News

Tommy Rowlands to start comeback at U.S. Open

posted by gohiocasts on March 25, 2010, 5:28pm

Tommy Rowlands works for a fall at the 2007 World Championships. Larry Slater photo.

Craig Sesker USA Wrestling

03/24/2010

Tommy Rowlands envisioned a much different ending to his wrestling career.

A much happier ending.

Fifth in the 2007 World Championships, he planned on making the U.S. Olympic Team and winning a medal at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China.

But the slightly favored Rowlands lost to rival Steve Mocco in the 120 kg/264.5 lbs. finals of the Olympic Trials in June 2008 in Las Vegas.

“It hurt – It really hurt,” Rowlands said. “It’s the most painful thing I’ve ever had to go through. It was a very painful loss.”

Rowlands hasn’t wrestled a competitive match in nearly a year and a half, but he’s back on the mat training full-time again. He hopes to earn a spot on the U.S. Olympic Team and compete in the 2012 Olympic Games in London, England.

He plans to return to competition at the U.S. Open next month in Cleveland. Rowlands grew up just down the road in Columbus, Ohio, and was a two-time NCAA champion for Ohio State.

“I’m not out for redemption,” said Rowlands, who turns 29 on June 3. “I’m out to reach my full potential and I don’t think I’ve done that yet. The reason I came back was because I want to have an Olympic gold medal hanging around my neck.”

Rowlands had been working full-time for MMA Authentics, a premier mixed martial arts apparel company. But Rowlands left his position there to focus on wrestling full-time.

“It was a great experience working there, and we wished each other the best,” he said. “Right now, I want a singular focus on wrestling. I don’t want to do a juggling act with coaching and competing, or with working and competing. I want to be focused on competing, and hitting on all cylinders in 2011 and 2012.”

Rowlands continues to serve as director of the Ohio Regional Training Center in Columbus, and also now trains there full-time.

Among the wrestlers he trains with is 2009 World bronze medalist Tervel Dlagnev, who also competes at heavyweight. 2009 World Team member Shawn Bunch, 2010 World Cup Team member J.D. Bergman and two-time NCAA champion J Jaggers also train there.

Ohio State assistant coach Lou Rosselli, a past Olympian, is the head coach at the Ohio RTC. Rosselli is a past U.S. World Team coach.

“Lou Rosselli drives the engine as far as the allure and the demand of the Ohio RTC,” Rowlands said. “He’s very passionate and cares about the athletes. He just wants to help people. His technique is out of this World. He’s there for the right reasons. His athletes not only want to win for them, but also for Lou.”

Rosselli was in Rowlands’ corner when he finished second at the Olympic Trials.

“I know that hurt him a lot – that’s why I think he’s making this comeback,” Rosselli said. “It’s not for show or anything like that. Tommy’s coming back because he still has that dream of being an Olympic champion.

“He was in the bronze-medal match at the (2007) World Championships, and I think he’s right in there with the best guys in that weight class. I think he can do really well. He wouldn’t be back if he didn’t think he could reach his goals.”

Rowlands is in his fourth full week of training in freestyle wrestling. He has gained 20 pounds during his time away from the sport, and now weighs 270.

“I feel stronger now,” he said. “It feels natural now to compete at this weight.”

Training with the talented young Dlagnev allows Rowlands to gauge his progress.

“We push each other and make each other better,” Rowlands said. “There are not many people I’m going to compete against that I can train with every day, but Tervel is a World class professional. We bang heads every day, along with J.D. Bergman. It’s an incredible training environment. Tervel’s one of the best wrestlers in the World right now, and it will take a monumental effort to beat him.”

Rowlands jumps into a strong heavyweight class in the U.S. that includes Dlagnev, Mocco and Les Sigman, who won the Hargobind and Dave Schultz events this season.

“It seems like it’s the deepest American weight class right now,” Rowlands said. “That’s a good sign, and I’m excited to get in the mix and see how I do.”

Rosselli said Rowlands is making improvements in the room.

“He just came back, so he’s obviously not where he needs to be yet and he knows that,” Rosselli said. “His conditioning and timing are off. He’s lost some ground, and he understands that. He’s been working hard and pushing himself every day. His skill level is getting better. He just has to keep building. He has a great attitude.”

Rowlands also is excited about competing in his home state for the U.S. Open.

