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What's New

Anyone Can Make it in America
Wrestling is "beating the streets"

The son of undocumented Mexican immigrants, Cejudo recalled living in “the projects, trailers, and even crack houses in four different states,” adding, “it sucked, but that's just how life goes sometimes.”

He remembers as a youngster living in Arizona, often being in fist fights concocted by “old men,” who would give the winner an ice cream cone.
Cejudo said his family's situation was never worse than when it lived in a trailer located on a junkyard in south Phoenix.

“We couldn't go out of the trailer at night because the people running the junkyard would let their guard dogs out. That was the worst it got.”  Monday night, Cejudo was at Greeley West High School, delivering a motivational speech to a group of wrestlers and parents as the closing stage of the Makin' The Right Moves Wrestling Clinic. “There's no secret to my success though,” he explained. “It's hard work. I've never had it easy. Everybody has a story — make it your own journey.

Read more.


Monsignor Farrell (CHSAA) the defending Team Champions of the 2008 Mayor's Cup,  participated in the highly competitive Long Island Wrestling Challenge at MacArthur HS.

Mac Arthur HS has won the Section 8 Team Championships 7 times in the last 8 years while Islip HS has been one of the top state teams in the last 4 years.  In the dual with MacArthur HS, Ben Villaret defeated Brian Herold in overtime.  Herold is one of the top rated wrestlers in Section 8.

The competition from all the teams was outstanding and Monsignor Farrell showed very  well.  They were able to compete with good competition at a very high level.  They defeated Farmingdale HS and Garden City in the consolations competition.


PSAL Results:


COllege Results:


Huntington Tournament
December 13, 2008
Team Scores
Massapequa 210
East Islip 202.5
Huntington 193
Kings Park 186.5
Port Jervis 174
Central Islip 149
Northport 104
Grand Street Campus 81
Center Moriches 58
Championship Finals
  96 - Mike Soria (KP) won by FFT over Max Soria (KP)
103 - Damon McQueen (Hunt) dec Alan Gomez (CI), 6-0
112 - Nigel McNeil (Hunt) pinned J. Harris (Mass), 0:58
119 - Matt Delvecchio (KP) dec. Mike DiLiello (EI), 5-0
125 - Santos Arriaza (CI) dec John Moriarty (PJ), 7-3
130 - Rob Rossi (EI) dec Omar Santiago (Hunt), 8-6, OT
135 - Anthony Evangelista (Mass) dec Maurice Loadholt (Hunt), 13-7
140 - Louis Esposito (KP) tech Fall L. Loseto (Mass), 4:53 (19-3)
145 - Andy Rodriguez (CI) dec Dan Gorman (Npt), 8-2
152 - J. Maddock (Mass) dec E. Kaufman (Mass), 1-0
160 - Louis Puca (Hunt) dec J. Ondris (Mass), 16-14
171 - Matt Parlier (PJ) dec Anthony Lupi (Hunt), 4-1
189 - CJ Floor (PJ) pinned Ryan Fox (Hunt), 4:45
215 - Steve Butler (PJ) pinned Kris Martin (KP), 0:08
285 - Joe Zitone (PJ) pinned Andrew Slawson (EI), 5:16
Most Outstanding Wrestler: Santos Arriazza (Central Islip 125)
Most Pins Least Time: Nigel McNeil (Huntington 112) 4 in 3:30
Consolation Finals 3rd/4th
  96 - J. Gneiser (Mass) pinned Kyle Shevlin (EI), 2:00
103 - R. Lanzillotto (Mass) maj dec Marion Perez (GSC), 17-9
112 - J. Paradiso (Mass) dec. G. Sanchez (CI), 9-7
119 - Akineran Akinfemi (GSC) dec J. Doria (Mass), 2-1
125 - Nick Ventiere (EI) dec Jeff Snair (KP), 3-1, OT
130 - Joe Evangelista (Npt) dec Nick Chicoine (Mass), 2-0
135 - Vinny Chambers (EI) dec Matt Kelly (KP), 4-2
140 - Alex Brown (EI) dec Josh Duperoy (CI), 9-2
145 - P. Morgan (Mass) dec Tyler Conway (EI), 1-0
152 - Anthony Crivello (Npt) dec Tom Bosch (KP), 10-1
160 - Erik Vik (EI) dec Bienenstein (KP), 4-2
171 - N. Isnardi (Mass) dec Nick Arma (EI), 6-4
189 - Andrew Smith (PJ) dec Matt Erdman (EI), 11-1
215 - Evan Wildberger (KP) dec Byron Kesler (CI), 9-5
285 - Connor McCue (EI) pinned E. Murphy (CM), 4:09
Consolation Finals 5th/6th
  96 - M. Menzer (CM) pinned W. Ibanez (CI), 3:36
103 - Arthur Fufido (KP) dec John McGrath (Hunt), 7-4
112 - J. Barbaggallo (Npt) dec. Steve Hearn (Npt), 2-1
119 - Greg Lavazoli (CM) dec. Muller (PJ), 15-2
125 - Eric DeAngelis (CM) won by Fft over Ryan DeVaney (Npt)
130 - Victor Maldonado (GSC) dec C. Sarro (Mass), 4-2, OT
135 - D. Esposito (Mass) pinned N. Rosales (GSC), 3:55

140 - Thomas Wilson (Hunt) pinned David Wiliiams (CI), 2:56
145 - Sal Spitaleri (CM) dec Luis Mendez (Hunt), 8-2
152 - Joe Cicio (Npt) dec Anthony Argenti (EI), 8-0
160 - Johnson (CI) dpinned Galindez (GSC), 4:47
171 - Andrillo Suarez (GSC) won by FFT over Rick Nardelli (Npt)
189 - C. Wetzel (Mass) dec Ariel Paz (EI), 9-0
215 - S. Slattery (Mass) dec Jovan Ayoub (EI), 4-1
285 - Dominic Albino (GSC) dec Ashkoun Assemi (Npt), 3-0


HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE: Ed Eichelberger
Roger Moore National Wrestling Hall of Fame
12/16/2008

Even if Edward Eichelberger had never wrestled a match for Lehigh University he’d be remembered as one of the great individuals to ever set foot on the Pennsylvania campus.

