InterMat Staff

Chris Dardanes

Nick Dardanes

Matt Greenberg

Mark Manning

Robert Kokesh

Anthony Curcio

DES MOINES -- It was announced Monday that MediaCom in Iowa will air the new weekly TV version of Takedown Wrestling Radio. TDR TV, a 30 minute weekly wrestling news program will be added to its offerings on their channel MC-22. TDR TV News offers coverage of collegiate and international styles of wrestling in a sports news format. TDR TV will begin it's affiliation with MediaCom and Connections Channel 22 beginning the week of October 26th, 2009 for its 29th episode. . "We're very pleased to add MediaCom as the anchor to our affiliates family," said Scott Casber, founder of both TDR TV and its partner radio program Takedown Wrestling Radio. "MediaCom continues to deliver quality sports programming to its viewers and we're very happy to be included in their state-wide presentation. MediaCom has continued to support wrestling in its offerings to its loyal viewers and we encourage wrestling fans to support them," added Casber. For a complete listing of MediaCom's offerings visit Connections22.com. About MediaCom- Mediacom Connections is a channel dedicated to programming in our local communities, about our local communities. Presently, eight head ends (transmitter sites) around the state of Iowa and portions of Minnesota, Illinois, Wisconsin and South Dakota, provide shows that originate from their viewing area. Missouri programming will be joining the network in the coming months. In the fall of 2005, the Mediacom Connections began network coverage with programming mastered out of Des Moines. Connections22.com About TDR TV- About TDR TV: TDR TV news is a weekly sports news program designed to entertain, inform and educate fans on the sport of wrestling. The TDR TV program is a combined effort of the long running Takedown Wrestling Radio program from radio and internet. Hosted by Scott Casber, the show is produced in Des Moines, Iowa with a goal of continual coverage and promotion of the sport and wrestling community. See More at TakedownRadio.com

Tom Brands

The matches are set for the 2009 California Community College North-South All-Star Dual Meet, which takes place October 24 in Seaside, California. The event starts at 4 p.m. Starting Team Selections: 125 Galen Williams (Fresno City College), North vs Steve Salinas (Mt. San Antonio College), South 133 Daniel Osmer (Fresno Cith College), North vs Angel Garcia (Palomar College), South 141 Stephan DeLaCruz (Chabot College), North vs John Marchona (East Los Angeles College), South 149 Mike Vasser (Sierra College), North vs John Banke (Cuesta College), South 157 Tim Navarette (Shasta College), North vs Clayton McFarlane (Palomar College), South 165 Fernando Lucatero (Fresno City College), North vs Nico Phillips (Mt. San Antonio College), South 174 Joe Cisneros (Fresno City College), North vs AJ Smith (Bakersfield College), South 184 Jesus Chavez (Sierra College), North vs George Munoz (Mt. San Antonio College), South 197 Ryan Scarr (Sierra College), North vs Brad Carls (Bakersfield College), South 285 Austin Garza (Fresno City College), North vs Frank Ayala (Mt. San Antonio College), South North All-Stars Head Coach Jake Fitzpatrick (Santa Rosa Junior College) South All-Stars Head Coach Kent Olson (West Hills College)

Takedown Wrestling Radio and its TV/Internet partner TDR TV have united in effort with the National Collegiate Wrestling Association in promoting the sport of wrestling. Today the NCWA has mounted and will present on a regular basis TDR TV news on its home page at NCWA.net "The NCWA is an important addition to our affiliate program," said Scott Casber, Founder and Host of TDR TV. "The NCWA and its 150 plus member collegiate teams have experienced extended and continued growth over the last 13 years and we're very pleased to be a part of their success." The NCWA and it 150 member programs are a strategic component to the rebuilding of America's collegiate wrestling infrastructure. The NCWA operates in many areas and states where there are little or no NCAA D1, D2 or D3 programs. They play an important role in redeveloping our wrestling community. The NCWA projects its growth to the year 2015 when they expect member participation to be in excess of 300 programs. We see TDR TV as an integral part of communication within the wrestling community,” said NCWA Executive Director Jim Giunta, and are looking forward to working with Scott Casber and his team to get the word out about the NCWA and it’s member institutions. TDR is a class operation and we are blessed to be part of their network.” About the NCWA: The NCWA was founded with the student athlete in mind. We are composed of non-paid volunteers committed to helping our young people accomplish their goals and dreams, and to reach for excellence in everything they do. Through athletic endeavor, team leadership responsibilities and community involvement, NCWA students will leave college life to meet a competitive world head on. They will have been equipped through their academic involvement and athletic success to take the competition to the mat, score and emerge a champion. We encourage you to take the next step in expanding the way your school sees student involvement in athletics. Join us in changing lives. About TDR TV: TDR TV news is a weekly sports news program designed to entertain, inform and educate. The TDR TV program is a combined effort of the long running Takedown Wrestling Radio program from radio and internet. Hosted by Scott Casber, the show is produced in Des Moines, Iowa with a goal of continual coverage and promotion of the sport and wrestling community. See More at TakedownRadio.com

TEMPE -- Charlie Tribble, one of the first All-Americans in Arizona State University wrestling history and a supporter of wrestling’s growth in the Valley of the Sun, both on the collegiate and high school level, passed away on Saturday, October 17, at the age of 67. A native of Indio, Calif., Tribble came to Tempe in the early 1960s to compete for both the Sun Devil wrestling and football programs. Tribble helped to make history for the program as he joined teammates Glenn McMinn Sr. and Buzz Hayes at the 1965 NCAA Wrestling Championships that were held at Wyoming with all three collecting All-America honors by placing in the Top 8 of the national tournament. In his lone season on the mats for the Sun Devils, Tribble competed at 177 pounds and won the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) title at his weight, making him the first African-American in program history to become a conference champion and an All-American. Seeded third at his weight class, Tribble received a bye in the first round of the NCAA Championships before pinning Lee Hall (Pittsburgh) in the second round at 1:47. He then downed sixth-seeded Gerry Franzen (Navy), 3-0, in the quarterfinals before falling in a 6-0 decision to second-seeded and eventual champion Tom Peckham (Iowa State) in the semifinals. In the consolation rounds, Tribble bounced back with a pair of wins by fall as he stuck Chris Stowell (Michigan) in 1:01 of the consolation semifinal and then Roger Mickish (Oklahoma) in 1:40 of the medal match to take third overall. With his three pins in 4:28, Tribble was awarded the Gorrarian Award (most pins in least time). Before his run at the national collegiate event, Tribble made history for the program as he stepped onto the international stage as an Olympian at the 1964 Tokyo Games. Competing in freestyle at 77kg (170 pounds), Tribble received a tough draw and was pinned in his first and only match at 4:11 by Ismail Ogan of Turkey. Ogan would later go on to win the gold medal. Historically at ASU, Tribble holds a pair of records and contributed to a third as he was a member of the wrestling program’s first conference team title as the Sun Devils won the 1965 WAC, the first of two in that league and 18 overall (16 in the Pac-10). On an individual basis, he is still the only Sun Devil to have earned the Gorrarian Award at the NCAA Championships while also holding the program record for winning percentage for wrestlers with 50 or less wins in a career as he went 32-2-2 (.917) in his lone year of competition. A one-time coach at South Mountain High School in Phoenix, Tribble was enshrined in a pair of Halls with the most recent coming in 2007 as he was inducted into the Arizona Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame as a Distinguished Member. In 1993, Tribble was selected for enshrinement in the Arizona State Hall of Fame as well. Memorial services have not been finalized and will be announced at a later time.

