InterMat Staff

This weekend marks the 17th annual Beast of the East, the 15th of which has been held in December. Blair Academy, NJ is the strong favorites to win the tournament for a tenth consecutive year, and for the fourteenth time overall. The only other teams to win the Beast are Brick Memorial, NJ in January 1994; Bald Eagle Area, PA in 1998; and St. Edward, OH in 1999. The Bucs have also never finished below third in the event (1998). While first place is likely locked, there should be a pretty strong battle for second place between Wyoming Seminary, PA; Central Dauphin, PA; and St. Mark's, DE. Other teams in the field to watch include Long Branch, NJ; Eastern Regional, NJ; and Cox, VA. Seeking third consecutive titles at the tournament this year are Chris Villalonga (Blair Academy, NJ) at 140 pounds and Marshall Peppelman (Central Dauphin, PA) at 160; both wrestlers have also committed to compete at Cornell next fall. In addition, Devin Carter (Christiansburg, VA) and Anthony Baldosaro (Eastern Regional, NJ) seek a third finals appearance -- they compete at 125 and 145 respectively. The following wrestlers seek to defend titles from the 2008 Beast of the East: Mark Grey (Blair Academy, NJ), competing at 119 pounds; Evan Silver (Blair Academy, NJ), competing at 112; Simon Kitzis (Wyoming Seminary, PA), competing at 135 pounds; Villalonga; Baldosaro; Peppelman; Michael Evans (Blair Academy, NJ), competing at 189 pounds; and Boby Telford (St. Mark's DE), competing at 285 pounds. Austin Ormsbee (Blair Academy, NJ) will not be defending his title this year, as he was scratched from the tournament. What: 17th annual T.G.I. Friday's Beast of the East When: Saturday 12-19-09 and Sunday 12-20-09 Where: Bob Carpenter Center, University of Delaware; Newark, DE Schedule: Wrestling on Saturday starts at 8:30 a.m. ET on 11 mats with 3 championship and 4 consolation rounds; the round of 16 is projected to start at about 5:30 p.m., and day one should end at around 9:30 p.m. Competition on Sunday starts at 9:00 a.m. on 11 mats with the quarterfinals on six mats and consolations on five mats, a second consolation round will then be wrestled; at approximately 11:30 a.m., the tournament will break down to only six mats with the semifinals on two of them. The consolation semifinals should end at approximately 2:15 p.m., with the finals matches for first through eighth place slated to being at 3:15 p.m. Tournament Web site: http://www.beastwrestling.com InterMat Coverage: Periodic updates through a notebook occur throughout the day on Saturday. Live blogging will occur on Sunday focusing on quarterfinal, semifinal, and placement round activity. A recap of the tournament will be published on Monday. 103: Nationally-Ranked Wrestlers: No. 10 Tyson Dippery (Central Dauphin, PA); No. 15 Max Hvolbeck (Blair Academy, NJ). Commentary: Unlike in past years, the opening weight is without true superstars. That said, two wrestlers stand out above the field. Both are in their first year as starters, and both earned All-American honors in the Cadet National freestyle competition this past summer. Hvolbeck enters as the two seed after finishing third at 98 pounds, and third at the Ironman last weekend. Dippery enters the tournament as the four seed after earning sixth at 105 pounds, and then placing fourth at the Super 32. The toughest challenge for Hvlobeck looks to be Will Mason (Cape Henry Collegiate, VA), who finished fourth at National Preps last year. For Dippery, it looks to be the winner of a quarterfinal bout between Zach Bridson (Timberlane, NH) and freshman sensation Darian Cruz (Bethlehem Catholic, PA); Bridson was second at the New England Championships last year. Top Match on Saturday: Evan Botwin (Wyoming Seminary, PA) vs.. Max Rogers (Delbarton, NJ). Unseeded Wrestler to Watch: Cody Stageberg (Cox, VA) Predicting a Finals Match: Dippery (Central Dauphin) over Hvolbeck (Blair Academy) 112: National Ranked Wrestlers: No. 1 Evan Silver (Blair Academy, NJ); No. 13 Dominick Malone (Wyoming Seminary, PA); No. 1 (at 103) Joey Dance (Christiansburg, VA); No. 14 John Fahy (Louisville Trinity, KY); No. 19 Shyheim Brown (Central Dauphin, PA); and No. 20 Caleb Richardson (Cox, VA). Commentary: The Beast of the East starts to become beastly in this weight class with six nationally ranked wrestlers, and those individuals are balanced three per side. Coming off an Ironman title last week, Silver is a clear favorite in defense of his Beast championship this weekend. Life will not be that easy, starting with a projected quarterfinal against two-time Super 32 placer Jake Smith (Robinson, VA); Smith was also a state runner-up and NHSCA Freshman Nationals runner-up last year. The semifinal bout is likely to be against either Richardson or Fahy, though Fahy would have to get past a New Jersey state placer -- and Super 32 placer -- to reach the quarters. Looking on the other side of the draw, one of the quarterfinals is projected to feature a rematch of last year's fifth place bout at 103 pounds; Brown defeated Pendergast 6-4 in that meeting and is projected to replicate that result here. In the other quarterfinal of the bottom half look for a matchup between Malone and Dance for the third consecutive weekend; Malone has won the past two meetings between these Cadet National freestyle All-Americans. Top Match on Saturday: Fahy vs. Kyle Casaletto (Southern Regional, NJ). Unseeded Wrestler to Watch: Curt Delia (Delsea Regional, NJ) Predicting a Finals Match: Silver (Blair Academy) over Malone (Wyoming Seminary) 119: Nationally-Ranked Wrestlers: No. 10 Sean Dolan (St. Mark's, DE); No. 11 Mark Grey (Blair Academy, NJ); No. 13 Robert Deutsch (Eastern Regional, NJ); No. 15 Bryan Whitt (Cox, VA); No. 5 (at 112) Brandon Jeske (St. Christopher's, VA); and No. 18 (at 112) Matt Sausman (Camden Catholic, NJ). Commentary: Yet another weight with six nationally ranked wrestlers present. However, unlike the 112 pound weight class, things are totally wide open here -- as they seem to be across the nation with this weight. The top seed in this weight is the two-time New Jersey state finalist Deutsch; however, he has finished fifth and sixth respectively in two appearances at the Beast. He is likely to have a very tough quarterfinal against either Eric Friedman (St. Paul's, MD) or Sausman, both of whom are up two weight classes from last year. A pair of wrestlers also up two weight classes from last year's tournament -- where they finished second and fourth respectively -- is likely to lead the other quarter in the top half; Joe Orecchio (Don Bosco Prep, NJ) and Greg Flournoy (Fauquier, VA). Grey and Dolan anchor the bottom half of the bracket as the two and three seeds respectively. Grey won this tournament last year at 103 pounds, while Dolan was runner-up at 112 two seasons ago. However, both wrestlers have unkind paths to a potential semifinal matchup. Dolan is looking at a quarterfinal date against Whitt -- a runner-up to Silver at National Prep last year; after having to get past a Saturday match against jujitsu star Shane Arechiga (Good Counsel, MD). Grey projects to face the freshman sensation Jeske, a two-time Super 32 placer and a tremendous talent in Greco-Roman in the quarterfinal round. Top Matches on Saturday: Friedman vs. Sausman and Matt Malfaro (Boyertown, PA) vs. Jeske. Friedman placed seventh in the Beast last year and second at National Prep, while Sausman was third in New Jersey and at NHSCA Sophomore Nationals. Malfaro is a returning Beast placer though he failed to place at the Pennsylvania state tournament. Unseeded Wrestlers to Watch: Rob Jillard (Delsea Regional, NJ), eighth at state; Kyle Johnson (Wyoming Seminary, PA), third at National Prep in 2008. Predicting a Finals Match: Dolan (St. Mark's) over Deutsch (Eastern Regional) 125: Nationally-Ranked Wrestlers: No. 2 Devin Carter (Christiansburg, VA); No. 13 Zach Horan (Nazareth, PA); No. 14 Sean Boylan (St. Mark's, DE); and No. 20 Pat Prada (DeMatha Catholic, MD). Commentary: Carter has finished runner-up at the Beast each of the last two years, and is favored to break through with a championship this weekend. However, that path will not necessarily be easy starting with a quarterfinal against either Hunsberger or Marino. The other quarterfinal in Carter's half of the draw features Prada and Aaron Runzo (Kellam, VA), a battle of Junior National All-Americans. Prada placed seventh in freestyle, while Prada was fourth in Greco-Roman. A point of interest here is that Runzo knocked off Boylan in the finals at War on the Shore two weekends ago. Anchoring the bottom half of the bracket is Boylan and Horan. Boylan won the Beast in 2007 at 103 pounds, but was sixth last year at 112, while Horan has taken fourth twice in this event. Both wrestlers have favorable paths to a semifinal bout, with Horan having to most likely clear Ryan Ponte (Northfield Mt. Hermon, MA) -- third at last year's National Prep tournament; while Boylan is looking a match against fellow Beast placer Brandon Shultie (Sussex Central, DE). Top Matches on Saturday: Ryan Hunsberger (Fauquier, VA) vs. Anthony Marino (Bethlehem Liberty, PA); Hunsberger is a state runner-up, who placed seventh at last week's Ironman, while Marino placed fifth at state last year. Unseeded Wrestler to Watch: Garrett Hammond (Wyoming Seminary, PA); the freshman placed eighth at the Ironman last weekend. Predicting a Finals Match: Carter (Christiansburg) over Horan (Nazareth) 130: Nationally-Ranked Wrestlers: No. 2 Sam Sherlock (West Mifflin, PA); No. 6 (at 135) Nick Schenk (St. Mark's, DE); and No. 7 Vinny Fava (Elmwood Park, NJ). Commentary: Three elite wrestlers stand out ahead of the rest of the field; however, there is much for storylines among the rest of this field. Both Sherlock and Schenk have finished second at the Beast during the course of their careers, while Fava was champion at NHSCA Junior Nationals this past spring at 135 pounds. The projected semifinal between Schenk and Fava could be one of the highlights -- if each is able to reach that point. Schenk has a potentially tough match on Saturday with NHSCA Junior National All-American Andrew Cornell (Long Branch, NJ). Fava is looking at a quarterfinal against either Eric Morris (Wyoming Seminary, PA) or Tyler Buckman (Central Dauphin, PA). Life is slightly easier for Sherlock up in the top half of the draw. His likely quarterfinal is against BJ Young (Jackson Memorial, NJ) -- who has placed at the Super 32, Beast of the East, and NHSCA Junior nationals over the years but never in the New Jersey state tournament. The semifinal bout would project to be against one of two super sophomores -- Jacob Crawford (Millbrook, VA) or Todd Preston (Blair Academy, NJ) Top Matches on Saturday: Buckman vs. Morris, featuring the freshman sensation Morris seeking to make a statement on the high school scene against a returning state placer; Schenk vs. Cornell. Predicting a Finals Match: Sherlock (West Mifflin) over Fava (Elmwood Park) 135: Nationally-Ranked Wrestlers: No. 7 Simon Kitzis (Wyoming Seminary, PA). Commentary: With Austin Ormsbee (Blair Academy, NJ) out of his second straight major event, the field is absolutely ripe for a Kitzis torpedo. His quarterfinal bout is likely to be against the sophomore Devon Gobbo (Delbarton, NJ) -- who placed eighth in the Super 32 at 130 pounds. While the caliber of opponent improves in the semifinal, Kitzis is not likely to be challenged by either Alex Pelliciotti (Boyertown, PA) or Scott Festejo (Long Branch, NJ). Pelliciotti was third in the preseason Super 32 at this weight after placing fifth at the Beast and seventh in the state down at 130 last year, while Festejo was third in the state at 125 last year. The bottom of this weight bracket is a two-horse race between state champion Wendell Cannon (Sussex Tech, DE) and state third Shawn