The 2010 USAPL Women’s Nationals (May 22-23) will be streamed live right here on Powerlifting Watch. The national competition will be held in the Grand Ball Room of the Historic Renaissance Hotel in Cleveland.

ESPN Cleveland's "Inside the Cage" show is in Columbus and airing a special pre-WEC 47 event today at 11 a.m. ET (8 a.m. PT).

The show's hosts, longtime friends of MMAjunkie.com, broadcast live from the Renaissance Columbus Downtown Hotel with guests such as former WEC champs Mike Brown and Urijah Faber and UFC veteran Chris Lytle.

If in Cleveland, tune into AM 1540 for the one-hour show. Or listen online at www.espncleveland.com.

1. Palmyra girls' basketball: The Cougars opened the District 3-AAA playoffs with victories over Twin Valley and Lancaster Catholic before meeting Trinity this week in the semifinals at Giant Center.

2. Katie O'Rourke: The senior guard scorched Lancaster Catholic for 14 first-quarter points on her way to a game-high 18 in a 56-42 win at Conrad Weiser. O'Rourke picked up three fouls early in the second quarter and had to sit out most of the next two quarters.

3. Abbey Radic: With O'Rourke on the bench, much of the senior ball-handling leadership fell to Radic, who responded with 10 points. Rachel Johnson also had 12 points and 16 rebounds in the win over Lancaster Catholic, leaving her with 924 rebounds for her career.

4. Hershey boys and girls: Both teams suffered setbacks in the District 3 quarterfinals, the boys losing to Lancaster Catholic 52-46 in the 3-AAA class, and the girls dropping a 43-25 decision to Reading in AAAA.

5. Hank Kuzma: Hershey's only District 3-AAA championship came in 1974, with 6-foot 6-inch all-state senior Kuzma leading the way. Kuzma went on to a four-year career at the Naval Academy, where his younger brother, Chuck, also played.

6. Tom Brier: Hershey's senior point guard came back from a late-season foot injury to lead the Trojans' second-half comeback against Lancaster Catholic that fell short, due in part to 17 points by LC's Tyler Purvis and 16 by 5-foot-11-inch junior guard Willie Schlosser. Purvis, a tight end on the Crusaders' state championship football team, is the younger brother of Tampa Bay Buccaneers' tight end Ryan Purvis.

7. Nick Lamoreaux: The Milton Hershey 112-pound senior wrestler pulled a major upset in the District 3-AA final with a 1-0 win over Nate Giorgio of Schuylkill Valley, who was state-placed a year ago.

8. Chris Ramirez: Spartan heavyweight also won District 3-AA gold with a 5-1 decision over defending district champ Dan Fultz of Juniata. Ramirez trailed 1-0 entering the third period, then reversed Fultz with 31 seconds left and put him on his back.

9. March 2, 1962: This week marked the 48th anniversary of Wilt Chamberlain's historic 100-point game at Hersheypark Arena. The event is memorialized with a marker at the east end entrance to the arena.

10. Philly 169, New York 147: Hershey rims were generous that night. Chamberlain made 36 of 63 field goals, 28 of 32 free throws and had 25 rebounds for the Warriors. Guard Guy Rodgers had 20 assists. For the Knicks, Richie Guerin had 39, Cleveland Buckner 33 and Willie Naulls 31.

MMAjunkie.com lead staff reporter John Morgan is a guest on tonight's "UFC 110: Nogueira vs. Velasquez" post-fight edition of "Inside the Cage."

The MMA talk show airs on Cleveland's ESPN affiliate, WKNR 850 AM, at 12 a.m. ET (9 p.m. PT). Morgan, who joins the show following the event's post-fight press conference, and hosts Jordan Sherwood and Will Burge discuss all the action from tonight's UFC 110 event, as well as some of the recent news surrounding this week's event.

Cleveland-area readers can listen to the show on the AM dial, or listen online at ESPNCleveland.com.

103
1. Brandon Brunner (Tullahoma)
2. Austin Oliver (Cleveland)
3. Jacob Climer (Bradley Central)
4. Caleb Langford (Walker Valley)
5. Kyle Eustice (Soddy Daisy)
6. Garrett Sealor (Ooltewah)

Others to watch: Jack Finnegan (Ravenwood), Jeremy Gonzales (Rossview), Max Vaughn (Science Hill), Jacob Maples (Montgomery Central)

112
1. Blake Thomas (Brentwood)
2. Nick Maxwell (Karns)
3. Grayson Mullin (Notre Dame)
4. Jericho Crutcher (Bradley Central)
5. Madison Martin (Red Bank)
6. Jacob Stevens (Soddy Daisy)

Others to watch: Kendall Kermick (Germantown), Brandon Greer (Antioch), Jacob Freeman (Ravenwood), Cole Schurlknight (Science Hill), Tanner Bates (Mt. Juliet), Alex Kaferle (Tullahoma)

119
1. Ethan Hames (Bradley Central)
2. Luke Hall (Seymour)
3. Jack Boone (Notre Dame)
4. Haden Hamilton (Cleveland)
5. Steven Goldstein (Science Hill)
6. Tyler Harvey (Ooltewah)

Others to watch: Patrick Chadwick (Overton), Chase Snow (Clarksville), Logan Young (Gibbs)

125
1. Campbell Lewis (Soddy Daisy)
2. Greg Shepherd (Dickson County)
3. Cullen King (Cordova)
4. Tyler Pitts (Bradley Central)
5. Jonathan Pearce (Science Hill)
6. Chancey Wilson (Clarksville NE)

Others to watch: Brandon Strickland (Cleveland), Chad Isbell (Clarksville), Brad Compton (Franklin), Ryan Churchill (Ravenwood), Caleb Little (Independence), Eric Feuerbacher (Blackman)

130
1. Marvin Lopez (Cleveland)
2. Scott Seaman (Mt. Juliet)
3. Austin Woods (Franklin)
4. Jake Gamble (Soddy Daisy)
5. Austin Heithcock (Independence)
6. Tyler Schuh (Bradley Central)

Others to watch: Trey Thigpen (Overton), John Jordan (Tullahoma), Jess Hooper (Greenback), Jess Hooper (Greenback), Adrian Thomas (Clarksville NE), Michael Bishop (Sullivan East)

135
1. Trevor Herron (Bradley Central)
2. Chad Penson (Cordova)
3. Matt Price (Montgomery Central)
4. Michael Raimondi (Seymour)
5. Hayden Jordan (Clarksville)
6. Ethan Farinella (Farragut)

Others to watch: Brian Keiffer (Ravenwood), Aaron Lopez (Cleveland), Matt Sealor (Ooltewah), Matt Seaman (Mt. Juliet), Nathaniel Molina (Heritage)

140
1. Bradley Colbaugh (Bradley Central)
2. John Herold (Morristown West)
3. David Chege (Ravenwood)
4. John Birdwell (Cookeville)
5. Turbo Smith (Soddy Daisy)
6. Ceddy Perry (Montgomery Central)

Others to watch: Josue Brown (Hunters Lane), Justin Snyder (Science Hill), Tyler Adams (Kingston), Reginald Adams (Cordova)

145
1. Jeremy Miller (Greenback)
2. Brennen Cox (Independence)
3. Zach Bennett (Franklin)
4. Matt Stull (Science Hill)
5. Brandon Isbell (Clarksville)
6. Vince Aguilar (Bradley Central)

Others to watch: Edward Holland (Pigeon Forge), Kyle Hughes (Siegel), Sean Bowling (Cookeville), Ben Knox (Dickson County)

152
1. Chris Aguilar (Bradley Central)
2. Sam Lilley (Collierville)
3. Holden Schay (Houston)
4. McCoy Newberg (Independence)
5. Ren Baggett (Clarksville)
6. John Shrader (Franklin)

Others to watch: Donovan Freeman (Ravenwood), Ryan Carpenetti (Oakland), Isaiah Nichols (Cleveland), Tyler Johnson (Jeff Co), Dillon Crouch (Tullahoma), Cameron Edafe (East Lit), Tyler Hunley (Fulton)

160
1. Everett Colbert (McGavock)
2. Ethan Henry (Cookeville)
3. Blake Biggs (Mt. Juliet)
4. Bailey Jones (Cleveland)
5. Nick Alemany (Hixson)
6. Will Bradshaw (Harpeth)

Others to watch: Richard Manning (Ooltewah), Matt Cruise (Science Hill), Blaike Henry (Soddy Daisy), Jacob Bailey (Bradley Central), Michael Puckett (Karns)

171
1. Joe Proctor (Cookeville)
2. Kyle Saunders (Smyrna)
3. Rakim Talley (Dickson County)
4. Jaleel Willis (White Station)
5. Matt Cannon (Science Hill)
6. Christian Tambellini (Independence)

Others to watch: Cody Davis (Pigeon Forge), Manuel Garcia (McGavock), Matt Roderick (Bradley Central), Will Moreland (Cleveland), Justin Mathieson (Hixson), Micah Kidd (East Ridge)

189
1. Michael Kennedy (Blackman)
2. John Salada (Cookeville)
3. Tyler Toon (Ooltewah)
4. Chip Norwood (Cleveland)
5. Nick Garrett (East Literature)
6. Makal Kidd (East Ridge)

Others to watch: Raymond White (Overton), Greg Grieco (Farragut), Luke Frederick (Tullahoma), Tyler Todd (Rossview), Peyton Landers (Bearden)

215
1. Cameron Croy (Brentwood)
2. Tucker Bolton (Bradley Central)
3. Isaiah Simpson (Walker Valley)
4. Josh Lewis (Science Hill)
5. Brett Jaeckel (Hendersonville)
6. Thomas Hawthorne (Ravenwood)

Others to watch: Jesse Jones (Cleveland), Yusef Yunis (Rossview), Tyler Wilson (Maryville), Adam Wells (Blackman), Billy Swanson (Soddy Daisy)

285
1. Hunter Allen (Mt. Juliet)
2. Taylor Bain (Warren County)
3. Tyler Dailey (Greenback)
4. Dylan Mills (Walker Valley)
5. Patrick Benson (Bradley Central)
6. Matt Bridges (Brentwood)
Others to watch: Wilford Morrison (Clarksville NW), Chuck Manning (Karns), Greg Shurina (Knox Catholic), Josh Barnette (Science Hill), Shawn Morgan (Maryville), Chase Pennycuff (Siegel)

Tennessee State Tournament Brackets

Bill Harlow (left) with Yojiro Uetake (center) and Gene Davis (right) at the 1966 NCAA Division I championships, Oklahoma State claimed three individual titles.

http://www.chattanoogan.com/articles/article_167972.asp

by B.B. Branton

Compiling a top 10 best in this country is nearly as American as mom, the flag and apple pie.

From the 10 toughest guys in your neighborhood growing up, to rock-n-rolls greatest hits of the 60s to the best utube videos.

How fiting, on the Eve of the 50th of the state wrestling tournament (Feb. 18-20), to name Tennessees best prep wrestlers in the past half century.

Its a given that todays mat warriors are more skilled than their predecessors from a generation ago and possibly even a decade ago.

But in an effort to honor the past wrestlers – upon whose shoulders todays wrestlers stand  and the present champs, here is not only the top 10, but the 50 best high school wrestlers in Tennessee.

The criteria includes ones high school career complete with at least one state title, success at senior nationals and cadet and junior freestyle and greco-roman nationals at Fargo, N.D., with college achievements a plus.

No doubt, several can and will argue for wrestlers in their region of the state over others which makes the discussion interesting, stimulating and welcome.

No Tonys, Oscars or Emmys are awarded and no checks handed out to the top 10. Just an opinion, yet hopefully an educated one, with solid input from across the state.

Those champions who stand out from the hundreds, yes maybe thousands of teens who have dared to walk alone to center mat in the squared circle before roaring student bodys to test their abilities against another in honorable combat.

Warriors who have pushed themselves to the limit and beyond and have stood alone on the top step on many a Saturday afternoon, when in a six-minute span of time, which seemed an eternity, boys become men and legends in our sport.

To all who have wrestled and worked hard we salute you and to those who have reached higher we acknowledge those accomplishments as well.

With that, here is the best of the best; those with sterling credentials and lofty numbers.

Top 10
1. BILL HARLOW … St. Andrews … 62 state champ at 171 … also won Mid South and national prep titles in 62  OW in all three tournaments  defeated 61 national prep OW in 62 finals  5x Mid South champ  80-1 career record  At Oklahoma State was 1966 NCAA champ  3x All-American (2-2-1)  3x NCAA finalist  2x Big 8 champ  career record: 54-5-2  3x National AAU champ  1x OW  World Silver medal  Tblisi Bronze medal  high school coach at Sapulpa High School in Oklahoma … member of the Oklahoma chapter of the national wrestling hall of fame.

2. JORDAN LEEN  Baylor  4x state champ ; 2001-04  04 OW  214 career wins  national high school champ  4x McCallie Invite champ  At Cornell, 2008 NCAA champion  3x All-American (8-1-3)  2x EIWA champ  2008 EIWA Wrestler of the Year  career record, 118-29.
3. PHILIP SIMPSON … MBA  4x state champ (1998-01)  2x OW  176 career wins  national high school runner-up  4x champ, McCallie Invite  At West Point, 3x All-American; 2003-04-05  2005 NCAA runner-up  West Points only 3x All-American  3x EIWA champ 134 career wins  currently in the U.S. Army

4. MATT KELLER  Bradley Central  4x state champ (1999-02)  99 OW  3rd at high school senior nationals  NCAA All-American at Nebraska and UTC  2x SoCon champ  currently in training for national freestyle tournaments  lives in Cleveland.

