InterMat Staff

NCAA-sanctioned wrestling practices started this week, and for many in the wrestling community that has meant a timeline filled with photos and videos of their alma mater and favorite wrestlers enjoying their first taste of organized practice. The NCAA wrestling seasons is certain to be rife with controversy about scoring, anger over new rules, heckling of referees incapable of stopping the #snoreride and a couple rants about ancillary topics. Still, this is the NCAA wrestling season and the eclipsing any negative takes or critiques is the resurgence of the American wrestling community's favorite time of year. Let us (briefly) be filled with high expectations for our programs, favorite wrestlers and the outcome of the season. Let us chat online about likely winners and losers -- possibly opine about this being the greatest sport (nay, COUNTRY) in the world. Let us chill out, drink a beer and let ourselves be taken with the excitement of action and that familiar tinge of nostalgia. The self-important musings of the fans aside, a special congratulations should be extended to all the first-year wrestlers stepping onto the collegiate mat right now for the first time. Good luck, men. To your questions … Nahshon Garrett is a three-time All-American at 125 pounds (Photo/Rob Preston)Q: How do you see Nahshon Garrett doing moving up from 125 pounds to 133 pounds? -- Mike C. Foley: My hope is that we see him come off of his knees and wrestle an aggressive style in big matches. He's a national champion-caliber wrestler and with his speed in attacking positions he should give 133-pound wrestlers fits. He really just needs to focus on his offense and not wrestling like a cat pawing their owner for treats. Q: Who do you like coming out of the U.S. Olympic trials at 86 kilos next year? Will we qualify this weight? -- @bufhall Foley: There are a plethora of unknowns at 86 kilos. While we ponder the impact (and endurance) of David Taylor and Kyle Dake, there is still a substantial challenge looming from a bunch of established 86-kilo wrestlers: Keith Gavin, Clayton Foster, Ed Ruth, Jon Reader and returning World Team member Jake Herbert. There is a lot of excitement about the new faces, but for those guys to get a look at the Olympics will require them besting a slew of talent. My pick, for now, is David Taylor. I think that he's always relied on being coy and technique-based rather than strength. While I think Dake is much stronger than Taylor, I don't know if that will be true up a weight, and I don't know if that strength will help him blow past those mentioned above. I have five percent confidence in my pick, but for some reason that's the name that keeps popping up. Q: Will United World Wrestling's new bidding process keep Worlds in more First World locations? Is that a good thing? -- @Bloodround Foley: Not necessarily. The new bidding process is only meant to streamline the relationships between National Federations, United World Wrestling and the cities that want to host. Most often the NF's would reach out to cities on their own and attempt to coordinate. The new method incorporates the city from the get-go. Those cities will not all be first world, but it should make for a better event since the cities will assist with all the larger issues ranging from internet to hotels to transportation and even such things as airport arrivals. The new model is untested, but from what I understand the initial interest has been positive. My hope is that wrestling finds homes across the world for their events, which will help grow and promote the sport for years to come. Q: When can we expect a uniform announcement from UWW? The January changes indicated a new uniform for this calendar year. -- @gaertnbw Foley: They are in the works. Wouldn't expect too much drama, but you can certainly look forward to a change for the better. Q: In freestyle, when a competitor is put on the shot clock, why is the non-shot clock competitor not awarded one point after the shot clock expires if the non-shot clock competitor scores during the 30 seconds? It seems like it would incentivize the non-shot competitor to continue to be aggressive during the shot clock if the non-shot clock competitor was still awarded one point even if he or she scores during the shot clock. Without awarding that point, the non-shot competitor is of course less likely to take risks during the shot clock. If the non-shot competitor were to receive that 1 point in addition to any other additional points scored during the shot clock, he or she would take more risks and create more excitement. -- Craig T. Foley: That would eliminate the efforts by the wrestler who has been warned. Why take any risks if you're only going to give up a point anyway? Also, the wrestler who was previously aggressive will play active defensive (more than currently). The incentive here isn't to award points, but to incentivize action and leave the point scoring in the hands of the wrestlers, and out of the direct determination of the referees. MULTIMEDIA HALFTIME Link: Excellent piece by Anthony Bourdain on the grip jiu-jitsu has on his life. I agree. Burroughs looking sharp Q: Do you think the Flo guys will license the Kolat documentary to get it some viewership outside of us wrestling die-hards? Imagine it as an ESPN 30 for 30 or on the film festival circuit. I recognize my bias but believe it has the makings of a story that people independent of the wrestling community will find inspirational. That, and a cattle prod! -- Jordan L. Foley: First of all the cattle prod thing is amazing. Horrible, but amazing. We had a cattle prod in an apartment once after college. More fights started because of alcohol and the cattle prod … it was a bad idea. The Kolat piece was beautiful, but there isn't a news hook that's viable for the general audience and the level of assumption of the viewer is high. Like with writing this mailbag (which should ABSOLUTELY be on Grantland or Deadspin!) the documentary assumes that the viewer knows of Cary Kolat. Even though they remind you of his accomplishments the big reveal is what happens behind-the-scenes at international tournaments and within college programs. Q: I have always wondered if international wrestling could develop an annual international circuit of tourneys with "grand slams" similar to tennis' world circuit of tourneys. Maybe have "grand slams" in Russia, Mongolia or Japan, United States, Cuba and other wrestling hotbeds or even rotate countries with a "grand slam" on each continent. Points would be accumulated from each tourney and then the top overall competitors at each weight would receive prize money based on how many points they accumulate throughout the year. The points could also be used to seed Worlds and the Olympics so you would award wrestlers for competing during the year while also creating additional interest in the sport. -- Craig T. Foley: That's the goal. The Golden Grand Prix was the first iteration of that system and is being competed over Thanksgiving in Baku, Azerbaijan. The points systems, as stated in previous mailbags, will be something that the federation looks hard at implementing in future years! Q: If I am reading the following correctly regarding athlete change in nationality, "In cases where a wrestler practices more than one wrestling style, the host federation shall indicate to United World Wrestling under which style the change of nationality must be recorded," does that mean a male wrestler could theoretically compete in Greco for country A and freestyle for country B in the same tournament? -- Dan L. Foley: No! You can only be wrestling under one passport! This is to say if the incoming wrestlers can't come in as Greco-Roman and freestyle, but then automatically both become freestyle wrestlers. Imagine a country like Italy recruiting athletes in both styles, but with only a freestyle program. It was a way to restrict countries from gaming the system of one athlete per year, per style. Tanner Hall, an Idaho native, gets his hand raised after winning a Junior National freestyle title in Fargo in 2010 (Photo/John Sachs, Tech-Fall.com)Q: Tanner Hall is expected to be Arizona State's heavyweight this year. Hall was a beast in high school. I remember him beating Kyle Snyder and Nick Gwiazdowski. He took a Mormon mission and hasn't competed much lately. Can he be an NCAA champion this season? Or what are realistic expectations? -- Mike C. Foley: I've been fortunate to coach a few LDS wrestlers and have of course seen Matt Brown compete. I don't think that Hall will have lost too much in his two years overseas, but I do think it would be ambitious to put him in the NCAA finals after two full years off the mat! I think he's an All-American, and if he makes it the NCAA finals it'll be hats off to him, but also to that coaching staff.

Dennis Hastert, former Wheaton College wrestler and high school wrestling coach who later became U.S. Speaker of the House, is expected to plead guilty on federal charges relating to a hush-money case, his lawyers told a U.S. District Court judge in Chicago on Thursday. Hastert's attorney, John Gallo, told U.S. District Judge Thomas Durkin that a written plea agreement has been worked out in the case. Durkin set a hearing for Hastert to enter the guilty plea on Oct. 28 -- five months to the day after the indictment against the former Illinois politician was announced, according to the Chicago Tribune. Hastert, the longest-serving Republican House Speaker, was indicted in May for lying to the FBI and setting up cash withdrawals to avoid bank reporting requirements to make payments to an unnamed individual to "compensate for and conceal his prior misconduct" against that person. Various media reports at the time indicated that Hastert paid a man -- identified in court documents only as "Individual A" -- to conceal sexual misconduct while the man was a student at Yorkville High School. The school, located about 50 miles southwest of Chicago, is where Hastert taught history and coached wrestling from 1965 to 1981 before entering politics. The indictment alleged that Hastert agreed to make $3.5 million in hush money payments to Individual A to cover up wrongdoing from Hastert while he was a teacher and coach at Yorkville. According to the charges, Hastert lied to the FBI about the reasons he withdrew $952,000 in cash over the previous 2 1/2 years when questioned last December. Back in June, Hastert, 73, pleaded not guilty to one count each of evading currency reporting requirements and lying to the FBI and remains free on his own recognizance. He did not attend Thursday's brief hearing. Neither Hastert's attorney nor a spokesperson for the federal prosecutor would answer reporter questions after today's hearing. Jeffrey Cramer, a former federal prosecutor who now heads up the Chicago-based security firm Kroll, told the Chicago Tribune, "Dennis Hastert wants to avoid a sentencing hearing probably more than any other public official in history. Normally a public figure wants to present all the good things he's done in his life. But that opens the door for prosecutors to bring in their own evidence." Hastert faces a maximum prison term of five years for the crimes for which he is charged. Born not far from Yorkville in Plano, Ill. in 1942, Hastert was a member of the wrestling team at Wheaton College, a private, four-year school in the western suburbs of Chicago, in the early 1960s. He then taught government and history at Yorkville High, and coached wrestling, taking his team to an Illinois state championship in 1976. His coaching record also included three runners-up and a third place finish, according to his National Wrestling Hall of Fame biography, where he was inducted as an Outstanding American in 2000. Four years earlier, Hastert was honored for his efforts and contributions to wrestling as the recipient of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame's Order of Merit. Hastert had served three terms in the Illinois General Assembly before being elected to the House of Representatives in 1986. In 1999, the six-term congressman was elected Speaker of the House after the incumbent Speaker Newt Gingrich stepped down, and his intended replacement, Bob Livingston of Louisiana, gave up the position before he ever assumed it after admitting to having conducted adulterous affairs. Hastert left Congress in 2007.

