InterMat Staff

2019 16U double champion Jore Volk (Photo courtesy of John Sachs; Tech-Fall.com) We are just one day away from the first whistle blowing at the FargoDome as the Junior/16U National Championships will occur for the first time since 2019. Because of the cancelation of the 2020 tournament, the wrestlers have decided to show up in full force at Fargo. Early entries indicate that it will be the deepest in 10-15 years. Over the next couple of days, we'll go conference-by-conference to preview recruits from each school and their chances for success. We have only included recruits that have been tabbed to participate in one of the tournaments. We're wrapping up our previews with the Big 12. This huge conference was responsible for six of the top 19 recruiting classes in 2021. The Big 12 is only getting bigger and better as Missouri made the move back this offseason. Not only did mainstays like Oklahoma State, Iowa State, and Oklahoma earn places in the recruiting rankings, but so did North Dakota State, Northern Colorado, and South Dakota State. Here are the future stars of the Big 12 to watch in Fargo. Iowa State Ashton Barker (Iowa) - Class of 2021: 182 lbs Jack Gaukel (Iowa) - Class of 2021: 152 lbs Gabe Greenlee (Iowa) - Class of 2021: 285 lbs Paniro Johnson (Pennsylvania) - Class of 2021: 160 lbs Manuel Rojas (Michigan) - Class of 2022: 170 lbs Casey Swiderski (Michigan) - Class of 2022: 138 lbs We have two excellent classes combined for Iowa State as they have six recruits slated to compete in Fargo. The pair from the Class of 2022 could be the highest placers. Manuel Rojas has made the Cadet/16U freestyle finals on two occasions. He's looking to get over the hump this year. Rojas has to be considered one of the favorites at 170 lbs. Casey Swiderski has developed greatly over the last year and currently holds a number two ranking at the 138 lb weight class. Swiderski had an excellent summer dual series in 2020 and continued to impress after a fourth-place finish at the Super 32. Back in 2018, Swiderski was eighth in Cadet freestyle. He's on the shortlist of title contenders at 138. For the Cyclones incoming freshmen, Paniro Johnson has the longest list of credentials. He was third in both styles in 2019 while competing in the 16U division. Johnson was also third in Pennsylvania's AAA classification in each of his last two years of high school. Typically, Johnson finds a way to get onto the podium in big events, expect it to happen again here. The remainder of the Cyclones recruits are of the homegrown variety. Two-time state runner-up Gabe Greenlee is probably most likely to have a deep run. His 285 lb weight class has some studs, but is more manageable than Ashton Barker or Jack Gaukel's brackets. Missouri Ryan Boersma (Illinois) - Class of 2022: 285 lbs Zeke Seltzer (Indiana) - Class of 2022: 132 lbs Korbin Shepherd (Missouri) - Class of 2021: 132 lbs Clayton Whiting (Wisconsin) - Class of 2022: 182 lbs Missouri had a huge recruiting class in 2020 and dialed it back a bit in 2021. One of the headliners for the Tigers was in-state product Korbin Shepherd, a two-time Missouri state champion and four-time finalist. He, along with 2022 recruit Zeke Seltzer, will do battle in a deep 132 lb weight class. If he's on, Shepherd could contend for a place among the top-eight. Seltzer is a two-time Cadet/16U freestyle placewinner, taking sixth in 2018 and making the 120 lbs finals in 2019. He should be among those in the title hunt this time. The same can be said for Ryan Boersma, who comes into Fargo ranked eighth in the nation at 285 lbs. Boersma was fourth at the Super 32 and sixth at the Cadet World Team Trials. He'll try to keep the 285 lb Junior freestyle title in-state as Illinois natives have won it the last three years (Luke Luffman, Tony Cassioppi x2). Also in championship contention is Clayton Whiting of Wisconsin. Whiting was third in 16U freestyle in 2019 and earned the same placement at the 2020 Super 32. He's one of the key contenders at 182 lbs. North Dakota State Michael Caliendo (Illinois) - Class of 2021: 160 lbs Gavin Drexler (Wisconsin) - Class of 2022: 145 lbs Lathan Duda (Nebraska) - Class of 2021: 195 lbs Spencer Mooberry (Iowa) - Class of 2021: 195 lbs DeAnthony Parker (Illinois) - Class of 2021: 182 lbs Maxwell Petersen (Minnesota) - Class of 2022: 138 lbs Dominick Vacura (Minnesota) - Class of 2021: 220 lbs The North Dakota State Bison have the home-field advantage as the tournament will be held on their campus. Head Coach Roger Kish and staff did an incredible job on the recruiting front in 2021 as their crop of incoming freshmen was deemed to be 15th in the nation, the best in recent memory. Two of the Bison's top gets, Michael Caliendo and DeAnthony Parker, are late bloomers that have come into their own within the last year. Both finished the year among the top-100 on the Big Board despite missing the state finals as juniors. Parker showed at the Junior Duals that he's capable of competing with the best in the nation. Both weights are too deep to simply pencil Caliendo and Parker in for placements, but the odds are they will earn AA status. The remainder of the Class of 2021 that is set to compete in Fargo are upperweights, with Lathan Duda and Spencer Mooberry competing at 195, while Dominick Vacura is at 220. Mooberry was a Cadet Greco All-American in 2018 (8th), while Vacura took fifth in both styles the same year. Both weights have more high-caliber entries than normal, so they may have to notch an upset or two to get into the top-eight. The Class of 2022 is represented with Gavin Drexler and Maxwell Petersen. Drexler was a 16U Greco finalist in 2019. Expect him to have a very high placement in that portion of the tournament, while fighting for a place on the podium in freestyle. Petersen still has another year remaining in high school, but is already a four-time state finalist, winning a title as an eighth-grader. Northern Colorado Benjamin Alanis (Arizona) - Class of 2021: 138 lbs Xavier Doolin (Missouri) - Class of 2021: 285 lbs Brady Hankin (Colorado) - Class of 2022: 132 lbs Dyson Kunz (Nebraska) - Class of 2021: 138 lbs The Northern Colorado staff was able to get in early on a couple of Class of 2021 studs that broke out as seniors with Benjamin Alanis and Xavier Doolin. Alanis has placed at the NHSCA grade-level tournament twice and was fifth at the 2020 Super 32. He really went on a roll at the Ultimate Club Duals, dominating then-number one Shayne Van Ness (New Jersey) and others. If he is competing at that high of a level, Alanis can win it all. Xavier Doolin was an NHSCA Sophomore National runner-up and then was sixth at the Super 32 last fall. He has been active on the national scene and finished his high school career #89 on the Big Board. Doolin should have a deep run and has what it takes to make the podium. The other two recruits for the Bears actually have a history in Fargo. Dyson Kunz was eighth in Cadet freestyle way back in 2017 at 94 lbs. He's a two-time Nebraska state champion and three-time finalist. Brady Hankin was fifth in 16U freestyle in 2019. Later that year, he took eighth at the Super 32. Both are in extremely deep weights, but have a strong pedigree and could make a run at the podium. Northern Iowa Adam Ahrendsen (Iowa) - Class of 2021: 182 lbs Cael Rahnavardi (Iowa) - Class of 2021: 145 lbs Kalob Runyon (Iowa) - Class of 2021: 220 lbs Jared Simma (Kansas) - Class of 2021: 182 lbs Connor Thorpe (Wisconsin) - Class of 2021: 145 lbs RJ Weston (Georgia) - Class of 2021: 160 lbs The Northern Iowa staff has consistently recruited well in-state and 2021 was no different. Half of their six recruits slated to compete are homegrown, led by Adam Ahrendsen, who finished the year ranked #159 on the Big Board. Ahrendsen was a 16U Greco-Roman finalist in 2019 and appeared in three Iowa state finals, winning one. He'll contend for top honors in Greco and be in the hunt for the podium in freestyle. Kalob Runyon placed in the top-four twice in Iowa. Even so, he should advance deep here. Cael Rahnavardi made a pair of Iowa state finals and has proven to be adept in Greco. He'll have a good shot a the podium there. Leading the way for the out-of-state recruits is RJ Weston. Weston was a Greco-Roman national champion at the 16U level in 2019 and third in freestyle. He's among the top contenders in Greco and will be a podium threat in freestyle. The same can be said for Jared Simma, a two-time Kansas state champion, who is a past 16U finalist in Greco and a seventh-place finisher in freestyle. Connor Thorpe is a Wisconsin champion that trains with Askren Wrestling Academy. He'll be well-schooled and a quality competitor. Oklahoma Christian Forbes (Oklahoma) - Class of 2022: 106 lbs The lone Sooner recruit in Fargo, Christian Forbes, has a solid track record thus far. He was eighth in Cadet Greco-Roman in 2018, while competing at 88 lbs. The following year he was fourth in Junior Greco and sixth in 16U freestyle. The 106 lb weight class will not be a large as most others in the tournament and Forbes will be one of the most seasoned competitors in the field. That's a combination that will likely have Forbes placing very high, possibly winning titles in both disciplines. Oklahoma State Cooper Birdwell (Montana) - Class of 2021: 132 lbs Talmadge Carman (Utah) - Class of 2021: 182 lbs Luke Mechler (Wisconsin) - Class of 2021: 160 lbs Teague Travis (Oklahoma) - Class of 2021: 145 lbs A handful of future Oklahoma State Cowboys, all from the Class of 2021, has registered to compete. Teague Travis was third in Cadet freestyle in 2018, while living in Missouri. After committing to OSU, he moved out to Stillwater and now will represent Oklahoma. Travis will be among the long list of podium contenders at 145 lbs. Cooper Birdwell and Talmadge Carman are both past placers in Fargo. Carman was eighth in U16 freestyle in 2019, while Birdwell took seventh in Cadet Greco in 2018. Both are capable of grabbing multiple wins and could be a larger factor in Greco. Luke Mechler got on the Cadet podium in both styles in 2018, finishing as a runner-up in Greco and taking eighth in freestyle. Like Carman and Birdwell, he's highly capable, though in deep brackets. He'll have the best opportunity to shine in Greco. South Dakota State Derrick Cardinal (Minnesota) - Class of 2021: 132 lbs Luke Rasmussen (South Dakota) - Class of 2022: 195 lbs Cael Swensen (Minnesota) - Class of 2021: 152 lbs Two of the cornerstones of the South Dakota State 2021 recruiting class ranked 12th in the nation by Intermat will be in action. Cael Swensen and Derrick Cardinal were both top-75 recruits on the Big Board and skilled in both freestyle and Greco. Swensen has placed three times in Greco, highlighted by an appearance in the Junior finals in 2019. He'll be one of the favorites this time. In freestyle, he's capable of a high finish, too. Cardinal was fifth in 16U freestyle in 2019 and was a four-time Minnesota champion. He's one of the main contenders in both styles. Luke Rasmussen comes into Fargo ranked #25 in the nation after grabbing fifth-place at NHSCA Juniors. His weight class is littered with past All-Americans, so he'll need to shake things up to earn a place on the podium. Utah Valley Yusief Lillie (Washington) - Class of 2021: 120 lbs The most decorated wrestler coming into the Big 12 and still competing this year is Utah Valley signee Yusief Lillie. Lillie has earned All-American honors five times already, highlighted by a Cadet Greco-Roman title at 100 lbs in 2017. He also made the Cadet freestyle finals a year later. Most recently, he was fourth in Junior freestyle in 2019. Odds are, he'll add a couple more AAs next to his name, and possibly a title. West Virginia Garett Lautzenheiser (Ohio) - Class of 2021: 132 lbs Davin Rhoads (Ohio) - Class of 2021: 138 lbs Both of West Virginia's recruits in Fargo were teammates in high school and will be in Morgantown together. Davin Rhoads was a Cadet Greco-Roman champion in 2018, while Garett Lautzenheiser, who was eighth in Cadet freestyle the same year. Rhoads was a state champion this year, while Lautzenheiser was third. Both should be able to make deep runs this time and threaten for spots on the podium. Wyoming Quayin Short (Minnesota) - Class of 2021: 195 lbs Jore Volk (Minnesota) - Class of 2022: 126 lbs Wyoming has gotten a boost in recruiting of late and landed some highly decorated recruits from Minnesota. Two will be in attendance with Quayin Short and Jore Volk. Both are past Cadet/16U national champions in freestyle. Volk doubled up and won both styles during his most recent trip to the FargoDome. He'll likely add placements for a fifth and sixth time in Fargo to his resume. Short was finally able to climb to the top step in Minnesota as a senior. He was second on two previous occasions.

The FargoDome (Photo/Tony Rotundo; WrestlersAreWarriors.com) Rachel Gallardo is a Dietetic Intern at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina. Rachel will be graduating with her Master's in Nutrition in August and will sit for the Registered Dietitian exam following graduation. She has a background in sports and performance nutrition from working with Appalachian State's Performance Nutrition program and completing her Master's research project, NUTRITION AND BODY COMPOSITION CHANGES ACROSS A COMPETITIVE SEASON IN COLLEGIATE WRESTLERS. As you prepare to watch your wrestlers compete in Fargo, here are some tips to think about while planning their meals. Actually, use these all year, not just in Fargo! Make a game plan: plan out your grocery store trip by listing different snacks/meals you plan on having, then organize your list by different grocery store sections. Plan out the snacks/meals you intend to have. A good starting point would be 3-5 snacks and 3 meals per day. Snack ideas: one small package of fruit gummies (0.9 oz), one medium apple or banana with 1-2 Tablespoons peanut butter, one low-fat string cheese with one serving whole grain crackers, one serving beef or turkey jerky with one serving cheddar cheese, one serving pretzels with roasted red pepper hummus, trail mix - with nuts, seeds, and dried fruit Meal ideas: peanut butter and jelly sandwich on white or wheat bread, turkey or ham sandwich with cheese on white or wheat bread, veggie wrap - whole grain wrap with lettuce, tomatoes, bell peppers, carrots, and hummus (or any other veggies you like!) Drinks: use refillable water bottles instead of buying plastic bottled water, a great alternative to bottled sports drinks is to use powdered drink mixes such as Liquid IV, Drip Drop, Gatorade, and Pedialyte Sport. Plan a good recovery meal! Refueling for recovery refuels muscles with carbohydrates, repairs and rebuilds muscles with protein, and rehydrates with fluids and electrolytes. Recovery meals should be consumed within one hour post-competition. Recovery meal examples: 2 scrambled eggs with ¼ cup cheddar cheese on a whole wheat tortilla with ½ cup Greek yogurt and fruit Chicken fiesta bowl: 1 cup brown rice, ½ cup black beans, 3 oz chicken breast, salsa, lettuce, and shredded cheese Essentially, have your recovery meal contain around 20-30 grams of protein, plenty of fluids, and carbohydrates (calculate grams by dividing body weight by 2). Drink around 16-24 fluid oz. for every pound lost during exercise Share your Fargo foods on twitter with the hashtag #FuelingAtFargo!

2019 16U national champion Mykey Ramos (Photo courtesy of John Sachs; Tech-Fall.com) We are less than a week away from the first whistle blowing at the FargoDome as the Junior/16U National Championships will occur for the first time since 2019. Because of the cancelation of the 2020 tournament, the wrestlers have decided to show up in full force at Fargo. Early entries indicate that it will be the deepest in 10-15 years. Over the next couple of days, we'll go conference-by-conference to preview recruits from each school and their chances for success. We have only included recruits that have been tabbed to participate in one of the tournaments. Now we've moved on to the Pac-12! This conference features a traditional recruiting power in Arizona State and one that has recently developed in Oregon State. Notable by the omission is Stanford, which wasn't able to get any recruits because their program was on the chopping block for most of the last year. The remaining schools are all very creative in their own right when it comes to recruiting. With a renewed vote of confidence from the Pac-12, combined with each of these teams continuing to progress, the Pac-12 could be on the upswing. Here are some of the key recruits that could be a part of this resurgence and in action at the FargoDome. Arizona State Michael Kilic (Georgia) - Class of 2022: 152 lbs Kaleb Larkin (Arizona) - Class of 2022: 145 lbs Mykey Ramos (Arizona) - Class of 2021: 138 lbs Arizona State came away with an NCAA team trophy in 2021 and isn't slowing down soon, based on a #2 overall recruiting class. One of the key components of that group is Mykey Ramos. The last time in Fargo, Ramos was in the 16U finals in both tournaments. He would earn top honors in the Greco tournament. Could he do it again in 2021 at the Junior level? The 138 lb bracket has plenty of title threats, yet none that stands head and shoulders above the competition. Fellow Arizona native Kaleb Larkin was fourth in 16U Greco two summers ago. He is one of the many wrestlers capable of a top-eight run at 145 lbs. Up a weight is one of the stars of a great crop of Georgia seniors, Michael Kilic. Michael was also a 16U Greco-Roman national champion in 2019 and also was fourth in freestyle. He probably has another deep run in him in 2021. Cal Poly Joey Cape (Illinois) - Class of 2021: 138 lbs Abraham Hinrichsen (Illinois) - Class of 2021: 126 lbs Luka Wick (California) - Class of 2021: 152 lbs The Cal Poly staff went out of their normal recruiting radius and picked up a couple of studs from Illinois in Joey Cape and Abraham Hinrichsen. Both will be on display next week. Cape is particularly good in Greco. He was a Cadet finalist in 2018 and third in 2019. Even after jumping a few weight classes and aging into Juniors, Cape should be a Greco contender. Hinrichsen's best results have leaned towards Greco, but is accomplished in both. He was fourth in both styles as a Cadet in 2018, then took eighth in Greco in 2019. Like Cape, Hinrichsen's best results came at significantly lower weights, but the skills are there. The final piece for the Mustangs is Luka Wick. Way back in 2017, Wick was a Cadet freestyle All-American. Since then, he's placed at the Super 32 and won the Doc Buchanan. He's capable of a high placement in freestyle. CSU Bakersfield Cade Lucio (California) - Class of 2021: 145 lbs CSU Bakersfield typically recruits their local area well and has continued that trend by signing Bakersfield High School's Cade Lucio. Lucio was a 16U Greco-Roman national finalist in 2019. During the high school season, Lucio qualified for the state tournament on three occasions. Provided Lucio has been able to prepare appropriately, he should log another high finish in Greco and notch some wins on the freestyle side, as well. Little Rock Matthew Bianchi (Wisconsin) - Class of 2021: 145 lbs Warren Hoyt (Arkansas) - Class of 2021: 182 lbs Reid Nelson (Minnesota) - Class of 2021: 120 lbs During the 2021 season, Paul Bianchi made history for Little Rock by becoming the school's first national qualifier. Now, younger brother Matthew is ready to join the team and make it three Bianchi's with the Trojan program. Matthew is already the most accomplished of the bunch in high school competition, winning four Wisconsin state titles and placing in both styles in 2019. Bianchi was third in freestyle and fifth in Greco. While replicating such high finishes may be difficult, don't be surprised to see Bianchi on the podium in both. Getting back to the top-eight is something Reid Nelson is looking forward to doing. Nelson was fourth in Cadet freestyle in 2018 at 94 lbs. He'll have to contend with a boat-load of young talent at 120 in order to achieve AA status again. Keep an eye out for Arkansas product Warren Hoyt. Warren was seventh at NHSCA Freshman Nationals in 2018 and can hang with the best in the nation. He may be a dark horse at 182 lbs. Oregon State Jacob Barnes (Oregon) - Class of 2021: 285 lbs Chase DeBlaere (Minnesota) - Class of 2022: 138 lbs Hunter Eveland (Oregon) - Class of 2021: 138 lbs Graham Gambrall (Iowa) - Class of 2021: 160 lbs Asher Ruchti (Oregon) - Class of 2021: 182 lbs Gabe Whisenhunt (Oregon) - Class of 2022: 126 lbs The second-year staff at Oregon State has hit the recruiting trail hard over the last year-plus and the results have been evident with the number of signees by Chris Pendleton and staff. It's fitting that they lead the conference in the number of recruits competing in Fargo. Half of their recruits, Jacob Barnes, Gabe Whisenhunt, and Chase DeBlaere have also placed at Fargo before. Barnes was a 16U Greco national champion in 2019 and a fifth-place finisher in freestyle. It wouldn't be shocking to see similar results from him this year. Whisenhunt was top-five in both styles at the 16U level in 2019, also. His highwater mark was a runner-up finish in freestyle. DeBlaere was sixth at the Cadet World Team Trials in freestyle and has found the Fargo podium in Greco. Expect Whisenhunt and DeBlaere both to go deep into the tournament with a possible AA finish as a result. Iowa native Graham Gambrall was a four-time state placer and 2020 champion for Iowa City West High School. He doesn't have national-level credentials in either of the international styles, but could benefit from the rising level of in-state competition. Both Hunter Eveland and Asher Ruchti are Oregon kids that may have been overlooked by the rest of the nation. Ruchti finished the year on the senior Big Board, while Eveland was an honorable mention. Expect both to log some respectable wins at deep weights.