Great things are expected of Kyle Dake, Cornell University freshman ... not just from wrestling fans and the media, but also from his coach, Rob Koll, who has referred to Dake as "the second coming of Troy." Considering his accomplishments -- and his InterMat ranking as the No. 4 recruit in the nation for 2009 -- it's no wonder expectations are so high. Dake was a two-time New York high school state champion and has already made a name for himself in national competition. He also has wrestling in his genes. His grandfather, Robert, and his dad, Doug, both found success in wrestling on the mat and as coaches. A family mat legacy Kyle DakeWhen asked how he got started in wrestling, Kyle Dake immediately traced his roots back to the family tree: "Grandpa was head coach at Lansing High School in the 1960s. He moved to Ohio, where dad grew up, and became an Ohio state champ." (After winning that state title for Westlake High in suburban Cleveland in 1980, Doug Dake headed about an hour southeast to Kent State University, where he was an NCAA All-American at 177 pounds in 1985.) The Cornell freshman continued, "Mom and dad moved back to New York. Dad served as a volunteer assistant coach at Cornell, then took over as Lansing High coach." "I was around wrestling ever since I was a baby. I would spend time in the wrestling room even back then. I was about 4 or 5 when I started wrestling." "Now my younger brother Corey is in it. He placed fourth in the state last year. I guess it's really a family affair." "It's always been fun," Kyle Dake said. "When I started winning, it got even more fun." "Dad was never one of those crazy parents. Very supportive ... We had fun traveling to tournaments. It was a great bonding experience." Doug Dake was a MAC champion and All-American for Kent State in 1984 (Photo/Kent State Archives)Kyle Dake's parents helped him keep things in perspective. "Things were low-pressure. They didn't want me to burn out ... Thanks to that approach, I never didn't want to go to practice." "As a kid, I wrestled just three months, then played football, soccer and baseball the rest of the year. " Ask him if that multi-sport approach helped make him a better wrestler, Dake somewhat turned that notion on its head: "Wrestling gave me the athleticism to do well in other sports." However, starting in seventh grade, Dake started to weed out other sports one-by-one, concentrating solely on wrestling starting in ninth grade. By tenth grade, he took up wrestling year around, competing in both freestyle and Greco-Roman for the highly respected Shamrock Wrestling Club in Binghamton, New York. High school heroics Kyle Dake found success in high school right from the start. As a freshman competing at 96 pounds for Lansing High, he went to the New York state tournament undefeated. "That year, I was tech falling everyone," said Dake. "In the semis, I was leading 9-0. In the beginning of the third period, he put me in a spladle, and I got pinned. I ended up taking third that year, 39-1." That summer, Dake competed at the Junior Nationals, placing third in both Greco-Roman and freestyle competition. Among his rivals in Fargo: Penn State freshman David Taylor, InterMat's No. 1 recruit in 2009. As a sophomore, Dake wrestled at 112 pounds, making it to the finals at the state tournament. "I went up against a senior who was supposed to demolish me. Instead, I got the pin, and won Outstanding Wrestler." At the 2007 New York state championships, Dake pinned Mike Gomez of Locust Valley at 5:25 to win the Division II title at 112. Kyle Dake (Photo/TheMatSlap.com)Later his sophomore year, Dake became the NHSCA Sophomore Nationals champ. However, he suffered a broken hand that summer, and had a disappointing tournament "wrestling one-handed" as Dake put it. That year, Dake was named "Male Athlete of the Year" in Tompkins County where he lived. And it was at this time he was introduced to the Finger Lakes Wrestling Club, based in Ithaca. "I got one-to-one coaching from college wrestling coaches that made a real difference," said Dake. Junior year, Kyle Dake moved up to 130 pounds. ("I never had to cut weight in high school," Dake disclosed.) He was undefeated that year, until the state finals, when he met Ian Paddock, a three-time state champ from Warsaw High (now at Ohio State) who Dake described as "a tough guy." "He put me on my back for five points. I lost 7-4." That summer was one to remember for Dake. Among the highlights: He won the NHSCA Junior Nationals, the FILA Junior Nationals, and the Junior World Team Trials, where he defeated Eric Grajales in straight matches to earn a place on the 2008 US Greco Junior World Team, and a trip to Istanbul. Wrapping up a sterling prep career Kyle Dake won a 2-1 decision over Mike Nevinger of Letchworth to win the Division II title in 2009 (Photo/TheMatSlap.com)As a senior, Kyle Dake again moved up in weight -- to 140 pounds -- and again had a perfect season. In the finals at the 2009 New York state championships, Dake got a 2-1 decision over Mike Nevinger of Letchworth to win the Division II title. (Dake's finals rival is now his teammate at Cornell.) About a month after winning his second state crown, Dake came out on top at the 2009 NHSCA Senior Nationals. Kyle Dake finished his high school career with a 224-14 record, two state titles, (along with runner-up and third-place finishes the other two years), and three NHSCA national titles. He was team captain all four years of high school. For all these reasons, Dake was ranked as the No.4 recruit in the entire nation by InterMat. Kyle Dake's family wrestling bonds go beyond having a father and grandfather in the sport; his dad Doug was his high school coach. When asked for this interview what that was like, Kyle Dake responded, "There's life at home, and life in the wrestling room. The lines were never blurred. I think dad was an awesome coach." Asked the same question in a March 2009 interview with the Lansing Star, Kyle Dake said, "I like it. He's always been there for me and he was a pretty successful wrestler as well, so he always has good advice. To succeed at a sport, you need support from both your coach and your family at home. Some athletes don't get that, and I've been fortunate to get both." In addition to being coached by his father, the younger Dake benefited from the coaching of John Kotmel, assistant coach at Lansing High. "He's been coaching me for a long time, so he really knows me. And he knows so much about wrestling. He's been like a mentor to me." Staying close to home A high school wrestler with the credentials of a Kyle Dake would be a highly sought-after commodity for any collegiate wrestling program. "I looked at a few schools, but wanted to stay close to home," said Dake. Dake got his wish. In October 2008, he made a commitment to wrestle for Cornell University, practically in his backyard. "We live just five miles from Cornell," according to the Lansing High graduate. Kyle Dake picked up a 4-1 decision over Missouri's Kyle Bradley in the semifinals of the 2009 NHSCA Senior Nationals (TheMatSlap.com)In citing reasons beyond proximity to home for choosing Cornell, Dake responded, "I love the coaching. There are great guys in the practice room. You can't beat the academics. It just feels like the perfect fit for me." Cornell head coach Rob Koll shared his enthusiasm for Dake. In his recent online newsletter: "I hate to build up too much expectation for a freshman, but since I have been referring to Kyle as the 'second coming of Troy' (Nickerson, 2009 NCAA Division I champ at 125 pounds) I guess it is too late! Kyle grew up in Lansing, N.Y. and has been to more Cornell wrestling matches than any of our current wrestlers. He is going to be a great one, and I am certain having him on the team will help us to continue to build our fan base within the local community." (According to Koll's newsletter, Dake is the projected starter at 141 pounds.) Coach Koll provided InterMat additional insight as to what makes Kyle Dake such a highly prized recruit: "I have been friends with Kyle's parents longer than Kyle has been alive so it would have been tough to lose him as a recruit. He is a great kid on and off the mats. Although he is young he is already a great leader and will help us to attract wrestlers with similar attitude and ambition. He has the athleticism and work ethic that is required to achieve immediate success at the national level." In its summer 2009 assessment of incoming freshman classes at Division I college programs, InterMat ranked the Cornell at No. 18. In its write-up for the Big Red program, much of InterMat's focus was on the wrestler it ranked as fourth in the nation: "The anchor of this class is a kid that just loves to compete and succeed. Dake was a state champion this past season, champion at the NHSCA Senior Nationals, and has competed at the FILA Junior World Championships in Greco-Roman." The college life Kyle Dake has been at Cornell a couple months now, living on campus, going to classes, and working out with his teammates. "I'm glad to be in the dorms," says Dake. "It's an important part of the college experience." "I'd like to think I'm an intelligent person, but I'm having to work hard to keep up-to-date with my coursework. I don't want to have to deal with the pressure that comes from falling behind." "I think I'm handling things well. I'm pretty good at budgeting my time. My parents really stressed that over the years" When asked if he's already selected a major, Dake answered, "I'm trying to find out what I really want to do. Right now, I'm taking fundamental courses like psychology and writing." In the interview earlier this year with his hometown newspaper, Dake was asked about his "coaching" his high school teammates from the sidelines. "I like to see other people be successful too," said Dake. "I've grown up with a lot of my teammates: they've been wrestling with me for a long time. I want to do my part, and if sitting on the sidelines and yelling or telling them what to do helps them win, then I'll do it every time. I've been captain of the wrestling team since I was a freshman. People look up to you as an example and for advice. I've been helping people out for so long that now it's become fun." Might coaching be a career option? "It's a possibility," Kyle Dake said in this interview for InterMat. "I think it would be awesome." Self-imposed great expectations What does Kyle Dake like about wrestling? "I enjoy the satisfaction of winning," Dake told the Lansing Star. "I'm the only one out there, so I have to rely on myself. It's a physical battle with your opponent. You have to prove your own dominance. You don't have to wait for someone to throw a ball at you. It's also taught me how to do what's right, not just in wrestling but in my day-to-day life. You have to lose weight and practice every day. In the end, if something goes wrong on the mat, you only have one person to look towards, and that's yourself." Dake describes his wrestling style as, "Different than 'regular' -- unorthodox. I work for my openings, rather than wait for the action to come to me. I'd like to think I'm a lot like Jordan Leen." "Since the beginning of this season, I'm getting so much better. I feel like I'm moving with more fluidity, and getting more effective shots." Kyle Dake defeated New Mexico's Max Ortego, 5-2, to win the 2009 Senior Nationals title (Photo/TheMatSlap.com)Kyle Dake has set high goals for himself. "I hope to be starting this fall at 141 ... Right now, my goal would be to never lose a match, and win four NCAA titles. Is that doable? Given my coaches, with hard work and lots of luck, anything is possible." When not in the wrestling room or classroom, Kyle Dake likes to hang out with his roommate Stryker Lane, freshman heavyweight from Colorado. "We act like kids -- play video games, wiffle ball in the courtyard." Dake also enjoys going out in a boat on one of the lakes in and around where he grew up. However, with the academic demands of an Ivy League university and a top-rated wrestling program, coupled with high expectations from wrestling fans -- not to mention his own rigorous goals -- Kyle Dake may not have much time for relaxation.