Junior National freestyle All-American Brandon Dallavia (Blair Academy, N.J.) verbally committed to Stanford University on Thursday morning. Ranked No. 39 overall in the Class of 2016, Dallavia was a National Prep runner-up during the previous high school season at 160 pounds after finishing fourth at 170 during his sophomore campaign. In addition, Dallavia placed third in Junior freestyle at 160 this summer after earning All-American honors the two previous summers at the Cadet level in that same weight class; champion in 2014 and fifth in 2013. The projected 165 is joined by No. 27 Nathan Traxler (Marmion Academy, Ill.) as a nationally ranked commit for the Cardinal in this class.

Good food and good times -- all for a good cause -- are the plan for the Northwestern University wrestling kickoff event and fundraiser, to be held Friday, Oct. 23 at Pranzi, 434 West Ontario Street, Chicago. The event lasts from 8-11 p.m. Tickets are $30 per person, including all drinks. All proceeds go to benefit Northwestern Wildcat wrestling. In addition, there will be raffles for prizes including two front-row tickets for the 2015 Ken Kraft Midlands Classic; two all-access passes for the Midlands; four premium tickets for the Northwestern vs. Penn State; a Wildcat football helmet signed by Pat Fitzgerald; a basketball signed by coach Chris Collins, and more. For more information, contact assistant wrestling coach Conor Beebe at (708) 519-0708, or email him at conor.beebe@northwestern.edu. Visit the event webpage.

Chicago area wrestlers will have the opportunity to learn directly from Northwestern Wildcat coaches and wrestlers at the program's 35th annual Coaches Clinic on Sunday, Oct. 25. The clinic will start at 11 a.m. at Barrington High School, 616 W Main St., in Barrington, Ill in suburban Chicago. It will conclude at 2 p.m. Clinicians will include Northwestern coaches and wrestlers, along with Chicago Regional Training Center athletes. Heading up the group slated to participate in this instructional event include Drew Pariano, head wrestling coach at Northwestern, as well as coach of the Wildcat Wrestling Club and Chicago Regional Training Center. Other clinicians include Matt Storniolo, Northwestern assistant coach and two-time NCAA All-American; Brandon Hatchett, Northwestern assistant and NCAA finalist; Conor Beebe, assistant coach who is ranked third in the senior U.S. freestyle rankings at 61 kilos/134 pounds; Jason Welch, 2013 NCAA finalist for the Wildcats who is currently ranked fourth at 70 kilos/154 pounds; and Jason Tsirtsis, Northwestern's first freshman NCAA champ in 2014, and two-time All-American. Among the topics to be presented at the clinic: takedown drills (set-ups and approaches to drilling), hand fighting essentials (controlling your opponent), bottom position (escapes, reversals, body control), quick tilts and turns (pinning combinations and riding), drill techniques (focus on the proper way to drill), and a question-and-answer session (technical assistance). For more information, contact Tim Cysewski at (847) 491-4799, email wrestling@northwestern.edu, or fill out an application.

John Toggas, the first York County, Pa. wrestling coach to reach 300 victories, coach three Pennsylvania high school state champions, and be honored by six separate halls of fame, passed away Friday, Oct. 9, the York Dispatch reported Wednesday. He was 83. John Toggas (middle), pictured with West York assistant coaches Don Lehman and John Sprenkle."(West York) lost a great coach, mentor and friend," Don Lehman, who runs the West York Wrestling Alumni website, told Steve Heiser of the York Dispatch. "Coach Toggas left a lasting mark on West York wrestling." Charlie Jacobs, longtime wrestling coach of West York rival Dover, said of Toggas, "John loved the sport of wrestling. He brought great energy and enthusiasm, which always generated much excitement during any matches with his Bulldogs. His 'Bulldog Pride' caused all opposing coaches to work extra hard to compete with his tough squads." Born in York, Pa. in Jan. 1932, John T. Toggas lettered in wrestling, football and track at York High School, graduating in 1951. He earned his bachelor's degree at Gettysburg College in 1958 (where he was appointed Recreation Director of the Gettysburg Recreation Association as a senior). That year, Toggas began teaching and coaching at Biglerville High School, where he taught science, health, and physical education, was assistant football coach, and head wrestling coach. In six seasons at Biglerville, his wrestlers compiled a 38-32-2 record. Toggas then moved on to West York High, where he taught health and physical education, and coached wrestling. During Toggas' tenure at West York, the wrestling program built an impressive 269-78-2 overall record from 1964 through 1983 and 1986 through 1991. In addition, he guided three wrestlers to PIAA state titles - Dana Luckenbaugh in 1965, and Bill Luckenbaugh and John Sprenkle in 1969. Toggas was the first wrestling coach in York County to reach 300 wins (Biglerville and West York records combined). Toggas was welcomed into six unique Halls of Fame: the District 3 Wrestling Coaches' Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1980, the Pennsylvania Wrestling Coaches' Hall of Fame in 1992, the York Area Sports Hall of Fame in 1995, the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1999, the South Central Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame in 2000, and the Adams County Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame in 2001. John T. Toggas is survived by his wife of more than 60 years, Mary Jane, and his daughter Stephanie, and other family members. He was preceded in death by son John S. "Mac" Toggas, Parkland High School wrestling coach until he was struck and killed while walking in 2008. Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 17 at 11 a.m. at Christ Chapel on the campus of Gettysburg College, 300 N. Washington St., with Father Andrew Tsikitas of York officiating. Visitation will take place before the service from 9-11 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the West York Wrestling Booster Club, c/o Butch Ludwig, 101 Summer House Lane, York, PA 17408; Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 2500 Pine Grove Road, York, PA 17403; SpiriTrust Lutheran Home and Hospice of Gettysburg, 260 W. High St., Gettysburg, PA 17325; or Caring Hospice Services, 400 Commerce Drive, Suite C, Ft. Washington, PA 1903.

Eighteen of the nation's most talented wrestlers will convene at Grace Hall on the campus of Lehigh University on Saturday evening for the third annual Who's Number One showcase put on by FloWrestling. While not all of the wrestlers may emerge as top two wrestlers in the country at their respective weight classes for the preseason rankings, each is within the upper tier at their weight class. The matches will start at 7 p.m. ET, and here is a preview of them in order of being wrestled. 132: Chad Red (New Palestine, Ind.) vs. Taylor LaMont (Maple Mountain, Utah) This match features a pair of past Fargo freestyle champions, both of whom are in the top 20 for the Class of 2017. Red was a Cadet National champion in 2014, and is a three-time state champion in the Hoosier State, without a scholastic loss. The No. 5 overall senior was champion at the Super 32 Challenge and FloNationals during the 2014-15 season. Like Red, LaMont is a three-time state champion. He is ranked No. 19 overall in the senior class, and was a double finalist at the Junior Nationals this summer at 132 pounds, winning the title in freestyle. 132: Luke Pletcher (Greater Latrobe, Pa.) vs. Yianni Diakomihalis (Hilton, N.Y.) This match features a pair of two-time defending champions at the Super 32 Challenge; Pletcher winning the last two years at 120 and 132 pounds, while Diakomihalis has won titles at 106 and 120. Pletcher, a two-time state champion and three-time state finalist, is ranked No. 9 overall in the senior class; also a three-time FloNatonals finalist, he has runner-up finishes the last two years after winning in 2013. Diakomhalis, a three-time state champion when considering the title he won in eighth grade, is ranked No. 4 overall in the Junior Class; he is also a two-time FloNationals finalist, winning a title in 2014, and a UWW Cadet World freestyle champion this summer. 182: Dakota Geer (Franklin, Pa.) vs. Beau Breske (Hartford, Wis.) Both wrestlers in this match are ranked within the top 50 of the Class of 2016. Ranked No. 41 overall, Geer was a state champion this past season, after placing third the prior season. In addition, he placed seventh at the Super 32 Challenge, won a FloNationals title, and went undefeated at the Disney Duals. Breske is currently No. 13 overall in the senior class, and was a Junior National freestyle champion this summer at 170 pounds; he also is a three-time state finalist, having won state titles during his freshman and sophomore campaigns. 113: Gavin Teasdale (Jefferson Morgan, Pa.) vs. Roman Bravo-Young (Sunnyside, Ariz.) This match features a pair of wrestlers ranked in the top 15 overall for the Class of 2018, each of whom won state during their freshman year of high school. Ranked No. 3 overall in the sophomore class, Teasdale has made the UWW Cadet World Team in freestyle each of the last two years, first at 42 kilos then at 50 kilos. Bravo-Young is ranked No. 15 overall in the sophomore class, finishing third at the UWW Cadet National freestyle tournament in the 50 kilo weight class and winning double title in the Cadet Nationals at 113 pounds this summer. 145: Jared Verkleeren (Belle Vernon Area, Pa.) vs. Kyle Bierdumpfel (Don Bosco Prep, N.J.) Despite failing to make even the semifinals of his high school state tournament during his two years of high school to date, Verkleeren has already won a UWW Cadet World title in freestyle, and is a two-time team member at 63 kilos. Ranked No. 6 overall in the Class of 2017, he also placed fourth in the Super 32 Challenge at 138 pounds last fall before his fourth at state finish in the 145 pound weight class during the 2014-15 season. A three-time state finalist in as many seasons, Bierdumpfel won the elusive state title during his junior year after runner-up finishes the previous two seasons. Ranked No. 35 overall in the Class of 2016, he placed fourth in Junior freestyle this summer. 152: Hayden Hidlay (Mifflin County, Pa.) vs. Mason Manville (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.) This is a fourth meeting for the wrestlers across styles during the last three calendar months, with Hidlay having won the previous three meetings; Junior National Greco-Roman final, Junior National freestyle consolation quarterfinal, and Journeymen Classic final in folkstyle. The pair of wrestlers occupy back-to-back positions in the Class of 2016 rankings, North Carolina State commit Hidlay is No. 14, while Penn State commit Manville is No. 15. In addition, Hidlay is a two-time state placer (third and sixth), finished third at the Super 32 Challenge last fall, and a FloNationals champion this spring; Manville was a UWW Cadet freestyle world champion last summer, and placed third at the FloNationals this spring. 195: Nick Reenan (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.) vs. Samuel Colbray (Hermiston, Ore.) Both wrestlers in this match occupy top ten positions within the Class of 2016. Ranked No. 7 overall in the senior class, Reenan was a National Prep champion and FloNationals champion in folkstyle during 2015 at 170 pounds, before winning double titles at 182 pounds in Fargo at the Junior level. The No. 10 ranked Colbray is a three-time state champion, a NHSCA Junior Nationals champion at 195 pounds, and a Junior Nationals double runner-up at 195 in Fargo this summer. 220: Gable Steveson (Apple Valley, Minn.) vs. Jordan Wood (Boyertown, Pa.) This match features the last two United States representatives on the UWW Cadet World Team at 100 kilos in freestyle. Steveson earned a world championship this summer, while Wood was a silver medalist the year before; Steveson earned a decisive victory over Wood in the semifinals of the UWW Cadet Nationals on the way to his national title this spring. Ranked No. 1 overall in the Class of 2018, Steveson was a state champion during his freshman year after a runner-up finish in eighth grade, and was also Cadet National freestyle champion this summer at 220. Wood is ranked No. 6 overall in the Class of 2016, earning his elusive state title this past high school season after runner-up finishes as a freshman and sophomore; in addition, Wood was a Junior National double finalist at 220 pounds, winning the title in freestyle. 126: Daton Fix (Sand Springs, Okla.) vs. Rudy Yates (Carl Sandburg, Ill.) Fix is the nation's top ranked Class of 2017 wrestler after his two match sweep of Spencer Lee at the UWW Cadet Nationals in freestyle competing at the 54-kilo weight class. The two-time state champion earned a bronze medal on the world level, and during the 2014-15 year was a finalist at both the Super 32 Challenge and FloNationals in the 120 pound weight class (runner-up to Diakomihalis at Super 32, beating Diakomiahlis to win at FloNationals). Yates is ranked No. 17 overall in the senior class, winning state titles as a freshman and junior to sandwich the fourth place finish from his sophomore campaign 132-pound final: winners of the matches to open the evening at 132

