Wrestling Updates and Tidbits...

[KingUCoach]

http://www.kingtornado.com/sports/wrest/2016-17/releases/20161031eblebq

 

BRISTOL, Tenn. – King University men's wrestling Bryce Killian will open the 2016-17 season where he left off last year, ranked in the D2Wrestle.com rankings. Killian starts the new season ranked eighth in the country at 141 pounds.

In final rankings of 2015-16 Killian was ranked eighth, leading into the NCAA Division II Men's Wrestling Championships, and that's where he starts his junior campaign. Killian became the first Tornado wrestler to qualify for the NCAA Division II Men's Wrestling Championships since 2012 as he finished third at the Super Region II Championships.

The Middletown, Pa., native was ranked as high as third nationally a season ago and finished the season with a 30-7 record, earning first team All-Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) following the season.

Killian and the Tornado open the new season on Sunday at the SouthEast (Hokie) Open in Roanoke, Va.

[Sommers]

The OSU Cowboys are the favorites

 

http://www.cowboysrideforfree.com/2016/11/3/13510010/cowboy-wrestling-ranked-1-by-usa-today-nwca

Cowboy Wrestling Ranked #1 By USA Today/NWCA

 

by Phillip_Slavin Nov 3, 2016, 11:45am CDT

 

Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

 

The Cowboys wrestling team will begin the season with a target on their backs after receiving a No. 1 ranking in the preseason in the USA Today / NWCA D1 Coaches Poll.

 

OSU received 10 of the possible 16 first place votes to land at number one.

 

Oklahoma State finished the 2015-16 season with a 13-3 record and were the national runner-ups to Penn State. The Nittany Lions were ranked No. 2 in the preseason.

 

Iowa, Ohio State, Missouri, Virginia Tech, Nebraska, Cornell, NC State, and Michigan round out the top 10. In the Big 12, Iowa State (#14) and Oklahoma (#18) were the only other ranked teams.

 

This season OSU continues their history of facing ranked opponents, with seven on the schedule, including; #3 Iowa, #5 Missouri, #8 Cornell, #15 Minnesota, and #23 Pittsburgh. Iowa, Pitt, and Cornell will all come to Stillwater.

 

The high expectations for OSU this season make sense. Coach John Smith’s team returns five All-Americans including 141-pound NCAA champion Dean Heil, Anthony Collica, Joe Smith, Kyle Crutchmer and Nolan Boyd.

 

 

From InterMat...

 

 

1 Ok State 112

2 Iowa 94.5

3 Ohio State 93.5

4 Penn State 86.5

5 Missouri 84

6 Vir Tech 80

7 Cornell 66

8 Nebraska 58

9 Illinois 55

10 Minnesota 50.5

11 Michigan 45

12 Stanford 38

13 Wisconsin 36.5

14 Iowa State 33.5

15 Oregon State 33

16 Rutgers 31

17 NC State 30

18 Northern Iowa 28.5

19 North Carolina 26.5

20 Lehigh 23

21 Princeton 22.5

22 Wyoming 22

23 Penn 21

24 Arizona State 20.5

25 Cent Michigan 18

 

D2

 

 

RANK SCHOOL POINTS

 

1 St. Cloud State 74

2 Maryville 50

3 Pitt-Johnstown 43

4 Mercyhurst 40

5 Upper Iowa 35

6 Nebraska-Kearney 29

7 Notre Dame 28

8 Indianapolis 24

8 McKendree 24

10 Tiffin 23

11 Ashland 22

11 Seton Hill 22

13 California Baptist 20

14 Newberry 18

15 Northern State 17

16 Augustana 16

16 UNC Pembroke 16

18 Newman 13

19 Minnesota State-Mankato 12

19 Simon Fraser 12

19 Wisconsin-Parkside 12

19 Wheeling Jesuit 12

22 Lake Erie 11

23 Colorado Mesa 10

24 Shippensburg 9

25 Fort Hays State 8

25 Limestone 8

25 Minnesota State-Moorhead 8

 

D3

 

1 Wartburg College 44

2 Messiah College 40

3 Ithaca College 32

4 Wabash College 27

5 Stevens Institute of Technology 24

6 UW-La Crosse 23

7 Central College 23

8 Roger Williams University 21

9 Lycoming College 19

10 York College 18

11 Cornell College 17

12 Wheaton College 17

13 Augsburg College 16

14 Luther College 15

15 UW-Whitewater 13

 

NAIA

 

1 Grand View 142.5

2 Indiana Tech 74.5

3 Oklahoma City 69

4 Montana State-Northern 68

T5 Dickinson State 67

T5 Williams Baptist 67

7 Southern Oregon 64

8 Concordia 63.5

9 Life University 51

10 Lindsey Wilson 49.5

11 Midland 49

12 Menlo MatBoss 47.5

13 Missouri Valley 46

14 Wayland Baptist 42.5

15 Baker MatBoss 39.5

16 Campbellsville 36

17 Cumberlands 30

18 Briar Cliff 26

19 York MatBoss 25.5

20 Simpson 25

 

 

NJCAA

 

RANK SCHOOL POINTS

 

1 Northeastern Oklahoma A&M 152.5

2 Iowa Central 128

3 Ellsworth (IA) 98

4 Iowa Western 90.5

4 North Iowa Area 90.5

6 Clackamas (OR) 77.5

7 Iowa Lakes 72.5

8 Nassau (NY) 60.5

9 Northwest (WY) 52.5

10 Niagara (NY) 47.5

11 Highline (WA) 46.5

11 Muskegon (MI) 46.5

11 Western Wyoming 46.5

14 Southwest Oregon 38

15 Barton (KS) 36.5

16 Camden County (NJ) 32.5

17 North IdahoMatBoss 32

18 Mercyhurst North East (PA) 28.5

19 Rowan at Gloucester (NJ) 27

19 Ridgewater (MN) 27

21 Colby (KS) 26

22 Harper (IL) 25.5

23 Pratt (KS) 23

24 Jamestown (NY) 22

24 Spartanburg Methodist (SC) 22

 

 

WCWA

 

1 King University, Bristol, TN

2 Simon Fraser University

3 Campbellsville University

4 McKendree University

5 Oklahoma City University

6 The University of the Cumberlands

7 Wayland Baptist University

8 Menlo College

9 Lindenwood University

10 Lindenwood Belleville

Southern Oregon University

12 Life University

Lyon University

Southwest Oregon Community College

15 Emmanuel College

Warner Pacific College

17 Jamestown University

18 Ottawa University

19 Missouri Valley College

20 Missouri Baptist University

21 Adrian College

22 Bacone College

23 Brewton Parker College

24 Eastern Oregon University

25 Ferrum College

26 Grays Harbor College

27 MacMurray College

28 Midland University

29 Pacific University

30 Waldorf College

31 Wentworth Military Academy

 

