InterMat Staff

WASHINGTON D.C. -- The heavyweight, 285 pound weight class match at the 2012 All Star Classic will feature Dom Bradley of Missouri vs Mike McMullan of Northwestern, in a match pitting the previous third place finishers at the 2011 and 2012 NCAA Wrestling Championships. In 2010-11 Bradley was a first year starter and recorded the highest winning percentage on his team with a 30-4overall record, going 19-3 at duals. Bradley was Missouri's first Big 12 Heavyweight champion and earned All-American honors at the NCAA Championships. Northwestern sophomore heavyweight Mike McMullan will be looking to improve on his NCAA third-place finish in 2012 (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.comHowever, Bradley elected to take an Olympic redshirt during the 2011-2012 season and did not wrestle. McMullan, began his collegiate wrestling career during the 2011-2012 season where he won the second most matches out of any Wildcat with a record of 29-11 overall and won the third most matches out of any Wildcat during duals with a record of 11-3. McMullan earned All-American status during his freshman season and was given the first Jake Herbert Freshman of the Year trophy. "We are excited to have Mike wrestling in the All Star Classic," said Northwestern head coach Drew Pariano. "It is an important step for the season as this event serves as a kick off for college wrestling. It is a spotlight event and in many instances it can be a preview of the match-ups that will happen in the NCAA finals." This match-up, never before seen at the college level, is sure to bring excitement for spectators as both wrestlers are explosive competitors who like to put points up on the board. "We have two top notch wrestlers at the heavyweight division that will put on a great show for wrestling fans. I am certain that this matchup will help make the All Star Classic a better event for wrestling fans," said NWCA Executive Director Mike Moyer. With this match set, fans can now look forward to future acceptances at the eight other weight classes featured in the event. The All-Star Classic will occur on November 3, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. in Bender Arena on the campus of American University in Washington D.C. To purchase tickets to the event visit American University's website at http://aueagles.tix.com/Event.asp?Event=507577. For more information on the event, visit the NWCA website and follow the NWCA Facebook and Twitter pages. The NWCA Classic serves as a premier event to help grow the sport of wrestling. Proceeds from the event will go towards supporting the sport in the Washington DC area.

Sam Hazewinkel

With UFC 152 in the books, Richard and John take a look at Jon Jones' successful title defense against Vitor Belfort, Cub Swanson entering the featherweight title picture, and the other big storylines from the Toronto event. They also preview UFC on FUEL TV 5, headlined by a heavyweight clash between Stefan Struve and Stipe Miocic and a bantamweight tilt between Yves Jabouin and Brad Pickett. Do you want to listen to a past episode? View archives.

First, the news. The NCAA has mandated that college wrestling undertake a season-long test run of instant replay. The reviews would come from matside video and the referee in charge of the mat would make determinations on whether or not to overturn the original call. Coaches would have the ability to challenge three times during a tournament and once during a dual meet. There is no penalty for a bad challenge, and overturned calls result in the reinstatement of the team's challenge. According to the language released yesterday by the NCAA, matside reviews will abide by the following protocols:Matside video review may be used to confirm or reverse on-the-mat decisions, except a fall. The matside video review process will operate under the assumption that the ruling on the mat is correct, and only when there is indisputable video evidence that a ruling was incorrect, will a call be changed. Absent that evidence, the original ruling will stand. Each team will be allowed one coach's challenge per dual meet, including team advancement tournaments, to be used at the coach's discretion. Each team in an individual advancement tournament, excluding open tournaments, will be allowed three challenges to be used at the coach's discretion. If a coach's challenge is successful, the team will retain that challenge. A coach may ask the referee to stop the match for a challenge by approaching the scorer's table when there is no significant action and requesting that the match be stopped.It's widely assumed that this video process will correct some of the missed calls we see throughout the season and at the NCAA tournament, because for many people that is the only thing instant replay symbolizes: Always getting the correct call. However, video review is not a panacea for correcting calls. In fact, many of the calls wrestling fans will find most controversial won't be allowed to be overturned. It's the same way in football. Look at the total societal meltdown caused by Monday night's Green Bay Packers vs. Seattle Seahawks NFL game. The game ended in what many thought was a blown call. To the booth! But the reviewers had rules, they couldn't overturn the call on the field of a touchdown (possession isn't challengeable) so the booth review was only to see if the ball was caught, which of course it was. Arguably the worst call in NFL history and it wasn't reviewable. Now take a look at wrestling. The last questionable call that decided an NCAA championship happened in 2012 when Jordan Oliver wasn't granted a takedown in his last-second scramble against Logan Stieber. Fans booed, coaches complained and message boards erupted, but would the call have been overturned? Likely not. Under the new rules the scramble and possible takedown would have been reviewable, but was there irrefutable evidence? Not in the mind of the referee. That scramble lasted several seconds and the position didn't change for more than five seconds, which means that the referee had time to analyze the action and determine whether or not control had been established. In real time he didn't think so, and while slow motion might make him second-guess, he'd have to have gorilla-sized testicles to hand over an NCAA championship on something he only moments ago saw as a non-takedown. The fact that fans are still debating the call means that (as happens in wrestling) there was not a rock-solid answer. What about the famous (notorious?) non-call in the Johny Hendricks vs. Ryan Churrella final in 2006? We know that we can't overturn a fall, but can you go back in time and call a fall? Is there any amount of video evidence that can be provided to prove that a back is flat on the mat? Wouldn't the referee, when in position, always have the correct call? Though I personally believe Churella got jobbed, the video review system wouldn't have been much help. So what's left? College wrestling fans will have to endure and entire season of challenges for takedowns on the edge, riding time points, backs exposures, escapes, and reversals. Most tournaments will average more than 60 video reviews, which will result in hours of lost time. I'm not sure when the last time you went to a wrestling match, but they are classically hampered by inefficiencies and can last well into the night. Video reviews will force tournaments like the Big Ten tournament well past midnight on Day 1. The system is also be open to abuse. It's easy to see that coaches will use the challenge to give their wrestlers a breather in big matches, but there are larger questions of use. Who is really keeping track of each school's challenges during a tournament? What is the baseline standard for video angles? Two cameras? What if the call is off-screen? Our videographers aren't exactly being trained for this job, and most are just volunteers. Will they be heckled for not videoing from the correct angle? Wrestling needs more marketable events, not regular season nit-picking of our officials calls. The system is not going to handle the expectations of coaches and fans. Were I a coach I'd see those three challenges as must-uses, that my job require I challenge late in a tournament just to ensure I keep my wrestler competitive. In dual meets, the challenges might preserve team points, so it will always end up being used. College wrestling has never been more popular, but the speed of video review and the potential for abuse by coaches could mean a potentially great season of action will be mired in senseless controversy.

WASHINGTON D.C. -- The matchup that the entire wrestling community has long been waiting for may just happen at this year's 2012 National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) All Star Classic. Two of the biggest names in college wrestling, Kyle Dake of Cornell and David Taylor of Penn State, have accepted invitations to the event at 165 pounds and are slotted to match-up come Nov. 3 in Bender Arena. Kyle Dake defeated David Taylor at the 2012 Olympic Team Trials (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com)Dake and Taylor enter the event coming off nearly identical seasons where both wrestlers finished the year undefeated capped off with an NCAA title. Dake posted a 35-0 overall and 7-0 dual record while Taylor posted a 32-0 overall and 14-0 dual record. Dake, who has a career record of 100-4, is looking to become only the third wrestler ever to win four NCAA titles and the first to win four titles in a row without a redshirt year. He is also the first wrestler ever to win three consecutive NCAA Championships at three different weight classes. Taylor enters his junior season as a two-time All-American with a career record of 70-1. Taylor was 2nd in the 2011 NCAA Championships. Taylor was named the 2012 Dan Hodge Award winner which is given annually to the top college wrestler in the country. Dake finished third in the voting last year. For Dake, this will be slightly unchartered territory. While this is his fourth different weight class he has competed in during his career, it will be his first time competing at the 165 pound weight class. "It's going to be one of the most exciting events of the year," said Kyle Dake. "I am honored to be a part of the NWCA Classic and am looking forward to putting on a show." This matchup is sure to excite fans across the nation. "We are absolutely thrilled that this match-up will be taking place at this year's All Star Classic. This will be a true treat for wrestling fans across the country, and a great way to start this year's college wrestling season," said American head coach Teague Moore. The All-Star Classic will occur on Nov. 3, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. in Bender Arena on the campus of American University in Washington D.C. To purchase tickets to the event visit American University's website at http://aueagles.tix.com/Event.asp?Event=507577. For more information on the event, visit the NWCA website and follow the NWCA Facebook and Twitter pages. The NWCA Classic serves as a premier event to help grow the sport of wrestling. Proceeds from the event will go towards supporting the sport in the Washington DC area.

The NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel on Friday approved rules changes in a five intercollegiate sports, including wrestling. Panel members approved an experimental rule in wrestling to allow mat-side video review during the 2012-13 season, excluding open tournaments. Designation of the official mat-side video review system will be determined by the host institution before the beginning of competition. The host will also determine the number of mats and the rounds the mat-side video review system will be used. If the mat-side video review will be used, the host must provide notification to participating coaches no later than weigh-ins. Mat-side video review may be used to confirm or reverse on-the-mat decisions, except a fall. The mat-side video review process will operate under the assumption that the ruling on the mat is correct, and only when there is indisputable video evidence that a ruling was incorrect, will a call be changed. Absent that evidence, the original ruling will stand. Each team will be allowed one coach’s challenge per dual meet, including team advancement tournaments, to be used at the coach’s discretion. Each team in an individual advancement tournament, excluding open tournaments, will be allowed three challenges to be used at the coach’s discretion. If a coach’s challenge is successful, the team will retain that challenge. A coach may ask the referee to stop the match for a challenge by approaching the scorer’s table when there is no significant action and requesting that the match be stopped.

NEW YORK -- The Board of Trustees of Beat the Streets Wrestling Inc. (BTSW) today announced the appointment of Jim Fallis as executive director, effective August 27, 2012. "We are extremely pleased to welcome Jim Fallis to our organization and look forward to his stewardship of our mission to strengthen the culture of wrestling in New York and engage many more of our youth in this endeavor," said Chairman of the Board Mike Novogratz. "Jim has an exceptional leadership record of many years as an NCAA Athletics Director, combined with a background as a collegiate wrestling coach and competitor. He has a passion for helping young people through their engagement in the disciplined life of wrestling competition. Jim brings to us the precise combination of values, experience, skills, and energy we need for the next steps of Beat The Streets." Kyra Tirana Barry, President of BTSW Board, offers, “The future is bright for Beat The Streets Wrestling with the high energy and dynamic leadership of Jim Fallis. Jim’s vision and passion, his experience with growing athletic programs, and the search committee’s strong endorsement made him a clear choice to become our next executive director. He is the right person for us at the right time to bring our organization to the next level of growth.” Jim Fallis, new Executive Director of Beat the Streets Wrestling commented, "I am very excited to be joining Beat the Streets and becoming a part of such a respected youth development organization which has in a very short time produced remarkable results. This position presents a unique opportunity for me to continue to build the platform to impact many more New York City youth through the great sport of wrestling." About Beat the Streets Beat the Streets Wrestling, Inc. works directly with the New York City Department of Education in a public-private partnership to help New York City's student-athletes achieve their personal and athletic goals. Through the operation of wrestling programs in middle and high schools in the five boroughs, BTSW and the DOE provide a safe, positive atmosphere in which disadvantaged and at-risk youth can learn the essential life skills of physical fitness, teamwork, and self-empowerment. The goal of fostering strong, dedicated, and optimistic kids is delivered through coaching, after-school programs, and mentoring. More information about Beat the Streets can be found at www.beat-the-streets.org. Jim Fallis – Executive Director Jim Fallis most recently served as Director of Athletics at Northern Arizona University (NAU). Prior to that he served in the same capacity at the University of Northern Colorado (UNC) and Lake Superior State University (LSSU). He also coached wrestling at the collegiate level at Lake Superior state. Academic success, athletic success, and increases in external fundraising have been hallmarks at all three Universities under his direction. During his time at NAU the program won 27 Big Sky Conference Championships and had eight individual National Champions, including two time Olympian Lopez Lomong who was the flag bearer for the USA at the 2008 Olympics. At UNC the program earned 31 conference championships and won two NCAA Division II Football Championships. At his alma mater LSSU, the school won two NCAA Division I Men’s Ice hockey Championships (both in New York - 1988 in Lake Placid and 1992 in Albany). Fallis has served on numerous national committees including most recently the NCAA Division I Championship Cabinet and as chair of the Learfield Directors Cup Committee. A member of five Hall of Fames -- NAIA, NCAA Division II Wrestling, Lake Superior State, North Central Conference and Northern Colorado University -- he earned his Bachelors Degree in History from LSSU and his Master’s in Education from Northern Michigan University. He and his wife Anna are the parents of two grown children and five grandchildren.

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? View archives. The last few weeks I've been grateful to receive some of the best questions we've ever had for the mailbag. From the NWCA/NCAA dual meet debacle to Greco matches between starting quarterbacks of East Coast football teams, we've had an array of informative and curious prompts. Though I tried to answer all this week's questions, I had to whittle this preseason mailbags to about 1500-2000 words in order to not irritate my editor (For those of you who think of word counts only in terms of term papers, that's 6-8 pages double-spaced and that's without "Courier New," cheaters) To your questions. Q: What are your thoughts about Jon Jones and the Midlands? Can he actually win it? Can he make 197 multiple days in a row? Thoughts on whether Dana will allow it (I heard he let other guys into BJJ events between fights.) -- Bryan R. Jon Jones (Photo/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)Foley: Man, that would really cheapen my comeback from last season. Why can't Jon Jones just give me that ONE thing? He's got the belt, the bank and the Bentley. Jones was a great wrestler in high school, placing fourth at the NHSCA Senior Nationals. He owns a redshirt season win over eventual NCAA champion Max Askren. Those credentials make it obvious that he was a talented wrestler with every chance to become a multiple-time NCAA champion. However, it wasn't to be, and Jones took up MMA and became the sport's biggest star. I think that signing with Nike makes it obvious he made a pretty good life choice. The potential was there, but can Jones go back and recapture that glory? Is his ascendency and physical betterment in MMA equal to what it would have been in wrestling? No. Jones is a transformational talent in the octagon and had he chosen to make a career of wrestling he might've been a legend. But if he steps on the mats in late December he'll get destroyed by younger guys that have the tanks for seven minutes of collegiate style wrestling -- no fear of being choked, punched, kicked, or eye poked (Josh Koscheck reference to the uninitiated). And though 15 to 25 minutes of fighting is likely more physically strenuous, there is nothing that will compare to seven minutes of using muscles meant solely for wrestling. Dude's also risking a major injury by putting his health in the hands of college opponents. Jones is a big boy, weighing as much as 225 pounds between fights. Assuming he doesn't want to cut to 197 pounds, a full eight pounds lighter than his fighting weight of 205 pounds, then he'll be wrestling at heavyweight and giving up as much as 60 pounds. Also, the BJJ and lack of on-the-mat wrestling will ultimately doom him to be stuck beneath some 19-year-old kid for seven minutes. Northwestern heavyweight Mike McMullan would ride him out of the gym. I love the idea of Jones showing up at Midlands. His appearance would mean incredible press for the sport and one of the premier events. I just think that he'd be risking too much to gain far too little. How about a grappling match versus Ben Askren? Now that's an idea. Q: Please talk about what skills need to be developed to successfully progress through the different levels of wrestling. What are the actual differences between high school state champs, high school all-Americans, Division I starters, NCAA All-Americans/champs and Olympians. What are the skills/technique differences that one needs to be successful at each level. I ask because it is really difficult to gauge why world-beaters at say the high school level don't always translate. Obviously, some lose interest or were just more physically mature than competitors at the prior level but I'm interested in the more specific item like the ability to get out from bottom, counter-wrestling. I hope this question is clear. It's just hard to tell as an interested fan of the sport what the skill and technique differences are that allow say a Jason Welch to totally dominate across the country in high school while not being nearly as effective in college. -- Bryan R. Foley: American folkstyle wrestling demands an immense amount of courage from its participants. We don't have teammates to carry loads, or pads to hide beneath. Every move we make is our choice, every mistake is only ours to suffer through. When you increase the stakes, you ask more in the way mental toughness. Wrestlers in college are, on average, way tougher than guys in high school -- they've seen more, survived more, battled more. Like you stated, some make the leap because they are mentally tough enough to deal with the failures. As for technique, every college coach in America will tell you that the biggest issue with freshmen is that they can't get off bottom. It's not a secret that the ability to ride is fine-tuned in college, which means that no matter where you wrestled in college, you've never been under more duress than when you wrestle your first leg-rider in college. That right there can break a wrestler. And every season it does. The other technique that can make or break a career is hand fighting. It's ironic I say this because I'm a horribly inconsistent hand fighter, but its nonetheless true. It sucks to get your head snapped. It sucks to have a sore neck and to be scrambling back into good position for the majority of a two-hour practice. Kids who don't learn to hand fight make the sport a lot harder on themselves than is necessary by constantly battling with their bodies to stay in good position. Despite those two techniques it really does come down to desire and at least a modicum of athletic ability. Wrestling isn't difficult to figure out. It's a battle of will. That simplicity makes it so appealing to some and bland to others. Q: I'm reading that we are going to have video replay. I think this is a bad idea. It's going to slow down matches and give wrestlers a break! -- Derek M. Foley: You are one-hundred percent correct. The modern collegiate wrestling match would grind to a halt. Wrestling coaches would argue every point that they think mattered and use the review as a manner for a timeout, or just to relay information to their wrestler. Were I coaching I'd absolutely go to video review if my kid needed a breather. Winning trumps all. I'm all for a more lenient seven-minute match. (I think that much of the "hustle-first" mentality is nothing but dramatics and devalues skill.) But you can't give wrestling coaches the keys to a review system. They'd waste time and for the poorer schools it would be an unnecessary financial burden. Simply put, instant replay in wrestling is a monumentally shitty idea … Except if only used at the NCAA tournament. Here's why. Not every wrestling match in a season matters, that much we know from recent bantering between the opposing armies of our sport's recent war over the schedule. Dual matches and early season tournaments? Blah. Who cares? Don't waste our time. But the NCAA tourney? That matters. Instant replay is an addition to the current format, a way to make sure that nobody is getting hosed at the exact wrong moment. Not having instant replay at the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational isn't reductive, it's passable, and normal, and won't have the slightest impact on the rest of the season. Adding it to the biggest event would only ensure that we have the correct outcome of a match and the correct outcome of a tournament. A horrible, awful, boring idea for the sport to adopt, except in the case of the NCAA Championships. There, I'm sold. Q: With the news that Missouri will be joining the MAC in wrestling for the upcoming season, is the current plan for the remaining Big 12 teams (Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Iowa State and possibly West Virginia?) to continue to have a four-team qualifying tournament for the NCAA tournament? What are your thoughts/opinions on a four-team qualifying tournament and are there any rumors of a change in the future? -- Dave Foley: The fact there are only four teams doesn't figure into the qualifying new system as much as it did the old. The way the system works now is by individual performances. Only if the Big 12 earned four spots at a weight class would you possibly see some funny business. However, chances are that most weights will only qualify two wrestlers with a select few of the tougher ones managing three. The change would only come with a total change to the system of college wrestling, which would only come about if the NCAA/BCS changes to a regional system for college football. That, or we could get all the coaches together to create a proposal for a new regional system where ... yeah, that'll never happen. Longtime rivals Dom Bradley (Missouri) and Jarod Trice (Central Michigan) are now in the same conference (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com)Q: The MAC just got a lot more interesting. Haynes vs. Kilgore, Larson vs Bennett, Bradley vs. Trice, Loder vs Bennett. #MatchupsGalore ... Missouri for the title? -- @Will_J_157 Foley: The only one of those that made me jump out of my seat was Jarod Trice vs. Dom Bradley. I can't wait. What a matchup. These two guys are entertaining dudes and physically talented wrestlers. I'd love to see the back-and-forth between them on the mat during the match and afterwards on the sidelines. Does the MAC have distribution network yet? Because I want to see this go down! Q: RG3 vs. Cam Newton ... in Greco-Roman. -- @brantleyhooks Foley: RG3 is the new Cam Newton, right? But Cam Newton is still the original Cam Newton only a year older, wiser, stronger, faster, and better? Look, you take the original before you even think about jumping to the imitator. I know very little about football, but I know that Newton is supposed to be the most athletic quarterback to ever play the game (yes, over Mike Vick). So I have to assume that he's going to find a way to win a Greco match against RG3. Dan Snyder would find a way to influence the outcome and only end up hosing his own athlete. 5-1, 1-0 Newton.

