InterMat Staff

IOWA CITY, Iowa -- The Hawkeye Wrestling Club announced Friday that a limited number of tickets will be available for the HWC Showdown Open on Sunday, Nov. 1, at Xtream Arena in Coralville. Tickets will go on sale to the general public Wednesday, Oct. 21 at 12 p.m. (CT). Tickets are $30 per person and available for purchase at XtreamArena.com. Masks will be required to attend the event. The HWC Showdown Open marks the first time since winning the Big Ten Championships on March 8 that wrestlers from the No. 1 team in the country will take the mat. Spencer Lee, Austin DeSanto, Jaydin Eierman, Alex Marinelli, Michael Kemerer, and Tony Cassioppi will compete in freestyle wrestling matches against World medalists, national champions, and NCAA All-Americans. The main card includes seven men's freestyle matches and two women's freestyle bouts. The main-card begins at 6 p.m. (CT). A live stream of the event is available for $29.95 at Trackwrestling.com. Xtream Arena officials and HWC event organizers will follow the requirements of the state and local health authorities, while monitoring data and local trends closely leading up to the event. HWC SHOWDOWN OPEN (bout order) Spencer Lee vs. Zach Sanders Sarah Hildebrandt vs. Erin Golston Austin DeSanto vs. Bryce Meredith Jaydin Eierman vs. Vladimer Khinchegashvili Pat Lugo vs. Matthew Kolodzik Alex Marinelli vs. James Green Precious Bell vs. Jordan Nelson Michael Kemerer vs. Tommy Gantt Tony Cassioppi vs. Nick Gwiazdowski

Dan Gable announced this week that he would soon be receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Donald Trump. The award, the highest a civilian can receive in the United States, has never been bestowed to someone based on their merits on the mat. The recognition is meaningful. Wrestling has often struggled in the shadows and to have someone like Coach Gable determined to have provided the United States with a "meritorious contribution" to the "cultural or other significant public or private endeavors" is a powerful moment in our sports history. Leaders of nations like India, Turkey, and Mongolia go to great lengths to ensure recognition for their folkstyle wrestlers, largely because they are seen as keepers of a past time -- humans who can tell the stories of the nation and embody its principles. Most would agree that Dan Gable has had a tremendous impact on the sport of wrestling in America. When you look at young wrestlers across the United States you can almost see the focus of Gable's eyes in their stares. The head-slapping, the post-match sprints, the grueling sauna sessions -- all harken back to the images of Gable, eye bandaged, standing almost-joyless atop the podium in Munich. The intensity of his on-the-mat wrestling style was transferred to his coaching style, which helped his teams secure 15 NCAA titles while the head coach at the University of Iowa. Arguably that work did more to promote and multiply his death-before-dishonor type of leadership than his years at Iowa State winning titles on the collegiate mat. Like a father he sent off yearlings to grow and mature under his style. To name the number of coaches born from his coaching tree would feel almost futile -- Gable is on a third generation of coaches and the impact of his teaching expands annually. Yes, Gable was given the Presidential Medal of Freedom in October of 2020 as a means to influence voter turnout. But ultimately, the politics of the day should only be footnote for an honor that correctly recognizes Gable's oversized impact on the sport of wrestling as a coach and wrestler in the United States. Congrats to Coach Gable and all who have benefited from his influence. To your questions … Andrew Alirez takes down Yahya Thomas in the semifinals of Senior Nationals (Photo/Sam Janicki, SJanickiPhoto.com) Q: Who impressed you the most at Senior Nationals in each of the three styles? -- Mike C. Foley: I was off-the-grid and wasn't able to watch the Senior Nationals live, but in reviewing the weekend I think a hat tip to Andrew Alirez feels appropriate. While the United States has been overall disappointing at 65 kilograms, its plain to see that it's the most competitive weight inside the nation. For Alirez to top that field is quite the accomplishment. The injury to Snyder is a little concerning for fans of the 2016 Olympic gold medalist. I don't suspect it's an entirely severe injury, and a setback now is certainly not a season-ender, but I'm ever-more interested in the Olympic Team Trials and how this will impact his expected matchup with J'den Cox. On the women's side it was nice to see Sarah Hildebrandt at 50 kilograms and to see Adeline Gray win her 100th (or so) Senior Nationals title. As a side note, Adeline is a first ballot Hall of Famer in both the United States and with United World Wrestling. To win five world championships is an American record and I think she has an Olympic gold on the way. For Greco-Roman it was seeing Alan Vera in the USA singlet. He's cleared to compete at the World Championships but isn't yet cleared for takeoff with the IOC for the Olympic Games in Tokyo. Q: Do you think the United States will send a team to the Senior World Championships? If so, how will the world team be determined? -- Mike C. Foley: I'm always happy to share my thoughts, but for this one it's tough for me to have anything like an objective opinion, so I'll share the main arguments for/against: For: The United States is experiencing the largest outbreak of COVID in the world and yet USA Wrestling held Senior Nationals last weekend with no testing prior to competition. Competitors flew in, trained together, competed, and then flew out. Isn't the likelihood of infection GREATER from that event than from a worldwide event? Isn't the boogeyman already IN the house? Against: Should someone contract COVID and immediately show life-threatening symptoms how will they be taken care of in Serbia? Also, the return for that individual (or anyone who tests positive) would be two weeks before they could return home. There will likely be testing on arrival, and that testing will almost certainly find COVID positive people, which is a good thing. However, what impact will that have on those who have been in touch with that individual. Overall, is the juice worth the squeeze? Q: Is there a world where Zahid upsets JB? Regardless, how do you see the match going? -- Ethan S. Foley: No world. Zahid can be a challenge and wrestling up a weight might be concerning for some, but I don't think Burroughs is at risk of being caught underneath, thrown, or bullied on the edge. Also, Zahid is far too tall to clear his midsection from double attacks with even 75 percent success. Q: What are your thoughts on the NCAA granting winter athletes an additional season? Was it the right decision? What are some possible ramifications? -- Mike C. Foley: Fine decision, but why not extend it to those seniors who lost their eligibility and ability to compete for an NCAA title in 2020? That seems fair, though I think that extending it backwards creates a myriad issue with scholarships, enrollment, and other more minor details. The big question is what NCAA institutions will do now that they have the exemption to be under the allotted number of programs to remain Division I eligible as an institution. When I read that I heard blades sharpening around the country. MULTIMEDIA HALFTIME Link: Dan Gable: Creating a modern blueprint for wrestling A tribute to a great man: Greg Strobel Greg Strobel induction video Q: Tulsa, Kansas City, Philadelphia, and Cleveland were chosen as the locations for the NCAA Division I Championships from 2023-2026. Thoughts? -- Jon D. Foley: I'm happy for each of the cities and the schools who will be hosting the events. Tulsa seems like the newest (and riskiest) of the choices given the number of flights that will needed to accommodate the 20,000 visitors to the city. I remember the number of flights being an issue in Oklahoma City in 2006, but I suppose everyone eventually got home. Kansas City is fine, too. Could be a nice place to visit and has capacity. Cleveland will be awesome for fans coming in from the Midwest AND the WPIAL! The best choice is Philadelphia. Great transportation options, wrestling culture in the area, and plenty of press able to cover. Restaurants, bars, and hotels are also all world class. Q: Greg Strobel passed away last week. Seemed like a beloved figure in the wrestling world. Any memories of him or stories to share? -- Mike C. Foley: My interactions with Coach Strobel were limited, but I remember his voice always adding kindness to the conversation. He seemed positive and encouraging, where sometimes coaches can take out larger frustrations on their athletes he seemed to shield them from unnecessary negativity. In reading noted from his former wrestlers and colleagues, Strobel seemed to be the type of coach that athletes respected enough to talk to with ease, and like Coach Gable has a nice coaching tree, including Pat Santoro. Santoro was probably closest to Strobel and had a few words to share after his death, as posted on LehighValleyLive.com: "I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around Greg's passing," said current Lehigh head wrestling coach Pat Santoro, who served as an assistant under Strobel for eight seasons, and eventually was named his successor following Strobel's retirement in 2008. "He was a man so full of life and has been a part of mine for many years. He was a great mentor coach, and friend. "Greg lived an amazing life and accomplished so much. "He made such a positive impact on the sport of wrestling and an even greater impact on his wrestlers. He loved to teach, whether it was wrestling, fishing or woodworking, and was good at it. He always taught great habits to and shared wisdom with his teams … things they will remember and use the rest of their lives. His energy and positive attitude were unrivaled by anyone I know."

