InterMat Staff

HOBOKEN, N.J. -- Stevens Institute of Technology Head Wrestling Coach Mike Clayton recently announced the hiring of Damion Logan (Garfield, N.J.) as the Ducks' head assistant coach for the upcoming 2010-11 season. Logan joins the Stevens coaching staff after a successful two-year stint as the head assistant wrestling coach at the University of Pennsylvania from 2004-06. “Damion adds an additional dynamic to our room to help us ensure that the nation's top wrestlers are attracted to our program,” said Clayton. “He will help us continue to focus on providing world-class academic support, wrestling training, and character development to our student-athletes. Our team's success, both on and off the mats, is due to tremendous efforts on the part of the Stevens community's support, the support of our growing fan and alumni base, and the amazing work ethic of our wrestlers.” While at Penn, Logan helped haul in a pair of top-5 recruiting classes in 2004 and 2005. In addition to assisting then-head coach Zeke Jones – now with USA Wrestling – with the day-to-day operations of the Penn program, the Garfield, N.J. native played an integral role in the development of three Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association (EIWA) champions, three All-Ivy selections, and a trio of NCAA Division I All-Americans in Matt Feast, Matt Herrington, and Matt Valenti. While at Penn, Logan also helped produce a pair of All-Ivy Academic honorees during his tenure. Prior to his time with the Quakers, Logan enjoyed a decorated career at the University of Michigan. As a member of the Wolverines, Logan twice qualified for the NCAA Division I National Championships. A two-time NCAA Division I All-American, he served as the team's captain in 2000. “I am very pleased and honored to become part of the Stevens family. I am looking forward to working with the student-athletes, administration, and athletic department at one of the most prestigious academic institutions in the country,” said Logan. “I believe Coach Mike Clayton and I have a great outlook for the future and development of the Stevens wrestling program. I am looking forward to the upcoming 2010-11 wrestling season, and plan on producing a positive experience for our current and future student-athletes.” A standout at St. Joseph Regional High School, Logan was a three-time NJSIAA New Jersey State Wrestling Champion and four-time NJSIAA state finalist. Logan received his B.A. in Sports Management from the University of Michigan in 2001. Since graduating he has also aided in the development of the APEX wrestling school, while gaining professional experience in several commercial and educational career fields.

Kansas City, MO -- The Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) has opened up a national search for the position of National Director of FCA Wrestling. This highly-motivated and experienced leader will serve as the full-time professional administrator for the recently formed FCA Wrestling. FCA Wrestling became the eighth national sports ministry for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Each of these FCA national sports ministries focuses on providing ministry to a community of people who are united around a particular sport by offering opportunities to serve athletes and coaches in that particular sport. Last year, longtime wrestling leader Joe Boardwine served as the first National Director of FCA Wrestling, and successfully developed the foundation for the growth of this exciting new program. During his time as National Director, Joe built the momentum for FCA Wrestling and the next leader will be called to keep that momentum going. Boardwine resigned to accept the position as the head wrestling coach at Campbell University, a Div. I wrestling program in North Carolina. Since the announcement of the plan to develop FCA Wrestling in September 2008, the organization has quickly established the foundation for this new ministry. Jeff Pratt was named Leadership Board Chairman for FCA Wrestling, and an impressive Leadership Board of wrestling leaders has stepped forward to help provide direction and support for FCA Wrestling. "This is a bigtime position for a bigtime leader who will make a bigtime impact on wrestling for a long time. This is a huge opportunity for somebody who is called to leadership," said Tim Johnson, FCA Vice President of the Midwest Region. An FCA Wrestling National Director Search Team has been formed to help identify the best candidates for this important position. Serving on the Search Team are FCA Board members Mark Mestemacher and Rich Bender, along with Sean McNamara, who serves as FCA Vice President of Field Ministry and Vice President of Sports Specific Ministry. FCA has set up a process for candidates to apply for this position, as well as for those within the wrestling community to suggest worthy individuals who should be considered for this opportunity. All of these resources have been posted online, to allow those interested in this opportunity to educate themselves about the process and to get involved if they believe that they have a calling to pursue this position. Included in these resources is an FCA Wrestling National Director Information Packet, which outlines the specific FCA hiring process. Also provided with these resources is a Candidate Questionnaire, which all applicants will be asked to fill out as part of the hiring process. In addition, there is an online form which is posted where people may submit names of qualified individuals who FCA Wrestling should consider for this position. Complete information on the National Director of FCA Wrestling Search is located at: http://www.fcawrestling.org/nds The national search has officially started. Candidates are encouraged to apply at this time. The position will be filled when the ideal candidate has been identified through the FCA hiring process. The FCA Wrestling Leadership Board is confident that the right person who can provide inspired leadership in this position will be identified and hired in a timely fashion. Anybody with questions about this position or the process should contact Sean McNamara via phone at (800) 289-0909 or via e-mail at smcnamara@fca.org. About FCA The Fellowship of Christian Athletes is touching millions of lives... one heart at a time. Since 1954, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes has been challenging coaches and athletes on the professional, college, high school, junior high and youth levels to use the powerful medium of athletics to impact the world for Jesus Christ. FCA is the largest Christian sports organization in the world. FCA focuses on serving local communities by equipping, empowering and encouraging people to make a difference for Christ. The FCA Wrestling Leadership Board - Jeff Pratt, Director of Student Ministry Training for Lifeway Christian Resources - Rich Bender, USA Wrestling Executive Director - Lee Roy Smith, Executive Director of National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum, World freestyle wrestling silver medalist - Brandon Slay, National Freestyle Resident Coach for USA Wrestling, Olympic freestyle wrestling champion, - Tim Johnson, FCA Vice President Midwest Region, national TV wrestling announcer - Sean McNamara, FCA Vice President of Sport Specific Ministries - Nate Carr, Head Wrestling Instructor for Prodigy Training and Fight Center, Olympic freestyle wrestling bronze medalist - John Peterson, Athletes In Action, Olympic freestyle gold medalist and Olympic freestyle silver medalist - Dan Russell, Senior Pastor at Battleground Four-Square Church, four-time NCAA Division II wrestling champion - Stan Zeamer, President and Owner of Utility / Keystone Trailer and Transport Auctions LLC, high school and college wrestling coach, Olympic Team Leader - Mark Mestemacher, Officer of Ceres Consulting LLC, Edwardsville Wrestling Club coach - Joe Slaughter, President and CEO of Herff Jones

LARAMIE, Wyo. -- A variety of wrestling styles and competitive surroundings will face the 2010-11 University of Wyoming Cowboy Wrestling program this coming season, as third-year head coach Mark Branch announced his squad's upcoming schedule on Thursday. Keeping with the approach that a high-level of competition will best prepare the `Pokes for the 2011 postseason, Branch has slated a good mix of tournaments and duals which will challenge his team. Wyoming will host four duals in Laramie, one of which will be the Cornhuskers from Nebraska, as well as a neutral site match-up against Oregon State in Casper. UW will also put on their annual home tournament, the Cowboy Open, and is scheduled to dual both Oklahoma and Oklahoma State on the road. Rounding out their body of work, the Cowboys will participate in the prestigious Virginia Duals, as well as nationally renowned open tournaments in both Omaha and Reno. "We try to change our schedule up every year so we can expose our athletes to as many competitive environments as possible," stated Branch. "By attending the Virginia Duals this year we will hit some teams from the East, and between our home events and the dual with Oregon State in Casper, our local fans will get to see some top-notch wrestling. Then, wrestling two top-10 teams on the road in February will present the type of atmosphere that we need to prepare for conference and NCAAs." Using preseason rankings based on returning scorers from the NCAA Tournament, UW is currently slotted No. 26. The Cowboys could potentially face 12 programs that will enter the 2010-11 season in the nation's Top-30. No. 3-ranked Oklahoma State, No. 9 Oklahoma, No. 16 Nebraska, No. 24 Cal Poly and No. 30 Oregon State are all locks on the Wyoming schedule for dual matches. Possible UW opponents at the Virginia Duals include No. 7 Penn State, No. 11 Michigan, No. 13 Arizona State, No. 17 Kent State, No. 19 Lehigh, No. 25 Virginia and No. 29 Edinboro. The `Pokes open the season by hosting the 38th Annual Cowboy Open, presented by UniWyo Federal Credit Union, Nov. 13, all day in War Memorial Fieldhouse. Shortly thereafter, UW will compete on Nov. 20 at the Omaha Open in Omaha, Neb. "Hosting the Cowboy Open is always a good way to begin the season and we will be tested early at the always-tough Omaha Open, where we will see great competition from the Big Ten and Big 12," continued Branch. In a big home dual in the UniWyo Sports Complex, the Cowboys will host the Huskers on Dec. 4. at 8 p.m. The event will be the night cap of a UW Athletics quadruple-header, with men's and women's basketball games, as well as a Cowgirl swimming and diving meet earlier that day. Two weeks later, Wyoming will host the Oregon State Beavers at a neutral location in Casper, Wyo. The dual will take place at Casper College in Erickson Thunderbird Gymnasium on Thursday, Dec. 16 at 7 p.m. and is presented by BlueCross/BlueShield of Wyoming. Branch feels that the departure from the norm will ultimately be a plus for his team and Cowboy Wrestling fans. "We have been looking for an opportunity to host a dual for our fans in other parts of the state and the Oregon State dual in Casper will be the perfect chance to promote our program and bring great wrestling action north," commented Branch. Back to an annual staple on their schedule, UW will compete in the Reno Tournament of Champions on Dec. 19, prior to their Christmas break. On Jan. 7-8, Wyoming will take part in the 31st Annual Virginia Duals in Hampton, Va. The event features head-to-head duals with a 16-team bracket at the Hampton Coliseum. UW is guaranteed a minimum of three duals and their first-round opponent will be announced at a later date. "The Virginia Duals are the foundation of the national dual championship and we are proud to have been invited," said Branch. From there on out UW will face a variety of dual opponents, both at home and on the road, including all six other Western Wrestling Conference (WWC) programs, Cal Poly, Cal State Fullerton, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State. Branch concluded by saying, "Closing out our schedule on the road against OU, OSU and Northern Iowa will definitely prepare our team for the post season." The Cowboys will have a chance to qualify for the NCAA National Tournament by earning automatic or wild-card bids at the West Regional Tournament and WWC Championship, March 6, 2010 in Colorado Springs, Colo. This year's NCAA Wrestling Championships will be held March 17-19 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pa. Wyoming fans are encouraged to purchase tickets for the three-day event through the UW Athletics Ticket Office so that the Cowboy fan contingent can all be seated in the same section. The UW Athletics Ticket Office can be contacted for wrestling ticket information at 1-877-WYO-FAN1 (996-3261) or (307) 766-4850. UW Wrestling concluded last season by winning its first-ever NCAA West Regional Team Championship, defending its regular-season dual title in the Western Wrestling Conference and earning a No. 25 national ranking in the National Wrestling Coaches Association/USA Today poll. Wyoming had an overall season record of 12-3, 6-0 in the WWC. For the 2010-11 season, the `Pokes present an exciting lineup which features two-time All-American Joe LeBlanc, a junior at 184 pounds, as well as juniors Michael Martinez (125/133 pounds) and Shane Onufer (165), each two-time NCAA qualifiers. The Cowboys also bring back six additional starters for this upcoming year. Mark Branch returns as head coach for his third year at the helm, and he has added depth to the program this year, with 16 newcomers on the squad, as well as four team members who redshirted last season.

