InterMat Staff

The coaching carousel was given a sizable push this week when Sammie Henson was ousted as the head wrestling coach at West Virginia University after only four seasons at the helm. Henson's run at West Virginia started with promise when unheralded freshman Zeke Moisey finished as a runner-up at the 2015 NCAAs. The style of wrestling combined with his successes as an assistant at Mizzou and a variety of other schools gave significant hope to Mountaineer fans that their move to the Big 12 would be filled with hardware. But the championships never came. Another three years and only Moisey made it back onto the national stage, finishing eighth at the 2018 NCAAs. Henson, as head coach, was ultimately responsible for those lack of results. There is no question that Henson is a superb, almost peerless wrestling coach, but his lack of wins at West Virginia showed the wrestling community that there is now much more to account for as the head wrestling coach. Gone are the days of middling .500 coaching careers lasting 30-plus years and mediocrity being able to rule a program. Though Henson very well may have turned around his performance by 2020, there was no guarantee of future wins and the trend wasn't in his favor. One silver lining for the wrestling community is that West Virginia was aggressive in searching for a winning program. West Virginia did what wrestling fans want from athletic programs. They demanded excellence and were proactive in finding solutions. I hope that this latest setback doesn't deter Henson from his dreams of being a top-flight head coach. While it didn't happen for him at WVU, he no doubt learned lessons from the experience, whether it be wrestler management, alumni relations or some other skill necessary for the modern coach-CEO to succeed. Schools like West Virginia are starting to treat wrestling like football and basketball -- tough love, but filled with second and third chances. Wrestling, and Sammie, deserve that opportunity. To your questions … Joe McFarland talks with Alec Pantaleo (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com) Q: I think it's commendable when a coach retires and leaves a program in a great place. That's what Joe McFarland did at Michigan. The Wolverines were a trophy team and the future looks extremely bright. Do you wish more coaches would do that, rather than just hang on? -- Mike C. Foley: As I mentioned above, there has been an increase in pressure by athletic departments for top coaches to act more like CEO's. Coach McFarland's last seven years are a testament to his ability to adapt and excel at the CEO-type model for big-time head wrestling coaches. In October of 2010, I wrote a story for InterMat critiquing college coaches. I listed Joe McFarland as a coach who is 'under a watchful eye' after the Wolverines finished 43rd at the NCAAs the previous season. There is plenty over the past seven-plus years that I may have forgotten, but the unkind response of the Michigan fan base, and cold shoulder from Coach McFarland stuck with me. A year later I was asked in a mailbag about McFarland's initial changes (coaches, recruiting, facilities) and I mentioned that I was impressed with the recent developments. Now, seven full seasons later, McFarland steps off the mat with a top five program capable of challenging for the NCAA title in 2019, best-ever alumni support, a stand-alone wrestling facility and a coaching staff many consider one of the best in the nation. Congrats to McFarland on his incredible career and the positive influence he has had on hundreds of his former wrestlers and staff. Q: With Chris Bono becoming the coach at Wisconsin who do you see becoming the next coach at South Dakota State University? -- Gregg Y. Foley: Sammie Henson? Maybe too soon. I think Ethan Kyle, the associate head wrestling coach at Wyoming, would be a solid option for the job. He's been under Branch's wing for almost a decade, wrestled for John Smith and seems to be a professional member of the coaching community. Maybe he's not the same name identification, but he makes a hell of a lot of sense. J Jaggers at the NCAAs (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com) Q: Cleveland State is thought to be a potential sleeping giant because of its location, in the heart of wrestling-rich Ohio. When that job recently opened up, I immediately thought J Jaggers might be a good fit since he's from that area and obviously knows a thing or two about winning. CSU scored zero points this season at the NCAAs in their home city! So how much of a risk would it be? Not much of one if you ask me. -- Mike C. Foley: Jaggers is a perfect fit for the hometown program. However, I would hope that in negotiating his terms he (or any other coach) would insist on institutional support, including an increased budget and staffing size. I don't know that there are any location-based super powers looming. There is an incredible amount of competition at the top of college wrestling and the programs that are winning are not always the traditional powers, but they are programs with strong institutional support. Q: What has changed on the youth development level that has made the U.S. Cadets and Juniors so competitive on the world level in their age groups? It seems a philosophy change happened a while ago and what is the exact philosophy? And outside of some of the more well-known names like Spencer Lee, Daton Fix, Gable Steveson, Mark Hall, Yianni Diakomihalis etc. who else should fans be looking out for? -- Marcus R. Foley: I've written about the development of USA youth and I maintain that the largest factor in their development is online access to wrestling technique and matches. When I was in high school I had NEVER seen a college wrestling match. Maybe my example is extreme, but in 1999 the only way for me to watch big-time college wrestling would've been to catch the NCAA finals on tape delay at 1 a.m., or grab a copy of an Iowa Public Television video of the Hawkeyes. Today, high school wrestlers (and youth wrestlers of all ages) can go onto their phones are watch tens of thousands of hours of matches and technique, largely for free. That is an incredible change in the development of wrestling that has been accelerated by sport specialization and changes by USA Wrestling. The national federation has looked to focus developmental camps on weight classes more than age groups, for example sending Lee to Colorado Springs with the senior-level team to help bolster lightweight rounds, rather than doing a Cadet-only type camp. As for who's next … could be anyone. Print out InterMat's top 100 recruits and throw dart. It's that unclear who will emerge in 2020 or 2021. Q: Do you think Spencer Lee or Yianni Diakamohalis will be a four-time time NCAA champion? -- Gregg Y. Foley: I do. I think that Spencer Lee will be a four-time NCAA champion. He executes perfect technique, has the ability to funk, is a hammer on top, and is the most mentally tough wrestler I've ever seen. There may be losses, but when the lights come on and medals that matter are on the line I think Lee is among the best we will ever see. Ever. Yianni is also special, but I think that he's a bit more susceptible given his unique style and the likelihood that he increases weight classes each year and may find his way into a buzzsaw or two. Also, with the ACL tear his funk might be limited. Yes, Lee also had an ACL tear, but he's not as dependent on tricky knees and isn't wrestling against the same horsepower and brute strength Yianni will face as he creeps up in weight. Both of these guys are going to be legends. I just feel more confident in Lee's ability to close out all four titles! Q: The Kyle Snyder-Adam Coon rivalry, while exciting, highlighted the oddity of the 88-pound weight gap that exists in NCAA wrestling between the 197-pound and 285-pound weight classes. What are your thoughts about the potential benefits of adding a "light heavyweight" NCAA weight class at around 215 pounds? Both the level below college (high school) and the level above college (senior international) have light heavyweight classes (at 220 pounds and 213 pounds, respectively). Why is the NCAA anomalous in this regard? -- Avi G. Foley: While I agree that a 215-225 pound weight class would make for compelling matchups and put the USA in better alignment with international freestyle, I think that any adjustment would have to come from the significant movement of all the weight classes. There is just no room for an 11th weight class at the NCAA level. The only way you could convince me of an 11th weight would be to make the NCAA tournament a team-based dual meet event with only match scores to determine the winner. Do that and you'd have my vote. Q: What's the status of Russia and Iran competing in the Freestyle World Cup? Do you expect both will be out? -- Mike C. Foley: Iran is 100 percent out of the Freestyle World Cup. From the news reports it looks like the commitment of the Russians is in place, but there are some considerable hurdles to clear if they are to make it to Iowa by next week.

Thursday saw the kickoff of the Cadet Folkstyle Nationals in Cedar Falls, Iowa. The event held at the UNI Dome is the first leg of the USA Wrestling Triple Crown for all age divisions, for Cadets and Juniors the second and third legs will be held in July in Fargo. The first day of the tournament pared the field down to the semifinals and consolation quarterfinals, and the event will conclude tomorrow. Below are the championship semifinal pairings. 88: Christopher Martino (Idaho - 8th grade) vs. Jore Volk (Apple Valley, Minn. - 8th grade), Tristan Stafford (Arkansas - 8th grade) vs. Mason Gehloff (Waseca, Minn.) 94: Matthew Hogue (Wayzata, Minn.) vs. Roddy Romero (Post Falls, Idaho), Maxximus Martinez (California - 8th grade) vs. Guy Clevenger (Catoosa, Okla.) 100: Blake West (Owatonna, Minn.) vs. Jordan Williams (Collinsville, Okla. - 8th grade), Drake Ayala (Fort Dodge, Iowa) vs. Alex Almeyda (New Milford, N.J. - 8th grade) 106: Nicolar Rivera (Wisconsin - 8th grade) vs. Stephen Roberson (Portage, Ind.), Jacob Mann (Ladue Horton Watkins, Mo.) vs. Colton Drousias (Mt. Carmel, Ill.) 113: Mason Campshure (Kaukauna, Wis.) vs. Kyle Lake (Buchanan, Calif. - 8th grade), Hunter Garvin (Iowa - 8th grade) vs. Tom Crook (Florida - 8th grade) 120: Carter Smith (Holt, Mo.) vs. No. 16 (at 113) Nick Bouzakis (Lake Highland Prep, Fla.), Caleb Rathjen (Ankeny, Iowa) vs. Jesse Mendez (Mt. Carmel, Ill. - 8th grade) 126: Robert Avila (Nevada - 8th grade) vs. Jack Ganos (Arrowhead, Wis.), Jack Thomsen (Union, Iowa) vs. Teague Travis (Father Tolton Catholic, Mo.) 132: Randy Myers (Castle View, Colo.) vs. Jared Simma (St. Thomas Aquinas, Kansas), Angel Flores (Coronado, Colo.) vs. Cayden Hughbanks (Maize, Kansas) 138: Devin Gomez (Valley Center, Kansas) vs. Aaden Valdez (Pueblo East, Colo.), Brayden Thompson (Illinois - 8th grade) vs. Antonio Segura (Regis, Colo.) 145: Robert Paul Perez (California - 8th grade) vs. Cougar Andersen (Skiatook, Okla.), Gavin Peterson (Maple Grove, Minn.) vs. Manuel Rojas (Michigan - 8th grade) 152: Amado Castellon (Cimarron Memorial, Nev.) vs. Jorden Douglass (Attica, Ind.), Joseph Martin (Buchanan, Calif. - 8th grade) vs. Robert Deters (Castle, Ind.) 160: Duwayne Villalpando (Maize, Kansas) vs. Quayin Short (Simley, Minn.), Andrew Wenzel (Dakota, Ill.) vs. Brady Spaeth (Cadott, Wis.) 170: Sam Skillings (Menomonie, Wis.) vs. Colton Hawks (Holt, Mo.), Gavin Wedemeier (Waverly-Shell Rock, Iowa) vs. Greyden Penner (Liberty, Mo.) 182: Kyle Haas (Maize, Kansas) vs. Rocky Elam (Staley, Mo.), Peter Ming (Elk Grove, Calif.) vs. Isaac Banker (Bonduel, Wis.) 195: Daniel Striggow (Orono, Minn.) vs. Silas Alred (Shenandoah, Ind.), Bret Kostka (Osseo, Wis.) vs. Gavin Carter (Topeka-Wasburn Rural, Kansas) 220: Ryan Cochran (Claremore, Okla.) vs. Nathaniel Deasey (Chandler, Ariz.), Lucas Walker (Waverly-Shell Rock, Iowa) vs. Chris Island (Vacaville, Calif.) 285: Robert Gentry (Indiana) is the only wrestler Below are the consolation quarterfinal pairings. 88: Owen Dunlap (Illinois - 8th grade) vs. Camron Phetxoumphone (Iowa - 8th grade), Caleb Drousias (Mt. Carmel, Ill. - 8th grade) vs. Phoenix Blakely (Dakota, Ill. - 8th grade) 94: Elijah Anthony (Frankfort, Ind. - 8th grade) vs. Jager Eisch (Oconto Falls, Wis.), Evan Frost (Holy Cross, La. - 8th grade) vs. Logan Frazier (Crown Point, Ind. - 8th grade) 100: Jack Gioffre (California - 8th grade) vs. Chance Lamer (Crescent Valley, Ore.), Jacob Frost (Holy Cross, La.) vs. Gabe Whisenhunt (Oregon - 8th grade) 106: Mitchell Mesenbrink (Wisconsin - 8th grade) vs. Michael Gioffre (California - 8th grade), Kade Orr (Buhl, Idaho) vs. Michael Edwards (Oklahoma - 8th grade) 113: Sam Freeman (Walled Lake Central, Mich.) vs. Zachary Keal (Mill Valley, Kansas), Haynie Juraun (Firebaugh, Calif.) vs. Nick Novak (New Prague, Minn.) 120: Vance Vombaur (Windsor, Colo.) vs. Ivan Morris (Douglas County, Colo.), Ben Lunn (Shakopee, Minn.) vs. T.J. Daugherty (Walled Lake Central, Mich.) 126: Avree Abben (Osage, Iowa) vs. Khyler Brewer (Staley, Mo.), Cody Goodwin (Indiana - 8th grade) vs. Max Sanderfoot (Kimberly, Wis.) 132: Bailey Thelen (Two Rivers, Wis.) vs. Adam Thebeau (Belleville East, Ill.), James Johnston (Davison, Mich.) vs. Evan Azurdia (San Fernando, Calif.) 138: Cole Ramos (Kenosha, Wis.) vs. Jayden Rittenbury (Fenton, Mich.), Johnny Akin (St. Thomas Aquinas, Kansas) vs. Isaac Ortegron (Fond du Lac, Wis.) 145: Hunter Meinzen (Missoula Big Sky, Mont.) vs. Clayton Whiting (Oconto Falls, Wis. - 8th grade), Jack Patting (Rock Island Alleman, Ill.) vs. Jimmy Colley (Michigan - 8th grade) 152: Will Hansen (Greene County, Iowa) vs. Tahjae Jenkins Harris (Huron, S.D.), Tyler Ross (Lawson, Mo.) vs. Brock Ellis (Chesterton, Ind.) 160: Carl Leuer (St. Michael-Albertville, Minn.) vs. Asa Terrell (Mt. Carmel, Ill.), Kodiak Stephens (Ebbetts Pass, Calif.) vs. Diego Chavez (Arizona - 8th grade) 170: Mitchell Nowlan (Andover, Minn.) vs. Brayden Dillow (Chanute, Kansas), Phillip Dozier (Illinois - 8th grade) vs. Lucas Cochran (Box Elder, Utah) 182: Ethan Tegels (Cadott, Wis.) vs. Cael Knox (Cedar Rapids Kennedy, Iowa), Travis Dohmen (Simley, Minn.) vs. Dorian Walters (Lathrop, Mo.) 195: Jacob Peacy (Wisconsin - 8th grade) vs. Cruz Partain (Vian, Okla.), Kieth Miley (Missouri - 8th grade) vs. Jalin Peralta (Buchanan, Calif.) 220: Jack Haglund (Zumbrota-Mazeppa, Minn.) vs. Aurelius Krumholz (Gaylord, Mich.), Braxton Mikesell (Central Valley, Wash.) vs. Girard Jones (Menomonie, Wis.) 285: only one participant