Fight Now TV 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 Wade Schalles, Eagle Hawk Academy head wrestling coach 9:20 Kevin Dresser, Virginia Tech head wrestling coach 9:40 Teague Moore, American head wrestling coach 9:50 Ty Barkley, Max Muscle Sports Nutrition Update 10:03 Frank Romano, Notre Dame head wrestling coach 10:20 Brian Smith, Missouri head wrestling coach 10:40 Ron Beaschler, Ohio Northern head wrestling coach 10:50 Amy Ruble, Wildrose Casino and Resort Fans, athletes, coaches: This is your sport. Join in the conversation live. Ask questions. Call 866-333-5966 or 515-204-5966. Takedown Wrestling is available on radio on AM 1460 KXNO in Iowa, online at Livesportsvideo.com, or on your Blackberry or iPhone with the iHeart Radio app. (Click on KXNO under Sportsradio.)

One of the major trends in interscholastic athletics is that of "specialization." High school student-athletes tend to shrink their involvement down to one, at most two, sports so they can focus their efforts toward success in that sport. Much of the time, this can be due to outside pressures and the commitment level involved with interscholastic sports participation -- especially during the summer months, when every sport program wishes they are your first priority. Much was made of two-time National Prep champion Kyle Snyder (Good Counsel, Md.), who is ranked second overall in the Class of 2014, and his decision to pass on playing football this fall despite playing a key role on WCAC champion football teams during his freshman and sophomore seasons. In those seasons, with Snyder contributing significantly at the nose tackle position, the Falcons went a combined 22-2; including an undefeated 2011 season, when they finished sixth in the final RivalsHigh 100 ranking. This year, without Snyder, Good Counsel is ranked No. 26 in the nation. The opening assertions about "specialization” are prescient, especially in a skill-based sport such as wrestling. An additional reason, in some cases is wrestlers may not have the prototypical size (height, weight, etc.) profile that aligns with other sports. However, it is not nearly universal, as there are some students able to achieve rather high levels of success in wrestling and a second sport. The following is a six-pack of elite Class of 2013 wrestlers, who are also major contributors on their high school football team. Adam Coon (Fowlerville, Mich.) Wrestling: Ranked No. 2 in the Class of 2013, three-time state champion, Junior National Triple Crown (folkstyle, Greco-Roman, and freestyle) champion this offseason at 285 pounds, and FILA Junior National Greco-Roman champion. Football: Four-year starter on both sides of the football (left guard and linebacker), for a team that made the playoffs in 2009 and 2010; was named to the Associated Press All-State second team, and was selected by local media as Defensive Player of the Year in his county. J'den Cox (Hickman, Missouri) Wrestling: Ranked No. 6 in the Class of 2013, three-time state champion, NHSCA Junior National champion at 220 pounds, and Junior National double All-American (third Greco-Roman, freestyle champion) at 220 pounds. Football: Starts on both sides of the football, as an offensive lineman and linebacker; was named an all-state coaches’ selection at the linebacker position last year. This year, the Kewpies are off to a 4-0 start, which is their best since 2000 when the squad started with five consecutive wins. During week three, Cox scored two defensive touchdowns in the first quarter: forcing a fumble and running in the recovery for 38 yards, as well as a pick six returned for 48 yards. Brian Murphy (Glenbard North, Ill.) Wrestling: Ranked No. 11 in the Class of 2013; two-time state runner-up, three-time placer; and two-time Junior National freestyle All-American (runner-up in 2011, seventh in 2012). Football: Is in his second season as the starting quarterback, after leading his Panther squad to the state semifinals in 2011 despite playing much of the season with a broken foot. During a 3-1 start to the season, Murphy has rushed for 250 yards (on 21 carries) and 1 TD; and has a passing line of 20-for-37, 378 yards, with 5 TD and 3 INT. Oliver Pierce, one of the nation's top senior wrestlers, also shines on the football field as the starting quarterback for nationally ranked Allen, Texas (Photo/Jim Hom)Oliver Pierce (Allen, Texas) Wrestling: Ranked No. 14 in the Class of 2013; three-time state placer, state champion as freshman in 2010; two-time Junior National double All-American (runner-up and champion in Greco-Roman, fifth and third in freestyle); and Junior National folkstyle champion. Football: Played wide receiver as a junior, with 50 receptions for 601 yards and six touchdowns; and moved to the quarterback position this year, but also serves as both a kick and punt returner. This season the Eagles are 3-0, ranked second in the state for their classification, and No. 17 in the RivalsHigh 100 national ranking. Pierce has served as catalyst with three touchdown runs and three touchdown passes to date. Domenic Abounader (St. Edward, Ohio) Wrestling: Ranked No. 20 in the Class of 2013; two-time state champion; won NHSCA grade level titles as freshman, sophomore, and junior; and was a Walsh Ironman champion in December 2011. Football: In his second year as a starter at safety, was third-team all-state last year per the Associated Press, and is a team captain this year. His Eagle squad has made the playoffs in ten of the last twelve years, winning a state title in 2010 when Abounader was a contributor on special teams. This year, St. Edward is off to a 4-0 start, and ranked third statewide in Division I per the Associated Press poll. Mikey Racciato (Pen Argyl, Pa.) Wrestling: Ranked No. 26 in the Class of 2013; two-time state champion and three-time state placer. Football: Was the second-string tailback last year with close to 900 yards from scrimmage and 17 total touchdowns, while the team went 13-1 losing in the state quarterfinals. As the primary running back, Racciato is the anchor of the Green Knights offense during their 3-0 start. He has run for 420 yards (74 carries) and six touchdowns.

InterMat's T.R. Foley and Mike Riordan discuss the upcoming NCAA wrestling season and more. The hosts have high praise for Tim Flynn and the Edinboro Fighting Scots. Do you want to listen to a past episode? View archives.

