InterMat Staff

Billy Murphy has experienced the most exhilarating highs a wrestler can claim ... and some of the deepest, most upsetting life events no twenty-year-old should have to face. Among the high points: Being a two-time California high school state champ ... and a two-time Junior National titlewinner. Ranked as one of the top five high school recruits at any weight in the entire country by RevWrestling.com in 2006. Offered the opportunity to wrestle for Tom Brands, first at Virginia Tech ... then at the University of Iowa. Going undefeated his redshirt freshman year, winning titles at some major tournaments. Billy MurphyAll that success on the mat aside, Billy Murphy has hardly had a charmed life. His mother died when he was just 13. His father is now in prison in California. Being essentially parent-less, he was something of a nomad, living in a succession of homes of various family members and friends. After realizing his dream of competing for coach Brands, Murphy was dismissed from Iowa for academic and other issues his first year on campus. Now Billy Murphy is enrolled at Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge, wrestling for head coach Luke Moffitt (a Hawkeye alum and Big Ten champion) and focusing on his studies, with the hope of someday competing successfully on the mat and in the classroom at a Division I school. It was the best of times, it was the worst of times Billy Murphy doesn't like to dwell on the past. All during the interview for this article, when asked about his past wrestling accomplishments, or the incredible life challenges he's battled along the way, more than once he used phrases like, "That was in the past" and "I've turned a new leaf." However, Billy Murphy's impressive mat resume -- and his life struggles -- are too significant to ignore. Growing up in California southeast of Sacramento, Murphy was introduced to wrestling at age five. "I was a little hoodlum," Murphy discloses. "My older brother was a high school wrestler. He took me to a wrestling academy. I loved it from the start." In April 2001, Billy Murphy's mother, Kathy Lederle, who had battled numerous health problems, died of a stroke. The thirteen-year-old moved south to the Palm Springs area to live with his father, William Murphy, wrestling at Cathedral City High School, where he had a perfect 16-0 record at 119 pounds. Then his dad was arrested for grand theft, and, because of the state's "three strikes" law, is now in prison ... so the younger Murphy moved back to Ceres, California to live with his aunt and uncle. However, because of transfer rules, he was not able to compete the rest of his freshman year. But that was the least of Murphy's worries. He could not stay with his aunt and uncle because there were already five children living there, so he moved in with his brother and guardian, Charlie Loudermilk. But he and his wife were expecting a baby ... so it didn't work for him to live there, either. Billy Murphy (Photo/Tech-Fall.com)Loudermilk asked his pastor, Doug Porter, if they might be able to care for Billy. It was a good fit. In addition to being pastor at Hickman Community Church, Doug Porter is also an assistant wrestling coach at Hughson High School where his son Kyle is head coach. It was at Hughson where Billy Murphy's mat career really took off. In his sophomore year, he placed third in the state. His junior year, Murphy was undefeated at 55-0, winning his first CIF (California Interscholastic Federation) state title. A few weeks later, he won the 130-pound crown at the Junior National Championships, and claimed the Champion of Champions honor (akin to an Outstanding Wrestler award). Senior year was more of a good thing. Billy Murphy went 48-0, won his second CIF title, and yet another championship at the Junior Nationals. He capped his prep career in the Golden State with a good-as-gold 168-3 record. "People around me helped me a lot in so many ways," Murphy said in this interview. "My assistant coach (Doug Porter) was also my caregiver. I really didn't have any other family, but felt at home with them. My main coach, Kyle Porter, is one of the great technicians anyone could work out with." (Kyle Porter was a two-time California state champ for Hughson in the early 1990s.) From California to Virginia Tech to Iowa ... Thanks to his considerable accomplishments in high school -- and national ranking -- Billy Murphy found himself on the recruitment wish list of numerous college coaches throughout the country. But he had one coach who was on his wish list to wrestle for -- Tom Brands. "In high school, I watched a lot of Gable/Brands videos," says Murphy, whose aggressive wrestling style as a prep has been compared to Tom and Terry Brands. "I set up five college visits. My first was to Virginia Tech, where Brands was coaching at the time. After that trip, I immediately cancelled the other visits." Billy Murphy signed a letter of intent to wrestle for the Virginia Tech Hokies. However, when Tom Brands accepted the head coaching position at the University of Iowa, Murphy wanted to follow. Murphy's situation was different than the Iowa high school wrestlers like Joe Slaton, Jay Borschel, Dan LeClere, Brent Metcalf and T.H. Leet who had gone to Blacksburg to compete for Tom Brands in the 2005-2006 season. The Californian was a year behind the Iowans. "I never went to school at Virginia Tech, or wrestled there," explains Murphy. "I signed a letter of intent, but, thanks to a loophole, got out of that because my official, legal guardians had not signed it." So, unlike the Iowa natives who lost a year of eligibility and went through months of legal battles, Billy Murphy was free to follow Tom Brands to the University of Iowa. His first year in Iowa City -- the 2006-2007 season -- Murphy was a redshirt freshman at 133 pounds. Wrestling unattached, the Californian was undefeated at 15-0, winning three major tournaments: the Spartan Classic, the Kaufman-Brand Open, and the Northern Iowa Open. ... then from Iowa to Iowa Central When asked if he wanted to redshirt his first year at Iowa, Murphy replies, "I wanted the break. I wanted the chance to get a year ahead and get used to college wrestling." "(Coach) Brands wanted me to pull out of my redshirt and compete at the Big Tens, but didn't say anything about that to me until after the NCAAs -- after the fact," asserts Murphy. "He didn't think I was ready to compete at the Big Tens, but he said, 'We could've used you.'" As high school wrestler, Billy Murphy's aggressive wrestling style was compared to Tom and Terry Brands' style (Photo/Tech-Fall.com)"In college I was completely free, which helped me and hurt me." "I was struggling. My grades weren't as good as they should've been. I partied too much." "I lost my scholarship," Murphy continues. "I got hit with a bill for second semester that I just couldn't handle. So I left." "It was a matter of timing and immaturity. In Iowa, I got ahead of myself." "(After leaving University of Iowa,) I had stayed in touch with (Coach) Brands. I told him I wanted to go to community college, and, if possible, keep wrestling. He referred me to Iowa Central and Luke Moffitt." Billy Murphy arrived at the community college in Fort Dodge, Iowa located about 90 miles northwest of Des Moines in 2008, in time for spring semester. According to Murphy, he completed four classes his first semester at Iowa Central, earning a 3.24 GPA. He took some courses over the summer, and, at this point in the fall semester, he reports having "all B's except for one A." "Academically, Billy needed some help," according to Luke Moffitt, his head coach at Iowa Central. "He's getting caught up on his credits. He's working hard in the classroom, in the wrestling room, and on his weight. He wants to win a national title for us." "He hasn't competed in a year. But he enjoys competing in the room ... Wrestling-wise, he's getting stronger. He built himself up over the summer, working construction. He's hungry to compete." Billy Murphy agrees with coach Moffitt: "I'm hungry, ready to get back on the mat. I'm healthy, my weight's down. I'm excited." "His first dual meet for us will be against Iowa November 21," Moffitt continues. "He wants to do well." "I look forward to wrestling Iowa. I wrestled (Daniel) Dennis twice and beat him. I know I can go with Joe Slaton, too." Coach Moffitt backs up his wrestler's statements. "I know he can compete with guys at that level. We compete in big open tournaments here, so we'll help him realize those goals." "You've got to surround yourself with good people. He's living on campus, with other wrestlers. They hold each other accountable ... At Iowa, being a redshirt, I think he kinda got lost in the shuffle." Where Murphy sees himself today ... and tomorrow Ask Billy Murphy to describe his wrestling style, and he immediately responds, "I've been called a bull in a china shop. A go-getter. Never stop, constant scoring. I'm pretty fast on my feet. I want someone to battle me." Luke MoffittIowa Central coach Luke Moffitt concurs: "He's a phenomenal technician. He pays attention to detail." "He's almost like having another coach in the room," adds Moffitt. "He helps the other guys in the room." (In fact, immediately before this interview, Murphy had been working out with a high school wrestler from Webster City, Iowa, helping the younger wrestler prepare for an upcoming event.) "He's a good asset to have on the team." What are Billy Murphy's plans? Right now, he's focused on his coursework and getting ready for the upcoming wrestling season. "I want to finish up with good grades, and get a national title here at Iowa Central," says the California native. "Then I want to go to a Division I school and continue my wrestling career." Ask him if he has any particular schools in mind, and he responds, "My options are open." Murphy's ultimate career goal: "I want to build a (wrestling) academy and be a coach. I love coaching. I love teaching. When someone understands a technique you've just demonstrated, I love that." "He'll be an excellent coach someday," weighs in coach Moffitt. Billy Murphy has experienced incredible highs and lows in his life and mat career. He believes he's put the challenges of the past behind him, and that the wrestler who made a name for himself in high school will fulfill that promise in college and beyond.

