InterMat Staff

Matt Moley

Anthony Volpe of Miller Place, New York has given a verbal commitment to Rutgers. Volpe placed third at the 2009 NYSPHSAA State Wrestling Championships in Division I at 145 pounds. He is a three-time NHSCA Nationals All-American and a 2007 Cadet Nationals Greco-Roman All-American. It marks the second verbal commitment that the Rutgers wrestling program has received this month. Last week, Joe Duca, a two-time New Jersey state placewinner, verbally committed to Rutgers. It also marks the second verbal commitment from a Rocky Point wrestler this month. Volpe's teammate, Stephen Dutton, a 2009 state champion, gave a verbal commitment to Lehigh earlier this month. "I decided on Rutgers because of its coaching staff and their focus and determination in being a nationally recognized program," Volpe told InterMat. Volpe also considered Hofstra, Maryland, George Mason, and Brown. "I hope to become an asset in the wrestling room at Rutgers and develop into an All-American and a national champion," stated Volpe. Volpe plans to wrestle at 152 pounds for his senior season and projects as a 157-pounder in college.

GREELEY, Colo. -- After spending nearly his whole life in a wrestling room, Jack Maughan has decided it's time for a change. And with that, an era has ended for Bears athletics. Maughan this past season finished his 22nd year leading the Northern Colorado wrestling program, but he has announced his decision to step down from that leadership role and devote all of his energy to his duties as the athletic department's director of development, which he has also held in a dual-role for a little more than a year. Maughan, who has memories of being less than a year old and rolling around on a mat with his father, Bucky, a legendary wrestling coach at North Dakota State, says his decision is effective immediately. "This was a really, really difficult choice for me and my family," said Maughan, who also coached the men's and women's golf teams during his time at Northern Colorado. "I think the hardest thing for me, now that I've made my decision, is that I'm not the coach anymore. That's a hard thing to come to terms with. It's a position of respect, and you get such a good feeling about working with bright, great kids. I'll certainly miss that. "You always think that when you think the time is right, it's going to be easy to walk away, but it's definitely not. A lot of work has been put into this program over the last couple decades, and I know I'll never have the kind of relationships I've had again." Jay Hinrichs, Northern Colorado's director of athletics, said he will immediately begin looking for Maughan's replacement. He also said Maughan's void in the wrestling program will be a hard one to fill. "Jack has meant a great deal to the Northern Colorado athletic department," Hinrichs said. "He will not ever be replaced. We will instead go out and find someone who we think can continue on with what he's been building. Jack leaves behind a program that's a definite player on the national stage. "He played a huge role in our transition from NCAA Division II to NCAA Division I, and he will continue that in his role as our director of development. It takes a special person to successfully fulfill two important positions in an athletic department, and Jack did that admirably this past year. He felt he was short-changing one of them, though, and he's decided to jump head-first into development. I'm grateful we're not saying goodbye to him altogether." Maughan echoed those sentiments and said he's glad he's going to be able to stick around and have a front-row seat as the program moves forward. "I'm really happy I'll still get to be here," he said. "I'll still get to be around the wrestling program -- however, I certainly don't want to be meddling -- and be here to help and be a resource to whoever is hired to lead it into the future. Whatever that person may need, I'll be here for them. "It just came down to me not wanting to be an anchor to a program I've devoted so much time to and love so much. And me doing two jobs wasn't doing anybody any good. I'm glad I'll get to stay at Northern Colorado. This is where I want to be and where my family wants to be." During Maughan's tenure, which began in 1987, when he was 24 years old (the youngest head wrestling coach in Northern Colorado history) the Bears produced three NCAA champions, five runners-up and 46 All-America performers. And Maughan's Bears were one of the first Northern Colorado programs eligible to compete at the NCAA Division I level. In that first season, Maughan had five wrestlers qualify for the NCAA Division I Championships, the 2007-08 season saw two Northern Colorado wrestlers qualify for nationals, and in 2008-09, three Bears moved on and competed on the highest national stage. Maughan's teams finished among the nation's top-10 eight times, including third- and fourth-place finishes in 1991 and 1992, respectively, a fifth-place finish in 1996, a seventh-place finish in 2002 and eighth-place finishes in 1997 and 1998. Maughan also was instrumental in the formation of the Western Wrestling Conference, which includes Northern Colorado and neighboring rivals Wyoming and Air Force, along with former North Central Conference rivals North Dakota State and South Dakota State. Northern Iowa and Utah Valley State are also members of the WCC. "None of what we did while I was here would have been possible without the help of so many people," Maughan said. "Hank Brown (former Northern Colorado president) was incredible in helping our program, and if it hadn't been for Dr. (Robert) Heiny, I probably wouldn't be a coach anyway. And Shannon Courtney (Maughan's athletic trainer for the past 18 years) did so much for me and the kids who have come through here, in a sport that lends itself to a lot of injuries. It's tough to put into words my thanks to that group. "And I've had so many assistant coaches work with me, and I don't want to thank any of them in particular because I'll screw up and leave somebody out." Maughan inherited a tradition-rich program in that first year, but the Bears hadn't had a winning dual-meet season since 1980, and they had finished at or near the bottom of the rugged North Central Conference five of the previous six years. Maughan began to rebuild the program almost immediately, though, by recruiting some of the best high school wrestlers that Colorado and the west region had to offer. Within five years, the Bears boasted a pair of two-time national champions in Mike Pantoya of Thornton, Colo., and Mike Leberknight of Rapids City, S.D., and the school's first-ever four-time All-American in Scott Gates of Englewood, Colo., as well as the best back-to-back national finishes (third and fourth) in school history. To give his athletes and the Northern Colorado fans a firsthand look at the nation's finest wrestlers, Maughan brought the 1992 NCAA Division II Championships to Greeley, and when the Bears placed fourth and produced a national champion, Maughan's peers selected him the 1992 Division II National Coach of the Year. Maughan was instrumental in the NCAA bringing its Division II Wrestling Championships back to Greeley in 1996, and the program responded by breaking the tournament paid attendance record. Maughan's program hosted the NCAA Championships again in 2001, and the Division I West Regional qualifying tournament in 2009.

Note: All times Central Daylight Time (CDT). Day 1: Saturday, July 18: • Cadet Greco-Roman: Session I COMPLETED 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. • Cadet Greco-Roman: Session II COMPLETED 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Day 2: Sunday, July 19: • Junior Greco-Roman: Session I COMPLETED 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. • Junior Greco-Roman: Session II COMPLETED 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. • Cadet Greco-Roman: Session III COMPLETED 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Day 3: Monday, July 20: • Junior Greco-Roman: Session III COMPLETED 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. • Cadet Greco-Roman: Session IV COMPLETED 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. • Junior Women's Freestyle: Session I COMPLETED 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. • Junior Women's Freestyle: Session II–Finals, Medal Matches and Awards COMPLETED 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. • Cadet Greco-Roman: Session IV–Finals, Medal Matches and Awards COMPLETED 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Day 4: Tuesday, July 21: • Junior Greco-Roman: Session IV COMPLETED 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. • Junior Women's Freestyle National Duals: Preliminaries through Finals COMPLETED 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. • Junior Greco-Roman: Session V–Finals, Medal Matches and Awards COMPLETED 3:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Day 5: Wednesday, July 22: • Cadet Freestyle: Session I COMPLETED 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. • Cadet Freestyle: Session II COMPLETED 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Day 6: Thursday, July 23: • Junior Freestyle: Session I COMPLETED 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. • Junior Freestyle: Session II COMPLETED 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. • Cadet Freestyle: Session III COMPLETED 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Day 7: Friday, July 24: • Junior Freestyle: Session III 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. • Cadet Freestyle: Session IV 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. • Cadet Freestyle: Session V–Finals, Medal Matches and Awards 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. • Junior Freestyle: Session IV 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Day 8: Saturday, July 25: • Junior Freestyle: Session V–Finals, Medal Matches and Awards 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Tony Ersland

