May 31st, 2008 by NCAA Wrestling, College Wrestling | Rankings Tournament Videos News Results
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Two-time World bronze medalist Harry Lester focused on earning trip to Beijing Olympics
Craig Sesker USA Wrestling
05/30/2008
Harry Lester’s biggest battle in recent years hasn’t been his opponents on the wrestling mat.
It’s been with the scale.
“Cutting weight is by far the hardest part of wrestling for me – going out there and wrestling is the fun part,” he said. “I've grown and filled out the last few years. I’ve gone from cutting four kilos three years ago to cutting about 13 kilos now.”
That’s a lot of weight when you consider one kilogram equals 2.2 pounds.
Lester, a two-time World bronze medalist, helped lead the U.S. to the Greco-Roman team title at the 2007 World Championships. He said he has started to bring his weight back down as he prepares for the U.S. Olympic Team Trials on June 13-15 in Las Vegas.
Lester, 24, from Akron, Ohio, will compete at 66 kg/145.5 lbs. in the Olympic Trials. He will enter the Trials as the No. 3 seed after skipping April’s U.S. Nationals. The top two finishers at U.S. Nationals – Mark Rial and Jake Deitchler – clinched the top two seeds at the Olympic Trials by placing 1-2 at Nationals.
Lester has not lost to an American wrestler since suffering a setback to Glenn Garrison at the 2005 U.S. World Team Trials in Ames, Iowa. Lester lost to Garrison in the first match of the best-of-3 finals before recovering to win the next two bouts to make his first World Team.
Lester has not wrestled at U.S. Nationals the past three seasons. In 2006 and 2007, he ended up finishing third in the World after bypassing Nationals.
He said he skipped last month’s U.S. Nationals after becoming ill shortly before the event.
“I’m not worried about missing Nationals,” said Lester, who is scheduled to wrestle at the Olympic Trials on June 14. “I have to wrestle everybody anyway. Plus I like getting some matches in before the finals. I don’t like sitting around all day.”
The 5-foot-7 Lester, like many wrestlers, is caught in between weight classes. With only seven international weight classes now, gaps between divisions are much more noticeable.
The next weight up from Lester’s weight class is 74 kg/163 lbs. Wrestlers in that class are nearly 20 pounds heavier than the division he wrestles in.
Before the classes were changed, wrestlers competed at 152 pounds.
“152 would have been perfect for me,” Lester said.
Lester, who competes for the Gator Wrestling Club, continues to train at the U.S. Olympic Education Center at Northern Michigan University in Marquette, Mich.
One of his closest friends, Spenser Mango, enters the Olympic Trials seeded No. 1 at 55 kg/121 lbs. Mango also trains at the USOEC.
“It would be great to see Spenser make the Olympic Team,” Lester said. “He’s a lot further along than I was at his age. He’s wrestling really well right now. He has a really good shot to make it to the Olympics.”
The Olympic Games for wrestling are scheduled for Aug. 12-21 in Beijing, China. Lester would compete on Aug. 13.
“I’m very excited about the opportunity to compete in the Olympics,” Lester said. “This is it – this is what I’ve been training my whole career for. I just have to focus on making this team and getting over to China.”
Lester said his training is progressing well. His main workout partner at the USOEC is Jake Fisher, an Olympic hopeful at 74 kilos. Fisher placed third at U.S. Nationals.
“Jake’s been my training partner the last three years,” Lester said. “He’s helped me a lot. We really push each other.”
Lester said he may continue to compete after 2008.
“I doubt it will be at 66 kilos,” Lester said with a laugh. “I may see if I can get stronger and maybe move up a class. But I’m not too worried about any of that right now.”
Lester, an explosive wrestler who features an assortment of big moves in his arsenal, is just thinking about his first match at the Trials.
“I know what I need to do,” he said. “I just need to go out there full steam and do what I’m capable of doing. Then everything else will take care of itself.”
May 31st, 2008 by NCAA Wrestling, College Wrestling | Rankings Tournament Videos News Results
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Two-time World bronze medalist Harry Lester focused on earning trip to Beijing Olympics
Craig Sesker USA Wrestling
05/30/2008
Harry Lester’s biggest battle in recent years hasn’t been his opponents on the wrestling mat.
It’s been with the scale.
“Cutting weight is by far the hardest part of wrestling for me – going out there and wrestling is the fun part,” he said. “I've grown and filled out the last few years. I’ve gone from cutting four kilos three years ago to cutting about 13 kilos now.”
That’s a lot of weight when you consider one kilogram equals 2.2 pounds.
Lester, a two-time World bronze medalist, helped lead the U.S. to the Greco-Roman team title at the 2007 World Championships. He said he has started to bring his weight back down as he prepares for the U.S. Olympic Team Trials on June 13-15 in Las Vegas.
Lester, 24, from Akron, Ohio, will compete at 66 kg/145.5 lbs. in the Olympic Trials. He will enter the Trials as the No. 3 seed after skipping April’s U.S. Nationals. The top two finishers at U.S. Nationals – Mark Rial and Jake Deitchler – clinched the top two seeds at the Olympic Trials by placing 1-2 at Nationals.
Lester has not lost to an American wrestler since suffering a setback to Glenn Garrison at the 2005 U.S. World Team Trials in Ames, Iowa. Lester lost to Garrison in the first match of the best-of-3 finals before recovering to win the next two bouts to make his first World Team.
Lester has not wrestled at U.S. Nationals the past three seasons. In 2006 and 2007, he ended up finishing third in the World after bypassing Nationals.
He said he skipped last month’s U.S. Nationals after becoming ill shortly before the event.
“I’m not worried about missing Nationals,” said Lester, who is scheduled to wrestle at the Olympic Trials on June 14. “I have to wrestle everybody anyway. Plus I like getting some matches in before the finals. I don’t like sitting around all day.”
The 5-foot-7 Lester, like many wrestlers, is caught in between weight classes. With only seven international weight classes now, gaps between divisions are much more noticeable.
The next weight up from Lester’s weight class is 74 kg/163 lbs. Wrestlers in that class are nearly 20 pounds heavier than the division he wrestles in.
Before the classes were changed, wrestlers competed at 152 pounds.
“152 would have been perfect for me,” Lester said.
Lester, who competes for the Gator Wrestling Club, continues to train at the U.S. Olympic Education Center at Northern Michigan University in Marquette, Mich.
One of his closest friends, Spenser Mango, enters the Olympic Trials seeded No. 1 at 55 kg/121 lbs. Mango also trains at the USOEC.
“It would be great to see Spenser make the Olympic Team,” Lester said. “He’s a lot further along than I was at his age. He’s wrestling really well right now. He has a really good shot to make it to the Olympics.”
The Olympic Games for wrestling are scheduled for Aug. 12-21 in Beijing, China. Lester would compete on Aug. 13.
“I’m very excited about the opportunity to compete in the Olympics,” Lester said. “This is it – this is what I’ve been training my whole career for. I just have to focus on making this team and getting over to China.”