Home from Iraq. All I can say is WOW! The US Military is a huge machine filled with some incredible people. Talented men and women who are now competing in combative's, akin to Russian Sombo or jacket wrestling. I've missed the Brute Adidas Studios but would not have missed the opportunity to entertain the troops at any one of the F.O.B.'s. to witness first hand the work being done by our men and women. A special thank you to the US Army's Capt. Schrock and the men of his command in the Army Airborne at Camp Liberty. I will be posting pictures of this event and tour soon. This week on TDR- We'll be joined in studio by special guest host UFC Vet John Halverson Frank Popolizio- Founder of the Brute Adidas NE Duals joins us to discuss this years monster field of competitors and what fans can expect this year. The NE Duals will be held in Albany this year Saturday November 29th and will be broadcast by Takedownradio.com Keith Evans- Former VP of the UFC and The IFL joins us to discuss the rise and fall of MMA, the future of this sport and the impact of wrestlers in the cage. Michael Doyle-HD Coach of Independence HS (Iowa) Graduated from West Delaware HS in 1991. We won state duals and the Iowa State HS Tournament in 1991. Michael went to Wartburg College and was a 3 time all American and academic All American. Since moving to Independence in 1995 they have placed 6 times in the top 10 winning in 1996 and placed 3rd in 2005. They have gone to the state duals 4 times winning in 1997. They've won 20 or more duals the last 3 years. West Delaware compete in a 16 team wamac conference. I have really awesome assistant coaches too! Doc Bauer- Author of Wrestling: A Boys First Book joins us to discuss his successful publication and to answer why every home should have a copy of this delightful read. Dallas Bailey- TDR's Wrestler of the Month for October. Dallas is a senior at Catoosa High School, just outside Tulsa, OK. He is a three time Oklahoma state champ, with two undefeated seasons. He carries a 4.0 grade average, placed third in the State Academic Bowl, is a member of the National Honor Society and the Catoosa Student Council. Dallas completed much of his required high school course work in his Junior year and is currently enrolled in concurrent college courses where he has received six credit hours. This is a young man that's going to really bring something to the table for a yet to be named college wrestling team. Kim Couture- Randy Couture will fight for the UFC heavyweight title on Nov. 15. Less than one week later, his wife Kim will follow him into the cage, making her Strikeforce debut against Lina Kvokov on Nov. 21. The fight will take place at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif., on the undercard of Strikeforce: Destruction. The 32-year-old Kim Couture lost a unanimous decision in her pro debut in June, dropping a fight to Kim Rose. Despite the loss, Couture earned a lot of respect around the MMA world for her toughness, fighting nearly the entire match after breaking her jaw early in the first round.

The lineups for the 43rd annual NWCA All-Star Classic Presented by the United States Marine Corps have been set. This is the fifth year that the United States Marine Corps has partnered with the NWCA as the presenting sponsor of this premier event. This year's event will be hosted by Ohio State at St. John Arena on November 24. The Buckeyes last hosted the event in 1981. Ohio State has four competitors in the event this year, marking the first Buckeye wrestlers to compete in the All-Star Classic since J.D. Bergman in the 2004:2005 season. The selection of Maryland's Hudson Taylor at 197 gives the Terps their first All-Star appearance since Gobel Kline in 1969. Oklahoma State, Iowa, and Iowa State added to their All-Star totals this year, they are now have had 81,74, and 64 wrestlers respectively selected all-time for the All-Star Classic. Prior to the NWCA All:Star Classic, a dual meet will be held between two Ohio club teams. Jeff Jordan's Team Jordan and Miron Kharchilava's Team Miron will square off at 5p.m. The All:Star meet will begin at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10. All children 6 and under are free. NWCA Members receive a complimentary ticket when showing their NWCA membership card. Call 1:800-GOBUCKS to order your tickets today or visit www.ohiostatebuckeyes.com. For those that cannot be at the event or that would like to see the action again, ESPNU will be airing the event on tape delay. Dates and times will be announced once they become available. Full lineups (including exhibition bouts and honorary coaches): 125: No. 2 Troy Nickerson (Cornell) vs. No. 3 Charlie Falck (Iowa) 133: No. 1 Joey Slaton (Iowa) vs. No. 2 Jayson Ness (Minnesota) 141: No. 1 J Jaggers (Ohio State) vs. No. 2 Nick Gallick (Iowa State) 149: No. 1 Brent Metcalf (Iowa) vs. No. 2 Bubba Jenkins (Penn State) 157: No. 1 Jordan Leen (Cornell) vs. No. 3 Dan Vallimont (Penn State) 165: No. 1 Nick Marable (Missouri) vs. No. 2 Mack Lewnes (Cornell) 174: No. 1 Steve Luke (Michigan) vs. No. 2 Jay Borschel (Iowa) 184: No. 1 Mike Pucillo (Ohio State) vs. No. 3 Phil Keddy (Iowa) 197: No. 1 Jake Varner (Iowa State) vs. No. 2 Hudson Taylor (Maryland) 285: No. 1 Jake Rosholt (Iowa State) vs. No. 3 Kyle Massey (Wisconsin) Exhibitions: 133: No. 4 Jimmy Kennedy (Illinois) vs. No. 9 Reece Humphrey (Ohio State) 165: No. 3 Moza Fay (Northern Iowa) vs. No. 15 Colt Sponseller (Ohio State) Honorary Coaches: Tom Ryan (Ohio State), Mark Manning (Nebraska), Jim Makovs.ky (Minnesota State: Mankato), Dave Malecek (Wisconsin: LaCrosse)

Team Ranking 1. Cornell 2. Penn 3. Navy 4. Lehigh 5. Harvard 6. Army 7. Bucknell 8. American Individual Rankings 125: 1. Troy Nickerson, Cornell (Jr) 2. Rollie Peterkin, Penn (Jr) 3. Jasen Borshoff, American (Jr) 4. Tony Communale, Princeton (So) 5. Jose Matos, Bucknell (So) 6. Greg Einfrank, Brown (Jr) 133: 1. Joe Baker, Navy (Sr) 2. Mike Grey, Cornell (So) 3. David Marble, Bucknell (Jr) 4. Matt Fisk, Lehigh (Jr) 5. Thomas Picarsic, Harvard (Sr) 6. Whitt Dunning, Army (Sr) 141: 1. Rick Rappo, Penn (Sr) 2. Corey Jantzen, Harvard (So) 3. Seth Ciasulli, Lehigh (Jr) 4. Kyle Borshoff, American (Jr) 5. Sal Tirico, Columbia (Sr) 6. Casey Thome, Army (So) 149: 1. Cesar Grajales, Penn (Sr) 2. Matthew Kyler, Army (Jr) 3. Trevor Chinn, Lehigh (Sr) 4. Bryce Saddoris, Navy (So) 5. DJ Meagher, Cornell (So) 6. Matt Dunn, Columbia (Jr) 157: 1. Jordan Leen, Cornell (Sr) 2. JP O'Connor, Harvard (Jr) 3. Matt Dragon, Penn (Jr) 4. Christopher Stout, American (Sr) 5. Brian Rowan, Army (Jr) 6. Joel Ahern, Navy (Sr) 165: 1. Mack Lewnes, Cornell (So) 2. Zach Shanaman, Penn (Sr) 3. Mike Cannon, American (Jr) 4. Andy Rendos, Bucknell (Jr) 5. Andrew Flanagan, Harvard (Sr) 6. Mike Galante, Lehigh (Jr) 174: 1. Steve Anceravage, Cornell (Sr) 2. Scott Giffin, Penn (So) 3. Alex Caruso, Lehigh (So) 4. Shane Riccio, Bucknell (Jr) 5. Justin Herbert, Franklin & Marshall (Sr) 6. Michael Whalen, Rutgers (Sr) 184: 1. Louis Caputo, Harvard (Jr) 2. Thomas Shovlin, Penn (Jr) 3. Matt Gevlinger, Brown (Sr) 4. David Craig, Lehigh (Jr) 5. Justin Kerber, Cornell (So) 6. Kenji Porter, Columbia (Sr) 197: 1. Josh Arnone, Cornell (Jr) 2. Richard Starks, Army (Jr) 3. Karim Mahmoud, Rutgers (Jr) 4. Branden Stearns, Brown (Sr) 5. Shane Mallory, East Stroudsburg (Jr) 6. Jack Sullivan, Penn (Sr) 285: 1. Zach Hammond, Cornell (Sr) 2. Ryan Flores, Columbia (So) 3. Scott Steele, Navy (Sr) 4. Trey McLean, Penn (Sr) 5. Mike Sprigg, Army (Jr) 6. Chris Birchler, East Stroudsburg (Jr)

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Reece Humphrey, a junior on the Ohio State wrestling team, was named Big Ten co-Wrestler of the Week, the conference announced Tuesday. Humphrey won four matches Sunday at the Buffalo Open to capture the 133-pound division to earn his first-career weekly laurel. Humphrey, a junior from Indianapolis, Ind., decisioned Kevin Smith of host Buffalo, 9-5, in the championship bout. The 9-5 win over the No. 2 seed was the smallest margin of victory for Humphrey, who dominated his opponents throughout the day. He began the day with a pin of Kevin Green of Niagara in 5:50 and then followed that performance with a 25-10 technical fall over Michael Baxter of Mercyhurst College. Humphrey then faced teammate and fifth-seed Garrett Henry in the semifinals and made quick work of the rookie from Solon, Ohio, pinning Henry in 3:28 en route to the final. This is the Buckeyes' first Big Ten Wrestler of the Week honor since J Jaggers won Jan. 30, 2008. Ohio State will continue the early portion of its schedule Saturday when it travels to Raleigh, N.C., for the N.C. State Open.

