Author: Jeff McCall

By Stacy Meitner Marketing Consultant smeitner@gbtribune.com
Barton Community College Trustees heard Thursday about plans to add wrestling as a sport in 2015. Trustees will be asked to approve the program at their next business meeting, on Oct. 23.
Athletic Director Trevor Rolfs said he’d like to see it approved soon, because he’d like to find a coach by the end of the year. The projected starting date would be the fall 2015 semester, with 25 wrestlers.
Board President Dr. Carl Heilman said bringing the program to the college could easily boost on-campus enrollment by 40-50 students. He indicated this has been on the drawing board for some time, and was included in next year’s budget.
Rolfs agreed that the program will add more students than the number of participants. Many times students decide to enroll at a college where they already know another student. Barton would be allowed to sign 16 recruits, or Letters Of Intent (LOI’s), and the rest of the students would be walk-ons. Kansas college students wrestle in 10 different weight classes, although Barton might not be able to fill all 10. He also noted that in wrestling, community college students sometimes compete against students from four-year schools.
Rolfs worked in the Pratt Community College athletic department four years ago when PCC added wrestling. “It was a tremendous enhancement to the department, the college and the community,” he said.
Now that Barton, Cloud County and Cowley County community colleges are looking at adding wrestling programs, there could be eight Kansas colleges offering the sport, which means travel costs could be affordable, Rolfs said. Equipment costs are also less than for other sports.
“Central Kansas is a hotbed for good high school wrestling programs,” Rolfs said. This would provide a chance for many high school wrestlers to compete at the next level.

Startup
The biggest expense would be the start-up costs. But Dean of Administration Mark Dean said by the second year, the revenue wrestling brings in would exceed the expenses.
The college just opened a new dormitory on campus with plans to phase out two of the oldest housing units. Dean said administrators are looking at converting one of those dorms into a practice facility and the other for office and locker space. Competition would be in the Kirkman Building.
Basketball games are played in the Physical Education Building, which is connected to the Kirkman Building. The reason the main gym wouldn’t work for wrestling is because there would not be room for a floor-sized mat, which Rolfs said is preferable to several smaller mats fused together. The Kirkman gym will work, but it has no bleachers, which is something that will be needed in the future. The large mat will be rolled up when not in use.
Trustees voiced support for the idea, although they indicated they may want more information about the expected costs. In answer to a question about insurance from trustee Leonard Bunselmeyer, Dean said the only addition to athletic insurance will be the added number of athletes. However, wrestling can be a dangerous sport and the college can expect the cost of its cataclysmic coverage to increase.
Trustee Don Learned said adding wrestling is a good idea. “It opens up new opportunities for students.”
Board Chairman Mike Johnson agreed. “A lot of local kids could be served very well by this program,” he said, noting the added enrollment could mean more state aid for the college as well.

Football next?
“I have been asked if football is next,” Heilman said. “That’s not a consideration at this time.”

http://www.gbtribune.com/section/1/article/78659/

By Chas Dorman
Penn Athletics

Two-time All-America wrestler Alex Tirapelle has been named the 19th Head Coach of Wrestling in the history of the University of Pennsylvania. The announcement was made today by the University’s new Director of Recreation and Intercollegiate Athletics, M. Grace Calhoun.

“I am excited to welcome Alex to Penn,” said Calhoun, who took over as Director on July 1. “During the interview process, his accomplishments both as a wrestler and as a coach stood out. He enjoyed a stellar collegiate wrestling career at Illinois, and over the last few years he has developed a solid reputation as a strong recruiter and coach. Working at an institution like Stanford these last four years also gives Alex a good idea of the kind of student-athlete he will be expected to recruit and coach at Penn. Under the leadership of Deputy Athletics Director Alanna Shanahan, we underwent an exhaustive process to ensure we found the best possible fit with the standards of this high-profile program going forward. I think our athletes, alums and fans will be excited by the future direction of the program under Alex’s leadership.”

Tirapelle comes to Penn after four seasons as an assistant coach at Stanford University. While coaching the Cardinal, Tirapelle helped guide the program to its best dual-season record in school history with a 17-5 mark in 2013-14. In addition, last season’s squad sent five wrestlers to the NCAA Championships – tying the school record. Four of those NCAA qualifiers last season were Pac-12 champions, also a school record.

