a wrestler who attended Agua Fria High School in Arizona. Bruce Smith, the Hall of Fame defensive end for the Buffalo Bills, was a wrestler who went to Booker T. Washington High School in Virginia. Hall of Fame offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden of the Baltimore Ravens was on the wrestling team at St. Albans School in Washington, D.C. Recognized for their wrestling backgrounds are numerous All Pro players, as well as other prominent athletes who have made an impact in the NFL, including a number of Heisman Trophy winners in college. Among those on the Honor Roll are recently retired NFL star linebacker Ray Lewis, who was a state high school wrestling champion at Kathleen High School in Florida, and current wide receiving star Roddy White of the Atlanta Falcons, a two-time South Carolina state champion for James Island High School. Among those honored who were great wrestlers and NFL stars were Stephen Neal, an offensive guard for the New England Patriots and three-time Super Bowl champion, was also a World champion in freestyle wrestling and a two-time NCAA wrestling champion for Cal-State Bakersfield, as well as Carlton Haselrig, an All Pro offensive guard for the Pittsburgh Steelers, and a three-time NCAA Div. I and three-time NCAA Div. II national wrestling champion for Pitt-Johnstown. Also on the list is Bob Pickens, an offensive guard for the Chicago Bears, who wrestled on the 1964 U.S. Olympic Greco-Roman Wrestling Team. NCAA wrestling champions who played in the NFL included running back Jim Nance of the New England Patriots, who won national titles for Syracuse in 1963 and 1965, and running back Art Baker of the Buffalo Bills, an NCAA champion for Syracuse in 1959. Two-time NCAA wrestling All-Americans who played in the NFL were Bob Golic, a defensive tackle for the Cleveland Browns, Charlie Getty, an offensive tackle for the Kansas City Chiefs and Steve Sefter, a defensive tackle for the Philadelphia Eagles. Golic won his two All-American honors for Notre Dame, while Getty and Sefter were both two-time All-Americans for Penn State. Some of the All-Time NFL Honor Roll selections were NCAA Wrestling All-Americans. John Ward, an offensive tackle for three NFL teams, competed for Oklahoma State. Antonio Garay wrestled at Boston College, and plays defensive tackle in the NFL. Lorenzo Neal wrestled for Fresno State, and has been an All-Pro fullback playing for seven different NFL teams. Ron Essink played offensive tackle for the Seattle Seahawks and wrestled for Grand Valley State. Ralph Cindrich played linebacker in the NFL and went on to become a successful sports agent. Cindrich was an All-American wrestler for Pitt, and was a two-time Pennsylvania state high school runner-up. Heisman Trophy winners who made the All-Time NFL Honor Roll are Archie Griffin, a running back for Ohio State in college and for the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL, and running back Charles White, who won his Heisman for USC and played for the Cleveland Browns. Mike Golic, who wrestled at Notre Dame and played defensive line in the NFL, is a popular broadcaster who appears on the Mike and Mike Show each day. Tony Siragusa, who played defensive tackle for the Baltimore Ravens, was a New Jersey state high school wrestling champion, and is now a featured broadcaster for NFL football games. The list is full of many prominent football names like Bo Jackson, Ricky Williams, twins Ronde and Tiki Barber, Tedy Bruschi, Marvin Lewis and many, many others. This is the first step of a research project by USA Wrestling to document the history of wrestlers who went on to greatness in American football. Those with more information on NFL players who wrestled should contact Gary Abbott of USA Wrestling at gabbott@usawrestling.org Inaugural USA Wrestling All-Time NFL Honor Roll of pro football stars who wrestled Pro Football Hall of Famers (alphabetically) Curley Culp, DT, Kansas City Chiefs, Pro Football Hall of Fame, NCAA wrestling champion Larry Csonka, RB, Miami Dolphins, Pro Football Hall of Fame Dan Dierdorf, OT, St. Louis Cardinals, Pro Football Hall of Fame John Hannah, OG New England Patriots, Pro Football Hall of Fame Henry Jordan, DT, Green Bay Packers, Cleveland Browns, Pro Football