InterMat Staff

LARAMIE, Wyo. -- After posting one of the most successful seasons in recent memory, the University of Wyoming wrestling program hopes to reach new heights in 2012-13 as the Cowboy schedule was released Tuesday. Wyoming (10-3 in dual action and 6-0 versus Western Wrestling Conference opponents in 2011-12) will begin this season with a rugged test as UW hosts perennial power Boise State. The Broncos take on the Pokes on Nov. 1. Two days later, UW hosts its yearly tournament, the Cowboy Open, and then nationally ranked Nebraska visits Laramie on Nov. 11. All this happens after UW officially opens practice just weeks before, on Oct. 10. Wyoming, which was ranked as high as No. 7 in the nation last year, finished 19th at the NCAA Championships last season. "Stiff competition is going to come at us fast," Wyoming head coach Mark Branch said. "We don't have a lot of time between our Oct. 10 start date and our first dual. "We've been trying to get Boise State on the schedule since I got here and we want to make sure we are ready to compete well. We moved the Cowboy Open up a week so we only have a few days to get prepared for a very competitive tournament and then we host a second marquee dual the next weekend against Nebraska. I can't imagine a tougher first semester schedule but that will definitely help prepare us for the conference schedule and postseason tournaments." The path doesn't get any easier, as the Cowboys hit the road to take on Oklahoma and Oklahoma State on Dec. 7 and 8, respectively, and head to Nevada for the Reno Tournament of Champions on Dec. 16. There is a possibility that the Cowboys could take part in the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational, which will be Nov. 30 through Dec. 1, but no final decision has been made. The home slate after that includes Oregon State (Jan. 13) and North Dakota State on Jan. 26. The Pokes have road dates with Northern Colorado (Jan. 30), Northern Iowa (Feb. 10) and the NWCA National Duals in Columbia, Mo., on Feb. 16. There will be three neutral-site duals: at Oklahoma in Arkansas City, Kan., at South Dakota State in Spearfish, S.D., and versus Air Force in Cheyenne, Wyo. The dual versus Oklahoma will take place in a location just minutes away from Branch's hometown of Newkirk, Okla. "I'm excited about that – to showcase my team to the community I grew up in, but more so than that, we're taking opportunities to expose wrestling to different areas," he said. The last dual of the season will be versus Air Force in Cheyenne. Though technically a home dual, the Pokes will take on the Falcons in a different city in an outreach effort for the state's wrestling fans. "We're excited about going to Cheyenne, making it easily accessible for more of our fans to come see our program," Branch said. Fans will have a chance to see postseason wrestling in Laramie this season, when UW hosts the Western Wrestling Conference Championships/NCAA West Regional on March 9. The WWC teams, including Wyoming, will participate in the tournament to determine NCAA Championship spots. "It's a great advantage to host," Branch said. "We have a team with a lot of unknowns. We lost some veterans last year so it's a great time to host it. We've won the conference the last three years and we don't want it to end. "Anytime you can stay in the comfort of your own surroundings, it helps you focus on your preparation. I think we're going to have a great crowd. We want to put a spotlight on this event and make it great, and are hospitable when they come here. But when we get on the mat, we're not planning on being very hospitable." To cap off the season, the NCAA Championships will be March 21-23 in Des Moines, Iowa. 2012-2013 Cowboy Wrestling Schedule Nov. 1 Boise State Laramie, Wyo. 7 p.m. Nov. 3 Cowboy Open Laramie, Wyo. All Day Nov. 11 Nebraska Laramie, Wyo. 1 p.m. Nov. 17 Nebraska-Kearney Open Kearney, Neb. All Day Dec. 7 Oklahoma Arkansas City, Kan. 7 p.m. Dec. 8 Oklahoma State Stillwater, Okla. TBA Dec. 16 Reno Tournament of Champions Reno, Nev. All Day Jan. 4 Utah Valley Orem, Utah TBA Jan. 6 Cal Poly Duals San Luis Obispo, Calif. TBA Jan. 13 Oregon State Laramie, Wyo. 2 p.m. Jan. 19 South Dakota State Spearfish, S.D. TBA Jan. 26 North Dakota State Laramie, Wyo. TBA Jan. 30 Northern Colorado Greeley, Colo. 7 p.m. Feb. 10 Northern Iowa Cedar Falls, Iowa 2 p.m. Feb. 16 NWCA National Duals Columbia, Mo. TBA Feb. 21 Air Force Cheyenne, Wyo. 7 p.m. March 9 WWC Championships Laramie, Wyo. All Day March 21-23 NCAA Championships Des Moines, Iowa All Day