MANHEIM, Pa. -- Alex Dieringer comes into this season with the opportunity go to down as one of Oklahoma State's all-time greats. The Port Washington, Wisconsin native, Dieringer comes into his senior season with a 100-4 career record and is poised to become the Cowboys' 15th three-time NCAA champion. His quest will start out with a matchup with North Carolina's Ethan Ramos at 165 pounds at the 50th annual Hire Heroes NWCA All-Star Classic presented by the Wrestlers in Business Network on November 1 in Atlanta, Ga. The All-Star Classic is also sponsored by Raymond James and will be held at Georgia Tech's McCamish Pavilion at 5 p.m. Dieringer repeated as an NCAA champion last season, going 33-0 and piling up mountains of bonus points. Of his 33 wins, 28 of them were by fall, major decision or technical fall. Dieringer is also accomplished on the freestyle side of things, earning a silver medal at the 2013 Junior World Championships in Sofia, Bulgaria. He claimed the Cowboys' 139th individual championship last season. "When you look at the tradition of Oklahoma State wrestling, Alex Dieringer's fearless attitude plays right into it," said NWCA Executive Director Mike Moyer. "Fans in Atlanta are going to see one of the very best step on the mat." This will be Dieringer's second straight appearance in the All-Star Classic. He defeated Virginia's Nick Sulzer 4-2 last year in Philadelphia. Ramos was a surprise success at the NCAA championships last year. As a freshman last season, the Hawthorne, N.J., native finished 31-11 and closed out his season with a sixth-place finish at the NCAA championships coming in as the No. 15 seed. Ramos reached the NCAA semifinals with a fall over Oregon's Seth Thomas before knocking off Nebraska's Austin Wilson. In the quarterfinals, he moved on past Northwestern's Pierce Harger by injury default before falling to Indiana's Taylor Walsh. "Anytime you have a program with the proud tradition that North Carolina has participate in the All-Star Classic, it's great for wrestling," said Moyer. "It's been a while since they last appeared in the event, but I'm certain we won't have to go nearly as long to see another Tar Heel wrestler in the event in the future." Ramos will be coached by Coleman Scott, a 2012 Olympic bronze medalist who enters his first year as the head coach at North Carolina. Scott was an NCAA champion at Oklahoma State. Scott competed in the All-Star Classic at 133 pounds in 2007. Ramos and Dieringer met once last season, with Dieringer earning a 17-6 major decision in a February dual meet. Oklahoma State, with a long tradition of competing in the event, has seen its wrestlers compete in the event a record 87 times coming into this season. Dieringer will join Cowboy teammates Kyle Crutchmer and Dean Heil in the event. Crutchmer will face Virginia Tech's Zach Epperly at 174 pounds, while Heil will face Oklahoma's Cody Brewer. Cowboy wrestlers are 43-38-6 all-time in the All-Star Classic, winning five of the last six matches they've wrestled. Ramos will be North Carolina's first entrant into the Classic since 2007 when Spencer Nadolsky fell 3-2 in overtime to Harvard's Bode Ogunwole at 285 pounds. Tar Heel wrestlers are 7-7 all-time in the event with the last victory coming in 1995 in Chapel Hill when Stan Banks defeated Wyoming's Reese Andy 4-3 at 177 pounds. T.J. Jaworsky was also a winner for the Heels in the same dual at 134 pounds. Announced #NWCAClassic50 Matchups 125: Nathan Tomasello, So. (Ohio State) vs. Zeke Moisey, So. (West Virginia) 133: 141: Cody Brewer, Sr. (Oklahoma) vs. Dean Heil, So. (Oklahoma State) 149: B.J. Clagon, So. (Rider) vs. Alexander Richardson, Sr. (Old Dominion) 157: Isaiah Martinez, So. (Illinois) vs. Nick Brascetta, Sr. (Virginia Tech) 165: Alex Dieringer, Sr. (Oklahoma State) vs. Ethan Ramos, So. (North Carolina) 174: Kyle Crutchmer, Jr. (Oklahoma State) vs. Zach Epperly, So. (Virginia Tech) 184: Nathaniel Brown, Sr. (Lehigh) vs. Vic Avery, Sr. (Edinboro) 197: 285: Adam Coon, Jr. (Michigan) vs. Ty Walz, Jr. (Virginia Tech) WHAT: 50th Annual Hire Heroes NWCA All-Star Classic presented by the Wrestlers in Business Network Atlanta Chapter WHEN: Sunday, November 1, 2015, 5 p.m. Eastern WHERE: Hank McCamish Pavilion, Georgia Tech, Atlanta, Ga. TICKETS: VIP/Social $125, Premium Floor $100, Premium $50, Reserved $25-$35; General Admission $10-$20; Student Rate $15 PURCHASE ONLINE: Click here TV/LIVE STREAMING: ESPNU (Find ESPNU on your cable or satellite provider) EVENT WEBSITE: http://www.theallstarclassic.com About the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) The NWCA brings the wrestling coaching community together to advance the sport and ensure that current and future generations have the opportunity to engage in a safe and educationally based wrestling experience. This is primarily done by strengthening existing programs, creating new programs, and providing coaches with progressive educational opportunities. About Wrestlers in Business Network (WIBN) The Group Wrestlers in Business is a non-profit organization that strives to unite the thousands of wrestlers that have retired from the sport and are now in their respective careers. It started as a networking group on LinkedIn. Since then, the group has evolved into a more prominent, member-focused organization that cares about supporting current & former wrestlers and the sport. Their mission is to establish a community of wrestlers who commonly share in the interest of helping each other in business and in life, while supporting and strengthening the sport that made us who we are today. www.wrestlersinbusiness.org About ESPNU The 24-hour college sports television network airs more than 650 live events annually. ESPNU is available nationwide in approximately 73 million households.

CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland -- United World Wrestling, the international federation for Olympic wrestling, is launching its new bidding process in connection with the Smart Cities & Sport Summit in Lausanne, Switzerland. The improved bidding process will open for all United World Wrestling events in 2018, 2019 and 2020. The new procedure will focus on taking a partnership approach with the interested cities. Together, United World Wrestling and bid cities will decide which events are the best fits for the city. In line with the new approach, cities are encouraged to bid for multiple events to optimise their investments. “To grow the great sport of wrestling and promote it to existing and new audiences around the world,” said United World Wrestling president Nenad Lalovic. “We want world class events and our host cities are important in this endeavour. Our new process will establish long-term partnerships that benefit both the sport of wrestling and host cities.” During the Wrestling World Championships in Las Vegas last month, a number of selected cities already previewed the new process and were very enthusiastic about the new approach. “The World Championships were a fantastic event,” said Kathy Nelson, President and CEO of the Kansas City Sports Commission. “During our visit we witnessed the worldwide passion for the sport, and learned so much about the benefits hosting a wrestling event. We are excited about future opportunities to host wrestling in Kansas City.” To learn more about the bidding process please visit: www.unitedworldwrestling.org/host-cities

Jeff Bradley will host a special edition of "On the Mat" is this Wed., June 3. His featured guests are Northern Iowa wrestling All-American David Bonin and Jim Miller, a Div. II NCAA champion and a Div. I All-American for Northern Iowa in 1974 and 1975. "On the Mat" is a presentation of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum. The show can be heard live on the Internet at 1650thefan.com or locally in Northeast Iowa each Wednesday at 5 p.m. Central on AM 1650, The Fan. A podcast of the show is available on mattalkonline.com. E-mail dgmstaff@nwhof.org with any questions or comments. Bonin was a fourth placed finisher at the 2013 NCAA wrestling tournament. Miller coached Wartburg to 10 Div. III NCAA team titles as the head wrestling coach at Wartburg.