MANHEIM, Pa. -- The National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) Board of Directors met in August at the 2012 NWCA Convention at the Harbor Beach Marriott in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. where President Brian Smith finished his two year term and handed over the role of President to Rob Koll, which began effectively on Sept. 1, 2012. Koll, who is currently the head coach of Cornell University, will serve as the 60th President in NWCA history. The NWCA President serves a two-year term and must be elected from the NWCA Board of Directors. University of Oklahoma Head Coach Mark Cody has been elected to serve a two-year term as President-Elect for the association. Following his two-year term as President-Elect, Cody will assume the duties of President for two years. In addition, the NWCA is pleased to announce seven new board members have been elected to serve on the NWCA Board of Directors. The new board members include: NCAA Division II: Kevin Ward, Head Coach - Ouachita Baptist University NCAA Division III: Lonnie Morris, Head Coach - Johnson & Wales University NCAA Division III: Nathan Shearer, Head Coach - Washington & Lee University Women: Archie Randall, Head Coach - Oklahoma City University At-Large: Tricia Turley-Brandenburg, Senior Associate AD for Compliance and Student Services - Ohio University Retired Coaches: Jack Childs, Former Head Coach - Drexel University Scholastic: Dennis Stromie, Head Coach - Wesleyan School (Norcross, Ga.) Scholastic: Alan Clinton, Head Coach, Servite High School (Anaheim, Calif.) The NWCA Board of Directors is comprised of 38 members consisting of scholastic and college coaches, collegiate administrators, business leaders, and affiliated governing bodies. "We would like to first thank Brian Smith for his dedication to the sport of wrestling and to the NWCA as he has worked with us so closely the past few years. The NWCA is looking forward to the leadership that Rob Koll will bring to the organization along with the other new coaches and administrators who are joining the NWCA Board of Directors. This is truly a group of people who genuinely care about the sport of wrestling and collectively, they have the broad perspective necessary to overcome our sport�s greatest challenges," said Mike Moyer, NWCA Executive Director. About the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) The National Wrestling Coaches Association, established in 1928, is a non-profit organization for the advancement of all levels of the sport of wrestling with primary emphasis on developing coaches who work in academic environments. The membership embraces all people interested in amateur wrestling. The three core competencies of the NWCAare: Coaching Development, student-athlete welfare, and promotion of wrestling.

CLEVELAND -- The Mid-American Conference (MAC) announced today the addition of the University of Missouri, the University of Northern Iowa and Old Dominion University as affiliate members in the sport of wrestling. All three universities have joined the MAC with five-year agreements, with Missouri and Northern Iowa joining the MAC for the conference tournament only for the 2012-13 season and then participate fully in regular season and tournament action for the next four consecutive years (2013-14 season thru 2016-17 academic season). Old Dominion will join the MAC for the regular season and tournament action in the 2013-14 season through the 2017-18 academic season. The addition of the three affiliate members will increase the MAC wrestling membership to nine members with Buffalo, Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan, Kent State, Northern Illinois and Ohio. With this increase in wrestling membership, the MAC will become the third largest Division I wrestling league in the nation only behind the Big Ten and the Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association (EIWA). This move will also provide the conference extended recruiting opportunities from across the Midwest towards the East Coast into Virginia. "After significant study and discussion by our member institution's coaches and administrators the Mid-American Conference has made a move that will take what is already a very strong wrestling conference and make it one of the elite wrestling conferences in the country," said Dr. Jon A. Steinbrecher, Commissioner of the Mid-American Conference. "I am pleased to welcome Missouri, Northern Iowa, and Old Dominion, their student-athletes, coaches and fans to the MAC in the sport of wrestling." Last season, Kent State won the MAC regular season title and the previous season witnessed a three-way tie for the MAC regular season title between Kent State, Central Michigan and Ohio. In 2012, the MAC sent 24 wrestlers to the 2012 NCAA Championship Tournament in St. Louis, where MAC Champion Central Michigan finished tied for 13th and Kent State ended 27th in the NCAA Championship standings. The MAC witnessed three wrestlers earn All-American honors as Central Michigan's Ben Bennett (184 lb.) earned his third, Kent State's Nic Bedelyon (125 lb.) earned his second and Ohio's Jeremy Johnson (Hwt.) earned his first All-American honor. In 2011, the MAC last witnessed an individual national champion when Kent State's Dustin Kilgore won the 197 lb. National Championship as he pinned Oklahoma State's Clayton Foster. Kilgore became the eighth MAC wrestler to win a national championship in conference history. Central Michigan has won the last 11 consecutive MAC Wrestling Championships dating back to the 2002 season. In the last five consecutive years, the MAC has witnessed a program finish in the Top 20 at the NCAA Wrestling Championship and twice had two programs finish in the Top 20 -- 2009 (Central Michigan tied-14th; Kent State 18th) and 2011 (Central Michigan tied-13th; Kent State 17th). The last Top Ten finish by the MAC in the NCAA Wrestling Championship was Central Michigan's seventh place finish in 2008. Missouri Tigers: Missouri finished the 2011-12 season ranked 26th in the NCAA final rankings and under head coach Brian Smith captured the Big 12 Tournament Championship, the first title in program history. The Tigers produced four individual Big 12 Champions and head coach Brian Smith was named Big 12 Coach of the Year. Missouri led the nation and set a program record by sending ten grapplers to the 2012 NCAA Championship Wrestling Tournament Head coach Brian Smith is the winningest coach in program history (173-83-3), entering his 15th season. Under Smith's direction, Missouri has produced four National Champions (Ben Askren in 2006 and 2007; Mark Ellis in 2009 and Max Askren in 2010), 14 wrestlers have earned 26 All-America honors and three top-10 NCAA finishes (2007-third; 2009-seventh; and 2010-tenth). Missouri's wrestling program started in 1923-24 and competed in the Missouri Valley Conference from 1928-1932 and the Big 6 Conference from 1932-37. There was no program from 1938-58 and wrestling returned in 1959. Missouri competed in the Big 8 from 1964-96 and the Big 12 from 1996-2012. Quote from Missouri Director of Athletics Mike Alden: "We're honored that the University of Missouri will have an opportunity to compete in the Mid-American Conference as an affiliate member. The MAC is a highly respected conference and this provides our program the opportunity to continue competing at a very high level. Head Coach Brian Smith has built one of the nation's elite programs and we look forward to seeing them continue towards a National Championship as a member of the MAC." Quote from Missouri Head Coach Brian Smith: "I think the Mid-American Conference is a great fit for our program. Over the past several years, some of the nation's top teams and best wrestlers - both on an academic and athletic level - have come from the MAC, and we are excited to help continue that tradition. The league has been proactive in expanding themselves on the wrestling side, and we think our program will help enhance the overall prestige of the conference. We've already built some great rivalries with some of these teams over the past few years, and competing with schools from that area will help us expand our reach on the recruiting trail. We look forward to being part of this great conference." Northern Iowa Panthers: Northern Iowa ended the 2011-12 season ranked 34th in the NCAA final rankings and finished second in the Western Wrestling Conference with a 8-7 record in duals and a 5-1 conference record under head coach Doug Schwab. The Panthers sent five grapplers to the 2012 NCAA Championship Wrestling Tournament, including Joe Colon (133 lbs.), Levi Wolfensperger (141 lbs.), David Bonin (157 lbs.), Ryan Loder (184 lbs.) and Blayne Beale (HWT). Colon seeded No. 5 at 133 lbs., and Loder seeded No. 8 at 184 lbs. Northern Iowa has a strong history of success in the sport of wrestling. Northern Iowa captured the 1950 NCAA Division 1 Wrestling National Championship. The Panthers have crowned 21 NCAA Division I individual national champions, the latest being Tony Davis at 149 lbs. in 2000, and have tallied 115 NCAA Division I All-Americans. Northern Iowa's Bill Smith captured an Olympic Gold Medal at the 1952 Olympic Games in Helsinki, Finland. Since rejoining the Division I ranks in 1981, Northern Iowa notched 20 Top-20 finishes at the NCAA Championships. Quote from Northern Iowa Director of Athletics Troy Dannen: "The transition of our wrestling program to the Mid-American Conference will serve our student-athletes well. With a history of 21 Division I individual national champions and a Division I team champion, the ability of Northern Iowa wrestling to associate with schools committed to national prominence is important to our institution and our student-athletes. We look forward to expanded post-season qualification opportunities and dual meet competition with the other eight programs in the league. Mid-American Conference institutions are well known to our fan base, and we eagerly look forward to competing in the league. The ability to make this announcement marks a great day in the history of Panther wrestling." Quote from Northern Iowa Head Coach Doug Schwab: "Northern Iowa wrestling looks forward to the opportunity to compete in the MAC. We are excited to make new and lasting rivalries for our athletes and fans. With the teams that exist and the ones joining the conference, it will make the MAC one the premier wrestling conferences in the country. The student-athletes, coaches, alumni and fans look forward to building on Northern Iowa's wrestling's history with the MAC." Old Dominion Monarchs: Old Dominion concluded the 2011-12 season ranked No. 24 in the final regular season NCWA poll and ranked third in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) under head coach Steve Martin. The Monarchs earned a school record seven bids to the 2012 NCAA Championship Wrestling Tournament, which was tied for fourth nationally and the most of any school from the CAA. During the 2011-12 season, Old Dominion had the fifth highest GPA, including Tristan Warner had the second highest cumulative GPA in the nation among all wrestlers. Under the direction of coach Martin, the Monarchs have earned an All-American in four of the last five years. Martin has the second-highest winning percentage (.640) in school history and has earned double-digit wins in seven of his eight seasons. Martin has directed 35 NCAA qualifiers, 13 individual CAA Champions and was named the CAA Coach of the Year in 2008. Also, 12 Monarch wrestlers have been named to the NWCA All-Academic National Honor Roll in the last five seasons. The Old Dominion wrestling program began in 1957-58 and were members of the CAA since the 1991-92 season. The Monarchs have produced three National Champions, 94 NCAA qualifiers all-time, 18 wrestlers have earned 25 All-America honors, 31 individual CAA Champions, six CAA Wrestler of the Year Awards and two CAA Rookie of the Year Awards in program history. Quote from Old Dominion Director of Athletics Dr. Camden Wood Selig: "Old Dominion is very pleased to be joining one of the nation's premier wrestling conferences in the Mid-American Conference," said Selig. "We are extremely grateful to the MAC Council of Presidents and league Commissioner Dr. Jon Steinbrecher for providing this wonderful, competitive opportunity to our student-athletes and coaches. Participating in the MAC will elevate the national and competitive profile of Old Dominion's wrestling program and we look forward to this new opportunity for our program." Quote from Old Dominion Head Coach Steve Martin: "We are extremely excited about joining the Mid-American Conference," said Martin. "This is a game changer for our program and will allow us to compete at the highest level in wrestling. The additions of Missouri and Northern Iowa, along with the strong base of current schools in the MAC, will make this one of the most formidable wrestling leagues in the country. I'd like to thank MAC Commissioner Dr. Jon Steinbrecher for the opportunity as well Athletic Director Dr. Selig and Senior Associate Athletic Director Deb Polca for their work in making this happen for the Old Dominion wrestling program." Quotes from current MAC Head Wrestling Coaches: Jim Beichner, Head Coach, Buffalo: "Adding Missouri, Old Dominion and Northern Iowa to the Mid-American Conference is just another positive indicator that our conference office is leading our wrestling programs in the right direction. All three of these programs are excellent academic institutions with great history and traditions and are fully committed to the sport of wrestling. I believe that the strength of our conference is determined by the strength of our teams and I am happy to say that today, we have become one of the premiere wrestling conferences in the nation. As a coach, I am very happy to welcome all three programs to the Conference." Tom Borrelli, Head Coach, Central Michigan: "This is a great move forward for the Mid-American Conference. It is going to be nice to develop new relationships with universities and athletic departments. The addition will create more opportunities to get more athletes to the NCAA tournament and it will foster our development to do well in that tournament. Anytime competition gets keener, everyone rises to that level of competition." Derek Del Porto, Head Coach, Eastern Michigan: "I am very happy to welcome three top wrestling programs into our conference. Every MAC program will get stronger with the addition of these programs." Jim Andrassy, Head Coach, Kent State: "We're excited to bring in some new teams and have some new opportunities. It gives us more guaranteed home meets and it also helps us get more dual meets for the year, which is the direction the NCAA is going in as a whole. The MAC's been a tough conference over the past few years and this makes us even tougher." Ryan Ludwig, Head Coach, Northern Illinois: "I am pleased to see this conference expand the way it has with the interest of wrestling in mind. The Mid-American Conference has always had a strong and proud tradition and this move shows its commitment to our great sport. The MAC has grown in strength and depth every year and this move certainly solidifies that growth as this conference becomes one of the premier wrestling leagues in the country." Joel Greenlee, Head Coach, Ohio: "The Addition of Missouri, Northern Iowa and Old Dominion will make the Mid-American Conference one of the toughest wrestling leagues in the country. These three teams will also bring more national recognition to the MAC." MID-AMERICAN CONFERENCE Founded in 1946, the Mid-American Conference is an NCAA Division I, 12-member conference that sponsors 23 championships and is one of 11 members of the Football Bowl Subdivison (FBS). With total enrollment of nearly 300,000 students, the league represents institutions of higher learning in six (6) states - Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, New York, and Ohio. In addition a 13th school – University of Massachusetts in Amherst, MA. -- is an affiliate member for football only. Current MAC schools that hold full membership and the year they joined are -- East Division: University of Akron (1992), Bowling Green State University (1952), University at Buffalo (1998), Kent State University (1951), Miami University (1947), Ohio University (1946). West Division: Ball State University (1973), Central Michigan University (1971), Eastern Michigan University (1971), Northern Illinois University (1975-86, rejoined in 1997), University of Toledo (1950), Western Michigan University (1947). The University of Massachusetts (2012) competes in the East Division in football only. The conference office is based in Cleveland, Ohio.

