InterMat Staff

Gray Maynard Former Michigan State wrestling standout Gray Maynard Talks to TDR. Maynard's next fight will be at UFC 118 with Kenny Florian on August 28, 2010 at the TD Garden in Boston. The "Bully" is looking forward to it. Maynard told us, "It will be a great fight and awesome card. "Training camp hasn’t started for my fight on Aug 28, but I’m in the gym year round. I usually start my camp 8-10 weeks before my fight. I’ve got a lot of requests for more training blog and videos, so I’ll keep it updated the best I can. Let me know what else you want to see or hear about. Also thank you to everyone for your continued support." Please check out Maynard's Web site at www.graymaynard.com.

Mike Denney

Alex Clemsen

Question: How does a bashful five-foot-something, 119-pound high school kid find a way to stand out in public without Twitter or shameless self-promotion? Answer: By going undefeated at his first two Pennsylvania state high school wrestling tournaments. Jimmy Gulibon (Photo/Stephanie Blackstone)His name is Jimmy Gulibon, and if you haven't heard his name before that's because he speaks at a whisper and owns a Quaker's modesty. In a state known for loudmouth national politicians, Philadelphia sports fans, and more wrestling dads than seats at Heinz Field, you'd think that Jimmy Gulibon would never get discovered, as MMA fighters are prone to repeating, "The closed mouth doesn't get fed." Gulibon, who is going into his junior year at Derry Area High School, is on pace to become one of only about a dozen four-time Pennsylvania state champions. He has already won two AAA state titles and an equal number of WPIAL crowns. And with two years remaining, very few prognosticators would bet against his chances of finishing out his career free of another loss. In addition to his wrestling with his high school, Gulibon travels to the Young Guns Wrestling Club headed up by 2000 NCAA Division I runner-up and Pennsylvania Wrestling Hall of Famer Jody Strittmatter. It's difficult to do, but in a room that includes future Division I stars Nico Megaludis (Penn State, 2011) and A.J. Schopp (Edinboro, 2010), Gulibon is expected to be even better. "I really like my teammates," said Gulibon. For Gulibon, the goal is to work hard and get better, the results, he feels, are independent of expectations. "I just want to win every match I wrestle," said Gulibon. "I try not to think about the next season. I just want to get into the wrestling room and keep working hard and getting better in new positions." Jody StrittmatterHe might be getting some help from the state as his school has once again been reclassified to AA. Despite the seeming demotion, this is still Pennsylvania wrestling ... No one should be taken lightly. Gulibon is apparently already aware of that. "He never takes anything for granted," said Strittmatter, who won two Division II national titles before transferring to Iowa. "He works and works and when everyone else would be done, he just works some more. "Some guys are afraid to work hard, they're afraid to put themselves on the line like that, but with Jimmy, it's a natural thing. He pushes himself harder than any kid I've ever met. He's a one-in-a-million type of kid." He's also shyer than a British Petroleum executive at Mardi Gras. "The kid is so soft spoken and humble it's easy to forget just how nasty he can be once he's on the mat," said Strittmatter. Like Penn State head coach Cael Sanderson, another man who pursued wrestling greatness, Gulibon is a bit of a media introvert, choosing brief replies in favor of thorough self-examination. He also keeps his focus outside of wrestling on his family. "Someone told me that his uncle is his best friend, which is just too cool," said Strittmatter. The humble and shy Gulibon inherited those genes, but probably not from his father (who weighs in around 200 pounds). According to Strittmatter, Jimmy's father is an excellent guitar player, who plays every chance he gets: club picnics, tournaments, anytime he sees an audience. "It's kind of funny," said Strittmatter. "His dad is incredible on the guitar and will sit down in front of people and sing for a long time. Meanwhile, you can't get Jimmy to sit down in front of on person and have a conversation (laughs)." Jimmy GulibonThe timidity he exhibits in public isn't carried onto the mat, where he has placed beatings on opponents in his two trips to the state tournament. Despite that aggressiveness, Gulibon is often the most nervous guy on the team before a match. "I kind of just pace," said Gulibon. "I'm not thinking about anything bad ... I just want to get out there and wrestle. I don't like all the waiting around." Strittmatter said that Gulibon's confidence during competition would come with age. "He's still pretty young, learning things about competition," said Strittmatter. "The crazy thing is that you see this kid who is already accomplished and so much better than almost anyone around him and yet he's the one who's nervous." Regardless of his pre-match butterflies or social anxieties, it's obvious that Jimmy Gulibon is the next big name in Pennsylvania wrestling. His approach to the public is different than his father's and his voice still a whisper, but his plan for success seems to strike the right chord. "You can't win a fourth state title until you win that third," said Gulibon. "And I have a lot of work to do before I even think about next year."

Lee Roy Smith, executive director of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, and Dan Gable, namesake of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum, will go “On the Mat” this Wednesday, June 9. “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. Smith and Gable will be on the program to discuss the historic partnership between the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in Stillwater, Okla., and the Dan Gable International Wrestling Institute and Museum in Waterloo, Iowa. Smith, the executive director of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, was an NCAA champion for Oklahoma State in 1980. Gable, namesake of the Dan Gable Museum, won a gold medal at the 1972 Olympics and coached the Iowa Hawkeyes to 15 NCAA team titles in 21 years.

