California USA Wrestling Joins the Fight to Save the UC Davis Wrestling Program
 
Fresno, CA – June 28th, 2010 – California USA Wrestling Inc. announced today that they have joined forces with the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) to help financially support the fight to reinstate the University of California, Davis wrestling program. The California USA Wrestling Board of Directors recently donated $20,000 to the cause.
 
Duane Morgan, state chair for California USA Wrestling, had this to say, “Wrestling programs throughout the state of California have taken a big hit over the past six months. Due to the elimination of the UC Davis wrestling program, the student-athletes are essentially left with very few options to stay within the state and wrestle at the Division 1 level. We chose to partner with the NWCA in an effort to help formulate a plan that not only translates into the reinstatement of the wresting program at UC Davis, but that also serves as a long term solution for the remaining college wrestling programs in California.”
 
In April, UC Davis abruptly announced that they were eliminating the wrestling program, and three other intercollegiate sports programs, effective July 1, 2010. The $20,000 donation made to the NWCA, by the California USA Wrestling Board of Directors, is an effort to help sustain an ongoing attempt to reinstate the UC Davis Wrestling program, and to help maintain existing Division 1 wrestling programs in the state of California.  Should UC Davis drop the wrestling program as announced, there will be no remaining collegiate wrestling programs in the University of California system.
 
UC Davis head wrestling coach, Lennie Zalesky, issued a public statement within hours of the announcement stating that the wrestling program had been eliminated. According to Zalesky, in the fall of 2009, he was informed by personnel at the University, that no matter what may come to be, football and wrestling were safe at UC Davis, yet the wrestling program was cut without any notice to the student body, student-athletes, coaching staff or coach Zalesky. Further, UC students were not allowed to attend the press conference announcing the elimination of the program.
 
According to Chancellor Linda Katehi, dropping athletics teams and losing opportunities for student-athletes is regrettable but necessary. However, neither Chancellor Katehi, any university administrators or Athletic Director Greg Warzecka ever discussed the prospect of eliminating the sports programs with the students, student-athletes or the coaching staff, despite the fact that the sports programs are largely funded from self-imposed student fees.
 
Mike Moyer, the executive director of the NWCA, feels that despite the financial situation California continually finds itself in, solutions may be better found with the active involvement of all parties.  Moyer stated, “To purposely ignore the student body, student-athletes and the coaching staff, and to ignore the student initiative, in which the student body agreed to a self imposed fee for sports programs, are disrespectful and irresponsible.”

 
Moyer also expressed his gratitude to California USA Wrestling, “The NWCA would like to personally thank Duane Morgan and the entire California USA Wrestling Board of Directors for their support. Their financial contribution is a testament to their continuous resolve to protect the interests of the wrestling community inCalifornia.”
 
The UC Davis wrestling program had the second highest fund-raising numbers (behind football) over the last three years (averaging $65,000/year), the highest alumni/donor support, and one of the most profitable per contest gates of any sport at UC Davis. This specific criterion was supposed to be examined when determining which programs to retain. The elimination of the UC Davis sports programs, which includes wrestling, as well as men’s and women’s swimming, currently effects 73 female and 80 male student-athletes.
 
About California USA Wrestling Inc.:
 
California USA Wrestling Inc. (CA-USAW) is a non-profit corporation that promotes amateur wrestling in many forms to Californians of all ages. California Wrestling is an affiliate of USA Wrestling in Colorado Springs, the national governing body for international-style amateur wrestling in the United States. They are the designated representatives for USA Wrestling in the State of California. CA-USAW educates the California public in both collegiate and international wrestling styles. In addition, the organization conducts and sponsors well-planned wrestling activities, including wrestling camps, clinics and tournaments, and other related programs in order to improve the quality of California wrestling at all competitive levels. 

About The National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA):
The National Wrestling Coaches Association, established in 1928, is a professional organization dedicated to serve and provide leadership for the advancement of all levels of the sport of wrestling with primary emphasis on scholastic and collegiate wrestling programs. The membership embraces all people who are interested in amateur wrestling. The NWCA, through its organizational structure, promotes communication, recognition achievement, recommends rules and regulations, sponsors events and serves as an educational and informational source. Additionally, the NWCA strives to foster the sportsmanship and integrity that are the cornerstones of athletic competition.

Dan Miller is not done with the UFC.