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. While Wyoming is the smallest state in the nation as far as population goes, there are over two million antelope and only a half million people, it is large on wrestling talent and several of Wyoming's top senior recruits will be great additions to college programs in 2011. Coming into the 2010-11 wrestling season and returning several All-Americans, Wyoming has a full cupboard of quality wrestlers. Many of Wyoming's wrestlers have taken up the challenge of becoming better by attending out of state competitions such as Fargo. Wyoming had 44 wrestlers attend. This number of athletes will make Wyoming's wrestling future bright. Absent from the mix of competitors are University of Wyoming recruits Andy McCulley, Leland Pfiefer, and Tommy Thoman. Alex Coolidge, J.R. Vezain, Max Vichi, Hayden Jones, Matt Osbon, Pierre Etchemendy and 4 time state champ Auston Carter all have graduated. Behind this group of wrestlers remains a strong contingent of solid wrestlers and the 2011 class could potentially yield a better crop. 1. Austin Breckenridge High School: Cheyenne Central Projected 2010-11 High School Weight Class: 152 Projected College Weight Class: 149 Austin BreckenridgeAnalysis: Breckenridge was a Cadet double All-American in 2009 at Fargo, (fifth in Greco and fourth in freestyle) also that same year he was third at NHSCA Sophomore Nationals. He was a Greco All-American as a junior this summer, earning eighth. Breckenridge is arguably the most dangerous of Wyoming's senior class wrestlers and has wins against such wrestlers as Blake Ruolo of Virginia, who Breckenridge pinned at Fargo in Greco. Ruolo was a three-time NHSCA Nationals champ. Breckenridge also has a win over Colby Kloetzer of Idaho. Ruolo and Kloetzer are both Top 50 recruits by InterMat. He has two state titles under his belt and he was fifth as a freshman. Well on his way to a third state title, Breckenridge will be on more college recruiting lists after this year. 2. Brady Turnbull High School: Green River High School Projected 2010-11 High School Weight Class: 140 Projected College Weight Class: 141/149 Brady TurnbullAnalysis: Turnbull is coming off another Greco All-American performance at Fargo, earning a fifth-place finish at 135 pounds. He was eighth at Virginia Beach this March and was a Greco Cadet All-American (fifth) last year at Fargo. Turnbull has had a solid high school career, placing sixth as a freshman and third as a sophomore, and winning his first state title last year. He will lead a strong Green River team this year. Notable wins that Turnbull has, are wins over Casey Lanave of New York and Ethan Davis of Missouri. He has done well outside of Wyoming and is never out of a match with his ability to throw from a variety of positions. Turnbull has a very strong work ethic which will make him a steal for any college program. 3. Leandro Arias High School: Cheyenne Central Projected 2010-11 High School Weight Class: 135 Projected College Weight Class: 133/141 Leandro AriasAnalysis: Arias is the best "funk" wrestler Wyoming has, finishing just one round from making All-American this year at Fargo and has had a winning record there the last two years. His overall match record last year was 54-1 with his lone loss a close 5-2 loss to Louis Trujillo of Rio Rancho, New Mexico. Arias has the natural tools to be something special not only in Wyoming but nationally. A three-time state placer (fourth, second, and champion in 2010), Arias will combine with Breckenridge to lead a tough Cheyenne Central team this year. He will need to get on the podium at a national tournament this year to garner the attention of more collegiate coaches. I believe he will. 4. Brodey Serres High School: Lingle-Ft. Laramie Projected 2010-11 High School Weight Class:135 Projected College Weight Class: 133/141 Brodey SerresAnalysis: Serres has more than enough skill and talent to be a force in any state he just hasn't left Wyoming enough to prove himself. He is a two-timer going for his third state title, even toppling a state champion in the 2A finals last year. Serres is a great college prospect, but will need to see tougher competition this year when the opportunity to compete out of state presents itself. 5. Jared Leithead High School: Worland Projected 2010-11 High School Weight Class: 125 Projected College Weight Class: 125 Analysis: Leithead won Wyoming's best All-Class tournament this past year at Riverton's Ron Thon and he has proven to be scrappy and able to win when the chips are down. He was a state champion last year, placed third his freshman year and was unable to compete his sophomore year. Leithead wrestles for one of Wyoming's top coaches, Dean Barent, and he is a proven winner. 6. Jacob Flores High School: Green River High School Projected 2010-11 High School Weight Class: 135 Projected College Weight Class: 133/141 Analysis: Winning a state title was big for Flores last year as his career has had its up and downs. He started his career as a light weight and was in four-time state champion Tyler Cox's weight class as a freshman. Flores has been determined though and last year he won a state title. En route to last year's state title, he pinned the 2009 previous state champ in the semifinals. In addition to last year's title, Jacob has placed fifth both as a Junior and a Sophomore. 7. Wes Ridgway High School: Greybull Projected 2010-11 High School Weight Class: 215 Projected College Weight Class: 197/285 Analysis: Wes Ridgway has been third once and second twice in the 2A division ranks. Ridgway met University of Wyoming recruit, three-time state champ Leiland Pfeifer in the state finals in both 2009 and 2010. Greybull was the 2A team state champs and Ridgway will likely lead them back for another team title. 8. Trent Boner High School: Douglas Projected 2010-11 High School Weight Class: 189 Projected College Weight Class: 184/197 Analysis: Winning a state title at 215, up a weight class or two from what he should have wrestled in 2010, to help his Douglas Bearcats win a team title gives Boner the nod for the No. 8 position. He was second in 2009 and was injured in 2008. Boner wrestles for longtime Douglas coach Bob Bath, who was WyoWrestling.com's 2010 Coach of the Year. 9. Chance Maddock High School: Cokeville Projected 2010-11 High School Weight Class: 140 Projected College Weight Class: 141 Analysis: Maddock is certainly gifted and his overtime loss in his state finals match to Brodey Serres in a battle of prior state champions that had plenty of action illuminated the fact that Maddock is worthy of a chance to be taken seriously by college recruiters. Maddock holds a state title from his sophomore year and a third-place finish as a freshman. Aiming for his second title and more than likely will get it, Maddock earns the ninth spot. 10. Lance Hladky High School: Lusk Projected 2010-11 High School Weight Class: 152 Projected College Weight Class: 158 Analysis: Hladky has had a great career thus far and is looking to bat the cycle ... fourth in 2008, third in 2009, and runner-up last year. Hladky's record proves that he is quite capable of winning the big one ... now he just has to get it done. Honorable Mention: Savoy Bell (Rock Springs) Joe Lake (Douglas) Kaleb Hoyt (Rocky Mountain) Chase Cimburek (Natrona) Clay Cundall (Greybull) Juan Rodriguez (Wright) Ab Brown (Natrona)

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: (All times Central) 9:01 Kevin Jackson- Head Coach Iowa State University 9:20 Tom Timmons - Big Wrestling Fan, supports wrestling at all levels 9:40 Mark Perry- Associate Head Coach Cal Poly Mustangs 9:50 Shane Roller- Former Ok State Cowboy- Now WEC Star 10:01 Ben Stehura- Head Coach Cleveland State 10:20 Dave Riggs- Coach Perry High School, Massillon, Ohio 10:40 Zach Tannelli- Assistant at Hofstra Wrestling fans- Episode 75 of TDR TV wrestling news is now on. Check your TV Guide for listings. How to watch and listen- TDR and TDR TV. It's appointment Radio and TV! 4.5 MILLION HOMES AND GROWING! TDR on Radio: LIVE Saturday at 9:00 AM CST on 1460 KXNO in Iowa. Saturday nights at 7:00 PM Eastern on Supertalk 1570 in Michigan, TDR TV: Mediacom Cable Ch. 22. IA, MO, AK, NE, MN, IL Tues. 5 PM, Sat. 10 AM Time Warner Cable NY Ch. 813 Sat. 12 Noon Comcast Cable Tennessee Ch. 96 Fridays 5 PM CATV- CCN, Pennsylvania Ch. 8 Fridays 5 PM Western Reserve Ohio Cable Ch. 9 Fridays at 5:30 (Premiers October 15th) 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!

Former University of Northern Iowa NCAA runner-up Joel Greenlee and wrestling enthusiast Jim Brown 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. Ohio University head wrestling coach Joel Greenlee will be inducted into the UNI Athletics Hall of Fame this Saturday, September 18. A native of Waverly, Iowa, Greenlee was a two-time All-American at heavyweight, placing 2nd at the NCAA tournament in 1989 and compiled a collegiate record of 127-16-4. He is beginning his 14th season leading the Ohio Bobcat wrestling program. Jim Brown is one of the most passionate wrestling fans you’ll find. He writes a wrestling blog called “The View from Section GG” and last year started a successful program called “Tickets for Kids” which has provided hundreds of opportunities for young kids to attend college wrestling events.

