Wrestling, Sport for Our Times

Men wearing nearly nothing, coached by men who make next to nothing.

The official sport of the "new normal" recently held its annual championships in Philadelphia. Think of college wrestling as the athletic version of an austerity program. Wearing almost nothing, coached by men who make next to nothing, and with no hope of professional careers because they don't exist, 34 competitors in each weight class arrived on the mats of the NCAA tournament.
Of course, all but one in each of the 10 weight classes left disappointed. As consolation prizes, many received significant facial bruising and at least one, defending champion Darrion Caldwell of North Carolina State, a dislocated shoulder.
Was anyone helped by quantitative easing? Not really. Some easing occurred when Arizona State's Bubba Jenkins released his cradle and stopped forcing his opponent to touch his knee to his head. But that was because the referee had signalled a pin to end the match, so Mr. Jenkins could afford to be accommodative.
Since the financial crisis, many Americans have talked about a return to traditional values like thrift, prudence and hard work. You can't get more traditional than wrestling. Even before Odysseus and Ajax grappled to a draw in Homer's Iliad, even before wrestling was a fan favorite at the ancient Olympics, cavemen scrawled images of prehistoric bouts.
Prudence? Experience in this sport teaches that one small mistake can result in a wrestler being thrown to his back. As for thrift, many competitors and coaches weren't even spending money on shampoo, their shaved heads gleaming under the lights of the Wells Fargo Center. Hard work? These guys have to train for "man's oldest form of recreational combat" on a diet.
Sports fans still struggling with unemployment close to 9% may find that wrestling has a new appeal in this environment. NFL players and owners still haven't agreed on how to split $9 billion. In baseball, just two players, Oliver Perez and Luis Castillo, are scheduled to earn a combined $18 million from the New York Mets—even though neither one was good enough to make this year's team.

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Major college sports can also leave fans scratching their heads. The University of Tennessee just fired its men's basketball coach for a series of alleged violations of NCAA rules, but it still gave him a settlement of close to $1 million as a parting gift. Most wrestling coaches don't make that much in a decade. In 2008, the Des Moines Register found that the average annual salary for a college head coach was less than $70,000.
Fans who give wrestling a try may find that it offers all of the excitement of other sports. It is pure joy to watch kids like Penn State's David Taylor, a redshirt freshman who seemed to be without fear as he charged undefeated through the college season and into the NCAA final. Unfortunately for him, that's where he ran into the aforementioned Mr. Jenkins.
The low-budget nature of wrestling also makes it an efficient vehicle for charity. Clinton Matter was a two-time champion of the Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association in the 1990s at the University of Pennsylvania. He joined with a group of friends in 2009 to start an organization called Beat the Streets Philadelphia, which supports youth wrestling programs as well as inner-city high school teams.
Mr. Matter, who works on Wall Street and serves as chairman of the organization, reports that he and his friends are supporting programs in Philadelphia and in nearby Camden, N.J., that provide opportunities for 475 wrestlers. They accept grapplers as young as four years of age, and they don't turn anyone away.
The organization buys mats, often used, for about $7,000 apiece and gets insurance for $35 per child. A deal with Philadelphia's Department of Recreation means the group doesn't pay rent on city gyms. A pair of wrestling shoes costs $15, protective headgear is $10, and another $50 provides warm-ups and a wrestling uniform called a singlet. Another $20 buys a pair of shorts and a t-shirt for practice. Since some of the gear can be reused, the group can now add a child to the program for about $75 per year.
The kids learn the virtues of discipline, hard work and accountability—all the qualities they'll need as they grow up. They might even help a prosperous America become the next normal.

