Updated: April 30, 2014
By Bethany College Sports Information
Bethany College announces the hiring of Cody Garcia as the new Head Wrestling Coach.
“I am very excited that Cody Garcia has accepted our offer to become the second Head Men’s Wrestling Coach in the program’s history,” said Dean of Athletics Dane Pavlovich. “His passion for wrestling, connections to the current team, and relationships with coaches all over the Midwest make this a tremendous situation for both the Wrestling Program and the Department of Athletics. I look forward to the success that Cody will lead the Swedes to both on and off the mat.”

Garcia has served as an assistant wrestling coach for the Swedes for the past three years. In 2014, the Swedes finished 20th at the NAIA National Championships, where Colby Crank was the 149 weight class runner up. Seven total individuals qualified for the National Championships, the highest number in program history.

“It is truly a blessing for me to get the chance to serve this brotherhood in a new role,” Garcia said. “They have inspired me to follow this path through their support and trust in me, as well as their commitment to the program. I am honored and humbled by the opportunity to continue to have an active role in encouraging these young men through our shared passion of wrestling.”

Garcia came to Bethany from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, where he served as a student assistant wrestling coach. While at UNO, Garcia coached the 2011 squad to a NCAA Division II National Championship.

Prior to coaching, Garcia was a member of the UNO wrestling team, winning individual national championships in 2006 and 2008, runner-up in 2010, and finishing third in 2009. His team won National Championships in 2005, 2006, 2009, and 2010. He was a four-time All-American and Academic All-American, graduating in 2010 with a 147-18 record, the fourth-highest number of all-time career wins at UNO since 1966. His 48 wins as a senior ranked as the second-highest number in school history, and Garcia set new UNO records of 84 career pins and 31 single-season pins.

Garcia was a three-time high school state champion and four-time state place finisher at Hutchinson High School, where he wrestled for his father, Mike.

From 2012-2014, Garcia has participated in the Kansas Premiere Wrestling Club as a head coach and instructor the supplementary club program and international coaching. In 2012-2013, Garcia also served as a Head Camp Clinician, developing, instructing, and implementing a wrestling curriculum for over 60 camps in Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, and Oklahoma. In addition, Garcia was a Kansas National Team Coach in 2006-2008, 2010, and 2013, serving as a camp counselor, instructor, and coach for the national team camp and competition.

Garcia holds a Bachelor of Science in Education with an endorsement in physical education and health education. He resides in Hutchinson with his wife Kym and two daughters.

April 30, 2014

ST. LOUIS PARK, Minn. — The University of Michigan wrestling program has landed its third straight top-10 recruiting class, earning the No. 10 spot among InterMat’s NCAA Division I recruiting class rankings, the website announced Wednesday (April 30). The Wolverines’ six-member class, all of whom signed National Letters of Intent during the early signing period, combined for 12 state titles and eight Fargo All-America honors.

The Wolverines 2014-15 freshman class will include Malik Amine (Brighton, Mich./Detroit Catholic Central HS), Zac Hall (St. Johns, Mich./St. Johns HS), Davonte Mahomes (Oak Park, Ill./Oak Park and River Forest HS), Alec Pantaleo (Canton, Mich./Canton HS), Zehlin Storr (Mason, Mich./Leslie HS) and Garrett Sutton (Richmond, Ill./Burton HS).

Michigan earned the consensus No. 1 recruiting class last season, while its 2012-13 incoming class — its current sophomores — was ranked No. 7 by InterMat.

The nation’s No. 20-ranked 145-pound wrestler, Amine captured two Michigan state titles, winning at 140 pounds (2013) and 145 pounds (2014) for state powerhouse Detroit Catholic Central. He was a four-time Michigan state placewinner, claiming second place at 135 pounds (2012) and fifth place at 112 pounds (2011), and claimed a career prep record of 159-29. His father, Mike, and uncle, Sam, both wrestled at Michigan in the late 1980s, while cousin, Jordan Amine, is currently on the Wolverine team. Amine is projected to wrestle at 149 or 157 pounds at Michigan.

Ranked No. 2 nationally at 138 pounds and as the No. 15 overall recruit, Hall was a four-time Michigan state champion at powerhouse St. Johns High School, winning at 103 pounds (2011), 112 pounds (2012), 125 pounds (2013) and 140 pounds (2014). He boasts a career prep record of 198-2, including a perfect 100-0 mark over his last two seasons. Hall is a five-time Fargo All-American in freestyle, earning 2012 freestyle runner-up honors at 120 pounds. He is projected to wrestle at 141 pounds at Michigan.

Listed as the nation’s No. 11-ranked 170-pound wrestler and No. 41 overall recruit, Mahomes captured an Illinois state title at 170 pounds this season and is a three-time Illinois state placewinner, claiming third place at 160 pounds (2013) and 152 pounds (2012). He is 161-17 in his prep career, posting a 44-2 mark as a senior. Mahomes is a three-time Fargo All-American. He fell just short of the USA Wrestling Junior triple crown in 2013, capturing folkstyle and Greco-Roman titles while claiming second in freestyle. He will likely wrestle at 165 pounds at Michigan.

Pantaleo captured a Michigan state title at 135 pounds as a sophomore (2012) and was a two-time finalist, claiming runner-up honors at 145 pounds this season (2014). He owns a career prep record of 177-9, including a near-perfect 51-1 mark as a senior. His uncle, Joe, was a two-time NCAA finalist for Michigan in the late 1980s. Pantaleo is projected to wrestle at 149 pounds at Michigan.

The nation’s No. 14-ranked 138-pound wrestler and No. 97 overall recruit, Storr captured two Michigan state titles, winning at 135 pounds as a junior (2013) and 140 pounds as a senior (2014) and is a four-time Michigan state placewinner. He previously claimed runner-up honors at 135 pounds (2012) and took third at 130 pounds as a sophomore (2011). Storr owns a 221-12 career prep record, including an unbeaten 121-0 mark over his last two seasons. He is likely to wrestle at 141 pounds at Michigan.