 

 

From the TOM National Openmat rankings

 

 

RECRUITING TEAM RACE 2017

*as of 10/06/2016 (View Recent Commits)

1. Cornell

2. North Carolina

3. Iowa State

4. Nebraska

5. Michigan

6. Iowa

7. Virginia Tech

8. Missouri

9. Virginia

10. Wisconsin

 

High School:

 

285

1 Gable Steveson Apple Valley Jr. MN

2 Seth Nevills Clovis Jr. CA

3 Kevin Vough Elyria Sr. OH

4 Trent Hillger Lake Fenton Sr. MI Wisconsin

5 Brey Walker Southmoore Jr. OK

 

6 Nick Boykin Riverdale Sr. TN

 

7 Anthony Cassioppi Honoegah Jr. IL Northwestern

8 Brandon Metz West Fargo Sr. ND North Dakota State

9 Eric Chakonis Don Bosco Sr. NJ Bucknell

10 Niko Camacho Bethlehem Catholic Sr. PA American

11 Brendan Furman Canon McMillan Sr. PA Cornell

12 Kayne Hutchison Pittsburg Sr. KS Air Force

13 Aaron Costello Epworth-Western Dubuque Sr. IA

14 Zach Muller Downers Grove South Sr. IL

15 Jon Spaulding Lakota East Jr. OH

16 Mansur Abdul-Malik Wyoming Seminary Sr. PA Maryland

17 Brian Andrews Grapevine Sr. TX

18 Jared Brinkman Regina-Iowa City Sr. IA

 

19 Sammy Evans Alcoa Sr. TN Tennessee-Chattanooga

 

 

20 Montana Phillips MacArthur So. OK

 

 

NWCA Wrestling USA 2016 Rankings (4/16)

 

TOP 50 HIGH SCHOOLS

1 Blair Academy New Jersey

2 Wyoming Seminary Pennsylvania

3 St. Paris Graham Ohio

4 Bergen Catholic New Jersey

5 Buchanan California

6 Bethlehem Catholic Pennsylvania

7 St. Edward Ohio

8 Oak Park River Forest Illinois

9 Clovis California

10 Lake Highland Prep Florida

11 Belle Vernon Area Pennsylvania

12 Tuttle Oklahoma

13 Apple Valley Minnesota

14 Poway California

15 Marmion Academy Illinois

16 Carl Sandburg Illinois

17 Washington Illinois

18 Mt. Carmel Illinois

19 Archer Georgia

20 St. Michael-Albertville Minnesota

21 Elyria Ohio

22 Nazareth Pennsylvania

23 Camden County Georgia

24 Boyertown Pennsylvania

25 Malvern Prep Pennsylvania

 

WRESTLING USA MAGAZINES //

NATIONAL WRESTLING COACHES

ASSO. // CLIFF KEEN

3/20/2016

TOP TEAMS SOUTH EAST REGION

Fl, LA, TN, SC, NC, GA, AL

1. Lake Highland Prep FL

2. Archer GA

3. Camden County GA

4. South Dade FL.

5. Bradley Central TN

6. Vestavia Hills ALA

7. Gilmer GA

8. Brandon FL

9. Southeast Gilford NC

10. Brother Martin LA

11. Jack Britt NC

12. Dorman SC

13. Jesuit LA

14. Miami Southrigde FL

 

http://www.wrestlingusa.com/high-school/records-and-rankings.html

 

 

USA Today November 3, 2016

 

