InterMat Staff

Cody Sanderson

Steve Fraser

J Jaggers

On August 14, we lost Eugene native Kenny Cox at the age of 31. Camping in remote areas of Kauai, Kenny had been drinking straight from the cold jungle streams and living off what he could gather with his hands. His immune system failed, and he died of acute hemorrhagic pneumonia and sepsis on the long route to the hospital, the car too slow to cross the treacherous 40 miles of Kauai's rugged backcountry. His journey there, into the deep jungle, was long and complex, yet Kenny had few regrets. That was how he chose to live. Kenny CoxMuch must be said about his extraordinary wrestling career: a three-time state champion, a five-time Junior Nationals champion, the nation's top prep wrestler as a senior in high school. Ron Bellamy correctly called Cox "the best wrestler ever to come out of a Eugene high school," but he could as well have said an Oregon high school, or an American high school. As a prep athlete, Kenny Cox may have been the greatest wrestler ever to set foot on a mat. I would know: I was a wrestler two years younger, and every Tuesday and Thursday I wrestled him for two hours in the Oregon wrestling room, a place (and a program) that no longer exists. He was short and powerful and impossibly strong for a lightweight, shirt tucked tight, his shock of blonde hair jutting from that blue Churchill headgear. What distinguished Kenny as an athlete was not his appearance or his natural skills; Kenny was beyond in attitude. He embodied the essence of a sport where there are no sticks or balls or hoops, nothing but an opponent to overcome through skill and force of will. He never let up, left nothing behind in every moment he wrestled. If he ever went out of bounds or came to the edge of the mat, he sprinted back to the center. In three years, I never once took him down -- and he never once condescended to me by letting me. Years later, when I was on Christmas break from Stanford, I drove an hour and a half to McKenzie High School and worked out with him and the team he coached there. His team was young and spirited, gave their all showing off for a visitor there in the dim, dusty loft above the basketball gym. Some were barefoot because, as Kenny explained, they were still new to the sport and couldn't easily afford wrestling shoes. At the end of practice, the two of us squared off in front of his team. I was in peak condition then, and Kenny was out of formal competition, and I thought that maybe, finally, I'd get him. I was mistaken. Kenny's raw ability was undiminished -- indeed, only the year before he'd won another national championship in Greco-Roman. It was all I could do to avoid massacre ... I danced and danced away. Kenny Cox at the beachLong after the disappointment of both our collegiate careers, I coached with Kenny at my old alma mater, South Eugene, where he was head coach for two years. Kenny had changed, seeking a post-wrestling identity. He had grown his hair to a great golden mane and taken up reading, bought a house he fixed up and rented out, sleeping in a teepee in the garden. As a coach, he tried to do something new: to teach those kids the essence of the sport without concern for wins or losses, to realize all that was good about wrestling that he felt he'd lost. All that he asked of his kids was to give their all, to go without fear or restraint. He would not let the kids engage in extreme weight loss practices. He bought into none of the strategy and cheapness that so often accompanies the need to win. He brought in coaches who understood that ideal: a philosopher named Andre, a former Oregon wrestling standout named Brian Watson whom the kids nicknamed "Jesus" for the soundness of his advice and his long blonde beard, and former South Eugene state champion Gabe Hamel. Kenny Cox with young childEach day, Kenny and Gabe and I would square off at the end of practice and wrestle with the kids, would push until all that existed was the move and counter and counter to that. It was enough for me. It wasn't enough for Kenny. That spring, he left the coaching to Gabe Hamel, rented his house out to folks who'd keep up the garden and started the Pacific Coast Trail in Washington. A year later, walking downtown, someone called my name. I didn't recognize the fellow who confronted me. His clothes were holed and faded, and his blue eyes glittered from behind a beard that hung to his collar and met his tangled halo of hair. His arms and hands were tanned brown, as were his bare feet. It took me a long time to realize it was Kenny. When we embraced, I felt how slight he'd become, this man who was once solid with muscle. I asked him how the Pacific Crest Trail had been. "Great," he said. "Pretty easy. But then I kept going in Mexico and got robbed." He explained how after those thousands of miles on foot, after all that country, he hadn't been ready to stop, hadn't known how to. He'd kept walking the coast, on roads, trails, along the playa whenever possible. Then, in little fishing town one night, he was held up at gunpoint and had everything stolen -- his cards and ID, his money, his gear, everything but his shoes. He'd thought about quitting, but didn't. He felt relieved that the last of what he had was gone. He took off his shoes and kept walking, dove in Dumpsters in tourist areas, begged pesos, picked up occasional work on fishing docks and construction sites. He made it all the way down the Baja Archipelago, over the red dirt and yellow sand, reached the end of that land and stood looking into the broadness of the ocean and wished he could keep going. But there was nowhere else to go, so he turned back. It had taken him a long time to return, a lot of strange towns and strange jobs, a lot of good and bad people and lean, lean living. "What were you trying to get to?" I asked. Kenny Cox (far left) with friendsHe thought for a while, shook his head. "I don't know. Just -- something." It was that elusive something Kenny was still seeking in the remote Kalalau valley. He gathered fruit and edible plants, even ate grass once his canned food was gone, and slept on the ground, sometimes in tent and often under the stars. On a page devoted to memories of Kenny, David Watson (Brian's brother) said of Kenny that "he was hungry for Eden. While the rest of us can justify our place in ... (this) life, Kenny could not." It would demean his memory to suggest that Kenny was seeking death. His death was an accident. Kenny wanted to share what he'd found there on Kauai, or he wouldn't have used the last of what he had, money the sale of his house, to have his parents and friends come visit him. What Kenny was seeking was meaning -- a way to live. In his devotion to the search, he never lost integrity. That is a rare quality in this world. Kenny lived fully. He went purely. This essay was first published in the Eugene Weekly. InterMat was granted permission by the Eugene Weekly and Michael Copperman to republish the essay. Michael Copperman is a freelance nonfiction writer. His last essay for EW was on the UO cutting its men's wrestling program, which had generated Olympic contenders. This essay was written at the request of Kenny Cox's father, George Cox. To learn more about Kenny Cox, visit his blog.