Greevy (Cumberland Valley, PA). Unseeded Wrestler to Watch: Zach Epperly (Christiansburg, VA) -- ranked 24th among freshmen nationally by InterMat. Predicting a Finals Match: Kitzis (Wyoming Seminary) over Cannon (Sussex Tech) 140: Nationally-Ranked Wrestlers: No. 2 (at 145) Chris Villalonga (Blair Academy, NJ); No. 12 (at 145) Taylor Walsh (Camden Catholic, NJ); No. 17 (at 145) Codey Combs (Sussex Central, DE); No. 13 Hank Stinson (Eastern Regional, NJ). Commentary: Seeking a fourth final at the Beast of the East, and a third title, Villalonga should have two matches against ranked competition. It is very likely that he will dominate his way into a semifinal match against Stinson, who was a state champion in 2008 but sustained an injury in the Beast last year and could not compete by season's end. However, Stinson is looking a tough quarterfinal bout against Cody Broomall (Smyrna, DE), who was a state champion last year with an upset victory over Schenk in the state final. The bottom half of the draw is anchored by a pair of state champions, Taylor Walsh (Camden Catholic, NJ) and Codey Combs (Sussex Central, DE). Walsh is a two-time finalist in the Garden State headed into his senior season, while Combs has won state titles in his first two years of high school. Combs could have a tough quarterfinal against Roman Perryman (Robinson, VA), a top three finisher at state in all three years of high school including a state title as a freshman. Saturday Match to Watch: Broomall vs. Charlie Packard (Brecksville, OH). Packard has a very funky style, which is very Jekyll-and-hyde, and finished fifth in the state last year. Unseeded Wrestlers to Watch: Devin Biscaha (Jackson Memorial, NJ) -- fifth at NHSCA Junior nationals; Cohl Fulk (Wyoming Seminary, PA); and Colton Peppelman (Central Dauphin, PA). Predicting a Finals Match: Villalonga (Blair Academy) over Walsh (Camden Catholic) 145: Nationally-Ranked Wrestlers: No. 3 Anthony Baldosaro (Eastern Regional, NJ); No. 13 Ben Dorsay (Cox, VA); No. 16 Blake Roulo (Matoaca, VA); and No. 20 Alex Smith (Timberlane, NH). Commentary: Like Villalonga, Baldosaro is an InterMat top 10 recruit in the Class of 2010 seeking to repeat as champion at Beast of the East.; he also is after a third finals appearance in the event. The two-time New Jersey state champion should clear his way to the final with relative ease, as only a semifinal against either the Super 32 placer Smith or Ironman placer Conner Miller (Fauquier, VA) stands in his path. The bottom half of the draw a pair of top wrestlers from the Commonwealth of Virginia -- Dorsay and Roulo; Dorsay is a two-time state champ, while Roulo has finished second and third the last two years. Both wrestlers are returning Beast placers, with Dorsay placing third at this year's Super 32 and Roulo third in the Junior National Greco-Roman competition. Saturday Match to Watch: Roulo vs. Joseph Marino (Garnet Valley, PA); Marino is a returning state qualifier. Unseeded Wrestlers to Watch: Shane Robinson (Absegami, NJ); Erik Gobbo (Delbarton, NJ) Predicting a Finals Match: Baldosaro (Eastern Regional) over Dorsay (Cox) 152: Nationally-Ranked Wrestlers: No. 3 Brandon Rolnick (Lawrenceville, NJ); No. 14 Jesse Shanaman (Blair Academy, NJ). Commentary: Kind of a surprise the way the seeding works out with Bo Candelaria (Middletown, PA) as your top seed. He was runner-up at the Beast last year, fourth at state, and fifth at this fall's Super 32. As a result, that means the two nationally ranked wrestlers -- Rolnick and Shanaman -- would be projected to meet in the semifinal round. While each is expected to have legitimately credentialed opposition in the quarterfinal, look for them to advance through the match. Rolnick is looking at either Eric Reger (Delsea Regional, NJ) or Dave Newcomber (Eastern Regional, NJ); while Shanaman is looking at Rich Eva (Christiansburg, VA) or Issah Meade (Caesar Rodney, DE). In the top half of the draw, Candelaria is expected to have a tough quarterfinal against either Bobby Burg (Mercerburg Academy, PA) or Ryan Krecker (Nazareth, PA). His projected semifinal opponent would be Old Dominion signee Matt White (Woodward, OK), who is was Junior National freestyle All-American. However, that is no guarantee, as he has a likely quarterfinal match against either Austin Sommer (Northampton, PA) or Kenny Boyles (Smyrna, DE). Saturday matches to watch: Given the amazing amount of quality depth in this weight class, this is one of those to keep your eye on all day. Burg vs. Krecker -- Burg is a National Prep runner-up, while Krecker placed fourth at state. Sommer vs. Boyles -- Sommer placed third at the Beast and seventh at state, while Boyles was a state runner-up and Junior National Greco-Roman All-American. Reger vs. Newcomer is a battle of returning state place finishers in the Garden State. Eva and Meade is a battle of returning state champions. Unseeded Wrestlers to Watch: Doug Hamann (Jackson Memorial, NJ) is a returning Beast of the East placer, and Kyle Roddy (Brecksville, OH) is a state qualifier. Predicting a Finals Match: Rolnick (Lawrenceville) over White (Woodward) 160: Nationally-Ranked Wrestlers: No. 1 Marshall Peppelman (Central Dauphin, PA); No. 5 Nick Visicaro (Long Branch, NJ); and No. 13 Preston Keiffer (Eastern Regional, NJ). Commentary: Though there are three nationally ranked wrestlers, the depth behind that trio is somewhat lacking. Like Villalonga, Peppelman is seeking to win his third Beast of the East championship and is strongly favored to at least reach the final. Standing in his way is a likely semifinal date with Chris Moon (Wyoming Seminary, PA), who placed seventh in the Beast last year and placed the same in last weekend's Ironman. The other side of the bracket features Visicaro and Keiffer, both of whom were Junior National freestyle All-Americans this past summer. Visicaro won a state title and NHSCA Junior National title, while Keiffer has placed fifth and fourth at state the last two years. Saturday Match to Watch: Moon vs. Will Resnick (Penncrest, PA), Resnick is a returning state qualifier seeking a statement upset victory. Predicting a Finals Match: Peppelman (Central Dauphin) over Visicaro (Long Branch) 171: Nationally-Ranked Wrestlers: No. 7 Kenny Courts (Central Dauphin, PA) Commentary: In what along with 103, 135, and 215 are clearly the thinnest weights of this tournament -- both in terms of quality at the top and in depth -- Courts seeks a second Beast title in three seasons. However, it is very likely a local rival -- Tristan Warner (Cumberland Valley, PA) -- will be standing in his way. Should the two wrestlers reach the final, it would be the first of what could be five matchups this year. Warner, who placed seventh at the Beast last year, enters the bracket seeded third after failing to place at state but winning the Super 32 this fall. He is also likely to have the toughest of the four quarter brackets, with either Omar Akel (Long Branch, NJ) or Jay Wieller (Wyoming Seminary, PA) as a quarterfinal opponent. The likely semifinal is against a state champion Brad Hitchings (Trinity, KY) who placed fifth in this weight at the Beast last year. Courts -- the top seed in this weight -- should clear his half of the bracket with limited problems. A quarterfinal against either Bobby Bowman (Mt. St. Joseph, MD) or Joey Grainger (Great Bridge), and a semifinal against either Jamie Westwood (Queen of Peace, NJ) or Clint Allala (Hopwell, VA) stand in the way. Westwood placed seventh at state, is a two-time Super 32 placer, and was sixth at the NHSCA Junior Nationals this past spring. Saturday Match to Watch: Akel vs. Wieller -- Akel placed sixth at state this past year, while Wieller was fourth at National Preps. Unseeded Wrestler to Watch: Zach Agostino (Egg Harbor Township, NJ). This state qualifier finished top three in both styles at Cadet Nationals in 2008. Predicting a Finals Match: Courts (Central Dauphin) over Warner (Cumberland Valley) 189: Nationally-Ranked Wrestlers: No. 3 (at 171) Michael Evans (Blair Academy, NJ); No. 7 (at 215) Patrick Callender (Council Rock North, PA); and No. 13 Billy George (Long Branch, NJ). Commentary: The last scratch of Antonio Giorgio (Warwick, PA), who had not lost a match prior to the state tournament the last two seasons, does remove a little bit of the luster off of this weight class. However, the presence of three nationally ranked wrestlers, as well as two other Beast place finishers, makes for a pretty solid weight class. Leading the way is defending Beast champion Evans, who was champion at the Ironman last weekend. In his quarterfinal, he is projected to face Nick Kidd (Northfield Mount Hermon, MA) -- a returning New England champion. Then, the other quarterfinal up top is likely to place a pair of returning Beast placers against one another. Andrew Petroski (Springfield Delco, PA) placed fifth at the Beast, is a two-time state place finisher, and was fourth at the NHSCA Junior Nationals; while Nick Ruggear (Oxford, PA) was eighth at Beast and failed to place at state. The bottom half of the bracket features the pair of wrestlers that appeared in the NHSCA Junior Nationals final at this weight class last year -- Callender and George. The winner on that occasion was George, who finished third in his state tournament. Callender was a state runner-up, and also champion of the Super 32 in the 215 pound weight class. It is very likely that this will be your semifinal at around noon on Sunday. Unseeded Wrestler to Watch: Matt Mullet (Mt. St. Joseph, MD) placed eighth in this event last year, including a major upset pin of Ed Ruth in the opening round Predicting a Finals Match: Evans (Blair Academy) over Callender (Council Rock North) 215: Nationally-Ranked Wrestlers: No. 8 Nate Gaffney (Connellsville, PA) Commentary: Along with the 135 pound weight class, this one is the most lopsided to one individual; and it would be a shock for someone other than Gaffney win the title. Gaffney is a defending state champion, who placed fifth in the event last year. His quarterfinal is most likely going to be against either Joey Spicer (Sussex Central, DE) or Conor O'Hara (Cox, VA). The semifinal bout could be against Dillon Hoffman (Blair Academy, NJ) -- who placed eighth at the Ironman last week. The bottom half of the draw is totally wide open. One quarterfinal is a likely battle of state qualifiers involving Ironman placer Spencer Willet (Brecksville, OH) and AJ Mott (DePaul Catholic, NJ). The other bottom quarterfinal projects to involve state placer Demetri Cox (Colonial Forge, VA) against National Prep placer Chris Gill (St. Christopher's, VA). Saturday Match to Watch: A battle of fifth place finishers at state between Spicer and O'Hara. Predicting a Finals Match: Gaffney (Connellsville) over Mott (DePaul Catholic) 285: Nationally-Ranked Wrestlers: No. 2 Bobby Telford (St. Mark's DE); No. 4 Karl Green (Mt. St. Joseph's, MD); and No. 6 Mike McMullan (Wyoming Seminary, PA). Commentary: Beyond the top three of this weight, there is painfully little here worth noting. However, this top three is all in the top six nationally of the weight class. Defending Beast champion Telford has smooth sailing to the finals as the top seed. His semifinal bout is likely to be against either the freshman Brooks Black (Blair Academy, NJ) or Billy Vaughan (Brecksville, OH); Black was third at the Ironman last week, while Vaughan finished a match away from placing. One note of interest is that Vaughan was the backup to Jeremy Johnson last year, an Ohio state champion that finished third at the Beast. The bottom semifinal featuring Green and McMullan is a rematch of the National Prep final won by McMullan 6-5. However, this summer Green was an All-American in both styles at the Junior Nationals. Predicting a Finals Match: Telford (St. Mark's) over Green (Mt. St. Joseph)