Thursday saw the kickoff of the Junior Folkstyle Nationals in Cedar Falls, Iowa. The event held at the UNI Dome is the first leg of the USA Wrestling Triple Crown for all age divisions, for Cadets and Juniors the second and third legs will be held in July in Fargo. The first day of the tournament pared the field down to the semifinals and consolation quarterfinals, and the event will conclude tomorrow. Below are the championship semifinal pairings. 100: Eli Griffin (Cascia Hall, Okla.) vs. Alec Hunter (Oshkosh, Wis.), Kael Brisker (Wilton, Iowa) vs. Kolton Stacey (Shelley, Idaho) 106: Jaden Verhagen (Kaukauna, Wis.) vs. Blake Peiffer (Port Washington, Wis.), Jason Henschel (Goddard, Kansas) vs. Tommy Larson (East Troy, Wis.) 113: Darrick Stacey (Shelley, Idaho) vs. No. 2 (at 106) Jeremiah Reno (Liberty, Mo.), Aaron Nagao (Esperanza, Calif.) vs. Andrew Chambal (Davison, Mich.) 120: Jake Svihel (Totino Grace, Minn.) vs. Savion Dixon (Paloma Valley, Calif.), Will Vombaur (Windsor, Colo.) vs. No. 3 (at 113) Eric Barnett (Hortonville, Wis.) 126: Cody Phippen (Platte County, Mo.) vs. Gavin Ayotte (Uintah, Utah), Jacob Shack (South Anchorage, Alaska) vs. Marcus Castillo (Mountain View Marana, Ariz.) 132: Jackson Currier (Colstrip, Mont.) vs. Domenic Zaccone (Stagg, Ill.), No. 11 (at 126) Ridge Lovett (Post Falls, Idaho) vs. Terrell Barraclough (Layton, Utah) 138: Sebas Swiggum (Apple Valley, Minn.) vs. John Mears (Belgrade, Mont.), No. 18 Dawson Sihavong (Bullard, Calif.) vs. Legend Lamer (Crescent Valley, Ore.) 145: Spencer Schickram (Ponca City, Okla.) vs. We Reachal (Chicago Washington, Ill.), No. 11 (at 138) Lawrence Saenz (Vacaville, Calif.) vs. No. 3 Brock Hardy (Box Elder, Utah) 152: No. 12 Alex Facundo (Davison, Mich.) vs. Trey Munoz (Trabucco Hills, Calif.), Bubba Wilson (Manhattan, Kansas) vs. Isaac Wilcox (Olympus, Utah) 160: Austin Brenner (St. Cloud Tech, Minn.) vs. Jalin Harper (Manhattan, Knasas), Isaiah Luellen (Rossville, Kansas) vs. Tanner Lofthouse (Mountain Crest, Utah) 170: Colter Bye (Crestwood, Iowa) vs. Nolan Paar (Oak Creek, Wis.), Anthony Zach (Waukee, Iowa) vs. No. 19 (at 160) Josh Ramirez (Dubuque Wahlert, Iowa) 182: Brandyn Van Tassell (Maple Mountain, Utah) vs. Evan Bockman (Grace Christian, Alaska), Nate Dooley (Allen, Texas) vs. No. 2 Jack Jessen (Willowbrook, Ill.) 195: Wyatt Hendrickson (Newton, Kansas) vs. Nick Stemmet (Yorkville, Ill.), No. 3 A.J. Ferrari (Allen, Texas) vs. No. 5 Garrett Joles (Boyceville, Minn.) 220: No. 4 Zach Elam (Staley, Mo.) vs. No. 11 Boone McDermott (Dubuque Wahlert, Iowa), Aric Bohn (Mukwanago, Wis.) vs. Jacob Somlai (Brookfield Central, Wis.) 285: No. 4 Anthony Cassioppi (Hononegah, Ill.) vs. Keegan Wilkinson (Pleasant Grove, Utah), No. 10 Nash Hutmacher (Chamberlain, S.D.) vs. Tyler Deloof (Lowell, Mich.) Below are the consolation quarterfinal pairings. 100: Michael Huscher (Sioux Falls Lincoln, S.D.) vs. Ryan McKitrick (Utah), Ronan Schuelke (Glenbard North, Ill.) vs. Sage Mortimer (American Leadership, Utah) 106: Humberto Duarte (Rancho, Nev.) vs. Anjelo Vigilia (Western, Nev.), Aidan Lenz (Castle View, Colo.) vs. Austin Bashi (West Bloomfield, Mich.) 113: Sean Spidel (Powers Catholic, Mich.) vs. Andrew Hughes (Grand Ledge, Mich.), Hunter Leake (Buchanan, Calif.) vs. Diego Ortega (Western, Nev.) 120: Michael Lundin (Holy Cross, La.) vs. Garrett Ricks (Box Elder, Utah), Harley Williamson (Euless Trinity, Texas) vs. Xavier Rico (Queen Creek, Ariz.) 126: Ryan Spangler (Sultana, Calif.) vs. Kaden Anderlik (Crestwood, Iowa), Jason Valencia (Northview, Calif.) vs. Jacob Frias (Desert View, Ariz.) 132: James Emmer (Rio Rancho, N.M.) vs. Kyri Beasley (Muskogee, Okla.), Brock Luthens (Hutchinson, Minn.) vs. Jacob Edwards (Troy Christian, Ohio) 138: Nico Carrasco (Morenci, Ariz.) vs. Salvador Silva (Walden Grove, Ariz.), Sam Stuhl (Ellsworth, Wis.) vs. Ethan Leake (Buchanan, Calif.) 145: Avry Mutschler (Lowell, Mich.) vs. Colby Njos (Anoka, Minn.), Trent Dooley (Allen, Texas) vs. No. 10 Michael Weber (Forsyth, Mont.) 152: Ryan Steffen (Crestwood, Iowa) vs. Cameron Haddock (Southlake Carroll, Texas), Joshua Otto (Arrowhead, Wis.) vs. Chance Fry (Lincoln East, Neb.) 160: Nathan Fuller (River Falls, Wis.) vs. Noah Blake (Del Oro, Calif.), Sam Peters (Freedom, Wis.) vs. Zach Lee (Kaukauna, Wis.) 170: Jacob Anderson (South Anchorage, Alaska) vs. Tanner Shields (Delta, Utah), Kelby O'Reilly (Goodhue, Minn.) vs. No. 14 Billy Higgins (Skutt Catholic, Neb.) 182: James Anding (Pacific, Mo.) vs. Julian Broderson (Davenport Assumption, Iowa), Bryce Alsteen (Kaukauna, Wis.) vs. James Noel (Pulaski Academy, Ark.) 195: J.J. Dixon (Tacoma Lincoln, Wash.) vs. Stephen Buchanan (Neillsville, Wis.), Thomas Penola (Zionsville, Ind.) vs. Rowan Morgan (Mounds View, Minn.) 220: No. 16 Chance Trussell (Morgan, Utah) vs. Kyle Cornwell (Elwood, Ind.), Korbin McLaughlin (Skiatook, Okla.) vs. Greg Hagan (Dowling Catholic, Iowa) 285: Luis Rodriguez (Kansas) vs. Max Darrah (Whitfield, Mo.), Andy Garcia (Pueblo East, Colo.) vs. Jesse Cherry (Webster City, Iowa)

The University of Minnesota unveiled renderings of what the new wrestling facility that will open later in 2018. Head coach Brandon Eggum also announced possible weight changes to four NCAA Qualifiers for the Gophers, two of which are All-Americans. Those four include Ethan Lizak (125 to 133), Mitch McKee (133 to 141), Tommy Thorn (141 to 149) and Steve Bleise (149 to 157). The new wrestling facility will be a complete renovation of Bierman Gym inside the Bierman Athletic Center. Formerly the practice facility for Gopher Men's Basketball, this space became available with the completion of the Athletes Village, which includes the Cunningham Basketball Performance Center. With its move to the new facility, the wrestling team will leave behind the cramped wrestling room deep in the Bierman basement that the program has called home since the early 1970s. Brandon Eggum coaching at the NCAAs (Photo/Mark Beshey, The Guillotine) "We would like to thank the generous supporters that made this wrestling facility a reality," said head coach Brandon Eggum. "Many All-Americans, National Champions, National Team Championships and lifelong friendships were made in that old basement. We are bringing all those past successes with us to our new facility, where we plan to build another era of greatness for this incredible program." "We are welcoming one of the nation's top recruiting classes this fall and those freshmen, along with all our returning guys and every future Gopher wrestler, will have everything they need right at their fingertips now. Starting later this year, our facility will be at the center of Athletes Village, in the same building as our brand-new Nutrition Center and the Lindahl Academic Center. We now have a truly complete facility for our program." This project will renovate 9,300 square feet of gym space, with approximately 7,500 square feet of dedicated mat space. Natural light will fill the space from the oversized, floor-to-ceiling windows. A 1,100-square-foot cardio room will be safely partitioned just off the mat. There will also be plenty of viewing space at mat level, one of the many firsts for the program in this new facility. A new mezzanine level above the practice room will offer great views as well. The mezzanine will include new coaches' offices, a video room, and a lounge where the program's storied history will be on display. Be sure to follow the Gophers on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram so you can get all the latest updates on the new wrestling facility.

Givi Matcharashvili was a Junior world silver medalist (Photo/Richard Immel) The wrestling federation of Georgia has provided its lineup for the 2018 Men's Freestyle Wrestling World Cup at The Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa April 7-8. The World Cup is the annual international dual meet championships, and will feature the top eight men's freestyle wrestling teams in the world. Georgia is bringing a talented young team, with a number of rising stars. Perhaps the most experienced World Cup competitor for Georgia is Levan Kelekhsashvili at 70 kg, who was fifth in the 2013 Senior World Championships. He also placed fifth in the 2018 Ivan Yarygin Grand Prix in Russia. A two-time age-group World medalist on the roster is Givi Matcharashvili at 97 kg, who was second in the 2017 Junior World Championships and third at the 2013 Cadet World Championships. In 2017, he won European titles at both the U23 and Junior levels. The team also features a pair of past Junior World bronze medalists, Tarzan Maisuradze and Tariel Gaphrindashvili, both entered at 79 kg. Maisuradze won his Junior World medal in 2015, while Gaphrindashvili claimed his Junior World medal in 2016. Another tough competitor is Lasha Lomtadze at 61 kg, who boasts a silver medal at the respected Stepan Sargsyan Tournament in Armenia in 2016 and a silver medal at the Intercontinental Cup in Russia in 2012. Ticket opportunities for the World Cup include standard all-session tickets ($75/$50), single-day tickets ($40/$25), and a "The Eastern Iowa Airport Family Four Pack" ($100). Tickets are now available on the University of Iowa Athletics website hawkeyesports.com. Visit worldcupiowacity.com for more information on the event. Georgia Freestyle World Cup Team Roster 57 kg/125.5 lbs. - Teimuraz Vanishvili 61 kg/134 lbs. - Lasha Lomtadze 61 kg/134 lbs. - Giorgi Revazishvili 65 kg/143 lbs. - Magomed Saidovi 70 kg/154 lbs. - Levan Kelekhsashvili 79 kg/174 lbs. - Tarzan Maisuradze 79 kg/174 lbs. - Tariel Gaphrindashvili 86 kg/189 lbs. - David Khutsishvili 97 kg/213 lbs. - Givi Matcharashvili 97 kg/213 lbs. - Zviadi Metreveli 125 kg/275 lbs. - Giorgi Meshvildishvili Georgia World Cup bios 57 kg/126 lbs. - Teimuraz Vanishvili Second at 2018 International Ukrainian Tournament… Fifth at 2018 Club World Championships… Third at 2017 Alrosa Cup (Russia)… Third at 2013 Junior European Championships… Eighth at 2016 U23 European Championships… Third at 2015 Cadet European Championships… Fifth at 2014 Cadet World Championships… Tenth at 2012 Cadet European Championships… 61 kg/134 lbs. - Lasha Lomtadze Second at 2016 Stepan Sargsyan Tournament (Armenia)… Eighth at 2015 Takhti Cup (Iran)… Ninth at 2012 Ali Aliev Tournament (Russia)… Second at 2012 Intercontinental Cup (Russia)… Fifth at 2012 Golden Grand Prix… 2011 Junior World Cup champion… Ninth at 2011 G. Kartozia & V. Balavadze Price (Georgia)… Seventh at 2010 Golden Grand Prix… Third at 2009 Junior European Championships… Born January 10, 1991… Age: 27 61 kg/134 lbs. - Giorgi Revazishvili Seventh at 2018 International Ukrainian Tournament… Third at 2018 Takhti Cup (Iran)… Third at 2016 Golden Grand Prix… Seventh at 2016 Pune Mayor's Cup (India)…. Third at 2016 Grand Prix of Paris (France)… Fifth at 2014 Olympia Tournament (Greece) 65 kg/143 lbs. - Magomed Saidovi Sixteenth in 2018 Ivan Yarygin Grand Prix (Russia)… 70 kg/154 lbs. - Levan Kelekhsashvili Fifth in 2013 World Championships… Fifth in 2018 Ivan Yarygin Grand Prix (Russia)… Fifth in 2017 Club World Championships… Third in 2017 Alrosa Cup (Russia)… Third in 2013 and 2017 Stepan Sargsyan Tournament (Armenia)… Eighth in 2017 G. Kartozia & V. Balavadze Price (Georgia)… Fifth in 2016 Club World Championships… Fifth in International D. A. Kunaev Tournament (Kazakhstan)… Ninth in 2014 World Cup…Second in 2013 Intercontinental Cup (Russia)… Third in 2008 and 2009 Cadet European Championships… Born January 5, 1992… Age: 26 79 kg/174 lbs. - Tarzan Maisuradze Third at 2015 Junior World Championships… 2014 Junior European champion….Third at 2015 Junior European Championships… Third at 2012 Cadet World Championships… Third at 2017 Alrosa Cup (Russia)… Ninth at 2017 Alexander Medved Prizes (Belarus)… Third at 2017 G. Kartozia & V. Balavadze Price (Georgia)… Seventh at 2013 Henri Deglane Challenge…. Born February 22, 1995… Age: 23 79 kg/174 lbs. - Tariel Gaphrindashvili Third at 2016 Junior World Championships… Third at 2016 European Championships… Fifth at 2016 U23 European Championships… Fifth at 2017 Club World Championships… Third at 2016 Pune Mayor's Cup (India)… Second at 2014 Olympia Tournament (Greece)… Fifth at 2013 Cadet World Championships… Fifth at 2013 Cadet European Championships… 86 kg/189 lbs. - David Khutsishvili Third at 2017 Alrosa Cup (Russia)… Third at 2017 Stepan Sargsyan Tournament (Russia)… Second at 2017 G. Kartozia & V. Balavadze Price (Georgia)… Third at 2016 International D. A. Kunaev Tournament (Kazakhstan)… 97 kg/213 lbs. - Givi Matcharashvili Second at 2017 Junior World Championships… Third at 2013 Cadet European Championships… 2017 U23 European champion… 2017 Junior European champion… Ninth at 2017 U23 World Championships… Eighth at 2018 Ivan Yarygin Grand Prix (Russia)… Eighth at 2017 Stepan Sargsyan Tournament (Armenia)… Eleventh at 2016 Junior World Championships… Second at 2016 Junior European Championships… Third at 2013 U23 European Championships… 2014 Cadet World Championships… Third at 2013 Cadet World Championships… Born May 17, 1997… Age: 20 97 kg/213 lbs. - Zviadi Metreveli Fifth at 2017 G. Kartozia & V. Balavadze Price (Georgia)… Tenth at 2015 Yasar Dogu (Turkey)… Tenth at 2015 Takhti Cup (Iran)… Eighth at 2014 UWW Golden Grand Prix (Azerbaijan)…. 2014 Golden Grand Prix champion (France)… 125 kg/275 lbs. - Giorgi Meshvildishvili Third at 2018 International Ukrainian Tournament… Third at 2017 International D. A. Kunaev Tournament (Kazakhstan)… Third at 2017 Alany Tournament (Russia)… Third at 2017 Alrosa Cup (Russia)… Second at 2017 Stepan Sargsyan Tournament (Armenia)… Third at Waclaw Ziolkowski Memorial (Poland)… Third at 2017 G. Kartozia & V. Balavadze Price… Fifth at 2016 Club World Championships… 2016 European Nations Cup Champion…Third at 2012 and 2016 Stepan Sargsyan Tournament (Armenia)… Fifth at 2015 Ali Aliev Tournament (Russia)… Second at 2015 U23 European Championships… Ninth at 2015 Takhti Cup (Iran)… 2014 Dmitri Korkin Tournament champion (Russia)… 2014 Golden Grand Prix champion (France)… Ninth at 2013 World University Games… Fourth at 2012 Moscow Lights (Russia)… Born December 12, 1995… Age: 22

