InterMat Staff

Akron, Ohio -- The University of Wyoming’s Tyler Cox placed second in the 55 kilogram (121.25 pound) Greco-Roman division of the University Nationals over the weekend in Akron, Ohio, to pace three Cowboy wrestlers in the event. The placing qualified the UW redshirt freshman for the U.S. Senior World Team Trials on June 9-11 in Oklahoma City, Okla. Cox compiled a 4-1 record in Greco-Roman on Thursday thanks to four-straight victories in the consolation bracket. He opened with a 4-0, 7-0 loss to eventual-champion Max Nowry (NYAC), but rebounded with a 3-0, 10-0 decision over Ben Willeford (CLEVWC) and a 10-0, 8-0 technical fall of Zachery Knowlton (Marines). He pinned Brandon Escobar (NYAC) in the second period of the consolation final and defeated Nikko Triggas (NYAC), an All-American at Ohio State, with a 5-3, 4-1 decision in the true-second match. The top two finishers in each weight class advance to the U.S. Senior World Team Trials. The University age group consists of 20-25 year olds, featuring some of the nation’s top collegiate wrestlers. Cox also fared well in the freestyle division on Friday and Saturday, as he placed fifth at the same weight with a 3-2 record. Redshirt freshman Patrick Martinez and junior Dallas Hintz competed in the freestyle division as well. Martinez went 2-2 at 74 kilograms (163 pounds), while Hintz was 1-2 at 84 kilograms (185 pounds). Cox recently completed his first season in UW’s starting rotation. Splitting the season between 125 and 133 pounds, he posted a 25-13 overall mark, including 10-6 in duals. He earned seven pins, three technical falls and two major decisions.

WATERLOO, Iowa -- A banquet and a new induction format greeted the Class of 2011 into the Glen Brand Wrestling Hall of Fame of Iowa on April 16. The 10th hall of fame class included four individuals and a championship team. This was the first Glen Brand Hall of Fame class since the National Wrestling Hall of Fame & Museum in Stillwater, Oklahoma, and the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum in Waterloo, Iowa, formed its historic partnership. On hand for the event were Lee Roy Smith, executive director of the Hall of Fame, and Dan Gable, 1972 Olympic champion and namesake of the Dan Gable Museum. "Our staff in Waterloo did a great job of planning and implementing a new format for the ceremonies this year," said Smith. "The formality of this event elevated its prestige. It was a great turn out and I learned a great deal about the heritage of wrestling in the state of Iowa. "This event is what we are all about: showcasing, telling, and preserving the story of our sport through the lives of those individuals, teams, and contributors who make our sport great." Individual inductees included Joe Scarpello (University of Iowa), Jason Smith (Iowa State University), Bill Zadick (University of Iowa), and Doug Schwab (University of Iowa). Scarpello was an NCAA champion in 1947 and 1950. He also has the distinction of being the only wrestler inducted into the Glen Brand Wrestling Hall of Fame of Iowa (2011) and the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame (2003). Both halls of fame are located in the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum. Scarpello died on Nov. 9, 1999. "I walked by Joe Scarpello's picture a 1000 times at the University of Iowa wrestling room," said Bill Zadick during his induction speech. "It is an honor to be inducted in the same hall of fame class as someone who inspired me to become an NCAA champion." Zadick and Schwab were NCAA champions with distinguished international careers. Zadick was an NCAA champion in 1996 and a World champion in 2006. Schwab was a 1999 NCAA champion and an Olympian in 2008. Smith was an NCAA champion for Iowa State in 1969 and 1970. The highlight of the evening was inducting the first team into the Glen Brand Wrestling Hall of Fame of Iowa. The 1947 NCAA championship team from Cornell College (located in Mount Vernon) was recognized for its historic achievement of becoming the first team outside the state of Oklahoma, and the first in the state of Iowa, to win an NCAA team title. Members of the team, and family members of the team, were on hand to accept the award. There was also a special reception at Cornell College in Mount Vernon prior to the banquet at Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center in Waterloo. Arno Niemand, author of "The Dream Team of 1947," presented the award to the team, while team member Al Partin provided the induction speech. R.K. Scott, son of Hall of Fame coach Paul Scott, accepted the award on behalf of his later father. Paul Scott was the head wrestling coach at Cornell from 1941 through 1950. "It was a wonderful thing for this team to be honored, especially in Waterloo," said Niemand. "As many as four out of the eight starters on the team came from West Waterloo High School. I like that this hall of fame will honor the tradition of great teams in the state of Iowa." In addition to the individual and team inductions, Steve Knipp, former head wrestling coach at East Waterloo, was presented with the Russ Smith Community Impact Award at the induction ceremony. The award is given to a person demonstrating exceptional local impact on wrestling. Closing remarks at the banquet were provided by Dan Gable. "Since I have been going to the hall of fame inductions this was one of the most successful," said Gable. "There were a couple new angles, and inducting the team in addition to what we've been doing before added to the event." Next year's class will be selected in the coming months. The 13-member selection committee includes 10 past Glen Brand Hall of Fame inductees and three members of the media. Nominations for the hall of fame will be accepted until July 31, 2011. Contact the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum at (319) 233-0745 for more information.

AKRON, Ohio -- Eight members of the Minnesota wrestling team placed at the 2011 ASICS University Nationals competition this weekend in Akron, Ohio including a trio of Gophers who will advance to the World Team Trials this June in Oklahoma City. Redshirt junior and two-time All-American Sonny Yohn picked up a runner-up finish in the 96kg/211.5 lbs. competition, finishing 4-1 at the event. Meanwhile, freshman Nick Dardanes also went 4-1 and finished second in the 63kg/138.75 lbs. bracket. After opening with a win in the 55kg/121.25 lbs. division, redshirt junior and three-time All-American Zach Sanders dropped his second match of the tournament, but rebounded with six-straight wins to place third. Sanders would join Dardanes and Yohn at the World Team Trials after adding another win over Frank Perrelli in the true second match to bring Sanders' record to 8-1 at the event. Five other members of the Minnesota wrestling team placed at this weekend's event. Tony Nelson went 5-2 in the 120kg/264.5 lbs. bracket to finish fourth in the division while Kevin Steinhaus, David Zilverberg and Danny Zilverberg each took sixth in their respective weight class. Steinhaus, who finished eighth at the NCAA championships this year to earn All-America honors, went 5-3 in the 84kg/185 lbs. bracket. Danny Zilverberg, an NCAA qualifier this year, went 6-2 at 70kg/154.25 lbs. while David Zilverberg went 6-3 at 63kg/138.75 lbs. Also at 70kg/154.25 lbs., Pat Smith placed eighth after going 4-3 over the weekend.