5. RANDY BATTEN  Hixson  2x state champ; 1973-74  74 OW  placed 3rd in 1972  high school record: 107-2 … won final 87 matches  medaled in three national AAU tournaments  reached final four twice and placed second in the third  At UTC, 3x NCAA D-II national champ (75-77)  75 OW  75 SoCon champ  lives in Birmingham.

6. DAVID VANCE  McCallie  3x state champ; 1988-91  90 OW  four-time state finalist (2-1-1-1)  3x McCallie Invite champ … 135-2 record  103 wins in a row  wrestled one year at Oklahoma … lives in Chattanooga.

7. MARKESE NELSON  Kirby  2x state champ; 1994-95  lost one match his last three years  3x champ at McCallie (OW) and Father Ryan tourneys  4th at high school senior nationals  Cadet All-American at Fargo  2x JUCO All-American at Fresno City College  wrestled at Fresno State  UniversityNationals All-American  Armed Forces national champ.

8. ADRIAN NORFLEET  Whites Creek  3x state champ; 1986-88  lives in Texas

9. SCOTT WELLS  Brentwood Academy  2x state champ; 1998-99  98 OW  4x cadet national champion at Fargo; 2x in Greco/Roman and 2x in Freestyle  undefeated two seasons in Tenn.

10. CHARLES McTORRY … Overton  Tenn. record for wins (216)  2x state champ; 1994, 1996  2x OW  3x finalist (1-2-1)  high school national champion  wrestled at Nebraska  head coach at Ensworth.

11-20

11. NICK MARABLE  Christian Brothers  2x state champ; 2004-05  4x medalist (3-2-1-1)  Cadet national champion at Fargo  at Missouri, 2x All-American  placed 3rd (2008) and 7th (2009)  2x Big 12 champ  currently ranked No. 6 at 165.

12. KEVIN WARD  Soddy Daisy/Red Bank  3x state champ; 1999-00-01 … 4x finalist (2-1-1-1)  4th at high school nationals  Big 8 champ at 157 on 2005 undefeated NCAA champions at Oklahoma State  Big 8 runner-up in 2004  4-2 at NCAAs.

13. JOHNNY LENNON  Cleveland  2x state champ; 1980-81  81 OW  102-2 in high school .. 78 in a row to close out career  Southeastern Junior National Freestyle Champion, summer of 1980  beat two state champs on the way to the title  wrestled at Tenn.

14. HEATH ESLINGER  Bradley Central  2x state champ; 1994-95  95 OW  at UTC, Southern Conference OW  3x SoCon champ  3x NCAA Qualifier  120-18  UTC head coach.

15. J.T. HAGEN  McCallie  3x state champ; 1998-99-00  OW at Bethlehem (Pa.) tournament  as a senior, beat defending state champs Eric Collins, Claytor Thompson and Charlie Ritchie  wrestled at Cornell.

16. RANDY FAIRES  Red Bank  2x state champ; 1965-66  at Chattanooga, 3x Southern champion  was 100-1 in high school and college  also wrestled at Oklahoma State.

17. PAUL TESSMANN  McCallie  Tennessees first 2x state champ; 1961-62  3rd at prep nationals in 62  62 Mid South and City Prep champ  At Sewanee, 4x Southern champ  at the time was the second wrestler to win 4x  never taken down in college  only losses were at small college nationals.

18. RUSTY BLACKMON  Bradley Central  2x state champ, 2000-01  01 OW 4x medalist (4-2-1-1)  4th at high school nationals  wrestled at Oklahoma State.

19. CODY CLEVELAND  Tullahoma/McCallie  2x state champ; 2004-05  4x state medalist  at UTC, 2008 NCAA All-American  2x SoCon champ.

20. KYLE JAMES  Soddy Daisy  3x state champ; 2002-03-04  beat two-time defending champ Shawn Cordell (Red Bank/Bradley Central) in 2003 finals  3rd at junior nationals as a Freestyle All-American at Fargo, N.D.

21-30

21. MARC LYLE  Baylor  3x state champ; 1978-79-80  2x OW; 79-80  85-3.

22. HOWARD LANGFORD  Cleveland  86 state champ and OW  At UTC, 1992 NCAA D-I All-American  2x SoCon champ, 1989, 92

23. JOHNNY BRADFORD  Chattanooga Central  2x state champ; 1976-77  high school All-American  at UT, 82 SEC champ  1x NCAA qualifier.

24. KENNY WHITWORTH  East Ridge  3x state champ; 1965-67  OW in 65 and 66 at 98 lbs.  states first 2x OW  51-2.

25. MARTIN FRANCIS  Notre Dame  first 4x state champ; 1969-72  beat defending national prep champ Brian Card in 72 finals  beat defending state champ Danny Brown in 70 finals.

26. RAYMOND DUNNING  Father Ryan  3x state champ  4x finalist (2-1-1-1)  4x McCallie champ  NCAA D-II All-American at Adams State.

27. PAT MURPHY  Hixson  2x state champ  3x finalist  high school All-American … 64-3-4  at UTC, 4x SoCon champ . 4x NCAA qualifier  2x SEIWA champ.

28. KEVIN JOHNSON  Chattanooga Central  3x state champ; 1990-91-92

29. BUBBA MILLER  Brentwood Academy  2x state champ; 1990-91

30. JAKE YOST  Soddy Daisy  2x state champ; 2001-02  OW in 02  4x medalist (5-5-1-1)  4th at high school nationals  Greco-Roman All-American at Fargo  At UTC, SoCon champ  NCAA qualifier

31-40

31. CARLOS THOMPSON  Cleveland  2x state champ, 1993, 95  3x finalist (1-2-1)

32. PEZ WHATLEY  Notre Dame  2x state champ; 1967, 69  3x finalist (1-2-1)  first heavyweight to win OW  wrestled at UTC and in the pros.

33. RICKY JOHNSON  Chattanooga Central  2x state champ; 1989, 91  91 OW

34. JAKE YOUNG  Ooltewah  2x state champ; 2007, 09  3x medalist (3-1-1) wrestles for UTC

35. DARREN McKNIGHT  Red Bank  3x state champ;1999-00-01  wrestled at Michigan State  co-captain  Big 10 medalist  3x NCAA Qualifier.

36. PATRICK SIMPSON  MBA  3x state champ; 2000-02  2x OW … four-time state finalist (2-1-1-1)  3x winner at McCallie and Father Ryan tourney  At West Point, was 2x EIWA medalist  2x NCAA qualifier.

37. CHRIS MEADOWS  Red Bank  3x state champ; 1965-66-67

38. MOE TRAIL  Baylor  in 62, he won state, Mid South, city prep and national prep  also won Mid South and city prep in 61  At Purdue, was 2nd in Big 10 as a junior.

39. JACK BAKER  Red Bank  states first 3x state champ; 1963-64-65  2x Southern champ at Sewanee  NCAA PostGraduate Scholar

40. GEORGE LEWIS  McCallie  3x state champ; 1991-93  92 OW  wrestled at West Virginia

41-50

41. WHIT DUNNING  Father Ryan  3x state champ; 2003-04-05  4x medalist (6-1-1-1)  wrestled for West Point

42. MATT McCARTY  Clarksville  2x state champ; 1999-00  00 OW  4x state medalist (6-4-1-1)  th at high school nationals  wrestled at Michigan State.

43. WAYLON LOWE  Jefferson County … 1x state champ; 98  97 runner-up  3x medalist (4-1-2)  NAIA national champion … 2x NCAA D-II national champion

44. JEFF HOWARD  Cleveland  1976 state champ and OW … 3x finalist  (2-1-2)

45. CHARLEY MOORE  Baylor  in 62, undefeated in winning state, Mid South, city prep and national prep  also won Mid South and city prep in 61 and second at national preps

46. SHAZZON BRADLEY  McMinn County  2x state champ; 1987-88

47. DAVID KENT  McCallie  2x state champ; 1975-76  4x finalist (2-2-1-1)  79-8 career … five losses were to Randy Batten  high school All-American

48. RONNIE STEVENSON  MacGavock  2x state champ; 1988-89  89 OW

49. JOHN FARR  Red Bank  3x state champ; 1963-65  2x city prep champ  two losses in three years  at Chattanooga, 2x Southern Champion

50. QUINN GIBSON  Bradley Central  3x state champ; 2002-03-04  2x OW; 2003-04

Another 35 To Consider:
** KENNY HILL  LFO/East Ridge 4x state champ  3x in Ga. (Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe)  1x champ in Tenn. (East Ridge, 1981)  wrestled at Kentucky … head coach at Heritage HS in Ringgold
** Hill won one title in Tenn., but a combined 4xer in two states

SEAN SMITH  Tyner  92 state champ

RYAN SCOTT  McCallie  4x state champ 5x medalist (3-1-1-1-1)  8th at high school nationals  176 wins  wrestled at Appalachian State.

CHRIS MULLIN … Notre Dame  2x state champ and 2x OW; 1984-85  114-7-1  64wins in a row.

CHRIS VANDERGRIFF  Knox. Halls  2x state champ; 1976-77  first state champ from Knoxville  at UT, 3rd in SEC.

CASEY BREWSTER  Overton  2x state champ  3x finalist  4x medalist (5-1-1-2)  199 wins  NAIA All-American at Edinboro  head coach at Sacred Heart

STEVE AGNEW  Brainerd  3x state champ; 1968-70  70 OW  beat 2x defending state champ Joe Roberts in 70 finals.

RANDY THOMPSON  Tenn. School For the Blind  63 state champ and OW  current assistant coach at TSB

DAVID GRAHAM  Bradley Central  3x state champ; 2007-08-09

JAMES JABALEY  Notre Dame  3x state
champ, all at 105 lbs.; 1976-78

SHANNON SAYNE  Knox Halls  2x state champ; 1996, 98  3x finalist (1-2-1)

DANNY COLEMAN  Cleveland  2x champ; 2003, 05  4x finalist (2-1-2-1)

SHANE FORD  Germantown  1x champ; 1997  6th in 96

MICHAEL MURRAY  Whites Creek  87 state champ and OW

BRANDON WRIGHT  Houston  2x state champ; 2006-07  3x medalist (3-1-1)  4th at senior nationals  wrestles for UTC

JUSTIN SPAIN  Bradley Central  1x state champ; 2007  3x medalist (2-2-1)  wrestles for Princeton

DEE PARKER … Red Bank  96 state champ  2x state medalist

LANCE SCHAEFFER  Chattanooga City  61 state champ and city prep champ  60 city prep champ  wrestled at Virginia.

PATRICK MARCHETTI  Father Ryan  2x state champ  4x medalist (3-3-1-1)  wrestles for West Point

DANIEL WADDELL  Baylor  2x state champ; 2006-07  4x finalist (2-2-1-1)  8th at senior nationals  wrestles at UTC

KELLY FELIX  Franklin  3x state champ; 2005-07  2x OW 4x finalist (2-1-1-1)  wrestles at UTC

DANNY COLEMAN  Cleveland  2x state champ; 2003, 05  05 OW  4x finalist (2-1-2-1)

ZAC DAILEY  Mt. Juliet  2x state champ  98 OW  3x finalist (2-1-1)  beat defending state champ Eric Collins in 98 finals.

JIM ELDRIDGE  Chattanooga City  61 state and city prep champ  60 city prep champ  wrestled at Univ. of Chattanooga

DAVID LEVITT  McCallie  2x state champ; 1992, 94  3x finalist (1-2-1)  NCAA qualifier at Boise State

DANIEL CROSBY  Greeneville  2x state champ; 2002-03  3x medalist (3-1-1)  3x McCallie champ  193 wins

SHAWN CORDELL  Red Bank/Bradley Central  3x state champ  4x finalist (1-1-2-1)

COREY MANSON  Baylor  2x state champ; 2005-06  4x finalist (2-2-1-1)  wrestles at Cornell

ERIC COLLINS  Red Bank  2x state champ; 1997, 99  4x finalist; (2-1-2-1)

MATT SWEETON  Tullahoma  3x state champ; 1998-00-01 4x medalist (1-4-1-1)

RALPH BREWER  Tenn. School for the Blind  62 state champ  3rd in 61  wrestled at Auburn as a freshman  coached at TSB …  has received the Courage Award for Tennessee from the national wrestling hall of fame.

TIM VOILES  Lookout Valley  2x state champ; 1995-96  5x qualifier  202 wins  wrestled at Carson-Newman

JOE ROBERTS  Donelson  2x state champ; 1968-69  68 OW  70 runner-up  5x state qualifier.

MICHAEL SPENCER  Kirby  93 state champ and OW  127-11-1 .. SoCon freshman of the year at UTC.

JEFF LOYD … Clarksville NW  1x champ; 1990  89 finalist  4th at senior nationals in 1991 .. 6th at NAIA nationals  has received the Courage Award for Tennessee from the national wrestling hall of fame.

