InterMat Staff

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! Join Takedown Wrestling Host Scott Casber, Ryan Freeman and Brad Johnson with the Takedown Wrestling Headline News. Listen Saturdays 9 to 11 a.m. CT/10 a.m. to 12 noon ET. 9:01: Iowa's Van Meter High School athletic director Rick Roberts to talk about the third annual FanFest and Silent Auction on Sat. 4:30-7:30 p.m. For details call 515-975-4883 9:20: Marty Morgan -- Former University of Minnesota assistant coach, now trainer for two-time NCAA heavyweight champ Cole Konrad who has a Bellator MMA fight this weekend 9:40: Cory Cooperman -- assistant coach at Rutgers University 9:50: Ty Barkley -- Max Muscle Sports Nutrition Update 10:01: Logan Stieber -- won a silver medal at the Junior World Championships in Bucharest, who will be wrestling for Ohio State 10:20: Ellis Coleman -- The Master of the Flying Squirrel. It's not easy for a 66 kg wrestler from Northern Michigan University to be a You Tube sensation, but Ellis Coleman pulled off one of the more interesting moves you'll ever see. Coleman, airborne at the whistle, flew over Mehdi Chooli Zeidvand of Iran and flipped him on his head before he knew what happened. Coleman went on to win the match, and was awarded the bronze medal in his weight division with the move he calls "the flying squirrel" 10:40: Henry Priest -- Producer of the new wrestling movie "Beyond the Mat" 10:50: Maureen Roshar -- Wildrose Casino and Resort Clinton, Iowa Takedown Wrestling is available on radio on AM 1460 KXNO in Iowa, online at Livesportsvideo.com, or on your Blackberry or iPhone with the iHeart Radio App.

Jamill Kelly

Related Link: Well-traveled Stroker has high goals One of the nation's top incoming freshmen, Fredy Stroker (Bettendorf, Iowa), has registered for the 2011 InterMat JJ Classic at 106 pounds. Stroker was a Cadet National Greco-Roman All-American this summer in Fargo. Fredy Stroker (Photo/Dave Jedlicka, jedicheetah.com)

DEKALB, Ill. -- Six home dates, including the annual NIU Showcase Meet, and a trip to Northwestern highlight the 2011-12 Northern Illinois wrestling schedule, which was unveiled Thursday by head coach Ryan Ludwig. Overall, the team will compete in 17 duals and five regular season tournaments during the season as they search for the program's 500th dual win. Currently, the Huskies have accumulated 490 dual victories since the wrestling program was established in 1931. “I'm extremely pleased with the way it came together,” Ludwig said. “We've got a great mix of teams from the west coast and out east – a lot of teams we don't traditionally see here in the Midwest.” After the Wrestle Offs on Oct. 29, Ludwig and the Huskies will open their dual schedule on Nov. 6, when they welcome Stanford and Division III power North Central to the Chick Evans Field House. The triangular will be the first wrestling meet at the venerable facility since Feb. 8, 2002, when NIU toppled SIU-Edwardsville, 37-9. “We're looking at doing a bit of a throwback situation with the crowd there getting a good feel,” the first year head coach said. “It will let our guys experience a different venue, maybe a little like it was in the beginning of the Huskie days.” The team will head to East Lansing, Mich., the following weekend for the Michigan State Open, which annually features some of the best wrestlers in the Midwest. Two weeks later, the Huskies will battle Indiana, SIU-Edwardsville and Campbell in the Hoosier Duals. NIU returns home on Dec. 1, when they host Big Ten foe Purdue in the annual Showcase Meet. The meet with the Boilermakers will be the first time the two schools have meet since Nov. 15, 2008, when Purdue topped the Huskies, 32-9. The Huskies will wrap up the 2011 half of their dual slate on Dec. 21, when they open their Mid-American Conference slate against Kent State, while also facing Cleveland State and Cumberland inside the Convocation Center. Despite having a daunting non-conference schedule, Ludwig believes the true test for the Huskies this year will come from within the conference. “We wrestle teams from all around the country as far as the Pac-12 to the Big Ten, but it always boils down to Mid-American Conference competition,” he said. “That's the true litmus test and the ultimate goal is to win the MAC title.” Following a year-end trip to Evanston, Ill., for the Midlands Championships, the NIU grapplers ring in 2012 with a Jan. 8 dual with Lock Haven. The team then embarks on a month-long road trip that takes them to Ohio (Jan. 13), Central Michigan (Jan. 20), Eastern Michigan (Jan. 22) and Northwestern (Feb. 3) before they return to the Convocation Center Feb. 12 against Tiffin and SIUE. The Huskies wrap up their regular season with a Senior Day match-up against Buffalo on Feb. 18, then head to Athens, Ohio, for the 2012 MAC Wrestling Championships on March 4. NIU will also be looking to extend their 40-year streak of sending at least one wrestler to the NCAA National Championships, which will take place March 15-17 in St. Louis.