The men's freestyle competition at last year's U.S. World Team Trials produced first-time champions in all seven weight classes. Six of those winners were 26 years old or younger. That team brought home two medals from the 2010 World Championships. Jake Herbert (84 kg) won a silver medal while Tervel Dlagnev (120 kg) captured a bronze medal. Will there be new faces that emerge again this year in Council Bluffs? If April's U.S. Open was any indication, expect to see some new blood on this year's U.S. World Team. Below is a weight-by-weight preview of the men's freestyle competition at this year's U.S. World Team Trials. 55 kg: There is not clear frontrunner in this weight class. Obe Blanc was impressive at the U.S. Open, where he defeated returning U.S. World Team member Danny Felix in the semifinals before taking out recent college graduate Angel Escobedo in the finals. Felix has been a steady performer and put together a strong 2009 campaign, but at 36 years old, one has to wonder how many more runs he can make. Nick Simmons is huge at this weight class and has done very well against foreign competition, but had a disappointing fifth-place finish at the U.S. Open. Logan Stieber was sixth at the U.S. Open and many believe he's the future of this weight class. Prediction: Nick Simmons over Obe Blanc 60 kg: The U.S. has struggled at World-level events at this weight class since Mike Zadick captured a silver medal at the 2006 World Championships. Shawn Bunch made his first U.S. World Team last year and is looking to get back on the team after winning the U.S. Open. Zadick, who won the Dave Schultz Memorial International this year, will be the No. 1 seed in the Challenge Tournament, but will have a tough road just to get another crack at Bunch. Nate Gallick, a 2005 University World champion, has battled injuries and missed the U.S. Open, but is expected to compete at the Trials. There are several young, rising stars in this weight class who should challenge, including Coleman Scott, Reece Humphrey, Drew Headlee, Matt Valenti, Tyler Graff, and Derek Moore. Prediction: Nate Gallick over Shawn Bunch 66 kg: With last year's U.S. World Team member Trent Paulson moving up to 74 kg, Jared Frayer has emerged as the No. 1 man in this weight class after winning the U.S. Open. Frayer, who has been runner-up at the Trials twice, will be looking to make his first U.S. World Team at age 31. Josh Churella will be the top seed in the Challenge Tournament after finishing runner-up at the U.S. Open. Doug Schwab, who represented the U.S. at the 2008 Olympic Games, was third at the U.S. Open. Schwab is expected to compete in Council Bluffs, but has made the decision that this will be his final run after recently accepting the head coaching position at Northern Iowa. A couple more former Hawkeyes, Brent Metcalf and Joe Johnston, will be in the mix. Metcalf missed the U.S. Open, but earned a wildcard into the Trials. Johnston was fourth at the U.S. Open. Teyon Ware, Todd Meneely, and Angel Cejudo placed fifth, sixth, and seventh respectively at the U.S. Open and should figure into the mix. Prediction: Jared Frayer over Brent Metcalf 74 kg: This is one of the deepest freestyle weight classes in the U.S. ... even with returning U.S. World Team member Dustin Schlatter not competing. Indications are that 2008 U.S. Olympian Ben Askren will compete at the Trials after missing the U.S. Open. Askren, who won the Dave Schultz Memorial International this year, is dividing his time between fighting, wrestling, and coaching. He will be fighting in the Bellator finals for a chance to earn $100,000 shortly after the Trials, so many wonder if Askren can win the Trials while not focusing strictly on wrestling. Andrew Howe, who captured an NCAA title as a true sophomore this past season at Wisconsin, looked very strong in winning the U.S. Open and earning OW honors, defeating both Paulson brothers en route to the title. Trent Paulson and Travis Paulson are strong, methodical wrestlers who will be wrestling in their hometown, which should prove to be an advantage for them. Mike Poeta, who was sixth at the U.S. Open, has put together a strong season, winning the Sunkist International Open and defeating Trent Paulson in a World Cup wrestle-off. Moza Fay, who was fifth at the U.S. Open, is another wrestle to watch at this weight class. Prediction: Ben Askren over Andrew Howe 84 kg: World silver medalist Jake Herbert is the favorite to represent the U.S. at the World Championships again, but there are several wrestlers who have the potential to challenge for a spot on the U.S. World Team, including Bryce Hasseman, who has beaten Herbert in the past and been very competitive in his losses. Hassemen was runner-up to Herbert at last year's Trials and this year's U.S. Open. David Bertolino, who trains at the U.S. Olympic Training Center, placed third at the U.S. Open and is coming into his own as a freestyler. Rising star Chris Perry, who redshirted this past season at Oklahoma State, was fourth at the U.S. Open and comes from a very strong wrestling lineage. Keith Gavin moved up from 74 kg and was fifth at the U.S. Open. Quentin Wright, who recently won the University World Team Trials with a win over Mack Lewnes, is also expected to challenge. Prediction: Jake Herbert over Bryce Hasseman 96 kg: J.D. Bergman surprised many by the way he handled returning U.S. World Team member Jake Varner in the finals of the U.S. Open. Bergman not only outscored Varner 7-1 in the finals of the U.S. Open, but failed to give up a single point en route to reaching the finals. Varner, who reached the quarterfinals at last year's World Championships, will be a strong favorite to come out of the Challenge Tournament. Pat Cummins, who dropped down from 120 kg, was third at the U.S. Open at this weight class. Others in this weight class that could figure into the mix include Brandon Halsey, Sonny Yohn, and Brent Jones. Prediction: J.D. Bergman over Jake Varner 120 kg: Much like 74 kg, 120 kg is one of the deepest freestyle weight classes for the U.S. Les Sigman captured his first U.S. Open title with an impressive victory over World bronze medalist Tervel Dlagnev. Tommy Rowlands, a past U.S. World Team member, came out of retirement earlier this year after a two-year layoff and placed third at the U.S. Open. Blake Gillis and Aaron Anspach should also challenge. Steve Mocco, who represented the U.S. at the 2008 Olympic Games, is not expected to compete. Prediction: Tommy Rowlands over Les Sigman

