Grappling World Team Trials preview
USA Wrestling
08/29/2008

Ricky Lundell has his hand raised at the 2007 World Grappling Championships. Photo taken by Gary Abbott.

TheMat.com has put together a preview article of the Grappling World Team Trials set for Sierra College in Rocklin, Calif. on September 13-14. At stake are spots on the U.S. World Team which competes in Lucerne, Switzerland on December 20-21 at the Grappling World Championships.

136.5 pounds:
This weight class looks to be as action packed as last year. However, rumors have it that the defending National and World Champion Darren Uyenoyama has retired from Grappling to focus his energy on his professional MMA career and recently opened San Francisco-based gym, Fogtown Jiu-Jitsu. In the absence of Uyenoyama, 2007 Grappling World Finalist and 2x NCAA All-American, Matt Sanchez of Ultimate Fitness leaps to the head of the pack as the division favorite. Sanchez is coming off a dominating first-place performance at the Rio International Open. However, Sanchez’s road to victory could be rough. His chief rival is Brian Peterson of Big John McCarthy’s Ultimate Training Academy. These two athletes met at the Grappler’s Quest Qualifier last year with Sanchez coming out the victor by a narrow margin. Peterson will be looking to avenge this loss and claim ownership to the National title. Also look for top newcomers Alejandro Zeas (Team Yamasaki), John Blalock (10th Planet), Daniel Kessler (American Pankration), Robert Lopez (Urban Jungle), and Eric Anderson (Minnesota Martial Arts Academy) to make waves in this division.

154 pounds:
21-year-old Grappling phenom, Ricky Lundell of Grappler's Edge, will look to repeat his performance from last year’s World Team Trials. Lundell will have his hands full with the slick submission artist, Cobra Kai’s Scott Bieri. Both athletes are submission-minded grapplers that are always looking to end the match. With their tremendous athleticism and willingness to take risk, this match-up could be the match of the tournament. The potential tournament spoiler will go to 3x Oklahoma State All-American Shane Roller, who has been training with Marc Laimon and will bring a tough competitive mindset to the trials. Also watch out for Greco-Roman sensations Jacob Hey from Matt Hughes’ H.I.T. Squad and No Limits MMA’s own, Shannon Slack. Both are transitioning into MMA/Grappling from Greco-Roman wrestling, and both competed in the U.S. Olympic Team Trials for wrestling in June. The dark horse for the weight class will have to go to Colorado Fight Factory’s Keith Wilson, who is rumored to be dropping down to 154 lbs. He is a skilled grappler that is known in Grappling and wrestling circles as a strong competitor. Others to watch are Matt Holt (Team Volt), Tom Lecuyer (K3 Kombat Sports), Peter Sutton (Team Quest), Preston Marks (Ashevilla BJJ), and Kahlil Moreland (Roger Machado JJ).

176 pounds:
This is hands down, the toughest weight class of the entire Trials, and is stacked from top to bottom. The favorite is defending champion Don Ortega who proved his ability in grinding through the stacked 2007 Trials. The Adams State All-American wrestler and 2007 Grappling World Champion is a hard nose grappler that makes his opponent earn every point and position. Ortega is going to have his hands full with MMA legend and UFC veteran Dennis Hallman, who has more experience then any other grappler in the tournament. Hallman suffered a big upset last year in a one-point, semifinal loss to Paragon Jiu-Jitsu’s Bill Cooper. Hallman suffered an injury during the match and had to withdraw from the tournament. He is looking to redeem himself and take Ortega’s title. Up-and-coming grapplers and mixed-martial artists Jacob Volkman and Johny Hendricks are going to give anyone that steps in front of them a tough time. Volkman, a 3x NCAA All-American from the University of Minnesota, recently dominated the field at the Midwest Qualifier, where he submitted 2007 Grappling All-American and World bronze medalist Mike Kelly in under a minute. Hendricks is a 2x NCAA Champion and 4x NCAA All-American. The former Oklahoma State Cowboy is now a Cobra Kai disciple and has been training Grappling/MMA for the past two years. Funkmaster and Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Brown Belt Joseph Gutierrez will look to ruffle some feathers with his unorthodox style and relentless submission attack. Hollywood BJJ instructor Shawn Williams and his #1 student Warren Stout will look to repeat their performances from the Last Chance Qualifier and make some noise in this stacked division. Others to watch for include Sean Spangler (Cobra Kai), Jeff Paulson (American Pankration), Brad Sandavol (Ultimate Fitness), and Mike Kelly (Gilbert Grappling).

