InterMat Staff

Hempstead, NY -- Most questions were answered but still one remains following the Hofstra Wrestle-offs, before a crowd of approximately 500, at the Physical Education Building Thursday night. The Pride open their 2010-11 season next Saturday, November 6 when they travel to Edinboro (PA) University to face the host Fighting Scots and Purdue University. All but one of the expected starters heading into last season if they weren't injured or red-shirted, held their spots giving the Pride an experienced line-up for the upcoming season. Red-shirt sophomore Steve Bonanno (Wantagh, NY) will return to his starting spot at 125 pounds after wrestling in just one match last season due to knee and arm injuries. Bonanno defeated sophomore Jamie Franco (Monroe, NY), who posted a 6-16 record while filling in last season, 3-1, in the wrestle-off. Bonanno was 29-15, a CAA finalist and a NCAA qualifier as a true freshman in 2008-09. At 133 pounds, senior Lou Ruggirello (Walden, NY) will also return to the starting spot that he held for three years before red-shirting last season. He won by fall over sophomore Daniel Manley in the wrestle-off Thursday night. Ruggirello was 30-5 in 2008-09 and is a three-time CAA champion and NCAA qualifier. Junior Vince Varela (Rio Rancho, NM), a transfer from Arizona State University, gets the starting nod at 141 pounds after defeating junior newcomer Michael Doria (Massapequa, NY) and sophomore incumbent Luke Vaith (Hastings, MN). The featured showdown with Vaith, who was 16-18 for the Pride last season, went to sudden victory with Varela recording a takedown 43 seconds into the period. Varela posted a 20-12 record with the Sun Devils last season. Red-shirt sophomore Justin Accordino (Wilkes-Barre, PA) will return to the starting spot at 149 pounds that he vacated after four matches last season due to a knee injury after defeating red-shirt freshman and Virginia-transfer Zach Clemente (Troy, NY), 6-5 Thursday night. Accordino, a NCAA qualifier in 2008-09 after a 25-13 season, was 3-1 last season before his knee injury at the North Carolina State Open. The one question to the starting line-up is at 157 pounds where sophomore Tyler Banks (Griswold, CT) and Zach Clemente will wrestle-off this week. Banks, who was 11-19 last season at 141 and 149, edged freshman Nick Terdick (East Northport, NY) Thursday night. Two-time NCAA qualifier and 2009 CAA champion P.J. Gillespie (Long Beach, NY) returns to his starting job at 165 pounds after a 31-15 season last year. Gillespie won by fall over sophomore newcomer Matt Spataro (Garfield, NJ). Another two-time NCAA qualifier, senior Ryan Patrovich will also return to his starting job at 174 pounds, which he vacated to a knee injury in early January of last season, with a win by fall over sophomore Pat Murphy (Nazareth, PA). Patrovich, who was enjoying the best start of a season in his career last year, was 16-7 at the time of his injury. Junior Ben Clymer (Germansville, PA) earned his first NCAA Championship bid last season and will return to the starting spot at 184 pounds this season after a tech fall win over red-shirt freshman and Edinboro-transfer Tim Murphy (Nazareth, PA) in the wrestle-offs finale. Clymer was 23-9 for the Pride in 2009-10. At 197 pounds, freshman Matt Loew (Wantagh, NY) earned the starting spot with a major decision victory over Murphy. Loew will be one of three new starters in the line-up next week at Edinboro. At 285 pounds, sophomore Paul Snyder (Greensburg, PA) will return to his starting role after a 6-2 victory over freshman Zeal McGrew (Glenville, NY) Thursday night. Snyder posted an 11-16 record in his red-shirt freshman season last year. Wrestle-Off Results Match 1 - Cody Ruggirello (Fr.) dec. Jeff Rotella (Sr.), 8-0 Match 2 - Vince Varela (Jr.) dec. Michael Doria (Jr.), 7-2 Match 3 - Jamie Franco (So.) dec. Pete DeTore (Fr.), 5-1 Match 4 - Tyler Banks (So.) dec. Nick Terdick (Fr.), 5-4 Match 5 - Justin Accordino (RSo.) dec. Zach Clemente (RFr.), 6-5 Match 6 - Matt Loew (Fr.) dec. Tim Murphy (RFr.), 14-5 Match 7- Lou Ruggirello (Sr.) WBF Daniel Manley (So.), 1:12 Match 8 - P.J. Gillespie (Jr.) WBF Matt Spataro (So.), 4:44 Match 9 - Ryan Patrovich (Sr.) WBF Pat Murphy (So.), 0:42 Match 10 - Paul Snyder (So.) dec. Zeal McGrew (Fr.), 6-2 Match 11 - Vince Varela (Jr.) dec. Luke Vaith (So.), 5-3 in SV (0:43) Match 12 - Steve Bonanno (RSo.) dec. Jamie Franco (So.), 3-1 Match 13 - Ben Clymer (Jr.) Tech Fall Tim Murphy (RFr.), 16-1

TEMPE -- With nearly 200 fans and supporters on hand to watch, including numerous alumni in town for homecoming weekend, the gold team defeated the maroon team, 23-20, on Friday night in the annual Maroon and Gold Wrestle-Off at the Riches Wrestling Complex in Tempe. The Arizona State University wrestling team is now two weeks out from its opening collegiate weekend after tonight's exhibition that saw both sides win five matches each, but the gold team winning with more bonus point victories. Led by honorary coach Glenn McMinn, Sr., the program's first All-American, the gold team secured wins at heavyweight, 184, 165, 141 and 133 with two wins by fall and one by technical fall while Billy Rosado's maroon team won the other five matches and posted three major decision wins and another by technical fall. In all, there were five lead changes and two ties on the evening that was opened with UFC Heavyweight Champion Cain Velasquez on hand to welcome those in attendance. The dual opened at heavyweight with newcomer Levi Cooper taking a 1-0 decision from Michael Hawkins, staking the gold side to an early 3-0 lead. With the matches taking place in reverse order, maroon took its first lead (4-3) as Luke Macchiaroli won with a 13-4 major decision over Wesley Moore at 197 pounds. But, as quickly as they lost the lead, gold regained it at 184 as Jake Meredith scored a 19-2 technical fall over Kevin Radford to make it 8-4 for the gold. The see-saw battle continued, however, as Eric Starks tied the dual at eight-all with his major decision win at 174 over Bobby Bowman, 10-2. Gold once again reclaimed the lead, this time at 165 as Te Edwards pinned Emilio Veramontes at 2:58 to give his team six points and a 14-8 lead. Maroon cut their deficit to one point (14-13) at 157 pounds as Bubba Jenkins used numerous takedowns to win a 23-8 technical fall over Kevin Maelfeyt. Luke Ashmore gave the maroon team the lead and the first back-to-back wins by either team as he scored a 12-3 major decision over Tai Fukumoto at 149 pounds, putting his team ahead, 17-14. But, once again, gold tied the score as Kalin Goodsite used a takedown with 15 seconds remaining in the match to win, 3-1, over Kyle McIntosh in the 141 meeting. The match 133 pounds is what secured the win for gold as David Prado pinned Carlos Castro in 2:44, forcing the maroon team to have to pin to win at 125 pounds. Although that did not happen, the fans walked away from the event with the best match of the night saved for last as Anthony Robles scored a takedown in the third period to win, 2-0, over Ben Ashmore. The real matches get underway on Saturday, November 13, with a pair of duals in the state of Arizona. First up, ASU will travel to Grand Canyon for a 1 p.m. dual in Phoenix before heading north for a 7 p.m. dual in Prescott against Embry-Riddle. The Sun Devils open the season on November 18 at 7 p.m. against Oklahoma. Fans are encouraged to wear gold to this year's Gold Match against the Sooners. 2010-11 Maroon & Gold Wrestle-Offs Friday, October 29 • Riches Wrestling Complex 285 - Levi Cooper (G) dec. Michael Hawkins (M), 1-0 ---- Gold leads, 3-0 197 - Luke Macchiaroli (M) major Wesley Moore (G), 13-4 --- Maroon leads, 4-3 184 - Jake Meredith (G) tech fall Kevin Radford (M), 19-2 --- Gold leads, 8-4 174 - Eric Starks (M) major Bobby Bowman (G), 10-2 --- Tied, 8-8 165 - Te Edwards (G) pinned Emilio Veramontes (M), 2:58 --- Gold leads, 14-8 157 - Bubba Jenkins (M) tech fall Kevin Maelfeyt (G), 23-8 --- Gold leads, 14-13 149 - Luke Ashmore (M) major Tai Fukumoto (G), 12-3 --- Maroon leads, 17-14 141 - Kalin Goodsite (G) dec. Kyle McIntosh (M), 3-1 --- Tied, 17-17 133 - David Prado (G) pinned Carlos Castro (M), 2:44 --- Gold leads, 23-17 125 - Anthony Robles (M) dec. Ben Ashmore (G), 2-0 --- Gold wins, 23-20

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- The No. 11 Missouri wrestling got their season underway with the annual Black and Gold match on Saturday morning at the Hearnes Center. There were seven official matches to go along with three exhibitions, though no team score was kept. Action kicked off at the 174 pound class with junior Patrick Wright, a starter at the 157 pound level last season and junior Dorian Henderson, coming off his second straight nationals appearance. Wright jumped out with a takedown near the end of the first period, and scored an escape late in the second to take a 3-0 lead into the final period. Henderson battled back in the third, getting an escape of his own and a takedown with 58 seconds left to even the score, but Wright landed a reversal with under ten seconds on the clock to take the 5-3 victory. The 184 pound matchup saw two sophomore newcomers, as Mike Larson, who wrestled at CSU-Bakersfield last season, and Clarence Neely, who competed at Meramec, took the mat. Neely jumped out to a big lead in the first, registering two takedowns and two nearfalls to gain the early 8-2 advantage. Larson earned an early escape in the second and got a reversal after Neely recorded another takedown, but couldn't overcome the early deficit as Neely won 10-5. Sophomore Jake Glore picked up a 4-2 win over redshirt freshman Ryan Robinson during the 197 pound match. Glore registered a takedown with six seconds left in the first period, and after Robinson escaped to start the second, picked up another two points with a takedown at the 11 second mark. The first exhibition of the day followed, and pitted 197-pound sophomore Brent Haynes and heavyweight junior Dom Bradley. Haynes held his own, but naturally Bradley dominated most of the action. Bradley recorded a takedown in the first and a reversal in the second to push the score to 4-1, setting up Bradley's big third period. The Blue Springs, Mo., native took Haynes down twice and earned the riding time point to give him the 9-2 win. At 133 pounds, Nathan McCormick, a sophomore, took on senior Luke Cherep. McCormick jumped out with a pair of takedowns in the first while limiting Cherep to two escapes for an early 4-2 lead. McCormick started down in the second and escaped in 19 seconds and picked up another takedown about a minute later. Two more takedowns in the third to go with Cherep's three escapes gave McCormick the 11-6 decision. Senior Todd Schavrien went up against sophomore Cody Farinella in the 141 pound match, and it was all Schavrien right from the get-go. Schavrien, with two straight NCAA appearances, scored a takedown 15 seconds into the match and registered his first of two nearfalls for the 4-0 lead after one. A reversal and another nearfall gave him an 8-0 lead after the second, and the riding time point gave him a 9-0 major decision. Redshirt freshman Kyle Bradley recorded the only fall of the day, as he pinned 149 pound opponent Nicholas Hucke in 1:25. Bradley started off with an early takedown and after getting reversed picked up a reversal himself, setting up the win via fall. The 165 pound matchup featured two redshirt freshmen in Zach Toal and Jordan Gagliano. Toal came out with an early takedown and nearfall for the 4-0 lead after the first, and with a reversal in the second, cruised to a 7-3 win with riding time. Neely and Henderson battled in the second exhibition of the day, with Henderson securing an impressive 11-3 major decision. Henderson dominated the action from the start with a takedown that led to a three-point nearfall for a 5-0 lead after the first. Neely managed an escape in the second to make it 5-1, but Henderson went back to work in the third, registered an escape and two takedowns for the 11-3 victory. The final match of the day was an exhibition featuring Larson and Glore. Glore held an 8-2 lead after the first following a takedown, two nearfalls and a reversal. He held strong in the second with another takedown and nearfall in the second, helping him cruise to a 12-5 win. Missouri will open their season in two weeks with a top-15 battle against No. 10 Illinois on Nov. 12 in Edwardsville, Ill. Stay tuned to mutigers.com for more information. 174 - Patrick Wright dec. Dorian Henderson, 5-3 184 - Clarence Neely dec. Mike Larson, 10-5 197 - Jake Glore dec. Ryan Robinson, 4-2 Exh. - Dom Bradley dec. Brent Haynes, 9-2 133 - Nathan McCormick dec. Luke Cherep, 11-6 141 - Todd Schavrien major dec. Cody Farinella, 9-0 149 - Kyle Bradley fall Nicholas Hucke, 1:25 165 - Zach Toal dec. Jordan Gagliano, 7-3 Exh. - Dorian Henderson major dec. Clarence Neely, 11-3 Exh. - Jake Glore dec. Mike Larson, 12-5