Three-time World/Olympic champion Taha Akgul (Photo courtesy of Tony Rotundo; WrestlersAreWarriors.com) As of today, we under 50 days from the start of wrestling at the Olympic Games. Over the next 50 days, we'll bring you one profile per day of a decorated international contender. Make sure you get to know the wrestlers that Team USA will compete against in Tokyo. 7/13/21 - Artur Naifonov (Russia) 7/11/21 - Vazgen Tevanyan (Armenia) 7/10/21 - Khadzhimurad Ghadzhiev (Azerbaijan) 7/8/21 - Ali Shabanov (Belarus) 7/7/21 - Gadzhimurad Rashidov (Russia) 7/6/21 - Suleyman Karadeniz (Turkey) 7/5/21 - Frank Chamizo (Italy) 7/3/21 - Yui Susaki (Japan) 7/1/21 - Amir Zare (Iran) 6/28/21 - Zavur Uguev (Russia) 6/27/21 - Zhan Beleniuk (Ukraine) 6/26/21 - Sergey Kozyrev (Russia) 6/24/21 - Kenchiro Fumita (Japan) 6/23/21 - Magomedkhabib Kadimagomedov (Belarus) 6/22/21 - Erica Wiebe (Canada) 6/21/21 - Myles Amine (San Marino) 6/20/21 - Sofia Mattsson (Sweden) 6/19/21 - Hassan Yazdani Charati (Iran) 6/18/21 - Tamas Lorincz (Hungary) 6/17/21 - Takuro Otoguro (Japan) 6/16/21 - Elizbar Odikadze (Georgia) 6/15/21 - Koumba Larroque (France) 6/14/21 - Haji Aliyev (Azerbaijan) 6/13/21 - Ningning Rong (China) 6/12/21 - Bajrang Punia (India) 6/11/21 - Frank Staebler (Germany) 6/10/21 - Geno Petriashvili (Georgia) The leader of a new generation of high action, high offense heavyweights, Top-ranked heavyweight Taha Akgul of Turkey, put forth a spectacular run through 2014-2016, winning three straight World/Olympic titles. Still ever elite throughout 2016-2020, title number four has evaded Akgul with the emergence of #2 Geno Petriashvili of Georgia as a three-time world champion. But recovered and peaking, #1 Taha Akgul is a very real threat to win title number four in an absolutely loaded heavyweight field in Tokyo. Today's Olympic profile will look over the career of three-time World/Olympic champion #1 Taha Akgul of Turkey. The Stats #1 Taha Akgul (TUR)- 2013 world bronze medalist, 2x World champion (‘14 & ‘15), 2016 Olympic champion, 2x world runner-up (‘17,'19), 7x European champion (‘12,'13,'14,'17,'18,'19, ‘21), 2015 European Games champion, 6x Yasar Dogu champion (‘12, ‘13, ‘14, ‘15, ‘16, ‘19), 2012 Ziolkowski runner-up, 2010 Junior world runner-up, 2019 Yarygin runner-up. Key Wins: #2 Geno Petriashvili ( 2013 Yasar Dogu, 2013 Moscow lights tournament, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021 European championships), Bilyal Makhov (2015 world championships), #4 Sergey Kozyrev (2021 European championships finals), #7 Nick Gwiazdowski (2017 world championships, 2019 Yasar Dogu finals), #10 Dzianis Khramiankov (2021 European championships), Khomeil Ghasemi (2014 world finals, 2016 Olympic finals), Khadzhimurat Gatsalov (2014 Yasar Dogu), Jamaladdin Magomedov (2013 European Championships, 2013 world championships repechage, 2011 Baku GGP, 2013 Yasar Dogu, 2015 world finals, 2017 European championships, 2018 European championships), Alan Zasieiev (2013 European championships), Levan Berianidze (2016 Olympics), Ibragim Saidov ( 2013 University World Games, 2016 Olympics), Bakhtiar Akhmedov (2012 European championships), Parviz Hadi (2012 University world championships, 2013 University World Games), Fatih Cakiroglu (2011 Baku Golden Grand Prix finals), Fardin Masoumi Valadi (2012 Yasar Dogu), Alexei Shemarov (2014 world championships, 2015 European Games), Tervel Dlagnev (2013 world championships bronze medal match, 2014 world championships quarterfinals), Anzor Khizriev (2019 European championships), Muradin Kushkov (2018 European championships), Zhiwei Deng (2013 University World Games, 2019 world championships), Khasanboy Rakhimov (UZB). Key Losses: #2 Geno Petriashvili (2016 European championships, 2017 world finals, 2019 world finals), Fatih Cakiroglu (2011 Yasar Dogu, 2010 Mediterranean championships), Tervel Dlagnev (2012 Ziolkowski finals), Alan Zasieiev (2013 world championships), Muradin Kushkov (2010 Junior world finals), #12 Anzor Khizriev (2019 Yarygin finals), Parviz Hadi (2018 world championships quarterfinals), Bilyal Makhov (2012 Olympics), Daniel Ligeti (2011 FILA test tournament). 2010-2013 Beginning his career at the 2010 Mediterranean championships, Akgul would finish as runner-up to European championships runner-up Fatih Cakiroglu. Only 20 years at the time, Akgul would take 5th at the Junior Championships and follow it up with a runner-up finish at the Junior World Championships with victories over Junior European champion Giorgi Sakandelidze (QAT) and Jeremy Johnson (USA) before a finals loss to Muradin Kushkov (UKR). Having now finished his Junior eligibility in 2011 at 21 years old, Akgul began his full-time Senior campaign with a bronze medal finish at the Yasar Dogu, again losing out to countryman Cakiroglu. The Baku Golden Grand Prix would be Akgul's first significant breakthrough at the Senior level, winning gold over the likes of 2009 96 KG Junior World runner-up Jamaladdin Magomedov (AZE) and finally beating Cakiroglu. Cakiroglu would be the one sent to the Senior World Championships instead of Akgul, so to finish 2011, he competed at the FILA test tournament where he took bronze behind European championships bronze medalist Daniel Ligeti (HUN). 2012 began with Akgul winning his first Yasar Dogu title over 2009 world runner-up Fardin Masoumi Valadi (IRI). Akgul really announced himself as a force with his first European title. Avenging his loss from 2011 to Ligeti, Akgul also beat 2008 Olympic champion, 2x Russian Nationals champion Bakhtiar Akhmedov (RUS) on his way to the finals. Akgul followed up his first European title by qualifying Turkey for the Olympics by making the finals of the European Olympic qualifier. A final warm-up at the Ziolkowski memorial tournament in Poland saw Akgul lose to 2009 world bronze medalist Tervel Dlagnev (USA). Akgul's Olympic run began with a victory over Oleksandr Khotsianivski of Ukraine, but in his next match, the European champion saw his title aspirations dashed when he was eliminated by three-time world champion Bilyal Makhov (RUS). Completing the year at the University World championships, Akgul won gold over Asian champion Parviz Hadi of Iran. 2013 would begin the dominance of Akgul as he won the Yasar Dogu over 2007 96 KG world bronze medalist Kurban Kurbanov (UZB), 2011 world bronze medalist Jamaladdin Magomedov (AZE), and #2 Geno Petriashvili (GEO). An undefeated run at the World Cup springboarded Akgul into a second European title with wins over Alan Zasieiev (UKR) and Magomedov. The University World Games would be Akgul's next conquest and gold came by way of victories over Oleksandr Khotsianivski (UKR), Ibragim Saidov (BLR), Hadi, and Zhiwei Deng (CHN). Going into his first world championships, Akgul was seen as a front runner for gold, but a loss to European runner-up Zasieiev in the second round knocked Akgul out of contention. With Zasieiev making the finals, Akgul was pulled back into repechage and after wins over Florian Temengil (PLW) and Magomedov qualified for the bronze medal match and revenge against Dlagnev. Winning world bronze over Dlagnev, Akgul concluded his year with a 4-0 run at the Moscow Lights tournament, avenging his loss from the World championships to Zasieiev and world bronze medalist #2 Geno Petriashvili of Georgia with a 10-1 win. 2014-2016 A third Yasar Dogu title would start off Akgul's 2014 campaign and a third European title, both coming by way over #8 Alan Khugaev of Russia put Akgul in position as the favorite for his first world title. Competing in Tashkent, Akgul's first major test of the World Championships would come in the quarterfinals against old rival Dlagnev of the United States. Two of the most athletic heavyweights in the world, with excellent low leg attacks and defense, Akgul and Dlagnev were the two best men in the bracket that day and it would be Akgul who'd repeat his triumph from the 2013 world bronze medal match for a 4-2 win and a spot in the semifinals. 2011 world champion Alexei Shemarov of Belarus was no match for Akgul as the Turk's crisp leg attacks dismantled the Belarusian 8-1 and punched Akgul through to the world finals. Against 2012 Olympic bronze medalist Khomeil Ghasemi of Iran, Akgul was against a mountain of a man who'd upset the returning world champion Khadzhimurat Gatsalov of Russia 5-4 to make the semis. Ghasemi, well known for his punishing heavy hands and granite hips, was a tall task for Akgul, but the Iranian lacked Akgul's offense and the Turk was able to pull off a tight 4-3 win for his first world title. After having been the contender for so long, a promise yet fulfilled, Akgul had done it and won the gold that he was destined for. Akgul's fourth Yasar Dogu title to start off 2015 would be his most impressive. Khadzhimurat Gatsalov of Russia was a returning world bronze medalist and six-time World/Olympic champion was one of the best upperweights of the 21st century and while his career was coming to an end, his 2013 heavyweight world title showed he was still very much a threat. Gatsalov's legacy was an afterthought, not even a thought to Akgul the way he rag-dolled the powerful North-Ossetian 10-0 in the opening round of the Yasar Dogu. Daulet Shahbanbay (KAZ) and #13 Aiaal Lazarev (KGZ) would fall 12-1 and 10-0 to Akgul as he outscored his competition 32-1 for gold. The European Games were another display of how far ahead Akgul had pulled himself from the rest of the field. 2011 world bronze medalist Magomedov was Akgul's closest match in the field, falling 5-2 to the Turk. Robert Baran (POL) and Russian Nationals bronze medalist Soslan Gagloev (SVK) would both be pinned by Akgul and 2011 world champion Alexei Shemarov (BLR) would be dismantled 6-0 for the Turkish giant's 5th European championships/games title. Taha Akgul's second world title was one defined by dominance. Akgul opened with a 10-0 tech fall of Jose Cuba of Spain, a 4-2 over 2010 world bronze medalist Levan Berianidze (ARM) and a 6-1 win over Daulet Shahbanbay (KAZ). 20-3 is good but Cuba, Berianidze, and Shahbanbay aren't the type of murderer's row of a bracket to beat that puts someone down in the history books. No, Akgul's next match would do that. Bilyal Makhov had been one of heavyweight's most imposing figures from 2008-2012, winning world gold in 2007, 2009, and 2010 along with world silver in 2011 and Olympic bronze in 2012. Makhov was an absolute giant with punishing underhooks and body locks, who broke heavyweight's elites and was a force to be reckoned with. Makhov was supposed to be it, the return to glory, Russia's real chance at taking it to Akgul. Akgul obliterated the imposing Russian in 54 seconds for a 10-0 tech fall and his second world final. Old rival Magomedov of Azerbaijan had upset #2 Geno Petriashvili (GEO) to make the finals, but Akgul was on a different level and showed it by tech falling Magomedov one minute and two seconds into the match. His two most significant tests of the whole tournament in Makhov and Magomedov, taken out in a combined one minute and fifty-seven seconds. Akgul was on another level. 2016 began as had the past four years had with another Yasar Dogu title, this time scoring gold over Tony Nelson of the United States with a 10-0 tech fall for Yasar Dogu title number five. Akgul would compete at the European championships and be matched up against two-time world bronze medalist #2 Geno Petriashvili (GEO) in the opening round. Akgul had already taken two wins over Petriashvili back from 2013, but the Georgian had made major strides since then. A strong opening period for Akgul put him up 4-0 at the end of the first, but Petriashvili roared back and, in a sign of their future rivalry, would take away an 8-8 criteria win over the reigning two-time world champion. Akgul defaulted out of the tournament while Petriashvili went on to win gold over Robert Baran of Poland. Slated to compete at the World Cup, Akgul forfeited all of his matches and questions regarding his readiness for his third World/Olympic title began to rise. A chance at redemption and ascension to the elite of the heavyweight class awaited Akgul at the Olympic Games in Rio. Akgul began his campaign for gold with back-to-back tech falls over Jargalsaikhan Chuluunbat (MGL) and Ibragim Saidov (BLR) before facing off against Levan Berianidze (ARM) in the semifinals, beating the Armenian 8-1 to make the finals. Instead of a chance at revenge from the European championships against #2 Geno Petriashvili of Georgia, Akgul would see an old foe in Khomeil Ghasemi (IRI) who'd upset Petriashvili and 2014 world bronze medalist Tervel Dlagnev (USA) to make the finals. The Iranian powerhouse Ghasemi stopped all of Akgul's takedowns in the finals, and it would be Akgul's gas tank and pressure would shine for him, banking on two shot-clock violations and a step out point to win Olympic gold 3-1. 2017-2021 Now a three-time World/Olympic champion, Taha Akgul had cemented himself as one of the all-time best heavyweights. Off the high of his incredible 2012-2016 quad, Akgul began 2017 looking for his fifth European championships title. Title number five was a victory lap for Akgul as he went 4-0 to capture gold and tech falled #2 Geno Petriashvili (GEO) 14-4 in the quarterfinals to avenge his loss from the 2016 European championships. 32-2 was the difference between Akgul and his first three opponents at the World Championships on his way to his fourth finals appearance. Zolboo Natsagsuren (MGL), Nam Koung-Jin (KOR) and #7 Nick Gwiazdowski (USA) all fell as Akgul made it clear this was his weight. The only man left in his way was his old rival Petriashvili. Petriashvili was Akgul's only loss in the past three years and wanted to prove definitively that the Georgian would not take his crown. Sure he'd beaten him in early season or end of the year tournaments, but the world championships were a totally different beast altogether, where legends are made and dreams crushed. The match that Akgul and Petriashvili put on in the world finals would be one for the ages. Akgul raced out to a 4-0 lead to end the first, taking over a slow-starting Petriashvili and looking well on his way to repeating his thrashing of the Georgian from the European championships. But the second period saw the tides start to turn and back-to-back takedowns from Petriashvili tied the score 4-4 with the Georgian leading on criteria. Akgul struck back, Petriashvili matched and the score was now tied 8-8, with Akgul leading now with less than 30 seconds left in the match. At the 10 second mark and diving in on a shot with victory all but secured for Akgul, Petriashvili would be able to muster an incredible final effort and expose Akgul for two and stop the Turk's quest for title number four with a 10-8 upset win. The beginning of 2018 saw Akgul compete at the Cerro Pellado memorial and win gold over Ben Durbin of the United States. The European Championships came for Akgul and he'd get his chance at revenge against Petriashvili and to win title number six as Petriashvili was on the side of the bracket. Making his way through the finals, Akgul beat 2016 Olympic bronze medalist Ibragim Saidov (BLR), 2015 world runner-up Magomedov and avenge his 2010 Junior world finals loss to Yarygin champion Muradin Kushkov (RUS) in the semifinals. Both men changed from their world finals match the year before; neither man was able to clearly pull away from the other it would be #1 Taha Akgul coming away with a 2-1 victory over the returning world champion Petriashvili for European title #6. As the favorite to reclaim his heavyweight throne and win his prestigious fourth World/Olympic title, Akgul made the world quarterfinals, beating Oleksandr Khotsianivski (UKR) and Nick Matuhin (GER) by a combined score of 16-0. Parviz Hadi of Iran was a contender but had two prior losses to Akgul and it was believed he'd be another stepping stone on Akgul's path to title number four. In the biggest upset of the world championships, it would be Hadi who'd walk away with the 3-2 win over Akgul. Akgul would not get any chance of redemption through repechage as Hadi would fall to returning world champion Petriashvili 13-6 in the semifinals. Beginning 2019 at the Yarygin, Akgul blew through the competition 31-1 with victories over returning world runner-up Zhiwei Deng (CHN), Yudenny Alpajon Estevez (CUB), and #5 Zelimkhan Khizriev (RUS). In the finals, Akgul faced off against #12 Anzor Khizriev (RUS), coming off his second consecutive fifth-place finish at the World Championships. In what was supposed to be a lay-up for Akgul, Khizriev proved himself one not to be doubted as he countered the Turk's shots throughout the match with masterful exposures to win 7-4. Coming off his loss at the Yarygin, Akgul was a man possessed at the European Championships. With title number seven on the line, Akgul wasn't given anyone any second chances and it showed. 26-2 was the difference between Akgul and his competition through the finals, and #12 Anzor Khizriev (RUS), who'd felled the Turkish giant, was knocked down 8-1. Now a two-time world champion, Petriashvili was now seen in position to challenge Akgul. Sure, Akgul had always beaten him in early or late season tournaments and beaten him the last two years at the European Championships, but the levels Petriashvili jumped in winning two back-to-back world titles would be sure to change things. The only thing that would change would be the score from the year prior's finals, this time a 7-0 throttling for Akgul over the Georgian. The final world championships of the 2016-2020 quad and the chance to win title number four and qualify for his third Olympics, there was a lot on the line for Akgul. Alexander Romanov (ROU), Khasanboy Rakhimov (UZB) and Deng all gave Akgul a strong fight and with only a 16-0 difference across three matches going into the finals, Akgul would have to turn it on if he wanted to beat Petriashvili and win title number four. With the world title on the line and title #3 for Petriashvili and #4 for Akgul, the two men went to war. Like their matches of the past, Akgul would race out to an early lead, but the pressure of Petriashvili would wear on and it would be the Georgian who would finish the 2016-2020 quad as three-time World champion with a 6-6 victory over Akgul. Akgul would be out of competition for the next year and a half due to the COVID-19 pandemic, along with recovering from surgery for past injuries. In returning in 2021, Akgul made an immediate statement that he hadn't lost a step and, if anything, was better than he'd ever been. In the opening round, he avenged his 2019 world final loss to Petriashvili with a 6-1 win. Kamil Kosciolek (POL) and #10 Dzianis Khramiankov (BLR) and #4 Sergey Kozyrev (RUS) would all fall to Akgul as the powerful Turk won European title #8 and reclaimed his spot on top of the heavyweight rankings. The elusive fourth World/Olympic title evaded #1 Taha Akgul all of 2016-2020 and a loaded field in Tokyo will give him his greatest test of his career. Against the dangerous three-time world champion #2 Geno Petriashvili (GEO), who's proven time and time again to peak for the big show plus the emergence of young standouts #3 Amir Zare (IRI, #4 Sergey Kozyrev (RUS), and #6 Gable Steveson (USA) the path to number four will push Akgul more than ever. But healthier than ever and turning away the likes of Petriashvili and Kozyrev at the European championships has me confident that Akgul will be ready to win World/Olympic gold number four.