Lester said his training is progressing well. His main workout partner at the USOEC is Jake Fisher, an Olympic hopeful at 74 kilos. Fisher placed third at U.S. Nationals.
“Jake’s been my training partner the last three years,” Lester said. “He’s helped me a lot. We really push each other.”
Lester said he may continue to compete after 2008.
“I doubt it will be at 66 kilos,” Lester said with a laugh. “I may see if I can get stronger and maybe move up a class. But I’m not too worried about any of that right now.”
Lester, an explosive wrestler who features an assortment of big moves in his arsenal, is just thinking about his first match at the Trials.
“I know what I need to do,” he said. “I just need to go out there full steam and do what I’m capable of doing. Then everything else will take care of itself.”
May 31st, 2008 by NCAA Wrestling, College Wrestling | Rankings Tournament Videos News Results
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Pre-seeds for the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials in Greco-Roman announced
Gary Abbott USA Wrestling
05/29/2008
USA Wrestling has released the pre-seeds for Greco-Roman heading into the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials. Seeds are subject to change following weigh-ins.
Pre-seed Greco-Roman brackets
Special Coverage Section
55 kg/121 pounds
1. Spenser Mango, St. Louis, Mo. (USOEC/Gator WC)
2. Lindsey Durlacher, Colorado Springs, Colo. (New York AC)
3. Jermaine Hodge, Colorado Springs, Colo. (U.S. Army)
4. Sam Hazewinkel, Norman, Okla. (Gator WC)
5. Eric Grajales, Brandon, Fla. (Sunkist Kids)
6. Jimmy Chase, Carol Stream, Ill. (Pinnacle)
7. Joshua Habeck, Colorado Springs, Colo. (U.S. Army)
8. Anthony Brooker, Philadelphia, Pa. (U.S. Air Force)
9. Nikko Triggas, Moraga, Calif. (Ohio State)
10. Miguel Pena, Camp Lejeune, N.C. (U.S. Marines)
11. Nate Engel, St. Helena, Calif. (Sunkist/USOEC)
12. Roger Stewart, Colorado Springs, Colo. (New York AC)
60 kg/132 pounds
1. Joe Betterman, Chicago, Ill. (New York AC/USOEC)
2. Glenn Garrison, Colorado Springs, Colo. (U.S. Army)
3. Marco Lara, Long Beach, Calif. (New York AC)
4. Jeremiah Davis, Colorado Springs, Colo. (U.S. Army)
5. Willie Madison, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Gator WC)
6. Eric Stevenson, Newberg, Ore. (Newberg WC)
7. Donovan DePatto, Quantico, Va. (U.S. Marine Corps)
8. CC Fisher, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Unattached)
9. Chad Vandiver, Roscoe, Ill. (Unattached)
10. Noah Blankenship, Bucyrus, Ohio (U.S. Marines)
11. Tony Mustari, Greeley, Colo. (Northern Colorado Wrestling)
66 kg/145.5 pounds
1. Mark Rial, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Gator WC)
2. Jake Deitchler, Rumsey, Minn. (Minnesota Storm)
3. Harry Lester, Akron, Ohio (Gator WC)
4. Faruk Sahin, Colorado Springs, Colo. (U.S. Army)
5. Jacob Curby, LaGrange, Ill. (Gator/USOEC)
6. Jacob Hey, Colorado Springs, Colo. (U.S. Air Force)
7. Marcel Cooper, Colorado Springs, Colo. (U.S. Army)
8. Oscar Wood, Colorado Springs, Colo. (U.S. Army)
9. Mike Ellsworth, Colorado Springs, Colo. (New York AC)
10. Shanon Slack, Colorado Springs, Colo. (No Limits)
11. Esai Dominguez, Omaha, Neb. (Maverick WC)
12. Bo Beckman, Pleasant Grove, Utah (USOEC)
74 kg/163 pounds
Qualified for best-of-three finals: T.C. Dantzler, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Gator WC)
Challenge Tournament seeds
1. Andrew Bisek, Chaska, Minn. (Minnesota Storm)
2. Jake Fisher, Platte City, Mo. (New York AC)
3. Keith Sieracki, Colorado Springs, Colo. (U.S. Army)
4. Cheney Haight, Orem, Utah (New York AC)
5. Ken Cook, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Sunkist Kids)
6. Jess Hargrave, Colorado Springs, Colo (U.S. Army)
7. James Johnson, Colorado Springs, Colo. (U.S. Army)
8. Talan Knox, Salt Lake City, Utah (Sunkist Kids)
9. Brandon McNab, Colorado Springs, Colo. (U.S. Army)
10. Kevin Lozano, Jefferson, La. (Gator WC)
11. Steven Forrest, Camp Lejeune, N.C. (U.S. Marines)
12. Chris Bullins, Stoneville, N.C. (Y.E.S Greensboro)
84 kg/185 pounds
1. Brad Ahearn, Colorado Springs, Colo. (U.S. Army)
2. Brad Vering, Colorado Springs, Colo. (New York AC)
3. Chas Betts, St. Michael, Minn. (Minnesota Storm)
4. Aaron Sieracki, Colorado Springs, Colo. (U.S. Army)
5. Jacob Clark, Top Sail Island, N.C. (Minnesota Storm)
6. Jake Plamann, Kaukauna, Wis. (Gator WC)
7. Zak Nielsen, Zimmerman, Minn. (USOEC)
8. John Wechter, Lansing, Mich. (Sunkist Kids)
9. Jeremy Pederson, Sneads Ferry, N.C. (U.S. Marines)
10. Abe Haddon, Colorado Springs, Colo. (USOTC)
11. David Spangler, Iowa City, Iowa (U.S. Air Force)
12. Jeff Funicello, Mesa, Ariz. (Sunkist Kids)
96 kg/211.5 pounds
Qualified for best-of-three finals: Justin Ruiz, Colorado Springs, Colo. (New York AC)
Challenge Tournament seeds
1. R.C. Johnson, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Sunkist Kids)
2. Adam Wheeler, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Gator WC)
3. Robbie Smith, Colorado Springs, Colo. (New York AC)
4. Justin Millard, Chesapeake Beach, Md. (U.S. Air Force)
5. John Lorenz, Lacrosse, Wis. (Unattached)
6. Peter Gounaridis, Leominster, Mass. (NMU/USOEC)
7. Deon Hicks, Colorado Springs, Colo. (U.S. Army)
8. Daren Burns, Catawba, N.C. (Y.E.S Greensboro)
9. Moises Hernandez, Top Sail, N.C. (U.S. Marines)
120 kg/264.5 pounds
Qualified for best-of-three finals: Dremiel Byers, Colorado Springs, Colo. (U.S. Army)
Challenge Tournament seeds
1. Russ Davie, Colorado Springs, Colo. (New York AC)
2. Timothy Taylor, Colorado Springs, Colo. (U.S. Army)
3. Erik Nye, Sacramento, Calif. (Sunkist Kids)
4. Peter Kowalczuk, Oak Park, Ill. (NMU/USOEC)
5. David Arendt, Quantico, Va. (U.S. Marine Corps)
6. Cole Konrad, Minneapolis, Minn. (Minnesota Storm)
7. Mark Simmonds, Minneapolis, Minn. (U.S. Navy)
8. Max Lossen, Winona, Minn. (Cross Current)
May 29th, 2008 by NCAA Wrestling, College Wrestling | Rankings Tournament Videos News Results
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Arizona State wrestler Kyle DeBerry relieved, excited to see wrestling program reinstated
Craig Sesker USA Wrestling
05/23/2008
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Kyle DeBerry went 2-2 and fell short of placing Friday at the FILA Junior World Team Trials.