As the wrestling season's start is fast approaching, InterMat will be taking fans across the United States of America on a tour of scholastic wrestling. Between now until the middle of November, InterMat will introduce you to the top senior wrestlers in the 49 states with scholastic wrestling. From Alaska to Florida, and from Maine to California, you will gain exposure to the potential stars of future NCAA Championships. Did you miss a Wrestling 49 article? Check out the archives. The 2009-2010 wrestling season will be a rebuilding year for some of Washington’s top high school programs. At the 4A level, Lake Stevens has won the last three state championships. This year they return one champion (Josh Heinzer), and three placewinners, but will face tough competition coming from Tahoma, University (Spokane), Kelso, and Auburn. In 3A, returning champion Enumclaw brings back three placewinners from last year’s Mat Classic. They will be challenged by Yelm, who returns seven placewinners for this season, mostly in the lighter weights, Bonney Lake, East Valley (Spokane), and Auburn Mountainview. In 2A, Deer Park is projected to again take the top podium spot in the team competition. In the 1A division, Orting only lost 1 of its 11 state placewinners and should easily repeat as state champion. Washington is also supplying some great wrestlers to the college recruiting pool. Ranked nationally as the No. 1 152-pound wrestler, Sedro-Woolley’s Derek Garcia may be as good a wrestler as the state has ever produced. Taylor Meeks of Orting is the No. 54-ranked wrestler in the country by InterMat. Efrain Aguilar is the No. 85-ranked grappler out of Graham-Kapowsin. Although a few select teams travel outside of our region to seek out national competition, the biggest gauge of our area’s talent will be seen once again this year at the Tri-State Classic taking place in Coeur d’Alene the third weekend of December, and the Pac Coast Championship held in Vancouver, WA the first weekend of January. Below is a look at the top 10 high school senior recruits from Washington’s Class of 2010. 1. Derek Garcia School: Sedro-Woolley 09-10 Projected High School Weight Class: 160 Projected College Weight Class: 149/157 Derek Garcia won a Junior Nationals freestyle title in Fargo this past summer at 152 pounds (Photo/Dave Jedlicka/jedicheetah.com)Scouting Report: Garcia is coming off an unusual high school junior year. He fulfilled his academic requirements for graduation from his high school last winter and has been taking college classes online for some time. After winning a third high school championship in February, Garcia became a resident of the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. Coached by Bill Zadick, Garcia returned to the top step in Fargo, garnering a Junior National freestyle Championship at 152 pounds. Garcia zipped through the field without a significant challenge. He added that stop sign to a previous Cadet Nationals championship in 2007, along with two other All-American performances in 2007 and 2008. Garcia will wrestle this season for a fourth Washington championship ... joining only five others that have accomplished the feat. He recently committed to The Ohio State University, where he will join Logan Stieber, this year's No. 1-ranked recruit, wrestling for Buckeye coach Tom Ryan. 2. Taylor Meeks Taylor Meeks is Washington's top upper weight senior recruit this year (Photo/Dave Jedlicka/jedicheetah.com)School: Orting 09-10 Projected High School Weight Class: 189 Projected College Weight Class: 184/197 Scouting Report: Taylor is the best of the upper weight seniors coming out of Washington this year. He is a former Cadet All-American, finishing fourth at Cadet Nationals in freestyle. He was third in state as a freshman, and has won the championship the last two years. He finished third at the NHSCA Junior Nationals, losing 4-3 to No. 1-ranked Tyler Beckwith of New York and beat No. 3-ranked Tyler Lehman of Minnesota. He was fifth at the Western Regionals in 2008. He is also Tri-State champion. He carries an overall record of 110-5, including 72-1 over the last two years. Meeks has already given a verbal commitment to Oregon State. Efrain Aguilar has gone 83-1 over the past two seasons (Photo/Dave Jedlicka/jedicheetah.com)3. Efrain Aguilar School: Graham-Kapowsin 09-10 Projected High School Weight Class: 125 Projected College Weight Class: 125 Scouting Report: Aguilar is a two-time regional champ, two-time Pac Cost champ, and two-time 4A state champ. His combined record for his sophomore and junior years was 83-1. Aguilar wrestles for a high school that starts at the 10th grade level, so he was not eligible to wrestle during his freshman year. Aguilar has been a Cadet All-American four times, including a third, fifth, eighth and second ... losing to Alan Waters of Missouri in the finals in Greco-Roman in 2007. Nicknamed "El Gato," Aguilar is quick and has excellent technical skills in all styles. For college, he is considering Arizona State, Penn State, Oklahoma, and Iowa. Nick Bayer has a career record of 99-14 (Photo/Dave Jedlicka/jedicheetah.com)4. Nick Bayer School: Tahoma 09-10 Projected High School Weight Class: 171 Projected College Weight Class: 174 Scouting Report: Bayer carries a 3.367 grade point average and is a two-time state champion. He is also Pac Coast champion and two-time placewinner at Tri-State. His combined high school record is 99-14. He is looking at Boise State and Wyoming for college. Josh Heinzer is a two-time state champion, winning titles at 103 pounds and 112 pounds (Photo/Dave Jedlicka/jedicheetah.com)5. Josh Heinzer School: Lake Stevens 09-10 Projected High School Weight Class: 119 Projected College Weight Class: 125 Scouting Report: Heinzer is a two-time state champion, winning titles at 103 and 112. During his freshman year, two of his teammates finished first and second in the state at 103, keeping him out of the competition. He is a two-time Tri-State placewinner, including a first in 2008. He was second at the El Cajon Invitational in 2008. 6. Jacob Trotter Jacob Trotter is a looking for a Division I program where he can utilize his academic standing (Photo/Dave Jedlicka/jedicheetah.com)School: Mead 09-10 Projected High School Weight Class: 215 Projected College Weight Class: 197 Scouting Report: Trotter, who carries a 4.0 grade point average, was the 2009 215-pound state champion in folkstyle, freestyle, and Greco-Roman. Took third at Tri-State. Had a record of 41-4 as a junior. Was a freestyle state championship as a cadet. He went 10-2 at the Junior Duals. He is fulfilling Eagle Scout requirements and will have award in November. He is also captain of the varsity football team and was voted best defensive player as a junior. He is a looking for a Division I program where he can utilize his academic standing. 7. Garrett Mann Garrett Mann is a two-time state champion (Photo/Dave Jedlicka/jedicheetah.com)School: Orting 09-10 Projected High School Weight Class: 135/140 Projected College Weight Class: 133/141 Scouting Report: Mann is a two-time state champion. As a freshman, Mann won the state title at 103. As a sophomore, he placed third at 119. He added his second state title last season at 130. He was also a cadet state freestyle champion in 2008. He is looking at South Dakota State, Great Falls, and Cal State Bakersfield, but is very interested in the U.S. Air Force Academy. 8. Tyler Lamb Tyler Lamb is a three-time state placewinner (Photo/Dave Jedlicka/jedicheetah.com)School: Tahoma 09-10 Projected High School Weight Class: 140/145 Projected College Weight Class: 141/149 Scouting Report: Lamb, who carries a 3.369 grade point average, is a three-time state placewinner. He was second in state at 135 pounds last season. He won titles at Pac Coast, Spud Walley, Tahoma Mat Classic, and Matman. He was also a Tri-State finalist. He is looking at Cal State Bakersfield, Boise State, and Wyoming. 9. Ryan Zumwalt Ryan Zumwalt finished second in the state last season at 145 pounds (Photo/Dave Jedlicka/jedicheetah.com)School: University 09-10 Projected High School Weight Class: 145/152 Projected College Weight Class: 149 Scouting Report: Zumwalt was sixth in state as freshman at 130, fifth in state as sophomore at 140, and second as a junior at 145. He won titles at the Pacific Open, Rocky Mountain, and Pacific Northwest. He is a three-time regional finalist and one-time time regional champ. He is a two-time Greco-Roman state runner-up and placed fourth at the Northwest Regionals. He is looking at Cal Poly and Cal State Bakersfield. 10. Drew Acorn Drew Acorn is a two-time state champion (Photo/Dave Jedlicka/jedicheetah.com)School: Deer Park 09-10 Projected High School Weight Class: 125 Projected College Weight Class: 125 Scouting Report: Acorn was a state champion at 119 in 2009, state champion at 103 in 2008, and placed third at 103 in 2007. He was second at the Rocky Mountain Rumble as a sophomore. He is also a Tri-State and Pac Coast placewinner. Honorable Mention: Jacob Mason (University) Chris Tripplet (East Valley) Konner Knudtsen (Tahoma) Mitchell Steed (Emerald Ridge) Ryn Rollins (Republic) Tyler Metcalf (Graham-Kapowsin) Micah Morrill (Snohomish) Nathan Brown (North Central) Branden Yeik (Olympic) Alec Bird (Everett) Blake Adams (Deer Park) Quinn Gannon (West Valley) Jeremy Holdaas (Blaine) Sam Chapman (Vashon) Tyler King (Auburn Mountainview) Marques Ford (River Ridge)