Dana White

Have you ever seen a 300-pound man attempt a back flip? After the circuit lift many of T.R. Foley's friends couldn't wait to de-robe and get their photo taken.I'd just finished a circuit lift with three-dozen Megatron-sized Mongolian wrestlers and was lying in the grass appealing to all available deities to please repair my quads quickly enough to walk to dinner. Suddenly, in the way you know someone's staring at you from across the room, I was jarred into sitting upright. What greeted me was one of the younger wrestlers, donning no clothes, save his banana-hammock underwear, doing cartwheels and finishing them off by throwing his hands to the sky and his knees to his chest -- the way an Olympic diver might build momentum from the spring board. Because nobody at camp spoke a lick of English and I was compelled by my good nature to save a life, I said what I was thinking, knowing I was free of being understood, "Hey! Uh, this guy's not going to ... I mean ... he's not ... c'mon, really guys?" They ignored my appeal. Once more the banana-hammocked hero with thighs too large to sprint trotted down the grass and knocked-off a practice cartwheel and leapt into the air, fingers tickling the sky. By now a crowd of Mongolian wrestlers clad in nothing but their underoos had created a small runway from which the keg-shaped gymnast was going to perform his stunt, and in all likelihood break his neck. My conscience clear, I sat up and waited for the fall. A little more speed, a touch more determination and Boom! a cartwheel into a double-back handspring finished off by a pinwheel-perfect back flip. Whichever God I thought was helping me to push lactic acid from my spindly legs had obviously been pre-occupied in protecting the oversized Dominique Muciano during his floor routine. I limped to dinner and the big ol' gymnast gave a firm middle finger to the laws of physics. A storm was brewingI'd arrived at the training camp that afternoon from Ulan Bator, the capital of Mongolia, where I'd been staying for a few days as Turtogtokh Luvsandorj set up my arrival at camp. And this wasn't just any ordinary wrestling camp, it was the training camp for Usukhbayar, arguably the most popular wrestler in Mongolia. A four-time Nadaam champion, he's something of an immortal and for good reason. The last time he won Nadaam was 2009 he endured a three-hour semifinals match that only ended when he went belly-to-belly with his opponent. Saying his name lights up a room, he's nothing short of the Michael Jordan of Mongolian Bokh (wrestling). When Turtogotkh dropped me at camp (he was preparing for the World Team Trial in Mongolia) he imparted three directions: make a shoveling motion when I wanted to eat, clasp my hands by my ear when I wanted to sleep, and break out my stance when I wanted to wrestle. Everything else he said, would be easy. The Mongolian Bokh training camp was structured a lot like the summer wrestling camps I worked for at The University of Virginia. The first full day consisted of an early morning conditioning workout followed by breakfast. Then it was Nap. Lunch. Nap. Wrestle. Nap. Dinner. Nap. Yogurt. Bed. Lose the fresh made yogurt and it's a pretty universal training camp. It was shaping up to be a great time, but the morning after my arrival wrestling practice was cancelled because the weather had turned "cold," which is a problem for a sport that is performed outdoors in nothing more than a speedo and an open-breasted half-jacket. Big man here is wearing a del, the traditional winter coat worn by most MongoliansMongolians are some of the hardiest people on the planet -- their name is almost synonymous with burly tough men. Mongolia is a tough place, the average year-round temperature in Ulan Bator is 27 degrees Fahrenheit, making it the coldest national capitol in the world. You have to be a tough dude or dudette to make a living in a place where losing a glove means losing a finger. Tough as they are, these particular Mongolians had less-than-zero tolerance for temperature change, outside of 70, 71 and 72 degrees meant drastic measures to cool down or warm-up. When the decision was made to cancel practice I was wearing sandals, a t-shirt and cargo shorts and would testify in court to having broken a sweat. My new friends had busted out their full length, heavy jackets, called dels. The camp ground to a frigid halt. That "cold snap" preceded by an ear-ringing thunderstorm that had me legitimately frightened and clutching my iPod. Our ger, the traditional home for nomadic Mongolians, pulsed from the pressure changes and before we closed the overhead flap (an "orkh") it had already started to drizzle. Later it rained. And finally after several hours of meteor logical foreplay, it began to pour. Wrestlers playing chessThe rain lasted another two days, and through it was frustrating to have wrestling cancelled it was obvious from the faces of the nomadic herders nearby that the rain was welcome, it meant fatter sheep for the brutal winter. By Wednesday morning the camp was all but out-of-commission with some guys left playing chess and others packing their bags to make it back in town for this weekend's Trials. I got the first ride out on Wednesday morning with Usukhbayar, who was actually wearing a Michael Jordan t-shirt. I'm back at the training camp early next week with Turtogtokh where I expect to wrestle twice-a-day and perfect my double leg (read: double-back handspring). I've purchased the entire traditional outfit including some handmade boots specific to Mongolian Bokh and hat worn into and out-of the wrestling area. I've also followed the lead of my new Mongolian friends and decided to buy a del to protect me from the cold and rain -- I also bought banana hammocks in case I overheat. If it doesn't get cold enough to wear the del now, I'll certainly find use for it at home in the Windy City, however the underwear is strictly a Mongolia-only purchase. T.R. Foley's all-or-nothing Kickstarter deadline is fast approaching. Be sure to support his project if you can and read his blog at http://www.wrestlingroots.org and on Facebook at http://facebook.com/wrestlingroots.