But DeBerry still felt like a guy who had just won a championship.
A tough day of wrestling was quickly transformed into a day of elation for the Arizona State freshman when DeBerry received the news Friday afternoon that the ASU wrestling program was being reinstated.
DeBerry, who redshirted this past season as a 165-pounder for ASU, has experienced a roller-coaster past couple of weeks after it was announced on May 13 that Arizona State was dropping wrestling along with men’s swimming and men’s tennis.
“This is so huge for us to have our program reinstated,” DeBerry said. “We’re so excited and happy. It’s great to hear the news. We can’t wait for next season. This is a big step for the sport of wrestling that our program is being saved. I hope this sends a message to other schools that it can be done.”
DeBerry’s coach, ASU head coach Thom Ortiz, was a busy man Friday afternoon with his cell phone stuck to his right ear. He was busy talking with wrestlers, recruits and the news media, among others, after the news broke on Friday.
Ortiz, along with DeBerry, was at U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs for the FILA Junior and World University Trials.
Just a couple of days after it was announced the program was being dropped, DeBerry said he learned there was a chance it could be brought back.
“We heard there was a chance, but we were all still pretty scared about what might happen,” DeBerry said. “Coach Ortiz told us there was a shot we could get this back and we were not going down without putting up a fight. We were going to fight to keep this program alive and it paid off for us.”
DeBerry, a four-time Arizona state high school champion from Tucson, Ariz., said he was undergoing a wide range of emotions after hearing the good news Friday.
“It’s just a big relief for me right now,” DeBerry said. “I don’t have to worry about where I’m going to have to wrestle next year. And I’m really excited as well because we have a really good group of young guys who are ready to go. We’re going to do real well next year.”
DeBerry said the news 10 days ago that ASU was dropping wrestling came as “a big shock.”
“The guys on the team, we had no idea this was coming,” he said. “We woke up to phone calls and e-mails at 8:30 in the morning that said, ‘I’m sorry and we regret to tell you that your program is being dropped.’ My reaction was I was totally surprised and it just came out of nowhere. We just didn’t understand it.”
May 28th, 2008 by NCAA Wrestling, College Wrestling | Rankings Tournament Videos News Results
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USA Wrestling releases its Grappling rankings for May 2008
USA Wrestling
05/28/2008
USA Wrestling has published a May ranking for its Grappling programs, featuring the top men and women Grapplers in the nation.
A committee of Grappling leaders has developed these rankings, which will be published monthly during the USA Wrestling Grappling season. The rankings are based upon the FILA rules of Grappling, as conducted in USA Wrestling sanctioned events.
USA Wrestling has already conducted three of the 12 events in the Grappling World Team Trials Qualifying Series. Two more events are set for this weekend, the Northeast Regional Qualifier in Phoenix, N.Y. and the Southern Plains Regional Qualifier in Fort Worth, Texas.
For information and to pre-register for a Grappling World Team Trials qualifier, visit:
http://www.themat.com/schedules.php?page=grappling
USA WRESTLING GRAPPLING RANKINGS
Published May 27, 2008
Men’s Grappling
136.5
1. Darren Uyenoyama (Fogtown Jiu Jitsu)
2. Matt Sanchez (Ultimate Fitness)
3. Shaine Jamie (unattached)
4. Mike Cusi (Roy Harris Academy)
5. Brian Peterson (JJ Machado)
6. Jimmy Kirkemo (Team Titan)
7. Chris Holdsworth (Cobra Kai)
8. Ulysseys Gomez (Cobra Kai)
9. Alejandro Zeas (Team Yamasaki)
10. Johnny Ramirez (New Breed Jiu Jitsu)
154
1. Ricky Lundell (Pedro Sauer Team)
2. Jeff Glover (Paragon Jiu-Jitsu)
3. Alberto Crane (No Limits)
4. David Edwards (NYMAG)
5. Scott Bieri (Cobra Kai)
6. Shannon Slack (No Limits)
7. Cub Swanson (Combat Submission Wrestling)
8. Denny Prokopos (10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu)
9. Shane Roller (Team Takedown)
10. Jacob Hey (H.I.T. Squad)
176
1. Don Ortega (No Limits)
2. Bill Cooper (Paragon Jiu Jitsu)
3. Mike Kelly (Gilbert Grappling)
4. Cory Devela (Victory Athletics)
5. Dennis Hallman (Victory Athletics)
6. Sean Spangler (Cobra Kai)
7. Rylan Lizares (Pedro Sauer Team)
8. Johny Hendricks (Team Takedown)
9. Joseph Gutierrez (Showtime BJJ)
10. tie; Keith Wilson (Colorado Fight Factory)
James Clay (Cebell)
202.5
1. Malcolm Havens (Grappler’s Edge)
2. Matt Horwich (Team Quest)
3. Cameron Diffley (Las Vegas Combat Club)
4. Ryan Gillespie (The Boxing Club)
5. Rick MacCauley (Balance Studios)
6. Timothy Bond (Street Sport BJJ)
7. Chaun Sims (Easton BJJ)
8. Jake Rosholt (Team Takedown)
9. Rafael Lovato Jr. (Team Lovato)
10. Dan Clark (MMA Institute)
275
1. Jeff Monson (Victory Athletics)
2. Bryan Vetell (Team Renzo Gracie)
3. Bruce Hoyer (Action MMA)
4. Aaron Hayes (Team Quest)
5. Ramon Diaz (No Limits)
6. Brandon Ruiz (Grappler’s Edge)
7. Bobak Ranjbaran (Demon Jiu Jitsu)
8. Ray “Kong” Seralle (Undisputed)
9. James Horne (Cobra Kai)
10. Lloyd Marshbanks (Team Kadillac)
Women’s Grappling
105.5
1. Lisa Ward (United Fight Team)
2, Hillary Witt (Saulo Ribeiro BJJ)
3. Van Mines (unattached)
4. Amanda Milner (unattached)
5. Van Do (unattached)
121
1. Felicia Oh (JJ Machado)
2. Bahar Shahidi (Grappler’s Edge)
3. Christina Rodriguez (Gracie Tampa)
4. Carla O’Connell (No Limits)
5. Bethany Marshall (Modern American MMA)
May 28th, 2008 by NCAA Wrestling, College Wrestling | Rankings Tournament Videos News Results
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Spataro named Menlo College interim athletic director
Mindy Mills Menlo College
05/27/2008
ATHERTON, CA – Provost Dr. James Kelly announced Monday that Keith Spataro has been named Menlo College’s Interim Athletic Director. With this move, head football coach Mark Kaanapu has been appointed the Associate Athletic Director’s position.