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Wrestling at the University Nationals this past weekend held in Akron, Ohio, the University of Missouri wrestling team saw four of their grapplers post top-eight finishes in their respective weight classes, highlighted by Dom Bradley's first place finish at 120 kg/264.5 lbs. Zach Toal (74 kg/163 lbs.) finished in second place, Nicholas Hucke (66 kg/145.5 lbs.) took third, while Cody Farinella, also wrestling at 66 kg/145.5 lbs., finished seventh. With their top-two finishes, Bradley and Toal qualify for June's U.S. World Team Trials, held in Oklahoma City, Okla. Bradley rolled to the semifinals with three easy wins, winning by decisions of 6-0/2-0, 1-0/2-0 and 1-0/3-0. Facing off with Tyrell Fortune (Cougar WC) in the semis, Bradley won the first period by a 6-1 score before being knocked off 1-0 in next round. He bounced back in the final period, topping Fortune by a 5-0 final to move on to the championship round. He took first place after Jeremy Johnson (Bobcat Wrestling) had to default due to injury. Two of Toal's first three wins came via pin, as he opened with a win by fall over Will Delk (OCU Stars), pinning him 20 seconds into the second period. After a 2-1/1-1 decision in his next match, Toal then pinned Kyle Dooley (Illinois) 51 seconds into the match to move on to the quarterfinals. From there he was bumped to the consolation bracket after a 1-0/2-1 loss, but bounced back to win his next four matches, sending him to the true second-place match against Kyle Dake. Dake injury defaulted to Toal as he claimed second. Hucke advanced all the way to the semifinals before being bumped to the consolation bracket, highlighted by a win by fall in his opening match. Losing the first period 6-0, Hucke bounced back and pinned Brandon Rader (West Virginia) 1:30 into the second period. He then rallied off wins of 3-0/4-0, 2-0/3-2 and 6-5/1-0 before falling by a 1-0/3-0 decision. He went up against Rader in his first consolation match, winning by a 1-2/8-1/5-1 decision and then toppled Mike Rowe (Team Jaguar), 4-3/0-2/4-1, for third place. After winning his first three matches, including a win by fall in his second match, Farinella fell to the wrestlebacks after dropping a 4-0/3-0 decision to Rowe in the quarterfinals. After winning his first consolation match by a 6-0/4-6/4-3 decision, Farinella was bumped to the seventh place match after a 6-0/3-1 loss. However, he bounced back, toppling Samuel Schmitz (Team Missouri Select) by a 2-1/6-0 decision to capture seventh place.

AKRON, Ohio -- Fresh off completing his Northwestern Wrestling career as a three-time All-American, Brandon Precin had an outstanding first outing in his 2011 freestyle season, winning the 55-kg (121-pound) championship at the 2011 ASICS University Nationals event in Akron, Ohio, on Saturday. By virtue of winning his weight class at University Nationals -- which this year featured 22 NCAA Division I All-Americans and eight NCAA finalists -- the Orland Park native and Carl Sandburg alum earned an automatic bid to the United States Senior World Team Trials in June in Oklahoma City. "Brandon wrestled a great tournament, especially considering it was his first freestyle competition of the spring," said Northwestern head coach Drew Pariano. "It's very important to us that our wrestlers reach their goals in freestyle in addition to succeeding during the college season, and guys like Brandon, Jake Herbert and Lee Munster have proven that this spring. Our goal is to place guys on World Teams so we'll be working toward that over the next few weeks." Precin, who placed third nationally at the 2009 and 2011 NCAA Championships, recorded three pins on his way to his first career title at University Nationals. Precin won his championship match by a 1-0, 2-1 score over Cornell senior Frank Perelli. Precin, who graduated ranked third all-time at NU with 138 career wins, will be joined at June's World Team Trials by former Northwestern teammate Jake Herbert, who recently won his third straight U.S. Open championship. Precin competed at the World Team Trials in 2010, posting a third-place finish in his debut at the event. Herbert also was a University Nationals champion, having been named Most Outstanding Wrestler back in 2007.

A new week and the wrestling community is once again confronted with the elimination of a storied program. This go-round it's the Brown Bears, an Ivy League team with a 99-year commitment to the sport of wrestling. The school didn't drop the program outright, instead choosing to rely on a protracted process of committees and commissions that suggest a course of action, then hear complaints regarding those suggestions. That process began last Thursday and will continue into the month of May. Now, say many in their camp is the time to act. "One of the things we are trying to focus on is creating highly effective communication with the committee over the next few days," says Brown alumnus, two-time EIWA champion Bob Hill. "We are looking to our network of supporters and asking them to get on board with some of out larger efforts. Instead of sending 100 letters to Ruth Simmons (Brown's President) we'd like to see 100 people sign the same letter and present it to the committee on Wednesday." Hill, who is the leader of the Friends of Brown Wrestling, an alumni organization, said they are making contact with high-level donors, alumni, students, and faculty to make sure they create the case for Brown wrestling not only in selfish terms of the student-athletes losing their opportunity to participate in athletics but the goodwill programs established by the program that would disappear if eliminated. Fifteen years ago the wrestling program adopted Fox Point Elementary School and has sustained a relationship with the school through wrestling. "Should it be eliminated, that'll be another opportunity lost because of the cuts," said Hill. Dave Amato has been the head wrestling coach at Brown for the past 27 seasons and he says that he really didn't see this coming. "I know that the athletic director didn't want to act on these recommendations. He's always been very supportive, so but now we have to get the community behind us and influence the next step in the process." Dave AmatoThe next step in the process is a review by the committee that made the original recommendations. The committee features the athletic director, two students, two faculty members and most notably Dick Spies, who chaired a similar commission at Princeton which advocated for the removal of their wrestling program. Spies, who is well known in wrestling circles for the aggressive nature by which he attacked the Princeton program, came to Brown along with President Ruth Simmons and is considered by many to be her "right-hand man." He'll be facing off against representatives from each of the graduating classes, Coach Amato and members of the other effected teams. "There is always a lot anger that erupts during these cuts," says Hill. "Wrestlers want to do something, but in this circumstance it is to write one letter and get as many signatures as possible. Make it a kind letter that outlines why Brown wrestling is important to your community." The important message to remember about the Brown wrestling program still has a chance to survive. Athletic departments like the Univ. of Virginia and Princeton have used committees to gauge the the backlash of their alumni. In both those cases the feedback was severe enough to indicate to the universities that they'd be better off supporting the program rather than cutting it completely. The wrestling community has a lot to be angry about - the cuts at Brown aren't motivated by the financial needs of the University (Brown recently raised $1.6 billion, of which only 1-percent is allocated for athletics). Amato says that the wrestling team was able to raise their operational budget for the year, about $75k, and over the years maintain their $800k endowment, of which a portion of the interest drawn is given to the program for costs. Unfortunately the wrestling program might be the victim of a school interested in having fewer athletes on campus. The Brown athletic department is being asked to return 30 admission slots to the university by the end of the year, and with the wrestling program holding 8 of those slots, elimination is a quick and easy solution to solver their problems. Cornell head coach Rob Koll is not a stranger to the Ivy League system and what it takes to create a successful program, and he thinks that the lessons of Brown are universal, and though trite are worth repeating. "You absolutely have to have an active and engaged young alumni group . These are the guys who are going to be your fans and put in place the mechanisms to prevent being dropped." In the case of Brown, much of the action being taken is in reaction to the events, something many coaches agreed needs to be remedied. Cornell coach Rob Koll believes Brown's young and successful alumni can be a real force and help get things turned around (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com)"Unfortunately, it should really never get to this point," says Koll. "Every coach needs to be ready with a list of reasons why our program should be the one preserved. You have to make yourself an asset on campus." The Brown wrestling community has received some negative press in recent months. On the mat the Bears were unable to produce an NCAA qualifier in 2011 and off the mat are still dealing with the fallout of the William McCormick court case against the university, which has been well-publicized by the New York Times and other media outlets. That case and any other discretions, Amato and Koll agree, look bad for the program, though Koll believes that they shouldn't be the death knell of any program. "We are dealing with hundreds of 20-something young men who sometimes make bad decisions and get caught up in bad stuff," says Koll. "The point is you need your program to be in a better position than to be susceptible to those few bad actions." Maybe most disappointing for fans of Brown wrestling is that the program is so proud. While Greensboro recently lost its program, they only ceded 15 years of competition, should Brown be eliminated the wrestling community would be losing one of the oldest programs in the nation, a program ready to celebrate their 100-year anniversary next season. All the coaches interested in the heath of the Ivy League are looking to do their part and promote involvement in saving Brown athletics; Koll, Jay Weiss of Harvard, Brendan Buckley of Columbia, Rob Eiter of Penn, and Chris Ayres of Princeton are all leaning on their social networks to create awareness and maybe some social pressure. "Brown has some amazingly successful young alumni," said Koll. "I think that they can be a real force and get this thing turned around." According to Amato the team is in place with presentations for tomorrow's committee review. "We want our guys to show them what cutting the program is going to do to their lives and how they have to choose between the Ivy education or transferring for wrestling." "Our strategy is to intervene at every level and keep up the pressure until we get this things reversed," says Hill. "We can do this. It'll be tough, but I think we can do this." The wrestling community is pulling for their success. After the committee hearing the next step is for the corporation to review the recommendations and vote. The commission is made up five officers, including Brown President Simmons and should be announcing that date later this week, but it will likely be in mid-May. Jokingly, Koll offered another more desperate solution, "We keep losing these battles, right? I bet if one of the wrestlers went on a hunger strike we'd start seeing different results. Jeez, I mean what does it take for us to show how committed we are to the sport." While no one, including Koll, is directly advocating for huger strikes and sit-ins, the desperation of these continued losses is beginning to agitate the community en masse. Still, the Brown alumni and coaches suggest that the wrestling community utilize the avenues presented by the university to discuss the committee's suggestions. Hill says that the main course of action remains intense focus on writing letters and contacting decision makers. "Brown is an interesting place and we need to be careful how we approach this thing, everyone wants what's best for the program and these wrestlers."