“I want to thank Grace Calhoun, Alanna Shanahan, and the rest of the search committee for selecting me to be the new head wrestling coach at the University of Pennsylvania. It is an honor to have the opportunity to advance the already exceptional legacy of Penn Wrestling,” Tirapelle said. “In addition to Olympic medalists, NCAA champions and NCAA All-Americans, Penn Wrestling produces outstanding citizens and some of the country’s most prominent leaders. While wrestling success will always be a primary goal of the Penn program, for our student-athletes it is a milestone accomplishment rather than their pinnacle achievement.”

In his four seasons on “The Farm,” Tirapelle helped guide 14 wrestlers to the NCAA Championships, including Stanford’s second three-time All-America and first two-time finalist in Nick Amuchastegui. The Cardinal earned five total All-America honors during Tirapelle’s tenure, including three at the 2011 NCAA Championships in Philadelphia – the highest All-America output at any NCAA Championships by a Stanford squad. The three All-Americans in 2011 propelled Stanford to an 11th-place finish overall, the highest team finish in program history.

Off the mat, Stanford continued to thrive academically during Tirapelle’s tenure. Last season, the Cardinal ranked No. 8 among all Division I programs in team GPA and had two wrestlers named National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) All-Academic. One of those individuals, Kyle Meyer, also earned a Pac-12 Postgraduate Scholarship. Both of Stanford’s NWCA All-Academic selections last season were also NCAA qualifiers. At the conference level, Stanford led all Pac-12 programs with nine Pac-12 All-Academic honors. In the past four seasons, Stanford has had 30 wrestlers earn Pac-12 All-Academic honors.

Highlighting Stanford’s overall success during Tirapelle’s time was Amuchastegui. A four-time NCAA qualifier, three-time All-American and two-time finalist, Amuchastegui was twice named Capital One/CoSIDA Men’s At-Large Academic All-American of the Year and was a three-time Academic All-American, earning Pac-12 Scholar-Athlete of the Year accolades for wrestling in 2012 and twice earning the NCAA’s Elite88 Award for Division I wrestling.

“I look forward to developing men of valor and providing them with the resources and guidance necessary to strive for excellence in education, athletics, and life after college,” said Tirapelle. “Furthermore, I am excited to become a contributing member of Penn’s Athletic Department.”

Prior to his time at Stanford, Tirapelle served as an assistant coach at UC-Davis for two seasons. While with the Aggies, Tirapelle coached one Pac-12 champion and six NCAA qualifiers. In addition, two wrestlers earned Pac-12 All-Academic honors.
Before working with the Aggies, he spent seven years at the University of Illinois as a student-athlete, graduate student and member of the academic advising staff.

Tirapelle twice earned All-America status at Illinois, captured two Big Ten titles, and was named Big Ten Wrestler of the Year in 2004. As a freshman in 2003, he finished as the national runner-up and earned Illinois Freshman Male Athlete of the Year honors in the process. Tirapelle finished his career as the Illini’s all-time wins leader with 128, while ranking third with an .877 winning percentage.

Along with his impressive athletic career, Tirapelle racked up several academic honors. He was a Big Ten All-Academic honoree all four years, a first-team NWCA All-Academic selection, and first-team ESPN The Magazine/CoSIDA Academic All-American. In addition, Tirapelle earned an NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship. Tirapelle holds a pair of degrees from Illinois, graduating in 2006 with a B.S. in accountancy and earning a Master’s in sports management in 2009.

Alex and his wife Amy, also an Illinois graduate who was a member of the cross country and track & field teams, will reside in Philadelphia.

BY GARY ABBOTT USA WRESTLING | JULY 09, 2014, 4:17 P.M. (ET)
PECS, Hungary – Tyrell Fortune (Portland, Ore./Titan Mercury WC) won a gold medal at 125 kg/275 lbs., one of four U.S. men’s freestyle medalists on the second day of the University World Championships on Wednesday.

Fortune, a Div. II national champion for Grand Canyon, scored a 12-1 technical fall over Sakir Bozkurt of Turkey in the championship match. Bozkurt, who was fifth in the 2012 Yasar Dogu International in Turkey, was never in the match, as Fortune scored quickly and often for a first-period stoppage.

Fortune rolled past his first two opponents, pinning Alexandr Romanov of Moldova and beating Richard Csercsics of Hungary, 10-2. He is ranked No. 3 on the U.S. Senior national team at his weight.

Fortune won a World medal on the University level for the second straight year, after taking a bronze medal at the 2013 World University Games in Russia.