State wrestling tournament offers special experience

Published: Friday, March 18, 2011, 10:25 AM

By Mike Holzheimer, Sun News
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COLUMBUS It had all of the pageantry more than befitting those considered to be the best at their craft.
The “Parade of Champions,” the culminating event to the Ohio High School State Wrestling Championships, is truly something to experience up close and personal.
The time is 5:45 in the evening on the first Saturday in March with nearly 12,000 fans nestled into their seats at the Value City Arena inside the Jerome Schottenstein Center on the campus of the Ohio State University.
An opening ceremony takes place with distinguished guests from the OHSAA along with selected speakers recognizing the year’s newest members to the state’s wrestling, coaches and officials “Hall of Fame.”
This is a traditional honor that brings a few of the state’s top high school coaches and officials to center stage and receive the applause so deserving for the numerous years of dedicated service they have given to the many student-athletes participating in wrestling across the state.
Then, the lights dim and the spotlight shines on those who the fans really came to see. The arena’s public address announcer instructs the crowd to look at the scoreboard high above the floor and watch a video depicting all of the action that took place the past few days out on the mats.
The announcer speaks of a code of honor among all wrestlers, who seek to take that special place on the podium at the conclusion of their final match. And as the question of “Are you ready” is asked of the crowd, a large, lengthy and thunderous ovation is delivered echoing throughout the arena.
It is the perfect segue for what will surely bring a smile to those proud parents in attendance, and chills to every wrestling fan who ventured to Columbus for this annual and eagerly anticipated event.
With the spotlights shining in nearly every corner of the arena, the fireworks explode with the smoke swirling about the air drawing the attention of the fans to the tunnel as 84 of the best high school wrestlers in Ohio emerge all walking proudly toward the mat hoping their path takes them straight to a state championship.
The music played to accompany the athletes procession toward the wrestling battleground is certainly inspirational, motivational, and an audio experience to perhaps make those whose competitive days are long behind them, want to put on the tights and engage in just one more match for the ultimate of grand finales.
All of the finalists representing 14 weight classes from Divisions I, II and II, are marched inside the arena led by OHSAA officials. They meet standing across from their opponent. Two individuals, two disciplined and determined athletes, two teenagers truly defining the word competitor, and both with the same goal — to have his arm raised in triumphant joy knowing this year, he is No. 1.
But like all competitions, the road to the finals can be a very bumpy ride. And for some, such a road traveled doesn’t even allow them to reach the intended destination.
It is both heartwarming and heart-wrenching to watch what these young people go through in order to wear the label of a champion. The roller-coaster of emotions is something most people would shy away from.
A champion, though, is nothing if he is not a risk taker. The willingness to sacrifice and yes, even risk failure, is a rare commodity indeed. In trying to be your best, one may fail, but without the original effort, one will surely never have an opportunity to succeed.
At the OHSAA state tournament, it is not uncommon to see heartache, anger, and unimaginable disappointment when defeat comes calling. There are wrestlers who sit in the arena hallways for hours after their match agonizing over “why me,” and “what could I have done differently to change this outcome?”
Of course, every high school wrestler who makes it to the state tournament should know that they have truly been successful. But don’t tell that to a young person moments after his or her dream was seemingly shattered before their eyes, and seemingly, in the blink of an eye.
Think about it. What other sport exists where that one mistake can cost you victory, and deny everything that you worked so hard for? One can always come back during the course of a game regarding a strikeout our defensive error in baseball, a fumble or dropped pass in football and a missed shot or a turnover in basketball.
But in wrestling, a year (or more) of hard work and preparation can be gone in a split second. It’s just you against your opponent. There are no teammates to back you up should you have an off day. An off day in this sport, is a guaranteed loss.
And so, as these finalists make their way to Ohio’s biggest and brightest stage for high school wrestlers, and the meeting of the two takes place with the pre-match handshake symbolizing congratulations and respect, one can only admire and hopefully emulate the kind of work ethic demonstrated by these individuals that brought then to this moment in time.
This special and traditional “Parade of Champions” reminds us all of the human spirit and that with a sincere commitment to only settle for the best of results, anything is possible.
The 2010-2011 Ohio High School state wrestling finalists made their walk in the Saturday evening parade long before this cold and rainy night in March came to fruition.
They took this stroll down a very memorable lane a year ago inside the hot gymnasiums and workout facilities mentally and physically preparing for such a noteworthy introduction. And with each lap around the track, with every weight lifted and an attention to detail regarding diet and nutrition, the arrival to the center of the mat ready to battle for first place was the only vision acceptable in the minds and hearts of these 84 individuals.
The final match has just been completed, the arms have been raised in victory, the placers have been so honored at the podium, and the three schools have hoisted the trophy to the adoring crowd in recognition of a team state championship.
And as the arena empties out, one young man stands alone in a hallway. His state championship medal draped around his neck with both smiles and tears on his face.
“I will never forget this night for as long as I live. I’m a champion. Now, I have to go back to work in order to experience this all over again.”
This is the mindset of a winner. These are the thoughts of one who understands the road to improvement is always under construction. And yes, those are the words of one who took the right path to achieve the label that everyone came down here to proudly wear for a lifetime — CHAMPION!