WAVERLY, Iowa -- Jim Miller, Wartburg College's co-head wrestling coach, announced today he will step down from his wrestling coaching position following the 2012-13 season. Current co-head coach Eric Keller will continue to oversee the program. Miller, a member of six athletic halls of fame, will remain at Wartburg and serve in other capacities still to be determined. Jim Miller (Photo/Julie Drewes)Since coming to Wartburg in 1991, Miller has amassed a career record of 394-34-2, won nine NCAA Division III team championships, beginning with the school's first title in 1996; 20 consecutive Iowa Conference championships; and six National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) national dual championships. The Knights haven't lost in 157 dual meets against Iowa Conference opponents since 1993-94. Miller has coached 34 individual national champions, 138 All-Americans and 70 NWCA Academic All-Americans. "This was not a spur of the moment decision. I've thought about it a great deal over these last five years," said Miller. "Sometimes in life you may not have a lot of specific reasons why you know it's right at this time, but you just know. "The Wartburg College wrestling program has been the majority of my life's work," he continued. "This coming season will be my 22nd at Wartburg and 37th overall (seven at the high school level and eight as top assistant at Northern Iowa before coming to Wartburg.) I am very, very proud of what has transpired here with our student-athletes on and off the mat." "For me Wartburg College wrestling became my dream job," said Miller. "I found that there were no limits on what you could accomplish here, if you were willing to work hard at it and dedicate yourself to your dream, no matter how high that dream might be. I am excited about this season and I wanted to get this announcement behind us so all would know the situation up front and our team/staff could move on and attack the upcoming year." Wartburg Athletic Director Rick Willis said, "Jim Miller's impact on our wrestling program, athletic department and college is immeasurable. We are all indebted to Jim for his tremendous work and service." He praised Miller for "diligently preparing our program and the college for this eventually." "Sooner or later," Willis said, "we all reach that moment when we know it's the right time to make a change. Jim has made sure we have the perfect succession plan in place. We couldn't ask for a better choice to step into Jim's shoes." Miller's new role at Wartburg remains under discussion. "We are indeed fortunate that Jim will remain at Wartburg," Willis said. "Jim has many skills and talents to offer. He is a teacher, a motivator and a leader. We look forward to engaging his energy, insight and passion in new ways. We have several ideas about how best to use his talents. We'll take the next several months to choose exactly the right ideas that mesh with Jim's goals and Wartburg's needs." Wartburg President Darrel Colson lauded Miller's contributions as a coach and teacher -- and his legacy. "Not only has Coach Jim Miller put together a wrestling program that is the envy of the nation, but he has lived the Wartburg mission in a way that I envy," Colson said. "His coaching really is teaching, guiding and mentoring in the ways that all of us can admire. "Many of his wrestlers have gone on to become coaches," he added. "They've carried with them the Wartburg mission that Jim has lived out. They know that when they are wrestling here and when they are coaching elsewhere, they are called to leadership and service. Dozens and dozens of his wrestlers live out the lessons they learned here in every conceivable workplace." Miller wrestled at the University of Northern Iowa, where he had a 128-22 record while winning NCAA Division II championships in 1974 and 1975. After coaching at the high school level, he was the top assistant coach at UNI from 1983-91. Miller has been inducted into six halls of fame -- NWCA Divisions II and III, Glen Brands Wrestling, University of Northern Iowa Athletics, East Waterloo High School Athletics and Iowa Wrestling in Cresco. Among Miller's many other accomplishments are: Division III Rookie Coach of the Year and National Rookie Coach of the Year in 1992 (AWN) NCAA Division III Coach of the Year in 1993, 1996, 1999, 2003, 2009 Iowa Conference Coach of the Year in 1993, 1995-98, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2009, 2012 Dan Gable All-Division Coach of the Year in 2004 (W.I.N. magazine) Iowa's Man of the Year in 2003 (Wrestling USA magazine) D3Wrestling.com Coach of the Year (2012) Keller was named co-head coach of the program in March 2010. He had served as Miller's assistant at Wartburg from 2000-05 and was part of five consecutive IIAC championships and NCAA national championships in 2003 and 2004. He left Wartburg briefly to become head coach at North Central College in Naperville, Ill., where he guided the Cardinals to a perfect dual-meet record in 2006 with three Division III All-Americans. He was named the NWCA's Rookie Coach of the Year. He returned to Wartburg the next year as associate head coach. In 2008-09, he was named NWCA's Division III Assistant Coach of the Year. In the last three years, the Knights have won the Iowa Conference tournament title each year and claimed three national championships. The duo of Miller and Keller received Coach of the Year honors from both the Iowa Conference and D3wrestle.com. The Indianola, Iowa, native earned his degree in health and physical education at UNI in 1999. He was an NCAA All-American and Academic All-American for the Panthers and was also a world team wrestling trials qualifier and Northern Plains Regional Olympic. He had been a two-time Iowa state high school champion for Indianola High School, compiling a 161-10-1 record. "I am extremely humbled and honored to be taking over a program that has meant so much to me over the past 12 years both personally and professionally," said Keller. "I want to thank President Colson, Gary Grace, Rick Willis, Coach Miller and the entire Wartburg College family for this opportunity." "Coach Miller has created a legacy here at Wartburg over the past 21 years," he continued. "I feel extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity to coach beside him for the past 12 years. The lessons I have learned from him extend far beyond the wrestling mat. He is a coaching legend and I truly believe there is no one better at mentoring young coaches. I am forever grateful for all he has taught me, and for his guidance both in and out of wrestling." "I couldn't be happier that Eric Keller is here to lead this transition," said President Colson. "It's a blessing to have him in place, and we all know that he is the perfect choice to lead this team into the future." Miller called Keller a "special coach. He could have done this five years ago." "Obviously, it makes it easier knowing that Eric Keller is totally ready to take the full reins," he said. "The more he has taken over in the last five years the better we have done, and that's not a coincidence. "We have won four out of five NCAA Championships in that time span," Miller continued. "He came here right out of college, left after five years to become the head coach at North Central College, where they had their best year in history -- to that point and was voted National Rookie Coach of the Year. None of that surprised me. So when the opportunity came to get him back I did, knowing he was the right guy to take over at some point." Willis agreed. "No one knows better than Eric Keller how big those shoes are, but at the same time, no one is better prepared to step into them. He knows the value we place on excellence, whether in sports, class or life. We will make this transition at the end of the season without missing a beat." "Looking ahead to the future, the goals remain the same. For me, helping our student-athletes graduate, become great men both on and off the mat, and winning championships is my passion," said Keller. "There is a tradition of excellence that Coach Miller has established, and I look forward to continuing it." Six All-Americans will return for the Knights when they open the season Nov. 13 at the Loras Open, beginning the quest for the program's 10th NCAA title. Additional Quotes: "Jim is hearing a new call, and we'll support his process of discernment. I'm delighted that he's called to stay here at Wartburg." -- Wartburg President Colson "The leadership Coach Miller has provided on the mat has been unprecedented and obvious. Most would not be aware of the contribution he has made in shaping the environment and culture of the Wartburg athletic department as a whole. He has mentored many young coaches and provided a blueprint for numerous teams to be successful, not only winning championships, but also in nurturing the lives of young men and women participating in intercollegiate athletics. His pursuit of excellence enhanced the athletic experience at Wartburg and positively impacted the sport of wrestling in the IIAC and NCAA." -- Gary Grace, Wartburg's Vice President for Administration and former Athletic Director "Part of the Iowa Conference's Vision Statement speaks to academic and athletic success nationally, and that's exactly what Jim Miller has done during his time at Wartburg. Our league, overall, has been strengthened by Wartburg's remarkable success in wrestling. As we celebrate 90 years of Iowa Conference athletics this year, it's been an honor and pleasure to get to know one of the coaching giants in our league. I'm also very happy for Eric Keller, who is also a huge proponent of Iowa Conference wrestling and a terrific young coach." -- Chuck Yrigoyen, Iowa Conference Commissioner