“I think Cleveland is an excellent location,” he said. “Northeast Ohio is one of the most prominent areas in the country for wrestling. I think we can have great attendance for this event. Competing in my home state is a great opportunity.”

Rowlands said he often thinks about falling to Mocco in the 2008 Olympic Trials.

“I felt like I was in position to win an Olympic medal,” he said. “Mocco’s a phenomenal wrestler and he got the job done. I think I let everything get to me and overwhelm me. I didn’t focus on being the better wrestler and winning the matches. I didn’t compete the way I was accustomed to for some reason.

“I had competed since I was 6 years old and put my whole life into the sport of wrestling. I wanted my Olympic dream to come true, and it still hurts to talk about it. I believe everything happens for a reason and I learned a lot from that experience. I want to be an Olympic champion, and that’s why I’m coming back.”

http://www.themat.com/section.php?section_id=3&page=showarticle&ArticleID=21771

Tags:
Read more | Comments (0) | Updated on March 25, 2010, 5:33pm

2010 State Tournament Preview

posted by gohiocasts on March 3, 2010, 11:21pm

March 1, 2010

2010 State Tournament Preview
By: Brian Brakeman

Anticipation is always high for the Ohio High School State Wrestling Championships, but this year there is even more excitement than usual. Much of that is the result of four factors that promise to make the 73rd edition of this tournament one that will long be remembered.

First, there are an unprecedented number of returning wrestlers who have already won more than one state championship, led by the phenomenal Logan Stieber (Monroeville), who will seek to become Ohio’s 19th four-time state champion. Second, there is a strong likelihood of a sensational team competition in Division I, where Wadsworth seeks to unseat Lakewood St. Edward in a battle that may not be resolved until the very last bout Saturday night. Third, the tenacious Paige Nemec (Mantua Crestwood) qualified at the difficult 103 weight class at the Firestone District, thus becoming the first female wrestler to reach the state tournament. And fourth, there are more than the normal number of weight classes that feature compelling match-ups and widespread parity.

The individual highlight of the tournament will be Logan Stieber’s quest for a fourth state title. He currently owns a lifetime record of 170-1, with his only loss occurring during the first week of his freshman year to another four-time champion, David Taylor. Since then he has reeled off 167 consecutive victories, setting a new state record in that category. None of his 12 state victories to this point have gone the full six minutes and he can become the first four-time champion to win every state bout by fall or technical fall. Already one of the greatest high school wrestlers in Ohio history, he is an overwhelming favorite to win this, his last high school competition.

Division I

Substantial interest has been generated in the Division I team competition by the emergence of Wadsworth as a co-favorite this weekend. Lakewood St. Edward has won the last 13 state titles and established a new all-sports record last year breaking a tie with the St. Xavier boys swimming team of 1970-1981. However, Wadsworth, state dual meet champions the past two years, has mounted a major threat to that dominance. They qualified 12 wrestlers out of the tough Ashland District, including six champions, and are led by three powerful upper weight wrestlers—Caleb Busson, Nick Tavanello, and Ben Buzzelli—and the Squire brothers. Should they triumph, it would be their first team title since 1942.

However Lakewood St. Edward will not go easily. They qualified 11 wrestlers out of that same Ashland District with six champions and outscored Wadsworth to win the district title. They, too, have five potential finalists in Dean Heil, Gus Sako, Jamie Clark, Anthony Salupo, and Nick Sulzer. By exiting the same district, many key match-ups may have to wait until Saturday in what could be the closest Division I race in 33 years. Other strong teams include perennial powerhouse Massillon Perry, who won the always difficult Mentor District and qualified nine wrestlers, Marysville and Cincinnati Elder with eight qualifiers, and Springboro with seven.

It seems altogether appropriate that this year as we honor the 48 three-time state champions in Ohio wrestling history, that we have a tournament record six wrestlers seeking a third state title. In Division I, the brilliant Jamie Clark (Lakewood St. Edward) will compete for a state title at 130 pounds after winning championships at 119 and 112 the last two years. Clark has been hobbled by injuries and illness virtually the entire season, but still has posted a 124-8 record over the course of his outstanding career. His overtime loss in the state finals of his freshman year is all that prevented him from looking for a fourth state title. Bound for the University of Illinois, he would become the 10th wrestler representing Lakewood St. Edward to win three or more state titles.