MINNEAPOLIS -- The Augsburg College wrestling program is celebrating "Six Decades of Dominance" in the 2009-10 season, and will have a special alumni, family and friends celebration weekend on Friday, Jan. 22, 2010 (PLEASE NOTE DATE CHANGE) at the Kennedy Center, prior to Augsburg's home dual meet with the University of Nebraska-Omaha at Si Melby Hall. The Auggie wrestling tradition started in 1949, and over the past 60 years, the Auggies have become one of the most dominant programs in the country in small-college wrestling, with both athletic and academic excellence as the program's hallmarks. Alumni, family and friends are invited to return to Augsburg on Jan. 22 for a special celebration of 60 years of Augsburg wrestling history. Check-in begins at 4:30 p.m. at the Kennedy Center, with a social, heavy hors d' oeuvres and program at 5 p.m. Celebration attendees receive complimentary admission to the 7 p.m. dual meet between Augsburg and Nebraska-Omaha. A post-meet social will follow at Sgt. Preston's (in the Seven Corners area of Minneapolis) at 9 p.m. If you are interested in attending, fill out the updated RSVP form (available at http://athletics.augsburg.edu/news/2009/9/17/wres091709a.aspx?path=wrestling ) and return it by Dec. 31 to head coach Mark Matzek at matzek@augsburg.edu. For more information on the wrestling weekend, contact Mark Matzek at 612-330-1116 or matzek@augsburg.edu.

The Brute Adidas studios will be lively again this week with the best in sports talk radio, Wrestling Talk! Join Scott Casber, Steve Foster, Chris Arns, James Moncherry, and Randy Crimmins for the best two hours on radio Saturdays at 9 a.m. CST at Takedownradio.com. Our Guests this week include: 9:05: Matt Valenti - Assistant coach at University of Pennsylvania 9:20: Jay Weiss - Head coach of Harvard 9:40: Andrew Hipps - Owner, senior writer, and webmaster of InterMat (Intermatwrestle.com) 10:05: Mike Moyer - Executive Director of the NWCA 10:20: Greg Randall - Head coach of Boise State 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 25 of TDR TV is now up on all the top web sites around the country and is available for your viewing. Please join us for the show that started it all, Takedownradio.com. America's Wrestling Radio Talk Show is 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 Takedownradio.com. We air 9 AM to 11 AM CST every Saturday morning and look forward to having you listen in.