202.5 pounds:
The entrance of Rick MacCauley has turned this division upside down. Philadelphia’s best grappler, MacCauley of Team Balance brings countless Grappler’s Quest titles and a BJJ Black Belt to the Trials. His dominating performance at the Mason Dixon Qualifier has given him the title of favorite despite being in the same division as defending champion Malcolm Havens. However, don’t count out the former Western Conference Champion and Wyoming wrestler Havens. He was World Champion last year and is known for tireless conditioning and freakish strength. Both MacCauley and Havens could be challenged by Cal State Bakersfield 1999 All-American and IFL veteran Raphael “Noodle” Davis. Noodle brings tons of size and competition experience to table. Team Quest’s David Culbertson is a dark horse at this weight, and is coming off of a big win against 2007 World Team Trials and World Finalist Matt Horwich, at the Northwest Qualifier, who is also a major threat at this weight class. Look out for Jake Rosholt, 3x NCAA Champion from Oklahoma State, although Rosholt’s participation is questionable. If he does compete, he is an instant favorite, having proven his ability to win big tournaments on more than one occasion. Other contenders are Timmy Bond (Street Sport BJJ) and Ian Murphy (Prodigy Elite). Bond is coming off of a great performance at the So Cal Qualifier by dominating all of his opponents. Murphy is a former Cal State Fullerton standout and Freestyle University National Champion and has three straight submission victories en route to victory at the Last Chance Qualifier. Others to watch out for are Chaun Sims (Easton BJJ), Dan Clark (MMA Institute), and Jeff Funicello (American Pankration).

275 pounds:
This Division can be summed up with one word, Monson! Jeff Monson is arguably the best U.S. Grappler to date and unquestionably one of the most accomplished grapplers of all time. Monson is the definition of what it means to be a competitor. He is a former World Heavyweight #1 contender and MMA legend. Where most professional fighters at his level would rest on their laurels and shy away from putting their reputation on the line, Monson defies convention. He is a unique individual. As the defending World Team Trials and World Champion, Monson will be looking to repeat. Challenging from Team Quest is Aaron Stark, an All-American wrestler from Wisconsin and former IFL fighter. Stark is coming off of a victory over Bobak Ranjbaran, in the finals of the Northwest Qualifier. Grappler’s Edge athlete Brandon Ruiz is the best wrestler of the field with a recent No. 3 ranking in Greco-Roman wrestling. Look for him to be able to give anyone trouble. Team Lutter’s Justin Wren, a Texas native and former Junior National Champion, is very familiar with stepping up at big tournaments and is learning from one of the best grapplers in the country. Also watch out for Ramon Diaz of No Limits MMA, who was a 2007 World silver medalist and strong wrestler and Sombo competitor. Others to look out for include, James Haddon (Fogtown JJ), Bobak Ranjbaran (Demon Jiu Jitsu), John Dolida (Hybrid).

Watch for the videos to appear on flowrestling.

Women’s Divisions:
The women divisions will have some of the nation’s finest female grapplers. At 105.5 lbs., Lisa Ward will be the heavy favorite with only a few possible competitors. The 121-lbs. division is turning out to be the toughest division of the trials. Defending World Team Trials and World Champion Felicia Oh is the favorite to repeat as Champion. However, rumor has it that MMA bad girl and defending 138.5 lbs. World Team Trials and World Champion, Tara LaRosa, is dropping down to take on Felicia Oh for the title of #1 female grappler in the United States. Also in this division is Bahar Shahidi, who was 2007 World Team Trials and World Finalist, losing to Oh in both finals. In the 138.5 lbs. weight class, Cindy Hales of Gracie-Barra Seattle and Josh Barnett protége Ginele Marquez-Lee will battle for the top spot. Ginele is the returning World Team Trials Finalist in the division, but Cindy Hales is known as one of the top female grapplers in the country. It should be exciting. At 158.5 lbs., Val Worthington of New Breed Jiu-Jitsu stands atop the mountain with few challengers. However, if Tori Adams of Colorado Fight Factory decides not to go down to 138.5 lbs., it should be an exciting match for the 158.5 lbs crown. Other grapplers to look out for are Angela Poe (Grappler’s Edge), Meisha Tate (Victory Athletics), Molly Helsel (NCFC), Vanessa Hardy (Riverside Submissions), Betsy Jones (Capitol Jiu-jitsu Team) Danielle Hobeika, Carla O’Connell (No Limits MMA), and Sandy Nickal (Rio Rancho Wrestling Club).