A lot has happened in the nearly 18 months since InterMat first introduced former wrestler Michael Fessler's book "Faith and Wrestling: How the Role of a Wrestler Mirrors the Christian Life." First, the good news: the book has been incredibly well-received within the wrestling community who openly profess their religious faith, and has touched countless lives. Now, the bad news: the original publisher of the book went belly-up a few months ago, forcing Fessler to scramble to find a new publisher. Now, for the really great news: the new publisher just made "Faith and Wrestling" available again. Since May, "Faith and Wrestling" had not been available to prospective purchasers, as its original publisher, CrossBooks, went out of business with little warning. As Mike Fessler told InterMat last week, "All their titles -- including mine -- were going away. Customers who had ordered the book started contacting me, saying they had been notified their orders had been canceled." "Another publisher -- Westbow Press, which is connected to well-known religious book publishers Thomas Nelson and Zondervan -- contacted me. They were aware of CrossBooks folding, and took on the project at no cost to me." "The book has been rebranded with the Westbow Press name and logo, but otherwise, it's the same book," Fessler continued. "They offered to create a new cover, but I decided to keep the existing design." "Faith and Wrestling" 101 So ... what is "Faith and Wrestling" ... and what drove Mike Fessler to write it in the first place? First, a bit about Fessler. He wrestled at the storied Apple Valley High School in the suburbs of the Twin Cities, winning a Minnesota state title as a senior. He was recruited to wrestle at Cal State Bakersfield, but was thrown into the role as starter to replace an injured wrestler, and was forced to deal with injuries of his own ... and losses. Fessler left California -- and wrestling -- returned home, and, eventually, enrolled at Bethel University to study theology. (Fessler said he became a wrestler -- and a Christian -- at age 6.) So ... how did the book originally come about? Michael Fessler"I was not only engaged in religious study at Bethel, but also had reconnected with wrestling as a fan," Fessler told InterMat in 2014. "Wrestling and faith (as subjects) collided in my head. My experience as a wrestler and my faith became even more interconnected, an idea that I could not keep from swirling in my mind." There is a powerful linkage between religious faith and wrestling. Wrestling is featured in the first book of the Bible, Genesis, as Jacob wrestles with the angel. Numerous wrestlers openly profess their religious faith with their clothes, their tattoos, in their participation in groups such as the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Athletes in Action, and in their interviews. It was even the subject of a 2009 InterMat article titled "Christian faith serves wrestlers on and off the mat." "The (InterMat) article was a springboard," Fessler disclosed last year. "I thought, 'Readers might want to hear what I have to say.'" After considerable struggle with writing -- to the point where he shelved the project more than once -- Fessler completed his "Faith and Wrestling" book in early 2014. One year later, the original publisher folded, making the book unavailable for a number of months ... until Westbow made the book available again in October 2015. Lives touched The real news is in all the positive developments that came about in the time since "Faith and Wrestling" was originally published. "A year ago, I was a former wrestler and a theology grad that no one had heard of," Fessler told InterMat last week. "Now, to see how it has been received, well, it's beyond anything I had hoped for." Dylan Ness after beating Ian Miller to advance to the NCAA finals in 2014 (Photo/Mark Beshey, The Guillotine)It has reached individuals who are well-known within the wrestling community for their accomplishments on the mat ... and their open profession of their Christian faith. Dylan Ness, a two-time NCAA finalist for the University of Minnesota, purchased "Faith and Wrestling" on his own ... then shared it with John Peterson, two-time Olympic medalist for the U.S. in the 1970s. Peterson apparently left the book sitting in his bedroom for a couple months, then finally picked it up ... and, according to Fessler, "stayed up all night reading it, then called me the next day. We got together at Augsburg (College) to talk about the book. He had handwritten notes and Post-It notes throughout his copy." "He now uses the book in his ministry." "I can immediately relate to the things that Michael Fessler writes about in his book 'Faith and Wrestling,'" said Peterson. "Wrestling demands a high degree of commitment, perhaps more than any other sport. Therefore, the common temptation we face is to make wrestling our main source of significance. Michael helps us see the importance of allowing God to let us use wrestling as an act of worship of God, rather than making wrestling our God. He helps us see how the struggles we deal with in wrestling can help us in dealing with the spiritual battles that are a part of life. This book is an excellent resource for anyone working in the athletic world." Peterson then shared the book with 2000 Olympic gold medalist Brandon Slay ... who was already using it in Bible studies at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. The Olympic Training Center isn't the only place where wrestlers are using "Faith and Wrestling" in Bible study. Fessler is aware of at least three colleges and a number of high schools where the book is part of religious study groups conducted by wrestlers. Lennie Zalesky"Cal Baptist coach Lennie Zalesky emailed me that they would have a brief Bible study before wrestling practices, using the book," said Fessler. Zalesky said of the book, "'Faith and Wrestling' is a book that teaches and conveys very practical Biblical truths to any reader but especially to the wrestler. I would suggest this book to anyone interested in how God interacts with man. For the wrestler interested in how God may work through his or her wrestling life, I would strongly encourage you to get a copy and read it several times." "Messiah College, a Division II school in Pennsylvania, has study groups led by team captains," according to Fessler. Then there's the moving story of how "Faith and Wrestling" came into use at Liberty University. "A Pennsylvania high school coach named Greg was confronted with a cancer diagnosis," according to Fessler. "He said the book gave him new fight. We corresponded right up this passing. He's the reason the book got into Liberty." "His son was planning on attending Liberty University in Virginia, and in fact, now wrestles there," said Fessler. "So when Greg went with his son on a visit to Liberty, Greg brought his copy of 'Faith and Wrestling' with him, handed it to Coach (Jesse) Castro and said, 'This book impacted my life and helped me in approaching my fight with cancer. Promise me you will read this book. And after you do, buy this book for every wrestler on your team.' Coach Castro promised Greg he would do so, and he lived up to this promise. After reading the book, Coach Castro contacted me, thanked me for writing it, and proceeded to purchase a copy of the book for every wrestler on his team." (Fessler has produced a free study guide to accompany "Faith and Wrestling" for use in group-study settings, complete with study questions, which is available online in PDF format for users to print out as many copies as they need at no charge. Simply email Fessler at mrfess@hotmail.com to request your study guide.) "The book connects with people at different places in their lives," Fessler continued. "Wrestling moms have picked up the book and have emailed me to tell me how important the book is to their kids." "A guy named Terry in Minnesota who has a son who's autistic, and a wife with cancer, is a one-man army, promoting the book." "Bill Holton in North Dakota contacted me because he said the book spoke to him. He buys the book from me, then gives out those copies to others." "So many folks buy the book, then give it out to others." To learn more about Mike Fessler's "Faith and Wrestling: How the Role of a Wrestler Mirrors the Christian Life" book, check out the brief video. To purchase the book, visit Amazon.com.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Fans will have their first opportunity to see the defending national champion wrestling team on Saturday when the Buckeyes host an open practice at Fan Fest on the south end of St. John Arena beginning at 4:30 p.m. The event will conclude at approximately 5:30 p.m. with a meet and greet. This will mark the second straight year that Ohio State has hosted an outdoor practice, giving fans the perfect opportunity to get their fill of wrestling and football on the same day. This year's squad features four wrestlers who have previously earned All-America honors, led by the reigning NCAA champion at 125 lbs., sophomore Nathan Tomasello. Other headlines include redshirt seniors Kenny Courts and Hunter Stieber and sophomore Bo Jordan, who was third last year at 165 lbs. In addition to the return of four All-Americans, the Buckeyes also welcome on the nation's most highly-touted recruiting classes. The group is led by Ke-Shawn Hayes (ranked No. 11 overall by Flowrestling and No. 2 at 138 lbs.), Myles Martin (Junior National Freestyle champion, No. 3 overall by Flowrestling and No. 1 at 182 lbs.) and Kollin Moore (Ohio state champion at 182 lbs., 204-11 at Norwayne High School). Redshirt freshmen expected to contribute this year are Micah Jordan (157 lbs., 31-3 in open tournament last year) and Jake Ryan (149 lbs., 19-3 in open tournaments last year). TICKETS Season tickets for new accounts are on sale now and can be secured with for either general admission or reserved seats. Fans interested in becoming a season ticket holder can contact the Ohio State Athletic Ticket Sales Department at 1-800-GOBUCKS (select option 2) or AthleticSales@osu.edu for pricing, details and information. Those interested in group tickets can utilize the same contact information. Information on single-match tickets will be available later this month on OhioStateBuckeyes.com.\ This year's home schedule features matches with three teams ranked in the FloWrestling Preseason Top 20 – Michigan (No. 4), Nebraska (No. 10) and Wisconsin (No. 14).