TEMPE -- Funeral services have been announced for former Arizona State NCAA wrestling champion Eddie Urbano. The services will be held at the Del Angel Funeral Home on Sunday, Sept. 9 in Tucson, Ariz., located at 7 East University Blvd., 85705. Viewing services are scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. with a prayer to follow at 2 p.m. A memorial fund has been set up through Wells Fargo for those wishing to donate towards the funeral services. The information is as follows: Eddie Urbano Memorial Fund Wells Fargo Bank #1459188015 Eddie was a two-time All-American at Arizona State at 150 pounds in 1984 (3rd) and 1985, when he became just ASU's second NCAA Champion in school history and the first since Curley Culp in 1967. Eddie was the first NCAA Champion for legendary ASU coach Bobby Douglas, and set the groundwork for the team's first and only NCAA Championship in 1988. Urbano was a two-time Pac-12 Champion at 150 pounds as well. Eddie started a stream of talented wrestlers making their way to ASU from Tucson as he posted a career record of 105-17-1 with the Sun Devils. Those 105 victories rank Eddie 17th on ASU's all-time wins list despite only competing for three years as a Sun Devil. He finished his career with 52 dual victories, good for 11th in ASU's all-time record books. As a senior, he helped ASU win the Pac-10 team title and was named the Outstanding Wrestler of the tournament. Eddie was inducted into the Arizona State Sports Hall of Fame in 1999. Eddie also earned a junior college national title during his time competing at Pima Community College in Tucson. A Tucson native, Eddie became one of the first native Arizonans to win an NCAA Championship (Culp came out of Yuma, Ariz.). Eddie was a state champion in high school at perennial powerhouse Sunnyside High School and is part of an elite history at that program that has served as a pipeline for numerous Sun Devil talents through the years. After his time at Arizona State, he became the 1988 Olympic Trials runner-up at 68 kg. Following that, he went on to couch across the state and the city of Tucson, helping numerous individuals go on to achieve their collegiate wrestling dreams.