Support the fundraising campaign for the SU Coach Kunes Memorial
Charlie Kunes Memorial Fund Committee
08/27/2008

Susquehanna University (SU) wrestling founder and 25-year head coach Charlie Kunes passed away in 2006 in his hometown of State College, PA. Soon after a small group of wrestling alumni contacted SU and began discussing the establishment of a permanent campus memorial in recognition of his long and devoted service to SU, its student athletes, and the greater Selinsgrove, PA community.

The wrestling alumni received the SU’s commitment to build a memorial if they could raise the estimated $15,000 needed for its construction. The memorial will be located directly in front of the Garrett Sports Complex, site of O.W. Hout’s Gymnasium and the former wrestling room. It will consist of a brick edged concrete patio with steel benches including memorial plaques to Coach and Mrs. Kunes, who also spent many great years on staff at SU.

During the summer of 2007, in an effort to demonstrate commitment to this project to the university, wrestling alumni Joel Tokarz, Todd Burns, Rick Evans, David Richards, Bill Bryson, Tom Dodd, Scott Tashjy, Ken Tashjy, and Whitney Gay made an initial contribution totaling $5,600. Consequently, the friends and alumni of SU wrestling need to raise an additional $9,400 to meet the initial fundraising goal, with an anticipated completion and dedication date in the spring of 2009.

Born in 1925 and raised in State College, Penn., Charlie Kunes Sr. played varsity football, basketball, and track at State College High School and was named to the All-Central Counties football team in 1941 and 1942. Kunes got his first taste of wrestling competition as a heavyweight during his college days at Lock Haven State College under legendary coach Hubert Jack. There he lettered in football, wrestling, and track, graduating in 1951.

Wrestling equipment including wrestling shoes, wrestling headgear, and wrestling singlets will be made available.

Kunes joined the athletic staff at SU in 1966. Kunes founded the SU wrestling program that year (1966-67) going 4-3 in duals with victories over current NCAA Division I teams American University and Hofstra University. Kunes retired after the 1990-91 season, a season in which the team set a then school record for wins at 12-3-1. In addition to being head wrestling coach, he also served as an assistant football coach, as a professor of health and physical education, and later as the Director of the Physical Education Department. He earned his Master of Science from Bucknell University in 1972.

A veteran high school and college wrestling official for 33 years, Coach Kunes helped conduct the NCAA, NAIA, and Middle Atlantic Conference Championships, the national YMCA tournament, and Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) District, Regional, and State Championships. Coach Kunes served as secretary-treasurer of the Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Officials Association (EIWOA) and as rules interpreter for District 6 of the PIAA.

Numerous honors have been bestowed on Kunes since his days as a head coach and an active veteran wrestling official. As head coach, Kunes guided the Crusaders to a 163-165-6 record. His wrestlers won six individual Middle Atlantic Conference titles and five NCAA Division III All-America awards. SU dropped wrestling in 1996. Kunes, who had 13 winning seasons during his 25-year stint, and was inducted into the NCAA Division III Wrestling Coaches Hall of Fame in 2004 when the championships were held in Dubuque, Iowa.

He was a PIAA wrestling tournament official between 1967 and 1984, and served as the head official for a number of those years. Additionally, Kunes coordinated officials’ assignments. In 1986, Kunes was one of only 21 referees ever inducted into the EIWOA Hall of Fame, which celebrated its 50th year in 2004. Kunes received another major honor in 1987 when he was inducted into the PIAA Wrestling Coaches Hall of Fame in Hershey. He was inducted into the Susquehanna University Sports Hall of Fame in 1991, the Lock Haven University Wrestling Hall of Fame in April 2005, and the PIAA District 4 Hall of Fame.