JIMMY HILLER  Father Ryan  2x champ, 2003-04  3x finalist  4x medalist (5-2-1-1)

Honorable Mention:
Brentwood (Sean Kim; 1999 state champ  2x finalist)

Baylor (Bailey Whitaker, 4x state champ; 2005-08  wrestles for U.S Naval Academy)

Brainerd (Gordon Connell, state
champ, 1966  Masters World Champion, 60+  member of the Tenn. Chapter of the national wrestling hall of fame)

Brighton (Bucky Johnson, 2x state champ; 2006-07  SoCon champ at UTC)

Cleveland (Bill Emendorfer, 68 state champ  3x finalist (2-1-2)  2nd in SEC at UT; Nathan Jones, 2x state champ; 2001, 03  3x finalist (1-2-1)  D-II All-American at Carson-
Newman)

East Ridge (Lynn Goss, 2x state champ; 1966-67  3x finalist (2-1-1)  wrestled at UTC; Charlie Goss, 64 state champ  member of the Tenn. Chapter, national wrestling hall of fame; Roger Kendrick, 2x champ, 1983-84 ; Charlie Ritchie, 2x state champ; 1998-99)

Father Ryan ( David Thoni, 83 state champ and OW  3x finalist and 4x medalist)

Franklin (Rycine Ellison, 1989 state champ)

Glencliff (Mike Green, 2x state champ ; 1970-71)

Hixson (Mike Blosser, 82 state champ and OW  26-0-1 in 82 and pinned nine of 10 opponents in district, region and state; Tom Popp, 76 state champ and OW)

Hunters Lane (Mike Newman, 1988 state champ)

Knox Catholic ( Junior Hernandez, 95 state champ)

McCallie (Spencer Manley, 2x champ; 2003, 04  4x medalist (3-1-1-2)  wrestled for U.S. Naval Prep Academy and U.S. Naval Academy)

Morristown West (Allen Koors, 2x state champ; 1979-80)

North Stratford (Tony Kennedy, 77 state champ and OW)

Overton (Eric Jordan, 2x state champ; 1996-97  Derrick Jordan, 97 state champ  96 runner-up)

Red Bank (George Farr, 61 state and city prep champ  2x Sourthern champ at Univ. of Chattanooga; Jim Beatty, 2x state champ; 1963, 65; Kevin Jones, 96 state champ )

Tenn. School for the Blind (Mitchell Cole, 61 state champ & OW; Mickey Bailey  2x champ; 63-64  64 OW; Jody Chamberlain, 2x state champ; 1963-65  youngest state champ as a 6th grader in 63; Chester Lewis, 62 state champ)
——————————-
Mid South Conference  The prep school conference held wrestling tournaments from 1949-1970, usually the third weekend in February  A strong conference in wrestling and other sports, Baylor won 14 of the 22 wrestling titles, followed by McCallie (7) and Castle Heights (1).

The Mid South schools were allowed to compete in the state tournament in 1961 and 1962 and again after the conference closed its doors in the spring of 1970.

The main schools competing in a variety of sports were Baylor, Castle Heights Military Academy, Columbia Military Academy, Darlington,
McCallie, Sewanee Military Academy, St. Andrews, Tennessee Military Academy.

Notre Dame also competed in wrestling the first couple of years.

Baylor produced 11 national prep champions; Charley Moore (1962), Moe Trail (1962), Chip Healy (1964, 65), Lane Headrick (1965), Alex Roberts (1967), John Hannah (1967), Rob Healy (1968, 69), Randy Weinberg (1969) and Albert Wilson (1970).

McCallie’s seven national champions were Pat Smartt (1959), Lou Hudson (1966), Jim Glasser (1966, 1967), Luther Killian (1968), Steve Gross (1969), Brian Card (1971).

Several of the national champions had success in college wrestling, plus college football and the NFL (Chip Healy, John Hannah).

McCallies Hudson won a Big 10 title in 1969 and was second at the Midlands … The most decorated prep wrestler in Tennessee history is Bill Harlow of St. Andrews (1958-1962) who won an 1966 NCAA D-I title and a World silver medal … Baylor’s Alex Roberts won the SEC as a freshman … Albert Wilson was a Morehead Scholar at UNC.

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

 

Long-time Illinois assistant coach Jim Heffernan was promoted to take over for Mark Johnson as head wrestling coach.
 April 28, 2009

 
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - University of Illinois Director of Athletics Ron Guenther announced the promotion of long-time assistant coach Jim Heffernan to the position of head wrestling coach. Heffernan has been the top assistant under recently retired head coach Mark Johnson for the past 17 years at Illinois and two previous seasons at Oregon State.
"I am pleased to announce Jim Heffernan as our head wrestling coach," Guenther said. "Jim has been an assistant in our program for the past 17 years and was an integral part of the program's success. He has displayed exceptional loyalty and has a great understanding of the University of Illinois. Jim had an exceptional career as a collegiate wrestler and is well respected in the wrestling community. I look forward to working with him to advance our program to the next level."
Heffernan, 45, takes over for Johnson, who was the Illinois wrestling head coach for the past 17 years. Heffernan was an assistant coach on the Illini staff throughout that entire tenure as well as the two seasons they spent at Oregon State prior to coming to Champaign. Heffernan has helped guide Illinois to 10 Top-10 finishes at the NCAA Championships and has helped produce seven national champions, 45 All-Americans and 120 NCAA qualifiers.
"I would like to thank Ron Guenther for giving me the opportunity to carry on the tradition Mark Johnson and I had started 17 years ago," Heffernan said. "I feel extremely fortunate to remain at Illinois as the next head wrestling coach, as this is where I want to finish my career. Champaign-Urbana and the University of Illinois have been a great place to live, work and raise my family and we are pleased to be able to continue to call it home as we move forward. I would also like to thank Vince Ille, Tom Porter, Terry Cole, Dana Brenner and Susan Young for their role in the decision making process. They were all extremely helpful and I am grateful to them for their support."
Heffernan helped lead the Illini to a Big Ten championship in 2005, three consecutive Midlands titles from 2004-06 and 17 consecutive winning seasons in dual meets. He has twice been named the National Wrestling Coaches Association Assistant Coach of the Year, earning the honor in 1995 and 2001, and he also was named the AFLAC Assistant Coach of the Year in 2003.
"I'm extremely happy that Jim Heffernan will be the new coach of the Fighting Illini," former head coach Mark Johnson said. "He has paid his dues as a part of a very successful program at the University of Illinois for the past 17 years and he deserves this opportunity. I wish him the best and will be his biggest fan."
A 1987 graduate of the University of Iowa, Heffernan was a four-time All-American and the 150-pound NCAA champion in 1986. He earned Iowa's Male Athlete of the Year honor in 1987 and was a four-time Big Ten champion. He also led the Hawkeyes to three NCAA championships and four Big Ten titles during his time in Iowa City. 

 

 
 

>"As I transition into my new role, there will be big shoes to fill," Heffernan said. "Mark Johnson has raised the expectations and standards of the program to an extremely high level. Those expectations and goals are something I will continue to embrace as we continue on to the next chapter in Ilini wrestling. Further, I would like to commend our student-athletes for the way they handled themselves through this difficult situation. There was a lot of uncertainty throughout the last month but they remained positive, motivated and continued to work hard through the resolution of the decision."
Heffernan began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Iowa before becoming an assistant coach at Lehigh in 1988. After a two-year stint in Bethlehem, Pa., Heffernan joined Johnson's staff at Oregon State as an assistant coach in 1990.
He also coached the Cadet Wrestling Team at the world championships in Istanbul, Turkey, in 1992, and led the USA World Espoir Team in 1989. Heffernan graduated from national wrestling powerhouse St. Edward High School in Cleveland, Ohio, where he won a pair of state titles. Heffernan and his wife, Rebecca, live in Champaign with their son, Sean, and daughter, Alex.
TransactionsUniversity of Illinois names Jim Heffernan head wrestling coach
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT HEFFERNAN
 
Dan Gable // Former University of Iowa head coach, Olympic gold medalist and three-time NCAA champion"Jim and I go back a long time. He was able to step right in as a freshman at Iowa and start on a national championship team, which was pretty impressive. I just knew that he would go on and do a good job coaching. I'm really glad to see that he's able to carry on in the Illinois program. I think the big thing is that now his work is really going to begin. It's going to be his program and whatever he did in the past to make it good, he's going to be the guy who will decide how good it can be. His commitment has always been there and I don't question it, but I know he'll have to go to another level. He'll have to get a lot of people around him to help him and I don't think he'll take a backseat to anyone. I think he'll take that challenge. He knows what to do and has the right attitude to do it."
J Robinson // University of Minnesota head wrestling coach"I am extremely happy that Jim Heffernan has been given the opportunity to lead the Illinois wrestling program. He has a great background as a wrestler in high school and at Iowa. He's been an assistant for 20 years and I think it's great that people who are loyal to the university are given a chance. I think Jim will continue to build upon some of the great things that have been done during the last 17 years when he was with Mark Johnsonand I'm looking forward to welcoming him as one of the Big Ten's coaches."
Steve Marianetti // 1995 NCAA Champion and head coach at Elmhurst College"I'm first relieved and then excited for Jim. After 17 years of being an assistant, Jim deserves a chance to lead the Illini. First off, Jim has always made a huge impression on the alumni. The alumni love him and he's been a huge part of their life. He's had a quiet but powerful influence behind the scenes. Now he has a chance for our state and the country to see his ability to lead. Mark has always been such a good front-man and leader that Jim hasn't had to step into that role as much, but we all know that he has it in him. Being part of the program, we see that every day. We have seen him lead in the room, but not many people have been privy to that view."
Adam Tirapelle // 2001 NCAA Champion and assistant coach at Clovis (Calif.) High School"Illinois not only has a great wrestling program but also a great tradition of having a strong, ethical, well-respected program where its student-athletes graduate and go on to become productive members of society. Not only does Jim understand that, but he's also been a big part of creating that and I'm sure he'll continue to uphold that same high standard. He's also one of the best technical coaches in the country and I'm sure he'll surround himself with the people who will fill the roles necessary to make a great coaching staff."
Alex Tirapelle // Two-time NCAA All-American and assistant coach at UC Davis"Jim brings a real level of professionalism and compassion to the program. It's a one-of-a-kind program because they really care about the kids and they treat them as their own. Jim's a father-figure type of coach. He'll look after the wrestlers and they'll become part of the program's family for the rest of their life. He'll look out for what's best for you and give you sound advice."
Mike Polz // Carl Sandburg High School head wrestling coach and father of Illinois wrestlers Clinton and Conrad Polz"I'm really happy and excited that Illinois has chosen to hire Jim. He brings a ton of experience since he's been along for the whole ride with Mark Johnson at Illinois and before that at Oregon State. His credentials say a lot. He's very familiar with the Big Ten over a long period of time and he's a good person. He's a great technician and it'll bring a lot to the program and keep it moving in the direction it was going."
 
THE HEFFERNAN FILE
 
College Coaching Experience• Illinois, assistant coach (1992-present)• Oregon State, assistant coach (1990-92)• Lehigh, assistant coach (1988-89)• Iowa, graduate assistant (1987)
 
Honors• AFLAC Assistant Coach of the Year Award (2003)• NWCA Assistant Coach of the Year (1995 & 2001)• Iowa's Male Athlete of the Year (1987)• NCAA 150-pound Champion (1986)• Four-time All-American, University of Iowa (1984-87)
 
International Coaching Experience• Cadet Wrestling Team, Istanbul, Turkey (1992)• USA World Espoir Team (1989)

Here is the list of all 2008 2009 NCAA Qualifiers. To make the text bigger, use the full screen option to the right or tools tab to increase the size. To see the At Large Bids, Click here
 Complete NCAA Qualifiers

