Wrestling Updates and Tidbits...

[Sommers]

Walker Valley, Soddy Daisy Big Mat Winners

Mustangs Record Seven Pins En Route To 61-12 Victory Over Owls

 

https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=http://www.chattanoogan.com/2016/12/8/337722/Walker-Valley-Wrestlers-Whip-Ooltewah.aspx&ct=ga&cd=CAEYACoUMTY4MTEzODQ4MjkyODMyNTEwMTMyGjE5MWRlNmFlNzVmY2RhMTk6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNEftq5Z8Jfk5c-p8g631fCrjZjQ5w

 

Thursday, December 8, 2016 - by special report to chattanoogan.com

The Walker Valley Mustangs recorded pins in the first five matches and never looked back as they beat host Ooltewah in a prep wrestling match Thursday evening by a resounding 61-12 final.

 

The match began at 120 pounds and James Jur put his team ahead with a first-period pin. Cameron Dwyer, Ethan West, Dillon Clark and Zeth Haynie followed with pins and it never got any closer as Joehy Vecchione posted a 13-11 overtime victory at 152 and teammate Robert Varner notched a 13-4 major decision at 160 before Mikel Gregory posted Walker Valley's sixth pin.

 

 

The difference was 43-0 before Francisco Gallardo got the Owls on the board with a forfeit at 182.

 

Victor Bednarski had Ooltewah's only pin at 220 while Koby Hooker had Walker Valley's final fall.

 

Karson Huff and Chandler Davis were both awarded forfeits in the final two weight classes.

 

SODDY DAISY ALSO won twice on Thursday as the Trojans beat host East Hamilton by 49-24 and whipped McMinn County by a 75-6 margin.

 

Jacob Pratt, Tony Wilson and Hayden Maynor all had a pair of pins for the victorious Trojans while Lance Wheaton, Jacob Kilgore, Cade Ghaffari, Curtis Settles and Ty Boeck all had two wins as well.

 

WALKER VALLEY 61, OOLTEWAH 12

 

(Match began at 120 Pounds)

 

106 -- Karson Huff (WV) won by forfeit;

 

113 -- Chandler Davis (WV) won by forfeit;

 

120 -- James Jur (WV) pinned Alexander Wright, 1:52;

 

126 -- Cameron Dwyer (WV) pinned Gavin Howington, 1:28;

 

132 -- Ethan West (WV) pinned Justice McClure, 3:33;

 

138 -- Dillon Clark (WV) pinned Tucker Passons, 3:15;

 

145 -- Zeth Haynie (WV) pinned Easton Norris, :50;

 

152 -- Joey Vecchione (WV) dec. Tay Paris, 13-11 in overtime;

 

160 -- Robert Varner (WV) major dec. Jordan Davis, 13-4;

 

170 -- Mikel Gregory (WV) pinned Ethan Retelaff, :46;

 

182 -- Fransisco Gallardo (O) won by forfeit;

 

195 -- Double forfeit;

 

220 -- Victor Bednarski (O) pinned Mason Bales, 1:11;

 

285 -- Koby Hooker (WV) pinned Zaire Bruner, 2:57.

 

SODDY DAISY 75, McMINN COUNTY 6

 

(Match began at 113 Pounds)

 

106 -- Jacob Allen (SD) won by forfeit;

 

113 -- Cole Prestwood (SD) won by forfeit;

 

120 -- Jacob Pratt (SD) pinned Gage Boggess;

 

126 -- Lance Wheaton (SD) won by forfeit;

 

132 -- Jacob Kilgore (SD) pinned Joseph Flynn, 3:56;

 

138 -- Slater Daniel (SD) pinned Marcus Hall, 4:34;

 

145 -- Damon Davis (SD) pinned Grayson Colbaugh, :43;

 

152 -- Tony Wilson (SD) pinned Tristan Hamlin, :45;

 

160 -- Cade Ghaffari (SD) pinned Kaleb Blake, 1:45;

 

170 -- Hayden Maynor (SD) pinned Matthew Gossett, :45;

 

182 -- Caleb Addison (SD) pinned Jacob Shamblin, 1:47;

 

195 -- Curtis Settles (SD) dec. Jacob LaBeau, 6-2;

 

220 -- Ty Boeck (SD) pinned Nicolas Anderson, 1:26;

 

285 -- Clinton Varnadore (MC) pinned Addison Roberts, 2:48.

 

SODDY DAISY 49, EAST HAMILTON 24

 

(Match began at 120 Pounds)

 

106 -- Te'Nario Thomas (EH) dec. Jacob Allen, 8-4;

 

113 -- Conner Thornburg (EH) pinned Cole Prestwood, 4:48;

 

120 -- Jacob Pratt (SD) pinned Seth Carpenter, 1:46;

 

126 -- Lance Wheaton (SD) won by forfeit;

 

132 -- Jacob Kilgore (SD) major dec. Joshua Chisenall, 11-0;

 

138 -- Grant Lundy (EH) dec. Slater Daniel, 8-5;

 

145 -- Liam Golden (EH) pinned Damon Davis, 3:01;

 

152 -- Tony Wilson (SD) pinned Kevin Siniard, 4:00;

 

160 -- Cade Ghaffari (SD) dec. Tyler Green, 9-2;

 

170 -- Hayden Maynor (SD) pinned Pierce Peterson, 5:12;

 

182 -- Mathew Sailors (EH) pinned Caleb Addison, 3:04;

 

195 -- Curtis Settles (SD) won by forfeit;

 

220 -- Ty Boeck (SD) won by forfeit;

 

285 -- Addison Roberts (SD) pinned Jackson Moore, :25.

 

(Email John Hunt at nomarathonmoose@gmail.com)

 

 

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http://www.standardbanner.com/sports/loss-to-hilltoppers-a-measuring-stick-for-patriots-in-region/article_f0f02c44-bd6c-11e6-940d-9f03553df487.html

 

Jefferson County High senior 220-pound wrestler Brody Workman drives through a takedown of Science Hill’s Demitrie Medina during a duals match Tuesday night held at the Patriot Academy. Workman won the match handedly by a 10-0 major decision. The Patriots lost the team dual, however, by a 57-19 margin.

 

JEFFERSON CITY — Jefferson County High’s wrestling team got a better idea of where they stand in Region 1-AAA after suffering a 57-19 defeat to the Science Hill Hilltoppers on Tuesday night at the Patriot Academy.

 

The Hilltoppers are traditionally one of three dominant teams from District 1, which includes heavyweights Dobyns-Bennett and Tennessee High also, while the Patriots have traditionally been the top seed out of District 2 every year.

 

Tuesday’s loss shows just how much work the Patriots will need to put in in the next eight weeks prior to the Region Duals.

 

“They’re solid this year. That’s a measuring stick right there,†Jefferson County High wrestling coach Logan Hollingshead said. “This was a good early match against good competition like that, especially for these young [guys]. It opens their eyes and they understand what they need to do to get in gear, and what things they need to work on.â€

 

The Patriots started out with a small lead after wins in the two heaviest classes.

 

After Patriot 195-pounder Colby Wyatt was pinned by Science Hill’s Denzel Medina to start the match, Patriot 220-pound senior Brody Workman earned a major decision over Demitrie Medina, and then JCHS heavyweight Dakota Moungey won by fall over Jesse Cross to put the Patriots in front, 10-6.

 

However, losses in the 106 and 120 pound divisions, combined with forfeits at 106 and 126 quickly put the Patriots behind by a 30-10 deficit.

 

At 132 pounds, Cody Harris tried to get the Patriots back on track with a 12-6 decision win over the Hilltoppers’ Garrett Stiltner, but Science Hill racked up three straight wins in 138, 145 and 152 classes. At 138 pounds, Science Hill’s Luke Story earned a tech fall (16-1) over Griffin English. Then Hilltopper 145-pounder Greyson Pridemore pinned Keith Ventiere , before Arthur James won a major decision (12-4) over JCHS’s Blaise Banks to move the score to 45-13, pushing the deficit out of reach for the Patriots.

 

Another forfeit by the Patriots at 160 pounds made it 51-13, before Aaron Lawson won his 170-pound matchup with Science Hill’s Joseph Morrell in the second period by fall.

 

The Patriots’ final match, a 182-pound brawl between Isaac Workman and Science Hill’s Weston Brown, ended with Brown pinning Workman early in the third period to finalize the 57-19 victory for the Hilltoppers.

 

Jefferson County’s only points on the night came from veteran wrestlers — a pair of pins between 170-pounder Lawson and 285-pounder Moungey, while Harris and Brody Workman earned decision wins for the team.

 

“They wrestled well,†Hollingshead said of his four upperclassmen. “There were a few matches we managed pretty well, which is what we want to progress to. It was a good learning experience so we know what we need to work on so when we see them again in January, we’ll be prepared for it.â€

 

Jefferson County returns to the mat tonight for a three-way duals matchup with Cocke County and Crockett held at the Patriot Academy. It is the last home match for the Patriots until Jan. 24. Weigh-in is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. and matches should begin around 6:30 p.m.

 

 

Contact Information

 

standardbanner.com

122 West Old Andrew Johnson Hwy

Jefferson City, TN 37760

Phone: 865-475-2081

Email: kimcook@standardbanner.com

 

 

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SCIENCE HILL WRESTLING

 

Hilltoppers hope to be back on top

 

http://www.johnsoncitypress.com/Wrestling/2016/12/07/Hilltoppers-hope-to-be-back-on-top

 

JEFF BIRCHFIELD • UPDATED DEC 7, 2016 AT 5:35 PM

 

jbirchfield@johnsoncitypress.com

 

They’re not so young anymore.

 

The Science Hill wrestling team is a year older and more experienced in most spots than last year, leading coach Jimmy Miller to believe the Hilltoppers can be one of the top teams in the state.

 

If the early season is any indication, he may be right.

 

A week and a half ago, the Hilltoppers picked up a key early win in the North Henderson (N.C.) Knights Invitational.

 

The lone Tennessee school, Science Hill edged the host 295-291, while beating 14 other programs from the traditionally tough areas of Western North Carolina and upstate South Carolina.

 

“It was a good start-up tournament for us to get our feet wet with kids we don’t normally see,†Miller said. “It allows our kids to open up with no expectations. But we’ve won that event a couple of times over the last 10 years or so.â€

 

The coach described this year’s Science Hill team as a junior-heavy, although there are four seniors as well. They are: Cooper Williams, Grayson Pridemore, Griffin Judy and Demitric Medina.

 

Williams wrestles at 132 pounds and Pridemore is at 145. It’s safe to say the middle of the lineup is the Hilltoppers’ strength with Luke Story at 138, Arthur James at 152 and William Diehl at 160. Williams, Story and James were named to the All-Northeast Tennessee team a year ago.

 

“I think we can be as good as anybody in East Tennessee from 32 to 60,†Miller said. “Our lower weights, Zach Scaggs and Tyler Seeley are going to play 106 roles depending on the matchups. Nathan Wysong is a great addition to our lineup, a state medalist in North Carolina last year, and D.D. (Dorien) Butler is back with us. Our upper weights, that’s where we’re going to have to polish to really shine.â€

 

In the lighter weight classes, the Hilltoppers have Scaggs and Seeley alternating between 106 and 113. Wysong, whose family moved to Johnson City from Havelock, N.C., wrestles at 120, and Butler is at 126. The heavier weight classes have James Kalogeros and Joseph Morrell competing at 170, Weston Brown at 182, Denzel Medina at 195, Demitire Medina at 220 and Jesse Cross at heavyweight.

 

“We are returning 9-10 starters,†he said. “Jim Kalogeros and Joseph Morrell were on the outside looking in last year. They’ve found their way into the lineup. Weston Brown and Denzel are both juniors who started last year. Demitire was with us a little last year until he got banged up.â€

 

On the local front, the rivalry with Tennessee High should continue to be a dandy.

