COACH SPOTLIGHT: ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY’S ZEKE JONES

As found on Arizona State University’s website, below is Zeke Jones’s bio. Learn about this coach’s career:

The seventh coach in ASU wrestling history, Zeke Jones was hired in April 2014.

Jones earned his third Pac-12 Coach of the Year honor in four years in 2020 after leading the Sun Devils to it’s highest conference tournament point total (141.5) since 1993 while winning the program’s 19th Pac-10/12 title. He becomes the first ASU wrestling head coach to win the conference award three times since Thom Ortiz did so in 2003, 2005 and 2006.

An Olympic silver medalist for the United States, Jones was the 1991 World Champion at 52kg, a four-time World-Cup Champion, and coached United States’ Olympians in the 1996, 2000, 2004, and 2012 Olympic Games.

A member of ASU’s 1988 NCAA Wrestling Championship team, Jones was a three-time All-American and Pac-10 Champion for the Sun Devils. A national runner-up at 118, Jones sits at No. 4 in ASU’s career record book in both overall victories (134) and dual victories (59). He also holds the school record for dual match victories in a season with 22 during the 1989-90 campaign.

As Olympic head coach, Jones’ athletes earned two gold medals and one bronze at the London Games in 2012. His athletes in the 2004 Athens Games, where he was the freestyle coach, earned a gold and two silvers.

In the four World Championships during Jones’ tenure, USA placed third in the 2011 World Championships, fifth in 2013, and seventh in 2009. He also led USA to five individual World Champion medals, including two-time World champion Jordan Burroughs.

The United States competed in three Freestyle World Cups during the Jones era, placing third in 2012 and 2013, and sixth in 2010. During the Jones staff era, USA won eight Junior World medals, five University World medals and four Cadet World medals.

Jones came to USA Wrestling after coaching at the University of Pennsylvania from 2005-07, where he amassed a record of 33-17-1. Following the 2006 campaign that saw an NCAA Champion, two All-Americans, two Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association (EIWA) champions, and a third-place finish at the EIWA Championships, Amateur Wrestling News named Jones the Rookie Head Coach of the Year.

Prior to coaching at Penn he served on the coaching staffs at West Virginia, Arizona State, and Bloomsburg University. Jones coached teams that have finished in the NCAA Final Four twice, in the top-10 four times and won six conference team championships. Individually his wrestlers have won six NCAA titles, eight NCAA finalists, 36 individual conference champions, 29 All Americans, 74 NCAA Qualifiers, and 11 wrestlers have competed in the NWCA All Star Meet. 

Originally from Ann Arbor, Mich., Jones is a Distinguished Member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, member of the Arizona State University Hall of Fame, and Michigan Wrestling Hall of Fame.

Jones and his wife, Renee, have four children, Jessica, David, Rebecca, and Jacob.

Coaching Accomplishments

  • 2017, 2018, 2020 Pac-12 Coach of the Year
  • Head Coach, United States Freestyle Wrestling Team
  • Head Coach, 2004 US Olympic Freestyle Wrestling Team
  • Head Coach, 2003 Pan-American Games Team
  • 2001 National Freestyle Coach of the Year, USA Wrestling
  • Head Coach, 2001 World Championship Team
  • Head Coach, 2000 World Cup Team
  • Assistant Coach, 2001 World Cup Team
  • Coaching Staff, 1996 and 2000 Olympic Games
  • Coach, 2000 Pan-American Championships
  • Head Coach, 2000 NCAA International All-Star Team
  • Assistant Coach, 1999 NCAA International All-Star Team
  • Head Coach, 1998 World Cup Team Champions

Wrestling and Leadership Accomplishments

  • Winner of FILA’s “World’s Most Technical Wrestler” – 1 of 3 American’s to win the award (also: John Smith and Chris Campbell)
  • 1991 World Champion
  • 1992 Olympic Silver Medalist
  • Four-time World Cup Champion
  • Six-time National Champion
  • Pan-American Games Gold Medalist
  • Goodwill Games Gold Medalist
  • 1995 World Bronze Medalist
  • NCAA Division I National Team Champions member, 1988
  • NCAA Division I National Team Runner-Up member, 1989, 1990
  • World Championships Team Champions member, 1993, 1995
  • Eight-time World and Olympic Team member
  • Espoir National Champion and Outstanding Wrestler
  • Espoir World Silver Medalist
  • NCAA Finalist and three-time NCAA All-American
  • Three-time Pac-10 champion
  • Midlands Champion
  • Pac-10 Tournament Grand Marshall
  • Distinguished Member, National Wrestling Hall of Fame
  • Arizona State University Hall of Fame
  • Michigan Wrestling Hall of Fame
  • Runner-up, Man of the Year, Amateur Wrestling News
  • USOC Board of Directors
  • USA Wrestling Board of Directors
  • Chairman, Athlete Advisory Council, USA Wrestling”