Listed as the nation’s No. 11-ranked 160-pound wrestler and No. 100 overall recruit, Sutton closed his career with back-to-back Illinois state titles, winning at 160 pounds (2014) and 152 pounds (2013) after taking third place at 138 pounds as a sophomore in 2012. Sutton boasted a 162-8 career prep record, including a perfect 82-0 mark over his final two seasons. In freestyle competition, he was a 2011 FILA Cadet All-American. His cousin, Cameron Kennedy, is a current member of the Wolverine team. Sutton is projected to wrestle at 165 or 174 pounds at Michigan.

Michigan is still in the process of filling out its incoming class.

BY GARY ABBOTT USA WRESTLING | APRIL 30, 2014, 8:06 A.M. (ET)
NEW YORK, April 30, 2014 – David Taylor of State College, Pa., will take on Yabrail Hasanov of Azerbaijan at 74 kg/163 lbs. in the first matchup announced as part of the Team USA vs. World All-Stars international wrestling competition in Times Square on May 7. The remaining pairings will be revealed in the coming days for the event, held in support of the Beat the Streets youth wrestling program.

Taylor has been second at the U.S. Open the last two years at this weight class, and was third in the 2013 World Team Trials. He won a bronze medal at the 2013 World University Games, and was eighth in the 2007 Junior World Championships while still in high school. Taylor was a two-time NCAA champion, two-time NCAA runner-up and two-time winner of the Dan Hodge Trophy winner as the nation’s top college wrestler during his amazing career at Penn State.

Hasanov is a two-time World bronze medalist (2010 and 2011) and placed fifth in the 2012 Olympic Games. He was a 2011 European champion and won a silver medal at the 2013 World University Games. Hasanov won two Junior World medals, a silver in 2008 and a bronze in 2007. For much of his career, Hasanov competed at 66 kg/145.5 lbs., but moved up in weight within the last two seasons.

Both athletes won medals at the 2013 World University Games in Russia, with Hasanov taking silver and Taylor taking bronze, but they did not wrestle each other in that tournament. This will be their first meeting on the mat.

Other Team USA wrestlers awaiting their opponents are Nahshon Garrett (57 kg/125.5 lbs.), Jimmy Kennedy (61 kg/134 lbs.), Jordan Oliver (65 kg/143 lbs.), Brent Metcalf (65 kg/143 lbs.), Logan Stieber (65 kg/143 lbs.), Jordan Burroughs (74 kg/163 lbs.), Ed Ruth (86 kg/189 lbs.) and Kyle Snyder (97 kg/213 lbs.) on the men’s side; and Helen Maroulis (55 kg/121 lbs.) and Randi Miller (69 kg/152 lbs.) in the women’s lineup.

The purpose of this event is to elevate the profile of wrestling and to raise funds to support the operation of over 140 youth development wrestling programs in New York City, serving nearly 3,000 student-athletes.

The World All-Stars roster will feature Olympic, World and Continental medalists from around the world. Additionally, exhibitions involving the young Beat the Streets athletes prior to the international competition will be announced as they are set. The Beat the Streets children will take to the mat at 4 p.m., followed by Team USA vs. the World at 5:30 (match order TBD). The evening concludes with the Beat the Streets Award Gala at 7:30 p.m. at Best Buy Theater (1515 Broadway).

The USA vs. the World dual requires a ticket for reserved seating in Times Square, but is an outdoor event. Pedestrians and non-ticket holders are encouraged to watch. Admission tickets may be bought in advance at www.btsny.org or 212.245.6570. A ticket is required for the Gala. More details are available at btsny.org/gala. Fans can join the conversation about the event on Twitter by utilizing #BTSGalaTSQ.

Biographies

74 kg/163 lbs. – David Taylor, State College, Pa. (Nittany Lion WC)
Second in 2013 and 2014 U.S. Open… Third in 2013 World University Games… Third in 2013 U.S. World Team Trials… 2010 and 2013 University Nationals champion…Wildcard selection for 2012 Olympic Trials… Second in 2008 and 2010 FILA Junior World Team Trials… Third in 2010 FILA Junior Nationals… Eighth in 2007 FILA Junior World Championships… 2007 Junior Nationals champion in both styles… 2006 Cadet Nationals champion in both styles… 2005 Cadet Nationals champion in freestyle and second in Greco-Roman… 2005 FILA Cadet Nationals champion in both styles… 2012 and 2014 NCAA Champion for Penn State… 2012 and 2014 Dan Hodge Trophy winner as nation’s top college wrestler… Second in 2011 and 2013 NCAA Championships… Four-time Ohio state high school champion… College: Penn State… High School: St. Paris, Ohio (St. Paris Graham)… Born: December 5, 1990… Age: 23

74 kg/163 lbs. – Yabrail Hasanov, Azerbaijan
Third in 2010 and 2011 World Championships… Fifth in 2012 Olympics… Seventh in 2009 World Championships… Eighth in 2013 World Championships… Second in 2013 World University Games… Second in 2014 European Championships… Second in 2013 World Cup… 2011 European champion… Third in 2014 Dan Kolov International (Bulgaria)… Third in 2013 FILA Golden Grand Prix Finals (Azerbaijan)…Second in 2013 Intercontinental Cup (Russia)… Third in 2012 Yasar Dogu International (Turkey)… Third in 2011 Olympic Test Event (England)… 2011 FILA Golden Grand Prix Finals champion (Azerbaijan)… Second in 2009 European Championships… Second in 2008 Junior World Championships… Third in 2007 Junior World Championships… Third in 2006 European Junior Championships… Third in 2005 European Cadet Championships… Born: February 24, 1990… Age: 24

Announced Pairings for Beat the Streets Team USA vs. World All-Stars
As of 4/30/14
74 kg/163 lbs. – David Taylor (USA) vs. Yabrail Hasanov (Azerbaijan)

NEW YORK, April 29, 2014 – Team USA wrestlers Nahshon Garrett (57 kg/125.5 lbs.), Jimmy Kennedy (61 kg/134 lbs.), Jordan Oliver (65 kg/143 lbs.), Brent Metcalf (65 kg/143 lbs.), Logan Stieber (65 kg/143 lbs.), David Taylor (74 kg/163 lbs.), Ed Ruth (86 kg/189 lbs.), Kyle Snyder (97 kg/213 lbs.) and Randi Miller (women’s: 69 kg/152 lbs.) were added today to the roster of American stars who will take on top international standouts in the Team USA vs. The World All-Stars international wrestling competition in support of “Beat the Streets,” set for May 7 at New York’s Times Square.