 

Science Hill won eight of 13 matches to beat the Vikings 43-24 for last season’s Big 7 Conference title. But Tennessee High won 35-30 in the Region 1-AAA duals and finished state runner-up in the dual meet.

 

Tennessee High also edged Science Hill 188.5 to 170.5 for the team title at the Region 1-AAA individual championships. However, Science Hill has more starters back and should be the conference and region favorite.

 

“We’re going to match up well with Tennessee High, but it’s good competition,†Miller said. “It’s good to have somebody close to home who you can hang your hat on. It’s a good rivalry between the two schools of late. We’re happy to have those guys successful, and we want them to be successful, except when they wrestle the Cardinal and Gold.â€

 

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PF wrestlers go 3-0 in home meet

 

http://www.themountainpress.com/sports/pf-wrestlers-go---in-home-meet/article_bba624f7-708b-5fe1-8763-0bbea8976e8b.html

 

By WES MAYBERRY Sports Editor

 

PIGEON FORGE— On a night dedicated to raising money for Sevier County wildfire victims, the Pigeon Forge High School wrestling team had an impressive showing on the mat. The Tigers won all three of their matches Tuesday in decisive fashion, leaving head coach Greg Foreman proud of his team's effort.

 

"I was pretty proud of how the kids performed tonight," Foreman said. "I definitely liked how some of the underclassmen and newer kids stepped up. I saw a lot of fight and confidence-building in those kids as they're starting to see some of their hard work pay off. It's really exciting to see these young kids who are starting to find their way and turn a corner. I always enjoy that as a coach."

 

 

Other articles:

 

Death toll now at 14, alert notifications failed to sendOfficials report body at Traveler's identifiedFamily grieves, Constance Reed's body identifiedPartial list of places in fire's pathCity, county and national park issue joint news release regarding GatlinburgCastle no moreJuveniles charged in connection with Sevier County wildfiresTEMA update on wildfires, Friday afternoonPark service officials explain how fire was built, traveledGP to reopen Monday, PBP students to relocate

 

themountainpress.com

119 River Bend Drive

Sevierville, TN 37876

Phone: 865-428-0746

Email: jmt@themountainpress.com

Edited December 9, 2016 by Sommers

[Sommers]

One of the toughest dual tournaments in the south and certainly tougher than state duals... All day Saturday...

 

http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/sports/preps/story/2016/dec/09/cleveland-duals-loaded-state-wrestling-powers/402325/

 

The list includes Bradley Central and Father Ryan, the defending Tennessee champions in Division I-AAA and Division II-AA, respectively, along with perennial state powers Baylor, McCallie, Science Hill, Soddy-Daisy and the host Blue Raiders.

 

In the latest state poll Bradley was ranked No. 1, Father Ryan No. 2, Cleveland No. 3, Baylor No. 4, Soddy-Daisy No. 6, McCallie No. 8 and Science Hill No. 11.

 

The only top-12 teams missing are Christian Brothers, Beech, Wilson Central and Tennessee High.

 

Other teams in the event are Arlington and Walker Valley from Tennessee, Bristol from Virginia, Hewitt-Trussville from Alabama and Heritage, Sonoraville and Carrollton from Georgia.

 

 

Here is the story...

 

Prep Notebook: Cleveland Duals loaded with state wrestling powers

 

December 9th, 2016by Staff Reportsin Sports - PrepsRead Time: 4 mins.

 

Pic

 

Bradley Central's Knox Fuller, right, controls Soddy-Daisy's Emory Holcomb on his way to an 8-1 victory in a 130-pound match at the Region 4-AAA wrestling tournament last season. Bradley and Soddy-Daisy are among the teams competing in today's Cleveland Duals.

 

Photo by Tim Barber /Times Free Press.

 

The Cleveland Duals might need a name change, something that would include the team tournament's significance regarding the state wrestling pecking order.

 

Seven of Tennessee's top teams will be among those congregating today at Cleveland High School. The tournament begins at 8:30 a.m. and continues through 4 p.m. championship and consolation matches.

 

"We don't have an Archer or the old-school Collins Hill type team," first-year Cleveland head coach and longtime Blue Raiders assisant Josh Bosken said, referring to past Georgia participants, "but this tournament should be a great measuring stick for the state.

 

"I think we have, outside of Beech, most of the top teams in the state. We should find out in one day who's the best."

 

The list includes Bradley Central and Father Ryan, the defending Tennessee champions in Division I-AAA and Division II-AA, respectively, along with perennial state powers Baylor, McCallie, Science Hill, Soddy-Daisy and the host Blue Raiders.

 

In the latest state poll Bradley was ranked No. 1, Father Ryan No. 2, Cleveland No. 3, Baylor No. 4, Soddy-Daisy No. 6, McCallie No. 8 and Science Hill No. 11.

 

The only top-12 teams missing are Christian Brothers, Beech, Wilson Central and Tennessee High.

 

Other teams in the event are Arlington and Walker Valley from Tennessee, Bristol from Virginia, Hewitt-Trussville from Alabama and Heritage, Sonoraville and Carrollton from Georgia.

 

The tournament will be held in Cleveland's new gym and at the Jones Wrestling Center, which is on campus. Admission is $6 per person.

 

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

 

Warm-up match

 

http://www.chattanoogan.com/2016/12/9/337798/Cleveland-Rallies-For-48-12-Win-Over.aspx

 

Cleveland Rallies For 48-12 Win Over Science Hill

 

Blue Raiders Trailed 12-0 Before Winning Last 10 Matches

 

Friday, December 9, 2016 - by special report to chattanoogan.com

 

CLEVELAND -- The Cleveland Blue Raiders lost the first four matches against Science Hill Friday night and trailed 12-0 at that point before winning the final 10 to post an impressive 48-12 victory over the Hilltoppers.

 

Dylan Jones, Titus Shafton, Garrett Stevenson, Garret Bowers and Colton Landers all posted wins by pin for the Blue Raiders.

 

CLEVELAND 48, SCIENCE HILL 12

 

(Match began at 138 Pounds)

 

106 -- Garret Stevenson © pinned Zach Scaggs, 1:55;

 

113 -- Garret Bowers © pinned Tyler Seeley, 1:15;

 

120 -- Bryce Pond © dec. Nathan Wysong, 8-6 in overtime;

 

126 -- Jayce Mullin © dec. Dorien Butler, 6-0;

 

132 -- Colton Landers © pinned Cooper Williams, 4:51;

 

138 -- Luke Story (SH) dec. Cody Mathews, 9-5;

 

145 -- Greyson Pridemore (SH) dec. Michael Whiteside, 5-4 in overtime;

 

152 -- Arthur James (SH) dec. Caleb Eachus, 9-3;

 

160 -- William Diehl (SH) dec. Zach Brezna, 3-1;

 

170 -- Dylan Jones © pinned Joseph Morrell, 5:50;

 

182 -- Robert Hicks © won by injury default over Weston Brown;

 

195 -- Jason Strickland © dec. Denzel Medina, 7-6;

 

220 -- Seth Garcia © dec. Demitire Medina, 3-1;

 

285 -- Titus Shafton © pinned Jesse Cross, :52.

 

(Email John Hunt at nomarathonmoose@gmail.com)

 

 

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Coach Cook's Cavalier's Rebound with a couple of W's....

 

http://herald-citizen.com/stories/chs-wrestling-continues-winning,18701

 

CHS wrestling continues winning ways

 

Cookeville's Jarrett Talbott, top, works his advantage on a Clinton High School wrestler during the Cavs' 71-0 win on Thursday at Stone Memorial High School.

 

JUDY HADLOCK | CONTRIBUTED

 

Posted Friday, December 9, 2016

 

FROM STAFF REPORTS

 

From Staff Reports

 

The Cookeville High School wrestling team picked up some more wins on Thursday as the Cavaliers beat Stone Memorial High School 42-26 and dominated Clinton High School 71-0 at SMHS.

 

@:Against the SMHS Panthers, the Cavs won a mojority of the matches with five pinfall victories and two decision victories. The Cavs didn’t field the 106-pound and 113-pound weight classes, giving the Panthers a forfeit victory, but Samuel Hadlock (120) gained that back with a forfeit victory for the Cavs.

 

Jake Harrington (220) started things off by pinning his opponent with seven seconds left in the second round, and Allen Richardson followed suit by pinning his opponent 1:14 into the first round. After exchanging forfeits, Hunter Harcum (126) lost a close 3-1 decision to give the Panthers a little hope. However, Luke Denny (132) and Jarrett Talbott (138) then came out and won their matches by 3-1 decisions to swing momentum back Cookeville’s way.

 

Two more pinfalls came for CHS as Bradley Houmard (145) pinned his opponent 1:25 into the second round, and Gage Cravens ended his match 1:15 into the first.

 

Steven Linder (160) had the Cavs slightly worried after he lost a 15-4 major decision, and Jeff Enochs (170) fell 1:15 in the first round. However, Dyllan Houser (182) erased that worry with a pinfall victory 43 seconds into the final round. Matthew Erickson (195) fell with one second remaining in the second round of his bout, but the Cavs had already won the match.

 

CHS had no problems with Clinton High School.

 

The Cavs still left the 106 and 113-pound weight classes open, but the Dragons did also. The Dragons roster was significantly smaller than Cookeville’s, so Erickson, Hadlock, Cravens, Linder, and Enochs all won by forfeit.

 

Of the seven bouts that took place, the Cavs won six by pinfall and one by technical fall.

 

Harrington claimed the technical fall victory as he went up 18-3 on his opponent. As for the pinfalls, Houser got his 31 seconds into the match, Richardson’s came at 1:01 in the first, Harcum ended his with one minute left in the third, Denny’s ended at 41 seconds into the third, Talbott won with 15 seconds left in the first, and Houmard took down his opponent 1:10 into the bout.

 

We were very proud of the guys tonight,†CHS head coach Scott Cook said. “We were very physical and we really have some guys that are starting to come on strong as we wrap up the first half of the season. Stone beat us last season and they are a solid team, so to come back this season and get the win speaks highly of our young men.â€

Edited December 11, 2016 by Sommers

[Sommers]

Many of you may have heard, but here's the official word...

 

http://www.dnj.com/story/sports/high-school/2016/12/09/nick-boykin-riverdale-olympic-wrestling/95144974/

 

Pic

 

Boykin delays Olympic training, seeks third state wrestling title

 

Pic

 

Riverdale senior wrestler Nick Boykin.

 

File / Helen Comer /

 

Cecil Joyce | cjoyce@dnj.com3:02 p.m. CT Dec. 9, 2016

 

Share MediaShow Caption

 

Wilson Central wrestler Michael Kramer was a heavy favorite to capture the state's Class AAA 285-pound crown entering the 2016-17 season.

 

That is, however, until Riverdale's Nick Boykin changed his mind.

 

Boykin, a two-time defending state heavyweight champion, decided recently to change his original plan of skipping his senior season to work out at the Colorado Springs Olympic Training Center.

 

His reasoning for returning to the high school mat was simple.

 

"I want to be a three-time state champion," said Boykin, who dominated last year's state tournament. "My personal goal was once to win four state titles, but I lost my freshman year so now it's winning three. I can be one of the most decorated wrestlers in Tennessee."

 

That decision has completely changed the landscape of the heavyweight division.

 



 

Riverdale's Nick Boykin went 45-0 last season, capturing his second consecutive state title.

 

Tom Kreager/DNJ

 

"That makes it tough," said Wilson Central wrestling coach and Michael Kramer's father, John Kramer. "There's just a handful of very good heavyweights. If he left it would have made it weaker. It's absolutely (a good thing). It will make my son work harder."

 

STORY FROM WALGREENS

 

3 steps to perfectly glowing skin

 

Boykin was the DNJ's Male Athlete of the Year in 2015-16 following a 45-0 season. He pinned every state tournament opponent except Kramer (14-7 decision).

 

Riverdale coach Shawn Jones was certainly pleased with Boykin's decision.