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WRESTLER SPOTLIGHT: UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH’S MICK BURNETT

As found on University of Pittsburgh’s website, below is Mick Burnett’s bio. Learn about this wrestler’s career:

CLASS: Freshman

WEIGHT: 149

HOMETOWN: Elyria, OH

HIGH SCHOOL: Elyria

Ranked No. 49 on FloWrestling’s Big Board … Fifth place finisher at Super 32 as a senior … Placed first at the OHSAA State Tournament, sixth at the Ironman and was the Junior Freestyle runner-up as a junior … Preseason nationals champion … Placed sixth at the OHSAA State Tournament and sixth at Ironman and Cadet Freestyle as a freshman … National Honor Society Member and Student Section President … Father wrestled at Clarion.”

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WRESTLER SPOTLIGHT: UNIVERSITY OF IOWA’S ALEX MARINELLI

As found on the University of Iowa’s website, below is Alex Marinelli’s bio. Learn about this wrestler’s career:

“HEIGHT: 5-9

WEIGHT: 165 lbs.

CLASS: Sr.

HOMETOWN: Miamisburg, Ohio

2020-21

  • Big Ten Champion at 165 pounds, winning his third conference title
  • No. 1 seed at the NCAA Championships
  • Entered the national championships 5-0 with two dual wins and a 3-0 mark at the conference tournament
  • All seven wins against ranked opponents
  • Lost in the quarterfinals of NCAA Championships and medical forfeited from tournament
  • Academic All-Big Ten
  • NWCA Scholar Athlete
  • Letterwinner

2019-20

  • All-American
  • Big Ten Champion at 165 pounds
  • No. 1 seed at the 2020 NCAA Championships
  • 20-1 overall record
  • 11-1 in duals and 7-1 in Big Ten duals
  • tied for the team lead with eight falls
  • nine wins over ranked opponents, including five in the top six
  • won the 165-pound title at the Midlands Championships
  • recorded four pins at Midlands and was named the Midlands Champion of Champions for the second time in his career (2017)
  • won Midlands awards for most falls (4) and highest tournament point total (29)
  • reached as high as No. 2 in national rankings during regular season… reached No. 1 in coaches rankings following Big Ten Championships
  • Academic All-Big Ten
  • NWCA Scholar Athlete
  • Letterwinner

2018-19

  • All-American, placing seventh at 165 pounds at the 2019 NCAA Championships
  • Earned the top seed at the national tournament after winning the Big Ten Championships
  • Was named Co-Outstanding Wrestler at the Big Ten Championships
  • Entered the national tournament 23-0
  • Won his first two matches at the NCAA Championships to improve to a career-best 25-0
  • Led the team with nine falls, his fastest in 2:10
  • Scored a team-best 77 points in 15 dual meets, averaging 5.13 team points per dual, the most by a Hawkeye since Brent Metcalf averaged 5.35 in 2010
  • Completed an undefeated regular season for the second straight year, going 15-0 in duals and 9-0 in the Big Ten
  • Won the 165-pound title at the Midlands Championships
  • Had a team-high 27 wins
  • Was 12-2 against ranked opponents
  • Earned the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award
  • Was named Iowa’s Outstanding Big Ten Sportsmanship Award winner
  • Academic All-Big Ten honoree
  • NWCA Academic All-American team
  • Letterwinner

2017-18

  • All-American, placing sixth at NCAA Championships
  • Placed sixth at Big Ten Championships
  • Posted a 19-6 record at 165 pounds, going 10-0 in dual competition and 8-0 in Big Ten duals
  • Scored 40 team points in dual competition
  • Led team in dual and Big Ten dual winning percentage (1.000) and Big Ten dual wins (8)
  • Recorded five pins and two major decisions
  • Won title at Midlands Championships, earned Champion of Champions honor
  • Won first 14 matches of the season
  • Named Big Ten Athlete of the Week twice (12/12, 2/13)
  • Amateur Wrestling News all-rookie team
  • Academic All-Big Ten
  • NWCA All-American team
  • Letterwinner