1

2
125
Byrne
Brendan
Maryland
RSJR
Cape May
21-8
1
ACC

3
125
Garnett
Jarrod
Virginia Tech
FR
Newark, DE
39-7
2
ACC

4
125
Clark
Tyler
Iowa State
SO
Davenport,
IA
24-6
2
Big 12

5
125
Fio
Joey
Oklahoma
SO
Sandpoint,
ID
21-3
1
Big 12

6
125
Blanc
Obenson
Oklahoma State
RSSR
Naples, FL
27-8
3
Big 12

7
125
Futrell
Bernard
Illinois
FR
Oak Forest,
IL
23-12
6
Big Ten

8
125
Escobedo
Angel
Indiana
RSJR
Griffith,
IN
22-3
1
Big Ten

9
125
Falck
Charlie
Iowa
RSSR
Arlington,
IA
22-4
3
Big Ten

10
125
Watts
Mike
Michigan
SR
Riverton,
UT
14-11
 
Big Ten

11
125
Olanowski
Eric
Michigan State
RSFR
Virginia Beach,
VA
20-17
7
Big Ten

12
125
Sanders
Zachary
Minnesota
RSFR
Wabasha,MN
35-7
5
Big Ten

13
125
Precin
Brandon
Northwestern
JR
Orland Park,
IL
27-3
2
Big Ten

14
125
Triggas
Nikko
Ohio State
SO
Moraga, CA
20-15
 
Big Ten

15
125
Pataky
Brad
Penn State
RSSO
Clearfield,
PA
28-9
4
Big Ten

16
125
Bonanno
Steve
Hofstra
FR
Wantagh, NY
28-13
2
CAA

17
125
Nicholson
James
Old Dominion
RSSO
Des Moines,
IA
35-2
1
CAA

18
125
Chamberlain
William
Duquesne
JR
Shippensburg,
PA
26-9
1
East Regional

19
125
Reber
Derek
Bucknell
FR
Lewisburg,
PA
31-10
3
EIWA

20
125
Nickerson
Troy
Cornell
RSJR
Chenango Forks,
NY
20-0
1
EIWA

21
125
Garner
Prescott
Navy
FR
Wes Linn,
OR
28-14
5
EIWA

22
125
Peterkin
Rollie
Penn
SO
Wellsley,
MA
21-5
2
EIWA

23
125
Moser
Ian
Bloomsburg
RSSO
Dover, DE
22-12
3
EWL

24
125
Ivanco
Jay
Clarion
RSSO
Monroville,
PA
19-12
2
EWL

25
125
Donahoe
Paul
Edinboro
RSSR
Davison, MI
31-0
1
EWL

26
125
Sentes
Scotti
Central Michigan
FR
North Fort
Myers, FL
25-6
1
MAC

27
125
Bedelyon
Nicholas
Kent State
SO
Lewistown,
PA
25-8
2
MAC

28
125
Robles
Anthony
Arizona State
RSSO
Mesa, AZ
25-6
1
Pac-10

29
125
Owen
Brian
Boise State
FR
Spokane,WA
12-7
4
Pac-10

30
125
Zoetewey
Brandon
Cal State
Bakersfield
SR
San Ramon,
CA
24-6
2
Pac-10

31
125
Orozco
Marcos
UC Davis
SR
Vacaville,
CA
21-8
3
Pac-10

32
125
Johnson
Demetrius
Chattanooga
RSFR
Brighton,
TN
10-6
1
SoCon

33
125
Mustari
Anthony
Northern Colorado
RSJR
Greeley, CO
26-8
2
WWC

34
125
Martinez
Michael
Wyoming
RSFR
Pagosa Springs,
CO
37-9
1
WWC

35
133
Bell
Steve
Maryland
RSJR
Connellsville,
PA
24-4
1
ACC

36
133
Rappo
Michael
North Carolina
RSSO
Holland, PA
24-8
2
ACC

37
133
Little
Darius
North Carolina
State
FR
High Point,
NC
18-15
3
ACC

38
133
Bonson
Matt
Virginia
RSFR
Lewistown,PA
17-7
4
ACC

39
133
Fanthorpe
Nicholas
Iowa State
JR
Naperville,
IL
20-4
1
Big 12

40
133
Schavrien
Todd
Missouri
SO
Poway, Calif.
14-11
3
Big 12

41
133
Notte
Christopher
Oklahoma State
JR
Wantagh, NY
27-7
2
Big 12

42
133
Kennedy
James
Illinois
JR
Ingleside,
IL
28-4
3
Big Ten

43
133
Dennis
Daniel
Iowa
RSJR
Ingleside,
IL
27-4
5
Big Ten

44
133
Gomez
Franklin
Michigan State
RSJR
Brandon, FL
22-2
1
Big Ten

45
133
Ness
Jayson
Minnesota
RSJR
Bloomington,
MN
33-7
4
Big Ten

46
133
Humphrey
Reece
Ohio State
RSJR
Indiapolis,
IN
26-3
2
Big Ten

47
133
Strayer
Jake
Penn State
RSSR
South Fork,
PA
16-8
6
Big Ten

48
133
Ruggirello
Lou
Hofstra
JR
Walden, NY
28-3
1
CAA

49
133
Hutter
Kyle
Old Dominion
JR
New Lenox,
IL
22-12
2
CAA

50
133
Smith
Christian
Liberty
Grad
Chesapeake,
VA
23-12
1
East Regional

51
133
Marble
David
Bucknell
JR
Harpersville,
NY
27-10
4
EIWA

52
133
Grey
Mike
Cornell
SO
Rockaway,
NY
22-8
2
EIWA

53
133
Fisk
Matthew
Lehigh
RSJR
Wyalusing
PA
26-7
3
EIWA

54
133
Baker
Joe
Navy
SR
Poway, CA
14-0
1
EIWA

55
133
Deubel
Rick
Edinboro
RSSR
Chagrin Falls,
OH
27-11
2
EWL

56
133
Conroy
Jimmy
Pittsburgh
JR
South Plainfield,
NJ
21-11
1
EWL

57
133
Beebe
Conor
Central Michigan
RSJR
Western Springs,
IL
22-12
2
MAC

58
133
Mitcheff
Dan
Kent State
RSJR
Lorain, OH
23-8
1
MAC

59
133
DeShazer
Tristen
Northern Illinois
RSSO
Wichita, KS
21-11
3
MAC

60
133
Hochstrasser
Andrew
Boise State
RSSO
Tooele, UT
30-2
1
Pac-10

61
133
Novachkov
Filip
Cal Poly
RSSO
Sunnyvale,CA
22-7
3
Pac-10

62
133
Kimbrell
Thomas
Cal State
Bakersfield
RSSR
Daswonville,
GA
25-12
5
Pac-10

63
133
Dillashaw
Tyler
Cal State
Fullerton
RSSR
Angels Camp,
CA
27-7
6
Pac-10

64
133
Kubec
Kelly
Oregon State
RSFR
Everett, WA
21-7
2
Pac-10

65
133
Low
Brandon
UC Davis
RSSO
Honolulu,
HI
14-8
4
Pac-10

66
133
Celorrio
Frank
Appalachian
State
JR
Hialeah, FL
26-13
1
SoCon

67
133
VomBaur
Cory
Wyoming
RSJR
Vacouver,
WA
27-12
1
WWC

68
141
Krom
Alex
Maryland
RSJR
Easton, PA
21-4
1
ACC

69
141
Ramirez
Vincent
North Carolina
RSSR
Durham, NC
31-8
3
ACC

70
141
Caramanica
Joe
North Carolina
State
JR
Nazareth,
PA
11-8
5
ACC

71
141
Nelson
Nick
Virginia
SO
Pittsburgh,PA
23-10
4
ACC

72
141
Diaz
Christopher
Virginia Tech
SO
Camden, DE
35-10
2
ACC

73
141
Gallick
Nick
Iowa State
JR
Tucson, AZ
28-4
2
Big 12

74
141
Hoehn
Marcus
Missouri
SR
Farminton,
MO
29-8
1
Big 12

75
141
Parks
Jamal
Oklahoma State
RSFR
Tulsa, OK
27-8
3
Big 12

76
141
Prater
Ryan
Illinois
SO
Plainfield,
IL
11-15
7
Big Ten

77
141
Tsirtsis
Alex
Iowa
SR
Griffith,
IN
25-5
4
Big Ten

78
141
Russell
Kellen
Michigan
SO
High Bridge,
NJ
26-2
1
Big Ten

79
141
Thorn
Michael
Minnesota
RSSO
Saint Michael,MN
29-15
5
Big Ten

80
141
Sulzer
Keith
Northwestern
JR
Cleveland,
OH
19-12
6
Big Ten

81
141
Jaggers
J
Ohio State
RSSR
Northfield,
OH
23-7
3
Big Ten

82
141
Molinaro
Frank
Penn State
RSFR
Barnegat,
NJ
19-16
8
Big Ten

83
141
Tanelli
Zach
Wisconsin
RSSR
Milburne,
NJ
25-4
2
Big Ten

84
141
Accordino
Justin
Hofstra
RSFR
Wilkes-Barre,
PA
23-11
2
CAA

85
141
Williams
Ryan
Old Dominion
SR
Mechanicsburg,
PA
35-3
1
CAA

86
141
Harner
Tim
Liberty
SR
Norristown,
PA
25-8
1
East Regional

87
141
Simpson
William
Army
SR
Nashville,
TN
18-6
4
EIWA

88
141
Jantzen
Corey
Harvard
SO
Shoreham,
NY
13-2
2
EIWA

89
141
Ciasulli
Seth
Lehigh
RSJR
Easton, PA
24-8
1
EIWA

90
141
Rappo
Richard
Penn
JR
Holland,PA
18-7
3
EIWA

91
141
Nauman
Tyler
Pittsburgh
RSFR
Middletown,
PA
28-7
1
EWL

92
141
D'Alie
Anthony
Central Michigan
RSJR
Waterford,WI
14-9
2
MAC

93
141
Lashaway
Drew
Kent State
RSSR
Bowling Green,
OH
29-5
1
MAC

94
141
Drouin
Chris
Arizona State
RSSO
Temecula,
CA
26-6
2
Pac-10

95
141
Fish
Cory
Boise State
JR
Spokane, WA
18-9
4
Pac-10

96
141
Nacita
Elijah
Cal State
Bakersfield
RSSO
Bakersfield,
CA
33-11
1
Pac-10

97
141
Duenas
Adin
Cal State
Fullerton
RSSO
Gilroy,Ca
20-7
3
Pac-10

98
141
Cleveland
Cody
Chattanooga
RSJR
Tullahoma,
Tn
17-6
1
SoCon

99
141
Bencivenga
Christopher
North Carolina-Greensboro
RSSR
Davie, FL
29-10
2
SoCon

