Amateur News 2015 All-Rookie Team

By Jim Kalin the whacky and unfair seeding that went on this Waters from Missouri. Waters beat Thomasello A pair of freshmen won NCAA titles last year. The top half of the bracket was loaded, and earlier in a dual meet after catching the Buckeye year. This season’s rookie class would not be unbelievably the first eight wrestlers in order in an opening five-point takedown. At the outdone, and Ohio State’s Nathan Thomasello contained four All Americans (Alan Waters, NCAAs, Water found none of that good fortune and Fighting Illini made certain Jesse Delgado, Tyler Cox, and Dylan Peters). against Thomasello and was defeated when the of that. But was this group with 12 All Americans This was the bracket half Thomasello advanced Buckeye got a last second edge-of-the-mat and as good as last year’s? You bet, and here’s why. from. edge-of-your-seat takedown. At the Big Tens, Last season’s greenhorn NCAA champs were The other freshman champ was Isaiah Thomasello defeated defending champ Jesse Northwestern’s Jason Tsirtsis and J’Den Cox Martinez, and he is 2015’s Delgado in the semis. from Missouri. Neither repeated. Tsirtsis lost in News Rookie of the Year. Martinez is West Virginia’s Zeke Moisey (31-14) was the semis this year to Edinboro’s David Habat, undefeated in his college career and was the the surprise of the tournament, though he was but it was Cox’s loss in the same round that Midlands and Big Ten champion. He entered unable to do anything with Thomasello in the was an example of how much firing power this the NCAA tournament as the number one seed finals. Interestingly, the two met in December freshmen class possessed. The Missouri Tiger and the favorite, and he didn’t disappoint. His at the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational in the was defeated by Ohio State’s . finals opponent was Cornell’s Brian Realbuto, second round. There was no fanfare or hoopla Snyder is a redshirt freshman and ended placing though there was much controversy about his and NONE in that venue could have foreseen that second. appearance against Martinez. Realbuto had on that mat as eleven other bouts were waging Cox and Tsirtsis were the only freshmen to advanced on a ridiculous technicality after in the convention hall that these rookies would progress to the finals last year. A total of four actually losing his quarterfinal match to Kent be the NCAA finalists. Thomasello won 15-10 freshmen competed in the 2015 finals, though State wrecking ball Ian Miller. But Martinez and ended third in Vegas. Moisey whispered to only three could be champs. Thomasello and could have cared less who he met in the finals. an eighth place there. West Virginia true freshman Zeke Moisey Against Miller earlier this season in a dual met, Moisey wasn’t the only wrestler in West battled for the 125 pound title. Moisey was the Martinez showed why he is our rookie of the Virginia to make our list. Wheeling Jesuit’s true only unseeded finalist, and his impressive swath year. He pinned Miller. freshman Dustin Warner (39-14) from Claymont to the title match was strewn with upsets over Here’s a look at the top rookies for 2014- High in Ohio wrestled a whopping 53 matches the numbers 15, 2 (Cornell’s Nashohn Garrett!), 15. this season. 7, and 8 seeds. That two freshmen ended in the 125 Pounds 133 Pounds finals indicated nothing about the weight’s depth. Redshirt freshman Nathan Thomasello No freshmen All Americans at this weight 125 pounds was one of the toughest classes at (33-4) from Ohio State settled a score in St. Louis class in Division I, though that doesn’t mean the tournament. It was also the best example of with top seeded and previously undefeated Alan there weren’t some promising wrestlers, with

Nathan Tomasello Matthew Grossman Dean Heil Brandon Sorenson Isaiah Martinez 125--Ohio State 133--Wilkes 141--Oklahoma State 149-- 157--Illinois