Kunes died October 2, 2006 at his State College home after a long illness at the age of 81. He is survived by his wife, Jane, of 60 years, and his son, Charles S. (Chip) Kunes Jr.

Coach Kunes was a wonderful teacher and coach, but above all, he was a consummate gentleman. He taught generations of young men that success comes in many forms, not all of which are represented by a winning score. He taught the value of hard work and personal accountability. He was a traditional man who demanded respect and courtesy, while always conveying the same to those he taught and coached.

By the way he lived his life; Coach Kunes’ lasting lesson for all of us is that service to others is the greatest gift we can give of ourselves. His memorial will reflect these sentiments to generations of SU students to come. Please consider a personal contribution toward the construction of this special tribute to a special man. Any donation will be greatly appreciated. Please make your gift payable to Susquehanna University – “Kunes Memorial Fund” and direct your gift to:

Ms. Angela Hoot
SU Office of Development
514 University Avenue
Selinsgrove, PA 17870-9950

Once the memorial is completed, you will be invited to attend the dedication ceremony on campus. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact wrestling alum Ken Tashjy at 978-697-6497, or tashjyk@middlesex.mass.edu. Thank you in advance for your support.

Yours in wrestling,
Charlie Kunes Memorial Fund Committee
Whitney Gay 71’, Ken Tashjy 83’, Tom Dodd 92’

The Greater Cleveland Sports Commission (GCSC) and USAW Ohio have been named the 2008 National Events Organization of the Year by USA Wrestling, the national governing body for amateur wrestling in the United States.

The GCSC hosted the University Nationals alongside the FILA Cadet Nationals in 2007 and 2008. This marked a change in venue for the event after it was held in the Chicago area starting in 1992.

"We are honored and excited to have been given the USA Wrestling National Events Organization of the Year. It means a lot to us as we pride ourselves on the ability to help create great events and we truly value our relationship with USA Wrestling," said David Gilbert, President of the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission.

Both years the event was hosted in Akron, Ohio, entry records were set. In 2007, five event records were set including: largest University freestyle field (490), largest University field (freestyle and Greco-Roman combined) (604), largest FILA Cadet freestyle field (377), largest FILA Cadet Greco-Roman field (215) and largest FILA Cadet field (freestyle and Greco-Roman combined) (592).

In 2008, both the freestyle and Greco-Roman divisions at the University Nationals have set entry records this year. The University Greco-Roman Nationals had 155 entries this year, up from 114 last year, an increase of 41 wrestlers. In the University Freestyle, there are 552 entries this year, an increase of 62 wrestlers. The University Men’s total comes to 707 participants, 103 more than last year.

“The Greater Cleveland Sports Commission and USA Wrestling Ohio have done a tremendous job with the University and Cadet National Championships,” said Pete Isais, USA Wrestling Director of National Events. “Their hard work and commitment has led to a record setting number of participants both years. We at USA Wrestling can think of no better way to recognize their efforts than with this award.”

The 2008 event also included the exciting addition of the Women’s University National Championships. The Women’s University Nationals were originally held alongside the Men’s University Nationals in Evanston, Ill. for five years (1998 – 2002). Since 2002, the women’s division was part of the Body Bar Women’s Nationals, an event that combined four age-group levels.

The Greater Cleveland Sports Commission is the non-profit organization that works to measurably enhance the economy, image and quality of life in the Greater Cleveland community by attracting and creating significant sporting events and activities.

USA Wrestling coordinates over 30 regional and national-level events every year. This award was created to recognize the tremendous service of thousands of volunteers who give freely of their time for the benefit of our young athletes. For several years, USA Wrestling has acknowledged the efforts of volunteer leaders, mat and pairing officials, and coaches, and felt it imperative to recognize the people who work so diligently in the many facets of our regional and national championship events.

GCSC is the second recipient of this award, which recognizes a dedicated volunteer or organization that has contributed highly to USA Wrestling’s regional and national championship events. Steve Knipp of Waterloo, Iowa was named the inaugural winner as USAW Person of the Year in 2007.