The National Wrestling Coaches Association Board of Directors is pleased to announce that the 2010 NWCA/Cliff Keen National Duals will be Presented by Hibiclens. The two day tournament will be held January 9-10, 2010, at the University of Northern Iowa. This is the second year that Hibiclens has been the presenting sponsor of the six division (Division I, Division II, Division III, NAIA, NJCAA, and Women) and eighty -- team, dual meet tournament. The NWCA/Cliff Keen National Duals dates back to 1989 when it was held in Hampton, Virginia. The 2010 tournament will mark the fifth year that NWCA/Cliff Keen National Duals will call the UNI-Dome and Cedar Falls home. “Hibiclens is excited to once again work with wrestling at the NWCA/Cliff Keen National Duals, which is a very visible collegiate tournament. Our goal is to get to zero skin infections in the sport through proper education and management. This event is a great way for us to get the word out about preventing skin infection,” said Jack Doornbos Executive Director of Marketing for Molnlycke US/Hibiclens. Hibiclens is a leader in preventative products that combat skin infection and the H1N1 virus, along with educating the wrestling community of the measures that can be taken to prevent skin infections that affect the sport. “The education of the wrestling community includes a total effort of all parties involved including: equipment, clothing, surfaces and most importantly the skin where infections occur. The skin is the primary battleground for where these infections start; individuals need to do everything necessary to stop the growth. Hibiclens products have a unique 6 hour residual kill on the skin once used, which allows for a margin of error since nothing is 100 percent,” said Doornbos. “What needs to be understood are the benefits and risks and that all skin infections are preventable.” For more information and educational handouts on skin infection and Hibiclens products visit the NWCA Website at: http://www.nwcaonline.com/nwcawebsite/sportssafetyhome/hibiresources.aspx *The 2010 NWCA/Cliff Keen National Duals teams are listed below by Division:* *Division I:* Arizona State, Bloomsburg, Boise State, Buffalo, Central Michigan, Cornell, Iowa, Iowa State, Missouri, Nebraska, Northwestern, Ohio State, UNI, University of Maryland, University of Minnesota, Wisconsin *Division II:* Augustana, Central Missouri, Central Oklahoma, Fort Hays State, Gannon, Mercyhurst, Minnesota State - Mankato, Newberry, San Francisco State, St. Cloud State, West Liberty, Western State College, Wisconsin Parkside, University of Nebraska Omaha, University of Nebraska Kearney, Upper Iowa *Division III:* Augsburg, Coe, Concordia, Cornell College, Delaware Valley, Heidelburg, Johnson & Wales, Luther, North Central, St. Johns, University of Dubuque, UW- LaCrosse, UW - Stevens Point, UW- Whitewater, Wartburg, Williams *NAIA:* Briar Cliff, Cal Baptist, Cumberland, Dickinson State, Grand View, McKendree, Missouri Valley, Oklahoma City University, Southern Oregon, Campbelsville, Great Falls, Lindenwood, Missouri Baptist, MSU-Northern, Northwestern, Notre Dame *NJCAA (8):* Labette, Iowa Central, Iowa Lakes, Colby, Clackamas, NIACC, Ellsworth, Lincoln *Women (8):* Jamestown College, Lindenwood University, Menlo College, Missouri Baptist University, Missouri Valley College, Oklahoma City University, University of the Cumberlands, Simon Fraizer University For more information on the NWCA/Cliff Keen National Duals visit: http://www.nwcaonline.com/NWCAWebSite/Events/nwcanationalduals.aspx