Claiming silver medals after losses in the finals were BJ Futrell (Ann Arbor, Mich./Titan Mercury WC/Cliff Keen WC) at 61 kg/134 lbs., James Green (Willingboro, N.J./Titan Mercury WC/Nebraska RTC) at 70 kg/154 lbs. and Chris Perry (Stillwater, Okla./Cowboy WC) at 86 kg/189 lbs.

Futrell, a past NCAA All-American for Illinois, lost a wild 12-11 bout against Tuvsingtulga Tumenbileg of Mongolia in the gold-medal bout.

Futrell won his first three matches handily, including a pin over Niurgin Skriabin of Russia in the semifinals. In his first two bouts, he beat Masakazu Kamoi of Japan, 8-1 and scored a 12-0 technical fall over Vadim Sacultan of Moldova.

Green, a three-time NCAA All-American for Nebraska, was pinned by Evgheni Nedealco of Moldova in the finals. Nedealco was fifth at the 2008 Junior World Championships.

Green won his two early matches, pinning Jere Kunnas of Finland and stopping Russian Shamil Magomedov, 6-4 in the semifinals.

Perry, a two-time NCAA champion for Oklahoma State, lost a close 3-5 match to Piotr Ianulov of Moldova in the finals. Perry had a 3-1 lead in the bout, but Ianulov scored late in the second period for the win. Ianulov was fifth at the 2010 Senior World Championships, and now boasts two University World titles (2010, 2014).

Perry was impressive on the way to the finals, beating Andrei Frant of Romania, 8-0, Namik Korkmaz of Turkey, 4-2, then pinning Sandor Tozser of Hungary in the semifinals.

Perry is a past Junior World bronze medalist, and is ranked No. 3 on the U.S. Senior national team at his weight.

The USA won the team title, ahead of second-place Turkey and third-place Russia. There were 25 nations entered in the University World Championships. The U.S. team was coached by Dave Bennett, Mike Hagerty and Bryan Snyder.

“Looking at how these athletes handled the training, the travel and adversity that some encountered in competition I feel the future for the USA is bright. This was a special group that are going to continue to leave their mark on the sport in the coming years leading up to the 2016 and 2020 Olympics,” said U.S. Coach Dave Bennett.

The U.S. won seven medals in men’s freestyle at the event this year out of the eight weight classes. Golds went to Fortune and Tyler Caldwell (74 kg/163 lbs.), silvers to Futrell, Green, Perry and Dustin Kilgore (97 kg/213 lbs.) and a bronze medal to Matt McDonough (57 kg/125.5 lbs.)

Winning a bronze medal at 86 kg/189 lbs. for Israel was Ophir Bernstein, a Texas native who wrestles for Brown. Bernstein, who was born in Israel, was a FILA Junior World silver medalist last summer.

Two U.S. women entered competition today. Placing fifth at 55 kg/121 lbs. is King University star Samantha Klingel (Kregesville, Pa./King Univ.), who lost by technical fall to Samantha Stewart of Canada in the bronze bout. Erin Golston, Colorado Springs, Colo. (New York AC) placed ninth at 48 kg/105.5 lbs., losing her only match of the day.

Five other U.S. women’s wrestlers have weighed in and received their draws for Thursday.

There is an official website and LIVE WEBCAST for the event at:
http://birkozoszov.hu/index.php?menu=69

UNIVERSITY WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
At Pecs, Hungary, July 9

Men’s freestyle results

61 kg/134 lbs.
Gold – Tuvsingtulga Tumenbileg (Mongolia)
Silver – B.J. Futrell (USA)
Bronze – Ismail Avci (Turkey)
Bronze – Niurgun Skriabin (Russia)
5th – Stefan Ivanov (Bulgaria)
5th – Masakazu Kamoi (Japan)

70 kg/154 lbs.
Gold – Evgheni Nedealco (Moldova)
Silver – James Green (USA)
Bronze – Shamil Magomedov (Russia)
Bronze – Zsombor Gulyas (Hungary)
5th – Jere Kunnas (Finland)
5th – Kosuke Sunagawa (Japan)

86 kg/189 lbs.
Gold – Piort Ianulov (Moldova)
Silver – Chris Perry (USA)
Bronze – Ophir Bernstein (Israel)
Bronze – Namik Korkmaz (Turkey)
5th – Oleg Ktsoev (Russia)
5th – Sandor Tozser (Hungary)