STILLWATER, Okla. -- Wrestling's two greatest museums will soon become one, as the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum and the Dan Gable International Wrestling Institute and Museum are joining forces to preserve the rich history and proud traditions of the sport of wrestling for future generations. The historic partnership was announced today by Jim Keen Sr., Chairman of the Board of Governors of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum, and Bob Buckley, President of the Dan Gable International Wrestling Institute and Museum. Highlights of the partnership include: - As of June 6, the Dan Gable International Wrestling Museum and Institute in Waterloo, Iowa will be known as the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum. The National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum will retain its current name and continue to operate in Stillwater, Okla. - Management for both museums will be combined, with joint marketing, fundraising, promotion, education and other programs executed out of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum in Stillwater. The joint operation will combine each museum's resources to operate more efficiently, which will allow for greater public awareness and education efforts to further inspire the next generation of champion athletes. - Each museum will continue to host its unique series of events, as in the past. “For some time, it has been the feeling of both of our board of directors that we could better serve the sport by working together,” said Jim Keen, Sr., Chairman of the Board of Governors of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. “We have reached an agreement to combine our operations under the umbrella of the Hall of Fame in Stillwater.” “Because we have a common purpose, it made sense to combine our resources so that we can perpetuate the sport's great heritage,” said Bob Buckley, President of the Dan Gable International Wrestling Institute and Museum. Additionally, Buckley and three other board members from the Dan Gable Museum will join the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum Board of Governors. “Over the next several weeks, we will work together to streamline our management and align our goals to further position ourselves to better serve our mission,” said Lee Roy Smith, Executive Director of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. “The benefits of this partnership will increase our overall appeal to the wrestling community and sports fans.” Dan Gable, for whom the Waterloo Museum is named, said that he has wanted to see this joint effort. “I want to see us work together because wrestling needs its history to help educate and inspire future generations,” he said. “This collaborative effort is about the growth of our sport.” The National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum board of governors has been formulating a strategic plan to enhance the Hall's ability to achieve its mission of preserving the sport's history, recognizing outstanding achievement and inspiring future generations. “This agreement aligns with our long range plan and allows us to expand the overall reach across the wrestling community,” Smith said. “With these shared initiatives, we hope to increase our visibility and further develop the sport.” The National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum is located at 405 West Hall of Fame Drive in Stillwater, Okla. It is open Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and by appointment on weekends. For more information visit www.wrestlinghalloffame.org or call (405) 377-5243. The National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and located at 303 Jefferson Street in Waterloo, Iowa. For more information visit www.wrestlingmuseum.org or call (319) 233-0745.