“He was a real inspiration to me, a great teammate to have,” said Joe Gratto, a two-time All-American and 1957 NCAA champion. “There was never any question about his integrity and he was a 4.0 (GPA) or close in the toughest major at Lehigh.”

“He was Senior Resident in the dormitories and a very strong member of the FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes). Just a class guy.”

After graduating from Lehigh in 1956 with a B.S. in electrical engineering, Eichelberger joined IBM where he would spend the next 38 years until his retirement in 1994. He received his Masters and Ph.D. from Princeton, and along the way received 25 patents in the fields of chip, circuit and test design.

In 1974 he received the “Outstanding Contributor Award” from IBM for technical publications and patents.

Read More.

College Results: Sacred Heart 36 - Wagner 15, Centenary (NJ) 51 - Yeshiva 0, Centenary (NJ) 28 - Hunter 14

Merchant Marine Academy 34, Hunter College 14


NYC COllege weekend Results:


Dear NY State Wrestling Community: 

I know everyone is consumed with their season, but I wanted to formally thank you  for your support the last two weeks.  I'm writing you fresh off the conclusion of the 2008 Journeymen / BRUTE Northeast Collegiate Duals (Nov29th 2008).  It was an amazing event – abundance or upsets, entertainment and spectacular wrestling displayed in an area that is completely without  NCAA collegiate wrestling (D I, II or III). This event, combined with our  Journeymen / BRUTE Sprawl & Brawl, afforded nearly 1/3 of all D- I NCAA Wrestling teams to come to the Empire State within a 6 day period.  

I'm not delusional.   I realize that many parts of the State have fantastic  college wrestling – Cornell in Sect IV, Hofstra in Sect  VIII , Buffalo in Sect VI, Army in Sect IX, but much of the state does not.  That being said, It may be difficult for a coach to find a reason to gather his team and trek ½ across the state to “watch collegiate wrestling” especially  when it's already right in your backyard; however, I'll argue we're making this endeavor a bit different than the ordinary college  match or tournament.  It's  an event.  An extravaganza if you will  - Music, Entertainment, Vendors, Contents and we do all that with wrestling greatness in the forefront.  It's also a NY homecoming.  Many of yesterdays NY  high school stars are showcased together under one roof.  It was our goal to make these two events among the premier tournaments in the nation.  I think we're on our way.  The participating college coaches think so and the stats say so - 8 of the top 25 teams made up the field for the Northeast Duals and 12 of the top 25 made up the field for both events.  2,300 fans made the journey to  watch  wrestling at the Northeast Duals, Hudson Valley Community College in Troy NY.   It was incredible.  There is obviously still room for improvement, but a partial victory nonetheless.

I know many teams wanted to partake , but traditional competitions and or scrimmages in their hometown held them back from doing so.  I am a big believer in tradition and the last thing I'd ask someone to do is forego their tradition; however, I know we've  made some fine adjustments in Sect II to accommodate the Northeast Duals. I feel confident n saying that in return it's produced some handsome dividends.  It's created excitement with our wrestling youth.  We established a huge “National Scrimmage” on Friday Nov 28 th 2008, the day before the college tournament.  Teams from all over New England, PA, VA and NY participated.  They come in to scrimmage and then stay to watch the event!   I can't argue which is better a scrimmage or watching wrestling greatness, but if you can accommodate both, then why not?  I think we have a new tradition brewing not only within the state, but perhaps the county.  I'd love the state to be unified and enjoy it.  If you were there – thanks. If not, I hope to convince you to be a part of our efforts in the future. 

Maybe this highlight clip will better articulate the way I feel.     Once you see it, I think you'll never want to miss it again.

2008 Northeast Duals Highlight Clip : http://www.flowrestling.org/ videos/coverage/view_video/ 234324/87483-northeast-duals- highlight-reel

Regards,
Frank Popolizio
Journeymen Wrestling


OSU wrestling: Eating and studying works for Rosholt
BY Matt Patterson

STILLWATER — For a heavyweight, Oklahoma State’s Jared Rosholt once had an unusual habit of skipping meals.

While most of his teammates were trying to cut weight, Rosholt would skip meals like breakfast, which OSU coach John Smith wanted him to eat. Those days are gone. Rosholt isn’t skipping meals and has steadily put on weight over the past two years.

At 255 pounds, he is still a little light for a heavyweight, but he’s a world away from the 230-pound freshman who sometimes got pushed around.

"I think last year I was close to where I wanted to be,” the junior said. "I went into the tournament at around 240. This year I want to practice at about 255. I don’t feel like it’s slowed me down.”

Read More.


Dlagnev is lone U.S. freestyle champion in American Airlines NYAC International
Gary Abbott USA Wrestling

NEW YORK, N.Y. – Six U.S. wrestlers qualified for the finals, but Tervel Dlagnev emerged as the lone American champion in the men’s freestyle division of the American Airlines New York Athletic Club International Open at the New York Athletic Club on Sunday.