Tyrell Fortune at the 2015 US Open (Photo courtesy of Tony Rotundo; WrestlersAreWarriors.com) The UFC and Bellator will both host shows this weekend. Friday's Bellator show is loaded with former wrestlers, while there are a few names dotting the UFC show as well. Check out the fighters that wrestling fans will likely want to follow below. Bellator 262 takes place Friday night at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. The main card airs live on Showtime at 9:00pm ET, while the undercard airs live on YouTube at 6:00pm ET. In the co-main event, Tyrell Fortune takes the biggest step up in his MMA career against Matt Mitrione. Fortune was a two-time NJCAA champion at Clackamas before transferring to Grand Canyon. There he won an NCAA Division II title and earned Division II “Wrestler of the Year” honors. He also excelled in the international styles. At the 2013 World University Games, he won a bronze medal in freestyle and finished fifth in Greco. After suffering his first professional MMA loss against fellow Division II veteran Tim Johnson in February 2020, Fortune has bounced back with wins over Said Sowma and Jack May. Another victory here could move him closer to the heavyweight title picture in Bellator. Also on the main card, Cee Jay Hamilton meets Brazilian Matheus Mattos. Hamilton was a two-time NCWA champion at Marion Military Institute before transferring to Anderson University to wrestle at the Division II level and earned All-American honors with a fifth-place finish in 2009. Hamilton lost his Bellator debut against Magomed Magomedov last April and is looking to get back on track. In the opening bout of the main card, former Missouri wrestler Johnny Eblen will look to push his professional record to 9-0 against Travis Davis. Eblen qualified for the NCAA tournament as a senior in 2015 before coming up short of All-American status. During that season, he scored victories over the likes of Tanner Weatherman (Iowa State), Pete Renda (NC State), Zac Brunson (Illinois), and Kyle Crutchmer (Oklahoma State). On the preliminary card, Cody Law returns to action against the debuting Theodore Macuka. Law started his collegiate wrestling career at Penn State before transferring to Pitt-Johnstown before the 2016-2017 season. In his first year at the Division II school, he finished fourth at the NCAA tournament to become an All-American. He returned for his senior season and won the NCAA title at 157 pounds. Law made his professional MMA debut under the Bellator banner in 2020 and has so far built a 3-0 record. His last victory came last April when he took a decision over Nathan Ghareeb. 22-year-old Russian prospect Diana Avsaragova will be looking for her second win in Bellator as she faces off against Gabriella Gulfin. Avsaragova comes from a wrestling background and reportedly finished third at the 2015 Russian Cadet nationals . Nick Giulietti was a New Haven Register All-Area selection before going on to wrestle for both Anderson College and American International College. He will be making his Bellator debut against Charlie Campbell and holds a 2-1 record. UFC returns to action with yet another show from Las Vegas. Both of the wrestlers mentioned below will compete on the undercard, which airs live on ESPN and ESPN+ at 7:00pm ET. Montserrat Ruiz claims to be a seven-time Mexican national wrestling champion , but this does not appear to be verifiable. She won her UFC debut with basically nothing but a headlock, so it seems entirely possible that Ruiz comes from a wrestling background. She will likely need to show a little more technique this weekend against Amanda Lemos. Miles Johns was a Kansas state champion before attending Newman University. He spent one year on the wrestling squad before moving on. He made his professional MMA debut in 2014 and currently holds an 11-1 record. He will face Anderson dos Santos on Saturday.

2019 16U national champion Daniel Cardenas (Photo courtesy of John Sachs; Tech-Fall.com) We are less than a week away from the first whistle blowing at the FargoDome as the Junior/16U National Championships will occur for the first time since 2019. Because of the cancelation of the 2020 tournament, the wrestlers have decided to show up in full force at Fargo. Early entries indicate that it will be the deepest in 10-15 years. Over the next couple of days, we'll go conference-by-conference to preview recruits from each school and their chances for success. We have only included recruits that have been tabbed to participate in one of the tournaments. Today we're looking at the EIWA. The conference contains the Ivy League, which is full of teams that have improved their recruiting efforts in recent years. In fact, Ivy teams have two of the largest contingents heading to Fargo. But it isn't just the Ivies getting it done on the recruiting trail. The service academies have been excellent, too. With the amount of talent heading into the conference, there's only one way to go! Here are some of the future stars of the EIWA, which will be on display in Fargo. American Max Leete (Massachusetts) - Class of 2021: 126 lbs Antonio Segura (Colorado) - Class of 2021: 160 lbs New American University head coach Jason Borrelli is reportedly continuing to bring in the entire recruiting Class of 2021. There is no attrition. That is good news as the Eagles had some solid signees, two of which will be in action. Max Leete was a 16U Greco-Roman All-American here in 2019, when he was eighth at the 126 lb weight class. He's sent to enter that weight class again in 2021, just at the Junior level. Replicating a podium finish may be extremely difficult as 126 is very deep, particularly on the freestyle side. Leete finished his senior year among the top-200 on MatScouts Big Board. The other future Eagle in the mix is Antonio Segura. Segura has had success in Fargo, too. He was a Junior Greco-Roman sixth-place finisher in 2019, and eighth in Cadet freestyle the previous year. Placing in freestyle at the 160 lb bracket may be a tough ask for Segura, but getting on the Greco podium may be more feasible. Army West Point Gage Cook (Washington) - Class of 2022: 285 lbs Gunner Filipowicz (Georgia) - Class of 2022: 160 lbs We've been very high on Army West Point's recruiting effort in the recent past and there are no signs of letting up as two talented rising HS seniors are set to compete this week. Most notably is Gage Cook, who is 4-for-4 in attempts at placing in Fargo. In 2018 and 2019, he was eighth in 16U freestyle. Those same years he was a finalist in Greco-Roman, winning the tournament in 2019 at 220 lbs. Expect Cook to contend for prominent spots on the podium in both styles. Though Cook has a long list of credentials, he's actually behind Gunner Filipowicz on the Big Board (121 to 129). Filipowicz's stock has risen after making the finals of NHSCA Junior Nationals. He is a part of a team in Georgia that continues to improve and impress. Currently ranked #16 in the nation, Filipowicz may have to pull an upset or two to place, but expect a deep run from him. Binghamton Carter Baer (New York) - Class of 2022: 160 lbs Logan Gumble (New York) - Class of 2021: 160 lbs Binghamton has a pair of entrants that may not be very well known outside the northeast, but that could change in the next week. Both Carter Baer and Logan Gumble are expected to compete at 160 lbs, so head coach Kyle Borshoff should be able to easily keep tabs on both. Baer has won a pair of titles in New York and was seventh at NHSCA Junior's this spring. Though currently at #143 on the Big Board and #19 at 160 lbs, he doesn't have any major results in freestyle. Gumble was a state placewinner as a junior and has put together some solid results in the international styles at the Regional level. Both should be able to amass some wins and could be a factor late in the tournament. Brown Sam McMonagle (Pennsylvania) - Class of 2021: 145 lbs Tony Pray (Nebraska) - Class of 2021: 195 lbs Brown Class of 2021 was an underrated group that deserves mention though they ultimately missed the cut in InterMat's rankings. Two notable members of that class, Sam McMonagle and Tony Pray, are expected to lace ‘em up in Fargo. McMonagle is a two-time Pennsylvania state placer, taking seventh as a junior and fourth this year. The PA native won't be phased by the level of competition in Fargo; however, his weight is loaded with talent. The same can be said for Pray's 195 lb group. A Nebraska state champion as a junior, Pray was not able to wrestle in the high school postseason. If healthy, Pray could notch some quality wins, even in a deep weight class. Bucknell Michael Bartush (Connecticut) - Class of 2022: 195 lbs Braden Bower (Pennsylvania) - Class of 2021: 138 lbs Riley Bower (Pennsylvania) - Class of 2021: 145 lbs Kolby DePron (Oklahoma) - Class of 2021: 160 lbs There's a whole herd of future Bison ready to storm the mat in the FargoDome, also the home of the NDSU Bison. The Bucknell recruit that looks best equipped for a deep run is their only rising senior, Michael Bartush. Michael was third at NHSCA Juniors and a New England runner-up. The Bower twins are capable in the middleweights. Kolby DePron is a three-time Oklahoma state champion that finished his high school career at #283 on the Big Board. This spring, DePron swept Oklahoma's freestyle and Greco-Roman titles. He will have his hands full in a 160 lb weight class that features 16 ranked wrestlers and that doesn't account for graduated seniors. Columbia Richard Fedalen (Maryland) - Class of 2022: 138 lbs Yanni Vines (Alabama) - Class of 2022: 113 lbs The Columbia staff is assembling a monster recruiting Class of 2022 and a pair of their young lions are expected to battle, with Richard Fedalen and Yanni Vines showing up in the entry list. Fedalen is no stranger to the Fargo podium, having made it twice already. He was fifth in 16U Greco-Roman in 2019, a year after achieving the same placement in Cadet freestyle. Fedalen's 138 lb weight class is a bunch of talent, but no clear-cut favorite. He's capable of standing out and placing highly at the weight. Alabama's Yianni Vines is also in good position to place. He is ranked 17th in the nation at 120, but expected to enter at 113. Vines was an NHSCA Junior National finalist at the weight and seventh at Preseason Nationals. As the field is currently constructed at 113, it's not hard to imagine Vines placing prominently. Cornell Evan Canoyer (Nebraska) - Class of 2021: 170 lbs Daniel Cardenas (Colorado) - Class of 2022: 145 lbs Luke Duthie (Pennsylvania) - Class of 2021: 195 lbs Ethan Fernandez (New Jersey) - Class of 2021: 132 lbs Erik Gibson (Pennsylvania) - Class of 2022: 152 lbs Myles Griffin (Florida) - Class of 2021: 145 lbs Christian Hansen (New York) - Class of 2021: 170 lbs Nico Provo (Connecticut) - Class of 2021: 126 lbs There's plenty of young talent already in the Friedman Center at Cornell for first-year head coach Mike Grey and the good news is there's more on the way. Six wrestlers from the Class of 2021 and two from 2022 are slated to hit the mat in Fargo. The only member of the bunch with past Junior level credentials to his name is Nico Provo, a freestyle finalist in 2019 at 113 lbs. He's expected to be a top contender at the loaded 126 lb bracket. The only past champion of the bunch is Daniel Cardenas, who has made the 16U freestyle finals on two occasions (he won in 2019). Cardenas' success isn't limited to freestyle, as he was seventh in Greco in 2019. He'll be one of the “guys to beat” in an imposing 145 lb weight class. The other member of this class with past placement in both styles is Evan Canoyer. Evan was fourth in 16U Greco and sixth in freestyle in 2019. His 170 lb weight class is extremely deep, but without a clear favorite. He could be a major factor. The other returning freestyle All-American is Erik Gibson. Gibson was seventh in 16U freestyle in 2019 and is expected to improve upon that finish in 2021. He's on the shortlist of potential champs at 152 lbs. Luke Duthie, Ethan Fernandez, Myles Griffin, and Christian Hansen have all shown flashes during their careers that would lead you to believe they can have some success this time around. Fernandez was actually a Greco-Roman AA in 2019, taking sixth in at 126 lbs in 16U. We'll have to keep an eye out to see if Griffin/Cardenas or Hansen/Canoyer run into each other. Lehigh Caden Rogers (Pennsylvania) - Class of 2022: 195 lbs Lehigh's most recent commit, Caden Rogers, is their only one expected to wrestle next week. Rogers is a prospect that has gained significant steam over the past year. He was a National Prep Open champion in a very solid weight class. Rogers also has a past track record in Fargo. In 2019, Rogers took fifth in 16U Greco-Roman. Though the 195 lb weight class is overflowing with talent, Rogers is capable of a high finish, further displaying his recent growth. He comes into the weekend with a #28 overall ranking on the Big Board. Navy Jake Niffenegger (Ohio) - Class of 2022: 132 lbs Danny Wask (New Jersey) - Class of 2022: 152 lbs A pair of rising seniors represent that excellent class that head coach Cary Kolat has assembled already for the Class of 2022. Both Jake Niffenegger and Danny Wask have gotten onto the podium at Fargo in the past. Niffenegger was fourth in Cadet freestyle in 2018, before he entered high school. In the 2020-21 season, Niffenegger was a state runner-up at 138 lbs. He is expected to drop down to 132 for this week. That weight is extremely deep, with at least 15 past All-Americans set to compete. Even so, expect Jake to be in the mix. Wask was placed in both styles as a Cadet in 2018 at 106 lbs. He's grown significantly since and will be at 152 lbs this time. Since moving up in weight, Wask has experienced the same type of success at national-level events. Penn Alex Almeyda (New Jersey) - Class of 2022: 138 lbs Louis Colaiocco (New Jersey) - Class of 2021: 145 lbs Martin Cosgrove (New Jersey) - Class of 2022: 220 lbs Richard Delsanter (Ohio) - Class of 2021: 132 lbs Kelly Dunnigan (New Jersey) - Class of 2021; 126 lbs Hunter Gandy (New Jersey) - Class of 2021: 152 lbs Evan Mougalian (New Jersey) - Class of 2022: 126 lbs Jackson Polo (New York) - Class of 2022: 132 lbs Sean Seefeldt (Ohio) - Class of 2021: 120 lbs Lance Urbas (Pennsylvania) - Class of 2021: 170 lbs The award for most recruits competing in Fargo goes to Roger Reina and the Penn Quakers. That extends across all conferences, not just the EIWA. An amazing ten future Quakers are expected to compete in the FargoDome! The highest-ranked of this plethora of Penn prospects is Martin Cosgrove, who is sixth at 220 lbs and 23rd overall in the Class of 2022. Cosgrove won his first New Jersey state title at a sophomore at 195 lbs and has been able to compete against, and defeat, older competition even at an upper weight. He should be in the mix for a title here. The only returning Junior placewinner out of this group is Kelly Dunnigan, who was fourth in freestyle in 2019. He was also a two-time state runner-up and a two-time placer at the Super 32. Alex Almeyda is the only one with a past finals berth on the resume. Almeyda was a Cadet freestyle runner-up in 2018. He has also taken third at the Super 32 on two occasions. Of the rest of this crew, Sean Seefeldt is the only other to achieve All-American status in Fargo. Seefeldt was has been top-six in Cadet/16U freestyle twice. He could make an impact at 120 lbs. The highest-ranked wrestler that hasn't been mentioned yet, is Evan Mougalian, a two-time state finalist. Mougalian was a champion in 2020 as a freshman. He hasn't had any national-level credentials in the international styles yet. Expect each of Penn's recruits to win multiple matches and maybe come away with a couple of All-Americans. Princeton Christopher Martino (Idaho) - Class of 2022: 132 lbs Dean Peterson (New Jersey) - Class of 2021: 126 lbs Ty Whalen (New Jersey) - Class of 2022: 138 lbs The trio that Princeton will send to Fargo is very intriguing, each in its own unique way. Christopher Martino has placed four times at the Cadet/16U level. Each came at under 100 lbs, so we'll have to see how he fares up 30 pounds. Martino's best results have come in Greco, as he was third in 2018. Dean Peterson was the cornerstone of the Tigers 2021 recruiting class and spent a portion of his senior year ranked number one in the nation. He finished as a three-time New Jersey champion and a four-time finalist. Based on talent, you'd assume that Peterson will be one of the favorites at 126, along with Iowa's Drake Ayala; however, he doesn't have the freestyle pedigree of some of the top contenders. Ty Whalen broke out big time in the 2020-21 season, which was led off by a sixth-place showing at the Super 32. He went on to capture a New Jersey title at 132 lbs. The 138 lb bracket has plenty of capable challengers, but no one that stands out above the rest. Whalen has the goods to emerge as the champion on his best day.

American University head coach Jason Borrelli Earlier this week, InterMat visited the campus of American University and spoke with its new head coach Jason Borrelli. Coach Borrelli talks about the adversity that he, his team, and staff faced at Stanford during the last year. Now at American, Borrelli talks about what was attractive about his new position and how the future is bright in the EIWA. We close by talking about milkshakes and his video game marathon while in college at Central Michigan.

2016 Junior National freestyle champion Anthony Artalona (Photo courtesy of John Sachs; Tech-Fall.com) For years the U.S. Junior Nationals, affectionately known as Fargo, has been a proving ground for the top collegiate wrestling prospects. With the tournament quickly approaching, let's take a look back at the freestyle champions from the 2016 edition and see how those wrestlers panned out on the college level. 100 Malik Heinselman In many ways, Fargo was a second home for Heinselman. He was a multiple-time champion winning titles in both freestyle and Greco. In 2016, he outscored the field by a combined 46-6 score and surrendered only a single point until the finals. In the first-place bout, Heinselman defeated fellow Colorado native Brandon Garcia via a 15-5 superiority score. Heinselman eventually signed with Ohio State and joined the squad for the 2018-19 season. It appeared as if he was going to redshirt his first season, but his shirt was pulled after the first semester and he qualified for the NCAA tournament. Heinselman is now a three-qualifier and will be a favorite to become an All-American this upcoming season. 106 Jason Holmes Holmes is the only Fargo freestyle champion from 2016 to not wrestle on the Division I level yet. He defeated a few who did go on to wrestle on that level, including Brandon Kaylor (Oregon State) and Rayvon Foley (Michigan State). Following high school, Holmes did go on to wrestle for North Idaho College at the NJCAA level. He competed during the 2017-2018 season, but it does not appear that he wrestled in the NJCAA tournament. 113 Nic Aguilar Aguilar won the title at 113 pounds with match termination victories in four of his six matches. In the finals, he knocked off current Ohio State wrestler Dylan D'Emilio. The California state champion then signed with Rutgers. After redshirting his first season on campus in 2019, he joined the starting lineup for the 2020 season. He went 24-11 on the year and qualified for the NCAA tournament after finishing ninth in the Big Ten. This past year, Aguilar struggled through a limited schedule but is expected to be a player in the conference this upcoming year. 120 Gavin Teasdale On his way to the 120-pound title, Teasdale picked up key victories over Michigan's Drew Mattin and Arizona State's Brandon Courtney. After initially committing to Iowa, Teasdale eventually signed with Penn State. However, after not taking the mat as a freshman, Teasdale transferred to Iowa. During the 2020 season, he went 9-4 in open tournaments, with victories coming over Caleb Gross (South Dakota State) and Cayden Rooks (Indiana) at the Midlands. After one season, Teasdale left the Iowa program. Earlier this year, news broke that he was involved in a serious car accident, and he is still working his way back. 126 Austin Gomez Gomez made the 126-pound final with victories over Bryce West (Northern Illinois) and Paul Bianchi (Little Rock). Once in the final bout, he scored a first-period fall over Paul Konrath, who has gone on to wrestle at both Wisconsin and Indiana. Gomez selected Iowa State for college. After a strong redshirt year, he became a starter for the 2019 season. He went 24-7 and finished one bout short of All-American status. Since that tournament, Gomez has dealt with injuries and been out of action. This past winter, Gomez announced that he was retiring from the sport due to assorted medical issues. However, in April, he walked back that retirement and transferred to Wisconsin. He is expected to move up to 141 pounds and will likely have two years of eligibility remaining. 132 Ian Parker Parker had match termination victories in five of his six matches on his way to the finals. Along the way, he defeated future Iowa wrestlers Max Murin and Brock Rathbun. Parker then edged Utah Valley's Taylor Lamont in a tight 3-2 match in the finals. Parker continued his rivalry with Iowa on the collegiate level as he attended Iowa State. Even though Parker has already wrestled four years and a redshirt year, he will get another shot this upcoming season. He is a three-time NCAA qualifier who has picked up victories over the likes of Dom Demas (Oklahoma), Josh Heil (Campbell), and Chad Red (Nebraska). 138 Nick Lee Lee knocked off three wrestlers who would eventually wrestle in the Big Ten on his way to the Fargo championship at 138 pounds. He defeated Carter Happel (Iowa), Mitch McKee (Minnesota) and Kanen Storr (Michigan). Lee has always had a motor and that was certainly on display as he averaged 11.29 points per match in the tournament. After moving up to the college level, Lee has continued to make strides. He finished fifth at the NCAA tournament in his first two years on campus, but broke through last season and won an NCAA title at 141 pounds. In the finals, he avenged his only loss on the season and defeated Jaydin Eierman (Iowa) via a 4-2 score in sudden victory. 145 Anthony Artalona In a final between wrestlers who would go on to compete for Pennsylvania colleges, Artalona defeated eventual Penn State wrestler Jarod Verkleeren via a 2-1 score to take the 145-pound title. The title was the first of two at the Junior freestyle level for Artalona. He had another as a Cadet. Artalona would go on to wrestle for Penn. He went right away as a true freshman and made the Round of 12 at 149 pounds. Artalona moved up to 157 pounds the following year and went 14-6 before suffering a season-ending injury. He sat out last year after the Ivy League made the decision to not compete due to the pandemic. Artalona is expected back down at 149 pounds this upcoming season. 152 Griffin Parriott Parriott outscored his opposition by a combined score of 69-2 on his way to the title at 152 pounds. In the finals, he bested Zander Wick with a 10-0 stoppage in less than two minutes. Parriott would then move on to Purdue. After a redshirt season, he took over the starting spot at 157 pounds in 2018. He qualified his final three seasons in the lineup for the Boilermakers, but he was never able to make it on the All-American podium. 160 Jake Allar While Allar's victory at 160 pounds was impressive at the time, it might be even more impressive in hindsight. On his way to the finals, he knocked off both Trent Hidlay, who was an NCAA finalist for NC State this past season, and Evan Wick, who is already a two-time All-American. Allar signed with Minnesota and started at 165 pounds as a true freshman in 2019. This past season, he qualified for the NCAA tournament for the first time after moving up to 174 pounds. During the year, he picked up key victories over Jackson Turley (Rutgers), DJ Shannon (Indiana) and Drew Hughes (Michigan State). 170 Canten Marriott On his way to the title, Marriott picked up key victories over Anthony Mantanona (Oklahoma) and Andrew McNally (Wisconsin). In the finals, he defeated Owen Pentz (North Dakota State), who went on to shock number-two seed Eric Schultz (Nebraska) at this past NCAA tournament. Marriott joined the Missouri wrestling team in 2017. After a redshirt year, he qualified for the NCAA tournament during the 2018 season and finished with a 26-8 record. Marriott has remained a solid member of the Tiger squad, but he has yet to return to the NCAA tournament. He will have one season of eligibility left this year. 182 Owen Webster Webster's Fargo winning campaign at 182 pounds included a 3-0 victory over Jake Woodley (Oklahoma). He then went on to defeat Kevin Parker in the finals via a 10-0 score. Webster took a circuitous route to Minnesota as he spent his freshman year at Division III Augsburg. He finished third at the Division III NCAA tournament before transferring to Minnesota. With the Gophers, he finally rounded into form during the 2020 season. He went 22-12 and qualified for his first NCAA tournament. Last year, he finished one match away from All-American status as he fell in the bloodround. During the year, Webster scored signatures over Max Lyon (Purdue), Jeremiah Kent (Missouri) and John Poznanski (Rutgers). 195 Ben Darmstadt Darmstadt won the Fargo title at 195 pounds with victories over multiple wrestlers who would go on to be standouts on the Division I level. He defeated the likes of Andrew Davison (Michigan), Patrick Brucki (Michigan) and John Borst (Virginia Tech). After spending a grey shirt year wrestling with the Finger Lakes RTC, Darmstadt started at Cornell in 2018. He finished sixth to become an All-American in his first year. He missed the following year with an injury but bounced back in 2020 with a 28-6 record and an EIWA title. Darmstadt missed last season when the Ivy League did not compete. He is expected back in the lineup for Cornell next year under new coach Mike Grey. 220 Sam Colbray Before going on to wrestle for Iowa State, Colbray defeated a pair of wrestlers who would join him in the Big 12 conference Ashton Seely (Utah Valley) and Keegan Moore (Oklahoma State/Northern Iowa/Oklahoma). Colbray has wrestled four different weight classes for the Cyclones and qualified for the NCAA tournament three times. He came closest to All-American status as a sophomore when he went 28-8 and came up just short in the Round of 12. 285 Gannon Gremmel Iowa State recruits had a strong performance at the 2016 edition of Fargo. Before joining Colbray in Ames, Gremmel also brought home the title at heavyweight. In the finals, he knocked off future Iowa heavyweight Anthony Cassioppi. After a redshirt year, Gremmel started four-straight years for Iowa State. After qualifying as a sophomore and junior, he finally broke through last season and became an All-American with a fifth-place finish.