Bo Jordan Zach Epperly Willie Miklus Kyle Snyder Nate Butler 165--Ohio State 174--Virginia Tech 184--Missouri 197--Ohio State Hwt.—Stanford

6 Amateur Wrestling News May 15th, 2015 Sammie Henson Named Rookie Coach of Year

By Denny Diehl Sammie Henson has been named National Rookie Coach of the Year by Amateur Wrestling News, one year after being named head coach at West Virginia University. He wasted no time coaching true freshman, Zeke Moisey, to the Mountaineers’ first NCAA finals since Greg Jones in 2005 and also WVU’s first All-American in eight seasons. The 20th place finish by WVU was the school’s best since an identical finish in 2005. Henson was hired last year by athletic director, Oliver Luck, the father of the Indianapolis Colts NFL quarterback. Sammie brought 17 years of coaching experience and extended his personal mark of never having a season without an All-American. In their third year in the Big 12, the Mountaineers used runner-up finishes by Moisey (125), Roman Perryman (149), Jake Smith (197) and A.J. Vizcarrondo (hwt) plus a third place by Bubba Scheffel, for a team total of 35 points, ten behind Oklahoma. It was the first time WVU had sent multiple wrestlers to the league finals. Vizcarrondo became the school’s first two-time Big 12 finalist in their three years in the conference. A native of St. Charles, MO, Henson arrived from the U. of Missouri, where he spent two years as head assistant coach. He assisted in producing the nation’s 2nd-ranked recruiting class in 2013 in addition to leading the Tigers to two straight conference titles and seven All-America finishes, including a national champion in 2014. Prior to that Henson was assistant head coach at Oklahoma from 2009-11. While there, he also helped secure the No. 2 recruiting class in the country and coached seven wrestlers to All-America status. Before Henson arrived at Oklahoma, the Sooners hadn’t had an All-American in two years. Before Oklahoma, Henson was the head assistant at Cal Poly (2007-09), volunteer assistant at Nebraska (2006-07), assistant at Army (2002-03) and Penn State (2000-02). Sammie has helped mentor national champions Michael Lightner (Oklahoma), Byron Tucker (Oklahoma), Paul Donahoe (Nebraska) and J’den Cox (Missouri), West Virginia head coach Sammie Henson (center) with assistant Henson is also the current head coach for the Sunkist Kids coach Nick Marable (left) and volunteer assistant Dom Bradley (right). Wrestling Club, which has more current world and Olympic Photo by Dale Sparks. wrestlers than any other wrestling club in the United State. As former wrestler, Henson earned three world medals: World Champion in 1998 in (John Smith Award for Missouri in 1991. He transferred to Clemson, where he became a two- USA Wrestler of the Year); a silver medal at the 2000 time NCAA Champion with a 71-0 record. at 55 kg (121 lb) in Sydney and a bronze medal at the 2006 World Henson returned to Missouri in 1995 to earn a degree in parks, Wrestling Championships at age 35. Henson started as a collegian at recreation and tourism management. He and wife, Stephanie, have Missouri, where he was a Big Eight Champion and All-American for four children: Jackson, Wyatt, Ruby and Georgia-Kate. the two best probably Virginia Tech’s Kevin and that was as a sophomore. Ashnault fell victim to Edinboro’sMitchell Port Norstrem (21-19) and Jack Hathaway from 141 Pounds in the quarters. In the consolation bracket, Heil Oregon (28-14). Both lost in the first round of Choosing the top three from this weight defeated both Jack and Ashnault. the NCAAs, then met in the consolations, with class was easy. A trio earned All American Other notables were Keith Suber (29- Norstrem winning 3-1. honors; Dean Heil from Oklahoma State 13) from Nebraska-Kearney and Boise State’s Our nod has to go to the Division II took fourth. N.C. State’s Kevin Jacks was Geordan Martinez (30-7). Martinez, whose high national champ, freshman Matthew Grossman fifth, though he progressed further in the school career record in Colorado