2016-17

  • Redshirted
  • Won two open tournament titles at Grand View and Missouri Valley College Opens
  • Placed fourth at Midlands Championships (5-2)
  • Posted a 13-2 overall record with losses to No. 1 and No. 12 ranked opponent
  • Ended season on a four-match win streak
  • Posted five pins and one major decision

High School

  • Four-time Ohio state champion (152, 160, and 170)
  • Led team to four state titles
  • Led team to national championship junior year
  • Undefeated junior and senior year
  • 200-4 career record

Personal

  • Born February 6, 1998
  • Married to Moriah (Stickley) Marinelli
  • Son of Tony and Lisa Marinelli
  • Health and human physiology major”

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NEW STANFORD COACH KOLL ADDS ASSISTANT COACHES FRANCOIS AND JOSEPH

By Daniel Sonninshine

New Stanford University head coach Rob Koll has added two assistant coaches to his staff. Dr. Enock Francois and Vincent Joseph will join him as part of the new leadership for the recently-revived Stanford wrestling program.

Francois has served as the Buffalo Stempeders Wrestling Club Director, based out of The Villages Charter School in Florida, where he also serves as associate head wrestling coach. Francois maintained an excellent wrestling career,  as described on the Stanford University website:

“Dr. Francois was a member of the U.S. Senior National Greco Team in 2017 and a Senior Nationals placewinner in 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017. He spent time with Koll while training fulltime with the Cornell wrestling program from 2014-18 within the regional training center, and served as a coach with the Finger Lakes Wrestling Club (FLWC). A 2016 Olympic Trials U.S. qualifier, he placed fourth at the 2015 USA Wrestling World Team Trials challenge tournament. In 2020, Dr. Francois was the Pan Am Games Ju-Jitsu Blue Belt Masters 1 champion and placed second at the Ju-Jitsu Blue Belt Masters 1 World Championships.”

In addition to his accomplishments in wrestling, Francois is also a dedicated educator, having earned a Ph.D. in education leadership from University of Cumberlands, Williamsburg, Kentucky. Besides coaching at The Villages Charter School, he has also served as the Special Services Coordinator for the past three years.  

Joseph also brings talent and wrestling accolades to the Stanford coaching staff. The Pittsburgh native is a 2020 graduate of Penn State. As described on Stanford’s website, “A three-time NCAA All-American, Joseph won the 165-pound national title as a freshman (2017) and sophomore (2018) before falling in the finals as a junior (2019). His senior year was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent cancellation of the 2020 NCAA Championships. He finished his illustrious career with the Nittany Lions with an 89-9 overall record, including 25 falls.” 

With these additions to the coaching staff, the future of Stanford wrestling is looking both promising and exciting. 

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NEW YORK SOCIAL MEDIA TALK: WHERE TAKEDOWNS OCCUR REGULARLY – JUNE 22, 2021 EDITION

Compiled by DANIEL SONNINSHINE

On June 11 at 4:28 pm, Darryl Bozeat posed this question on New York Youth Wrestling Forum’s Facebook page:

“Anyone else think NYUSAW needs a complete overhaul?”

Kris Harrington responded with, “Great year for you to be part of the solution! Regional rep election year.”

Darryl Bozeat replied, “Kris Harrington Good to know! I would love to help fix the selection process.”

Neil Powers commented, “I would think they should stick to Freestyle/Greco. However many clubs still haven’t switched from folk style ?”

Cyrus Hurd added, “Ny has a ton of talent but it cant hold on to it. I dont know if its some of the people in charge of programs or what. IDK what the problem is. I hope they get it fixed someday.”

Patrick Ketcham offered, “USA is a joke in NY. Complete joke. The leadership needs a major overhaul and new blood.”

Corey Metz Campsey commented, “All hail Patrick Ketcham to become the face of it!”

Jason Schubert said, “Listen u guys can bash USA wrestling all you want at the end of the day it’s a lack of freestyle and Greco training in NY kids don’t want to wrestle to afraid to lose and learn. USA wrestling can’t build anything without participation several times there were going to be teams for freestyle events and kids won’t commit. If people don’t participate USA wrestling doesn’t have the funds to grow. The leadership involved now does a damn good job atleast since my sons been involved in schoolboy. That problem has always been participation I mean my sons school boy state bracket one year had 4 total kids. USAW probably loses money every tournament because there’s not enough participation to pay for event sites.”