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- Purdue freshman Jake Fleckenstein was named the Big Ten Co-Wrestler of the Week on Tuesday following his Eastern Michigan Open 133-pound championship over the weekend. He kicked off his collegiate career with four consecutive victories, scoring a pair of major decisions on his way to the event title. A native of Guildford, Ind., Fleckenstein posted a 13-7 decision over Navy's Joey Boone to start his day, and followed with back-to-back wins over Michigan's Michael Sears and Zac Stevens. He beat Sears by major decision, 14-5, and edged out Stevens with a late takedown in a 12-9 decision. Fleckenstein capped the tournament with a 14-5 major decision over Pittsburgh's Eric Rosencrantz in the finals. He also racked up 21 takedowns in the four matches, good for second best on the squad. Fleckenstein shares this weeks award with ninth-ranked 133-pounder Reece Humphrey of Ohio State, who won the Buffalo Open with a matching 4-0 mark. Fleckenstein is the first Boilermaker to earn weekly conference honors since senior teammate Jake Patacsil earned the honors on Nov. 7, 2007. Purdue returns to action Saturday, Nov. 15, hosting the inaugural Boilermaker Challenge.

IOWA CITY, IA -- The 2008-09 Iowa wrestling team will host its intrasquad wrestle-offs this week at the Dan Gable Wrestling Complex in Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Six matches are scheduled for Thursday at 5 p.m., 11 bouts are set for Friday at 5 p.m. and 10 matches are set for Saturday at 10 a.m. The defending NCAA and Big Ten champion Hawkeyes will open the 2008-09 season Nov. 21 when they host the Iowa City Duals and Arizona State. The Iowa City Duals will be held in the North Gym at the University of Iowa Field House. Iowa will wrestle Coe at 9 a.m., Iowa Central at 10:30 a.m. and Minnesota State-Mankato at Noon. The Hawkeyes will then head over to Carver-Hawkeye Arena to face Arizona State at 3:30 p.m. Thursday's Quarterfinal Matches - 5 p.m. 157 - Nick Kolegraff vs. Jeret Chiri 157 - T.H. Leet vs. Stew Gillmor 165 - Ruffin Tchakaunte vs. Mike Fahrer 165 - Ryan Morningstar vs. Ryan Kurovski 165 - Aaron Janssen vs. Weston Marling 197 - Brodie Ambrose vs. Rick Loera Friday's Semifinal Matches - 5 p.m. 125 - Nate Moore vs. J.J. Krutsinger 133 - Daniel Dennis vs. Joe Moore 133 - Matt McDonough vs. Montell Marion 141 - Tyler Halverson vs. Mark Ballweg 149 - Ethan Sebert vs. Derek Coorough 157 - Brooks Kopsa vs. Kolegraff/Chiri Winner 157 - Matt Ballweg vs. Leet/Gillmor Winner 165 - Jake Kerr vs. Tchakaunte/Fahrer Winner 165 - Morningstar/Kurovski winner vs. Janssen/Marling Winner 197 - Chad Beatty vs. Ambrose/Loera Winner 197 - Jordan Johnson vs. Luke Lofthouse Saturday's Final Matches - 10 a.m. 125 - Charlie Falck vs. Moore/Krutsinger Winner 133 - Dennis/Moore Winner vs. McDonough/Marion Winner 141 - Alex Tsirtsis vs. Halverson/Ballweg Winner 149 - Brent Metcalf vs. Sebert/Coorough Winner 157 - Kopsa/Kolegraff/Chiri Winner vs. Ballweg/Leet/Gillmor Winner 165 - Kerr/Tchakaunte/Fahrer Winner vs. Morningstar/Kurovski/Janssen/Marling Winner 174 - Jay Borschel vs. TBA 184 - Phillip Keddy vs. Grant Gambrall 197 - Beatty/Ambrose/Loera Winner vs. Johnson/Lofthouse Winner Hwt. - Dan Erekson vs. TBA

Columbia, Mo. -- The Missouri wrestling team, ranked as high as fifth in the nation, will host its annual Black and Gold wrestle-off's Saturday, Nov. 8, at 3 p.m. (CT) in the Hearnes Center. The afternoon event is free and open to the public. Parking lots surrounding the Hearnes Center are limited to football parking pass holders only. Fans without a football parking pass are encouraged to park at one of the nearby garages, Virginia Ave. or Maryland Ave., for $15, or any lot on campus that does not have a posted sign that reads- Permit Only Monitored 24 hours/seven days a week. This year's afternoon event features five wrestlers ranked among the top-five in the nation at their respective weight class, including current No. 1 ranked Nicholas Marable at 165 pounds. Returning All-Americans Marable, senior Raymond Jordan and junior Maxwell Askren are set to take on their Tiger teammates in a contest that will determine Missouri's 10-man lineup for its Nov. 15 season-opening dual against Lock Haven. A total of 16 matches will be contested Saturday afternoon in the Hearnes Center. Jordan, who finished fifth in the 184 pound weight class at the 2008 NCAA Division I Championships in St. Louis, will compete at 174 pounds for his senior season. Missouri's 197 pound starter, Askren, finished seventh at the National Championships and opens the season ranked as high as fifth in the nation. Also ranked among the top five in the nation is three-time NCAA qualifier senior Michael Chandler. Chandler begins his final run at an NCAA title ranked seventh in the nation at 157 pounds. Heavyweight Mark Ellis, a junior, stands fourth in the nation as posted in the annual USA Today/Intermat/National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) Division I preseason poll. A complete Black and Gold schedule will be released later in the week.

This week's edition of "On the Mat" will feature Joe's Knight Hawk owner Joe Breitbach and WIN Magazine editor Mike Finn. Joe Breitbach owns and operates Joe's Knight Hawk, a popular bar and restaurant in Waverly, Iowa. Located walking distance from Wartburg College, Joe's Knight Hawk has been a great supporter of Wartburg athletics, including the wrestling team, which won its sixth NCAA Division III championship in March in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Joe's will be hosting the annual Wartburg Wrestling Pre-Season Fight Night on Tuesday, November 18 starting with a social hour at 5:00PM. Mike Finn is the editor of WIN Magazine, considered by many as the premier wrestling publication in the nation. Finn attends and covers many of the major wrestling tournaments each season, including a recent trip to Beijing, China, for the 2008 Olympic Games. "On the Mat" can be hard live on the internet at www.kcnzam.com or locally in Northeast Iowa each Wednesday from 5:00 - 6:00 PM Central time on AM 1650, The Fan. Feel free to e-mail radio@wrestlingmuseum.org with questions or comments about the show.

EDINBORO, Pa. -- The Edinboro wrestling team opened the season on Saturday afternoon, hosting Findlay, Army and Maryland in the Fighting Scot Duals. The Fighting Scots, ranked in the 15th in the USA Today/InterMat/NWCA Division I Preseason Top 25, swept the trio to improve to 22-1-1 all-time in the Fighting Scot Duals. Edinboro handled Findlay, 48-0, then defeated Army, 34-7, and ended the day with an impressive showing against 17th-ranked Maryland, coming away with a 23-14 victory. Five different Boro grapplers were a perfect 3-0, led as usual by Gregor Gillespie. The senior moved into a tie for 12th place in career victories with a 114-10 career mark. Gillespie won by technical fall and major decision at 157 lbs. He came in ranked fourth. Younger brother Torsten Gillespie posted possibly the biggest win of the day as he upset Eric Medina of Maryland, who is ranked 14th by InterMat, via a 6-5 decision at 149 lbs. He went 2-1 on the day, losing to sixth-ranked Matt Kyler of Army. In addition to Gregor Gillespie, Jarrod King (165 lbs.), Phil Moricone (174 lbs.), Chris Honeycutt (184 lbs.) and Joey Fendone (hwt.) went 3-0. The toughest day likely belonged to Pat Bradshaw at 197 lbs. The junior had the misfortune of two nationally-ranked wrestlers. He was a 3-2 loser to 16th-ranked Richard Starks of Army, then suffered a 1-0 setback to Hudson Taylor of Maryland, who is ranked second. Taylor recorded a second period escape for the lone points, avoiding a near takedown by Bradshaw midway through the third period. Fendone had an impressive day at heavyweight. The senior, ranked tenth, won twice by fall, then held off Pat Gilmore of Maryland, 1-0.