In just 10 short years, the Super 32 Challenge has grown into one of the premier showcases for high school wrestling across the country. Started in 2000, as an open tournament held in the gymnasium of a North Carolina high school, by 2005 the event had grown enough to move into the Greensboro Coliseum Special Events Center, where it will be for the fifth consecutive year on October 24. The one-day preseason wrestling tournament will bring over 1,200 wrestlers from at least 30 states to one venue. For the 2008 event, over 50 collegiate coaches were in attendance to see an event whose field produced approximately 175 state champions by season’s end. Five champions from the 2008 event will return to defend their belts. They include Alex Cisneros (Selma, CA), who is scheduled to compete at 112 pounds, Devin Carter (Christiansburg, VA), scheduled to compete at 125 pounds, Jackson Morse (Lowell, MI), scheduled to compete at 152 pounds, Marshall Peppelman (Central Dauphin, PA), scheduled to compete at 160 pounds, and Antonio Giorgio (Warwick, PA), scheduled to compete at 189 pounds. Below is a brief background into some of the key wrestlers tentatively scheduled to compete in each weight class. 103: Heaviest Hitters: Jered Cortez (Marmion Academy, IL) Cadet Nationals freestyle runner-up, FILA Cadet Nationals freestyle third place, ranked first in the Class of 2014 by InterMat Joey Dance (Christiansburg, VA) Cadet Nationals double finalist (freestyle champion), FILA Cadet Nationals freestyle champion, ranked ninth in the Class of 2013 Nick Roberts (North Star, PA) Two-time Cadet Nationals double champion, state high school champion, ranked 27th in the Class of 2012 Freddie Rodriguez (Holt, MI) FILA Cadet Nationals double All-American (freestyle champion), state champion, ranked 47th in the Class of 2012 Next Group: Mike Dauterive (Boyd, TX) Junior Nationals double third place Kevin Devoy (Burlington Township, NJ) State tournament third place George DiCamillo (St. Ignatius, OH) Walsh Ironman placewinner, state tournament seventh place Tyson Dippery (Central Dauphin, PA) Cadet Nationals freestyle sixth place, ranked 11th in the Class of 2013 Jacob Schmitt (St. John’s, MI) Cadet Nationals double third place Jake Smith (Robinson, VA) Super 32 Challenge sixth place, NHSCA Freshman Nationals runner-up, state runner-up More to Watch: Anthony Ashnault (South Plainfield, NJ) Cole Gallagher (Archbishop Spaulding, MD) Nathan Giorgio (Schuykill Valley, PA) Joey McKenna (NJ) Darshawn Sharp (Valdosta, GA) Shayne Tucker (Bella Vista, CA) 112: Heaviest Hitters: Alex Cisneros (Selma, CA) Super 32 Challenge champion, state high school champion, ranked third in the Class of 2012 by InterMat, finished 2008-09 ranked third at 103 pounds Jerome Robinson (St. Ignatius, OH) Super 32 Challenge third place, state champion, ranked 32nd in the Class of 2010, finished 2008-09 ranked fifth at 112 pounds Vince Rodriguez (Clovis North, CA) State tournament third place, ranked 43rd in the Class of 2011, finished 2008-09 ranked 16th at 112 pounds Next Group: Terry Dawson (Brandon, FL) Super 32 Challenge seventh place, state high school runner-up in 2008 John Fahy (Trinity, KY) Super 32 Challenge third place, state champion, ranked 44th in the Class of 2012, finished 2008-09 ranked 16th at 103 pounds Brandon Jeske (St. Christopher’s, VA) Super 32 Challenge seventh place, FILA Cadet Nationals Greco-Roman champion, Cadet Nationals Greco-Roman third place, ranked fifth in the Class of 2013 Nathan Kraisser (Centennial, MD) Super 32 Challenge eighth place, FILA Cadet Nationals double All-American, Cadet Nationals Greco-Roman seventh place, state champion, ranked 39th in the Class of 2012, finished 2008-09 ranked 15th at 103 pounds Caleb Richardson (Cox, VA) Junior Nationals freestyle third place, state champion Matt Sausman (Camden Catholic, NJ) State tournament third place Chuck Zeisloft (Gateway, NJ) NHSCA Junior Nationals third place, state tournament third place Young Guns Blazing: Bryce Brill (Marmion Academy, IL) Ranked third in the Class of 2014 Jack Clark (St. Michael’s, NJ) Ranked fourth in the Class of 2014 Solomon Chisko (Penn Trafford, PA) Ranked sixth in the Class of 2014 More to Watch: Evan Link (Penn Cambria, PA) Josh Polacek (Westmont-Hilltop, PA) Brian Realbuto (Somers, NY) Skylar Wood (Park Hill, MO) 119: Heaviest Hitters: Sean Dolan (St. Mark’s, DE) Former Super 32 Challenge placewinner, state high school champion, ranked 80th in the Class of 2010 by InterMat Ben Whitford (Marmion Academy, IL) Cadet Nationals double finalist (freestyle champion), ranked first in the Class of 2013 Conor Youtsey (Mason, MI) State champion, ranked 19th in the Class of 2011, finished 2008-09 ranked 18th at 119 pounds Next Group: Nick Brascetta (Graham, OH) FILA Cadet Nationals freestyle third place, state high school champion, ranked 42nd in the Class of 2011, finished 2008-09 ranked first at 103 pounds Rossi Bruno (Brandon, FL) Junior Nationals Greco-Roman third place, FILA Cadet Nationals double All-American, state champion, ranked 18th in the Class of 2012 Eric Devos (Waverly Shell-Rock, IA) Cadet Nationals freestyle third place, FILA Cadet Nationals freestyle fifth place, state runner-up, ranked 20th in the Class of 2012 Josh Fisher (Roane County, WV) Super 32 Challenge sixth place, NHSCA Sophomore Nationals champion, state champion Brandon Jones (West Des Moines Valley, IA) State champion Tanner Moon (Oak Mountain, AL) Junior Nationals double All-American, state runner-up Alec Mooradian (Detroit Catholic Central, MI) Cadet Nationals freestyle fifth place, FILA Cadet Nationals freestyle fifth place, state champion, ranked 34th in the Class of 2012 Kevin Norstrem (Brandon, FL) Cadet Nationals double All-American, FILA Cadet Nationals Greco-Roman third place, state champion, ranked sixth in the Class of 2013 Brian St. James (Centennial, GA) Super 32 Challenge fifth place, state champion, finished 2008-09 ranked 15th at 112 pounds Nick Smith (Ida, MI) Two-time state champion Bryan Whitt (Cox, VA) Super 32 Challenge third place, National Prep runner-up, finished 2008-09 ranked 17th at 112 pounds More to Watch: Eric Friedman (St. Paul’s, MD) Grant Greene (St. Anthony’s, NY) Anthony Hawkins (Crown Point, IN) Brandon Nelsen (Lawrence North, IN) Joe Orecchio (Don Bosco Prep, NJ) Arthur Walsh (Juniata, PA) 125: Heaviest Hitters: Nick Arujau (Syosset, NY) State high school champion, ranked 46th in the Class of 2010 by InterMat, finished 2008-09 ranked 20th at 125 pounds Devin Carter (Christiansburg, VA) Super 32 Challenge champion, Junior Nationals freestyle runner-up, state champion, ranked 13th in the Class of 2010, finished 2008-09 ranked first at 112 pounds Mitchell Port (Bellefonte, PA) Super 32 Challenge eighth place, NHSCA Junior Nationals champion, state tournament third place, ranked 71st in the Class of 2010, finished 2008-09 ranked 17th at 119 pounds Brandon Wright (Warren Central, IN) Three-time state finalist (state champ in 2008), NHSCA Junior Nationals third place, ranked 29th in the Class of 2010, finished 2008-09 ranked ninth at 119 pounds Next Group: Sean Boylan (St. Mark’s, DE) Former Super 32 Challenge champion, Junior Nationals freestyle All-American in 2008, state high school champion, ranked 83rd in the Class of 2010 by InterMat, finished 2008-09 ranked sixth at 112 pounds Tyrone Eatmon (Riverside, NC) NHSCA Junior Nationals fifth place, state champion Justin Flamio (Mahopac, NY) Two-time state runner-up, NHSCA Junior Nationals seventh place Shane McGough (Desert Mountain, AZ) Junior Nationals freestyle fifth place, state champion T.J. Mitchell (Collins Hill, GA) Former Super 32 Challenge placewinner, NHSCA Junior Nationals third place, state champion Patrick Myers (Penn Cambria, PA) State qualifier, Junior Nationals double All-American AJ Schopp (Tyrone, PA) Super 32 Challenge fifth place, NHSCA Junior Nationals sixth place, two-time state finalist (champion in 2007/runner-up in 2009) More to Watch: Jacob Crawford (Millbrook, VA) Johnni DiJulius (Walsh Jesuit, OH) Tyler Liberatore (Brandon, FL) Rusty Maness (Point Pleasant, WV) Lou Mascola (Seton Hall Prep, NJ) Mike Rhone (Benton, PA) Aaron Runzo (Kellam, VA) Darius Wass (Swan Valley, MI) 130: Heaviest Hitters: Frank Cagnina (Queen of Peace, NJ) Super 32 Challenge runner-up, state high school champion, ranked 18th in the Class of 2010 by InterMat, finished 2008-09 ranked ninth at 125 pounds Jason Tsirtsis (Crown Point, IN) FILA Cadet Nationals freestyle champion, Cadet Nationals freestyle runner-up, state champion, ranked fifth in the Class of 2012, finished 2008-09 ranked 17th at 125 pounds Next Group: Tyler Buckman (Central Dauphin, PA) State tournament fifth place, Disney Duals silver medalist Joe Denova (Columbus, GA) Junior Nationals Greco-Roman third place, state high school champion Adam Krop (Urbana, MD) NHSCA Junior Nationals fifth place, state champion Nick Pena (Selma, CA) Super 32 Challenge sixth place, state tournament third place, ranked 28th in the Class of 2011 Chad Stroh (Holyoke, CO) NHSCA Junior Nationals seventh place, state champion Keith Surber (O’Fallon, IL) NHSCA Junior Nationals third place, two-time state tournament third place, ranked 98th in the Class of 2010 More to Watch: Scott Festejo (Long Branch, NJ) Case Garrison (Texas) Erik Galloway (State College, PA) Chance Marsteller (Middletown, PA) Quinton Murphy (St. Anthony’s, NY) Daniel Ownbey (Enka, NC) Joe Spisak (Boiling Springs, PA) Terrel Wilbourn (Francis Howell Central, MO) B.J. Young (Jackson Memorial, NJ) 135: Heaviest Hitters: Josh Dziewa (Council Rock South, PA) Super 32 Challenge third place (also was champion in 2007), Junior Nationals freestyle champion, FILA Cadet Nationals freestyle third place, ranked 33rd in the Class of 2010 by InterMat Ryan Nieman (Bullock Creek, MI) Junior Nationals freestyle third place, Disney Duals gold medalist, state high school champion, ranked 35th in the Class of 2010 Next Group: Jordan Beverly (Point Pleasant Boro, NJ) State high school runner-up Jake Briggs (Bella Vista, CA) State tournament third place Shawn Fayette (Miamisburg, OH) State champion, Disney Duals silver medalist, finished 2008-09 ranked 18th at 130 pounds Stephen Robertson (Montini Catholic, IL) State champion, ranked 34th in the Class of 2011 Roger Wildmo (Durand, MI) Two-time state finalist (state champ in 2008), ranked 35th in the Class of 2011 More to Watch: Tyler Askey (Northgate, GA) Brent Fickel (Padua, OH) James Green (Willingboro, NJ) Blake Kastl (Gilroy, CA) Joe Locksmith (Osceola, FL) Alex Pellicciotti (Boyertown, PA) Roman Perryman (Robinson, VA) Joey Rizzolino (Easton, PA) Troy Silver (Texas) Nate Skonieczny (Walsh Jesuit, OH) Mike Tully (Peddie School, NJ) 140: Heaviest Hitters: Stephen Dutton (Rocky Point, NY) Super 32 Challenge sixth place, NHSCA Junior Nationals runner-up, state high school champion, ranked 75th in the Class of 2010 by InterMat Kaleb Friedley (Park Hill, MO) Junior Nationals freestyle third place, state tournament third place (champion in 2008), ranked 63rd in the Class of 2010 Josh Kindig (Blue Mountain, PA) Super 32 Challenge runner-up, Junior Nationals double All-American, state champion, ranked sixth in the Class of 2010, finished 2008-09 ranked third at 135 pounds Next Group: Zac Brunson (Churchill, OR) Cadet Nationals double All-American, state high school champion, ranked 25th in the Class of 2010 Henry Carlson (Vestavia Hills, AL) Junior Nationals freestyle eighth place, NHSCA Sophomore Nationals runner-up, state champion, ranked 27th in the Class of 2011 Ryne Cokeley (St. James Academy, KS) FILA Cadet Nationals Greco-Roman third place, state champion, ranked 21st in the Class of 2011 Mark Hartenstine (Easton, PA) Super 32 Challenge fifth place, NHSCA Junior Nationals third place, state tournament eighth place Andrew Lenzi (Fordham Prep, NY) Two-time state finalist (champion in 2008) Jordan Rich (Central Mountain, PA) Walsh Ironman placewinner, two-time state tournament third place Robert Shepherd (Mason, OH) State champion Joel Smith (Collins Hill, GA) NHSCA Junior Nationals sixth place, state champion More to Watch: Lex Ozias (Southern Garrett, MD) Eric Roach (Crown Point, IN) Josh Clark (Matoaca, VA) 145: Heaviest Hitters: Greg Amos (Holt, MO) NHSCA Junior Nationals third place, state high school champion Ben Dorsay (Cox, VA) Super 32 Challenge third place, NHSCA Junior Nationals sixth place, state champion, ranked 100th in the Class of 2010 by InterMat Ryan Dunphy (Passaic Valley, NJ) Super 32 Challenge fifth place, NHSCA Junior Nationals runner-up, state tournament third place Colin Shober (Schuykill Valley, PA) Super 32 Challenge seventh place, Junior Nationals freestyle third place, NHSCA Junior Nationals third place, state champion, ranked 55th in the Class of 2010 Taylor Walsh (Camden Catholic, NJ) Super 32 Challenge sixth place, NHSCA Junior Nationals third place, state champion, ranked 69th in the Class of 2010, finished 2008-09 ranked 16th at 135 pounds Next Group: Gabriel Bird (Osecola, FL) Junior Nationals freestyle third place (in 2008), state tournament third place Cody Caldwell (Waverly Shell-Rock, IA) State high school champion, ranked 32nd in the Class of 2011 Codey Combs (Sussex Central, DE) Super 32 Challenge sixth place, state champion, ranked 46th in the Class of 2011 Blake Roulo (Matoaca, VA) Super 32 Challenge seventh place, NHSCA Sophomore Nationals champion, Junior Nationals Greco-Roman third place, state runner-up, ranked 25th in the Class of 2011 Max Schneider (Chicago Lane Tech, IL) State runner-up, ranked 11th in the Class of 2012 More to Watch: Brian Brill (Central Mountain, PA) Clark Glass (Brandon, FL) Andrew Morse (Lowell, MI) Garrett Schaner (Big Rapids, MI) Cody Swim (Indianola, IA) Jordan Wohlfert (St. John’s, MI) 152: Heaviest Hitters: Joe Cozart (Brandon, FL) Super 32 Challenge third place, Junior Nationals double All-American, state high school champion, ranked 28th in the Class of 2010 by InterMat, finished 2008-09 ranked ninth at 145 pounds David Habat (St. Ignatius, OH) Super 32 Challenge third place, state champion, ranked 56th in the Class of 2010, finished 2008-09 ranked 13th at 145 pounds Taylor Massa (St. John’s, MI) Super 32 Challenge runner-up, Cadet Nationals double champion, FILA Cadet Nationals freestyle champion, state champion, ranked first in the Class of 2012, finished 2008-09 ranked 2nd at 145 pounds Jackson Morse (Lowell, MI) Super 32 Challenge champion, state champion, ranked 24th in the Class of 2010, finished 2008-09 ranked fifth at 152 pounds Brandon Wilbourn (Francis Howell Central, MO) Junior Nationals freestyle third place, three-time state placewinner (runner-up in 2008), ranked 59th in the Class of 2010 Next Group: Cody Allala (Hopewell, VA) Cadet Nationals freestyle fifth place, state high school champion, ranked 23rd in the Class of 2012 Bo Candelaria (Middletown, PA) State tournament third place John Guzzo (High Point, NJ) Junior Nationals freestyle eighth place, state qualifier, ranked 33rd in the Class of 2011 Tyler Hain (Warrior Run, PA) Two-time state runner-up Harrison Hightower (University School, OH) Super 32 Challenge eighth place, state champion More to Watch: Kenny Boyles (Smyrna, DE) Colin Hewitt (Franklin, NJ) Giuseppi Lanzi (Amsterdam, NY) Matt Stephens (Graham, OH) Ben Villaret (Monsignor Farrell, NY) Jayshon Wilson (Carlisle, PA) 160: Heaviest Hitters: Marshall Peppelman (Central Dauphin, PA) Super 32 Challenge champion, state high school champion, Disney Duals gold medalist, ranked fourth in the Class of 2010 by InterMat, finished 2008-09 ranked second at 152 pounds Nick Visicaro (Long Branch, NJ) NHSCA Junior Nationals champion, Junior Nationals freestyle sixth place, state champion, ranked 53rd in the Class of 2010 Next Group: Derek Felton (Corona del Sol, AZ) State high school champion Travis Gallegos (Foothill PC, CA) State tournament runner-up, ranked 93rd in the Class of 2010 Eric Hess (Benton, PA) NHSCA Junior Nationals third place, state champion, ranked 78th in the Class of 2010 Dominic Kastl (Gilroy, CA) NHSCA Junior Nationals eighth place, state tournament seventh place Joe Latham (Bismarck, ND) NHSCA Junior Nationals fifth place, state champion Chris Moon (Wyoming Seminary, PA) Super 32 Challenge seventh place, state runner-up (in Virginia) Jordan Thomas (Greenville, MI) Cadet Nationals freestyle third place, state runner-up, ranked seventh in the Class of 2010, finished 2008-09 ranked 12th at 145 pounds Jake Waste (Apple Valley, MN) Cadet Nationals double champion, former state tournament placewinner, ranked 24th in the Class of 2011 More to Watch: Sam Brooks (Oak Park River Forest, IL) Matt Colvard (Cary, NC) Frank Cousins (St. Cloud, FL) Alan Gigolaev (Peachtree Ridge, GA) Nick Moore (Parkway North, MO) Kyle Ryan (Graham, OH) Evan Thompson (Cabell Midland, WV) 171: Heaviest Hitters: Kenny Courts (Central Dauphin, PA) Super 32 Challenge runner-up in 2007, state high school runner-up, ranked seventh in the Class of 2011 by InterMat, finished 2008-09 ranked 14th at 160 pounds Andre Petroski (Springfield Delco, PA) NHSCA Junior Nationals third place, state tournament third place Next Group: Ethan Blackstock (Alexander, GA) State high school champion, former Cadet Nationals double All-American Levi Clemons (Osceola, FL) FILA Cadet Nationals double All-American, former Cadet Nationals Greco-Roman champion, state champion Jake Dorulla (Rockford, MI) State champion Clint Morrison (Cedar Cliff, PA) State runner-up Tristan Warner (Cumberland Valley, PA) Super 32 Challenge sixth place, state qualifier Jamie Westwood (Queen of Peace, NJ) NHSCA Junior Nationals seventh place, Super 32 Challenge sixth place, state tournament seventh place More to Watch: Billy Coggins (Rocky Point, NY) Tylan Coleman (Mayfield, OH) Todd Gaydosh (Padua, OH) Joey Grainger (Great Bridge, VA) Ian Korb (Elder, OH) 189: Heaviest Hitters: Jamie Callender (Council Rock North, PA) NHSCA Junior Nationals runner-up, state high school runner-up Antonio Giorgio (Warwick, PA) Super 32 Challenge champion, state tournament fifth place, ranked 64th in the Class of 2010 by InterMat, finished 2008-09 ranked 11th at 215 pounds Angelo Malvestuto (Niagara-Wheatfield, NY) NHSCA Junior Nationals runner-up, state tournament third place, ranked 79th in the Class of 2010 by InterMat Next Group: Ben Brooks (Oak Park River Forest, IL) FILA Cadet Nationals double All-American (Greco-Roman champion), state high school tournament qualifier Austin Fallon (Westfield, VA) NHSCA Junior Nationals fifth place, state champion Michael Kennedy (Blackman, TN) NHSCA Sophomore Nationals champion, state runner-up Timmy McCall (South View, NC) NHSCA Junior Nationals seventh place, state champion Stephen McPeek (Texas) Junior Nationals Greco-Roman third place, NHSCA Junior Nationals seventh place, state champion More to Watch: Jared Holliday (Burlington Township, NJ) AJ Mott (DePaul Catholic, NJ) Jay Taylor (Oviedo, FL) Mike Wagner (South Plainfield, NJ) 215: Heaviest Hitters: Nate Gaffney (Connellsville, PA) State high school champion Nick McDiarmid (Hartland, MI) Super 32 Challenge third place, Disney Duals silver medalist, state champion Alex Polizzi (Beloit Memorial, WI) Junior Nationals double All-American, state runner-up, ranked 89th in the Class of 2010 by InterMat Next Group: Hayden Bock (Park Hill, MO) State high school runner-up CJ Collins (Collins Hill, GA) NHSCA Junior Nationals eighth place, state runner-up Harrison Honeycutt (Lake Norman, NC) Junior Nationals Greco-Roman fifth place, FILA Cadet Nationals freestyle fifth place, Super 32 Challenge sixth place, state champion Donald McNeil (Wyoming Seminary, PA) National Prep third place 285: Heaviest Hitters: Henry Chirino (Brandon, FL) NHSCA Junior Nationals runner-up, state high school champion Tyler Demott (Benton, PA) NHSCA Junior Nationals champion, former Cadet Nationals freestyle champion, state runner-up Lance Moore (Lackawanna Trail, PA) NHSCA Junior Nationals third place, state tournament third place Next Group: Donovan Green (Timber Creek, FL) Junior Nationals Greco-Roman runner-up, FILA Cadet Nationals double champion, state high school tournament qualifier Zeal McGrew (Burnt Hills-Ballston, NY) NHSCA Junior Nationals sixth place, state tournament third place

