InterMat Staff

Chicago, Ill. -- University of Iowa Head Wrestling Coach Tom Brands was named one of 50 Big Ten Icons by the Big Ten Network earlier today. Big Ten Icons, presented by Discover, is the network's most ambitious multi-platform initiative to date. The program is counting down the top 50 student-athletes in Big Ten history based solely on their collegiate playing careers. The countdown of the 50 student-athletes began with Brands, who is No. 50, and Penn State volleyball star Megan Hodge, who was No. 49. Icons 50 through 21 will be unveiled between now and Sept. 16 at www.BigTenIcons.com. The website also will feature essays, video and other key facts about each student-athletes' career. Viewers can also participate in the "Talk of the Locker Room" contest with a chance to win the $10,000 grand prize. Weekly winners will take home a 55-inch Phillips HD television. Brands, who wrestled for Iowa from 1989-92, was a four-time All-American and three-time NCAA champion in the 134-pound division. He was named the Outstanding Wrestler of the 1992 NCAA Championships. The native of Sheldon, Iowa, led the Hawkeyes to consecutive national titles and posted an individual career record of 158-7-2. "It is an honor to be selected as part of such an exclusive and competitive group of athletes," said Brands. "The Big Ten Conference has a strong tradition and that is something we are working on continuing with the Iowa wrestling program." A three-time Big Ten Wrestling Coach of the Year honoree, Brands is in his fifth season at the helm for the Hawkeyes. A 1996 Olympic gold medalist and member of wrestling's Hall of Fame, Brands is only the eighth wrestling coach at the University of Iowa. He has an 82-6 overall and 29-3 Big Ten coaching record at Iowa, and a 99-26 career mark. Iowa has won the last three NCAA and Big Ten team titles, posting a 68-1 dual record. The Hawkeyes have also won the last three Big Ten dual meet regular season titles, sporting perfect 8-0 conference dual marks each year. In an essay for www.BigTenIcons.com, former Chicago Tribune sports editor Dan McGrath writes, "Iowa wrestlers are tough, committed, disciplined people. For more than 20 years, Tom Brands has personified those traits for the Iowa Hawkeyes." To read the entire essay and watch a video feature on Brands, visit his Big Ten Icons locker at www.BigTenIcons.com. Hawkeye fans will have to tune in to where quarterback Chuck Long ranks in the Big Ten Icon list. The life-size bobblehead of Long, which was created as part of a promotion that kicked off the 2010 Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament in March, will be on display at FRYfest Friday, and inside the Krause Family Plaza at Kinnick Stadium before Iowa kicks off the season against Eastern Illinois Saturday. Long played quarterback for the Hawkeyes from 1981-85 and still holds school records for passing attempts in a career (1,203), completions in a career (782), consecutive pass completions (22), completion percentage in a season (67.1) and career (65.0), passing yards in a career (10,461), touchdown passes in a season (27) and career (74) and total offense for a career (10,254). The television show, hosted by legendary college sports broadcaster Keith Jackson, debuts Sept. 18 following a Big Ten Network football telecast in which Icon No. 20 will be revealed. The countdown continues at 8 p.m. (CT) every Tuesday night through the end of football season and into the spring. The No. 1 Big Ten Icon will be revealed around the 2011 Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament. About the Big Ten Network: A joint venture between the Big Ten Conference and Fox Networks, the Big Ten Network is the first internationally distributed network dedicated to covering one of the premier collegiate conferences in the country. With approximately 350 live sporting events, and nearly all of them in HD, the network is the ultimate destination for Big Ten fans and alumni across the country, allowing them to see their favorite teams, regardless of where they live. The network operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, showcasing a wide array of classic-to-current sports and televising more Olympic sporting events and women's sports than has ever been aired on any other network. Original programming highlights activities and accomplishments of some of the nation's finest universities. Each year, the network offers between 35 and 40 football games, 105 regular season men's basketball games; 55 women's basketball games; dozens of Big Ten Championship events; studio shows; coaches' shows; and classic games. The network is available to more than 75 million homes across the United States and Canada, and currently has agreements with more than 300 affiliates, including AT&T U-Verse, Atlantic Broadband, Cablevision, Charter, Comcast, Cox (Cleveland, Arizona, Arkansas, Kansas, Omaha), DirecTV, DISH Network, Insight, Mediacom, Rogers Cable (Canada), Shaw Cable and Shaw Direct (Canada), Time Warner Cable and Verizon FiOS. For updated information on the Big Ten Network, go to www.BigTenNetwork.com.

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- The Purdue wrestling team added Pete Rogers to its coaching staff on Thursday, naming him an assistant coach with the Boilermaker grapplers. Rogers comes to Purdue from Lakeland College, where he served as the Muskies’ head coach for nine years and vaulted them into the upper echelon of NCAA Division III Wrestling. “I’m very excited to be a part of the Boilermaker wrestling family,” said Rogers. “I’ve seen great things happening at Purdue and I can’t wait to get in there and work with the guys.” In his time at Lakeland, located in Sheboygan, Wis., Rogers took the Muskie program from one that could barely field a roster to a pair of NCAA Division III Top-30 finishes in 2009 and 2010. In the 2007-08 season, Rogers led the squad to its first-ever national ranking in addition to a 13-5-1 dual record, a Northern Wrestling Association (NWA) title and mentored just the second NCAA Championship qualifier in school history in Paul Hartt. The Muskies also posted a 5-0 record that season against the rival and talented Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. The following season, Rogers took Lakeland to a 21th-place finish at the NCAA Championships with Hartt and heavyweight standout Adam Sutter, and in 2010 Sutter became just the third All-America honoree in school history with a third-place showing at the national tournament as the Muskies placed 26th as a team. Rogers is no stranger to the Big Ten Conference, having wrestled collegiately for Ohio State University from 1996-to-2000. A four-time varsity letterwinner, he built an 80-63 career mark for the Buckeyes, including a 20-4 mark in his senior campaign that included a spot as a team captain and a third-place showing at the Big Ten Championships. Rogers also led the team in pins as a junior and was named the Buckeyes’ Most Dedicated Wrestler as a senior. A native of Oostburg, Wis., Rogers was an elite high school wrestler, posting a remarkable 145-1 prep record and a trio of Wisconsin State High School Championships. Among his collegiate recruiters was current Boilermaker head coach Scott Hinkel, who is excited at his second chance to make Rogers a part of the Purdue Wrestling family. “We’re very excited about Pete joining the team,” said Hinkel. “He brings a wealth of experience to our program, not only in wrestling, but in coaching and in managing a program. He had the passion and competitiveness to take Lakeland from the bottom to the top, and we think he can bring that to our program and help us as we push to the upper half of the Big Ten and the NCAA.” Rogers has a master’s degree in education from Lakeland and a bachelor’s degree in sport and leisure studies from Ohio State. He and his wife, Brandi, have two children, Isabella and Gabriel. Rogers will officially join the Boilermakers on Saturday, Sept. 11.

Two-time NCAA champion and 2008 Olympian Ben Askren is one of the most colorful personalities in wrestling, and he has taken the MMA world by storm, compiling a perfect 6-0 record in under two years. He defeated Ryan Thomas and Dan Hornbuckle to win Bellator's welterweight tournament, and is facing Lyman Good next month for the welterweight championship. InterMat recently spoke with Ben Askren about his wrestling and MMA accomplishments and his current training. Ben Askren (Photo/Bellator)Can you reflect on your wrestling accomplishments and what they mean to you? Askren: They mean a lot because they are something I put a life's worth of work into and it was totally worth it. You've volunteered as an assistant wrestling coach for the University of Missouri. Is coaching wrestling something you have aspirations of doing? Askren: Yeah I thought for a long time I would be a DI college head coach, but with the new MMA career I don't really know where I am going to end up now. I would still love to coach, though. What made you decide to transition into MMA? What was that transition like? Askren: MMA was something I watched and enjoyed since the early days and I always wanted to try it. The transition has been very smooth and I am enjoying it immensely. Can you talk a bit about how your wrestling career helped you transition into MMA? Askren: Wrestling is a great base to have and the same hard work and dedication that it takes to be good in wrestling is the exact same thing it takes to be good at MMA. What was it like transitioning to BJJ with a wrestling background? Which do you think is more important for your ground game? Askren: I love BJJ and I think both are equally important for MMA. If you have one without the other you are very incomplete. Compared to wrestling, what do you think of the talent level in MMA in your weight class? Askren: I think the MMA talent is lower just because there are some many great wrestlers who have been doing it all their lives, while most mixed martial artists didn't start doing MMA until they are adults. Tell me a bit about your training at American Top Team. Askren: My first year of MMA was at ATTMO and my BJJ coach was Kiko France and he taught me so much about the sport. Who are you training with now? Describe your relationship to him/them. Askren: I am at the Lion's Den at Scottsdale, AZ, my two main coaches are Kiko (who moved from Missouri), and Mario Francis who helps with my boxing. I have a great relationship with both of these guys and they help me tremendously. Can you tell me a bit more about their styles or training philosophy? Askren: Coach O believes in a lot of movement and doesn't think MMA people keep their hands up enough, and don't move enough. Kiko is great for me because he has a strong top game and since that is where I am a lot, it really helps. Ben Askren (Photo/Bellator)Can you talk about how you train for BJJ? Askren: I am not scared to put myself in bad positions like a lot of wrestlers are, because I know that while this may be counterproductive in the short term, it will really help in the long term. What does your current training situation look like? Do you train twice a day? Askren: Usually twice a day, sometimes three with my new lifting program. I have been working a lot on stand up because it is the weakest part of my game and I need to improve it. How come everyone always thought you trained at Arizona Combat Sports? I think I've even seen that reported. Askren: I trained there three days. And I am not sure. You've been quoted as saying, "I would be surprised if I get submitted with a triangle or an armbar, ever." Can you talk about your strategy (training-wise) that makes you so confident about that? Askren: Well, I am very confident in those positions, even if someone gets it locked up I think I will escape without getting in too much trouble. Plus as of now none of the best guys at BJJ in my weight compete in MMA. The longer I do BJJ, the better I will get. A lot of critics say you are arrogant and should show more humility. How would you respond to that? Askren: Well, that is their opinion and I partially agree with them. To be an elite athlete you need to be part arrogant and part humble you just need to know when to let each of these personalities come out. As a competitor I feel I have a great grasp on this. If people who were close to me told me I was arrogant I would change, but I have never heard this. What advice would you give a wrestler going into MMA? Askren: Keep an open mind and work hard. Do you agree that wrestling is the best MMA base to have? Askren: I think even though you see so many wrestlers doing well, this is debatable. I think there are other factors that could lead to us being successful (sheer numbers and ability to adapt could be two other factors.) You've written before on facebook that if a wrestler gets a takedown and doesn't punch the guy, he shouldn't have any advantage on the judges scorecard. Can you talk a little about that? Ben Askren (Photo/Bellator)Askren: Yes. I can't stand when a wrestler gets a takedown and doesn't even try to pass guard or hit. If you do no damage, you should score no points. MMA is always considered to be more cut-throat and wrestling more close-knit. How would you compare the MMA scene to the wrestling scene? Askren: Well I just think that the money that is in MMA draws more snaky people into because everyone is trying to make a buck and hustle somebody. The wrestling community is like a family, maybe a dysfunctional one, but a family nonetheless. A much more wholesome sport. Are there any MMA fighters or wrestlers you admire? Askren: I admire John Smith because of his skill, innovation and tenacity. At this point there are no fighters that I look up to. What's your strategy for defeating Lyman Good? Askren: Take him down and choke him. You were unsuccessful in your attempts to medal at the '08 Summer Olympics. What was the experience like for you? Askren: I am very bitter about it because I only had one goal in mind and I fell short, when you work so long for something and you come up short it is disheartening, especially because I feel like I executed my technique and strategy poorly and being flawless is something I pride myself on. When you reflect back on your Olympic Team Trial experience, what emotions or thoughts come up for you? Askren: It was an awesome feeling because it was a goal I had for so long. However, I didn't get to soak in it because my real goal was the gold medal and I knew I had to keep working for that. Do you prefer competing in MMA to grappling and wrestling tournaments? Askren: No, I enjoy all of it. In your career you seem to always want to face the toughest competition. Would you ever want to fight for the UFC? Askren: Yes. Ben Askren (Photo/Bellator)How do you think you'd stack up against, say, GSP or Jon Fitch or Josh Koscheck? Askren: I feel like I match up well with anyone in my weight class. Can you say a bit more about that? Askren: I feel like with my skill set, tenacity and endurance that I am not an easy fight for anybody to have and I can give everyone fits. So you think if you had to fight GSP tomorrow, you'd be ready to go? Askren: I will be more ready in a year, but if I had to be, why not, I love to compete. Anyone you want to mention or any sponsors you want to thank? Askren: Yeah, I would like to thank Cage Hero and Everlast. Yael Grauer is a freelance writer living in Western Wisconsin. Her writing has been featured in Ultimate MMA magazine and the Performance Menu: Journal of Health and Athletic Excellence. She writes regularly for MMA HQ.