Hall of Fame Ronnie Lott, DB, San Francisco 49ers, Pro Football Hall of Fame Randall McDaniel, OG, Minnesota Vikings, Pro Football Hall of Fame Leo Nomellini, DT, San Francisco 49ers, Pro Football Hall of Fame Jonathan Ogden, OT, Baltimore Ravens, Pro Football Hall of Fame Bruce Smith, DE, Buffalo Bills, Washington Redskins, Pro Football Hall of Fame Jim Thorpe, RB, New York Giants, Canton, Cleveland, Oorang, Rock Island, Chicago, Pro Football Hall of Fame Mike Webster, C, Pittsburgh Steelers, Kansas City Chiefs, Pro Football Hall of Fame All-Pro athletes (alphabetically) Ronde Barber, S, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Pro Bowl player Tiki Barber, RB, New York Giants, Pro Bowl player, broadcaster Harris Barton, OT, San Francisco 49ers, Pro Bowl player Brad Benson, OG, New York Giants, Pro Bowl player Jeff Bostic, C, Washington Redskins, Pro Bowl player Bob Bruenig, LB, Dallas Cowboys, Pro Bowl player Tedy Bruschi, LB, New England Patriots, Pro Bowl player, broadcaster Chris Cooley, TE, Washington Redskins, Pro Bowl player Donnie Edwards, LB, San Diego Chargers, Kansas City Chiefs, Pro Bowl player Jim Everett, QB, Los Angeles Rams, New Orleans Saints, Pro Bowl player Bill Fralic, OG, Atlanta Falcons, Detroit Lions, Pro Bowl player Doug France, OT, Los Angeles Rams, Pro Bowl player Darrien Gordon, DB, Special Teams, San Diego Chargers, Denver Broncos, Oakland Raiders, Atlanta Falcons, Green Bay Packers, Pro Bowl Player Jay Hilgenberg, C, Chicago Bears, Pro Bowl player Carlton Haselrig, OG, Pittsburgh Steelers, Pro Bowl player, 3x NCAA wrestling champion La'Roi Glover, DE, Dallas Cowboys, New Orleans Saints, St. Louis Rams, Oakland Raiders, Pro Bowl player Bob Golic, DT, Cleveland Browns, New England Patriots, Los Angeles Raiders, Pro Bowl player Chad Hennings, DT, Dallas Cowboys, 9 seasons, Pro Bowl player, College Football Hall of Fame Tim Krumrie, DT, Cincinnati Bengals, Pro Bowl Player Ray Lewis, LB, Baltimore Ravens, Pro Bowl player Matt Millen, LB, Oakland Raiders, San Francisco 49ers, Washington Redskins, Pro Bowl player Jim Nance, RB, New England Patriots - AFL All-Star Lorenzo Neal, RB, New Orleans Saints, New York Jets, Tampa Bay Bucs, Tennessee Titans, San Diego Chargers, Baltimore Ravens, Oakland Raiders, Pro Bowl player, NCAA Wrestling All-American Mike Pyle, C, Chicago Bears – Pro Bowl player Mike Reid, DT, Cincinnati Bengals, Pro Bowl player, professional musician Jeff Saturday, C, Indianapolis Colts, Green Bay Packers, Pro Bowl player Mark Schlereth, OG, Washington Redskins, Pro Bowl player Fred Smerlas, DT, Buffalo Bills, San Francisco 49ers, New England Patriots, Pro Bowl player Kyle Turley, OT, New Orleans Saints, St. Louis Rams, Kansas City Chiefs, Pro Bowl player Adam Vinitieri, K, New England Patriots, Baltimore Colts, Pro Bowl player Roddy White, WR, Atlanta Falcons, current player, Pro Bowl player Ricky Williams, RB, Miami Dolphins, New Orleans Saints, Baltimore Ravens, Pro Bowl player Steve Wisniewski, OG, Los Angeles/Oakland Raiders, Pro Bowl player Other prominent stars Art Baker, RB, Buffalo Bills, NCAA wrestling champion Ralph Cindrich, LB, Houston Oilers, New England Patriots, Denver Broncos, pro football agent Antonio Garay, DT, San Diego Chargers, New York Jets, Chicago Bears, NCAA Wrestling All-American Ron Essink, OT, Seattle Seahawks, NCAA Wrestling All-American Charlie Getty, OT, Kansas City Chiefs – 2x NCAA Wrestling All-American Bob Golic, DT, Cleveland Browns –2x NCAA wrestling All-American Mike Golic, DL, Philadelphia Eagles, Houston Oilers, Miami Dolphins, 7 years in NFL, broadcaster Archie Griffin, RB, Cincinnati Bengals, 7 year career, Heisman Trophy winner Tim Green, DE, Atlanta Falcons, broadcaster Kelly Gregg, DT, Baltimore Ravens, Philadephia Eagles, Kansas City Chiefs, 12 years in NFL, USA Wrestling Cadet National champion Bo Jackson, RB, Los Angeles Raiders, MLB Chicago White Sox and KC Royals, most famous all-around athlete of his generation John Jurkovich, DT, Green Bay Packers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Cleveland Browns, 9 year career, broadcaster Marvin Lewis, Coach, Cincinnati Bengals, 10 years as head coach Jim Nance, RB, New England Patriots – 2x NCAA Wrestling champion Stephen Neal, OG, New England