InterMat Staff

Event: UFC 112: Invincible Venue: Concert Arena, Ferrari World, Yas Island (Abu Dhabi, UAE) Date: April 10, 2010 It is a rare occasion that the UFC has two title fights on one card. But the UFC 112 card from a remote place across the world (Abu Dhabi) has not only that, but also is the first UFC event ever to be held at an outdoor stadium. It is the mission of the UFC Monster to find betting value in the Las Vegas lines of UFC fights. Since the sport is relatively new, with oddsmakers struggling to set accurate betting lines on the fights, plus a relatively small, but volatile, betting base that can drastically move the line, a knowledgeable bettor has a great opportunity to make some money here! Anyone who has followed my picks, has cashed more winners than losers, and could now be living on free lifetime InterMat Platinum subscriptions! So let's see what we can do with this intriguing card. Two of the world's premier fighters defend championships today, lightweight BJ Penn and middleweight Anderson "Spider" Silva. Let's take a look at those matches first. Anderson "Spider" Silva has not lost in the Octagon. He hasn't even had a close fight. His pinpoint striking with kicks and punches, combined with devastating Muay Thai clinch power has allowed him to mow through his opponents and take fights outside his weight class, seeking new challenges. The skinny Spider at 185 pounds is considering skipping a weight class and finding new challenges at heavyweight! With Silva's unchecked striking power, it is easy to forget that he also owns a black belt in jui-jitsu! Who can stop this man? Demian Maia (12-1) can. But it will take an incredible submission to do it. And with a ridiculous betting value of +600 placed on the challenger, I am going to take my chances here. You certainly don't make money betting against Anderson Silva (25-4), but Maia has a unique skill set that may allow him to pull the upset. In his own words, "A spider has many legs, maybe I'll get one. "In other words, he will wait until the Spider strikes, then grab an appendage, and pull guard to the ground. Once on the mat, Maia will isolate the limb at risk, and force the sudden submission with adrenaline flowing, and shock the world! Maia wins with a unique second round choke/armbar combination, with the Spider suffocating from a lethal body triangle. This is the "Fight of the Night." BJ "The Prodigy" Penn (15-5-1) is the best 155-pounder in the world. Bar none. End of discussion. Like Silva, BJ floats outside his weight class looking for new challenges, like Georges St. Pierre at 170 pounds or Lyota "The Dragon" Machida at 205. He's fought them both. Tonight, he fights Frankie "The Answer" Edgar (11-1). Is there any way Edgar can win this? Yes. He can score with a few early punches, stunning the champion, outwrestle him and get BJ to the mat, where NOBODY wants to be, and somehow manage to control BJ's position throughout five long rounds, while avoiding getting submitted by a man whose gumby-like limbs and floating joints defy science. It will take a miracle, but miracles do happen. BJ is human, after all. Edgar has worked his entire lifetime waiting for this chance. He gets better with every fight. He will give BJ a battle for the ages. And, I think he can do it the old fashioned way, win by scoring more points in the judge's eyes. And, again at +600 odds, I will roll the dice on the former Clarion wrestler. Edgar wins a close split decision. Who doesn't appreciate the famous Gracie family and all that they have done for the sport of mixed martial arts? The 43-year-old Renzo Gracie (13-6-1) makes his Octagon debut against future Hall-of-Famer Matt Hughes (44-7) in a welterweight match, where Renzo is trying to avenge his cousin Royce's embarrassing defeat against Hughes in UFC 60. Royce took a beating. His submission skills were ineffective. The Gracie clan had shown failure. Earlier this year, Royler Gracie looked lethargic and awkward in getting pounded by a longshot opponent. Renzo was in the corner. Believe me, Renzo is determined, confident (if not a bit over confident), and certainly skilled enough to take down the once unstoppable Illinois farm boy. Cockiness is Hughes trademark. He is not worried about Renzo's arsenal. He expects another weak-winded affair from an overrated opponent, lacking punching and takedown power. That's dangerous thinking. A boa constrictor is a boa constrictor. They suck the life out of you and leave you suffocating from lack of oxygen. This is what I expect to see here, Renzo Gracie getting the back of Hughes, locking in his hooks, and oh so sloooooooooowly, wrapping up a rear-naked choke to end this one in the third round as a +350 underdog! That's my three-team underdog parlay, gentleman. If they all win, I can retire. If just one of the above gets the job done, the UFC Monster is heading to the winner's window. If none of my long shots hit, I will know better than to bet against the sports elite. I mean how can I lose? There is value in each. Now let's fill out the main card. Lightweight Rafael Dos Anjos (13-4) came into the UFC with much attention paid to his Brazilian jiu-jitsu skills. Instead Dos Anjos has gotten into the trap of trying to prove his manlihood through striking. If he does that with the lanky Terry Etim (14-3), this will be a short fight. Etim wins by KO. But my gut tells me that the end is near for Dos Anjos in the UFC unless he can quickly find his MMA roots again. My bet is that he will, and at underdog odds of +135, I'm betting that he does. A second round submission ends this one, as Dos Anjos grabs a long arm and attempts to mangle it from Etim's body. Another lanky striker, middleweight Kendall Grove (13-6) takes on former NCAA wrestling champion Mark Munoz (7-1) in a contrast of styles. Munoz will want to take this to the mat rather than strike with the rapid roundhouses of Grove. Grove will use his kicks to keep Munoz at distance, but it will only be a matter of time before the dominant wrestler controls his opponent. Munoz will hope that his ground-and-pound will overwhelm Grove before Kendall gets off an armbar submission in retaliation. Grove's ground game is underrated, but I think Munoz will have enough in the tank to get the job done. I'm laying -160 that he does. Now let's take a quick look at the undercard. Penn State NCAA wrestling champion Phil Davis (5-0) is a light heavyweight beast. With broad shoulders and no waist, he is lightning quick for his size, powerful and dominant, with fearsome striking ability, and an improving ground game. That's a plateful for a one-dimensional striker like Alexander Gustafsson (9-0). When two unbeatens meet, anything can happen. But this one won't last long. After dodging a few early haymakers, Davis will bring pin Alex to the mat with a vicious takedown. Once there, the elbows and fists will fly, until Steve Mazzagotti pulls "Mr. Wonderful" off the beaten fighter. For bridge jumpers only, lay the -500. Brit Paul Taylor (10-5-1) is a great kicker. He comes at you with reckless abandon, pressing the pace and using effective combinations of punches and kicks to neutralize opponents. He is a seasoned warrior, as is his opponent, John "Guns" Gunderson (22-7). Taylor is a more rounded fighter and he gets the three-round decision here. But you will need to lay -250 to cash your ticket. Nick Osipczak (5-1) will have his hands full with Rick "The Horror" Story (9-3). But in a mild upset, I'll give Nick a shot at +140 to grind out a decision victory in this one. Welterweight "Bad" Brad Blackburn (15-10-1) is a quick striker who will look to control DaMarques Johnson (15-7) on his feet. A determined Johnson will fall short as a second round KO will end this one with Blackburn raising his hand at -160. I've seen Paul Kelly look like an unstoppable power machine. He is a strong striker with decent kicks and a marginal ground game. And, that's where he gets in trouble here. Oddsmakers are banking that Matt Veach (11-1) will dominate this fight from the ground through his vastly superior wrestling abilities. I think they are right. I'm laying the -275 with Veach, a former Iowa State wrestler, which seems a bit steep, but I'll stick with my thoughts. A winner is a winner is a winner. When two brawling heavyweights are thrown to the lions, I rarely watch. Saturday's sacrifice is between Jon Madsen (4-0) and struggling Mostapha Al Turk (6-5). Yes, 6-5. The loser goes home never to return to the UFC. The winner hangs around for a while, and gets fed as red meat to the next up-and-comer. I don't care who wins and I have no interest in betting on such matters. It looks like a bar brawl to me! No action for the UFC Monster on this one. Okay, now let's see what we can do with our "fictitious" $1000 bankroll. Let's lay $50 to win $300 on Demian Maia to submit the Spider. Let's lay $50 to win $300 on Frankie Edgar outscoring BJ Penn. Let's lay $100 to win $350 on Renzo Gracie redeeming Royce's loss to Matt Hughes. Let's lay $80 to win $108 on Rafael Dos Anjos finding his "jits" against Terry Etim. Let's lay $128 to win $80 on OSU's Mark Munoz over Kendall Grove. Let's lay $175 to win $35 on Phil Davis in a bridge jump over Alexander Gustafsson. Let's lay $150 to win $60 on Britain's Paul Taylor over John Gunderson. Let's lay $60 to win $ 84 on Nick Osipczak over Rick Story. Let's lay $ 96 to win $60 on Brad Blackburn over DaMarques Johnson. Let's lay $110 to win $40 on Matt Veach to pin Paul Kelly to the mat. Let's pass on the two heavyweight brawlers, Jon Madsen and Mostapha Al Turk. In all, we are risking $999 to win $1417. Let's hope for the best. We are riding some very big underdogs here! And, let's not forget to give some of our profits to your local youth wrestling program, where tomorrow's champions are born. Enjoy the fights. I know I will.