With the high school wrestling season's start fast 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. New Hampshire saw one of its most talented groups of seniors graduate in the spring and will be looking to replace their void in 2012. Among the 2011 graduates include three Division 1 signees, as well as four junior college signees. Among this year's seniors include two NHSCA All-Americans, as well as a Prep All-American. Zachary Bridson1. Zachary Bridson (Timberlane) Projected 2011-12 High School Weight Class: 120 Projected College Weight Class: 125 Analysis: Bridson is looking to become a member of an elite group in New England, a four-time New England placewinner, as well as a four-time Division 1 state champ. He has been instrumental in leading the Timberlane Owls to three straight New England titles (four in a row). In the process he has been a New England champ, runner-up, and third-place finisher, as well as a prestigious Beast of the East champion and NHSCA All-American. He has compiled a 135-10 record and is looking to break the schools all time win record of 181 wins this season. Bridson is an honor roll student with a 3.3 GPA and is looking to study criminal justice in college. 2. Steven Dwight (Manchester Memorial) Projected 2011-12 High School Weight Class: 285 Projected College Weight Class: 285 Analysis: Dwight is a tremendous two-sport athlete in both wrestling and football. It should come as no surprise that Dwight excels in football as his father was a former NFL player for the Atlanta Falcons. He is a three-time Division 1 state placewinner, as well as a two-time New England placewinner. Dwight also placed third in NHSCSA Juniors this past year. After dropping his first match to a Pennsylvania state runner-up, Dwight won seven straight matches to finish third, avenging his earlier loss in the process. He is also a tremendous power lifter and has won multiple competitions up and down the east coast. Dwight's numbers include an impressive 400-plus bench press, and 650-plus squat. He is being heavily recruited for both football and wrestling and boasts an impressive 3.2 GPA. Tanner Burke3. Tanner Burke (Pinkerton) Projected 2011-12 High School Weight Class: 145 Projected College Weight Class: 141/149 Analysis: Burke is looking to become the next member in the elite four-time state championship club. He has won three titles at three different weights. He finished his junior campaign 33-1, including undefeated at 125, losing his only match of the season up a weight to a Massachusetts state champ. He took third at the prestigious 60-team Lowell Holiday Invitational. An impressive 3.5 GPA for Pinkerton Academy, Burke also volunteer coaches at the YMCA club and is a member of Future Business Leaders of America and Distributive Education Clubs of America. 4. David Welch (Tilton) Projected 2011-12 High School Weight Class: 170/182 Projected College Weight Class: 174/184 Analysis: Welch has battled injury his entire high school career, but finally completed a full season injury-free as a junior, and the results were tremendous. A Prep New England championship and a seventh-place finish at Prep Nationals showed what Welch can do when healthy. A physical specimen to look at, he is intimidating to all opponents. He is a dark horse contender for a Prep National championship this upcoming season. 5. Josh Medeiros (Pelham) Projected 2011-12 High School Weight Class: 113/120 Projected College Weight Class: 125 Analysis: Medeiros has been a mainstay in New Hampshire wrestling the last three years while racking up three Division 2 State titles. He excels on his feet and is nonstop attacking for six minutes. Medeiros plans to take his wrestling to the next level and compete during college. 6. Joey Page (Nashua North) Projected 2011-12 High School Weight Class: 152/160 Projected College Weight Class: 157/165 Analysis: Page was a state champion from Nashua North High School at 152 pounds this past season. He is a combination of both speed and power and excels from the neutral position. He is looking to repeat his state performance this season, as well as add a New England title to his resume. Casey Quinn7. Casey Quinn (Hollis Brookline) Projected 2011-12 High School Weight Class: 160/170 Projected College Weight Class: 165 Analysis: Quinn won his first Division 2 state title this past season in dominating fashion. After flying under the radar as a sophomore, Quinn went into the state tournament with only one loss as a junior and lost in the finals to the eventual New England champion by decision. He will contend again for top state honors this season. 8. Mike Ponchak (Winnacunnet) Projected 2011-12 High School Weight Class: 132/138 Projected College Weight Class: 133/141 Analysis: Ponchak is a three-sport varsity athlete at Winnacunnet where he excels both academically with a 3.3 GPA and athletically. He is a two-time state finalist, winning the title as a junior for Winnacunnet. Ponchak is a tough competitor and excels with his mat wrestling and is fierce on top with legs. He will be looking for a third straight trip to the state finals and a second championship. 9. Dan Roger (Londonderry) Projected 2011-12 High School Weight Class: 120/126 Projected College Weight Class: 125 Analysis: Roger had a successful junior campaign for Londonderry this past season at 119 pounds. He can typically be found getting his nose plugged during his matches as he is always taking his physical style to his opponents. He is relentless from neutral and can score from any position. An honor roll student with a 3.5 GPA, Roger represents New Hampshire wrestling well. As Division 1 state champ, he will be looking to uphold that title another year. 10. Zach Hicks (Salem) Projected 2011-12 High School Weight Class: 145/152 Projected College Weight Class: 149 Analysis: Hicks is a name that has been around New Hampshire wrestling for quite a while. A two-time state finalist, Hicks always seems to peak at the right moment. He has jumped six weight classes since his freshman year and never missed a beat. Tough on top and always looking to turn his opponent, Hicks will surely be looking at a spot atop the podium this winter. Honorable Mention: Moises Diaz (Manchester Memorial) Zach Daigle (Pinkerton) Luke Morrier (Timberlane) Will Smith (Timberlane) David Garcia (Manchester Memorial) Joey Fitzwater (Manchester Memorial) Anthony Valentin (Manchester Central) Alex Lira (Salem) Tyler Wilson (Londonderry) Jonathan Scheidegger (Sanborn) Team Outlook Division 1: Timberlane has reigned supreme in New Hampshire for the past two decades, winning 18 state titles in 19 seasons, including 11 in a row. Timberlane has also won a record nine New England titles, as well as four in a row. Teams to watch: Manchester Memorial, Salem, Concord, and Manchester Central. Division 2: Goffstown is the returning state champion, but Merrimack and Winnacunnet will be battling them for the team title. Teams to watch: Con Val, Bedford, Milford Division 3: Plymouth ran away with the Division 3 title last year and is always among the cream of the crop. Also in the running is Newcomer Windham, a program that in its first varsity season fielded an impressive squad and produced state champion Tyler Siverhus. Teams to watch: Pelham, Bow

NDIANAPOLIS, IN -- More fans attend high school basketball and football events than the same sports at the college and professional levels combined, according to a survey conducted by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS). During the 2009-10 school year, approximately 336 million fans attended high school regular-season and playoff games in football and girls and boys basketball – more than 2½ times the 133 million spectators who attended events in those sports at the college and professional levels. In addition, attendance at events in the top 16 high school sports from a participation standpoint was approximately 510 million during the 2009-10 school year, including 468 million during regular-season events and 42 million for state association playoff contests. The NFHS surveyed high school athletic directors at small (up to 1,000 enrollment), medium (1,000 to 2,200) and large (more than 2,220) high schools and multiplied the average regular-season attendance (based on the schools that responded) in each sport by the number of schools in each enrollment category that sponsor the sport. A similar method was used to determine overall attendance at postseason events conducted by NFHS member state associations. In addition to basketball and football, others sports included in the survey were baseball, cross country, field hockey, golf, ice hockey, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, tennis, track and field, volleyball, water polo and wrestling. Where applicable, attendance for both boys and girls contests was included. When combining attendance at regular-season girls and boys contests, basketball led the way with about 170 million fans, followed closely by football with 166 million. Soccer ranked third at 24 million, followed by baseball (20 million), volleyball (17 million), softball (15.8 million), wrestling (10 million), track and field (6.6 million), ice hockey (6 million), swimming and diving (4.8 million), lacrosse (4.5 million), cross country (3 million), water polo (1.8 million), tennis (1.8 million), golf (1.3 million) and field hockey (800,000). While there are about 40 sports listed in the NFHS High School Athletics Participation Survey, the remaining sports not included in the attendance survey have minimal participation numbers nationally and would collectively add fewer than a million spectators annually. This is the first attempt (through the means of a survey) by the NFHS, the national leadership organization for high school athletic and performing arts activities, to determine national attendance figures at the high school level. “This first-of-its-kind survey of attendance figures at the high school level is certainly a great sign that high school sports continue to be a big part of communities throughout our nation,” said Bob Gardner, NFHS executive director. “A ticket to a high school sporting event remains one of the best values for the entertainment dollar.” About the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) The NFHS, based in Indianapolis, Indiana, is the national leadership organization for high school sports and performing arts activities. Since 1920, the NFHS has led the development of education-based interscholastic sports and performing arts activities that help students succeed in their lives. The NFHS sets direction for the future by building awareness and support, improving the participation experience, establishing consistent standards and rules for competition, and helping those who oversee high school sports and activities. The NFHS writes playing rules for 17 sports for boys and girls at the high school level. Through its 50 member state associations and the District of Columbia, the NFHS reaches more than 19,000 high schools and 11 million participants in high school activity programs, including more than 7.6 million in high school sports. As the recognized national authority on interscholastic activity programs, the NFHS conducts national meetings; sanctions interstate events; offers online publications and services for high school coaches and officials; sponsors professional organizations for high school coaches, officials, speech and debate coaches, and music adjudicators; serves as the national source for interscholastic coach training; and serves as a national information resource of interscholastic athletics and activities. For more information, visit the NFHS Web site at www.nfhs.org.