was 166-2, (36-6) from Wilkes University. Grossman championship bracket than Heil, and Rutgers’ had a very low number of losses this season and was the 11th NCAA champ for Wilkes. He Anthony Ashnault ended eighth. Heil was ousted progressed deep into the NCAA consolations. He wrestled for Manheim Township High School in the quarters by Old Dominion’s Chris Mecate reached the round of twelve but was eliminated in Lancaster, Pa. The highest he ever placed in 4-3. Jack made it to the semis, where he had the the Pennsylvania state tournament was second, misfortune of running up against . continued on page 8

Amateur Wrestling News May 15th, 2015 7 wrestled for Cleveland St. Edward in high was eliminated in the consolations to end his school and got off to a quiet start this year mainly season 31-12. All-Rookie Team because two of his three matches as a collegian And speaking of one-two punches, how were to highly ranked opponents (Jason Tsirtsis about Central Michigan? Like Rider, the and David Habat!) After that, he lost to Iowa Chippewas had great freshmen at 149 and State’s Gabe Moreno and then fellow freshman 157. Cody LeCount finished 24-11 for Central continued from page 7 Alec Pantaleo (22-9) from Michigan. Pantaleo Michigan. Cody wins, but he doesn’t ; he had was runner-up at the Cliff Keen. With that 1-4 only one fall this season. by Heil. Martinez is a true freshman and placed start, it’s no wonder it took til February for 165 Pounds fifth at the Cliff Keen in December. He was the Heffernan to break into the national rankings. Ohio State’s Bo Jordan (22-2), son of St. Pac-12 champ and also named Freshman of the 157 Pounds Graham High coach Jeff, didn’t come Year for that conference. There hasn’t been anything like Fighting close to upsetting , but he gave 149 Pounds Illini Isaiah Martinez since . the Cowboy his most challenging match at the Iowa Hawkeye Brandon Sorenson (40-6) Martiniez, from Lemoore, California, won NCAAs, and probably of the entire season. did what nobody else could do during the three CIF state titles and finished his high Dieringer’s season record was a slaughterhouse season, and that was defeat both defending school career with a 207-7 record. He finished floor heaped in pins and tech falls. Not against NCAA champ Jason Tsirtsis and runner-up Josh his redshirt freshman year at Illinois 35-0, and the Buckeye. Even though Jordan lost (the score Kindig. He lost to this year’s eventual NCAA that zero in his season record stands for ‘NCAA was 6-1) he managed to leave spur marks while champ Drake Houdashelt 2-1 in a dual. Tsirtsis TITLE’ and has set him on track for a legitimate on top during a pain-inflicting ride that actually extracted revenge by topping Sorenson at the run at Cael Sanderson’s incredible record. Is forced Dieringer to call time-out. Jordan ended Big Tens 2-1 for the title, then again in s.v. for it too early to start thinking about that? Well, up third. third place at the NCAAs. No other rookie 149 maybe, but odds are that we’re not the only ones North Carolina’s Ethan Ramos was a New pounder placed higher. to consider the possibility of Martinez going… Jersey state champ for Hawthorne High School. Just behind Sorenson was Rider’s B.J. all…the…way. He defeated Virginia’s Nick Sulzer in a dual meet Clagon (30-11). Four of his season losses were Rider’s Chad Walsh, a redshirt freshman, this year, then lost to him in the fifth place match to Tsirtsis, and the last one ended 2-1. It seemed compiled a 33-7 record wrestling unattached last at the NCAAs. At the Southern Scuffle, Ramos like Tsirtsis beat up a lot of rookies this year. year. What a one-two punch he and B.J. Clagon lost 7-5 to Oklahoma State’s Chance Marstellar Clagon also lost to fellow freshman Christian will make the next three years for Rider head who was wrestling unattached. Marstellar will Pagdilao from Arizona State 5-2. coach Gary Taylor. Walsh lost to Minnesota’s be a redshirt freshman next season, and there’s a Central Michigan’s Colin Heffernan Dylan Ness at the NCAAs in round two, then good chance he’ll be prominently mentioned in