01

BLAIR ACADEMY

Blairstown, NJ0-0-0SOS: --POW: --OFF: --DEF: --

2015-16 Final Ranking: 1

02

ST. EDWARD HIGH SCHOOL

Lakewood, OH0-0-0SOS: --POW: --OFF: --DEF: --

2015-16 Final Ranking: 7

03

LAKE HIGHLAND PREP SCHOOL

Orlando, FL0-0-0SOS: --POW: --OFF: --DEF: --

2015-16 Final Ranking: 11

04

BUCHANAN HS

Clovis, CA0-0-0SOS: --POW: --OFF: --DEF: --

2015-16 Final Ranking: 6

05

CLOVIS HS

Clovis, CA0-0-0SOS: --POW: --OFF: --DEF: --

2015-16 Final Ranking: 9

06

GRAHAM LOCAL SCHOOLS

Saint Paris, OH0-0-0SOS: --POW: --OFF: --DEF: --

2015-16 Final Ranking: 3

07

MALVERN PREPARATORY SCHOOL

Malvern, PA0-0-0SOS: --POW: --OFF: --DEF: --

2015-16 Final Ranking: 23

08

BETHLEHEM CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

Bethlehem, PA0-0-0SOS: --POW: --OFF: --DEF: --

2015-16 Final Ranking: 5

09

BERGEN CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

Oradell, NJ0-0-0SOS: --POW: --OFF: --DEF: --

2015-16 Final Ranking: 4

10

NAZARETH HS

Nazareth, PA0-0-0SOS: --POW: --OFF: --DEF: --

2015-16 Final Ranking: 21

11

DETROIT CATHOLIC CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL

Novi, MI0-0-0SOS: --POW: --OFF: --DEF: --

2015-16 Final Ranking: Unranked

12

OLENTANGY LIBERTY HIGH SCHOOL

Powell, Oh0-0-0SOS: --POW: --OFF: --DEF: --

2015-16 Final Ranking: Unranked

13

BROWNSBURG HIGH SCHOOL

Brownsburg, IN0-0-0SOS: --POW: --OFF: --DEF: --

2015-16 Final Ranking: Unranked

14

ELYRIA HS

Elyria, OH0-0-0SOS: --POW: --OFF: --DEF: --

2015-16 Final Ranking: 18

15

WYOMING SEMINARY

Kingston, PA0-0-0SOS: --POW: --OFF: --DEF: --

2015-16 Final Ranking: 2

16

OAK PARK RIVER FOREST HIGH SCHOOL

Oak Park, IL0-0-0SOS: --POW: --OFF: --DEF: --

2015-16 Final Ranking: 8

17

POWAY HIGH SCHOOL

Poway, CA0-0-0SOS: --POW: --OFF: --DEF: --

2015-16 Final Ranking: 13

18

ALLEN HIGH SCHOOL

Allen, TX0-0-0SOS: --POW: --OFF: --DEF: --

2015-16 Final Ranking: Unranked

19

CHOCTAW HIGH SCHOOL

Choctaw, OK0-0-0SOS: --POW: --OFF: --DEF: --

2015-16 Final Ranking: Unranked

20

WASHINGTON HIGH SCHOOL

Washington, IL0-0-0SOS: --POW: --OFF: --DEF: --

2015-16 Final Ranking: 15

21

PUEBLO COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL

Pueblo, CO0-0-0SOS: --POW: --OFF: --DEF: --

2015-16 Final Rank: Unranked

22

TUTTLE PUBLIC SCHOOL

Tuttle, OK0-0-0SOS: --POW: --OFF: --DEF: --

2015-16 Final Ranking: 12

23

POMONA HIGH SCHOOL

Arvada, CO0-0-0SOS: --POW: --OFF: --DEF: --

2015-16 Final Ranking: Unranked

24

LOCKPORT TOWNSHIP HS

Lockport, IL0-0-0SOS: --POW: --OFF: --DEF: --

2015-16 Final Ranking: Unranked

25

VALLEY HS-WEST DES MOINES

West Des Moines, IA0-0-0SOS: --POW: --OFF: --DEF: --

2015-16 Final Ranking: Unranked

Honorable Mention: Anoka, MN Apple Valley, MN Brecksville-Broadview Heights, OH Camden County, GA Gilroy, CA Goddard, KS Kasson-Mantorville, MN Long Beach, NY Sand Springs, OK Southeast Polk, IA

Edited November 4, 2016 by Sommers

[Sommers]

UTC Wrestling: Our 23rd Ranked Mocs Host Southeastern RIGHT NOW... You're Late....

 

http://www.chattanoogan.com/2016/11/5/335475/UTC-Wrestling-Mocs-Host-Southeastern.aspx

 

Season Opener at Chamberlain Field

 

Saturday, November 5, 2016

 

The 23rd ranked University of Tennessee at Chattanooga wrestling team opens the 2016-17 regular season this weekend.  The Mocs host Southeastern University today  at 11 a.m. (E.D.T).

 

The match was originally scheduled for Maclellan Gym, but after the success and popularity of the outdoor Blue & Gold Match, this event has also been moved to Chamberlain Field.  Concessions will be open and the UTC Bookstore will be on hand selling Mocs wrestling attire.

 

 

 

The Mocs are coming off a 12-4 season that included a share of the Southern Conference Championship with a 6-1 league record.  UTC returns seven starters and 20 letter winners, including four who advanced to the NCAA Championships.

 

Head coach Heath Eslinger is entering his eighth season with the Mocs.  He has an 86-45 record with a 41-2 mark in SoCon action. 

 

Sh

[Sommers]

Dent, Potter among wrestling Mocs starters today; Boykin, Pongracz to redshirt

 

http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/sports/college/story/2016/nov/05/dent-potter-among-wrestling-mocs-starters-tod/396250/

 

 

November 5th, 2016by Ward Gossettin Sports -

UTC’s starters today

 

125—Alonzo Allen; 133—Chris Debien; 141—Roman Boylen; 149—Dylanger Potter; 157—Trey Watson; 165—Justin Lampe; 174—Sean Mappes; 184—Bryce Carr; 197—Clay Dent; 285—Jared Johnson.

 

 

Clay Dent will be in the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga wrestling lineup this morning when the Mocs host Javier Maldonado's Southeastern Fire.

 

In the season-opening match, scheduled to begin at 11, the Mocs again will wrestle at Chamberlain Field, site of the team's Blue-Gold intrasquad match last week.

 

"The crowd was awesome, and I'd bet there were at any given time at least 300 people there," coach Heath Eslinger said of his decision to move the opener from Maclellan Gym. "As soon as we were done last Thursday, there was so much traction on social media."

 

Dent was one of those to provide some of the Blue-Gold fireworks, edging nationally eighth-ranked Scottie Boykin in the 197-pound match.

 

"Clay is a good man, a hard-working and talented guy," Eslinger said.

 

Dent's presence allowed Eslinger and Boykin to look at a redshirt season, and they have decided the senior will take it.

 

"We looked at it, but at the end of the day it's his call and he has earned the right to be in on the decision," the coach said.

 

It's likely that Mike Pongracz, a 149-pounder, also will redshirt. That decision has been made for some time. In his place will be Texas freshman Dylanger Potter.

 

Also likely to make his UTC debut this morning is junior 184-pounder Bryce Carr, a junior college transfer who redshirted last season.

 

"He's ready. I'm so happy with him. If I could clone him I could coach 20-30 years," Eslinger said. "He's part of a team that's fun for a guy to coach."

 

Southeastern, a second-year program located in Lakeland, Fla., is coached by former Moc Javier Maldonado. In their first season the Fire posted a 12-8 record, and they return nine of 10 starters.

 

Contact Ward Gossett at wgossett@timesfreepress.com or 423-886-4765. Follow him on Twitter @wardgossett.

 

 

The Outcome:

 

No. 23 Chattanooga 40 – Southeastern 12

125: Olson Delisca (SEU) dec. Alonzo Allen, 9-8 … SEU 3-0

133: Chris Debien (UTC) pinned Jaaziel Santana, 3:25 … UTC 6-3

141: Roman Boylen (UTC) tech fall Caleb Rudisill, 15-0 (4:13) … UTC 11-3

149: Adrian Hughes (SEU) pinned Austin Gould, 5:28 … UTC 11-9

157: Giovanny Bonilla (SEU) dec.  Trey Watson, 18-11 … SEU 12-11

165: Justin Lampe (UTC) pinned Tim Dinsdale, 5:31 … UTC 17-12

174: Sean Mappes (UTC) pinned Braxxtin Todd, 0:32 … UTC 23-12

184: Bryce Carr (UTC) pinned Zech Rives, 0:41 … UTC 29-12

197: Clay Dent (UTC) tech fall Branden Noriega, 18-2 (4:07) … UTC 34-12

285: No. 12 Jared Johnson (UTC) pinned Silas Root, 0:57 … UTC 40-12

[Sommers]

From UTC campus paper...

 

http://www.theutcecho.com/?p=22060

 

Wrestling starts season with dominant win

 

Posted by John Mitchell

 

By Jonathan Najar â€” Staff Writer

 

The No. 23 ranked Chattanooga wrestling team fought for a 40-12 win over Southeastern University in the season opener for both squads.  The match took place on historic Chamberlain Field on a beautiful day in Chattanooga.