The Henry Cejudo story got even bigger tonight when the Olympic freestyle champion made an appearance as a guest on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on Wednesday, August 27.

Already considered one of the big personal stories of the Beijing Olympics, Henry Cejudo reached an even larger audience when he was interviewed on one of the most popular shows on television. Wrestling fans across the nation took great pride when this 21-year-old represented his sport with great charm and character on national television.

The Tonight Show appearance became a reality back in Beijing, China, after Cejudo’s amazing victory at 55 kg/121 lbs. on August 19. His heartfelt celebration and impressive personal story captured the attention of the world. It also caught the attention of Tonight Show’s Steve Ridgeway.

Ridgeway spent some time with Cejudo during one of his days of media tours following his victory, and decided that Henry’s story should be included on the Tonight Show.

Working closely with USA Wrestling’s Communications Manager Craig Sesker, the complicated details of Cejudo’s visit were ironed out while everybody was still over in China. When Henry arrived in Chicago from China on August 26, the Tonight Show decided to re-route him immediately to Los Angeles, where he would appear the next day with Jay Leno.

While working out the travel arrangements, Ridgeway and his colleague Bryan Branly decided to play a little trick on Henry, and also liven up the segment tremendously. Originally, the plan was to have Henry’s older brother Angel and his mother Nelly Rico attend the show as his guests.

The story of Nelly Rico, a single mom who raised Henry and his siblings under trying conditions and with great strength and love, was one of the stories which emerged when Cejudo claimed his Olympic title. Henry had not seen his mother for over a month, because she had not been able to attend the Olympics.

Working with Angel on the trick, they decided to tell Henry that his mom could not attend the show. Meanwhile, the Tonight Show staff flew Nelly and Henry’s sister Gloria Cejudo in at a later time and kept them hidden from Henry. The idea was to surprise Henry with his mother’s appearance at the end of Henry’s interview with Leno.

Meanwhile, Henry flew all the way from Beijing to Chicago, then switched over to a late night flight to Los Angeles, where he was greeted by a limousine and whisked off to the Sheraton Universal Hotel in Universal City. There he was greeted by his brother Angel, and was told his mom was not feeling well and did not attend.

Henry became a big hit seconds after coming off the wrestling mats, in the hotel lobby when it was discovered that an Olympic champion had arrived. Many contestants for the TV series America Has Talent were in the hotel, and lined up for pictures with Henry and his Olympic gold medal. Eventually, Henry went off to get a little sleep after traveling more than a day to get home.

Henry’s day on the Tonight Show was very busy. It started with an 8:30 a.m. breakfast meeting with Tonight Show staffers Ridgeway and Branly, where Henry and Angel were interviewed and ideas about what would be discussed on the show were bantered around.

Many friends along with Cejudo family members arrived during the day, including a group that drove up from his Phoenix hometown early in the morning. By the time that the Tonight Show van pulled up to the 2:45 p.m. pickup at the hotel, there were over a dozen Cejudo supporters there to see Henry’s appearance with Jay Leno.

Cejudo was taken to his own dressing room outside the Tonight Show set, with his friends given backstage passes. Food was brought in by the Tonight Show staff, and everybody was having a good time. Eventually, Jay Leno stopped in himself to greet Henry, visit with his group of friends, and go over the night’s script a bit.

Prior to the start of the show, the friends and family were taken to seats inside the Tonight Show set in the audience. There was a warmup act prior to the start of the show, including some jokes from Leno himself. Meanwhile, Cejudo was by himself behind stage, waiting for his turn with Jay Leno.

The show started with Leno’s monologue, then an extended comedy feature from the Democratic National Convention. Next up was comedian Bill Maher, who talked for two time segments with Leno about politics and other social issues. In between segments, the Tonight Show band entertained with outstanding music, keeping the atmosphere lively.

The Cejudo segment began with video of his Olympic championship celebration, and loud applause from the audience, including the chant of USA, USA, USA. Cejudo sat down next to Leno and began to chat. Cejudo was relaxed and friendly, and soon the two were joking around, telling stories and having a good time.

