InterMat Staff

DOVER -- Delaware State University Director of Athletics Rick Costello has announced the appointment of former NCAA champion and U.S. Olympic qualifier Ken Melchior as the university's new head wrestling coach. Ken MelchiorMelchior, 61, has nearly four decades of coaching experience at high schools in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York and Connecticut. "Ken's energy and enthusiasm for the sport of wrestling put him head and shoulders above a quality pool of candidates," said Costello. "He brings over 30 years of wrestling experience to our program. Ken's been successful at every level he's coached and participated and I look forward to him bringing that success to Delaware State. An outstanding student-athlete himself, Ken is the perfect person to lead our wrestling program. He's not only a coach, he's an educator. He's a person who will guide our student-athletes on the mat as well as in the classroom." A retired educator, Melchior most recently served as an assistant coach at Haddonfield (N.J.) High School, helping lead the school to a 140-50 dual meet record since 1998. In addition, Haddonfield produced six district champions, eight regional qualifiers and three state qualifiers during his tenure. In 11 years as head wrestling coach at West Deptford High School in New Jersey, Melchior compiled a record of 114-63 in dual meets. He led the team to two conference championships and a No. 11 ranking among all New Jersey schools in 1979. West Deptford produced numerous individual district, regional and state champions during Melchior's tenure. Melchior earned four collegiate wrestling championships while at Lock Haven University, including the 1968 NCAA 115-pound title. In addition, he was a three-time National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) champion. Melchior was an All-America First Team selection in 1968 and '69. He compiled an overall record of 98-6 during his collegiate career. Melchior qualified for the U.S. Olympic Wrestling Team in 1968 and '72. He also competed in the 1971 and ‘72 world championships, finishing fifth and third, respectively, and was a three-time U.S. Military champion. "There is such great potential in the Hornet wrestling program," Melchior said. "I'm familiar with Delaware State wrestling, as well as the many fine high school programs in the state and surrounding area. I'm looking forward to working with the DSU administration, staff and student-athletes to bring long-term success to wrestling program." A native of Lindenhurst, N.Y., Melchior has been inducted into the NAIA, Lock Haven University, Lindenhurst High School and South Jersey Wrestling halls of fame. Melchior earned a bachelor's in Education from Lock Haven in 1970.

This week's edition of "On the Mat" will feature wrestling legends Gene Mills and Ed Banach. Mills was one of the most dominant wrestlers to ever take the mat. After winning a high school state championship in New Jersey as a senior in 1976, Mills blossomed at Syracuse University where he was a four-time All-American and two-time NCAA champion at 118 pounds. He pinned 107 opponents while compiling a college record of 144-5-1. Mills was a three-time World Cup Champion, 1980 Olympian and 1985 World team member. Banach still holds the career pin mark at the University of Iowa with 73. He was a three-time NCAA champion, a four-time finalist and a key member of four consecutive NCAA team championships from 1980-1983. A native of Port Jervis, NY, Banach was an Olympic freestyle champion in 1984 at 198 pounds. "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 1650, The Fan. Feel free to e-mail radio@wrestlingmuseum.org with questions or comments about the show.

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. -- Jack Jensen, who earned All-America honors as a 184-pounder at Oklahoma State last season, has been named an assistant wrestling coach at the University of North Carolina, head coach C.D. Mock announced Friday. Jensen will work with the Tar Heels' upper weight groups. "We are obviously very excited about adding Jack to our staff, particularly at this time," said Mock, who is entering his sixth year as the head coach at his alma mater. "We have some very strong upper weights on this team right now and getting a coach to help develop these guys has been a top priority of mine for the past year. "Jack has been part of a national championship team for several years and has worked with many guys on that team who have been individual national champions. This experience will bring an added dimension of credibility to our team right now that I believe is the one thing needed to get us back to being a nationally competitive program." Jensen comes to Carolina from Ashland University in Ohio, where he has served as an assistant coach since July. Prior to his stint with the Eagles, Jensen was a standout at Oklahoma State. He was a member of three national championship teams (2004-06) and was an NCAA qualifier in 2007 and 2008. Jensen captured All-America honors with a seventh-place finish in 2008 and also earned University Freestyle Nationals All-America status in 2005. While in Stillwater, Jensen gained coaching experience on the staff for the Oklahoma State Wrestling Camps from 2004-07. He also worked as an instructor for Ringers Select in his native Sheboygan, Wisc., from 2004-07. Prior to college, Jensen attended Sheboygan North High School and was a two-time All-America and a three-time state place-winner.

NORMAN, Okla. -- The University of Oklahoma wrestling squad recently welcomed 13 newcomers to the 2008-09 team, including several who will challenge for starting spots in this year's lineup. The recruiting class marks one of the largest in OU wrestling history. "This is a very large and talented class," head coach Jack Spates said. "It missed in some rankings because a lot of these young men were signed late into the recruiting season. We are very excited about the futures of these young men." The class consists of 12 freshmen and one senior from 11 total states, including Cleveland State transfer David Armstrong. The senior will look to get back to the NCAA Championships after qualifying his sophomore season. The Cincinnati, Ohio, native wrestled in 95 total matches at CSU and will contend for a starting spot at 133 pounds. With three key Sooners graduating from last year's 14-5 squad, Spates said holes need to be filled in the lineup. "This class has already proven to be one of the hardest working that we have ever brought in," Spates said. "These young men have a passion on and off the mat and a desire to help our program return to national prominence." Returning to the team are seven starters, including NCAA qualifiers Joey Fio (125 pounds), Zack Bailey (141 pounds) and Will Rowe (149 pounds). Practice officially begins for the Sooners next Monday, Sept. 22.

EVANSTON, Ill. -- Northwestern has finalized its fall wrestling clinic schedule, which includes its first-ever clinic to be held in Ohio. On Saturday, Oct. 4, head coach Tim Cysewski and staff will be at University School in Hunting Valley, Ohio, to demonstrate technique, situational wrestling and drills to coaches, wrestlers and fans of all ages. On Saturday, Nov. 1, the scene shifts to Conant High School in Hoffman Estates, Ill., where the NU staff will hold a clinic for coaches and parents of IHSA, IKWF, IESA, junior high and grade school wrestlers. Participants in the Ohio clinic will be a part of a homecoming for two members of Northwestern's coaching staff. Associate head coach Andrew Pariano was a three-time Ohio state champion at Fairview Park High School before coming to Northwestern where he was a three-time Division I national wrestling qualifier and Academic All-America. In addition, volunteer assistant head coach Ryan Bertin was a national high school champion at 152 pounds wrestling for perennial powerhouse St. Edward High School. Bertin went on to the University of Michigan where he was a four-time NCAA All-American and twice won the NCAA Championship at 157 pounds (2003 and 2005). "It's great to be able to go back to Ohio and continue to promote the sport of wrestling among coaches and youngsters," Pariano said. "Ohio has an incredible tradition of wrestlers and I look forward to working with the coaches and athletes that are keeping that tradition alive today." Cysewski is now in his 19th year at the helm of Wildcat wrestling. He has coached NCAA individual champions in back-to-back years—Jake Herbert in 2007 and Dustin Fox in 2008—and has now guided 25 NU wrestlers to All-America status. Topics covered at the clinic include takedown drills, hand fighting fundamentals, escapes from the bottom position, pinning combinations, leg riding and more. Interested coaches, parents and athletes may register for the clinics by visiting the wrestling page at NUsports.com to access the registration forms. Contact Andrew Pariano (a-pariano@northwestern.edu) with questions or for more information.