100
141
Washington
Trenton
Northern Iowa
RSFR
Omaha, NE
14-7
1
WWC

101
149
Stabile
Nicholas
North Carolina
RSSO
Lenhartsville,
PA
27-9
2
ACC

102
149
Caldwell
Darrion
North Carolina
State
SO
Rahway, N.J.
33-0
1
ACC

103
149
Balum
Kellon
Virginia
JR
Herndon, PA
10-11
3
ACC

104
149
Yates
Peter
Virginia Tech
FR
Conyers, GA
36-8
 
ACC

105
149
Mueller
Mitch
Iowa State
JR
Iowa City,
IA
20-7
2
Big 12

106
149
Sanders
Robert
Nebraska
RSSR
Blanding,
UT
26-15
3
Big 12

107
149
Terry
Kyle
Oklahoma
RSJR
Midwest City,
Okla.
28-1
1
Big 12

108
149
Metcalf
Brent
Iowa
RSJR
Davison, MI
33-0
1
Big Ten

109
149
Palmer
Lance
Ohio State
JR
Columbia Station,
OH
27-3
3
Big Ten

110
149
Jenkins
Bubba
Penn State
JR
Virginia Beach,
VA
24-1
2
Big Ten

111
149
Patacsil
Jake
Purdue
RSSR
Sunrise, FL
33-8
4
Big Ten

112
149
Ruschell
Kyle
Wisconsin
RSJR
Critenden,
KY
26-7
5
Big Ten

113
149
Roberts
Michael
Boston U.
RSSR
Albany, NY
31-10
2
CAA

114
149
Gillespie
Paul
Hofstra
RSFR
Long Beach,
NY
19-13
1
CAA

115
149
Cathell
Matt
Delaware State
RSSO
 
16-0
1
East Regional

116
149
Borshoff
Kyle
American
SO
Pittsford,
NY
26-4
3
EIWA

117
149
Kyler
Matthew
Army
JR
Clearfield,
PA
39-5
2
EIWA

118
149
LeValley
Kevin
Bucknell
SO
Hugo, CO
28-13
6
EIWA

119
149
Meagher
Daniel
Cornell
SO
Bow, NH
14-10
 
EIWA

120
149
Chinn
Trevor
Lehigh
RSSR
Canadaigua,
NY
27-7
4
EIWA

121
149
Saddoris
Bryce
Navy
SO
Spring Creek,
NV
40-5
1
EIWA

122
149
Grajales
Cesar
Penn
SO
Brandon, FL
25-8
5
EIWA

123
149
Hickman
George
Bloomsburg
RSSR
Wilmington,
NC
23-12
2
EWL

124
149
Gillespie
Torsten
Edinboro
FR
Webster, NY
26-17
6
EWL

125
149
Fittery
Matthew
Lock Haven
RSSR
Denver, PA
29-7
1
EWL

126
149
Jauregui
David
West Virginia
RSSR
Santa Ana,
CA
14-5
3
EWL

127
149
Green
Desmond
Buffalo
FR
Henrietta,
NY
38-7
2
MAC

128
149
Brown
Steven
Central Michigan
RSJR
Hermon, NY
21-6
1
MAC

129
149
Chamberlain
Jason
Boise State
FR
Springville,UT
26-7
1
Pac-10

130
149
Barnes
Heinrich
Oregon State
SR
Pretoria,
South Africa
35-5
2
Pac-10

131
149
Waddell
Daniel
Chattanooga
RSFR
Chattanooga,TN
12-9
1
SoCon

132
149
Polkowske
Mitchell
Northern Colorado
FR
LaJara, CO
28-6
1
WWC

133
149
Kittleson
Trevor
Northern Iowa
RSSO
St. Ansgar,
IA
27-9
2
WWC

134
157
Scotton
Thomas
North Carolina
RSSO
Willingboro,
NJ
20-13
 
ACC

135
157
Hamrah
Kody
North Carolina
State
SR
Middlesex,
N.J.
31-8
1
ACC

136
157
Moore
Jedd
Virginia
FR
Marion,OH
28-13
3
ACC

137
157
Dong
Jesse
Virginia Tech
FR
Westerville,
OH
32-9
2
ACC

138
157
Sanderson
Cyler
Iowa State
JR
Heber City,
UT
18-7
4
Big 12

139
157
Chandler
Michael
Missouri
SR
High Ridge,
MO
27-6
2
Big 12

140
157
Burroughs
Jordan
Nebraska
JR
Sickerville,
NJ
30-0
1
Big 12

141
157
Terry
Chad
Oklahoma
RSJR
Midwest City,
Okla.
16-7
 
Big 12

142
157
Erisman
Robert
Oklahoma State
RSSO
De Soto, KS
31-9
3
Big 12

143
157
Poeta
Michael
Illinois
RSSR
Highwood,
IL
13-0
1
Big Ten

144
157
Kinser
Kurt
Indiana
RSSO
Bloomington,
IN
18-8
6
Big Ten

145
157
Hynes
Aaron
Michigan
RSSO
Flint, MI
20-13
5
Big Ten

146
157
Jones
Anthony
Michigan State
SO
Highland Park,
MI
23-13
7
Big Ten

147
157
Safratowich
Tyler
Minnesota
RSSR
Park Rapids,
MN
29-12
3
Big Ten

148
157
Welch
Jason
Northwestern
FR
Walnut Creek,CA.
23-8
2
Big Ten

149
157
Johnstone
Jason
Ohio State
RSSR
Massilon,
OH
20-12
 
Big Ten

150
157
Salazar
Colton
Purdue
RSSO
Midway, UT
14-12
4
Big Ten

151
157
Bonilla-Bowman
Jonny
Hofstra
RSJR
Pomona, NY
22-7
1
CAA

152
157
Kessler
Michael
Rider
RSJR
Randallstown,
MD
25-11
2
CAA

153
157
Smith
Shaun
Liberty
JR
Parkersburg,
WV
12-12
1
East Regional

154
157
Leen
Jordan
Cornell
RSSR
Soddy Daisy
TN
23-2
1
EIWA

155
157
O'Connor
J.P.
Harvard
JR
Oxford, NY
30-3
2
EIWA

156
157
Dragon
Matt
Penn
JR
Dallas,PA
25-7
4
EIWA

157
157
Winston
Scott
Rutgers
FR
Jackson NJ
38-7
3
EIWA

158
157
Moley
Matt
Bloomsburg
JR
Phoenixville,
PA
31-5
1
EWL

159
157
Harrison
Hadley
Clarion
JR
McKean, PA
20-13
4
EWL

160
157
Gillespie
Gregor
Edinboro
JR
Webster, NY
37-1
2
EWL

161
157
Goodman
Ryan
West Virginia
RSFR
Greensburg,
PA
8-9
3
EWL

162
157
Deutsch
Bryan
Northern Illinois
RSSO
Columbia City,
IN
20-10
1
MAC

163
157
Hall
Adam
Boise State
RSSO
Bonners Ferry,
ID
31-4
2
Pac-10

164
157
Pami
Chase
Cal Poly
RSJR
Las Vegas,
NV
22-7
1
Pac-10

165
157
Knox
Joseph
Chattanooga
RSJR
Signal Mtn.
TN
16-10
1
SoCon

166
157
Gaethje
Justin
Northern Colorado
SO
Safford, AZ
22-6
1
WWC

167
165
Mueller
Keegan
North Carolina
RSSR
Dallas, TX
32-7
1
ACC

168
165
Reader
Jonathan
Iowa State
SO
Davison, MI
25-6
3
Big 12

169
165
Marable
Nick
Missouri
JR
Collierville,
TN
23-6
1
Big 12

170
165
Dwyer
Stephen
Nebraska
JR
Rockton, IL
25-5
2
Big 12

171
165
Smith
Ryan
Oklahoma
RSFR
Prineville,
OR
15-11
5
Big 12

172
165
Mason
Brandon
Oklahoma State
RSSR
Shenandoah,
IA
26-9
4
Big 12

173
165
Smith-Bergsrud
Roger
Illinois
RSSR
Lake Bluff,
IL
19-10
6
Big Ten

174
165
Young
Paul
Indiana
RSSO
Bloomington,
IN
29-13
7
Big Ten

175
165
Morningstar
Ryan
Iowa
RSJR
Lisbon, IA
27-5
2
Big Ten

176
165
Zeerip
Justin
Michigan
RSFR
Freemont,
MI
8-18
8
Big Ten

177
165
Kendle
Rex
Michigan State
RSSR
Edwardsburg,
MI
22-13
 
Big Ten

178
165
Sponseller
Colt
Ohio State
SO
Glenmont,
OH
30-6
4
Big Ten

179
165
Vallimont
Dan
Penn State
RSJR
Lake Hopatcong,
NJ
21-10
3
Big Ten

180
165
Manuel
Luke
Purdue
RSSO
Nevada City,
CA
25-13
5
Big Ten

181
165
Howe
Andrew
Wisconsin
FR
Cedar Lake,IN
26-4
1
Big Ten

182
165
Patrovich
Ryan
Hofstra
RSSO
Islip, NY
20-8
3
CAA

183
165
Brown
Chris
Old Dominion
RSJR
Chesapeake,
VA
27-6
1
CAA

184
165
Lapham
Jason
Rider
SR
West Chazy,
NY
26-11
2
CAA

185
165
Brooks
Jeremy
Millersville
JR
Linden, PA
30-8
1
East Regional

186
165
Rendos
Andrew
Bucknell
JR
Brockway,
PA
28-6
2
EIWA

187
165
Lewnes
Mack
Cornell
SO
Annapolis,
MD
35-0
1
EIWA

188
165
Galante
Mike
Lehigh
RSJR
Ocean City,
NJ
27-6
3
EIWA

189
165
Pletcher
Matt
Rutgers
SR
Easthampton,
NJ
33-11
4
EIWA

190
165
Schmelyun
Rick
Bloomsburg
JR
New Oxford,
PA
31-13
5
EWL

191
165
King
Jarrod
Edinboro
RSJR
Connellsville,
PA
27-5
1
EWL

192
165
Headlee
Ethan
Pittsburgh
SO
Waynesburg,
PA
24-14
3
EWL

193
165
Jones
Donald
West Virginia
RSJR
Slickville,
PA
10-3
2
EWL

194
165
Stewart
Trevor
Central Michigan
SR
Canton, MI
23-8
1
MAC

195
165
Sherfey
Tyler
Boise State
RSSR
Kenewick,
WA
25-8
1
Pac-10

196
165
Davis
Keegan
Oregon State
JR
Salem, OR
25-13
3
Pac-10

197
165
Amuchastegui
Nick
Stanford
RSFR
Talent, OR
28-6
2
Pac-10

198
165
Garvin
William
Chattanooga
RSSR
Hoover, AL
22-9
1
SoCon

199
165
Fay
Moza
Northern Iowa
RSSR
Anamosa, IA
25-4
1
WWC

200
174
Henrich
Christopher
Virginia
SO
Lansdale,
PA
36-1
1
ACC

201
174
Trongone
Anthony
Virginia Tech
RSFR
Glendora
26-14
2
ACC

202
174
Burk
Ryan
Iowa State
JR
Peoria, IL
17-7
 
Big 12

203
174
Jordan
Raymond
Missouri
SR
New Bern,
NC
30-4
2
Big 12

204
174
Browne
Brandon
Nebraska
RSSR
Plattsmouth,
NE
26-3
1
Big 12

205
174
James
Jeff
Oklahoma
RSSO
El Reno, Okla.
22-6
4
Big 12

206
174
McSpadden
Newly
Oklahoma State
RSSR
Vinita, OK
19-7
3
Big 12

207
174
Dergo
John
Illinois
JR
Morris, IL
13-8
4
Big Ten

208
174
Perry
Trevor
Indiana
RSJR
Davison, MI
26-15
6
Big Ten

209
174
Borschel
Jay
Iowa
RSJR
Marion, IA
27-3
3
Big Ten

210
174
Luke
Steve
Michigan
SR
Massillon,
OH
27-0
1
Big Ten

211
174
Hinton
Ian
Michigan State
RSFR
Mishawaka,
IN
19-17
8
Big Ten

212
174
Rella
David
Ohio State
JR
Akron, OH
20-13
5
Big Ten

213
174
Wright
Quentin
Penn State
FR
PA Furnace,
PA
29-10
2
Big Ten

214
174
Meys
Hunter
Boston U.
FR
Cliffton pk
NY
29-10
4
CAA

215
174
Tovuujav
Mendbagana
George Mason
FR
Ulaanbaatar
City, Mongolia
24-7
1
CAA