Like most successful and ambitious individuals, Jack Clark is focused. He is especially focused when you consider that he is only 14 years old. Jack ClarkHe admits without hesitation that he much prefers freestyle to folkstyle wrestling, he's willing to leave his home state to board at a high school with the right mix of academics and athletics, and though its early, he's very intrigued by all that Northwestern has to offer (among others). Clark, the No. 3 overall recruit in the class of 2014 (according to InterMat), has been racking up tournament titles since 2003. He's a seven-time New Jersey junior state champion, a three-time Tulsa Nationals winner, and a freestyle national champion at 112 pounds in 2009. His latest triumph was a FILA Cadet freestyle national title at 119 pounds. Like many special young wrestlers across the nation, he is serious about his success in this sport. He even went so far as to take up gymnastics in order to improve his wrestling flexibility. Last week, he landed wrong and bent his lower back while attempting a back flip. The wise thing to do would have been to ice it up and get some rest while it healed. Wisdom usually comes with age, however, so Clark hid the injury and wrestled through the pain. After he hit a wall during a drill, his back went into spasms, and now he awaits the results of an MRI to determine the full extent of his injury. Jack Clark won the 2010 War at the Shore title at 121 pounds in the high school divisionThat injury will force him to miss at least the Cadet National Duals last this month, and could keep him out of Pan-Am's in Brazil and Fargo. "It's tough just because I didn't tell anyone," Jack laments. "If I did, I'd probably be fine now and have gotten rest." Jack started wrestling almost by accident. His dad, John, had wrestled some in high school, but it wasn't until his buddies from football started wrestling at age 6 that Jack wanted to, as well. Unlike many of his buddies, however, Jack took to it immediately, and by age 10, he decided to quit football and everything else to focus solely on wrestling. After participating in junior duals for several years at McDonough School in Owings Mills, Maryland, Jack started thinking seriously about crossing state lines to attend the school back in seventh grade. He liked the team, its facilities and the strong academics and environment that the vaunted prep school offered. Clark visited Blair Academy, but liked the fact that he could board at McDonough during the week and return home on the weekends to see his family. Plus, the school is much closer to his home in the New Jersey suburbs of Philadelphia. "I realized it's great for academics and that I can get into good colleges by going there," Jack says. "I really liked shadowing there ... The kids on the team were really nice. I want to help build their program back up." Jack Clark"He should be fine (in high school)," says his coach at RAW 241, former three-time Division III All-American Johnny Johnson. "Most of the guys he works out with now are high school kids and national names (like two-time defending New Jersey state champion Robert Deutsch of Eastern), so he's not going to have any fear. Anything that he goes into, he's coming home with a medal and he'll be on the podium." A wrestling junkie, Jack studies videos online to try and pick up tips. While his favorite wrestler is former Olympian Cary Kolat, he also consumes freestyle videos of the Russians and Iranians. His favorite collegians include NCAA All-American wrestlers like Reece Humphrey (Ohio State), and Franklyn Gomez (Michigan State). "They're good on their feet, always moving -- always on the offense," Jack says. "I try to imitate them and wrestle just like them." He freely admits to preferring freestyle to folkstyle, and says he has Olympic ambitions in the style after college. "I like freestyle the best," Jack says. "It's more open, there are less rules ... I like locking hands, going for throws more, you have to finish your shot -- it's much more exciting." It's one of many reasons that Jack dreams of attending Northwestern -- a school with solid wrestling and academic credentials, and one with proximity to Chicago and the Overtime School of Wrestling. Jack Clark attempts a throw at the 2010 New Jersey state freestyle tournamentThat, however, is well in the future. And Jack knows he still need to prove himself on the high school level if he ever wants to get that shot. "He's been a great student, everything about him is consistent," Johnson says of Jack, who expects to wrestle between 145 pounds 152 pounds by his senior year of high school. "He's just the type of kid that responds to training with older, more mature athletes. He challenges himself in the room, always been that. Great bounce back ability." You need that kind of resiliency when you're practicing at a club in a state that is loaded with wrestling talent. That kind of daily workout can only accelerate your proficiency in the sport. "(Growing up in New Jersey) was [key] just from a competitive perspective," John Clark says. "First, having to face tough competition daily in New Jersey just pushed him to work harder. Secondly, the coaching that we have here (Clark worked with Johnson three-four times a week), and third, the kids in the practice room -- like Deutsch and St. Mark's Sean Boylan -- have been essential to his development."

St Peter Chanel junior Cody Walters became the first wrestler to give his verbal commitment to wrestle at Ohio University from his class. A three-time state qualifier at 152 pounds and two-time state placewinner for the Firebirds, Walters jumped on the opportunity to join the Bobcats knowing he was a wanted a man. “I got letters from a lot of different schools and when you are a junior some of them are serious and some of them are just sent to get their foot in the door,” offered Walters when speaking of making an early decision. “When it came to Ohio University I knew that they wanted me from the start and that means a lot when you are making the decision.” Walters selected the Bobcats from a list that included Cleveland State and Kent State in Ohio and out-of-state schools Duke, Cornell, North Carolina, Boise State, Purdue, and Appalachian State. “I feel that Ohio wrestlers should go to Ohio colleges and for me there was not a better school than Ohio University,” stated Walters when asked about staying in-state for college. “I realize that not every great Ohio wrestler is going to school at an Ohio college but it means something to have some state pride and it had a lot to do with my decision. If the best wrestlers in Ohio every year went to an Ohio college, the top ten at the NCAA Tournament would look a lot different.” When asked what pushed the Ohio University to the top of his list Walters was quick to respond. “Academically, Ohio is a great school and they have a great reputation for what I want to major in. At the same time I think you can say that Athens, Ohio is a pretty unique place to go to school between the campus, the city, and the country,” said Walters when speaking of the school. “When it comes to their wrestling program they are improving every year as a team, the individual wrestlers are getting better, and the coaching staff really cares about their wrestlers. They are building a winning tradition and that is something I want to be a part of. I think having Darren Boing there, a former teammate, really helped because you get to know what the program is all about from someone you know and trust that is on the inside.” Walters has a lot of goals and a potential move up to 160 pounds for his senior year. He wants to improve his 3.4 GPA, will play football in the fall, and is expected to sign his National Letter of Intent to wrestle at Ohio University in November. Cody plans on wrestling at Senior Nationals next spring and will move to Athens late next summer to prepare for school in the fall of 2011. He is expected to redshirt his first year on campus at OU and projects as a 157 or 165 for the Bobcats. “It was a big decision to make where you are going to spend the next five years of your life so I have to thank my parents and sister for helping me make the choice. We have a close family and I don’t know what I would do without them. My high school head coach Graham Coghill and Anthony Ralph have meant as much to my wrestling as they have to my life off the mat. Coach Greenlee has been great and I think I made a good decision, I am excited to be headed to Ohio,” concluded Walters. Wrestling with Cody Walters For Cody a scholarship at Ohio University was a welcome reward for twelve years of hard work and an up-and-down ending to the 2009-2010 season. After placing seventh at state as a freshman and third as a sophomore, he was not allowed to wrestle at the 2010 Ohio State Tournament because the doctor present at weigh-ins misdiagnosed a skin condition. “I don’t think not being able to wrestle at state affected the way that college coaches viewed me but it hurt a lot personally and it hurt our team,” said Walters when speaking of how a doctor’s decision affected him. “This year we had ten state qualifiers and we were in a good position to have one of our best years ever.” Aware of a potential issue at state he was cleared by multiple doctors and tests at the Cleveland Clinic prior to traveling to Columbus. Follow up tests after the tournament confirmed the original doctors’ diagnosis that he should have been allowed to compete. “Being told you can’t wrestle was like getting punched in the gut. When it comes to state you dream about it, you put in the time, your teammates are working just as hard, and then when you don’t get a chance to make it happen… what can you say? I felt like I let my team down and there was nothing I could do about it. I can’t go back now but I can make sure that I am ready to wrestle for the title next year.” Walters did not sit around feeling sorry about a lost opportunity at the state tournament. Instead he went back to work and placed second at the 2010 NHSCA Junior Nationals three weeks later. “Wrestling at Junior Nationals helped to refocus me. Placing second motivated me to work even harder this summer. When you get to the national finals and finish second you want to come back and work on the things that will make you number one.” Walters has shown steady improvement each year in high school while taking time off to play football in the fall. Wrestling at 152 all three years he was 36-14 as a freshman, 48-6 as a sophomore, and was 41-2 as a junior. Last summer he went 11-0 at the Disney Duals and he went 2-2 in Fargo losing to the eventual champion and eighth place finisher his last two matches. “Wrestling in the summer is important but I think it is good to change things up too. At our school a lot of people play two or three sports so I wrestle and play fullback and middle linebacker. A lot of the wrestlers do both and I love being part of the team ,” offered Walters. “It means a lot to be a part of the tradition here at Chanel whether it is in wrestling or in football.” When if anything changed by making an early verbal commitment Walters reported it was business as usual. “I don’t think much has changed for me by making an early decision. I have a lot of things to work on and improve on before I get to college. Picking a school doesn’t change that so the goals next year aren’t really any different than they were this year. The only thing new is I want to pass all my skin checks, but I still want to win a state title, win a team title, and then win (Senior) Nationals.” InterMat was granted permission to republish this article from BuckeyeWrestling.com. http://www.buckeyewrestling.com/?q=node/37565