Spataro began the Menlo men’s wrestling program in 2001 and had immediate success after camp. His inaugural squad finished eighth at the national championships. In his seven years at Menlo, Spataro has coached 36 All Americans, six National Champions and four Daktronics Scholar Athletes. In 2003, Spataro was named Associate Athletic Director; where his chief responsibilities were overseeing compliance regulations, eligibility, and facilities.
“I am very pleased that Keith Spataro has taken on the Interim Athletic Director position for the Oaks,” stated Dr. Kelly. “He hits the ground running because he has worked closely with our departing Athletic Director in operating our programs to ensure excellence in performance, team-building, and healthy competition.”
Kaanapu’s fist stint on the Oaks coaching staff was in 1996 as Offensive Line coach and recruiting coordinator and the next year was promoted to Assistant Head Football Coach. He returned to Menlo in 2000 as Offensive Line Coach before assuming head coaching duties later that December. For the past five years, Kaanapu has served as Menlo’s Assistant Athletic Director.
“Coach Mark Kaanapu has an excellent reputation on campus as a friendly and supportive leader. I know he is looking forward to increasing his contribution to Oaks Athletics, and in enhancing its excellent reputation and tradition in producing scholar-athletes,” noted Dr. Kelly.
With the restructure of the athletic department, Kathy Imwalle is now the Administrative Manager of Athletics and Mindy Mills has been named the Media Relations Director of Athletics.
Sophomore Hudson Taylor was named the 2008 ACC Scholar-Athlete of the Year for wrestling, announced May 28 by commissioner John Swofford. Taylor, an interactive performance arts major, was an All-American at 197 pounds and was the 2008 ACC Wrestler of the Year.
Sophomore Hudson Taylor was named the 2008 ACC Scholar-Athlete of the Year for wrestling, announced May 28 by commissioner John Swofford. Taylor, an interactive performance arts major, was an All-American at 197 pounds and was the 2008 ACC Wrestler of the Year.
May 27th, 2008 by NCAA Wrestling, College Wrestling | Rankings Tournament Videos News Results
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Exciting activities planned for 32nd annual Hall of Fame Honors Weekend in Stillwater, Okla., May 30-31
NWHOF
05/27/2008
STILLWATER, Okla. – Wrestling dignitaries from across the country will begin arriving in Stillwater throughout this week for the 32nd annual Honors Weekend and Induction Ceremony of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum scheduled for May 30-31, 2008.
“With this event, wrestling gathers to pay tribute to the best and the brightest that this sport has to offer,” said Lee Roy Smith, Executive Director of the Hall. “We are thrilled to include with our distinguished class of 2008 award winners, the Penn State University wrestling program which celebrates its 100th anniversary of collegiate competition. The 1953 Nittany Lions, the first east coast team to win an NCAA Division I title, will also be recognized, continuing our commitment to honor not just outstanding individual efforts but also extraordinary teams.”
Four new Distinguished Members and one Outstanding American will be inducted. The class of new Distinguished Americans includes wrestlers: Ricky Bonomo, Mike Houck, Wayne Martin, and Bobby Weaver. Chick fil A executive Dan T. Cathy will be honored as the Outstanding American.
Rounding out the list of awards to be presented, the winner of the Dave Schultz High School Excellence Award is Utah’s Justin Chamberlain. Winner of the Order of Merit is Tulsan Richard Small; Blind wrestler Dr. James V. Mastro will receive the Medal of Courage, and the winner of the Lifetime Achievement for Officials is Jerry Wager.
“Unfortunately, Bobby Weaver is ill and will be unable to attend,” Smith said. “We are very disappointed that he won’t be able to join us as we express our admiration for what he has given to our sport, but we send our best wishes to him for a speedy and complete recovery.”
A State Chapter Presidents Conference is scheduled prior to Honors Weekend on Thursday and Friday morning.
“We always get a good number of inductees, board members, and wrestling dignitaries attending each year’s ceremonies,” Smith said. “By including our state chapter presidents, we are rewarding our grass root volunteers for the great job of extending our mission on a state-by-state level.”
Smith said he is expecting visitors from 43 states to come to Stillwater over Honors Weekend, indicative of the Hall’s national appeal.
Honors Weekend officially kicks off Friday evening with a public reception and presentation of plaques at the Hall of Fame and Museum. After the new plaques are revealed, guests will join Penn State wrestlers in a ceremony honoring their program’s rich history.
Saturday morning features an 18-hole golf tournament. Non-golfers can enjoy guest speakers, a fashion show, poker tournament, and club activities like tennis and swimming. Everyone comes together for lunch before an afternoon break.
The evening festivities begin with a pre-banquet reception followed by the black-tie dinner and induction.
On Sunday morning, the weekend may be over for honorees, but for the Board of Governors, the work is just beginning. The board holds one of two annual meetings that morning at the Hampton Inn.
“This is an occasion that makes everyone feel good about the sport and stimulates a camaraderie that inspires people to want to do what they can to help this sport grow,” Smith concludes.
For more information on Honors Weekend contact the National Wrestling Hall of Fame & Museum at 405-377-5243 or visit our website at www.wrestlinghalloffame.org.
May 25th, 2008 by NCAA Wrestling, College Wrestling | Rankings Tournament Videos News Results
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Minnesota inks No. 1 recruiting class
5/15/2008
University of Minnesota Sports Information
The Golden Gopher wrestling program has signed the top recruiting class in the nation this year, according to the most recent issue of W.I.N. Magazine. All six of Minnesota's early period recruits ended their prep careers ranked in the top-11 in the final W.I.N. Magazine national high school rankings.
Jake Deitchler (Anoka, Minn.) and Ryland Geiger (Scapposse, Ore.) were each ranked No. 1 in their weight classes following outstanding prep careers - Deitchler at 152 pounds and Geiger at 189. Deitchler will also have a chance to make the U.S. Olympic team this June when he competes at the U.S. Team Trials in Las Vegas.
Blair Academy's (N.J.) Mario Mason was the nation's second-best recruit at 145 pounds, according to the publication, while Apple Valley High School (Minn.) product Matt Mincey was the nation's fourth-ranked wrestler at 135 pounds. Rounding out the nation's top recruiting class are Topeka, Kan. native Atticus Disney (seventh) and 171-pounder Cody Yohn (11th), the brother of current Gopher freshman Sonny Yohn (both hail from Alamosa, Col.).
Three spring signees not factored into W.I.N.'s ranking include Thane Antczak (Chetek/Prairie Farm, Wis.), Zach Loppnow (Lake City, Minn.) and Wesley Richard (Dillingham, Alaska).