Patrick Ketcham replied, “Jason Schubert then better promotion is needed as well as getting all of the clubs onboard. NY pales in comparison to the other states, and that should not be happening. Not in NY. I own a club and I’ve yet to be contacted by anyone from USANY in regards to programs, or asking for feedback on anything.

This should be the USA leaderships board first step.”

Darryl Bozeat replied, “Jason Schubert I agree we have a lack of training and competition opportunities in NY. Why don’t we have more Freco clinic’s throughout the state? You could run a revolving series of Freco clinic’s and hit every section multiple times every spring/summer. Give the kids more reasons to try the international styles. Our state has hardly any Freco tournaments which is crazy! We have kids being selected for Freco trips off of folkstyle results. We have kids selected for teams who do not participate in the freestyle and Greco state tournament. Top 4-5 kids from the Freco state tournament should automatically qualify for Fargo. The top placer at the regional should qualify and leave 1 spot for someone to petition into Fargo. Letting kids skip the Freco state tournament and giving them spots is a great way to discourage kids from even going. One of our wrestlers took 4th in freestyle(state tournament)and is only wrestling Greco because of petitions. That’s wrong and needs to end this year. Yes it’s a funky year because of covid but only 1 petition per weight class should be allowed unless there’s open spots. Fargo is not cheap to only go and wrestle one style. I started my own club to make sure kids are participating in the international styles and have the opportunity to train and travel. If you want to train with our club in the spring you either wrestle freestyle and Greco or don’t come to practice. You will see some changes in section 3 next year to promote the international styles even more. I’m willing to help anyone any way I can and our club always puts the kids first.

I’m sure my post came off as harsh and like I’m just bashing coaches. I think Chris, Joe, Chris etc are trying to do the right things but we have a ways to go. I respect that Chris immediately reached out to me about being involved more. That’s a sign of good leadership. We need to leave our egos at the door. I hope Pit Crew and the other clubs can have a bigger impact on more kids wrestling the international styles. I have some solid ideas that I’m hoping to implement in section 3/5 next year. Best of luck to everyone at Fargo!

#PitCrew #Onebigfamily

Jason Schubert replied, “Darryl Bozeat I think more clubs need to do what your doing the problem is your like the 5% and that’s not enough to support it. Until we have 16 man brackets and not round robins at states I don’t know how USA wrestling can do more these people don’t get paid they give up there free time. Sometimes the communities have to do the work. It’s kinda like asking someone to start a business where there are no customers.”

Neil Powers replied, “I agree with Jason. I don’t see enough commitment to training in Freestyle and Greco. I would say this is on the coaches to make the commitment to switch styles in the Spring after the state tournaments. Youth included. Is it really necessary to keep going to spooky nook every weekend to wrestle folk style duals every week? That song and dance was done all winter. All the National champs and top college coaches always say that Freestyle and Greco will make your kids better folk style wrestlers.”

Tom Kasper stated, “NYWAY is a great organization”

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WRESTLER SPOTLIGHT: RIDER UNIVERSITY’S JESSE DELLAVECCHIA

As found on Rider University’s website, below is Jesse Dellavecchia’s bio. Learn about this wrestler’s career.

2019-20:

– Became Rider’s first-ever MAC Champion at 157 lbs., defeating nationally-ranked wrestlers Larry Early (Old Dominion) and Jarrett Jacques (Missouri) to earn the title

– Clair Bee Rider Male Athlete of the Year

– NCAA Qualifier for the second-straight year

– Posted a 30-2 record, winning his first 13 matches and final 13 bouts of the year

– Finished first at the Keystone Classic

– Placed first at the Princeton Open

– Placed second at the Southern Scuffle

– His only two losses came to wrestlers ranked in the top five in the country – Hayden Hidlay (NC State) and Quincy Monday (Princeton)

– In addition to wins over Early and Jacques, scored seven wins over wrestlers ranked in the Top 30 in the nation, including a win over Monday at the Princeton Open

– Also defeated Top 30 wrestlers Markus Hartman (Army), Robert Kanniard (Rutgers), Matthew Zavistoski (Appalachian State) and Justin McCoy (two wins)(Virginia)

– Three-time Rider Athlete of the Month

2018-19:

– Nationally-ranked as highly as No. 13 nationally at 165

– Posted a 25-7 mark overall, including an 11-1 record in dual matches

– Won a pair of matches at NCAA’s, going 2-2

– Dellavecchia’s NCAA bid marked the 11th-straight year Rider had a national qualifier at 165. He joined Chad Walsh (2015-18), Ramon Santiago (2013-14), James Brundage (2012), Jim Resnick (2011), Rob Morrison (2010) and Jason Lapham (2009).