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- James Lee Moore, 94, was born in Bloomington, attended Bloomington High School South and wrestled at Indiana University. The Indiana wrestling family sends its condolences to the family on his passing on October 12, 2020. James Lee MooreIn 1987 Jim was inducted into the Indiana Wrestling Hall of Fame. Moore was born on November 4, 1925 to Russell and Frances (May) Moore. Jim and his twin brother Hank were both Indiana State Champions. Before he finished his high school senior year he was drafted into the Navy, where he was stationed in Fallon, Nevada. After proudly serving in the Navy he passed his GED and enrolled at IU, where he earned a varsity letter in 1947. Later in life, Moore started his own business; The Circle M Ranch riding stable and dance barn. He trained and broke horses, gave trail rides, private riding lessons and lessons to earn horseback merit badges to the boy and girl scouts. Jim was an avid photographer and for a few years he was hired by Don Luft to take photos of the IU basketball games and other local events for the Bloomington Convention Center. He was a board member of the Local Hoosier Hills Festival. Jim served as Polk Township Trustee for 20 years. Moore's daughter Kasey, had the following to say about her father. "My dad was my best friend and I miss him terribly," Kasey said. "He taught me how to ride horses, that it's okay to be a goofball, and how to care for animals. I'm forever grateful for the gifts he's left me with; my empathy, love for animals, and humor comes from him."

ALBION -- On Thursday, Albion College Director of Athletics Matt Arend announced the hiring of Adam Wilson as the head men's and women's wrestling coach. Wilson will bring back men's wrestling after its disbandment from the college in the 1970s while establishing the new women's program. Adam WilsonA western Michigan native, Wilson comes to Albion after spending the last four seasons as the head assistant men's wrestling coach at Olivet College. During his time with the Comets, he was heavily involved in recruiting and building a competitive program in the MIAA. Wilson was also responsible for fundraising, managing social media, alumni engagement and competition day items. "I am extremely grateful to have the opportunity to lead the men's and women's wrestling programs at Albion College," said Wilson. "In addition to the excellent academic opportunities, graduate outcomes and tradition within the athletic department, Matt Arend shared a vision of building a championship program. I am thankful to have this opportunity and I am excited to get to work and have my family join the Albion community." Wilson also had one-year stints on the coaching staffs at Trine and Washington and Lee, where he oversaw recruiting and training programs for his student-athletes. Wilson, a 2011 Olivet graduate, started his career as an admissions representative at his alma mater. For three years, he learned recruiting strategies while building connections with high schools in the surrounding areas. He obtained his Masters of Higher Education Administration from Upper Iowa University in 2014. "I am excited to welcome Adam to the Albion College family as he reestablishes men's wrestling and starts women's wrestling on our campus," said Arend. "Adam is a proven recruiter with strong ties within the Michigan wrestling community. His ability to clearly articulate his vision for both wrestling programs during the interview process makes me extremely excited for the future of Albion wrestling. I look forward to working with Adam on implementing his vision and watching both programs grow into championship contending teams." Wilson is a four-year letter winner for the Comets as well as a two-time team captain. He is a three-time NCAA Midwest Regional place winner, including being a part of the 2011 Midwest Regional Championship team. In 2009, he was a member of the NWCA Scholar All-America Team, taking home ninth. Wilson begins his duties with the Britons on October 15.

The NCAA's Division I Council voted this week to grant all winter athletes, including wrestlers, who compete during the 2020-21 season, an additional season of eligibility due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Spring athletes were previously granted an additional season of eligibility. "The pandemic will continue to impact winter sport seasons in ways we can't predict. Council members opted to provide for winter sport student-athletes the same flexibility given spring and fall sports previously,” council chair M. Grace Calhoun said in a statement. "The actions today ensure the continuation of local decision-making in the best interest of each institution and its student-athletes." Many wrestlers missed out on the opportunity to compete at the 2020 NCAA Wrestling Championships after the NCAA canceled all championship events on March 12. Graduating seniors did not receive any eligibility relief, with the council noting that those athletes had the opportunity to complete their regular seasons.

Dan Gable (right) with wife Kathy (Photo/Mark Lundy, Lutte-Lens.com) The National Wrestling Hall of Fame and National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum are excited to announce that Dan Gable will be receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Established by President John F. Kennedy in 1963, the Presidential Medal of Freedom is the nation's highest honor for a civilian. It is awarded by the President of the United States to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the security or national interests of America, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors. Past recipients have been movers and shakers in a range of fields, including public service, medicine, journalism, entertainment, and business. The impressive list of past honorees includes Steven Spielberg, Muhammad Ali, Angela Merkel, Nancy Reagan, Mother Teresa, Billy Graham, Rosa Parks, and Martin Luther King, Jr. "To get an award like this, it's a lifetime achievement award, not only for what you did, but for what you continue to do," said Gable. The namesake of the Dan Gable Museum in his hometown of Waterloo, Iowa, Gable was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame as a Distinguished Member in 1980 and into the Dan Gable Museum's Glen Brand Wrestling Hall of Fame of Iowa in the Charter Class of 2002. He is also a member of the World Wrestling Hall of Fame, the USA Wrestling Hall of Fame, and the United States Olympic Hall of Fame. Gable was a three-time Iowa state high school champion for Waterloo West and a two-time NCAA champion and three-time finalist for Iowa State. He had a combined record of 181-1 in his prep and college career, losing only in the 1970 NCAA finals. Gable won the Pan American Games and the world championships in 1971 and the Tblisi Tournament and the Olympics in 1972. He did not surrender a single point in his six matches at the Olympics and was named the Outstanding Wrestler at the Tblisi Tournament, considered by many to be the toughest tournament in the world. After stepping off the mat, Gable became the most successful coach in NCAA history, coaching the University of Iowa from 1978 to 1997. He led the Hawkeyes to 21-straight Big Ten titles and 15 NCAA team championships, including a record nine in a row from 1978 to 1986. Gable coached 152 All-Americans, 46 national champions and 12 Olympians, who combined to win eight medals (four gold, one silver and three bronze). Other athletes who have received the Presidential Medal of Freedom include Tiger Woods, Jesse Owens, Billie Jean King, Michael Jordan, and Babe Ruth. National Wrestling Hall of Fame & Museum America's shrine to the sport of wrestling, the National Wrestling Hall of Fame & Museum was founded as a nonprofit organization in 1976 to honor the sport of wrestling, preserve its history, recognize extraordinary individual achievements, and inspire future generations. The National Wrestling Hall of Fame has museums in Stillwater, Oklahoma, and Waterloo, Iowa. The Stillwater, Oklahoma, location reopened in June 2016 following a $3.8 million renovation while the Waterloo, Iowa, location reopened in March 2019 after undergoing a $1.4 million renovation. Both museums now feature interactive exhibits and electronic kiosks, as well as the opportunity to watch NCAA Championship matches from the 1930s to present day. Stillwater also has the John T. Vaughan Hall of Honors where the greatest names in wrestling are recognized, including iconic granite plaques presented to Distinguished Members since the Hall of Fame opened in 1976. The museum has the largest collection of wrestling artifacts and memorabilia in the world, including the most collegiate and Olympic wrestling uniforms. Wrestling truly is for everyone and the diversity and accessibility of the sport continues to be highlighted through exhibits featuring females, African-Americans, Asian Americans, Native Americans, and Latino Americans. There is also a library featuring historical documents, including NCAA guides and results, as well as books on the sport. For more information about the Hall of Fame, please visit www.NWHOF.org.