The first annual Night of Conflict is an event being held at Carver-Hawkeye Arena on the University of Iowa campus, conducted by IAwrestle.com on Friday evening. Matches primarily feature a wrestler from Iowa against one from outside of the state. The official order of matches is pending final determination, but they will start at 7 p.m. CT. The wrestlers have been split to two teams, each coached by a recent Hawkeyes national champion who competed for the United States at last month's World Championships in Las Vegas. These are the matchups and a profile of the contestants (Team Ramos wrestler listed first, followed by the Team Metcalf wrestler): 106: Kyle Biscoglia (Waukee, Iowa) vs. Cody Phippen (Platte County, Mo.) This a rematch of the Cadet National final in folkstyle from April at 100 pounds, a match won by Biscoglia, who was a backup to state runner-up Jakob Allison this past high school season. Now a sophomore, he placed sixth at both the UWW Cadet Nationals (46 kilos) and Cadet Nationals (100 pounds) in freestyle. Phippen was a state runner-up in Kansas as a freshman before moving across the border this off-season, and is also a two-time All-American in Greco-Roman at both the UWW Cadet Nationals and Cadet Nationals; he also earned All-American honors in freestyle at both the Cadet and Junior Nationals this summer. 113: Louie Hayes (Carl Sandburg, Ill.) vs. Brody Teske (Fort Dodge, Iowa) Hayes was a state runner-up during his junior season of high school, and has verbally committed to the Unviersity of Virginia. He also was a Junior National champion in both Greco-Roman and freestyle at 106 pounds this summer. Teske won state this past year as a freshman at 106 pounds, and was runner-up at the NHSCA Freshman Nationals, but failed to earn All-American honors in Cadet freestyle at 113 pounds this summer. 113: Justin Portillo (Clarion Goldfield, Iowa) vs. Aden Reeves (Albia, Iowa) The senior Portillo is a two-time state finalist, both times in the 106-pound weight class, winning the title this past season. Incoming freshman Reeves is ranked No. 13 nationally among all wrestlers in the Class of 2019 after earning All-American honors in both styles at this summer's Cadet Nationals at 106 pounds, fifth in Greco-Roman and fourth in freestyle. 120: Cole Manley (Altoona, Pa.) vs. Alex Thomsen (Underwood, Iowa) Manley was a state runner-up last season competing at 106 pounds in the big-school division, and had an excellent Disney Duals, going undefeated at the 106-pound (+5) weight class. Thomsen is ranked No. 27 overall in the Class of 2018 after following up an undefeated state title at 113 pounds, with a double All-American finish at the Cadet Nationals, fourth in Greco-Roman and runner-up in freestyle at 120 pounds. 120: Josh Portillo (Clarion Goldfield, Iowa) vs. Justin Stickley (St. Paris Graham, Ohio) The senior Portillo is a two-time state champion, winning his state title last year at 126 pounds, and he also won a Junior National folkstyle title at 120 pounds last spring. Fellow senior Stickley is a two-time state placer, both times at 106 pounds, which includes his runner-up finish last season; he also earned runner-up honors at the NHSCA Junior Nationals competing up at 113 pounds 120: Jason Renteria (Oak Park River Forest, Ill.) vs. Jack Wagner (Bettendorf, Iowa) Two-time state runner-up Renteria is ranked No. 27 overall in the Class of 2017. He was a Cadet National folkstyle champion this spring at 120 pounds, and earned All-American honors in both styles at the Cadet Nationals in Fargo this summer (third Greco-Roman and sixth freestyle at 126 pounds). Wagner is a two-time state champion, and was undefeated at the Disney Duals competing in the 113-pound (+5) weight class. When the two wrestlers met at the Clash this past January, Renteria emerged with the victory. 126: Gabe Townsell (Oak Park River Forest, Ill.) vs. Drew West (Highland Riverside, Iowa) Two-time state placer Townsell is ranked No. 76 overall in the Class of 2016, placing third at 126 pounds during his junior season. This summer, Townsell earned a Junior National title in Greco-Roman at 126 pounds. The junior West won state as a freshman before placing third this past season, losing to Thomsen in the quarterfinal round; he is also a three-time Fargo All-American in Greco-Roman, including his third place finish at the Junior level in the 113 weight class this summer. 126: Brock Rathbun (Center Point-Urbana, Iowa) vs. Max Murin (Central Cambria, Pa.) Both wrestlers in this match won state titles this past season; with Rathbun also being a two-time champion, three-time finalist, and ranked No. 84 overall in the Class of 2016. The junior Murin placed fifth during his freshman season, and was excellent this past off-season; finished sixth at the UWW Cadet National freestyle tournament, went undefeated at the Disney Duals competing at 113 (+5), and took fourth in Cadet freestyle. 138: Ryan Leisure (Clear Lake, Iowa) vs. Kanen Storr (Leslie, Mich.) Both wrestlers in this match won state this past season. The junior Leisure is a two-time state finalist, and was also a UWW Cadet All-American in Greco-Roman at 58 kilos this spring. Storr is a two-time state champion and three-time state finalist, and ranked No. 59 overall in the Class of 2016; he also placed third at the Super 32 Challenge last fall, and was a UWW Cadet National runner-up in freestyle at 63 kilos. 138/145: Carter Happel (Lisbon, Iowa) vs. Jarrett Degen (Belgrade, Mont.) This is a battle of three-time state champions, both of whom are ranked nationally within the Class of 2016. Happel placed fifth in Junior freestyle this summer at 138 pounds, competed in the 2014 UWW Cadet World Championships at 63 kilos, and is ranked No. 30 overall in the Class of 2016. Degen earned a NHSCA Junior Nationals title at 138 pounds this summer, placed eighth in Junior Greco-Roman this summer, and is ranked No. 87 overall in the 2016 class. 138/145: Happel vs. George Phillippi (Derry Area, Pa.) Happel will also face off against another nationally ranked Class of 2016 prospect in two-time state champion Phillippi. The University of Virginia verbal commit is ranked No. 16 overall in the Class of 2016, and is a two-time Super 32 Challenge placer; fourth at 132 pounds last fall, runner-up at 120 in the fall of 2013. 160: Drew Hughes (Lowell, Ind.) vs. Alex Marinelli (St. Paris Graham, Ohio) Both wrestlers in this match are ranked among the elite Class of 2016 prospects nationally. Three-time state placer Hughes won state this past season, after finishing fifth and second the previous two seasons; the No. 31 overall senior also placed fourth at the Super 32 Challenge last fall at 152 pounds, and went undefeated this summer in the Disney Duals at 152 pounds (+5). Marinelli is a three-time state champion, and ranked No. 3 overall in the Class of 2016; he was runner-up at the Super 32 Challenge last fall at 160 pounds, and is now a three-time finalist at the Walsh Ironman, winning the title during his junior season. 160: Colton Clingenpeel (Cedar Rapids Jefferson, Iowa) vs. Kaleb Young (Punxsatawney, Pa.) Clingenpeel is a two-time state placer, including a third place finish at 138 pounds last season. He also earned All-American honors in Junior Greco-Roman this summer, finishing eighth at 152 pounds. Fellow two-time state placer Young is ranked No. 32 overall in the Class of 2016, placing seventh in last year's Super 32 Challenge at 152 pounds and sixth at the FloNationals during this past spring. 220: Ethan Andersen (Southeast Polk, Iowa) vs. Dylan Prince (Pittsburg, Kans.) Andersen is a two-time state champion, and three-time state placer, along with holding the No. 43 overall position in the Class of 2016. He was champion in Junior folkstyle this spring at 220 pounds, and also competed at the UWW Cadet World Championships in Greco-Roman last summer at 100 kilos. The junior Prince finished third at state in the 182-pound weight class last season, and was All-American in both styles at 195 pounds in the Cadet Nationals (fourth Greco-Roman, fifth freestyle) 285: Zach Muller (Downers Grove South, Ill.) vs. Gannon Gremmel (Dubuque Hempstead, Iowa) The junior Muller has yet to make the state tournament, but was most excellent this off-season, starting with a Cadet folkstyle title at 285 pounds. He also earned All-American honors in both styles at the UWW Cadet Nationals and Cadet Nationals competing at heavyweight. The senior Gremmel, ranked No. 60 overall nationally, has placed in all three state tournaments of his career at 220 pounds. He had an in-season win over eventual state champion Andersen, but lost to him during the state tournament on the way to a third-place finish. Women: Morgan Becker vs. Rachel Watters

The LHU wrestling team officially opens practice for the 2015-16 season on Monday (October 12) and the Bald Eagles will host "Midday Matness," taking the session outdoors. At 1:30 p.m. (1:30 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.) on Monday, head coach Scott Moore and his Bald Eagles will throw the mats down outside Stevenson Library by the Fountain.

For Fort Hays State University national wrestling champ Daryl Henning, this Halloween will be all treats and no tricks as he and others connected to the Kansas-based school's sports programs will be inducted into the Tiger Sports Hall of Fame, the Hays Post reported Friday. Henning won the 158-pound title at the 1981 NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) Wrestling Championships as a senior, helping the Tigers to a sixth-place finish in the team standings at the nationals. He was a two-time NAIA All-American at FHSU, coming in fourth at the 1979 NAIAs as a sophomore, helping the team to place seventh that year. Henning was the second-ever national champion for FHSU in wrestling, eleven years after Leland Tresner won his NAIA title in 1969. (The FHSU Tigers now wrestle in NCAA Division II.) In addition to Henning, other members of the Tiger Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2015 include Jeff Bieker (baseball), Jayme Eichner (volleyball), Jim Montgomery (track & field), Vicki Thom Smith (gymnastics), and Ed and Donna Stehno (contributors). The induction ceremony will take place Halloween morning, Saturday, Oct. 31 at the Memorial Union Ballroom on the campus of Fort Hays State University at 10 a.m. The inductees will also be recognized at halftime of the football game vs. Nebraska-Kearney at 2:30 p.m. Fort Hayes State established the Tiger Sports Hall of Fame in 1986. The school's wrestling program was founded in 1927.