Dan Hicks

Aaron Simpson

The Junior National freestyle competition in Fargo, which starts on Thursday, is considered to be the Super Bowl event for high school age wrestlers. College wrestling coaches from all across the country convene in Fargo to take in the Junior National freestyle competition in hopes of eventually signing the most talented high school wrestlers in the U.S. Below is a weight-by-weight preview of the Junior National freestyle competition. 98: Leader of the Pack: Ruben Navejas (Washington) Notes: Navejas was a state champion, Cadet National double All-American in 2008, and nationally ranked (13th at 103 pounds). Others to Watch: Jacoby Bergeron (Minnesota), Devon Graville (Illinois), Mike Dauterive (Texas), and Mike Soria (New York) Notes: Bergeron was a state champion, and a Junior National double All-American in 2008. Graville was runner-up in 2009 at the Junior National Folkstyle Championships. Dauterive was undefeated at the Junior National Freestyle Duals in 2009. Soria was a state champion. 105: Leader of the Pack: Jade Rauser (Montana) Notes: Rauser is a two-time state champion, Junior National folkstyle champion in 2009, Junior National freestyle runner-up in 2008, and nationally ranked (12th at 103 pounds) Others to Watch: Jake Schramm (Illinois) and Damien Gomez (California) Notes: Schramm was a Junior National double All-American in 2008. Gomez was a FILA Junior freestyle All-American in 2009. 112: Leader of the Pack: Tyler Cox (Wyoming) Notes: Cox is a multiple-time state champion and nationally ranked (5th at 119 pounds, 33rd in the Class of 2009) Others to Watch: Ryak Finch (Arizona), Robert Deutsch (New Jersey), Robert Dyar (Alabama), Carson Kuhn (Utah), Hayden Zillmer (Minnesota) Notes: Finch is a multiple-time state champion, Junior National double runner-up, and nationally ranked (eighth at 112 pounds, 45th in the Class of 2010). Deutsch is a two-time state finalist, Cadet National freestyle runner-up in 2008, and nationally ranked (ninth at 112 pounds, 30th in the Class of 2011). Dyar was a multiple-time state champion, nationally ranked (14th at 112 pounds), and a Junior National double All-American in 2008. Kuhn is a two-time state champion and Cadet National double All-American in 2008. Zilmer is a state champion, Junior National folkstyle champion in 2009, Cadet National double champion in 2008, went undefeated at the Junior National Freestyle Duals in 2009, and nationally ranked (11th at 103 pounds). Other Returning All-Americans in Freestyle: Brandon Nelson (Indiana), Matthew Gurule (Colorado), Valyen Rauser (Montana), Tanner Moon (Alabama), and Matt Correa (California) 119: Leader of the Pack: Ryan Mango (Missouri) Notes: Mango was a multiple-time state champion, Junior National double All-American in 2008, and nationally ranked (14th at 130 pounds, 100th in the Class of 2009). Others to Watch: Camden Eppert (Indiana), Nico Megaludis (Pennsylvania), Jesse Delgado (California), Alan Waters (Missouri), Sean Boylan (Delaware), and Ty Mitch (Ohio) Notes: Eppert was a multiple-time state finalist, Junior National freestyle All-American in 2008, went undefeated at the Junior National Freestyle Duals in 2009, and nationally ranked (seventh at 119 pounds, 63rd in the Class of 2009). Megaludis is a state champion, FILA Cadet freestyle champion in 2009, and nationally ranked (2nd at 112 pounds, 11th in the Class of 2011). Delgado is a state champion, Cadet National freestyle All-American in 2008, and nationally ranked (third at 112 pounds, 22nd in the Class of 2010). Waters is multiple-time state champion, Junior National double All-American in 2008, and nationally ranked (14th at 119 pounds, 41st in the Class of 2010). Boylan is a multiple-time state champion, Junior National freestyle All-American in 2008, went undefeated at the Junior National Freestyle Duals in 2009, and nationally ranked (sixth at 112 pounds, 43rd in the Class of 2010). Mitch is a two-time state champion, Cadet National freestyle All-American in 2008, and nationally ranked (78th in the Class of 2010). Yet More to Watch: Sharky Slyter (Kansas), Brian St James (Georgia), Brock Banta (Idaho), Rossi Bruno (Florida), and Mike Rhone (Pennsylvania) Notes: Slyter is a returning Junior National freestyle All-American. St James is nationally ranked in his grade and weight class, Bruno is nationally ranked in his grade, and Rhone was a FILA Cadet double All-American in 2009. 125: Leader of the Pack: Louis Trujillo (New Mexico) Notes: Trujillo is a multiple-time state champion, Cadet National freestyle champion, and nationally ranked (sixth at 130 pounds, 13th in the Class of 2010) Others to Watch: David Klingsheim (California), Ladd Rupp (Oklahoma), Nick Wilcox (New York), Frank Goodwin (Maryland), Tyler Rauenzahn (Pennsylvania), Joe Roth (Illinois), Keith Surber (Illinois), and TJ Mitchell (Georgia) Notes: Klingsheim was a two-time state champion and nationally ranked (second at 119 pounds, 27th in the Class of 2009). Rupp was a multiple-time state champion and nationally ranked (eighth at 125 pounds, 53rd in the Class of 2009). Wilcox is a state champion and nationally ranked (54th in the Class of 2010). Goodwin is a two-time National Prep runner-up and nationally ranked (15th at 119 pounds, 63rd in the Class of 2010). Rauenzahn is nationally ranked (16th at 119 pounds, 74th in the Class of 2010). Roth was a state champion and Junior National freestyle All-American in 2008. Surber is nationally ranked (92nd in the Class of 2010). Mitchell is a two-time state champion and nationally ranked (93rd in the Class of 2010). Other Returning All-Americans in Freestyle: Chris Head (Indiana) and Nick Soto (Florida) 130: Leader of the Pack: Sam Sherlock (Pennsylvania) Notes: Sherlock is a state champion and nationally ranked (sixth at 125 pounds, 16th in the Class of 2010) Others to Watch: Frank Cagnina (New Jersey), Cashe Quiroga (Indiana), Justin Lavalle (Minnesota), Devin Carter (Virginia), Josh Keszler (South Dakota), and Ryne Cokeley (Kansas) Notes: Cagnina is a two-time state champion, nationally ranked (ninth at 125 pounds, 19th in the Class of 2010), and went undefeated at the Junior National Freestyle Duals in 2009. Quiroga is nationally ranked (13th at 125 pounds, 65th in the Class of 2009). Lavalle was a two-time state champion, Junior National double All-American in 2008, and nationally ranked (fifth at 130 pounds, 80th in the Class of 2009). Carter is a multiple-time state champion and nationally ranked (first at 112 pounds, 23rd in the Class of 2010). Keszler is a state champion, Junior National freestyle All-American, and nationally ranked (seventh at 119 pounds, 26th in the Class of 2010). Cokeley is a two-time state champion, Cadet National double All-American in 2008, and nationally ranked (22nd in the Class of 2011) Yet More to Watch: Johnni DiJulius (Ohio) and Case Garrison (Oklahoma) Notes: Both wrestlers are nationally ranked for their respective grades. Other Returning All-American in Freestyle: Alex Kostenborder (Oregon) 135: Leader of the Pack: Josh Kindig (Pennsylvania) Notes: Kindig is a two-time state finalist, Junior National double runner-up in 2008, and nationally ranked (third at 135 pounds, ninth in the Class of 2010). Others to Watch: Austin Ormsbee (New Jersey), David Thorn (Minnesota), CJ Napier (Kansas), Jose Mendoza (California), Josh Dziewa (Pennsylvania), Jake Ballweg (Iowa), Zach Zehner (Wisconsin), and Simon Kitzis (Massachusetts) Notes: Ormsbee is a two-time National Prep champion and nationally ranked (fifth at 135 pounds, fifth in the Class of 2011). Thorn was a multiple-time state champion, Junior National freestyle All-Americanin 2008, nationally ranked (seventh at 125 pounds, 30th in the Class of 2009), and went undefeated at the Junior National Freestyle Duals in 2009. Napier was a multiple-time state champion, Junior National freestyle All-American in 2008, and nationally ranked (10th at 135 pounds, 41st in the Class of 2009). Mendoza was a Junior National freestyle runner-up in 2008. Dziewa was a Cadet National double All-American in 2008 and nationally ranked (47th in the Class of 2010). Ballweg is a multiple-time state champion, nationally ranked (58th in the Class of 2010), and went undefeated at the Junior National Freestyle Duals in 2009. Zehner is a state champion and nationally ranked (81st in the Class of 2010). Kitzis was Cadet National freestyle All-American in 2008 and nationally ranked (90th in the Class of 2010). Yet More to Watch: Caleb Ervin (Kentucky), Henry Carlson (Alabama), and Trevor Johnson (North Dakota) Note: Ervin and Carlson are nationally ranked in the Class of 2011. Johnson went undefeated at the Junior National Freestyle Duals in 2009. Other Returning All-American in Freestyle: Jed Lightfoot (Illinois) 140: Leader of the Pack: Andrew Alton (Pennsylvania) Notes: Alton is a state champion, Junior National double finalist in 2008, and nationally ranked (first at 140 pounds, second in the Class of 2010). Others to Watch: Chris Villalonga (New Jersey), Dylan Ness (Minnesota), Luke Vaith (Minnesota), Josh Warner (Idaho), Bart Reiter (Iowa), Kaleb Friedley (Missouri), and Jeremy Davenport (Oklahoma) Notes: Villalonga is a multiple-time National Prep champion and nationally ranked (first at 130 pounds, third in the Class of 2010). Ness is a Junior National folkstyle champion in 2009, Cadet National double champion in 2008, nationally ranked (ninth at 140 pounds, 17th in the Class of 2010), and went undefeated at the Junior National Freestyle Duals in 2009. Vaith was a state champion, Junior National freestyle All-American in 2008, and nationally ranked (eighth at 140 pounds, 90th in the Class of 2010). Warner was a state champion and nationally ranked (16th at 145 pounds). Reiter was a multiple-time state champion and nationally ranked (20th at 135 pounds). Friedley was a FILA Cadet freestyle runner-up in 2009, Cadet National freestyle All-American in 2008, and nationally ranked (82nd in the Class of 2010). Davenport is a two-time state champion, Cadet National freestyle All-American in 2008, and nationally ranked (18th in the Class of 2011). Yet More to Watch: Cody Caldwell (Iowa) and Matt Nereim (Florida) Note: Caldwell is nationally ranked in his grade. Nereim was a FILA Cadet double finalist in 2009 Other Returning All-American in Freestyle: Scott Mattingly (Ohio) 145: Leader of the Pack: Dylan Alton (Pennsylvania) Notes: Alton is a two-time state champion, Junior National double champion in 2008, and