For the sixth straight year, high school boys wrestling participation numbers have increased while girls’ participation hit an all-time high as The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) released the 2009-10 participation numbers. The number of boys wrestling in 2009-10 was 272,890 which ranked it as the sixth most popular boy’s sport for participation. The total number of participants in 2010 is the highest number that wrestling has seen since 1980, when participation statistics were listed at 273,326 by the NFHS. The total number of boy’s teams sponsoring wrestling is at an all-time with 10,363 programs nationally. Both of these numbers show significant growth in the past year with 111 programs added since 2008-09 and individual participation up by 5,512. In the past decade 1,317 teams have been added throughout the country along with an increase in individual participation of 33, 785. Mississippi remains the lone state which does not sponsor wrestling. Girls’ wrestling also continues to grow each year. Girls’ wrestling is at an all-time high with 6,134 participants. Texas and California continue to have the strongest girls wrestling presence on the high school level. “These numbers are a testament to the hard work that is going on at the youth level to educate our coaches and youth wrestlers. With participation numbers steadily climbing this gives a bright outlook on the future of the sport of wrestling at the high school level,” said Mike Moyer, Executive Director of the NWCA. “The NWCA’s primary mission is to develop the most proficient coaches in the nation so we can sustain this phenomenal participation growth in wrestling. In doing so, we can be assured that student-wrestlers across the nation are receiving a high quality, educationally based sports experience,” said Moyer. For more information on participation numbers you can visit the NFHS website. Other information on participation numbers specific to wrestling can be found on the NWCA website along with collegiate wrestling opportunities and what can be done to protect amateur wrestling at the youth, high school and collegiate levels. 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.

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- A lot can happen in 12 hours. Members of the 2009-10 University of Iowa NCAA Champion wrestling team found this out first hand Monday - going from boarding a bus at 5 a.m. (CT) to shaking hands with United States President Barack Obama on the South Lawn of the White House at 5 p.m.(CT). Twelve members of the Hawkeye wrestling team that won NCAA and Big Ten titles in 2010 traveled to the nation's capital to take part in Monday evening's NCAA Student-Athlete Reception at the White House. The Hawkeyes were one of 38 NCAA champion teams invited to the reception where President Obama congratulated them on their success. "I want to thank all the teams that have traveled from all over the country to be here, and congratulations on being NCAA Champions," said President Obama. "We've got over 650 athletes and almost 150 coaches and staff here today. This is the most athletic talent we've ever had on the South Lawn." "That term student-athlete is the thing that makes me so proud to stand before you today because when each of you won the titles that you won, whether it was in lacrosse or gymnastics or wheelchair basketball, you didn't do it as professionals," explained President Obama. "You didn't have multi-million dollar contracts or huge endorsement deals. You woke up early, you put in countless hours of practice for the love of the game and for the pride of your school. You rode those buses and you carried those bags because you knew what it was going to take to be the best because every one of you has a competitive streak that is about a mile wide. And most of all you did this while shouldering a full load of classes, sometimes grabbing a few minutes to study at airports or locker rooms because you understand that student-athlete emphasizes student and not just athlete. So this is a group that knows what it means to be a champion." The Hawkeye travel party includes 2010 NCAA Champions Jay Borschel (174) and Matt McDonough (125), All-Americans Montell Marion (141), Ryan Morningstar (165) and Dan Erekson (Hwt.) and 2010 NCAA qualifiers Jake Kerr (157) and Chad Beatty (197). Former Hawkeye Dan LeClere (141), Iowa seniors Aaron Janssen (157) and Luke Lofthouse (197), junior Blake Rasing (Hwt.) and sophomore Nate Moore (133) are also on the trip. "It was an incredibly eye-opening experience," said McDonough. "It was an honor and a privelege to be recognized at the White House for what we do during the course of the year. This is an experience that I will take with me for the rest of my life." The Hawkeyes plan to tour some of the nation's historical monuments and museums Monday night and Tuesday morning before returning to Iowa City Tuesday evening.

GREELEY, Colo. -- With the announcement of the 2010-11 Northern Colorado wrestling schedule, head coach Ben Cherrington and the Bears know they have another challenging task ahead of them. “As a staff we are again looking forward to what will be a tough schedule,” said Cherrington. “This schedule will be a good test for our veterans, and will give our young guys a chance to measure themselves against some of the best in the country. This is the type of schedule we must wrestle if we want to compete at the national level. Last year wrestling a tough schedule paid off for us in the end and I don’t expect it to be any different this year.” The start of the schedule is a familiar one for fans as the team opens its slate at the Cowboy Open, followed by hosting the Old Chicago Open on Nov. 20. The first dual of the season is against Nebraska on Dec. 3 at 7 pm in Butler-Hancock. A season ago, the Cornhuskers finished in a tie for 12th place at the NCAA Championships. The team closes out the calendar year with tournaments at Nebraska Kearney and the Reno Tournament of Champions. The Bears also compete in the Utah Valley Open and the Lone Star Duals before settling into dual action with Western Wrestling Conference competition and a return dual at Oklahoma State on Jan. 28. The Cowboys finished sixth at the 2010 NCAA Championship. In addition to conference action, the Bears also host duals against Oregon State (Feb. 4) and Cal State Bakersfield (Feb. 11), both of which finished in the top 35 a year ago. Air Force will host the WWC Championship and NCAA West Regional on Sunday, March 6, while Philadelphia is the site of the NCAA Championship (March 17-19). “Wrestling teams like Nebraska, Oklahoma State, and Oregon State gives you an opportunity to see where you’re at as a program and I know we are all excited to see what types of gains we have made since last season," said Cherrington. "We will have a great group of young men stepping on the mat for us this year, and I am confident that they will be ready to compete and surprise some people.”

In 1858, Henry Gray published his book Anatomy Descriptive and Surgical. Commonly known as Gray's Anatomy, this English-language human anatomy textbook is widely regarded as a classic work on the subject. In his mid to late teens, Henry Gray left home to find answers to his questions attending St. Georges Hospital in London, and went on to later write the aforementioned textbook on anatomy that is still being used today in the medical field. Gray Maynard (Photo/Eric Williams, www.ericwilliams.LA)About 137 years after Henry Gray, Gray Maynard left his home and friends to pursue his quest to be an NCAA champion. Now Maynard is on the verge of another sort of championship. Fresh off his victory against Kenny Florian at UFC 118 in Boston, Massachusetts, Gray Maynard sits on a return flight home next to close friend Rashad Evans. The two MMA rising stars reflect on all things; as Rashad is also a former Michigan State wrestler, former roommate, and former light heavyweight UFC champion. Gray and Rashad share more than being just MSU wrestling alumni; they are both in line for title shots in their respective weight classes for the UFC. Gray's journey started in Las Vegas, led him to Ohio, Michigan, Arizona, and finally he has found his place again in Las Vegas where it all started. Now, back home and with wrestling close to his heart, UFC president Dana White has confirmed that Maynard is next in line for a lightweight UFC title shot against former Clarion wrestler Frankie Edgar, a fighter Maynard already owns a win over. Before talks of UFC greatness, championships, and sponsorships from boxing giants like Everlast, Maynard was an undefeated state wrestling champion in Nevada. After his sophomore year, Maynard made way to Ohio and left his friends and family in Vegas to pursue a college scholarship from his wrestling talents. "My dad wrestled in Ohio and was a two-time state champ," said Maynard. "I had to get out there. We didn't have the money to pay for college, so I needed the exposure and scholarship and I knew how tough it is in the state of Ohio, so it was the place to go." Maynard enrolled at St. Edward High School in Lakewood, Ohio, one of the nation's premiere high school wrestling programs. He excelled on the wrestling mat, finishing his senior year as a state champion and nationally-ranked wrestler on the nation's No. 1 high school team. "I try to keep up with St. Edward High School," said Maynard. "It's a great school, great people, a wonderful community. I love it." Gray Maynard (Photo/AmateurWrestlingPhotos.com) Maynard was pursued by many of the nation's top college wrestling programs, including his father's alma mater, Arizona State, where he took a recruiting trip. He talked to Iowa, Michigan, and Ohio State, among others, but ultimately chose Michigan State in large part because Roger Chandler, a St. Edward High School alum, was (and is) on the coaching staff. "My heart was really geared towards Iowa," said Maynard. "Gable, Brands ... They were some of my idols. That's all I looked up to. But it came down to timing." His college head coach at Michigan State, Tom Minkel, saw things he liked in Maynard right from the get-go. "Like all freshmen, he was green," said Minkel. "But what was clear was his work ethic and his intensity." Minkel went on to further explain his former athlete's MMA success. Tom Minkel"Gray is a winner," said Minkel a three-time U.S. Nationals Greco-Roman champion and 1980 Olympian. "You should not be surprised at his success in MMA. I'm not. The guy is a quality, independent, hard-working person." After his collegiate wrestling career, Maynard packed his bags and moved to Arizona in search of work and the next stage in his life. He trained on and off with other wrestlers like the late Steven Blackford and MMA rising star Eric Larkin, both former Arizona State All-Americans, and tried to keep active, which proved to be difficult. "The three of us tried to train and keep at it, but it just got to be too tough," said Maynard. "The bills, the time invested ..." A year later, Maynard returned home to Las Vegas, but the competitive fire burned within him. "You can't just stop training, but all I was doing was jogging and stuff," said Maynard. "I was like, 'Oh, my God ... This is so boring!" Gray Maynard (Photo/Eric Williams, www.ericwilliams.LA)Maynard started helping out a couple teams in the area, some MMA, some grappling. Word spread quickly and he was invited to join a jiu-jitsu school loaded with unknown young talent. "I mean Troy Mandaloniz, Kendall Grove, Jay Hieron, Jason Miller, Phil Baroni ... These guys were all here and all still in smaller venues and shows," said Maynard. "I went in there to try it and it was cool. It was a lot better than jogging." Gray Maynard's reputation for his grappling was spreading in the MMA community ... and suddenly opportunity arose. "Word got back to B.J. Penn's camp in Hawaii," said Maynard. "I'm sure it was Kendall and Troy." B.J. Penn, fresh of winning the UFC welterweight division, was preparing for an upcoming bout away from the UFC in Japan against Rodrigo Gracie. He invited Maynard to Hawaii to help him train in wrestling/takedown defense, among other things. "I didn't know much about MMA, and after helping B.J. Penn train, I thought that MMA was pretty cool, but I didn't know it was for me." "I went to Xtreme Couture and Randy was super open, great, and kind to me. He invited me to come in. They kicked my butt. I loved how they trained. It was hard work, easy to adopt. It was like wrestling, pretty much. The training, drilling, just going in there and getting at it. It wasn't slow-paced like jiu-jitsu practice can be, it was real actual practice. That's when it really clicked, I was thinking, oh my god, I'm quitting my job, this is for me, I'm doing this, this is it." After a few smaller venue fights, Maynard became weary of the last-minute cancellations, shady promoters, and inconsistency, among other things, common in small-venue MMA shows. "The TV show (The Ultimate Fighter) opportunity came up and I was all for it," said Maynard. "It might have been too soon and too early for me, but oh well. I got myself out there and kick-started my career." Gray MaynardMaynard won his first nine fights (with one no contest) before earning a shot against UFC veteran Kenny Florian at UFC 118 on August 28. He proved to be too much for Florian. He dominated every round and earned a unanimous decision. Despite Maynard's success in the Octagon, he has been criticized by some in the MMA world for not being exciting enough. Some label him a boring fighter because of the fact that he has just one knockout in 10 fights. Maynard, though, doesn't let the opinions of others change his game plan. "I love to win," said Maynard. "I really love winning. Losing eats me up. It really does. I appreciate Gil Martinez and Neil Melanson. All those guys, they really care about me and this sport. We work hours and hours on our game plan. So how would that be if I just slapped them in the face and said, 'I'm doing whatever.' That would be too disrespectful. I fight to win." Unlike some former amateur wrestlers who hear complaints that wrestlers are too boring, then try and change up their strategies and become stand up fighters over night, Maynard doesn't try to change his style and sticks to what he knows and loves best. "So, I just stick to the plan, I try to. I love to win, I hate to lose, and we ask for the top guys. The guys I went through, I don't see anyone else finishing the guys that I went through to get my title shot. I went through the top guys, the championship fights and the gap between the top guys is getting closer. We are all training all year round. Guys have the cash for the food, training, and coaching. The gap is getting closer and closer." When asked if his previous victory over current champ Frankie Edgar makes him cocky or extremely confident going into the rematch, Maynard answers, "That was two years ago, we have both grown, it will be a different fight, and tougher than the first. Fighting a former wrestler doesn't bother Gray Maynard in the least, but he'd rather not. "Wrestling is a great sport, I love it, great people. We cheer for one another when we aren't competing against one another. Good people, great work ethics. This sport is been so good to me. I love it. It has helped me in all aspects and help overcome everything I've been through." Gray Maynard defeated Frankie Edgar on April 2, 2008Gray Maynard offered his thoughts on Frankie Edgar and how the UFC will promote the fight between two former amateur wrestlers who share no animosity: "Two guys, great work ethics. I hope the true fans see that. Frankie Edgar? He's a great person, [has] a very nice mom, he's a good guy, period. Everyone wants a rivalry, and if it's there, it's there. If it's not, I'm not going to make it up." Maynard was unaware of Frankie Edgar while they were both wrestling in college, separated by two weight classes and Gray's focus to become an NCAA champion. "I thought I was going to be a three-time NCAA champ," said Maynard. "I mean, I thought I was good and thought it was going to happen. When it didn't, I couldn't believe it. It just ate me up, big time. This was my dream, I wasn't thinking Olympics when I was a kid. All I dreamed about was being a NCAA champion. I hate losing. " Gray Maynard's inability to win a national championship has led him to a disciplined MMA career and a humbled undefeated record. If he can repeat his previous victory against Frankie Edgar, he can ease that pain of not being an NCAA champion by becoming the next UFC lightweight world champion. Not a bad second chance and opportunity. For all the latest news on Gray Maynard, visit http://www.GrayMaynard.com. For all things MMA, follow Tony Nguyen on Twitter.