216
174
Lucas
Alton
Hofstra
SR
West Babylon,
NY
24-6
2
CAA

217
174
Decker
Eric
Old Dominion
RSJR
Wells Bridge,
NY
26-17
3
CAA

218
174
Smith
Shane
Millersville
RSFR
Pennsburg,
PA
32-13
1
East Regional

219
174
Cannon
Michael
American
RSSO
Mechanicsville,
MD
30-0
1
EIWA

220
174
Riccio
Shane
Bucknell
JR
Warren, NJ
32-14
3
EIWA

221
174
Anceravage
Steve
Cornell
RSSR
Bloomsburg,
PA
27-4
2
EIWA

222
174
Herbert
Justin
Franklin &
Marshall
SR
New Milford,
PA
23-11
 
EIWA

223
174
Caruso
Alex
Lehigh
RSSO
Green Brook,
NJ
19-9
4
EIWA

224
174
Rebertus
Luke
Navy
FR
Elkton, MD
34-9
5
EIWA

225
174
Giffin
Scott
Penn
RSFR
Berlin, NJ
16-10
6
EIWA

226
174
Brenner
Kurt
West Virginia
RSSR
Rochester,
PA
18-4
1
EWL

227
174
Rock
Nate
Buffalo
JR
Ephrata, PA
26-14
2
MAC

228
174
Miller
Mike
Central Michigan
RSSO
Uniontown,
OH
26-6
1
MAC

229
174
Lee
Nathan
Boise State
RSJR
Payson, AZ
18-3
1
Pac-10

230
174
McCroskey
Jason
Chattanooga
RSFR
Hixson, TN
17-10
1
SoCon

231
174
Sigmon
Byron
North Carolina-Greensboro
RSSO
Claremont,
NC
17-9
3
SoCon

232
174
Onufer
Shane
Wyoming
RSFR
Auburn, WA
42-9
1
WWC

233
184
Barone
John
Duke
RSJR
Shirley, N.Y.
36-6
3
ACC

234
184
Caponi
Rocco
Virginia
RSSR
Uniontown,
OH
15-5
1
ACC

235
184
Spellman
Thomas
Virginia Tech
SO
Newton, NJ
24-9
2
ACC

236
184
Ward
Jerome
Iowa State
RSFR
Evergreen
Park, IL
23-11
2
Big 12

237
184
Henderson
Dorian
Missouri
RSFR
Columbia,
Mo.
20-13
 
Big 12

238
184
Jones
Vince
Nebraska
SR
Sicklerville,
NJ
31-6
1
Big 12

239
184
Flynn
Patrick
Oklahoma
JR
Quakertown,
PA
25-6
3
Big 12

240
184
McNeil
Christopher
Oklahoma State
RSFR
Lawton, OK
24-11
4
Big 12

241
184
Blanton
Jordan
Illinois
FR
Richmond,
IL
26-8
4
Big Ten

242
184
Cameron
Eric
Indiana
JR
Cincinnati,
OH
21-18
6
Big Ten

243
184
Keddy
Philip
Iowa
RSJR
Vernal, UT
29-3
2
Big Ten

244
184
Biondo
Anthony
Michigan
RSSO
Clinton Twp,
MI
18-13
5
Big Ten

245
184
Herbert
Jake
Northwestern
RSSR
Wexford,PA
29-0
1
Big Ten

246
184
Pucillo
Mike
Ohio State
RSJR
Strongsville,
OH
19-1
3
Big Ten

247
184
Kissel
A.J.
Purdue
SO
Sheboygan,
WI
27-8
 
Big Ten

248
184
Patterson
Joshua
Binghamton
JR
Ontario, NY
41-4
1
CAA

249
184
Umbehauer
Doug
Rider
RSSR
Shamong, NJ
19-4
2
CAA

250
184
Daggett
Christopher
Liberty
SR
Parkersburg,
WV
25-13
1
East Regional

251
184
Gevelinger
Matthew
Brown
SR
Mineral Point,
WI
24-12
4
EIWA

252
184
Thompson
David
Bucknell
SO
West Liberty,
OH
22-14
5
EIWA

253
184
Kerber
Justin
Cornell
RSSO
Emmetsburg,
IA
30-10
2
EIWA

254
184
Caputo
Louis
Harvard
JR
Blue Springs,
MO
30-5
3
EIWA

255
184
Craig
David
Lehigh
JR
Brandon, FL
25-4
1
EIWA

256
184
Caldwell
Kenneth
Navy
SR
Liberty, IN
31-13
6
EIWA

257
184
Honeycutt
Christopher
Edinboro
FR
North Ridgeville,
OH
30-6
1
EWL

258
184
Moran
Mickey
Buffalo
SR
Pittsburgh,
PA
23-11
3
MAC

259
184
DiDona
Vincenzo
Central Michigan
RSSR
Cleveland,
OH
25-12
2
MAC

260
184
Kilgore
Dustin
Kent State
RSFR
Berea, OH
31-3
1
MAC

261
184
Smith
Kirk
Boise State
SO
Boise, ID
36-1
1
Pac-10

262
184
Orozco
Riley
Cal State
Bakersfield
RSSO
Fallon, NV
27-11
2
Pac-10

263
184
McKee
Mikal
North Carolina-Greensboro
SO
Asheville,
NC
31-12
1
SoCon

264
184
Dolly
Alex
Northern Iowa
RSSR
Mishawaka,
IN
11-4
2
WWC

265
184
LeBlanc
Joe
Wyoming
RSFR
Meeker, CO
40-6
1
WWC

266
197
Taylor
Hudson
Maryland
RSJR
Pennington,
NJ
31-7
2
ACC

267
197
Drury
Dennis
North Carolina
RSJR
Jenkintown,
PA
27-8
3
ACC

268
197
Jones
Brent
Virginia
RSJR
Burke, VA
29-6
1
ACC

269
197
Bruce
Daniel
Virginia Tech
SO
Naperville,
IL
28-15
4
ACC

270
197
Varner
Jake
Iowa State
JR
Bakersfield,
CA
26-2
2
Big 12

271
197
Askren
Maxwell
Missouri
JR
Hartland,
WI
26-5
3
Big 12

272
197
Brester
Craig
Nebraska
RSJR
Howells, NE
29-3
1
Big 12

273
197
Lapotsky
Eric
Oklahoma
JR
Mt. Carmel,
PA
22-8
5
Big 12

274
197
Foster
Clayton
Oklahoma State
SO
Kamiah, ID
27-5
4
Big 12

275
197
Bond
Patrick
Illinois
RSJR
Chesapeake,
VA
16-12
3
Big Ten

276
197
Beatty
Chad
Iowa
RSJR
Muscatine,
IA
18-4
4
Big Ten

277
197
Todd
Tyrel
Michigan
SR
Bozeman, MT
21-1
1
Big Ten

278
197
Brown
Logan
Purdue
RSSO
Covington,OH
29-13
5
Big Ten

279
197
Herbst
Dallas
Wisconsin
RSSR
Winneconne,
WI
23-3
2
Big Ten

280
197
Hall
John
Boston U.
SO
Palo Alto
CA
25-10
 
CAA

281
197
Oplinger
Jon
Drexel
RSSR
Bath, PA
31-5
2
CAA

282
197
Byers
Cayle
George Mason
SO
Chugiak, AK
27-5
1
CAA

283
197
Fagiano
Joe
Hofstra
SO
Harwood Height,
IL
17-8
4
CAA

284
197
Strawn
Jesse
Old Dominion
JR
Holton, KS
33-11
3
CAA

285
197
Bennet
Raymond
Millersville
SO
Clarks Summit,
PA
19-13
1
East Regional

286
197
Silber
Charles
American
SR
Scotch Plains,
NJ
22-12
5
EIWA

287
197
Starks
Richard
Army
JR
Midway, KY
33-6
2
EIWA

288
197
Simez
Cameron
Cornell
RSFR
Allegan, MI
34-9
1
EIWA

289
197
Bradshaw
Patrick
Edinboro
RSJR
Saegertown,
PA
25-7
1
EWL

290
197
Hamel
James
Buffalo
FR
Watick, MA
30-12
2
MAC

291
197
McClure
John
Eastern Michigan
RSSR
West Ottawa,
MI
14-15
1
MAC

292
197
Chine
Eric
Kent State
RSSR
Youngstown,
OH
22-11
4
MAC

293
197
Chriswell
Brent
Boise State
RSSO
Port-Orchad,WA
13-1
1
Pac-10

294
197
Halsey
Brandon
Cal State
Bakersfield
RSSR
Oceanside,
CA
20-3
2
Pac-10

295
197
Feist
Luke
Stanford
RSSR
Sandpoint,
ID
22-13
3
Pac-10

296
197
Delaney
Andrew
The Citadel
FR
Santa Rosa
Beach, FL
25-16
1
SoCon

297
197
Anderson
Andrew
Northern Iowa
RSSR
Sioux City,
IA
26-7
1
WWC

298
197
Sorenson
Tyler
South Dakota
State
RSJR
Garretson,
SD
14-2
2
WWC

299
285
Dudziak
Konrad
Duke
RSSO
Bayonne, NJ
27-2
1
ACC

300
285
Dobies
Justin
North Carolina
RSSR
Garfield Heights,
OH
27-8
2
ACC

301
285
Marone
David
Virginia Tech
SO
Broomfield,
CO
31-14
3
ACC

302
285
Zabriskie
David
Iowa State
JR
Branchville,
NJ
30-2
1
Big 12

303
285
Ellis
Mark
Missouri
JR
Raymore, MO
26-3
2
Big 12

304
285
Lane
Tucker
Nebraska
RSFR
Redvale, CO
26-12
3
Big 12

305
285
Fernandez
Nathan
Oklahoma
RSSO
Lawton, Okla.
20-10
5
Big 12

306
285
Rosholt
Jared
Oklahoma State
RSJR
Sandpoint,
ID
30-4
4
Big 12

307
285
Wise
John
Illinois
RSJR
Pittsfield,
IL
21-7
3
Big Ten

308
285
Everhart
Nathan
Indiana
JR
Orland Park,
IL
25-15
5
Big Ten

309
285
Erekson
Daniel
Iowa
JR
McCall, ID
22-6
1
Big Ten

310
285
Berhow
Benjamin
Minnesota
RSSO
Hayward,MN
26-9
4
Big Ten

311
285
Morrison
Corey
Ohio State
RSJR
Shaker Hts.
OH
19-13
 
Big Ten

312
285
Massey
Kyle
Wisconsin
RSSR
Champlin,
MN
23-8
2
Big Ten

313
285
Bordas
Eddie
Rider
JR
Montgomery,
NY
26-8
1
CAA

314
285
Porter
Dustin
Gardner-Webb
RSJR
Burton, OH
31-5
1
East Regional

315
285
Flores
Ryan
Columbia
FR
Clovis, CA
32-3
1
EIWA

316
285
Hammond
Zach
Cornell
RSSR
Galloway,
NJ
18-12
5
EIWA

317
285
Birchler
Christopher
East Stroudsburg
JR
Fairfield,
NJ
23-5
3
EIWA

318
285
Rey
Zachery
Lehigh
RSFR
Hopatcong,
NJ
21-4
2
EIWA

319
285
McLean
Trey
Penn
JR
Merlin, OR
18-10
6
EIWA

320
285
Russo
III
Rutgers
RSSO
Netcong, NJ
31-14
4
EIWA

321
285
Goff
Rashard
Cleveland
State
RSSR
Brandon, FL
30-9
1
EWL

322
285
Fendone
Joe
Edinboro
RSSR
Salem, NH
27-6
2
EWL

323
285
Sheaffer
Zach
Pittsburgh
RSSR
Carlisle,
PA
18-9
4
EWL

324
285
Rogers
Dustin
West Virginia
RSSR
Corning, CA
19-5
3
EWL

325
285
Trice
Jarod
Central Michigan
RSFR
Highland Park,
MI
22-10
2
MAC

326
285
Porter
Jermail
Kent State
RSSR
Akron, OH
28-1
1
MAC

327
285
Monteiro
Mitchell
Cal State
Bakersfield
RSJR
Paso Robles
28-6
1
Pac-10

328
285
Jack
Clayton
Oregon State
RSFR
Vacaville,
CA
21-9
3
Pac-10

329
285
Alcala
Ricardo
UC Davis
RSSO
Arvin, CA
16-10
2
Pac-10

330
285
wine
josh
VMI
SO
massaponax
14-6
1
SoCon

331
285
Brantley
Christian
Northern Iowa
RSFR
Homewood,
IL
25-8
1
WWC

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

NCAA Division I Wrestling Coaches Panel Rankings 
Through Results of 1/18/2009 
Rank Wt Class Name School 
1 125 Paul Donahoe Edinboro 
2 125 Troy  Nickerson Cornell 
3 125 Brandon Precin Northwestern 
4 125 Angel Escobedo Indiana 
5 125 Charlie Falck Iowa 
6 125 Tyler Clark Iowa State 
7 125 Scotti Sentes Central Michigan 
8 125 James Nicholson Old Dominion 
9 125 Zachary Sanders Minnesota 
10 125 Rollie Peterkin Pennsylvania 
11 125 Joey Fio Oklahoma 
11 125 Anthony Robles Arizona State 
13 125 Obenson Blanc Oklahoma State 
14 125 Mike Watts Michigan 
15 125 Jarrod Garnett Virginia Tech 
16 125 Marcos Orozco UC Davis 
17 125 Nicholas Bedelyon Kent State 
18 125 Brad Pataky Penn State 
19 125 Brandon Zoetewey Cal State Bakersfield 
20 125 Anthony Mustari Northern Colorado 
21 125 Jay Ivanco Clarion 
22 125 Nikko Triggas Ohio State 
23 125 Steve Bonanno Hofstra 
24 125 Prescott Garner Navy 
25 125 Ian  Moser Bloomsburg 
26 125 Brian Owen Boise State 
27 125 Bernard Futrell Illinois 
28 125 Michael Martinez Wyoming 
29 125 Derek Reber Bucknell 
30 125 Chris Albright Pittsburgh 
31 125 Thomas Williams American 
32 125 Brendan Byrne Maryland 
33 125 Caleb Flores University of Northern Iowa 
 
 
1 133 Franklin Gomez Michigan State 
2 133 Reece Humphrey Ohio State 
3 133 James Kennedy Illinois 
4 133 Daniel Dennis Iowa 
5 133 Andrew Hochstrasser Boise State 
6 133 Nicholas Fanthorpe Iowa State 
7 133 Jayson Ness Minnesota 
8 133 Steve Bell Maryland
9 133 Mike Grey Cornell 
10 133 Jake Strayer Penn State 
11 133 Joe Baker Navy 
12 133 Lou Ruggirello Hofstra 
13 133 Tyler Dillashaw Cal State Fullerton 
14 133 Rick Deubel Edinboro 
15 133 Dan Mitcheff Kent State 
16 133 Christopher Notte Oklahoma State 
17 133 Matthew Fisk Lehigh 
18 133 Todd Schavrien Missouri 
19 133 David Marble Bucknell 
20 133 Tristen DeShazer Northern Illinois 
21 133 Kyle Hutter Old Dominion 
22 133 Jimmy Conroy Pittsburgh 
23 133 Conor Beebe Central Michigan 
24 133 Michael Rappo North Carolina 
25 133 Thomas Kimbrell Cal State Bakersfield 
26 133 Matt Bonson Virginia 
27 133 Brian Shelton Oklahoma 
28 133 Sean  Clair Eastern Michigan 
28 133 Eric Metzler Northwestern 
30 133 Will Livingston Virginia Tech 
31 133 Cory  VomBaur Wyoming 
32 133 Matthew Vacanti Nebraska 
33 133 Kelly Kubec Oregon State 
 
 
1 141 Alex Tsirtsis Iowa 
2 141 Zach Tanelli Wisconsin 
3 141 Nick Gallick Iowa State 
4 141 Corey Jantzen Harvard 
5 141 Kellen Russell Michigan 
6 141 Chris Drouin Arizona State 
7 141 Ryan Williams Old Dominion 
8 141 J Jaggers Ohio State 
9 141 Tyler Nauman Pittsburgh 
10 141 Joe Caramanica North Carolina State 
11 141 Cody Cleveland Chattanooga 
12 141 Michael Thorn Minnesota 
13 141 Marcus Hoehn Missouri 
14 141 Drew  Lashaway Kent State 
15 141 Alex Krom Maryland 
16 141 Anthony D'Alie Central Michigan 
17 141 Jamal Parks Oklahoma State 
18 141 Keith Sulzer Northwestern 
19 141 Christopher Diaz Virginia Tech 
20 141 Seth Ciasulli Lehigh 
20 141 Vincent Ramirez North Carolina 
22 141 Frank Molinaro Penn State 
23 141 Nick Nelson Virginia 
24 141 Cory Fish Boise State 
25 141 Tim Harner Liberty 
26 141 Christopher Bencivenga North Carolina-Greensboro 
27 141 Andrae Hernandez Indiana 
28 141 Elijah Nacita Cal State Bakersfield 
29 141 Trevor Melde Rutgers 
30 141 Ryan Prater Illinois 
31 141 Joel Webster Edinboro 
32 141 Matthew Mariacher American 
33 141 Adin  Duenas Cal State Fullerton 
 
 
1 149 Brent Metcalf Iowa 
2 149 Bubba Jenkins Penn State 
3 149 Darrion Caldwell North Carolina State 
4 149 Lance Palmer Ohio State 
5 149 Kyle Ruschell Wisconsin 
6 149 Bryce Saddoris Navy 
7 149 Jake Patacsil Purdue 
8 149 Steven  Brown Central Michigan 
9 149 Kyle Borshoff American 
10 149 Matthew Kyler Army 
11 149 Cesar Grajales Pennsylvania 
12 149 Matt Cathell Delaware State 
13 149 Kyle Terry Oklahoma 
14 149 Trevor Chinn Lehigh 
15 149 Heinrich Barnes Oregon State 
16 149 Nicholas Stabile North Carolina 
17 149 Mitch Mueller Iowa State 
18 149 Jason Chamberlain Boise State 
19 149 David Jauregui West Virginia 
20 149 Torsten Gillespie Edinboro 
21 149 Michael Roberts Boston U. 
22 149 Peter Yates Virginia Tech 
23 149 Matthew Fittery Lock Haven 
24 149 Desmond  Green Buffalo 
25 149 Luke Silver Oklahoma State 
26 149 Daniel Meagher Cornell 
27 149 Kevin LeValley Bucknell 
28 149 Andrew Sherry Missouri 
29 149 Robert Sanders Nebraska 
30 149 Barrett Abel UC Davis 
30 149 Ryan  Adams North Dakota State 
32 149 Mitchell Polkowske Northern Colorado
33 149 Mark Powell Pittsburgh 
 
 
1 157 Gregor Gillespie Edinboro 
2 157 Jordan Burroughs Nebraska 
3 157 Michael Poeta Illinois 
4 157 Jordan Leen Cornell 
5 157 J.P. O'Connor Harvard 
6 157 Adam Hall Boise State 
7 157 Cyler  Sanderson Iowa State 
8 157 Dan Vallimont Penn State 
9 157 Michael Chandler Missouri 
10 157 Matt Moley Bloomsburg 
11 157 Robert Erisman Oklahoma State 
12 157 Chase Pami Cal Poly 
13 157 Kurt Kinser Indiana 
14 157 Scott Winston Rutgers 
15 157 Matt Dragon Pennsylvania 
16 157 Jason Welch Northwestern 
17 157 Shane Vernon Oklahoma 
18 157 Tyler Safratowich Minnesota 
19 157 Jonny Bonilla-Bowman Hofstra 
19 157 Jason Johnstone Ohio State 
21 157 Jedd Moore Virginia 
22 157 Joseph  Knox Chattanooga 
23 157 Kody Hamrah North Carolina State 
24 157 Jesse Dong Virginia Tech 
25 157 Michael Kessler Rider 
26 157 Hadley Harrison Clarion 
27 157 Tyler Grayson Central Michigan 
28 157 Thomas Scotton North Carolina 
29 157 Sean Bilodeau Lehigh 
30 157 Derek Sickles Columbia University 
31 157 Anthony Jones Michigan State 
32 157 Joel Ahern Navy 
33 157 Aaron Hynes Michigan 
 