nationally ranked (first at 145 pounds, fifth in the Class of 2010). Others to Watch: Destin McCauley (Minnesota), Steven Hernandez (Nevada), Steven Monk (Wisconsin), Jake Snider (Colorado), Justin DeAngelis (Oklahoma), Colin Shober (Pennsylvania), Brad Squire (Ohio), and Blake Roulo (Virginia) Notes: McCauley is a multiple-time state finalist, Cadet National freestyle champion in 2008, and nationally ranked (ninth at 135 pounds, fourth in the Class of 2011). Hernandez is a multiple-time state champion and nationally ranked (fifth at 145 pounds, 15th in the Class of 2010). Monk was a state champion, Junior National folkstyle champion in 2009, Junior National freestyle All-American in 2008, and nationally ranked (10th at 140 pounds). Snider is a multiple-time state champion and nationally ranked (12th at 140 pounds, 33rd in the Class of 2010). DeAngelis is a two-time state champion, Cadet National freestyle runner-up in 2008, and nationally ranked (15th at 145 pounds, 67th in the Class of 2010). Shober is a state champion and nationally ranked (72nd in the Class of 2010). Squire is nationally ranked (85th in the Class of 2010). Roulo was a Cadet National freestyle runner-up in 2008 and nationally ranked (26th in the Class of 2011). Other Returning All-Americans in Freestyle: Parker Madl (Kansas), Gabriel Bird (Florida), and Pat Greco (Illinois) 152: Leader of the Pack: Brock Gutches (Oregon) Notes: Gutches was a multiple-time state champion, Junior National double All-American in 2008, nationally ranked (third at 152 pounds, and 47th in the Class of 2009) Others to Watch: Kendrick Sanders (Florida), Derek Garcia (Washington), Steve Santos (New Jersey), Brandon Rolnick (New Jersey), Joey Cozart (Florida), Vlad Dombroski (California), Tigran Adzheyman (California), and Brandon Wilbourn (Missouri) Notes: Sanders was a multiple-time state champion and nationally ranked (seventh at 145 pounds, 55th in the Class of 2009). Garcia is a multiple-time state champion and nationally ranked (seventh at 152 pounds, 14th in the Class of 2010). Santos was a state champion and nationally ranked (10th at 152 pounds, 85th in the Class of 2009). Rolnick is nationally ranked (15th at 152 pounds, 31st in the Class of 2010) and went undefeated at the Junior National Freestyle Duals in 2009. Cozart is a multiple-time state champion and nationally ranked (ninth at 145 pounds, 32nd in the Class of 2010). Dombroski and Adzheyman were Junior National freestyle All-Americans in 2008. Wilbourn was Junior National freestyle All-American in 2008 and nationally ranked (75th in the Class of 2010). Yet More to Watch: Eric Hess (Pennsylvania), Sam Bennett (Indiana), Michael Kelly (Iowa), Seth Thomas (Oregon), and Zach Skates (Oklahoma) Notes: Hess and Kelly are state champions and nationally ranked in the Class of 2010, while Bennett is also nationally ranked in the Class of 2010. Thomas and Skates are both ranked in the Class of 2011, were Cadet National freestyle All-Americans in 2008, and FILA Cadet double All-Americans in 2009. 160: Leader of the Pack: Derek St John (Iowa) Notes: St John was a Junior National folkstyle champion in 2009, Junior National freestyle runner-up in 2008, nationally ranked (fourth at 160 pounds, 15th in the Class of 2009), and went undefeated at the Junior National Freestyle Duals in 2009. Others to Watch: Dallas Bailey (Oklahoma), Corey Lear (Pennsylvania), Turtogh Luvsandorj (New Jersey), Stephen West (California), Nick Sulzer (Ohio), Nick Proctor (Illinois), Nick Visicaro (New Jersey), and Robert Kokesh (South Dakota) Notes: Bailey was a multiple-time state champion, Junior National freestyle All-American in 2008, and nationally ranked (ninth at 171 pounds, 21st in the Class of 2009). Lear was a state champion, Junior National freestyle All-American in 2008, and nationally ranked (12th at 160 pounds, 52nd in the Class of 2010). Luvsandorj was a National Prep champion and nationally ranked (17th at 160 pounds). West was Junior National freestyle All-American in 2008 and nationally ranked (18th at 160 pounds). Sulzer is a two-time state finalist and nationally ranked (18th at 152 pounds, 37th in the Class of 2010). Proctor is FILA Cadet double All-American in 2009 and nationally ranked (59th in the Class of 2010). Visicaro is a state champion and nationally ranked (61st in the Class of 2010). Kokesh is a multiple-time state champion and nationally ranked (70th in the Class of 2010). Yet More to Watch: Bryce Hammond (California), Ronnie Balfour (Oklahoma), Jesse Shanaman (New Jersey), and Kris Klapprodt (South Dakota) Notes: Hammond and Balfour were Cadet National freestyle runners-up in 2008, and Hammond is also nationally ranked in his grade. Shanaman and Klapprodt went undefeated at the Junior National Freestyle Duals in 2009. Other Returning All-Americans in Freestyle: Preston Kieffer (New Jersey) and Frank Cousins (Florida) 171: Leader of the Pack: Lee Munster (Illinois) Notes: Munster is a two-time state champion, Junior National freestyle All-American in 2008, and nationally ranked (fifth at 171 pounds, eighth in the Class of 2010) Others to Watch: Tyler Beckwith (New York), Michael Evans (Pennsylvania), Michael Moreno (Iowa), Patrick Martinez (California), Tanner Keck (Oklahoma), Kevin Steinhaus (Minnesota), and Reid Chivers (Washington) Notes: Beckwith is a multiple-time state finalist and nationally ranked (eighth at 171 pounds, 11th in the Class of 2010). Evans is nationally ranked (12th in the Class of 2010). Moreno is a two-time state runner-up and nationally ranked (seventh at 160 pounds, 18th in the Class of 2010). Martinez was a state champion and nationally ranked (10th at 160 pounds, 48th in the Class of 2009). Keck was a state champion and nationally ranked (13th at 171 pounds, 77th in the Class of 2009). Steinhaus was a multiple-time state champion and nationally ranked (16th at 160 pounds, 84th in the Class of 2009). Chivers was a state champion and nationally ranked (19th at 189 pounds). Yet More to Watch: Ethan Blackstock (Georgia) and Levi Clemons (Florida) Notes: Blackstock is a two-time state champion and Cadet National double All-American in 2008. Clemons is a state champion and FILA Cadet double All-American in 2009. Other Returning All-Americans in Freestyle: Zach Agostino (New Jersey) 189: Leader of the Pack: Jon Fausey (Pennsylvania) Notes: Fausey was a state champion, Junior National double All-American in 2008, and nationally ranked (second at 189 pounds, 16th in the Class of 2009). Others to Watch: Andrew Campolattano (New Jersey), Max Huntley (New Jersey), Jake Swartz (Washington), Zach White (Oklahoma), Kyven Gadsen (Iowa), and Tyler Lehmann (Minnesota) Notes: Campolattano is a two-time state champion, Cadet National double champion in 2008, and nationally ranked (third at 189 pounds, second in the Class of 2011). Huntley was a – multiple-time state-level champion and nationally ranked (fourth at 189 pounds, 24th in the Class of 2010). Swartz was a multiple-time state champion, Junior National double All-American in 2008, and nationally ranked (5th at 189 pounds, 35th in the Class of 2009). White was nationally ranked (12th at 171 pounds, 71st in the Class of 2009). Gadsen is a two-time state finalist, FILA Cadet freestyle champion in 2009, and nationally ranked (56th in the Class of 2010). Lehmann is a two-time state champion and nationally ranked (62nd in the Class of 2010). Yet More to Watch: Matthew Loew (New York) and Scott Schiller (North Dakota) Notes: Loew is a FILA Cadet double All-American in 2009 and Cadet National freestyle All-American in 2008. Schiller is a state champion and Cadet National freestyle All-American in 2008. Other Returning All-Americans in Freestyle: Harrison Honeycutt (North Carolina) and Mike McGrath (New York) 215: Leader of the Pack: Tony Nelson (Minnesota) Notes: Nelson was a multiple-time state finalist, Junior National freestyle All-American in 2008, and nationally ranked (third at 215 pounds, 49th in the Class of 2009) Others to Watch: Derrick Borlie (Virginia), Grant Haschak (Washington), Nate Gaffney (Pennsylvania), Connor Medbery (Colorado), and Aaron Pavlenko (Arizona) Notes: Borlie was a multiple-time state champion and nationally ranked (sixth at 189 pounds, 60th in the Class of 2009). Haschak was nationally ranked (18th at 215 pounds). Gaffney is a state champion and nationally ranked (99th in the Class of 2010). Medbery is a state champion, Cadet Nationals double finalist in 2008, and nationally ranked (12th in the Class of 2010). Pavlenko is a state champion and Junior National freestyle All-American in 2008. Yet More to Watch: Cody Krumwiede (Iowa), Cody Davis (Texas), and Alex Polizzi (Wisconsin) Notes: Krumwiede is a state champion, FILA Cadet freestyle runner-up in 2009, and Cadet National freestyle All-American in 2008. Davis is a state champion and Cadet National freestyle All-American in 2008. Polizzi went undefeated at the Junior National Freestyle Duals in 2009. Other Returning All-Americans in Freestyle: Josh Davis (New Jersey) and John Acors (New York) 285: Leader of the Pack: Evan Craig (Pennsylvania) Notes: Craig is a multiple-time state finalist, Cadet National double finalist in 2008, and nationally ranked (fifth at 285 pounds, 34th in the Class of 2010) Others to Watch: Jeremy Johnson (Ohio), Spencer Myers (Pennsylvania), Kyle Kober (Iowa), Jacob Mitchell (Oregon), Jake Kettler (Minnesota), and Karl Green (Maryland) Notes: Johnson was a state champion, Junior National freestyle All-American in 2008, nationally ranked (eighth at 285 pounds, 94th in the Class of 2009), and went undefeated at the Junior National Freestyle Duals in 2009. Myers is nationally ranked (ninth at 215 pounds, 38th in the Class of 2010). Kober was a state champion and nationally ranked (11th at 285 pounds). Mitchell was a multiple-time state finalist and nationally ranked (15th at 285 pounds). Kettler was a state champion and nationally ranked (18th at 285 pounds). Green was a Cadet National freestyle All-American in 2008 and nationally ranked (19th at 285 pounds, 91st in the Class of 2010). Yet More to Watch: Austin Blythe (Iowa), Donovan Green (Florida), and Niko Bogojevic (Wisconsin) Notes: Blythe is a two-time state finalist, Cadet National double All-American, and nationally ranked (33rd in the Class of 2011). Green is a FILA Cadet double champion in 2009. Bogojevic went undefeated at the Junior National Freestyle Duals in 2009. Other Returning All-Americans in Freestyle: Sani-Jonathan Fuimaono (Hawaii)