The idea of a redshirt season is widely accepted for college student-athletes, with the idea of helping students become accustomed to the demands of college life, including more rigorous coursework. However, some parents of younger student-athletes appear to be using the same idea by having their kids repeat a grade in middle school, with the hope that these youngsters will be more mature physically and mentally than their high school competitors in a number of sports, including wrestling. This past week, two New Jersey state senators co-sponsored a bill that would penalize student-athletes who were purposely held back a year for reasons other than failing grades, disruptive behavior, or lack of emotional maturity. The bill would limit student-athletes who repeat grades six, seven or eight -- despite being academically on track -- to three years or six consecutive semesters of athletic eligibility once they begin high school. The three years of eligibility would include all levels of play: freshman, junior varsity and varsity. The proposed legislation has generated a series of articles at NJ.com and its NJ Advance Media Division, including a profile of Damion Hahn, two-time NCAA champ for the University of Minnesota just over a decade ago, who weighed in on the issue, having been held back by his parents in middle school in New Jersey for other reasons. Damion Hahn (Photo/Rob Preston)"Twenty-one years ago, Hahn was held back by his parents at Lakewood Middle School," wrote Matthew Stanmyre of NJ.com Thursday. "Hahn, now 35, says he had done just enough to meet academic requirements and pass the seventh grade, but he was disruptive in class, lacked self-discipline and was not socially ready to move on." "Hahn -- one of the greatest wrestlers to ever slide on a singlet in New Jersey and now the top assistant coach at Cornell -- admits athletics played a secondary role in the decision to stay back. But he says regardless of the specific reasons, it was a life-changing choice that propelled him on a path for success." Before wrestling for Minnesota, Hahn was a three-time New Jersey state champ at Lakewood High School, and named the state's High School Wrestler of the Century by the Newark Star-Ledger in 2000. "Unless they can come up with some substantial facts that this is hurting kids, then I don't understand it," Hahn told NJ.com. "None of these things that people are doing I feel are breaking the law. We're not talking about giving kids performance-enhancing drugs or anything like that. We're just talking about if you're holding kids back." State Sen. Peter Barnes, co-sponsor of the bill, said the legislation isn't about limiting opportunities for student-athletes, but, rather, to ensure everyone plays by the same rules. "It's not just about your kid; it's about the fairness of all the kids who have to compete, all of whom want to succeed," Barnes said. "If your kid gets a full year of extra eligibility, that's not fair to kids who are playing by the rules, who are going to school at the right age and matriculating through at the right age." "I've seen the abuses over the years," said Barnes, a father of three who has been involved in coaching youth sports. "This is a gimmick and it's been going on a long time. People are milking the system. They are gaming the system." State Sen. Richard Codey, original sponsor of the bill, is a long-time youth basketball coach. "It's clear in 99 percent of these cases it's being done for athletic advantage," Codey said. "This phenomenon has been around, but it's to me, anecdotally, growing by leaps and bounds." While there is no known or reliable data on how many students have been held back a grade with the hope of boosting their athletic careers, some coaches estimate twenty to fifty percent of top-tier New Jersey high school athletes have repeated a grade. An article published Wednesday at NJ.com names some Garden State athletes, including 2015 No. 1 NBA draft pick Karl-Anthony Towns, 2015 McDonald's All-Americans Isaiah Briscoe and Malachi Richardson, three-time state wrestling champion Johnny Sebastian and former Big East Conference football Rookie of the Year Brian Toal ... all who repeated the eighth grade. In fact, the proposed legislation -- and recent series at NJ.com -- sprang from a NJ Advance Media special report in September on Josh McKenzie, described as the nation's top-rated football player and wrestler entering ninth grade, who repeated the eighth grade with his idea of advancing his athletic career. Reactions to proposals restricting middle-school student-athletes repeating a grade are mixed. "We're losing sight of exactly what high school sports are and what drives it," Nutley High athletic director Joe Piro told NJ.com. "High school sports are extracurricular activities, and the most important thing that happens during the course of the day in a teenager's life should be the quality of the education they're getting. What's happening now is people are doing everything they can chasing the infamous full scholarship." "You can't deny the benefits," Montclair High football coach John Fiore told NJ.com back in September. "That year of maturity really helps -- with boys especially." Damion Hahn offered his perspective as a parent, coach and one-time wrestling superstar. "You're drawing a fine line," Hahn said. "I have two young boys that are 3 and 9 months old and I want better for them than what I had. I want to provide them the same athletic benefits as the next kid. So that is something that me and my wife have talked about. I think it's crazy to say to a parent, 'That's wrong.' You want to give your kid the best possible chance; how can you say that's wrong?" It will be interesting to see what happens with the proposed legislation in New Jersey ... and whether it will help spark similar efforts in other states.

MANHEIM, Pa. -- Four wrestlers from New Jersey had chances to earn All-American honors at 149 pounds at the 2015 NCAA Division I championships when the infamous blood round started. Only two -- Rider's Bryant "B.J." Clagon and Old Dominion's Alexander "Lenny" Richardson -- found spots on the podium. Clagon and Richardson will kick off the season with a matchup at 149 pounds at the 50th annual Hire Heroes NWCA All-Star Classic presented by the Wrestlers in Business Network on November 1 in Atlanta, Ga. The All-Star Classic is also sponsored by Raymond James and will be held at Georgia Tech's McCamish Pavilion at 5 p.m. Clagon and Richardson will join Lehigh's Mason Beckman, Nathaniel Brown and Edinboro's Vic Avery as wrestlers in the event from non-Power 5 conferences. As a freshman, Clagon entered the 2015 NCAA championships as the No. 15 seed and wrestled his way to a fifth-place finish as a redshirt freshman. Clagon fell to No. 2 Jason Tsirtsis 2-1 in the second round and then won four straight bouts before falling again to Tsirtsis by the same 2-1 score in the consolation semifinals. Clagon upended No. 5 Chris Villalonga of Cornell 6-3 in the fifth-place match and finished the season with a 30-11 record. Richardson went 29-9 and entered the NCAA championships as the No. 8 seed and reached the quarterfinals before losing to eventual NCAA champion Drake Houdashelt of Missouri. Richardson defeated No. 14 Cody Ruggirello of Hofstra 2-0 to earn All-American honors. Clagon and Richardson would meet in the consolation quarterfinals with Clagon gutting out a 4-3 victory in the tiebreakers. Richardson won the a previous meeting earlier in the season in the same manner, a 2-1 tiebreaker victory at the Midlands. "Many across the country know how good the wrestling is in New Jersey," said NWCA Executive Director Mike Moyer. "That's apparent by how many wrestlers from the Garden State excel on the next level whether they choose to stay in state or to go out of state for their college careers. B.J. Clagon and Alexander Richardson have had two very close bouts already in their careers and there's no reason this matchup should be any different." Clagon will give Rider its fifth all-time appearance at the event and the first since Shawn Scannell wrestled Iowa State's Cael Sanderson at 184 pounds in 2001 when the event was hosted at Franklin & Marshall. Rider wrestlers are 1-3 in the event with the only win coming in Philadelphia in 1991 when Adam Derengowski defeated Oregon's Dan Vidlak 7-3 at 118 pounds. Richardson will also be the fifth appearance in the All-Star Classic from his school. Wayne Bright made the program's first appearance back in 1970, falling to Iowa State's Dan Gable. James Nicholson made back-to-back appearances in 2008 and 2009, while Jack Dechow competed for the Monarchs last season. The school is looking for its first individual win in the event. So far, the first seven announced matches feature three NCAA champions and 14 All-Americans with 17 medals between them. Announced #NWCAClassic50 Matchups 125: Nathan Tomasello, So. (Ohio State) vs. Zeke Moisey, So. (West Virginia) 133: 141: Cody Brewer, Sr. (Oklahoma) vs. Dean Heil, So. (Oklahoma State) 149: B.J. Clagon, So. (Rider) vs. Alexander Richardson, Sr. (Old Dominion) 157: Isaiah Martinez, So. (Illinois) vs. Nick Brascetta, Sr. (Virginia Tech) 165: 174: Kyle Crutchmer, Jr. (Oklahoma State) vs. Zach Epperly, So. (Virginia Tech) 184: Nathaniel Brown, Sr. (Lehigh) vs. Vic Avery, Sr. (Edinboro) 197: 285: Adam Coon, Jr. (Michigan) vs. Ty Walz, Jr. (Virginia Tech) WHAT: 50th Annual Hire Heroes NWCA All-Star Classic presented by the Wrestlers in Business Network Atlanta Chapter WHEN: Sunday, November 1, 2015, 5 p.m. Eastern WHERE: Hank McCamish Pavilion, Georgia Tech, Atlanta, Ga. TICKETS: VIP/Social $125, Premium Floor $100, Premium $50, Reserved $25-$35; General Admission $10-$20; Student Rate $15 PURCHASE ONLINE: Click here TV/LIVE STREAMING: ESPNU (Find ESPNU on your cable or satellite provider) EVENT WEBSITE: http://www.theallstarclassic.com About the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) The NWCA brings the wrestling coaching community together to advance the sport and ensure that current and future generations have the opportunity to engage in a safe and educationally based wrestling experience. This is primarily done by strengthening existing programs, creating new programs, and providing coaches with progressive educational opportunities. About Wrestlers in Business Network (WIBN) The Group Wrestlers in Business is a non-profit organization that strives to unite the thousands of wrestlers that have retired from the sport and are now in their respective careers. It started as a networking group on LinkedIn. Since then, the group has evolved into a more prominent, member-focused organization that cares about supporting current & former wrestlers and the sport. Their mission is to establish a community of wrestlers who commonly share in the interest of helping each other in business and in life, while supporting and strengthening the sport that made us who we are today. www.wrestlersinbusiness.org About ESPNU The 24-hour college sports television network airs more than 650 live events annually. ESPNU is available nationwide in approximately 73 million households.