The nine star wrestlers join Olympic and two-time World champion Jordan Burroughs (74 kg/163 lbs.) and World silver medalist Helen Maroulis (55 kg/121 lbs.), who were announced by Beat the Streets and USA Wrestling as the first two U.S. competitors last week.

The purpose of this event is to elevate the profile of wrestling and to raise funds to support the operation of over 140 youth development wrestling programs in New York City, serving nearly 3,000 student-athletes.

The U.S. lineup features many of the most popular and successful athletes competing today. In total, the entire U.S. team accounts for 14 NCAA titles, four Hodge Trophy awards, 12 U.S. Open titles, six World Team berths, six Junior World medals plus an Olympic gold medal, an Olympic bronze medal, two Senior World titles and a Junior World gold medal.

Randi Miller was a 2008 Olympic bronze medalist, joining Olympic champion Burroughs as an Olympic medalist on the team.

The team will feature five athletes who won the recent 2014 U.S. Open in Las Vegas, Burroughs, Maroulis, Kennedy, Metcalf and Miller. Multiple U.S. Open champions on the team include Maroulis (five times), Burroughs (three times) and Miller (two times).

Past NCAA champions on the squad include three-time champions Ruth of Penn State and Stieber of Ohio State plus two-time champions Taylor of Penn State, Oliver of Oklahoma State, Metcalf of Iowa and Burroughs of Nebraska. Taylor won the Dan Hodge Trophy as the nation’s best college wrestler two times, while Metcalf and Burroughs were also past Hodge Trophy winners.

The team will feature two talented young athletes who are making their mark. Nahshon Garrett, who is a two-time All-American and 2014 NCAA finalist from Cornell, is 20 years old. High School senior Kyle Snyder, a 2013 Junior World champion, is just 18 years old.

The World All-Stars roster is still being finalized, and will feature Olympic, World and Continental medalists from around the world. Additionally, exhibitions involving the young Beat the Streets athletes prior to the international competition will be announced as they are set. The Beat the Streets children will take to the mat at 4 p.m., followed by Team USA vs. the World at 5:30 (match order TBD). The evening concludes with the Beat the Streets Award Gala at 7:30 p.m. at Best Buy Theater (1515 Broadway).

The USA vs. the World dual requires a ticket for reserved seating in Times Square, but is an outdoor event. Pedestrians and non-ticket holders are encouraged to watch. Admission tickets may be bought in advance at www.btsny.org or 212.245.6570. A ticket is required for the Gala. More details are available at btsny.org/gala. Fans can join the conversation about the event on Twitter by utilizing #BTSGalaTSQ.

The world-class competition has twice before been held in Times Square. Last year the event moved to historic Grand Central Terminal, where it was also a huge success. Dubbed “The Rumble on the Rails,” it featured dual meets between Team USA, Russia and Iran and was an important part of the international Keep Olympic Wrestling effort, which resulted in wrestling retaining its status on the Olympic Games program.

This will be the fifth straight year in which a major international-style wrestling competition will be hosted as part of the Beat the Streets Gala activities. In 2010, an all-star challenge featuring top U.S. wrestlers was held on the USS Intrepid, an aircraft carrier docked on the west side of Manhattan. In 2011, the United States defeated World champion Russia, 5-2, the first sports event ever held in historic Times Square. In 2012, another U.S. vs. Russia dual meet was held in Times Square, along with the U.S. Olympic Team Wrestle-off for the 60 kg/132 lbs. position on the U.S. Olympic Team in men’s freestyle. All of these events have been great showcases for international wrestling and have received major media coverage.

Team USA Biographies

57 kg/125.5 lbs. – Nahshon Garrett, Chico, Calif. (Finger Lakes RTC)
Second in 2014 NCAA Championships for Cornell… Third in 2013 NCAA Championships… Two-time EIWA champion (2013, 2014)… 2014 EIWA Wrestler of the Year… 2014 Ivy League Wrestler of the Year… 2013 EIWA and Ivy League Freshman of the Year… Sixth in 2012 FILA Junior Nationals… Seventh in 2011 Junior Nationals in freestyle… Fourth in 2010 Junior Nationals in Greco-Roman and eighth in freestyle… Two-time California state high school champion for Chico High School… Born: August 21, 1993… Age: 20

61 kg/134 lbs. – Jimmy Kennedy, Ann Arbor, Mich. (New York AC/Cliff Keen WC)
2014 U.S. Open champion… Second in 2013 World Team Trials… 2013 Yasar Dogu International champion (Turkey)… Third in 2013 FILA Golden Grand Prix Finals (Azerbaijan)… Second in 2013 Ramzan Kadyrov Cup (Russia)… 2013 Intercontinental Cup champion (Russia)… Second in 2013 Medved International (Belarus)… 2012 New York AC International Open champion… 2012 and 2013 Guelph Open champion (Canada)… Seventh in 2012 University World Championships… Second in 2013 Alexander Medved International (Belarus)… Third in 2011 Freestyle Olympic Trials Qualifier… 2012 Guelph Open champion (Canada)… Fourth in 2011 Sunkist Kids International… Second in 2010 University World Team Trials… Seventh in 2005 Junior Nationals… 2004 Cadet Nationals champion… Three-time NCAA All-American for Illinois… Two-time Illinois state high school champion… College: Illinois… High School: Fox Lake, Ill. (Grant Community)… Born: July 3, 1988… Age: 25