There are eight other returning state champions in Division I, all of whom are seniors. Scattered throughout the 14 weight classes many will likely face familiar foes as they try to double up. Perhaps, the most crowded weight class is at 125, where former state champion Gus Sako (Lakewood St. Edward) must fend off the challenges of three wrestlers—Jake McCombs (Marysville), Jake Corrill Cincinnati Moeller) and John Dillon (Youngstown Boardman)—all of whom placed third last year. With each of the four exiting a different district it could make for a sensational semi-final round. Also expected at this weight class was two-time state runner-up Nick Lawrence (Westlake), who recently broke his foot and was, sadly, unable to compete.

At 152 pounds, two three-time state place-winners will likely battle one last time. State champion David Habat (Cleveland St. Ignatius) and Pierce Harger (Cincinnati Moeller) have combined for 295 high school wins and their possible Saturday evening match-up should be a classic. In a potentially critical bout in the team competition, former state champion Brad Squire (Wadsworth) and two-time state placer Anthony Salupo (Lakewood St. Edward) will compete at 145 pounds for a third time. The winner of this meeting would not only take home an individual state title, but also provide points in the team race. Squire’s brother Kagan allowed only two points in five state bouts last year while finishing third and has a possible date with defending state champion Jerome Robinson (Cleveland St. Ignatius) in another bout with possible team implications. It would be a classic confrontation of defensive wizardry and unstoppable offense.

One possible state final rematch could occur at 135 pounds where defending state champion Shawn Fayette (Miamisburg) could once again square off with state runner-up Ty Davis (West Chester Lakota West), but this time their battle would be a semi-final classic. Other returning champions are the powerful Robert Shepherd (Mason), the charismatic Korey Mines (Maple Hts.) and the athletic Josh Demas (Westerville North).

Division II

While there is anticipation of close team races in Division I, no such expectation exists in Division II. Mighty St. Paris Graham, ranked as the nation’s best team by most experts, features four returning state champions and five other state placers. Last year they obliterated a number of team records, scoring 282 points (breaking the old record by an unheard of 53 points) and crowning seven individual state champions, eclipsing a record that had stood for 58 years. Their overall 50 individual state titles vaulted them past Maple Heights and put them second on the all-time list behind only Lakewood St. Edward. This year they are again likely to dominate as they seek their 10th consecutive team title and their 12th overall. That would give Coach Jeff Jordan his ninth state title and move him into fourth place overall behind only Greg Urbas, Howard Ferguson and Mike Milkovich.

The team battle will be for the runner-up trophy and there will be plenty of contenders. With St. Paris Graham earning so many points, there is more fragmentation in Division II, giving squads with three or four outstanding wrestlers a solid opportunity for a high placement. Top on the list is Oak Harbor, which qualified seven out of the Marion Harding District, including top contenders Drew Stone, Ian Miller and Konner Witt. Other top teams include Cuyahoga Falls Walsh Jesuit, Lewis Center Olentangy, Lexington and Toledo Central Catholic.

There are some exceptional match-up opportunities in Division II. The most anticipated might be two-time state champion and three-time placer Ty Mitch (Aurora), perhaps the best wrestler in Aurora history, facing off with state champion Nick Brascetta (St. Paris Graham). Mitch defeated Brascetta the first two times they met, including a victory early in the year that snapped his 49-bout winning streak, but Brascetta has twice turned the tables since then evening their series at two apiece. Just to make the final, Brascetta will have to get past state runner-up Brandon Gambucci (Lexington) in what will be a highlighted semi-final contest. We may see a rematch at 125 pounds, where defending state champion Johnni DiJulius (Cuyahoga Falls Walsh Jesuit) could well meet his finals opponent from last year, Drew Stone. That ended with a one-point DiJulius victory and this year’s final could be just as close.

There is a lot of history at 140 pounds, where state champion Felipe Martinez (St. Paris Graham) and former teammate Tucker Armstrong (Kenton Ridge) could do battle for the sixth time this year. Both boys are state champions, with Martinez winning last year after beating out defending state champion Armstrong for a varsity spot at 130 pounds. Now back at Kenton Ridge, Armstrong has given Martinez a series of rousing battles, but has lost all five of their previous bouts. Three-time state placer and former state finalist Brad Wukie has one last opportunity to win a coveted state title at 160. A tough battler, he could well face defending state champion Kyle Ryan (St. Paris Graham) in what would be a compelling struggle.