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- The Purdue wrestling team tasted its first bit of live action on Saturday, holding its annual team wrestle-offs at the Blake Wrestling Center in Lambert Fieldhouse. Purdue head coach Scott Hinkel and his staff decided their starting lineup for the 2010-11 season with the results of the day's matches. The three major bouts of the day came at 125, 149 and 165 pounds, where close contests named the Boilermakers' starters for next weekend's matches at the Edinboro Fighting Scot Duals. At 125 pounds, sophomore returning All-America Cashé Quiroga held on to his No. 1 spot with a narrow 2-0 win over freshman teammate Camden Eppert. Senior Sam Patacsil held off sophomore Tommy Churchard at 149 pounds, using a second-period takedown to lead to a 3-0 victory, while rookie Patrick Kissel edged out fellow first-year Ethan Smith at 165 pounds, 6-3. Kissel rolled out five points in the second period, escaping and hitting a four-point play for the majority of his scoring. “We saw a lot of positives today,” said Hinkel. “We saw a lot of great competition, we saw guys using the things we've been working on in practice and we saw our guys truly support each other through the day, despite going head-to-head with each other.” The Boilermakers had a sizable crowd as more than 100 people crammed into the limited seating at the Blake Wrestling Center, including Purdue freshman Brock Norton, who came down with his father from Fort Wayne, Ind. to watch his teammates. “It was great to see Brock up and moving around, and I know it was a big lift for the guys to see him here today,” said Hinkel. Norton was involved in a life-threatening accident just over two weeks ago in West Lafayette, but is recovering and hopes to return to school soon. The Boilermakers head to Edinboro, Pa., next weekend for their season-opening match, facing Hofstra and Edinboro at the Fighting Scot Duals on Saturday. For a full preview of the event, check PurdueSports.com on Thursday. PROJECTED PURDUE STARTING LINEUP 125: Cashé Quiroga (So.) 133: Jake Fleckenstein (R-Jr.) 141: Akif Eren (R-Sr.) 149: Sam Patacsil (R-Sr.) 157: Colton Salazar (R-Sr.) 165: Patrick Kissel (Fr.) 174: Luke Manuel (R-Sr.) 184: A.J. Kissel (R-Jr.) 197: Logan Brown (R-Sr.) 285: Roger Vukobratovich (R-Sr.) Purdue Wrestle-Offs Results 125 Pounds Cashé Quiroga def. Brandon Nelsen, MD 13-3 Camden Eppert def. Brandon Nelsen, MD 11-3 Cashé Quiroga def. Camden Eppert, D 2-0 133 Pounds Jake Fleckenstein def. Matt Fields, D 8-4 141 Pounds Juan Archuleta def. Akif Eren, D 6-4 Juan Archuleta def. Akif Eren, D 7-4 149 Pounds Sam Patacsil def. Frankie Porras, Fall 2:58 Sam Patacsil def. Dustin Schultz, TF 18-3 (7:00) Tommy Churchard def. Frankie Porras, D 6-3 Sam Patacsil def. Tommy Churchard, D 3-0 157 Pounds Colton Salazar def. Travis Rohde, TF 17-1 (5:46) 165 Pounds Ryan Stahl def. Kyle Mosier, D 5-0 Ethan Smith def. Austin Kunze, Fall 2:59 Ethan Smith def. Ryan Stahl, Fall 1:45 Patrick Kissel def. Kyle Mosier, D 6-1 Ethan Smith def. Kyle Mosier, MD 13-5 Patrick Kissel def. Ethan Smith, D 6-3 Kyle Mosier def. Austin Kunze, D 4-1 174 Pounds Cameron Vlahos def. Andy Wiseman, D 6-3 184 Pounds A.J. Kissel def. Braden Atwood, MD 12-0 A.J. Kissel def. Braden Atwood, D 4-0 197 Pounds Logan Brown def. Justin Dinius, TF 20-2 (7:00) Logan Brown def. Justin Dinius, TF 16-1 (4:17) 285 Pounds Roger Vukobratovich def. Gage Boyd, Fall 4:38 Alex White def. Gage Boyd, MD 14-0 Roger Vukobratovich def. Alex White, TF 20-5 (5:35)

WAYNESBURG, Pa. -- The Waynesburg University wrestling team held its annual Orange/Black Wrestle-Offs on Saturday afternoon at the Rudy Marisa Fieldhouse. The Yellow Jacket mat men split up into two teams and faced off in 12 matches. Most of the contests were used to help fill out the open spots in the team's starting lineup and several Jacket newcomers looked ready to jump right into major roles with the 30th-ranked squad. Freshman Luke Lohr went 2-0 on the day with a 6-3 decision win over classmate Sam Lombardo and a win by fall over junior Steffan Chaussard. The wins gave Lohr an inside track on the starting 149-pound job. Another first-year grappler, Colton Blumer went 2-0 in 133-pound matches against classmates Levi Hosselrode and Dan Bruni. Blumer squeaked past Hosselrode 2-1, and followed that up with a 5-1 triumph over Bruni. Waynesburg has a big hole to fill at the heavyweight. First-year competitors Marty Kisla and Josh Mihalik battled through regulation and six overtime periods in the longest match of the day. Kisla finally finished off the bout with a 5-4 decision win. After all was said and done, the Waynesburg Black team squeaked out a 29-25 victory over the orange squad. The Jackets are back on the mats on Saturday, Nov. 6, when they compete at the Messiah Invitational in Grantham, Pa. 133 - Colton Blumer 2, Levi Hosselrode 1 125 - Josh Klimko 19, Josh Swaney 2 141 - Nick Garber by fall in 0:59 over Stefan Chaussard 149 - Luke Lohr 6, Sam Lombardo 3 174 - Jon Sanko 5, Ben Abbott 2 184 - Jared Roberts by decision over Cody Catalina 133 - Blumer 5, Dan Bruni 1 125 - Alex Crown 3, Klimko 0 285 - Marty Kisla 5, Josh Mihalik 4 141 - Lohr by fall in 2:39 over Chaussard 157 - Garrett Johnston 6, Lombardo 4 184 - Catalina by fall in 2:04 over David Wills 133 - Bruni 9, Hosselrode 4

ST. CHARLES, Mo. — Twelve University of Illinois wrestlers opened their 2010-11 seasons at the Lindenwood Open on Saturday, with nine of them placing and two – sophomore B.J Futrell at 133 pounds and redshirt-freshman Mario Gonzalez at 197 – earning tournament titles. Futrell also was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Wrestler after earning two falls, a technical fall and a 10-4 decision on his way to a 4-0 record and a tournament title. Gonzalez, who was seeded No. 4 at 197, upset McKendree's top-seeded Andrew Sanchez, 5-2, in the semifinals and beat No. 2 seed Deron Winn (Lindenwood), 5-1 in the title bout. Sophomore Pat Walker took second at heavyweight, as did a pair of true-freshmen, Guy Kirby (149) and Jackson Morse (157). Walker went 3-1 in the heavyweight bracket as a No. 6 seed, upsetting the Nos. 2 and 3 seeds before falling to top-seeded Travis Ewart (Missouri Valley College), 6-3, in the title match. Kirby was unseeded at 149 and knocked off the Nos. 5 and 8 seeds before dropping an 8-3 decision to Oklahoma's third-seeded Justin Deangelis. Morse was seeded No. 2 at 157, scoring a major decision and a 41-second pin before defeating Missouri's No. 3 seed Drake Houdashelt, 9-8, in the semifinals. He lost by technical fall to Missouri's top-seeded Dan Gonsor in the title match. In other action, sophomore Kyle Dooley (157) and redshirt-freshman Tony Dallago (184) each took third, while true-freshman Logan Arlis (125) and senior Ben Friedl (184) took sixth. 1st: B.J. Futrell (133), Mario Gonzalez (197) 2nd: Guy Kirby (149), Jackson Morse (157), Pat Walker (HWT) 3rd: Kyle Dooley (157), Tony Dallago (184) 6th: Logan Arlis (125), Ben Friedl (184)

Related: Super 32 Challenge Results GREENSBORO, N.C. -- Being a favorite during the Sunday portion of the first two-day Super 32 Challenge was not a good position. This was a day marked by many upsets of perceived favorites. However, that in no way minimized the high quality of competition. From 8:00 a.m. through the finish, the atmosphere was electric with belts and medals on the line. Sophomore Darian Cruz (Bethlehem Catholic, PA) won the first final of the afternoon with a 5-3 overtime decision over fellow sophomore Nathan Tomasello (CVCA, OH) at 103 pounds. Cruz scored a first period takedown, but was extended to overtime when called for two stalling penalties in the last half-minute of regulation. Then in a great scramble and counter situation during overtime, Cruz scored the match-winning takedown. His two earlier matches were decided by similarly narrow margins, 3-2 over Ryan Diehl (Berkeley Springs, WV) and 3-1 over Dalton Macri (Canon-McMillan, PA). "It feels real good to win the title, but I'm really tired," were the comments of Cruz after winning the championship. Fellow sophomore Anthony Ashnault (South Plainfield, NJ) was the champion of the 112 pound weight class, which was a true meatgrinder. The last five matches that Ashnault won were all against state tournament champions. He was absolutely dominant in the finals against fellow sophomore Zain Retherford (Line Mountain, PA) in securing four takedowns to earn an 8-3 victory. That came after a 5-4 semifinal win in the tiebreak against Junior National double champion Freddie Rodriguez (Grand Ledge, MI). In the opening match of his Sunday, Ashnault dominated fellow sophomore Jacob Schmitt (St. John's, MI) by 11-1 major decision; Schmitt had won prior meetings between the two in both styles of the Cadet Nationals this past summer. "I really opened up my attack and seized the right moments," commented Ashnault about his wrestling during the tournament. "I wanted to win the title, and was not worried about the opponents in my way." A second overtime bout of the championship finals came at 119 pounds, where junior Nathan Kraisser (Centennial, MD) upended defending Super 32 champion Joey Dance (Christiansburg, VA), 4-2, after countering a very deep Dance scoring opportunity in sudden victory overtime. Key to the victory was a second period ride-out while trailing 2-1 after Dance scored a first period takedown. "I had been doing well on top (throughout the tournament)," observed Kraisser about that key sequence. "However, I knew I had to stop (Dance's) explosion from bottom. I had to take things one point at a time to come back in the match." The second day of the Super 32 really served as an eye-opener for national wrestling pundits and college coaches about senior 125-pound champion Geoff Alexander (Shady Side Academy, PA), who has never placed higher than third in the state. On this day, it was Alexander making the statements with three wins over state champions -- all of whom placed at the Super 32 last year. To open the day, Alexander beat prospect Joe Rendina (Dundee, MI) 7-3. Then, by a pair of 2-1 victories, he upended the Brandon duo of Kevin Norstrem and Rossi Bruno. In the Norstrem match, Alexander used a third period ride-out to secure the victory. Then in the final, it was a very late reversal to earn the victory over Bruno. "The field was really tough," commented Alexander. "However, I just kept getting better as the tournament moved on." Just in order to reach the final, senior Ethan Raley (Indian Creek, IN), a two-time state finalist, had to defeat three different state champions; pinning Alec Mooradian (Detroit Catholic Central, MI) yesterday before scoring a 9-2 victory over Nick Soto (Springstead, FL) and a 6-4 victory over Junior National double champion Tyler Liberatore (Brandon, FL) earlier in the day. Scoring a last second foot sweep takedown to secure a 5-3 victory, Raley relegated Brandon Jeske (Cox, VA) to a second place finish for the second straight year. "I don't let big picture things bother me, just listening to music between matches to prevent distraction," said Raley. "The last second takedown was awesome, especially after the attempt prior was derailed." Some degree of order returned in the 135 pound weight class where junior Steve Spearman (Erie McDowell, PA), a state champion this past year, earned the tournament championship with a 5-3 win over Dan Neff (Solanco, PA). Spearman used takedowns in the first and third period to earn the victory. When asked about his outside double-leg takedown attack, Spearman observed that, "It's my strength, so if it's not broke, don't fix it." Hence he keeps going to that attack for points. The 140 pound weight class saw a second wrestler earn runner-up honors at the Super 32 for a second consecutive year. Earning the victory was senior Roger Wildmo (Durand, MI), a 6-5 result over junior Jason Tsirtsis (Crown Point, IN). This was Wildmo's fourth appearance at the Super 32, placing eighth last year ... after failing to place in his freshman and sophomore years. "It feels great to finally overcome the (gauntlet of a) tournament and earn a belt," said Wildmo, who sealed the victory when he scored the go-ahead takedown with approximately 25 seconds left in the match. After giving up the first takedown, Wildmo scored that takedown and one in the second period to earn the victory. "The little mistakes fire me up," continued Wildmo in discussing the championship match. "I'm also working on being more aggressive with my technique." While this was a tournament in which one could say every weight was loaded, along with the 112-pound weight class, it was the bracket at 145 pounds that took the cake as being toughest. The bracket featured InterMat Top 100 Class of 2011 prospects as the top six placers, with a pair of multi-time Pennsylvania big-school state placers finishing seventh and eighth. During Sunday's competition, senior Nick Hodgkins (Wyomissing, PA) earned a 1-0 win over Mitch Minotti (Easton, PA) as well as a 4-2 overtime victory against Pete Baldwin (Osceola, FL) prior to the final. To reach the final, senior James Green (Willingboro, NJ) earned a 9-3 victory over Josh Clark (Matoaca, VA) and a 7-1 win over Eric Roach (Crown Point, IN) in a battle of FloNationals champions. Both Green and Hogkins earned escapes during the five minutes of regulation in a match with many scrambles and battles, which meant the score was 1-1 headed into sudden victory overtime. During that period, each wrestler was able to get deep on the opponent but was fended off. Having scored first, Green chose down in the tiebreaker. However, Hodgkins was able to ride Green out for the victory. "I just had to keep pushing, work through being tired," commented Hodgkins about the tiebreak period. Having earned a 6-0 shutout victory over two-time state champion, and one of the nation's top Class of 2012 wrestlers, Felipe Martinez (Oregon Clay, OH) in the quarterfinals -- and earning a tiebreaker ride-out victory in the semifinal round -- senior Jonathan Rivera (Kennesaw Mountain, GA) reached the 152 pounds final with lots of momentum on his side. However, senior Codey Combs (Sussex Central, DE) was able to end the momentum string with a second period go-ahead takedown as part of a 3-1 victory. After falling short in the semifinals the last couple of years, Combs finally earned a championship. "This wasn't easy, it was a tough road," commented Combs. "Finally being healthy, I was able to take it all the way." Despite being one of the nation's top sophomores after earning Outstanding Wrestler honors at the Powerade and winning a state title, 160 pound champion Cody Wiercioch (Charleroi, PA) entered this tournament as somewhat of an unknown commodity. That would change after a Sunday morning semifinal bout with the No. 1-ranked junior in the country, Taylor Massa (St. John's, MI). Though the match was not without controversy during the sudden victory overtime, the match reached the tiebreaker with a 2-2 score. Video - http://www.flowrestling.org/videos/coverage/view_video/237445-2010-super-32-flonationals-major/362610-160-lbs-s-taylor-massa-mi-vs-cody-wiercioch-pa Wiercioch had the choice and choose the down position. Midway through the tiebreak period, he was able to earn the victory on a reversal. "I was optimistic heading into the match," said Wiercioch. "I wanted to have fun, hopefully it would work out, and so it did." The championship final placed him against yet another nationally-ranked junior in Nikko Reyes (Clovis West, CA). With a single takedown in the first period, and a pair in the third period, Wiercioch earned clear and convincing 7-3 decision and the Super 32 Challenge title. "I've been working out at Quest for three years now, and there are always good partners," he responded to questions about his early high school success. Continuing on, "Consistency, practice, and being relentless are the keys to my success." All the way from the Pacific Northwest came junior Brandon Griffin (Sprague, OR) to win the Super 32 title at 171 pounds. He got the belt with a 2-1 victory in the tiebreak against senior Wally Figaro (Brandon, FL). "This was a really tough tournament, kind of like Fargo (which is a short-hand name for the annual Cadet and Junior Nationals held in freestyle and Greco-Roman during late July) in a way," observed Griffin. The match itself was a real grind, with scoring opportunities for both opponents that each had to fend off. The pair of Greco-Roman stars, Figaro finishing third at the Junior Nationals and Griffin a FILA Cadet champion, gave the fans an exciting show despite the low score. Senior 189-pound champion Kenny Courts (Central Dauphin, PA) was the tournament's most dominant wrestler, winning all five matches by major decision, including a 14-1 victory over senior Cody Johnston (Warrensburg, MO) -- a Junior National Greco-Roman All-American -- in the championship final. Finally healthy, Courts was able to demonstrate his full arsenal of leg attacks, rides, and tilts. "It feels good to be healthy, as it seems like there's always something ailing me," said Courts, champion in his return Super 32 Challenge appearance after a runner-up finish as a freshman in 2007. "It's a big difference, allows me to demonstrate my full arsenal, and enables me to work on and learn different stuff." Despite a Beast of the East championship last December on the resume, senior Matt Idelson (Garnet Valley, PA) entered this weekend's 215-pound weight bracket as a relative unknown commodity never having even made the state tournament in his career. Any reservations about Idelson should be removed after a pin in the semifinals against NHSCA Junior Nationals champion Josh DaSilveira (Cardinal Gibbons, FL) and a 3-1 victory against three-time state qualifier, and 2009 state placer, Scott Syrek (Owen J. Roberts, PA). It was a second period takedown that served as the key factor in the championship match victory. "I like to wrestle at a quick pace, and dislike having to hug the big guys," commented Idelson about his wrestling style. After last year's Beast of the East title, Idelson sustained a concussion shortly thereafter which kept him out until early February. Not being fully prepared for the state tournament series, he fell short of the state tournament. "I really want to just make it down (to state), need to get there, hopefully place high and even possibly win it," Idelson stated. The final match of the tournament was the only championship final not to go the full five minute regulation match (Sunday matches at the Super 32 had a format of 2-1:30-1:30, instead of the 2-1-1 and 1-1-1 of Saturday and for all matches in prior years). Senior Jacob Aiken-Phillips (Central Gwinnett, GA) had a 1-0 lead midway through the third period, and was riding fellow senior Colin Campbell (Person, NC) in the top position. However, at that point, Campbell was disqualified for misconduct for biting Aiken-Phillips in the lower arm or wrist. "I had a great tournament and fought hard," said Aiken-Phillips. "Even though the match ended early, I still thought I was going to ride him out for the win anyway." Based on brief research, Aiken-Phillips could possibly be the first ever wrestler from the Peach State to come home with a championship belt.