AWN Top Rookies -- All Time

1974: Bob Holland, Iowa State 2006: Dustin Schlatter, Minnesota 1983: Don Briggs, Northern Iowa 1975: Lee Kemp, Wisconsin 2007: Jayson Ness, Minnesota 1984: Lars Jensen, San Francisco State 1976: Mark Churella, Michgian 2008: Mack Lewnes, Cornell 1985: Mike DeAnna, Edinboro 1977: (tie) Gene Mills, Syracuse, Mike 2009: Andrew Howe, Wisconsin 1986: Jim Gibbons, Iowa State DeAnna, Iowa 2010: , Cornell 1987: Andy Rein, Wisconsin 1978: Dave Schultz, Oklahoma State 2011: David Taylor, Penn State 1988: T.J. Nelson Western Montana 1979: Darryl Burley, Lehigh 2012: Logan Stieber, Ohio State 1989: Rich Fleming, Baldwin-Wallace 1980: , Iowa 2013: Alex Dieringer, Oklahoma State 1990: Joe McFarland, Indiana 1981: Todd Osborn, Central Oklahoma 2014: J'Den Cox, Missouri 1991: Joe Gribben, St Thomas 1982: Joe Gibbons, Iowa State 2015: Isaiah Marinez, Illinois 1992: Jim Miller, Wartburg 1983: , LSU 1993: Lee Roy Smith, Arizona State 1984: Greg Randall, Iowa Top Rookie Coaches All Time 1994: Rob Koll, Cornell 1985: John Fisher, Michigan 1962: Bob Mancuso, Nebraska 1995: Mike Machholz, Missouri Valley 1986: Tim Krieger, Iowa State 1963: Grady Peninger, Michigan State 1996: Jim Beichner, Buffalo 1987: Jack Griffin, Northwestern 1964: Herb Agocs, Montana State 1997: Keith Mourlam, Virginia Tech 1988: Keith Nix, Minnesota 1965: Dick Francis, Fresno State 1998: Jim Zalesky, Iowa 1989: , Iowa 1966: Larry Sciaccehtano, N.Y. Maritime 1999: Troy Sunderland, Penn State 1990: Pat Smith, Okalahoma State 1967: Jerry Budzik, Stanford 2000: Marc Bauer, Nebraska-Kearney 1991: Alan Fried, Oklahoma State 1968: Dave Adams, Pittsburgh 2001: Brad Penrith, Northern Iowa 1992: Jody Staylor, North Carolina 1969: Willie Myers, Wis.-Whitewater 2002: Steve Buddie, Stanford 1993: Lincoln McIlravy, Iowa 1970: Tom Chesbro, Oklahoma State 2003: Greg Randall, Boise State 1994: Jacob Newby, Oklahoma State 1971: Jim Koch, Wisconsin-Parkside 2004: John Azevedo, Cal Poly 1995: Dwight Hinson, Iowa State 1972: Stan Abel, Cincinnati 2005: Nate Skaar, Wisconsin-LaCrosse 1996: , Oklahoma State 1973: Jim Kinyon, Colorado State 2006: Zeke Jones, Penn 1997: Jeremy Hunter, Penn State 1974: Pete Hexter, Mass. Maritime 2007: Cael Sanderson, Iowa State 1998: Eric Juergens, Iowa 1975: Bob Guzzo, North Carolina State 2008: Scott Hinkel, Purdue 1999: Cael Sanderson, Iowa State 1976: Mickey Martin, South Dakota State 2009: Mark Branch, Wyoming 2000: Jared Lawrence, Minnesota 1977: Dan Gable, Iowa 2010: Kevin Jackson, Iowa State 2001: Tommy Rowlands, Ohio State 1978: Tom Milkovich, Auburn 2011: Drew Pariano, Northwestern 2002: Greg Jones, West Virginia 1979: Eddie Griffin, Central Oklahoma 2012: Matt Dernlan, Clarion 2003: Teyon Ware, Oklahoma 1980: Carl Adams, Rhode Island 2013: not awarded 2004: Ben Askren, Missouri 1981: Phil Parker, Washington State 2014: Jason Peters, PIttsburgh 2005: Mark Perry, Iowa 1982: Les Gatrel, Central Missouri 2015: Sammie Henson, West Virginia

8 Amateur Wrestling News May 15th, 2015 Amateur Wrestling News 2015 All-Rookie Team

125 165 1. Nathan Thomasello, Ohio State, (33-4) 1. Bo Jordan, Ohio State (22-2) 2. Zeke Moisey, West Virginia, (31-14) 2. Ethan Ramos, North Carolina (31-11) 3. Dustin Warner, Wheeling Jesuit, (39-14) 3. Nick Wanzek, Minnesota (18-13) 133 174 1. Matthew Grossman, Wilkes (36-6) 1. Zach Epperly, Virginia Tech (29-8) 2. Jack Hathaway, Oregon (28-14) 2. Jadaen Bernstein, Navy (27-17) 3. Kevin Norstrem, Virginia Tech (21-19) 3. Jordan Ellingwood, Cent. Michigan (20-13) 141 184 1. Dean Heil, Oklahoma State (27-10) 1. Willie Miklus, Missouri (34-9) 2. Kevin Jack, N.C. State (31-10) 2. Matt McCutcheon, Penn State (26-14) 3. Anthony Ashnault, Rutgers (29-9) 3. Michael Pixley, Lindsey Wilson (27-1) 149 197 1. Brandon Sorenson, Iowa (40-6) 1. Kyle Snyder, Ohio State (30-4) 