The NWCA is excited to announce it has secured a $30,000 grant that can be utilized to scholarship “up-and-coming” college coaches who have been nominated by their peers to participate in a “one of a kind” Coaches Leadership Academy “focus group” in conjunction with this year’s NWCA Convention in Ft. Lauderdale. To a large extent, the future success of college wrestling lies in the hands of these aspiring young coaches. “The NWCA is extremely grateful for the generosity of our Academy benefactors John Harmon, Irv Naylor, and Greg Hatcher who have collectively established the $30,000 scholarship grant. Further, NWCA benefactors Dave Bunning and Mark Mestemacher should be acknowledged for their roles in underwriting the entire development of the College Coaches Leadership Academy,” said NWCA President Jim Beichner. “It is clear that these individuals are determined to make sure our young, aspiring college coaches have the necessary skills and resources to navigate through these very challenging economic times.” The purpose of this focus group is to utilize “peer group discussion” among college coaches, athletic administrators, and CEOs to develop ‘best practices” for protecting and strengthening intercollegiate wrestling programs through this challenging economy. Specifically, we want to help coaches strengthen their CEO skills and better align their programs with educational values. Nationally renowned coaching development expert, Dr. Dan Gould from Michigan State University, will be facilitating these discussions. In addition, he will be collaborating with some of our nation’s top athletic administrators, coaches, and CEOs (with wrestling backgrounds) to begin the develop of faculty who will serve as facilitators at regional “Coaching Leadership” workshops around the nation once the training program is fully functional. The 2009 Leadership Academy consists of the following coaches: John Mark Bentley, Ben Berogen, Jason Borrelli, Mark Branch, Brandon Brissette, Shawn Charles, Dax Charles, Heath Eslinger, John Garriques, Trent Goodale, Scott Hawes, Scott Hinkle, Tim Homan, Greg Ilaria, Tony Islas, RC LaHaye, Tom Layte, Clint Manny, Risto Marttinen, Joe, Pollard, Tom Prarie, Todd Roberts, Ryan Smith, Ben Stehura, Casey Stouffer, Beau Vest and Jason York. Mentors for the 2009 Leadership Academy are as follows: Ron Beaschler, Jim Beichner, Tom Bold, Tom Borrelli, Jim Fallis, Mark Gumble, Dan Harris, Todd Hibbs, Dave Icenhower, Paul Kendle, Rob Koll, Jim Makovsky, Joe McFarland, Darrell Randall, Rande Stottlemyer, Greg Strobel, Jeff Swenson, Alan Utter, and Colonel Billy Walker. On behalf the NWCA Board of Directors, we would like to encourage all college coaches (head and assistants) to attend the 2009 NWCA Convention scheduled for August 6-9. Wrestling’s challenges must be solved by wrestling people. There has never been a more important time for the wrestling community to work together. We hope that we will see a record attendance this year!