The 2023 NCAA Division I Championships will be held at the BOK Center in Tulsa On Wednesday, the NCAA announced the host sites for the NCAA Wrestling Championships for 2023-2026. The 2023 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships will be held at the BOK Center in Tulsa, Okla. The 2024 NCAAs will take place the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Mo. The 2025 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships will be held at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pa. Cleveland, Ohio, was selected to host the 2026 NCAAs at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Below are the dates/cities/venues for the 2023-2026 NCAA Championships in Division I, Division II and Division III. Division I: 2023: Tulsa OK BOK Center 2024: Kansas City MO T-Mobile Center 2025: Philadelphia PA Wells Fargo Center 2026: Cleveland OH Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse Division II: 2023: Cedar Rapids IA U.S. Cellular Center 2024: Park City KS Hartman Arena 2025: Indianapolis IN Indiana Farmers Coliseum 2026: Sioux Falls SD Denny Sanford PREMIER Center Division III: 2023: Roanoke VA Berglund Center (Roanoke Civic Center) 2024: La Crosse WI La Crosse Center 2025: Providence RI Dunkin' Donuts Center 2026: Cedar Rapids IA U.S. Cellular Center

D.J. Fehlman will serve as App State's volunteer assistant coach (Photo/Lock Haven Athletics) BOONE, N.C. -- App State Wrestling head coach JohnMark Bentley has announced his full coaching staff for the 2020-21 season, with the three assistant spots being held by Ian Miller, Randall Diabe and DJ Fehlman. With Miller serving as the head assistant coach, Diabe has been promoted to assistant coach and Felhman arrives as the Mountaineers' volunteer assistant following a standout competitive career at Lock Haven. The four coaches in Boone combined for 429 victories and 11 appearances at the NCAA Championships during their college careers. "I'm excited to add Randall and DJ to round out our staff for this year," Bentley said. "Randall has a tremendous love for Appalachian and will be a valuable asset as he continues to grow in this coaching role. DJ provides valuable experience as a competitor and will provide needed energy and hands-on training to our student-athletes." Diabe completed his App State Wrestling career in 2018-19 and made his coaching debut as a volunteer assistant for the Mountaineers last season, helping them go 9-3 overall, produce a school-record six NCAA qualifiers, post a Division I-best four shutouts and finish as one of only six teams that had all 10 starters post a winning record. A two-time NCAA Championships qualifier, Diabe finished his competitive career in 2019 with a 77-48 record after being named All-Southern Conference at 197 pounds and earning an automatic NCAA berth thanks to his title at the SoCon Championship in Boone. Diabe graduated from App State in December 2019 with a degree in health promotion and a minor in nutrition. "I'm really excited to continue my journey with the App State wrestling program in a new role," Diabe said. "As a wrestler, we achieved a lot, and now I can spread all of the knowledge I've gained throughout my collegiate career with our up-and-coming wrestlers. With a year of experience as a volunteer assistant, getting a closer look at what Coach Bentley's vision is for this program from this side of the sport is something I can't wait to partake in. I can't wait to get the ball rolling and achieve new accomplishments with this program, along with its new staff and hungry wrestlers." Fehlman, who is from Warren, Pa., wrapped up his Lock Haven career earlier this year as a three-time NCAA qualifier who also was named an NWCA Division I Scholar All-American. He went 113-44 in his final four years at Lock Haven, made the round of 16 at the NCAAs in 2019 and had several high-level matchups at 133 pounds with App State national qualifier Codi Russell. Felhman and his wife, Shaye, have arrived in Boone and enjoyed their time so far in the High Country. "This team and community are like a family," Fehlman said. "They have welcomed my wife and I here with open arms. The expectation for these wrestlers and coaching staff is to win, and the culture is in place to do so. The wrestling world better keep their eyes on App State this year -- this group is special." Moving forward from a pandemic-shortened season, App State brings back seven wrestlers who were among the team's 10 starters for the majority of the 2019-20 season. Under Bentley's direction, in the past six seasons, App State's 37-4 conference record ranks No. 5 nationally in all of Division I wrestling behind just Missouri, Oklahoma State, Cornell and Penn State.

HARLESTON, S.C. -- Luke Welch has been named the new assistant wrestling coach at The Citadel, it was announced by head coach Ryan LeBlanc. "I am very excited to have Luke join our program," said LeBlanc. "He brings a wealth of knowledge from both his experience as a competitor and a as a coach. He is aligned with our programs' core values and beliefs, and our mission to develop principled leaders. I think he will have a great impact on all of our cadet-athletes." Luke WelchWelch joins the Bulldogs after spending last season as the assistant wrestling coach at the University of Mount Olive. He served as the recruiting coordinator in the Trojans' inaugural season. In that first season, Welch helped guide two wrestlers to the NCAA Division II tournament. The roster also had four wrestlers earn NWCA Scholar All-American honors, while ranking fourth nationally in community service. Welch joined the Trojan staff after spending one year as the assistant wrestling coach at Castle High School. He coached two wrestlers to fourth and sixth place finishes at the IHSAA state meet. He wrestled collegiately at Purdue where he compiled a 93-64 career record at 125 and 133 pounds. He was the 2017 USA Wrestling University Nationals 57 kg national champion, a two-time USA Wrestling University Nationals All-American (2015, 2017), a two-time Academic All-Big Ten selection (2015, 2018), and ranks 18th on Purdue's career takedowns list (227). In his final season with the Boilermakers, Welch went 32-11 and qualified for the 2018 NCAA Wrestling Championships. He won his opening round match before falling to No.3 Spencer Lee of Iowa in the second round. He continued on in the wrestle backs winning a pair of matches before falling one round shy of the All-American rounds. Welch graduated from Purdue in 2018 with a degree in social studies education. He also minored in politics, history and human rights. Welch is currently pursuing his masters of science in nutrition and human performance from Logan University. For more information on The Citadel wrestling team, please visit CitadelSports.com or follow @CitadelWrestle on Twitter and Instagram, and @CitadelWrestling on Facebook.