2019 16U double champion Seth Shumate (Photo courtesy of John Sachs; Tech-Fall.com) We are less than a week away from the first whistle blowing at the FargoDome as the Junior/16U National Championships will occur for the first time since 2019. Because of the cancelation of the 2020 tournament, the wrestlers have decided to show up in full force at Fargo. Early entries indicate that it will be the deepest in 10-15 years. Over the next couple of days, we'll go conference-by-conference to preview recruits from each school and their chances for success. We have only included recruits that have been tabbed to participate in one of the tournaments. Today we're focusing on the big one...actually the Big Ten (or 14). The Big Ten has long been the most powerful conference in the nation and has shown no hints of slowing down. Six of the top ten teams at the 2021 NCAA Championships came from the conference, including national champion Iowa and runner-up Penn State. The league has also dominated in recruiting, which leads to their own-mat success. Six of the top ten spots in InterMat's Class of 2021 recruiting rankings were held by Big Ten schools. So expect Fargo to include some future Big Ten stars shining brightly and prominently. Illinois Christian Carroll (Indiana) - Class of 2023: 220 lbs Kannon Webster (Illinois) - Class of 2023: 120 lbs There are only a few rising juniors in the nation that have already made the collegiate commitments publicly and two of them are Illinois recruits, Christian Carroll and Kannon Webster. Because of an injury and eligibility concerns, Carroll has the opportunity to win a Fargo title before a state championship. The Indiana native is expected to be the highest-ranked 220 lber in action, so he'll be among the shortlist of favorites at the weight. Other major wins for Carroll, before winning a state crown, include the Super 32 and the Grappler Fall Classic. Webster will make his second appearance in Fargo. In 2019, he took third place in both styles, while competing at 120 lbs. Expect Webster to contend and possibly exceed his previous placements. Indiana Jake Evans (Ohio) - Class of 2021: 182 lbs Tyler Lillard (Pennsylvania) - Class of 2022: 170 lbs Henry Porter (California) - Class of 2021: 145 lbs The Hoosiers have stepped up their recruiting efforts under head coach Angel Escobedo and have a solid trio set to compete. Incoming freshmen Jake Evans and Henry Porter are both well-traveled and rarely miss an opportunity to compete. The two-time Ohio state placewinner, Evans, finished in the top-three at the Walsh Ironman and Beast of the East in 2019. Porter is a three-time California state medalist and never finished lower than third at the event. Both Evans and Porter are looking forward to earning All-American honors for the first time in Fargo and are capable of deep runs. The rising senior, Tyler Lillard, got onto the Fargo 16U freestyle podium in 2019, when he was fourth at 152. Lillard comes into this tournament as the highest-ranked high schooler at 170 lbs. He has the goods to win it all. Iowa Drake Ayala (Iowa) - Class of 2021: 126 lbs Caleb Rathjen (Iowa) - Class of 2021: 145 lbs The Iowa Junior National Dual team captured their first freestyle title since 2005 and the state has now turned its attention to Fargo. Leading the way for an Iowa team that will push for top-team honors in Junior freestyle are a pair of future Hawkeyes, Drake Ayala and Caleb Rathjen. Ayala has already been there and done that as far as Fargo goes. He is seeking his third freestyle championship after getting one as a Cadet and another as a Junior in 2019. Winning a second would only further cement his status as an Iowa high school legend. While Ayala will have to contend with a dangerous field, led by Princeton recruit Dean Peterson, he should be considered a favorite. Rathjen has had success in his own right in the FargoDome, but is seeking his first title. He was a finalist in Cadet freestyle in 2018 and seventh the previous year. Rathjen's 145 lb weight class is extremely deep, but he should be among those select few capable of winning it all. Maryland Kal Miller (Missouri) - Class of 2022: 145 lbs Maryland will have top-100 recruit Kal Miller in action at the FargoDome. Miller has some past experience at Fargo, as he was seventh as a Cadet in 2018 in freestyle, before setting foot in high school. That occurred down at 113 lbs. Miller has grown into the 145 lb weight class, which is imposing even with some top contenders that went down due to injury. Expect for Miller to be in the hunt for the podium and he'll be a cornerstone of another strong class for head coach Alex Clemsen. Michigan Rylan Rogers (Washington) - Class of 2022: 195 lbs We've mentioned already that 195 lbs is likely one of the most top-heavy weights in Fargo. Six of the top-seven wrestlers in the nation are expected to enter and that doesn't include any graduated seniors. The top-ranked 195 lber in the land is Rylan Rogers, who recently committed to Michigan. The number-five overall senior will come in as the favorite. In 2019, Rogers was a runner-up in Akron at the Cadet World Team Trials and did the same in Fargo's U16 division. Both placements came in freestyle. He'll try to move up a step on the podium and possibly his ranking overall in the Class of 2022. Minnesota Blaine Brenner (Wisconsin) - Class of 2021: 138 lbs Tagen Jamison (Texas) - Class of 2021: 138 lbs Hunter Lyden (Minnesota) - Class of 2022: 170 lbs Troy Spratley (Texas) - Class of 2022: 126 lbs Bennett Tabor (Minnesota) - Class of 2021: 220 lbs The largest contingent of recruits expected to hit the mat in Fargo belongs to Minnesota. That takes into account Cody Chittum, one of the favorites at 145 lbs. Even so, there are a handful of future Gophers that could earn All-American honors and possibly take home a stop-sign, if all breaks well. High school teammates Tagen Jamison and Troy Spratley are rare recruits that will head to Minneapolis from Texas. Spratley is currently the top-ranked 126 lber in the nation after all of the seniors were removed. To get a title, he'll have to contend with a pair of favorites from the Class of 2021, Drake Ayala and Dean Peterson. Jamison has done well at national-level events, but hasn't placed at Fargo. The remaining three recruits, Blaine Brenner, Hunter Lyden, and Bennett Tabor, have all found a place on the podium, at one time or another. Brenner's best results have come on the Greco side as he was a Cadet sixth-place finisher twice. He'll compete in the same bracket as Jamison. Lyden was sixth in 16U freestyle in 2019 and represents one of maybe five possible champions at 170 lbs. Dangerous big man Bennett Tabor will be in the mix of a loaded 220 lb weight class. He was fifth in 16U freestyle in 2019 and took home the crown at the most recent Super 32. Nebraska Harley Andrews (Oklahoma) - Class of 2022: 220 lbs Antrell Taylor (Nebraska) - Class of 2022: 160 lbs Adam Thebeau (Illinois) - Class of 2021: 160 lbs Above, we mentioned that the 220 lb bracket is expected to be lined with contenders. One of those is Harley Andrews, who currently holds the #3 ranking nationally. Andrews was fifth at 182 lb in 16U freestyle during his last trip to Fargo. One of the top recruits from Nebraska over the last decade is Antrell Taylor, who decided to stay in-state and attend Nebraska. Taylor saw his stock soar in 2019 after making the 16U national finals in freestyle, down at 132 lbs. 160 is pretty wide open this year. There isn't any reason why Taylor couldn't be the one winning on the raised stage. Also in that weight class is Adam Thebeau. Adam was an under-the-radar pickup for the Cornhusker staff that ended up winning Folkstyle Nationals and earning himself a spot on the Senior Big Board (#138). Northwestern Evan Bates (Indiana) - Class of 2021: 195 lbs Sammy Hayes (Illinois) - Class of 2022: 113 lbs One of the darlings of the 2019 tournament was Evan Bates, who was relatively unheralded and ran through a gauntlet to make the 16U freestyle finals. For good measure, Bates also took third in Greco. Since then, Bates has had some up and down results, but tends to do well at national events. He was fifth at the 2019 Super 32 and seventh a year later. Bates could be in the mix to place in the upper half of the podium in 2021. Northwestern's first recruit from the Class of 2022, Sammy Hayes, is looking to place in Junior freestyle for the second time. He was fourth in 2019 at 100 lbs. He'll move up slightly to 113 this time. That weight should have some younger, more heralded entrants, but don't be surprised if Hayes knocks them off and has another high showing. His experience may be too much for the younger competition. Ohio State Gavin Brown (Ohio) - Class of 2022: 145 lbs Seth Shumate (Ohio) - Class of 2022: 195 lbs Earlier this week, we learned that Ohio State's top recruit from the Class of 2022, Nick Feldman, is not expected to compete due to injury. Even without Feldman, there are a pair of future Buckeyes that could make an impact. Seth Shumate dismantled the field in 2019 and became a double 16U champion at this same weight. He has placed four times in two years and never lower than fifth. He'll be one of the top contenders again in 2021. Gavin Brown also is a returning All-American. He was fifth in 16U freestyle in 2019, but is currently ranked #22 nationally. Brown will have his hands full getting back to the AA round again, as 145 is very deep. Purdue Ben Vanadia (Ohio) - Class of 2021: 220 lbs Before heading to West Lafayette, Ben Vanadia has an order of business left. He aims to end his high school career on a high note and earn All-American honors in Fargo for the first time. Vanadia's senior year was disrupted by injury, though he was unbeaten and headed for his first state crown. Vanadia has put together an impressive resume with high finishes at the Beast, the Ironman, and NHSCA grade-level tournaments. Since he's in the Class of 2021 and missed the high school state tournament, Vanadia may be overlooked in Fargo. That shouldn't be the case. If healthy, he'll contend for yet another high placement. Rutgers Brandan Chletsos (Pennsylvania) - Class of 2022: 138 lbs Brian Soldano (New Jersey) - Class of 2022: 182 lbs The Scarlet Knights have both of their 2022 recruits to follow in Fargo. Brian Soldano is a 16U All-American in freestyle (7th) from 2019. He was victorious at the Super 32 before his junior season and recently had an impressive Junior Duals performance. Soldano is on the very short list of favorites at 182 lbs. Brandan Chletsos doesn't have any Fargo credentials next to his name (yet?), but is capable. He was top-seven at the Ironman and Beast in 2019. His in-season placements have continued to progress in Pennsylvania. He went from sixth, as a freshman, to third in 2020, before making the AA state finals this year. Wisconsin Cale Anderson (Wisconsin) - Class of 2021: 152 lbs The lone Badger recruit expected to compete will be Cale Anderson, an undefeated 2021 state champion in Wisconsin. Anderson had been close to capturing a state championship on two previous occasions, finishing third as a sophomore and junior. His resume doesn't have any significant national credentials, so Anderson would be considered a dark horse at the 152 lb weight class. That weight is expected to contain three of the top-five wrestlers in the nation plus a host of graduated seniors.

Boston University's two-time national qualifier Nestor Taffur (Photo courtesy of Tony Rotundo; WrestlersAreWarriors.com) If you follow college wrestling, you would know there was a huge success story in the past two months. Stanford wrestling made its incredible return. It was cut during COVID, along with ten other sports. Amazingly, all sports were reinstated a year later. In addition to this, there has been a recent influx of wrestling programs starting from scratch (mainly at the D2, D3, and NAIA levels). Some of these programs have been added both men's and women's wrestling. It is insane how fast the sport is evolving, while spreading into different areas – especially the southern part of the country. This area is not known for its wrestling, but the landscape may be starting to change. This had me thinking about which schools would be great additions to the EIWA Conference. I made my decisions based on the school's geographical location, academic requirements, and size of the school. Plus, the school should not belong to another conference that already has wrestling. This is why a school like Syracuse is not on my list. It used to be an EIWA member, but if the school were to reinstate the program, it would be included in the ACC conference. Honorable Mention – Lafayette Leopards This would be a phenomenal addition to the EIWA conference. Lafayette is located in one of the most well-known wrestling hotspots of Easton, Pennsylvania. A few famous Easton wrestlers include Bobby Weaver, Jordan Oliver, Jack Cuvo, Jamarr Billman, Brian Snyder and the people's champ Willie Saylor. With only 2,700 or so students enrolled, it is a small school. The huge benefit of potentially adding wrestling to this school would be what realtors drool over: LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION. It would be in prime location to start a program, residing in the Lehigh Valley, 5 minutes from New Jersey. It would take a lot to get a program started here, and a big-time coach to help get it off the ground. Local wrestling coach legend, Barry Snyder (Nebraska assistant's father – and longtime Easton high school assistant coach) was the last coach at Lafayette before the program was cut in 1989. He was working as a volunteer with zero pay before the program was ultimately hacked. An ideal, dream coach would be someone like Brian Snyder taking over the reins over 30 years after the program was cut. Lastly, local prominent wrestling names like Jordan Oliver and Willie Saylor would be great additions to the staff. As a bonus, the university's main rival is Lehigh. Who wouldn't love to see this dual meet every year to claim “King of the Lehigh Valley”!? #5 - Dartmouth Big Green Dartmouth is one of two Ivy League schools without wrestling. The New Hampshire school is a typical-sized Ivy League school, with around 4,500 undergrad students, all of which are smarter than me. With academics being a top priority, recruiting for this school would be difficult – no different than any other Ivy League program. The challenge this team would have is the time it would take to become competitive in the league and a long-term commitment from admissions. All current Ivy League programs have been on the rise in the past decade. Dartmouth would be leaps and bounds behind their rivals. I am not saying it is impossible to add wrestling to this school, but considering the school dropped 5 sports during COVID, adding any sports in the near future seems impossible. Although, we have seen Stanford bring the wrestling program back (plus 10 other sports), Dartmouth's endowment is one-fifth of Stanfords. I know Dartmouth's nearly $6 Billion endowment is not meant to be used for wrestling, but there should be something it can do – right? Obviously, Dartmouth would be a great addition to the Ivy League and EIWA Conferences. The quality of student-athletes the college could bring to the table would raise the bar so high, it would make it even more difficult for other conferences to match. Plus, the conference could use another team with Green in it. Binghamton is sick of always wearing the green anklet! #4 – Yale University Bulldogs The next team on my list is the other Ivy League school without a wrestling team, as previously mentioned. Yale has a pretty historic wrestling tradition. The team was officially sanctioned in 1903, but was around before that. 27th President William Taft was an intramural champion, while attending Yale in the 1870s. If it were not cut in 1991, the program would have been one of the oldest teams in NCAA wrestling history. They claimed the first 4x EIWA champ, George Dole. He won titles in 1905, 1906, 1907, and 1908. He also won the gold medal at the Olympic Games in freestyle wrestling, held in London. Yale would be a perfect addition to the EIWA Conference. Their tradition is the main reason why they are slightly higher on my list than Dartmouth, which has very little wrestling history. Being located in New Haven, CT (the city that Dave Portnoy, of Barstool Sports fame, proclaims as the “Pizza Capital of the World”), it makes a perfect location just off I-95 between New York and Boston. You can head in either direction on I-95 and hit a handful of EIWA schools within 5 or 6 hours – including the horrendous traffic around New York City. The undergrad size is nearly 6,000 students. Yale also currently has an active club team, competing in the NCWA division. This is a good sign, as we all know club teams at this level can sometimes pick up steam and make the jump to the NCAA level. The Bulldogs would be a terrific add-on to the oldest conference in wrestling. Their tradition, location, academic standards and among other reasons, make Yale the perfect candidate to be an additional EIWA program. #3 – Georgetown University Hoyas I'm not sure what a “Hoya” is, but we need them in the sport of wrestling. Originally, I thought it was an old wooden ship, used in the Civil War era. (Yes, that was an “Anchorman” movie reference). After doing a bit of research, the university's main sports chant in the late 1800's was a Greek/Latin phrase “Hoya Saxa” – which loosely translates to ‘What Rocks!” The term stuck and the university officially adopted it as the mascot. Enough with the history, back to wrestling talk. Georgetown is located in Washington D.C., as is American University (who is also an EIWA member). This is a great location for an EIWA school, as most conference schools are within driving distance. A private institution, with academics mostly on par with Ivy League schools, Georgetown makes sense to join the conference. The school would be an average-sized EIWA school with 7,500 undergrad students. To name a head coach that could potentially take over, a good option would be Teague Moore. He was the coach at American until he stepped down last season. He knows the area, can recruit well. Plus, he was doing good things at American until his departure. I hate to be Debby-Downer, but it looks like getting wrestling at this school may be a tall task. I do not see any evidence of Georgetown ever having a program. They do not even have an official club team. This is never a good sign. With the longtime success of their basketball team, plus already having 24 sports, I do not see any rush to get wrestling started up from scratch. If the stars were to align, and Georgetown would get into the wrestling scene, the ACC may swoop in and steal them. We can all dream though… #2 – Temple University Owls Temple would be a rare state-funded school to participate in the EIWA. It would be the largest EIWA school with nearly 30,000 undergrad students. With a price tag on par with other state schools, they would have a recruiting advantage over just about any other school in the EIWA. Plus, their university is in Philadelphia – which some claim is the best wrestling city in the country. Drexel and Penn are already in the City in the Brotherly Love; what's wrong with adding another cheese-steak eating school to the mix? Temple is no slouch when it comes to wrestling tradition. During their time as a DI program, nine wrestlers earned a total of ten medals at the NCAA Championships. The program was cut in 1986, due to Title IX implications. Just a year prior, Temple's Bill Hyman won a national title at heavyweight in 1985. He was also fourth the previous season. Because of these results, Hyman is now a member of the EIWA Hall of Fame. The squad made a promising resurgence in 2015 as a club team, competing at the NCWA level. Seriously striving to pump out All-Americans every year, and now looking for an assistant coach, this is a legitimate club team that competes annually against Division II and Division III teams. There may be something promising coming out of North Philly. Sometimes I like to include a dream-scenario coach that will likely never happen- so here we go. There is only one person for this job that would put Temple on the map immediately. The guy I'm thinking of is a four-time world champion, and Olympic gold medalist, and recently moved to Philadelphia from Nebraska. Yes, him. Jordan Burroughs would be a massive signing as head coach to get this program up and running faster than Rocky Balboa up those museum steps. Just imagine the kids flocking to Temple to visit the incredible Jordan Burroughs. Kids would be sold on the city, Temple's modernized campus, and it Jordan freakin' Burroughs! His recruiting pool would be enormous. The potential this school has would make any coach salivate like they just walked into a Reading Terminal Market on a Saturday afternoon. #1 – Boston University Terriers The program was a longtime CAA member, until the conference collapsed in 2013. Boston's final season was in 2014, where they joined the EIWA during their final season before being cut. What a season they had too. They came away with four conference placewinner. Their best performance came from Nestor Taffur (now representing the country of Colombia at 74 kg). He won an EIWA title as 157 lbs, after a battle in the semi-finals with yours truly. Taffur went on to finish Round of 12 at NCAAs that year. Not quite the Cinderella story we were all hoping for, but what a fantastic year he had to represent Boston University wrestling one last time. He was ranked as high as fifth during the year. I think Boston University would be a great school to add to the conference. The NERTC already has Brown and Harvard as partners when it comes to Regional Training Centers. Adding another school, will only help that RTC continue to grow and prosper. The location of Boston is ideal, as it is driving distance for everyone in the conference. With another DI wrestling school in the area, it may help grow the sport of wrestling in the New England area. I'm not sure who an ideal head coach would be for a resurgence of the program, but the aforementioned Taffur would be a great addition to the coaching staff. He put his heart and soul into that program, as a wrestler, to help try and save it. In terms of other factors, Boston is on par with the EIWA schools regarding academics and costs. With private university costs, and roughly 18,000 undergrad students, it would be one of the largest universities in the conference (in terms of student population). A good-sized school, located in a historic city, who also had a program within the past ten years – sounds like a perfect scenario to add another school to the EIWA conference. In conclusion, I understand that some of these schools may never add wrestling, and that's fine. Not every school can have a wrestling program, due to financial restraints, Title IX laws, and just plain lack of interest from the community. Now that the COVID pandemic is slowly fading into the past, maybe some universities will be open to the idea of adding a sport. Wrestling is in a great position recently, too, due to the incredible growth of women's wrestling. This makes Title IX an easier path to navigate around – where in the past, wrestling was only a men's sport. This made it very hard to add wrestling without dropping another male sport. Regardless, seeing any of the schools above be added to the EIWA Conference would be like Cinderella's foot and that glass slipper… the perfect fit! I'll see myself out.