125 kg/275 lbs.
Gold – Tyrell Fortune (USA)
Silver – Sakhir Bozkurt (Turkey)
Bronze – Mariyan Todorov (Bulgaria)
Bronze – Richard Csercsis (Hungary)
5th – M. Guseinov (Russia)
5th – Alexandr Romanov (Moldova)

U.S. men’s freestyle performances

61 kg/134 lbs. – BJ Futrell, Ann Arbor, Mich. (Titan Mercury WC/Cliff Keen WC), 2nd
WIN Masakazu Kamoi (Japan), 8-1
WIN Vadim Sacultan (Moldova), tech. fall, 12-0
WIN Niurgin Skriabin (Russia), pin
LOSS Tuvsingtulga Tumenbileg (Mongolia), 11-12

70 kg/154 lbs. – James Green, Willingboro, N.J. (Titan Mercury WC/Nebraska RTC), 2nd
WIN Jere Kunnas (Finland), pin
WIN Shamil Magomedov (Russia), 6-4
LOSS Evgheni Nedealco (Moldova), pin

86 kg/189 lbs. – Chris Perry, Stillwater, Okla. (Cowboy WC), 2nd
WIN Andrei Frant (Romania), 8-0
WIN Namik Korkmaz (Turkey), 4-2
WIN Sandor Tozser (Hungary), pin
LOSS Piotr Ianulov (Moldova), 3-5

125 kg/275 lbs. – Tyrell Fortune, Portland, Ore. (Titan Mercury WC), 1st
WIN Alexandr Romanov (Moldova), pin
WIN Richard Csercsics (Hungary), 10-2
WIN Sakir Bozkurt (Turkey), tech. fall 12-1

Freestyle Team Standings
1. United States
2. Turkey
3. Russia
4. Moldova
5. Japan
6. Hungary
7. Mongolia
8. Ukraine
9. Bulgaria
10. Poland

Women’s freestyle results

48 kg/105.5 lbs.
Gold – Jasmine Mian (Canada)
Silver – Shiori Ito (Japan)
Bronze – Anna Lukasiak (Poland)
Bronze – Alina Moreva (Russia)
5th – Madalina Linguraru (Romania)
5th – T. Tsogtbaatar (Mongolia)

55 kg/121 lbs.
Gold – Chiho Hamada (Japan)
Silver – Irina Ologonova (Russia)
Bronze – Samantha Stewart (Canada)
Bronze – Tetyana Kit (Ukriane)
5th – Samantha Klingel (USA)
5th – Evelina Nikolova (Bulgaria)

U.S. women’s freestyle performances

48 kg/105.5 lbs.- Erin Golston, Colorado Springs, Colo. (New York AC), 9th
LOSS Emilia Budeanu (Moldova), 2-9

55 kg/121 lbs. – Samantha Klingel, Kregesville, Pa. (King Univ.), 5th
WIN Esa Korosi (Hungary), inj. dft.
LOSS Irina Ologonova (Russia), tech. fall, 1-12
LOSS Samantha Stewart (Canada), tech. fall 0-10

U.S. women’s freestyle draws for Thursday

53 kg/116.5 lbs. – Amy Fearnside, Morgan Hill, Calif. (Titan Mercury WC)
Vs. Sara Jezierzanska (Poland), 5th in 2012 Junior World Championships

58 kg/128 lbs. – Jacarra Winchester, San Leandro, Calif. (Titan Mercury WC)
Vs. Elizabeth Milovitch-Sera (Canada), 7th in 2013 World University Games

60 kg/132 lbs.:- Brieana Delgado, Fountain Inn. S.C. (OKCU Gator RTC)
Vs. Mariia Liulkova (Russia), 7th in 2014 Ivan Yarygin Grand Prix

63 kg/138.75 lbs. – Amanda Hendey, San Gabriel, Calif. (Titan Mercury WC/King Univ.)
Vs. Agnieszka Krol (Poland), 5th in 2014 European Juniors; 9th in 2012 Junior World Championships

69 kg/152 lbs. – Tamyra Mensah, Katy, Texas (Wayland Baptist)
Vs. Lisa Nadine Hug (Germany), 5th in 2011 Grand Prix of Spain

75 kg/165 lbs. – Julia Salata, Canton, Mich. (New York AC)
Vs. Tamae Yoshii (Japan), 5th in 2012 University World Championships; 9th in 2013 World University Games

ADRIAN, Mich. (July 9) – As Adrian College continues to see record enrollment, it also is adding more muscle to its athletic offerings. Beginning in the 2015-16 school year, for the first time since 1984, the college will offer wrestling– this time for both men and women.