With the high school wrestling season' start approaching, InterMat will be taking fans across the United States of America on a tour of scholastic wrestling. From now until the middle of November, InterMat will introduce fans to the top high school senior wrestlers in the 49 states with scholastic wrestling. From Alaska to Florida, and Maine to California, fans will gain exposure to future college and senior level stars. Arizona keeps trying to gain more respect nationally and did a good job of it this offseason with quality results in nearly every event. Whether it was the Arizona Cadet National Dual team going 6-2 with in Daytona Beach, Fla., in June, getting five All-Americans in Fargo, or having a FILA Cadet double champion in Garrett Ryan, progress was certainly made. Although Ryan has since left for Wyoming Seminary (Pa.), the state has some quality talent preparing for their final high school season Here is a look at the top seniors in 2012-13 ... Honorable Mention: Eric Jeong (Rio Rico), Dajour Reese (Caesar Chavez), Efren Hernadez (Carl Hayden), Marshall Varner (Horizon), Raul Moraga (Sunnyside), Mike Kaledgian (Red Mountain). 1. Dalton Brady (Chandler) Projected 2012-2013 High School Weight Class: 126/132 Projected College Weight Class: 125 (Committed to Arizona State) Dalton Brady (Photo/Jason Skoda)Analysis: Dalton is the most decorated wrestler to come out of Chandler High School and is rarely challenged in state. He has a 115-1 record heading into his senior season. He avenged his only controversial loss to Safford's Trey Andrews his sophomore year. He is a three-time Arizona state champion. At the national and international level, he was third at 2010 FILA Cadet Nationals in freestyle, 2011 FILA Cadet National champion and fifth place at 2011 FILA Cadet World Championships. Words From the Corner: "Dalton is an awesome young man. Dalton trains year-round to perfect his skills. He is always looking at ways to improve his skills, never satisfied or complacent. His work ethic and attitude influence his teammates to step-up their performance. Pound for pound, I believe Dalton is the most technical and best wrestler in the state of Arizona and one of the best in the country. Dalton has a bright college future ahead of him." -- Vidal Mejia 2. Alex Bambic (Desert Vista) Projected 2012-2013 High School Weight Class: Class 182 Projected College Weight Class: 184/197 Alex Bambic (Photo/Darryl Webb)Analysis: Bambic got serious about the next level when he dropped from 215, where he wrestled as a freshman and sophomore, down to 197 last year. He is expected to drop even lower -- down to 182 -- and take on the better athletes in his quest for a third Arizona title. Bambic is 104-18 in high school career. Bambic has fared well at the national and international level, finishing eighth in the 2012 Junior Freestyle Nationals, third at the 2012 FILA Junior World Team Trials at 96 kilos, fifth at the 2012 FILA Junior Nationals in Greco-Roman, first at the 2011 USA Wrestling Preseason Nationals at 220 pounds, and a gold medalist at the 2011 FILA Cadet Pan Ams in Greco-Roman. Words From the Corner: "Alex is always working to get better and there is no letdown. He is willing to do whatever it takes to improve." -- David Gonzalez 3. Seth Monty (Mountain View) Projected 2012-2013 High School Weight Class: 145/152 Projected College Weight Class: 141-149 Analysis: This is not your typical Arizona wrestler as he comes from Michigan and his physical, constant movement style shows it. He has a 106-18 record at the high school level and is a three-time state placer, two-time finalist who is looking for his second state title after winning in 2010. He did really well at the national level, finishing as a FILA Junior All-American after beating a couple of college competitors. He has spent time in the Michigan wrestling room and has benefited from it. Words From the Corner: "He is a fierce competitor and he is always finding new ways to motivate himself." -- Bob Callison 4. Ben Andrew (Mesa) Projected 2012-2013 High School Weight Class: 220 Projected College Weight Class: 220 Analysis: Had a junior year, including the preseason leading up to it, in state when he beat four state champions (and lost to some of them as well) on the way to becoming a Division I state champion. It was a big leap for someone who didn't place as a sophomore. The progression should continue this year as the athletic and powerful Andrew builds off last year's success, which included representing the state at 220 pounds in the Boarder Wars at Arizona State. Words From the Corner: "He was pretty hungry after not placing at state as a sophomore. He felt like he hadn't done enough and worked really hard to make sure he didn't feel like that again." -- Bobby Williams 5. Marky Lopez (Rio Rico) Projected 2012-2013 High School Weight Class: 145 Projected College Weight Class: 141 Analysis: Some wondered where Lopez stood in the state's rankings coming from a smaller, but very respected program. The two-time state champion performed well in Virginia Beach, finishing in third place at the NHSCA tournament as a sophomore and missed All-American status by one match as a junior. He is a great student with a 4.167 GPA. Words From the Corner: "Hard worker. He trains year-round to stay on top." -- Brad Beach 6. Sergio Miranda (Sunnyside) Projected 2012-2013 High School Weight Class: 120/26 Projected College Weight Class: 125 Analysis: Miranda is the epitome of a wrestler from Sunnyside, the state's top program. He competes for six minutes, is tougher than a overcooked steak at the Waffle House. He is a two-time state placer (third as a freshman, fifth as a junior) with a 91-22 career record and was a NHSCA All-American after finishing seventh. 7. Curt Done (Highland) Projected 2012-2013 High School Weight Class: 138/145 Projected College Weight Class: 141 Analysis: Done is a three-time state placer, two-time finalist who won state as a sophomore. He got caught in the finals as a junior and was pinned, but it wasn't indicative of his season. He is a methodical wrestler who keeps coming after his opponent. Words From the Corner: "He likes the hard matches instead of the chump matches because he wants to be pushed." -- Abel Figueroa 8. Matt Filbert (Ironwood Ridge) Projected 2012-2013 High School Weight Class: 152/160 Projected College Weight Class: 149-157 Analysis: Filbert will be the top wrestler for Division II power Ironwood Ridge after being a nationally ranked junior in 2011. He failed to place at state as a sophomore while wrestling with mono but came back to win it all at 152 in Division II in 2011. He is a powerful wrestler who has great hips and is fundamentally sound. He went 4-2 at The Clash in Minnesota. Filbert hasn't wrestled much at the national level as he wants to attend one of the academies on his own merits so he has been to West Point and Annapolis for leadership programs. Words From the Corner: "He used to have horrible nerves to the point where he wasn't going to wrestle. Once he got control of that, he reached the next level and he should only get better." -- Tim Berrier 9. Jesse Morales (Marcos de Niza) Projected 2012-2013 High School Weight Class: 138/145 Projected College Weight Class: 141 Analysis: Morales is a two-time state champion in Division II that can also put a Flowing Wells championship on his resume after winning Arizona's top regular season tournament. He wrestles with a toughness that can't be taught and has good mat awareness. Squeaked out a state quarterfinal win, 6-5, and then cruised to second state title. 10. Isaac Camarillo (Cibola) Projected 2012-2013 High School Weight Class: 126/132 Projected College Weight Class: 133 Analysis: Camarillo is a two-time state placer after finishing fifth as a sophomore (112) and third as a junior (126). He went 84-11 the last two seasons. Camarillo also has had some success nationally as a three-time Pocatello placer, second at the America's Cup at Clovis (Calif.).

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?