2019 World bronze medalist Artur Naifonov (Photo courtesy of Tony Rotundo; WrestlersAreWarriors.com) As of today, we under 50 days from the start of wrestling at the Olympic Games. Over the next 50 days, we'll bring you one profile per day of a decorated international contender. Make sure you get to know the wrestlers that Team USA will compete against in Tokyo. 7/11/21 - Vazgen Tevanyan (Armenia) 7/10/21 - Khadzhimurad Ghadzhiev (Azerbaijan) 7/8/21 - Ali Shabanov (Belarus) 7/7/21 - Gadzhimurad Rashidov (Russia) 7/6/21 - Suleyman Karadeniz (Turkey) 7/5/21 - Frank Chamizo (Italy) 7/3/21 - Yui Susaki (Japan) 7/1/21 - Amir Zare (Iran) 6/28/21 - Zavur Uguev (Russia) 6/27/21 - Zhan Beleniuk (Ukraine) 6/26/21 - Sergey Kozyrev (Russia) 6/24/21 - Kenchiro Fumita (Japan) 6/23/21 - Magomedkhabib Kadimagomedov (Belarus) 6/22/21 - Erica Wiebe (Canada) 6/21/21 - Myles Amine (San Marino) 6/20/21 - Sofia Mattsson (Sweden) 6/19/21 - Hassan Yazdani Charati (Iran) 6/18/21 - Tamas Lorincz (Hungary) 6/17/21 - Takuro Otoguro (Japan) 6/16/21 - Elizbar Odikadze (Georgia) 6/15/21 - Koumba Larroque (France) 6/14/21 - Haji Aliyev (Azerbaijan) 6/13/21 - Ningning Rong (China) 6/12/21 - Bajrang Punia (India) 6/11/21 - Frank Staebler (Germany) 6/10/21 - Geno Petriashvili (Georgia) A spectacular run from the end of 2017 through 2018 that saw him take the spot as Russia's uncrowned king at 86 KG, #3 Artur Naifonov has been one of the biggest developments at middleweight throughout the 2016-2020 quad. A world bronze medal in 2019 and Russian Nationals title in 2019 and 2021 have made Naifonov into a fearsome challenger for gold in Tokyo. Today's Olympic profile will look at 2019 world bronze medalist #3 Artur Naifonov of Russia. The Stats #3 Artur Naifonov (RUS)- 2019 World bronze medalist, 3x European champion (‘18,'20,'21), 2x Russian Nationals champion (‘19,'21), 2020 Yarygin champion, 2016 Junior Russian Nationals bronze medalist, 2017 Alans champion, 2017 Junior World champion, 2018 U-23 World runner-up, 2018 Yarygin bronze medalist, 2019 Ali Aliev champion, 2019 Ziolkowski champion. Key Wins: #4 Dauren Kurugliev (2018 Yarygin, 2019 Ali Aliev, 2020 Yarygin, 2021 Russian Nationals finals), Shamil Kudiyamagomedov (2018 Dan Kolov, 2018 European championships), #9 Vladislav Valiev (2017 Alans finals, 2018 Dan Kolov, 2019 Russian Nationals finals), #5 Magomed Ramazanov (2019 Russian Nationals, 2021 Russian Nationals), #12 Myles Amine (2019 World bronze medal match, 2020 European championships, 2021 European championships), #5 (97) Alikhan Zhabrailov (2018 Yarygin), #7 Javrail Shapiev (2019 world championships), #17 Arsenali Musalaliev (2020 Russian Nationals), #11 Zahid Valencia (2017 Junior world finals) Key Losses: #1 David Taylor (2018 Yarygin), #2 Hassan Yazdani Charati (2019 world championships), Slavik Naniev (2018 Alans), #4 Dauren Kurugliev (2018 Russian Nationals finals, 2020 Russian Nationals finals), Shamil Kudiyamagomedov (2017 Russian Nationals), #14 (92) Soslan Ktsoev (2017 Russian Nationals), #17 Arsenali Musalaliev (2017 Junior Russian Nationals), #2 (92) Kamran Ghasempour (2018 U-23 world finals), Zaur Makiev (2017 Stepan Sargsyan tournament). 2017-2021 After a bronze medal finish at the Junior Russian Nationals behind eventual world champion #17 Arsenali Musalaliev (RUS) in 2016, #3 Artur Naifonov made his senior level debut at the 2017 Yarygin losing in the first round to Ahmed Magamaev (RUS). Naifonov would compete next at Senior Russian Nationals where after a strong 6-1 opening round win over 2016 74 KG Yarygin champion Zaur Makiev (RUS), Next, Naifonov went up against 2016 European champion Shamil Kudiyamagomedov (ITA). Kudiyamagomedov was too much, too soon for Naifonov and Naifonov would be put into repechage from an 11-4 loss to the 2013 national champion. Opening his repechage run, Naifonov beat 2016 Russian Nationals runner-up Alexander Zelenkov (RUS) to move onto the second round where he'd face 2010 world bronze medalist #14 (92) Soslan Ktsoev (RUS). The veteran savvy of Ktsoev would carry him to a 5-3 win over the North Ossetian and end Naifonov's first Senior Russian Nationals with a 2-2 record. After having competed at the Senior level for the majority of 2017, Naifonov made his return to Junior's in August for the Junior World Championships. Having proven himself capable of going against the best at the Senior level Russia had to offer, Naifonov was ready to tear through the Junior world bracket. Naifonov made light work of returning Junior world runner-ups Ahmad Bazrigaleh (IRI) and Osman Gocen (TUR) to make the finals where he faced off against #11 Zahid Valencia (USA). Valencia, the top seed at the 174 LB NCAA championships, had fallen in the semifinals to 2016 Junior world champion Mark Hall (USA) and came back to take bronze. Naifonov and Zahid were clearly the class of the weight and their finals match showed it with both men having their moments in the match but ultimately Naifonov coming away with a heart pounding 7-5 victory for the world title. Coming off the conquest of the Junior World Championships, Naifonov made his return back to the Senior level for the Stepan Sargsyan tournament in October winning gold over #4 (92) Batyrbek Tsakulov (RUS). Later in the month, Naifonov competed at the Ugra Cup, where he'd take bronze after an upset loss to Zaur Makiev. A prospect to watch, Naifonov went into a loaded field at the Alans that had World bronze medalist #9 Vladislav Valiev (RUS) and European runner-up Alexander Gostiev (AZE). Naifonov had beaten Gostiev 4-4 on criteria earlier in November at the Alrosa Cup, but Valiev was seen as a major test for Naifonov as the reigning national champion and world bronze medalist for Russia. Winning wasn't an issue, Naifonov didn't just win, he shined. Tsakulov, Alexander Gostiev (AZE) both went down to Naifonov on his way to the finals. Going against the #1 in Russia in Valiev (RUS), Naifonov stood strong and came away with a 1-1 win on criteria and cemented himself as Russia's #1, after having not placed at Nationals earlier in the year. 2018 began with Naifonov returning to the Yarygin, now Russia's uncrowned king at 86 KG. U-23 world champion #5 (97) Alikhan Zhabrailov (RUS) would be Naifonov's opening round match, and the Chechen would push Naifonov, but ultimately fall 3-0, as Naifonov moved onto the Round of 16. Zushen Lin (CHN) was a layup for Naifonov as he won 10-0 to make the quarterfinals against 2017 European champion #4 Dauren Kurugliev (RUS). In what would be the beginning of a long ongoing rivalry between the two, Naifonov would take match one 3-2 off a clutch single leg takedown. Now in the semifinals, Naifonov faced off against American standout #1 David Taylor, who was on a warpath. Having had beaten three-time World/Olympic medalist #5 (92) Selim Yasar (TUR) the match prior and been the favorite to win world's in 2017 before being upset domestically by #11 (92) J'den Cox (USA), Taylor was hell bent on winning gold. While Naifonov would strike first with an arm drag and a high gut to take a 4-0 lead over the American, Taylor answered back with a high crotch takedown and exposure to take the 4-4 lead. Late in the first, Taylor shot in on an ankle pick and Naifonov defended with Taylor transitioning to an underhook and throwing a leg in for the takedown and 6-4 lead and went to work on an arm bar from top. Taylor wretched and cranked Naifonov all over the mat and up 14-4 sealed the match win with a pin to make the finals. Now in the bronze medal match, Naifonov would win a close 2-1 win over 2015 Pan-Am champion Yurieski Torreblanca (CUB). Sent to the Dan Kolov, alongside returning world bronze medalist Valiev (RUS), to decide who would represent Russia at the European championships, Naifonov would have a chance at further solidifying himself as Russia's top 86 and get a chance at revenge as well. 2016 European champion Shamil Kudiyamagomedov had made the transfer to Italy and was entered in the field at the Dan Kolov in his field for his debut for Italy. Naifonov's defeat to Kudiyamagomedov was fresh in his mind, but first he'd have to get past his opener against Vladislav Valiev. Extending the gap from their 2017 Alans finals match, Naifonov beat the returning world bronze medalist 3-2 to move on to the Round of 16, where he beat Ahmet Bilici (TUR). Now in the quarterfinals, Naifonov would get his chance at revenge against Kudiyamagomedov and it was clear that Naifonov had jumped levels since their encounter last year, beating Kudiyamagomedov 5-4 to avenge his 11-4 loss from 2017 Russian Nationals. Naifonov won gold in the finals over two-time Russian Nationals medalist Taimuraz Friev Naskideava (ESP). Winning the Dan Kolov qualified Naifonov to be Russia's representative for the European Championships in Dagestan. Competing in a loaded field, Naifonov put together wins over 2013 World bronze medalist Istvan Vereb (HUN), 2016 Olympian #7 (92) Zbigniew Baranowski (POL), Shamil Kudiyamagomedov (ITA), and Yarygin runner-up Fatih Erdin (TUR) to make the finals. Facing returning European runner-up Alexander Gostiev (AZE), Naifonov would take a 1-1 win on criteria for his first European championship. Having now won the Dan Kolov and the European Championship, Naifonov was the favorite going into the Russian Nationals. Naifonov looked the part as he beat Alik Shebzukov (RUS) and Zelimkhan Minkailov (RUS) to make the finals opposite #4 Dauren Kurugliev (RUS). In a rematch from the 2017 Yarygin, Kurugliev would be the one to come away with gold after a passivity point and pushout against Naifonov won him the match 2-1. While not the result he wanted, at only 21 years old and having been the #1 in Russia leading up to Russian Nationals, the progress Naifonov had made in only a year's time meant that Russian Nationals gold and a world medal would be in his future. Competing up at the new non Olympic weight class of 92 KG, Naifonov beat 92 KG Russian Nationals runner-up #5 (92) Anzor Urishev (RUS) to win gold at the Dmitri Korkin tournament. Now back down at 86 KG, Naifonov would wrestle at the U-23 World Championships where he would tech fall his way through to the finals, including an impressive win over Yasar Dogu runner-up Murad Suleymanov (AZE). In the finals, Naifonov would face International Ukrainian Tournament champion #2 (92) Kamran Ghasempour (IRI). Ghasempour shut down Naifonov's outside step shots and walked away with U-23 world gold after a 4-1 victory. Concluding 2018 at the Alans looking to win his second consecutive title, Naifonov was shockingly upset by 2015 69 KG Cadet World runner-up Slavik Naniev (RUS) who went on to take bronze. After having climbed so high at the end of 2017 and through early 2018, Naifonov was having to put himself together again going into 2019 after domestic losses at Russian Nationals and Alans put into question whether he could take the spot in 2019. Naifonov would make his 2019 debut in May at the Ali Aliev. Putting together an exceptional run, Naifonov beat the likes of #7 Javrail Shapiev (UZB), 2020 European bronze medalist Rasul Tikhaev (BLR) and returning Russian Nationals champion Kurugliev for gold. Back on top domestically, Naifonov would go to Russian Nationals looking for his first national title. Notably absent from the field was returning champion Kurugliev and the reason for this is that those selected as the European Games reps at the Olympic weights (57,65,74,86,97,125) were exempt from competing at the Russian Nationals championships as the European Games (last week of June) was a scheduling conflict with the Russian Nationals championships (week of 4th of July). The arrangement would be that champions of the Russian Nationals championships would wrestle the European Games representatives at the Russian Nationals training camp or they would compete at an international event against each other and international competition to see who'd be a better pick. What would happen between Naifonov and Kurugliev would be the latter option. Back at Russian Nationals, Naifonov looked powerful throughout the competition with dominating wins over #5 Magomed Ramazanov (RUS), #14 Soslan Ktsoev (RUS), and Valiev for his first Russian Nationals title. With Naifonov winning Russian Nationals and Kurugliev winning the European Games, both men were slated to compete at the Ziolkowski to decide who would go to the world championships. Russia had used the Ziolkowski in 2018 to decide who would go to the world championships at 61 and 65 between #1 (65) Gadzhimurad Rashidov (RUS) and Magomedrasul Idrisov (RUS) and #13 (65) Akhmed Chakaev (RUS) and #11 (65) Ilyas Bekbulatov (UZB). Rashidov and Bekbulatov were the reps and took silver and bronze at 61 and 65. As the brackets were laid out, Naifonov and Kurugliev were to meet in the finals with Naifonov keeping his end of the bargain with wins over returning world runner-up Fatih Erdin (TUR), Adilet Davlumbaev (KAZ) and #20 (92) Radoslaw Marcinkiewicz (POL). Kurugliev would not do the same as in the semifinals against 92 KG European runner-up #7 (92) Zbigniew Baranowski (POL), he'd fall to a late takedown from the Pole to lose 3-1. Naifonov beat Baranowski 4-1 in the finals while Kurugliev won gold 1-1 over #6 (92) Selim Yasar (TUR) and Naifonov was now the rep for Russia going into the World Championships. Making his Senior World Championships debut, Naifonov made the quarterfinals with wins over Ville Heino (FIN), European runner-up Piotr Ianulov (MDA) and Shapiev to get the chance to face two-time World/Olympic champion #2 Hassan Yazdani Charati (IRI). Rarely outpowered, the pressure of Yazdani was able to break Naifonov and a costly tactical error from a counter to a Yazdani underhook cost Naifonov the match by pin. With Yazdani tech falling European Games bronze medalist #12 Myles Amine (SMR) 11-0 in the semifinals, Naifonov was pulled into repechage tech falling 2017 European bronze medalist Istvan Vereb (HUN) 11-1 to make the bronze medal match. In what would become the beginning of their trilogy of matches, Naifonov would shut out #12 Myles Amine (SMR) for the world bronze medal. Concluding the year at the World Military Games, Naifonov won gold over 2019 European Games bronze medalist Akhmed Dudarov (GER). Naifonov's abbreviated 2020 season began with his third Yarygin where he won gold beating Russian Nationals medalists #17 Arsenali Musalaliev (RUS) and Kurugliev 2-1 in the finals. Going into Russian Nationals, even with how close the scores were for Naifonov and Kurugliev in their matches, Naifonov was rightfully picked as the favorite to win his second national title after three wins over Kurugliev from 2019 Ali Aliev, 2019 Russian Nationals and the 2020 Yarygin. #8 Magomedsharif Biyakaev (RUS) and Musalaliev would be those that would fall to Naifonov to make his third Russian Nationals finals match opposite Kurugliev. In one of the most evenly matched matches of the Russian Nationals championships he was able to repeat his winning effort in 2018 over Naifonov with a shot clock violation point and a stepout for a 2-1 win and his second Russian National title. With the Olympics being postponed to 2021, the loss to Kurugliev, while not optimal, didn't really hurt Naifonov too much and he still would have a chance to win back the spot for 2021. Naifonov's 2021 campaign began in March at the Russian Nationals championships where after surviving a semifinal upset scare from #5 Magomed Ramazanov (RUS) 10-8 to get his chance at revenge against Kurugliev. As had been the case for their last three matches, it would come down to a shot clock point and a step out which this time went in favor of Naifonov for the 2-1 victory and his second Russian Nationals title. At his final competition before the Olympics, Naifonov won the European championships in April with wins over #12 Myles Amine (SMR), #20 Sebastian Jezierzanski (POL), and #18 Sandro Aminashvili (GEO). From his domestic battles against Dauren Kurugliev, Magomed Ramazanov and Vladislav Valiev to his losses to #1 David Taylor (USA) and #2 Hassan Yazdani Charati (IRI) is a true veteran at 86 KG. Having cemented himself as the #3 man behind Taylor and Yazdani Charati, #3 Artur Naifonov (RUS) is a strong medal contender in Tokyo and in the future looks to be in the running for world gold if Taylor and Yazdani are to retire or move up in weight.