Kyle Snyder averaged 4.21 points per minute at Senior Nationals (Photo/Mark Lundy, Lutte-Lens.com) The 2020 edition of the Senior Nationals took place this past weekend in Iowa. The tournament declared champions in all 18 weight classes across the three Olympic styles. As always there were several wrestlers who stood out from the field. The following looks at some of the top statistical performers from the event. Greco-Roman Benji Peak entered the 67-kilogram bracket as the fourth seed. He went ahead and had himself a tournament. He won all four of his matches via match termination and took the tournament title. Along the way, Peak scored 10.87 points per minute. If that scoring rate sounds absurd for Greco, it is. The second highest points per minute rate in the Greco tournament belonged to Lukas Poloncic, who averaged 5.11 points per minute in the 87-kilogram bracket. Not only did Peak run up the score on his opponents, but he also surrendered zero points. All other Greco competitors allowed at least one point. Peak was one of only four competitors across all three styles to shutout the field. Peak's prolific scoring and strong defense left him with a +10.87 point differential (points per minute minus points against per minute). Obviously this was the highest metric in the Greco field. Super prospect Braxton Amos had the second highest point differential at +3.17. The following scatter plot visualizes just how much of an outlier Peak was at U.S. Nationals. While Greco is considered by some to be a less dynamic style of wrestling. That certainly does not appear to be the case domestically. At Senior Nationals, 132 of the 202 (65%) Greco matches resulted in match termination. Of course it only takes an eight-point differential to stop a Greco match, this rate was much higher than freestyle. 59% of freestyle matches finished via match termination. Alli Ragan had the highest points per minute in women's wrestling at Senior Nationals (Photo/John Sachs, Tech-Fall.com) Women's wrestling Perhaps the biggest upset of the tournament came at 57 kilograms in women's wrestling. Unseeded upstart Xochitl Mota-Pettis caught the No. 1 seed Alli Ragan in a headlock and scored the first-period fall when they met in the quarterfinals. Despite this defeat, Ragan fought back in the consolation bracket and took third. For the tournament, she scored 5.22 points per minute, which was the highest rate in women's freestyle, and the only two points she surrendered came in the match against Mota-Pettis. Sarah Hildebrandt, down at 50 kilograms, had the second highest scoring rate as she scored 4.73 points per minute. She also did not surrender a single point in her four matches. Adeline Gray and Katherine Shair also prevented their opponents from notching any points as well. The two points allowed by Ragan equate to a 0.28 points per minute allowed. This leaves her with a +4.94 point differential, which was the best rate in the tournament slightly ahead of Hildebrandt (+4.73). There are two ways to look at a bronze medal winner having the best point differential. First, there is an issue with match scoring when a match-ending headlock results in only two points. Second, Ragan was not having an off tournament, which makes the Mota-Pettis victory all the more impressive. Freestyle Despite falling behind Kyven Gadson by five points and eventually pulling out of the match with an injury, Kyle Snyder actually had the highest points per minute rate in the tournament. He averaged 4.21 points per minute after outscoring his first three opponents by a combined 28-0 score and finishing all three matches in the first period. Snyder's 4.21 rate was slightly ahead of Vito Arujau who ran through the 57-kilogram bracket while scoring 4.19 points per minute. In terms of defense, Gabe Dean was the leader in men's freestyle. He allowed only 0.19 points per minute. He never allowed more than a single point in any of his matches and surrendered only four points in five matches. This defense was particularly beneficial in his finals match as he scored a 1-1 criteria victory over Nate Jackson. Arujau had the highest point differential as he used his dynamic scoring to finish matches before his opponents could land any real points. He averaged 4.19 points per minute, while allowing only 0.67, for a +3.52 point differential. Arujau's only match to go the full six minutes was his semifinal bout against Jack Mueller, which was an 11-6 victory. If you like matches with a lot of points, Hayden Hidlay was the wrestler for you. The third-place finisher at 74 kilograms really filled up the scorebook. In his eight matches, he combined with his opponents to score 110 total points, which was the highest point total across all three styles. The only other wrestlers to have over 100 points scored in their matches were Matthew Malcom (103) and Danny Braunagel (102).

Benji Peak celebrates after beating Calvin Germinaro in the Senior Nationals Greco-Roman finals (Photo/Sam Janicki, SJanickiPhoto.com) The Matside is back to discuss the finals of the 2020 Senior Nationals in all three styles. Richard Mann and Clay Sauertieg break down the 16 Senior Nationals finals matches in Greco Roman, women's wrestling and freestyle. The two touch on a variety of topics including the offensive dynamo that is Benji Peak, a shootout between Lauren Louive and Xochitl Mota-Pettis as well as the continuation of Logan Massa's freestyle hot streak. 0:00 - Open 1:09 - Alex Thomsen vs. Mosha Schwartz 4:30 - Benji Peak vs. Calvin Germinaro 7:08 - Kendrick Sanders vs. Patrick Smith 8:26 - Alan Vera vs. Joe Rau 11:13 - Nicholas Boykin vs. Chad Porter 12:36 - Cohlton Schultz vs. West Cathcart 15:54 - Sarah Hildebrandt vs. Amy Fearnside 18:38 - Katherine Shai vs. Ronna Heaton 20:39 - Lauren Louive vs. Xochitl Mota-Pettis (Match of the Finals) 24:58 - Jennifer Page vs. Macey Kilty 29:13 - Forrest Molinari vs. Skylar Grote 30:38 - Adeline Gray vs. Victoria Francis 32:52 - Vito Arujau vs. Dylan Ragusin 38:29 - Andrew Alirez vs. Evan Henderson 41:31 - Logan Massa vs. Anthony Valencia 45:26 - Gabe Dean vs. Nathan Jackson 47:58 - Kollin Moore vs. Kyven Gadson 51:20 - Mason Parris vs. Tanner Hall 55:50 - Plugs and closing

USA Wrestling received notification today from United World Wrestling (UWW) about the two remaining World Championships on the 2020 international schedule. • UWW has canceled the 2020 Junior World Championships, which had been scheduled for early December in Belgrade, Serbia. • In their notification to the national federations, UWW has "decided to keep the Senior Worlds in Belgrade from the 12th to the 20th of December but it will depend upon the participation figures collected on Athena, and obviously on the evolution of the pandemic." According to the UWW notification, on November 6, the UWW Executive Committee "will meet again to check the registrations and discuss the current situation of the pandemic around the world. During this meeting, it will be decided to finally keep this event or cancel it." UWW has asked national federations to only send Teams Staff that is necessary to assist the athletes, and to buy refundable airline tickets. USA Wrestling is taking the decision of United World Wrestling concerning the Senior World Championships very seriously. The organization is gathering information and receiving input from athletes and other stakeholders. A meeting of USA Wrestling's Executive Committee will be held Tuesday night, October 13, to discuss all of the pertinent issues, including the safety of U.S. athletes, coaches and delegation members. This will be the first step to determine the USA Wrestling decision-making process about whether to attend the Senior World Championships. USA Wrestling will keep the wrestling community informed and will have no additional statements at this time.

CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland -- The United World Wrestling bureau today approved existing plans to host the 2020 Senior Wrestling World Championships Dec. 12-20 in Belgrade, Serbia. The committee approved the championships after receiving commitments from more than 70-percent of National Federations, a participation hurdle it had set for itself last month. The bureau will meet Nov. 6 to discuss any changes to the event due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and it's impact on participation. "We are cautiously optimistic about wrestling's return in December," said United World Wrestling president Nenad LALOVIC. "The safety of our athletes, coaches, and staff is our top priority and we will be taking every measure to ensure that happens in Belgrade." The Junior Wrestling World Championships, originally scheduled for the week prior, were canceled after feedback from the national federations indicated concerns about the number of participants able to attend. The Congress, originally scheduled for the same week, will be discussed in the coming weeks as more information is made available from national federations.