YPSILANTI, Mich. -- Four Navy wrestlers qualified for the championship bout in their respective weight classes, including senior team captain Scott Steele (Baltimore, Md.) who won the heavyweight division for the second consecutive year Saturday night at the season-opening Eastern Michigan Open. In addition to Steele, Navy freshman Pat McCaffrey (Chicago, Ill.) turned in a 3-0 record to win the 125-pound title, while returning NCAA qualifier Bryce Saddoris (Spring Creek, Nev.) put together a 4-0 mark to claim the 149-pound weight class. All told, 11 of the 21 wrestlers representing Navy placed sixth or better. A year ago, an experienced Midshipmen squad placed seven among the top four, while this season's youth-laden program put six in the top four. "I think we had some outstanding performances today and I am really excited about some of our young wrestlers," said ninth-year Navy head coach Bruce Burnett. "We had a freshman win at 125 and another place second behind an experienced wrestler at 174 pounds. "Certainly we are now able to see exactly where we are at and what mistakes we need to correct in the coming weeks. We are a long ways from being a great team, but we have the potential to be a fine team. Overall, it was a good way to kick off the season and I'm really looking forward to what lies ahead for this team." After crowning just one champion a year ago and a total of four in the four previous years combined (2004 - Thayer Paxton @ 197; 2005 - John Jarred @ 157, Tanner Garrett @ HWT; 2006 - None; 2007 - Scott Steele @ HWT), there was much to cheer about from a Navy standpoint. Steele, a member of the U.S. Freestyle National Team, defended his EMU Open title by stringing together four straight wins to take the title. He claimed his opening match by a 7-3 decision over Michigan's Chad Bleske before Pitt's Ryan Tomei succumbed to Steele by a 2-1 decision. Purdue's Chris Kasten was little match for Steele in the semis, as the Navy product advanced to the finals with an 8-3 win. The championship bout pit the No. 5 vs. the No. 13 wrestlers against one another. Though he put forth a hard-fought effort, 13th-ranked Rashard Goff from Cleveland State was tripped up by Steele, 3-2. Saddoris, who last year became one of only three Navy wrestlers to win 30-plus matches as a freshman, won just his second collegiate title by claiming the 149-pound weight division. Saddoris opened the tournament by handing Michigan's Mark Weber an 8-2 loss and then earned a major decision over Matt Redmond of Purdue. He earned a championship bout appearance by virtue of his upset victory over seventh-ranked Jack Patacsil from Purdue, 4-3. Saddoris left little doubt in the minds of his opponents that he was the best wrestler in the tournament when he clobbered Eastern Michigan's J.J. Johnson by major decision, 17-6, to take the crown. After an opening-round bye, McCaffrey put forth a spectacular performance in his first collegiate competition. The rookie, who won two high school state championships in two different states, opened the tournament with a pin at 1:31 over Brockport's Shawn Hainey. Advancing to the semifinals, the Navy rookie took care of Eastern Michigan's Jordan McGuire in an 18-9 major decision, just after McGuire won back-to-back major decisions of his own. In the championship bout, McCaffrey stayed the course and managed an undefeated first tournament by taking down Cleveland State's Jordan Keller, 3-1. Fellow rookie Luke Rebertus (Elkton, Md.) a fine effort en route to a 3-1 record and a second-place finish at 174 pounds. Rebertus won each of his first three matches, including a 13-3 major decision over Findlay's Kris Bowser in his first collegiate match. In the quarterfinals, he edged Olivet's Kyle Vanderhyde, 3-2, before taking a two-point, 3-1, decision over Michigan State's John Murphy to earn a spot in the championship. Though he put up a valiant effort, Rebertus' winning streak was snapped by No. 11 Mike Letts of Maryland, 4-0. For the second consecutive year, junior Matt Pagan (Carteret, N.J.) earned a fourth-place finish, this time at 141 pounds. Pagan put himself in a hole early on, as he was pinned by Eastern Michigan's Andrew Novak at 4:15 in his opening match. Though behind the eight ball, Pagan went on to win five in a row, including two one-point decisions, to earn his way into the third-place match. One of his one-point decisions ended the day for teammate John Majka, who easily defeated Pagan, 11-2, in last week's Blue-Gold Challenge Matches. Pagan went on to drop the third-place match to Purdue's Juan Archuletta by a 3-2 decision. Also placing fourth in the tournament was sophomore Matt DeMichiel (Whitesboro, N.Y.), who, like Pagan, lost early and was forced to come back through the consolation bracket. DeMichiel earned a 2-1 win over Virginia's Mike Chaires to open up the tournament, but was tripped up by Luke Manuel of Purdue, 4-2, in the quarterfinals. After earning three straight wins, including a pin over Purdue's Jason Martin at 1:02 to put him in the third-place bout, DeMichiel fell behind in his rematch against Chaires and would drop a 3-1 decision. Other Midshipmen who placed in Saturday's tournament included Joey Boone (Poway, Calif.) in fifth at 133 pounds, Joel Ahern (Herkimer, N.Y.) in fifth at 157 pounds, Glenn Shober (Reading, Pa.) in sixth at 157 pounds, Mike Billings (Waterford, Mich.) in sixth at 174 pounds and Philip Neese (Lexington, S.C.) in fifth at 197 pounds. The Midshipmen will be back in action next weekend when they travel to the opposite coast to begin dual action. Navy will face Cal State Fullerton on Friday at 7:00 pm Pacific before taking on Stanford (3:00 pm) and Cal State Bakersfield (6:00 pm) in back-to-back matches on Saturday. The Mids are on tap to return home on Saturday, Nov. 22 when they play host to the annual Navy Classic.

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. -- Over 1,800 fans gathered in Rec Hall as No. 20 Penn State opened its 2008-09 season with its annual Wrestle-Offs. Over 30 Nittany Lion grapplers took to the mats to stake their claims on the Penn State depth chart this season. Red-shirt freshman Frank Molinaro (Barnegat, N.J.) beat Jake Strayer (South Fork, Pa.) 5-2 in their first meeting at 141. Strayer entered the bout ranked No. 7 nationally at 133 but wrestled-off at 141. The duo met once again in the finals, with Molinaro riding Strayer all the way through the third period to grab a thrilling 4-3 win and claim the weight class title. Senior Mark Friend (Libertyville, Ohio) used a thrilling five point move in the final period to down red-shirt freshman Tim Darling (Nazareth, Pa.) in their first meeting at 165. Darling bounced down to wrestle-backs and posted a resounding win to get a second shot at Friend. In their next match-up, Friend put together a strong performance and posted a convincing 9-3 win to claim the title. No. 20 David Erwin (Urbana, Ohio) posted a 3-1 win over true freshman Quentin Wright (Wingate, Pa.) in their first meeting at 157. In the next meeting, Wright got a first period takedown only to have Erwin score a last second reversal to tie the bout at 2-2 after the first period. Wright chose neutral in the second period but neither wrestler scored. Erwin escaped quickly in the third period to take a 3-2 lead and added a takedown to post a 5-2 win in the finals. Red-shirt freshman Cameron Wade (Twinsburg, Ohio) downed Stefan Tighe (Erie, Pa.) in a spirited match-up at heavyweight with Wade nearly pinning Tighe in the second period for a near-fall that iced the bout. In the next match-up, Wade battled through two scoreless periods and then pinned Tighe at the 6:17 mark to claim the HWT crown. Also winning their respective weight classes was No. 20 Brad Pataky (Clearfield, Pa.) at 125; senior Tim Haas (Camp Hill, Pa.) went 3-0 at 133 to win his weight class; No. 2 Bubba Jenkins (Virginia Beach, Va.) went 2-0 at 149 to claim his title; No. 3 Dan Vallimont (Lake Hopatcong, N.J.) went 2-0 at 157; No. 20 Phil Bomberger (Port Royal, Pa.) was uncontested at 184; and Andrew Haile (Crabtree, Pa.), who went 3-0 to win the title at 197. Weight-by-weight recap: 125: No. 20 Pataky went 2-0 on the day, including two technical falls by a combine3d score of 36-6 to take the title at 125. Jack Chidester (Conestoga, Pa.) went 1-2 on the day as well. 133: Haas went 3-0 on the day, including two wins over Adam Lynch Mifflinburg, Pa.). Haas downed Lynch 9-5 in the finals. Lynch went 2-2 on the day. 141: Molinaro posted two tight wins over No. 20 (at 133) Strayer. The 4-3 win in the finals was highlighted by Strayer's second period takedown (which tied the bout at 3-3 heading into the third period) and Molinaro's two-minute ride of Strayer in the final period to grab a riding time point and a 4-3 win. 149: No. 2 Jenkins posted two 6-3 decisions over sophomore Christian Harr (Hollidaysburg, Pa.) to win the title at 149. 157: No. 3 Vallimont went 2-0 by a combined score of 33-11 to win the title at 157. Nick Fischer (Unionville, Pa.) and Shane Everett (Saylorsburg, Pa.) each posted wins in the tournament as well. 165: Friend went 3-0 on the day to claim the title, including two tough wins over Darling. Micah Bollinger (Mifflinburg, Pa.) went 3-2 at 165 as well. 174: No. 20 Erwin was outstanding, posting two hard-fought wins over Wright. Erwin went 2-0 on the day while Wright went 2-2, including two technical falls for his victories. 184: No. 15 Bomberger was uncontested at 184. 197: Haile was impressive at 197, posting a 3-0 record. He downed senior Jack Decker Roseland, N.J.) 8-4 in the finals. Decker had a solid tournament as well, going 2-2, with the only losses coming to Haile (a 3-2 decision and the 8-4 decision in the finals). HWT: Wade was 2-0 against Tighe, including a convincing 6-2 win and the resounding pin in the finals. No. 7 Penn State will continue action next weekend with around 20 grapplers heading to East Lansing, Mich., for the MSU Open on Sunday, Nov. 9. Penn State's dual meet season begins on Sunday, Nov. 16, with a 1 p.m. dual against Hofstra in Rec Hall. Fans can purchase season tickets by calling 814-863-1000 or 800-NITTANY. Season tickets are $32 for adults and $24 for youth. Single event tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for youth. Penn State students get in FREE with a Penn State ID.