Trevor Franklin

TEMPE -- A mainstay in the Arizona State University wrestling program, former Sun Devil wrestler Aaron Simpson will return to the bench this season as a volunteer assistant coach, head coach Shawn Charles has announced today. Aaron SimpsonSimpson returns to the program for his second stint in a coaching role. Prior to this, Simpson spent nine years as an assistant coach after his wrestling career at ASU until 2007. During that time, he played a vital role in helping several Sun Devils complete successful ASU careers, including All-Americans C.B. Dollaway (184), Ryan Bader (197) and heavyweight Cain Velasquez. Simpson broke away from coaching full-time in order to pursue a mixed martial arts career where he has compiled an impressive 12-3 record overall and is 7-3 on the UFC Slate. Most recently, Simpson defeated Kenny Robinson by unanimous decision in his welterweight debut and is next slated to take on Mike Pierce on Oct. 5. In addition to his work on the UFC slate, Simpson co-founded Power MMA and Fitness with Dollaway and Bader in 2010, a state of the art mixed martial arts facility and fitness gym in Gilbert, Ariz. During his tenure as a Sun Devil coach, Simpson mentored six different grapplers to All-America honors, including Velasquez (fourth), Dollaway (fifth) and Bader (seventh). All told, those six wrestlers combined to collect a total of 10 All-America awards with the late Steve Blackford (three), Bader (two) and Velasquez (two) earning multiple honors while Dollaway, Curtis Owen and Kellan Fluckiger garnering single awards. On the conference level, Simpson has guided six athletes to 12 Pac-10 Championship crowns, most recently helping two Sun Devils win the league title as Bader (197) collected the third title of his career and Velasquez ended his campaign with his second win in a row. On a staff that has guided the Sun Devils to four Pac-10 titles, Simpson also helped two wrestlers earn Pac-10 Wrestler of the Year honors with Blackford (2000) and Velasquez (2005) bringing home the award. A two-time All-American with the Sun Devils, Simpson placed fourth at the 1998 NCAA meet and eighth in 1996, both at 177 pounds. During his Sun Devil career, he collected 110 career wins for 12th on the ASU all-time chart. Simpson also ranks eighth in career dual victories with 53. Simpson concluded his ASU career with a stellar senior season in 1997-98, posting a 34-4 slate that included a perfect 20-0 dual mark. He also was ranked second in the nation for the much of the year. He claimed his second Pac-10 championship and was named the "Outstanding Wrestler" of the Cliff Keen National Team Duals after going 5-0 in the two-day event. He recorded a team-high 10 falls in 1997-98, with his quickest fall coming in 25 seconds. He also posted a streak of pins in three straight matches and enjoyed a 25-match win streak that lasted 2 1/2 months. Simpson graduated from ASU in May 1998 with a bachelor's degree in broadcasting. Demonstrating discipline in the classroom as well, he earned Pac-10 All-Academic honors three times (1996, 1997, 1998). He was also named the recipient of the Varsity "A" Association Bill Kajikawa Outstanding Male Senior Award. A walk-on who went on to earn a scholarship, he was a Maroon and Gold Scholar-Athlete and a member of the Athletic Director's High Honor Roll. A native of Wellton, Ariz., Simpson is a 1993 graduate of Antelope Union High School where he was a four-time state champion and three-time All-American. He closed out his prep career with a 142-1 record. The 1997 Pan-American Games silver medalist at 187 pounds, Simpson also pursued a freestyle career with the Sunkist Kids Wrestling Club and competed in both the 2000 and 2004 Olympic Team Trials. A former USA National Team member, Simpson was a member of the inaugural season of Real Pro Wrestling (RPW) and competed for the Texas Shooters with former Sun Devils Danny Felix, Eric Larkin and Fluckiger. The 2006 calendar year saw Simpson utilize his broadcasting degree as he wrote weekly journals for thesundevils.com and also served as the host of the nationally televised replays of the first season of RPW, introducing the bouts to the viewers at home. Simpson and his wife, Kendra Sirignano, were married in November 2002 and reside in the Phoenix area with their two daughters, Claire and Mia and son, Domenico.

Bobby Douglas

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 Guest Hosts Bob Selby, Chad Kriz and Brad Johnson this Saturday from 9 to 11 AM CST/ 10 AM to 12 Noon Eastern. TakedownRadio.com This week's guests: 9:03 Heath Eslinger, Chattanooga head wrestling coach 9:20 Robbie Waller, Lock Haven head wrestling coach 9:40 Jimmy May, Baker head wrestling coach 9:50 Ty Barkley, Max Muscle Sports Nutrition Anniversary Weekend 10:03 Bobby Douglas, former Iowa State and Arizona State head wrestling coach 10:20 Yero Washington, Beat the Streets LA 10:40 Andy Lausier, Sacred Heart head wrestling coach 10:50 Amy Ruble, Wildrose Casino and Resort Fans, athletes, coaches: This is your sport. Join in the conversation live. Ask questions. Call 866-333-5966 or 515-204-5966. Takedown Wrestling is available on radio on AM 1460 KXNO in Iowa, online at Livesportsvideo.com, or on your Blackberry or iPhone with the iHeart Radio app. (Click on KXNO under Sportsradio.)