Kansas City, MO -- Joe Boardwine has been named the National Director of FCA Wrestling. Boardwine has been involved in wrestling for more than 28 years as a competitor, coach and administrator. He will serve as the full-time professional administrator for the newly formed FCA Wrestling, which is a part of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). FCA Wrestling became the eighth national sports ministry for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Each of these FCA national sports ministries focuses on providing ministry to a community of people who are united around a particular sport by offering opportunities to serve athletes and coaches in that particular sport. “It is an incredible opportunity,” said Boardwine. “When the task force first met, I felt there was a huge need for this in wrestling. I am humbled by the Board asking me to do this. With about 2 million people in the wrestling community, it is a great opportunity for FCA to reach into our sport and highlight the spiritual aspect of it. Nobody is doing this right now, and that is why it is so needed. It is a huge responsibility. I am excited to get involved at the grassroots level and to help build it right from the beginning.” Boardwine, an Aurora, Ohio, native, has been a financial advisor with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney for the past two years as a part of one of Morgan’s most productive wealth management teams in Northeast Ohio. He has continued to serve as a private trainer and part-time wrestling coach, helping motivated wrestlers reach their potential in his community. Boardwine served as the associate executive director of the National High School Coaches Association (NHSCA) for three years, where he was responsible for all the day-to-day operations of the national organization. He was especially involved in the marketing, finance, information and human resources activities of the organization. During his tenure, the NHSCA saw tremendous growth in its programs, sponsorship and revenue. He continues to serve on the Board of Directors of the organization. Previously, Boardwine served as the Ohio State Chairman of the NHSCA for six years, where he developed a number of new initiatives and programs to grow the sport of wrestling in Ohio. “Joe brings incredible wrestling experience and contacts to this newly created position,” FCA President and CEO Les Steckel said. “But more importantly, he brings a passion to infuse young people with the spirit of Christ.” Boardwine began his coaching career at Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy (CVCA) in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. He was named National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) National Assistant Coach of the Year while at CVCA and coached teams with state finishes of fifth, third and second. Boardwine and Head Coach Dave Bergen worked together and developed eight individual state champions, 15 state qualifiers, and eight high school All-Americans in three years. Among the stars he mentored was four-time state champion and eventual two-time World Greco-Roman bronze medalist Harry Lester. Boardwine also served as assistant athletic director, director of physical education and head wrestling coach at University School in Hunting Valley, Ohio. He rebuilt a program that had never made the top 20 in the state into a team that finished seventh and fifth in the state standings. He also coached the school’s first individual state champion. Besides creating champion athletes, a number of wrestlers who Boardwine has coached have been successful wrestling coaches and administrators. Among them are Gettysburg College head wrestling coach Andy Vogel, Columbia assistant athletic director Chris Smolk, and Washington and Jefferson College assistant wrestling coach Jarrad Turner. He attended Kent State University, where he was a four-year starter on the varsity wrestling team, team MVP and Golden Flashes captain for three seasons. Boardwine was a two-time Ohio state champion and high school All-American selection for Streetsboro High School in Northeast Ohio. Boardwine got his start in wrestling at the storied Longwood YMCA program in northeast Ohio. “This is great for wrestling and for Christianity,” Boardwine said of FCA Wrestling. “Wrestlers understand sacrifice, discipline and integrity. Some of the key factors in wrestling are also important to the Christian faith. Wrestling kept me on the right path as a youth. Wrestling guided my life until I was able to establish my faith. It allowed me to avoid the pitfalls out there.” It has been a successful first year for FCA Wrestling. In September 2008, a summit was held and a task force of wrestling leaders formed to discuss the national launch of FCA Wrestling. The task force, chaired by USA Wrestling Executive Director Rich Bender, was asked to recruit a national leadership board to oversee the program. In March 2009, the task force announced the selection of Jeff Pratt of Nashville, Tenn., as the volunteer Leadership Board Chairman for FCA Wrestling. Among his tasks was the completion of the formation of the volunteer Leadership Board. FCA Wrestling has since named the members of its Leadership Board, all who are prominent within wrestling, successful citizens, and have a strong commitment to the mission of FCA Wrestling. Included on the Leadership Board are: • Jeff Pratt, Director of Student Ministry Training for Lifeway Christian Resources • Rich Bender, USA Wrestling Executive Director • Lee Roy Smith, Executive Director of National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum, World freestyle wrestling silver medalist • Brandon Slay, National Freestyle Resident Coach for USA Wrestling, Olympic freestyle wrestling champion, • Tim Johnson, FCA Director Midwest Region, national TV wrestling announcer • Sean McNamara, FCA Vice President of Sport Specific Ministries • Nate Carr, Head Wrestling Instructor for Prodigy Training and Fight Center, Olympic freestyle wrestling bronze medalist • John Peterson, Athletes In Action, Olympic freestyle gold medalist and Olympic freestyle silver medalist • Dan Russell, Senior Pastor at Battleground Four-Square Church, four-time NCAA Division II wrestling champion • Stan Zeamer, President and Owner of Utility / Keystone Trailer and Transport Auctions LLC, high school and college wrestling coach, Olympic Team Leader • Mark Mestemacher, Officer of Ceres Consulting LLC, Edwardsville Wrestling Club coach • Joe Slaughter, President and CEO of Herff Jones The Leadership Board will hold its first full meeting at FCA World Headquarters October 28-29, and will discuss the official launch of the FCA Wrestling program. About FCA The Fellowship of Christian Athletes is touching millions of lives... one heart at a time. Since 1954, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes has been challenging coaches and athletes on the professional, college, high school, junior high and youth levels to use the powerful medium of athletics to impact the world for Jesus Christ. FCA is the largest Christian sports organization in the world. FCA focuses on serving local communities by equipping, empowering and encouraging people to make a difference for Christ.

DAVIDSON, N.C. -- The 2009 Davidson Wrestling Coaches Clinic is slated for Friday, October 9, 2009 at the Baker Sports Complex, the Davidson coaching staff announced Thursday. Head Coach Bob Patnesky will cover all aspects of wrestling including coaching techniques, weight management, strength and conditioning, motivation for players, practice plans and match preparation. Bob Patnesky is in his sixth season as Davidson College’s head wrestling coach and already ranks third in all-time victories at the school. Following the season, Davidson earned a fifth-place team finish in the NWCA All-Academic Team rankings, the top ranking in school history. Patnesky and his crew have also lead three athletes to finish third or higher at the 2008 Southern Conference Championships, and have consistently ranked in the top 20 nationwide for GPA. Patnesky has recently been a featured speaker on the nationwide sports talk program, Takedown Radio. Patnesky was the assistant coach at Ohio University prior to taking the helm at Davidson. Patnesky’s own wrestling career includes being the 2000 Eastern Wrestling League champion, helping his team win the EWL crown and a sixth-place finish in the country. He was also a three time Jr. National All-American, a national finalist, individually ranked among the top 12 wrestlers in the country for three years and finished his college career with more than 100 victories. Finally, he competed for the U.S. on a tour of France and Poland in 1999 and earned NWCA Academic All-American accolades. For more information, or to register for the clinic please go online to http://www.davidsonwrestlingcamp.com. Cost is $45 for those who register online, and $60 for those pay at the door. Patnesky’s website and online registration services are managed by Camp Champs, LLC of Greenville, SC. Camp Champs represents several dozen collegiate coaches at the top levels of all sports, including Bobby Cremins, Sylvia Hatchell, Jay Martin, and Allen Terrell. The company provides these coaches and other camp organizers, including current and former professional athletes, non-profit organizations, and others, with income-enhancement products and services centered around their camp programs. With complete customer service and one-on-one account management of camp sites and business, Camp Champs excels in convenience and responsiveness that allows coaches to market and promote their camps and drive higher revenues. For more information on Bob Patnesky and Davidson College Wrestling camps, please visit http://www.davidsonwrestlingcamp.com. For more information on Camp Champs, please visit http//www.campchamps.net. Camp Champs provides online marketing and camp registration services to collegiate sports coaches and other camp organizers. The company, headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina, provides various services and products to these coaches. For more information on Camp Champs, please contact Shanda Jeffries by phone at (864) 250-9781, or via e-mail at sjeffries@campchamps.net.