It was well worth the four-and-a-half hour bus ride to Buffalo, N.Y., for the Ohio State wrestling team as six Buckeyes left the "Empire State" as champions of the Buffalo Open Sunday evening. With the exception of the 125, 141, 149 and 184-pound classes, six members of the squad had promising starts to the season beginning with No. 1 seed Reece Humphrey at 133 pounds. Humphrey, a junior from Indianapolis, Ind., decisioned Kevin Smith of host Buffalo, 9-5, in the championship bout. The 9-5 win was the smallest margin of victory for Humphrey, who dominated his opponents throughout the day. He began the 10 a.m. session with a pin of Kevin Green of Niagara in 5:50 and then followed that performance with a 25-10 technical fall over Michael Baxter of Mercyhurst College. With there always being a possibility of facing those who are regular training partners in the Steelwood Athletic Training Facility in Columbus, Ohio, Humphrey encountered that possibility in teammate Garrett Henry, the fifth-seed, in the semifinals. Humphrey made quick work of the rookie from Solon, Ohio, pinning Henry in 3:28 en route to the final. In his first collegiate open tournament, Henry faired well, finishing fourth. He had the opportunity to snag a third-place finish, but lost a 10-3 decision to No. 6-seed Ian Paddock, who was wrestling unattached. After making significant strides in 2007-08, senior Jason Johnstone commenced 2008-09 on a positive note, winning the 157-pound title. The product of Massillon, Ohio, recorded a 7-4 win over Darryl Cocozzo (unattached) in the final for his best finish in an open tournament since finishing third at the Eastern Michigan Open in 2007. Like Humphrey, Johnstone was the No. 1-seed and began the day with an impressive win over Mike Gresh of Niagara – a pin in 5:47. Jordan Shields of Mercyhust was up next and Johnstone handed him a 13-1loss. A pair of decisions in the quarterfinals and semifinals followed for Johnstone, first downing John Martin-Cannon of Buffalo, 11-5, and James Flemming of West Mifflin, 9-6. Although open tournaments traditionally are not team based, Johnstone's win over Cocozzo could somewhat be thought of as redemption for the Scarlet and Gray after Cocozzo defeated Buckeye Sean Nemec, 7-2, in the semifinals. Nemec would go on to finish third, posting an 8-3 decision over Flemming. The Buckeyes would not have to wait long for their next champion at 165 pounds. Sophomore Colt Sponseller, who came out strong during his freshman campaign last season, appears to be on another fast start this year. The No. 1-seed, Sponseller, who hails from Glenmont, Ohio, posted an 8-4 win in the final; this victory coming after a pair of technical falls and a major decision in the earlier rounds. Sponseller began the Buffalo Open with two 25-10 triumphs over Matt Coleman of Edinboro and Cory Lempka of Buffalo. It was in the semifinals that Sponseller again scored at least 20 points in his win (20-9) over Justin James of Niagara. Like at 133 pounds, two Buckeyes would face the task of having to wrestle each other with as much menace as rivals, but with one exception – this match was for the championship. Making his debut in the Scarlet and Gray, junior Dave Rella and freshman C.J. Magrum would put up a fight the more experience Rella would win (4-1). In all, Rella, the No. 1-seed, wrestled four matches after advancing to the final courtesy of a default by Tony Petrella of Gannon. The native of Akron, Ohio, won his previous three matches by a 23-6 margin, not including a pin in 1:02 against Pat Leahy of Mercyhurst in the opening match. In the second round, Rella bettered Nate Schiedel (Binghamton), 7-1, before exploding for 16 points (16-5) against Alex Dalrymple of Lock Haven in the quarterfinals. A four-time Virginia high school state champion with 186 career victories, freshman Cody Gardner is accustomed to winning and made that clear when he captured the 197-pound title Sunday. The fourth-seed, Gardner beat the Nos. 1, 2 and 5 seeds en route to the title. A dramatic 3-1 overtime win against No. 2 Jamie Luckett (Clarion) was the result that propelled the product of Christiansburg, Va., to the win. After recording two decisions – an 11-4 decision over Alex Smith (Jamestown) and 8-2 decision over Carl Korpi (Binghamton) – Gardner faced No. 1 Lamar Brown of Rutgers and came out on top, 3-2. The Buckeyes sixth and final title-winner was junior Corey Morrison at heavyweight. With two shutouts and a fall to his credit, Morrison cruised to the final where he held on for the 5-4 victory over Frank McGrath of Gannon in the championship bout. The No. 1-seed, Morrison, a native of Shaker Heights, Ohio, beat Nathan Sharp of Mercyhurst, 15-9, before dropping Dan Bittner (Binghamton) in 2:58. Two-consecutive blankings of Luke Stala of Finger Lakes (4-0) and Sean Dedeyn of Rutgers (8-0) would drive Morrison to the final. Ohio State also received Top 3 finishes from Nikko Triggas at 125 pounds and Jared Kusar at 149 pounds. Triggas, a sophomore from Moraga, Calif., was the runner-up, following an 11-1 loss to Paul Donahoe of Edinboro. The freshman Kusar from Akron, Ohio, earned a third-place finish when he decisioned Josh Roosa of Bloomsburg, 12-5. The Buckeyes will continue the early portion of their 2008 schedule at the N.C. State Open in Raleigh, N.C., Nov. 8. The all-day tournament is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m.

PITTSBURGH -- The University of Pittsburgh wrestling team closed out its preseason schedule with the completion of the Blue-Gold Intrasquad matches, tonight at the Fitzgerald Field House. No team score was kept in the bracket-style tournament featuring the majority of the Panthers' starting lineup. "I thought it was a pretty good performance by everyone," noted head coach Rande Stottlemyer. "Obviously the experienced guys, Sheaffer, Conroy, Headlee, Powell, looked good tonight, but there were some young guys who fought hard." Freshman Chris Albright made his Pitt debut against classmate Chris Kochinsky in the 125-pound bracket. Albright gave up just two points in two matches against Kochinsky, winning the best-of-three setup with 8-1 and 7-1 decisions respectively. Returning NCAA qualifier Jimmy Conroy made quick work in the 133-pound wrestle-off, scoring a first-round pin over freshman Zach Grove before earning an 18-3 technical fall in the second match. Conroy, the defending EWL champion in the 133-pound class looks to make a run at a second-consecutive NCAA Championship appearance this season. After a successful redshirt season on the tournament circuit, Tyler Nauman scored two bonus-point wins over freshman Victor Konno to win the 141-pound bracket. Konno pinned redshirt Christian Fagan in the first period to advance to the finals. A 15-3 major decision by Nauman was followed by a first-period pin. Purdue transfer Mark Powell earned two straight decisions over freshman Donnie Tasser in the 149-pound weight class. Tasser, who defeated redshirt freshman Kyle Patton, 9-2, fell 8-3 and 7-2, respectively, to Powell. At 157 pounds, junior Jeff Warusz was a winner in three matches over sophomore Adam Counterman. Sophomore Ethan Headlee continued his momentum from the 2007-08 season which catapulted him into Nationals via a wild card, easily defeating redshirt freshman Phil Sorrentino in two straight matches. Headlee did not yield a point on the night, carding a 13-0 major decision in the first match before earning a first-period fall in the second match for the win. Redshirt junior David Sullivan defeated redshirt freshman A.J. Brentzel in two straight matches to take the 174-pound bracket. Brentzel advanced to the final round with a 3-1 decision over freshman Karl DeCiantis. Sullivan, a 3-0 and 5-1 winner, drops to 174 after wrestling at 184 last season. Freshman Zach Tomusseit and redshirt freshman Andy Vaughan were first-round winners. Tomusseit defeated Brock Mantella while Vaughan picked up the win against freshman Keith Dickey. In one of only two brackets that needs three matches to determine a winner, Thomusseit battled back after dropping the first match to win the next two and the 184-pound class. Freshman Matt Wilps turned heads with his performance in the 197-pound weight class. Wilps carded 4-2 and 3-2 decisions over junior A.J. Hunte. Senior preseason All-America candidate Zach Sheaffer recorded two pins over freshman Dan Nickoli to win the heavyweight bracket. Sheaffer disposed of Nickoli just over two minutes into the first period during the first match and :48 seconds into the second period in the second match. With the preseason in the books and a fresh year awaiting, Stottlemyer is eager for the Panthers first test against new opponents. "We'll take our top two guys in each class to Michigan State. I think it will be a great evaluation for us, to see how far we've got to go." The Panthers hit the road to open the 2008-09 season, starting off in East Lansing, Mich., for the Michigan State Open. The MSU Open is one of the largest opens annually and will be held at Jenison Field House on the MSU campus.