Logan Massa hits a double leg on Anthony Valencia in the finals at 74 kilograms (Photo/Mark Lundy, Lutte-Lens.com) CORALVILLE, Iowa -- Logan Massa repeated as Senior Nationals freestyle champion on Sunday and did so in dominant fashion. The fifth-year senior at the University of Michigan claimed a 15-2 technical superiority over Anthony Valencia in the finals at 74 kilograms. Massa gave up the opening point off a step out, but cruised the rest of the way. He used a four-point throw to go up 4-1 and added a takedown late in the first period to go up 6-1 at the break. He continued to pile it on the second period and closed out the technical superiority after Valencia attempted a desperation move in the final 20 seconds of the match. "I just keep trying to score points," said Massa. "It doesn't matter if the score is 1-0 or 9-0. I've got to score the next point. I've got to keep scoring points." To make the Olympic team, Massa will have to go through Olympic champion Jordan Burroughs and two-time world champ Kyle Dake. He believes he can compete with anyone in the world. "I just beat Bekzod [Abdurakhmonov]," said Massa. He's a two-time world bronze medalist. So I'm right there with those guys. Let's go. Let's bring it." Massa was one of two champions for the Cliff Keen Wrestling Club. The other was Mason Parris at 125 kilograms. Mason Parris after winning the title at 125 kilograms (Photo/Mark Lundy, Lutte-Lens.com) For Parris, a 2019 junior world champion, it was his first major breakthrough on the senior level. Like his teammate Massa, Parris was dominant in the finals, claiming a 12-2 technical superiority over Tanner Hall. Parris, a Big Ten runner-up in 2020, hit a dump early in the match, scoring four but giving up two exposure, making the score 4-2. He used a gut wrench to score two more and go up 6-2. A short time later, Parris fired off a shot and scored two before adding two more gut wrench turns to close out the match in the first period. A pair of Cornell standouts -- one present and one past, Vito Arujau and Gabe Dean, earned titles at 57 kilograms and 86 kilograms respectively. Arujau, a 2019 junior world silver medalist, faced surprise finalist Dylan Ragusin iat 57 kilograms. After Ragusin, a freshman at Michigan, scored the opening point off a step out 10 seconds into the match, Arujua rolled the rest of the way. He scored a pair of takedowns before showcasing a strong par terre game, turning Ragusin multiples times on his way to a 13-3 technical superiority. "I think people can see now that I'm competing in there with the best guys," said Arujau. "If you didn't think I had any shot before, hopefully you can revaluate and give me at least a little bit of a shot." Gabe Dean won the title at 86 kilograms after a three-year layoff (Photo/Mark Lundy, Lutte-Lens.com) Dean, who last competed in 2017 prior to this weekend, won a hard-fought finals match over top-seeded Nate Jackson at 86 kilograms. Jackson scored the first point off the activity clock and led 1-0 at the break. Dean kept the pressure on in the second period and Jackson was placed on the activity clock. After Jackson was unable to score, Dean was awarded a point and held on to win 1-1 on criteria of scoring the final point. Third-seeded Kollin Moore used a big opening period to pace him a to 12-5 victory over Kyven Gadson at 97 kilograms. Moore built an 8-4 lead after the opening period and continued to add to his lead in the second period. Andrew Alirez came through as the No. 9 seed to win the title at 65 kilograms (Photo/Mark Lundy, Lutte-Lens.com) Andrew Alirez, a sophomore at Northern Colorado, was the lowest seeded wrestlers to win a freestyle title, coming through as the No. 9 seed at 65 kilograms. Alirez topped Evan Henderson in the finals at 65 kilograms, 5-1. He controlled the match from start to finish, going up 3-0 in the first period before adding a second takedown in the final period to extend his lead to 5-0. Henderson would add a late step out point, but it was too little, too late. Finals results: 57 kilograms: Vito Arujau tech. Dylan Ragusin, 13-3 1:51 65 kilograms: Andrew Alirez dec. Evan Henderson, 5-1 74 kilograms: Logan Massa tech. Anthony Valencia, 15-2 5:46 86 kilograms: Gabe Dean dec. Nate Jackson, 1-1 97 kilograms: Kollin Moore dec. Kyven Gadson, 12-5 125 kilograms: Mason Parris tech. Tanner Hall, 12-2 1:23

Adeline Gray with her plaque after winning a Senior Nationals title at 76 kilograms (Photo/Mark Lundy, Lutte-Lens.com) CORALVILLE, Iowa -- On Saturday, Adeline Gray showed why she is No. 1 in the world. The five-time world champion captured the Senior Nationals title at 76 kilograms with a first-period technical superiority over world fifth-place finisher Victoria Francis. Gray scored first with a two-point exposure and built her lead to 4-0 when she countered a Francis attack for a takedown. After exposing Francis two more times, she finished the match with a double leg takedown. Four years ago, Gray defeated Francis to make the 2016 Olympic team. The two were teammates on the 2019 world team, with Gray competing at 76 kilograms and Francis wrestling down a weight class at 72 kilograms. "I was excited to go out there," Gray said after her finals match. "She's big and strong. I don't know if she has solidified what weight she is going [for the Olympic Team Trials]. So hopefully I convinced her to go back down to 68, but we'll see what happens at Olympic Trials. "She gave me my longest match of the day. She's definitely a contender no matter what weight she goes at. She's strong and tough and dedicated, everything we are building here as Team USA." The 29-year-old Gray finished the tournament unscored upon, after getting a 37-second fall in her first match, which she followed up with a 10-0 technical superiority in the semifinals. Also winning titles in women's wrestling on Saturday were Jennifer Page (62 kilograms) and Forrest Molinari (68 kilograms). Jennifer Page after winning the title at 62 kilograms (Photo/Mark Lundy, Lutte-Lens.com) Page mounted a late rally in the 62-kilogram finals to stun five-time age group world medalist Macey Kilty, 4-3. Kilty was in control most of the match. She scored a takedown off a single leg just over a minute into the match and took a 2-0 lead into the break. Kilty extended her lead to 3-0 by scoring a point off the activity clock. Page scored her first point off a step out with 35 seconds remaining. A short time later, Kilty took a shot, which Page countered for a takedown with exposure. After the flurry, the scoreboard showed Page up 7-3, but was later changed to 4-3 with five seconds remaining. When action resumed, Kilty took a shot but was unable to score as time ran out, giving Page the one-point victory. "The whole time I knew I needed to get my offense going," said Page. "I was a little slow in the beginning, but I picked up the pace and found a way to score." Forrest Molinari won by fall in the finals at 68 kilograms (Photo/Mark Lundy, Lutte-Lens.com) Molinari, a two-time world fifth-place finisher, claimed her third straight Senior Nationals title with a second-period fall over Skylar Grote. Grote scored the first point off a step out, but it was all Molinari the rest of the way. Molinari took a 3-1 lead into the break. In the second period, she threw Grote to her back and secured the fall. Molinari competed at 65 kilograms but moved up to 68 kilograms for her Olympic run. She says she's not looking ahead despite knowing the Olympics are on the horizon. "Every day it's the same goal, to get better," said Molinari. "I'm not looking ahead to the Olympics. I'm looking at what I'm going to do tomorrow to get better. You just go day-by-day. When you're looking at the whole thing, it's too much. What do I need to do today to get better? That's why coming out of quarantine I think I still look pretty good, and I didn't have everything that I'm used to having during quarantine." Sarah Hildebrandt, who won a Senior Nationals title on Friday night, was named Outstanding Wrestler of the women's wrestling competition. Finals results: 62 kilograms: Jennifer Page dec. Macey Kilty, 4-3 68 kilograms: Forrest Molinari pinned Skylar Grote, 4:20 76 kilograms: Adeline Gray tech. Victoria Francis, 10-0