 
1 165 Mack Lewnes Cornell 
2 165 Ryan  Morningstar Iowa 
3 165 Moza Fay University of Northern Iowa 
4 165 Colt Sponseller Ohio State 
5 165 Stephen  Dwyer Nebraska 
6 165 Jonathan Reader Iowa State 
7 165 Nick Marable Missouri 
8 165 Jarrod King Edinboro 
9 165 Andrew Howe Wisconsin
10 165 Trevor Stewart Central Michigan 
11 165 Brandon Mason Oklahoma State 
12 165 Andrew  Rendos Bucknell 
13 165 Luke Manuel Purdue 
14 165 Chris Brown Old Dominion 
15 165 Mike Galante Lehigh 
16 165 Keegan Mueller North Carolina 
17 165 Roger Smith-Bergsrud Illinois 
18 165 Scott Glasser Minnesota 
19 165 Tyler Sherfey Boise State 
20 165 Keegan Davis Oregon State 
21 165 Ryan Patrovich Hofstra 
22 165 Rick Schmelyun Bloomsburg 
23 165 Ryan Smith Oklahoma 
24 165 Zack Shanaman Pennsylvania 
25 165 William Garvin Chattanooga 
26 165 Matt Epperly Virginia Tech 
27 165 Paul Young Indiana 
28 165 Rex Kendle Michigan State 
29 165 Jason Lapham Rider 
30 165 Brian Letters Maryland 
31 165 Ethan Headlee Pittsburgh 
32 165 Nick Amuchastegui Stanford 
33 165 Matt Pletcher Rutgers 
 
 
1 174 Steve Luke Michigan 
2 174 Brandon Browne Nebraska 
3 174 Michael  Cannon American 
4 174 Jay  Borschel Iowa 
5 174 Steve Anceravage Cornell 
6 174 Raymond Jordan Missouri 
7 174 Christopher Henrich Virginia 
8 174 Mike Miller Central Michigan 
9 174 Alton Lucas Hofstra 
10 174 Jeff James Oklahoma 
11 174 Quentin Wright Penn State 
12 174 Ryan Burk Iowa State 
13 174 Kurt Brenner West Virginia 
14 174 Alex Caruso Lehigh 
15 174 Nathan Lee Boise State 
16 174 John  Dergo Illinois 
17 174 Austin Trotman Appalachian State 
18 174 Newly McSpadden Oklahoma State 
19 174 Shane Onufer Wyoming 
20 174 Luke Rebertus Navy 
21 174 Jacob Ison Ohio 
22 174 Trevor Perry Indiana 
23 174 Kyle Bressler Oregon State 
24 174 Scott  Giffin Pennsylvania 
25 174 Travis Rutt Wisconsin 
26 174 Mendbagana Tovuujav George Mason 
27 174 Hunter Meys Boston U. 
28 174 Tyler Bernacchi UC Davis 
29 174 Shane Riccio Bucknell 
30 174 Eric Decker Old Dominion 
31 174 Mike  Whalen Rutgers 
32 174 David Rella Ohio State 
33 174 Nicholas Corpe Purdue 
 
 
1 184 Jake Herbert Northwestern 
2 184 Mike  Pucillo Ohio State 
3 184 Philip  Keddy Iowa 
4 184 Kirk Smith Boise State 
5 184 Dustin Kilgore Kent State 
6 184 Doug  Umbehauer Rider 
7 184 Louis Caputo Harvard 
8 184 Joshua Patterson Binghamton 
9 184 David Craig Lehigh 
10 184 Joe LeBlanc

Ian McCutcheon Contributed to this article. Flowrestling did the poll.
 
We took a poll of Division I coaches as well as members of the wrestling media to determine who the top ten coaches in the country are.  Though not necessarily an order of the most successful, these are the coaches that do the best jobs with their programs.  No surprise, most of the top programs in the country are represented here.  There also was a poll taken to determine what coaches will need to see improvement in the next few years, or they may be feeling the heat, because of tradition, funding, or recruiting base.  Below are the results of the poll, with small assessments of each selection.Top Ten Coaches in the Country
 
1. Tom Borrelli, Central Michigan (MAC Conference) Athletic Director  Dave Heeke:  Nobody in the country does more with less.  Borrelli tops this list because he has built a national powerhouse out the Central Michigan Chippewas in his 17 year reign.  A year ago, he led the Chippewas to a 7th place finish at the NCAA Tournament, which is astonishing considering that he operates with a fraction of the budget of the Big Ten and Big 12 schools he consistently beats.  He is 188-85-6 in his career at Central Michigan, and has won nine MAC Championships.  But his most impressive accomplishments are beyond the MAC.  Every year there are a host of Chippewas contending for medals and championships, which is really the hallmark of any top program.  No other school in such a small conference has mirrored Central Michigan's success.  He has been able to draw top talent to Central Michigan despite the MAC as a whole being hampered by the old qualifying system.  With qualifiers opening up, even more wrestlers may be drawn to Mount Pleasant.  This is a scary proposition, seeing last year CMU had the nation's top ranked recruiting class.  The one piece missing from Borrelli's impressive resume is a NCAA Team Title, but that could be a very real possibility in the near future.

    Some things to look out for in 2009: His right hand man and first NCAA Champion Casey Cunningham was lured away by Iowa State. Mark Disalvo, a 2x All American (and a classic Central Michigan overachiever) has filled in nicely but who will train the Central Michigan upper weights? Wynn Mikahlik, NCAA Runner-up, and the Sinnott twins are going to have to try and fill the shoes of Casey Cunningham.  This year's version of the Chippewas will be a little wet behind the ears, but they sky is the limit for this young team in the coming years.2. Tom Brands, Iowa (Big Ten) Athletic Director Gary Barta: Its hard to argue with winning. Tom Brands restored the marquee program in college wrestling to prominence by winning the NCAA tournament with Iowa in just his second year as their head coach. It is hard to imagine how things could get any better, but he just might make it happen. Brands brought in a ridiculously talented staff this year with over half the Freestyle Olympians now residing in Iowa City. It is going to be hard to knock off Iowa this year no matter what the polls say. Wrestling is king in Iowa and Tom Brands is making the best of all the tools he has at his disposal. And at Iowa you certainly have tools.  Unlike any almost any other program in the county, Iowa is the golden child of the athletic department, as well as the marquee athletic team in the talent rich state.  But with that comes a serious pressure to win, as seen by Jim Zalesky being replaced after finishing 4th at NCAA's.  Some coaches would struggling to handle those sometimes unrealistic expectations.  But Brands is not most coaches.  Widely regarded as the most intense man in a sport full of intensity, Brands' greatest strength is the faith his wrestlers have in him.  The sign of a great leader is people's willingness to follow, and six kids were willing to give up a year of their college eligibility because they felt Tom Brands was the guy who was going to make them accomplish their goals.  Few higher compliments can be paid to a coach.   That certainly was a legal and public relations mess, but it solidified his place as a guy kids want to wrestle for.  But it's not just the "Iowa Style" kids that Brands has made successful.  One of this best moments as a coach had to be Mark Perry's first NCAA title. Perry was hardly a physical, in your face wrestler, and he and Brands butted heads on more than one occasion.   But Brands was able to get Perry over the hump, snap an eight match losing streak to Johny Hendricks (who is the type of guy I'm sure Brands dreams of coaching) and won his first NCAA title, as well as the first title for one of Brands' pupils.                     Some things to Look Out For in 2009: Loaded.  They could All American at eight weight classes, and they have six wrestlers legitimately competing for a national title. Iowa is the odds-on favorite. 3. Brian Smith, Missouri (Big 12) Athletic Director Mike Alden: Upon graduating from Michigan State, Brian Smith entered the coaching ranks by putting Western High School in Fort Lauderdale Florida on the state map. He slowly moved up the coaching ladder, stopping at Cornell and Syracuse before taking the Missouri job in 1998. Mizzou at the time was perennially in the cellar of the Big 12 and rarely considered for the top 25. Since that time Brian Smith has made the Tigers contenders for a national title. During the 2006-07 season they became the 11th program in the history of college wrestling to hold a #1 ranking, completing an astonishing rebuilding job.  They finished 3rd in 2007 and are currently ranked 4th for the 2008-9 season. Furthermore they are consistenly in the top ten in attendance, a sign of the change in culture in Columbia.  Missouri high school wrestling has also entered the national radar with such a strong college program in the state. The Columbia community is actively involved in the push to bring home a national title. So far, Brian Smith's coaching highlight was when his team stormed the stage in 2007 with two of the top individual awards at the tournament given to Ben Askren (Outstanding Wrestler award) and Matt Pell (most Pins in the least amount of time).  From Big 12 doormat, to National Championship threat, Smith's epic rebuilding job solidifies his spot.            Some things to Look Out For in 2009: Currently ranked fourth, Mizzou has outstanding upper weights. Can they punch through to the next level and produce multiple NCAA Champions.  They have plenty of oppurtunity with Raymond Jordan dropping to 174 and Nick Marable holding the preseason top ranking at 165. Also look out for Georgia native Dorian Henderson at 184 lbs. Showing outside promise is Max Askren who wrestled at the Olympic Trials and Mark Ellis at HWT.  They are one of the teams that has visions of knocking off Iowa.4. Tim Flynn, Edinboro (EIWA) Athletic Director Bruce Baumgartner: Tim Flynn is proof that it's not how much you have but what you do with what you have.  Flynn has produced 20 All Americans and National Champions Josh Koscheck and Gregor Gillespie in his decade long run at Edinboro.  What makes this impressive is that Edinboro is a 7,000 person school in the remote northwest corner of Pennsylvania where wrestling is the only sport that competes at the Division I level.  Part of the success is due to a strong tradition and support from his athletic director, former Olympian Bruce Baumgartner, but any coach that can keep Edinboro on the national radar year in and year out is worth his salt.  Flynn has less than every coach on this list in terms of budget and state of the art facilities, but keeps attracting and developing top talent.  His Fighting Scots have dominated the EWL, finished as high as 8th at the NCAA Tournament, and have done it all without the glitz and glamor of programs like Iowa and Oklahoma State.

        Some things to Look Out For in 2009:  Edinboro made headlines this summer by accepting the transfers of mega-talent Garrett Scott and former NCAA Champion Paul Donahoe, who each were dismissed from their previous schools.  Donahoe will wrestle during the 2nd semester, and joins a lineup with former NCAA Champ and human highlight film Gregor Gillespie, as well as potential All Americans Jarrod King and Chris Honeycutt.  Look for another EWL championship and a high finish at NCAA's for the Fighting Scots.   5. J Robinson, Minnesota (Big 10)  Athletic Director Joel Maturi: J Robinson built Minnesota from the ground up. He left Iowa over an ugly dispute over camp funds and set out to make his mark at a new program. He left coaching altogether, before resurfacing in the Big Ten at Minnesota. He took the team that was an afterthought and made it a perennial powerhouse squad. In his 17 years at Minnesota he is 318-103-3, and has coached 11 wrestlers to National Titles.  His team has also won three national titles and holds more trophies at the University of Minnesota than any other program. In 2001 after several heartbreak finishes at the NCAA championship J Robinson won the Tournament without a single NCAA Champion but an unheard of 10 All Americans. In 2002 the Gophers successfully defended their title. He also added a National Title in 2007.  J Robinson is nothing less than an iconic figure in wrestling and to some extent, in the Twin Cities metro area. However, his real legacy and influence may be made with his intensive camp system he pioneered. His camp blueprint has created one of the major systems of funding for college wrestling, and its alumns include a host of All Americans and National Champions.  He also is one of the great ambassadors of the sport, and his contributions extend far beyond competition. Few market wrestling quite like J Robinson.  He started the Border Brawl event between Iowa and Minnesota that became the biggest dual in the sport. He has done everything under the sun to promote his program and wrestling at University of Minnesota, particularly with his outside the box and controversial thinking. Besides his team making headlines he will often make the news in the Minneapolis area with his outspoken opinions. J Robinson holds more titles than anyone else on this list except for John Smith. He is not invincible, as his Gophers underachieved last season, where they were predicted to run away with a National Championship, but Robinson's squad is looking to turn the page and return to glory this year.            Some things to Look Out For in 2009:   Marty Morgan, J Robinson's right hand man left the staff to coach one of Minnesota's all time best wrestlers Brock Lesnar in MMA. How will the Gophers staff and team respond? The Gophers shouldn't be in title competition right now but they have an extremely young and talented team. They had arguably one the best recruiting classes in the nation last year, even after losing Jake Deitchler to the Olympic Training Center.  And while a team title may be a stretch, they have plenty of wrestlers capable of winning it all.  Jayson Ness was the odds-on favorite at 125, leading the nation in falls and finishing as Big Ten and NCAA runner up.  He moves up to 133 looking to make one more step up the podium.  They also return former NCAA Champ Dustin Schlatter, who is also bumping up a weight class in search of another title.  Another guy to keep your eye on is red-shirt freshman Zach Sanders.  Sanders is the most decorated wrestler in Minnesota state history, and should make an immediate impact in the lineup. 6. John Smith, Oklahoma State (Big 12) Athletic Director Mike Holder: Not many people have five NCAA titles to their coaching names. Then again, not many people are John Smith.  Smith is possibly the most decorated wrestler in American history, and has only expanded his legend in the coaching realm.  Smith took over a program decimated by NCAA sanctions at the tender age of 28.   He won an NCAA title in just his second season, but then Cowboys endured a ten year drought, watching Iowa and Minnesota pass them on the national scene. However, Smith brought the Cowboys back to glory in 2003 with an NCAA title as a mature and seasoned head coach. This was the beginning of a Cowboy four-peat, highlighted by one of the greatest teams in history.  The 2005 installment of the Cowboys crowned five NCAA champions, the most in history.  They also set an NCAA record for points scored and margin of victory. All in all, Smith has crowned 23 National Champions, and no doubt has many more on the way.  Few coaches have the international experience or the ability to surround themselves with championship caliber assistants like Smith.  Any wrestler would be crazy not to want to pick his brain.    