By now the word is out that starting in 2013 massive changes are possible for the NCAA wrestling season. The process has received plenty of attention over the past two weeks from the wrestling media and coaches who are active on Twitter (mostly opinions and conjecture). But where does the issue stand as of today? What do NCAA coaches really think? And what could this all mean for the future of Division I wrestling? There are large differences in opinions, but where coaches and fans agree is in recognizing that the sport of collegiate wrestling could use a boost in revenue and positive media attention. The sport needs cash to survive and since that is tied directly to television appearances, there is a need to create a new event. Where the camps split is whether two events will actually help all programs, or only a few select teams with resources. The NWCA and coaches who outwardly support the change of schedule are encouraged by the idea that ESPN will cover two major events. The big picture will to them be richer and full of opportunity. The other group of coaches (I've been told about one in three college wrestling coaches oppose the proposal) think that there is too much risk in creating another championship, and that the bloodletting of college programs is nearing its reational endpoint. Mike Moyer (left), executive director of the NWCA, is a strong proponent of the National Duals becoming NCAA-sanctioned (Photo/Austin Bernard, Tech-Fall.com)Deciding whether or not to endorse the new plan is essentially a question about the risk and reward. Should college wrestling risk it's premier event in March (and the possibility it becomes slightly watered down) for the potential revenue of a dual meet format? Will the fans, viewers and advertising dollars follow wrestling to both a dual meet and individual tournament? Many of the coaches I contacted believe that if they all agree on which direction they'd like to head, they could weigh heavily in one direction and influence the NCAA. Here are some of the pros and cons as told to me by several coaches and pronounced by the NWCA across several media platforms. First, new details about the proposal that we now know: How will individuals be chosen? Same, but "the results of the team portion of the championships would not count toward the selection criteria for individual qualification." The idea is to prevent those in the top sixteen from having an added RPI advantage heading into wild card selection. How will teams be selected? Overall win/loss percentage (must wrestle at least 12 dual meets) Strength of schedule Team RPI Results versus common opponents Head-to-head competition Significant wins/losses Coaches' rank Some questions and concerns Won't this proposal eliminate 30-plus teams from ever competing in the NCAA Championships as they can't meet the funding of the top programs, and won't that disincentive athletic directors Will the NCAA actually sanction two events? According to some coaches, they believe the NCAA tends to look at issues in terms of social equality (Title IX) and adding another NCAA championship, even if it's divided, could push for elimination of the individual tourney -- wrestling's proudest tradition. Will ESPN choose to cover the Dual Team Championships? Is there a market? Will ESPN be contractually obligated to cover both events? If the dual team tourney is darkened by ESPN, will another outlet be allowed to cover it? Will the NCAA cover all the travel expenses for teams to travel to regional sites on short notice, and to the main event? (The first round teams are expected to cover their own expenses, and the NCAA will cover the main event.) What happens to the teams outside of the top sixteen teams? Where will they wrestle? Does they eliminate dual meets that have traditionally warmed teams up for the conference tourney? Will fans be able to show up to the events with only two weeks notice? The sum total of ten starting wrestlers determines the eight wild cards. What if my team lineup isn't set? How will this affect medical redshirts? Potential upside Another event will provide more attention for the sport by providing a second national event. More attention means more money and profit sharing will be discussed as a viable option, potentially helping lower income schools. Individuals understand team competition and would better be able to follow who makes it to the next round of wrestling and why. The dual team format will allow for also-rans to have a chance in any given weekend, to win a national championship. (Virginia Tech made it to the finals of the NWCA/Cliff Keen National Duals last season, but placed 11th at the NCAA tournament.) Parity would create interest at the local level and pull in local media, local sponsorship and fan support. Dual meets matter during the season. This would create higher interest in the outcome of matches and thus drive more interest and create a "spectator base." Individual tournaments and championships don't create income for local programs and don't have a lot of interest, but the dual meet format is going to feed back into the program during the regular season by creating captivating and meaningful events. Growing the base is essential to maintaining long term viability. Another NCAA tournament means two opportunities for performance evaluation by athletic directors. Some years your favorite college will have a good team, and other times they might only have a few good individuals. This format allows for exemplary performances to athletic directors. -- The NCAA Championships cabinet will take another look at the proposal on Sept. 10. The NWCA has sent a clarification document, which should provide more insight and answers. Once that becomes available, InterMat will be sure to post and provide context.

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! This Saturday it's Takedown Wrestling Radio. Join Scott Casber and Brad Johnson this Saturday from 9 to 11 a.m. CT/ 10 a.m. to noon ET. This week's guests: 9:03 Rob Anspach, Hofstra head wrestling coach 9:20 Jared Platt, New Jersey Fight Factory/Pursuit Wrestling 9:40 Steve Martin, Old Dominion head wrestling coach 9:50 Ty Barkley, Max Muscle Sports Nutrition Update 10:03 Jim Heffernan, Illinois head wrestling coach 10:20 Chris Weidman, UFC middleweight contender/former Hofstra wrestler 10:40 Brendan Buckley, Cal Poly head wrestling coach 10:50 Maureen Roshar Wildrose Casino and Resort Listen on radio, on computer, your Blackberry or iPhone with the iHeartRadio app.