Joining Mitch as a potential three-time champion in Division II is the outstanding Hunting Valley University School middleweight, Harrison Hightower. Often overlooked, Hightower is a strong pinner who has won 126 bouts the last three seasons and been a dominating winner at major Ohio tournaments. The other returning champion in this classification is another wrestler who may not have received his full due from the media, but Max Thomusseit (St. Paris Graham) is almost certain to win his second state title and place for the fourth consecutive year. He has lost only once to an Ohio wrestler the past two seasons and is probably the strongest favorite in Division II.

Over the years, Ohio has produced some fine female wrestlers, but none that were able to compete at the state meet. However, this year the very talented Paige Nemec qualified in fourth place at a difficult district that featured at least six state-caliber wrestlers. Nemec, who began wrestling at age five, is a strong four-year performer at Mantua Crestwood and has earned well over 100 varsity wins. This year alone she took first in five important tournaments this year while amassing 33 victories. Her first round opponent, returning state placer Trevor Fiorucci (Lewis Center Olentangy) will be a tough opening match-up, but Nemec has proven to be a solid competitor over her varsity career.

Division III

As has recently been the case, much of the interest in Division III revolves around the sensational quartet of wrestlers representing Monroeville. While Logan Stieber closes in on his fourth state title his three teammates, Hunter Stieber, Cam Tessari, and Chris Phillips will be heavy favorites to capture their third. The four of them have combined for a 174-1 record this year. About the only goal they have so far failed to achieve is a team title, but they head into this meet as the favorites.

There are three other returning state champions in Division III and all of them face stern opposition this year. Nick Goebel (Bloomdale Elmwood), whose 60 bout winning streak was snapped earlier this year, will likely match-up at 112 pounds with the powerful Alex Dronzek (Beachwood) for the second consecutive year, but this time as a semi-final struggle. This has all the makings of an epic battle with Goebel at 99-1 the past two years, while Dronzek is 82-4. Last year Goebel prevailed by a single point and that could again be the margin this year. Waiting in the wings for the winner could well be William Spangler (LaGrange Keystone)

Jake Howe (Blanchester), already a three-time place-winner, strolled to the 152 pound title last year, outscoring his four opponents by a combined 41-14 margin. He has 177 career wins, but could face a tough battle with powerful junior Cody Walters (Bedford St. Peter Chanel), already a two-time place winner, who was third last year. A state quarterfinal overtime loss cost Walters an opportunity to compete with Howe last year. Corby Running (Clarksville Clinton Massie) was his school’s second individual state champion last year at 189 pounds, and returns to defend that title at one of the most competitive weight classes in Division III. For example, the Maple Heights District qualified state runner-up Jonathon Beam (Waynedale), state third-place finisher Kurtis Schaefer (West Salem Northwestern) and state fifth-place medallist Royal Brettrager (Kirtland) in what shapes up as an exciting battle from the very first round.

The team competition could be a real classic. It will likely pit the individual brilliance of Monroeville against the superior numbers of Bedford St. Peter Chanel in a battle where team depth will be tested. Monroeville, with its outstanding quartet of wrestlers, may have the inside track to the school’s first ever state team title, but they will need to perform at peak efficiency. Last year they fell one point short, losing to Troy Christian in an exciting contest. That gave Troy Christian its third-consecutive team title, becoming only the second Division III team to accomplish that milestone. This year Monroeville has qualified two additional wrestlers, including junior Cal Clark who has placement potential. Bedford St. Peter Chanel with a tournament leading 10 qualifiers will likely be the major obstacle for Monroeville. A young, beautifully balanced team with only two senior starters they should score heavily in many weight classes after emerging from the brutal Maple Heights District. They feature two potential finalists in senior, Mike Kovach, and junior, Cody Walters. Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy (CVCA) had a hard-luck district, but still qualified five wrestlers in that same demanding district. Four of those wrestlers have finalist possibilities—Alex Utley, Nathan Tomasello, Zak Vargo, and Brandon Sommers—which could put them near the top of the leader board. Three-time team champ Troy Christian also qualified five wrestlers, all of whom have placed in prior years, while West Jefferson put seven wrestlers into the state tournament, a number exceeded only by Bedford St. Peter Chanel.