Jim Beichner

Craig Turnbull

Dr. John Fitzgerald

The 2009 Junior Nationals in Fargo, North Dakota get underway on Sunday with the start of Greco-Roman competition at 9:30 a.m. CDT. Below is a weight-by-weight breakdown of the Junior National Greco-Roman competition. Note: This weight-by-weight preview was based on individuals registered on TrackWrestling.com as of Wednesday evening (7/15/09). 98: Leader of the Pack: Ruben Navejas (Washington) Notes: Navejas was a state champion, Cadet National double All-American in 2008, and is nationally ranked (13th at 103 pounds). Others to Watch: Jacoby Bergeron (Minnesota), Mike Dauterive (Texas), and Mike Soria Notes: Bergeron was a state champion and Junior National double All-American in 2008. Dauterive was a Junior National Greco-Roman All-American in 2008. Soria was a state champion. 105: Leader of the Pack: Jade Rauser (Montana) Notes: Rauser is a two-time state champion, Junior National folkstyle champion in 2009, Cadet National Greco-Roman All-American in 2008, and is nationally ranked (12th at 103 pounds). Others to Watch: Jake Bellis (Illinois), Chris Bostic (Arizona), and Jake Schramm (Illinois) Notes: Bellis was a Junior National Greco-Roman champion in 2008 and went undefeated at the Junior National Greco-Roman Duals. Bostic was a FILA Cadet Greco-Roman champion in 2009. Schramm was a Junior National Greco-Roman All-American in 2008. 112: Leader of the Pack: Tyler Cox (Wyoming) Notes: Cox is a multiple-time state champion and is nationally ranked (fifth at 119 pounds, 33rd in the Class of 2009). Others to Watch: Ryak Finch (Arizona), Robert Dyar (Alabama), Valyen Rauser (Montana), Jeff Vesta (Kansas), Bricker Dixon (Missouri), Caleb Richardson (Virginia), Tanner Moon (Alabama), and Matthew Rabinowitz (Louisiana) Notes: Finch is a multiple-time state champion, nationally ranked (eighth at 112 pounds, 45th in the Class of 2010), and was also a Junior National double runner-up in 2008. Dyar is a multiple-time state champion, Junior National double All-American in 2008, and is nationally ranked (14th at 112 pounds). Rauser is a two-time state finalist and a Cadet National double All-American in 2008. Vesta is a two-time state runner-up and a Junior National Greco-Roman All-American in 2008. Dixon is a two-time state runner-up and a Cadet National Greco-Roman All-American in 2008. Richardson was a state champion and a Cadet National Greco-Roman All-American in 2008. Moon is a two-time state runner-up and a Cadet National double All-American in 2008. Rabinowitz was a state champion and a Junior National Greco-Roman All-American in 2008. 119: Leader of the Pack: Ryan Mango (Missouri) Notes: Mango is a multiple-time state champion, Junior National double champion in 2008, and is nationally ranked (14th at 130 pounds, 100th in the Class of 2009). Others to Watch: Rossi Bruno (Florida), Brian St James (Georgia), Sharky Slyter (Kansas), Brock Banta (Idaho), Michael Nakagawa (Hawaii), Drew Van Anrooy (Oregon), and Mike Rhone (Pennsylvania) Notes: Bruno is a two-time state champion, FILA Cadet Greco-Roman runner-up in 2009, Cadet National Greco-Roman runner-up in 2008, and is nationally ranked (15th in the Class of 2012). St James is a state champion and is nationally ranked (16th at 112 pounds, 95th in the Class of 2010). Slyter was a Junior National double All-American. Banta was a state champion and a FILA Junior Greco-Roman All-American in 2009. Nakagawa was a state champion and a Junior National Greco-Roman All-American in 2008. Van Anrooy was a FILA Cadet Greco-Roman runner-up in 2009. Rhone was a FILA Cadet double All-American in 2009. Huff went undefeated at the Junior National Greco-Roman Duals. 125: Leader of the Pack: David Klingsheim (California) Notes: Klingsheim is a two-time state champion, nationally ranked (second at 119 pounds, 27th in the Class of 2009), and was a FILA Junior Greco-Roman runner-up in 2009. Others to Watch: Nick Wilcox (New York), Frank Goodwin (Maryland), and Aaron Runzo (Virginia) Notes: Wilcox was a state champion, Junior National Greco-Roman All-American in 2008, and is nationally ranked (54th in the Class of 2010). Goodwin is a two-time National Prep runner-up, and is nationally ranked (15th at 119 pounds, 63rd in the Class of 2010). Runzo is a two-time state runner-up and a Cadet National Greco-Roman champion in 2008. 130: Leader of the Pack: Justin Lavalle (Minnesota) Notes: Lavalle is a two-time state champion, Junior National double All-American in 2008, and is nationally ranked (seventh at 130 pounds, 80th in the Class of 2009). Others to Watch: Josh Keszler (South Dakota), Jake Walters (Michigan), Kade Moss (Utah), Ryne Cokeley (Kansas), Drew Lexvold (Minnesota), Tyler Liberatore (Florida), and Travis Himmelman (Colorado) Notes: Keszler is a multiple-time state champion and is nationally ranked (eighth at 119 pounds, 26th in the Class of 2010). Walters was a state champion and a Junior National Greco-Roman All-American in 2008. Moss is a multiple-time state champion and is nationally ranked (86th in the Class of 2010). Cokeley is a two-time state champion, Cadet National double All-American in 2008, and is nationally ranked (22nd in the Class of 2011). Lexvold was a state champion and a Cadet National Greco-Roman champion in 2008. Liberatore was a FILA Cadet Greco-Roman champion in 2009. Himmelman went undefeated at the Junior National Greco-Roman Duals. 135: Leader of the Pack: Josh Kindig (Pennsylvania) Notes: Kindig is a two-time state finalist, FILA Junior double All-American in 2009, Junior National double runner-up in 2008, and is nationally ranked (3rd at 135 pounds, 9th in the Class of 2010). Others to Watch: Robby Fisher (Minnesota), Zach Zehner (Wisconsin), Stephen Swiggett (Delaware), Joe Locksmith (Florida), Dan Osterman (Michigan), and Ryan Niemann (Michigan) Notes: Fisher is a two-time state champion, Junior National Greco-Roman All-American in 2008, and is nationally ranked (sixth at 135 pounds, 36th in the Class of 2009). Zehner was a state champion and is nationally ranked (81st in the Class of 2010). Swiggett was a state champion and a Cadet National Greco-Roman runner-up in 2008. Locksmith went undefeated at the Junior National Greco-Roman Duals. Osterman, Niemann, and Schenk were all scholastic state champions. 140: Leader of the Pack: Dylan Ness (Minnesota) Notes: Ness was a Junior National folkstyle champion in 2009, Cadet National double champion in 2008, Cadet National Greco-Roman champion in 2007, nationally ranked (ninth at 140 pounds, 17th in the Class of 2010), and went undefeated at the Junior National Greco-Roman Duals. Others to Watch: Luke Vaith (Minnesota), Josh Warner (Idaho), Kevin Timothy (Florida), Matt Nereim (Florida), Bo Schlosser (Illinois), and Raider Lofthouse (Utah) Notes: Vaith is a two-time state finalist and is nationally ranked (eighth at 140 pounds, 90th in the Class of 2009. Warner was a state champion, FILA Junior Greco-Roman All-American in 2009, and is nationally ranked (16th at 145 pounds). Timothy was a multiple-time state champion and was a Junior National Greco-Roman All-American in 2008. Nereim was a FILA Cadet double All-American in 2009. Schlosser was a Cadet National Greco-Roman runner-up in 2008. Lofthouse is a multiple-time state champion and a Cadet National double All-American in 2008. 145: Leader of the Pack: Steven Hernandez (Nevada) Notes: Hernandez is a multiple-time state champion and is nationally ranked (fifth at 145 pounds, 15th in the Class of 2010). Others to Watch: Steven Monk (Wisconsin), Pat Smith (Minnesota), Paul Liguori (New York), Blake Roulo (Virginia), Kory DeBerry (Arizona), and Brady Lee (Oregon) Notes: Monk is a state champion, Junior National folkstyle champion in 2009, and is nationally ranked (10th at 140 pounds). Smith (Minnesota) was a Junior National Greco-Roman All-American in 2008. Liguori was a Junior National Greco-Roman All-American in 2008. Roulo is nationally ranked (26th in the Class of 2011) and went undefeated at the Junior National Greco-Roman Duals. DeBerry (Arizona) is a two-time state champion and was a Cadet National Greco-Roman All-American in 2008. Lee was a Cadet National Greco-Roman All-American in 2008. 152: Leader of the Pack: Kendrick Sanders (Florida) Notes: Sanders is a multiple-time state champion, Junior National Greco-Roman champion in 2008, nationally ranked (seventh at 145 pounds, 55th in the Class of 2009), and went undefeated at the Junior National Greco-Roman Duals. Others to Watch: Brock Gutches (Oregon), Joey Cozart (Florida), Tyler Sheridan (California), Josh Castellano (Illinois), Eric Hess (Pennsylvania), Seth Thomas (Oregon), and Taylor Smith (Ohio) Notes: Gutches is a multiple-time state champion, Junior National double All-American in 2008, and is nationally ranked (third at 152 pounds, 47th in the Class of 2009). Cozart is a multiple-time state champion, Junior National Greco-Roman All-American in 2008, nationally ranked (ninth at 145 pounds, 32nd in the Class of 2010), and went undefeated at the Junior National Greco-Roman Duals. Sheridan was a Junior National Greco-Roman All-American in 2008. Castellano was a FILA Junior Greco-Roman runner-up in 2009 and went undefeated at the Junior National Greco-Roman Duals. Hess is a two-time state finalist and is nationally ranked (73rd in the Class of 2010). Thomas was a FILA Cadet double All-American in 2009, Cadet National double All-American in 2008, and is nationally ranked (17th in the Class of 2011). Smith was a Junior National Greco-Roman All-American in 2008. 160: Leader of the Pack: Corey Lear (Pennsylvania) Notes: Lear was a state champion and is nationally ranked (12th at 160 pounds, 52nd in the Class of 2009). Others to Watch: Stephen West (California), Robert Kokesh (South Dakota), Mike Curby (Michigan), Kyle Detmer (Kansas), Erin O’Dell (Florida), Joey Moorhouse (Illinois), and Cameron Vlahos (Indiana) Notes: West is nationally ranked (18th at 160 pounds). Kokesh is a multiple-time state champion and is nationally ranked (70th in the Class of 2010). Curby is a state champion, Junior National Greco-Roman All-American in 2008, and went undefeated at the Junior National Greco-Roman Duals. Detmer is a two-time state finalist and a Junior National Greco-Roman All-American in 2008. O'Dell was a FILA Junior Greco-Roman All-American in 2009. Moorhouse was a Cadet National Greco-Roman runner-up in 2008. Vlahos went undefeated at the Junior National Greco-Roman Duals. 171: Leader of the Pack: Ethen Lofthouse (Utah) Notes: Lofthouse is a multiple-time state champion, Junior National double All-American, and is nationally ranked (third at 171 pounds, 17th in the Class of 2009). Others to Watch: Patrick Martinez (California), Tyler Beckwith (New York), Michael Evans (Pennsylvania), Mark Sternberg (Illinois), Reid Chivers (Washington), Levi Clemons (Florida), and Ethan Blackstock (Georgia) Notes: Martinez was a state champion, Junior Nationals Greco-Roman All-American, and is nationally ranked (10th at 160 pounds, 48th in the Class of 2009). Beckwith is a two-time state finalist and is nationally ranked (eighth at 171 pounds, 11th in the Class of 2010). Evans was a Junior National Greco-Roman All-American in 2008 and is nationally ranked (12th in the Class of 2010). Sternberg was a FILA Junior Greco-Roman champion in 2009, Junior National Greco-Roman All-American in 2008, and is nationally ranked (18th at 171 pounds). Chivers was a state champion and is nationally ranked (19th at 189 pounds). Clemons was a state champion and a Cadet National Greco-Roman champion in 2008. Blackstock is a two-time state champion and a Cadet National double All-American in 2008. 189: Leader of the Pack: Jon Fausey (Pennsylvania) Notes: Fausey was a state champion, Junior National double All-American in 2008, and is nationally ranked (second at 189 pounds, 16th in the Class of 2009). Others to Watch: Andrew Campolattano (New Jersey), Jake Swartz (Washington), Craig Kelliher (Minnesota), Tyler Lehmann (Minnesota), Joel Bauman (Minnesota), Ben Brooks (Illinois), Matthew Loew (New York), Scott Schiller (North Dakota), and Jay Taylor (Florida) Notes: Campolattano is a two-time state champion, Cadet National double champion in 2008, and is nationally ranked (third at 189 pounds, second in the Class of 2011). Swartz is a multiple-time state champion, Junior National double All-American in 2008, and is nationally ranked (fifth at 189 pounds, 35th in the Class of 2009). Kelliher was a Junior National Folkstyle champion in 2009. Lehmann was a two-time state champion, Junior National Greco-Roman All-American in 2008, and is nationally ranked (62nd in the Class of 2010). Bauman (Minnesota) was a state champion and a Junior National Greco-Roman runner-up in 2008. Brooks was a FILA Cadet double All-American in 2009 and a Cadet National Greco-Roman All-American in 2008. Loew was a FILA Cadet double All-American in 2009. Schiller was a state champion and a Cadet Nationals double All-American in 2008. Taylor was a FILA Cadet double All-American in 2009. 215: Leader of the Pack: Grant Haschak (Washington) Notes: Haschak is nationally ranked (18th at 215 pounds). Others to Watch: Connor Medbery (Colorado), Michael Sojka (Illinois), John Acors (New York), Cody Davis (Texas), Diego Bravo (Arizona), Kyle Caylor (Kansas), and Aaron Pavlenko (Arizona) Notes: Medbery was a state champion, Cadet National double finalist in 2008, and is nationally ranked (12th in the Class of 2011). Polizzi (Wisconsin) was a FILA Junior Greco-Roman All-American in 2009 and went undefeated at the Junior National Greco-Roman Duals. Sojka was a Cadet National Greco-Roman champion in 2009. Acors was a FILA Cadet Greco-Roman champion in 2009 and a Cadet National double All-American in 2008. Davis was a state champion and Cadet National double All-American in 2008. Bravo went undefeated at the Junior National Greco-Roman Duals. Caylor and Pavlenko were state champions. 285: Leader of the Pack: Evan Craig (Pennsylvania) Notes: Craig is a two-time state finalist, Cadet National double finalist in 2008, and is nationally ranked (fifth at 285 pounds, 34th in the Class of 2010). Others to Watch: Kyle Kober (Iowa), Spencer Myers (Pennsylvania), Jacob Mitchell (Oregon), Jake Kettler (Minnesota), Karl Green (Maryland), and Niko Bogojevic (Wisconsin), and Donovan Green (Florida) Notes: Kober was a state champion, Junior National Greco-Roman runner-up in 2008, and is nationally ranked (11th at 285 pounds). Myers is nationally ranked (ninth at 215 pounds, 38th in the Class of 2010). Mitchell is a two-time state finalist, Junior National Greco-Roman All-American in 2008, and is nationally ranked (15th at 285 pounds). Kettler was a state champion, Junior National Greco-Roman All-American in 2008, and is nationally ranked (18th at 285 pounds). Green was a Cadet National double All-American in 2008 and is nationally ranked (19th at 285 pounds, 91st in the Class of 2010). Niko Bogojevic was a Junior National Greco-Roman All-American in 2008 and went undefeated at the Junior National Greco-Roman Duals. Green was a FILA Cadet Nationals double champion in 2009.