Quentin Wright

Bill Scherr

Matt Valenti

Kevin Jackson

Stephen Quadros

In a 24-hour day, Andrew Hipps eats, sleeps ... and stares at a computer screen. "I'm probably online about 12-14 hours a day," laughed Hipps, the publisher of the Internet news source, InterMat. Hipps actually does more than uses his eyes when it comes to doing his job. The native of Chaska, Minn., also uses his fingers to call those who make national wrestling headlines. Those stories are then posted on the well-known website that Hipps and his brothers purchased from the National Wrestling Coaches Association a year ago. And if there is a national event happening, one will find Hipps or one of his six writers bringing these moments to the countless numbers who type in www.intermatwrestle.com on their computers. "It's a 24-7 job," said Hipps. "(The website) always has to have fresh content on it, which I enjoy because I love breaking stories. I'm passionate about what I do." And that passion is just one reason why Hipps was named Journalist of the Year by WIN for this past year. "The thing I appreciate so much about Andrew and InterMat is that he actually goes to the events to give the wrestling community an on-site report. This takes event coverage to another level. It requires a ton more work than writing a story remotely and it can be costly. It's obvious he loves the sport and what he's doing," said Bryan Van Kley, WIN publisher. In an era when internet sites and blogs continually come out at an increasing rate, Hipps believes InterMat continues to offer something special to readers. "I like to think it's the quality of writing," he said. "Anybody can start a blog. It's hard to put in words. When you read an article, you can tell the difference. To be honest, I just love telling the story. There are so many stories in wresting and so many that need to be told." Hipps said he experienced moderate success as a former high school wrestler in the Minneapolis suburb, but was "always thirsty for wrestling," beginning in 1996 when he attended NCAA Division I national tournament as a high school freshman. "After that I was hooked on the sport," said Hipps, whose participation in wrestling ended once he started college at Iowa State, but not his interest. "I loved my experiences there and my love for the sport continued to grow. I developed a lot of friendships with a lot of the wrestlers." Hipps was also one of the first people who understood and used the internet as a news source. "Back then, the internet was basically new and hard to get information on the sport," Andrew said. "I'd search the internet with a dial-up connection back then." Hipps' interest in the internet also led to his first job: working for TheWrestlingMall.com in 2004. "I worked with Matt Krumrie (once the editor of the former website based in the Twin Cities)," Andrew recalled. "He was the one who believed in me. I had a great experience working for Matt. I still go to him for guidance. He was a great mentor for me and was part of the reason I started up my own venture." That venture was a new website called RevWrestling.com. Andrew and his older brothers, Jeremy and Jon, used their love for wrestling and publishing skills to create the site in 2005. "I wanted creative freedom," said Andrew. "We all brought a unique skill-set to the table. It's been a great experience." And after four years, the Hipps brothers took on an even bigger challenge: purchase and run InterMat, which was started by Tom Owens in 1995 and eventually run by the NWCA until the spring of 2009. "(NWCA executive director) Mike Moyer called me and wanted to get out of the wrestling news source," Andrew said. "They liked what we were doing and made an offer to us." Since then Andrew increased the size of his editorial staff and covers all facets of wrestling on the high school, college and international level, while also focusing on the growth of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). But the biggest challenge for InterMat is keeping up with recruiting commitments in an editorial era where the demands are never-ending. "People want the news now," Andrew said. "It's important to have different writers who know different aspects of the sport. When a kid commits to a college, within 20 minutes, I'm writing a story and publishing it on InterMat. "Every day is different and I never know what each day is going to bring. There are so many different personalities in the sport. I'm so proud of our writers, who carry the site. I am so blessed to have such a great group of writers." Andrew, who posts all the information on InterMat, knows that enjoying a week-long vacation is impossible now. But the demands of the job are minimal after seeing his life-long best friend, Justin Kukowski, die from brain cancer in 2007. "I remember him saying, 'Life is too short not to do something you love,' " Andrew said. "His words have always stuck with me and I don't take anything for granted. Him dying certainly has put my life into perspective. I don't get stressed as much." Andrew said he tries to put as much passion into his job as wrestlers do in their sport, especially those from not-so- well-known teams. "One moment that sticks out in my mind happened in 2009 when I covered the national junior college tournament in Rochester, Minn.," he said. "That was an incredible experience for me. I had never been to the event before and was amazed with the passion that these guys had and how much it meant to them to win a national title. "I remember interviewing Jeremy McCoy of Ellsworth who had won the national title at 141 pounds. He just lost it emotionally after winning the championship. It showed me how much it meant to him. No one had taken much interest in him during his career. Andrew said amateur wrestling needs to copy the publicity page used by the MMA in their rise to success. "I want our writers to dig deeper more than what is on the surface," Andrew said. "Anybody can look at results or what they've accomplished in the sport. I want our writers to find out what people don't know. "I get excited about writing the in-depth profile where you interview six to eight people like a wrestler's grandfather or brother, who don't necessarily get interviewed a lot and they have insight on that wrestler."