Dlagnev (Cedar Falls, Iowa/Sunkist Kids), a 2008 University World champion, upset 2008 U.S. Olympian Steve Mocco (Iowa City, Iowa/New York AC) in the finals at 120 kg/264.5 lbs., by a 1-1, 0-2, 2-1 score. Dlagnev was named Outstanding Wrestler of the tournament.

Dlagnev won the first period, scoring the last point of the period in a 1-1 tie with a takedown. Mocco had two pushouts in the second period to knot the score. In the deciding third period, Mocco scored first, but Dlagnev scored the next point and added an insurance takedown when Mocco had to force the action.

“I was strategic. I was prepared for the hand fight fire. It worked well for me,” said Dlagnev.

Read More.

Columbia University - Sprawl and Brawl Results

VESTAL, N.Y. – Kenji Porter and Ryan Flores finished 3-0 on the day, but the Columbia wrestling team dropped three duals at the Sprawl & Brawl on Sunday, November 23 in West Gym at Binghamton University. The Lions fell 22-15 to West Virginia , 19-15 to Rutgers , and 30-12 to Clarion.

“ If we could have fielded a full lineup, I think we could have won a couple of those matches,” said Brendan Buckley , the Andrew F. Barth Head Coach of Wrestling. “Unfortunately we lost Jonathan Weibel at 165, forcing us to forfeit that class all the way through.”

“ We have a lot of fight, but today we did not have enough fight throughout the lineup,” he continued. “We had good opportunities to win against West Virginia and Rutgers but we didn't seize them.”

Buckley was particularly happy with Flores and Porter, who each finished 3-0, as well as first-year Kyle Gilchrist who went 2-1 at 125 pounds.

Read more.

 


Media Sports Productions to launch Wrestling 411 Radio nationwide on November 11

Wrestling 411 will launch its twice weekly radio show with two of college wrestling’s biggest names as guests. Tom Brands, head wrestling coach at the University of Iowa, and Pat Santoro, new head wrestling coach at Lehigh University, will serve as the show’s inaugural guests.

Wrestling 411 Radio will be broadcast every Tuesday and Thursday from 7 – 8 p.m. Central Standard Time. The first show will air Tuesday, November 11 with Brands as its guest. Santoro will be the featured guest on Thursday, November 13.

Read more.


Olympians Mocco, Hrovat, Bernard among champions at Hargobind International in Canada
Gary Abbott USA Wrestling
11/09/2008

SURREY, B.C., CANADA - Three members of the 2008 U.S. Olympic team were among the individual champions of the Hargobind International Championships on Saturday.

Capturing gold medals were U.S. men’s freestyle Olympians Steve Mocco (Iowa City, Iowa/New York AC) at 120 kg/264.5 lbs. and Andy Hrovat (Ann Arbor, Mich./New York AC) at 96 kg/211.5 lbs., along with women’s freestyle Olympian Ali Bernard (New Ulm, Minn./Bears) at 72 kg/158.5 lbs.

Mocco defeated 2000 Olympic champion David Musulbes of Slovakia by forfeit in the championship finals. Mocco, who was seventh at the 2008 Olympic Games, had four victories in the tournament.

Hrovat, competing up a weight class from his normal 84 kg/185 lbs. division, won his gold medal with a victory over Canada’s Kory Jarvis in the finals. Hrovat also had four wins in the competition.

Bernard, who was fifth at the 2008 Olympics, won her gold medal with a victory over Canada’s Pam Wilson. Bernard also scored a pin in the semifinals over Canada’s Erin Church.

Read more.


Columbia Wrestling Opens Season with Annual Blue-White Match

NEW YORK – The 2008-09 wrestling season got underway with the annual Blue-White match in University Gymnasium in front of fans and alumni.

The event featured six matches and was the first time the wrestlers were able to compete with a referee and in front of a crowd.

“The coaching staff was very impressed with the quality of wrestling we saw tonight,” noted Brendan Buckley , the Andrew F. Barth Head Coach of Wrestling. “Wrestle-offs tend to be very conservative with little action, but that's not what we saw tonight.”

The second match of the evening featured an exciting battle between first-years Kyle Gilchrist and Kevin Tao . Gilchrist held a narrow 2-0 lead after the first period. The only point awarded in the second period came off an escape, extending Gilchrist's lead to three. Tao started down in the final period but was unable to escape, while Gilchrist accumulated 1:36 of riding time.

Read More...


New York University  22- Hunter   15
Location: New York University 11/1/2008
Starting Weight Class:  133
Weight  Winning Wrestler        Win Type        Losing Wrestler Score
125     Christensen, Kyle (New York University)      DEC     Velez, Evan (Hunter ) 7-5
133     Messina, Sean (Hunter )      DEC     Hopkins, Kyle (New York University) 6-0
141     Martino, Gregg (New York University) MD      Astone, Zack (Hunter ) 13-5
149     Dack, John (New York University)     DEC     Simkin, Vitaly (Hunter )     7-6
157     Magill, Matt (New York University)   DEC     Cartusciello, Matt (Hunter )       7-1
165     Knight, Patrick (New York University)        DEC     Calvacca, Bill (Hunter ) 6-5
174     Shuminov, Naum (New York University) DEC     DeCristo, Andre (Hunter ) 8-6
184     Scott, Joey (Hunter )        FALL    Massey, Stephen (New York University) 2:26
197     Scher, Brian (Hunter )       DEC     Myer, Jamie (New York University)    6-0
285     Shirian, Mark (New York University)  DEC     Heydebrand, Dan (Hunter ) 8-3

Columbia Blue and White Intrasquad Dual and 2008-2009 Schedule

Hope all is well.  My name is Carl Fronhofer and I am the most recent addition to the coaching staff here at Columbia.  My first few months working with the team have been a pleasure.  I am very excited to meet all of you and for this season to get started.