Related Link: Indiana's 2011-12 Schedule BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Head coach Duane Goldman has released the 2011-12 IU Wrestling schedule this week. The Hoosiers begin competition on Nov. 5 at the Eastern Michigan Open and are slated to host six home events, including a Big Ten dual match versus the conference's newest member, Nebraska (Jan. 20). Coach Goldman and his crew head to the state of Michigan on back-to-back Saturdays in early November, wrestling at the EMU Open and Michigan State Open (Nov. 12). Indiana then returns to Bloomington for the next two competitions, playing host for the IU Quad (Nov. 18) and Hoosier Duals (Nov. 26). Three dual matches are scheduled for each of those events; with IU taking on Central Missouri State, Calumet College of St. Joseph and Lindsey Wilson College in the IU Quad while the Hoosier Duals welcome in Northern Illinois, SIU-Edwardsville and Campbell. The weekend of Dec. 10 is currently open, but Coach Goldman expects the Hoosiers to fill that date very soon. Big Ten action starts on Dec. 18 with a road bout at Ohio State. The complete league slate is: Dec. 18 - at Ohio State, 2 pm EST Jan. 6 - IOWA, 7 pm Jan. 13 - at Michigan, 7 pm Jan. 15 - at Michigan State, 2 pm Jan. 20 - NEBRASKA, 7 pm Jan. 29 - ILLINOIS, 2 pm Feb. 5 - PURDUE, 2 pm Feb. 17 - at Northwestern, 7 pm (central time) Additional non-conference showdowns include the ultra-competitive Southern Scuffle (Jan. 1-2), hosted by the University of Chattanooga this season, and dual matches at or on a neutral mat versus SIU-Edwardsville and South Dakota State on Feb. 3 and North Carolina State, VMI and Gardner Webb on Feb. 12.

Related Link: Cornell's 2011-12 Schedule ITHACA, N.Y. -- The Big Red wrestling team has released its 2011-12 schedule that is filled with action at home on East Hill. Cornell will play host to six dual matches, the Body Bar Invitational, the New York State Intercollegiate championships and is a regional site for the National Duals. Coming off a second-place NCAA finish a year ago, Rob Koll's Big Red team opens its season at home against Minnesota on Friday, Nov. 18 at Newman Arena. The Golden Gophers finished seventh at the NCAA tournament last season. Cornell and Minnesota squared off at the 2011 National Duals, with the Big Red earning a 20-16 victory. One day later, the Big Red will play host to the Body Bar System Invitational in Newman Arena. Cornell will face competition from Army, Binghamton, Buffalo, Clarion, Drexel, Ithaca College, Kent State, Lock Haven, Minnesota, Sacred Heart and Virginia. The Big Red travels to Las Vegas, Nev. to defend its 2010 Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational title on Dec. 2-3 before breaking for the winter holidays. In its first action of the new year, Cornell will compete at the Southern Scuffle, held for the first time in Chattanooga, Tenn. Cornell will take on EIWA foe Lehigh at home on Jan. 8 before opening its Ivy slate. The Big Red will be in search for its 10th straight Ivy League title and looks to extend its 48-match conference win streak beginning Jan. 14 when it heads to Penn and Princeton. On Jan. 21-22, the Big Red will play host to the New York State Intercollegiate championships with the junior varsity competing against the best teams in the state. A week later, Cornell will hit the road for a dual match on the campus of perennial powerhouse Iowa State. On Sunday, Feb. 12, Cornell will welcome Central Michigan, Oklahoma, Purdue, Illinois and American to Newman Arena as a regional location for the NWCA/Cliff Keen Division I National Dual Meet Championship. There are four regional competitions from which the final team from each location will advance to the championship on Feb. 19. The final event will be held on one of the final team's campuses. The National Duals rounds out Cornell's dual schedule. The Big Red will be in search of its sixth-straight EIWA team title on March 3-4 at Princeton. The 2012 NCAA championships return to St. Louis, Mo. March 15-17. Cornell returns six starters including five NCAA qualifiers and three All-Americans. Included among the returners are two-time NCAA champion, junior Kyle Dake, three-time All-American Cam Simaz and All-American Steve Bosak.

Four teams have been added to the field for The Clash X, which takes place Dec. 30-31 at the UCR Regional Sports Center in Rochester, Minn. The latest teams to accept invitations are Marist (Ill.), Punahou (Hawaii), Anoka (Minn.), and Atwater-Cosgrove-Grove City (Minn.). Twenty eight teams have now been announced for the 32-team event. The field for The Clash X already includes seven of the nation's top 10 teams from the final InterMat Fab 50 poll of the 2010-11 season. Those seven teams include No. 1 Apple Valley (Minn.), No. 3 Brandon (Fla.), No. 4 St. Paris Graham (Ohio), No. 5 St. Edward (Ohio), No. 6 Simley (Minn.), No. 7 Clovis (Calif.), and No. 10 Wisconsin Rapids (Wis.). Below is a look at the latest entrants to The Clash X. Marist, Illi. Marist, located in Chicago, was an all-male school until 2002. The school has a rich wrestling tradition. Marist won state championships in wrestling in 1974 and 1975, and finished as state runner-up in 1976. The RedHawks are guided by head coach Brendan Heffernan, a former Division I wrestler at Illinois who comes from a highly-successful wrestling family at St. Edward, Ohio. His oldest brother, Brian, was the first state champion at St. Edward in 1978. His older brother, Jim, was a four-time All-American at Iowa and currently serves as the head wrestling coach at Illinois. Marist was ranked sixth in Illinois' 3A by IllinoisMatman.com heading into the state series, but fell to third-ranked Minooka, 27-24, at sections. The RedHawks finished last season with a 23-6 dual meet record. Punahou, Hawaii Punahou was named the No. 1 U.S. high school athletics program by Sports Illustrated in both 2008 and 2009. The Punahou boys have won five straight state wrestling championships and seven overall. Last season, Punahou, coached by Matt Oney and Jimmy Takatsuka, outdistanced runner-up Kamehameha by 38 points. Punahou returns three indvidual state champions, including two-time state champion Todd Murakawa. Anoka, Minn. Anoka has a long and storied wrestling tradition, especially in Greco-Roman. Five Anoka alums have been on the U.S. Olympic Team in Greco-Roman. Those wrestlers include Jim Hazewinkel, Dave Hazewinkel, Dan Chandler, Brandon Paulson, and Jake Deitchler. Anoka claimed a state championship in wrestling in 1990. Jake Begin became Anoka's 49th individual state wrestling champion when he captured the title at 160 pounds in 2011. Atwater-Cosgrove-Grove City, Minn. ACGC will be making its Clash debut. The Falcons had five state placewinners this past season and three return this season, including 2010 InterMat JJ Classic champion Hayden Rouser. ACGC finished the regular season ranked fifth in the state by The Guillotine, but failed to qualify for the state tournament after losing narrowly in the section finals.

2008 World champion Clarissa Chun and 2009 World bronze medalist Tervel Dlagnev will be radio show guests this week. "On the Mat" is a presentation of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum and can be heard live on the Internet at www.kcnzam.com or locally in Northeast Iowa each Wednesday from 5:00 - 6:00 PM Central time on AM 1650, The Fan. Feel free to e-mail radio@wrestlingmuseum.org with any questions or comments about the show. “On the Mat” is archived on themat.com. Chun won the World Team Trials championship in the women's freestyle division at 105.5 pounds in June in Oklahoma City and will represent the United States at the World Championships next month in Istanbul, Turkey. She won the World title in 2008 and placed 5th in the Olympics that year. Dlagnev also won the World Team Trials at 264 pounds in the men's freestyle division. He won a bronze medal at the World Championships in 2009 and was a two-time NCAA Division II champion for University of Nebraska-Kearney.