After a week off we return to the Brute Adidas for some great wrestling talk. The community is all a buzz with the early signings and the teams are now starting early practice, loads of cardio, running and lifting. Gives the rest of us some Ideas? How about the early season rankings? Food for thought or is there muscle behind the numbers? Maybe some of our guests can help us figure that out. Steve Foster and Chris Arns will be hosting this weeks TDR with special in studio guest host the Head Coach of the Upper Iowa Peacocks Heath Grimm Heath Grimm is in his eighth year at the helm at Upper Iowa University. The Peacocks are 61-22-2 in duals in the since 2001 and placed 14th at last year's NCAA Division II Championships. Grimm prepped at Osage, Iowa, and was a two-time All-American at Luther College Their Guests include- 9:05 John Smith- Head Coach of the Cowboys of Oklahoma State. We'll take a look at the fall, the beginning of training, incoming new recruits etc. Also, we'll talk about the new book out by Kim Parish "Cowboy Up", a great book for sure. Can't wait. 9:25 Mike Clayton- Head Coach of the Ducks of Stevens at Stevens Institute of Technology. Mike earned the Division III Rookie Coach of the Year accolade. In his first season at the helm, Clayton took a team that posted a sub-par record of 4-13 last year to a ledger of 8-4 during the 2007-08 campaign. The Ducks also owned a mark of 6-1 against Centennial Conference competition this year. 9:40 Dr. Bill Welker- Dr. Bill Welker is well known to West Virginia Wrestling fans. Dr. Welker is a former Pennsylvania State Champion. A nationally recognized wrestling sportswriter and official. Highly respected among his peers at all levels. What's New? Hour 2 This hours going to be great, make time to promote Heath and his program 10:05 Mark Perry- Asst Coach of Penn State. Perry won the last two NCAA National Championships at 165 pounds. The Stillwater, Okla., native was a four-time All-American at Iowa where he helped lead the Hawkeyes to the NCAA team title this season. Perry's 25 points en route to his second individual crown were the most scored by any wrestler at Nationals this year. 10:20 Urijah Faber- Some say the Hollywood Florida WEC event scheduled for Sept. 10th was canceled due to Hurricane Ike, wrestling insiders believe it was canceled due to the invasion of the east coast by the fans and followers of the California Kid. The WEC has moved the date to November 10th. Join us each week LIVE from 9 AM to 11 AM CST for America's Wrestling Radio Talk Show, shows are available each week in our archives or you can RSS our pod casts all at no charge courtesy of our sponsors. Takedownradio.com

Two-time All-American and 2001 NCAA Champion Mark Munoz has joined the Cal State Fullerton wrestling program. He will be an assistant coach for the intercollegiate team and will be co-head coach of the Titan Wrestling Club. Mark MunozMunoz captured two Big 12 titles at Oklahoma State at 197 pounds in 2000 and 2001. He also earned NWCA all-academic squad honors for four seasons. "Mark is the type of person I have hoped we could attract to our staff," said seventh-year Head Coach Dan Hicks, a two-time NCAA champion Himself. "He is a man of integrity and really cares about his athletes. He is also a very talented coach and recruiter. "I have known Mark for several years and look forward to having him on board as we continue building the Titan Wrestling Program. After a season where we won the Pac-10 dual title and scored the most points of any Fullerton team at the Pac-10 championships, we are ready to continue towards our ultimate goal of being a top 10 team nationally. "Mark knows what that is like having been at Oklahoma State. He will bring a presence, a confidence, a champion to our room to help us build All-Americans." Munoz has been on the staff at UC Davis the past five seasons. He also coached for two years at Oklahoma State, helping the Cowboys to their 31st NCAA team championship in 2003. He continues to train and now competes in ultimate fighting.

DES MOINES -- Nationally recognized broadcaster, announcer, and promoter Scott Casber will return to the set of Inside MMA this Friday. The weekly program is a celebrity driven talk show covering the weeks news in MMA. The premier broadcast of this episode will be on Friday, September 19 at 9:30 PM EST. Along with shows hosts Kenny Rice and Bas Ruten, Casber is joined by current UFC Welterweight, Georges St. Pierre. During a previous episode, Casber accompanied then UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, Quinton "Rampage" Jackson. Casber helped facilitate a special presentation for Georges St. Pierre on Fridays program. As co-founder and host of TakeDown Radio, an eleven year old national Wrestling and MMA radio talk show, Casber was introduced to many top athletes in both sports. "The evolution of wrestling, and our radio program, to include MMA has been fantastic. It's also been great for me to cross over to the Inside MMA program, along with guests who appeared on TakeDown Radio first. It's my honor and pleasure to sit along side greats, like GSP," provided Casber. Additional to TakeDown Radio, Casber is a partner in Midwest Cage Championship, one of the top ranked regional fight promotions in the country. He is also an officer in White Chocolate Management, a leading fighter and talent management firm. Inside MMA is broadcast on Mark Cuban's HD-Net and is available on many cable and satelite systems. Archives of the show can be viewed at http://www.hd.net/insidemma.html TakeDown Radio is heard each Saturday at 9AM CST on KXNO1460 AM, Des Moines Sports Station. Streaming, archives, and pod casts are available at http://www.takedownradio.com

STILLWATER, Okla. -- John Smith and the Oklahoma State wrestling program will host the Brute Adidas Midwest Coaches Clinic at Gallagher-Iba Arena from Oct. 24-26. The clinic features seminars on strength and conditioning, organizing a season, NCAA eligibility and clearinghouse issues, athletic training, weight management, topics on today's student-athlete, marketing your program to the community and to fans and building youth, middle school, junior high school and high school programs. Speakers include John Smith, Scott Chenoweth of Perry HS, Ernie Jones of Cascia Hall, Leonard Bailey of the Catoosa youth program, executive director of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Lee Roy Smith, Rod Johnson of Oklahoma State's NCAA compliance staff, Matt Herrill of OSU's athletic training staff and Gary Calcagno of the OSU strength and conditioning staff. Former OSU wrestlers Eric Guerrero, Tyrone Lewis, Zack Esposito and Chris Pendleton will provide over eight hours of technique. "We are very excited about the possibility of what this clinic can become in this first year," John Smith said. "I can promise it will be one of the most educational programs that youth, junior high school and high school coaches can be part of. It is important to stay on the cutting edge of new developments whether it be with skills or working with student-athletes. We must always be looking to improve. You won't want to miss this." Contact Brandy Esposito in the Cowboy wrestling office for more details. She can be reached at 405-744-4541 or via e-mail at brandy.baker@okstate.edu. Chris Pendleton can also be reached with any questions at chris.pendleton@okstate.edu.