India has competed in past World Cups (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com) In light of media reports that the Russian men's freestyle wrestling team may not attend the Freestyle World Cup in Iowa City and the recent decision of Iran not to send their team, USA Wrestling has invited two major freestyle wrestling powers, Mongolia and India, to participate in the event. The World Cup is the annual international dual meet championship, and will be held at Carver-Hawkeye Arena at the University of Iowa, April 7-8. At this point, USA Wrestling has received no information from the Russian Wrestling Federation or the international wrestling federation United World Wrestling that Russia is not attending. As the hosts of the event, USA Wrestling still has an expectation and hope that Russia will participate. However, in order to ensure a full set of teams for this important competition, USA Wrestling has proactively sought commitments from Mongolia and India to compete in the event. The visa process for both national teams has begun. "USA Wrestling and our hosts in Iowa City are looking forward to hosting the Russian delegation at the World Cup. In light of recent news concerning the Russian team's situation, we have also invited Mongolia and India to Iowa City. Should the issues concerning Russia's participation be resolved and Russia is able to make it to Iowa City to wrestle, we will plan accordingly. If not, our fans, our sport and the host broadcasters from NBC and the Olympic Channel will still have a full field of top teams at the World Cup," said Rich Bender, USA Wrestling Executive Director. Both Mongolia and India have supplied preliminary rosters to USA Wrestling for their World Cup team, and both nations have committed to bringing strong teams, which will feature a number of Olympians, World medalists, World Team members and Continental medalists to Iowa City. Mongolia and India have participated in past Freestyle World Cup competitions, and have placed among the top nations in men's freestyle at the Olympic and World levels a number of times. Iran, which was added to the field as a replacement to Turkey, only recently informed the hosts that they would not participate in the Freestyle World Cup. Mongolia was invited at that time and decided to participate. USA Wrestling will provide complete updates on the composition of the new delegations, the changes to the competition schedule and other important information as it becomes available. "There will be outstanding competition showcasing amazing athletes and teams at the World Cup, and we look forward to hosting the world in Iowa City next weekend," said Bender. Tickets can be purchased for the two-day event at WorldCupIowaCity.com/tickets.

Sammie Henson West Virginia University Director of Athletics and Associate Vice President Shane Lyons announced today that wrestling head coach Sammie Henson's contract will not be renewed for the 2018-19 season. "I want to thank Coach Henson for his time here leading our wrestling program," Lyons said. "We will immediately begin a national search to identify our next wrestling coach. I firmly believe WVU can excel in wrestling, and I look forward to our future success." In his four years at West Virginia, Henson compiled a 27-39 overall record and a 5-14 Big 12 mark. His 2018 squad finished 6-7, ninth at the Big 12 Tournament and 30th at the NCAA Championships with one All-American.

Zeke Jones (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com) SAN FRANCISCO -- The Pac-12 Conference has announced the 2018 Pac-12 Wrestling awards as voted on by the Pac-12 coaches. ARIZONA STATE swept the Conference honors as Zahid Valencia repeated as Pac-12 Wrestler of the Year and teammate Kordell Norfleet was voted Pac-12 Freshman of the Year. ARIZONA STATE's Zeke Jones was selected Pac-12 Wrestling Coach of the Year. PAC-12 WRESTLER OF THE YEAR: Zahid Valencia, Arizona State Valencia becomes the first Pac-12 wrestler to repeat as Pac-12 Wrestler of the Year since Arizona State's Eric Larkin earned the honor three straight seasons (2001-03). The sophomore capped an undefeated season with an NCAA title at 174 pounds, finishing the year with a perfect 32-0 record. The two-time All-American became the 11th Sun Devil to earn an NCAA championship. The Bellflower, Calif., native successfully defended his Pac-12 title at 174 pounds and boasts a two-year record of 70-1. During the 2017-18 season, he twice earned Pac-12 Wrestler of the Week honors and was named Most Outstanding Wrestler at both the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational and the Virginia Duals. He recorded nine falls, including his NCAA quarterfinal match win that occurred in 0:38, and paced the Sun Devils with 63 points. PAC-12 FRESHMAN/NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR: Kordell Norfleet, Arizona State Norfleet, who hails from Chicago, Ill., took top honors at the Pac-12 Championships at 184 pounds to qualify for the NCAA Championships. He finished the season with a 12-13 record, 7-7 in dual meets, and becomes just the third Sun Devil to be tabbed Pac-12 Freshman/Newcomer of the Year. PAC-12 WRESTLING COACH OF THE YEAR: Zeke Jones, Arizona State Jones earns his second consecutive Pac-12 Wrestling Coach of the Year honor. Jones led the Sun Devils to a top 10 ranking this season and a successful defense of their Pac-12 title as he had six wrestlers top the podium at the Pac-12 Championships. Under the guidance of Jones, the Sun Devils went on to post a 10th-place finish at the NCAA Championships, its highest team finish since 2010-11, and collected three All-America honors (Valencia, Jason Tsirtsis and Josh Shields).

Sam Hazewinkel (Photo/John Sachs, Tech-Fall.com) OKLAHOMA CITY -- Oklahoma City University has chosen Sam Hazewinkel as its men's wrestling head coach. Hazewinkel had been on the Central Oklahoma coaching staff as an assistant coach the past two years. Hazewinkel became a four-time NCAA all-American wrestling for the University of Oklahoma, then competed for the United States in the Olympics. The Stars went 8-2 in duals with two all-Americans and three Sooner Athletic Conference individual champions. OCU finished 20th in the NAIA Championships, second in the SAC Championships and ranked 20th in the national postseason rankings in 2017-18. "I'm excited to have someone with Sam's experience leading Oklahoma City University men's wrestling," Oklahoma City athletic director Jim Abbott said. "Sam has excelled as a student-athlete, competitor and coach, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact that he has on OCU wrestling." Hazewinkel said, "I am excited to be the head coach, but I'm more excited to teach the philosophies that will drive these young men to be successful in the classroom, on the mat and in life. I've had a lot of great people help me become who I am. I'm ready to help these next generations of young men become successful. Oklahoma City University is giving me the opportunity and support to see this happen. I couldn't be more encouraged and excited to get started." With Central Oklahoma, Hazewinkel helped the Bronchos go 31-5 in duals the past two seasons with the program's first unbeaten dual record in 2016-17. Central Oklahoma had four NCAA Division II all-Americans including 125-pound national champion Eli Hale from 2016-18. Hazewinkel achieved the Olympic dream by clinching a spot on Team USA for the 2012 Olympic Games in London. Hazewinkel is a four-time U.S. Open champion, two-time Pan American champion and nine-time U.S. national team member. Hazewinkel was a 2008 University World Greco-Roman Champion. The same year, he served as alternate for the Olympics. Hazewinkel's family was awarded the National Wrestling Hall of Fame legacy award as his father Dave and uncle Jim were also Olympic wrestlers. Sam and his father, Dave, are the only father-son Olympians in American wrestling history. During his college career, Hazewinkel earned four all-American nods and three Big 12 championships. Hazewinkel finished as NCAA runner-up at 125 pounds with a 25-1 record as a senior with three third-place national finishes. He posted a 132-10 mark for the Sooners. He owns a communications degree from Oklahoma. Hazewinkel went unbeaten during his high school career at Pensacola Christian Academy (Fla.). He went 140-0 with three state championships. Sam is married (Rachel) and has two children (Josh and Ava).

Dan Gable taking in the Iowa-Illinois dual meet (Photo/Mark Lundy, Lutte-Lens.com) WATERLOO, Iowa --The National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum is hosting a special autograph signing with Dan Gable at the UNI-Dome on Friday, March 30 at 11 a.m. The signing will take place during USA Wrestling's Folkstyle Nationals. "This is a great way to generate interest for the World Cup in Iowa City the following weekend," said museum namesake Dan Gable. "I'm proud to be part of two successful USA Wrestling events on back-to-back weekends. Gable is arguably the greatest athlete and coach ever. In 1972 won a gold medal at the Munich Olympics without surrendering a point. As the head coach at the University of Iowa he led the Hawkeyes to 15 NCAA team titles in 21 years, compiling a 355-21-5 dual meet record. The UNI Dome has been an excellent facility for wrestling competitions. The UNI Dome was also where Dan Gable won his final NCAA tournament as the head coach of the Iowa Hawkeyes in 1997, setting the record for most points scored at 170. All are welcome to attend this special autograph signing at the UNI Dome. That National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum is located at 303 Jefferson St. in Waterloo. The museum will be open on Friday, March 30 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Saturday, March 31 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information call 319-233-0745 or e-mail dgmstaff@nwhof.org.

David Bolyard Cleveland, Ohio -- The Mid-American Conference announced today three wrestling postseason awards for the 2018 season. Eastern Michigan's David Bolyard was named MAC Coach of the Year, while Missouri's Jaydin Eierman was selected as MAC Wrestler of the Year and Old Dominion's Michael McGee was named MAC Freshman of the Year. All three awards were voted on by the conference's head wrestling coaches following the conclusion of the 2018 NCAA Wrestling Tournament. The 2017-18 campaign was David Bolyard's most successful season at Eastern Michigan as the Eagles finished with an 8-8 dual record, including 3-5 in the MAC and perfect 3-0 mark at home. Eastern Michigan proceeded to tear up the MAC Championships, as they took third place, finishing behind nationally ranked Missouri and Central Michigan. The third-place finish was the best for the Eagles since 2012. Bolyard coached four grapplers into the finals of their respective weight classes, including an individual title for Kayne MacCallum at 184 lbs., Eastern Michigan's first individual champion since 2009. In addition, the Eagles qualified five total grapplers into the 2018 NCAA Championships, tying a program record set 1989 and matched in 1996. At the NCAA Championships, Bolyard capped off the momentous year by guiding 141 pounder Sa'Derian Perry to All-American status, as the redshirt sophomore took eighth place at the weight class. It was Eastern Michigan's fifth All-American in program history and first since 1999. Missouri sophomore Jaydin Eierman wrestled to a fourth-place finish at 141 pounds at the 2018 NCAA Wrestling Championships to earn his second consecutive All-America honor. Eierman won his second MAC title at the MAC Championships, and recorded a 32-3 record over the season, as two of his three defeats came to the NCAA finalists at 141 pounds. Eierman was a bonus point machine in his second season, as he won 24 matches by bonus points, including 16 falls, which rank ninth all-time in program history for falls in a season. A native of Columbia, Mo., Eierman was a perfect 16-0 in duals this season, as his 79 points ranked second while his eight falls in dual competition ranked tied-for-first. Overall, Eierman defeated 10 ranked wrestlers in 2017-18, including a 9-6 win over eventual National Champion Yianni Diakomihalis of Cornell at the South Beach Duals on Dec. 30, and a pin over two-time defending National Champion Dean Heil of Oklahoma State in a Jan. 27 dual to help the Tigers beat No. 5 Oklahoma State. Eierman's win over Heil helped him earn MAC and NCAA Wrestler of the Week honors. Old Dominion true freshman Michael McGee won the 125-pound 2018 MAC Championship. McGee routed his opponents by a 24-7 margin on the way to the title. In the finals, the Illinois native avenged his only MAC loss of the season in an overtime battle to Brock Hudkins of NIU. After earning an automatic berth into the NCAA Championship, McGee took the fifth seed into overtime in the first round of the tournament as an unseeded wrestler. A native of Bolingbrook, Ill., McGee finished his freshman campaign with a 29-10 overall record. Throughout the regular season, McGee appeared in the national rankings several times, ranking as high as No. 20. In the regular season, McGee had just eight losses, four of those losses coming to nationally ranked opponents.

Michael Macchiavello after his victory in the NCAA semifinals (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com) GREENSBORO, N.C. -- NC State senior Michael Macchiavello, Virginia Tech freshman Hunter Bolen and NC State head coach Pat Popolizio were named the 2018 Atlantic Coast Conference Wrestler, Freshman and Coach of the Year, the league announced Wednesday. All three awards were determined by a vote of the ACC's six wrestling head coaches. Macchiavello, a fifth year senior from Monroe, North Carolina, capped an outstanding senior season by winning the national championship at 197 pounds. Macchiavello finished the year with a 22-3 record, including 11-2 in duals. He defeated Virginia Tech's Jared Haught, 3-1, in the NCAA Championship finals to claim the title. Macchiavello, the NCAA fourth seed in the championship, and Haught, who was seeded third, became the first pair of ACC wrestlers to meet in the NCAA finals. Macchiavello's national title was the 18th by an ACC wrestler and the first since former NC State standout Nick Gwiazdowski won the heavyweight crown in 2015. “We are very proud of what Michael has accomplished, both on the mat and in the classroom,” said Popolizio. “He exemplifies the mentality, work ethic, and lifestyle needed to be successful and has reaped the benefits of trusting the process. “He came to NC State in the early stages of building the program, when he and our team were facing tremendous growth challenges. From having a losing record as a freshman to winning an NCAA title as a senior, Michael demonstrated what is possible with complete buy-in and goal-oriented focus. He leaves NC State with an undergraduate degree in business management and is currently finishing his master's degree. Michael embodies everything that our program stands for and what we look for in prospective student-athletes.” Bolen, a freshman from Christiansburg, Virginia, posted a 21-12 overall record on the year in the 174-pound weight class. He reached the finals of the ACC Championships and earned All-ACC honors and was 4-0 in ACC competition during the regular season. In all, Bolen notched six wins over other NCAA qualifiers. “Hunter put a lot of effort and hard work in this past season and we're happy to see him earn this award,” said Virginia Tech head coach Tony Robie. “The best part about Hunter is that his best wrestling is still ahead of him and we're all excited to see him progress on the mat.” Eligibility for the ACC Freshman of the Year award is limited to true freshmen. Popolizio, in his sixth season as head coach of the Wolfpack, led NC State to a fourth-place finish in the NCAA Championships, tying the highest finish by an ACC team, which had been set in 2016 by Virginia Tech. The Wolfpack posted a 15-2 overall record, including a 5-0 mark in the ACC, taking the regular season title for the first time since 2004. NC State finished the regular season ranked sixth nationally in the NWCA Coaches poll and sixth by InterMat in both its tournament and dual meet rankings. NC State was the first ACC ream to have two wrestlers in the NCAA Championship finals in the same year in Macchiavello and redshirt freshman Hayden Hidley. In all, the Wolfpack had four All-Americas in Macchiavello, Hidlay, redshirt freshman Tariq Wilson, who finished third at 133, and senior Kevin Jack, who finished sixth at 141. “This was certainly an exciting year for our squad, setting many new program firsts,” said Popolizio. “All the hard work that started all the way back in the preseason came to fruition on our sport's biggest stage with NC State's first team trophy a national champion, and a school record four All-Americans. “There are so many people behind the scenes that continue to elevate our program. Without their hard work and dedication to seeing our student-athletes excel, we would not be where we are at today. I am both humbled and honored not only for this award, but for all the resources we have as a program.” Popolizio becomes the first NC State coach to be voted the ACC Wrestling Coach of the Year award since Carter Jordan in 2007. It also marked the eighth time an NC State coach was so honored as former Wolfpack head coach Bob Guzzo was named six times. The honor also broke a five-year streak of Virginia Tech head coaches being named ACC Wrestling Coach of the Year.