 

"I supported him either way," Jones said. "He wanted to be the first Rutherford County wrestler to win three championships. I would have been happy for him (if he went to Colorado earlier). I've coached him since he was little.

 

"On the competitive side, you're happy for him and happy for the team."

 

In May he announced he would attend the Olympic Training Center and forego his senior campaign. He will still go to Colorado, just a little later than originally expected. His plans of someday wrestling in the Olympics are still on target.

 



 

Riverdale's Nick Boykin originally planned to forego his senior wrestling season but decided to go ...more

 

File/Tom Kreager/DNJ

 

"I'll head out there the week after state," said Boykin, who was also an All-Region 2-6A player for the Warrior football team. "I'll just have to push harder. I'll get about two months to get ready for the World Team Trials junior level."

 

In the meantime he has gotten little resistance in the high school season.

 

"We've had about four matches and I've only wrestled one guy," said Boykin, who will enroll in school in Colorado and also take online courses when he arrives there to finish high school. "Some people don't want to wrestle me. I wouldn't hurt anyone. I hope it changes. It's not helping me. I'm not getting (match) work in."

 

Added Jones, "We know it's going to change. We've got some big tournaments coming up. He's going to get the competition."

 

Simply returning doesn't automatically hand the senior a state title. However, most around the wrestling community would be shocked if Boykin didn't bring home a third championship.

 

"He doesn't wrestle like a heavyweight," John Kramer said. "That's a plus. He can move like a middleweight. That makes him dangerous."

 

Added Jones, "We're not sleeping on it and thinking we've got it won. It's far from that. There's good competition out there. (Michael Kramer) is legitimate. He's a good wrestler."

 

Continue reading below

 

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While a third state title is an immediate goal, Boykin still has loftier goals for the future.

 

"I want to win the senior nationals and then maybe wrestle in the 2020 or 2024 Olympics," he said.

 

Reach Cecil Joyce at 615-278-5168 and on Twitter @Cecil_Joyce.

[Sommers]

Free Press Coverage of Cleveland Duals' outcome.....

 

http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/sports/preps/story/2016/dec/11/landers-blue-raiders-wcleveland-duals-over-br/402409/

 

Blue Raiders win Cleveland Duals, 34-33, over Bradley Central

 

December 11th, 2016by Ward Gossett in Sports - PrepsRead Time: 2 mins.

 

Pic

 

Cleveland High School wrestler Colton Landers, top, flips Baylor's Luke Fraley before pinning him during the Cleveland Duals on Saturday. Landers was undefeated during the Blue Raiders' championship run.

 

Photo by Doug Strickland /Times Free Press.

 

There is no bed in the Jones Wrestling Center at Cleveland High School; otherwise Colton Landers might be tempted to relocate.

 

"Well, there is a couch," the senior said, hinting that he had considered the idea.

 

Landers is one of only a couple of seniors in the Blue Raiders' wrestling room this season, and he has offered more than inspiration to a team whose makeup is 75 percent freshmen and sophomores.

 

"We have vocal leaders and then we have Colton," new Cleveland coach Josh Bosken assessed. "He's been a blessing for me in my first year. He mimics what we want our program to be. It's great to have him in the room."

 

Landers went undefeated Saturday, leading Cleveland through a loaded field to the championship of its own duals tournament. The Raiders won 34-33 over rival Bradley Central, which is ranked No. 1 in the state and is the defending Division I-AAA state champion.

 

A two-time state finalist, Landers does what it takes to help assure a successful program. Despite disappointment in each of the last two traditional state tournaments — finishing runner-up first to best friend and West Point-committed Knox Fuller of Bradley Central two years ago and then to Walker Valley's Joseph Munoz — Landers has absorbed losses and continued to work and to lead.

 

"He's a leader by example," Bosken said. "He's been good enough to have won it the last three years. A lot of things haven't gone his way, yet he comes in and works and doesn't sulk about the past."

 

That doesn't mean Landers has forgotten past losses. He recalls each of the eight setbacks in his high school career with much more clarity than any of the 100-plus wins he's notched since stepping into the lineup as a freshman 106-pounder.

 

"And I've avenged all of them," he said. "I don't know about the wins. I guess somewhere between 120 and 130, but the losses, that's what you focus on."

 

That focus has kept him on a path where leadership has come naturally.

 

"When I was a younger guy, the leaders were guys like Chris DeBien and Austin Stevenson. Nowadays I just try to keep (younger wrestlers) on the right path, and if they need help in practice, I try to help," the team captain said.

 

The everyday actions from Landers are especially fruitful for Bosken, who wants the younger Blue Raiders to emulate them. Only one B keeps him from a 4.0 grade point average, and he may be headed to a college wrestling room and eventually a career in biomedical engineering.

 

"He's what every coach would want in his athletes," Bosken said. "First and foremost, he takes care of his schoolwork. He works hard. He's respectful. He's a great example of what you have to have as a student-athlete — the schoolwork, the weight room in the mornings before school, and he's usually the first one in the practice room and the last one to leave."

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

From Tullahoma:

 

Blackman 46 - Centennial 34

Blackman 51 - Indy 19

Blackman 70 - Bearden 12

Blackman 42 - MBA 29

 

Gardner Dyer Dual Champions!!

 

Blackman 42 - Grissom (AL) 36

 

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

 

 

Congrats to new head coach, Josh Boskin, for preparing his boys to beat the state's best at this point of the season...

 

http://www.chattanoogan.com/2016/12/10/337849/Cleveland-Shocks-Bradley-To-Win.aspx

 

Cleveland Shocks Bradley To Win Cleveland Duals

 

Blue Raiders Also Whipped Baylor, Father Ryan During Saturday Action

 

Saturday, December 10, 2016 - by John Hunt

 

CLEVELAND – There have been a lot of positive and memorable experiences for the Cleveland Blue Raider wrestling team in recent years, but they’ll have a tough time topping the one they had in their own gym Saturday.

 

Hosting the annual Cleveland Duals and certainly a team considered one of the pre-tournament favorites, the Blue Raiders beat three of the top four teams in the state, including the top-ranked and defending state champion Bradley Bears in the championship.

 

Cleveland had easy wins over Southeast Whitfield and Hewitt-Trussville earlier in the day before whipping Baylor by a 53-15 in their final pool match.

 

Then in the one semifinal where they were facing D-II defending state champ Father Ryan, the Blue Raiders again posted an impressive victory as they raced to a 37-6 lead before winning by a 41-15 score.

 

Beating the top two private schools was a big deal, but coming back to nip the cross-town rival Bears in the championship was another as Dylan Jones and Robert Hicks both recorded first-period pins as the Blue Raiders overcame an 11-point deficit late to win, 34-33.

 

Granted, there have been some great matches in the past between Bradley and Cleveland. Some have been closer than others, but the one on Saturday has to rank as one of the best in the long-running rivalry. Almost like a Hatfield-McCoy rivalry where there is no lost love, this one was a great way to break in the sparkling new Raider Arena as it was the first official wrestling event held in this spacious facility.

 

“We wrestled hard all day long, but this last one just hasn’t sunk in yet,†said first-year Cleveland coach Josh Boskin after his team had won for the 12th time without a loss this season.

 

“Every match against Bradley mattered, but everyone on the team stepped up. I wasn’t as concerned about winning the whole thing as I was being proud of the effort we put forth and putting ourselves in that position.

 

“This is certainly a special win and we’ll celebrate it today, but we’ll have to go back to work on Monday. I just wanted to see how tough we could be today and that’s why I put us on the same side of the bracket as Baylor and Father Ryan. These guys do a good job of making me look like somebody special, but it was all them and the work they’ve done to make this moment possible,†Boskin added.

 

Each team won seven matches.

 

Cleveland had four pins, two regular decisions and one major while Bradley countered with three pins, three majors and one regular decision.

 

Ed Elkins gave Bradley a 6-0 lead in the first match with a pin at 195 before Seth Garcia evened the score with a pin at 220. An 11-4 decision by heavyweight Titus Swafford gave Cleveland its first lead at 9-6 before Wesley Devaney put the Bears ahead with a major decision at 106.

 

Garret Bowers gave two-time defending state champ T.J. Hicks all he wanted before dropping a 7-6 decision at 113 before teammate Bryce Pond got Cleveland within 13-12 with a 4-3 decision at 120.

 

Ethan Anderson’s pin at 126 extended Bradley’s lead to 19-12 before Colton Landers posted a 14-5 major over defending state champ Ryan McElhaney at 132 and Cody Mathews had a second-period pin at 138 to give Cleveland the edge at 22-19.

 

Knox Fuller and Austin Mathews had back-to-back majors before Caleb Adkins scored a second-period pin and things were looking good for the Bears as their lead was 33-22 with two matches remaining.

 

The Cleveland faithful went crazy when Jones got a pin with 45 seconds left in the first period after trailing 5-0 at that point and the place went completely bonkers after Hicks got the pin call with 51 seconds left in the first period of his match.

 

Landers was voted the Outstanding Wrestler for his effort and he was just glad to have a chance to help his team.

 

“My getting bonus points was big. I had wrestled Ryan twice when we were freshmen and he beat me both times, so I had to prove to him that I was the better wrestler today. Us winning the team championship is huge and for us to win this tournament for the first time in a long time is really crazy,†he added.

 

Bradley coach Ben Smith was somewhat speechless when the match ended, but he was much more subdued and relaxed after a long talk with his team.

 

“Anybody can win a big match like that, but it takes a man to lose with dignity and grace. Obviously this wasn’t on our list of goals for the season, but I just challenged them to be mature young men over how they handle a tough loss like this one. This is just one of life’s tough lessons,†he said after most of the fans had exited the building.

 

“Cleveland has a really good team and they’re the hottest team in the state right now. They’re young, but they’re hungry, talented and really motivated. I thought we lost our composure in that match as we were more concerned about chest bumping than wrestling. When that happened, that took us out of our game.

 

“Colton Landers is a great kid and outstanding wrestler. He’s an exceptional stud in their lineup, but I thought our loss at 170 may have been the turning point. To be ahead 5-0 and on the verge of getting more, it hurts when you get pinned in a situation like that.

 

“I guess this just helps build the hype for our regular-season dual meet, which will be right here on January 12,†Smith concluded.

 

Cleveland’s win over Baylor was impressive. The lopsided victory over Father Ryan may have been sweeter after what happened last year.

 

The Purple Irish wrestled Cleveland on the Friday night before the Duals last year and posted a convincing win as the Blue Raiders only won two matches that night. Father Ryan went on to beat Baylor in both the State Duals and Traditional tournament, but it’s a whole different team for the guys from Nashville this time around.

 

“We just aren’t very tough right now,†explained long-time Father Ryan coach Pat Simpson after the loss to Cleveland.

 

“Wrestling is often like a good street fight, but we got punched in the mouth a few times today and just didn’t punch back. We weren’t very good,†he added after his team had fallen to 10-2 on the young season.

 

The Soddy Daisy Trojans won their pool and were supposed to wrestle Bradley in the other semifinal match, but the Trojans conceded that match and it never took place.

 

Father Ryan was the defending champion in this event after beating Baylor in the finals a year ago.

 

CLEVELAND 34, BRADLEY 33

 

(Match began at 195 Pounds)

 

106 – Wesley Devaney (Brad) major dec. Garrett Stevenson, 12-0;

 

113 – T.J. Hicks (Brad) dec. Garret Bowers, 7-6;

 

120 – Bryce Pond (Clev) dec. Trey Hicks, 4-3;

 

126 – Ethan Anderson (Brad) pinned Jayce Mullin, 4:56;

 

132 – Colton Landers (Clev) major dec. Ryan McElhaney, 14-5;

 

138 – Cody Mathews (Clev) pinned Andy Robinson, 3:50;

 

145 – Knox Fuller (Brad) major dec. Michael Whiteside, 11-0;

 

152 – Austin Mathews (Brad) major dec. Caleb Eachus, 10-0;

 

160 – Caleb Adkins (Brad) pinned Zach Brezna, 3:02;

 

170 – Dylan Jones (Clev) pinned Henley Headrick, 1:15;

 

182 – Robert Hicks (Clev) pinned Trey Johnson, 1:09;

 

195 – Ed Elkins (Brad) pinned Logan Strickland, 2:21;

 

220 – Seth Garcia (Clev) pinned Kevin Gentry, 2:50;

 

285 – Titus Swafford (Clev) dec. D.J. Gibson, 11-4.