Hello wrestling fans. it's been a bit crazy this week for sure. We'll do our best to get down to it this week from our Brute adidas studios of TDR in Des Moines, Iowa. Joining us: John Stutzman- Head Coach Bloomsburg (PA)- The Bloomsburg University wrestling team advanced two wrestlers to Friday's action at the 2010 NCAA Division I Wrestling championships in Omaha, NE. Matt Moley and Rick Schmelyn while Nate Graham was eliminated. All in all a good year for Bloomsburg. Troy Dannen- University of Northern Iowa Athletic Director. A few days ago Brad Penrith was released as Head Coach of the Panthers. Interested Coaches should listen to this interview to find what Dannen is looking for in a new head coach for his program. Long been rumored that the wrestling program would be cut, Dannen has stated to me that this will not happen at UNI. Dannen is looking to grow the program and its performance on a national level. Jay Borschel won his first NCAA title becomes one of 19 Iowa wrestlers, in school history, to post an undefeated season record (37-0). He ends his Iowa career with a 98-10 record, winning the 2010 Big Ten and 2009 Midlands titles at 174. The Marion, IA, native is a two-time all-American, three-time NCAA qualifier and three-time Big Ten and Midlands place winner. Borschel went 62-3 in dual matches and 21-1 in Big Ten duals, scoring 265 team points in dual competition. He led the team in collegiate wins (37), dual wins (23), collegiate and dual winning percentage (1.000) and fastest fall (0:13) this season. Borschel is a three-time academic all-Big Ten selection, earning a spot on the NWCA Division I all-academic team in 2008 and the Dean's List in 2009. He was also named Division I Outstanding Wrestler at the 2010 NWCA/Cliff Keen National Duals. Iowa's three NCAA wrestling champions - seniors Brent Metcalf and Jay Borschel, and redshirt freshman Matt McDonough - have been named winners of the Mike Howard Most Valuable Wrestler Award for the 2009-10 season. Brandon Slay- Olympic Champion and USA's resident Coach will update us on the efforts of our US Athletes as they prepare for the U.S. Open on April 23-24 in Cleveland, Ohio. The excitement grows as decisions are made as to who will win a coveted US Open title. Slay won a gold medal at 76 kg/167.5 lbs. at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia. He upset Olympic and World Champion Bouvaisa Saitiev of Russia in the pool competition in Sydney. Saitiev has gone on to win three Olympic gold medals. Brian Smith- Head Coach of the University of Missouri- Smith was able to coach Max Askren to an NCAA Championship this year. With Askren's back issues and change of practice schedule, Coach Smith had to step outside the box of what he expected from his team. The extra effort paid off in one of the most emotional wins in Missouri history. Andrew Hipps- InterMatwrestle.com joins us to discuss the coaching landscape and what he thinks will be the needed assets of the next head coach at the University of Northern Iowa. The Meeks Brothers Wrestling Team/Family will join us in studio for this show. Keith Meeks will join us with his 2 sons John and Blake. Blake has signed with the University of Nebraska to wrestle for Coach Mark Manning. John will complete his sophomore year at Des Moines Roosevelt and has already captured 2 state titles and looks for his 3rd next season. Keith has developed a wrestling program and club called Project impact in Des Moines. Targeting at risk kids and those with behavioral problems the system works to teach kids that its easier to steer away from problems and turn toward wrestling. Wrestling fans- Please note that Episode 52 of TDR TV is now available on all the top web sites and cable systems around the country. TDR every week! It's appointment Radio and TV! Join us at Takedownradio.com. America's Wrestling Radio Talk Show airs on Supertalk 1570 in Michigan, AM 1460 KXNO in Iowa and on a radio station near you or on line at many of our broadcast partners around the world including Livesportsvideo.com. TDR "the Radio Program" airs 9 AM to 11 AM CST every Saturday morning we look forward to having you listen. Thanks for watching and listening!

University of Northern Iowa Director of Athletics Troy Dannen announced today that Panther head wrestling coach Brad Penrith will not be retained following the 2009-2010 season. "I would like to thank Brad for his service to the University and the student-athletes in our wrestling program," Dannen said. "Brad has carried himself with class and dignity throughout his career. But I believe now is the time for a change in leadership as we seek to achieve the competitive goals we have for wrestling at the University of Northern Iowa." Penrith compiled a dual mark of 90-75-4 in 10 years as the Panther head coach. This past season, UNI was 10-12 in dual action and tallied a 40th place finish (9.5 team points) at the NCAA Championships, its lowest finish since 1997.