The middleweight's future was in doubt following a unanimous-decision
loss to Michael Bisping at UFC 114 - Miller's third-consecutive setback -
which capped a year of struggles inside and outside the cage.  

However, a source close to the fighter today told MMAjunkie.com that the New Jersey native will get one more chance
to get his career back on track.

Tito Ortiz and his lawyer say’s Monday’s incident stems from an argument over a relapse by Jenna Jameson who suffers from an oxycontin addiction. Ortiz’s lawyer stated that Tito never touched Jameson, so it will be interesting to see where this ends up.

Tito Ortiz and his lawyer say’s Monday’s incident stems from an argument over a relapse by Jenna Jameson who suffers from an oxycontin addiction. Ortiz’s lawyer stated that Tito never touched Jameson, so it will be interesting to see where this ends up.

Flowrestling announces that ESPNU will be covering the finals for Flonationals 2011. Most likely they will bring in heavy hitters like Ken Chertow, Tim Johnson and Jeff Blatnick to do the announcing. Broadcast will be tape delayed for April 26th at 1pm on a Tuesday. "I'm super happy to have the event on tv so wrestling can expand its audience" explained Billy Barger. Nielson ratings suggest the time slot is perfect for stay at home mom's, the demographic where wrestling can grow the most. "We felt that we need to get wrestling outside the reaches of the immediate wrestling community for the good of the sport so the time slot worked perfect." 
When asked about Flowrestling involvement next year Billy Barger explained "Flowrestling was marganilized in the decision making process due to its unprofessional behavior at Flonationals" Billy Barger went on to say "I mean they were trying things different and trying to improve the sport, but the fact remains you got to follow the rules. And the rules clearly state that you can't do anything different. I admit flowrestling does a lot for the sport" acknowledged Billy Barger "but they just got to learn to follow the rules".Martin Floreani, also a part of the board for flonationals seemed very irrated by the extent that Joe Williamson tried to cover the tournament. "I'm very busy with the event and the last thing I want to hear is that someone is trying to promote the tournament in a different and better way. The reason we have rules is so the athletes are protected and so that I can go to bed at night knowing that my job and legacy is safe from anyone trying to out-perform and out-innovate me."
Martin Floreani, former Flowrestling discipline head, and Billy Barger could not be more ecstatic about the deal with ESPNU. The $60,000 fee for the production of the event will be raised when Flonationals bumps up its coaches fee to $200 and its wrestling fee to $75. "Really Its like an airport tax or a hotel tax" its for the greater good of the sport Martin explained.  

Flowrestling announces that ESPNU will be covering the finals for Flonationals 2011. Most likely they will bring in heavy hitters like Ken Chertow, Tim Johnson and Jeff Blatnick to do the announcing. Broadcast will be tape delayed for April 26th at 1pm on a Tuesday. "I'm super happy to have the event on tv so wrestling can expand its audience" explained Billy Barger. Nielson ratings suggest the time slot is perfect for stay at home mom's, the demographic where wrestling can grow the most. "We felt that we need to get wrestling outside the reaches of the immediate wrestling community for the good of the sport so the time slot worked perfect." 
When asked about Flowrestling involvement next year Billy Barger explained "Flowrestling was marganilized in the decision making process due to its unprofessional behavior at Flonationals" Billy Barger went on to say "I mean they were trying things different and trying to improve the sport, but the fact remains you got to follow the rules. And the rules clearly state that you can't do anything different. I admit flowrestling does a lot for the sport" acknowledged Billy Barger "but they just got to learn to follow the rules".Martin Floreani, also a part of the board for flonationals seemed very irrated by the extent that Joe Williamson tried to cover the tournament. "I'm very busy with the event and the last thing I want to hear is that someone is trying to promote the tournament in a different and better way. The reason we have rules is so the athletes are protected and so that I can go to bed at night knowing that my job and legacy is safe from anyone trying to out-perform and out-innovate me."
Martin Floreani, former Flowrestling discipline head, and Billy Barger could not be more ecstatic about the deal with ESPNU. The $60,000 fee for the production of the event will be raised when Flonationals bumps up its coaches fee to $200 and its wrestling fee to $75. "Really Its like an airport tax or a hotel tax" its for the greater good of the sport Martin explained.  
Oh Ya...one more thing....APRIL FOOLS

UFC light heavyweight Thiago Silva (14-2 MMA, 5-2 UFC) is back in the gym and wants to fight this summer, possibly at UFC 116.