HEMPSTEAD, NY -- Three regular season tournaments and 21 dual matches, including six contests against teams that placed in the top 25 at the NCAA Championships last March, highlight the 2010-11 Hofstra wrestling schedule, Pride Head Coach Tom Shifflet announced Wednesday. The Pride, who will compete in the Cliff Keen-Las Vegas Invitational (Dec. 3-4), the Southern Scuffle in Greensboro, North Carolina (Dec, 29-30, and the New York State Collegiate Wrestling Championship in Binghamton, New York (Jan. 22-23), begin their 64th season with three-match dual meets at Edinboro University on November 6, and at the University of Missouri on November 21. At Edinboro, the Pride will face the host Fighting Scots, who placed 16th in the NCAA Championships, Newberry College, and Purdue University, which placed 28th in the NCAAs last March. At Missouri, Hofstra will face the Tigers, who placed 10th in the NCAA Championships, along with NAIA power Lindenwood University, which has won five national titles and finished second twice in the last 10 years, and Oregon State University. December will see the Pride travel to the Cliff Keen-Las Vegas Invitational, which returns to the Las Vegas Convention Center after being held in Primm, Nevada last year. Hofstra will host the Terrapins of the University of Maryland, which placed 20th in the NCAAs, on December 11 in the first of five home matches this season. The Pride close December at the Southern Scuffle. Hofstra will host the Tar Heels of North Carolina on January 8 before heading to the CAA Duals in Fairfax, Virginia the following Saturday against four conference-members to be announced. The Pride will return to the New York State Collegiate Championship for the first time since 2002 on January 22-23. The Pride will host Army on January 26, Cornell University, which placed second in the NCAAs last March, on February 5 and CAA-foe Rider on February 16. Hofstra will also have road matches at the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University in Philadelphia (Jan. 30), Lock Haven University (Feb. 9), Harvard University and Brown University in Cambridge, Massachusetts on February 12, and at Princeton on February 19.

Hello again Wrestling Fans. We return to the Brute Adidas studios for this weeks show brought to you by Kemin Agrifoods. Join Scott Casber, Geoff Murtha (Simpson) and Ryan Freeman (Ok State) and Randy Crimmins. Geoff Murtha joins us courtesy of Mass Mutual Financial Services, Ryan Freeman courtesy of ATT. The World Championships will be getting underway in Russia. Best of luck to our US Athletes. For a complete schedule and to follow the results of Team USA Visit the special section on TheMat.com Our Guests Include: 9:01 Brian Smith- Head Coach of the Tigers of Missouri. Another remarkable recruiting class and a camping trip. We'll catch up with Coach Smith. 9:20 Conor Youtsey- One of America's Top recruits commits to Army. We'll discuss the process he went through and his goals for the future. 9:40 Andrew Hipps- of IntermatWrestle.com The InterMat JJ Classic is set to take place on Saturday, October 23, 2010 at the UCR Regional Sports Center in Rochester, Minnesota. The InterMat JJ Classic promises to be loaded with national talent. Hundreds of wrestlers in grades 7-12 are expected to participate. There will be 32-wrestler brackets for each of the 14 standard high school weight classes from 103 through 285 pounds. Because of the event's location, the InterMat JJ Classic is expected to attract top high school wrestling talent from across the Midwest. However, the tournament is open to wrestlers from all across the United States. 10:01 Joe Heskett- NEW Head Coach of the US Military Academy at West Point, NY. Off to a fast start for this young coaching prodigy. 10:20 Greg Randall- Head Coach of the Boise State Broncos - tried and true, Randall and his Broncos are planning on a tough season. The Pac 10 Beckons! 10:40 Gray Maynard- Former Michigan State Spartan has been slowly building his MMA career. After dismantling Kenny Florian at UFC 118 in Boston he finally gets the title shot he deserves. It'll be wrestler vs. Wrestler as Maynard gets ready to face Edgar. Sponsored by Xtreme Couture 10:50 Amy Williams (Rubel)- Wildrose Resort and Casino Wrestling fans- Episode 73 of TDR TV wrestling news is now on. Check TV Guide for listings. How to watch and listen- TDR and TDR TV. It's appointment Radio and TV! 1.78 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 Sat. 12 Noon Comcast Cable Tennessee Ch. 96 Fridays 5 PM CATV- CCN, Pennsylvania Ch. 8 Fridays 5 PM (Premiers September 10th) Call your local cable operator and ask them to carry TDR TV TDR on Internet: You can join us 9 to 11 AM Saturday mornings at Takedownradio.com TDR TV On Internet: 31 various web sites now carry your favorite wrestling news show Thanks to our affiliates, our media partners and friends at Livesportsvideo.com. Thanks for watching and listening!

Boiling Springs, N.C. -- Gardner-Webb graduate and assistant coach for wrestling Daniel Elliott has been promoted to the Associate Head Coach for Wrestling announced today by the Gardner-Webb athletics department. “Naming Daniel Associate Head Coach is a natural progression of his involvement in the Gardner-Webb University wrestling program. First, as a student-athlete where he was a national qualifier, and most recently as an assistant coach, Daniel has worked tirelessly to improve his own skills and the abilities of the student-athletes on our wrestling team,” stated Chuck Burch, Vice President for Athletics. “As Associate Head Coach, along with our Head Coach, Dick Wince, and Graduate Assistant Conor Beebe, I am confident that Daniel's number one goal will be the continued development of the wrestling program.” Elliott begins his fifth season with the Gardner-Webb program, having served the last three seasons as an assistant coach. Elliott served as a graduate assistant for his first two years on the GWU wrestling staff following a stellar collegiate career for head coach Richard Wince. Since moving over to the bench as a coach, Elliott has seen at least one GWU wrestler make it to the NCAA Championships in each of the last four years, including Dustin Porter who has reached the NCAA Championships in each of the last four years. Fellow GWU grappler Rob Tate reached the Championships in 2006-07, earning the Runnin' Bulldogs lone victory at the national event. Elliott, who is in charge of the practice schedules and working with the student-athletes on the mat, has worked hard in raising money for the GWU Wrestling program and its new building. His fundraising efforts have allowed the Runnin' Bulldog wrestling program to move into a new building, which when fully renovated will be one of the nicest wrestling only facilities in all of NCAA Division I with offices, locker room, team room, bathrooms and a large practice area. During his career for the Runnin' Bulldogs, Elliott was a two-time NCAA Qualifier. He was also a two-time regional champion at 149. In his last regional meet, Elliott was named the Most Outstanding Wrestler. He finished the regular season with a record of 39-2 during his senior campaign and was ranked 10th in the nation in the final standings. Elliott holds the school record for career wins, single-season wins in addition to consecutive wins. He also led the team in each of his last three seasons in takedowns. Elliott graduated in May 2006 with a double major in history and communications. Elliott then went on to earn his masters in sports sciences and pedagogy from Gardner-Webb in the summer of 2008. “This is a natural step in Daniel's progression toward being a great college head coach,” commented Coach Wince. “His work ethic and dedication are exceptional.”

ROCHESTER, NY -- The RIT Athletics family mourns the passing of former wrestler and member of the RIT Hall of Fame, Anthony (Tony) Wallace. Tony died Saturday night while on duty with the Hoonah (Alaska) Police Department, where he served as an officer since 2008. According to officials, Tony and a colleague were confronted by a lone gunman, and both officers died as a result of injuries suffered in the attack. Wallace was an All-American wrestler at RIT from 1998-2002. He was just the third member in the history of RIT wrestling to earn three All-American honors, finishing his career with a 108-27 record. As a freshman, Wallace competed at the NCAA Championships, finishing seventh in the 174-pound weight class, earning All-American honors. Two years later, Wallace continued his success placing seventh at nationals in the 174-pound weight class earning his second All-American honors. In 2002, Wallace, bulked up to the 184-pound weight class and placed eighth at nationals, giving him his third All-American honor in four years. As a senior captain, Wallace finished the season with a 27-5 record and was a two-time champion at the RIT Invitational in 1998 and 2001, and won several other tournaments. After finishing his wrestling career at RIT, Wallace, a business administration major, was an assistant coach for the Tigers from 2003-05. He worked in the RIT Office of Public Safety until 2008 when he went to work in Alaska.

COLORADO SPRINGS -- Past World champions Dremiel Byers and Kristie Davis will lead the 21-member U.S. wrestling team into the World Championships on Sept. 6-12 in Moscow, Russia. The seven-day competition will start with the Greco-Roman tournament, followed by women's freestyle and men's freestyle. The U.S. has a talented team, mixed with veteran stars and some exciting young newcomers. The USA seeks to improve on its performance from last year, when it returned with three individual medalists. Davis, formerly Kristie Marano, is a two-time World champion (2000, 2003). She has dropped down to 67 kg/147.5 lbs. She won a silver medal in her last trip to the Worlds in 2007. She is a U.S. record nine-time World medalist, winning a medal each of the nine previous times she competed at a World Championships. Byers won his World title in 2002, when the Greco-Roman World Championships were held in Moscow. In addition, Byers won a World silver medal in 2009 and a World bronze medal in 2007 at 120 kg/264.5 lbs., making him the first American Greco-Roman wrestler to win a World medal of each kind. The U.S. freestyle team is led by returning World silver medalist Jake Herbert at 84 kg/185 lbs. 2006 World silver medalist Mike Zadick will make his third appearance in the Worlds in freestyle wrestling at 60 kg/132 lbs. 2005 World bronze medalist Justin Ruiz is back on the Greco-Roman team. He is making his fifth trip to the Worlds. He competes at 96 kg/211.5 lbs. 2008 World bronze medalist Tatiana Padilla has made her third straight World Team at 55 kg/121 lbs. Padilla was fifth in the World in 2009. Olympian Spenser Mango has made his second straight World Team in Greco-Roman at 55 kg/121 lbs. Byers and Zadick also are past Olympians. Two members of the women's freestyle team are past University World champions, Elena Pirozhkova at 63 kg/138.75 lbs. and Stephany Lee at 72 kg/158.5 lbs. Mango is a past University World champion in Greco-Roman. Six of the seven U.S. Greco-Roman team members have competed in a previous World Championships, with only Jake Fisher at 74 kg/163 lbs. in his first World meet. Only two of the seven U.S. Women's team members are in their first World Championships, Alyssa Lampe at 48 kg/105.5 lbs. and Kelsey Campbell at 59 kg/130 lbs. Four men's freestyle team members will be in their first Senior World Championships: Obe Blanc at 55 kg, Brent Metcalf at 66 kg, J.D. Bergman at 96 kg and Les Sigman at 120 kg. Two-time NCAA Div. I national champions on the men's freestyle team are Metcalf and Herbert. Sigman won four NCAA Div. II national titles. Defending champion teams are Russia in men's freestyle, Turkey in Greco-Roman and Azerbaijan in women's freestyle. At the 2009 World Championships in Herning, Denmark, the United States placed sixth in women's freestyle, seventh in men's freestyle and 15th in Greco-Roman. The U.S. teams are in their final acclimation training camps overseas, with Greco-Roman in the Czech Republic, and men's and women's freestyle in Germany. Each team will then travel to Moscow for their competition. There will be complete daily coverage from the World Championships from Moscow on TheMat.com, which is USA Wrestling's website. Included will be audio coverage of each session, plus video interviews, session wrap-up stories, results brackets, a live chat room and more features. To follow the U.S. athletes in Moscow, go to TheMat.com Special Section at: http://www.themat.com/specialevents/2010/worlds/default.php?EventID=23959 Also posted in the Special Section are complete previews for each weight class, along with a Team USA Media Guide. WORLD WRESTLING CHAMPIONSHIPS SCHEDULE Monday, Sept. 6 Greco-Roman 55 kg (Mango), 66 kg (Sahin), 96 kg (Ruiz) Tuesday, Sept. 7 Greco-Roman 60 kg (Davis), 84 kg (Clark), 120 kg (Byers) Wednesday, Sept. 8 Greco-Roman 74 kg (Fisher); Women's freestyle 48 kg (Lampe), 51 kg (Medina) Thursday, Sept. 9 Women's freestyle 55 kg (Padilla), 59 kg (Campbell), 63 kg (Pirozhkova) Friday, Sept. 10 Women's freestyle 67 kg (Davis), 72 kg (Lee); Freestyle 55 kg (Blanc) Saturday, Sept. 11 Freestyle 60 kg (Zadick), 84 kg (Herbert), 96 kg (Bergman) Sunday, Sept. 12 Freestyle 66 kg (Metcalf), 74 kg (Paulson), 120 kg (Sigman) U.S. GRECO-ROMAN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS ROSTER 55 kg/121 lbs. – Spenser Mango, St. Louis, Mo. (New York AC) 60 kg/132 lbs. – Jeremiah Davis, Colorado Springs, Colo. (U.S. Army) 66 kg/145. lbs. – Faruk Sahin, Colorado Springs, Colo. (U.S. Army) 74 kg/163 lbs. – Jake Fisher, Boise, Idaho (New York AC) 84 kg/185 lbs. – Jake Clark, Colorado Springs, Colo. (U.S. Air Force) 96 kg/211.5 lbs. – Justin Ruiz, Boise, Idaho (New York AC) 120 kg/264.5 lbs. – Dremiel Byers, Colorado Springs, Colo. (U.S. Army) Coaches – Steve Fraser (Colorado Springs, Colo.); Momir Petkovic (Colorado Springs, Colo.); Rob Hermann (Pensacola, Fla.); Dan Hicks (Camp LeJeune, N.C.) College affiliations – Northern Michigan USOEC (Mango, Davis, Fisher), Nebraska (Ruiz), Clark (Minnesota), North Carolina A&T (Byers), Selcuk Univ. (Sahin), Michigan (Coach Fraser), U.S. Naval Academy (Coach Hicks) U.S. WOMEN'S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS ROSTER 48 kg/105.5 lbs. – Alyssa Lampe, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Sunkist Kids) 51 kg/112.25 lbs. – Jessica Medina, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Sunkist Kids) 55 kg/121 lbs. – Tatiana Padilla, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Sunkist Kids) 59 kg/130 lbs. – Kelsey Campbell, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Sunkist Kids) 63 kg/138.75 lbs. – Elena Pirozhkova, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Gator WC) 67 kg/147.5 lbs. – Kristie Davis, Oklahoma City, Okla. (New York AC) 72 kg/158.5 lbs. – Stephany Lee, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Sunkist Kids) Coaches – Terry Steiner (Colorado Springs, Colo.); Vladislav Izboinikov (Colorado Springs, Colo.); Keith Wilson (Colorado Springs, Colo.); Link Davis (Oklahoma City, Okla.) College affiliations – Oklahoma City (Davis, Coach Davis), Northern Michigan USOEC (Lampe), Univ. of the Cumberlands (Medina), Lindenwood (Padilla), Arizona State (Campbell), Missouri Valley (Lee), Iowa (Coach Steiner), Oklahoma (Coach Wilson), Central Oklahoma (Coach Davis), Moscow State Univ. of PE (Izboinikov) U.S. FREESTYLE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS ROSTER 55 kg/121 lbs. – Obe Blanc, Stillwater, Okla. (Gator WC) 60 kg/132 lbs. – Mike Zadick, Solon, Iowa (Gator WC) 66 kg/145.5 lbs. – Brent Metcalf, Iowa City, Iowa (New York AC) 74 kg/163 lbs. – Travis Paulson, Ames, Iowa (Sunkist Kids) 84 kg/185 lbs. – Jake Herbert, Evanston, Ill. (New York AC) 96 kg/211.5 lbs. – J.D. Bergman, Columbus, Ohio (New York AC) 120 kg/264.5 lbs. – Les Sigman, State College, Pa. (Nittany Lion WC) Coaches – Zeke Jones (Colorado Springs, Colo.); Bill Zadick (Colorado Springs, Colo.); Brandon Slay (Colorado Springs, Colo.); John Smith (Stillwater, Okla.); Terry Brands (Iowa City, Iowa) College affiliations – Iowa (Zadick, Metcalf, Coach Brands, Coach Zadick), Oklahoma State (Blanc, Coach Smith), Iowa State (Paulson), Lock Haven (Blanc), Northwestern (Herbert), Ohio State (Bergman), UN-Omaha (Sigman), Arizona State (Coach Jones), Univ. of Pennsylvania (Coach Slay)