Tom Borrelli

Jim Jordan

Johny Hendricks

WEST POINT, N.Y. -- For the second consecutive season, Matt Kyler and Richard Starks shared the Army wrestling program’s top award. Kyle and Starks were named co-winners of the Mike Natvig Award, presented to the team’s outstanding wrestling at the squad’s annual team banquet Tuesday night. In addition to the Natvig Award, Kyler won the Arvin Memorial Award, Patrick Marchetti was named the Crum Memorial winner, Collin Wittmeyer garnered Most Improved honors and Ryan Mergen won the LeRoy Alitz Award at the Cadet Mess Hall. Kyler, Army’s all-time career leader in wins with 146, is now a four-time winner of the prestigious Natvig Award while Starks was honored for the second time. The Natvig Award was established in 1973 in memory of Natvig, a 1963 graduate who won a national championship. Kyler is the second four-time winner of the award, joining Phillip Simpson (2002-2005). Starks, a three-time national qualifier who owns more than 100 career wins, is the first two-time winner since Maurice Worthy earned back-to-back honors in 2000 and 2001. Kyler, a four-time national qualifier, four-time EIWA finalist and two-time EIWA champion, also took home the Arvin Memorial Award for the member of the graduating class distinguished in leadership, scholarship and commitment to Army wrestling. It is named in honor of Bob Arvin, a 1965 West Point graduate who was the Brigade Commander and wrestling team captain during his senior season. It was first handed out in 1985. A freshman, Marchetti collected the Crum Memorial Award, presented to the most courageous wrestler from the freshman class. Wrestling primarily at 157 pounds, Marchetti went 11-16 during his first season with five bonus point wins. The award, presented for the first time in 1985, is named for Wally Crum, a member of the class of 1960 who was killed in action in Vietnam in 1968. Wittmeyer, a freshman, was named the Most Improved wrestler after posting a 24-15 record in his first season. Wittmeyer was fourth on the squad in wins and registered nine bonus point wins. The award was first distributed in 1990 and recognized the wrestler based on skill level, work ethic and accomplishments. Mergen earned the “Mr. Intensity” Award, presented for the first time in 1990 in honor of legendary coach LeRoy Alitz. The award recognized the most dedicated wrestler on the team and Mergen was named for the second time in three years. A team co-captain, along with Kyler, Mergen posted an 18-9 record with three major decisions. Mergen is the first multiple-time winner since Jon Anderson of the Class of 2006 won three times. The four members of the senior class – Kyler, Starks, Mergen and Lance Penhale were recognized as well. 2009-10 Army Team Awards Mike Natvig Award -- Matt Kyler and Richard Starks Arvin Memorial Award -- Matt Kyler Wally Crum Memorial Award -- Patrick Marchetti Most Improved Award -- Collin Wittmeyer LeRoy Alitz “Mr. Intensity” Award – Ryan Mergen

MADISON, Wis. -- The body of Martin Davis, 52, the brother of University of Wisconsin wrestling coach Barry Davis, is believed to have been found Friday afternoon in Coralville, Iowa. The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office was called to an area in the Coralville Reservoir after an individual in a kayak discovered a body. The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, working with the Johnson County Medical Examiner’s Office, recovered the body believed to possibly be Davis. An autopsy will be completed on Sunday to positively identify the body. “It sounds as if my brother’s body has been found,” said Barry Davis. “This will allow closure to this situation for my entire family and it will give us the opportunity to begin moving forward. I want to thank everyone for their love and support during these past few months. I also want to thank the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office for their work and cooperation.” Martin Davis was last seen on Jan. 3 when he left his home on snowmobile. A snowmobiler’s helmet, believed to belong to Davis, was found in the Coralville Reservoir about two weeks ago. Davis, who guided the Badgers to a fourth-place NCAA team finish last month, was named national coach of the year in 2009-10. Davis and his family are asking for privacy from public or media inquiries at this time.

The college season has ended with a spectacular conclusion on national television that served as a highlight to me and perhaps some will agree, the importance of national TV coverage for the sport of wrestling. Television, is what separates us from the rest of the mainstream sports. JRob says it best "Television, it validates our sport". The lack of consistent productions of major competitions and the inability to attract national sponsors makes it more difficult to secure TV programming. One of the major reasons the Living the Dream Medal Fund was created was to begin a major grassroots support program filling in the gaps for our world level programs & athletes by gaining more recognition for international competition. Throughout their high school & college years, our athletes have been supported by the USA taxpayer system in its investments made to public and private high schools and by athletic departments in the "dwindling" college community. At the pinnacle of their careers, where some athletes choose to continue wrestling by representing the United States in world and Olympic competition, they are left somewhat alone to "fend" for themselves. The lack of resources to survive while competing against heavily subsidized athletes from Russia, Iran, Azberjian, Cuba and several other Eastern bloc countries has made it more difficult for our athletes to compete on a level playing field. The Medal Fund, in its inaugural year with over 600 people donating to the fund, helped raise over $70,000 to provide the financial rewards to Dremiel Byers Silver -Medalist($25,000) Jake Herbert-Silver Medalist ($25,000) and Tervel Dlagnev-Bronze Medalist ($15,000). The future of the medal fund, with the back-up support of the Stewards, has made it possible for the Medal Fund to expand and provide our athletes more support for their living expenses along with the individual clubs and stipends by the USA Wrestling National Teams Program. Is it enough, of course not, especially in today's our economy that is under tremendous worldwide pressure. The athletes will survive and be able to continue with their quest "dreaming" of the one single moment in the summer of 2012 in London UK, when they will remember the long journey from pee wee wrestling to the Olympics for the rest of their lives. All of us as contributors will share a little in each step as well in the journey supporting & cheering their efforts! The Stewards of the Medal Fund hope you will be joining the 600 donors with your support of the world class athletes in 2010. The more medals we win the more money the Stewards will invest. We will continue adding the names to the list of contributors on the Web site. If you decide to contribute your name will be highlighted in RED for 2010. in 2011 in BLUE and in the Olympic Year in 2012 it will turn to GOLD! More Medals on the Podium in 2012. Web site for Donations: https://www.usawmembership.com/MakeDonation.jsp?programId=501

PARK RIDGE, Ill. -- The University of Minnesota Wrestling Team had six athletes honored on the Big Ten Winter All-Academic Team, announced recently by the league office. Brent Eidenschink (Detroit Lakes, Minn.), Luke Mellmer (Dickinson, N.D.), Jayson Ness (Bloomington, Minn.), Joe Nord (Waconia, Minn.), Brian Peterson (Richmond, Mich.) and Mike Thorn (St. Michael, Minn.) were all named the All-Academic team. Nord highlights the squad as the only three-time honoree, while he is joined by Eidenschink, Ness, and Peterson who all make the team for the second consecutive season. First time honoree, Mellmer, makes the All-Academic team in his first season of eligibility. All six wrestlers have seen time in the starting line-up this season, posting a collective 26-8 record in dual meets. The Gopher contingent is part of 61 total wrestlers named by the Big Ten to the Winter All-Academic team. To be eligible for Academic All-Big Ten selection, student-athletes must be letterwinners who are in at least their second academic year at their institution and carry a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher. Brent Eidenshink: Jr., Business & Marketing (Education Detroit Lakes, Minn.) Luke Mellmer: So., Technology Education (Dickinson, N.D.) Jayson Ness: Sr., Technology Education (Bloomington, Minn.) Joe Nord: Jr., Business & Marketing (Education Waconia, Minn.) Brian Peterson: So., Entrepreneurial Management (Richmond, Mich.) Mike Thorn: Jr., Business & Marketing Education (St. Michael, Minn.)