65 kg/143 lbs. – Brent Metcalf, Iowa City, Iowa (New York AC/Hawkeye WC)
2014 U.S. Open champion… Member of 2010 and 2013 U.S. World Team… Second in 2012 U.S. Olympic Team Trials… Second in 2013 World Cup… 2012 Stepan Sargsyan International champion (Armenia)… Second in 2013 Ivan Yarygin Grand Prix (Russia)… 2011 Olympic Test Event champion (England)… Second in 2012 Pan American Olympic Qualifier, qualifying USA for Olympics… 2011 Takhti Cup runner-up (Iran)… Second in 2011 U.S. World Team Trials… Third in 2011 and 2013 U.S. Open… Second in 2009 U.S. Open… Fifth in 2008 U.S. Open… Third in 2010 FILA Golden Grand Prix Finals (Azerbaijan)… Third in 2009 Pan American Championships… 2008 and 2010 NCAA champion for the Univ. of Iowa… 2009 NCAA runner-up… 2008 Dan Hodge Trophy winner as nation’s top college wrestler… 2006 Clansman International champion… Competed in 2006 FILA Junior World Championships… 2006 FILA Junior World Team Trials champion… Four-time Michigan state champion… Six-time Junior Nationals champion, tying national record with Sean Hage of Georgia… College: Univ of Iowa, Virginia Tech… High School: Davison, Mich…. Born: July 14, 1986… Age: 27

65 kg/143 lbs. – Jordan Oliver, Stillwater, Okla. (Titan Mercury WC)
Second in 2013 World Team Trials… Second in 2013 U.S. Open… Sixth in 2014 U.S. Open… Wildcard selection for Olympic Trials… Third in 2009 Junior World Championships… Third in 2010 FILA Junior World Team Trials… 2009 FILA Junior World Team Trials champion… 2009 University Nationals champion… 2009 FILA Junior Nationals champion… 2007 Junior Nationals champion… 2011 and 2013 NCAA champion for Oklahoma State… 2012 NCAA runner-up… Three-time Pennsylvania high school champion… College: Oklahoma State… High School: Easton, Pa…. Born: May 8, 1990… Age: 23

65 kg/143 lbs. – Logan Stieber, Monroeville, Ohio (New York AC/Ohio RTC)
Third in 2014 U.S. Open… Third in 2013 World Team Trials… Fourth in 2013 U.S. Open… 2012 Ziolkowski International champion (Poland)… Second in 2013 U.S. Olympic Team Trials… Second in 2011 Junior World Championships… 2011 Northeast Regional champion… Third at 2009 U.S. Open… Fourth at 2009 and 2011 World Team Trials… Sixth in 2010 U.S. Open… Second at 2009 FILA Junior World Team Trials… 2008 FILA Junior Nationals champion… 2008 Junior Nationals champion in both styles… 2008 FILA Junior Nationals champion… 2007 Cadet Nationals champion… 2007 FILA Cadet Nationals champion… Three-time NCAA champion for Ohio State (2012, 2013, 2014)… Four-time high school state champion in Ohio… 2010 Dave Schultz High School Excellence award national winner… Younger brother Hunter is an NCAA All-American for Ohio State… College: Ohio State… High School: Monroeville, Ohio… Born: January 24, 1991… Age: 23

74 kg/163 lbs. – Jordan Burroughs, Lincoln, Neb. (Sunkist Kids)
2012 Olympic champion… 2011 and 2013 World champion… 2011 Pan American Games champion… 2012 and 2013 World Cup champion… 2011, 2013 and 2014 U.S. Open champion… Third in 2014 Yasar Dogu International (Turkey)… 2013 Stepan Sargsyan International champion (Ukraine)… 2013 Medved International champion (Belarus)… 2011 Ukrainian Memorial International champion… 2012 Dave Schultz Memorial champion… 2012 Cerro Pelado International champion (Cuba)… Tenth in 2008 Junior World Championships… Second in 2007 University Nationals… 2009 and 2011 NCAA champion for Nebraska… Third in 2008 NCAA Championships… 2006 New Jersey state high school champion for Winslow Twp High in New Jersey… His 69-match win streak, broken in 2014, is the longest in USA Wrestling history… His current Senior record is 81-1… Born: July 8, 1988… Age: 25…

74 kg/163 lbs. – David Taylor, State College, Pa. (Nittany Lion WC)
Second in 2013 and 2014 U.S. Open… Third in 2013 World University Games… Third in 2013 U.S. World Team Trials… 2010 and 2013 University Nationals champion…Wildcard selection for 2012 Olympic Trials… Second in 2008 and 2010 FILA Junior World Team Trials… Third in 2010 FILA Junior Nationals… 2010 University Nationals champion… Eighth in 2007 FILA Junior World Championships… 2007 Junior Nationals champion in both styles… 2006 Cadet Nationals champion in both styles… 2005 Cadet Nationals champion in freestyle and second in Greco-Roman… 2005 FILA Cadet Nationals champion in both styles… 2012 and 2014 NCAA Champion for Penn State… 2012 and 2014 Dan Hodge Trophy winner as nation’s top college wrestler… Second in 2011 and 2013 NCAA Championships… Four-time Ohio state

April 22, 2014

Pack’s Fall Signee Release (updates on class at bottom of spring release)

RALEIGH, N.C. – NC State head coach Pat Popolizio has announced that seven student-athletes have signed with the Pack during the spring signing period. The addition of these seven wrestlers combine with seven the Pack signed in the fall, to give the Pack another nationally ranked class.