SHEBOYGAN, Wis. -- Mike DeRoehn, a leader in improving the quality of wrestling in Wisconsin and former head wrestling coach at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, has been named head wrestling coach at Lakeland College. He replaces Pete Rogers, who was recently named assistant coach at Purdue University. Since 2006, DeRoehn has served as the state coach of the Wisconsin Wrestling Federation, an organization that works to improve Wisconsin wrestling for all ages. He also owns and is head wrestling coach of World Class Wrestling Club, which assists young men and women in developing their wrestling skills, building character and developing positive habits. In 2010, he was named USA Wrestling Greco-Roman Junior National Coach of the Year. DeRoehn resigned from UW-Oshkosh in August after six years as head coach and eight years with the program to focus on his work with the Wisconsin Wrestling Federation. But when Lakeland approached him in early September, DeRoehn said the opportunity was too tempting to pass up. DeRoehn and Rogers, both young head coaches, established a close relationship the last several years through the sport they love. “There are a lot of similarities in what we did at Oshkosh and what Pete did here at Lakeland,” DeRoehn said. “At Oshkosh, we built a fledgling program that was facing elimination into a national caliber program with multiple NCAA/Academic All-Americans. Pete was facing many of the same challenges, and we became close friends as we shared ideas because our situations were so similar.” Lakeland athletic director Jane Bouche said the college is fortunate to find someone of DeRoehn’s caliber so close to the beginning of the season. “Obviously we were concerned about having this job open with the beginning of practice just a few weeks away, but this couldn’t have worked out any better,” Bouche said. “Mike brings a wealth of experience and a passion for wrestling which will benefit our athletes. There are some striking similarities between the career paths of Mike and Pete, and we know what a winner we had in Pete.” DeRoehn said there’s much to like about Lakeland and its wrestling program. “I’m really impressed with the family atmosphere,” he said. “I know what a nice team I’ll be inheriting, but the whole environment at Lakeland is conducive to winning. It feels very welcoming. Lakeland’s student-athletes are involved in the campus and they support one another.” The Muskies have been nationally ranked each of the past three seasons, and put together back-to-back team finishes in the top 30 at the NCAA Division III National Tournament. The Muskies’ roster is filled with talented returnees and a strong recruiting class. “I need to build a relationship with our wrestlers before I tell them what they need to be doing,” DeRoehn said. “I’ll share my expectations and we’ll discuss theirs, because they have a voice in this. I need to earn their respect and make sure they’re comfortable with me. “On the mat, I think our approach will be very similar – a very aggressive, pressure wrestling style that’s position focused, similar to Pete. Successful wrestling is successful wrestling.” DeRoehn will continue his work with the Wisconsin Wrestling Federation, which includes organizing, planning and conducting Wisconsin National Team training camps, educating coaches state wide and on-the-mat coaching with the Wisconsin National Wrestling Team at every age level. DeRoehn was an award-winning wrestler at Plymouth State University (N.H.), where he earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education. He has a master’s in educational leadership from UW-Oshkosh.

It is the only the second week of September and already two of the top three wrestlers from Michigan's Class of 2012 have announced their college plans, and they are both staying in the state of Michigan. Division 2 State Champion Jordan Thomas, who is a junior at Greenville High School, informed Michigan Grappler over the phone that he has given a verbal commitment to the University of Michigan and coach Joe McFarland to be a Wolverine in two years when his prep career comes to an end. Jordan Thomas (Photo/MichiganGrappler.com)"Michigan is a perfect fit. They are a Big Ten school with great academics. I plan on majoring in business and they have a great business school. They also have an amazing new facility, a great coaching staff, and I have grown up a Michigan fan," said Thomas in a phone interview with Michigan Grappler. "I am pretty close with coach (Mike) Kulczycki and have been to a lot of his camps and stuff and I have always felt like I 've gotten along really well with him. My training situation at Michigan will be incredible with coach Kulczycki, Dan Yates, some other good upperclassmen, plus Eric Grajales who was one of the best high school wrestlers in the country two years ago." Thomas, who just completed the first week of his junior school year, becomes the second top junior from around the country to give a very, very early commitment this fall as fellow Michigander Freddie Rodriguez committed to Michigan State last week. With two years of high school wrestling still to go, Thomas and Rodriguez have already made up their minds to stay in state. "I had the chance to go to campus for a football game and I loved the atmosphere, the students, and the staff," said Thomas. "I knew right away that this is the perfect fit and there was an offer I couldn't refuse to a place I have always loved so I didn't feel a need to wait." Thomas, who won the Division 2 state title at 160 pounds last year and was runner-up his freshman year at 145 pounds, has been one of the top grapplers in the country for his age group since coming up on the youth scene. The summer prior to his freshman season he officially stepped into the national spotlight with an impressive Disney Duals performance that included wins over then senior-to-be returning state champ Garrett Rozeboom of Mason, MI as well as a huge win over nationally proven David Habat of Ohio. He then followed up his Disney coming out party with a third-place finish at the Cadet Nationals in freestyle in Fargo and he has not slowed down since. He is currently ranked nationally in virtually every poll. He 's rated by InterMat as the No. 17 pound-for pound junior in the country. "I think wrestling is a thinking sport and even though I 'm not the strongest, quickest, or most explosive wrestler, I am smart and I study the sport and I out-work my opponents," said Thomas. "I think the biggest thing that has helped me get to this point has been wrestling at Massa's in St. Johns and I have also been exposed to some really good workout partners and training at Michigan Xtreme. From now until college I am going to continue training in the room the way I have been I want to increase my focus on weight lifting and improving my strength so I am ready for bigger, stronger guys in college." Thomas will join a Michigan program who has a strong tradition of success in the middle to upper weights, including NCAA Champ Steve Luke (174) as well as NCAA finalists Ryan Churella (165) and Eric Tannenbaum (165), who all came through the Wolverine program in the past few years. Michigan had a un-Wolverine like year last year, finishing 10th in the Big Ten. However, Thomas believes that they will be right back on top of the Big Ten and competing for an NCAA title very soon. "They (Michigan) were really young last year and I think they will be back on top this year with just about everyone coming back and with Kellen Russell back in the lineup," said Thomas. "I think the overall direction of the program is great with some talented younger guys who I am already close with like Dan Yates and Cam Jackson. I think we are going to have a great team I think the new facility will help bring more good recruits so we can keep building." Thomas is the No. 3-ranked pound-for-pound wrestler in Michigan's powerhouse junior class. The Class of 2012 coming out of Michigan may end up being the best group that the Great Lakes State has every produced and in many other years a guy like Thomas could very well be a consensus No. 1. With Thomas (No. 3) and Rodriguez (No. 1) already committed, the question now is how many of the other nationally-proven juniors in Michigan or around the country are going to be making up their minds in the near future? "I want to see other top Michigan guys stay in Michigan because it is awesome for our state and I would love to have the opportunity to get the other top guys on my team in college so we can train and compete together and make Michigan proud," said Thomas. As is usually the case with a talented and accomplished high school wrestler, Thomas had many people to thank for helping him along the way, but he singled out three families who have been significant in his development. "I definitely to than three very influential families in my life: First of all my family for all the support over the years and secondly the Massa and Bennett families for helping me so much throughout my career." InterMat was granted permission to republish this article from MichiganGrappler.com.