Sean Bormet coaching Adam Coon in the NCAA finals (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com) ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- University of Michigan Donald R. Shepherd Director of Athletics Warde Manuel announced today (Tuesday, March 27) the appointment of Sean Bormet as head coach of the wrestling program. Bormet, himself a former Michigan All-American, spent seven years as the Wolverines' top assistant, including the last four as associate head coach. Bormet becomes the 10th head coach in Michigan program history, dating back to 1922, and the fourth U-M alumnus at the helm, joining Rick Bay (1971-74), Bill Johannesen (1975-78) and Joe McFarland (2000-18). "I'm honored to become the 10th head wrestling coach at the University of Michigan and am thrilled for the opportunity to lead a program with such a rich tradition of excellence on and off the mat," said Bormet. "I want to thank our athletic director, Warde Manuel, and our athletic administration for their continued confidence in me. "My commitment and passion for the University of Michigan and Michigan Athletics runs very deep. As a former student-athlete and alumnus, I can say with great confidence this is the best place to coach and enrich the lives of student-athletes. Joe McFarland had an incredible impact on me as an athlete and coach and did an outstanding job over the last 19 years as head coach. I am ready to build on the success of this last season and have very high expectations for the future of Michigan wrestling." "I am delighted that Sean will lead our wrestling program following his tremendous contributions both as an associate head coach and as a former U-M student-athlete," said Manuel. "Following a thoughtful search, it was plainly obvious that the best candidate was already here at U-M. I was greatly impressed by Sean's approach throughout the interview process and with his plan to further elevate our program. "Sean's accolades and abilities are widely known throughout the collegiate and international wrestling communities and reach far beyond his numerous coaching awards. Michigan wrestling could not have a better coach to lead us into the future." Bormet takes over a Michigan program that recently claimed fourth place at the NCAA Championships -- its third straight top-10 finish -- behind five All-Americans and a pair of finalists. The Wolverines posted an 11-3 dual-meet record in 2017-18, including a 7-2 mark in Big Ten duals, and placed third at the Big Ten Championships with two individual champions. Since returning to his alma mater, Bormet has helped mentor 14 different Wolverine All-Americans, with Michigan earning 16 All-America citations -- from 10 different wrestlers -- over the last four seasons. He was in Kellen Russell's corner when Russell captured his second NCAA title and fourth Big Ten title to finish a stellar collegiate career in 2012. A skilled recruiter, Bormet has contributed to six top-10 recruiting classes, including the nation's consensus No. 1 class in 2013, and will bring another heralded class to Ann Arbor next fall. image 29As a Wolverine student-athlete (1991-94), Sean Bormet was a two-time NCAA All-American at 158 pounds, placed second as a senior (1994) and third as a junior (1993), and earned back-to-back Big Ten 158-pound titles (1993, '94). Bormet is a three-time winner of the Terry McCann Award as the USA Wrestling Freestyle Coach of the Year (2006, '08, '10) and serves on USA Wrestling's Executive Coaches Council. He was a member of the coaching staff for three U.S. World Championship Teams (2006, '09, '10) as well as the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Teams and 2010 World Cup Team. Among his most decorated post-collegiate wrestlers are 2008 Olympian Andy Hrovat (84 kg), 2009 World silver medalist and 2012 Olympian Jake Herbert (84kg) and 2006 World bronze medalist Donny Pritzlaff (74kg). Bormet was also named the 2004 USA Wrestling Developmental Coach of the Year for his coaching achievements with age-group wrestlers and programs. He coached the Illinois Junior Freestyle Team to four dual national titles (2006, '07, '08, '10) and two national freestyle titles (2007, '10). He has coached numerous age-group national champions and All-Americans as a coach for the Illinois Junior and Cadet freestyle national teams. As the owner and founder of the Overtime School of Wrestling in Naperville, Illinois, Bormet molded the training center into the nation's premiere wrestling club, producing numerous champions and All-Americans at all age levels since its opening in 2001. Alumni of the Overtime School of Wrestling include World medalists, Olympic and World team members, NCAA champions and All-Americans, USA Wrestling Junior and Cadet national champions and more than 150 Illinois and Indiana state champions. Prior to founding the Overtime School of Wrestling, Bormet served as an assistant coach at Wisconsin (1995-99) and Michigan (1999-2000). He worked with two-time NCAA champion Donny Pritzlaff and three-time All-American Eric Jetton during his tenure at Wisconsin and All-Americans Otto Olson, Damion Logan and Andy Hrovat while at Michigan. As a Wolverine student-athlete (1991-94), Bormet was a two-time NCAA All-American at 158 pounds, and placing second as a senior (1994) and third as a junior (1993). He garnered the prestigious Gorriaran Award at the 1993 event, registering three falls in a combined 8:58. He captured back-to-back Big Ten 158-pound titles (1993, '94) and won the prestigious Midlands at 158 pounds in 1993. Bormet posted a 125-21 career record, including a 33-2 mark as a senior, to rank 13th among Michigan's all-time winningest wrestlers. He accumulated 44 career falls, leading the team with 15 during his junior season and 14 as a senior, to list fourth on the program's all-time pins list. A two-time team captain, Bormet twice was named the Wolverines' Cliff Keen Award winner as the team's most outstanding wrestler. In addition to his collegiate success, Bormet also excelled in freestyle wrestling, placing second at 76kg at the 1999 U.S. Senior National and third at 74kg (163 pounds) in 1996. He took third place at the 1996 Olympic Team Trials and 1999 World Team Trials. While at Michigan, Bormet competed in the 1991 Espoir World Championships after claiming the Espoir national championship at 74kg. He participated in several international tours, claiming gold medals in Italy (1993), Greece (1996), Montreal (1997) and Poland (1998, 2000). A native of Frankfort, Illinois, Bormet graduated from Michigan in 1994 with a degree in sport management. He and his wife, Teri, have a daughter, Zoe, and live in Ann Arbor.

Zain Retherford won his second straight Dan Hodge Trophy (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com) For only the fourth time in the 24-year history of college wrestling's top award, Penn State's Zain Retherford has been named the WIN Magazine/Culture House Dan Hodge Trophy winner for a second consecutive year. The three-time NCAA champ got 35 out of 48 first-place Hodge votes from a dominant group of Hodge finalists. "To win the award that symbolizes dominance in college wrestling two years in a row means a lot to me. It's awesome," Retherford said. "Coming into college my first year, I really wasn't that dominant. I would ride just to ride and would squeak out a few wins. Throughout wrestling at Penn State, I learned to look for more points and expand matches a little bit." The Hodge Trophy, presented annually by ASICS Wrestling, was created by WIN founder Mike Chapman in 1994. It is named after the former University of Oklahoma wrestler who won three NCAA titles (1955-57), never allowed a takedown in his career and pinned 36 of 46 foes. Hodge is still the only wrestler ever to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated. Penn State coach Cael Sanderson said it's Retherford's consistency of effort in striving for excellence in every area of his life which makes the two-time Hodge winner unique. "Zain is very consistent. That's one of the keys to him being who he is. His consistency is his best every second. And that's very rare," Sanderson said. Retherford dominated his 149-pound peers during his senior season, winning titles at the Keystone Classic, Southern Scuffle and Big Ten Championships leading into the NCAA Championships. Finishing his Nittany Lion career at 126-3, Retherford scored bonus points in all but five matches this year, racking up 17 pins, 5 technical falls and 4 major decisions. His bonus-point percentage on the year was 83.9%. The Benton, Pa., native joins the elite group of multiple-time Hodge winners. Penn State coach Cael Sanderson captured wrestling's version of the Heisman Trophy three times, from 2000-2002 and won four NCAA titles at Iowa State. Penn State's 2014 team captain David Taylor also won the award twice: in 2012 and then as a senior in 2014. Missouri's Ben Askren was the final multi-year winner, taking home the Hodge 2006 and 2007. Nittany Lion Bo Nickal, the 184-pound junior who sealed the team title for Penn State with his dramatic NCAA finals pin against Ohio State's Myles Martin, finished second in the Hodge voting with six first-place votes. South Dakota State's Seth Gross tallied four first-place votes after winning the 133-pound title. Arizona State's Zahid Valencia (174) earned the other three first-place votes. The Hodge Voting Committee is made up of all past winners of the award, national wrestling media and select retired college coaches from different regions of the country. The final two first-place official Hodge votes are awarded to the Fan Vote winner from a nation-wide poll on WIN's website the week after the NCAA Championships. Retherford easily won that voting as well, getting 52 percent of the over 25,000 unique votes. Gross came in second with 22 percent and just over 5,500 votes. All four Hodge finalists had very dominant seasons. Nickal (31-0) was only one pin behind Retherford with 16 falls, and also added a tech fall and six majors in his 31-0 season. Gross finished 29-1 with his only loss coming in a February dual meet when he moved up to 141 to face No. 1 Bryce Meredith of Wyoming. The Jackrabbit had 12 pins, seven technical falls and five major decisions. Valencia finished 32-0 with nine pins, seven tech falls and nine major decisions in winning his first NCAA title. After settling for fifth place as a 141-pound true freshman in 2014 and redshirting in 2015, Retherford ended his collegiate career on a 95-match winning streak in winning three straight titles at 149 pounds. Like Taylor, Retherford also helped lead the Lions to four national championships as a team. The only year Penn State didn't win the title in his five seasons in State College was the two-time Pennsylvania state champ's redshirt season. Retherford said he doesn't think about the legacy he leaves on college wrestling any more than simply hoping people enjoyed watching him wrestle and that young wrestlers got something technically from him. The business major said he's most proud of who he has become as a college student-athlete. "Win or lose a match, I think I became a better person being at Penn State and made the most of it. The thing I'm most proud of is the person I've become," Retherford said. Sanderson said his "low-key" senior is one of kind who didn't change once he had high-level success. "When he won the Hodge (in 2017), it really didn't change him. He's still the nice Zain. But when he competes, he's tenacious and competes to score points and do what it takes. He's low-key, but he's competitive and wants to be a World and Olympic champion," the Nittany Lion coach said. The primary criteria for the award are record, number of pins, dominance and quality of competition. Secondary criteria used to separate finalists with similar stats are past credentials, sportsmanship/citizenship and heart. Retherford will be presented the award publically on Sunday, April 15 at the Penn State wrestling banquet. And then as is tradition with the Hodge, he'll be publicly presented the award again in front of the larger Penn State athletic community at a home football game this fall.