Gabe Dean advanced to the finals by beating Trent Hidlay (Photo/Mark Lundy, Lutte-Lens.com) CORALVILLE, Iowa -- Gabe Dean entered this weekend's Senior Nationals after a three-year layoff from competition. If he was rusty, it didn't show. On Saturday, Dean, a two-time NCAA champion for Cornell, reached the finals at 86 kilograms with a 2-1 victory over Trent Hidlay. The victory came only hours after he dismantled Taylor Lujan 10-0 in the quarterfinals. "You train in the room and stuff as hard as you can," said Dean, an assistant coach at Cornell. "But let's just put it this way, I'm going to be really sore tomorrow. There's a lot of really tough young, upcoming guys. I might not be the most offensive, or where I want to be yet, but a win's a win." Dean will battle top-seeded Nate Jackson in Sunday's finals. Jackson, who trains at the NJRTC, looked strong in his four matches Saturday. After picking up three straight 10-0 technical superiorities, Jackson defeated 2019 NCAA champion Drew Foster 7-4 in the semifinals. "I'm wrestling for a lot more than myself right now," said Jackson. "It's fun. It's exciting. But the job's not done." Kyven Gadson advanced to the finals at 97 kilograms with an injury default victory over Olympic champion Kyle Snyder. Gadson fired off a shot moments into the match and scored a takedown on Snyder to go up 2-0. A minute into the match Snyder took a shot and came up limping. Gadson was given a step-out point. After a short injury timeout, action resumed, and Gadson added another takedown after countering Snyder's attack. Snyder was unable to continue and Gadson moved into the finals. Kollin Moore defeated Hayden Zillmer in the semifinals at 97 kilograms (Photo/Mark Lundy, Lutte-Lens.com) Gadson will face Kollin Moore in the 97-kilogram finals. Moore earned a hard-fought 8-5 victory in the semifinals over Hayden Zillmer. The most surprising finalist came at 57 kilograms, where 2020 high school graduate Dylan Ragusin stunned a past NCAA champion in the quarterfinals before beating an NCAA All-American by technical superiority in the semifinals. Ragusin, the nation's No. 30 senior recruit in the Class of 2020, knocked off 2017 NCAA champ Darian Cruz and NCAA All-American Sean Russell in the quarterfinals and semifinals respectively. Ragusin, now a freshman at the University of Michigan, will face top-seeded Vito Arujau in the finals. Arujau, a junior world silver medalist and NCAA All-American, topped Jack Mueller 11-6 in the semifinals. The 65-kilogram bracket saw the No. 3 and No. 9 seeds reach the finals. On the top side of the 65-kilogram bracket, Northern Colorado wrestler Andrew Alirez reached the finals with a convincing 7-1 semifinal win over Yahya Thomas. His road to the finals also included victories over top-seeded Joey McKenna and junior world silver medalist Mitch McKee. Evan Henderson, seeded third, rolled to a 13-5 victory over second-seeded Jaydin Eierman in the semifinals. At 74 kilograms, top-seeded Logan Massa looked dominant on Saturday, picking up three technical superiorities in his first four matches before shutting out junior world champion David Carr 4-0 in the semifinals. Anthony Valencia finishes a takedown against Evan Wick (Photo/Mark Lundy, Lutte-Lens.com) Massa will be looking for his second straight Senior Nationals title after winning the championship in December. He will face third-seeded Anthony Valencia in the finals. At 125 kilograms, fifth-seeded Tanner Hall edged top-seeded Dom Bradley in the semifinals, 3-2. On the bottom side of the bracket, junior world champion Mason Parris, seeded No. 2, used a cradle to earn a first-period fall over Trent Hillger. Sunday's freestyle finals are slated for 12:30 p.m. CT. Semifinal results 57 kilograms: Vito Arujau dec. Jack Mueller, 11-6 Dylan Ragusin tech. Sean Russell, 16-5 3:13 65 kilograms: Andrew Alirez dec. Yahya Thomas, 7-1 Evan Henderson dec. Jaydin Eierman, 13-5 74 kilograms: Logan Massa dec. David Carr, 4-0 Anthony Valencia dec. Evan Wick, 10-8 86 kilograms: Nathan Jackson dec. Drew Foster, 7-4 Gabe Dean dec. Trent Hidlay, 2-1 97 kilograms: Kyven Gadson by injury default over Kyle Snyder Kollin Moore dec. Hayden Zillmer, 8-5 125 kilograms: Tanner Hall dec. Dom Bradley, 3-2 Mason Parris pinned Trent Hillger, 2:11

Top-seeded Logan Massa won by technical superiority in the quarterfinals (Photo/Sam Janicki, SJanickiPhoto.com) 57 kilograms: Vito Arujau tech. Jakob Camacho, 11-0 Jack Mueller tech. Sam Latona, 13-2 Sean Russell dec. Frank Perrelli, 3-2 Dylan Ragusin dec. Skyler Petry, 8-1 65 kilograms: Andrew Alirez dec. Joey McKenna, 6-4 Yahya Thomas dec. Nick Dardanes, 5-5 Evan Henderson dec. Robbie Mathers, 12-3 Jaydin Eierman dec. Matthew Kolodzik, 6-5 74 kilograms: Logan Massa tech. Danny Braunagel, 13-2 David Carr dec. Ryan Deakin, 6-5 Anthony Valencia dec. Hayden Hidlay, 13-9 Evan Wick tech. Joey Lavallee, 10-0 86 kilograms: Nathan Jackson tech. Rocky Elam, 10-0 Drew Foster tech. Andrew Morgan, 11-0 Trent Hidlay dec. David McFadden, 7-6 Gabe Dean tech. Taylor Lujan, 10-0 97 kilograms: Kyle Snyder tech. Jakob Woodley, 10-0 Kyven Gadson pinned Eric Schultz, 2:11 Kollin Moore dec. Ty Walz, 4-4 Hayden Zillmer dec. T.J. Dudley, 4-3 125 kilograms: Dom Bradley dec. Daniel Chaid, 3-1 Tanner Hall tech. Demertius Thomas, 13-2 Trent Hillger dec. Youssif Hemida, 6-2 Mason Parris dec. Jordan Wood, 9-6

Jaydin Eierman celebrates after beating Ethan Lizak in the round of 16 (Photo/Mark Lundy, Lutte-Lens.com) 57 kilograms: Vito Arujau tech. Jackson Nielsen, 10-0 0:34 Jakob Camacho tech. Brody Teske, 10-0 1:44 Sam Latona dec. Shelton Mack, 12-4 Jack Mueller tech. Codi Russell, 10-0 1:15 Frank Perrelli tech. Antonio Saldate, 12-2 2:16 Sean Russell tech. Jack Medley, 10-0 2:59 Skyler Petry dec. Matthew Ramos, 3-1 Dylan Ragusin dec. Darian Cruz, 7-6 65 kilograms: Joey McKenna tech. Jaden Abas, 10-0 0:25 Andrew Alirez dec. Mitchell McKee, 11-5 Yahya Thomas dec. Kanen Storr, 5-1 Nick Dardanes dec. Andy Simmons, 8-0 Evan Henderson dec. Ian Parker, 10-8 Robbie Mathers tech. Dean Heil, 10-0 1:47 Matthew Kolodzik dec. Sean Fausz, 10-2 Jaydin Eierman pinned Ethan Lizak, 3:35 Junior world champ David Carr punched his ticket to the quarterfinals (Photo/Mark Lundy, Lutte-Lens.com) 74 kilograms: Logan Massa dec. Jarrett Jacques, 12-8 Danny Braunagel dec. Dan Vallimont, 12-8 David Carr tech. Renaldo Rodriguez-Spencer, 12-1 4:39 Ryan Deakin tech. Caleb Licking, 11-0 2:57 Anthony Valencia dec. Elroy Perkin, 16-13 Hayden Hidlay dec. Rick Durso, 9-5 Joey Lavallee dec. A.C. Headlee, 3-2 Evan Wick dec. Cameron Amine, 8-5 86 kilograms: Nathan Jackson tech. Parker Keckeisen, 10-0 2:06 Rocky Elam tech. Max Dean, 10-0 1:28 Drew Foster tech. Taylor Venz, 12-0 1:42 Andrew Morgan dec. Zachary Braunagel, 8-8 Trent Hidlay tech. Garrett Joles, 13-2 4:09 David McFadden tech. Lucas Lovvorn, 10-0 2:35 Taylor Lujan tech. Devin Skatzka, 10-0 1:08 Gabe Dean pinned Nathan Haas, 1:00 Olympic champ Kyle Snyder was dominant in Saturday's opening session (Photo/Mark Lundy, Lutte-Lens.com) 97 kilograms: Kyle Snyder tech. William Baldwin, 12-0 1:27 Jakob Woodley dec. Nick Reenan, 8-0 Eric Schultz dec. Ben Honis, 10-6 Kyven Gadson dec. Nino Bonaccorsi, 5-2 Kollin Moore tech. Nathan Traxler, 10-0 1:37 Ty Walz dec. Lucas Davison, 5-2 T.J. Dudley tech. Scottie Boykin, 10-0 0:56 Hayden Zillmer tech. Evan Hansen, 13-2 5:11 Jordan Wood takes down Zach Elam (Photo/Mark Lundy, Lutte-Lens.com) 125 kilograms: Dom Bradley tech. Zach Schrader, 14-4 4:24 Daniel Chaid dec. Derek White, 6-2 Tanner Hall tech. A.J. Nevills, 13-1 4:19 Demertius Thomas dec. Tate Orndorff, 12-11 Youssif Hemida tech. Ben Goldin, 10-0 5:52 Trent Hillger dec. Mauro Correnti, 4-3 Jordan Wood dec. Zach Elam, 5-4 Mason Parris dec. Christian Lance, 9-4