 

The UTC wrestling season got underway with a dominant come from behind win, while facing a familiar face. Southeastern Head Coach Javier Maldonado was a great wrestler for the Mocs in the mid 2000s, but this trip to his alma mater he was on the other team’s bench.

 

The Southeastern Fire got off to a good start, winning three of the first five matches, and building a 12 to 11 lead by the mid-point of the competition. His players were well coached and came ready to ruin the Mocs season from the start. The only problem for him was, the Mocs roster was simply too deep for his team to hang with.

 

By the end of the match, most spectators had completely forgotten that Southeastern was once in the lead, because the Mocs dominated the second half of the match

 

The domination all started with a hard fought pin by junior Justin Lampe, Fairdale, Ky. Lampe fought hard for over five minutes and eventually was able to get six points for the team with a fall over his opponent.

 

After the win from Lampe. the Mocs turned into the nationally ranked beast that they are expected to be. Senior Sean Mappes, Greenwood, Ind., got the train moving at full steam ahead when he pinned his opponent in only 32 seconds. Mappes incredible effort was not left alone as two of the remaining three wrestlers won by a sub minute fall as well.

 

Senior Clay Dent, Piedmont, Ala., was the only Moc wrestler of the last five who was unable to pin his opponent, but he did secure five points for the team with a dominant technical fall victory over his opponent.

 

As impressive as the entire roster looked, there was one wrestler that every fan wanted to see the most. This was senior Jared Johnson, Jefferson City, Mo., who is the No. 12 nationally ranked division one wrestler in the nation. Johnson was the tenth and final wrestler to take the mat for the Chattanooga Mocs. He did not disappoint as he pinned his opponent like he was a poster on his wall in only 57 seconds, and secured the Mocs 40 to 12 victory.

 

The Mocs look to continue their hot start on Nov. 10 as the VMI Keydets visit the Scenic City for the first Southern Conference match of the season.  This match will be a special one as UTC is bringing back a very unique event called the Candlelight Dinner Match in Maclellan Gym.  Doors open at 6 p.m. and the Mocs hit the mat at 7 p.m.

 

Contact Jonathan Najar at png956@mocs.utc.edu

[Sommers]

Bradley's Fuller, Hicks joining Army, UTC

 

http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/sports/preps/story/2016/nov/09/bradleys-fuller-hicks-joining-army-utc/396808/

 

November 9th, 2016by Ward Gossettin Sports - PrepsRead Time: 3 mins.

 

Bradley Central's T.J. Hicks is photographed for the Best of Preps wrestling team Wednesday, March 4, 2015, in Chattanooga, Tenn.

 

Photo by Doug Strickland /Times Free Press.

 



 

Photographed on Thursday, Feb. 25, 2016, in Chattanooga, Tenn., Knox Fuller of Bradley Central High School is a member of the Chattanooga Times Free Press Best of Preps wrestling team.

 

Photo by John Rawlston /Times Free Press.

 

Two Bradley Central wrestlers are among Chattanooga-area athletes who will be putting pen to paper today, the first day of the early signing period for NCAA sports other than football, soccer and boys' water polo.

 

Knox Fuller will be heading for Army, coached by former Soddy-Daisy standout Kevin Ward, and T.J. Hicks will be signing with the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, coached by former Bradley standout Heath Eslinger.

 

Already a three-time state champion with a 128-4 record, Fuller will be in his fourth weight class this season, 145 pounds.

 

"Knox is sometimes overlooked and underrated. He's quiet and unassuming; he takes care of business and gets off the mat," Bradley coach Ben Smith said.

 

While Fuller is looking forward to joining Ward and the West Point team, he's no more excited than Smith.

 

"I'm pleased that he's signing with a Division I program with high academic levels, and I think he can get right in there and compete right out of the door," the Bears coach said. "Knox's best days are ahead of him, and I'm looking forward to seeing how he handles a program where he isn't the big fish.

 

"He also always adapted. He came in here to a competitive wrestling room as a freshman and rolled to a state title. He works hard — takes the initiative."

 

Fuller also was recruited by UTC and Virginia, "but when he went to West Point, the recruiting was over," Smith added.

 

Hicks spent his freshman season behind Ryan McElhaney, another of Bradley's multiyear state champions, but he has been unstoppable since, compiling a 101-1 record plus top national-tournament finishes. He'll be at 113 pounds this year.

 

"Every college coach that talked to him said, 'It's your senior year. Go where you need to go or want to go. We'll get you where you need to go,'" Smith said.

 

He thinks the Mocs are getting a wrestler similar to Chris Debien, the four-time state champ from Cleveland High who also joined UTC.

 

"He's in a weight class that's hard to fill, but he may show up and compete at 125 right out of the gate," Smith said. "I see two years at least at 125 for him. A lot of coaches were recruiting him for his toughness factor, and I think Heath knows exactly what he's getting. If T.J. buys in and keeps his grades up, he'll be special."

 

Contact Ward Gossett at wgossett@timesfreepress.com or 423-886-4765. Follow him on Twitter @wardgossett

[Sommers]

Sammy Evans signs on to wrestle for UTC

 

http://m.thedailytimes.com/sports/sammy-evans-signs-on-to-wrestle-for-utc/article_af27bc92-684e-57f3-8ebb-c9aa4d6d9dfb.html?mode=jqm

 

Mark A. Large | The Daily Times

 

Pic

Sammy Evans (left) is congratulated by wrestling referee Clint Abbott (right) for signing to UTC wrestling Wednesday, Nov 9, 2016, at Alcoa High School in Alcoa, Tennessee.

 

By Taylor White sports@thedailytimes.com | Posted 18 hours ago

 

When Sammy Evans sat down to put ink to paper on Wednesday afternoon at Alcoa High School, it was a signature that was four years in the making.

 

As a freshman, Evans committed to wrestle at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Despite drawing interest from Old Dominion and a handful of other programs since that time, he stayed true to his word, and on Wednesday he officially signed his letter of intent to wrestle for the Mocs.

 

“With coach (Heath) Eslinger at UTC, it’s about stuff other than wrestling,†Evans said after the ceremony. “He offered me when I had a torn ACL, so I knew that if I went there and couldn’t wrestle, I would still fit in. I felt comfortable, and it was about religion. His biggest thing is behavior off the mat. I knew he’d help me become a better man, too.â€

 

Evans started wrestling in fourth grade after a friend brought in flyers for a local wrestling club, and before long he realized he might have a future in the sport. Since starting at Alcoa, he has become one of the most decorated wrestlers in Blount County history.