Minnesota boasts the only class in the nation with six incoming wrestlers ranked in W.I.N.'s final prep rankings. This is generally considered to be the program's most-heralded class in several years - W.I.N. ranked the Gophers 10th in 2007, fourth in 2006, 14th in 2005 and 19th in 2004.
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Two-time World bronze medalist Harry Lester focused on earning trip to Beijing Olympics
Craig Sesker USA Wrestling
05/30/2008
Harry Lester’s biggest battle in recent years hasn’t been his opponents on the wrestling mat.
It’s been with the scale.
“Cutting weight is by far the hardest part of wrestling for me – going out there and wrestling is the fun part,” he said. “I've grown and filled out the last few years. I’ve gone from cutting four kilos three years ago to cutting about 13 kilos now.”
That’s a lot of weight when you consider one kilogram equals 2.2 pounds.
Lester, a two-time World bronze medalist, helped lead the U.S. to the Greco-Roman team title at the 2007 World Championships. He said he has started to bring his weight back down as he prepares for the U.S. Olympic Team Trials on June 13-15 in Las Vegas.
Lester, 24, from Akron, Ohio, will compete at 66 kg/145.5 lbs. in the Olympic Trials. He will enter the Trials as the No. 3 seed after skipping April’s U.S. Nationals. The top two finishers at U.S. Nationals – Mark Rial and Jake Deitchler – clinched the top two seeds at the Olympic Trials by placing 1-2 at Nationals.
Lester has not lost to an American wrestler since suffering a setback to Glenn Garrison at the 2005 U.S. World Team Trials in Ames, Iowa. Lester lost to Garrison in the first match of the best-of-3 finals before recovering to win the next two bouts to make his first World Team.
Lester has not wrestled at U.S. Nationals the past three seasons. In 2006 and 2007, he ended up finishing third in the World after bypassing Nationals.
He said he skipped last month’s U.S. Nationals after becoming ill shortly before the event.
“I’m not worried about missing Nationals,” said Lester, who is scheduled to wrestle at the Olympic Trials on June 14. “I have to wrestle everybody anyway. Plus I like getting some matches in before the finals. I don’t like sitting around all day.”
The 5-foot-7 Lester, like many wrestlers, is caught in between weight classes. With only seven international weight classes now, gaps between divisions are much more noticeable.
The next weight up from Lester’s weight class is 74 kg/163 lbs. Wrestlers in that class are nearly 20 pounds heavier than the division he wrestles in.
Before the classes were changed, wrestlers competed at 152 pounds.
“152 would have been perfect for me,” Lester said.
Lester, who competes for the Gator Wrestling Club, continues to train at the U.S. Olympic Education Center at Northern Michigan University in Marquette, Mich.
One of his closest friends, Spenser Mango, enters the Olympic Trials seeded No. 1 at 55 kg/121 lbs. Mango also trains at the USOEC.
“It would be great to see Spenser make the Olympic Team,” Lester said. “He’s a lot further along than I was at his age. He’s wrestling really well right now. He has a really good shot to make it to the Olympics.”
The Olympic Games for wrestling are scheduled for Aug. 12-21 in Beijing, China. Lester would compete on Aug. 13.
“I’m very excited about the opportunity to compete in the Olympics,” Lester said. “This is it – this is what I’ve been training my whole career for. I just have to focus on making this team and getting over to China.”
Lester said his training is progressing well. His main workout partner at the USOEC is Jake Fisher, an Olympic hopeful at 74 kilos. Fisher placed third at U.S. Nationals.
“Jake’s been my training partner the last three years,” Lester said. “He’s helped me a lot. We really push each other.”
Lester said he may continue to compete after 2008.
“I doubt it will be at 66 kilos,” Lester said with a laugh. “I may see if I can get stronger and maybe move up a class. But I’m not too worried about any of that right now.”
Lester, an explosive wrestler who features an assortment of big moves in his arsenal, is just thinking about his first match at the Trials.
“I know what I need to do,” he said. “I just need to go out there full steam and do what I’m capable of doing. Then everything else will take care of itself.”
Two-time World bronze medalist Harry Lester focused on earning trip to Beijing Olympics
Craig Sesker USA Wrestling
05/30/2008
Harry Lester’s biggest battle in recent years hasn’t been his opponents on the wrestling mat.
It’s been with the scale.
“Cutting weight is by far the hardest part of wrestling for me – going out there and wrestling is the fun part,” he said. “I've grown and filled out the last few years. I’ve gone from cutting four kilos three years ago to cutting about 13 kilos now.”
That’s a lot of weight when you consider one kilogram equals 2.2 pounds.
Lester, a two-time World bronze medalist, helped lead the U.S. to the Greco-Roman team title at the 2007 World Championships. He said he has started to bring his weight back down as he prepares for the U.S. Olympic Team Trials on June 13-15 in Las Vegas.
Lester, 24, from Akron, Ohio, will compete at 66 kg/145.5 lbs. in the Olympic Trials. He will enter the Trials as the No. 3 seed after skipping April’s U.S. Nationals. The top two finishers at U.S. Nationals – Mark Rial and Jake Deitchler – clinched the top two seeds at the Olympic Trials by placing 1-2 at Nationals.
Lester has not lost to an American wrestler since suffering a setback to Glenn Garrison at the 2005 U.S. World Team Trials in Ames, Iowa. Lester lost to Garrison in the first match of the best-of-3 finals before recovering to win the next two bouts to make his first World Team.
Lester has not wrestled at U.S. Nationals the past three seasons. In 2006 and 2007, he ended up finishing third in the World after bypassing Nationals.
He said he skipped last month’s U.S. Nationals after becoming ill shortly before the event.
“I’m not worried about missing Nationals,” said Lester, who is scheduled to wrestle at the Olympic Trials on June 14. “I have to wrestle everybody anyway. Plus I like getting some matches in before the finals. I don’t like sitting around all day.”
The 5-foot-7 Lester, like many wrestlers, is caught in between weight classes. With only seven international weight classes now, gaps between divisions are much more noticeable.
The next weight up from Lester’s weight class is 74 kg/163 lbs. Wrestlers in that class are nearly 20 pounds heavier than the division he wrestles in.
Before the classes were changed, wrestlers competed at 152 pounds.
“152 would have been perfect for me,” Lester said.
Lester, who competes for the Gator Wrestling Club, continues to train at the U.S. Olympic Education Center at Northern Michigan University in Marquette, Mich.
One of his closest friends, Spenser Mango, enters the Olympic Trials seeded No. 1 at 55 kg/121 lbs. Mango also trains at the USOEC.
“It would be great to see Spenser make the Olympic Team,” Lester said. “He’s a lot further along than I was at his age. He’s wrestling really well right now. He has a really good shot to make it to the Olympics.”
The Olympic Games for wrestling are scheduled for Aug. 12-21 in Beijing, China. Lester would compete on Aug. 13.
“I’m very excited about the opportunity to compete in the Olympics,” Lester said. “This is it – this is what I’ve been training my whole career for. I just have to focus on making this team and getting over to China.”