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: (All times Central) 9:01 Jim Jordan- Congressman from Ohio's 4th District- 2 X NCAA Champion for Wisconsin 9:20 Jack Spates- Head Coach of the Sooners of Oklahoma 9:40 Tom Shifflett- Head Coach of the Pride of Hofstra 10:01 Jim Zalesky- Head Coach of the Beavers of Oregon State 10:20 Dennis Papadatos- Asst. Head Coach of the Bearcats of Binghamton, NY 10:40 Dave Dean- Founder of NUWAY 10:50 Amy Williams (Rubel)- Wildrose Resort and Casino Wrestling fans- Episode 74 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 Western Reserve Ohio Cable Ch. 9 Fridays at 5:30 (Premiers October 15th) 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!

LANCASTER, Pa. -- Franklin & Marshall College Director of Athletics and Recreation, Patricia S.W. Epps, announced the hiring of Mike Rogers as the Diplomats' 13th wrestling coach. Rogers brings over a decade of coaching experience to Lancaster. “I strongly believe that we have found the right person at the right time for this position,” said Epps. “Coach Rogers has firsthand experience coaching top caliber wrestlers in a rigorous academic environment that will serve him well at F&M.” Mike RogersA two-time NCAA All-American, Rogers spent the 2009-10 season at American University as the head assistant coach. The Eagles produced three All-Americans and recorded its best NCAA finish in 14th place while posting the nation’s second best grade point average. “I am honored to be named the next head wrestling coach at Franklin & Marshall College and to be added to their prestigious list of coaches,” said Rogers. “I am excited to be a part of such a strong tradition of wrestling and looking forward to the challenges ahead; as well as working with alumni, administration, and the student-athletes to elevate the program. I feel fortunate in working with a dedicated administration that is committed to the program’s success and eager to get started.” Rogers has spent the last six years as the head coach of the Pennsylvania Junior Freestyle Team, which he guided to two junior freestyle championships. He also served as an assistant coach at his alma mater, Lock Haven University, for seven years. Rogers spent three seasons as the head coach at Central Mountain High School in Mill Hall, Pa., from 1999-2002, leading the team to a 29-16 overall record. In 2001, Rogers was named the District 6 AAA Coach of the Year. A 1997 graduate of Lock Haven University, Rogers was a four-year member of the wrestling team and earned All-America status during his last two seasons. A three-time national championships qualifier, Rogers earned the 1996 Gorrarian Award, recording the most pins in the least amount of time at nationals. Rogers was also a two-time Eastern Wrestling League Champion and is one of seven Bald Eagles and one of twelve in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference to win four conference crowns. He is also one of only 14 wrestlers in Lock Haven history to reach 100 wins, recording a career mark of 112-28. A native of Fort Myers, FL, Rogers was a Florida State Champion in 1992 and a national runner-up that same year during his high school career. Rogers received his B.A. in Special Education from Lock Haven University in 1997 and a Master's in Education in 2002. He and his wife, Danielle, have two sons, Caden and Teagen. He will assume his role on Monday, September 20th.

AMES, Iowa -- The Iowa State University wrestling team has received the NCAA Public Recognition Award. This honor is bestowed on teams that have an NCAA Division I Academic Progress Rate in the top ten percent of all squads in their respective sports. Iowa State head wrestling coach Kevin Jackson is proud of the team and hopes to see the success in the classroom and on the mat continue. “It really speaks volumes to what we are all about, I think it epitomizes what a true student-athlete is,” Jackson said. “Iowa State University has established a great wrestling program and we are putting emphasis in the right areas. Academics comes first and something like this says to everyone in our program, especially young freshmen coming in, that it is your job to maintain the standards set by the student-athletes who were here before you.” The nine other universities that were also recognized in the men’s wrestling category are Bucknell, Columbia, Duke, Millersville (Pa.), Northwestern, The U.S. Air Force Academy, Oklahoma, Penn and Virginia. Iowa State and Oklahoma (fifth) are the only schools listed which placed among the top 10 teams at the NCAA Championships in Omaha, Neb. in March.

Moscow, Russia -- Former Husker standout Justin Ruiz nearly claimed his second World Wrestling Championship medal, but fell one match short of reaching the podium as he finished fifth in the Greco-Roman 96-kilogram division in Moscow, Russia. The Salt Lake City native opened with a win (1-0, 1-0) over Richard Karelson of Estonia before falling to Timofej Dzeinichenka of Belarus (0-1, 2-0, 4-0) in the second round. Ruiz came back in the repechage to earn wins over Sabhui Humbatov of Azerbaijan and Yunior Estrada Cuba before battling Sweden’s Jimmy Lidberg for the bronze medal. Making his fifth World appearance, Ruiz’ bid at another medal was stopped by Lidberg in a 1-0, 1-0 loss. 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 to return to the international competition for the first time since 2007. 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.

MOSCOW, Russia -- University of Iowa Assistant Wrestling Coach Mike Zadick and former Hawkeye wrestler Brent Metcalf are ready to take the international stage at the 2010 World Championships in Moscow, Russia. Zadick and Metcalf, who are members of the United States Men’s Freestyle World Team, will compete Saturday and Sunday. The seven-day event, which also features women’s freestyle and men’s Greco-Roman events, started Monday. Hawkeye Associate Head Wrestling Coach Terry Brands and former Hawkeye NCAA champion Bill Zadick are also at the Olympiysky Sports Complex as members of the men’s freestyle coaching staff. Mike Zadick, who won a silver medal at the 2006 World Championships, is making his third World Championships appearance. Wrestling at 60 kilograms, Zadick will weigh in at 9:30 a.m. (CT) Friday. His competition will take place from 4-10 a.m. Saturday, with the finals and medal matches being contested from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. A three-time all-American at Iowa (2000-02), Zadick is in his first season as Iowa’s interim assistant coach after serving as the team’s volunteer assistant coach for four seasons (2004-06, 2009-10) and the strength training coach for three seasons (2006-08). Metcalf, who is making his first-ever appearance at the World Championships, will be competing at 66 kilograms. He is scheduled to weigh in at 9:30 a.m. (CT) Saturday. His competition will take place the same times as Zadick on Sunday. Metcalf was a three-time all-American and NCAA finalist for the Hawkeyes (2008-10), winning two NCAA and Big Ten titles. Fans can follow the action live via USA Wrestling’s website – www.themat.com.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Former Ohio State wrestling standouts J Jaggers and Mike Pucillo have been added to the Buckeye coaching staff head coach Tom Ryan announced Wednesday. Jaggers and Pucillo join Ryan and associate head coach Lou Rosselli. "We are proud to add one of the great wrestling Buckeyes to the Ohio state coaching staff," Ryan, who is entering his fifth season leading the Scarlet and Gray, said. "Mike has been a standout in every aspect of his life for many years. We are all anxious to see Mike pass his knowledge on to the next generation. "J Jaggers brings a long successful resume to the Buckeye program. He has accomplished many great things as a competitor and student. His deep-rooted passion for the Buckeyes makes him a great addition to the staff." In addition to his integral role in the gym and his coaching duties during matches, Jaggers, a two-time NCAA champion in 2008 and 2009 at 141 pounds, will also assist the Ohio State Athletics Department's Fan Experience and Promotions staff in marketing all home matches for the upcoming 2010-11 season. (For the complete 2010-11 wrestling schedule, click HERE). The 2009 Ohio State Male Athlete of the Year, Jaggers also will work heavily in securing fundraising dollars for a program that has grown tremendously in terms of competition status. Jaggers also will serve as the team liaison, providing up-to-date team information to the squad during summer and holiday breaks. In 2009 as the volunteer assistant coach, Jaggers helped mentor former teammate Reece Humphrey, who took over the starting spot at 141 pounds, following Jagger's graduation. Humphrey went on to finish third at the NCAA championships, earning his second All-America laurel. Jaggers concluded his Buckeye career in impressive fashion, becoming just the third wrestler in program history to win two national titles. A three-time All-American and four-time NCAA qualifier, Jaggers compiled 107 wins during his career. After winning his first national title in 2008, he was honored by the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission with Collegiate Athlete of the Year. Excelling in the classroom, Jaggers was a three-time NWCA All-Academic Team member, two-time Academic All-Big Ten and Ohio State Scholar-Athlete recipient. Jaggers earned his bachelor's degree in communication in March 2009. In his coaching capacity, Pucillo, the 2008 Big Ten and NCAA Champion at 184 pounds, also will create the team's community service plan. In the past, the Buckeyes have worked closely with the 2nd and 7 Foundation, which is a program that strives to eliminate illiteracy, as well as volunteered at Nationwide Children's Hospital. Last season, the wrestling program generated 244 hours of community service under former assistant Joe Heskett. Pucillo will oversee the team managers, while also working on postseason travel information. Additionally, he will work closely with Jaggers in the fundraising department. Pucillo finished his Buckeye career as a three-time All-American. Also the 2009 NCAA runner-up at 184 pounds, Pucillo amassed several impressive streaks during his collegiate career, including winning 43-consecutive matches entering the 2009 Big Ten Championships. He also finished the 2008 and 2009 Big Ten seasons undefeated and was the 2006 Cliff Keen Las Vegas Collegiate Wrestling Invitational champion. Of note too, is his 5-0 record at the 2009 NWCA/Cliff Keen National Duals in Cedar Falls, Iowa. En route to that perfect ledger, Pucillo defeated three Top 20 opponents. In the classroom, Pucillo, who earned a bachelor's degree in communication in March 2010, was a two-time NWCA All-Academic selection, Academic All-Big Ten and Ohio State Scholar-Athlete.