Former Husker All-American Justin Ruiz will put his talents to test on the international level as he will take part in the 2010 World Wrestling Championships in Moscow, Russia from Sept. 6-12. Ruiz is part of the 21-member U.S. wrestling team that also includes former Nebraska club coach Travis Paulson. Ruiz qualified for the 2010 World Championships after he won the Greco-Roman 96-kilogram (211.5 pounds) title at the U.S. World Team Trials in June. Ruiz had previously retired from the sport of wrestling but made a remarkable comeback as he will be competing in his fifth World Championship competition with hopes of returning to the medal stand after claiming bronze in 2005. A native of Salt Lake City, Utah, Ruiz was a two-time All-American for the Huskers in 2002 and 2003. He was named the team's Redshirt of the Year in 1999 and also earned Most Improved Wrestler and Most Dedicated Wrestler awards during his career. He finished with a 43-16 record, including a 16-5 mark in 2002-03. Paulson will compete for the U.S. as the 74-kilogram freestyle champion. He qualified for the squad by defeating 2010 NCAA champion Andrew Howe (Wisconsin) in the World Team Trial after also defeating his twin brother, Trent. Both Paulson's were Nebraska club coaches during the 2008-09 season. The seven-day competition will start with the Greco-Roman tournament, followed by women's freestyle and men's freestyle. Daily coverage of the 2010 World Championships will be available on TheMat.com, provided by USA Wrestling. http://www.themat.com/specialevents/2010/worlds/default.php?EventID=23959 2010 U.S. World Championships Schedule Monday, Sept. 6 Greco-Roman 55 kg (Mango), 66 kg (Sahin), 96 kg (Ruiz) Tuesday, Sept. 7 Greco-Roman 60 kg (Davis), 84 kg (Clark), 120 kg (Byers) Wednesday, Sept. 8 Greco-Roman 74 kg (Fisher); Women's freestyle 48 kg (Lampe), 51 kg (Medina) Thursday, Sept. 9 Women's freestyle 55 kg (Padilla), 59 kg (Campbell), 63 kg (Pirozhkova) Friday, Sept. 10 Women's freestyle 67 kg (Davis), 72 kg (Lee); Freestyle 55 kg (Blanc) Saturday, Sept. 11 Freestyle 60 kg (Zadick), 84 kg (Herbert), 96 kg (Bergman) Sunday, Sept. 12 Freestyle 66 kg (Metcalf), 74 kg (Paulson), 120 kg (Sigman)

DES MOINES, Iowa -- Takedown Wrestling Media and CCN have established a relationship that will bring the popular TDR TV amateur wrestling program to over 18,000 homes in Pennsylvania's Central Susquehanna Valley area. TDR TV's national audience is now estimated at 2 Million homes. TDR TV's first broadcast on CCN Channel 8 in Danville, Lewisburg, Milton & Watsontown will be 5 PM Friday September 10th. TDR TV is a 30-minute weekly TV show that covers all aspects of amateur wrestling in the U.S. Host Scott Casber updates viewers on the latest developments in high school, college and international wrestling, conducts insightful interviews with the sport's top wrestlers and coaches, and shares his passion for the “oldest and greatest sport” in a fun, fast-paced show. TDR TV is already available on the Mediacom cable TV system serving six Midwestern states, Time Warner Sports NY, Comcast Cable in Tennessee and can be viewed online at www.TakedownRadio.com and at over thirty other affiliated amateur wrestling web sites. “Pennsylvania's Central Susquehanna Valley is a hotbed for championship wrestling at both the high school and collegiate levels,” said CCN Managing Producer Larry Zapotocky. “We are pleased to be adding Takedown Wrestling Media's news program, TDR TV, for all of our subscribers who appreciate this outstanding and demanding sport.” Casber, founder of Takedown Wrestling Media, said, “This is an important step forward for athletes, coaches and fans of wrestling across the country. CCN Channel 8 is a historical name in cable. They also understand the wrestling community. This is a special opportunity to partner with CCN in the distribution of TDR TV.” “CCN will present our weekly TV program in the eastern U.S., where collegiate wrestling got its start more than a century ago, and is home to a number of great programs like Bucknell, Bloomsburg, Lock Haven and others,” said Casber. “In addition, we'll now be in a part of the country that features some of the best high school wrestling programs in the nation.”

There has been a growing trend in college wrestling the past few years when it comes to the recruiting process -- everything is happening sooner. Wrestlers are committing earlier and earlier each year and the amount of late recruiting and signings is going down. Freddie Rodriguez (Photo/Michigan Grappler.com)The first big time wrestling recruiting news for the high school Class of 2012 comes from right here in Michigan as two-time state champ and Fargo double champ Freddie Rodriguez has informed Michigan Grappler that he has already made his college plans, he will be staying in Ingham County and wrestling for the Michigan State Spartans. "I have been a Michigan State fan since I was little and I've always wanted to be a Spartan," said Rodriguez on a phone call to Michigan Grappler. "When I went and saw the campus I got to see the athletic academic support buildings and it ensured me that MSU can help me stay on task and do good academically. From a wrestling standpoint I know I will work hard on improving my skills, but I feel the academic support at Michigan State will be really good for me." Rodriguez, who is currently ranked sixth in Class of 2012 by InterMat, will also be able to go to school and compete close to home, just minutes from his hometown of Holt. "It's near home for me and I know I have my family there to support me and I like being close to my parents, plus my family and friends will be able to watch me throughout my career," said Rodriguez. Rodriguez, who won Division 1 state titles at 103 and 112 pounds his freshman and sophomore year, has been one of the premiere wrestlers in the country ever since coming up on the youth scene, and throughout his career he has attended numerous Michigan State camps and clinics. According to him, his confidence in the MSU staff was a big part in his decision as well. "I have known (MSU assistant coach) Chris Williams since I was really little and he wrestled for State. I have worked with him a lot so I wouldn't want to go somewhere where another coach would have to get to know me and how I wrestle -- Chris already knows what kind of kid I am, how I wrestle, and how to coach me." Rodriguez follows a line of the nation's top juniors in the past couple years to make very early commitments, including Logan and Hunter Stieber of Ohio (Ohio State) and Nico Megaludis of Pennsylvania (Penn State). He is the first wrestler in the country from the Class of 2012 to announce his college plans. "I am happy to get it done early so I don't have to wait around and think about it or have to feel the stress of the whole process," said Rodriguez. "I know where I want to be, so why not get it done now?" Last summer, Rodriguez competed in just about every national event that he could find and racked up a laundry list of big wins and tournament titles. He won the FILA Cadet Nationals in both styles, FloNationals, USAW Folkstyle Nationals, and the Fargo Junior Nationals in both styles. Wrestling most of this summer at 103 and 105 pounds, many might question his size for college, with the lightest weight class being 125 pounds. However, Rodriguez is confident it will not be an issue. "I don't feel like my weight is going to be an issue because I know my work ethic is good and as long as I push myself in the room I will have success on the mat, no matter what size I am." Freddie Rodriguez (Photo/John Sachs, Tech-Fall.com)He has been widely considered one of the best wrestlers in Michigan and the country throughout his grappling career. However, Rodriguez's recent summer success has officially propelled him into the national forefront. He has beaten just about every notable wrestler in the country at 103/112 pounds, and his aggressive, high paced style of wrestling has not changed since winning his second state title in March. "I think before this summer I was considered one of the better kids from Michigan, but my name wasn't really known that much nationally," said Rodriguez. "But after everything I've done this summer I feel I have made a big name for myself. The difference for me has been that I have been wrestling a lot smarter and been more aggressive. In the past I have not been real aggressive at big national tournaments but this year I have really turned up my aggressiveness and was heavy on people's heads and it has made a big difference." Rodriguez's commitment falls just days after one of the best Michigan wrestlers from the class of 2011, Roger Wildmo, also gave a verbal commitment to the Spartans. He will also join former Lansing area standout Dan Osterman of St.Johns, who competed as a true freshman this year for MSU, and the Spartan wrestling team is starting to gain a good crop of homegrown talent. "I feel that when others see that we are staying home to wrestle at Michigan State that they will see that we can build a team with pure Michigan guys and it would be a lot more special to win a title with guys who grew up together, training together and traveling together." While Rodriguez is a grade behind Wildmo and three grades behind Osterman, he could very well end up competing right alongside them sooner than you would think, as he does not rule out the idea of waiving his redshirt year and wrestling right away. "I think I will wrestle right away, but it depends on how big I am, how I feel, and what the coaches want me to do, but I think I will be ready to compete right away." If you glance at Freddie Rodriguez's track record you might think he is almost already in college. However, he still has two full years of high school wrestling left before moving on to the next level and he says he still has a lot to do before getting to college. This year he and his brother Martin, a freshman, will wrestle for Grand Ledge High School, but he will also be competing in a couple more big-time preseason events before the MHSAA season kicks off, the Grappler Fall Classic (Oct. 16 in Tecumseh, MI) and the Super 32 Challenge (Oct. 30-31 in Greensboro, NC). Rodriguez also gave thanks to MSU coach Tom Minkel for giving him the opportunity to continue his career in college as well as his parents and family for their support over the years. Luckily for them they will be able to continue supporting him and not have to drive far to do it as the blue-chip prospect will be right up the road in East Lansing. InterMat was granted permission to republish this article from MichiganGrappler.com.