Kendrick Sanders hits an under-arm spin on Pat Smith in the finals at 77 kilograms (Photo/Mark Lundy, Lutte-Lens.com) CORALVILLE, Iowa -- Kendrick Sanders wrestled like a man on a mission Friday. The 30-year-old claimed a Senior Nationals title in Greco-Roman Friday night in Coralville, Iowa, with an impressive 8-0 first-period technical superiority over two-time world team member Pat Smith. Sanders, a U.S. Open champion in 2014 and 2019, raced out to a 4-0 lead on the strength of an under-arm spin. He then used a trapped-arm gut wrench to turn Smith twice and end the match. Benji Peak celebrates after winning the title at 67 kilograms (Photo/Mark Lundy, Lutte-Lens.com) Benji Peak of Northern Michigan cruised to the title at 67 kilograms with a first period 8-0 technical superiority over Calvin Germinaro and earned Outstanding Wrestler honors in the process. Peak scored an early takedown and then attempted a lift before Germinaro was penalized for a leg foul, giving Peak an additional two points after a successful challenge. Peak then lifted Germinaro and executed a four-point throw to finish off a first period technical superiority. Alex Thomsen runs out to the mat for his finals match (Photo/Mark Lundy, Lutte-Lens.com) University of Nebraska wrestler Alex Thomsen, wrestling his home state of Iowa, claimed his first Senior Nationals title with a 5-2 victory over Colorado native Mosha Schwartz. Thomsen scored the first point of the match off a step out. Schwartz came back with a takedown to go up 2-1. Thomsen retook the lead when he countered a throw and took a 3-2 lead into the break. Thomsen added to his lead with a takedown to go up 5-2. Schwartz cut the deficit to two with a step out. In the final seconds, Schwartz attempted a duck under and transitioned to throw, but was unable to score and Thomsen held on for the win. Alan Vera with the championship plaque (Photo/Mark Lundy, Lutte-Lens.com) Alan Vera, a gold medalist at the Dave Schultz Memorial and Bill Farrell International, solidified himself as the nation's top 87-kilogram Greco-Roman wrestler with a convincing 7-1 victory over Joe Rau. Vera, formerly of Cuba, scored first off a caution and then used a gut wrench to go up 3-0. He added another takedown to lead 5-0 at the break. Rau was able to get on the scoreboard in the second period with a caution. But Vera would add another takedown to win by six. Nick Boykin defeated Chad Porter in the finals at 97 kilograms (Photo/Mark Lundy, Lutte-Lens.com) Second-seeded Nick Boykin topped No. 1-seeded Chad Porter 5-1 in the finals at 97 kilograms. Boykin jumped out to an early 2-0 lead after he countered a Porter arm throw and scored a two-point exposure. The match would remain 2-0 into the break. Boykin added to his lead with a passivity to go up 3-0. Porter would get on the board with a step out to cut the deficit to 3-1. But a late go-behind by Boykin increased his lead to 5-1, which is how the match would end. Cohlton Schultz talks to his coach Mark Perry (Photo/Mark Lundy, Lutte-Lens.com) Three-time age group world medalist Cohlton Schultz earned the title at 130 kilograms with a 4-2 win over West Cathcart. Schultz scored first off a passivity to go up 1-0 and then attempted a gut wrench, which Cathart countered and exposed Schultz for two before Schultz recovered and got to his feet and scored a step out. Schultz, who currently competes for Arizona State, would add a step out and take a 3-2 lead into the break. He would tack on an additional point off a step out in the second period. Results: 60: Alex Thomsen dec. Mosha Schwartz, 5-3 67: Benjamin Peak tech. Calvin Germinaro, 8-0 77: Kendrick Sanders tech. Pat Smith, 8-0 87: Alan Vera dec. Joe Rau, 7-1 97: Nick Boykin dec. Chad Porter, 5-1 130: Cohlton Schultz dec. West Cathcart, 4-2

Sarah Hildebrandt with the Senior Nationals championship plaque (Photo/Mark Lundy, Lutte-Lens.com) CORALVILLE, Iowa -- World silver medalist Sarah Hildebrandt capped off a dominant performance at Senior Nationals on Friday night at Xtream Arena in Coralville, Iowa. The 27-year-old Indiana native was one of three champions crowned in women's wrestling on the opening day of Senior Nationals. Hildebrandt had little trouble in the finals at 50 kilograms, rolling to an easy 8-0 victory over Amy Fearnside. Hildebrandt scored a takedown 30 seconds into the match to go up 2-0. She extended her lead to 6-0 with another takedown and turn off a lace. She would add a third takedown late in the match. Lauren Louive won by fall in the finals at 57 kilograms (Photo/Mark Lundy, Lutte-Lens.com) The most exciting women's wrestling finals match came at 57 kilograms where Lauren Louive came from behind late to secure a fall over Xochitl Mota-Pettis. Mota-Pettis, who defeated top-seeded Alli Ragan earlier in the tournament, built a 4-0 lead before Louive scored a late first-period exposure to cut the deficit to 4-2 at the break. In the second period, Mota-Pettis extended her lead to 6-2 off a double leg takedown. Louive battled back, scoring a takedown and gut wrench to take a 6-6 criteria lead. But Mota-Pettis retook the lead, scoring a takedown off a lateral drop to go up 8-6. With 25 seconds remaining, Louive hit a headlock and then secured the fall to earn the title. Katherine Shai won her first Senior Nationals crown (Photo/Mark Lundy, Lutte-Lens.com) Katherine Shai claimed her first Senior Nationals title with a dominant 10-0 technical superiority over past cadet world champion Ronna Heaton at 53 kilograms. Shai scored three first-period takedowns to go up 6-0 at the break. She countered a crotch lift in the second period to build her lead to 8-0. Shai then finished the match early in the second period with another takedown. The final three women's wrestling weight classes will be contested on Saturday. Results: 50: Sarah Hildebrandt tech. Amy Fearnside, 8-0 53: Katherine Shai tech. Ronna Heaton, 10-0 57: Lauren Louive pinned Xochitl Mota-Pettis