On Saturday, November 8th at 7:00 PM the Columbia Wrestling team will be competing for starting positions in the 2008-09 wrestling season.  The Blue/White match will feature nationally ranked Matt Dunn at 149lbs along with a host of highly touted newcomers including National Prep Champ Andrew Grabfelder who will look to claim the starting position at 133lbs.

The match will take place in University Gym located in the Dodge Fitness Center.  There will be an informal social following the match at the Village Pourhouse located on Amsterdam Ave. between 108th and 109th streets.

I have also attached a copy of our entire competition schedule for the 2008-09 season.

Hope to see you at the match,

Carl Fronhofer


USA to face Russia in dual meet in West Orange, N.J., Thursday, Nov. 20

For the second straight year, many of the world's most talented Olympic wrestlers will be featured when the United States battles Russia in an international dual meet in West Orange, N.J. on Thursday, November 20.

Just like last year, the USA vs. Russia showdown will feature a full lineup in both men's freestyle and men's Greco-Roman wrestling. Athletes who have won numerous international medals and national titles will be showcased. There was a standing-room only crowd at the event last year and the level of competition was spectacular.

The match will be held at West Orange High School in West Orange, N.J., starting at 6:30 p.m. Tickets will be sold at the door, $20 for adults and $15 for kids.

The United States and Russia are considered the world's top wrestling nations. There will be numerous Olympic athletes competing for both nations, just months after the 2008 Olympic Games were held in Beijing, China.

Read more.


Recent News Articles on Beat the Streets:


Al Bevilacqua and Doug Blubaugh to go 'On the Mat' this week. 

This week's edition of "On the Mat" will feature wrestling legends Al Bevilacqua and Doug Blubaugh. 

Al Bevilacqua has been a leader in the wrestling world for decades at many different levels. Bevilacqua served as an educator with the Massapequa (NY) Public Schools from 1961 to 1994 where he served as the head wrestling coach from 1962-1977. He is currently the chairman of the Metropolitan Wrestling Association Beat the Streets program, which is bringing wrestling to inner-city schools in New York City. Among his many awards, Bevilacqua was named Man of the Year by USA Wrestling in 2005 for his great contributions to the sport.

Doug Blubaugh won an Olympic gold medal at 160.5 pounds in Rome, Italy in 1960 where he pinned six-time world champion Emamali Habibi of Iran in the finals. He pinned six opponents at the Olympics and was named as the World's Outstanding Wrestler in 1960. Blubaugh was a three-time All-American at Oklahoma State University and won an NCAA title in 1957 at 157 pounds. A native of Ponca City, Oklahoma, he also won the AAU National Championship three times (1957-1959) and won gold at the 1959 Pan American Games. 

"On the Mat" can be hard live on the internet at www.kcnzam.com or locally in Northeast Iowa each Wednesday from 5:00 - 6:00 PM Central time on 1650, The Fan. Feel free to e-mail radio@wrestlingmuseum.org with questions or comments about the show. 


State Regional Tournament Proposal News

Today, October 7, 2008, NYSPHSAA's Championship Advisory Committee met and approved the State Regional Tournament proposal submitted by the Wrestling Committee. The proposal now goes to NYSPHSAA's Executive Committee which is scheduled to meet on October 20th. If the Executive Committee approves the proposal, the new tournament format could be in place for the 2010 state championships.


Hello Beat the Streets -

I am the organizer and creator of the Northeast Collegiate Duals (Albany) , as well as the Sprawl & Brawl College Duals (Binghamton).  I am also a big fan of Beat the Streets.  No other organization has spread the gospel of wrestling so quickly and vast as you guys.  We are so proud to be one of the BTS Summer camp  partners.  Our two organizations have some unique similarities.  The 6 th annual Northeast Duals is just around the corner - Nov 29 th 2008.   The entire premise for Northeast Duals was to create a college tournament in an area that was completely without collegiate wrestling. The Capital Region does not have an NCAA  D-I,II or III program within 60 miles of Albany.  Similar to the voids that existed in NYC at the youth and HS level.  Regardless of the void, we built the event and created a tradition out of nothing. " If the youth see it, then perhaps they'd want to be it" was our philosophy. Nothing could have been more prophetic.  Our area has exploded with the re-birth of  college wrestlers.   Essentially we did the same thing BTS have done - build something out of nothing, while inspiring them throughout the journey. 

That being said, I'd like to invite the coaches, staff and athletes of Beat The Street to our 2008 Duals.  Even though these young wrestlers are in their initial stages of wrestling development, it can't hurt for them to witness greatness.  It would be a  tremendous experience for them to watch the elite and legends of our sport up close and personal.  Many of the Beat The Street kids got to meet John Smith and his Okie State team in Cobleskill or Terry & Tom Brands in Binghamton  this past summer at our BTS / Journeymen Wrestling camps.   I'd like to extend an olive branch and deepen our partnership with Beat the Streets by offering a discounted fare to our two duals.  With teams like Iowa, Okie St, Penn St and Missouri committed to our duals, our events will be near capacity seating.  However, we feel that this initiative is essential and it will help leave an indelible mark of inspiration with the BTS kids.  I hope you'll find this promotion enticing and share it with the coaches and teams of NYC.  Ultimately  I think it'll create a cycle of inspiration.  The kids will see the athletes that they trained with over the  summer and then be inspired to return next summer.  Please let me know if there is any interest. This I a priority to me, so I will help in whatever capacity I can. 