Earlier this morning, Tioga High School rising senior Derak Heyman, a two-time NYS DII finalist and 2009 state champion, was named as one of the Top 10 members of NYS' Class of 2011 as a part of the InterMat Wrestling 49 series. This was only the start of the good news for this immensely talented young man and his family as several hours later, he revealed to Lighthouse Wrestling that after weighing all of his options, he had elected to give a verbal commitment to reigning Colonial Athletic Association champions, the Bearcats of Binghamton University. In doing so, Heyman becomes the second blue chip recruit in less than a week from the Empire State to officially break the news of his college plans; He joins fellow two-time state finalist (albeit different divisions) Grant Greene, who on the 25th of this month, broke the news that he would be continuing his academic and athletic pursuits at Northwestern University. Heyman is the first elite wrestler to announce his intentions to compete for Coach Pat Popolizio and staff. Arriving on the scholastic scene as a physically mature eighth-grader (when Tioga was still competing in the DI tournament), Heyman, while unable to place in a deep 112-pound weight class, did give NYS enthusiasts a preview of what they could expect in the coming years, beating future NYS champion Vinnie DiGravio in the opening round of the 2007 state tournament. While a bad draw would result in him dropping his next two matches to the eventual third and fourth-place finishers in the state, the experience was one that that would both educational and beneficial for the future Bearcat student-athlete. 2008 would have a sort of deja vu feeling to it for Heyman, who despite being the only freshman in a 125-pound weight class filled with upperclassmen, was successful for the second consecutive year in winning his initial match to advance to the quarterfinal round of the DI tournament. Unfortunately, bad luck would again plague Heyman as he would be defeated in his two matches (this time to the eventual state runner-up and the wrestler placing fourth). While the end result may not have been what Heyman was hoping for, one thing was for certain, competing against a more experienced caliber of opponent served as excellent preparation for the NHSCA Freshman Nationals, a tournament that the Section IV wrestler was able to medal in, finishing third and earning the first of what has been a career filled with All-American honors. Sophomore year would represent a dream season for Heyman as he enjoyed not only his finest in-state performance, but also really turned it on nationally, claiming the 130-pound NYS DII title (Tioga switched divisions between 2008 and 2009), as well as finishing as the national runner-up in Virginia Beach at NHSCA Sophomore Nationals. In both instances, the No. 9-ranked senior in NYS really put his offense on display, outscoring his state opponents by a tally of 41-13, and defeating his first four opponents at the NHSCA event by a margin of 33-8, before dropping a narrow 8-6 decision in the title bout to New Jersey's James Green. 2010 was another promising year for the returning finalist, compiling a more than impressive 45-2 overall record with his only losses coming at the hands of two-time NYS DI Champion/current Lehigh true freshman Stephen Dutton (3-1), and in the DII state title match to Tyler Peet (6-5). But alas, showing the heart and perseverance embodied by all champions, rather than hark on the loss, Heyman, would quickly rebound and put an emphatic ending on his junior campaign by yet again achieving All-American honors, finishing four at the Junior National tournament. Now only a few months away from the commencement of his scholastic career, Heyman knows that he will take to the mat as heavily favorite to win the 140-pound title that just barely escaped his grasp last season. With the majority of the 2010 state placewinners at 135 and 140 having graduated, the question might not be, will Heyman end his high school career as a two-time state champion, but rather, how dominant will he be in taking home the hardware in 2011? Projected as a 141-pounder at the next level, Heyman might find himself in a position to walk right into an immediate starting job with the incumbent, Anwar Goeres, set to complete his NCAA eligibility at the end of the upcoming season. On behalf of everyone here at LHW, sincerely congratulate Derak and his family on the selection to the Top 10 seniors list, as well as the joyous news that he will be representing the state university for years to come. We wish him the very best of luck on a very successful and injury-free senior season! InterMat was granted permission to republish this article from LighthouseWrestling.com.

Manheim, Pa. -- The National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) Board of Directors meeting concluded at the annual NWCA Convention at the Delray Beach Marriott in Delray Beach, Fla., Aug. 5, 2010. The board recognized outgoing NWCA President, Coach Jim Beichner, for his exemplary leadership of the association. Among the many extraordinary accomplishments under his direction was the development of an innovative Coaches Leadership Academy. Not only was Coach Beichner instrumental in helping to develop the curriculum but he also played a major role in implementing a scholarship program designed to provide all head college coaches with the opportunity to enroll in the Academy at no cost. “This Academy is one of the most significant accomplishments of the NWCA in its 82 year history,” said executive director, Mike Moyer. Coach Brian Smith, the head coach at the University of Missouri, assumed his role as NWCA President with his two-year term beginning at the completion of the board meeting. The Board of Directors voted Rob Koll, head coach at Cornell University, as President-elect. He will serve a two-year term in that role before his term as NWCA President officially begins. The NWCA added high school coaches Wayne Branstetter of California and Craig Hanson of Washington to the Board of Directors as new scholastic representatives for the next two-year cycle. Collectively, these coaches have combined for over 60 years of coaching experience, have both been named state coach of the year and hold multiple other awards. They will work closely with the NWCA’s scholastic directors and John Licata, the NWCA Coaching Development Coordinator. They will be replacing Brian Smith (Moon Valley/Arizona) and Les Combs (Bend/Oregon) who have competed their terms. “Both Coach Smith and Coach Combs have made significant contributions to the NWCA as evidenced that under their leadership, the membership grew from approximately 1,000 to 8,500 scholastic coaches. We are forever grateful for their tireless efforts to grow our organization,” said Mike Moyer. A significant element in the board meeting involved the passing of the Coaching Code of Ethics. The Board expressed its intent to elevate scholastic and collegiate wrestling to the highest of standards among all sports. The Code of Ethics will be an integral educational component of the NWCA’s educational outreach programs. “We are extremely grateful to the primary architects of the code of Ethics, Todd Hibbs (former head coach at Olivet College), Dr. Dan Gould (Professor at Michigan State University), and Ron and Jan Mirikitani (NWCA Board Members),” said NWCA President, Brian Smith. In addition, the board passed the NWCA strategic plan and goals, which highlights the three core competencies of the NWCA: Coaching Development, Student-Wrestler Welfare, and Promotion and Advocacy for Wrestling. The board also adopted a position statement of securing unanimous support of all Division I coaches for a “reformatted” National Dual Meet Championships for the 2012 season. The Board has also pledged its full support in collaborating with the coaches of the non Division I levels to design an alternative National Dual Meet format that is viable. In the absence of this unanimous support, the National Duals will be dissolved at the completion of the 2011 Championships. The goal is to develop a model that places more emphasis on the outcome of each dual meet throughout the season. In doing so, the Board expects to significantly grow the spectator and media base at the institutional level. If successful, this should position wrestling to grow its spectator and media base at the conference and national levels as well. The National Wrestling Coaches Association, established in 1928, is a non-profit organization for the advancement of all levels of the sport of wrestling with primary emphasis on developing coaches who work in academic environments. The membership embraces all people interested in amateur wrestling. The three core competencies of the NWCA are: Coaching Development, student-athlete welfare, and promotion of wrestling.

Head Coach Rob Eiter announced a change to the start time of Penn's dual with EIWA rival Bucknell on Jan. 29, with the first bout now scheduled for 3 p.m. in The Palestra. The Quakers, who return seven previous NCAA Championships qualifiers including former 2010 All-America Scott Giffin and 2008 EIWA champion Rollie Peterkin, open their 2010-11 campaign with the annual Intrasquad Meet on Nov. 6. The tournament season begins on Nov. 14 at the Binghamton Open. Penn's first home dual is Jan. 9 against Bloomsburg.