The initial day of the first ever two-day Super 32 Challenge opened to as always rave reviews. Competition was fierce, matches were intense, and the surprises were plentiful from start to finish. The following is a weight-by-weight outlook of the quarterfinal pairings. Wrestlers in the quarterfinals place with one win, while those in the consolation round of 16 must place two matches to finish inside the top 8. 103: Brenden Calas (Seton Hall Prep, NJ) vs. Ryan Diehl (Berkeley Springs, WV); Darian Cruz (Bethlehem Catholic, PA) vs. Dalton Macri (Canon-McMillan, PA). Nathan Tomasello (CVCA, OH) vs. Michael Olsen (Park Hill, MO); Will Crisco (Hand, CT) vs. Richie Bliss (Springstead, FL). 112: Freddie Rodriguez (Grand Ledge, MI) vs. Zeke Moisey (Bethlehem Catholic, PA); Jacob Schmitt (St. John’s, MI) vs. Anthony Ashnault (South Plainfield, NJ). George DiCamillo (St. Ignatius, OH) vs. Zain Retherford (Line Mountain, PA); Evan Link (Penn Cambria, PA) vs. Connor Schram (Canon-McMillan, PA). 119: Nathan Kraisser (Centennial, MD) vs. Devon Lotito (Bethlehem Liberty, PA); Brandon Fifield (Leslie, MI) vs. Earl Hall (South Dade, FL). Michael Fleck (Easton, PA) vs. Joey Dance (Christiansburg, VA); Eric Devos (Waverly Shell-Rock, IA) vs. Russell Coleman (Park Hill, MO). 125: Cody Wheeler (Towanda, PA) vs. Chris Caton (Northside Christian Academy, NC); Rossi Bruno (Brandon, FL) vs. Josh Kieffer (Roncalli Catholic, IN). Joe Rendina (Dundee, MI) vs. Geoffrey Alexander (Shady Side Academy, PA); Narcisco Incharregui (Lorain, OH) vs. Kevin Norstrem (Brandon, FL). 130: Ethan Raley (Indian Creek, IN) vs. Nick Soto (Springstead, FL); Tyler Liberatore (Brandon, FL) vs. Cameron Throckmorton (South-Western, PA). Steven Rodrigues (Fox Lane, NY) vs. Solomon Chisko (Canon-McMillan, PA); Greg Flournoy (Fauquier, VA) vs. Brandon Jeske (Cox, VA). 135: Steve Spearman (Erie McDowell, PA) vs. Ty Lydic (Greater Latrobe, PA); Bronson Steuber (Jackson County Central, MN) vs. Jake Ekster (Cy-Fair, TX). Bobby Dierna (Wayne, NY) vs. Dan Neff (Solanco, PA); Nate Skonieczny (Walsh Jesuit, OH) vs. Brent Fickel (Padua, OH). 140: Jason Tsirtsis (Crown Point, IN) vs. Devon Gobbo (Delbarton, NJ); Quinton Murphy (Holley Central, NY) vs. Andrew Romanchik (Padua, OH). Jacob Crawford (Millbrook, VA) vs. Charlie Lynch (Archbishop Spaulding, MD); Lou Mascola (Seton Hall Prep, NJ) vs. Roger Wildmo (Durand, MI). 145: James Green (Willingboro, NJ) vs. Josh Clark (Matoaca, VA); Eric Roach (Crown Point, IN) vs. Lex Ozias (Southern Garrett, MD). Pete Baldwin (Osceola, FL) vs. Henry Carlson (Cox, VA); Mitch Minotti (Easton, PA) vs. Nick Hodgkins (Wyomissing, PA). 152: Felipe Martinez (Oregon Clay, OH) vs. Jonathan Rivera (Kennesay Mountain, GA); Josh Smith (Lake Norman, NC) vs. Christian Barber (Westfield, NJ). Ryne Cokeley (St. James Academy, KS) vs. Tyler Askey (Northgate, GA); Brian Brill (Central Mountain, PA) vs. Codey Combs (Sussex Central, DE). 160: Taylor Massa (St. John’s, MI) vs. Kyle Koziel (Brandon, FL); Cody Wiercioch (Charleroi, PA) vs. Jay Matheus (Sussex Central, DE). David Wesley (St. Christopher’s, VA) vs. Patrick Jennings (Longwood, NY); Doug Hamann (Jackson Memorial, NJ) vs. Nikko Reyes (Clovis West, CA) 171: Jason Luster (Pittsburgh Central Catholic, PA) vs. Josh Snook (St. Mark’s, DE); Hunter Adams (Franklin County, VA) vs. Brandon Griffin (Sprague, OR). Colin Hedash (Northern Lehigh, PA) vs. Scotty Bacon (Republic, WA); Tylan Coleman (Mayfield, OH) vs. Wally Figaro (Brandon, FL). 189: Kenny Courts (Central Dauphin, PA) vs. Anthony Abro (Canton, MI); Torey Bennett (Berkeley Springs, WV) vs. Nick Kidd (Northfield Mount Hermon, MA). Joe Jessen (Millbrook, VA) vs. Vic Avery (Foxboro, MA); Jesse Doyle (Wheatmore, NC) vs. Cody Johnston (Warrensburg, MO). 215: Joseph Cummings (Nyack, NY) vs. Matt Idelson (Garnet Valley, PA); David Quackenbos (Red Lion, PA) vs. Josh DaSilveira (Cardinal Gibbons, FL). Zachary Nye (East Pennsboro, PA) vs. Matt Mongera (Seneca, PA); Scott Syrek (Owen J. Roberts, PA) vs. Ian Kirkman (Morehead, NC). 285: Colin Campbell (Person, NC) vs. Jalal Paige (Easton, PA), Deven Riles (71st, NC) vs. Tyler Maher (Garner, NC); Chandler Ford (James Martin, TX) vs. Wayne Purnell (Salesanium, DE); Ben Tammany (Timberlane, NH) vs. Jacob Aiken-Phillips (Central Gwinnet, GA). Day 2 of the “Battle for the Belt” begins at 8 a.m. ET.

Kirk Smith didn’t stray far from home when he made his college choice, sticking around his native Boise, Idaho to wrestle for Greg Randall’s Boise State Broncos. He was one of the stars of his incoming class. Joe LeBlanc, however, wasn’t on the radar for many of the nation’s big-time programs. From tiny Meeker, Colo., in the northwest corner of the state, LeBlanc didn’t wait very long to burst on to the college wrestling scene. Coming into the season, the western combatants are ranked 1-2 and will be the second announced matchup of top-ranked wrestlers when the 2010 NWCA All-Star Classic presented by The Marines at Selland Arena in Fresno, Calif., on November 21. Both wrestlers come in as two-time All-Americans. Smith was a national finalist last year, while LeBlanc, a junior, earned his second medal in as many years. The two have met three times previously, twice in 2009-10 and once last season. Smith holds a 3-0 advantage. Smith, a senior, bested LeBlanc by major decision both times two seasons ago, but won by a slim 3-2 margin last season. Smith reached the finals of the 2010 NCAA Division I Championships after failing to place as a sophomore. Smith was the top seed in the tournament and finished the season an impressive 29-1. LeBlanc finished fourth in 2010 and fifth in 2009 and wrapped up last season with a 39-6 mark. He’s won over 80 matches in his first two years under Mark Branch at the University of Wyoming. Smith will be seventh Bronco wrestler to compete in the event and second announced for the 2010 event. Andrew Hochstrasser was announced last week to compete against Jordan Oliver of Oklahoma State at 133 pounds. LeBlanc is only the second Wyoming wrestler to compete. Reese Andy wrestled in the event twice, in 1995 and 1996. The 45th Annual NWCA All-Star Classic Presented by The Marines will be held at the Selland Arena in Fresno, California on Sunday, November 21, 2010. The doors open at 2:00 p.m. The All-Star Classic follows a weekend of fundraising events. For more information about the tournament, purchasing tickets and the fundraising events, visit the www.nwcaonline.com's event page. To donate to the effort to save collegiate wrestling programs, visit http://nwca.ticketleap.net. 2010 NWCA All-Star Classic Presented by the Marines Rankings by W.I.N. Magazine 125 - 133- #1 Jordan Oliver, So. (Oklahoma St.) vs. #2 Andrew Hochstrasser, Sr. (Boise St.) 141- 149- #4 Torsten Gillespie, Jr. (Edinboro) vs. #5 Kevin LeValley, Sr. (Bucknell) 157- 165- 174- #3 Jordan Blanton, Sr. (Illinois) vs. #6 Nick Amuchastegui, Jr. (Stanford) 184- #1 Kirk Smith, Sr. (Boise St.) vs. #2 Joe LeBlanc, Jr. (Wyoming) 197- 285- #2 Jarod Trice, Jr. (Central Michigan) vs. #4 Alan Gelogaev, Jr. (Oklahoma St.) Exhibitions: About California USA Wrestling California USA Wrestling is a non-profit organization committed to the success and health of their athletes and dedicated to the promotion and preservation of collegiate and international styles of amateur wrestling. As the official California affiliate of USA Wrestling, the national governing board for international-style amateur wrestling in the United States, the club is responsible for the organization and execution of sanctioned USA Wrestling events in the state. California USA Wrestling educates the community about the styles of wrestling and the value of being involved in the sport. They strive to provide fun, exciting and well-planned events and improve the quality of California wrestling at the competitive level. For more information, visit www.ca-usaw.org. About NWCA The National Wrestling Coaches Association, established in 1928, is a professional organization dedicated to supporting and elevating the sport of amateur wrestling. NWCA provides leadership and guidance primarily to scholastic and collegiate wrestling programs, but is an advocate to all levels of wrestling. The NWCA promotes communication, recognizes achievement, recommends rules and regulations, sponsors events and serves as a resource for education and information pertaining to the sport of wrestling. Additionally, The NWCA strives to foster the sportsmanship and integrity that are the cornerstones of any competitive sport. For more information, visit http://www.nwcaonline.com.