            Some things to Look Out For in 2009:  Obe Blanc, Jamal Parks, Clayton Foster, Brandon Mason and Jared Rosholt are wrestlers to watch for the Cowboys. Blanc is a former All American who transfers to Stillwater from Lock Haven after an Olympic red-shirt year.  Parks is a high school national champ that is fast, entertaining to watch, and in a wide open weight class. Clayton Foster just took 3rd in the Junior Worlds this summer, which some consider the second toughest tournament in the world. Brandon Mason moves down to 165, is vicious on top, and has already been on the podium.  And Jared Rosholt is ranked #1 in the preseason ranking at heavyweight. 
7. Rob Koll, Cornell (Ivy League) Athletic Director Andrew Noel Jr:   Rob Koll has taken the Cornell program to a point where it is a top contender for an NCAA Championship. And unlike any other coach on this list, he has done it without the aid of scholarships or red-shirt years, both not allowed by the Ivy League.  He also has to deal with the rigid academic standards that come with the Ivy League.  But despite these challenges, Koll has built a national power, unseating Lehigh as the dominant force in the EIWA and has put together a team with a realistic shot at a National Title.  He has not only built up the team he has built up the facilities. Through his savy business skills Rob Koll has found a way to build a standalone wrestling facility for his team that ranks as one of the best in the nation.  This will only help him draw blue-chippers to Ithaca.  Facility improvements, a top notch education, and the ability to compete for a winner are the selling points Koll has used to attract some of the nation's best recruiting classes.  He has bucked the common knowledge that great schools can't also have great wrestling, especially if they don't even have scholarships to give.

            Some things to Look Out For in 2009:  Cornell is in the hunt!!! The last NCAA Championship that Cornell won in any sport was in 1977 with a title in Mens Lacrosse, but the Big Red have as good a chance as anybody this season.  They have six former All Americans in their lineup, welcoming back National Champion Jordan Leen, Mack Lewnes, Steve Anceravage, and Mike Grey, and former All Americans returning from injury Troy Nickerson and Josh Arnone.8. Cael Sanderson, Iowa State (Big 12) Athletic Director Jamie Pollard:  When the Ohio State job opened up two years back, it set the wrestling coaching carousal in motion.  Cael Sanderson's name was rumored to be at the top of the Buckeyes short list.  Afraid to repeat their mistake from decades ago when Iowa State let legend Dan Gable flee to Iowa, the Cyclones acted quickly, announcing that Bobby Douglas had resigned at that they were hiring Sanderson effective immediately.  Everybody in wrestling knows of Sanderson's accomplishments.  Just like John Smith, he took over his alma mater at the age of 28.  In his first season, Sanderson was named National Coach of the Year, and the Cyclones were national runners up.  He also coached his first of what will be many national champions, with Trent Paulson claiming the title at 157 pounds.  Sanderson has the ability to put together stellar recruiting classes, as few high school wrestlers are able to say no to possibly the greatest collegiate wrestler in American history.  Iowa State has become a haven for upper weights, as the chance to roll around with Cael is one almost every wrestler dreams of.  

        Some things to Look Out for in 2009:  Some polls have the Cyclones ranked first, ahead of defending champ and archrival Iowa.  This is based on their incredible tournament strength, with potential National Champions Nick Fanthorpe, Nick Gallick, Cyler Sanderson, Jon Reader, Jake Varner, and David Zabriskie in the lineup.  They also match up well with the Hawkeyes in a dual setting.  Hopes are justifiably high in Ames this season.9. Tom Ryan, Ohio State (Big 10) Athletic Director Gene Smith:  For years, Ohio State was seen as a sleeping giant in college wrestling.  With all of the high school talent dripping out of Ohio, it was just a matter of time before the Buckeyes were one of the best teams in the country.  In any college sport, they key to success first and foremost is winning your turf.  This was Ohio State's problem, as top programs across the country came and plucked top talent right out of Ohio.  Not so anymore.  Tom Ryan established himself as one of the premier head coaches in the country by turning Hofstra into one of the best teams in the country, building a program at a school with no tradition, little support, and a conference with few qualifiers.  His success at Hofstra drew the Buckeyes attention, and his hire has paid off nicely.  The Buckeyes finished second in the country last season and crowned two national champions, including Mike Pucillio, who followed Ryan from Hofstra.  Almost more importantly, Ryan has started his domiance in Ohio recruting, signing Tony Jameson and Sean Nemac, as well as securing commitments from prep studs Colin Palmer and Logan Steiber.  If Ryan consistently wins Ohio, there is no reason he won't also win a National Championship.

    Some things to Look Out for in 2009:  With National Champions J Jaggers and Pucillio back, the Buckeyes feel like they can knock off Iowa for a National Title.  They'll need to replace National Runner up J.D. Bergman, but with Lance Palmer back at 149, Nikko Triggas and Reece Humphrey ready to make the leap from good to great, and high impact transfers Dave Rella and Cody Gardner making their debut, the Buckeyes will be right back in the thick of things. 10. Pat Santoro, Lehigh (EIWA) Athletic Director Joe Sterrett: Lehigh has entrusted former assistant Pat Santoro to return their program to glory after a rough 2007-08 season.  Santoro's rebuilding job seems to be ahead of schedule after the season's opening weekend where he defeated his former team, the 17th ranked Maryland Terripans.  Santoro had previously been the coach at Maryland for five seasons, overseeing one of the best turnarounds in any NCAA sport.  Maryland was a doormat in the ACC, operated with virtually no scholarships, and the program was at a crossroads.  Rather than drop the program, Maryland hired Santoro away from Lehigh and started the Fear the Turtle program, which led to the full funding of all their men's sports.  Blessed with the full compliment of scholarships, Santoro built a program on the verge of being a national power.  Last year, the Terps finished 17th at NCAA's, and Hudson Taylor was the first Terp All American in over a decade.  Both of these accomplishments seemed unheard of when Santoro took the job.  Lehigh hired him away from Maryland in part because he has led to Lehigh's decline.  Maryland's current roster looks like a Lehigh roster during their glory run in the early 2000s.  He has stolen kids away from Pennsylvania, specifically the Lehigh Valley, and Blair Academy, and those important pipelines have been a key to Maryland's resurgence.  If he can bring those ties with him to Lehigh, watch out.  

    Some things to Look Out for in 2009:  Lehigh's squad already looks improved after one dual.  Four wrestlers made their debut, with John McDonald and Zach Rey winning.  The key for Lehigh's tournament strength will be the performance of David Craig, the stud in their lineup.  Craig was the nation's top recruit and made the Round of 12 as a true freshman.  But his sophomore campaign was a bumpy one, and he spent the second semester on the bench due to academic issues.  If everything is back in order, Craig should contend to All American, and be the first step in Santoro's rebuilding project at Lehigh.    
Ten Coaches Who Need to Win

1. Tom Minkel (Michigan State): Once upon a time, Michigan State was one of the flagship programs of the Big Ten.  They are one of only seven different schools to win a National Championship since 1960.  But last season, the Spartans qualified just one wrestler for the NCAA Tournament. Seeing that the Big Ten received over 70 qualifiers, this number is particularly damning.  Michigan and Central Michigan have consistently been beating them to top level in-state kids, and although Michigan State has had stars in the past few years, they have struggled to develop a deep lineup.  This has the natives restless.  Tom Minkel needs a breakout year in a big way. His contract is winding down and there certainly are candidates eyeing this potential opening.

2. Thom Ortiz (Arizona State): Like Michigan State, Arizona State is one of the seven schools to win a title since 1960. Also like Michigan State, they no longer are a perennial top five team. However, unlike the Spartans, the consequences have been dire in Tempe.  The Sun Devils, once the premier program in the Pac-10, barely survived their athletic department's chopping block after last season. A few powerful alumni donated a boatload of money, and will expect a return on their investment. Therefore, Arizona State's struggles at the NCAA Tournament need to end soon. Anthony Robles will certainly be an impact wrestler this season, but more are necessary to restore this team to prominance.

3. Carl Adams (Boston University): There are number of disadvantages that Carl Adams has at Boston University. The first is that Massachusetts hardly provides him with a fertile recruiting base. Second, he is the third fiddle of winter sports at BU, where hockey is the undisputed king, and basketball is among the top programs in the American East. But he does have an advantage that many coaches across the county, including some in much bigger conferences do not: a full compliment of scholarships. In a day in age where so few schools have the allotted 9.9, BU needs to be able to produce more than one All American every 20 years. Mike Roberts certainly had a good year last season, and Hunter Meys was a big recruit, but these need to be the exception, not the rule, if BU wants to be a more national player, and if the balance of power will start to swing from the midwest to the east.

4. C.D. Mock (North Carolina): C.D. Mock certainly has recruited well, but does not have the expected national accomplishments to show for it in his tenure at North Carolina. He has had success in the ACC, winning a pair of conference titles, but has not been able to translate it into significant national success, with only Evan Sola attaining All American status under Mock. He has recruited Pennsylvania especially well, but the slew of highly touted wrestlers from the Keystone State have underachieved. Some in the Tar Heel camp fear that Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina State have passed UNC in the race for the ACC. In an ever improving conference, it's important that Mock and the Tar Heels keep up.

5. Rocky Bonomo (Lock Haven): Years ago, it was Lock Haven that was the dominant small program in Pennsylvania. Like Edinboro, Lock Haven is a small Division II school competing at the Division I level in wrestling. They too have a strong tradition of nationally competitive teams, with studs like Cary Kolat and Jamarr Billman both wrestling here.  The expectation of many in Pennsylvania is that they should still be strong. However, Pennsylvania talent has increasingly gone to Penn State, Lehigh, and Edinboro when they stay in state. There also has been a huge flock of talent leaving the state, particularly to go to the ACC.  This is partly responsible for that conference's resurgence, but also for the regression of schools like Lock Haven, East Stroudsburg, and Clarion. If Bonomo is going to turn the program around, he is going to need to start keeping some of these kids in state.

6. Jack Spates (Oklahoma): You might wonder what a guy who has had more top five finishes than 90% of the coaches on this list is doing on the hot seat. But a 39th place finish at last years nationals will put the heat on for any Oklahoma sport. Part of Jack Spates ailments may be contributed to Oklahoma's high school wrestling settling into the second tier nationally.  Clearly, there is work to do here.  They've started by revamping the coaching staff, the backbone of any successful program, as well as their facilities.  Jack Spates has recently raised the money and built a state of the art facility that has upped the ante on the the spending war between programs. Furthermore Jack Spates brought in Michael Lightner, former 4x All American and NCAA Champ, plus they have renovated their wrestling room, which gives them an advantage both functionally as well as the "wow" factor for recruits.  But with these new tools in place, success will be the expectation.  In early season competition at the Brockport Open the Sooners look stronger, knocking off Edinboro, Central Michigan and Kent State, all ranked opponents. With Oklahoma's tradition and history, the facilities they have, and the support from the Administration they need to be knocking on the door to the top ten and be moving towards the top five for next year.

 
7. Jim Beichner (Buffalo): Coach Beichner has accomplished some pretty phenominal things at the University of Buffalo.  He took over a program in the late 1990s that had won six matches combined in the four years before he was hired.  In his first five years, Beichner's teams had won 50 matches.  He's coached an All American in Kyle Cerminara, and revived a lifeless program.  Now it is time for Buffalo to take the next step.  They are one of the MAC's fully funded programs, and as we've seen earlier in this list, it is possible to be a national caliber team in that conference, just ask Tom Borrelli.  Tom Ryan built Hofstra's program around New York kids, for whom Buffalo is the only other option in the state.  Buffalo is also painfully close to both western Pennsylvania and Cleveland, two wrestling hotbeds.  If Coach Beichner can tap into these advantages, his program could be a sleeping giant.
 
8. Randy Stottlemeyer (Pittsburgh): Coach Stottlemeyer is an institution at Pitt.  He is one of the longest tenured coaches in the country, approaching his 30th year as head coach.  But it is tough to look at Pitt's program and think of the potential.  Located in the heart of wrestling country, Pitt has never struggled to bring in top notch talent.  But Pitt has had a problem getting over the hump and becoming the national program that they should be.  Keith Gavin the last two seasons certainly was a great story, but National Champions are too few and far between at this school.  This is a top 10 team waiting to happen, but they've even slipped in dominance in their own conference, watching Edinboro pass them in the last few years.  There are plenty of good kids at Pitt, most notably red-shirt freshman Tyler Nauman, but it's time for Pitt to be among the best programs in the country.   
 
9 Brad Penrith (University of Northern Iowa): Northern Iowa has always been the little brother of Iowa college wrestling.  It is tough operating in the shadow of Iowa and Iowa State, but the Northern Iowa advantage is in it is in Iowa.  I've alluded to Pennsylvania and Ohio as being the two strongest states in the country, but Iowa is the most wrestling crazy.  Traditionally, Northern Iowa has been very strong, but Coach Penrith's career record of 70-57 is underwhelming.  On one hand, I give him credit for going out and scheduling tough opponents, but they also compete in the Western Region, and their conference schedule is hardly like wrestling in the Big Ten.  Northern Iowa has posed as a major program for a while, but needs the consistency to actually be one. 
 
10. Dave Amato (Brown University): There is a deep divide in the Ivy League.  Cornell, Penn, and Harvard have clearly pulled away as the class of the league, leaving Columbia, Princeton, and Brown a step behind.  But Columbia has had a two time All American, Matt Palmer, in the recent past, and Princeton has just hired Chris Ayers, a young member of the Pat Santoro coaching tree.  Amato has been at Brown for twenty five years, but has only produced two All Americans, none since 1998.  Brown also has only had two winning seasons in the last decade.  They are hampered by a lack of scholarships in a major conference, which makes this one of the more difficult jobs in the country.  But the results have not been there.