2. B.J. Clagon, Rider (30-11) 2. Cody Crawford, Oregon State (32-10) 3. Alec Pantaleo, Michigan (25-11) 3. Jared Haught, Virginia Tech (22-19) 157 285 1. Isaiah Martinez, Illinois (35-0) 1. Nate Butler, Stanford (29-9) 2. Chad Walsh, Rider (31-12) 2. Brooks Black, Illinois (19-18) 3. Cody LeCount, Central Michigan (24-11) 3. Garrett Ryan, Columbia (22-15) this feature then. Lehigh’s Nathaniel Brown, then had to slug his State got off to a good start. He won the Mike The Big Ten had some other good rookies way back to place. He won the Harold Nichols Clock Open and was second at the Roadrunner, at 165. After Jordan, Minnesota’s Nick Wanzek Open early in the season, and was second at the the Aloha Open, and Reno Tournament of (18-13) and Garett Hammond (22-12) from Penn MAC tournament. Champions. At the NCAAs, he went 2-2. His State showed the most promise. They met in a Penn State freshman Matt McCutcheon 32 wins places him fourth all-time for an OSU dual meet, with Wanzek winning 8-4. Wanzek (26-14) defeated Miklus 9-8 in the Southern freshman. began the season with a sizzling 9-0 run until he Scuffle and ended up placing fourth. He had Virginia Tech’s Jared Haught (22-19) was ran up against Dierenger in a dual meet. a challenging start, going 5-3 his first eight fifth in Las Vegas, defeating fellow freshman 174 Pounds matches. The three losses were to Nathaniel Cody Crawford 8-4 in the consolation bracket. Virginia Tech’s Zach Epperly (29-8) was Brown, Lorenzo Thomas, and Max Thomusseit. Haught ended fifth. At the ACC he was fourth the only freshman All American at the weight, He was fourth at the Big Tens, and made the and he went 1-2 at the NCAAs. and he placed seventh. He was defeated in the round of 12 at the NCAAs. McCutcheon will 285 Pounds quarters at the NCAAs by eventual champ Matt be a big player in the resurrected Nittany Lion This was the toughest weight class for Brown 2-1. Epperly will be in the driver’s seat team next year when Nico Megaludis and Zain freshmen to break through, probably because next year at the weight class since six of the Retherford return to the lineup. there were so many good heavyweights, and eight place winners were seniors. The only other Michael Pixley, two-time Missouri state it’s just difficult for young wrestlers to make returning AA is Oklahoma’s , champ from Blue Springs High School, was an immediate impact at 285. It’s just a great though there’s speculation that fellow rookie Bo runner-up at the NAIA national tournament. example of how talented wrestlers like Tommy Jordan may move up to 174 pounds. He was going to attend Illinois but changed Rowlands and Steve Mocco were. Navy’s Jadaen Bernstein (27-17) had a his mind and signed on with Lindsey Wilson in Fighting Illini Brooks Black (19-18) barely good year. He was runner-up at the Michigan Kentucky. Pixley was undefeated until his title had a winning record. He was second place at State Open. A month later at the Cliff Keen match, which he dropped to Embry-Riddle’s the Roadrunner and finished seventh at the Big he won his first two matches against seeded Jose Cruz. Tens. He went 1-2 at the NCAAs, with his only opponents (Raymond Waters-Arizona State and Thomas Sleigh (32-17) will help Bucknell win being against Nick Tavanello. Bryce Hammond-CSU Bakersfield), them lost next year. He came close to wrestling 50 bouts Columbia’s Garrett Ryan (22-15) was sixth at his next two and didn’t place. this season and was second at the Navy Open. the Michigan State Open. At the Midlands he Another promising rookie for Central 197 Pounds placed seventh. Michigan is Jordan Ellingwood (20-13). He Ohio State’s Kyle Snyder (30-4) was one Stanford’s Nate Butler (31-9) was third placed third at the MAC championships. At the of two freshmen runners-up at the NCAAs. He at the Roadrunner, the Reno Tournament of NCAAs, he was ousted in the consolation round derailed defending champ J’Den Cox in the Champions, and the Keystone Classic. He won by