Scottsdale, AZ -- 2008 Olympic wrestling gold medalist and author Henry Cejudo is headed to Ohio for the final stretch of his Olympic training. With less than a year until the 2012 London Games, the 24 year-old wrestling powerhouse chose Ohio Regional Training Center for its elite training program. Starting September 1, Ohio will be his home base for the next 11 months. Cejudo hopes to add another gold medal to his remarkable life story and Ohio Regional Training Center will play an important role in achieving that dream. "We couldn't be more excited about the addition of Henry,” stated Tommy Rowlands, Director of Ohio Regional Training Center. “Henry Cejudo is the reigning Olympic Champion and could have chosen any training location in America to help him reach his goal of bringing home the gold in 2012. He is a first class athlete and individual. The expectations for our organization reflect Henry's expectations of himself. It's a perfect fit. Columbus, Ohio is now home to Henry Cejudo." Lou Rosselli, Head Coach of Ohio RTC, had this to say about Henry's decision, "We are excited to help Henry reach his goal of repeating as Olympic champion. Our training environment is the best place for him to achieve that, and we are excited he is on board." “I researched a number of elite training facilities across the country,” said Cejudo. “I chose Ohio Regional Training Center because it was the best fit for me. I am excited to be a part of their world-class program.” The youngest gold medalist in United States wrestling history, Henry Cejudo achieved his dream of becoming an Olympian at 21-years-old. An improbable goal for an unlikely hero, his character and spirit were strengthened through a childhood spent fighting for survival on and off the mat. The dedication, determination and desire that propelled him from adversity to Olympic gold will serve him again in 2012. For more information about Henry Cejudo, visit www.henrycejudo.com. To learn about Ohio Regional Training Center, visit www.ohiortc.com. About Henry Cejudo Olympic gold medalist and author, Henry Cejudo, achieved his dream of becoming an Olympic gold medalist at just 21 years old. Henry made history by becoming the youngest American wrestler to bring home the gold. The American born son of undocumented immigrants from Mexico, Cejudo spent his early years in fear of his criminal father and immigration officials. He struggled to find consistency in his chaotic world as he fought for survival on and off the wrestling mat. His amazing story of determination and triumph has won the hearts of America. A story that was captured by Henry Cejudo and Bill Plaschke in a book titled “American Victory.” Henry continues to achieve his dreams, inspiring millions of young athletes and helping troubled youth through his story and his work with numerous charities. Many have expressed that Cejudo represents everything that is right with this country and that his journey embodies the ethos of the American Dream. To learn more about Henry Cejudo visit his website at www.henrycejudo.com. About Ohio Regional Training Center The Ohio Regional Training Center was formed in Columbus, Ohio in June 2008 with the goal of creating a world-class training environment for Olympic freestyle wrestling. Since that time, the organization has grown to recruit and support eight of the best wrestlers that America has to offer in Henry Cejudo, Shawn Bunch, Tommy Rowlands, Reece Humphrey, Tervel Dlagnev, JD Bergman, James Yonushonis, and Colt Sponseller. The Ohio RTC also just recently won the inaugural Regional Site National Championship for 2011, as recognized by USA Wrestling, the national governing body for the sport. The ORTC is led by Head Coach, Lou Rosselli. Rosselli was a 1996 Olympian, 3x U.S. Open Champion, and a past United States World Team Coach. Lou Rosselli is also the current head assistant coach at Ohio State University. To learn more about the Ohio RTC, visit www.ohiortc.com.

Related Link: Northwestern's 2011-12 Schedule EVANSTON, Ill. -- Looking to build on one of the winningest dual seasons in Northwestern history, head coach Drew Pariano announced today (Friday) the Wildcats' 2011-12 tournament and dual schedule. NU will feature in at least eight home competitions, including the 49th annual Midlands Championships as well as a Jan. 13 tilt with defending NCAA champion Penn State. "We have a perfect mix of returning starters as well as young guys who are ready to step into key roles for the first time in their careers," said Pariano, the 2010-11 Amateur Wrestling News Rookie Head Coach of the Year. "All of them have been training hard in the offseason, with many guys competing in national and international events to prepare for the upcoming year, so we are looking forward to the start of fall practice." NU will attempt to win a season-opening dual against a talented Stanford program for the second straight year, this time doing so in Chicagoland on Saturday, Nov. 5 at Marist High School. The 'Cats then will get their first taste of tournament competition at the Michigan State Open (Nov. 12) and the Keystone Classic (Nov. 20) in Philadelphia, where last year NU placed second in the team standings. Following a trio of home nonconference duals in December, Northwestern will welcome many of the nation's top collegiate wrestlers to Welsh-Ryan Arena when it hosts the 49th annual Midlands Championships on Dec. 29-30. Fans are encouraged to be on the lookout for early-bird Midlands ticket specials that will be announced in coming weeks to secure optimal reserved seating options. January promises to be jam-packed with Big Ten action for NU, with seven of Northwestern's eight conference duals falling in that calendar month. The stretch leads off with a home test against Michigan on Jan. 6, followed two days later by a trip to Madison, where NU will look for a second straight victory over Wisconsin. A challenging weekend looms the following week when the Wildcats host defending Big Ten and NCAA champion Penn State at 7 p.m. on Jan. 13 and then travel to take on perennial title contender Iowa on Sunday. As it does each year, Northwestern will welcome former 'Cats back to Evanston for Alumni Weekend, this year doing so on Friday, Jan. 20, for a home dual against Michigan State. The month closes with a road swing to in-state rival Illinois and Purdue on Jan. 27-29, respectfully. NU steps out of conference two final times in early February before closing the dual slate on Senior Night against Indiana (Feb. 17). Championship season will see Northwestern travel to West Lafayette and the campus of Purdue for the conference tournament -- which for the first time will include traditional power Nebraska -- and then to St. Louis and the Scottrade Center for the NCAA Championships March 15-17. The Wildcats walked away with individual national championships each of the last two times St. Louis hosted the event, with Dustin Fox claiming the heavyweight title in 2008 and Jake Herbert winning his second 184-pound championship in 2009. Northwestern returns nine wrestlers with starting dual experience, including 2011 NCAA qualifiers Levi Mele (133), Kaleb Friedley (141) and All-American Jason Welch (157). NU posted an 18-2 record a year ago, including a 6-2 mark in Big Ten action.

Randy Lewis

Jack Hathaway (Iowa City West, Iowa), an InterMat Top 100 recruit, has registered for the 2011 InterMat JJ Classic at 126 pounds. Hathaway compiled a 53-3 record en route to winning a state title this past season. He was a Cadet National double finalist in 2010, winning a title in Greco-Roman. Jack Hathaway (Photo/Wyatt Schultz, The Predicament)