This week's edition of "On the Mat" will feature college wrestling coaches Brad Penrith, Heath Grimm and Jim Miller. Brad Penrith is entering his eighth season as University of Northern Iowa's head coach. Penrith's teams have amassed a dual meet record of 63-52-3 and the Panthers have won 22 consecutive West Regional championships. As an athlete, Penrith was an NCAA champion and three-time finalist for the University of Iowa. Heath Grimm is in his eighth year at the helm at Upper Iowa University. The Peacocks are 61-22-2 in duals in the since 2001 and placed 14th at last year's NCAA Division II Championships. Grimm prepped at Osage, Iowa, and was a two-time All-American at Luther College. Jim Miller's Wartburg Knights won their sixth NCAA Division III championship last March in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Wartburg has won the last 16 Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference championships and have won 122 consecutive conference dual meets. Miller won two NCAA Division II titles as an athlete at UNI and was also a two-time Division I All-American. "On the Mat" can be hard live on the internet at www.kcnzam.com or locally in Northeast Iowa each Wednesday from 6:00 - 7:00 PM Central time on 1650, The Fan. Feel free to e-mail radio@wrestlingmuseum.org with questions or comments about the show.

GREENSBORO, NC -- UNC Greensboro head wrestling coach Jason Loukides announced on Thursday the hiring of Jesus Wilson as an assistant coach. Wilson will be responsible for all areas of the program and will work especially with the lighter weightclasses. Jesus Wilson"I am very excited about the addition of Jesus," said Loukides. "He brings an incredible work ethic as well as national and international credibility. He was an outstanding competitor for Cuba and the USA and that has made him a great coach. Jesus will instantly make a positive impact on our program." Prior to coming to UNCG, Wilson was the head coach at Dakota County Technical College in Rosemount, MN in 2006-07. He was an assistant coach with VMI in 2005-06 and served as head coach at Marine Military Academy in 2004-05. Wilson was a two-time All-American and NCAA Division III National Champion while attending Upper Iowa University. In 2000, he reached his first All-American when he won the national title at the 133 lbs. Also that season, Wilson was selected to the Amateur Wrestling News All-Rookie Team. He was also named Outstanding Wrestler by both the Iowa Conference and Upper Iowa. After serving as an assistant coach for the Peacocks during the 2000-01 season, Wilson returned to the mats in 2002. He won the national crown at 141 lbs, earning his second All-American honor. Also in 2002, Wilson claimed the silver medal at the World Team Trial and took fourth place at USA Senior Nationals. A year later, he won the Pan American Championship and was a silver medalist at both the USA Senior Nationals and World Cup. Wilson earned his bachelor's degree in recreation from Upper Iowa in 2004.

This week's edition of "On the Mat" will feature wrestling legends Dan Hodge and Bob Buzzard. Dan Hodge was the most dominant wrestler of his generation. Wrestling at 177 pounds, Hodge won three NCAA titles at Oklahoma University in the 1950s while pinning 36 of his 46 opponents. Hodge was never taken down in a college match and is the only amateur wrestler to ever grace the cover of Sports Illustrated magazine in April 1957. Hodge was a two-time Olympian, winning a silver medal in 1956. Bob Buzzard won two state titles for East Waterloo (IA) High School and was a two time all-american at Iowa State University. Buzzard won the prestigious Midlands Championships and was a freestyle AAU national champion in addition to wrestling in the 1972 Olympics in Greco-Roman at 149.5 pounds. Buzzard currently resides in Oregon where he recently completed a successful career in teaching and coaching. "On the Mat" can be hard live on the internet at www.kcnzam.com or locally in Northeast Iowa each Wednesday from 6:00 - 7:00 PM Central time on 1650, The Fan. Feel free to e-mail radio@wrestlingmuseum.org with questions or comments about the show.

ITHACA, N.Y. -- ­The Big Red wrestling team will add nine members to its roster this season as the class of 2012, as was announced by Rob Koll, the David R. Dunlop '59 Head Coach of Wrestling. The group represents seven different weight classes and hail from nine different states. "I am excited about the depth of talent that this class will add to our roster," said Koll. "They combine to have won 17 state championships, respectively. I expect this class to continue the tradition of Cornell wrestling." Big Red Class of 2012 Biographies Quin Leith (133 pounds, Creston, Iowa/Creston HS) Leith is a four-time Iowa state place winner and won the title at 130 pounds in 2008. He helped his team to win the state tournament team and dual championships in 2007, and followed by placing second in 2008. Leith finished his high school career with a 175-19 overall record. He was a two-time letter winner in football, while also lettering in cross country and soccer. Leith was a member of the National Honor Society, served as a class officer, and was a two-time wrestling academic all-state honoree. Phillip Smith (133 pounds, Spokane, Wash./Mead HS) Smith won the Washington state championship at 125 pounds in 2008, and was the runner-up in 2007. He is a two-time district and regional champion with a 74-9 record as a junior and senior. Smith was a class officer, a two-time academic wrestling state honoree and an Eagle Scout. Grant Daffin (141 pounds, Sallisaw, Okla./Sallisaw HS) Daffin is a three-time Oklahoma state champion competing at 130, 135 and 140 pounds. He was a four-time letter winner and three-time team captain. He is a Cadet All-American and a Fila Cadet All-American, and was all-state. Daffin also lettered in football and golf. He was a member of the National Honor Society and served as salutatorian at Sallisaw HS. Derek Schreiner (141 pounds, Wayzata, Minn./Wayzata HS) Schreiner is a three-time Minnesota state champion at 112, 119 and 140 pounds. He was a six-time letter winner at Wayzata HS, and served as captain his last two seasons. Schreiner was named all-conference four times and is a three-time section champion. In 2006 he was the NHSCA sophomore national champion at 112 pounds, and was named to the Clash V all-tournament team at 119 pounds. Schreiner was a member of the National Honor Society and was named to the MCWA and Guillotine academic all-state first-teams. Seth Easter (149 pounds, Nitro, W.V./Nitro HS) Easter is a four-time West Virginia state champion and served as his wrestling team's captain for two seasons. He was also a four-time letter winner in cross-country and a three-time letter winner in track. Easter was named captain for his cross-country team, and he was a member of the National Honor Society. His older brother, Matt ‘08, wrestled for Cornell, and his brother Anthony wrestles for the Citadel. Warner Phipps (157 pounds, Kearney, Neb./Kearney HS) Phipps is a two-time Nebraska state champion, and three-time state medalist. He was a national Coca Cola scholarship recipient and was a member of the National Honor Society. Phipps also played football at Kearney HS. Steve Bosak (165 pounds, State College, Pa./State College Area HS) Bosak is a two-time Pennsylvania state runner-up, wrestling at 145 pounds in 2007 and at 160 in 2008. He was a four-time District 6 champion, and served as team captain his senior season. Bosak was the Powerade Champion at 160 pounds in 2008, and was also a runner-up at the 2008 Senior Nationals. In 2007, he placed third at 152 pounds at Junior Nationals. Cam Simaz (184 pounds, Allegan, Mich./Allegan Senior High) Simaz, a three-time Division II Michigan state champion, is a Fila cadet All-American with a 237-6 career record. He was also a two-year starter in football as a quarterback and linebacker and was named all-conference his senior year. Simaz was a two-year starter in baseball as a pitcher and second baseman. His brother, Eric, wrestles for Central Michigan. Oney Snyder (Heavyweight, Hillsboro, Ohio/Hillsboro HS) Snyder placed sixth at the Ohio state tournament. He was a four-year letter winner for Hillsboro HS in football and started in 41 consecutive games. Snyder earned all-district honors at offensive and defensive tackle.