Lester said his training is progressing well. His main workout partner at the USOEC is Jake Fisher, an Olympic hopeful at 74 kilos. Fisher placed third at U.S. Nationals.
“Jake’s been my training partner the last three years,” Lester said. “He’s helped me a lot. We really push each other.”
Lester said he may continue to compete after 2008.
“I doubt it will be at 66 kilos,” Lester said with a laugh. “I may see if I can get stronger and maybe move up a class. But I’m not too worried about any of that right now.”
Lester, an explosive wrestler who features an assortment of big moves in his arsenal, is just thinking about his first match at the Trials.
“I know what I need to do,” he said. “I just need to go out there full steam and do what I’m capable of doing. Then everything else will take care of itself.”
Pre-seeds for the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials in Greco-Roman announced
Gary Abbott USA Wrestling
05/29/2008
USA Wrestling has released the pre-seeds for Greco-Roman heading into the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials. Seeds are subject to change following weigh-ins.
Pre-seed Greco-Roman brackets
Special Coverage Section
55 kg/121 pounds
1. Spenser Mango, St. Louis, Mo. (USOEC/Gator WC)
2. Lindsey Durlacher, Colorado Springs, Colo. (New York AC)
3. Jermaine Hodge, Colorado Springs, Colo. (U.S. Army)
4. Sam Hazewinkel, Norman, Okla. (Gator WC)
5. Eric Grajales, Brandon, Fla. (Sunkist Kids)
6. Jimmy Chase, Carol Stream, Ill. (Pinnacle)
7. Joshua Habeck, Colorado Springs, Colo. (U.S. Army)
8. Anthony Brooker, Philadelphia, Pa. (U.S. Air Force)
9. Nikko Triggas, Moraga, Calif. (Ohio State)
10. Miguel Pena, Camp Lejeune, N.C. (U.S. Marines)
11. Nate Engel, St. Helena, Calif. (Sunkist/USOEC)
12. Roger Stewart, Colorado Springs, Colo. (New York AC)
60 kg/132 pounds
1. Joe Betterman, Chicago, Ill. (New York AC/USOEC)
2. Glenn Garrison, Colorado Springs, Colo. (U.S. Army)
3. Marco Lara, Long Beach, Calif. (New York AC)
4. Jeremiah Davis, Colorado Springs, Colo. (U.S. Army)
5. Willie Madison, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Gator WC)
6. Eric Stevenson, Newberg, Ore. (Newberg WC)
7. Donovan DePatto, Quantico, Va. (U.S. Marine Corps)
8. CC Fisher, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Unattached)
9. Chad Vandiver, Roscoe, Ill. (Unattached)
10. Noah Blankenship, Bucyrus, Ohio (U.S. Marines)
11. Tony Mustari, Greeley, Colo. (Northern Colorado Wrestling)
66 kg/145.5 pounds
1. Mark Rial, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Gator WC)
2. Jake Deitchler, Rumsey, Minn. (Minnesota Storm)
3. Harry Lester, Akron, Ohio (Gator WC)
4. Faruk Sahin, Colorado Springs, Colo. (U.S. Army)
5. Jacob Curby, LaGrange, Ill. (Gator/USOEC)
6. Jacob Hey, Colorado Springs, Colo. (U.S. Air Force)
7. Marcel Cooper, Colorado Springs, Colo. (U.S. Army)
8. Oscar Wood, Colorado Springs, Colo. (U.S. Army)
9. Mike Ellsworth, Colorado Springs, Colo. (New York AC)
10. Shanon Slack, Colorado Springs, Colo. (No Limits)
11. Esai Dominguez, Omaha, Neb. (Maverick WC)
12. Bo Beckman, Pleasant Grove, Utah (USOEC)
74 kg/163 pounds
Qualified for best-of-three finals: T.C. Dantzler, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Gator WC)
Challenge Tournament seeds
1. Andrew Bisek, Chaska, Minn. (Minnesota Storm)
2. Jake Fisher, Platte City, Mo. (New York AC)
3. Keith Sieracki, Colorado Springs, Colo. (U.S. Army)
4. Cheney Haight, Orem, Utah (New York AC)
5. Ken Cook, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Sunkist Kids)
6. Jess Hargrave, Colorado Springs, Colo (U.S. Army)
7. James Johnson, Colorado Springs, Colo. (U.S. Army)
8. Talan Knox, Salt Lake City, Utah (Sunkist Kids)
9. Brandon McNab, Colorado Springs, Colo. (U.S. Army)
10. Kevin Lozano, Jefferson, La. (Gator WC)
11. Steven Forrest, Camp Lejeune, N.C. (U.S. Marines)
12. Chris Bullins, Stoneville, N.C. (Y.E.S Greensboro)
84 kg/185 pounds
1. Brad Ahearn, Colorado Springs, Colo. (U.S. Army)
2. Brad Vering, Colorado Springs, Colo. (New York AC)
3. Chas Betts, St. Michael, Minn. (Minnesota Storm)
4. Aaron Sieracki, Colorado Springs, Colo. (U.S. Army)
5. Jacob Clark, Top Sail Island, N.C. (Minnesota Storm)
6. Jake Plamann, Kaukauna, Wis. (Gator WC)
7. Zak Nielsen, Zimmerman, Minn. (USOEC)
8. John Wechter, Lansing, Mich. (Sunkist Kids)
9. Jeremy Pederson, Sneads Ferry, N.C. (U.S. Marines)
10. Abe Haddon, Colorado Springs, Colo. (USOTC)
11. David Spangler, Iowa City, Iowa (U.S. Air Force)
12. Jeff Funicello, Mesa, Ariz. (Sunkist Kids)
96 kg/211.5 pounds
Qualified for best-of-three finals: Justin Ruiz, Colorado Springs, Colo. (New York AC)
Challenge Tournament seeds
1. R.C. Johnson, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Sunkist Kids)
2. Adam Wheeler, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Gator WC)
3. Robbie Smith, Colorado Springs, Colo. (New York AC)
4. Justin Millard, Chesapeake Beach, Md. (U.S. Air Force)
5. John Lorenz, Lacrosse, Wis. (Unattached)
6. Peter Gounaridis, Leominster, Mass. (NMU/USOEC)
7. Deon Hicks, Colorado Springs, Colo. (U.S. Army)
8. Daren Burns, Catawba, N.C. (Y.E.S Greensboro)
9. Moises Hernandez, Top Sail, N.C. (U.S. Marines)
120 kg/264.5 pounds
Qualified for best-of-three finals: Dremiel Byers, Colorado Springs, Colo. (U.S. Army)
Challenge Tournament seeds
1. Russ Davie, Colorado Springs, Colo. (New York AC)
2. Timothy Taylor, Colorado Springs, Colo. (U.S. Army)
3. Erik Nye, Sacramento, Calif. (Sunkist Kids)
4. Peter Kowalczuk, Oak Park, Ill. (NMU/USOEC)
5. David Arendt, Quantico, Va. (U.S. Marine Corps)
6. Cole Konrad, Minneapolis, Minn. (Minnesota Storm)
7. Mark Simmonds, Minneapolis, Minn. (U.S. Navy)
8. Max Lossen, Winona, Minn. (Cross Current)
Arizona State wrestler Kyle DeBerry relieved, excited to see wrestling program reinstated
Craig Sesker USA Wrestling
05/23/2008
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Kyle DeBerry went 2-2 and fell short of placing Friday at the FILA Junior World Team Trials.