Related Link: Grade Level Rankings Arguably the biggest event of the whole wrestling year came to its conclusion three weeks ago -- the Junior and Cadet Nationals in Fargo, N.D. Despite all the highlight matches, intriguing events, and interesting happenings the five No. 1 positions remain unchanged. Ben Whitford was a Junior National double champion (Photo/Dave Jedlicka, jedicheetah.com)Class of 2012: Taylor Massa (St. Johns, Michigan) Class of 2013: Bo Jordan (St. Paris Graham, Ohio) Class of 2014: Chance Marsteller (Kennard Dale, Pa.) Class of 2015: Zahid Valencia (St. John Bosco, Calif.) Class of 2016: Mark Hall (Apple Valley, Minn.) However, that was about the only thing that was left unchanged. In three of the five groups, there is a new No. 2 wrestler. Class of 2013: Ben Whitford (St. Johns, Mich.) Class of 2015: Matthew Kolodzik (Miami Valley, Ohio) Class of 2016: Aaron Pico (California) Whitford swept the Greco-Roman and freestyle tournaments at the Junior Nationals last month in the 135-pound weight class. In six Fargo competitions, he now has five titles and six finals appearances to his credit. Kolodzik finished fifth in the Cadet freestyle at 105 pounds. Finally, Pico swept his way to titles in both Greco-Roman and freestyle at the Cadet Nationals in the 119 pound weight class. This year's senior group has excellent geographical diversity in its talent, with the top ten kids each coming from a different state; 14 states are represented in the Top 20, 18 in the Top 50, and 21 in all. The excellent group of seniors in the Buckeye State, anchored by Nate Skonieczny, leads all states with 14 in all from Ohio among the Top 100. Next on the list is Pennsylvania, who has ten ranked Class of 2012 wrestlers. Iowa's excellent senior class, which will be participating in the Wrestling USA Magazine Dream Team Classic this coming year, has nine ranked wrestlers. This represents a tie for the third most with Minnesota and Illinois. Geographical diversity, as well as wrestlers from Ohio and Pennsylvania, dominates the Class of 2013 rankings. The top nine wrestlers reside from different states, 13 states are represented in the Top 20 wrestlers, while the Top 50 is made up of wrestlers from 21 states. Seven wrestlers each from Ohio and Pennsylvania are in the Class of 2013 rankings. Three states with four are next -- Michigan, New Jersey, and Minnesota. Chance Marsteller toyed with opponents in Fargo (Photo/Dave Jedlicka, jedicheetah.com)Again, there is geographic balance in the Class of 2014 rankings, with 12 different states represented in the Top 20 and 23 states among the Top 50. However, Pennsylvania wrestlers dominate the class rankings with seven in all, led by the sensational Marsteller. Five wrestlers that attend high school in New Jersey appear in the rankings, along with four wrestlers from high schools in California, Maryland, and Michigan. Among incoming ninth-graders in the Class of 2015, Pennsylvania and Oklahoma lead the way with four in the Top 25 rankings. Yet again, this is not a surprise given the longstanding history of talent in the Keystone State, and its excellent PJW state tournament series for wrestlers prior to high school. Additionally, the underclassmen in Oklahoma represent some excellent groups of per capita talent. Finally, a trio of Pennsylvania and Minnesota wrestlers is featured among the Top 15 junior high wrestlers in the nation; California also has a pair of wrestlers in this select group.

The nation's top-ranked junior high wrestler, Mark Hall (Apple Valley, Minn.), will be wrestling in the 2011 InterMat JJ Classic. Hall won a state championship this past season as a seventh-grader at 130 pounds while wrestling for the nation's No. 1 program, Apple Valley. Mark Hall (Photo/Jeff Beshey, The Guillotine)

PEMBROKE -- Athletic department officials at the University of North Carolina on Pembroke announced the hiring of Othello Johnson as its sixth wrestling head coach on Tuesday afternoon. "I am very honored to take over such a successful program," said Johnson. "I look forward to continuing the success the program has built over the last five years under Coach Jamie Gibbs. I believe there is much more UNCP Wrestling is capable of, and I am very excited to be leading the Braves into the future." Johnson takes over the reins of a tradition-rich wrestling program from his mentor, Jamie Gibbs, who resigned after five years at the helm of the Braves in July. Johnson, who has served UNCP as an assistant coach in each of the past five seasons, will begin his duties in the athletic department immediately. He will also serve as a lecturer in the Health, Physical Education and Recreation Department at UNC Pembroke. Johnson brought his expertise to the coaching world as an assistant coach for the UNCP wrestling team in 2006, playing an integral role in leading the Braves to five-straight top-30 appearances. As an assistant coach, he mentored seven NCAA all-Americans and eight student-athletes to NWCA All-Academic Team accolades. In addition, 16 student-athletes made appearances at the NCAA Division II National Championships during his most recent stint. Over the last five years, UNCP has churned out a 51-40 dual meet clip, while also registering a slew of impressive finishes at distinguished tournaments, most notably a third-place honor at the Midwest Classic in December and a sixth-place finish at the NWCA/Cliff Keen National Duals in January. UNCP posted its best finish (T-17th) at the 2011 NCAA Division II National Championships after being ranked No. 11 in the final regular season national poll. He has also served a previous stint as a student assistant coach with the UNC Greensboro wrestling team, as well as undertaking adjunct teaching positions at both Sandhills Community College in Pinehurst and at Robeson Community College in Lumberton. He also serves as a camp instructor for the annual Ken Chertow Wrestling Camps. He is certified in both Red Cross CPR and First Aid and has attended each of the last three National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) conventions. Johnson began his athletic and academic career at Colby (Kan.) Community College in 2001, twice (2002, 2003) capturing all-American accolades from the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA). As a freshman, he turned in a seventh place finish at the NJCAA National Championships and highlighted Colby's runner-up finish at the 2003 event with a sixth place finish. The Trojans finished just 4-1/2 points for the national team title at the 2003 NJCAA National Championships. He also captured all-academic honors from the NJCAA as a sophomore as well. After earning his associate's of arts degree from Colby CC in 2003, he moved on to UNC Greensboro where he was a two-time starter for the Spartans during the 2003-04 and 2004-05 campaigns. As a junior, he helped lead UNCG to a third place finish at the Southern Conference Tournament, and then took home sixth place laurels at the Southern Scuffle during his senior season. Johnson earned his bachelor's degree in exercise and sports science from UNCP in 2007, and then earned his master's degree in physical education from UNCP in 2010. Johnson and his fiancé, former UNCP basketball and track & field/cross country standout Ivy Ramsey, celebrated the birth of their first child, Norah, in November of 2009.

AMES, Iowa -- Iowa State Athletics Director Jamie Pollard announced Thursday that the Cyclones have worked out an agreement with the National Wrestling Coaches Association to host one of four 2012 Cliff Keen Division I National Dual Meet regionals, Feb. 12, in Hilton Coliseum. Regional 1 in Ames will feature three schools that placed among the top eight wrestling squads at the 2011 National Duals in Iowa State (eighth), Wisconsin (third) and Virginia Tech (second). Iowa, which did not compete in the 2011 National Duals and placed third as a team at the NCAA meet, will compete in Ames. Northern Iowa and Oregon State round out the field. The Region 1 winner will advance to the National Dual Meet Championships, to be held Feb. 19. Ticket information and further details will be announced soon. “This is a tremendous opportunity for our student-athletes, coaches and fans to be part of hosting the national wrestling dual championships,” Pollard said. “I really appreciate the Big 12 Conference working with us on our men's and women's basketball schedules to make Hilton Coliseum available to host this prestigious event. That support demonstrates how important wrestling is to the Big 12 Conference and to our institution.” The 2011-12 wrestling season will showcase an exciting new format for the NWCA/Cliff Keen Division I National Dual Meet Championships that will feature four regional locations and a culminating championship for the final four teams that advance out of each region. The 24 participating teams for the 2012 event were selected based primarily off the final 2010-11 NWCA Team Rankings as determined by the NWCA/USA Today Division I Coaches Poll. Region 1 - Iowa State (host), Iowa, Oregon State, Virginia Tech, Wisconsin and Northern Iowa. Region 2 - Cornell (host), Central Michigan, Oklahoma, Purdue, Illinois and American. Region 3 - Rutgers (host), Minnesota, Kent State, Michigan, Missouri and Cal Poly. Region 4- Oklahoma State (host), Boise State, Ohio State, Nebraska, Wyoming and Tennessee-Chattanooga. “I really appreciate that the Big 12 Conference and our administration were willing to work with the NWCA to make hosting this year's event in Hilton Coliseum possible,” Iowa State head wrestling coach Kevin Jackson said. “I'm really excited that our student-athletes will get to wrestle in the National Duals in Hilton Coliseum”. “On behalf of the NWCA Board of Directors, I want to extend a heartfelt thanks to Iowa State University for its willingness to host this new concept,” NWCA Executive Director Mike Moyer said. “We are also forever grateful to the man who founded the first D-I National Duals in 1989, John Graham, for his visionary role in this initiative. An event like this would never be possible without the incredibly generous and ongoing support of our title sponsor, Cliff Keen Athletics. At the request of Cliff Keen Athletics, the National Duals will carry the name of Cliff Keen, the original founder of the NWCA and Cliff Keen Athletics.” The full Iowa State wrestling schedule will be released soon.