Joe Warren

Brian Keck

Clayton Foster

Takedown Radio’s (TDR) newest and most innovative product, TDR TV, has been added to one of combat sports most popular web sites. TDR TV’s 24th episode is the first to appear on xtremecouture.tv, the on-line presence for the Xtreme Couture enterprise, which is owned by MMA and wrestling icon, Randy Couture. Wrestling and MMA fans will enjoy weekly video recaps of America’s wrestling news via the half hour program. The program is made possible in part by Xtreme Couture, where host Scott Casber covers college and international news, with a little MMA sprinkled in as well. TDR TV provides a new and great way to see where MMA’s next big stars are coming from, that being wrestling! Xtreme Couture is a long standing supporter of Takedown Radio. Now, their support extends to include TDR TV, at nearly the same time they launched their own new video programming, a training DVD titled Wrestling for Fighting. In total, the Xtreme Couture enterprise includes training centers, camps, apparel, training videos, and energy drinks. TDR TV joins a wealth of content on the xtremecouture.tv site including blogs, forums, as well as an MMA store. “TDR and Xtreme Couture have been in lock step regarding advancing the opportunities for wrestlers. The addition of our video programming to their web site exemplifies our mutual goals and visions”, stated TDR’s Scott Casber. As another great example of those synergies, Xtreme Couture has added Pan Am Freestyle Champion Brian Keck as its wrestling coach. Keck has also worked closely with TDR over the years, and on many levels. The TDR web site (takedownradio.com) was recently upgraded. In addition to TDR TV, it’s a great place to hear timely audio interviews via live streams, archived episodes, pod casts, and RSS feeds. California's Black Mat MMA site to carry TDR TV Takedown Radio (TDR) is pleased to learn that Black Matt MMA has added their weekly video broadcast (TDR TV) to the non-profit organizations web site (www.blackmatmma.org). Black Mat MMA, based in Whittier, CA is among the first organizations in the country to improve the lives of under privileged and at risk youths and young adults though martial arts training, wrestling and related life enriching activities. Takedown Radio host Scott Casber is included in a list of impressive people related to the martial arts and wrestling that have volunteered their time and talents to Black Mat MMA. Other notables include MMA sensations Georges St. Pierre, Bas Rutten, and Gina Carano. Phillip Koon, President and Founder of Black Mat MMA, described the addition of TDR TV to their web site, stating “TakeDown TV and radio are much the embodiment of the virtues and values these young men and women aspire to. Now, given the visual impact of the medium, the great stories that are told reach these kids on a level they truly understand.” TDR TV provides new half hour programs to blackmatmma.org every week. TDR TV is also carried by a number of top wrestling and MMA websites. Archived episodes of the TV program, as well as a full compliment of audio programming can be accessed at www.takedownradio.com.

EASTON, PA -- The National High School Coaches Association and the Pennsylvania Army National Guard will hold a free wrestling coaches clinic, October 3rd and 4th, in Indiantown Gap, PA. Ohio State University Head Wrestling Coach, Tom Ryan, will be this year’s featured clinician. This past March, Tom Ryan’s Buckeyes finished 2nd at the NCAA Division I National Championships, their highest finish in their history. In three years, under Ryan’s leadership, the Buckeye’s have produced 12 NCAA All-Americans and three National Championships. “I am excited and looking forward to working with the NHSCA and how they set standards for leadership. I am also very pleased to work with the coaches from Pennsylvania and aware of how the state produces some of the best wrestlers in the country,” Tom Ryan said. For more information regarding the clinic, or to register a spot at the clinic please contact Steve Powell, Head Wrestling Coach of Easton Area High School via E-Mail powells@eastonsd.org. Space is limited. About 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.

Paul Bradley (12-1) showcased his impressive stand up and well rounded fight game this past Friday night at the Strikeforce Challenger Fights in Tulsa, Oklahoma by dominating Levi Avera (12-5). Bradley, who improved his record to 12-1, won by a unanimous decision over Avera with all three judges scoring the fight 30-27. "I was pleased with the win Friday night and felt like I was able to dominate the fight no matter where it went," said Bradley. "I am going to go back to the gym Monday and continue training full time to move closer to a Strikeforce title. Fighting in a great organization like Strikeforce was awesome and it feels great to be a part of such an impressive fight league. I am looking forward to fighting for them as soon as possible."