A host of World, Olympic and NCAA Champions are included in the final lineups announced today for the freestyle wrestling dual meet between the United States and Russia, part of the 2011 Beat the Streets Gala on Thursday, May 5 at New York's Times Square. The event will be held in Duffy Square in New York City, located in the historic Times Square setting at 46th Street. The event is free to the public, and will also be streamed live on TheMat.com by USA Wrestling and be shown on the single largest facing LED screen in Times Square. The USA vs. Russia freestyle wrestling dual meet will begin at 6:00 p.m., following a card of exhibition matches featuring young athletes who wrestle in the Beat the Streets youth program, as well as high school wrestlers from the Public School Athletic League, which will begin at 3:00 p.m. The U.S. team will include: 2008 Olympic champion Henry Cejudo (Colorado Springs, Colo./Sunkist Kids), who competes at 55 kg/121 lbs. This will be Cejudo’s first competition since winning the Olympic gold at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China. 2009 World silver medalist Jake Herbert (Evanston, Ill./New York AC) will wrestle at 84 kg/185 lbs. Herbert, who also competed in the 2010 World Championships, is coming off his third straight U.S. Open title on April 9 in Cleveland. He was a two-time NCAA champion and a Hodge Trophy winner at Northwestern. 2009 World bronze medalist Tervel Dlagnev (Columbus, Ohio/Sunkist Kids) will compete at 120 kg/264.5 lbs. Dlagnev won his first career U.S. Open title this year. He captured two NCAA Div. II national titles for Nebraska-Kearney. Brent Metcalf (Iowa City, Iowa/New York AC), a member of the 2010 U.S. World Team, will represent the USA at 66 kg/145.5 lbs. Metcalf was a two-time NCAA champion and a Hodge Trophy winner for Iowa. Members of the 2009 U.S. World Team competing in New York will be Shawn Bunch (Columbus, Ohio (Gator WC) at 60 kg/132 lbs. and Jake Varner (State College, Pa./Nittany Lion WC) at 96 kg/211.5 lbs. Bunch was a college star at Edinboro, while Varner won two NCAA titles for Iowa State. At 74 kg/163 lbs., the USA will be represented by Jordan Burroughs (Sicklerville, N.J./Sunkist Kids). Burroughs won his second career NCAA title for Nebraska in March, received the Hodge Trophy, then captured his first U.S. Open national freestyle title in April. "We have a great American team for this event," said USA Wrestling National Freestyle Coach Zeke Jones. "When the Russians come to town, we don’t mess around. We are putting a strong team out there." The U.S. team will be coached by Jones, along with past Olympic head coach Bobby Douglas of Ames, Iowa. Mike Novogratz of New York, N.Y. is the Team Leader. Russia is the reigning World Team Champion in freestyle wrestling. Its lineup for the New York City dual meet features a European champion and four Junior World champions and will be very competitive. Nariman Israpilov, a 2009 European champion, is on the Russian roster at 55 kg/121 lbs. Past Junior World champions in the Russian lineup include Israpilov, plus Magomedmurad Gadzhiev at 66 kg/145.5 lbs., Andrey Valiev at 84 kg/185 lbs. and Shamil Akhmedov at 96 kg/211.5 lbs. Rounding out the Russian roster are young talents Rasul Murtazaliev at 60 kg/132 lbs., Aniuar Geduev at 74 kg/163 lbs. and Barsag Kesaev at 120 kg/264.5 lbs. All three have won medals at the Ivan Yarygin Memorial Grand Prix, considered one of the world’s toughest international competitions. A U.S. lineup featuring an Olympic champion and three past Hodge Trophy winners will face a Russian lineup showcased by four Junior World champions. "Russia is the bullseye for us, and we are excited for every chance we can get to wrestle against them," said Jones. "We know that in our preparation to be the best in the world, we have to knock the Russian wrestlers off. They are very good. We have to be at our very best and ready to go when we face them." Each year, the Beat the Streets Gala is held to celebrate wrestling and raise funds for Beat the Streets Wrestling, Inc., the successful program which has provided wrestling opportunities for thousands of middle school and high school students in New York City. This is the second straight year in which a major Olympic-style competition has been featured as part of the Beat the Streets Gala. In 2010, an all-star challenge featuring top U.S. wrestlers was held on the USS Intrepid, an aircraft carrier docked on the west side of Manhattan. The Beat the Streets Reception and Awards Ceremony is set for the Hard Rock Cafe, 1501 Broadway in New York City, starting at 7:30 p.m. There will be a live musical performance by country music legend John Rich at the function. 2011 BEAT THE STREETS GALA New York Is Wrestling Battle on Broadway Duffy Square – Times Square at 46th Street in New York, N.Y., May 5 USA vs. Russia Freestyle Dual Meet matches 55 kg/121 lbs. – Henry Cejudo (USA) vs. Nariman Israpilov (Russia) 60 kg/132 lbs. – Shawn Bunch (USA) vs. Rasul Murtazaliev (Russia) 66 kg/145.5 lbs. – Brent Metcalf (USA) vs. Magomedmurad Gadzhiev (Russia) 74 kg/163 lbs. – Jordan Burroughs (USA) vs. Aniuar Geduev (Russia) 84 kg/185 lbs. – Jake Herbert (USA) vs. Andrey Valiev (Russia) 96 kg/211.5 lbs. –Jake Varner (USA) vs. Shamil Akhmedov (Russia) 120 kg/264.5 lbs. – Tervel Dlagnev (USA) vs. Barsag Kesaev (Russia) ABOUT BEAT THE STREETS The Mission of the Beat the Streets Wrestling Program is to expand and develop wrestling in the New York City Metropolitan area from the youth through the Olympic level. Our dream is to provide opportunities for boys and girls in the activity of wrestling, building lifelong skills. If you share this mission and would like to volunteer to help, please contact info@beat-the-streets.org.

US Nationals freestyle champions Jordan Burroughs and Teyon Ware 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. Burroughs won his second NCAA title for the University of Nebraska in March, completing his junior and senior seasons undefeated. He won the Dan Hodge Trophy as the most dominant college wrestler in the country and won the US Nationals freestyle title at 163 pounds. Ware was a four-time All-American and two-time NCAA champion for Oklahoma University at 141 pounds. He recently won the US Nationals in freestyle at 145.5 pounds. Burroughs and Ware will both enter the World Team Trials in Oklahoma City on June 10 & 11 as the number one seed in their respective weight classes and will be looking to become World Team members for the first time.