This week the season starts for many with preseason dinners and wrestle-offs in the future. Its and exciting time for sure. I get a special sense about the year. Not sure I can put my finger on it yet. I'm trying. With that said, we will be covering the Inductions in to the Rice Hall of Champions Friday night in Waterloo, Iowa. We'll report on that on this edition of TDR. Please take a minute and listen to our many stand alone interviews we do every day of the week. You can find them on the front page of Intermatwrestle.com. Recruits, current college stars, our coaches and fans. Take a listen. if you know of someone deserving let us know and we can talk to them too. The cast and crew will be live at The Brute Adidas studios again this week with the best in Wrestling Talk! Join Scott Casber, Chris Arns and Randy Crimmins for the best 2 hours on Radio Saturdays at 9 AM CST at Takedownradio.com. Special in studio guests include: Sullivan Baccam of Glory Fighting Championships, Chuck Gertz from English River Outfitters and the old Warfrog Ronnie Britt will join us. Now you can watch the show LIVE at LiveSportsVideo.com. Our Guests this week include: 9:05 Chuck Gertz- English River Outfitters, helping to raise funds and secure lands for injured veterans 9:20 Shawn Charles- Head Coach of the Arizona State Sun Devil wrestling program. 9:40 Tom Borrelli- Head Coach of the Central Michigan Chippewas 10:05 Brian Smith- Head Coach of the Tigers of the University of Missouri 10:20 Mark Cody- Head Coach of the American University Eagles 10:40 open segment with in studio guests Missed an episode of TDR? Now You can get TDR on your PDA or iPhone at Lightsout.tv and at iTunes Please note that Episode 27 of TDR TV is now up on all the top web sites around the country and is available for your viewing. It's Appointment Radio! Join us for Takedownradio.com. America's Wrestling Radio Talk Show is on Supertalk 1570 in Michigan, AM 1460 KXNO in Iowa, on a radio station near you or on line at many of our broadcast partners around the world including Takedownradio.com. We air 9 AM to 11 AM CST every Saturday morning.