Nurislam Sanayev has twice placed fifth at the Worlds (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com) The wrestling federation of Kazakhstan has provided its lineup for the 2018 Freestyle World Cup at Carver-Hawkeye Arena on April 7-8 at the University of Iowa. The World Cup is the annual international dual meet championships featuring eight of the top men's freestyle wrestling teams in the world. The team is led by three Olympians, Nurislam Sanayev at 61 kg, Mamed Ibragimov at 97 kg and Daulet Shabanbay at 125 kg. Sanayev competed in the 2016 Olympic Games. He was fifth in the 2014 and 2015 Senior World Championships and was a 2018 Asian champion. He started his career wrestling for Russia under the name Artas Sanaa. Ibragimov, a 2016 Olympian, was fifth in the 2017 Senior World Championships. He was third in the 2015 Ivan Yarygin Grand Prix in Russia, considered the toughest open freestyle event each season. Shabanbay, who was fifth in the 2012 Olympics, also competed in the 2016 Olympic Games. Shabanbay was seventh at the 2015 World Championships in Las Vegas. The team also features a number of athletes with major age-group achievements. Meizhan Ashirov, a 2016 University World champion and 2012 Junior World bronze medalist, is competing at 70 kg. Bolat Sakaev, a 2016 University World bronze medalist, will enter at 74 kg. Kuat Amirtaev, entered at 61 kg, was a 2017 U23 World silver medalist. Iliskhan Chilaev, a 2015 Junior World bronze medalist, wrestles at 92 kg. Iliyas Zhumay, a 65 kg entry, won a Cadet World bronze medal in 2011. Mukhamed Kuatbek, a 2014 Youth Olympic Games champion, will compete at 57 kg. Ticket opportunities for the World Cup include a Gold all-session package ($225), a Black all-session package ($150), and standard all-session tickets ($75/$50). Tickets are now available on the University of Iowa Athletics website. Visit worldcupiowacity.com for more information on the event. Kazakhstan Freestyle World Cup Team Roster 57 kg/125.5 lbs. - Mukhambed Kuatbek 61 kg/134 lbs. - Kuat Amirtayev 61 kg/134 lbs. - Nurislam Sanayev 65 kg/143 lbs. - Sayatbek Okassov 65 kg/143 lbs. - Iliyas Zhumay 70 kg/154 lbs. - Meirzhan Ashirov 74 kg/163 lbs. - Daniyar Kaisanov 74 kg/163 lbs. - Bolat Sakayev 79 kg/174 lbs. - Saken Aitzhanov 86 kg/189 lbs. - Nurdaulet Kokteubayev 92kg/203 lbs. - Iliskhan Chilayev 97 kg/213 lbs. - Mamed Ibragimov 125 kg/275 lbs. - Daulet Shabanbay 125 kg/275 lbs. - Oleg Boltin Kazakhstan World Cup Bios 57 kg/126 lbs. - Mukhambed Kuatbek 2014 Youth Olympic Games champion… Third at 2014 Cadet World Championships… Third at 2017 International D. A. Kunaev Tournament (Kazakhstan)… Tenth at Intercontinental Cup (Russia)… Second at the 2015 Junior Asian Championships… Third at 2016 Junior Asian Championships… 2014 Cadet Asian champion… Born January 2, 1997… Age: 21 61 kg/134 lbs. - Kuat Amirtayev Second at 2017 U23 World Championships… Third at 2017 Alexander Medved Prizes (Belarus)… Tenth at 2018 International Ukrainian Tournament… 61 kg/134 lbs. - Nurislam Sanayev (previously Artas Sanaa) Fifth at 2014 and 2015 World Championships… 2016 Olympian… Three-time World Team member…2018 Asian champion… Second at 2017 International D. A. Kunaev Tournament (Kazakshtan)… Fifth at 2017 Alany Tournament (Russia)… 2017 Waclaw Ziolkowski Memorial (Poland)… Third at 2017 Asian Championships… Fifth at 2016 Ali Aliev Tournament (Russia)… 2015 International D. A. Kunaev Tournament champion (Kazakhstan)… Fifth at 2015 President Cup of Kazakhstan… Second at 2012 Ramzan Kadyrov Cup (Russia)… Born February 9, 1991… Age: 27 65 kg/143 lbs. - Sayatbek Okassov Two-time Kazakhstan World Team member… Fifth at the 2010 Junior World Championships… Eighth at 2015 and 2016 Intercontinental Cup (Russia)… Third at 2015 President Cup of Kazakhstan… Third at 2015 Ali Aliev Tournament (Russia)… 2014 Alexander Medved Prizes champion (Belarus)… Third at 2013 International D. A. Kunaev Tournament (Kazakhstan)… Seventh at 2013 Waclaw Ziolkowski Memorial (Poland)… Third at 2012 Golden Grand Prix… Eighth at 2011 Dmitri Korkin Tournament (Russia)… Fifth at 2011 Alexander Medved Prizes (Belarus)… 2009 Junior Asian champion… Born July 7, 1991… Age: 26 65 kg/143 lbs. - Iliyas Zhumay Third at 2017 Alexander Medved Prizes (Belarus)… Third at 2017 Waclaw Ziolkowski Memorial (Poland)… Third at 2017 Islamic Solidarity Games… Third at 2016 International D. A. Kunaev Tournament (Kazakshtan)… Seventh at 2016 Junior World Championships… 2015 Junior Asian champion… Third at 2015 Olympia Tournament (Greece)… Fifth at 2014 Junior World Championships… Third at 2014 Junior Asian Championships… Third at 2013 Cadet Asian Championships… Fifth at 2012 Cadet World Championships… Third at 2011 Cadet World Championships… Born January 16, 1996… Age: 22 70 kg/154 lbs. - Meirzhan Ashirov 2017 Kazakhstan World Team member… Third at 2018 Asian Championships… Third at 2012 Junior World Championships… Third at 2012 Junior Asian Championships… Second at 2011 Junior Asian Championships… Third at 2015 and 2017 International D. A. Kunaev Tournament (Kazakhstan)… Eighth at 2017 Intercontinental Cup (Russia)… Third at 2017 Waclaw Ziolkowski Memorial (Poland)… Ninth at 2017 Asian Championships… Third at 2017 Dan Kolov Tournament (Bulgaria)… Fifth at 2016 Golden Grand Prix… 2016 World University champion… Ninth at 2016 Waclaw Ziolkowski Memorial (Poland)… Seventh at 2016 Alexander Medved Prizes (Belarus)… Fifth at 2014 and 2015 Intercontinental Cup (Russia)… 2015 President Cup of Kazakhstan champion… Fifth at 2015 Ali Aliev Tournament (Russia)… Eighth at 2015 Yasar Dogu (Turkey)… 2014 Miners' Fame Tournament champion (Russia)… Tenth at 2014 Alexander Medved Prizes (Belarus)… Tenth at 2014 Takhti Cup (Iran)… Tenth at 2013 International D. A. Kunaev Tournament (Kazakhstan)… Seventh at 2013 Grand Prix of Germany… Third at 2012 Grand Prix of Spain… January 30, 1992… Age: 26 74 kg/163 lbs. - Daniyar Kaisanov Eighth at 2013 Junior World Championships… Third at 2018 Asian Championships… Seventh at 2017 Waclaw Ziolkowski Memorial (Poland)… Seventh at 2017 Islamic Solidarity Games… Second at 2016 Intercontinental Cup (Russia)… Third at 2016 Mongolia Cup… Seventh at 2015 International D. A. Kunaev Tournament (Kazakhstan)… Second at 2014 International D. A. Kunaev Tournament (Kazakhstan)… Seventh at 2013 Junior Freidenfelds Cup (Latvia)… 74 kg/163 lbs. - Bolat Sakayev Third at 2016 World University Championships… Fifth at 2018 Takhti Cup (Iran)… Second at 2017 International D. A. Kunaev Tournament (Kazakhstan)… Third at 2017 Vladimir Semenov Tournament (Russia)… Third at 2017 Islamic Solidarity Games… Second at 2017 Dan Kolov Tournament (Bulgaria)… Fifth at 2016 World University Championships… Fifth at 2016 Dmitri Korkin Tournament (Russia)… 2015 President Cup of Kazakhstan champion… Second at 2015 Mongolia Open… Third at the 2014 International D. A. Kunaev Tournament (Kazakshtan)… Fifth at 2014 Ali Aliev Tournament (Russia)… Fifth at 2014 Takhti Cup (Iran)… Seventh at 2013 International D. A. Kunaev Tournament (Kazakhstan)… 2013 Junior Asian champion… Second at 2013 Junior Freidenfelds Cup (Latvia)… Second at 2012 Junior Asian Championships… 79 kg/174 lbs. - Saken Aitzhanov Two-time Kazakhstan World Team member… Sixth at 2017 Akhmat Kadyrov Cup… Eighth at 2016 International D. A. Kunaev Tournament (Russia)… Third at 2016 President Cup of Buryatia Republic (Russia)… 2016 Mongolia Open champion… Fifth at 2014 Alexander Medved Prizes (Belarus)… Third at 2013 Junior Asian Championships… 2013 Junior Freidenfelds Cup champion (Latvia)… Ninth at 2012 Grand Prix of Spain… Second at 2011 Junior Asian Championships… 2010 Cadet Asian champion… Born January 1, 1993… Age: 25 86 kg/189 lbs. - Nurdaulet Kokteubayev Third at 2017 Takhti Cup (Iran)… Third at 2014 Miners' Fame Tournament (Russia)… Fifth at 2014 International D. A. Kunaev Tournament (Kazakhstan) 92kg/203 lbs. - Iliskhan Chilayev Third at 2015 Junior World Championships… Third at 2015 International D. A. Kunaev Tournament (Kazakhstan)… Second at 2015 Junior Asian Championships… Fifth at 2012 Cadet Asian Championships… 97 kg/213 lbs. - Mamed Ibragimov 2016 Olympian… Fifth at 2017 World Championships... Fifth at 2018 Asian Championships… 2017 International D. A. Kunaev Tournament champion (Kazakhstan)… Second at 2017 Waclaw Ziolkowski Memorial (Poland)… Third at 2017 Islamic Solidarity Games… Fifth at 2017 Dan Kolov Tournament (Bulgaria)… Third at 2017 Takhti Cup (Iran)… Seventh at 2016 International D. A. Kunaev Tournament (Kazakhstan)… Third at 2016 Grand Prix of Germany… Third at 2016 Waclaw Ziolkowski Memorial (Poland)… Second at 2016 Olympic Qualification Tournament… Ninth at 2016 Alexander Medved Prizes (Belarus)… Second at 2015 International D. A. Kunaev Tournament (Kazakhstan)… Third at 2015 Olympia Tournament (Greece)… Third at 2015 Ivan Yarygin Grand Prix (Russia)… Third at 2014 Asian Games… Tenth at 2014 Golden Grand Prix… Tenth at 2014 Ali Aliev Tournament (Russia)… Third at 2014 Mongolia Open… Fifth at 2014 Ivan Yarygin Grand Prix (Russia)… Third at 2011 Junior Asian Championships… Third at 2008 Cadet Asian Championships… Born June 9, 1992… Age: 25 125 kg/275 lbs. - Daulet Shabanbay Fifth at 2012 Olympic Games… Seventh at 2015 World Championships… Five-time Kazakhstan World Team member… Two-time Olympian… Sixth at 2017 Akhmat Kadyrov Cup (Russia)… Fifth at 2017 Asian Indoor Games… Tenth at Waclaw Ziolkowski Memorial (Poland)… Second at 2017 Islamic Solidarity Games… Fifth at 2017 Dan Kolov Tournament (Bulgaria)… Second at 2016 Grand Prix of Germany… Second at 2016 Olympic Qualification Tournament… Second at 2016 Asian Championships… Fifth at 2015 International D. A. Kunaev Tournament (Kazakhstan)… 2015 President Cup of Kazakhstan champion… Third at 2015 Yasar Dogu (Turkey)… Eighth at 2015 Alexander Medved Prizes (Belarus)… Second at 2014 Asian Games… Fifth at 2014 Ali Aliev Tournament (Russia)… Third at 2014 Asian Championships… Fifth at 2014 Alexander Medved Prizes (Belarus)… Second at 2014 Takhti Cup (Iran)… 2014 International D. A. Kunaev Tournament champion (Kazakhstan)… 2013 Grand Prix of Germany champion… Third at 2012 Waclaw Ziolkowski Memorial (Poland)… Fifth at 2011 International Ukrainian Tournament… Third at 2011 Asian Championships… Ninth at 2010 Golden Grand Prix… Third at 2008 and 2009 Asian Championships… Fifth at 2009 Nikola Petrov Tournament (Bulgaria)… Born August 9, 1983… Age: 34 125 kg/275 lbs. - Oleg Boltin Tenth at 2013 Junior World Championships… Seventh at 2018 Ivan Yarygin Grand Prix (Russia)… Third at 2017 International D. A. Kunaev Tournament (Kazakhstan)… Fourth at 2017 Dave Schultz Memorial International… Third at 2017 Alexander Medved Prizes (Belarus)… Tenth at 2016 International D. A. Kunaev Tournament (Kazakhstan)… Eighth at 2015 International D. A. Kunaev Tournament (Kazakhstan)… Fifth at 2014 International D. A. Kunaev Tournament (Kazakhstan)… Second at 2013 Asian Championships… Second at 2013 Freidenfelds Cup (Latvia)… Third at 2012 Asian Championships… Born February 10, 1993… Age: 25

Ed Ruth is 4-0 in his MMA career (Photo/Bellator) Less than one week after Ed Ruth signed on for a welterweight bout at Bellator 196 in Budapest, Hungary, the former Penn State superstar wrestler has learned his has a new opponent, and will be fighting in a different weight class, according to multiple media reports Monday. After original Bellator 196 foe Laszlo Furko withdrew from the 170-pound match due to injury, Ruth will now face Ion Pascu in a 175-pound catchweight bout at Bellator 196 on Saturday, April 6 at the same location. The 27-year-old Ruth, who is 4-0 in his professional mixed martial arts career, was originally intended to mark his debut at 170 pounds after previously competing at middleweight (185 pounds). Instead, Ruth will meet Pascu somewhere in the middle, at 175 pounds. Pascu, 35, is an MMA veteran from Bucharest, Romania. He is 17-7 in his pro career he launched in October 2006. Nine of his wins are by KO/TKO, four by submission, and four by decision. Pasco has had nine of his bouts go the distance ... while Ruth has never experienced a full three-round fight, having ended all four of his matches within the first two rounds. Another potential concern for some fans of "EZ Ed": Having to prep for a new opponent. However, Ruth told MMA Fighting that the opponent switch is of little concern to him and his team, having experienced this situation in his college career. "Sometimes at dual meets, they would have somebody wrestle at a certain weight class all year long and then all of a sudden they switch the guy right before you're about to step out there," Ruth told MMA Fighting. "Even when you're weighing in on the scales, you'll see them weigh in two guys so you don't know which one of those guys you're going to wrestle. "There were times at the Penn State dual meets where I had to shake hands with, like, three guys that were out there on the mat and I didn't know which one I was going to wrestle." That be-ready-for-anything mentality that served the first-ever three-time NCAA champ for the storied Penn State wrestling program is still at work in his Bellator MMA career. "We're never just preparing for one guy," said Ruth. "They know that I'm not just trying to be good at boxing or kickboxing, I'm not just trying to take the guy down and just be a wrestler, I want to go out there and compete against someone in the disciplines that they're good in. "Going forward with this new guy Ion Pascu, the training and everything is still the same. I'm just trying to get better with my standup striking, my wrestling, and all my transitions, and my jiu-jitsu." Ruth is one of the most decorated wrestlers to come out of Penn State wrestling program. The Harrisburg, Pa. native was a four-time NCAA All-American, becoming the first three-time NCAA champ for the Nittany Lions, winning the 174-pound title in 2012, and back-to-back championships at 184 in 2013 and 2014.

JaMarr Billman While most of the amateur wrestling community was focused on the 2018 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships in Cleveland -- and post-event coverage -- there have been new developments regarding JaMarr Billman and his position as head wrestling coach at his high school alma mater, as wrestlers, the local chapter of the NAACP, and local newspapers have weighed in on his behalf. First, some background. Billman had been head coach at Easton Area High School for the past two years until being told his contract -- along with the rest of his coaching staff -- had not be renewed on Tuesday, March 15. However, by the end of the week, the three-time NCAA All-American wrestler at Penn State and Lock Haven announced he would remain coach of the Red Rovers. Friday night (May 16), Billman posted on Facebook saying that Easton school district Superintendent John Reinhart had overturned the athletic director's decision and will recommend that Billman return next season. LehighValleyLive.com reported that Billman had met with Reinhart that Friday afternoon to discuss his job. He got word about 10:30 p.m. Friday that the superintendent wanted him back. "We're ecstatic, happy, proud, just overwhelmed," Billman said on the Facebook live broadcast announcing his return. As head coach at Easton, Billman compiled an overall record of 24-13 overall, 13-5 in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference. The Red Rovers claimed two District 11 Class 3A champions this past year: Jonathan Miers (132 pounds) and Jonathan Pineda (285). However, the traditional powerhouse mat program went without a state medalist for the second straight season for the first time since 1967. Neither Billman nor the administrators acknowledged why Billman was not invited back to coach. The decision came four days after an Easton wrestler -- Jonathan Miers -- failed to make weight for the finals and was disqualified from the state championships. Students, wrestlers, then NAACP protest Billman's situation Prior to the announcement that coach Billman had been reinstated, students had protested on the coach's behalf, with a number of Easton wrestlers placing their jerseys and other sports apparel on the doorstep of the office of the school's Athletic Director Jim Pokrivsak. Then, at a meeting of the Easton school board on Tuesday, March 20, representatives from the Easton branch of the NAACP called for the firing of Easton Area High School's AD along with principal Kyle Geiger for their alleged roles in the dismissal of varsity wrestling coach JaMarr Billman the previous week. Marvin Boyer, political action chairman for Easton's NAACP, provided details of an incident March 10 involving Billman being attacked verbally and physically by family members of a wrestler who failed to make weight on the last day of the 2018 PIAA (Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association) Wrestling Championships, the Morning Call reported. According to Boyer, some members of that wrestler's family "became enraged" and started calling Billman names, swearing at him. "The wrestler's grandfather went so far as to choke Mr. Billman, used racial epitaphs, called him [the N-word], threatened his life. "Throughout the verbal and physical assault, Billman remained calm and reported the incident to his direct supervisor, the athletic director, shortly after the incident." According to Boyer, Billman had shouldered the blame when the wrestler failed to make weight. Boyer claimed that Pokrivsak and Geiger did not provide school district Superintendent John Reinhart and Chief Operating Officer Michael Simonetta with full details of the event. Billman met with Reinhart and Simonetta the previous Friday after being informed his contract was not being renewed, and reportedly shared details of the incident with the two administrators. A few hours later, Reinhart reinstated Billman. Boyer went on to say that Billman nor his assistants and all the witnesses [to the March 10 events] were never interviewed by the athletic director or principal before the decision regarding Billman's future was made. "It can be inferred that [Geiger's and Pokrivsak's] actions were deceptive, which lends credence to Billman's claim that he has a hostile work environment and is being discriminated against," Boyer told the school board. "The NAACP believes Billman's job will remain in jeopardy as long as he reports to the current athletic director and principal." "I hope that the [Easton school board] terminates the athletic director and principal considering their egregious actions," Boyer concluded. Boyer was not the only individual to speak on Billman's behalf. A number of Easton wrestlers who witnessed the reported incident at the state championships at Hershey's Giant Center also spoke to the school board. Local media weighs in on Billman situation In recent days, local newspapers have offered opinions on what happened to JaMarr Billman. Here is a portion of the editorial in the Express-Times: www.lehighvalleylive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2018/03/firing_rehiring_of_easton_wres.html "The abrupt firing and reinstatement of JaMarr Billman as Easton Area High School's wrestling coach was nothing short of a wild 'scramble' -- the situation in which two wrestlers are jockeying for control, the action gets unpredictable and tensions run high in the stands. That can be fun and instructive on the mat, but it's no way for school administrators to make personnel decisions. "Billman and the rest of the coaching staff were informed after this year's PIAA state tournament that their contracts would not be renewed for 2018, on the heels of a state tournament in which Easton wrestlers failed to make the medals stand, despite having two District XI champions. "The other part of the story is that an Easton wrestler failed to make weight at the state tourney, for which Billman accepted responsibility, rightly or wrongly. "But that's hardly the end of the controversy. After the wrestler was ruled ineligible, Billman allegedly was attacked, verbally and physically, by a relative of the wrestler. That exchange reportedly included a racial epithet directed at Billman, who is black…" "The reversal (of the decision not to renew Billman's contract) didn't settle the issue for members of the Easton chapter of the NAACP and others, who gave the school board an earful Tuesday night, questioning whether Billman's hasty firing was influenced by racism. "Neither Billman nor administrators have commented publicly on the issue, but it's apparent that fan and parental pressure influenced a rash decision. In contrast, Billman acted with restraint and calmness in a trying situation -- and in fact, was a victim if he was assaulted. "A personnel decision at this level -- especially in the emotional cauldron of a disappointing postseason -- requires thoughtfulness and a consensus among top administrators. That it didn't follow that process is a breakdown in leadership. The person or persons responsible should be held accountable..." "Regardless of the high bar of expectation in Easton's storied wrestling program, this was a disgraceful rush to judgment of an honorable man and coach. At least it was rectified." Tom Housenick of the Morning Call shared his account of the situation, then weighed in with his assessment. "… There is no doubt the school board has a tremendous task ahead of it in the coming days and weeks. "One thing is clear, though: It must send a message to the community that it will not tolerate the actions, or in some cases, the inaction of administrators whose responsibility it is to protect its employees. "After (Jonathan) Miers did not make weight the morning of March 10, Billman took full responsibility with the wrestler's parents. "There may have been confusion regarding the weight allowances. "For decades, there have been only two 1-pound weight allowances granted at the PIAA Wrestling Championships. Those allowances usually are on the second and third days of the event, but because the weather forecast closed many schools on Wednesday, March 7, and thus wrestlers couldn't practice, the allowances were on the first and second days. "If Billman and his staff did not remind Miers of these rules, it is their mistake. "It is, however, in no way a fireable offense. "It certainly does not justify verbal or physical abuse from anyone, if that occurred as alleged…" "On Wednesday, March 14, (Easton AD) Jim Pokrivsak informed Billman that his contract and those of his staff were not being renewed. This decision was made without any Easton administrator interviewing Billman, his staff or other witnesses to the alleged incidents on March 10, Boyer said at the school board meeting. "On March 16, Billman met with school district Superintendent John Reinhart and Chief Operating Officer Michael Simonetta. A few hours later, Billman and his staff were reinstated. "The NAACP , many of Billman's wrestlers and the community demanded more action during Tuesday's school board meeting. "They deserve more if the details of the events earlier this month are accurate. "First, Miers' grandfather, if he is guilty of what is alleged, should be banned from future Easton athletic events. "As a parent, I understand the emotions that swell inside when children and grandchildren are competing. "Parents can have conversations with their children's coaches, but it can never escalate to what is alleged here. "Easton school officials need to make it clear to coaches that they have their full support. "Miers is known as a tough-as-nails wrestler on the mat. He also is well-respected by his teammates, his coaches as well as opponents and other area coaches. "I'm sure Billman is hopeful Miers and all of Easton's underclassman wrestlers can return to normalcy, and likewise the entire Easton program. "Getting to know Billman the last two years, I think his goal for all Easton wrestlers is to help make them become better young men. "The two-time PIAA champion and three-time Division I college All-American and his staff know they are employed to improve the athlete's wrestling skills, but they see their roles are significantly more important than that."