Related Link: Results & Videos AKRON, Ohio -- The freestyle competition came to a conclusion on Saturday afternoon at the FILA Cadet and University Nationals on the campus of the University of Akron. Eleven young men were crowned as champions, with each (but for the one at 275 pounds) earning the right to compete for the United States in late August at the FILA Cadet World Championships -- which will be held in Hungary. For a pair of young men -- Jordan Rogers (Mead, Washington) and Brooks Black (Blair Academy, New Jersey) -- it was a repeat title at the FILA Cadet Nationals. Rogers, who is ranked No. 18 nationally in the Class of 2012, absolutely dominated the competition in the 167.5-pound weight class. In the eight matches of this tournament, he only allowed an opponent to score in one period. Five wins were by fall, and three by technical fall -- including a 7-0, 7-0 victory over Jason Grimes (Holy Innocents, Georgia) in the final. "I'm always seeking out the best competition, constantly trying to get better," said Rogers when asked about how he has become such a dominant force. "All the experience has enabled me to get to this point, though there's always room for improvement." This came in follow up to the Greco-Roman championship on Thursday in which he was also named Outstanding Wrestler, when he only gave up a single point over the course of six matches. Black, who is ranked No. 4 in the Class of 2013, added this title at 275.5 pounds to a robust resume that includes a Cadet National Greco-Roman title in 2009 and sweeping both styles at the FILA Cadet Nationals and Cadet Nationals in 2010. For the sixth time in thirteen months, his opponent in a championship final match was Doug Vollaro (Oviedo, Florida), who is ranked No. 20 in the Class of 2012. As with the other five matches, it was a nip-and-tuck affair for the duration with Black coming out on top, this time in a 1-0, 0-1, 3-0 three period decision. Black won the first period in the leg clinch, while Vollaro responded back scoring on a leg attack in the second period to send the match to the third and deciding period. In that period, Black scored first as he drove Vollaro out of bounds off a body lock starting from an underhook tie. "I went out hard in that third period with a strong attack, and felt confident that I could wear him down," said Black. In addition to Rogers, a pair of other wrestlers also swept titles in the Greco-Roman and freestyle competition this weekend -- Sam Brooks (Oak Park River Forest, Illinois) and Adam Coon (Fowlerville, Michigan). Brooks, ranked No. 47 in the Class of 2012, had three runner-up finishes among his four Cadet National All-American finishes. He also brings to the table another runner-up finish, having finished second during this scholastic season at 171 pounds. In the championship final, it was a battle of 171-pound state runner-up, when Brooks outlasted Jack Dechow (Richmond, Illinois) 2-1, 1-0. After the high school season ended, Brooks has spent a lot of time focusing on the Olympic styles, and it showed in sweeping the titles this weekend and winning medals in both styles at the FILA Junior Nationals two weekends ago. "Freestyle and Greco-Roman are a lot easier for me to have fun in," he said, "and I wrestle a lot better with that laid back demeanor." Already winning state titles in both years of his high school career, Coon is ranked No. 18 in the Class of 2013, and faced a rematch of last summer's Cadet National freestyle final this afternoon. He added to his Greco-Roman title, and avenged that loss in Fargo, with a 1-1, 2-0 victory over Ty Walz (St. Edward, Ohio). "I've worked on some more sprawls, stronger hip defense, and stronger high-crotch defense," he said in response to what the difference was in this match compared to the meeting in Fargo. "I knew I'd see Ty again somewhere, and had to stop that lethal high-crotch of his." In fact it was that ability that enabled him to score the match sealing takedown in the second period. Joining Brooks as a champion from the state of Illinois, was Zane Richards (Carbondale) at 127.75 pounds. Richards, ranked No. 22 in the Class of 2012, adds this title to the pair of Cadet National Greco-Roman titles that he earned in 2009 and 2010. The championship was earned with a 1-0, 6-0 victory over Sam Brancale (Eden Prairie, Minnesota); though a very critical victory came in his last preliminary match against Hayden Tuma (Centennial, Idaho). Tuma had upended Richards in Thursday evening's Greco-Roman final; however, on Saturday morning, Richards earned the 2-1, 3-0 victory over the No. 17 wrestler in the Class of 2014. "It was all about mentality," Richards responded to the question about what was different between the two matches. "I knew that I had to make it happen, to wrestle my match, and with a lot of confidence." Richards' tournament performance earned him Outstanding Wrestler honors, and provides great confidence for him as the path to Fargo (Junior Nationals) continues. "I've just got to keep working hard, keep getting the matches, and keep learning so I can thrive in Fargo," said Richards. Along with the two champs from Illinois, a pair of Minnesota wrestlers also won championships. In fact, it was a second national title this month for each wrestler, as both won the Cadet National folkstyle tournament three weekends ago in Cedar Falls, Iowa. This pair of Class of 2014 members won titles at 92.5 and 101.25 pounds. Gannon Volk (Apple Valley, Minnesota) upended the Greco-Roman champion from earlier in the week Lincoln Olson (a freshman-to-be at Davison, Michigan) by a 3-2, 1-0 decision in the final. Hoping to be the starting 103-pound wrestler for Apple Valley in 2011-12, Volk sees this tournament as a building block. "I just want to keep doing well until Fargo, and keep getting better," stated the 2010 Cadet National double All-American, who also won the Cadet folkstyle championship at the beginning of this month. Like Volk, Tommy Thorn (St. Michael-Albertville, Minnesota) added to his title winning resume with a championship finals victory over a national champion. His victory came over 2010 Junior National freestyle champion Matt Garelli (Oak Park Fenwick, Illinois) by a 3-2, 4-2 score. Thorn was one of two finalists from the PINnacle Wrestling School in the FILA Cadet National freestyle competition. (Brancale at 127.75 pounds was the other PINnacle finalist.) Thorn, a state champion during the high school season at 103 pounds, comes from a strong wrestling lineage. His oldest brother Mike earned a second NCAA All-American finish this year, older brother David went 2-2 at the NCAA tournament, losing a pair of overtime matches as a redshirt freshman, and father John finished fourth at the NCAAs (for Iowa State) in 1983. "They've shown me how to wrestle and win through by their words and actions," was how Tommy assessed having a pair of older brothers and a father with such accomplished wrestling backgrounds. "In that match, I just kept working and didn't stop, even when I was trailing." At 110.25 pounds, Dalton Brady (Chandler, Arizona) -- who finished third in this event last year -- beat a pair of national champions to earn his championship. In yesterday's preliminary rounds, he upended returning event champion Nathan Tomasello (CVCA, Ohio) in a three period match, 3-0, 0-2, 4-0. Then, in the championship match, it was with a first period fall in 1:34 over 2010 Cadet National freestyle champion Phillip Laux (Iowa City West); Laux also won the Greco-Roman tournament contested earlier in the week. "I just had much more experience (this year versus last year)," said Brady. "My dad took me to more tournaments, and I was able to work on more and better technique. Just to get a better feel, understanding for strategy, and more confidence." Making the move up from second to first in this event at 119 pounds was Thomas Gilman (Skutt Catholic, Nebraska). Gilman -- ranked No. 17 in the Class of 2012 -- lost a three period match in the final last year before going on to win Cadet Nationals in Fargo last summer. In six preliminary matches to the final, Gilman had dominated all comers -- giving up two just points and ending five matches early (three technical falls and two pins). The championship final was a battle of returning runners-up, as Jacob Schmitt (St. John's, Michigan) -- ranked No. 37 in the Class of 2013 -- finished second at 101 pounds to Tomasello in this event last year. In two mirror image periods, Gilman emerged with a 2-1, 2-1 victory. Both periods opened up with a Gilman takedown, which was followed up by a Schmitt takedown, and then Gilman scored a period winning takedown on each occasion. "If things stayed the way they were, I was going to lose the period," said Gilman when asked about his late period scoring. "I just laid it all on the line with everything I had. Even though I could, I didn't want to wrestle a third period; just wanted to dominate in two." Rounding out the tournament champions were a pair of nationally ranked Class of 2013 wrestlers in Joey Lavallee (Reno, Nevada) at 138.75 pounds and Oliver Pierce (Allen, Texas) at 152 pounds. In a battle of sophomores, who earned All-American honors in both styles last summer at Cadet Nationals, it was Lavallee who upended Josh Pennell (St. John's, Michigan) 3-0, 3-2. Ranked No. 29 in his grade, Lavallee set the tone for the match when he was able to score an exposure in countering Pennell's advantage situation in the first period leg clinch. "I wanted to get to the boot scoot position," said Lavallee in discussing his leg clinch defense strategy. "I got to that point right when (Pennell) lifted up slightly, and I was able to pounce in with a crotch lift." "I feel real happy to win (this national title)," he continued. "I've been going all over the place to get ready for this, and I feel blessed for the training opportunities I've gotten." Pierce -- ranked No. 14 in his grade -- earned this title with a 2-1, 2-1 victory over Gabriel Moreno (Urbandale, Iowa). The "stop sign" will go on his mantle with those earned in Cadet National freestyle last summer and Greco-Roman in the summer of 2009; while Moreno was third in Cadet freestyle in 2009, and runner-up at the Junior National folkstyle tournament three weekends ago. Not only is Pierce a very talented wrestler, he's also a key contributor to one of the nation's best high school football programs. As a sophomore this past fall, Oliver was the second-string quarterback, a starter as an inside wide receiver, and the primary kickoff and punt returner. His team lost in the second round of the state playoffs to the number one team in the nation by a 37-35 score, the game was played in front of 50,000 people at the new Cowboys Stadium. Finals Results: 42 kg/92.5 pounds: Gannon Volk (Minnesota) dec. Lincoln Olson (Michigan), 3-2, 1-0 46 kg/101.25 pounds: Tommy Thorn (Minnesota) dec. Matthew Garelli (Illinois), 3-2, 4-2 50 kg/110.25 pounds: Dalton Brady (Arizona) pinned Phillip Laux (Iowa), 1:34 54 kg/119 pounds: Thomas Gilman (Nebraska) dec. Jacob Schmitt (Michigan), 2-1, 2-1 58 kg/127.75 pounds: Zane Richards (Illinois) dec. Sam Brancale (Minnesota), 1-0, 6-0 63 kg/138.75 pounds: Joey Lavallee (Nevada) dec. Joshua Pennell (Michigan), 3-0, 3-2 69 kg/152 pounds: Oliver Pierce (Texas) dec. Gabriel Moreno (Iowa), 2-1, 3-1 76 kg/167.5 pounds: Jordan Rogers (Washington) dec. Jason Grimes (Georgia), 7-0, 8-0 85 kg/187.25 pounds: Sam Brooks (Illinois) dec. Jack Dechow (Illinois), 2-1, 1-0 100 kg/220.5 pounds: Adam Coon (Michigan) dec. Ty Walz (Ohio) Dec 1-1, 2-0 125 kg/275.5 pounds: Brooks Black (Pennsylvania) dec. Doug Vollaro (Florida), 1-0, 0-1, 3-0