fellow freshman Jadaen Bernstein 4-2. semis. Cox was last season’s Rookie of the Year. the PAC-12 tournament. The redshirt freshman Stanford’s Keaton Subjek (21-12) did not Snyder won the Michigan State Open and was from Leavenworth High was a three-time qualify for the NCAAs, though he had a good third at the Cliff Keen. His lone loss in Vegas Kansas state champion. His father was a three- season. He placed second at the Keystone was to Kyven Gadson, who would pin him in time state champ in Oregon. Butler was only Classic and third at the Roadrunner. the NCAA title bout. Snyder’s only other losses the fourth freshman in school history to win a 184 Pounds were to Nathan Burak and Morgan McIntosh, conference title. He was also named to the PAC- Missouri’s Willie Miklus (34-9) placed though he avenged the loss to Burak at the Big 12 All-Academic team. seventh at the NCAAs. He was ousted from the Tens. championship bracket in the second round by Cody Crawford (32-10) from Oregon

Amateur Wrestling News May 15th, 2015 9 Isaiah Martinez - 2015 Rookie of the Year

By Seth Schwartz losses were to St. Paris Graham’s Bo Jordan, 2-1 be teammates with [Iowa’s] Brent Metcalf and The weight of great expectations was never and 4-2 at 152 and 160 pounds in the finals of Isaiah has that same edge about him that Brent a burden for Illinois’ redshirt freshman prodigy, the Ironman. Jordan was the top-rated recruit in had. As long as he continues to keep his edge Isaiah Martinez. Standing on top of the placers the country, Martinez was ranked No. 4 overall. and focus on constant improvement he can podium has become routine. At 160-pounds, Martinez was No. 2 behind dominate at any level with his God-given talent Proving he’s the class of the 157-pound Jordan. and unthinkable athleticism. class, Martinez was dominant in the title tilt “He shares the same passion for wrestling Wrestling fans are anxious to see how far with a convincing 10-2 clinic over Cornell’s and is as fierce a competitor as anyone I’ve Martinez can go. No. 2 seed Brian Realbuto, to cap a 35-0 season faced,” said Martinez. “Isaiah has unbelievable God given ability,” at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis. He became Last year he went a respectable 13-2, which said Illinois coach Jim Heffernan, a four-time the first undefeated freshman to win a national included fourth place at the Midlands. All-American at Iowa and national champion in championship since Cael Sanderson of Iowa Anxious to tangle with the elite, he went 1987. He’s assisted Illinois from 1992-2009 and State in 1999. For all this he has been named to the Fila Junior Worlds in Madison, Wis., head coach since 2009. Amateur Wrestling News' 2015 Rookie of the and was teched twice by Anthony Valencia “Emotionally, he really has the maturity Year. [from California’s St. John Bosco who signed of a senior. I’ve never seen anything like it; for Starting with a , a pin and with Arizona State]. To reach the pinnacle, he a freshman to go 35-0? These things just don’t a 10-4 decision over Virginia Tech’s Nick understood it would be a grueling process. happen. Brascetta in the quarterfinals, Martinez lined up “That was a big turning point in my career,” “There’s a fair amount of pressure that goes a formidable opponent with Nebraska’s No. 4 said Martinez. “Valencia is talented and was a along with being undefeated, but he’s handled it seed . great deal bigger than me, but I wasn’t willing without a problem.” Gaining a minute of riding time in the to respond the right way. Planting recruiting ties in California’s second period, Martinez was reversed, but came “I had to dig deep down and ask what Central Valley during the mid-1990s has been back with an escape. Getting out to begin the I wanted to get out of myself. The way I was fruitful, yielding several premier wrestlers for third period, he tied the match 2-2 and earned a training and wrestling wasn’t going to get it the Illini. After a season at