Two-time Florida state champion and Campbell signee Sebastian Melguizo (Photo/SEWrestle.com) We are less than a week away from the first whistle blowing at the FargoDome as the Junior/16U National Championships will occur for the first time since 2019. Because of the cancelation of the 2020 tournament, the wrestlers have decided to show up in full force at Fargo. Early entries indicate that it will be the deepest in 10-15 years. Over the next couple of days, we'll go conference-by-conference to preview recruits from each school and their chances for success. We have only included recruits that have been tabbed to participate in one of the tournaments. We're moving on to the SoCon. Traditionally the SoCon has not been able to match the other leagues when it comes to recruiting; however, they are improving. Campbell has become a consistent top-25 team and boasts a pair of top-200 recruits, both of which will be in Fargo. Chattanooga and Appalachian State each have a member of the senior Big Board, who is scheduled to be in action. Here are the recruits to watch from the SoCon next week in Fargo. Appalachian State Chad Bellis (Illinois) - Class of 2021: 120 lbs Appalachian State's lone entry, Chad Bellis, finished his senior year at #185 overall on the Big Board. Bellis spent the first three years of his high school career in Illinois, but moved into Iowa for his senior season. He was an Illinois 2A state champion as a sophomore and fifth as a junior. In Iowa, Bellis made the state finals in the 3A classification. Bellis' best national results have come on the Greco front. He was a Junior Greco All-American in 2019, placing fourth in the 106 lb weight class. The previous year Bellis took sixth in Cadet Greco while competing at 94 lbs. I'd expect another podium-worthy showing during the Greco tournament and a deep run in freestyle, as well. Campbell Brandon Hoselton (Illinois) - Class of 2021: 220 lbs Sebastian Melguizo (Florida) - Class of 2021: 126 lbs The SoCon recruit with the best national credentials and slated to compete in Fargo is Brandon Hoselton. In 2018, Hoselton placed top-four in both styles at the Cadet level. He was fourth at 220 lbs in freestyle, before making an appearance in the Greco finals at 195. Hoselton also made the state finals in each of his first three seasons. He won titles in the first two. Prior to his junior year of high school, Hoselton made the 195 lb finals at the Super 32. The 220 lb field in Fargo contains a handful of legitimate title contenders. Hoselton is one of those and could come away with a title in either style on his best day. The other future Camel in the field is Sebastian Melguizo. The two-time Florida state champion, Melguizo, was one of the breakout stars from the 2020 Journeymen Fall Classic. Melguizo defeated a pair of Fargo Junior National freestyle finalists en route to a title. Wins like those show that Melguizo is capable of pulling the upsets necessary to reach the podium in Fargo; however, those were in folkstyle. Chattanooga Blake Boarman (Indiana) - Class of 2021: 138 lbs Dayne Dalrymple (Tennessee) - Class of 2021: 138 lbs Both of the incoming recruits for Chattanooga will compete at the 138 lb weight class next week. Blake Boarman placed third or higher in all four years of high school while wrestling in Indiana's one-class system. His exploits have earned him a place on the Senior Big Board at #189, which made him the Moc's highest-ranked incoming freshman. Boarman does not have past placements at a tournament like Fargo; however, most of his damage has been within Indiana's borders. Speaking of in-state, Chattanooga's top in-state recruit is Dayne Dalrymple, a two-time Tennessee state champ. Dalrymple doesn't have the national accolades either, but has plenty of experience on a national stage. Both should be able to get deep into the tournament.

Cleveland State recruit Ben Aranda (Photo/John Sachs; Tech-Fall.com) We are less than a week away from the first whistle blowing at the FargoDome as the Junior/16U National Championships will occur for the first time since 2019. Because of the cancelation of the 2020 tournament, the wrestlers have decided to show up in full force at Fargo. Early entries indicate that it will be the deepest in 10-15 years. Over the next couple of days, we'll go conference-by-conference to preview recruits from each school and their chances for success. We have only included recruits that have been tabbed to participate in one of the tournaments. Our next conference will be the MAC. It is a league in transition as traditional power Missouri has moved on to the Big 12. At this point, there isn't a clear-cut favorite as to who will step up and take charge of the conference. With some strong recruits, any number of teams is capable of leading. Here are some of the future MAC stars to watch in Fargo: Buffalo Eli Sheeran (Texas) - Class of 2021: 195 lbs The honorable mention “Big Boarder” Eli Sheeran will compete in one of the most loaded brackets of the week when he does battle at 195 lbs. The two-time state champion Sheeran was named the Houston-area Wrestler of the Year after pinning his way to his most recent title. Sheeran is certainly a recruit on the upswing, as he has gradually improved throughout his high school career. Though the 195 lb bracket is daunting, Sheeran is capable of a deep run and could turn heads against quality competition. Sheeran has tasted national-level success before as he was eighth in 2019 at NHSCA Sophomore Nationals. Clarion John Altieri (Pennsylvania) - Class of 2021: 152 lbs Nate Burnett (Ohio) - Class of 2022: 145 lbs The Golden Eagles have a pair of commits ready to hit the mat, including Nate Burnett, the only rising senior in the conference. Burnett is an Ohio state fifth-place finisher that has excellent bloodlines and legacy at Clarion. His father, Erik, was an All-American for the school in 1992. Additionally, his brother, Mick, a starter for Pittsburgh in 2021, was a Cadet and Junior finalist in freestyle. The younger Burnett has the potential to be one of the better gets in some time for coach Keith Ferraro's team. A 2021 signee also worthy of that title is 2021 PIAA AAA state runner-up, John Altieri. John's a two-time state medalist in Pennsylvania and will not be phased by the competition in Fargo. Cleveland State Ben Aranda (Illinois) - Class of 2021: 113 The only recruit in the conference that's a returning Fargo All-American? That distinction belongs to Ben Aranda of Illinois and soon-to-be Cleveland State. Before moving along to the collegiate scene, Aranda has some unfinished business. He was a 16U Greco-Roman runner-up in 2019 and a fifth-place finisher in 2018 in freestyle. Also in 2019, Aranda was sixth at the Cadet World Team Trials in Akron, while competing in freestyle. Aranda's success also bled over into the folkstyle scene, as he was a two-time state medalist, taking fourth and second, at some rugged Illinois lightweight brackets. In Fargo, the Junior 113 lb entries tend to be smaller than most weights above it, so getting onto the podium will be slightly more feasible. Also, having someone with Aranda's experience should bode well against younger competition. Edinboro Cayden Dotson (Missouri) - Class of 2021: 126 lbs Caleb Edwards (Ohio) - Class of 2021: 126 lbs Trent Schultheis (Pennsylvania) - Class of 2021: 195 lbs Cam Soda (Massachusetts) - Class of 2021: 126 lbs Zachary Soda (Massachusetts) - Class of 2021: 126 lbs The award for the largest group of incoming freshmen in the conference at Fargo goes to Matt Hill's Fighting Scots, who have five recruits signed up. It should be easy to follow them as four of the five are slated to compete at 126 lbs. We'll see if any of them hit and make a de facto wrestle-off. The Soda twins hope to be the next in a long line of quality wrestlers for Edinboro from New England. The pair both won New England titles in 2020. Caleb Edwards was a fourth-place finisher in Ohio's DIII, while Cayden Dotson achieved an identical placement competing in Missouri. Up at 195 lbs will be four-time Pennsylvania state medalist Trent Schultheis. Trent was second as a sophomore and third as a senior. He has spent time in the national rankings and likely has the best shot at a deep run out of the bunch. It bodes well for Edinboro that they have such as large group still hungry to compete in Fargo. Rider Matt Hoelke (New Jersey) - Class of 2021: 152 lbs Rider will be represented by 2021 state runner-up Matt Hoelke. Matt was one of the surprises of the 2021 state tournament as he made the finals after coming in as the ninth seed. One of his bigger wins came in the quarterfinals when he upset a top-seeded opponent that had previously defeated him in the postseason. Could Hoelke be capable of such magic again? Getting a wrestler that could be labeled a late-bloomer (on the national scene) seems appropriate for Rider, a program that thrives off of such competitors. A strong showing from Hoelke could indicate that he's ready to push for a starting spot in year one with the Broncs. SIU Edwardsville Caine Tyus (Illinois) - Class of 2021: 145 lbs Caleb Tyus (Illinois) - Class of 2021: 138 lbs The Tyus' are the second set of twins among recruits in the MAC. Caine and Caleb combined to capture state medals as both sophomores and juniors. In 2020, Caleb was a state runner-up, while Caine finished third. Both were on the Senior Big Board (Caine #173 and Caleb #211), which represent huge signee's for an improving Cougar team. While competition at 138 and 145 will be fierce, both have their coaching and home state on their side. Traditionally, Illinois has dominated the international styles. The state tends to regular produce wrestlers that outproduce their pre-tournament predictions, year in and year out. The Tyus twins have the feel of wrestlers that could extend this trend.

Ned Shuck (center) is Bellarmine's new head coach Our SoCon correspondent Rachel Gallardo and Earl Smith had the opportunity to speak with new Bellarmine head coach Ned Shuck. Just a few days after he was hired by Bellarmine, Shuck stopped by to talk about the new position and his plans for the future. Camps, clinics, fundraisers, an RTC, and helping grow wrestling at the youth level in Kentucky are all on the list for Shuck. He also discusses recruiting and what makes a good recruiter, as well as his time at West Point and what he learned during his three years with Army.

Tristan Moran (Photo/Sam Janicki; WrestlersAreWarriors.com) SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. -- Tristan Moran, a two-time NCAA qualifier who wrestled at Oklahoma State and Wisconsin, has been hired by Cal Poly head wrestling coach Jon Sioredas as a volunteer assistant coach. While at Wisconsin, Moran placed fourth in the 2020 Big Ten Championships at 141 pounds and qualified for the nationals, which were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He was seeded ninth. Moran also qualified for the 2019 nationals after a sixth-place Big Ten performance and finished one win shy of All-American honors. Moran was 43-16 in two seasons at Wisconsin after transferring from Oklahoma State, where he posted a 61-16 record in three seasons on the mat, primarily as a reserve 141-pounder. He placed sixth and seventh in the Midlands during his two seasons at Wisconsin. Of his 104 collegiate victories, 32 were by fall. "Tristan will bring significant experience to our middle weights," said Sioredas. "Our young student-athletes will benefit from Tristan, who competed at both Oklahoma State (Big XII) and Wisconsin (Big X). Tristan has notable wins over Nick Lee, Jaydin Eierman, and Chad Red, and was selected as an All-American by the National Wrestling Coaches Association in 2020." At Oklahoma State, Moran was 5-1 in the 2017 Reno Tournament of Champions and won nine matches in a single day at the 2016 event to finish third at 141 and help the Cowboys to the team title. Moran is a graduate of Stillwater High School in Stillwater, Okla., compiling an overall record of 85-10. He was a four-time state finalist, including an Arizona high school state title in 2012 while wrestling at Chandler High School and an Oklahoma high school state champion in 2014. Moran graduated from Wisconsin in May 2020 with a degree in life science communications. Most recently, he was working as manager of the Askren Wrestling Academy in Madison, Wisc.

NC State recruit Chase Horne of Georgia (Photo/Sam Janicki; SJanickiPhoto.com) We are less than a week away from the first whistle blowing at the FargoDome as the Junior/16U National Championships will occur for the first time since 2019. Because of the cancelation of the 2020 tournament, the wrestlers have decided to show up in full force at Fargo. Early entries indicate that it will be the deepest in 10-15 years. Over the next couple of days, we'll go conference-by-conference to preview recruits from each school and their chances for success. We have only included recruits that have been tabbed to participate in one of the tournaments. Let's start with the ACC. Even though they only have six teams, the bulk of the conference has established themselves as juggernauts on the recruiting trail, as well as the mat. In each of the last three NCAA Tournaments, a different ACC team has crowned a national champion. Prior to this run, the conference only had three between 1996 and 2017. While these recruits will be battling for stop signs next week, they could be DI All-Americans sooner rather than later. Here is the future of the ACC: Duke Zack Burroughs (Ohio) - Class of 2022: 195 lbs Duke doesn't get a whole lot of early commitments, so I'm intrigued to see how Burroughs performs. The school has traditionally been able to draw from Ohio relatively well; could be the next best Blue Devil? Burroughs is from the storied Graham High School in St. Paris, so he has been well-coached. NC State Jackson Arrington (Pennsylvania) - Class of 2022: 145 lbs Dylan Fishback (Ohio) - Class of 2022: 195 lbs Chase Horne (Georgia) - Class of 2022: 285 lbs NC State has done an excellent job of recruiting at a high level for the last five-plus years. The 2022 class will be on display in Fargo. Expect this group to be another top-ten ranked class for Coach Pat Popolizio and crew. Each of the three future members of the Wolfpack could have an outside shot at winning titles. Arrington and Fishback have jumped levels over the past year and are trending in the right direction. Both will be competing in two of the deepest weight classes, so factor that in as you view their results. Horne has held the top spot in the nation at times as a junior. He should be considered more of a “favorite” than the other two. North Carolina Cole Hunt (Georgia) - Class of 2022: 120 lbs Noah Pettigrew (Georgia) - Class of 2020: 220 lbs The North Carolina staff got into Georgia early and have been able to establish connections in the state that's blown up with DI talent over the past few years. The fruits of the Tar Heel staff's recruiting labors will be on display as two future UNC studs from Georgia will be in action. Hunt has moved up the rankings significantly within the last year and really could declare himself one of the nation's top lightweights. To do so, he'll have to contend with a 120 lb weight class that is ridiculously deep with talent. Pettigrew has already had plenty of success in Fargo, with a 2018 Cadet title to his name and three overall placements on his resume. With top-ranked Nick Feldman (Pennsylvania) missing due to an injury, the 220 lb weight class is loaded, but without a clear favorite. It will be no shock if Pettigrew ends up with a stop sign. Pittsburgh Cole Hivnor (Ohio) - Class of 2021: 182 lbs Jared Keslar (Pennsylvania) - Class of 2022: 160 lbs The Panthers will get to see one of their 2021 signees Cole Hivnor in action at the 182 lb weight class. Hivnor has been on the fringes of the national rankings and is capable of pulling an upset or two. He'll compete in a bracket that contains plenty of future DI stars; it's nice to see him testing himself before heading to Pitt. Keslar is one of those Pennsylvania kids that could deceive you based on his resume. He's a two-time state fourth-place finisher, but if you look at his 2021 weight, the three wrestlers ahead of him were ranked in the top ten nationally for the bulk of the year. 160 is a group without a clear-cut favorite, so Keslar could have a big showing here. Virginia Kyren Butler (Ohio) - Class of 2021: 132 lbs Garrett Grice (Nebraska) - Class of 2022: 132 lbs Landen Hacker (Ohio) - Class of 2021: 145 lbs Nick Sanko (New York) - Class of 2022: 160 lbs Marlon Yarbrough (Ohio) - Class of 2021: 120 lbs The ACC squad with the largest contingent of current recruits is Virginia. Three graduated seniors and two rising seniors comprise the group of future Cavaliers. Two, Butler and Grice, will compete at a deep 132 lb weight class that features over 15 past Fargo All-Americans. Both contributed to that count with top-six finishes in 2019. The Cavaliers have been able to reel in a handful of talented lightweights with the Class of 2021 and 2022. Another on display is Marlon Yarbrough. Yarbrough is a past Cadet/16U placer in both styles. He should have another deep run at 120 lbs this year. The third Ohio native in the group is Landen Hacker. Hacker doesn't have the national-level credentials of the rest of the future Cavs, so seeing him compete in a loaded weight class will be a good barometer for the UVA staff. The most recruit commit is Sanko. He has had limited opportunities to shine during the last year, due to New York's rules, so he could take the 160 lb class by storm. Virginia Tech Cooper Flynn (Tennessee) - Class of 2021: 120/126 lbs Caleb Henson (Georgia) - Class of 2022: 152 lbs While the list of future Hokies in Fargo is not long, their highly skilled duo could return with some serious hardware. Flynn is a graduated senior that has placed four times in Fargo. The 2020 Super 32 champion is proficient in both styles and is expected to compete in both. Early registration figures show that he may bump up to 126 for Greco. Back in 2019, Flynn earned All-American honors in both styles, while competing at the Junior level. Because of the cancelation of the 2020 tournament, there are very few entrants returning with Junior All-American credentials. Another one of them is Henson, who was sixth in Junior freestyle before his sophomore year of high school. Both future Hokies could be considered favorites at their respective weights.

Three-time NCAA qualifier Gage Curry (Photo/Sam Janicki; SJanickiPhoto.com) As the NCAA has loosened restrictions and penalties for student-athletes to transfer, navigating the transfer portal has become an important aspect of roster management. The transfer portal has been much more active this year than in years past. With the craziness of the last two seasons and Covid shutdowns and protocols, it's understandable that there is chaos here as there is in the coaching carousel. Other reasons play a role in the increase in athletes in the portal--Fresno State shutting down the program caused an early flood and the extra year of eligibility has caused both lineup and scholarship jams causing many to find another home for their last year of eligibility. ACC teams have seen mostly not-starters or spot-starters searching for new homes. Four of the programs have added transfers that should make an immediate impact. UVA was the first to hit the portal and added one transfer from Penn State in 149 pounder Jarod Verkrleeren. He will slide into the starting lineup between Brian Courtney, who will stay at 141, and Jake Keating, who will be dropping to 157 this year. Verkleeren is already on Grounds and says he feels at home with the team and the staff. “The team bond is amazing and I feel that Coach Garland and the Paulson's (Associate Head Coach Travis and Assistant Coach Trent) are an ingredient I was missing.” Verkleeren spoke highly of his time at Penn State but said he was ready for a change of scenery and a fresh start--and this extra year allowed for that at UVA. Pitt hit a double on the transfer market adding Elijah Cleary from Ohio State and Gage Curry from American. Both will step into starting roles shoring up weight classes that weren't as strong for the Panthers last season. Curry, a Pittsburgh native, moved back last year after the NCAA tournament and completed his courses online while evaluating his options for this season. “Being back home around friends and family was a big factor in my decision...then seeing the success Pitt has had recently made me excited to get on board and learn from the coaching staff for the next season.” Curry, a four-time NCAA qualifier, will jump into the starting spot at 125, bringing valuable experience to the Panther lineup. “My goal has always been to be on the podium in March; I think I can do that here and I think the team has what it takes to be a top 10 program and push for a team trophy at nationals”. Cleary will also add veteran experience and leadership to the 157 pound weight class. A Florida native, Cleary is looking forward to a change of pace in moving to Pittsburgh….and some Primanti Brothers sandwiches! “I like the coaches' approach to the sport, and they are very knowledgeable. I have goals to be an ACC and NCAA champion, large goals, but I'm confident I have the resources, support and ability to achieve them”. Both wrestlers will also be a positive bump in training partners-Curry with Micky Phillippi and Cleary with Jake Wentzel and Luke Kemerer. Virginia Tech brought a heavyweight scholar with an amazing head of hair to Blacksburg from the west coast. Nathan Traxler joins the Hokies after finishing up a stellar career at Stanford. Traxler has been in Blacksburg for a couple weeks and has been enjoying the small-town life and atmosphere. “I wanted to give myself a new atmosphere and a fresh perspective on my wrestling...the motivated atmosphere and quality of training partners and coaches drew me to VT”. Traxler will stay at heavyweight this season, while Hunter Catka will take a redshirt season. Traxler is a Pac-12 Champion, four-time NCAA qualifier and was named Pac-12 Scholar-Athlete of the Year last season. He will provide a solid anchor on the top half of a very strong Hokie lineup. North Carolina was the final team to announce a transfer addition; the Tar Heels added Khizan Clarke from American. Clarke will complete Law School at UNC while filling the 149 slot vacated by National Champion Austin O'Connor, who is moving up to 157. Clarke had a fantastic season in the COVID-shortened 2019-2020 season and was named NWCA Honorable Mention All-American after finishing the year 36-7. “Coleman (Head Coach Coleman Scott) is breeding a champion mentality in the UNC room and that's what I will need to become an NCAA Champion. UNC School of Law is also a very prestigious program that will set me up for success in the legal community”. Clarke will make an immediate impact at 149 in the ACC and will be a high-pace training partner for Austin O'Connor. “I want to be a National Champion and help UNC win their first conference championship.” This addition will allow freshman Lachlan McNeil to redshirt and will make the Tar Heels an even stronger competitor for the ACC title. The transfer portal has been good to the ACC this season and these five are ready to hit the mat. Curry said, “The excitement around the ACC has been something that I have noticed the last two years, but last year in particular with some of the great dual matches, so I'm looking forward to being part of that. The competition within the ACC has shown that it is among the best in the country, so I'm excited for all of the matchups”. The ACC is primed for a strong conference battle, and these new faces are going to add to the level of competition across the board.