Fight Now USA Presents Takedown Wrestling from our Brute studios brought to you by Kemin Agrifoods! Join Takedown Wrestling host Scott Casber along with NEW producer Brad Johnson and an incredible roster of guests. Saturday morning from 9 to 11 we'll talk to some of the finest athletes and coaches in America. Join in from 9 to 11:00 AM CDT this Saturday for Takedown Wrestling at (KXNO.com and I Heart Radio on smart phones) this weeks guests include: 9:01 Dennis Hall- 2011 National Wrestling Hall of Fame inductee 9:20 The Hammond Brothers of California, Bryce and Coleman Joey Krebs reports in the history of the NHSCA Wrestling Tournament, as Al Fontes confirms that no two brothers have ever won two titles each at this event. Bryce and Coleman Hammond have accomplished this feat as wrestling brothers. 9:40 Ryan Loder- University of Northern Iowa redshirt freshman Ryan Loder is the Western Wrestling Conference Freshman of the Year. Loder was a unanimous pick for the award by the league's head coaches. 9:50 Max Muscle Minute- Tyler Barkley returns in our Max Muscle Minute 1300 NW 100th St, Clive, IA 10:01 Michael Chandler- Former Missouri Star soon to be Bellator Champion 10:20 Max Askren- Where in the world is Maxwell? Missouri NCAA Champ has stories to tell 10:40 Ben Kjar- Utah's Incredible 1 joins us to look at what the future holds now that his collegiate career has come to a close. 10:50 Amy Ruble Wildrose Casino and Resort in Emmettsburg, Iowa Join us LIVE 9 to 11 AM CST for Takedown Wrestling. Listen on radio, on computer, your Blackberry or I Phone with the I Heart Radio App. KXNO.com, Takedownradio.com, I Heart Radio App

DEKALB, Ill.-- The Northern Illinois University wrestling team celebrated their 2010-11 season at its annual awards banquet. NIU head coach Dave Grant and his staff reflected on the accomplishments of the past year and handed out several awards. Vince Castillo (Western Springs, Ill./Lyons Township) won the Upperclassman Academic Award. Castillo has earned Academic All-MAC honors for the second-straight season, posting a 3.51 GPA as a kinesiology major. He finished the season with a record of 9-16 while wrestling at 149. Castillo also earned the Will McDermott Most Dedicated Award. He finished his career with a record of 44-33. Castillo has battled to see the mat all five years he’s been a Huskie, earning a full-time starting spot this year after moving up to 149 pounds from the 141 this year. Sam Bennett (Anderson, Ind./Anderson Highland) received the Freshman Academic Award with a GPA of 3.3. Bennett compiled a record of 10-3 in fresh/soph matches while wrestling at 157 in his first season as a Huskie. Tristen DeShazer (Wichita, Kan./West) and Dakota Greenhaw (Monett, Mo./Monett) were both awarded the Four-Year Huskie Award for their four-year commitment to the program. DeShazer finished his career with a record of 57-42 with 33 pins, a superior accomplishment. He also placed third at the MAC Championships twice and earned a trip to the NCAA National Championships with his third-place finish in 2009. Greenhaw finished his career as a Huskie with a 27-42 record. Greenhaw fell one match short of making it to the NCAA Championships at this year’s MAC Championships in a bracket loaded with four nationally-ranked opponents. Nick Smith (Ida, Mich./Ida) took home the Outstanding Freshman award with an extraordinary first season as a Huskie. Smith finished the season with a team best 22-9 record with a dual meet mark of 10-4. Smith finished second on the team in pins with seven and a team-high six victories by major decision. Brad Dieckhaus (St. Charles, Mo./Francis Howell Central) earned the Outstanding Wrestler Award for his accomplishments on the mat this season. After being sidelined with an injury last year, the redshirt junior finished with a record of 15-8, including a 10-5 dual record and a team best 4-1 record in the MAC while wrestling at 184. His biggest accomplishment of the year was undoubtedly his first-place finish at the 2011 MAC Championships, solidifying a bid to the NCAA Championships where he won one match. Bryan Deutsch (Columbia City, Ind/Columbia City) was awarded with the Most Valuable Wrestler Bruce Swierczeski Award. Deutsch finished the season with a record of 21-10 with an 11-5 dual record and 3-2 in the MAC while wrestling at 157. Deutsch placed second at this year’s MAC Championships, qualifying for the NCAA Championships for the third-straight year, a remarkable accomplishment. This year, Deutsch won two matches at the NCAA Championships, finishing his career an impressive career record of 74-42. Six seniors were also honored at this year’s awards banquet, including Pat McLemore (Hinckley, Ohio/Padua Franciscan), who finished with a career as a Huskie with a record of 36-24 with one MAC Championship at 141 pounds and a trip to the NCAA Championships, Zach Taylor (Machesney Park, Ill./Harlem), who finished his career as a Huskie with a record of 5-14, Castillo, DeShazer, Deutsch, and Greenhaw.