When Leno asked Cejudo about his mother, Henry praised her and then said that he was sad that she was not able to attend the show. That is when Leno surprised Henry, and those in the audience, by bringing his mom Nelly onto the stage. Henry hugged his mother, and placed his Olympic gold medal around her neck, to the applause and tears of the audience. Ridgeway’s trick had worked, and Henry was given a chance to see his mom for the first time since he had left for China.

After a closing musical act, the Tonight Show ended. The Cejudo family and friends came down on the stage and took pictures with Jay Leno. Everybody went back to the dressing room, where there were hugs and many pictures taken. After Leno came back to wish Henry well, the entire group went back to the vans for a ride back to the hotel. The local NBC affiliate was waiting outside the set for a quick interview with Henry, and soon everybody, including Henry’s mother, returned to spend a night together to celebrate in Los Angeles.

Olympic freestyle wrestling gold medalist Henry Cejudo will appear as a guest on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on Wednesday, August 27.

The show airs at 11: 35 p.m. Eastern time. Check your local listings for time and station in your area.

Cejudo captured America’s heart with his stunning victory at 55 kg/121 lbs. on August 19 in Beijing, China. His celebration after winning, which included a heartfelt emotional reaction, captured worldwide headlines, as well as his compelling personal story.

Cejudo, became the youngest U.S. Olympic champion in wrestling in history.

Comedian Bill Maher and Cejudo are scheduled to appear on the show on Wednesday.

Cejudo flew out of Beijing on Tuesday afternoon.

ABOUT THE TONIGHT SHOW WITH JAY LENO

Jay Leno follows in the footsteps of legendary NBC late-night hosts Steve Allen, Jack Paar and Johnny Carson and is the host of the Emmy Award-winning and top-rated "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno." Beginning his 15th season in May 2006, Leno has created his own unique late-night style with a combination of humor, talk and entertainment each night at 11:35 p.m. ET - the wee hours when viewers want to wind down with a few laughs before drifting off to dreamland. Considered by many to be a "variety" show, "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" features a nightly monologue and news-making guests, as well as ongoing comedy segments including "Headlines," "Ask Jay Anything," "Stuff We Found on eBay," wrestling shoes "Jaywalking" and "Battle of Jaywalking All-Stars." The result is a unique and humorous look at today's pop culture.

"The Tonight Show" was honored for Emmy Awards in 1995, 1996, 1997 and 1999 and voted by TV Guide readers as 'Favorite Late Night Show' in 1999 and 2000. Other notable achievements include: Leno's exclusive interview with Senator John Glenn and the astronauts aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery; a pay-per-view wrestling match between Leno and Hulk Hogan; "The Tonight Show Unplugged" in response to California's power crisis; a sum of $360,200 raised for The Twin Towers Fund in 2001 and $505,100 raised to benefit the Red Cross Hurricane Katrina fund in 2005 from auctioning off Leno's celebrity-signed motorcycles on eBay and a special 2001 Thanksgiving show broadcast live on Armed Forces Radio and Television Services to entertain U.S. military personnel worldwide. In addition, the program continued to make history in April 1999 when it became the first television series to be broadcast nightly in HDTV (high-definition television). In 2004 "The Tonight Show" celebrated its 50th Anniversary with tributes to all of its former hosts, Steve Allen, Jack Paar and Johnny Carson.

The program has also proven to be a barometer of political clout. In 2000, the Los Angeles Times noted that "the road to the White House apparently leads through Burbank," as each presidential candidate -- Al Gore, George W. Bush, Bill Bradley and John McCain - appeared to demonstrate their relaxed, good-humored side on the show during the presidential elections. California Governer Arnold Schwarzenegger used "The Tonight Show" stage in 2003 to announce that he would be running for office and the 2004 election year brought Laura Bush, John Kerry, John Edwards and John McCain to "The Tonight Show" couch. The show also created a lot of buzz when it debuted the incredibly successful internet political cartoon "This Land" from Jib Jab for the first time on television.

Many of the world's most popular celebrities, musical guests and newsworthy names make "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" a priority stop on their publicity rounds. In addition to star-power, the "Tonight Show" production team searches for the most interesting "civilian" guests such as kid inventors and individuals with quirky talents and funny stories.

Debbie Vickers is the executive producer. "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" is from Big Dog Productions in association with NBC Universal Television Studios.