Stanford, Adam decision. done. Tirapelle [Clovis High School], a three-time The final was vintage Martinez. Realbuto “My coaches threw some daggers at my All-American [runner up in 2000 and national got in a double leg early in the first period, but heart. Coach Perry asked me if I wanted to be all champion in 2001 at 149 pounds] was the first Martinez adroitly maneuvered out. Executing a that they say I could be. I just flipped a switch in of three brothers to migrate to Champaign. Alex textbook single-to-double leg takedown with 45 my mind. Tirapelle was a two-time All-American [2003, seconds left in the first period, he seized control. “I wanted to be great and I made a ‘04] and the all-time career win leader. Troy Choosing down, Martinez escaped to begin the commitment of training and living the right Tirapelle lettered from 2006-09, Gabe Flores middle frame. With 10 seconds left, he smoothly lifestyle, right away. It became about wrestling (Madera) was a four-time letter winner 2005-08 slid behind Realbuto for two. 24-7. I am athletically gifted, but I wanted it and Ryan Escobar (Placerville) lettered in 2000 Beginning the third period, Realbuto to come too easy. I was unwilling to accept it and ‘01. attempted to stand up, but Martinez took control was going to be hard. In high school, it was a As a high school freshman at Lemoore of his legs and got behind him for two. With a pushover to win state.” High School, Martinez had the benefit of minute left, Martinez broke out of his hold, hit a Last summer, Martinez got a tattoo on his learning from Marcio Botelho, who was an All- double leg and rode him out the rest of the way, neck written in Latin, ‘Vincit Quese Vincit’ American at Fresno State. As a freshman, he for a 1:37 of riding time. which translates to, ‘He who conquers himself lost by decision to then senior Jesse Delgado, of In the past decade, a select few blue- conquers.’ Gilroy, early in the year. By the state tournament, chippers have been able to come in and contend “It’s hard accepting how challenging it’s Martinez had become seasoned enough that he for a NCAA championship. This year, Ohio going to be, to be the best guy in the country,” majored Delgado for third place. Perry, then an State’s redshirt freshman, Nathan Tomasello he said. “It was a long progression. assistant at Cal Poly, was on hand to witness the (125) took a title while teammate and No. 5 “There definitely were moments where I match. seed Bo Jordan (165) lost to Alex Dieringer, was low and moments like now where I’m real “I knew that was someone I needed to keep Oklahoma State’s top-seeded champion 6-1 in high.” my eye on,” he understated. the semifinal, before placing third. His ascent has been spectacular. Only eight Moving to Champaign, a relentless “The sport is growing at the youth level and of his wins were by decisions; he trailed in only recruiter, Perry brought Delgado to the Illini. kids are getting high level training at a young one match. When Martinez came to visit, he issued a age,” said Illinois assistant coach Mark Perry. When coaches, wrestlers or fans comment statement to Delgado. “There are a few guys coming into college about Martinez, a litany of superlatives are “We really, really want this guy; so make that have the goal to win it as freshman. Years spliced into the conversation. sure things go well.” ago nobody thought anyone could break a four “Isaiah is just an athletic freak,” said Perry. Martinez found a comfort zone in minute mile, but so much of it is mental. “Pound for pound he’s the strongest wrestler Champaign, Il. “When [Oklahoma State’s] Pat Smith I’ve seen. He has an incredible mental focus and “I visited to Oklahoma State and Missouri [1990-92, ‘94] became the first four-timer it was discipline. and was supposed to visit Iowa and Oregon incredible. Then Cael did it [1999-2002], then “Technically, he has lots of room to grow. State,” he said. [Cornell’s] Kyle Dake [2010-13] and now [Ohio At