Matt Azevedo

Philadelphia -- Drexel Athletics Director Dr. Eric Zillmer has announced the hiring of Matt Azevedo as the University's next wrestling head coach. Azevedo comes to Drexel after a successful coaching career at Cornell University and Cal Poly. He is the eighth head coach in the school's history and replaces Jack Childs, who retired after 35 seasons at Drexel. “We are thrilled to introduce Matt as our next wrestling coach,” Senior Associate Athletic Director Nick Gannon said. “Matt is a rising star who understands the big picture of a coach's role in collegiate athletics. With his energy, reputation and character, he will continue to build on the history of Drexel's wrestling program. Our staff is equally excited to welcome Matt and his wife, Brooke, into the Drexel Athletics' family.” “I want to thank the Drexel athletics department especially Dr. Eric Zillmer and Nick Gannon for giving me this opportunity,” said Azevedo. “I want to thank the Cornell coaching staff and athletics department as well. They helped to propel me to a place where I can now take advantage of such a great opportunity. Also, I want to thank my wife, Brooke, and my parents, for all of their support.” While at Cornell, Azevedo helped the Big Red earn nine All-America honors, nine EIWA champions and seven Academic All-Americans. He also guided the team to back-to-back second-place finishes at the NCAA championships, which marked the best performance in school history. “Matt has been a phenomenal asset to our program and he will be dearly missed,” Cornell Head Wrestling Coach Robert Koll said. “He will be a tenacious recruiter, intelligent coach and an exceptional ambassador for Drexel University. I can say, with no hesitation, that he is one of the finest coaches that I have ever had at Cornell University.” Prior to his time at Cornell, Azevedo spent seven seasons as an assistant coach at Cal Poly, where he coached seven All-Americans and eight Pac-10 champions. He also helped guide Cal Poly to its highest finish in school history at the Pac-10 championships by placing second in 2004 and 2006. Azevedo wrestled collegiately at Arizona State and Iowa State, each for two seasons. He advanced to the NCAA Tournament in three of his four seasons. Azvedo graduated with an education degree from Iowa State in 2002. He continued his wrestling career after graduation and went on to be a seven-time U.S. National place winner and won the 2008 U.S. Open National Championship. “I'm looking forward to getting to work with the guys on the team,” Azevado said. “They are a good group of guys with a good nucleus and I'm eager to get to work with them. I'm excited about the energy coming from the athletic department. Everyone seems excited about where Drexel athletics is going and I feel there is a lot of support from the department, which will help us reach new heights with the Drexel wrestling program.”

All times Eastern Thursday, April 21 University Greco-Roman & FILA Cadet Greco-Roman Preliminaries 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. University Greco-Roman & FILA Cadet Greco-Roman Preliminaries through Finals 3:00 p.m. to Conclusion Friday, April 22 University (Men) Freestyle & FILA Cadet Freestyle Preliminaries 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. University (Men) Freestyle & FILA Cadet Freestyle Preliminaries 3:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, April 23 University (Women) Freestyle Preliminaries through Finals 9:00 a.m. to Conclusion University (Men) Freestyle & FILA Cadet Freestyle to Completion 9:00 a.m. to Conclusion

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- University of Illinois head coach Jim Heffernan announced Wednesday that two-time NCAA champion Mark Perry will join the Fighting Illini coaching staff as an associate head coach. Perry comes to Illinois from Cal Poly, where he served as co-head coach last season and as an assistant coach in 2009-10. "We are thrilled to have Mark Perry join our staff," Heffernan said. "Through the support and resources provided by our administration, we were able to hire the best young coach in college wrestling. In assessing the needs of our program moving forward, I knew the best option was to bring in someone with a new approach, fresh ideas and a lot of fire. Mark's strengths as a coach address all the areas where we need the most improvement. His competitive nature and will to win are very evident and will be contagious. He will be a difference-maker for our program and we are all anxious for him to get started." Perry won a pair of NCAA titles at Iowa, taking the crown at 165 pounds in 2007 and 2008. He was a four-time All-American from 2005-08 and won a Big Ten title in 2007. He helped lead the Hawkeyes to an NCAA team national title in 2008 and was a team captain from 2005-08. "I'm very excited to be at Illinois," Perry said. "The main thing that drew me here was the vision of Coach Heffernan and Coach (Jeremy) Hunter, which is to win championships both in the Big Ten and nationally. That's where this program is headed and I'm going to do everything I can to help it get there." A native of Stillwater, Okla., Perry was the 17th four-time All-American and 14th two-time national champion in NCAA history. He defeated Michigan's Eric Tannenbaum in the championship match in 2008 and took down two-time defending champion Johny Hendricks of Oklahoma State in the 2007 finals. Perry also defeated Tannenbaum in the 2007 Big Ten championship match. Perry also won the Gorrarian Trophy after he pinned four opponents at the 2007 NCAA Championships. He was named the NWCA Rookie of the Year in 2005 and the Iowa Athlete of the Year in 2007. Perry also was a four-time finalist at the Midlands Championships, winning two titles. The former Hawkeye wrestler was an assistant coach at Penn State in 2008-09 before taking the position at Cal Poly in 2009. At Penn State, Perry helped a pair of wrestlers to freshman All-America honors and he has directed Mark Perry Wrestling Camps nationwide for the past four summers. Perry earned his B.A. in art from Iowa in 2008. He was a two-time high school national champion at Blair Academy in New Jersey and a three-time Asics High School All-American while posting a 169-7 career record. The Perry File Born: June 16, 1984 Education: B.S. in art (studio emphasis), University of Iowa, 2008 Coaching Experience 2010-11 Co-Head Coach - Cal Poly 2009-10 Assistant Coach - Cal Poly 2008-09 Assistant Coach - Penn State Wrestling Experience Two-time NCAA Champion (2007, 2008) - 165 pounds Four-time NCAA All-American (2005-08) NCAA Gorrarian Award for most falls in NCAA Championships - 2006 Big Ten Champion (2007) - 165 pounds Four-time Big Ten Finalist (2005-08) Two-time Midlands Championships Champion (2005, 2008) - 165 pounds University of Iowa Athlete of the Year - 2007

Jim Heffernan

Mark Perry

NEW YORK -- “Beat The Streets,” the New York City-based not-for-profit organization that has brought wrestling to thousands of middle and high school students in New York City, along with USA Wrestling and the New York City Department of Education, today announced their most unique event ever, a freestyle wrestling match featuring some of the world's greatest Olympic-class wrestlers, to be held in Duffy Square in New York's Times Square on Thursday, May 5. The freestyle wrestling dual meet between defending team world champion Russia and the United States, will be the featured competition for the 2011 Beat the Streets Gala and Benefit, which will be held following the dual meet at the Hard Rock Café. It is being billed as The Battle on Broadway, with “New York Is Wrestling” as the theme of this year's event, which traditionally raises several hundred thousand dollars for programs in five boroughs of New York City. The event is free to the public, and will also be streamed live on TheMat.com by USA Wrestling and be shown on the single largest face LED screen in Times Square. “There is no grander setting than Times Square to feature some of the world's greatest athletes and to raise awareness for our program, which has given thousands of boys and girls the ability to be more physically fit and learn the life lessons that are essential for success in today's ever-changing world,” said Mike Novogratz, Beat The Streets Chairman of the Board. “This event, outdoors in Duffy Square, will provide us with a very unique way to expose our program to thousands who may not be aware of our work, so we are very appreciative of all involved from the City and the Times Square Alliance, as well as USA Wrestling, for helping make this happen.” “We are very proud to be able to help present this very unique event as a way to grow awareness for the sport and all the good work ‘Beat The Streets' does for kids in New York City,” said Rich Bender, USA Wrestling Executive Director. “It will be a great setting for some of the world's greatest athletes to showcase their skills.” This is the second straight year in which a major Olympic-style competition has been featured as part of the Beat the Streets Gala. In 2010, an all-star challenge featuring top U.S. wrestlers was held on the USS Intrepid, an aircraft carrier docked on the west side of Manhattan. Over 1,200 donors from over 26 states attended the event. A card of exhibition matches will be held at 3:00 p.m. in Duffy Square, featuring young athletes who wrestle in the Beat the Streets youth program, as well as high school wrestlers from the Public School Athletic League. Final lineups for Team USA and the Russian National Team will be announced shortly. The USA vs. Russia freestyle dual meet will follow at 6:00 p.m. in Duffy Square. Russia is the reigning World Team Champion in freestyle wrestling and is a traditional wrestling rival for the United States. USA vs. Russia freestyle dual meets go back to the 1960's, and are among the most popular spectator events in wrestling. The Beat the Streets Reception and Awards Ceremony is set for the Hard Rock Café, 1501 Broadway in New York City, starting at 7:30 p.m. There will be a live musical performance by country music legend John Rich at the function. 2011 BEAT THE STREETS GALA New York Is Wrestling Battle on Broadway Duffy Square – Times Square at 46th Street in New York, N.Y., May 5 3:00 p.m. – Exhibition Matches – Beat the Streets and PSAL wrestlers 6:00 p.m. – USA vs. Russia freestyle wrestling dual meet 7:30 p.m. – Reception and Awards Ceremony at the Hard Rock Café, 1501 Broadway in New York City, with special musical guest John Rich ABOUT BEAT THE STREETS The Mission of the Beat the Streets Wrestling Program is to expand and develop wrestling in the New York City Metropolitan area from the youth through the Olympic level. Our dream is to provide opportunities for boys and girls in the activity of wrestling, building lifelong skills. If you share this mission and would like to volunteer to help, please contact info@beat-the-streets.org.