“Our coaching staff did an outstanding job bringing this class together,” said Popolizio. “As we recruit talent, we also recruit character; those two together are a recipe for success. This class is decorated with a lot of accomplishments. Add that to the current roster and this should help field a very talented team.

“This class will be very fun to watch develop and continue to create a wining culture here at NC State.”

Here’s a look at each of the Pack’s spring signees:

Michael Boykin
197 pounds
Coatesville, Pa. • Coatesville HS
Will wrestle at 197 pounds at NC State … Was the 2014 FloNational Champion at 220 pounds … The 2014 Pennsylvania 3A state champion at 220 pounds … Placed third at the state championships in 2013, finishing with a record of 39-2 as a junior … Was a state qualifier as a sophomore at 220 pounds, going 41-3 … Ranked fourth in the country at 220 pounds by Flowrestling.org and intermatwrestle.com … Also ranked sixth nationally by WIN Magazine.

“Mike came on strong his last two years. He showed he can compete with anyone in the country and we are excited to see him in our line-up. He is coming off a national title in high school and we expect him to develop into a national contender in college.” – Popolizio

Derrick Maisonet
184/197 pounds
Plano, Ill. • Plano HS
Will wrestle at either 184 or 197 pounds at NC State … Finished fourth at 195 pounds at the 2014 Junior Folkstyle Nationals … Was the Illinois 1A state champion at 195 pounds as a senior, finishing a perfect 49-0 … Defeated the Indiana state champion at the 2014 Illinois vs. Indiana state dual … Took sixth at 220 pounds at the 2013 Fargo Junior Freestyle Nationals … Was the Illinois 1A state champion as a junior at 220 pounds, finishing 48-1 … Ranked 16th in the country at 195 pounds by intermatwrestle.com … Also ranked 19th nationally by Win Magazine.

“Derrick is very talented and he has won some big matches. He has a lot of potential to develop into a star in college. He will be right in the mix of things in our line-up next year. His talent level alongside his work ethic is going to excel him to the highest level at NCSU.” – Popolizio

Malik McDonald
184/197 pounds
Hope Mills, N.C. • South View HS
Will wrestle at either 184 or 197 pounds at NC State … Placed seventh at 182 pounds at the 2014 NHSCA Senior Nationals … The North Carolina 4A state champion at 182 pounds as a senior … Finished second at 182 pounds at the 2013 NHSCA Junior Nationals … Took third at the state championships as a junior at 182 pounds.

“Our goal every year is to keep the best in-state kids at NC State. I feel like we were able to accomplish this with Malik (and Troy Gregor). He is just coming into his own as he had a late start to wrestling and is making huge strides in the sport.” – Popolizio

Jamal Morris
141/149 pounds
Fort Lauderdale, Fla. • Cardinal Gibbons HS
Will wrestle at either 141 or 149 pounds at NC State … Finished seventh at 132 pounds at the 2014 FloNationals … Placed second at the Florida state championships as a senior at 138 pounds … Was eighth at 2013 FloNationals … Was the state champion as a freshman, sophomore and junior … Twin brother of fellow NC State signee Jamel Morris.

“Jamal has been very consistent in his high school career. Winning three state titles is a big accomplishment. He is very exciting to watch wrestle and is very offensive minded on the mat. He and Jamel will continue to push each other to get better.” – Popolizio

Jamel Morris
133/141 pounds
Fort Lauderdale, Fla. • Cardinal Gibbons HS
Will wrestle at either 133 or 141 pounds at NC State … Recorded a top 12 showing at 126 pounds at the 2014 FloNationals … Was the state champion at 132 pounds as a senior … Took seventh at the 2013 FloNationals … Placed third at the state championships as a freshman, sophomore and junior … Twin brother of fellow NC State signee Jamal Morris.

“Jamel, just like his twin brother Jamal, has shown that he can compete with anyone in the country. We are confident that he will continue to grow into a great collegiate wrestler. We are excited that we were able to keep him and his brother together.” – Popolizio

Jonathan Gahagan
141/149 pounds
Burbank, Ill. • St. Laurence HS
Will wrestle at either 141 or 149 pounds at NC State … Placed third at the 2014 Illinois 2A state championship at 138 pounds … Went 40-1 as a senior … Went 5-1 at the 2013 Junior Greco Duals at 138 pounds and 5-2 at the 2013 Junior Greco Nationals … A four-time state qualifier (103, 126, 145, 138 pounds).

“Johnny is fun to watch wrestle as he has a solid Greco-Roman background. That coupled with his ability to pin makes him a very dangerous wrestler. We feel that he will continue to develop at NC State.” – Popolizio

Troy Seymour
165 pounds
Peru, N.Y. • Wyoming Seminary Prep
Will wrestle at 165 pounds at NC State … Placed sixth at the 2013 NHSCA Senior Nationals at 160 pounds … Took third at the 2013 New York D2 state championships at 170 pounds … Second at 170 pounds at the 2012 NHSCA Junior Nationals … Was fourth at the 2012 New York D2 state championships at 170 pounds … Finished sixth at 152 pounds at the NHSCA Sophomore Nationals and was fifth at 145 pounds at the NHSCA Freshman Nationals … Was a four-time Section 7 champion, and finished his high school career with over 200 wins … A top 200 senior according to D1collegewrestling.net.