The 2013 Division II Winter National Championships Festival has been moved from Cleveland to Birmingham, Ala., because of challenges involving the hotel block in Cleveland. The Festival ? which will feature Division II national championships in men’s and women’s swimming, men’s and women’s indoor track, and wrestling – will be conducted March 3-9, 2013, at Birmingham’s CrossPlex multisport facility. The dates and schedule of events will not be affected by the change of venue. The Gulf South Conference and the City of Birmingham will serve as co-hosts. “Birmingham will be a great host for our winter Festival,” said Pat O’Brien, president of West Texas A&M University and chair of the Division II Presidents Council. “Not only will our student-athletes get the opportunity to compete at a first-class athletics complex, we’ll be able to provide a quality Festival experience with the hotel arrangements and the proximity of the competition venues.” The Division II Administrative Committee, which O’Brien chairs, includes the leadership of both the Division II Management Council and Presidents Council. The committee authorized the change during a conference call Wednesday. Division II is the only NCAA membership division that conducts several championships at a common place and time. The two most recent Festivals, fall 2011 and spring 2012, were conducted in Louisville, Ky. About 1,200 student-athletes will compete in the 2013 winter Festival. The Gulf South Conference, which sponsors 14 men’s and women’s sports, is a premier Division II conference and a charter member of Division II. Birmingham is an experienced NCAA host, having staged the Men’s College Cup (Division I soccer) in 2011. That event will return to Birmingham this fall. “We’ve advocated bringing events to the Greater Birmingham Area for many years,” said Gulf South Commissioner Nate Salant. “This is a true sports mecca, and with the GSC in town since 1978, there is a lot of Division II history here. Visitors will find a warm, welcoming community with great hotels, terrific and diverse restaurants and springtime weather. “The state-of-the-art CrossPlex and Harris Arena at the CrossPlex are ideal venues, with plenty of parking and easy access. It’s the right size, right time and right place for Division II, and we look forward to seeing more Division II championships and sports festivals here in the future.” The competition venues at the CrossPlex feature a 200-meter banked track and a 50-meter Olympic swimming pool. Wrestling will take place at Harris Arena, a 5,000-seat facility in the CrossPlex that features chair-back seating. All competition venues are within walking distance of one another and within a 15-minute drive of the Festival hotels. “We are grateful to the Gulf South Conference and to the City of Birmingham for their responsiveness,” said Erin Lind, associate commissioner of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference and chair of the Division II Championships Committee. “I want to stress, however, that we have no hard feelings toward Cleveland and appreciate their commitment to ensuring the Division II Festival’s success. Representatives there have expressed an interest in hosting future championships, including our Festivals, and we look forward to considering those possibilities.”