the Big Ten, we he had a game-plan to be “I felt a great dynamic with the guys on State’s] Logan Stieber.” careful in positions and then when he goes, to the team and the coaching staff. It’s a beautiful Coming out of Lemoore High School go hard and not give his opponent any room to campus and awesome school so I decided to in California’s Central Valley, the toughest get out. verbal right there. wrestling area in the state, Martinez posted a “Isaiah’s drive and passion for the sport is “I see a lot of myself in Mark. We’re similar 205-7 mark with 103 pins, 78 technical falls and what separates him from others. He is constantly mentally, we have a high energy and fanatical a trio of titles: 140, 152 and 160. Two of the improving in all areas. I had the opportunity to about what we do. He’s been very helpful with

10 Amateur Wrestling News May 15th, 2015 my mental side. “Coach [Jeremy] Hunter is my technical coach, he’s on the mat with me. Coach Heff is more of a father figure. He looks out for everyone on the team. He tells you what to do and what not to do. I was with him Monday morning at the press conference. I asked him about the future and he gave me several things I need to work on for the next few months.” Always looking to conquer new heights, Martinez is focused on the next tournament. “I would like to represent the United States in the World Games at 70 kilos,” he said. Adam Tirapelle knew Martinez makeup and mettle were rarely seen, even among the best. “Isaiah is self driven, he’s just an amazing kid,” said Tirapelle, whose been assisting his father Steve at Clovis High School, the top power in California, since 2006. Adam Tirapelle is a financial planner with Hobbs, Conner and Tirapelle which is affiliated with Wells Fargo Advisors. “He’s one of the most unique kids I’ve met. You could do a story on 100 kids and not find another one like him. Driving home from an all-star meet in Los Angeles before his during his junior year, he got a chance to see what made Martinez. “A lot of kids at the top level have talent, but they don’t it. They think, ‘I won state, I know it all.’ “Isaiah is smart, he’s inquisitive and has the drive to be the best. Even at that time, he was worldly in his wrestling knowledge. He wanted to be an NCAA champ. He wanted to know, how can I get better? “In high school, most of the matches he lost were because he beat himself. He’d throw himself on his back, he wasn’t afraid to try anything. He’d score for the opponent and himself. He was fearless.” Following his epic performance, the Illinois fans congregated for a reception, where Tirapelle offered congratulations. “I said, ‘Hey, that was awesome!’ The first thing he does is ask me how good we were and how the state tournament was. “This is just after he went undefeated! He’s a very sharp kid. “A lot of people have a hard time letting go when the stakes are up, he’s fearless on the mat; he lets it fly. That’s what makes him who he is. “Isaiah has an incredible personality. He’s smart, respectful, mature and willing to work for it. He always wants to learn and get better. “Isaiah would always enter in some little tournaments and challenge DII kids from college who were 20 pounds bigger. He’d lose, but he didn’t care. He just loved to wrestle; he’s totally self-driven.” Steve Tirapelle was on hand in St. Louis and has enjoyed watching Martinez’s evolution. “Isaiah’s feel for positions is ungodly,” he said. “He adjusts very quickly. He has heavy hips and can do a lot of things from positions. In his match against Green, you saw Green was trying to keep it close. Against [Minnesota’s Dylan] Ness [for the Big Ten Championship], the more he pressed, the better Isaiah got. Isaiah 2015 NCAA 157-POUND FINALS -- Illinois' freshman Isaiah Martinez dominated Cornell's can get you from multiple positions in multiple Brian Realbuto with a 10-2 win to cap an undefeated season. Photo by Simon Jimenez ways.”

Amateur Wrestling News May 15th, 2015 11