Mark Perry

As the wrestling season's start is fast approaching, InterMat will be taking fans across the United States of America on a tour of scholastic wrestling. From early August until the middle of November, InterMat will introduce fans to the top senior wrestlers in the 49 states with scholastic wrestling. From Alaska to Florida, and from Maine to California, fans will gain exposure to the potential stars of future NCAA Championships. The rankings within this article do not necessarily reflect those done by InterMat. Did you a miss a Wrestling 49 feature? Visit Wrestling 49 archives. A year removed from watching as their state brethren put forth one of the finest performances at the NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships, the expectation for New York wrestlers runs high. This is especially true of the talented group of young men who will enter the collegiate ranks next season, as the pressure to build off of and continue the line of success will fall directly on their shoulders in the years to come. However, judging by the credentials that the Class of 2011 will carry into their respective senior seasons, the future looks bright and Empire State enthusiasts need not worry about the ball being fumbled anytime soon. Despite having had the bar set mighty high by the last few senior classes that have come before them, it is our sincere and objective opinion that it will be this core group of upperclassmen, consisting of 37 All-State grapplers that will establish a new standard of excellence for the N-Y. This Top 10, representing seven different sections (I, II, IV, V, VIII, XI, and the CHSAA) within the Empire State, was drawn from a senior class that has accumulated 39 All-American honors to go along with the aforementioned 37 All-State performances, and truly does succeed in identifying the creme de la creme from both of the state's two divisions (seven from Division I, four from Division II). In evaluating their collective accolades, we were astonished at the statistics that were uncovered: 24 NHSCA All-American distinctions and 17 All-State honors. If not convincing enough, it was also revealed this special group of 11 seniors had combined to win eight state titles among two divisions, finish as the state runner-up six times, and account for six appearances in the finals of various national tournaments, with one of our wrestlers emerging with the championship hardware. Competing in the international styles, two of the selected few have been successful in proving themselves to be three-dimensional (folk, free, Greco) in their wrestling abilities by virtue earning All-American honors on either the Cadet or Junior level while competing under the FARGODOME. While there are very few certainties in this sport, one guarantee that can be made is that led by this ambitious and talented class of wrestlers, the upcoming season should prove to be another exciting and fun-filled year for anyone who calls themselves a New York wrestling enthusiast. 1. Nick Gwiazdowski High School: Duanesburg (Division II/Section II) Projected 2010-11 High School Weight Class: 215 Projected College Weight Class: 197/285 Nick GwiazdowskiAnalysis: The current No. 19 recruit in the country according to InterMat, no Empire State wrestler had a more complete and successful 2010 campaign than did the rising senior from Duanesburg. Commencing with a third-place finish at the prestigious Super 32 Challenge (considered the premier offseason tournament in the nation), it was evident from the get-go that Gwiazdowski was a man on a mission, looking to improve upon a third-place finish in the DII state tournament the prior year. Compiling an overall record of 49-1 (with the lone loss coming at the hands of 2010 two-time NYS state champion/University of Oklahoma true freshman Kyle Colling), Gwiazdowski would cruise to the title that had alluded him his first two years of high school, pinning his first two opponents before outscoring his final two by a margin of 13-4 to claim the 215-pound DII hardware. Not content to rest on his laurels, the product of the Journeymen Wrestling Club would follow his impressive in-state performance by testing himself against the finest talent in the nation by participating in the inaugural FloNationals. This would be a decision that would pay major dividends as Gwiazdowski utilized his full repertoire of skills in defeating California's highly regarded Tank Knowles, 5-3, in the finals to earn his spot atop the podium. In doing so, he secured his third folkstyle All-American distinction to go along with a runner-up finish at the 2009 NHSCA Sophomore Nationals, and a fifth-place finish at the NHSCA Freshman Nationals. Gwiazdowski would lock up the No. 1 spot in the Top 10 in July when he became the only rising senior in NY to be crowned a double All-American in the International styles in Fargo (finishing third in both freestyle and Greco). While still keeping his options open, the self described "solid in all three positions" wrestler did say that at the moment he is considering schools such as Binghamton, Penn State, Lehigh, and Virginia, to name only a few. 2. Grant Greene High School: St. Anthony's (Division I/CHSAA) Projected 2010-11 High School Weight Class: 125 Projected College Weight Class: 125 Analysis: A household name on the NY wrestling scen since finishing as the DII state runner-up as an eighth-grader, Greene has continued to flourish within the Empire State, making the DI state finals the past two years (winning in 2009 at 112 pounds). Armed with one of the best dumps that we have ever seen in our collective years following the world's oldest and greatest sport, Greene will enter 2011 with the opportunity to lay claim to the title of best wrestler ever to compete in the Catholic League. Should Greene be successful in accomplishing what most NY wrestling aficionados are predicting (a second state title), he would join current University of Pennsylvania freshman/2010 NYS DI champion Andrew Lenzi as the only grapplers in league history to win multiple titles. If this achievement is not enough, it should also be noted that the rising senior from Cold Spring Harbor is on track to surpass the 200 career victories mark, further etching his name into the annals of NY wrestling history. With wins over both the No. 3 and No. 8 (twice) wrestlers in this Top 10 during his run to the title as a sophomore, Greene's selection to the No. 2 spot was justified and indisputable. The scary thing for his foes is that we believe we have not yet seen the best version of this talented student-athlete. In chatting with Greene following his state title loss in 2010, the gentleman was very candid about wanting to compliment his immense physical skills by using the offseason to become a more mentally tough wrestler. Working like a madman with his longtime personal coach, former two-time World freestyle champion Vougar Oroujov, it is more certainty than question that Greene will enjoy a breakout season as senior (which is saying a lot when you consider his already impressive credentials on the mat). In addition to his success in NYS, the St. Anthony's wrestler is no stranger to national success as well. In fact, much like the student-athlete that precedes him on this list, Greene has been consistent in that he has earned an All-American honor in each of his three seasons competing on the scholastic level. As a freshman, he would enjoy his highest national finish thus far, taking home fourth at the NHSCA Nationals. The following March, he would return to Virginia Beach and emerge with a still impressive fifth-place finish. This past season, Greene would put an exclamation mark on his junior campaign by finishing eighth at the aforementioned FloNationals. Before recently giving a verbal commitment to Northwestern University, Greene was also considering Cornell, North Carolina, and Virginia. 3. Bob Dierna High School: Wayne (Division I/Section V) Projected 2010-11 High School Weight Class: 135 Projected College Weight Class: 133/141 Analysis: One of, if not the most reliable/steady wrestlers in NY State, Dierna will come into his senior season with the opportunity to become a five-time state placewinner. He is one of two wrestlers on this list that will have the ability to accomplish such (joining No. 6 Casey Lanave). As an eighth-grader, the Wayne High School product, despite being slightly undersized, counted on his supreme talent to aid him in finishing fifth in the 2007 DI tournament � 2008 would be a banner year for Dierna as he would go on to win the first of what hopefully will end up being a pair of NYS DI crown, defeating the likes of Damon McQueen (2010 NYS DI champion/NHSCA Senior Nationals bronze medalist) and Sean McCormick (2010 NHSCA Junior Nationals champion) in ascending to the top spot at the 96-pound weight class. Dierna would enter 2009 as the favorite to repeat as a titlist and seemed well on his way to doing just that until he ran into a man on a hot streak, the No. 2 wrestler Greene, who came out possessed, locking up a cradle and getting the fall to dash Dierna's goal of repeating. To his credit, Dierna would show great perseverance, shaking off the loss to finish third at 112 pounds. Last season, competing in what was arguably the deepest weight class in NYS (the only weight class with two selections on this Top 10 list), Dierna would again have to settle for less than a title, finishing fourth with his losses coming to eventual champion Nick Meinsen (freshman at Binghamton) and Lanave. As impressive as the Wayne High School wrestler has been on the NY scene, it was his national credentials, coupled with the opinions of several prominent NY wrestling experts that ultimately landed him in the No. 3 spot on this list. Winning an NHSCA Junior Nationals championship last season to go along with a third -place finish as a sophomore, Dierna has repeatedly proven time and time again that he can hang with the nation's elite. While we were unable to reach him for comment regarding his future plans, we are confident in stating that we believe him to be a top-caliber recruit who will be an asset to whichever respective program he ends up representing at the collegiate level. 4. Nigel McNeil High School: Huntington (Division I/Section XI) Projected 2010-11 High School Weight Class: 119 Projected College Weight Class: 125 Nigel McNeil (Photo/TheMatSlap.com)Analysis: If Gwiazdowski had the best 2010 among the talented core of rising seniors, then McNeil no doubt was a close second. A non-state qualifier through his first two years at renowned Suffolk County powerhouse Huntington, McNeil enjoyed the proverbial dream season as a junior, compiling an unblemished 38-0 record en route to the 112-pound DI state crown (including a 13-10 semifinal win over 2009 state champion Brian Realbuto). McNeil's success would carry over to the national stage as well, as he would go on to finish as the NHSCA Junior Nationals runner-up (with his loss coming in the closing seconds to fellow NYer, the previously mentioned McCormick). Despite not possessing as collective a list of accolades as other members of this list, McNeil's selection was based as much on his ceiling as it was on his scholastic career thus far. In fact, one trusted individual who is familiar with the world of DI college wrestling assessed McNeil as having perhaps the biggest upside of any wrestler in the Class of 2011. His ability to blend strength and quickness with polished technique makes him the prototypical hot commodity. McNeil is one of only two New York wrestlers to land in the InterMat Top 100 recruits in the country (currently No. 97). Similar to Dierna, McNeil was unavailable for comment. However, with an endless ceiling like his, perhaps one of the reasons he was unable to respond to our inquiry was that he was too busy answering the phone from all of the calls he is seemingly receiving from coaches hungry to land a natural athlete such as himself. 5. Joe Kavanagh High School: Wantagh (Division I/Section VIII) Projected 2010-11 High School Weight Class: 189 Projected College Weight Class: 174/184 Joe KavanaghAnalysis: Much like his Long Island brother, McNeil, 2010 marked a coming-out party for the talented junior from Nassau County. After qualifying, but not placing at the DI tournament in Albany in 2009, Kavanagh, who I have heard described as a "scores in bunches" type of offensive wrestler, refocused and put forth the type of junior campaign that undoubtedly gets you noticed by DI college recruiters. With a win total hitting 40+ last season, Kavanagh could have been well on his way towards putting together an immaculate/undefeated season if not for Long Island rival/current University of Virginia freshman Billy Coggins, who issued the Warrior student-athlete his only two losses on the season (including a 3-2 decision in the State finals). Eager to put the loss behind him, it had been Kavanagh's intention to compete at the NHSCA Junior Nationals in an attempt to the show the country just how dynamic a grappler he can be when pitted against the nation's elite. However, an injury during trailing derailed that plan, leaving Kavanagh temporarily concerned how his absence might affect his stock on the recruiting market. Fortunately for the young man, hometown school Hofstra University, who have had the pleasure of watching him develop the past three years, had seen enough and offered him a scholarship. Kavanagh, whose dream has always been to compete for the Gold and Blue of the HU Pride, gladly accepted, giving the Hempstead, NY-based school a verbal commitment in early July. Having previously earned All-American honors as a sophomore by placing fourth at NHSCA Nationals, Kavanagh, who along with Greene also trains with the Russian legend Oroujov, will step onto the mat in 2011 as a heavy favorite to win the state title that has thus far escaped his determined grasp. 6. Casey Lanave High School: Chenango Forks (Division I/Section IV) Projected 2010-11 High School Weight Class: 135 Projected College Weight Class: 133/141 Analysis: Once hailed as the possible second coming of Troy Nickerson, a comparison that has to do as much with the fact that both attended the same high school as it did with Lanave's unmatched early success (state finalist as a seventh-grader), the Chenango Fork's rising senior has yet to land on the top step of the podium, making him perhaps one of the most decorated grapplers in state history not to have won the "big one." This is a label that the four-time All-State wrestler hopes to remove by the end of his scholastic career. With the aforementioned Dierna expected to be in his weight class for a second consecutive season, this will be an objective that is, as the expression goes, easier said than done. However, working in Lanave's favor is the fact that the last time these two blue-chippers met in Albany, it was he and not the 2010 NHSCA Junior Nationals champion emerging with the "w" in the third-place match. Hence, he would seemingly own the mental edge should these two be opposite each other in the 2011 NYS finals. A bronze medalist the past two years at the DI tournament, Lanave also has a fifth-place finish as a freshman to his name. Making these accomplishments jump off the page is the notion that in each instance, Lanave may have been competing in the toughest weight class in the state (96 as a seventh-grader, 119 as a freshman, 125 as a sophomore, 130 as a junior). Cultivated/groomed by 2009 USA Wrestling Developmental Coach of the Year Rich Gumble, as well as the famed staff at the Shamrock Wrestling Club, Lanave would have been much higher on this list if not for the fact that the majority of his national success has occurred in the international styles. A four-time Cadet Nationals placewinner, with his highest finish being fourth place in freestyle in 2008, Lanave has more than proven that the potential is there to hang with and get the best of the nation's cr�me de la cr�me. However, before he can elevated on this list, we felt it was necessary that he first compile an equally valid resume as a folkstyle wrestler. Lanave did not respond to inquiries regarding his plans for 2012 and beyond. 7. Craig Scott & Owen Scott High School: Palmyra-Macedon (Division II/Section V) Projected 2010-11 High School Weight Class: 160 (O) & 171 (C) Projected College Weight Class: 174 (O) & 184/197 (C) Analysis: Without fear of sounding clich�, let us say that to separate one Scott brother from the other would be like separating the hydrogen atoms from the oxygen atom in water, the yin from the yang, and for you soap opera watching mothers reading this article, Luke from Laura (a reference to infamous couple on General Hospital). Craig and Owen are a dynamic duo and deserve to be recognized together (like any twin combination), because above all else, they are the ones who have pushed each other to a greater level of greatness. In fact, so influential is this tag team that last season they led their high school to the unofficial DII team title in Albany. They are expected to do it again in 2011. As the closest thing that New York has to the Alton brothers, both enter the upcoming season with an individual state title to defend. For Craig, in addition to making it 2-for-2 in respective year, 2011 will mark his opportunity to go 4-for-4 in NYS tournament placement. As a freshman he finished fourth, with his only loss in the championship bracket suffered at the hands of four-time NYS DII champion Alex Ekstrom (entering his second year at the University of Oklahoma). A year later he would wrestle his way into the spotlight, earning a berth in the state finals, before having to settle for a runner-up finish. Last season, all of the stars aligned properly for this future Ivy Leaguer as he pinned one of his opponents and outscored the other three by a margin of 27-4 to seize the 160-pound DII title. He did this only minutes after walking brother, Owen, win the hardware at 152 pounds. Owen ScottSpeaking of Owen, it might have been easy to get lost in the shadows when you have such an accomplished twin brother. Such was not the case with Owen, who despite not making All-State as a freshman, has enjoyed every bit the same level of success as Craig. Finishing fourth as sophomore in 2009, Owen would blitz the state in his junior campaign, outscoring his four opponents by a tally of 33-4, with a pin in walking to his first state crown. Combined, the terrible twosome accounted for an 83-4 record last season. If it is Craig with a slight edge with regard to NYS credentials, it would be Owen leading the way on the national scene. With both having earned a pair of NHSCA All-American finishes, it is Owen's national runner-up finish as a freshman and third-place finish as a sophomore just barely edging out Craig's sixth-place finish as a sophomore and fifth-place performance last season. While yet to be finalized, both brothers indicated that they are in the process of verbally committing to Coach Rob Koll and his Cornell Big Red. Stay tuned for the official announcement. 8. Steven Rodrigues High School: Fox Lane (Division I/Section I) Projected 2010-11 High School Weight Class: 130 Projected College Weight Class: 133/141 Steven RodriguesAnalysis: Formerly the No. 74 recruit on the InterMat Top 100 recruits list, Rodrigues being spotted at No. 8 is indicative of the overall strength of the senior class. Despite being ranked towards the bottom, this young man is no joke. In fact, unbeknownst to them, when seeking opinions from several of his fellow Top 10 seniors, almost all of them where in universal agreement that the Fox Lane stud was one of the hardest working, most determined, wrestlers in the Empire State. It is this work ethic that they predicted would yield SRod a state title in his senior campaign. Finishing second and third respectively the past two years in weight classes that included the likes of Greene and Dierna in 2009 (112) and Nick Arujau (three-time NYS DI champion) and Justis Flamio (three-time NYS DI finalist) last season at 125, the self-described "Iowa style" wrestler will hit the mat in 2011 as the odds on favorite to bring home the 130-pound state title. Echoing the sentiments of his colleagues, such a glorious ending to his scholastic career could not happen to a more deserving student-athlete. Taking his talents to the big stage, Rodrigues was a runner-up at the inaugural FloNationals last season. This, when added to the NHSCA Sophomore All-American honor (sixth) he earned the previous year, is a testament to the potential that this young man possesses. Entertaining a wide variety of collegiate options, Rodrigues shared with us that at the moment, he was considering offers from schools in the Big Ten (Iowa, Ohio State, and Indiana), Big 12 (Oklahoma), and ACC (Maryland) conferences. With his "tenacious trying to physically, mentally, emotionally break my opponents every time I step on the mat," mentality, whichever program is fortunate enough to land his services will be getting a diamond in the rough. He's the kind of gentleman who will not only make himself better, but will make his teammates better by virtue of setting a positive example in the wrestling room. 9. Derak Heyman High School: Tioga Central (Division II/Section IV) Projected 2010-11 High School Weight Class: 140 Projected College Weight Class: 141 Analysis: A two-time DII state finalist/2009 champion, Heyman, who referred to himself as a scrambler, has some unfinished business at 140 pounds and will stay at this weight for the second consecutive season with the hopes of claiming the state title that slipped through his fingers by the narrowest of margins (a 6-5 loss in the finals). With the wrestler that defeated him in the title match having graduated, Heyman, who capped off his junior season with an overall record of 45-2, will be a heavy favorite in 2011 to wrap up his much heralded high school career with yet another DII crown. In addition to his incredibly distinguished performance within the borders of the Empire State, it is perhaps the resume that he has compiled in Virginia Beach that has us the most excited to see what this student-athlete will do at the next level. With All-American honors in each of his first three seasons, Heyman is the only member of this 2011 class with the chance to become a four-time NHSCA Nationals All-American. The journey to accomplish such a feat commenced in 2008 when he finished with the bronze medal as a freshman. One year later, Heyman would put forth his best effort, advancing all the way to the national finals before coming up a little short in the title match. As a junior last season, Heyman continued to show why he is on the radar of all of the DI college coaches in NYS, finishing a respectable fourth. With a third, second, and fourth already to his name, might it be the Tioga HS product's destiny to conclude his career with the only spot that he has thus far not earned? Heyman certainly is prepared to do all that is required to make the answer an emphatic YES! While still officially on the market, when we chatted with him a few weeks ago, Heyman did suggest that he is leaning towards committing to defending Colonial Athletic Association champion Binghamton University. 10. Kyle Wade High School: Islip (Division I/Section XI) Projected 2010-11 High School Weight Class: 152/160 Projected College Weight Class: 157 Analysis: To say that state titles run in the Wade family would be the understatement of the year. Having watched his two older brothers, Chris and Lance, both reach the pinnacle in 2005 and 2007 respectively, little brother has witnessed firsthand what it takes to go all the way. In fact, in what might closely resemble a case of d�j� vu, Kyle's path to NYS glory bares a striking resemblance to that of his middle brother. Like Lance, Kyle was successful in earning his spot in the DI finals as a junior, only to drop the title match to a fellow blue-chipper (Lance lost to former UVA wrestler Michael Chaires; Kyle was defeated by Brown University freshman Giuseppe Lanzi). The good news is that if history means anything, Wade would be the most confident individual in NYS in 2011. After all, as proven on two occasions, there are three certainties in life -- death, taxes, and a Wade winning the state title as a senior. While still undecided whether he will return to the 152-pound weight class for a second straight year or make the move up to 160, it is likely that regardless of his choice, the Islip High School product will be the preseason No. 1. Despite not being someone who participates in a plethora of national tournaments, as a freshman, Wade did demonstrate an ability to challenge and defeat his national counterparts, finishing as the NHSCA Nationals runner-up in 2008. Projected as a 157-pounder at the next level, Wade admitted to having serious interest in top programs -- hometown favorite Hofstra and perennial EIWA contender Lehigh. He would be an asset to both programs. Honorable Mention: Joe Barbato (Wantagh): Two-time NYS DI All-State (sixth in 2009, second in 2010), 2010 NHSCA Junior National All-American (third) Abdulgawi Mohamed (Lackawanna): 2010 NYS DII champion, 2010 NHSCA Junior Nationals champion Arik Robinson (Peru): Three-time NYS DII champion (2008-2010), 2010 NHSCA Junior Nationals placewinner (fourth) Colton Perry (Windsor): Three-time NYS DII placewinner (third in 2008, third in 2009, fourth in 2010) Chris Perez (Levittown-MacArthur): Two-time NHSCA All-American (2009-sixth, 2010- seventh) Sean McCormick (Johnson City): Three-time NYS DI placewinner (2008-second, 2009-fourth, 2010-fifth), two-time NHSCA All-American (2010-champion, 2008-fourth) Vin Fischetti (Monsignor Farrell): 2010 NYS DI place-winner (fifth), 2010 NHSCA Junior National All-American (eighth) Matt Ross (Rocky Point): 2009 NHSCA Sophomore National All-American (eighth), 2008 NYS DI placewinner (fifth) Pat Hogan (Peru): Two-time NYS DII placewinner (sixth in 2009, fourth in 2010) Lewis Cucchiara (Gates-Chili): 2010 NYS placewinner (third), 2010 NHSCA Junior National All-American (seventh) Andy Lyman (Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk): Two-time NYS DII placewinner (sixth in 2009, third in 2010), 2009 NHSCA Sophomore National All-American (eighth) Louis Puca (Huntington): 2010 NYS DI finalist at 160 Nick Lalone (Cato-Meridian): Two-time NYS DII placewinner (sixth in 2008, second in 2010), 2009 NHSCA Sophomore National All-American (fourth) Chanse Menendez (Hauppauge): Two-time NHSCA All-American (2008-second, 2010-sixth) Michael Almaviva (Shenendehowa): Two-time NHSCA All-American (2008-champion, 2009-fifth)