MOUNT VERNON -- Ty Eustice, a four-year NCAA Division I national qualifier and two-time All-American at the University of Iowa, has been named assistant wrestling coach at Cornell College. Eustice joins the Rams program after working the past two years as a graduate assistant at Minnesota State University in Mankato. Ty Eustice"To be able to hire a full-time assistant is a major milestone for our program in terms of support from the college," Cornell's fourth-year head coach Mike Duroe said. "We are very fortunate to add a guy of Ty's caliber to our staff. He has experience in the sport and the ability to relate to student-athletes. The nice thing about Ty is he can work with any weight, both tactically and technically." Eustice, a native of Blue Earth, Minn., helped coach 12 All-Americans during a successful two-year stint at Minnesota State, working under Jim Makovsky. The Mavericks crowned seven All-Americans and two individual champions while placing second in the team race by one-half point at the 2008 NCAA Division II National Championships. Minnesota State won the team title at the 2008 National Duals. Eustice was a 100-match winner and two-time team captain for the Iowa Hawkeyes from 2001-06. He placed fifth at 149 pounds at the NCAA Division I National Championships in 2005 and finished second at 149 in 2006. Eustice won four Minnesota state championships at Blue Earth High School. He also was a Cadet and Junior National Freestyle All-American. Eustice and Duroe became acquainted a few years ago in the University of Iowa Hawkeye Wrestling Club, where Duroe coached Eustice. Eustice said he is excited to begin work for Duroe, both with the same goals in mind. "We both understand that this program is up and coming and needs to take another step," Eustice said. "We want to be up there with Wartburg and Augsburg. It's exciting to work with someone with the same mentality. He's a world-class coach. I couldn't find a better boss." "Our goal is real simple," said Duroe, who was a member of the U.S. Men's Freestyle Wrestling coaching staff for the past four Olympic Games. "We want to get Cornell back on top nationally." Eustice earned a bachelor's degree in art from the University of Iowa in 2006. He received a master's in sport management from Minnesota State in May 2008. Eustice and his wife, Katie, were recently married on Friday, Sept. 5. They have a three-year old son, Jack. The Rams are coming off a record-breaking 2007-08 campaign in which they finished seventh at the NCAA Division III National Championships, marking the program's highest national team finish in 45 years. Cornell crowned four All-Americans for the first time since 1950.

State College, Pa -- Four LionHeart fighters will be competing over the next 4 weeks. Phil Davis: Friday, September 19, NAAFS: "Night of Pain" -- 6:30 p.m. -- The Hoop Sports Complex, Columbus, Ohio. Lou Armezanni: Saturday, September 27, Gladiator Fight Club -- 6p.m. -- Sportsplex, Winchester, Virginia. Paul Bradley & Biff Walizer: Saturday October 4, NAAFS: "Caged Fury" -- Gray's Armory, Cleveland, Ohio. For more details and ticket info please contact Chad Dubin at chad@lionheartfighters.com.

The Penn State Nittany Lion wrestling team, under the direction of veteran head coach Troy Sunderland, has announced its 2008-09 schedule. Nine home duals, including four exciting Big Ten matches, highlight the schedule. Penn State will also be the site of the 2009 Big Ten Wrestling Championships. "I'm extremely pleased for our fans that they will be able to see so many of the nation's top programs here in Rec Hall," Sunderland said. "We have Iowa, Ohio State, Minnesota and Wisconsin coming in during our Big Ten schedule and a great non-conference slate as well. This gives wrestling fans from the entire region an opportunity to see the top three teams from last year's NCAA Championships as well as many of the nation's elite squads." The season begins on Sunday, Nov. 2, when Rec Hall will be the site of Wrestle-Offs. The dual meet season opens two weeks later when national power Hofstra invades Rec Hall on Sunday, Nov. 16. Penn State will then head to New York where it will face Cornell in a renewal of the Lions' oldest rivalry on Friday, Nov. 21. The Nittany Lions then trek to Binghamton, N.Y., for the Sprawl and Brawl Duals. Penn State will face Virginia, Edinboro and Binghamton on Sunday, Nov. 23. Penn State will take part in the Nittany Lion Open on Sunday, Dec. 7, in Rec Hall and then welcome former Eastern Wrestling League rival West Virginia to Rec Hall on Sunday, Dec. 14. A break for the holidays leads to two duals in Rec Hall on Sunday, Jan. 4. Penn State will battle Lehigh at 1 p.m. that day and face Lock Haven at 3 p.m. The Nittany Lions will then head back to Cedar Falls, Iowa, for the 2009 National Duals. The Duals, on Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 10-11, once again features a stunning field of the country's best teams. The Big Ten season begins with a road trip to the Hoosier State. Penn State will visit Indiana on Friday, Jan. 23, and Purdue on Saturday, Jan. 24. The next weekend, action returns to Rec Hall when Minnesota visits on Friday, Jan. 30, and Wisconsin comes in on Sunday, Feb. 1. The next weekend sees Penn State welcome defending national runner-up Ohio State on Friday, Feb. 6, and defending national champion Iowa on Sunday, Feb. 8. Click Here Penn State will wrap up the dual meet season with a Big Ten road trip to Michigan State and Michigan. The Nittany Lions will face the Spartans in East Lansing on Friday, Feb. 13, and then battle the Wolverines in Ann Arbor on Friday, Feb. 14. The Nittany Lions then host Penn on Friday, Feb. 20, in the regular season finale. The Bryce Jordan Center will be the site of the 2009 Big Ten Wrestling Championships in March. Penn State hosts the event on March 7-8, 2009, in the BJC, welcoming the nation's best wrestling conference to the East Coast. In all, four of the top ten teams at last year's NCAA Championships will be in action in Rec Hall (Iowa, Ohio State, Penn State and Minnesota). The Nittany Lions face eight of the top 20 from last year's tournament. "Hosting the Big Ten Wrestling Championships is always an honor and we're looking forward to welcoming the nation's best wrestling conference to the Bryce Jordan Center this March," Sunderland said. "Fans need to make plans now to attend as this is always one of the nation's premier tournaments." The 2009 NCAA Wrestling Championships will once again take place in St. Louis, Mo. The three day event takes place on March 19-21, in the Scottrade Center. Season ticket information for Penn State as well as information regarding the 2009 Big Ten Wrestling Championships will be released soon.