Brunswick, Medina and Highland High School teams wrap up successful winter seasons

Published: Wednesday, March 23, 2011, 1:24 PM     Updated: Wednesday, March 23, 2011, 1:33 PM

By John Blake, Sun News
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A strong group of area wrestlers highlighted the 2010-11 winter sports season for Brunswick, Medina and Highland high schools.
Between the three schools, a total of 10 individuals made it to the state tournament in Columbus. Six of them placed, including all four Medina grapplers — 152-pound senior Teddy Hammer, 103-pound junior Ryan Hornack, 135-pound senior Mike Griffith and 140-pound junior Matt Hammer — and Highland 135-pound senior Dan Mirman and 152-pound senior Tyler Bloniak.
Brunswick’s Caleb Curtis was the only Blue Devil representative, going 1-2 on the weekend in the 189-pound weight class. It was the first Medina team in history to place in the top 10 at the state tournament.
On the hardwood, all teams had their share of ups and downs. Medina’s girls basketball squad had a stellar regular season with a 17-3 overall record, 9-1 in its division of the Northeast Ohio Conference.
The Queen Bees, who received a first-round bye in the Division I postseason tournament, defeated Stow, 65-55, in the sectional finals before losing to Wadsworth, 57-37, in the district semifinals at Ellet High School. Taylor Burke and Dev King were the team’s top scoring leaders throughout the season.
Medina’s boys finished the season at 10-12, battling some inconsistency throughout the year. They lost to Lorain, 53-51, in the sectional finals after beating Elyria, 45-41, in the opening round.
The Battling Bees, who lost their head coach at the end of the season, were led by 6-8 junior and Michigan State recruit Kenny Kaminski, who scored close to 15 point per game.
The Brunswick boys had another successful and winning regular season before heartbreak reared its ugly head in the tournament. The Blue Devils (15-8) reached the district semifinals before losing to Berea, 47-44, in overtime.
A game prior against North Ridgeville, star post player and West Virginia University recruit Pat Forsythe suffered a broken bone in his ankle, ending his season. Forsythe finished the season averaging over 22 points, 12 rebounds and six blocked shots per contest. Senior Matt Dunning scored close to nine points per game.
Brunswick’s girls, led by first-year head coach Halle Lengal, made a strong run through the postseason before falling to Westlake, 50-47, in the district finals at Westlake High School.
The Lady Blue Devils (13-11) earlier defeated Avon Lake, Wooster and Lorain in the district tournament.
Highland’s girls, 2-19 overall and 2-12 in the league, earned a first round bye in the Division I tournament before falling to Westlake, 74-33.
Highland’s boys finished 7-14 overall and 4-10 in the Suburban League and lost to Normandy, 52-38, in the first round of the Division I sectional tournament. The leaders in the scoring column were Chad Sedio, John Alexander and Austin Adams.
In the pool, Medina’s Aidan Dorman qualified for the state swimming meet in the boys 100-yard breaststroke.
Top 10 finishers in Division I district meet were Dorman in the 200 individual medley (2:00.35; sixth place) and 100 breaststroke (59.75; seventh) and Medina’s Dan Cahalan in the 200 individual medley (2:00.82; 10th).
Others scoring points in Division I boys action were Medina’s 200 medley relay team of Justin Ridings, Dorman, Cahalan and Tim Varrelmann (1:42.83; 14th) and Medina’s 400 free relay team of Cahalan, Ridings, Dorman and Varrelmann (3:23.05; 16th).
Scoring points for the girls were Brunswick’s 200 medley relay team of Elizabeth Zenczak, Maddie Goots, Selena Pasadyn and Lizzy Gehlmann (1:54.68; 12th), Medina’s 200 medley relay team of Kristin Schubert, Jacqueline Yurkoski, Sami Petruzzi and Carolyn Yurkoski (1:55.22; 14th), Brunswick’s 200 free relay team of Pasadyn, Hannah McCulloch, Gehlmann and Goots (1:42.75; 13th), Jacqueline Yurkoski in the 100 breast (1:10.63; 12th), Goots in the 100 breast (1:10.99; 13th) and Medina’s 400 free relay team of Maddie Miller, Schubert, Petruzzi and Carolyn Yurkoski (3:49.61; 15th).