Wrestling fans Thursday we'll drive down to Stillwater, Ok and be back in our home based Brute adidas studios for the show. Each week Kemin Agrifoods proudly presents America's Wrestling Radio program. This week is special for sure: Joining me in studio: Cyon Williams (ISU) Geoff Murtha (Simpson) and Ryan Freeman (Ok State) Our guests Include: Steve Garland- University of Virginia Head Coach Jim Andrassy- Kent State University Head Coach Tony Robie- Virginia Tech Asst Head Coach John Azevedo- Cal Poly Head Coach Ricky Lundell- University of Grappling Head Coach Jon Moeller- University of Northern Iowa Super Fan Wrestling fans- Episode 60 of TDR TV wrestling news is now on. Check TV Guide for listings. TDR and TDR TV. Now It's appointment Radio and TV! TDR on Internet: You can join us Saturday mornings at Takedownradio.com TDR on Radio: LIVE Saturday at 9:00 AM CST on 1460 KXNO in Iowa. Delayed Saturday nights at 7:00 PM Eastern on Supertalk 1570 in Michigan, TDR TV: Mediacom Cable Systems Channel 22 in 6 Midwestern states. TDR TV On Internet: Over 30 Different sites now carry your favorite wrestling news show Thanks to our affiliates, our media partners and friends at Livesportsvideo.com. Thanks for watching and listening!

