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Editor-In-Chief LANNY BRYANT Order of Merit USA MAGAZINE National Wrestling Hall of Fame AAU National Wrestling Hall of Fame LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Managing Editor CODY BRYANT 2018 Wrestling USA Magazine All-American Teams Assistant Editor ANN BRYANT By Dan Fickel, National Editor National Editor ne of our favorite features of the year is the annual Wrestling USA Magazine All-American DAN FICKEL Teams. Each year we are proud to recognize the top high school seniors in the country. National Photographer There are 13 “Dream Teamers”, 13 “Academic Teamers”, 96 other All-Americans, and 120 G WYATT SCHULTZ Honorable Mention All-American selections. Forty-nine states are represented from the Contributing Editor numerous nominations received. O The 2018 Dream Team is a tremendously-decorated one, comprised of five-time state BILL WELKER Design & Art Director champions Joey Silva (138) of Florida, and (152) of Ohio, four-time state champions Roman CODY BRYANT Bravo-Young (132) of Arizona, Travis Wittlake (170) of Oregon, (182) of Maryland, and Administrative Assistants Gable Steveson (285) of Minnesota, three-time state champions Malik Heinselman (120) of Colorado, LANANN BRYANT Patrick McKee (126) of Minnesota, Shane Griffith (160) of New Jersey, Gavin Hoffman (195) of CODI JEAN BRYANT Pennsylvania, and Mason Parris (220) of Indiana, two-time Pennsylvania state champion Sammy Sasso SHANNON (BRYANT) WOLFE (145), and Missouri state champion Cevion Severado (113) . Carr won four state titles in Ohio and a GINGER FLOWERS Kentucky state crown while in eighth grade. The 13 members of the team represent 44 state titles and Advertising/Promotion 2,469 match victories. They average an overall win-loss record of 190-9. Parris leads in G.P.A. with a CODY BRYANT 4.28, followed by Griffith with a 3.9 and Heinselman with a 3.8. Silva leads the team with 267 career National Office wins, while Parris has the most career falls with 141. Bravo-Young heads the team with a 100% winning 107 Apple House Lane percentage, followed by Parris at 99.5%, Wittlake at 99% and Brooks at 98.8%. Steveson secured a Junior Missoula, MT 59802 World Freestyle Championships title, two Cadet World Freestyle Championships crowns, and a Cadet (406) 360-9421 National Freestyle Championships title, while Heinselman, Bravo-Young, Wittlake, and Brooks cap- [email protected] tured multiple Cadet National Championships titles. Heinselman, McKee, Carr, and Brooks won titles Wrestling USA (ISSN) 0199-6258 at the prestigious Junior National Freestyle Championships. Silva, Sasso, and Carr captured titles at the Wrestling USA Magazine, Inc. is published ten highly-regarded Walsh Ironman Tournament. Bravo-Young, Silva, Brooks, and Hoffman were multiple times yearly as follows: September, Fall Buyer’s winners of the esteemed National High School Championships. Silva, Sasso, Carr, and Griffith claimed Guide, October, November, December, January, first-place honors at the always-tough Super 32 Challenge Tournament. February, March, April and May. Editorial Office: 590 Royal Oak Dr. #18, The highly-accomplished Academic Team features four-time state champions Ty Smith (120) of Pass Christian, MS 39571 Nevada, Alex Thomsen (126) of Iowa, Collin Gerardi (132) of Virginia, Jeremy Schoenherr (138) of All contributions are welcome. Please enclose postage Wisconsin, Brock Hardy (145) of Utah, Quincy Monday (152) of North Carolina, Jared Franek (160) of with manuscripts, illustrations and photographs North Dakota, Layne Hatcher (195) of Arkansas, Brandon Whitman (220) of Michigan, and Seth Nevills submitted if they are to be returned. We assume no (285) of California, three-time Ohio state champion Rocky Jordan (170), state champion Dylan responsibility for unsolicited materials. All rights, Ryder (113) and Illinois state champion Jack Jessen (182). The thirteen members of the team have an in letters and photos sent to Wrestling USA, will be astounding 3.93 average G.P.A. and an average win-loss record of 186-6. Nevills leads the team with a treated as unconditionally assigned for publication and 99.71% winning percentage, followed by Thomsen at 99.48%, Whitman at 98.54%, and Hatcher at copyright purposes. They are subject to Wrestling 97.96%. Franek accumulated the most career victories with 268 and Hatcher recorded the most career USA’s unrestricted right to edit and to comment falls with 202. Monday leads in G.P.A. with a brilliant 4.65, followed by Gerardi and Jessen at 4.2, and editorially. Printed in USA; entire contents © 2018 Hardy and Franek at 4.0. Hardy and Jordan were victorious at the Walsh Ironman Tournament, while Wrestling USA; reprinting in whole or in part is forbidden except by written permission of publisher. Thomsen and Jessen captured titles at the rugged Junior National Greco-Roman Championships. Smith Subscriptions: One year (10 issues) $35 in United was triumphant at the highly-acclaimed Junior National Freestyle Championships. Hardy and Franek States and Possessions. All other countries $60 in seized top honors at the Cadet National Freestyle Championships, while Ryder and Gerardi were cham- US currency or international money order. Send to: pions at the prestigious National High School Championships. Schoenherr and Franek were runner- Wrestling USA Magazine, 590 Royal Oak Dr. #18, ups at the Junior National Freestyle Championships. Whitman took second at the Cadet National Pass Christian, MS 39571 Freestyle Championships and Nevills was victorious at Flo Nationals. Send National Record Proposals: Unfortunately, we did not receive nominations for some deserving young men. We also received Cody Bryant some incomplete nominations that lacked necessary information and/or quality photos and received 590 Royal Oak Dr. #18 some nominations well past the April 1st deadline. Pass Christian, MS 39571 Eight factors were considered in determining the All-American Teams. They included: E-Mail: [email protected] (1) Overall varsity high school record and accomplishments at the State High School Championships; Send All-American Nominations or Correspondence on High School and College Wrestling: (2) National Junior Freestyle and Greco-Roman Championships; Dan Fickel, 10757 Woodrun Dr., Strongsville, OH 44136 (3) Performances at prestigious regular season high school tournaments; E-Mail: [email protected] (4) Cadet National Championships; Change of Address: Six weeks are required to (5) Super 32 Challenge Tournament; change your mailing address. Forwarding postage (6) National High School Championships; is paid by you and lost copies cannot be replaced. (7) Nomination forms and letters of recommendation sent by coaches and parents; To ensure delivery, send us your old and new (8) Academic excellence and citizenship. address at least six weeks before moving. Include Cover Photo your new zip code. Advertising: Rates available upon request. Contact Cody Bryant, Managing Editor. 2018 Dream Team Classic Wrestling Dual - 113 lbs. phone (406) 360-9421. Cevion Severado (Christian Brothers College, MO) Postmaster: Send address changes to Wrestling USA Magazine, Inc., 590 Royal Oak Drive #18, finishing an inside trip takedown on Jose Diaz (Wheeler, Pass Christian, MS 39571. Periodical postage paid IN). Severado won by decision 11-8. Photo by G Wyatt at Missoula, MT 59802 and at additional offices. Schultz. PRINTED IN THE USA E Mail: [email protected] NATIONAL ACTION WRESTLING PHOTO CONTEST Web Site: http://www.wrestlingusa.com Send your best action wrestling photos to [email protected]. Name: wusa10 The best photos will be recognized each issue. All photos should Password: Cody10 be submitted digital at 300 dpi. Wrestling U.S.A. Magazine - May 30, 2018 page 3 WRESTLING USA MAGAZINE TABLE of Contents

May 30, 2018 Volume 53, No. 10

THE NATIONAL VOICE OF HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLING

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR 2018 ALL-AMERICAN HONORABLE MENTION 3 By Dan Fickel, National Editor 20

NCAA DIVISION I WRESTLING CHAMPIONSHIPS 6 Penn State Stunning 2018 Wrestling Title Will be DREAM TEAM CLASSIC Talked About for Years and Years 24 Team Indiana Brings the Crowd to Their Feet By Roger Moore But Lose to Team USA By Cody Bryant NCAA DIVISION II WRESTLING CHAMPIONSHIPS 8 Saint Cloud State Wins Third Title in Four Years ALL-CLASS RANKINGS By NCAA 26 2018 Best All-Class Final Rankings By Dan Fickel, National Editor NCAA DIVISION III WRESTLING CHAMPIONSHIPS 10 Wartburg Wins 14th Title and Third Straight HIGH SCHOOL TEAM RANKINGS By Cody Bryant 31 Top 50 High School Teams By Stuart Mahler NAIA WRESTLING CHAMPIONSHIPS 12 Grand View Wins Seventh-Straight National GIRLS WRESTLING Championship 32 A Year of New Opportunities for Girls High By NAIA School Wrestling By Joan Fulp MASTER-OF-WRESTLING 14 Dan Lefebvre Otsego, Minnesota STATE AWARDS 34 2018 State Person-of-the-Year Awards COACH-OF-THE-YEAR 15 Brian Antonelli Blair Academy Blairstown, New Jersey

ASSISTANT COACH-OF-THE-YEAR 16 John Conte Garnet Valley High School Glen Mills, Pennsylvania

MANAGER-OF-THE-YEAR 17 Jayden Russell Flathead High School Kalispell, Montana

OFFICIAL-OF-THE-YEAR 18 Stan Ono Mililani, Hawaii

SPORTSWRITER-OF-THE-YEAR 19 Kim North Martins Ferry Times-Leader 2018 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championship Final 141 lbs. Yianni Diakomihalis (Cornell) trying to keep control of the Bridgeport, Ohio foot of (Wyoming). Diakomihalis won by decision 7-4 to be one of two true freshmen (other being Spencer Lee, Iowa) to win in the finals . Photo by G Wyatt Schultz. page 4 May 30, 2017 - Wrestling U.S.A. Magazine

NCAA Wrestling Championships

Penn State's stunning 2018 wrestling title will be talked about for years and years By Roger Moore

t was a moment that will lead highlight reels for NCAA It was a magical moment in the history of . Wrestling Championships for the next 100 years and beyond. “I’ve been doing that move for a really long time,” said Nickal, one With three days of battles between front-runners Penn State of four champions for PSU. “I try it a lot in practice, just messing and Ohio State reaching its peak, old rivals and around and play wrestling with guys and stuff like that. So it’s a posi- I took the mat to decide the 184-pound weight tion that I’m comfortable in. And I knew what I was doing. I didn’t class. Martin, a senior for Ohio State, beat Nickal in an NCAA final have to think too much about it.” two seasons ago; Nickal, a junior and national champion in 2017, For Penn State and head coach it marked another owned wins over Martin twice this season. A Buckeye win and the monumental March run. Ohio State wrestled the Big Ten title away team title would come down to Martin’s teammate Kyle Snyder, an from State College and brought a powerful team to Cleveland. The Olympic champion. Buckeyes led early and regained the lead after a strong Saturday Quicken Loans Arena’s record wrestling crowd was ready to morning in consolations. With two finalists, head coach Tom Ryan’s explode. Martin started strong, attacking Nickal time and again over bunch made a move with six additional All-Americans. And when ris- the first two minutes. The deciding attack saw Nickal go to his back ing star , a sophomore for Arizona State, took down and appear to be in trouble. But a small adjustment and the high-fly- 2017 champion in the 174-pound final Saturday night, ing Texan flipped Martin to his back with a “high-flyer” and when the Buckeye fans’ energy rose significantly. official slapped the mat the arena went wild. Nickal’s clinched his Then Nickal’s dramatics ended any hope. second individual title and Penn State’s seventh in eight years. “I’m obviously very proud of these guys,” said Sanderson’s whose

Spencer Lee Seth Gross Yianni Diakomihalis Jason Nolf 125-Iowa 133-South Dakota State 141-Cornell 149-Penn State 157-Penn State

Vincenzo Joseph Zahid Valencia Bo Nickal Michael Macchiavello Kyle Snyder 165-Penn State 174-Arizona State 184-Penn State 197-North Carolina State 285-Ohio State page 6 May 30, 2018 - Wrestling U.S.A. Magazine WrestlingUSA.com

2018 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships bouts at the Big Ten Championships, then defaulting out of the tour- Final Team Standings nament to finish sixth. In Cleveland, the 157-pounder rolled to his 1. Penn State 141.5 36 Navy 7.0 second title, beating North Carolina State rookie Hayden Hidlay in 2 Ohio State 134.5 38 Central Michigan 6.5 the finals. 3 Iowa 97.0 38 Northern Colorado 6.5 The third PSU title winner, sophomore Vincenzo Joseph, beat 4 Michigan 80.0 40 Eastern Michigan 5.0 Illinois senior in the 165 final for a second straight 4 NC State 80.0 40 Pennsylvania 5.0 year. In 2017, Joseph pinned Martinez; on Saturday night it was a 6 Missouri 61.5 42 Army West Point 4.5 dominant decision. Martinez finished a brilliant career that included 7 Cornell 48.0 43 Columbia 4.0 8 Virginia Tech 47.5 43 Utah Valley 4.0 four trips to the NCAA finals and just three career losses. He was a 9 Nebraska 47.0 45 Iowa State 3.0 champion in 2015 and 2016. 10 Arizona State 43.0 45 North Dakota State 3.0 Iowa’s solid tournament included a massive performance from true 11 Rutgers 42.5 45 Rider 3.0 freshman 125-pounder Spencer Lee. A Junior World champion in 12 South Dakota State 42.0 48 Chattanooga 2.5 freestyle, Lee rolled to the final where he beat Rutgers’ talented Nick 13 Illinois 37.5 48 Northern Illinois 2.5 Suriano. 13 State 37.5 50 Appalachian State 2.0 15 Lehigh 36.5 50 Brown 2.0 Lee was one of two true freshmen to win a title. Cornell’s Yianni 16 Lock Haven 35.0 50 Bucknell 2.0 Diakomihalis trailed Wyoming’s Bryce Meredith in the third period, 17 Minnesota 27.5 50 Clarion 2.0 but countered a shot and locked up a slick cradle to secure the neces- 17 Wisconsin 27.5 50 Old Dominion 2.0 sary points for victory. It marked the first time since 1947 that two 17 Wyoming 27.5 55 Indiana 1.5 true freshman won championships. 20 North Carolina 27.0 56 American 1.0 South Dakota State totaled three All-Americans and crowned jun- 21 Oregon State 26.0 56 Campbell 1.0 ior 133-pounder Seth Gross. A runner-up in 2017, Gross beat second- 22 Duke 21.0 56 Franklin & Marshall 1.0 22 Kent State 21.0 56 George Mason 1.0 seeded Stevan Micic of Michigan in the title bout. 24 Northern Iowa 20.0 56 Harvard 1.0 A big fan favorite was Kent State 197-pounder Kyle Conel. He 24 Northwestern 20.0 56 Oklahoma 1.0 wrestled a pigtail match on Thursday morning and was the only 26 Princeton 17.0 62 Binghamton 0.5 entry to win three bouts on the first day. In Friday’s quarterfinals, 27 Maryland 12.5 62 Cal Poly 0.5 Conel tossed top-seeded Kolin Moore to his back for a first period 28 Hofstra 12.0 62 Fresno State 0.5 pin. On Saturday morning, Conel, after falling in the semifinals to 28 Purdue 12.0 65 Air Force 0.0 30 West Virginia 11.5 65 Buffalo 0.0 Macchiavello on Friday night, beat Moore a second time to finish 31 Pittsburgh 10.5 65 Cleveland State 0.0 third. 31 Virginia 10.5 65 Gardner-Webb 0.0 Oklahoma State, with 34 NCAA team titles, finished tied for 13th, 33 CSU Bakersfield 9.5 65 Michigan State 0.0 the second lowest in head coach John Smith’s 27 seasons. Fellow Big 34 Stanford 8.5 65 Ohio 0.0 12 members Iowa State and Oklahoma, who have a combined 15 35 Drexel 8.0 65 SRN IL-Edwardsville 0.0 NCAA titles between them, finished 45th and 56th, respectively, 36 Edinboro 7.0 65 The Citadel 0.0 both program lows. The 12 Big 12 programs combined for 11 All- team totaled 141.5 points to edge Ohio State by eight. “I think they Americans, seven of them between OSU and South Dakota State. put forth a tremendous effort throughout the whole year. And a great Quicken Loans Arena broke NCAA records for attendance. The six- day today, great day yesterday. And just proud of them and happy session total of 113,743 is No. 1 all-time and the 19,776 for Saturday for them, more than anything.” night’s final round also set a new standard. The 2019 Championships Both squads had missed opportunities. are set for Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania March 21-23rd. “We can look at a lot of matches that happened this weekend. The Ke-Shawn Hayes quarterfinal was huge,” Ryan said. “If Ke-Shawn 2018 NCAA Division I Championship Final Matches Hayes gets that reversal … We can look back at points everywhere. The bottom line is it wasn’t enough.” 125-Spencer Lee (Iowa) dec. Nick Suriano (Rutgers) 5-1. Ohio State’s Kyle Snyder finished what should be considered one 133-Seth Gross (South Dakota St) dec. Stevan Micic of the best collegiate careers in the history of the sport, all while win- (Michigan) 13-8. ning Olympic gold in 2016 and a pair of World Championships. A 141-Yianni Diakomihalis (Cornell) dec. Bryce Meredith four-time finalist and three-time champion, Snyder beat Michigan’s (Wyoming) 7-4. Adam Coon in his final match. 149-Zain Retherford (Penn St) dec. Ronald Perry “The greatest of all time,” Ryan said. “This is a guy that was doing (Lock Haven) 6-2. double duty. He was overseas winning World championships while 157-Jason Nolf (Penn St) dec. Hayden Hidlay also winning national championships. Unheard of. There has not (North Carolina St) 6-2. been a wrestler like him in my opinion at this point in his career.” 165-Vincenzo Joseph (Penn St) dec. Isaiah Martinez “I’ll look back at my career at Ohio State and just be thankful for not (Illinois) 6-1. what I was able to achieve, but all the moments and camaraderie and 174-Zahid Valencia (Arizona St) dec. Mark Hall experience I’ve had with my teammates and coaches and my (Penn St) 8-2. improvement as a wrestler and as a man and my faith especially, all 184-Bo Nickal (Penn St) fall Myles Martin that’s grown so much,” Snyder said. “So that’s what I look back on.” (Ohio St) 2:30. PSU’s Zain Retherford beat Lock Haven’s Ronnie Perry for 149- 197-Michael Macchiavello (NC St) dec. Jared Haught pound gold. It marked the senior’s 94th straight win and third (Virginia Tech) 3-1. national title. 285-Kyle Snyder (Ohio St) dec. Adam Coon Retherford’s teammate, junior Jason Nolf, was injured late during (Michigan) 3-2. the regular season. His health was in question after wrestling just two Wrestling U.S.A. Magazine - May 30, 2018 page 7 NCAA Wrestling Championships