But DeBerry still felt like a guy who had just won a championship.
A tough day of wrestling was quickly transformed into a day of elation for the Arizona State freshman when DeBerry received the news Friday afternoon that the ASU wrestling program was being reinstated.
DeBerry, who redshirted this past season as a 165-pounder for ASU, has experienced a roller-coaster past couple of weeks after it was announced on May 13 that Arizona State was dropping wrestling along with men’s swimming and men’s tennis.
“This is so huge for us to have our program reinstated,” DeBerry said. “We’re so excited and happy. It’s great to hear the news. We can’t wait for next season. This is a big step for the sport of wrestling that our program is being saved. I hope this sends a message to other schools that it can be done.”
DeBerry’s coach, ASU head coach Thom Ortiz, was a busy man Friday afternoon with his cell phone stuck to his right ear. He was busy talking with wrestlers, recruits and the news media, among others, after the news broke on Friday.
Ortiz, along with DeBerry, was at U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs for the FILA Junior and World University Trials.
Just a couple of days after it was announced the program was being dropped, DeBerry said he learned there was a chance it could be brought back.
“We heard there was a chance, but we were all still pretty scared about what might happen,” DeBerry said. “Coach Ortiz told us there was a shot we could get this back and we were not going down without putting up a fight. We were going to fight to keep this program alive and it paid off for us.”
DeBerry, a four-time Arizona state high school champion from Tucson, Ariz., said he was undergoing a wide range of emotions after hearing the good news Friday.
“It’s just a big relief for me right now,” DeBerry said. “I don’t have to worry about where I’m going to have to wrestle next year. And I’m really excited as well because we have a really good group of young guys who are ready to go. We’re going to do real well next year.”
DeBerry said the news 10 days ago that ASU was dropping wrestling came as “a big shock.”
“The guys on the team, we had no idea this was coming,” he said. “We woke up to phone calls and e-mails at 8:30 in the morning that said, ‘I’m sorry and we regret to tell you that your program is being dropped.’ My reaction was I was totally surprised and it just came out of nowhere. We just didn’t understand it.”
USA Wrestling releases its Grappling rankings for May 2008
USA Wrestling
05/28/2008
USA Wrestling has published a May ranking for its Grappling programs, featuring the top men and women Grapplers in the nation.
A committee of Grappling leaders has developed these rankings, which will be published monthly during the USA Wrestling Grappling season. The rankings are based upon the FILA rules of Grappling, as conducted in USA Wrestling sanctioned events.
USA Wrestling has already conducted three of the 12 events in the Grappling World Team Trials Qualifying Series. Two more events are set for this weekend, the Northeast Regional Qualifier in Phoenix, N.Y. and the Southern Plains Regional Qualifier in Fort Worth, Texas.
For information and to pre-register for a Grappling World Team Trials qualifier, visit:
http://www.themat.com/schedules.php?page=grappling
USA WRESTLING GRAPPLING RANKINGS
Published May 27, 2008
Men’s Grappling
136.5
1. Darren Uyenoyama (Fogtown Jiu Jitsu)
2. Matt Sanchez (Ultimate Fitness)
3. Shaine Jamie (unattached)
4. Mike Cusi (Roy Harris Academy)
5. Brian Peterson (JJ Machado)
6. Jimmy Kirkemo (Team Titan)
7. Chris Holdsworth (Cobra Kai)
8. Ulysseys Gomez (Cobra Kai)
9. Alejandro Zeas (Team Yamasaki)
10. Johnny Ramirez (New Breed Jiu Jitsu)
154
1. Ricky Lundell (Pedro Sauer Team)
2. Jeff Glover (Paragon Jiu-Jitsu)
3. Alberto Crane (No Limits)
4. David Edwards (NYMAG)
5. Scott Bieri (Cobra Kai)
6. Shannon Slack (No Limits)
7. Cub Swanson (Combat Submission Wrestling)
8. Denny Prokopos (10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu)
9. Shane Roller (Team Takedown)
10. Jacob Hey (H.I.T. Squad)
176
1. Don Ortega (No Limits)
2. Bill Cooper (Paragon Jiu Jitsu)
3. Mike Kelly (Gilbert Grappling)
4. Cory Devela (Victory Athletics)
5. Dennis Hallman (Victory Athletics)
6. Sean Spangler (Cobra Kai)
7. Rylan Lizares (Pedro Sauer Team)
8. Johny Hendricks (Team Takedown)
9. Joseph Gutierrez (Showtime BJJ)
10. tie; Keith Wilson (Colorado Fight Factory)
James Clay (Cebell)
202.5
1. Malcolm Havens (Grappler’s Edge)
2. Matt Horwich (Team Quest)
3. Cameron Diffley (Las Vegas Combat Club)
4. Ryan Gillespie (The Boxing Club)
5. Rick MacCauley (Balance Studios)
6. Timothy Bond (Street Sport BJJ)
7. Chaun Sims (Easton BJJ)
8. Jake Rosholt (Team Takedown)
9. Rafael Lovato Jr. (Team Lovato)
10. Dan Clark (MMA Institute)
275
1. Jeff Monson (Victory Athletics)
2. Bryan Vetell (Team Renzo Gracie)
3. Bruce Hoyer (Action MMA)
4. Aaron Hayes (Team Quest)
5. Ramon Diaz (No Limits)
6. Brandon Ruiz (Grappler’s Edge)
7. Bobak Ranjbaran (Demon Jiu Jitsu)
8. Ray “Kong” Seralle (Undisputed)
9. James Horne (Cobra Kai)
10. Lloyd Marshbanks (Team Kadillac)
Women’s Grappling
105.5
1. Lisa Ward (United Fight Team)
2, Hillary Witt (Saulo Ribeiro BJJ)
3. Van Mines (unattached)
4. Amanda Milner (unattached)
5. Van Do (unattached)
121
1. Felicia Oh (JJ Machado)
2. Bahar Shahidi (Grappler’s Edge)
3. Christina Rodriguez (Gracie Tampa)
4. Carla O’Connell (No Limits)
5. Bethany Marshall (Modern American MMA)
138
1. Tara Larosa (unattached)
2. Ginele Marquez-Lee (Combat Submission Wrestling)
3. Shayna Baszler (Action MMA)
4. Crystina Coats (The Boxing Club)
5. Tori Adams (Sunkist Kids)
158.5
1. Valerie Worthington (New Breed Jiu-Jitsu)
2. Elaina Maxwell (unattached)
3. Milda Shibonis (Pedro Sauer Team)
4. Shannon Hooper (No Limits)
5. Erin Toughill (unattached)
Spataro named Menlo College interim athletic director
Mindy Mills Menlo College
05/27/2008
ATHERTON, CA – Provost Dr. James Kelly announced Monday that Keith Spataro has been named Menlo College’s Interim Athletic Director. With this move, head football coach Mark Kaanapu has been appointed the Associate Athletic Director’s position.