– Went 5-1 in EWL duals and finished second at EWL Championships

– His only losses against EWL competition came against Lock Haven’s Chance Marsteller, who was an All-American finishing third at NCAA’s

– Finished tied for second on the team with four wins by fall

– Selected EWL Wrestler of the Week on Jan. 14

– Finished fourth at the Southern Scuffle and sixth at the Keystone Classic

2017-18:

– Wrestled unattached, posting a 20-5 record

Before Rider:

Posted a 15-9 record as a freshman at Binghamton in 2015-16, including a 6-5 mark in dual competition… Notched four pins and one major decision… Did not wrestle in 2016-17… A two-time New York State Finalist, three-time All-State selection and four-time NHSCA All-American for East Islip High School.

Personal:

The son of Dawn and Dave Dellavecchia… A business major.”

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COACH SPOTLIGHT: UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA’S COLEMAN SCOTT

As found on University of North Carolina’s website, below is Coleman Scott’s bio. Learn about this coach’s career:

Coleman Scott, a four-time All-America performer at Oklahoma State and the 2008 NCAA champion at 133 pounds, was named head coach of the North Carolina wrestling program on August 13, 2015. Scott, who came to UNC as an assistant in 2014, is the sixth head coach in the history of the program.

In 2019, Scott led the Tar Heels to their best showing at nationals in nearly a quarter century. Led by All-American performances from senior Chip Ness and redshirt freshman Austin O’Connor, UNC finished the competition 19th, the team’s best finish since 1995. In 2020, before the cancellation of the NCAA Championships, Scott’s Tar Heels went 14-3, good for an .823 winning percentage, the team’s best since 1997.

 A native of Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, Scott capped an incredible career at OSU by winning the 2008 NCAA title at 133 pounds. In addition to his success at the collegiate level, Scott has also excelled at the international level as a four-time member of the United States National Team. His crowning achievement came at the 2012 London Olympics, where he won a bronze medal in freestyle wrestling at 60 kg.

Scott has recently served as the U.S. Women’s Freestyle National Team coach. 

Prior to starring at Oklahoma State, Scott was a three-time Pennsylvania state champion at Waynesburg Central High School. Scott and his wife Jessica have three children: daughter Leighton Ann and sons Stetson Lewis and Cash Allen.”

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COACH SPOTLIGHT: UNIVERSITY OF IOWA’S TOM BRANDS

As reported on the University of Iowa website, the Hawkeyes’ head wrestling coach Tom Brands’s bio (learn about this man’s background below)!

“Five-time Big Ten and three-time NWCA Coach of the Year Tom Brands completed his 15th season as head wrestling coach at the University of Iowa in 2021. A 1996 Olympic gold medalist and member of wrestling’s Hall of Fame, Brands is only the eighth wrestling coach at the University of Iowa. The former Hawkeye wrestler was a four-time All-American and three-time national champion (1989-92) at Iowa. He has a 236-23-1 (.909) overall and 113-10 (.917) Big Ten coaching record at Iowa. He has a 253-43-1 (.852) career mark.

In 15 seasons as Iowa’s head coach, Brands has led the Hawkeyes to four NCAA and six Big Ten team titles, crowning 13 NCAA champions, 24 Big Ten champions and 89 All-Americans. Iowa has had 142 Academic All-Big Ten recipients, including a school-record 17 in 2019-20. The Hawkeyes have qualified 138 wrestlers for the NCAA Championships in the last 15 years, sending the entire 10-man lineup in 2010, 2014, 2015, 2020 and 2021. Iowa has won or shared the Big Ten regular season title 12 times in Brands’ 15 seasons.