 

Evans is a three-time state champion for the Tornadoes, and he was named Most Outstanding Wrestler at the State Tournament as a freshman in 2014. He’s a three-time NHSCA High School All-American and a two-time team captain of the Alcoa wrestling team.

 

“He’s one of those guys that you just don’t get all the time,†Alcoa wrestling coach Brian Gossett said. “He’s elevated our program through his accomplishments and all of his national awards. I think one thing that goes unsaid about him is he’s just a good teammate.â€

 

With his senior year still to play, Evans has amassed a 118-4 career record with none of those losses coming to a wrestler in the state of Tennessee. Intermat, a national wrestling website, rates him as the No. 9 wrestler in the nation in his weight class of 285 pounds.

 

Despite his lengthy list of accomplishments, Gossett said that’s not what stands out about Evans to his teammates. Instead, it’s his ability as a leader.

 

“I don’t now how much they know of his accomplishments,†Gossett said. “They just see his work ethic and see the commitment that he’s made. I think that’s the best example that he’s set. I think he’s done a good job of being a leader through his actions, and this year he’s done a good job of being vocal too.â€

 

Evans is the fourth Alcoa wrestler in the last two years to receive a scholarship, and his signature makes him the first wrestler in program history to sign with a Division-I school. He’s also just the second wrestler in Blount County history to do so.

 

While he may be the first, he’s confident that he won’t be the last Tornado wrestler to sign a Division-I scholarship. Before he leaves, though, he has unfinished business in his senior season.

 

“Hopefully we can win state as a team this year,†Evans said. “That’s the biggest thing to me. People talk about us being a small school, and take away from us because of that. We can compete with the best schools in the state and the Southeast. Alcoa is just a great place to be.

 

“It’s pretty cool to know that I’m the first to sign Division-I, but I won’t be the last. There’s a lot more to come, and I started the line of Alcoa wrestlers to go Division-I. It’s pretty cool.â€

 

COLLEGE SIGNING

 

WHO: Sammy Evans

 

SPORT: Wrestling

 

HIGH SCHOOL: Alcoa

 

COLLEGE: University of Tennessee-Chattanooga

 

-------------------

 

 

No. 24 UTC Wrestlers Take Down VMI 41-5

 

http://www.chattanoogan.com/2016/11/10/335863/No.-24-UTC-Wrestlers-Take-Down-VMI-41-5.aspx

 

Thursday, November 10, 2016

 

- photo by M. A. Locke

 

The 24th-ranked University of Tennessee at Chattanooga wrestling team posted a 41-5 win over VMI in Southern Conference action at Maclellan Gym tonight. The Mocs scored bonus points in seven of their nine wins at the Candlelight Dinner Match.

 

The evening started at 149, with freshman Dylanger Potter putting UTC up 6-0 with a second period pin. VMI's only win was next 157 when No. 18 Neal Richards scored a technical fall against sophomore Trey Watson.

 

The Mocs then ran off three straight major decisions by junior Justin Lampe (165), senior Sean Mappes(174) and junior Bryce Carr (184).

 

The highlight of the night came at 197 when fifth-year senior Clay Dent pinned Taylor Thomas just 31 seconds into the match.

 

Dent took down Thomas who quickly got back to his feet and tried to escape. Dent put him back on the mat and stuck him for his second pin of the year.

 

"It is great to see Clay being rewarded for all of his hard work," stated head coach Heath Eslinger. "Guys just don't stick around like he has, but we have given him the keys and he is driving it."

 

Junior Jared Johnson lived up to his No. 11 ranking with a tech fall at heavyweight. He was in control throughout the match and won 16-0 early in the second period.

 

Sophomore Alonzo Allen bounced back from a season opening loss to score a great win over Dalton Henderson at 125. Allen posted five takedowns in the 12-5 win.

 

"That was a big win for 'Zo," added Eslinger. "He lost to him twice last year, so it was great to see him come out and be aggressive from the start."

 

Sophomore Chris Debien had a 3-2 decision over Hunter Starner at 133 and sophomore Roman Boylenclosed out the night with a pin at 141.

 

The Mocs moved to 2-0 on the year and 1-0 in SoCon action. VMI drops to 0-2 overall after losing its SoCon opener tonight. Up next for Chattanooga is Sunday's trip to No. 6 Virginia Tech. Match time against the Hokies is 1:00 p.m. in Blacksburg, Va.

 

No. 24 Chattanooga 41 – VMI 5

149: Dylanger Potter (UTC) – Fall 4:09 - Stevan Smith (VMI) – UTC 6-05

157: No. 18 Neal Richards (VMI) – Tech. Fall 20-4 (3:11) - Trey Watson (UTC) – UTC 6-5

165: Justin Lampe (UTC) – MD 16-4 - Cade Kiely (VMI) – UTC 10-5

174: Sean Mappes (UTC) – MD 13-5 - Shabaka Johns (VMI) – 14-5

184: Bryce Carr (UTC) – MD 11-3 - Christopher Beck (VMI) – 18-5

197: Clay Dent (UTC) – Fall 0:31 - Taylor Thomas (VMI) – 24-5

285: No. 11 Jared Johnson (UTC) – Tech. Fall 16-0 (4:04) - Sam Bouis (VMI) – UTC 29-5

125: Alonzo Allen (UTC) – Dec. 12-5 - Dalton Henderson (VMI) – UTC 32-5

133: Chris Debien (UTC) – Dec. 3-2 - Hunter Starner (VMI) – UTC 35-5

141: Roman Boylen (UTC) – Fall 4:58 - Darren Ostrander (VMI) – UTC 41-5

 

-------------------

 

Wrestling Falls to No. 23 Chattanooga

 

http://www.vmikeydets.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_LANG=C&ATCLID=211287547&DB_OEM_ID=9800

 

Courtesy: VMIKeydets.com  

Release: 11/10/2016

 

Courtesy: VMIKeydets.com

 

Box Score: No. 23 Chattanooga 41, VMI 5

 

Blow-by-Blow Summary

 

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – Looking to continue positive momentum following a solid showing at the Southeast Open last weekend, the VMI wrestling team was overcome by No. 23 Chattanooga by a 41-5 score to open league action Thursday night at the Maclellan Gym in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

 

The Keydets struggled to gain traction after Neal Richards’ victory in the second bout at 157 pounds and the Mocs cruised to the win as VMI could not manage any more points.

 

“I’m very disappointed in tonight's performance,†said VMI head coach Chris Skretkowicz. “We lacked movement and passion. We can make a lot of excuses but the fact is we just did not wrestle the best we can. We need to put this one aside and regroup for next week. The year is young and I know we are capable of so much more.â€

 

Out of the norm, the dual began with the 149-pound class instead of the 125-pound bout. The Mocs gained a quick advantage as UTC’s Dylanger Potter pinned VMI’s Stevan Smith in 4:09 to give Chattanooga a 6-0 lead.