Ryan Churella

Matt Valenti

Shawn Charles

Dennis Hastert

As the wrestling season's start is fast approaching, InterMat will be taking fans across the United States of America on a tour of scholastic wrestling. Between now until the middle of November, InterMat will introduce you to the top senior wrestlers in the 49 states with scholastic wrestling. From Alaska to Florida, and from Maine to California, you will gain exposure to the potential stars of future NCAA Championships. Did you miss a Wrestling 49 article? Check out the archives. The Illinois 2010 class has plenty left to prove before the next level begins. At first glance the 2010 class is not an imposing group, especially considering the classes that preceded them. Since the Class of 2005, Illinois wrestling seniors have stepped up their game each year and produced some of the top wrestling classes in the country. The Class of 2010 features its own share of All-Americans and state champions that want to make their mark as well. Led by Lee Munster and Nick Dardanes, the top seniors in Illinois boast six current or former high school All-Americans in the top 10. In addition, the 2010 class returns three state champions and three runner-ups. While the Class of 2010 may not be as deep as past years, there are plenty of talented wrestlers who have unfinished business to take care of before heading off to college. 1. Lee Munster School: Fox Lake Grant 09-10 Projected High School Weight Class: 189 Projected College Weight Class: 184 Scouting Report: Munster entered the Illinois high school scene in 2006-07 under a lot of hype and fanfare. The quiet and unassuming Munster has not failed to deliver as is evident by his 120-6 career record. He is a returning state champ and the only multiple-time champ ... also with a title at 119 pounds as a freshman. Munster completed his junior season with a sparkling 47-0 record and the title at 171. Lee MunsterA solid freestyler, Munster is a two-time Illinois freestyle state champion and three-time All American. The Illinois champion finished second at the Asics Junior Nationals at 171 pounds this summer. Munster has been part of the Illinois State Freestyle Team competing at the junior level since his freshman year and was able to contribute to the state's unprecedented historic run of three consecutive National Dual team titles. Munster set the all-time Grant High School record for number of pins in a single season his junior year. He was the high school team Co-MVP and was selected as the Outstanding Wrestler in every tournament he competed in 2009. A seven-time National Judo champion and a six-time International Judo champion as rated by the United Stated Judo Association, Munster has shown future Olympic potential. Munster is ranked as the No. 8 recruit in the country by InterMat. Academically, he has been recognized as an All-Academic athlete each season. Combine solid academics with rock solid wrestling skills and Munster has college champion potential. Munster verbally committed to Northwestern University during his junior season and will sign during the November early signing period. 2. Nick Dardanes School: Oak Park-River Forest 09-10 Projected High School Weight Class: 140 Projected College Weight Class: 133 Nick DardanesScouting Report: Dardanes and his twin brother, Chris, transferred to Oak Park-River Forest following their sophomore season. Dardanes parlayed that into an individual championship for himself while leading the Huskies to Illinois (AAA) big school team title along with his brother. The 2009 returning state champion and Asics Junior Nationals finalist, Dardanes is ranked No. 20 nationally by InterMat. A very physical wrestler Dardanes, a two-time All-American, combines strength, speed and technique into a very dominating style of wrestling. Dardanes is considering Nebraska, Minnesota, Iowa and Missouri. 3. Keith Surber School: O'Fallon 09-10 Projected High School Weight Class: 135 Projected College Weight Class: 133 Keith SurberScouting Report: Surber, a two-time All American is a hard-working, quick learner, who always looks for a way to get better. A proven winner on the folkstyle national level, the NHSCA National finalist in 2008 is ranked as the No. 98 recruit in the country by InterMat. In addition, he is one of two returning three-time All State wrestlers, the only one in AAA. Surber, who has 140 career wins, is always looking to wrestle the best competition in tough matches and brackets. His 32 on the ACT indicates that he takes his academics seriously. Surber is looking at Arizona State, Nebraska, Northwestern, U.S. Naval Academy, and Oklahoma. 4. Nick Proctor School: Neuqua Valley 09-10 Projected High School Weight Class: 160 Projected College Weight Class: 165 Nick ProctorScouting Report: Proctor, who is ranked as the No. 67 recruit in the country by InterMat, uses an aggressive offensive style, mixing single and double leg attacks. Proctor would prefer a tech fall over a pin. Proctor is a two-time All-State middleweight who has also garnered All American honors three times, including a runner-up finish in 2009 (160). He was a FILA Cadet finalist in 2009 as well. A diversified wrestler, Proctor is a B student with a 25 ACT and NCAA Division I skills. Proctor is considering Michigan State, Old Dominion, Missouri, Nebraska, and Illinois. 5. Chris Dardanes School: Oak Park-River Forest 09-10 Projected High School Weight Class: 135 Projected College Weight Class: 133 Scouting Report: Transferring with his brother from Fenwick, Dardanes helped lead the Huskies to their first AAA state title in 2009. Dardanes loves the pressure of the big matches. Chris DardanesA three-time All-State wrestler, Dardanes has done well on the national mat, reaching the FILA Cadet finals in 2008 and becoming an Asics All American in 2009. He has the heavy hands of a brawler that all coaches seek. His style of wrestling is reminiscent of the 'Iowa Style.' Dardanes is very focused on wrestling and is a tireless worker, constantly improving with a tremendous upside. Dardanes is considering Nebraska, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, and Illinois. 6. Jake Miller School: Murphysboro 09-10 Projected High School Weight Class: 145 Projected College Weight Class: 141/149 Scouting Report: Miller won the state title in Class A as a freshman at 103 pounds. The lone Class A (small school) representative in the top 10, Miller is as solid as his big school peers. He is very good on his feet and his single leg attack is virtually unstoppable. Jake MillerAlong with Surber, Miller returns seeking his fourth All State medal while entering his senior year with a sparkling 118-4 record. Mill also carries a solid 3.94 grade point average, is ranked 15th in his class, and has a NCAA Division I qualifying ACT score as well. Miller is looking at Southern Illinois-Edwardsville, Cornell, and Wyoming. 7. Matt Dwyer School: Hononegah 09-10 Projected High School Weight Class: 189 Projected College Weight Class: 184/197 Matt DwyerScouting Report: Dwyer, a two-time All-State wrestler with a sparkling 139-19 record, is currently in transition as he competes for that state title one more time in 2010. A counter wrestler, Dwyer is becoming more of an attack wrestler with some grind and pounding mixed in. His two older brothers, Stephen and David, are successful collegiate wrestlers. Stephen is a Division I All-American at Nebraska, while David was an NJCAA All-American at Lincoln College who has transferred to McKendree. Dwyer's drive and determination are what will make him a collegiate wrestler. Dwyer is deciding between Nebraska and Northern Illinois. 8. Zach Smith School: Boyland 09-10 Projected High School Weight Class: 215 Projected College Weight Class: 197 Zach SmithScouting Report: Using an aggressive style, Smith (106-12) likes to wrestle on his feet and get as many takedowns as possible. A constant well set up attack has become extremely efficient for Smith en-route to the 2009 state title. He is seldom out of position and this sound position enables him to neutralize a wide variety of opponents and set his attacks from a variety of situations. He is considering Illinois State, Western Illinois, Eastern Illinois, and North Dakota State for football, but is open to wrestling in college. 9. Sterling Hecox School: Harlem 09-10 Projected High School Weight Class: 215 Projected College Weight Class: 197 Sterling HecoxScouting Report: Much like Munster, Hecox entered high school with lots of predictions of greatness. His 117-17 record indicates that he is one of the best as does his qualifying for state three times. In 2009, Hecox reached the podium for his first All State accolades. Hecox uses a Greco-based upper body style. Often his unorthodox but very technical attack poses many problems for the competition. The 26 ACT and 4.27/4.0 grade point average assure that there will be no classroom issues with Hecox. With plans to be a pharmacist, Hecox has the grades. Hecox is looking at Northern Illinois, Northwestern, Illinois, Iowa, Princeton, Brown, and Harvard. 10. Colton Rasche School: Montini Catholic 09-10 Projected High School Weight Class: 135 Projected College Weight Class: 133 Scouting Report: The state runner-up at 130, Rasche features a lot of offensive takedowns and an attack style of wrestling. Typical of his Montini teammates' all-out style, he would prefer a tech fall to a pin. Well versed in freestyle as well, Rasche followed up his 2009 FILA Cadet All-American status by becoming an Asics USA All-American in 2009. Colton RascheRasch, a three-time All-Stater, is a hard worker in the practice room, willing to help anyone while pushing himself to the limit to be a champion. Rasche is considering the U.S. Naval Academy and the U.S. Air Force Academy having secured the necessary Congressional recommendation.