Iowa set the national collegiate dual meet attendance record of 42,287 when Iowa defeated top-ranked Oklahoma State, 18-16, on Nov. 14, 2015 at the Grapple on the Gridiron at Kinnick Stadium. Iowa has led the nation in attendance every year since Brands was named head coach. The Hawkeyes set an NCAA all-time attendance average of 12,568 in 2019-20.

Brands has been named NWCA National Coach of the Year three times. He was first honored in 2008 after leading the Hawkeyes to their first NCAA team title since 2000. He was recognized in 2020 when the top-ranked Hawkeyes won Big Ten regular season and tournament championships and entered the NCAA Championships as the favorite to win the team title. The tournament was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He most recently won the award in 2021 when Iowa won Big Ten and NCAA team titles.

Brands was named Big Ten Coach of the Year in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2020 and 2021. He is the only coach in program history to earn the award five times.

Brands served as head coach at Virginia Tech University for two seasons (2005-06), recording a 17-20 dual mark. In his first season with the Hokies, Brands led the team to the 2005 regular season Atlantic Coast Conference title, set a school record for dual meet wins (16) and had a school-record five wrestlers qualify for the NCAA Championships. During his tenure, Virginia Tech crowned five ACC champions and had two All-Americans. Senior heavyweight Mike Faust was named 2006 ACC Wrestler of the Year.

Prior to taking the helm at Virginia Tech, Brands was an assistant coach at Iowa for 12 seasons (1993-2004). He helped the Hawkeyes to a 177-27 dual record, seven NCAA and eight Big Ten team titles, while crowning 23 NCAA champions, 73 All-Americans and 36 Big Ten champions. He was named the National Wrestling Coaches Association Assistant Coach of the Year in 2000.

In 2004, he was one of three coaches for the U.S. Olympic freestyle wrestling team, participating in Athens, and in 2016 he was named a volunteer coach of the United States Olympic team in Rio. Brands also served as assistant coach for the U.S. Freestyle World Teams in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2013, 2014, and 2015. He was named Freestyle Coach of the Year by USA Wrestling in 2002 and 2003. He has coached a number of other U.S. teams in international competition.

As a competitor, Brands won the 1996 Olympic freestyle gold medal at 136.5 pounds in Atlanta, Georgia. He also won a gold medal at the 1993 World Championships in Toronto, two World Cup gold medals (1994, 1995) and was the 1995 Pan American Games champion. He won four U.S. National titles (1993-96) and made four straight U.S. World or Olympic teams (1993-96). Along with his twin brother, Terry, Tom was named 1993 USA Wrestling Athlete of the Year, the 1993 John Smith Outstanding Freestyle Wrestler, and 1993 Amateur Wrestling News Man of the Year. He was inducted into wrestling’s Hall of Fame in 2001.

Brands was a four-time All-American at Iowa (1989-92). During his Hawkeye career, he won three NCAA titles and was named Outstanding Wrestler of the 1992 NCAA Championships. Also a three-time Big Ten champion, Brands won 95 percent of his matches at Iowa. His career mark of 158-7-2 includes an undefeated season in 1991 (45-0).

The Sheldon, Iowa, native was born April 9, 1968. He earned his B.S. degree in physical education from Iowa in 1992. He and his wife, Jeni, have three adult children, Madigan, Kinsee and Tommy.”

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NEW JERSEY WRESTLING SOCIAL MEDIA TALK, WHERE TAKEDOWNS OCCUR REGULARLY – JUNE 17, 2021 EDITION

Compiled By DANIEL SONNINSHINE 

Here is something interesting that people in the wrestling circles of New Jersey are talking about.

On the New Jersey Wrestling Forum Facebook page, William Holmes issued the following post on June 9, 2021 (note that the below quotes are not corrected for grammar/spelling and are quoted on ESN exactly how matters were posted on Facebook):

William Holmes said: “Since the pandemic has slowly started to lift I’ve been hearing/reading some complaints about wrestling: Re: Half filled brackets, duals with a smaller number of teams, camps and clinics not filling up…

This is partly due to the pandemic.

But this is also a glimpse into what wrestling would be like without the Rec programs.

I know most people who join wrestling forums take the sport more seriously and likely have someone in their family who has experienced success in wrestling.

But not everyone can be a state champ. Most posts on wrestling forums tend to be about how can I get better, why kids should do international styles,  or what it takes to become a champ.

But very few posts on how to grow the sport and get new kids into the sport.