Josh Dziewa

Mike Houck

Zach Roberson, a three-time All-American and 2004 NCAA 133-pound champion at Iowa State has joined the ranks of the Finger Lakes Wrestling Club (FLWC) coaching staff. Roberson placed seventh at the NCAA Championships as a sophomore for his first All-America accolade before taking second as a junior and winning the national title as a senior in the 2004 event. More recently Roberson competed on the senior freestyle circuit, winning the U.S. Open in 2006 and making the U.S. National Team in 2005, 2006 and 2007. Zach also claimed Dave Shultz Memorial and NYAC tournament titles. Roberson’s duties with the FLWC will be to coach all levels of FLWC wrestlers. This consists of youth, high school, college and senior level wrestlers, including Cornell’s talented group of lightweights. Zach will be joining an FLWC coaching staff that also includes: Clint Wattenberg, Jordan Leen, Mitch Clark, Tyler Baier, Mike Rodriguez, Matt Bogumil and Gene Nighman. The mission of the FLWC is to promote all levels of wrestling within the Finger Lakes region of New York State. Along with his FLWC duties, Zach has accepted a sales/marketing representative position for TTI, a world-class leader in quality consumer and professional products marketed to the home improvement and construction industries.

A day after Iowa received a verbal commitment from No. 43 Bobby Telford, the Iowa Hawkeye faithful received more good news on Thursday when No. 9 Anthony Baldosaro and No. 33 Josh Dziewa gave verbal commitments to the Hawkeyes. Baldosaro, who attends Eastern Regional High School in New Jersey, is a two-time state champion. Last season, Baldosaro finished 41-0 and won his second state title at 140 pounds. In 2008, Baldosaro was a Cadet Nationals champion in freestyle and a Beast of the East champion. He projects collegiately at 149 pounds. Josh Dziewa won a Junior Nationals title (Photo/Dave Jedlicka/jedicheetah.com)Dziewa originally gave a verbal commitment to Rutgers at Junior Nationals in July when he captured a freestyle title at 135 pounds. After Dziewa gave his verbal commitment to Rutgers, he told InterMat, "I really like the coaching staff at Rutgers. I really like the idea of building a program. I feel like Rutgers has what it takes for me to become a national champion." But the Council Rock South High School (PA) senior, who projects collegiately at 141 pounds, changed his mind and decided to take his official visits to Nebraska, Virginia Tech, and Iowa ... before deciding he wanted to be a Hawkeye on Thursday. In addition to winning a Junior Nationals title in freestyle, Dziewa was a third-place finisher at this year's FILA Cadet Nationals. In 2008, Dziewa was a Cadet Nationals double All-American. He was a Super 32 champion in 2007.