Mike Mendoza T.J. Kerr

CSUB President Dr. Horace Mitchell announced Tuesday that, thanks to a successful and aggressive fundraising effort, the four Roadrunner sports previously discontinued - wrestling, tennis, men's golf & women's golf -- have been reinstated for the 2010-11 academic year. The teams will need to continue to raise funds necessary to sustain their program beyond the coming academic year. In effect, each of the four reinstated programs will be self-sustaining, with no University dollars used to fund their operations. The full text of President Mitchell's statement follows. Budget Context Like most other agencies, institutions and entities that depend on support from the State of California, there continues to be significant uncertainty about funding for the CSU System and for CSUB for 2010-11 and beyond, as the Governor and legislature must make difficult decisions to close a $20 billion budget gap. Since I announced in February the CSUB plan to address this budget situation, there has been almost no action taken by the State, so the challenges remain (see the Feb. 11, 2010 press release). Last week a delegation of University and community leaders went to Sacramento and met with our local senators and assembly members and their staffs to continue to advocate for their support of the Governor's proposed restoration of $365 million of "one-time" funds taken from the CSU budget as part of an overall $625 million reduction for this year. If we do not receive some of this proposed funding from the State, CSUB will be required to reduce our enrollment for next year by almost 700 students, and layoffs and program reductions will have a negative impact on the quality of our academic programs. Priority-Academic Programs While sports tend to receive more media attention, I want to re-emphasize that our first priority is always our academic programs. I urge all of our supporters to contact your legislators to advocate for their support of the Governor's proposed funding for CSU. CSU produces the highly-skilled graduates workforce that is necessary to fuel California's economic recovery and development. A recent statewide economic impact study shows that state support for CSU is an investment with a return of $5.63 for each dollar invested. Athletics Program Now, let me address our athletics program. When we made the decision to transition to NCAA Division I five years ago, we could not have anticipated the downturn in the state and national economies. The resources available to support our athletics programs have been negatively impacted by (1) reductions in state support; (2) increases in costs due to State University Fee increases which have increased the cost of athletics scholarships; and (3) loss of student fee income due to constraints, and proposed reductions in student enrollment. Fund raising to support all of our athletics programs now and in the future is critical to our success in Division I. We will complete the transition to Division I at the end of this month. Many people have noted that there have been two fundraising efforts going on simultaneously over the past three months. One is the annual Roadrunner Club campaign to raise funds for scholarships. The second is the "Save the Sports" effort to raise funds to support the four sports which I stated last February would be discontinued at the end of this academic year due to inadequate funding: wrestling, men's and women's golf, and women's tennis. The Roadrunner Club campaign has been very successful and has added many new members. I am confident that they will reach their goal of $500,000 with a planned mini campaign in the fall. The "Save the Sports" effort has generated significant community support and also garnered new donors. The great effort and enthusiasm have resulted in total fund raising of just over $700,000 to date toward a goal of $1.4 million. I want to express the University's appreciation to the leaders and supporters of "Save the Sports." In considering where we are now in that effort, there are several options. First, we could extend the fund raising effort until September; however, that would not be the right answer. It would prolong the uncertain status of the four sports for three more months. There must be a decision now that has long-term sustainability. A second option would be to decide that since the goal of $1.4 million was not achieved, the sports should be discontinued. In considering a third option, these are the issues: A. Funds raised to date; B. Whether or not the current momentum is likely to be sustained; C. Prospects for reaching this year's goal; D. Prospects for reaching the annual goal of $700,000 every year beginning next year. At a time when prudence would suggest a risk-avoidance decision, I have given strong consideration to the goodwill and stated commitments of the leaders and supporters of the "Save the Sports" effort. Based on my confidence in their ability to reach their goal this year and in the future, I have decided to "Save the Sports." I believe this is what our community wants the University to do. And it is what we want to do, as well. I want to state clearly the ground rules for the future: 1. No state funding will be available for these sports. They must be self-supporting. 2. In any year in which fundraising does not achieve the goal the annual budgets for the sports will not exceed the amount of funds raised. 3. All future fund raising must be coordinated with the Athletics Department and University Advancement and must follow the University's Prospect Management Plan. In conclusion, I want to thank the leaders and supporters of the Roadrunner Club and the "Save the Sports" effort. In addition, I want to thank all members of the community who provide support for our academic programs. All of these efforts allow us to continue to make progress toward realization of the University's vision in a down economy.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- University of Minnesota wrestler Sonny Yohn was champion in the University World Team Trials Freestyle finals on May 29. The Alamosa, Colo. native, who just completed his sophomore season with the Golden Gophers, beat Micah Burak two matches to one. Yohn won the first bout 1-0, 3-0, but Burak came back for a 0-1, 3-2, 4-1 win to tie the match. Yohn then won with a 3-1, 3-0 performance in the third match to claim champion honors in the 96 kg/211.5 lbs weight class. Alez Ortiz was also crowned a champion at the event, winning the Junior Greco-Roman 74 kg/163 lbs weight class. Ortiz, a Grand Rhonde, Ore. native, defeated Josh Castellano two matches to none, winning 4-0, 3-1 and 4-1, 2-0. Champions in each weight class in the University World Team Trials position themselves for a trip to the University World Championships on Oct. 26-30 in Turin, Italy. Any wrestler who finishes in the top three at next month's U.S. World Team Trials in freestyle, and is eligible for the University division, can challenge the University World Team Trials champion for the spot on the University World Team. The Greco-Roman champions earn a trip to Italy. Champions in each weight class in the Junior World Team Trials advance to the Junior World Championships on July 20-25 in Budapest, Hungary. Yohn already qualified for the World Team Trials when he took fifth at the US Open in late April. He was also champion at University Nationals on Apr. 11. The Gophers' Zach Sanders (Wabasha, Minn.) took second In University Freestyle at 55 kg/121 lbs, falling two matches to none to Angel Escobedo. Joining Ortiz as a Junior Champion was Gopher recruit Tyler Lehman (Fargo, N.D.), who was Junior Freestyle champion at 96 kg/211.5. Lehman was also Junior Greco runner-up at the same weight class. Also earning runner-up honors was Danny Zilverberg (Wayzata, Minn.) in Junior Freestyle at 66 kg/145.5 lbs. The World Team trials are June 11-12 in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

This morning in Bakersfield California, Cal State Bakersfield University President Horace Mitchell announced the reinstatement of wrestling, golf and tennis at the university. The Committee, Save CSUB Wrestling, was able to raise over $900,000. "The great amount of funding was generated from a community which would not allow the wrestling program and its others sports to just go away and die," said former CSUB assistant wrestling coach Larry Morgan. "The catalyst of the committee to Save Wrestling at CSUB was led by team leader, NFL Super Bowl champion, and World champion wrestler Stephen Neal, followed by its great team of patrons like Vernon and Janice Varner, Craig Tobin, and Mike Stricker." To make a donation to the cause, visit SaveBakersfieldWrestling.com. You can also make a $10 donation by texting "WIN" to 25383. TDR TV and InterMat's West Coast correspondent Joey Krebs will continue to follow this story as it develops.