 

(Email John Hunt at nomarathonmoose@gmail.com)

 

 

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

 

 

Mt. Juliet rolls past Northwest for SlamFest victory

 

http://www.theleafchronicle.com/story/sports/high-school/2016/12/10/mt-juliet-rolls-past-northwest-slamfest-victory/95215908/

 

Pic

Northwest coach Ben Smitherman shouts instructions to one of his wrestlers during SlamFest Saturday at Clarksville... more

 

George Robinson / The Leaf-Chronicle

 

George Robinson | grobinson@theleafchronicle.com8:08 p.m. CT Dec. 10, 2016

 

Mt. Juliet hadn't had a lot of success in the recent past against Northwest High on the wrestling mat.

 

Saturday, however, the Golden Bears ended that drought in convincing fashion, dominating the Vikings to capture the 2016 SlamFest Wrestling Tournament hosted by Clarksville High.

 

Mt. Juliet's Bailey Rush tries to maneuver around Northwest's Jordan Burgess during their 126-pound ...more

 

George Robinson / The Leaf-Chronicle

 

Mt. Juliet beat Northwest 49-24 for the title after going 3-0 in pool play. The Bears knocked off Rossview in the semifinal after the Hawks finished first in Pool C. Northwest, last year's District 10 dual champs, finished first in Pool A but couldn't handle the Bears' middleweight classes.

 

"We actually wrestled some guys out of our weight class (Saturday) because of some issues going on, but our guys stepped up," Mt. Juliet coach Brad Mattlingly said. "We haven't beaten Northwest in about two years in dual matches. So for us to come out on top, that's big for us."

 

This early in the dual season, Northwest isn't panicking. Coach Ben Smitherman knows the season will come down to who is wrestling well in January and Feburary.

 

"If we can compete hard and come out of this SlamFest healthy, then we're good," Smitherman said. "Give Mt. Juliet all the credit. That's a very good team, but we'll be OK."

 

The host Wildcats failed to win a match Saturday, going 0-3 in their pool play and didn't qualify for the tournament portion. Rossview captured third with a 40-30 win against West Creek, which took fourth. Franklin finished fifth. Like Clarksville, Northeast and Montgomery Central finished 0-3 in pool play.

 

Reach Prep writer George Robinson at 931-245-0747 and on Twitter @Cville_Sports

Edited December 11, 2016 by Sommers

[Sommers]

Campbellsville Men's Wrestling makes biggest jump in poll, moves to No. 8, Cumberland U (Lebanon) in the top 20

 

http://www.victorysportsnetwork.com/Clip/news/campbellsville-mens-wrestling-makes-biggest-jump-in-poll-moves-to-no-8.htm

 

VSN (admin) Published Wednesday, December 07, 2016 - 06:30 PM

 

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — In the second regular-season NAIA Men's Wrestling Coaches' Poll, Campbellsville jumped 10 spots to No. 8.

 

After falling to No. 18 in the last poll, Campbellsville made the highest jump in the poll for any team. The Tigers earned 52.5 points and sits in the Top 10 for the first time since the preseason edition.

 

The Tigers are the top program from the Mid-South Conference in the poll, as Lindsey University rounds out the Top 10 with 49.5 points. Lindsey Wilson ranks No. 12, while University of the Cumberlands stayed put at No. 15 and Cumberland University moved down one spot to No. 18. Lastly, Southeastern University moved from the receiving votes category to No. 18.

 

The Mid-South also has three teams still receiving votes – Brewton Parker, Lindenwood-Belleville and Truett-McConnell.

 

For the 39th time in program history, Grand View ranks No. 1 in the rankings. The Vikings have now tied former member Lindenwood University for the most top billings since the start of the 2000-01 season.

 

Similar to last edition, the Vikings boast 12 ranked grapplers, all of which are listed among the top 10 in their respective weight classes. Grand View's top ranked wrestlers are: Hunter Genco at 133 pounds, Lawton Benna at 174 pounds and Dean Broghammer at 285 pounds. All three also held the No. 1 ranking in the first regular-season edition. Benna and Broghammer were also the No. 1 wrestler in the preseason poll.

 

Coming in at No. 2 for a third-straight installment is Indiana Tech. The Warriors claimed 90.5 points behind 10 ranked wrestlers. Defending 125-pound national champion Mitch Pawlak grabbed a share of the No. 1 ranking at 133 pounds this week. The senior is 6-2 on the season, including a fifth-place finish at the Michigan State Open on Nov. 20. Pawlek did not wrestle when Indian Tech competed in the CU Duals in Novemeber.

 

The remainder of the top five consists of No. 3 Williams Baptist (Ark.), No. 4 Menlo (Calif.) and No. 5 Montana State-Northern.

 

For Campbellsville's individual rankings, the Tigers have six grapplers ranked in their respective weight classes.

 

Leading the way for CU is Chuck Sharon (184) and Adrian Composano (125), as both rank No. 3. Justin Brown, fresh off a victory in the Northern Ohio Invitational at 174 pounds, ranks No. 6 in his weight class. Shawn McGhee ranks No. 7 at 165, while freshman Kolten Radaz earns his first-ever ranking at No. 15 in 133lbs.

 

Terrell Moore rounds out the Tigers with a No. 16-ranking at 285.

 

The Tigers continue their Mid-South Conference schedule on Thursday, Dec. 8 with a pair of duals against Truett-McConnell and Life in Cleveland, Ga.

 

2016-17 NAIA Wrestling Coaches' Top 20 Poll – No. 2 (December 7, 2016)

 

Rankings

Grand View (Iowa)169.522

Indiana Tech90.533

Williams Baptist (Ark.)67.545

Menlo (Calif.)65.557

Montana State-Northern61

Oklahoma City58

Southern Oregon53

Campbellsville (Ky.)52

Missouri Valley51.5108

Life (Ga.)49

Wayland Baptist (Texas)48

Lindsey Wilson (Ky.)45

Concordia (Neb.)44

Warner Pacific (Ore.)39

Cumberlands (Ky.)38

RVGreat Falls (Mont.)34

Morningside (Iowa)31

Cumberland (Tenn.)28

RVSoutheastern (Fla.)24

Baker (Kan.)23

 

 

Dropped from the Top 20: York (Neb.) (No. 14); Simpson (Calif.) (No. 20) ??

 

Others receiving votes: Midland (Neb.) 20.5; Briar Cliff (Iowa) 20; Brewton-Parker (Ga.) 18; Northwestern (Iowa) 17.5; Lyon (Ark.) 17; Embry-Riddle (Ariz.) 13; York (Neb.) 13; Eastern Oregon 12.5; Simpson (Calif.) 12; Benedictine (Kan.) 8; Hastings (Neb.) 6.5; Doane (Neb.) 5.5; Bacone (Okla.) 5; Lindenwood-Belleville (Ill.) 4.5; Marian (Ind.) 4; Bethany (Kan.) 4; Truett-McConnell (Ga.) 2.5; Graceland (Iowa) 1.

 

 

Top Ranked Individuals | Individual Rankings?

125 – Troy Lakin, Menlo (Calif.)?

133 – Hunter Genco, Grand View (Iowa) / Mitch Pawlak, Indiana Tech?

141 – Tyler Fraley, Williams Baptist?

149 – Victor Hughes, Baker (Kan.)?

157 – Cam Tessari, Lindsey Wilson (Ky.)?

165 – Blake Cooper, Warner Pacific (Ore.)?

174 – Lawton Benna, Grand View (Iowa)?

184 – Ben Stroh, Montana State-Northern?

197 – Dalton Bailey, Life (Ga.)?

285 – Dean Broghammer, Grand View (Iowa)

 

 

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

 

 

U.S. has a new world champion...

 

http://www.flowrestling.org/article/49334-logan-stieber-world-champion

 

Logan Stieber: World Champion!

 

Dec 10, 2016

 

Logan Stieber is now the 61kg world champion. After battling his way through a loaded bracket to make the finals, the four-time NCAA champion finished it off with the sweetest of victories -- a non-Olympic weight world championship in Budapest, Hungary, on Saturday.

 

Stieber has won titles his entire wrestling career, and now he gets to call himself the best in the world. He controlled his final against Georgia's Beka Lomtadze from the start and closed with an 8-4 win.

 

It was just as sweet for new USA men's freestyle head coach Bill Zadick. This is the United States' best finish at the weight since 2006 in China, when Zadick won the 66kg title and his brother, Mike, took second at 60kg.

 

Stieber had two incredible matches to make the finals. His gunslinging mentality paid off in both the quarters and the semis, both of which he won on buzzer-beating takedowns.

 

Starting off the day against 2015 world bronze medalist Vasyl Shuptar of Ukraine, Stieber dominated with two takedowns and a trap arm for a 10-0 tech. His next two matches would not be so easy.

 

The former Buckeye had to score buzzer-beating takedowns against both Russia's Akhmed Chakaev in the quarterfinals as well as against Iran's Behnam Ehsanpoor in the semifinals.

Edited December 11, 2016 by Sommers

[Sommers]

Bristol Press Coverage...

 

http://m.heraldcourier.com/sports/tennessee-high-wrestling-hopes-to-continue-its-climb/article_423c0418-bf3b-11e6-9ab7-7f21d1d4a291.html?mode=jqm

 

Tennessee High wrestling hopes to continue its climb

 

DAVID CRIGGER/BHC

 

Tennessee High's Bryson Henley and the rest of the Vikings hope to pin down the program's first state title this season.

 

 

Nate Hubbard | Bristol Herald Courier | Posted 15 hours ago

 

BRISTOL, Tenn. – They’re undermanned underdogs no longer.

 

Just don’t anybody tell the Vikings.

 

A season after turning in a pair of remarkable postseason runs despite competing with a shorthanded squad, the Tennessee High wrestling program has strengthened even further with state gold now the all-consuming goal.

 

“We’re keeping the same mentality,†said senior captain Dewey Pendley, who placed second as an individual at state last year at 138 pounds. “We’re kind of just putting our heads down and doing what we’ve been doing because it’s gotten us this far.â€

 

“It doesn’t seem like I’ve grasped that we have a full team yet,†added fellow senior Trent Nel-son, who is chasing his fourth regional championship. “Everybody’s still going at it like we only have half a team.â€

 

Despite multiple open spots in the lineup – not to mention putting guys on the mat with inju-ries like a torn ACL and a cracked sternum – the Vikings were able to turn in the best season in program history last winter, winning regional championships both in duals and as a team in the cumulative points of the individual tournament.

 

Tennessee High then shook up the state, finishing third in the state duals before taking a stunning team silver out of the individual competition behind only perennial state power Brad-ley Central, which also won the duals title.

 

Bronze and silver, however, won’t likely gleam quite so brightly this time around for Tennes-see High.

 

“We won region – and that’s great, and we’ll be disappointed if we don’t win the region [again] – but our goal is just a state championship. That’s it,†said Tennessee High coach Tim Marshall.

 

“Everybody knows we’re chasing Bradley. Everybody knows everybody in the state is chasing Bradley. … I think we can close the gap on them.â€

 

While a deeper projected lineup accounts for part of the optimism, it’s a quartet of familiar faces that will form the core of another top-notch THS squad, which already has a 10-0 duals record through two weeks of early season competition.