Spataro began the Menlo men’s wrestling program in 2001 and had immediate success after camp. His inaugural squad finished eighth at the national championships. In his seven years at Menlo, Spataro has coached 36 All Americans, six National Champions and four Daktronics Scholar Athletes. In 2003, Spataro was named Associate Athletic Director; where his chief responsibilities were overseeing compliance regulations, eligibility, and facilities.
“I am very pleased that Keith Spataro has taken on the Interim Athletic Director position for the Oaks,” stated Dr. Kelly. “He hits the ground running because he has worked closely with our departing Athletic Director in operating our programs to ensure excellence in performance, team-building, and healthy competition.”
Kaanapu’s fist stint on the Oaks coaching staff was in 1996 as Offensive Line coach and recruiting coordinator and the next year was promoted to Assistant Head Football Coach. He returned to Menlo in 2000 as Offensive Line Coach before assuming head coaching duties later that December. For the past five years, Kaanapu has served as Menlo’s Assistant Athletic Director.
“Coach Mark Kaanapu has an excellent reputation on campus as a friendly and supportive leader. I know he is looking forward to increasing his contribution to Oaks Athletics, and in enhancing its excellent reputation and tradition in producing scholar-athletes,” noted Dr. Kelly.
With the restructure of the athletic department, Kathy Imwalle is now the Administrative Manager of Athletics and Mindy Mills has been named the Media Relations Director of Athletics.
Sophomore Hudson Taylor was named the 2008 ACC Scholar-Athlete of the Year for wrestling, announced May 28 by commissioner John Swofford. Taylor, an interactive performance arts major, was an All-American at 197 pounds and was the 2008 ACC Wrestler of the Year.
Sophomore Hudson Taylor was named the 2008 ACC Scholar-Athlete of the Year for wrestling, announced May 28 by commissioner John Swofford. Taylor, an interactive performance arts major, was an All-American at 197 pounds and was the 2008 ACC Wrestler of the Year.
Exciting activities planned for 32nd annual Hall of Fame Honors Weekend in Stillwater, Okla., May 30-31
NWHOF
05/27/2008
STILLWATER, Okla. – Wrestling dignitaries from across the country will begin arriving in Stillwater throughout this week for the 32nd annual Honors Weekend and Induction Ceremony of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum scheduled for May 30-31, 2008.
“With this event, wrestling gathers to pay tribute to the best and the brightest that this sport has to offer,” said Lee Roy Smith, Executive Director of the Hall. “We are thrilled to include with our distinguished class of 2008 award winners, the Penn State University wrestling program which celebrates its 100th anniversary of collegiate competition. The 1953 Nittany Lions, the first east coast team to win an NCAA Division I title, will also be recognized, continuing our commitment to honor not just outstanding individual efforts but also extraordinary teams.”
NCAA Wrestling
Four new Distinguished Members and one Outstanding American will be inducted. The class of new Distinguished Americans includes wrestlers: Ricky Bonomo, Mike Houck, Wayne Martin, and Bobby Weaver. Chick fil A executive Dan T. Cathy will be honored as the Outstanding American.
Rounding out the list of awards to be presented, the winner of the Dave Schultz High School Excellence Award is Utah’s Justin Chamberlain. Winner of the Order of Merit is Tulsan Richard Small; Blind wrestler Dr. James V. Mastro will receive the Medal of Courage, and the winner of the Lifetime Achievement for Officials is Jerry Wager.
“Unfortunately, Bobby Weaver is ill and will be unable to attend,” Smith said. “We are very disappointed that he won’t be able to join us as we express our admiration for what he has given to our sport, but we send our best wishes to him for a speedy and complete recovery.”
A State Chapter Presidents Conference is scheduled prior to Honors Weekend on Thursday and Friday morning.
“We always get a good number of inductees, board members, and wrestling dignitaries attending each year’s ceremonies,” Smith said. “By including our state chapter presidents, we are rewarding our grass root volunteers for the great job of extending our mission on a state-by-state level.”
Smith said he is expecting visitors from 43 states to come to Stillwater over Honors Weekend, indicative of the Hall’s national appeal.
Honors Weekend officially kicks off Friday evening with a public reception and presentation of plaques at the Hall of Fame and Museum. After the new plaques are revealed, guests will join Penn State wrestlers in a ceremony honoring their program’s rich history.
Saturday morning features an 18-hole golf tournament. Non-golfers can enjoy guest speakers, a fashion show, poker tournament, and club activities like tennis and swimming. Everyone comes together for lunch before an afternoon break.
The evening festivities begin with a pre-banquet reception followed by the black-tie dinner and induction.
On Sunday morning, the weekend may be over for honorees, but for the Board of Governors, the work is just beginning. The board holds one of two annual meetings that morning at the Hampton Inn.
“This is an occasion that makes everyone feel good about the sport and stimulates a camaraderie that inspires people to want to do what they can to help this sport grow,” Smith concludes.
For more information on Honors Weekend contact the National Wrestling Hall of Fame & Museum at 405-377-5243 or visit our website at www.wrestlinghalloffame.org.
Minnesota inks No. 1 recruiting class
5/15/2008
University of Minnesota Sports Information
The Golden Gopher wrestling program has signed the top recruiting class in the nation this year, according to the most recent issue of W.I.N. Magazine. All six of Minnesota's early period recruits ended their prep careers ranked in the top-11 in the final W.I.N. Magazine national high school rankings.
Jake Deitchler (Anoka, Minn.) and Ryland Geiger (Scapposse, Ore.) were each ranked No. 1 in their weight classes following outstanding prep careers - Deitchler at 152 pounds and Geiger at 189. Deitchler will also have a chance to make the U.S. Olympic team this June when he competes at the U.S. Team Trials in Las Vegas.
Blair Academy's (N.J.) Mario Mason was the nation's second-best recruit at 145 pounds, according to the publication, while Apple Valley High School (Minn.) product Matt Mincey was the nation's fourth-ranked wrestler at 135 pounds. Rounding out the nation's top recruiting class are Topeka, Kan. native Atticus Disney (seventh) and 171-pounder Cody Yohn (11th), the brother of current Gopher freshman Sonny Yohn (both hail from Alamosa, Col.).
Three spring signees not factored into W.I.N.'s ranking include Thane Antczak (Chetek/Prairie Farm, Wis.), Zach Loppnow (Lake City, Minn.) and Wesley Richard (Dillingham, Alaska).
Minnesota boasts the only class in the nation with six incoming wrestlers ranked in W.I.N.'s final prep rankings. This is generally considered to be the program's most-heralded class in several years - W.I.N. ranked the Gophers 10th in 2007, fourth in 2006, 14th in 2005 and 19th in 2004.