Thanks for everything,

Frank Popolizio
Journeymen Wrestling
518-441-2374


ST EDMUND PREP HIGH SCHOOL SEEKS A CO-HEAD COACH

St. Edmund Prep H.S. in Brooklyn, NY is currently seeking a Co-Head Coach to work along with Head Coach Alex Yntriago
in running their new Varisty Program (CHSAA-NYC); These is going to be a paid position (Based on Experience)
and would be a perfect fit for a College Students who is majoring in Education or Wrestlers who seek to enter the coaching ranks.
The School is located on Ocean Ave (near Kings HWY).

Please contact Coach Alex Yntriago @ 718 -877-2584 or Email Him @
FIRSTTAKEDOWNWRESTLING@ HOTMAIL.COM
Calls & Text Message are welcomed.


Wrestling Committee Votes September 22 On State Regional Proposal
True Multiple-Entry Proposal Would Level Playing Field

On Monday September 22, , the NYSPHSAA Wrestling Committee will have the opportunity to recommend to the NYSPHSAA Executive Committee a New York State Wrestling Tournament that is fair to its competitors and enhances the sport. The committee will essentially decide between a true State Wrestling Tournament that gives every wrestler a similar chance to compete in the tournament or the continuation of the existing State Intersectional Tournament format.

New York's Intersectional Tournament format has been in place since 1963 and the basic organizing principle of the Tournament today remains essentially the same as it did in 1963. Each section - regardless of the number of schools in the section - sends a representative to compete against the other sections. Sectional uniforms are worn rather than school uniforms and the tournament is scored by sectional performance not by school. New York is the only state in the country that conducts the culminating event of the wrestling season in this fashion. While the rest of the country is dedicated to a format that treats its competitors fairly and enhances the sport, New York State has been dedicated to a format that also considers the interests of its member sections - often at the expense of fairness to its athletes and the advancement of the sport.

The proposal in front of the state wrestling committee would change the current intersectional format to a true state tournament format by instituting state regional tournaments as part of the state's play-off system. Modeled after the highly successful Pennsylvania system, sections would qualify multiple entries for the state regional tournaments based on the number of schools in the section. The state regional tournaments would then qualify multiple entries to the state finals tournament - again based on the number of schools in the region. Unlike the current system, this true multiple-entry format would give every wrestler at least a similar chance to compete in the state tournament through head-to-head competition - the core value of the sport.

What's been standing in the way of moving the State Regional Tournament Proposal forward? First and foremost, it's the intersectional mentality. Too often policy decisions are affected by a loyalty and commitment to the advancement or protection of the section - not the student-athletes or the sport. Oftentimes, in the committee's deliberations and votes - it's how the proposal affects the section rather how the proposal fairly gets the state's best wrestlers to the state finals tournament. Does it really matter that one section places ahead of another section? Is it right that an athlete advances to New York wrestling's equivalent of the "sweet sixteen" with little or no competition while others must survive and win a gauntlet of qualifying bouts?

The NYSPHSAA Wrestling Committee can't make it up to all those athletes who were denied a fair chance to compete in the New York State Wrestling Championships in the past but on Monday they can take a giant step toward making sure it doesn't keep happening.


New York Athletic Club Open International Championships set for Nov. 21-23 in New York City
Gary Abbott USA Wrestling
09/11/2008

The New York Athletic Club Open International Championships, one of the major international wrestling events held each year in the United States, has been set for November 21-23 in New York City.

This outstanding event will be held at the historic New York Athletic Club facility in mid-town Manhattan. Competition will be held in all three Olympic styles of the sport, men’s freestyle, men’s Greco-Roman and women’s freestyle.

This will be the first international wrestling tournament held in the USA during the new season, and the kick-off of the new four-year Olympic cycle.

Top stars from the United States as well as a number of major international wrestling powers are expected at the tournament.

The schedule will be the same as it was during the 2007 event. Greco-Roman and women’s freestyle athletes will weigh in on Friday, November 21, and compete on Saturday, November 22. Men’s freestyle athletes will weigh in on Saturday, November 22 and compete on Sunday, November 23.

Read more.


Gardner: Nebraska Diploma Worth More Than Gold

One of America’s most famous Olympic athletes ever returned to his alma mater Thursday, and if any of Nebraska’s 550-plus student-athletes wondered about the No. 1 reason they’re in Lincoln, Rulon Gardner reminded them – to get a college diploma.

Gardner is proud of his gold medal from the 2000 Olympics in Sydney and just as proud of his bronze medal from 2004 in Athens because for him, it was an even tougher personal path to take. “But medals are just symbols. They lose their luster. My teaching degree from Nebraska is more important to me than anything I’ve achieved,” Gardner said. “It represents my most difficult journey of all and became the foundation for everything else I’ve ever accomplished.”

He was not exaggerating. Even though the former Husker All-America heavyweight defeated the greatest Olympic wrestler of all time in the “Miracle on the Mat” eight years ago, one of the biggest hills he ever climbed – and some of the longest odds he’s ever beaten – were getting a college degree.

Read more.


Beat the Streets Wrestling Program Wrestling Mats

The Beat the Streets Wrestling Program has mats for sale at deep discounted prices. All mats are DOLLAMUR in 6' widths and assorted lengths. They are slightly used and many are in excellent condition.

The Mats are stored in Westy Storage Center located on Rt. 110 in Farmingdale, two miles North of the Southern State Parkway They are perfect for walls and columns that maybe in your practice area and as a supplement of extending your practice area.

None of the 19 strips will make a complete circle for competition. We have 6 Green/White 2" mats and the rest are 1.25".