 

Along with Nelson and Pendley, seniors Bryson Henley and Jeremy Spangler are also return-ing state medalists sporting top-three preseason state rankings in their respective weight classes with Spangler back at full health after gutting out the postseason last year with a torn ligament in his left knee.

 

“Between Trent, Dewey, Bryson and Jeremy, I would be disappointed if each one of them is not in the finals,†Marshall said. “That’s crazy to say going from two years ago when we only had two [total] state-placers.â€

 

Likely only a cracked sternum – an injury that he kept secret until after the state tournament – kept 2016 graduate Corbin Hurley from turning a junior-year silver into the first individual state championship in program history last winter, but that landmark achievement remains on the table for the THS contenders this season.

 

“There’s definitely several of us that are looking for titles,†Nelson said.

 

Unlike last year’s crew, however, there’s a cupboard full of tested talent beyond the headlin-ers.

 

Seniors Will Poore and Logan Fields, junior Judson McCray and sophomores Dillon Pendley, Dominic Fields and Logan Ferguson all return after making key contributions at various points during last season’s run.

 

Joining them will be senior heavyweight Nathan Scott and sophomore Cooper Jenkins, who both are back on the mat with previous wrestling experience despite taking last year off.

 

Nathan Johnson, Jared Harter and Jordan Thompson represent a promising freshman class. Johnson is the younger brother of 2016 graduate Harold Johnson, now wrestling at Lindenwood University, Harter is an AAU state champion and Thompson is an accomplished martial artist.

 

Junior Lexie Worley also returns as the lone girl on this year’s team after an injury-plagued sophomore year.

 

“This year is the first year we’ve ever had a group that everybody has experience,†Marshall said. “The freshman kids that we have coming in, they have either wrestled at Vance [Middle School] or club. … Here it is [early December] and we’re in January-type practices.â€

 

Despite the complete duals lineup this season, Marshall said the loss of Hurley, Harold John-son and Kenneth Hagerman – all three near locks to earn a six-point pin every time out last year – will make a state duals title slightly more of a long shot than a team crown out of the individual tournament.

 

Still, the Vikings are relishing their increased numbers.

 

“Now we don’t have that as an excuse per se,†Dewey Pendley said. “Everyone has to go out there and get the job done and then we’ll win.â€

 

Coming off the postseason run last year, Marshall has tried to boost Tennessee High’s statewide profile, most notably by putting the Vikings in a top-notch individual tournament next weekend at Beech.

 

“Our freshman year, we were pretty much unknown,†Nelson said. “We’ve just built up the last four years trying to be known. People are starting to recognize us a little more.â€

 

Nevertheless, Pendley said the Vikings aren’t patting themselves on the back just yet.

 

“We’re looking to accomplish more than we did last year for sure,†he said. “There’s more to be accomplished and everybody in here’s looking for it. … If you get too prideful, you forget that there’s more out there to accomplish. That’s what we’re trying to focus on is obviously getting the rings and being No. 1, not just getting there.â€

 

nhubbard@bristolnews.com | Twitter: @Hub_BHCSports | (276) 645-2543

 

 

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

 

2nd Annual Wrestling tournament honors teen shooting victim

 

WATE 6 On Your Side

 

(WATE) – More than 150 beginner wrestlers took part in a tournament ... provides money for scholarships for high school athletes in Blount County

 

http://wate.com/2016/12/11/wrestling-tournament-honors-teen-shooting-victim/

 

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

 

Archer high-school Bullard update...

 

http://www.flowrestling.org/article/49348-8-max-rohskopf-of-nc-state-out-for-the-year

 

NC State sent out highly-touted true freshman Thomas Bullard at 157 against Nebraska's #6 Tyler Berger. Bullard, a Georgia native, wrestled Berger tough and showed his mettle in scrambles, but ultimately fell to the Husker Sophomore.

 

Bullard, along with his twin brother Daniel, are key cogs in the Wolfpack's top recruiting class that also includes former #1 ranked wrestlers Nick Reenan and Hayden Hidlay. NC State confirmed that Thomas would be the 157 starter for the remainder of the season.

 

Thomas Bullard brings home an NHSCA

Spencer Lee Leaves No Doubt In Ironman

Full Results, Matches From 2016 Ironman

Logan Stieber Wins World Championship!

More From FloWrestling

Edited December 12, 2016 by Sommers

[Sommers]

FOX Chattanooga - Episode 35: Coach's Corner - Ben Smith, Bradley Central Wrestling Coach

by HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS ZONE

Wednesday, December 14th 2016

 

http://foxchattanooga.com/sports/high-school-sports-zone/episode-35-coachs-corner-ben-smith-bradley-central-wrestling-coach

 

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Complete ranking of wrestlers of our KY neighbors to the north...

 

http://www.courier-journal.com/story/sports/preps/kentucky/2016/12/13/union-county-wrestlers-top-state-rankings/95376886/

 

No huge surprises here...

 

Union County wrestlers top state rankings

 

David R. Lutman/Special to The C-J

 

Jason Frakes | @KYHighs12:32 p.m. ET Dec. 13, 2016

 

Defending state champion Union County is ranked No. 1 in the current KentuckyWrestling.com state rankings.

 

The Braves have three wrestlers ranked No. 1 in their respective weight classes – eighth-grader Zeke Escalera (106 pounds), junior Saul Ervin (132) and senior Bryce Sheffer (138).

 

Woodford County is ranked No. 2 in the state, followed by St. Xavier, Johnson Central and Walton-Verona.

 

North Oldham senior Landin Jones (285 pounds) is the only Louisville-area wrestler ranked No. 1 in the state in his weight class.

 

 

Here are the complete team rankings:

 

* Team: 1. Union County, 2. Woodford County, 3. St. Xavier, 4. Johnson Central, 5. Walton-Verona, 6. John Hardin, 7. Campbell County, 8. Henry Clay, 9. Madison Central, 10. Oldham County, 11. Wayne County, 12. Christian County, 13. Meade County, 14. LaRue County, 15. Male, 16. Simon Kenton, 17. Trinity, 18. Dixie Heights, 19. Taylor County, 20. Calloway County, 21. North Oldham, 22. North Hardin, 23. Doss, 24. Fern Creek, 25. Scott.

 

See link above for potential individual matchups.

 

Yes cbg, Erwin name is becoming legendary up that way.

 

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

 

 

Mocs Travel to Kent State & Ohio

 

http://www.gomocs.com/news/2016/12/14/wrestling-mocs-travel-to-kent-state-ohio.aspx

 

UTC has two more duals before the Christmas break.

 

Dec. 14, 2016 Wrestling

 

STORY LINKS

 

MATCH NOTES (.PDF)The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga wrestling team heads north for a two-match road trip this weekend.  The Mocs visit the Buckeye State for a pair of duals against Ohio and Kent State.

 

UTC takes on the Bobcats on Friday, Dec. 16 at 7:00 p.m. (E.S.T) in Athens, Ohio.  The Mocs then head to Kent for a Noon dual against the Golden Flashes on Sunday, Dec. 18.   

 

UTC brings a 2-2 record that includes wins over Southeastern (40-12) and VMI (41-5) and losses to No. 6 Virginia Tech (6-29) and current No. 24 Virginia (11-34).  

 

Ohio has two wins in five outings, including an impressive 25-11 victory at West Virginia on Nov. 6, and a 25-9 win against Buffalo on Dec. 4. They lost to No. 5 Missouri (7-35) last week and to Pittsburgh (16-21) and Campbell (15-23) earlier in the season. 

 

Kent State is 1-2 overall, with a win over Cleveland State (40-3) on Nov. 22 and losses to No. 4 Ohio State (13-36) and Buffalo (12-23).  The Flashes host Southern Conference for Gardner-Webb on Friday before taking on the Mocs.  

 

Live scoring and video have not been announced for either match, but fans can follow the Mocs results on Twitter @utcwrestling.  Be sure to check back to GoMocs.com for a full recap.   

 

CHATTANOOGA MOCS PROBABLE LINEUP

125: Alonzo Allen (So. – 2-6)

133: Chris Debien (So. – 5-3)

141: Roman Boylen (So. – 4-3)

149: Dylanger Potter (Fr. – 5-3)

157: Trey Watson (So. – 3-5)

165: Justin Lampe (Jr. – 5-3)

174: Sean Mappes (Sr. – 6-4)

184: Bryce Carr (Jr. – 7-1)

197: Clay Dent (Sr. – 3-3)

285: No. 20 Jared Johnson (Sr. – 8-1)

 

HEAD COACH HEATH ESLINGER

Head Coach Heath Eslinger is in his eighth season at UTC.  A two-time Southern Conference Coach of the Year, he owns an 88-47 (.652) career dual record.  He has guided the Mocs to six SoCon regular season and six SoCon tournament titles and has a 42-2 record in SoCon duals.

 

OHIO BOBCATS PROBABLE LINEUP

125: No. 18 Shakur Laney (So. - 11-2)

133: Cameron Kelly (So. - 8-5)

141: Noah Forrider (Jr. - 16-3)

149: Kade Kowalski (Fr. - 4-3)

157: Cullen Cummings (Jr. - 6-8)

165: Austin Reese (So. - 7-4) 

174: Arsen Ashughyan (So. - 8-5) 

184: Hunter Yeargan (Fr. - 4-7)

    Nate Hall (So. - 0-1)

197: Bailey Faust (Fr. - 10-2)

    Devin King (So. - 0-1)

285: Zack Parker (So. - 13-6) 

 

OHIO SERIES NOTES

• The Mocs are 6-7 all-time against the Bobcats, including a 2-3 mark in Athens.  

• This is Chattanooga's first visit to Ohio since a 20-18 win on Jan. 3, 2011.  

• Ohio won last year's meeting 18-14 on Dec. 18 in Chattanooga, but the Mocs won the previous four duals.

• UTC is 3-1 against Ohio in head coach Heath Eslinger's tenure.   

 

LAST MEETING - NO. 17 OHIO 18, CHATTANOOGA 14

Dec. 18, 2015 - Chattanooga, Tenn.

125: Shakur Laney (Ohio) - Dec. 11-8 - Alonzo Allen (UTC) – Ohio 3-0

133: Cameron Kelly (Ohio) – Dec. 7-6 - Cody Hill (UTC) – Ohio 6-0

141: Michael Pongracz (UTC) – Dec. 3-1 (SV1) - Noah Forrider (Ohio) – Ohio 6-3

149: Cullen Cummings (Ohio) - Dec. 7-1 - Roman Boylen (UTC) – Ohio 9-3

157: Kamaal Shakur (UTC) – Dec. 4-3 - Spartak Chino (Ohio) – Ohio 9-6

165: Austin Reese (Ohio) – Dec. 5-4 - Dominic Lampe (UTC) – Ohio 12-6

174: Cody Walters (Ohio) – Dec. 8-3 - Sean Mappes (UTC) – Ohio 15-6

184: Andrew Romanchik (Ohio) – Dec. 4-1 - John Lampe (UTC) – Ohio 18-6

197: No. 18 Scottie Boykin (UTC) – MD 11-2 - Nate Hall (Ohio) – Ohio 18-10

285: Jared Johnson (UTC) – MD 11-0 - Jesse Webb (Ohio) – Ohio 18-14

 

KENT STATE GOLDEN FLASHES PROBABLE LINEUP

125: Cory Simpson (Fr. - 8-6)

133: Anthony Tutolo (So. - 14-4)

141: Chance Driscoll (Jr. - 9-7)

149: Tim Rooney (Fr. - 8-9)

157: Casey Sparkman (So. - 11-3)

165: Isaac Bast (So. - 8-7) 

174: Jairod James (So. - 13-3) 

184: Shane Mast (Fr. - 9-5)

197: Stephen Suglio (Jr. - 9-7)

285: Devin Nye (So. - 9-7) 

 

KENT STATE SERIES NOTES

• The Mocs are 4-10 all-time against the Flashes, splitting two matches at Kent State.  

• This is Chattanooga's first visit to Kent, Ohio since 1990.