RALEIGH, N.C. -- The exact date of the telephone call slips Carter Jordan's memory. But everything else about the conversation is burned into the Wolfpack head wrestling coach's memory. "I remember it was Labor Day Weekend," Jordan says. "I remember that much. I can tell you what time of day it was. I can tell you where I was, where I was standing, what the temperature was that day, the color shorts I had on." The date wasn't important, of course. What mattered was "The Call," the one bearing the news that Darrion Caldwell -- Jordan's team captain, three-time ACC champion, two-time All-American and defending national champion at 149 pounds -- had badly injured his shoulder in a rollerblading accident that would need surgery to repair a torn labrum. Months of exhaustive physical rehabilitation would keep Caldwell out of action for the entire 2009-10 season. Coaches tend to remember things like that, in this case for very good reason. Caldwell, the Wolfpack's first national champion in 16 years, was coming off one of the greatest seasons in the program's history, a 38-1 campaign in which he pinned 17 opponents, went 10-1 against ranked opponents, 7-0 against opponents ranked in the national top 10, and won 29 matches in a row at one point. His only loss the entire year was an injury default, the result of back spasms. After winning his national quarterfinal, semifinal and championship matches by nine, 11 and five points, respectively, all against opponents ranked in the top 10, he was named Most Outstanding Wrestler at the NCAA Championships. Following the season, Caldwell earned a spot on the U.S. World National team with a third-place finish in the 66 kg/145.5 pound weight class at the U.S. World Team Trials, wrestling almost entirely against opponents much older and more seasoned. He later competed with the U.S. World Team at the World Championships in Herning, Denmark. At that point, the sky was the limit for Darrion Caldwell. The good news for Jordan and the Wolfpack is that there is no reason to believe the sky is any lower for Caldwell now than it was last September. NC State's sports medicine staff expects Caldwell to be cleared medically to resume wrestling workouts soon in preparation for the 2010-11 season. "The worst part is over with," Caldwell says. "It put a damper on my year last year, but I'm just ready now to come back and get the team stronger and get the team to where we need to be. I wasn't satisfied with the way things went [with the team] last season. It's going to be a completely different season this year." What happened with the Wolfpack after Caldwell's injury was not fun for anyone involved, espcially Caldwell. The team captain, he had invested blood, sweat and tears into the 2009-10 team, organizing offseason runs and workouts. Every bit as much a teammate as he is a champion, Caldwell's aspirations for 2009-10 were as much about the team as they were about himself and repeating as All-American and national champion. Instead, the Wolfpack fielded a young and inexperienced lineup, without its national champion belwether, then went through a rash of growing pains and injuries. The team finished 8-12 in dual matches. Just one NC State wrestler, sophomore 149-pounder Bobby Ward, qualified for the NCAA Championships, and that was as an at-large entrant. "The way we trained last season, it was great, but the intensity level needs to go up," Caldwell says. "Wins and losses say a lot. Working hard in the room gets you so far, but there comes a time when you need to step up and win. We didn't have that last year. It was frustrating." The most frustrating part for Caldwell was knowing there was virtually nothing he could do about it. Once his season derailed, his ability to make a positive impact was derailed with it. "We tried to involve him as a coach, but it was hard for him," Jordan says. "Anyone who's ever gone through an injury, I don't care what your standing on the team is, even if you're the returning national champion and the team captain, it's just very difficult because you feel so helpless. He did a terrific job of trying to energize the team, especially through such a difficult season. We had one injury after another. I had to lean on him sometimes. It was good to feel his energy, and we can't wait to have him back in the lineup." Jordan knows exactly what he's getting when Caldwell returns to the lineup. With a full season remaining in his career, Caldwell ranks third school history in career victories with a 94-12 record, third in winning percentage at .887, and third in career pins with 50. He is 29 wins and 15 pins shy of setting new school records in those categories, numbers easily within his reach since he's averaged 33 wins and 20 pins in his last two seasons of competition. Not only does Caldwell win, he beats the best. He has a career record of 20-7 against ranked opponents, including an 18-5 mark with against top-10 opponents. He also scores extra points for his team. Of his 94 career victories, 70 have been by fall, technical fall or major decision. That means he has scored an average of 4.88 team points for every bout he has won, compared to three points to a regular victory by decision. "In dual meets, he's almost always worth extra points," Jordan says. "If we need a pin, he can get us a pin. So in dual meets, he makes you incredibly competitive. In tournaments, depending on the size of the tournament, he's going to pile up points as he advances. In the national tournament, he's going to get you in the top 25 just by getting to the semifinals with the extra bonus points that he scores." Off the mat, Caldwell has, over the course of his career at NC State, evolved into a strong team leader. He brings a presence to the practice room and has the utmost respect of his teammates. He's not afraid to call out a teammate when the situation calls for it, but his preferred style of leadership is by example. And he sets a strong example. When younger wrestlers see how hard Caldwell works and how thoroughly he prepares, they can't help but follow his lead. "When you have guys willing to push each other, it makes everyone better," Caldwell says. "We really didn't have those kinds of leaders in the room last year. We had verbal leaders, but we didn't have guys who led by example. You need guys to give that extra effort, to come to practice early and stay late. I feel that by being back in the room this year, I'll do the extra things that rub off on the next guy." Another positive impact Caldwell has on his teammates comes about by beating them up. That's right. Caldwell has to wrestle someone in practice every day, so middleweights from Darrius Little at 133 to Quinton Godley at 174 and everyone in between has the unenviable task of taking on The Champ in practice. Real matches have to be easy after that. "Darrion's gotten to the point now that he can work out with just about anybody in the room," Jordan says. "When you take that talent and the work ethic he has to go along with it, you can't say enough about what it's like to watch him compete up close, the effect it has on the entire team." The upcoming season will be Caldwell's final college season, and while he has a very bright future in international amateur wrestling, including possible Olympic appearances, in his future, his final legacy at NC State is yet to written. Caldwell is not that far away from being the greatest wrestler ever in a program with a rich and storied history. NC State has had three wrestlers who were three-time All-Americans -- Tab Thacker (1982-83-84), Sylvester Terkay (1991-92-93), and Chris Kwortnik (1991-92-93). Caldwell could become the fourth. NC State has had just three wrestlers win four individual Atlantic Coast Conference championships -- Joe Lidowski, Terkay and Thacker. Again, Caldwell could become the fourth. Only one NC State wrestler -- Terkay -- ever won 100 matches in a career. Caldwell needs just six more to reach 100, and 28 more to catch Terkay's 122. NC State has had just five national champions -- Matt Reiss (1980), Thacker (1984), Scott Turner (1988), Terkay (1993), and Caldwell. None repeated. It's asking a lot, but Caldwell could become the first. So even if Caldwell's NC State career ended today, he'd go down as one of the four or five greatest wrestlers in school history. But his career isn't over, and he intends to go out on top. His goals for the upcoming season are high, both for himself and for his team. "I'm looking for a perfect season," Caldwell says. "When I say perfect, I mean no injuries, being ready for every match. Every dual meet I go into, if I take care of things individually, I believe that things will fall into place for the team. "That's what the sport of wrestling is. It's about not giving up that extra point in your match for the team. If you're winning and have a chance for a major decision, do what you have to do to get those extra points. If you're going to lose, lose a decision and not a major. I came in here my freshman year and we got an ACC title. I really think this team here is special and we can do it this year, and I can go out with a bang my senior season."

Grand View University head wrestling coach Nick Mitchell and Intermatwrestle.com journalist Mark Palmer 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. Nick Mitchell is beginning his third season leading the Grand View Viking wrestling program. Grand View, located in Des Moines, Iowa, has placed in the top 10 at the NAIA national tournament the last two years. Mitchell was a three-time All-American at Wartburg College where he also served as an assistant coach for nine years. Mark Palmer is one of the finest wrestling journalists in the nation. You can read his articles on Intermatwrestle.com.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- With the release of the Ohio State wrestling team's 2010-11 schedule, highlights include home matches vs. Big Ten opponents Michigan in January and Minnesota the following month. Also of note are the Buckeye Duals Nov. 21 in which the Scarlet and Gray will welcome programs from around the region to compete at historic St. John Arena. The Buckeyes, who finished second in the regular-season standings in 2009-10, will again contend for the league title in arguably the toughest conference in the country - five Big Ten programs, including Ohio State finished in the Top 10 at the 2010 NCAA Championships. The Scarlet and Gray will begin its conference quest Dec. 19 when it travels to Penn State. The road does not get any easier as the Buckeyes will head to Iowa Jan. 23, Illinois Feb. 4 and Wisconsin Feb. 11. The Buckeyes' home schedule proves just as exciting with Michigan State and Michigan traveling down Route 23 to Columbus Jan. 16 and Jan. 28, respectively. The Spartans return to Columbus in 2010-11 after the Buckeyes wrapped up their regular-season home slate last year with a 30-7 victory vs. Michigan State on Senior Day. Ohio State is hosting the Wolverines in back-to-back seasons for the first time since welcoming them to St. John Arena from 1985-1987. The Buckeyes have won three-straight matches against Michigan and compiled a program-best 29 points against them last season in Columbus. After not facing the Golden Gophers during the conference regular season last year (Ohio State and Minnesota wrestled in the National Duals), the two teams will meet again after a one-year hiatus Feb. 5. The regular season concludes Feb. 19 against Northwestern on Senior Day. Before Ohio State gets into the grind of the Big Ten schedule, it will make the annual trip to Las Vegas for the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Wrestling Invitational. The Buckeyes are the defending champions and look to hold onto the crown Dec. 3-4. Last year, Ohio State compiled 122.5 points en route to the title. Action in the month of December will continue the 12th when Ohio State travels to Edinboro. Meeting for the fourth-consecutive season, the Buckeyes own a three-match win streak against the Fighting Scots. Sandwiched in between its Big Ten opener against the Nittany Lions and the remaining conference schedule, the Scarlet and Gray will open 2011 at the Cliff Keen NWCA National Duals Jan. 8-9. Winning three of four matches, Ohio State finished third in the 2010 edition.

IOWA CITY, Iowa -- The defending Big Ten and NCAA champion University of Iowa wrestling team has announced its schedule for the 2010-11 season. The Hawkeyes are set to host seven home meets, including duals with intra-state rival Iowa State and Big Ten foes Michigan State, Ohio State, Indiana and Michigan. The start times for Iowa’s home duals, as well as the television and internet coverage schedule, will be announced at a later date. Iowa will open its 2010-11 home campaign Friday, Nov. 19 with the third-annual Iowa City Duals. Head Coach Tom Brands, who has a career dual mark of 99-26, will be looking to pick up his 100th victory. The list of competing teams, as well as the schedule for the day will be announced at a later date. The remainder of Iowa’s home schedule includes duals with Iowa State (Dec. 3), Michigan State (Dec. 5), Southern Illinois-Edwardsville (Jan. 7), Ohio State (Jan. 23), Indiana (Feb. 6) and Michigan (Feb. 13). The Hawkeyes kick off their road dual schedule with a triangular meet against Cornell College and Tennessee-Chattanooga at Mount Vernon, IA, Nov. 26. The Hawkeyes will also face former Iowa Assistant Coach and NCAA champion Doug Schwab at Northern Iowa (Dec. 9 - 7 p.m.) before heading to Evanston, IL, to defend their Midlands team title Dec. 29-30. Iowa will also have road duals at Oklahoma State (Jan. 14 - 2 p.m.), Northwestern (Jan. 28 – 7 p.m.), Penn State (Jan. 30 – 2 p.m.) and Minnesota (Feb. 20). The Hawkeyes will face Purdue Feb. 11 (6 p.m.) at Penn High School in Mishawaka, IN. Iowa will vy for its 35th Big Ten team title Mar. 5-6 at Northwestern’s Welsh-Ryan Arena in Evanston, IL, and its 24th NCAA team title Mar. 17-19 at the Wacovia Center in Philadelphia, PA. Wrestling season tickets can be ordered from the UI Athletics Ticket Office, at (319) 335-9323, or online at www.hawkeyesports.com. Tickets are $67 for members of the public and $55 for UI faculty and staff. Single meet prices are $10 for adults and $5 for youth if purchased in advance for the Iowa City Duals, Michigan State, SIU-Edwardsville, Indiana and Michigan duals. The price is $13 for adults, $7 for youth and $2 for children ages five and under for the Iowa State and Ohio State duals. The day of the meet tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for youth for the Iowa Duals, Michigan State, SIU-Edwardsville, Indiana and Michigan duals, and $15 for adults, $8 for youth and $2 for children ages five and under for the Iowa State and Ohio State duals.