“Troy was a consistent winner throughout high school as a four-time high school All-American. This past year, Troy did a prep year at Wyoming Seminary where he improved upon an already great wrestling base to make him more college-ready.” – Popolizio

Here is an update on the seven signees the Pack signed in the fall:
• Nicky Hall – National Prep Champion at 182 pounds (two-time champion), undefeated season
• Sean Fausz – Kentucky State Champion at 138 pounds (two-time champion), NHSCA High School Senior National Runner-Up at 132 pounds (three-time NHSCA All-American)
• Kevin Jack – New England Champion at 126 pounds (two-time champion), 3rd at NHSCA High School Senior Nationals at 126 pounds (three-time NHSCA All-American)
• Bryce Meredith – Wyoming State Champion at 138 pounds (four-time champion), 4th place at Ironman Championships at 132 pounds, 5th at NHSCA High School Senior Nationals (four-time NHSCA All-American)
• Troy Gregor – North Carolina 3A State Champion at 126 pounds (two-time champion)
• Chandler Pyke – Gerogia State Champion at 152 pounds (three-time champion), 2nd place at FloNationals at 138 pounds
• Will Crisco – National Prep All-American 6th place at 132 pounds (two-time National Prep All-American)

Jeff Metcalfe, azcentral sports 3:48 p.m. MST April 9, 2014

Jones is returning to his alma mater to become Arizona State’s seventh wrestling coach.

Jones, considered the top candidate for the job since Shawn Charles resigned last week, is leaving his job as USA Wrestling national freestyle coach for ASU, where he was a three-time All-American and on the 1988 national-championship team.

“It was always my goal to come back to college wrestling,” said the 47-year-old Jones, who has been with USA Wrestling since 2009. “Six years ago, (USA Wrestling Executive Director) Rich Bender and I talked about serving our country and getting our freestyle program back on track. I wanted to take on that challenge. I feel we are at a better place than we were. Now I am ready for a new challenge, helping elevate Arizona State’s program into one of the best in the country.”

Jones is the first hire for new ASU Vice President for Athletics Ray Anderson. Jones was a 1992 Olympic silver medalist, the 1991 world champion and has been on the U.S. Olympic coaching staff since 2004.

He also was the coach at the University of Pennsylvania and an assistant at West Virgina, ASU and Bloomsburg. He is a member of the ASU Sports Hall of Fame.

“This is a positive step forward for wrestling in America. The USA freestyle program is heading in a great direction, thanks to Zeke’s efforts. The storied program at Arizona State will get a great leader to strengthen an important college program for the future. We are grateful for Zeke Jones’ passion and commitment for USA Wrestling and the national freestyle program, and we wish him great success with his new opportunity,” said Bender.

Jones will be formally introduced at a news conference Thursday.

By Amanda Dahl
Purdue Sports Information

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue head wrestling coach Scott Hinkel has announced his resignation, effective immediately.

“Purdue University has been my home for most of my adult life, but there comes a time when you feel it is in everyone’s best interest to move away from home,” Hinkel said. “I appreciate the support I have received from everyone at the university and our fans. It is difficult to walk away from my wrestlers and fellow alumni, but I know they will persevere and do what they can to keep this program on the right track.”

Hinkel, who just completed his seventh season as head coach, posted a 74-57-2 record (.564 winning percentage). Highlights included a 23rd-place finish at the 2009 NCAA Championships and a sixth-place finish at the 2010 Big Ten Championships. He is the only head coach in Purdue history to post a winning dual record in each of his first three seasons.

Hinkel coached three All-Americans: Jake Patacsil (2009), Cashé Quiroga (2010) and Ivan Lopouchanski (2013).

At the same time, Hinkel elevated the academic success of the Boilermakers. The program achieved its first NWCA top 30 All-Academic team ranking in 2010, and his wrestlers earned 46 Academic All-Big Ten honors.

“Scott has worked tirelessly to build our wrestling program and elevate its popularity on our campus and throughout the community,” said associate athletics director Calvin Williams, who oversees the wrestling program. “He cares deeply about his student-athletes and their well-being both on the mat and in the classroom. It has been a pleasure working with him the last three years.”
Before being selected as head coach in 2007, Hinkel served as a Purdue assistant coach for 14 seasons.

As a student-athlete at Purdue, Hinkel earned All-America honors in 1987 at 126 pounds and received Academic All-Big Ten accolades, becoming the first of only two wrestlers in school history to accomplish both in the same season. He ranks first in school history in career falls (45) and second in career wins (127).

“Scott is a Boilermaker through and through,” athletics director Morgan Burke said. “He has been a tremendous ambassador for Purdue University for 25 years. In addition to his work with our wrestlers athletically and academically, Scott has been a strong advocate for the John Purdue Club and recruiting former student-athletes to join the Varsity P Club. I want to personally thank Scott for his contributions and wish him and his family all the best.”

A national search will begin for Hinkel’s replacement. Hinkel will serve in an administrative capacity with the athletics department through June 30. Assistant coaches Pete Rogers and Chris Fleeger will continue in their current roles pending the hire of a new head coach.