STILLWATER, Okla. -- A visit from reigning national champion Iowa, a trip to Minneapolis to face Big Ten power Minnesota and the yearly home-and-home series with Bedlam rival Oklahoma highlight the 2008-09 Oklahoma State wrestling schedule released today by coach John Smith. Owning more NCAA team championships than any other sport at any other school, the Cowboys open their quest toward their 35th title when they travel to Warrensburg, Mo., for the Central Missouri Open on Nov. 16. The dual match slate begins when Old Dominion visits Gallagher-Iba Arena at 1 p.m. on Nov. 22. A trip to Troy, N.Y., for the Northeast Duals on Nov. 29 will include dual matches against Lehigh, Virginia, Appalachian State and American University. The event will be held at Hudson Valley Community College. The Cowboys return home to host Northern Colorado at 7 p.m. on Dec. 5 before traveling to Norman for the first of two Bedlam Series duals on Dec. 7. Start time is set for 2 p.m., and the Cowboys are looking to extend their all-time series advantage over the Sooners to 125-25-9. Since John Smith took over as OSU head coach in 1992, Oklahoma State is 33-4-2 against OU. A western swing follows the Bedlam dual, as the Cowboys travel to San Luis Obispo, Calif., to square off against Cal Poly on Dec. 16 before heading directly to Reno, Nev., for the Reno Tournament of Champions on Dec. 18. After a brief holiday break, Oklahoma State rings in the new year with a Jan. 1 dual at Minnesota. The Cowboys handed the Gophers an 18-14 beating in Stillwater last year and the Gophers will be looking for payback in a rivalry that is fast becoming one of the sport's best. OSU returns home to host UC Davis at 2 p.m. on Jan. 4 before competing at the Virginia Duals in Norfolk Jan. 9 and 10. The Cowboys' opponents at the Virginia Duals will not be known until the week of the tournament. Two of the richest traditions in all of college sports collide at Gallagher-Iba Arena on Jan. 18 when the Iowa Hawkeyes come to town. When Oklahoma State and its 34 NCAA team titles squares off against Iowa and its 21 NCAA team championships, passions are sure to be high, especially given the fact that the Cowboys have beaten the Hawkeyes soundly in recent years by winning nine straight and 12 of the last 13 head-to-head matchups. The first of two day-night doubleheaders on the schedule follows, as OSU travels to Ames to face NCAA title-hopeful Iowa State at 1 p.m. on Jan. 25, then get on the bus and drive two hours to Cedar Rapids to tangle with an always-dangerous Northern Iowa squad at 7 p.m. that same day. OSU's road finale comes on Feb. 5, when the Cowboys travel to Lincoln, Neb., to face off against a Nebraska team that has emerged as a Big 12 contender in recent years. Oklahoma State then returns home to host Missouri at 7 p.m. on Feb. 7 before hosting its second doubleheader on Feb. 15 when it takes on the Pat Popolizio-coached Binghamton Bearcats at 2 p.m. followed immediately by a dual against the Mark Branch-coached Wyoming Cowboys at 4 p.m. in Gallagher-Iba Arena. Binghamton and Wyoming will face each other immediately following the OSU-Wyoming dual. The regular season finale is set for 2 p.m. on Feb. 22, when the Cowboys host Oklahoma in Gallagher-Iba Arena. OSU hasn't lost to their in-state rivals in Stillwater since 1995. The 2009 Big 12 Tournament will be held March 7 in Lincoln, Neb., with the NCAA Championships returning to St. Louis March 19-21.