Nick Dardanes and Chris Dardanes have always dreamed of being college teammates while wrestling in the Big Ten Conference. Nick Dardanes was a Junior Nationals runner-up (Photo/Dave Jedlicka/jedicheetah.com)On Thursday, the identical twin brothers from Oak Park, Illinois moved one step closer to making that dream a reality by verbally committing to the University of Minnesota. Nick won the Illinois Class 3A state title at 130 pounds last season while compiling a record of 50-1. He was runner-up at Junior Nationals in freestyle this past summer. Nick is ranked as the No. 20 recruit in the country by InterMat. Chris is a two-time Illinois state placewinner, finishing fourth the past two seasons. He placed fourth at Junior Nationals in freestyle. Nick and Chris took official visits to Iowa, Nebraska, and Minnesota. Ultimately, they decided on Minnesota because it was where they felt most comfortable. "Jayson Ness, David Thron, Zach Sanders ... They all have the same mentality as us," said Nick. "They love being in the room. They love getting better ... whether it's drilling or doing some extra cardio. We just really like being around those guys." Chris has always held the Minnesota wrestling program in high esteem. "I really looked up to the Minnesota program growing up, especially with the three national titles they have won over the last nine years," said Chris. "I just really looked up to the program and J Robinson. I'm just excited that now I get to wrestle for a program and a coach that I have always looked up to." Nick and Chris have been best friends and training partners since they were young. "Sometimes things get heated in the wrestling room and fight each other a little bit," said Nick. "But we don't really fight outside the wrestling room anymore." Nick weighs slightly more than Chris ... two or three pounds more. Chris competed in one weight class higher than Nick for the first two years of their high school careers, but last year Nick was a little heavier and wrestled one weight class higher. The two competed in the same weight class (130) at Junior Nationals in July. Chris Dardanes"We have always been real close in weight, but we're trying to separate right now so that we can have Dardanes-Dardanes back-to-back in the lineup at 133 and 141 in college," said Chris. "Nick's trying to get stronger and I'm trying to get leaner." The Dardanes twins started their high school careers at Fenwick High School, a private school in Oak Park, Illinois, before transferring to the city's public school, Oak Park-River Forest (OPRF), after their sophomore years. "Fenwick was a private school and it was tough to keep my grades up," said Chris. "I just feel comfortable at Oak Park-River Forest. I'm getting my grades up and spending time with people that I enjoy being around." Added Nick of Fenwick, "I just didn't want to be around guys who didn't really try to improve and do better in wrestling. Everyone really dreaded practice there." Transferring to OPRF also allowed the Dardanes twins to wrestle for Mike Powell, a 1996 All-American at Indiana who has helped make Illinois a dominant Greco-Roman force on the cadet and junior levels. "I have always worked with him in the offseason," said Nick. "I got to know him real well. He's a great motivator. His practices are awesome. You just want to be in the room every day and learn some new things from him." Last season, Nick became Powell's first individual state champion at OPRF. The Dardanes twins also helped lead OPRF to its first team dual meet state wrestling title and a perfect 24-0 record. The Dardanes twins join Dylan Ness as part of Minnesota's 2010 recruiting class. Ness, a two-time USA Wrestling Triple Crown winner who is ranked as the No. 16 recruit in the country by InterMat, gave a verbal commitment to the Gophers in October of 2008 during his junior year at Kennedy High School in Bloomington, Minnesota. Minnesota is coming off two very strong recruiting years. InterMat tabbed Minnesota's 2008 recruiting class No. 1 and its 2009 recruiting class No. 2.

For the second straight year the Ohio State Wrestling Program landed the first verbal commitment from the junior class. With an announcement of his intentions on Thursday, Monroeville HS junior Hunter Stieber became the first member of the 2010-2011 OSU recruiting class. The tenth-ranked wrestler in the InterMat Top 50, he is a two-time Ohio state champion and a two-time freestyle national champion. "I gave my verbal to Tom Ryan and the Ohio State University to wrestle for the Buckeyes today," said Hunter Stieber. "I have always loved Ohio State. They have great coaches that love the sport. They care about their athletes and they stress the importance of academics." For Stieber the decision was easy because there was only one school on his list. "I got some letters from some other schools but they didn't really matter. In my mind I always wanted to be a Buckeye and Ohio State was the only school I wanted to go to," said the high school junior. Hunter Stieber: The Wrestler As the younger brother of the nation's number one ranked senior; Hunter has built an impressive resume of his own in Ohio and around the country. A two-time Ohio state champion for the Eagles; Stieber is 98-1 in varsity competition at 103, 112, and 119 pounds. Undefeated as a freshman; his only high school loss was an 8-4 decision to Devin Carter in the Ironman finals. Carter ended the season ranked first at 112 and is currently ranked thirteenth in his senior class. Hunter Stieber of Monroeville (OH) is a two-time Ohio state champion with a 98-1 career record (Photo/Bob Tuneberg, BuckeyeWrestling.com)"Hunter is a fundamentally sound wrestler and is a great student athlete," said Monroeville HS head coach Scott Bauer. "I couldn't think of a better situation for the Stieber brothers than wrestling together in college at Ohio State." At the OHSAA state tournament Stieber has been dominant. As a freshman he pinned his way through the finals to take his first title. Last season he moved up to 119 pounds and won his second state championship with another pin in the finals. "As a wrestler Hunter takes advantage of everything someone gives him and has a great knowledgebase to build from. He has been in some tough matches and he has the ability to make some adjustments, adapt, and prevail. He has a pinner's mentality and that can only help him in making the transition to college wrestling," said Bauer. In freestyle Hunter is a two-time Cadet All-American; winning a national title in 2007 and placing third in 2008. This summer he chose to forgo Fargo in favor of the Junior Duals in Oklahoma. With an undefeated tournament as an individual, Stieber helped Team Ohio win the tournament. "Hunter is a hard worker, he is a gamer, and is a big match kid. If he makes mistakes in practice he seems to correct them in his matches. He knows what he needs to work on and he has been focusing on those areas and improving. I think Ohio State is a fantastic choice and he is going to fit in great," said his club coach Erik Burnett. Stieber's remaining high school goals are simple; to improve every day, to win, and to have fun. "This season I will probably wrestle 119. In college they are projecting me as a 141 pounder, but I could be at 133 if I stay around the same weight," said Stieber. Hunter Stieber: The Recruit Hunter is the second member of his family to give a verbal commitment to Buckeyes. Following in the footsteps of his older brother Logan, both were the first wrestlers to commit to OSU in their class and the first juniors to commit nationally. "Having Logan already commit to the Buckeyes made this an easy decision," said Hunter. "We have been friends our whole life, we are drill partners, and we do everything together so I think it something that is going to work out well for both of us." "It is awesome knowing that Hunter is going to be on campus and training with me at Ohio State," asserted Logan. "Nothing is a sure thing but I would like to say that Logan and Hunter will thrive off each other at OSU," commented Burnett who has coached both Stiebers since before they were in junior high. "Ohio State is a great program with a great coaching staff and I think they will both do well." Hunter Stieber, who is ranked as the No. 10 recruit in the Class of 2011 by InterMat, cited the presence of the Ohio Regional Training Center as a factor in his recruitment (Photo/Bob Tuneberg, BuckeyeWrestling.com)As with many of Ohio State's recent verbal commitments, Stieber also cited the presence of the Ohio Regional Training Center as a factor in his recruitment. "I think the Ohio RTC is awesome. I like freestyle a lot so having a group like the Ohio RTC on campus is a great resource," offered Stieber. "During wrestling season I can focus on my folkstyle and during the offseason I can roll right into freestyle." Stieber has two years before he arrives on campus. He plans on signing with OSU during the early signing period next November. As far as knowing what he wants to do in school, he has at least two more years to figure that out. "I still have some time before I have to pick a major in college but I am interested in business and computer sciences. Whatever I decide I am confident that I will get a quality education at Ohio State," said Stieber. Hunter Stieber gives the Buckeyes four verbal commitments. As the charter member of the Class of 2011, he will follow in the footsteps of an outstanding Class of 2010. Seniors Logan Stieber, Derek Garcia, and Josh Demas are planning on signing their National Letters of Intent in November. InterMat was granted permission to republish this article from BuckeyeWrestling.com. http://www.buckeyewrestling.com/?q=node/37256