The No. 13 Wisconsin wrestling team hosted its annual intra-squad scrimmage Saturday afternoon at the UW Field House. Five matches were wrestled along with one exhibition match and Badger fans had their first opportunity to see some new faces on the Wisconsin wrestling team. The night began at 125 lbs. and matched-up juniors Drew Hammen and Kyle Reeve. Hammen struck first with a takedown just under two minutes in the first period and jumped out to a 4-0 lead with another takedown in the second. Reeve got on the board with a takedown of his own in the third period but it would not be enough as Hammen won the bout 5-2 with riding time. At 133 lbs., Badger fans had their first opportunity to see four-time Colorado state champion, freshman Tyler Graff. He took on Erik Senescu and this was the bout with the most points. Graff jumped out to a 6-2 lead in the first and extended his lead to 12-4 in the second period. Graff went on to score nine more points in the third to take the 21-7 victory. The bouts at 141 lbs. and 149 lbs. were two of the fastest of the night as they both ended in pins. Senior Zach Tanelli, who is the 13th ranked wrestler in the country at 141 lbs., took on freshman Trey Bertram. Tanelli jumped out to an 8-0 lead before pinning Bertram in 1:42. At 149 lbs., junior co-captain Kyle Ruschell, who is ranked No. 11, took on freshman Cole Schmitt. Ruschell scored the only points with a takedown at two minutes in the first period before pinning Schmitt in 2:55. True freshman Ben Jordan and sophomore Gabe Stoppelmoor battled at 157 lbs. After a scoreless first period, Jordan struck first with an escape at 1:18 in the second. He then got out to a 3-0 lead with a takedown but Stoppelmoor quickly responded with a reversal to come within one at 3-2. Stoppelmoor then knotted the score at three with an escape but a Jordan takedown with 35 seconds left gave the freshman the 5-3 victory. Tonight's exhibition match featured junior Dan Rivers and true freshman Travis Rutt. Rivers is slated to compete at 157 lbs. this year while Rutt will wrestle at 174 lbs. Rutt jumped out to a commanding 7-0 lead in the first that included five nearfall points. He extended the lead to 11-1 in the second before knocking Rivers off with a tech fall at 6:33. The Badgers officially kick off the season Nov. 15 in Chapel Hill, N.C., for the Big Ten/ACC Duals. Wisconsin's first home dual of the season is Nov. 21 at the Kohl Center against No. 2 Iowa State.

EDINBORO, Pa. -- Army junior Matt Kyler went 3-0 with two pins and a major decision to lead the Black Knights at the season-opening Fighting Scot Duals, hosted by Edinboro. Army (1-1-1) started the day by tying No. 17 Maryland, 19-19, before falling to No. 15 Edinboro, 34-7. The Black Knights defeated Findlay, 38-6, to wrap up the meet. Against Maryland, junior Michael Sprigg picked up a 6-5 decision over Pat Gilmore at 285 in the match's final bout to earn the tie. Maryland jumped out to a 10-0 lead after the first three bouts, but Army would bounce back with victories in the four of the next five bouts to take a 16-13 lead. Kyler fell behind, 5-0, in his bout with Eric Medina, but turned the tables with a second-period pin at 149. Senior Brian Rowan earned a 2-1 decision at 157, junior Ryan Mergen notched a major decision at 174 and sophomore Garrett Hunter took a decision at 184 to lead the Army comeback. Edinboro proved to be too much for the Black Knights as Kyler, who compiled a 10-0 major decision over Torsten Gillespie, and junior Richard Starks, who held on for a 3-2 decision over Patrick Bradshaw, were the lone winners for Army. The Black Knights got things back on track against Findlay, jumping out to a 21-0 lead through the first four bouts and winning eight of the 10 decisions in the match. Army will return to action next weekend at the Oklahoma Gold Classic, hosted by SUNY Brockport on Saturday, Nov. 8.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- The University of Northern Iowa wrestling team opened its 2008-09 season at the West Gym Saturday with its annual intra-squad wrestle-offs. Panther head coach Brad Penrith was happy with his team's turnout for the day and the talent it shows for the upcoming season. "Some of the matches we came out a bit sluggish at the beginning, others we wrestled extremely well," Penrith said. "It's a great way for us to see that we still have some things we need to work on. We obviously have a lot of talent but there are still some things we need to fine tune." Standout senior Moza Fay (Anamosa, Iowa/Anamosa) continued his career success, winning in a major decision over freshman David Bonin (Broussard, La./Comeaux) at 165 pounds, 16-3 "Moza was on the attack, he was very physical and continued to look to score in all areas," Penrith said. "He realizes that he still has some things to work on, but we like where he is at this time of the year." Bonin won by a 9-1 major decision over freshman John Simon (Parkersburg, Iowa/Aplington-Parkersburg) in an earlier 165-pound match. In the 157-pound match redshirt junior Tyson Reiner (Mitchell, S.D./Mitchell) pinned redshirt sophomore Cole Zempel (LaPorte City, Iowa/Union) capturing the victory in 4:46. Redshirt freshman Jamal Lawrence (Merrillville, Ind./Merrillville) went 1-1 on the day, defeating redshirt sophomore Trevor Kittleson (St. Ansgar, Iowa/St. Ansgar) with a 5-2 decision before losing a close 149-pound match to redshirt junior Charlie Ettelson (Hudson, Iowa/Hudson), 1-0. Ettelson also posted a victory over Kittleson in another 149-pound match, with an 8-0 decision. In the 141-pound match, freshman Alec Hoffman (Davenport, Iowa/Davenport North) closed out a 10-7 decision over redshirt freshman Trent Washington (Omaha, Neb./Boys Town). "Alec wrestled very well today," said Penrith. "He took on someone who was very skilled and hit him in a five-point move." At 133 pounds, freshman Steven Fitzgerald (Fresno, Calif./Clovis East) won by fall over fellow freshman Cody Delagardelle (Jesup, Iowa/Gilbertville-Don Bosco). Senior Josh Baldridge (Haysville, Kan/Campus) snagged a pair of victories on the day, topping freshman Ryan Jauch (Crystal Lake, Ill./Crystal Lake Central) in a 8-1 decision and Fitzgerald in a 8-5 decision in a another pair of 133-pound matches. Freshman Grant Sutter (Barneveld, Wis./Dodgeville) topped freshman Adam Hight (Greenfield, Iowa/Nodaway Valley) in a 125-pound match, 6-3, before falling to redshirt sophomore Caleb Flores (Rosemead, Calif./Northview) in a 12-6 decision. Junior Terrance Young (Minneapolis, Minn./Edison) posted a couple victories on the day, defeating Cruse Aarhus (Cedar Rapids, Iowa/Kennedy) in an earlier 125-pound match, 9-5 and Flores in a close 6-5 decision. In the 174-pound match, redshirt sophomore Jarion Beets (Cedar Rapids, Iowa/Kennedy) pulled out a close win over redshirt junior Scott Hazen (Underwood, Iowa/Underwood) in a 4-3 decision. In the heavyweight match, redshirt freshman Christian Brantley (Homewood, Ill./Mount Carmel) topped freshman Blayne Beale (Davenport, Iowa/Davenport West) in a major decision, 26-13. "Christian came out and wrestled a full match," Penrith said. "He put a full match together from the beginning all the way to the end, and showed a lot of promise." The Panthers take to the mat for their season-opener Nov. 8 at the Loras Open in Dubuque, Iowa. The team's home-opener kicks off on Dec. 7 in the UNI-Dome with the UNI Open.

The University of Northern Iowa wrestling team will take to the mat Saturday at 10 a.m. in the West Gym for its annual intra-squad scrimmage. The event is free and open to the public. The Panthers are coming a 20th-place finish at the 2008 NCAA Championships. Head coach Brad Penrith's squad also return six national qualifiers from last year including All-American Moza Fay. UNI will begin the regular season Nov. 8 at the Loras Open, followed by the Kaufman-Brand Open in Omaha, Neb., on Nov. 22. UNI's first home dual meet of the season is Dec. 11 against the No. 1-ranked Iowa Hawkeyes.

Oklahoma State received a verbal commitment from three-state champion Chris Perry of Stillwater High School in Oklahoma. Perry, the younger brother of two-time NCAA champion Mark Perry Jr. and son of former Oklahoma State assistant coach Mark Perry Sr., chose Oklahoma State over Penn State and Ohio State. Perry won a Junior Nationals freestyle title in Fargo this past summer at 189 pounds. He owns a 97-1 career record and is riding a 65-match winning streaking. Perry is the No. 3-ranked senior in the country by RevWrestling.com.

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. -- Penn State Nittany Lion wrestler Dan Vallimont (Lake Hopatcong, N.J.), ranked No. 3 at 157 pounds, has been selected to participate in the National Wrestling Coaches Association All-Star Classic. The exhibition event will take place at Ohio State's St. John Arena on Monday, November 24, at 7 p.m. Dan Vallimont (Photo/Tech-Fall.com)Vallimont, who joins teammate Bubba Jenkins (Virginia Beach, Va.) in the exhibition, steps in for No. 2 Mike Poeta of Illinois, will face No. 1 Jordan Leen of Cornell. Leen won the national title at 157 last year for the Big Red. Vallimont took third at nationals last year and ended the year with a superb 32-3 overall record. All three of his losses were to Poeta. Leen and Vallimont did not meet in last season. The selection of Vallimont and Jenkins marks the third straight year that a Nittany Lion has been represented at the prestigious event, annually pitting the top two pre-season wrestlers at each weight class against each other in an exhibition. In 2006, Penn State sent Phil Davis and James Yonushonis and last year Davis took part again. The ten-bout exhibition features a full list of the nation's best wrestlers: 125: No. 2 Troy Nickerson (Cornell) vs. No. 3 Charlie Falck (Iowa) 133: No. 1 Joey Slaton (Iowa) vs. No. 2 Jayson Ness (Minnesota) 141: No. 1 J Jaggers (Ohio State) vs. No. 2 Nick Gallick (Iowa State) 149: No. 1 Brent Metcalf (Iowa) vs. No. 2 Bubba Jenkins (Penn State) 157: No. 1 Jordan Leen (Cornell) vs. No. 3 Dan Vallimont (Penn State) 165: No. 1 Nick Marable (Missouri) vs. No. 2 Mack Lewnes (Cornell) 174: No. 1 Steve Luke (Michigan) vs. No. 2 Jay Borschel (Iowa) 184: No. 1 Mike Pucillo (Ohio State) vs. No. 3 Phil Keddy (Iowa) 197: No. 1 Jake Varner (Iowa State) vs. No. 2 Hudson Taylor (Maryland) HWT: No. 1 Jared Rosholt (Oklahoma State) vs. No. 3 Kyle Massey. Penn State, under the guidance of head coach Troy Sunderland, will open up its 2008-09 season by hosting Wrestle-Offs on Nov. 2 at 1 p.m. in Rec Hall. Admission to wrestle-offs is free. The home season opens on Sunday, Nov. 16, with a 1 p.m. dual against Hofstra in Rec Hall. Fans can purchase season tickets by calling 814-863-1000 or 800-NITTANY. Season tickets are $32 for adults and $24 for youth. Single event tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for youth. Penn State students get in FREE with a Penn State ID.