Happy Holidays wrestling fans- TDR returns to the Brute adidas home studios for our 2nd show of December. Steve Foster takes the helm as I take a personal day to attend my sons graduation. Steve has a great roster of guests. Join him 9:05 AM CST Steve's Guests on TDR This week: 9:05 Ken Kraft- Founder of the Midlands Tournament of Champions at Northwestern University. This is the event of the holiday season. Ken is the founder and we'll happily present this addition to the wrestling public. The date of this years Midlands Dec 29th and 30th 9:20 Tony Ersland- Assist. Head Coach of Nebraska- Jordan Burroughs is on everyone's mind. How has he done since breaking off his teeth at MN. Also, Tony and his wife are expecting... Twins! 9:40 Max Askren- 184 pound standout at Missouri. This is a good kid and a tremendous wrestler. he dropped down a weight to compete this year and looks to be on track to challenge for a title. 10:05 Jake Herbert- 2009: U.S. World Team Trials champion… U.S. Nationals champion… 2008: Bronze medalist at World University Championships… Fifth in Alexander Medved International… Dave Schultz Memorial International champion… 2007: Hargobind International (Canada) champion… Second in Sunkist Kids International Open… 2006: Bronze medalist at World University Championships… University Nationals champion… College: Four-time All-American at Northwestern University, where he was coached by Tim Cysewski… 2007 and 2009 NCAA Champion… 2009 Hodge Trophy winner… Took an Olympic Redshirt in 2008… Compiled 32-0 record in 2007… Second in 2006 NCAA Championships… Third in 2005 NCAA Championships… Three-time Big Ten champion in 2006, 2007 and 2009… 10:20 Joe LeBlanc- Wyoming Cowboy A returning All-American at 184 pounds, LeBlanc has handled an eventful past year maturely and has come back working harder than ever. He enters his sophomore year ranked in the top-five of multiple preseason national polls. LeBlanc has blossomed under the guidance of head coach Mark Branch and his goals consist of nothing less than an NCAA title. He continued to gain high-level experience this past summer when he wrestled at the FILA Junior World Team Trials. 10:40 Kurt Kinser- Indiana Hoosier Qualified for the NCAA Championships for the second consecutive year after placing sixth at Big Tens ... moved up to the 157-lbs. weight class and posted a 19-10 record overall, 5-3 in the Big Ten ... finished the regular season ranked 15th nationally, ranking as high as ninth earlier in the year ... compiled five pins, a tech fall and two major decisions throughout the season ... tallied four wins over nationally-ranked opponents on the year ... earned Big Ten Wrestler of the Week laurels after beginning his season with a 5-0 weekend and individual title at the Michigan State Open ... defeated #8 Matt Moley (Bloomsburg) in the second overtime en route to his MSU Open crown ... followed that up by going 5-2 at the Las Vegas Open for a seventh place finish that included wins over #17 Matt Dragon of Penn and #13 Jason Johnstone from Ohio State ... also topped Northwestern's Jason Welch twice, once when he was unranked early in the season and again during the dual match when Welch was slotted #14 in the national rankings ... picked up a win at NCAAs, eliminating Jess Dong of Virginia Tech from the competition with a 10-2 major decision. 10:40 Steve Kinser- Proud Dad of Kurt- Kinser was a high school wrestler and kung fu expert. He finished second in state as a junior, and won state as a senior. Both of his sons wrestled in high school, the youngest Kurt also won state as a senior, capping off the Bloomington High School South team's excellent season. In 2008, Kurt was a redshirt sophomore at Indiana University, competing at the 149 and 157-pound weight classes. Steve Kinser had high expectations entering the 2009 season as he does every year, in search of another championship to add to his record 20 World of Outlaws titles. He began the season by recording Top-10 finishes in 14 of the first 15 races and took the series point lead for the first time since 2005 following a win in his home state of Indiana at Tri-State Speedway. He would hold the top spot for a couple of weeks as he entrenched himself as one of the drivers to beat each and every night. Though some bad luck befell him throughout the year, Kinser turned in yet another consistent season that saw him pick up 49 Top-10 finishes, with 32 of those being Top-Fives to finish the year fourth in the World of Outlaws championship standings. It marked the 26th time in his illustrious career that he has finished fourth or better in points. He was also a state champion Please note that Episode 36 of TDR TV is now up on all the top web sites around the country and is available for your viewing. TDR every week! It's appointment Radio and TV! Join us at Takedownradio.com. America's Wrestling Radio Talk Show airs on Supertalk 1570 in Michigan, AM 1460 KXNO in Iowa and on a radio station near you or on line at many of our broadcast partners around the world including Livesportsvideo.com. TDR "the Radio Program" airs 9 AM to 11 AM CST every Saturday morning we look forward to having you listen. Thanks and Happy Holiday's!

It seems hard to believe that people could be surprised to discover that Jahwon Akui is pretty good at wrestling. After all, he is the No. 9-ranked 160-pounder in the country by InterMat. He was a Cadet Nationals double champion in 2008 and a FILA Cadet Nationals double champion in 2009. But St. Rita, a parochial school on the south side of Chicago, is a football school, and Akui, its football star. Jahwon Akui was named Outstanding Wrestler at the 2009 Reno World of Wrestling ChampionshipsA diminutive but powerfully built running back at 5'5", the junior ran for 1,493 yards and 25 touchdowns with no fumbles on 196 carries despite missing five games with a high ankle sprain this season. He led the Mustangs -- a top-ranked team coming into the season -- to an 11-3 record and a Prep Bowl title on his way to winning the game's MVP award. "We're a football school," says Mike Murphy, Akui's teammate, "and people are surprised to hear that he's a really good wrestler!" Conversely, many wrestling people might be surprised to learn that Akui, an accomplished wrestler on both the state and national levels, excels first on the football field before he takes his show of explosive power and quickness to the mat. For all his natural, physical athletic ability, however, St. Rita wrestling coach Dan Manzella feels that Akui's inner strength is the key to success. "His willingness to compete," Manzella says of Akui's best attribute. "He just has no fear of any of his opponents. He wants to wrestle all the top competitors. I think it's partly because of his competitive nature, and also because he knows he can win." Perhaps it's that kind of attitude that has Akui charging toward a future on the gridiron in college like it was an orange pylon, despite some concerns about his lack of size. "I haven't made a final decision, but I hope I play football," Akui says. "[I'll play] whatever sport gives me the best opportunity to succeed. But if I had to pick one, I'd say football." Though shorter players like Maurice Jones-Drew and Reggie Bush have excelled in college and pro football, the general consensus amongst recruiting experts is that Akui would be a good fit at either a Division I school with an offense like Purdue's or Missouri's, or at a smaller FBS school. As a junior, Jahwon Akui ran for 1,493 yards and 25 touchdowns despite missing five games"A lot has to happen for him," Illinois football recruiting guru "Edgy Tim" O'Halloran says. "I don't think he has the size to be an every-down back. I think he'd be a good fit for someone; I just think he'll be more of a system type of back." Akui claims that he loves both sports equally, but he has no doubt about which is the more arduous activity. "Wrestling is easily more demanding," Akui said. "It takes 24 hours of work, every day of the week. You can't really relax ... it's a continuous strive to [improve]. You can get by in football with born athleticism, but wrestling takes a lot of determination and work, you have to be mentally tough." Akui got his start in wrestling with the Maywood Gladiators Wrestling Club when he was six. It wasn't until he was 11 and began winning matches on a national level that he truly fell for the sport. He chose to attend an athletic powerhouse in St. Rita's where two of the most legendary programs are the wrestling (state titles in 2003 and 04) and football teams (state title in 06). Notable wrestling alumni currently making their mark on Division I include Oklahoma State's Albert White (12th at 149, according to InterMat) and Iowa State's Jerome Ward (12th at 184). "It's pretty awe-inspiring," Akui says of wrestling for the Mustangs. "You walk past the wrestling room and you see Albert White's singlet, Jerome [Ward's] ... those are some pretty big shoes to fill. I appreciate it every time I get to put the blue St. Rita singlet on." As a sophomore last season, Akui was top-ranked entering the state tournament, but finished third with a 37-3 record. He rolled through the regular season despite St. Rita's always-difficult schedule, but suffered a heartbreaking 9-8 OT loss in the 160-pound state semifinals to Michigan State-bound Nick Proctor of Neuqua Valley (ranked No. 8 by InterMat at 171) -- an opponent he had beaten earlier that season. He still has two years left to bring home another state title to the South Side, but it's an experience that he knows he's learned from. Jahwon Akui hasn't made a final decision as to whether he will wrestle or play football in college, but says that he hopes play football"I've just got to stay hungry," Akui says. "Things happen sometimes and don't go your way, [but] you just got to keep wrestling. I think the toughest test was going from the semifinal match to the third place match, knowing that I couldn't get first place." It's that kind of maturity and perspective that led Coach Manzella to approach Akui with an unusual request last season. Manzella felt the Mustangs lacked bold, vocal leadership from his seniors. So midway through the year, he took the 15-year-old sophomore aside, and asked if he felt up the challenge of being a captain. "[Jahwon] stepped up and ran the wrestling room," Coach Manzella said. "He's a real fun-loving guy, but when he walks into the room, he gets right down to business. He's an unbelievable leader, and the heart and soul of this team." Akui enters the 2009-2010 season a bit hobbled after missing five football games with a reported high ankle sprain, but nearly 100 percent again. Currently the No. 2-ranked wrestler at 160 pounds in Illinois by Illinoismatmen.com, he says he plans on wrestling at 171 for now, but could easily drop down to 160 again if he wants to. But if Akui stays at 171, it will set a couple interesting Catholic League clashes with 2009 Walsh Ironman champ Charles Argue of Mt. Carmel.