http://www.ohsaa.org/sports/wr/boys/2010/2010Brakeman.htm

Tags:
Read more | Comments (0) | Updated on March 3, 2010, 11:36pm

Bobby Douglas, Mike Smith Trying To Bring Regional Olympic Wrestling Training Center To Valley

posted by gohiocasts on February 16, 2010, 1:53pm

http://www.wtov9.com/video/22575423/index.html

Tags:
Read more | Comments (1) | Updated on February 16, 2010, 1:54pm

Cathell's Eligibility Restored

posted by gohiocasts on February 16, 2010, 6:37am

KENT, Ohio - Kent State junior wrestler Matt Cathell's eligibility was officially restored by the NCAA on Monday. The transfer from Delaware State will likely see action Sunday (Feb. 21) in the Golden Flashes' dual meet against Central Michigan at 149 pounds.

Ranked as high as ninth in the nation this season, Cathell is 5-1 and placed second at the Body Bar Invitational.

Courtesy: Kent State Athletic Communications

Release: 02/15/2010

Tags:
Read more | Comments (0) | Updated on February 16, 2010, 6:39am

Schlatter moves down to 157 pounds

posted by gohiocasts on January 29, 2010, 8:06am

Minneapolis, Minn. -- University of Minnesota head wrestling coach J Robinson announced today that three-time All-American and former national champion Dustin Schlatter (Massillion, Ohio) will be moving weight classes from 165 to 157.

Dustin Schlatter (Photo/The Guillotine)

"With the loss of Jake Deitchler (Anoka, Minn.), and after talking with the other coaches, I decided this move will help strengthen the line-up," head coach J Robinson said. "When I approached Dustin with the idea, he just said he would do 'whatever is best for the team.' I think this shows a great leadership decision by Dustin that makes a statement of how our team is to him."

Robinson added, "We've also moved Cody Yohn (Alamosa, Colo.) down to 165, and I feel this will make our lineup stronger."

In his first season at 165, Schlatter ran off an 8-1 record and stands ranked at No. 2 in the country. Earlier this month, he was ranked No. 4, but jumped up two spots after beating then No. 3 Jon Reader of Iowa State. In his last four matches, Schlatter has beaten four ranked opponents, and was champion at the Southern Scuffle.

Before Deitchler decided come back to Minnesota from USA Wrestling and compete this season for the Gophers, Schlatter was set to wrestle at 157. When Deitchler committed, Schlatter moved up to help the team, and he is doing so again by moving down.

Schlatter spent his three previous seasons at Minnesota competing at 149, winning the 2006 national championship as a true freshman, the first Gopher to do so. From 2006-08 he was a three-time All-American at 149 before taking the 2008-09 season off in preparation for the World Championships, which Schlatter qualified for and competed in this past September.

His career as a Golden Gopher has been defined by success as his 108-8 career record marks the third best winning percentage in program history, and he is the only one among the top-three with over 100 career wins.

Schlatter will make his debut at 157 on Jan. 29 when Minnesota hosts Wisconsin in Williams Arena at 7:00 p.m.

http://www.intermatwrestle.com/articles/6372

Tags:
Read more | Comments (0) | Updated on January 29, 2010, 8:06am

J.D. Bergman named TheMat.com Wrestler of the Week

posted by gohiocasts on January 29, 2010, 7:34am

J.D. Bergman named TheMat.com Wrestler of the Week for Jan. 19-25

Craig Sesker USA Wrestling

01/25/2010

J.D. Bergman (Columbus, Ohio/New York AC) has been named TheMat.com Wrestler of the Week for Jan. 19-25.

Each week, TheMat.com will select an Athlete of the Week, based upon performance within wrestling for that week. The selection committee will consider any level of wrestling, from youth programs through the Senior level.

Bergman knocked off National Team member Bryce Hasseman along with past Olympian and World Team member Andy Hrovat to make the U.S. World Cup Team in freestyle wrestling at 96 kg/211.5 lbs.

Bergman, who trains at the Ohio Regional Training Center in Columbus, placed third at the 2009 U.S. World Team Trials in freestyle.

He is a past U.S. National Team member in Greco-Roman wrestling. He placed third at the 2005 U.S. World Team Trials in Greco-Roman.

Bergman was a three-time All-American at Ohio State, placing second, third and fourth in the NCAA Championships.

http://themat.com/section.php?section_id=3&page=showarticle&ArticleID=21368

Tags:
Read more | Comments (0) | Updated on January 29, 2010, 7:36am

Buckeyes are No. 3, but know they must improve

posted by gohiocasts on January 5, 2010, 12:10pm

Thursday, December 24, 2009 3:11 AM

By Jeremy McLaughlin

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

The Ohio State wrestling team is in the middle of a three-week break from matches, but the third-ranked Buckeyes aren't using the time to rest.