• These two teams met twice in the 2014-15 season, the Mocs winning each - 23-15 at the EMU Duals and 27-9 at the Virginia Duals.     

Edited December 15, 2016 by Sommers

[cbg]

Complete ranking of wrestlers of our KY neighbors to the north...

 

http://www.courier-journal.com/story/sports/preps/kentucky/2016/12/13/union-county-wrestlers-top-state-rankings/95376886/

 

No huge surprises here...

 

Union County wrestlers top state rankings

 

David R. Lutman/Special to The C-J

 

Jason Frakes | @KYHighs12:32 p.m. ET Dec. 13, 2016

 

Defending state champion Union County is ranked No. 1 in the current KentuckyWrestling.com state rankings.

 

The Braves have three wrestlers ranked No. 1 in their respective weight classes – eighth-grader Zeke Escalera (106 pounds), junior Saul Ervin (132) and senior Bryce Sheffer (138).

 

Woodford County is ranked No. 2 in the state, followed by St. Xavier, Johnson Central and Walton-Verona.

 

North Oldham senior Landin Jones (285 pounds) is the only Louisville-area wrestler ranked No. 1 in the state in his weight class.

 

 

Here are the complete team rankings:

 

* Team: 1. Union County, 2. Woodford County, 3. St. Xavier, 4. Johnson Central, 5. Walton-Verona, 6. John Hardin, 7. Campbell County, 8. Henry Clay, 9. Madison Central, 10. Oldham County, 11. Wayne County, 12. Christian County, 13. Meade County, 14. LaRue County, 15. Male, 16. Simon Kenton, 17. Trinity, 18. Dixie Heights, 19. Taylor County, 20. Calloway County, 21. North Oldham, 22. North Hardin, 23. Doss, 24. Fern Creek, 25. Scott.

 

See link above for potential individual matchups.

 

Union County & Bradley County will be at the Father Ryan Inv. this year.  132 could be a war with Saul Ervin, Ryan McElhaney & Raymond Eason. 

[TD2]

Does anybody have the match scores from the CHS/RYAN match?  Tried to watch it on CHSlive but it kept locking up. 

[durdon]

Does anybody have the match scores from the CHS/RYAN match? Tried to watch it on CHSlive but it kept locking up.

Team Score:

CHS 41- RYAN 15

182

Robert Hicks (Cleveland) over Henry Hagey (Father Ryan) (Fall 0:00)

195

Andrew Wesnofske (Father Ryan) over Jason Strickland (Cleveland) (Dec 4-0)

220

George Hooker (Father Ryan) over Samuel Garcia (Cleveland) (Dec 11-7)

285

titus Shafton (Cleveland) over John Hayes (Father Ryan) (Dec 6-4)

106

Garrett Stevenson (Cleveland) over Paul Killian (Father Ryan) (Dec 4-0)

113

Garret Bowers (Cleveland) over Christian Simpson (Father Ryan) (Fall 6:00)

120

Bryce Pond (Cleveland) over Griffin Hubacker (Father Ryan) (Fall 0:45)

126

Jayce Mullin (Cleveland) over Lawrence Madson (Father Ryan) (UTB 6-6)

132

Colton Landers (Cleveland) over Raymond Eason (Father Ryan) (Dec 7-6)

138

Cody Mathews (Cleveland) over Joseph Vogelpohl (Father Ryan) (Dec 12-5)

145

Michael Whiteside (Cleveland) over Frank Marfone (Father Ryan) (MD 26-14)

152

Eli King (Father Ryan) over Caleb Eachus (Cleveland) (Fall 0:00)

160

Zach Brezna (Cleveland) over Anthony Hagey (Father Ryan) (MD 12-1)

170

Patrick Clements (Father Ryan) over Dylan Jones (Cleveland) (Dec 6-4)

[Sommers]

Blue raiders rebooted well and Josh Boskin must be proud as these young men manned up to best the strongest field of the year making the state duals look easy, unless all divisions combined, but of course.... the Bear Nation isn't standing idly by watching... Thanks durdon!!

 

__________________

 

 

 

Tough road loss for our Mocs....

 

http://www.chattanoogan.com/2016/12/16/338219/Ohio-Wrestlers-Win-26-12-Over-UTC.aspx

 

Ohio Wrestlers Win 26-12 Over UTC

 

Friday, December 16, 2016

 

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga wrestling team dropped a 26-12 road dual at Ohio tonight. The Mocs won three individual battles on the evening, but fell to 2-3 overall.

 

UTC earned wins from juniors Justin Lampe (165) and Bryce Carr (184) and senior Jared Johnson (285). Lampe scored a 12-5 decision over Tanner Miller to improve to 6-3, individually.

 

Carr pinned Nate Hall in the first period to continue a strong start to his career. He is now 8-1 overall and tied for the team lead with four pins.

 

 

 

Johnson, ranked No. 14 at heavyweight this week, shut out Zack Parker with an 8-0 decision. That was his ninth win against one loss this season.

 

UTC wraps up its Ohio trip at Kent State on Sunday. Match time is Noon and a link to live video is available on the wrestling schedule page on GoMocs.com.

 

Ohio 26 – Chattanooga 12

Athens, Ohio

125: No. 18 Shakur Laney (Ohio) – Fall – Alonzo Allen (UTC) – Ohio 6-0

133: Cameron Kelly (Ohio) –MD 18-6 – Chris Debien (UTC) – Ohio 10-0

141: Noah Forrider (Ohio) – Dec. 6-1 – Roman Boylen (UTC) – Ohio 13-0

149: Kade Kowalski (Ohio) – Dec. 5-2 – Dylanger Potter (UTC) – Ohio 16-0

157: Cullen Cummings (Ohio) – MD 8-0 – Trey Watson (UTC) – Ohio 20-0

165: Justin Lampe (UTC) – Dec. 12-5 - Tanner Miller (Ohio) – Ohio 20-3

174: Arsen Ashghyan (Ohio) – Dec. 6-5 - Sean Mappes (UTC) – Ohio 23-3

184: Bryce Carr (UTC) – Fall – Nate Hall (Ohio) – Ohio 23-9

197: Bailey Faust (Ohio) – Dec. 7-2 – Clay Dent (UTC) – Ohio 26-9

285: No. 14 Jared Johnson (UTC) – MD 8-0 – Zack Parker (UTC) – Ohio 26-12

Edited December 17, 2016 by Sommers

[Sommers]

Science Hill downs defending Alabama 6A champions

 

http://www.johnsoncitypress.com/Wrestling/2016/12/18/Science-Hill-downs-defending-Alabama-champions

 

JEFF BIRCHFIELD • UPDATED YESTERDAY AT 8:43 PM

 

jbirchfield@johnsoncitypress.com

 

Science Hill did more than step up against the competition at the Tony Farrace Duals over the weekend.

 

The Hilltoppers were able to take down the competition.

 

Science Hill went 4-1 in the tournament and ended in a three-way tie with Independence and Arab, the defending Class 6A champions in Alabama. By virtue of a series of tiebreakers, the Hilltoppers finished first to claim the championship trophy.

 

“It’s a great step for our program,†Science Hill coach Jimmy Miller said. “For our staff, it shows us that we’re doing the right things. It’s just great to see our kids perform like that.â€

 

The Hilltoppers romped to easy wins over Henry Clay (Ky.), AC Flora (S.C.) and Maryville. But, they suffered a setback against Independence, coming up on the short end of a 39-33 score.

 

They bounced back, however, in a 37-30 win over Arab, a team that was 18-0 and coming off a win in the prestigious Nashville McGavock tournament.

 

Greyson Pridemore, Isaiah Ryans and William “Chase†Diehl gave Science Hill wins in the 145, 152 and 160 weight classes.

 

Going up to the heavier weights, Weston Brown at 182 and Denzel Medina at 195 pulled off wins for the Hilltoppers.

 

“We had a little lull in the Independence match,†Miller explained. “The Arab match, our kids were bruised, hurting, and they overachieved. Denzel Medina beats a kid who placed third in Alabama a year ago.â€

 

It put the final outcome into the hands of the lower weight classes.

 

Tyler Seeley at 113 and Nathan Wysong at 120 each won by pinfall.

 

It made for a dramatic ending with seniors Cooper Williams at 132 and Luke Story at 138 needing to win for the ’Toppers to win the match.

 

Williams scored a 7-3 decision over Arab’s Seth Hyatt. Story came through with a 10-2 major decision over the Knights’ Clay Jones.

 

“I had to put my two seniors with Luke Story and Copper Williams on the mat,†Miller said. “But, Arab had these state medalists. Cooper gets the decision and Luke easily handles his opponent. Arab has been up here the last few years and we had never been ahead of them late in a match. At the end of the day, we just wrestled and found a way to win.â€

 

____________________

 

 

Hicks triplets add to family reputation

 

Bradley Central wrestler T.J. Hicks is proud of his family name but thinks of his reputation in terms of family.

 

"I guess it's a cool thing," he said of being a Hicks. "A lot of people know my Pappaw and my dad. It's a small community, and a lot of people tell me stories about them."

 

When they talk now about the Hicks family in Cleveland, the conversation is more about the triplets: T.J., his brother and fellow Bradley Central wrestler Trey and their sister Amanda. She serves as the Bears' leading statistician, and coach Ben Smith said she repeatedly has saved the team during matches.

 

http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/sports/preps/story/2016/dec/18/hicks-triplets-add-family-reputation/403562/

 

December 18th, 2016by Ward Gossettin Sports - PrepsRead Time: 2 mins.

 

Pic

 

On the road at Baylor last week, Bradley Central wrestling manager and wrestling brothers enjoy a moment together before the match. The birth triplets from left are, Amanda Hicks, Trey Hicks and T.J. Hicks.

 

Photo by Tim Barber /Times Free Press.

 

Bradley Central wrestler T.J. Hicks is proud of his family name but thinks of his reputation in terms of family.

 

"I guess it's a cool thing," he said of being a Hicks. "A lot of people know my Pappaw and my dad. It's a small community, and a lot of people tell me stories about them."

 

When they talk now about the Hicks family in Cleveland, the conversation is more about the triplets: T.J., his brother and fellow Bradley Central wrestler Trey and their sister Amanda. She serves as the Bears' leading statistician, and coach Ben Smith said she repeatedly has saved the team during matches.

 

T.J., with an undefeated season and back-to-back state championships, has brought acclaim, but referees and opposing coaches have dealt with Amanda enough to know that she knows her stuff.

 

Both brothers won championships and were factors in Bradley claiming the team title in its own tournament, which finished Saturday afternoon. The Bears scored 281.5 points, easily outdistancing runner-up Commerce by 76.5 points.

 

Many folks, especially those who follow wrestling, recognize the trio whether it's Amanda in her part-time job at Hardee's or the brothers when they're earning walking-around money at Long John Silver's.

 

"Most people know me as their sister," Amanda said.

 

"With Amanda there's no middle ground," Smith said. "She's either the nicest, kindest person or, well, there are times folks need to tread lightly. But she knows as much wrestling statistically and organizationally as any coach."

 

Added T.J. with a laugh: "She'll try to wrestle with us, pick on us every now and then. That doesn't really work too well for her."

 

She also can serve as a referee, specifically when T.J. and Trey begin mixing it up.

 

"She doesn't take anything off either of them," Smith said.

 

That can often be more than a handful. The Hicks brothers' practice-room duels are legendary, especially as Trey has caught and now surpassed T.J. in size. He no longer gigs Trey about those state championships.

 

"He's bigger than me now, so I have to watch what I say," T.J. said with a laugh and a quick roll of his eyes before glancing his brother's way.

 

"I'm proud of being a Hicks and I'm proud to be T.J.'s brother, but I also like to be my own person," Trey said. "I didn't win (the state championships), but it's a good thing to me that I've gotten to be a part of it. He's my brother first and foremost."