Patriots, World freestyle Wrestling champion, 2x NCAA Wrestling champion Jim Plunkett, QB, Oakland Raiders, New England Patriots, San Francisco 49ers, Super Bowl MVP Bob Pickens, OT, Chicago Bears, Olympic Greco-Roman wrestler Steve Sefter, DT, Philadelphia Eagles, 2x NCAA Wrestling All-American Tony Siragusa, DT, Baltimore Ravens, Indianapolis Colts, 12 year career, broadcaster Dave Szott, OL, Kansas City Chiefs, Washington Redskins, New York Jets, 4th in USA Wrestling Junior Nationals John Ward, OT, Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Bears, Tampa Bay Bucs, NCAA Wrestling All-American Scott Wells, C, St. Louis Rams, Green Bay Packers, 3x USA Wrestling Cadet National champion Charles White, RB, Cleveland Browns, Los Angeles Rams, nine year career, Heisman Trophy Coy Wire, S, Buffalo Bills

The IOC wrestling vote looms huge on the horizon, and I've been talking about the international wrestling scene for months now, and frankly, I'm a little sick of it. There's too much stuff I find difficult to understand in international wrestling, and too much I'd like to learn, but am unable to discover. Fortunately a simpler, easier to understand type of wrestling is just around the corner. College wrestlers have started their pre-season workouts, and will continue going hard, working themselves to the bone, through March. In a look forward to the coming college wrestling season, and because people seem to love lists, I've compiled a list of teams that may surprise at the 2014 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships. We all know that Penn State, Minnesota, Oklahoma State, Iowa and Oklahoma will field teams lousy with talent. I wanted to shine the light on some programs which will receive a little less attention. This list comes with a few caveats: First, I am the sole arbiter of what constitutes "surprising." In most sports this would be what is known as a list of "mid-major powers" but in a sport where Edinboro and Cornell regularly occupy a spot in the county's top ten, there is no such thing as mid-majors. Instead, this is a list of teams which have a shot at multiple All-Americans this year but whom I don't believe are on many radars. I probably should have included Hofstra, but I'm taking a wait-and-see approach with their team. This list only considers tournament team strength. If I've snubbed a wrestler, or a team, I apologize in advance. 10. Eastern Michigan Yes, Eastern Michigan. Derek Delporto is still a very good coach. EMU returns three redshirt seniors who have had a win at the NCAA tournament, Nick Whitenburg at 197, Phillip Joseph at 174 and Jared Germaine at 125. (Germaine's NCAA win came in 2012.) Their roster also features Michigan transfer Brandon Zeerip, who looks to make one more big run in his college career. A surprisingly strong recruiting class may also yield a surprise. 9. American Mark Cody is gone, but Teague Moore returns a team that could do big things at NCAAs if everything comes together. At 197, Dan Mitchell is back after a redshirt and looks to qualify for his fourth NCAA tournament. He has the talent to beat anyone. Additionally, American features Blake Herrin, the "Alabama Slammer," who won a match at last year's national tournament. David Terao, a wrestler who flirted with a top 20 ranking all year, returns at 125. 8. Old Dominion A rash of transfers might be cause for alarm, but ODU and head coach Steve Martin are coming into this season with some national-caliber firepower. Chris Mecate returns from a stellar freshman campaign with the capability to place high at nationals. Other than Mecate, ODU doesn't return much in the way of NCAA points, but their team features an NCAA qualifier-level wrestler at almost every weight, along with some high profile true freshmen. Add to the mix notable junior college transfers, the Geoghegan brothers, and you have a room deep with talent and with intense competition at many weights. Look for big years out of Jerome Robinson, a big time talent at 125, and Kevin Beazley at 197, who just got home from competing in Greco at Junior Worlds. (Note: ODU has a tough incumbent 197-pounder in Jacob Henderson, Beazley is not guaranteed the spot.) 7. Bloomsburg I spent a good bit of time writing about Bloomsburg last year, but I still put them in the "surprise" category. Coach John Stutzman may be gone, but Jason Meester takes over a program with a ton of remaining talent. Seniors Justin Grant at 285, Richard Perry at 197, John Veltre at 165, and Nick Wilcox at 133 are all capable at making big runs in March. Ugi returns for The Citadel (Photo/John Sachs, Tech-Fall.com)6. The Citadel We could be living in a world where The Citadel has two All-Americans two years in row. NCAA semifinalist Ugi is back at 141, and Turtogtokh Luvsandorj returns from redshirt at either 174 or 184. Luvsandorj, also from Mongolia, by way of Newark N.J., has been ranked extremely high at points in his career and was two matches from placing at the 2012 NCAA tournament. Matt Frisch, an NCAA qualifier at 157, also returns. 5. North Carolina State During the last year Binghamton transfer Nick Gwiazdowski has proven that he is a serious threat to win a national championship at heavyweight, his presence alone vaults the Wolfpack up in these rankings. N.C. State will also enjoy the services of JUCO stud Ryan Fox at 174, as well as NCAA qualifiers Joe DeAngelo at 125, Sam Speno at 133 and Nijel Jones at 165. Combine this with a nice recruiting class and you have the recipe for a big turnaround in Raleigh. Steven Monk reached the round of 12 (Photo/The Guillotine)4. North Dakota State Roger Kish and the Bison are for real. This year's team loses All-American Trent Sprenkle but returns a team loaded with talent. Look for 165-pounder Steven Monk to contend for high All-American honors, and Tyler Lehman to burst onto the college scene as a ready-made star at 197 after some very impressive work on the freestyle circuit. Heavyweight Evan Knutson also returns to Fargo after going 1-2 at NCAAs last year, as well as some tough kids coming off redshirt. 3. Ohio University I don't remember the last time we've seen this much talent coming out of Athens, Ohio. The Bobcats return two past All-Americans in Jeremy Johnson at 285 and Cody Walters at 174, and the upper part of their lineup is loaded with talent. 157-pounder Spartak Chino returns after a 1-2 finish at NCAAs last year, while Phil Wellington comes back for his sophomore season after posting a 2-2 record at NCAAs. KeVon Powell returns at 125 after qualifying for nationals, and the Bobcats also will enjoy major contributions from two former Virginia Tech wrestlers, Ty Mitch and Harrison Hightower. 2. North Carolina Don't look now, but if the planets align we might see the Tarheels crack the top ten at NCAAs next year. I'm serious. The much maligned tenure of head coach C.D. Mock has assembled a team with serious talent. Evan Henderson returns after a sixth-place finish at NCAAs, along with round of 12 finishers Nathan Kraisser at 125 and John Staudenmeyer at 165. In addition, UNC returns two more wrestlers with a win a last year's NCAA tournament: Joey Ward at 133 and Alex Utley at 184. Throw in some talent coming off redshirt, and tough recruits, and you have a recipe for a huge 2014 in Chapel Hill. 1. Northern Iowa Last year was just an appetizer. This year Doug Schwab leads the Panthers back to national prominence. The Panthers return 184-pound Ryan Loder and a wealth of additional talent. Both Levi Wolfensperger and Joe Lazor are back after finishing in the round of 12 at last year's NCAAs. 174-pounder Cody Caldwell is back and could make noise on the national level, and Dylan Peters at 125 could do big things if they fit him into the lineup. The biggest news for the Panthers, however, is the reinstatement of Joe Colon, who could place very high at the national tournament, most likely at 133 pounds.

Billy Baldwin

UFC 164 had an intriguing main card, and last weekend's action more than lived up to the hype. With the fights in the rear view mirror, what's next for Anthony Pettis now that he's won the lightweight title? Can Josh Barnett contend at heavyweight after thumping Frank Mir? How does the featherweight division look after impressive wins by Chad Mendes and Dustin Poirier? Richard and John answer those questions and preview Bellator's upcoming event, headlined by a middleweight title defense by Alexander Shlemenko against Brett Cooper. Do you want to listen to a past episode? Access archives.

Wright Thompson and Dan Gable will go "On the Mat" this Wednesday, Sept. 4. “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. A podcast of the show is available on theopenmat.com. E-mail dgmstaff@nwhof.org with any questions or comments. Thompson is a senior writer for ESPN.com and ESPN: The Magazine. He was also the narrator for two 30 for 30 films on ESPN. Thompson recently wrote “The Losses of Dan Gable” for ESPN. Gable is the namesake of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum. He won a gold medal at the 1972 Munich Olympics without surrendering a point. Gable also coached the University of Iowa wrestling team (1977-1997) to 15 NCAA championships.

The wrestling community is eagerly anticipating the release of "Foxcatcher," the movie about legendary wrestling brothers Mark and Dave Schultz. The Hollywood movie -- starring Channing Tatum as Mark Schultz, Mark Ruffalo as Dave Schultz, and Steve Carell as John du Pont, Dave's murderer -- is slated for release to theaters Dec. 20. However, wrestling fans may not be aware that a documentary about Dave Schultz has been in the works for a number of years, a project guided by Nancy Schultz, Dave's widow, along with filmmaker Jon Greenhalgh, and executive producers Jeremy Bailer and Ben Hatta. This documentary -- yet to be officially titled, but referred to by those working on the film as "The Dave Schultz Project" -- has an anticipated release date within a month or so of the "Foxcatcher" movie arriving in theaters at Christmastime. Years in the making Dave SchultzThis documentary is NOT a quick response to the upcoming "Foxcatcher" film, directed by Bennett Miller ... but a long-in-the-works project by individuals who have long been a part of the wrestling community. "We've been working on this project for about five years," said Nancy Schultz. "However, I was hesitant to give John du Pont any more publicity. He continued to harass us even from prison, having our kids followed." "Once he died, it opened the door to really move forward with the project." John du Pont died in a Pennsylvania prison in December 2010. In addition to Nancy Schultz, other major players in the Dave Schultz documentary project include filmmakers Jon Greenhalgh and John Hyams, who worked together on "The Smashing Machine," the well-received 2002 documentary on former wrestler-turned-MMA phenom Mark Kerr. Jon Greenhalgh is also the son of Sonny Greenhalgh, who, for decades, was in charge of the wrestling program at the New York Athletic Club. Executive producer Jeremy Bailer also has deep roots in the sport of wrestling. "I started wrestling in the third grade," Bailer told InterMat. "I grew up in northwest New Jersey, and wrestled in high school. I played other sports too but wrestling was the only sport that gave me the skills to use in the real world." "That's why I'm doing this documentary. Our film -- along with "Foxcatcher" -- will help others see the value of wrestling." Bailer went to the University of Pennsylvania, where, as he put it, "my coach was tight with Dave and Nancy. Many of the other Penn wrestlers had worked out with Dave when I was a freshman." (The Foxcatcher estate, where John du Pont lived and had established a training facility for international wrestling, is located outside Philadelphia, home to Penn.) Years later, Bailer established his career as someone who raises funds to make independent films. "Nancy was working on trying to raise money for a documentary," said Bailer. "I wanted to help Nancy." "Our project has been well underway for at least a year-and-a-half to two years." The structure of the documentary When asked to describe the structure of the Dave Schultz documentary, Jeremy Bailer responded, "It's essentially the same story as 'Foxcatcher.'" A key element of that story would be the Jan. 1996 murder of Dave Schultz as he was working on his car in front of the house where he, Nancy and their two young children, Danielle and Alexander, lived on the Foxcatcher estate where he served as wrestling coach. Schultz was shot in the head by John du Pont, owner of the estate and the training facility, and financial supporter of international-style wrestling in the U.S., who then barricaded himself in his mansion on the estate grounds until he surrendered to police days later. Both Bailer and Nancy Schultz stated that the "Foxcatcher" movie is based on Mark Schultz's story, and is based on his perspective as the younger brother of Dave. Nancy SchultzAs Nancy put it, "'Foxcatcher' is very much Mark Schultz's story, based on truth. In our documentary, we want to focus on Dave, how he got started, and all aspects of his life, without forgetting his great personality that made him a hero in places like Russia and Iran." "We will have interviews with Dave's high school coach, his teammates back then and in college. We'll also show our kids today, and show how the wrestling family has done such a great job taking care of us." Bailer's goal for the documentary is to tell the story of two brothers in wrestling to be from a multi-dimensional perspective, saying, "I want to see Nancy's story, Mark's story, Dave's story, and other wrestlers' stories." "From the beginning, we wanted to be respectful of Nancy." "We're going to have an awesome film," said Bailer. "It'll be an intense portrait of what happened." The executive producer continued, "It's not a wrestling movie, it's a murder documentary. A high-profile, rich-man murder documentary." "We've been doing interviews with family members, wrestlers who were on the (Foxcatcher) farm as well as high-profile wrestlers and coaches of that era, along with prosecutors, lawyers and others." To provide a sense of the scope of the project, Jeremy Bailer told InterMat, "We've shot over 800 hours of footage." Nancy Schultz echoed Bailer's statements by saying, "Jon Greenhalgh and John Hyams have interviewed hundreds of people, the D.A., prosecutors, John's (du Pont) lawyers, wrestlers." "We have tons of film, including home movies, and wrestling footage from Olympics, Goodwill Games, and more," Schultz continued. "I just spent five days in Boise (Idaho) with the guy who was USA Wrestling's videographer, who has a garage-full of tapes. Over the years, I think we've taken twelve to sixteen trips just to find footage." "We plan to incorporate action footage and still photos to tell the story. To transport you back to Foxcatcher during time period from 1986 to 1996." Cooperation, not competition It would be easy to imagine -- incorrectly -- that there might be some competition between the team putting together the Dave Schultz documentary, and those working on the "Foxcatcher" Hollywood movie. Instead, there is a spirit of cooperation. "Nancy and Mark Ruffalo have worked together on �Foxcatcher'" according to Jeremy Bailer. "I've been on the set of �Foxcatcher' a few times," added Nancy Schultz. "Everyone working on that movie is fantastic." "Both Mark Ruffalo and Channing Tatum have said they'd help promote our documentary." A positive experience In talking about the long process in assembling the elements of the documentary, Nancy Schultz told InterMat, "It was exciting to put together. Very rewarding." "It's been so much fun to introduce folks to each other. Wonderful to see how open people are to sharing their stories and experiences." "The highlights are incredible," Schultz added. "Jaws will drop. We have thousands of photos to share." "It's been 17 years since Dave's death, and people are still very much interested in it." "Our film will answer questions, and ask others," Schultz continued. "We want to let people come to their own conclusions." As Jeremy Bailer put it, "Without John du Pont, we would not have had the success we had in international wrestling in the late 1980s and into the 90s. So, a prime question has to be: How did du Pont go from being a philanthropist to a crazed murderer?" "We're getting closer to the finish line. We're working to be done by the end of the year," said Bailer. "We need to get the film down to a final cut, then shop it around," said Bailer. "Our goal is to have it in theaters, but TV is an option."

When college wrestling fans learned of the elimination of the wrestling program at Boston University on April 1, the first thought was, "This has to be a cruel April Fools' Day joke." Sadly, for the Boston Terriers wrestlers, coaches and fans, it was no joke ... but a cruel reality. Their program would be gone at the completion of the 2013-14 season. Now, two documentary filmmakers are embarking on a project to chronicle that last season of Boston University wrestling -- and, ideally, help save the program -- with a new documentary film titled "It Hurts to Win." Wrestling fans from Boston and beyond are invited to help make this film a reality ... by supporting its online fundraising campaign. The "It Hurts to Win" documentary fundraising website describes the film as "the story of the final season of the Boston University wrestling program. After being unexpectedly dropped at the end of the 2012-2013 season, the Terriers were given one final year (2013-2014) to compete and represent the university. This film will document the season, the wrestlers, the coaches, and the local wrestling community. Additionally, the film will also attempt to further investigate why the men's wrestling program was so unexpectedly and unceremoniously dropped." Background on the decision to eliminate BU wrestling Carl AdamsCarl Adams, a two-time NCAA champ for Iowa State in the early 1970s (and a teammate of Olympic medalists Ben Peterson and Chris Taylor), had come to Boston University in 1981 to become head coach. Under Adams' leadership, the Terriers compiled a 292-195-7 overall record. In the past three decades, BU had sent 61 wrestlers to the NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships for a total of 96 appearances; four earned All-American honors. The decision to axe the Boston University wrestling program was announced on April 1, ten days after the conclusion of the 2013 NCAAs. In making the announcement, BU's Director of Athletics Mike Lynch said, "This obviously been a very difficult decision to make. I understand the impact this will have on our staff and students. However, we have to strategically use our resources in the most efficient and effective manner, and the decision to move forward without wrestling, though difficult, is the right one for Boston University." Senior Vice President Todd Klipp added, "Like all University academic and administrative units, the Department of Athletics is constantly assessing its strategic priorities. That process can necessitate making difficult decisions