The team believes it can't afford to slow down, even though it is 5-0 after beating No. 19 Edinboro on Dec. 13 and winning the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational on Dec. 5. It sees enough flaws to fix, including getting into better physical condition, before the Big Ten season starts in January.

"Obviously, there are still things we need to work on, but we got the win (in Vegas)," 174-pound senior Dave Rella said. "We could have probably dominated the tournament, so there's a lot of room to improve.

"We definitely have time over the break and the next few months to get better and get everybody on the podium (at the NCAA Tournament)."

For that to happen, coach Tom Ryan wants better commitment, especially at certain weights. He saw progress in some wrestlers against Edinboro.

But if it doesn't continue, there could be changes. Wrestle-offs are expected at 125, 157 and heavyweight, and possibly more, before the team goes to Hofstra on Jan. 3.

"We're not frustrated, but we can be so much better," Ryan said. "If we look at history, the people who aren't buying in are not performing in March the way we need them to and it cost us last year. We just didn't get enough points from the entire group."

Some wrestlers have performed as expected. Reece Humphrey, at 141, is unbeaten. Lance Palmer and Colt Sponseller, at 149 and 165, respectively, are ranked high.

Mike Pucillo, a 184-pound senior, has been Ohio State's most consistent wrestler the past three seasons, but he struggled in Las Vegas. Ryan said Pucillo is at 70 percent after he cut his hand with a box cutter before the NCAA Tournament in March.

"With the surgery he was out for five months," Ryan said. "His grip isn't as good as it was. That injury, we're paying the price for it now more than we did at nationals. For six months he really couldn't do much and it's hurting him."

Ohio State needs Pucillo to do well in the Big Ten season and postseason because he is a proven scorer. Ryan hopes he can depend in the same manner on every wrestler in the lineup because the margin between the top teams is thin.

That's why there's no time to relax.

"It's a good time to push ourselves because we're ready," senior heavyweight Corey Morrison said. "We know we can do this but we need to pick up our conditioning, our strength and our intensity. The coaches know what they are going to put us through, so these three weeks are going to be a hard-training period to get our bodies physically ready for the Big Ten season."

Tags:
Read more | Comments (0) | Updated on January 5, 2010, 12:11pm

Drypolcher Bequest To Fund Wrestling Endowment

posted by gohiocasts on December 16, 2009, 5:36pm

Courtesy: Kent State Athletic Communications
Release: 12/16/2009

KENT, Ohio — Former Kent State University wrestler Bill Drypolcher, ‘67 recently made a bequest in the amount of $500,000 that will support an endowment for the Golden Flashes wrestling program.

This gift is on top of a $100,000 commitment Drypolcher made last year that went towards wrestling room renovations while also serving as a leadership gift towards a new wrestling practice facility.

“For our wrestling program to remain in the top 20 nationally it is going to take an immense amount of private support,” Drypolcher said. “I hope my long term commitment will lead others to step up and support wrestling’s various short term operational, facility, scholarship and recruiting needs.”

Drypolcher, who currently resides in San Francisco, lettered for the Flashes in 1965 and ‘66, claiming the Mid-American Conference title at 160 pounds in 1966. He has also served on Kent State’s National Athletic Development Council since 2004.

At No. 14 in the USA Today/NWCA Division I Coaches Poll poll, the Golden Flashes are ranked higher in the country than in any other time in the 80-year history of the program. Now 4-0 on the year, Kent State returns to action Sunday, Dec. 20 for a dual meet at Clarion.

For more information on supporting Kent State Intercollegiate Athletics, please contact KSU Associate Athletic Director for Athletic Advancement Matthew Geis at (330) 672-2093 or mgeis@kent.edu.

Tags:
Read more | Comments (0) | Updated on December 16, 2009, 5:38pm

First family of Ohio wrestling

posted by gohiocasts on December 16, 2009, 12:32pm

By Dan Guttenplan
ESPN RISE
(Archive)

Updated: December 15, 2009, 9:38 AM ET

This story appeared in the NE Ohio edition of the December ESPN RISE Magazine.