DES MOINES, Iowa -- Hello Wrestling Fans its almost here. The season! I'll be announcing the SOLD OUT USA Wrestling Preseason Nationals at the University of Northern Iowa for Brian Keck this weekend. Steve Foster will return to the helm of the Brute Adidas studios for this weeks show brought to you by Kemin Agrifoods. Join Steve Foster, Geoff Murtha (Simpson) and Randy Crimmins. Geoff Murtha joins us courtesy of Mass Mutual Financial Services. This weeks show will be split, 9 AM to 10 AM and then 11 AM to 12 Noon. Now back to the days show: Our Guests Include: (All times Central) 9:01 Mark Manning- Head Coach of Nebraska- 1 Season away from the Big 10 9:20 Wade Shalles- Why never bet against Iowa 9:40 Mike Clayton- Head Coach- Stevens Institute of Technology. 18th in the NWCA D III Brute-Adidas preseason poll – the school’s highest-ever ranking in 91 years. 1 Hour Break 11:01 Les Anderson- To be inducted Nov. 14th in the Excel Wrestling "Hall of Heroes" http://www.excelwrestling.com/fallcamp_dinner.html 11:20 Steve Garland- Head Coach University of Virginia 11:40 Roger Moore- Voice of the Cowboys of Oklahoma State 10:50 Amy Williams- Wildrose Resort Wrestling fans- Episode 81 of TDR TV wrestling news is now on. Check your TV Guide for listings. How to watch and listen- TDR and TDR TV. It's appointment Radio and TV! 4.5 MILLION HOMES AND GROWING! TDR on Radio: LIVE Saturday at 9:00 AM CST on 1460 KXNO in Iowa. Saturday nights at 7:00 PM Eastern on Supertalk 1570 in Michigan, TDR TV: Mediacom Cable Ch. 22. IA, MO, AK, NE, MN, IL Tues. 5 PM, Sat. 10 AM Time Warner Cable NY Ch. 813 (Check Local Listings) Comcast Cable Tennessee Ch. 96 Fridays 5 PM CATV- CCN, Pennsylvania Ch. 8 Fridays 5 PM Western Reserve Ohio Cable Ch. 9 Fridays at 5:30, Sat's 10 PM, Tues 11 PM Time Warner Texas- Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, Houston, Etc. -TBA Time Warner Southern California- Los Angeles, San Diego, Etc. -TBA Long Lines Cable NW Iowa, NE Nebraska, SE South Dakota- TBA Call your local cable operator and ask them to carry TDR TV, It works! TDR on Internet: You can join us 9 to 11 AM Saturday mornings at Takedownradio.com TDR TV On Internet: 32 various web sites now carry your favorite wrestling news show Thanks to our affiliates, our media partners at Livesportsvideo.com. Thanks for watching and listening!

Current Central College head wrestling coach Eric Van Kley, and new Iowa State assistant wrestling coach Eric Voelker, will go “On the Mat” this Wednesday, October 27. “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 5:05 - 6:00 PM CST on AM 1650, The Fan. E-mail radio@wrestlingmuseum.org with any questions or comments about the show. Van Kley enters his fourth season as the head wrestling coach at Central College in Pella, Iowa. He was named co-Iowa Conference Coach of the Year last season for leading the Dutch to its first winning season since 2000-01. Van Kley also started the wrestling program at the University of Great Falls (Mont.) in 2004 and was the program’s inaugural head coach. Voelker begins his first year as an assistant coach under Kevin Jackson at Iowa State University. He was a three-time All-American and two-time NCAA champion for the Cylcones, winning titles in 1987 & ’89. Voelker compiled a 101-13-1 college career record at Iowa State.

MOUNT PLEASANT -- Central Michigan junior heavyweight Jarod Trice will face Oklahoma State junior Alan Gelogaev at the National Wrestling Coaches Association All-Star Classic in Fresno, Calif. on Nov. 21. Trice is the first Chippewa to compete at the event since 2005, and he is the fourth different CMU wrestler to appear at the event. Trice, who is currently in Italy preparing for the World University Championships this weekend, earned All-America honors with an eighth-place finish at the 2010 NCAA Championships. He is the 2010 Midlands heavyweight champion, a two-time national qualifier and boasts a career record of 50-17. Gelogaev is moving up to heavyweight after earning All-America honors at 197 pounds last season. The junior from Moscow, Russia was 30-9 overall last season. He won the 197-pound title at the Reno Tournament of Champions and placed seventh at the NCAA Championships. Trice (No. 2) and Gelogaev (No. 4) enter the season ranked in the top four nationally at heavyweight by both Amateur Wrestling News and W.I.N. Magazine.

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Lehigh fans will get their first look at the 2010-11 Mountain Hawks Thursday night with the annual wrestle-offs held inside Leeman-Turner Arena at Grace Hall. The Mountain Hawks have been hard at work in the wrestling room for nearly a month in preparation for the 102nd season of Lehigh wrestling, which officially begins November 5. “Last week we really started figuring things out as we moved towards wrestle-offs,” said Lehigh head coach Pat Santoro. “The guys have been working hard. They started to get tired towards the end of last week, but they should be tired. Everyone’s spirits are good. The guys are excited to go out and wrestle against new competition.” The Mountain Hawks return six starters that competed at last year’s EIWA Championships, including a quartet of grapplers that qualified for the NCAA Championships. On Monday, Amateur Wrestling News announced its preseason rankings. Lehigh is ranked 14th in the AWN team rankings and has four individuals ranked in the top 20, led by returning All-American Zach Rey who is ranked No. 1 at 285 after placing third at last year’s NCAA Championships. Also ranked for the Mountain Hawks are junior Brandon Hatchett, who comes in at No. 8 at 165, sophomore Robert Hamlin, who moved up a weight class to 184 and is ranked 13th, and junior Joe Kennedy, who is ranked 12th at 197. The NWCA unveiled its preseason coaches poll on Tuesday, with Lehigh coming in at No. 17. Rey is one Lehigh grappler who will not be competing Thursday night at Leeman-Turner Arena. The junior heavyweight is currently in Turin, Italy, where he represented the United States in freestyle at the University World Championships. Rey won the right to compete in Italy by winning the University World Team trials in late May. The 120 kg./264.5 weight class was contested on Tuesday, with Rey going 1-1 to place seventh in his weight class. Rey opened with a victory over Iliya Enev of Bulgaria, 3-0. 4-0, then lost to H. Sheyda Khangheshlaghi of Iran, 0-4, 0-2. When the Iranian failed to reach the finals, Rey was not eligible for the repechage rounds. Thursday night’s projected card features ten bouts with wrestlers from nine weight classes competing. Three bouts will be contested at 149, highlighted by a match-up between senior Kyle Rosser and returning starter Joey Napoli. Juniors Shane Welsh and Dane Stevens will match up as will freshmen Anthony Salupo and Dillon Smith. A couple experienced juniors will meet at 157 as incumbent Sean Bilodeau will meet Brian Tanen, who has seen action at 149 and 157 the last few years. Two freshmen will clash at 174 with true freshman Shane Stark challenging deferred freshman Austin Meys. Other matches include senior Mitch Berger versus sophomore Alex Abreu at 125, Hamlin versus junior Kevin Bailey at 184 and Kennedy versus freshman Max Wessell at 197. Two scheduled bouts will be exhibitions between wrestlers from different weight classes. True freshman 133-pounder Frank Cagnina will meet deferred freshman 141-pounder Albert Woody. Senior Kadeem Samuels will go up from 184 to challenge freshman heavyweight Tim Granata. “As long as the guys stay healthy we’ll be in good shape,” said Santoro, who begins his third season. “We expect our last five weights to be solid, but we’d like to see who steps up in the first five weights. We will need some guys to come in and make an immediate impact. We’re probably going to start three freshmen, but until you’re out in competition, you don’t know what you have. With our schedule, we will find out really fast.” The wrestle-offs get underway at 7 p.m. Thursday from Leeman-Turner Arena at Grace Hall. Tickets are still available and can be purchased by calling 610-7LU-GAME, by visiting the Lehigh ticket office, located in Grace Hall or by visiting Lehighsports.com. For those unable to make it to Grace Hall on Thursday, the wrestle-offs can be seen live at Lehighsports.com, with Lehigh wrestling historian Denny Diehl ’70 joining Steve Lomangino and Gary Brownell for the commentary.