A pair of InterMat top 50 recruits, Dirk Cowburn (No. 49) and Drake Houdashelt (No. 50), made verbal commitments on Thursday. Both will be staying in-state. Dirk CowburnCowburn, who competes for Coudersport High School in Pennsylvania, made a verbal commitment to Penn State. Houdashelt, who competes for Fort Zumwalt West High School in O'Fallon, Missouri, chose Missouri. Cowburn is a two-time Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) Class AA state champion. He has won both his state titles at 152 pounds. Cowburn has also had success in the international styles. In 2007, Cowburn was Cadet Nationals champion in Greco-Roman and was a runner-up in freestyle. Last summer, he was runner-up at Junior Nationals in Greco-Roman. He says that he will wrestle at 160 or 171 for his senior season and project as a 165 or 174-pounder in college. "I've always wanted to go to Penn State," Cowburn told InterMat on Thursday night. "It has always been pretty high on my list. There were a few schools that I was looking at -- like Nebraska and Oklahoma State. They were really high on my list. But I think what set Penn State apart from the other schools was the training partners ... and the people that go there I know pretty well. Having the best coach at Penn State really helps a lot too. He will be able to help me reach my goals." Cowburn said that he plans to redshirt his first season at Penn State. Drake HoudasheltHoudashelt is a three-time Missouri state placewinner with a career record of 112-12. This past season, Houdashelt posted a record of 38-3 and captured the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) Class 4 state title at 140. He was a state runner-up as a sophomore and finished fifth as a freshman. He was a 2009 NHSCA Junior Nationals runner-up and placed third at the Super 32 Challenge. "It's close to home, I'll have good workout partners, and I like the coaches," Houdashelt said of his decision to go to Missouri. He also considered Nebraska and Old Dominion. Houdashelt said that he will likely compete at 160 for his senior season and projects as a 157-pounder in college. Missouri also recieved a verbal commitment from the No. 41-ranked recruit, Alan Waters of Park Hill High School in Missouri. Waters is a projected 125-pounder.