Adrian last offered wrestling for men from 1959-1984. The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) sponsored the sport from 1969-84. During those fifteen years Adrian College earned three MIAA Championships under head coach Paul MacDonald. The program, in its new era, will be run as a NCAA Division III athletic offering. The search for a head coach and recruitment of student-athletes will begin immediately.

“Adrian College has a strong tradition in collegiate wrestling and now is the right time to reintroduce the sport on campus,” said athletic director, Michael Duffy. “There are far reaching advantages in adding wrestling and the sport is making a big comeback at the NCAA Division III level. The local Lenawee County area has strong roots in high school wrestling and would provide student-athletes an avenue to stay close to home to continue their careers.”

When commenting on the new women’s wrestling program Duffy was equally enthusiastic. “Women’s wrestling is rapidly growing across the nation on the youth and high school levels, and there are still limited opportunities for competing at the college level. We believe this addition provides these student-athletes with the chance to continue their athletic pursuits while leveraging a well-rounded, liberal arts education.”

Three regional institutions also boast wrestling teams: Olivet College, Alma College and Trine University. In total, 90 NCAA Division III institutions sponsor wrestling as of the 2013-14 school year. Earlier this year, Wartburg College (Iowa) captured its fourth-straight team NCAA Division III national championship in front of a record attendance of 8,787 spectators for the Saturday night finals in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

BUENA VISTA, Va.—With a proud tradition and successful history, the Southern Virginia University wrestling program will remove its club status and become an NCAA Division III varsity program beginning the 2014-15 season.

Southern Virginia becomes just the third school in the state of Virginia to offer NCAA Division III wrestling, joining Ferrum College and Washington & Lee University.

“We’re excited to add wrestling as an official sport at Southern Virginia and continue the proud history of the program,” said Director of Athletics Jason Lamb. “Our wrestling program is the only one offered in a Latter-day Saint environment, so to become an official sport will attract additional wrestlers who want live by the code of honor and compete at an NCAA level. Coach Davis is doing a great job with the team and we’re excited to see them compete at a higher standard of competition.”

This past season, the wrestling club sent six individuals to the National Collegiate Wrestling Association championships while five were named USCAA All-Academic recipients. Junior Coulter Sims was additionally recognized as an NWCA All-Academic recipient.

“We are very excited to compete at a higher level and see how we match up on a national stage,” said head wrestling coach Logan Davis. “This is the next step in our evolution and we are prepared to meet the new challenges that will be presented. A varsity wrestling program pairs very well with the overall mission of the school. Wrestling is about more than brute strength – it’s about developing the complete self. I believe we can quickly rise to national recognition.

“There is a lot of untapped wrestling talent out there and I believe recruits will see the commitment of the university to its wrestling program and desire to join our team.”

The wrestling program at Southern Virginia has compiled 17 NCWA All-Americans since the 1999-2000 season, including two national champions in Nate Casperson (2000) and three-time champ Peter Rose (2008-10). A multitude of others have been recognized as a USCAA Wrestler of the Week or Virginia Sports Information Directors (VaSID) first-team honoree.

Roster spots are still available for the 2014-15 season and prospective scholar-athletes are encouraged to contact the Admissions Office at 540-261-8401.

Justin Lutes
6/26/2014 1:38:00 PM
HOBOKEN, N.J. (June 24, 2014) – Former wrestling standout, Joe Favia ’13 (Brick, N.J.), has been selected as the new head coach – eighth all-time – for the Stevens Institute of Technology wrestling program. Favia was a four-year letter winner and a three-year captain for Stevens from 2009-13.

“I am honored to have been selected as the head coach of my alma mater,” stated Favia. “I have a great deal of pride in this Institution and believe in its ability to succeed. I would like to thank Russ Rogers and the Stevens community for their continued support, and faith in my ability to lead this program into the future. I am eager to being a new era of Stevens wrestling, as we prepare to elevate the program to new levels of success.”

As a grappler for the Ducks, Favia twice finished fifth nationally at 165-lbs. at the NCAA Division III Championships in 2012 and 2013 to earn All-America status. In 2012, he claimed the Centennial Conference title and was named Most Outstanding Wrestler of the tournament, and in 2013, the Brick, N.J. native took top honors at the NCAA Eastern Regional. For his outstanding senior season, Favia was named Stevens’ Best Male Athlete.