Stanford Head Wrestling Coach Jason Borrelli has announced his staff for the upcoming 2008-09 season. Former Cardinal standouts Matt Gentry '05 and Ray Blake '06 will join Borrelli as assistant coaches, while Vic Moreno (Cal Poly '05) will serve as the team's volunteer assistant. "I am very excited to announce the addition of Matt Gentry, Ray Blake and Vic Moreno to the Cardinal coaching staff," said Borrelli. "All three represent the mission of Stanford Wrestling and will be huge assets in attracting top student athletes to the University." Gentry, a 2008 Olympian and former Stanford NCAA Champion, has served as the squad's volunteer assistant coach while training for the Olympics the past three seasons. In those three years, he has helped the Cardinal to a 29-19 dual meet record, coached Stanford wrestlers to five All-America honors and helped seven individuals qualify for the NCAA Championships. Working mostly with the middle weights, Gentry helped guide 157-pounder Josh Zupancic to back-to-back All-America honors the last two seasons and an appearance in the 2008 NCAA semifinals. In his first year as a full-time member of the staff, Gentry will be primarily responsible for developing the middle weights. One of the most successful wrestlers in school history, Gentry was a four-time NCAA qualifier and became Stanford's first NCAA Champion as a junior in 2004. That year, his 4-2 decision in the 157-pound title bout capped a perfect 42-0 season and etched Gentry's name in the Stanford record books as its 11th All-American. Gentry won 64 straight bouts between 2003 and 2005, topping the previous best of 23 consecutive wins and became the first Stanford wrestler to take the crown at Midlands. He finished his career with a 138-25 record, with a win total that still stands second on the Cardinal's all-time chart. Gentry began his international career following his graduation from Stanford in 2005. A dual citizen of the United States and Canada, he has collected a number of top finishes internationally. In 2006, he captured fifth at the University World Championships and in 2007 he won his first major international medal, a bronze, at the 2007 Pan Am Games. Competing at 74 kg (163 lbs) and representing Canada, Gentry became the school's first male Olympian when he competed at the Beijing Games last summer. "Matt brings a tremendous amount of wealth and experience to our wrestling room and embodies everything we look for in a student-athlete," said Borrelli. "He will oversee the development of our middle weights and will have a large role in recruiting and other administrative tasks within the program." Blake returns to the Stanford coaching staff after a one-year hiatus spent at law school in Chicago. Two years ago, he was part of the staff that led Stanford to an 8-8 mark, helped a school-record five wrestlers qualify for the NCAA Championships and coached two wrestlers to All-America honors in the same season for the first time in four decades. In his return to The Farm, Blake will focus his efforts on the continued development of the Cardinal middle and upper weights. Blake captained the Cardinal squad in 2005-06 and led the team to its second winning season in three years with an 8-7 record. The 165-pounder capped off his 41-win senior campaign with his first NCAA Championship appearance and a No. 12 national ranking. Blake earned Pac-10 All-Academic Honorable Mention accolades in his final season and placed third at the 2006 Pac-10 Championships. He also won the 2006 Jake Gimbel Award, presented to the male senior for excellence of attitude in athletic endeavor. Blake finished his career at Stanford with a 51-18 record and graduated with a degree in psychology in 2006. "I am delighted that Ray has chosen to rejoin the Stanford coaching staff," said Borrelli. "He brings an outgoing personality to our coaching staff and will be a very positive addition to our program. His administrative skills and experience with our summer camps will be very beneficial." Moreno has spent the last two years coaching the Cardinal Wrestling Club, and will join the Stanford staff for the first time this season. A two-time All-American at Cal Poly, Moreno qualified for the NCAA Championships three times at 125 pounds during his collegiate career and was a two-time Pac-10 placer. As a senior in 2004-05, Moreno captained the squad and claimed the 125-pound Pac-10 title. Moreno spent the 2005-06 season as a graduate assistant coach at his alma mater, during which he began his international career. In 2006, he claimed the 60 kg freestyle title at University Nationals and won the Sunkist and NYAC International Open Championships at 55 kg. In 2007, he placed third in U.S Open and World Team Trials and claimed another title at the NYAC International Open. In 2008, he earned a bronze medal at the Ivan Yarygin Grand Prix and placed fifth at the U.S Open and Olympic Team Trials. "Vic brings a tremendous work ethic to our wrestling room," said Borrelli. "The entire team will benefit greatly from his energy and excitement. He has established a great relationship with coaches and fans within the community, which will have a huge impact on our summer camps and local sports club." Borrelli and his staff return 12 letterwinners, three NCAA qualifiers and seven Pac-10 starters to the roster for 2008-09. The Cardinal will host wrestle-offs on Oct. 25, before opening the season against Navy and Cal State Bakersfield on Nov. 8.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Tom Ryan, Ohio State wrestling head coach, announced the Buckeyes' 2008-09 schedule Wednesday. The Scarlet and Gray's home slate is highlighted with the Buckeye Duals, the 43rd annual NWCA All-Star Classic and four Big Ten Conference duals. "The 2008-09 schedule will provide our student-athletes with the necessary competition leading up to the NCAA championships," Ryan, who is entering his third season as the Buckeye head coach, said. "The All-Star meet and competing against Minnesota in the Schottenstein Center should be great home events for our loyal Buckeye fans." After a three-year absence, the Buckeye Duals return to St. John Arena Nov. 16. The first session begins at 1 p.m. followed by session two at 3 p.m. The next Monday (Nov. 24), Ohio State will host the 43rd annual National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) All-Star Classic at 7 p.m. It is the first time the Buckeyes will host the prestigious event since 1981. Ohio State opens the month of December in Las Vegas, Nev., at the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational. From Dec. 5-6, the Buckeyes will aim for the title after finishing third in 2007. The Scarlet and Gray will conclude the year Dec. 14 with a 4 p.m. matchup at Edinboro. After a three-week break from competition, Ohio State begins 2009 by welcoming Kent State to Columbus for a 5 p.m. dual. The Scarlet and Gray heads back to the road Jan. 10-11 for the NWCA/Cliff Keen National Duals in Cedar Falls, Iowa. In the 2008 edition of the National Duals, Ohio State topped No. 1-ranked Penn State and finished the event in fifth place. The Buckeyes then will travel to the East Coast to Long Island, N.Y., where they will face Ryan's former squad Hofstra at 1 p.m. Jan. 25. Ohio State opens its Big Ten schedule against Indiana at 7 p.m. Jan. 30 in St. John Arena. Two days later, the Scarlet and Gray welcomes Minnesota to Columbus, facing the Golden Gophers in Value City Arena at 11 a.m. Feb. 1. A trip to Penn State at 7 p.m. Feb. 6 is sandwiched in between a home dual vs. Purdue at 5 p.m. Feb. 8. A clash of conference rivals, the Buckeyes and Michigan will meet at 7 p.m. Feb. 13 in Ann Arbor. Last season, Ohio State beat the Wolverines, 16-15, for the first time in 14 years in St. John Arena in front of a Buckeye wrestling record crowd of 5,341. The Scarlet and Gray wraps up its home slate with a visit from Illinois for a 2 p.m. match Feb. 15. Consecutive road duals at Northwestern at 7 p.m. Feb. 20 and Wisconsin at 2 p.m. Feb. 22 conclude the regular season. The postseason gets underway March 7-8 at the Big Ten championships in State College, Pa. After their historical runner-up finish at the 2008 NCAA Championships with seven qualifiers, the Buckeyes will look to send all 10 weight classes to the 2009 edition March 19-21 in St. Louis, Mo. The Scottrade Center will serve as host to the national championships for the second-consecutive season.