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? View archives. I know you are all wondering the same thing? Can we discuss something other than the National Duals? Yes, we can discuss something other than the National Duals, just not today. The wrestling fans really piped up these past few weeks and I was sent some really insightful emails, many of which I was unable to answer directly, or include in this week's mailbag. However, those emails will be answered in the below summation of where the proposal goes from here. Let's start the final discussion of the duals with a snippet of the NCAA's response written by the organization's in-house PR department, Gary Johnson:The cabinet voted to refer the concept back to the Wrestling Committee for additional development. Specifically, the cabinet wants additional feedback on how the proposed championship would affect the current championship, information on the views of the NCAA's media partner(s), and an analysis of the budget impact related to the championship's current budget. In addition, the cabinet requested results from a survey of Division I wrestling coaches and input from student-athletes.You have to read into this and assume that one of the wrestling coaches against the proposition got into the ear of their administrator and said "Hey, you need to get them to release the survey results, because it only passed by a single vote ..." How inflammatory and possibly detrimental is the implication that the NWCA falsified the results of the survey? Very. If the NCAA isn't given that original survey they might withhold future judgment, and if for some reason that survey wasn't one-hundred percent accurate there will be serious questions to face. Right now there is no evidence to support the idea that anything was falsified, but for the NCAA to compel the NWCA to see he survey shows there are some accusations being made and that more than one person has questioned the validity of the NWCA's last-minute survey. One of wrestling's most pressing problems is the abysmal communication between many coaches and administrators. Several Division I head coaches admitted that they hadn't addressed the possible change with their bosses until late last Thursday, and at least one said that he did so only because he heard on Twitter of the unresolved issues. But it's not just coaches living in solitary confinement that created the issues of the last month. The leadership class within wrestling can't be allowed to shut itself off to critique or discussion. To have good PR you need to grant access and help build support for a system that employs natural checks and balances. Had it not been for social media there is almost no chance that the dissenting opinions would have made it into articles and onto forums. The NCAA committee members and NWCA board members were quoted to me by coaches as having said something to the affect of "you are either for this proposal, or against wrestling" and "We have to all stand together, there can't be any disagreement." That's a preposterous and headstrong way to go about politicking. Shutting your doors to the press and to debate is nothing but obstinate and shortsighted. The NWCA and the NCAA needed to embrace an open process from the beginning to not only ensure that all the stake holders had a chance to voice their opinion, and that ideas were vetted by more than a single back room of characters, but because wrestling fans and coaches are the very last people on the planet to take kindly to having change rammed down their gullet. Hopefully these lessons have been learned. The coaches' convention in late October should give everyone enough time to relax and regain their composure, but doubt remains. Will the NWCA bring new data to the meeting? Will coaches who were against the proposal or had better ideas also present them? Will media be allowed access? Will the results of the survey be published? I hope that the spirit of cooperation prevails because the nastiness and poorly executed politicking of the past month has left our sport damaged and fractured. For the sport to grow we'll need to create a better atmosphere. Also, wrestling in an arms race? Now, your questions ... Q: Saw the video of Chance Marstellar's injury in Baku. Have you heard anything about how bad it is or when he will be back? -- Douglas O. Foley: How awful. Chance is one of the nation's top wrestlers and I think everyone, even the teams that won't end up with him on their roster, want to see him make a full recovery. I have no insight on how long he'll be out, but it's rare that any injury takes more than a year to recover from and that timeline speeds up when you are an in-shape 17-year-old wrestler. I'd expect that he'll be back for midseason, if not before. But that isn't based on insider info, and I am sprinkling that answer with my hopes for his health. Q: Virginia is about to go to seven state championships. Your thoughts? -- Joe S. Foley: First, let's all give respect to the finest Commonwealth in the nation by recapturing the brilliance of this anonymous quote. (I vote on it having been Thomas Jefferson!) To be a Virginian, either by birth, marriage, adoption, or even on one's mother's side, is an introduction to any state in the union, a passport to any foreign country, and a benediction from the almighty God. -- Anon.That's right, "a benediction from the almighty God." We win. My brother is a wrestling coach and teacher in the state of Virginia and he informs me that the seven state titles are being debated by the coaches. The counter plan by coaches is to shift the divisions into the traditional three state titles by grouping similar-sized schools. If it remains in the current format you'd have six public school champions and a private school reaction. The worst part? There are only EIGHT wrestlers in the bracket. Virginia is the greatest state/commonwealth in the country, but this a really stupid idea. Q: What's the story with Max Askren moving back to Wisconsin? -- @ZachLambertski Foley: No real story. He's still wrestling, just training in Wisconsin. U.S. wrestlers Joe Betterman and Deanna Rix recently welcomed the birth of their first child, MasonQ: Have the men wrestlers at the USOTC been known to hit on or date the female wrestlers? Somebody told me that Henry Cejudo dated Clarissa Chun for a while. -- Nick T. Foley: Yes, they do. Clarissa Chun actually dated Stephen Abas before Henry Cejudo, making for one hell of a potential love triangle. As for more recent love interests that are confirmable and not complete gossip, Joe Betterman and Deanna Rix just welcomed the birth of their first child! Also, 2004 Olympic bronze medalist Patricia Miranda married her college teammate Levi Weikel-Magden, who later became one of her coaches on the U.S. National Team. I don't think there are any rules against fraternization, nor do I think there really should be. All's fair. Q: Heavyweight is going to be absolutely loaded this season in Division I! We have NCAA champion Tony Nelson returning, plus All-Americans Bobby Telford, Jeremy Johnson, Mike McMullan and Nick Gwiazdowski. Then throw in Russian stud Alan Gelogaev and a couple All-Americans coming off redshirt, Dom Bradley and Jarrod Trice. Oh yeah, I almost forgot about Chad Hanke, who beat Gelogaev! Who knows, maybe Jimmy Lawson can get in the mix! It's going to be an amazing weight class! Who are your top four finishers at heavyweight when the dust settles in Des Moines? -- Mike C. Foley: Not often we get to talk about a loaded heavyweight class. What I find most interesting is that these guys are all exceptionally athletic heavyweights, which means they are a little more watchable than some of the more lumbering and dominant heavyweights of last decade. I'm taking my boy McMullan! Speaking of heavyweights ... two-time NCAA champion and undefeated MMA heavyweight Cole Konrad retired from the sport yesterday to pursue a career in trading. Q: Just curious what you thoughts are on the following 3 teams: Iowa, Missouri, and Virginia? -- J. Nickal Foley: In one sentence or less. Iowa will finish in the top ten, but will be the most vulnerable they've been since Brands took control. Adding Sammie Henson will result in three All-Americans for Mizzou and at least one NCAA finalist. Virginia has a team that will challenge for the ACC title and should put six wrestlers into the All-American round. Q: Who's the favorite at 174 pounds with Howe redshirting? -- @BrentParkey Foley: Penn State's Matt Brown.

HARTSVILLE, S.C. -- Coker College announced today that it will add men's wrestling as an intercollegiate sport beginning in the 2013-14 academic year. Wrestling brings the number of Coker's NCAA Division II programs to 17. "Wrestling offers us the unique opportunity to offer a sport that has broad appeal in the Pee Dee region, yet is also wildly popular outside of South Carolina as well," said Coker College President Robert Wyatt. "We look forward to adding another athletic program designed to help us meet the aggressive enrollment growth and diversity goals outlined in our strategic plan." The Cobras' wrestling team will operate as an independent program with no conference affiliation. "Bringing the sport of wrestling to Coker greatly advances the experience for our student-athletes," said Lynn Griffin, vice president of athletics and facilities. "Wrestling has a wonderful tradition of being a competitive individual sport, and it's one we feel will thrive on our campus and within the area." The search for a head coach begins immediately. Wrestling becomes the fourth sport added since Griffin took her post at Coker in 2010. Others were men's lacrosse (2011-12), men's volleyball (2012-13) and women's lacrosse (2013-14). Coker is the 57th Division II institution to offer men's wrestling. "The leadership of Dr. Wyatt and Dr. Griffin has been nothing short of excellent, and I'm glad to see Coker College embrace this great opportunity," said Stan Bikulege, a member of the Coker College Board of Trustees. "Speaking as a father of a wrestler, I know first-hand the values and lessons taught on the wrestling mat are tough to duplicate. It was a no-brainer for the board to approve this decision." Wrestling, a winter sport, will have its first match in November 2013. Although the South Atlantic Conference, which Coker begins to compete in next year, does not sponsor wrestling as a conference sport, longtime opponents and fellow SAC members Anderson and Newberry offer wrestling. About Coker College Coker College has a total undergraduate enrollment of approximately 1,200 students and offers 50 areas of study. The college is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the National Association of Schools of Music and the South Carolina Board of Education. Coker College readies undergraduates for personal and professional success through a distinctive four-year program that emphasizes a practical application of the liberal arts as well as hands-on and discussion-based learning within and beyond the classroom. Coker is ranked among the "Best Colleges" in the South by U.S. News & World Report as well as The Princeton Review. Located in Hartsville, S.C., Coker is within two hours of the cultural, financial and recreational resources of Charlotte, Columbia, Charleston and Myrtle Beach. For more information, contact Chris Dougherty, manager of athletics media relations, at 843-383-8018 or cdougherty@coker.edu .