Easton, PA -- The 2009 NHSCA Senior National Wrestling Championships Highlight Show will air on ESPNU on July 20, 2009 at 2 pm-2:30 pm. The event took place at the Virginia Beach Convention Center from April 3, 2009 until April 5. Individuals participating in the event came from 49 states and ranged between 14 different weight classes. Participants have either won their state title or have been in the finals of their state wrestling tournament during their high school career. About the NHSCA: The NHSCA selects Coaches and Senior Athletes of the Year in 20 boys and girls sports, and sponsors more than two dozen national championship events in 11 sports. The NHSCA, in partnership with Navy Special Operations conducts the Navy SEAL Fitness Challenge in 1200 high schools throughout America. This serves as a replacement for President Kennedy's Council on Fitness that was popular in the 1970's and 1980's. In partnership with the Pennsylvania National Guard, the NHSCA also conducts Character and Leadership Workshops and reach more than 800 Pennsylvania high schools and 9600 athletes and coaches. For more information on all NHSCA programs, visit the NHSCA's web site at www.nhsca.com. Founded in 1989, the National High School Coaches Association is a not-for-profit 501c3 service organization providing support and leadership programs for the nation's 500,000 high school coaches and 10 million high school athletes.

The 2009 Cadet Nationals in Fargo, North Dakota will kick off with the Greco-Roman competition on Saturday at 9:30 a.m. CDT. Below is a weight-by-weight breakdown of the Cadet National Greco-Roman competition. Note: This weight-by-weight preview was based on individuals registered on TrackWrestling.com as of Wednesday evening (7/15/09). 84: Leaders of the Pack: Dylan Akers (Texas) and JJ Dorrell (Missouri) Notes: Both were undefeated at the Cadet National Greco-Roman Duals. Others to Watch: Nkosi Moody (Illinois) and Zach Howell (Delaware) 91: Leader of the Pack: Colton Howell (Missouri) Notes: Howell was a double Cadet Nationals All-American in 2008, runner-up at the adet National Folkstyle Championships in 2009, and was undefeated at the Cadet National Greco-Roman Duals. Others to Watch: Phillip Laux (Iowa) and Bobby Nachreiner (Wisconsin) Notes: Laux is a double FILA Cadet Nationals All-American in 2009. Nachreiner is a Cadet National folkstyle champion. 98: Leader of the Pack: Nick Roberts (Pennsylvania) Notes: Roberts was a scholastic state champion this past season, double Cadet Nationals champion in 2008, and was undefeated at the Cadet National Greco-Roman Duals. Others to Watch: Cory Clark (Iowa), Dylan Thompson (Colorado), and Sam Brancale (Minnesota) Notes: Clark was a scholastic state champion this past season, double Cadet Nationals All-American in 2008, and nationally ranked by InterMat (17th at 103 pounds, 45th in the Class of 2012). Thompson was a double Cadet Nationals runner-up in 2008. Brancale was a USA Wrestling Schoolboy Triple Crown winner in 2008, and finished third at the Cadet National Folkstyle Championships in 2009. 105: Leader of the Pack: Tyler Fraley (New Jersey) Notes: Fraley was a double Junior National finalist in 2008 and went undefeated at the Junior National Greco-Roman Duals Others to Watch: Bryce Evans (Washington), Joey Dance (Virginia), Alex Moore (Ohio), Jack Hathaway (Iowa), Corey Keener (Pennsylvania), Skylar Wood (Missouri), Jacob Schmitt (Michigan), and Devon Lotito (Pennsylvania) Notes: Evans is nationally ranked (19th at 103 pounds). Dance is nationally ranked (11th in the Class of 2013). Moore was a FILA Cadet Greco-Roman All-American in 2009 and a Cadet National Greco-Roman All-American in 2008. Schmitt and Lotito both went undefeated at the Cadet National Greco-Roman Duals. 112: Leader of the Pack: Mark Grey (New Jersey) Notes: Grey was a double Cadet Nationals champion in 2008, National Prep champion, undefeated at the Cadet National Greco-Roman Duals, and nationally ranked (second at 103 pounds, seventh in the Class of 2012). Others to Watch: Brandon Jeske (Virginia), Nathan Kraisser (Maryland), Derek Elmore (Illinois), Ben Whitford (Michigan), Eric Friedman (Maryland) Notes: Jeske was a FILA Cadet Greco-Roman champion in 2009 and nationally ranked (third in the Class of 2013). Kraisser is a state champion, FILA Cadet double All-American in 2009, and nationally ranked (15th at 103 pounds, 28th in the Class of 2012). Elmore is a Cadet Folkstyle champion and nationally ranked (18th at 103 pounds). Whitford is nationally ranked (fifth in the Class of 2013). Friedman is a National Prep runner-up and nationally ranked (49th in the Class of 2012). 119: Leader of the Pack: Alec Mooradian (Michigan) Notes: Mooradian was a state champion, went undefeated at the Cadet National Greco-Roman Duals, and is nationally ranked (31st in the Class of 2012). Others to Watch: Kevin Norstrem (Flordia) and Peter Russo (Oregon) Notes: Norstrem was a state champion, FILA Cadet Greco-Roman All-American in 2009, and is nationally ranked (fourth in the Class of 2013). Russo was a Cadet National Greco-Roman All-American in 2008. 125: Leader of the Pack: Zach Horan (Pennsylvania) Notes: Horan was twice a state runner-up, Cadet Nationals double All-American in 2008, and nationally ranked (seventh at 112 pounds, 14th in the Class of 2011). Others to Watch: Jacob Falk (Utah), Zane Richards (Illinois), Brian Crutchmer (Oklahoma), Tyrell Galloway (Nebraska), Jared Donar (Wisconsin) Notes: Falk was a Cadet National Greco-Roman runner-up in 2008. Richards went undefeated at the Cadet National Greco-Roman Duals. Crutchmer was a Cadet National Greco-Roman All-American in 2008. Galloway and Donar are state champions. 130: Leader of the Pack: Alex Dieringer (Wisconsin) Notes: Dieringer went undefeated at the Cadet National Greco-Roman Duals. He was also a double Cadet Nationals All-American in 2008 and is nationally ranked (23rd in the Class of 2011). Others to Watch: Matt Kelliher (Minnesota) and Casey George (Idaho) Notes: Kelliher is a state champion, Cadet National Folkstyle third-place finisher in 2009, and is nationally ranked (20th at 119 pounds, 20th in the Class of 2011). George is a state champion. 135: Leader of the Pack: Luke Smith (Illinois) Smith was a Cadet National Folkstyle runner-up in 2009 and went undefeated at the Cadet National Greco-Roman Duals. Others to Watch: Oliver Pierce (Texas), Eric Hoffman (Maryland), and Tim Riley (Pennsylvania) Notes: Pierce was a Cadet National Folkstyle champion in 2009 and is nationally ranked (9th in the Class of 2013). Hoffman is nationally ranked (18th in the Class of 2013). Riley went undefeated in the Cadet National Greco-Roman Duals. 140: Leader of the Pack: Zach Brunson (Oregon) Notes: Brunson was a state champion, Cadet National Folkstyle champion in 2009, double Cadet Nationals All-American in 2008, and is nationally ranked (13th in the Class of 2012). Others to Watch: Josh Clark (Virginia), Logan Addis (Arizona), Brooks Climmons (Georgia), and Ryan Lubeck (Wisconsin) Notes: Clark was third at Cadet National Folkstyle in 2009 and a Cadet National Greco-Roman All-American in 2008. Addis was a Cadet National Greco-Roman All-American in 2008. Climmons went undefeated at the Cadet National Greco-Roman Duals and is nationally ranked (14th in the Class of 2013). Ryan Lubeck went undefeated at the Cadet National Greco-Roman Duals. 145: Leader of the Pack: Justin Koethe (Iowa) Notes: Koethe was a FILA Cadet Greco-Roman runner-up in 2009 and went undefeated at the Cadet National Greco-Roman Duals. Others to Watch: Brad Dolezal (Wisconsin) and Michael Nord (North Dakota) Notes: Dolezal was twice a state finalist, placed third at Cadet National Folkstyle Championships in 2009, and was a Cadet National Greco-Roman All-Americain in 2008. Nord is a two-time state champion and was a Cadet National Folkstyle champion in 2009. 152: Leader of the Pack: Taylor Massa (Michigan) Notes: Massa is a state champion, Cadet National Folkstyle champion in 2009, Cadet Nationals double champion in 2008, went undefeated at the Cadet National Greco-Roman Duals, and is nationally ranked (second at 145 pounds, first in the Class of 2012). Others to Watch: Cody Allala (Virginia), Jayshon Wilson (Pennsylvania), Bubba Scheffel (Maryland), Nathan Burak (Colorado), and Ophir Bernstein (Texas) Notes: Allala was a state champion and is nationally ranked (17th in the Class of 2012). Wilson is nationally ranked (38th in the Class of 2011). Scheffel was a state champion. Burak was a FILA Cadet Greco-Roman All-American in 2009. 160: Leader of the Pack: Dylan Reel (Illinois) Notes: Reel was a state champion, FILA Cadet double All-American in 2009, and is nationally ranked (36th in the Class of 2012). Others to Watch: Sam Brooks (Illinois), Jake Waste (Minnesota), Justin Irrabaren (California), and Patrick Rhoads (Missouri) Notes: Brooks was a FILA Cadet Greco-Roman champion in 2009. Waste went undefeated at the Cadet National Greco-Roman Duals and was a Cadet National Folkstyle champion in 2009. Irrabaren was a Cadet National Greco-Roman All-American in 2008. Rhoads was a FILA Cadet double All-American in 2009 171: Leader of the Pack: Devin Peterson (Wisconsin) Notes: Peterson was a Cadet National Folkstyle champion in 2009 and went undefeated at the Cadet National Greco-Roman Duals. Others to Watch: Brandon Griffin (Oregon), Lucas Sheridan (California), Dwight Howes (Colorado), and Michael Ettore (Florida) Notes: Griffin was a state champion and is nationally ranked (42nd in the Class of 2012). Sheridan was a Western Junior Regional Greco-Roman champion in 2009. 189: Leader of the Pack: Tanner Hall (Idaho) Notes: Hall was a state champion and FILA Cadet double All-American in 2009. Others to Watch: Adam Coon (Michigan) and Zack Rutt (Minnesota) Notes: Coon was a Cadet National Folkstyle runner-up in 2009 (215). Rutt was also a Cadet National Folkstyle runner-up in 2009. 215: Leader of the Pack: Brooks Black (Pennsylvania) Notes: Black went undefeated at the Cadet National Greco-Roman Duals and was a double Schoolboy Nationals champion in 2008. Others to Watch: Eric Mason (Kansas) and Joe Scanlan (Iowa) Notes: Both were double Schoolboy Nationals champions in 2008. 285: Leader of the Pack: Devin Pommerenke (Michigan) Notes: Pommerenke was a state champion and went undefeated at the Cadet National Greco-Roman Duals. Others to Watch: Donny Longendyke (Minnesota), Zach Corl (Pennsylvania), and Caleb White (Iowa) Notes: Longendyke was a Cadet National Folkstyle third-place finisher in 2009 and went undefeated at the Cadet National Greco-Roman Duals. Corl was a Walsh Ironman runner-up in 2008. White was a Cadet National Folkstyle runner-up in 2009.