This season saw two true freshmen win NCAA titles in Cleveland, Iowa's Spencer Lee (125) and Cornell's Yianni Diakomihalis (141). Next season many other Class of 2017 graduates will make their collegiate debuts after redshirting, while a new crop of true freshmen will enter the college ranks. Let's examine the 10 most anticipated collegiate debuts next season. Gable Steveson defeated Cadet world champion Daniel Kerkvliet this season (Photo/Jeff Beshey, The Guillotine) Gable Steveson (Minnesota, 285) Steveson, the nation's No. 1 recruit, has already won three age-group world titles before graduating from high school. Last year the heavyweight from Apple Valley (Minn.) won his first Junior world title while still being a Cadet-eligible wrestler. Steveson recently finished his high school career with a 173-match winning streak and the best winning percentage in state history (212-3). He will join his older brother Bobby at the University of Minnesota later this year. He is expected to step in Minnesota's lineup immediately and contend for the NCAA title at heavyweight as a true freshman. Daton Fix after winning the gold medal at 55 kilograms (Photo/Richard Immel) Daton Fix (Oklahoma State, 125) Fix was one of the nation's top recruits in the Class of 2017, finishing his prep career as a four-time undefeated state champion in Oklahoma. As a redshirt, he won the Reno Tournament of Champions, which included victories over Oregon State's Ronnie Bresser and NC State's Sean Fausz. However, it's not just his success in folkstyle wrestling that has many people believing that he can contend for an NCAA title in 2019. His success in freestyle is even more eye-opening. Fix dominated his competition at the Junior World Championships in August, outscoring his opponents 53-1. It was third age-group medal. Three months later, Fix defeated Ohio State's Nathan Tomasello in two straight matches to make the U23 World Team. He topped Spencer Lee three years ago UWW Cadet Nationals. Bot have come a long way since then. Look for the Lee-Fix rivalry to continue at the college level and possibly beyond. Vito Arujau (Photo/Josh Conklin) Vito Arujau (Cornell, 133) Arujau, the son of two-time freestyle world champion and Olympic medalist Vogar Oroudjov, finished his high school wrestling career riding a massive winning streak. The 2017 high school graduate won his last 174 high school wrestling matches and finished his high school with a career record of 216-1. The lone blemish on his record came against Yianni Diakomihalis, who recently claimed an NCAA title as a true freshman at Cornell. After greyshirting this past season, Arujau will join Diakomihalis in the Big Red lineup next season. Jacob Warner (Iowa, 197) Warner, a three-time Illinois state champion and a 2016 Cadet world bronze medalist, compiled a record of 15-4 as a redshirt. The win that had the wrestling world buzzing was his 16-7 major decision over multiple-time All-American Willie Miklus of Missouri at the Lindenwood Open. He came back to earth at the Midlands in late December where he took three losses and placed sixth. One of those losses came to Hawkeye teammate Cash Wilcke. Next season Warner will likely step into the Hawkeye lineup at 197 pounds, while Wilcke slides down to 184 pounds. Spencer Lee, who lives with Warner, recently said he could see Warner making a title run as a redshirt freshman. Mikey Labriola (Nebraska, 174) The Pennsylvania native Labriola finished his high school career in 2017 as the nation's top-ranked 170-pounder. He had a dominant senior season at Bethlehem Catholic, going 44-0 and winning titles at the Walsh Ironman and Beast of the East. Labriola redshirted this season at Nebraska and compiled a record of 18-2. He had some notable wins during his redshirt season, beating All-Americans David Kocer of South Dakota State and Jacobe Smith of Oklahoma State. Labriola placed fourth at the Midlands where he took his only losses of the season, both to Purdue's Dylan Lydy, a round of 12 finisher. Kaden Gfeller celebrates after winning the Southern Scuffle title (Photo/Sam Janicki, SJanickiPhoto.com) Kaden Gfeller (Oklahoma State, 141/149) Gfeller, like Fix, arrived at Oklahoma State as a four-time undefeated state champion. He did not disappoint in his first year in Stillwater as a redshirt. Gfeller captured a Southern Scuffle title in early January with a victory over Penn State's Nick Lee. The Cowboys have a logjam in the first five weight classes next season, so it remains to be seen where Gfeller fits in, but it would be surprising if he's not in the lineup contending for a high finish on the podium in Pittsburgh. Mekhi Lewis (Virginia Tech, 165/174) Lewis, a two-time New Jersey state champion, was very impressive as a redshirt, winning 28 of 30 matches. His only losses came against All-American Chance Marsteller of Lock Haven at the Southern Scuffle. Lewis notched wins over multiple NCAA qualifiers as a redshirt. With two-time 165-pound All-American David McFadden returning to Blacksburg for his junior season, Lewis will likely have to move up a weight class to find a spot in Virginia Tech's lineup next season. Austin Gomez (Iowa State, 133) Coach Kevin Dresser's first year leading the Cyclones was filled with ups and downs, as expected. The Cyclones qualified just one wrestler for the NCAAs, Jarrett Degen, who finished 3-2 in Cleveland. Gomez, one of the nation's top recruits in 2017, is expected to play a key role in helping Iowa State's wrestling program return to national prominence. After sitting out the first half of the season, Gomez was a perfect 8-0 in three events as a redshirt. He won four Fargo titles -- two in freestyle and two in Greco-Roman -- before arriving in Ames. Brady Berge gets in on a shot against Pat Lugo at the Junior World Team Trials (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com) Brady Berge (Penn State, 149) With three-time NCAA champion Zain Retherford graduating, Berge is the likely starter at 149 pounds for the Nittany Lions. The No. 8 recruit in the Class of 2017, Berge was a four-time state champion in Minnesota, finishing his prep career with a career record of 282-5. He saw limited action as a redshirt in Happy Valley, competing only in the Princeton Open in November where he placed third at 157 pounds. Jarod Verkleeren, another highly ranked recruit from the Class of 2017, could battle Berge for the spot. Chase Singletary (Ohio State, 285) Like Berge, Singletary finds himself in the position of succeeding a three-time NCAA champion. He is expected to be Ohio State's starter at heavyweight next season with Olympic champion Kyle Snyder graduating. Singletary was the nation's No. 1-ranked 220-pounder as a senior. After a strong redshirt season in which he posted a 21-3 record, expectations are high for the former Blair Academy standout. Others to watch: Brandon Courtney (Arizona State, 125), Austin O'Connor (North Carolina, 149), Jarod Verkleeren (Penn State, 149), Cam Coy (Virginia, 149/157), Anthony Mantanona (Oklahoma, 165/174), Louie DePrez (Binghamton, 184), Nino Bonaccorsi (Pitt, 184), Jake Woodley (Oklahoma, 197)

Wrestlers on the autism spectrum -- and other grapplers who support them -- will now have a new event to compete in this spring. The first-ever West Virginia Wrestle Against Autism event will take place Saturday, May 19 at Parkersburg High School at 2101 Dudley Ave. in Parkersburg, W.Va. The event will take place outdoors under the lights at the Parkersburg High football stadium, with four wrestling mats spread out on the field. (In case of rain, the action will take place inside Parkersburg High School Fieldhouse.) Wrestling begins at 7 p.m. Eastern time. Weigh-ins will take place from 2-6 p.m. on Saturday, May 19. There is an entry fee of $30 per wrestler. A printable registration form is available at www.wvmat.com/youth/youth.htm. Wrestlers must register in advance by one of the following: By mail: Send to Scooter Myers, 1307 19th Street, Vienna, WV 26105 By email: kevinemmitt22@gmail.com By phone: (304) 482-2086 All participants must register in advance; no walk-ins. Registrations must be received by 9:00 p.m. Eastern Monday, May 13. Who can compete The inaugural West Virginia Wrestle Against Autism event is open to all wrestlers; one does not have to be diagnosed with autism to participate. There are unique sets of weight classes for each age group (age as of 1/1/18): Ages 6 and under: 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 70 pounds and heavyweight Ages 7-8: 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80 pounds and heavyweight Ages 9-11: 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 86, 93, 100, 115 pounds and hwt. Ages 12-14: 80, 88, 95, 103, 110, 114, 122, 128, 134, 142, 150, 160, 172, 205, 245 pounds Grades 9-12: 105, 113, 120, 135, 140, 145, 152, 160, 170, 190, 220, 285 pounds Open: 145, 155, 170, 185, 205, 235, and unlimited Rules Individual matches for wrestlers age 12 and under will consist of three one-minute periods. Scholastic rules will apply, with sudden death overtime. All seeds will be a blind draw. Five or fewer wrestlers in a bracket will wrestle in a round-robin. Fans may purchase tickets at the event for just $3 per person. To get a registration form, visit wvmat.com www.wvmat.com/youth/htm and scroll down to the Wrestle Against Autism section for a printable PDF file. To learn more about this event, check out the 1st Annual West Virginia Wrestle Against Autism page on Facebook. Want to know more about wrestling and autism? Check out this May 2017 InterMat feature article "Many diagnosed with autism have found wrestling is right sport."

Last September a Blue Ribbon Task Force proposed multiple changes to the NCAA Division I wrestling season. The biggest alternation would come with the introduction of an official dual meet championship tournament. The Task Force envisioned a 16-team dual meet tournament composed of conference dual champions and at-large selections, which would take place following the individual NCAA championship. It remains to be seen if the proposal will ever come to fruition. However, it is certainly interesting food for thought. Let's take a look at what a dual meet championship might actually look like if the system had been in place for this year. Qualification Under the proposed system all conference champions would automatically qualify for the tournament. That means the following teams would automatically qualify: Penn State (Big Ten Conference) North Carolina State (Atlantic Coast Conference) Missouri (Mid-American Conference) Arizona State (Pac-12 Conference) Appalachian State (Southern Conference) Cornell (Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association) Rider (Eastern Wrestling League) Oklahoma State* (Big 12 Conference) *Oklahoma State and South Dakota State both went undefeated in conference and did not wrestle in the regular season. For the purpose of this hypothetical scenario, Oklahoma State takes the automatic qualifier spot due to having the higher InterMat dual meet ranking. With the conference champions automatically entered into the field, that leaves eight at-large spots open. For this exercise, the highest ranked non-automatic qualifiers in the InterMat dual meet rankings earn bids to the tournament. The following teams would qualify: No. 2 Ohio State (Big Ten) No. 5 Michigan (Big Ten) No. 7 Iowa (Big Ten) No. 9 Virginia Tech (ACC) No. 10 Lehigh (EIWA) No. 12 South Dakota State (Big 12) No. 13 Nebraska (Big Ten) No. 14 Wyoming (Big 12) Under the new system, a committee would likely decided the at-large participants based on record, RPI and a coaches ranking, much like the current individual selection process. Seeding The Blue Ribbon Task Force proposal does not include seeding criteria. For the creation of the following hypothetical brackets, seeds came from the InterMat dual meet rankings. However, it is hard to imagine how teams jockeying for seeding position in a dual meet season would not create more excitement and focus around the dual meet season. Results The proposal outlines that the top eight seeds would host dual meets on the tournament's first weekend. Then, the top remaining seed after the first weekend would host the remaining eight-team field. Using a mixture of most recent result and predictions, the following is how the bracket plays out. Obviously, anything can happen in wrestling and that is exactly what would make a dual tournament that much more interesting. Per this prediction, the finals would be a rematch of one of the best duals of the year with Penn State and Ohio State facing off. Penn State won the last match thanks in large part to an upset of then-number-one Kollin Moore by Anthony Cassar. Since then Shakur Rasheed has taken over the starting spot at 197. However, in this hypothetical scenario, Penn State would have multiple-time NCAA Jason Nolf back in the lineup. While the final match would be a rematch per this projection, this scenario would also result in 85 individual matches that have never occurred before. The proposal seems to be a long way from happening. However, in theory, the new season structure would put an emphasis on duals and give the wrestling community another marquee event at the Division I level.