Richard Starks

As the wrestling season's start is fast approaching, InterMat will be taking fans across the United States of America on a tour of scholastic wrestling. Between now until the middle of November, InterMat will introduce you to the top senior wrestlers in the 49 states with scholastic wrestling. From Alaska to Florida, and from Maine to California, you will gain exposure to the potential stars of future NCAA Championships. Did you miss a Wrestling 49 article? Check out the archives. Below is a look at the top 10 high school senior recruits from Nevada's Class of 2010. Steven Hernandez (Photo/Tech-Fall.com)1. Steven Hernandez School: Bishop Gorman 09-10 Projected High School Weight Class: 152 Projected College Weight Class: 157 Scouting Report: Hernandez was an NHSCA Sophomore and Junior Nationals champion. He was also a Fargo All-American in both freestyle and Greco-Roman. 2. Johnny Field School: Bishop Gorman 09-10 Projected High School Weight Class: 171 Projected College Weight Class: 174 Scouting Report: Field was the 4A state champion and finished fourth at the Reno Tournament of Champions. The only problem is that Field is also a very good baseball player, so there is no telling what he will do in college. 3. Nick Wooden School: Spring Creek 09-10 Projected High School Weight Class: 145 Projected College Weight Class: 144 Scouting Report: Wooden is a three-time state champion and winner of the Sierra Nevada Classic. His only two losses last year came at the Reno Tournament of Champions, where he placed seventh. 4. Jordan Cronin School: Incline 09-10 Projected High School Weight Class: 285 Projected College Weight Class: 285 Scouting Report: Cronin is a three-time state champion and placed fourth at the Reno Tournament of Champions, where he lost to Brian Soloman of El Reno twice. Cronin has not lost to a wrestler from Nevada since he was a freshman. 5. Allen Haines School: Boulder City 09-10 Projected High School Weight Class: 135 Projected College Weight Class: 144 Scouting Report: Haines is the defending 3A state champion and placed third in the Las Vegas Holiday Classic. 6. Skyler Bleck School: Lowry 09-10 Projected High School Weight Class: 152 Projected College Weight Class: 157 Scouting Report: Bleck is a two-time defending 3A state champion looking to win his third. 7. Kasey Jones School: Battle Mountain High School 09-10 Projected High School Weight Class: 152 Projected College Weight Class: 157 Scouting Report: Jones is a two-time defending A/2A state champion. 8. Aaron Garcia School: Cimarron-Memorial High School 09-10 Projected High School Weight Class: 189 Projected College Weight Class: 184 Scouting Report: Garcia was third in the 4A State Championships. He also finished second in the El Cajon Invitational and second in the Las Vegas Holiday Classic. Garcia is also a very good football player. 9. Clayton Souza School: Eureka High School 09-10 Projected High School Weight Class: 189 Projected College Weight Class: 197 Scouting Report: Souza is the A/2A defending state champion. He is also a very accomplished football player. 10. Cody Serfoss School: Tonopah High School 09-10 Projected High School Weight Class: 152 Projected College Weight Class: 157 Scouting Report: Serfoss is the defending A/2A state champion. He was third the year before. He is also a very good baseball pitcher.