Saint Cloud State Wins Third Title in Four Years By NCAA

ot every sporting event has a defining moment, that “I “We had a great rally,” said head coach Steve Costanzo, who’s led can’t believe what I just saw” highlight that brings every- SCSU to national titles in three of the last four seasons. “The guys were one out of their seats. really feeding off each other. If you could have written the script it was At the 2018 NCAA Division II Wrestling ideal. One of the things I told our kids this morning was that we owed Championships last weekend, St. Cloud State and Larry it to them to give our best effort because I thought we had more to give N Bomstad certainly provided a moment to remember. (on Friday). Our crowd wasn’t loud enough because we weren’t enter- Defending champion Notre Dame College led the taining enough. Huskies after the first day of wrestling and sent Fernie Silva to the mat “We were much more entertaining (Saturday), got some excitement against Bomstad in a key semifinal bout at 157 pounds. A big third built up.” period takedown gave the talented Falcon a 4-2 lead, but Bomstad, a During the Huskies’ 2015 championship run Bomstad also had a big senior, reversed Silva to his back and scored a monstrous pin that pin in consolations that sparked the team. brought the SCSU fans out of their seats. A weight class later it was “Bomstad really ignited our team (in 2015),” Costanzo recalled. James Pleski flattening Wisconsin-Parkside’s Frank Yattoni; Vince “We only had six qualifiers and he had a big pin in the blood round Deitz finished off a big semifinal round with a pin in the 197-pound to give us six All-Americans. He really sparked of that tournament for semifinals us, the guy that really let us know we could do this. He kind of did the SCSU took a lead it would never relinquish and outdistanced NDC same this morning; a senior, great kid, great to have a big moment like by 8.5 points in the final tally. Throw in Jarred Oftedahl and Kolten that as a senior to help us win a national championship.” Eischens, who each had pins in the consolations, and the 10 points Although Bomstad fell in the finals to Pittsburgh-Johnstown’s Cody from pins over the course of two hours was the difference. Law, three All-America seasons and helping his team win a title will

Elijah Hale Josh Walker Chris Eddins Daxton Gordon Cody Law 125-Central Oklahoma 133-Upper Iowa 141-Pittsburgh-Johnstown 149-California Baptist 157-Pittsburgh-Johnstown

Bret Romanzak Nick Becker Noel Torres Luke Cramer Terrance Fanning 165-Ashland 174-Wisconsin-Parkside 184-Newman 197-Ashland 285-Wheeling Jesuit page 8 May 30, 2018 - Wrestling U.S.A. Magazine WrestlingUSA.com

2018 NCAA Division II Championship Final Matches 2018 NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships 125-Elijah Hale (Central Oklahoma) Final Team Standings Maleek Williams (Upper Iowa) 17-2. 133-Josh Walker (Upper Iowa) decisioned George Farmah (Minnesota St) 1-0. 1 St. Cloud St. 92.5 26 Mary 10.0 141-Chris Eddins (Pittsburgh-Johnstown) decisioned 2 Notre Dame (OH) 84.0 26 Millersville 10.0 Darren Wynn (McKendree) 4-2. 3 California Baptist 70.5 26 Minot St. 10.0 149-Daxton Gordon (California Baptist) decisioned 4 Upper Iowa 58.0 30 Newberry 9.0 James Pleski (Saint Cloud St) 5-1 SV-1. 5 Ashland 55.0 31 Lindenwood (MO) 8.0 157-Cody Law (Pittsburgh-Johnstown) decisioned Larry 6 Pitt.-Johnstown 54.5 32 Adams St. 7.0 Bomstad (Saint Cloud St) 6-3. 7 McKendree 52.0 33 Augustana 5.5 165-Bret Romanzak (Ashland) decisioned Christian 8 Neb.-Kearney 44.5 33 Fort Hays St. 5.5 Smith (California Baptist) 3-2. 9 Central Okla. 36.5 35 UIndy 4.5 174-Nick Becker (Wisconsin-Parkside) decisioned Nolan 10 Minnesota St. 30.5 36 Mercyhurst 4.0 Kistler (California Baptist) 8-4. 11 Colorado St.-Pueblo 30.0 37 Gannon 3.5 184-Noel Torres (Newman) decisioned JaVaughn Perkins 12 Newman 27.5 38 Lake Erie 3.0 (Colorado St-Pueblo) 3-1. 13 Wheeling Jesuit 25.5 39 Belmont Abbey 2.5 197-Luke Cramer (Ashland) decisioned Vince Dietz 14 Western St. 20.5 39 Chadron St. 2.5 (Saint Cloud St) 5-1. 15 UNC Pembroke 19.0 39 N.M. Highlands 2.5 285-Terrance Fanning (Wheeling Jesuit) decisioned 16 Simon Fraser 15.5 39 Ohio Valley 2.5 Kameron Teacher (Notre Dame) 8-2. 17 Kutztown 13.5 43 San Francisco 1.5 18 Northern St. 12.5 43 Seton Hill 1.5 19 King (TN) 12.0 45 Southwest Minn. St. 1.0 not soon be forgotten. 20 Colorado Mesa 11.5 45 Tiffin 1.0 “It was exciting, obviously,” Bomstad said. “I was tired, exhausted, 20 Ouachita Baptist 11.5 47 Alderson Broaddus 0.5 but I told myself ‘this is your last tournament ever to wrestle, just do 20 Shippensburg 11.5 47 Maryville (MO) 0.5 everything and anything possible to push through.’ “Coach (Costanzo) told us that most of us might never get the 23 LIU Post 11.0 47 Truman 0.5 chance again; I’m graduated so I won’t get another chance. I just kept 23 West Liberty 11.0 50 Colo. Sch. of Mines 0.0 telling myself, get (Silva) to his back and pin him because if I win the 25 Limestone 10.5 50 MSU Moorhead 0.0 team wins and those points were big.” 26 Findlay 10.0 50 Wis.-Parkside 0.0 SCSU went 0-3 in the finals, but no team could catch them after the third session. NDC had a tournament-high seven All-Americans, but just one finalist. The 8.5 point margin wrapped up the team title before the finals began. “We had a good tournament. We brought seven and had seven All- Americans,” said NDC coach Frank Romano. “St. Cloud State was just better. I really thought we came back strong (in consolations) after we had fallen behind. You want to win championships and we have a really strong group of recruits coming in.” Wisconsin-Parkside’s Nick Becker was rightfully named the tourna- ment’s Outstanding Wrestler. The senior 174-pounder capped off an 89-0 career with a third national title by beating the talented Nolan Kistler in the finals. Kistler, a three-time Elite 90 Award winner, scored the bout’s opening takedown, but Becker, a beast on top and solid defensively, earned an 8-4 decision. Becker’s final bout included a number of stoppages due to flowing blood from Becker’s nose. “Felt like a normal match, but there was way too much blood time,” Becker said. “It was tough, but you have to keep wrestling. I’m guess- ing (I broke my nose) because I haven’t bled like that in two or three years. “Winning three or 89-0? I don’t know which is bigger. I think what is impressive is my coaching staff, my teammates because they helped me get to this point.” As a team, the Rangers would have finished with 74 points, which would have been good for third place behind St. Cloud State (92.5) and Notre Dame (84). Due to conference sanctions, Parkside is ineligible to place in the team standings. Third place would have been the best place in Parkside history, surpassing the fifth place finish in 2010. St. Cloud State totaled 92.5 points to edge NDC and its 84 points. California Baptist (70.5), Upper Iowa (58), and Ashland (55) rounded out the top five, Ashland moving past Pittsburgh-Johnston by .5 point with its two champions. Thirty-six schools had at least one All- American, 19 with a solo top eight finisher. The 2019 DII Championships are set for Cleveland.

Wrestling U.S.A. Magazine - May 30, 2018 page 9 NCAA Wrestling Championships

Wartburg Wins 14th Title and Third Straight By Cody Bryant

he Wartburg wrestling team won it’s 14th NCAA national championship title ending with a 23 match winning National Title and third straight with 136.5 points with streak. Wartburg would finish with a total of eight All- three champions and two runner-ups. The question Americans. wasn’t who was going to win the team title, it was by Two Augsburg wrestlers won inddividual titles lifting the T how much. You only have to go back to 2012 when Auggies to a second-place team finish edging past third-place Wartburg again won the title over Augsburg by 55 points and Ithaca by 3 points. Lucas Jeske claimed his national title at 165 hold the record back in 2003 when they won the title by 78 lbs. with a technical fall over Nick Velez of Ithaca. Jeske tourna- points. ment dominance earned him the Most Outstanding Wrestler The Knights three champions were Brock Rathbun at 133 lbs., award and finished the season 39-1. Ryan Epps needed sudden- Cross Cannone at 149 lbs. and Kyle Fank at 197 lbs. and their death overtime to win 3-1, winning his national title at 157 lbs. two runner-ups Logan Thomsen at 157 lbs. and Tyler Lutes at Ryan ended the season 41-1 and on a 26 match winning streak. 184 lbs. This was Rathbun’s first career All-American finish and Augsburg would finish with five All-Americans including finished with a 15 match winning streak. Cannone became an Sam Bennyhoff earning national runner-up honors at 133 lbs. All-American for the second time winning his first national Augsburg has finished among the top two teams at NCAA championship and finishing the season undefeated (34-0). This Division III Nationals 24 times including 12 national titles, 48 was also Fank’s second career All-American finish and first individual national champions and 206 All-Americans.

Jay Albis Brock Rathbun Ben Brisman Cross Cannone Ryan Epps 125-Johnson & Wales 133-Wartburg 141-Ithaca 149-Wartburg 157-Augsburg

Lucas Jeske Jairod James Jordan Newman Kyle Fank Jake Evans 165-Augsburg 174-Mount Union 184 -Wisconsin-Whitewater 197-Wartburg 285-Waynesburg page 10 May 30, 2018 - Wrestling U.S.A. Magazine WrestlingUSA.com

Ithaca College finished with five All-Americans including 141 2018 NCAA Division III Team Standings pounder Ben Brisman taking home the Bombers’ first individ- ual national title since 2013 and a third place team finish. 1. Wartburg 136.5 34. Central (IA) 8.0 Brisman became Ithaca’s 12th individual national champion for 2. Augsburg 82.0 35. MSOE 7.5 the wrestilng program. This was Ithaca’s highest finish for 3. Ithaca 79.0 36. RIT 4.0 37. Delaware Valley 3.5 coach Marty Nichols 22 years at the helm. Coach Nichols was 4. Stevens 55.0 5. Wabash 44.0 37. Johns Hopkins 3.5 inducted into the NWCA Division III Wrestling Hall of Fame 6. Johnson & Wales (RI) 43.5 37. Roger Williams 3.5 and named 2018 NWCA Coach of the Year. 7. Wis.-La Crosse 42.5 40. Ozarks (AR) 2.5 Freshman Brett Kaliner national runner-up at 141 lbs. marked 8. Messiah 38.0 40. SUNY Cortland 2.5 the highest finish for a Stevens wrestler in program history. 9. Wis.-Whitewater 35.0 42 North Central (IL) 2.0 Kaliner was one of three wrestlers to earn All-American honors 10. Mount Union 34.5 42 TCNJ 2.0 that also marked the team’s fourth place (55 points) as the best 10. SUNY Oneonta 34.5 42 Southern Maine 2.0 in program history. This was the Ducks third consecutive top 12. Coe 34.0 45 Ferrum 1.0 ten finish. Sophomore Tory Stanich finished third for the second 13. Millikin 30.5 45 John Carroll 1.0 consecutive year and senior Zach Wilhelm placed fourth to 14. Wheaton (IL) 29.5 45 Manchester 1.0 become a two-time All-American. 15. Baldwin Wallace 28.0 45 Southern Virginia 1.0 45 Wis.-Eau Claire 1.0 Three Wabash wrestlers earned All-American honors with a 16. Brockport 27.5 17. Cornell College 25.5 50 Olivet 0.5 third place by Austin Bethel at 149 lbs., fourth place for Darden 18. Wesleyan (CT) 24.0 50 Oswego St. 0.5 Schurg at 174 lbs. and eighth place for Kyle Hatch at 157 lbs. 19. NYU 21.0 52 Adrian 0.0 The Little Giants earned at least one All-American for the eighth 20. Waynesburg 20.0 52 Concordia Wisconsin 0.0 consecutive year. Wabash finish fifth in the team race 44 points. 21. Loras 19.5 52 Gettysburg 0.0 Johnson & Wales (43.5), Wisconsin-La Crosse (42.5), Messiah 21. Wis.-Platteville 19.5 52 Heidelberg 0.0 (38.0), Wisconsin-Whitewater (35.0), Mount Union (34.5) and 23. Coast Guard 19.0 52 Luther 0.0 SUNY-Oneonta (34.5) rounded out the top ten at this years 2018 23. Wis-Stevens Point 19.0 52 Merchant Marine 0.0 NCAA Division III team standings. 25. York (PA) 18.0 52 New England Col. 0.0 Jay Albis got a takedown in the final seconds to become 26. Elmhurst 17.0 52 Ohio Northern 0.0 Johnson & Wales University’s first NCAA National Champion 27. Elizabethtown 13.5 52 Otterbein 0.0 52 Springfield 0.0 in any sport. he defeated Carlos Fuentes (Wheaton) 11-10 to 27. Western New Eng. 13.5 29. Wis.-Oshkosh 13.0 52 Trinity (CT) 0.0 capture the title at 125 pounds. As a team, the Wildcats finished 30. Augustana (IL) 12.0 52 Wash. & Lee 0.0 sixth with 43.5 points and four All-Americans including senior 31. Alma 10.0 52 Wilkes 0.0 Joao Vicente placing six and juniors Joe Ferinde and Khamri 32. Centenary (NJ) 9.0 52 Williams 0.0 Thomas placing eighth. 33. Lycoming 8.5 52 WPI 0.0 Mount Union’s Jairod James claimed the title at 174 pounds with a 4-1 decision over Jon Goetz (Wisconsin-Platteville) to 2018 NCAA Division III Championship Final Matches help the Purple Raiders break the top ten in the team standings 125-Jay Albis (Johnson & Wales) decisioned Carlos (only their fifth time in school history). James became Mount Fuentez (Wheaton) 11-10. Union’s second ever individual wrestling champion since Dan 133-Brock Rathbun (Wartburg) decisioned Sam Bobish won the heavyweight title in 1992. Jairod finished his Bennyhoff (Augsburg) 12-5. first season at Mount Union with a 22-1 record. Mount Union 141-Ben Brisman (Ithaca) decisioned Brett Kaliner finished with two All-Americans as senior Nick Mancini placed (Stevens) 10-7. fifth at 125 pounds. 149-Cross Cannone (Wartburg) major decisioned Senior Jordan Newman captured his second consecutive Gregory Warner (York) 9-1. national title at 184 lbs. to lead the University of Wisconsin- 157-Ryan Epps (Augsburg) decisioned Logan Whitewater to a ninth place finish. Newman became the pro- Thomsen (Wartburg) 3-1 SV-1. grams second-ever back-to-back national champion by defeat- 165-Lucas Jeske (Augsburg) technical fall Nick ing Tyler Lutes (Wartburg) 9-1. Sophomore Mike Tortorice Velez (Ithaca) 15-0. placed third at 125 lbs. to help Wisconsin-Whitewater finish in 174-Jairod James (Mount Union) decisioned Jon ninth place as a team. Goetz (Wisconsin-Platteville) 4-1. Waynesburg junior Jake Evans decisioned Oneonta State’s 184-Jordan Newman (Wisconsin-Whitewater) James Bethel 10-5 at 285 lbs. to become their first tounament major decisioned Tyler Lutes (Wartburg) 9-1. champion in school history. Evans is now a two-time All- 197-Kyle Fank (Wartburg) decisioned Guy Patron American and has become the Yellow Jacket’s ninth All- (Loras) 8-2. Amerian during head coach Ron Headlee’s decade with the 285-Jake Evans (Waynesburg) decisioned James program. Bethel (SUNY Oneonta) 10-5.

Wrestling U.S.A. Magazine - May 30, 2018 page 11 NAIA Wrestling Championships

Grand View Wins Seventh-Straight National Championship By NAIA

he Vikings of Grand View (Iowa) continues the rewrite decision (17-4) against Dalton Bailey of Life (Ga.) in a rematch the wrestling record book as the program won an of the 2017 banner match. unprecedented seventh-straight team title at the 2018 Four-time All-American Dean Broghammer capped the T NAIA Wrestling National Championships. The 61st evening for Grand View – and his career – with an 8-4 win annual event took place at the Jacobson Exhibition Center, Des against returning national champion Demetrius Thomas of Moines, Iowa. Williams Baptist (Ark.). Broghammer also won the national Grand View, fueled by 10 All-Americans, scored 171.5 team title in 2016. points. The victory makes the Vikings the fourth program in Cumberlands (Ky.) found itself securely in second-place in collegiate wrestling history to win seven-straight team titles, the team standings with 107.0 team points, followed by joining NCAA Division I Iowa (nine-straight 1978-86), NCAA Williams Baptist (86.5 points) and Montana State-Northern Division I Oklahoma State (seven-straight 1937-1949) and then- (81.5 points). NCAA Division II Cal Poly (seven-straight 1968-1974). The Patriots’ Jake Sinkovics ended his tremendous collegiate All three of Grand View’s finalists won national titles. Grant career with his first national title. The 133-pounder used a take- Henderson at 165 pounds was the first champion on the night down in the closing seconds of the third period to win 9-6 over for the Vikings, as the senior downed Andrew Simmons of Erique Early of Indiana Tech. Missouri Valley, 6-2, to claim his second-straight individual Hayden Lee at 125 pounds also won a title for Cumberlands, Title. while 149-pounder Tres Leon finished second to Lindsey Two weight classes later, Evan Hansen joined in with a major Wilson’s Cam Tessari.

Hayden Lee Jake Sinkovics Tyler Fraley Cam Tessari Nosomy Pozo 125-Cumberlands 133-Cumberlands 141-Williams Baptist 149-Lindsey Wilson 157-Life

Grant Henderson Lucas Lovvorn Charles Sharon Evan Hansen Dean Broghammer 165-Grand View 174-Baker 184-Campbellsville 197-Grand View 285-Grand View page 12 May 30, 2017 - Wrestling U.S.A. Magazine WrestlingUSA.com

Program history was made for Life (Ga.) this evening, as ended their careers with medals. Sharon, who finished second Nosomy Pozo won the 157-pound championship. He defeated at the 2017 championships, knocked off Zach Linton of Doane returning national champion Brandon Weber of Montana-State (Neb.), 10-3, while Fraley defeated Matt Weber of Montana Northern, 4-3, in a highly contested bout. The victory makes State-Northern in sudden victory, 6-4. him the first-ever national champion in school history. Lastly, Baker’s Lucas Lovvorn won the fourth national title in Seniors Charles Sharon of Campbellsville (Ky.) (184 pounds) program history with a 6-2 decision against Adrian Lyons- and Tyler Fraley of Williams Baptist (Ark.) (141 pounds) both Lopez at 174 pounds. 2018 NAIA Championship Final Matches 2018 NAIA Team Standings 125 - Hayden Lee, Cumberlands (Ky.) def. Julian 1 Grand View (Iowa) 171.5 28 Simpson (Calif.) 13.5 2 Cumberlands (Ky.) 107.0 29 Marian (Ind.) 13.0 Gayton, Midland (Neb.), Dec 9-2. 3 Williams Baptist (Ark.) 86.5 30 Briar Cliff (Iowa) 9.0 133 - Jake Sinkovics, Cumberlands (Ky.) def. 4 Montana St-Northern 81.5 31 Morningside (Iowa) 8.0 Erique Early, Indiana Tech, Dec 9-6. 5 Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) 76.0 32 Missouri Baptist 7.5 6 Missouri Valley 70.0 33 Lourdes (Ohio) 6.0 141 - Tyler Fraley, Williams Baptist (Ark.) def. 7 Indiana Tech 54.5 34 Cumberland (Tenn.) 4.5 Matt Weber, Montana State-Northern, 6-4 SV-1 . 8 Life (Ga.) 53.5 35 Jamestown (NC) 4.0 149 - Cam Tessari, Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) def. Tres 9 Providence (Mont.) 47.0 35 St. Andrews (NC) 4.0 10 Menlo (Calif.) 45.5 37 Lindenwood-Belleville (IL)3.5 Leon, Cumberlands (Ky.), Dec 4-1. 11 Campbellsvile (Ky.) 45.0 38 Bacone (Okla.) 3.0 157 - Nosomy Pozo, Life (Ga.) def. Brandon 12 Baker (Kan.) 44.5 38 Brewton-Parker (Ga.) 3.0 Weber, Montana State-Northern, Dec 4-3. 12 Southeastern (Fla.) 44.5 38 Calumet (Ind.) 3.0 165 - Grant Henderson, Grand View def. Andrew 14 Midland (Neb.) 40.0 41 Bethany (Kan.) 2.0 15 Hastings (Neb.) 32.5 41 Lyon (Ark.) 2.0 Simmons, Missouri Valley, Dec 6-2. 16 Southern Oregon 30.0 41 Waldorf (Iowa) 2.0 174 - Lucas Lovvorn, Baker (Kan.) def. Adrian 17 York (Neb.) 23.0 44 Graceland (Iowa) 1.5 Lyons-Lopez, Providence (Mont.), Dec 6-2. 18 Doane (Neb.) 21.0 44 Saint Mary (Kan.) 1.5 19 Eastern Oregon 19.5 44 Warner Pacific (Ore.) 1.5 184 - Charles Sharon, Campbellsville (Ky.) def. 20 19.0 47 Hannibal LaGrange (Mo.) 1.0 Zach Linton, Doane (Neb.), Dec 10-3. 21 Dickinson State (ND) 18.5 47 Truett-McConnell (Ga.) 1.0 197 - Evan Hansen, Grand View (Iowa) def. 22 Concordia (Neb.) 18.0 49 Allen (SC) 0.0 22 Reinhardt (Ga.) 18.0 49 Ottawa (Kan.) 0.0 Dalton Bailey, Life (Ga.), MD 17-4. 24 Northwestern (Iowa) 17.0 49 Wayland Baptist (Texas)0.0 285 - Dean Broghammer, Grand View (Iowa) def. 25 Benedictine (Kan.) 16.0 49 William Penn (Iowa) 0.0 Demetrius Thomas, Williams Baptist (Ark.), Dec 8-4. 26 Embry-Riddle (Ariz.) 15.5 49 WVU Tech 0.0 26 Kansas Wesleyan 15.5

2018 NAIA National Wrestling Championships Final - 133 lbs. Jake Sinkovics (Cumberlands) splitting the legs of Erique Early (Indiana Tech). Sinkovics won by decision 9-6 to help Patriots finish second in the team race. Photo by Wyatt Schultz. Wrestling U.S.A. Magazine - May 30, 2018 page 13 DAN LEFEBVRE Otsego, Minnesota

fter 30 years of coaching high school for the next 12 years. In those 12 years his St. Michael- wrestling, Dan Lefebvre decided it was time Albertville teams would make all 12 state tournament to finally put down from the mat. What better team apprearances (extending a streak of 20 straight state time than for him to see St. Michael- tournament apprearances) with three championships, A Albertville win the Class AAA Wrestling five runner-ups and two 3rd place finishes. His teams Championships outright as their head coach. This wasn’t would produce 21 state champions and 67 state the first time, but the last time St. Michael-Albertville had placewinners. In 2010 St. Michael-Albertville moved up to share it with perennial powerhouse Apple Valley to the largest of the three Minnesota classes. In those nine (12-time defending champions) back in 2013. St. Michael- years, they were in the state finals seven times with two Albertville Knights took down the Shakopee Sabres 30-25 championships (five runner-ups) and two third place for the title. Shakopee had knocked off Apple Valley in finishes. the Section 2 Championships 34-30, Coach Lefebvre is ending his coach- to end Apple Valley’s 35 consecutive ing career with a 271-46-1 dual meet State Tournament Team appearances. record, two-time Minnesota Class St. Michael-Albertville used two AAA Coach of the Year and 2013 The upset victories during the team tour- Clash champions. nament to capture the progam’s first “What I cherish the most is all of championship since 2013. Dating to the relationships you build over 30 1996, the Knights have won eight years of coaching. Relationships combined state championships in the with wrestlers, managers, parents, Class AA and AAA classifications. coaches on your staff, and coaches To earn a berth against top-seeded around the state. I will really miss Shakopee in the championship, St. the opportunities to help wrestlers Michael-Albertville had to first get not only become better wrestlers, but past No. 2 Anoka in the semifinals, also help them grow as young men. which it did following a 31-29 victory. I really loved the challenge each For three consecutive seasons, from new season of grooming and mold- 2010 through 2012, the Knights were ing a new team into championship the Class AAA runner-up to Apple contenders. Valley. I always felt it was a successful “No sharing this time, this feels season if every wrestler on the team good,” Knights coach Dan Lefebvre maxed out his potential and effort. said. “We’ve had a lot of seconds. This feels good to win My fondest memories were coaching my two sons: on outright.” Lefebvre said the previous close calls made Nathan and Ross and coaching in the State tournaments this one sweeter, but noted, “I would’ve loved to win all over the years.” those, too.” Dan Lefebvre, a 6th grade math teacher, is a graduate Coach Lefebvre spent one year as an assistant coach at of St. Michael-Albertville High School with a Bachalor of Osseo, Minnesota before becoming an assistant coach Science from the University of Minnesota and a Masters at St. Michael-Albertville in 1989. During his 17 years as from Hamline University. an assistant coach the St. Michael-Albertville wrestling Wrestling USA Magazine would like to thank Dan teams made 13 state tournament team appearances Lefebvre for all his contributions to this great sport of including winning five team championship and 16 wrestling and for his selection as 2018 Master-of- individual state champions. Wrestling Award! In 2007, Dan would take over the head coaching reigns

page 14 May 30, 2018 - Wrestling U.S.A. Magazine BRIAN ANTONELLI Blair Academy Blairstown, New Jersey

hen you thank of high school wrestling pro- Coach Antonelli said. “Preparing Blair wrestlers to meet the grams, Blair Academy in New Jersey has to be challenges and opportunities they will face in college and in the first to come to mind. Blair Academy’s life is a great responsibility, one to which I am very much look- W wrestling program traces its roots to 1919 and ing forward. The level of support from Blair’s faculty, staff, officially became a team sport at the school in 1924. administration and the larger community is truly amazing. I Blair’s first National Prep champions were Benny Fodera am grateful to Head of School Chris Fortunato and Athletic in 1937 and Ernest Tallman in 1938. Blair won its first Director Jim Stone for this opportunity, and my family and I are National Prep team title in 1974 and had its first NCAA All- excited about joining the Blair family." American in 1975, when Lehigh’s Mike Lieberman won the Coach Antonelli graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, NCAAs at 177 lbs. coached his alma mater’s wrestling team In the last three decades of the 20th cen- for nine seasons, serving as interim head tury, Blair experienced sustained national coach in 2013. He was a varsity wrestler at prominence as a result of its wrestlers' suc- Navy and was commissioned a 2nd Lt. in cess during their time as students and after the Marine Corps upon graduation in 1997. graduation. During that period, wrestlers As a Marine officer, he attained the rank of captured 23 All-American places that Captain and served in Operation Rapid included seven NCAA championships, Cheetah, patrolling the borders between four seconds and five thirds. Blair since Kosovo and Bosnia, and later as a Naval 2000 has produced 10 indidvidual NCAA Academy admission officer and Marine crowns and 42 NCAA All-Americans. Blair Corps Green Belt instructor. In 2004-2005, began a 33-year streak of National Prep he was the head wrestling coach at The team championships in 1981 and had its Lawrenceville School. first USA number-one teams in the 1995-96 A New Jersey native, Antonelli graduated and 1996-97 seasons. from the McDonogh School in 1992 where After long-time coach Jeff Buxton was the Maryland state wrestling champi- stepped down in 2012, Blair Academy for on at 160 pounds and a two-time all-state the fourth time in as many seasons had a football player. He went on to spend a year new head coach with the hiring of Brian at Blair Academy in 1993, winning the 160- Antonelli in 2014. pound prep state title and was the quarter- "One of the things that we knew from the get-go was that back of the undefeated state championship football team. succession planning is a big deal," Fleckman said of Blair's Since Blair alumnus Brian Antonelli (class of 1993) took over attempt to replace Buxton. "When he left a little abruptly it was the program in 2014, he has lead the team to National Prep a tough transition. So when they hired me, I pretty much team titles from 2015 through 2018 and to the #1 ranking in the pledged to help them find my replacement as soon as I could, USA for the 2015-2016, 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 seasons, mark- whether it was one year, five years or whatever. We were ing Blair’s 13th, 14th and 15th selections as the top high school actively looking pretty early on and then this opportunity came team in the United States. In addition, coach Antonelli has up and it felt right so we went ahead and made the switch right coached five Walsh Ironman champions (considered the pre- now while we could get our hands on a guy like Brian miere high school tournament in the country) and 23 National Antonelli." Prep champions. “Coach Antonelli’s background in supporting top athletes in the college recruitment process and his excellent leadership Wrestling USA Magazine would like to thank Coach Brian experience will allow us to further develop our student-ath- Antonelli for all he does for the great sport of wrestling and for his letes to be their best, on and off the mat,” Head of School Chris selection as 2018 National Wrestling Coach-of-the-Year Award! Fortunato said. "I am honored to lead Blair Academy’s wrestling program,”

Wrestling U.S.A. Magazine - May 30, 2018 page 15 JOHN CONTE Garnet Valley High School Glen Mills, Pennsylvania

ehigh Valley, proudly known as District XI and to can achieve in life.” Many of John’s quotes (“Make a name many as the hot bed for wrestling in for yourself”, “Beat someone better than you”, “Don’t be Pennsylvania, is “home” for current Garnet satisfied”) have become the foundation of our culture and L Valley Assistant Coach John Conte. In the late you can hear them echoed by all who are or who have been 1990s, John wrestled for Pocono Mountain High School part of our wrestling program, from the alumni and upper where he was a P.I.A.A. State medalist. He continued his classmen down to the freshman. wrestling career for the Colonials of Wilkes University and In the 15 years that John has been an assistant coach at in 2000 achieved All-American status. John not only Garnet Valley, he has helped to coach 22 state qualifiers, 6 achieved on the mat, but also in the of whom brought home state medals. classroom and was a two time NCAA John was also instrumental in our 3rd Academic All-American. John had such and most recent Central League an impact as a student and wrestler Championship and the trip that Garnet that he was inducted to both his high Valley took in 2014 to the State team school and college halls of fame. Duals. If you ask Coach Conte about While John Conte’s wrestling resume what his most gratifying accolade is, it speaks for itself, it is his passion for would be that his wrestlers have gone molding kids into wrestlers, wrestlers on to be successful in college and in into medalists, and medalists into life. I am very fortunate to have an young men that makes him stand out assistant coach like John Conte. He is a as a wrestling coach. In 2003, Garnet coach who takes on countless responsi- Valley was fortunate enough to hire bilities; he is a coach who is willing to John Conte as our assistant wrestling go above and beyond his duties to help coach. That was a turning point for the the kids and the team, and he has Garnet Valley program. From day one, become one of my best friends, a trust- Coach Conte articulated his philoso- ed ally whom I can rely on to help phies to the wrestlers of Garnet Valley. make difficult decisions. The District IX mindset became part of With all that Coach John Conte has our program and has led us to be a con- done for the sport of wrestling, for our tender in our area and well respected in program, and for each of the wrestlers our district and throughout the state. he has coached, it is without hesitation that I recommend Those who know John know that he is a person who that he be recognized as the Wrestling Assistant Coach of wears his heart on his sleeve. He is passionate about the Year. wrestling and his job as a coach. What people don’t know is that his passion as a coach runs deep. John spends count- Congratulations to John Conte, recipient of Wrestling less hours preparing for competition by analyzing data and USA Magazine’s 2018 National Wrestling Assistant Coach- scouting opponents. What impresses me the most, though, of-the-Year Award. is how much John cares for his wrestlers. He has been known to coach wrestlers at off-season tournaments and Rocco Fantazzi take wrestlers (former and current) under his wing to help Head Wrestling Coach them with the pressures of life. John has taught them to Garnet Valley High School work hard, to keep fighting, and to never quit, telling them and showing them, “If you can succeed on the mat that you page 16 May 30, 2018 - Wrestling U.S.A. Magazine JAYDEN RUSSELL Flathead High School Kalispell, Montana

ayden Russell has been a huge benefit to High School has one of the strongest wrestling teams in Flathead High School wrestling. Jayden entered the state (2X Montana AA State Champions). She is the into the sport of wrestling due to her younger best wrestling manager that we have ever had for our J brother Tanner wrestling since the age of five. Flathead wrestling program. Jayden also goes way She has been involved in Flathead wrestling for the last beyond just managing. The coaches like to refer to her as three years. Jayden originally got into managing to be an administrative assistant or our business consultant. able to support her younger brother. However, she never Jayden did the stats for the wrestling team, checked in imagined that she would find her and out gear, filmed, ordered meals, hidden talent and ability in managing prepared the team for travel, and our team. The last three seasons, basically helped run the entire Jayden has been an official manager wrestling organization. This shows of the Flathead wrestling team but that Jayden is willing to help others has helped out in every aspect of our and give up some of her precious free team year-round. Jayden is an amaz- time. Jayden has also held a steady ing young woman with such a strong job during the season and has been work ethic and has been awesome for very successful in the work environ- our program. Jayden has shown her ment. commitment to this team day in and Jayden is a young lady with signifi- day out with her year around dedica- cant inner direction and personal tion. She has put in over 1200 hours strength. She sets very high goals and working with the Flathead wrestling has the resolve to make certain that program and entered over 1700 these goals are attained. She is friend- matches into our statistics program. ly, likable, and has been an outstand- Through Jayden being a wrestling ing role model for our wrestling pro- manager, I have had many chances to gram and wrestlers. Jayden is a 3.7 observe the level and manner in GPA student and is a 2X All-State which Jayden processes information. Softball player for Flathead High Jayden is extremely intelligent but School. She is a very well-rounded goes beyond this with her amazing work ethic. She has a individual who will, no doubt be successful in life. I lot of natural business ability but goes beyond this talent heartily recommend Jayden for the Manager of the Year. by working and studying to achieve excellence. This is very evident by the manner she managed the wrestling Congratulations to Jayden Russell, recipient of program. She would score matches with the computer- Wrestling USA Magazine’s 2018 National Wrestling ized statistics program at the same time as filming Manager-of-the-Year Award. matches. She was so good at multi-tasking. She certain- ly possesses the intellectual ability and work ethic to be Jeffrey N. Thompson a fantastic wrestling manager in college. Jayden has Head Wrestling Coach been accepted into North Idaho College for the fall of Flathead High School 2018 and will carry on her managing abilities for Coach Pat Whitcomb in their wrestling program. Jayden is also one of the major reasons why Flathead

Wrestling U.S.A. Magazine - May 30, 2018 page 17 STAN ONO Mililani, Hawaii

tan Ono was a high school football player nator Carl Schroers is most impressed with Stan when he stumbled upon the sport of Ono’s leadership abilities over fellow officials. wrestling nearly by chance. As a junior at He states, “Stan developed an officiating crew S Leilehua High School in Hawaii, he need- that is now a cohesive group, many of whom are ed to participate in another sport to stay in shape veterans of decades of officiating,” says Schroers. and the school just added wrestling to their athlet- “This does not happen by chance. Officiating in ic program. Being new to wrestling, Ono asserts any sport is difficult, and by far, it is the single that he was not very good, but he was hooked any- most thankless task in all of sports. Officiating in way. wrestling is no exception. Someone has to keep Stan started officiating wrestling in Hawaii in them motivated, trained, and up to date. Stan has 1999 and never looked back. In fact, that same done that exceptionally well.” year, his daughter Kelli took up wrestling as a As one of his educational strategies for fellow sophomore at Mililani High School and Ono would officials, Stan continually encourages them to serve as assistant coach, working watch other state association or with the girls team. He jokes that collegiate tournaments on TV. “It “it was a way to keep an eye on sharpens your mind,” says Ono. her.” When asked what it was like “Every year there are new rules so to coach his daughter, Ono chuck- we can learn a lot by watching and les, “It’s hard because she doesn’t asking questions.” listen,” and quips that it was easi- Over his nearly 20-year officiat- er to coach his younger brother. ing career, Ono manages to keep But despite the challenge, the his association of officials motivat- girls team won the league cham- ed. “I tell the guys that you need to pionship that year. have thick skin as well as knowing After Kelli graduated from high the rules inside and out so the school, Ono was able to focus wrestlers can receive the best in solely on officiating and has been officiating. That’s all I ask for.” an active official with the Hawaii Ono’s philosophy is simple. “As Wrestling Officials Association an official, we only see the red and since 1999. He was elected treas- green ankle band and we call the urer from 2002 to 2004 and presi- best match that we can,” he says. dent from 2005 to present. “When you’re on the mat, you Ono’s officiating resume is quite impressive. want to be invisible. You don’t want the crowd to Since 1999, Stan has officiated the Hawaii Girls see you. The focus is on the kids and not the offi- State Wrestling Championships. From 2006 until cials,” he adds. now, Ono serves as the Officials’ Coordinator for Stan concludes by emphasizing, “As long as I can the girls’ states. He is also a member of Meet walk, I will continue to officiate the sport I love – Protest Committee for the event. Since 2007, Stan wrestling.” has been appointed to both the girls and boys state Congratulations to Stan Ono – WUSA’s 2018 championships. National Official of the Year Most recently, Stan Ono was instrumental in developing the HHSAA Wrestling Officials Congratulations to Stan Ono, recipient of Evaluation Program. Wrestling USA Magazine’s 2018 National Wrestling Retired longtime wrestling coach and Hawaii Official-of-the-Year Award. High School Athletic Association wrestling coordi-

page 18 May 30, 2018 - Wrestling U.S.A. Magazine KIM NORTH Martins Ferry Times-Leader Bridgeport, Ohio

former high school wrestler, Kim North Mountain State, Kim North was named twice as the has been covering scholastic and college “Snyder-Miller West Virginia Media Person of the wrestling since 1983 in the upper Ohio Year” in 1990 and 2017. This distinguished award is A Valley for numerous papers: Weirton (WV) especially gratifying to Kim North who stated: Daily News, Steubenville (Ohio) Herald-Star, “This honor means a lot to me because it is the Wheeling (WV) News-Register, and Martins Ferry state wrestling coaches who make the selection. My (Ohio) Times-Leader. passion and love for the sport of wrestling has been North is also a professional pho- unwavering ever since the first day tographer and has been praised for I stepped on the mats as a middle his superb action shots at dual school grappler. What I enjoy the meets and tournaments over the most about wrestling, no matter years. how heated a match may be, the He has covered the prestigious competitors end the match with a Ron Mauck Ohio Valley Athletic handshake.” Conference Wrestling Tournament North also promotes wrestling as for 20+ years. It is the biggest con- a regular on a weekly area ference mat sport competition in wrestling radio show, spotlighting the country. local wrestlers’ successes on the In 1985, North covered the Ron mats. Mauck OVAC Tournament, the In his first high school match, he West Virginia state tournament and suffered a broken left arm, which the NAIA National Tournament, all was not all that bad because it led of which were held inside the to Kim North’s extended and Wheeling WesBanco Arena. award-winning career in journal- He has also covered various West ism. Virginia state tournaments and A 1977 graduate of Troy High Ohio state tournaments. Last year, North covered School in Troy, Ohio, North also received his the Ohio Team Duals in Columbus and has covered Bachelor of Science in Physical Education at Salem various sectional and district tournament sin the College. Kim North is a widowed father of three: Buckeye State, as well as sectional and regional daughter, Meika; and sons Skyler and Tyler. He has events in the Mountain State. five grand-daughters: MaeLynn, Sydney, Lyndsay, As a sports columnist, Kim North spotlighted Aria and Kaia. He resides in Bridgeport, Ohio. many area wrestlers and schools with story lines that have promoted wrestling throughout the entire Congratulations to Kim North, recipient of Ohio Valley for decades. In recent years, North has Wrestling USA Magazine’s 2018 National Wrestling been instrumental in publishing a special wrestling Sportswriter-of-the-Year Award. preview issue featuring over 40 area wrestling teams for the Martins Ferry Time-Leader. For his efforts highlighting wrestling in the

Wrestling U.S.A. Magazine - May 30, 2018 page 19

A A A A A A L L L L L L A A A A A A B B B B S S A A A A K K M M M M A A A A A A ANDREW SMITH - 113 MACON EDWARDS - 120 CARIAL TARTER - 160 BARRETT BLAKELY - 170 THOMAS DYMENT - 113 ISAIAH ELVSAAS - 138 Southside High School Fultondale High School Mortimer Jordan High School Oak Mountain High School Bethel High School Wasilla High School Coach Kyle Routon Coach Billy Hughes Coach Jeremy Saint Coach Steve Burrough Coach Darren Lieb Coach Shawn Hayes 190-20 114 Falls GPA 3.9 293-10 211 Falls GPA 3.2 183-11 182-20 100 Falls GPA 3.5 128-7 87 Falls GPA 3.23 80-36 32 Falls State Champion 2x, 5th State Champion 2x, 2nd State Champion 2x, 2nd/5th State Champion 2x, 2nd State Champion 4x State Champion 2x, 3rd All-State 3x Cadet National GR 7th State GR Champion 7A State MOW 2x State MOW All-State 3x

A A A A A A L L R R R R A A I I I I S S Z Z Z Z K K O O O O A A N N N N A A A A

CALEB HOPKINS - 182 LEVI KING - 195 GATOR GROVES - 145 JACKSON ALLEN - 160 MARCO GROVES - 160 TOMMY MOMMER - 285 Colony High School Homer High School Chandler High School Show Low High School Chandler High School Cibola High School Coach Todd Hopkins Coach Bubba Wells Coach Vidal Mejia Coach Tim Williams Coach Vidal Mejia Coach Mike Jankowski 147-25 72 Falls GPA 4.234 93-26 66 Falls GPA 3.28 195-6 91 Falls GPA 4.7 160-8 128 Falls GPA 3.0 186-8 101 Falls GPA 3.9 121-16 76 Falls State Champion, 2nd 2x/4th State Champion 2x, 4th State Champion 4x State Champion 4x State Champion 3x State Champion 3x Gut Check Champion All-State Football College Plans: Harvard All-State 4x All-State 3x Reno TOC 3rd

A C C C C C R A A A A O K L L L L L A I I I I O N F F F F R S O O O O A A R R R R D S N N N N CASH JOHNNY JONES - 170 JONATHAN PRATA - 106 ETHAN LEAKE - 126 ALEX FELIX - 132 JAKE LEVENGOOD - 285 O MIKE MCFADDEN - 138 Bentonville High School I Downey High School I Buchanan High School I Gilroy High School I Vacaville High School Cheyenne Mountain High School Coach James Rappe A Coach Miguel Soto A Coach Troy Tirapelle A Coach Greg Varela A Coaches: Birch/Orozco Coach Tyler Seaney 209-12 186 Falls GPA 3.4 126-19 182-32 64 Falls GPA 3.4 170-15 GPA 3.2 168-30 97 Falls GPA 3.4 132-35 GPA 3.84 State Champion 3x State Champion, 3rd State Champion, 3rd/4th State 2nd, 3rd 2x/4th State 2nd, 5th/8th State Champion, 2nd/4th/6th College Plans: Campbell College Plans: Cerritos College Plans: Northern Colorado College Plans: Ohio State College Plans: Oregon State (Football) College Plans: Oklahoma

C D F G G G O E L E E E L L O O O O O A R R R R R W I G G G A A D I I I D R A A A A O E TATE SAMUELSON - 182 ROBBIE ROSSER - 120 RYAN CHAUVIN - 126 DAWSON BATES - 132 NOAH LILES - 170 BRADEN JOHNSON - 182 Castle View High School Milford High School Lake Highland Prep Jefferson High School Bremen High School Creekview High School Coach Ike Anderson Coach Don Parsley Coach Mike Palazzo Coach Doug Thurmond Coach Tony Armas Coach Ty Brown 162-24 88 Falls GPA 3.58 155-28 65 Falls GPA 3.2 138-20 191-5 145 Falls GPA 3.63 153-18 98 Falls GPA 3.5 204-12 132 Falls State Champion 2x, 2nd State Champion 2x, 2nd State Champion 2x, 2nd State Champion 3x, 2nd State Champion 2x, 3rd/6th State Champion 3x, 2nd College Plans: Wyoming Beast of the East 8th College Plans: Army West Point College Plans: Appalachian State College Plans: Tennessee Chattanooga College Plans: Technical

H I I I I I A D D D D D W A A A A A A H H H H H I O O O O O I

COREY CABANBAN - 126 DARRICK STACEY - 120 WILLIAM EDELBLUTE - 126 CALEB CALL - 132 BRAXTON BALMFORTH - 138 KONNOR CORDINGLEY - 138 Saint Louis School Shelley High School Lakeland High School Shelley High School Shelley High School Highland High School Coach Al Chee Coach Robert Cox Coach Rob Edelblute Coach Robert Cox Coach Robert Cox Coach Kolby Cordingley 106-1 74 Falls GPA 3.36 180-17 105 Falls GPA 3.5 170-22 105 Falls GPA 3.1 163-19 72 Falls GPA 3.7 187-29 88 Falls GPA 3.9 204-13 136 Falls GPA 3.935 State Champion 4x State Champion 3x, 2nd State Champion 2x, 2nd State Champion 3x, 2nd State Champion, 2nd 2x/3rd State Champion 2x, 2nd/3rd NHSCA 7th USA Folkstyle Nationals 3rd Tri-State Champion Tiger Grizz Champion All-State Football All-Region Football

page 20 Wrestling U.S.A. Magazine - May 30, 2018 I I I I I I D L L N N O A L L D D W H I I I I A O N N A A O O N N I I A A S S LARRY JOHNSON - 145 JUSTIN CARDANI - 113 DANNY BRAUNAGEL - 160 KRISTIAN RUMPH - 138 NOAH WARREN - 170 BEN SARASIN - 170 Lakeland High School Centennial High School Althoff Catholic High School Portage High School Perry Meridian High School John F. Kennedy High School Coach Rob Edelblute Coach Ed Mears Coach Josh Harper Coach Leroy Vega Coach Matt Schoettle Coach Dennis Hynek 164-10 91 Falls GPA 3.0 152-19 83 Falls GPA 3.66 191-13 64 Falls GPA 4.45 106-24 60 Falls 168-10 112 Falls GPA 3.44 144-19 71 Falls GPA 4.125 State Champion 3x, 2nd State Champion 2x State Champion 2x, 2nd State Champion, 2nd/4th State Champion, 2nd/7th State Champion, 3rd/4th Tri-State Champion College Plans: Illinois College Plans: Illinois All-State 3x NHSCA 3rd College Plans: I I I K K K O O O A A A W W W N N N A A A S S S A A A S S S

BOONE MCDERMOTT - 220 FRANCIS DUGGAN - 220 JOHN MCCONKEY - 285 MARCUS ROBINSON - 138 CONNER WARD - 145 JAKE BEESON - 145 Wahlert Catholic High School Iowa City West High School Atlantic High School Arkansas City High School Mill Valley High School Arkansas City High School Coach Joel Allen Coach Mark Reiland Coach Tim Duff Coach Greg Buckbee Coach Travis Keal Coach Greg Buckbee 130-33 68 Falls 136-22 157-26 110 Falls GPA 3.465 161-25 GPA 3.673 153-16 65 Falls GPA 3.3 142-20 67 Falls State Champion, 3rd State Champion, 5th/6th/7th State Champion, 2nd/8th State Champion 4x State Champion, 2nd 3x State Champion 2x, 2nd/3rd All-State 2x College Plans: Iowa State College Plans: Northern Iowa College Plans: Buffalo KC Stampede Champion College Plans: Central Oklahoma K K K L L M A E E O O A N N N U U I S T T I I N A U U S S E C C S K K I I Y Y A A N N JALIN HARPER - 160 CAGEN WALLACE - 120 MASON SMITH - 170 BLAKE MATEU - 120 JACOB FEREDAY - 170 RYAN FREDETTE - 182 Manhattan High School Wayne County High School Walton-Verona High School A Archbishop Rummel High School A Catholic High School Winslow High School Coach Robert Gonzales Coach Danny Upchurch Coach John Roth Coach Robert Pinero Coach Tommy Prochaska Coach Tony Dalisio 165-13 216-13 119 Falls GPA 4.2 195-26 134 Falls GPA 3.52 170-8 101 Falls GPA 2.9 189-37 85 Falls GPA 3.18 200-17 106 Falls GPA 3.052 State Champion, 2nd 2x/3rd State Champion 2x, 2nd/5th State Champion, 3rd 3x/4th State Champion 3x, 2nd State Champion, 2nd 2x State Champion 4x USA Folkstyle Champion College Plans: Lindsey Wilson College Plans: Army West Point Louisiana Classic Champion 3x Metro MVP 2x New England Champion, 2nd M M M M M M A A I I I I S S C C N N S S H H N N A A I I E E C C G G S S H H A A O O U U S N N T T LUCAS CORDIO - 160 S ANDREW MARSHALL - 220 AUSTIN FRANCO - 119 MICHAEL MARS - 125 A MICHAEL SUDA - 126 A HUNTER BURNETT - 132 E Nashoba High School E Lincoln-Sudbury High School Niles High School John Glenn High School Pipestone High School Pipestone High School T Coach Pete Connery Coach Nick Avery Coach Todd Hesson Coach Bill Polk Coach Brian Bos Coach Brian Bos 170-20 100 Falls GPA 3.38 T 163-19 109 Falls 164-5 218-8 140 Falls GPA 3.4 232-13 123 Falls GPA 3.329 187-15 100 Falls T State Champion 3x, 4th T State Champion, 3rd/4th State Champion, 2nd 2x/3rd State Champion 3x, 2nd State Champion 3x, 2nd/5th State Champion 3x S New England Champion S New England Champion 2x Pre-Season Nationals 2nd College Plans: Michigan College Plans: Augustana (SD) College Plans: Augustana (SD) M M M M M M I I I I I I N N N S S S N N N S S S E E E O O O S S S U U U O O O R R R T T T I I I A JAKE GLIVA - 132 A NATE LARSON - 145 A CADEN STEFFEN - 182 JEFFREY DITTER - 132 PETER ENOS - 152 JACK FLYNN - 195 Simley High School Apple Valley High School Zumbrota-Mazeppa High School Whitfield School Francis Howell High School Francis Howell High School Coach Will Short Coach Josh Barlage Coach Link Steffen Coach Charlie Sherertz Coch Kevin Stroh Coach Kevin Stroh 214-27 88 Falls GPA 3.7 149-36 93 Falls GPA 3.0 174-41 78 Falls 141-19 78 Falls GPA 3.86 124-11 75 Falls GPA 3.0 161-21 95 Falls GPA 3.1 State Champion 3x, 2nd State Champion, 3rd/4th/6th State Champion 2x, 2nd State Champion 2x State Champion 1x (MO), 2x (NV) State Champion, 2nd/4th/5th College Plans: Minnesota All-State 4x College Plans: Minnesota District Champion NHSCA 2nd NHSCA Champion

Wrestling U.S.A. Magazine - May 30, 2018 page 21 M M M M M N I O O O O E S N N N N B T T T T R S A O A A A A N N N N S U A A A A K R A I MAX DARRAH - 285 CHARLIE KLEPPS - 132 NATHAN WEBER - 132 BRENT TEZAK - 160 TUCKER NADEAU - 182 CAMERON RIGGS - 138 Whitfield School Billings Senior High School Forsyth High School Beaverhead County High School Flathead High School Maxwell High School Coach Charlie Sherertz Coach Josh Beeman Coach Scott Weber Coach TJ Nelson Coach Jeff Thompson Coach Ryan Jones 165-18 92 Falls GPA 3.51 164-18 88 Falls GPA 4.3 169-33 97 Falls GPA 2.810 153-15 89 Falls GPA 3.618 138-40 GPA 4.0 204-0 146 Falls GPA 3.1 State Champion 2x, 2nd/4th State Champion 4x State Champion 2x, 2nd 2x State Champion 3x, 3rd State Champion, 3rd/5th State Champion 4x College Plans: Army West Point All-State Soccer 2x College Plans: Montana St-Northern All-State Football National Merit Finalist College Plans: Saint Cloud State

N N N N N N E E E E E E B B V V V W R R A A A A A D D D H S S A A A A K K M A A P S DEREK ROBB - 152 LEE HERRINGTON - 285 CAMERON THOMPSON - 113 JOEY MAZZARA - 170 JOE MILLER - 195 BRIAN LINDSAY - 138 Sidney High School Kearney High School Battle Mountain High School Bishop Gorman High School McQueen High School H Kingswood High School Coach John Ganser Coach Ty Swarm Coach Mitch Domagala Coach Ricky Lundell Coach Jeromy Mumm I Coach Brett Lindsay 204-1 163 Falls GPA 4.0 114-16 85 Falls GPA 3.0 167-21 97 Falls GPA 3.5 116-4 83 Falls GPA 3.5 168-46 100 Falls GPA 3.68 R 129-19 86 Falls GPA 3.736 State Champion 4x State Champion 2x, 5th State Champion 4x State Champion 3x, 2nd State Champion 2x, 3rd State Champion 3x, 2nd National Honor Society All-State Football All-State 4x College Plans: North Carolina College Plans: Army West Point E New England 5th N N N N N N E E E E E E W W W W W W J J M M Y Y E E E E O O R R X X R R S S I I K K E JAKE BENNER - 138 E MALCOLM ROBINSON - 138C WES RAYBURN - 138 C NICK RINO - 145 JUSTIN VINES - 132 DEONTE WILSON - 285 Ocean Township High School Blair Academy Piedra Vista High School Piedra Vista High School Wantagh High School Amityville High School Y Coach Cip Apicelli Y Coach Brian Antonelli O Coach Mike Bejar O Coach Mike Bejar Coach Paul Gillespie Coach Greg McCoy 146-13 110-21 GPA 3.1 187-17 132 Falls GPA 3.6 138-11 81 Falls 202-27 GPA 3.32 170-21 GPA 3.43 State Champion, 2nd National Prep Champion, 2nd/4th/5th State Champion 4x, 2nd State Champion 4x State Champion, 2nd/4th State Champion, 2nd College Plans: Rutgers College Plans: Rutgers College Plans: Colorado Mines College Plans: Utah Valley NHSCA Champion NHSCA 2nd O O O O O O H H H H H H I I I I I I O O O O O O

ZACH SHUPP - 106 TOMMY HOSKINS - 126 JD STICKLEY - 138 JOEY SANCHEZ - 152 DAVID CRAWFORD - 182 CODY HOWARD - 195 Fairfield High School Legacy Christian Academy Graham High School Graham High School Canfield High School St. Edward High School Coach Jason Laflin Coach Thomas Hoskins Coach Jeff Jordan Coach Jeff Jordan Coach Steve Pitts Coach Greg Urbas 151-15 80 Falls GPA 3.6 165-7 97-7 GPA 3.345 140-24 GPA 3.374 167-32 GPA 3.9 108-34 44 Falls GPA 3.08 State Champion, 2nd/6th State Champion 3x, 3rd State Champion, 3rd State Champion, 4th/5th State Champion 2x, 4th/6th State 2nd 2x College Plans: Central Michigan Walsh Ironman 3rd Walsh Ironman Champion College Plans: Wisconsin College Plans: Pittsburgh Junior National FS 5th

O O O O O O H H K K K K I I L L L L O O A A A A H H H H O O O O M M M M A A A A GAIGE WILLIS - 220 JORDAN EARNEST - 285 RHETT GOLOWENSKI - 120 DYLAN SCHICKRAM - 132 RODRICK MOSLEY - 152 COLTON DENNEY - 170 Pymatuning Valley High School Wadsworth High School Tuttle High School Heritage Hall School Heritage Hall School Coach David Miller Coach John Gramuglia Coach Matt Surber Coach Jason Leavitt Coach Floyd Lorne Coach Floyd Lorne 179-17 86 Falls GPA 3.041 122-16 GPA 3.7 163-21 72 Falls GPA 3.9 114-21 71 Falls GPA 3.0 134-4 75 Falls 121-11 71 Falls State Champion 2x, 2nd/8th State Champion, 4th State Champion 3x, 2nd State Champion, 3rd State Champion 3x State Champion 2x, 2nd/3rd College Plans: Edinboro College Plans: Ohio Cadet National FS 4th Junior National GR 8th College Plans: Gardner-Webb All-State 4x page 22 Wrestling U.S.A. Magazine - May 30, 2018 O P P P R S R E E E H O E N N N O U D T G N N N H O S S S E N Y Y Y I C L L L S A V V V L R HUNTER SPARKS - 120 A LOGAN MACRI - 120 A JUSTIN MCCOY - 152 A LUKE MCGONIGAL - 195 A SAM LYNCH - 138 O JACOB BRASSEUR - 120 Roseburg High School Canon McMillan High School Chestnut Ridge High School Clearfield High School Ponaganset High School L Lexington High School Coach Steve Lander N Coach Jeff Havelka N Coach Greg Lazor N Coach Jeff Aveni N Coach Mike Joyce I Coach Derek Strobel 156-33 I 152-30 GPA 3.1 I 167-18 I 135-21 GPA 4.0 D 82-9 GPA 4.39 209-9 110 Falls GPA 4.2 State Champion 2x, 2nd/6th State Champion, 5th State Champion, 2nd/6th/7th State Champion, 2nd State Champion, 2nd N State Champion 2x, 2nd/3rd College Plans: Cal Poly A College Plans: Tennessee Chattanooga A College Plans: Virginia A College Plans: Lock Haven New England Champion A National Honor Society 4x S S S S S S O O O O O O U U U U U U T T T T T T H H H H H H C C C D D D A A A A A A R R R K K K O COLE MURPHY - 152 O JAMES GAINYARD - 170 O KOHL GAGUM - 182 O LINCOLN TURMAN - 120 O WILLIAM TURMAN - 132 MICHAEL LUSK - 145 L Liberty High School L Bamberg-Ehrhardt High School L Bamberg-Ehrhardt High School T.F. Riggs High School T.F. Riggs High School O T. F. Riggs High School I Coach Nathan Day I Coach Jake Stewart I Coach Jake Stewart T Coach Shawn Lewis T Coach Shawn Lewis T Coach Shawn Lewis N 166-20 GPA 3.2 N 164-22 93 Falls GPA 3.9 N 216-15 114 Falls GPA 3.6 A 137-16 71 Falls GPA 3.92 A 174-17 96 Falls GPA 3.87 A 138-17 GPA 3.41 State Champion 4x State Champion 2x State Champion 2x, 2nd/3rd State Champion 2x, 2nd State Champion 4x State Champion 3x, 2nd A State Wrestler of the Year A College Plans: The Citadel A All-State Football College Plans: Mary College Plans: Nebraska College Plans: South Dakota State T T T T T U E E E E E T N X X X X A N A A A A H E S S S S S S E E CHRISTIAN SALTER - 182 LOGAN BROWN - 126 JUWAN ROBINSON - 160 BRAEDEN REDLIN - 170 COLIN LAWLER - 285 GARRETT RICKS - 120 Siegel High School Allen High School Allen High School Allen High School The Kinkaid School Box Elder High School Coach Lee Ramsey Coach Jerry Best Coach Jerry Best Coach Jerry Best Coach Brian Notch Coach Mike Ripplinger 154-23 85 Falls GPA 3.0 174-23 GPA 3.62 110-10 GPA 3.2 170-10 161-9 75 Falls GPA 3.2 178-21 89 Falls GPA 3.89 State Champion, 2nd State Champion, 2nd 2x/3rd State Champion 3x, 2nd State Champion 4x National Prep Champion, 4th State Champion 3x College Plans: Gardner-Webb College Plans: Army West Point College Plans: Old Dominion College Plans: Ohio State Super 32 3rd Folkstyle Nationals 5th U V V V W W T E I I E E A R R R S S H M G G T T O I I N N N V V T I I I I A A R R G LOGAN JENSEN - 152 TYLER BURGESS - 152 PATRICK MCCORMICK- 126 BRYAN WALLACE - 285 COLE LAYA - 120 G CALEB REA - 132 Herriman High School Mount Anthony Union High School Poquoson High School Clarke County High School I East Fairmont High School I Weir High School Coach Pat Garcia Coach Brian Coon Coach Eric Decker Coach Jon Vansice N Coaches: Geary/Whorton N Coach Tom Taylor 154-19 GPA 3.563 195-41 102 Falls 173-9 84 Falls GPA 4.0 221-9 164 Falls GPA 3.0 I 189-7 103 Falls GPA 3.85 I 163-13 88 Falls GPA 3.802 State Champion 2x, 2nd/5th State Champion 2x, 3rd/4th State Champion 4x State Champion 4x State Champion 3x, 2nd State Champion, 2nd/3rd 2x College Plans: Wyoming New England 4th/6th College Plans: Virginia All-State Football A College Plans: Wheeling Jesuit A All-State 4x W W W W W W I I I I Y Y S S S S O O C C C C M M O O O O I I N N N N N N S S S S G G I I I I N N N N AJ SCHOENFUSS - 126 SAM STUHL - 138 DREW SCHARENBROCK - 145 KEATON KLUEVER - 285 TREVOR JEFFRIES - 145 BRETT BRENTON - 170 Stratford High School Ellsworth High School Sun Prairie High School Kaukauna High School Thunder Basin High School Natrona County High School Coach Joe Schwabe Coach Mark Matzek Coach Jim Nelson Coach Jeff Matczak Coach Mikah Kadera Coach Scott Russell 180-15 105 Falls GPA 3.9 169-12 GPA 3.997 191-14 93 Falls GPA 3.954 171-37 103 Falls GPA 3.256 163-9 92 Falls GPA 4.0 170-18 103 Falls GPA 3.75 State Champion 3x, 2nd State Champion 4x State Champion 2x, 4th State Champion 2x State Champion 2x, 2nd 2x State Champion 3x, 3rd College Plans: Wisconsin-Oshkosh College Plans: North Dakota State College Plans: Wisconsin College Plans: North Carolina NHSCA 2nd All-State Football Wrestling U.S.A. Magazine - May 30, 2018 page 23 DREAM TEAM Classic Wrestling USA Magazine/Cliff Keen Athletic Team Indiana brings crowd to their feet but lose to Team USA By Cody Bryant he 21st Dream Team Classic dual was held in Indiana for state champion at 170 lbs. would secure the only technical fall of the the first time. This was a great opportunity for not only dual. Travis would use four near falls against Noah Warren (Perry Team Indiana to showcase their senior class but for the Meridian) in the match to win 17-1 in 3:33. Brownsburg community to showcase their impressive Team USA would win their third match in a row to start the dual athletic facilities. This included a state of the art new when Wisconsin state champion Jared Krattiger (Waterford) at 182 Twrestling room that actually opened the week of the Dream Team lbs. would decision Conner Graber (Northridge). Krattiger used Classic dual and a 10,000 square foot weight room. six takedown in the first two periods to extend his lead to 15-5 The Dream Team Classic dual started at 160 lbs. to help feature the before winning 17-10. marque matchup at 152 lbs. between Brownsburg’s three-time Indiana Team Indiana would get their first win of the dual at 195 lbs. when state champion Brayton Lee and four-time New York state champion Lucas Davison (Chesterton) decisioned Iowa state champion Tanner Jacori Teemer. Sloan from Alburnett 6-3. Jared Franek, a four-time state champion (Fargo West, ND) used Indiana would win two matches in a row in another top match up takedowns against Jack Eiteljorge (Carmel) in both the first and second when top ranked three-time Indiana state champion Mason Parris periods to take a 5-1 lead into the third period. Eiteljorge would get an (Lawrenceburg) would major decision second ranked and four-time escape in the third as the only scoring with Franek winning 5-2. Michigan state champion Brandon Whitman (Dundee) 16-4. Parris Oklahoma State recruit Travis Wittlake, Jr. and four-time Oregon would dominate on his feet with seven takedowns. Team USA would start another three match streak when Oregon State football recruit Jake Levengood (Vacaville, CA) would use a takedown, escape and penalty point to decision Brandon Streck (Merrillville) 4-0. Cevion Severado at 113 lbs., the first of two Christian Brothers College wrestlers from Missouri, took a 8-2 lead before Indiana wrestler Jose Diaz from Wheeler fought back to lose 11-8. At 120 lbs. was top ranked two-time state champion Joey Melendez, the first of two Montini Catholic wrestlers from Illinois, used five takedowns to major decision Colin Poynter (Portage) 10-2. Malik Johnson, the second of Christian Brothers College wrestlers, took a 4-0 lead into the third period against Ty Mills, the second of three Brownsburg wrestlers. Mills would take the top position and lock up a cradle and secure the pin at 5:33 to ignite the Brownsburg faithful home crowd to their feet. 132 lbs. would see the second of the Montini Catholic wrestlers in second ranked Real Woods (three-time state champion) taking on the second of Brownsburg wrestling in Blake Mullkey. Woods would use an escape, takedown and nearfall in the second period to take a commanding lead 6-0 and finish with a 7-1 victory. Cole Matthews the only Pennsylvania wrestler on Team USA would see Indiana wrestler Kris Rumph 2018 Dream Team Classic Wrestling Dual - 126 lbs. Ty Mills (Brownsburg, IN) (Portage) tie the score late in the third period 6-6. catches Malik Johnson (Christian Brothers College, MO) with a reverse cradle to come Matthews, a two-time state champion, would use a from behind to pin Johnson in 5:27. Photo by G Wyatt Schultz. takedown and nearfall in the last 5 seconds of the match page 24 May 30, 2018 - Wrestling U.S.A. Magazine WrestlingUSA.com to win 10-6. Three-time Minnesota state champion Alexander Lloyd from Team USA 30 Team Indiana 16 Minnesota AA state championship team Shakopee take on Christian 160 lbs. #6 Jared Franek (West Fargo, ND) decisioned Hunt from Yorktown. Lloyd would use three first period takedowns Jack Eiteljorge (Carmel, IN) 5-2. to take a 6-2 lead into the second period. This would be enough to 170 lbs. #1 Travis Wittlake (Marshfield, OR) technical fall decision Hunt 8-5. Noah Warren (Perry Meridian, IN) 17-1, 3:33. The marque match up at 152 lbs. would not disappoint anyone 182 lbs. #7 Jared Krattiger (Waterford, WI) decisioned as hometown favorite Brayton Lee would take on New Yorker Conner Graber (Northridge, IN) 17-10. Jacori Teemer. Jacori would score a takedown in the first period 195 lbs. #4 Lucas Davison (Chesterton, WI) decisioned and Brayton would get the escape to make the score 2-1 going into #28 Tanner Sloan (Alburnett, IA) 6-3. the second period. Only scoring in the second period was an 220 lbs. #1 Mason Parris (Lawrenceburg, IN) major escape from Teemer to extend his lead to 3-1 going into the third decisioned #2 Brandon Whitman (Dundee, MI) 16-4. period. Lee would get an escape and two stalling points to take a 285 lbs. #9 Jake Levengood (Vacaville, CA) decisioned late 4-3 lead late in the third period. Then Jacori would get a Brandon Streck (Merrillville, IN) 4-0. stalling point for himself in the waning seconds to send the match 113 lbs. #2 Cevion Severado (Christian Brothers into overtime. Brayton Lee would secure the sudden victory take- College, MO) decisioned Jose Diaz (Wheeler, IN) 11-8. down to bring the crowd back to their feet. 120 lbs. #1 Joey Melendez (Montini Catholic, IL) major This event wouldn’t be possible without the hard work of all the decsioned Colin Poynter (Portage, IN) 10-2. people involve in this great sport. A special thanks to Joe Caprino 126 lbs. #22 Ty Mills (Brownsburg, IN) pinned #5 Malik (IndianaMat) host parents, wrestling parents, coaches and Johnson (Christian Brothers College, MO) 5:27. wrestlers of both Team USA and Team Indiana for taking time out 132 lbs. #2 Real Woods (Montini Catholic, IL) deci- of their busy schedules to be part of this year’s Dream Team sioned #15 Blake Mullkey (Brownsburg, IN) 7-1. Classic! Hats off to the Brownsburg High School administration 138 lbs. #7 Cole Matthews (Reynolds, PA) decisioned for usage of their amazing facilities. Kris Rumph (Portage, IN) 10-6. I can’t end without thanking Cliff Keen Athletic for supplying sin- 145 lbs. #3 Alexander Lloyd (Shakopee, MN) decisioned glets, two-piece wrestling uniforms, headgear, wrestling backpacks, Christian Hunt (Yorktown, IN) 8-5. etc. for both Team USA and Team Indiana. Their continual support of 152 lbs. #2 Brayton Lee (Brownsburg, IN) decisioned this event means a lot to not only the wrestlers competing, but to our #1 Jacori Teemer (Long Beach, NY) 6-4 SV-1. Wrestling USA Magazine family.

2018 Dream Team Classic Wrestling Dual - 132 lbs. Real Woods (Montini Catholic, IL) with a bar and tight waist trying to secure back points against Blake Mullkey (Brownsburg, IN). Woods won by decision 7-1. Photo by G Wyatt Schultz. Wrestling U.S.A. Magazine - May 30, 2018 page 25 ALL-CLASS Rankings 2017-18 Wrestling USA Magazine Best All-Class Final Rankings

By Dan Fickel, National Editor

ditor’s Note: Here are final rankings of the Nation’s Best 2017-18 High School Wrestlers. These rankings represent wrestlers regardless of year in school. Seven factors were considered in determining these rankings. They include: (1) Accomplishments at the state high school championships (folkstyle); (2) National Junior Freestyle and Greco- Roman Championships; 3) Performances at prestigious regular season high school tournaments; (4) Super 32 Challenge Tournament; (5) Cadet National Championships; (6) NHSCA Championships; (7) Flo Nationals. Rankings E were finalized on 4-15-18. For any corrections, E-mail: [email protected] 106 Pounds 17. Dean Peterson, 9, (St. John Vianney, NJ) 113 Pounds 1. Jacob Decatur, 11, (CVCA, OH) 18. Jacob Moran, 11, (Portage, IN) 1. Trevor Mastrogiovanni, 10, (Blair Academy, NJ) 2. Richard Figueroa, 9, (Selma, CA) 19. Nico Nardone, 9, (Delbarton, NJ) 2. Kurt McHenry, 11, (St. Paul’s, MD) 3. Jeremiah Reno, 10, (Liberty, MO) 20. Nick Kayal, 10, (Bergen Catholic, NJ) 3. Noah Surtin, 11, (Edwardsville, IL) 4. Jake Rundell, 10, (Oak Park-River Forest, IL) 21. Cooper Flynn, 9, (McDonogh, MD) 4. Anthony Clark, 10, (Delbarton, NJ) 5. Cullan Schriever, 10, (Mason City, IA) 22. Wil Guida, 10, (St. Paul’s, MD) 5. Cevion Severado, 12, (Christian Brothers, MO) 6. Yusief Lillie, 9, (Bonney Lake, WA) 23. Anthony Noto, 10, (Honoeye Falls, NY) 6. Greg Diakomihalis, 10, (Hilton, NY) 7. Jakason Burks, 10, (Omaha Burke, NE) 24. Drake Ayala, 9, (Fort Dodge, IA) 7. Dylan Ragusin, 10, (Montini Catholic, IL) 8. Carter Young, 9, (Sand Springs, OK) 25. Braxton Brown, 9, (Allen, TX) 8. Lucas Byrd, 11, (Cincinnati LaSalle, OH) 9. Zach Shupp, 12, (Fairfield, OH) 26. Dominic Chavez, 10, (Arlington Martin, TX) 9. Maximo Renteria, 9, (Buchanan, CA) 10. Joey Olivieri, 9, (Hanover Park, NJ) 27. Alejandra Herrera, 9, (Seneca Valley, PA) 10. Tanner Jordan, 11, (St. Paris Graham, OH) 11. Brendon Garcia, 11, (Pueblo County, CO) 28. Kurtis Phipps, 10, (Norwin, PA) 11. Dylan Ryder, 12, (Half Hollow Hills West, NY) 29. Jordan Titus, 9, (Center Moriches, NY) 12. Joey Thompson, 10, (Maple Grove, MN) 12. Matt Ramos, 11, (Lockport, IL) 30T. Matt Griffin, 12, (Jamesville Dewitt, NY) 13. Dustin Norris, 9, (Cincinnati LaSalle, OH) 13. Antonio Lorenzo, 11, (St. John Bosco, CA) 30T. Daniel Kimball, 11, (Don Bosco, IA) 14. Ryan Miller, 10, (Blair Academy, NJ) 14. Sam Alvarez, 11, (St. Joseph Regional, NJ) 30T. Kyle Rowan, 10, (Perry, OH) 15. Jonathan Prata, 12, (Downey, CA) 15. Eddie Ventresca, 10, (Pope John, NJ) 30T. Carlos Negrete, 9, (Clovis North, CA) 16. Logan Agin, 10, (Lancaster, OH) 16. Dylan Shawver, 10, (Elyria, OH) 17. Eric Barnett, 11, (Hortonville, WI) 18. Nick Oldham, 11, (WDM Valley, IA) 19. Brayden Curtis, 11, (Yorktown, IN) 20. Aizayah Yacapin, 10, (Curtis, WA) 21. Nic Bouzakis, 8, (Lake Highland Prep, FL) 22. Aaron Nagao, 10, (Esperanza, CA) 23. Josh Boozel, 12, (Mount Union, PA) 24. Brock McMillen, 9, (Glendale, PA) 25. Dante Mininno, 12, (Gateway, NJ) 26. Nick Masters, 10, (Woodward Academy, GA) 27. Andrew Chambal, 10, (Davison, MI) 28. Garrett Steidley, 10, (Tuttle, OK) 29. Tristan Lujan, 10, (Selma, CA) 30T. Jarod Kosman, 12, (Fitch, CT) 30T. Beau Bayless, 11, (Reynolds, PA) 30T. Killian Delaney, 10, (W.C. Henderson, PA) 30T. Caleb Rathjen, 9, (Ankeny, IA)

120 Pounds 1. Robert Howard, 10, (Bergen Catholic, NJ) 2. Malik Heinselman, 12, (Castle View, CO) 3. Michael Colaiocco, 11, (Blair Academy, NJ) 4. Nic Aquilar, 12, (Gilroy, CA) 2018 Dream Team Classic Wrestling Dual - 285 lbs. Jake Levengood (Vacaville, CA) in control 5. Julian Tagg, 10, (Brecksville, OH) as he works on top of Brandon Streck (Merrillville, IN). Levengood won by decision 4-0. Photo by 6. Ben Kamali, 12, (Detroit Catholic Central, MI) G Wyatt Schultz. 7. Travis Ford-Melton, 11, (Marian Catholic, IL) page 26 May 30, 2018 - Wrestling U.S.A. Magazine WrestlingUSA.com

8. Zeke Escalera, 9, (Wyoming Seminary, OH) 132 Pounds 14. Jarrett Trombley, 12, (Lake Fenton, MI) 9. Joey Melendez, 12, (Montini Catholic, IL) 1. Roman Bravo-Young, 12, (Sunnyside, AZ) 15. Travis Mastrogiovanni, 9, (Blair Academy, NJ) 10. Brandon Kaylor, 12, (Bonney Lake, WA) 2. Real Woods, 12, (Montini Catholic, IL) 16. Jared Van Vleet, 12, (Stillman Valley, IL) 11. Ty Smith, 12, (Virgin Valley, NV) 3. Jesse Vasquez, 10, (Santiago, CA) 17. Alex Felix, 12, (Gilroy, CA) 12. Jaret Lane, 12, (Southern Columbia, PA) 4. Jordan Decatur, 11, (CVCA, OH) 18. Chase Zollmann, 12, (Poway, CA) 13. Kyle Biscoglia, 12, (Waukee, IA) 5. Theorius Robison, 11, (Pomona, CO) 19. Collin Gerardi, 12, (Powhatan, VA) 14. Kyle Gollhofer, 11, (Woodland, GA) 6. Connor McGonagle, 11, (Timberlane, NH) 20. Kyle Slendorn, 12, (Howell, NJ) 15. Anthony Molton, 11, (Lockport, IL) 7. Josh Saunders, 10, (Christian Brothers, MO) 21. Keegan O’Toole, 10, (Arrowhead, WI) 16. Brendon Fenton, 12, Elyria, OH) 8. Dylan D’Emilio, 11, (Genoa, OH) 22. Zach Price, 12, (Johnstown, IA) 17. Kai Orine, 11, (Seckman, MO) 23. Ryan Moore, 12, (Walton-Verona, KY) 18. Aden Reeves, 11, (Albia, IA) 9. Drew Bennett, 12, (Fort Dodge, IA) 24. Justin Vines, 12, (Wantagh, NY) 19. Mitchell Polito, 12, (East Brunswick, NJ) 10. Jack Davis, 12, (Wyoming Seminary, PA) 25. Matt Kazimer, 12, (St. Edward, OH) 20. Nate Keaton, 12, (Circleville, OH) 11. Gabe Tagg, 11, (Brecksville, OH) 26. Clay Carlson, 12, (Willmar, MN) 21. Joe Manchio, 12, (Seneca, NJ) 12. Lucas Revano, 11, (Camden Catholic, NJ) 22. Antonio Mininno, 12, (Gateway, NJ) 13. Nick Raimo, 11, (Hanover Park, NJ) 27. Garret Kloeppel, 11, (Parkway South, MO) 23. Logan Macri, 12, (Canon-McMillan, PA) 24. Sean Pierson, 11, (Nazareth, PA) SIXTH ANNUAL BEVERLY HILLS BOOK AWARDS 25. Jake Svihil, 11, (Totino-Grace, MN) 26. Devin Murphy, 10, (Clovis North, CA) DR. BILL WELKER 27. Jacob Allen, 12, (Poway, CA) 28. Hunter Lewis, 11, (Stoughton, WI) SPORTS CATEGORY WINNER 29. Kysen Terukina, 10, (Kamehameha, HI) 30T. Rhett Golowenski, 12, (Tuttle, OK) 30T. Sam Latona, 11, (Thompson, AL) 30T. Bretli Reyna, 10, (South Dade, FL) 30T. Henry Porter, 9, (Oakdale, CA)

126 Pounds 1. Adam Busiello, 11, (Eastport-South Manor, NY) 2. Patrick McKee, 12, (St. Michael-Albertville, MN) 3. Patrick Glory, 12, (Delbarton, NJ) 4. Beau Bartlett, 10, (Wyoming Seminary, PA) 5. Gavin Teasdale, 12, (Jefferson-Morgan, PA) 6. Alex Thomsen, 12, (Underwood, IA) 7. Brody Teske, 12, (Fort Dodge, IA) 8. Malik Johnson, 12, (Christian Brothers, MO) 9. Chris Cannon, 11, (Blair Academy, NJ) 10. Sam Hillegas, 10, (North Hills, PA) 11. Jakob Camacho, 12, (Danbury, CT) 12. Ridge Lovett, 11, (Post Falls, ID) 13. Dominick Serrano, 10, (Windsor, CO) 14. Phil Moomey, 11, (Kearney, NE) 15. Malyke Hines, 11, (Osceola, FL) 16. Jace Koelzer, 12, (Olathe South, KS) 17. Asa Garcia, 11, (Avon, IN) 18. Cleveland Belton, 11, (St. John Bosco, CA) 19. Cody Phippen, 12, (Platte County, MO) 20. Chris Wright, 12, (Central Dauphin, PA) 21. Brock Whorton, 12, (East Fairmont, WV) 22. Ryan Franco, 9, (Clovis North, CA) 23. Ethan Leake, 12, (Buchanan, CA) 24. Cole Mattin, 11, (Delta, OH) 25. Tommy Hoskins, 12, (Legacy Christian, OH) 26. Cameron Fusco, 12, (Seckman, MO) A 1963 PIAA STATE CHAMPION AND AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR, DR. WELKER’S 27. Robbie Precin, 12, (Andrew, IL) WRESTLING-ORIENTED MEMOIRS CAN BE PURCHASED AND PERSONALLY 28. Mike McAteer, 12, (Whitfield, MO) AUTOGRAPHED BY SENDING A CHECK FOR $20.00 MADE PAYABLE TO: 29. Mel Ortiz, 12, (New Milford, CT) BILL WELKER – 110 NORTH HURON STREET, WHEELING, WV 26003. 30T. Angelo Martinoni, 12, (Folsom, CA) AS AN ADDED FREE BONUS - YOU WILL ALSO RECEIVE A COPY OF HIS 30T. Jackson DiSario, 11, (Ola, GA) 30-MINUTE DVD DEMONSTRATING HIS SIGNATURE MOVE: 30T. Fabian Lopez, 10, (DeKalb, IL) THE PANCAKE TAKEDOWN SERIES. 30T. Shayne Van Ness, 9, (Blair Academy, NJ) Wrestling U.S.A. Magazine - May 30, 2018 page 27 ALL-CLASS Rankings

28. Manzona Bryant, 10, (Culver Academies, IN) 29. Matt Fields, 12, (Brunswick, OH) 30T. Caleb Rea, 12, (Weir, WV) 30T. Jordan Hamdan, 11, (Hudson, MI) 30T. Peyton Hall, 10, (Oak Glen, WV) 30T. Justin Mastroianni, 9, (New Canaan, CT)

138 Pounds 1. Joey Silva, 12, (Lake Highland Prep, FL) 2. Jaden Abas, 11, (Rancho Bernardo, CA) 3. Cole Matthews, 12, (Reynolds, PA) 4. Quinn Kinner, 12, (Kingsway, NJ) 5. Carson Manville, 9, (Wyoming Seminary, PA) 6. Ryan Anderson, 11, (Bethlehem Catholic, PA) 7. James Whitaker, 11, (St. Johns, MI) 8. Marshall Keller, 12, (Christiansburg, VA) 9. Jeremy Schoenherr, 12, (Stratford, WI) 10. JoJo Aragona, 11, (Pope John, NJ) 11. Michael Blockhus, 12, (New Hampton, IA) 12. Bryce Andonian, 11, (St. Edward, OH) 13. Alex Cruz, 12, (Orting, WA) 14. J.D. Stickley, 12, (St. Paris Graham, OH) 15. Jake Benner, 12, (Ocean Township, NJ) 16. Lawrence Saenz, 12, (Vacaville, CA) 17. Matthew Olguin, 11, (Buchanan, CA) 18. Luke Baughman, 11, (Wadsworth, OH) 19. Saul Ervin, 12, (Union County, KY) 20. Riley Gurr, 12, (Frenchtown, MT) 2018 Dream Team Classic Wrestling Dual - 152 lbs. Jacori Teemer (Long Beach, NY) working to 21. Trevor Chumbley, 11, (Marmion Academy, IL) finish a takedown on Brayton Lee (Brownsburg, IN). Lee would bring the Indiana crowd to their feet 22. Colton Yapoujian, 11, (Pomona, CO) with a sudden victory takedown to win 6-4 . Photo by G Wyatt Schultz. 23. Devin Schwartzkopf, 11, (Francis Howell, MO) 24. Malcolm Robinson, 12, (Blair Academy, NJ) 25. Sam Stuhl, 12, (Ellsworth, WI) 16. Jacob Greenwood, 12, (Poudre, CO) 8. Brevin Balmeceda, 11, (South Dade, FL) 26. Legend Lamer, 11, (Crescent Valley, OR) 17. Grant Aronoff, 12, (St. Thomas Aquinas, FL) 9. Alex Lloyd, 12, (Shakopee, MN) 27. Jacob Butler, 12, (Elgin, OK) 18. Chris Donathan, 11, (Mason, OH) 10. Quincy Monday, 12, (Carrboro, NC) 28. Kris Rumph, 12, (Portage, IN) 19. Austin Boone, 10, (Lowell, MI) 11. Josh Humphreys, 12, (Parkersburg South, WV) 29. Fidel Mayora, 10, (Montini Catholic, IL) 20. Sam Dover, 11, (St. Edward, OH) 12. Josiah Rider, 12, (Grand Junction, CO) 30T. Seth Koleno, 12, (Bald Eagle, PA) 21. Michael North, 11, (Wadsworth, OH) 13. Alex Facundo, 9, (Davison, MI) 30T. Dawson Sihavong, 11, (Bullard, CA) 22. Nick Freeman, 12, (Walled Lake Central, MI) 14. Brock Mauller, 12, (Father Tolton, MO) 30T. Luke Surber, 10, (Tuttle, OK) 23. Drew Scharenbrock, 12, (Sun Prairie, WI) 15. Tyler Eischens, 12, (Anoka, MN) 30T. Luka Wick, 9, (San Marino, CA) 24. Kasper McIntosh, 12, (Portage, IN) 16. Connor Brady, 11, (Olentangy Liberty, OH) 30T. Bennett Berge, 8, (Kasson-Mantorville, MN) 25. Tony Mendoza, 12, (Selma, CA) 17. Dominic Mata, 10, (Poway, CA) 26. Bernie Truax, 12, (Rancho Buena Vista, CA) 18. Cole Corrigan, 12, (Toms River South, NJ) 145 Pounds 27. Cade DeVos, 11, (Southeast Polk, IA) 19. Cameron Amine, 11, (Detroit Cath. Central, MI) 1. Sammy Sasso, 12, (Nazareth, PA) 28. Christian Hudson, 11, (Caldwell, ID) 20. Jake Hart, 12, (Fort Mill, SC) 2. Frankie Gissendanner, 12, (Penfield, NY) 29. Kolby Ho, 12, (Dubois, PA) 21. Justin McCoy, 12, (Chesnut Ridge, PA) 3. Brock Hardy, 12, (Box Elder, UT) 30T. Trent Johnson, 12, (John Hardin, KY) 22. Harlan Steffensmeier, 12, (Fort Madison, IA) 4. Mason Phillips, 12, (Stanwood, WA) 30T. Ben Pasiuk, 11, (Carrollton, OH) 23. Cayd Lara, 12, (Fort Dodge, IA) 5. Andrew Alirez, 11, (Greeley Central, CO) 30T. Connor Kievman, 10, (Wyoming Seminary, PA) 24. Jake Marsh, 12, (Marysville, OH) 6. Jake Stiles, 11, (Montini Catholic, IL) 30T. Nicholas Steele, 9, (San Pasqual, AZ) 25. Farouq Mohammed, 11, (Elyria, OH) 7. Kendall Coleman, 12, (Mt. Carmel, IL) 26. Logan Jensen, 12, (Herriman, UT) 8. Mitch Moore, 12, (St. Paris Graham, OH) 152 Pounds 27. Brian Meyer, 12, (Phillipsburg, NJ) 9. Vic Voinovich, 9, (Brecksville, OH) 1. David Carr, 12, (Massillon Perry, OH) 28. Peter Enos, 12, (Francis Howell, MO) 10. Peyton Omania, 12, (De La Salle, CA) 2. Brayton Lee, 12, (Brownsburg, IN) 29. Matthew Grippi, 12, (Fox Lane, NY) 11. Kevon Davenport, 11, (Detroit Cath. Central, MI) 3. Jacori Teemer, 12, (Long Beach, NY) 30T. Rodrick Mosley, 12, (Heritage Hall, OK) 12. McKay Foy, 11, (Altamont, UT) 4. Justin Ruffin, 12, (Union Grove, GA) 30T. Dawon Andrews, 11, (Safford, AZ) 13. Jason Kraisser, 11, (Centennial, MD) 5. Anthony Artalona, 12, (Tampa Prep, FL) 30T. Aaron Gandara, 10, (Cibola, AZ) 14. Michael Weber, 11, (Forsyth, MT) 6. Markus Hartman, 12, (Barrington, IL) 30T. Paddy Gallagher, 9, (St. Edward, OH) 15. Ricky Cabanillas, 11, (DePaul Catholic, NJ) 7 Will Lewan, 12, (Montini Catholic, IL) page 28 May 30, 2018 - Wrestling U.S.A. Magazine WrestlingUSA.com

160 Pounds 24. Colton Denney, 12, (Heritage Hall, OK) 16. Darrien Roberts, 11, (Wyoming Seminary, PA) 1. Shane Griffith, 12, (Bergen Catholic, NJ) 25. Trent Tracy, 11, (Frontier, CA) 17. Trevor Lawson, 12, (Olentangy Liberty, OH) 2. Peyton Robb, 12, (Owatonna, MN) 26. Anthony Zach, 11, (Waukee, IA) 18. Joey Baughman, 12, (Wadsworth, OH) 3. Dustin Plott, 10, (Tuttle, OK) 27. Gabe Martinez, 11, (Oakdale, CA) 19. Tim Wallace, 12, (Albert Gallatin, PA) 4. Andrew Merola, 12, (Blair Academy, NJ) 28. Christian Rodriguez, 11, (Selma, CA) 20. Devin Winston, 11, (Park Hill, MO) 5. Jaden Mattox, 12, (Central Crossing, OH) 29. Troy Fisher, 11, (Goddard, KS) 21. Conner Graber, 12, (Northridge, IN) 6. Jared Franek, 12, (West Fargo, ND) 30T. Nate Jimenez, 12, (Marmion Academy, IL) 22. Nathan Walton, 12, (Brownsburg, IN) 7. Ryan Thomas, 12, (St. Paris Graham, OH) 30T. Parker Keckeisen, 11, (Nicolet, WI) 23. Caden Steffen, 12, (Zumbrata-Mazeppa, MN) 8. Carter Starocci, 11, (Erie Cathedral Prep, PA) 30T. Rocky Elam, 10, (Staley, MO) 24. Josh McKenzie, 11, (Bergen Catholic, NJ) 9. Jarrett Jacques, 12, (Father Tolton, MO) 25. David Crawford, 12, (Canfield, OH) 10. Nelson Brands, 12, (Iowa City West, IA) 182 Pounds 26. Gary Wokojance, 11, (Barberton, OH) 11. Josh Kim, 12, (Santiago, CA) 1. Aaron Brooks, 12, (North Hagerstown, MD) 27. Jack Parr, 11, (St. Paul’s, MD) 12. Kevon Freeman, 12, (Lake Catholic, OH) 2. Patrick Kennedy, 10, (Kasson-Manorville, MN) 28. Jonathan Fagen, 11, (Fruitland, ID) 13. Mason Reiniche, 11, (Baylor School, TN) 3. Bill Janzer, 12, (Delsea, NJ) 29. Christian Knop, 11, (Alexandria, AL) 14. Peyton Mocco, 12, (Nathan Hale, WI) 4. Joel Shapiro, 12, (WDM Valley, IA) 30T. Tate Samuelson, 12, (Castle View, CO) 15. Tyler Dow, 12, (Stoughton, WI) 5. Jared Krattiger, 12, (Waterford, WI) 30T. Jake Logan, 11, (New Rochelle, NY) 16. Phil Conigliaro, 12, (Belmont Hill, MA) 6. Cody Mulligan, 12, (Saegertown, PA) 30T. Gaige Garcia, 10, (Southern Columbia, PA) 17. Jaryn Curry, 12, (Choctaw, OK) 7. Jack Jessen, 12, (Willowbrook, IL) 30T. Kyle Haas, 9, (Maize, KS) 18. Robert Kanniard, 11, (Wall, NJ) 8. Anthony Montalvo, 12, (Buchanan, CA) 19. Jake Silverstein, 12, (Hauppauge, NY) 9. Leo Tarantino, 12, (Blair Academy, NJ) 195 Pounds 20. Josh Ramirez, 12, (Dubuque Wahlert, IA) 10. D.J. Shannon, 12, (Christian Brothers, MO) 1. Gavin Hoffman, 12, (Montoursville, PA) 21. Colt Yinger, 12, (Nelsonville-York, OH) 11. Josh Stillings, 12, (Pennridge, PA) 2. Michael Beard, 12, (Malvern Prep, PA) 22. Michael Vernagallo, 12, (Cape Fear, NC) 12. Victor Marcelli, 12, (Massillon Jackson, OH) 3. Albert Ferrari, 10, (Allen, TX) 23. Logan Meek, 12, (Crater, OR) 13. Erich Byelick, 12, (Lake Highland Prep, FL) 4. Lucas Davison, 12, (Chesterton, IN) 24. Joel Romero, 12, (Buchanan, CA) 14. Cole Moody, 12, (Brighton, UT) 5. Tony Andrade, 12, (Gilroy, CA) 25. Isaac Wilcox, 11, (Olympus, UT) 15. Zac Braunagel, 12, (Althoff Catholic, IL) 6. Jacob Cardenas, 11, (Bergen Catholic, NJ) 26. Zach Hartman, 12, (Belle Vernon, PA) 27. Garrit Nijenhuis, 10, (Canon McMillan, PA) 28. Drew Eller, 10, (Evans, GA) 29. Matt Ortiz, 11, (Montini Catholic, IL) 30T. Danny Braunagel, 12, (Althoff Catholic, IL) 30T. Alex Cramer, 11, (Grayslake Central, IL) 30T. Kai Bele, 10, (Lake Highland Prep, FL)

170 Pounds 1. Travis Wittlake, 12, (Marshfield, OR) 2. Trent Hidlay, 12, (Mifflin County, PA) 3. Rocky Jordan, 12, (St. Paris Graham, OH) 4. Julian Ramirez, 11, (Blair Academy, NJ) 5. Carson Kharchla, 11, (Olentangy Liberty, OH) 6. Emil Soehnlen, 12, (Massillon Perry, OH) 7. Grant Cuomo, 12, (Brewster, NY) 8. Michael O’Malley, 12, (Hasbrouck Heights, NJ) 9. Chris Foca, 11, (Bergen Catholic, NJ) 10. Tyler Barnes, 12, (Ballston Spa, NY) 11. Jeremiah Kent, 12, (Hickman, MO) 12. Billy Higgins, 12, (Omaha Skutt, NE) 13. Braeden Redlin, 12, (Allen, TX) 14. Joe Mazzara, 12, (Bishop Gorman, NV) 15. Robert Patrick, 12, (Ligonier Valley, PA) 16. Noah Warren, 12, (Perry Meridian, IN) 17. Ben Sarasin, 12, (CR Kennedy, IA) 18. Mason Smith, 12, (Walton-Verona, KY) 19. Abe Assad, 11, (Glenbard North, IL) 20. Jackson Turley, 11, (St. Christopher’s, VA) 21. Edmond Ruth, 11, (Susquehanna Township, PA) 22. Zane Coleman, 11, (Choctaw, OK) 23. Layne Malczewski, 12, (Dakota, MI) Wrestling U.S.A. Magazine - May 30, 2018 page 29 ALL-CLASS Rankings

7. Jake Thompson, 12, (Moeller, OH) 26. Gage Braun, 12, (St. Paris Graham, OH) 9. Tyler Curd, 11, (Oak Grove, MO) 8. Colbey Harlan, 12, (Oakdale, CA) 27. Dylan McBride, 12, (Fort Morgan, CO) 10. Pete Acciardi, 12, (Don Bosco Prep, NJ) 9. Ryan Reyes, 11, (Clovis West, CA) 28. Layne Hatcher, 12, (Pulaski Academy, AR) 11. Matt Hennessey, 12, (Plainfield North, IL) 10. Jonathan Loew, 12, (Wantagh, NY) 29. Trey Rogers, 12, (Hastings, MN) 12. Joey Daniel, 12, (Santa Ana, CA) 11. Beau Yineman, 12, (Neenah, WI) 30T. Jared Ball, 12, (Hilliard Darby, OH) 13. Chance Trussell, 12, (Morgan, UT) 12. Bryce Esmoil, 12, (West Liberty, IA) 30T. Yaraslau Slavikouski, 11, 14. Owen Trephan, 11, (Blair Academy, NJ) 13. Tony Wuest, 12, (Smyrna, DE) (Northfield Mt. Hermon, MA) 15. Boone McDermott, 12, (Dubuque Wahlert, IA) 14. Luke McGonigal, 12, (Clearfield, PA) 30T. Santos Cantu, 10, (Sprague, OR) 16. Francis Duggan, 12, (Iowa City West, IA) 15. Cole Urbas, 11, (State College, PA) 30T. Peyton Craft, 9, (Blair Academy, NJ) 17. Aric Bohn, 12, (Mukwonago, WI) 16. Cody Howard, 12, (St. Edward, OH) 18. Isaiah Perez, 12, (Pitman, CA) 17. Tyrie Houghton, 12, (Weddington, NC) 220 Pounds 19. Victor Jaquez, 11, (Bellarmine, CA) 18. Jack Flynn, 12, (Francis Howell, MO) 1. Mason Parris, 12, (Lawrenceburg, IN) 20. Zach Marcheselli, 11, (Broken Arrow, OK) 19. Garrett Joles, 12, (Boyceville, WI) 2. Daniel Kerkvliet, 11, (Simley, MN) 21. Gaige Willis, 12, (Pymatuning Valley, OH) 20. Wyatt Hendrickson, 11, (Newton, KS) 3. Brandon Whitman, 12, (Dundee, MI) 22. Antonio McCloud, 12, (Cincinnati Elder, OH) 21. Jayden Woodruff, 12, (Ponderosa, CO) 4. Zach Elam, 12, (Staley, MO) 23. Jacob Bullock, 11, (Cahokia, IL) 22. Peter Christensen, 11, (Montini Catholic, IL) 5. Braxton Amos, 10, (Parkersburg South, WV) 24. Hunter Catka, 10, (Sun Valley, PA) 23. Ashton Sharp, 10, (Park Hill, MO) 6. Luke Luffman, 11, (Urbana, IL) 25. Cole Fibranz, 11, (Sartell, MN) 24. Sam Hansen, 12, (Roncalli, IN) 7. Anthony Walters, 12, (Bishop McCort, PA) 26. Ian Edenfield, 12, (Laurel Highlands, PA) 25. Stone Day, 12, (Valley View, OH) 8. Ben Goldin, 12, (Lake Highland Prep, FL) 27. Maverick McPeak, 12, (Dakota, IL) 28. Maika Tauteoli, 11, (Pleasant Grove, UT) 29. Andrew Marshall, 12, (Lincoln-Sudbury, MA) 30T. Jordan Baumler, 12, (North Fayette Valley, IA) 30T. Chase Dockter, 11, (Bismarck, ND) 30T. Cody Fleming, 10, (Ninety-Six, SC)

285 Pounds 1. Gable Steveson, 12, (Apple Valley, MN) 2. Cohlton Schultz, 11, (Ponderosa, CO) 3. Seth Nevills, 12, (Clovis, CA) 4. Anthony Cassioppi, 12, (Hononegah, IL) 5. Isaac Reid, 12, (Kiski, PA) 6. Nash Hutmacher, 10, (Chamberlain, SD) 7. Austin Emerson, 12, (Bedford, MI) 8. Nick Casperson, 12, (Beresford, SD) 9. Terrese Aaron, 12, (Mexico, MO) 10. Paul Robinson, 12, (Bremen, GA) 11. Jake Levengood, 12, (Vacaville, CA) 12. Montana Phillips, 11, (MacArthur, OK) 13. Eli Pokorney, 11, (Chesterton, IN) 14. Deonte Wilson, 12, (Amityville, NY) 15. Colin Lawler, 12, (Kinkaid TX) 16. John McConkey, 12, (Atlantic, IA) 17. Caleb Sanders, 12, (Glenwood, IA) 18. Jonathan Birchmeier, 11, (Broad Run, VA) 19. Lewis Fernandes, 11, (Voorhees, NJ) 20. Keaton Kluever, 12, (Kaukauna, WI) 21. Michael Kramer, 11, (Wilson Central, TN) 22. Michael Wolfgram, 11, (Central York, PA) 23. Jack DelGarbino, 11, (Girard, OH) 24. Brooks Baker, 11, (Broomfield, MO) 25. Max Darrah, 12, (Whitfield School, MO) 26. Bryan Wallace, 12, (Clarke County, VA) 27. Tommy Mommer, 12, (Cibola, AZ) 28. Jace Punke, 11, (Washington, IL) 29. Louden Haga, 11, (Parkersburg South, WV) 30T. Dan Scheib, 12, (Tri-Valley, PA) 2018 Dream Team Classic Wrestling Dual - 170 lbs. Travis Wittlake Jr. (Marshfield, OR) attacking with a low single leg on Noah Warren (Perry Meridian, IN). Wittlake won by technical fall 17-1, 3:33. 30T. Jorden Pryor, 11, (Dunbar, MD) Photo by G Wyatt Schultz. 30T. Andy Garcia, 10, (Pueblo East, CO)

page 30 May 30, 2018 - Wrestling U.S.A. Magazine HIGH SCHOOL Team Rankings Top 50 High School Teams By Stuart Mahler 1. Blair Academy, New Jersey 26. Oak Park River Forest, Illinois 2. Bergen Catholic, New Jersey 27. Indianapolis Cathedral, Indiana 3. St. Paris Graham, Ohio 28. Christian Brothers College, Missouri 4. Wyoming Seminary, Pennsylvania 29. Brownsburg, Indiana 5. Montini Catholic, Illinois 30. Erie Cathedral Prep, Pennsylvania 6. Lake Highland Prep, Florida 31. Apple Valley, Minnesota 7. Buchanan, California 32. Park Hill, Missouri 8. St. Edward, Ohio 33. Davison, Michigan 9. Nazareth, Pennsylvania 34. Anoka, Minnesota 10. Bethlehem Catholic, Pennsylvania 35. Waukee, Iowa 11. Gilroy, California 36. Broken Arrow, Oklahoma 12. Brecksville, Ohio 37. Flathead (Kalispell), Montana 13. South Dade, Florida 38. Lowell, Michigan 14. Detroit Catholic Central, Michigan 39. Kiski Area, Pennsylvania 15. Poway, California 40. Southeast Polk, Iowa 16. Delbarton, New Jersey 41. Grand Junction, Colorado 17. Reynolds, Pennsylvania 42. Olathe, Kansas 18. Wadsworth, Ohio 43. Lincoln East, Nebraska 19. Camden County, Georgia 44. Rio Rancho, New Mexico 20. Allen, Texas 45. Shakopee, Minnesota 21. Choctaw, Oklahoma 46. Goddard, Kansas 22. Selma, California 47. Aztec, New Mexico 23. Parkersburg South, West Virginia 48. Sidney-Fairview, Montana 24. LaSalle, Ohio 49. Kearny, Nebraska 25. Fort Dodge, Iowa 50. Lake Gibson, Florida ‘‘ The MartinMartin’s’s ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘

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Wrestling U.S.A. Magazine - May 30, 2018 page 31 GIRLS Wrestling A Year of New Opportunities for Girls High School Wrestling

By Joan Fulp o describe the 2017-18 high school season as a banner the momentum for this decision with input from their state year for girls wrestling would be an understatement. wrestling advisory committee. According to our research, there Change is coming for the sport and the tide is turn- were no tournaments being held specifically for high school girls T ing fast. From 1998 to 2018 there were only six states during the wrestling season. It will be exciting to watch Georgia’s holding girls high school wrestling championships. numbers and wrestling opportunities for girls grow next season. Since February, four new interscholastic governing bodies have On Monday February 12th, the Oregon School Activities voted to open the doors and provide more opportunities for girls Association (OSAA) voted to approve a separate girls division to wrestle girls. and official girls’ state championship. Oregon has run an exhibi- Which states took those giant leaps in 2018? First to announce tion championship for girls since 2009. It took dedicated grass they will hold a girls’ state championships in the 2018-2019 roots support from coaches, parents, and athletes, along with wrestling season was Georgia, Oregon, and Colorado. The Oregon coaches Scott Shannon and Trent Kroll, to lobby the state Georgia High School Association (GHSA) made their announce- championship committee for the desired girls championship to ment at the boys’ state championship on February 10th. Georgia come to fruition. was somewhat of a surprise, as the GHSA leadership provided On Feb 21st, the Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) approved girls wrestling as a two-year pilot program. CHSAA created a girls wrestling advisory committee in 2016, and studied the grow- ing numbers of girls wrestling boys. As a result of leadership from the top down, this new pilot pro- gram received the go ahead. Colorado held six tour- naments this past season helping promote the sport and creating the opportunity for girls to wrestle only girls. These events were either divisions at a current boys event, or stand alone tournaments. It was the second year Colorado afforded these tour- nament opportunities. Within one year, Colorado’s numbers of girls participating in wrestling grew from 172 in 2016-17 to 220 in 2017-18. Rounding out the group of four is Massachusetts. “The MIAA is excited to offer the first Girls’ Only State Wrestling Tournament beginning in the winter of 2018-19” said Phil Napolitano, MIAA Wrestling Liaison (Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association). “We are thrilled to provide an oppor- tunity to showcase the tremendous female wrestlers that work tirelessly throughout the season. We look forward to the continued growth of Girls Wrestling in the state of Massachusetts.” The MIAA is applauded for the decision from the state inter- scholastic level to support the growth of girls wrestling with a championship tournament. While these four states join Alaska, California, Hawaii, Tennessee, Texas and Washington by creat- ing girls state championship tournaments, what type of opportunities are other states creating for 2017 Junior National Women’s Championship Final - 138 lbs. girls wrestling in high school? Which states are cur- Emma Bruntil (Washington) looking to finish a takedown on Jerzie Estrada (Colorado). rently working to provide girls only competition? Bruntil won by fall in 4.32. Photo by G Wyatt Schultz. New Mexico made wrestling news as the New page 32 May 30, 2018 - Wrestling U.S.A. Magazine WrestlingUSA.com

Mexico Activities Association (NMAA) took a positive step and letes with big hopes towards sanctioning the sport. ran an exhibition girls’ state alongside their boys’ championship Why now? What has created the excitement? And which cir- this past season. They used eight weight classes and an eight-per- cumstances can we attribute the growth in numbers? There are son bracket. This was an initial step to garner and determine three key points our committee believes has attributed to the interest in girls wrestling. Despite only recording 115 girls partic- growth: ipating in the 2017-18 season, the NMAA leadership chose to cre- ate an opportunity to grow the sport for girls. In our committee 1. The success of Team USA’s women at the 2016 Olympic Games, findings, this is the type of conscientious example more states can and Helen Maroulis’ gold medal win. follow. Small or large numbers, girls should be provided the opportunity to wrestle their own gender. 2. More coaches are willing to welcome girls into the high school While other states are creating committees to determine the fea- wrestling room. As young ladies step into the practice room and sibility of sanctioning girls wrestling at the high school level, on the competition mat, old attitudes are taking a backseat. numerous coaches are taking action by providing stand-alone Those attitudes are being replaced by acceptance and an appreci- girls tournaments or girls divisions at a JV or Varsity tournament ation of a girl’s desire to excel in wrestling. to provide the much-needed competition. Here are examples of what other states are doing. 3. The push and dogged persistence by coaches and advocates to Kansas has put rubber to the road and has promoted girls provide more opportunities. Girls’ divisions are being held at wrestling for the past two seasons. Doug Kretzer, head boys and tournaments nationwide. girls coach at McPherson High School, McPherson, Kansas, has spearheaded the push and the growth has been exponential. Girls The acceptance and excitement is growing! Girls wrestling is only tournaments began with four the first year, and has grown to clearly alive all across the country even while there remains “wel- nine for the 2017-18 season. Numbers of girls attending the come mats” that are far from visible for many females taking their Kansas girls high school state (unofficial) championship grew first step into a wrestling room. Surely as states take the lead and from 56 competing in 2017, to 145 girls competing in 2018. provide more opportunities for girls to wrestle their own gender, According to Kretzer’s statistics, total participation numbers for numbers will only skyrocket. Without a doubt… girls wrestling is girls wrestling grew from 112 to 234 in one year. Clearly, provid- foot sweeping the nation. ing the opportunity for girls only competition allows for a more equitable playing field, less resistance from parents, and new Joan Fulp is a volunteer committee member for the USA-Wrestling opportunities for female athletes who previously were not inter- Girls High School Development Committee. Her family has been ested in competing against males. involved in the sport of wrestling for over 50 years. Her husband, Lee Virginia and Florida has offered either girls only tournaments or Allen was a 2X Olympian and the USA Greco Roman World and girls divisions during the past two wrestling seasons. Florida’s Olympic coach from 1977-1980. Daughters Sara Fulp-Allen Bahoura 2018 participation numbers are right at 600. They run numerous and Katherine Fulp-Allen Shai have twelve years between them on the girls tournaments during the season, and had 300 participants at USA National Team. their unofficial Florida Girls State championship. Likewise Virginia, with participation numbers over 275, ran four girls divi- sions or tournaments this past season. Illinois does not offer girls only competi- tion during the season, however the Illinois Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association (IWCOA) ran the Illinois Girls State High School tournament for the second year. The IWCOA has also created a regional qualifi- cation system for this tournament, and will hold this competition again next year. I would be remiss in reviewing opportuni- ties happening across the country without noting the national college news making history for womens wrestling. The NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) announced on April 14 they would hold a national women’s wrestling invitational. This is the first national inter- collegiate athletic association to establish a program for women’s wrestling. Each state involved in pushing the growth of girls wrestling have their own process. Although at different stages in their journey, New York, Missouri, Indiana, Idaho, Utah, Nebraska, Iowa, and Wisconsin are current- ly creating a support system for female ath- Wrestling U.S.A. Magazine - May 30, 2018 page 33 STATE Awards 2018 STATE AWARDS Person-of-the-Year Nestor Varona Mark Jensen Florida Minnesota

This Year's Wrestling USA Magazine’s Mark attended Brainerd High Florida Person-of-the-Year is a lifetime School, graduating in 1975. His high supporter of wrestling. school record was 85-15, and he was a Nestor Varona wrestled at Coral Region Champion and a two-time Gables High School and was a state state participant, placing fourth at 132 place finisher as a senior. Both of lbs. in 1974. Nestor's sons, Isaiah and Elijah made He attended Concordia College in the Junior World Team in Greco and won 4 national titles Moorhead, and earned a 102-29 record, placing 2nd and and 22 other All American honors between them. 5th at the NCAA Div III National Tournament in 1978 and Nestor has been a successful coach in all phases of the 1979 respectively. Mark was voted as a wild card to wres- sport and at all levels. Nestor’s USA Wrestling Club, tle in the Division I Tournament at College Park, Garage Boyz has produced 14 Greco/Freestyle National Maryland. He earned a degree in both Physical Education Champions, 49 All Americans and 4 World Team Members and Biology, graduating in 1979. and that’s just from his double car garage!! Mark then began teaching and coaching at Howard Lake Besides his contribution as a coach, Nestor has volun- Waverly in 1980-81. He married his wife Karla and relocat- teered his services as a photographer, providing individual ed to the Brainerd area and was assistant coach under and team shots of FHSAA State Champions to be used by Bruce Thompson in the early 1980s. Mark coached and many publications for the last 10 years. taught Physical Education at Pierz High School from 1987- The state of Florida and all of our different phases of 2017. His teams at Pierz had a record of 377-112-2. He was wrestling are better because of men like Nestor Varona. Section Coach of the year seven-times, and selected as The wrestling community here in Florida is very grateful Minnesota State Coach of the Year in 2005. He coached 114 for his many contributions. state entrants, 7 state champions, and coached 11 teams to the State Tournament. Pierz was crowned team champi- Ann Perry Ritter ons in both 2004 and 2005, second in 2017 and third in Pennsylvania 2016. They earned consolation champions in 2003, 2006, and 2014. They placed sixth in 1996 and 2002. Mark is a member of the Brainerd High School Hall of A member of the one of the most pro- Fame and their Wrestling Hall of Fame, the Concordia lific wrestling families in the nation, College Athletic Hall of Fame for both football and she has done everything but actually wrestling. compete on the wrestling mat. She has Mark’s wife’s name is Karla, and they have four kids: served as a wrestling official; has given Kristine, Kaley, Kaitlyn, and Kaari. her time as a PA Chapter National Wrestling Hall of Fame Board Member for 19 years (the last several as Pennsylvania Chapter President); and has served on the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Board Advisory and Veterans Boards. She contributes to all of Pennsylvania wrestling including the upstart female wrestling programs. Her family is royalty in the wrestling nation. Her father Rex, her brothers Hugh and Ed were all three-time NCAA champions. Pennsylvania is proud to honor Ann Peery Ritter as the 2018 Wrestling USA Magazine’s Person-of-the-Year. page 34 May 30, 2018 - Wrestling U.S.A. Magazine One Can KS Skin Créme Should Last a Wrestler Since 1994 KS Skin Creme has been used the Whole with success by wrestlers all over the nation. Season By putting a hydrophobic (water-repelling) layer on the skin, KS helps keep dirt and other contaminates from coming in contact with your skin allowing you to wash them away in the shower after wrestling. Unlike other products, KS won’t dry out your skin or interfere with your skin’s normal bacteria which is an essential part of keeping your skin healthy and less prone to problems. It’s a simple premise, but it works!

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