Frank Molinaro (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com) National Freestyle Coach Bill Zadick has finalized the United States' roster set to compete at the 2018 Freestyle World Cup at Carver-Hawkeye Arena on April 7-8 at the University of Iowa, April. The World Cup is the annual international dual meet championship that features the top eight men's freestyle wrestling teams in the world. USA Wrestling previously announced one athlete in each of the 10 international weight class. Those wrestlers who are considered the starting lineup for the U.S. team. Included in the initial group of World Cup team members are seven athletes from the 2017 U.S. Senior World Team; the team that won the title at the 2017 World Wrestling Championships in Paris, France last August. Each team is permitted to enter as many as two athletes per weight class on their World Cup roster, all who are eligible to compete for their team in any of the dual meets during the World Cup event. The USA has added one additional athlete per weight class. The second group of U.S. World Cup team members is a very talented group of athletes, all who have considerable achievements in international wrestling and on the U.S. college scene. Leading the new set of American stars on the team is 2016 Olympian Frank Molinaro (Blackburg, Va./Titan Mercury WC/Southeast RTC) at 70 kg/154 lbs. Molinaro competed in the last two Freestyle World Cups for the USA. In 2016, he won a gold medal, going 4-0 at 65 kg in the USA dual meets. In 2017, had a 1-3 record at 65 kg at the World Cup in Iran. His career World Cup record is 5-3. He was an NCAA champion at Penn State. The other addition to the roster with past World Cup experience is Alex Dieringer (Stillwater, Okla./Titan Mercury WC) at 79 kg/174 lbs. Dieringer had a 2-2 record at the 2016 World Cup in Los Angeles. A three-time NCAA champion at Oklahoma State, Dieringer is also a past Junior World silver medalist. Two of the new team members have an Iowa connection, as Joe Colon (Fresno, Calif./Titan Mercury WC/Valley RTC) at 61 kg/134 lbs. was an All-American for Northern Iowa, and Kyven Gadson (Ames, Iowa/Sunkist Kids/Cyclone WC) at 97 kg/213 lbs. was an NCAA champion for Iowa State. Both have been National Team members. Dom Bradley (Lincoln, Neb./Sunkist Kids/Nebraska WTC), a past Junior World champion who has made numerous U.S. Freestyle National Teams, is on the roster at 125 kg/275 lbs. Competing at 92 kg/202.5 lbs. is Hayden Zillmer (Minneapolis, Minn./Minnesota Storm), the former North Dakota State star, who is a member of both the men's freestyle and Greco-Roman National Teams this year. Also on the team is veteran lightweight Frank Perrelli (Charlottesville, Va./Titan Mercury WC/Cavalier RTC) at 57 kg/125.5 lbs. Three of those joining the team were stars at the recently completed NCAA Division I Championships in Cleveland. Two-time NCAA champions Isaiah Martinez (Leemore, Calif./Titan Mercury WC/Illini WC) at 74 kg/163 lbs. and Bo Nickal (Allen, Texas/Nittany Lion WC) at 86 kg/189 lbs. have been named to the squad. Martinez was a four-time NCAA finalist for Illinois, and Nickal has won NCAA titles the last two years for Penn State. Also on the squad is Joey McKenna (Towaco, N.J./Lehigh Valley WC/Ohio RTC) at 65 kg/143 lbs. McKenna was an All-American for Ohio State and Stanford. All three collegians have been on past U.S. age-group World Teams. McKenna has won World medals on the Junior and U23 levels. Overall, this U.S. World Cup team has claimed three Olympic medals, 13 Senior World medals, eight age-group World medals and 30 NCAA Div. I national titles. Ticket opportunities for the World Cup include a Gold all-session package ($225), a Black all-session package ($150), and standard all-session tickets ($75/$50). Tickets are now available on the University of Iowa Athletics website. Visit worldcupiowacity.com for more information on the event. FREESTYLE WORLD CUP At Iowa City, Iowa, April 7-8 U.S. men's freestyle roster 57 kg/125.5 lbs. - Thomas Gilman, Iowa City, Iowa (Titan Mercury WC/Hawkeye WC) 57 kg/125.5 lbs. - Frank Perrelli, Charlottesville, Va. (Titan Mercury WC/Cavalier RTC) 61 kg/134 lbs. - Kendric Maple, Lincoln, Neb. (Titan Mercury WC/Nebraska WTC) 61 kg/134 lbs. - Joe Colon, Fresno, Calif. (Titan Mercury WC/Valley RTC) 65 kg/143 lbs. - Logan Stieber, Columbus, Ohio (Titan Mercury WC/Ohio RTC) 65 kg/143 lbs. - Joey McKenna, Towaco, N.J. (Lehigh Valley WC/Ohio RTC) 70 kg/154 lbs. - James Green, Lincoln, Neb. (Titan Mercury WC/Nebraska WTC) 70 kg/154 lbs. - Frank Molinaro, Blackburg, Va. (Titan Mercury WC/Southeast RTC) 74 kg/163 lbs. - Jordan Burroughs, Lincoln, Neb. (Sunkist Kids/Nebraska WTC) 74 kg/163 lbs. - Isaiah Martinez, Leemore, Calif. (Titan Mercury WC/Illini WC) 79 kg/174 lbs. - Kyle Dake, Ithaca, N.Y. (Titan Mercury WC/Finger Lakes WC) 79 kg/174 lbs. - Alex Dieringer, Stillwater, Okla. (Titan Mercury WC) 86 kg/189 lbs. - David Taylor, State College, Pa. (Titan Mercury WC/Nittany Lion WC) 86 kg/189 lbs. - Bo Nickal, Allen, Texas (Nittany Lion WC) 92 kg/202.5 lbs. - J'den Cox, Columbia, Mo. (Titan Mercury WC/Missouri WF) 92 kg/202.5 lbs. - Hayden Zillmer, Minneapolis, Minn. (Minnesota Storm) 97 kg/213 lbs. - Kyle Snyder, Woodbine, Md. (Titan Mercury WC/Ohio RTC) 97 kg/213 lbs. - Kyven Gadson, Ames, Iowa (Sunkist Kids/Cyclone WC) 125 kg/275 lbs. - Nick Gwiazdowski, Raleigh, N.C. (Titan Mercury WC/Wolfpack WC) 125 kg/275 lbs. - Dom Bradley, Lincoln, Neb. (Sunkist Kids/Nebraska WTC) National Freestyle Coaches - Bill Zadick, Kevin Jackson and Joe Russell (Colorado Springs, Colo.) Honorary Coaches - Dan Gable (Iowa City, Iowa), J Robinson (Minneapolis, Minn.), Mike Duroe (Marion, Iowa) Note: New additions to lineup marked in bold World Cup Team, by university they competed for: Ohio State (Stieber, Snyder, McKenna), Penn State (Molinaro, Taylor, Nickal), Missouri (Cox, Bradley), Nebraska (Green, Burroughs), Cornell (Dake, Perrelli), Iowa (Gilman), Oklahoma (Maple), Northern Iowa (Colon), Illinois (Martinez), North Dakota State (Zillmer), Iowa State (Gadson), NC State (Gwiazdowski), Stanford (McKenna), Oklahoma State (Dieringer) Frank Molinaro's previous World Cup results 2017 World Cup, Kermanshah, Iran, Feb. 16-17 WIN Iveriko Julakidze (Georgia), 10-1 LOSS Chermen Valiev (Russia), 4-4 LOSS Haji Aliyev (Azerbaijan), 4-1 LOSS Meisam Nasiri (Iran), 5-4 2016 World Cup, Los Angeles, Calif, June 11-12 WIN Rajneesh (India), 5-0 WIN Magomed Muslimov (Azerbaijan), 4-1 WIN Sayed Mohammadi (Iran), 4-3 WIN Zurab Iakobishvili (Georgia), 4-4 Alex Dieringer's previous World Cup results 2016 World Cup, Los Angeles, Calif, June 11-12 LOSS Parveen Rana (India), 4-4 WIN Ashraf Aliyev (Azerbaijan), 8-0 LOSS Hassan Yazdanicharati (Iran), 10-0 WIN Yakob Makarashvili (Georgia), 10-1

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. -- Sunday afternoon saw the conclusion of the three-day NHSCA (grade-level) Nationals in Virginia Beach, Va. Champions were crowned in each weight class of the four high school grade level divisions, along with a middle school division. Below are the results of the championship bouts. Brackets are available on FloArena. Seniors 113: Jared Kosman (Fitch, Ct.) dec. Ryan Chauvin (Lake Highland Prep, Fla.), 5-4 120: No. 4 Nico Aguilar (Gilroy, Calif.) dec. Cole Laya (East Fairmont, W.Va.), 8-5 126: Justin Vines (Wantagh, N.Y.) dec. Hunter Sparks (Roseburg, Ore.), 4-1 132: Colin Gerardi (Powhatan, Va.) dec. Ryan Moore (Walton Verona, Ky.), 7-2 138: No. 1 (at 132), Joey Silva (Lake Highland Prep, Fla.) dec. Taylor Jeffries (Thunder Basin, Wyo.), 12-6 145: Kasper McIntosh (Portage, Ind.) dec. Peter Enos (Francis Howell, Mo.), 9-4 152: No. 2 Jacori Teemer (Long Beach, N.Y.) dec. Jake Hart (Fort Mill, S.C.), 3-1 160: No. 9 Ryan Thomas (St. Paris Graham, Ohio) tech. fall Mason Smith (Walton Verona, Ky.), 18-3, 5:44 170: No. 1 (at 182), Aaron Brooks (North Hagerstown, Md.) pinned Cole Moody (Bingham, Utah), 1:23 182: No. 18 (at 195), Jonathan Loew (Wantagh, N.Y.) dec. No. 15 Zac Braunagel (Althof Catholic, Ill.), 3-1 195: No. 6 Tony Andrade (Gilroy, Calif.) pinned Gage Braun (St. Paris Graham, Ohio), 4:00 220: Dalton Hoover (Martins Ferry, Ohio) dec. No. 14 Joey Daniel (Santa Ana, Calif.), 5-2 285: No. 12 Austin Emerson (Bedford, Mich.) pinned No. 8 Deonte Wilson (Amityville, N.Y.), 4:48 Juniors 106: No. 17 Jacob Moran (Portage, Ind.) dec. Brendan Chaowanapibool (Bonney Lake, Wash.), 3-2 113: No. 20 Matthew Ramos (Lockport, Ill.) dec. Destin Summers (Snake River, Idaho), 5-3 120: No. 14 Kai Orine (Seckman, Mo.) maj. dec. Earl Blake (Linganore, Md.), 8-0 126: No. 17 Malyke Hines (Osceola, Fla.) dec. Shannon Hanna (Lake Gibson, Fla.), 7-0 132: No. 10 Connor McGonagle (Timberlane, N.H.) pinned Bryce Nickel (Corona del Sol, Ariz.), 2:26 138: No. 19 Coltan Yapoujian (Pomona, Colo.) dec. Devin Schwartzkopf (Francis Howell Central, Mo.), 5-3 145: McKay Foy (Altamont, Utah) dec. No. 10 Michael Weber (Forsyth, Mont.), 7-1 152: No. 8 Brevin Balmeceda (South Dade, Fla.) dec. Donnell Washington (Portage, Ind.), 5-1 160: No. 8 (at 170), Chris Foca (Bergen Catholic, N.J.) dec. No. 11 Mason Reiniche (Baylor School, Tenn.), 2-1 170: Jackson Turley (St. Christopher's, Va.) dec. Alex Cramer (Grayslake Central, Ill.), 8-2 182: Gary Wokojance (Barberton, Ohio) dec. No. 20 Jack Parr (St. Paul's, Md.), 7-2 195: No. 14 Jacob Cardenas (Bergen Catholic, N.J.) dec. Christian Knop (Alexandria, Ala.), 6-1 220: Yaraslau Slavikouski (Northfield Mt. Herman, Mass.) dec. Jacob Bullock (Cahokia, Ill.), 3-1 285: Jack DelGarbino (Girard, Ohio) dec. Louden Haga (Parkersburg South, W.Va.), 8-6 Sophomores 106: Dominic Chavez (Arlington Martin, Texas) dec. No. 19 Nick Babin (Emerson-Park Ridge, N.J.), 6-2 113: Tristan Lujan (Selma, Calif.) dec. Killian Delaney (W.C. Henderson, Pa.), 4-2 120: Kysen Terukina (Kamehameha-Kapalama, Hawaii) dec. Bretli Reyna (South Dade, Fla.), 6-3 126: Patrick Noonan (Stroudsburg, Pa.) dec. Kenny Herrmann (Bethlehem Catholic, Pa.), 6-2 132: Chase Saldate (Gilroy, Calif.) dec. Willie McDougald (Niagara Falls, N.Y.), 10-8 138: Andrew Cerniglia (Nazareth, Pa.) dec. John Martin Best (Parkersburg, W.Va.), 3-0 145: Cole Handlovic (Bethlehem Catholic, Pa.) dec. A.J. Tamburrino (William Tennent, Pa.), 3-1 152: Clayton Ulrey (Lower Dauphin, Pa.) dec. Connor O'Neill (DePaul Catholic, N.J.), 4-3 160: Graham Calhoun (Plymouth, Ind.) dec. John Poznanski (Colonia, N.J.), 6-5 170: Gerrit Nijenhuis (Canon-McMillan, Pa.) dec. Ashton Habeil (Lake Gibson, Fla.), 11-5 182: Gaige Garcia (Southern Columbia, Pa.) dec. Chase Stegall (Northwest Cedar Hill, Mo.), 3-2 195: Cody Goodman (Deerfield, Ill.) pinned Jackson Filipowicz (Blessed Trinity, Ga.), 5:35 220: Hunter Catka (Sun Valley, Pa.) pinned Cody Fleming (Ninety Six, S.C.), 3:59 285: Craig Orlando (Verndale, Minn.) pinned Curtis Ruff (Lake Highland Prep, Fla.), 4:44 Freshmen 106: Cooper Flynn (McDonogh, Md.) dec. Jordan Titus (Center Moriches, N.Y.), 5-2 113: Jayden Gomez (Gilroy, Calif.) dec. Koen Kish (St. Clairsville, Ohio), 7-6 120: Ethen Miller (Park Hill, Mo.) dec. Caden McCrary (Woodland, Ga.), 6-3 126: Shayne Van Ness (Blair Academy, N.J.) pinned Edward Hummel (Roselle Park, N.J.), 1:58 132: Justin Mastroianni (New Canaan, Ct.) dec. Jaeger Condomitti (Northampton, Pa.), 1-0 138: Joshua Swan (South Dade, Fla.) dec. Jack Janda (Camden Catholic, N.J.), 8-4 145: Maxwell Wilner (Fountain Valley, Calif.) maj. dec. Jack Spahn (Islip, N.Y.), 19-7 152: Trey Kibe (Mifflin County, Pa.) dec. Cole Spencer (Pine Richland, Pa.), 2-1 160: Cole Rees (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.) dec. Ben Vanadia (Brecksville, Ohio), 5-2 170: Landon Foor (Fred T. Foard, N.C.) dec. Dominic Falcone (Easton, Pa.), 8-7 182: Trent Joles (Boyceville, Wis.) by medical forfeit over Michael Mistia (St. Augustine, N.J.) 195: Peyton Craft (Blair Academy, N.J.) maj. dec. Brandon Hoselton (Prairie Central, Ill.), 10-2 220: Kyonte Hamilton (Georgetown Prep, Md.) pinned Nathaniel Deasey (Chandler, Ariz.), 1:31 285: Dylan Fairchild (West Forsyth, Ga.) pinned Cross Henderson (Elkin, N.C.), 1:49