Event: UFC 88: Breakthrough Venue: Philips Arena (Atlanta, Georgia) Date: September 7, 2008 On a strong card featuring many great wrestlers, the UFC Monster will be in Atlanta for this much-anticipated event. This is the first UFC event ever for this city, but Atlanta is a hotbed for MMA fans. It should be a rabid crowd and some great matches! I'm juiced up for it! Chuck LiddellSo, let's start at the top in the featured match between the legendary Chuck "The Iceman LIDDELL (21-5) and former Michigan State wrestler Rashad "Sugar" EVANS (16-0-1), who is undefeated in the UFC. The Iceman is known for putting people on ice with his devastating knockout power. A former college wrestler himself, the Iceman has learned enough takedown defense to be almost impossible to get to the mat. But, Rashad Evans has speed like none other at his weight, and I believe that Chuck is on the downhill side of his career. The issue will be if Chuck can get his patented KO before Evans can do some damage on the ground. Most bettors think he will. I'm betting that he won't. An undefeated Evans at +215 offers enough value for the UFC Monster to take the bait. EVANS wins a split decision. Former middleweight champion Rich FRANKLIN (25-3) used to be the poster boy for the UFC. No longer. He can't beat Anderson "Spider" Silva. So, Rich has gone up to the very stacked 205-lb division. And, in Matt "the Hammer" HAMILL (6-1) he is getting no bargain as an opponent. Despite being deaf, former RIT wrestler Hamill is a takedown machine who will look much larger than Franklin when they enter the ring. Hamill is great at controlling an opponent and his brute strength often puts him in a superior position to unload his vicious ground-in-pound attack. But, at 25-3 Franklin has shown some great striking power, with knees, legs, and fists. He also is the superior submission fighter. But, again, Franklin is on the downside of his great career, and Hamill at +210 offers too much value for a pass. Take HAMILL +210 to beat Franklin in a shocking TKO fight stoppage midway through the second period. Former Olympic wrestler, 38-year old Dan HENDERSON (22-7), is yet another world class Greco wrestler who has gone on to have a great MMA career, mostly in Japan. Hendo's fight resume contains the names of MMA's best. But, he is on a 2-fight losing streak and his opponent, Rousimar PALHARES (17-1), is a submission beast who was the first to submit Ivan Salaverry recently. Ironically, the only time Henderson has been submitted in his 11-year career was in his last fight, against Anderson Silva, who is known for KOs! Once again, we have a rising star as a big underdog against an old veteran. The UFC Monster is going for the underdog trifecta with another price too good to pass up. Take PALHARES +190 to put Henderson into retirement. Nate "The Great" MARQUARDT (29-8-2) is one of the most athletic and well-rounded fighters in the UFC. He can beat you on the ground or with strikes, and he can even beat himself, as he did in has last fight by giving away too many penalty points for striking on the back of the head! His opponent, Martin KAMPMANN (13-1), is almost a mirror image of Nate. Kampmann is mostly known for his striking skills, but he is very competent on the ground , as well. He is on a 4-fight winning streak in the UFC, but that will end tonight, as a very focused Marquardt submits him with a second round rear-naked choke. Take MARQUARDT -145 to get back into the win column. Undefeated Dong Hyun "Stun Gun" KIM (10-0-1) takes on Matt BROWN (10-6) in a fight that has been moved to the main card due to a late back injury to judo expert, Karo PARISYAN, who was to fight Yoshiyuki YOSHIDA. Kim has six KOs in his 10 victories, while his opponent has never been knocked out. Dana White, UFC President, likes KOs, and my guess is that is why this fight moved to the main card. Dana sees a KO coming. So do I. Take KIM -450 to taser Brown On the four fight undercard: Canadian Jason MACDONALD (21-10) defeats the very tough Jason LAMBERT (23-8) with a 3rd round submission by triangle choke. This is a fight worthy of the main card. Take MACDONALD -170 to grab the victory. In another interesting match-up, Ryo CHONAN (14-8) gets a shot at Roan CARNEIRO (12-7). Chonan is the last man to have eaten Anderson Silva! He did it with a bizarre rare "flying scissors ankle hook". It was a fluke move in a fluke fight. Carneiro is no Spider. Take CHONAN -120 to win here. Thiago TAVARES (17-1) brings his Brazilian jiu-jitsu to the mat against the veteran and heavily tattooed Kurt PELLIGRINO (17-4). Which Pelligrino will show up? It will have to be the best one to defeat Tavares. And, I don't see it happening. Take TAVARES -325 to win by third round armbar submission. Big Tim BOETSCH (7-2) gets a chance to bounce back from his surprising upset loss to Matt Hamill. He does with a convincing and powerful first round KO over Michael PATT (15-2). So, that's it. A 10-fight card reduced to nine, but with plenty of action promised! I can't wait. Let's try to make some money with our "fictitious" $1000 bankroll. � Lay $100 to win $215 on Rashad Evans to melt the Iceman. � Lay $110 to win $231 on Matt Hamill to shock Ace Franklin. � Lay $130 to win $247 on Rousimar Palahares to send Dan Henderson into retirement. � Lay $145 to win $100 on Nate Marquardt to end Kampmann's UFC winning streak. � Lay $ 90 to win $ 20 on a bridge jump on "Stun Gun" Kim to stay unbeaten. � Lay $120 to win $100 on Ryo Chonan to beat Roan Carneiro. � Lay $119 to win $ 70 on Jason MacDonald to defeat Jason Lambert. � Lay $97.50 to win just $30 on Thiago Tavares over Kurt Pelligrino. � Lay $ 90 to win $20 on another bridge jump on Tim Boetsch to get back on track. So, in summary, we are laying $ 1001.5 to win $ 1033 on the fight card. Good luck and enjoy the fights! More later. The UFC Monster

This week's edition of "On the Mat" will feature wrestling legend Terry Brands and Mike Finn, editor of WIN Magazine. As an athlete, Terry Brands was one of the most tenacious competitors in American wrestling history. He was a three-time NCAA finalist and two-time champion as an Iowa Hawkeye. Brands won World Championships in 1993 and 1995. After a brief retirement, he returned to compete in the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia where he captured a bronze medal. Brands is currently the resident freestyle coach at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, CO. Mike Finn is the editor of WIN Magazine, recognized by many as the premier wrestling publication in the nation. Finn covers all the major wrestling tournaments in addition to writing for WIN and recently attended the Olympic Games in Beijing, China. "On the Mat" can be heard live on the Internet at www.kcnzam.com or locally in Northeast Iowa on AM 1650, The Fan each Wednesday evening from 6:00 - 7:00 PM Central time. Feel free to e-mail radio@wrestlingmuseum.org with questions or comments about the show.