Favia’s name is dispersed throughout the wrestling record book on the single-season and career lists. He appears four times within the top 18 in single-season wins, including second all-time with 34 victories in 2012, while his .914 winning percentage (32-3) in 2013 sits atop that category. Favia is second all-time in career major decision wins with 21, third in career triumphs with 119 and fourth in winning percentage.

As a coach, Favia was most recently an assistant at Stevens, beginning early-2014. Overlapping that time, Favia has been the Rutgers University club assistant coach since 2013 and also helped out at the University of Iowa from 2010-12 at training camps.

“I could not be happier that Joe has decided to join our staff,” Director of Athletics Russell Rogers (Branchburg, N.J.) said. His passion for the sport of wrestling along with his knowledge and ability to relate with our student-athletes is very special. I look forward to working with Joe, Coach Jeff Jacobs and Coach Jeff Marsh in helping our team reach its fullest potential on and off the mat.”

6/25/2014 1:55:00 PM
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) — Eastern Michigan University Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Heather Lyke announced Wednesday, June 25, that seven-year EMU Associate Head Wrestling Coach David Bolyard will take over the helm of the EMU wrestling program effective immediately. The search began following the resignation of eight-year head coach Derek DelPorto in late May.

“It is exciting to be able to announce David Bolyard as our next head wrestling coach,” said Lyke. “What stood out for our committee and me about David is not only his competitive passion for Eastern Michigan wrestling, but his focus on positively impacting our student-athletes through the sport of wrestling. David is well prepared to lead our team and continue to augment the success of the program.”

“I would like to thank Heather Lyke, Senior Associate Athletics Director Chris Hoppe and the entire search committee for their commitment through this process,” Bolyard added. “Over the past seven years I have become extremely invested in the success of our student-athletes and this program. Being named the head wrestling coach at Eastern Michigan University is truly an honor and I am excited about the opportunity to help lead this program to the next level.”

Bolyard brings nine years of NCAA Division I coaching experience to his new position. Prior to earning the head job at EMU, he spent seven years as the associate head coach with the Eagles. During those seven seasons, he coached 16 NCAA National Qualifiers and 33 All-Mid-American Conference placers. In addition, six-of-seven teams that he coached earned spots in the top-30 of the National Wrestling Coaches’ Association (NWCA) All-Academic Team Award.

Prior to coming to Ypsilanti, Bolyard spent two years at his alma mater as a graduate assistant coach. At CMU, he saw two top-30 team finishes at the NCAA Division I Championships. In addition, he coached multiple individuals to stellar careers. The Chippewas were MAC Champions in both seasons that Bolyard coached and had 10 individual MAC Champions. On top of the success in conference action, Bolyard helped coach five All-Americans and 15 national qualifiers.

Before beginning his coaching career, Bolyard was a wrestling student-athlete at Central Michigan. As a Chippewa, Bolyard joined the CMU 100 Win Club and earned a spot in CMU laurels by recording the 10th most wins in Central Michigan history. Bolyard also set a then-record of 21 straight wins during his senior campaign. He was a four-time NCAA qualifier, while earning All-American status in 2004. The two-time NWCA Academic All-American won an individual MAC Championship in 2005, while also being named CMU’s Chick Sherwood Most Outstanding Wrestler.

Bolyard graduated from CMU in 2005 with a bachelor’s degree in entrepreneurship before continuing his education and earning a master’s degree from Central in athletic administration in 2008.

The David Bolyard File
Name: David Bolyard
High School: Springfield H.S. – Akron, Ohio
College: Central Michigan University – Bachelor’s degree in Entrepreneurship – 2005
Central Michigan University – Master’s degree in Athletic Administration – 2008
Coaching/Playing Experience
Year School/Company Position
2011-14 Eastern Michigan University Associate Head Wrestling Coach
2007-11 Eastern Michigan University Assistant Wrestling Coach
2005-07 Central Michigan University Graduate Assistant Wrestling Coach
2002-05 Central Michigan University Student-Athlete

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Nittany Lion wrestler David Taylor (St. Paris, Ohio) has been named the Jesse Owens Big Ten Male Athlete of the Year. Taylor was joined on the women’s side by Purdue’s Dani Bunch, a track and field stand-out for the Boilermakers.