Halloween lurks around the corner this weekend, which brings with it the month of November, and the official start of wrestling practices for high schools across the country. While there have been varying local and regional dual meet tournaments and bracket tournaments already this wrestling season, this weekend's Super 32 Challenge emits that clear smoke signal for the scholastic wrestling season finally being upon us. The steady growth of this tournament came to a nadir last year when the approximately 1,200 wrestler high school division field reached its capacity less than 45 minutes after the start of open registration. As a result, the tournament expanded from a one-day event into a two-day event. Both the high school and middle school divisions have a record number of participants in their respective fields. Just over 1,500 high school wrestlers are slated to commence competition on Saturday morning at 8:00 a.m. (Eastern Time), while another 300 middle school wrestlers will join those high school competitors able to advance through day one of the competition to battle it out on Sunday. With eight Division I college wrestling programs within the Tar Heel State -- second most among any state in the country -- Greensboro, North Carolina serves as an ideal host for a national showcase event. Additionally, another eight programs are located in the bordering states of South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. Over 50 college programs -- including schools from all three NCAA divisions and the NAIA -- attended last year's tournament, with close to that amount possibly to come this year (32 programs have registered for attendance as of October 26th on the Super 32 website). When these college coaches arrive, they will get to witness a showcase field featuring some of the nation's best scholastic wrestling talent. This group of wrestlers is anchored by those in the Class of 2012. The top four wrestlers in that class are registered to be competing in the tournament -- Taylor Massa (St. John's, MI) at 160 pounds, Jason Luster (Pittsburgh Central Catholic, PA) at 171 pounds, Jason Tsirtsis (Crown Point, IN) at 140 pounds, and Felipe Martinez (Oregon Clay, OH) at 152 pounds. Six other members of the top 20 ranked, and a total of 15 in the top 50 are in the tournament field. Among the Top 100 seniors, 19 of them are registered for the tournament; 15 of the top 50 sophomores are in the field; as are 7 of the top 25 freshman; and the top ranked junior high wrestler in the country Mark Hall -- he is registered in the 135 pound weight class. In addition, four other members of the top 15 junior high wrestlers are registered for Sunday's middle school competition. Nuts & Bolts What: Super 32 Challenge Where: Greensboro Coliseum Special Events Center; Greensboro, NC When: Saturday, October 30 and Sunday, October 31; both days starting at 8:00 a.m. ET Format: The high school tournament will start on Saturday, and continue until the quarterfinals and consolation round of 16 are set. Competition will resume at that point on Sunday morning for the high school tournament and continue to the tournament's completion, along with the commencement and completion of the middle school tournament. Website: http://www.super32.com InterMat Coverage: High School Analyst Josh Lowe will be in Greensboro, NC covering the tournament. Periodic updates will be posted on Lowe's twitter account (@JLowe_intermat). In addition, InterMat will provide a recap of each day of the competition. Social Media: The tournament can be followed on Twitter (@thesuper32) and on Facebook Bracket information will also be available through the Super 32 website. Weight-by-Weight Breakdown 103: Already in the tournament's opening weight class, the nature of the Super 32 field comes to a head. Along with Nathan Tomasello and Darian Cruz, six additional wrestlers in this field earned All-American honors at the Cadet and Junior Nationals in Fargo, ND this past summer: Brenden Calas (Seton Hall Prep, NJ); Zac Hall (St. John's, MI); Micah Hight (Caesar Rodney, DE); Colton Howell (Brandon, FL); Zach Howell (Caesar Rodney, DE); and Dalton Macri (Canon-McMillan, PA). Another four incoming freshmen were either champions or runner-up in their weight class at the middle school Super 32 last fall: Ryan Millhof (Archer, GA) and Michael Olsen (Park Hill, MO) were champions while Sean Russell (Collins Hill, GA) and Christian Clary (Dayton Chrsitian, OH) finished as runners-up. In addition to the 14 wrestlers described above, another pair of wrestlers won scholastic state titles in 2010, Richie Bliss (Springstead, FL) and Ryan Diehl (Berkeley Springs, WV). While another pair -- Billy Rappo (Council Rock South, PA) and Javier Vieyra (Salina South, KS) -- were Fargo All-Americans in 2009. In his freshman year of high school, Nathan Tomasello was a state champion and followed that up with a FILA Cadet National freestyle title at 101 pounds and was third in Cadet freestyle at 98 pounds. Fellow sophomore Darian Cruz sustained an injury midway through his high school season and was unable to compete at the state tournament, but placed at the Beast of the East, and had a terrific offseason that included a runner-up finish at 98 pounds in Cadet freestyle. Projected Final: Nathan Tomasello (CVCA, OH) vs. Darian Cruz (Bethlehem Catholic, PA) 112: Should the Freddie Rodriguez-Nick Roberts matchup materialize, it would amazingly be the first time I can recall these two superstars competing against one another in a competitively relevant platform in calendar years 2008-2010. Rodriguez swept his way to freestyle and Greco-Roman titles at the FILA Cadet Nationals in April and the Junior Nationals in July, while Roberts was twice a Cadet National double champion before representing the United States at the FILA Junior World Championships this summer in Budapest. However, there are a whole litany of wrestlers in this field that are studs in their own right and stand in the way of this showcase matchup. Nine additional wrestlers in this weight class were ranked in the top 20 of their high school weight class at the end of the 2009-10 season and/or are currently ranked in their graduating class: Anthony Ashnault (South Plainfield, NJ); George DiCamillo (St. Ignatius, OH); Drew Ferguson-Mitchell (Collins Hill, GA); Gary Wayne Harding (Collinsville, OK); Cody LeCount (Perry Meridian, IN); Zeke Moisey (Bethlehem Catholic, PA); Zain Retherford (Line Mountain, PA); Jacob Schmitt (St. John's, MI); and Connor Schram (Canon-McMillan, PA). Additional credentialed wrestlers in this field include Beast of the East champion Zach Bridson (Timberlane, NH), National Prep champion Will Mason (Cape Henry Collegiate, VA), Junior National freestyle third place finisher Jordan Wigger (Summerville, NC), returning Super 32 placers Austin Miller (Hempfield, PA) and Jake Smith (Robinson, VA), as well as NHSCA freshman champion JR Wert (Morgan County, GA). Projected Final: Freddie Rodriguez (Grand Ledge, MI) vs. Nick Roberts (North Star, PA) 119: Sophomore Joey Dance, champion at 103 pounds last year, is the lone returning champion in the field this year; 12 of the 14 champions from 2009 were seniors, while Old Dominion verbal commit Chris Mecate (Redland East Valley, CA) is not returning. During the season, Dance competed at 112 pounds where he placed at the Walsh Ironman, Beast of the East, and Powerade before winning a state championship and finishing runner-up at the FloNationals. This summer, Dance finished fourth in Greco-Roman. Multiple-time state champion Earl Hall was top four in both styles at the Junior Nationals this summer after finishing third at 112 pounds at the NHSCA Junior Nationals in April. In addition to Dance and Hall, five other wrestlers earned Junior National All-American honors this past summer: Greco-Roman runner-up Nathan Kraisser (Centennial, MD); four-time state finalist Eric Devos (Waverly Shell-Rock, IA); Eric Friedman (St. Paul's, MD); state champion Nick Harrison (Stillman Valley, IL); and Alex Calandrino (Howell, MI). Another trio of wrestlers in this weight was gold medalists at the AAU Scholastic Duals this past June -- state champions Dean Heil (St. Edward, OH), Brandon Fifield (Leslie, MI); and Michael Waters (Davie County, NC). Projected Final: Joey Dance (Christiansburg, VA) vs. Earl Hall (South Dade, FL) 125: Brandon teammates Rossi Bruno and Kevin Norstrem help anchor a team that will contend to be No. 1 in the country this coming season. Three-time state champion Bruno was a Junior National Greco-Roman champion this past summer and placed sixth in last year's Super 32 at 119 pounds. Two-time state champion Norstrem placed seventh in last year's tournament - also at 119 pounds, and was a double All-American at both the FILA Cadet Nationals in April and the Junior Nationals in July. Among the other notables in this weight are returning Super 32 placers Joe Rendina (Dundee, MI) and Kyle Casaletto (Southern Regional, NJ); former Super 32 placers John Fahy (Trinity, KY) and Narcisco Incharregui (Lorain, OH); as well as Cadet National All-Americans Josh Bennett (Francis Howell Central, MO) and Josh Pennell (St. John's, MI). Projected Final: Rossi Bruno (Brandon, FL) vs. Kevin Norstrem (Brandon, FL) 130: Should the finals matchup between Tyler Liberatore and Brandon Jeske materialize, it would match up the Junior and Cadet National freestyle champions at 130 pounds from this past Fargo. Liberatore was absolutely dominant in sweeping through the Greco-Roman and freestyle tournaments after a season in which he earned a state championship. Returning Super 32 runner-up Jeske was runner-up at the Beast of the East and National Prep Championships as a freshman. In addition to the national title in Fargo, his off-season also included a FILA Cadet freestyle championship and a runner-up finish in Greco-Roman at Cadet Nationals. Five proven veteran competitors serve as the prime challengers to this duo, and all are seniors. Three-time state champion Kyle Bauer (Wheeling Park, WV) was one match away from placing at the Super 32 last year, and finished fourth at the FloNationals; Bobby Dierna (Wayne, NY) was champion of the NHSCA Junior Nationals at 130 pounds; state runner-up Steven Rodrigues (Fox Lane, NY) was a FloNationals runner-up; state champion Nick Soto (Springstead, FL) was fifth at the NHSCA JuniorNationals; while Joey Mazzi (LaSalle, PA) is a three-time state qualifier and twice a state placer. Four additional wrestlers in this field have previous place finishes at the Super 32 Challenge: freshman sensation Solomon Chisko (Canon-McMillan, PA) placed eight at 112 pounds as an eighth-grader; Greg Flournoy (Fauquier, VA) was eighth at 119 pounds; Cameron Throckmorton (South-Western, PA) placed as a freshman in 2007; while sophomore Shayne Tucker (Bella Vista, CA) placed fifth at 103 pounds last year. Other notable wrestlers in this field include two-time state champion and FILA Cadet National All-American Alec Mooradian (Detroit Catholic Central, MI); former state champion Arty Walsh (Schuylkill Valley, PA); and Junior National freestyle All-American Camryn Jackson (Lansing Eastern, MI). Projected Final: Tyler Liberatore (Brandon, FL) vs. Brandon Jeske (Cox, VA) 135: In keeping with the lead of this preview, my predicted finals matchup features a pair of sensational juniors that ended last season ranked nationally at 130 pounds, and are among the top 20 regardless of weight class in the Class of 2012. Steve Spearman earned a state title in 2010 after being an All-American at both the FILA Cadet and Cadet Nationals in freestyle during the off-season of 2009. Nate Skonieczny was champion at the Walsh Ironman and Cheesehead in 2009-10, runner-up at the FloNationals, and earned a gold medal at the AAU Scholastic Duals. The group of primary challengers to this dual features five returning state champions: Junior National freestyle runner-up Terrel Wilbourn (Francis Howell Central, MO); returning Super 32 placer Cody Ross (Springstead, FL); and a trio of two-time champions in Bronson Steuber (Jackson County Central, MN), Zach Tanenbaum (Blue Valley North, KS), and Cody Broomall (Sussex Central, DE). Other notables in this weight include junior high sensation Mark Hall; state placer Dan Neff (Solanco, PA); returning Super 32 placer Brent Fickel (Padua, OH); state placer Brandon Choate (Blue Mountain, PA); FloNationals placer Ty Lydic (Greater Latrobe, PA); state placer Matt Rappo (Council Rock South, PA); NHSCA Sophomore Nationals champion Will Switzer (Archbishop Spaulding, MD); as well as state champions Jake Ekster (Cy-Fair, TX), Taylor Simaz (Allegan, MI), and Scotty Hardiman (Hibriten, NC). Projected Final: Steve Spearman (Erie McDowell, PA) vs. Nate Skonieczny (Walsh Jesuit, OH) 140: This is yet another weight class that features a pair of juniors as the projected finalists. Jason Tsirtsis finished second at the Super 32 last year before winning a second consecutive state championship; which was followed up by a FloNationals championship, a FILA Cadet championship, and finishing third in Junior National freestyle. Jacob Crawford placed at the Super 32 in 2008 and earned a second consecutive state title during 2009-10 after placing third at the Beast of the East and Mount Mat Madness. Another quintet of wrestlers is breathing down their backs seeking to spoil that matchup. Both Elijah Sullivan (Iowa City West, IA) and Taylor Moeder (St. James Academy, KS) were Junior National Greco-Roman champions this past summer; Sullivan was a state runner-up during the scholastic year, while Moeder was fourth at the NHSCA Junior Nationals and in Junior National freestyle. Returning Super 32 placer Quinton Murphy (Holley Central, NY) earned a second state title this past season in his third finals appearance. National Prep placer Charlie Lynch (Archbishop Spaulding, MD) was runner-up at the NHSCA Junior Nationals. Finally, Super 32 placer Matt Cimato (LaSalle, PA) made a tremendous leap in the off-season after failing to place at state during the regular season; when he placed at the FloNationals, was a FILA Cadet National and Junior National freestyle All-American, and earned a silver medal at the AAU Scholastic Duals. A trio of wrestlers that have made the Garden State podium will seek to rise to the Super 32 podium -- for Devon Gobbo (Delbarton, NJ) it would be a repeat appearance, while it would be a debut appearance for Lou Mascola (Seton Hall Prep, NJ) and Michael Bakuckas (Hammonton, NJ). Projected Final: Jason Tsirtsis (Crown Point, IN) vs. Jacob Crawford (Millbrook, VA) 145: College coaches pay attention. Senior studs abound in this weight class, though some have already verbally committed to colleges. Six members of the InterMat Top 100 wrestlers for the Class of 2010 anchor this weight class, including four of the top 34 and five of the top 48. Anchoring the field are FloNationals champion James Green and NHSCA Junior Nationals champion Nick Hodgkins. Green was runner-up in the Garden State last year, and undefeated at the Junior Duals in freestyle; while Hodgkins earned a third consecutive top three finish in the state tournament. The four other anchor seniors are FloNationals runner-up Pete Baldwin (Osceola, FL), runner-up at state the last two years after winning it as a freshman; FloNationals third place finisher Roger Wildmo (Durand, MI) placed at the Super 32 last year and earned a second state title in three finals appearances; Junior National double All-American Lex Ozias (Southern Garrett, MD) was third at the NHSCA Junior Nationals and is twice a state champion; while FloNationals champion Eric Roach (Crown Point, IN) won his first state title in 2009-10. Other notable seniors include two-time state placer CJ Cobb (Williamstown, NJ); state runner-up Josh Clark (Matoaca, VA); two-time state placer Matt Martoccio (Council Rock South, PA); two-time third place finisher at state Brody Grothus (Davenport Assumption, IA), one match away from placement last year; two-time National Prep placer Brady Massaro (Mt. St. Joseph, MD); two-time state champion Ron Vaughters (Old Mill, MD); returning Super 32 placer, and three-time state placer, Jayshon Wilson (Carlisle, PA);and multi-time state champion Damen Capper (Berkeley Springs, WV), who was also one match away from placement last year. Underclassmen to watch in this weight class include a pair of two-time state placers in junior Michael Minotti (Easton, PA) and Andrew Morse (Lowell MI), as well as sophomore state champion Zach Epperly (Christiansburg, VA). Projected Final: James Green (Willingboro, NJ) vs. Nick Hodgkins (Wyomissing, PA) 152: Like clockwork at the Super 32, this is yet another weight class with tremendous depth. The anchor figure in this weight class is one of the finest talents in the whole nation -- two-time state champion Felipe Martinez, who is ranked fourth nationally in the Class of 2012. Formerly at Graham High School, Martinez came to the fore with a runner-up finish at the Walsh Ironman as a freshman. This past year, he sealed his state title with six wins over former Super 32 champion Tucker Armstrong over the course of ten weeks. Codey Combs is a returning Super 32 placer, three-time Delaware state champion, and Beast of the East runner-up. However, the gap between the projected finalists and not even being in a placement position is very minute in this weight class. Seven other wrestlers in this field are ranked in their respective graduating classes: Ryne Cokeley (St. James Academy, KS) is a returning Super 32 placer, three-time state champion, and NHSCA Junior Nationals runner-up; Max Schneider (Lane Tech, IL) is a two-time state champion and Youth Olympic Games Judo champion; two-time state champion Clark Glass (Brandon, FL) placed third in Junior National Greco-Roman; senior Lorenzo Thomas (Pittsburgh Central Catholic, PA) was a state runner-up; Henry Carlson (Cox, VA) and Duke Pickett (Woodberry Forest, VA) were Junior National freestyle All-Americans at 145 pounds; and NHSCA Freshman Nationals champion Tyler Askey (Northgate, GA) was a Cadet National double All-American. Other wrestlers meriting significant attention in this weight class are FloNationals runner-up Jordan Wohlfert (St. John's, MI); state placer Brian Brill (Central Mountain, PA), who was one match away from placing last year); state champion and NHSCA Junior National All-American Austin Wilson (Hastings St. Cecelia, NE); two-time state champion Cody Allala (Hopewell, VA), also one match away from placement last year; as well as state champion Brian Henke (Richmond, MI). Projected Final: Felipe Martinez (Oregon Clay, OH) vs. Codey Combs (Sussex Central, DE) 160: Taylor Massa made his debut on the high school national scene with a semifinal appearance in this tournament three years ago as an eighth grader. Since then, his stock has continued to sizzle with two Cadet National double championships, double All-American honors at the Junior Nationals this past summer, a FILA Junior National freestyle title this past April, a FloNationals title, and two undefeated state championships in high school. However, the one thing to escape his grip has been a Super 32 championship belt -- as he was runner-up each of the last two years; in 2008 to Andrew Alton, and in 2009 to Jackson Morse. Though the perception of this weight class would be Massa in one corner and the field in another, the proverbial “field” is a very deep group of wrestlers with limited differentiation. The designated leader of the field is NHSCA Sophomore Nationals champion Nikko Reyes, who was third in his state tournament after ending up one match away from placement in this tournament last year. Among the other names to watch is NHSCA Junior National champion, and National Prep runner-up David Wesley (St. Christopher's VA); state champion and Beast of the East placer Jay Matheus (Sussex Central, DE), who was third at the NHSCA Sophomore Nationals; sophomore Cody Wiercioch (Charleroi, PA), who burst onto the scene with MVP honors at the Powerade and a state title during his freshman year; state runner-up Adam Bonner (Greenville, MI), the only wrestler to knock off Jackson Morse in 2009-10; AAU Scholastic Duals silver medalist Travis McKillop (Burrell, PA), a state placer; two-time state champion Issah Meade (Caesar Rodney, DE); and a pair of NHSCA Junior National All-Americans in Patrick Jennings (Longwood, NY) and Doug Hamann (Jackson Memorial, NJ). Another group of notables are state champions Rich Eva (Christiansburg, VA); John Lampe (St. Xavier, KY); TJ Duncan (McCallie, TN); and Forrest Przybysz (Jefferson, GA). Projected Final: Taylor Massa (St. John's, MI) vs. Nikko Reyes (Clovis West, CA) 171: Three years ago while Massa was making his run to the semifinals of the Super 32, another junior high wrestler was making an impression in the tournament as well. Jason Luster -- also an eighth grader at the time -- was also in the field and involved in a match against Joey Cozart (Brandon, FL/Iowa State) that went right down to the wire. The physical tools that Luster has are undeniable and have led him to two National Prep championship finals, including a title last year; as well as a FloNationals runner-up finish to Massa this past spring. On the other hand, until this summer, Wally Figaro was a known commodity in the national context but in need of a perception breakthrough. That came with a terrific Junior Duals tournament followed up by a Junior Nationals double All-American finish at 160 pounds in Fargo. Other wrestlers to watch in this weight include state placer Colin Hedash (Northern Lehigh, PA); two-time state champion and NHSCA Junior National All-American Patrick Downey (North County, MD); two-time state champion and FILA Cadet Greco-Roman champion Brandon Griffin (Sprague, OR); state placer and FloNationals placer Jackson Bratcher (Eastbrook, IN); three-time state placer Colin Hewitt (Franklin, NJ); National Prep placer Stout Watson (Forsyth County, NC); and two-time state placer, three-time state qualifier Tylan Coleman (Mayfield, OH). Projected Final: Jason Luster (Pittsburgh Central Catholic, PA) vs. Wally Figaro (Brandon, FL) 189: About the only thing in common the two projected finalists in this weight class have are they both were undefeated state champions in the Keystone state. While Stephen Ceremuga was a relative unknown in his state title run, and probably still is; Courts has been on the forefront of the national landscape since the Super 32 three years ago when he finished runner-up as a freshman to Collin Palmer (St. Edward, OH/Ohio State). After that Super 32 runner-up finish, Kenny Courts would defeat Dylan Alton (Central Mountain, PA/Penn State) in the finals of the Top Hat and earn Outstanding Wrestler honors at the Beast of the East prior to sustaining an injury that ended his freshman season of high school. In the last two years, Courts was runner-up and champ at the state tournament, and this past year earned titles at the Beast of the East and Powerade during the regular season. This weekend, he is the clear favorite to earn his first Super 32 belt. Along with Ceremuga, other notable challengers include state runner-up, and NHSCA Junior Nationals champion, Josh DaSilveira (Cardinal Gibbons, FL); NHSCA Junior Nationals All-American, and Junior National Greco-Roman All-American, Cody Johnston (Warrensburg, MO); state runner-up Michael Mauk (St. Mark's, DE); Super 32 and National Prep placer Nick Kidd (Northfield Mt. Hermon, MA); along with state champions Tory Bennett (Berkeley Springs, WV) and Mac Bennett (Collins Hill, GA). Projected Final: Kenny Courts (Central Dauphin, PA) vs. Stephen Ceremuga (Commodore Perry, PA) 215: To the general wrestling consumer, these last two weight classes are going to be pretty limited in terms of high profile names that create sizzle and cache in the mind. However, there are a group of credible wrestlers in each of these weight classes seeking to increase their place on the radar of wrestling fans. Michael Kennedy is ranked 100th among the Top 100 wrestlers in the Class of 2011 nationally. The returning Super 32 placer was a NHSCA Sophomore Nationals champion in 2009 and won his first state title this past year. Ian Kirkman was runner-up at the state tournament this past year, but made his slight dent on the national scene with a Gold medal at the AAU Scholastic Duals. Other notables in this weight are a pair of state runner-ups Zachary Nye (East Pennsboro, PA) and Matt Mongera (Seneca, PA); New England Regional champion, and NHSCA Junior National All-American, Patrick Gillen (Shelton, CT); state placer Andrew Marra (Wall, NJ); 2009 state placer Scott Syrek (Owen J. Roberts, PA); Beast of the East champion Matt Idelson (Garnet Valley, PA); and NHSCA Sophomore Nationals champion James Suvak (St. Edward, OH). Projected Final: Michael Kennedy (Blackman, TN) vs. Ian Kirkman (Morehead, NC) 285: On the surface, this weight class is a golden opportunity for three of the finest upper-weight wrestlers in the southeast to showcase on the national landscape, and provide some clarity on which is best. Colin Campbell, a state champion and returning Super 32 placer, made his significant dent on the national scene with a 5th place finish in Junior National freestyle this past summer. Jacob Aiken-Phillips, a fellow state champion, was third at the NHSCA Junior Nationals this past spring. The third member of this trio is state champion Ross Burbank (Cox, VA). Others to watch in this weight class include state champions Chandler Ford (James Martin, TX) and Wayne Purnell (Salesanium, DE); Cadet National double All-American James Dreggors (Springstead, FL); state placer and returning Super 32 placer Caleb Baker (General McLane, PA); and New England Regional third place finisher Ben Tammany (Timberlane, NH). Projected Final: Colin Campbell (Person, NC) vs. Jacob Aiken-Phillips (Central Gwinnet, GA) Middle School Nuggets Frankie Bruno (Brandon, FL), the younger brother of Rossi Bruno, is among those in the field at 85 pounds. Vincenzo Joseph (St. Phillip, PA) and Cameron Kelly (Bellbrook, OH) are proven commodities at the junior high level from power states, both are in the field at 90 pounds Matthew Kolodzik (Miami Valley, OH) is ranked third nationally among junior high wrestlers, and heads the field at 95 pounds. However, AC Headlee (Margaret Bell Miller, PA) is a proven commodity in PJW competition and Kyle Norstrem (Brandon, FL) is the younger sibling of Kevin Norstrem -- both also in that weight class. The 100-pound weight class features two nationally-ranked wrestlers -- Dylan Lucas (Brandon, FL) ranked fourth, and Sam Krivus (Hempfield, PA) ranked 13th. Isaac Dulgarian (Horizon Academy, KS) is a proven national commodity in USA Wrestling events, and is a wrestler to watch at 112 pounds. Twelfth-ranked Mason Manville (Hayfield, VA) is among those in the field at 136 pounds.