Matt Winninger with NationalWrestler.com and Marty Dickey of Waterloo will be radio show guests this week. "On the Mat" is a presentation of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum and can be heard live on the Internet at www.kcnzam.com or locally in Northeast Iowa each Wednesday from 5:00 - 6:00 PM Central time on AM 1650, The Fan. Feel free to e-mail radio@wrestlingmuseum.org with any questions or comments about the show. Former University of Wyoming wrestler Matt Winninger operates NationalWrestler.com which seeks to increase the exposure of amateur wrestling by providing championship videos for fans, coaches and athletes. At Wyoming, Winninger won the Western Athletic Conference championship at 157 pounds in 1999 and was an NCAA tournament qualifier. Marty Dickey won a high school state championship for Waterloo (IA) West High School in 1966 at 120 pounds for legendary coach Bob Siddens. He also wrestled collegiately at Iowa State University. Dickey ran the WaHawk Wrestling Club in Waterloo for over a decade and helped produce many champions from Northeast Iowa.

Two-time state champ Roger Wildmo of Durand (Michigan) had a tough decision to make with three big-time wrestling programs knocking on his door this summer, but in the end Wildmo chose to stay close to home and stay in his comfort zone with coach Tom Minkel and Michigan State University. Roger Wildmo (Photo/MichiganGrappler.com)"I chose Michigan State because I have been training there since middle school and I have always wanted to be a Spartan," said Wildmo in a phone interview. "I am really looking forward to working with coach Minkel and wrestling for his team." Wildmo is currently ranked by InterMat as the No. 34 pound-for-pound recruit senior recruit the country, the highest ranked Michigan recruit by InterMat right now. He is arguably the biggest in-state pickup for the Spartans in recent years, and he steps into a program that has had a great deal of success from 133 through 149 the past couple of years. "I look forward to working with Chris (Williams) and Roger (Chandler), I think they will help me get better and continue to learn and improve," said Wildmo regarding the Spartan assistant coaches. "Seeing some of the wrestlers who have had success there with them makes me confident that they will be able to help me." Wildmo, who finished third at the FloNationals last year and eighth at the 2009 Super 32 Challenge, is projected to wrestle at 149 in college. He says the plan is to redshirt his first year, which will allow for NCAA qualifier David Cheza to finish up his senior season next year and Wildmo to slide right in for State in the 2012-13 season. "I plan on redshirting to start, but I like setting my goals high," said Wildmo. "I want to win an NCAA and Big Ten title, but my main goal is to at least be an All-American for Michigan State." Wildmo will join a Spartan team that has been towards the bottom of the Big Ten conference the past few years, but he says that he is confident they have what it takes to become a top-tier Big Ten program in the near future. "I think the program is picking up and I would like to be a part of helping MSU move forward towards the top. It will be cool getting to wrestle with Danny (Osterman) and a couple other guys I have known for a while," said Wildmo. "I have a good work ethic and I like to make my partners better, so I hope that MSU can get more people like me to build a good room and a good team." Wildmo had narrowed his college choices down to three big time programs before deciding to commit with Michigan State. "I had narrowed it down to State, CMU, and Indiana. They were all close in my mind but my relationship with the coaches and the program at Michigan State, as well it being so close to home is what made me choose to go there." Wildmo, the No. 4 recruit in Michigan Grappler's recruiting rankings, was the No. 1 recruit in our Spring recruiting rankings and appears to be built for college wrestling. He is tough on top and has proven to be competitive with nation's best middleweights. This year he will be a huge favorite to win his third state title after dominating everyone in Division 3 at 140 pounds last year, however he also plans on getting some more national competition in as the Grappler Fall Classic (Oct 16 in Tecumseh, MI) and the Super 32 Challenge (Oct. 31 in Greensboro, NC) are also on the docket for him this fall. Wildmo is the fourth member of Michigan's Class of 2011 to commit as Conor Youtsey committed to the US Military Academy a week ago and Devin Pommerenke (CMU) and Cam Jackson (Michigan) committed earlier this summer as well. InterMat was granted permission to republish this article from MichiganGrappler.com. http://michigangrappler.com/files/High_School/HS1011/wildmo_michiganstate.html

Jim Heffernan

Event: UFC 118: Penn vs. Edgar 2 Venue: TD Garden Arena (Boston, Massachusetts) Date: August 28, 2010 Let's forget about UFC 117's long list of upsets that halted the UFC Monster's winning streak, and take a look at the long anticipated rematch of B.J. Penn and Frankie Edgar, and the laughable matchup of Randy "The Natural" Couture and James "Lights Out" Toney. Wrestler vs. Boxer, a true circus sideshow. Then throw in a "Fight of the Night" matchup with local hero Kenny Florian, trying to be the first to defeat "The Bully," Gray Maynard. And, let's add two world-class submission artists, Demien Maia and Nate Diaz, fighting two sluggers, Miranda and Marcus Davis, and tonight's PPV card is awesome. Plus, there is the bonus of getting two preliminary fights (Lentz vs. Winner, and Lauzon vs. Ruediger) for FREE on Spike TV. With some quick finishes we will most likely see replays of the other three preliminary fights, as well. In the lightweight title fight between champion B.J. Penn, and challenger Frankie Edgar, I was the only one on the planet (outside of the East Coast) who bet on Edgar and cashed as a big 'dog. I knew the only way Frankie could win that fight was to out-point B.J. and earn a decision. He fought brilliantly and did just that! Why not again? … and why is he a +250 'dog? Why? Because B.J. Penn will finish him tonight and make a statement. The judges can sit on their hands because I think B.J. will catch Edgar early with some powerful punches and quickly have him in a world of trouble on the mat. B.J. wins by first round submission, and leaves no doubt as to who will own the 155-pound division. Lay the -300, and I'll see you at the winner's window (again). Bridge jumping in this sport is always dangerous. And, let's not forget that a washed up former boxer, Ray Mercer, needing money desperately, knocked out former UFC heavyweight champion, Tim Silvia, in a matter of seconds. So weird stuff happens. But in my worst nightmare I just can't see Randy "The Natural" Couture, our legendary hero, getting KO'd by a fat, out of shape James Toney in a 15-minute misadventure. Can you? I see Toney having about 10 seconds to try and throw a connecting bomb onto Randy's chin, before the Greco beast drills him with a double leg takedown pinning him to the mat. From there it will be ground and pound to teach all boxers a lesson in MMA, and then Randy will nicely transition to an arm bar submission and leave poor James licking his wound and searching the floor for his pride. I got down at -550. Middleweight Demien Maia has shown us what his jiu-jitsu skills are all about. His body triangle will suck the life out of your very existence. And, I suppose one could argue that his striking skills leave him vulnerable to those who can keep him standing. Marquardt put him out in a matter of seconds. Miranda has accurate striking skills as well. But when these two Brazilians tangle, I think Maia will find his opening, and when you see that happen, and this thing goes to the mat, you will also see me heading towards the winner's window. Laying -215 on Maia looks cheap to me. The UFC Monster has been in some hot water with InterMat writers on my next pick. I like Kenny "KenFlo" Florian at -155 to hand Gray "The Bully" Maynard his first loss. Wrestling worshippers point out that not only is Maynard undefeated (giving Edgar his only loss!), but he has consistently man-handled his opponents and "bullying" them on the ground. He doesn't finish fights, but he wins. That makes him unattractive to UFC powers, who want crowd-pleasing finishers, not judge's decisions. So, herein lies the problem for Maynard. He will take chances, and he will get caught. KenFlo is a better striker, and a better submitter. That leaves Maynard in his best scenario, laying on top of KenFlo, hoping to rack up points. But that will fail when Kenny's razor-sharp elbows open up some nasty cuts on Maynard's forehead, and the blood flow stops this match … told you so. Now let's see what will happen on the undercard. On FREE Spike TV, you can watch wrestler Nik Lentz pull a mild upset at +105 against striker Andre Winner. And you can see Joe Lauzon at -345 show off his long leg wrap submission skills as he beats Gabe Ruediger, who may be a very nice guy, but has no place on this fight card to continue a UFC career. I think Mike Pierce is worth the risk at -260 as his wrestling superiority should be enough to defeat Alves. Dan Miller should get back in the win column at -275 with a submission victory over Salter, who was to have fought Phil "New York Bad Ass" Baroni, who was actually favored to beat Salter! And, I will listen to some wise Asian advice and bet on Soto as a growing +165 underdog to upset Nick Osipczak. Okay, so now let's see what we can do with our "fictitious" $1000 bankroll. Let's lay $210 to win $70 on B.J. Penn to finish Frankie Edgar. Let's lay $300 to win $60 on Randy Couture embarrassing James Toney. Let's lay $107 to win $50 on Demien Maia's world class submission skills. Let's lay $62 to win $40 on KenFlo to give Maynard his first defeat. Let's lay $100 to win $50 on punk brother Nate Diaz subbing Irish Hand Grenade. Let's lay $69 to win $20 on Joe Lauzon's triangle choke. Let's lay $55 to win $20 on Dan Miller's lethal guillotine choke. Let's lay $52 to win $20 on Mike Pierce's superior wrestling skills. Let's lay $20 to win $33 on Soto. And, let's lay $25 to win $27 on Nick Lentz in a mild upset. In all, we are risking an even $1000 to win just $380! Why? Because our sides have clear-cut advantages in fighting styles, experience, motivation, and all the intangibles that go into making champions. Not that our opponents aren't formidable. But, often in MMA you will see large numbers of favorites winning, and there is a reason for that. Tonight I see very little advantage in playing longshot underdogs, who most likely will be laying flat at the end of their matches. At any rate, have fun and enjoy the fights. I know I will. And, PLEASE don't bet with money that you cannot afford to lose! Don't forget to share any winnings with your local youth wrestling program where tomorrow's champions are born!