 

At 157 pounds, Richards got the Keydets back into contention by earning a 20-4 (3:11) tech fall over Chattanooga’s Trey Watson to put VMI within one point at 6-5. The hope was short-lived, however, as UTC’s Justin Lampe earned a 16-4 major decision over Cade Kiely at 165 pounds and the Mocs never looked back en route to the win.

 

Senior 125-pounder Dalton Henderson was defeated by a 12-5 decision to the Mocs’ Alonzo Allen late in the match while junior 133-pounder Hunter Starner nearly gave additional points to the Keydets but was defeated by a close 3-2 decision to UTC’s Chris Debien.

 

VMI gets back to action quickly as several Keydets will participate in the Casperson Classic hosted by Southern Virginia University Saturday morning at Knight Sports Arena in Buena Vista, Virginia. The tournament is slated for a 10 a.m. start.

 

No. 23 Chattanooga 41, VMI 5

149: Dylanger Potter (CHAT) over Stevan Smith (VMI) (Fall 4:09) 

157: Neal Richards (VMI) over Trey Watson (CHAT) (TF 20-4 3:11) 

165: Justin Lampe (CHAT) over Cade Kiely (VMI) (MD 16-4) 

174: Sean Mappes (CHAT) over Shabaka Johns (VMI) (MD 13-5) 

184: Bryce Carr (CHAT) over Christopher Beck (VMI) (MD 11-3) 

197: Ira Dent (CHAT) over Taylor Thomas (VMI) (Fall 0:31) 

285: No. 11 Jared Johnson (CHAT) over Sam Bouis (VMI) (TF 16-0 4:04) 

125: Alonzo Allen (CHAT) over Dalton Henderson (VMI) (Dec 12-5) 

133: Chris Debien (CHAT) over Hunter Starner (VMI) (Dec 3-2) 

141: Roman Boylen (CHAT) over Darren Ostrander (VMI) (Fall 4:58)

Edited November 11, 2016 by Sommers

[Sommers]

Tennessean Coverage...

 

http://usatodayhss.com/2016/tssaa-sets-regions-for-sumner-county-teams

 

Beech, Hendersonville, Lebanon, Mt. Juliet, Springfield, Wilson Central

 

Class A-AA

 

Region 4 – Duals

 

White House, Cheatham County Central, Creek Wood, Fairview, Grace Christian Academy – Franklin, Greenbrier, Hamilton, Harpeth, Hume-Fogg, Martin Luther King, Memphis East, Millington Central, Pearl-Cohn, Sycamore, Whites Creek

 

Region 7 – Individual

 

White House, Cheatham County Central, Cheatham County Central, Greenbrier, Hume-Fogg, Martin Luther King, Pearl-Cohn, Sycamore, Whites Creek

[Sommers]

Moc Wrestlers Lose 29-6 At No. 6 Virginia Tech

 

http://www.chattanoogan.com/2016/11/13/336021/Moc-Wrestlers-Lose-29-6-At-No.-6.aspx

 

Sunday, November 13, 2016

 

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga wrestling team scored a pair of individual wins in a 29-6 dual meet loss at No. 6 Virginia Tech today. The Mocs record is now even at 1-1 while Virginia Tech improved to 3-0.

 

The 24th-ranked Mocs scored wins by sophomore Chris Debien at 133 and junior Justin Lampe at 165. Debien posed a 10-5 decision over Dominic Latona, while Lampe defeated Mike Ciavarro 3-1.

 

UTC had strong showings in other matches, led by junior Bryce Carr at 184.

 

He dropped a 2-1 decision to No. 10 Zack Zavatsky. Senior Clay Dent lost 6-1 to No. 3 Jared Haught and senior Jared Johnson dropped a 13-7 decision to No. 2 Ty Walz at heavyweight.

 

"They are a great team from top to bottom," stated UTC head coach Heath Eslinger. "When you wrestle that level of competition you have to earn it. I don't think we are that far off. We simply need to raise our expectations and we have the guys who want it."

 

The Mocs are back in action next weekend at the Lindenwood Open in St. Charles, Mo. UTC's next home match is Sunday, Dec. 4, against Virginia at 2:00 p.m. (E.S.T.) in Maclellan Gym. Tickets are on sale now on GoMocs.com.

 

No. 6 Virginia Tech 29 – No. 24 Chattanooga 6

No. 3 Joey Dance (VT) – MD 18-5 – Alonzo Allen (UTC) – VT 4-0

Chris Debien (UTC) – Dec. 10-5 – Dominic Latona (VT) – VT 4-3

Dennis Gustafson (VT) – Dec. 9-4 - Roman Boylen (UTC) – VT 7-3

No. 6 Solomon Chisko (VT) – MD 15-3 - Dylanger Potter (UTC) – VT 11-3

Sal Mastriani (VT) – Tech. Fall 22-4 (5:25) - Trey Watson (UTC) – VT 16-3

Justin Lampe (UTC) – Dec. 3-1 - Mike Ciavarro (VT) – VT 16-6

No. 2 Zach Epperly (VT) – MD 14-6 - Sean Mappes (UTC) –VT 20-6

No. 10 Zack Zavatsky (VT) – Dec. 2-1 - Bryce Carr (UTC) – VT 23-6

No. 3 Jared Haught (VT) – Dec. 6-1 - Clay Dent (UTC) – VT 26-6

No. 2 Ty Walz (VT) – Dec. 13-7 - No. 11 Jared Johnson (UTC) – VT 29-6

 

 

 

Side Note in case anyone wondered : Clay Dent

 

Hometown

Piedmont, Ala.High School

 

2015-16 • REDSHIRT SEASON: Sat out the season as a redshirt.

 

2014-15 • JUNIOR SEASON: Went 7-7 at 184 and 0-1 at heavyweight ... second place finish at the Appalachian Open ... made the Dean's List and the A.D. Honor Roll both semesters ... made the SoCon Honor Roll.

 

2013-14 • SOPHOMORE SEASON: Went 3-5 at 184 … won the Appalachian Open with three wins … also competed in the Hokie Duals and the Southern Scuffle.

 

2012-13 • FRESHMAN SEASON: Went 4-8, all in tournament action ... made the A.D. Honor Roll in the fall.