Joe Tiboni and Tervel Dlagnev will go “On the Mat” this Wednesday, April 20. “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 - 6:00 PM CST on AM 1650, The Fan. E-mail radio@wrestlingmuseum.org with any questions or comments about the show. Tiboni co-wrote the recently released wrestling movie “Win Win.” The movie, which has received extremely positive reviews and was featured at the Sundance Film Festival, stars Paul Giamatti, Amy Ryan, and Bobby Cannavale. Tiboni wrestled for four years at New Providence High School in New Jersey. Dlagnev recently won the freestyle division at U.S. Nationals at 264.5 pounds in Cleveland, Ohio. Dlagnev was a bronze medalist at the 2009 World Championships and a two-time Division II champion at Nebraska-Kearney.

ATCHISON, Kan. -- Benedictine College Athletic Director Charlie Gartenmayer has announced the hiring of Cy Wainwright to lead the new Benedictine wrestling program. Cy WainwrightWainwright comes to Benedictine from St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minn., where he served as an assistant coach. "I am very grateful for the opportunity to become the first head wrestling coach at Benedictine College," he said. "Benedictine College is a great place for students to achieve academic and athletic greatness. "Building a great wrestling program requires a campus and community wide commitment of excellence. Benedictine College has exactly that. I am up to the challenge of continuing that excellence with the Benedictine College wrestling program." Wainwright’s duties at St. Cloud included aiding the head coach in the daily operations of the program along with monitoring student-athlete academic progress and eligibility criteria. While at St. Cloud, he helped coach 16 NCAA Div. II national qualifiers, 10 All-Americans, two national semifinalists and one NCAA Div. II National Champion. As an athlete, Wainwright wrestled at Newberry College in Newberry, S.C. During his senior season at Newberry, he went undefeated as a heavyweight to win the NCAA Div. II National Championship. He is also a two-time NCAA Div. II All-American. Wainwright earned a B.S. in secondary education from Newberry and will graduate in May with a M.S. in Sports Management from St. Cloud State. He will begin his duties as head coach in July and the inaugural season for Benedictine wrestling will be during the 2012-13 school year. Founded in 1858, Benedictine College is a Catholic, liberal arts, residential college nestled on the bluffs of the Missouri River in Atchison, Kan. The Raven and Lady Ravens are members of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and compete as members of the Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC).

When a wrestler steps onto the mat, he or she may be all alone. However, many wrestlers have found their way to the sport thanks to family ties ... an older brother or sister, or a dad or uncle, who has taken to the mat first. Now a new book celebrates the thicker-than-blood bonds that have brought generations of wrestlers from around the world to the sport: Family Ties: An American Wrestling Tradition, published by the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. The book documents over 130 families (from Abas and Abel, through Zilverberg and Zinkin) that met criteria established by the Hall of Fame: Immediate family members who were NCAA Division I All-Americans, Senior World Team members, or Olympic Team members. Photos of these wrestlers -- and their credentials -- are included in the first chapter of the book. In addition, there are dozens of stories about these wrestling families, written by nearly two dozen wrestling writers and historians. (Among the contributors: InterMat's Andrew Hipps, Brian Jerzak, and Mark Palmer.) It all begins with family The foreword of Family Ties presents the big-picture purpose of the book. "The National Wrestling Hall of Fame's Educational Outreach Exhibits celebrate the sport's heritage by informing the public about the influence the sport and its heroes have upon society," wrote the Hall's Executive Director, Lee Roy Smith. "Family Ties: An American Wrestling Tradition documents the greatest wrestling families in America. Through a collaborative effort of 22 contributing wrestling historians, writers and media professionals, we are able to present a glimpse into the achievements of America's most accomplished wrestling families. We hope that their stories will entice young families to consider the benefits of this family-friendly sport." Lee Roy Smith"Traditional values derived from wrestling are conveyed by the various family members featured in this book," according to Smith, himself a member of one of the nation's leading wrestling families that includes current Oklahoma State head coach John Smith. "These stories further the positive contributions the sport has made to the institution of the family, and to building a more civil society." "We've always had a section in the museum devoted to 'family ties,'" according to Krista Graff, Development and Special Events Manager for the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in Stillwater, Oklahoma. "In recent years, we've produced exhibits and books honoring African-American wrestlers, Native American wrestlers, wrestlers in the military. In talking to Lee Roy (Smith), we thought it was time to look at wrestling families." "Everyone sees wrestling as a family sport," Graff continued. "Not just fathers and sons, or brothers, but mothers who take their wrestlers to countless practices and tournaments all across the country, who wash sweaty clothes and make two dinners to help their wrestler make weight." "The notion of family goes beyond the blood ties," said Graff. "At the presentation for the military project, so many of the guys being honored talked about how great it was to see their 'wrestling family.'" The birth of a book Krista Graff worked with Kyle Klingman of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum in Waterloo, Iowa to bring the Family Ties book together. "Early on, we had decided we wanted to cover various aspects -- siblings, fathers-and-sons, fathers-and-daughters, wives, moms ... We tried to be representative of all aspects, in terms of freestyle, Greco and folkstyle." "We wanted to stress the personal aspect, by telling the stories of these families," said Graff, whose father and brother were wrestlers. "As we started working on the book, we immediately saw so many families met our criteria. We quickly realized there were too many stories for just one or two writers." "Once we came up with the family stories we wanted to tell, Kyle and I went through the list, and assign a writer to each story. We tried to match stories with writers who might already have written about their subject, or have some kind of connection to the family or the school they represented." Families you know ... and some you might not Family Ties features profiles of more than 40 wrestling families. Some will be immediately recognized by anyone in wrestling -- Brands, Sanderson, Schultz, Smith, to name a few. And there are some that might not be as well known to today's wrestling fan, including the Peerys (father Rex, sons Ed and Hugh) or the Hensons (brothers Stanley and Josiah). These profiles are organized into chapters that bring together similar relationships. For example, in the chapter titled "Moms," the reader gets to know wrestling moms like Bonnie Brands (mother of Tom and Terry), Louella Carr (nine wrestling sons, including Nate and Jimmy), Leslie Churella (wife of Mark, mother of Mark, Ryan and Josh) and Debbie Sanderson (mother of Cole, Cody, Cael and Cyler). Zadick siblings: Terry, Mike, MaryAnn, and BillWrestling dads aren't left out. Among the stories Family Ties shares are current Cornell head coach Rob Koll and his late father Bill, one of the all-time great wrestlers of the 1940s who coached at what is now Northern Iowa, and Penn State ... and Oklahoma State All-American Jerry Kelly and his daughter Mary who won Cadet World and Junior World medals. As one might expect, there are a number of brother stories (including the Askrens, Ben and Max, and Ben and John Peterson) ... along with a couple stories about wrestling families -- the Peerys, and the Zadicks -- from the perspective of a sister who didn't wrestle (at least, not in organized competition). Words ... and pictures One of the bonuses of the Family Ties book is the incredible bounty of photos sprinkled throughout. These images -- many of them in color -- help bring the stories of the featured wrestlers and their families to life. When asked about the photos, Krista Graff responded, "We contacted a lot of schools, and got great cooperation. We also worked with Amateur Wrestling News, which has a lot of photos. We also have a pretty large photo library here at the museum as well." Family Ties: An American Wrestling Tradition provides a great introduction to some of the top amateur wrestling families. The individual profiles are meaty yet concise, making this book a great choice for young readers with short attention spans, or for on-the-go adults who may only have a few minutes to spare for reading. Family Ties: An American Wrestling Tradition is available for purchase from the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in Stillwater at their website or by calling (405) 377-5243 ... or from the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum in Waterloo at their website or (319) 233-0745.