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- The Purdue wrestling team got into the holiday spirit last week, helping out in the West Lafayette community over three days. They rang the Salvation Army bells and sang Christmas carols outside Walmart last Wednesday, went to the Jubilee Christmas at Faith Presbyterian Church on Saturday and volunteered at Harrison High School’s wrestling tournament on Sunday. “I think it’s important that we do our part in the community,” said Boilermaker third-year head coach Scott Hinkel. “The holiday season is a great opportunity for our whole team to get out there and give a little back, getting out of their comfort zones and helping out those in need.” On Wednesday, the Boilermakers battled freezing temperatures outside of the West Lafayette Walmart, encouraging everyone passing by to give a little bit. The Purdue wrestlers rewarded those who did give with renditions of a variety of Christmas carols. The squad followed with a trip to Faith Presbyterian Church, attending their annual Christmas Jubilee on Saturday. The team spent the day with local families in need, wrapping presents, sharing stories and doing their best to spread some of the holiday spirit. Sunday returned the team a little closer to their element, heading over to Harrison High School to help out with an all day wrestling tournament. They officiated matches and worked tables throughout the day, working in waves to help out. The Boilermakers have their next competition on Sunday, Dec. 20, hosting four teams for the Purdue Duals. Purdue is scheduled to compete in four dual matches, starting at 10 a.m., in Holloway Gymnasium in the Intercollegiate Athletic Facility.

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- Needing a victory in the final match, Cal Poly 149-pounder Eric Maldonado earned a technical fall as the Mustangs beat Cal State Bakersfield 22-18 in a Pacific-10 Conference dual wrestling meet Wednesday night at the Icardo Center. The Mustangs, who at 3-0 have already equalled their dual meet win total of a year ago, received victories from Maldonado, Chase Pami, Ryan DesRoches and the Novachkov brothers, Boris and Filip. Cal Poly sent four nationally ranked wrestlers into the dual meet while the Roadrunners had a pair. None of the six met each other and all six were winners. Pami, Cal Poly’s lone returning NCAA All-American, opened the dual meet with a 15-4 major decision against Andrew Balch at 157 pounds. Pami, ranked Nos. 4, 5 and 6 by various publications, improved to 11-2 on the year. DesRoches continued his mastery pinning opponents, earning a fall in 7 minutes, 13 seconds, over Troy Goodban at 174 pounds. DesRoches, ranked for the first time this season at No. 25 by D1CollegeWrestling.net this week, scored a reversal for a 21-7 lead 15 seconds into the final period and pinned Goodban shortly thereafter for his 13th fall of the season. He is 16-4 on the year. Cal State Bakersfield won the next four matches to take an 18-10 lead. The victories included a 9-4 decision by No. 15-16-18 Riley Orozco over Mustang Ryan Smith at 197 and a 3-1 decision by Nos. 9-10 Mitch Monteiro against Jim Powers at 285. Cal Poly rallied with wins in the final three bouts for the dual meet victory, avenging last year’s 24-10 loss to the Roadrunners in Mott Gym. Sophomore Boris Novachkov, ranked Nos. 7-8-9 this week, blanked Justin Durham with a 9-0 major decision at 133, scoring three takedowns, one escape, one penalty point and riding time. Novachkov is now 12-0 on the year. His brother, Filip Novachkov, followed with a 7-5 win over Elijah Nacita at 141, improving to 12-2. Novachkov, ranked Nos. 3, 4 and 8, led all the way with three takedowns and an escape as Cal Poly closed the gap to 18-17. Finally, Maldonado wrapped up the Mustang dual meet victory with his 22-7 technical fall against Calvin Miller at 149. Maldonado, now 3-2 this season, led 2-1 after the first period and 7-2 after the second period before posting six takedowns and a two-point near fall in the final period to win going away. Cal State Bakersfield had won five of the last six meetings between the two schools after the Mustangs earned three straight wins from 2001-03. The Roadrunners still lead the all-time series 25-15-2 against Cal Poly. The Mustangs, ranked as high as No. 16 this week, beat Cal State Fullerton 26-13 on Nov. 14 and upset then-No. 10-ranked Missouri 22-15 on Nov. 20. Cal State Bakersfield, which fell 31-9 to No. 4 Minnesota in November, is now 0-2 on the year. Both teams will compete in the 15th Annual Reno Tournament of Champions on Sunday at the Reno Downtown Convention Center in Reno, Nevada. Results: 125 – Frank Lomas (CSUB) fall Micah Ferguson (CP), 5:00 133 – No. 9 Boris Novachkov (CSUB) maj. dec. Justin Durham (CSUB), 9-0 141 – No. 8 Filip Novachkov (CP) dec. Elijah Nacita (CSUB), 7-5 149 – Eric Maldonado (CP) tech. fall over Calvin Miller (CSUB) 22-7 157 – No. 6 Chase Pami maj. dec. Andrew Balch (CSUB), 15-4 165 – Joey Granata (CSUB) dec. Travis Rasmussen (CP), 10-3 174 – Ryan DesRoches (CP) fall Troy Goodban (CSUB), 5:13 184 – Mike Larson (CSUB) dec. Tyler Holt (CP), 9-5 197 – Riley Orozco (CSUB) dec. Ryan Smith (CP), 9-4 285 – No. 10 Mitch Monteiro (CSUB) dec. Jim Powers (CP), 3-1 Note: Dual meet started with 157-pound match.

Park Ridge, Ill. -- University of Minnesota wrestling heavyweight Ben Berhow was named Big Ten Wrester of the Week on Dec. 15, after posting a 2-0 mark last week. The honor is the first of his career for the junior, and he is the first Golden Gopher of the season named Big Ten Wrestler of the Week. A native of Hayward, Minn., Berhow's week began when Minnesota hosted Nebraska on Dec. 10. With Minnesota trailing 3-6 early in the match, the 11th ranked Berhow came up against seventh ranked Tucker Lane. In his previous two matches Berhow faced two wrestlers also ranked in the top-10, dropping narrow decisions in each. Berhow and Lane also matched up earlier in the season, with Lane earning a 3-1 overtime win. This time, Lane again took charge early, and held a 6-5 lead in the third period. A third period takedown by Berhow gave him a 7-6 lead as time began to wind down. Before the end of the third period, Lane was able to gain one last point on an escape, and regulation ended with the score tied 7-7. In the first overtime period, Berhow scored a takedown to end the match and earn the 9-7 win. The win also tied the match at 6-6, and the Gophers would not trail again on their way to the 28-14 victory. Three nights later, on Dec. 13, Berhow capped the Gophers dominating 41-3 win with a pin in the final match. The third-period fall was his second of the season, and his first in dual meet action. Berhow is now 7-3 on the season and 2-2 in duals. Berhow and the Gophers are currently ranked No. 6 in the country and are 3-1 in dual meets. They next compete at the Southern Scuffle on Dec. 29 and 30, hosted by the University of North Carolina Greensboro. Their first dual is against the current No. 2 team in the nation, Iowa State, and is in the Sports Pavilion on Jan. 3 at 2:00 p.m.

Jake Herbert

Trennis Henderson

Charlie Falck

Barry Davis

NEW CONCORD, Ohio -- The Waynesburg University wrestling team won every contested match and received three forfeits as they rolled over Muskingum by the score of 46-6 on Tuesday night. Freshman 125-pounder Alex Crown got the night started right with a pin in 37 seconds over Shawn Feistamel. The Jackets received forfeits at 133 and 141 pounds, extending their advantage to 18-0. At 149, the Jackets kept the big wins coming as sophomore Jesse Byerly rolled to a 20-3 technical fall victory over Kenny Poland. Sophomore Garrett Johnston followed with a 10-0 major decision win over Ralph Geesey, making it 27-0 Yellow Jackets. Sophomore Alex Evanoff picked up a 17-5 major decision at 165 over Adam Harris, and the Jackets added a forfeit at 174 to extend their lead to 37-0. Junior Corbin Semple won by 7-0 decision over Jacob Getto to take a 40-0 lead. The Muskies picked up a forfeit at 197 for their only win of the night, but senior Melvin Warrick got the six points back by pinning Kenny Weber in 5:38. With the win, the Yellow Jackets got their dual match record back to .500 (3-3), while Muskingum fell to 0-3. Though things went fairly easily for Waynesburg in Ohio, they’ll face a much stiffer challenge on Friday, when they host The Apprentice School, which is a powerhouse from the National Collegiate Wrestling Association (NCWA).