LANCASTER, Pa. -- Franklin & Marshall's head wrestling coach Mike Rogers announced former Penn State standout Andrew Alton as the Diplomats' new assistant coach. Andrew AltonAs a member of the staff, Alton's duties will involve helping run all aspects of the program, including recruiting, scheduling practice plans and assisting with technique. His responsibilities will also contain a focus on developing the lighter/middle weights. A 2015 graduate from Penn State, he wrestled under renowned head coach Cael Sanderson and was present for one of the most successful runs in collegiate wrestling history, as the Nittany Lions captured four consecutive NCAA National Championships from 2011-14. "The coaching staff is excited to bring someone like Andrew Alton into the program," said head coach Mike Rogers. "Andrew has trained under one of the best programs in the country at Penn State and his experience in competing in the Big Ten will be a valuable resource for us." Starting his collegiate career at 141, Alton received the Shalles Award as a freshman by accumulating 18 pins, placed fifth at the Big Ten Championships and was an NCAA Qualifier. He went 2-2 at the tournament with a pin and a major decision, finishing just one win shy of All-America status. He moved up to the 149 weight class after his first year in State College and again qualified for the NCAAs as a sophomore, placing fourth in the Big Ten Tournament and assisting his team's National Championship run with a key pin. Alton competed alongside his identical twin brother, Dylan, who was an All-American his freshman year after taking third at Nationals. Rogers is personally familiar with the Alton family, as their father, Neil, served as a volunteer assistant coach at Lock Haven when Rogers wrestled for the school. "I've seen both Andrew and Dylan develop over the course of their career and I've gotten to know the Alton family very well over that time," said Rogers. "I'm excited to be working with Andrew as he starts his collegiate coaching career here at F&M." Graduating from Central Mountain High School in 2010, Alton was a two-time Pennsylvania State Champion (2009-10) and a four-time Asics Junior Freestyle National Champion.

This week FloWrestling released Episode 2 of their documentary film series "Kolat" a miniseries on the life and career of the American wrestling legend. Where Episode 1 recapped Kolat's upbringing, high school career and college career, Episode 2 focused on Kolat's international career and the controversies that seemed to follow him to three consecutive World Championships. The episode tapped into Kolat's raw emotions after taking losses at the World Championships which were mired in poor refereeing and perceptions of corruption among the top brass of the international federation, then known as FILA. Kolat's losses weren't just dramatic failures on the mat, they were off-the-mat sagas, which added depth to a story that might otherwise have been scripted in the normal humdrum of wrestling community speak. The piece didn't focus as much on high crotches and top technique as it did Kolat's humanity, something the wrestling community had never seen up close. Fans across the country identified with Kolat's struggle to understand his losses since they too, in their own career, had felt some injustice, or the proper recognition of their ability or contribution. The producers, led by Mark Bader, did an excellent job to let the story speak for itself, a testament to their experience as storytellers. There is extraordinary skill in allowing the subject's voice to be heard and the Flo crew did that with precision, allowing Kolat's grieving occupy the episode's emotional space. This was exceptional and brilliant work. I'm happy that we no longer live in the era of re-wrestling matches and have the benefit of immediate challenges. An independent refereeing body and improved internal governance have allowed the new governing body to focus on the wrestlers. Still, shining light on these episodes of the past can be important in ensuring the sanitation of the sport for generations to come. Fifteen years ago Kolat was failed by a system, but this week he seems to have recovered the respect and admiration he was always meant to receive. From here, anything is possible for Kolat -- for the first time in a generation he's the talk of the town, and for all the right reasons. To your questions … Q: So far I'm loving the matchups scheduled for the NWCA All-Star Classic. However, I find it strange that it's being held at a university with no wrestling program in a state (Georgia) with a fairly weak wrestling history and background. I kind of felt the same way with the World Championships being held in Las Vegas. I was pumped it was in the U.S., but how many people in Nevada tend to care that much about wrestling compared to some other states? Anyway, any reason U.S. wrestling organizations tend to pick such questionable locations for these types of events from time-to-time? Am I missing something? -- Ryan P. Foley: A few years ago I attempted to skewer USA Wrestling for holding the World Team Trials in Stillwater, Oklahoma. I believe I said something of tumbleweed and six shooters, but I couldn't be certain. Anyway, to learn more I flew to Oklahoma to see Stillwater up close, and since then have learned a lot about the financials of running an event. Though I'm far from an expert, I can tell you that there a myriad reasons for selecting a World Championship and USA Wrestling location. The NWCA All-Star Classic is a bit of a different beast. For years they've looked to hold the match in areas looking to either SAVE or GROW wrestling. There was an event in Fresno a few years ago, which was poorly attended, but with the recent reinstatement of Fresno State wrestling, may have been a huge political success. This year's matchups focus on Georgia, a state that's enjoying more success in recent years and with a growing fan base. It might be the aim of the NWCA to create some local publicity and give a further push to the idea of wrestling in the south -- an area whose culture and socio-economic status isn't that removed from the culture and SES of almost every other successful wrestling region in the country, nay WORLD. As for Las Vegas, the city itself is a loss leader, meaning they ensure cheap transportation into and out of the city, as well as cheap hotel rooms for guests. There was no chance that fans would be bored at the event, the arena size was perfect for a wrestling audience, and teams had easy access to the airport. As World Championships go the feedback from international wrestling lifers was that the 2015 iteration was the best of all-time. Subjectivity aside it was certainly the highest-grossing, most-watched, and (maybe) the best participated event in wrestling history. I'll agree that the event locations are a tricky calculus, but I will also give you a touch of breaking news. Next week the process for bidding on international events will be officially overhauled. The changes, which you can read about on Monday, could mean much more visible and profitable sport. Q: Bruce Burnett recently said in an interview at the World Championships that 2016 is his last year as the national freestyle coach. He also mentioned that he would like to have the new incoming coach on board during his last year to help with the transition. Who do you think are the likely suspects for this position, and can we expect to see this announcement anytime soon? -- Scott M. Bruce Burnett speaks at a press conference prior to the start of the 2015 World Wrestling Championships in Las Vegas (Photo/John Sachs, Tech-Fall.com)Foley: Burnett has always said that he was a place-filler for whoever was hired in 2016. What Burnett has given the American team is a strong, experienced and successful voice for the two years running up to the Olympics. He's on track to have a solid Olympic year with two top-ranked wrestlers and five medal threats. He's won before and there is no doubt he'll win again in 2016. Honestly for what he's done on such short notice, Burnett deserves to have the wrestling center named in his honor. Incredible career and leadership. There will be no announcement before the Olympics. Afterward I think the process will open up to several big-name coaches to include Cael Sanderson and John Smith. Both have other obligations, but there is at least a chance they bite after the 2016 Games. Brandon Slay and Bill Zadick will also throw their names in the ring along with a Brands or two? Oh, and … Q: I like the idea of Cary Kolat becoming the national freestyle coach after 2016. Leading young men to World and Olympic medals could help heal some of the wounds, I would think. Could you see Kolat leading Team USA? -- Mike C. Foley: I don't know that he would LEAD Team USA right off the bat, but I think that they would love to have him involved in the program. Maybe as a national team coach? There are already some talented coaches on staff and there is only so much room, but I think everyone would enjoy having his knowledge on the mats in Colorado Springs. MULTIMEDIA HALFTIME Babies are CUTE. That Olympic rematch with Kolat Kolat backflip (5:50) Q: Is Lee Kemp the best U.S. wrestler to never win an Olympic gold medal? -- Mike C. Foley: Unsure that we could ever answer that question with clarity. Cary Kolat sure seems like another solid candidate. Remember that Lee Kemp faced stiff competition throughout his international career. Certainly the boycott in 1980 hurt his chances, but he still needed to get past Dave Schultz in 1984, which didn't happen. He lost to the future Olympic champion at the Trials at Grand Valley State. Kemp is in the discussion. Q: Can Dustin Schlatter make 65 kilos in the Olympic year? Or will we see him at 74 kilos? -- Mike C. Foley: Bah! I think he'll go 65 kilos, but only because that is his best chance for making the team. He is a longshot to beat Brent Metcalf, Jordan Oliver and Logan Stieber, but an even longer shot to do anything to Burroughs at 74 kilos. Q: A persistent question in the wrestling community is how tournament scoring should be done, to try and give the most accurate display of the "best" team was at a given tournament. In the NCAA, we have seen second-place guys score more than the man who beat them in the finals (David Taylor-Kyle Dake in 2013 comes to mind) and A.J. Schopp this year scored 21 points, tying a few champs. UWW uses a very simple 10-1 sliding scale, ensuring no silver medalist can outscore the champ. I like that model, but is there any possibility UWW would move to a model similar to that used by Formula 1? They use 25-18-15-12-10-8-6-4-2-1 as their model. This would ensure more World champs at the World Cup, as using this year's men's freestyle results Italy would've placed 10th on the back of Chamizo's title. -- The Wrestler Foley: The scoring is under discussion and President Lalovic said at a press conference in Las Vegas that he is desperate to change it for the better. That said, any scoring changes would also need to lead back to a possible season-long ranking system. No matter how much people complain, I've seen several proposals and can tell you that the right mixture isn't out there. I also know that everyone is hoping to open an email and find an attachment that solves all these riddles. Recognition of the Week John C. On October 10, six Division III NCAA champions will be inducted into the St. Lawrence University Athletics Hall of Fame. The inductees are Phil Lanzatella, Tod Northrup, Leland Rogers, Mark Shortsleeves, Patrick Conners, and Jason Bovenzi. Let me know if you are interested in more information. The SLU wrestling program won a D3 title in 1988. Unfortunately, the program was discontinued in 1995.