04/08/2014 by Jeff
Nearly half of the USA Dream Team will feature wrestlers from the Keystone State on Sunday April 13. In it’s 18th season the Cliff Keen/Wrestling USA Magazine Dream Team Classic will feature USA All-Stars vs. Georgia All-Stars. An impressive six (6) wrestlers from Pennsylvania will be making the trip to Georgia representing the USA Dream Team.
The selections are 2014 PIAA Class AAA State runner-up Scott Parker (Pennridge) at 120 lbs.; 2014 PIAA Class AA State Champion Zeke Moisey (Bethlehem Catholic) at 126 lbs.; 2013 PIAA Class AAA State Champion Tyler Smith (Franklin Regional) at 132 lbs.; 3x PIAA Class AA State Champion Jason Nolf (Kittanning) at 145 lbs.; 2014 PIAA Class AAA State Champion TC Warner (Cumberland Valley) at 152 lbs.; and 2x PIAA Class AAA State Champion Garrett Peppelman (Central Dauphin) at 160 lbs.
Parker and Moisey will take on a pair of Collin Hill High School seniors who are each ranked in the top 10 in the Nation at their respective weight-classes. Below is a look at the match-ups for the 18th Annual Cliff Keen/Wrestling USA Magazine Dream Team Classic. Rankings are based on Intermat’s latest National Rankings.
Below are the scheduled match-ups for the Team USA vs. Georgia dual meet.
113: No. 7 Brian Rossi (Lockport, Ill.) vs. Alonzo Allen (Rockdale County)
120: No. 5 Scott Parker (Pennridge, Pa.) vs. No. 3 Sean Russell (Collins Hill)
126: No. 3 Zeke Moisey (Bethlehem Catholic, Pa.) vs. No. 7 Ryan Millhof (Collins Hill)
132: No. 11 Tyler Smith (Franklin Regional, Pa.) vs. Tyler Marinelli (Jefferson)
138: No. 6 Seth Gross (Apple Valley, Minn.) vs. No. 12 at 145 Kamaal Abdush-Shakur (Parkview)
145: No. 2 Jason Nolf (Kittanning, Pa.) vs. Jason Alfau (Camden County)
152: No. 3 T.C. Warner (Cumberland Valley, Pa.) vs. Matthew Moody (Lowndes)
160: No. 3 Garrett Peppelman (Central Dauphin, Pa.) vs. Jake Henson (Pope)
170: No. 6 Chandler Rogers (Stillwater, Okla.) vs. Damarko Dixon (Appling County)
182: No. 2 at 170 Bo Nickal (Allen, Texas) vs. No. 4 at 195 Chip Ness (Buford)
195: No. 3 Nathan Rose (Sibley East, Minn.) vs. No. 3 Chance McClure (Commerce)
220: Sage Hecox (Machesney Park Harlem, Ill.) vs. No. 19 Matthew Moore (Apalachee)
285: No. 11 Billy Miller (Perry, Ohio) vs. M.J. Couzan (Archer)

Six Pennsylvania Wrestlers Selected to USA Dream Team

By Stacie Michaud
Navy Sports Information

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Naval Academy Director of Athletics Chet Gladchuk announced on Friday that Joel Sharratt has been named Navy’s new head wrestling coach. A former assistant coach at the Naval Academy under Bruce Burnett, Sharratt has spent the last eight years as the head wrestling coach at the Air Force Academy.

“Joel’s leadership, respect by peers, extraordinary accomplishments, and passion for wrestling are reflected in every step of his career,” said Gladchuk. “He returns to the Naval Academy a seasoned professional who is a proven master of his profession. Thirteen years of developing winners and leaders to serve our nation have given him a unique perspective of how to succeed at a service academy. He is a perfect fit for Navy and we have every expectation his tenure in Annapolis will be one of great academic and athletic success for our midshipmen.”

“It’s an honor to be back at the Naval Academy building leaders of character who are ready to serve our country,” said Sharratt. “I want to acknowledge Mr. Gladchuk and the institution for their support of me and the Navy wrestling program. It’s a great honor to take over such a historic program and after meeting with the team and staff today, I feel very excited about the opportunities the program has in the future. I look forward to reconnecting with the Naval Academy alumni base, former wrestlers and fans.”

Sharratt began engineering the turnaround in the Air Force wrestling program when he was introduced as the Falcons’ head coach in the summer of 2006. Although faced with a rebuilding task in his first season as head coach, Sharratt helped lead Air Force to a 3-1 mark in its inaugural season in the Western Wrestling Conference. With the Falcons earning a sixth-place team finish at the NCAA West Regional, Crozier and Devlin led Air Force as third-team all-conference selections.

In 2008, Sharratt was named the Western Wrestling Conference Coach of the Year after leading Air Force to a second-place finish at the 2008 NCAA West Regional, matching the program’s best showing at the tournament (also finishing second in 2003). Jake Kriegbaum, named the Outstanding Wrestler at the West Regional, and Tyler French both won their respective weight classes at the NCAA West Regional/WWC Championships, while three others placed second.

To cap off the season, the Falcons also sent four wrestlers to the NCAA Championship for the third time in the past four seasons. All four won at least one match at the national meet.

In 2010, Sharratt helped guide a young team to six wins and a fifth-place showing at the NCAA West Regional. In addition, he began to develop Cole VonOhlen into a national contender, as the newcomer became the first Air Force freshman since 2005 to earn a spot at the NCAA Championship. VonOhlen, nationally ranked at 141 pounds for most of the 2010 season, was named the Western Wrestling Conference Freshman of the Year and earned a second-place showing at the West Regional.

In 2011, Sharratt led Air Force to a 12-5 dual record. Seven Falcons notched at least 20 wins on the season, including a nation’s-best 44 victories from VonOhlen, while the Falcons captured third place at the NCAA West Regional. VonOhlen, ranked in the top 10 nationally, was named the Outstanding Wrestler at the West Regional and went on to his second NCAA bid in as many years.

In 2012, both VonOhlen and Josh Kreimier advanced to the round of 12 at the NCAA Championship. In addition, Sharratt was named the College Coach of the Year by the Colorado Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.

Sharratt guided Air Force to an 11-4 dual record during the 2013 campagin. Four Falcons qualified for the NCAA Championship, including VonOhlen who became just the third four-time NCAA qualifier in program history. VonOhlen, who finished in the top 12 despite battling a significant shoulder injury, was joined at the national tournament by West Regional champions Josh Kreimier and Dylan Hyder and WWC Freshman of the Year Josh Martinez.

This past season, Sharratt led the Falcons to an 11-6-3 record and a third-place finish at the NCAA West Regional. Senior 133-pound Greg Rinker captured the individual title at 133 points, while Josh Martinez (125) and freshman Natrelle Demison (149) finished as the runner-up at their respective weight class. Once again, four Falcons earned NCAA Tournament bids, including Martinez who became just the 12th wrestler in school history to earn an NCAA Tournament bid at least three times.

Sharratt’s influence has been notable off the mat as well. Josh Larson served as the Cadet Wing Commander in the spring of 2011, supporting the team’s leadership role in military development. Academically, the Falcons have been consistently in the top 10 percent of the NCAA APR (Academic Progress Rate) rankings among all Division I wrestling institutions, while earning NWCA All-Academic honors as a team in 2009. In addition, Stephen Crozier was named to the NWCA All-Academic team in 2008 and 2009, and was also a three-time member of the WWC All-Academic team. In 2013, the Falcons had two more wrestlers earn NWCA All-Academic honors.