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. -- Virginia head wrestling coach Steve Garland has announced the hiring of Manny Rivera as an assistant coach with the program. Garland also announced that former Cavalier Brent Jones will serve as the team's volunteer coach this season. Rivera is a former All-America wrestler at Minnesota and still is an active wrestler at the international level. "We couldn't be happier that Manny will be joining the UVa wrestling family," Garland said. "He possesses all the qualities of a great mentor and coach for our student-athletes. We feel like we have brought in a very special person and we are excited to see what the future holds." Rivera comes to Virginia after working as an administrative assistant wrestling coach last season at Minnesota, where he assisted in training, motivating and directing student-athletes. He also assisted in structured practices, weight training and conditioning. "I am very excited to join the University of Virginia community," Rivera said. "I am looking forward to working with the Cavalier wrestling program." Rivera also served for two years as an assistant director at the School of Champions in Minneapolis and was a volunteer wrestling coach at Rosemead High School. Rivera had a standout wrestling career at Minnesota. He was a four-year starter for the Golden Gophers and a three-time NCAA qualifier, earning All-America honors in 2008 when he took seventh place at 141 pounds. He also was a member of Minnesota's 2007 NCAA Championship team. Rivera finished his Minnesota career with a 113-40 record and 27 falls. As a senior, he was a team captain. As a junior, he carried a 35-match winning streak at one point during the season - the sixth-longest winning streak in school history. Rivera has been successful at the international level as well. He was a bronze medalist at the 2010 Pan-American Games as a member of the Mexican National Team. A native of El Monte, Calif., Rivera earned a psychology degree from Minnesota in 2008. Rivera replaces Scott Moore, who moved closer to home and accepted a coaching position at Lock Haven. Jones wrestled at Virginia from 2005-10 and finished his UVa career as the school's all-time leader in pins (45) and ranks fourth in career victories (106). "Brent has been around our program for a long time," Garland said. "We are very happy that he has decided to stay in Charlottesville and help our student-athletes. We feel his wealth of competitive experience at the NCAA and especially the international levels will help our program immensely." Jones earned the 2010 Gorrarian Trophy at the NCAA Championships. The award is presented to the wrestler who pins the most opponents in the least amount of time at the championships. Jones recorded a pair of pins in the competition and needed just one minute, 33 seconds to do so. He also was the ACC champion at 197 pounds in 2009 and was named the ACC Championships' Most Outstanding Wrestler that year. Jones was a two-time NCAA qualifier who also won the 2008 University National Freestyle Championship at 211 pounds and the 2006 FILA Junior Freestyle National Championship at 211 pounds.

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. These wrestlers come from the western mountains of Madison County to the Atlantic Ocean in Wilmington. They range from 285 pounds to 112 pounds with both of these wrestlers having won folkstyle All-American honors this past spring. The top two wrestlers have each won multiple All-American honors at the Junior & Cadet Nationals in Fargo, North Dakota. Many of these wrestlers have won All-American honors during the past couple of years and most have proven themselves by defeating state champions from other states. North Carolina wrestling powerhouse Winston-Salem Parkland High School is the home to two wrestlers listed in the Wrestling 49 Top 10 (one also in honorable mention), while its rival Davie County has one in the Top 10 and one in honorable mention. Six wrestlers listed in the Wrestling 49 article are proud members of the acclaimed Arrichion Wrestling Club. These club members travel all along the east coast to major tournaments and team events. All of these wrestlers are looking to either enhance or make a name for themselves on the national level during the 2010-11 wrestling season. Below are the Top 10 senior wrestlers from North Carolina. 1. Harrison Honeycutt High School: Lake Norman Projected 2010-11 High School Weight Class: 215 Projected College Weight Class: 197 Harrison HoneycuttAnalysis: Honeycutt is North Carolina's top wrestler and highest-ranked recruit for the upcoming season. He is a three-time All-American in Fargo and has a 3.5 GPA. As a rising freshman, Honeycutt prepared himself for high school by competing at Cadet Nationals Nationals (freestyle and Greco-Roman) in Fargo. He won just one match in these two events. Nonetheless, this helped the tall, gangling freshman get ready for high school competition. Honeycutt placed fifth at the North Carolina high school 3A state tournament his freshman season competing at 189 pounds. The summer of 2008 he returned to Fargo determined to make his mark. Honeycutt placed sixth in Greco and fifth in freestyle, becoming a Cadet double All-American for Team North Carolina. During his sophomore season Honeycutt won his first high school state championship at 189 pounds and finished the season undefeated with a 53-0 record. The summer of 2009 Honeycutt returned to Fargo for the third time. In Greco he defeated highly-rated Kyle Caylor (KS) and Matt Loew (NY) and eventually placing fifth earning him Junior All-American honors at 215 pounds. Last fall, Honeycutt was the runner-up at 215 pounds in the Super 32 Challenge in Greensboro, N.C. His junior season Lake Norman High School had moved up to the 4A state classification and Honeycutt moved up a weight class to 215 pounds. This did not matter as Honeycutt finished the season again undefeated winning his second state championship. He took a break from the spring and summer tournaments in 2010, but now is gearing back up and hopes to win his third straight state championship. Honeycutt enters his senior season at Lake Norman High School with a 105-match winning streak and has not given up a takedown in the last two seasons while wrestling for the Wildcats. He will compete again in the 215-pound weight class and will wrestle in college in the 197-pound weight class. Honeycutt is getting a lot of notice from college recruiters, but as of now is still open on where to further his wrestling and academic career. High on his list are: Virginia Tech, North Carolina, Arizona State, NC State, and Kent State. 2. Collin Campbell High School: Person Projected 2010-11 High School Weight Class: 285 Projected College Weight Class: 285 Colin CampbellAnalysis: Campbell started the sport of wrestling when he joined the Arrichion wrestling club in the ninth grade. During his sophomore season he placed sixth in the 4A 285-pound classification. In the offseason Campbell competed extensively with his wrestling club, traveling around the country in folkstyle and freestyle events. The summer of 2009 Campbell traveled to the Cadet Nationals in Fargo. There he decided to try his skills in Greco. Even though Campbell had never wrestled in a Greco match before, he finished eighth and earned All-American honors. In freestyle he finished 3-2, losing close decisions to fourth-place winner Doug Vollaro (Florida) and champion Donny Longendyke (Minnesota). He competed in several college open tournaments during the fall of 2009, placing and winning matches. All of this hard work paid off for Campbell. He finished his high school junior season undefeated, winning his first state championship and not giving up any points in the state tournament. Last July Campbell went 2-2 in the Junior Greco division at Fargo. He went 7-2 in freestyle, earning him Junior All-American honors by placing fifth. To date, Campbell has earned multiple All-American honors. Along with his Fargo accomplishments, he has placed twice at FILA Cadet Nationals. Last fall he placed fifth in the Super 32 and placed fourth at Flo Nationals last spring. This summer he won a silver medal in the District All-Star division of the Disney Duals finishing with an 8-1 record. Campbell is an athletic heavyweight with a good shot. He is currently being recruited by Penn State, Michigan, and Rutgers. 3. Adonis Wright High School: Parkland Projected 2010-11 High School Weight Class: 125/130 Projected College Weight Class: 141 Analysis: Adonis Wright didn't start wrestling until his freshman season in high school. For an inexperienced wrestler being on a perennial wrestling powerhouse team like Parkland High School, starting time is hard to come by. Nonetheless, Wright stayed on course, taking his lumps in the practice room and honing his skills. This all paid off when he won the 4A 125-pound high school state championship the very first season he qualified for the North Carolina state tournament. Wright finished the season with a 57-2 record. He may be the best true athlete among North Carolina's top wrestlers this season. With cat-like quickness and agility added to a strong stocky frame, this could be the formula for another state championship for Adonis Wright. This season Wright is being looked upon to lead Parkland High School in its quest for a fifth consecutive state individual tournament and dual team state championship. Wright looks to continue his education and wrestling career next year. He has Appalachian State, UNC Pembroke, Pratt Community College, and Ellsworth Community College recruiting him. 4. Stout Watson High School: Forsyth Country Day Projected 2010-11 High School Weight Class: 171 Projected College Weight Class: 174 Analysis: Watson, like many top wrestlers, has a steep family tradition in the sport of wrestling. His brother, Johnny, won four state championships, twice placed at Prep Nationals and is currently in the Naval Academy. Stout Watson won his first state championship as a seventh-grader and the won again his eighth-grade season. Seventh and eighth-grade wrestlers are allowed to compete in the North Carolina Independent High School State Championships. His next two seasons, though, were cut short by injuries. As a junior, Watson won his third state championship and went on to place fourth at Prep Nationals. At Prep Nationals he lost a 3-0 decision to champion Chris Moon in the quarterfinals. He then defeated two-time New England runner-up Johann Roebelene, Blair Academy's New Jersey state champion Brad Bishop and Maryland state champion Ethan Keiser. In the consolation finals he lost in overtime to Virginia state runner-up Sam Law. For the 2010-11 season Stout Watson is looking for his fourth state championship and a National Preps title. Watson is a very skilled and technical wrestler. With an injury-free season, he should make his mark again in North Carolina and at Prep Nationals. Watson is a good student and is still open as to where to go and wrestle for in college. The Naval Academy, North Carolina, and Virginia Tech are high on his list. 5. Tom Puckett High School: Butler Projected 2010-11 High School Weight Class: 140 Projected College Weight Class: 141/149 Tom PuckettAnalysis: Puckett, another Arrichion wrestler, has yet to win a high school state championship, even though he is still one of North Carolina's best wrestlers. As a freshman Puckett was the 4A state runner-up at 112 pounds. As a sophomore Puckett was injured in the regional tournament, but still fought back the next week with a fourth-place finish in the state tournament at 119 pounds. Last year Puckett decisioned two-time state champion Ben Creed in the semifinals, advancing to the state tournament finals for the second time in three years. In the finals he lost a hard-fought 5-4 decision to Adonis Wright. Although Puckett has yet to win the big prize in North Carolina, he has proven himself against state champions from other states in big offseason tournaments. Last spring at the USA Wrestling Northeast Regional he defeated Ohio state runner-up and Central Michigan commit Ty Davis. Puckett also defeated two-time Idaho state champion and Cadet Nationals Greco runner-up Casey George. Puckett has three older cousins that were North Carolina 4A state champions and all three went on to compete in college. So far Puckett is keeping an open mind for his college choice. Bloomsburg, Purdue, Boise State, and Arizona State are schools that have been recruiting him. 6. Scott Hardiman High School: Hibriten Projected 2010-11 High School Weight Class: 135 Projected College Weight Class: 141 Scott HardimanAnalysis: Scott Hardiman is a Pennsylvania native that moved to North Carolina before his freshman year in high school. He is a two-time Team North Carolina Fargo National Team member. Hardiman placed fifth as a freshman in the 2A state tournament. He was beaten by Cardinal Gibbons' Matt Johnson in overtime in the semifinals his sophomore season and went on to finish third. Last year his high school team moved up to the 3A classification and so did last season's champion, Johnson. They met again in the state tournament semifinals, but this time Hardiman won a 6-2 decision. Hardiman went on to win his first state championship. His record the last two seasons is 95-3. He wrestled all last season with an injured shoulder. His spring surgery went well. He is now fully recovered and ready to defend his state championship. Hardiman is a very technical and slick wrestler who keeps a wrestling mat in his basement for year-round workouts when he is not practicing with his Arrichion club members. He is currently interested in Virginia Tech, Maryland, Appalachian State, and UNC Greensboro. 7. Dylan Cala High School: South Point Projected 2010-11 High School Weight Class: 152 Projected College Weight Class: 157 Dylan CalaAnalysis:Cala first burst on the North Carolina wrestling scene by going undefeated at the USA Wrestling Schoolboy Nationals as an eighth-grader. He used this momentum and won the 3A 125-pound championship, where he slipped by two-time state champion and current UNC Greensboro wrestler Daniel Ownbey with a 5-4 decision. Cala found himself in the state finals again his sophomore season, but he dropped a 4-2 decision to Parkland senior and current Princeton wrestler Luis Ramos. After just 10 matches, Cala saw his junior season disappear due to a knee injury. The knee is heeled and he is now ready to compete for another North Carolina state championship. Cala has a great shot along with a lot of quickness and agility. His overall high school record is 109-3. He wants to go to college to continue his education and wrestling career. 8. Ray Farnsworth High School: St Stephens Projected 2010-11 High School Weight Class: 119 Projected College Weight Class: 125 Analysis:Farnsworth is a very agile and skilled wrestler. He has beaten multiple high school state champions the last two years at various tournaments along the East Coast. Farnsworth was a state qualifier at 2A Bandys his freshman year. The next year he transferred to 3A St. Stephens and went undefeated winning his first state championship at 103 pounds. The spring of 2009 Farnsworth finished third in the NHSCA Sophomore Nationals at 103 pounds. Last season he made the 3A 112-pound state finals, but lost his only match of the season to sophomore sensation Garrison White. This set his record the last two years at 98-1. This season Farnsworth will be in search of his second state championship and another rematch with White should be on the horizon. Farnsworth says he would love to be a Tar Heel wrestler at North Carolina next year, but is still open for recruitment. 9. Michael Waters High School: Davie Projected 2010-11 High School Weight Class: 119 Projected College Weight Class: 125 Analysis:Waters' only loss last season was a November matchup with Farnsworth. After that he compiled a 50-1 record and won the 4A 112-pound state championship. Waters was a state sixth-place winner as a freshman and a state runner-up his sophomore season. He has put a lot of work into the offseason and is getting noticed for it. In June he went undefeated wrestling for the Arrichion club team, compiling an 8-0 record in the District All-Star Division of the Disney Duals. At this tournament he defeated several state champions and placewinners from Pennsylvania and Ohio. Waters is interested in possibly attending a service academy. He has been contacted by Oregon State and Penn State about his wrestling future. Look for Waters to move up a weight class for his senior season. Another great matchup with Farnsworth could be in store at the annual St. Stephens dual tournament just before Thanksgiving! 10. Jovontae Coleman High School: Parkland Projected 2010-11 High School Weight Class: 130/135 Projected College Weight Class: 141 Analysis: Coleman came up short at the state tournament last season, but when you wrestle a senior three-time state champion and North Carolina's No. 2 senior recruit to a close decision in the state finals that gets people to notice you. Coleman, like Wright, is a Parkland wrestler that only started the sport his freshman season. He learned the trade in the highly competitive Mustangs wrestling room. As a sophomore Coleman wrestled where Parkland needed him and was a state qualifier. At last years state tournament he defeated highly-regarded Joe Morrison by a major decision in the semifinals and lost to Tyrone Eatman by a decision in the state finals. Coleman has a very similar body frame and style as teammate Adonis Wright. They are also very similar in athletic ability, quickness, and agility. Coleman is hungry for his first state championship and it will be hard for anyone to deny him this coming February. Appalachian State and UNC Pembroke have been recruiting Coleman. Honorable Mention: Ben Creed (Cary) Matt Cusack (Davie) Joe Morrison (Panther Creek) Dale "Boomer" Boyd (Laney) Antwan Davis (Parkland) Cody Roberts (Madison) Sheldon Sales (Chatham Central) Zach Jarmillo (Havelock) Jake Nelson (Bandys) Josh Smith (Ashbrook)