Hello again Wrestling Fans. We return to the Brute Adidas studios for this weeks show brought to you by Kemin Agrifoods. Join Scott Casber, Geoff Murtha (Simpson) and Ryan Freeman (Ok State) and Randy Crimmins. Geoff Murtha joins us courtesy of Mass Mutual Financial Services, Ryan Freeman courtesy of ATT. Our Guests Include: 9:01 Joel Greenlee- Head Coach of the Ohio Bobcats. Ohio Athletics announced that Seth Morton has been named the 2010 Senior Student-Athlete of the Year. Morton (Canal Winchester, Ohio) began his senior season by winning 13 of his first 14 matches and finished the season with an automatic berth to the NCAA Championship by placing second at the 2010 MAC Championships. He finished the dual meet season with a 12-2 record, tying a team high in dual meet victories. He recorded four major decisions, two technical falls and two pins on the season. He was a 2010 All-MAC Honorable Mention, a three-time Academic All-MAC honoree and was a 2010 National Wrestling Coaches Association Academic All-American. Additionally, he has compiled a 3.299 cumulative GPA while majoring in Physical Therapy. 9:20 Dr. William Rizk- After competition, why should athletes be concerned with weight and what are the options. 9:40 Steve Costanzo- Head Coach of St. Cloud State- Jayson Ness, a four-time NCAA Division I All-American, will the guest clinician at the 2010 Fall Wrestling Clinic at St. Cloud State University. The clinic is open to all youth wrestlers in grades 1-12, and it will take place in the University's Halenbeck Hall Fieldhouse on Saturday, Oct. 30. The clinic will begin with registration at 8 a.m. 10:01 5 Minutes with comedian and friend Greg Warren- Greg is currently on tour and starred on USA Wrestling's Living the Dream Telethon with host J. Bryant. 10:20 Cody Saveraid, Devin Carter- They debuted in July of 2005. Its been over 5 years and the Iowa promotion 3 XW wrestling is a alive and on the grow. These 2 guys are reasons why. Next show date Clobberpalooza Sept 3rd. 10:40 Heath Eslinger- Head Coach of U Tennessee Mocs- The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga wrestling team put four student-athletes on the National Wrestling Coaches Association annual Division I All-Academic Team, tying for the most in the nation. Sophomores Demetrius Johnson, Jason McCroskey and Brandon Wright and freshman Dean Pavlou were all honored for their work in the classroom. 10:50 Amy Williams (Rubel)- Wildrose Resort and Casino 515-883-0042 Wrestling fans- Episode 72 of TDR TV wrestling news is now on. Check TV Guide for listings. How to watch and listen- TDR and TDR TV. It's appointment Radio and TV! 1.78 MILLION HOMES AND GROWING! TDR on Radio: LIVE Saturday at 9:00 AM CST on 1460 KXNO in Iowa. Delayed Saturday nights at 7:00 PM Eastern on Supertalk 1570 in Michigan, TDR TV: Mediacom Cable Ch. 22. IA, MO, AK, NE, MN, IL Tues. 5 PM, Sat. 10 AM Time Warner Cable NY Ch. 813 Sat. 12 Noon Comcast Cable Tennessee Ch. 96 5PM (Premiers September 3rd) Call your local cable operator and ask them to carry TDR TV TDR on Internet: You can join us 9 to 11 AM Saturday mornings at Takedownradio.com TDR TV On Internet: 31 various web sites now carry your favorite wrestling news show Thanks to our affiliates, our media partners and friends at Livesportsvideo.com. Thanks for watching and listening!

VESTAL, N.Y. -- Binghamton University wrestling has filled out its coaching staff with the hiring of Jasen Borshoff, a former NCAA qualifier and Academic All-American from American University. Borshoff joins head coach Pat Popolizio's staff after a stellar collegiate career at American University. He was a four-time EIWA placewinner and 2008 NCAA qualifier before graduating cum laude in 2008. Borshoff was a two-time Academic All-American and received his bachelor's degree in health promotion with a 3.6 grade-point average. He was a six-time Dean's List honoree and helped the Eagles produce the highest wrestling GPA in the nation two times and second-highest another year. "Jasen will have an immediate impact on our wrestling program," Popolizio said. "He is an accomplished wrestler and will bring discipline, character and a strong work ethic to Binghamton University. He will work predominantly with the light weights. I am looking forward to having him this year and the strides our program will make by adding such a creditable person to our staff." After graduation, Borshoff worked as a sales associate with Biometrics, a nutrition and fitness company in Maryland, and also was a health coodinator at Virginia Hospital Center. A Rochester native, Borshoff won 180 scholastic matches and went unbeaten in four years of dual matches. He was a four-time county finalist and sectional champion for Pittsford Sutherland. His father, Tom, was a standout wrestler at Binghamton in the 1970s and was inducted into the University's Hall of Fame in 2001. The Bearcats open their 2010-11 season by hosting the Binghamton Open on November 14.

Related: Inside Trip: Vietnam (Part 1) In a perfect wrestling world, cultures would still achieve oral and written tradition alongside the physical, the passing along of local wrestling techniques, rules and ceremony are excellent examples of cultural identifiers. Sumo is different than Kushti is different than Scholastic and each of the variables reflects priorities and provides information about local values. Yesterday I'd discovered that someone in Lieu Doi was passing these traditions to members of his small village. But who? I was at the pho shop at 10 a.m., I'd need a translator and the only person I knew in Phu Ly (the closest town with accommodations) was Van and her high-pitched Hollywood English. She was sitting in the back of her family's open air restaurant watching the Mark Wahlberg/M. Night Shamalan collaboration, The Happening. I asked her about translating for the day and she said, "No problem, I tell my father and we can go at 1 p.m. ... I'll take you at the coffee shop." Van guided me through the back alleys of the neighborhood where kids were playing beneath red flags emblazoned with the hammer and sickle. Some were kicking the soccer ball, while others were crouched over shooting marbles. Van chose me a seat at the coffee shop, ordered me a ca phe and mango shake. The caf� smelled enough like pork and coffee to remind me of morning, but not enough for me to want to order their bacon. "I come back at 1:15," she said. "Then go to Lieu Doi." She was back in 10 minutes. "I cannot go with you to Lieu Doi because my father said it is not OK." She then reached in her bag and presented me with an egg shell white ceramic wind chime in the image of a pagoda, the sides hand painted with flowers and Vietnamese lettering. She apologized effusively and made a quick exit -- ever so sorry that she'd disappointed me. I did my best to allay her guilt and told her I'd be fine on my own. "No big deal, I'm sure your father is just worried." Was I the evil American in some Vietnamese after-school special about stranger danger, only specifically about bulky white Americans? The news ruined my plans to visit Lieu Doi. I stayed on the computer to catch up on e-mails and enjoyed six more mango shakes and two more cold ca phes. The plan was to catch a bus to Hanoi by 5 p.m. ... and rent a room and sleep before my early morning flight to Ho Chi Minh. Without a translator I'd learn nothing in Lieu Doi. I paid my bill and unplugged the computer. As I did, a 10-year-old girl bedazzled in Hello Kitty gear appeared staring nervously. "For you. stay," she said before disappearing in the David Copperfield manner in which she arrived. Dear Mr. Timothy, Would you please wait me in Bom's Cafe till 1h 30 pm? I and my little sister will come there and we will go to Lieu Doi village, oki? Best wishes, Van Van showed up on time and we hailed a taxi. Her sister, a diminutive 15-year-old with a strong aversion to spoken communication, sat in the backseat as I hopped up front with a cigarette guzzling cabbie with dark sunken eyes. We exchanged names, his was "Mikey" and though I repeated "Timothy" several times, we all settled on "Pimchee." Mikey called his boss as flummoxed as the Dolt about where exactly he might find Lieu Doi. Once we hit the main street, I told Van that I remembered the way. After six or seven turns on dirt paths marked by puddles, hay barrels, and one blue moped, Mikey complimented my sense of direction. I felt the need to clarify, "My father was a Marine, as were both my grandfathers. Soldiers, you know. Bang bang." Van's interpretation was met with a grim silence and the enormity of my idiocy becomes apparent. "No! No! No!" I blurt out "I'm a civilian. Only Vo Vat ... No soldier ... No bang bang." "Ugly American: What to do when if you meet one. Who to call and how to act ... Special Presentation at 4 p.m. Van's sister is still winning the quiet game, while Mikey and I fill the time with playing twenty questions through Van, who is proving to be a good but at times confused translator. She's only just taken off her jacket and decorative surgeons mask; the Vietnamese woman has a vampire-like aversion to the sun, the implication being that a tan is akin to being a farmer, a clearly established social hierarchy was defined by this skin tone differentiation (same was true in Cambodia and Thailand). Many of the women take severe measures to ensure their light skin; rays to the skin are considered more dangerous than softball sizes of hail against your noggin. We arrive and Mikey decides to join our crew of reporters. A look of "This I must see" splattered across his face. Mikey, Pimchee, Van and the Mute: of this scene United Nations Christmas cards make. I try to catch up with Mikey who has stopped to interrogate an old man walking the road with a cane. I peak over a gate and call a few boys lounging in hammocks (napping is a national pastime). The first to emerge was my cheetah-shirt pal from the day before. We exchange greetings and they chuckle awkwardly. Where yesterday the group of boys was engaging, today they were quiet and aloof; less interested in questions about wrestling and more concerned with acting cool in front of Van, an attractive girl. While you'd imagine she was being scoped and thus quiet or passive, the boys were actually squatting down picking at grass only answering her questions over their shoulders. The more she forced them to speak the more I realized that Van was not to be trifled with. As she navigated the mind of the teenage boy, Mikey pulled through and commented that the older gentleman had directed our motley crew to the residence of the Lieu Doi wrestling coach. Truong Nguyen, a slight build, bowl cut and weighing 155 pounds, is the 27-year-old coach, teacher, and local pho shop owner. He invited me into his home and sat poured some voit tea (sweet and similar in taste to green tea), for the guests. He looked at me and smiled. Before we shook hands or Van explained why we had showed up, he reached across the table and pointed at me ears. "Yeah, vo vat." I said as the smiles continued. The room was cinder with a permanent black tarpaulin above our heads. We sat on small red plastic chairs and rested our arms on a low table. Van introduces the group and immediately started translating my questions. The Lieu Doi wrestling festival is Vietnam's only wrestling-specific festival. According to Troung, the festival is a deep-rooted Vietnamese tradition, having been practiced "for centuries." He's been a competitor, claiming to have won several tournaments and placing in many more. There are other festivals, some even in the Nam Dinh province which have more wrestlers, but those have less meaning because they are wrapped into larger festivals. Lieu Doi is their NCAA tournament. Last year's festival welcomed more than 150 grapplers all competing in a single weight class. Presumably there has been little need for expanding the weights because the rules tend not to favor the heavier opponents and many Vietnamese are similar slight builds. The tournament and surrounding festival takes five days to complete, with some time spent on ceremonies on day one, and closing ceremonies on day five. That was the extent I could learn about the festival. There was too much information for Van, just a college student, to be able to translate. Accumulating facts about the festival would be for another trip. For now, I wanted to roll with Troung, who'd mentioned he'd been injured playing soccer earlier in the week. He went to change for some light drilling and technique. I was most interested in the rules and ceremony surrounding each competition. Are the Vietnamese praying to a deity? Are they donning ornate robes? Who do they pay tribute too? Take the example of Sumo. Japan, a country of diminutive people, exalt their national sport which consists of giants many of whom are taught to act in accordance with traditional Japanese values of conformity, modesty and fair play. When you contrast that with Mongolian wrestling culture, or even Vietnam, you begin to get a superficial understanding of the natural and inextricable impact wrestling has had on the development of local culture. Tim Foley arm wrestles MikeyTroung says that he will change into work clothes and we can walk to the stadium. In the meantime Mikey has gotten edgy from the lack of combat and challenges me to arm wrestling competition. This guy is 140 pounds when holding a first-grader, yet, he's already latched onto the table with his left hand, speared the table with his right elbow and presented his hand for our physical tete-a-tete. Van is in hysterics; this she just has to see. She snatches the camera from the table and stands to take photos. We lock hands and I allow Mikey to open up a big lead. He's strong, but in the end I put on a show for the table, we stand to hug and take another drink of tea. Troung and I enter the arena with the Mute, Van and two neighborhood kids we picked up on the walk. Van is cowering beneath an umbrella. She has recruited the smaller of the two boys to hold an umbrella over her head as she snaps photos. The boy, at most 50 pounds, has him arm fully straightened in the air, like Mary Poppins descending from a rooftop. At some point he quivers, maybe his nose was itchy, but the umbrella falls away from Van's face and she gets pelted by some UV. There was something barked sharply in Vietnamese, the point clear to even the English speaker: Let the umbrella fall again, country boy and I'll eat you. Pre-competition danceWe start with the modified electric slide, I am whirling my hands in a tight circle as I kick up my feet in bowing retreat from where they will place their statue. The dance then turns to face Truong and we make a series of sumo-like stomps along with stares and intimidating slapping gestures (you thought that was just Americans?). These aggressive motions signal to my opponent that I am prepared to wrestle and that I intend to give him my full "spirit." We then bow a few times and start to drill. The festival, I've been made to understand, has a much more complicated series of dances and garb. Troung starts by showing an outside single. I showed a basic elbow tap setup to the outside single. He showed a duck under -- I replied with an inside trip. We went back and forth for 20 minutes in front a few dozen locals who'd come to see their coach scrap with the fat American. (I weigh 180 pounds.) Van was taking photos and translating when we'd pause the action to stand flat-footed, arms stretched wide, saying aloud in our native tongues, "What the hell are you doing?" Troung gives Tim Foley a knee to the crotchThe rules for Vietnamese traditional wrestling, as best I could tell, are simple. You accumulate wins by lifting your opponent's feet off the ground, or placing him on both his shoulders. Action is restarted once you hit the ground with anything but your opponent's back exposed. These rules lend to a straight legged wrestling style, bent at the hips head sticking forward to block. All defense and very little risk. Front head locks are tempting, but didn't seem effective and may only open you up for a duck under or fireman's carry (Troang's favorite). The foil is the belt, which is popular in several Asian wrestling styles. Knowing I was unfamiliar and seeing a thick black leather belt around my waist, Troung took time to show me how to best utilize your leverage and lift your opponent's feet into the air. He gave me a knee to the crotch and guess what? My feet left the earth. Still a bit tender I grabbed Truong and gave him an aggressive head fake, he down blocked and I snapped his head, which he circled out of in his recovery. I'm not too sure anything was communicated past that point, but his ankle seemed fine as he tried for a duck under. Like a little kids wrestling practice the light drill had suddenly gone live. Troung came in hot, stepping into a high-duck which I posted out of, sagging my weight and managing my right arm into an under hook, we were now in over under. He feinted a high single to my over-hook side which opened up a well hit inside trip. He transferred his weight back to the post leg and stepped out with little effort. We scrap a few more moments, soaked with sweat and Van offers to video the performance. Truong and I took photos with some of the kids, the rest having scattered at the sight of a camera. Mikey drove us the 150 yards to Truong's restaurant-home, where we shared a hand shake, modified bro-hug and our e-mail addresses. He asked me to come back and I gave him a cordial head nod of appreciation. He insisted and told Van, "He is special guest. Stays in my house and competes in the festival." Tim Foley with Truong and kids post-workoutI was flattered. Not only had he offered for me to enter his tournament also his home. I'd have to come early, he told Van, because only one foreigner had tried before, a judo coach from Russia, and there was lots of paperwork. I thanked him again and said that I'd work on the return trip, hopefully to write about his town's festival in January, next time with a professional translator in tow, not to mention the watchful eye of the hammer and sickle. When you are planning to compete, it's never too early to prepare I'll be busy breaking down the video of our 90-second match to look for weaknesses and find out what happened to that well-executed inside trip. I'm not entering this festival to lose; winning I'm sure is a universal value of wrestling.