Please contact Al Bevilacqua for an appointment to inspect the mats.

Contact Info: 631-598-2281 albevi@optonline.net


Wrestling Will Be Represented at the Inaugural Sports Expo Being Held at Suffolk Community College Sept 6th & 7th.

The First Annual Long Island SPORTS EXPO opens it’s doors on Saturday, Sept. 6 and Sunday Sept 7 at the Suffolk Community College Sports & Exhibition Facility in Brentwood. The Sponsors are looking forward to an awesome weekend and will present seminars and demonstrations in all particular sports and recreational activities on Long Island.

The Razor Wrestling Club with Co-Directors Mike Patrovich, Ted DiPasquale and members of the club providing technical demonstrations of the skills of wrestling. The presentation will take place from 11am-1pm on each day.

For more information go to www.longislandsportsexpo.com

Sponsored by TWP Promotions, AC Sports and the Razor Wrestling Club

Asics new wrestling shoes and equipment for the 2008-09 Season will be on display


New York City Open Wrestlers Win Greco Roman Empire State Games
By Larry A. Cantor, PSAL/BTS Wrestling Commissioner

Dedication and continuity is the name of the game, as nine PSAL graduate wrestlers placed in the top six of their weight classes in this year’s Open Division of the Empire State Greco Roman Championships. The outstanding effort, of these wrestlers, lead to capturing the team title.

Each one of these student athletes have gone on or will be competing on the intercollegiate level.

On the Greco Roman scholastic level, New York City advanced six finalists; earning three gold. The New York City Region placed twenty-two wrestlers.

This is only the second time New York City has won the Open Greco Roman team title. The first win was back in 2000.

Danny Franco, entering his senior year at Michael J. Petrides Educational Complex, won both the freestyle and Greco Roman weight class at 132 pounds.

Fall, spring and summer wrestling makes winter champions. New York City wrestling believes in this statement, as the fruits of labor continually show.

Freestyle Scholastic Place Winners

132 lbs. Danny Franco, Petrides, Gold medal

143 lbs. Kevin Hartnett, Monsignor Farrell, Bronze medal

192 lbs. Patrick Thorton, Petrides, (Fifth place)

Greco Roman Scholastic Place Winners

98 lbs. Anthony Castano, St. Joseph by the Sea, Silver medal

106 lbs. Marlon Perez, Grand Street, (Sixth place)

115 lbs. Timmy Mccann, Monsignor Farrell, Silver medal

123 lbs. Akinran Akinfemi, Grand Street, (Sixth place)

132 lbs. Danny Franco, Petrides, Gold Medal

132 lbs. Jesse Cusimano, St. Joseph by the Sea, Silver medal

143 lbs. Kevin Hartnett, Monsignor Farrell, Gold medal

154 lbs. Eugene Komissarov, James Madison, Gold Medal

192 lbs. Patrick Thorton, Petrides, (Fifth place)

Open Freestyle Place Winners

119 lbs. Novic Reese, graduate of Grand Street, Silver medal

128 lbs. PJ Morales, graduate of Grand Street, Gold medal

152 lbs. Vitaly Simkin, graduate of Sheepshead Bay, (Sixth place)

187 lbs. David Khavin, graduate of James Madison, (Sixth place)

213 lbs. Abakar Gadjiyav, (Sixth place)

275 lbs. Carlos Dolmo, Gold medal

Open Greco Roman Place Winners

119 lbs. Jonathan Soto, graduate of Sheepshead Bay, Bronze medal

119 lbs. Carlos Soto, graduate of Sheepshead Bay, (Fourth place)

128 lbs. PJ Morales, graduate of Grand Street, Silver medal

139 lbs. Oliver Lopez, gradate of McKee/Staten Island Tech, Bronze medal

152 lbs. Seji Mugishima, (Fourth place)

167 lbs. Cory Sands, graduate of Sheepshead Bay, (Fourth place)

187 lbs. Devon John, graduate of Sheepshead Bay, Silver medal

213 lbs. Dzmitry Kruhik, Gold medal



The Next Challenge: Poly Prep's Goldberg Looking Forward to Collegiate Competition
By John Torenli (sports@brooklyneagle.net)
Published online 07-10-2008

Matt Goldberg doesn't know the meaning of taking it easy.

The Ditmas Park resident and four-time state champion wrestler out of Bay Ridge's Poly Prep Country Day School has actually increased his work load - both on and off the mat - since accepting a scholarship to the University of Pittsburgh back in February.

"I work from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., lift weights from 3:30 to 5:30 and practice from 7 to 9 five days a week," said Goldberg, who has also found time to enter a few "open" tournaments since finishing up his brilliant high school career with the Blue Devils.

Goldberg, who will be wrestling at 125 pounds for legendary Panthers coach Rande Stottlemyer this fall, had several options when it came time to decide which Division I program he'd fit in with best over the next four years.

Pitt ultimately won out, not only for its reputation as a perennial national championship contender, but also its dedication to making sure its student-athletes live up to a high standard in the classroom. That was something Goldberg became accustomed to at Poly.


Read more.


Olympic champion and former NYAC Coach Momir Petkovic focused on helping U.S. Greco-Roman wrestlers strike gold at 2008 Olympics

Craig Sesker USA Wrestling
08/05/2008

U.S. Assistant National Greco-Roman Coach Momir Petkovic watches practice on Tuesday night at Beijing Normal University. Photo by Gary Abbott.

BEIJING, China - It happened 32 years ago.

But Momir Petkovic still vividly remembers everything about that special moment.

It was the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal, Canada and Petkovic reached the pinnacle of his sport by winning an Olympic gold medal for the former Yugoslavia.