Now that things are settling down a little after the Olympics and the nations college programs are starting to crack their doors a little for open practice, un-supervised of course, we can start to focus on the "Season". It started with a bang as we learned early on Monday that after 16 years Marty Morgan might be leaving the University of Minnesota. Turns out to be true as it was made official on Tuesday the 2nd. Brock has hired away one of the best assistant coaches in wrestling. Brock's gain is Minnesota's loss for sure as Lesnar begins to prepare for the fight of his life against the ageless wonder in the Natural Randy Couture. UFC Veteran John "Hurricane" Halverson along with Dowling Catholic HS Head Coach Jon Garvin (2 X State Champion) will join us in studio as guest hosts to provide some unique questions and answers. This week on TDR: Andy Hrovat will give us his unique perspective on Beijing China and the Olympics. What went right and what went wrong? He put up a tough performance Wrestling in the 84kg weight class, Hrovat drew a bye in the round of 16. He wrestled Cuba's Reineris Salas Perez in the round of 8, losing 3-0 1-3 2-2. The Cuban's loss to the Turkish wrestler Serhat Balcı in the quarterfinal round eliminated Hrovat from further competition in the repechage round. Steve Martin- Head Coach of the Monarchs of Old Dominion will join us to discuss and describe his new wrestling room and crop of in coming freshmen. Watch for ODU to make some moves again this year as they get progressively better and more competitive. On Sunday Oct. 12th at 6 pm there will be a book signing for the new book '' The Granby Roll''.The book is about Nationally acclaimed Granby High School Wrestling Coach Billy Martin,Sr.The Martin Family hopes to see you there! Bruce Burnett- Navy Head Coach has got the world by the tail, tons of athletes and is able to fall to his knees with grace and humiliation. He apparently understands the bigger picture. Burnett has led the Mids to 10 or more dual wins in each of the last six years, is in his eighth season at the helm of the Navy wrestling program. Burnett served as the United States Olympic Freestyle Coach at the 2000 Olympic Games. His athletes captured one gold, two silver and two bronze medals. What is the difference between then and now? Cary Kolat- The Alabaster, Alabama Native who switched things up during his collegiate years by attending and wrestling for both Lock Haven and Penn State Universities has a new and innovative web site designed to teach, educate and inform all at an affordable price. http://www.kolat.com Kolat was a Two-Time NCAA Champion (1996-97) and a Four Time NCAA All-American (1993,94,96,97). His Career NCAA Record: 111-7 (94.1) 53 Falls (45%) Jason Borrelli- Stanford cardinal Head Coach opens up to TDR. In one of Borrelli's first interviews we'll talk to him about being one of the youngest coaches in NCAA D1 history. We'll also discuss growing up in wrestling at the feet of his remarkable father Tom Borrelli, the impact that Kerry McCoy, in his 3 seasons as the skipper at Stanford had on Jason's career and the incredible support that AD Bob Bowlesby has for this young man. Join us for an enjoyable 2 hours of wrestling talk on America's Wrestling Radio talk show. A big thank you to all of our fans and sponsors alike. Together you make this journey of ours enjoyable.

NEW YORK -- Yero Washington has returned for his third stint as a member of the Columbia wrestling staff. Washington will serve as a volunteer coach for the Lions after working as a headhunter for a financial IT company. "I have known Yero for over 13 years now and could not be happier to bring him back to be a member of our coaching staff again," said Brendan Buckley, the Andrew F. Barth Head Coach of Wrestling. "Although continually approached by other programs, he has once again decided to call Columbia home. He will be instrumental in working with our lightweights as well as serving as a mentor for the entire team." Washington first joined the Columbia staff in 2002 as a graduate assistant under Buckley, his teammate and workout partner on Fresno State's wrestling squad in the mid-1990s. After a year as a resident athlete at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, pursuing a berth on the United States Olympic Wrestling Team, Washington returned to Columbia in 2004. Although he didn't make the Olympic Team, he traveled to Athens nevertheless as a member of the official party, serving as a training partner for Stephen Abas. Washington also participated in the Olympic Trials for the 2000 Games after winning the Northwest Regional Qualifier. The 1998 Sunkist International champion, he has been a member of the U.S. National team, America's World Cup team and America's Nations Cup teams. A native of Porterville, Calif., Washington was a California state champion in high school and a two-time junior college All-American at Fresno City College, winning the California State Junior College Championships. Transferring to Fresno State, he twice made All-American, in 1996, when he finished sixth in the nation at 134 pounds, and 1997, when he was third in the nation. He served as chief assistant wrestling coach at Fresno City College from 1997 to 1999, and was on the 1999-2000 Fresno State staff, working closely with Abas, a three-time NCAA champion, along with Stan Greene, a two-time NCAA All-American. Washington earned his bachelor of science from Fresno State in 1999, and spent two years as a pharmaceutical sales rep before joining Columbia's coaching staff. He lives in New Jersey.

Marty Morgan was the top assistant under head coach J Robinson at Minnesota for 13 of his 16 seasons on staff. While at Minnesota, Morgan helped secure the program's status as one of the most successful collegiate wrestling programs in the nation (Photo/The Guillotine) Head assistant wrestling coach Marty Morgan resigned from his position at the University of Minnesota on Tuesday afternoon after 16 years with the program. Morgan will go on to train former Gopher All-American wrestler Brock Lesnar, a popular Ultimate Fighting Championships (UFC) competitor, on a full-time basis. "I'm going to step back for a year to help Brock [Lesnar] train and I'll see where I'm at next summer. I've been working with Brock [Lesnar] the past few years on his training and now I've been offered a unique opportunity to work with him full time." Morgan said. "This has definitely been a difficult decision, considering that I have been involved with the program for 20 years as an athlete and coach. I am happy to have a great relationship with the University of Minnesota administration, J Robinson, the wrestling staff, past and current team members, and numerous fans around this great wrestling state." A native of Bloomington, Minn., Morgan began his collegiate wrestling career at North Dakota State where he won a Division II national championship as a true freshman before transferring to Minnesota. Morgan was a three-time All-American for the Gophers and won a national title at 177 pounds as a senior in 1991. With a 39-0 record during his senior season, Morgan became the first wrestler in school history to finish with an unblemished record and is one of just three wrestlers in Minnesota history to accomplish that feat. He capped off his career with the Big Ten Medal of Honor, which is awarded to a Big Ten student-athlete who demonstrates excellence in academics and athletics. Morgan was the top assistant under head coach J Robinson for 13 of his 16 seasons with the program. During his time at Minnesota, Morgan helped secure Minnesota Wrestling's status as one of the most storied and successful programs in the nation. Under Morgan's watch, the Gophers attracted some of the nation's most sought-after recruits on a regular basis and won national titles in 2000-01, 2001-02 and 2006-07. The Gophers have also captured six Big Ten Conference championships under Morgan's tutelage. "Marty has been around Minnesota Wrestling for 20 years, but this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for him to step away for a year and to see what else is out there," head coach J Robinson said. "I think it's important for people to see different opportunities that life has to offer from a different perspective and a year away from the program can provide that perspective for Marty. He will be obviously missed this year with the way we do things, but we look forward to working with him in the future." The Gopher wrestling program, which boasts one of the nation's highest-rated recruiting classes again this year, begins its 2008-09 season with the Bison Open in Fargo, N.D. on Nov. 15. Minnesota's first home wrestling event comes when the Gophers host fellow perennial national power Oklahoma State in a New Year's Day dual at the Sports Pavilion.

State College, Pa. -- LionHeart MMA's newly signed lightweight, Biff Walizer won by submission in the third round at the Intimidaton Cage Fighting Championships this weekend in Covington, Ky. Walizer's next scheduled fight, Ring of Combat XXI on Sept. 12 at The Tropicana in Atlantic City, NJ, is tentative due to a hand injury sustained in his victory this weekend.