Taylor is only the second Penn Stater to ever to be named Big Ten Male Athlete of the Year since the honor’s inception in 1982, joining men’s gymnast Luis Vargas, who won the award in 2005. He is the eighth wrestler to win the award. Six Penn State women have been named Big Ten Female Athlete of the Year, with the last being Megan Hodge (2010, women’s volleyball).

Taylor became the second straight member of head coach Cael Sanderson’s Nittany Lion wrestlers to win Penn State Male Athlete of the Year earlier this month (teammate Ed Ruth won last year’s Penn State honor), putting him on the ballot for the Owens Award. Taylor recently wrapped up one of collegiate wrestling’s most historic careers. He won the 2014 Hodge Trophy as the nation’s top wrestler and was Big Ten Wrestler of the Year for the third time. Taylor became Penn State’s first-ever four-time NCAA finalist and won his second NCAA individual title at 165, leading Penn State to its fourth-straight NCAA Championship in Oklahoma City in March.

Taylor’s 2014 accolades were stunning: Hodge Trophy Award (won twice during his career), NCAA National Champion (for the second time), NCAA Finalist (for the fourth time), NCAA All-American (for the fourth time), Big Ten Wrestler of the Year (for the third time), NCAA Most Dominant Wrestler Award, NCAA Championships Outstanding Wrestler, Big Ten Champion (Penn State’s first four-time Big Ten Champion, joining Ruth with that honor), three-time Big Ten Wrestler of the Week, Academic All-Big Ten (for the fourth time), NWCA First Team All-Academic (for the fourth time), Capital One First Team Academic All-American.

His career numbers are a testament to Taylor’s dominance throughout a landmark collegiate wrestling career. He leaves Penn State as a member of four NCAA Championship teams and four Big Ten Championships teams. Taylor went 34-0 this season to end the year as the nation’s lone unbeaten Division I wrestler and closed out his career with a 134-3 record. His 97.8 career win percentage included an all-time Penn State best 53 pins (ties a school record), 42 technical falls and 30 majors, meaning 125 of his 137 career matches were won by a major or better. Taylor never lost in a dual meet and was a perfect 56-0 all-time against Big Ten competition.

By Jim Sheehan
Hofstra Sports Information

Hempstead, NY – Hofstra University Vice President and Director of Athletics Jeffrey A. Hathaway announced today that Head Wrestling Coach Rob Anspach has resigned his position to pursue professional opportunities outside of coaching.
Anspach has accepted a commercial sales representative position with Advantage Sport & Fitness.

“I would like to extend my sincerest gratitude to Hofstra University, President Stuart Rabinowitz and Vice President and Director of Athletics Jeff Hathaway for the opportunity to be part of the Hofstra Athletic Department and lead the wrestling program,” stated Anspach. “It was a very difficult decision to leave Hofstra, where I have spent the last 18 years as a student-athlete and coach, but this is the best situation for my family. I know Jeff will do a thorough search to find the right candidate for the job and I look forward to supporting the wrestling program for many years to come.”

“I want to express my thanks to Rob for his passion and commitment to the Hofstra Wrestling program as a student-athlete, assistant coach and head coach,” commented Hathaway. “We wish Rob and his family the very best as he moves to his new position in the fitness equipment business. I know he will enjoy the same success there as he has as a wrestling coach.”

Anspach just completed his third season as head coach and his 12th year on the Pride staff in 2013-14. Anspach concludes his Hofstra tenure (assistant and head coaching) having helped lead the Pride to a 136-86-6 dual meet record and 10 conference championships. In addition, he assisted in the development of 41 league champions and 76 student-athletes reached the NCAA Championships during his time on the Hofstra coaching staff. Of that 76, 15 have earned All-America honors.

A 2001 graduate of Hofstra, Anspach compiled a 69-51 record during his five-year career as a student-athlete with the Pride.

Zach Tanelli, who has served as the head assistant coach for the past two seasons and just concluded his fifth season on staff, has been named the interim head coach.

Tanelli is a 2009 graduate of Wisconsin where he was a member of the Badgers wrestling squad. During his undergraduate career, Tanelli posted an 88-31 overall record and earned All-American accolades in 2009. He also qualified for the NCAA Championships on three occasions.

Hathaway also announced that a national search for the next head coach of the Hofstra Wrestling program will begin immediately.

By Collin Boyles
Northern Colorado Sports Information

GREELEY – The future of Northern Colorado Wrestling begins on Monday as Director of Athletics Darren Dunn announced Troy Nickerson as the program’s seventh head coach in its 35 year history.