If you want to see more filled out brackets next year, or bigger dual tournaments, or increased participation in international style events, or increased participation in clubs…

Encourage growth at the town level. Get involved with your local program. Grab a new kid or family and encourage them to try it out.

Sell the sport without mentioning the words championship, medals, or titles.

If you’re really about growing the sport you’ll go all in into helping your local program next season when we hopefully will be able to wrestle at the local schools and community centers.

Growth starts at the ground level. Your state championship won’t hold the value it used to have if Rec programs die off.

The number of schools merging or dropping wrestling is concerning, to put it mildly. But this is a trend that can be stopped.

Don’t lose the forest from the trees.”

Below are some responses to Holmes’s post: 

Michael Charles said: “While I agree with you I also here a legitimate argument from parents and kids in the travel scene.

For example, Rec teams are usually pretty strict about how many practices you need to make each week in order to be on the dual team, but the truth of the matter is 3xs a week is asking a lot of a year round wrestler who has devoted him or herself to the sport….just so he or she can benefit others who chose not to wrestle in the off season. There needs to be a give and take not just a take. The fact remains that 3 days a week in a room with mostly seasonal wrestlers is not the same as going live with 4 partners who wrestle year round.”

William Holmes responded to Michael, by saying: “Michael Charles  I coach a Rec program in south jersey, and had a few wrestlers who did club. There were a few who were really elite, I just asked them for 1-2 days a week, and they obliged.

My kids do club too, but we dedicated our time and focus to the local program during the winter. Because we realize that our local program growing is way more important than individual success. To us at least.”

Michael respond to William by saying: “William Holmes 1 day a week is more than reasonable. But from a child’s perspective who breaks their rear year round only to show up to a room where kids don’t take it seriously can be frustrating for the wrestlers not to mention the chance of injury is much higher. The local program growing is important, but I don’t see club attendance falling if anything I see it growing…my sons clubs have upwards of 30-40 kids a night in the off season.”

William followed up with: “Michael Charles that’s fine. But if you aren’t involved with your local program it’s a hard sell to say you’re also all about growing the sport.

Wrestling going club only will lead to the death of most high school program in NJ outside the traditional powerhouses.”

 Michael said to William: “William Holmes What I’m saying is the complaints I hear from club kids need to be addressed as well like I said it needs to be a give and take. A great indicator that the sport is growing is merchandising and that has exploded with near fall, Rudis, scraplife.”

William responded to Michael with: “Eh. 2021 has been a struggle from what I’ve seen with tournaments, clinics, duals, and even club numbers.

And schools are dropping or merging wrestling, schools I never thought possible. I can’t disagree with you more on the growth factor.”

William followed that up with: “Michael Charles  you can still do club and stay involved locally. Most I know d.o”

Michael responded to William with: “William Holmes These companies spend big money on analytics they see that there is a market otherwise they wouldn’t do it.”

William said to Michael: “Michaell Charles companies making money while programs and schools are dropping. This is the problem. You’re missing the forest from the trees.”

WIlliam followed that up with: “But anyway, winter 2021/22, let’s get kids back and new kids in.”

Michael responded to William with: “No I’m not LOL. If the market wasn’t there which means NUMBERS it wouldn’t be done.

My point in responding to your post is that this is a two way street. And their is a opposite side to this post which wasn’t being addressed.

It’s a two way street.”

William said to Michael: “If you cant sacrifice a day or two a week to be involved with your local program, which feeds kids into your high school program,

I honestly question you if you say you’re about growing the sport.

It really is quite easy for a club kid to continue to get better and stay involved locally. If your local program doesn’t find a way for your kid to do club and the local program at the same time, that’s on them.

Just don’t forget the importance of growing the sport from the ground up.

And yes, you are missing the forest from the trees. Just look at any high school dual results in your local newspaper and the number of forfeits to get a good idea of where our sport is at. Pre-pandemic too.”

Michael responded to William with: “William Holmes That’s not what was said. What I said was teams are to rigid requiring 3 days a week for practices…one of my previous responses stated that one day a week is more than reasonable.

Our rec team had 83 kids I think the year before the pandemic. This year they didn’t have a season because the schools wouldn’t let them use the gym.

And no there is not always a way for the child to improve in a rec room sadly the conditions just aren’t there sometimes.”

William responded to Michael saying: “The point of this post is to point out the importance of rec wrestling.

You missed the forest.

But keep watering your tree.”