Gordon Hassman, NCAA champion for Iowa State, and Tolly Thompson, NCAA champion for Nebraska, will go “On the Mat” this Wednesday, April 7. Both Hassman and Thompson are being inducted into the Glen Brand Wrestling Hall of Fame of Iowa on Saturday, April 17. “On the Mat" is a presentation of the Dan Gable International Wrestling Institute and Museum. The show can be heard live on the Internet at www.kcnzam.com or locally in Northeast Iowa each Wednesday from 5:00 - 6:00 PM CST on AM 1650, The Fan. E-mail radio@wrestlingmuseum.org with any questions or comments about the show. Hassman was a three-time All-American and two-time Big Eight champion for Iowa State. As a junior in 1964, Hassman capped a perfect season with an NCAA title at 157 pounds. The following season he placed third at the same weight and was part of the Cyclones’ first NCAA team championship. Born and raised in New Hampton, Iowa, Hassman won a state title in 1960. Tolly Thompson was a two-time state runner-up for Janesville (IA) and a three-time All-American for the University of Nebraska. Thompson won an NCAA championship at heavyweight for the Cornhuskers in 1995. He was also a three-time Big Twelve champion. Thompson won three U.S. Open freestyle titles and was a member of two World teams, earning a bronze medal at the World Championships in 2005.

LARAMIE, Wyo. -- Wyoming Cowboy sophomore wrestler Joe LeBlanc added another award on Thursday to his quickly-growing collection of hardware, when he was named by the Western Wrestling Conference as its' Wrestler of the Year. The fourth-year league announced its' postseason award winners and LeBlanc received six of seven first-place votes, 20 total points, from WWC head coaches. Northern Colorado's All-American Justin Gaethje received the other first-place vote (13 points) and was runner-up in the voting. Following up on a dominant regular season, LeBlanc (Meeker, Colo.) placed fourth at the 2010 NCAA Championships and earned All-American distinction at 184 pounds for the second straight year. On his way through the bracket, he upset No. 2 seed John Dergo (Illinois) and No. 5 seed Clayton Foster (Oklahoma State) at Nationals. LeBlanc finished three spots higher than his seed at the national tournament and improved on his NCAA finish from last year, after placing fifth in 2009. Now the two-time West Regional champion at 184 pounds, LeBlanc led the `Pokes to the 2010 West Regional team title, as well as the 2010 WWC Regular Season Dual team title. His 2009-10 overall record was 39-6 with 28 bonus point margins. Twelve of his wins came by fall, 12 by way of technical fall and four by major decision. He earned a team-best 69 points this past season in 15 duals, an average of 4.6. LeBlanc tied for No. 6 in the final NCAA Coaches Rankings at 184 pounds and was No. 7 in the final RPI. He placed first (Elite) at the 2009 Cowboy Open, second at the 2009 Body Bar Classic, third at 2009 Las Vegas Invitational and third at the 2009 Reno Tournament of Champions. His career record is now 84-14 with 19 pins, 18 major decisions and 17 technical falls. LeBlanc has not lost a WWC match-up in his two-year career (13-0, including West Regional results). He was the WWC Freshman of the Year in 2008-09 and was recently named the 2009-10 DICollegeWrestling.net West Region Wrestler of the Year. Other awards announced by the WWC on Thursday included Cole VonOhlen (Air Force) as Freshman of the Year and Brad Penrith (Northern Iowa) as Coach of the Year. The Wrestler of the Year and Freshman of the Year awards were voted on by the league's head coaches this past week, while the Coach of the Year balloting was determined after the West Regional Tournament. The Western Wrestling Conference is comprised of seven schools including the Air Force Academy, North Dakota State, Northern Colorado, Northern Iowa, South Dakota State, Utah Valley and Wyoming.