PISCATAWAY, N.J. -- Tickets for the inaugural "Grapple at the Garden, benefiting Beat the Streets”, the first collegiate wrestling event in Madison Square Garden’s history, are set to go on sale Friday, Sept. 14 at 10 a.m. The Dec. 16 duals match head coach Scott Goodale’s Rutgers wrestling team against Nebraska (10:30 a.m.) and Tennessee-Chattanooga (12:30 p.m.). A Ticketmaster.com pre-sale of tickets will take place Thursday, Sept. 13, beginning at 10 a.m. and concluding on Friday, Sept. 14 at 9 a.m. Scarlet Knight supporters have the opportunity to purchase seats in a Rutgers-only section inside MSG for optimal viewing of RU’s two matches. For the pre-sale, fans are asked to use MSG’s TicketMaster.com website along with the pre-sale code “RUTGERS”. After the one-day pre-sale concludes, Scarlet Knight wrestling fans will be able to purchase tickets via Ticketmaster.com (with no presale code required) and the MSG Box Office. Season tickets for Rutgers wrestling are set to be available later in the month of September. Follow Rutgers Athletics on Facebook (www.facebook.com/RutgersAthletics) and Twitter (@RUAthletics) for all of the latest news and updates. For specific updates regarding Rutgers wrestling, follow the program on Twitter (@RUWrestling). Fans can receive timely information, including special offers and giveaways throughout the year on our social media outlets along with www.ScarletKnights.com.

Which NCAA Division I wrestling programs will be strongest in 2012-13? Which will continue to improve? Which have the most to gain, or lose? The following list is comprised of ten programs with something to prove in 2013. 10. Stanford It's always interesting to see what happens on The Farm, and with Jason Borrelli entering his fifth season as head coach, the program seems poised for another great season. The team is headlined by two-time All-American Ryan Mango (125), if he doesn't redshirt, and are hoping to see performances from heavyweight Dan Scherer and Spence Patrick (184) 9. Oklahoma State The word here is talent, and the Cowboys have a ton of it. Coming back from last year's squad is 2011 NCAA champion Jordan Oliver (133) and All-American Chris Perry (174) But maybe most incredibly the Cowboys and John Smith also get 2011 NCAA finalist Tyler Caldwell (165) off transfer from Oklahoma. Three NCAA finalists would be a major haul for a program coming off a sixth-place NCAA finish, so it'll be interesting to see how the rest of the program's talent matures throughout the season, including Jon Morrison (125), Josh Kindig (141), and possibly Austin Marsden (285) if he's called upon. 8. Penn State They will likely win their third consecutive title with talent that's been on campus for more than two seasons. However, it will be interesting to see how the newcomers to the lineup Matt Brown (174), Jimmy Lawson (285) and possibly Jimmy Gulibon (133) transition into the starting lineup. Should they perform as expected and join the four other NCAA finalist candidates, then Penn State has the chance to dominate like no other team in history, and that is worth noting. Northwestern sophomore heavyweight Mike McMullan will be looking to improve on his NCAA third-place finish in 2012 (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com7. Northwestern Head coach Drew Pariano has returning NCAA third-place finisher Mike McMullan (285) and fourth-place finisher senior Jason Welch (157). In addition to several other NCAA qualifiers, Pariano also hired NCAA champion Jay Borschel to his staff and recruited Jason Tsirtsis, InterMat's High School Wrestler of the Year in 2012. If the Wildcats have even equal performances from their team leaders and one wrestler makes a significant national impact, the team will be in position to crack the top ten, and provide a scare to many of the more traditional programs. 6. Oklahoma The only program on this list many expect to have a down season in 2013, the Sooners will be expecting to prove the naysayers wrong. Head coach Mark Cody is returning NCAA All-Americans Kendric Maple (141) and Nick Lester (149) to the lineup to join top talents Matt Lester (157) and Bubby Graham (165). But the real story is who the Sooners will be sitting in 2013: NCAA champion Andrew Howe (165) and All-Americans Travis Rutt (197) and Jarrod Patterson (125). That's massive amounts of firepower on the bench, but if the Sooners can do it without their help in 2013, just imagine what they'll be capable of in 2014? 5. Cornell The EIWA has become a two-team race between Lehigh and Cornell, but it's the latter that has a shot at history in 2013. Nobody doubts that Lehigh will continue to improve, as head coach Pat Santoro has proven over and over that he can build a championship program, what interests almost every wrestling fan this year is Kyle Dake, the three-time defending NCAA champion. Should Dake win his fourth title and join Pat Smith and Cael Sanderson as the only four-time NCAA Division I winners, he'll make an argument for the greatest collegiate wrestler of all time. In addition to Dake, Cornell's Steve Bosak, if he stays at 184 pounds, will try to defend his title against Ed Ruth, the defending champion at 174, who is moving up to make room for teammate Matt Brown at 174. Cornell has plenty of other studs, but it's these two guys each vying for another title that make Cornell a compelling team in 2013. 4. Binghamton Matt Dernlan landed in Binghamton after Pat Popolizio made the jump to N.C. State. The new head coach will have a big role to fill, with fans looking for a reason to criticize anything less than the year-to-year improvement the team showed almost every season under Popolizio. Dernlan will be missing All-American heavyweight Nick Gwiazdowski, who transferred to N.C. State. 3. Michigan They have the talent and they have the coaches. Can the Wolverines make something happen in 2013? The school hasn't tipped their hand on whether or not super-stud freshman Taylor Massa will enter the starting lineup, but it might not matter to the overall picture. Fans and supporters want to see the new-look Wolverines win another NCAA title in 2013 and place several All-Americans. The best candidate is Eric Grajales (149), but the entire team is loaded with top 20 talent, including Stephen Dutton (141) Jake Salazar (157), and Ben Apland (285). Ohio State sophomore Logan Stieber, a returning NCAA champion, will lead a young but talented Buckeye squad (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com)2. Ohio State You thought they were good as freshmen? Wait until you see them this season. One of the most consistent programs in the nation, the Buckeyes were the surprise of 2012 when many prognosticators believed their youth would hinder their chances at making an impact at the NCAA tournament. Head coach Tom Ryan and his staff made sure that wasn't case, bringing eight wrestlers to the NCAA tournament, crowing four All-Americans and finishing fifth as a team. The 2013 season looks bright with returning NCAA champion sophomore Logan Stieber (133) leading a pack of talented wrestlers including All-Americans Cam Tessari (149), Hunter Stieber (141), and Nick Heflin (174). This team is fully-loaded and with a little luck, and some more stellar performances it's at least conceivable that they could compete for the Big Ten and NCAA team titles. 1. Virginia Tech No team outside the Big Ten or Big 12 has flirted more with a sustained national impact than the team from Blacksburg. The 2013 season seems to be the perfect opportunity for the Kevin Dresser-led squad to become a top ten program at the end of the season. Returning All-Americans Devin Carter (141), Pete Yates (165) lead the program into the next season ranked in the top five. That would be enough for mention, but it's the roster of other wrestlers that makes this team very dangerous. Add in the oft-injured but exceedingly talented Jesse Dong (157), superlative Jarrod Garnett (125), and Wisconsin redshirt junior transfer Derrick Borlie (197), and you get a Virginia Tech squad positioned to crack the top ten and make a run at a team trophy in Iowa City.

The debate is over. After two days of meetings, the NCAA has decided to send a proposal that would have changed the way wrestling crowns its team champion, back to the sport's committee. It has been a wild few weeks for wrestling fans and coaches. What in early August was a side note at the NWCA's national convention quickly became a news story with constant changes to vital components of the proposal and full-scale resistance from some of the most high-profile coaches in the sport. There were accusations of intentional deception and heated discussions about what a change in format would mean for the long term economic viability of the sport at the national level. The NWCA, an organization that has championed the cause, became a lightning rod for controversy. Members' correspondence with the NCAA were unintentionally leaked revealing what many coaches thought was proof that they were trying to mislead the public through manipulations of the truth. Statements made by NWCA executive director Mike Moyer and NWCA president Rob Koll last Thursday night signaled that the NWCA was going to pull support. Then on Friday night support was reinstated, contingent on the results of an online survey of coaches. That vote came back in support of the proposal by a single vote. On the other side of the argument was Penn State head wrestling coach Cael Sanderson who used the power of social media to disseminate a very anti-duals agenda. The NWCA and Coach Sanderson have always had a tepid relationship, but the duals proposal seemed to turn that standing tolerance into a bucket on ice. Northwestern University will be hosting a coaches convention in late October to discuss the proposal along with many other agenda items. The proposal, or any adaptation of the proposal, won't be up for another vote until next summer.

InterMat's T.R. Foley and Michael Riordan discuss the proposed change to the NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships, Notre Dame heading to the ACC, and what it really takes to grow wrestling. Do you want to listen to a past episode? View archives.

Rob Koll and Kerry McCoy will go "On the Mat" this Wednesday, September 12. "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 PM Central on AM 1650, The Fan. An archive of the show can be found on www.themat.tv. E-mail dgmstaff@nwhof.org with questions or comments about the show. Koll is the current head wrestling coach at Cornell University. He was an NCAA champion for North Carolina in 1988. McCoy is the current head wrestling coach at the University of Marylan. He was an NCAA champion for Penn State in 1994 and 1997.