On the surface, brothers Logan and Hunter Stieber seem nearly indistinguishable.

ESPN RISE Magazine

Hunter (L) and Logan Stieber have lost a combined two matches in their careers at Monroeville (Monroeville, Ohio).

Logan, a senior, and Hunter, a junior, are both nationally ranked wrestling superstars for Monroeville (Monroeville, Ohio). They've both won state championships each year of their high school careers and enter this season with just one loss apiece. The Ohio State commits are even teammates on the Eagles' football team in the fall.

Logan, who has a career record of 129-1, entered his final high school season rated the nation's No. 1 wrestler in the 125-pound weight class by W.I.N. Magazine. He was the lone high school wrestler to compete at the 2009 World Team Trials, a World Championships qualifier contested by U.S. Olympic-caliber wrestlers, where he placed fourth.

Hunter, who boasts a career mark of 98-1, opened the season at No. 2 in the W.I.N. Magazine 119-pound ratings. He is a two-time national champion.

Even their daily routines are identical. The brothers rise each morning at 6 before running together for 30 minutes. At school they avoid soda and junk food, instead eating small salads for lunch. After school, the pair typically take part in a high school wrestling practice and then decide between another 30-minute run or a second practice, this time at the All-American Wrestling Club in Grafton.

Both realize that one extra pound gained or one practice missed could be the difference between being the nation's best and being "just another wrestler."

"I don't ever want to lose," Logan says. "I use that to motivate me when I wake up and run or don't eat all day. I don't want to be just another wrestler. I want to be the best. I'm training to go to the Olympics."

It's a statement like that, though, that begins to make clear the difference between Logan and Hunter. Logan is driven to win everything -- from wrestling matches to games of solitaire.

He eats, sleeps and breathes wrestling. His strength is unmatched at the high school level. He is the aggressor in nearly every match he enters and generally overpowers his opponents.

"Logan can stand face to face with his opponent and blow through somebody on his feet," says Erik Burnett, head coach with the All-American Wrestling Club. "He's so powerful for a young kid. The power and strength he possesses for an 18-year-old kid is amazing."

Although Hunter's wrestling résumé mirrors Logan's at the same point in his development, the younger Stieber brother is decidedly different in both style and personality. While Logan's low-to-the-ground approach dictates the pace of his matches, Hunter waits for his opponent to come to him. He capitalizes on the leverage he creates rather than his own strength.

Burnett calls Hunter a "gamer" because he generally performs better in matches than practices. The brothers' father, Jeff Stieber, who has assisted coaching both boys throughout their careers, says his youngest son is at his best when the situation looks bleakest.

"He's come from behind to win a lot of matches," Jeff says. "He has a lot of heart and drive. He never quits. A friend of mine says you can hit him in the head with a two-by-four, and he'll keep coming at you."

Danny Vega/ESPN RISE Magazine

The Stiebers, both bound for Ohio State, have brought home multiple individual state championships.

Unlike Logan, who doesn't hesitate before stating his dream of wrestling in the 2012 Olympics, Hunter is more reserved when it comes to sharing long-term goals. Yes, he's excited to wrestle at Ohio State. Yes, he might want to continue with the sport after college. But he wants to be known as more than a wrestler.

"When I'm done at Monroeville, I would like to be remembered as a helpful kid who was really fun to hang out with," Hunter says.

Helpful would also be an apt way to describe the connection between Logan and Hunter. Despite the one-on-one nature of wrestling, their relationship has never become contentious. They don't have confrontations on the mat, despite Hunter's admission that Logan "always wins because he's the older brother."

Instead of resenting his younger brother's success or gloating about his individual triumphs over him, Logan has established a mentorship with Hunter. If he sees a weakness in Hunter's style, he'll gladly offer advice to help correct the mistake. Hunter credits Logan, more than anyone else, for helping him to work through some bad habits last winter.

In addition to helping each other, the brothers are quick to assist their high school teammates. And that tutelage has led to some positive results. After finishing third as a team at the Division III state tournament in 2008, the Eagles took second last season.

Monroeville coach Scott Bauer says the Stiebers already know more about the sport than he's learned in 10 seasons as a coach.

"It'd be so easy for Logan and Hunter to dominate everybody in the room," Bauer says. "They understand that doesn't help anybody. If somebody does something wrong, they correct them. Everyone gets better because of them."