IOWA CITY, IA -- Iowa's three NCAA wrestling champions -- seniors Brent Metcalf and Jay Borschel, and redshirt freshman Matt McDonough -- have been named winners of the Mike Howard Most Valuable Wrestler Award for the 2009-10 season. Iowa's 2009-10 team awards were announced at an awards banquet Saturday. Photo/Iowa Sports InformationThe awards gave the Hawkeyes a chance to reflect on another successful season. Iowa won its 23rd NCAA and 34th Big Ten titles while crowning three NCAA champions, eight all-Americans and two Big Ten champions. The team was undefeated at 23-0 in dual competition, marking the 13th perfect season in school history. Iowa was also 11-0 at Carver-Hawkeye Arena and 8-0 in Big Ten duals, winning its third-straight conference regular season title. Iowa won the 2009 Midlands and 2010 NWCA/Cliff Keen National Duals Division I team titles, ending the season on a 61 dual-match winning streak and shutting out eight opponents -- both of which are school records. Metcalf was a two-time NCAA and Big Ten Champion and three-time all-American at 149 pounds with a 108-3 record in three years at Iowa. In 2008, he earned the Dan Hodge Trophy, which is annually presented to the nation's top collegiate wrestler, and the Jesse Owen Big Ten Male Athlete of the Year Award. His 47 career pins rank seventh in school history, and his career winning percentage (.973) ranks second. He posted a 68-1 career dual record, going 24-0 in Big Ten duals and scoring 346 team points in dual competition. The Davison, MI, native is one of four wrestlers in conference history to be named Big Ten Wrestler of the Week five times during their collegiate careers. He was also a two-time (2008-09) Big Ten Championships Outstanding Wrestler, 2008 Big Ten Wrestler of the Year, 2008 NCAA Division I Championships Outstanding Wrestler and 2009 NWCA/Cliff Keen Division I National Duals Outstanding Wrestler. Metcalf is a three-time academic all-Big Ten honoree and Dean's list student, earning a spot on the NWCA Division I all-academic team twice. He also earned the team award for most pins in a season for the second-straight year, sticking 16 opponents in 2009-10. Borschel won his first NCAA title last month, and is one of 19 Iowa wrestlers, in school history, to post an undefeated season record (37-0). He ends his three-year Iowa career with a 98-10 record, winning the 2010 Big Ten and 2009 Midlands titles at 174. The Marion, IA, native is a two-time all-American, three-time NCAA qualifier and three-time Big Ten and Midlands placewinner. Borschel went 62-3 in dual matches and 21-1 in Big Ten duals, scoring 265 team points in dual competition. He led the team in collegiate wins (37), dual wins (23), collegiate and dual winning percentage (1.000) and fastest fall (0:13) this season. Borschel is a three-time academic all-Big Ten selection, earning a spot on the NWCA Division I all-academic team in 2008 and the Dean's List in 2009. He was also named Division I Outstanding Wrestler at the 2010 NWCA/Cliff Keen National Duals. McDonough ended the season with a 37-1 record at 125, earning his first NCAA title and all-America honor. He was undefeated at 23-0 and scored 104 team points in dual competition. The 2010 Big Ten Freshman of the Year, 2009 Midlands champion and conference runner-up at 125, McDonough scored bonus points in 28 of his 37 wins. He led the Hawkeyes in major decisions (15), collegiate wins (37), dual wins (23) and dual winning percentage (1.000). The Marion, IA, native also earned the team's John and Dorothy Sill Award, which is presented to the most dedicated wrestler, on and off the mat. The five other Hawkeyes to earn the team's All-America Award were seniors Daniel Dennis, Ryan Morningstar, Phillip Keddy and Dan Erekson, and sophomore Montell Marion. Marion also earned the team's Most Improved Award. Morningstar and senior Chad Beatty shared the Mike J. McGivern Award, which is given to the most courageous wrestler. Dennis ended his four-year Hawkeye career (2006-10) as a two-time all-American and NCAA qualifier with a 69-28 career record at 133 pounds. A two-time Big Ten and Midlands placewinner, the Ingleside, IL, native posted a 44-15 dual record, which includes a 20-2 mark in 2008-09 and a 16-2 record this season. Morningstar ended his Hawkeye career with a 110-40 record that spans four seasons between 157 and 165 pounds (2007-10). He posted a 65-22 career dual record, scoring 231 team points in dual competition. The Lisbon, IA, native is two-time all-American and four-time NCAA qualifier, Big Ten and Midlands placewinner for the Hawkeyes. He started 86 duals in his four-year career and wrestled 25 overtime matches. Keddy finished his four years in an Iowa singlet with a 102-42 record at 184 pounds (2007-10). A three-time all-American, Keddy is a four-time NCAA qualifier, four-time Big Ten and three-time Midlands placewinner. The Vernal, UT, native posted a career dual record of 64-20, including a 23-1 mark last season. He started 84 duals for the Hawkeyes, scoring 256 team points in dual competition. A two-time Big Ten champion and all-American, Erekson ended his Hawkeye career with a 69-37 record at 197 pounds and heavyweight (2006-10). He qualified for the NCAA Championships three times. The Eagle, ID, native started 53 duals for the Hawkeyes, scoring 145 team points in dual competition and pinning 28 opponents. Marion posted a 27-6 record in his first full season in the varsity lineup, earning his first all-America honor. The Des Moines, IA, native has a 37-9 career record and posted an 11-3 dual record this year, going 6-2 in Big Ten duals. Beatty ended his four-year Hawkeye career with a 50-25 record, wrestling between 174 and 197 pounds. He was 17-5 this season, making his second appearance at the NCAA Championships. A two-time Big Ten placewinner from Wilton, IA, Beatty placed third at the 2009 Midlands Championships. Hawkeye senior Dan LeClere was named the J. Donald McPike, Sr., Award winner, which is given annually to the senior with the highest grade-point average. A three-time academic all-Big Ten selection, LeClere is an interdepartmental studies major who was named to the Dean's list in 2007 and the NWCA Division I all-academic team in 2008. The Coggon, IA, native posted a 38-15 career mark in three seasons at 141. He won the 2007 Midlands title and placed fifth at the 2007 Big Ten Championships to earn an automatic NCAA bid. LeClere went 25-8 in dual competition and posted a 10-2 mark at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. 2009-10 University of Iowa Wrestling Team Awards: Mike Howard Award (Most Valuable): Matt McDonough, Brent Metcalf, Jay Borschel Mike McGivern Award (Most Courageous): Ryan Morningstar, Chad Beatty J. Donald McPike, Sr. Award (Highest GPA for graduating senior): Dan LeClere John & Dorothy Sill Award (Most Dedicated Wrestler On & Off The Mat): Matt McDonough All-America Award: Daniel Dennis, Montell Marion, Ryan Morningstar, Phillip Keddy, Dan Erekson Most Pins Award: Brent Metcalf (16) Most Improved Award: Montell Marion