Cliff Keen Athletic and Worldwide Sport Supply, long-time providers for exceptional wrestling gear, are announcing a FREE coaching clinic on Saturday, October 24 and Sunday, October 25, 2009 in Johnson City, NY. We currently have coaches registered from as far as California, Idaho, Florida, Alabama, North and South Carolina, and Virginia. The event is being made possible through the additional support of wrestling mogul Asics. New-comers to the sport, APPLEBOOST, Defense Soap, and Session 6 Wrestling, have also helped make this clinic achievable. Statement made by TJ Ciaravino, VP of Sales/Co-Owner Worldwide Sport Supply: "We are very fortunate to have excellent, long-standing relationships with wrestling gear companies such as Cliff Keen Athletic and Asics. At the same time, we are excited about the relationships we have built with APPLEBOOSTER, Defense Soap, and Session 6. When we first proposed the idea of a free wrestling coaching clinic to our vendors, all five were thrilled to give back to the wrestling community. It is an honor for WWSPORT.COM to not only assist in providing a top-notch coaching clinic, but giving back to so many loyal WWSPORT.COM customers." The Cliff Keen/ Worldwide Sport Supply Free Coaching Clinic will feature six outstanding coaches who will provide an enriching and interactive learning environment at no charge. All aspects of coaching (on and off the mat) will be presented including; Practice organization/ Peaking in your season, Developing/Promoting your program, Building your program into a perennial power, and situation wrestling/drills for all three areas of wrestling (Neutral, Top, Bottom). There will also be informative presentations on preventing skin infections, tracking your athlete's training, and wrestling nutrition. Check-in will take place Saturday, October 24 at 4:30 p.m. with the first session starting at 6:00 p.m. A free coach's social, sponsored by WWSPORT.COM, will be offered at 9:00 p.m. at the host hotel (Best Western of Johnson City). Scheduled to appear are: Jeff Buxton, Head Coach- Blair Academy (NJ) - Dynasty Program of the Decade (1991-2001) - Eight-time National Champions - 28 Consecutive National Prep School Championships Scot Davis, Head Coach- Owatonna High School (MN) - The Winningest Coach in Amateur Wrestling History - 903-135-4 Dual Meet record - Two-time National Coach of the Year Roy Hall, Head Coach, Davison High School (MI) Six-time Michigan State Champions (since 2001) 2005 National Coach of the Year Produced two NCAA Champions and 7 all-Americans Pete Capone, Head Coach- Johnson City High School (NY) - Three-time NYS Team Champions (99', 03', 06') - Produced Six NYS Champions & 36 NYS Place-Winners - One of the Most Successful Youth Programs in NYS Mike Krause, NXT LVL Wrestling Academy (fueled by WWSport.com) (MI) - Premier Youth Wrestling Coach in the Country - Two-time Michigan Youth State Champions - As Seen on Flowrestling.com, "BRING THE HEAT!!!" Featuring Special Guest: Pat Santoro, Head Coach- Lehigh University - Rated as High as No. 7 Nationally - Two-time NCAA Champion, Four-time All-American - 1996 Olympic Alternate Pre-Registration is encouraged, please visit: http://www.wwsport.com/Cliff-Keen-WWsport-Free-Northeast-Coaching-Clinic.aspx Free samples from vendors for the first 150 coaches registered Contact National Sales Manager Mike Fusilli at 800.756.3555 x320 for more information.

A team of top U.S. wrestlers will compete in a freestyle dual meet against a team from Russsia in Mount Vernon, Iowa on Wednesday, November 18. It will be held at the Small Multi-Sports Center at Cornell College. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with wrestling starting at 7:00 p.m. The local organizing committee is the Hawkeye Wrestling Club. “I am fired up about this,” said Terry Brands, coach for the Hawkeye Wrestling Club and an assistant wrestling coach at the Univ. of Iowa. “We have high expectations for both teams. We look forward to this event.” Tickets will cost $10 for adults and $5 for students. Information on how to purchase tickets will be announced shortly. The U.S. team will very strong. Three U.S. Olympic team members, all who were also stars for the Univ. of Iowa, will compete in the event. 2008 U.S. Olympians Mike Zadick (Solon, Iowa/Gator WC), Doug Schwab (Coralville, Iowa/Gator WC) and Steve Mocco (Coralville, Iowa/New York AC) will be in the U.S. lineup. Schwab and Mocco both won NCAA Div. I titles for Iowa, while Zadick was an All-American for the Hawkeyes. Zadick won a World silver medal for the United States in 2006. Zadick will compete at 60 kg/132 lbs., Schwab will wrestle at 66 kg/145.5 lbs. and Mocco will compete at 120 kg/264.5 lbs. Two of the other U.S. team members train full-time in Iowa City. Paul Donahoe, a past NCAA champion for Nebraska, will compete at 55 kg/121 lbs. and Lloyd Rogers, who starred at Tennessee-Chattanooga, will wrestle at 74 kg/163 lbs. Also in the lineup is Bryce Hasseman (Colorado Springs, Colo./New York AC) at 84 kg/185 lbs.. Hasseman climbed to the No. 2 position on Freestyle Team USA last season while training in Iowa City under coach Terry Brands. The U.S. team member at 96 kg/211.5 lbs. has not yet been determined, but will be a talented, nationally-ranked athlete. Russia is the defending World Team champions in freestyle wrestling, and has been a long-time rival for international supremacy with the United States. The Russian lineup has not yet been finalized, but should include a number of athletes who have won medals on the international level. The Russian team is also expected to compete in other dual meets in Illinois and New York, as well as wrestle in the New York AC International Open in New York City on November 22. "We have a very strong group of American athletes," said Hawkeye Wrestling Club coach Mike Duroe, who is the head wrestling coach at Cornell College. "I have seen so many of our guys develop over the years and I think we will be extremely competitive. The Russians are always tough but there will definitely be a hometown advantage competing so close to Iowa City. We will have a lot of Hawkeye fans there and even more USA Wrestling fans!” Duroe is excited that Cornell College will host the event. His goal is to pack more than 2,000 fans in the arena, which will provide an outstanding atmosphere and intensity for the dual meet. "We have hosted so many exciting events here at the college and Cornell has an amazing history in the sport of wrestling," said Duroe. "It goes back to the 1940's and 1950's when Cornell would sell out the gym for major meets. It is a great thing for Cornell and Mt. Vernon to host a meet of this magnitude. It brings positive attention to the College and the community. The interest in wrestling on the high school, college and international levels is very big here and in the surrounding area and I am confident this international event will get a lot of interest." Information on the Russian team lineup and other details about the dual meet will be announced when available. For information about the event, contact Hawkeye Wrestling Club board member Darin Williams at 319-389-6400. USA vs. RUSSIA FREESTYLE WRESTLING DUAL At Mount Vernon, Iowa, November 18 Tentative U.S. lineup 55 kg/121 lbs. – Paul Donahoe, Iowa City, Iowa (Hawkeye WC) 60 kg/132 lbs. – Mike Zadick, Solon, Iowa (Gator WC) 66 kg/145.5 lbs. – Doug Schwab, Coralville, Iowa (Gator WC) 74 kg/163 lbs. - Lloyd Rogers, Iowa City, Iowa (Hawkeye WC) 84 kg/185 lbs. - Bryce Hasseman, Colorado Springs, Colo. (New York AC) 96 kg/211.5 lbs. – To be announced 120 kg/264.5 lbs. - Steve Mocco, Coralville, Iowa (New York AC)

EASTON, PA -- The National High School Coaches Association will hold their 12th Annual Pre-Season Wrestling Championships, November 14, 2009 at Pleasant Valley High School in Monroe County, Pennsylvania. The event attracts wrestlers from 18 different states with the results heavily influencing national wrestling polls for their pre-season national rankings. It is also an opportunity for the high school wrestlers to showcase their talent for college recruiting. Blair Academy in Blairstown, NJ dominated the event last year crowning eight champions. Blair Academy Head Coach, Jeffrey Buxton says, “Last year was the first time we attended the NHSCA Preseason Nationals as we brought our entire team. It was a valuable experience for all of our wrestlers as the competition was extremely good helping our kids prepare for the upcoming season. The NHSCA continue to support High School wrestling giving wrestlers the opportunity to improve and wrestle against the very best.” Top wrestlers from across the nation use the NHSCA National Pre-Season Wrestling Championships as a final preparation for the beginning of the wrestling season. The top six finishers in each weight class automatically qualify for the NHSCA’s 14th Annual U.S. Open and the National Beach Wrestling Championships. Athletes must be enrolled in high school for eligibility. All wrestlers must register online by November 11th at the NHSCA website, www.nhsca.com. Wrestlers may change weight classes without penalty until November 12th. About the NHSCA: The NHSCA selects Coaches and Senior Athletes of the Year in 20 boys and girls sports, and sponsors more than two dozen national championship events in 11 sports. The NHSCA, in partnership with Navy Special Operations conducts the Navy SEAL Fitness Challenge in 1200 high schools throughout America. This serves as a replacement for President Kennedy's Council on Fitness that was popular in the 1970's and 1980's. In partnership with the Pennsylvania National Guard, the NHSCA also conducts Character and Leadership Workshops and reach more than 800 Pennsylvania high schools and 9600 athletes and coaches. For more information on all NHSCA programs, visit the NHSCA's web site at www.nhsca.com. Founded in 1989, the National High School Coaches Association is a not-for-profit 501c3 service organization providing support and leadership programs for the nation's 500,000 high school coaches and 10 million high school athletes.