New Cornell assistant coach Kellen Russell (Photo/Sam Janicki; SJanickiPhoto.com) All offseason we have monitored the movement on the coaching front, just like any other year. However, as the spring and summer of 2021 has progressed, we've discovered that this year was unlike any other, because of the amount of vacancies still unfilled. Two weeks ago, we provided some reasons why this has happened. Today, we're circling back around to look at the list of coaches who have accepted new jobs this offseason. Remember, we have only listed signings that have been announced by the schools themselves. Also, we have a current list of DI openings, which is still lengthy as we approach mid-July.

2020 World Cup champion Vazgen Tevanyan (Photo courtesy of UWW) As of today, we under 50 days from the start of wrestling at the Olympic Games. Over the next 50 days, we'll bring you one profile per day of a decorated international contender. Make sure you get to know the wrestlers that Team USA will compete against in Tokyo. 7/10/21 - Khadzhimurad Ghadzhiev (Azerbaijan) 7/8/21 - Ali Shabanov (Belarus) 7/7/21 - Gadzhimurad Rashidov (Russia) 7/6/21 - Suleyman Karadeniz (Turkey) 7/5/21 - Frank Chamizo (Italy) 7/3/21 - Yui Susaki (Japan) 7/1/21 - Amir Zare (Iran) 6/28/21 - Zavur Uguev (Russia) 6/27/21 - Zhan Beleniuk (Ukraine) 6/26/21 - Sergey Kozyrev (Russia) 6/24/21 - Kenchiro Fumita (Japan) 6/23/21 - Magomedkhabib Kadimagomedov (Belarus) 6/22/21 - Erica Wiebe (Canada) 6/21/21 - Myles Amine (San Marino) 6/20/21 - Sofia Mattsson (Sweden) 6/19/21 - Hassan Yazdani Charati (Iran) 6/18/21 - Tamas Lorincz (Hungary) 6/17/21 - Takuro Otoguro (Japan) 6/16/21 - Elizbar Odikadze (Georgia) 6/15/21 - Koumba Larroque (France) 6/14/21 - Haji Aliyev (Azerbaijan) 6/13/21 - Ningning Rong (China) 6/12/21 - Bajrang Punia (India) 6/11/21 - Frank Staebler (Germany) 6/10/21 - Geno Petriashvili (Georgia) An underdog who broke through to contender status with an incredible run to end 2020, #2 Vazgen Tevanyan of Armenia has been one of the biggest developments at 65 KG to end the 2016-2020 quad. A follow-up performance at the European Olympic qualifier that saw him beat four World/Olympic medalists to qualify for the Olympics, Tevanyan has quickly become one of the premier contenders for gold at 65 KG at the Tokyo Olympics. Today's Olympic profile will look at the career of #2 Vazgen Tevanyan of Armenia. The Stats #2 Vazgen Tevanyan (ARM)- 2014 46 KG Cadet European 5th, 2015 54 KG Cadet European champion, 2018 61 KG Junior European champion, 2018 61 KG Junior world bronze medalist, 2019 U-23 European champion, 2019 Junior world championships 5th, 2019 Intercontinental Cup bronze medalist, 2020 Individual World Cup champion, 2021 European Olympic qualifier champion. Key Wins: #3 Zagir Shakhiev (2019 Intercontinental Cup), #4 Ismail Musukaev (2020 Individual World Cup finals), #6 Haji Aliyev (2021 European Olympic Qualifier finals), Vladimir Khinchegashvili (2021 European Olympic Qualifier), #18 Magomedmurad Gadzhiev (2021 European Olympic Qualifier), Ilman Mukhtarov (2019 U-23 European Championships), Maxim Sacultan (2019 U-23 European championships), Abbos Rakhmonov (2018 61 KG Junior world bronze medal match), Edemi Bolkvadze (2019 U-23 European championships finals), Gor Oganesyan (2020 Individual World Cup), #9 (61) Teimuraz Vanishvili (2014 46 KG Cadet European championships) Key Losses: #5 Takuto Otoguro (2019 world championships), Daton Fix (2015 54 KG Cadet world championships), Ismail Gadzhiev (2014 46 KG Cadet European championships), Nikolai Chaban (2014 46 KG Cadet European championships), Ali Sheriev (2016 58 KG Cadet European championships finals), Selim Kozan (2019 U-23 world championships), Evan Henderson (2019 Intercontinental Cup), #6 Haji Aliyev (2019 European championships), Amirhossein Maghsoudi (2016 58 KG Cadet world championships), Vadim Bikoev (2016 58 KG Cadet world championships repechage), Peyman Biabani (2019 Takhti Cup quarterfinals), Khirollah Gahremani (2020 Takhti Cup quarterfinals). 2014-2018 Vazgen Tevanyan's career would begin in 2014 at the 46 KG Cadet European Championships, taking fifth with losses to Ismail Gadzhiev (RUS) and Nikolai Chaban (UKR). Tevanyan would make his return to competition in mid-2015, moving up to 54 KG and winning the Cadet European title over Cabbar Duyum of Turkey. At the Cadet World Championships, Tevanyan was matched up with Daton Fix of the United States in the qualification round and was eliminated after a 7-1 loss. Tevanyan's final year of Cadet eligibility, in 2016, saw him move up to 58 KG where he was runner-up at the European Championships to Ali Sheriev (RUS) and placed seventh at the World Championships with losses to Amirhossein Maghsoudi (IRI) and Vadim Bikoev (RUS). Tevanyan's debut at the Junior level would see him move up another weight class to 61 KG, where he'd take gold at the Junior European Championships with wins over Intigam Valizada (AZE) and Igor Nikiforuk (UKR). Making the quarterfinals of the World Championships, Tevanyan faced off against top Russian prospect #1 (61) Abasgadzhi Magomedov (RUS) and was tech falled 10-0 in the first period. With Magomedov making the finals, Tevanyan was pulled into repechage where he made the bronze medal match and beat 2016 57 KG Olympian Abbos Rakhmonov (UZB) to take his first world medal. 2019-2021 Coming off Junior world bronze at 61 KG, Vazgen Tevanyan would make his Senior-level debut at 65 KG at the Takhti Cup. Making the quarterfinals, Tevanyan fell to 2018 Military World runner-up Peyman Biabani (IRI) and was eliminated from the competition after Biabani's semifinal loss to Giorgi Revazishvili (GEO). Tevanyan's next competition would see him claim his first Senior title at the U23 European Championships with victories over Ilman Mukhtarov (FRA), Edemi Bolkvadze (GEO) and Maxim Sacultan (MDA). Opening his tournament at the Senior European championships with a 10-0 tech fall over George Ramm (GBR), Tevanyan faced the biggest test of his career in three-time world champion #6 Haji Aliyev of Azerbaijan in the Round of 16. The offensive dynamo Aliyev struggled against the stingy defense of Tevanyan, but was ultimately able to pull away with a 1-0 win. Aliyev would go on to win his third European title and Tevanyan was pulled into repechage but defaulted out in the first round to Hussein Shakhbanov (BLR). At the Junior World Championships, Tevanyan would be matched against 2018 Alans runner-up #3 (70) Kurban Shiraev of Russia. Shiraev put on a clinic against Tevanyan for a 10-4 victory and with Shiraev's semifinal win over 2021 70 KG Asian champion Syrbaz Talgat (KAZ), Tevanyan would get his chance to wrestle for bronze. Talgat pulled away with a close 4-3 win over Tevanyan, leaving the Armenian with a fifth-place finish. Continuing to push through a loaded Senior level debut season, Tevanyan competed at the Senior World Championships facing returning world champion #5 Takuto Otoguro (JPN) in the first round. The Japanese phenom who'd outscored his competition 67-23, was too much, too soon for Tevanyan and broke through the Armenian's defense for a 6-0 win. Otoguro was eliminated by returning 61 KG world runner-up #1 Gadzhimurad Rashidov of Russia and Tevanyan's inaugural Senior world championships ended early. Tevanyan concluded his 2019 competing at the Intercontinental Cup and the U23 world championships. At the Intercontinental Cup, Tevanyan opened with an impressive 6-5 win over #3 Zagir Shakhiev (RUS) before falling to Evan Henderson (USA) in the semifinals and taking bronze over Shamil Guseinov (RUS). Tevanyan's U23 world championships would not be as prosperous as the reigning U-23 European champion lost 3-3 on criteria to 2016 60 KG Junior world runner-up Selim Kozan of Turkey. Tevanyan's 2020 began with a rocky start, finishing 8th at the Takhti Cup after a quarterfinal loss to Khirollah Gahremani (IRI). Not competing again until December, Tevanyan went in as a potential darkhorse contender at the Individual World Cup, but was not expected to be able to beat the likes of World/Olympic medalists in Gadzhimurad Rashidov (RUS), Haji Aliyev (AZE) and Ismail Musukaev (HUN). Through the semifinals, Tevanyan had looked like a completely different wrestler, outscoring his competition 27-0 to get the chance to face 2019 Ziolkowski runner-up Gor Oganesyan (UKR). Oganesyan, an unorthodox wrestler who's extremely dangerous from tie-ups with throws and counters, was seen as the one to slow Tevanyan's roll. Tevanyan shut down the diverse offense of the Ukrainian to take a 7-2 win and make the finals opposite returning world bronze medalist Ismail Musukaev (HUN). Ismail Musukaev (HUN), one of Russia's best lightweight prospects with runner-up finishes at the 2015 57 KG and 2018 61 KG Russian National championships, had beaten world medalist and champion-caliber athletes his whole career. But never breaking through to make a world team, Musukaev made the transfer to compete for Hungary in 2019 and broke through in a major way to take gold at the world championships with wins over World/Olympic champions Vladimir Khinchegashvili (GEO) and #5 Takuto Otoguro (JPN). Making the finals by beating three-time 61 KG world champion Haji Aliyev (AZE), the Individual World Cup title was seen as locked up for Musukaev. But come time to decide who'd win gold, things were different; Tevanyan was no pushover, it was his time. Leading Musukaev 1-0 at the break, the second period saw Musukaev take a 1-1 lead on criteria off a shot clock violation. But in the waning moments of the match, off an arm drag reattack, Tevanyan would explode through for a takedown and two rib-crushing gut wrenches to seal an 8-1 win and the biggest title of his career. Coming off the high of winning the Individual World Cup, Tevanyan began 2021 still having to qualify Armenia for the Tokyo Olympics. Competing in a loaded field at the European Olympic qualifier, Tevanyan would have to beat out a trio of World/Olympic medalists in Vladimir Khinchegashvili (GEO), Magomedmurad Gadzhiev (POL), and Haji Aliyev (AZE) just to get the chance to compete in Tokyo. 2013 61 KG World runner-up Vladimir Dubov (BUL) was the first to fall to Tevanyan in an 11-0 loss. 2020 European runner-up Nyurgun Skryabin (BLR) would push Tevanyan but still be a 7-5 win for the Armenian. 2016 57 KG Olympic champion Vladimir Khinchegashvili (GEO) was a 6-4 win for Tevanyan. Standing between Tevanyan and the chance to compete for gold in Tokyo would be 2019 70 KG world bronze medalist Magomedmurad Gadzhiev (POL), a defensive stalwart notorious for pulling away close offensively stifling matches. Beating out the defense of Gadzhiev, Tevanyan would qualify Armenia for the 65 KG Tokyo Olympics with a 4-2 victory. Concluding his brilliant run at the European qualifier, Tevanyan faced three-time 61 KG world champion Haji Aliyev of Azerbaijan. His best competition of the day saw Tevanyan at his best, dominating Aliyev 9-0 for gold. Tevanyan had not only proved his run from the Individual World Cup wasn't a fluke, he'd announce himself as a serious threat for gold in Tokyo. The rapid improvements #2 Vazgen Tevanyan has made in just his second full year of Senior level competition have been absolutely spectacular. From failing to place at the Takhti Cup to beating five World/Olympic medalists at the Individual World Cup and European Qualifier means the Armenian has put himself on the shortlist of gold medal contenders in Tokyo. I'm very excited to see how Tevanyan handles himself against the rest of the field and the chance of a rematch against #5 Takuto Otoguro (JPN) and a match against reigning world champion #1 Gadzhimurad Rashidov (RUS) makes 65 KG a weight to watch in Tokyo.

Caden Rogers at the 2019 Walsh Ironman (Photo/Sam Janicki; SJanickiPhoto.com) The Lehigh staff started their Sunday morning with some good news as #28 overall Caden Rogers (Malvern Prep, PA) gave the school a verbal commitment. Rogers is third top-50 recruit to pledge to Lehigh already, joining #4 Ryan Crookham (Saucon Valley, PA) and #44 PJ Casale (Delbarton, NJ). With Rogers' commitment, only ten of the top-30 rising seniors in the nation are currently uncommitted. Rogers was a champion at the 2021 National Prep Open and defeated a pair of DI recruits along the way. In the semifinals, he downed senior Luke Duthie (Wyoming Seminary, PA), who is headed to Cornell, and for the title he beat junior David Harper (The Baylor School, TN), a Wyoming commit. Recently, Rogers also picked up another victory over Harper at the Disney Duals. In his two previous appearances at the National Prep Championships, Rogers was third as a sophomore and sixth his freshman year. That improvement is on par with his growth, as Rogers has continued to rise up the rankings as he gets older. Rogers has shown on a national stage that he's capable of being one of the top big men in the nation. He was a placewinner at the Beast of the East (eighth) in 2019. After his freshman year at Malvern Prep, Rogers was seventh at NHSCA Freshman Nationals at 138 lbs. Just a few months later, he was fifth in Fargo in Junior Greco-Roman, all the way up at 170 lbs. This season, Rogers was a finalist at the Powerade after knocking off one of the favorites, Mac Stout (Mt. Lebanon, PA) in the semifinals. Next week, Rogers will be in action as he has registered for the Fargo at 195 lbs. Rogers hails from the Lancaster, Pennsylvania area and is the son of two-time DI All-American Mike Rogers, currently the head coach at Franklin & Marshall. Pat Santoro's Mountain Hawks will be getting help in a 197 lbs that is typically one of the most difficult to fill. The school's 2021 starter, Jake Jakobsen, is not expected to return in 2021-22 so there is some uncertainty surrounding the weight. Sophomore Elijah Jones could be penciled in and Michigan-transfer Gaige Garcia should be a factor, too. Garcia is also expected to play football so he won't be able to help full-time. Lehigh also has a verbal from Casale who could project at 197 or 285 in the future. We'll have to pay attention to see what it means regarding his future. There have been some whispers that Casale may be still up-in-the-air regarding his collegiate plans. For Intermat's full recruiting lists, check out our Commitment Page.

Khadzhimurad Gadzhiev of Azerbaijan (Photo/Tony Rotundo; WrestlersAreWarriors.com) As of today, we under 50 days from the start of wrestling at the Olympic Games. Over the next 50 days, we'll bring you one profile per day of a decorated international contender. Make sure you get to know the wrestlers that Team USA will compete against in Tokyo. 7/8/21 - Ali Shabanov 7/7/21 - Gadzhimurad Rashidov (Russia) 7/6/21 - Suleyman Karadeniz (Turkey) 7/5/21 - Frank Chamizo (Italy) 7/3/21 - Yui Susaki (Japan) 7/1/21 - Amir Zare (Iran) 6/28/21 - Zavur Uguev (Russia) 6/27/21 - Zhan Beleniuk (Ukraine) 6/26/21 - Sergey Kozyrev (Russia) 6/24/21 - Kenchiro Fumita (Japan) 6/23/21 - Magomedkhabib Kadimagomedov (Belarus) 6/22/21 - Erica Wiebe (Canada) 6/21/21 - Myles Amine (San Marino) 6/20/21 - Sofia Mattsson (Sweden) 6/19/21 - Hassan Yazdani Charati (Iran) 6/18/21 - Tamas Lorincz (Hungary) 6/17/21 - Takuro Otoguro (Japan) 6/16/21 - Elizbar Odikadze (Georgia) 6/15/21 - Koumba Larroque (France) 6/14/21 - Haji Aliyev (Azerbaijan) 6/13/21 - Ningning Rong (China) 6/12/21 - Bajrang Punia (India) 6/11/21 - Frank Staebler (Germany) 6/10/21 - Geno Petriashvili (Georgia) A 2018 70 KG Junior World championship title over Russian phenom Razambek Zhamalov put Khadzhimurad Gadzhiev of Azerbaijan on the map, but it would be his follow-up performance in 2019 that would announce him as a contender. At the 2019 World Championships, Gadzhiev beat three past World/Olympic medalists in 2010 66 KG world champion Sushil Kumar (IND), two-time World/Olympic medalist #13 Soner Demirtas (TUR) and two-time World medalist Bekzod Abdurakhmanov to make the 74 KG World Championships quarterfinals. While he would lose 8-1 to #8 Jordan Burroughs (USA), Gadzhiev had announced himself as a presence at 74 KG. Today's Olympic profile will look at the career of Khadzhimurad Gadzhiev of Azerbaijan. The Stats Khadzhimurad Gadzhiev (AZE)- 2017 63 KG Cadet world bronze medalist, 2018 70 KG Junior world champion, 2019 Takhti Cup champion, 2019 European championships 5th, 2019 European Games bronze, medalist, 2019 Junior World bronze medalist, 2019 Korkin bronze medalist, 2020 Yasar Dogu bronze medalist, 2021 European Olympic qualifier runner-up, 2021 Henri Deglane Grand Prix bronze medalist, 2021 Ziolkowski bronze medalist Key Wins: #6 Razambek Zhamalov (2018 70 KG Junior world championships), #13 Soner Demirtas (2019 world championships), Sushil Kumar (2019 world championships), Bekzod Abdurakhmanov (2019 world championships), Younes Emami (2021 Ziolkowski), Vasyl Mykhailov (2019 European Games). Key Losses: #8 Jordan Burroughs (2019 world championships), #13 Soner Demirtas (2019 European Games), #5 Frank Chamizo (2019 European championships, 2020 European championships), #9 Timur Bizhoev (2019 European championships), Nadirbek Khizriev (2019 Korkin), #2 Kyle Dake (2021 Henri Deglane Grand Prix), #7 (70) James Green (2018 70 KG world championships), David Carr (2019 Junior world championships semifinals), Mostafa Hosseinkhani (2021 Ziolkowski semifinals). 2016-2021 Khadzhimurad Gadzhiev's career began at the 2016 63 KG Cadet European Championships, where he took bronze over #8 (65) Erik Arushanian (UKR) after a 10-0 semifinal loss to Inal Dzhhopua (AZE). Gadzhiev would return to action in the summer of 2017, finishing runner-up to Inar Ketiia (RUS) 9-5 at the 63 KG Cadet European Championships and taking bronze at the Cadet World Championships after a loss to eventual champion Inar Ketiia (RUS). 2018 would see Gadzhiev grow into the 70 KG weight class. He'd debut at the Junior European Championships, taking silver to 2017 65 KG Yarygin runner-up #19 Cherman Valiev of Russia. Making the finals of the Junior World Championships, Gadzhiev would be faced with #6 Razambek Zhamalov of Russia, who'd come off an explosive run at Russian Nationals where he finished fifth behind world champions #10 Magomedrasul Gazimagomedov (RUS) and #4 (70) David Baev (RUS). Trailing Zhamalov 3-1 throughout the bout, he was able to hit a counter late in the second period to take the 3-3 criteria lead and hold on for the win and the 70 KG Junior world title. After the success of his Junior world campaign, Gadzhiev was selected as the Senior world rep for Azerbaijan and, in his opening round, faced returning world runner-up #7 (70) James Green (USA). Close with Green throughout, Gadzhiev would fall to the American standout 6-4. Completing in 2018, Gadzhiev would enter the Kadyrov Cup, where he beat Bekzhan Dzhambulov (KGZ) and Sumiyabazar Zandanbud (MGL). 2019 came and Gadzhiev made the move up to 70 KG, where he continued to build momentum after his strong finish to 2018. Starting the year off with a title at the Takhti Cup over 2014 Asian champion Reza Afzali Paemani (IRI). At the Senior European championships, Gadzhiev would make the semifinals opposite two-time World champion #5 Frank Chamizo (ITA) and fall to the talented Italian 6-2 and fall to the bronze medal match. Against 2018 Russian Nationals bronze medalist #9, Timur Bizhoev (RUS) lost 6-4 to take fifth. An opening-round loss to two-time World/Olympic medalist #13 Soner Demirtas (TUR) put Gadzhiev into the repechage of the European Games, where he came back to take bronze with wins over Kyrillos Binenmpaoum (GRE) and Vasyl Mykhailov (UKR) for his first Senior European medal. As the returning 70 KG Junior world champion, Gadzhiev was seen as the rightful favorite to win his second Junior world title, but a shocking upset by tech fall to American David Carr would snub out Gadzhiev's chances at consecutive Junior world titles. Rebounding for bronze with a victory against David Betanov (RUS), Gadzhiev would enter the 2019 Senior world championships. Gadzhiev's run at the 2019 Senior world championships would change his career forever. In his opening round match, Gadzhiev faced off against the 2x World/Olympic medalist Sushil Kumar (IND), who went up big after an early arm throw. Fighting and clawing back against the powerful Indian, Gadzhiev pulled out an 11-9 win to move onto the Round of 32 against Demirtas. In a rematch of his opening-round loss from the European Games, Gadzhiev proved himself to be the better man beating his second straight World/Olympic medalist in Demirtas for a 5-2 win. The Round of 16 would be Gadzhiev's toughest test yet, as returning World bronze medalist Bekzod Abdurakhmanov (UZB) was coming off gold at the Asian Games and looked fantastic. A fireman's carry in the opening seconds of the match put up 4-0 over Abdurakhmanov and a takedown and stepout for Abdurakhmanov made the score 4-3 Gadzhiev. In an absolute shoot-out, Gadzhiev would pull away with 8 points in the second period to Abdurakhmanov's 6 and win the match 12-9 to make the quarterfinals. Having beaten three past World/Olympic medalists to make the quarterfinals, Gadzhiev was matched against none other than 5x World/Olympic champion #8 Jordan Burroughs (USA). Gadzhiev, having gone through an absolutely brutal trio of opponents to make the quarters, was absolutely drained and the veteran Burroughs dominated the younger Gadzhiev 8-1 to make the semis. With Burroughs 4-3 semifinal loss to returning world champion #1 Zaurbek Sidakov (RUS), Gadzhiev's brilliant world title run was ended. Gadzhiev's 2019 ended with a bronze medal at the Dmitri Korkin tournament after a loss to Nadirbek Khizriev (RUS). Gadzhiev's abbreviated 2020 season began with a bronze medal finish at the Yasar Dogu, where he lost to eventual champion Alipasha Umarpashaev (BUL) in the semifinals. After an opening-round win over 2019 70 KG U-23 European runner-up Patryk Olenczyn (POL), Gadzhiev would default out of European championships after hurting his arm defending a 4 point fireman's carry from #5 Frank Chamizo (ITA) in the round of 16. Gadzhiev made his return to competition in January of this year, taking bronze at the Henri Deglane Grand Prix after losing to 2x 79 KG world champion #2 Kyle Dake (USA). Competing at the European Olympic qualifier, Gadziev was able to qualify Azerbaijan for the Olympics by making the finals with wins over Murad Kuramagomedov (HUN), Maxim Vasilioglu (MDA), and Charles Andre Afa (FRA). In his final competition of 2021 before the Olympics, Gadzhiev took bronze at the Ziolkowski, beating 2019 70 KG world bronze medalist Younes Emami (IRI) in the quarterfinals before falling to 2016 70 KG world bronze medalist Mostafa Hosseinkhani (IRI) in the semis. While he had an exceptional run in 2019 that saw him beat three past World/Olympic medalists, Khadzhimurad Gadzhiev of Azerbaijan is very much facing an uphill battle to place in Tokyo. If he has anything but a top bracket, he is gonna have to contend with #1 Zaurbek Sidakov, #2 Kyle Dake (USA), #3 Magomedkhabib Kadimagomedov (BLR), #5 Frank Chamizo (ITA) or #7 Avtandil Kentchadze (GEO) before the semifinals. While Gadzhiev has made lots of growth, stylistically, those matches are just too much for Gadzhiev to pull through. The upcoming 2022-2024 Olympics should see Gadzhiev's profile continue to rise and a Senior world medal is a real possibility.