Wildcats seek to remain King(s) of the Mountain Central Mountain, PA seeks to defend its championship from last year in its home tournament, the King of the Mountain. However, they will have to withstand a challenge from arguably the best team in New Jersey -- High Point. Other notable teams in the field include Council Rock South, PA; Kiski Prep, PA; defending Reno ToC champions Phillipsburg, NJ; Massillon Perry, OH; and Reynolds, PA. Nine wrestlers that appear in the national rankings anchor this field. Most notably is the group of either three or four nationally ranked competitors at 152 pounds -- including the top wrestler in this weight nationally in Dylan Alton (Central Mountain, PA). Also projected to compete here is a pair of wrestlers ranked sixth and seventh respectively at 152 pounds -- John Guzzo (High Point, NJ) and Jason Luster (Kiski Prep, PA). It is also possible that Eric Hess (Benton, PA) -- ranked 12th in this weight -- competes in this weight class, though he could end up at 160 pounds. A pair of nationally-ranked wrestlers are also slated to compete at 285 pounds, where No. 3 Evan Craig (Abington Heights, PA) and No. 9 Tyler Demott (Benton, PA) project to meet in a battle of the preseason favorites in each Pennsylvania classification at the weight. Mike Rhone (Benton, PA) is ranked in the nation at 119 pounds; however, his weight class will be an absolute battle with the presence of state champion Nick Francavilla (High Point, NJ) and Mason Beckman (Reynolds, PA), who won the toughest weight class of the Walsh Ironman last week. Two other wrestlers ranked first in the nation are slated to compete in this event -- Josh Dziewa (Council Rock South, PA) is ranked at 135, though he may also end up at 140; and Andrew Alton (Central Mountain, PA) at 145. The fields at both 135 and 140 are formidable. A trio of state placers is projected for the 135 pound weight class -- Jordan Rich (Central Mountain, PA); Drew Wagenhoffer (High Point, NJ); and Zach Dailey (Massillon Perry, OH). At 140 pounds, a pair of Ironman placers anchors the challenge group in Evan Henderson (Kiski Prep, PA) and Shane Foster (Massillon Perry, OH); Oliver Burkhardt (Phillipsburg, NJ) was a state placer last year; Brian Brill (Central Mountain, PA) was a Cadet freestyle runner-up; and Lorenzo Thomas (Pittsburgh Central Catholic, PA) is a returning state qualifier. The tournament's other nationally-ranked wrestler is Mitchell Port (Bellefonte, PA), who is eighth nationally at 125 pounds. Last year in this event, he ended the 100-match winning streak of Shane Young with a 6-2 victory in the championship match at 119 pounds. Among the wrestlers seeking to block Port's title defense are state qualifiers Matt Rappo (Council Rock South, PA); Dylan Durso (Reynolds, PA); and Cameron Throckmorton (South-Western, PA). Clovis depth crystal clear Even with Clovis, CA having seven wrestlers competing at the Ironman -- where they were able to muster an 11th place finish -- the rest of the squad dominated all comers at the Clovis West Shootout on the way to an overall championship. The six victories were 38-25 over Laguna Hills, 51-9 over Bella Vista, 66-6 over Ventura, 39-18 over Vacaville, 76-3 over Gilroy, and 67-10 over El Dorado. Second place among "home" teams was Bakersfield. Vacaville and Laguna Hills were the top two on the "away" side. Outstanding wrestler honors went to Moses Quesada (Clovis East, CA) at 140 pounds -- home team light weights; Brian Schoene (Bakersfield, CA) at 285 -- home team upper weights; Bobby Morales (Laguna Hills, CA) at 135 -- away team light weights; and Jake Briggs (Bella Vista, CA) at 140/145 -- away team upper weights. CW Shootout All-Tournament Team (Photo/Ian Shaw)Wrestlers were named to the all-tournament team on the basis of being undefeated and having the most wins in the weight class for which they weighed in. Bakersfield led the way with Ian Nickell (103), Micah Cruz (119), Jeff Lanier (125), Natrelle Demison (130), and Schoene earning all-tournament honors. Vacaville, CA was the only other team with multiple wrestlers on the all-tournament squad, as Tyler Johnson (145) and Adam Delagarza (189) were selected. Rounding out the roster were Shane Tucker (Bella Vista, CA) at 112; Morales; Quesada; Johnny Pedraza (Hanford West, CA) at 152; Nikko Reyes (Clovis West, CA) at 160; Martin Fabbian (Buchanan, CA) at 171; and Devin Barbo (Clovis, CA) at 215 pounds. Dvorak Memorial to feature premier talent from Illinois, nation The premier regular season event for wrestling in the Land of Lincoln will be contested on the Monday and Tuesday before Christmas at Machesney Park Harlem High School outside of Rockford, IL. The field has a pair of state champions and runners-up from last year -- Oak Park River Forest, IL and Montini Catholic, IL won titles; while Yorkville, IL and Iowa City West, IA took home second place. The field also includes perennial powers such as Mt Carmel, IL; Providence Catholic, IL; Neuqua Valley, IL; and Bishop Lynch, TX. While the Friars of Bishop Lynch are favored, Montini Catholic is the defending champion. Fourteen wrestlers currently ranked by InterMat anchor the field, with three slated to compete at 160 pounds; which, like last year, will be the featured weight bracket of the event. Nick Moore (Iowa City West, IA) -- ranked second in the country - seeks to repeat as Dvorak champion in a weight that his teammate Derek St.. John, now at Iowa, won last year. The two prime challengers will be Nick Proctor (Neuqua Valley, IL) and Jahwon Akui (St.. Rita, IL); Proctor is ranked eighth at 171, and Akui ranked ninth in this weight. Three other wrestlers will lead the charge seeking to derail the big three -- Trey Adamson (Bishop Lynch, TX); Sam Brooks (Oak Park River Forest, IL); and Jeff Koepke (Hersey, IL). While there is only one ranked wrestler at 189 pounds -- 16th ranked Stephen McPeek (Bishop Lynch, TX) -- the competition will be very rigorous. Challengers of note include Cadet freestyle champion Austin Mardsen (Crystal Lake Central, IL); two-time Super 32 placer Ben Brooks (Oak Park River Forest, IL); and a pair of state placers in Sterling Hecox (Machesney Park Harlem, IL) and Matthew Dwyer (Hononegah, IL). A pair of ranked wrestlers appears in weight classes 130 through 140. At 130 pounds, it is Edwin Cooper (Providence Catholic, IL) and Colton Rasche (Montini Catholic, IL); Cooper ranked 10th at 125, while Rasche is ranked 13th in this weight. Another wrestler to watch in this weight is Case Garrison (Bishop Lynch, TX), who placed fifth at the Walsh Ironman. At 135 pounds, Chris Dardanes (Oak Park River Forest, IL) and Jed Lightfoot (Yorkville, IL) are ranked; Dardanes 13th at this weight, and Lightfoot 17th at 130 pounds. Two others to watch are Tyler Argue (Mount Carmel, IL) and Troy Silver (Bishop Lynch, TX), who placed fifth and sixth at the Walsh Ironman. Finally at 140 pounds, Nick Dardanes (Oak Park River Forest, IL) is ranked second in the country while Stephen Robertson (Montini Catholic, IL) is ranked 17th at 135 pounds. Rounding out the list of nationally-ranked wrestlers in this field are Kevon Powell (Montini Catholic, IL) at 103 pounds; Derek Elmore (Machesney Park Harlem, IL) at 112 pounds; Eddie Klimara (Providence Catholic, IL) at 119 pounds; and Tanner Eitel (Bishop Lynch, TX) at 171 pounds. However, in the 171 pound weight class, Walsh Ironman champion Charles Argue (Mount Carmel, IL) pinned Eitel in preliminary competition on Friday evening. Diverse field to converge at KCI Center The Toshiba Midwest Classic in Kansas City, MO will play host to teams from ten different states. Park Hill, MO seeks to defend its title and enters the event as a strong favorite with four nationally-ranked wrestlers -- Skylar Wood (119), though ranked at 112; Alan Waters (125); Kaleb Friedley (145), though ranked at 140; and John Eblen (189). In addition, both Bricker Dixon (112) and Hayden Bock (215) were state runners-up last year; and Dixon was a double Junior National All-American this past summer. Top challengers to Park Hill include Skutt Catholic, NE; Collins Hill, GA; and Blue Springs, MO -- the three teams that were within 15 points of the championship last year. Two weight classes have a pair of ranked wrestlers present. First, Waters is ranked sixth at 125 pounds, with TJ Mitchell (Collins Hill, GA) ranked 17th. Then at 145 pounds, Friedley and Greg Amos (Holt, MO) project to meet in a match that could preview the state championship bout; Friedley ranked eighth at 140, while Amos is ranked 11th in this weight class. However, in the 125 pound weight class Cody Brewer (Oak Park, MO) is a very tough challenger, already with two state titles in this his junior campaign. Other nationally-ranked wrestlers in this field are Brad Perkins (Oak Park, MO) at 103 pounds; Thomas Gilman (Skutt Catholic, NE) at 112 pounds; Daniel Baucke (Christian Brothers, TN) at 130 pounds; Joel Smith (Collins Hill, GA) at 140 pounds; and Drake Houdashelt (Fort Zumwalt West, MO) at 150 pounds. Gilman is looking at a key projected final with Dixon, while state champion Bazell Partridge (Collins Hill, GA) hopes to spoil this at 112 pounds. Baucke's prime competition includes a pair of state champions in Ian Fisher (Perry, OK) and Michael Roberts (Canyon Randall, TX) -- as well as freshman sensation Jake Marlin (Creston, IA). State champion Devin Aguirre (Ponca City, OK) is the prime challenger to Smith at 140 pounds, though Jake Gregerson (Granite City, IL) and Josh Howk (Blue Springs, MO) do have state finals experience. Merry Christmas, Minnesota style Rochester, MN will be home to the vast majority of the top scholastic wrestling teams from the Gopher State this Friday and Saturday for the Minnesota Christmas Tournament. Five of the six teams inside the top three in Class 3A and 2A, the two bigger classifications, are in this tournament; Apple Valley, Hastings, STMA, Simley, and Plainview-Elgin-Millville. In total nine of the top 12 in Class 3A and five of the top seven in 2A appear in the field, as do two of the top teams in North Dakota -- Bismarck and West Fargo. Ten nationally-ranked wrestlers by InterMat, and a total of 17 wrestlers ranked first in their state division anchor the field. The tournament's premier weight class should be the one at 160 pounds, where Joe Latham (Bismarck, ND) -- ranked 15th in the nation -- is the favorite. Also ranked first in their state division in this weight class are Blaine Miller (Plainview-Elgin-Millville, MN) and Jordan Campa (STMA, MN); Steven Keogh (Apple Valley, MN) is ranked second to Campa and in the field as well. Four other weight brackets have a pair of top ranked wrestlers in their state division. At 119 pounds, it is Dakota Trom (Apple Valley, MN) and Drew Fleming (Watertown-Mayer, MN). In the 130 pound weight class, it is Ben Morgan (Forest Lake, MN) and/or Matt Kelliher (Apple Valley, MN), as well as Garrett Garness (Kasson-Mantorville, MN). Kevin Nelson (Forest Lake, MN) and Joe Schumacher (Bismarck, ND) appear at 135 pounds. Finally at 189 pounds, it is Tyler Lehmann (West Fargo, ND) and Kraig Schumm (STMA, MN). Other than Latham, nationally-ranked wrestlers by InterMat include Morgan (ranked at 130); Kelliher (ranked at 135); Brandon Kingsley (Apple Valley, MN) at 140 pounds; Dylan Ness (Bloomington Kennedy, MN) at 145 pounds; Destin McCauley (Apple Valley, MN) at 152 pounds; Jake Waste (Apple Valley, MN) at 171 pounds, but ranked nationally at 160; and Scott Schiller (West Fargo, ND) at 215 pounds. No anchor team, but many strong individuals at Reno ToC In the past Reno was an absolute buzzsaw of a tournament with power teams and dominant individuals at every single turn. However, at present the tournament is on a slight down-turn. The field this year has no team that is the definitive favorite; in fact, last year's top three teams in the standings are all not in the field this year. Should Tulsa Union, OK be back in order from their football tournament run, the Hurricanes may be pre-tournament favorites. However, there are 13 individuals ranked by InterMat in the tournament field with a pair of weight classes having three each. At 135 pounds, Louis Trujillo (Rio Rancho, NM) is ranked fourth in the country; with Kade Moss (Bingham, UT) ranked eighth; and Luke Goettl (Mingus, AZ) ranked 14th. Former Reno ToC runner-up Joey Rizzolino (Easton, PA) is also projected to be in this weight class. At 152 pounds, Steven Hernandez (Bishop Gorman, NV); Justin DeAngelis (Jenks, OK); and Travis Gallegos (Foothill PC, CA) are also all top 100 members of the Class of 2010 as well. A pair of ranked wrestlers is present at 189 pounds with Austin Morehead (Sutter Union, CA) ranked 17th in this weight, and Adam Delagarza (Vacaville, CA) ranked 14th at 171 pounds. Other challengers include state placer JT Felix (Centennial, CA) and Tanner Hall (Meridian, ID); Hall is a state champion and Cadet National Greco-Roman champion. Rounding out the nationally-ranked wrestlers are Jesse Delgado (Gilroy, CA) -- ranked fifth at 119 pounds -- but projected to compete at 125; Mark Hartenstine (Easton, PA) ranked 12th at 140 pounds; Jake Snider (Ponderosa, CO) ranked ninth at 145; Dominic Kastl (Gilroy, CA) ranked 16th at 160; and Ronnie Balfour (Tulsa Union, OK) ranked 12th at 160 but projected to compete at 171 pounds. Notable challengers to Delgado in a deep 125 pound weight class are Shane Thomas (Catoosa, OK); Chris Martinez (Clovis West, CA); Bryan Grubbs (La Costa Canyon, CA); Tommy Siciliano (Newburg, OR); and Fabian Garcia (Turlock, CA). Hartenstine is looking at a likely battle with the much ballyhooed Ben Morgan (Catoosa, OK) -- a senior who has not materialized in high school as expected. Snider is looking at a challenger group mostnotably led by Nick Wooden (Spring Creek, NV). Tulsa Union dominant but not champs at home tournament Despite four champions -- Josh Walker (112), Kyle Ash (145), Kyle Crutchmer (152), and Ronnie Balfour (171) -- Tulsa Union, OK was not able to muster the team title at their home event. Winning the Mid-American Nationals was Claremore with 201 points, who were led by their lone champion Jordan Basks (135). Key to the 201-188 point margin victory was the fact Claremore had ten total placers, while Tulsa Union only had three wrestlers place in the top eight other than their champions. The distance between second and fourth was similar to that between first and second, while fourth to fifth had a more than 50 point chasm. Finishing third was Allen, TX with 185 points and five top three finishers anchored by a title from freshman Oliver Pierce (140). Finishing fourth was Tuttle, OK led by their lone champion Shane Woods (215). Both Allen and Tuttle had eight total placers. MVP honors went to Balfour with three technical falls heading into the final and then a pin over Cole Gracey of Tuttle, OK in a battle of returning state runners-up. Other wrestlers earning Mid-American Nationals titles were Jett Shell (103) and Rhett Leach (119) from Sallisaw, OK; Cory (160) and Cody (285) Dauphin from El Reno, OK; Zach Housley (125) from Grove, OK; Taylor Moeder (130) from St. James Academy, KS; and Max Adair (189) from Lawton MacArthur, OK. Dueling Paths The top two teams in the state of Indiana competed at the Traicoff Invitational this past weekend. In the final round of Saturday's event at Calument High School, Mishawaka dominated the defending state champions Crown Point to the tune of a 43-17 victory. The two returning state runners-up for the Cavemen -- Ryan Stahl (152) and Christian Lentz (215) -- each secured pins; while the two anchor wrestlers for Crown Point, Jason Tsirtsis (130) and Eric Roach (145) were only able to secure a 3-1 decision and technical fall victory respectively. Replay allows for re-examined perspective For those that followed the Cover-it-Live blog of the Walsh Ironman this past weekend on InterMat, the 119-pound semifinal between Hunter Stieber (Monroeville, OH) and Ty Mitch (Aurora, OH) had an ending that was incredibly controversial and confusing. The video replay is shot from opposite of where the media was positioned. In my opinion, instead of the call being absolutely awful; we just have a controversial match ending. Through the wonders of Flowrestling, you can decide for yourself. The circle of life This past weekend was the Alaska State Wrestling Tournaments. In Division 4A, Colony used five state finalists to score 220.5 points on the way to a state title. Winning championships were Kenny Boykin (171) and Eric Fan (215) while Charles Coisman (119), Sam Loggions (130), and Renn Wright (285) finished in second place. Other teams with multiple champions were Anchorage East with a quartet of champions in Nathan Marquez (103), Matthew Malnoske (125), Skyler Moore (130), and Nathan Hoffer (140); Lathrup had a pair -- Dillon Achman (112) and Joe Hughes (119); while the host squad - Chugiak -- got titles from Ben (135) and Grant (145) Sullivan. Dillingham earned the title in 1/2/3A with six wrestlers making the finals to score 192 points. Champions were Jared Miller (112), Jesse Rogers (119), Reed Tennyson (145), and Quentin Blackford (215); finishing as runners-up were Dennis Wilson (119) and Jerry Hulshing (171). Bethel, Cordova, and Kotzeblue each also had a pair of champions. While Alaska ended its scholastic wrestling season last weekend, New Jersey is just starting its season this weekend. It happens that the top two teams in the state will open their seasons in bordering states -- High Point at King of the Mountain in Pennsylvania, and Long Branch at Beast of the East in Delaware.