Team USA PITTSBURGH -- The 44th annual Pittsburgh Wrestling Classic (formerly known as the Dapper Dan) took place Sunday late afternoon into the evening on the campus of the University of Pittsburgh. Yet again it was a strong crowd for an electric wrestling program at the Fitzgerald Fieldhouse. The event never disappoints, as the Keystone State seniors seem always to come out strong and pull off some unexpected wins. No. 1 senior recruit Gable Steveson picked up OW honors for Team USA The main event dual started out par for the course for the United States as No. 4 Zach Elam (Staley, Mo.) beat No. 6 Anthony Walters (Bishop McCort) 3-0 at 220 pounds and No. 1 Gable Steveson (Apple Valley, Minn.) earned a 17-8 major decision over No. 5 Isaac Reid (Kiski Area). Steveson was named the Outstanding Wrestler for the United States team. With the United States up 7-0, things took a turn towards the unexpected in favor of the Keystone State when Jaret Lane (Southern Columbia) reversed No. 5 Kyle Biscoglia (Waukee, Iowa) to secure an early third period pin at the 4:20 mark in the first of two 120 pound bouts. The other 120 pound bout saw No. 5 (at 126) Patrick McKee (St. Michael-Albertville, Minn.) knock off the other Pennsylvania state champ at 120 Logan Macri (Canon-McMillan) 6-4. Team USA led 10-6 after four bouts. The 126 pound bout was held back for the featured match, so the program went on to 132 pounds where No. 3 Real Woods (Montini Catholic, Ill.) earned a decisive 9-2 victory over No. 20 Kyle Davis (Wyoming Seminary). Pennsylvania would come through with two big wins in the next two matches to shrink the deficit to one after seven matches. First, it was No. 10 Cole Matthews (Reynolds), who was able to take an early lead then fend off the late attacks of No. 1 Quinn Kinner (Kingsway, N.J.) to win 5-4 at 138 pounds. Then, No. 1 Sammy Sasso (Nazareth) used a late reversal to outlast No. 3 Brock Hardy (Box Elder, Utah) in a 9-8 barn burner at 145. Next up for the United States were three national No. 1 ranked wrestlers, and all three come through with victories that enabled Team USA to earn yet another Pittsburgh Wrestling Classic victory. At 152 pounds it was David Carr (Massillon Perry, Ohio), who beat 160 pound state runner-up Zach Hartman (Belle Vernon Area) 14-8. At 160 it was Shane Griffith (Bergen Catholic, N.J.) beating small-school state champion Caleb Clymer (Northwestern Lehigh) by 12-4 major decision). While at 170 it was Travis Wittlake (Marshfield, Ore.) knocking off No. 2 Trent Hidlay (Mifflin County) 5-2. Pennsylvania would cut the streak of United States wins at three with a mild upset at 182 pounds, as a 5-2 win from No. 7 Cody Mulligan (Saegertown) over No. 2 Jack Jessen (Willowbrook) cut the dual meet deficit to 23-15. The deficit was further cut when No. 1 Gavin Hoffman (Montoursville) upended No. 3 (at 220) Brandon Whitman (Dundee, Mich.) 3-1 at 195. The main event of the dual meet was the 126 pound match with Pennsylvania needing a pin to win the dual. Gavin Teasdale was named Outstanding Wrestler for PA Though the Keystone State did not get a pin, it did get a lasting upset as No. 8 Gavin Teasdale (Jefferson Morgan) avenged a preseason all-star match defeat, getting a takedown inside the last 20 seconds to beat No. 1 Patrick Glory (Delbarton, N.J.) 5-4. That performance yielded Teasale the Outstanding Wrestler honor for the Pennsylvania squad. The undercard featured the WPIAL (southwestern Pennsylvania) all-stars against seniors from the state of Iowa. For four matches it was a good dual meet as the score was tied 6-6. However, nine wins later, the Iowa group came home with a 36-6 victory. USA 23, Pennsylvania 21 220: Zach Elam (USA) dec. Anthony Walters (PA), 3-0 285: Gable Steveson (USA) major dec. Isaac Reid (PA), 17-8 120: Jaret Lane (PA) pinned Kyle Biscoglia (USA), 4:20 120: Patrick McKee (USA) dec. Logan Macri (PA), 6-4 132: Real Woods (USA) dec. Jack Davis (PA), 9-2 138: Cole Matthews (PA) dec. Quinn Kinner (USA), 5-4 145: Sammy Sasso (PA) dec. Brock Hardy (USA), 9-8 152: David Carr (USA) dec. Zach Hartman (PA), 14-8 160: Shane Griffith major dec. Caleb Clymer, 12-4 170: Travis Wittlake (USA) dec. Trent Hidlay (PA), 5-2 182: Cody Mulligan (PA) dec. Jack Jessen (USA), 5-2 195: Gavin Hoffman (PA) dec. Brandon Whitman (USA), 3-1 126: Gavin Teasdale (PA) dec. Pat Glory (USA), 5-4 Iowa 36, WPIAL 6 126: No. 14 (at 132) Drew Bennett (Fort Dodge, Iowa) dec. Caleb Morris (Waynesburg), 8-4 132: No. 17 Zach Price (Johnston) dec. Noah Levett (Kiski Area), 9-8 138: Tyler Griffiths (Southmoreland) dec. No. 8 Michael Blockhus (New Hampton, Iowa), 7-5 145: Luke Kemerer (Hempfield Area) dec. Ryan Steffen (Crestwood, Iowa), 8-2 152: Grant Stotts (West Des Moines Valley, Iowa) dec. Corey Christie (Burrell), 2-0 160: No. 19 Josh Ramirez (Dubuque Walert, Iowa) dec. Seth Gates (Burrell), 8-2 170: No. 15 Ben Sarasin (Cedar Rapids Kennedy, Iowa) dec. Jesse Quatse (Greensburg Salem), 6-2 182: No. 4 Joel Shapiro (West Des Moines Valley, Iowa) dec. No. 19 Tim Wallace (Albert Gallatin), 4-3 195: No. 16 Bryce Esmoil (West Liberty, Iowa) pinned Nate Ansell (Connellsville), 3:20 220: No. 11 Boone McDermott (Dubuque Wahlert, Iowa) dec. Ian Edenfield (Laurel Highlands), 6-3 285: No. 11 Caleb Sanders (Glenwood, Iowa) dec. Gearld Brown (West Mifflin), 3-2 113: Grayson Kesterson (Williamsburg, Iowa) dec. Frank Bonura (Moon Township), 5-2 120: No. 14 (at 132) Drew Bennett (Fort Dodge, Iowa) dec. Louis Newell (Seneca Valley), 9-5

Saturday was a busy day of wrestling at the NHSCA (grade-level) Nationals in Virginia Beach, Va. Championship quarterfinal and semifinal matches were contested to set up championship bouts that will be contested at 11 a.m. Eastern Time. In addition, it was a marathon day of consolation wrestling, as no consolation bouts were contested on Friday, but matches for third, fifth, and seventh in each division will be contested at 8 a.m. Below are the championship matches for each division. Seniors 113: Ryan Chauvin (Lake Highland Prep, Fla.) vs. Jared Kosman (Fitch, Ct.) 120: No. 4 Nico Aguilar (Gilroy, Calif.) vs. Cole Laya (East Fairmont, W.Va.) 126: Justin Vines (Wantagh, N.Y.) vs. Hunter Sparks (Roseburg, Ore.) 132: Colin Gerardi (Powhatan, Va.) vs. Ryan Moore (Walton Verona, Ky.) 138: No. 1 (at 132) Joey Silva (Lake HIghland Prep, Fla.) vs. Taylor Jeffries (Thunder Basin, Wyo.) 145: Kasper McIntosh (Portage, Ind.) vs. Peter Enos (Francis Howell, Mo.) 152: No. 2 Jacori Teemer (Long Beach, N.Y.) vs. Jake Hart (Fort Mill, S.C.) 160: No. 9 Ryan Thomas (St. Paris Graham, Ohio) vs. Mason Smith (Walton Verona, Ky.) 170: No. 1 (at 182) Aaron Brooks (North Hagerstown, Md.) vs. Cole Moody (Bingham, Utah) 182: No. 15 Zac Braunagel (Althof Catholic, Ill.) vs. No. 18 (at 195) Jonathan Loew (Wantagh, N.Y.) 195: No. 6 Tony Andrade (Gilroy, Calif.) vs. Gage Braun (St. Paris Graham, Ohio) 220: No. 14 Joey Daniel (Santa Ana, Calif.) vs. Dalton Hoover (Martins Ferry, Ohio) 285: No. 12 Austin Emerson (Bedford, Mich.) vs. No. 12 Austin Emerson (Bedford, Mich.) Juniors 106: No. 17 Jacob Moran (Portage, Ind.) vs. Brendan Chaowanapibool (Bonney Lake, Wash.) 113: No. 20 Matthew Ramos (Lockport, Ill.) vs. Destin Summers (Snake River, Idaho) 120: Earl Blake (Linganore, Md.) vs. No. 14 Kai Orine (Seckman, Mo.) 126: No. 17 Malyke Hines (Osceola, Fla.) vs. Shannon Hanna (Lake Gibson, Fla.) 132: No. 10 Connor McGonagle (Timberlane, N.H.) vs. Bryce Nickel (Corona del Sol, Ariz.) 138: Devin Schwartzkopf (Francis Howell Central, Mo.) vs. No. 19 Coltan Yapoujian (Pomona, Colo.) 145: No. 10 Michael Weber (Forsyth, Mont.) vs. McKay Foy (Altamont, Utah) 152: No. 8 Brevin Balmeceda (South Dade, Fla.) vs. Donnell Washington (Portage, Ind.) 160: No. 8 (at 170) Chris Foca (Bergen Catholic, N.J.) vs. No. 11 Mason Reiniche (Baylor School, Tenn.) 170: Alex Cramer (Grayslake Central, Ill.) vs. Jackson Turley (St. Christopher's, Va.) 182: No. 20 Jack Parr (St. Paul's, Md.) vs. Gary Wokojance (Barberton, Ohio) 195: No. 14 Jacob Cardenas (Bergen Catholic, N.J.) vs. Christian Knop (Alexandria, Ala.) 220: Yaraslau Slavikouski (Northfield Mt. Herman, Mass.) vs. Jacob Bullock (Cahokia, Ill.) 285: Louden Haga (Parkersburg South, W.Va.) vs. Jack DelGarbino (Girard, Ohio) Sophomores 106: Dominic Chavez (Arlington Martin, Texas) vs. No. 19 Nick Babin (Emerson-Park Ridge, N.J.) 113: Tristan Lujan (Selma, Calif.) vs. Killian Delaney (W.C. Henderson, Pa.) 120: Bretli Reyna (South Dade, Fla.) vs. Kysen Terukina (Kamehameha-Kapalama, Hawaii) 126: Kenny Herrmann (Bethlehem Catholic, Pa.) vs. Patrick Noonan (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 132: Willie McDougald (Niagara Falls, N.Y.) vs. Chase Saldate (Gilroy, Calif.) 138: John Martin Best (Parkersburg, W.Va.) vs. Andrew Cerniglia (Nazareth, Pa.) 145: Cole Handlovic (Bethlehem Catholic, Pa.) vs. A.J. Tamburrino (William Tennent, Pa.) 152: Clayton Ulrey (Lower Dauphin, Pa.) vs. Connor O'Neill (DePaul Catholic, N.J.) 160: John Poznanski (Colonia, N.J.) vs. Graham Calhoun (Plymouth, Ind.) 170: Gerrit Nijenhuis (Canon-McMillan, Pa.) vs. Ashton Habeil (Lake Gibson, Fla.) 182: Gaige Garcia (Southern Columbia, Pa.) vs. Chase Stegall (Northwest Cedar Hill, Mo.) 195: Jackson Filipowicz (Blessed Trinity, Ga.) vs. Cody Goodman (Deerfield, Ill.) 220: Hunter Catka (Sun Valley, Pa.) vs. Cody Fleming (Ninety Six, S.C.) 285: Curtis Ruff (Lake Highland Prep, Fla.) vs. Craig Orlando (Verndale, Minn.) Freshmen 106: Cooper Flynn (McDonogh, Md.) vs. Jordan Titus (Center Moriches, N.Y.) 113: Jayden Gomez (Gilroy, Calif.) vs. Koen Kish (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 120: Caden McCrary (Woodland, Ga.) vs. Ethen Miller (Park Hill, Mo.) 126: Shayne Van Ness (Blair Academy, N.J.) vs. Edward Hummel (Roselle Park, N.J.) 132: Jaeger Condomitti (Northampton, Pa.) vs. Justin Mastroianni (New Canaan, Ct.) 138: Joshua Swan (South Dade, Fla.) vs. Jack Janda (Camden Catholic, N.J.) 145: Maxwell Wilner (Fountain Valley, Calif.) vs. Jack Spahn (Islip, N.Y.) 152: Cole Spencer (Pine Richland, Pa.) vs. Trey Kibe (Mifflin County, Pa.) 160: Cole Rees (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.) vs. Ben Vanadia (Brecksville, Ohio) 170: Landon Foor (Fred T. Foard, N.C.) vs. Dominic Falcone (Easton, Pa.) 182: Trent Joles (Boyceville, Wis.) vs. Michael Mistia (St. Augustine, N.J.) 195: Peyton Craft (Blair Academy, N.J.) vs. Brandon Hoselton (Prairie Central, Ill.) 220: Kyonte Hamilton (Georgetown Prep, Md.) vs. Nathaniel Deasey (Chandler, Ariz.) 285: Cross Henderson (Elkin, N.C.) vs. Dylan Fairchild (West Forsyth, Ga.)

Chris Bono has been named head coach at Wisconsin MADISON, Wis. -- Chris Bono, the 2017 Big 12 Coach of the Year, has been named the 16th head coach in Wisconsin wrestling history, Director of Athletics Barry Alvarez announced Saturday. Bono spent the last six seasons as the head coach at South Dakota State, establishing the Jackrabbits as a national contender and a powerhouse in the Big 12, coaching three conference champions in the program's three years in the league. The Jackrabbits are coming off their best season under Bono. Two-time All-American Seth Gross won the program's first national title at 133 pounds while the team placed 12th in the NCAA tournament, the highest finish of any Big 12 team. Bono has coached five All-Americans at South Dakota State, including three from last season. He produced two the year before, marking the first All-Americans for South Dakota State at the Division I level. Bono had at least one NCAA Qualifier since taking the reins of the program and had a school-record seven in the most recent tournament. Bono leaves SDSU with a 64-41 overall record, a total of 24 NCAA qualifiers, five All-Americans and one national champion. A four-time NCAA qualifier and three-time All-American for Iowa State, Bono ranks fifth in ISU history with 130 career wins and was the 150-pound NCAA champion as a junior. He went on to coach as an assistant at his alma mater for nine years and was named the National Wrestling Coaches Association Assistant Coach of the Year in 2002. Bono then spent three seasons as the head coach at Chattanooga and led the Mocs to three Southern Conference titles, coaching two All-Americans and 19 NCAA qualifiers from 2006-09. In national and international competition, Bono is a two-time United States National Champion, took first at the World Cup in both 2002 and 2003 and is a three-time World Team member.