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- The Purdue wrestling team opens its 2008-09 schedule on Saturday with its annual trip to the Eastern Michigan Open, hosted by the Eagles in Bowen Field house. It will mark the fourth straight season the Boilermakers have kicked off their season in Ypsilanti, Mich. as wrestling is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. The tournament field typically consists of several of the region's top teams, including 10th-ranked Michigan, No. 11 Northwestern and No. 18 Central Michigan, and this year should be no exception. A non-scoring event, the Boilermakers have won four individual Eastern Michigan Open titles and posted 21 place-winning performances in the past three years. They have tallied a 162-78 record in those three seasons, including a 69-29 mark last year in Scott Hinkel's head coaching debut. Senior Jake Patacsil is set to defend his 2007 title at 149 pounds as he rolled through the tournament to open last season. Patacsil was 5-0 on the day with a pin and three technical falls and headlines the Boilermakers' 20-man tournament roster this season, along with 2007 placewinners Murphy, Luke Manuel, Logan Brown, Sam Patacsil, A.J. Kissel and John Doyle. Murphy took third at 157, Manuel was second at 165, Brown was third at 197, Sam Patacsil and A.J. Kissel finished sixth at 157 and 184, and Doyle took third at 165, wrestling unattached from the Purdue squad. The Boilermakers boast a quartet of wrestlers who earned preseason rankings from the InterMat/NWCA poll, headlined by Jake Patacsil and Manuel. The pair are respectively ranked seventh at 149 and 165 pounds, and Manuel is the top-ranked 165-pound wrestler in the Big Ten. Kissel sits at No. 11 in the country at 184 pounds, while Brown was tagged 13th at 197 pounds. For more tournament information visit emueagles.com, and for Purdue's team results after the tournament's conclusion visit purduesports.com.

PITTSBURGH -- The Pitt wrestling team will determine its 2008-09 starting lineup this Friday in its annual Blue-Gold wrestle-offs. A bracket-style format will be used for each weight class, including a best two-out-of three competition for the finals. The intrasquad match is open to the public, with start time slated for 6 p.m. at the Fitzgerald Field House. Friday's matches mark the final tune-up for the Panthers before they travel to the Michigan State Open on Nov. 9. Although Pitt fields a young squad that features just two returning seniors, it hopes to continue the momentum from last season's team that finished with a record of 13-4. The Panthers capped their strong 2007-08 campaign with a 16th-place finish at Nationals and a 174-pound NCAA champion in Keith Gavin. Two true freshmen will battle at 125 pounds, as Chris Albright (York, Pa./Red Lion Area) and Chris Kochinsky (Middletown, Pa./Middletown) will take to the mat for the starting job. Junior Jimmy Conroy (South Plainfield, N.J./South Plainfield) returns at 133 pounds after earning an EWL title and qualifying for Nationals in 2008. Conroy faces challengers for the top spot in sophomore Eric Rosencranz (Quakertown, Pa./Quakertown Community) and freshmen Zach Grove (York, Pa./Central York). At 141 pounds, Tyler Nauman (Middletown, Pa./Middletown) looks to earn the top spot after posting a stellar record during his redshirt freshman season but will be tested by fellow redshirt freshmen Christian Fagan (North Easton, Mass./Oliver Ames) and true freshman Victor Konno (Kempton, Pa./Northwestern Lehigh). A transfer from Purdue, senior Mark Powell (Washington, Pa./Trinity (Purdue)) will be in the hunt for the starting role at 149 pounds along with true freshman Donnie Tasser (Belle Vernon, Pa./Belle Vernon). In the 157-pound weight class, the winner between sophomore Adam Counterman (Nazareth, Pa./Nazareth) and junior Jeff Warusz (Langhorne, Pa./Neshaminy) will man the starting position. 2008 NCAA qualifier Ethan Headlee (Waynesburg, Pa./Waynesburg) returns at 165 pounds, although redshirt freshman Phil Sorrentino (Glassport, Pa./South Allegheny) will push Headlee throughout the season. Last season's starter at 184 pounds, redshirt junior Dave Sullivan (Dingmans Ferry, Pa./Delaware Valley (East Stroudsburg)) looks to gain the top spot after dropping to the 174-pound division. Sullivan will battle redshirt freshman A.J. Brentzel (Irwin, Pa./Penn Trafford) and true freshman Karl DeCiantis (Pittsburgh, Pa./North Allegheny) for the starting job. Four wrestlers will fight for starting time at 184 pounds this season, as true freshmen Zac Thomusseit (St. Paris, Ohio/St. Paris Graham) and Keith Dickey (Harrisburg, Pa./Cedar Cliff), redshirt freshman Andy Vaughan (Gibsonia, Pa./Pittsburgh Central Catholic) and redshirt sophomore Brock Mantella (Alpharetta, Ga./Blessed Trinity) will try to fill the slot. At 197 pounds, the starter will be either junior A.J. Hunte (Brookline, Mass./Brookline) or true freshman Matt Wilps (Pittsburgh, Pa./Chartiers Valley). Two-time EWL champion and National qualifier Zach Sheaffer (Carlisle, Pa./Cumberland Valley) enters the year ranked as high as seventh in preseason polls. The fifth-year senior will face true freshman Dan Nickoli (Harrisburg, Pa./Central Dauphin) at wrestle-offs. Pitt opens it regular season dual meet schedule on Nov. 15, hosting in-state rival Lehigh. Last season, the Panthers topped Lehigh 24-9 in Bethlehem. This year's match marks a homecoming for Pat Santoro, who is in his first year at the helm of the Mountain Hawk program. A two-time NCAA champion for the Panthers in 1988 and 1989, Santoro leads Pitt in all-time career wins and pins. The match against Lehigh is scheduled for a 7 p.m. start in the Peterson Events Center.

Columbia, Mo. -- Ranked No. 1 in the nation at 165 pounds, Missouri All-American wrestler, junior Nicholas Marable (Collierville, Tenn.), has been invited to compete at the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) All-Star Classic Monday, Nov. 24, in St. John Arena of Columbus, Ohio. Marable will meet at center circle with Cornell's second-ranked wrestler, Mack Lewnes, beginning at 6 p.m. (CT). Lewnes and Marable met twice during the 2007-08 campaign with Marable earning a 3-2 decision in both bouts. The most recent victory by Marable came March 22 at the 78th annual NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships in St. Louis. Wrestling for third place, Marable handed the Big Red wrestler a one-point loss on his way to his first career All-America accolade. Marable is the third Missouri wrestler in five years named to the All-Star team. Recent graduate Tyler McCormick was selected to the 2007 squad but was unable to compete due to injury. Missouri's last grappler to wrestle at the All-Star Classic was two-time National Champion Ben Askren in 2004. Askren suffered a 6-3 loss to Oklahoma State's Chris Pendleton. The 43rd annual NWCA All-Star Classic features nine bouts in which the No. 1 and No. 2 ranked wrestlers in the nation will challenge for bragging rights. The 125-pound weight class will showcase the second and third-ranked wrestlers. Marable is one of four Big 12 wrestlers set to compete in the dual. Iowa State will take three grapplers to the competition. The match will not count towards Marable's season record. Entering the campaign, Marable owns a 53-12 career record.