 

"There's never a dull moment," Smith said of the brothers' mat battles. "It's often too hot to be handled and we often separate them to work with others. But if one of them has had a tough day, whether it's getting down to weight or whatever, I've seen the other one pull back."

 

Those scraps have morphed into another dose of challenges for opposing coaches with Trey finally stepping into the Bears' lineup at 120 pounds, a notch above the 113-pound Trey. Those scraps also have strengthened the bond that seems such a part of a twin's or triplet's lifestyle.

 

"They're always working and looking out for each other. They take care of each other, and it's a really cool dynamic to see," Smith said. "All three are individualistic and each marches to the beat of his own drum, but when rubber meets the road, they're extremely tight and you see a lot of caring, whether they want to show it or not."

 

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

 

______________________

 

 

McCallie wrestler Judah Duhm regains national recognition...

 

Duhm won the 182-pound title in the McCallie Invitational

 

Previously home-schooled, Duhm acknowledges that he learned discipline, focus and resolve after enrolling at McCallie as an eighth-grader.

 

"He's focused — blinders on — and he's a hard worker," McCallie coach Mike Newman assessed. "He's the first one at practice, and when you finish, send the team to the locker room, start the laundry and come back an hour later he's still in there working. Or you come in on a day you've given the guys off and he's there at 3 o'clock and still there at 6 o'clock."

 

Duhm becomes consumed with setting and meeting goals.

 

"He's obsessed whether it's academics or wrestling," Newman said.

 

http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/sports/preps/story/2016/dec/18/mccallie-wrestler-judah-duhm-regains-national/403563/

 

December 18th, 2016 by Ward Gossettin Sports - PrepsRead Time: 3 mins.

 



Pic

 

McCallie's Judah Duhm (right) looks for an opening against Christian Brother's Tommy Bracket in the 160 pound class. Duhm won the match. The finals of the TSSAA State Wrestlings Championships were held at the Williamson Agricultural Center in Franklin, Tn. on February 20, 2016.

 

Photo by Robin Rudd /Times Free Press.

 

In the summer prior to his sophomore season at McCallie school, Judah Duhm edged onto the national wrestling scene. Wrestling with Team Tennessee in Oklahoma in the national duals, he posted an 8-2 record.

 

Injuries, though, pushed him back to the periphery and there he remained until last spring. Duhm's return to national prominence didn't result from a 39-0 junior-season record or the championship medal from the 2016 Tennessee state tournament because they carry little weight beyond the state. It was instead a fifth-place finish at the national prep tournament.

 

The result is recruiting conversations with Navy, Army, Stanford and Virginia and interest from several others including the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and Cal-Poly, now coached by former UTC assistant Jon Sioredas.

 

Duhm won the 182-pound title in the McCallie Invitational, which finished Saturday afternoon, and the host Blue Tornado finished third in the team standings with 208 points. Union Grove was first with 235, and Woodland was second with 209.5. The other Chattanooga-area teams in the top 10 were Soddy-Daisy (sixth, 135) and Heritage (10th, 112.5).

 

Previously home-schooled, Duhm acknowledges that he learned discipline, focus and resolve after enrolling at McCallie as an eighth-grader.

 

"He's focused — blinders on — and he's a hard worker," McCallie coach Mike Newman assessed. "He's the first one at practice, and when you finish, send the team to the locker room, start the laundry and come back an hour later he's still in there working. Or you come in on a day you've given the guys off and he's there at 3 o'clock and still there at 6 o'clock."

 

Duhm becomes consumed with setting and meeting goals.

 

"He's obsessed whether it's academics or wrestling," Newman said.

 

When he first entered McCallie, Duhm was a lost soul. He struggled academically and socially.

 

"I remember thinking, 'What's this changing classes and classrooms?' All my classes had been in one room," he said.

 

There was little pressure from home for academic excellence as his parents allowed him to adjust, he said. Quality grades, though, became a personal goal, and he now flirts with a 4.0 grade point average.

 

"I learned the process and got better. There's a big difference between home school and McCallie," he said.

 

A sport he didn't initially enjoy, wrestling was no different. Duhm recalled a youth coach once semi-seriously offering him all he had in his wallet if he'd draw blood during a practice.

 

"I didn't want to hurt anybody but I began to enjoy the physicality, and if you don't you're missing 80 percent of the sport," Duhm said.

 

There also is the independence brought about by the one-on-one where there's no one to make a pass or a block.

 

"I love going through the motions it takes to win. It's two people in an arena," Duhm said. "Your teammates are there supporting you, but they can't get out there and help you. It's your responsibility, and I want to go out there and do the job right. If you don't, you walk off the mat and then go figure out what you did wrong."

 

Duhm has spent years enhancing his will to win, but he credited Newman and other McCallie coaches (Gordon Connell, David Levitt and Jake Yost) for helping mold his technique and his mindset.

 

"A lot of my success is due to my coaches, along with the support from my dad and my family," he said. "My dad — even when I was hurt he always thought I was the best guy in the room."

 

And he wasn't far off.

 

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

 

______________________

 

220 Ty Boeck upends top-ranked Victor Bednarski in Trojans' shutout

 

http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/sports/preps/story/2016/dec/16/boeck-upends-top-ranked-bednarski-trojans-shu/403337/

 

December 16th, 2016 by Ward Gossettin

 

Soddy-Daisy wrestling coach Jim Higgins shouts directions to a player during their wrestling meet at the Soddy-Daisy High School wrestling arena on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2016, in Soddy-Daisy, Tenn.

 

Photo by Doug Strickland /Times Free Press.

 

Gallery: Boeck upends top-ranked Bednarski in Trojans' shutout

 

The team outcome was all but predetermined, yet Soddy-Daisy wrestling fans jammed the home stands Thursday for their Trojans' match with District 5-AAA rival Ooltewah.

 

Soddy-Daisy won 74-0.

 

The fans were there to see an anticipated upper-weight battle between the Owls' Victor Bednarski, the state's top-ranked 220-pounder, and their own Ty Boeck, the versatile football player who manned positions at quarterback, running back, tight end, wide receiver, linebacker and punter this past fall.

 

This was a meeting of returning state medalists, the senior Bednarski third at 220 pounds and the junior Boeck a sixth-place finisher at 182. Boeck rallied three times and finally pulled out a 9-8 victory with a takedown in the final 20 seconds.

 

"It's an awesome feeling, beating the No. 1 wrestler in the state. I was nervous before the match. I felt like I could take him to the deep end of the pool and drain him," said Boeck, who now stands 18-0. "He's the strongest guy I've ever wrestled, without a doubt."

 

They were tied at 7 and Boeck elected to start in the neutral position, giving Bednarski a one-point advantage. He then went to an outside single, slipped behind the built-like-a-tank Bednarski and gained control for the win.

 

"That one got me fired up for sure. We have a great kid in Boeck and he was going against a great competitor," Trojans coach Jim Higgins said. "We have a lot of respect for Bednarski. He's such a huge, strong kid and a good wrestler that has had a lot of success. Ty is a tremendous worker and such a great student — the epitome of a student-athlete — we obviously were all pulling for a guy like that to do well, and it's awesome to see him come through."

 

Boeck's win nearly overshadowed the Trojans' team accomplishment. In posting their 12th match win they scored the first shutout of the Higgins era.

 

"I'm pleased across the board with the team effort," the coach said. "I did challenge the guys beforehand to do exactly what happened. We've come close to it two-three times this year but had yet to do it. I didn't believe they were ready to accomplish it.

 

"I didn't think they were listening and I told them they were the weirdest group of guys I'd ever been around, and I just walked away from them."

 

The Trojans scored bonus points in 12 of the 14 matchups, getting pins from Jacob Pratt (120), Landon Wheaton (126), Jacob Kilgore (132), Austin Crowe (145), Tony Wilson (152), Hayden Maynor (170), Caleb Addison (182) and Bryce Settles (195).

 

While it was a team goal, it wasn't an effort meant to embarrass the visitors.

 

"Ooltewah is in a rebuilding phase and they're rebounding from coaching changes," Higgins offered. "I'm sure the dust will settle eventually and they'll be back to prior form."

 

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

 

___________________

 

 

Host Bears Roar To Another Bradley Wrestling Title

 

http://www.chattanoogan.com/2016/12/17/338267/Host-Bears-Roar-To-Another-Bradley.aspx

 

Monday, December 19, 2016

 

Bears Claim Five Champions To Win By 76 Points

 

Saturday, December 17, 2016 - by Patrick MacCoon

 

CLEVELAND -- Bradley Central High School’s team puffed its chest and returned to form on its home wrestling mats. Five wrestlers, including two first-timers, for the Bears took home first-place medals in a 24-team invitational at Jim Smiddy Arena.

 

Pushing a tough loss in the Cleveland Duals title match aside from the weekend before, Bradley Central also took home the team championship by scoring 281 1/2 team points, which was 76 1/2 more points than second-place Commerce High School (Georgia).

 

Taking the top spot at the podium for the Bears individually were T.J. Hicks, Trey Hicks, Ethan Anderson, Ryan McElhaney and Knox Fuller.

 

“This is a tough invitational,†BCHS head coach Ben Smith said.

 

“We have kids some years win state titles and place high in the state tournament and they don’t do well here, because we have multiple state champions here from some of the best teams from two surrounding states. Across the board, I am pleased with how this team responded coming off a tough weekend. They dusted their shoulders off, pulled their pants up and went to work. They didn’t back down from any competition.â€

 

With six state championships between UTC commit T.J. Hicks, McElhaney and Army commit Fuller, three of Bradley Central’s stars once again proved dominant while also sharing the spotlight with a pair of teammates who had been waiting for their moment.

 

After watching his brother at the 113-pound class land a pin at 2:58 for his third career Bradley Invitational title, Trey Hicks showcased a fearless and bulldog-like mentality in the 120-pound title match.

 

Not letting his opponent gain any ground after taking a 4-1 lead in the first period, a powerful Hicks worked his way to a 13-1 major decision with several big takedowns along the way.

 

“I really got dialed in earlier in the week,†Trey Hicks said, who is 14-0 in matches this season. “I just felt better than I ever have all season this weekend.

 

"This was my first time ever wrestling in the Bradley Invitational, so I figured it’s my first and last so I have to work really hard and battle with all I’ve got.â€

 

The Hicks dynamic duo looks to be a tough one-two punch to stop for opponents this season, especially after they combined for five pins and two major decisions in seven matches over the weekend. Neither has been defeated this season.

 

“We have had several great brother duos to come through our program,†Smith said. “The Wests, Blackmans and Spains are some others. It’s nice to have that lineage and tradition in our program.

 

When you have T.J. and Trey starting us out with pins, it really put us on a roll and felt like a dual meet almost. They also have triplet sister, Amanda, who is our manager, too. It is just a really cool story for our team.â€

 

After letting the adrenaline build up on the sideline watching the “Bam-Bam brothers†go to work, another senior wrestler put forth a memorable match despite dealing with a great deal of adversity.

 

A busted nose and 4:58 of blood time, which was just seconds away from automatic defeat, could not hold back Anderson.

 

Despite struggling to get to his feet in the first two rounds and having his wound re-open, which was perhaps a broken nose according to Smith, Anderson flipped his opponent and rolled him backwards soon after for a pin at 4:51.

 

“While I was wrestling I just looked in the crowd and saw all my fans out there, and I wanted to find any way to win,†said Anderson, who is 14-1 on the season. “This is my first year on varsity and last year in this gym, so I wanted to end it with a bang. As far as my nose, Coach Smith prepares us for these situations and Bradley wrestling is all about mental toughness.â€

 

Anderson’s pin in the third period was his only one in four match victories over the tournament, which included a 2-0 decision in the semifinals.

 

While many expect the Bears to put forth dominant wrestlers at any given weight class every year, the wins for Trey Hicks and Anderson were invitational title’s long in the making despite their lack of varsity experience.