One of the nation’s most passionate coaches, Sharratt believes in leadership from the front and when given the opportunity to deploy to Balad AB, Iraq, in the spring of 2011, he humbly accepted the chance to go overseas, serving as a part of General Neubauer’s Combatives Mobile Training Team. As combatives instructor at the Air Force Academy, Sharratt worked with the Air Force Center of Excellence, housed here at USAFA to help offer the greater Air Force the best combatives training possible.

Sharratt spent six seasons as an assistant coach at the Naval Academy under the tutelage of former U.S. National Coach Bruce Burnett. In 2005-06, Sharratt helped lead the Midshipmen to a 13-2 dual record, marking the most wins by the program since the 1990-91 season, while also sending five wrestlers to the NCAA Championship. A tenured assistant professor at the Naval Academy, he also served as the faculty chair of the USNA combative courses.

A 1995 graduate of the University of Iowa, Sharratt was a three-time All-American, earning three trips to the NCAA Finals, winning the championship in 1994. Training under the tutelage of legendary coach Dan Gable during his college career, Sharratt was a four-year letterwinner for the Hawkeyes, and was twice selected as the team captain. Sharratt led his team to the 1995 Big Ten Championship and NCAA Championship, winning the Big Ten individual championship that season. Sharratt also competed as a member of the 1993 and 1994 Big Ten Championship teams, as well as the 1992 and 1994 NCAA Championship teams.

Following his college career, Sharratt was a two-time member of the U.S. National Team, earning the bronze medal at both the 1996 Olympic Trials and 1997 Pan American Championships. While competing on the international level, Sharratt represented the United States around the world including trips to Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Italy, France and Canada. His accomplishments as a coach in the freestyle arena included cadet national champions and junior national champions, as well as multiple national team members and world medalists.

Sharratt also served as a graduate assistant at the University of Minnesota, where he earned his master’s degree in sports administration in 2000, serving a two year position as the Developmental Freestyle Coach for the state of Minnesota. Sharratt also worked as an assistant coach at Lehigh from 1996-98 and as a graduate assistant at his alma mater during the 1995-96 season.

A native of Bloomington, Minn., Sharratt was inducted into the Minnesota Wrestling Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2011. Honored as an athlete, Sharratt was recognized for his accomplishments both as a state champion at Bloomington-Kennedy High School and as an All-American and NCAA champion at Iowa.

Sharratt and his wife, Jamie, are the parents of four daughters, Tori (10), Taylor (8), Carly (5) and Trista (4).

By Caleb Miller
Sports Editor
Friday, April 4, 2014

A former Brown coach told Ophir Bernstein ’15 on his campus visit that he could be an All-American. Last weekend, Bernstein proved him right.
A former Brown coach told Ophir Bernstein ’15 on his campus visit that he could be an All-American. Last weekend, Bernstein proved him right.
At the Division 1 National Wrestling Championships last weekend, fans from across the country watched Ophir Bernstein ’15 make University history. The 184-pound captain won three of his first four matches to become the first Brunonian All-American in 16 years. In the process, Bernstein pushed his season win total to 36, the second-highest in program history.

In the match that decided who would claim the coveted All-American label, Bernstein faced off against Ohio State’s Kenny Courts. Despite holding a lower seed and having lost to Courts early in the season, Bernstein dominated his Buckeye opponent 9-4. With the ink still wet in the Brown record books, The Herald has decided to make the All-American our Athlete of the Week.

Herald: How did you get started in wrestling?

Bernstein: My dad was a really successful wrestler, and he actually wrestled in the Olympics for Israel. Wrestling is one of those sports where it’s a family thing, and my brother and I both wrestled. My dad got me into it, but once I started I definitely developed a love.

How did you choose Brown?

I visited Brown, Columbia and Harvard. Going into it, Brown was a far third choice, but seeing the student body and learning more about the open curriculum, the campus, the team, the coach — I just fell in love. Looking back, I can’t imagine going anywhere else, so it was definitely a good pick.

Did you know when you signed to wrestling at Brown that you could be a D-1 All-American?

It’s funny that you say that, because I remember when I was on my recruiting trip, the assistant coach at the time (John Clark) told me, “If you come here and work hard, we think you have a chance to be Brown’s first All-American in a while.” I thought it was a little far-fetched, because at the time of my recruiting trip, I hadn’t even won a state championship in high school. The position I was put in, with the coaches and great teammates, made it a realistic goal, but at the time I was like, “No way.”

Is it difficult to have to switch head coaches halfway through your career?

I didn’t find the transition hard at all. It’s sad to see the old coaches go. I loved them, but the new coaches fit in really great at Brown. They definitely have us headed in the right direction. Everybody on the team is motivated now and shares the same goals.

When you faced Ohio State’s Kenny Courts in the Las Vegas tournament at the beginning of the season, did you ever think you would see him again on such a big stage?

Before I wrestled him, I didn’t really think about that. But after I wrestled him and lost to him, I thought, “I sure hope I see him again.” I didn’t want to end on a loss.

What’s your favorite takedown move?

My signature move is the low single (an attack on the opponent’s near leg, below the knee). I’ve been doing that since high school, and it’s my bread and butter. But I’m trying to work in some more stuff.

Is it ever difficult to perform in an individual sport that puts you all alone on a big stage like nationals?

There’s definitely pros and cons to it. If you lose a match, you have nobody to blame but yourself. You can’t say, “Oh, if our second baseman would have caught that ball, we could have won.” On the other hand, all the glory goes to you when you win. I’ve played team sports also, but it’s a different feeling winning a team sport versus an individual match. You know that it’s you, and your guts and determination that got you there.

Athlete of the Week: Bernstein ’15 caps impressive season with All-American honor