Seeking to expand recruiting options for student-athletes, Ouachita Baptist University’s Board of Trustees has voted to add two new NCAA Division II athletic teams – men’s wresting and women’s golf. The additional programs will bring the total number of athletic teams at Ouachita to 16. “We are most pleased to announce that we will begin men’s wrestling and women’s golf next fall,” said Ouachita President Rex M. Horne, Jr. “The golf is in response to stated interest from present and potential students. Wrestling meets a need and growing interest. “We will be the first university in Arkansas to offer collegiate wrestling,” Dr Horne added. “In fact, there is only one university in Texas that offers the same at a time when high school wrestling is growing dramatically here in Arkansas. This is another way Ouachita is a recognized leader.” This marks the first time that Ouachita has expanded its athletic options since 2000 when the university joined the Gulf South Conference and added men’s soccer and women’s softball. The Ouachita women’s golf team will compete in the Gulf South Conference, bringing to 10 the total number of GSC schools with women’s golf. Men’s wrestling will compete independently against collegiate teams in Oklahoma, Missouri and other surrounding states. “To be the first institution in the state to have collegiate wrestling will give us a stronghold on it,” noted Ouachita Athletic Director David Sharp. “For high school wrestlers in the state who want to compete on the collegiate level, we will give them that opportunity. “From a women’s golf standpoint, I’ve had a lot of inquiries the past few years about adding women’s golf,” Sharp said. “I think there’s really an interest there.” The new programs “give more opportunities to some student-athletes who want to continue their competition in intercollegiate sports,” Sharp added.”I think we will attract quality students who will add to and enhance a group of student-athletes that we already deem as exceptional.” Greg Hatcher, president of the Arkansas Wrestling Association, has announced the non-profit association will provide wrestling mats, uniforms and other assistance to help Ouachita’s wrestling program get under way. The association also has donated wrestling mats to more than 40 Arkansas high schools to help launch their wrestling programs. Emphasizing that “wrestling creates leaders,” Hatcher said the opportunity for wrestlers to “go one-on-one with no one to bail you out” helps build confidence and discipline as well as “great self-defense skills.” He also cited wrestling’s fitness benefits for student-athletes. Hatcher is founder and owner of the Hatcher Agency, the largest health insurance agency in Arkansas. A graduate of Alma College in Alma, Mich., he lettered in wresting, soccer and baseball while in college. He is a member of the Alma College Sports Hall of Fame and recently was named the school’s Distinguished Alumnus. He also is the author of “55 Steps to Outrageous Service.” Ouachita Baptist University, a private Christian liberal arts university in Arkadelphia, Ark., has been ranked the No. 1 Baccalaureate College in the South for three years in a row by U.S. News & World Report. With an enrollment of almost 1,500 students from more than 30 states and 50 nations, Ouachita seeks to foster a love of God and a love of learning in a vibrant, Christ-centered learning community.