ROCHESTER, Minn. -- The 2010 InterMat JJ Classic took place on October 23 at the UCR Regional Sports Center in Rochester, Minnesota. Wrestlers from Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Texas competed in the inaugural preseason tournament. The event not only served as a tune-up for wrestlers in grades 7-12, it was also a fundraising event in honor of Justin Joseph (JJ) Kukowski, an avid sports fan who passed away on March 12, 2007 after a courageous battle with brain cancer. Proceeds from the InterMat JJ Classic go towards the Justin Kukowski Center for Spiritual and Physical Healing, a treatment center for patients dealing with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. The final round included tight matches, dominating performances, upsets, dramatic finishes, and a closing exhibition showdown. No finals match had a more dramatic finish than the 215-pound finals match between Coyte Kuefner (Owatonna, MN) and Collin Jensen (Mobridge-Pollock, SD). Jensen, who wrestled at 171 pounds last season, completely dominated the first two periods of the match and took a 7-0 lead into the third period. Jensen added to his lead in the third period to go up 9-0. But as attempted a tilt, Kuefner reversed Jensen and put him to his back, picking up a pin with 13 seconds remaining in the match. "It wasn't my plan, but it works," said Kuefner after the match. Apple Valley High School (MN) crowned three champions, the most of any program. Winning titles for Apple Valley were Derek Scott (125), Ben Sullivan (160), and Jake Waste (171). Scott cruised to a 6-0 victory in the finals over Andy Underhill (Burnsville, MN) to win the title at 125 pounds. Sullivan, a state champion and two-time NHSCA Nationals All-American, was dominant in the finals, winning by major decision, 9-1, over Cody Anderson (White Bear Lake, MN). It was Sullivan's first competition since transferring to Apple Valley. "I just came from Alaska," said Sullivan. "I'm loving the school. I'm loving my decision. The guys are great. The coaches are great." Waste, who is ranked as the No. 44 senior recruit in the country by InterMat, registered a 10-3 victory in the finals over Hunter Rud (Byron, MN). Waste outscored his three opponents at 171 pounds 34-6, but still had high praise for the competitors in his weight class. "I had tough kids," said Waste, a 2009 Cadet National Triple Crown winner. "Every kid is going out there to beat me. I go out there, just do my thing and work as hard as I can." The 145-pound final between Travis Leiskau (Klein Oak, TX) and Grant Kyllo (Zumbrota-Mazzepa, MN) was a seesaw battle. Leiskau scored first with a body lock to go up 2-0 and ran the score to 4-0 with a tilt. But Kyllo battled back, reversing Leiskau to his back to take the lead 5-4 heading into the second period. The only points in the second period came from a Leiskau reversal, which gave him the lead back at 6-5 with a period to go. Leiskau added a third-period takedown to take the match 8-5. Leiskau is up six weight classes from his competition weight class of 119 last season. "I just worked out a lot over the summer," said Leiskau, a past NHSCA Nationals All-American and Toshiba Midwest Classic placewinner. "I've been wrestling too light the last two years, so I decided to make the change." Foley High School (MN) crowned a pair of champions at the 2010 InterMat JJ Classic in Tristan Manderfeld (103) and Keith Thell (119). Manderfeld turned in a dominating performance on Saturday, shutting out two age-group national champions to win a deep 103-pound weight class that was filled with national talent. Manderfeld won 12-0 over 2010 Schoolboy National Triple Crown winner Dante' Rodriguez (Grand Island, NE) in the semifinals, before taking out 2009 Folkstyle Nationals champion Jarred Oftedahl (Benilde-St. Margaret's, MN), 5-0, in the finals. Manderfeld was named Outstanding Wrestler of the event. Thell, a state placewinner last season, edged Brett Stolarzyk (Stewartville, MN), 4-2, in an action-filled match. The two wrestlers exchanged takedowns in the first two periods and the match was knotted at 2-2 heading into the third period. Thell was able to score a reversal in the third period, which proved to be the difference in the match. Nate Jozsa (Mount Zion, IL) put together an impressive tournament to win the title at 112 pounds. He took out returning state placewinner Jimmy Scieszinski (Van Meter, IA) in the semifinals before stopping local favorite Andrew Dayland (St. Charles, MN) in the finals. "I would like to thank Nathan Martinez, T.J. Williams, and Mount Zion High School for getting me this far," said Jozsa. He now has his sights set on the next events on his wrestling schedule. "I'll be going to Super 32 next weekend, Border War Nationals, and then I'll start high school (wrestling) at Mount Zion High School at 2A in Illinois," said Jozsa. Perhaps the biggest surprise of the finals came at 135 pounds, where Matt Tlougan (Byron, MN) knocked off two-time state champion and NHSCA All-American Andrew Riedy (Grand Island, NE), 2-0, in overtime. Tlougan shot a single leg off the whistle in overtime and converted it into a winning takedown. Hayden Rouser (ACGC, MN), a state third-place finisher in 2009, became the first InterMat JJ Classic champion ever crowned as he defeated 2010 state runner-up Mitchel Lexvold (Kenyon Wanamingo, MN), 2-0. Rouser scored a takedown off a Kelly in the first period, which turned out to be the lone points scored in the match. At 140 pounds, Jacob Anderson (River Valley, MN) gave up the first takedown of the match to go down 2-0, but went on to score five unanswered points to win 5-2. Trey Hable (Albert Lea, MN) rolled to a convincing 14-6 major decision victory over Daniel Egesdal (Chaska/Chanhassen, MN) to win the championship at 152 pounds. Chad Matthees (Zumbrota-Mazeppa, MN) registered a 14-4 decision over Apple Valley's Corbin Farrell at 189 pounds. At heavyweight, Cadet Nationals Greco-Roman All-American Sam Stoll (Kasson-Mantorville, MN) defeated Kyle Wiemann (Elk River, MN) in the championship match. The inaugural InterMat JJ Classic closed with an exhibition showdown between a pair of champions from this year's event, Waste (171) and Matthees (189). Waste scored the only two takedowns in the match and picked up a 5-2 victory. Finals Results: 103: Tristan Manderfeld (Foley, MN) dec. Jarred Oftedahl (BSM, MN), 5-0 112: Nate Jozsa (Mount Zion, IL) dec. Andrew Dayland (St. Charles, MN), 4-0 119: Keith Thell (Foley, MN) dec. Brett Stolarzyk (Stewartville, MN), 4-2 125: Derek Scott (Apple Valley, MN) dec. Andy Underhill (Burnsville, MN), 6-0 130: Hayden Rouser (ACGC, MN) dec. Mitchel Lexvold (Kenyon-Wanamingo, MN), 2-0 135: Matt Tlougan (Byron, MN) dec. Andrew Riedy (Grand Island, NE), 2-0 OT 140: Jacob Anderson (River Valley, MN) dec. William Sustercich (Foley, MN), 5-4 145: Travis Leiskau (Klein Oak, TX) dec. Grant Kyllo (Zumbrota-Mazeppa, MN), 8-5 152: Trey Hable (Albert Lea, MN) major dec. Daniel Egesdal (Chaska/Chan, MN), 14-6 160: Ben Sullivan (Apple Valley, MN) major dec. Cody Anderson (WBL, MN), 9-1 171: Jake Waste (Apple Valley, MN) dec. Hunter Rud (Byron, MN), 10-3 189: Chad Matthees (ZM, MN) major dec. Corbin Farrell (Apple Valley, MN), 14-4 215: Coyte Kuefner (Owatonna, MN) pinned Colin Jensen (Mobridge-Pollock, SD), 3:47 285: Sam Stoll (Kasson-Mantorville, MN) dec. Kyle Wiemann (Elk River, MN), 5-3