Less than four months before Madison Square Garden hosts its first NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships, the New York City arena will welcome a number of the nation's top college wrestling programs at its fourth-annual Grapple at the Garden dual-meet event, to be held Sunday, Nov. 29, MSG Sports announced via press release Thursday. For a number of college wrestling programs, Madison Square Garden's Grapple at the Garden 4 will be the opening event for the entire season that will ultimately culminate with the 2016 NCAA championships, to be held in the "world's most famous arena" next March 17-19 for the very first time in the 86-year history of the NCAAs. Cornell was 2-0 at the 2014 Grapple at the Garden, which included wins over Edinboro and UNI (Photo/Juan Garcia)A total of 22 colleges and universities will participate in the event which has become an early-season staple of the college wrestling calendar since the first Grapple at the Garden took place in Dec. 2012. This year's Grapple at the Garden will feature a total of 11 NCAA Division I programs, including five schools which placed among the top 20 in the team standings at the 2015 NCAA championships, including No. 5 Cornell University, No. 9 Nebraska, No. 12 Illinois, and No. 15 Northwestern. In addition, the event will also feature one Division II and seven Division III mat programs, along with three school-affiliated wrestling clubs. The full roster of participating NCAA programs includes Cornell, Drexel, Franklin & Marshall College, George Mason, Hofstra, Illinois, LIU Post, Maryland, Mount Saint Vincent, Muhlenberg, Nebraska, New York University, Northwestern, Oswego State, University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, Princeton, Rutgers, Stevens Institute and Wilkes University, as well as wrestling clubs from Penn State, Stony Brook University, and SUNY Farmingdale. Wrestling being an individual sport, the 2015 edition of Grapple at the Garden will feature some of the most accomplished athletes in college wrestling right now, including 2015 NCAA Champion Gabe Dean and the 2014 Grapple at the Garden Most Outstanding Wrestler Nahshon Garrett from Cornell along with 2015 NCAA and Big Ten Champion Isaiah Martinez from Illinois. Additionally, Anthony Ashnault from Rutgers achieved All-American status as a redshirt freshman, marking two consecutive years for the Scarlet Knights with an AA (Anthony Perrotti, 2014). In addition to announcing Grapple at the Garden 4 participants, Madison Square Garden also revealed match-ups for the dual-meet-format event. As in the past, there will be three separate sessions for college programs. The first session, which begins at 8 a.m., features Mt. St. Vincent vs. SUNY Farmingdale, and Stony Brook vs. PSU. Session two begins at 10:00 a.m. and will include Cornell vs. Nebraska, George Mason vs. Rutgers, Illinois vs. Maryland, Northwestern vs. Drexel, Hofstra vs. Princeton, Franklin & Marshall vs. Oswego State, LIU Post vs. Wilkes, and NYU vs. Stevens. Session three gets underway at noon, featuring Cornell vs. Rutgers, Princeton vs. Nebraska, Northwestern vs. Franklin & Marshall, Illinois vs. Drexel, Maryland vs. Hofstra, George Mason vs. Pitt - Johnstown, and Muhlenberg vs. Oswego State. Tickets, priced at $20.00, $35.00 and $55.00, are currently on sale and may be purchased online at www.thegarden.com, all Ticketmaster locations and the Madison Square Garden box office.

The Fight Network presents Takedown Wrestling Radio live from the iHeart Studios in Des Moines, Iowa. Powered by Kemin Industries, Takedown takes the pulse of America's sport. This week's cast of Takedown Radio includes Scott Casber, Tony Hager, Stephen Stonebraker, Jeff Murphy, Tim Harms and Brad Johnson. Join us this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. (CT) live on the iHeart Radio App, KXNO.com or TakedownWrestle.com. For contests and conversation use 866-333-5966 or 515-284-5966 Listen for the chance to win a pair of Nike Takedown Wrestling shoes and Defense Soap travel kit. 9 a.m. Dan Gable and Mike Doughty, Dan Gable Musuem Gala event coordinators 9:20 a.m. Tom Brands, Iowa head wrestling coach 9:40 a.m. Jim Heffernan, Illinois head wrestling coach 10 a.m. Brian Smith, Missouri head wrestling coach 10:20 a.m. Roddy Rieger, professional wrestler 10:40 a.m. Dylan Wanagiel, executive producer of the Grapple at the Garden. Enter our Takedown Sportswear Super Sunday Singlet giveaway for a chance to win a singlet every Sunday of the year by following us on Facebook and on Twitter. Enter our Wednesday Warrior Contest to win a headgear from DanmarWarrior.com by following us on Facebook and on Twitter. Special thanks to our friends at Adidas, Cadillac, Dollamur, All American Wrestling Supply, Defense Soap, 04 Water, Nike, Legends of Gold National Training Center, St. Louis Sports Commission, Titan Mercury Wrestling Club, Sunflower Wrestling, Fast Signs, McCarger Works, Fenemore Brothers Tree Service, Rockstar Satellite DirecTV, DanMarWarrior.com and Max Muscle Sports Nutrition, Louie's Wine Dive, TheWrestlingSite.com, IAWrestle.com, Roller Productions, and Kaldenberg Landscaping.

George Thompsion, national wrestling champion for North Dakota State University, is among five athletes to be inducted into the Bison Athletic Hall of Fame on Friday, Oct. 9. George ThompsonThompson won the 134-pound title at the 1997 NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships for NDSU, and was a four-time NCAA Div. II All-American (1995-1998). He also was crowned North Central Conference champ in 1997. Wrestling for legendary coach Bucky Maughan, Thompson compiled a 99-35 overall record for the Bison, including 34-9 in duals and 17 pins. Following graduation with honors from NDSU in 1998, Thompson went to the University of Northern Colorado and earned his master's degree in sport administration, and served as the top assistant for the UNC Bears for seven years, coaching several All-Americans while helping guide the program through their transition from Division II to Division I classification. Thompson was inducted into the South Dakota Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2014. In addition to Thompson, other members of the Bison Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2015 include men's track and field All-American Jason Breitzman, national award-winning women's basketball player Jayne Even Gust, softball All-America shortstop Nikki Gregg, and women's track and field high jump national champion Andrea Jeseritz Pearson. The 44th annual induction ceremony will bring the number of individuals enshrined in the Hall of Fame to 269. The induction will take place at the Holiday Inn in Fargo. Lunch will begin at 11 a.m. with the induction ceremony starting at 11:30 a.m. A limited number of tickets will be available from the NDSU athletic department for a cost of $25 per ticket. Please contact Helena Johnston at (701) 231-6172 or email Helena.Johnston@ndsu.edu. The group will also be recognized at halftime of NDSU's homecoming football game Saturday, Oct. 10, against Northern Iowa.

Bill Kerslake, three-time U.S. Olympic wrestler who launched his mat career at what is now Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, died Sept. 29 in Ohio. He was 85. Bill Kerslake wrestling Hallow WilsonWrestling heavyweight for the U.S. freestyle team, Kerslake placed fifth in the 1952 Olympics in Helsinki, Finland, seventh in the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne, Australia and eighth in the 1960 Olympics in Rome, Italy. In addition, Kerslake won the gold medal at the 1955 Pan American Games in Mexico City. In its Oct. 7 announcement of Kerslake's passing, USA Wrestling described Kerslake as "one of the nation's top wrestlers on the international level in the 1950s, winning numerous national titles and major events." Born in Euclid, Ohio in suburban Cleveland, William Roy Kerslake did not compete in wrestling until he attended Case Institute of Technology. As an undergraduate, Kerslake earned nine letters in wrestling, football and track and field. He set the Case and Ohio Conference shot put record in track, was an All-Big Four tackle (defensive and offensive) in football and was one of the premier wrestlers in the country, according to his Case Western Reserve Hall of Fame biography. For all those accomplishments, Kerslake was voted Case's outstanding athlete of 1951. Kerslake graduated in 1951 with a bachelor's degree in industrial chemistry and later went on to also earn a master's degree in chemical engineering from Case in 1955. "Bill was a wrestling alum, Case Institute 1951, and legend has it that the founding father of Case Western Reserve Wrestling, Claude Sharer, pulled Bill out of phys. ed. class to start his career as a Hall of Fame wrestler," according to Danny Song, head wrestling coach at Case Western. "He was a 15-time U.S. Open Champion, a 3-time Olympian at heavyweight while simultaneously serving in rocket propulsion development as a rocket scientist for NASA (then NACA)." Yes, Kerslake the wrestler was also Kerslake the rocket scientist. After college, Kerslake started his career at the National Advisory Committee on Aeronautics (NACA, the forerunner of NASA, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration) in suburban Cleveland, where he was instrumental in the development of rocket propulsion, including the first ion thruster which propelled U.S. astronauts to the moon, over a career lasting more than three decades. That career alone would be more than enough for most rocket scientists. Yet Kerslake managed to excel in his chosen profession while being a world-beater on the wrestling mat. "Unlike most of today's athletes who can train year-round thanks to sponsorships or their youth, Kerslake had to juggle a full-time job and his large role at home with preparing to wrestle the world's best," the 2008 article titled "Case's Three-Time Olympian and Rocket Scientist" reported. "Kerslake had to use all his vacation days and some unpaid leave time to train for and compete in the games. Although he would never admit it, that may have been what held him back from an Olympic medal." In addition to his on-the-mat success winning a total of 15 national titles -- eight in freestyle, seven in Greco-Roman -- Kerslake served as a high school referee in the Cleveland area for over a decade. Kerslake has been welcomed into a number of athletic and academic halls of fame, including the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in Stillwater, Okla. as a Distinguished Member in 1982, and the Case Western Reserve University Athletics Hall of Fame in 1975. Kerslake is survived by four children, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His wife of 61 years, Pat, preceded him in death. Services were held Thursday afternoon, Oct. 8 in Middleburg Heights, Ohio, the community Bill and Pat Kerslake called home for decades.

A pair of twin brothers, both Junior National freestyle All-Americans this summer, verbally committed to the University of Wisconsin on Wednesday evening. Zander Wick (San Marino, Calif.) is ranked No. 47 overall in the Class of 2016, and was a state runner-up during the past high school season; he also finished fifth in Junior freestyle this summer at 145 pounds. Evan Wick (San Marino, Calif.) is ranked No. 56 overall in the Class of 2016, and is a two-time state placer, finishing fifth and fourth the previous two seasons; he finished as a runner-up in Junior freestyle this summer at 152. Both wrestlers project as 149/157-pound wrestlers.