LARAMIE, Wyo. -- Air Force rookie Cole VonOhlen was honored by the Western Wrestling Conference, as it announced its 2009-10 postseason award winners on Thursday. VonOhlen was the unanimous pick as the Freshman of the Year, while Wyoming’s Joe LeBlanc and Northern Iowa’s Brad Penrith were named WWC Wrestler of the Year and Coach of the Year, respectively. The Wrestler of the Year and Freshman of the Year awards were voted on by the league’s head coaches this past week, while the Coach of the Year balloting was determined after the NCAA West Regional. VonOhlen, a native of Jackson, Minn., was the Falcons’ standout performer during the 2009-10 season, finishing as the West Regional runner-up at 141 pounds to earn an automatic bid to the NCAA Championships. He concluded the season with a 31-9 overall record (.775 winning percentage), including a 13-2 dual mark and 5-1 record in WWC duals. He recorded a team-best 12 falls on the year, along with six major decisions and a technical fall. VonOhlen posted six wins over NCAA qualifiers, including a 17-2 technical fall over Cal State Fullerton’s Adin Duenas (ranked 11th at the end of the regular season) and a 10-0 decision against Cal State Bakersfield’s Elijah Nacita (ranked 13th). Meanwhile, eight of his nine losses came by decision, and all came against NCAA qualifiers (including one to NCAA Division II runner-up Mario Morgan of UNO). His lone major decision loss was a 12-4 victory by All-American Mike Thorn of Minnesota. VonOhlen began his freshman campaign with an individual title in the Elite Division of the Cowboy Open and placed sixth at the Kaufman-Brand Open after suffering an injury during the meet. He also secured a fifth-place finish at the prestigious Southern Scuffle, while winning the 141-lb. title at the All-Academy Championships, recording three falls in as many matches. A two-time WWC Wrestler of the Week, VonOhlen became the first Air Force freshman to qualify for the national tournament since 2005, as well as the first Falcon to reach 30 wins in a single season since 2005. He was recently named the 2009-10 DICollegeWrestling.net West Region Freshman of the Year. LeBlanc, the WWC Freshman of the Year in 2009, earned WWC Wrestler of the Year honors after earning All-America distinction at 184 pounds for the second-straight year. A two-time West Regional champion, LeBlanc placed fourth at the 2010 NCAA Championships and finished his season with a 39-6 overall record. Meanwhile, Penrith was named WWC Coach of the Year for the second time in four years after guiding the Panthers to a second-place finish at the NCAA West Regional.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- One of the most interesting aspects of being behind the scenes at a major wrestling tournament is seeing the raw emotion that goes on after matches in the arena concourse and in the locker rooms and warm up areas. Such was the case on Friday on the opening day of competition at the 2010 Brute adidas Nationals at Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Missouri. The eighth annual event opened with competition in first through eighth grades. And while these are only young boys and girls wrestling, their determination and desire was as great as any wrestler who competes at the high school, collegiate or international level. For those who won, there were congratulatory handshakes and pats on the back, such as the case for 10-year-old Hunter Balk of Missouri. Balk went undefeated on the day and advanced to the fourth grade 70-pound finals, where he will compete for a national championship Sunday. After his win, he walked the concourse with his father and talked on the phone to another family member, sharing the good news. To say Balk was excited about his fantastic day would be an understatement. "On a scale of 1 to 10, I would say this feeling is a 10," said Balk. He has trained with Olympian Ken Chertow at his camps and clinics and trains regularly with the Victory Wrestling Club out of Missouri. "I have great workout partners that I practice with at Victory and that helps me prepare for this." Balk, who placed eighth last year to earn All-American honors in third grade at 65 pounds, is not nervous to be in the finals this year. "I wrestle against some great competition at Victory and that prepares me for a national tournament like this. I am looking forward to wrestling Sunday." While wrestlers like Balk were on a high from their success, there were others who were on the opposite end of the spectrum, such as 14-year-old Brooke Olesen who competed for the Bonner Braves wrestling club of Basehor, Kansas. There were no celebratory calls for her, but there was some sadness as Olesen lost her first two matches and was eliminated from the tournament. Despite the tough day, Olesen was excited about her chance to compete at the Brute adidas Nationals and knows it's a great opportunity to continue to improve as a wrestler. "This tournament is a lot of fun, but it's a challenge because there are some tough wrestlers here," she said. Olesen didn't mind being one of the few girls competing against the boys. In fact, it's something she is used to, and actually enjoys. "The guys are definitely harder to wrestle than the girls," says Olesen. "But I think it's more fun, the guys give me better competition. A lot of them doubt me and think I am going to just fall on my back because I am a girl but I show them different when I am out there." Olesen said she started wrestling over three years ago after following the sport because her brother wrestled. "I tried it and practiced and never wanted to quit. I just kept going and always wanted to be on the mat." Olesen enjoys wrestling so much she hopes to get a scholarship to compete in college someday, in fact, she even knows where she would like to go -- Oklahoma City University. "I took second in a tournament out there last weekend and have to just keep working hard," said Olesen. And despite the losses, she planned to do just that. She was going to wrestle some challenge matches in the FanFest area. That gives kids who have lost a chance to get more matches with officials monitoring the match. "The more I wrestle the better I will get," says Olesen. That was the attitude of many of the competitors on this day. While the goal for many was to make it to Sunday's round and/or become an All-American, the chance to see national competition and different styles of wrestling is what brought them to Kansas City to compete in this event. That was the case with the group of six kids who came down to this event from Willmar, Minnesota, said Frank Swoyer. "We are from Kansas originally, but moved up to Willmar," said Swoyer. "I knew this was a great tournament so I wanted to get some kids from our area to come down here and compete. We came last year too and it's really a great event. What I like is the competition, and the fact the boys get to see wrestlers from throughout the Midwest and throughout the country." For many, it can be eye-opening competing in a big arena in a big environment at a prestigious national tournament like this. But Swoyer had a motivational tactic he hopes helped his Willmar wrestlers. "It can be challenging for kids not used to this kind of environment," said Swoyer. "But I told the kids the mat you wrestle on here is the same size as the mat your wrestle on back home. The competition may be better here, but that will make you better and that's why we come. In fact, I'd love to see more Minnesota kids come down here, it's a great tournament." The chance to compete against kids from different states is what drove a large contingent of wrestlers from Arkansas to the Brute adidas Nationals. Pat Smith, who became the first four-time Division I NCAA champion in history and is one of only two to ever achieve the feat (Cael Sanderson is the other), has set up a training academy in Arkansas and led a number of youth wrestlers to Kansas City. One Arkansas boy competing was Justin Butler, 14, who competed in the eighth grade division at 104 pounds for the Maumelle MatHogs of Little Rock. He faced wrestlers from Oklahoma and Colorado on this day, and was pleased with the opportunity. "I really enjoy the competition, it's fun to get to learn from wrestlers from different states and to see what they do or how they wrestle," said Butler. The kids have fun with the event too. Many were sporting freshly cut Mohawks (Vote for your favorite Mohawak) and others dyed their hair for the event, such as 12-year-old Hunter Howerton of Holton, Kansas. He dyed his hair pink for the event, and seemed to enjoy the camaraderie of being with other teammates who dyed their hair other colors. His teammates dyed their hair such colors as green and orange. "We just thought it would be fun to do," said Holton, who described himself as a fan of the Iowa and Cornell college programs. "This is a tournament where we like to have fun. I like this big tournament and meeting kids from all over the country. We want to win but we have fun doing it." For many of the wrestlers and their families, the tournament also gave them some time to hang out with family and friends. Those who competed today and advance won't compete again until Sunday. On Saturday, the ninth through 12th graders will compete, while the younger wrestlers will get a day off. When it was all said and done on Saturday the emotions were in check for many. Those who won were excited to still be competing and those who lost had gotten over the defeat. "I'm bummed I lost but there will be another tournament," said Olesen. For a wrestler like Balk, he wasn't going to be nervous waiting over a day for his finals match. In fact, he was looking forward to the free time before then. "We're just going to hang out and have fun," he said. "That's what I say, just have fun."

Two-time state champion Zak Coates of Henry Sibley has verbally committed to compete for Southwest Minnesota State next season. He won the 171-pound Class AAA title this year and the 160-pound title as a Junior. He also placed fourth at 145 pounds as a sophomore. Coates had a senior season record of 39-2. He ended his high school career with a record of 182-40. He recently won the 160-pound title at the first-ever FloNationals Tournament. Zak's high school coach is Wayne Beaman.

After three very successful years as the NWCA Coaching Development Coordinator, Neil Turner is resigning his position effective April 1 to turn his focus back to MatTown USA. During Turner’s tenure, the NWCA developed a comprehensive list of online coaching development courses for the high school and youth level. Turner was instrumental in the development of the NFHS Fundamentals of Coaching course. This course was a collaborative effort between the NWCA and NFHS and is now an integral part of the NFHS coaching certification program. In addition, Turner also helped oversee the development of the following NWCA online courses designed to grow the number of wrestlers, coaches, and wrestling teams at every level: - Reducing Risk and Liability of in Wrestling - Best Practices for the Recruitment and Retention of wrestlers ages 6-18 - Scholastic Coaches Resource Manual - NWCA Coaches Corner Technique Library In addition, Turner also took on the oversight of the NWCA State Chairman Program, working with an NWCA Representative in each of the states that sponsors high school wrestling. Turner greatly enhanced improving relationships throughout these states and making the State Chairman Program an organized and resourceful group. Turner is now going to turn his attention back to his life-long passion of growing Mat Town USA in to a premier wrestling center for youth wrestlers in the mid Pennsylvania region. “Few, if any people in the wrestling community have Coach Turner’s breadth of wrestling knowledge from the youth level through the collegiate level,” said executive director of the NWCA Mike Moyer. “Neil fully grasps the educationally based athletics philosophy and has lived by these principles while coaching at the NCAA Division I, III, high school, and youth levels. We will certainly miss him in his everyday role as Director of Coaching Development, but fortunately, we can continue to benefit from the knowledge and wisdom he will undoubtedly continue to share with our association,” said NWCA President, Jim Beichner. The NWCA Board of Directors and Staff wish Coach Turner the best of luck in his future endeavors at Mat Town USA.