“After a lengthy, diligent process, we found a great leader for our wrestling program in Troy Nickerson,” Dunn said. “He is a bright star in wrestling, familiar with Colorado Wrestling and he will be a great mentor for our student-athletes. I am truly excited Troy will be joining our UNC family.”

Nickerson comes to Northern Colorado after coaching the past two seasons at Iowa State and finishing a remarkable collegiate career with Cornell from 2006-10. His recent history in the sport includes NCAA Championships and All-American statuses; along with off-the-mat initiatives to build relationships in his community.

“I’m extremely excited to join the Northern Colorado Wrestling community,” Nickerson said. “I want to thank Darren Dunn and the search committee for believing in me and providing me with this opportunity. I will work tirelessly to make UNC Wrestling a force to be reckoned with in the future.”

Nickerson’s main responsibilities at Iowa State included the lightweights of 125-149 pounds. During his two seasons, he coached one NCAA All-American and one NCAA qualifier in 2013-14 and finished all of his starters with a record of at least .500 in 2012-13. Prior to joining the Iowa State wrestling program, Nickerson served as an assistant coach at the Finger Lakes Wrestling Club from 2011-12 in Ithaca, N.Y. He was also the head coach of the FLWC college team during 2010-11.

During his four seasons as a member of the Big Red wrestling program at Cornell, Nickerson finished as an NCAA Champion in 2009 at 125 pounds, a four-time All-American, a two-time NCAA Tournament finalist and racked up a 97-8 career record, placing himself 20th all-time in wins in program history.

Nickerson inherits the program that went down to Arizona State and won on the Sun Devils’ home opener, 24-15. The team finished the 2013-14 season with a 5-13 record and a Western Wrestling All-Conference third team selection to upcoming senior Henry Chirino (Brandon, Fla.). Chirino and fellow senior Mitchell Polkowske (LaJara, Colo.) recently finished fifth in their weight divisions at the ASICS National Championships in late May. Teammate Trey Andrews (Safford, Ariz.) will also participate in late-season matches, heading to the Junior Pan American Championships with USA Wrestling from June 27-29.

Originally from Chenango Forks, N.Y., Nickerson graduated from Cornell in 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in biology & science with a minor in nutritional science.

Coaching Career
2012-14 – Assistant Coach, Iowa State
Duals Record Total – 20-12 (.625)

Individual Wrestling Accomplishments
Cornell – 2006-10
4x All-American
2x NCAA Finalist
2009 NCAA Championship @ 125 lbs
97-8 college career
20th all-time in wins at Cornell

What They’re Saying
“What a great day for wrestling! The fact that the Darren Dunn and the leadership of the University of Northern Colorado went to such great lengths to go out and hire a coach of Troy Nickerson’s reputation and character sends a strong message about their commitment to wrestling. I’m confident that Troy will bring an energy and professionalism to the program that will set UNC Wrestling up for long term success. USA Wrestling welcomes Troy back to Colorado, we’re excited for him as he takes this next step in his wrestling career.” – Rich Bender, Executive Director of USA Wrestling
“Coach Nickerson is a phenomenal wrestler, coach, and mentor. There is no doubt that he will lead the University of Northern Colorado wrestling program to extraordinary success.” – Mike Moyer, Executive Director of National Wrestling Coaches Association

“Troy is a legend in New York state and is certainly known nation-wide. He was a phenomenal high school wrestler and an equally sensational college career for Cornell. He was a gutsy competitor and found a way to win a national title, literally with one arm, and that’s what I’ll always remember about Troy. He’s very intelligent, and Cornell’s tough as it is, but to be a pre-med major and to be a four-time NCAA All-American gives you the idea of the type of focus and time management skills and discipline that Troy possesses.” – Rob Koll, Cornell Head Wrestling Coach
“Troy’s got a passion for wrestling. I think he sees the sport for more than just wrestling. I think he really enjoys the particulars of the administrative duties that he’ll be taking on in Northern Colorado. I know that was really attractive for him and building a program is something he’s really excited about. He’s a straight worker, initiator, innovator and he’ll do a great job for the Bears. He’s been to two very successful, historically traditional wrestling programs in Cornell and Iowa State, and he’s going to try and initiate some of those things to make Northern Colorado his own.” – Kevin Jackson, Iowa State Head Wrestling Coach