"It was just an unbelievable joy to do something you dreamed about doing," Petkovic said after Tuesday night's practice at Beijing Normal University. "Everything came together in that one moment. When I was a kid, I looked up to the Olympic champions like they were Gods. To be able to win an Olympic gold medal, it was pretty special."

Now the Assistant National Coach for the United States Greco-Roman Wrestling Team, Petkovic is determined to see his athletes experience the same feeling he did more than three decades ago. The U.S. Greco-Roman Team will compete in the Olympic Games on Aug. 12-14 at the China Agricultural University Gymnasium.

Read more.


Hobeika, Root, Jones announced as NWCA’s Dan Gable “America Needs Wrestling” Award Recipients

By Jason Bryant
National Wrestling Coaches Association

With backgrounds varying from active competition, technology, coaching and administration, the three recipients of the National Wrestling Coaches Association’s Dan Gable “America Needs Wrestling” Award cross the entire spectrum of wrestling.

The work done by the 2008 award winners – Danielle Hobeika of Naperville, Ill., Jim Root of Saratoga, Calif., and Rex Jones of Chadron, Neb., in support and promotion of wrestling are applauded with this award.

“We have three individuals who rightly deserve this award with vastly different backgrounds,” said NWCA Executive Director Mike Moyer. “It goes to show you don’t always have to be one type of individual to do wonders for the sport of wrestling.

This award is to recognize those individuals who have given significant time and effort to the sport of wrestling. Those efforts must have had significant impact on the preservation or promotion of the sport, through contributions that are financial, service and/or leadership in nature.

Hobeika, a former member of the U.S. Women’s National Team and a graduate of Harvard, has long been the driving force behind wrestling’s presence on the internet. After starting wrestling late in her high school career, Hobeika competed at Harvard before dotting the country with coaching stints at Menlo College, Pacific, and Princeton.

But her impact has been made in her quick efforts to help athletes launch web sites and for causes like Beat the Streets, Save Fresno State Wrestling, Save Oregon Wrestling and the NWCA’s Program Entrenchment initiative.

Hobeika has also been active in the promotion of women’s wrestling, launching The Women’s Mat, a web site exclusively for women’s wrestling. She’s also been spearheading the research in trying to elevate women’s wrestling as a recognized emerging sport by the NCAA.

Read more.


Photo Gallery: Olympic Wrestlers in NYC

http://www.nbcolympics.com/ wrestling/photos/galleryid= 148886.html


Fuel the Dream attracts donations towards travel for Olympian’s family members
USA Wrestling
07/16/2008

A group of concerned supporters of the 2008 U.S. Olympic Wrestling Teams have made it possible for each wrestler on America’s Olympic Wrestling Team to have two family members supporting them and the team in Beijing.

This badly needed support is a result of solicitations and donations from Beat the Streets Chairman Michael Novogratz, David Barry and Michael Malone. As the Fuel the Dream campaign became visible, it showed a real need and the result is clear: America and the wrestling community are behind the men and women of our Olympic Wrestling Teams.

USA Wrestling established the initiative Fuel the Dream to directly benefit the men and women of our Olympic Teams. When you contribute to Fuel the Dream, 50% of your donation will go, without any reductions, to the individuals that competed and made the 2008 Olympic Team at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials. The other 50% goes to help train athletes that will be on future World and Olympic Teams. USA Wrestling is a 501 (c) (3) and your contribution is tax deductible.

America’s wrestlers make significant sacrifices on the road to representing the USA at the Olympic Games. Many delay careers and families, others pursue careers and families while competing in what we believe is the world's toughest sport.

All donations over $25 will receive a unique Fuel the Dream 2008 Olympic Games pin.

Be a real part of our Olympic effort. It only happens once every four years. Do it now…go to www.fuelthedream.org and give as much as you can…and be a part of our Olympic effort.


World medalists Funicello, Dolmo win U.S. Beach Nationals titles in Rochester
Gary Abbott USA Wrestling
07/05/2008

ROCHESTER, N.Y. - Both 2007 World Beach bronze medalists who entered this year's U.S. Beach Nationals were able to claim national titles on Saturday at Ontario Beach Park.

Jeff Funicello (Gilbert, Ariz./American Pankration) captured the 187-pound title and Carlos Dolmo (Bronx, N.Y./Blast Double NY) won the 302-pound class, adding national titles to their World medals from last summer.

Funicello won three matches, including a 2-1 victory over 2007 U.S. Beach Nationals champion Neil Cook (Rochester, N.Y./Team Titan) in the championship match.

Dolmo also won three bouts, including a 2-1 win over runner-up Mike Carroll (Lake Winola, Pa./Avalanche) in the finals. Dolmo won his second straight U.S. Beach Nationals title.

The top three placewinners in each Senior weight class earn a spot in Sunday's U.S. Beach World Team Trials, which will also be held at Ontario Beach Park. There are two weight classes in the U.S. World Team Trials, Below 85 kg (187.5 lbs) and Above 85 kg (187.5 lbs.).

Read more.


New York Athletic Club Sends 9 U.S. wrestlers to the University Worlds June 9-13 in Greece
.All 9 wrestlers participated in the 2008 Olympic Trials in Las Vegas last month. These young stars could be the US representatives to the Olympics in London 2012!

Elizabeth Wiley USA Wrestling


The USA Wrestling University World Teams will travel to Thessoloniki, Greece for the University World Championships July 9-13.

Men's freestyle, Greco-Roman and women's freestyle teams will all compete against some of the best in the world at the competition.