AMES, Iowa -- Jake Varner and David Zabriskie, NCAA wrestling champions at 197 pounds and heavyweight at the 2010 NCAA Championships , were named Iowa State’s Outstanding Wrestlers Thursday evening at the ISU Wrestling Awards Banquet held in Hickory Hall. Honored alongside the two Cyclone seniors for achieving All-America status was 125-pound redshirt freshman Andrew Long. Iowa State placed third nationally for the second-straight year. Varner, a two-time NCAA titlist at 197 pounds and four-time finalist, received the Most Falls Award. The Bakersfield, Calif., native stuck 10 opponents in his final Cyclone campaign. Varner concluded his standout career with a 121-10 record. Zabriskie, Iowa State’s first heavyweight national champion since the legendary Chris Taylor, went 116-22 in his career. Long was named the squad’s Freshman of the Year. The Creston, Iowa, native notched a 27-7 record en route to his national runner-up finish. Long also garnered the Progress Award, given to the ISU wrestler who makes the most strides individually throughout the season. For the fourth time in his career, ISU’s Nick Fanthorpe garnered the Total Commitment Award. Fanthorpe capped his career with a 2-2 mark at the NCAA Championships to bring his career record to 100-32. The Naperville, Ill., native is the 35th member of ISU’s “100-Win Club.” Fanthorpe, along with fellow senior teammate Joe Curran were honored with the Outstanding Academic Award, which is given to the two wrestlers with the highest grade-point average. Additional academic recognition was given to Curran, Fanthorpe, Mitch Mueller and Kyle Simonson. Fanthorpe and Mueller were Big 12 All-Academic first team members. Mueller notched the Most Improved Award after going 27-9 for the best mark in his ISU career. Mueller was knocked out of contention in this season’s NCAA Championships just one win shy of All-America status. The Dr. Wise Burroughs Leadership Award, given to the wrestler who demonstrates the most leadership on the team, was received by two-time All-American Jon Reader. The Davison, Mich., native also notched the Most Takedowns Award.

Great 8: Now its eighth year, the Brute adidas Nationals continue to be a showcase of youth wrestling talent from across the country. But the tournament does more than give wrestling fans a glimpse of future stars, it also helps give back to the sport. Find out how by reading the preview below. The first annual Brute adidas Nationals was held in Lincoln, Nebraska in 2003. The second annual event was held in 2004. At that tournament, a young man by the name of Henry Cejudo finished second in the sophomore division, losing to Ben Ashmore of Texas. It's now 2010 and the Brute adidas Nationals is in its eighth year. This year's event takes place April 2-4 at Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, MO. Nearly 1,500 wrestlers in grades 1 through 12 from over 40 states are expected to compete in a folkstyle event for a chance to be crowned a national champion or for a chance to earn All-American honors. In attendance at this year's event will be Cejudo, who has added a few impressive credentials to his resume since that loss in 2003, none bigger than a 2008 Olympic Gold Medal in freestyle wrestling. He returns to the Brute adidas Nationals, where he will be on hand to sign autographs and meet with the wrestlers, coaches and fans, as a prime example of what hard work and determination can lead to. He's not just a wrestler, but an inspiration to young athletes across the country who have dreams, hopes and aspirations to be the best they can be. "Henry provides an inspiration to wrestlers at all levels with his story and real life experience," says Jeff Bowyer, Tournament Director for the Brute adidas Nationals. "Henry works well with the kids and is young enough to be able to relate to what they are experiencing and what they're going through. Henry is extremely successful at getting his message across to the kids." That message is Follow your Dreams and Never Give Up. A perfect example of a wrestler following his dreams -- and not giving up -- is Tanner Madl of Kansas. A few weeks ago Madl wasn't sure he was going to be able to participate this weekend because of a broken foot. But late last week he got clearance from the doctor and will be able to compete. Now Madl, the 2009 5th grade Most Outstanding Wrestler and a three-time Brute adidas Nationals champion, will be able to attempt to win a fourth title. "We love this tournament and Tanner is pumped to get on the mat again," says Perry Madl, Tanner's father. "We can't wait to get back and compete against some great wrestlers and be involved with the many great people who come to this tournament from across the country." Then there are clubs and teams that make the trip to Kansas City, banded together like family, like the group of 15 kids from Allen, Texas. These team members are part of the 2010 Texas UIL state tournament championship team and the Texas Dual State champions. The coach of this group is Jerry Best, a four-time Oklahoma high school state champion, a three-time Division II champion, an Espoir National freestyle champion, and former coach at the University of Central Oklahoma. Among this group from Allen are two Texas high school state champions and a Fargo cadet national champion. Best has helped build the Allen program into one of the most successful in Texas and helped turn the community into a wrestling hot bed. In addition to the individuals and clubs from throughout the country, this tournament has also attracted competitors from other countries. This year is no different, as the nephew of the President of Honduras will be competing in the event. Those types of individuals and types of teams will be a part of what is sure to be another great Brute adidas Nationals event this weekend, says Andrew Hipps, senior editor of InterMat, which will be providing coverage of the event throughout the weekend. "The competition on the mat will be intense because so many wrestlers from across the country will be working hard to achieve their goals," says Hipps. "It's great to see so many dedicated wrestlers, coaches and fans in one arena, giving it their all. Watching these kids participate in a sport they love and seeing how determined they are is something any true fan will cherish." B.A.N. Provides Support Off The Mat Scott Casber of Takedown Radio (takedownradio.com) will broadcast the event live, and is excited to see some of America's future stars compete. "The Brute adidas Nationals is one of the premier wrestling events in the country," says Casber, who will be filming a future Takedown Radio TV show Saturday morning from the arena. "It's an opportunity for wrestlers and families from across the country to come together under one arena to compete, but also to help the sport of wrestling grow and prosper." What Casber was referring to was the off the mat support the tournament provides. In addition to a free FanFest, highlighted by Cejudo autograph sessions and also featuring wrestling vendors and suppliers, as well as free educational seminars and clinics for parents, wrestlers and fans, the Brute adidas Nationals helps give back to the sport of wrestling. Profits from this event are used to grow wrestling all levels throughout the country and used to assist youth, high school and college programs. For example, in 2009 B.A.N. funds helped provide uniforms and apparel for teams from Maryvale High School, Buford Middle School and the Forest City Little Indians wrestling club. In 2008 B.A.N. funds assisted in helping West Chester University purchase a new wrestling mat. In 2007 B.A.N. funds helped two Arkansas high schools purchase mats to start a new program. In 2004, funds helped assist New Mexico Highlands with start up costs for funding a new wrestling program. Since 2003 the tournament has helped give back $50,000 to wrestling programs at all levels. In addition, many wrestling clubs utilize this event as a fundraiser for their clubs and programs by providing 175 volunteers necessary to run the weekend event. A donation for their services is made to their club from the R.E.A.C.H.E.S. (Rewarding Educational Athletic Choices Helping Each Sport) program, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization founded in 2007 in an effort to promote, protect and preserve amateur athletics in its truest form. R.E.A.C.H.E.S. provides athletic opportunities to athletes of all ages and abilities in a unique environment with the profits of each event earmarked for specific needs in that sport (get more information at www.reachessports.org). On the Mat The top eight place finishers from each division in each weight class will receive awards and Brute All-American certificates. The top two wrestlers in each weight class will receive a free custom designed Brute singlet to wear for the finals. Each finalist's coach will receive a free Adidas coaching shirt to wear for the finals. In addition, an "Outstanding Wrestler" award will be presented to each grade (1-12). The format will be a traditional bracket system tournament. Each wrestler is guaranteed a minimum of two matches.
There will be no seeding -- it's a blind draw (weight classes with five or less wrestlers will be round robin format). For the first time in 2010 there will be challenge matches for wrestlers who lose their first two matches, giving kids an opportunity for extra competition. In addition, the event attracts many college coaches for a last chance recruiting opportunity for athletes in the high school division (there is a coaches recruiting day planned for 2011). There is also a parade of All-Americans prior to Sunday's finals and a 2010 B.A.N. highlight video that will be played and available to participants. "The goal of the tournament is to provide all athletes with an opportunity to experience an NCAA Championship-type experience at all grade levels and provide an overall, family wrestling experience for the weekend," says Bowyer. A weekend that will be sure to provide memories that last a lifetime. And maybe a glimpse at a future Olympian or collegiate star, just like Cejudo in 2004. Matt Krumrie is a longtime wrestling journalist and author of the new book, The Ultimate Guide to Wrestling Camps, available at wrestlingcampguide.com.