Brad Bournival takes second look at state wrestling meet

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By BRAD BOURNIVAL

 

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Last Saturday’s state wrestling finals left reporters with a ton to talk about – that night and in the year to come.
It took a while to process all the information – as always, there’s a laundry list full of “did you see that?” moments.
It’s been a few days since the greatest show on polyethylene foam has taken place.
Three-time state titlists were crowned from the SportsInk.com area. Two-time state champions were as well, while others stepped up with another crown to keep title hopes alive in terms of being a four-time king.
We’ll break down each division and look at some of the highs and lows from the tournament, starting with Division I in terms of area action.

Division I

Team of the tournament: While the easy pick here would be Wadsworth, we’ll give the award to Medina.
The Bees broke a school record by finishing seventh overall with Ryan Hornack, Mike Griffith, Matt Hammer and Teddy Hammer all placing.
Medina has never had more than three state placers and hasn’t finished in the top 10 in the 74 years the event has taken place. Teddy Hammer was also the school’s first state finalist since 1996.
Wrestler of the tournament: We’ll stick with the coaches here and select Twinsburg’s Michael Baker over Copley’s Sam Wheeler or Wadsworth’s Nick Tavanello.
Baker knocked off the No. 1 seed Ian Korb of Cincinnati Elder at 171.
Shocker of the tournament: Kagan Squire’s 2-1 loss in overtime to Cincinnati Moeller’s Joey Ward at 125.
Squire had beaten Ward at the Moeller Duals, Ironman and State Duals coming in. The Wadsworth junior had two close matches with Ward during the season, but counted a major decision win over Ward as well.
Finals match of the tournament: Without question, it was Baker against Korb in the area.
Both competitors traded escapes in the second and third period to set up the extra session. Baker was the aggressor the entire overtime and finally was rewarded when he took Korb down near the edge of the mat with three seconds left.
Statistic of the tournament: There are two in this category. The Northeast Ohio Conference proved strong as Solon (sixth), Medina (seventh), Twinsburg (eighth) and Mayfield (ninth) finished in the top 10. It was the third year in a row the Tigers have finished in that spot.
The other thing to look at is a possible third state title for Tavanello at 215.
Tavanello is shooting to join Lakewood St. Edward’s Matt Koz and Belmont Union Local’s Koel Davia as the only individuals to win three titles at 215 or higher in Ohio history. Only Koz has won three crowns at the same weight of 215.

Area placers

1st: Michael Baker (Twinsburg, 171); Sam Wheeler (Copley, 189); Nick Tavanello (Wadsworth, 215).
2nd: Kagan Squire (Wadsworth, 125); Nate Ball (Wadsworth, 140); Teddy Hammer (Medina, 152); Sheldon Brandenburg (Wadsworth, 160).
Third: Mike Labry (Twinsburg, 125).
Fourth: Ryan Hornack (Medina,103); Del Vinas (Twinsburg, 103); Mark Gupko (Nordonia, 140).
Fifth: Alfredo Gray (Wadsworth, 130); Connor McMahon (Stow, 145).
Sixth: Jon Garrison (Copley, 145).
Seventh: Mike Griffith (Medina, 135), Matt Hammer (Medina, 140).