Jake Herbert is the only returning competitor on the men's freestyle team. A bronze medalist at last year's competition, Herbert will provide leadership and experience for the team as he competes at 84 kg/185 lbs.

"Herbert is a returning bronze medalist," Freestyle Developmental Coach Dave Bennett said. "He knows what he needs to do. We're expecting a good performance."

Joining Herbert on the freestyle team are Brad Pataky at 55 kg/121 lbs., Reece Humphrey at 60 kg/132 lbs., Josh Churella at 66 kg/145.5 lbs, Keith Gavin at 74 kg/163 lbs., Brendan Jones at 96 kg/211.5 lbs. and Tervel Dlagnev at 120 kg/264.5 lbs. All six of these wrestlers are making their first trip to compete at University Worlds.

"My goal for this team is to come back with seven gold medals and I think it's a goal for them, too," said Bennett. "That may not happen, but we have to go in believing all things are possible."

The men's freestyle team will be coached by Lou Rosselli and Wes Hand. Dave Bennett is serving as team leader for the trip.

The Greco-Roman squad features two wrestlers who just missed out on berths to the 2008 Olympic Games, as well as a number of other talented athletes.

"(Sam) Hazewinkel competed at the Olympic Team Trials and was one match from making the Olympic Team," Greco-Roman Developmental Coach Ike Anderson said. "I'm excited about him."

Sam Hazewinkel lost to Spenser Mango in the Championship Series at 55 kg/121 lbs. while Cheney Haight finished behind T.C. Dantzler at 74 kg/163 lbs.

"I expect Cheney Haight to be able to medal," said Anderson. "Again he was one match from making the Olympic Team against T.C."

Another top contender for the Greco-Roman team is Chas Betts. Betts was a silver medalist at the 2006 University World Championships and hopes to medal again in 2008.

The rest of the team is Donovan Depatto at 60 kg/132 lbs., Jacob Curby at 66 kg/145.5 lbs., and Robbie Smith at 96 kg/211.5 lbs. The heavyweight contender has not yet been determined for the U.S.

Eric Wetzel and Gary Mayabb will coach the Greco-Roman team.

The women's side features seven athletes that took part in the U.S. Olympic Team Trials and should be incredibly competitive in Greece.

Three wrestlers on the team also competed at the 2006 World University Championships. Alaina Berube was a bronze medalist at 63 kg/138.75 lbs. two years ago. Joining her from that squad are Sara Fulp-Allen at 48 kg/105.5 lbs. and Othella Lucas at 59 kg/130 lbs.

Rounding out the women's team are Katherine Fulp-Allen at 51 kg/112.25 lbs., Chelynne Pringle at 55 kg/121 lbs., Elena Pirozhkov at 67 kg/147.5 lbs., and Stephany Lee at 72 kg/158.5 lbs.

Serving as coaches for the women's freestyle team are Shannyn Gillespie and Trevor Keifer.

University World Championships
Thessoloniki, Greece


Men's Freestyle:
55 kg: Brad Pataky, Clearfield, Pa. (New York AC)
60 kg: Reece Humphrey, Indianapolis, Ind. (Ohio State)
66 kg: Josh Churella, Ann Arbor, Mich. (New York AC)
74 kg: Keith Gavin, Factoryville, Pa. (New York AC)
84 kg: Jake Herbert, Wexford, Pa. (New York AC)

96 kg: Brent Jones, Burke, Va. (Cavalier WC)
120 kg: Tervel Dlagnev, Arlington, Texas (Loper WC)

Coach: Lou Rosselli
Coach: Wes Hand
Team Leader: Dave Bennett

Greco-Roman:
55 kg: Sam Hazewinkel, Norman, Okla. (Gator WC)
60 kg: Donovan Depatto, Quantico, Va. (U.S. Marine Corp)
66 kg: Jacob Curby, LaGrange, Ill. (USOEC/GatorWC)
74 kg: Cheney Haight, Orem, Utah (USOEC/New York AC)
84 kg: Chas Betts, St. Michael, Minn. (USOEC/Minnesota Storm)
96 kg: Robbie Smith, Colorado Springs, Colo. (New York AC)
120 kg: TBD

Coach: Eric Wetzel
Coach: Gary Mayabb

Women's Freestyle:
48 kg: Sara Fulp-Allen, Colorado Springs, Colo. (New York AC)
51 kg: Katherine Fulp-Allen, El Granada, Calif. (Menlo College)
55 kg: Chelynne Pringle, Hugo, Minn. (Minnesota Storm)
59 kg: Othella Lucas, San Diego, Calif. (New York AC)
63 kg: Alaina Berube, River Falls, Wis. (New York AC)

67 kg: Elena Pirozhkov, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Gator WC)
72 kg: Stephany Lee, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Sunkist Kids)

Coach: Shannyn Gillespie
Coach: Trevor Keifer

 


Popolizio puts area on wrestling map
Coach organizes events to inspire local athletes

By DAVID SANCHIRICO, Special to the Times Union
First published: Sunday, July 6, 2008

It's hard to consider the Capital Region a wrestling hotbed when no collegiate wrestling programs exist within 65 miles.

No programs? No problem. Frank Popolizio will get them to visit, and just maybe, a few young wrestlers will be inspired by what they see.

Capital Communications Federal Credit Union
Popolizio's efforts have attracted some of the best collegiate wrestling programs in the country to the Capital Region. In addition to founding the Northeast Collegiate Duals, now considered one of the top early-season meets in the country, Popolizio made arrangements for 34-time NCAA champion Oklahoma State to hold its summer training camp at SUNY Cobleskill, where the Cowboys are wrapping up today.

Read more.

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