The Brazilian slugger today told MMAjunkie.com that he's recovered from a serious back injury and returned to his flagship gym at American Top Team in Coconut Creek, Fla.

Silva said he had three herniated discs in his back three weeks prior to his most recent fight against Rashad Evans at UFC 108 and was nearly bedridden until the Jan. 2 main event.

Tyler Buckman vs. Steve Spearman was the event's top match

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(JOHN C. WHITEHEAD, The Patriot-News)

1.  WILDCATS REVENGE: After falling short in the team championships, it only seems fitting that Central Mountain win the team title in the PIAA Individual Wrestling Championships. The Wildcats were led by Andrew and Dylan Alton, who won titles at 145 and 152, but also had two other placers to break Central Dauphin’s streak of six straight team titles.

2.  CRAIG IS KING HOSS: When you look at Abington Heights’ Evan Craig, you see a big guy who looks like he doesn’t have much athletic ability. Ah, that is the first mistake. Craig has that and more, proving it by pinning every one of his opponents on the way to a second straight state title at 285.

3.  BEST IN SHOW: If the Class AAA and Class AA finals were the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, the match between Central Dauphin’s Tyler Buckman and McDowell’s Steve Spearman was the top entry — by far. It had twists, turns, suspense and drama all wrapped into one, and the crowd showed appreciation with a postmatch ovation.

4.  NICE GUYS FINISH FIRST: Boiling Springs’ Joe Spisak is a friendly and respectful kid that keeps his nose clean and works hard. He is the poster child for what this sport is really about, and it was good to see him get rewarded for his four years of tireless work with a state title.

5.  LEGACY CEMENTED: It isn’t often that you catch a glimpse of someone so developed and so accomplished at their craft that they are in a class of their own. But Central Dauphin’s Marshall Peppelman getting his arm raised after a pin in the finals for a third straight state title seemed like an appropriate ending.

Kenny Courts of Central Dauphin celebrates his state title.

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(JOHN C. WHITEHEAD, The Patriot-News)

1. RAM TOUGH: Central Dauphin's unbeaten stars, Marshall Peppelman and Kenny Courts, were as good as advertised in winning the 160 and 171 titles during the PIAA Class AAA wrestling tournament. Peppelman, a three-time champ, pinned West Allegheny's Troy Reaghard in 3:02 at 160, and Courts edged Cumberland Valley's Tristan Warner 6-4.

2. EMOTIONS BUBBLE OVER: At long last, Boiling Springs star Joe Spisak is a state champion. The fiery senior captured the PIAA Class AA 130-pound crown with a last-second 4-3 win over Shady Side Academy star Frank Martellotti. Spisak, a four-time placewinner, escaped with 5 seconds left to break a 3-3 tie.

3. KING OF THE (AA) MOUNTAIN: Schuylkill Valley senior Colin Shober scored five takedowns on Juniata's Seth Beitz to record an 11-4 win in the Class AA 140-pound final, earning his second gold.

4. HALFWAY THERE: Looking for Pennsylvania's next four-time state champ? Derry sophomore Jimmy Gulibon is a good bet after he won his second title, 12-5 over Blue Mountain's Corey Keener in the Class AAA 112 final.

5. YOUTH IS SERVED: Two freshmen were very impressive during the finals, both of them Class AA competitors. Line Mountain's Zain Retherford handled Bermudian Springs' Brad Farley 6-2 at 103, and a six-point second period propelled Charleroi's Cody Wiercioch to an 8-3 victory over Bethlehem Catholic's Kyle Dehaut at 152.

Athens’ David White looked like he was a sure runner-up finisher in the 112-pound weight class.
    
There was no doing anything with human tarantula Randy Cruz of Bethlehem Catholic riding on top with a 2-0 lead. But then White got a break.
    
Cruz chose bottom to start the third and was let up for a 3-0 lead. White knew what he was doing, taking down the Golden Hawks sophomore with 14 seconds left and rolling him over for three neaer-fall points.
    
Seconds later, White (45-3) was getting his hand raised high in front of the Giant Center crowd, becoming the sixth state champion in school history. He is the first since Derrick Morgan reached the top of the podium in 2002.