USAFA, Colo. -- On the heels of one of its most successful seasons in recent history, the Air Force wrestling team looks to push for greater improvements during the 2011-12 season. Last year, the Falcons finished third in the Western Wrestling Conference/NCAA West Regional as a team and have lost just three starters from the conference lineup to graduation. This season, Air Force welcomes back a strong group of returners, led by juniors Cole VonOhlen and Clayton Gable, along with sophomore Josh Kreimier. VonOhlen, a two-time NCAA qualifier, ended his sophomore campaign with a 44-9 overall record, including a 16-1 dual mark, 14 falls and a 6-0 record in Western Wrestling Conference duals. Named the Most Outstanding Wrestler at the 2011 NCAA West Regional, VonOhlen won 20 of 21 matches heading into the NCAA Championships, with none decided by less than eight points. Entering this season with a career ledger of 75-18, VonOhlen will look to be the next Air Force wrestler to reach the NCAA podium in March. As a junior, he is on track to push the Falcons' career win record of 162 matches set by Kevin Hoy from 1999-2003. Last season, Gable finished second on the team with 27 victories, while earning third-team All-Western Wrestling Conference accolades at 165 pounds. He also earned a victory over a nationally ranked opponent. This year, he is expected to move back up to 174 pounds and should be the front-runner for the starting position there as he looks to earn a spot in St. Louis next March. Meanwhile, Kreimier had a solid rookie campaign for the Falcons in 2011, staying entrenched in the starting lineup at 149 pounds throughout the season. Kreimier compiled a 25-19 mark on the year and placed in three tournaments during his freshman season, including a third-place finish at the All-Academy Championships in February. He also notched victories over a pair of nationally ranked opponents in his freshman campaign. The projected starting lineup for the 2011-12 season follows: 125 - Greg Rinker, So., Northampton, Pa.: Posted a 19-7 record in freshman campaign ... earned the Falcons' starting spot at 125 pounds for the NCAA West Regional. 133 - Tyler Untrauer, Sr., Midwest City, Okla.: Compiled a 15-9 overall record at 133 pounds last season, including a 3-2 mark in dual action. 141 - Cole VonOhlen, Jr., Jackson, Minn.: Two-time NCAA qualifier ... notched a nation-leading 44 wins in 2010-11 ... NCAA West Regional champion at 141 pounds and recipient of tournament's Outstanding Wrestler Award. 149 - Josh Kreimier, So., Fort Collins, Colo.: Registered a 25-19 record as the Falcons' starter at 149 pounds during his rookie campaign. 157 - Alec Williams, Sr., Fultondale, Ala.: Compiled the best record of his career, finishing the season with a 26-18 mark as the Falcons' starter at 157 pounds. 165 - Carter Adams, So., Coon Rapids, Minn. - Posted a 13-9 overall record as a freshman, primarily in open competition. 174 - Clayton Gable, Jr., Dallastown, Pa.: Finished second on the team with 27 victories, including 20 wins as the Falcons' starter at 165 pounds ... third-team All-WWC honoree. 184 - Karl Oeser, Sr., Wichita, Kan.: Compiled a 4-3 record on the season, primarily in open competition. 197 - Josh Mohr, Jr., Pewaukee, Wis.: Posted a 14-10 record in 2010-11, primarily at 184 pounds ... registered a 5-1 dual mark as a starter at 184. 285 - Jared Erickson, Jr., Newton, Utah: Earned 23 wins as the starting heavyweight for the Falcons in 2010-11 ... third-team All-WWC honoree. Other wrestlers expected to make an impact this season include newcomers Dylan Hyder (125) and Carter McElhany (133). Both Hyder and McElhany are two-time state champions and four-time state medalists, hailing from Yelm, Wash., and Colorado Springs, Colo., respectively. At 157 pounds, junior Gabe Martinez (Colorado Springs, Colo.) will battle for the starting position, while sophomores Daniel Barringer (Monument, Colo.) and Devin Hightower (Colorado Springs, Colo.) will factor into the competition at 165 and 174 pounds, respectively. Meanwhile, sophomore Greg Isley (Toledo, Ohio) returns after a year away from the Academy and will be a likely challenger at 184 pounds.

Related Link: Purdue's 2011-12 Schedule WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- The Purdue wrestling program announced its 2011-12 schedule on Wednesday, unveiling a solid lineup of duals and tournaments capped by the 2012 Big Ten Championships at Mackey Arena and the 2012 NCAA Championships at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis. The Boilermakers will host five dual contests this year, including four Big Ten Duals in Holloway Gymnasium. Purdue opens up its season on Nov. 5, returning to the Eastern Michigan Open after a year's absence. The squad then heads out to Columbia, Mo. on Nov. 13 for a tilt with the Missouri Tigers, looking to knock them off for the third straight season and 15th time in school history. The Boilermakers have their home opener on Nov. 18, hosting NCAA Division II foe Indianapolis, and close out the month with a rigorous schedule at the Northeast Duals in Troy, N.Y., where they're scheduled to face Binghamton, Lock Haven, Rutgers and American. The Boilermakers head back out on the road to start December, traveling on Dec. 1 to Dekalb, Ill. where they'll square off with Northern Illinois for the 26th time in Purdue's history and the first time since 2008. They return home on Dec. 9 to open the Big Ten Dual slate, hosting Michigan State in Holloway Gymnasium for the second straight year. Purdue took a 22-9 victory last season and looks to open the conference schedule with a victory for the second time in the last three years. The Old Gold and Black has scheduled a trip to Edwardsville, Ill. before the holiday break on Dec. 18, heading over for a pair of duals against Southern Illinois Edwardsville and Truman State. They'll restart the season at the prestigious Midlands Championships, hosted by Northwestern on Dec. 28 and 29, returning as a team after sending just six athletes in 2010. The New Year opens with Illinois on Jan. 6, with plans for a special celebration for Military Appreciation Day. Purdue then heads to Columbus, Ohio the following Friday, Jan. 13, to face the Buckeyes, and comes back home on Sunday, Jan. 15 for a clash with the Golden Gophers of Minnesota. The Boilermakers start a grueling trip on Jan. 19, heading up to Madison, Wis. for a Friday night battle (Jan. 20) with the Badgers before heading out to Lincoln, Neb. for their first-ever Big Ten Dual with conference newcomer Nebraska on Sunday, Jan. 22. The last two Big Ten Duals are set for Jan. 27 and Feb. 5 as Purdue hosts Northwestern on the 27th and then heads down the road for the 98th showdown with archrival Indiana on the 5th. The Boilermakers are set to be a part of the new format of the NWCA National Duals, scheduled for Feb. 10-12, heading to Cornell for a six-team regional tournament. Joining Purdue in Ithaca, N.Y. is Central Michigan, Illinois, Oklahoma, American and the host Big Red. The winner of the region will advance to a four-team championship weekend, set for Feb. 19 at a location to be determined. Unless they advance, the Boilermakers close out their regular season schedule on Feb. 19, facing Central Michigan on neutral turf in Toledo, Ohio. After being forced to pass on hosting in 2011 with the Mackey Project in full swing, the Boilermakers bring the Big Ten Championships to West Lafayette for the first time since 2000. It's been a mixed bag for Purdue in recent history, but they'll aim for their first top-five showing at the conference tournament since 1992, after finishing sixth in 2004 and 2009. The national meet returns to St. Louis after a two-year absence as Purdue works to place its third All-American in the last four seasons.

With the high school wrestling season's start fast 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. Kansas saw seven of their Class of 2011 wrestlers sign with Division I programs, leaving a perceived void in 2012. A closer look uncovers some gems that are bound to make a name for themselves on the national stage. This class carries with it 128 Fargo wins and six returning All-Americans. Headlining the class are a Fargo national champion, a Fargo finalist, and an NHSCA finalist. Matt Reed1. Matt Reed (Wichita Heights) Projected 2011-12 High School Weight Class: 170 Projected College Weight Class: 165/174 Analysis: Reed is a multi-sport phenom. He was a USAW Cadet National Greco-Roman finalist in 2010 and doubled his All-American status this year at Fargo. He anchored the Junior National Dual team, going 16-1 in dual matches. He brings a 98-16 record into his senior season, coming off an undefeated 35-0 junior campaign. In his two seasons as the starting quarterback of the football team, he is 19-1 while finishing as undefeated state champions last year. Reed carries a 3.4 GPA and is very active in the school Peer Leader program to acclimate incoming freshmen to the high school experience. Look for this elite athlete on the podium at Virginia Beach and Fargo next year! 2. Austin Hood (Louisburg) Projected 2011-12 High School Weight Class: 126 Projected College Weight Class: 125 Analysis: Hood is a two-time Kansas state champion with a career 110-13 record. In 2010 he brought home the hardware with a USAW Cadet National folkstyle title, followed by a Fargo USAW Cadet National freestyle title. That same year he was a Fargo USAW Greco-Roman finalist. His freshman season, he also claimed a double All-American status in folkstyle and freestyle. He is an unprecedented seven-time Kansas Triple Crown winner. In all, Hood has 26 Fargo wins! Reece Wright-Conklin3. Reece Wright-Conklin (Lawrence) Projected 2011-12 High School Weight Class: 182 Projected College Weight Class: 174 Analysis: Wright-Conklin is a two-time state champion and three-time placer. He is 98-6 through three years and had a dominating 37-0 junior year with quality wins over nationally-ranked Kyle Crutchmer, Willie Schwartzkopf, and Austin Coburn, among others. Wright-Conklin carries a 3.7 GPA and has many college coaches interested. I can guarantee that this athlete will have many choices! 4. Bo Pursel (Lansing) Projected 2011-12 High School Weight Class: 132 Projected College Weight Class: 133 Analysis: Pursel is the favorite to be the next four-time state champion in Kansas. He has a career 109-8 record and three state titles. He beat four state champions last year, including a win over our other returning three-time champion Dylan Schumacher. He has trained under national coaches at the OTC. He was a 2011 National High School Rodeo qualifier in team roping. He has won multiple buckles, and rodeos, both locally and regionally. He won a 2010 United States Team Roping Jackpot in 2010. Bo competes in both tie-down roping and team roping. His style makes him very difficult to take down and he can scramble from anywhere to a scoring position. He has chosen to stay close to home for college and is going to attend budding NAIA program Baker University and wrestle for Coach Jimmy May. 5. Javier Vieyra (Salina South) Projected 2011-12 High School Weight Class: 113 Projected College Weight Class: 125 Analysis: Vieyra is a four-time Fargo All-American with 23 wins on the biggest stage. He is 92-24 in high school action and a two-time state finalist. He was also an NHSCA Junior National finalist in Virginia Beach. Adding to his hardware, Vieyra was a two-time USAW folkstyle All-American. He is a National Honor Society member and was voted class president of his senior class. 6. Connor Middleton (Olathe Northwest) Projected 2011-12 High School Weight Class: 152 Projected College Weight Class: 149 Analysis: Middleton's career record is 128-10. He is a three-time state placer and 2010 Kansas state champion. He is an NHSCA Junior National folkstyle All-American, as well as a Cadet and Junior National All-American. Over the last two years, he has only lost to two wrestlers and capped his junior season with a 45-1 title, losing only to four-time state champion Ryne Cokeley. Alex Bontz7. Alex Bontz (Andover Central) Projected 2011-12 High School Weight Class: 152 Projected College Weight Class: 149 Analysis: My comments about Bontz over the years have usually included, “He's one of the toughest kids I know.” Bontz is a three-time state placer and 2010 state champion with a 115-5 career record. He is a 2011 NHSCA Junior National All-American. 8. Dylan Schumacher (Thomas More Prep) Projected 2011-12 High School Weight Class: 120 Projected College Weight Class: 125 Analysis: Schumacher has had a stellar high school career! He is a three-time state champion with a record of 104-3, losing only to fourth-ranked Bo Pursel, Tim Prescott, and last year's Arizona State recruit Dalton Miller. 9. Brandon Charbonneau (Emporia) Projected 2011-12 High School Weight Class: 138 Projected College Weight Class: 141 Analysis: Charbonneau is a two-time Fargo All-American with 24 Fargo wins! In 2009, he was a Cadet National runner-up. He carries a 101-19 record into his senior season and is a two-time state placer, including a 2010 state championship. Charbonneau maintains a 4.0 GPA and ranks first in his class of 328! 10. Sam Son (Chanute) Projected 2011-12 High School Weight Class: 170 Projected College Weight Class: 165 Analysis: Sam brings a 123-11 record into his senior season and is a favorite in 4A to stand atop the podium. He is a three-time state placer and two-time finalist. He finished a stellar junior season with a 44-1 record. He also set a school season record with 180 takedowns! To crown his junior year, Sam was a 2011 NHSCA Junior National All-American at Virginia Beach. He competes as a two time starting outside linebacker in football and a varsity catcher in baseball. He carries a 3.3 GPA and has goals of becoming a math teacher and coach in the future. Honorable Mention: Luke Bean (Kapaun Mt. Carmel) Ulyesses DeShazer (Wichita Heights) Konnor Kriss (Colby) Eric Mason (St. Thomas Aquinas) Justin McPhail (Liberal) Tim Prescott (McPherson) Aaron Seybold (Pittsburg) T.J. Stokes (Gardner) Colby Watters (Arkansas City) Tommy Williams (St. Thomas Aquinas)

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! Join Takedown Wrestling Host Scott Casber and Brad Johnson with the Takedown Wrestling Headline News. Listen in this Saturday for Takedown Wrestling 9 to 11 a.m. CT/ 10 a.m. to 12 noon ET. This week's guests: 9:01: Mike Letts -- Assistant wrestling coach at Navy 9:20: Barry Davis -- Head wrestling coach at Wisconsin 9:40: Randy Lewis -- Former Iowa wrestler, celebrating the 27th Anniversary of Olympic gold in LA 10:01: Mike Straka -- TV Host, Author of Fighting Words by Mike Straka 10:20: Jimmy Pedro Jr. -- Hd Ch. Olympic Judo 10:40: Nikko Reyes -- Clovis West (Calif.) wrestler commits to Illinois 10:50: Amy Ruble -- Wildrose Casino and Resort, Emmetsburg Takedown Wrestling is available on radio on AM 1460 KXNO in Iowa, online at Livesportsvideo.com, or on your Blackberry or iPhone with the iHeart Radio App.

The Clash board and the city of Rochester, Minn. is proud to welcome back Brandon, Fla. to The Clash X. Coach Russ Cozart is taking the 2,000-mile trip for the second consecutive season in search of the elusive national title he has been seeking. If healthy, Brandon will be bringing its most talented team in the history of this storied program. This team is absolutely loaded and as the field is settled, they have to be considered one of the strong favorites to win. First a little history: Brandon FL owns the longest winning streak in the history of high school sports (459 -- broken in 2008.) The program has taken one loss since then (to Apple Valley at Clash IX). The Eagles finished last season winning their 11th straight state title and ranked third nationally behind Blair Academy and Apple Valley, MN. In the last 30 years, Brandon has won 21 state titles and has three runner ups. Returning state medalists: Dylan Lucas -- state champion at 103 (Tampa Bay Christian) -- Class 2015 Devan Berrian -- state runner-up at 103 -- Class 2014 James Flint -- state champion at 112 -- Class 2014 Kevin Norstrem -- state champion at 125 -- Class 2013 Rossi Bruno -- state champion at 130 -- Class 2012 Tyler Liberatore -- state champion at 135 -- Class 2012 Bryce Jones -- fifth at 140 -- Class 2012 Travis Berridge -- state runner-up at 145 -- Clash of 2013 Clark Glass -- state champion at 152 -- Class 2012 Kyle Koziel -- state champion at 171 -- Class 2012 Additional state qualifier: Victor Fugate at 119 -- Class 2013 That are six state champions returning and one more joining.

Jennifer Pharr Davis, current speed record holder for thru-hiking on the Appalachian Trail, and Jessie Whitmer, 1997 NCAA wrestling champion at 118 pounds, will go "On the Mat" this Wednesday, August 10. "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 www.kcnzam.com or locally in Northeast Iowa each Wednesday from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. Central on AM 1650, The Fan. An archive of the show can be found on www.themat.tv. E-mail radio@wrestlingmuseum.org with any questions or comments about the show. During the months of August and September the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum will conduct “champions” interviews with champion athletes and coaches outside the sport of wrestling. There will also be regular interviews with wrestlers and coaches. This week's champion interview is with Jenn Pharr Davis. Pharr Davis recently broke speed record for thru-hiking on the Appalachian Trail -- a 2,175 mile hiking trail that covers 14 states on the east coast. Her time of 46 days, 11 hours, and 20 minutes translates to an average of 47 miles a day. Whitmer was an NCAA champion for the University of Iowa in 1997 at 118 pounds. His individual championship was part of the all-time NCAA wrestling championship point record set at the UNI Dome in Cedar Falls, Iowa.

We assembled our U.S. FILA Cadet Pan Am Team in Aurora, Ill. on July 29. Twelve of the top Cadet age group wrestlers in the nation (representing nine different states) joined forces with coaches from California, Utah, New Jersey, Florida, Illinois, and Michigan for training camp at Marmion Academy near Chicago. The elite coaching staff prepared two-a-day workouts for the team that included freestyle and Greco-Roman training as well as team-building techniques and mental training. Trip Summary: July 29: Team and coaches arrive in Aurora for training at Marmion July 30: Training started with two-a-day workouts and team building drills July 31: Training intensity picked up with several live situations and mental training Aug. 1: The day focused on agility training, live matches and individual instruction Aug. 2: Travel day from Chicago O'Hare to Mexico City and then to Campeche Aug. 3: Started training in Campeche and team trip to the beach Aug. 4: Weigh-ins for Greco-Roman and team meal Aug. 5: Greco-Roman competition; eight medals, including four golds and the team title! Aug. 6: Weight cutting for freestyle and a visit to Mayan Ruins in Edzna. Aug. 7: Freestyle competition; nine medals, including five golds and the team title! Aug. 8: All team members head back home The tremendous cultural experiences, the ability to coach and compete at the international level and most importantly the pride in representing the USA in competition was felt by each team member and that allowed us to bond quickly into a very strong unit! The maturity of our elite wrestlers and the focus of our coaching staff allowed us to all grow to be better wrestlers, coaches and people. Team USA at Pan Am Cadet Championships"Our Greco team started a bit slow in Friday's morning session but we really rallied to earn 8 medals including 4 golds and the team title. For many of our guys, this was their first taste of international competition. As they became more comfortable with the environment they really started to tear guys up," said Coach Mike Clayton, head coach at Stevens Institute of Technology. Northwestern University head coach Drew Pariano said, "We are developing a more international style and this tournament effectively allowed us to test our match strategies. We still need to learn when to attack and when to control our mat position. The entire U.S. contingent from the athletes themselves; to the support staff, were motivated to win gold medals." The men's freestyle and Greco-Roman teams dominated the Cadet Pan Am Competition by bringing home 17 of a possible 20 medals in the two-day event. In total, the U.S. Contingent hauled in nine gold medals (four in Greco-Roman and five in freestyle). Jake Stilling (Wisconsin) and Eric Hoffman (Maryland) earned double titles for the U.S. team. Stilling had an impressive run of four straight victories in freestyle to capture the 73 kg weight class. Hoffman had an electrifying comeback victory in Greco-Roman to claim the 69 kg class. At 42 kg, Ethan Koan (Missouri) earned a silver medal in Greco and a bronze medal in the freestyle competition. At 50 kg, Chris Allen (Missouri) earned a spot in the Bronze Medal match in Greco-Roman. Illinois natives Tommy Pawleski and Jered Cortez had impressive showings and both athletes were double finalists. Pawleski won the gold in Greco-Roman and earned a silver in the freestyle competition. Cortez had a gold medal performance at 54 kg in freestyle and took the silver in Greco. At 58 kg in Greco-Roman, Brandon George (Utah) made his second Cadet Pan Am appearance after earning the spot in 2009. New Jersey's Anthony Ashnault earned a silver medal in freestyle after a back and forth finals match with tournament OW Wilfredo Rodriquez of Venezuela at 58 kg. Ashnault had two dominating wins in the qualification rounds. Utah's Grant LaMont (63 kg) earned gold as he dominated his freestyle opponents. In the bronze medal match for Greco-Roman, LaMont was able to score two five-point throws to secure his spot on the podium. At 84 kg, Spencer Wilson (Kansas) was a double medalist with a bronze in the Greco-Roman competition and a silver medal in freestyle. Specializing in Greco-Roman at 100 kg, Alex Bambic (Arizona) put together an array of attacks to earn his gold medal. Taking the freestyle duties for the U.S. team at 100 kg was Adam Coon (Michigan) who was unscored upon during the freestyle competition. Coon, who was a double champion at the FILA Cadet Nationals this past spring and will represent the United States at the Cadet World Championships in Szombethely, Hungary, Aug. 25-28, 2011. Team leader Brian Giffin of Beat the Streets Chicago said, "The Cadet program is a vital part of the development of our nation's top wrestlers. This trip to Pan Am's was a strong step to helping us prepare tomorrow's Olympic and World Champions for their journey." Special thanks to the USA Staff that made this trip such a successful venture: Team Leader: Brian Giffin (Illinois) Head Coach: Mike Clayton (New Jersey) Head Coach: Drew Pariano (Illinois) Asst. Coach: Steve Glassey (California) Asst. Coach: Craig LaMont (Utah) Asst. Coach: John Grecco (Florida) Asst. Coach: Dan Coon (Michigan) Team Manager: Ricardo Garcia (California) Team Manager: Matt Hampton (Illinois) Media: Mike Bambic (Arizona) Media: Bill Ashnault (New Jersey)