Observations: 2011 NCAA Wrestling Championships

As I sit here and watch the finals of the DI NCAA Wrestling Championships I thought it’d be fitting to revert back to the sport that started this blog.  I’ve been impressed with the level of entertainment that’s come back to the sport and maybe it’s only me, but I think it makes for some pretty good television.  Back when I was in high school, we lamented at how boring the college matches were with no scoring except an escape or two, but it seems that wrestling has taken a turn for the better with wrestlers reaching yet another level.  Here are a couple of my observations.

Underclassmen are making a difference:  It is incredible to me how these kids are coming in as Freshmen and Sophomores and competing for the National Championship.  It is really a testament to the level of  high school programs these days that kids are prepared for this level of competition.  In addition to the high school programs, these kids are now training year round, traveling the globe, weight training, and seeking out the top competition.  Most of these kids have probably even competed with college level athletes before entering college, and this is what it takes to be competitive at the HS level which is preparing them well for the next.

The other side is that more kids are staying back a year in school at different levels in order to more physically mature.  This happens at the middle school level in order to be more competitive in high school and often kids are taking a year off after high school to train in order to compete in college.  Combine this with red-shirting rules and increased weight training, and you’ve got Freshman and Sophomores competing at the age of 20 or 21 fully matured instead of 18 or 19 making a huge difference physically.

There’s a one-legged national champ:  Anthony Robles from Arizona state won a National Championship tonight.  As a senior 125 pounder, he dominated his competition and he only has one leg.  He was born this way, so it wasn’t something tragic, but rather an inspirational story of his dedication to the sport and overcoming great odds.  It was incredible to see how he’s adapted

Anthony Robles during the 2011 NCAA Wrestling Championships

to the mat and his style is impressive and tough to compete against.  Of course missing a leg takes about 20-30 pounds off what his weight would be if he had both legs, so he’s built more like a 150 or 160 pound wrestler giving him a distinct advantage in upper body strength which was obvious in his finals match.  In addition, it’s tough to generate a plan of attack because most instincts as a wrestler don’t apply when the leg you are counting on to secure a take down or reversal just isn’t there.  You can’t say that not having a leg is an advantage to Robles, but it does make it tough for his competition.  I must say it was truly impressive and inspirational to see him wrestle, win the Championship, and then act with such humility afterward…I’d say it was the highlight of the tournament.  He plans to be a motivational speaker post college and talk about overcoming adversity…to all wrestlers out there, I’d have to say this guy is someone you should be looking up to.

Where’s the funk?  A few years back, the “funk” style of wrestling dominated the finals.  It seemed everyone was rolling or flipping or scooting their way to a win led by the Askren brothers, but I didn’t see it much this year.  I believe it’s still important to learn a certain degree of funk to be effective, but perhaps the style initially caught the traditional wrestling style by surprise a few years back.  Now, wrestlers have figured out how to stop it and you don’t see it as much.  But it seems to have opened up the sport more, especially in neutral and there is a lot more scoring.

I was really happy to see a majority of the takedowns executed were with a simple double leg takedown…probably the FIRST move a wrestler learns on his feet in the 3rd grade.  It just goes to show that you don’t need to know a million moves to win or some special high profile throw, but the basics…executed perfectly with a lot of hard work and toughness will win you a national championship.

So in summary…To be a National Champion you should work hard, get strong, seek the best competition, be humble, and master the basics.  This is what I learned from this year’s finals

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Hammer second at state

Medina senior Teddy Hammer (right) controls the hands of Chase Delande during the final of the DI 152-pound weight class as part of the OHSAA state wrestling finals at Value City Arena, Columbus, on March 5.

Medina’s Teddy Hammer placed second in the state at

152-pounds Saturday evening during the 74^th annual state wrestling

tournament at Value City Arena in Columbus.

The senior became the school’s third runner-up finisher after

he was decisioned 8-4 by St. Edward’s Mark Martin in the Division I finals at

Ohio State University.

His finish propelled the Bees to seventh in the team

standings with 51 points. It was the highest placement by Medina at state. The

program had never placed in the top 10 prior to this year.

Joining Hammer on the awards podium were juniors Ryan

Hornack (fourth, 103) and Matt Hammer (seven^th, 140) and senior Mike

Griffith (seven^th, 135). It was the first time Medina placed four individuals in one state tournament.