Download Brackets (PDF) 103: 1. Tristan Manderfeld (Foley, Minn., Sophomore) 2. Jarred Oftedahl (Benilde-St. Margaret's, Minn., Sophomore) 3. Trey Blaha (Cedar Rapids Prairie, Iowa, Freshman) 4. Josh Alber (Dakota, Ill., Freshman) 5. Dante' Rodriguez (Grand Island, Neb., Freshman) 6. Maolu Woiwor (Apple Valley, Minn., Eighth-Grader) 112: 1. Nate Jozsa (Mount Zion, Ill., Freshman) 2. Andrew Dayland (St. Charles, Minn., Freshman) 3. Jayden Flege (Cedar Rapids Prairie, Iowa, Sophomore) 4. Tyler Jenson (Foley, Minn., Junior) 5. Jimmy Scieszinski (Van Meter, Iowa, Junior) 6. Nathan Stebbins (North St. Paul, Minn., Senior) 119: 1. Keith Thell (Foley, Minn., Sophomore) 2. Brett Stolarzyk (Stewartville, Minn., Sophomore) 3. Shamar Williams (Apple Valley, Minn., Freshman) 4. Byron Fortsner (Madelia-Truman, Minn., Sophomore) 5. Trent Butcher (Chaska/Chanhassen, Minn., Sophomore) 6. Dylan Herman (United South Central, Minn., Freshman) 125: 1. Derek Scott (Apple Valley, Minn., Senior) 2. Andy Underhill (Burnsville, Minn., Junior) 3. Zach Goldberg (Lakeville, Minn., Senior) 4. Mason Brownlee (MLLC, Minn., Freshman) 5. Zack Gawboy (Maple Grove, Minn., Junior) 6. Carson Henry (St. Charles, Minn., Senior) 130: 1. Hayden Rouser (ACGC, Minn., Junior) 2. Mitchel Lexvold (Kenyon-Wanamingo, Minn., Junior) 3. Nate Galvin (Crestwood, Iowa, Sophomore) 135: 1. Matt Tlougan (Byron, Minn., Senior) 2. Andrew Riedy (Grand Island, Neb., Junior) 3. Jake Deutschlander (Benilde-St. Margaret's, Minn., Freshman) 4. Jonny Dill (Maple Grove, Minn., Junior) 5. Mario Tuccitto (North St. Paul, Minn., Senior) 6. Kaleb Lienhard (Crestwood, Iowa, Junior) 140: 1. Jacob Anderson (River Valley, Minn., Junior) 2. William Sustercich (Foley, Minn., Junior) 3. Tyler Pasvogel (Sibley East, Minn., Junior) 4. Zach Jaeger (Stewartville, Minn., Sophomore) 5. T.J. O'Hara (Tartan, Minn., Freshman) 6. Frank Cramer (Maple Grove, Minn., Senior) 145: 1. Travis Leiskau (Klein Oak, Texas, Junior) 2. Grant Kyllo (Zumbrota-Mazeppa, Minn., Senior) 3. Travis Johnson (East Buchanan, Iowa, Senior) 4. Ben Rynda (Trinity, Minn., Junior) 5. Reese Kling (Minnetonka, Minn., Junior) 6. Devin Wicks (WHAN, Minn., Junior) 152: 1. Trey Hable (Albert Lea, Minn., Junior) 2. Daniel Egesdal (Chaska/Chanhassen, Minn., Senior) 3. Blake Wiemann (WHAN, Minn., Junior) 4. Ryan Jones (Mille Lacs, Minn., Senior) 5. Jacob Jackson (Minnetonka, Minn., Senior) 6. Joe Hoeve (Farmington, Minn., Freshman) 160: 1. Ben Sullivan (Apple Valley, Minn., Junior) 2. Cody Anderson (White Bear Lake, Minn., Junior) 3. Anton Kalista (Lakeville North, Minn., Junior) 4. Ben Cousins (Bloomington Kennedy/Jefferson, Minn., Junior) 5. Luke Schmit (New Ulm, Minn., Junior) 6. Miles Hammerlund (Delano, Minn., Sophomore) 171: 1. Jake Waste (Apple Valley, Minn., Senior) 2. Hunter Rud (Byron, Minn., Senior) 3. Christian DuLaney (Shakopee, Minn., Freshman) 4. Alex Jackson (Kenyon-Wanamingo, Minn., Sophomore) 189: 1. Chad Matthees (Zumbrota-Mazeppa, Minn., Senior) 2. Corbin Farrell (Apple Valley, Minn., Junior) 3. Aaron Baker (Lakeville North, Minn., Junior) 215: 1. Coyte Kuefner (Owatonna, Minn., Junior) 2. Collin Jensen (Mobridge-Pollock, S.D., Junior) 3. Nathan Rose (Sibley East, Minn., Freshman) 4. Jesse Root (Fridley, Minn., Senior) 5. Ivan Guernsey (Fridley, Minn., Senior) 6. Alex Gray (Maple Grove, Minn., Junior) 285: 1. Sam Stoll (Kasson-Mantorville, Minn., Freshman) 2. Kyle Wiemann (Elk River, Minn., Junior)

Jake Waste (Apple Valley, MN) Kathleen Hennessy Rehbein (JJ's Mother) Matt Krumrie (The Ultimate Guide to Wrestling Camps) Brad Ewing (Spring, TX)

103: Maolu Woiwor (Apple Valley, MN) dec. Levi Marsh (G8) LCWM, MN), 7-0 103: Dante' Rodriguez (Grand Island, NE) pinned Louie Sanders (Madelia, MN), 0:44 103: Dante' Rodriguez (Grand Island, NE) pinned Maolu Woiwor (Apple Valley, MN), 3:00 103: Tristan Manderfeld (Foley) maj. dec. Dante' Rodriguez (Grand Island, NE), 12-0 103: Jarred Oftedahl (Benilde-St. Margaret's, MN) dec. Josh Alber (Dakota, IA), 4-2 119: Brett Stolarzyk (Stewartville, MN) pinned Aaron Beyer (Nicollet), 1:10 119: Trent Butcher (Chaska/Chan, MN) dec. Shamar Williams (Apple Valley, MN), 8-5 125: Carson Henry (St. Charles, MN) pinned Zack Gawboy (Maple Grove, MN), 2:37 145: Grant Kyllo (Zumbrota-Mazeppa) pinned Dillon Carlson (North St. Paul, MN), 0:39 145: Travis Leiskau (Klein Oak, TX) pinned Reece Kling (Minnetonka, MN), 1:38 145: Travis Johnson (East Buchanan, IA) dec. Ben Rynda (Trinity, MN), 11-8 171: Jake Waste (Apple Valley, MN) maj. dec. Christian DuLaney (Shakopee, MN), 12-2 215: Collin Jensen (Mobridge-Pollock, SD) dec. Ivan Guernsey (Fridley), 4-0 215: Nathan Rose (Sibley East, MN) pinned Harrison Barnes (Kasson-Mantorville), 0:39

103: Tristan Manderfeld (Foley, MN) dec. Jarred Oftedahl (BSM, MN), 5-0 112: Nate Josza (Mount Zion, IL) dec. Andrew Dayland (St. Charles, MN), 4-0 119: Keith Thell (Foley, MN) dec. Brett Stolarzyk (Stewartville, MN), 4-2 125: Derek Scott (Apple Valley, MN) dec. Andy Underhill (Burnsville, MN), 6-0 130: Hayden Rouser (ACGC, MN) dec. Mitchel Lexvold (Kenyon-Wanamingo, MN), 2-0 135: Matt Tlougan (Byron, MN) dec. Andrew Riedy (Grand Island, NE), 2-0 OT 140: Jacob Anderson (River Valley, MN) dec. William Sustercich (Foley, MN), 5-4 145: Travis Leiskau (Klein Oak, TX) dec. Grant Kyllo (Zumbrota-Mazeppa, MN), 8-5 152: Trey Hable (Albert Lea, MN) maj. dec. Daniel Egesdal (Chaska/Chan, MN), 14-6 160: Ben Sullivan (Apple Valley, MN) maj. dec. Cody Anderson (White Bear Lk, MN), 9-1 171: Jake Waste (Apple Valley, MN) dec. Hunter Rud (Byron, MN), 10-3 189: Chad Matthees (Zumbrota-Mazeppa, MN) pinned Aaron Baker (Lakeville, MN), 1:51 215: Coyte Kueffner (Owatonna, MN) pinned Colin Jensen (Mobridge-Pollock, SD), 3:47 285: Sam Stoll (Kasson-Mantorville, MN) dec. Kyle Wiemann (Elk River, MN), 5-3 Exh: Jake Waste (Apple Valley, MN) dec. Chad Matthees (Zumbrota-Mazeppa, MN), 5-2

Photos by Johnnie Johnson

A recent press release promoting the NWCA All-Star Classic wrestling event to be held in Fresno, Calif. on Nov. 21 announced that the competition was being held as a fundraiser to preserve college wrestling in California. A sentence in the release stated that “numerous Division One wrestling programs such as Cal State Bakersfield, Cal Poly, UC Davis and Cal State Fullerton are in danger of being eliminated due to the adverse conditions of California’s economy.” Although it is true that Div. I wrestling teams in California face major challenges at this time, the inclusion of Cal Poly in this list has been misinterpreted and misunderstood. The facts are that the other three programs, Cal State Bakersfield, UC Davis and Cal State Fullerton, announced last year that they were dropping their varsity wrestling programs. Both Cal State Bakersfield and Cal State Fullerton have reinstated their programs after effective fundraising efforts. The efforts to save the UC Davis program have not been successful to date, and there is no varsity program there this season. Another Div I college program at Fresno State was dropped after the 2005-06 season. Cal Poly has not made any official statement concerning its varsity wrestling program which would imply that the program is in danger. In fact, Cal Poly has made recent decisions which indicate a commitment to its varsity wrestling program including: - Reaching a three-year agreement with Mark Perry as its head coach - The addition of two scholarships for the varsity wrestling program - Cal Poly is extremely proud of the successes, both on the mat and in the classroom of our wrestlers. We have enjoyed significant external financial support for our program and we have not considered eliminating our wrestling program." Commented Athletic Director, Alison Cone. Cal Poly is expected to have a successful team this season, and has set high goals for the program in future seasons. If more college wrestling programs, especially on the Div. I level, are eliminated in California, there is no doubt that it will add additional pressure on those programs which remain. Nobody within the wrestling community disputes this assertion. The current economic conditions across the nation have placed many Olympic sports in college campuses in peril. This is not just an issue about wrestling, nor is it just an issue in California. However, the press release concerning the effort to support and protect college wrestling in California was not written to imply that Cal Poly’s wrestling team may be dropped. The NWCA and California USA Wrestling, who are working together to promote the NWCA All-Star Classic, will continue to educate the community about the importance of wrestling on the college level. Both organizations are dedicated to protect and preserve all wrestling opportunities in the state of California.