 

PRIOR TO UTC: Three-time state champion at Piedmont High School in Piedmont, Ala. ... wrestled for head coach Jack Harley ... set a state record for wins with a 76-0 mark as a senior ... won the 182-pound state championship as a senior ... won at 171 pounds as a junior and sophomore ... all-state linebacker on the 3A state championship football team ... state qualifier in track & field ... member of the National Honor Society and Vice President of the Student Government Association.

 

PERSONAL: Full name is Ira Clay Dent, Jr. ... born July 19, 1994 ... son of Ira and Samantha Dent ... has an older brother, Jeremy, and an older sister, Alivia ... father played football at Jacksonville State and brother played football at Troy ... also recruited by Ohio State and Old Dominion … Business major.

 

 

-------------------

 

 

Bellarmine Wrestlers coming down for its first dual meet on Thursday at Cumberland University here in Lebanon, Tennessee...

 

 

http://athletics.bellarmine.edu/news/2016/11/13/dobben-carman-lead-knights-wrestling-at-mount-union-invitational.aspx

 

Pic

Dobben, Carman lead Knights wrestling at Mount Union Invitational

 

by Adam Pruiett, Assistant SID

 

Nov. 13, 2016 Wrestling

 

ALLIANCE, Ohio — Sophomore Andy Dobben and junior Brian Carmancombined for seven wins to lead the Bellarmine University wrestling team at Saturday's Mount Union Invitational.

 

Dobben went 4-2 at Bellarmine's second-ever meet, while Carman went 3-2. Sophomores Cole Tawney, Timothy Edwards and Daniel Sheridan each notched one win as did junior Ci'Vaughn Green as 10 Knights competed.

 

"Overall, I thought the guys improved, but the competition was very tough at this tournament," Bellarmine Coach Spencer Adams said. "Our younger guys got somewhat of a rude awakening, but it was much needed. We lost several close matches just due to a lack of focus. A lot of that just comes with more matches.

 

"BJ Carman and Andy Dobben wrestled tough and battled through some close matches. BJ had the second-ranked guy in the nation from Mercyhurst in the first round and then came back to place. Andy is starting to wrestle a smarter match and ended up placing as well."

 

 

-----------------

 

 

Wrestling at Spring Hill High to be first in Maury County...

 

http://www.columbiadailyherald.com/sports/20161024/wrestling-at-spring-hill-high-to-be-first-in-maury-county

 

Spring Hill wrestling coach Beau Moss comes to the area after helping rebuild Hendersonville High School's program.

 

Courtesy photo

 

Monday

 

Posted Oct 24, 2016 at 5:38 PM

 

 

 

Spring Hill High School has welcomed Beau Moss into the fold as the school's first wrestling coach.

 

By Special to the Herald

 

A sport that has seen steady growth in our state is finally coming to Maury County Schools.

 

The TSSAA reports statewide numbers of high schools with wrestling programs to be about 200. Middle Tennessee has become a hotbed for the sport of wrestling in recent history. Last month the Board of Education (BOE) approved Maury County’s first high school program to begin at Spring Hill High School.

 

Assistant Principal Richard Godfrey had the initial vision of bringing wrestling to Spring Hill after meeting Coach Beau Moss this summer.

 

“Mr. Godfrey and I talked many times over the summer about what it would take to make this happen,†said Moss.

 

Finally, everything came together with the help of Athletic Director John Farmer and County Athletic Director Larry Brown.

 

Moss will head up the Raiders program for their first year. Moss comes to Spring Hill after helping to rebuild the wrestling program at Hendersonville High School. Moss jumped at the Spring Hill opportunity as it brings him much closer to home.

 

“My decision was primarily based on what is best for my family, secondarily Spring Hill High School has tremendous potential for success†Moss said.

 

Moss knows that the General Motors Plant brought many families to Spring Hill from North of the Mason Dixon line, where wrestling is deeply ingrained into most communities.

 

Moss, who teaches history, says that the 2016-2017 school year will be spent fundraising for equipment. Wrestling mats can cost upwards of $15,000. The Raiders will hit the mat in November 2017 for their first TSSAA wrestling season.

 

“There is no doubt in my mind that school sanctioned wrestling will spread throughout Maury County, I know that our rival, Columbia Central has inquired about wrestling after hearing that Spring Hill will have a program,†says Moss. “I am just really excited to be here in Spring Hill, the support has been tremendous.â€

 

When asked about the best strategy a new wrestling team must learn, Moss laughed and said “Shoot first, ask questions later,†which is a reference to a wrestling “takedown.â€

 

Anyone that would like to help the team with a sponsorship or a donation should contact Coach Moss or make a check payable to SHHS Wrestling. Coach Moss can be contacted at jmoss@mauryk12.org or by phone at Spring Hill High School.

 

 

 

-------------------

 

Memphis area press coverage...

 

http://www.covingtonleader.com/sports/kolin-koss-joshua-love-joshua-beckman-win-wrestling-titles-for/article_000d4712-a840-11e6-8c52-6f7802e6e36e.html

 

Kolin Koss, Joshua Love, Joshua Beckman win wrestling titles for Brighton

 

Jeff Ireland jireland@covingtonleader.comNov 12, 2016

 

Brighton wrestler Kolin Koss battles Briarcrest’s Maverick Rone Saturday in Arlington. Koss won the match to claim the 113-pound title.

 

Courtesy photo

 

Brighton's Joshua Love grapples during action last week at Arlington High School.

 

Led by freshman Kolin Koss, the Brighton High School wrestling team took to the mat last Saturday at Arlington High School in the team’s first preseason match.

 

Koss, a 113-pound wrestler and three-time Memphis-West Tennessee middle school champion, started the tournament by pinning Eli Bryant of Houston 21 seconds into the second round, the fourth fastest pin of the tournament. Koss followed that up in the championship match with a major decision 15-3 win over Maverick Rone of Briarcrest to win his first tournament of the year.

 

Sophomores Joshua Love (138 pounds) and Joshua Beckman (195) also posted first place finishes. Love won his first match by deceision over Spencer Givens of Collierville, 5-2. Beckman followed by winning his first match by decision over Acel Padilla of Cordova, 6-2.

 

They both won the championship in different ways. Love was in a dog fight with Charles Priest of Kingsbury, winning by a close decision, 8-7. Beckman got fired up and pinned Axel of Cordova in 2:53. Both Love and Beckman placed at last year’s JV City Championships and just missed qualifying for a trip to the state tournament.

 

Freshmen Cody Taylor placed second, losing a close match to Houston’s Nate Kennear, 9-4, in his first match. Taylor bounced back to win over Collierville’s Zach Walsh, 7-2.