2020 NCAA qualifier Kizhan Clarke (Photo/Sam Janicki; SJanickiPhoto.com) Transfers as of 7/10/2021 - received by DI schools. (New school listed first) Wrestlers added since our last edition have been bolded. Appalachian State - Diavantae Reddick (Campbell) 165 Appalachian State - Jacob Sartorio (Fresno City College) 285 Arizona State - Kyle Parco (Fresno State) 141/149 Binghamton - Ryan Anderson (Centenary) 141/149 Binghamton - Nick Lombard (Michigan) 149 Buffalo - Trent Svingala (Columbia) 141 Cal Poly - Evan Wick (Cal Poly) 165 Campbell - Anthony Molton (Fresno State) 125 Chattanooga - Brayden Palmer (Clarion) 141 Clarion - Will Feldkamp (Northern Illinois) 184/197 Clarion - Brent Moore (Virginia Tech) 149 Clarion - Cameron Pine (Campbell) 165 CSU Bakersfield - Jacob Hansen (Moorpark JC) 165 CSU Bakersfield - Mateo Morales (Fresno State) 197 CSU Bakersfield - Jayden Smith (NEO A&M) 184/197 Edinboro - Jack Kilner (Fresno City College) 197 George Mason - Laurence Kosoy (Columbia) 165 Hofstra - Michael Leandrou (American) 157 Illinois - Luke Ramussen (North Dakota State) 197 Illinois - Joe Roberts (NC State) 157 Indiana - Kasper McIntosh (Minnesota) 157 Iowa - Drew Bennett (Northern Iowa) 141 Iowa - Brennan Swafford (Graceland) 174 Iowa State - Austin Kraisser (Campbell) 165/174 Iowa State - Sam Schuyler (Buffalo) 285 Kent State - Michael Ferree (Campbell) 174 Kent State - Tyler Johnson (George Mason) 141 Kent State - Najee Lockett (Cornell) 174 Kent State - Louis Newell (Pittsburgh) 133 Lehigh - Gaige Garcia (Michigan) 197 Lock Haven - Ben Barton (Campbell) 157 Lock Haven - Jake Beeson (Pratt CC) 149/157 Lock Haven - Anthony Noto (NC State) Lock Haven - Michael Spangler (Pratt CC) 125 Lock Haven - Colby Whitehill (Pittsburgh) 285 Maryland - John Martin Best (Air Force Prep) 165 Maryland - Zach Schrader (Cal Baptist) 285 Michigan - Patrick Brucki (Princeton) 197 Minnesota - Jared Krattiger (Wisconsin) 174 North Carolina - Kizhan Clarke (American) 149 Northern Colorado - Baylor Fernandes (Minnesota) 165 Ohio - Tommy Hoskins (Oklahoma) 125 Ohio State - Will Betancourt (Lock Haven) 133 Oklahoma - Joe Grello (Rutgers) 165/174 Oklahoma - Keegan Moore (Oklahoma State) 184 Oklahoma - Joey Prata (Virginia Tech) 125 Oklahoma - Gabe Vidlak (Oregon State) 125 Oklahoma State - Austin Boone (Penn State) 157 Oregon State - Cory Crooks (Arizona State) 149 Oregon State - Isaiah Crosby (Iowa Western CC) 157/165 Oregon State - Cameron Enriquez (Clackamas CC) 125 Oregon State - Tanner Harvey (American) 184 Oregon State - Gary Traub (Ohio State) 285 Penn State - Max Dean (Cornell) 184/197 Pittsburgh - Gage Curry (American) 125 Pittsburgh - Elijah Cleary (Ohio State) 157 Purdue - Matt Ramos (Minnesota) 125 Rider - Quinn Kinner (Ohio State) 141/149 Rider - Jacob Perez-Eli (Iowa State) 133 Rutgers - Greg Bulsak (Clarion) 197 Rutgers - Nick Raimo (Arizona State) 133 South Dakota State - Tate Battani (Iowa State) 184 South Dakota State - AJ Nevills (Fresno State) 285 Utah Valley - Haiden Drury (Fresno State) 133/141 Virginia - Jarod Verkleeren (Penn State) 149 Virginia Tech - Nathan Traxler (Stanford) 285 West Virginia - Luke Karam (Lehigh) 149 Wisconsin - Austin Gomez (Iowa State) 141 Wisconsin - Andrew McNally (Kent State) 174

Our EIWA correspondent Austin Sommer stops by to talk about some of the big coaching changes in the conference, along with new vacancies. Plus the cooking and field goal kicking abilities of some of the EIWA coaches. Past EIWA Reports June 19th, 2021

North Carolina head coach Coleman Scott (Photo/Tony Rotundo; WrestlersAreWarriors.com) With the hiring of Ned Shuck by Bellarmine it looks like the head coaching portion of the coaching carousel may be intact for the year. "May" being the key word! Since we have a new crop of head coaches, it's a good time to look at where these men came from. Over the years, the Iowa and Oklahoma State coaching trees have been discussed at great length. After a spring and summer of musical coaching chairs, do the two superpowers still lead in producing head coaches? We've got the answer to that question and plenty others you probably never asked below. These figures have been generated centered around 78 current DI teams (including Bellarmine and Cal Baptist who are transitioning to DI status). Jason Borrelli (American), Shuck (Bellarmine), Mike Grey (Cornell), Luke Smith (CSU Bakersfield), Mike Poeta (Illinois), and Rob Koll (Cornell) will be "new" head coaches in the 2021-22 season. Of the six coaches that were hired in the spring/summer of 2021, two were Central Michigan alums. Jason Borrelli and Luke Smith being the two. Smith guided the Roadrunners under an interim tag during the 2021 season. Currently there are 18 DI coaches who have the head job at their alma mater (Z. Jones; Stutzman, Grey, Hill, Elliott, Papadatos, Poeta, Escobedo, Brands, Andrassy, Patrovich, Bormet, Eggum, J Smith, Reina, Gavin, Hangey, Garland). That's slightly over 23% of the current head coaching population. Six current DI head coaches attended schools that compete at non DI-levels. (Marcus Gordon, Ryan Ludwig, Andy Lausier, Joe Patrovich, Mark Manning, Sam Barber). Two current DI head coaches attended schools that no longer sponsor wrestling (Mark Manning - Nebraska-Omaha, and Greg Williams - Utah State). Ten current DI head coaches attended PSAC (Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference) schools, which is just under 13% of the population. Bloomsburg (Beasley), Edinboro (Clemsen, Gibson, Hill, Robie, Rosselli), Lock Haven (Ferraro, Goodale, Kolat, Rogers). Additionally, the above ten coaches plus nine others went to college in Pennsylvania. That accounts for almost 25% of all current head coaches. (Weiss - F&M, Ayres - Lehigh, Reina - Penn, Flynn; J. Moore; S. Moore - Penn State, Gavin; Santoro - Pittsburgh; Lausier - Lycoming). Oklahoma State retains the crown with most alumni in DI head coaching ranks (Branch, Erisman, Lanham, Pendleton, Popolizio, Scott, J. Smith, Ward). Speaking of Oklahoma State, all three of the North Carolina schools that sponsor wrestling in the ACC are led by Cowboy alums. (Lanham - Duke, Popolizio - NC State, Scott - North Carolina). Shuck's hire gives Iowa seven alums in the DI head coach ranks (Brands, Dresser, Ersland, Ryan, Schwab, Shuck, L Zalesky). After Shuck's addition, Iowa would have tied Oklahoma State had Fresno State (Troy Steiner) not dropped its program. Jim Heffernan (Illinois) also stepped down this year, which could have put Iowa over Oklahoma State, had Shuck been hired and Fresno State kept the team. All three division one programs in Iowa are led by former Hawkeyes (Brands, Dresser - Iowa State, Schwab - Northern Iowa). Every NCAA title since 2008 has been won by a head coach that went to college in Iowa (Brands (4), Sanderson (8), Ryan (1). Penn State has three current alums among the head coaching ranks. None is from the Cael Sanderson-era, so expect that number to grow in the future. The same can be said for Iowa who does not have a former wrestler under Brands as a head coach, yet. Minnesota has three former Gophers in the division one coaching ranks. Coincidentally, all three wrestled 184 lbs while in college. Damion Hahn did so for his first two years, while Roger Kish did for his entire career. Brandon Eggum moved to 184 for his final two seasons after the weights were shifted. The only two NCAA champions for the University of Pittsburgh over the last 54 years are both currently head coaches (Gavin/Santoro). Two collegiate teams featured three current DI head coaches competing at the same time, while in college. The 2005 Oklahoma State Cowboys (Scott, Ward, Pendleton). Edinboro's 2007 team (Hill, Clemsen, Gibson). Wrestling is a unique sport that tends to promote its superstars for coaching positions. 16 of the 77 current head coaches were DI national champions during their collegiate career. Of these 16 national champions, there were two separate occasions where three current DI head coaches won national titles in the same year. 1988 (J. Smith, Santoro, Koll). 2008 (Escobedo, Scott, Gavin). Current DI head coaches have met in the NCAA finals on two occasions. In 1999, Cael Sanderson defeated Brandon Eggum. Two years prior, Cary Kolat had beaten Roger Chandler in the finals. Eight current head coaches wrestled in the Olympic Games (Z. Jones, Rosselli, Brands, Schwab, Sanderson, Kolat, J. Smith, Scott). Below are the current DI head coaches listed under their alma mater's. They are listed under their school names with their current job in parentheses. Note: We have Scott Moore listed under Penn State since he graduated from the school before enrolling at Virginia to exhaust his eligibility and attend graduate school. American Kyle Borshoff (Binghamton) Arizona State Zeke Jones (Arizona State) Bloomsburg Frank Beasley (George Mason) Buffalo John Stutzman (Buffalo) Chattanooga Jon Sioredas (Cal Poly) Central Michigan Jason Borrelli (American) Scotti Sentes (Campbell) Luke Smith (CSU Bakersfield) Cornell Mike Grey (Cornell) Troy Nickerson (Northern Colorado) Edinboro Alex Clemsen (Maryland) Jim Gibson (VMI) Matt Hill (Edinboro) Tony Robie (Virginia Tech) Lou Rosselli (Oklahoma) Franklin and Marshall Jay Weiss (Harvard) Gardner-Webb Daniel Elliott (Gardner-Webb) Hofstra Dennis Papadatos (Hofstra) Illinois Mike Poeta (Illinois) Indiana Roger Chandler (Michigan State) Angel Escobedo (Indiana) Ryan LeBlanc (The Citadel) Iowa Tom Brands (Iowa) Kevin Dresser (Iowa State) Tony Ersland (Purdue) Tom Ryan (Ohio State) Doug Schwab (Northern Iowa) Ned Shuck (Bellarmine) Lennie Zalesky (Cal Baptist) Iowa State Matt Azevedo (Drexel) Chris Bono (Wisconsin) Cael Sanderson (Penn State) Kent State Jim Andrassy (Kent State) Lehigh Chris Ayres (Princeton) Lock Haven Keith Ferraro (Clarion) Scott Goodale (Rutgers) Cary Kolat (Navy) Mike Rogers (Franklin & Marshall) Michigan Sean Bormet (Michigan) Michigan State Brian Smith (Missouri) Dan Wirnsberger (Bucknell) Minnesota Brandon Eggum (Minnesota) Damion Hahn (South Dakota State) Roger Kish (North Dakota State) Missouri Mark Cody (Presbyterian) Jeremy Spates (SIU Edwardsville) Nebraska Todd Beckerman (Brown) North Carolina JohnMark Bentley (Appalachian State) Rob Koll (Stanford) Northern Iowa Joel Greenlee (Ohio) Ohio State John Clark (Sacred Heart) Oklahoma Matt Storniolo (Northwestern) Oklahoma State Mark Branch (Wyoming) Neil Erisman (Little Rock) Glen Lanham (Duke) Chris Pendleton (Oregon State) Pat Popolizio (NC State) Coleman Scott (North Carolina) John Smith (Oklahoma State) Kevin Ward (Army West Point) Penn Roger Reina (Penn) Penn State Tim Flynn (West Virginia) Josh Moore (Cleveland State) Scott Moore (Lock Haven) Pittsburgh Keith Gavin (Pittsburgh) Pat Santoro (Lehigh) Rider John Hangey (Rider) The Citadel Tom Borrelli (Central Michigan) Utah State Greg Williams (Utah Valley) Virginia Steve Garland (Virginia) Wisconsin Kyle Ruschell (Chattanooga) Zach Tanelli (Columbia) Non DI Schools Ashland Marcus Gordon (Bloomsburg) CW Post - Now Long Island Joe Patrovich (Long Island) Findlay Ryan Ludwig (Northern Illinois) Lycoming Andy Lausier (Davidson) Nebraska-Omaha Mark Manning (Nebraska) Upper Iowa Sam Barber (Air Force)

BJ Futrell at the 2017 US Open (Photo/Tony Rotundo; WrestlersAreWarriors.com) The University of Pennsylvania announced their new Assistant Coach today, one who is familiar with the program and its' principles - BJ Futrell, a former PRTC athlete and incredible asset to the Philadelphia wrestling community. Futrell was most recently the Director of Mentoring for Beat the Streets Philadelphia where he worked very closely with Penn Wrestling, Drexel Wrestling, and the Pennsylvania Regional Training Center to deliver mentoring and academic enrichment to BTSP Student-athletes. Thus Futrell will prove to be a tremendous asset to Penn's program both on and off the mat. Futrell returns to coaching after serving as an Assistant Coach at the United States Naval Academy during the 2019-2020 season. Under his leadership, Navy qualified five wrestlers for the NCAA Tournament and crowned two EIWA champions. Additionally, Navy had three wrestlers become NWCA Scholar All-Americans. Collegiately, Futrell was a 2x All-American for the University of Illinois. He was a 3x Academic All-Big Ten selection, and achieved NWCA Scholar All-American status twice. Futrell earned a Bachelor of Science degree in kinesiology in 2012, and earned a Masters of Education in Education Policy, Organization & Leadership in 2013. As a member of the Pennsylvania Regional Training Center from 2016-2019, Futrell was an essential member of the Philadelphia wrestling eco-system as he participated as a mentor for the BTS program, offered team clinics and spoke at various FCA events. Futrell was the first PRTC athlete to become a member of the U.S. National Team, which he accomplished in 2017. Throughout his career, Futrell placed at over 20 different Senior-level events and won titles at the Dave Schultz Memorial International, the Bill Farrell International and the Ion Corneanu & Ladislau Simon Memorial. Despite facing various injuries over the course of his athletic career, BJ's positive attitude, faith and solid understanding of discipline and hard work, continues to propel his career forward. “Beat the Streets Philadelphia is an amazing organization and I am super proud of the impactful work we were able to accomplish for our students during this extremely challenging academic year. BTS is positively altering life's trajectory for students in under invested communities and I'm glad that in my new position at Penn, I will be able to strengthen the partnership between BTS and the University. At this time I feel a calling on my life to go back into coaching. The opportunity to learn from a Hall of Fame Coach like Coach Reina, who is CEO-minded and also understands the importance of community, I had to take it. The University of Pennsylvania athletic department as a whole, and the wrestling team, has a set of core values that I truly believe in. The University of Pennsylvania is a world class institution, and I am passionate about the holistic development of these students athletes; I am excited to not only help them become better wrestlers, but better men.” Futrell was welcomed into the infamous wrestling room earlier this week by UPenn's team, “BJ brings tremendous talent, and a broad experience set both nationally and internationally to Penn Wrestling at exactly the right time in our national climb,” said Reina. “Moreover, he embodies our program's core values of Character First, Aiming Big, and Community Matters.” The energy and experience Futrell has to offer, will prove to be valuable as UPenn once again takes the mat and enters the competitive scene after taking a season off due to Covid restrictions.