ST. LOUIS PARK, Minn. -- InterMat has announced the release of preschool wrestling rankings. The rankings will include the Top 25 preschool wrestlers in the country in three age group levels: 5-year-olds, 4-year-olds, and 3-year-olds. The preschool wrestling rankings will be included with InterMat's Platinum subscription beginning on May 1. Walter Schultz, who attends International Falls Montessori in Minnesota, is the top-ranked 3-year-old wrestler in the country. (Photo/Mike Schultz)InterMat's preschool wrestling rankings were created in response to a growing demand by both high school and college wrestling coaches across the country. Wrestling coaches believe that having a clear view into the next wave of future stars is critical to their recruiting efforts. "Preschool rankings will give coaches a leg up in identifying future All-Americans in their programs," said former college wrestling coach Donnie Dinges. "You cannot start the recruiting process soon enough." InterMat's preschool wrestling rankings will be released in conjunction with InterMat's already established high school and junior high wrestling rankings schedule. "We are very excited about this new offering for wrestling fans," said InterMat president Jeremy Hipps. "Our sport demands that we start evaluating the best talent at a very young age. We are viewing this as a win-win for fans, parents, and coaches." The top five wrestlers in each age group will be distributed to both national and local media outlets after each release. "We want to be sure that these kids get recognized on a national level for being dominant wrestlers on the mat," added Hipps. Preschool Wrestling Rankings The complete rankings (Top 25) will be available with InterMat's Platinum subscription beginning on May 1. 5-Year-Olds: 1. Owen Harala (Sunny Hollow Montessori, MN) 2. Jonathan Andrews (Haering Court Kids, TN) 3. Matthew Peters (Solon Pre-K, IA) 4. Joshua Beilke (Bellevue Montessori East, WA) 5. Arthur Stearns (Henderson Pre-K, NV) 4-Year-Olds: 1. John Isabella (Newark Little Tikes, NJ) 2. Tim Grathwol (Fargo West KinderCare, ND) 3. Dave Duce (Evansville Bright Bearings, IN) 4. Gavin Kukowski (Green Bay Pre-K, WI) 5. Danny Zillmer (Enid Pre-K, OK 3-Year-Olds: 1. Walter Schultz (International Falls Montessori, MN) 2. Peter Orr (New York SOAR, NY) 3. Tommy Tadros (Arlington Park Kids, IL) 4. Steven Sutherland (Story City Beginnings, IA) 5. Thomas Petit (Detroit Honey Pot, MI)

WATERLOO -- Two special awards will be presented at the 2010 Glen Brand Wrestling Hall of Fame of Iowa inductions on Saturday, April 17. Norman Borlaug and Russ Smith will be recognized posthumously at the event scheduled for 1 p.m. at the Dan Gable International Wrestling Institute and Museum. Norman Borlaug will be recognized for his tremendous contributions to humanity. Borlaug passed away on September 12, 2009. It is estimated that Borlaug saved over a billion lives through his agricultural production techniques. He is also one of six people to win the Nobel Peace Prize, the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal. Borlaug was born and raised in Cresco, Iowa, placing second at the state wrestling tournament in 1932. He also wrestled at the University of Minnesota, lettering from 1935 through 1937. A special award recognizing Borlaug’s contributions will be presented to Don Gooder. Gooder, the last living founder of the Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame in Cresco, will accept on behalf of Cresco. “(Borlaug) is in a select wrestling group from Cresco,” said Gooder. “His greatest impact to wrestling is his example.” Russ Smith will be honored for his contributions to wrestling through writing, and for his commitment to advancing the sport within his community. Smith passed away on Feb. 25, 2009. Smith is best-known for his 47-year career at the Waterloo Courier, including 34 years as the newspaper’s sports editor. He began work for the Courier in 1942, and in 1974 he authored a book on Dan Gable called “The Legend of Dan Gable: The Wrestler.” As sports editor Smith gave wrestling top billing, providing it front page sports coverage. He also served as the longtime moderator for the local “Sports of Sorts Club,” featuring national and local sports figures. “Russ did things for wrestling that nobody else was doing at the time,” said Kevin Evans, sports editor at the Courier for 15 years immediately following Smith. “The kind of coverage he gave the state tournament and national tournament was unparalleled.” The first Russ Smith Community Impact Award will be presented to members of Smith’s family. The award will be given in subsequent years to a person demonstrating exceptional local impact on wrestling. Schedule of Events April 17 Saturday, April 17: Tolly Thompson Kids Clinic, 11 a.m. This free youth clinic is open to wrestlers ages 5-18. For more information or to sign up, contact Kent Sesker at (319) 233-0745 or kent@wrestlingmuseum.org. Special awards and inductions into Glen Brand Wrestling Hall of Fame of Iowa, 1 p.m.

This week the mobile Brute adidas studios of Takedown Wrestling Media will be live from Kansas City, Missouri's Municipal Auditorium for the 2010 Brute adidas Nationals. We go to air at 9 a.m. and will talk with some of the kids, coaches and special guests. Olympic gold medalist Henry Cejudo is scheduled to attend to meet all the kids. Should be a really fun weekend of great folkstyle wrestling action. Wrestling fans: Please note that Episode 51 of TDR TV is now available on all the top web sites and cable systems around the country. TDR every week! It's appointment Radio and TV! Join us at Takedownradio.com. America's Wrestling Radio Talk Show airs on Supertalk 1570 in Michigan, AM 1460 KXNO in Iowa and on a radio station near you or on line at many of our broadcast partners around the world including Livesportsvideo.com. TDR "the Radio Program" airs 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. CST every Saturday morning we look forward to having you listen. Thanks for watching and listening!

Mike Kirk

Shane Valko