 

Other Brighton wrestlers who competed in the tournament were sophomore Charles Alex May (170) and freshmen Nate Jones (132), Johnny Seagraves (152) and Carter Easley (182).

 

“I’m very proud of our Brighton wrestlers,†said head coach Larrick Johnson, who is entering his 16th season at the helm of Brighton wrestling. “The season is early and long and we have a lot of work to do. The effort today was great, everyone toed the line, shook hands and wrestled. That is all I can ask, is for them to stand their ground and compete.â€

 

For more information about how to join or help Brighton wrestling, contact Johnson at 901-500-5484 or e-mail tn01958@gmail.com.

 

 

Jeff Ireland is The Leader's sports editor. To contact him, call 901-476-7116 or email jireland@covingtonleader.com.​

Edited November 14, 2016 by Sommers

[Sommers]

Bradley High School Wrestling Documentary Being Produced

 

http://www.chattanoogan.com/2016/11/14/336068/Bradley-High-School-Wrestling.aspx

 

Monday, November 14, 2016

 

The History of Bradley Central Wrestling is a new documentary being produced by Old Town Productions.  The film will look back to the humble beginning of the program to one of the most dominate high school wrestling programs in the state. The film is targeted to be release after the first of the year.  DVDs of the documentary will be available for sale as a fundraiser for the team.

 

 

 

Wrestling coach Ben Smith said, “We are excited about having our history put together in this type of format.

 

We would like to thank Ron and Debbie Moore and Old Town Productions for donating their time and experience in making this documentary.â€

 

 

 

"We need any pictures and/or videos people may have of wrestlers from Bradley High School. We especially needing items from the 70s and 80s,†Debbie Moore said. Items are not needed with a week for possible inclusion in the project.

 

 

 

Bradley Central High School has won 24 Tennessee State Championships since they started the program around 1975. The first wrestler to ever step on the mat for Bradley was Allan Morris who is the current head coach of the Walker Valley Mustang wrestling team. Many other former Bradley wrestlers became coaches such as Ben Smith, Steve Logsdon, Heath Eslinger, Allan Morris, Jr., Bryant Blackmon, Dustin Catlett, Hank Rains, Andy Morris and many others.

 

 

 

“We would like to thank the many people who have already provided us with pictures and videos. A special thanks to Sheri Vincent and Debbie Moore for the thousands of pictures they have taken for the team,†said Ron Moore of Old Town Productions. 

 

For more information contact Debbie Moore at bradleyfolks@aol.com.

[Sommers]

Former Murray County Coach Chris Thornbury Selected for National Wrestling Hall of Fame

 

http://www.chattanoogan.com/2016/11/14/336035/Former-Murray-County-Coach-Chris.aspx

 

Former UTC and Murray Co. HS wrestling champion

 

Monday, November 14, 2016 - by B.B Branton

 

Three-time UTC Southern Conference wrestling champion and Murray County High School state champion Chris Thornbury is one of six members of the class of 2017 for the Georgia Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame to be honored April 30 in Marietta.

 

Thornbury won SoCon titles in 1986-87 and 1989 after being a three-time state medalist at Murray County HS, including winning a state title in 1985.

 

The Chatsworth, Ga. native was head wrestling coach at Murray Co. HS for 24 years (1991-2014) and led the Indians to Georgia state traditional team titles in 1983 and 1984.

 

He coached 12 state champions and 60 state medalists, his teams won more than 300 dual matches in his 24 seasons and he was selected as the Georgia high school wrestling coaches association  coach of the year in 1993 and 1994.

 

“I am excited and humbled to be selected for the hall of fame,†said Thornbury. “I am appreciative of all those who were part of our success at Murray County High School, including assistant coaches, wrestlers and numerous volunteer workers."

 

Chris and his wife, Beth, have three sons, David, Clayton and Blaine.

 

The Georgia inductees into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame are as follows:

 

Lifetime Service to Wrestling (in recognition of contributing for at least 20 years to the sport of wrestling as a coach, referee or contributor.

 

Chris Thornbury - current administrator and former coach at Murray County HS

 

Roger Burkett - active GHSA wrestling official … founder of Wrestling U of Georgia

 

Kevin Higgins - current athletic director at Creekview HS … former coach at Sequoyah and Creekview

 

Arturo Holmes - founder/owner of The Wrestling Center in Smyrna, Ga.

 

Robert Neu - long-serving volunteer and youth/high school coach in Florida and Georgia

 

Clark Rich - coach at LaGrange HS and Calloway HS

 

Medal of Courage

 

Adam Pitt - Former head coach in north Atlanta schools and current assistant at Chattahoochee HS

 

contact B.B. Branton at william.branton@comcast.net

[Sommers]

Bear Nation wrestling documentary seeks photos

 

http://clevelandbanner.com/stories/bear-wrestling-documentary-seeks-photos,46990

 

THE VERY FIRST Bradley Central wrestling team was coached by Jerry Frazier (standing at far right) in 1975. Local historians Debbie and Ron Moore are currently working on a documentary of the storied Bear wrestling program and are asking for any old photos folks have that might be included in the film.

 

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

 

Posted Thursday, November 17, 2016 11:01 am

 

Special to the Banner

 

The “History of Bradley Central Wrestling†is a new documentary project being produced by Old Town Productions.

 

The film will look back to the humble beginning of the program to one of the most dominant high school wrestling programs in the state.

 

The film is targeted to be release after the first of the year. DVDs of the documentary will be available for sale as a fundraiser for the team.

 

Current wrestling coach Ben Smith said, “We are excited about having our history put together in this type of format. We would like to thank Ron and Debbie Moore and Old Town Productions for donating their time and experience in making this documentary.â€

 

“We need any pictures and or videos people may have of wrestlers from Bradley High School. We especially needing items from the 1970s and ’80s,†Debbie Moore noted.

 

Items are needed within a week for possible inclusion in the project.

 

Bradley Central High School has won 24 Tennessee State Championships since it started its mat program around 1975.

 

The first wrestler to ever step on the mat for Bradley was Allan Morris, who is the current head coach of the Walker Valley Mustang wrestling team.

 

Many other former Bradley wrestlers became coaches such as Ben Smith, Steve Logsdon, Heath Eslinger, Allan Morris Jr., Bryant Blackmon, Dustin Catlett, Hank Rains, Andy Morris and many others.

 

“We would like to thank the many people who have already provided us with pictures and videos. A special thanks to Sheri Vincent and Debbie Moore for the thousands of pictures they have taken for the team,†said Ron Moore.

 

For more information contact Debbie Moore at bradleyfolks@aol.com.