The first weight class for the 45th annual NWCA All-Star Classic presented by the Marines has been announced. Two wrestlers from Pennsylvania colleges will participate at 149 pounds in the All-Star Classic at Selland Arena in Fresno, Calif., on November 21. All-Americans Kevin LeValley of Bucknell and Torsten Gillespie of Edinboro will square off in one of the nation's most competitive weight classes. LeValley, a senior from Hugo, Colo., will be making his first appearance in the All-Star Classic and will be Bucknell's second straight representative in the event. Last year, Andy Rendos became the first Bison wrestler to wrestle in the All-Star Classic competing at 165 pounds. LeValley finished seventh at the 2010 NCAA Championships with a 42-8 record and will represent the U.S. later this month in Tornio, Italy at the University World Championships in freestyle wrestling. Gillespie, a junior from Webster, N.Y., had a stellar run at the 2010 NCAA Championships, reaching the quarterfinals before finishing in sixth place after coming into the tournament unseeded. He finished the 2009-10 campaign with a 32-16 record. Gillespie will be the Fighting Scots' 11th participant it the event all-time and first since 2004 when Matt King wrestled Tyrone Lewis of Oklahoma State at 165 pounds. Gillespie and LeValley have never met in collegiate competition. The 45th Annual NWCA All-Star Classic Presented by The Marines will be held at the Selland Arena in Fresno, California on Sunday, November 21, 2010. The doors open at 2:00 p.m. The All-Star Classic follows a weekend of fundraising events. For more information about the tournament, purchasing tickets and the fundraising events, visit the www.nwcaonline.com's event page. To donate to the effort to save collegiate wrestling programs, visit http://nwca.ticketleap.net. 2010 NWCA All-Star Classic Presented by the Marines Rankings by W.I.N. Magazine 125- 133- 141- 149- #4 Torsten Gillespie, Jr. (Edinboro) vs. #5 Kevin LeValley, Sr. (Bucknell) 157- 165- 174- 184- 197- 285- Exhibitions: About California USA Wrestling California USA Wrestling is a non-profit organization committed to the success and health of their athletes and dedicated to the promotion and preservation of collegiate and international styles of amateur wrestling. As the official California affiliate of USA Wrestling, the national governing board for international-style amateur wrestling in the United States, the club is responsible for the organization and execution of sanctioned USA Wrestling events in the state. California USA Wrestling educates the community about the styles of wrestling and the value of being involved in the sport. They strive to provide fun, exciting and well-planned events and improve the quality of California wrestling at the competitive level. For more information, visit www.ca-usaw.org. About NWCA The National Wrestling Coaches Association, established in 1928, is a professional organization dedicated to supporting and elevating the sport of amateur wrestling. NWCA provides leadership and guidance primarily to scholastic and collegiate wrestling programs, but is an advocate to all levels of wrestling. The NWCA promotes communication, recognizes achievement, recommends rules and regulations, sponsors events and serves as a resource for education and information pertaining to the sport of wrestling. Additionally, The NWCA strives to foster the sportsmanship and integrity that are the cornerstones of any competitive sport. For more information, visit http://www.nwcaonline.com.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Defending National Champion Notre Dame (Ohio) landed on top of the NAIA Wrestling Coaches' Preseason Top 20 Poll, the NAIA announced Tuesday. The Falcons racked up 160 total team points. Missouri Valley and Campbellsville (Ky.) share the No. 2 spot with 79.5 points. McKendree (Ill.) checks in at No. 4 with 73 points and with 71.5 points, Cumberland (Tenn.) rounds out the top-five teams. The Falcons’ had 11 grapplers garner a ranking in their respective weight class. The only weight class that Notre Dame is not ranked is 141. Campbellsville boasts eight ranked individuals and Missouri Valley has seven. Both have a ranked wrestler in seven weight classes. Notre Dame’s dominance at the 2010 Wrestling National Championships has set the Falcons apart. Reigning National Wrestling Coach of the Year Frank Romano’s arsenal remains intact as all nine wrestlers that advanced to medal matches return for the 2010 – 11 season. Of the nine that wrestled for a spot on the podium, eight came away as All-Americans, including three national champs. Jeffrey Pelton and Thomas Straughn will be eyeing a second title at 149 and 157 pounds, respectively, and 197-pounder Derek Foore will be gunning for back-to-back titles. All three enter this season ranked No. 1 in their respective weight class. The trio of defending national champions from Notre Dame is joined by Campbellsville’s Tommy Pretty as reigning titlists. Pretty took home top-honors at 133 pounds last year, but has bumped up a weight class and is ranked second at 141. Great Falls’ (Mont.) Myles Mazurkiewicz, who finished second to Pretty in the 133-pound finals, also moved up to 141 pounds and starts the season ranked third. A 165-pound semifinalist, Chris Chionuma of Lindenwood (Mo.), made the move up and is listed second at 174. The third returning semifinalist is Notre Dame’s heavyweight Orlando Scales. He enters his campaign ranked No. 1. Three weight classes, 141, 174 and 184, have five returning All-Americans or honorable mentions ranked. The poll was voted upon by a panel of head coaches representing each of the groupings. The first regular-season poll will be announced on Nov. 23. RANK SCHOOL TOTAL TEAM POINTS 1 Notre Dame (Ohio) 160 2 Missouri Valley (Mo.) 79.5 2 Campbellsville (Ky.) 79.5 4 McKendree (Ill.) 73 5 Cumberland (Tenn.) 71.5 6 Great Falls (Mont.) 65 7 Dickinson State (N.D.) 58 8 Grand View (Iowa) 54 8 Lindenwood (Mo.) 54 10 Embry-Riddle (Ariz.) 40.5 10 Morningside (Iowa) 40.5 12 Southern Oregon (Ore.) 38 13 Montana State-Northern (Mont.) 32 14 Menlo (Calif.) 29.5 15 Hastings College (Neb.) 26 16 Oklahoma City (Okla.) 24.5 17 Cumberlands (Ky.) 20 18 Missouri Baptist (Mo.) 18 19 California Baptist (Calif.) 15 20 Jamestown (N.D.) 8.5 Others receiving votes: Midland University 8; Shorter College 5.5; Baker (Kan.) 2.5; Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) 1.5; York College (Neb.) 1.5; William Penn (Iowa) 1; Sioux Falls (S.D.) 1; Northwestern (Iowa) 1. Top-Ranked Individuals 125 – Larone Madison, Cumberlands (Ky.) 133 – Wade Lowe, McKendree (Ill.) 141 – Micahel Davis, Cumberland (Tenn.) 149 – Jeffrey Pelton, Notre Dame (Ohio) 157 – Thomas Straughn, Notre Dame (Ohio) 165 – Preston McKinney, Missouri Valley 174 – Cody Butzer, Notre Dame (Ohio) 184 – Michael French, Great Falls (Mont.) 197 – Derek Foore, Notre Dame (Ohio) HWT – Orlando Scales, Notre Dame (Ohio)

COLLEGE PARK, Md. -- For a program that has won two of the last three ACC Championships and finished in the top 20 at two straight NCAA Championships, one might expect that losing three All-Americans could change the expectations heading into a new season. But Maryland expects the return of two former ACC Champions plus an influx of talented newcomers will propel them to another outstanding season in 2010-11. Mike Letts, the 2007 and 2008 ACC Champ at 174 pounds, Jon Kohler, the 2008 Champ at 141 pounds, plus 2010 NCAA Qualifiers Josh Asper and Kyle John lead a talented group into Maryland’s first season under head coach Kerry McCoy without an All-American returning. Program stalwarts Steven Bell, Alex Krom and Hudson Taylor combined to earn All-America status six times during their illustrious careers and replacing them promises to be a challenge. But McCoy is confident this group will leave their own mark on the Terrapin wrestling program. “Our expectations never change,” said McCoy. “One of the reasons I came here is that I wanted to be a program that could challenge for a national championship. Winning the ACC is the goal every year and we want to be in the hunt at the NCAA Championships. We have a young team this year and there will be some new guys in the lineup that we have to see what they can do. But without a doubt, we have three or four guys that should get on the podium and help us be in the hunt for a top 20 finish.” Letts, a fifth-year senior who redshirted in 2009 and had his 2010 season cut short due to injury, is healthy this season and looks ready to return to his championship form. His progression will be key to a team that has relied on its veterans heavily in the past. “Mike has the potential to win a national championship,” said McCoy. “He has some monsters in front of him. He’ll wrestle some very highly ranked wrestlers early on between the Oklahoma Gold Classic, the Northeast Duals and the Penn State Open. He could potentially see eight to ten ranked guys in the first semester. Without a doubt he’s a top-five wrestler.” Asper just missed out on All-America status as a freshman at the 2010 NCAA Championships and is ranked as high as fifth in the nation by some wrestling publications. The Parkton, Md., native set the Maryland freshman wins record with 34 last season and solidifies the middle of the lineup for the Terps. With Kyle John, a 2010 ACC runner-up, at 157 pounds, Asper at 165 and Letts at 174, Maryland can compete with almost any team in the nation at the middle weights. Corey Peltier, though perhaps under the radar, has had success in the past and looks for a breakout season at 184 pounds. A junior, Peltier won 21 matches last season, with a 3-1 mark in ACC matches. “Corey has been right there the last few years,” said McCoy. “This year I think he’s looking to turn that corner. I’m really excited for what he’s going to do this year.” A talented group of newcomers led by Spencer Myers, a first team ASICS All-American in high school, will be ready to contribute immediately. Freshman Ben Dorsay is a highly-touted freshman and will compete with redshirt freshman Justin Cash, among others, for the starting position at 149 pounds in a battle McCoy terms the most competitive on the team. The Terps will face plenty of tough competition early in the season, though McCoy designed it so there will be ample time to integrate the newcomers into the demands of college wrestling. “Our schedule is set up where we have enough time to train and to recover between competitions. We have a high enough level of competition that our guys are going to see elite-level competition, but we’re not in a situation that we’ve been in the past where we’re just grinding. So I’m very optimistic about the year.” Maryland will open the season with the Red and Black Wrestle-Offs on Saturday, Oct. 23, an intrasquad exhibition that determines the initial starters at each weight class. Although fans may not see some of the familiar faces they’ve grown accustomed to over the past few years, McCoy’s goals remain unchanged. “We should never be out of the hunt for an ACC title and a top 20 finish at the NCAAs. When everything comes together we can get into the top five and challenge for a national championship. This year we want to get multiple All-Americans, win the conference tournament and be in the top 20 at the NCAA Championships.” 125 With the departure of James Knox, who graduated, junior Pat Strizki is the favorite to win the starting job. Junior Will Sharbaugh, sophomore Brian Marcoux and freshmen Ken Collado, Shane Gentry and Jenkins Monzey will all be in the hunt, however. Strizki won 11 matches last season and was 4-4 in dual competition. 133 Senior Lou Ruland and junior Joey Boone have separated themselves as the top two at 133 pounds. The winner of this job will have big shoes to fill, as Steven Bell won the last three ACC titles and was a two-time All-American at 133. Freshmen Frank Goodwin and Mason Goretsas will also challenge for time here. 141 Senior Jon Kohler returns to the weight where he won the 2008 ACC Championship after spending last season at 149 pounds. He looks to solidify a position that has been a strength for Maryland over the last three seasons – with Alex Krom’s 2009 and 2010 titles, the Terps have won this weight at the ACC Championships the past three seasons. Kohler will be pushed by junior Matt Bogusz, sophomore Brad Molina, redshirt freshman Danny O’Malley and freshman Mark Hartenstine. 149 This could be the most open competition out of the 10 weights, with five challengers vying for the starting position. Dexter Lederer is the lone senior and wrestled in two ACC duals last season, but a talented group of freshmen looks ready to challenge. Justin Cash, Eric Beverly and Danny Orem are all redshirt freshmen who spent last season wrestling in open competition, and true freshman Ben Dorsay comes to Maryland with high accolades. 157 Kyle John returns as the starter at 157 a season after winning 29 matches and qualifying for the NCAA Championships. John was 17-6 in dual meets, including 4-0 in ACC regular season meets, and is ranked in the top 10 at 157 pounds. 165 Sophomore Josh Asper is the returning starter and will look to improve on a season in which he set the school record for wins by a freshman and narrowly missed out on All-America status. Asper was an impressive 23-5 in dual meets last season and 11 wins by major decision. Redshirt freshman Jimmy Sheptock, who went 24-3 last season in open competition, will challenge Asper. 174 Two-time ACC Champ Mike Letts looks to return to form after an injury-shortened 2010 season. Letts won the ACC Championship as a true freshman and sophomore and has never been outside the top 15 in the rankings when healthy. 184 Corey Peltier is the returning starter. Senior Bradley Nielson, redshirt freshman Ty Snook and true freshman Rob Fitzgerald will also compete here. 197 The spot left vacant by Hudson Taylor will likely come down to redshirt freshmen Christian Boley and Dallas Brown. Both are very talented and gained experience wrestling in open competition last season. Senior Tommy Sitar may also compete here, but will likely start the season at heavyweight. 285 Redshirt sophomore Ryan Gray moves up to heavyweight from 197 this year and will compete with true freshman Spencer Myers for the starting job. The Pennsylvania state champ at 215 pounds as a high school senior, Myers went 44-0 in his final season at Selinsgrove High School. Senior Owen Duffy and possibly Sitar will also battle for the starting role.

USA Wrestler, the official magazine of USA Wrestling, is now available to general public as a digital edition. The October 2010 edition of USA Wrestler, which is being delivered in the mail to USA Wrestling members this week, has also been posted and can be viewed online. The October issue is now available in its entirety in this exciting new format. You only have to type in your email address, and you will have free access to the entire issue. Check out the latest edition of USA Wrestler at: http://content.yudu.com/A1pi4m/Oct2010/ The digital edition has many features which will make reading the issue easy and fun. You can view USA Wrestler online, and flip through the publication with a click of your computer mouse. You can zoom in and zoom out, viewing the page as close-up as you choose. You can look at a two-page spread, or look at each individual page by itself. If you click on any URL web address in the publication, either in an advertisement or in the articles, it will take you directly to the webpage. There is also a search function where you can type in a word, and you can go directly to the pages where that word appears in the edition. Fans can download the edition to their personal computers. They can also print off the publication to their own printer. Everybody in wrestling is encouraged to check out the digital edition of USA Wrestler. The digital edition of USA Wrestler is a great benefit of membership with USA Wrestling, but it is also a powerful tool to reach out to new people to build and expand our sport at all levels. You are also encouraged to send this URL link to all your friends and acquaintances with an interest in wrestling, so these people can also enjoy this new digital publication. For more information on USA Wrestling, the nation’s premier wrestling organization, visit: http://www.usawrestling.org