That's not to say the boys don't use the brotherly competition as motivation. Since Hunter is lighter than Logan, he always wrestles first in meets. Burnett believes Logan gets even more fired up to win his own match -- if that's possible -- after watching his brother get a victory. If Hunter has a title, Logan has to have one, too.

After a final campaign together as high school teammates this season, the Stiebers will split up when Logan heads to Columbus next year. But the duo will fall back into lockstep in 2011 when Hunter arrives on campus. At that point, their traditions will continue, as the brothers plan to share a room, meals, training runs and mat time at Ohio State.

That might lead to a little confusion about who's who for the folks in Columbus, but the Buckeyes can expect them both to do one thing equally well -- win.

http://sports.espn.go.com/highschool/rise/news/story?id=4734356

Tags: stieber, espn
Read more | Comments (0) | Updated on December 16, 2009, 12:33pm

Tirapelle on Ohio and Ironman

posted by gohiocasts on December 14, 2009, 6:55pm

From coach (& former NCAA champion) Adam Tirapelle of Clovis California, he posted this on the California wrestlingforum, wow ! :

"For those who’ve never been as a competitor, a coach, or a fan (including me until this year), the Ironman was all that it was cracked up to be and more! It’s a level of wrestling that most would have a hard time understanding unless you witness it firsthand. The fact that guys like Logan Stieber, the Alton twins, and others are not only doing well in, but WINNING college tournaments in high school shows how unbelievable some of these kids are at such a young age. Add to that Stieber placing 4th at the US Freestyle World Trials in the Open Division last summer! And here’s what’s more amazing, these guys aren’t killing guys all the way through the bracket. Chris Villalonga from Blair Academy hasn’t lost in 3 years, and he won 3-2 in double overtime in the finals, after winning 6-4 in the semis. There are just so many good kids in the weight classes. There were kids in the stands after Day 1 that would win most high school tournaments. As I watched the wrestling unfold over two days, I kept thinking that wrestling has come so far at this level since I was in high school in 1996. Really unreal how good these high school wrestlers are nowadays.
If there was a grade higher than A+ for competition, I’d use it. Forget state champs losing. How about guys that previously won the Ironman? MOST of them did not only not win it again, but some finished in 4th, 5th, or 6th place! The level of competition is so high that seeding to some degree is almost meaningless. Other than the super-elite studs at a few weight classes, there were 20-25 kids in a 32-man bracket that could beat each other on a given day in a given match. Alec Dieter pinned a kid (2-2 match at the time) for 7th that I found out afterwards was there from Arizona, going for his 4th state title this year, and already signed a scholarship to Iowa State. I don’t think he planned on placing 8th. He was not alone either. Clinton McAlester beat a kid from Derry, PA that Intermat picked to finish 2nd, and this was two rounds before placing! The loser was eliminated. This was after Clint lost to a #11 seed from Ohio that eventually finished 5th. Moral – just great kids everywhere.
The place was packed from start to finish. The hospitality was outstanding. I think Ohio fans are second to none. Many, many people we met at the tournament were not there for a particular wrestler or team – they just came because they love wrestling and love watching kids at the Ironman. And not only did they come, but they knew the kids and who’d done what in what year, etc. I think the surreal part was when I heard what looked to be a 60-year old grandmother yell, “Stop handfighting and take a shot for Christ’s sake.” I knew we must be in Ohio. Completely electronic scoring is unique to the Ironman and super easy to follow. You know exactly when a kid is going to wrestle in real-time on all the mats in the two gyms. The training staff was excellent. The head table was manned by about 10-15 people at all times. The referees were very cordial in discussing things, hustled to do a great job, and ultimately did a fantastic job for that level of wrestling.
As for California, I thought we all (Clovis, Selma, Calvary Chapel, Gilroy, Foothill, San Lorenzo Valley, and Quincy) represented the Golden State very well. Each school had at least 1 medalist, two had finalists, and ole’ Tank Knowles took home the title with some impressive wrestling at 215. It’s important that we show people out there that we have wrestling too and some pretty good kids that can compete with the nation’s best.
That said, if you ever were or ever are thinking about taking a team or a group of individuals, I can’t say it’s for the unprepared. But the experience is 2nd to none in high school wrestling and if you are truly wondering who’s the best of the best, I highly recommend that you show up and find out."

Tags:
Read more | Comments (0) | Updated on December 14, 2009, 6:56pm

Go to page: