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Local Pigeon Forge wrestler commits to Arkansas Little Rock

  • By Jake Wright Sports Reporter 
    • Aug 5, 2021 Updated 3 hrs ago
 
Foreman

Pigeon Forge’s Garrett Foreman will continue his wrestling career at Arkansas Little Rock after his senior season for the Tigers.

File Image/The Mountain Press

PIGEON FORGE — Pigeon Forge wrestler Garrett Foreman committed to the University of Arkansas Little Rock recently to continue his career in college.

Foreman set up a visit on his way home from wrestling out of state, and he is thankful that it worked out the way it did.

https://www.themountainpress.com/sports/high_school/local-pigeon-forge-wrestler-commits-to-arkansas-little-rock/article_b29ddebb-5ec5-57a6-bd48-0a4e5d898a85.html

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COLLEGE MEN’S WRESTLING

King adds Vezzetti to coaching staff

King Univeristy men’s wrestling coach Deral Brown has completed his coaching staff with the addition of Antonio Vezzetti, having served last year as a coach for Greg Gomez Trained Wrestling in Illinois.

Vezzetti was a three-time All-American wrestler at Notre Dame College in Ohio.

 
Edited by Sommers
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OLYMPIC WOMEN'S WRESTLING: Former King University wrestler Sarah Hildebrandt wins bronze medal

  • BHC Sports Desk 
    • 3 hrs ago
    •  
hildebrandt

Former King University wrestler Sarah Hildebrandt reacts after winning the bronze on Saturday.

The Associated Press
BHC Sports Desk

Abronze medal fit for a King University graduate.

Former King University women’s wrestler Sarah Hildebrandt captured the bronze medal in the freestyle 50kg at the Summer Olympics on Saturday on Tokyo.

Hildebrandt rallied late to defeat Oksana Livach of Ukraine by technical superiority, 21-1, having overcome an earlier loss to eventual silver medalist Yanan Sun of China.

“Last night was probably the lowest I’ve ever felt. I couldn’t even wrap my mind around it and still can’t,” said Hildebrandt, in comments provided by King University athletics. “To be able to come back from that, to have so many people be there for me yesterday and literally pick me up off the floor, and get this medal, so many people have put into this. It’s a great representation of that.”

 

A four-time All-American and two-time national champion at King from 2012-15, Hildebrandt recorded a takedown of Livach to take a 2-1 lead at the break in the bronze medal match. She extended that lead with another takedown with 48 seconds remaining, and then added three turns to take the 12-1 win by technical fall.

Hildebrandt became the first King athlete to win an Olympic medal, much to the delight of King women’s wrestling coach Jason Moorman.

“I remember Sarah as a young 18-year-old walking on campus for the first time with dreams of the highest achievements,” Moorman said. “She accomplished many great things during her tenure here at King, however her growth since has been remarkable. She faced a lot of adversity over the years as every athlete does, and how you handle that adversity is what separates people. She handled it better than anyone.”

 
 

Hildebrandt won two earlier matches, 11-0 and 12-2, to advance to the medal round where she fell to Sun. She rebounded nicely, claiming the bronze against Livach.

“Congrats to her coaches Brad Harper and Terry Steiner, they have been amazing in their guidance to this accomplishment,” Moorman said. “We are incredibly proud of Sarah, she forever will be an Olympic Bronze medalist.”

She was the third King athlete to compete in the Olympics, following women’s wrestler Haley Augello, who competed for the United States in 2016 and Kemar Hyman, who participated in track and field for the Cayman Islands in 2012 and 2016.

“We are so proud of Sarah and everything she’s accomplished,” King athletic director David Hicks said. “Faculty, staff, students, and alumni watched her compete on the biggest stage in the world and walk away with a bronze medal. She’s been a champion since she arrived on campus and embodies the spirit of King.

 

“We have arguably the top women’s wrestling program in the country with multiple national champions and Sarah represents the best of the best,” Hicks said. “While she’s our first medalist, she won’t be our last.”

Hildebrandt became the second local college athlete to earn a medal in the 2020 Summer Olympics. Rising Milligan junior Megan Jastrab won a bronze medal as part of the Women’s Team Pursuit cycling competition.

Shane Baz and Anthony Carter were on the silver-medal winning United States baseball team and both spent time with Bristol’s Appalachian League franchise.

Carter (0-0, 7.71 ERA in three games in Tokyo) pitched for the Bristol White Sox in 2006, while Baz (0-0, 6.75 ERA in his one Olympic appearance) was a standout for the Bristol Pirates in 2018.

Meanwhile, Hildebrandt captured the bronze medal five years after falling short in her attempt to qualify for the 2016 Olympics in Rio.

“What a special time to be a part of Team USA wrestling. You can feel the energy,” said Hildebrandt, who picked up the ninth medal for Team USA wrestling and fourth of six for American women in the Tokyo Olympics. “I’m so grateful to have these teammates. We are supporting each other, working to get better. That is different from before and you can see it paying off.”

Yui Susaki of Japan won the gold medal, defeating Sun 10-0 in the final match. Mariya Stadnik of Azerbaijan also picked up a bronze medal, topping Namuuntsetseg Tsogt Ochir of Mongolia 10-0.

https://heraldcourier.com/sports/olympic-womens-wrestling-former-king-university-wrestler-sarah-hildebrandt-wins-bronze-medal/article_4069a496-f7d1-11eb-9ada-93878dd2984f.html

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Heath Eslinger – Wrestling – 1996-00 – Head Coach 2010-18

Heath Eslinger was a three-time Southern Conference Champion as a student-athlete at UTC from 1996-00.  He posted a 120-18 all-time mark and was the 2000 SoCon Wrestler of the Year.  His 120 career wins broke the school’s all-time mark and is still No. 2 on the list today.  He was also the MVP of the SoCon Tournament in 2000 and climbed as high as No. 6 in the national rankings as an individual.  He took over as head coach of the Mocs in 2010 and won five regular season and four tournament titles in nine years.  He was the 2011 and 2013 SoCon Coach of the Year and is second in career wins with a 101-63 overall record.  Eslinger was also the driving force in bringing the Southern Scuffle to Chattanooga.

Source Chattanoogan

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With some crazy going on's in the state during covid related debates, it's time to go says Brad!!!

Farewell and thanks for your wrestling contributions and artistic/spiritual share though the years, and may you help the state of affairs in VA...

Brad Fiscus Leaving Williamson County School Board

By
 Andrea Hinds
 -
August 16, 2021
brad fiscus
 

Brad Fiscus, District 4, announced he is leaving his position on the Williamson County School Board at the end of September as he and his family are moving to Virginia.

 

“I will be leaving my position on the Williamson County School Board at the end of September. My wife and I will be moving to northern Virginia area near DC. I will be fulfilling my duties as your elected representative until that date. It is and has been an honor to serve the people of District 4,” Fiscus wrote on Facebook.

How will the seat be filled? Fiscus explains that District 4 County Commissioners Gregg Lawrence and Chad Story will be asked to bring a nomination to the commission. The county commission will vote to confirm that nomination or offer other candidates who live inside District 4. Once chosen, the new member will be sworn in at the next voting meeting of the board after the commission completes the appointment process.

The new member will complete the remainder of the term that ends in August 2022. The new member may or may not decide to run for election in the August 2022 election.

Brad Fiscus Educator Background

According to fiscusfortn.com:

In 1989, Fiscus began his teaching career in Sheridan, Indiana. At Sheridan Middle School he taught seventh and eighth-grade science. He also served as student council advisor, middle school football coach, middle school wrestling coach, middle school track coach, and head coach for the high school wrestling team. During his time in Sheridan, Brad received multiple Outstanding Teacher of the Year awards. In 1997, he was honored to be named a semi-finalist for Indiana State Educator of the Year.

In the summer of 1997, Brad and his wife, pediatrician Dr. Michelle Fiscus, moved to Nashville. While Shelley was working at Vanderbilt Medical Center, Brad began serving at John Overton High School as a biology and physical science teacher, student council advisor, freshman football coach, and assistant wrestling coach. During his time at Overton High School, Brad was recognized as an outstanding educator, student leadership developer, and coach.

In 2001, Brad decided to leave public school education to be a stay-at-home dad for their first child. Brad continued to coach wrestling at Overton until 2002. A couple of years later, a son, was born. It was during this time that Brad discovered his artistic ability for creating stained glass art. His art can be found in homes and churches throughout the United States.

His time immersed in art, scripture and parenting helped him realize his calling to full-time professional ministry. After serving as the Director of Youth Ministry at Epworth United Methodist Church in Franklin, Brad joined the staff of the Tennessee Conference of the United Methodist Church in 2009. He is now the Director of NextGen Discipleship in the Tennessee Conference. He leads a team of diverse leaders, both youth, and adults, from throughout Middle Tennessee to provide resources and training to nearly 600 churches in the United Methodist connection.

Fiscus joined the Williamson County School Board in September 2018.

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THREE-TIME Mid-South Wrestling Champion...

Fisher, Edward McMurray

Longtime Chattanooga Realtor And Developer Was Outstanding Athlete

Wednesday, August 25, 2021
Edward Fisher
Edward Fisher

Edward McMurray Fisher, born on September 14, 1933, died on August 22, 2021, at age 87 at Alexian Village on Signal Mountain. 

The son of the late Robert Joseph Fisher Jr and Johnnye McMurray Fisher of Athens, TN, he is survived by his children Edward McMurray Fisher Jr (Teresa), Catherine Fisher Delany (Jim), Robert Kenan Fisher (Pam), Mary Fisher Lucas (Joe), and his niece Mary Kim McMillan, and his grandchildren Newman Delany (Paige), Chance Delany, Joy Fisher Tokarczyk (Ben), Lila Fisher Brock (Builder), Allwyn Fisher Schmissrauter (Jon), Patrick and Elizabeth Lucas and Hunter Lucas (fiance’ Allison). Ed was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Janet Kenan Fisher, his brother Robert Joseph Fisher III, of Athens, and his sister Alice Fisher McMillan, of Athens.

Born in Athens, Tn., Ed attended McCallie School of Chattanooga as a boarding student, excelling in football, tennis and wrestling and becoming a three-time Mid-South Wrestling Champion.  He was awarded the Grayson Memorial Medal for the top overall student of the McCallie senior class as well as the Stephens Athletic Award.  It was at a McCallie dance that he met the beautiful Janet Kenan. Their courtship continued even while Ed attended Vanderbilt University to play football and wrestle and Janet attended The University of Tennessee Knoxville (UTK). The distance proved too much for the young couple, so Ed transferred to UTK, where he played Varsity tennis and was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity and the ROTC. They married while still in college.

After graduation from UTK Ed received a commission in the U.S. Air Force where he served for 18 months. Afterward he moved his wife Janet and young family to Chattanooga and then Signal Mountain.  Ed soon began a long and successful career as a realtor and developer, founding Fisher Realty and serving as President of the Chattanooga and Tennessee Boards of Realtors. He also served as President of the Board of Trustees of Girls’ Preparatory School and also on the McCallie School Board of Trustees.  He was a longtime member of St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church, Signal Mountain, and served many years on its Vestry.  Ed also solidified his reputation as an outstanding athlete and competitor by winning many local, state and national championships in tennis, skeet shooting, softball, and handball, which he played well into his 80s. In 2011 he was inducted into the Greater Chattanooga Sports Hall of Fame for Wrestling. He loved to play bridge and card games and always looked forward to yearly trips with his friends and son Robert to Florida for baseball spring training, tennis and card games.

As accomplished as Ed was as a Realtor and athlete, he was a better person and father and was devoted to Janet and his children. He spent most weekends with his children at their swimming meets, football games, tennis and wrestling matches, then eventually did the same with his beloved grandchildren.

Ed’s later years were spent at the Memory Care unit at Alexian. The family would like to express their deep gratitude for the love and kindness of his longtime caregivers, Connie Wooten and Joyce Carpenter.

A memorial service will be held at St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church, 630 Mississippi Ave., Signal Mountain, Tn. 37377 on Sept. 21, at 11 a.m. followed by a receiving of friends and interment of ashes at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Timothy’s.

Arrangements are by Cremation Center of Chattanooga, 1345 Hickory Valley Road.

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RIP...

James Wes Brett, 32, went home to be with his Lord and savior Thursday, September 2, 2021. Wes leaves behind his loving mother and father, Jim and Janet, as well as his brother and sister, Jake (Ksenia) and Kaitlyn. He was born in Chattanooga, TN on June 22, 1989, and attended Soddy Daisy High School where he wrestled on a state championship wrestling team, Wes later wrestled for Carson-Newman College before returning to Chattanooga where he completed an MBA at UTC while working for TVA, and later Blue Cross.

Wes was loved by many for his incredible smile and laugh. He could be found playing golf at Valley Brook almost every week or spending time with his close family and friends cooking out or watching Tennessee football games. He had a heart as big as a mountain and was loved fiercely by those that were blessed to know him.

The Family will receive friends at a visitation service at Burks United Methodist Church on September 8th, 2021, from 12:30-1:50pm. A Celebration of life service to follow at 2pm. Please observe social distancing and wear masks during all services. Please Share your memories, stories, and photos at covenantfuneral.com/obituary/James-Brett.

Arrangements entrusted to Covenant Funeral & Crematory, Crox family owned and operated, www.CovenantFuneral.com.

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DNJ News in Rutherford Co...

Kyle Coder: The 2013 graduate was the first Siegel wrestler to medal at the state and finished 97-23 during his career. He was a region champion in the 145-pound class his senior year. He went on to wrestle for the Army and is currently still serving.

https://www.dnj.com/story/sports/high-school/2021/09/13/tn-high-school-sports-siegel-smyrna-induct-hall-fame-classes/8323735002/

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The Mocs face their first Division I opponents in Davidson, N.C. with Rutgers followed by duals against Clarion and Davidson, UTC's first Southern Conference foe.

In December, the Mocs compete in a pair of Tri-Meets. The first is against SIUE and Illinois in Edwardsville, Ill. on Dec. 11. UTC concludes the 2021 calendar year with a trip to Morgantown, W. Va. to face Cleveland St. and West Virginia.

The Southern Scuffle returns to McKenzie Arena in 2022. The two-day event takes place on Jan. 1 and 2.

"After cancelling the scuffle last season, we are excited for its return this year. It is the best atmosphere in the country in preparation for the NCAA Tournament, and I know our guys look forward to having it in Chattanooga every year," said Ruschell. "The field for the scuffle this year is going to be a tough one as we will see many teams that haven't been here for a couple seasons. This is going to be a tournament that our fans are going to want to come watch."

Prior to a full SoCon slate, the Mocs head to Hampton, Va. for the Virginia Duals on Jan. 14-15. UTC continues league action two weekends later with Gardner Webb (Jan. 28) and Campbell (Jan. 30) on the road.

UTC's regular season continues with six contests in February. The squad returns home on Feb. 4 and 6 to face The Citadel and Appalachian State. A week later, the Blue and Gold conclude their home schedule with VMI and Presbyterian on Feb. 13.

The 2021-22 regular season concludes with a road trip to Bellarmine (Feb. 18) and Indiana (Feb. 20). The postseason begins with the SoCon Championships on March 5 in Boone, N.C and the NCAA Championships are scheduled for March 17-19 in St. Louis, Mo.