Key among a list of 21 letterwinners returning to the Auggie lineup will be Seth Flodeen (SR, Cannon Falls, Minn.), a two-time All-American who won the 125-pound national title with a dramatic first-period pin in the championship match last season. Coming off a 25-7 record last year and 78-27 career mark, Flodeen is aiming to join a select group of eight Augsburg wrestlers to win multiple national titles. "Seth's goal is to be a national champion again," Matzek said. "Seth won't be denied. Last year at the national tournament, it was his extreme competitiveness that won him the national title, that sheer drive and determination." Jason Adams (JR, Coon Rapids, Minn.), who reached the national title match at 141 pounds last season and finished 31-9, will move up two weight classes to 157, where he will face a challenge from returning national tournament qualifier Beau Hansen (SO, Albert Lea, Minn.), who finished 28-9. At 133, Travis Lang (SR, Bismarck, N.D.), who finished fifth nationally last season in his first year as an Auggie after transferring from Division I Minnesota, returns to make a strong push toward a national title. Lang was 38-4 last year with a team-high 21 pins, and is 74-23 in his collegiate career. "Travis is going to train as hard as he can and wants to take that next step. Last year, he was an All-American. This year, he wants to be a national champion," Matzek said. Two other starters also return to the Auggie lineup in 165-pounder Brandon Klukow (SR, Albert Lea, Minn.) and heavyweight Andy Witzel (JR, Fulda, Minn.). Klukow finished 23-16 last year, while Witzel was 26-15. Witzel just missed a berth in the national tournament with a third-place finish at the Great Lakes Regional last year. "Brandon has three years of experience with the Augsburg program, and his goal this year is to make it through the Great Lakes Regional and to become an All-American. It's his last chance and he understands that, and he's doing everything in his power to make it happen," Matzek said. "Andy Witzel brings a lot of experience from last year to the lineup." Newcomers will challenge for starting roles There are several weight classes in the Augsburg lineup where there will be battles for starting roles, and both a strong class of returners and one of the deepest classes of newcomers in school history will make the task of making a starting role in the lineup a challenge. "We have 21 first-years coming in this year, and that's a testament to the hard work of the coaching staff last spring," Matzek said. "It's both quality and quantity in that class. It's the best of two worlds." Nowhere is that more evident than in the middle weights, where returners Lucas Murray (SO, Anoka, Minn.), Jake Saatzer (SO, Mound, Minn./Mound-Westonka HS), Zach Hansen (JR, Albert Lea, Minn.) and Johnny Brandtjen (SO, St. Paul, Minn./Simley HS) return at 141 and 149 pounds, and will face strong challenges from newcomers Torey Stewart (FY, Jackson, Minn./Jackson County Central HS), a two-time state champion and four-time state finalist; Tony Valek (FY, Belle Plaine, Minn./Scott West), a 2007 state champion and three-time state placewinner; Wisconsin high school standout Trevor Dyreson (FY, Deerfield, Wis.), Nathan Lexvold (FY, Kenyon, Minn./Kenyon-Wanamingo HS) a 2007 Minnesota state titlist and three-time state placewinner; and Minnesota state tourney qualifiers Travis Anderson (FY, White Bear Lake, Minn.) and Justin Koob (FY, New Ulm, Minn.). At 165, Klukow will face a big challenge from a large group of returners and newcomers. Spencer Flodeen (SO, Cannon Falls, Minn.), Jake Grygelko (JR, Loretto, Minn./St. Michael-Albertville HS), Krey Cory (SO, New Richland, Minn./NHREG HS), Matt Curtis (JR, Coon Rapids, Minn.) and John MacCormick (JR, Minnetonka, Minn.) all return, along with newcomers Trenton Larrieu (FY, Spring Valley, Wis.), Zach Enrico (FY, Minnetonka, Minn./Hopkins HS) and Joe Meyer (FY, Lakeville, Minn./St. Thomas Academy HS). And at 157, Adams and Beau Hansen will be joined by returner and Brett Landrum (SO, Plymouth, Minn./Wayzata HS), a transfer from Division I Nebraska. Newcomers will also contend for the upper weights. At 174, returner Garrett Long (JR, Cedar, Minn./St. Francis HS) and 165-pounder Curtis will challenge for the spot, along with newcomers Brandon Bahr (FY, Bemidji, Minn.), Josh Kohler (FY, Monticello, Minn.) and Jackson Mboma (FY, Maple Grove, Minn.), all of whom enter the program with state tournament experience. At 184, newcomers Brad Baus (FY, Mukwonago, Wis.), a two-time state placewinner, and Alex Krautkremer (FY, Jordan, Minn./Scott West) will battle for the open spot. At 197, Jared Massey (SO, Circle Pines, Minn./Centennial HS), a two-time state champion and four-time state tournament qualifier, joins the Augsburg roster after a four-year absence from collegiate wrestling. He competed his first year (2003-04) at Division I Wisconsin, but Matzek noted that Massey still "has all the physical attributes of a national champion. He's a great athlete. You name it -- he's quick, he's strong, he's fast and he's very experienced." Massey will face a strong challenge from returners Kris Krier (JR, Woodbury, Minn.) and Andy Peterson (JR, Grand Marais, Minn./Milaca HS), along with newcomers Nick Creamier (FY, Coon Rapids, Minn.) and Mitch Gerold (FY, Braham, Minn.), both of whom have state tournament experience. Returner Tyson Barrett (JR, Excelsior, Minn./Minnetonka HS) and newcomer Alex Diaz (FY, Inver Grove Heights, Minn./Eagan HS) will provide a challenge for Witzel at heavyweight. At 125, Flodeen will be joined by returners Ky Olsen (SO, Kansasville, Wis./Westosha Central HS) and Freddy Vigil (JR, Bakersfield, Calif.), along with newcomer Minh Huynh (FY, Eagan, Minn./Eastview HS), a three-time state tournament qualifier. And at 133, Lang and returner Paul Bjorkstrand (SR, Burnsville, Minn.) will face challenges from Alex Johnson (FY, Foxhome, Minn./Breckenridge HS), Josh Roberts (FY, Grand Forks, N.D./Central HS) and Ben Thone (FY, Fond du Lac, Wis.). Roberts was a North Dakota state champion and four-time state placewinner, Johnson was a two-time state qualifier, and Thone was a two-time Wisconsin state tournament placewinner. Academic excellence Augsburg has a tradition of academic excellence in wrestling that is just as strong as the team's accomplishments on the mat. Last season, the Auggies finished 22nd in the National Wrestling Coaches Association's Scholar All-American team race with a 3.2001 team grade-point average. Over the last 26 seasons, 103 NWCA Scholar All-Americans, the most of any college in any division in the nation. Augsburg has had at least three Scholar All-Americans every year since 1993, and has had 80 athletes honored since 1997. Augsburg has finished among the top 25 wrestling teams in the Scholar All-American team program every season since it was started in 1998, and has had a team GPA of 3.2 or better every season during the 11 years of the program. Augsburg had the top GPA in the country in the 1999 season (3.480) and finished second three times (1998, 2000, 2006).

PISCATAWAY, N.J. -- The Rutgers wrestling team, under the guidance of second-year head coach Scott Goodale, will face off in the Scarlet & Black Wrestle-offs on Friday, Oct. 31, at 7:00 p.m. at the College Ave. Gym. Fans will get a chance to see the team compete for starting positions as the RU wrestlers complete a week-long tournament. "I am excited for our guys to have an opportunity to wrestle in a live situation in front of our fans," said Goodale. At 125-pounds, sophomore Mike Demarco (Lyndhurst, N.J.) will take on freshman Matt Fusco (Belleville, N.J.). In the 133-pound bout, two redshirt freshmen will square off in Tyler Milonas (Oak Ridge, N.J.) and Brian Bollette (Newton, N.J.). Newcomers David Greenwald (Union, N.J.) and Trevor Melde (Hewitt, N.J.) will wrestle in the 141-pound contest to replace the graduated Steve Adamcsik. In the 149-pound bout, returning starter Jack Barrett (Metuchen, N.J.), a redshirt junior, will be tested by freshman Dave Seidenberg (Red Bank, N.J.). The 157-pound contest features two highly acclaimed freshmen, as Scott Winston (Jackson, N.J.), the 2007-08 No. 2 overall recruit by Intermat, will take on Greg Zannetti (Edison, N.J.), who finished second at 152 in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Wrestling Championships. Senior Matt Pletcher (Eastampton, N.J.) will try to hold on to his starting position when he faces junior Matt Rigoglioso (Wayne, N.J.) at 165, while senior Mike Whalen (Lake Hiawatha, N.J.) looks to do the same at 174 against freshman Ryan Roddy (Woodbridge, Conn.). Returning starter Keith Dobish (Lodi, N.J.) hopes to maintain his spot at 184 against sophomore McPaul Ogbonna (East Hanover, N.J.). Junior Karim Mahmoud (Wallington, N.J.), who split time at 197 and heavyweight last season, returns to 197-pounds. He will take on freshman Jesse Boyden (Kenilworth, N.J.), who finished his high school career as the NJSIAA 215-pound champion. In the heavyweight division, redshirt sophomore DJ Russo (Netcong, N.J.) will take on transfer Sean DeDeyn (Bayville, N.J.). After the wrestle-offs, RU returns to the mat on Saturday, Nov. 8, in the Oklahoma-Brockport Gold Tournament, held in Brockport, N.Y. Here is the breakdown of each weight class: 125: Mike Demarco (Lyndhurst, N.J.) vs. Matt Fusco (Belleville, N.J.) 133: Tyler Milonas (Oak Ridge, N.J.) vs. Brian Bollette (Newton, N.J.) 141: David Greenwald (Union, N.J.) vs. Trevor Melde (Hewitt, N.J.) 149: Jack Barrett (Metuchen, N.J.) vs. Dave Seidenberg (Red Bank, N.J.) 157: Scott Winston (Jackson, N.J.) vs. Greg Zannetti (Edison, N.J.) 165: Matt Pletcher (Eastampton, N.J.) vs. Matt Rigoglioso (Wayne, N.J.) 174: Mike Whalen (Lake Hiawatha, N.J.) vs. Ryan Roddy (Woodbridge, Conn.) 184: Keith Dobish (Lodi, N.J.) vs. McPaul Ogbonna (East Hanover, N.J.) 197: Karim Mahmoud (Wallington, N.J.) vs. Jesse Boyden (Kenilworth, N.J.) HWT: DJ Russo (Netcong, N.J.) vs. Sean DeDeyn (Bayville, N.J.)