 

“Ethan and Trey have persevered and put a lot of hard work in to this program, even though at times they haven’t received the spotlight they deserve because they could have easily gone to other schools and started on varsity and maybe even won state medals,†Smith said.

 

“They have done their time here, and that is a testament to the culture and tradition here. They had their chance to take advantage of a great opportunity and they did. This is a memory they will have for the rest of their lives.â€

 

Even for a three-time state champion in Fuller, who won his first two matches in the 145-class by pins and finished with a pair of dominant 13-4 and 16-2 major decisions, the tournament in his own eyes was not highlighted by his own play.

 

“This is always one of my favorite tournaments besides state,†said Fuller, who has yet to be defeated this season in 15 matches.

 

“We make it a big thing to win this tournament every year. The highlight for our team this weekend was Ethan and Trey winning their first invitational titles in their first time competing in it. This is a special moment for them, and it should definitely boost their confidence for the rest of the season to come.â€

 

Also taking home a title was McElhaney (132), who had two pins and two major decisions in his four invitational victories. Austin Matthews (152) and Caleb Adkins took second-place on the podium, as the Bears had seven wrestlers advance to the finals.

 

Andy Robinson (138) and Henley Headrick (106) impressed their head coach by avenging losses in the championship side of the bracket to later beat the same wrestlers they lost to in order to take third place finishes in the invitational.

 

Wesley Devaney (106) also took third place while Kevin Gentry (195) took fifth, and D.J. Gibson (220) took sixth place.

 

“We have a lot of momentum going into the Christmas break,†Smith said. “We are about to hit a strong push hopefully towards another state championship run. I also hope this is a tournament where Ethan and Trey can say if I can win an invitational, I can win a state title.â€

 

TEAM SCORES

1. Bradley Central 281.5 2. Commerce 205 3. Gilmer 181.5 4. Mountain View 172.5

 

BRADLEY CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL RESULTS

113 — T.J. Hicks (BC) pinned Viley Bussey, 2:58; 120 — Trey Hicks (BC) major dec. over Vinnie Ferrara, 13-1; 126 — Ethan Anderson (BC) pinned Tucker Flint, 4:51; 132 — Ryan McElhaney (BC) dec. Tolliver Justice, 7-0; 145 — Knox Fuller (BC) major dec. over Jake Brewer, 16-2; 152 — Landon Thompson pinned Austin Matthews (BC), 1:53; 160 — Owen Brown dec. over Caleb Adkins (BC), 10-4

 

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Watch Finalist​ - Tommy Brackett, West Tennessee Takedown Club vs Cheney Haight, New York Athletic Club. 80 1/2 Final

 

http://www.flowrestling.org/video/1028385-80-12-final-tommy-brackett-west-tennessee-takedown-club-vs-cheney-haight-new-york-athletic-club

 

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Moc Wrestlers Edge Kent State, 22-19

 

http://www.chattanoogan.com/2016/12/18/338285/Moc-Wrestlers-Edge-Kent-State-22-19.aspx

 

Sunday, December 18, 2016

 

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga wrestling team posted a 22-19 win at Kent State this afternoon. The Mocs won five individual matches to even their record at 3-3, while splitting the two duals on this Ohio trip.

 

"It was great to close out the semester with a win and some positive momentum," stated head coach

 

com/coaches.aspx?rc=587" target="_blank" aria-haspopup="true" tabindex="0" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 153);">Heath Eslinger. "Our guys have been working hard, so it was good to get the result. We are starting for figure some things out and you will see us continue to get better as we move into next semester."

 

Action opened at 165 with junior Justin Lampe jumping all over Isaac Bast. Lampe scored a pin in less than a minute for a 6-0 Chattanooga lead. It was Lampe's second win of the weekend as he improved to 6-3 overall.

 

Senior Sean Mappes followed that with a 6-1 decision over Jared Walker at 174. Junior Bryce Carr improved to 9-1 on the year with a major decision at 184. The Golden Flashes scored five points at 197 for close the gap to 13-5.

 

Senior Jared Johnson won his 10th match against one loss this season with a pin at heavyweight. He stuck Devin Nye on his back at the 4:06 mark in the second period.

Sophomore Alonzo Allen came up big with a 6-2 decision at 125. It was his third win and gave UTC a much-needed 22-5 cushion. Kent State took the last four bouts to close the final gap to 22-19.

 

The Mocs are taking a few days off for the Christmas break before turning their attention to the Southern Scuffle on Jan. 1-2, 2017. The Southern Scuffle, presented by Compound Clothing, takes place at the McKenzie Arena in Chattanooga on Jan. 1-2, 2017. Tickets are on sale now on GoMocs.com.

 

Chattanooga 22 – Kent State 19

Kent, Ohio

165: Justin Lampe (UTC) – Fall (0:58) – Isaac Bast (KSU) – UTC 6-0

174: Sean Mappes (UTC) – Dec. 6-1 – Jared Walker (KSU) – UTC 13-0

184: Bryce Carr (UTC) – MD 14-3 – Shane Mast (KSU) – UTC 13-0

197: Stephen Suglio (KSU) – Tech. Fall 17-2 (4:06) – Barrett Walthall (UTC) – UTC 13-5

285: No. 14 Jared Johnson (UTC) – Fall (4:11) – Devin Nye (KSU) – UTC 19-5

125: Alonzo Allen (UTC) – Dec. 6-2 – Cory Simpson (KSU) – UTC 22-5

133: Anthony Tutolo (KSU) – Dec. 6-3 – Chris Debien (UTC) – UTC 22-8

141: Chance Driscoll (KSU) – Dec. 6-4 (SV1) – Roman Boylen (UTC) – UTC 22-11

149: Tim Rooney (KSU) – Dec. 6-4 - Dylanger Potter (UTC) – UTC 22-14

157: Casey Sparkman (KSU) – Tech. Fall 20-5 (5:00) – Trey Watson (UTC) – UTC 22-19

 

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Some of you may remember a wrestler from a small Alabama school not much larger than Greenback or Eagleview, and now he's at one the finer wrestling & academic schools in America as, Brandon Womack, a sophomore hung tough with OU's #7 ranked wrestler losing 3-1, but avoiding bonus points in a key win...

 

http://www.cornellbigred.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=42601

 

Seniors Come Up Big In 21-19 Win Over No. 18 Oklahoma

 

Dec. 18, 2016 Wrestling

 

NORMAN, Okla. -- Cornell's big guns put up bonus points, but it was a pair of seniors who put the Big Red in position to top No. 18 Oklahoma 21-19 on Sunday afternoon at McCasland Field House. Cornell improved to 4-1 on the year with the victor, while the Sooners fell to 1-3.

 

Craig Scott jumped out to a big lead and held off No. 12 Ross Larson by a 9-7 score at heavyweight, and Mark Grey used a takedown and back points in the final seconds to avoid an upset at 133 with an 8-5 victory over Trae Blackwell.

 

While the two seniors were key, it was a sophomore who clinched the win. Joey Galasso all but put the dual out of reach when he earned a major decision over 13th-ranked Davion Jeffries in an 11-3 win at 149 pounds, dominating the All-America contender for a strong resume win.

 

The senior tandem of Brian Realbuto (174) and Gabe Dean (184) scored 11 team points, including yet another first period pin, after Oklahoma opened the dual with a narrow 3-1 decision for No. 7 Clark Glass over Brandon Womack.

 

Realbuto was completely dominant in a 16-0 technical fall over unranked Hayden Hansen for his 101st career win.

 

Dean toyed with Andrew Dixon at 184 with three takedowns in the first 90 seconds before squaring off his shoulders for the first period pin. It was Dean's 11th win by fall in just 15 matches.

 

The Sooners would never tie it up or take the lead, though they made for som nervous moments for Big Red fans.

 

With a 14-6 team lead after Scott's upset win at heavyweight, Christian Moody caught Noah Baughman in a cradle for a first period fall to get the home team back within 14-12. Grey's late rally kept Cornell in the lead, and after Mike Longo's 5-4 win over Will Koll at 141, Galasso's bonus point win over a ranked wrestler put the Big Red up six points with one match remaining. Kyle Simaz was able to avoid the fall at 157 against No. 8 DaWaylon Barnes to secure the win.

 

Cornell will be back in action at the Southern Scuffle beginning on New Year's Day in Chattanooga, Tenn.

 

Dean will attempt to become a four-time champion at the event.

 

#8 Cornell 21, #18 Oklahoma 19

 

165: #7 Clark Glass (OU) won by decision over #20 Brandon Womack ©, 3-1

174: #6 Brian Realbuto © won by technical fall over Hayden Hansen (OU), 16-0

184: #1 Gabe Dean © won by fall over Andrew Dixon (OU), 1:36

197 #19 Brad Johnson (OU) won by decision over Ben HoniS ©, 5-3 (SV1)

285: Craig Scott © won by decision over #12 Ross Larson (OU), 9-7

125: Christian Moody (OU) won by fall over Noah Baughman ©, 1:38

133: #17 Mark Grey © won by decision over Trae Blackwell (OU), 8-5

141: Mike Longo (OU) won by decision over Will Koll ©, 5-4

149: Joey Galasso © won by major decision over #13 Davion Jeffries (OU), 11-3

157: #8 DaWaylon Barnes (OU) won by major decision over Kyle Simaz ©, 11-0

 

 

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Ga Powerhouse preparing to come up to Tennessee and invade Pigeon Forge....

 

http://onlineathens.com/sports/2016-12-18/wrestling-jefferson-excels-multiple-meets

 

WRESTLING | Jefferson Dragons excel at multiple meets

 

JEFFERSON WINS TWO: At Jefferson, the 16-time defending state champions defeated Lumpkin County and Dawson County in a tri-match, with the Dragons topping Lumpkin County 44-21 and besting Dawson County 57-24.

 

Jefferson wrestlers who went undefeated on the day include Mikey Porras (106 pounds), Jared Blackburn (120 pounds), Ian Statia (126 pounds), Dawson Bates (132 pounds), Cole Potts (138 pounds), Cory Strong (145 pounds), Mason Corbett (160 pounds) and Caleb Little (182 pounds).

 

JEFFERSON WINS WARREN DUALS: At Watkinsville, Jefferson went 5-0 to claim victory at the Tommy Warren Duals, held at Oconee County.

 

The Dragons defeated Luella 60-17, East Jackson 75-6, Oconee County 62-15, Blessed Trinity 60-12 and Elbert County 58-23.

 

Wrestlers who went undefeated for the tournament included Jared Blackburn (120 pounds), Ian Statia (126 pounds), Dawson Bates (132 pounds), Cole Potts (138 pounds), Coy Strong (145 pounds), Caleb Little (182 pounds), Nick Holman (220 pounds) and J.T. Middleton (heavyweight).

 

Oconee County defeated St. Pius X (45-28) and Salem (54-24) but lost to Jefferson and Elbert County and came in third place. Blessed Trinity was fourth.

 

Jefferson will next compete Thursday and Friday at the Smoky Mountain Duals in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. Oconee County will travel to Monroe Area for the Hurricane Duals on Thursday.

 

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RMC may want to fact check this....

 

DRAGON WRESTLERS MAKE COLLEGIATE HISTORY: Three former Jefferson wrestlers – with numerous state championships among them – made state history last week when all three were ranked in the top 25 in their respective weight classifications. It is believed to be the first time in Georgia wrestling history that three former state champions from the same high school have appeared in the national polls at the same time.

 

In the 165-pound division, Tyler Marinelli – wrestling for Gardner-Webb of Big South – is ranked No. 12 while his former teammate Forest Przybysz – wrestling for Appalachian State — is ranked No. 16. Marinelli and Przybysz were both three-time state champions while wrestling under coach Doug Thurmond at Jefferson.

 

At 141 pounds, Kyle Springer of Eastern Michigan is ranked No. 24. Springer has been at Eastern Michigan for three seasons after transferring from Indiana. He won a state championship for the Dragons in 2010.

Edited December 19, 2016 by Sommers