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa -- The Iowa Western Community College board of trustees voted April 18 to begin a Division I junior college wrestling program beginning in the Fall 2011. "It's clear we can be successful, and it's clear there's a need for kids that still want to wrestle and go to college,” said board member Brent Siegrist of Council Bluffs. “I think it's great. Hopefully, everything will fall into place." Following a presentation from IWCC Athletic Director Brenda Hampton, the board (on a 6-2 vote) approved the start of wrestling in the fall with the stipulation that the college first interview and hire a qualified coach. That person will need to hit the ground running in terms of recruiting, making equipment purchases and scheduling meets for the upcoming season. Iowa Western will compete in the Iowa Community College Athletic Conference (ICCAC) and join fellow conference foes Iowa Central Community College, Ellsworth, North Iowa Area Community College and Iowa Lakes Community College in offering wrestling. The National Junior College Athletic Association has 46 wrestling programs nationwide. Iowa Western is expected to recruit upwards of 50 student/athletes to form the first wrestling team in school history. College officials are currently surveying its facilities to find a home for the new team. A committee of community leaders has already met to discuss fund-raising efforts for the $45,000 needed for start-up costs. "As with all of our athletic programs, Iowa Western will be committed to making wrestling a quality experience for our student athletes," said Dr. Dan Kinney, president of Iowa Western.

BALTIMORE, MD -- Johns Hopkins wrestling coach Keith Norris and seniors Eric Levenseller, Rocky Barilla and Robbie Nedbor-Gross recently presented Dr. Rebecca Landa, the Director of the Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD) at the Kennedy Krieger Institute, with a check for $3,022.50 to complete the Blue Jays' Takedowns for Autism initiative for the 2010-11 season. The Blue Jays used their dual meets during the 2010-11 season to launch their efforts against autism with their "Takedowns for Autism" program. Members of the team and coaching staff sought donations for each takedown the team compiled during its 19 dual meets with various levels of support available. The team accumulated 184 takedowns in its duals meets during the season with the total donation checking in at just over $3,000. Today the odds of a child being diagnosed with Autism is 1-in-110. With that in mind, the team established a goal of 110 takedowns during the dual meet season, a mark the Blue Jays far exceeded in a season that ended with a program-best second-place finish at the Centennial Conference Championships. JHU also posted a 5-2 record in Centennial Conference duals meets. Members of the team also volunteered their time throughout the year at Kennedy Krieger and local schools working with children with autism. In fact, the team recently spent the day at St. Elizabeth School. St. Elizabeth School is a nonpublic, coeducational, special education day program located in Baltimore City that serves students who are 10 to 21 years of age and are diagnosed with autism, autism spectrum disorders and other health impairments. The team was able to teach wrestling moves and interacted with the students in a positive way. "Takedowns for Autism was a positive experience for everyone involved," Norris noted. "We are excited that we were able to partner with and support the Kennedy Krieger Center for Autism and Related Disorders and also added a few fans for our team as well. Without question the best part was watching our team interact with the students at St. Elizabeth School. The impact this had on the young men representing the Johns Hopkins wrestling program is immeasurable." The Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD) at Kennedy Krieger Institute is a multi-faceted, multidisciplinary program for children with autism spectrum disorders and their family members. CARD combines research, clinical (assessment and intervention) services, as well as community outreach and training to help improve the lives of individuals with autism spectrum disorders, their families, and the community who cares for them. CARD endorses a flexible approach to treatment, adjusting the core set of methods used and goals of intervention to meet the needs of each child and his or her family.

Head coach Jason Liles and the South Dakota State wrestling team held their annual banquet Sunday where they released year-end awards. Sophomore Aaron Pickrel took home the Most Outstanding Wrestler Award after leading the Jacks with a 26-10 record, including 7-3 in the Western Wrestling Conference. The Watertown, S.D. native also won the Most Takedowns award and the Highest GPA Award. Senior Kevin Kelly was named the Most Improved Wrestler, finishing the 2011 season with a 13-17 record and a fourth-place finish at the West Regional. A third-team all-conference selection, Nick Flynn earned the Coaches Award. The junior from Lansing, Kan., finished third at the West Regional. He ended his junior campaign with an 11-17 overall record, including 3-7 in the WWC. Also earning awards at the banquet: Outstanding Redshirt - Dustin Walraven Hardest Worker - Joe Rasmussen Most Pins - David Michaud Highest Freshman GPA - Joe Brewster Weight Room Award - Dustin Walraven

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- The University of Missouri wrestling program officially closed the book on the 2010-11 season, as they held their annual banquet on Friday, April 15. Seven Tiger grapplers were recognized with nine different awards for their achievements over the course of the year. Junior Dom Bradley was named the team’s Most Outstanding Wrestler after winning his first career Big 12 title and earned his first ever All-America honors after taking third at the NCAA Championships. The Most Outstanding Wrestler award is the oldest award given by the Missouri wrestling program, dating back to 1963. Bradley finished his first year as a starter in Missouri’s lineup with a 30-4 record, including a 19-3 record in duals. Earning the Marshall Esteppe Most Outstanding Freshman Award was Alan Waters, who emerged as one of the top 125-pounders in the country this season as he posted a 39-7 record during his true freshman campaign. This award is given to the freshman wrestle who has made the most significant contribution to his class and teammates. Marshall Esteppe is credited with resurrecting the Missouri wrestling program in 1958 after 10 years of dormancy. Waters also won the award for Most Falls, as he stuck 11 opponents over the course of the season. After winning his first career Big 12 title and first-ever All-America honors at 141 pounds, senior Todd Schavrien was awarded with both the Hap Whitney Coach’s Award and the Ironman Award. With a 30-9 record and a sixth place finish at NCAA’s, Schavrien wraps up his career as a Tiger with an overall record of 86-44. The Coach’s Award is given to the wrestler that displays dedication, commitment, sacrifice and unselfishness to the team on a constant basis, while the Ironman Award is given to the Missouri wrestler who has never missed a weight training session, practice or competition. Stepping in at 157 pounds this year, Nick Gregoris was picked as the team’s Most Improved Wrestler, which has been given to former Tiger greats such as Michael Chandler, Nicholas Marable and Todd Schavrien. Gregoris finished the season with a second place finish at Big 12’s and posted a 17-12 record. Redshirt sophomore Nathan McCormick was given the Ed Lampitt Total Tiger Award, given to the wrestler who is a leader both on and off the mat. McCormick earned his first ever NCAA bid this season in his second year as a starter. Winning the Strength and Conditioning Award was junior Dorian Henderson, while sophomore Todd Porter earned the Total Person Progrma Academic Excellence Award for his success in the classroom.