The NCAA wrestling tournament is one of the toughest sporting events on the planet. There are 330 wrestlers competing for 80 spots on the podium, and sometimes that means that some of the best in the sport miss their chance. We take a look at the careers of ten of the best wrestlers to miss earning All-American honors since 2001. The criteria isn't fixed, but how many times a wrestler made it to the round of 12 is often times the most influential piece of data, followed closely by highest postseason seeding and significant wins. High school records and expectations don't play a significant factor, though some selections were buoyed by these when combined with solid college careers. If you think I've missed any names -- and I'm sure I did -- please feel free to send an email or leave a comment. Honorable Mention: Noel Thompson (Hofstra), Cameron Wade (Penn State), Tucker Lane (Nebraska), Mike Benefiel (Oklahoma State), Luke Manuel (Purdue), Mitch Mueller (Iowa State), Trevor Stewart (Central Michigan), Jonny Bonilla-Bowman (Virginia Tech/Hofstra), Matt Azevedo (Arizona State/Iowa State) 10. Corey Jantzen (Harvard) The younger brother of Harvard NCAA champion Jesse Jantzen was always near the top of his weight classes ... when he was competing. Often injured and with time off the mat, Jantzen's career was puzzling to many on the outside. Jantzen sat out in 2010 and 2011, and medical forfeited in 2009. He was 0-2 at the 2008 NCAAs. His career ended at the 2012 NCAA tournament with losses at 149 pounds to Dylan Ness of Minnesota and Donnie Vinson of Binghamton. Nick Passolano celebrates after pinning Iowa's Cole Pape9. Nick Passolano (Iowa State) Passolano, who competed at 165 pounds and 174 pounds, was a four-time NCAA qualifier under Bobby Douglas at Iowa State. He registered some big wins in his college wrestling career, but was never able to find the NCAA podium in March. One of Passolano's shining moments as a Cyclone came when he pinned Iowa's Cole Pape in 36 seconds to break ISU's 30-dual meet drought to the Hawkeyes. Following his collegiate career, Passolano finished fourth at the 2005 U.S. World Team Trials in freestyle, and had wins over two-time NCAA champion Johny Hendricks (Oklahoma State) and NCAA champion Luke Becker (Minnesota). 8. Patrick Bond (Illinois) He never made it to the round of 12, but Patrick Bond was one of the most talked about wrestlers to never earn All-American honors. The four-time NCAA qualifier seemed like a lock as a freshman in high school to place at the tourney, and by the time he ended up at Illinois (compliments of fellow Great Bridge High School alumnus Carl Perry) everyone expected he'd find the podium and possibly even the top of it. What makes Bond different than other high school to college flameouts is that he was highly ranked all four years and placed in the top five in the Big Ten each year, and had a legitimate shot at placing in every trip to NCAAs. Anyone who'd ever watched him wrestle could see that he had more talent than almost anyone he faced. But when it came time to chalk up four wins in March, Bond couldn't manage the task and tallied his best performance with a 2-2 showing in 2010. Bond's career was littered with highlights, including wins over Dallas Herbst (Wisconsin) and J.D. Bergman (Ohio State), as well as being ranked in the top 20 nationally for much of his career. JohnMark Bentley7. JohnMark Bentley (North Carolina) JMB was a total stud. In addition to compiling a 31-2 record as a senior, the Carolina wrestler was a three-time ACC champion and three-time NCAA qualifier. In 1998 JMB lost to Iowa's Jeff McGinness, a two-time NCAA champion, on the topside of the bracket, and dropped his second wrestleback match. In 1999 his dreams of wrestling through the consolation bracket were crushed when he was disqualified against an Oregon State wrestler. JMB's career ended in 2001 with a round of 16 wrestleback loss to Reggie Wright of Oklahoma State. There is an upside to all the disappointment. After college JMB got into coaching and is now one of the top college coaches in the country, turning around the Appalachian State program. Last season App State had two NCAA All-Americans, the team's best performance in over 40 years. 6. Cole Sanderson (Iowa State) Cole Sanderson, the second oldest of the four Sanderson brothers, was a tough matchup for anyone who stepped foot on the mat with him. He was a bit unorthodox and a very proficient scrambler. Sanderson qualified for the NCAAs four times, and was seeded in the top ten in three of those four NCAA tournament appearances. He lost in the NCAA quarterfinals as a junior and senior, and both years came up one win short of All-American honors, losing in the round of 12. Nebraska's Bryan Snyder knocked out Sanderson as a junior, while Penn's Yoshi Nakamura eliminated the Cyclone the following year. 5. Rollie Peterkin (Penn) A three-time round of 12 wrestler, Peterkin enjoyed an incredible career at the University of Pennsylvania, and were it not for Scotti Sentes of Central Michigan, Peterkin would probably have been a two-time All-American. In 2008 the 125-pound wrestler's round of 12 loss came in overtime at the hands of ODU's James Nicholson 5-3. Peterkin improved the next year, making it to the quarterfinals where he lost to Paul Donahoe of Nebraska 7-3, before dropping to the consolation bracket where he faced Sentes and lost. After taking the 2010 season off from NCAA competition, the 2011 NCAAs were shaping up to be Peterkin's best chance to place. The Penn wrestler had beaten No. 4 Lou Ruggirello at the Southern Scuffle and was seeded tenth heading in, but suffered a 7-5 first-round loss to the wrestler from Utah Valley. Unshaken, Peterkin climbed his way back, winning three straight in the consolations. But in the end it wasn't to be. Peterkin once again lost to Central Michigan's Sentes and ended his career without an All-American statue. Ralph DeNisco (Photo/Danielle Hobeika)4. Ralph DeNisco (Wisconsin) A two-time round of 12 wrestler at Wisconsin and a four-time NCAA qualifier, DeNisco was consistently ranked in the top 15 nationally. His NCAA journey started in 2001 at 184 pounds, where he went 1-2. His 2002 NCAA tournament was going much better until he ran into Lehigh's Rob Rohn and his cement mixer in the quarterfinals and lost by fall. DeNisco dropped to the round of 12 where he suffered a loss to fellow New Jersey native Tom Tanis of Rutgers (the last All-American for Rutgers). DeNisco was poised for a strong performance in 2003, but lost his pigtail match to eventual third-place finisher Josh Lambrecht of Oklahoma. From there he won four straight matches to put himself back in the round of 12 where he met up with Ben Heizer of Northern Illinois and lost. He finished his career in 2004 with a round of 16 performance. 3. Scott Jorgensen (Boise State) Best known for his current career as an MMA bantamweight, Scott Jorgensen started his combat sports career as a star member of the Boise State Broncos. Jorgensen was a three-time round of 12 wrestler, but dropped each of his All-American matches by decision. In 2005 he lost a close championship bracket decision to eventual champion Travis Lee (Cornell) before dropping his round of 12 match to Matt Sanchez of Cal State-Bakersfield. His other round of 12 losses were in 2004 to two-time NCAA champion Johnny Thompson (Oklahoma State), and in 2006 to Minnesota's Mack Reiter. 2. Ralph Everett (Hofstra) Few wrestlers of the past 15 years have played a more substantial supporting role to history than Hofstra's Ralph Everett. He started his history book career when he was the 100th consecutive win for NCAA wrestling great Cael Sanderson, which broke Dan Gable's record. Everett continued those record-making ways the next season when he became the first wrestler to beat Greg Jones at the 2003 NCAA tournament. Had Jones beaten Everett and continued on to win in the finals, he might have become a four-time NCAA champion. As it was he'd dropped down to the consolation bracket where he lost to Rashad Evans of Michigan State -- another wrestler who has made it big in MMA. As for Everett, he'd go on to lose 4-1 in the quarterfinals to Pitt's Carl Fronhofer before bowing out in the round of 12 to Curtis Owen of Arizona State 6-5. Everett actually beat me 5-4 at the 2004 NCAAs, but went on to lose a tight 2-1 match to Edinboro's Matt King in the quarterfinals. Next, he suffered an overtime tiebreaker loss in the round of 12 to Jake Klein of Nebraska. In summation: three-time NCAA qualifier, two-time round of 12, and the guy to end Greg Jones' dream of four NCAA titles. Scott Justus battles Purdue's Ben Wissel in a pigtail match at the 2003 NCAA tournament (Photo/Danielle Hobeika)1. Scott Justus (Virginia Tech) One of only a handful of No. 1 seeds to never place at an NCAA tournament, Scott Justus was a big, funky, and strong animal. When it came time to deliver he just wasn't able to convert those attributes into hardware. In addition to not converting on his top seed in 2002 -- he lost to Rowdy Lundegreen (Cal State-Fullerton). Justus was two-time round of 12 (2001, 2003) and a four-time NCAA qualifier. He was a quarterfinalist in 2001, beating eventual two-time NCAA champion Damion Hahn (Minnesota) before losing up top to Viktor Sveda (Indiana). In 2003 he lost his pigtail match but roared back to the round of 12 before losing a lopsided major decision to Princeton's Greg Parker. Justus is also a dead ringer for UFC light heavyweight Forrest Griffin.