like this one." With the announcement, BU made it clear that all student-athletes currently receiving wrestling scholarships would have those scholarships honored for the remainder of their undergraduate careers at the school. Wrestlers seeking to continue their athletic careers at other schools would be eligible to transfer immediately under NCAA guidelines. Nearly half of the 25-man wrestling team roster were juniors at the time of the announcement. The decision to continue the program one more season was so these members of the Class of 2014 could complete their academic and wrestling careers at Boston University, according to the school's press statement. Meet the filmmakers Michael AbelsonThe filmmakers, Michael Abelson and Brandon Lavoie, bring unique, complimentary experiences to "It Hurts to Win." "My father wrestled in high school, and took me to a lot of meets," Abelson, a 2013 journalism graduate from the University of Rhode Island, told InterMat. "The NCAAs are a must-see TV event in our household." In addition to being a lifelong wrestling fan, Abelson is a sportswriter who has written for publications throughout New England, including ESPN Boston, the Eagle-Tribune and the New Hampshire Union Leader. Lavoie, a lacrosse player, attends Emerson College where he is currently earning a degree in film production, with focuses in directing and cinematography. Brandon was a member of the production crew at the 2013 Tribeca Film Festival and has assisted on many student and professional film sets, including the short film "Caleb," the "Black & White Tribeca Interview Series," and "Key Ingredients," a film-inspired cooking event hosted by The Food Network in conjunction with Tribeca Film. Brandon LavoieAccording to the film's fundraising website, "Brandon's knowledge of film production, direction, and camerawork will compliment Michael's expertise and experience with collegiate athletics and his ability to ask meaningful questions in important interviews. As a team, we not only believe that we can succeed in this task and make this film, but that we can do it in the most compelling way possible." A vision for this film "There are lots of layers to this story," Lavoie told InterMat. "For starters, look at what Coach Adams has built. He's turned kids into men. Men who are now winners in life, in their careers." "The program is nationally recognized for its graduation rate across all sports," Lavoie continued. Given those successes, why did Boston University eliminate its wrestling program? "Coach Adams said they were blindsided by the decision," said Lavoie. "The school hasn't really said why the program is being eliminated," said Abelson. "The school has not provided a direct answer." A goal of "It Hurts to Win" is to seek answers to those questions ... and provide a platform for Terrier wrestlers and coaches. "We want to let them tell their stories, as well as answer bigger questions," said Lavoie. "We seek to provide answers as to why things like this happen." "We've talked to Coach Adams and the wrestlers, and they are 100% on board," said Abelson. Using crowdsourcing as a fundraising tool The makers of "It Hurts to Win" anticipate it will take $25,000 to complete their documentary on the final season of the Boston University wrestling program. According to their fundraising website, that budget would cover travel expenses (so the filmmakers can accompany the team on road trips), production equipment (cameras and related accessories), post-production, and festival submissions (submitting the completed film to festivals to ensure wider distribution). To bring their film to reality, Abelson and Lavoie have chosen to raise funds online. "As a film school student, I saw a lot of folks go to crowdsourcing websites such as Kickstarter or indiegogo," said Brandon Lavoie. With that in mind, the two filmmakers have created a fundraising website at indiegogo, which allows wrestling supporters to contribute financially to the making of the movie quickly and easily online. However, as Lavoie points out, "Crowdsourcing websites are time-sensitive. There's a 30-day window for accepting gifts." "We're actively seeking help from the entire wrestling community," said Mike Abelson. "We don't want to let another wrestling program to die quietly in a tiny article in the back of the newspaper." "Alumni is doing what they can to save the program." Abelson continued. "We're trying to tell the program's story and see what ultimately happens." As the makers of "It Hurts to Win" state on their fundraising website, "Our hope is that the audience will leave the film with a better understanding of who is affected when a collegiate athletics program is cut, and the emotional toll it takes on all of the individuals involved. Especially with a sport like wrestling, the loss of a program is much more than a small brief in the sports section; it's the loss of a passion. It is also our hope to convey that at the base of everything, this is an emotional story of loss, betrayal and perseverance in the face of adversity -- which are all very relatable to the lives of most people." To make a financial contribution to the making of this documentary -- and to learn other ways to support the filmmakers' efforts -- visit the fundraising website for "It Hurts to Win" and follow their progress on Twitter.