11,270 new cases of cervical cancer will be diagnosed in the United States in 2009, according to the American Cancer Society. Augustin A. Garcia, MD, an Associate Professor of Medicine at the University Of Southern California Keck School Of Medicine said, “Cervical Cancer is the second most common malignancy in women worldwide, and it remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths for women in developing countries.” Cervical Cancer is a very serious disease that should not be over looked. It can be diagnosed to anyone. University of the Cumberlands alumni Becky D’Ambrosia is a victim fighting for her life against cervical cancer. Her young life has been altered by this merciless disease. From Defiance, Ohio, D’Ambrosia was a female wrestler. She showed true promise when she won the United States Girls Wrestling Association (USGWA) National Tournament in high school and decided to further her career at the University of the Cumberlands in 2001. She was graduated in 2005 with a major in Psychology. Kip Flanik, Cumberlands head women’s wrestling coach said, “Becky is a great person and a wrestler that I could always count on. Everyone on the team loved her and knew they could go to her with any problems.” After D’Ambrosia graduated from UC she moved to Phoenix, Arizona to begin work on her master’s degree. Her life was set. She was happy with her fiancé, that she just married recently, and was starting a new life. In March of 2009, D’Ambrosia was diagnosed with cervical cancer. In April she had surgery, but the ruthless cancer had already spread to her abdominal cavity. Sadly, last month, August, the doctors gave D’Ambrosia only six months to live. “I have strong faith and that has carried me through the tough days. I know I will be okay regardless of what happens,” D’Ambrosia said to Jack Palmer of the Crescent News in a phone interview. D’ Ambrosia’s tragic situation really took the people who cared for her by surprise. “I was heart-broken when I found out. She is such a great person,” said Flanik. Past team mates of D’ Ambrosia’s also stated grief to her situation. Toccara Montgomery, an alumnus of UC and former teammate of Becky’s said, “I was in disbelief that someone my age and that I was close with could be struck by such a tragic disease.” Alaina Berube, also a UC alumnus and friend of D’ Ambrosia’s said, “I was a year younger than Becky, but we were still close. I was just shocked when I found out. It is really a tragic situation. I never expected it to happen to friends that I knew.” Even though the doctors were not optimistic about Becky’s chances, Flanik described D’ Ambrosia’s attitude as very positive and having a strong relationship with God, when he went to visit her at the Phoenix Baptist Hospital. D’ Ambrosia’s unfortunate story demonstrates how serious and deadly cervical cancer is for women. Dr. Garcia, states that, “Early epidemiology data demonstrated a direct casual relationship between cervical cancer and sexual activity. Major risk factors observed include: sex at a young age, multiple sexual partners, promiscuous male partners, and history of sexually transmitted disease.” Other causes of cervical cancer are weak immune systems, conditions that weaken the immune system like HIV/AIDS, smoking, and using oral contraceptives for more than ten years. The best way to avoid this nasty disease is prevention. According to TheHPVTest.com, women should get regular Pap testing to catch the cervical cancer before it spreads. Also it is very smart to get the HPV test and the new HPV vaccine. Cervical cancer is only found in women according to Dr. Garcia, so all women should become knowledgeable about this killer disease. Taking care of the body with regular checkups is the best way to prevent the disease. It may be too late to reverse the course of action of cervical cancer in Becky, but it is not too late to help educate young women across the world about the devastation that can be caused by such an evil disease. Educate and protect yourself. For more information visit www.webmd.com.

Sean BoylanSean Boylan of St. Mark's High School in Delaware has given a verbal commitment to Bloomsburg. Boylan is a two-time Delaware state champion. Last season, Boylan posted a 42-3 record en route to winning the state title at 112 pounds. Over the course of his career, Boylan has been a Super 32 Challenge champion, Beast of the East champion and three-time placewinner, FILA Cadet Nationals champion, and Junior Nationals All-American in freestyle. He has 126 career wins. Boylan, who is projects at 125 pounds in college, also took unofficial visits to Penn State, Lehigh, Old Dominion, and Rutgers before deciding on Bloomsburg. "On my visit to Bloomsburg I felt a connection with the coaches and the team," said Boylan. "The campus is awesome. It felt like the right fit for me."

Nick Sulzer and Anthony Salupo have been close friends and training partners for several years. The two high school seniors from St. Edward High School in Lakewood, Ohio decided a while back that they would give their verbal commitments on the same day. Anthony Salupo and Nick SulzerThat day came Saturday. Sulzer gave his verbal commitment to the University of Virginia, while Salupo gave his verbal commitment to Lehigh University. "Nick and I are really close, "said Salupo, who was hanging out with Sulzer on Saturday. "I'm excited because we're not going to be too far away from each other. Lehigh University and the University of Virginia are only a few hours apart. We'll compete in a lot of the same events, so we'll be able to see each other during college." Sulzer, who is ranked as the No. 36 recruit in the country by InterMat, is an NHSCA Junior Nationals champion, Junior Nationals All-American in freestyle, and three-time Ohio state placewinner. He has been a state runner-up twice, losing in the state finals as a freshman and last season as junior. His No. 1 goal heading into his senior season is finish on top of the podium at the state tournament. "I still have not won a state title yet," said Sulzer. "That's what I want the most. Other than that, I would like to be ranked No. 1 in the country and try to lead my team back to the top of the rankings." Nick SulzerSulzer has two older brothers, Aaron and Keith, who wrestle at the Division I level. Aaron went 15-6 last season as a true freshman at Eastern Michigan. Keith, a redshirt junior at Northwestern, is a two-time NCAA qualifier. "My brothers are always helping me to improve to the next level," said Sulzer. "When they come back to visit home they beat me up pretty good, basically teaching me that this is what I can expect in college. I always talk to them about how I can get better, and they always have something to say to improve my ability." Sulzer, who projects collegiately at 174 pounds, will be reunited with two former St. Edward wrestlers at the University of Virginia, Danny Gonsor and Shawn Harris. "I chose the University of Virginia because I felt really comfortable with the coaches and the team � almost as if I was still at St. Ed's," said Sulzer. "Ultimately, it was the best choice for me because I felt comfortable in the environment, and the wrestling with the top academics is really hard to pass up." He is also excited about the opportunity to train with Chris Henrich, who posted a 40-3 record last season as a sophomore and earned All-American honors by placing seventh at 174 pounds. "Chris was a really big factor in my decision," said Sulzer. "He loves to wrestle and is always trying to get better. I really admired that. He's really tough in certain areas where I lack, so I am looking forward to trying to learn as much as possible from him." Anthony Salupo (Photo/The Guillotine)Salupo is a two-time Ohio state placewinner and a two-time NHSCA Nationals All-American. This past season, Salupo compiled a 43-4 record and placed third at the state tournament in Ohio. He was fifth as a sophomore. He chose Lehigh over Iowa State. "I really liked the location," said Salupo of Lehigh. "I like the fact that it's a small school, but there are still a lot of things to do in the area. I really like the coaches a lot. I felt like I connected with the coaches really well. They have a great integrated business and engineering program there that I really want to get into." Salupo, who projects at 149 pounds in college, is relieved the recruiting process is over. "It was stressful, but at the same time, it was exciting to get calls from different colleges and different people who were interested in me," said Salupo. "So it was exciting, but also stressful. I'm a little relieved to have it done and over with so that I can focus on the season." Salupo, like Sulzer, says his No. 1 goal this season is to win a state title. After that, he will set his sights on accomplishing his college goals. "I'm most likely going to redshirt my first year," said Salupo. "After that, I'm hoping to be a conference champion, All-American, and an NCAA champion at Lehigh."