This week Richard and John breakdown the long-awaited UFC 151 card featuring Jon Jones vs. Dan Hen ... Wait, what? Canceled? Anyway, no doubt Dana White and company were more than perturbed about having to cancel a pay-per-view event, but should the face of a major sports organization publicly throw one of its athletes under a bus when multiple people were at fault? Without much else to discuss, here is a full, honest breakdown of the UFC 151 fiasco and the ONE FC card taking place on Saturday, featuring a matchup of two former UFC champions that almost no one wants to see. Do you want to listen to a past episode? View archives.

T.R. Foley and Mike Riordan look forward to the 2012-2013 NCAA wrestling season and talk about the future of at-risk programs under the proposed change to Division I postseason. Do you want to listen to a past episode? View archives.

Mike Moyer and Brian Smith will go "On the Mat" this Wednesday, Aug. 29. NWCA executive director Mike Moyer with Takedown's Scott Casber at the 2011 NWCA All-Star Classic in Tempe, Ariz. (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com)"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. CT on AM 1650, The Fan. An archive of the show can be found on www.themat.tv. E-mail dgmstaff@nwhof.org with any questions or comments about the show. Moyer is the executive director of the National Wrestling Coaches Association. He will discuss the proposed changes to the format of the NCAA wrestling tournament. Smith is the current head wrestling coach at the University of Missouri. He is the longest tenured coach at Missouri and is about to begin his 15th season.