Xochitl Mota-Pettis advanced to the finals with a technical superiority at 57 kilograms (Photo/Sam Janicki, SJanickiPhoto.com) 50 kilograms: Sarah Hildebrandt tech. Emily Shilson, 10-0 0:36 Amy Fearnside dec. Alyssa Lampe, 6-5 53 kilograms: Katherine Shai pinned Amy Golding, 1:45 Ronna Heaton dec. Alisha Howk, 8-2 57 kilograms Xochitl Mota-Pettis tech. Vayle Baker, 10-0 2:07 Lauren Louive pinned Ngao Shoua Whitethorn, 0:29

Pat Smith claimed a semifinal victory over teammate Alec Ortiz (Photo/Sam Janicki, SJanickiPhoto.com) 60 kilograms: Alex Thomsen tech. Chance Rich, 8-0 1:38 Mosha Schwartz dec. Dylan Koontz, 5-1 67 kilograms: Calvin Germinaro tech. Lenny Merkin, 16-8 3:45 Benjamin Peak tech. Nolan Baker, 9-0 1:46 77 kilograms: Pat Smith dec. Alec Ortiz, 4-1 Kendrick Sanders dec. Ryan Epps, 4-2 87 kilograms: Alan Vera by injury default over Trent Munoz Joe Rau tech. Christian Dulaney, 2:56 97 kilograms: Chad Porter dec. Jeremiah Imonode, 2-1 Nicholas Boykin dec. Braxton Amos, 3-2 130 kilograms: Cohlton Schultz dec. Tanner Farmer, 4-3 West Cathcart dec. Luke Luffman, 7-0

The opening session in Greco-Roman saw some big throws (Photo/Mark Lundy, Lutte-Lens.com) 60 kilograms: Alex Thomsen dec. Taylor LaMont, 10-4 Chance Rich dec. Conor Knopick, 8-5 Dylan Koontz dec. Brady Koontz, 5-2 Mosha Schwartz dec. Randon Miranda, 8-7 67 kilograms: Calvin Germinaro dec. Jasiah Williams, 8-3 Lenny Merkin tech. Anthony Abidin, 8-0 1:20 Benjamin Peak tech. Jessy Williams, 9-0 1:09 Nolan Baker pinned Duncan Nelson, 3:30 77 kilograms: Pat Smith tech. Peyton Robb, 11-0 3:34 Alec Ortiz dec. Fritz Schierl, 6-0 Kendrick Sanders tech. Riley Briggs, 8-0 2:54 Ryan Epps tech. Tyler Eischens, 11-3 4:16 87 kilograms: Trent Munoz dec. Dane Harter, 7-2 Christian Dulaney tech. Conner Linehan, 9-0 4:01 Joe Rau tech. Lukas Poloncic, 8-0 1:03 Alan Vera by injury default over Lelund Weatherspoon 97 kilograms: Chad Porter tech. Denzel Mabry, 8-0 3:21 Jeremiah Imonode dec. John Kent, 6-2 Braxton Amos tech. Tyler Hannah, 8-0 0:42 Nicholas Boykin tech. Christian Rouleau, 10-0 1:17 130 kilograms: Cohlton Schultz dec. Austin Emerson, 5-0 Tanner Farmer dec. Donny Longendyke, 4-2 Luke Luffman tech. Zach Schrader, 9-0 4:16 West Cathcart tech. Malcolm Allen, 8-0 1:06

Sarah Hildebrandt, the top seed at 50 kilograms, locks up a lace (Photo/Mark Lundy, Lutte-Lens.com) 50 kilograms: Sarah Hildebrandt tech. Junnette Caldera, 10-0 1:02 Emily Shilson tech. Stefana Jelacic, 10-0 5:19 Amy Fearnside tech. Charlotte Fowler, 10-0 2:27 Alyssa Lampe dec. Samara Chavez, 11-10 53 kilograms: Katherine Shai tech. Arelys Valles, 10-0 1:45 Amy Golding dec. Camille Fournier, 12-12 Alisha Howk tech. Victoria Smith, 10-0 2:11 Ronna Heaton via Bye 57 kilograms Xochitl Mota-pettis pinned Alli Ragan, 1:02 Vayle Baker tech. Kairah Cantillo, 12-1 2:23 Ngao shoua Whitethorn dec. Deanna Prince, 12-5 Lauren Louive df. Jasmine Davis (Cautions)

Greg Strobel (Lehigh Athletics) BETHLEHEM, Pa. -- Lehigh Athletics has lost a legend. On Thursday, the family of former head wrestling coach and administrator Greg Strobel shared the news that he had passed away. A member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, Strobel served as Lehigh's head coach from 1995 through 2008, which included five straight EIWA Championships from 2002 through 2006. Strobel was 68 years old. "The news of Greg's passing is shocking and difficult to process, mostly because Greg was so full of life and optimism and energy, perhaps more so than anyone I have ever known," said Murray H. Goodman Dean of Athletics Joe Sterrett. "His resilience and strength through a successful battle with cancer a few years ago, and then the loss of his wife Donna less than a year ago, were profound examples to everyone who knew him of the power of faith and a positive attitude." Current Lehigh head wrestling coach Pat Santoro served as an assistant under Strobel for eight seasons, and after a stint as Maryland head coach, was named his successor following Strobel's retirement in 2008. "I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around Greg's passing," said Santoro. "He was a man so full of life and has been a part of mine for many years. He was a great mentor coach, and friend." As Lehigh head coach, Strobel posted a 189-83-1 dual record, winning six total EIWA titles. Under his watch, Strobel's wrestlers captured 28 individual EIWA championships and 30 All-America honors. He coached two NCAA champions: Rob Rohn in 2002 and Troy Letters in 2004. He was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2012. "Greg lived an amazing life and accomplished so much," said Santoro. "He made such a positive impact on the sport of wrestling and an even greater impact on his wrestlers. He loved to teach, whether it was wrestling, fishing or woodworking, and was good at it. He always taught great habits to and shared wisdom with his teams… things they will remember and use the rest of their lives. His energy and positive attitude were unrivaled by anyone I know." As an athlete, Strobel won two NCAA titles and was a three-time All-American at Oregon State, finishing his career with a 124-5-1 record. After retiring from coaching in 2008, Strobel transitioned into an administrative leadership position as Assistant Athletic Director in which he served multiple roles. He led Lehigh Athletics' camps and clinics efforts until he retired following the 2018-19 academic year. "Greg had attacked his retirement from full-time work with the same characteristics and he was truly excited about spending his time in the ways he would most enjoy - with grandchildren, around the sport of wrestling that he loved, and in a boat, fishing," said Sterrett. "All of us at Lehigh extend our thoughts, prayers, love and appreciation to his daughters and their families for sharing with us their father and grandfather. His legacy as an extraordinarily distinguished coach, educator and mentor is secure in the hearts of so many associated with Lehigh, many of whom are today sadly mourning the unexpected passing of a friend." "Today, my thoughts and prayers are with his daughters Jen and Christine and the rest of their family who he loved and cherished," said Santoro. "Although I will miss him very much, I feel peace in knowing that he and his Donna are together again." Details about services are still being arranged, though Lehigh Athletics will host a memorial event to honor Greg's life and service at Lehigh. Once further details, including a date, are confirmed, they will be communicated on Lehighsports.com and/or the Lehigh Athletics/Lehigh Wrestling social media channels.