Those of you who have followed my writings from local message board icon (kidding, of course) to freelance wrestling journalist know that I have always had a special place in my heart for the New York State Catholic League. It was the place of origin of my now well established affinity for the world's oldest and greatest sport (to borrow from one of my literary heroes, Mike Chapman). Therefore, it is no understatement to say that I take immense pride and satisfaction when learning that one of its student-athletes has "done good." For this reason, last night took on great significance to me when I was informed that the league's brightest star, three-time NYS finalist/2009 NYS DI champion Grant Greene of St. Anthony's High School, had given a verbal commitment to compete for Coach Drew Pariano as a part of the class of 2015 at Northwestern University. Grant GreeneGreene, who will be named to the Top 10 seniors list when the New York installment of the InterMat Wrestling 49 series is released at a future date, becomes the first rising senior from the recruiting class of 2011 to formally announce his intentions to continue his academic and athletic pursuits at the Evanston, IL based institution of higher learning. Emerging onto center as an eighth-grader, it was not long before all Empire State wrestling aficionados knew Greene's name as he would go on to finish as the 2007 DII state runner-up at the 96-pound weight class as a representative of Nassau County and Cold Spring Harbor High School (with a first period pin over the current No. 29 recruit from the class of 2012, Quinton Murphy, highlighting this run to the championship bout). As a freshman, Greene and his family opted to seek out a higher caliber of competition by enrolling in the South Huntington located private school. In addition to putting him in a position to compete for a chance to qualify for the DI state tournament, the family's decision also allowed Greene's vast talents to be cultivated further by an excellent coaching staff consisting of former West Virginia University/nationally-ranked U.S. senior-level freestyle wrestler Antoni Walters, former NYS runner-up Keith Eckert (who competed for St. Anthony's from 1998-2001) as well as a host of other gifted staff personnel (three-time NCAA DI All-American Charlie Heard and the renowned T.J. Hill) who have and continue to serve in an official capacity for the returning Catholic state champion Friars. Greene would make an immediate impact for STA, cruising to the Catholic state finals before losing a hard fought decision to current U.S. Military Academy wrestler Connor Hanafee. With his freshman campaign seemingly over following the loss (only the CHSAA champion is invited to participate in the Federation state tournament), Greene was the benefactor of some good fortune when an injury prevented the aforementioned Hanafee from competing. Given new life, the future NU Wildcat wrestler would rebound from an opening-round loss to win his next two bouts before bowing out one victory short of placement, an impressive feat when you consider that the weight class he was competing in (112) was stacked with the likes of fellow DI wrestlers Nick Arujau (three-time NYS DI Champion; true freshman at American University), Steven Keith (two-time NYS Champion; 2010 NCAA qualifier for Harvard University), and Justis Flamio (three-time NYS DI finalist; freshman at the U.S. Naval Academy). Despite not placing in Rochester, 2008 would end in grand fashion for Greene, as he earned All-American honors in Virginia Beach, finishing fourth at 112 pounds at the NHSCA Freshman Naitonals. There would be no sophomore jinx for Greene as 2009 would be the year that he would finally claim the top spot on the podium at the NYS tournament, outscoring his first two opponents by a margin of 21-4 before punching his ticket to the title match with a 0:24 semifinal pin of returning DI state champion/fellow 2011 blue-chip recruit Bob Dierna (who was a 2010 NHSCA Junior Nationals champion at 130 pounds). The pinnacle would be reached later that evening when Greene built up a sizable early lead and then fought off of his back midway through the championship bout to defeat yet another highly-touted member of the rising senior class, Steven Rodrigues (who finished second at 125 this past year at the inaugural FloNationals), 11-7. Greene would again enjoy success at the national level, repeating as an NHSCA All-American, finishing fifth at 112 (including another win over Rodrigues in the placement round). With a complete determination and ambition to maintain his position atop the NYS latter, Greene would again walk through the Catholic state tournament in 2010, scoring bonus points in all of his bouts en route to a second consecutive CHSAA state crown. In his mind, this was a precursor to the larger mission of repeating as a DI state champion. And, for the first two rounds, it appeared that he was well on his way towards doing just this as he unleashed an offensive juggernaut, combining to score 32 points in advancing to the semifinal round. Unlike the previous season where Greene was able to put to bed his semifinal opponent in the time it takes most people to tie their sneakers, 2010 would require more work as the defending state champ was pushed to the brink by Billy Watterson (freshman at Brown University) before ultimately etching out a 9-7 victory to again earn his spot in the "big dance." Pitted against returning state runner-up Damon McQueen (who competed at 103 in 2009), Greene was successful in hitting a pair of his signature dumps to claim the early lead. However, demonstrating the heart of a champion common to most wrestlers from the Empire State, McQueen (who was the 2010 NHSCA Senior Nationals bronze medalist) would fight back, rallying in the closing seconds of the match to send the bout to sudden victory with the score all knotted up at seven apiece. Greene would come out aggressive in the 1:00 SV period, getting in deep in his Suffolk County opponent. However, with the momentum still very much in his corner, McQueen was able to fight off the shot. This strong display of defense would pay dividends a few seconds later as it would be McQueen getting his first taste of championship glory, earning the deciding takedown at approximately the half way point of the extra frame. To his credit, rather than sulk, Greene proved that he is as much a champion off the mat as he is on it, putting aside his own feelings of disappointment to not only embrace McQueen and his family, but only to support one of his closest friends, Arujau (Greene has long been a star pupil of Arujau's father, two-time World champion Vougar Oroudjov) in his quest for a third title. A third All-American distinction would put an exclamation mark on the 2010 season as Greene again proved his is among the nation's best, finishing seventh (down a weight class at112) at the FloNationals. Projected as either a 125 or 133-pounder at the collegiate level, before deciding upon Northwestern, Greene had narrowed down his college choices to Cornell, Virginia, and North Carolina, to go along with the eventual winner of his services. In expressing the reasons for his selection, Greene cited the strong film program at the U.S. News and World Report's No. 12-ranked national university, as well as the opportunity to work out with two-time NCAA DI All-American Brandon Precin (who will remain in Evanston after graduating) as motivating factors. He also expressed how difficult the decision was and how truly grateful and appreciative he is to all of the coaches and university personnel who actively pursued him. On behalf of everyone at LHW, we sincerely congratulate Grant, his family, and the St. Anthony's program on this exciting announcement. We wish Greene and his teammates the very best of fortune as they look to repeat at team champions in 2011. InterMat was granted permission to republish this article from LighthouseWrestling.com.

Cal State Fullerton wrestling has hope for a future. The sport, designated last week for termination at the end of the 2010-11 season, has been given a reprieve to continue fund-raising efforts to keep the program competing. A combination of positive reaction to the “finality” of last week’s announcement and some accounting adjustments renewed hope that approximately $450,000 can be raised by next Spring to fund the program for the 2011-12 and 2012-13 seasons. “The university will allow the wrestling program to use existing pledges toward future seasons to cover the shortfall that was created when the program missed its August goal of approximately $196,000 in the bank to fund the 2010-11 season,” said Director of Athletics Brian Quinn. “All new money coming in must first go to covering this year’s shortfall.” Fullerton competes in the hybrid Pac-10 for wrestling against Arizona State, Boise State, Cal Poly, Cal State Bakersfield, Oregon State and Stanford. The season begins on Nov. 19 with a home meet vs. Stanford.