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Former Iowa State All-American Nick Fanthorpe makes the move over from resident athlete with the Nittany Lion Wrestling Club to Assistant Coach (volunteer). Fanthorpe is in his first season as a collegiate coach, taking the place of former Lion All-American Aaron Anspach. Nick FanthorpeFanthorpe had a stellar career at Iowa State, wrestling all but one year for current Lion mentor Cael Sanderson. The Napierville, Ill., native left Ames with a 94-29 career record, including a 32-6 mark as a sophomore. That year, 2007-08, Fanthorpe placed seventh at NCAAs to become a Cyclone All-American. The year before, he ended his red-shirt freshman year in the `round of 12', just one win shy of AA status. He was a two-time Big 12 Champion as well and a three time Academic All-Big 12 first teamer. An outstanding student-athlete, Fanthorpe won Iowa State's Total Commitment Award four straight years, winning in 2007, 08, 09 and 10. Fanthorpe is married to the former Erin Witte, who serves as Penn State Wrestling's office manager. He graduated from Iowa State in 2010 with a degree in Community and Regional Planning. Penn State will begin the new season on Nov. 1 when it hosts its Intrasquad Scrimmage at 7 p.m. in Rec Hall. Ticket information for the 2012-13 season is forthcoming very soon. The season ticket package will include seven home duals (the Intrasquad is a free event and the package does not include the Nittany Lion Open). For information on Penn State wrestling tickets simply call 1-800-NITTANY or check online at www.GoPSUsports.com/tickets/m-wrestl-tickets.html . Fans are encouraged to follow Penn State wrestling via twitter at www.twitter.com/pennstateWRES and on Penn State Wrestling's facebook page at www.facebook.com/pennstatewrestling.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Former University of Michigan wrestling standout and two-time NCAA champion Dave Porter (1966-68) passed away on Saturday (Aug. 25) in Grand Ledge, Mich., at the age of 66. Porter, who had been in poor health in recent years, was also a two-year Michigan football letterwinner as a defensive tackle. Dave Porter (Photo/Michigan Sports Information)Among the most decorated wrestlers in Michigan program history, Porter was a two-time NCAA heavyweight champion (1966, '68) and three-time NCAA All-American, placing third as a junior. He captured his first title in dominant fashion, using three takedowns and two near falls to defeat Minnesota State-Moorhead's Bob Billberg, 15-4, and become the program's eighth individual NCAA champion. A native of Lansing, Mich., Porter enjoyed several notable wins and rivalries against his hometown Michigan State Spartans. In his junior season, with U-M trailing by eight points with two matches remaining in the regular-season dual finale against No. 1-ranked MSU, Porter pinned the Spartans' Jeff Richardson in the last match to seal Michigan's 16-14 upset victory. He was immediately preceded in victory by teammate Pete Cornell at 190 pounds; Cornell was killed on July 26 in a cycling accident. Two of Porter's three career losses came in his senior season to Michigan State's Jeff Smith, who defeated Porter in the regular-season dual meet and the Big Ten Championships heavyweight final. Porter earned his revenge at the NCAA Championships, however, routing Smith 7-1 in the semifinal round. He went on to defeat Oregon State's Jess Lewis, 5-4, in the championship match. Trailing in the third period, Porter earned a reversal and sealed the decision with a late takedown. It was the only loss that Lewis suffered in his career. Porter pinned his way to back-to-back Big Ten heavyweight titles (1966, '67) and was honored as the tournament's most outstanding wrestler as a junior. He represented Michigan at the first two NWCA All-Star Classic competitions (1967, '68) and served as U-M team captain in his senior campaign. Over his three seasons, he contributed to a 29-3 Michigan dual record and three top-10 NCAA finishes, including a runner-up showing in 1967. Dave Porter (Photo/Michigan Sports Information)Porter posted a sterling 51-3 career record, including a perfect 17-0 mark as a sophomore, and registered 37 career falls. His .944 career winning percentage has stood as the Michigan program standard for 44 years. On the gridiron, Porter played defensive tackle during the 1966 and 1967 seasons, compiling 46 career tackles, four pass breakups and two fumble recoveries. After appearing in the North-South Shrine Game, he was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the 1968 NFL Draft but tore a tendon and never played in an NFL game. After his Michigan graduation, Porter accepted a teaching and coaching position at Grand Ledge High School, where he remained until his retirement in 2005. Porter was inducted into the prestigious Michigan Hall of Honor in 1985 and is a member of the Michigan chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame (inducted 2010) and Michigan Wrestling Association Hall of Fame (1986). A memorial service will be held at 6 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 5, at Holihan-Atkin Funeral Home in Grand Ledge, Mich. Visitation will precede the service from 3-6 p.m. For more information, please visit the Holihan-Atkin website.

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

Brandon Eggum

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jacob Volkmann

InterMat senior writer T.R. Foley answers reader questions about NCAA wrestling, international wrestling, recruiting, or anything loosely related to wrestling. You have until Thursday night every week to send questions to Foley's Twitter or email account. Do you want to read a past mailbag?

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

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