Michael said to William: “William Holmes  The point of my post was to represent the complaint I here from a lot of parents which wasn’t included in your post and it’s very valid.”

William responded to Michael with: “Michael Charles it is. Guess I’m one of the few Rec programs that have dealt with it, and that hasn’t been a problem in south jersey at most clubs and participants from my experience.

I wish you luck next season!” 

Michael said to William: “William Holmes You as well man.” 

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FLORIDA WRESTLING SOCIAL MEDIA TALK, WHERE TAKEDOWNS OCCUR REGULARLY – JUNE 17, 2021 EDITION

Compiled by DANIEL SONNINSHINE

One hot topic of conversation on social media in Florida is the status of girls wrestling as a high school sport.

Joseph Swirble posted on The Florida Wrestling Room Powered by Florida Pride Wrestling on June 9, 2021 in response to an article titled FHSAA: Beach volleyball gets greenlight, girls wrestling tabled (note that the below quotes are not corrected for grammar/spelling and are quoted on ESN exactly how matters were posted on Facebook)

“Anyone have some insight into FHSAA reversing their decision to sanction girls wrestling?”

Here are some responses to the post:

Brad Oversmith said: “Someone must have had deep pockets”

Mark DeAugustino said: “Wow…….. Really?……….. Way to step up to the scale/mat for our girls FHSAA……. Someone needs to be a leader. FHSAA you are proving that you don’t know how to be a leader…. Sad news…”

Zane Turnipsed said: “guess Title IX only counts when it comes to screwing over wrestling in college not helping it in high school.”

And another ongoing conversation focuses on allowing middle school students to participate on high school teams, which is sometimes utilized in wrestling to help fill out the lighter weight classes.

On The Florida Wrestling Room Powered by Florida Pride Wrestling, on June 8 2021, Evan Layne posted in response to the FHSAA proposal to block middle school athletes from participating in high school sports:  

“Good for the sport or No ?

Love to hear both sides of the argument.”

 Here are responses:

Omah Sang responded by saying, “I think it’s bad for the sport. Most middle school athletes that compete in wrestling are lighter weights that’s aren’t dominated by upperclassmen. In other sports the kids have to be pretty special to be put on the field/court. Kid phenoms are a special part of athletics.”

Joe Blasuci responded to Omah by saying, “This whole argument is stupid. Remember this these are pre high school kids beating 16-19 year Old high school kids. Whats unfair about that?? We had 12 and 13 year Olds in the state finals. Anyone that makes an excuse for losing to little kids in a high school sport is sour grapes you all sound likes crybabies. More excuse parents. Every reason any of your kids lose is because of someone else’s fault..always remember your kids feed off you whether strong or weak…this is weak.”

Omah replied to Blasuci saying, “Joe Blasuci keep drinking. You must be completely sh!!! faced at this point. I am FOR middle school kids competing. So are you arguing with yourself? You should read the article and the responses when you are sober to understand what this conversation was about.”

Brad Oversmith said in response to the original post: “Only lazy and over privileged a-holes would request for a better, younger, more deserving , hard working middle schooler to not compete so some Rich worthless puke CAN have their varsity spot. This shouldn’t come as a surprise this is how our country is ran. LAZY don’t wanna work and let’s use money and nonsense to hold anyone back our kids so the go along get along GAME people can even exist. All sports, corporate and government is ran this way. If I seen these middle schoolers getting trashed and was unsafe I see why but that doesn’t and won’t happen they usually are better if not they definitely work harder, and become more successful than ones that waited until 9th grade. Tired of seeing worthless people get in way and make it harder for kids cause the Older kids can’t beat a hard working middle schooler and their coaching staff and wrestlers afraid to put in work. That’s only reason you don’t want a deserving kid to participate. Them kids get no special treatment have to work extra harder and in most cases the ones out there are better. We need to ban the athletic association if they even waste time looking at this. In.1930 maybe when we didn’t know any better I get it today your just a a-hole if you are saying it’s unfair.”

And finally, a post that received no response:

On June 7 2021, on Florida Wrestling News And Events, Shannyn J. Gillespie posted, “Why do athletic/sport leagues around the globe separate the genders in competition?

That question is the theme of this article and the short answer appears to be a competitive advantage.  Below, will discuss several issues that wrestling enthusiasts are also faced with when males compete with females after puberty…” 

Although this was a great post, no one commented.