PITTSBURGH -- Pitt freshman wrestler Anthony Zanetta has been named the Eastern Wrestling League’s wrestler of the week for his efforts against Rutgers and No. 14-ranked Penn State. Zanetta (Pittsburgh, Pa./Keystone Oaks) posted a 7-4 decision over Joseph Langel of Rutgers at 125, before defeating No. 7-ranked Brad Pataky of Penn State, 15-9. The true freshman improves to 5-0 on the dual match season, and has earned his first ranking of the season, moving into the top 20. In the win over Pataky, Zanetta jumped out to an 8-3 lead after the first period and earned three points for the Panthers as they earned a 19-19 tie against in-state rival Penn State. Pitt is off until the end of the month when they make their trek to Evanston, Ill. to compete at the Midlands Championships. Action at the two-day event starts on Dec. 29.

Senior Craig Brester has been awarded for his outstanding performance as he was named Big 12 Wrestler of the Week on Monday by the league office for matches Dec. 7-Dec. 13. Brester is 13-0 this season and used a pair of impressive victories last week to solidify the second Big 12 weekly award of his career. The Howells, Neb., native pinned Minnesota’s Joe Nord (1:10) Thursday night in Minneapolis before defeating his fourth ranked opponent in the past two weeks with an 8-2 decision over No. 9 Tyler Sorenson of South Dakota State on Saturday. Brester leads the Huskers in victories (13) and pins (6), winning six of his last nine matches by fall, including four pins in under 2 minutes. The 2009 Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational champion, Brester also has one technical fall and one major decision to total eight bonus-point victories this season. Currently ranked No. 2 in the nation at 197 pounds, Brester is a two-time All-American and was named Most Outstanding Wrestler of the 2009 Big 12 Championships. His previous Big 12 Wrestler of the Week honor came on Feb. 18, 2008 following back-to-back wins over No. 12 T.J. Morrison (Rider) and No. 10 Joe Rovelli (Hofstra). Brester and the Huskers return home this week for a double-dual against No. 6 Central Michigan and Nebraska-Kearney on Saturday at the NU Coliseum. Action begins at 10 a.m., between the Chippewas and Lopers, followed by Nebraska duals vs. Central Michigan and Nebraska-Kearney with 10-minute breaks between each match.

Last week’s show was cancelled due to severe weather conditions in Iowa. Scheduled guests from last week, Wil Kelly and Bill Tate, Jr. will both be radio show guests on the program this Wednesday along with author Jamie Moffatt. "On the Mat" is a presentation of the Dan Gable International Wrestling Institute and Museum and can be heard live on the Internet at www.kcnzam.com or locally in Northeast Iowa each Wednesday from 5:05 - 6:00 PM Central time on AM 1650, The Fan. Feel free to e-mail radio@wrestlingmuseum.org with any questions or comments about the show. Author Jamie Moffatt recently released a new book titled, "Strobel: Stories From A Life With Wrestling." This book documents the coaching career of former Lehigh University head wrestling coach Greg Strobel. Moffatt also wrote "Wrestlers at the Trials," a terrific book covering the Olympic trials from 1960 through 1988. Kelly is in his first season coaching the Cedar Falls Tigers. Kelly was a three-time high school state champion for Dubuque Wahlert and also won an NCAA Division III title at 141 pounds as a Wartburg Knight in 2003. Kelly is also heavily involved with youth wrestling and runs his own wrestling training center called USA Mat Club. Bill Tate, Jr. was part of the legendary Waterloo Boys Club in the 1970s, one of the top kids clubs at the time that produced many state and national champions. Tate was a high school state champion for Waterloo Columbus in 1983 at 155 pounds. He wrestled at Iowa State University where he won a Big Eight title and helped the Cyclones win the NCAA team championship in 1987. Tate also served as the head wrestling coach at Waterloo Columbus for several years and had many outstanding teams.

Joe Baranik

Linda Shields

Cung Le

Corvallis, Ore. -- The Oregon State wrestling team signed Taylor Meeks (Orting, Wash.) to its 2010-11 class, announced Monday by head coach Jim Zalesky. Meeks is projected to wrestle at 184/197 pounds. “Taylor fits into our coaching philosophy,” Zalesky said. “He is very aggressive and puts a lot of points on the scoreboard.” A two-time Washington state champion, Meeks is also a three-time district and league champion for Orting High School. As a freshman, he finished third. Currently he boasts a 118-5 overall record, including 80-1 over the last two years. He placed third at the NHSCA Junior Nationals, falling in a close 4-3 decision to No. 1 Tyler Beckwith of New York and defeating No. 3 Tyler Lehman of Minnesota. Meeks is ranked fourth in the country by WIN Magazine at 189 pounds. He is a former Cadet All-American, finishing fourth at the Cadet Nationals in Freestyle. He finished fourth in 2007 in Fargo and first at the Rocky Mountain Rumble and Tri-State. And he was fifth at the Western Regionals in 2008.

Drew Pariano

Heath Eslinger

LARAMIE, Wyo. -- The Cowboy wrestlers have another decorated group of recruits on deck, as University of Wyoming head coach Mark Branch announced today that six high school state champions have signed national letters of intent to wrestle for the 'Pokes beginning in the 2010-11 season. Joining the Cowboy squad next fall will be Michael Hamel (Gilbert, Ariz.), Cody Mansur (Clackamas, Ore.), Andrew McCulley (Rock Springs, Wyo.), Brandon Richardson (Rathdrum, Idaho), Shane Woods (Tuttle, Okla.) and Zach Zehner (Tomahawk, Wis.). “This is a solid class that will take care of many of our weight class needs,” said Branch as he described his incoming freshmen for next season. “I am very excited about these young men and their attitudes towards competition and success. These are young kids that, in the end, wanted to be Cowboys and chose to come here because they felt like this is the place where they can be All-Americans and NCAA Champions. I have no doubt that they will find success here and help us build a nationally powerful program at Wyoming.” Michael Hamel will come to UW from Gilbert, Ariz. He is projected to wrestle at 133 or 141 pounds collegiately. After placing fifth as a freshman and third as a sophomore, Hamel was the 2009 Arizona State 5A High School Champion at 130 pounds for Mesquite High School as a junior. He was an Arizona National Team member in 2008 and was an All-State selection as both a sophomore and junior. Michael was born in Gillette, Wyo., and is the son of Wyoming’s All-Time Pins leader Mike Hamel. The elder Hamel lettered at UW from 1983-86, was a two-time WAC champion and had 61 career pins. Cody Mansur has developed as a prep wrestler in Clackamas, Ore., where he was the Oregon State 6A High School Champion at 215 pounds during his junior year. Wrestling for Clackamas High School he also placed third in the state tournament as a sophomore at 189 pounds. In 2008, Mansur placed third at the Reno World of Wrestling Championships at 200 pounds. As a collegiate student-athlete he is expected to compete either at 197 pounds or heavyweight (285). Andrew McCulley is a Wyoming native from Rock Springs. At Rock Springs High School, he was the Wyoming 4A State Champion in 2008 at 130 pounds as a sophomore. As a junior in 2009, he was injured at the state tournament competing at 145 pounds. McCulley is a two-time 4A West Regional Champion. In 2008 he was the Wyoming USA Wrestling Triple Crown winner, as well as a Cadet All-American by placing fourth at USA Wrestling Nationals. McCulley has been on the honor roll each year at Rock Springs H.S. At UW he will compete at 157 or 165 pounds. Brandon Richardson, 5’10”, hails from Rathdrum, Idaho and should wrestle for the Cowboys at 149 or 157 pounds. Richardson was an Idaho 4A High School State Champion in 2007 as a freshman at Lakeland High School. He was a USA Wrestling National Champion in 2008, the 4A State runner-up as a junior in 2009 and the 2008 Tri-State Champion. Richardson served as Lakeland Student Council Vice President in 2007-08 and has been an honor roll student each year of high school. He also played soccer for Lakeland H.S., lettering twice. Shane Woods will join the Wyoming Cowboys after wrestling in high school at Tuttle H.S., in Tuttle, Okla. There he was a Oklahoma State 4A High School Champion in 2009 as a junior at 215 pounds. He led his team to a state title that same season and placed third individually at the Midwest Classic in Kansas City. As a sophomore, Woods placed third at the state tournament in the 160-pound weight class. At UW he will compete at 197 pounds. Zach Zehner is a product of Tomahawk, Wis., where he was a Wisconsin State High School Champion at 125 pounds in 2009. Wrestling for Tomahawk H.S., Zehner was a Regional and Sectional Champion in 2009, as well as First Team All-Conference as both a sophomore and junior. He was a member of the Wisconsin National Dual Team, was the Freestyle State Champion in 2009 and was runner-up at the 2009 Junior National Tournament. In addition to four years as a wrestling letterman, Zehner also will letter four years in track and field and once in football. His expected weight class while at UW is 141 or 149 pounds.