Jake Herbert

The National Wrestling Coaches Association is pleased to announce their 2009 Annual Convention, to be held at the Bahia Mar Hotel in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on August 6-9th. This year’s convention features many informative sessions that will be beneficial to both the scholastic and collegiate coaching communities. The NWCA Convention is the time for coaches to interact with one another outside of the wrestling season, paired with informational sessions on how to take a more proactive approach to being the coach and “CEO” of your team. This year’s focus for the collegiate divisions is, “To Protect and Promote Your College Program.” Scholastic Coaches will focus on: Leadership, coaching development, technique and networking. For the Scholastic Coach: • Creating and sustaining a positive team culture • Coaching Development (risk management, recruitment and retention of wrestlers) • Systematic teaching for success on the mat • NFHS rules review • Being a leader in “off the mat” areas For the Collegiate Coach: • Best Practices for improving retention and graduation rates of student-athletes • Creating and sustaining a positive team culture • Division I “Mock NCAA Selection Process” • Protecting your intercollegiate wrestling team • Change of Season Discussion Highlighting the event will be legendary Coach Dan Gable as this year’s guest speaker for the NWCA Conventions opening luncheon on Friday, August 7th. Coach Gable is the University of Iowa’s all-time winningest wrestling coach from 1977-1997. His career coaching record totals 355-21-5, leading the Hawkeyes to 15 NCAA Team Championships including nine consecutive championships (1978-1986). In the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich, Germany, he won a gold medal without surrendering a point to any of his opponents. He has been appointed to the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. Gable has also been named the top wrestler of the 20th century by Gannett News Service. He was listed as one of the top coaches in the 20th century by ESPN. Along with being named Iowa’s top “sports figure” in the past 100 years. The convention luncheon featuring Coach Gable will take place August 7, 2009, at noon in the Grandview Ballroom of the Bahia Mar Hotel. Extra tickets for the luncheon can be purchased by calling the NWCA Office. Also addressing the convention attendees will be Dan Gould the Director of the Institute for the Study of Youth Sports and a Professor in the Department of Kinesiology at the Michigan State University. Gould is a professor with a specialty in applied sport psychology. He has co-authored two books, Foundations of Sport and Exercise Psychology (with Bob Weinberg) and Understanding Psychological Preparation for Sport: Theory and Practice of Elite Performers (with Lew Hardy and Graham Jones). Gould partnered with the NWCA in 2008 to aid in the development of the Coaching Education Programs and the NWCA Leadership Academy that is being unveiled prior to the convention. The featured clinicians are Tom Borrelli of Central Michigan University and Brian Smith of the University of Missouri, both coaches who have produced many talented college wrestlers along with promoting their teams to the community. Coach Borrelli has been the head coach at Central Michigan for 17 years. In that time he has also been named the NWCA Bobb Bubb Coaching Excellence Award Winner and the NWCA and WIN Magazine National Coach of the Year. Coach Smith has been with the Missouri Tigers for the past 10 years. Smith has local roots growing up in Fort Lauderdale and starting his coaching career at Western High School. Smith has also been honored as an NWCA National Coach of the Year. There will be an additional technique session specifically for the scholastic coaches hosted by Dave Crowell, Head Coach at Nazareth High School (Pennsylvania). Crowell has been honored five times as the Pennsylvania State Coach of the Year and has also been named an NWCA National Coach of the Year. Space is still available for coaches wishing to attend, registration can be completed online. The full convention registration is $225; there is a $50 discount for multiple coaches from the same school with the purchase of one full registration. For more information on the NWCA Convention you can contact the NWCA Office at 717-653-8009 or by going to our website at www.nwcaonline.com.

Joe Duca, who will be a senior at Paulsboro High School in New Jersey, has informed InterMat that he has given a verbal commitment to Rutgers. Joe DucaDuca is a two-time New Jersey state placewinner and is ranked as InterMat's No. 88 senior recruit in the country. In 2008, Duca compiled a 39-3 record and placed fourth at 112 pounds. This past season, Duca was 42-1, with his only loss coming in the state finals at 119 pounds to Vinnie DelleFave of Toms River East, 3-2, in four overtimes. He has a career record of 114-14. "I'm comfortable with the coaching staff at Rutgers,” Duca told InterMat. "I want to stay in Jersey, too." Duca is a projected 125/133-pounder in college. Duca's father, Joe Sr., was a state champion in 1979 for Paulsboro, which is what Joe has his sights set on for his senior season. "I want a win a state title and then a High School Senior Nationals title," said Duca, who plans to compete at 125 pounds for his senior season.

Cain Velasquez

Heath Eslinger

Zach Tanelli