Season tickets are on sale now for as low as $55. To purchase season tickets,

https://gomocs.com/news/2021/9/20/ruschell-announces-mocs-wrestling-schedule.aspx

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Simpson marks first wrestling great enshrined in MTSU Hall

 
Simpson marks first wrestling great enshrined in MTSU Hall

Former MTSU wrestler Patrick Simpson will be the first inducted into the Blue Raider Hall of Fame in his sports on Saturday. MTSU ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS

 

Gordon Connell had just been hired as the first ever head coach of the MTSU wrestling program, and he knew who his first call was going to be: Patrick Simpson.

The high school senior was just coming off a heartbreaking loss in the Tennessee State Tournament, falling in the final of the 122 pound division by just one point. But his performance had caught the young coach's eye, impressed with Simpson's relentlessness and raw talent on the mat.

"I figured that this guy has got a lot of fight," Connell said. "He didn't like to lose, he had that fighting spirit."

Simpson took a visit to Murfreesboro shortly thereafter, and signed to become one of the first varsity wrestlers in Blue Raider history. Wrestling primarily at 126 pounds, Simpson quickly established himself as one of the team's top threats on the mat, and wrestled his way to become the first Blue Raider to compete in the NCAA Championships, when he won the NCAA Regional in 1979. He remains the only MT wrestler to ever win a regional title in program history.

"Back in the beginning of the season, I beat a kid that placed fifth in the country the year before," Simpson said of his senior year campaign. "And that's when it kind of dawned on me that I better change my goals, and the goal should be to get to the NCAAs."

The path for Simpson wasn't easy. As a young program, MT was often competing against the top schools in the southeast for the dual meets. Connell compared it to a modern FBS football team facing a SEC or Big Ten squad every other game. An injury the season prior, a hyperextended elbow earned in competition, forced Simpson to miss the previous season as well, so he'd be fighting from a lower seeded position.

But he had some advantages too. Namely, assistant coach Mohammad Ghorbani, a world champion at 52 kg at the 1971 World Wrestling Championships from Iran, who moved to the U.S. shortly thereafter and ended up in Murfreesboro. After knocking on Connell's door one day and offering his help, Ghorbani and Simpson often sparred, given the two's similar size.

"Pat began to learn moves from him that were not used anywhere in the country," Connell said. "He was doing things ten years ahead of the rest of the country, as far as technique goes."

The off year meant Simpson entered the NCAA Regional at Notre Dame as the five seed in his weight class, meaning he needed to knock off three higher seeded opponents to claim the Regional title.

"I wrestled the three best matches probably of my career," Simpson said. "The guy I beat in the finals of the region ended up being a two-time NCAA champion. At the time, he was just a freshman."

Connell said two more MT wrestlers would go on to qualify for the NCAAs the next season, which would end up being the program's last as a varsity sport. Simpson, for his part, remembers the wrestling, but also the special memories he got to share his senior season with two of his brothers who joined him in the starting lineup for the Blue Raiders. Jim, just a freshman at the time, started at 134 pounds, while Frank, just a year behind Pat, started at 142 pounds.

For Connell, he's grateful that the Hall of Fame honoring Simpson's career will help honor the wrestling program as a whole, a program that many Blue Raiders have forgotten about in the decades since it was dropped.

"What Pat's induction is doing is it's at least saying that yes, Middle had a wrestling team, at one time," Connell said. "A lot of people have no recollection of it at all, but the fact that he's being inducted at least gives the program some representation."

Simpson went on to become one of the best wrestling coaches in the state of Tennessee's history, coaching for over 45 years at his alma mater, Father Ryan High School, where he won 20 state championships and was named Coach of the Year by the Middle Tennessee Wrestling Coaches Association numerous times. That Father Ryan connection is something that especially touches Simpson about his induction, beyond just the personal honor itself, in that he'll be joining his former Father Ryan teacher, Boots Donnelly, in the Blue Raider Hall of Fame.

"He was a student there, he came back and coached there," Simpson said. "I didn't play football because I was 100 pounds. But I love Coach Donnelly and to be able to go into the hall of fame that he's in, it's just an honor."

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