Hempstead, NY -- Senior Jonny Bonilla-Bowman and sophomore P.J. Gillespie posted major decisions to lead the Hofstra Pride to a 20-19 non-conference victory over the Bald Eagles of Lock Haven at the Mack Sports Complex Sunday evening. The Pride improve to 2-2-1 on the season while Lock Haven falls to 0-2-0. The Pride also benefitted from an opening match forfeit win for freshman Luke Vaith (5-4) at 141 pounds to go up 6-0 in the contest. Lock Haven sophomore Brock Parker, ranked 20th by Amateur Wrestling News at 149 pounds, tallied three points in the third period and added the riding time (1:29) point to put the Bald Eagles on the board with a 4-2 win over Pride red-shirt freshman Tyler Banks (4-6). But Bonilla-Bowman (3-2), ranked 18th by InterMat, boosted the Hofstra lead to 10-3 with a dominating 24-11 major decision over Seth Creasy at 157 pounds. Gillespie, ranked 17th by InterMat at 165 pounds, took a 12-0 lead after two periods on the way to a 13-1 major decision over Kevin Dufresne. Gillespie, a sophomore, improved to 15-4 on the season and bumped the Pride lead to 14-3. Junior Ryan Patrovich, ranked 10th at 174 pounds by InterMat, cruised to a 5-0 victory over Aaron Ernest to improve to 12-4 on the year. Sophomore Ben Clymer (11-2) claimed Hofstra’s last victory of the day, taking a 3-1 lead after two periods and holding on for a 3-2 win over Jeremie Cook to give the Pride a 20-3 advantage. Lock Haven battled back, though, beginning with a 5-1 decision by Harry Turner over Pride senior Anthony Tortora (4-8) at 197 pounds. Turner had a takedown in the second and third periods and an escape in the second to close the gap to 20-6. Sophomore Dan Craig improved to 9-2 on the year with a 16-7 major decision over Hofstra red-shirt freshman Paul Snyder (4-8) at 285 pounds. The 125 pound match was the most costly match of the contest for the Pride as sophomore Steve Bonanno, making his 2009-10 debut after a preseason leg injury, suffered an arm injury just 24 seconds into his match against Nick Hyatt and took an injury default. After Hyatt’s default win, the Bald Eagles trailed by four at 20-16 heading into the match finale at 133 pounds. Lock Haven sophomore John Trumbetti jumped out to a 5-0 lead after one period and expanded it to 8-1 after two periods. But Hofstra freshman Jamie Franco held Trumbetti off and would not let him get the major victory in the 8-2 decision as the Pride pulled out the one-point match victory. The Pride will be off for exams and the Christmas holiday before returning to action on December 29-30 at the Southern Scuffle in Greensboro, North Carolina. Hofstra’s next home match is on Sunday, January 3, 2010 when the Pride host #3 Ohio State at 11 a.m. Results: 141- Luke Vaith (HU) wins by forfeit 149- Brock Parker (LHU) dec. Tyler Banks (HU) 4-2 157- Jonny Bonilla-Bowman maj. dec. Seth Creasy (LHU), 24-11 165- P.J. Gillespie (HU) maj. dec. Kevin Dufresne (LHU), 13-1 174- Ryan Patrovich (HU) dec. Aaron Ernest (LHU) 5-0 184- Ben Clymer (HU) dec. Jeremie Cook (LHU), 3-2 197- Harry Turner (LHU) dec. Anthony Tortora (HU), 5-1 285- Dan Craig (LHU) maj. dec. Paul Snyder (HU), 16-7 125- Nick Hyatt (LHU) wins by injury default Steve Bonanno (HU), 0:24 133- John Trumbetti (LHU) dec. Jamie Franco (HU), 8-2

KENT, Ohio -- No. 15 Kent State (4-0) extended its dual winning streak to 11 with a 28-9 pummeling of Michigan and a 32-9 thrashing of Newberry Sunday at the M.A.C. Center. The Golden Flashes won 15-of-20 matches on the day led by sophomore Dustin Kilgore, who chalked up his sixth and seventh pins of the year. Kilgore's first period pin of Erich Smith gave the Flashes a commanding 21-9 lead over Michigan. Kilgore (12-0) needed two minutes to chase down Smith for the opening takedown, before showing his home crowd why he's ranked second in the nation. He quickly crunched Smith into a tight cradle and rocked him back to end the match at 2:26. "He's real powerful, goes right at you and doesn't quit" Head Coach Jim Andrassy said of Kilgore. "He's got a series of moves where if one doesn't work he goes right to next one." Following Kilgore, redshirt freshman Adam Cogar (197) used seven takedowns in a 15-6 major decision over Hunter Collins. Redshirt sophomore Brendan Barlow (285) helped KSU finish the day with three straight wins in his 5-3 decision over Ben Apland. Barlow improved to 15-3, while Cogar moved to 11-3. Sophomore Troy Opfer suffered 3-1 setback to Sean Boyle to give the Wolverines their only lead (3-0) of the dual. Boyle grabbed an escape and a takedown in the second period and held on for the win. In a battle of nationally ranked wrestlers, senior Danny Mitcheff remained unbeaten (12-0) with a 10-5 decision over Zac Stevens. Mitcheff recorded an opening period takedown, but found himself in a brief 4-2 hole in the second. However, the fifth year senior stayed aggressive, taking all the shots, while notching takedowns in the second and third periods. "Danny's not always flashy, but he's so consistent," Andrassy said. "He wins and he'll continue to win throughout the season." Redshirt freshman Chase Skonieczny (141) topped Mark Weber 2-0 to give KSU its first lead 6-3. After a scoreless first, Skonieczny earned a quick second period escape and used an effective leg ride in the third to earn a bonus point and improve to 11-5 on the year. "Chase has done some incredible things in the practice room, but he still hasn't opened up and shown a lot yet," Andrassy said. "He's only going to get better." Junior Matt Cathell (149) brought the crowd to its feet with a second period pin of Mark Beaudry. Beaudry got in deep on a double leg shot, but a fearless Cathell caught him off-balance, flung him to his back and flattened him. "He's exciting and entertaining for these fans," Andrassy said. "Half the time you don't know what he's going to do. There isn't a normal thing about the way he wrestles and that's what makes him so hard to wrestle against." Redshirt freshman Mallie Shuster (157) made it four consecutive KSU wins with a 7-4 victory over Dave Johnson. The match was tied 2-2 heading into to the third, when Shuster scored an escape and a pair of takedowns. "As soon as he realizes how good he is, he's going to be very dangerous," Andrassy said of Shuster. Aaron Hynes needed a takedown with 30 seconds remaining to edge redshirt sophomore Ross Tice 7-5. Tice got in on the legs of Hynes on a pair of third period shots, but could not finish it off. No. 15 Justin Zeerip handed redshirt freshman Keith Witt a 7-1 loss at 174 to narrow margin to 15-9, before Kilgore took over. Prior to a 22-13 Michigan win over Newberry, the Golden Flashes won 8-of-10 matches against Newberry and four straight major decisions beginning with Mitcheff at 133. Opfer dropped the day's opening match 7-6 in sudden victory to Matt Oliver. A first period takedown and cradle in the second gave Opfer a 5-0 lead, but Oliver, who is ranked third in Division II, used a five-point move late in the second to tie match. After no scoring in the third period or first overtime, Oliver scored a reversal and hung on for the win. Mitcheff cruised to a 13-3 win over Sheridan Moran, claiming four takedowns, including one in each period. Mitcheff used a three-point tilt in the third period to secure the major decision. Skonieczny followed with a major decision over Deral Brown 12-4. Skonieczny jumped out to a 9-0 lead in the second period, putting Brown on his back twice and gave the Flashes an 8-3 team lead. Cathell made it three straight major decisions with a 12-2 victory over Latra Collick. Cathell rallied for eight first period points after giving up the opening takedown. He put Collick on his back three separate times to extend KSU's lead to 12-3. Shuster then blanked Mike Rogers 11-0, scoring takedowns in all three periods. He improved to 10-3 on the year. Senior Obie Simpson scored the most exciting victory of the Flashes' first dual. Trailing Josh Whitelock 4-3 with 20 seconds left in the match, he turned a front headlock from the neutral position into a 5-point cradle to give him an 8-4 victory. With his team already up 19-3, Witt raced out to a 5-0 lead and settled for a 9-2 decision over Curtis Chenoweth. After a wild first period in the 184-pound match, Kilgore used a cradle to pin Bryant Blanton with 11 seconds remaining in the second. Kilgore overcame a 5-2 deficit and led 8-6 by the end of the first against the No. 3 ranked wrestler in Division II. Newberry returned the favor when defending national champion Keeno Griffin pinned Cogar 32 seconds into the first period. Barlow closed out the dual with the Flashes' fifth major decision against Newberry, a 12-4 victory over Steven Butler. For Witt, Cathell and Skonieczny, it was their first dual win in a Kent State singlet. Mitcheff is now alone sixth place on KSU's career victory list with 109. Sunday's win marked the Flashes' first dual victory in school history against Michigan. The Golden Flashes return to action Sunday, Dec. 20 for a dual meet at Clarion. Kent State (3-0) 32 Newberry (4-2) 9 125: Matt Oliver (N) dec. Troy Opfer, 7-6 (OT); 0-3 133: #5 Danny Mitcheff (KS) maj. dec. Sheridan Moran, 13-3; 4-3 141: Chase Skonieczny, (KS) maj. dec. Deral Brown 12-4; 8-3 149: #9 Matt Cathll (KS) maj. dec. Latra Collick, 12-2; 12-3 157: Mallie Shuster (KS) maj. dec. Mike Rogers, 11-0; 16-3 165: Obie Simpson (KS) dec. Josh Whitelock, 8-4; 19-3 174: Keith Witt (KS) dec. Curtis Chenoweth, 9-2; 22-3 184: #2 Dustin Kilgore (KS) pinned Bryant Blanton, 4: 49; 28-3 197: Keeno Griffin(N) pinned Adam Cogar, :32; 28-9 285: #15 Brendan Barlow (KS) maj. dec. Steven Butler, 12-4; 32-9 Michigan (2-3) 22 Newberry (4-3) 13 125: Sean Boyle (M) dec. Matt Oliver, 6-3; 3-0 133: Zac Stevens (M) dec. Sheridan Moran, 9-3; 6-0 141: Deral Brown (N) dec. Mark Weber, 2-1; 6-3 149: Latra Collick (N) maj. dec. Mark Beaudry, 18-6; 6-7 157: Dave Johnson (M) dec. Mike Rogers, 4-0; 9-7 165: Aaron Hynes (M) maj. dec. Josh Whitelock, 16-4; 13-7 174: Justin Zeerip (M) pinned Curtis Chenoweth, 3:39; 19-7 184: Bryant Blanton (N) dec. Hunter Collins, 12-11; 19-10 197: Keeno Griffin (N) dec. Erich Smith, 3-1 (OT); 19-13 285: Ben Apland (M) dec. Steven Butler, 7-1; 22-13