With the fall semester starting at Kent State last week and wrestling practice less than a month away, the program got a glimpse of their future with the verbal commitment of Pennsylvania state champion Nick Carr. A two-time state placewinner and the first state champion in school history at South Fayette High School; Carr has his eyes set on defending his title before starting his college career. Nick Carr (Photo/Lisa Wilps)"I am very happy to say that I am going to attend Kent State and wrestle in college for the Golden Flashes," stated Nick Carr over the phone when speaking of his verbal on Monday night. "I really loved everything about the school and the direction wrestling program is headed; when you put the two of them together they made Kent the place for me." A two-time Pennsylvania state placewinner at 145 pounds, Nick has amassed an 87-15 record in three years of varsity competition. He expects to wrestle 149 in college but could see time at 141 as an underclassman or grow into a 157 as an upperclassman. Carr chose Kent State over a list of schools that included Virginia, Pitt, and Penn. "There were a lot of things that I liked about Kent State. The wrestling team has challenged themselves to get better every year to the point that they are consistently turning out All-Americans," said Carr when speaking of his decision. "They have a great coaching staff, some great wrestlers coming back, and a great recruiting class coming in. The location is perfect; I love the campus, and just think Kent is the ideal fit for me." Not only has Nick been an outstanding wrestler he has been a standout student as a member of the National Honor Society with a 3.6 accumulative GPA. "I have a lot of goals my senior year but I want to work hard to keep my grades up so I can earn some academic scholarship money to help out the team when I get to college," responded Carr. "I don't want to just maintain my GPA; it would be nice to improve it." Looking ahead to his final season of high school wrestling he hopes to set the bar higher as well. "It was great to win a state title last year so that goal doesn't change other than you want to defend. I want to have an undefeated season and work on the things that are going to make me a dominant wrestler,' commented Carr. "I want to work on top and I don't want to give up offensive points, it will make me a better wrestler and get me ready to compete in college." Nick became the third wrestler in the Class of 2011 to give his verbal commitment to Kent State joining Oak Harbor's Ian Miller and Wheeling Park's Kyle Bauer. Miller, a two-time Ohio state place winner; Bauer, a three-time West Virginia state placer; and Carr are each expected to sign their National Letters of Intent during the November signing period. All three are expected to enroll for classes next fall and each hopes to be competing for a spot in the starting lineup. Wrestling with Nick Carr You can call Nick Carr an under the radar recruit as he can't be found in the InterMat top 100 but that doesn't mean he won't crack the all-class or individual weight class rankings by the end of the year. Without a national freestyle or Greco-Roman resume, Carr stands on his scholastic record and a potential second Pennsylvania state championship carries a lot of weight. "It would be nice to be ranked but I don't wrestle for rankings…. I wrestle to win. I want to be the best wrestler I can be," offered Carr. "You can learn from your wins and you can learn from your losses. You can work on what you need to work on or you can spend time on what you do well. Simply put there is always something you can learn and something you can improve." With three seasons in the varsity lineup Nick has shown progress each year. Nick Carr (Photo/Lisa Wilps)As a freshman he attended classes at South Fayette High School but wrestled for Chartiers Valley through a co-op agreement between the two schools. Carr went 17-5, took second in his section, and placed sixth in the WPIAL at 135 pounds for the Colts. "It was tough not making it to state as a freshman because I thought I could have placed if I was there. A lot of wrestling is mental and once I understood that it helped me the next year." With South Fayette restarting their wrestling program in 2008 Nick stayed home to wrestle for the Lions, moved up to 145, won his first WPIAL title, and finished with a 38-8 record by placing fifth at state as a sophomore. Last season Carr went 32-2 overall wrestling at 145 and 152 pounds. He won his section for the first time, took home his second WPIAL title and finished second at regionals. Making his second trip to state Nick knocked off a pair of undefeated seniors and future college wrestlers. He beat Aaron Fry 5-3 in quarterfinals and Jordan Moss 6-3 in the finals; Fry will be wrestling this season for Lock Haven while Moss will be at Pitt. "I don't think I did anything different between my sophomore and junior years, it was more a case of just a lot of hard work coming together. While I may not compete year round I do train year round and that probably helps. I am probably on the wrestling mats three days a week and lifting five days a week," stated Carr when asked what took him from fifth to first. Nick is expected to start next season at 152 pounds before dropping to 145 in January. "It feels good to make my college decision before I start my senior year. It takes a lot of pressure off so I can have fun and focus on wrestling instead of recruiting," concluded Carr. "There are a lot of people that have helped me get to this point so it would be hard to mention everyone by name but I appreciate the support my coaches, my family, and my teammates have given me over the years. I am going to do my best to continue making them proud in the future." InterMat was granted permission to republish this article from BuckeyeWrestling.com. http://www.buckeyewrestling.com/?q=node/37585